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Yeedi C12 Combo: two-minute review

The Yeedi C12 Combo is an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink solution to vacuuming. The base station matches that of the Yeedi C12 Pro Plus, but with the more basic, mopless C12 robot vacuum, along with a cordless stick vacuum that can also mop, and accessories that can be added to the cordless vacuum for use as a handheld. It's quite the all-in-one tool.

The idea is fairly unique at time of writing, and its execution is perfectly decent but not amazing – don't expect the bot's performance to match that of the best robot vacuums nor the manual stick vac to be as powerful as today's best cordless vacuums.

Both the robot vacuum and stick vacuum have plenty of suction to do the job, and the robot vacuum's mapping and object avoidance are good. Mopping is also fine, although I don't love the way it's implemented here – the way the mop attachment fits on the wand makes the vacuum harder to push, and the mop pad takes a while to soak through properly. Perhaps more of an issue is that the mopping is manual at all, especially because most modern robovacs (even cheap ones) tend include an automatic mopping function. I also had a few niggles with the build quality: the latch that connects the handheld portion of the stick vacuum to the telescopic tube doesn't seem to work well.

However, none of these compromises are deal-breakers for me. Thanks to the relatively affordable price, its shortcomings are worth overlooking considering the savings you'll make compared to purchasing each vacuum type individually. That's the short version; read on for my full Yeedi C12 Combo review.

(Image credit: Future) Yeedi C12 Combo review: price & availability

• Launched: September 2024
• List price: $699.99 / (about £560 / AU$1,110)
• Available: US only

The Yeedi C12 Combo launched in September 2024 and is only currently available in the US.

For a price tag of $699.99 / (about £560 / AU$1,110), you're getting quite a lot with the Yeedi C12 Combo. For that price, you're getting a robot vacuum (albeit a fairly basic one with no mopping capabilities), a cordless stick vacuum that can also mop, and comes with accessory tools to use as a handheld, and a base station that auto-empties the dust cups of both vacuums.

TechRadar's price bands are different for manual and robotic vacuums. For a manual vacuum the mid-range is $250-$500 (above that is premium, below is budget), whereas for robovacs mid-range is $400-$800. Considering you're getting two appliances included here, it's averaging out at very decent value for money – it averages out at mid-range or budget for both parts.

At time of writing, the closest that I've seen to the Yeedi C12 Combo all-in-one system is the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo, which has a much higher MSRP of $1,199.99 / AU$2,299 (about £950), and only has a handheld vacuum as opposed to a stick vacuum. For that, there is the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo Complete for $200 more. Since we haven't reviewed that configuration, I can't speak to how good the stick vacuum is, but it's worth highlighting that it's double the price of the Yeedi C12 Combo reviewed here.

Now, most people already have a vacuum of some sort in their home, so an all-in-one system might not be as appealing. That is, unless you really want everything you clean up to auto-empty into the same place to only be emptied into the trash every couple months. If you already have a stick or upright vacuum that you like, the Yeedi C12 Pro Plus might serve you better. It's priced just a little lower at $599.99 (about £470 / AU$900) and allows for the robot vacuum to handle the mopping.

• Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Yeedi C12 Combo specs Yeedi C12 Combo review: design

• Robot vacuum relatively basic in design (no mopping)
• Manual vacuum comprises telescopic wand, handheld vacuum, mop and other attachments
• Large base station docks both parts, and auto-empties the bins of both

The Yeedi C12 Combo comes in all black except for some splashes of red, most notably the HEPA filters visible through the clear dustbins in the base station and stick vacuum, and the silver telescopic tube of the stick vacuum. It's attractive and a bit more striking than most robot vacuum setups.

(Image credit: Future)

Both the stick vacuum and robot vacuum auto-empty into the somewhat sizable base station, which has to be pretty big as it also cradles the handheld portion of the stick vacuum as well as hiding the accessory tools in a compartment below it. (In fact, the dock dustbin is relatively small, compared to the market standard.) My only real complaint with the dock design is that the tools compartment doesn't clip back into place all that easily when putting the accessory tools back.

The (smallish) dustbin in the dock contains a HEPA filter (Image credit: Future)

The robot vacuum itself is fairly basic. It has one side brush and a v-shaped anti-tangle brushroll with a lid held on magnetically to hide a pairing button and the small dustbin inside. It's probably the most basic part of this whole thing. There are three uncovered buttons visible through the lid: return home, power, and XXX. All basic stuff.

As far as the cordless stick vacuum goes, it's composed of two major components. The telescopic tube and the handheld vacuum. The telescopic wand and the floorhead are attached as one piece – this is a little unusual; generally you'd be able to swap detail tools onto the end of a stick vacuum's wand for cleaning up high. It's worth noting that the floorhead, which has a v-shaped brushroll like the robot vacuum, features headlamps to illuminate dirt and debris in front of it.

Headlights help illuminate dirt on the floor (Image credit: Future)

This cordless stick vacuum transforms into a mop – albeit in a much simpler way than most of today's best wet-dry vacuums. The attachment for mopping goes under the vac's wheels and covers them so you have to push a little harder to move the vacuum. The attachment is a small clean water reservoir with a mop pad that attaches via velcro to the bottom of it that needs to be dampened before use.

The mop attachment (shown) clips on top of the stick vac's floorhead (Image credit: Future)

The telescopic tube, which clips into the side of the base station when the handheld is sitting in the base station to empty and charge, has one glaring issue and that's the fact that the latch to connect or remove the tube from the handheld feels very flimsy. It doesn't clip very easily into place when placing the handheld into it, and it doesn't easily disengage when pressed to pull the handheld out.

On the bright side, the two accessory tools clip in nicely. And since the handheld portion of the stick vacuum isn't too heavy, using it to clean higher-up areas or upholstery is not fatiguing.

• Design score: 3.5 out of 5

Yeedi C12 Combo review: performance

• Robot vacuum has powerful suction
• Robot vacuum is loud in operation
• Stick vacuum is powerful, but has some issues with mopping

I was surprised to find that the robot vacuum portion of the Yeedi C12 Combo did not do mopping – most robovacs these days have mopping abilities; even the cheap ones. While there's a lot going on with this all-in-one package, robo-mopping is definitely a crucial feature when striving for convenience.

That said, the robot vacuum does a fairly good job at what it's tasked to do. It has quite good suction as I was able to test with some cereal, granulated sugar, and flour, which it mostly scooped up in one pass (there was a little residual sugar left over). After all, it does have a powerful 10,000Pa of suction on tap.

Image 1 of 3

I tested the robovac on different sized particles (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3

There was a little flour left after the first pass (Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3

Pickup on carpet was decent (Image credit: Future)

The robovac's object avoidance is decent as well; it danced around most objects fairly deftly. I'm hesitant to say it's amazing since there were instances, mainly with the dog dishes, where the vacuum would push something around for a second before backing off and going around. However, it didn't get stuck on anything other than cables (the regular enemy of robot vacuums).

The robovac avoided most obstacles (Image credit: Future)

The robovac's brushroll is anti-tangle, so I didn't have to worry about hair getting wrapped around it. Strangely, the robot vacuum is really quite loud in operation at the highest setting (there are three), measuring a whopping 68 dB.

Stick vacuum

Moving on to the stick vacuum. This also has three settings, and performed well in TechRadar's suction tests. I did the same cereal, sugar, flour test with it and got everything up in one go. And it was easy to move around and use without the mopping attachment.

Image 1 of 2

The stick vac picked up all of this in one pass (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

Maneuverability is good (Image credit: Future)

Overall, I'm not a huge fan of the way the mopping is implemented here. With the mopping attachment, the manual vacuum requires a bit more pushing as the main two wheels are covered by the attachment. You also have to wet the mop pad before use, so that the water soaks through efficiently.

Unsurprisingly at this price, there's no automatic washing and drying of the mop pad, as you'll find on pricier hybrid robovac docks. That means you'll need to remember to clean it or you'll end up with a moldy mop pad, and by extension, potentially also moldy smelling floors.

Regarding the actual performance of the mopping attachment, it did seem a little streaky with the first few pushes, so I had to do a second pass on the first areas that I cleaned. But once I got going, it did a decent job of mopping.

Lastly, I do want to mention that both the robot vacuum and stick vacuum did well on carpet, especially the latter which I only needed to do one pass around the litter box to clean up some escaped litter.

• Performance score: 4 out of 5

Yeedi C12 Combo review: app

• Mapping is easy to edit
• App is straightforward and easy to use
• Somewhat limited features

When I reviewed my first Yeedi product, I had issues with the company's app in regards to limitations on map editing. That's no longer the case. From accurately mapping my space to allowing me to divide and combine rooms the way I need, I find the current app straightforward and hassle-free. It can even save up to three maps.

In fact, I would describe the whole app that way. It's easy to navigate and manipulate. Not only can I schedule cleanings, but I can create the order in which rooms are addressed. Of course, the reason it's so easy to use is partly because the robot vacuum itself is somewhat basic. There's no voice assistant support, so you won't be connecting this to Alexa or Google Home, for instance. And since there's no mopping capability on the robot vacuum, you don't have to deal with any of the related controls that pop up in the app on those models.

• App score: 4 out of 5

Should you buy the Yeedi C12 Combo? Buy it if...

You want an all-in-one vacuuming system

There aren't many of these around and certainly not at this price. If you want to be able to turn on a robot vacuum and use a stick vacuum that self-empty into the same place, then this is for you.

You want to manually mop

The mopping attachment for the stick vacuum allows a lot of control over mopping your floors in a way that's more convenient than traditional mops.

You want powerful suction

Both the robot vacuum and stick vacuum have quite a bit of power and are able to suck up all sorts of dirt and debris with ease.

Don't buy it if...

You want unparalleled quality

While the Yeedi C12 Combo is nice, it comes with some compromises to meet its price point. If you want the best possible robot vacuum, there are better options out there, even from Yeedi.

You want robot vacuum mopping

Having hands-off mopping is a very nice and convenient feature. If that's important to you, you won't find it here and will have to look elsewhere.

Yeedi C12 Combo review: alternatives to consider

Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo

It might be more expensive, but the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo is an upgrade of sorts. Not only does it do a great job vacuuming and mopping – it has that extendable mop pad to get edges – but it also comes with a handheld vacuum for some extra deep or spot cleaning prowess.

Read our full Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo review

Yeedi C12 Pro Plus

The Yeedi C12 Pro Plus is simultaneously more pared down than its big brother reviewed here and more feature-filled as the robot vacuum has mopping capabilities. It's not the best with edges, but it's good with hair. It's also slightly cheaper.

Read our full Yeedi C12 Pro Plus review

How I tested the Yeedi C12 Combo

To test the Yeedi C12 Combo, I used it for a week to vacuum and mop the hardwood floors and a bath mat (to simulate carpeting) in my house. I ran TechRadar's standard suction tests, using fine debris and bigger debris. I also tested all the features listed in the app, particularly its mapping. I took note of how well the vacuum cleaned the edges of a room as well as around obstacles.

Read more about how we test robot vacuum cleaners.

• First reviewed December 2024

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• Liquid Web survey explores how independent pros evaluate web hosting
• Being sustainable comes bottom, yet half of respondents would pay $50 extra per year for sustainability
• Firms spend on average just under $20 per month on web hosting services

Independent professionals are increasingly finding web hosting is a vital investment for business growth, though sustainability is often not their primary focus when picking a provider.

New research by Liquid Web found professionals spend an average of $214 annually on hosting, achieving a remarkable 2,319% ROI, with solopreneurs seeing up to 2,846%.

While more than half of respondents claimed they were open to paying extra for environmentally friendly solutions, they primarily sought services that offer tangible returns on investment.

Value for money in a hosting provider

Over half of respondents (54%) said they would pay an additional $50 annually for environmentally friendly hosting solutions, indicating that sustainable practices are an emerging consideration.

Meanwhile, 23% of respondents claimed to allocate more than $500 annually towards optimal performance and support.

Liquid Web found the provider migration process is both time-consuming and expensive, requiring an average of 6.6 hours or $115 worth of resources.

And yet, independent professionals were still found to be regularly switch hosting providers due to cost, performance or support issues. Nearly 7 in 10 reported switching at least once, with 13% doing so annually.

Hidden charges and unexpected billing are major triggers, with professionals experiencing these being 35% more likely to change providers.

“It’s fascinating to see how solopreneurs, freelancers, and digital nomads prioritize sustainability and customer support. It provides valuable insights to tailor our offerings to their evolving needs," noted David Eblen, Chief Product Officer at Liquid Web.

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The Wheel of Time season 3: key information

- Launching on Prime Video in March
- First trailer released at Brazil Comic-Con in December 2024
- Main cast bar one expected to return
- New actors and characters have been revealed
- Brief plot synopsis released
- Will primarily adapt the book series' fourth entry, aka 'The Shadow Rising'
- No word on whether a fourth season is in the works

The Wheel of Time season 3 will be with us soon enough, fellow Darkfriends. The high fantasy series is set to return to Prime Video on March 13, 2025, so it's time to stop spinning your wheels and catch up on the latest news and rumors about it.

In this guide, you'll learn more about The Wheel of Time's third season, including its teaser trailer, confirmed cast, story details, and what the future holds for Amazon's adaptation of Robert Jordan's popular book series. Full spoilers follow for The Wheel of Time's first two seasons. Potential season 3 and book spoilers are also discussed, so proceed at your own risk if you're avoiding them pre-release.

The Wheel of Time season 3 release date

We’ve seen a thousand, thousand futures, and in every one of them, The Wheel of Time returns March 13. Behold the official Season 3 teaser trailer. pic.twitter.com/ULZiKjWEHyDecember 7, 2024

As mentioned, The Wheel of Time season 3 will debut on Thursday, March 13. The series' return was announced at Brazil Comic-Con 2024, with the show's creator Rafe Judkins and members of its main cast confirming as much during Amazon's panel at the event.

There's little information on how many episodes will arrive on launch day. However, the past two seasons received three-episode premieres when they were released, so it's highly likely that the TV-MA-rated show's third installment will, too.

The Wheel of Time season 3 trailer

Receiving its world premiere at Brazil Comic-Con 2024, The Wheel of Time season 3's first trailer has me worried about what happens to Rand and Moiraine. This season's first round of footage is fraught with danger and ominous foreshadowing, with Moiraine claiming that in every universe and/or timeline she exists in and lives, Rand dies.

Will Moiraine give up her life, then, so Rand survives season 3's events? I'll answer this question in the spoiler-filled part of this article's plot section.

The Wheel of Time season 3 confirmed cast

Egwene and Rand are back for more bloody and fraught adventures in season 3 (Image credit: Prime Video)

Potential spoilers follow for The Wheel of Time's third season.

Per an Amazon MGM Studios press release, here's a full list of the returning cast for season 3:

• Rosamund Pike as Moiraine Damodred
• Josha Stradowski as Rand al'Thor
• Daniel Henney as al'Lan Mandragoran
• Zoe Robins as Nynaeve al'Meara
• Madeleine Madden as Egwene al'Vere
• Marcus Rutherford as Perrin Aybara
• Donal Finn as Matt Cauthon
• Ceara Coveney as Elayne Trakand
• Kate Fleetwood as Liandrin Guirale
• Natasha O'Keefe as Lanfear
• Ayoola Smart as Aviendha
• Kae Alexander as Min Farshaw

The above actors will be joined by plenty of new faces in this third chapter of one of the best Prime Video shows. Season 3's first newcomer was announced on December 11, 2024, with The Penguin and Arcane star Shohreh Aghdashloo confirmed as Elaida. Another member of the female-only magic-wielders known as the Aes Sedai, Elaida is a Red Ajah and a former occupant of the Amyrlin Seat.

The whispers were true. Shohreh Aghdashloo is officially an Aes Sedai. pic.twitter.com/11Z1xTXUMiDecember 11, 2024

One week later, Amazon MGM Studios revealed four more new cast members – three of whom are a part of, or have ties to, the Andor royal family and the other is a surprise relative of Rand.

Olivia Williams has been cast as Lady Morgase Trakand, aka Elayne's mother and Queen of Andor. Nuno Lopes will portray Lord Gaebril who, spoilers notwithstanding, may not be who he appears to be. Lastly on the Andor front, Luke Featherstone will play Lord Gawyn Trakand, Elayne's brother and next in line to be the nation's First Prince of the Sword.

And the individual with ties to Rand? That'll be Lord Galad Damodred. He'll be portrayed by Callum Kerr and, per The Wheel of Time novels, he's the Dragon Reborn's half-brother on his mother's side. He's also the half-brother of Elayne and Gawyn on his father's side. Oh, and let's not forget he's the Lord Captain Commander of the Children of the Light.

One more time...Meet the royal family.Luke Fetherston is Lord GAWYNCallum Kerr is Lord GALADNuno Lopes is Lord GaebrilAnd Olivia Williams is Morgase TrakandApologies for a Darkfriend tampering with our first tweet. pic.twitter.com/vpREINZONYDecember 18, 2024

Five more new cast members were announced on January 15. Isabella Bucceri is on board as Faile Bashere, a daring noblewoman from Saldea. Nukâka Coster-Waldau is Bair, one of the Aiel's Wise Ones, and is joined by Salóme Gunnarsdóttir as the Wise One Melaine.

Björn Landberg is playing Rhuarc, the clan chief of the Taardad Aiel, and Synnøve Macody Lund is Melindhra, a Maiden of the Spear who hails from the Shaido clan. Like Gaebril, you'll want to keep a close eye on her.

Sound the horn, it's #WoTWednesday.Isabella Bucceri is Faile BashereNukâka Coster-Waldau is BairSalóme Gunnarsdóttir is MelaineBjörn Landberg is RhuarcAnd Synnøve Macody Lund is Melindhra pic.twitter.com/FMA3VBjXsgJanuary 15, 2025

There are other characters who could feature throughout season 3. Hammed Animashaun's Loial wasn't announced as part of this season's cast in the Amazon press blast, but I'd be very surprised if he doesn't appear in an episode or two. Speaking at New York Comic-Con 2023 (as reported by The Hollywood Reporter (THR)), showrunner Rafe Judkins also confirmed that more of Lanfear's fellow Forsaken will make their live-action debuts in season 3.

One actor who won't be back for more high-fantasy action, though, is Fares Fares as Ishamael. He was killed by Rand in season 2's final episode so unless he appears in a flashback scene or nightmarish, vision-like sequence, he's run his race in this show.

The Wheel of Time season 3 story synopsis and rumors

Nothing bad will happen to Rand, I promise... (Image credit: Prime Video)

Potential spoilers follow for The Wheel of Time season 3.

Here's the official story brief for season 3: "At the end of season 2, after defeating Ishamael, Rand reunites with his friends at Falme and is declared the Dragon Reborn.

"But, in Season 3, the threats against the Light are multiplying: the White Tower stands divided, the Black Ajah run free, old enemies return to the Two Rivers, and the remaining Forsaken are in hot pursuit of the Dragon… including Lanfear, whose relationship with Rand will mark a crucial choice between Light and Dark for them both.

"As the ties to his past begin to unravel, and his corrupted power grows stronger, Rand becomes increasingly unrecognizable to his closest allies, Moiraine and Egwene. These powerful women, who started the series as teacher and student, must now work together to prevent the Dragon from turning to the Dark…no matter the cost."

You're not dreamwalking, the Daughter of the Night is back. pic.twitter.com/Lov1TJTepUDecember 8, 2024

That's both a lot and not much to go on. Sure, as story synopses go, it seems pretty meaty, but it doesn't disclose that much about this season's overarching narrative, character arcs, or which of Jordan's novels it'll adapt.

Thanks to the cast and crew, though, we have some answers to all of the above – starting with the last of those puzzles. Speaking at New York Comic-Con 2023, Judkins confirmed (per IGN) that season 3 would adapt the story that unfolds in books four and five – 'Shadow Rising' and 'The Fires of Heaven'. Season 3 will primarily focus on the fourth novel, with elements from its sequel book sprinkled on top.

The Wheel of Time's third season will, unsurprisingly, feature new locations first introduced in Jordan's literary works, as well as take viewers back to towns and cities previously visited in seasons 1 and 2. Per IGN, Judkins reveals we'll head back to the Two Rivers and the White Tower at some stage, while fan-favorite destinations including Andor, Tanchico, and Rhuidean will feature prominently throughout.

Hope there’s water and shade. pic.twitter.com/XpGz7gDquADecember 7, 2024

The last of those locations will be of particular interest to long-time fans, too, because it – and the above tweet – confirm our heroes (and villains) will travel to the Aiel Waste at some point. This is an important stop on these characters' journeys and a glimpse into the time before The Breaking of the World, i.e. the period that saw male Aes Sedai go mad and brought about the end of the Age of Legends.

The show's forthcoming installment will also bring the concept of 'dreamwalking' to life in Amazon's TV adaptation. "We also get to explore with some of our characters the world of dreams and dreamwalking," Judkins said at NYCC 2023 (via THR), "And I think that’s a really cool thing to get to do in season three because it is one of those unique elements in Wheel of Time that no other book series really has. So we really explore that world in season three."

Once you begin, you must continue to the end. pic.twitter.com/wTzwEIH4m4December 8, 2024

There are plenty more subplots, world-building aspects, and fascinating character arcs that'll be threaded through this entry's overarching narrative, too.

From the debut of a new world-trading faction called the Sea Folk and Egwene's Aes Sedai Accepted trials, to a mind-blowing action set-piece that Judkins calls "bonkers" (per Deadline) in The Wheel of Time season 3's first episode, it sounds like you and I are in for a real treat when the series returns.

Is The Wheel of Time season 4 in development yet?

Will Amazon *ahem* crown The Wheel of Time with a fourth season? (Image credit: Prime Video)

Not yet. Amazon hasn't officially renewed The Wheel of Time for a fourth season. There's no guarantee that it'll be made, either – especially after fansite WoTseries.com claimed that Amazon spent an eye-watering $260 million on its first two seasons.

According to The Wheel of Time YouTube fan channel WoT Up!, season 4 won't get the green light unless season 3's viewership is a marked improvement on its predecessor. As the video's presenter points out, this is just a rumor, so there's no way to confirm if Amazon is actually waiting to see how season 3 performs before deciding to renew or cancel the show. It's also worth stating that Amazon rarely releases viewing figures for its TV Originals. Indeed, the e-commerce giant's entertainment division only does so if one of Prime Video's new movies, or a new or returning TV show, performs better than expected.

For now, then, I can't say if The Wheel of Time season 3 will get a follow-up. Once I know more, I'll update this section.

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

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Philips Hue Play Light Bar: two-minute review

The Philips Hue Play Light Bar (sold individually, or in packs or two or three) is a lozenge-shaped smart light that creates a similar effect to a Philips Ambilight TV, extending the colors from the edges of your screen and washing the area behind with matching light to make your movies, TV shows, and games more immersive. They're flexible, easy to use, and a lot of fun.

The general impact is similar, but the Philips Hue Play Light Bars have some key advantages over both Ambilight TVs and the best Ambilight alternatives such as Nanoleaf 4D. First, you're not limited to positioning them directly behind your TV, although you can do that if you wish. You can also place them above, below, or to the sides, and you can position them quite far away if you have enough space.

This means you have a lot more flexibility when designing your lighting system. You can even use them together with a Hue Play Gradient Light Strip if you want to create a really dramatic home cinema experience with synced lighting that floods the entire room.

Color reproduction with the Philips Hue Play Bars is excellent, even with subtle tones (Image credit: Future)

The Hue Play Bars connect wirelessly to a Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box, which means they don't suffer the same problems as lighting systems such as Nanolead 4D that use a camera to monitor and reproduce the colors on your screen. There's none of the lag you might get with a camera-based system, and they're not affected by reflections.

In fact, color reproduction is super impressive – as you can see in the image below, where the bar on the left has reproduced the exact shade on the tablecloth, and the one on the right has taken more of an average value factoring in the gray color of the presenter's sleeve.

They also reproduce natural shades and skin tones very well, and colors shift smoothly, which avoids creating a distraction.

Connecting to your TV via HDMI means there are none of the issues you can experience with kits that use a camera to monitor and replicate colors from the screen (Image credit: Future)

Each light has a plastic stand that allows you to position it vertically or horizontally using a hex screwdriver or Allen wrench. You can also mount them on the wall using adhesive pads; however, if you do this, you'll probably want to hide the cables using trunking or by running them through the wall. The lights connect to the Sync Box wirelessly, but they're not battery-powered.

The Light Bars are available in black and white, so you can choose whichever blends in best with your decor. My borrowed review units were black, but if I was buying them for my own home, white would be the better option.

The lights come with mounts that let you position them horizontally or vertically, but you can also attach them to the wall, the back of your TV, or just lie them down on a shelf or TV stand (Image credit: Future)

The main disadvantage of the Philips Hue Play Bars is that they require a Philips Hue Bridge to control them via the mobile app, plus a Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box for synchronizing lighting with your TV, which adds to the price substantially if you don't already own them. The Bridge costs around $60 / £60 / AU$75 if bought alone, and Sync Boxes start at $250 / $230 / AU$500 for the 4K version. The Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K released in 2024 costs even more.

Without these, you'll only be able to use the Play Bars as you would any ordinary lights via the Philips Hue Bluetooth app. This will let you turn them on and off, and change their color manually, but nothing else.

If you have the Bridge and Sync Box, setting up the bars in the Philips Hue app is a piece of cake. Just plug in the power supply (which supports up to three Play Bar lights), set the Hue app to search for them, and they will be identified automatically, ready to be added to your room.

When you're not using your TV, you can use the Play Bars like any other Hue lamp, setting their colors individually, or incorporating them into Scenes. When it's time to enjoy a movie or game, just tap the Sync button in the app.

The Light Bars come in black and white, so you can choose whichever fits best with your decor (white would have been a better match here) (Image credit: Future)

For those who already have a Hue setup, the Play Bars are a versatile and fun addition that can make your home cinema setup even more immersive. They're not the best entry point into the Hue system, since you'll only get the full experience with the Hue Bridge and Sync Box, but if you want to expand an existing system, they're a great option.

Philips Hue Play Light Bar: specs Philips Hue Play Light Bar: price and availability

The Philips Hue Play Light Bar is available individually, or in packs of two or three. As with most Philips Hue products, you can also find them bundled with other lights and accessories, such as the Hue Bridge, which may be significantly cheaper than buying each component separately.

A single Philips Hue Play Light Bar costs $89.99 / £64.99 / AU$129.95 when bought direct from the Philips Hue store.

Should you buy the Philips Hue Play Light Bar Buy it if

You already have a Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box

The Sync Box is the most expensive part of a Philips Hue Play setup. If you already have one (and a Play Gradient Light Strip) then the Light Bars are a pretty reasonably priced addition that will really give your home cinema a wow-factor.

You want a totally flexible lighting system

The beauty of the Light Bars (other than their excellent color accuracy) is that you can position them pretty much anywhere, allowing you to adapt your lighting setup to suit your home.

Don't buy it if

You don't have any Philips Hue products already

Unless you really love the idea of the Play Light Bars (which you might), this will be an expensive entry into the Hue ecosystem. The lights themselves might not break the bank, but the HDMI Sync Box is a serious investment, particularly if you want the 8K model.

Philips Hue Play Light Bar: also consider

Not sure about the Philips Hue Play Light Bar? Here are two other ambient lighting options that are worth considering.

Nanoleaf 4D

Nanoleaf 4D is one of the most affordable alternatives to Philips Ambilight, and at CES 2025 the company announced a new version of the system that doesn't require fitting awkward corner brackets to your TV.

Read our Nanoleaf 4D review

Govee Flow Pro Wi-Fi TV Light Bars

Govee's budget-friendly lighting system does a good job in dark conditions, although its camera will pick up light from any source near your TV, not just the screen itself, so daytime viewing isn't as good.

Read our full Govee Flow Pro Wi-Fi TV Light Bars review

How I tested the Philips Hue Play Light Bar

I tested a pair of Philips Hue Play Light Bars, using them as part of a larger Hue lighting system including ceiling-fitted bulbs, an HDMI Sync Box, and Hue Bridge. I used them to sync content from my TV, and as standalone smart lights that I controlled via the Google Home app.

I used the lights with a wide variety of media, but to avoid copyright infringement, all the images in this review show videos from TechRadar's own YouTube channel.

For more details, see how we test, review, and rate products on TechRadar.

This high-end OLED comes with wireless connectivity for clean lines in fancy rooms.

NPR's Scott Simon reflects on the wildfires in Los Angeles, and the words of writers who were drawn to the city.

(Image credit: Patrick T. Fallon)

Will Still's Les Sang et Or host the runaway league leaders.

AndaSeat Luna gaming chair: One-minute review

The AndaSeat Luna keeps things simple with a limited feature set and low price, making it a tempting prospect from one of the rising stars in the gaming chair space.

While its appearance won’t amaze you, it looks smart enough to be suitable for work and play. Various colorways are available, but all remain reasonably understated with a monochromatic palette and just a few dashes of color on the accents. The PVC leatherette isn’t as soft or as breathable as some of the best gaming chair materials, but it’s comfortable all the same and feels quite durable.

Unboxing and assembling the AndaSeat Luna is easy enough. I managed to put it together quickly with the help of one other person, although it could be built solo if required, as it’s relatively light compared to other gaming chairs.

It’s comfortable to sit in, and the height adjustments on the large variant I tested are broad enough to accommodate many gamers. It also reclines to 160 degrees, typical of many chairs in this class.

However, it does lack some useful adjustments, such as a tilt function and built-in lumbar support, though I found the included lumbar cushion to be sufficient. It also misses out on 4D arms: they only move up and down, with very limited lateral adjustment that’s only possible depending on at which point you screw in the bolts. There’s no way to rotate the armrests, either.

The seat itself is a little firm, but I didn’t have an issue with it. It has a slight upward tilt, which runs counter to the ergonomic preference for a downwards incline, but personally, it’s a style I prefer.

One notable flaw in the design is that the back wheels tend to lift off the ground when you shuffle forward, particularly on floors with grip, which can be disconcerting.

Another area where the engineering lets the AndaSeat Luna down is the recline lever. I found it would get stuck without locking in its correct place, and when it did, it felt unnatural, as if parts of the mechanism were rubbing against each other.

However, this is a chair with a low price in the UK (it's currently not available in the US), so some design flaws and limited adjustments are to be expected. If you're specifically on the hunt for the most comfortable gaming chair, then you'd probably be better served by AndaSeat’s Kaiser range.

If you’re keen to stick to this price point, then the Corsair TC100 Relaxed is a better pick, and for those who are willing to spend more, the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 is still our favorite gaming chair overall.

(Image credit: Future) AndaSeat Luna gaming chair: Price and availability

• £179 (about $228 / AU$356)
• Not available in the US
• Low end of the price range

The AndaSeat Luna costs £179 (about $228 / AU$356) and is available now in the UK and certain parts of Europe and Asia, but not the US or Australia. It comes in various colorways, though most are black overall with colored accents. A fabric version is also available for the same price. A lumbar cushion and head pillow are included.

At this price, it’s cheaper than many of the main players in the space. The Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 – our pick as the best gaming chair around – costs considerably more, with starting prices north of $500 and certain variants priced much higher. However, the Titan Evo is our number one choice for good reason: the incredible build quality, feature set, and comfort levels are superb. What’s more, the brand frequently offers savings via its website.

In the more budget-friendly realm, the Corsair TC100 Relaxed is our pick as the best gaming chair for those who don’t want to part with ungodly sums. It’s only marginally more than the AndaSeat Luna, but it offers tremendous levels of comfort for the price, and the large weight and height accommodations are welcome too.

AndaSeat Luna gaming chair: Specs AndaSeat Luna gaming chair: Design and aesthetics

• Basic but smart looks
• Durable, if cheap, materials
• Some design flaws

The AndaSeat Luna adopts a very familiar bucket seat design, although it’s less hemmed in than some other gaming chairs. It’s unlikely to turn heads, but it looks smart enough to pass as an office chair, especially in the total black variant I tested.

Other colorways are available to liven up appearances but the selection is limited, with many adopting the same black base, with just a few colored accents around the sides of the seat and backrest.

On closer inspection, it’s clear to see where AndaSeat has saved money. The wheelbase, for instance, is plastic, and there’s no built-in lumbar support. A simple cushion is provided, but annoyingly, it falls forward every time you get up, so you have to prop it back up when you sit down again. Also, the head pillow is attached to the chair via a strap rather than magnetically, which is common on more premium gaming chairs and helps keep it more secure.

The PVC finish of the AndaSeat Luna isn’t the softest, and it’s far from the most breathable. However, it is quite thick and seems to be quite durable. The armrests have very little padding but are smooth to the touch and I found them comfortable enough to use. They slope downwards at the front, which helps to prevent aches and pains on the forearms, and they’re stable with very little wobble.

One of the more worrying design flaws of the AndaSeat Luna, though, is its tendency to tilt forward with its back wheels in the air when moving forward if your floor has any amount of grip to it. I suspect this is due to the top-heavy nature of the design since that plastic wheelbase is quite light.

The reclining lever is another point of complaint, as it can get stuck before it fully locks into position. This is most bothersome when reclining the backrest to its widest 160-degree angle, where the tension peaks. Clicking it into its locked position can also feel clunky – as if parts of the mechanism are rubbing against each other due to misalignment, which may cause wear over time.

(Image credit: Future) AndaSeat Luna gaming chair: Comfort and Adjustability

• Firm but comfortable seat
• Lumbar cushion included
• Lacking adjustments

Sitting in the AndaSeat Luna is mostly a comfortable experience. The seat is a little on the firm side, especially towards the rear, but I generally prefer this style. It’s possible the seat cushion may soften over time.

It’s angled upwards very slightly – again a style I prefer – although ergonomists will tell you it’s better to have a declining seat angle to improve blood flow to the legs. Regardless, the angle certainly isn’t steep enough to feel as if you’re squatting in it.

You’ll find some of the typical gaming chair adjustments on the AndaSeat Luna, including height adjustments and a recline function, sending the backrest all the way to 160 degrees. However, it misses out on others, such as the aforementioned lack of built-in lumbar support. The provided lumbar cushion is on the firmer side, which may irk some users, but I found it to be perfectly adequate support. However, since it isn’t height adjustable, it might not fit other users quite so well.

There’s no tilt function on the AndaSeat Luna either, so there’s no ability to rock back and forth as more fidgety gamers might like to do. Most disappointing of all, though, are the arms, which only go up and down, lacking any rotation or inward adjustments at all.

The long, oval slots for fixing the arms to the seat base do allow for some lateral adjustments, but I found that even when positioned as close to the chair as possible, the armrests still weren’t close enough to my body, forcing me to spread my arms wider than I would’ve liked.

This is also bad for ergonomics. I found this splayed arm position naturally inclined me to hoist my shoulders upwards, which, as someone who suffers from mild neck and shoulder pain already, is far from ideal.

(Image credit: Future) AndaSeat Luna gaming chair: Assembly

Putting the AndaSeat Luna together was straightforward and I didn’t encounter any difficulties. Every fixture and fitting is clearly labeled, and there’s little manual labor involved compared to building other gaming chairs.

The wheels click in easily enough, and the provided Allan keys were sufficient to get the job done quite quickly. The occasional bolt was a little stiff to screw in, but nothing that a bit of coaxing couldn’t fix. No part is overly heavy either, which makes the process even easier.

It was a two-person job, but I reckon it could be assembled by one person without much trouble. The only tricky part would be attaching the backrest to the seat base – the hardest part of assembling any gaming chair – as it requires holding the seat in the exact position to line up the bolt holes. But other than this, the rest of the build is simple.

(Image credit: Future) Should you buy the AndaSeat Luna gaming chair? Buy it if...

You want something simple and easy
Assembling the AndaSeat Luna was a cinch, and the sparse nature of the chair means it’s easy to use.

You’re on a budget
For less than £200, the AndaSeat Luna is cheaper than many other gaming chairs, and yet the comfort levels are still reasonable.

Don't buy it...

You want plenty of adjustments
There’s no tilt function or built-in lumbar support, and the armrests are particularly limited, with only vertical adjustments.

You want the best build quality
The sticking recline lever and wheel lift-off when shuffling forward are hard design faults to ignore.

AndaSeat Luna gaming chair: Also consider

If the AndaSeat Luna doesn't sound like it's the right fit for you, then these alternatives might suit instead

Secretlab Titan Evo 2022
The doyen of the gaming chair world, and for good reason: it’s been the one to beat ever since its first incarnation, and the 2022 edition is still batting away the competition. The perfect blend of comfort, build quality, and adjustability has kept it firmly planted atop its perch. While the starting price is high, Secretlab often offers discounts on its website. Plus, the also excellent 2020 variant is available for less.

Read our Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 review

Corsair TC100 Relaxed
Our pick as the best gaming chair for those on a budget, the TC100 Relaxed costs only slightly more than the AndaSeat Luna. It looks good and is comfortable to sit in. We did find corners were cut on the quality of various parts, but we think it’s better than other gaming chairs at this price point. Also, unlike the AndaSeat Luna, the armrests have lateral adjustments.

Read our Corsair TC100 Relaxed review

(Image credit: Future) How I tested the AndaSeat Luna gaming chair

• Tested for several days
• Assembled with help
• Experienced with and tested many gaming chairs

I tested the AndaSeat Luna for several days, during which time I used it for gaming and work. I unboxed and assembled the chair with the help of one other person.

During my time with it, I made sure to make every adjustment possible, from tweaking the arm height to reclining the backrest as far as it would go.

I have been PC gaming for over 10 years, and during that time I have experienced and tested various office and gaming chairs, including renowned examples such as the Steelcase Leap, Secretlab Omega, and Secretlab Titan.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed December 2024

Firefighting planes are dumping water from the ocean on the Los Angeles fires, but using saltwater is typically a last resort.

We asked our readers to make a wish for 2025. If even one of these wishes comes true, the world will definitely be a better place!

• TikTok says it will shut down in the US on January 19
• There's uncertainty over the implementation of a ban
• The US is about to swap presidents on Monday

By now you've almost certainly heard that TikTok could be about to get banned in the US this coming Sunday, January 19. The latest update today is that the social platform will "go dark" amid uncertainty around what the White House will actually decide to do.

As per an official TikTok statement, "unless the Biden Administration immediately provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement", the TikTok lights will go off in the US tomorrow.

So is TikTok going to be outlawed in the US or not? No one really knows – and that's the point being made here. With so much uncertainty around what the incoming US president and the outgoing US president really want, TikTok has had enough.

No doubt there's more to come here, and it's likely to be a busy weekend for both TikTok and the US administration. As it stands though, don't expect to be able to download or even access TikTok from tomorrow, if you're in the US – though with a change at the top of the US government, the blackout might not be permanent.

The rather complicated story so far

Does TikTok have a future in the US? (Image credit: CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

If you're just getting up to speed on the TikTok ban, it's been a long road to this point. You may remember WeChat and TikTok almost got banned from the United States back in 2020, during the first term of Donald Trump's presidency.

The issue has always been the close ties between TikTok, its developer ByteDance, and the Chinese government. Officials in the US are worried China is using TikTok as a way of influencing millions of Americans – or as a full-on spying tool.

Not true, says TikTok – but the US government isn't convinced, even if billions could be lost by businesses and creators. The US Supreme Court has upheld the original law to either ban or sell TikTok to US interests this weekend, and time has almost run out.

In recent days, TikTok CEO Shou Chew has taken to the platform to thank incoming President Trump for his support – Trump replaces Joe Biden in the White House on Monday – but the latest TikTok statement suggests the involved parties are going to have to act very quickly indeed to stop a shutdown.

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• How to prepare for the TikTok ban
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