Feed aggregator

While mostly symbolic, the move to revoke security clearances for over a dozen former officials has been seen as a warning to President Trump's adversaries.

(Image credit: Evan Vucci)

After suffering with terrible PC ports for the past few months - many of which have no right to perform poorly considering their visuals - I can finally look at a brand-new title and genuinely stop in awe of it. There's only a handful of titles that have left me amazed by incredible environments and spectacle: CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 comes to mind instantly (at least, after the post-launch patches).

This time, it's Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows - and when I tell you that this is one of the best-looking games I've ever played on PC, I'm not bluffing. It's not to score points on Ubisoft's side with all the controversy surrounding the title, no sir; it's giving credit where credit is due, and Shadows does an absolutely stellar job with its visuals.

It certainly isn't all perfect though: the top-of-the-line Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 can struggle to push the frame rate beyond 60fps at 4K native max settings, but compared to what we've seen with recent PC ports, this is nowhere near as bad. Based on the current consensus, it seems as though the performance issues may be a result of forced RTGI (Ray Traced Global Illumination) for the game's 'Hideout' area.

Essentially, this means you cannot fully disable ray tracing, which I suspect is the main factor behind the game's high hardware-demanding nature. However, my experience with it was completely different using the Asus TUF Nvidia RTX 4080 Super OC Edition - and I'm now eager to dive right back in.

Image 1 of 5

(Image credit: Future/Isaiah Williams)Image 2 of 5

(Image credit: Future/Isaiah Williams)Image 3 of 5

(Image credit: Future/Isaiah Williams)Image 4 of 5

(Image credit: Future/Isaiah Williams)Image 5 of 5

(Image credit: Future/Isaiah Williams) The usual stutterfest of recent times is absent in Shadows, and I couldn't be happier

Using my Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED ultrawide monitor, playing Assassin's Creed Shadows at the 'Ultra High' graphics preset with native AA and DLSS Frame Generation enabled (as shown above), I managed an average of 74fps - and fortunately, the game's benchmark tool has a stutter counter which came back reading zero on all of my benchmarks.

Again, Shadows is an absolutely gorgeous game to look at, but that's when RTGI is fully turned on (not just in the Hideout) and it comes with a heavy performance cost. Unlike other PC ports though, the frame time was completely flat - so even when the frame rate would drop to a minimum of 60fps on my setup, it still felt like a smooth experience.

It's also worth noting that recent Nvidia drivers have been causing issues with performance and causing black screens - its most recent one includes official DLSS 4 support for AC Shadows, but I'm sticking with driver 572.47 until all is stable again. I'm not sure if other reports regarding performance (especially on low-end cards) are a result of driver issues or if the real-time RTGI is responsible, but I'm happy to say that either way, it's still a smooth playable experience with no major stutters.

(Image credit: Future/Isaiah Williams)

I've seen a similar thing with Indiana Jones: The Great Circle - in that case, lowering the resolution actually gave me slightly worse performance, which makes sense as the GPU was no longer under heavy load and the CPU bottleneck was evident. It's also another title that doesn't allow you to fully disable ray tracing, so I wonder if that's the same case with Shadows.

Fortunately, DLSS Frame Generation works great with this game. While some ghosting is still present (likely because I'm not using DLSS 4 Override), it's not noticeable unless you're really trying to look for it and there's no major input lag. It's another case where upscaling and AI are being used to polish game performance after the fact, I know - but when you're trying to run ray tracing at 4K maximum settings in any modern triple-A game, it's often needed - especially with Shadows, where upscaling is practically compulsory.

Assassin's Creed Shadows' RTGI visuals make the performance hit worth it

I must state again that Assassin's Creed Shadows is one of the best games in terms of its visuals, and it's really one of those titles that you need to see for yourself to believe it. Images won't do it any justice and the OLED screen just amplifies the experience entirely.

Games that fail to impress with their graphics (like Rise of the Ronin) still launch on PC with bad performance, mostly with awful frame time graphs: I've been calling it the stutterfest. I say this because even if Shadows needs some adjustments to push its performance up to a higher standard, it has every right to be as demanding as it is because the spectacle is worth it and outshines other PC ports while doing so.

It's evident why Ubisoft decided to leave last-gen consoles behind with Shadows, as I can guarantee that they would not have been able to handle it. This and games like Cyberpunk 2077 are the few titles I can look at as an actual generational leap for visual fidelity, and I can't wait to see it continue - hopefully with acceptable performance results for all.

You may also like...

• The GPU market is an absolute mess right now, and I don't blame console players for staying away
• GTA 6's console-only launch reminds me of how much I despise console exclusivity - is it worth waiting years for PC ports?
• GTA 6 could reach PCs in early 2026 according to Corsair – but I'm already sick of waiting

• Framework’s modular AI desktop keeps selling out due to huge demand
• Powerful Ryzen AI Max chips offer impressive specs in a compact form
• Preorders for batch 8 are open now, but you’ll need to wait for Q3 for shipping

As you probably know, we’re big fans of Framework’s modular laptops here at TechRadar Pro, so when the company announced its Framework Desktop - a mini PC that’s an affordable alternative to Apple’s Mac Studio - we were more than a little curious.

A modular, repairable desktop that challenges industry giants while keeping costs down? You have our attention Framework.

Clearly, we weren’t the only ones impressed by the diminutive Desktop, as the computer has sold out for the seventh time since it was made available for pre-order less than two months ago.

Batch 8 arriving Q3

Framework Desktop is available with a choice of two AMD Ryzen AI Max processors: the Max 385, with 8 cores, 16 threads, a 3.6GHz base clock, 5.0GHz boost, and 32MB L3 cache; or the more powerful AI Max+ 395, with 16 cores, 32 threads, a 3.0GHz base clock, 5.1GHz boost, and 64MB L3 cache.

Both include integrated GPUs - the 385 features 32 compute units at up to 2.8GHz, while the 395 bumps that to 40 units at 2.9GHz.

The 32GB Max 385 version is priced at $1,099, while the Max+ 395 with 64GB costs $1,599, and the 128GB version is $1,999.

If you want to buy one, you can - preorders can be secured with a $100 deposit - but you’ll have a bit of a wait on your hands, as Batch 8 is expected to ship in Q3 2025.

It seems like a safe bet it will sell out just like the previous batches, so you'll need to be quick if you want one.

In a new blog post, Nirav Patel, Framework’s founder and CEO, shared a deep dive into the Desktop’s Ryzen AI Max processor, discussing what makes it a killer choice for gaming, workstation, and AI workloads.

Although there were inevitably trade-offs, the engineering payoff appears to be worth it.

“What makes Ryzen AI Max especially interesting in the Framework Desktop is that we were able to unlock every bit of its power,” he explains.

“Because we use a desktop-style 6-heatpipe heatsink from Cooler Master and a 120mm fan, we can run it at its maximum sustained power of 120W along with 140W boost, while keeping the system quiet. We were also able to break out 2x USB4, 2x DisplayPort, HDMI, and all three PCIe x4 interfaces - two for M.2 SSDs and one as a x4 PCIe slot. All of this makes it great in the tiny Framework Desktop form factor, but also makes it excellent to drop the Mainboard into any standard Mini-ITX case. This is, after all, a standard PC! It’s just one that uses a one-of-a-kind, monstrous processor from AMD.”

Patel plans a future deep dive into the creation of the case, which should be interesting. It's partially built with recycled materials and has a customizable front panel, with spaces for 21 tiles so you can dress it up however you like.

(Image credit: Framework) You might also like

• These are the best mobile workstations you can buy right now
• My favorite laptop maker just unveiled its first desktop, and it's super-cute
• Framework 12 modular laptop gives me One Laptop Per Child vibes

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Saturday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Saturday, March 22 (game #650).

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

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

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

NYT Connections today (game #651) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• SMART
• AIRPLANE
• BACK
• POCKET
• GRAB
• BUTTONS
• STOP
• FLY
• FAIRY
• ENTRANCE
• BLACK
• RIVET
• MACK
• WRIST
• ABSORB
• HOSPITAL

NYT Connections today (game #651) - hint #1 - group hints

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

• YELLOW: Under a spell
• GREEN: They help you fly but have another meaning too 
• BLUE: You tell time with these
• PURPLE: Clapping game lyrics

Need more clues?

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

NYT Connections today (game #651) - hint #2 - group answers

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

• YELLOW: CAPTIVATE 
• GREEN: THINGS WITH WINGS 
• BLUE: WORDS THAT MODIFY "WATCH" 
• PURPLE: WORDS REPEATED IN "MISS MARY MACK" 

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

NYT Connections today (game #651) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #651, are…

• YELLOW: CAPTIVATE ABSORB, ENTRANCE, GRAB, RIVET
• GREEN: THINGS WITH WINGS AIRPLANE, FAIRY, FLY, HOSPITAL
• BLUE: WORDS THAT MODIFY "WATCH" POCKET, SMART, STOP, WRIST
• PURPLE: WORDS REPEATED IN "MISS MARY MACK" BACK, BLACK, BUTTONS, MACK

• My rating: Hard
• My score: 2 mistakes

A day of double meanings. I was so locked on ENTRANCE being an opening to something that it didn’t occur to me that we were looking for the other definition, so I wasted a couple of mistakes trying to link it with FLY and BUTTONS. When that didn’t work I convinced myself we were looking for fasteners, so FLY again, BUTTONS, RIVET and in a trance of confusion MACK.

It had all started so well too. The second I saw SMART and WRIST I thought “watch”, although if we were playing a Jeopardy! version of Connections I would never have answered WORDS THAT MODIFY “WATCH”.

According to Wikipedia, Miss Mary Mack is the world’s best known clapping song, but I’ve never heard of it. Reading the rest of the lyrics, apparently Mary also enjoyed smoking her father’s pipe – and she was no doubt friends with a goose who drank wine and a monkey who chewed tobacco on the streetcar line.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Saturday, 22 March, game #650)

• YELLOW: MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS TAMBOURINE, THEREMIN, TIMPANI, TROMBONE
• GREEN: KNICKKNACK TCHOTCHKE, THINGAMAJIG, TRIFLE, TRINKET
• BLUE: WORDS WITH THE PREFIX MEANING "THREE" TRIANGLE, TRIDENT, TRILLION, TRILOBITE
• PURPLE: WORDS ABBREVIATED WITH "T" + LETTER TELEVISION, TOUCHDOWN, TRADEMARK, TUBERCULOSIS

What is NYT Connections?

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

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

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

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

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Saturday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Saturday, March 22 (game #384).

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

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

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

NYT Strands today (game #385) - hint #1 - today's theme What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… In stitches

NYT Strands today (game #385) - hint #2 - clue words

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

• CONE
• TONER
• PLAID
• LINE
• BIND
• BEAST

NYT Strands today (game #385) - hint #3 - spangram letters How many letters are in today's spangram?

• Spangram has 10 letters

NYT Strands today (game #385) - hint #4 - spangram position What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: top, 3rd column

Last side: bottom, 6th column

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

NYT Strands today (game #385) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #385, are…

• DARN
• KNIT
• CROCHET
• EMBROIDER
• MEND
• BASTE
• PATCH
• SPANGRAM: NEEDLEWORK

• My rating: Easy
• My score: 1 hint

A relatively straightforward puzzle today that was easy to KNIT together and without any crazy words or strange patterns to tap out.

Being good at NEEDLEWORK is an incredibly useful thing to be. It can save money if you DARN socks or PATCH up clothes, it can bring you a sense of purpose and mindfulness. As someone with terrible hand co-ordination and patience I know I couldn’t do it, but I admire people who can.

My auntie spends her evenings knitting woolen animals as she watches the TV, part of a program that sends toys to children in Ukraine. As an individual she can do nothing to stop the conflict, but one woolly bunny at a time she feels she’s doing something to help.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Saturday, 22 March, game #384)

• CHUCKLE
• HOWL
• SHRIEK
• GIGGLE
• CACKLE
• ROAR
• LAUGH
• SPANGRAM: CRACKING UP

What is NYT Strands?

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

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

Looking for a different day?

A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Saturday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Saturday, March 22 (game #1153).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.

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

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

Quordle today (game #1154) - hint #1 - Vowels How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 4*.

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

Quordle today (game #1154) - hint #2 - repeated letters Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 3.

Quordle today (game #1154) - hint #3 - uncommon letters Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

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

Quordle today (game #1154) - hint #4 - starting letters (1) Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

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

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

Quordle today (game #1154) - hint #5 - starting letters (2) What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• A

• G

• G

• R

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

Quordle today (game #1154) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1154, are…

• ALLEY
• GAMUT
• GEESE
• RADII

My last two guesses today were complete stabs in the dark. The only word I could think of that began R-A-D-I was Radio and that was impossible as the O had been ruled out. Radix and RADII were the only words that were accepted.

And I thought GEESE was tough… (It was, too.)

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Daily Sequence today (game #1154) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1154, are…

• GAMER
• CHAOS
• HOIST
• VIRUS

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1153, Saturday 22 March: PICKY, BRACE, BOOZE, SURLY
• Quordle #1152, Friday 21 March: DITTY, VALOR, TOWER, AMISS
• Quordle #1151, Thursday 20 March: RIPER, STILL, WAFER, NOTCH
• Quordle #1150, Wednesday 19 March: FLAME, CARAT, SPAWN, TUNIC
• Quordle #1149, Tuesday 18 March: NAVEL, TREAT, COPSE, SLINK
• Quordle #1148, Monday 17 March: INFER, FLINT, CHUMP, SHEER
• Quordle #1147, Sunday 16 March: INPUT, RUMBA, ELUDE, BLANK
• Quordle #1146, Saturday 15 March: SPEED, CLASH, RISKY, GRATE
• Quordle #1145, Friday 14 March: BELIE, SPEAR, GROWL, ADOBE
• Quordle #1144, Thursday 13 March: AMISS, METAL, TEARY, SHORT
• Quordle #1143, Wednesday 12 March: AWASH, PUSHY, RALPH, PROOF
• Quordle #1142, Tuesday 11 March: LINGO, JUICE, SHARP, REVEL
• Quordle #1141, Monday 10 March: AVAIL, THESE, TITAN, GAUGE
• Quordle #1140, Sunday 9 March: SKILL, IDEAL, WHERE, REHAB
• Quordle #1139, Saturday 8 March: WATCH, LAPSE, WREST, HEFTY
• Quordle #1138, Friday 7 March: GLEAN, SHINY, DECRY, MANGA
• Quordle #1137, Thursday 6 March: TRICE, EIGHT, BELCH, RIPER
• Quordle #1136, Wednesday 5 March: PLEAD, TWANG, MAJOR, RISKY
• Quordle #1135, Tuesday 4 March: FLOWN, ETUDE, TOPAZ, JOKER
• Quordle #1134, Monday 3 March: FRILL, KAYAK, REBAR, WORDY

Cortisol supplements have been trending due to their claim to lower stress levels. Are they legit? We asked experts to find out.

• Battery life is reportedly a priority for the folding iPhone
• Apple could also make use of a liquid metal hinge
• The device isn't expected to appear until 2026 at the earliest

The more foldable iPhone rumors we come across, the more convinced we become that such a device is indeed going to see the light of day in the next year or two – and there are a couple of fresh leaks to report.

First up, well-known tipster Yeux1122 (via MacRumors) says that battery life is a priority for Apple when it comes to the folding iPhone. Apparently, DDI components – the key display chip technologies – will be improved to boost battery life as much as possible.

As foldable phones are essentially two phones stacked together, manufacturers try and ensure they're as thin as possible. That can have a negative impact on battery capacity and battery life, and it seems that's something Apple is trying to overcome.

This isn't the first time we've heard that battery life is important to Apple and its folding smartphone. Just a few days ago we heard about other tweaks Apple is making to the display technology to increase the time between recharges.

Liquid metal

Dongguan EonTec is poised to benefit significantly from the widespread adoption of liquid metal in the hinges of the upcoming foldable iPhone. According to recent industry research, Apple is focused on improving durability, enhancing screen flatness, and minimizing crease marks… https://t.co/KsGu49JXkPMarch 21, 2025

Our second leak comes from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who is usually accurate when it comes to Apple predictions. He says Apple is thinking about using a liquid metal hinge in the construction of the folding iPhone, to improve durability and make the crease less visible.

The move, which would also improve the flatness of the main screen when it's unfolded, could be something that's followed by Android phone makers too, Kuo says – so stay up to date with our best foldable phones guide for any changes.

It speaks to the care with which Apple seems to be developing this device: earlier rumors have suggested one of the reasons that we've been waiting so long for a foldable iPhone is that Apple isn't happy with the current state of display creases.

With so much unofficial chatter around the folding iPhone now, it seems certain that it's something Apple is now working on. Most rumors point towards a launch sometime next year, though we should be prepared for a steep asking price.

You might also like

• Apple really needs to launch a folding iPhone
• 5 things to expect from a foldable iPhone
• We may soon get a foldable Apple Watch too

• Data privacy concerns limit AI’s role in ecommerce, survey finds
• AI-driven customer service still needs improvement
• AI in ecommerce must prioritize solving real problems

An Omnisend survey of 1,026 US respondents reveals while AI-powered assistants are becoming more common, most shoppers still prefer making purchasing decisions themselves.

The study found about 34% of consumers would allow AI tools to make purchases on their behalf, but this means that 2/3 of shoppers wouldn’t, even if it meant securing a better deal. This reluctance highlights a gap between AI’s growing presence in ecommerce and the trust consumers place in it.

Despite their hesitation, consumers acknowledge AI’s ability to improve shopping experiences, with 38% finding personalized product recommendations helpful and 31% saying it speeds up the process.

AI’s growing role in shopping

However, concerns over data security shape consumer attitudes toward AI shopping assistants, with over half worrying about data mishandling and 28% expressing complete distrust in businesses' data practices.

Beyond data privacy concerns, doubts about AI’s effectiveness in shopping persist, with 39% of consumers abandoning purchases due to frustrating interactions like inaccurate recommendations and poor AI chatbot for business experiences.

Additionally, 40% of shoppers are frustrated by the lack of human support in AI-driven customer service, while 21% find AI recommendations unreliable, reinforcing the need for the best live chat software and a human presence.

Nearly half of the respondents favored enhanced service quality over automation, believing that AI should prioritize assisting with customer support over making aggressive sales recommendations and purchasing decisions.

"Consumers are open to AI enhancing their shopping experience, but there’s a big difference between receiving personalized recommendations and handing over full purchasing control,” said Greg Zakowicz, Sr. Ecommerce Expert at Omnisend.

“Large-scale adoption of AI-driven purchasing requires a fundamental shift in consumer behavior — and that’s not happening anytime soon," they said. "Shoppers want to know exactly what they’re buying, whether it’s a size, color, or brand. Trusting an AI to make those decisions autonomously is a tough sell."

Retailers must bridge the trust gap between AI technology and consumer expectations by prioritizing transparency through providing clear information on data processing and still allowing customers to retain some degree of control.

Leveraging the best email marketing service and best social media management tools can also help brands communicate AI’s benefits while ensuring a more personalized, consumer-friendly approach.

“AI is a tool that’s only as good as the problems it solves," said Zakowicz. "As companies race to integrate AI into their customers’ shopping experiences, they need to be more focused on its problem-solving qualities versus its potential. Providing poor experiences, whether by AI or a human, will result in lost sales.”

You may also like

• We’ve rounded up a list of the best AI writers
• How AI can help the UK’s scale-ups realize the growth agenda
• Check out the best ecommerce platforms around

The home internet provider options in Reading are a bit sparse but we've still found some solid ISPs worth considering. Here are our top picks.

Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel: One-minute review

The Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel is an officially licensed, direct drive, 11Nm force feedback-enabled racing wheel that comes in variants compatible with Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC. For this review, I've been testing the PlayStation model.

Designed for serious sim racing, it combines extreme analog fidelity with rock-solid build quality and easy-to-reach button placement compared to the previous model, the Logitech G923. In use, the experience is enhanced through mechanical feedback not just from your virtual wheels, but from your engine too, thanks to Logitech's Trueforce technology, absolutely transforming games like Gran Turismo 7 and EA Sports WRC.

The wheel is not compatible with every racing game, and while it does feature a G923 compatibility mode for slightly older games, it can still be a pain getting it to work properly with PC games like rFactor 2. What isn't a pain, however, is setting it up for console play, with supreme plug-and-play simplicity on PS5, boosted further by an excellent attachable desk clamp for those lacking a full sim rig.

With gorgeous build quality, noticeably quiet running, and thumb-risking force feedback strength, this is a recommended solution for a console sim racer, just as long as you've got pockets deep enough to at least get the Pro pedals with it.

(Image credit: Future) Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel: Price and availability

• List price: $999.99 / £999.99 / AU$1,799.95
• A PC-only version is available for $749.99 / £799 (around AU$1,630)
• Logitech offers regional discounts when bundled with related products

The Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel has been available since September 21, 2022, costing a shade under $1,000 / £1,000, and that's just for the wheel alone. You'll need to pair it with the Pro Racing Pedals for about $350 / £350, plus you might need a sequential shifter and/or handbrake too (plus a frame to mount it all to) if you're really serious about sim racing. However, while all direct drive wheels are expensive, Logitech's force feedback here is noticeably stronger and has greater fidelity than, for instance, MOZA's PC-only, entry-level DD offering, which offers 5Nm for the base model.

Logitech's baby is also cheaper than Fanatec's flagship DD wheelbase, the Podium Wheel. You could also argue nobody really needs 25Nm of torque like Fanatec offers; 5Nm is plenty for a good racing feel, and the Logitech Pro Racing Wheel offers more than double that, at 11Nm, as well as advanced features like a quick-release system for changing wheel rims and a small built-in screen for adjusting wheel settings on the fly. So while it doesn't have the physical grunt of the best on the market, it's more than enough for what you'll need and the build quality and realistic feedback are worthy of the price, even if it would be more of a no-brainer if it were some £200 / $200 cheaper.

Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel: Specs Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel: Design and features

• New 'thumb sweep' button orientation
• Two dials plus left digital thumbstick
• Modular design for desk clamp

The wheel rim itself is not dissimilar to the outgoing G923 it replaces, however the button placement has been optimized. X and Triangle are a little bit of a stretch with your thumb tips when the wheel is held in the racing style 9 o'clock / 3 o'clock position, but L2 and R2 are easily reachable.

The share and menu buttons don't require your hands to leave the wheel to reach them, though they are tucked down further. They also flank the two dials, which are placed 90 degrees to each other, so one is best used with your left hand's fingers, while the other is best used with your right thumb. Both dials click in as additional 'push' buttons you can map in-game.

A particular standout feature is the removable logo plate at the bottom of the wheelbase, which can be replaced with the included desk clamp. Not all high-end sim racing wheels come with a desk clamp, but with the addition of two protruding flat-edged sections of plastic, the wheelbase grips any desk remarkably well.

(Image credit: Future)

So well, in fact, you can easily dial up the force feedback without any risk of it coming away and flapping about, destroying your desk and/or computer. It's very solid and an absolute joy to use with pedals under the desk, backed up against the wall so they don't skid as you fight against the loadcell brake pedal to get your car stopped for a hairpin.

In terms of comfort, the stitching on the rim does feel rough against your thumbs, especially when you've spent hours rallying with the force feedback strength turned up. Expect red palms and calluses if you're planning to fight the car through stages for hours. That aside, the wheel is a good size, feels like a premium product, and those magnetic shifters look, feel, and sound great.

You may be interested in getting a different rim (the wheel part you hold) at some point in the future because the included rim is a little plain compared to Fanatec's McLaren GT3 wheel, or Thrustmaster's Ferrari SF1000, for example, the latter of which features a large, full-color display in its center.

This Logitech wheel doesn't even have any lights on the rim itself, let alone a screen for data. It's just a high-quality steering wheel with great control layout and feel. Logitech does have more rims coming to take advantage of that quick-release system, but nothing obviously electronics-heavy has been shown yet.

(Image credit: Future) Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel: Performance

• Surprisingly quiet operation
• Super smooth force feedback
• Incredibly low latency

If you've used strong force feedback wheels in the past, you might be used to quite a lot of noise from the motor and the fans. However, neither phenomenon is exhibited here. There is a fan inside to keep the feedback motor cool, and naturally, that will be needed the longer you use it and the higher the strength is set. But it wasn't noticeable at any point of my playtest, and you're not blasted with weird-smelling air like you are with some other wheelbases, which is very welcome.

As for the force feedback itself, you don't get the 'cogging' feeling of a belt-driven system where the teeth connect unevenly with the belt; instead, you simply feel strong forces pulling against your hands. It's brilliantly done. Trundle down a straight and you'll feel the slight grain of the asphalt, drive down a muddy lane and you'll feel every bump. And hitting a high curb gives you a real kickback through your hands.

But perhaps the best use of the feedback tech is how it feels to rev your rally car on the startline of EA Sports WRC. You'll swear there's an engine under your palms. It's beautifully done.

(Image credit: Future)

But what also stands out is just how responsive it all is. Waggle the steering wheel and your on-screen hands match your movements incredibly quickly, looking like 1:1 movement in some situations, with just the merest hint of latency if you see-saw the wheel quickly while using a PC monitor.

It's among the best I've ever seen and feels ultra-responsive as a result. Logitech's Trueforce technology makes supported games feel remarkable just to feel the car in motion, even when you're not turning.

There really isn't much more the wheel could do to make you feel like you're in contact with a real road. It's superb. And if you find these environmental effects too bitty, there are smoothing options and most games even let you reduce or disable track effects. However you want your racing to feel, it can likely be done with this wheel.

Should I buy the Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel? Buy it if...

You play serious racing games but prefer to do it on console
If you just want the absolute best-feeling console racing experience and balk at PC gaming's tendency towards tinkering, this is absolutely for you. It just works brilliantly.

You don't have a racing seat/frame so need to mount your wheel to a desk
The included desk clamp and base design is so good, that it arguably feels as good as a bucket seat frame rig if you're in a comfortable office chair.

Don't buy it if...

You're on a budget
This is seriously expensive stuff and don't forget you need to buy the pedals too. Cheaper wheels do offer force feedback effects that push against your hands as you bump into cars etc. so you don't need to spend as much as the price of a real-life second-hand car.

You want to buy just one wheel for all your consoles
This wheel only comes in PlayStation/PC, Xbox/PC, or PC-only flavors. You can't just use a different rim for Xbox like you can with some other brands' PlayStation wheelbases, like Fanatec.

Also consider...

Not sure whether you should drop so much on a flagship wheel? Here’s how it compares to two cheaper, but still great alternatives.

Thrustmaster T598
This Thrustmaster wheel is compatible with PS5/PS4 and PC and is the current best entry point into direct drive sim racing on console. 5Nm is often said to be the sweet spot for force feedback strength, so while it isn't as strong as others on the market, the smooth, 'cogless' feel of this wheel provides a similar experience but at about half the price. It is comparatively plasticky, but if you want premium materials, you'll need to pay a premium price.

For more information, read our full Thrustmaster T598 review

Logitech G923
This is a great alternative for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 gamers because it's so much cheaper - and even comes with decent pedals - yet still features Logitech's TrueForce technology. It isn't Direct Drive, however, and the comparatively paltry 2.3Nm of force isn't going to jump out of your hands through brute strength, but even so you will enjoy a precise and dynamic sim racing experience without breaking the bank.

For more information, read our full Logitech G923 review

How I tested the Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel for PlayStation

• 100% completed My First Gran Turismo and played several other racing sims on PS5
• Moved over to PC to test rFactor 2, Dirt Rally 2.0, Project CARS 3 and more
• Played with an at-desk clamp and monitor setup, and also a full racing seat frame with Viewsonic ultra-wide gaming monitor

I tested the Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel for a week across several racing sims on PS5 and PC, including EA Sports WRC, F1 23 and F1 24, Dirt Rally 2.0, Gran Turismo 7, My First Gran Turismo, and rFactor 2, among others. Completing My First Gran Turismo from scratch to 100% was an absolute blast since you can feel everything the car is doing.

I mounted the wheel to a racing seat and played using a ViewSonic VP3881A 38-inch IPS WQHD+ ultrawide monitor for wonderfully immersive PC racing. I also mounted it to a desk and played on a 32-inch 4K Samsung R550UQP monitor using a launch model PS5, as well as with a Dell Nvidia RTX 2070-enabled gaming laptop.

I also tried playing less serious games like Disney Speedstorm (which didn't recognize the wheel at all on PS5) and the amazing New Star GP, which you can drive to some extent, but can't do the pit stops since the left stick isn't analog. But the most fun of all was undoubtedly EA Sports WRC on PS5, which feels like it was made specifically for this wheel.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed March 2025

Severance season 3: key information

- Officially announced in mid-March
- No release date confirmed yet
- Director/producer Ben Stiller says script work is underway
- Gemma/Ms. Casey actor Dichen Lachman doesn't know when filming might begin
- Stiller hopes to reveal the plan for season 3 "very soon"
- Main cast expected to return
- No official story synopsis revealed
- Season 2 finale offers clues about its follow-up's plot
- Unclear if a fourth season will be made

Severance season 3 might be the first and last thing on fans' minds after the hugely popular Apple show's season 2 finale. On the one hand, I suspect we need a day or seven to process what went down in the series' last episode. On the other, we're all desperate to learn what'll happen next

Thankfully, the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series will return (read more about that in this article's release date speculation section). I can't say where the story goes from here but, darn it, if I'm not going to try and answer those questions anyway!

Below, you'll find the latest information and rumors on Severance's third season. That includes my thoughts on when it'll be released, its likely cast, story possibilities, and more. Full spoilers follow for Severance season 2, so ensure your 'outie' and 'innie' proceed with equal levels of caution.

Severance season 3 release date: what we know

Season 3 of Severance is available upon request. - Tim C. https://t.co/bNig41qs9t pic.twitter.com/cnctZIRDNFMarch 21, 2025

Severance season 3 hasn't entered full production yet, but Apple officially announced another season of Severance just hours after its forebear's finale.

Before Apple renewed it, director/executive producer Ben Stiller revealed work was underway on season 3's scripts. Considering it's the show that everyone's been talking about so far in 2025, I would've been stunned if it got canceled.

Even with season 3 being announced, there's no word on when filming may begin. Ahead of the season 2 finale, Dichen Lachman, who plays Gemma/Ms. Casey, provided a disappointing filming update on Severance season 3 by telling me she was "in the dark" over a possible start date.

When will we see Mark and Helly again? (Image credit: Apple TV+)

However, with the main cast and crew assembling for a post-season 2 finale event in LA on March 22, we may learn more very soon. Indeed, speaking on the New Heights podcast, Stiller suggested the plan for season 3 would be revealed in the near future, so here's hoping an official announcement and filming start date are confirmed shortly.

So, when might season 3 launch on one of the world's best streaming services? Stiller hopes that, unlike season 2, which was shot amid the pandemic and 2023 Hollywood strikes, it won't take three years to make. Even with the best intentions – i.e., everyone's calendars lining up perfectly, principal photography starting sometime in 2025, etc – though, I can't see it arriving until early to mid-2027.

Severance season 3 trailer: is there one?

"You won't find a trailer for season 3 here, Mister Milchick!" (Image credit: Apple TV+)

No. There won't be a trailer for Severance season 3 for a while yet. I'll update this section when one is released.

Severance season 3 cast: likely and rumored

Dichen Lachman will surely return as Gemma next season (Image credit: Apple TV+)

Full spoilers follow for Severance season 2.

Here's who I expect to see again in Severance season 3:

• Adam Scott as Mark Scout/Mark S
• Britt Lower as Helena Eagan/ Helly R
• Zach Cherry as Dylan George/Dylan G
• Tramell Tillman as Seth Milchick
• Jen Tullock as Devon Scout-Hale
• Dichen Lachman as Gemma Scout/Ms. Casey
• Michael Chernus as Ricken Hale
• John Turturro as Irving Bailiff
• Christopher Walken as Burt Goodman
• Patricia Arquette as Harmony Cobel
• Karen Aldridge as Asal Reghabi
• Michael Sibbery as Jame Eagan
• Sydney Cole Alexander as Natalie Kalen
• Robby Benson as Doctor Mauer
• Merritt Wever as Gretchen George
• Claudia Robinson as Felicia
• Gwendoline Christie as Lorne
• John Noble as Fields

Some of the above character's returns are dependent on where the story goes next. I'll discuss season 3's potential plot later, but everyone up to and including Doctor Mauer is likely to be back next season. The final quartet's appearances hinge on Severance's continuing exploration of the real world and Lumon Industries' Mammalians Nurturable and Optics & Design departments.

Mister Drummond died in the season 2 finale (Image credit: Apple TV+)

There is one season 2 character who won't be back for more and that's Ólafur Darri Ólafsson's Mr. Drummond. He was accidentally killed by Mark in season 2 episode 10.

Mark's 'outie' unexpectedly shot Drummond in the neck as they crossed the severed barrier in the elevator leading to Lumon's testing floor. He did so because Mark's 'innie' was holding Drummond hostage – at gunpoint, FYI – as they descended in the elevator. Unfortunately for Mark (and Drummond), the switchover between Mark's two personas causes the fatality. Unless Lumon has a way of bringing people back from the dead, Ólafsson's time on one of the best Apple TV+ shows is over.

Severance season 3 story speculation

Where will Helly and Mark go from here? (Image credit: Apple TV+)

Full spoilers follow for Severance season 2.

Severance season 3's plot synopsis hasn't been revealed yet. Based on what happened in the season 2 finale, though, I can speculate on where things will go next.

For a full breakdown of what happened in last season's final episode, my Severance season 2 episode 10 ending explained piece answers many of your questions. From this point on, I'll guess where the story goes from here, so here's your final warning: full spoilers immediately follow for Severance season 2's finale. Potential season 3 spoilers are also discussed.

Will Gemma try to rescue Mark in season 3? (Image credit: Apple TV+)

The biggest question on everyone's minds is what Helly and Mark S will do next. Rather than leave Lumon for good with Gemma, Mark's 'innie' decided to stay with Helly. The pair then ran off to an unknown location as a devastated Gemma watched through the exit door's tiny window.

Helly and Mark S can't leave the severed floor as their 'outies' – Helena Eagan, daughter of Lumon CEO Jame, and Mark Scout – would take over. Logic would dictate, then, that they'd find somewhere to hide. However, they're on Lumon's turf, so there's not really anywhere they can hide from the all-seeing, evil-minded biotech company.

If they're found and punished, they won't be the only ones who'll face disciplinary action. Dylan G, the other remaining member of the Macrodata Refinement (MDR) team, helped Helly and Mark S in the season 2 finale. He helped trap severed floor manager Seth Milchick in MDR's bathroom, so he's in line for some form of penalty, too.

Seth Milchick's time as severed floor manager could be over (Image credit: Apple TV+)

Milchick is similarly up for the proverbial chopping block. Almost everything that occurred in the season 2 finale, titled 'Cold Harbor', happened on his watch. This isn't the first time the MDR team has put a spanner in Lumon's works during Milchick's time as MDR's boss, either, so I think his time as their manager might be coming to an end.

Read our reviews of Severance's first two seasons

- Severance season 1 review
- Severance season 2 review

Outside of Lumon's walls, an emotionally crushed Gemma will likely seek out Mark's sister Devon, plus her husband Ricken, as they're the only family we know Gemma has.

If she reunites with them, she'll probably bump into former severed floor manager Harmony Cobel, too. The quartet could formulate a new plan to rescue Mark and/or find a way to permanently get the 'innies' out of Lumon, too. Could they enlist Asal Reghabi's help to reintegrate Gemma? It's certainly a possibility, especially if Cobel has any insight into what might make the procedure more successful and/or less painful.

What is Harmony Cobel's end goal in all of this? (Image credit: Apple TV+)

There are plenty of other important questions that need answering as well.

Will we see Irving Bailiff again? If so, will he ever be reunited with Burt after they parted ways in Severance season 2 episode 9? Could they be proverbial jokers in the pack in terms of bringing down Lumon if Gemma and co. ask them to return to their former employer?

Then there's Harmony Cobel herself. Season 2 episode 8 revealed four big things about her, including that she's the original creator of the severance procedure. Will she use that to her advantage to try to force Jame Eagan, Lumon's CEO, to step down? Would she replace him if he does? How would Helena Eagan react to this and/or everything that happened in last season's finale if Lumon removes Helly R from the severance floor and allows her 'outie' (that being Helena) to re-emerge?

Season 2's penultimate episode can't be the end of Irving's story, right? (Image credit: Apple TV+)

As for Lumon itself, there are numerous unsolved mysteries left to explore.

Read more of my season 2 exclusives

- Severance creator Dan Erickson reveals the funniest fan theory he's heard about the popular Apple TV+ show: 'I think that's ridiculous'
- 'They only told me': Severance actor Dichen Lachman reveals how long she's known about Cold Harbor's true purpose in the Apple TV+ show
- 'Everyone is going to be so torn': Severance star Dichen Lachman reacts to the popular Apple TV+ show's most 'intense' season 2 finale event

I imagine there'll be some that are left to viewer interpretation, but creator Dan Erickson, Stiller, and co. will need to provide answers to some of them. I wouldn't mind if some of those answers prove some big fan theories right, too. One of the five best Severance season 2 goat theories was proven correct in season 2 episode 10, after all.

So, what mysteries need to be solved? The most obvious one is why Lumon is conducting severance-based experiments and what its end goal is with them. There are plenty more, though, including the latest enigma surrounding Kier Eagan's Grand Agendum. What is it? Why have we never heard about it before? And how does it factor into Lumon's workplace-style cult?

Where can I watch Severance?

Please try to enjoy all episodes equally (Image credit: Apple TV+)

The only place you can stream Severance's first two seasons, comprising 19 episodes, is Apple TV+. It's an Apple TV Original, so it's exclusive to that streaming platform.

If you haven't seen it yet but want to catch up on one of the best shows of recent years, you can do so by signing up for an Apple TV+ account. Our Apple TV+ price guide reveals how much a subscription costs in your world region.

If you want to try before you buy, however, a seven-day Apple TV+ free trial is currently available, so you can binge-watch seasons 1 and 2 without paying a penny. Just make sure you cancel your subscription before your trial period ends!

Has Apple confirmed if Severance season 4 is on the way?

Nobody, not even Burt Goodman, knows if a fourth season will be made (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

Nope. As I mentioned earlier, Severance season 3 hasn't even entered full production yet, so any talk of a fourth season is wishful thinking.

It's unclear if there'll be a fourth chapter, too. Speaking to TechRadar ahead of season 2's release, Erickson said he "has a sense" of how the show will end and how many seasons would be "ideal" to reach its conclusion. However, Erickson and the rest of the show's chief creative team want to be "flexible enough" to tell Severance's story across as many seasons as it'll take.

I'm sure Apple will want its most popular TV Original since Ted Lasso to run for as long as possible, too. Of course, nobody wants it to outstay its welcome, but Apple TV+ hasn't had many breakout hits. Ensuring shows like Severance stick around for a while and keep customers spending their cash on Apple TV+ subscriptions makes business sense for the tech giant. Don't be surprised, then, if more seasons are greenlit alongside or after Severance season 3.

For more Apple TV-based coverage, read our guides on Foundation season 3, Slow Horses season 5, Ted Lasso season 4, and Silo season 3.

Lebanese health officials said two people were killed, including a child, and several more were injured.

(Image credit: Rabih Daher)

A wider disparity between major conferences and lesser-known conferences has lent itself to fewer close games in the early rounds of both the men's and women's NCAA tournaments.

(Image credit: Jared C. Tilton)

An NPR investigation uncovered 40,000 vets facing foreclosure due to a VA mistake. A rescue program is helping many of them, but others fear being left out if Congress cuts this new lifeline

(Image credit: Cindy Schultz for NPR)

The Department of Homeland Security's new policy, revoking legal protections for hundreds of thousands, impacts people who are already in the U.S. and who came under a humanitarian parole program.

(Image credit: Alex Brandon)

• Nvidia’s DGX Spark, once called Project Digits, is a tiny AI supercomputer
• Built on GB10, is delivers 1000 TOPS and 200B parameter support
• Dell, HPE, and Asus will offer GB10-based alternatives with similar performance

Nvidia has announced DGX Spark, a Mac Mini-sized AI supercomputer designed to bring advanced model development and inferencing directly to desktops.

The mini machine was originally called Project Digits and expected to be priced at $3000, but the change of name has caused the figure to skyrocket as it's now priced at $3999, according to Nvidia’s reservation page.

Built around the GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchip, DGX Spark features a Blackwell GPU with fifth-generation Tensor Cores, FP4 support, and NVLink-C2C, which enables high-bandwidth memory sharing between the GPU and Grace CPU.

(Image credit: Nvidia) OEM alternatives

The system offers up to 1,000 trillion operations per second of AI compute power and supports models with up to 200 billion parameters. It is designed to handle demanding AI workflows such as fine-tuning, inference, and prototyping without relying entirely on external infrastructure.

DGX Spark includes 128GB of LPDDR5x unified memory and up to 4TB of NVMe SSD storage, and delivers performance previously limited to data centers. It's aimed at developers, researchers, data scientists, and students working with increasingly complex AI models locally, so it’s not something most people will need.

“AI has transformed every layer of the computing stack. It stands to reason a new class of computers would emerge - designed for AI-native developers and to run AI-native applications,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of Nvidia.

“With these new DGX personal AI computers, AI can span from cloud services to desktop and edge applications.”

Some of Nvidia’s OEM partners are debuting desktop AI systems based on the same GB10 architecture.

Dell’s Pro Max with GB10 fits into the company’s broader AI workstation portfolio, connecting with the Dell AI Factory with Nvidia to give developers an easy path from deskside development to deployment.

HP’s ZGX Nano AI Station is another entry, offering comparable capabilities for developers who want performance and scalability without full server infrastructure.

Asus has also introduced its GB10 AI super computer, the Ascent GX10. Pricing details have not yet been confirmed, but Nvidia lists it on its DGX Spark pre-order page where it says the GX10 will cost $2999 and come with 1TB of storage.

You might also like

• These are the best mobile workstations you can buy right now
• I am thrilled by Nvidia’s cute petaflop mini PC wonder
• Nvidia’s DGX Station is a powerful supercomputer-class workstation PC

The worlds youngest country teetering on the brink of another conflict and the possibility of regional war.

(Image credit: Jerome Delay)

TCL QM6K: Two-minute review

Affordable Premium is the modus operandi of the TCL QM6K TV, and it fits that bill quite well. It offers a handful of features that you won’t find on budget TVs like Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos support. And the company’s own Halo Control technology does a great job of minimizing backlight blooming in pictures.

Combined with its affordable price, it should rank among the best TVs for those wanting to thread the needle between premium performance and value.

This TCL does have some shortcomings that may paint other, slightly more expensive TVs as worth the extra cash. The speakers aren’t all that great, though very few TVs have mastered this and you should get one of the best soundbars regardless. More concerning is the fact that the screen has some minor vignetting in the corners.

That said, those issues are very small ones that you probably won’t even notice if you’re not doing a head-to-head comparison. It mostly does everything right, especially from an end-user point of view. Its picture is vibrant and sharp. It has a speedy 144Hz refresh rate. And it’s easy to use.

The TCL QM6K's remote control is sturdy and serviceable, but lacks a play/pause button for streaming (Image credit: Future) TCL QM6K review: Price and release date

• Release date: February 2025
• 50-inch: $749.99
• 55-inch: $799.99
• 65-inch: $999.99
• 75-inch: $1,299.99
• 85-inch: $1,999.99
• 98-inch: $2,999.99

The TCL QM6K series is TCL’s first TV release of 2025 and is only available in the US. The series ranges in size from 50 to 98 inches.

The 65-inch version I tested retails for $999.99, while the other models range from $749.99 to $2,999.99. At those prices, the value of the QM6K series is good, but all sizes are already seeing discounts, with the 65-inch model I tested now selling for around $800.

TCL QM6K review: Specs TCL QM6K review: Benchmark results

The QM6K's connections include two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 144Hz support (Image credit: Future) TCL QM6K review: Features

• Dolby Vision IQ helps in bright rooms
• IMAX Enhanced for IMAX content
• Hands-free Google voice assistant

There’s quite a handful of features on offer here. I’ll touch on things like HDR, hands-free voice support, Halo Control, and the game accelerator in other sections, but there’s still plenty to talk about.

Dolby Vision IQ is something I always appreciate, but especially with this TCL since the only logical place for me to set it up was in a room that gets a lot of ambient light. What Dolby Vision IQ does is adjust the brightness of the TV according to the level of ambient light in your room so you can still see what’s on the screen when it’s bright, and then dim the picture for a more pleasurable viewing experience at night.

Along with the ‘Adaptive Brightness,’ as Dolby Vision IQ is called in the menu, you can toggle a blue light filter to minimize eye strain.

In the same vein as Dolby Vision IQ is the non-IQ version which adapts the brightness according to the content on the screen, whether it’s sports, a movie, or a video game. The QM6K also supports the HDR10+ high dynamic range format.

While there are the usual picture mode suspects including Filmmaker mode, there’s also an IMAX Enhanced mode to support IMAX content on 4K Blu-rays and streaming services such as Disney Plus.

• Features Score: 4.5/5

The QM6K's Halo Control technology is great at eliminating blooming effects in high-contrast pictures (Image credit: Future) TCL QM6K review: Picture quality

• Good color and contrast
• Very good at eliminating blooming
• Some minor vignetting in the corners

Our TCL QM6K benchmarks cite HDR peak brightness at 559.8 nits (Filmmaker mode) and 695.5 nits (Standard mode). For HDR fullscreen brightness, it measured 476.8 nits (Filmmaker mode) and 594.4 nits (Standard mode). Both of those results are about average for a budget mini-LED TV. For color gamut coverage, the QM6K benchmarked at 94.7% for UHDA P3 and 71.2% for BT.2020, both of which are average results.

In use, the results are more impressive, especially for those upgrading to mini-LED from an older standard LED TV. The QM6K’s brightness can’t quite outmatch the sun in a brightly lit room, and there are screen reflections, so be aware of that when figuring out the TV placement. However, it’s bright enough for most applications and the contrast with or without HDR (this TV supports Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG) not only allows colors to pop but also reveals shadow details in dimly lit scenes. I used the Disney movie Coco as a touchstone for colors and found that they were clear, distinct, and vibrant.

The QM6K’s 500 local dimming zones allow the backlight to turn off completely enough that deep blacks blend into the TV’s bezel. On a more budget TV, black might appear as more of a dark gray, but here it came across as a true, deep black.

On top of that, the QM6K utilizes TCL’s Halo Control technology so that bright objects on the screen won’t bleed into dark backgrounds, an effect referred to as halos or blooming. Sometimes, I find proprietary tech to be a gimmick or something that makes just a subtle difference. That’s not the case here. Halo Control technology performs exactly as advertised.

The QM6K has a native 120Hz refresh rate with up to 144Hz VRR (Variable Refresh Rate). Between this and the motion blur-related settings in the menu, programs were consistently pretty smooth looking. For instance, the testing of this TV started with a Super Bowl party via YouTube TV. The action on the field was clear and solid the entire time. I also did a little gaming and will discuss that below.

About the only issue I have with this TV’s picture quality is that there is some very minor vignetting in the corners of the screen. Now, if I’m looking at it head on, I can’t see it, but go off axis just a little bit and it’s fairly visible. It is millimeters of vignetting so you’ll barely notice it, but it’s there.

• Picture quality score: 4/5

The back-mounted speakers in the QM6K's built-in 2.1-channel Onkyo speaker system (Image credit: Future) TCL QM6K review: Sound quality

• Built-in 2.1-channel Onkyo speaker system
• Audio is boxy-sounding
• Virtual spatial audio support

The sound quality on the TCL QM6K unfortunately doesn’t buck the trend slim modern TVs have with poor audio. Its 2.1-channel, 40W Onkyo speaker system is mostly good, but its limitations are also noticeable.

Highs are clear and have plenty of resolution and detail. If you’re watching a live performance like a Tiny Desks Concert on PBS, sounds like cymbals and flutes are properly reproduced. Also, dialogue is very easily understood, even without the dialogue boost available in the settings, as there’s a little bit of a mid-range boost. The mid-range is fairly rich and full, though a very noticeable frequency dip makes everything sound boxy and a bit cheap.

The bass is there but is fairly muted. Even though there’s a built-in subwoofer, you get just a little bit of low-end rumble. The soundstage is not exceptionally wide, being confined to the size of the TV’s screen, though the trajectory of sounds is accurately tracked.

Lastly, there is virtual processing for Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. It’s nice having these features on hand as it gives a sense of space to any supported content. But as is typically the case, the sound is limited by the physical confines of the speakers and their placement.

• Sound quality score: 3.5/5

The QM6K's support feet (Image credit: Future) TCL QM6K review: Design

• Relatively thin
• Ports including two HDMI 2.1 with 144Hz support
• No dedicated remote play/pause button

The TCL QM6K series comes in a wide range of screen sizes, so whether you want something for a smaller(ish) setup or a home theater, there are options.

From the front, there’s not a whole lot that sets it apart from the competition. The bezels are thin enough to disappear during viewing, except on the bottom where it’s a little thicker. It’s a little more interesting in the back where it has a slightly sloped shape that not only keeps it fairly thin but allows the two raised speaker ports situated near the top room to breathe. More importantly, its ports are situated so they face directly to the side for easy access.

As far as the ports go, there are four HDMI inputs (two HDMI 2.1 with one supporting eARC), an optical digital audio output, Ethernet and RF inputs, as well as USB 3.0 and USB 2.0.

Navigating the TV is mostly done through the remote. Most of the usual suspects (in terms of buttons) are here, from a directional wheel with a button in the center to settings, input source, and sponsored buttons (Netflix, etc.). There’s also a voice button for hands-free usage that in my testing mostly went well, though I apparently don’t always enunciate as clearly as it wants me to. The only thing I don’t like about the remote is that there’s no dedicated play/pause button for streaming.

• Design score: 4/5

The QM6K's Google TV smart interface (Image credit: Future) TCL QM6K review: Smart TV and menus

• Nice mix of recommended content on home page
• Menu diving is easy
• Hands-free voice control

The TCL QM6K uses Google TV for a Smart TV interface, and it’s a treat to use. While I’m used to the Roku or Apple TV way of interfacing – namely, a grid of app tiles – the Google TV Smart OS gives a nice variety of information, and is a less ad-filled OS than one would get with an Amazon Fire TV stick. The menu options are For You (you need to sign in with your Google Account to get tailored content recommendations here), Apps, TCL ( free content) plus a few other selections on the left side while the more utilitarian selections such as Settings are on the right.

Below that and taking up the upper half of the screen is a rotating carousel of featured content. Continuing below are various rows of content such as “previously watched,” installed apps, “continue watching,” genre groupings, and several other suggestions. The interesting thing is that most of the selections on the screen link to the actual content instead of the apps to get to the content, making things just a bit more convenient.

Of course, not everything is going to pop up on this main page, so you’ll still want to go digging if you’re like me and like more esoteric content. I subscribe to the Criterion Channel, for instance, and have yet to see any suggestions from that service pop up.

The settings menu, which is integrated into the Google TV Smart OS, is intuitive. So, despite there being a bunch of different settings to play with, from different modes, and contrast options, to presets like Gamma, I never got lost when I was in the menu settings.

Being a Google TV, hands-free voice control is available. Just say “Hey Google” to interact with the far-field mic array built into the TV if you don’t feel like messing with the remote.

• Smart TV & menus score: 4/5

Gaming is smooth and responsive on the TCL QM6K (Image credit: Future) TCL QM6K review: Gaming

• Fast refresh rate that benefits even more from a game accelerator
• Ation always looks smooth and clear
• Has a dedicated settings menu when gaming

Gaming on the TCL QM6K TV is a treat. It not only has a 120Hz native refresh rate, but supports up to 4K 144Hz VRR (with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync) and 288Hz at 1080p resolution. Our benchmarks show an input lag (Game mode) of 13.1ms, which is not the best we’ve seen, but in practice didn’t affect the gaming experience.

When testing the TV, I connected a PlayStation 5 and played several games including Uncharted Legacy of Thieves Collection (the only PS5 game I have been able to get to run at 120 fps), Ride 5, and Dead Island 2. As I discussed earlier, the colors are vibrant and the contrast lets images pop off the screen. No matter how fast the action, the gameplay was smooth and clear no matter if I was turning the corner on a course or trying to fight off an overwhelming horde of zombies.

It helped that when I turned on the PS5, the TV automatically changed to a Game Mode that also allowed me to mess with the refresh rate as well as turn on higher contrast settings. There’s also a dedicated ‘Game Master’ menu overlay that you can pull up using the remote to change settings without exiting the game. It’s a nice feature.

• Gaming score: 4.5/5

The QM6K with included accessories (Image credit: Future) TCL QM6K review: Value

• Punches above its weight in terms of value
• Some comparable models with similar features
• Better at eliminating blooming than other budget mini-LED TVs

The TCL QM6K punches above its weight in terms of value. And that’s even before considering the price has already dropped from the current $999 for the 65-inch size to around $800.

For comparison’s sake, the 65-inch version of the Hisense U7N is priced similarly at $999 and has many of the same features. It has higher peak and fullscreen brightness but also suffers from some backlight blooming – something TCL has managed to minimize with the TCL QM6K.

The Roku Pro Series TV fits into a similar value category but was released at a slightly higher price of $1,199 for the 65-inch. Of course, we’re seeing $400 off at the time of writing, which lets the Pro Series directly compete with the TCL. This TV also comes with some of the most important features like Dolby Vision IQ and has better sound thanks to a shadow box design that also allows for it to sit flush on the wall when mounted. However, the TCL again has that Halo Control tech and more extensive gaming support.

• Value score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the TCL QM6K? Buy it if...

You want premium but at a value price
The TCL QM6K offers much more than cheaper TVs, and is a great upgrade for those who don’t want to spring for the price of a flagship TV.

You want an easy-to-use TV
Google TV and the settings menus are straightforward to navigate. Most people will find this TV easy to interact with.

You’re a gamer
Not only is there a 144Hz refresh rate but a gaming accelerator that upscales to double the refresh rate along with support for Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync

Don't buy it if…

You’re very fussy about picture quality
While the picture looks good, the slight vignetting and less-than-average brightness will be irksome if you’re used to looking at top-of-the-line TVs

You want a TV with great sound
The QM6K has good overall sound, but a slightly boxy quality makes it best paired with an external soundbar.

Also consider...

Roku Pro Series
The Roku Pro Series falls into a similar almost premium but reasonably priced category. While it has limited HDMI ports and the brightness is nothing to write home about, it has a wonderfully intuitive remote with hands-free voice control and a shadowbox design that not only allows for better sound but flat positioning when mounted.

Read our full Roku Pro Series review

Hisense U7N
The Hisense U7N might have some backlight blooming, unlike the TCL QM6K, and also suffers from poor audio quality. But it has quite a bit more brightness, not to mention many of the same features such as Dolby Vision IQ, 4K 144Hz support, and Google TV.

Read our full Hisense U7N review

Samsung Q60D
Samsung's budget QLED TV is cheaper than the TCL QM6K and delivers good overall picture quality, but lower brightness. This TV's Tizen smart interface is more sophisticated than the TCL's Google TV, and it also provides built-in cloud-gaming, which is a feature the TCL lacks.

Read our full Samsung Q60D review

(Image credit: Future) How I tested the TCL QM6K

• I used the TCL QM6K TV for a month
• Tested with both TV, movies, music, and games
• Benchmark measurements conducted by Future US testing lab

I used the TCL QM6K TV regularly for a month, testing it with movies, TV shows, sports events and games. I tested the various features, such as Dolby Vision IQ, to see if they work as advertised. I also spent time listening to the audio as well as paying attention to the picture quality.

After spending some time with this TV, it’s clear that it is meant for more budget-minded consumers looking to upgrade to a premium experience but don’t want to spend quite what most flagship TVs go for.

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.

You can read an in-depth overview of how we test TVs at TechRadar at that link.

• First reviewed: March 2024
• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

In this episode of Tech Therapy, we cope with companies changing voice assistants and feeding us AI slop. Theme parks might be the only escape.