Technology

We've seen a litany of new phones released since the beginning of the year, and a fair few of them have been in the more affordable, mid-range bracket, but which one is best?

For this episode, Hamish Hector and I are joined by TechRadar's Editor-at-Large Lance Ulanoff, Mobiles Editor Axel Metz, and special guest (slash friend of the show) Alex Walker-Todd to discuss all things phones.

We also discuss new gadgets like Apple's latest iPads and Macs, the pro-grade photography beast that is the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and new foldable tech that could make its way into upcoming phones.

You can catch the episode in the video player above, or you can stream it directly via our YouTube channel, on Spotify or via Apple Podcasts.

While you’re there, you can also catch up on all of our older episodes – including our CES 2025 and iPhone 16 specials – and if you’re on YouTube, you can check out all our other amazing video reviews and features.

In the next episode, we'll be talking about some more new phones we're expecting this month and a roundup of the best wearables we've seen so far this year. See you there!

This episode is brought to you by NordVPN. To get the best discount off your NordVPN plan - go to https://nordvpn.com/techradar - our link will also give you 4 extra months on the 2-year plan. There's no risk with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee!

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Apple's next World Wide Developers Conference could mark a major pivot in iOS, macOS, and iPadOS design language, according to a new report from Bloomberg.

Details are thin, but Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claims that there's an effort to unify the designs and usage metaphors across these platforms, with much of it influenced, at least in part, by visionOS, which runs inside Vision Pro.

Apple's pricey mixed reality headset hasn't exactly taken the consumer world by storm, but there may be something about the interface metaphors, which rely on sight and gestures, that appeal to Apple's software designers.

Gurman claims that part of the effort is to make the platforms look similar. Of course, if you were to look at the Safari or Settings icons across all platforms, you would already notice significant similarities, with the only differences often being if they are round or square icons.

Time for a change

It has been some time since Apple significantly altered iOS and macOS. The desktop platform saw a major design update in 2020 with macOS Big Sur (the same year as the first Apple Silicon Macs).

iOS's last big overhaul dates back over a decade, when it scrubbed away most of the original iPhone's skeuomorphic design.

Skeuomorphism is where icons look like the thing they represent. The Photos app was a photo of a flower. The Settings app was a trio of almost touchable gears, Newsstand was a bookshelf filled with subscriptions, and the Calendar looked so much like an old desk calendar that you were tempted to rip a page right off the screen.

Apple iPhone (2007) (Image credit: Future)

If you look at today's iOS, you can see how flat and clean everything is, and that's mostly Jony Ive's work. Apple's former head of design loved a clean aesthetic, and starting with iOS 7, he got his way.

This new effort might be an opportunity to bring these disparate platforms into some unified visual and functional whole.

They should not look and work alike slavishly, but there could be benefits in Apple pushing them in that direction. It can be jarring if an action works one way on the iPhone and differently on the Mac, iPad, and even the Vision Pro.

One would hope that Apple Intelligence and a much smarter Siri (available on all platforms) could help with some of that confusion, but the process of integration into the deepest part of each operating system has not gone as fast or smoothly as we all were expecting.

Apple Vision OS app screen (Image credit: Apple)

Can Apple find that sweet spot of uniformity and differentiation that makes sense for its vast user base? Maybe.

And we wouldn't mind a little return to skeuomorphism. Having icons that look like their purpose is a form of shorthand and will always help beginners learn. The counter to that – and it is a fair argument – is that when you design software to look like current hardware, the software will be outdated as soon as progress remakes those objects.

The fact that our iPhone 16 Pro Max's "phone" icon still looks like a 20th-century phone handset is almost comical. Gen Z has never seen or used a phone that looks like that.

Which brings me to another major question. Will the iOS 19 redesign be so radical that it will do away with that iconic phone app icon? I hope not, but I guess anything is possible.

Whatever the case, WWDC 25 looks like it'll be a big moment for the Apple ecosystem. Sure, every platform sees upgrades during these events, but usually not at this rumored scale.

Hold onto your iPhones, iPads, and MacBook; this could be a wild, visual ride.

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OnePlus is giving a heads up to its fans about the change, who have been protective of the slider in the past.

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• Director eliminated manual input, making computing more efficient and automated
• Seventy years later, Director’s legacy remains vital to operating system history
• Whirlwind I led to SAGE, transforming US Air Force technology

Seventy years ago, the foundation of modern computing was laid with the development of Director, the first operating system.

On March 8, 1955, its launch marked a turning point in computer science, shaping the evolution of future operating systems like Windows, and the various Linux distributions.

Unlike earlier machines that simply replaced mechanical computing with electronic components, Whirlwind I processed data using bit-parallel calculations, significantly improving speed and efficiency. However, as computing tasks grew more complex, the need for automation became apparent.

Automating computation with Director

Director was created for MIT’s Whirlwind I, a pioneering real-time digital computer developed during the Cold War at MIT’s Servomechanisms Laboratory.

Seventy years later, Director’s legacy remains undeniable. As the first attempt at an automated operating system, it revolutionized software design and set the stage for future innovations. Today, every modern device that relies on software to manage tasks efficiently can trace its roots back to this pioneering achievement.

At the time, computers relied on punched paper tapes to store and execute instructions, but switching between tasks required manual intervention. To address this, Director was developed as an early job control system, allowing Whirlwind I to manage multiple computing tasks without constant operator input.

Developed by John Frankovich and Frank Helwig, Director worked by reading a special Director tape, which contained predefined instructions that automated job execution. This innovation introduced batch processing, a concept that later became a standard feature in operating systems.

More importantly, Director laid the foundation for automated computing, influencing the development of IBM’s OS/360 and UNIX.

Whirlwind I’s impact extended beyond automation, shaping military computing with its role in the SAGE air defense system for the U.S. Air Force. Many computers in the 1960s adopted principles first seen in Whirlwind I, ensuring that both the machine and Director left a lasting mark on computing history.

Via Wired

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• Lego just unveiled a new Mario Kart set that's constructed from 1,972 pieces
• You'll build Mario and the iconic 'Standard Kart'
• It's up for preorder now ahead of a May 15, 2025, ship date

You could say that Lego is on a bit of a roll with new sets across its various lineups. We saw an epic Steamboat from its Ideas theme at ToyFair – it even sailed away as our best construction toy – an epic new Disney castle, and now a set that not only appropriately celebrates MAR10 day, but lets you build an iconic piece of video game history.

The just-announced Lego Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart set will let you build a larger-than-life Mario and his iconic kart from the video game. It’s up for preorder at $169.99 / £149.99 / AU$249.99 and will begin shipping on May 15, 2025. Though, like other Super Mario theme sets and generally other epic Lego sets, there is a chance this one could quickly move to backorder.

And as exciting as the new set is, it's also reignited our excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 and the brand new Mario Kart game. We should learn more about the upcoming title and next-generation Switch on April 2, 2025 during the Nintendo Direct, but until then, this new set could help hold us over.

Lego Mario Kart preorder deal

The Lego Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart set is up for preorder at $169.99 / £149.99 / AU$249.99 and will begin shipping on May 15, 2025.

Preorder it from Lego GB here.

Preorder it from Lego Australia here.View Deal

Now, a lot of attention to detail has been paid to this Mario Kart set. For one, it’s a pretty great recreation of the iconic character and the kart as seen in several tiles of video game. You’ll build both Mario and the kart – wheels included – out of 1,972 pieces. Once built, you can rest the cart on a flat surface courtesy of the wheels or display it on a stand you’ll build.

And opting for the latter, you can have a lot of fun with the kart. Thanks to what appears to be Technic parts, you can tilt the kart up or down to simulate driving and even move it to the left or right to simulate a drift or sharp turn. Much like you’d have to do if you were racing with the Standard Kart on Rainbow Road, Koopa Cape, or the Mushroom Bridge.

(Image credit: Lego)

You can also show that Mario is in the zone thanks to posable arms and a moveable head. This way, you can have him looking straight ahead or maybe facing an opponent like Donkey Kong, Yoshi, or Walugi.

Once built, the kart with Mario in the driver's seat will be over eight inches tall and 12.5 inches long. That’s no small vehicle and likely one that is great for display in an office, living room, or even on a counter. You can, of course, also take it off the stand and give the wheels a go, but Lego does note this is a “build-and-display model.”

And if you decide to preorder the Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart set from Lego by March 11, 2025 at midnight or until supplies run out, you’ll score a mini Mario Kart – Toad (Pit Crew) set. It’s a fun touch. If you’re a Lego Insiders member – a free rewards program – you’ll also score double points through March 11, 2025, on purchases.

Now, if you’re looking for a Lego Mario set that will deliver sooner than May, Amazon has you covered in the best way possible. The LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant is down to just $47.99 from $59.99 on Amazon, and like the Mario Kart set, it’s one that is designed for display.

More Lego deals

Just promise us when you get your Mario Kart set that you’ll pose him with a thumbs up.

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• New Tesla sales have dropped in Germany, Australia, China and elsewhere
• Used Model 3 and Model Y prices have also fallen in the US
• Web searches for used EVs are also trending away from Tesla

Whatever your political persuasion, it's hard to get away from the fact that Tesla is having a rough time at the moment, with new car sales plummeting by up to 76.6% in some markets over reason months.

According to CarScoops, Tesla sales in Norway dropped by 44.4% through January and February, meanwhile in Germany, where Musk’s now infamous salute arguably hit the hardest, sales were down a staggering 76.3% in February compared to the same period in 2024.

The picture looks even gloomier when you consider that in both the Norwegian and German markets, overall EV adoption has steadily been on the rise, with sales in Germany climbing 30.8% in February, and Norway’s EV market growing by 53.4% since the beginning of the year.

Tesla diehards will be keen to point out that the updated Model Y likely has something to do with it, as customers put off buying new and wait for that car to arrive in key markets, such as China, Australia and much of mainland Europe in the coming weeks.

Whether or not it's down to a general waning of consumer demand for Tesla products, or customers holding off for refreshed product, it’s hard to ignore the fact that these price crashes are also happening across the used market, too.

According to Forbes, the average price for a used Model Y in the US has dropped by more than $6,000 over the last 12 months to about $30,000 this month, according to data it received from used car experts CarGurus.

The same thing is happening to older, higher-mileage Model 3s, which Forbes says can now be picked up for less than $15,000, making them a veritable used bargain for first-time EV buyers.

But the anti-Tesla sentiment that is rife in the US right now could well see stock lingering on used-car forecourts for longer, as buyers actively choose to move away from the brand.

In the US, some Tesla owners have even resorted to sticking rival automotive badges onto their vehicles in an effort to disguise them.

This behavior is contagious, and is impacting the overall demand for Musk’s product, with web searches for Tesla vehicles dropping 7% this February, compared to the same period last year, while searches for other used EVs spiked 28%, according to Davide Greene, an industry analyst who spoke to Forbes.

Big names are turning on Tesla

(Image credit: Tesla UK)

With continuing threats of demonstrations and even violent actions at Tesla dealerships, the outlook for the brand isn’t rosy right now. And to make matters worse, some big-name Tesla advocates are turning their backs on Tesla.

Recently, Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak went on record to say that Tesla is “the worst in the world” when it comes to user interface, citing the fact that constant updates to the infotainment system have made it a “miserable” experience, according to Fortune.

Wozniak was an early advocate of Musk’s, praising the entrepreneur and publicly revealing his love for his Model S. Similarly, big-name celebrities, such as Sheryl Crow, have publicly waved goodbye to their Teslas in recent months.

One 2024 article by The Hollywood Reporter claimed that “Hollywood Can’t Ditch Its Teslas Fast Enough,” citing numerous industry experts that have seen demand for Musk’s electric vehicle plummet from an all-time high 10 years ago as it loses market share to Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and relative newcomers like Polestar.

However, some investors believe that the refreshed Model Y will see Tesla’s fortunes change, seeing as the model has historically accounted for a large proportion of the company’s overall sales.

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• TCL has announced the QM7K, a mid-range series of mini-LED TVs
• The QM7K series is available in the US in 55- to 115-inch screen sizes
• QM7K series TVS feature a built-in 2.2-channel Bang & Olufsen speaker system

TCL had a relatively low-key presence at the recent CES 2025, announcing just one series of new TVs, the budget-priced QM6K. The company promised more TV news would be forthcoming in a “phased series rollout,” and today, it made good on that promise with the announcement of the QM7K series mini-LED TVs.

The new mid-range sets from TCL range in size from 55 inches up to a gargantuan 115 inches, with prices starting at $1,299.99 for the 55-inch model and $19,999.99 for the 115-inch behemoth.

TCL’s QM7K series TVs feature a Super High Energy mini-LED chip design that the company claims will increase brightness by 53% and light efficiency by 10%. They additionally feature a new Halo Control System with a Super Condensed Micro Lens to minimize light blooming artifacts, along with a new Crystglow HVA Panel with anti-reflection properties. TCL is claiming up to 3,000 nits peak brightness for the new TVs, which provide up to 2,800 local dimming zones.

Video features on the QM7K series include Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, and HDR10 high dynamic range support, along with a Filmmaker Mode and IMAX Enhanced certification.

A built-in 2.2-channel Bang & Olufsen speaker system delivers Dolby Atmos sound, and the Google TV is onboard for streaming with a far-field mic for voice control.

Gaming is also well supported on the QM7K series TVs, with 4K 144Hz for PC gaming, AMD FreeSync, and a Game Accelerator feature for 1080p 288Hz VRR.

QM7K series: TCL’s best value TV?

According to TCL, 2024's TCL QM7 series “was the biggest star in our portfolio last year, with some of the best-selling skus in the U.S.”

TechRadar didn’t review a QM7 series model, but the step-up TCL QM851G series landed on our list of the best TVs in 2024. Looking over the QM7K series specifications, they are very similar to last year’s QM851G, which was the brightest TV we’ve yet tested, exceeding its 3,000 nits peak brightness spec at 3,583 nits (in Vivid picture mode).

The gaming features TCL has listed for the new QM7K are also similar to what was provided on the QM851G, and TCL’s new Halo Control System with a Super Condensed Micro Lens – and 2,800 local dimming zones – promises to deliver similarly excellent, backlight blooming-free blacks when watching movies and TV shows with dark content.

Also notable is the QM7K’s built-in 2.2-channel Bang & Olufsen sound system. The QM851G’s powerful 2.1.2-channel Onkyo-designed speakers performed well in our tests. And while Onkyo has a well-deserved reputation for sound quality, Bang & Olufsen is a premium brand that’s been responsible for some cutting-edge TV designs that combine an OLED panel with both built-in and external wireless speakers.

We look forward to getting our hands on a QM7K model soon for testing. Prices for the new TVs, which, except for the 98- and 115-inch models, are available now, are significantly lower than what the QM851G initially listed for. If the QM7K series can even approach the performance of the QM851G series, it should be an exceptional value.

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• Health New Zealand’s finances are being tracked with Excel
• The body operates 6,000 apps and 100 digital networks
• No immediate plans to modernize its systems

A recently published report has revealed Health New Zealand (HNZ) has been relying on a single Microsoft Excel spreadsheet as its primary financial management tool.

Established in 2022, HNZ was designed to replace 20 district health boards in the name of cost efficiency and service consistency, but until now, the body has been relying on basic spreadsheet software that has been deemed unsuitable for purpose.

A Deloitte report found HNZ lost control of “critical levers that drive financial outcomes,” which it blamed primarily on “the inability to identify and respond to the disconnect between expenditure and revenue” among other factors.

New Zealand’s healthcare was run off an Excel spreadsheet

HNZ reported a $1.013bn deficit against a breakeven budget in 2022/23, and by 2023/24, Doilette says financial challenges were “increasingly evident.”

Overall, the report specified five major issues with the Excel-based system: hard-coded financial data made updates and source tracing difficult; errors such as incorrectly released accruals were not picked up until later; changes to prior periods would not flow into consolidated data; limited tracking allows for easy data manipulation; and input and changes are prone to simple human errors, such as typos or missing zeroes.

“The use of an Excel spreadsheet file to track and report financial performance for a $28bn expenditure organisation raises significant concerns," Deloitte summarized.

Separately, Health Minister Simeon Brown recently revealed in a speech that HNZ operates an estimated 6,000 applications and 100 digital networks – he described the healthcare system’s digital infrastructure as “fragmented.”

Despite the damming report, the Health Minister has not revealed any immediate plans to replace Excel. A potential Health Infrastructure Entity is being considered for managing physical and digital assets, but no timeline has been set. TechRadar Pro has contacted Health New Zealand for a comment.

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As TechRadar's Homes Editor, I spend a lot of my time testing and writing about vacuums. It is my opinion that Dyson makes some of the very best vacuum cleaners on the market. They're super easy to maneuver, they're well-built, and the suction is excellent. Some even have things like lasers, sensors, and LED screens. But almost all of them – bar the very top model – have one big, basic usability issue, and I just can't understand why.

Here it is: the trigger needs to be continually held down when using the vacuum.

If you're vacuuming anything bigger than a doormat, that means a sore index finger. It impedes maneuverability too, because you need to factor in your poor digits when twisting the vacuum into awkward corners. I've tested lots of vacuums now, and in my experience it's rare that the manufacturer won't provide a way to lock the power on for continuous running. Yet, whenever I get my Dyson V8 out to do some comparative testing, I am immediately frustrated by the trigger setup.

There's no way to activate continuous running on most Dyson vacuums, including the V8 (Image credit: Future)

It's not a price thing; most of the best budget vacuums address this potential problem. Even the ultra-cheap vacuum I purchased when I bought my first flat (and discovered, to my horror, how much such boring adult appliances could cost), had a simple-but-effective plastic clip that held the trigger down. Sure, the suction was barely a gentle breeze, but at least my finger wasn't getting sore as I waved my new vac ineffectually across my floors.

What's more baffling to me is that Dyson is clearly investing in product development. It's one of the best vacuum brands when it comes to innovation. This is an incredibly basic usability issue that absolutely should have been addressed before Dyson started messing around with lasers and real-time dust sensors.

Button vs trigger

The brand has fixed the issue on the Dyson Gen5detect – the newest and best Dyson vacuum by specs. That model uses a single-press button rather than a trigger for operation, which means your fingers don't need to get involved at all (except for tuning it on or off).

But the Gen5detect is a very expensive model, mainly because it's packed with tech and advanced engineering. While I'm happy the Gen5 exists, for most people it'll be overkill. I generally think something like the Dyson V11 offers a much better balance of performance to price, and I'd wholeheartedly recommend it... if it weren't for that pesky trigger issue.

The Gen5detect is the only model to have button rather than a trigger (Image credit: Future)

Dyson was late in addressing its trigger problem, and I think it should consider retrospectively fixing the issue on at least some of the four or so models that remain in the current lineup and precede the Gen5. Let's not forget that even these older models are still not particularly cheap. Imagine splashing $749.99 / £649.99 / AU$1,449 on a V15 Detect and discovering Dyson hasn't even spared a thought for your poor index finger.

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