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You've heard of Wi-Fi, but here's what Li-Fi's unique technology may offer you.

Want the benefits of a standing desk but don't have the space (or you love your existing desk?). Well, Branch has you covered with its new Desk Riser.

I've tried a lot of the best standing desk converters, some electric and some not, some good and some not, but the Branch Desk riser is one of the most beautiful ones to date, boasting the build quality and materials of a high-end standing desk in the form factor of a riser.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Branch Desk Riser: Pricing & Availability

The Branch Desk Riser is available for purchase for $349 on the official website by clicking here. They offer four colors and can ship within 3-5 business days at no extra cost. You can also add a shelf to the back of the riser for monitors, the look, or some small storage for an additional $100.

Branch Desk Riser: Unboxing & first impressions

One of the best aspects of adding a standing desk converter like this one to your current workstation, rather than upgrading to any of the best standing desks, is that there is no assembly required with the Desk Riser. You open up the box, cut some ties, and then you're good to go.

Now, any space I want can become my standing-capable workstation. I can bring this to my kitchen and now have it serve as a multi-purpose space. During the workday, it's my place to sit or stand and work on my laptop, and then at the end of the day, I can move it away and have my table back. Alternatively, I can place this on a counter, another desk I already have, or on any flat surface I'd like to stand on rather than sit or hunch over.

This is particularly important and helpful when you have a workspace that is not a traditional one, meaning the ergonomics may not be optimal. The Desk Riser can transform a boring space into the perfect ergonomic height for standing and getting things done.

The materials feel like they will last for a long time; the desktop is smooth, and the lifting system is easy to use and very smooth.

Branch Desk Riser: Design & build qualitySpecs

Dimensions: 30.7" W x 24.3" D x 15.8" H
Weight: 22 lbs
Weight Capacity: Supports up to 26 lbs
Material: Laminated plywood top with powder-coated steel frame
Height Adjustment: Manual, spring-assisted lift mechanism
Warranty: 3 years

The Branch Desk Riser is made of laminated plywood top and a powder-coated steel frame with a smooth spring-assisted lifting mechanism. The front edge of the desk features a softened curved edge to allow for a smooth resting area for your wrist, rather than leaning it or resting it against a 90-degree angle.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Branch Desk Riser: In use

Using this Desk Riser the last few months has been great. It's a fantastic minimalist option for a smaller workspace, or a desk that is not a standing desk that you still love and don't want to give up on quite yet.

I've been using this standing desk converter (admittedly) while the family and I are at the family cabin. One of the many perks of working remote is that you can work from anywhere! In a space like this, I don't have a dedicated office or even desk. So, a standing desk converter like this is literally perfect.

I can take a game table we have downstairs and turn it into a highly usable workspace. I can easily move from standing to sitting with a simple trigger pull, I have enough room on this desk for my laptop, an iPad, a mouse if I want it, and a monitor if I wanted it, but for this setup I like to keep things simple.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

There's a part of me that wishes it was an electric lifting mechanism, but I also appreciate the simplicity of not having it be electronic. Though that does bring another slight issue where I wish I had an easy way to charge my devices when I'm getting a lot of work in rather than dangling a cable down.

Branch Desk Riser: Final verdict

The Branch Desk Riser combines aesthetics and overall functionality with this lightweight and beautiful desk riser that can work on any flat workspace. It offers flexibility where you may not have had it before and it makes for a perfect accessory for those workspaces that don't have a full dedicated desk.

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Sleek and comfortable, and it looks and feels premum

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

So easy anyone can use it

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Very practical for working at a table or traditional desk

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

High price

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Here are hints and the answers for the NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, No. 258, for June 8.

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U.S. health officials confirmed the salmonella infections were linked to contaminated organic and cage-free brown eggs from August Egg Company. All recalled eggs should be thrown away, the CDC said.

Here are the iPhone models that we recommend in 2025. Whether you're looking at the iPhone 16, 16 Pro or curious about the iPhone 16E, we've tested and reviewed them all.

As the Trump-Musk feud escalated, JD Vance signaled loyalty to Trump during a recent podcast appearance. At the same time, the vice president said he understands Musk's frustration.

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78th Tony Awards preview: What to expect on Broadway's biggest night

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OdinLake's previous flagship, the Ergo Plus 743, was one of my favorite chairs I have ever tested. I prefer chairs to be firmer. When I'm sitting in a chair, I don't want to be enveloped by it, so I prefer a slightly firmer chair to start with.

The fact that OdinLake tends to be firm, combined with the choice to use mesh material, which keeps the sitter cool and features smooth casters, makes this my chair. Additionally, it features excellent ergonomics and is highly adjustable, all while maintaining a high weight capacity, so I have no concerns.

The O2, also known as the Ergo Max 747, is the upgraded version of the Ergo Plus 743. It utilizes the same material, design, and build quality and adds a few fantastic features. They upgraded the leg rest and the lumbar support and added a jacket rack to the back of the chair, making things just a tad better overall. How does it stack up against the best office chairs I've reviewed? I took it for a test ride.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )OdinLake Ergo Max A747: Pricing & Availability

The OdinLake O2 retails for $899.00, though at the time of writing this article, the OdinLake listing shows it on sale for $799. It has a 30-day return policy in case you, for some reason, do not like it, and it comes with a 15-year warranty, ensuring you'll be covered for at least that long, if not significantly longer. It's available from OdinLake.com and a few other select retailers.

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: Unboxing & first impressions

The OdinLake O2 (also known as Ergo Max 747) was delivered in a large box, which contained the chair pieces, the necessary tools for assembly, and some instructions.

I built this chair myself in about 18 minutes, but keep in mind I had built a chair just like this before, so it wasn't new to me.

Right off the bat, I loved the design; I noticed just how similar it is to the last model I tested while still retaining its unique features in certain areas.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

I love the look with the mesh and metal frame. It even looks good with my mostly Dark Walnut office with dark accents.

The biggest standout, of course, is the three-section backrest, and it's a bold look for sure, but I don't hate it; in fact, it's growing on me. It makes other chairs look like they are missing something, and this chair is not only hefty but also high-end.

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: Design & build qualitySpecs

Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
Warranty: 15 years
Seat Height: 18.5-22.5 inches

The OdinLake design for their flagship chairs has remained consistent, featuring an aluminum alloy frame, black mesh, and a sturdy base. The O2 features a distinctly designed backrest with three sections — one for your shoulders, one for your mid-spine, and one for your lumbar support. These independent sections help ensure that my back is supported better than in other chairs I have sat in that are just a single section.

The mesh is one of my favorite aspects of this chair; it's something I genuinely love. It's sturdy and doesn't feel like it's giving way, yet it's comfortable, and, of course, it's very breathable. As someone who is typically warm, regardless of the time of day, year, or what I'm wearing, having a chair that helps keep me cool rather than warm me up more is a must-have at this point.

The armrests are also really solid. Unlike some chairs that I have tested, where 4-D armrests are the bane of their existence and make for a super touch-and-go experience, I am wondering if adjusting or standing up using the armrest will be the thing that drops me to the floor due to giving way (dramatic, but based on a true story), these armrests are stable, secure, and sturdy to where I do not hesitate leaning on them, standing up pushing off of them, or adjusting to get more comfortable in the seat if needed.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )OdinLake Ergo Max A747: In use

Not only is this chair adjustable from the jump, but it's also dynamic and moves with me during the day. I've spent (admittedly) many 9-to 12-hour days sitting in this chair, only getting up briefly. Usually, I like to rotate to standing, but that's not always something I remember to do or feel like doing, especially if I'm locked into a project. The O2's dynamic lumbar support moves with me, allowing for some flex, but in a way that adds support rather than getting out of the way.

This chair offers valuable insights with its suggested heights listed on the website. It's best for those who are 5'3" to 6'3". I'm right in that range, at 6'1" -6'2", depending on the day. This chair feels like it's made for people my height. I've had some taller friends enjoy this chair still, and some that are a tad shorter, though once you get closer to that 5'5" mark, you're going to feel like the chair is oversized.

For my larger friends, this chair is designed to accommodate those weighing 300 - 350 lbs as well. I'm currently floating around 200 lbs, so I had a buddy of mine, who is pushing 285 lbs, come and try this chair. I kid you not; he hasn't sighed relief like that since he tried my last OdinLake chair.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

For those who followed my last review or are familiar with the OdinLake Ergo Plus 743, the most significant difference I've noticed is that this chair feels like a true "version 2" of the 743. The leg rest system has been upgraded and is easier to use. The lumbar backrest system has also been upgraded, and a jacket holder has been added to the back for use in a friendly office environment. You don't want to get your sports coat wrinkled or wear a jacket on a cold or rainy day. Everything else feels like it was all slightly improved, but perhaps that's just a matter of perception in light of the other upgrades.

OdinLake Ergo Max A747: Final verdict

All around, this chair is fantastic. It's one of my personal favorites for a reason. If you're looking for one of the best ergonomic chairs available, if you're over 300 lbs or over 6'2", if you run hot, or if you want a remarkably comfortable chair for long hours, the OdinLake Ergo Max A747 (O2) has knocked it out of the park. It's pricy, but it's worth every penny.

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Powerful and comfortable design

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy for all within height range

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Practical for those who need high comfort and breathability

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Higher price

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Beelink Mate adds ports and storage without changing your Mac mini’s footprint
• Choose between higher speed or maximum 16TB storage capacity option
• Quiet fan cooling and full port selection are offered in a sleek metal design

The Beelink Mate mini docking station offers Mac mini M4 users a sleek way to expand both connectivity and storage.

Designed to match Apple’s compact desktop, it attaches underneath the Mac mini, maintaining a tidy footprint while adding additional functionality.

At its core, the Mate mini supports Thunderbolt 5 with 80Gbps data transfer speeds, allowing for fast external SSD performance and seamless device connectivity.

Choice of models

There are two models on offer. Model A features dual PCIe x2 M.2 slots and supports up to 16TB of storage. Model B offers a single PCIe x4 slot that delivers higher speeds, up to 6228MB/s read, but with less total capacity.

That trade-off highlights the dock's main drawback. To reach the full 16TB, you need the version that uses PCIe x2, which is slightly less efficient than the x4 configuration. For most users, this is unlikely to create any real issues.

That said, professionals working with massive files or needing the fastest transfer speeds might feel the pinch.

Aside from storage, the Mate mini delivers a full range of ports. These include a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, USB-A 3.0 ports, an SD 4.0 card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

A Type-C PD port also allows power delivery for peripherals that exceed the Mac mini’s built-in 15W output. Two Thunderbolt 5 cables are included in the box.

A quiet fan and 360° cooling vents help keep the system cool and stable, even during heavy use. The all-aluminum design is finished in silver to match the Mac mini and weighs just 250g.

Priced at $279 (down from $339), the Mate mini targets users looking to extend their Mac mini’s capability without taking up extra space. It may not be perfect, but it does fill a useful role for those seeking extra ports and storage.

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The 21-year-old American star battled back over three sets to defeat the world's top-ranked player, Aryna Sabalenka. Gauff is the first American to win at Roland-Garros since Serena Williams in 2015.

(Image credit: Thibuad Moritz)

• Nearly half of IT teams don’t fully know what their AI agents are accessing daily
• Enterprises love AI agents, but also fear what they’re doing behind closed digital doors
• AI tools now need governance, audit trails, and control just like human employees

Despite growing enthusiasm for agentic AI across businesses, new research suggests that the rapid expansion of these tools is outpacing efforts to secure them.

A SailPoint survey of 353 IT professionals with enterprise security responsibilities has revealed a complex mix of optimism and anxiety over AI agents.

The survey reports 98% of organizations intend to expand their use of AI agents within the coming year.

AI Agents adoption outpaces security readiness

AI agents are being integrated into operations that handle sensitive enterprise data, from customer records and financials to legal documents and supply chain transactions - however, 96% of respondents said they view these very agents as a growing security threat.

One core issue is visibility: only 54% of professionals claim to have full awareness of the data their agents can access - which leaves nearly half of enterprise environments in the dark about how AI agents interact with critical information.

Compounding the problem, 92% of those surveyed agreed that governing AI agents is crucial for security, but just 44% have an actual policy in place.

Furthermore, eight in ten companies say their AI agents have taken actions they weren’t meant to - this includes accessing unauthorized systems (39%), sharing inappropriate data (33%), and downloading sensitive content (32%).

Even more troubling, 23% of respondents admitted their AI agents have been tricked into revealing access credentials, a potential goldmine for malicious actors.

One notable insight is that 72% believe AI agents present greater risks than traditional machine identities.

Part of the reason is that AI agents often require multiple identities to function efficiently, especially when integrated with high-performance AI tools or systems used for development and writing.

Calls for a shift to an identity-first model are growing louder, but SailPoint and others argue that organizations need to treat AI agents like human users, complete with access controls, accountability mechanisms, and full audit trails.

AI agents are a relatively new addition to the business space, and it will take time for organizations to fully integrate them into their operations.

“Many organizations are still early in this journey, and growing concerns around data control highlight the need for stronger, more comprehensive identity security strategies,” SailPoint concluded.

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Israel said it had retrieved the body of Nattapong Pinta, who was abducted during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that sparked the war. He had come to Israel to work in agriculture.

(Image credit: Hostage's Family Forum)

• watchOS 26 is expected to be announced on Monday
• It should run on every watchOS 11-compatible watch
• A major visual overhaul is among the rumored changes

A new software update for the best Apple Watches is on the way, and we just got word about which models are going to be compatible with the new watchOS 26 (which is apparently the new name for watchOS 12).

According to a source "with a proven track record" in contact with MacRumors, every watch that's able to run watchOS 11 is also going to be able to run watchOS 26, so there won't be any devices that are left behind this year.

That means Apple smartwatches as far back as the Apple Watch Series 6 (launched in 2020) and the Apple Watch SE 2 (launched in 2022) are going to be eligible for the new update, as well as all the watches launched since.

If you remember back to last year, after the announcement of watchOS 11, we heard from Apple that the Series 5, Series 4 and the original SE wouldn't be getting the 2024 update. This time around, all the currently supported devices are included.

What's on the way?

WWDC 2025 is almost here (Image credit: Apple)

Apple hasn't said anything officially yet about watchOS 26 – not even that it's on the way or that it's getting a rebranding – but we've heard plenty of rumors about what the upcoming software update might be bringing with it.

As is mentioned in the same MacRumors article, there's a prediction that watchOS 26 is going to offer support for third-party shortcuts on the watch Control Center for the first time, which should mean an improved experience for users.

A new and improved visual interface is apparently on the way too, which would follow the lead of visionOS, with plenty of transparency and frosted glass effects. In fact, the same redesign is said to be coming for all of Apple's software platforms.

We're also hoping we might get a smattering of Apple Intelligence on the Apple Watch. All of these new features are scheduled to be announced at WWDC 2025 on Monday, before watchOS 26 is released this September with the Apple Watch 11.

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Should you keep that microcurrent device on your skin care wish list? This is what dermatologists have to say about the potential benefits and side effects.

Fortnite Galactic Battle is now coming to an end, culminating in a live event later today (June 7). Death Star Sabotage will cap off this Star Wars mini-season, tasking players with jumping into X-Wings and TIE Fighters for a space battle. This will hopefully lead into some downtime for the next season, which is expected to be Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 3.

Fortnite Galactic Battle - Key Info

Start date and time
Next Season release date
Downtime estimate
What to expect from the new season
Map Changes
Trailer
Jump to Live Coverage

Epic Games has been busy teasing the next season of Fortnite over the last week or so, but so far we've only had details on the live event that's set to start later today. If early signs are anything to go on, the upcoming Star Wars live event in Fortnite could be a real high point for Chapter 6 so far. We'll get to fly some X-Wings, take down the Death Star, and save the Island from certain destruction.

Personally, I've enjoyed Fortnite Galactic Battle, with the blaster-only weapon pool being a refreshing change from the norm. I've been dropping in as the Star Wars updates have released, checking out the new Battle Pass skins and testing the new Star Destroyer portals. In my opinion, the recent changes have absolutely been good enough to keep Fortnite in TechRadar's best free games list.

Here's TechRadar's coverage of the launch of Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 3, including my live impressions of the Death Star Sabotage live event as it happens.

Fortnite Death Star Sabotage live event - cut to the chase

Only have time for the basics? Here are the most important things to know about Fortnite Galactic Battle ending:

• Start time: June 7 at 11AM PT / 2PM ET / 7PM BST
• New event: Death Star Sabotage
• Servers open: 9AM PT / 12PM ET / 5PM BST
• Servers close: "Intel states that you’ll have a short window of time on June 7 when the Death Star will be most susceptible to attack"
• Rumored theme for Season 3: "Super"

Fortnite Death Star Sabotage start date and time

(Image credit: Epic Games)

Fortnite Death Star Sabotage live event kicks off today (June 7) at 11AM PT / 2PM ET / 7PM BST. The event itself will enter the Discovery section two hours prior to this, meaning it'll be available to join at the following times:

• US (West Coast): 9AM PT
• US (East Coast): 12AM ET
• United Kingdom: 5PM BST
• Europe: 6PM CEST

Fortnite next season release date and time

(Image credit: Epic Games)

Epic Games is yet to detail the next season of Fortnite, but we expect it to arrive following downtime once the live event has ended. In the past, downtime has lasted 2-5 hours on average, though has run a lot longer between Chapters. As such, we'd expect Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 3 to star on June 7 at some point, though we'll need more info before we can be certain.

Fortnite next season downtime estimate

(Image credit: Epic Games)

Epic Games is yet to detail Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 3, though we expect it to arrive following downtime. This downtime will kick in after the Death Star Sabotage live event has ended. In previous seasons, this has been just 30 minutes after the live event has started. As such, my prediction for when downtime will take Fortnite offline is June 7 at 12PM PT / 3PM ET / 8PM BST.

Of course, this is just an estimation based on how things have worked in the past. Stay tuned for updates later today, once I hear more from Epic Games.

What to expect from the next Fortnite Season

(Image credit: Epic Games)

Official details on the next season of Fortnite are scarce currently, but some prominent leakers have claimed that Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 3 will be superhero themed. In this Tweet from @HYPEX you can see that Superman skins have been leaked. This would make sense as a tie-in for the new movie coming out later in July.

Elsewhere, we have leaker @Shiina tweeting a summary of recent leaks for Chapter 6, also pointing to a superhero theme coming in next update. Of course, these details are in no way confirmed yet, however I've found these two sources to be reliable in the past, especially in the days leading up to a new season launch. We'll have to wait and see whether rumors of a "Super" season comes to fruition.

Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 3 map changes

(Image credit: Epic Games)

As you can see from the image above, there were four new major POIs (points of interest) added alongside the Fortnite Galactic Battle. While Epic is yet to reveal the map for Chapter 6 Season 3, we can expect these Star Wars locations to change. Whether they revert to their Season 2 states, or are updated alongside the new season's theme, will be revealed later today.

Fortnite Death Star Sabotage trailer

The full cinematic trailer for Fortnite Death Star Sabotage debuted during The Game Awards on June 6. This shows some space battle-action, as players pilot X-Wings and TIE Fighters in a bid to stop the Death Star from destroying Battle Royale Island. It's embedded above so be sure to check it out.

Fortnite Star Wars live event coverage as it happensHello and welcome

(Image credit: Epic Games)

And so begins my live coverage of the upcoming Fortnite live event, the following downtime, and the launch of a brand new Season. Death Star Sabotage starts at 11AM PT / 2PM ET / BST, so not long now to wait.

Just 2 hours until you can queue for Death Star Sabotage!

(Image credit: Epic Games)

While you’ll need to wait a little longer to actually jump into Death Star Sabotage, the queue will open at 9AM PT / 12PM ET / 5PM BST. I recommend joining this as soon as you can after it goes live, as queues have been long enough in the past that it’s been possible to miss the event completely.

Death Star Sabotage trailer aired during The Game Awards

A brand new trailer for Death Star Sabotage aired last night (June 6) at The Game Awards. It sets the stage for an epic space battle, as players race to destroy the Death Star. Primarily, it looks as though this will be a vehicle-based fight, though there's a tease in the trailer showing that you and your squad might kick off the event imprisoned somewhere inside the Death Star.

Prepare for sabotage!

(Image credit: Epic Games)

Before Death Star Sabotage, the Star Wars season approaches its end with special log-in rewards for all players. Log into Fortnite between June 3 at 9 AM ET and June 10 at 9 AM ET to immediately receive the Assault on the Death Star Loading Screen and Captain Phasma’s personal melee weapon: the Quicksilver Baton Spear Pickaxe.

There’s still time to check out Galactic Battle

(Image credit: Epic Games)

Fortnite Galactic Battle comes to an end later today, but there’s still a few hours left for you to play. Currently, a Star Destroyer portal will spawn once per match, allowing you to take control of the hulking spacecraft’s turbo-lasers. This gives you a bird’s eye view of the map, marking nearby enemies and giving you time to blast them from above. This is a seriously powerful bonus to have, setting you up nicely for the final couple of circles.

The Battle Pass comes to an end soon

(Image credit: Epic Games)

There’s just a few hours left to redeem Battle Pass rewards. The final section gives you an Emperor Palpatine skin, as well as a Force Lightning emote.

Hobot S7 Pro: two-minute review

The Hobot S7 Pro is a square robot that clings to your window and cleans dirt away using dual cleaning pads and a fine spray mist. It can be used indoors and out, and is suitable for framed or frameless windows. The large size is well suited to big windows; note that if the pane is too narrow, it won't clean it at all.

On test, I found this bot did a great job of cleaning lightly dirty glass. It's easy to use, navigates accurately, and doesn't miss any spots. However, it struggles with tougher dirt, which is probably true of most window bots. When I used it on the outer panes of my large patio doors, with some water marks and general grime accumulated from being exposed to the elements, the results were a little streaky. In contrast, my indoor glass partitions were left perfectly clean with no smears at all (and the bot accurately detected the frameless edges, which impressed).

The design of the S7 Pro is largely effective, with a few downsides. At time of testing, app support wasn't available, which meant I had to rely on the remote control. This requires you to point the remote directly at the robot, which is sometimes awkward. I also found the voice prompts shrill and irritating – and there's no way to switch them off. During my extensive testing period, the bot did once fall off a window.

Price-wise, the S7 Pro is an investment, but roughly in line with the wider market. You won't be saving much time by opting for this bot and, unlike a robot vacuum, you can't leave it to do its thing unattended – you need to be around to move it from pane to pane. However, in a home with lots of glass, or glass that needs regular cleaning, it could be a big effort-saver, and worth the investment. That's the short version; read on for my full Hobot S7 Pro review.

Hobot S7 Pro review: price & availability

• List price: $439 / £329
• Available: US / UK
• Launched: 2025

The Hobot S7 Pro is available in the US and the UK, with a list price of $439 / £329. Solenco – the brand behind Hobot – also has a presence in Australia, but at time of writing, the S7 Pro wasn't available there. You can buy it direct from Solenco in the UK, and via Amazon in the US, although I suspect it will become more widely available as time goes on.

The S7 replaces the S6 in the Hobot range. Unfortunately, I can't find the pricing for that model anywhere, and nor can I discern the exact differences between the S6 and S7 models. (I've requested the information and will update this review when I hear back.)

A major competitor in this market is Ecovacs with its Winbot line. Models range from around $230-$700 in the US or £300-£500 in the UK. In general, though, the models closest to the S7 seem to be roughly the same price.

The Hobot S7 Pro isn't an especially cheap alternative to manual window cleaning, but it could be worth the investment if you have a lot of glass to clean, or if your windows get dirty quickly.

• Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Hobot S7 Pro specs

Size (W x D x H):

10.5 x 10.2 x 3.5in / 26.7 x 26 x 9cm

Tanks:

2 x 80ml

Max suction:

4,800 Pa

Total charge cable length:

21ft / 6.4m

Hobot S7 Pro review: design

• Square-shaped bot with dual reciprocating cleaning pads
• Sprays fine mist from two small water tanks
• Controlled via remote control – app support advertised, but unavailable

The Hobot S7 Pro is a square robot with dual reciprocating cleaning pads. It clings to your window and makes its way across its surface to clean it, with the aid of "AI-powered navigation". This bot is suitable for both framed and frameless windows, as well as patio doors and mirrors. While the following isn't addressed in the literature anywhere, previous reviews suggest the S7 Pro is only suitable for perfectly vertical surfaces.

Size-wise, the bot is rather large, so better suited to big windows (in fact, it refused to clean a 12.6in / 32cm wide window, I think due to lack of maneuvering room). The brand makes a range of smaller window bots, shaped like elongated ovals, which might be a better option if your windows aren't sizeable.

(Image credit: Future)

On the upper side of the unit is a grip handle for attaching and removing the bot to a surface, plus an on/off rocker power switch and a start/pause press button. On either side are two small, 80ml water tanks, sealed with a rubbery stopper. These can be filled with water and/or Hobot's own (supplied) cleaning solution; they're detachable with the aid of a screwdriver. Attached to each one is an "Ultrasonic nozzle", which sprays a very fine mist into the path of the bot as it moves around the surface. These are apparently extremely sensitive and not to be touched under any circumstances.

(Image credit: Future)

Flip the robot over and you'll find two rubbery caterpillar belts and two removable, washable cleaning cloths. These have rectangular sections cut out of the middle, to leave the suction area the bot uses to cling to the glass free. The cloths are mounted on separate plates, and vibrate vertically in towards each other. Hobot says this simulates the motion of a human hand scrubbing, although with up to 600 "wipes" per minute, it's rather more frenetic than any window cleaner I've met.

On the edges are bumpers to protect your window frames. This model also includes patented Edge-Leakage-Bumper (ELB) sensors, which are designed to make this cleaner suitable for edgeless glass. These sense if there's a loss of suction as a result of a gap, or if the bot reaching the edge of a pane of glass, and change direction rather than continue over it, breaking the main suction seal and dropping off.

(Image credit: Future)

The device needs to be plugged into the mains to work. Thankfully, the cable is nice and long, but you might still need to make use of an extension cord for awkwardly placed outside windows. You'll also need to keep the backup battery charged, in case of a power outage – this will keep the bot attached to your window for up to around 20 minutes without power.

A safety cable is provided as a further backup if you're cleaning windows up high. I was pretty lax about attaching this until the bot fell off one of my windows. This only happened once during my extensive testing period, and luckily I was close enough to catch the rope before it hit the ground outside, but I learned a lesson about being diligent with attaching the rope.

(Image credit: Future)

Control is via remote. This offers a few different cleaning cycles – with the one you'll probably want to use helpfully colored in blue – plus options to turn the spray on and off, or manually direct the cleaning path if required. Unfortunately, you need to be pointing the remote directly at the bot for it to register, which can sometimes be tricky to achieve. Ideally, I'd have used the companion app; app support is advertised for this model, but didn't appear to be available at time of writing.

The bot will also provide information by yelling at you in a rather shrill voice, accompanied by various loud beeps. It needs to be loud to be heard over the suction of the machine, but that doesn't make it any less irritating, especially given it repeats the same safety instructions every time you turn it on.

• Design score: 4 out of 5

Hobot S7 Pro review: performance

• Navigates accurately and doesn't miss any spots
• Excellent for maintenance cleans, but can smear dirtier windows
• Not especially speedy, but does save on effort

The Hobot S7 Pro's dual pads vibrate in a reciprocating (linear, side-to-side) motion to clean and buff your windows. The water tanks apply a fine mist onto the surface of the glass, but this is by no means a wet cleaning setup – after cleaning three large floor-to-ceiling windows, the pads were only very slightly damp around the edges.

It's easy to get started, although if you're unfamiliar with window-cleaning robots, you might need to watch a video or two to understand how it will work. You need to hold the bot against the window and switch it on manually – at this point the suction will kick in, along with a loud voice prompt, and you can let go.

(Image credit: Future)

Then you can start the cleaning run. Unlike, say, a robot vacuum, there's no need to map anything first: just set off your preferred cycle and the bot will do the rest. I found the S7 Pro navigated my windows accurately, turning after it had bounced lightly against the window frame or sensed a gap in the glass. Route planning is apparently aided by AI, although each of the buttons on the remote launches a specific cleaning pattern, so I'm not exactly sure where the AI comes in.

The water tanks spray jets of mist – from the side the bot is moving towards – at regular intervals (it isn't "continuous", as some of the literature on the bot states). Filling the tanks to max gave me enough liquid to clean one side of one pane on my patio door, plus a bit more; but you'll still have to top these up quite regularly.

The cleaning coverage is excellent: the S7 Pro left only a small margin around the edges of my framed windows. Previous Hobot window-bots have used two circular cleaning pads; the squared-off design here seems much better suited to regularly proportioned windows.

The ELB (Edge-Leakage-Bumper) sensors are designed to make this bot suitable for edgeless glass (explained more in the Design section). I tested it on some indoor glass partitions that have a 1.5in / 4cm gap at the sides, and the feature worked exactly as advertised – the bot stopped short of the wall and changed direction.

In terms of cleaning results, I'd give it a middling score. For lighter, maintenance cleans, it performed very well. Using it on relatively clean windows indoors, the results were excellent, with no smearing.

However, when faced with the dirtier outside panes of my patio doors, the S7 Pro struggled. While windows were left significantly cleaner than they had been, the results were streaky. I could see the path the bot had travelled, and the occasional caterpillar track-mark. Don't expect the bot to be able to clean off caked-on dirt or bird poo, either.

Overall, I'm not sure that the ultra-fine mist is sufficient to tackle tougher dirt; I think a little more liquid would help. In addition, when using the S7 Pro outside, I could see that much of the mist was getting blown away in the breeze rather than landing on the window.

(Image credit: Future)

On dirtier windows, Hobot suggests you run a no-spray cycle first, to buff off surface dirt. I also found a brand video that recommended drizzling a little bit of cleaner solution on clean pads before starting, to help with grip. I found both of these tips improved the results on dirtier windows.

As as side note, the S7 Pro was also an unexpected win for cleaning behind the safety railings on some second floor, floor-to-ceiling windows; an area that's extremely awkward to clean any other way.

(Image credit: Future)

Generally, the bot adhered well to my window, and felt securely attached when giving it a little tug after pausing operations. However, it did once fall off a window, seemingly for no reason.

In terms of timings, Hobot advertises that it will clean an area of 1 square meter in 2 minutes 36 seconds. In practice, a complete, standard cleaning run takes rather longer than that – in my tests, it cleaned a 1.3 square meter pane of glass in around 7 minutes 30 seconds. So you're not saving a ton of time by opting for this method of cleaning, but you are saving on effort.

In general, like most robotic home assistants, the Hobot S7 Pro doesn't do as good a job as a human would do with a manual tool. It's designed for maintenance cleans that can be supplemented by the occasional proper window-wash, rather than to replace humans entirely. Also note that you can't leave it to clean unattended – you'll need to be present to move it from pane to pane.

• Performance score: 3 out of 5

Should you buy the Hobot S7 Pro?

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

Not an especially cheap solution, but in line with similar bots on the market.

3.5 / 5

Design

Square-shaped bot with effective dual reciprocating mop pads and ultrasonic spray. Remote control is a little too sensitive, and app control is absent. Voice alerts annoying.

4 / 5

Performance

Easy to use and navigation accurate and complete. Results are excellent on lightly dirty windows, but can smear when encountering more challenging dirt.

3 / 5

Buy it if...

You have a lot of large windows
The large, square shape of this window bot makes it a good choice for big expanses of glass. Those with smaller windows will get away with a more compact bot.

Your windows get dirty fast
This bot won't do as good a job as a human, but it will make a noticeable difference to how clean your windows look – which makes it ideal for regular maintenance cleaning.

You don't need a pristine result
My windows were left much cleaner, but the results were slightly streaky. If that's acceptable to you, it will be a great addition to your cleaning arsenal.

Don't buy it if...

You want a pristine, smear-free result
If you're seeking perfectly clear windows, you'll be better off taking care of the task manually.

You want something that can operate unattended
Unlike a robot vacuum, you'll need to stick around while the S7 Pro cleans, to move it from pane to pane.

You want something app-controlled
At time of writing, there was no app support for this window bot.

How I tested the Hobot S7 Pro

I used the Hobot S7 Pro window cleaning robot to tackle various floor-to-ceiling windows, both inside and out. I tested its different cleaning modes, as well as the remote control option. I focused on how clean it left windows, if it missed any spots, and if it could achieve the advertised streak-free finish. I also assessed how easy it was to use, its noise level in operation, and if there were any design features that proved troublesome.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed June 2025