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The report is the Israeli military's first official account of mistakes that preceded the 2023 attack, which launched Israel's subsequent war against Hamas in Gaza that killed more than 48,000 Palestinians.

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Full spoilers follow for Severance season 2, including episode 7.

Episode 7 of Severance season 2 has joined its forebears on Apple TV+ – and this week's installment, titled 'Chikhai Bardo', is not only a Gemma-focused installment, but also one packed with big reveals and new mysteries. I suspect, then, that you've got many more questions about the where the increasingly popular Apple TV Original's story is going.

So, if you want more information about Gemma's past, fresh details on Project Cold Harbor, and more besides, I'll do my best at providing them. Massive spoilers immediately follow for this season's seventh episode, so turn back now if you haven't watched it yet.

Severance season 2 episode 7 ending explained: Gemma's backstory revealed

Gemma and Mark's backstory will break your heart (Image credit: Apple TV+)

Gemma Scout is one of the most mysterious characters in Severance. In a series full of enigmatic individuals, that takes some doing, but it's true! The only things we knew about Gemma until 'Chikhai Bardo' were that she's Mark's wife, isn't dead (which, until the season 1 finale, Mark had been led to believe for over two years), and was a severed Lumon Industries employee who, until season 2 began, was the wellness director of the nefarious biotech company's Severed Floor division.

Severance's newest entry just disclosed many more details about Gemma's past. It opens with Gemma attending a blood donation drive at Ganz College library, which is where she meets Mark, who's a history professor at said college. Long story short: they fall in love, move in together, get married, and eventually try to have a baby.

As it happens, Gemma falls pregnant, but suffers a miscarriage. It's a soul-destroying, traumatic event that eventually sees Gemma and Mark become increasingly distant, but not before they try once more to have a child (this time, via IVF, which proves to be a fruitless endeavor).

Mark and Gemma's relationship has been tested like no other in Severance's second season (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

Thankfully, Gemma and Mark's relationship proves stronger than I anticipated and they appear to be doing far better by the night of her 'death'. Mark is unable to join Gemma a social gathering because he's got a paper to finish writing or grading. Gemma informs Mark she'll be home around 10pm, but that conversation proves to be the last one they'll have as a married couple. In the very next flashback scene, one that's absolutely devastating to watch, two police officers arrive at the Scout household to tell Mark about Gemma's demise. Evidently, Mark felt an incredible amount of guilt over his wife's death because he wasn't the car's driver, or couldn't save her after her allegedly fatal car crash, which serves as another key reason why he opted to undergo the severance procedure.

We learn more about Gemma's hobbies and interests during this trip down memory lane, which Mark is experiencing after slipping into a coma in this season's sixth episode, too. You can read more about why he fell unconscious in my Severance season 2 episode 6 theories piece. Anyway, during episode 7's various flashback sequences, we find out that Gemma loves plants, can speak Russian, and is a well-read individual. The latter is made clear by her lecturer profession and her understanding of Bardo, a Buddhist concept regarding life and death. I'll explain what this is in more detail later and how it ties into this episode's title.

Severance season 2 episode 7 ending explained: what is Lumon trying to accomplish with Gemma and does she escape?

Gemma seems like she's integral to the work that Lumon is doing (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

Lumon's endgame remains a mystery, but 'Chikhai Bardo' provides some new details about what's going on within the walls of the clandestine organization.

For one, Gemma is as key to the puzzling project know as Cold Harbor as Mark is. We first heard about this during this season's premiere and you can read more about it in my Severance season 2 episode 1 theories article.

Regardless of what Cold Harbor ends up being, we know it's the final test subject room (more on these later) that Gemma must visit – indeed, she says as much during a conversation with Lumon's cryptic scientist (more on him later, too) in episode 7. Clearly, she's integral to the "mysterious and important" (Lumon's words, not mine) work that Lumon is carrying out, but Mark's 'innie' needs to achieve 100% completion of his Cold Harbor work before Gemma can access it. I suspect, then, that we won't learn what Cold Harbour actually is until this season's penultimate or final entry.

Gemma's backstory is fleshed out in season 2 episode 7 (Image credit: Apple TV+)

That's if Mark's 'outie' doesn't find a way to help Gemma escape, anyway. She tries to do so on her own – she's been held against her will for years, so it makes sense that she'd attempt to do so – in one of the best Apple TV+ shows' latest episode, but it's a mission that proves to be a futile one.

After knocking the mysterious, unsuspecting doctor unconscious with a chair in her room, Gemma steals his all-access key card and, after stealthily avoiding her orderly via this floor's labyrinthine corridors, she arrives at and uses the elevator. However, Gemma soon passes through the elevator's severance barrier, which causes her Ms Casey persona to emerge. Upon exiting the elevator on the Severed Floor and walking down the corridor to reach the sector itself, she's greeted at the exit by Seth Milchick, aka the Severed Floor manager. He instructs the bewildered Ms Casey to turn around and head back to where she came from, which she duly does. Gemma re-emerges after the elevator passes through the severance barrier again and, after being met by her nurse as the elevator doors open, a visibly upset Gemma is led back to her room.

Severance season 2 episode 7 ending explained: who is the mysterious doctor who seems obsessed with Gemma?

Meet Doctor Mauer, everyone (Image credit: Apple TV+)

Until now, this enigmatic individual has remained nameless. We'd only seen him once before, too – he's the mysterious man who's seen visiting Optics and Design to acquire some tools in Severance season 2 episode 5.

Thanks to 'Chikhai Bardo', we now know who he is: Doctor Mauer, who appears to be a full-time, permanent Lumon employee and, like many of the corporation's elite workforce, a Kier devotee.

Hang on, why is Doctor Mauer at the fertility clinic that Mark and Gemma visit? (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

As I mentioned earlier, it seems he's developed an unhealthy obsession with Gemma, which appears to go all the way back to her IVF treatment. In a blink and you'll miss it moment, Mauer can be seen passing (and staring!) at Gemma and Mark as they decide where to sit in the fertility clinic's reception/waiting area. In the confines of Lumon, he's not only responsible for noting down Gemma's answers at the end of every day, but also conducts each experiment with Gemma in the aforementioned test rooms. He even uses numerous disguises so that none of her 'innie' personalities can work out who he is.

It'll be interesting to see how he reacts to Gemma in season 2's final three episodes. After all, she attacked him with a chair and stole his all-access pass to mount an escape effort. Will he hold that against her, or will his clear feelings for Gemma override any hostility he may have towards her? Whatever happens, Gemma is clearly not safe with him – and, with Drummond telling him (in the previously mentioned secret observation room) that he'll "have to say goodbye" to Gemma once Project Cold Harbor is complete, I'm worried that a potentially unhinged Mauer will try and keep Gemma for himself.

Severance season 2 episode 7 ending explained: what's with the test rooms that Gemma visits and how many are there?

I wonder what's behind all of these rooms... (Image credit: Apple TV+)

If the above didn't have enough theory-inducing material for fans to pore over until season 2 episode 8 arrives, the reveal of this sub-Severed Floor area certainly does.

Dubbed the 'Testing Floor' by director/executive producer Ben Still on this week's episode of The Severance Podcast, it's a sector with a seemingly infinite number of rooms that Gemma is the test subject for. Each doorway contains its own severance barrier so, each time Gemma enters a different room, it unlocks a different 'innie' persona within her. Still confirmed that Gemma has multiple 'innie' personalities on The Severance Podcast's latest episode, too.

But I digress. Essentially, each room is akin to a role-playing scenario, with Gemma forced to act out various everyday and/or life-threatening situations, such as Christmas Day or a flight that's experiencing extreme turbulence, with Doctor Mauer. On this particular day, Gemma visits six different rooms: Billings, Cairns, Lucknow, St. Pierre, Wellington, and Zurich. She also visits the room known as Allentown the day after.

What scenarios are played out in each of these rooms? (Image credit: Apple TV+)

We don't learn about each room's scenario in episode 7, but we do find out what many of them are called. Other room names I spotted as Gemma walks down this floor's hallwasys include Dranesville, Siena, Loveland, Rhodes, and Tumwater. Many more are revealed on a blink and you'll miss it shot of a computer monitor in Lumon's secret observation room (more on this in a moment), too, which you can see in the image above.

It isn't among the test room names in the above image, but there's one experiment space that'll have immediately piqued the interest of many of you: Cold. Harbor.

Severance season 2 episode 7 ending explained: what do these test rooms have to do with Project Cold Harbor?

Well, that answers one big question we have about Project Cold Harbor... (Image credit: Apple TV+)

First mentioned in Severance season 2 episode 1, Project Cold Harbor is the biggest enigma of the hit mystery thriller series' sophomore outing.

Unfortunately, 'Chikhai Bardo' doesn't shed any new light on what it actually is. We do learn, though, that its progress bar has been stuck at 96%. This much is made clear during a conversation between Drummond and Mauer in Lumon's secret observation room (I'll discuss this next, promise!), with Drummond saying it hasn't updated since Mark S had that nosebleed in season 2 episode 6, which is a temporary but significant setback for whatever work he's carrying out.

Will Mark's 'innie' return to Lumon and complete Cold Harbor before season 2 ends? His 'outie' will need to wake from his coma first – and you can see if he does by scrolling through the rest of this article.

Severance season 2 episode 7 ending explained: why is there a secret observation room at Lumon?

Another episode, another secret room within the bowels of Lumon (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

Alright, so what's this secret observation room that Lumon has? It appears to be a place that the company can spy on its Severed Floor workforce. That much is evident by those unsevered Lumon employees being able to watch each severed employee via a camera feed that's plugged directly into Mark S and company's computer monitors.

One speedy time lapse later and it's clear why Lumon is keeping tabs on its severed workers: it wants to ensure that they attain 100% completion on each test room, which will allow Doctor Mauer to conduct his roleplay experiments with Gemma. During said time lapse, we can see Mark's 'innie' completing work on Cairns and Dranesville – and, as I outlined above, these are two of the rooms that Gemma visits at different points in episode 7. That serves as more proof that Lumon's severed workforce needs to complete each project before Mauer and Gemma can access a new test room.

Severance season 2 episode 7 ending explained: does Mark wake from his coma?

Wakey wakey, Mark (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

Yep! Before episode 7's end credits roll, Mark regains consciousness. At the very least, this implies he's partway through the reintegration process – i.e. the experimental procedure that combines the 'innie' and 'outie' personas of a severed individual.

And when I say 'partway', it's because I don't believe he's achieved full reintegration. Remember, Reghabi – the former Lumon scientist who devised the innovative but dangerous technique – told Mark's sister Devon that they needed to restart the process once he'd come to. With Reghabi leaving Mark's home after Devon devises a plan to call Harmony Cobel, aka the former Severed Floor manager, for help, I don't think Mark's reintegration has been completed. I fully expect him to continue 'jumping' between the real world and Lumon in this season's last three episodes, then.

Severance season 2 episode 7 ending explained: what is 'Chikhai Bardo'? And does it tell us anything about this show's story?

The concept of Bardo is a part of Buddhist culture (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

In some Buddhist traditions, the concept of Bardo refers the intermediate, transitional, or unseen state between death and being reborn. It has six stages (known as bardos), of which Chikhai Bardo is the fourth bardo and the first that relates to the 'during death' cycle. It marks the precipice of the 'final inner breath', too, which a living being takes before it passes.

The term Chikhai Bardo appears to have a double meaning in this episode, then. The first relates to Mark's comatose state as, until he reawakens, it's unclear if the reintegration process will succeed (he's still alive!) or fail (well, he's dead). Essentially, he's on the cusp of death until he regains consciousness in episode 7's final scene.

Chikhai Bardo also relates to Gemma. Not only does she mention it by name during a conversation with Mark as they discuss some laminated cards (see the image above) during one flashback, but Gemma is also on the edge of a knife when it comes to the life-death experience. Any one of her 'innie' personas could be snuffed out by Lumon in an instant (it's already done this to Burt and Irving) and, let's be frank, she's not exactly living while she's being held captive as a test subject by Lumon. In fact, you could argue her imprisonment is akin to being stuck in purgatory, which, per Catholic doctrine, is a intermediate state between life and death. Hmm, where have I heard such a similar description like that before...

One final thing on Bardo. It's a classical Tibetan word that's not the only one uttered in episode 7. Indeed, during a sit-down meal (shown via flashback) with Mark, Devon, and Ricken, Gemma uses the Tibetan name for Mount Everest, which is Chomolungma. Dichen Lachmann, who plays Gemma/Ms Casey, was also born in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu, which is considered to be the gateway to Tibet for tourists. The more you know, eh?

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In just a year, AI adoption has surged with McKinsey & Company reporting that 72% of organizations adopted AI into at least one business function – a striking increase from 55% in 2023. For years, the overarching misconception has been that automation and AI tools will replace human jobs, sparking fear among employees about their future careers.

However, companies are increasingly recognizing that a healthy, happy workforce is not only more productive but also more innovative and resilient. As a result, AI and automation are now playing an important role in creating a more balanced and fulfilling work life.

Removing employee's AI and automation concerns

The rapid advancement of AI and automation has fueled uncertainty, largely because employers struggle to present the technology as a tool to empower their workforce.

Instead of eliminating jobs, automation often leads to job evolution. Consider the transition from traditional manufacturing roles to advanced manufacturing positions that require more technical skills. Workers are not being replaced but their roles must change to adapt to new technology. New skills facilitate employees to engage in more rewarding positions that make better use of their talents. The demand for new positions in the field like data analysis, machine learning and maintenance of automated systems will replace the space left by mundane tasks and provide fulfilling work for employees.

With the ongoing changes to the work life, employees can’t be blamed for doubting their role. This is where employers need to do more than just provide tools – they need to offer the right training and create the space for employees to feel confident in navigating new technologies. By prioritizing employee wellbeing while adopting AI and automation, organizations will cultivate a culture of communication and trust.

Enhancing employee wellbeing

When employees feel comfortable with new technology, organizations can use automation to enable employees to focus on higher-priority work. Imagine being able to build a workplace where employees are freed from tedious tasks like data entry, making more time for creativity and more meaningful tasks. With the pressure of administrative tasks lifted and employees under a little less stress, decision-making becomes a thoughtful process.

Job satisfaction is also gained through the feeling of progress. When burdened with monotonous tasks, employee satisfaction will diminish if they feel limited in making meaningful progress. By allowing AI and automation to take over these tasks, employees will have time to perform more skilled work, leading to greater satisfaction. In turn, there will be more time for employees to learn new skills and take on complex and rewarding responsibilities.

In areas in which human intelligence is superior to AI, such as strategic planning, innovation and creative problem solving, employees will recognize their value. By creating an environment of continuous improvement via valuable work, employees will gain greater job satisfaction.

Three strategies for implementing AI and automation

Recognizing the impact AI and automation has on employees is the first step, but that’s not to say that implementing strategies to combat this is easy. Several strategies will help encourage the successful adoption of automation:

Engage employees early – ensuring employees are involved in the initial planning and implementation stages will make a significant difference in how AI and automation are perceived and accepted. By providing space for employees to offer input and feedback, organizations can address concerns and make adjustments that align with the workforce’s needs and expectations. This collaborative approach to embracing change and empowering employees by making them feel valued and heard.

Provide training and feedback – by prioritizing training and development programs, ensure employees are equipped with the necessary skills to operate new technologies and adapt to changing roles. Investing in employee development, further demonstrates an organization’s commitment to its team’s growth and future, in turn boosting morale and job satisfaction.

Foster a culture of collaboration – it is no secret that open communication builds a supportive and encouraging work environment. Automation can further support collaboration by streamlining communication channels. Project management software can automate task assignments and updates, ensuring everyone is informed and involved. By using automation to promote collaboration, organizations can enhance employee engagement and create a productive atmosphere.

When thoughtfully implemented, automation can significantly enhance employee well-being. Organizations can future-proof their operations, and cultivate a motivated and satisfied workforce, but this heavily relies on addressing employees’ misplaced fears around AI and automation. By embracing AI and automation with a focus on wellbeing, organizations will be ideally placed to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

• Microsoft completes its EU Data Boundary project
• EU cloud data will now be stored in the EU
• Meta previously received a fine from the EU for storing data in the US

Microsoft Cloud customers in the EU will now be able to store and process their data within the continent after the company finally completed a major project.

In an announcement, Microsoft said its new EU Data Boundary project will mean customers can now store professional services data from “technical support interactions” for core cloud services within EFTA and the EU.

Previously, Microsoft Cloud customers had their data sent to the US, which raised privacy concerns from the EU.

Greater control

The announcement is the completion of a “massive, multi-year” project, to fulfill Microsoft’s goals of providing a solution which processes and stores customer data.

It will include, "customer data and pseudonymized personal data for Microsoft core cloud services — including Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and most Azure services — within the EU and EFTA regions.”

The project initially launched in January 2023, with the first phase focusing on core services. Phase 2 expanded the scope of the EU Data Boundary to include “pseudonymized personal data”, and now in this final phase, Microsoft Cloud sovereignty gives customers more control, transparency, and accountability through European Cloud principles.

Microsoft says it has invested over $20 billion in AI and cloud infrastructure to meet the growing demand and “expand local options”.

EU regulators have previously raised concerns over how Microsoft processes the data of cloud service users, and Microsoft is not the only target. Meta received a giant $1.3 billion fine, and was ordered to stop transferring EU data to the US.

The requirement to stop the storage of personal data of EU individuals would be a “massive undertaking to carry out, financially, technically and logistically," said Nigel Jones, co-founder of the Privacy Compliance Hub, so it’s no surprise this project from Microsoft took over two years to complete.

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• OpenAI has launched GPT-4.5, but only for ChatGPT Pro users right now. Plus users get it next week
• GPT-4.5 is supposedly smarter and more emotionally intuitive than earlier AI models but lack deep reasoning power
• OpenAI claims GPT-4.5 will provide better conversations and fewer hallucinations than ever

OpenAI has officially launched GPT-4.5, the most advanced version of its AI models, but it has no deep reasoning ability, because it's designed to be an all-purpose model. The latest model is available on ChatGPT, though for now, you'll need to be a Pro subscriber to access it.

The model is being rolled out as a “research preview,” which means it's imperfect, and OpenAI hopes users will help sort out any bugs or awkwardness. Even so, the company claims early testers report that GPT-4.5 feels more natural, intuitive, and emotionally intelligent. This is a welcome upgrade for those of us who have ever asked ChatGPT for information and felt like the response was just an outdated Wikipedia page.

GPT-4.5 is supposed to be even better at understanding context and recognizing social cues than its predecessors. The overall feeling is supposedly all but indistinguishable from chatting with a real person. It certainly seems to have impressed OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who called it "the first model that feels like talking to a thoughtful person" in a post on X. Altman added that GPT-4.5 will come to ChatGPT Plus and Team subscribers next week, but you'll need to pay $200 a month to play with it for now.

GPT-4.5 is ready!good news: it is the first model that feels like talking to a thoughtful person to me. i have had several moments where i've sat back in my chair and been astonished at getting actually good advice from an AI.bad news: it is a giant, expensive model. we…February 27, 2025

Fewer hallucinations, more empathy

Notably, GPT-4.5 is not only supposedly smarter and more creative, but it should also produce fewer hallucinations. That last part is particularly important because hallucinations were often a sticking point for tentative ChatGPT users who didn't want to rely on a chatbot that might confidently make things up. Performance-wise, GPT-4.5 is supposed to be a big step up and really good with general knowledge. However, that doesn't mean it can handle coding and problem-solving as well as OpenAI's o1 and o3 models or rival options like DeepSeek’s R1.

Instead, GPT-4.5 specializes in empathy, with a high emotional quotient (EQ). AI still can’t feel things, but GPT-4.5 is supposed to be better at picking up on nuance. If you’re venting about a bad day, it won’t just reply, "I’m sorry you feel that way.” Instead, it’s designed to offer more thoughtful responses. Whether that makes it feel more like a conversation partner or just a particularly well-trained customer service bot remains to be seen. As for how to measure the EQ, OpenAI quite literally depended on "vibes."

"By vibes, really mean the model's EQ, how collaborative it feels and how warm its tone is," OpenAI engineer Rapha Gontijo Lopes explained in a livestream demonstration of GPT-4.5. "We measured this by selecting an opinionated set of prompts and screening our trainers for the ones that most align with our vibes."

If you’re a ChatGPT Pro user, you’ll be among the first to see whether GPT-4.5 truly has the vibes of a human and lives up to the hype. If you're not spending quite that much, you'll get a chance soon enough. Either way, with Amazon announcing a more chatty, AI-powered Alexa+ yesterday, the AI arms race just heated up again, and this time it's looking like the chatbots will be able to mimic how you feel more realistically than ever.

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GenAI is revolutionizing how developers create new apps and services. It’s making app development more efficient, providing developers with the tools to make it easier to spin up applications, tweak pre-built models, and create something functional in record time. However, this means applications can be developed without support from IT and may be bypassing the security and governance frameworks in place, making the battle against Shadow IT more difficult.

On the one hand GenAI is revolutionizing how business apps are built and utilized, accelerating time to market and potential profitability. On the other hand, organizations are faced with an increased attack surface created by programs that often bypass traditional IT oversight. In this new era, shadow IT isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a potential security crisis waiting to happen.

When Shadow IT Meets AI-Enhanced Cyberattacks

Eighty-three percent of leaders in a recent Kong report say AI investments are fueling new products and services. It’s easy to see why. Need to automate a workflow or create a chatbot? A few keystrokes, and it’s done. The barriers to building have all but disappeared, unleashing a wave of innovation that’s impossible to ignore.

But here’s the catch: this creative boom has a dark side. Some of these new tools rely on shadow APIs—untracked, unmanaged gateways operating in the wild west of IT infrastructure. And cybercriminals? They’re more than happy to exploit these blind spots, turning innovation into a security nightmare.

As AI evolves, so do the tools attackers use to exploit it. The rise of AI tools has only made it easier for bad actors to automate attacks, uncover hidden APIs, and launch targeted breaches. While developers build with GenAI, hackers use the same technology to scale their attacks.

Kong’s research paints a stark picture: 74% of IT leaders are deeply concerned about AI-enhanced attacks. But it’s not just bad actors misusing AI. Even well-intentioned usage can lead to data exposure. Take Samsung, for instance—when employees fed sensitive source code into ChatGPT, it became publicly accessible, creating a security and compliance nightmare.

The Trouble with Shadow IT and APIs

Governing shadow IT has always been tricky, but the rise of GenAI takes it to another level. With employees and teams creating applications faster than ever, keeping track of what’s being built, and how it connects to your systems, can feel like an impossible task. Shadow APIs, in particular, are a major blind spot. They’re often spun up without proper security measures, leaving them wide open to exploitation.

The compliance risks are just as serious. Regulatory frameworks and federal laws demand strict data protection and transparency. Shadow APIs can slip under the radar, exposing sensitive data without organizations even realizing it. This not only puts businesses at risk of breaches, but also hefty fines for non-compliance.

Millions of APIs exist out in the wild which makes them an attractive target to cybercriminals. Over half of the organizations surveyed experienced an API security incident last year, and 20% faced remediation costs exceeding $500,000. In fact, Gartner estimates that API breaches leak ten times more data than your average cyberattack.

For organizations trying to stay ahead, visibility is everything. Without tools to discover and govern shadow IT, businesses risk falling out of step with compliance requirements and leaving themselves vulnerable to attacks.

Quieting the Chaos: Why Infrastructure Matters

So, how do you manage the perfect storm of GenAI, APIs and Shadow IT without stifling innovation? It all starts with a solid infrastructure. Organizations need tools that shine a light on every API—whether it’s part of an official project or something a team developed on the side.

That’s where solutions like AI Gateways come into play. Think of an AI Gateway as the control tower for your API ecosystem. It’s a centralized hub that not only monitors and manages all your APIs but also keeps tabs on the traffic generated by AI-powered tools. With built-in AI smarts, these platforms can flag suspicious activity, uncover rogue APIs, and stop threats in their tracks.

Even better, AI Gateways help businesses scale without introducing unnecessary risk. They make it easy to integrate AI-driven apps securely, ensuring that innovation doesn’t come at the cost of security.

Turning Risks into Opportunities

Generative AI isn’t going anywhere—it’s already reshaping how we work, create, and collaborate. But to harness its potential, businesses need to tackle the challenges head-on. Here’s how to strike the right balance:

1. Spot Shadow APIs: Use advanced network monitoring tools to identify hidden APIs and understand their impact on your ecosystem.

2. Build Smarter Policies: Develop AI-specific security measures, like auditing large language models (LLMs) and training employees to use AI responsibly.

3. Invest in Resilience: Adopt infrastructure solutions like AI gateways to manage API sprawl and boost security.

As our report points out, 84% of IT leaders believe AI and LLMs will make API security even more complex in the next few years. Getting ahead of these challenges now is critical to staying competitive—and secure.

The Bottom Line

GenAI is a game-changer, but it’s also rewriting the rules of Shadow IT. With every new app or API, comes a new potential vulnerability. The good news? By combining innovative AI tools with a strong governance strategy, businesses can transform these risks into opportunities.

The key is finding the right balance: embrace the creativity GenAI enables, but don’t lose sight of the security and scalability needed to keep it all under control. After all, innovation is only as powerful as the foundation it’s built on.

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Eufy E20: two-minute review

The Eufy E20 is an ingenious piece of design. It's a self-emptying robotic vacuum that also doubles as both a stick and handheld vacuum, so when it's finished cleaning the floors, you can take over and vacuum the stairs, a sofa, or your car interior. It has strong suction (up to 30,000 Pa in handheld mode) and is more capable than some other robots at climbing over raised door thresholds and wading through thick rugs.

The setup process is quick and simple, and the Eufy app is easy to use, with plenty of options for adjusting settings, creating cleaning schedules and even driving the robot manually, if you prefer. The docking station is relatively compact and the crevice tool neatly stores inside the robot itself when not in use. And, while you'll need to find somewhere to store the stick attachment, it does at least stand up on its own.

I've tested some of the best robot vacuums on the market, and the E20's robo element holds up pretty well in comparison, although it's not quite perfect. Its cleaning powers was good and I was mostly impressed by its navigation skills, although during my review period it sometimes behaved erratically and was occasionally let down by imperfect obstacle avoidance. It frequently head-butted the (open) kitchen door and pushed shoes instead of driving cleanly around them. I also had to remove tangled hair from the roller brush more frequently than with some other robotic vacuums.

The manual vacuum works surprisingly well, and while it lacks the robust build quality and extra features found on today's best cordless vacuums, it was still capable enough to replace my regular Dyson for the duration of my review. If you don't already own a stick vacuum, or yours needs replacing, the E20 is an effective all-in-one solution that delivers strong value for money.

That's the short version; read on for my full Eufy E20 review.

(Image credit: Future) Eufy E20 review: price & availability

• List price: $549.99 / £549
• Launched: February 2025
• Available: US / UK

The Eufy E20 was announced at CES 2025 – where it won the Best of Innovation in Home Appliances award – and went on sale earlier in February 2025. At list price, it costs $550 / £550 / AU$999, which makes it a mid-range robotic vacuum. At time of writing, Eufy's own website offered a $50 discount, so it looks like you'll be able to avoid paying full price if you're smart about when you buy.

However, the E20 isn't just a robot vacuum – it's also a cordless stick vacuum (which can be used as a handheld). This plausibly means customers could buy the E20 and do without any other form of vacuum for their entire home, since in stick and handheld mode it can handle the stairs, a sofa, your car interior and everywhere else unreachable by rival robots.

While this 3-in-1 design is unusual, it's not completely unique. Currently on the market is the Yeedi C12 Combo, which similarly bundles stick vac and robovac on the same docking station, although there the handheld doesn't sit inside the robot vacuum. That option is US-only, and costs $699.99 / (about £560 / AU$1,110).

There's also the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo, which has a handheld included (but no wand to turn it into a floor vac). Again, it's not available in the UK, but is significantly more expensive at $1,199.99 / AU$2,299 (about £950).

If we focus on Eufy's own range, and the robot vacuum-only options, the E20's price puts it roughly on par with the $650 Eufy Omni C20. However that self-emptying robot comes with a powered rotating mop, which the E20 lacks. Below both sits the $450 Eufy L60, which has the same self-emptying design but also lacks a mop.

Ultimately, the E20 is good value if you don't already own a handheld or stick vacuum, and if you're happy to mop the floors yourself. A good stick vacuum will typically cost £350 / $350 or more (although some are far pricier), so factoring that in, the Eufy E20 starts to make sense.

• Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Eufy E20 specs Eufy E20 review: design

• Innovative 3-in-1 design can function as robovac, stick vac and handheld
• Robovac and handheld dock and empty into the same base
• No mopping capabilities

The Eufy E20's design is by far its most compelling attribute. This is a robotic vacuum that doubles as a handheld vacuum with both stick and brush attachments for cleaning floors, steps and sofas. Or, think of it as a handheld vacuum that can be docked into a robot, which then charges and empties its onboard dustbin via the included docking station.

It's a clever approach to the number one problem with robotic vacuums – that, no matter how intelligent and powerful they are, they cannot tackle the stairs, furniture or your car. With the E20, Eufy presents a machine that can handle just about everything, and means you don't need to purchase an additional handheld vacuum. All that's missing is a mop.

The motorized part of the robot looks much like other robotic vacuums, complete with wheels, roller brush and spinning side brush. But with the press of a big red button, the handheld element – which comprises the robot's suction system, dustbin and battery – detaches, ready to be used as a handheld. A stick attachment with powered roller brush for vacuuming the floor is included in the box, along with a crevice tool and a brush for vacuuming furniture. The stick doesn't come with a wall mount (as other handheld vacuums do), but can stand up on its own, making it easy to store without falling over, and the crevice tool handily tucks into a storage slot on the robot itself.

(Image credit: Future)

The robot measures 13.5 inches (34 cm) in diameter and is 5.5 inches (14 cm) tall. The base station is 10 inches (25.5cm) wide, 15.5 inches (39cm) tall and 6in (15cm) deep. When docked and charging, the total footprint of the robot and base station is 13.5in (34 cm) wide and 18in (46cm) deep.

The stick attachment for using the vacuum as a handheld is 34 inches (86cm) long. As ever with robotic vacuums, it is recommended that you leave plenty of space in front of, and to the side of, the docking station. This isn't entirely necessary, but bear in mind that if the dock is close to a wall the robot won't be able to reach that area of the floor.

(Image credit: Future)

The handheld section uses a bagless design and can be emptied manually. Or, you can place it back onto the robot and it'll then empty automatically into the charging dock, which uses a 3.5-liter dust bag that Eufy says needs replacing every 75 days. The robot empties itself when it sees fit, although you can have it empty on command with a press of a button.

(Image credit: Future)

Installing and setting up the Eufy E20 is easy. It connects to the Eufy app just like the company's other robotic vacuums, then drives around to create an editable map of your home. After that, you can task the robot with cleaning your entire property, or targeting one room or just a specific area of your choosing. There's also plenty of customization, with several suction strengths to pick from, but I'll come back to this in the performance section of the review.

Lastly, a strange quirk of the E20's design is how the robot's charge point is at the opposite side to the dust bin. This means the robot first parks at the docking station to empty its dust bin, then drives back out, turns around, and parks again, this time facing the opposite way so its charge point can connect to the dock.

• Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Eufy E20 review: performance

• Robovac mostly performs well on suction and object avoidance
• ... although some navigation issues and erratic behavior
• Manual vacuum surprisingly capable too, if a bit loud

The setup process took just a few minutes, with the robot successfully navigating its way around my apartment on its first attempt. It created a fairly accurate map, which I was able to quickly edit – changing a couple of room boundaries and naming each room – from the app with just a few taps. I also created a no-go zone to prevent the robot from driving under the living room sofa, as the amount of stuff under there meant it was bound to get stuck. Finally, I used the app to mark the bedroom floor as a medium pile carpet, and to plot the location of a high pile rug in the living room.

Right away, I was impressed by how the E20 clambered its way over a set of relatively high doorway thresholds without getting stuck. It even reversed then drove forward more quickly after failing on its first attempt. Some other Eufy robots, including the vastly more expensive Omni S1 Pro, have failed to reliably clear these thresholds. I asked Eufy about this but a spokesperson said there have been no changes to the robot's intelligence in this regard.

(Image credit: Future)

It also drove over a thick rug without getting stuck – also something pricier robots often fail to do – but got tangled up in some tassels at the end of the rug. This is understandable, and if you have such a rug you'll want to either mark it as a no-go zone in the app, or move it before each clean.

The robot mostly navigated very well, but on one occasion, after being untangled from the rug, it first said it "wasn't on the ground", when it was, then seemingly got lost despite saying it had correctly positioned itself. Another press of the home button fixed this, and after several minutes of exploration, it found its way back to the dock.

(Image credit: Future)

During daily use, I found the E20's navigation to be a little clumsy and inconsistent. Sometimes it would drive precisely along a wall, leaving the tiniest of gaps, while other times it would push shoes around instead of driving around them, and head-butt open doors. On one occasion, when tasked with vacuuming the bedroom, the robot arrived at the entrance to the room and cleaned for just a few moments, before declaring the task complete and returning to base. I tried again, but this time it failed to enter the room and instead drove off into the living room, before returning and successfully entering the bedroom.

Although I've highlighted a few unfortunate failings here, the E20 mostly performed well. I especially like how it drove more quickly at any raised thresholds it failed to clear at the first attempt, and how it cleaned in neat lines – and at a decent speed – when in a large, open space. Only in the more cluttered corners of my home, such as where doors can't be fully opened and access is restricted by relatively complex objects like a portable heater and an office chair, did the E20 struggle. In a larger home with more open space I can see if performing better.

(Image credit: Future)

Before I get to the specific cleaning challenges, I should talk about the E20's handheld function. This performs very well indeed, with the stick attachment easy to fit and remove, and the crevice tool handy for vacuuming furniture, a car interior, and other hard-to-reach areas. In handheld mode the E20 deploys its maximum 30,000 Pa of suction (compared to 8,000 Pa when used as a robot, as power is also needed for the motors and navigation system). It did a great job of cleaning hard floors, carpets, rugs and sofas, and entirely replaced my Dyson Cyclone V10 for the duration of the test.

There are four levels of suction power, selected by repeatedly pressing the power button and indicated by a light bar on the side of the vacuum. A long press of the same button turns the vacuum on and off.

(Image credit: Future)

Although the manual vacuum works well and has plenty of power, it is rather loud. I recorded a peak loudness of 92 dB at maximum suction (the same as the Dyson V10 at full power), but a more comfortable 82-85 dB at the Eufy's lower power settings.

Being able to use a robotic vacuum as a handheld is a bit of a game-changer, even if the robot isn't quite the smartest around. I can imagine scheduling the robot to clean every few days, then using the stick attachment for occasional top-ups – like tidying up crumbs after food prep – and picking the crevice tool for furniture.

All that's missing is a mop, but at this price point that omission is understandable. A static mopping pad could have been added, as with the SwitchBot K10+ Pro, but since that doesn't work too well, I prefer Eufy's approach of reducing complexity and going without.

Suction tests

Now for the specific tests, starting with how the E20 performs with fine dust, made from a mixture of flour and crushed digestives, on a hard floor. Since it's a small room, I set the robot to vacuum the entire floor once at its lowest power setting, called Quiet and with a loudness measured at 63 dB.

The results were impressive, with almost all evidence of the flour/crumb fix picked up on a single pass at the lowest suction level. I noticed how the E20 didn't flick debris all over the room with its spinning side brush, as other robotic vacuums are often guilty of. In this case, a second pass wasn't required.

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Crumb mix sprinkled on hard floor, ready for suction test (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

Results after cleaning in quiet mode (Image credit: Future)

I then repeated the test on carpet, and the results were less impressive. The E20 spilled some of its bin contents when clearing the doorway threshold (which sees it climb from exposed floorboards up to a carpet), then failed to lift all of the crumb mix on its first pass. I repeated the test using the next suction level, called Standard (measured at 65 dB), but the robot failed, stating: “Route unavailable. Unable to reach the target point.”

This error occurs when a custom cleaning zone includes an area beyond the confines of the map. Even if it just touches an object like your bed, for example, the task will fail, so you need to be extra careful when creating the custom zone.

Most of the crumb mix was picked up using Standard mode, but some still remained. A single pass on the next mode, called Turbo (66 dB), picked up all debris. After this, the robot emptied its dust bin (79 dB) and put itself on charge.

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Crumb mix sprinkled on carpet, ready for suction test (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3

Results in quiet suction mode (Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3

Results in standard mode (Image credit: Future)

I then repeated the tests, but this time replaced the crumb mix with oats to see how the E20 performed with larger debris. On hard floor the lowest suction level is powerful enough to pick up the oats, but the robot flicked debris around the room with its spinning side brush and left quite a bit of mess behind, as most robotic vacuums do in this test.

Next, I upped the suction strength to Standard and switched to two passes instead of one, and the E20 did a fantastic job. The room was left almost spotless, with practically no debris missed at all. Impressive.

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Oats sprinkled on hard floor, ready for suction test (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3

Results in quiet mode (Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3

Results after two passes in standard mode (Image credit: Future)

I repeated the oats test on carpet and found that two passes with Standard mode was the best option. The robot did a great job, picking up all debris save for just two stray oats.

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Oats sprinkled on carpet, ready for suction test (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

Results after two passes in standard mode (Image credit: Future)

Finally, obstacle avoidance. I used a sock, a shoe and a USB cable to test the E20's ability to spot objects and navigate around. It did a great job of avoiding both the shoe and sock, getting close (but not too close) to each, then continuing its cleaning routine.

(Image credit: Future)

Unfortunately, it didn't care for the USB cable, and ate it almost immediately. This wrapped around the roller brush, stopping the robot and causing it to ask for help. No damage was caused, but it was clearly a failure.

(Image credit: Future)

Eufy says the E20 uses LiDAR and 'dual laser sensors” to scan its environment and avoid obstacles over 15mm in size. The USB cable is less than 15mm wide, but is of course much longer than that. Eufy also says the roller brush rotates in reverse after cleaning and uses a built-in comb to dislodge hair, but when retrieving the cable I also had to remove a clump of hair that had tangled itself around the roller after just a handful of cleans.

• Performance score: 3.5 out of 5

Eufy E20 review: app

• Simple setup and use
• Highly configurable
• Easy to schedule and adjust settings

Eufy's app is a good one. Setting up the E20 is quick and easy – just as it is with Eufy's other robotic vacuums – and the app is responsive, stable and intuitive. Part of the setup process includes telling the robot to create a map by exploring your home. You can then use the app to name rooms and make edits, such as creating no-go zones, labelling where carpets are, and moving any boundaries the E20 might have got wrong. I wish there was an option to label raised thresholds, so that the robot would know to drive more quickly, or at an angle, to clear them reliably.

You can tell the robot to cover an area once or twice during each clean, and there are four suction strengths. You can also tell the E20 to vacuum the entire map, clean a single room, or draw a specific zone for it to target.

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(Image credit: Eufy)

Head into the comprehensive settings page and there are options for creating a daily or weekly schedule, adjusting how often it self-empties into the docking station, setting a child lock, and even taking manual control to drive the robot yourself. There's also a handy page showing the remaining life of replaceable components like the filter, brushes and dust bag.

• App score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Eufy E20? Buy it if...

You don't already own a manual vacuum

The key selling point here is how the E20 is a robot that can double as a handheld vacuum, plus there's a stick attachment too. If you already own a handheld or stick vacuum, then obviously the E20 isn't for you. But if you don't, or you want to buy a new one, this robot is a great idea.

You don't need a robo–mop

The E20 does not have any mopping functionality at all. So if you want to give your hard floors a wet clean, you'll have to do that manually. If you've got carpets then great, the robot does the majority of the work and the handheld function is there for stairs and furniture.

You're on a mid-range budget

I won't pretend that the E20 is a cheap product, but in many cases it actually costs less than purchasing a robotic vacuum and a handheld/stick vacuum individually.

Don't buy it if...

You want the best stick vacuum on the market

Although it works pretty well as a stick/handheld vacuum, the Eufy E20 lacks the quality feel and extra functionality of more premium options from the likes of Dyson and Shark. But then you're likely to use this feature less, since the robot does a lot of the work for you.

You want a robotic mop

Unlike a lot of robotic vacuums at this price point, the E20 does not have a mopping function. This could be something that Eufy adds to a future model, but for now you'll have to mop hard floors yourself.

You have thick carpet, or rugs with tassels

The E20 managed surprisingly well with carpet and rugs – better than some far pricier rivals – but it got tangled up in the tassels of a rug, and also ate a USB cable. You'll either need to move such rugs before each clean, mark them as no-go zones or consider a different type of vacuum. Granted, this is true of all robovacs.

How I tested the Eufy E20

I set up the Eufy 20 in my home and used it as my only vacuum cleaner for a month. It entirely replaced my own handheld vacuum and was used to clean every room. This included hard floors and carpets, and I also used the E20 in handheld mode to clean a sofa and my car interior. After living with the E20 for a month, I completed a series of specific tests to discover exactly how well it performs.

Read more about how we test robot vacuum cleaners.

• First reviewed January 2025

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BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor: Two-minute review

The BenQ GW2486TC is a great monitor for those that just need more screen real estate. It helps that there are some included features to make hours of use a bit more palatable, such as the ones focused on minimizing eye strain. After all, not everyone needs an ultra widescreen 8K monitor with HDR and a super fast refresh rate. Most of us just want more space while working. This monitor does that.

It also helps that it is very affordable for an external monitor. Sure, this is just a 24-inch model with quite a few limitations, like a 1080p resolution with a somewhat limited color coverage – you shouldn’t be using this for most types of color correction and editing. And there’s no KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switching on hand, either. But, it’s got great ergonomics to help you get the most comfortable view of your work.

So, if you’re okay with those compromises, meaning you’re not also a gamer or creative, and can skip out on the unfortunate lack of cable management, this might be one of the best business monitors for you.

BenQ GW2486TC: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future / James Holland)

• How much does it cost? $189.99 / £149.99 / AU$289.00
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK and Australia

The best monitors come in at all sorts of price points, and you usually have to pay a bit more than the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor. The going price of this monitor, $189.99 / £149.99 / AU$289, is about as reasonable as it gets.

While you can find some other great deals such as the 27-inch gaming-oriented Arzopa M1RC with its £239 / $269 MRSP out there, they’re few and far between. Of course, the Arzopa does have QHD (2560 x 1440p) resolution and a 180Hz refresh rate. But it’s missing speakers and the eye-care oriented features of the BenQ reviewed here.

If you need more features, you’re most likely going to have to spend a bit more. The 4K BenQ PD2705UA has about every feature one could imagine as well as the kind of color coverage and accuracy for editing work, unlike the GW2486TC. You can even split the screen between two different sources as well as use KVM. It’s also more than double the price at $549.99 / £549.99 / AU$739.

• Value: 5 / 5

BenQ GW2486TC: Specs BenQ GW2486TC: Design

• Fantastic ergonomics for personalized viewing angles
• Good port selection including USB-C with power delivery
• No cable management

The BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor might be cheap, but it is an attractive looking monitor. In all-white, it’s neither drab or boring. In fact, the worst thing about this 24-inch monitor is probably its display panel, which is a basic IPS 1080p one with a typical 178-degree viewing angle.

But when it comes to this monitor’s design, there’s plenty to like, particularly the ergonomics. Thanks to its tall stand, there’s 130mm of height adjustment. Once you have at eye level (or wherever you prefer to have the monitor seated), there’s a 45 degree swivel either left or right, a five degree downward tilt and a 20 degree upward one, not to mention a 90 degree pivot in either direction if you need the display in portrait for some reason (like coding).

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(Image credit: Future / James Holland)

The only real issue I have with the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor’s design is the fact that there’s no real cable management. There is a hole at the top of the stand that, to me at least, looks like it’s to pick up the monitor that could be conceivably used for cable management. However, the ports all face downward so that is fairly inconvenient.

As far as ports go, there’s a decent array including one DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 1.4, USB-C with 65W power delivery (enough for an Ultrabook but not a gaming laptop), and two USB-A downstream ports for charging up accessories. However, those USB ports are not for KVM and don’t do any passthrough to the source computer. On the bright side, this monitor can be daisy chained with another for more screen real estate.

• Design: 4 / 5

BenQ GW2486TC: Features

• OSD Menu is easy to navigate
• A number of eye-care modes help with long sessions in front of the screen
• Plenty of additional modes for various work purposes

(Image credit: Future / James Holland)

The OSD menu is pretty straightforward to use on the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor. Instead of a single joystick for control, there are a number of buttons along the bottom right corner of the monitor. Whenever you press any of the buttons, the OSD menu pops up with an overlay on your screen showing icons for categories. Once you select a category, the OSD opens up deeper menu options while providing icons for what each button does. Overall, it’s very straightforward to navigate, whether you’re changing modes, messing with specific settings like color temperature or adjusting audio settings.

Where this monitor shines best is in its various modes, particularly the eye-care oriented ones, meant to minimize eye strain from sitting in front of a screen too long. Not only are there modes that limit the amount of blue light, as well as one to adjust for color weakness, but it has its brightness intelligence gen 2 tech, which automatically adjusts screen brightness according to ambient light for what’s most ideal. And, I found it to work fairly quickly. There are also modes for coding, ePaper, sRGB, and MBook that are helpful to have on hand, even if these aren’t necessarily all that unique.

• Features: 4.5 / 5

BenQ GW2486TC: Performance

• Screen is good, but nothing special, except for a faster refresh rate
• Audio quality is passable
• Comes with built-in mic with noise cancellation

(Image credit: Future / James Holland)

When it comes to performance, it’s critical to take the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor for what it is – a budget-oriented office monitor. You’re not getting a wow factor here, nor should you. The IPS panel is a basic 1920 by 1080 resolution with a solid color coverage of 99% sRGB. Its 250 nits is good enough for office use, but can be a bit dark when using it for certain types of media. While I did use this for some gaming and had no issues with it, this is certainly not where it excels, especially with a 1300:1 contrast. It’s fine for that purpose, helped along by a 100Hz refresh rate (despite having a 5ms response time).

The audio quality on monitors is usually nothing special. The BenQ GW2486TC is no exception. The two 2-watt drivers offer enough volume for anyone sitting at their desk who doesn't want to purchase or fiddle with external speakers, though they’re worth it in my humble opinion. There’s not much in terms of low-end from the downward-facing speakers – no surprise there – and, overall, are fairly boxy sounding. The best thing one can say about the audio is that it’s there and it’s not terrible. For an office monitor, that’s generally good enough.

It’s worth noting that there’s also a built-in microphone with adjustable noise cancellation for use with zoom calls.

• Performance: 3.5 / 5

Should I buy the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor?  Buy it if… 

You want a productivity monitor on a budget

If you have limited funds but you want a monitor for productivity, the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor is an ideal one thanks to the eye-care features, USB-C port, and flexible ergonomics.

You need great ergonomics

This monitor can go into a portrait orientation in either direction, has a broad height adjustment range, and can swivel and tilt enough so that it can properly face you no matter your setup.

You need USB-C

Even now, not all monitors come with a USB-C port. If you need one to connect your MacBook Air, for example, you can not only do that, but you can charge it in the process.

 Don’t buy it if… 

You need cable management or KVM

This is a budget monitor so there are some things missing that one would find on pricier models, such as cable management or KVM. If you’re a neat freak or want to connect more than one computer, you should invest in a monitor with one, or preferably both, features.

You want a higher resolution

The panel on this monitor is fairly basic so you’re limited to 1080p. If you want a sharper resolution for any reason, it’s worth spending the extra cash for it.

Also Consider

Arzopa M1RC

The Arzopa M1RC might be missing some of the productivity-oriented features and appointments of the BenQ, but you get a sharper QHD resolution and an even faster 180Hz refresh rate for not much more money.

Read our full Arzopa M1RC review

BenQ PD2705UA

If you want a little more out of a productivity-oriented monitor, consider the BenQ PD2705UA. It’s more than double the price but has a much sharper image, KVM, and side-by-side picture as well as picture-in-picture for those with two computers, not to mention HDR and cable management.

Read our full BenQ PD2705UA review

How I tested the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor

I used the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor regularly for a month. I tested it with various games and media, used it for work, and tested out its various eye-care modes. I spent some time listening to the speakers. And played around with the ergonomics.

The BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor has shown itself to be a capable monitor for productivity, particularly for those on a budget who don’t need things like KVM and don’t care about cable management.

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.

• First reviewed January 2025

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