TechRadar News

• Halliday smart glasses include a tiny screen and AI.
• They're supposedly proactive.
• The display is incredibly small – but might not appear that way to your eye.

One of the hottest trends at CES 2025 is wearables, and if we zoom in a bit, we'll see that the biggest part of that trend is all the new smart glasses. Joining that collection but with a decided twist is Halliday, new "proactive AI eyewear" that seeks to augment your reality with at-a-glance information.

CES 2025

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.

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Halliday – named for a key character in Ready, Player One – are 35-gram smart wearable eyeglasses that have the benefit of looking almost exactly like traditional eyewear. However, hidden inside the classic-looking glasses is a fair amount of technology, including an unusual Digi Window microdisplay.

Integrated displays are nothing new in the realm of augmented reality eyewear, but Halliday's approach is a bit unusual. Where Snap Spectacles and Meta Orion smart glasses employ waveguide technology to paint large portions of the eyeglass lenses with semi-translucent imagery, Halliday uses one of the tiniest displays I have ever seen and does absolutely nothing to the wearable's lenses.

(Image credit: Halliday)

Developed by Gygeslabs, the Digi Window looks like a tiny, pea-sized display positioned along the upper right side of the frame. In images shared with TechRadar, it appears to be adjustable, letting the wearer move it slightly to better position the DigiWindow for each wearer.

It is a tiny screen that looks like a 3.5-inch monochrome display up close to your eye. Yes, that's about the same size as the original iPhone. The utility of a tiny screen that must glance up to see is unclear.

(Image credit: Halliday)

The real benefit here, though, may come from combining the Digi Window with AI-powered information that comes not from Halliday Smart Glasses but from the Halliday AI app running on your Android or iPhone.

Not only can you query the Halliday AI agent, but it can, with your permission, proactively listen to conversations through a microphone located in the glasses, even jumping in with answers to "complex questions" during a meeting.

There are speakers for listening to music, conducting calls, and, if you choose, chatting with the Halliday AI. Of course, that's not necessary if you just want to read the information on the green-on-black text readout in that tiny Digi Window display.

Other Halliday smart Glasses features include:

• Meeting summarization
• Notifications
• Teleprompter mode (no more hand-written notes!)
• Voice translation
• Turn-by-turn navigation
• Note-taking

In addition to voice control, the frames and app work with a custom control ring that responds to taps and swipes but not gestures alone.

According to Halliday, the frame, which comes in a somewhat iconic black or tortoise, lasts eight hours on a charge. They'll accommodate prescription and clear lenses and should start shipping sometime in the first quarter of this year.

Pricing is set at $489.99 in the United States and will be priced similarly in other global markets.

(Image credit: Halliday)

While I applaud Halliday's unconventional approach, a virtual 3.5-inch screen might be a tough sell in a world where full field-of-view augmented reality is expected from Meta, Snap, and others in the next 24 months.

Putting the tiny display on the frame and out of direct view lowers the possibility of an obstructed view and anyone noticing the imagery, but it also means you'll have to at least glance up to see the information. It reminds me of Google Glass, which placed a prismatic lens just above eye level. Every photo of me using Google Glass depicts me looking up.

Of course, I'll reserve judgment until I get a chance to try out the Halliday Smart Glasses for myself.

@techradar

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• Three new OLED TV series announced: S95F, S90F, and S85F
• New 165Hz display support for PC gaming
• New OLED Glare Free 2.0 tech with better shadow depth

Samsung announced its new family of OLED TVs today at CES 2025. The lineup includes three series with screen sizes ranging from 42 up to 83 inches and includes a range of new features powered by AI tech. Pricing and availability for the new TVs have not yet been announced, but we expect to receive that info in the coming weeks.

The Samsung S95D, one of the best TVs of 2024, was named TV of the Year in the TechRadar Choice awards. Consequently, we have high expectations for its successor, the Samsung S95F, and Samsung’s announcement includes a menu of features that make a case for it to be one of 2025’s best OLED TVs.

New features that are generally being introduced to top-tier Samsung TVs for 2025 include AI Upscaling Pro, which was previously available only on the company’s 8K models; Samsung’s Auto HDR Remastering Pro feature now encompasses both AI-based color enhancement and depth-based stereoscopy enhancement; and a hassle-free AI search feature uses a separate on-screen window that can be triggered using a new AI button on the remote control that replaces the previous Search button.

Yet another big change for 2025 is the availability of the Samsung Art Store portal, a feature previously limited to Samsung The Frame TVs that lets you access artworks from world-class museums such as New York’s The Met and MOMA to display on the TV’s screen.

Samsung S95F

(Image credit: Samsung)

Samsung S95F series TVs are the company’s flagship OLED models and are available in 55-, 65-, 77-, and 83-inch screen sizes – the latter of which is a new option for 2025. These feature an Infinity One “floating screen” design and OLED Glare Free 2.0 tech, which improves on the original Glare Free tech in the Samsung S95D by increasing black depth and detail in bright lighting while eliminating screen glare. The original version worked amazingly for stopping reflections being distracting, but it also raised the light levels of the image, so black tones became more gray, and some detail in light ares could be crushed. The new version aims to reduce this.

In this image, you can see that even with a blue reflection on the left and a yellow reflection at the top, the overall black tones stay deep. (Image credit: Future)

The S95F series uses the new NQ4 AI Gen 3 processor, which increases the neural network count over the processor in last year’s S95D from 20 to 128. Samsung is claiming a 30% increase in brightness for the S95F series, which is a notable boost over last year’s already very bright flagship Samsung OLEDs. Another picture quality enhancing feature on the S95F series is AI Gamma, which automatically adapts picture gamma in bright lighting conditions to bring out shadow detail that would otherwise be obscured.

S95F series TVs will get a gaming boost with 165Hz display support for PC gaming, along with FreeSync Premium Pro. They also feature a built-in 4.2.2-channel 70W speaker system with OTS+ and up-firing speakers.

Samsung S90F and S85F

(Image credit: Future)

Samsung’s midrange OLED offering for 2025 is the Samsung S90F series, which will be available in 42-, 48-, 55-, 65-, 77-, and 83-inch screen sizes. According to Samsung, the 55-inch and above models will feature a QD-OLED display panel, and the 42- and 48-inch models will use a W-OLED panel (ie, the same kind used in LG's OLED TVs, rather than Samsung's own different tech).

Samsung is claiming 1,300 nits brightness for the new S90F models – a notable boost over previous models. Otherwise, the S90F series features the same NQ4 AI Gen 3 processor from the S95F series that provides AI-based 4K upscaling and motion enhancement. Gaming features include support for a 144Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium.

The Samsung S85F series will be available in 55-, 65-, 77-, and 83-inch screen sizes, and will be the most affordable option from Samsung's OLED range. These TVs feature an NQ4 AI Gen 2 processor and 2.0-channel 20W built-in speakers with OTS Lite – we'll bring you more details as we receive them!

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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.

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• Samsung's Ballie robot is back at CES 2025.
• It has an identical design to the one shown in 2024, with new 'Vision AI' features.
• Samsung says Ballie will launch in the first half of 2025 with support for English, Spanish, and Korean for an unknown price.

If you’ve been wondering where Samsung’s cheerful yellow AI robot companion has been, we finally know the answer. Ballie, Samsung’s robot, which was first unveiled back in 2020 and then was relaunched last year in 2024 with a boatload of AI, will be arriving in 2025, specifically the first half.

Ballie is still bright yellow with wheels to move around your house, a boatload of sensors, and a projector to let it play games, cast answers to queries, and even project films on various surfaces. And I got the chance – along with TechRadar Managing Editor, Lifestyle Josephine Watson – to check out Ballie firsthand and see it go through a few motions.

And yes, it is still undeniably cute, and thanks to wheels, it will effortlessly glide over flat surfaces; this latest demo was on a soft wood surface in a pre-mapped space. It still boasts a front projector, which is a Full HD triple-laser projector and should deliver quality close to the Premiere 5. Further, it’s the world's first switchable lens projector, allowing it to project content both near and far.

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

Why is that important? Well, in this demonstration, we saw it list options on the floor in front of you, but it can also cast content like directions to the Sphere from Caeser’s Palace, or project a movie onto the wall.

It’s voice-activated thanks to four built-in far-field microphones and responds to "Hey Ballie". It gets its sight from two cameras – a 2K camera on the rear and a 4K camera on the front – as well as sensors including LiDAR and a Time of Flight (ToF) sensor. Our hope is that learning from Samsung's slightly wobbly Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI performance have factored in.

Samsung promises a launch in 2025, specifically in the first half of the year, with English, Spanish, and Korean support. The company did not, however, provide any hints at pricing, exact features or specifications, or even confirmed launch regions.

Like saying "Hey Google" on an Android smartphone or asking for Siri on a HomePod, Ballie is a fully responsive voice-activated robot. It’s still being billed as an AI robot companion that can glide around your home and essentially be at your beck and call. As you might suspect, it’s set to integrate with other devices, including the ability to control them. I’d guess this is enabled via SmartThings, but in this demo, Ballie was asked to turn on a connected light and a monitor feature in a gaming setup.

We also saw Ballie provide a list of things to do in Las Vegas, suggesting the fountains at the Bellagio and the Sphere; it could understand a more conversational response and then gave us more info on the Sphere. When first asked, and Ballie was directly in front of the user, it projected the list on the floor; then it opted to cast a larger view with more details on the Sphere, including images, on the wall.

Seemingly, it will automatically decide where to cast content, but you can be more specific and even ask for a larger screen when streaming a movie – it might even switch the surface it’s casting on.

As far as Ballie’s interesting road to launch, we asked Samsung’s Head of Product, Home Entertainment, Lydia Cho.

“We really wanted to perfect this, making sure it came to market at the right time, with the right features, and the right concept. So that’s why the process took a bit longer, but I think it’s really the right time with us launching VisionAI,” explained Cho. She also called out that the new AI suite, which is also launching on Samsung’s latest TVs, is all about personalization and customization.

Noting that this device can be personalized to your lifestyle and is squarely focused on perfecting the interaction, Cho says: “We just think it’s the perfect companion for you to meet all your needs", before noting it can tell you the weather, where you want to go, your dietary needs, a child’s homework assignment, and even your schedule.

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

Even so, there is still a road to market for Ballie, and it will be interesting to see the final feature set, tech specs, Samsung’s pitch to consumers, and how well it performs in real-world use. We still haven’t been able to truly direct Ballie or see it outside of a test space, but it’s clear that robots are a sector that isn’t leaving. Ballie, with its cheerful yellow paint job, is certainly less scary or unassuming than Telsa’s humanoid bot or Boston Dynamics robot dog, and with Amazon's Astro in a perpetual invite-only status, there's room for market domination, should Samsung play its cards right.

Remember, this is the day before CES even starts, and Samsung showed this off before its official press conference at its First Look event, typically reserved for new home entertainment. It’s clear that Ballie is central to the mission, and you bet we’re trying to get a more formal hands-on.

(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!

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• 8K and 4K Neo QLED mini-LED TVs from 43 inches to 115 inches
• Awesome Glare Free tech featured in Samsung’s top mini-LED TVs
• A wireless 8K 120Hz connection box in the top-end model

Samsung has announced its new Neo QLED TV range at CES 2025. The 2025 lineup includes two 8K models and three series of 4K models with screen sizes ranging from 43 inches to 115 inches. According to the company, all TVs represent “a new era of Samsung AI,” with enhancements ranging from 4K and 8K upscaling to AI-based content search.

Samsung sets generally rank among the best TVs, and the new Neo QLED models look ready to carry on that tradition. AI Upscaling Pro, a feature previously limited to the company’s 8K TVs, will now be available on 4K models. An Auto HDR Remastering Pro feature uses AI to dynamically enhance color, while Real Depth Enhancer Pro analyzes image depth to create something that feels less 2D.

The Glare Free tech used by last year’s Samsung S95D OLED TV to effectively eliminate screen glare has been ported over to Samsung’s top 8K and 4K mini-LED models, the QN990F and QN90F, which should really make them ideal candidates for our list of the best TVs for sports. Those same models get a gaming boost with 165Hz support for PC gaming, and up to 4K 240Hz on the QN990F. A new Wireless One Connect Box will also debut with the QN990F in 2025, allowing for wireless 8K 120Hz transmission to the TV from up to 10m away.

Most Samsung TVs in 2025, the Neo QLED lineup included, will now be able to access the Samsung Art Store portal. This is a feature that was previously limited to Samsung The Frame TVs, and it lets viewers display artworks from world-class museums such as New York’s The Met and Paris' The Louvre on the TV’s screen.

On the Dolby Atmos soundbars front, a new “convertible” 3.1.2-channel model, the QS700F, can be used for either tabletop or wall-mount installations, with the soundbar automatically detecting the installation orientation. The new flagship Q990F soundbar system features a new, ultra-compact subwoofer design that uses dual eight-inch active drivers to reduce vibration, and Samsung’s Q-Symphony tech is being expanded to more models and now supports wireless connection from a TV to up to three separate devices.

Samsung QN900F 8K TV (Image credit: Samsung) 8K Neo QLED: Samsung QN990F and QN900F

The QN990F is Samsung’s top 8K TV for 2025 and will be available in 65- to 98-inch screen sizes. This model features the company’s new NQ8 AI Gen3 processor and has a Glare-Free screen coating to eliminate reflections. It uses the new 8K wireless One Connect Box for a wireless connection from sources, with support for 8K 120Hz at up to 10 meters. Samsung says the QN900F is capable of up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness – a level 8K TVs have trouble reaching due to their small pixel pitch, but that Samsung has compensated for with a new backlight structure.

That backlight is supported by a new metal frame design for the QN990F, which also makes space for a robust 6.2.4-channel built-in speakers with 90W of power, and Object Tracking Sound (OTS) Pro processing to make the position of sounds match the action on-screen. For gaming, the QN990F supports both 8K at 165Hz and 4K at 240Hz.

The QN900F series is available in 65-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes and features Samsung’s NQ8 AI Gen2 processor. An Ultra Viewing Angle feature improves off-axis picture quality and there’s a 4.2.2-channel built-in speaker system with 70W of power and OTS+ processing. The QN900F series supports up to 8K 120Hz input for gaming.

4K Neo QLED: QN90F, QN80F, QN70F

Samsung’s 4K mini-LED TV lineup is led by the QN90F series, which is available in 43- to 115-inch screen sizes. Like the 8K QN990F, the QN90F series features a Glare-Free screen and 165Hz support. An Ultra Viewing Angle feature improves off-axis picture quality and a bezel-free screen gives the QN90F a “floating” effect. Audio on the QN90F series is provided by 4.2.2-channel built-in speakers with 60W of power and OTS+ processing.

The QN80F series is available in 50- to 100-inch screen sizes. It has many of the same picture processing features as QN90F series TVs and has 4.0 channel speakers powered by 30W with OTS Lite and Active Voice Amplifier Pro.

Rounding out the lineup, Samsung has a new entry-level QN70F series mini-LED TV, which will be available in 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch screen sizes.

(Image credit: Samsung) 2025 Samsung soundbars

Samsung’s new soundbar lineup is led by the Q990F, an 11.1.4-channel system with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The Q990F features a new compact subwoofer with dual 8-inch active drivers in an opposing configuration to eliminate vibration. Unlike the subs that typically come with soundbars, it has a cube-like design similar to offerings from hi-fi brands. Other features include HDMI 2.1 inputs with 4K 120Hz pass-through, Samsung SmartThings Hub built-in, and Roon Ready certification.

Another Samsung soundbar highlight for 2025 is the QS700F, a 3.1.2-channel with a “convertible design” that allows for on-wall or tabletop installation. A built-in gyro sensor automatically detects the soundbar’s orientation and configures its output for proper delivery of Dolby Atmos height effects. The QS700F also features a compact subwoofer with a 6.5-inch driver and supports Q-Symphony for an enhanced presentation with compatible Samsung TVs.

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(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!

• The Frame Pro with it's Neo QLED screen joins the exisitng Frame TV.
• It still looks like a Frame TV, but the Frame Pro gets a 'Wireless One Connect Box."
• Samsung's also bringing the Art Store to select Neo QLED and QLED TVs.

While 2024 brought a new category of Samsung’s Frame – a smart speaker dubbed the Music Frame – 2025 is ushering in an entirely new Frame TV. Alongside the standard, Frame TV will be The Frame Pro, with its QLED display finished in a reflection-blocking matte finish, which Samsung revealed at its First Look event on the eve of the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show.

It’ll likely cost quite a pretty penny over the standard Frame TV, but for that price, it should significantly step up the picture quality thanks to a Neo QLED display and a new magic trick of sorts courtesy of a wireless One Connect box.

(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!

So, let’s start with the picture quality. Frame TV has a QLED display, but Frame Pro kicks things up a notch with mini LEDs in Samsung’s Neo QLED technology package. This should result in higher peak brightness and starker, darker contrast points, making art look even more realistic when used in conjunction with the matte, anti-reflective finish.

The Frame Pro is seemingly designed to be the main event, as Samsung will offer it in 65-inch, 75-inch, and 85-inch sizes. Those wanting a smaller Frame TV will need to opt for the standard and a QLED display.

(Image credit: Samsung)

If you’ve ever wanted to game properly on your Frame TV, the Frame Pro answers the call, as it ups the refresh rate to 144Hz. It’ll also sport Tizen’s smart gaming interface, which allows you to adjust the ratio, frame rate, and even other customizations. However, if you’re interested in The Frame, we’d assume you’re most interested in the Art Store, which is still in full effect.

As with the original, you’ll still wrap your favorite works by Katsushika Hokusai or Vincent van Gogh in a frame on The Frame Pro. While Samsung has confirmed the sizing for the Frame Pro (65-, 75-, 85-inch) and the Frame TV (43-, 50-, 55-, and 65-inch), we're waiting to see if the frame bezels will be identical or at least with the same attachment mechanism.

(Image credit: Samsung)

One thing that is clear, though, is The Frame Pro will only need power, and you’ll plug all your other input devices – be it an Apple TV 4K, PlayStation 5 Pro, Xbox Series X, or Sonos Arc Ultra – into a One Connect Box that can be stored elsewhere. The wireless box will beam your content to the Frame Pro without lag or latency.

This way, you can wall mount the Frame Pro, which looks like a true work of art, on your wall, and you can hide the cables and other devices elsewhere. As someone with a standard Frame TV – well, Disney 100 Edition of the Frame TV – I’m keen to test this side by side and see just how much better the picture is and if the effect of showing art without reflection is better than on the original Frame TV.

As far as The Frame TV in 2025, it’ll likely be very similar to the 2024 Frame TV with a solid picture and that all-important anti-reflection, matte coating. It is getting one improvement, though, and that's a jump to an adaptive 144Hz refresh rate. Considering the Frame Pro is arriving in 65-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes, the Frame TV will only come in 43-, 50-, 55-, and 65-inch sizes in 2025.

Another key change for Samsung this year is that the Art Store – where you can purchase and subscribe to works of art to showcase on your TV – is expanding to non-Frame TVs. This means that if you get a QLED or Neo QLED, you can browse, select a mat if you desire, and set works of art on your TV.

The collection currently includes over 3,000 pieces from artists around the world. It costs $4.99 monthly or $49.99 annually and works across TVs.

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• Mirumi is the latest strange robot from Yukai Engineering
• It hangs on your bag
• It can "react"

Gadgets that elicit comments like "Why?" and "Is that thing staring at me?" are either the best thing about CES 2025 or the worst. Mirumi, a furry robot that wraps around a bag or backpack strap and watches friends, family, and strangers, is that kind of gadget.

CES 2025

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.

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Of course, I would expect no less from Yukai Engineering, a company that's been responsible for the furry therapeutic pillow with a tail Qoobo and the finger-tip chewing Amagami Ham Ham. In this case, the company describes Mirumi as "a mascot robot that spontaneously turns its head to steal a glance at a nearby person." Yes, that sounds wonderful.

If it's any consolation, the robot with its puffy gray (also in pink) body, round furry head, and googly eyes looks adorable. In fact, it would look like a tiny gray chick if it weren't for the oddly long arms that you use to wrap around your handbag and backpack straps.

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Yukai Engineering)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Yukai Engineering)

Even though Mirumi looks like a stuffed animal, it's filled with technology. It has sensors to notice people and objects and the motorized head can turn to "look at them". The sensors also detect movement. All of it works in concert to create a series of emotive responses, and quite a bit of it is designed to make Mirumi respond like a baby or toddler in your arms might to friends, strangers, and unknown objects.

Mirumi can express curiosity – basically, the look-around action triggered by movement. If a person is detected nearby, the head will turn to look at it. It can also mimic bashfulness, hiding its head in your arm.

(Image credit: Yukai Engineering)

If you annoy Mirumi by shaking it, the little robot will turn its head back and forth to signal its displeasure.

There were no pricing or availability details at launch but based on the pricing of some of Yukai Engineering's other robots, this one might not cost more than $149.

Whether or not you want such a robot strapped to your bag is another question., It could entertain and enchant people or have them wonder why that dustball on your bag is staring at them.

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• Circular's new smart ring, the Ring 2, has an FDA-cleared AFib detection algorithm
• It can be sized using your smartphone, with no need for a plastic sizing kit
• Battery life runs for up to eight days, equalling the Samsung Galaxy Ring

(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!

The smart wearables scene at CES 2025 continues to heat up, with the best smart rings taking center stage.

Fresh off of Oura revealing a feature that helps users identify a cold or flu, Circular has announced its Ring 2, a next-gen wearable with an Atrial Fibrilation detection algorithm approved by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). In a first for smart rings, it also uses an app to calculate your ring size, rather than a plastic kit.

The new ring, which is available in Gold, Silver, Rose Gold and Black, is crafted from titanium and packs an improved ECG sensor powering the FDA-cleared AFib detection algorithm.

Amaury Kosman, Co-Founder and CEO of Circular said "With the Circular Ring 2, we’ve reimagined what a smart ring can be—combining advanced health technology with timeless design and unmatched durability."

It can track heart health for 24 hours a day like most smart rings, and has an eight-day battery life. However, perhaps one of the most exciting features is the digital sizing, which could streamline the process of buying a smart ring.

Say goodbye to plastic sizing kits

(Image credit: Circular)

In a press release, Circular says that users will be able to use its Digital Ring Sizing function using a smartphone, but doesn't go into how that's handled—although it's safe to assume it'll use some AR features through camera tech. Smart ring users are often advised to wear the plastic dummy rings for around a day, as our fingers swell up and deflate naturally during the course of the day. It'll be interesting to see if digital ring sizing can compensate, or whether it'll lead to a spate of ill-fitting rings.

Smart rings are in a really exciting place right now, with more brands bringing unique features to the table. With the introduction of smart sizing, it could become much easier to order a device without having to measure or order a sizing kit to begin with, potentially helping make the entire product category feel much closer to a smartwatch.

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

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

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

NYT Strands today (game #309) - hint #1 - today's theme What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… In neutral

NYT Strands today (game #309) - hint #2 - clue words

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

• WIFE
• FEAT
• HEMP
• GAMER
• LIFE
• FELL

NYT Strands today (game #309) - hint #3 - spangram What is a hint for today's spangram?

• Milky shades

NYT Strands today (game #309) - hint #4 - spangram position What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: left, 4th row

Last side: right, 4th row

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

NYT Strands today (game #309) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #309, are…

• CREAM
• IVORY
• LINEN
• VANILLA
• EGGSHELL
• CHAMPAGNE
• SPANGRAM: OFF WHITES

• My rating: Easy
• My score: Perfect

The classic 1960s song Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum was in my head as I toiled my way through this bland collection of words most commonly seen when trying to purchase white paint that isn’t white.

In fact, the song has been used several times as the soundtrack for TV commercials advertising white-ish paint.

Although I struggled to remember the words beyond the chorus – something about doing a “light fandango” (which would be a great name for a paint color), “colors in her hair”,“16 vestal virgins” and seeing a ghost and turning a light shade of VANILLA. Only one of those was helpful for this puzzle.

How did you do today? Send me an email and let me know.

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Sunday, 5 January, game #308)

• SNOW
• SLEET
• FROST
• BLIZZARD
• DRIZZLE
• FLURRY
• SPANGRAM: WINTER WEATHER

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's new word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now out of beta so is a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable and can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

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

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

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

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

NYT Connections today (game #575) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• BLANKET
• BOOT
• BREEZE
• RUM
• PICNIC
• PANT
• UMBRELLA
• PIE
• HEAVE
• ARS
• АВС
• GENERAL
• BROAD
• GASP
• BUT
• PUFF

NYT Connections today (game #575) - hint #1 - group hints

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

• YELLOW: Almost out of breath
• GREEN: Overarching 
• BLUE: Simples
• PURPLE: Bottom

Need more clues?

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

NYT Connections today (game #575) - hint #2 - group answers

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

• YELLOW: BREATHE HARD 
• GREEN: CATCHALL 
• BLUE: METAPHORS FOR EASY THINGS 
• PURPLE: SYNONYMS FOR REAR END MINUS LAST LETTER 

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

NYT Connections today (game #575) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #575, are…

• YELLOW: BREATHE HARD GASP, HEAVE, PANT, PUFF
• GREEN: CATCHALL BLANKET, BROAD, GENERAL, UMBRELLA
• BLUE: METAPHORS FOR EASY THINGS ABC, BREEZE, PICNIC, PIE
• PURPLE: SYNONYMS FOR REAR END MINUS LAST LETTER ARS, BOOT, BUT, RUM

• My rating: Moderate
• My score: 1 mistake

My BROAD view of today’s Connections is that it was far from a BREEZE but after some huff and PUFF I got there in the (REAR) END – very cheeky group, that one.

My mistake came as I foolishly thought ARS, PIE, ABC and BUT were all organization acronyms – for what, I have no idea – and, well, it was a bit of a lazy guess. But after getting BREATHE HARD and CATCHALL the final two groups fell into place nicely.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Sunday, 5 January, game #574)

• YELLOW: HARDLY BUSTLING CALM, QUIET, SLEEPY, SLOW
• GREEN: EARN GROSS, MAKE, NET, YIELD
• BLUE: REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS HOME, MUTE, STOP, VOLUME
• PURPLE: WORDS BEFORE "DRUM" EAR, KETTLE, OIL, SNARE

What is NYT Connections?

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

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

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

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

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,000 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.

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

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

Quordle today (game #1078) - hint #1 - Vowels How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

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

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

Quordle today (game #1078) - hint #2 - repeated letters Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 2.

Quordle today (game #1078) - hint #3 - uncommon letters Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

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

Quordle today (game #1078) - hint #4 - starting letters (1) Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 2.

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

Quordle today (game #1078) - hint #5 - starting letters (2) What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• P

• W

• G

• G

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

Quordle today (game #1078) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1078, are…

• PIVOT
• WOOLY
• GRUNT
• GROOM

Even though today’s Quordle featured zero Es, I still found it useful to stick with my second start word of STEER. After seeing that the most popular vowel was missing here, I had the confidence to gamble that there was a double O word instead – and so it proved, with WOOLY and then GROOM.

By the time I got to PIVOT I had so few letters left there was no other choice.

How did you do today? Send me an email and let me know.

Daily Sequence today (game #1078) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1078, are…

• GRAFT
• AFOUL
• PAYER
• PERCH

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1077, Sunday 5 January: BORAX, JUDGE, CADET, SALON
• Quordle #1076, Saturday 4 January: CORER, CRATE, QUASI, EXIST
• Quordle #1075, Friday 3 January: PERKY, QUARK, NAVEL, SHEEN
• Quordle #1074, Thursday 2 January: UNIFY, SWORE, DEPOT, INTRO
• Quordle #1073, Wednesday 1 January: CLING, SUITE, WORRY, TONIC
• Quordle #1072, Tuesday 31 December: PLUMP, TUBER, IRATE, ICILY
• Quordle #1071, Monday 30 December: TODDY, GROIN, GROWN, VERVE
• Quordle #1070, Sunday 29 December: PURER, SPLAT, RABID, EMCEE
• Quordle #1069, Saturday 28 December: BUNCH, LABOR, TRIPE, BUNNY
• Quordle #1068, Friday 27 December: BRAWL, LYING, ORGAN, CRONY
• Quordle #1067, Thursday 26 December: TATTY, OVERT, FLOUR, SWEPT
• Quordle #1066, Wednesday 25 December: LIVER, CRIER, SHORE, MURKY
• Quordle #1065, Tuesday 24 December: TIPSY, SCALE, FLYER, VALVE
• Quordle #1064, Monday 23 December: SNAKE, SAVVY, ELBOW, TWEED
• Quordle #1063, Sunday 22 December: DOUBT, SLURP, PAPER, CIVIL
• Quordle #1062, Saturday 21 December: STRIP, BUDGE, SAPPY, SHELF
• Quordle #1061, Friday 20 December: PENAL, EAGLE, DILLY, QUITE
• Quordle #1060, Thursday 19 December: JEWEL, GNOME, TRAMP, IDLER
• Quordle #1059, Wednesday 18 December: LITHE, BIRTH, HUMID, ROBOT
• Quordle #1058, Tuesday 17 December: DOING, ENJOY, SNAKY, AMPLE

• Oukitel set to launch WP200 Pro in first quarter of 2025
• Device has a single earbud with a color LCD, useful for translation
• It comes with a staggering 1TB of storage and 24GB of RAM, the most I've seen in a rugged handset

We’ve reviewed a number of rugged devices from Chinese manufacturer Oukitel in the past and have always been impressed by what they offer, especially for the price.

The company now plans to debut three new 5G rugged smartphones at CES 2025, and it’s fair to say they all have something interesting that sets them apart from the competition. The WP100 Titan features a massive 33Ah battery, a camping light, and a DLP projector, while the WP200 Pro and WP300 Pro have a recess built into the back, into which you can drop a module.

For the Oukitel WP200, that module is a detachable single earbud that you can pull out and place in your ear for listening to music or podcasts, taking calls, and hearing translations. It saves you from having to carry a separate set of Bluetooth headphones, and as long as you remember to reattach it, you shouldn’t lose it.

1TB of storage

The earphone has a customizable color LCD display, so when you’re not using it in your ear you can glance at the back of your phone and see the time and other details on it. It looks similar to a smartwatch screen, so it’s probably no surprise that it can double as one. Drop it into the separate wristband, and you can wear it as a watch and benefit from its sport modes and health monitoring features.

The phone itself looks attractive, with a choice of blue and green textured finishes. It features a 6.7-inch Full-HD+ AMOLED screen and is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 SoC, backed by an impressive 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage - impressive for any smartphone and virtually unheard of in a rugged one. The main camera is a 108MP model, promising sharp and detailed images.

Additional details regarding the Oukitel WP200 Pro (and the WP300 Pro) are still sparse, although the WP200 Pro is expected to launch in Q1 2025. Crucial information, including pricing and global availability, will no doubt be revealed once CES gets underway.

While many rugged phones are mainly designed for users working in demanding environments, such as construction sites or outdoor industries, the WP200 Pro is likely to appeal equally to adventure seekers who are looking for a durable and versatile device for their explorations.

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• Across LATAM and East Europe, people are deliberately selling their ID documents
• Individuals willingly provide photos and documentation in exchange for payment
• This twist in ID misuse criminality makes standard forgery detection redundant

Researchers at iProov have uncovered a complex dark web operation aimed at undermining Know Your Customer (KYC) verification processes.

Unlike conventional identity theft, the scheme involves unsuspecting victims voluntarily handing over their identity documents and facial images in return for financial compensation.

This approach, dubbed "identity farming," allows criminals to exploit genuine credentials to bypass verification systems, complicating detection efforts.

Exploiting genuine credentials

In amassing genuine credentials, the operation, predominantly active in the LATAM region (Latin America), can outwit traditional document verification methods that excel at spotting forgeries or alterations.

While similar activities have been observed in Eastern Europe, no direct connection between the groups has been established.

In regions facing economic hardship and high unemployment, individuals are willing to compromise their identities for short-term financial gains.

Fraudsters exploit their victims in this way, offering payment in exchange for identity documents and biometric data, often under false pretenses. Many victims perceive this as a low-risk transaction.

How identity farming operations work

Attackers are a mixed ability group. Those at entry-level rely on simple yet effective techniques such as presenting static images or pre-recorded videos.

More sophisticated actors employ advanced tools like face-swapping software and lighting manipulations, and the most capable attackers use custom AI models and 3D animations, designed to mimic natural human behavior in real-time.

According to iProov, there's a need for a multi-layered strategy when safeguarding identity verification systems.

This includes measures such as verifying that the presented identity aligns with official documentation, using embedded imagery and metadata analysis to confirm the presence of a real person, and deploying real-time challenge-response systems to detect fraudulent behavior.

"What's particularly alarming about this discovery is not just the sophisticated nature of the operation, but the fact that individuals are willingly compromising their identities for short-term financial gain," said Andrew Newell, Chief Scientific Officer at iProov.

"When people sell their identity documents and biometric data, they're not just risking their own financial security - they're providing criminals with complete, genuine identity packages that can be used for sophisticated impersonation fraud."

"These identities are particularly dangerous because they include both real documents and matching biometric data, making them extremely difficult to detect through traditional verification methods.’’

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OLED is quickly becoming the hottest screen tech to use with the best gaming PCs following a bit of a breakthrough in the last couple of years of OLED and QD-OLED options among the best gaming monitors – and there’s a surprisingly tempting new option coming, though it’s not actually a monitor. But it is OLED, and it’s geared up for PC gaming.

The LG M5 OLED TV has just been announced, and not only does it have the specs PC gamers will look for – 4K, 144Hz, VRR including Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync support – but it also offers wireless connectivity between the TV screen and an external connection box, meaning you can have your PC and TV further apart, allowing for real flexibility of placement.

Imagine: at your rig, you have your normal gaming monitor. But sometimes, you want to play on the couch with the big-screen – in the case of the M5, the wireless box is also part of your desk setup, so you can just access all your same gaming libraries on your big-screen, with all your preferred saved settings. Your PC acts like both a PC and a console thanks to the wireless Zero Connect box. Could the LG M5 be the perfect PC gaming TV?

Specs and flexibility aplenty

The LG M5 OLED TV will feature a Zero Connect Box (pictured bottom left) similar to its predecessor, the LG M4 OLED (pictured here), but will offer more flexibility in placement (Image credit: Future)

Let’s get one thing clear – the LG M5 OLED is not the first to offer the wireless tech that PC gamers will love. That title belonged to the M5’s antecedent, the LG M3. That also offered 4K, high frame rate with VRR, Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync support, and the Zero Connect box, which is a wireless connections box that you plug all the external devices into, and then transmits the signal to the TV itself, meaning a mostly cable-free experience (power cable still required for the screen itself).

But, where the LG M5 will best its predecessor, according to LG, is in the freedom of where the Zero Connect box goes. LG has promised that the Zero Connect on the M5 will be ‘visually lossless’ and ‘true wireless’, regardless of where the M5 and Zero Connect Box are placed. The M4’s Zero Connect Box required line of sight, meaning objects could obstruct signals, but the M5 is said to have much more flexibility in its placement options, while still offering effectively zero latency.

So while the LG M3 and M4 TVs wouldn’t have been ideal for all setups, the M5 should have the flexibility so that you can just tuck the box out of sight and still get its wireless tricks.

Perfect timing for the Nvidia RTX 5080

A recent leak suggests the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 could be imminent - and it would make a perfect match for the LG M5 (Image credit: ChipHell / Via VideoCardz)

It’s no secret that Nvidia makes some of the best graphics cards on the market, with the RTX 4060, 4070 and 4080 all featuring in our picks for the best graphics cards. AMD has had a strong year, but when there’s talk of a new Nvidia graphics card on the horizon, people take notice.

It’s no surprise then that a recent leak of images said to be the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 has sent the PC world into a frenzy, with many believing that a reveal is imminent – maybe even as soon as CES 2025. This is potentially perfect timing for the LG M5 OLED. Because it’s an Nvidia G-Sync certified wireless TV, it should be a match made in heaven for the Nvidia RTX 5080.

One thing that should be noted – none of this is going to be cheap. While PC gamers expect to pay a lot for the best equipment, the LG M5 OLED is going to be at the premium end of the OLED TV market. While we don’t have pricing for the M5 itself, the LG M4 launched at a price of roughly €5,000 / $4,499 / £3,799, a significant price increase over the LG G4, so you can expect to the LG M5 to be similar if not more.

But, if you’re looking for the premium PC gaming experience with an OLED TV, the M5’s improved Zero Connect flexibility over the M4 could make it the perfect companion for PC gamers. Imagine not having to move your PC setup!

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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!

• LG reveals high-end OLED TV models for 2025: LG G5 and LG M5
• LG M5 has a more flexible wireless video transmission box
• New OLED panels set to be brightest yet, with 165Hz support

LG has revealed its 2025 OLED TV lineup at CES 2025, with a brighter LG G5 OLED TV, and an updated LG M5 OLED TV. The latter will have greater flexibility in its Zero Connect Box placement, while both will have a brighter screen and new AI-centric interface for its webOS smart TV platform.

For OLEDs, the LG OLED M5, successor to the LG M4, will continue to use the Zero Connect wireless box for its cable connections and support 4K 144Hz with VRR including certified Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync for gaming. The M5 will also be the world's first ‘True Wireless’ TV meaning no loss in picture or sound quality over wireless transmission, which means its Zero Connect box can be placed further away and in more locations than the M4 (but the TV will still need a power cable, so 'True Wireless' is perhaps a little ambitious).

Both the LG M5 and the LG G5 – which is the successor to one of 2024’s best OLED TVs, the LG G4 – will feature an Alpha 11 AI processor, which comes with the Brightness Booster Ultimate tech, which LG claims will make the G5 three times brighter than the LG B-series, its entry-level OLED TV. The LG G5 will also support up to a 165Hz refresh rate, surpassing many of the best gaming TVs available.

Could we be seeing the brightest OLEDs yet at CES 2025? Reports suggest LG OLED panels of 3,700 nits could be available, which is a significant step-up over the LG G4 (pictured) – though we doubt the TVs will reach such heights anyway. (Image credit: LG Global)

LGs Evo OLEDs will also feature a Filmmaker Mode with a new feature called Ambient Light Compensation. This feature is applicable with models with a light sensor that analyzes the viewing environment and then aims to display the picture on screen "as the director intended" for that level of lighting. This new Filmmaker Mode was made in conjunction with the creative community.

Several upgrades are coming to LG’s webOS smart TV platform, which all LG OLEDs will have built-in, and are heavily focused around AI. These new AI features include AI Picture and Sound profiles as well as AI Recommendations linked to specific user profiles, AI Search (coming to US and Korea only so far), plus updates to AI Chatbot allowing it to make picture mode and sound mode recommendations.

Finally, LG’s Magic Remote has been given a re-design for a more slimmed-down appearance. The numbered buttons have been replaced with an AI button to access AI features, and an Accessibility button provides easy access to accessibility features.

LG M5 OLED

The LG M5 OLED (pictured) will be 'True Wireless' according to LG, delivering up to 4K, 144Hz video signal wirelessly. (Image credit: LG)

The LG M5 will be available in 65, 77, 83 and 97-inch sizes and have the same Zero Connect capabilities as its M4 predecessor, receiving a wireless signal from LG’s Zero Connect box, which has all the processing and HDMI connections built-in. The Zero Connect Box is now said to be ‘True Wireless’, meaning it can be placed at a greater range of angles and distances while still transmitting the same full-quality and zero-latency signal.

The LG M5 uses the new Alpha 11 AI processor Gen2, which has been improved with AI Super Upscaling (for lower-resolution content), Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro and Object Enhancing by Visual Perception. It will also support 11.1.2 Virtual AI Surround Sound.

LG G5 OLED

(Image credit: LG)

The LG G5 will be available in 55, 65, 77 and 83-inch sizes- and will feature a micro-lens-array (MLA) OLED panel and the same Alpha 11 AI Gen2 Processor as the LG M5. The G5’s biggest upgrade from the G4 is Brightness Booster Ultimate tech, which will see the G5's peak brightness levels at three times that of the B series.

Another major development in the LG G5 will be 165Hz refresh rate support. for PC gaming – a step-up on the G4’s 144Hz max refresh rate. The G5 will also support AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, HGiG and Dolby Vision gaming. It’s worth noting that Dolby Vision will not be supported at 165Hz.

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

• Projectors are making a comeback in tablets and smartphones
• Oukitel WP100 Titan appears to be an upgrade of the 8849 Tank3 Pro we reviewed
• 33Ah battery is bigger than any smartphone or tablet on the market

If you’re looking for a rugged Android phone at an affordable price, Oukitel has you covered, with a host of new devices coming at CES 2025.

One of the most notable rugged phone launches is the WP100 Titan, which boasts a variety of features that help it stand out from the competition, including a giant 33,000mAh battery, ensuring you won’t have to worry about running out of juice while on the go, even if you’re away for several days.

The battery promises up to six months of standby time and includes 66W fast charging.

Camping light and projector

The device also comes with a 1,200-lumen camping light, which can illuminate your path at night, and an adjustable-focus 100-lumen, 120Hz DLP projector suitable for presentations or movie viewing - indoors or outdoors.

There's not much additional information available about the WP100 Titan at the moment, but it appears to be an upgrade of the rugged 8849 Tank3 Pro we reported on previously which also included a camping light and a 100-lumen projector. That device sported a massive 23,900mAh battery - impressive at the time but now seemingly modest compared to Oukitel’s upcoming device.

Further details about the WP100 Titan should be revealed in the coming days at CES 2025, and Oukitel has informed us that the new phone will be available for backing in a Kickstarter campaign launching sometime in February.

The launch is the latest in a series of Oukitel devices, and we've been impressed by many of them to date.

We rated the 5G Oukitel WP30 Pro as one of the best rugged phones you can buy right now. It’s lighter than most, which is great if you don’t want to lug around a heavy device, and features an 11,000mAh battery and is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1200 CPU, backed by 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. It also offers dual nano-SIM support. We also really liked the Oukitel WP10 and WP15 - check out our full reviews for more details.

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• Roborock has launched 3 new robot vacuums at CES 2025
• All have slimline designs that let them clean under low furniture
• The Saros 10 has a navigation puck that pops up and down

Roborock has launched a new fleet of robovacs at CES 2025. The Saros 10, Saros 10R and Saros Z70 are being pitched as joint flagship models, and all sport the latest-and-greatest robot vacuum tech the brand has to offer.

The one that'll probably turn the most heads is the Saros Z70, because it has a big robotic pincer arm attached, but I'd like to also turn your attention to the Saros 10 and 10R. Neither are quite as flashy (a robovac with limbs is a high bar), but both sport some quietly innovative features of their own – and perhaps of the kind that are more immediately useful to more people.

Specifically: neither has the the fixed, raised central puck that you'll find on most of today's best robot vacuums. That means they both have a relatively short profile and thus can clean places that are off-limits to those other, taller robots. The most obvious example is the space underneath low-sitting furniture, which tends to go unvacuumed and as a result, can be a bit of a dust and dirt hotspot.

Let me back up a bit. The most popular methods of robot vacuum navigation requires a raised puck in the center of the machine. For most bots, this is for LiDAR, but in Roborock's case, it's used for a system called LDS (Laser Distance Sensors). In both cases, the puck helps the bots to 'see' a more complete view of their surroundings. But it also adds height.

The Saros 10 has a navigation puck that can pop up and down (Image credit: Roborock)

The means by which Roborock has achieved this low-profile design is completely different on the 10R and the 10. The 10R still uses the tried-and-tested LDS system for mapping, and in fact it still has a central puck – except this time, it's retractable.

The puck is designed to sense when it's entering a reduced-height area, retreat back inside the bot (taking it down to a slimline height of a smidge under 8cm), and then pop right out again when height permits. The LDR puck, meanwhile, has an upward ToF (time-of-flight) sensor that emits an extra laser beam to detect the height of low spaces. It also houses a wide-angle vision module that Roborock says helps with accuracy of mapping and means the robovac is much less likely to get lost when the puck is in its hidden, shy-turtle state.

Overall, the brand promises a bot with excellent spatial awareness, which can "navigate complex environments with ease". And that includes confidently venturing into the dusty depths beneath your sofa.

Starry eyed

The Saros 10R doesn't have a puck at all – popup or no – and that's because it doesn't use LDS. Instead, it makes use of an entirely new type of navigation called StarSight, and it made its debut on the Roborock Qrevo Slim, which was announced at IFA 2024. It's the same height as a puck-down Saros 10 robot vacuum – 7.98cm.

Exactly how StarSight works remains something of a mystery to me – like many robovac navigation systems, it relies on sensors and cameras, and this time it's combined with an added helping of AI for accurate object identification and avoidance. The key to the precise mapping and navigation here is that is uses a sampling frequency that's 21x higher than LDS uses.

The Saros 10 uses a new method of navigation, which doesn't require a raised puck (Image credit: Roborock) Flagship specs

The navigation method is the key difference between the Saros 10R and the 10, which otherwise are extremely similar. In fact, they're also very similar to the Saros Z70, with the exception of that big robotic arm.

Other special features on both Saros bots include a frankly stupid 22,000Pa of suction, which I'd estimate is roughly enough to suck up my whole flat, and a rubber roller that's split in the middle, to allow hair to escape through the gap and into the trash. These features alone have me eyeing these models up for a potential spot on our best robot vacuums for pet hair list.

At time of writing, pricing details haven't been released, but Roborock says both bots will cost exactly the same. That means the customer can make their own call as to whether they prefer the tried-and-tested LDS navigation – which, it should be noted, has performed consistently well on all the Roborock robot vacuums we've tried it on – or the newer, fancier, altogether more appealingly named StarSight.

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!

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• OnePlus has confirmed the spec ahead of a full launch
• It's a significant upgrade over the OnePlus 12

We're a little bit in limbo when it comes to the OnePlus 13, as it's been unveiled in China but won't launch globally until next week. That means some specs of the international version are yet to be confirmed, but OnePlus has now announced one key feature.

OnePlus has now confirmed to Android Authority that all global variants of the flagship phone will have the dual IP68 and IP69-level protection against water and dust that the Chinese version of the OnePlus 13 offers.

As we reported when the handset launched in China, that dual rating means the handset will survive immersion in water, and can also withstand high-pressure jets of water. A vacuum seal, meanwhile, ensures no dust can get in at all.

In fact, the OnePlus 13 will be the first phone to go as high as IP69 outside of China and the other Asian markets. The exact details of how long the phone can last underwater and at what depth are set by the manufacturer and vary from device to device, but in terms of the official rating this is as good as it gets.

An important upgrade

The OnePlus 12 didn't offer an IP68/IP69 rating (Image credit: Future)

OnePlus has always approached waterproofing and dustproofing somewhat differently to everyone else: sometimes these ratings have varied between regions, and sometimes there haven't been ratings at all (even if the phones have been waterproof).

As our OnePlus 12 review will tell you, the lack of IP68 and IP69 support was one of our major complaints about the current handset, which became available internationally in January 2024 – almost a full year ago.

It's therefore a welcome upgrade that we're getting for 2025, and which puts the OnePlus 13 ahead of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL when it comes to protection against the elements.

We will of course bring you all the official news from the international launch of the OnePlus 13, which is scheduled for Tuesday, January 7. Everything gets underway from 7.30am PT / 10.30am ET / 3.30pm BST, which works out as Wednesday, January 8 at 2.30am AET for those in Australia.

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• Belkin's new power bank mixes specs and designs perfectly.
• It can magnetically attach to an iPhone, offering wireless or wired charging.
• It's modeled after a disposable camera and can act as a shutter button.

What’s better than a regular MagSafe-capable power bank that attaches to the back of your phone? Well, the answer is obviously one that comes in fun colors, has an integrated cable and looks like a classic point-and-shoot.

Luckily, Belkin just announced the Stage PowerGrip at CES 2025, which delivers all that and a little bit more. It’ll drop this coming May for a yet-to-be-revealed price. But considering it’s dropping before the summer kicks off in the United States and just before graduation, I wouldn’t be shocked to find this on wishlists.

The Stage PowerGrip will be available in five colors – powder blue, lavender, sandbox, pepper, and fresh yellow – and will snap onto the back of an iPhone 12 or newer thanks to the integrated MagSafe-capable ring. Once snapped to the back, it will act as a stand, allowing you to let the iPhone stand vertically or horizontally.

(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!

Considering it’s modeled off a classic point-and-shoot camera or even a disposable one, you can also use it to hold the phone landscape to take photos. The spot that traditionally shows how many shots are left on a camera is replaced with an LED screen here to show how much battery is left. Belkin packed a sizable 10,000mAh cell inside, which should be enough to charge an iPhone at least one-and-a-half times. There is even a button built-in, which, when paired with an iPhone, will allow it to act as a shutter.

Now, when attached wirelessly to the back, it will top out at 7.5 watts for charging. However, thanks to the integrated USB-C cable, which automatically retracts and stores away neatly, you can get a faster charge by plugging it into your phone. Alternatively, you could also use that cable to power another device – be it a phone, earbuds, or even another battery.

There is also a single USB-C port built into the right-hand side of the Stage PowerGrip for easy recharging of the power bank or fueling up another device, provided you bring the cable.

(Image credit: Belkin)

So, while Belkin’s Stage PowerGrip will likely cost more than a standard MagSafe-capable phone bank, you’re getting a bit more functionality powered in an incredibly aesthetically pleasing package. I look forward to spending a bit more time with it once I can get hands-on and eventually test it. We'll also need to wait for our TechRadar Best of CES Awards 2025 to know for sure if the Stage PowerGrip is the coolest.

If you’re looking for a more traditional power bank, Belkin’s latest BoostCharge Power Bank 20K will be available in April for $49.95 in four colors (blue, pink, black, or white). The integrated cable can deliver up to 30 watts for fast charging a device like an iPhone. In fact, Belkin promises it can charge an iPhone 16 Pro from 0% to 50% in just 25 minutes.

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• Roborock Saros Z70 unveiled at CES 2025
• First commercial robovac to have a retractible mechanical arm
• Due to go on sale in the first half of 2025

Robot vacuums are getting smarter and smarter, and today's best robot vacuums can do all kinds of magical things. Unfortunately, those innovations are often in software, meaning they can be a little lost on the average consumer. That is not the case with the Roborock Saros Z70 – which has a whole extra limb.

Yes, the Saros Z70, which has been officially unveiled at CES 2025, has a retractable robotic arm that takes care of tidying for you. It's called the OmniGrip 1.0, and it's a world-first for a mass-produced robovac.

I got a sneak preview of the Z70 a month ago, and it was absolutely mesmerizing. The bot looks much like any other robovac, except for a mysterious shiny hatch that sits on the upper surface. When requested, this hatch majestically opens and from it emerges a mechanical arm with a pincer on the end. The bot then scouts about for objects it has been told to clear – for example socks, or shoes – picks them up, and moves them to a new location. This pincer can extend and twist both horizontally and vertically to reach its prey.

You'll be able to set default behaviors in the app, so you might specify that everything the bot recognizes as a sock needs to go next to your laundry basket, for example. Similarly, discarded shoes could also be relocated to a specified 'shoes area', and ditto things like clothes or trash.

Not only is that a win in terms of being one less task for you to take care of yourself, it also means a more complete clean, as the bot has a clearer floor to vacuum.

(Image credit: Future)

If the idea of autonomous robots with limbs is making you feel a little uncomfortable, be reassured that Roborock has built in a few safety features. All of the OmniGrip 1.0's functionality is entirely disabled by default; the owner needs to specify exactly how it wants the arm to operate, via the app. You choose what objects the OmniGrip should interact with, and where they need to go. If you don't do that, it'll just stay behind its door permanently.

There's a child-lock and a safety stop button, plus the pincer has a relatively low-tension grip – the maximum weight is apparently roughly equivalent to a pair of shoes. That means that even if it did try to haul away your cat (and to be clear, it shouldn't), it wouldn't be able to.

Speaking of which, Roborock is apparently working on a function where the Saros Z70 will actually be able to play with your cat while you're out. If the cat deigns to get involved, of course.

There's always plenty of wacky tech at CES, so you'd be forgiven for assuming (as I did) that this was little more than an attention-grabbing prototype, rather than something consumer-ready. Apparently not. Pre-production samples are due to go on sale this month, retail samples are scheduled for March 2025, and open sales scheduled for H1 (i.e. in the first half of the year, before the end of June).

Is this the future of robot vacuums? Maybe…

I saw a slightly older generation version of the Z70 – in fact, not even the latest version at that point, but rather a touring press-event model that had picked up a war wound to its hatch as a result of some over-zealous handling in New York. Even without the latest software updates, and a few glitches during the demo, it was undoubtedly impressive, and certainly like nothing we've ever seen before in the world of robotic vacuums.

Is this the way robot vacuums are heading? Maybe. I'm encouraged by the fact that this bot is coming from Roborock, a brand that consistently impresses us with its new launches, and can be relied upon to deliver useful innovations that actually work. We loved the Roborock Qrevo Curv, which came with quad-bike-like suspension to bounce it over tall thresholds, for example.

(L-R) The Roborock Saros 10, 10R and Z70 robot vacuums (Image credit: Roborock)

While it's exciting to see something totally new, realistically, I suspect that for the moment, sister models the Saros 10 and 10R will be the ones that people actually buy. The three options are being positioned as joint flagship models, and all three have the latest and greatest tech from the rest of the Roborock fleet.

The 10 and 10R are similar, but the former uses a traditional LDS module for navigation, while the latter uses the newer StarSight system (introduced with the Qrevo Slim, and notable because it doesn't rely on a raised central puck, meaning the overall bot profile can be slimmer). The Z70 is again similar, but with the all-important addition of the robo-arm.

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!

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• ESET Password Manager adds advanced security and breach detection
• Multithread Scanning enhances performance on multi-core Windows devices
• Mac users get tailored firewalls for seamless protection

ESET has unveiled major upgrades to its HOME Security suite aimed at enhancing protection against a growing array of cyber threats.

The new features are designed to address concerns surrounding identity theft, ransomware, phishing, and data privacy, reflecting the increasing sophistication of online threats.

The upgraded ESET Identity Protection integrates Dark Web Monitoring, which actively scans the Dark Web, blogs, and black-market forums to detect and alert users about any illegal trading or misuse of their personal information, and then sends an alert to enable them to take swift action.

ESET upgrades HOME Security

ESET HOME Security builds on its existing layers of protection, which include antivirus, anti-phishing, ransomware protection, and VPN capabilities. Designed as an all-in-one solution, it extends coverage to a wide range of devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

The newly-launched ESET Folder Guard enhances protection for Windows, allowing users to designate specific folders as protected, preventing untrusted applications from modifying or deleting important files and therefore protecting against threats like ransomware and destructive malware.

The upgrade also improves scan efficiency for multi-core Windows devices with Multithread Scanning, which takes advantage of the multiple CPU cores to optimize performance and reduces system slowdown during scans.

For Android users, the upgraded Link Scanner in ESET Mobile Security provides an anti-phishing shield. Unlike conventional anti-phishing tools that focus on web and social media apps, Link Scanner examines all links opened across apps, including gaming and messaging platforms.

ESET Password Manager has also been upgraded, offering users the ability to remotely log out of active sessions and check stored passwords against breach databases. The inclusion of a third-party two-factor authenticator app further bolsters security.

Mac users also benefit from a redesigned unified firewall, integrated into the main graphical interface of ESET HOME Security.

“Our team of experts created a powerful digital life protection solution that blends more than 30 years of human expertise with artificial intelligence, multilayered security technology, and live cloud protection," said Viktória Ivanová, Vice President of Consumer and IoT Segment at ESET.

"Following a prevention-first approach that stops threats before they can do any harm, ESET HOME Security brings peace of mind regarding privacy and security, while staying user-friendly, powerful, light, and fast.”

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