Feed aggregator

The rainbow crosswalk in front of Orlando's Pulse nightclub was removed by Florida transportation officials. The crosswalk was a memorial for those killed in a 2016 mass shooting at the gay bar.

International students from around the world are arriving on American college campuses after a very rocky summer.

Not all USB-C cables or ports are the same.

The Bees look to bounce back from their opening weekend defeat as they host Unai Emery's Villains.

This bidet seat delivers comfort and a snug fit for most toilets, making it an easy upgrade without the guesswork.

I've tested LED floodlights from every brand. Here are the smartest and most useful inside or outside of your home.

Panasonic Z95B: Two-minute review

The Panasonic Z95B is the latest flagship TV to enter what is turning out to be a very competitive OLED TV market in 2025. Whereas some of those models – specifically those from Samsung and LG – are making a bet on high brightness to distinguish themselves among the best TVs, Panasonic is pushing accuracy with the Z95B, and the effort can be seen in its refined, natural, and finely detailed picture.

For the Panasonic Z95B, the company opted to use the same Primary RGB Tandem panel OLED display found in the LG G5. This new panel tech has a ‘four-stack’ structure, with separate red and green OLED layers sandwiched between two blue layers, and it accounts for the Z95B’s rich color display and high brightness capability – I recorded brightness measurements as high as 2,107 nits, though brightness is considerably more limited in several of the TV’s picture presets such as Filmmaker Mode, which is a quirk I'll dig into later in the review.

The Z95B’s predecessor, the Panasonic Z95A, distinguished itself as one of the best TVs for sound with its powerful 5.1.2-channel built-in speaker array. This same '360 Soundscape Pro tuned by Technics’ system carries over to the Z95B, though Panasonic has made improvements to the speaker drivers, speaker layout, and woofer output. The result is one of the best built-in TV speaker systems you can buy, with sound that’s clear, powerful, and immersive enough that you could easily get away with not using an external soundbar.

Those speakers on the Z95B are concealed behind a gray mesh fabric that runs along the TV’s top, bottom, and sides, and gives it a solid, dignified appearance. A pedestal stand that swivels in either direction to accommodate a range of seating positions is a bonus, though the included, basic remote control seems at odds with the TV’s premium design.

Panasonic uses Amazon Fire TV as its smart TV system, and it's a serviceable, but ad-driven platform that really would like you to be a Prime Video subscriber and devotee of other Amazon services and products. Fire TV’s Live TV portal is particularly friendly to users of the best indoor antennas, though, and the Z95B supports ATSC 3.0 broadcasts for viewers in the US.

Gaming is well supported on the Z95B, with 4K at 144Hz, Dolby Vision gaming, and variable refresh rate, including AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync, all accounted for. HDMI 2.1 ports supporting those features are limited to two, rather than the four HDMI 2.1 ports we look for on the best gaming TVs, but the Z95B’s powerful built-in speaker system makes that less of an issue than it normally would be.

Panasonic OLED TVs are typically priced higher than their Samsung and LG counterparts, particularly in the UK, but the Z95B was priced around the same as its competition at launch, and has already seen discounts. Given its impressive picture and sound quality, it’s one of 2025's best OLED TVs, and a very good overall value among premium TVs.

Panasonic Z95B review: Price and release date

The Fire TV Ambient Experience lets you choose images and artworks to display when the TV is in standby mode (Image credit: Future)

• Release date: June 2025
• 55-inch: $2,599 / £2,499
• 65-inch: $3,399 / £2,999
• 77-inch: $4,699 / £3,999
  

The Panasonic Z95B is available in 55-, 65-, and 77-inch screen sizes, with that last option an expansion on last year’s Z95A series, which was only available in 55- and 65-inch sizes. Prices for all Z95B series TVs have dropped since launch, with all screen sizes now selling for several hundred less in both the US and the UK.

At the reduced price, the Z95B series is now priced in line with its premium OLED competition from LG, Samsung, and Sony. For example, the 65-inch Panasonic is now selling for around $3,000 in the US. In that same screen size, you’ll find both the LG G5 and the Sony Bravia 8 II priced around $3,000, and the Samsung S95F at $3,299.

Panasonic Z95B review: Specs

Screen type:

Primary Tandem RGB OLED

Refresh rate:

144Hz

HDR support:

Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG

Audio support:

Dolby Atmos

Smart TV:

Fire TV

HDMI ports:

4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

Built-in tuner:

ATSC 3.0 (US)

Panasonic Z95B review: Benchmark resultsPanasonic Z95B review: Features

The Z95B's four HDMI ports, including two inputs with 4K 144Hz support (Image credit: Future)

• Primary RGB Tandem panel OLED display
• Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
• 360 Soundscape Pro tuned by Technics speaker array

The Panasonic Z95B uses a new Primary RGB Tandem panel OLED display with a notably higher brightness capability than the Master OLED Ultimate panel with micro lens array tech used in its Panasonic Z95A predecessor. Panasonic additionally uses a ThermalFlow aerodynamic cooling system that helps to maximize peak brightness by improving airflow through the TV.

Panasonic has carried over the same HCX Pro AI Processor MK II from the Z95A to the Z95B. This advanced picture processor uses dynamic 3D LUTs (Look-Up Tables) to ensure accurate colors across a range of picture brightness levels and provides 4K Fine Remaster and Smooth Motion Drive Pro features to improve detail and motion handling.

Panasonic models continue to be the only OLED TVs in the US to support both the Dolby Vision and HDR10+ high dynamic range formats (Philips OLEDs in the UK have the same capability), and in the Z95B, that’s supplemented by Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive for automatic picture brightness adjustments across a range of lighting conditions. Picture presets include Filmmaker Mode and Panasonic’s True Cinema and True Game modes, along with Netflix and Prime Video Calibrated modes for automatic picture optimization when streaming from those services.

The Panasonic Z95A quickly earned a spot as the best option for built-in sound quality in multiple TechRadar best TVs lists, and the new Z95B also features a '360 Soundscape Pro tuned by Technics' built-in 5.1.2-channel 160W speaker system – this time with redesigned speaker drivers and speaker layout, and higher bass output. This differs from the built-in speaker arrays found on most other TVs in providing a dedicated center channel speaker, along with side-firing and upfiring speaker drivers for enhanced immersion.

As with picture settings, the Z95B features a wide range of sound settings. Key among these is Space Tune, for automatically tuning the TV’s sound output using the remote control’s built-in mic, and Sound Focus, which lets you adjust the directionality of the TV’s sound using beam-forming to accommodate off-center seating positions.

Panasonic switched to the Amazon Fire TV smart TV interface back in 2024, and Fire TV on the Z95B features optimized voice control features for content discovery and navigation, a hands-free control option, and an interface that can be personalized for multiple users. Live TV channels, including ones pulled in by the TV’s ATSC 3.0 tuner, can be integrated into the smart interface for browsing and also customized for a ‘personalized Live-TV Experience.’

Gaming features on the Z95B include a True Game mode with latency reduction, a Game sound mode, and a Game Board onscreen menu for making quick adjustments while gaming. Two of the TV’s four HDMI ports also support HDMI 2.1 features such as 4K 144Hz and VRR, including AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync.

• Features Score: 4.5 / 5

Panasonic Z95B review: Picture quality

Ambient Experience options include full-motion and AI-generated images plus information widgets (Image credit: Future)

• High brightness capability for an OLED TV
• Brightness is limited in Filmmaker and other picture modes
• Rich color and excellent detail

The first thing to say about the Panasonic Z95B’s picture is that, while the TV is capable of high brightness, it’s not as bright as its premium OLED TV competition when its most accurate picture presets – Filmmaker Mode, True Cinema, and Cinema – are used and left at their default settings.

That’s because Panasonic is prioritizing picture accuracy over brightness here, and those modes limit peak brightness based on the maximum mastered brightness level of the source – typically 1,000 nits for most content.

Correspondingly, I measured Z95B’s peak HDR brightness in Filmmaker Mode at 992 nits, while its fullscreen brightness in that mode was 347 nits. After bumping up the luminance level of my test pattern source, peak HDR brightness in Filmmaker Mode jumped to 2,107 nits, and the TV’s EOTF (the equivalent gamma for HDR) also remained accurate at that brightness level.

Viewers not wanting to deal with any brightness limitations could instead opt for the Standard picture preset, which had a measured peak HDR brightness of 1,835 nits, and 327 nits fullscreen brightness. Panasonic also provides settings in the TV’s HDR submenu that let you manually set HDR tonemapping and luminance clipping levels, and these can be used to help optimize brightness. Needless to say, this is great news for tweakers, but a potential source of annoyance for others who don’t like to sift through menu settings.

As for other numbers, the Z95B’s coverage of the UHDA-P3 and BT.2020 color spaces in Filmmaker Mode measured 99.9% and 79.1%, respectively – both impressive results. The average Delta-E value (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen, with a result lower than 3 being undetectable by the human eye) for color point accuracy was 2.6, and it was 3.2 for grayscale accuracy.

The Z95B has high peak brightness capability, but brightness is limited by default in specific picture modes, such as Filmmaker Mode (Image credit: Future)

For most of my Z95B evaluation, I viewed it in dimmed lighting, and such conditions allowed the Panasonic’s picture to fully shine. The set does use an anti-reflection screen, and while this works to a degree, I could still see mirror-like reflections from lamps and overhead lights, and picture contrast was also lessened with my room lights on.

After watching the recent movie Weapons in the theater, I was motivated to stream the director’s earlier movie, Barbarian (on Netflix in 4K), and the Z95B did an excellent job of displaying the deep black of the house’s basement and fleshing out shadows in the corridors of the creepy, dungeon-like space. For this movie, I used Netflix Calibrated Mode, which by default made it too dark, but the TV’s multiple black level adjustments allowed me to tweak the picture for a more balanced look.

Wild Robot was up next, and I streamed it in 4K with Dolby Vision using the TV’s Dolby Vision Dark preset – one that I’m happy to report turned off motion smoothing by default. The jungle and creatures in this animated movie were displayed with rich, vivid color. The picture also looked fantastically detailed and clean, with the textures in the computer-generated images giving the picture a near-3D quality.

I like to use the Netflix series Ripley in TV evaluations because of its sumptuous cinematography (by frequent Paul Thomas Anderson collaborator Robert Elswit). The Z95B certainly did not disappoint here, displaying the wide range of fine gray tones in the black and white images of Italian villages and villas with an impressive level of subtlety.

Dolby Vision Dark mode proved to be a good match for Ripley, but in this case, when I switched to Netflix Calibrated mode, the picture retained both its subtle grayscale and contrast punch.

No Time to Die is one of my go-to reference 4K Blu-rays, and when I watched the scene where James Bond walks across a craggy hillside cemetery, the Z95B’s picture looked impressively solid, with only a minimal level of judder. I often find myself applying some level of motion adjustment to TVs after checking this scene, but the Z95B’s motion handling was good enough that I didn’t feel any need to.

• Picture quality score: 5 / 5

Panasonic Z95B review: Sound quality

The Z95B features a rear-mounted subwoofer with dual passive radiators (Image credit: Future)

• 5.1.2-channel, 160W speaker array
• 360 Soundscape Pro tuned by Technics
• Sound Focus feature adjusts for off-center seating

The Z95B features a built-in 5.1.2-channel, 160W speaker array, with the front-facing left, center, and right-channel speakers contained in a soundbar-like enclosure at the screen’s bottom. Along with these, there are newly designed line-array speakers positioned at the sides and top surface of the TV, along with a subwoofer and dual passive bass radiators located around the back.

This ‘360 Soundscape Pro tuned by Technics’ Dolby Atmos sound system is more elaborate than what you’ll find on most TVs, and its performance is good enough that you can easily use it in place of one of the best soundbars. Panasonic has also introduced enhanced two-channel and 5.1-channel upmixing on the Z95B which it says can “deliver immersive rear sound without rear speakers,” though the TV’s virtual processing comes short of delivering on that claim.

As with the picture, there are extensive sound presets on the Z95B, along with settings for customizing the sound. After using Space Tune, a feature that uses the remote control’s built-in mic to calibrate the TV’s sound output for your viewing environment, I found that many of the presets sounded too bright for my taste and opted for the User preset, which provides Sound Field and Bass Boost settings to customize the sound, along with an eight-band EQ adjustment.

Once adjusted, dialogue projected clearly and sounded natural, and even music sounded good, as I confirmed when watching Queens of the Stone Age Alive in the Catacombs, an acoustic performance by the band recorded in the catacombs beneath Paris. The sound effects in action movies like Mad Max: Fury Road had a high level of spatial precision, and the TV’s powerful speaker array delivered a strong impact on engine roars and crashes during the movie’s many vehicle chase scenes.

Another key Z95B feature is Sound Focus, which uses beam-forming processing to change the direction of the speaker output to accommodate off-center seating positions. You can choose Pinpoint, Area, Spot, or Ambient settings, each of which provides a different level of soundfield width. Testing this, I used the Pinpoint setting to aim the sound at the far end of my sofa, and the TV’s soundstage clearly shifted 30 degrees off from center.

• Sound quality score: 5 / 5

Panasonic Z95B review: DesignImage 1 of 2

The Z95B's swiveling pedestal stand (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

The mesh fabric grille covering the TV's top- and side-mounted speakers (Image credit: Future)

• Swiveling stand
• Wide range of input and control ports
• Flimsy remote control
  

With its two-inch depth, the Z95B, while slimmer than its Z95A predecessor, is still on the bulky side for an OLED TV. That girth is a necessity given the TV’s substantial built-in speakers, however, and the Z95B still manages to maintain a sleek look when viewed straight on.

An attractive dark gray fabric mesh covers both the front-facing and side- and top-firing speakers, and the TV’s sturdy aluminum pedestal stand can be swiveled – a useful feature to accommodate a range of viewing positions.

The Z95B’s extensive connections include four HDMI ports (with two HDMI 2.1) and both optical digital audio and a 3.5mm headphone output that can also be configured for connecting an external subwoofer. An ATSC 3.0 tuner connection can be used for viewing ‘NextGen’ digital TV broadcasts in the US, and there are also powered USB and Ethernet ports, and an IR blaster output.

Panasonic hasn’t changed the flimsy remote control that previously shipped with the Z95A for the Z95B. And while that’s disappointing given this TV’s premium price, it mostly does the job and features a built-in mic for Alexa voice commands.

There’s no input select button on the US remote for changing inputs – one of my pet peeves with TV remotes – but you can configure one of the controls to switch to a specific input on the TV, along with a range of other options such as selecting a specific streaming app.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Panasonic Z95B review: Smart TV and menusImage 1 of 2

The main Fire TV home screen (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

The Live TV guide screen on Fire TV (Image credit: Future)

• Amazon Fire TV smart TV platform
• Live program grid with broadcast channels customization
• Extensive array of picture and sound adjustments

Panasonic TVs use Amazon Fire TV for a smart TV system, and the version you’ll see on the Z95B is essentially the same as what’s found on Amazon’s own Fire TV lineup. The top half is occupied by ads, many for Amazon streaming and VOD offerings, while a horizontal bar cutting across the center contains input selection, My Stuff, search, and Live TV tabs, along with a customizable row of streaming apps and a gear icon for advanced menus.

The bottom section contains a grid of recommended program options culled from free TV and subscription apps, and if you scroll down, you’ll see a seemingly endless range of these, with everything from political news to the latest cooking videos.

Fire TV’s Live TV portal features a grid guide option that lets you browse channels grouped in a range of categories such as Antenna Channels, Sports, News by Fire TV, and more. Digital broadcast stations can be arranged into lists, with the option to favorite your regularly watched channels, and to hide ones like home shopping networks that you’d prefer to shut out.

Fire TV provides a greater range of customization for browsing both free broadcast and streamed TV channels than most other smart interfaces, so it’s a good option for antenna users.

The Fire TV Ambient Experience provides a wide assortment of still and motion images that can be displayed when the TV is in standby mode. (It can also be accessed at any time by pressing and holding the power on/off button on the remote.) Along with the supplied content library, you can access personal photos (you’ll first need to upload these using the Amazon Photos app on your phone).

You can also use Alexa voice commands to create AI-generated images for your Ambient Experience library, though, as I found when experimenting with this feature, political content is not permitted.

Panasonic provides a much wider range of picture and sound adjustment options in the setup menus than most other TVs. I hit the high points for sound in the Sound Quality section above, but the Z95B’s picture menus include an almost over-the-top array of advanced adjustments.

To list just a few, the Brightness menu has multiple advanced settings for configuring black levels, and there’s an HDR submenu that lets you set EOTF type, HDR tonemapping, and luminance clipping levels. For color, you can switch between Rec. 2020, DCI-P3, Adobe, and Rec. 709 color gamuts.

The reason for all these adjustments is that Panasonic’s OLED TVs are used in post-production facilities as reference monitors, but in the majority of instances, you’ll want to leave things set to Auto.

• Smart TV & menus score: 4 / 5

Panasonic Z95B review: Gaming

The Z95B's Game Bar menu overlay (Image credit: Future)

• Two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 144Hz support
• FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync VRR
• 12.7ms input lag is average

The Z95B’s gaming features include two HDMI ports with 4K at 144Hz, FreeSync Premium, and Nvidia G-Sync VRR support, and Dolby Vision gaming. There’s a True Game picture and a Game sound mode, and Panasonic’s Game Board onscreen menu can be called up to make quick and easy adjustments to parameters like dark visibility, sound mode, and variable refresh rate.

Input lag measured with a Bodnar 4K meter was 12.7ms, which is an average level for a TV. The best gaming TVs can hit the 9ms range, but the Z95B’s input lag is minimal enough that the vast majority of gamers will find it more than acceptable.

• Gaming score: 4 / 5

Panasonic Z95B review: Value

The Z95B's remote control is flimsy and lacks backlighting and an input select button (Image credit: Future)

• Priced the same as top OLED competition
• Built-in sound enhances value
• Less extensive gaming features than competition

The Panasonic Z95B is currently priced on par with, or even less than, its premium OLED competition from LG, Samsung, and Sony. Choosing between this year’s top OLED TVs is tougher than ever, but I can’t imagine anyone being disappointed with the Z95B’s picture, though the Samsung S95F and LG G5 may be better options for those wanting to view in bright rooms.

One thing that enhances the Z95B’s value is its powerful sound. For that reason, you could consider using this TV without a soundbar, though the built-in speakers aren’t necessarily a match for the best Dolby Atmos soundbar systems with separate rear-channel speakers and a subwoofer.

An argument could be made that the Z95B is a lesser gaming TV than the Samsung S95F and LG G5, both of which feature four HDMI 2.1 ports, lower input lag, and cloud-based gaming from apps including Xbox. But the Z95B’s lower HDMI 2.1 port count won’t be an issue if you're using its built-in speakers, and as a Fire TV, there is Amazon’s Luna cloud gaming app, which features popular games like Fortnite.

• Value score: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Panasonic Z95B?

(Image credit: Future)Panasonic Z95B

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

A fine selection of features led by sound processing modes for room tuning and off-center seating accommodation

4.5 / 5

Picture quality

Capable of high brightness for an OLED, but many of the TV’s preset picture modes favor a more subtle, balanced, and accurate images

5 / 5

Sound quality

Powerful built-in 5.1.2-channel speakers distinguish the Z95B from other TVs and is good enough that a soundbar isn’t exactly needed

5 / 5

Design

A slightly bulky form factor due to its built-in speakers, but otherwise a sleek design with a swiveling pedestal stand. Remote control could use work

4 / 5

Smart TV and menus

Amazon Fire TV isn’t the best smart TV platform, but it does the job for streaming and Amazon subscribers and Alexa users will find it useful

4 / 5

Gaming

A good set of gaming features and solid overall gaming performance

4 / 5

Value

A very good value compared to other premium OLED TVs, and its value is enhanced by its excellent built-in sound

4.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You want the best TV for movies
With its refined, colorful, and accurate picture, the Z95B is an excellent choice for those who want movies on Blu-ray and streaming services to look their best.

You don’t want to use a soundbar
The Z95B’s 5.1.2-channel built-in speaker array is powerful and immersive enough that you could easily get away with not using a soundbar.

You’re an Amazon fan
The Z95B’s Fire TV smart TV platform is very much aimed at Prime Video subscribers, and its built-in Alexa support makes it a perfect match for viewers who live in the Amazon Alexa ecosystem.

Don't buy it if…

You don’t want to dim the lights
While the Z95B is capable of putting out a bright enough picture to compete with daylight, many of its picture modes are tuned for viewing in dimmed lighting conditions, and its anti-reflection screen isn’t the most effective one we’ve seen.

You don’t like to tweak settings
The Z95B is a tweaker's delight, with an exhaustive list of advanced settings for configuring its picture and sound. You can ignore these, but in some cases, tweaking is necessary to get the best performance.View Deal

You already own a good soundbar
The Z95B’s built-in 5.1.2-channel is meant to replace a soundbar. If you already own a good Dolby Atmos soundbar, especially one with a subwoofer and rear speakers, this TV’s sound capabilities are overkill.

Panasonic Z95B: Also consider...

Panasonic Z95B

LG G5

Samsung S95F

Sony Bravia 8 II

List price (65-inch)

$3,399 / £2,999

$3,399 / £3,299 / AU$5,299

$2,699 / £2,699 / AU$4,299

$3,499 / £2,999 / AU$4,999

Screen type

Primary Tandem RGB OLED

Primary Tandem RGB OLED

QD-OLED

QD-OLED

Refresh rate

144Hz

165Hz

165Hz

120Hz

HDR support

Dolby Vision/HDR10+/HLG

Dolby Vision/HDR10/HLG

HDR10+/HDR10/HLG

DolbyVision/HDR10/HLG

Smart TV

Fire TV

webOS

Tizen

Google TV

HDMI ports

4 (2 x HDMI 2.1)

4x HDMI 2.1

4 x HDMI 2.1

4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

LG G5
The LG G5 also has ‘four-stack’ display panel and delivers exceptional brightness levels for an OLED TV. It has superior gaming features and a better smart TV platform, though its built-in sound isn’t nearly as good

Here’s our LG G5 review

Samsung S95F
Samsung’s flagship OLED TV also delivers high brightness levels, and its Glare Free screen does quick work of eliminating screen reflections when viewing in bright rooms. Similar to the LG G5, it has superior gaming features and a more advanced smart TV platform.

Here’s our Samsung S95F review

Sony Bravia 8 II
Sony’s flagship OLED TV offers up a refined picture with very good brightness and also has powerful built-in sound. Gaming features are about the same, and it has a somewhat better smart TV platform in Google TV.

Here’s our Sony Bravia 8 II review

How I tested the Panasonic Z95B

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

• I spent about 15 viewing hours in total, measuring and evaluating
• Measurements were made using Calman color calibration software
• A full calibration was made before proceeding with subjective tests

When I test TVs, I first spend a few days or even weeks using it for casual viewing to assess the out-of-the-box picture presets and get familiar with its smart TV menu and picture adjustments. I next select the most accurate preset (usually Filmmaker Mode, Movie or Cinema) and measure grayscale and color accuracy using Portrait Displays’ Calman color calibration software. The resulting measurements provide Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) for each category, and allow for an assessment of the TV’s overall accuracy.

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

For the Panasonic Z95B, I used the Calman ISF workflow, along with the TV’s advanced picture menu settings, to calibrate the image for best accuracy. I also watched a range of reference scenes on 4K Blu-ray discs to assess the TV’s performance, along with 4K HDR shows streamed from HBO Max, Netflix, Apple TV+, and other services.

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

Most sunscreens protect skin from UV light but the tinted variety also block visible light. And that can be important for people with hyperpigmentation or melasma, especially those with darker skin.

'Artisanal miners' is the phrase used for South Africans who salvage coal from abandoned mines. It's a grueling and risky life. "Bit by bit it's killing something inside me," says one such miner.

(Image credit: Tommy Trenchard for NPR)

'Artisanal miners' is the phrase used for South Africans who salvage coal from abandoned mines. It's a grueling and risky life. "Bit by bit it's killing something inside me," says one such miner.

(Image credit: Tommy Trenchard for NPR)

• Cadence tool helps Nvidia model Rubin GPU power demands across billions of cycles
• Early analysis will help Nvidia improve chip efficiency and power consumption levels
• Nvidia and AMD hardware both contribute to Cadence emulation and prototyping platform

Cadence Design Systems has created a Dynamic Power Analysis tool designed to handle very large chip designs, including Nvidia’s Rubin GPU which carries more than 40 billion gates.

eeNews Europe reports the software operates on the Palladium Z3 emulator, allowing engineers to examine with incredibly high accuracy how energy is consumed across billions of cycles in only a few hours.

This is especially useful for AI accelerators like Rubin, where workloads vary widely and can stress different areas of the design at different times.

Addressing early bottlenecks

Power modelling is increasingly important as chips grow larger and energy demands rise.

Rubin could draw around 700W for a single die, with multi-chip configurations consuming up to 3.6kW. By running early simulations, design teams can size networks more accurately, spotting and addressing bottlenecks before the chip even reaches production.

eeNews says Rubin has been reported to require a respin. It taped out with TSMC in June on its 3nm N3P process, but Nvidia is looking to further boost performance in preparation for a battle against AMD’s upcoming MI450.

This could delay the first Rubin samples into 2026, although shipments are still expected to begin towards the end of that year.

The Cadence DPA app will play a central role in navigating these challenges, eeNews says. The emulator can reportedly handle up to 48 billion gates, supporting chip-level estimation of peaks and averages in power draw.

This enables developers to balance performance with efficiency while also limiting risks of delay from underpowered or oversized networks.

The Palladium Z3 platform itself uses Nvidia’s BlueField data processing unit and Quantum Infiniband networking to connect with the Protium X3 FPGA prototyping system.

The Protium platform is based on AMD Ultrascale FPGAs, which can run RTL models of designs, enabling early software testing before silicon is available. In this way, both Nvidia and AMD hardware are involved in supporting Rubin’s design cycle.

Cadence first introduced a DPA app in 2016, but the rising complexity of AI processors has since made such tools essential.

In Rubin’s case, the analysis and prototyping platforms will help engineers manage power demands at a scale not seen before, and the lessons learned here are expected to filter down into consumer products as the technology matures.

You might also like

• AMD gets ready for Nvidia Vera Rubin with 432GB MI400 GPU monster
• Nvidia unveils next-generation Rubin AI chips, the new era of AI
• Megawatt-class AI server racks may well become the norm before 2030

Halloween is on at Disneyland, as the park preps for an expansion next year while celebrating its 70th anniversary. Plus, everything to know about Disney World's new rides, lands, shows and lounges.

Apple's AirTag smart tracker might finally be getting a much-needed update. Plus, here's what we know about a possible release date.

• iOS 26 will usher in CarPlay’s biggest overhaul in years
• Expect big improvements to Maps and other popular driving apps
• Live Activity widgets allow more information to be displayed on-screen

This September, Apple users will receive a notification to update their numerous devices to iOS 26 – which is arguably one of the biggest updates to its products in recent years.

Alongside a new “Liquid Glass” interface, the Californian tech giant will introduce a number of new features and app updates that will benefit those who like to plug in their iPhone and make use of CarPlay convenience on the road.

Arguably the hottest new feature involves Live Activities making its debut in the CarPlay environment, acting as a handy widget that can sit alongside navigation instructions and audio apps to give easy-to-digest updates on important live events.

In the examples Apple has released so far, Live Activity appears as a flight-tracking app that shows the flight’s progress and flags if it is delayed or not – very handy for picking up friends and family from the airport.

Other uses for the feed include live weather updates, keeping up with sports scores or tracking the progress of an Uber Eats delivery. But it isn't the only update coming to CarPlay in iOS 26 – here's what else is changing...

1. Keep things personal

(Image credit: Apple)

The new Liquid Glass look will also afford CarPlay users greater control over the way their CarPlay system feels. Rather than simple Light and Dark modes, there is also the option to lightly customize the background from a pre-selected list of wallpapers.

Users can also choose a ‘transparent’ appearance that offers more separation between the app icons and the background. Early insights, like this one from Tom's Guide, claim that is less distracting and easier to use while driving.

2. First responder

(Image credit: Apple)

In the current generation of CarPlay, incoming text messages are chiefly handled by Siri, which means responses have to be composed using vocal prompts.

Anyone that uses CarPlay on a regular basis knows that this can be a little hit-and-miss, with the often noisy car environment confusing Siri, resulting in garbled messages. Personally, it often takes me several attempts to draft a coherent response.

In iOS 26, CarPlay will offer a 'Tapback' function to incoming messages, allowing quick replies via a pre-populated list of common responses – much like you can on an iPhone right now.

This negates the need to compose a message, as you’ll simply be able to reply with “I’m driving, call you later” or something to that effect via a single tap.

On top of this, Apple is building in Call Screening, which gathers information from the caller and delivers it to the driver, so you can decide whether or not you need to interrupt that fascinating podcast and take the call.

3. Home screen hero

(Image credit: Apple)

Alongside the ability to customize the look and feel of CarPlay to a degree, Apple will also introduce widgets to a dedicated panel, which will allow things like a digital clock, a calendar and even Apple Home shortcuts to be organized on a home screen for effortless viewing.

This set-up can act as an overall shortcut to more iPhone integrated content. For example, clicking on a calendar entry could also bring up any associated location, which will then open in a mapping service of choice.

Overall, there should be less need to pick up your iPhone and interact with it when behind the wheel, which is not only distracting and dangerous, it's also highly illegal in many countries.

4. Video on-demand

(Image credit: Apple)

Following this summer’s WWDC 2025 show, Apple quietly revealed that CarPlay would allow videos to be played on vehicle infotainment displays via its AirPlay streaming standard, meaning users could enjoy content when parked up.

However, there are a couple of major caveats, the first being that not all entertainment apps support AirPlay, so you won’t be able to watch Netflix, for example.

Secondly, we reported earlier this year that automakers will need to enable this feature separately to the rest of the CarPlay functionality, so it will be added on a case-by-case basis, taking into account local laws and legislations.

It’s not a massive issue, as many modern vehicles are already offering a number of popular streaming services natively via their various infotainment systems. But the ability to stream video could also be a boon for those with older or less capable infotainment systems.

You might also like

• I’ve tried Apple CarPlay Ultra – it fixes everything that’s irritating about CarPlay, but there’s a catch
• Apple CarPlay Ultra looks dead on arrival as another automotive giant distances itself – here's what needs to change
• I'm ditching Waze for in-car infotainment systems in EVs – here's why

Noble FoKus Amadeus: Two-minute review

(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)

Can earbuds make you feel like royalty? Well, Noble Audio are here to give it a good old college try with their Noble FoKus Amadeus earbuds; the latest and cheapest in the FoKus series, but which benefit from some posh new engineering in both soft- and hardware. Specs-wise, these true wireless ‘buds knock it out of the park with LDAC and aptX Adaptive Bluetooth connectivity (other codecs are available), customizable sound profiles and an extensive battery capacity I actively struggled to exhaust during review.

Sound is the primary reason to buy something like the FoKus Amadeus – and these do sound great, with a cushy low-end and plucky transient response that makes for a playful listening experience straight out of the box. But these earbuds’ ergonomics are almost more noteworthy than their fidelity. Noble’s expertise in custom IEMs shows, with an asymmetrical design that follows the contours of the average ear canal better than any other generic-fit ear-thing I’ve tried. A glut of spare and swappable ear tips seals the deal with a thoughtful kiss.

These earbuds are only really let down by a lacklustre ANC, which is far from best-in-class – though their stock sound profile could be a little divisive, too, depending on your taste. That said, this writer found them to auditorily succeed exactly where they promise to, and even exceed expectations in other areas. If you’re looking to put some serious money behind a serious set of the best high-fidelity earbuds out there, these are very likely the earbuds you seek.

Noble FoKus Amadeus: Price and release date

• Release date: June, 2025
• Price: $320 / £299.99 / approx. AU$615

Noble sits pretty at the cutting edge of the in-ear monitor (IEM) market, with a suite of four-figure products that are as much to look at as they are to listen to. Noble’s custom IEMs are rightfully lauded for the incredible attention to detail they possess in practically every sense. With the recent FoKus series, Noble offers that rarefied approach to quality audio at a (slightly) more palatable price.

Indeed, the Noble FoKus Amadeus (the brand's latest offering) are clearly designed to evoke a different form of rarefied quality, often ascribed to classical music. If the presence of “Amadeus” in the name (for Falco Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, no less) wasn’t enough, look instead to that regal red finish on the earbuds. It's at once a refined finish in its own right, as well as a subtler nod to the firebrand composer via his oft-painted tailcoat. These surface-level signifiers are here to guide your thinking on the Noble FoKus Amadeus’ guts, too, where Noble has aimed to “[blend] classical artistry with contemporary engineering”. Rich stuff indeed.

The FoKus Amadeus wireless earbuds retail for $320 / £299.99 / approx. AU$615, putting them firmly above the peloton as far as the average earbud is concerned. That retail price does, however, make these the cheaper earbuds in Noble’s FoKus range, and hence the most accessible in Noble’s entire premium-quality oeuvre. Still, for your money, you’re buying a rarefied piece of portable kit, with multiple modes of Bluetooth connectivity, 42 hours of out-and-about-iness and a considered approach to conveying your faves ear-ward.

Given the highly competitive entry-level price band some dozens of dollars below, this price could be a bit rich for some consumers’ blood – but Noble Audio does an excellent job of justifying their expense, in theory and in execution.

Noble FoKus Amadeus: Specs

Type:

True wireless ANC in-ear

Dimensions:

17 x 25 x 25mm (WHD)

Weight:

8.6g (earbuds); 55.5g (charging case)

Drivers:

8.3mm, triple-layer

Frequency range:

20 Hz - 20 kHz

Battery life:

Up to 12 hours (earbuds, ANC off); 42 hours (charging case)

Control:

Capacitive touch controls; native voice assistant; Noble FoKus control app

Bluetooth:

5.4 with SBC, AAC, LDAC and aptX Adaptive compatibility, USB-C charging

Noble FoKus Amadeus: Features

(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)

• Excellent Bluetooth connectivity
• Exceedingly decent battery life
• Shame the ANC isn’t great

The key audiophilic selling point for Noble’s latest buds is the new driver design. The Amadeus sport a single triple-layer diaphragm driver per earbud, utilizing three skins of different materials – ceramic, titanium and PEEK – for enhanced frequency control. This commitment to single-driver superiority is backed-up by a holistic approach to audio excellence; there’s multifarious Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, with support for SBC, AAC, LDAC and aptX Adaptive codecs.

While this driver's sound profile is great out of the box (more on which later), there are extensive EQ-fiddling opportunities in the Noble FoKus app, which is a pretty sweet one-stop shop for controls and customization. As well as graphic EQ bands, curves and presets, you’ll find a nifty Personal EQ algorithm, courtesy of algorithmic boffins Audiodo. Complete a short hearing calibration process, and you get a fully personalized sound profile with which to enjoy your investment all the more.

The Amadeus purport to provide three different listening modes: standard listening, ANC, and an Ambient mode which boosts the sound of the outside world for safer public groovin’. These features can be accessed and toggled via the aforementioned Noble FoKus app, or more readily via the Amadeus’ dual-bud capacitive-touch control capabilities.

Unfortunately, the latter two modes leave a little to be desired. I was willing to make concessions for the ANC mode when testing it on a loud rush-hour bus, but even in my quiet living room, it did little to quell incidental sounds from elsewhere. The Ambient mode possesses quite a high noise floor, too, which naturally proved a little distracting at times.

All that said, these earbuds do an excellent job of passive sound isolation anyway, so I didn’t really feel additional noise cancellation to be necessary. For the Ambient mode, sharp and loud sounds cut through any music with remarkable fidelity – fundamentally, I’d rather suffer a hissy soundtrack and not get hit by a car, than the opposite.

Lastly but no less importantly, the Amadeus offer up to 12 hours' continuous battery life in one sitting – and up to 42 hours using the charging case (thus outliving mayflies, but that's only part of the story, as I'll explain). It’s never easy to estimate what on-paper battery-life specs mean for real-life usage, so let me say this: outside of early days review-related stress-testing, these earbuds made it through six weeks of casual everyday usage on a single full carry-case charge. If that’s not enough for you, a 10-minute charge will gift you two hours of playback. You’ll never be caught short with these.

• Feature quality score: 4.5/5

Noble FoKus Amadeus: Sound quality

(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)

• Broad, comfy, forgiving low-end
• Transients and dynamics handled marvellously
• Customizable sound profiles

For the majority of my time with the Noble FoKus Amadeus, I elected to listen at their stock, undoctored best, reserving the ‘calibrated’ experience for after I’d gotten a feel for what exactly they’re aiming for. In a nutshell, I can describe what they aim for as ‘presence’.

They lean warm and cushy, giving you a real solid base of bass to lean on; that warmth is a great foil for the pluckier high-end, which shines when handling percussive brilliance. Gelli Haha’s Bounce House is a catchy piece of slant-pop ear candy and all the more, er, moreish for the combination of speedy transient response and supple low-end on display. It's a great primer for these earbuds' capabilities out of the box.

The Amadeus landed on my desk around the same time I discovered the discography of 1970s American soul underdog Leroy Hutson, who replaced Curtis Mayfield in The Impressions. As such, quintessential DJ-fodder albums like the eponymous Hutson were frequent listens through the Amadeus’ smoooth-with-three-‘o’s drivers. Standout fave and stone-cold banger Lucky Fellow is resplendent in its tactile width. Hard-panned percussive guitars, leaping dynamic drums and fulsome, reedy vocals-in-harmony are all presented at their level best

Moving on to less-novel territory, one of my more common tester albums is Queens of the Stone Age’s Songs for the Deaf. This is a record I have known inside-out and back-to-front since its 2002 release, and which hasn’t lost a speck of luster in all 13 intervening years (because it is absolutely 2015 right now, Bowie’s absolutely still alive, and I am absolutely NOT an ancient fossil of a tech reviewer).

I’m pleased as punch to report that, through the FoKus Amadeus earbuds, this benchmark album still very much punches me in the face with urgent snares, sausage-fat guitars, growling bass and Mark Lanegan’s gruesome gravel-words. Again, the Amadeus' transient capabilities shine – spiky but not sharp, sudden but controlled, and in possession of a unique tactile clarity. It’s actually a bit addictive.

Nevertheless, there are some minor criticisms to be made –sometimes, energy can be a little misplaced. That plush, supple low-end can allow kick drums to take up a little too much real estate on occasion and, otherwise, can serve to cover for an occasional lack of width in the upper ranges.

Also, I did briefly test Audiodo’s sound profile calibration via the Noble FoKus app, and will say that I’m personally not a fan. The test is fun, using different volumes of tones at different pitches in each ear to develop a picture of your hearing sensitivity across the spectrum, but I found the results a little disarming first time round.

I won’t be knocking the Amadeus for featuring this algorithmic tech. I do think it’s a great thing to have – particularly as a way for people with gig-battered ears to improve the audibility of spoken voices in podcasts or phone calls. For music, though, my personalized EQ curve only served to put an uncanny mid-scooped sheen over sounds I was already familiar with and mentally compensating for. The great thing about these EQ options is exactly that: they’re optional.

• Sound quality score: 4.5/5

Noble FoKus Amadeus: Design

(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)

• Satisfying satin-red carry case
• Absurdly comfortable in-ear fit
• Touch controls are great, but finicky to start

You don’t design a set of wireless earbuds to look like this without wanting someone to talk about it. The FoKus Amadeus are waggling their figurative eyebrows at you, and trying not to drop a monocle in the process – an image befitting something non-ironically named for a classical composer.

There’s the glossy red finish on each earbud that recalls at once a luxury guitar plectrum and a Rover 800 dashboard (a lesser-spotted Sterling 800 if you're in the U.S.) – it serves to turn your head into an oddly proportioned executive sandwich accordingly. There’s also the delicious satin-red charging case lid, which incidentally possesses one of the more satisfying clasps I ever did feel. I could open and close this little box all day long.

The Amadeus earbuds are presented so lushly that you daren’t simply drop the case in your tote bag, among your keys and other scratchy effects – and Noble thought of that too. To prevent the marring of that pleasing finish, you can slip the case into a tiny velour drawstring pouch, and feel delightfully dainty in retrieving your earbuds from within.

Striking as these are as objects d’art, it’s my view that comfort is really where these buds stand above the rest. It’s not an easy job to make something relatively substantial fit so comfortably, and yet Noble’s achieved it with more success than any other brand I’ve tried.

For one, I’m a big fan of the different eartip options, handily provided by Noble in a little plastic case for your perusal. There are three sizes of single- and double-flanged eartips respectively; I personally got on best with the mid-sized double-flanged eartips, which delivered a security of fit hitherto unexperienced in other wireless earbuds.

This level of security is aided all the more by some clever topology. These earbuds share the same design principles as moulded in-ears, with angled drivers that seek to nestle close by the second bend in your ear canal. This, coupled with a clever balance of weight above the drivers, makes for a supremely snug and happy fit.

The capacitive touch functionality on the Noble FoKus Amadeus earbuds is great, by virtue of being very difficult to engage accidentally. The control scheme, though, is a little difficult for the sheer amount of functionality there is.

Noble has tried to make this as intuitive as possible, dividing tasks between earbuds – double- and triple-tapping the left earbud controls volume, while the same actions on the right move between tracks – but this isn’t the easiest to internalize without frequent revision. Even after a month of daily use, it’s still 50-50 whether I switch ANC mode on or activate my phone’s voice assistant.

Mercifully, the Noble FoKus app enables you to customize these controls to your own liking; a small but crucial gesture, that soothes the old-man-yelling-at-cloud in me. That something so insignificant (and readily rectified) commands so much of my attention is, in fact, proof that these earbuds are probably doing something right.

• Design quality score: 5/5

Noble FoKus Amadeus: Value

(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)

• Great feature-set
• Outstrips competition
• Worth it if you’ve got it

That $320 / £299.99 / approx. AU$615 price point isn’t one to be sniffed at. The vast majority of wireless earbuds come in well below this price, as do the vast majority of soundbars, consumer-grade monitor speakers and even integrated hi-fi systems. If you’re willing to spend this much, you obviously care a great deal about your mobile listening experience and understand that spending a little over the odds is the only way to get clear of that entry-level quality trap.

With an extensive battery life and some excellent Bluetooth connectivity, the FoKus Amadeus meet the basics well. With a great build quality and reassuring carry case, there are no qualms to be had about their design either. With an incredible set of newly engineered drivers, capable of providing all the oomph and splat you could ever want on the move, their sound fidelity is quite simply excellent.

All together, these facts make for a very compelling argument as to the Noble FoKus Amadeus’ value. Still, it’s a lot to drop on some earbuds. Which is exactly why you might have noticed some heightened scrutiny, with respect to the miniature frustrations I experienced during my testing.

This higher standard is an unfortunate function of pricing something in that difficult “middle” range (which looks indistinguishable to the top shelf, from the point of view of the average, budget-conscious buyer). Such frustrations would be somewhat forgiven in cheaper earbuds, and absolutely unforgivable in a set that dared to ask for more.

Even with this nitpicky frame of review, the Noble FoKus Amadeus earbuds absolutely pass muster. And that’s without noting the various ways in which Noble have outstripped the competition at this same price range – with longer battery life, better sound and better connectivity besides. If you’re spending this much on earbuds, you’re buying these, their twee, reverential branding notwithstanding.

• Value score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Noble FoKus Amadeus?

Features

Bluetooth 5.4 with LDAC and aptX Adaptive; extensive battery capacity; lots of EQs and listening modes; but ANC not up to scratch.

4.5 / 5

Sound quality

Truly excellent warmth and pluck from single-driver earbuds, but a little overwarm sometimes.

4.5 / 5

Design

Visually arresting, ergonomically delightful and highly customizable inside and out.

5 / 5

Value

Competitive features and addictive sound profile justify the inflated price point.

4.5 / 5

Buy them if...

You need earbuds that go the distance
These are the least-fatiguing in-ears I’ve ever tested, thanks to both their excellent fidelity and impeccable ergonomic design. Throw in some astonishing battery longevity, and you’ve a pair of quality wireless earbuds built for endurance – be it a long-haul flight, or a long and drudging week.

Tech-bro earbuds bore you
Everything’s a soulless white, grey or greige nowadays – and this includes earbuds, which often fall prey to the grosser minimalist instincts of their manufacturers’ head honchos. Look upon these deep-red, wood-finished wonderbuds, and rejoice in the return of romantic design!

Don't buy them if...

You can’t afford them
A pithy suggestion, sure, but one that bears repeating; if you have to stretch to reach the asking price, you probably shouldn’t invest in them. Outside of their incredible comfort and unique sound profile, there’s nothing here you can’t find in some form at a cheaper price (albeit, with some concessions).

You’re looking for peerless ANC
It’s a small shame that the Noble FoKus Amadeus don’t sport especially effective ANC, though I do think ANC and earbuds are a difficult marriage. The Amadeus’ passive attenuation is more-than good enough by itself. Still, if you want the blissful silence only technology can provide, you may be better off with a pair of ANC-equipped headphones.

Noble FoKus Amadeus: Also consider

Noble FoKus Amadeus

Sony WF-1000XM5

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Price

$320 / £299.99 / AU$615 (approx.)

$229.99 / £175 / AU$331

$220 / £199 / AU$399

Drivers

8.3mm triple-layer

8.4mm Dynamic driver X

10mm

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Quoted battery life

12 hours (earbuds, ANC off); 42 hours (charging case)

8hr earbuds, 24hrs total with the case

6 hours (buds) 24 hours total with the case

Weight

8.6g (earbuds); 55.5g (charging case)

4.2g per earbud

6.24g per earbud

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.4 with SBC, AAC, LDAC and aptX Adaptive compatibility, USB-C charging

Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, Sony 360 Reality Audio, DSEE Extreme upscaling

Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, aptX Adaptive, Snapdragon Sound

Frequency range

20Hz - 20kHz

Not stated

Not stated

Other features

Noble FoKus app, capacitive touch, ambient sound

Sony Headphones Connect companion app, ambient sound, wind-reduction bone conduction mics

Immersive Audio, sound 'modes'

Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony’s a popular name for all things head- and ear-phone-y. These earbuds take after their over-ear siblings with some sweet design and a decent tackling of noise-cancelling tech. They might be a little more clinical than Noble’s FoKus Amadeus in some senses, but they could be more practical in others. Read our full Sony WF-1000XM5 review.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Bose’s top-flight QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are pretty darn solid, with aptX Adaptive compatibility and some fun head-tracking capabilities. They sound pretty nifty, too. Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review.

How I tested the Noble FoKus Amadeus

(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)

• Tested for six weeks
• Used at home and on the go
• Predominantly tested using streaming services Bandcamp and Spotify, on a Samsung Galaxy S23 smartphone

The Noble FoKus Amadeus became my daily-driver earbuds, taking up a permanent space in my tote bag for daily usage on public transport and while gallivanting about town. I streamed music from Spotify and Bandcamp mostly, via my Samsung Galaxy S23; I occasionally used them at home, too, using my HP Pavilion laptop and the same services.

First reviewed August 2025

Trump has swapped out the grass in the Rose Garden with stone, turning what had been a lawn into a patio that bears a striking resemblance to one at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla.

(Image credit: Brendan Smialowski)

This week, we had Made by Google, the annual showcase where Google debuts its latest Pixel devices – and it served up a real treat!

We also got some brand new streaming goodies, including Peacemaker Season 2 (following Superman, we’re a lot more keen to see what the DCU is serving up nowadays).

To catch up on all that and more, scroll down for the 7 biggest tech news stories of the week (spoilers: there’s a fair bit of Google in here, but that’s no bad thing).

7. Silksong got a release date at Gamescom

(Image credit: Future)

Kicking things off with a different G, Gamescom 2025 was this week, and by far the biggest announcement is that Silksong finally has a release date, and it's in just two weeks on September 4. This writer couldn’t be more excited, and taking a Switch 2 with us to IFA has transitioned from a good idea to a must.

There’s also a new Lego Batman game. Legacy of the Dark Knight looks to combine elements of the most iconic Batman stories from across comics and the films, as well as gameplay which looks ripped from the Arkhamverse games – with, of course, a healthy dollop of iconic humor Lego titles are synonymous with.

We also got Black Ops 7 details, a look at Fallout Season 2, a Lords of the Fallen 2 trailer, a first look at the Sekiro No Defeat anime, and a teaser for Black Myth: Zhong Kui – among so, so, so much more.

• Read more: Everything announced at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025

6. Apple TV+ got pricier

(Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

Another day, another streaming service hiking up its prices – and this time, it’s Apple TV+. Apple’s streaming service shocked this week by raising prices for the third time in three years.

The changes took immediate effect on Thursday (August 21) for new subscribers, while existing customers will see their next renewal bill jump from $9.99 to $12.99 in the US, from £8.99 to £9.99 in the UK, and from AU$12.99 to AU$15.99 in Australia.

If you’re considering canceling your subscription off the back of the news, then it’s worth looking at ways you can avoid the Apple TV+ price hike, as you can save money by signing up for an annual account, bundle, or Apple TV+ free trial – which is essential if you’re a Slow Horses fan!

• Read more: Apple TV+’s sudden price hike will see people paying 30% more – and angry subscribers are already canceling

5. Spotify stole and improved an Apple Music feature

(Image credit: Shutterstock / Taner Muhlis Karaguzel)

Earlier this week, Spotify unveiled a new in-app feature that allows users to transition seamlessly between songs in new and existing playlists by tapping the ‘Mix’ button in the filter toolbar. The feature is similar to Apple Music’s AutoMix function, but Spotify is allowing you to customize your own cross-overs.

When you enable the feature, tabs will appear between each track in your playlist, marking each transition. The ‘Auto’ preset will be applied at first, meaning that Spotify will automatically transition the songs for you, but you can also choose from a selection of presets such as ‘Melt’ and ‘Wave’, or create your own transitions by playing around with its volume, EQ, and effect curves functions to craft a perfectly-blended playlist from start to finish.

According to Spotify’s blog post, its answer to Apple Music’s AutoMix is being rolled out in beta to ‘eligible Premium users’, but we don’t know when it will be available for all paying Spotify subscribers just yet.

• Read more: Spotify’s new rival to Apple Music’s AutoMix is here

4. We watched Peacemaker Season 2

(Image credit: HBO Max)

As another terrifically written and acted installment of the HBO Max Original, Peacemaker season 2 gets more than a thumbs-up from us.

Set a few months after Gunn's Superman movie, Peacemaker season 2 reunites us with Chris Smith (John Cena), aka the eponymous anti-hero, as he continues to struggle with reconciling his past.

It’s an impressive, entertaining, and startlingly thought-provoking continuation of its predecessor. A series packed with the usual trappings of a James Gunn project – dark and awkward humor, heart-wrenching moments, action-heavy sequences, a banging soundtrack, reams of melodrama, and broken characters you can't help but adore – it's must-see TV for DC comic book devotees, nascent DCU fans, and casual observers alike.

• Read more: I watched the first five episodes of Peacemaker season 2

3. Google Pixel Buds 2a made their debut

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

Google has launched the Pixel Buds 2a, aka the new most affordable Pixel earbuds. And in case you already own the Pro 2, Google gave those some useful free upgrades (coming September) at the same time.

As well as being the first A-series earbuds to get active noise cancellation (which Google says is 1.5x better than the noise-nixing you’d find in the original Pixel Buds Pro), they’re the smallest and lightest Pixel Buds to date, with Google's Silent Seal 1.5 to help block unwanted ambient audio – and we've given it a try in our early Pixel 2a hands-on.

As you'd expect, they work with Google's Gemini – but it’s good to see the latest 'Live with Gemini' variation of the service for real-time conversational responses.

And what of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 updates? There's a new color option, Moonstone (to match the Google Pixel 10 phone range), plus a free software update for all the other perks.

From September 2025, Pixel Buds Pro 2 will gain Adaptive Audio (Google's take on adaptive noise cancelling) alongside Loud Noise Protection and head gesture control, so you can pick up calls and reply to texts hands-free. They’ll also get better audio processing for using Gemini in noisier environments, Live with Gemini support, plus extra notifications about your battery level of the earbuds' case, so you're never caught short.

• Read more: I tried Google’s Pixel Buds 2a

2. Pixel Watch 4 dropped with first-of-its-kind features

(Image credit: Google)

While the Google Pixel 10 phones were the headline attraction at the Made by Google event this week, the Pixel Watch 4 also got some attention. With features new to the smartwatch category, such as emergency satellite connectivity, replaceable batteries and screens, a fully-domed screen, and simple raise-to-talk access to Google Gemini, the future looks bright for Google's smartwatch (especially due to its 3,000-nit brightness screen). It arrived alongside the announcement of a personal AI health and fitness coach headlined by Stephen Curry, although there aren't too many details on this front.

• Read more: Google’s Pixel Watch 4 packs plenty of health features, and a repairable design

1. We got new Pixel Phones

(Image credit: Google)

As expected, we got a whole new collection of Pixel phones from Google, including the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which brought some nice upgrades on the camera side, like better selfie cameras and a 5x optical zoom on the base model (unheard of).

Visually, none of the four phones, including the lovely Pixel 10 Pro Fold, got much of an update, but there are features that I think Pixel fans will appreciate. They’re all running the new Tensor G5, and, naturally, that’s powering all that AI and photo assistance, including the Camera Coach, which might make a great photographer out of any of us. Add Me can now add animals, and your phone can now do live translation in your voice.

Still, if we had to boil it down to the two most talked about updates, it might be IP68 protection for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold (a first in the folding space) and Pixel Snap, Android’s own version of Apple’s MagSafe. All we can say is, “It’s about time.”

• Read more: 13 things we saw at the wild Google Pixel 10 launch

Plugable has been in the computer accessory game for quite some time. I used to think of them as another option, then as a great option, and now, with their Thunderbolt 5 offerings, they might become one of the better options.

This unit boasts quite a few features I have yet to see as neatly packaged with even some of the best docking stations. Thunderbolt 5 support offers up faster file transfers than TB3 and TB4, and means there's also up to dual 8K outputs, depending on your laptop's capabilities. And it even allows 140W charging to your host laptop, and then direct more power output to accessories.

The dock itself feels sturdy and rugged, reminding me of the ever-popular CalDigit docks. Further, the port offering is fantastic, granting users 11 ports that they can utilize from their machine, including Thunderbolt Share integrated into the dock, which is something I have not seen as a mainstream offering yet.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Plugable's Thunderbolt 5 Dock: Pricing & Availability

The Plugable's Thunderbolt 5 Dock is currently on sale for $300.

It's available from the official website by clicking here and you can grab it from other online retailers like Amazon.com.

However, I am seeing less availability outside the US.

Plugable's Thunderbolt 5 Dock: Unboxing & first impressions

The Plugable 11-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station arrived in a very clean and simple box, just as I would expect from Plugable. Nothing fancy, just basic packaging. Within the box are the dock itself, a Thunderbolt 5 cable, the power brick, a stand, and some basic documentation.

The dock feels very good in the hand, and the aluminum chassis feels durable and rugged, while at the same time, the added touches like the rubber feet show that Plugable is thinking ahead and doesn't want their dock to scuff up your desk or workspace. Depending on your setup, this dock may fit under a desk shelf, or you could mount it with adhesive, a 3D printed mount, or another mounting method to the underside of your desk.

Alternatively, you can use the base that the dock comes with to stand the dock up vertically if you so choose. At my setup for testing, I decided to slide it under my desk shelf as it fits perfectly.

Once I got the power supply plugged in, I connected my monitor, an ethernet line, and the Thunderbolt 5 cable to my laptop, and then I got to work.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Plugable's Thunderbolt 5 Dock: Design & build qualitySpecs

Ports: 2× TB5/USB4, 2× HDMI 2.1, 1× DP 2.1, 3× USB-A (10Gbps), 1× USB-C (10Gbps), 1× 2.5GbE, 1× UHS-II SD, 1× 3.5mm audio
Power: 240W total (140W host, 100W peripherals)
Display: Dual 8K60 or triple 4K144 (Mac limited to dual 6K)
Bandwidth: 120Gbps TB5 (split lanes for display + data)
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux (TB5 or TB4 laptops)

As I mentioned, the aluminum is a nice touch. It makes this dock feel premium without adding a ton of unnecessary weight or flair. The aluminum also helps with heat, as this dock can get warm when pumping out up to 240W of power. One of the things I always pay attention to with laptop docks is the port layout and how easy it is to use it in a day-to-day scenario.

From what I can tell, even after just setting this up, the dock has a great port layout. I don't feel like, after setup, I'll need to go digging behind the dock to plug things in repeatedly, and if I do, it will be understandable. Plugable has put the more permanent, or set-it-and-forget-it ports on the back, so if you tuck this under a desk shelf, or if you mount this under your desk, you won't feel like you are constantly having to reach around or re-adjust.

Another thing I noticed off the bat was the size of the power brick. Granted, I see a lot of Thunderbolt 4 bricks, but this one still surprised me. It's got to be larger due to the demand for this power output and the draw of Thunderbolt 5, but still, it's pretty extensive.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Plugable's Thunderbolt 5 Dock: In use

This dock has been fantastic. I've been able to try it out with both macOS and Windows OS, I even tried it with a Chromebook that I have too. All around, it works great. The charging is fast, the monitors were stable, and didn't feel like they had any issues.

Plugable has made it so that both macOS and Windows can push to the computer's maximum video output, capping Mac-based systems on the chip's abilities, and the same with Windows.

The power delivery was impressive, too. My primary machine is a 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro that draws a good amount of power, but my secondary machine, the Dell Precision 5690, draws even more power.

So far, the Plugable Thunderbolt 5 dock has handled both without a problem. I can even charge at full speed while running multiple displays, powering an SSD, and transferring terabytes of information over a network link to my Synology DiskStation. That's impressive.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

The ports are plentiful, but the best port is the second Thunderbolt 5 port. On a Thunderbolt 5 dock, with a Thunderbolt 5 laptop, I would want to be able to also connect to other devices at Thunderbolt 5 speeds. Part of the reason this port is so incredible is not just the TB5 specs, but the fact that this is how Plugable allows Thunderbolt Sharing through this dock.

Now, I can connect two Windows Laptops and take advantage of Thunderbolt Sharing, transferring files at lightning TB5 speeds, controlling one laptop with the other, and so on.

All around, this dock is incredibly powerful, and I have found the only fundamental limitations to be computer-based, and not docking station-based, which says a lot about the quality and abilities of this docking station.

Plugable's Thunderbolt 5 Dock: Final verdict

The Plugable Thunderbolt 5, 11-in-1 dock is not only a powerful docking station, but it brings the power of Thunderbolt 5 to your laptop, providing high-quality display, fantastic power delivery, and a plethora of perfectly placed ports.

Thanks to the design of both the dock and the power brick, it's not the most portable device. Couple that with its thoughtful port placement (where lesser users ports are tucked around the rear), it's probably best left in a single-space set-up.

If you are looking for a docking station for your Thunderbolt 5 machine, this one is worth considering. But if you are looking for a dock that will work great for your Thunderbolt 4 or earlier machine, you'll get more bang for your buck with other docks.

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Simple, Powerful, Durable

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Practical for anyone with Thunderbolt 5

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Understandable Price

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Stream all 21 stages of 2025 Vuelta a España free on SBS On Demand (Aus)
• Unblock SBS with NordVPN (Try 100% risk-free)
• Today: Stage 1 from Torino Reggia di Venaria → Novara

You can watch the 2025 Vuelta a España on SBS On Demand, streaming for free from Saturday, August 23. The free stream includes live coverage with start times varying each day between 10:30am BST (5:30am ET) and 3pm BST (10am ET).

This year Jonas Vingegaard will be eyeing his first Red Jersey after a previous unsuccessful attempt in 2023. Other challengers include Joao Almeida, Richard Carapaz and Egan Bernal.

SBS On Demand will stream all three weeks so you don't miss a twist or turn. But how can you watch the 2025 Vuelta a España on SBS from anywhere? Can you get the free 2025 Vuelta a España stream in the UK and the US too? And what devices is SBS On Demand available on?

Here's our full (and quick) guide to how to watch the 2025 Vuelta a España on SBS...

How to watch Tour de France 2025 on SBS

SBS are streaming the Vuelta a España for FREE to Australian residents.

To watch SBS: visit the SBS On Demand website or download the SBS On Demand App (iOS / Android ).

SBS is free – but you will need to register for an account with an an Australian postcode (e.g. NSW 2000)

Register – sign up with your Gmail (we did back in May during the Giro d'Italia and the coverage was superb)

OUTSIDE AUSTRALIA? ACCESS SBS FROM ANYWHERE WITH NORDVPN

How to watch 2025 Vuelta a España on SBS from anywhere

Although SBS is a brilliant streaming platform, it is only available in Australia.

Cycling lovers traveling or working outside Oz will need to use a VPN to access SBS's free Vuelta stream across the next three weeks.

There are lots of VPN's but NordVPN is our pick to unblock ITVX and stream the Tour de France like a pro.... and you can save 70% right now.

NordVPN deal: 3 Extra Months Free

Boasting lightning fast speeds, great features, streaming power, and class-leading security, NordVPN is our #1 VPN.

✅ 3 months extra FREE!
✅ 74% off usual price

Use Nord to unblock SBS and watch the 2025 Vuelta a España live on SBS with our exclusive deal.View Deal

It's really easy to use a VPN to watch 2025 Vuelta a España action on SBS.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is the best choice.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're visiting Canada and want to watch your free Australian SBS stream - you'd select Australia from the options.

3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to the SBS website, sign in, and watch the 2025 Vuelta a España for free.

SBS Q+AWhat will SBS's 2025 Vuelta a España coverage include?

You can watch all the action from the 2025 Vuelta a España live and free on SBS On Demand from 23 August to the 14 September, with all the replays and highlights also on the platform.

The SBS Sport website will also provide cycling news, analysis and much more.

In addition to the 2025 Vuelta a España, SBS also shows live soccer as well as the other major grand tours across the cycling season.

Which devices can I watch the 2025 Vuelta a España on SBS with?

• Amazon Fire (Tablets, Cube, Stick, TVs)
• Android TV (please note: some models aren’t supported)
• Android (Mobile & Tablet) - Android 7.0 and above
• Apple TV (tvOS 14 or later)
• Google TV (Chromecast with Google TV and NVIDIA Shield)
• Freely
• Freesat (please note: some models aren’t supported)
• Freeview Play (TVs and set-top boxes) (some models aren’t supported)
• iOS (iPhone & iPad) - iOS 14 and above
• LG Smart TVs (2016–2024)
• NOW Smart Sticks and Boxes (minimum firmware v11.5.0)
• PlayStation (PS4 and PS5)
• Roku (Stick & Roku-OS powered TVs, minimum firmware v11.5.0)
• Samsung Smart TVs (2017 and above)
• Sky Q, Sky Glass and Sky Stream puck
• Virgin Media (360, Stream, TiVo)
• YouView (BT, Humax, Sony, TalkTalk)
• Xbox (One, Series X, Series S)

2025 Vuelta a España Stages

Stage 1 | Saturday, August 23 | Turin → Novara | 183 km
Stage 2 | Sunday, August 24 | Alba → Limone Piemonte | 157 km
Stage 3 | Monday, August 25 | San Maurizio Canavese → Ceres | 139 km
Stage 4 | Tuesday, August 26 | Susa → Voiron | 192 km
Stage 5 | Wednesday, August 27 | Figueres → Figueres (TTT) | 20 km
Stage 6 | Thursday, August 28 | Olot → Pal (Andorra) | 171 km
Stage 7 | Friday, August 29 | Andorra la Vella → Cerler (Huesca La Magia) | 187 km
Stage 8 | Saturday, August 30 | Monzón → Zaragoza | 158 km
Stage 9 | Sunday, August 31 | Alfaro → Valdezcaray | 195 km
Rest Day | Monday, September 1 | Pamplona
Stage 10 | Tuesday, September 2 | Sendaviva (Arguedas) → El Ferial Larra Belagua | 168 km
Stage 11 | Wednesday, September 3 | Bilbao → Bilbao | 167 km
Stage 12 | Thursday, September 4 | Laredo → Los Corrales de Buelna | 143 km
Stage 13 | Friday, September 5 | Cabezón de la Sal → L'Angliru | 202 km
Stage 14 | Saturday, September 6 | Avilés → Alto de La Farrapona | 135 km
Stage 15 | Sunday, September 7 | Vegadeo (A Veiga) → Monforte de Lemos | 167 km
Rest Day | Monday, September 8 | Pontevedra
Stage 16 | Tuesday, September 9 | Poio → Mos (Castro de Herville) | 172 km
Stage 17 | Wednesday, September 10 | O Barco de Valdeorras → Alto de El Morredero (Ponferrada) | 143 km
Stage 18 | Thursday, September 11 | Valladolid → Valladolid (ITT) | 26 km
Stage 19 | Friday, September 12 | Rueda → Guijuelo | 159 km
Stage 20 | Saturday, September 13 | Robledo de Chavela → Bola del Mundo | 159 km
Stage 21 | Sunday, September 14 | Valdeolmos‑Alalpardo → Madrid | 101 km

• 2025 Vuelta a España Full Guide
• BleeqUp's new 4-in-1 cycling glasses review
• Best streaming VPN's 2025

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

• Stream all 21 stages of 2025 Vuelta a España free on SBS On Demand (Aus)
• Unblock SBS with NordVPN (Try 100% risk-free)
• Today: Stage 1 from Torino Reggia di Venaria → Novara

You can watch the 2025 Vuelta a España on SBS On Demand, streaming for free from Saturday, August 23. The free stream includes live coverage with start times varying each day between 10:30am BST (5:30am ET) and 3pm BST (10am ET).

This year Jonas Vingegaard will be eyeing his first Red Jersey after a previous unsuccessful attempt in 2023. Other challengers include Joao Almeida, Richard Carapaz and Egan Bernal.

SBS On Demand will stream all three weeks so you don't miss a twist or turn. But how can you watch the 2025 Vuelta a España on SBS from anywhere? Can you get the free 2025 Vuelta a España stream in the UK and the US too? And what devices is SBS On Demand available on?

Here's our full (and quick) guide to how to watch the 2025 Vuelta a España on SBS...

How to watch Tour de France 2025 on SBS

SBS are streaming the Vuelta a España for FREE to Australian residents.

To watch SBS: visit the SBS On Demand website or download the SBS On Demand App (iOS / Android ).

SBS is free – but you will need to register for an account with an an Australian postcode (e.g. NSW 2000)

Register – sign up with your Gmail (we did back in May during the Giro d'Italia and the coverage was superb)

OUTSIDE AUSTRALIA? ACCESS SBS FROM ANYWHERE WITH NORDVPN

How to watch 2025 Vuelta a España on SBS from anywhere

Although SBS is a brilliant streaming platform, it is only available in Australia.

Cycling lovers traveling or working outside Oz will need to use a VPN to access SBS's free Vuelta stream across the next three weeks.

There are lots of VPN's but NordVPN is our pick to unblock ITVX and stream the Tour de France like a pro.... and you can save 70% right now.

NordVPN deal: 3 Extra Months Free

Boasting lightning fast speeds, great features, streaming power, and class-leading security, NordVPN is our #1 VPN.

✅ 3 months extra FREE!
✅ 74% off usual price

Use Nord to unblock SBS and watch the 2025 Vuelta a España live on SBS with our exclusive deal.View Deal

It's really easy to use a VPN to watch 2025 Vuelta a España action on SBS.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is the best choice.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're visiting Canada and want to watch your free Australian SBS stream - you'd select Australia from the options.

3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to the SBS website, sign in, and watch the 2025 Vuelta a España for free.

SBS Q+AWhat will SBS's 2025 Vuelta a España coverage include?

You can watch all the action from the 2025 Vuelta a España live and free on SBS On Demand from 23 August to the 14 September, with all the replays and highlights also on the platform.

The SBS Sport website will also provide cycling news, analysis and much more.

In addition to the 2025 Vuelta a España, SBS also shows live soccer as well as the other major grand tours across the cycling season.

Which devices can I watch the 2025 Vuelta a España on SBS with?

• Amazon Fire (Tablets, Cube, Stick, TVs)
• Android TV (please note: some models aren’t supported)
• Android (Mobile & Tablet) - Android 7.0 and above
• Apple TV (tvOS 14 or later)
• Google TV (Chromecast with Google TV and NVIDIA Shield)
• Freely
• Freesat (please note: some models aren’t supported)
• Freeview Play (TVs and set-top boxes) (some models aren’t supported)
• iOS (iPhone & iPad) - iOS 14 and above
• LG Smart TVs (2016–2024)
• NOW Smart Sticks and Boxes (minimum firmware v11.5.0)
• PlayStation (PS4 and PS5)
• Roku (Stick & Roku-OS powered TVs, minimum firmware v11.5.0)
• Samsung Smart TVs (2017 and above)
• Sky Q, Sky Glass and Sky Stream puck
• Virgin Media (360, Stream, TiVo)
• YouView (BT, Humax, Sony, TalkTalk)
• Xbox (One, Series X, Series S)

2025 Vuelta a España Stages

Stage 1 | Saturday, August 23 | Turin → Novara | 183 km
Stage 2 | Sunday, August 24 | Alba → Limone Piemonte | 157 km
Stage 3 | Monday, August 25 | San Maurizio Canavese → Ceres | 139 km
Stage 4 | Tuesday, August 26 | Susa → Voiron | 192 km
Stage 5 | Wednesday, August 27 | Figueres → Figueres (TTT) | 20 km
Stage 6 | Thursday, August 28 | Olot → Pal (Andorra) | 171 km
Stage 7 | Friday, August 29 | Andorra la Vella → Cerler (Huesca La Magia) | 187 km
Stage 8 | Saturday, August 30 | Monzón → Zaragoza | 158 km
Stage 9 | Sunday, August 31 | Alfaro → Valdezcaray | 195 km
Rest Day | Monday, September 1 | Pamplona
Stage 10 | Tuesday, September 2 | Sendaviva (Arguedas) → El Ferial Larra Belagua | 168 km
Stage 11 | Wednesday, September 3 | Bilbao → Bilbao | 167 km
Stage 12 | Thursday, September 4 | Laredo → Los Corrales de Buelna | 143 km
Stage 13 | Friday, September 5 | Cabezón de la Sal → L'Angliru | 202 km
Stage 14 | Saturday, September 6 | Avilés → Alto de La Farrapona | 135 km
Stage 15 | Sunday, September 7 | Vegadeo (A Veiga) → Monforte de Lemos | 167 km
Rest Day | Monday, September 8 | Pontevedra
Stage 16 | Tuesday, September 9 | Poio → Mos (Castro de Herville) | 172 km
Stage 17 | Wednesday, September 10 | O Barco de Valdeorras → Alto de El Morredero (Ponferrada) | 143 km
Stage 18 | Thursday, September 11 | Valladolid → Valladolid (ITT) | 26 km
Stage 19 | Friday, September 12 | Rueda → Guijuelo | 159 km
Stage 20 | Saturday, September 13 | Robledo de Chavela → Bola del Mundo | 159 km
Stage 21 | Sunday, September 14 | Valdeolmos‑Alalpardo → Madrid | 101 km

• 2025 Vuelta a España Full Guide
• BleeqUp's new 4-in-1 cycling glasses review
• Best streaming VPN's 2025

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.