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NPR's Scott Simon takes a moment to remember Alice Tan Ridley, who busked in the New York City subways and reached the semi-finals of "America's Got Talent."

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• Siri is reportedly getting more AI later this year
• It's not clear if all the delayed features will be added
• Deeper app integrations are tipped to appear

Apple has got itself into quite the tangle with Siri and Apple Intelligence, with promised AI upgrades now officially delayed and the company taking plenty of criticism for it – but at least some of these delayed features could make an appearance later this year.

In a New York Times article recapping some of Apple's recent AI woes, including internal friction over future plans, there's a mention that Siri would get certain upgrades "in the fall" in the US – so probably September time, with the iPhone 17 and iOS 19.

"Apple hasn’t canceled its revamped Siri," the article states. "The company plans to release a virtual assistant in the fall capable of doing things like editing and sending a photo to a friend on request, three people with knowledge of its plans said."

That's not a whole lot to go off – are we just getting some extra photo editing capabilities, or the full suite of delayed features? Ultimately, Apple wants to get Siri on a par with ChatGPT or Gemini, but that may not happen in 2025.

Delayed features

Apple Intelligence has been a long time coming (Image credit: Apple)

The photo editing feature mentioned in the NYT article is one of the Apple Intelligence upgrades promised back in 2024: the ability for Siri to dig deeper into iPhone apps and take actions on behalf of users via voice commands (known as App Intents).

That's just part of the picture though. Apple has also said Siri will get much smarter in terms of context, understanding more about what's happening on your iPhone and more about you (by tapping into some of your personal data, in a private and secure way).

Once Siri gets those features, it'll be better able to compete with its AI chatbot rivals. Just this week, for example, ChatGPT added a memory upgrade that means it can tap into your full conversation history for answers, if needed.

Apple Intelligence features already added to Siri include support for more natural language in conversations, and improved tech help support for your devices. As for iOS 19, expect to hear more about the software update at the start of June.

You might also like

• I'm actually glad the new Siri with Apple Intelligence is delayed
• 3 things Apple needs to do at WWDC 2025 to save Apple Intelligence
• Sketchy iOS 19 leak suggests it could soon look more like Android

LG G5: Two-minute review

The LG G5 is the company’s flagship TV for 2025, and it changes the game for OLED TV tech with a completely new panel design that delivers notably higher brightness than its LG G4 predecessor. I’ll get into the specifics of that in the Picture Quality section of this review, but what you need to know is that with its impressive, mini-LED TV-rivalling brightness, the G5 succeeds brilliantly in bringing the best OLED TVs out of the darkness as a viable option for daytime, bright room viewing.

LG’s G4 relied on a micro lens array (MLA) layer to boost brightness over what conventional OLED TVs were capable of, but the new LG G5 incorporates a new Primary RGB Tandem structure OLED display panel. This uses individual red, green, and blue layers to produce light, and the resulting brightness is not only leaps and bounds better than what the G4 achieved with MLA, but it also yields improvements in color reproduction.

You’d think that the G5’s revamped display panel would command a higher price, but the LG pricing is equivalent to its G4 predecessor. However, at $3,399 / £2,399 / AU$5,299 for the 65-inch model I tested, it’s still very much a premium TV.

Along with higher brightness and richer color, the LG G5 offers a range of features that make it a flexible option for viewing in a range of lighting conditions. These include a new, more effective anti-glare screen, and a Filmmaker Ambient Light Mode that uses the TV’s built-in light sensor to dynamically adjust brightness without sacrificing picture accuracy in the process.

LG’s Alpha 11 AI processor Gen 2 is responsible for a range of AI picture and sound enhancements on the G5. These include AI Picture and Sound modes, voice recognition, and personalized content recommendations.

LG’s webOS 25 smart TV interface has been tweaked with the ability to switch between customized home screen layouts that get triggered by the viewer’s voice, and there are now onscreen wizards to guide you through the process of setting up unique AI picture and sound presets to accompany your custom home screen.

LG’s flagship G-series OLEDs are designed for wall-mounting, and the G5 has an Always Ready mode that lets the TV be used as a frame for displaying photos and art (now including images generated by AI with the TV’s assistance). But it's also a highly capable gaming TV, with support for 4K 165Hz, Nvidia G-Sync, and AMD FreeSync Premium. The G5’s Quick Card gaming portal also provides over 500 titles plus Nvidia GeForce Now, Luna, and other apps, and Xbox Game Pass support should be added during the start of 2025.

While the LG G5 has turned out to be a best-in-class OLED TV option for 2025, many people will be equally pleased with its step-down LG C5 model, which is already looking to be one of 2025's best TVs. The C5 isn't as bright as the G5, but you’ll save quite a bit by going with LG’s mid-range OLED .

LG G5 review: Price and release date

The LG G5 is the brightest OLED TV we've yet reviewed (Image credit: Future)

• Release date: April 2025
• 48-inch: £1,799
• 55-inch: $2,499 / £2,399 / AU$4,199
• 65-inch: $3,399 / £3,299 / AU$5,299
• 77-inch: $4,499 / £4,499 / AU$7,999
• 83-inch: $6,499 / £6,999 / AU$9,999
• 97-inch: $24,999

The LG G5 is widely available in 55- to 83-inch screen sizes. A 48-inch model is also available in the UK, and a 97-inch option in the US, though those models don’t use the same Primary RGB Tandem structure panel as the other sizes, and won't be as bright.

Prices for the G5 series are equivalent to last year’s LG G4 series, despite the inclusion of a new panel design, but are notably higher than the mid-range LG C5 series OLED TVs.

LG G5 review: Specs LG G5 review: Benchmark results LG G5 review: Features

The LG G5 has four HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 165Hz support (Image credit: Future)

• Fourth-generation panel with Brightness Booster Ultimate
• Filmmaker Ambient Light Mode debuts here
• 4K 165Hz gaming support on PC

A key feature of the LG G5 is a new fourth-generation OLED display panel with Primary RGB Tandem structure. In contrast to previous designs, which used two blue OLED layers plus a third layer with red, green, and yellow elements, the new panel uses individual red, green, and blue layers to produce light.

This “four-stack” structure benefits from increased brightness and enhanced color purity due to the panel’s use of separate OLED layers for the primary colors. Unlike the previous LG G4, the G5 doesn’t rely on a micro lens array (MLA) layer with microscopic lens elements to boost brightness.

LG refers to its new display panel tech as Brightness Booster Ultimate, and it’s accompanied by several other features to boost picture quality in a range of room lighting conditions. The first is an anti-reflective layer that LG says provides 30% higher glare resistance than last year’s G4.

Another is Filmmaker Ambient Light Mode, which uses the TV’s built-in light sensor to map gamma and PQ (the HDR equivalent of gamma) based on room lighting conditions. The G5 also has Perfect Black certification, which confirms that a TV can display less than 0.24 nits in conditions of up to 500 lux.

The G5’s Alpha 11 AI processor Gen 2 enables a range of AI-based picture and sound enhancements, including AI Picture and AI Sound modes. Picture and sound wizards guide you through setting up customized presets based on your response to a series of images and sound samples, and once completed, these can be automatically switched on for the specific users who created them based on voice recognition.

That also goes for the layout of the TV’s webOS 25 Home Screen – if you customize the app selection in your user profile, it'll switch to the layout you prefer when it detects your voice if you use the voice control system at all.

The G5 also gets a gaming boost over last year’s G4, with 4K 165Hz support for PC gaming along with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium. LG’s Gaming Portal offers over 500 game titles, with support for both Xbox and Luna controllers and Xbox Game Pass (coming in the first half of 2025, according to LG).

Usability features include AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in, along with hands-free voice control. The ThinQ screen in the webOS interface lets you configure devices to be controlled via Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Matter and Apple HomeKit, and there’s also a new, streamlined Magic Remote and more advanced AI Chatbot feature that can diagnose picture and sound issues.

• Features Score: 5/5

LG G5 review: Picture quality

The G5's picture looks bright and punchy even in well-lit rooms (Image credit: Future)

• Exceptional brightness for an OLED
• Anti-reflection layer in the screen
• Some issues with certain streaming formats

The LG G5 holds the distinction of being the brightest OLED TV we’ve yet measured at TechRadar. Peak brightness on a 10% HDR white window pattern in Filmmaker Mode measured 2,268 nits, and it was 1,850 nits in Standard picture mode. Those numbers are what we typically expect to see from higher-end examples of the best mini-LED TVs, and they best the Samsung S95D – our previous brightest OLED TV champion – by a sizeable margin.

The G5’s fullscreen HDR brightness measured 331 nits in Filmmaker Mode and 297 nits in Standard mode. That represents a boost over last year’s G4, which measured 257 in Filmmaker Mode, but it’s not the 40% fullscreen brightness boost that LG had previously cited for the G5. Measured in Vivid mode, the G5’s fullscreen brightness was 419 nits, a number closer to LG’s claim.

The G5’s color gamut coverage measured 99.6% for UHDA-P3 and 81.3% for BT.2020 in Filmmaker Mode. Those results are better than what we measured on the G4, and they match the Samsung S95D’s UHDA-P3 coverage.

The average Delta-E value (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) for color accuracy was 1.2, which is excellent. (Any result under 3 is regarded as indistinguishable to the human eye.)

Given the LG G5’s high brightness, there was no need to dim the lights to make the picture look good – contrast, color saturation, and shadow detail all held up nicely even with my room’s overhead lighting on. That’s certainly not something you can say about all OLED TVs, which typically lag behind their mini-LED counterparts when it comes to brightness.

The new G5's new "four stack" OLED panel offers enhanced color performance over last year's G4 (Image credit: Future)

Even with the comparatively subtle Filmmaker Mode active, The Pitt (streamed via Max), a TV show that mostly takes place in a brightly lit hospital emergency room, looked staggeringly bright on the G5.

And darker shows such as Severance (on Apple TV+) could be watched in brighter room lighting conditions without losing black depth and shadow detail. That’s partially due to the TV’s anti-reflective layer, which manages to reduce screen glare without elevating black levels, but also its Filmmaker Mode Ambient Light setting, which uses the G5’s light sensor to adjust gamma (or PQ for programs with HDR) based on room lighting conditions.

Viewing the season 2 final episode of Severance, a scene where Mark S and Helly R chat furtively in the Lumon office showed off all the LG G5's best aspects. The background of the dark workspace was a deep, rich black, and the light from the data terminals bathed their faces with a striking blue and green glow. The refined shadow detail gave the picture a powerful sense of depth that, for me, really drove home the point of why you would spend top dollar for a premium OLED TV like the G5.

An LG G5 review from our colleagues at What Hi-Fi? cited an issue with streamed Dolby Vision movies and shows, resulting in posterization and blocky picture artifacts when watching dark scenes. My G5 review sample showed the same posterization on at least one movie, Alien: Romulus (streamed via Apple TV), though it wasn't an issue on other streamed dark Dolby Vision content I watched.

What Hi-Fi? later reported that an LG software update scheduled for a late April release fixes this Dolby Vision glitch, and after installing a pre-released version of that update, the posterization on Alien: Romulus disappeared, though it created other picture quality issues when streaming from the G5's Apple TV app, adding strange horizontal lines in some dark scenes.

Without these problems, the TV would score five stars for picture quality. These problems are very situational, which means I'm still happy giving the TV an overall score that marks it as best-in-class. Once we've fully tested the wide release version of LG's software update, we will update this review, and if these problems are removed as expected, I'll update this section.

The G5’s motion handling was impressive, with a reference clip from No Time to Die – in which James Bond traverses a rugged hillside cemetery as the camera pans along – showing only minimal judder and blur. This same scene can look downright wobbly on some TVs.

Enabling the TV's Cinematic Movement setting in the TruMotion menu effectively removed any residual motion artifacts without introducing a 'soap opera' effect.

Sports also looked great – the NCAA basketball championship aired during my time testing the G5 – with fast motion looking solid and the TV’s bright, contrast-rich picture bringing out the vivid colors of the players’ uniforms.

• Picture quality score: 4.5/5

LG G5 review: Sound quality

The G5's 1-inch-thin frame is designed for a flush-mount against a wall and the TV comes with wall-mounting hardware (Image credit: Future)

• 4.2-channel speaker system
• Effective AI Sound Pro mode
• Sound Wizard for creating custom sound preset

The LG G5’s built-in 4.2-channel speakers take things up a notch from the 2.2-channel array built into the LG C5. An AI Sound Pro mode provides a virtual 11.1.2-channel upmix that makes a clear difference in the spaciousness of soundtracks when watching movies, but it also thins out the bass.

While Dolby Atmos is supported on the G5, DTS formats, disappointingly, are not. This is a step backwards from the G4, which had DTS support – though this won't be a problem for people using an AV receivers, and some soundbar setups.

Similar to the TV’s Picture Wizard, a Sound Wizard guides you through the process of creating a customized sound preset. This is entirely optional, and this preset doesn’t work when the TV is connected to a soundbar.

A useful WOW Orchestra mode lets you combine the output of the TV’s speakers with the speakers of a compatible LG soundbar when used together, for a bigger overall soundstage.

The movies and TV shows I watched on the G5 all sounded good, with clear dialogue and good spatial positioning of effects, especially with the AI Sound Pro mode active. The sound could also go fairly loud without coming across as strained.

Even so, given how good the G5’s picture looks, it would be a shame not to pair it with one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars or dedicated home theater speakers.

• Sound quality score: 4/5

LG G5 review: Design

An aluminum pedestal may be an extra cost option for the G5 (Image credit: Future)

• Wall-mount hardware included
• Optional pedestal stand
• New, streamlined AI Magic Remote control

The G5 comes with wall-mounting hardware at all screen sizes, and a pedestal stand is available as an optional extra in the US. In the UK, you can choose if you want the stand or the mount in some sizes.

LG’s sturdy aluminum stand, which I used during my G5 review, allows for both an elevated height to accommodate a soundbar, or a lower height where the TV sits directly on the stand’s surface.

G5 TVs are designed to be wall-mounted, with the thin, 1-inch panel aligning perfectly flat against a wall like a picture frame when you use the dedicated mount.

The TV’s nearly non-existent bezel gives it an 'all-picture' look that adds to the art-like quality, and a connection panel located on the back with bottom and side-mounted ports, along with cable management hardware, lets you hook up sources without detracting from the neat look.

Connections on the G5 include four HDMI 2.1 inputs, an RF antenna input, three USB ports and an Ethernet port.

LG’s new AI Magic Remote for the G5 is more compact and streamlined than previous Magic Remotes, with a flat surface, a reduced button layout, and a smaller central scroll wheel. Unfortunately, not all regions get this new, mostly improved design, though it was included with my review sample in the US.

The UK still gets a design with channel buttons, though it does include new AI keys.

The new AI button provides quick Chatbot access, and there’s also a dedicated button to call up the TV’s ThinQ screen. I never really had a problem with the previous Magic Remote, but some users may prefer the more traditional design of this new version.

• Design score: 4.5/5

LG G5 review: Smart TV and menus

LG's webOS 25 interface has been enhanced with multiple viewer profiles and picture settings that can be activated by voice (Image credit: Future)

• webOS 25 smart interface
• Always Ready feature with 'ambient mode' option
• Quick Cards and Quick Menu for easy app and settings access

The G5 uses LG’s webOS 25 interface, which is one of the best smart TV systems going. Like other smart TV interfaces, the top third is dedicated to a promotional banner (in this case, one mostly directing you to the LG Channels free ad-supported TV portal), alas, but below that is a Quick Cards section that provides hubs for Sports, Games, Music, Home and more.

The Home Card hub provides information about connected wired and wireless sources, which can be accessed using the TV’s remote control. It also lets you connect to Google Home, Matter, and LG ThinQ smart devices, which can be controlled directly from the TV.

The order of apps in the home screen’s middle section can be edited according to which ones you use most, and there’s also a Live TV option that shows a grid of both broadcast TV channels pulled in by the best indoor antennas and ones available on the LG Channels portal.

An Always Ready feature that needs to be enabled in the General menu lets you display images (including from your personal photo library) when you’re not using the TV, including ones that can be generated using AI. When in Always Ready mode, the voice recognition and AirPlay/Chromecast remain active, so you don’t have to power it on to use those functions.

A very useful webOS feature is the Quick Menu, which appears as a transparent overlay on the screen’s left side that lets you select between picture and sound modes, among other settings. You can also access the TV’s AI Chatbot from here, which can be used to guide you through the G5’s many settings and features.

The TV’s AI Picture wizard can be useful for creating a preset that corresponds to your preferences, but I found that the one I dialed in was overly cool-looking for my preference, despite it theoretically following my preferences, and I stuck with Filmmaker Mode instead for most viewing.

While I generally found navigating the TV’s menus to be easy, and was satisfied with the wide range of options for adjusting picture and sound, I found it annoying that the new, redesigned Magic Remote control lacks an input button for switching sources.

It’s easy enough to do that by pressing the Home hub button on the remote and then navigating to a specific source, but input select is nonetheless a button that should be included on every TV remote.

• Smart TV & menus score: 5/5

LG G5 review: Gaming

A Game Dashboard allows for easy gaming-related picture and sound adjustments (Image credit: Future)

• Four HDMI 2.1 ports
• 4K 165Hz, FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync
• 9.2ms input lag (Boost mode)

LG TVs have fantastic gaming credentials, and the G5 continues in that tradition of the best gaming TVs. Its four HDMI ports support 4K 165Hz, FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync. Input lag measured in Game Optimizer mode with a Bodnar 4K input lag meter was 9.2ms in Boost mode, which is about as low as TVs get.

The G5’s Game Card Gamung Hub offers over 500 games and apps, including Nvidia GeForce Now and Luna. (Xbox Game Pass support is coming in the first half of 2025, according to LG.)

When in Game Optimizer mode, a Game Dashboard pop-menu provides quick access to a range of adjustments and presets, which can be selected without pausing the game you’re playing.

The brightness level of the G5 is great here, again, because it means its good for playing in the day time without severe mirrored reflections distracting from what you're trying to focus on.

• Gaming score: 5/5

LG G5 review: Value

LG's new, streamlined Magic Remote (Image credit: Future)

• Priced competitively with premium OLED competition
• Step-down LG C5 OLED also excellent
• Very good overall value

At $3,399 / £3,299 / AU$5,299 for the 65-inch model I tested, the LG G5 is priced higher than another 2025 premium OLED, the Samsung S95F, which has a similarly high brightness as the G5 plus a Glare-Free 2.0 screen that’s even more effective at eliminating reflections in bright rooms.

The G5 is also priced lower in the US than another 2025 premium OLED, the Sony Bravia 8 II, which will sell for $3,999 in a 65-inch screen size… however, in the UK, the Bravia 8 II is actually priced slightly lower than the 65-inch G5, just to mix things

If you don’t require super-high brightness and want to save some money, the LG C5 ($2,699 / £2,699 at 65 inches) is an excellent choice. The C5’s peak brightness is roughly half of what we measured on the G5, but it's full of features and its picture quality is still exceptional, especially when viewed in a light-controlled environment.

Given its fantastic all-around performance, great features, and more affordable cost compared to some of its high-end OLED competition, the G5 earns high ratings for value.

• Value score: 4/5

Should I buy the LG G5?

(Image credit: Future) Buy it if...

You want to watch in bright rooms
The G5 OLED’s brightness rivals that of premium mini-LEDs. It also features an effective anti-glare screen and a Filmmaker Ambient Light Mode that compensates for brighter rooms without sacrificing picture accuracy.

You want a TV for wall-mounting
With a slim, wall-hugging design, the G5 is specifically designed for wall-mounting and a specially designed bracket is provided.

You want a great TV for gaming
With support for 4K 165Hz, FreeSync Premium, and Nvidia G-Sync, and an impressively low 9.1ms input lag, the G5 is about as good as gaming TVs get.

Don't buy it if…

You don’t want to use a soundbar
The G5’s 4.2-channel speakers deliver more than adequate sound, but a TV this impressive should ideally be paired with a soundbar or external speakers for a complete experience.

You want HDR10+ support
LG TVs support Dolby Vision, but not the HDR10+ high dynamic range format. That could be an issue if you have some 4K Blu-rays that include this format and not Dolby Vision.

You want to save money
LG’s mid-range C5 series OLED TVs aren’t as bright as the G5 series, but they cost considerably less and also provide excellent picture quality and a great array of features.

LG G5 review: Also consider...

Samsung S95F
We haven’t yet reviewed the Samsung S95F, but we have seen it in action extensively and, like the G5, it combines an impressively bright OLED picture with effective anti-screen reflection tech. Initial US pricing for the S95F is also lower than for the G5.

LG C5
The C5 isn’t as bright as the G5, but it’s a great all-around TV that’s also feature-packed for the price, as we observed in our LG C5 review. This mid-range OLED is a good alternative if you don’t need its picture to stand out high ambient light viewing environments.

Sony Bravia 9
Sony’s flagship TV is about as premium as mini-LED gets, and we appreciated its bright yet refined picture and powerful sound in our Sony Bravia 9 review. Like the G5, it’s a pricey option, but a good choice if you prefer to not use a soundbar.

How I tested the LG G5

Measuring a 10% HDR white window pattern during testing (Image credit: Future)

• I spent about 20 hours in total measuring and evaluating
• Measurements were made using Calman color calibration software
• A full calibration was made before proceeding with subjective tests

When I test TVs, I first spend a few days or even weeks using it for casual viewing to assess the out-of-box picture presets and get familiar with its smart TV menu and picture adjustments. I next select the most accurate preset (usually Filmmaker Mode, Movie or Cinema) and measure grayscale and color accuracy using Portrait Displays’ Calman color calibration software.

The resulting measurements provide Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) for each category, and allow for an assessment of the TV’s overall accuracy.

Along with those tests, I make measurements of peak light output (recorded in nits) for both standard high-definition and 4K high dynamic range using 10% and 100% white window patterns. Coverage of DCI-P3 and BT.2020 color space is also measured, with the results providing a sense of how faithfully the TV can render the extended color range in ultra high-definition sources.

For the LG G5, I used the Calman ISF workflow, along with the TV’s advanced picture menu settings, to calibrate the image for best accuracy. I also watched a range of reference scenes on 4K Blu-ray discs to assess the TV’s performance, along with shows streamed from Max, Netflix, and other services.

You can read an in-depth overview of how we test TVs at TechRadar for more information.

• First reviewed: April 2025
• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

Reacher season 4: key information

- Renewed in October 2024
- Filming reportedly starting in mid-2025
- No release date revealed yet
- Reacher returns for another adaptation of Lee Child's novels
- Main cast predicted to return
- Speculation around plot and which book it will follow
- No official trailer yet
- Neagley spin-off officially commenced filming in February

Reacher season 4 is on the way. With season 3 done and dusted, it's time to really start talking about season 4, which was officially renewed back in October 2024.

Prime Video, one of the best streaming services, proudly revealed that Reacher season 3 has become Prime Video’s biggest returning show, thanks to 54.6 million viewers globally within the first 19 days. So, it's certainly one of the best Prime Video shows that's ready to return for more.

Based on the novels by Lee Child, action-packed thriller follows Jack Reacher, an ex-military police officer, who finds himself continuously embroiled in conspiracies and dangerous missions after being wrongly accused of murder.

Each season is filled with big fights and mystery-solving, and season 3 was no different. A tumultuous ending hints at much more to come, so here's everything we know about Reacher season 4 from a release date and trailer to plot rumors and more.

Full spoilers follow for Reacher season 3 and the previous seasons. Potential spoilers for Reacher season 4 will also appear.

Reacher season 4 release date prediction

A post shared by Amazon MGM Studios (@amazonmgmstudios)

A photo posted by on

There’s no Reacher season 4 release date just yet, but we do know that the show was renewed back in October 2024.

Speaking to The Mirror in February, Child said: “So we’re ready to go on season four. Obviously, we can’t reveal anything yet, but it’s another good’un, I’ll tell you. It’s going to be great.” He added: “I’ll see you next year and we’ll talk about it,” possibly hinting that Reacher season 4 will premiere in 2026.

If we take previous seasons as a guide for season 4, season 1 came out in 2022, season 2 ran from 2023 to 2024, and season 3 in 2025. If Prime Video continues releasing annually, it could well be early 2026.

When Child discussed future seasons of Reacher in an exclusive chat with TechRadar, he revealed filming will commence sooner than you might think: “It’s written and it’s ready to go. It’s going to start shooting in the summer.”

Reacher season 4 trailer: is there one?

(Image credit: Amazon Prime Video)

Given the cast and crew haven’t started filming yet, there’s no trailer to share. Historically, trailers come out a lot nearer to the release of the show. So, for a Reacher season 4 trailer, we imagine a wait until at least late 2025, early 2026.

Reacher season 4 predicted cast

Alan Ritchson will surely reprise his role as the titular, Jack Reacher (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios)

Full spoilers follow for Reacher season 3.

Based on the Reacher season 3 finale, this is the cast we predict will return for Reacher season 4. Though, at time of writing, these characters are yet to be confirmed. Aside from Reacher himself:

• Alan Ritchson as Jack Reacher
• Sonya Cassidy as Susan Duffy
• Anthony Michael Hall as Zachary Beck
• Maria Sten as Frances Neagley
• Malcolm Goodwin as Oscar Finlay
• Willa Fitzgerald as Roscoe Conklin
• Brian Tee as Francis Xavier Quinn / Julius McCabe

Reacher season 4 plot rumors

Reacher season 3 ended with an almighty brawl (Image credit: Amazon Prime Video)

Full spoilers follow for Reacher seasons 1-3. Plus, potential spoilers for Reacher season 4.

Jack Reacher is a man on a mission, or several missions if you take all seasons so far into consideration. He’s been repeatedly ensnared in conspiracies that put a lot of lives at risk, including his own.

From false murder accusations to going deep undercover to retrieve a lost DEA agent, following Lee Child's novels has given plenty of plot for the show to follow along with.

And season 3 saw Reacher’s feud with villains (new and old), Xavier Quinn and Zachary Beck, come to a head. The finale episode, titled ‘Unfinished Business’, saw Reacher's team break down a crime syndicate, run by Beck, by infiltrating his base. But, in order to do so, he had to come up against Beck's towering bodyguard, Paulie. And that led to an almighty brawl placing brains against brawn.

At the end of it all, he sat down with Neagley and talked about the real reason Reacher gets embroiled in so much trouble, because he hates the "big guy".

For season 4's plot then, the best place to turn is to the books. Season 1 was adapted from Killing Floor, Child’s debut novel, season 2 from Bad Luck and Trouble, his 11th novel, and season 3 from Persuader, his 7th novel. So, they're not going in book order, but they're certainly going from the books.

Neagley tells Reacher how it is (Image credit: Prime Video)

While there’s been speculation around Personal, book 19, being the basis of season 4 given how the flashbacks in Persuader and in season 3 line up with the plot, there's been no confirmation.

Speaking to The Independent though, Child revealed book 22 is one he’d love to adapt: “It was well received but The Midnight Line is one of my favourites because it was an opioid book, but it was written from the point of view of the addict with tremendous sympathy.” Adding: “I wonder if it will ever get made. We have to see whether we ever choose that one, but I’d love to see how it comes out.”

And Child supports that the show can jump around the book order, saying he: “very deliberately wrote the book series so you did not have any prior knowledge. I wanted people to be able to pick up any title anywhere and have a really satisfying story, so we can take the same approach.”

Which direction Reacher season 4 decides to go in is entirely down to Lee Child and showrunner Nick Santora, so we’ll have to wait and see.

Where to watch Reacher

All seasons of Reacher, exclusively on Prime Video (Image credit: Prime Video)

Reacher seasons 1 to 3 can be streamed exclusively on Prime Video. Finished them all and eager for more? Check out these 6 muscular thrillers to watch while you wait.

Will there be more seasons of Reacher?

A post shared by Maria Sten (@mariasten)

A photo posted by on

It's incredibly likely. Reacher season 4 was greenlit months before season 3 came out, and we wouldn't be surprised to hear about season 5 in a similar way. And, of course, there's all the books that Lee Child has written of the Jack Reacher series — currently totalling 29.

But, it's not just Reacher that'll be on the scene. In October 2024, Prime Video announced a spin-off series, focused on Frances Neagley, a recurring character in the Reacher series. And in February, the show officially went into production with Maria Sten pictured holding the clapperboard for episode one.

While we wait to hear news on more seasons of Reacher, we'll keep an ear to the ground and update you when we can.

For more Prime Video TV-based coverage, read our guides on The Boys season 5, Mr and Mrs Smith season 2, The Rings of Power season 3, and Fallout season 2.

Crows in a lab were able to distinguish shapes that exhibited right angles, parallel lines, and symmetry, suggesting that, like humans, they have a special ability to perceive geometric regularity.

(Image credit: MyLoupe/Universal Images Group via Getty)

Ecuador's runoff vote pits Trump ally and incumbent Daniel Noboa against leftist challenger Luisa González, in an election dominated by the issue of security in a highly polarized political landscape.

(Image credit: ARMANDO PRADOMARCOS PIN)

NPR first reported on the case of Charles Givens, a disabled inmate at Virginia's Marion Correctional Treatment Center, in 2023. Four corrections officers were accused of beating him to death and a fifth accused of negligence. Givens' sister, Kymberly Hobbs, sued the five men.

(Image credit: Jaclyn Diaz/NPR)

The first Trump administration spent $28 billion bailing out farmers during a trade war with China. The White House has said it's starting to look at how to help this time around.

(Image credit: Win McNamee)

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x: Two-minute review

(Image credit: Future)

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x offers plenty of benefits in almost every department, all powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon Elite X processor: this is a laptop built with creativity in mind, coming with one of the best OLED displays you'll ever see, battery life that'll keep your charger out of use for almost an entire day, and perhaps most importantly fast multitasking experiences with up to 32GB of RAM (though its soldered, so you'll have to pick the model that's ideal for you).

Its slim and sleek design, along with the 14-inch display size, allows the 90Hz OLED panel to blossom - believe it or not, this beats the excellent Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED ultrawide monitor at HDR with True Black HDR 600 certification compared to 400. Burn-in is, of course, still a concern - as with any OLED - but utilizing Windows 11's helpful tools, such as automatically hiding the taskbar, will go a long way in preventing it.

The Slim 7x isn't all perfect, though, as you'll only have access to USB-C ports. There's no USB-A port or even an audio jack, so the only solution for external connections that don't use USB-C would be a dock.

While gaming is possible with acceptable frame rates (since this isn't a gaming laptop), it's held back by the 3K (2944 x 1840) resolution, which I'll delve deeper into later on - don't buy this laptop if you're intent on serious gaming, especially at its native resolution.

To give you a brief summary, I tested less demanding titles like Hades and Sifu, with the latter struggling to stay above 60fps at 1440p on low graphical settings - that should be enough of an indication that this system isn't built for gaming, but it can still hit surprisingly hard at lower resolutions.

Besides this, it does exactly what it promises, providing enough power and speed for your creativity - the 12-core Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 processor offers a nippy 3.4GHz clock speed, and after my testing within a handful of CPU-intensive applications, this easily joins the list of my favorite machines and certainly is among the best laptops of 2025.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x: Price & Availability

• How much does it cost? Starting at $1,049 / £1,249.99 / AU$2,609
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? In the US, UK, and Australia

Whilst its price ($1,049 / £1,249.99 / AU$2,609) might throw you off a potential purchase, the specifications make up for it in a variety of ways. I'll highlight the benefits of the gorgeous OLED screen on this laptop shortly, but considering the price of OLED panels in general when it comes to not just laptops but also gaming monitors and TVs, there's always going to be a premium to pay - this can't be faulted either, as it remains the best among all display types.

It would also be a disservice not to mention the Qualcomm Snapdragon 12-core processor, especially when it comes to multitasking - running multiple applications and tabs simultaneously. The Snapdragon X Elite loses out to Apple's M3 chip in single-core processes, but matches the Apple Silicon chip in multi-core workloads, providing a satisfying experience catering towards productivity.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x: Specs Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x: Display

Now, starting with this laptop's display: the OLED panel present here is, hands down, the stand-out aspect. You may have wondered why I mentioned Dell's Alienware QD-OLED ultrawide monitor earlier - I happen to own that display, and it's magnificent when using either DisplayHDR 1000 or True Black HDR 400, but the Yoga Slim 7x's display outdoes the latter.

True Black HDR 600 is the second-best VESA certification that you can get with OLED screens, as you're getting 600 nits of brightness, all while maintaining infinite contrast and deep black levels. That's not to say that the AW3423DWF doesn't utilize its high-quality contrast while HDR 1000 is in use, but ABL (auto-brightness limiter) is far too aggressive, making gaming a frustrating experience in this mode.

Just look at those deep black levels... incredible. If you're on an OLED screen, that is. (Image credit: Future)

With the Slim 7x, True Black HDR 600 will make any of your games, movies, and shows look phenomenal - it's important to note, that I had to utilize the Windows HDR Calibration app (which can be found in the Microsoft Store) to adjust HDR as many of the colors can seem washed out when the mode is enabled and viewing HDR content. Once adjusted, it works like a charm, and I've managed to get some of my best viewing experiences ever with this display.

It's another reason for me to tell you yet again that once you upgrade to OLED, there's no going back - the deep black levels are phenomenal with the infinite contrast ratio, and unless you're reading this on a similar OLED panel, images won't do them any justice. I've never been one to notice the imperfections of regular LED displays until I decided to snap up Dell's Alienware OLED. I've also tested Asus's PG49WCD OLED ultrawide, and neither came close to my experience with the Yoga Slim 7x.

You also have the advantage of multiple color settings to switch between, thanks to the pre-installed X-Rite Color Assistant with P3, DCI-P3, Adobe RGB, sRGB, and Rec. 709 for SDR viewing (which is fantastic here). When using this, you'll need to disable HDR as X-Rite appears to be incompatible with it - this is relevant, as there was plenty of content I viewed that wasn't available in HDR.

While True Black HDR 1000 (which was recently announced at CES 2025) OLED displays will likely surpass the Yoga Slim 7x, it shouldn't be a reason to stop you from getting your hands on it.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x: Battery

Beautiful keyboard... (Image credit: Future)

Battery tests were extremely positive at higher percentages - my first test was at 47% at full brightness with HDR enabled while multitasking with multiple YouTube videos playing, and it lasted approximately 42 minutes before the issue came into play.

My second test, had the battery at 80% with full brightness and HDR enabled, with the same level of activity, and it lasted for 2 hours and 34 minutes. These are fantastic results for a system that is put under strain at its maximum brightness level, but I've got even better news regarding my third test.

(Image credit: Future)

With my brightness levels set between 20 and 30 percent and HDR enabled while at 100% battery, the Yoga 7x took a full 2 hours and 8 minutes to start draining while multitasking. Yes, you read that right - it was at 100% battery for 2 hours. Putting the system under further stress with multiple videos at high resolutions running in the background and even a few benchmark tests, it took another 2 hours and 50 minutes to fall to 48% battery, lasting a total of 4 hours and 58 minutes without fully draining.

Now, barring the issue of the immediate battery drain (which I'm hoping was an isolated issue with my review unit), this is truly exceptional for those out for a laptop capable of lasting them throughout the day. I've always been one to opt for a system that allows me to forget that my charger exists, at least for multiple hours - the Yoga Slim 7x does just that when you're reasonable with brightness levels and the amount of strain you put on the laptop.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x: Performance

Love me some Hades for sure... (Image credit: Future)

There was no way I was testing this beautiful laptop without attempting to game on it and see just how far I could go with its performance across several games. Well, at least I tried.

If you're contemplating a purchase of the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x with the intention of using it for gaming, this isn't the laptop for you. While it can perform well in some games like Hades (which left me quite impressed), its drivers leave several games crashing - some would crash on startup, and if they could make it past the menu screen, the frame rates were not acceptable.

A prime example of this was Capcom's Resident Evil 4 (you know you were going to see that at some point in this review), which would consistently crash on startup. Once using Qualcomm's upgraded graphics driver (which included GPU performance optimizations for several games), I made it past the main menu into the game - on the lowest preset at a 720p resolution, it could not push past 20 frames per second before eventually crashing again with a fatal D3D error, which points towards driver incompatibility.

(Image credit: Future)

On the bright side, though, Hades (while at the maximum 2944 x 1840 resolution) never once fell below 80 frames per second, even in the midst of intense combat. Where you'll run into issues when trying to game is with games that are somewhat demanding and that the X1E-78-100 processor can't handle at higher resolutions.

You may think that lowering the resolution will suffice in multiple games, but the screen has a 16:10 aspect ratio, which isn't great for resolutions like 1920x1080 or 2560x1440 (which are some of the only options in games).

Fortunately, performance in other areas provides a far more pleasant experience - multitasking is key for me when using any laptop, and the Slim 7x gave me zero issues when doing so. Thanks to the processor's 12 cores and 12 threads, keeping multiple tabs open hardly makes the system break a sweat (also making it essential for video editing and rendering).

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x Benchmark Tests

Here's how the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x performed in some of our benchmark tests and games:

Geekbench 6.3 CPU Bench: Single-core/2,236; Multi-core/11,784

Geekbench 6.3 GPU/OpenCL Bench: 19,839

Geekbench 6.3 GPU/Vulkan: 23,571

Cinebench 2024: Single-core/105; Multi-core/799

CrossMark: Overall: 1,294 ; Productivity: 1,109 ; Creativity: 1,577 ; Responsiveness: 1,137

Hades: Average 84fps

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x: Design

(Image credit: Future)

Considering the OLED display present here, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x is a very thin laptop - as the name should suggest - while also being very lightweight, weighing only 1.28kg. There's also an incredible backlight keyboard at your disposal, and one of the standout features here was the caps lock - yes, I know, it sounds minor, but a simple key press will display whether caps lock is enabled or disabled on screen.

This eliminates any potential issues with caps lock when entering passwords (there are still some sites that won't let you show your password), which goes a long way when trying to stay productive.

It's a big shame that there are only three USB-C ports available on this system, which means you'll be forced to use a dock if you plan on using your USB-A drive, ethernet cable, or HDMI to connect to an external display. I suspect the omission of said ports is to adhere to keeping the Slim 7x thin, but I digress. The lack of even a 3.5mm headphone jack just feels absurd in a modern laptop.

(Image credit: Future)

The speakers here are underwhelming, but there's always got to be a compromise for a system that has so many positives - you do, however, have access to multiple sound presets through the Lenovo Vantage app so you can adjust the sound to adapt to your games or movies.

It's worth noting that this is a touchscreen display, but I never used this often throughout testing - touchscreen on a beautiful OLED display like this, just didn't seem appealing as I didn't want my fingerprint marks all over the screen, and it's not a 2-in-1 laptop (unlike some of the other Snapdragon laptops). What's great, though, is that there were little to no thermal issues even when there was a lack of room for ventilation, and it's safe to say that the Slim 7x satisfied me within its design region.

Should I buy the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x? Buy it if...

You want a fantastic display

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x has an outstanding OLED screen, with DisplayHDR True Black 600 providing exceptional viewing experiences.View Deal

You want a laptop that has a long-lasting battery

The Slim 7x truly can provide all-day battery life depending on your activity and screen brightness levels, keeping your charger stored away for a while.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You're looking for a laptop capable of gaming

While the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x runs well in some games that are less demanding, it certainly isn't built to handle most AAA games.View Deal

You prefer a 2-in-1 laptop

While the Slim 7x is a touchscreen laptop, it doesn't work as well as fellow 2-in-1 Snapdragon laptopsView Deal

How I tested the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x

I spent two weeks testing the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, assessing its multitasking capabilities while also testing a variety of games. The Snapdragon(R) X Elite - X1E78100 excels at ensuring you get the best out of your activity, and this review unit included 16GB of RAM - 32GB may yield even greater results.

Some of the other games I tested included Street Fighter 6, Hitman: World of Assassination, Dragon's Dogma 2, and Tekken 8 to see just how far it could go with performance, but most of them would crash.

The issues with the instant battery drain prevented me from testing its battery life even further, but the results above indicate an incredible battery at reasonable settings.

After months of striking, some therapists with Kaiser Permanente stopped eating for five days to bring attention to their union's demands for parity with how the company's other workers are treated.

(Image credit: Katia Riddle / NPR)

Pep Guardiola's side look to climb back into the top five as they host the Eagles at the Etihad.

Dyson Airwrap i.d: two-minute review

The Dyson Airwrap i.d. is the latest generation of the brand's ultra-popular multi-styler. Released in 2024, the i.d. introduces one significant upgrade on the original Airwrap: an i.d.curl switch that launches a curling sequence (wrap, curl, cool shot). This simple upgrade is an absolute game-changer – curling with the Airwrap i.d. feels effortless compared to other auto-wrap stylers I've tested, and the results hold far better, too. It's predictably expensive, but I truly think this is the best hair styler on the market right now.

In terms of design, it's the same tube-shaped dryer, onto which various styling tools can be attached. The main ones are the Airwrap barrels, which use the Coanda effect to attract hair, shaping it into a curl as it dries it, without the need for the extreme heat of traditional curling tongs. These are the ones that work with the i.d. curl feature – and to double-down on what I've said above, the whole thing is now extremely straightforward to use.

You don't need to mess around with finding the cool-shot button mid-curl, or take a guess over how long each bit of hair has been wrapped; you just flip the switch, drape a bit of hair over the wand, wiggle it about a bit, and the i.d. will do the rest for you. The timings of the curl sequence are based on information you supply in a companion app (another new development) about your hair type and styling aims. And while nothing has changed with regards to how the Coanda function works, I found my curls remained in place for far longer than they have done using other auto-wrap multi-stylers, purely because the process is automated for you here.

With the i.d., Dyson introduced a new tapering barrel alongside the parallel ones of previous models. As before, changing the direction of curl is as simple as twisting the knob at the top of the barrel – something even today's best Airwrap dupes don't yet offer.

The auto-wrap curlers are the main reason to buy an Airwrap, but for styling enthusiasts this styling tool comes with a plethora of compatible add-ons. There are enough drying attachments that mean it can rival today's best hair dryers, too, along with brushes for smoothing or volumizing hair. The variety of attachments on offer also open up the Airwrap to different hair types and lengths – there's a wide-tooth comb for coils, for instance. However, in terms of effectiveness, I can only really speak to my own experience (I have armpit-length, wavy hair).

Price-wise, the Airdrop i.d. is firmly a premium buy; in terms of design, usability and build quality, though, I can't fault it. If you're enthusiastic about styling, like to curl your hair often, and care about long-term hair health, the i.d. is worth the investment. That's the short version; read on for my full Airwrap i.d. review.

Dyson Airwrap i.d. review: price & availability

• List price: $599.99 / £479.99 / AU$849
• Launched: August 2024

Dyson products almost always sit in the premium end of the market, and the Airwrap i.d. is no exception. From Dyson direct, it has a list price of $599.99 in the US, £479.99 in the UK, and AU$849 in Australia. At time of writing, in the US and UK, you can choose between a "Straight+ Wavy" or "Curly+Coily" bundle, which comprise different attachments, but the pricing for both remains the same. In Australia, it's just the one standard bundle right now.

The Airwrap i.d. first launched in August 2024, a newer version of the Airwrap (read our Dyson Airwrap (2022) review for more on that model), which Dyson appears to be phasing out.

The i.d. certainly isn't cheap, and of course you're paying a bit of a premium for the Dyson name. However, there's nothing else quite like it on the market right now, and I can fault it for either build quality or attention to detail when it comes to the design.

You can pick up cheaper dupes, a few of which even arrive with feature auto-wrapping barrels. Of these, the Shark FlexStyle is perhaps the best regarded, and costs $279.99 / £269.99 / AU$499.99. In the US, you also have the Sharper Image Revel 6-in-1 Multi-Styler at $269.99, while in the UK there's the Revamp Dynamic Radiance Pro Blow Dry 7-in-1 Ionic ​Air Styler at £179.99. The Airwrap i.d. is a clear step above all of these models for build quality and features, however – none can do clockwise and anti-clockwise curls on the same barrel, and none have an automated curl sequence.

Dyson isn't especially known for its discounts, but they do crop up from time to time, and are well worth taking advantage of if you do spot one.

• Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Dyson Airwrap i.d. specs Dyson Airwrap i.d review: design

• Tube-shaped dryer onto which styling accessories attach
• Auto-curl sequence button and companion app
• Extensive range of compatible attachments

The Airwrap i.d. is a tube-shaped hair dryer onto which various styling accessories can be attached. Primary among these are the Airwrap barrels, which use the Coanda effect to attract hair so it automatically wraps around the barrel and is shaped into curls as it dries. The attachments twist into place easily, and there's a lock switch on the rear of the dryer to release them when you want to swap in another one. I'll get more into the attachments themselves below.

Accessories attach to this top section, and lock into place (Image credit: Future)

On the dryer itself are three sliding buttons to control the settings. There are cleverly positioned near the top of the barrel, out of the way of your grip, but they're easily accessible during styling. Since they're sliding rather than press buttons, you have much less chance of accidentally changing settings as you hold the barrel, too.

Sliding buttons to control windspeed and temperature, and launch the curl sequence (Image credit: Future)

Two operate temperature (two heat options plus a cool shot) and windspeed (three options), but the third is probably the most interesting. This switches on the blower, but also operates the i.d. curl sequence, where there Airwrap will cycle through the settings required to create the perfect curl.

This function is new with the i.d., and works in conjunction with a companion app (see all the differences between the old and new models in my (Airwrap vs Airwrap i.d. comparison). Here, you complete a quiz about your hair type, length and styling goals, and the Airwrap will set its curl sequence settings based the information you've supplied.

On initial completion of the quiz, the Airwrap i.d. will remember your sequence, so you don't need your phone connected or with you to use the i.d. curl sequence. However, if you do have the app open, you can also see the progress of the sequence via a countdown graphic.

There's a removable filter cage (Image credit: Future)

At the base of the dryer is a grille, behind which sits the filter. You can remove the grille to keep the filter clean – Dyson recommends doing this regularly to keep the i.d. working as efficiently as possible.

Attachments

The Airwrap i.d. has an extensive range of compatible attachments; in fact, more extensive than any other multi-styler I've come across. Don't expect to get all of these with your styler – different attachments will be included with different bundles, and some are only available to purchase individually via Dyson's accessory store.

This tapering curl barrel is a new accessory option with the Airwrap i.d. (Image credit: Future)

The ones that the Airwrap first gained popularity for are the Airwrap barrels. These are curling barrels, but instead of heating up, they blast out directed air in such a way that the hair automatically wraps around them, shaping the hair into curls as the styler dries it. Dyson is the only brand (so far) that enables you to create clockwise and anti-clockwise curls using the same barrel. To switch direction, you twist the cool-touch knob at the top of the barrel.

The standard barrel is the same width all the way down, but with the i.d. Dyson has added a tapering barrel that creates curls that are tighter at the top and looser at the bottom.

The standard, same-width barrels are still included (Image credit: Future)

My review model was supplied with a couple of attachments geared towards use of the Airwrap as a hair dryer: the Fast dryer and Dryer+Flyaway smoother. One of the new dryer attachments introduced with the i.d. is the Blade Concentrator, but I didn't test this – and, as far as I can determine, it isn't included in any bundles right now. Bundles geared towards curly or coily hair will include a diffuser and wide-tooth comb.

There are various brush attachments in the range, some soft and some firm, and some for smoothing and some for volumizing, and in different sizes to suit different hair lengths. (I got a soft smoothing brush and large round volumizing brush included.)

My review model came with a storage / presentation box, but I'm not sure if this is included with every bundle, so check before you buy.

• Design score: 5 out of 5

Dyson Airwrap i.d. review: performance

• Comfortable and efficient to use as a dryer
• i.d. curl sequence is effortless and delivers long-lasting results
• Volumizing and smoothing brushes also work very well

As a dryer, the Airwrap i.d. works very well. It feels lightweight, well balanced, and it's comfortable to hold and easy to wield.

The Fast dryer attachment shifts the flow of air so it's at a right angle to the dryer, rather than shooting straight upwards. This means you can hold your arm in a natural and comfortable position. Some Airwrap-alikes have top sections that pivot to a right angle, for the same purpose. Dyson's attachment is more effective because it also widens the flow of air, and results in a noticeable boost in power.

On test, I found the Airwrap plus Fast dryer combo dried by armpit-length hair efficiently. It wasn't quite as speedy as a dedicated hair dryer such as the Dyson Supersonic Nural, but it's more powerful than other multi-stylers I've tested. (I've compared the Dyson Supersonic Nural vs Dyson Airwrap, if you're not sure which one you need.)

With the Fast dryer attachment on, the i.d. works effectively as a hair dryer (Image credit: Future) Curling

Before testing the Airwrap i.d., I thought the curl sequence might be a bit of a gimmick, but I've done a 180 on that view – I love it. It makes a massive difference to both the effort required to create curls and their staying power once you've finished styling.

Let's back up a bit. Setting up the i.d. curl sequence in the app is straightforward. You connect your Airwrap via Bluetooth by switching it on and holding it near your phone, then take a short quiz, which incorporates questions about your hair type, length, experience level and hair goals. Based on this information, the app will create your curl sequence settings.

This sequence includes wrapping, curling, and then a cool shot, timed to suit your hair type and needs. If you say you're a beginner, for example, you'll have longer to wrap your hair; if your curls tend to drop quickly, you'll get a longer cool shot. Note, though, that you can manually adjust the timings in the app at any time, if you find they don't suit you.

The app counts down each part of the curl sequence (Image credit: Future)

To launch the sequence, you flick the central button upwards, and then just get on with curling. If you're not used to this kind of curling, it will take some getting used to, but once you have it down it's easy. (I was shown how to use this by a Dyson-representative hairdresser, as shown in the photos here, but I also tested it out at home, and managed it just fine on my own.)

The i.d. curl switch takes the guesswork and fiddling about out of the equation. I've tested a few of these auto-wrap curlers now and there are two areas they prove most annoying. First, guesstimating the time you've been curling a particular section of hair – it takes longer than traditional tongs, in the region of 8-10 seconds per section – and second, locating and running the cool shot on each curl. The i.d. takes care of both.

The blower shapes the hair into curls as it dries it (Image credit: Future)

In terms of results, I was super impressed. However, I'll state upfront that curls created in this way generally tend to fall out far sooner than those created with traditional hot tongs (you'll need to decide if the benefits to hair health and less heat damage is worth it to you).

Nevertheless, my curls created with the i.d. lasted far longer than those created with competitor stylers. I think this is all down to the automation features: each section of hair is curled for the same length of time; I'm not forgetting or cutting short any cool shots.

Smoothing and volumizing

I also tested out the volumizing and smoothing brushes that came bundled with my Airwrap i.d. Both have been deigned well and I had no complaints about how they worked in use. They clip on easily and feel secure in use, and each has a stay-cool section that you can grip hold of for removal. While in terms of functionality there isn't anything particularly unique here, they work well and help boost the versatility of the multi-styler for those times you don't want a curly look.

• Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Dyson Airwrap i.d.? Buy it if...

You curl regularly
Where the Airdrop i.d. shines is for creating curls. The i.d. curl sequence makes the process effortless, with the results more likely to outlast those where you're relying on guessing timings yourself.

You care about hair health
This type of curling is far better for your long-term hair health over regularly frying your locks with a curling wand.

You're a styling enthusiast
The Airwrap i.d. isn't cheap, but the quality of the tool and swappable accompanying attachments come into their own for those who love to create different styles. Of all the multi-stylers, the Airwrap probably features the widest range of compatible accessories.

Don't buy it if...

You don't often curl your hair
If you don't regularly curl your hair, there's much less of a performance gap between this and the many Airwrap dupes and multi-stylers on the market. If you're only creating blowout styles, for instance, you could save a lot of money by going for a dedicated brush dryer.

You're on a budget
There are dupes that will do a very similar job, albeit with lower build quality and more effort required from you.

How I tested the Dyson Airwrap i.d.

Before receiving my review model, I first got a demo of the Airwrap i.d. from a Dyson representative in a salon. I then used the styler over a few weeks at home, testing out the curling system extensively, and using the other attachments too. I compared my experience to other alternatives I've tested, in terms of quality, usability, and how long the styles lasted.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed March 2025

This week has been a wild ride with US tariff fears causing price hikes and panic-buying, but we've also been treated to some escapism from our existing dystopian to explore a series of new ones thansk to the release of Black Mirror Seaosn 7.

To catch up on all this and more scroll down for recaps of the week's seven biggest news stories.

When you're done be sure to check out our picks for the seven new movies and TV shows to watch this weekend (April 11).

7. The tariffs sparked widespread iPhone panic-buying

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

It’s been hard to avoid tariff talk this week, even if you’re just looking for gadget news. The economic dance spooked iPhone buyers into panic-buying phones, according to Apple Store employees across the US – and that was before the tariffs on China went into the stratosphere.

With iPhones still mostly made in China, the theory is that Apple’s smartphones could see hefty price rises later this year. While that’s certainly possible, predicting what’s going to happen next week is hard enough right now, let alone five months in advance.

So while we understand some people pulling the trigger now, it’s also no time to be stockpiling expensive tech – particularly with the iPhone 17 now on the horizon.

• Read more: iPhone panic-buying hits Apple Stores, but tariff impacts may not be as bad as feared

6. Samsung One UI 7 rollout

(Image credit: Samsung / Future)

Older Samsung phones are finally starting to unlock Android 15 features via the One UI 7 update that’s rolling out – but some of you might be left waiting until June before you see any changes.

That’s according to Samsung itself, who explained on their Korean site that while the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, and phones going back to the Galaxy S23 series devices would get the latest update this month, those of you relying on older, more budget-friendly phones and tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE, Galaxy A53, Galaxy Tab A9, and others will be waiting until June.

Considering we’re expecting to see Android 16 at Google I/O 2025 in May, that means Android will have lapped Samsung’s software update before its Android 15 port can land on all of its devices.

• Read more: You might be waiting until June to get One UI 7

5. Nothing teases its next CMF drop

The Nothing Phone 3a (Image credit: Nothing)

This week, Nothing teased that on April 28, 2025, at 9 am ET / 2 pm BST / 11 pm AEST, it’ll showcase the CMF Phone 2 Pro alongside the new CMF Buds 2, Buds 2a, and Buds 2 Plus.

There are two strange things about this reveal, though. For one, Nothing has yet again skipped the base model – like we just saw with the Phone 3a and 3a Pro being released before even announcing the regular Phone 3. Here, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is coming out before the CMF Phone 2 or CMF Phone 1 Pro.

Also, Nothing didn’t tease a new CMF Watch. The CMF Watch Pro 2 was showcased alongside its phone and earbuds last year, and while it wasn’t the perfect smartwatch, it was an excellent budget pick. Hopefully, a new CMF Watch will make an appearance later this year.

• Read more: Nothing announces new CMF Phone 2 Pro phone and earbuds

4. ChatGPT got a memory upgrade

(Image credit: OpenAI)

Sam Altman teased an exciting new feature for ChatGPT, and while that made it clear this wasn't going to be the debut of a new model – though that's still expected soon—it did end up being meaningful – at least, OpenAI thinks it is.

ChatGPT has received an improved memory function that will let the AI assistant and chatbot better reference previous conversations and remember things about you. This means it'll go beyond just what you like and dislike, but if you discuss things, it can also bring previous points or elements into the current flow.

Of course, not everyone might be on board with this memory function, so it is opt-in. OpenAI's other fix is a temporary mode, which ensures the AI doesn't add the information contained in the history.

• Read more: OpenAI just upgraded memory for ChatGPT – here's everything you need to know

3. We reviewed the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE

(Image credit: Future)

This week, we finally tested the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE, and it’s the most confusing smartwatch we’ve tested – especially since the much better Galaxy Watch 6 still exists.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE is meant to be Samsung's answer to the Apple Watch SE. Yet Samsung has failed to emulate its rival, and the result left us “bewildered.”

Whether it's sluggish performance, poor battery life, or a disappointing design, unless you pick this smartwatch up for literally $100/£100, you might as well opt for a discounted Galaxy Watch 6 or Galaxy Watch 7.

• Read more: The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE is one of the most confusing smartwatches I've ever tested

2. Black Mirror Season 7 landed

(Image credit: Netflix)

Black Mirror season 7 has landed on Netflix just in time for a weekend binge-watch. But is it any good, and is the show’s first-ever sequel worth your time?

We’ve ranked the newest episodes from worst to best, giving some pretty honest thoughts about what we made of this installment. There are highs, lows, and big surprises, too, and we’ve predicted this season will seriously divide fans as it’s something of a mixed bag – though that’s perhaps to be expected from an anthology series.

All six episodes of Black Mirror season 7 are streaming on Netflix now, along with all the previous seasons. Check out our streaming coverage for even more from the much-loved anthology show.

• Read more: I ranked Black Mirror season 7's episodes

1. Pico gave us new VR motion trackers

(Image credit: Pico)

The Pico 4 Ultra might not be the best VR headset out there, but one way it trounces the Meta Quest 3 is its motion trackers, which have allowed it to bring accurate and easy foot tracking to supported VR games.

Now, Pico has launched a new version you can wear around your waist to create a more full-body setup that sounds perfect for VR dancing. Best of all, it only costs £39.99 (around $50 / AU$85).

We haven’t been able to test the tracker for ourselves, but given how impressive the foot trackers were during our Pico 4 Ultra review, we expect Pico’s new waist trackers will be solid, too, when used in supported titles such as VRChat and compatible PCVR titles through the Pico Connect feature.

• Read more: Pico just updated its best VR headset feature

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for April 12.

As soon as May 20, thousands of Afghans living in the U.S. will lose a protection that shielded them from deportation and allowed them to work.

(Image credit: Joseph Prezioso)

Black Mirror season 7 is here, and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's thoughts on one of the best Netflix shows now that they've got six more episodes to explore. It may come as no surprise that it's a real mixed bag.

With anthologies, disliking certain installments more than others is par for the course, but after watching all of season 7 I really am worried it's ran out of ideas. Out of the six episodes, one is a sequel, another is set in the same universe as Bandersnatch, and another has similar narrative beats to San Junipero.

So only having three episodes with truly unique ideas is a bit concerning considering Black Mirror was known for having distinctly different stories, especially in its original Channel 4 era.

Yes, we often see Easter eggs hidden, which connect them like references to past episodes or the same news channel, but they've never felt completely repetitive until now.

In my Black Mirror season 7 episode ranking, I placed USS Callister: Into Infinity at the bottom because I'm frustrated it even exists. The original episode from season 4 was so wonderfully unique and had a bittersweet ending, and I would've been happy for it to just end there. Making a sequel just because the first episode is popular is frustrating, and they could've come up with something new.

But, as I said, it's a mixed bag and that means there were episodes I enjoyed very much. My top two Black Mirror season 7 episodes are Common People and Hotel Reverie, because, in my opinion, they really go back to basics and look at what the show is most loved for: criticizing the misuse of tech and how it can really mess with people's emotions, not to mention their physical and mental health.

Both of these episodes are also very relevant. Through Common People, Charlie Brooker explores what would happen if you could magically restore your sick partner through a revolutionary healthcare plan.

Don't worry; it's only a small monthly cost, and it's one that Chris O’Dowd's character decides to sign up for to save his beloved wife, played by Rashida Jones.

That's all well and good until they start running intrusive ads through your partner and you can't get rid of these until you give the company more money, in a cut-throat examination on our over reliance of subscription services and their multiple tiers and add-ons.

Yeah, this one really hurts, guys. That's why it's brilliant; it packs that emotional punch that reminds me of earlier episodes like Be Right Back in season 2.

(Image credit: Netflix)

Hotel Reverie is also timely as it focuses on our growing interest in AI, through a company that can revamp old Hollywood movies by uploading a modern day actor to spice things up for the streaming age. A controversial choice, of course, but an essential one for a struggling studio who can no longer profit of their struggling classic cinema library.

As well as opening up discussions around cinema, it taps into this idea that an AI character could become self aware. Issa Rae and Emma Corrin shine as two actresses from very different generations who meet inside this movie, forming a bond that goes beyond the pages of a pre-written script. I adored this one and I'll no doubt revisit it soon.

When Black Mirror keeps things fresh and original, it's a very thought-provoking watch. Even though I enjoyed the divisive Plaything episode more than some others, I can see people's arguments that it felt rushed and the ending wasn't as satisfying, and I think many of us did expect more from a Bandersnatch spin-off, especially with someone as big as Peter Capaldi at the helm.

My three-star rating does reflect how on the fence I feel about the series right now. I did like this season aside from USS Callister: Into Infinity's long, drawn out runtime, especially how emotionally driven it was, but I really don't know where they're going to go from here.

With Charlie Brooker telling The Hollywood Reporter he's "in it for the long haul", I'm concerned about what that's going to look like. Sometimes, it's good to quit while you're ahead.

You might also like

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• David Fincher is making a Once Upon A Time in Hollywood sequel for Netflix with Brad Pitt set to return
• 5 new Netflix movies and shows I'll be streaming in April 2025

President Trump had his first physical of his second term on Friday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

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Alienware AW3425DWM 34-inch: Two-minute review

The Alienware AW3425DWM 34-inch isn’t the first 2K 34-inch ultrawide monitor on the market, nor is it the cheapest, but in my opinion, it's one of the most mastered. Sporting a discreet design and a slew of features I’d consider essential, the AW3425DWM offers great darkness and coloring at a respectable price.

Stripping out RGB and only offering two USB-A ports for accessory connectivity (but lacking USB-C), and not including price-bouncing OLED panel tech, I’ve never been more impressed with an ultrawide monitor than with the AW3425DWM. I've experienced the more expensive AW3423DWF, Alienware's nearly ultrawide OLED monitor (second to the AW3423DW), and I fell in love with it for its picture quality and clarity, but the AW3425DWM is a much more impressive beast for its value prospect.

Its specs are ahead of many of its close competitors, particularly ones from LG and Samsung, which explains its slightly higher cost in this segment. This includes a greater maximum brightness and color gamut, along with the inclusion of the aforementioned accessory ports.

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

The monitor doubles as both a handy gaming display and a useful productivity tool. I’ve enjoyed playing games with support for the ultrawide layout, in particular the graphically intense Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Forza Motorsport, but its handling of darkness has also been very satisfying in these games and other titles without ultrawide support, such as viral sensation R.E.P.O.

The wide screen also gives ample room for having multiple windows open. During my testing, I regularly had a YouTube video playing on the left half of the screen and a game on the right, and I personally preferred this to having a dual-monitor setup.

All of this said, be ready for the odd application that lacks ultrawide support. I encountered plenty of games and programs that didn't take full advantage of this layout (usually black bars will fill the space, while the program takes on a 16:9 aspect ratio). This may not be a huge issue to all users, but it's best to be aware of this extra hurdle when owning an ultrawide.

Picture quality is also heavily dependent on your viewing position, so be confident that a curved ultrawide is what you really want before making a purchase. Although I loved the immersive nature of a curved monitor this big, I wish it was more forgiving when viewing from an angle, as I'd often put a show on while doing something else away from my desk in the room.

Finally – and this will likely be a non-issue for many users – but the display doesn’t come with in-built speakers. I like having in-built speakers for when I don’t want to wear my headphones (and I don’t want to buy separate speakers), but I understand other users will have their own preferences when it comes to audio and external sound systems.

In my opinion, the quality of display you get for the price you pay is considerable, and even though it may not be as feature-rich as more expensive models, the AW3425DWM stands out from the pack as a mid-range curved and ultrawide gaming monitor.

Alienware AW3425DWM 34-inch review: pricing and availability

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

• How much does it cost? $369.99 / £369 / AU$749
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Directly from Dell and retailers in the US, UK and Australia

The Alienware AW2425DWM is an upper mid-range gaming monitor, which will set you back $369.99 / £369 / AU$749, and sports the niche curved and ultrawide layout. Offering a 2K resolution and a brightness of up to 400 nits, it’s slightly more premium than its main competitors.

Alienware has stripped out excessive USB ports and RGB lighting to bring costs down, but the beast remains closely in line with its higher-end curved and ultrawide siblings. It offers a flat base and an easy-to-navigate user interface, along with an IPS-VA panel. More expensive models tend to come with an OLED panel and 4K resolution, along with greater brightness and contrast.

When we’re looking at competitors, the closest is likely to be the Samsung Odyssey 34-inch ultrawide gaming monitor, available for $399 / £329 / AU$599 (though often found much cheaper today).

• Value score: 4.5/5

Alienware AW3425DWM 34-inch: specs Alienware AW3425DWM 34-inch review: design

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

• Understated design
• Discreet stand with small footprint
• 178º viewing angle

The Alienware AW3425DWM is fairly understated. Its stand and bezels are completely unassuming, without any RGB or detailing to speak of. The back of the display is pretty standard, apart from the classic extraterrestrial logo, and the only bit of styling on the front is the spelled out Alienware name.

There’s not a lot for me to criticize here – it’s not a monitor built to win design competitions, but in my opinion it's a fairly nice looking display. It has a handy passthrough hole in its stand for neatly organizing your cables, which I found particularly useful for my additional mouse and keyboard cables, and the ports are well laid out across the back of the monitor, with USB-A ports along the underside for easy access. It does, however, lack USB-C ports which, in 2025, I consider disappointing as more peripherals have adopted it as standard.

The design aspect that impressed me the most was its satisfyingly small footprint. Although it's quite a large display, it stands firmly on a single flat foot without much wobble if you bump the desk.

The display has full tilt, swivel and height adjustment with its stand, and the screen is VESA-mount compatible. As it's an ultrawide, you can't rotate the display fully vertical, and if you want to pull this off, you'll need to mount it seperate from the stand. The curvature of the screen has a 178º viewing angle, enveloping your vision well if you’re seated directly in front of it.

That means it'll be difficult to watch content on the monitor when viewing it from outside the optimal viewing space. I would often get up from my desk and do something away from it while looking over at a show or livestream on the display, and would find it difficult to view because of the curvature. This isn't a complaint, but an observation and a known limitation of curved screens.

For interacting with the onboard user interface, there’s a joystick nub directly under the middle of the display, handy for quick adjustments when switching from, say, gaming to productivity as I’d often do.

• Design score: 5/5

Alienware AW3425DWM 34-inch review: features

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

• Ultrawide 2K resolution
• AMD FreeSync Premium and VESA AdaptiveSync certification
• Two USB-A passthrough ports

I love the Alienware AW3425DWM because it’s so stripped back and accessible. It lacks the features of its more pricey OLED-toting sibling, the AW3423DWF, or the range-topping AW3423DW, but a more budget-minded gamer would likely prefer the display for how cheap it is.

Although I'm an OLED panel lover, I don't mind the IPS VA panel fitted to this monitor. It handles darkness well and although an OLED would offer improved contrast, I found games where shadows are particularly important (such as Assassin’s Creed Shadows) maintained enough detail to still be able to see what was going on. Aiding the darkness is a 95% color gamut and a 3000:1 contrast ratio, resulting in a nice-looking picture that I found adequate.

I found the 2K resolution scaled for the wide panel (3440 x 1440, 21:9) sufficiently satisfying for making my games look big and expansive, and when I switched to competitive games like Marvel Rivals, I didn't feel like I needed a faster response time than the 1ms rate offered by the monitor. The same goes for the 180Hz refresh rate – I rarely played games that offered framerates up to this number, but it remains a good figure for a wide variety of users.

The monitor's quick settings allow you to switch up the display to your preference, such as scaling picture or HDR settings, which I often did when changing tasks. Additionally, running a USB-B to USB-A cord between the monitor and your PC will allow you to use the fitted USB-A ports for passthrough, a feature I really like for cutting down on cable clutter (though, again, no USB-C ports).

Being an ultrawide, there’s an additional utility in being able to treat it as if it’s two monitors without feeling claustrophobic. Any monitor can be used to display multiple windows, but an ultrawide has the benefit of being able to do so without making you feel too cramped, in my opinion. This was particularly useful when having two windows open (such as a browser or word processor on the left and a YouTube video on the right), but I found it also performed well when having four windows open at once.

• Features score: 4.5/5

Alienware AW3425DWM review: performance

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

• Great darkness and color clarity
• Maximum refresh rate of up to 180Hz
• Brightness of up to 400 nits

The Alienware AW3425DWM is a well-performing gaming monitor that displays objects and coloring without fault. More impressive ultrawide monitors are widely available, but in my opinion, you’re unlikely to get better specs than what is on offer here in the 2K 34-inch ultrawide segment.

Only operating at up to 2K and offering fairly mid-range brightness and contrast have made the monitor cheaper, but consequently sparse on the performance front. That being said, I found this to be a perfectly fine monitor for casual and competitive gamers alike, and it's is in line for the mid-range segment.

The 180Hz maximum refresh rate isn’t the highest (higher-end Alienware panels can go up to 240Hz), nor the 1ms response rate the fastest (in an age where it’s as low as 0.1ms on some panels), but I think the savings on offer make it worth considering for many PC users.

That said, a maximum brightness of only 400 nits, though above many competitors in this segment, may be too low for some users. All of the games I tested looked great and text appeared fine without any haziness, but in use you may crave a brighter display.

Streaming content also looks great despite mid-range brightness, with the vibrancy of movies like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse presented well. Additionally, there’s an anti-glare coating across the glass, perfect for blocking out annoying light sources.

If you want your gaming monitor to serve up higher brightness and greater contrast, likely facilitated by an OLED panel, I highly recommend reading our hands-on with the Alienware AW3423DWF. I've personally tried that monitor myself and found it to be massively impressive, but the AW3425DWM is generally a better deal, especially if you don't really care about having a 4K resolution.

The only issue I had was when I took it out of the box: the monitor automatically kept adjusting brightness (dimming in my case) based on how the image appeared, but this was quickly resolved by tweaking picture settings to my liking.

• Performance: 4/5

Should I buy the Alienware AW3425DWM? Buy it if...

You want a curved ultrawide monitor

This is one of the more impressive curved and ultrawide monitors in the mid-range segment, and would be a satisfying buy if greater width is something you desire.

You want a big screen without spending too much

34-inch displays are getting cheaper and cheaper, and while you can get an identically sized monitor from a competitor, Alienware’s option beats out its rivals on brightness and features.

Don't buy it if...

You crave the best of the best

This monitor doesn’t display the brightest image, nor does it offer 4K or an OLED panel.

You want a small panel

Ultrawide monitors are never small and this display will take up valuable space on your desk.

Also consider

Alienware AW3423DWF

More expensive and feature-packed, the AW3423DWF is the monitor to buy if you want a noticeable performance bump above what the AW3425DWM can offer. While we haven't fully tested it ourselves, our colleagues at GamesRadar+ give it a full five stars.

AOC CU34G2XP

This is the newest version of our favourite budget ultrawide display, the CU354G2X, it packs similar specs to the Alienware AW3425DWM at a much lower price and could be worth considering. We haven't had the opportunity to try it out for ourselves here at TechRadar, so I can't comment on its performance, but the price might just tip the scales for some users.

Samsung 34-inch Odyssey G55T G5 ultrawide

The Samsung Odyssey G55T can often be found much cheaper these days, making it a worthwhile second choice to the AW3425DWM. Again, I can't speak for its performance as we've not had the opportunity to review it on TechRadar, but savings are always tempting.

How I tested the Alienware AW3425DWM

• Tested for three weeks
• Primarily used for gaming
• Also used for productivity as a single monitor

I tested the Alienware AW3425DWM over the course of two weeks, most of which was spent gaming, playing Assassin’s Creed Shadows primarily, but also R.E.P.O, Forza Motorsport, Nubby’s Number Factory, Marvel Rivals and Balatro.

I also spent a fair amount of time using the display for productivity purposes, such as typing out word documents and browsing the web, along with watching things on streaming services, primarily YouTube and Twitch. I constantly switched up the settings and used a DisplayPort connection.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed April 2025

Evidence is mounting that the newest version of GPT will be released soon.

I’ve watched enough robot videos online to know that slapping an AI model into a hunk of hardware doesn’t automatically make it useful. I remember one clip in particular where someone had wired ChatGPT into a robot dog, and the results were mixed.

Sure, the robot could suddenly answer your questions with confidence. But asking it to open a door or pick something up was still the same clumsy creature as before. The intelligence was in the voice, not the motion.

So, when Samsung announced that its long-awaited Ballie robot would come preloaded with Google’s Gemini AI, my first thought was to wonder what exactly Gemini brings to the table that Ballie hadn’t already promised.

Gemini is capable of understanding language and images and performing complex reasoning. Ballie is supposed to be a rolling companion packed with cameras, projectors, sensors, and the ability to navigate your home. I can see why some might be eager to see what a combination of the two could do.

Samsung and Google have suggested that Ballie plus Gemini would enable the robot to suggest activities to raise your energy or give you outfit tips using its onboard camera and a Gemini-powered sense of style. But looking at it more, I'm not really sure anything the companies describe is either already something Ballie would be able to do or something Gemini can already do without needing to be connected to Ballie.

Ballie can adjust smart home devices and project videos or ambient lighting onto your walls, but does it need Gemini to do so? Gemini can answer questions, analyze photos and fashion, and organize your whole day, but does being embedded in a ball-shaped robot enhance those features much?

You may as well open Gemini on a tablet and tape it to a skateboard. Gemini gives Ballie better language understanding and smarter suggestions, but those don’t require a robot body that can roll across your living room.

Robot AI necessity

(Image credit: Samsung)

Ballie is an impressive piece of hardware. It has dual projectors, depth sensors, LiDAR, multiple microphones, and a high-end camera setup. It can follow you, return to its charger, and even record or stream footage. But all of those things were innate to the hardware.

Gemini doesn’t make Ballie project in higher resolution or roll faster. It doesn’t give Ballie arms or the ability to interact physically with objects. It just gives it better words – and while words matter, they don’t necessarily translate into a robot that’s more useful.

AI can make a chatbot smarter and mimic your tone or finish your sentences in an email. But when it comes to hardware, intelligence without capability hits a wall. If Ballie can’t do more things because it has Gemini, then it's just a more articulate version of itself. If Gemini brings a lot of useful features to Ballie that it wouldn't have had before but that Gemini couldn't do on its own, then that's a different question.

It's not that Gemini brings nothing to the table. Talking to Ballie about your schedule and getting a visual summary projected on the wall is a pleasing idea. And Gemini’s ability to integrate multi-modal inputs could make those interactions smarter. But again, the robot’s physical role in that process is still fuzzy.

There’s a reason people still get excited by videos of robots folding laundry or climbing stairs. It’s because movement and manipulating the environment are still rare and impressive feats. No matter how smart the AI becomes, if the hardware can’t meet it halfway, the result will always feel like a demo missing its payoff.

Making more conversational, more responsive, and more human in its communication is a leap for Samsung. But that leap is only meaningful if the robot itself can deliver something you couldn’t already get from a screen.

Otherwise, you may as well open Gemini in a browser tab on a tablet, duct-tape it to a Roomba, and call it a day.

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