To call the Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch a food processor would be doing quite an injustice to. Yes, it is a food processor, but unlike most of its peers, it comes with a full size blender attachment, as well as personal blender cup and a citrus press. This multi-functional kitchen gadget can even replace your digital weighing scale.
It’s ideal for anyone moving into their first home and looking to set up their kitchen, since it offers so many small appliances in one package. And since Kenwood is a long established kitchen appliance brand, you can rest assured it knows what it’s doing.
The OneTouch sits within Kenwood’s MultiPro range of food processors, and is one of the most multi-functional in the range. Yet it’s still pretty affordable given all that it is capable of. Its biggest competitor in terms of functionality is probably the Ninja 3-in-1 Food Processor with Auto-IQ, but the Kenwood can do more.
On test, I tried all the accessories and it performed well across the board. There were a couple of little design quirks that I noticed along the way, but no major deal-breaker level flaws. You can read my detailed performance review below to see how it compares with the best food processors and best blenders on the market.
Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch: price and availabilityThe Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Pood Procesor and Blender FDM73.850SS in the format tested here is only available in the UK. However, in Australia the Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender FDM73.480SS is virtually the same product. The difference is that it doesn’t come with the whisk, citrus press, personal blender, or the 2mm slicing and shredding disc.
In both countries it’s available directly from Kenwood, as well as via Amazon (though at the time of writing it's out of stock at Amazon in both countries). It can also be found at select kitchen appliance retailers, such as Lakeland in the UK.
At the time of writing in the UK the Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch was discounted by both Kenwood and Lakeland, so it is worth hunting around for discounts or checking the price during the big seasonal sales like Black Friday.
Thanks to all the various functions and accessories, this multi-purpose food processor can replace several appliances, and from that perspective it offers very good value for money.
The Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch isn’t a standout appliance for stunning good looks; it’s built more for practicality and function. For example, I'm not a fan of the color images on the control panel that represent the preset modes. They give the appliance a cluttered, busy appearance even when switched off.
Despite my thoughts on the aesthetic, the controls are very simple to get to grips with. There are just three speeds to choose from and a pulse button. The six preset functions are divided into dough, puree, and mix for the food processor and ice crush, blend, and clean for the blender.
The color icons on the control panel give the appliance a busy look, even when it's switched off (Image credit: Helen McCue)There’s no start/stop button - instead you start it by selecting a preset or speed. When you need to stop it, you then have to press the same button again, which doesn’t always come naturally. I got used to it, but it’s a bit of a quirk that took a few goes to get my head around.
Cleverly, the base of the food processor doubles as a digital weighing scale. There’s a button to switch between lb and kg as well as a zero button. Weight is displayed on a small screen, which doubles as the timer when it’s in use as a food processor.
A plastic plate attachment sits on the base to allow you to use it as a scale independent of the food processor accessories. Or, you can weigh directly into the food processor bowl or blender jug.
The base of the Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch serves as a digital scale. You can weigh ingredients on a plastic plate, or directly into the food processor bowl or blender jug (Image credit: Helen McCue)The machine comes with the main basic food processor attachments that I’d expect, including the knife blade, dough tool, whisk, a 4mm slicing and shredding disc as well as a 2mm slicing and shredding disc.
One stand-out addition is the express serve lid attachment, which is used in conjunction with the slicing and grating discs. It works as a chute to propel the sliced and grated food into a container of your choosing, which means you’re not limited by the size of the main food processor bowl. It’s a great innovation, especially for those who want to slice or grate in bulk.
The Serve Lid attachment propels grated or chopped food into a container of your choice (Image credit: Helen McCue)What makes this food processor truly multi-functional is that it also comes with a full size blender attachment and a personal blender attachment. There’s even a citrus press accessory that attaches to the food processor bowl..
Every large attachment has to be twisted into position on the base. For the food processor bowl and the blender, the lid also has to be twisted and locked in place otherwise they won’t work. This is a necessary safety feature.
Before adding the food processor bowl a long spindle attachment called the drive shaft, has to be placed on the base first. However, the drive shaft doesn’t click or lock in place, in fact, it feels quite loose, so it’s easy to think something is missing when you first assemble it. What’s more, I found that every time I removed the food processor bowl, I knocked the drive shaft and sent it clattering across the counter, which gets a bit annoying.
Another downside is that the main food processor bowl and the blender jug have to be configured on the base with the handle sitting to the right. So they’re not well placed for left-handed users.
The footprint of the base is 22.2 x 27.7cm / 8.7 x 10.9 inches (w x d) and the height depends on the accessory added. The tallest is when the blender jug is attached, which makes it 42.9cm / 16.9 inches high
The Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch's lid was incredibly tough to remove for the first few uses but loosened and became far easier the more I used it.
The first thing I did was to use the pulse button to chop an onion. I peeled and quartered the onion, then put it in with the main blade attached, and it took just five pulses to finely chop the onion. To make sure nothing was missed, I removed the lid before the final pulse and scraped off any chunks that were stuck to the side of the bowl. That did the trick to ensure the pieces were all evenly sized.
Image 1 of 2It took just five pulses to finely chop a quartered onion (Image credit: Helen McCue)Image 2 of 2It took just five pulses to finely chop a quartered onion (Image credit: Helen McCue)To make up a cake batter I used the main blade again in conjunction with the ‘mix’ preset which successfully combined all of the ingredients into a smooth cake batter in just 45 seconds. The best part was that prior to mixing I was able to weigh the ingredients directly into the food processor, which reduced the number of dishes to clean up.
Chopping nuts was next on the agenda. I threw in a handful of mixed nuts and pulsed it to avoid over-chopping them. It took 18 pulses, so I think it would have been quicker to just put it on the high speed setting. The nuts were chopped nevertheless.
There was a mixture of ground powdery nuts and some chunky pieces, so it didn’t chop them to a consistent texture. However, some of the other Kenwood MultiPro food processors come with a milling attachment. If you frequently chop hard foods like nuts, then it might be worth looking at those other models.
Image 1 of 2The texture of chopped nuts was somewhat inconsistent, with some fine powder and some chunks (Image credit: Helen McCue)Image 2 of 2The texture of chopped nuts was somewhat inconsistent, with some fine powder and some chunks (Image credit: Helen McCue)The last test I did with the main chopping blade was to chop diced beef chunks into a ground beef texture. This task was a breeze for the food processor and the job was done in just 20 seconds on the high speed setting.
It took just five seconds to grate two carrots using the large disc. There were a couple of chunks left un-grated, and having weighed the carrot before grating as well as the chunks that didn’t get shredded, I worked out that the waste was around 8% (and I don’t really consider it waste since I was still able to use these chunks in another recipe).
Image 1 of 2It took just five seconds to grate two carrots using the large disc (Image credit: Helen McCue)Image 2 of 2It took just five seconds to grate two carrots using the large disc (Image credit: Helen McCue)When grating cheese, I used the large grate disc again, and also the express serve attachment. I wanted to see if any cheese would get lodged or clumped in the express serve mechanism.
A 300g/ 10oz block of cheddar took under 15 seconds to grate and none of it got stuck in the express serve attachment. There were a few chunks of cheese that remained un-grated, amounting to about 8% of the total. But given how fast it is, I’m happy to save those chunks in the fridge for something else.
Grating cheese left a few un-grated pieces, but I was happy to keep these in the fridge for another recipe (Image credit: Helen McCue)Grating chocolate can be a messy business and I’m happy to let a machine take care of the job. I used the small disc to grate a 180g / 6oz bar of dark chocolate. It took 40 seconds to push all the chocolate through and I had to press really firmly on the chocolate with the pusher.
Some chocolate did melt to the disc in the process and the chunks that didn’t get grated amounted to 19%, which is quite a lot. However, it’s much faster and easier than doing it by hand and I won’t let those ungrated chunks go to waste.
Image 1 of 2The Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch sliced six carrots in 10 seconds (Image credit: Helen McCue)Image 2 of 2The Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch sliced six carrots in 10 seconds (Image credit: Helen McCue)Next up was slicing, and it sliced six carrots in an impressive 10 seconds on the highest speed. There wasn’t any waste, though some did end up going through at a bit of an angle, so the slices were somewhat elongated. Overall though, it was a great result.
To slice half a cucumber I set it up with the disc that creates thin slices. It took about eight seconds on the high speed setting to slice the cucumber. The slices were perfectly even and there was no waste.
To test the dough tool, I added the ingredients for a bread dough and selected the ‘dough’ preset. It’s only a 30 second preset but it mixed the ingredients and combined them into a dough within the time.
Image 1 of 3The dough preset only takes 30 seconds, but produces a well combined result (Image credit: Helen McCue)Image 2 of 3The dough preset only takes 30 seconds, but produces a well combined result (Image credit: Helen McCue)Image 3 of 3The dough preset only takes 30 seconds, but produces a well combined result (Image credit: Helen McCue)I was impressed that the suction cups on the base kept the food processor firmly rooted to the counter, even after the ingredients had turned into a big ball of dough that would have some other food processors walking across the counter.
I used the whisk attachment to whip 300ml / 0.6 pints of cream. To avoid over whipping the cream, I selected the medium speed setting. It took two and a half minutes and while the cream was beautifully thick and light, I’d probably try out the high speed setting next time as it took a little longer than I expected.
Whipping cream on the medium setting took two and a half minutes - I might use the high speed setting next time (Image credit: Helen McCue) Personal blenderI made a smoothie consisting of frozen mixed berries, milk, protein powder, half a banana, and a tablespoon of mixed seeds. The Instructions say not to use more than 60g frozen ingredients, so I made use of the integrated scales to weigh my berries before adding to the cup.
To blitz up the smoothie, I selected the ‘blend’ preset, which took 57 seconds. The finished smoothie was a little gritty thanks to the seeds that I had added as well as the seeds in the berries. However, there were no whole seeds and it had a pleasant, slightly aerated texture that was otherwise smooth and well mixed.
After blending, the blade attachment came off the cup in two sections, which wasn’t what I was expecting, but it didn’t actually matter. It made it easier to rinse clean under the tap.
Image 1 of 3A smoothie made using the personal blender attachment was a little gritty due to the seeds I added, but well mixed and lightly aerated (Image credit: Helen McCue)Image 2 of 3A smoothie made using the personal blender attachment was a little gritty due to the seeds I added, but well mixed and lightly aerated (Image credit: Helen McCue)Image 3 of 3A smoothie made using the personal blender attachment was a little gritty due to the seeds I added, but well mixed and lightly aerated (Image credit: Helen McCue) BlenderTo crush ice, I added eight ice cubes and selected the ‘ice crush’ preset. It blended the ice for 28 seconds. At the end of the program, the ice was evenly crushed to a snowy consistency.
I cooked up the chopped onion, grated and sliced carrot from the above tests, into a tasty soup. Then once it had cooled I added it to the blender to blitz into a smooth soup.
I blended the soup on the ‘blend’ setting which takes 57 seconds. This was enough to completely liquidize everything into a perfectly smooth and creamy soup.
Image 1 of 2It was easy to blend ingredients into a smooth soup, though a small hole in the lid of the blender means liquid can spit out (Image credit: Helen McCue)Image 2 of 2It was easy to blend ingredients into a smooth soup, though a small hole in the lid of the blender means liquid can spit out (Image credit: Helen McCue)The one issue I had with the blender was that there’s a small hole in the lid. And at the start of blending the soup, liquid was spitting out of the hole. In the end I held a paper towel over it and the spitting stopped after the first 10-15 seconds when the soup began to thicken.
Next I half filled it with water and added some dishwashing liquid, then used the 33 second ‘clean’ preset to remove most of the soup residues. It worked a treat and I just had to rinse it and give it a quick wipe to get it fully cleaned.
Citrus pressThe citrus press attachment slots on top of the main food processor bowl, in place of the lid. I switched it on to the low speed setting to make orange juice. Even on the low speed setting it felt fast and certainly made short work of the oranges. Four oranges (eight halves) took me around 90 seconds to juice.
The top section catches all the seeds and some of the pulp, leaving the rest of the juice to make its way into the bowl below. It’s a fast and effective attachment for people who want to juice citrus fruits, though the juice is pretty pulpy so if you want it super smooth, you’ll have to pour it through a sieve before drinking.
In general I didn’t find the food processor to be too loud, which is probably in part to do with how fast it processed everything. The blender and personal blender were pretty loud though and both hit a high of 105dB on my noise meter. This noise level is equivalent to outdoor power tools like a chainsaw or leaf blower. Though thankfully it was for less than a minute, so much more bearable.
Image 1 of 2It took about 90 seconds to juice four oranges with the Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch's citrus juicer (Image credit: Helen McCue)Image 2 of 2The juice contains quite a lot of pulp, so you'll need to strain it if you like a smoother texture (Image credit: Helen McCue) Should you buy the Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch? Buy it ifYou want to grate and slice in bulk
With the express serve attachment, you can slice or grate directly into your own bowl(s), meaning there really is no limit to the amount you can get done without stopping.
You want a multi-tasking all-rounder
At this point it goes without saying that this appliance can take the place of several other appliances. It's the perfect all-rounder to buy if you’re just setting up home and don’t yet own any appliances.
You want digital scales built in
Not only is it a game changer being able to weigh ingredients directly into the food processor bowl or the blender jug, but having the option to use it as a digital scale in its own right is an excellent add-on.
Don't buy it ifYou already own a blender or personal blender
If you already own some of the appliances that are included in this bundle, then it simply doesn’t make sense to double up. You’d be better off looking for a model with fewer accessories.
You’re short on storage space
While the number of accessories is what makes this a great value multi-tasking kitchen machine, don’t overlook the fact that there’s a lot to store. If you have a compact kitchen, it’s worth considering whether you have sufficient storage space.
How I tested the Kenwood MultiPro OneTouchI had the Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch set up on my kitchen counter for a week while I did my best to try out every accessory and attachment at least once. In doing so, I also made use of the integrated weighing scales and tried most of the preset programmes on the control panel.
Further to testing its ability to deal with chopping, slicing, grating, whisking and blending, I was also noting how easy it was to use. This included how easily all the parts slot together as well as whether it’s tricky to clean.
I noted down any annoying features that I encountered and paid attention to whether it struggled or wobbled during use. I used a noise meter to establish how loud it is in use as well as taking into consideration the sheer volume of stuff there is to store. Learn more about how we test.
First reviewed October 2024
CPU: Intel Core 14th Gen Ultra 9-185H
Graphics: Intel Arc Graphics
RAM: 32GB DDR5, up to 64GB
Storage: 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
Rear Ports: 2 x USB 4.0, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x RJ45 LAN (2.5G), 1 x DC in,
Front Ports: 4 x USB 3.2 Gen2, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x 3.5mm stereo jack, 1
Side Ports: SD Card 4.0, 1 x Kensington Lock
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Audio: HDA CODEC
Camera: N/A
Size: 135mm x 132mm x 46.9mm
OS Installed: Windows 11 Pro
Accessories: VESA Mount, free USB-C hub
The Geekom GT1 Mega instantly sets the tone with the high-quality metal exterior, with its row of USB Type-A ports across the front and a host of connection options across the rear, highlighting that this is something a little different. Inside is the latest 14th Gen Intel Ultra processor, which provides impressive performance in such a compact machine.
The new processor, which in our review sample is the U9-185H option, with the U7-155H also available, enables close integration with AI-enabled features. These work with the Intel NPU, which has the effect of significantly accelerating tasks like AI computation and video rendering, which in real-world terms is an invisible feature that you only witness through the speed of the processing.
There are other hints of this small machine’s power beyond editing 4K footage in DaVinci Resolve, which it handles as if it's a machine many times its own size, and the smooth running of high-impact games. Connecting up two 4K displays is well within its abilities, with an option to support up to four 4K monitors or one 8K through the two HDMI ports and USB4.
Sure enough, for video editing and 3D work, the Geekom ploughs through the processing without issue, and checking all Microsoft Office apps just doesn’t pose any type of stress on the system. While all this power and speed are impressive at such a small size, it is worth noting that the fans will kick in early—there’s a lot of cooling to be done—so if you like silence, while not loud, that fan whirr is apparent.
Then there are the options to upgrade, which, being a mini PC, are limited: a slight boost to the internal RAM and SSD but little else. However, the USB4 ports afford plenty of other expansion options with external SSDs and eGPUs.
As a true mini PC, the GT1 Mega will fit any workspace without issue, and the small VESA mount ensures that it’s easy to fit and mount as needed. That, coupled with the 65W power consumption, means that it can easily be transported and powered in the field with a power station such as the Bluetti AC70.
But is it the best mini PC we've tested? Well, while this is a great compact solution, it comes with a high price tag, especially considering the limited upgrade options. So, if you’re looking to spend this amount, it might be better to look at a larger desktop solution. However, considering the design and advanced technology, on its own or partnered with other devices to expand its function, it’s impressive and an ideal solution for any professional—creative or otherwise—who requires some serious processing power.
Geekom GT1 Mega: Price & availability (Image credit: Alastair Jennings)The Geekom GT1 Mega is priced at $1,099 and is available directly from Geekom with a 3-year warranty.
The GT1 Mega is housed in a compact form factor (135mm x 132mm x 46.9mm) that is common for mini PCs, which instantly makes it an ideal choice for anyone with limited workspace or requiring a machine that is easily portable between places of work. The exterior of the machine is of an extremely high quality, with the all-metal finish instantly giving the impression of quality and style. The simple monocoque design of the casing, with the line of four USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, 3.5mm audio, and power button, are all neatly laid out, highlighting accessibility.
That look helps to define this system as a core unit that can adapt to what you need it to do. For creatives, accessories such as the Logitech MX Creative Console, keyboard, and mouse can all be plugged in easily without searching around the back. Then on the side, alongside plenty of venting, which alongside the IceBlast 2.0 cooling system helps to keep on top of the heat from the fast processor, is an SD 4.0 card slot—a feature that will appeal to photographers and videographers, although a CFExpress Type-B slot would be great to see. On the other side, for security, there's a Kensington port.
Flipping over to the back, and again there’s a host of connections, including two USB 4.0 and dual 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports, two HDMI 2.0, a USB Type-A 3.2, and one USB 2.0 port.
The overall build is of a high quality, and flipping the machine onto its back, there are four small rubber feet and the hole for the VESA mount. Unscrewing the base gives you access to the inside, where there’s the option to upgrade the RAM from the 32GB to 64GB and swap the PCIe SSD NVMe Gen 4, although our review sample was already fitted with the 2TB version, which is the maximum.
The Geekom GT1 Mega features Intel's 14th Gen Ultra U9-185H processor with 16 cores and 22 threads. It also features an AI-accelerated NPU, which is capable of delivering processing up to 8 times faster than the previous generation and enables you to access the latest machine learning tasks and compatibility with AI-enabled applications that can make full use of the new technology.
Visuals are supplied through Intel Arc graphics, which support both high-resolution video and gameplay, as well as the ability to run multiple displays from the system. This includes up to four 4K monitors or one 8K.
Inside, the machine features 32GB of Dual-channel DDR5-5600 SODIMM, which can be upgraded to 64GB. This is matched with 2TB of M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 x 4 SSD, which is the maximum that the machine can take.
Connections are a key feature of this small machine, and when it comes to networking, alongside the dual RJ45 2.5Gbps ports, there's also Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, further enhancing connection options.
Alongside the latest Intel processing, the big point of interest here is the expansion options. While those are limited internally, the ability to utilise the two USB4 ports along with the USB 3.2 Gen ports gives you plenty of options. Although the internal graphics are good, if you need the boost of a dedicated external graphics card, then an eGPU can easily be fitted. Likewise, ultra-fast external SSDs, NAS, and mass storage devices are all easily compatible.
The USB4 ports offer plenty of flexibility, with the ability to connect data devices, monitors, graphics, and even deliver up to 15W of PD power to quickly charge devices such as phones, tablets, and camera gear.
When it comes to portability, the small form factor and solid metal build make it nice and robust, but if you're working in the field, then the fact that it only draws 65W of power means that it will sit alongside a portable computing suite that can be used in the field without too much of an issue and powered by a portable power station. However, it does utilise a 19V DC input rather than the more universal USB Type-C, so the external power adapter is required.
Crystal Disk Read: 5049.75MB/s
Crystal Disk Write: 4399.79MB/s
GeekBench CPU Single: 2498
GeekBench CPU Multi: 13916
GeekBench Compute: 39696
PC Mark: 6992
CineBench CPU Multi: 15911
CineBench CPU Single: 1888
Fire Strike Overall: 8133
Fire Strike Graphics: 8886
Fire Strike Physics: 29083
Fire Strike Combined: 2995
Time Spy Overall: 4072
Time Spy Graphics: 3642
Time Spy CPU: 12306
Wild Life: 20948
Windows Experience: 8.3
Getting started with the GT1 Mega is fast, with the usual run-through of options for Windows 11 Pro. Once installed, the WiFi connection to install updates and applications is fast, and there’s little slowdown as you switch from browsing to applications and general use of the machine. Starting with the range of Microsoft Office apps, the machine is simply fast and responsive, with the apps loading quickly. Navigating large Word documents, presentations, and long spreadsheets is handled with no issues or slowdowns. Essentially, the machine just makes short work of this level of applications.
Likewise, two of the best photo editors, Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, caused no issues, with the batch RAW processing of files from the Canon EOS R5C handled without a hitch. We also tested the machine with some of the best video editing software. RAW files along with 4K video Log3 footage from the Sony A7 IV were edited within Adobe Premiere Pro with the same ease. The only issue with video editing was the volume of internal storage; however, switching to using an external 8TB Samsung T5 Evo quickly resolved this, enabling impressive ease of editing for a 15-minute video.
Finally, looking at gaming performance, three games were tested: *Tekken 8*, *Cyberpunk 2077*, and *Hogwarts Legacy*. In all cases, the machine was able to handle most of the graphic processing, though with some minor lag in *Hogwarts Legacy*. However, a Razer Core X eGPU with ASUS GeForce 3060 Ti gave a boost to the graphics performance.
Once the external SSD and eGPU were added to the mix, the power of this small machine matched desktop PCs without issue, offering an incredibly small and effective solution for creative professionals looking for a compact and portable machine that can be used in the field.
Finally, with the performance tested, we checked out how the machine coped with our benchmarking tests. Here, the real-world tests were reflected, with the Geekom GT1 Mega excelling across the board. The Intel Ultra U9-185H processor offered strong multi-core performance, scoring 15,911 in Cinebench CPU multi-core tests, highlighting what we had witnessed during video editing. Storage speeds using the internal SSD are fast, with CrystalDisk scores of 5049.75MB/s for read and 4399.79MB/s for write, ensuring quick boot times and rapid data transfers. Although the 2TB storage will be ample for most users, creatives should look at an external storage solution such as the Samsung T5 Evo or OWC Envoy as an option.
If you do need to access the internal workings of the machine for an upgrade, the process is a little more involved than most. First, the four rubber feet need to be removed, then the four screws taken out, and the base prised off. Then there's the backing plate, which is again held by four screws; this needs to be carefully lifted away as there are two wires connected to the WiFi card. With the base plate propped up, you can access the M.2 Key-M slot for PCIe x4 Gen 4 NVMe SSD, 2280, and dual RAM slots, along with the M.2 Key-M slot PCIe x4 or SATA, 2242. It's also worth noting that the M.2 Key-E slot for CNVi/PCIe WiFi, 2230, can be upgraded, giving some future-proofing. Another interesting feature is the 16-pin FPC SATA connector to connect an FFC SATA cable to a 7mm 2.5" SATA, which opens up further options.
While overall the performance is excellent, the graphics performance is just above average, with the Intel Arc handling most tasks. However, the Fire Strike and Time Spy results show that when pushed, an eGPU should be considered, as we found with Hogwarts Legacy.
Overall, when it comes to performance, the core machine punches well above its size, but what really appeals is the fact that, with applications that support AI, this machine can see a real boost in performance. And if you need more storage for video or graphics for gaming, then an external drive or eGPU can be quickly fitted. The Geekom GT1 is one of the most impressive mini PCs available, with solid build and performance that will suit most creative and high-demand users.
The Geekom GT1 Mega is a great option for professionals or creatives who need robust computing power in a compact form. Its AI processing and excellent multitasking capabilities make it a great mini PC, though its high price and limited internal, might be an issue for some.
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings) Buy it if...You need AI-accelerated processing
If your work involves AI tasks, machine learning, or real-time data analysis, the GT1 Mega’s NPU will greatly enhance productivity.
You require multiple high-res displays
The ability to support four 4K monitors or one 8K display makes this mini PC perfect for video editing or digital content creation.
Don't buy it if...You're on a budget
At nearly £1,000/$1,000, the GT1 Mega's cost is a barrier for casual users or those who don’t need cutting-edge performance.
You want extensive gaming capabilities
While capable, its Intel Arc graphics won't compete with a dedicated gaming PC for high-end gaming performance
For more professional machines, we reviewed the best business computers and best business laptops.
Dolby Atmos is a phrase you’ll come across when you’re shopping for a new TV, soundbar or home theater speakers. An extension of the more traditional 5.1-channel surround sound, Dolby Atmos aims to create a more immersive experience by adding height channels to mixes, creating a ‘dome’ effect that envelops you.
Dolby Atmos has now become a staple feature of home theater tech through clever virtual processing by some of the best soundbars, such as the Sonos Beam Gen 2, and in physical form by some of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, such as the excellent Samsung HW-Q990D, which uses up-firing drivers on the soundbar itself and the system’s wireless surround speakers.
When I’m reviewing a soundbar, connected to one of the best TVs that support Dolby Atmos, the Dolby Atmos sound adds a new layer to the viewing experience, with the added height effects in scenes such as the Batmobile chase in The Batman and the final Death Star attack inStar Wars: A New Hope getting an even more immersive quality.
It’s no surprise then that Dolby Atmos has extended beyond movies into music and also podcasts and audiobooks. Classic tracks are even now being given the Atmos treatment on streaming sites such as Tidal and Apple Music (you may see it referred to as Spatial Audio in some instances).
As widespread as it’s become, Atmos music has never convinced me. It’s fair to say I’ve always been more of a traditionalist, preferring listening to a set of the best stereo speakers hooked up to an amp while I crank out Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen for the hundredth time. For me, Dolby Atmos never added much to that experience, and in fact, I’ve thought it’s over complicated things at times. Call me old-fashioned!
But then, I had a chance to see what goes into the Dolby Atmos production process for music, podcasts and audiobooks at Dolby Europe’s HQ in Soho, London, and everything changed.
Where the magic happens The mixing board for Dolby Atmos production at Dolby's London HQ, including a screen that shows what speakers are in action (Image credit: Future)Dolby’s 9.1.4-channel Atmos production room is compact, cozy and perfectly set up for audio mixing. Something unsurprising when I saw how much work went into its 34-speaker reference theater.
My experience started, of all things, with a Dolby Atmos audiobook clip of a character time-traveling. As the time machine activated, a swirl of sound encapsulated the room, with pulsing noises and the calm voice of the time traveler creating a Doctor Who-esque atmosphere. Another character’s voice chimed in from behind, giving a real sense of space and involving me in the action. It really felt like a movie.
Shortly after, I heard a clip from another podcast/audiobook, this one a military drama where the thoughts inside a character’s head roamed around the room. I heard footsteps actually moving the length of the room as whispering, humming voices dotted all around.
It was amazing to hear these audiobooks take on a life of their own, giving me that same sense of immersion I’d felt watching movies with Dolby Atmos soundtracks.
Hit the music Apple Music is one streaming service that offers Dolby Atmos compatibility (Image credit: Apple )Next came music. The first track that was played was Believer by Imagine Dragons. It’s a track with big production and a stadium-sized atmosphere and every element sounded balanced. The drums thumped the floor, hand claps were accurately placed at the side of the room and the layered vocals came at me from all around, engulfing the room and sounding incredibly clean.
It didn’t surprise me that a modern track like Believer sounded great in Atmos, but when the next track, Elton John’s Rocket Man, was queued up, I was curious to hear how an older track remixed for Atmos would fare. This was where my opinion of Dolby Atmos music really changed.
Rocket Man in Atmos conveyed the atmosphere of space and expanded it on a grand scale. The slide guitars used to create the sound of stars and ships panned from the back to the front of the room, passing overhead through the height channels. The bass and pianos sounded well-balanced and when a choir of voices subtly appeared in the mix, it was something I had never noticed before when listening to the track.
The space opera feel of Rocket Man being given the sense of scale that Elton John had intended when he first wrote it was, for me, the best demonstration of what Dolby Atmos can do for music. Crucially, the buttery smooth, warm quality of the original recording was still present – as if the original vinyl was playing on a Linn turntable through some Wharfedale speakers in a 1970s UK living room.
As this all happened, a visual display above the production room’s mixing board followed the movement of the sound elements across the speakers, showing just how much detail went into a Dolby Atmos mix.
Final thoughts Dolby Atmos is compatible in a wide range of scenarios - headphones, soundbars and more - but I feel it's best enjoyed with a full system (Image credit: Dolby labs)My time in Dolby’s Atmos production room finally opened my mind to Dolby Atmos music. To get its true benefits, however, you need a system that can adequately play it to its full capabilities, with full surround sound and overhead height speakers, and that admittedly won’t be cheap.
Does this mean I’m done with stereo? No, not by a long shot. But it does mean I want to listen to more Dolby Atmos music – someone get me some Bowie. When it comes to Atmos music, as the Monkees once sang, “now I’m a believer”.
You might also likeMicrosoft is making it easier for Windows 11 users to log in to their various services and websites without having to remember a plethora of passwords, instead using passkeys, for which the software giant has just broadened its support.
Specifically, Microsoft has just introduced support in Windows 11 for third-party passkeys (in other words, passkeys made by companies other than Microsoft).
Passkeys are a more secure method of signing into devices, apps, or websites which can leverage biometric authentication such as facial recognition, a fingerprint ID, or PIN via Windows Hello. For the uninitiated, Windows Hello is a security feature in Windows 11 that offers biometric authentication (facial or fingerprint), or indeed a PIN.
Passkeys utilize two unique keys - one stored with the service you're logging into, and the other is on your Windows 11 device, protected by those biometrics (or a PIN) - and they offer far stronger security than traditional username and password combos.
Microsoft is constantly working to bolster the security of Windows 11 devices, and part of that is a push towards a world that no longer relies on passwords - but more secure logins such as passkeys.
As part of this, Microsoft brought in the ability to use passkeys with Microsoft consumer accounts (rather than just commercial users) earlier this year (back in May 2024).
So now, this capability is being extended to allow the use of passkeys made by third-party developers in Windows 11. That includes the likes of apps such as 1Password and Bitwarden, as Microsoft informs us it’s collaborating with the developers of those applications - and others - in a post on its Windows Developer Blog, aiming for more seamless integration of such third-party offerings in Windows 11.
Microsoft has also updated Windows 11 to make it easier to use Windows Hello and passkeys. The idea is when you open a website or app that supports logging in with a passkey, you’ll be prompted to select how you’d like to save the passkey – whether you want to use it with your Microsoft account, or another service.
It’s good to see passkey support being widened, and Microsoft getting behind this security measure, and I’m happy enough to give them a go as while I’m alright at living with traditional passwords, I run into a lot of the same frustrations with them as many of you probably do.
I’m also glad that Microsoft is taking a collaborative approach to working with third-party developers here in implementing something that hopefully works well for Windows 11 users.
Via PC World
Cloudflare has announced the deployment of its 12th generation servers, powered by AMD EPYC 9684X Genoa-X processors, delivering improved performance and efficiency across its infrastructure.
The new processor has 96 cores, 192 threads, and a massive 1152MB of L3 cache - three times that of AMD’s standard Genoa processors.
This substantial cache boost helps reduce latency and improve performance in data-intensive applications, with Cloudflare saying Genoa-X delivers a 22.5% improvement over other AMD EPYC models.
Updated AI developer productsAccording to the cloud provider, the new Gen 12 servers can handle up to 145% more requests per second (RPS) and offer a 63% increase in power efficiency compared to the previous Gen 11 models. The updated thermal-mechanical design and expanded GPU support offer enhanced capabilities for AI and machine learning workloads.
The new servers are equipped with 384GB of DDR5-4800 memory across 12 channels, 16TB of NVMe storage, and dual 25 GbE network connectivity. This configuration enables Cloudflare to support higher memory throughput and faster storage access, optimizing performance for a range of computationally intensive tasks. Additionally, each server is powered by dual 800W Titanium-grade power supply units, providing greater energy efficiency across its global data centers.
Cloudflare is keen to stress these improvements are not just about raw power but also about delivering more efficient performance. The company says the move from a 1U to a 2U form factor, along with improved airflow design, reduced fan power consumption by 150W, contributing to the server’s overall efficiency gains. The Gen 12 server’s power consumption is 600W at typical operating conditions, a notable increase from the Gen 11’s 400W but justified by the significant performance improvements.
The new generation also includes enhanced security features with hardware root of trust (HRoT) and Data Center Secure Control Module (DC-SCM 2.0) integration. This setup ensures boot firmware integrity and modular security, protecting against firmware attacks and reducing vulnerabilities.
The Gen 12 servers are designed with GPU scalability in mind, supporting up to two PCIe add-in cards for AI inference and other specialized workloads. This design allows Cloudflare to deploy GPUs strategically to minimize latency in regions with high demand for AI processing. Looking ahead, Cloudflare says it has begun testing 5th generation AMD EPYC "Turin" CPUs for its future Gen 13 servers.
Separately, Cloudflare has introduced big upgrades to its AI developer products. Workers AI is now powered by more powerful GPUs across its network of over 180 cities, allowing it to handle larger models like Meta’s Llama 3.1 70B and Llama 3.2, and tackle more complex AI tasks. AI Gateway, a tool for monitoring and optimizing AI deployments, has been upgraded with persistent logs (currently in beta) that enable detailed performance analysis using search, tagging, and annotation features. Finally, Vectorize, Cloudflare’s vector database, has reached general availability, supporting indexes up to five million vectors and significantly lowering latency. Additionally, Cloudflare has shifted to a simpler unit-based pricing structure for its three products, making cost management clearer.
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