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Samsung’s 61.44TB BM1743, its highest-capacity SSD to date, typically sells for $7,500, but it's currently listed on ServerSupply for $5,950, but with available discounts the final price drops to $5,593.

This brings the cost to under $0.09 per gigabyte, making it one of the best $/GB values in the ultra-high-capacity PCIe Gen5 category.

The drive is a 2.5-inch U.2 model built for read-intensive workloads. It features a PCIe 5.0 x4 NVMe interface, QLC V-NAND flash, and high sustained throughput.

Add an adapter

Read speeds top out at 14,200MBps, with write speeds reaching 2,100MBps.

Random performance peaks at 850,000 IOPS for reads and 30,000 IOPS for writes. Latency is 150 microseconds for reads and 30 microseconds for writes.

It’s rated for 0.26 drive writes per day and supports 29,153TB of total endurance.

Features include TCG Opal 2.0 encryption, AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption, enhanced power-loss protection, and full end-to-end data path integrity.

The SSD also includes static and dynamic wear leveling, plus support for advanced S.M.A.R.T. monitoring.

Power requirements are high. Read operations draw 23.8 watts, writes consume 24.7 watts, and idle power use is listed at 5 watts.

Despite being designed for enterprise systems, the BM1743 can be used with standard PCs and laptops via a USB adapter, making it a good choice for power users, creators, and developers (with pretty deep pockets) who need large, fast storage without building a server.

Products like the Sabrent EC-U2SA allow users to connect U.2 SSDs over USB 3.2. This adapter includes a 12V/2A power supply to handle high draw, supports TRIM and UASP, and works with both Windows and macOS.

The adapter is currently available to buy on Amazon for $34.99, down from its usual $59.99.

The SSD’s listed price on ServerSupply is $5,950, but a 5% discount is automatically applied at checkout and an additional 1% is available when using the retailer’s mobile app, bringing the final price to $5,593.

More from TechRadar Pro

• These are the best SSDs you can buy right now
• And these are the largest SSDs and HDDs available
• Samsung hints at 122.88TB SSD as it quietly releases a 61.44TB model

3i G10+ robot vacuum: two-minute review

The 3i G10+ is a hybrid robot vacuum and mop that has a clever USP that makes it an especially good choice for small homes: the onboard dust cup is around twice the usual size, and compresses its contents to fit even more in. It's an ideal solution for those people who don't have space for a massive self-empty base station taking up their living room, but equally don't want to have to manually empty dust after every clean.

While it lacks the fancier features found on today's best robot vacuums, it's certainly one of the best budget robovacs I've tested, punching above its affordable price tag. There are several features I wouldn't expect in this price bracket, including an extending side brush and a mop pad that kicks out to get closer to the edges of rooms and can lift when traversing carpet. The result is very thorough vacuuming, strong edge cleaning, and solid mopping too.

It's not perfect. I found the 3i G10+ struggled to mount the charger when the dock was placed on a carpet, and the object avoidance is a little hit-and-miss. It's also not the best choice if mopping is your priority – the small onboard tank needs refilling regularly, and the fact the mop pads can't be removed from their base for machine-washing is annoying.

However, given the overall balance of performance to price, I think the 3i G10+ is a very solid recommendation. For me, the pros vastly outweigh the cons. Read on for my full 3i G10+ robot vacuum review.

(Image credit: Future)3i G10+ robot vacuum review: price & availability

• List price: $449 (about £560 / AU$1,110)
• Available: US only
• Launched: January 2025 (on sale June 2025)

The 3i G10+ was unveiled at CES 2025 and then went on sale in June that year. It's only available in the US, and any way you slice it, the 3i G10+ is very well-priced for what you're getting. At full list price, it's $449, but at time of writing it was reduced to $399 (about £560 / AU$1,110). Both fall into the TechRadar budget price bracket for robovacs. Sure, you can go cheaper with some robot vacuum models, but to get one with mopping capability, this is about as low as you can go.

There's also the innovative dust compression, enabling you to avoid having to make space for a bulky dock. There are only a few other bots that offer this. One example is the Narwal Freo X Plus, which costs about the same as the G10+ (going for $399.99 / AU$899), but has some unwelcome quirks that the 3i doesn't suffer from. There's also the Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo for $469.99 / £399, but the least said about that bot and its performance, the better.

The Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 goes for the same price when discounted, but has a higher MSRP of $699.99 / £449.99. It does have a bigger auto-self emptying base station with a 1.9 quart (about 1.8L) dustbin capacity, so requires a bit more space. It's also a bit older of a model, which at the time of review had a glitchy app and just average mopping. With the 3i G10+, you get 1 still very good 1L dustbin without having to set aside the space for such a big base station. And that's Shark's most reasonably priced mopping robot vacuum.

The Ecovacs Deebot N10 Plus might be the robot vacuum that the 3i G10+ reminds me of most. The Ecovacs has a higher MSRP of $649.99 / £499 / AU$999, but can be regularly found at the same price as the 3i G10+. It also has a small auto-self emptying base station. It, however, has an annoying quirk in that you have to physically remove the mop pad for use on carpet. And in that regard, the 3i G10+ is easier to use, as I'll get into below.

While the 3i G10+ isn't quite perfect, it sets a high bar for anything around $400.

• Value for money score: 4.5 out of 5

3i G10+ robot vacuum specs

Max suction:

18,000 Pa

Robot diameter:

14 in / 35.6 cm

Robot height:

4.3 in / 10.9 cm

Dock dimensions (W x D x H):

5.9 x 5.3 x 3.8 in / 15 x 13.5 x 9.7 cm

Dust bin volume (bot):

1L

Water tank volume (bot):

0.2L

Base type:

Charge only

Noise level (average):

52dB

Runtime:

180 minutes

3i G10+ robot vacuum review: design

• Large capacity onboard dustbin with compression
• Water tank is small but easy to access
• Extendable side brush and mop pad

The 3i G10+ might have the typical disc shape, but it doesn't look like most robot vacuums. Instead of the little raised navigation tower poking out of the top, this robot vacuum has a much larger, almost egg-shaped raised portion that not only contains sensors (the typical reason for these raised areas), but also the power button and, most importantly, the dustbin.

That dustbin is unusual in that not only does it have a supersized 1L capacity – most robot vacuums have less than half of that – but also an internal mechanism to compress all the dirt and debris coming in. That means that even though there's no auto-empty dustbin in the dock (instead, it's a compact, charge-only setup), you won't need to empty the onboard bin too regularly. Because the dust is potentially sitting around in the bot for a while, 3i has built in a UV light to keep things hygienic.

Image 1 of 4

The whole bin section can be pulled out of the top of the bot (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 4

The onboard bin features a dust compressing paddle (Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 4

The water tank is tiny (Image credit: Future)Image 4 of 4

The charge-only dock is pleasingly compact (Image credit: Future)

Getting back to the exterior of the 3i G10+. The water tank hugs the back of the unit and pulls off and snaps back into place via magnets, making it very easy to access and fill up. It has a small capacity – just 247ml – so it needs regular refilling.

(If you're using the mop on a regular basis then a bigger, more comprehensive clean station that can wash and dry the mop pads for you, as well as refilling the tanks, is a big effort-saver. Although you will of course have to make space for it.)

Select manual controls can be found on top of the robot (Image credit: Future)

Underneath, there's a single side brush, a brush roll, and a stationary mop pad. However, there's more going on here as well. That side brush can extend out to reach further into the edges of rooms. The mop pad is just a stationary one, but the 3i G10+ can move the whole pad out a bit for more thorough edge mopping too. Those kinds of features are unusual for robot vacuums at this price point.

• Design score: 4.5 out of 5

3i G10+ robot vacuum review: performance

• Very good vacuuming and solid mopping, including edges
• Mop pad can't be removed from mount for machine-washing
• Quiet operation

While I usually prefer robot vacuums to have two side brushes, one on each side, the single brush and brush roll on the 3i G10+ proved more than up to the job of vacuuming whatever dirt, dust, and debris was lying around. It helps that the side brush actually extends out, sweeping anything away from the edge of the room and into the bot's suction path.

Image 1 of 2

The 3i G10+ tackling my suction tests (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

The result after a single pass (Image credit: Future)

I used this robot vacuum on hardwood flooring, tile and carpet, and found it did a very solid job on all three. I also ran TechRadar's usual suction tests, sprinkling flour, sugar, and breakfast cereal on the floor and seeing how efficiently it cleared it. It took two passes to get everything, but once those were complete, you couldn't tell that anything had been spilled.

This bot is especially good at edge cleaning (Image credit: Future)

The mopping performance is pretty good as well, though not quite up to the standard of the vacuuming. The mop pad is the flat kind that gets dragged across the floor. It's great for surface-level cleaning but not tough enough for anything more challenging – I find dual, spinning mop pads offer more thorough clean.

In general use I found the coverage was good, and not streaky the way that this kind of mop pad can be. Because the mop pad can kick out to the side, the si G10+ is great at mopping into the edges of rooms. Also a plus is the fact that it will lift the mop pad up a few millimeters when going onto carpet to keep said carpet from getting wet – you don't always get that kind of functionality with a bot at this price point.

The 3i G10+ tackling my mopping tests (Image credit: Future)

I ran some mopping tests that involved spilling soda and coffee on the floor and seeing how well the bot handled it. While it cleared the area effectively, my whole floor ended up smelling like coffee and soda afterwards. I'd recommend tackling spillages manually, to avoid this.

Because the base station doesn't have mop-cleaning capabilities, you'll also need to stay on top of washing the mop pads fairly regularly. Annoyingly (and unusually), while the mop and its mount can be removed from the bot, the cloth part doesn't come off its mount. That means you can't throw it in a washing machine, but instead have to hand-wash. I was annoyed to find the mop cloth-and-mount took nearly a day to dry, though it went a lot quicker when I put it in the sun.

Object avoidance is hit-and-miss (Image credit: Future)

The object avoidance is unfortunately not as good as advertised. While the G10+ did manage to register and avoid some objects, I also watched it push around a bag clip, bump into a dog water bowl, and climb up on the base of a chair and end up stuck. Overall, the object avoidance is rather hit and miss. I've found that to be par for the course with more budget and mid-range models, though.

On the bright side, operation is relatively quiet, registering at 52dB during regular use and 56dB when extending side brush. I've used some robot vacuums that get much, much louder and it can be distracting. Having one with a quiet drone, especially when I'm trying to work or do something when it's running, is appreciated.

Emptying the onboard dust bin (Image credit: Future)

The battery lasts a very decent 240 minutes – enough time to clean the full 700 square feet area it could reach without having to recharge.

Lastly, though it vacuums just fine on carpet, it can't seem to get back onto its base station when on carpet (medium pile for reference). It's as if the 3i G10+ can't catch onto the ramp attached to the base station to reach the charging contacts. It's a bit strange and one of the drawbacks of not having a bigger mat for the robot vacuum to go up on.

• Performance score: 4 out of 5

3i G10+ robot vacuum review: app

• Straightforward to set up and use including maps
• Has an AI Auto Mode to make things even easier
• Comes with pet camera and manual controls

I typically don't find a lot of issues with robot vacuum apps these days, and it's no different with the 3i app. It's intuitive to get started, from pairing to going through the various instructions to complete the setup process. Other than waiting for the app and vacuum to pair and connect to WiFi, it's also a straightforward process.

Part of setting it up is also mapping your space and, though the 3i G10+ takes its time, it does a thorough job and even guesses the names of different rooms (not always correctly). Editing the map does take a tiny bit of menu diving, but once you get the screen to make changes, it works well and is happy to let you partition certain spaces more than once – an issue I've actually had with some models.

(Image credit: 3i / Future)

As far as using the app, the 3i G10+ home page is straightforward with the map top center, important info at the top, menu diving icons top right, as well as the more specific cleaning functions on the lower half of the screen.

There's a lot of flexibility for adjusting how you want your space cleaned including whether you want to vacuum or vacuum and mop, along with suction power, water level, cycles, and more. But if you don't want to manually set the cleaning mode, 'AI Auto' will decide the various settings for you. I found it useful for spaces with different types of surfaces – for example, it'll adjust automatically when going from hardwood to carpet.

Beyond the meat and potatoes of the app, there are more useful features including Alexa and Google Voice Assistant support. You can even take over the camera and motor functions to check on a pet when you're not home.

• App score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the 3i G10+ robot vacuum?

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

Budget bracket, with a very solid feature list for the price.

4.5 / 5

Design

The large onboard dustbin with compression is just part of what sets this bot apart. It also has an extendable side brush and mop pad.

4.5 / 5

Performance

Very solid vacuuming, good mopping and thorough edge cleaning. Quiet in operation, too. However, struggles to return to dock if dock is placed on carpet.

4 / 5

App

The interface and mapping, along with everything else, is easy.

4.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You don't have a lot of space

The dustbin has such a large capacity (for an on-board dustbin) that the base station can be and is tiny. You won't need nearly the same amount of space that mopping vacuums with bigger base stations need.

You're on a budget

The 3i G10+ sits in the budget bracket and offers a very strong featureset. You're getting a lot for your money.

You care about the edges

With both an extendable side brush and an extendable mop pad, the 3i G10+ is able to reach your room's edges when vacuuming and mopping.

Don't buy it if...

You want deep mopping

The mopping performance is fine, but for more thorough scrubbing you're better with dual rotating mop pads than the stationary pad on this bot.

Your entire place is carpeted

It might just be my medium pile carpet, but this robot vacuum could not return to its base station when on carpet. Unless you also want to get a mat to put underneath the base station, you'll want to avoid if your whole place is carpeted.

Your priority is mopping

If you're going to be mopping a lot, the small water tank and lack of automatic mop-cleaning features is going to get annoying – not to mention the fact you can't chuck the mop pad into the washing machine.

3i G10+ robot vacuum review: alternatives to consider

Ecovacs Deebot N10 Plus

The Ecovacs Deebot N10 Plus is an affordable mopping robot vacuum with an auto self-emptying dustbin that does the job well. It has a longer battery life than the 3i G10+, but it also has the annoying quirk of needing its mop pad removed for use on carpet.

Read our full Ecovacs Deebot N10 Plus review

Yeedi C12 Pro Plus

Originally set at the same price point, the Narwal Freo X Plus also vacuums and mops without a towering base station. Of course, it doesn't have the 3i G10+'s dustbin, but it does come with a mat so it doesn't have the issues getting to its base station on carpets.

Read our full Narwal Freo X Plus review

How I tested the 3i G10+ robot vacuum

To test the 3i G10+, I used it for a couple weeks, testing its vacuum and mop capabilities not only on hardwood floors, but also when going from hardwood floors to carpets (with some intentionally dropped objects here and there). I also tested its cleaning abilities with spillages of various types. I went through every nook and cranny of the app, looking at things like mapping and ease of use.

Read more about how we test robot vacuum cleaners

• First reviewed July 2025

Trump had most recently threatened tariffs of 30% on imports from the European Union. But on Sunday, he met with the president of the European Commission, and they agreed to a lower level.

(Image credit: Brendan Smialowski)

If you're reading this, odds are you've read a thing or two about standing desks and perhaps even thought about building out your setup already. If you've done that, I'd be willing to guess you've seen or considered a desk shelf. That was me years ago when I started my journey in the desk setup world.

Even way back then, I was familiar with the company Grovemade. It was the pinnacle of the desk shelf back then, and even to this day, with more competitors than I could count, they remain the original gorgeous desk shelf, continuing to create beauty to this day.

When I saw they were teasing a standing desk, my excitement was near uncontainable. I knew that if a company cared this much about the quality of a desk shelf, imagine how much care would go into an entire standing desk. Now, I've tested many of the best standing desks around, but I could never have predicted just how good this desk is.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Grovemade Standing Desk: Pricing and Availability

The Grovemade Standing Desk can be purchased directly from Grovemade for $2,900. They have a 4-6 week turnaround time and can ship to the USA, Canada, and Japan only.

They have six wood options and one size option, which is a bummer if you come from a world of heavy customization in sizing, but for everyone else, this desk size feels perfect.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Grovemade Standing Desk: Unboxing & first impressions

Opening up the boxes for this desk grew my excitement by the minute. The spectacular aroma of the real walnut, the curves of genuine craftsmanship, and the intricate parts all fit together beautifully. This desk was built, and I was setting up the workspace and organizing it mere 45 minutes after it was delivered to my door -- that's how excited I was.

I chose to get the complementary desk shelf, along with a desk mat, some other walnut accessories, dual monitor arms, a lamp, and a few other accessories to build out this dream setup.

The standout feature, of course, is the built-in drawer. My first impression of this drawer was one of shock and amazement, as it was exactly what I had hoped Grovemade would do; in fact, it's nearly exactly what I would do in an ideal world. It's organized, designed for quick access to things, and it has a spot for my laptop, allowing me to dock it and keep it out of the way.

Alternatively, can use it to store whatever else I want and have it as an active charging bay or for other purposes. Another standout feature is the slit in the desktop, which allows cables to pass through the middle of the desk instead of coming up and around the outside.

All around, this desk has some of the most wow-factor of any product I have had the pleasure of working with. And the shock and awe doesn't just end at a first glance.

Grovemade Standing Desk: Design & Build Quality

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Specs

Dimensions: 58 x 28 inches
Lifting Capacity: 270lbs
Drawer Capacity: 30lbs
Weight: 134lbs

The craftsmanship of this desk is out of this world. The solid walnut with a soft matte finish is peak craftsmanship in my mind. The CNC's drawer is a modern marvel and a work of art, combining two productivity-enhancing features that are precisely what I could have ever wished for with standing desks. The passthrough slit in the middle of the desk is another one of those spectacular features that I fell in love with.

It shows intentional craftsmanship, and it shows that Grovemade thought ahead to how some people want to be able to do a passthrough, but not all. Unlike others that have huge passthroughs or other systems built in, which can make it hard not to use the system as the company intended, Grovemade added a slit just big enough to be used or ignored, and there isn't a problem either way.

Another notable feature with a spectacular design is the drop-down tray that spans the width of the desk, used for both power and cable management. This option helps make the power accessible, gives ample space, and also helps keep everything clean on the desk itself. Additionally, if the desk were not positioned against the wall, it would also serve as a modesty shield, providing a bit of privacy from that angle.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Grovemade Standing Desk: In use

I've had the Grovemade Desk assembled and a part of my fleet for 87 days. For those 87 days, this desk itself has grown on me and has become nearly the perfect desk for most people. I've built it out to be one of my favorite setups, featuring dual monitors on a simple monitor arm, an iPad Pro dock from Kensington, a desk mat, some nice accessories from Grovemade such as the pen holder, and a Magsafe stand, a Thunderbolt Docking Station, another one to run DisplayLink to the dual monitors from Dell. I also added a simple light bar (though I wish I had chosen to spend the extra money on one from BenQ rather than this random Amazon find), an Apple Magic Trackpad, and a gorgeous Keychron K2 HE keyboard.

The drawer organization is, in fact, the dream. It's precisely how I would have set it up if I were designing it. There is a clean spot to place my laptop with plenty of ventilation, keeping it safe and out of the way without needing extra accessories. There is a separate compartment large enough for books, notebooks, papers, pens, tools, accessories, and more.

Over the last 87 days, I have adjusted and tweaked just about everything to make it work exactly as I want. Having a built-in drawer that raises and lowers with the desk and is made of premium material to keep my gear organized is a massive step up in the desk world.

The cable management in the legs is also spectacular. I was able to tuck all my cabling from the desk through the slit and down into this management area, plugging into the power I needed, and hiding my secondary dock in here so that, regardless of the laptop I'm using, I can run both displays.

The controller is another very unique piece of this desk. The controls are very different than a standard controller, but once I got used to it, it feels like second nature now. I can easily and precisely adjust between standing and sitting heights, and I can adapt anywhere in between that I want to. Plus, it hides away under the drawer, sliding out with it when the drawer is extended and tucked away nicely when it's not.

Pairing this desk with a Grovemade shelf is an obvious choice if you have the cash for it, but if you don't, there are still great setup options that you can build without a desk shelf. What makes this desk so beautiful is that it's versatile. This desk can be easily used by a creative designer, a business professional, a teacher, a student, an engineer, a developer, a project manager, and so on. The desk is so versatile that it can accommodate almost any workflow.

Having seen many desks, I've identified some potential pain points for this desk that could make it less ideal for specific users. If you are the kind of person who has to mount things under the desk, like my home office beast of a desk that has servers, switches, a Mac mini, a NAS, and more all mounted under it, then this desk would make it very difficult to do that. There is minimal space where there is no drawer or cable management. But, for just about everyone else, this desk is not only perfect, but a dream come true.

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Gorgeous, intuitive design

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use for anyone

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Practical for most

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Expensive, but fair

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Grovemade Standing Desk: Final verdict

Grovemade didn't just build a desk - it changed what I think of when I think of a standing desk. The company designed an entire workspace, not just a phenomenal base on which to build a workspace. And somehow managed to do this in a way that did not limit users to a single niche.

The company chose to invest in R&D, utilize high-quality products, and create something that nobody has before. Everything feels intentional, planned, thought through, and designed, rather than being hastily put together to make a profit.

If you're looking for a workspace, not just a plank of wood or wood-like material on some legs, then the Grovemade Desk needs to be at the top of your considerations, seriously.

Creating the perfect, productive workspace? We've tested and reviewed the best office chairs around.

Upgrade to a slim wallet with sleek, minimalist designs perfect for everyday carry. Cut the bulk and streamline your pockets.

• Lost yield from stochastics is costing chipmakers billions at advanced process nodes
• Current process control methods are not enough to solve high-volume stochastics failures
• New whitepaper outlines design and measurement solutions to close stochastics gap

A new whitepaper has claimed the semiconductor industry is losing billions of dollars due to something few outside the field have heard of: stochastic variability.

This form of random patterning variation is now considered the biggest hurdle to achieving high yields at the most advanced process nodes.

The paper was contributed by Austin, Texas-based Fractilia, whose CTO, Chris Mack, noted, “Stochastic variability is contributing to multibillion-dollar delays in introducing advanced process technology into high volume manufacturing.”

Affecting yield, performance and reliability

Mack further explained current process control strategies have not been able to address these random effects.

“Closing the stochastics gap requires completely different methodologies that device makers need to validate and adopt,” Mack said.

Fractilia defines this “stochastics gap” as the difference between what can be patterned in research and what can be reliably mass-produced at acceptable yields.

At the heart of this gap is a randomness rooted in the physics of materials, molecules, and light sources used in chip production.

Although these effects were once negligible, they now consume a growing share of the manufacturing error budget.

“We have seen our customers make dense features as small as 12 nanometers in research and development,” Mack said. “But when they try to move it into manufacturing, stochastic failures are affecting their ability to achieve acceptable yield, performance and reliability.”

The problem has grown alongside the rise of EUV and high-NA EUV lithography. These advances have allowed chipmakers to attempt even smaller features, but also made them more vulnerable to stochastic defects.

Unlike conventional variability, this type can’t be eliminated with tighter controls, it needs to be managed with probability-based design and measurement techniques.

“The stochastics gap is an industry-wide problem,” Mack said. “This issue can be minimized and controlled, but it all starts with accurate stochastics measurement technology.”

The whitepaper, which you can download here, includes an analysis of the problem and proposes stochastics-aware design, materials innovation, and updated process controls as the path forward.

You might also like

• TSMC and Broadcom could tear apart Intel's legendary business after 57 years
• MIT researchers say nanoscale 3D transistors promise more efficient electronics
• EU needs to update Chips Act and provide more support, semiconductor body says

Thunderbolt 5 is a part of the newest laptop line-ups, whether we are ready for it or not. TB5 has incredible speeds, excellent reliability, and a plethora of other features that make it great. However, if your laptop has Thunderbolt 5, why wouldn't you want your docking station to support it so that you can take advantage of all the speed?

The FusionDock Pro 3 from iVanky is a single dock with two styles. They have the tower design and the deck design. The tower is designed to stand upright, much like the old Nintendo Wii. And the deck style looks about like every other docking station you may think of.

I grabbed the deck model because it would fit better into my workspace area. This model features three Thunderbolt 5 ports, a port for connecting to the laptop, 140W charging, a 2.5GbE network, multiple USB-A ports, an SD Card reader, and a headphone jack. Overall, this adds 11 ports to your MacBook Pro, Dell Pro, Lenovo, or any other laptop you may have.

Like just about all of the best docking stations supporting TB5, one thing to note right off the bat is that you can use this dock with any USB-C-enabled device; however, you won't get full-speed functionality unless your machine has a Thunderbolt 5 port available.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )iVANKY FusionDock Pro 3: Pricing and Availability

The FusionDock Pro 3, as a tower, is a whopping $459 on iVANKY's website. The deck that I grabbed is $439.99 on the same website, making a powerful docking station a tad more palatable.

You can purchase this newly released docking station from iVanky's website, Amazon, or B&H.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )iVANKY FusionDock Pro 3: Unboxing & first impressions

The FusionDock Pro 3 is a plain-looking device. However, it feels substantial and durable, with a weighty feel. Additionally, the metallic casing gives it a sturdy feel, suggesting it can withstand a few hits and bumps without breaking.

One thing that shocked me was the size of the power brick, but then again, it can output power to my laptop at up to 140W, so I shouldn't be too surprised that it has a hefty power brick.

iVANKY FusionDock Pro 3: Design & Build Quality

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Specs

Ports: 3x TB5, 4x USB-A, 1x RJ45, 1x SD card, 1x Audio Jack,
Ethernet: 2.5GbE
PD: 140 W upstream, 60 W downstream PD

The FusionDock Pro 3 features a simple, matte metallic shell with a matte black plastic front and back, housing the ports. The port layout is straightforward and thought through. While my personal preference for the desk setup determines whether I prefer the cable connecting to the computer to be in the front or the back of the dock, for this one, it's positioned up front.

On the front of the dock, we have (from left to right) the power button, some indicator lights, the 140W port for the laptop or computer, a TB5 port, a USB-A port, the SD Card reader, and then the headphone jack. That all makes a lot of sense to have readily accessible on the front, and I'm happy to see a TB5 on the front. Too many docks have those hidden away in the back only.

On the back of the dock is a row of three USB-A ports, an RJ45 port, two TB5 ports, and then the barrel connector. I am not a fan of barrel connectors, so I understand why some docks still use them.

Some other features worth mentioning are the rubber pads on the bottom side of the dock, which help prevent sliding, and the numerous ventilation holes that keep the device cool while it's working hard.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )iVANKY FusionDock Pro 3: In use

I recently purchased an M4 Pro MacBook Pro, which features the TB5 port, making me all the more excited to try this docking station out. In addition, a handful of the laptops I have in for testing (reviews coming soon) also feature Thunderbolt 5. In my testing, I was able to transfer files back and forth between my laptop and my Synology BeeStation as well as my Synology DS925+.

I was able to set up an entire workstation through a single dock, without feeling like I was missing anything. I tested single-monitor setups, dual-monitor setups, and, using one of the laptops I have, even a triple-monitor setup with just this dock. I did have to use an adapter for one of the monitors, though, which is an important thing to note.

This docking station, since it doesn't have an HDMI or DP port, will need adapters to connect non-USB-C displays. Many of the newer monitors are compatible, but if it's not a new one, you'll need to obtain an HDMI to USB-C or DisplayPort to USB-C adapter or dongle.

During testing, especially when running triple displays or transferring large files, the docking station did get a bit warm, but it never became too hot, nor did it activate a fan or any other similar mechanism. Watching that little dock do so much and all at speeds that didn't feel possible a mere few years ago was impressive.

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Sleek and clean

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use once and setup

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Practical for TB5 Users

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Expensive, but fair

⭐⭐⭐⭐

iVANKY FusionDock Pro 3: Final verdict

The iVanky FusionDock Pro 3 is an impressive Thunderbolt 5 docking station, available at a brand-new price with cutting-edge technology. If you don't need Thunderbolt 5, a different, more cost-effective dock may be better suited for you. However, if you have Thunderbolt 5 in your computer and need to maximize transfer speeds, then this is a spectacular choice in a docking station for you.

• A massive 28,000mAh battery makes the FOSSiBOT F107 Pro feel more like a rugged tablet
• FOSSiBOT F107 Pro blends 200MP photography with bulk, weight, and questionable image processing
• Starlight Night Vision from the F107 Pro could work, but only under ideal outdoor conditions

Night vision in smartphones has long been synonymous with grainy black-and-white images, often requiring infrared lighting to function.

The FOSSiBOT F107 Pro claims to challenge this status quo with what it calls “Starlight Night Vision,” a technology which promises full-color visibility in near-total darkness.

The core of the F107 Pro’s pitch lies in its ability to capture full-color imagery in lighting conditions as low as 0.0005 lux.

Color night vision at near-total darkness levels

For comparison, this device can capture decent images in an environment that's darker than a moonless night in the wilderness.

This feat is supposedly achieved through a large-aperture lens and an ultra-sensitive sensor that uses ambient light sources like stars and scattered moonlight.

If it works as advertised, it could be valuable for field professionals or extreme outdoor users.

But it’s worth asking how often such perfect low-light conditions align in real-world use, and whether typical users will experience the kind of visual clarity the device showcases in marketing materials.

In terms of photography specs, the rugged smartphone certainly doesn’t hold back.

A 200MP main camera and a 50MP wide-angle macro lens make for an ambitious setup, while a 32MP front camera rounds things out for video calls or vlogging.

Although large sensor numbers don’t always guarantee image quality, processing software and lens quality play a crucial role too.

And with rugged phones, camera optimization is often where manufacturers cut corners in favor of durability.

On the performance side, the F107 Pro runs on MediaTek’s Dimensity 7300 5G processor and boasts up to 30GB RAM (with virtual memory expansion) and 512GB of onboard storage, expandable to 2TB.

That’s enough power to multitask, store extensive media files, or run demanding business smartphone applications.

The phone also carries a massive 28,000mAh battery, which seems more aligned with rugged tablet territory.

While impressive, this also means a heavier, bulkier device, which everyday users may find less convenient.

This device is physically resilient, and it is built to survive drops, dust, water, and temperature extremes with MIL-STD-810H certification and IP68/IP69K ratings.

The F107 Pro may not replace a flagship for casual users, but it’s certainly built to compete in the niche market of field-ready devices.

Via Androidpc

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ChatGPT, Gemini and company are going down the rabbit holes so you don't have to.

Buying one of the best student laptops isn’t always easy, especially if you’re eyeing up one of Apple’s MacBooks and are working to a tight budget. MacBooks are some of the most expensive laptops out there, and while they’re packed with features and practically last forever, your finances can still take a hit.

Apple offers student discounts across its range of products, yet these aren’t the most generous offers you’ll see. But what if I told you there’s another way to get a cheap MacBook without compromising on quality or buying from a dodgy third-party website? In fact, you can score a top-quality MacBook directly from Apple while saving hundreds in the process.

I can vouch for this method, too, as I’ve done it myself and am still pleased with what I got years later. Try it out yourself, and you’ll get an excellent new Mac for college without breaking the bank.

Apple’s education store

(Image credit: Apple)

The most conventional way to get one of the best MacBooks for college is to use Apple’s education website. This houses various deals for students on devices like Macs and iPads, and Apple often throws in free extras (like a pair of AirPods or an Apple Pencil) when you buy through this store.

The problem is that the deals you’ll find there aren’t always that attractive. Most Macs only come with $100 off – the MacBook Air is priced at $899 through Apple’s education storefront, as opposed to its regular $999 price, for example. A 10% discount is fine, but not earth-shattering.

If you’re in the market for an Apple device and were planning on buying one of the accessories that the company bundles in for free anyway, it’s worth a look. For instance, if you were going to get a MacBook and a new Magic Mouse, you can get the latter for free from Apple, which is a great deal. But these offers don’t last forever, and if you can’t get one – or would rather save even more money on a laptop than have an accessory you don’t need – there’s another place you should be looking.

Don’t get me wrong, any saving is welcome, and you’d do far worse than to accept the $100 off that Apple’s education store provides. But I know we can do better than that.

The refurbished alternative

(Image credit: Farknot Architect / Shutterstock)

Enter Apple's Certified Refurbished store. There, you’ll find a whole host of Apple products that have been returned by previous customers, fitted up and repaired by Apple, then sold on at a steep discount.

I know what you’re thinking: why would you buy a refurbished product when you can get a brand-new one from Apple? Aren’t refurbished ones full of dents, scuffs, and other problems?

That might be the case when you buy from third-party refurbished stores, but not from Apple. Apple’s refurbishment process is rigorous: the company cleans, tests, and inspects each device, replaces any faulty parts with genuine replacement components, and ships it to you for free in a new box with new cables and accessories. You get a one-year warranty, too, with the option to insure your device with AppleCare.

I bought a MacBook Pro with the M1 Pro chip from Apple’s refurbished store a few years ago. When it arrived, I simply wouldn’t have believed that it wasn’t a new laptop: from the new, sealed box to the spotless body without a scratch on it, nothing indicated that this was anything other than a brand-new product.

Discounts on discounts

(Image credit: Apple)

With the refurbished route, the real kicker is the price. While Apple’s education store is selling the entry-level M4 MacBook Air for $899, you can get the same device on the refurbished store for the even lower price of $849. Saving even more money for something that is essentially indistinguishable from a new MacBook seems like a no-brainer.

Sure, you might be able to find a Mac even cheaper by scouring eBay or Facebook Marketplace, but you won’t get anywhere near the same quality, and certainly not the same warranty.

The only caveat with the refurbished store is that some websites discount new Macs to similar prices to what Apple offers, so it’s often worth checking major retailers from time to time to see how they match up. If you can get a brand-new MacBook for less than one of Apple’s refurbished ones, that’s naturally the better option.

But if you just need something right now and want to score a discount without having to sacrifice your peace of mind, Apple’s refurbished store is a great place to look. It could leave you with a top-quality laptop for college and a little more change in your pocket, too.

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The Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal is an advanced drip coffee machine that launched earlier this year and is a new version of the original Luxe Brewer with an insulated carafe to keep your freshly brewed coffee hot for up to four hours. I'm currently testing it to find out whether it can earn a place in TechRadar's list of the best coffee makers, but I wanted to bring you a few of my first impressions.

The designers at Sage (known as Breville outside the UK) clearly realize that first impressions matter, and not only does the Luxe Brewer Thermal look smart with its smooth lines and silver finish, it also has a surprisingly small footprint. With a base measuring 14.7 x 7 inches, 37.24 x 17.7cm, it's about as small as a full-size drip machine can be.

Something else I particularly like about the Luxe Brewer Thermal is that its water tank is removable – a feature that makes it much easier to fill and clean than most drip machines. The tank also has a wide opening, making it easy to fill from a tap, and is supplied with a water filter complete with a counter so you can see when it's time for a replacement.

The tank has a small handle, which you can loop a finger through to keep it steady, but you'll need to support the tank with your other hand underneath the body of the tank once it's full. A larger, thicker handle that you could get your whole hand around would make it easier to carry, but since you already have big handles for the basket and the pitcher on the right-hand side, I can understand the designers not wanting to add yet another on the left.

The water tank is removable, but its small handle means you'll need two hands to carry it when it's full (Image credit: Sage)

The Luxe Brewer Thermal has options for both hot and cold brewing. I've not yet experimented with the cold option (though with warm weather approaching, I plan to do so very soon), but my first results with the hot mode were excellent.

The instruction manual includes a table explaining the optimum weight of coffee and quantity of water to use, depending on how many cups you want to brew. Helpfully, the coffee measurements are provided in both grams and scoops. I have an electronic scale for weighing coffee, but if you don't, there's a long-handled scoop included with the machine, so it's not a problem.

Time to brew

I'm trying to avoid drinking too much coffee in the evenings (not always easy when you test coffee machines for a living), so I was particularly keen to try the Luxe Brewer Thermals' delayed start function. A jug full of freshly brewed filter coffee is the perfect way to start the morning, in my opinion.

Setting the timer on the machine is very simple – just tap the button, turn the dial to set the time you want to start brewing, and press it in to confirm. The set time will appear on the display, and you can head to bed.

(Image credit: Sage)

I didn't hear the Luxe Thermal Brewer at all when it started working at 7am, and when I entered the kitchen half an hour later, I thought it might not have worked because the outside of the carafe was so cold, but that was just the result of its excellent insulating properties. It was full of perfectly brewed, piping hot coffee, ready to be enjoyed.

I've yet to test just how long the Luxe Thermal Brewer's pitcher can keep drinks hot, but so far it seems to perform better than the Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker, whose jug became noticeably warm on the outside and soon allowed drinks to become lukewarm.

Overall, an excellent experience. So far, the only drawback was that the instruction manual seems to be written for a global audience and mostly uses Ikea-style diagrams, which aren't always completely self-explanatory. Thankfully, Sage's website contains a much more detailed user guide, which covers all the machine's features in much more depth.

I'm looking forward to putting the rest of its features to the test very soon, and finding out whether it can earn a place in my complete roundup of the best drop coffee makers. Watch this space.

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I'm a massive fan of workstations. I love customizing a space, whether it's simplistic, stylish, or robust, to suit the person and task at hand. Thankfully, I've found a career and a role that allows me to do this far more regularly than the average person.

Simple desk designs are fun. They are clean and beautiful, with a purpose, and they have things tucked away and organized, making them aesthetically quite pleasing.

Portable desk setups are also quite fun. The challenge of fitting all that's needed and helpful into a backpack, allowing for full productivity everywhere and anywhere.

Robust and maximalist desks are a whole different beast. Everything you could need, within arm's reach. Ready for anything, prepared for everything.

At the heart of a robust and built-out setup, you need a fantastic, reliable, quality, high-end standing desk. Without a solid foundation, the structure (or desk setup in this scenario) will not be stable.

That's precisely why, when I saw this desk, I knew I could transform it into a maximalist desk. I knew that this desk could withstand whatever I threw at it, and that I could have it be one that I could rely on for years to come.

The Uplift V2 Commercial 2-Leg Standing Desk is a two-legged, C-frame standing desk with a more stable design than the standard V2, thanks to a crossbeam. This crossbeam not only makes the desk far less wobbly, but it also allows Uplift to lower the legs by 3 inches, providing a wider range of motion, making it one of the best standing desks I've ever used.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Uplift V2 Commercial 2-Leg Standing Desk: Pricing and Availability

The best place to purchase the Uplift V2-Commercial Standing Desk is directly from Uplift's website. There aren't many desk companies that offer the same level of customization that Uplift does.

A basic desk can run you around $600. Nothing fancy, all the basic options. However, you can customize it to exceed $2000, changing and customizing the size, wood type and material, legs, colors, casters, accessories, keypads for controlling the desk, grommets, and more.

With all of these changes, you have the opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind custom desk that nobody else has. In all actuality, you can make a fully customized, one-of-a-kind desk by using the live edge with epoxy desktop type.

In short, the price will swing quite aggressively depending on what you build out, and what you choose can be customized to precisely the kind of base you want for your dream workstation.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Uplift V2 Commercial 2-Leg Standing Desk: Unboxing & first impressions

I remember it well. I saw the delivery truck back into my driveway - always a great sign - and then I saw this delivery driver grab a thin box I knew had to be a desk out of the back of the truck.

Once she picked it up, it had to have been three times her size. She somehow managed to get it over to my front porch by the time I got out there to take it from her. I remember grabbing the box and thinking, 'This thing weighs easily several times my weight; how on earth did she manage to carry this over here?'

The legs box for some desks is the heaviest, but for this desk, the desktop, made of real 1.5-inch reclaimed birch butcher block at 72x30 inches, was by far the heavier box. The desk itself took about 45 minutes to build with my Hoto Toolset. However, due to the desk's considerable weight, I had one more person assist me in building parts to ensure the desk was not damaged in any way.

Uplift V2 Commercial 2-Leg Standing Desk: Design & Build Quality

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Specs

as tested

Frame: Dual‑motor, 2‑leg V2 Commercial
Height Range: ~21.6″–47.7″ (+ desktop thickness)
Lifting Capacity: 355 lb
Dimensions: 72x30 inches

The reclaimed birch-butcher block desktop is downright gorgeous. I didn't expect it to look this good in person, but now that I see it, it looks even better than I thought it would. The legs are clean and sleek, providing incredible stability, and even a place to rest my legs when fully reclined if I want to. The controller is easy to use, although I swapped it out for a black one after taking these pictures to match the leg frame a bit better.

The controller is responsive and functional, making it super easy to preset heights that I want to use throughout the day. I have one set for my sitting height, one for my standing height, one for the standing height of another member of my team who uses this desk a lot, and one for a working height where I can do things on the desk a bit smoother without having the ergonomics dialed in for standing and typing.

This desk setup has two main things that everything else is built around. First of course, the desk, but secondly, this desk is the perfect build for the Hexcal Studio Desk Shelf. But more on that below.

For this robust desk setup, I chose to pick up some of Uplift's Monitor arms, the Range-X Dual Monitor Arm to be exact, I also decided to grab a lot of the other accessories I wanted too, like the proper grommets, the casters, a hefty surge protector, a magnetic cable channel for routing cables and some modesty panels to help with keeping a clean look all around. Lastly, to complete the power aspect of this desk setup, I added the iVanky FusionDock Max 1 to control the desk from that perspective.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Uplift V2 Commercial 2-Leg Standing Desk: In use

Building the physical desk is only half the battle. I spent several hours perfecting this setup once assembled. The Hexcal was assembled quickly, but then I chose to go all out for this desk, while still making it functional for most people on my team. I added dual monitors, a lamp, the dock, a soundbar, the iconic cup holder, cable management, a modesty panel, and more.

First, I added the monitor arms and positioned them exactly as I wanted. Thankfully, these arms have enough range that I can still maintain the one vertical and one horizontal look that I wanted, mainly since this setup features two different types of monitors. This setup is in the same orientation as the one I am replacing in this office.

A significant addition I wanted to make to this setup was the Hexcal Studio. I had gotten this around the same time as the Uplift Desk, so I knew it would be a great match. What's unique about the Hexcal is that it incorporates lights, power, data, cable management, and even a wireless charger all into one unit. So, I was able to run one power line from the Hexcal Studio down to the power strip mounted under the desk, and then I ran the power from the desk to that strip, and the lamp. That's it. Everything else I was able to run into the outlets built into the Hexcal, and then also manage the cables in the trough without any issues. The Studio fit perfectly under the monitors, providing room for me to place the iVanky FusionDock Max 1 right on top for easy access.

Moving back to the desk, I was easily able to set up the monitor arms right where I wanted them, without having to avoid any crossbars or frames, or choose a less-than-ideal mounting spot, because all areas were suitable for mounting. The 1.5-inch-thick butcher block1.5-inch-thick butcher block made mounting super easy, and it also made it easy to build everything else. I chose exactly where I wanted the control panel, my ridiculous (but now I secretly love it) cup holder, lamp, desk mat, and laptop stand.

My team and I usually pop in and out of here, so we kept the laptop stand pulled forward for easy access, and we put it right over the control panel so that when we come and go, we can press a button on our way to dock the laptop or as we are grabbing it to leave. I could have put the controller on the left, but I chose the right because I didn't want to bump it with my knee when moving around or twisting in and out of my chair.

Lastly, the modesty panel isn't just for covering peering eyes from looking at places you may not want them to, it's also great for covering up cables and giving a more professional look to things. I installed a modesty panel long enough for the back of the desk as well as the side, but due to the current arrangement of the desk and the monitor arm location, I chose to put the side one on for now. Though if I ever pull this desk out into the middle of the space as I hope to in the future, I'll toss that modesty panel on the back right away.

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Maximalist and gorgeous

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use once set up

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Practical for the right user

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Expensive, but fair

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Uplift V2 Commercial 2-Leg Standing Desk: Final verdict

The Uplift V2 Commercial 2-Leg Standing Desk is a powerful standing desk that transforms into a powerful workstation. It's a fantastic desk, providing smooth and consistent height adjustments, a sturdy desktop even at standing height, and a gorgeous surface to create your dream workspace, no matter how complex or simple it may be. And, since you can customize it, there isn't a reason not to check out this desk if you are in the market at all, no matter how small or how big that budget may be.

For more workspace essentials, we've tested and reviewed the best office chairs.

From French developer Sandfall Interactive, with a relatively small team, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has taken the gaming world by storm. Wonderfully, 33 days after its release, it had sold 3.3 million copies: you couldn’t write a better stat!

Naturally, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is often compared to the likes of Persona, Dragon Quest, Chrono Trigger, and the Tales series to name a few. But it’s Final Fantasy, one of the best role-playing game (RPG) series, where the comparisons mostly come back to. But why is that?

Well, if you haven’t checked in on the Final Fantasy series for a while, it abandoned the concept of traditional turn-based combat a while ago. Players hark back to the 90s-2000s era where Final Fantasy had arguably one of the greatest runs in gaming - from Final Fantasy 6 all the way to Final Fantasy 10 (and there’s a lot of love for 4, 5, and 12 as well).

Final Fantasy has now taken on a more action-based style in recent years, especially with its most recent releases of Final Fantasy 16 and the Final Fantasy 7 Remake series, and needless to say, this has been met with mixed reactions from longtime fans of the beloved series. Expedition 33 gives these fans that turn-based combat high they’ve been chasing.

Crucially, however, Expedition 33 innovates in simple ways not just in this tried-and-true combat formula, but it delivers in other key areas, and as a Final Fantasy fan, I think there are a few things the old dog of JRPGs could learn from this young pup.

Same, but different

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 offers a fresh take on the turn-based combat formula with its dodging and parrying system. (Image credit: Sandfall Interactive)

Traditional turn-based combat has players taking turns to select an action, and once that action is executed, it’s the enemy's turn. It necessitates planning and strategy for what the enemy could throw at you, while praying they don’t. Many a time in Final Fantasy have I stared at a character’s sliver of health, praying the boss doesn’t annihilate them (spoiler: they often do).

Expedition 33 changes this. During the usually ‘passive’ elements of the turn-based gameplay (the enemy's turn), players can dodge or parry enemies' incoming attacks to not only negate damage but depending on what Pictos and Luminas (Expedition 33’s semi-active abilities) players have equipped, they can earn back health, pull off powerful counterattacks or gain Action Points (AP) to execute stronger skills on their turn.

This simple innovation rewards the player’s skill and timing with instant bonuses. A quick heads-up for those who haven’t got around to playing Expedition 33 yet: you will die, often, especially against late-game bosses. The point is to learn your enemy’s moves, nail the timing, and reap the rewards. Yes, you will get frustrated (lord knows I did more than a few times), but when I finally killed off a comically large and difficult boss, the sense of achievement was staggering.

While the Final Fantasy series is now using an action-based, almost hack-and-slash approach in its newer games, which I have sometimes enjoyed, if it were to go back to turn-based combat, it could definitely take some pointers from Expedition 33’s style.

Bigger isn’t always better

Expedition 33 features an overworld reminiscent of classic JRPGs like earlier Final Fantasy games: and it feels good to be back. (Image credit: Sandfall Interactive )

One of the first things I noticed playing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth on its release was just how massive the world was. Every area was interconnected with sprawling fields, towering mountains, and wide open spaces that got me so excited. I could hop on a Chocobo and make the trip from Kalm to Junon with this much detail and these gorgeous graphics?? Heck yes!

Then came the side missions from arguably gaming’s most irritating ‘companion’, Chadley. Scan this ten times, beat these enemies five times, etc. It sucked my enjoyment out of the world. Yes, I could ignore these missions, but when they’re plastered across the screen and Chadley often calls you to remind you about the them, it’s quite difficult to ignore. Also, I do blame the completionist in me for getting drawn in.

So, when I booted up Expedition 33 and made it to the game’s overworld for the first time, it was like being greeted by an old friend. Taking cues from its predecessors, areas were divided up into solitary, linear levels and dotted around the overworld, each taking on its own gorgeous, unique look. Crimson forests, underwater worlds, sprawling cliffs: each biome had its own identity, but felt effortlessly connected.

And best of all? No distractions. Expedition 33 leaves you to your own devices, sign-posting your objective but leaving you to enter other worlds and take on enemies as you see fit. And while Expedition 33’s world wasn’t as big as other RPG’s, no space was wasted. Its world is visually striking in every corner. Final Fantasy 16 players will know where I’m coming from: big, open fields with next to nothing in them are too common a sight.

The story, the music

Expedition 33's music and story are breath-taking, emotive and engaging, capturing the feeling you used to get with classic JRPG titles. (Image credit: Sandfall Interactive)

Final Fantasy has always excelled is in its phenomenal scores. From Nobuo Uematsu’s legendary compositions, such as One Winged Angel from Final Fantasy 7 and To Zanarkand from Final Fantasy 10, these soundtracks are special. His successors, who include Masashi Hamauzu, Yoko Shimomura and Masayoshi Soken, have done more than enough to fill his shoes since. Final Fantasy is arguably the standard bearer for video game scores.

Expedition 33 smashed it out of the park with its score. Haunting, heartbreaking, beautiful, powerful, calming - Expedition 33’s soundtrack captures every emotion. Alicia gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. Une vie à t'aimer is an 11-minute masterpiece that stuns with its soaring vocals, captivating strings, and shredding electric guitar solo. Crucially, it does all this with a unique sound that is unmistakably French, giving it that twist again.

Final Fantasy’s stories have always been epic tales of 'good vs evil' in fantastical worlds that aren’t afraid to stray from the path. But I can’t help but feel that recent mainline entries such as Final Fantasy 15 and 16's stories lacked the unique flavor that each story used to have. 15 had an excellent dynamic between its four lead characters, but the antagonist felt absent for large parts of the story and the pacing was off, with the start feeling slow and the ending feeling rushed. 16 was an improvement with some excellent character depth, but the pacing again felt off and the numerous antagonists felt as memorable as past villains like Sephiroth (from 7) and Kefka (from 6).

Expedition 33’s story, where groups known as Expeditions must set out to defeat the Paintress after each Gommage (where masses of the population of a certain age disappear), with every attempt before this one unsuccessful. The story feels inspired by other RPGs in its beats, but crucially has that bold originality thanks to its spectacular world and frankly, macabre, somber tone. Journals of old expeditions add to the worldbuilding in subtle ways, and the phenomenal performances of the cast give this story a really dynamic, emotionally heart-wrenching, and engaging feel like no RPG I’ve played in a long time.

A sequel? We can only hope

(Image credit: Sandfall Interative)

Without giving anything away, it’ll be interesting to see whether Sandfall treats Clair Obscur as a linear or anthology series, the latter invoking Final Fantasy as a series of games connected only really by name. This is hoping we actually get a sequel, of course.

There aren’t many things I’d change about Clair Obscur: it’s marvelous. Exquisite design, gorgeous visuals, striking music, an emotionally charged, beautifully written story with familiar but original gameplay, it really did do it all. There are some minor changes I’d make, however.

A journal is a faithful companion in an RPG, to keep track of quests, the enormous amount of sub-bosses to beat, side quests, and so on, and Expedition 33 doesn’t really have this. Only a map and the audio logs of old expeditions. This would give players a sense of direction, and although it does hearken back to older games like The Legend of Zelda on the NES, which simply released you into the world, I’d like to see one included.

The Pictos and Lumina system, while a refreshing take on abilities, can be tricky to keep track of, especially if you want different builds. It would be great if you could save particular builds with certain abilities and weapons for certain situations, allowing you to easily switch in the Inventory menu.

Honestly, there isn’t much else I’d ask for differently. There are a few ways the story could go (a prequel of an older expedition, maybe?), and although it’s a challenging game, it’s equally rewarding for your efforts and persistence. Really, for me, it’s the 2025 game of the year.

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Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Sunday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Sunday, July 27 (game #511).

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

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Inch by inch, row by row

NYT Strands today (game #512) - hint #2 - clue words

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

• MORPH
• BLEED
• PURE
• SHARP
• PHASE
• ROAST

NYT Strands today (game #512) - hint #3 - spangram lettersHow many letters are in today's spangram?

• Spangram has 15 letters

NYT Strands today (game #512) - hint #4 - spangram positionWhat are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: left, 6th row

Last side: right, 7th row

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

NYT Strands today (game #512) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #512, are…

• GROW
• SEED
• RIPEN
• HARVEST
• BLOSSOM
• SPROUT
• SPANGRAM: VEGETABLE GARDEN

• My rating: Hard
• My score: 1 hint

Two notable things about today’s word search. Firstly, I don’t think I have ever seen so many five-letter non-game words lurking on the grid. Secondly, a return to whopping great long spangrams.

The 15-letter yellow snake that revealed VEGETABLE GARDEN didn’t make today’s game any easier, which is what usually happens when we have a long spangram. In fact it was satisfyingly tricky despite being obvious what we were looking for.

GROW I found easily enough but a lack of patience and that rich harvest of non-game words tempted me into claiming a hint. This same lack of patience is possibly why I like the idea of having a veggie garden, but my talents lay in killing plants rather than growing them.

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Sunday, July 27, game #511)

• STUDY
• EXAMINE
• SURVEY
• WEIGH
• INSPECT
• SCRUTINIZE
• SPANGRAM: ANALYSIS

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's not-so-new-any-more word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable that has been running for a year and which can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

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

Looking for a different day?

A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Sunday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, July 27 (game #1280).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 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 #1281) - hint #1 - VowelsHow many different vowels are in Quordle today?

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

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

Quordle today (game #1281) - hint #2 - repeated lettersDo any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

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

Quordle today (game #1281) - hint #3 - uncommon lettersDo the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

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

Quordle today (game #1281) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 0.

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

Quordle today (game #1281) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• C

• T

• S

• F

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

Quordle today (game #1281) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1281, are…

• CANDY
• TRYST
• SHIRT
• FORGO

Ouch! This one hurt my brain with two very difficult to find words in TRYST and FORGO.

That said, knowing there were no vowels available, the second word in today’s game had to have a Y. It still took me far too long to pull out of my head though. 

Daily Sequence today (game #1281) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1281, are…

• SWINE
• BERTH
• DRAMA
• QUILT

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1280, Sunday, 27 July: TRAWL, BALER, PIANO, MINCE
• Quordle #1279, Saturday, 26 July: MUDDY, SAINT, KINKY, POLAR
• Quordle #1278, Friday, 25 July: BONUS, RESIN, CEDAR, MADAM
• Quordle #1277, Thursday, 24 July: AGONY, VERVE, GLEAN, MINUS
• Quordle #1276, Wednesday, 23 July: OZONE, PENCE, ROOMY, WIDER
• Quordle #1275, Tuesday, 22 July: OPTIC, GIDDY, VOCAL, ADULT
• Quordle #1274, Monday, 21 July: KNEED, SNAIL, PINTO, FEAST
• Quordle #1273, Sunday, 20 July: GRACE, COUNT, EGRET, GIANT
• Quordle #1272, Saturday, 19 July: EARLY, CLICK, TRITE, SPREE
• Quordle #1271, Friday, 18 July: CINCH, FOYER, FUDGE, TAFFY
• Quordle #1270, Thursday, 17 July: CRESS, TABOO, POWER, HATER
• Quordle #1269, Wednesday, 16 July: UNCLE, NADIR, REMIT, BROOM
• Quordle #1268, Tuesday, 15 July: VILLA, FLECK, TIGER, CRANE
• Quordle #1267, Monday, 14 July: SURGE, PIZZA, PAPER, POPPY
• Quordle #1266, Sunday, 13 July: KAYAK, DECRY, RUDDY, HATER
• Quordle #1265, Saturday, 12 July: WREAK, NANNY, CLASP, STAIN
• Quordle #1264, Friday, 11 July: LAPEL, DRAIN, FROND, GROSS
• Quordle #1263, Thursday, 10 July: CROSS, WHEEL, UNDID, PENCE
• Quordle #1262, Wednesday, 9 July: SHIRE, SIXTH, SINGE, IMAGE

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Sunday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, July 27 (game #777).

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

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

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

NYT Connections today (game #778) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• TRACE
• INITIAL
• SIGN
• ORIGINAL
• STAMP
• BUDDY
• SILENT
• DATE
• RECORD
• EVIDENCE
• PRIMARY
• COIN
• FIRST
• COMIC
• CULT
• HINT

NYT Connections today (game #778) - hint #1 - group hints

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

• YELLOW: At the forefront
• GREEN: Proof
• BLUE: Part of a set 
• PURPLE: Types of film

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 #778) - hint #2 - group answers

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

• YELLOW: FOREMOST
• GREEN: INDICATION
• BLUE: ITEM IN A COLLECTION 
• PURPLE: ____ MOVIE

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

NYT Connections today (game #778) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #778, are…

• YELLOW: FOREMOST FIRST, INITIAL, ORIGINAL, PRIMARY
• GREEN: INDICATION EVIDENCE, HINT, SIGN, TRACE
• BLUE: ITEM IN A COLLECTION COIN, COMIC, RECORD, STAMP
• PURPLE: ____ MOVIE BUDDY, CULT, DATE, SILENT

• My rating: Easy
• My score: Perfect

Today felt like an exceptionally easy day. Which makes me suspect that more tricky challenges may be lurking in the week ahead. Not that I don’t relish the chance to finish a round of Connections quickly and feel all smug about it.

But let’s be honest, today was a doddle. On any other day, the purple group could have passed as a yellow. 

The NYT even resisted the temptation of putting something weird in the ITEM IN A COLLECTION group because, let's face it, people collect anything.

Take me for example, I speak here as someone with collections of autographs on the back of cigarette packets, JD Salinger first editions, Portuguese sardine tins, 3D postcards from the 1960s (mainly poodles), and Japanese football shirts. Oh and all the normal stuff.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Sunday, July 27, game #777)

• YELLOW: "NOTHING TO IT!" CHILD'S PLAY, EASY, NO SWEAT, PIECE OF CAKE
• GREEN: OUTDOOR EVENTS BLOCK PARTY, FESTIVAL, PICNIC, TAILGATE
• BLUE: WORDS BEFORE "SCHOOL" ELEMENTARY, GRADE, GRAMMAR, PRIMARY
• PURPLE: ASSOCIATED WITH TRICKS CON GAME, HALLOWEEN, HEARTS, MAGIC SHOW

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.

• A GoPro Max 2 prototype is up for sale
• The early version is missing a screen
• A full launch for the camera is expected soon

The wait for a successor to the GoPro Max has been a long one – the 360-degree camera launched all the way back in 2019 – but a new leak gives us more evidence that a successor is finally on the verge of being introduced.

As spotted by Notebookcheck and a thread on Reddit, a prototype for the GoPro Max 2 has now appeared on a Chinese marketplace. One of the main giveaways that it's a prototype is that it doesn't have a screen, which the actual model will do.

We do get a look at the Folding Fingers mounting system that's present on other recent GoPro cameras, and at some of the inside components: the size of the heatsinks suggests this is a camera that might run quite hot.

The leak also gives us a good look at the size and the position of one of the front cameras. We'll have to wait and see how the image and video quality holds up against the Insta360 X5 and the upcoming DJI Osmo 360.

A long time coming

The GoPro Max 2 will take on the Insta360 X5 (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Considering this is clearly a prototype of the GoPro Max 2, we're somewhat limited in terms of what we can take away about the final version of the upcoming camera, but it's still an interesting leak that reveals some of what Google has been working on.

Our hopes were raised with an official GoPro Max 2 trailer at the start of the month, but we haven't heard anything from GoPro since about this camera. Presumably, a full unveiling can't be too far away now.

We did get some tweaks to the original GoPro Max back in February, but not the full refresh we've been waiting for. GoPro has gone on record as saying there have been production delays over the years, pushing back the GoPro Max 2 launch further and further.

Hopefully there's not too much longer to wait now –and we'd expect the 360-degree camera to go straight into our list of the best GoPros. As soon as GoPro says anything else officially, we will of course let you know.

You might also like

• We've seen several GoPro Max 2 delays
• These are the best action cameras around
• Our GoPro Hero 13 Black review

• AMD's Threadripper Pro 9995WX workstation processor hit 6GHz and set new world performance records
• ASUS overclockers took the 96-core CPU to new heights with a liquid nitrogen cooling setup
• New Threadripper 9000 series flagship combines extreme specs with unlocked overclocking potential

AMD’s new Threadripper Pro 9995WX is already proving itself to be the most powerful workstation CPU available.

The top-end offering in the freshly launched Threadripper 9000 series, the 9995WX features 96 cores, 192 threads, a 2.5GHz base clock, and boost speeds up to 5.4GHz.

It also supports 144 usable PCIe Gen5 lanes, 128MB of L3 cache, and 8-channel DDR5 ECC memory at up to 6400MT/s.

Breaking records

Now on sale, priced at an eye-watering $11,699 at Amazon and Newegg, the 9995WX is technically designed for high-end workstations, but it has already become a popular choice in the extreme overclocking scene.

Using liquid nitrogen and an ASUS Pro WS WRX90E-SAGE SE motherboard, ASUS overclocking team member CENS pushed the chip to nearly 6GHz across all 96 cores, reaching a Cinebench R23 score of 227,817, which is an all-time world record.

The CPU was cooled to -47°C during the session and powered by a 2,000W PSU.

Clock speeds held steady between 5,746MHz and 5,950MHz, allowing the chip to maintain full-core stability under sustained loads.

That performance beat the previous record of 210,000 points set by AMD’s earlier 7995WX chip, and positions the 9995WX firmly at the top of the HEDT segment.

In total, the 9995WX was part of eight new world records and first-place benchmark results across Cinebench, Geekbench, 7-Zip, HWBOT x265, and Y-cruncher.

ASUS overclockers CENS, OGS, SEBY, and others all used the same chip to take top spots in both global and hardware categories.

The 9995WX may be aimed at professionals, but its unlocked design and massive core count also make it a showcase for what current desktop CPU engineering can achieve.

Matched with a high-end board and liquid nitrogen cooling, ASUS demonstrates just how hard a workstation processor can be pushed.

(Image credit: ASUS)You may also like

• 16-Core AMD EPYC 4005 CPU is almost 3X faster than AMD's first server flagship
• Rare AMD CPU powers this just-announced NAS offering
• AMD just launched its 96-core Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9995WX CPU

Hidaya Al-Motawaq's son Mohammad is a year and a half old and weighs less than 10 pounds. Doctors and aid workers warn of permanent damage to the health of children in Gaza due to chronic malnutrition.

(Image credit: Anas Baba)

The Lionesses battle it out against La Roja in a showpiece finale in Basel.