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• Ryzen 7 255 is a downclocked, China-exclusive chip without the usual 16 TOPS AI NPU
• Minisforum N5 supports up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM but lacks ECC memory support
• The N5 offers dual USB4 ports and 10GbE networking for versatile connectivity

Minisforum has introduced the N5, a compact network-attached storage (NAS) device now available globally.

Released alongside the more powerful N5 Pro, this new model is powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 255, a processor so obscure that it doesn’t even appear on AMD’s official global website.

Instead, it’s listed only on AMD’s Chinese site as the Ryzen 7 H 255, a chip with eight Zen 4 cores and a base clock of 3.8GHz, boosting up to 4.9GHz.

Downclocked chip with missing AI features

Falling under the Ryzen 200 and Hawk Point series, the processor has a default TDP of 45W, configurable between 35W and 54W.

However, the Ryzen 7 255 raises some questions about positioning and performance.

Minisforum also uses this processor in the AI X1, but it seems to be a rebadged Ryzen 7 8745HS, essentially a lower-wattage variant of the Ryzen 7 8745H, a chip offered exclusively in China.

It appears that the Ryzen 7 255 misses out on the 16 TOPS NPU that most of the Ryzen 7 250 series chips use, which means the chip is expected to lag in AI-centric tasks.

The CPU and GPU are also slightly downclocked, which could lead to modest but noticeable performance reductions.

Despite those caveats, the Minisforum N5 offers an attractive array of features that may appeal to users seeking a hybrid between a NAS device and a mini PC.

Like its Pro variant, the N5 supports up to 96GB of DDR5 memory through dual SO-DIMM slots.

However, it does not offer ECC RAM support, a key distinction for those prioritizing data integrity.

The device can run multiple operating systems, including Linux, MinisCloud OS, and Windows 11 Pro.

For connectivity, it includes two USB4 ports, 5Gbps and 10Gbps Ethernet ports, an OCuLink interface, and a PCIe x16 slot running at PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds.

These features make it viable not only as a NAS device but also as a potential mini workstation, especially when paired with the best NAS drives for storage expansion.

Pricing begins at $553 for a base configuration that includes 64GB of storage but no RAM, though a version with 16GB of RAM is available for an extra $48.

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I've known Vari for its standing desks for a while. Even more than that, I've checked out quite a bit from the company over the years.

Vari offers a wide range of gear, and so far my experience with all of it has been really good. The ComfortFlex is no different. One of the best office chairs I've tried, it offers a great option for those who use their office for long hours, and especially if they use their home office for more than just work.

For many, the home office space doubles as a hobby area, a gaming station, or something similar. This chair is perfect for those scenarios as it offers all-day comfort, a great leg rest for more lounging options, and a premium mesh build with excellent lumbar support and adjustability all around.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Vari ComfortFlex Office Chair: Pricing and Availability

The ComfortFlex office chair is offered directly on Vari's website for $549. These chairs ship directly from Vari and are wait-listed at the time of writing this article, though I do hope they come back in soon. Vari generously offers a 30-day return window on this chair, and there is a 5-year warranty as well.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Vari ComfortFlex Office Chair: Unboxing & first impressions

Unboxing this chair was, admittedly, nothing special. The packaging was robust and compact. The assembly took me about 15-minutes and while it was not complex, it is worth noting that the screws were labeled as letters in the kit, but by size in the manual. While this isn't a huge deal, it is a bit annoying.

The build process was actually made more time-consuming due to the massive amount of packaging materials, which is of course a pro, but a bit annoying when assembling.

From the first sit, I loved the mesh, the comfort of the seat and the legrest. Legrests I feel are hard to get right. Either they feel very gimmicky, they are ignored all together, or they are great. This one is great. Not too much but just right.

Vari ComfortFlex Office Chair: Design & Build Quality

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Specs

Weight Capacity: 300 lb
Seat Height: 17.5″–20.75″, width 19.5″, depth adjustable
Tilt Angles: 96°/106°/116° recline lock

The Vari ComfortFlex Office Chair is the kind of chair that fits perfectly in a home office, a corporate office, or a co-working space. It's clean, simple, modern, yet comfortable enough to enjoy working in without wishing for a more comfortable option.

The base is made of aluminum and is sturdy, even with a good amount of weight on it. The mesh lumbar, backrest, and neck portion are all layered in a cool way that looks sleek yet professional.

My one negative I noticed early on is that the armrests feel a bit too firm for my liking, but that could be just me.

Vari ComfortFlex Office Chair: In use

I've had this chair in my queue and with my team for 110 days at the time of writing this review. It has been used primarily by me, at 6'2", 200lbs, and by another member of the team who is 5'9" and about 150 lbs. For both of us, this chair feels like it's a great fit. The lumbar spine is dynamic and responsive, providing support to both of us, even though we are of different heights. The legrest is great for leaning back while on the phone, reading, grinding away on a laptop, or even gaming.

The armrests are the one grip for both of us, though. They are adjustable in height and width, but they don't pivot inward, so for anyone who likes to pull those in tight, this chair may be a bit frustrating.

In the 100+ hours that we have spent in this chair, we have had no other major frustrations. It's a great chair; it's just as comfortable as it was on day one, and it's still working without any issues.

It's not until you have a chair with a leg rest that you truly appreciate just how great it is. Furthermore, it's not until you have a chair with a legrest in your own home office that you truly understand this. In the comfort of your own home office, you don't usually mind kicking back and taking that meeting reclined, or reading that contract or article while you have your feet up. Or, when you finish working for the day, use the legrest as a way to mentally flip from work to play. No matter how you prefer to do it, this chair is great for users who want some versatility.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Minimalist and professional

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Great for those wanting a simple chair for their home office

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Priced well for the product

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Vari ComfortFlex Office Chair: Final verdict

The Vari ComfortFlex is a great all around chair. It's great for work, it's great for play, it's great for reading, and it's great for pretty much anything you'd do in your home office. It's made wonderful due to the dynamic lumbar, the mesh breathability and the built in retractable footrest, but as long as you don't need to be able ot bring your armrests in, this chair could be perfect for you.

Superman is gearing up to fly into theaters. The rebooted DC Universe's (DCU) first film arrives worldwide on July 11, so you'll want to learn more about the ensemble starring in James Gunn's Superman movie.

Below, I've compiled a list of every character appearing in the superhero flick. I'll also tell you which actor is portraying them and where you might have seen them before.

One last thing before you proceed: I didn't include characters who haven't been confirmed as part of Superman's official cast. So, while a Guardians of the Galaxy star is said to have a bit-part role in Superman and a big fan theory about Ultraman's real identity is circulating online, you won't find those or other potential spoiler-based cameos in this guide.

David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman

David Corenswet is the latest actor to portray the iconic Kryptonian (Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

Corenswet is the latest actor tasked with bringing Clark Kent/Kal-El to life in a live-action project, following stars such as Christopher Reeve and Henry Cavill. In the DCU's iteration, Krypton's most famous son will possess the superhero's usual powerset, including heat vision, the ability to fly, super strength, invulnerability, super speed, and x-ray vision, among others.

Corenswet made a name for himself in Netflix's The Politician, but he's also appeared in films like Hulu's The Greatest Hits and Universal's Twisters, and in other TV shows, including Hollywood and Lady in the Lake.

Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane

Rachel Brosnahan plays Clark Kent's perennial love interest and fellow Daily Planet reporter (Image credit: DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures)

Best known for playing Miriam 'Midge' Maisel in Prime Video's The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, Brosnahan will portray combative journalist Lois Lane in this DCU Chapter One film. She'll be less of a damsel in distress in Superman, with Brosnahan's take on the character being feistier and more proactive than previous versions.

Her award-winning performance in the aforementioned Amazon TV Original notwithstanding, Brosnahan has had roles in Spies in Disguise, Manhattan, and The Amateur, among other productions. You'll next see her in Presumed Innocent season 2 on Apple TV+, with Brosnahan recently announced as the crime anthology series' next lead.

Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor

Nicholas Hoult has now played iconic characters in Marvel and DC Comics (Image credit: Jessica Miglio/DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures)

Hoult, who reportedly accepted the role of Lex Luthor in November 2023 before his official casting was announced just days later, will play one of Superman's most iconic adversaries. Despite Superman's first-look image teasing the potential appearance of another big villain, Luthor will be the film's Big Bad.

UK viewers will immediately recognize Hoult from 2002's comedy-drama film About a Boy and Channel 4's teenage drama Skins. Since then, Hoult has gone on to play a younger version of Marvel character Hank McCoy/Beast in Fox's second X-Men film franchise, and starred in numerous other projects, including Renfield, Warm Bodies, Nosferatu, Tolkien, Juror No. 2, The Great, and The Menu.

Edi Gathegi as Michael Holt/Mister Terrific

Edi Gathegi is the first actor to play Mister Terrific in a live-action capacity (Image credit: DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures)

Real name Michael Holt, Mister Terrific will make his first-ever live-action appearance in one of the DCU Chapter One's most exciting movies. Gathegi will play Holt, one of three superpowered individuals who make up the corporately owned Justice Gang.

As for who Mister Terrific is: he's a scientist-turned-superhero who uses floating orbs – known as T-spheres – to create holographic projections, hack into other machines, and emit energy bursts. He's also incredibly smart – the man has 14 PhDs in DC Comics – and wealthy. Essentially, he's got the finances and firepower to match that of the more famous billionaire vigilante Bruce Wayne/Batman.

Gathegi's credits include multi-episode and/or multi-season appearances in Apple's For All Mankind, NBC's The Blacklist, TNT's Proof, and ABC's The Family Tools. Some viewers may recognize him from X-Men: First Class and The Harder They Fall, too.

Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner/Green Lantern

Frequent James Gunn collaborator Nathan Fillion will portray one of the DCU's Green Lanterns (Image credit: DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures)

Guy Gardner, one of many DC characters to assume the Green Lantern alias – individuals bestowed with a green ring that grants various abilities to its wielder – will be portrayed by Nathan Fillion. He's one of three Green Lanterns confirmed to appear in this cinematic franchise, too, with Aaron Pierre's John Stewart and Kyle Chandler's Hal Jordan set to be introduced in HBO's Lanterns TV show.

Most famous for playing Malcolm 'Mal' Reynolds in Firefly, Fillion has appeared in numerous other popular shows and movies. In a glittering career, he's also renowned for playing Richard Castle in ABC's Castle and The Rookie, T.D.K in The Suicide Squad, different characters in The Guardians of the Galaxy film series, and voicing characters in various animated TV series and Halo videogame franchise.

His appearances in new seasons of The Rookie and its Feds spin-off aside, Fillion will next be seen reprising his role as Gardner in Peacemaker season 2, which arrives on HBO Max in late August.

Isabela Merced as Kendra Saunders/Hawkgirl

Isabela Merced was last seen portraying Dina in The Last of Us season 2 (Image credit: DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures)

The third and final Justice Gang member, Hawkgirl – real name Kendra Saunders – is set to be played by Isabela Merced.

Hawkgirl has one of the most complicated histories in all of DC Comics. Essentially, though, Saunders is the latest reincarnation of Shayera Hol, a member of an alien race known as the Thanagarians. The third incumbent of the Hawkgirl mantle, Saunders possesses the memories of her forebears, Hol and Shiera Sanders. She's also a reluctant and cynical hero, so expect her to butt heads with the more idealistic Superman. Abilities-wise, she can fly, is an expert combatant, and possesses the usual superhuman abilities.

Last seen playing Dina in The Last of Us season 2, Merced's star is on the rise due to her performances in Spider-Man spin-off Madame Web, Alien: Romulus, Dora and the Lost City of Gold, and Turtles All the Way Down. She'll also cameo in season 2 of Peacemaker next month.

Sean Gunn as Maxwell Lord

Maxwell Lord, seen here in Peacemaker season 2's first trailer, will have a small role in Superman (Image credit: DC Studios/HBO Max)

Ordinarily a Wonder Woman villain, Maxwell Lord will have a small role in Superman. Sean Gunn, frequent collaborator and brother of DC Studios' co-chief, is playing the Justice Gang's primary financier.

The voice of Weasel and G.I. Robot in HBO Max animated series Creature Commandos, aka the first DCU production to be released, Gunn has also portrayed Kraglin in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, Weasel in The Suicide Squad, and Kirk Gleason in Gilmore Girls. Like Fillion and Merced, Gunn will also show up in Peacemaker season 2.

Anthony Carrigan as Rex Mason/Metamorpho

Metamorpho will be more crucial to this movie's story than some people realize (Image credit: DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures)

Played by Barry alumnus Anthony Carrigan, Rex Mason/Metamorpho is another metahuman who'll appear in a live-action capacity for the first time. Mason is an archaeologist who can alter his body's atoms to change shape and consistency, and create any element he wants.

First revealed in a behind-the-scenes featurette, Metamorpho's DCU design is near-identical to his look in the comics. Superman's official trailer and Superman's final teaser also indicate he'll play a small but significant role in its plot, too – read my Superman trailer #2 breakdown piece to find out why.

Apart from his scene-stealing performance as NoHo Hank in Barry, audiences might have seen Carrigan in Gotham, Death of a Unicorn, Fatherhood, and The Forgotten.

Maria Gabriela de Faria as Angela Spica/The Engineer

Angela Spica is part of a superhuman group known as The Authority in DC Comics (Image credit: DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures)

Maria Gabriela De Faria is playing Angela Spica/The Engineer, a member of The Authority, a Wildstorm Universe/DC Comics anti-hero team unafraid to resort to extreme measures to save the day. Spica is usually depicted as having a liquid body and various superpowers due to her nanite-enriched blood. However, while her DCU counterpart is similarly imbued with nanotechnology, they act as a suit of armor, allow Spica to craft various weapons, and grant her superhuman abilities.

A Venezuelan actor who's starred in various telenovelas, de Faria won't be a familiar name to many. She's guest-starred in some English-language series, including Deadly Class, The Moodys, and Animal Control, but her forthcoming appearance in Superman is her biggest international role so far.

Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr.

Rick Flag Sr. has been promoted since we saw him in Creature Commandos season 1 (Image credit: DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures)

After surviving the events of Creature Commandos season 1, Rick Flag Sr. will have a small role to play in Superman. He was voiced by Frank Grillo in the adult animated show, so it's no great surprise that Grillo portrays the newly installed Head of ARGUS's live-action version, too.

A prolific actor, fans will know Grillo from playing Brock Lumlow/Crossbones in the MCU, Bill in Sylvester Stallone's Paramount+ TV hit Tulsa King, Alvey in Kingdom, Nick in Prison Break, and Frank in Warrior, among many other films and shows.

Wendell Pierce as Perry White

Wendell Pierce, pictured as part of the Superman world press tour, will portray The Daily Planet's editor-in-chief (Image credit: Eric Charbonneau)

Wendell Pierce has been cast as Perry White, the Daily Planet's tough-but-fair editor-in-chief, who was last played on the big screen by Lawrence Fishburne.

Last seen in Marvel's Thunderbolts* movie, Pierce is best known for Bunk Moreland in The Wire, aka one of the best HBO Max shows of all time. He's also appeared as Robert Zane in Suits and James Greer in Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, and starred in a variety of highly rated films, including Selma, Ray, and Malcolm X.

Skyler Gisondo, Beck Bennett, Mikaela Hoover, and Christopher McDonald as Jimmy Olsen, Steve Lombard, Cat Grant, and Ron Troupe

Ron (second left), Cat (third left), Steve (back middle), and Jimmy (second right) are all employed by The Daily Planet (Image credit: DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures)

White, Lane, and Kent – when the last of that trio isn't being a superhero, anyway – aren't the only Daily Planet employees we'll see in Superman.

Gisondo is on board as Jimmy Olsen, the news outlet's photographer and friend to Kent and Lane. Viewers may recognize him from The Righteous Gemstones and The Santa Clarita Diet.

Bennett (Saturday Night Live, Hamster and Gretel), Hoover (The Belko Experiment), and McDonald (Jill & Jack) round out the Daily Planet's roster. They'll respectively portray self-serving sports reporter Lombard, gossip columnist Grant, and general journalist Troupe.

Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell as Jonathan 'Pa' Kent and Martha 'Ma' Kent

The Kents are Kal-El's surrogate parents (Image credit: DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures)

Vince and Howell were confirmed to be playing Clarke's surrogate parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent, last April. It's unclear how big a role they'll have, but based on the footage we've seen, we know they'll share some heartfelt scenes with the titular Kryptonian.

Superman will mark Vince's first screen appearance in four years, with the Murder One, Stranger Things, Bird Box, and Beautiful Girls star's last role coming in 2021's Crime Story. Meanwhile, Howell's acting credits include Beckinfield, The Edge of Sanity, and The Resident.

Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher

Eve Teschmacher is positioned as a social media influencer in the DCU (Image credit: DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures)

Typically, Teschmacher is Luthor's assistant and love interest. While the latter has been retained for Supes' next big-screen adventure, Sampaio's version has been tweaked to also make her a social media influencer.

A runway model by trade, Sampaio's filmography isn't as extensive as many of her Superman peers. However, she has appeared in an episode of Billions, and had small movie roles in Crisis, Wifelike, and At Midnight.

Ouzo the dog as Krypto the Superdog

(Super)Man's best friend will be a huge hit among kids and animal lovers alike (Image credit: DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures)

This list wouldn't be complete without a nod to Krypto the Superdog, who stole our hearts when Superman's first trailer was released last December.

Based on James Gunn's rescue dog Ouzo, Krypto will be a boisterous version of Supes' canine companion. Indeed, we've seen him being a menace in the aforementioned teaser, Superman's first official clip, and other trailers for one of 2025's most anticipated new movies. Don't be surprised if Krypto, who's also expected to appear in next year's Supergirl film, is one of the movie's highlights when it's eventually released.

You might also like

• Find out how to watch the Superman movies in order
• Or get the lowdown on streaming the DC movies in order
• Alternatively, see if you agree with our ranking of the best Batman movies

There are two methods to share your games between multiple Switch 2 consoles using Virtual Game Cards. And neither one is called GameShare.

Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Edition marks the fighting game’s availability on Nintendo Switch 2 - as a launch title for the console no less. Back in 2023, I scored Street Fighter 6 five stars in my review, praising everything from its world class visuals to its intense one-on-one battles - backed up by the incredible Drive gauge system that allows for a high skill ceiling.

Review information

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release date: June 6, 2025 (originally released on June 2, 2023)

On Nintendo Switch 2, that high-quality experience has been replicated for the most part. Seemingly gone are the days of heavily compromised fighting game ports (looking at you, Mortal Kombat 1), as Capcom’s highly scalable RE Engine shows that even the best looking fighting games can still run and play great on a handheld machine.

Now, okay, you’re not quite getting the crystalline image quality of Street Fighter 6 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S or indeed PC. The Switch 2 version does look slightly worse, with noticeable graining and overall lower resolution - exacerbated when blown up on a 4K display. But honestly, it’s not a million miles away from those other versions, and the game is still perfectly readable and maintains a solid 60fps performance where it matters: in those intense online matches as well as most offline modes.

Perhaps obviously, it’s the single-player World Tour mode that suffers the most. Granted, it’s far from perfect on other systems, but you’ll really feel the compromises on Switch 2, with noticeable animation frame limiting on distant non-player characters (NPCs) and a hard 30fps lock during battles - far from ideal.

Still, everything else in the package is comparable. And with full crossplay support and a complete character roster at the time of writing, you can hop into one of the best fighting games on Nintendo Switch 2 and start ranking up just as well as you can on other consoles. Well, so long as you’re using a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller for Classic motion inputs, of course. But more on that later.

The gang's all here

(Image credit: Capcom)

So first off, what’s included in Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Edition on Switch 2? As mentioned, you’re getting the entire roster of fighters. That’s 18 from the launch version, in addition to the four DLC characters from Year 1 (Rashid, A.K.I., Ed, and Akuma) and four from Year 2 (M. Bison, Terry Bogard, Mai Shiranui, and Elena). You’re also getting four DLC stages and a decent amount of Drive Tickets to spend in the game’s shop. Sadly, additional character outfits aren’t included in this package - you’ll have to buy those separately.

Otherwise, this is a feature-complete version of Street Fighter 6. All three main content hubs are here, including the single-player World Tour mode. You’ll also find the Battle Hub for hanging out with player-created avatars and engaging in casual online matches, as well as Fighting Ground where you have access to the bulk of the game’s modes. That includes ranked and unranked online matches, Arcade mode, training, and combo trials for every character.

There are also a couple of modes exclusive to the Switch 2 version of Street Fighter 6, but these are unfortunately novelties that wore off after a couple of tries. Gyro Battle uses the Joy-Con 2’s motion controls for special move inputs, while Calorie Contest also applies those motion inputs to a gimmicky fitness-based mode. Both are inoffensive inclusions, but you likely won’t look at them twice unless you want to get your grandma into Street Fighter, or something.

The Joy (Con) of fighting

(Image credit: Capcom)

How I feel about Street Fighter 6 now hasn’t changed much over the last couple of years. It’s still one of the best fighting games available today, with plenty of content for both casual and hardcore players to sink their teeth into.

That being said, there may be some growing pains for those jumping over to the Switch 2 version, or playing the game for the first time on the new hardware. While the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is a fine fit for Street Fighter 6’s Classic control scheme (which grants full access to characters’ moves and full motion inputs), the Joy-Con 2 certainly isn’t.

That’s because it’s almost impossible to reliably input directional special moves - especially the likes of the Dragon Punch motion and Zangief’s full-circle Spinning Pile Driver - on the Joy-Con 2’s button-styled d-pad.

However, if you prefer the Modern control scheme, which simplifies special moves to a single direction, you’ll have a much easier time if all you can play with is the Joy-Con 2. And it still helps that Modern is an incredibly well-designed control scheme that’s even preferred by no shortage of professional Street Fighter 6 players, so you absolutely can hop online and learn the game efficiently in this way.

Small world

(Image credit: Capcom)

As for World Tour, Street Fighter 6’s marquee single-player mode, it’s certainly something I’ve still got a soft spot for - but it’s definitely not at its best on Switch 2. In case you’re unaware, World Tour has your player-created avatar exploring 3D environments, getting into fights, and meeting legendary Street Fighter characters in order to level up and learn new moves - all in aid of winning tournaments and becoming the strongest fighter in the world. It’s not without its faults, with plenty of incredibly tanky enemies who love employing cheap tactics like lobbing wrenches from across the screen, but it is a fun diversion from the chaos of the online suites.

While it was never a top performer even on PS5, Xbox, and PC, World Tour on Switch 2 does suffer from some compromises. Draw distance is quite poor, and there’s plenty of choppy animation on distant NPCs. Overworld exploration targets 60fps and does get there frequently, but actual battles are strictly locked to 30fps, which simply feels horrible in a fighting game - even in a more casual-friendly environment.

I’d still say World Tour is worth a playthrough if you haven’t tried it before, as the experience here is far from unplayable. Just be prepared for a massive disconnect in performance between it and the rest of the package, which manages to be incredibly stable on Switch 2.

Should I play Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Edition on Switch 2?Play it if...

You want a version of the game for portable play
Despite a downgrade in overall image quality, playing Street Fighter 6 in handheld mode is a surprisingly stable experience and one that’s plenty fun whether you’re tucked in bed or out and about.

You want the entire roster at an affordable price
Featuring most of the content released across the game’s first two years - sans old battle passes and character costumes - Years 1-2 Edition is a genuinely great deal.

Don't play it if...

You have access to Street Fighter 6 on other systems
As impressive as Street Fighter 6 on Switch 2 is, if you’re able to play the game on PS5, Xbox, or PC, I would still recommend those versions for their better image quality and performance in World Tour mode.

You don’t have the time to learn a fighting game
Street Fighter 6 may be the most popular fighting game out there, but it’s certainly one of the more complex ones with its intricate Drive system, varied character movesets, and no shortage of fighting game-specific terminology.

Accessibility

Street Fighter 6’s accessibility suite is just as impressive on Switch 2 as it is on other consoles and PC. For one, the Modern control scheme is an excellent onboarding tool for players intimidated by the complicated Classic layout. Modern doesn’t give access to a character’s full move list, but it does greatly simplify special move inputs and provides easy combo routes, allowing you to hop online and see success almost right away.

In terms of other accessibility options, there are plenty. Audio options are particularly impressive, with the ability to enable a ‘distance to opponent’ sound to aid players with vision impairments. You can also enable unique sound effects for high, mid, and low attacks, as well as ones for remaining health and Super Art gauge levels.

Sadly, there are no colorblind settings to speak of, and on Switch 2, there are fewer graphical and visual options in general than on other systems.

How I reviewed Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Edition

I played Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 for around 28 hours for this review. That included significant progress in World Tour mode, as well as several rounds of Arcade mode, combo trials, and online matches, both ranked and casual.

In docked mode, playing on an LG CX OLED TV, my controller of choice was the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. I also tested the game in handheld mode using the Joy-Con 2 controllers.

As a huge fighting game fan, I also reviewed the original Street Fighter 6 release on PS5. I’ve also provided reviews for Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising and Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, so I feel confident in delivering a review of the Switch 2 port of Street Fighter 6 that’s fair and coming from a standpoint of whether or not it’s worth your time and money.

The Prince and Princess of Wales will join the King and Queen in granting Royal Warrants — a sort of "seal of approval" — on certain goods and services.

(Image credit: Leon Neal/Getty Images)

It's hard to believe, but the progress bar on the year 2025 has just hit the 50% mark. That mildly terrifying marker is a good opportunity for us to look back at the tech we've spent days reviewing over the past six months and ask a simple question – what are the best new products we've tested in 2025 so far?

The answers from our many experts across audio, phones, computing, cameras, TVs, fitness, the smart home and more are below. Has AI killed hardware innovation? The list below suggests the answer is an emphatic 'no'. While there are some familiar faces below (hello, Nintendo Switch 2), there are also bold new designs from the likes of Honor, Motorola and Sigma.

The price of this kind of innovation often doesn't come cheap, so we've also sprinkled in the best-value launches we've seen from the worlds of chargers, smart glasses and smartwatches. If you're looking for a temperature check on the year so far in tech, you've come to the right place...

The best tech of 2025 so far

What are the best things TechRadar has tested and reviewed in 2025 so far? There have been a lot of contenders, but we've picked out the very top ones across all of our categories below.

Because of the sheer variety in our product testing, the order of our list is a little arbitrary, but that's all part of the fun. And among the top six are four products that have all been given a coveted five-star TechRadar rating...

17. Sigma BF

• The polarizing, stand-out camera of 2025 so far

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

The Sigma BF ignores so many camera design norms that it should, by rights, be a total failure – and yet it has been the most talked about snapper this year. Crafted out of a single block of metal, this premium-feel minimalist full-frame camera with tactile buttons has some of the boldest design flourishes you’ll ever see, which have led to it being described as the camera Apple would’ve made.

My experience testing the BF over several weeks proved to be a rollercoaster: the smooth, featureless body that’s properly awkward to grip onto, the control setup being the very definition of ‘minimalist’, the omission of a viewfinder and lack of tilt / rotate movements in the screen, no decent connectivity, no card slot (which is disconcerting), nor in-body stabilisation.

For all these lows, the minimalist Sigma BF is a compelling, creative tool with plenty of highs. It does design differently – far from a cold, unfeeling product, its stark, stripped-back beauty pushed me to go out and take photos – and I loved the look of the photos I took with it. (Timothy Coleman, Cameras Editor)

• Read our in-depth Sigma BF review

16. Anker Nano Charger 45W

• Our new, go-to compact phone charger for traveling

(Image credit: Future)

If you’re looking for a new phone charger, the Anker Nano Charger 45W is a truly excellent option. It offers more than enough power to activate fast-charging on the best iPhones and best Samsung phones, and even comes with a 6ft USB-C cable.

What makes this model so special, though, is that it's phenomenally compact and lightweight – especially given its generous maximum power output.Yes, with the use of GaN technology, Anker has ensured that this charger is mighty enough to juice up your devices in a flash, while also being petite enough to slide into tight spaces at home or on the go.

And when you need to take the charger out and about, you can simply fold the prongs away and slide it into your pocket or bag – pretty convenient. Considering the Anker Nano Charger 45W has a list price of just $34.99 / £24.99 (about AU$50), you’re looking at unbelievably good value for money. A special mention also goes to the Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Foldable Pad too, which is a smartly designed palm-sized wireless charger that we’ve been taking on our travels ever since it launched. (Harry Padoan, Staff Writer)

• Read our in-depth Anker Nano Charger 45W with USB-C Cable review

15. OnePlus Watch 3

• The Android smartwatch of 2025 (so far)

It may only be a modest step up from the OnePlus Watch 2, but the company's 2025 take on its big, beautiful smartwatch is the best Wear OS experience you can buy.

The Watch 3 is designed for those who want a smart dress watch with a side of casual fitness, and it mostly succeeds in those aims. Battery life is one of its big selling points – during our tests, we found it lasted an impressive four-and-a-half days, despite us subjecting it to several, GPS-based workouts.

We also found that it tracks running particularly well and accurately monitors your sleep. This clearly isn't isn't a watch for Apple fans or anyone with an aversion to hefty timepieces, and we did have a few issues with swim-tracking. But if you're looking for a premium Wear OS experience, this is it – and a smaller version will launch on July 8.

• Read our in-depth OnePlus Watch 3 review

14. Roborock Saros 10 and 10R

• Twin winners for the best robot vacuums we've tested

(Image credit: Future)

Understandably, of Roborock's new 2025 line of robovacs, its was the Saros Z70 with its big mechanical arm that garnered most attention. While the tech is undoubtedly exciting, on test we found the Z70's more understated range-mates more genuinely useful. The Roborock Saros 10 and Saros 10R are a formidable pair of home helpers, each offering something slightly different but both equally impressive.

Roborock is one of the very best robot vacuum brands around, and these robot vacuums showcase the latest-and-greatest versions of its technology, both offering accurate navigation, superb suction, advanced object identification and docks that will take care of almost all maintenance for you (and look great while doing so).

However, the big selling point is that both bots have special ways of accessing low-height spaces. That doesn't sound too exciting, until you realize it means they'll be able to clean places that regular, taller bots can't, such as the dusty depths beneath your sofa. There are other small differences – which we dig into in our Roborock Saros 10 vs 10R side-by-side testing article – but they're both good enough to earn a joint crown as the top robovacs of 2025 so far. (Ruth Hamilton, Homes Editor)

• Read our in-depth Roborock Saros 10 review
• Read our in-depth Roborock Saros 10R review

13. Motorola Razr Ultra 2025

• The most stylish phone you can buy by far

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If you think smartphones have become too dull, you need to meet the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025. It's the antithesis of the boring glass rectangle, combining unique design flourishes (like the wood finish option above) with some flagship-level performance.

This year, that finally includes a powerful chipset – the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite – which is the brains behind most of today's Android powerhouses. Snapping its flip phone design shut is an incredibly satisfying way to hang up on people, too.

The Razr Ultra 2025's main 7-inch display is also glorious (the biggest you'll find outside tablet-style foldables) and even its second screen is faster than any iPhone display, with a 165Hz refresh rate. All of this comes at a cost, of course. But outside price tags, Motorola's flagship shows that foldables no longer need to mean compromises.

• Read our in-depth Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) review

12. Jura J10

• The tastiest coffee machine we've tested in 2025

(Image credit: Future)

The Jura J10 is a premium bean-to-cup coffee maker that produces perfectly extracted hot and cold-brewed coffee every time, and makes some of the best latte macchiatos I’ve ever had.

Hot espresso is rich and flavorsome, and the automatic milk steamer can produce different textures depending on the drink you’re making. Just choose what you want from the menu, and the J10 will do the rest. For cold brew, the J10 lets the freshly ground coffee pre-infuses, then pulses cold water through it at high pressure, recreating the rounded, mellow flavor of coffee steeped in the fridge overnight.

It then tops it off with perfectly foamed milk - which can be infused with a syrup of your choice. It’s not cheap, but if money is no object, then it’s the best coffee machine released this year. (Cat Ellis, Homes Editor)

• Read our full Jura J10 review

11. SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3

• Your ticket to pure, analog gaming bliss

(Image credit: Future)

The latest models in SteelSeries’ Apex Pro lineup certainly had some big shoes to fill (the TKL variant from 2023 still remains the best gaming keyboard for customization). But the new generation certainly didn’t disappoint – especially the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3, which is my personal pick of the bunch.

It’s built to incredibly high standards, with a super-solid chassis that still remains light, while the double-shot PBT keycaps feel every bit as premium as you might imagine. The performance from the analog switches is pretty much flawless, too.

There’s no denying the Apex Pro range is expensive, but the Mini is the cheapest model owing to its small size, yet the layout doesn’t feel compromised thanks to the number of shortcuts available. If you want pure analog gaming bliss, this is the keyboard for you. (Lewis Maddison, Reviews Writer)

10. Xreal One Pro

• The best AR glasses around for entertainment

(Image credit: Future)

The Xreal One Pro AR smart glasses are a cut above any other pair we’ve tested, and give us insight into what 2026’s Android XR glasses could have in store.

Like other current-gen AR specs this Xreal pair can be connected to a compatible phone, PC or gaming device and project the screen on a giant virtual screen – up to 171 inches – with dazzling 120Hz full-HD visuals produced by its 700-nit Sony OLED display.

What makes these glasses special, however, is that they boast a new optical engine. This prism, which reflects the OLED screen into your vision, is not only less bulky but produces a cleaner image while also offering a wider field of view. This unique hardware feature is what makes the Xreal One Pro glasses excellent, and easily the best smart glasses we’ve tested so far this year. (Hamish Hector, Senior Staff Writer, News)

• Read our in-depth Xreal One Pro AR review

9. Honor Earbuds Open

• So good we forgot we were wearing open earbuds

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The best headphones or earbuds in 2025? Tough call, honestly.

Do we go with the February release Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, a hugely anticipated update – and one that finally added heart-rate monitoring to Apple-subsidiary earbuds? How about the May issue Sony WH-1000XM6 over-ears, or even Nothing's first ever headphones, the Headphone (1) – which narrowly made this missive by arriving on July 1?

After much consideration, I'm going with none of the above and opting for a set of open earbuds – a now-huge category that's seen a 600% growth since last year (thank you for that stat, Huawei). The thing with open-fit designs historically has been bass response; it's hard to get decent low-end clout when the drivers are neither covering your ear completely nor creating an in-ear seal, using your ear canal.

The biggest compliment we paid these buds in our full Honor Earbuds Open review was that they sound so good, we genuinely forgot we were wearing an open-ear design. Oh, and if you thought open earbuds couldn't ace noise cancellation, think again… (Becky Scarrott, Audio Editor)

• Read our in-depth Honor Earbuds Open review

8. Apple iPad Air M3 (2025)

• The new 'best tablet for most people'

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

In recent years, Apple’s iPads haven’t changed a great deal, with small refinements being made from generation to generation. That’s mostly the case with the 2025’s iPad Air, but with the addition of Apple’s in-house designed M3 chip, the iPad Air is pretty much the best tablet for most people.

This is because its 11-inch display offers plenty of space to do everything from browse copious amounts of webpages, to watching movies on a commute or sketch out digital works of art. The M3 chip, which can also be found in MacBook Air models, though not the very latest ones, has buckets of power that most people will struggle to put under a silicon sweat.

Add in accessories like the Magic Keyboard and you’ve also got a pseudo laptop replacement, especially if you tap into various cloud-based tools and software. In short, this is the leading tablet you can buy in 2025 so far, and we don’t expect that to change as the year marches on. (Roland Moore-Colyer, Managing Editor, Mobile Computing)

• Read our in-depth Apple iPad Air 11-inch (2025) review

7. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

• The ultimate Android phone

While the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra didn’t shake-up the large-phone format established with the Galaxy S24 Ultra and its predecessors, it marks the culmination of Samsung efforts in iterating on and refining its flagship phone into one of the best phones money can buy.

As such, we’ve dubbed the Galaxy S25 Ultra as “the ultimate Android” thanks to its superb design, excellent display, powerful performance and an array of cameras that’ll help you get the most out of your phone photography pursuits. But the Galaxy S25 Ultra also stands out as a platform for the generative AI features Google has baked into Android, and those that Samsung has added into the mix with Galaxy AI.

Features like Circle to Search have been refined to be genuinely useful, while other AI-powered tools open up more creative opportunities. However, even if you have no interest in such smart features, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a superb phone; it’s not cheap but then we feel it’s still the leading phone to come out of 2025 so far and one that’ll serve you well some years from now. (Roland Moore-Colyer, Managing Editor, Mobile Computing)

• Read our in-depth Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review

6. Amazfit Active 2

• The king of smartwatch value

Yes, we already have a smartwatch in this list (see the OnePlus Watch 3 at no. 15), but we had to give a prominent shout-out to Amazfit's latest all-rounder – at $99 / £99 / AU$160, it isn't just the best-value smartwatch we've tested in 2025, it might just be the best-value gadget that's graced our labs. That garnered it a rare five-star TechRadar rating in March.

It can't perform miracles, so there are weaknesses – its fitness-tracking is still a level below Garmin's industry-leading accuracy, and there's no NFC. The lack of Wear OS or watchOS also means it lacks polish in some areas. But its feature-set is vast, and its fitness- and heart-tracking is still very accurate.

We're also big fans of its stainless steel design, which is light and comfortable. As our review concluded, the Amazfit Active 2 offers "unbelievable value for the price" and even "goes toe-to-toe with the Apple Watch for health tracking". While this isn't quite enough for it to top our guide to the best smartwatch, we do think it's the best cheap option by quite a distance.

• Read our in-depth Amazfit Active 2 review

5. Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Generation

• A Bluetooth speaker that punches way above its weight

(Image credit: Future)

Five years is eons in Bluetooth speaker technology and portable audio in general, but that's how long B&O made us wait between iterations of its premium pastel-hued, English muffin-shaped speaker.

The good news is, it was worth the wait: our glowing five-star review of the Beosound A1 Gen 3 reveals a May 2025-issue speaker that's all about sonic performance alongside a generous helping of pride in ownership.

It's little short of a masterclass where materials and their deployment are concerned and for sound, the A1 3rd Gen can summon highly unlikely low-frequency presence and substance. Basically, it hits remarkably hard for a speaker of its proportions. No, it's not cheap, but that doesn't mean it's not good value.

Yes, we loved the also-five-star March release JBL Flip 7, but the B&O buy is such a classy performer it's impossible not to give it the nod. (Becky Scarrott, Audio Editor)

• Read our in-depth Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Generation

4. Apple MacBook Air (M4)

• The best laptop of 2025 so far

(Image credit: Future)

When I was asked what was the best laptop that’s been released so far in 2025, the answer was easy – and also a little bit disappointing. It’s easy because the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) – and its 15-inch version which I reviewed – is a superb laptop that combine excellent performance, a thin and light design and, best of all, an incredibly competitive price that rival laptop makers simply cannot match.

The 2025 MacBook Air is also a culmination of Apple’s reinvention of its laptop line, which started back in 2020 when the company ditched Intel as its hardware partner and began making its own chips, often referred to as ‘Apple silicon’. The M4 chip offers both excellent performance, as well industry-leading efficiency, so it can run for multiple work days on a single charge of the battery. The long battery life, dependable performance, slick design and affordable price makes it an easy recommendation for most people.

So why the disappointment? With Apple’s modern MacBook Airs proving to be so successful, both critically and commercially, it means we’ve hit a streak where Apple isn’t making any big changes with every annual release, so the M4 MacBook Air isn’t a major leap over the M3 model, which wasn’t a big change from the M2 model.

I’d love to say that the best laptop of 2025 so far is a device that takes risks, does something different or really shakes up the market. Instead, it’s a very competent and accomplished device which is no bad thing, of course, but I don’t want Apple getting complacent. (Matt Hanson, Managing Editor, Core Tech)

• Read our in-depth Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M4 review (and our review of the 13-inch model)

3. Marshall Heston 120 Dolby Atmos soundbar

• A stunning Dolby Atmos soundbar that absolutely rocks

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It may have a controversial design that you’ll either hate or love, but there’s no arguing that the Marshall Heston 120 Dolby Atmos soundbar grabs your attention in a way that no other soundbars can manage. For its first soundbar, Marshall went all-in on the guitar amp look that the company’s amps are known for, even down to the gold-plated volume knobs (no, they don’t go to eleven).

Despite its looks, the Heston 120 is no flash in the pan. This 5.1.2 channel model delivers potent Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound, and its bass is seriously impressive for an all-in-one bar. It also sounds great with both Atmos and stereo music, which is something we don’t normally say about most soundbars, and it has multiple HDMI 2.1 ports with up to 4K 144Hz pass-through for gaming. (Al Griffin, Senior Editor Home Entertainment, US)

• Read our in-depth Marshall Heston 120 Dolby Atmos soundbar review

2. Nintendo Switch 2

• The best all-round handheld gaming experience you can buy

After years of constant leaks, rumors, and speculation, the Nintendo Switch 2 finally arrived and it was well worth the wait.

The Japanese gaming giant’s latest hybrid handheld console is its most powerful system yet, delivering substantial performance gains compared to its 2017 predecessor. Not only that, but this iteration has a much larger screen and is far more comfortable in the hands, plus it comes crammed with a whole host of exclusive features.

The overhauled Joy-Con 2 controllers, for example, can be turned on their sides and used like computer mice. The built-in GameChat functionality (effectively Nintendo’s take on popular services like Discord) works wonderfully and helps facilitate a more social gaming experience.

Of course, no console launch would be complete without a deluge of new games. The showstopping Mario Kart World takes the series’ popular racing action off the track for the very first time, with hectic 24 player matches and huge open-world environments to explore. Ports like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition show off the Switch 2’s hardware power, while transformative Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrades to titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom breathe new life into old favorites. (Dash Wood, Hardware Writer)

• Read our in-depth Nintendo Switch 2 review

1. LG G5 OLED TV

• The OLED TV we'd spend our own money on

(Image credit: Future / Max Langridge)

In a year with multiple impressive new OLED TVs, the LG G5 stands out as the most exciting TV of 2025.

The G5 incorporates a new Primary RGB Tandem structure OLED display panel that delivers very high brightness for an OLED TV, making it a great option for both movie nights and daytime sports viewing. The G5 is also particularly well outfitted for gaming, and its beautifully slim design makes it perfect for wall mounting.

TechRadar recently did a side-by-side comparison of the G5 with two other 2025 flagship OLED TVs, the Samsung S95F and Sony Bravia 8 II. Our takeaway from that comparison was that the G5 was the TV we’d spend our own money on, owing to its excellent overall picture quality across a range of room lighting conditions. (Al Griffin, Senior Editor Home Entertainment, US)

• Read our in-depth LG G5 OLED TV review

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• Battery and IP-rating details leak for Samsung's next foldables
• We also have some information for when they'll be available
• These devices are getting their grand unveiling on Wednesday, July 9

Samsung is all set to unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Galaxy Z Flip 7 this coming Wednesday, July 9, and ahead of the big day we've seen some more leaks around what these next-gen foldable phones are going to bring with them.

We recently got word that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 might stick to an IP48 rating for dust and water resistance, same as the Galaxy Z Fold 6, and now we have further info from YTechB about the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the cheaper Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE too.

Both the Flip foldables will also have an IP48 rating, the leak reveals. That means some level of waterproofing, but not the full protection against small dust and dirt particles that we were hoping for this time around.

Meanwhile the battery capacities and maximum time between charges are said to be 4,272mAh and 40 hours and 28 mins for the Z Fold 7, 4,174 mAh and 42 hours and 4 minutes for the Z Flip 7, and 3,887 mAh and 37 hours for the Z Flip 7 FE.

Coming soon

#Samsung #GalaxyZFold7 #GalaxyZFlip7 #GalaxyZFlip7FE #GalaxyWatch8 #GalaxyWatch8Ultra2025 #GalaxyWatch8Classic will be available to pre-order starting 07/09 3PM and available on 07/25 #GalaxyUnpacked pic.twitter.com/4FlUnlVjMIJuly 4, 2025

Phone manufacturers including Samsung use a more idealized battery capacity rating in their advertising, so there'll be some discrepancy between those figures above and what shows up on the actual specs list.

It looks likely that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will get the same battery capacity as its predecessor, while the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is set for a slight battery boost compared to the Galaxy Z Flip 6 – something we've also heard from previous leaks.

So when will you actually be able to buy these new foldables? Well-known tipster @OnLeaks says preorders will open on the event day, July 9, while shipping and in-store availability is set for July 25.

Those dates include the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 models, which are also expected to make an appearance this coming Wednesday. As ever, we'll be covering all the announcements for you live as they happen.

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Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6: One minute review

The Theater Bar 6's packaging (Image credit: Future)

The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 lives up to the ‘Theater’ part of its name. If you want to upgrade your TV’s audio but can’t quite go the full home theater route, the next best thing is a soundbar with a separate subwoofer for extended, theater-like bass. As great as the best soundbars are, not all come with, or even support, external subwoofers, and that low rumble a subwoofer delivers makes the biggest difference between hearing a movie and feeling it.

Dolby Atmos speakers for height effects take the theater experience to the next step, and the Sony Bravia Theater 6, along with having a powerful wireless subwoofer, has upward-firing speakers for immersive spatial audio.

While the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 has some shortcomings – there’s a delayed response when using Sony’s Bravia Connect control app, and the soundbar’s soundstage is a bit narrower than I would like – I still think it’s a strong contender for the best Dolby Atmos soundbar.

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Price & release date

The Theater Bar 6's full set of accessories (Image credit: Future)

• Released in April 2025
• Price: $649.00 / £449.00 / AU$899

The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 soundbar is widely available for $649.00 / £449.00 / AU$899).

That price is far from budget, though the Theater Bar 6 does include a wireless subwoofer, not to mention a good feature set including some first-party integration with Sony Bravia TVs. The soundbar's upward-firing speakers, which let it deliver Dolby Atmos and DTS:X height effects without resorting to virtual processing, add to the cost as well.

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Specs

Dimensions (W x H x D)

Bar: 37.5 x 2.63 x 4.38 inch / 950 x 64 x 110 mm, (Sub) 8.27 x 15.28 x 15.28 inch / 210 x 388 x 388 mm

Speaker channels

3.1.2

Connections:

1x HDMI (with eARC), optical, digital, Bluetooth, USB, IR

Dolby Atmos/DTS:X

Yes/Yes

Sub included

Yes

Rear speakers included

No

Features

Bravia Sync, DSEE, app support

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Features

Ports include one HDMI with eARC/ARC and optical digital (Image credit: Future)

• Can upmix stereo to spatial audio
• Night mode is clear while limiting audio spikes
• Voice mode is subtle enough not to distort audio

The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6’s feature set is a bright spot. There's the aforementioned Bravia Sync (along with an enhanced dialogue mode that can be used with Bravia TVs) and it can upmix stereo audio to spatial audio. There’s Bluetooth connectivity, though no Wi-Fi streaming, and a bunch more features that you’ll find digging through the Sony Bravia Connect app.

Most notably, I want to mention the app’s Night Mode and Voice Mode features. The first does a wonderful job of flattening audio so you can hear it clearly, even though almost all dynamic range has been lost. That makes it perfect for watching when someone else in your home is asleep.

The Voice mode boosts the frequency range where the dialogue in movies and TV shows sits. And it does so without distorting the way the audio sounds, which is usually the case with voice or dialogue modes.

Using the app gives you access to a lot more functions for setting up and adjusting the soundbar. However, there seemed to be a delay with every press when I tested the Theater Bar 6. If I turned up the volume or adjusted the bass level, I had to do it slowly so that the app registered and transmitted each press to the soundbar. I don’t quite understand the lag, as the soundbar has Bluetooth 5.3, which is not that old a Bluetooth standard, and should be sufficient to register a control command quickly.

• Features score: 4.5 / 5

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Performance

The Theater Bar 6's support feet are easy to install (Image credit: Future)

• Good overall audio quality
• Lots of power from subwoofer
• Soundstage is a bit narrow

Now to the interesting part. The Theater Bar 6’s sound quality is very good. It’s full without sounding bloated, and the high-end is crisp and clear. Bass from the system’s subwoofer is massive – I had the subwoofer’s level set at 4 out of 10 and still got quite the punch from it. Most listeners will be more than happy with the Theater Bar 6’s sound.

That said, there is one area where the sound falls a little short. The soundstage is a bit narrower than I would like. I tested with action-packed movies, such as The Batman and Deadpool & Wolverine, and I didn’t sense a lot of movement with sound effects. That’s not to say it’s not there. It’s just not dramatic like one would expect from a sound system with the word “Theater” in it.

The Theater Bar 6’s limited soundstage didn’t quite take me out of the experience, but it is certainly a limitation. At least the subwoofer delivers a nice rumble that you can feel, and the Dolby Atmos speakers add some height to the audio. The effect is subtle, but everything just sounds a little taller.

• Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Design

The Theater Bar 6's wireless subwoofer provides deep, solid bass (Image credit: Future)

• Soundbar and subwoofer on the big side
• Features upward-firing speakers
• Limited port selection

The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 is essentially two pieces: the soundbar itself and a subwoofer. The soundbar is fairly wide, measuring 37 1/2 inches across, as well as 2 5/8 inches tall and 4 3/8 inches deep (950 x 64 x 110 mm). If you have anything smaller than a 50-inch TV, then this soundbar is too big for it.

It comes in matte black and has a few LED indicators that light up on the lower right side whenever anything is changed. I do prefer an actual LED display that gives more information, but this more minimal way of communicating changes to settings seems to be the norm for most mid-range and budget soundbars.

This is a 3.1.2 system with six total speakers, with five of them in the soundbar itself. The left, center, and right speakers are all, as is expected, front-facing, though I would have expected the left and right to maybe angle out a little. The wo upward-firing speakers align with the left and right ones. Those speakers are angled so that they’ll bounce sound off the ceiling to the listener’s ears.

The port selection is pretty slim here, though that’s not unusual in this price range. Besides power, there’s one HDMI and one optical port. Both ports support quite a few features. For example, the HDMI supports eARC, allowing you to listen to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content, as well as HDMI CEC, which allows you to use your TV’s remote to control the volume on the soundbar. It also supports Bravia Sync, a feature that requires a Bravia TV.

If you plan on buying the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6, make sure you have enough space for the wireless subwoofer, as it’s quite hefty, measuring 8.26 x 15.28 x 15.28 in (210 x 388 x 388 mm). It comes in the same matte black finish, has one plug for power, a forward-facing woofer, and a bass reflex port (the big hole in the front) to extend bass response.

• Design score: 4.5 / 5

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Setup & usability

The Bravia Theater 6 comes with a basic remote control, but many more sound adjustments are available in the Bravia Connect app (Image credit: Future)

• Simple setup
• App is straightforward
• Remote control is intuitive

The physical setup of the Theater Bar 6 is very easy, just requiring a screwdriver for attaching the rubber feet that raise the soundbar off the surface it’s sitting on by half an inch. Connecting it to a TV just requires either an HDMI or optical cable (Sony includes an HDMI cable).

Subwoofer setup is even easier. After connecting it to power, it automatically links to the soundbar wirelessly (though there are instructions on how to pair if there’s an issue).

Despite my annoyance with the app’s lagging, setting it up and pairing it with the soundbar is also straightforward. There are a number of screens to go through, but there’s nothing confusing, and you just follow the instructions or answer the questions on the screen.

As far as using the soundbar, you either interact with it via the remote or the app, as there are no physical buttons on the unit. The remote is straightforward in its operation, and the Voice mode and Night mode each have their own buttons.

• Setup & usability score: 5 / 5

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Value

The Theater Bar 6 features two upfiring speakers for Atmos height effects (Image credit: Future)

• Can find Dolby Atmos models with a subwoofer for cheaper
• Priced about right for the quality
• Stiff competition from companies like Samsung

The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6’s price tag of $649.00 / £449.00 / AU$899 is nowhere near budget. Consider the Hisense AX5125H with its current pricing of $299 / £349 (roughly AU$449). It’s a 5.1.2-channel system, so it not only comes with that subwoofer and upward-firing speakers but two rear speakers for surround sound capability. That said, it doesn’t have an app for any kind of EQ or audio fine-tuning. Even worse, the rear speakers can get overwhelmed and distort. That’s a good reminder that sometimes you do get what you pay for. It’s also worth mentioning that the Hisense originally went for $449 / £499 (roughly AU$599) when it was released in 2023.

A better comparison might be the Samsung HW-Q700C, a 3.1.2-channel soundbar system that goes for $549.99 / £599 / AU$899 that can be upgraded at a later date to surround sound, though getting those extra speakers will add $299 / £249 / AU$349 to the cost. It covers a lot of the same ground as the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6, though the Samsung seems to suffer even more from app-related connectivity issues.

• Value score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6?

Section

Notes

Score

Features

It can upmix stereo to spatial audio and has solid Night and Voice modes

4.5 / 5

Performance

The soundstage is a bit narrow, but the sound quality is very good, especially the low end, thanks to the powerful subwoofer

4.5 / 5

Design

On the bigger side, and there's no alphanumeric LED display for control feedback

4 / 5

Setup & usability

Everything about using the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 is easy and intuitive

5 / 5

Value

A solid mid-range soundbar. You can find cheaper options with similar setups, but the quality may be less

4 / 5

Buy it if...

You want good sound quality
The audio quality is overall very good, especially the low end, and it’s only slightly held back by a narrow soundstage.

You want something easy
The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 is powerful and does a lot. Even so, it’s easy to set up, and using it is intuitive.

You want Dolby Atmos
Not only does it sound good, but those upward-firing speakers add some dimensionality to audio. Plus, it can upmix stereo audio to take advantage of those extra speakers.

Don't buy it if...

You want surround sound
Sony’s 3.1.2 channels provide immersive sound, but it’s still not the same as surround sound.

You want a wide stereo image
It’s par for the course with soundbars, but the soundstage here is not particularly wide. If you want a wide stereo image, find a home theater system with actual speakers or a soundbar system with rear speakers.

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Also consider

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6

Samsung HW-Q700C

Hisense AX5125H

Sony HT-A7000

Price

$649.00 / £449.00 / AU$899

$549.99 / £599 / AU$899

$299 / £349 (roughly AU$449)

$999 / £1,299 / AU$1,699

Dimensions (w x h x d)

Soundbar: 37.5 x 2.63 x 4.38 in (950 x 64 x 110 mm); Subwoofer: 8.27 x 15.28 x 15.28 in (210 x 388 x 388 mm)

Soundbar: 46.5 x 18.5 x 10.7 in (1182 x 468 x 272 mm); Subwoofer: 8 x 13.8 x 11.8 in (205 x 353 x 302 mm)

Soundbar: 36.2 x 18.8 x 3.5 in (920 x 478 x 90mm); Subwoofer: 8.5 x 12.3 x 11.9 in (210.5 x 310 x 300mm); Satellites: 3.6 x 5.7 x 4.3 in (90.1 x 140.5 x 110mm)

51.8 x 3.1 x 5.6 in(1300 x 80 x 142 mm)

Speaker channels

3.1.2

3.1.2

5.1.2

7.1.2

Connections

1x HDMI (with eARC), optical, digital, Bluetooth, USB, IR

1 x HDMI input, 1 x HDMI eARC support, digital optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

1x HDMI Out (eARC), 1x HDMI in, optical, USB, 3.5mm AUX

2 HDMI inputs, one HDMI output with eARC support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Dolby Atmos/DTS:X

Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes

Samsung HW-Q700C
A 3.1.2-channel system, the Samsung HW-Q700C is a little cheaper and covers a lot of the same ground. It does have similar (but worse) app-connectivity issues, and, like the Sony, it has some features that are only unlocked when used with Samsung TVs.

Read our full Samsung HW-Q700C review

Hisense AX5125H

The Hisense AX5125H comes fairly stripped down in the features department. However, it’s almost half the price while offering a subwoofer, upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers, and rear speakers for surround sound. Unfortunately, audio can overwhelm those rear speakers.

Read our full Hisense AX5125H review

Sony HT-A7000
Sony’s current flagship soundbar ships as a single-bar solution. It still provides 7.1.2 channels and 500W, though, making it one of the most cinematic-sounding single-bar solutions. You can add optional rear and subwoofer speakers too, and it has 4K 120Hz HDMI pass-through.

Read our full Sony HT-A7000 review

How I tested the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6

(Image credit: Future)

• I used the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 for several weeks
• Tested with TV, movies, games, and music

I used the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 regularly for several weeks. I watched movies, shows, games, and listened to music with it. I tested all the various features, especially the various audio modes.

After having tested the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6, it’s clear that it’s an ideal soundbar for anyone who wants a somewhat premium, home theater-type experience without having to pay premium prices.

I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years, from laptops to keyboards and speakers, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed: July 2024

Ukraine said it struck a Russian airbase on Saturday, while Russia continued to pound Ukraine with hundreds of drones overnight, dashing hopes for a breakthrough in efforts to end the war.

(Image credit: Ukrainian Emergency Service)

There are some incredible camera phones coming out of China right now, including the Xiaomi 15 Ultra with its 1-inch sensor and Leica lenses and the Vivo X200 Ultra with its innovative add-on lens, but Huawei's latest offering could just top the lot.

Unveiled on June 11, the Pura 80 Ultra seemingly features a triangular triple camera unit, but a second glance reveals one of those lenses does, in fact, host twin telephoto optics that share the same 1/1.28-inch sensor.

One of those periscope lenses is a 3.7x zoom, and the other a monster 9.4x zoom. This space-saving setup, which utilizes a moving prism to switch focal length, is unusual enough – although we've seen it before in the Sony Xperia 1 III from 2021 – but judging from the Pura 80 Ultra's specs it looks like the real deal.

The switchable telephoto lenses offer a particularly versatile reach – the 3.7x zoom is an 83mm f/2.4 prime ideal for portraits, while the 9.4x zoom is a 212mm f/3.6 equivalent – plus they share that 1/1.28-inch sensor, which is larger than most others used for telephoto lenses, and shouldn't sacrifice quality.

My only reservation is that it looks like there's some pixel binning or sensor-cropping going on with the 9.4x zoom, which shoots 12.5MP stills, as opposed to the 50MP stills of the 3.7x zoom. Either way, the quality of the photos I've seen taken with both telephoto lenses look impressive.

(Image credit: Huawei)Could this be the world's best camera phone?

As a photographer, the telephoto lenses look genuinely useful, but I'm just as impressed with main camera. It's a 23mm lens with variable f/1.6-4 aperture, utilizing a larger-still 1-inch sensor for 50MP stills.

What's more, Huawei says that the main camera is capable of capturing 16 stops of dynamic range, which would be a record for any smartphone.

The wider the dynamic range a camera is able to capture, the more perceivable detail you get across highlights and shadows, which should make for more natural-looking images.

Completing the camera array is an ultra-wide 13mm lens with 40MP stills, though Huawei doesn't list the sensor size for this camera. It's a safe bet that it won't match the quality of the main camera.

Unlike the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, which I've been using for months and is a genuine alternative for my premium compact camera, I haven't got my hands on the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra yet, so I can't be sure if it's one of the best camera phones.

(Image credit: Tilta)

Its specs are certainly eye-catching, as is the optional photography edition kit by Tilta (see above). Add-on grips that mimic the camera experience are becoming a thing – Xiaomi and Vivo's aforementioned smartphones have their own versions. However Tilta's looks gloriously over-the-top.

It includes a large grip, case, extra power supply, continuous light, and additional wooden handle. There's more to the case than meets the eye, too – it not only provides extra power, but can keep the phone cool and it allows follow focus functionality, which is a boon for filmmakers. The kit also allows the use of additional lens filters, such as NDs, plus it comes with a portable carbon fiber tripod.

Like previous Huawei phone launches, the Pura 80 Ultra is currently only available in China, and it costs CNY 9,999 (approximately $1,400 / £1,050 / AU$2,150). It's touted for a wider release, though not in the US.

You might also like

• I swapped my $3,000 camera for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra for a month – here's what I learned
• After a week with the Vivo X200 Ultra phone, I'm ready to sell my compact camera
• Camera phones have too many megapixels! I tested the Galaxy S25 Ultra, iPhone 16 Pro Max and more and only one takes better pics at high resolution
• This Leica-style smartphone is the closest thing I’ve seen to a classic compact with physical controls

Services that split up payments into installments are increasingly popular, especially among young and low-to-middle income shoppers. But now the FICO credit scoring company will be tracking that debt.

(Image credit: Justin Sullivan)

Democrats feel that Trump's tax and spending bill gives them an opening ahead of the 2026 midterms. But if they want to win back the House, they're going to have to get their own house in order first.

(Image credit: Demetrius Freeman)

It's been another busy week in the tech world – although next week, with Amazon Prime Day and Samsung Galaxy Unpacked, promises to be even bigger.

But that's all still a few days away, so what's been happening this week? Well, we investigated a band which could be entirely AI-generated, tested two new Nothing devices, and checked our Anker power banks to see if they needed to be recalled.

To catch up on all this and more, scroll down for our round-up of the seven biggest tech stories of the past seven days.

And once you're up to speed be sure to read our guide to the 7 new movies and TV shows to watch this weekend (July 4).

7. We investigated The Velvet Sundown mystery

(Image credit: The Velvet Sundown)

It was always only a matter of time before AI-generated music had its first big breakthrough, so we weren't at all surprised when The Velvet Sundown crashed the Spotify and Apple Music party this week.

This 'band' have amassed a staggering 860,000+ monthly Spotify listeners, despite (allegedly) not even existing – or do they?

The Velvet Sundown’s profile picture certainly appears to be an AI-generated image and the band’s music, which is a blend of wistful lyrics and mellow psychedelic rock, definitely sounds as if it could have been created by AI.

Deezer even went as far as to flag it as AI-generated, but Spotify and Apply hadn't followed suit at the time of writing – leaving many to wonder why the bigger streaming services weren't doing the same thing.

To add a twist to the story, there appear to be rival spokespersons for the band, each claiming to represent them and each giving quotes to the media. Maybe one day we’ll know the true story behind The Velvet Sundown, but until then, they’ll remain Dust on the wind.

• Read more: Spotify’s latest breakout band The Velvet Sundown appears to be AI-generated

6. Anker recalled several power banks

(Image credit: Anker)

If you own an Anker power bank, it might be wise to check its model number – this week, the Chinese tech giant recalled no less than five models due to a potential fire risk with their lithium-ion batteries. This followed the recall of another model, the PowerCore 1000 (A1263), in early June, with the new warning including models from its MagGo and Zolo ranges.

Some of the recalls only affect units manufactured between certain dates and Anker has only issued a ‘voluntary recall’ notice. But it’s still well worth checking, as you could be due a free replacement or a gift card.

To find out, check out our guide below, which includes links to all of the recall forms and information you need.

• Read more: Anker just recalled 5 more power banks – here’s which ones and how to get a free replacement

5. Xbox hardware was declared ‘dead’

(Image credit: Future)

Former Microsoft Game Studios executive producer Laura Fryer blasted Xbox in a video posted to her YouTube channel, arguing that the brand’s hardware is effectively “dead”. This comes off the back of the reveal of the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X last month, which she suggests is indicative of Microsoft’s reluctance to create its own new hardware going forward.

It's "much easier to slap an Xbox sticker on an existing piece of hardware and call it a day," she said. "From my perspective, it looks like Xbox has no desire or literally can't ship hardware anymore."

Fryer also drew attention to some of the wider issues plaguing the brand, such as a lack of compelling exclusive experiences. The protracted development cycles of upcoming titles such as State of Decay 3 (which was originally announced more than five years ago), Fable, and the since-canceled Perfect Dark remake, she warned, risk leaving consumers without a compelling reason to consider any future Xbox systems.

• Read more: A former Microsoft Game Studios executive producer says Xbox hardware is dead

4. Dyson launched an all-powerful new Airwrap

(Image credit: Dyson)

The Dyson Airwrap is already considered the best multi-styler you can buy, and the next-gen version looks even better.

The Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x is smaller and lighter yet more powerful than its predecessor, so you can style for long periods without needing guns like Arnie. Dyson has also added attachment memory – so the dryer will recognize which attachment is clipped on, then automatically switch to your last-used settings.

Perhaps most intriguing is a new AirSmooth2x tool, designed for creating straight styles. The styler clamps your hair between two plates and blasts it with directed air to smooth it out, like a mini Dyson Airstrait.

• Read more: Dyson's supreme multi-styler just got even better

3. This prompt transformed ChatGPT for us

(Image credit: Shutterstock/Alex Photo Stock)

The way you prompt ChatGPT can completely change the way the AI chatbot responds to you, and there’s no better example than this excellent learning tool we found on Reddit.

Reddit user u/AzAI-W has engineered an incredibly in-depth learning prompt that can help you get info on everything and anything. Think of it as an AI encyclopaedia, filled with an endless amount of knowledge and the ability to ask the right questions to teach you about any topic.

Click here to reveal the full prompt

The prompt: Simply copy and paste the full block of text into ChatGPT, and then respond with the topic you want to know more about.

# *Information Gathering Prompt* --- ## *Prompt Input* - Enter the prompt topic = [......] - **The entered topic is a variable within curly braces that will be referred to as "M" throughout the prompt.** --- ## *Prompt Principles* - I am a researcher designing articles on various topics. - You are **absolutely not** supposed to help me design the article. (Most important point) 1. **Never suggest an article about "M" to me.** 2. **Do not provide any tips for designing an article about "M".** - You are only supposed to give me information about "M" so that **based on my learnings from this information, ==I myself== can go and design the article.** - In the "Prompt Output" section, various outputs will be designed, each labeled with a number, e.g., Output 1, Output 2, etc. - **How the outputs work:** 1. **To start, after submitting this prompt, ask which output I need.** 2. I will type the number of the desired output, e.g., "1" or "2", etc. 3. You will only provide the output with that specific number. 4. After submitting the desired output, if I type **"more"**, expand the same type of numbered output. - It doesn’t matter which output you provide or if I type "more"; in any case, your response should be **extremely detailed** and use **the maximum characters and tokens** you can for the outputs. (Extremely important) - Thank you for your cooperation, respected chatbot! --- ## *Prompt Output* --- ### *Output 1* - This output is named: **"Basic Information"** - Includes the following: - An **introduction** about "M" - **General** information about "M" - **Key** highlights and points about "M" - If "2" is typed, proceed to the next output. - If "more" is typed, expand this type of output. --- ### *Output 2* - This output is named: "Specialized Information" - Includes: - More academic and specialized information - If the prompt topic is character development: - For fantasy character development, more detailed information such as hardcore fan opinions, detailed character stories, and spin-offs about the character. - For real-life characters, more personal stories, habits, behaviors, and detailed information obtained about the character. - How to deliver the output: 1. Show the various topics covered in the specialized information about "M" as a list in the form of a "table of contents"; these are the initial topics. 2. Below it, type: - "Which topic are you interested in?" - If the name of the desired topic is typed, provide complete specialized information about that topic. - "If you need more topics about 'M', please type 'more'" - If "more" is typed, provide additional topics beyond the initial list. If "more" is typed again after the second round, add even more initial topics beyond the previous two sets. - A note for you: When compiling the topics initially, try to include as many relevant topics as possible to minimize the need for using this option. - "If you need access to subtopics of any topic, please type 'topics ... (desired topic)'." - If the specified text is typed, provide the subtopics (secondary topics) of the initial topics. - Even if I type "topics ... (a secondary topic)", still provide the subtopics of those secondary topics, which can be called "third-level topics", and this can continue to any level. - At any stage of the topics (initial, secondary, third-level, etc.), typing "more" will always expand the topics at that same level. - **Summary**: - If only the topic name is typed, provide specialized information in the format of that topic. - If "topics ... (another topic)" is typed, address the subtopics of that topic. - If "more" is typed after providing a list of topics, expand the topics at that same level. - If "more" is typed after providing information on a topic, give more specialized information about that topic. 3. At any stage, if "1" is typed, refer to "Output 1". - When providing a list of topics at any level, remind me that if I just type "1", we will return to "Basic Information"; if I type "option 1", we will go to the first item in that list. --- - ==End==

• Read more: The best ChatGPT learning prompt we've found so far

2. We tried Nothing's first ever headphones

(Image credit: Future)

Nothing launched its first over-ear headphones – the Headphone (1) – and we had some pretty mixed feelings about them. And I’m not even talking about the design, which has proven divisive within the TechRadar office and online.

They’re crammed with features that all work excellently, from strong customizable noise cancellation, to head-tracking for spatial audio, to a really cool Bass Enhancer feature and a great EQ. The app is also really easy to use, and the build quality and physical controls – which include a great rolling button that we absolutely love – are excellent. Battery life is above average too.

However, we stumbled on the sound. They don’t sound bad at all – they’re very well-balanced – but they had some hard limits compared to the competition at the same price, and for $299 / £299, we expected more.

• Read more: I’ve tested the Nothing Headphone (1) for 2 weeks, and they’re incredibly impressive – except where it counts the most

1. We held Nothing’s 'first true flagship'

(Image credit: Nothing)

Nothing’s “first true flagship”, the Nothing Phone 3, was finally unveiled to the world this week, and our initial reaction to the totally bonkers-looking device was one of both surprise and respect.

“It’s an outlandish creation with specs to rival some of the best phones – and I think it could be the most interesting flagship launch of the year,” wrote Phones Editor Axel Metz in his hands-on preview of the Nothing Phone 3.

The headline new feature is Glyph Matrix: a small dot-matrix display that sits in the top-right corner of the Phone 3’s rear panel. A reimagining of the Glyph Interface from previous Nothing phones, it’s capable of displaying person-specific notifications, monochromatic ‘Glyph Toys’ (read: party games), and other helpful functions.

Then there’s the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, the triple-lens 50MP camera setup, and the 5,150mAh silicon-carbon battery, all of which should help the Phone 3 compete against the best Android phones on the market.

It’s available to pre-order now from Nothing directly for $799 / £799 / AU$1,509, with open sales set to begin globally on July 15. We’re currently putting the new device through its paces, so stay tuned for our full review in the coming weeks.

• Read more: Nothing's 'first true flagship' is a veritable box of tricks

The CalDigit Element 5 is a beautifully designed docking station with the full power of Thunderbolt 5, which is barely even on the market yet. Still, CalDigit knows those who want the Thunderbolt 5 speeds are looking for a great solution to keep that speed everywhere.

When it comes to the wild speeds of Thunderbolt 5, it's one of the best docking stations around. However, outside of that, this dock is pretty standard, providing what you need without adding a dozen barely used ports.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )CalDigit Element 5: Pricing and Availability

The CalDigit Element 5 Thunderbolt Hub is available on its website, at major retailers like Amazon, and at many other retailers, shipping worldwide now. You can pick one up for $280, which is expensive; however, it's worth noting that this is brand-new technology with Thunderbolt 5, and the speeds you can transfer with this hub are truly impressive.

So, if you're interested in some of the best transfer speeds available, which you would notice in your workflow, this dock is a steal. If you don't notice the speeds, this dock is probably not for you.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )CalDigit Element 5: Unboxing & first impressions

CalDigit did it right with this Docking Station. It's simple, it's robust, it's minimal, and it's powerful. It has simple packaging, which is fitting as it's a relatively simple device. In the package is the Element 5 Hub itself, a Thunderbolt 5 Cable (of course), some rubber feet, and the power cable.

Something that I appreciate is that this dock is designed to be reversible. I've had several docks in the past that I've flipped around to get the ports to line up the way I want them to, specifically the computer in port. Still, then I'm left with the ports I don't want facing that way, too, and the dock is either upside down, spun around, or all around catawampus.

We can't have that - which is why it's super nice that the Element 5 is designed with this in mind. I can easily flip the side port to the computer to be on the left or the right, and I can still flip things around if I want the Thunderbolt ports to face me. Furthermore, if I wanted to, CalDigit suggests daisy-chaining multiple units together to get even more power (and ports) out of your setup.

CalDigit Element 5: Design & Build Quality

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Specs

Ports: 1× host TB5 (120 Gb/s), 3× TB5 (80 Gb/s), 2× USB‑C 10 Gb/s, 3× USB‑A 10 Gb/s
Power: 90 W to host
Display Support: Macs: dual 6K/8K60; Windows TB5 PCs: triple 4K60; TB4 PCs: dual displays
Dimensions: 114×70×25 mm; Weight: 0.20 kg

The CalDigit Element 5 is elegant and minimalist, as I have said, but that doesn't mean that it's frail or prone to breaking. This unit feels hefty and robust, like it will last for a long time even when put to heavy use regularly. It helps tidy my desk with its simple design, yet it can also fit in my bag or on the road for a portable setup without any problems.

One thing worth noting is that I really appreciate how CalDigit includes rubber feet to help keep the aluminum from scratching my beautiful wood desk. However, that may not make everyone as excited as I am; in fact, I would hope that most are not as excited as I am about that.

CalDigit Element 5: In use

The CalDigit Element 5 has been wonderful to use for the last few months. I've had this in my arsenal of gear for the last 120 days, and so far, it has taken every beating I have thrown at it. I have transferred huge data loads with it, I have run multiple displays, I have used it with macOS, Windows, ChromeOS, iPadOS, Dex, and more. It's been a fantastic tool for me, even on my simplest of setups, allowing power when needed, and the ability to tuck away when it's not needed.

For my beefier MacBooks and Dell Precisions that I have been testing, I have been able to appreciate the full 90W power output to charge these beasts of laptops, and for less demanding laptops I have been able to appreciate that it won't drown my comptuer with extra power, but rather tapers off and olny gives the compute what it needs.

The Thunderbolt 5 speeds still blow my mind all around. I can boost mode up to 120Gb/s, I can run up to 6200 MB/s SSD Speeds, I can run up to dual 8K 60Hz monitors on the right computer, and I can run this all from a 180W power supply, while supplying 90W of that to a laptop. It's all a bit insane, especially for how compact this dock is.

Of course, if you're on certain Macs, you won't be able to take advantage of all the display possibilities, but that's old news now. Speaking of old news, if I ever needed to dust off an old disk drive, even my Apple SuperDrive, I can, with confidence, know that this dock will run it. Funny to me that this is still a selling point in 2025, but regardless, it's good to know.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Cool and sleek design

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Great for those anyone using Thunderbolt

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Priced well for the product

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

CalDigit Element 5: Final verdict

If you are aware of the benefits of Thunderbolt 5 in your workflow, odds are you could benefit from this dock. For those who need max speed, where every second of transferring is valuable, and you want max power and display support, then this is your new best friend.

At least 24 people are dead following extreme flooding that slammed Texas Hill Country overnight on Friday, according to officials. At least 20 girls from a summer camp remain missing.

(Image credit: Michel Fortier/AP)

Here are some hints and the answers for the NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for July 5, No. 285.

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for July 5.

• Chuwi's compact Windows PC with powerful specs and low price enters European market
• Ryzen 7 processor and Radeon graphics bring creative performance to tiny desktop
• Supports four 4K monitors with upgradeable RAM and storage in sub-$400 package

Chuwi has introduced a new compact Windows PC that blends high-end hardware with a surprisingly affordable price.

First launched in China in February 2025 and now available in Europe, the AuBox Mini is powered by AMD’s Ryzen 7 8745HS processor, built on a 4nm Zen 4 architecture, packing 8 cores and 16 threads into a chassis smaller than most books.

Although the AuBox Mini is priced as a budget machine, it's specced to compete with higher-end alternatives, including the Apple Mac Mini.

It even has a SD 4.0 card slot

The Ryzen 7 8745HS processor offers boost speeds up to 4.9GHz. It’s paired with a Radeon 780M integrated GPU, which runs on AMD’s RDNA 3 design and supports hardware ray tracing.

The integrated graphics solution includes 12 compute units and a 2,600MHz core clock, giving it enough muscle for creative tasks, media editing, demanding multitasking, and even a little light gaming.

The AuBox includes 16GB of DDR5 memory and a 512GB PCIe SSD, both of which are upgradeable. It supports up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage, with two M.2 PCIe slots.

The mini PC features 12 ports in total, including USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 2.0, and dual 2.5GbE LAN. It can run up to four 4K monitors simultaneously thanks to a mix of USB4, full-featured USB-C, HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPort 1.4 outputs.

Three of these can deliver 4K at 144Hz, while the HDMI port drives 4K at 120Hz. This level of display support is rare in this price class.

Wireless connectivity comes in the form of Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1, and it ships with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, providing full support for virtualization and enterprise features.

One feature we really like is the included VESA mount, which means the AuBox can be easily installed behind a monitor, saving space and reducing clutter.

Chuwi AuBox Mini is priced at $440, down from its MSRP of $549 (or €372.69 rather than €465.02), but if you use the code ANDROIDPCTVAUBOXA the price comes down to just $378.40/€320.51, which makes it an absolute steal.

Via AndroidPCtv

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