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In the datacenter world, one of the biggest challenges – and one of the greatest opportunities – is heat. When server components operate, all the electrical energy they consume is ultimately converted into heat, which must then be removed. Traditionally, organizations have relied on air cooling, typically using fans to manage this heat. In fact, according to sources, 80% of datacenters still primarily use air cooling to get rid of heat from server components.

However, air cooling is both inefficient and energy-intensive. According to a recent McKinsey study, air cooling can account for 40% of all energy consumption in the datacenter – it’s no surprise, then, that 40% of datacenter operators are exploring alternative cooling methods in search of eco-friendly, cost effective options to support sustainable datacenter operations.

At a fundamental level, this approach makes sense. As anyone who has flown a kite knows, air can be tricky to direct and manage. Fluid is much easier to control– as anyone who’s squirted a water pistol (or been on the receiving end of one) will also know.

However, fluid cooling techniques are changing, especially as we encounter server loads that tend to be more energy-intensive, and as a result, run hotter.

What is direct-to-chip (DTC) cooling?

DTC is the most common form of water cooling and has been used by datacenters and gamers for decades. A metal plate sits on top of the processors (CPU or GPU) with a conducting material between the two – usually a thermal Interface Material (TIM). The plate then uses liquid in pipes to move the heat away from the chip, and a dissipation mechanism to disperse the heat.

This dissipation mechanism can be something as simple as a single fan, although in industrial settings, you tend to see dry coolers equipped with evaporative cooling mechanisms. Dry coolers are units that sit outside the datacenter. They feature radiator-like, finned heat exchangers through which the heated liquid is circulated. Fans on the outside of the units draw cool air in and pass it around the fins, cooling the liquid. This liquid is then fed back into the system and the process is repeated.

In warmer months – or locations – evaporative cooling is used alongside dry coolers. Hot air is drawn through wet pads, evaporating water and cooling the air. This air is then used to cool the liquid from the datacenter through the dry coolers.

These dissipation methods can be used across most types of liquid cooling. DTC is more focused than air cooling, largely because liquid in pipes is easier to direct to specific components than air. With air cooling, although you can direct air currents via fan orientation, DTC allows you to be very precise. It’s also more efficient, thanks to physics, because liquids typically possess higher thermal conductivity than gases.

But even with DTC, some air cooling is usually necessary because of the challenges in adapting multiple cold plate designs to accommodate all the IT equipment that generates heat. GPUs and CPUs do generate the majority of the heat in servers, but RAM and hard drives also get hot, so some air cooling is often used. The ratio of air- to water-cooling is usually in the region of 30%/70%.

However, the world of cooling is constantly moving, and there is another form of cooling which can cool all the components at once.

Immersion cooling

In immersion cooling, the entire server is immersed in fluid. There are several benefits to this: all the components can be cooled at once, and higher heat loads can be handled. Furthermore, because the entire server is immersed in liquid, dust cannot enter the system, substantially enhancing product lifespan. However, immersion cooling is a lot more complex than DTC and maintenance is a more involved process.

There are two forms of immersion cooling – single phase and dual phase. In single phase cooling, the liquid stays liquid throughout the cycle (i.e. it keeps its phase constant). In dual phase cooling, it does not.

Single phase immersion cooling

In single-phase immersion cooling, a cool fluid enters at the base of the immersion unit to cool the server, while the heated fluid leaves at the top – and as with DTC, a dry cooler is used to cool this fluid after it passes through a plate heat exchanger. A separate coolant in a loop is then used to dissipate the heat.

Dual phase immersion cooling

In a dual phase cooling system, servers are immersed in fluid, but the fluid has a low boiling point. When server components heat up, the liquid boils and is directed to a condenser unit, where the gas (vapor) is cooled and re-condensed into a liquid. The fluid can then flow back down into the system to be re-used.

However, not only are the coolants in dual-phase systems generally more expensive, but maintenance is even more difficult, partially because the liquid boils into steam, which is much harder to manage than the liquid in a single-phase system.

Waste Heat

There’s also another significant part of the equation: although we can use dry coolers and evaporative cooling to get rid of waste heat, isn’t there something better we could do with it?

This is a big challenge for datacenters, particularly ones that have been around for a while. A lot of datacenters are on industrial parks, well away from areas where heat can be easily re-used; we’ve all seen the stories about swimming pools being heated using datacenters heat, but this isn’t always practical. Water must be physically transported via pipes to other locations, and then heat exchangers used to heat the other water which results in energy losses, because no energy exchange process is completely efficient.

Additionally, some datacenters face limitations that hinder their ability to reuse waste heat. For instance, in some of our datacenters , the heated water only reaches around 45 degrees; you can safely put your hand on the ‘hot’ pipe. But this also means that the resulting heat is less useful – it’d take a considerable amount of time to heat a swimming pool with a 45 degrees heat source.

However, it’s important to keep pushing forward. In our German datacenters , for example, we don’t use gas boilers to heat our office, instead, we utilize the waste heat from the datacenters because it’s nearby. As an industry, we must continue to advance this innovation. When new datacenter sites are built, organizations should consider heat reuse from the outset.

Over the past two decades, liquid cooling technology has made significant strides and is now capable of managing increasingly high power and heat loads in both personal and industrial settings. Although we are still in the early stages of immersion technology’s evolution, it holds great promise for addressing components that operate at very high temperatures. However, like all technology, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and we’ll almost certainly continue to see a mix of DTC and immersion cooling – not to mention a little air – across datacenter estates for years to come.

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The ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 is Lenovo's flagship mobile workstation, designed as an absolute powerhouse for engineers, designers, and professionals who need a portable workhorse of a machine. ThinkPad has always been Lenovo's trusted professional brand known for its reliability, durability, fantastic keyboard, and overall excellence as a computer.

I previously reviewed the Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2, a similar computer. I like to think of it straightforwardly because the P16v is the lite version of the P16. Or, to use Apple terms, the P16v would be the MacBook Air with upgraded RAM, and the P16 is the MacBook Pro with a Max chip. They are both some of the best Lenovo ThinkPad laptops around in their own right and are overpowered by the vast majority of users. But, for those power users, the differences become apparent.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2: Price and Availability

The ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 starts at a base price of just under $2,000 at $1,849. With that, you get a core i5, an RTX A1000, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage.

However, you can easily break $6,000 and even $6,500 if you opt for the maxed specs of a Core i9, an RTX 5000 Ada, 192GB of RAM, and 8TB of SSD. You can grab one of these workstations on Lenovo's website or their approved retailers.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2: Unboxing & first impressions

Since I recently reviewed the ThinkPad P16v Gen 2, I had a good idea of what this laptop would look, feel, and operate like before I even opened the box. However, I still ended up surprised at just how much larger the P16 (no "v") was compared to the "v" variant. I will grant that it feels more durable than the other, but regardless, this laptop is not for frequent travelers - unless you know what you are getting into and need this power portably.

Outside of that shock, the rest of the first look was as to be expected. It looks like a quality ThinkPad laptop, and that's precisely what I have come to expect from Lenovo.

Another thing worth mentioning is the excellent port offering, yet the inability to charge via a USB-C connection due to it requiring the first-party power supply.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2: Design & build quality Specs

Processor Options: 13th & 14th Gen Intel Core HX (up to i9-13980HX)
GPU Options: Nvidia RTX 1000 Ada – RTX 5000 Ada
RAM: Up to 192GB DDR5
Storage: Up to 8TB
Display:
16” 2560x1600 (165Hz, 500 nits, 100% sRGB)
Optional: 3840x2400 OLED (HDR, touchscreen, 400 nits)
Battery: 94Wh
Weight: 6.5 lbs (2.95 kg)
Ports: 2x USB-A, 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), HDMI 2.1, SD card reader, Ethernet
OS: Windows 11 Pro

The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 is a very robust laptop; there is no disguising that. I show the thickness difference between an iPhone 16 Pro and this laptop in one of the linked photos. Thankfully, that mass comes with a heavy-duty build, not just a heavy build. The Magnesium-aluminum chassis also has a premium and sturdy feeling, adding to the overall appeal of the ThinkPad P16 Gen 2.

One of the best features of a Lenovo ThinkPad is the keyboard, which remains top of the line when it comes to the best business laptop I've reviewed, without any loss of feel or function. The ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 also features a full numpad, the famous red trackpoint, and a comfortable trackpad.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2: In use

My team has had the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 in rotation for a few months. While it's for sure not the laptop we would choose to take on a trip with us, nor one we want to bring to the coffee shop for a light afternoon of work, it is, however, the one that we want to use around the studio or within the home due to its raw performance and abilities.

Under our stress testing, we noticed that the laptop would kick on the fans and get decently hot and a bit loud, but it kicks on the fans and cools itself down.

Another feature worth mentioning is the battery. It's impressive that this kind of power can be in a laptop form factor, but then you see that it can only last 5-7 hours with light use and a mere 2-3 with heavy load, and you realize this computer's power and lack of battery.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2: Final verdict

The ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 is one of the best mobile workstations available, delivering exceptional CPU & GPU performance, a premium 165Hz display, and an unbeatable keyboard. However, its weight, fan noise, and thermal limits mean it’s best suited for desk-based professionals rather than frequent travelers.

The Dell OptiPlex 7420 AIO is a compact desktop solution designed for the office. It combines reliable performance with a sleek design and is powered by Intel's 14th-Gen Raptor Lake processor. The PC can have up to an Intel Core i9-14900 with 64GB of RAM and dual m.2 Gen 4 SSD slots.

Sadly, this only comes with a 23.8-inch Full HD display, which is pretty poor by today's standards. It's not the absolute best business computer around, for sure. However, in the professional office world, you won't miss it while looking at spreadsheets, older software that has not been upgraded since the early 2000's, or answering emails.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

While graphical intensity is not a focus of this computer, Dell has focused on simplicity and ease of use. Since everything is built into this compact computer, it is easy to toss on a front desk, on a medical cart that rolls around to check on patients, in a classroom, or even in small business retail scenarios.

Another critical factor to the Dell OptiPlex 7420 AIO is the fact that it can be VESA-mountable, meaning you could mount your entire workstation on a simple VESA mount that could be on a rolling cart with a portable power station, on a two-sided desk so you can flip the computer on either side of the desk, at a workstation that doesn't always need a computer, and so on. The possibilities are endless.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Dell OptiPlex 7420: Price and Availability

The base model of the OptiPlex 7420 AIO is $1,239 and comes with an i5, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD. A higher-end configuration can exceed $2,300 and comes with specs like an i9, an AMD Radeon RX 6500 GPU, and/or 64GB of RAM. I spoke with Dell, and they mentioned that only a tiny fraction of their computers are purchased through their website and that computers like this are frequently purchased in corporate bulk purchases through Dell's commercial sales channels or even through third-party vendors like Amazon, Best Buy, and other tech retailers.

Dell OptiPlex 7420: Unboxing & first impressions

For years now, Dell has made a push for sustainable packaging. At this point, as a tech reviewer, I have come to expect my packages from Dell to be recycled materials. The OptiPlex 7420 AIO is no different. This packaging is rated at up to 93% recycled materials.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Once I opened the box, I found the computer, stand, base, power cable, and essential documentation. Dell has the option to add their basic keyboard and mouse if you need them, or if you have your own that you prefer to use, you could choose to use those instead. Another option is the embedded disk drive; the base resembles typical Dell monitors. But, with the embedded disk drive, this base now has the functionality of an entire disk drive built into an AIO format.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Dell OptiPlex 7420: Design & build quality Specs

Processor: Intel 14th Gen Raptor Lake (Up to Core i9-14900)
Memory: Up to 64GB DDR5 RAM
Storage: Dual M.2 PCIe Gen4 slots, up to 2TB SSD per slot
Graphics: Intel UHD 770 (integrated) / AMD Radeon RX 6500 (discrete)
Display: 23.8-inch FHD (1920x1080)
Ports: 1x USB-C, 5x USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4
OS: Windows 11 Pro

The OptiPlex 7420 AIO is very sleek, as I have mentioned. But that's part of what makes this computer so compelling for the right audience. In a public-facing office, medical office, school, store, or something similar, you don't always want a big, flashy computer workstation with multiple monitors, flashy desktops, laptops, or big speakers. You probably want something simple, easy to upkeep, and easy to use, all while not drawing attention to the computer, the rats-nest of cabling behind the monitor, or the large space-hogging desktop tucked to the side or under a monitor.

The VESA mounting feature in this computer makes it highly versatile compared to other AIOs, especially the standard desktop. Yet, if you do choose to use the stand, you can get features like the built-in disk drive, monitor rotation, tilt, and height adjustments.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Dell OptiPlex 7420: In use

The Dell OptiPlex 7420 AIO is unashamedly designed for office and administrative work. It's not meant to do heavy computing coding, graphic processing, video editing, or anything like that. What it is intended to do, though, is be able to access and navigate within an extensive client database and pull records for clients, or have a lot of dated and perhaps not super efficient medical programs up, or have a lot of applications going at the same time all with wicked fast response times so that your business isn't waiting for your front line's computer to load a proper file, process something into your database, or contact the right person. Keeping in line with this focus, thanks to the NVMe SSD support, the Optiplex 7420's boot time is quick, and the overall navigation and UI between programs are snappy and smooth.

The display is lacking a bit. However, 4K is not as big of a deal in the business world as in other professions. So, my only note is that it's not a super gorgeous, perfectly color-accurate monitor, and that's okay; it's not supposed to have that.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

In this day and age, with so many meetings having a virtual possibility -- that is, the chance of it being a virtual meeting on Google Meet, Zoom, WebEx, or something similar - having a webcam is nearly vital. So, Dell put a pop-up webcam with HDR and presence detection into the OptiPlex 7420. What's great is that since it's a pop-out, you can pop it out when you need it and then pop it back in when you don't, just as quickly.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

While this has a soundbar on the bottom of the display, the sound is not incredible. Still, it will be fine for video calls, listening to voicemails over a VoIP client, or watching a cooking tutorial on your break.

Dell OptiPlex 7420: Final verdict

The Dell OptiPlex 7420 All-in-One is a robust business-class AIO with solid performance and a sleek design. Equipped with Intel's 14th Gen processors and dual SSD slots, it provides excellent speed. The VESA mounting option adds versatility, making it suitable for office settings and kiosks. However, the 1080p display is disappointing, and the limited GPU options may not be the best choice for creative professionals. Nonetheless, this computer is still an excellent option for the right professional.

For similar machines, we've tested the best all-in-one computers around.

• Lenovo unveils the ThinkBook 3D Laptop, a glasses-free 3D computing concept
• It uses Directional Backlight 3D for seamless switching between 2D and 3D modes
• 3.2K display aims to enhance design, engineering, and content creation workflows

For most laptop manufacturers, the height of innovation is rolling out devices with powerful AI processors and a Copilot button, but Lenovo seems to be relishing pushing boundaries and offering users something different, and frankly, I’m here for that.

At MWC 2025, the firm has given us a range of futuristic concepts, including a physical AI personal assistant and multiple screens for its ThinkBook 16p Gen 6, and a frighteningly fragile-looking laptop with a foldable screen. I would buy all of these tomorrow if a) they were available and b) I had the money.

Not all of Lenovo’s ideas can be winners, of course, and the ThinkBook 3D Laptop might be one that doesn’t find its mark, which is a shame because it’s gorgeous. Although I’ve yet to go hands-on with it, I’m fairly certain that its key feature will be jaw-dropping.

Glasses-free

The ThinkBook 3D Laptop concept brings immersive 3D computing to business and creative professionals through a glasses-free hybrid display. Lenovo explains it achieves this through the use of a Directional Backlight 3D solution that allows users to quickly and seamlessly switch between 2D and 3D modes, providing realistic depth and precision for digital modeling, content creation, and virtual collaboration.

Lenovo tells us the 3.2K resolution display (3200×2000, 100% DCI-P3) delivers “stunning clarity and color accuracy,” potentially making it an ideal tool for designers, engineers, and media professionals working on complex visual projects.

The ThinkBook 3D Laptop is far from Lenovo’s first attempt at delivering glasses-free 3D. We reviewed the ThinkVision 27 3D in 2024 and came away seriously impressed. You didn’t need to do anything clever to see objects in the third dimension - it was just a matter of sitting down in front of the monitor at a normal viewing distance and watching as the magic happened.

At the time, we said it was “expensive and niche, but this glasses-free 3D monitor opens up a host of exciting possibilities,” and it seems as if those promises could be fulfilled in the form of this new laptop.

As with the numerous other concepts Lenovo showed off at MWC, there’s no word on pricing or availability, but I’d definitely be interested in seeing how the ThinkBook 3D Laptop performs when it does arrive.

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• Magic Bay ecosystem expands ThinkBook 16p Gen 6 with modular AI accessories
• Dual Display adds a 13.3-inch screen for multitasking and collaboration
• Tiko is an AI emotional interaction companion, Tiko Pro is more serious

Although Lenovo is unveiling a number of new devices at MWC 2025, that’s not all the tech manufacturer is showcasing.

One of its more unusual offerings is Tiko, which the firm is describing as a "compact AI emotional interaction companion."

Think of it a bit like a physical Microsoft Bob for the 21st century - Tiko is part of Lenovo’s Magic Bay ecosystem proof of concepts, which the company has developed for professionals using the ThinkBook 16p Gen 6. That laptop, which is currently not available in North America, is built for expandability and modularity, and Lenovo has gone all out with a series of attachable accessories.

(Image credit: Lenovo)

Lenovo seems to have a thing for expandable displays at the moment. It unveiled the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable at CES, and at MWC, the firm showed off its ThinkBook “codename Flip” laptop, which combines two 13-inch OLED displays into one giant 18.1-inch screen. For the ThinkBook 16p Gen 6, there’s the Magic Bay Dual Display Concept. This is a dual 13.3-inch attachable secondary screen that turns the ThinkBook 16p into a multi-screen workstation.

Lenovo says this will be ideal for “data visualization, content editing, and collaborative projects” and allows users to view multiple applications simultaneously without needing an external monitor.

In addition, there’s the Magic Bay 2nd Display Concept. This is a compact 8-inch screen intended to function as an AI dashboard for on-the-go professionals. It will provide quick access to productivity tools, messaging apps, and AI-generated insights.

(Image credit: Lenovo) Say hello to your little friend

Getting back to the Magic Bay “codename Tiko” concept, Lenovo describes it as a “compact AI emotional interaction companion that displays real-time emoji-style status, provides interactive gesture-based responses, and offers personalized emoji notifications.” It has an expressive AI interface, because of course it does, to help users stay informed and engaged throughout their workday.

If that seems a bit childish for you, there's the Magic Bay “codename Tiko Pro,” which is a more serious alternative and offers a real-time widget interface and Lenovo AI Now integration and will act as an always-on assistant to help streamline information.

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This year, we’ve had two big releases from Garmin so far: the Garmin Instinct 3 and the Garmin Fenix 8. Both scored very highly in their respective reviews, and both have made their way onto our best Garmin watches list for 2025.

They also share another common trait: both Instinct 2 and Fenix 7 watches previously only came with memory-in-pixel (MIP) screens, a duller display than most watches, and one that conserves energy. When Garmin introduced a version of the Fenix with a vibrant AMOLED screen, which is less power-efficient but brighter, like a proper smartwatch instead of a fitness tool, it called it something else – the Garmin Epix Pro.

As Garmin moves to streamline its watches, it’s gotten rid of the Epix line. Both the Instinct 3 and Fenix 8 arrived with three screen options for the user to pick at the point of purchase; a Fenix or Instinct E, a cheaper watch with a MIP screen that only comes in one size; a Solar option, which uses a low-power MIP screen in conjunction with Garmin’s Power Glass solar technology to extend battery life on long outdoor excursions; and a bright AMOLED screen.

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Garmin)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Garmin)

Both watches now have AMOLED options, and looking at the promotional material above, Garmin has gone heavy on this as a selling point. In 2023, the Garmin Forerunner watches also moved from MIP screens to AMOLED screens, with the release of the Garmin Forerunner 265 and Garmin Forerunner 965. These did not get MIP solar-powered options: for that, you’d need to go back a generation and get the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar. Its Venu and Vivoactive watches also bear AMOLED screens with no MIP options.

It’s clear there’s a trend happening, with Garmin slowly shifting its range over to AMOLED screens, possibly in order to compete with other smartwatch manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung – both of which are making rugged outdoor-focused Ultra watches to encroach on Garmin’s turf. The biggest barrier to making Garmin’s entire range AMOLED at the moment seems to be its Power Glass technology, which is only used with MIP screens at present, likely due to their low power output being offset by the solar power technology when used in bright light.

Due to the general shift that Garmin has taken over the last couple of years, I believe that once Garmin’s technology gets to the point where its Power Glass can offset the power consumption of its AMOLED screens, we’ll never see another Garmin watch with an MIP screen again. And that would be a real shame: the low power screen technology once symbolized, to me at least, everything Garmin watches were really about.

(Image credit: Matt Evans)

The best Apple watches and best Android smartwatches always place health and fitness highly amongst their features, but they’re really extensions of phones: they’re designed to answer messages and take calls on-wrist, load on third-party apps, use maps and so on. I’m not knocking them: they’re incredibly useful, the sort of super-spy gadget I would have wished for growing up in the 90s, which only seemed possible on the wrist of James Bond. Now we’ve all got them. But with all these features, coupled with sleek black-screen looks, comes a short battery life.

Garmin watches are everything proper smartwatches aren’t. They are big, chunky things with raised bezels like G-Shocks. Most of them are covered with buttons, eschewing the slick teardrop look of the Google Pixel Watch, which can’t be used wearing gloves, in favor of rugged utilitarianism. Until recently, they didn’t have touchscreens, and they had dull MIP displays that reminded me of digital watches or old Nintendo Game Boys, two gadgets very close to my heart.

These low-power MIP screens were part of the reason that older Garmin models lasted so long, but as battery technology improves, the MIP screens are being phased out. I get it: it’s easier to see an AMOLED screen in the dark, and people looking for smartwatches are now more likely to spring for a Garmin over an Apple Watch. However, part of the reason I loved utilitarian Garmins is that I have enough bright, flashing screens in my life, and just want something dull and dark and visible in bright sunlight to capture my training metrics.

If an Apple Watch is the Tim Burton Batmobile, a Garmin watch is the Christopher Nolan one: lumpy and military and eminently useful, able to take a few knocks in the line of duty. The MIP screen contributed to the anti-flashiness of it all, and even though I loved a lot of the AMOLED Garmin watches during testing, I hope Garmin doesn’t completely wipe the MIP from, er, memory.

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We’ve finally seen our first glimpse of Alexa+, Amazon’s new subscription-based, AI-bolstered voice assistant, and it has me eating my hat.

No, not because of its new, exciting features, nor because of Alexa’s new, more personable nature, but because just a few days ago, I was dunking on the Echo Show 15.

I can separate my personal feelings from my ability to review a piece of tech, which is why the Echo Show 15 scored a respectable four out of five stars in my review. Still, as I noted then, I couldn’t fathom why Amazon decided it needed a refresh when so little had changed from the original Echo Show 15.

Now, I understand entirely, and it’s all to do with Alexa+.

A display-first Alexa

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

At the demo we attended in New York City this week, pretty much all of the demonstrations for Alexa+ were run on an Echo Show 21, which immediately struck my colleague Jake Krol as an interesting indicator for the future of Echo Show devices. Not a single one of Amazon’s best smart speakers were on display, and we’ve got little to no idea how Alexa+ may interface as a voice-only smart assistant.

However, for me personally, it served as another reminder that sometimes, these big brands have more in store for their devices than we can imagine.

While testing the second-generation Echo Show 15, I was pleased with many of the upgrades but couldn't quite fathom why Amazon felt the need to update a device so minimally. The audio has been improved, the now-13MP camera has a wider field, but generally speaking, it's a very iterative update.

For a long time, Echo Show devices have been slightly more on the periphery for Amazon's Echo smart speaker and display devices, especially in the larger 15 inch screen variation. Following my review process, my overwhelming feeling was that Amazon still didn’t know what to do with the Echo Show 15; it supports the Fire TV interface and now comes with an included Fire TV remote, but the audio chops and display mean the device can’t replace the best small TVs.

Add to that the fact that you can’t swap out the standard Echo Show user interface for the snazzy new smart-home first interface introduced on the Echo Hub, and I felt pretty justified in my criticisms of the fence-sitting feature set – how wrong I was.

A smarter Show future

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

From what we've seen so far, Alexa+ isn't just an AI-based improvement upon the original smart home voice assistant; it's actually a complete rethink of how we interact with Amazon’s voice assistant.

In addition to a litany of new features and improved smarts, Alexa+ relies heavily on touch-based interactions with the display to respond to Alexa's suggestions and interact with different widgets on the home screen. You can use Alexa+ for improved media searching, pull up important home documentation and feeds from compatible home security devices, and even use Alexa for booking reservations, cabs, and tickets through third-party services. All around, Alexa takes a more agentic role in the home now, which is more easily delivered through a screen than voice alone.

Add to that the fact that Amazon will be rolling out Alexa+ to users who have an Echo Show 8, 10, 15, or 21 in their home (but it will be compatible with a wider range of products), and you begin to build a picture of why Amazon might be moving to more priority on its smart displays than smart speakers. That, and the fact that the brand hasn’t quite been able to monetize the fundamental interactions between customers and their smart speakers, to the tune of $25 billion between 2017 and 2021.

I can admit when I’m wrong (but I still think I’m right)

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

All this is to say that I underestimated the new second-generation Echo Show 15 and the all-new Echo Show 21; with Alexa+, these devices can work well both as media centers and smart displays… if you have Alexa+

However, a lot of my criticism still stands, and I’m never best pleased by standalone devices where added subscription costs dictate value. Alexa+ costs $19.99 or comes for free as part of an Amazon Prime membership - at least, for now, but the Echo Show 15 and 21 aren’t cheap devices at $299 / £299 and £399 / $399, respectively.

As standalone devices without an Alexa+ description, these bigger Show displays still feel a little out on a limb compared to the well-rounded, smaller smart displays we've seen from Amazon and some of its competition.

That leaves me thinking that, really, the target audience Amazon is trying to carve out for its larger displays is those who are most interested in Alexa+, which is a slightly frustrating predicament when we’ve got little to no insight or control over the long-term pricing strategy. If Amazon rolls out a similar approach to its Ring subscription plan, which has seen several controversial rounds of iterations in recent years, Alexa+ enthusiasts who do invest in a larger Echo Show device might find themselves frustrated when they no longer afford or use Alexa+ and the device isn't quite as useful as it once was.

However, I’d be quite surprised if we see any major changes to the value proposition of Alexa+ or, indeed, Amazon’s larger Echo Shows for a good few years, so it might pay to be an early adopter.

Time will tell; perhaps when we get our hands on Alexa+, we can just ask it for answers.

You might also like

• Amazon’s new AI-powered Alexa+ is a lot more fun to talk to than ChatGPT or Siri, and I like it
• Want to try Alexa+? Here are the Echo devices it'll work on

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Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX: one-minute review

Asus has introduced another fantastic keyboard with the ROG Falchion Ace HFX. This 65% board, which compresses only the most essential keys onto a short panel, offers immense functionality across several areas.

The drawcard of the Falchion Ace HFX is its incredible switches. While the standard Falchion Ace is available with three switch choices, the HFX only offers one tactile feel option – comfortable to the touch magnetic keys, making this Asus’ first hall effect keyboard. It’s one of the most satisfying keyboards to use that I’ve ever laid my hands on.

Despite not offering a wireless connection, it does include a dual USB-C arrangement so that it can quickly switch between two computers with a press of a button on the side, similar to how a monitor might switch between devices. A USB dongle or Bluetooth solution might have been more practical to pull this trick off, but it’s still a welcome ability.

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

More interesting to me is the return of Asus’ proprietary touch bar, a unique design element of the Falchion series that compresses media controls, volume, keyboard RGB brightness and other handy features into a touch panel, letting you adjust settings with taps and swipes of your finger. This feature rocked and is much more intuitive than a FN + key macro solution, though the depth of macroing with this keyboard is immense, allowing you to arrange quick commands, website hotkeys and quick Windows commands with a bindable keystroke.

With so much positive to say about the ROG Falchion Ace HFX, there aren’t many drawbacks, although the ones that are there might keep you from a purchase. This board doesn’t come cheap and is one of the most expensive options that Asus offers. The lack of a wireless variant will also leave buyers cutting down on cable clutter unimpressed, and those seeking wrist support will need to make a separate purchase.

More diehard keyboard shoppers will also be left unimpressed by the lack of hot-swapping functionality, and that there's only one switch type available (though the standard ROG Falchion offers three different options).

It’s a tremendous piece of kit. The ROG Falchion Ace HFX is one of the keyboards to beat in 2025, and it may be my favourite keyboard since the Logitech G PRO X TKL.

Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX: price and availability

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

• How much does it cost? $199/£239.99/$AU$359
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, Australia and other regions

The ROG Falchion Ace HFX is the fourth most expensive keyboard that Asus offers, below the base model Azoth, customizable Claymore II, and the extremely expensive Azoth Extreme. The price marked for the Ace HFX is reflective of the epic magnetic switches underlying its awesome-feeling keys, but given its 65% size profile, it lacks a lot of the typically essential buttons present in the higher-priced models, including a dedicated function row and numpad.

Not that you should feel you need to move up the range for said features, because the Falchion Ace HFX is more than competent and exclusive on its own terms. Compared to the competition, it’s one of the only options to offer magnetic switches on a 65% board. You may want to consider the Logitech G Pro X 60 if you want an even smaller board, or the Glorious GMMK 3 Pro 65 if you want greater customization, but there aren't many major brands offering magnetic switches right now.

• Value: 4/5

Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX: specs Asus ROG Falchion HFX: design and features

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

• More reserved ROG design
• Brilliant build quality
• Useful multifunction panel and dual computer support

Asus’ ROG gaming accessories are at their best when they don’t look too gamery, and the Falchion HFX looks fairly neutral compared to many other high-end boards offered by the manufacturer.

Available only in black, the one thing about this board that I would consider a tad excessive from a design perspective is the spelling out of ‘Republic of Gamers’ across the top. RGB lights behind each key are programmable with several lighting animations available.

At the top left, you’ll see an illuminated symbol, indicating which setting you’ve got your multi-function touch panel set to, cycleable with the press of a multifunction button in the top left. The panel across the back can be swiped with a fingertip, and can be used to adjust brightness and volume, change key actuation points, play and pause media, or even pull off any dedicated macros you have in mind. In the Armory Crate app, you can limit which functions the cycling button switches between, allowing for a more streamlined experience (I simply have it set to volume and media controls). This touch bar isn’t a new feature, as it’s been available on other Falchion models since 2022, but it works especially well on a small board like this.

There are also lights at the top right, indicating if win lock has been activated, if caps lock is currently on, and if ‘Rapid Trigger’ has been enabled, allowing for much quicker keystroke response times than whatever your preset mode is set to.

Your keyboard’s RGB lighting and per key actuation points can also be adjusted in the ROG Armory Crate app, where you'll find Speed Tap mode. This changes the function of the keyboard to allow for quicker directional changes by prioritising the last pressed in key – so instead of coming to a full stop when strafing in a game, you’ll move left to right or vice versa without lifting your fingers off the keys.

• Design and features: 5/5

Asus ROG Falchion HFX: Performance

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

• 8,000Hz polling rate
• Magnetic hall effect switches with five layer dampening
• Useful competitive gaming features

The Asus ROG Falchion HFX is a gaming keyboard aimed at competitive play, through and through. It offers an exceptional 8,000Hz polling rate – an enormous amount of reports the keyboard provides your computer in a second, theoretically improving response time. As a result of this, click latency is as low as 1.1ms on average with the Falchion HFX.

The keys feel coarse in a comfortable way, allowing for satisfying tactile contact between your fingertips and your inputs. A raised dot on the W key allows you to position your hands for gaming without looking down, brilliant for low-light battle stations.

The actuation point of your keys can be adjusted readily on the fly using the multi-function touch panel, allowing for much more shallow keypresses if you so wish. Backing all of this up is the fact that the keys are magnetic, and well damped to allow for a satisfying press while also being quick and not too loud. On the less technical side, the keyboard has three adjustment angles with two sets of feet underneath.

Many of these features may go above and beyond the needs of a casual gamer and indeed are well past the desires of somebody just after a useful typing tool. But for a dedicated gamer, the ROG Falchion HFX might be the exact device for your hobby.

Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts will likely be disappointed by the lack of hot-swappable keys, and that there's only one switch to choose from. Thankfully, the base model ROG Falchion offers more switch variety – the Falchion HFX is more of a performance model with its magnetic keys.

• Performance: 5/5

Should I buy the Asus ROG Falchion HFX? Buy it if...

You crave good performance and feeling

The ROG Falchion HFX offers a brilliant intersection of form and function, contained in a 65% board and offering some of the first magnetic switches on a mainstream model.

You want to ROG out

With its lighting and key programming reliant on Asus’ Armory Crate, you’ll likely want this to compliment other Asus peripherals in your arsenal.

Don't buy it if...

The price isn’t right

The ROG Falchion HFX isn’t designed to be a budget winner, and it’ll be a poor fit if you want to save cash.

You want greater customization

Mechanical keyboard fans will likely crave hot-swappable keys, which the ROG Falchion Ace HFX does not offer.

Asus ROG Falchion HFX: also consider

Keychron C3 Pro

Compatible across Mac and Windows PCs, the C3 Pro offers a solid design and a nice price, though it won’t be a winner among serious gamers.

Read our full Keychron C3 Pro review

Corsair K65 Plus

Slightly larger at 75%, the K65 Plus is comfortable and wireless, though it is on the pricey side.

Read our full Corsair K65 Plus review

Logitech G Pro X 60

Logitech’s smallest gaming keyboard might be a welcome option if you’re after switches from a premium brand but in a tinier unit.

How I tested the Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX

I tested the Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX over four weeks, paired with other Asus products including an OLED monitor, mouse and headset. I used it exclusively on my Windows 11 gaming PC and played games including Marvel Rivals, Avowed, The Headliners and Forza Horizon 5. I also used it for some productivity tasks, such as for typing out documents.

Over that time I used it across several lighting settings, enabled different macros and put it in different positions, while constantly adjusting actuation points and diving into toggles in the Armory Crate app.

• First Reviewed February 2025