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The Garmin Instinct 3 and Coros Nomad are here, but which offers the best GPS running watch for your buck? We've got you covered with a full comparison

Microsoft will remove Mobile Plans in favor of a new way of provisioning eSIMs via Windows Settings.

We spoke to Gamescom's Stefan Heikhaus and Tim Endres about the popular European gaming event.

IFA 2025 is set to be the stage for the Lenovo Legion Go 2's unveiling, but rumors of its price aren't making me happy.

The 25H2 update is going to be a low-key affair, so if you want big new features you're out of luck.

It looks as though the Pocket 4 could bring with it significant changes from the current model.

• Team Cherry has confirmed price and release time for Hollow Knight Silksong on September 4
• Expect to pay just $19.99 (around £19.99) for the upcoming game
• It'll be playable in the morning in the US, and in the afternoon for UK players

Developer Team Cherry has confirmed both the price and release timing for Hollow Knight: Silksong, which (and it still feels unreal to type this) is launching this week on September 4.

A couple days back, US retailer GameStop had leaked the price of the game (via PC Gamer), suggesting it was going to cost just $20.

Now, Team Cherry has taken to Bluesky to officially confirm this will indeed be the case. Silksong will launch at $19.99 and, while Team Cherry didn't highlight a UK price, we can likely expect it to be £19.99 in the region.

Four days until release! Hollow Knight: Silksong will be available on 4th September.Release times:7AM PT | 10AM ET | 4PM CEST | 11PM JSTGame price:USD $19.99 | EUR €19.99 | JPY ¥2300

— @teamcherry.bsky.social (@teamcherry.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2025-09-01T11:06:14.563Z

The Aussie developer also locked in global release times for Hollow Knight: Silksong, and thankfully, we won't need to wait until stupid-o-clock to play on September 4. Depending on your region, the game will be playable at 7am PT / 10am ET / 3pm BST / 4pm CEST / 11pm JST / 12am AEST (on September 5).

And if you're wondering what all the fuss is about, the original Hollow Knight is currently half price on Steam, where it's currently available for the price of a lunch. You wouldn't be alone in that either, as the game impressively reached an all-time peak concurrent player count of 70,000 just yesterday according to SteamDB.

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OpenNMS delivers robust network monitoring with comprehensive fault detection and performance analytics, but demands significant technical expertise.

OpenNMS has carved out a solid position in our best network monitoring tools roundup as a compelling open-source alternative to commercial solutions. The platform offers two distributions — Horizon for rapid innovation and Meridian for enterprise stability, both completely open source. You'll find comprehensive fault, performance, and traffic monitoring capabilities that rival expensive proprietary tools.

Techradar reviewers spend several weeks researching each major IT platform in the market. We found that OpenNMS excels at handling large-scale networks, with Fortune 500 companies using it to monitor tens of thousands of devices. While LogicMonitor remains our pick for the best network monitoring tool of 2025, OpenNMS delivers exceptional value for teams with strong technical skills.

OpenNMS: Features

OpenNMS packs an impressive array of monitoring capabilities that rival commercial platforms costing thousands more. You get comprehensive network discovery, fault detection, performance monitoring, and traffic analysis in a single platform.

The feature set is well-suited for large enterprises and technical teams who need deep customization options. While some competitors offer more polished interfaces, OpenNMS compensates with raw power and flexibility. At $44,100 annually for enterprise support, the pricing reflects the platform's enterprise-grade capabilities.

Network discovery and auto-discovery

OpenNMS automatically discovers devices across your network using industry-standard protocols like SNMP, HTTP, and JDBC. You can configure discovery ranges and let the platform map your entire infrastructure without manual intervention. The system integrates with over 2,000 networking vendors, ensuring compatibility with your existing hardware.

Fault management and alerting

The platform excels at fault detection with intelligent path outage analysis. Instead of flooding you with alerts when a core device fails, OpenNMS sends a single notification for the root cause. You may also appreciate features like escalation policies and contact groups that ensure the right people get notified at the right time.

Performance monitoring and graphing

Real-time performance data collection covers everything from CPU utilization to custom metrics. OpenNMS generates comprehensive graphs that integrate beautifully with Grafana for advanced visualization. The system handles up to 300,000 data points per second, making it suitable for the largest enterprise networks.

Flow analysis and traffic monitoring

Built-in support for NetFlow v5/9, IPFIX, and sFlow provides deep traffic analysis capabilities. You can track bandwidth utilization, identify top talkers, and analyze traffic patterns across your entire network. This feature alone justifies the platform for many organizations.

Business service monitoring

OpenNMS maps network performance to business services, helping you understand how technical issues impact operations. You can create custom service definitions and track their health across multiple network components. This business-focused approach sets OpenNMS apart from basic monitoring tools.

(Image credit: OpenNMS)OpenNMS: Ease of use

OpenNMS demands significant technical expertise, and you'll need to invest time learning its configuration approaches. The web interface handles basic tasks, but advanced features require editing XML files and command-line work. We found the learning curve particularly steep for teams coming from simpler monitoring tools. However, once you master the basics, the platform's flexibility becomes a major advantage.

The interface itself feels dated compared to modern alternatives like LogicMonitor or Datadog. You'll spend time navigating between different sections to accomplish tasks that other platforms handle in single dashboards. OpenNMS has acknowledged this limitation and continues improving the web UI, but significant configuration work still happens outside the browser. The rigorous community documentation helps, but expect weeks of learning before you're fully productive.

OpenNMS: Pricing

Plan

Starting price (paid annually)

What's included

Horizon (Community)

Free

Open source version, community support, all core features

Meridian Core

Contact for pricing

Basic enterprise features, email support

Meridian Essential

Contact for pricing

Installation consulting, guaranteed SLAs, regular support

Meridian Premier

Contact for pricing

Enhanced SLAs (2hr critical response), priority support

Meridian Premier+

Contact for pricing

1hr critical response, 24/7 support options

OpenNMS offers an attractive pricing structure with a completely free open-source option that includes all core monitoring features. But the jump to enterprise support is significant at about $44,100 annually, which gives you installation consulting and guaranteed response times.

This pricing model works well for organizations that either have strong internal expertise (free version) or can afford to pay for the enterprise-grade support guarantees. Compared to competitors like LogicMonitor starting at $375 monthly, OpenNMS provides better value for large deployments where per-device pricing becomes expensive.

OpenNMS: Customer support

OpenNMS provides tiered support options ranging from community forums to enterprise-grade SLAs. The free community version relies on extensive documentation and active user forums. You'll find helpful resources, but response times depend on community availability. They also maintain a detailed knowledge base and video tutorial tfor common issues.

Enterprise customers get dedicated support portals with guaranteed response times. Critical issues receive 1-4 hour responses depending on your plan, with business-hours coverage standard across paid tiers. Support tickets integrate with internal development processes, ensuring bug fixes and enhancements get proper attention. However, enhancement requests don't carry SLA guarantees, which may frustrate teams expecting rapid feature development.

OpenNMS: Alternatives

OpenNMS occupies a unique position as the most capable open-source network monitoring platform, competing directly with commercial giants like SolarWinds and PRTG. You'll find it particularly valuable if you need enterprise-scale monitoring without per-device licensing costs. The platform works best for large organizations with dedicated network teams who can invest time in proper configuration and customization.

Key competitors include LogicMonitor for cloud-native environments, Datadog for application-focused monitoring, and Nagios for simpler network oversight. OpenNMS differentiates itself through comprehensive flow analysis, business service mapping, and the ability to handle massive device counts without licensing restrictions. However, teams wanting plug-and-play simplicity should consider commercial alternatives that prioritize ease of use over raw functionality.

OpenNMS: Final verdict

OpenNMS delivers exceptional value for organizations willing to invest in proper implementation and training. You get enterprise-grade monitoring capabilities that rival solutions costing significantly more, plus the flexibility that comes with open-source software. The platform works best for sprawling networks where customization and scalability matter more than interface polish.

However, you shouldn't underestimate the learning curve and ongoing maintenance requirements. Small teams or organizations lacking dedicated network expertise may find commercial alternatives more cost-effective when factoring in implementation time. For the right use case, technical teams monitoring large, diverse networks — OpenNMS represents one of the best values in enterprise monitoring.

FAQs

What's the difference between OpenNMS Horizon and Meridian?

Horizon is the community version where new features are developed and tested rapidly, making it ideal for organizations wanting the latest capabilities. Meridian focuses on long-term stability with enterprise support options, receiving thoroughly tested features after they've proven stable in Horizon deployments.

Can OpenNMS monitor cloud infrastructure and hybrid environments?

Yes, OpenNMS supports distributed monitoring through Minion collectors that can be deployed in remote locations or cloud environments. You can monitor AWS, Azure, and other cloud services alongside traditional on-premises infrastructure from a single platform.

How does OpenNMS licensing work for commercial use?

The core OpenNMS software is completely open source and free for commercial use. You only pay for enterprise support, consulting services, and additional commercial components if needed. There are no per-device licensing fees, making it cost-effective for large deployments.

What level of technical expertise is required to implement OpenNMS?

You'll need solid networking knowledge and Linux administration skills for successful deployment. While basic monitoring can be configured through the web interface, advanced features require XML editing and command-line configuration. Plan for several weeks of learning and configuration time.

Does OpenNMS integrate with other IT management tools?

OpenNMS offers extensive integration capabilities through its REST API, supporting connections with ticketing systems like Jira, messaging platforms, and visualization tools like Grafana. The platform can also integrate with configuration management systems and other network tools through various protocols and APIs.

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• The developers of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle have discussed its upcoming DLC in a new interview
• The Order of the Giants will feature a dynamic difficulty level that will scale based on your progress in the main game
• The expansion will be integrated into the existing Vatican level

The Indiana Jones and the Great Circle developers have discussed the game's upcoming downloadable content (DLC) in a new interview.

In a conversation with IGN, creative director Axel Torvenius and lead game designer Zeke Virant revealed that the The Order of the Giants DLC will adapt its difficulty level depending on your progress in the main game.

Set in the Vatican location, it will be smartly integrated in the game's existing content.

"The conventional way of doing DLC is to add something that stands after, or a miniature game on the side, but we didn't really feel that that was the best," Torvenius said.

According to the developers, implementing the expansion in this way was a challenge but it should make for a smoother experience for all players, no matter where they are in the game.

"Players who are at the end of the game don't need to worry about the difficulty as actually we have a new system in place where players are dynamically scaled based on how far they progressed," Virant said.

"We know a lot of players are coming back from the endgame and would like to have a continuation of that difficulty, especially if they have health upgrades and a lot of abilities.

"If you've progressed to the Vatican but you haven't gotten to Giza yet, we keep it on a first tier of difficulty," he added. "If you've gotten to Giza, then we adjust it up to a second tier. And then once you've gotten to Sukhothai, we adjust to a third tier."

This will impact things like the amount of health each enemy has, in addition to how many will attack at one time.

As someone who first played the game back at launch, I've been raring for an excuse for a new playthrough and The Order of the Giants sounds perfect. Now that I know I won't be experiencing the DLC at a disadvantage on a fresh save, there's no reason not to pull the trigger.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is available now on PC, Xbox Series X and Series S, and PlayStation 5. A Nintendo Switch 2 port is also on the way.

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Together with the new Sync Module Core, the second-gen Blink Video Doorbell offers head-to-toe images of visitors and a clear view of packages.

Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core: two-minute review

The days of traditional ‘analog’ doorbells connected via wires to an internal chime are fast coming to an end. Increasingly, people are turning to video doorbells, which will send an alert to your mobile phone when someone comes to the door. They will even act as an intercom so you can talk to whoever is there whether you are in the house, walking the dog or sitting on a beach.

Like its predecessor, the Blink Video Doorbell doesn’t come with its own indoor chime. Instead, you can pair it with a Blink Mini 2 camera (sold separately) or connect via the Alexa app on your phone to a Fire Stick or Amazon Echo Show. This will allow you to see who is at the front door on your TV screen/multimedia display or you can get a voice message via your Amazon Echo Dot when someone presses the doorbell.

Alternatively, it may be possible to connect existing doorbell wiring from the Blink Video Doorbell to a legacy indoor chime providing its rated between 16 and 24 volts. Batteries are required for use whether you use existing doorbell wiring or not.

The Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) uses three AA lithium batteries (Image credit: Chris Price)

What I like about Blink devices is just how easy they are to add to an existing system. I’ve already got several Blink cameras around the house so adding one more was simply a case of scanning the QR code on the back of the device and adding it to the home set up. However, if you’ve never installed a Blink camera before you will need to download the app (Android or iPhone) as well as connect the sync module provided to your broadband router (this acts as a hub for up to 10 Blink security devices).

Unfortunately, as the one supplied isn’t compatible with local storage via a connected USB flash drive, you will need to pay a monthly subscription for storing video footage and accessing the latest features – see subscription options below.

When it comes to mounting the video doorbell on the door there are two options. You can either use the standard flat mount or a wedge mount if you are placing it on a door architrave. As I was replacing the previous Blink video doorbell (Gen 1) I was hoping I could re-use the mount from that one to save time on installation. However, that wasn’t possible because this unit is a slightly different size.

Instead I used the black mount provided for the black video doorbell supplied by the manufacturer (a white version with white mount is also available). At least I didn’t have to screw two new holes in the wood as they’re positioned in the same place on the mount as the previous version.

Installing the Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) is very straightforward, particularly if you already have other Blink devices at home (Image credit: Chris Price)

Once installed, controlling the camera is simply a case of using the Blink app. One of the main differences between this model and its predecessor is the camera’s lens, in particular the aspect ratio. Whereas the previous model offered a more conventional 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio with 1080p resolution, the new video doorbell boats a square 1:1 aspect ratio with improved 1440p resolution.

It also offers a larger field of vision (150 degrees horizontal and 150 degrees vertical) compared to 135 degrees horizontal and just 80 degrees vertical on the previous model. The result is that not only is it possible to get a head-to-toe image of someone coming to the door, you can also view the ground – handy to see any deliveries that have been left outside your front door.

The in-app setup process is very simple (Image credit: Chris Price)

Certainly the 1:1 aspect ratio does take a little bit of getting used to, especially the square shape on the Blink home page next to all of the other more conventional widescreen cameras. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that, because the field of view is so much bigger than its predecessor you will need to reduce the device’s sensitivity, especially if you are paying for the Blink subscription with AI-powered Smart Detection.

Otherwise, you may well record every person and vehicle that goes past your house as well as those who come to the door. Not only will this severely reduce the lifespan of the batteries, it is also highly annoying to get pointless alerts every few minutes.

Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core: subscription options

There are two different subscription plans available depending on the number of Blink devices you own, and which features you require.

Location

Blink Basic Plan

Blink Plus Plan

US

$3/month per device, or subscribe via Amazon for $30/year

$10/month for unlimited devices or subscribe via Amazon for $100/year

UK

£2.50/month per device, or subscribe via Amazon for £24.99/year.

£8/month for unlimited devices or subscribe via Amazon for £80/year

Australia

AU$4.95/month per device, or subscribe via Amazon for AU$49.95/year

AU$15/month for unlimited devices or subscribe via Amazon for AU$150/year

Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core: price and availability

• List price $69.99 / £59.99 (about AU$110)
• Launched August 2025 with Sync Module
• Currently available in UK and US (not Australia)

With its second-generation video doorbell, Blink has managed to maintain the same $69.99 / £59.99 price point as the original video doorbell (you can now buy the earlier model for under £30 on Amazon in the UK without the sync module). Really, it’s exceptional value for money, much cheaper than a Ring video doorbell device, despite the two companies sharing Amazon ownership.

However, it's not available in Australia at the time of writing, and it’s worth bearing in mind that if you want to benefit from the full functionality of the device, including the ability to store video clips, you will need to pay for a subscription costing from $3 / £2.50 a month. That’s because - unlike the first video doorbell which incorporated a sync module with the option of adding local storage – it’s not the case with the second-generation model.

You won't be able to store videos recorded by the Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) on the Sync Module Core (Image credit: Chris Price)

Instead of the Sync Module 2, the second-generation Blink video doorbell features the more basic Sync Module Core. Personally, I find that a little bit cheeky, but then at least the monthly subscription fees are cheaper than most of the rivals (Ring subscription plans start at $4.99 / £4.99 a month).

In addition to unlimited cloud video storage, the Blink subscription package includes Blink Moments which stitches together multiple events from multiple cameras into one video. Then there’s AI-Powered Smart Detection which tells you whether the camera has captured a person coming to the door/walking past your house, or a vehicle in your driveway/driving along the road. To reduce the amount of footage captured, which can be quite overwhelming, we recommend reducing the device’s sensitivity and also editing the ‘motion zones’ (areas of the frame that are active or private).

• Value score: 4/5

Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core: design

• Easy-to-install mounting bracket
• Chunky design
• Available in white or black

Blink cameras are renowned for being some of the most compact and lightweight devices on the market. However, the Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) is a little bit of an exception. Tipping the scales at 4oz/113g, it’s both heavier than the first-generation model (3.2oz/91g) and also a little thicker too at 1.44in/36.6mm compared to 1inch/27mm.

Image 1 of 2

The Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) is a little bulkier than its predecessor (Image credit: Chris Price)Image 2 of 2

The Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) is a little bulkier than its predecessor (Image credit: Chris Price)

The main reason for this, of course, is that the new model incorporates space for three AA lithium batteries whereas the original model featured just two batteries. In turn, this means that battery life is much longer though it’s unlikely to be as long as the two-year lifespan that Blink’s marketing suggests.

Like its predecessor, two colour options are available (white or black) and there are two types of mount – one for placing flat on the door frame and another for mounting on a door architrave. Using the standard mount with the screws provided, it only takes around five minutes to install wirelessly, although if you are connecting to existing doorbell wiring the process is much longer. Since there's no built-in chime, you'll need to connect it to Alexa devices or buy a Blink Mini 2 camera to hear the doorbell indoors.

It only took around five minutes to install the doorbell with the included mount (Image credit: Chris Price)

Looks-wise, the second-generation model is a little different from its predecessor with a larger oval shaped button in the middle, compared to the round button on the first generation model. Recording is also more subtle with a small blue light on the top right indicating when video is being captured, rather than the area around the central button becoming illuminated in blue.

When the button in the centre is pushed by a visitor, it illuminates white and a message is sent to the connected phone telling you ‘someone is at the door’. As with the first-generation model, the doorbell sits inside a bracket but can be removed for changing batteries etc. by inserting a small metal ‘key’ in the base. It is also rated IP-65 weather resistant which offers greater protection against the elements than the previous model which was only IP-54 rated.

• Design score: 4/5

Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core: performance

• Good image quality (especially in Best mode)
• Stable video connection
• Overly sensitive camera

There’s no question that when it comes to performance Blink has upped its game with this second gen model. The first one was certainly OK, but not as good as some of the admittedly more expensive video doorbells from companies such as Ring. However, in nearly every respect, the Gen 2 model offers better performance than its predecessor.

Not only does it have a wider field of horizontal view (150 degrees compared to 135 degrees for the first model), it also offers a 150-degrees vertical field of view for a perfectly square 1:1 aspect ratio image. At first I thought that was a bit odd, but having used it for a little while it’s incredibly useful. Not only can you see an entire head-to-toe image of someone at the door you can also see if a parcel has been left on your doorstep.

Image 1 of 2

The new square aspect ratio makes it easier to see both visitors and packages (Image credit: Chris Price)Image 2 of 2

The new square aspect ratio makes it easier to see both visitors and packages (Image credit: Chris Price)

Whereas the previous model offered 1080p video resolution, the second-generation model boasts improved 1440p video resolution. Three video quality settings are on board (Best, Standard, and Saver). I settled on Best as it’s good to be able to see details more clearly although this will obviously reduce battery life. The second-generation model also offers improved night vision.

Of course, it’s not all good news. The downside of the camera lens being much bigger is that it also collects much more footage – too much. Blink cameras are known for being sensitive anyway and this latest model is no exception.

Even with privacy zones set up, I found it necessary to dial the sensitivity right down to avoid false alerts (Image credit: Chris Price)

With motion sensitivity set to five, I found the camera was recording around 100 events a day, most of them of people walking their dog past the house or delivery vans going by. Even with the ‘privacy zones’ set up to block out the extremes of the frame (including areas of sky) the camera was still extremely active. In the end it was necessary to reduce sensitivity to just two out of 10 so it only captured people actually coming to the door.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning the sync module. Whereas the previous model included the Sync Module 2 with a USB socket so you could insert a USB flash drive for storing video clips, this model comes with the Sync Module Core without local storage. Essentially this means if you want to store video clips you will need to pay a subscription of at least $3 / £2.50 a month.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core?Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

This video doorbell represents pretty good value for money. Even the monthly subscription charge for premium features is around half the price of some devices.

4/5

Design

Available in black or white, the Blink doorbell is a much bulkier model than its predecessor. It is accompanied by a small sync module which connects to your router.

4/5

Performance

Although the motion sensor is a little overly-sensitive, performance is very good indeed particularly the 1:1 aspect ratio for ‘head-to-toe’ video capture.

4.5/5

Overall

When it comes to performance Blink have upped their game with improved quality images and longer battery life. Just a shame the supplied sync module can’t be used for storing clips.

4.5/5

Buy it if

You already have a Blink camera

The software makes it easy to use the video doorbell as part of a Blink home security system comprising indoor and outdoor cameras.

You want a wide viewing angle

One of the main benefits of the latest Blink camera is the head-to-toe viewing angle so you can see whoever comes to the door and the parcels that are left on the doorstep.

Don't buy it if

You need a separate chime indoors

The Blink doesn’t come with a chime so you will need to turn up the volume of the device or rely on either a separate Blink camera or connect to Alexa-enabled device.

You don’t want to buy expensive batteries

With this model you will need to buy three expensive Lithium AA batteries. Blink claims up to two years’ battery life but it’s likely to be a lot shorter.

Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core: also consider

Product

Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module

Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 1) and Sync Module

Yale Smart Video Doorbell and Doorbell Chime

Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus

Subscription price

From £2.50 a month

From £2.50 a month

From £3.50 a month

From £4.99 a month

Viewing angle

150 degrees horizontal

135 degrees horizontal

154 degrees horizontal

150 degrees horizontal

Network connection

Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)

Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)

Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)

Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)

Audio

Two-way audio

Two-way audio

Two-way audio

Two-way audio

Video

1440p Full HD resolution

1080p Full HD resolution

1080p Full HD resolution

1536p Full HD resolution

Power

Battery

Battery

Mains or battery

Battery

Hardware price

£59 (with Sync Module Core)

£59 (with Sync Module 2)

£129 (video doorbell), £29 (chime)

£129 (video doorbell), £139 (with basic chime)

If you're not sure whether the Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core are the right combo for you, here are two other options to consider.

Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus

Amazon-owned Ring has firmly established itself as the ‘go to’ company for video doorbells. It offers several models including this wire-free model which also features a head-to-toe view.

Read our full Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus review

Yale Smart Video Doorbell and Doorbell Chime

A solidly built video doorbell, the Yale device offers good image and sound quality. However, streaming recorded content and speaking to people at the door can be a little slow.

Read our full Yale Smart Video Doorbell review

How I tested the Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module Core

• I used the doorbell every day for 10 days
• I installed it myself
• The doorbell was set up on the front door facing towards the road

To test a video doorbell properly you need to use it as part of your home system. Fortunately, I already have other Blink cameras so adding another one was particularly straightforward. But even if I didn’t then downloading the app would have been easy enough.

Installation takes around 15 minutes or so, requiring a screw driver to attach the mount to the door frame before positioning the camera in place. It’s roughly the same size as the previous one, in terms of length and width, so thankfully I didn’t have to worry about unsightly screw holes all over the door frame.

The new Blink Video Doorbell is roughly the same height and width as its predecessor, so I didn't have to worry about messy screw holes when I upgraded (Image credit: Chris Price)

During the period of testing, I really began to appreciate the device’s head-to-toe viewing. I get a lot of deliveries, so being able to see if they have been left on the doorstep when I’m out is handy. Another bonus is the additional power that having another AA battery brings.

Whereas the previous model relied on two lithium AA batteries that had to be changed every three months, this one has three. However, I think it’s extremely unlikely these will last two years as Blink claims in its marketing blurb. I’m pretty sure I’ll be changing the batteries again in six months time given how sensitive the camera’s motion sensor is!.

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

First reviewed August 2025

• Study finds 96% of SMBs agree tech could help them reach new markets
• AI, digital marketing and ecommerce offer the biggest opportunities
• High costs and limited budgets highlight the need for removed barriers

Nearly all (96%) of the small and medium-sized businesses surveyed in a recent study by Shopify agree technology will help them to reach new markets in the next 12 months - but key hurdles are preventing them from full success.

Unsurprisingly, AI tools topped the list, with 43% seeing it as the most helpful for global expansion, but many raised cash concerns.

High costs and limited budgets (44%) and uncertainty around ROI (30%) are currently preventing SMBs from full rollout, while larger cash-backed enterprises are accelerating with a more trial-and-error approach.

SMBs are more cautious about tech rollouts

With larger companies proving that artificial intelligence investments can bring huge rewards, one in three (35%) UK SMBs are now taking more risks to gain an edge in a competitive landscape, with previous caution highlighting a gap between ambition and execution.

Shopify Head of Northern Europe Partnerships Matthias Kleven said: “SMBs are ready to innovate – but need clear pathways, affordable tools, and measurable outcomes to fully commit.”

Digital marketing tools (38%) and ecommerce platforms (36%) also emerged as key areas for investment among UK SMBs, with around three in five agreeing that their own website allows for more personalized marketing strategies (57%) and allows them to build an emotional connection with customers (63%).

What the study fails to note is the type of AI that’s helping SMBs the most – customer-facing AI like chatbots and personalized marketing have the potential to create more tailored experiences, but automation and predictive analytics can help businesses do more with their data.

Looking ahead, SMBs could pilot technologies they’re not already using in certain areas to gauge ROI before fully deploying, taking lessons from larger enterprises that have already made these types of investments.

Shopify is also calling for the removal of barriers, enabling business owners to more easily access tech that delivers value.

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The Sony WH-1000XM4 are some of the best headphones we've tested, and now they're almost half price for Labor Day.

We've still got a few days until The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 episode 9 is released (September 3), but luckily, Prime Video has given us an entirely new trailer (which you can catch below) for the final three episodes of the season. Belly (Lola Tung) is set to have her Emily in Paris moment, fleeing to the city after her wedding to Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno) fell through at the last minute.

Not to be a hater, but this is exactly what I wanted to happen anyway. The only way Belly was going to turn her life around was to ditch the boys she's been yearning for – but that doesn't mean they won't be following her to Paris in some form. In fact, I think the new trailer tells us exactly how the love triangle is going to shake out.

At the end of season 3 episode 8, Belly spots Conrad (Christopher Briney) at the airport, after spending her entire bachelorette and pre-wedding prep pining for him (and then denying her feelings to anyone who asks). The closing moments set the scene for the start of a new romantic love affair, with the pair whisked away to Europe to start afresh.

I don't think this will happen in The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 episode 9, and two details in the final trailer prove me right... and I love being right.

The final trailer for The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 episode 9 proves Belly is imagining Conrad at the airport

The first clue is that Conrad is obviously completely missing from the above trailer, much like Jeremiah. Instead, the emphasis is place on Belly rediscovering who she actually is away from the drama, introducing brand-new characters as she begins to make friends as part of a study abroad scheme.

This only proves my theory of Conrad being a fantasy at the airport right, conjured in Belly mind's of what she wants to see, not who is actually there. I'd put good money on episode 9 opening with Belly looking at Conrad, a figure walking in front of him before his face changes completely, revealed as a stranger who merely looks similar.

The second clue is what we see at the end of the trailer. As Belly arrives back home to her new French pad, she finds a letter from Conrad on the doorstep. That's right, people – his letters are likely to be even more emotional than the one we've already seen from his mom. It's a touch that indicates the kind of person he is, as if routinely going out of his way to make Belly's life better (like the peach stand scene) didn't already tell us.

Writing a letter instead of texting or emailing is the hit of old-school romance we sorely want from the hit Amazon show, completely buying into Belly's visions of a love affair for the ages. It also keeps him at the perfect distance while she continues to find her feet, as well as padding out the remaining three episodes as far as they'll stretch.

I think we're also going to see Belly forcing herself into imagining Jeremiah was there with her, prolonging the inevitable even further. I'm just grateful we're getting a proper break from her indecision in The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 episode 9... I'm fed up screaming at the TV for her to put herself first.

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SolarWinds NPM delivers robust network monitoring with excellent SNMP capabilities and advanced troubleshooting tools, though setup complexity may challenge smaller teams.

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor is a solid choice among network monitoring solutions, delivering comprehensive SNMP-based monitoring for multi-vendor environments. This platform focuses heavily on traditional network infrastructure monitoring, making it particularly valuable for organizations with complex on-premises setups.

TechRadar reviewers dedicate several weeks to researching each major IT platform, ensuring our assessments reflect real-world usage scenarios. We've spent considerable time evaluating NPM alongside other major platforms in this space. While LogicMonitor remains our top pick for 2025, SolarWinds NPM carved out its niche through deep SNMP integration and robust device support.

SolarWinds NPM: Features

SolarWinds NPM offers a feature-rich monitoring platform that's particularly well-suited for traditional network environments and medium to large IT teams. The platform is perfect for SNMP-based monitoring with strong multi-vendor support, though it lacks some of the cloud-native capabilities and AI-powered insights that competitors like LogicMonitor provide.

While the feature set justifies the investment for organizations with complex network infrastructures, smaller teams might find the complexity overwhelming relative to their needs. The modular pricing approach means you pay for what you use, but costs can escalate quickly.

Network auto-discovery

NPM's auto-discovery feature automatically identifies and catalogs network devices using SNMP protocols. You don't need to manually configure every device - the system scans your network and builds a comprehensive inventory. This saves significant setup time and ensures new devices get monitored without manual intervention.

NetPath analysis

NetPath provides hop-by-hop analysis of critical network paths, offering advanced troubleshooting capabilities. The feature traces network paths from source to destination, working even when traditional tools like traceroute fail. This gives network engineers unprecedented visibility into performance bottlenecks and connectivity issues.

PerfStack dashboards

PerfStack enables cross-stack data correlation on a common timeline, helping you analyze performance metrics from different network sources simultaneously. The drag-and-drop interface lets you create custom views combining live and historical data. This makes it easier to share insights with stakeholders through generated URLs.

Network insight features

Network Insight provides deeper visibility into complex network devices including F5 BIG-IP load balancers, firewalls, and switches. The feature offers comprehensive performance analysis across distributed services and helps with capacity planning. This is particularly valuable for organizations running critical applications across multiple network segments.

(Image credit: SolarWinds)SolarWinds NPM: Ease of use

SolarWinds NPM features a redesigned interface that prioritizes usability without sacrificing functionality. The new dashboard provides intuitive navigation with color-coded status indicators and graphical elements that make network health assessment straightforward. However, the initial learning curve remains steep, particularly for teams new to SNMP-based monitoring. The platform requires understanding of network protocols and device configurations to maximize its potential.

The setup process demands significant technical expertise and time investment. While the auto-discovery feature helps identify devices, configuring alerts, thresholds, and custom dashboards requires careful planning and network knowledge. The platform's strength in customization becomes a double-edged sword - you can tailor everything to your needs, but this flexibility means more configuration work upfront.

SolarWinds NPM: Pricing

Plan

Starting price (paid annually)

What's included

Network Performance Monitor

$6/node/month

Full-stack visibility for on-premise, hybrid, and cloud-based ecosystems.

Application Observability

$27.50/service/month

Real-time application metrics, tracing, and profiling.

Network and Infrastructure Observability

$12/device/month

Observability for network devices, cloud services, and containers.

SolarWinds uses a modular pricing structure based on the number of network elements you're monitoring. This works well for organizations that want to start small and scale up, but costs can mount quickly as your network grows.

The pricing is competitive for traditional network monitoring, though cloud-focused alternatives often provide better value for hybrid environments. The lack of transparent pricing on their website means you'll need to contact sales for detailed quotes.

SolarWinds NPM: Customer support

SolarWinds offers 24/7 technical support through email and online ticketing, with typical response times of 1-2 business days. The company emphasizes email and ticket-based support over phone calls, allowing for better documentation and file sharing. Live chat is available during business hours (8pm Sunday to 8pm Friday EST), though wait times can be lengthy during peak periods.

The SolarWinds community, known as Thwack, provides additional support through user forums and knowledge sharing. While this community resource is valuable for troubleshooting and learning, it doesn't replace direct technical support for critical issues. The lack of phone support may frustrate some users who prefer immediate voice communication, though the email-first approach often proves more effective for complex technical problems.

SolarWinds NPM: Alternatives

SolarWinds NPM occupies a strong position in the traditional network monitoring market, particularly for organizations with significant on-premises infrastructure. It's best suited for medium to large IT teams who need comprehensive SNMP monitoring and have the technical expertise to manage complex configurations. The platform competes directly with solutions like LogicMonitor, Datadog, and PRTG, though each has distinct strengths.

LogicMonitor leads in cloud-native monitoring with superior AI capabilities and faster deployment times. Datadog excels in application performance monitoring and offers more modern APIs, while PRTG provides a simpler setup for smaller networks. SolarWinds differentiates itself through deep SNMP integration, extensive device support, and powerful analysis tools like NetPath, making it particularly valuable for traditional enterprise networks.

SolarWinds NPM: Final verdict

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor delivers solid value for organizations that need comprehensive network monitoring with strong SNMP capabilities. The platform's strength lies in its mature feature set, multi-vendor support, and advanced troubleshooting tools that can significantly reduce network downtime.

While the setup complexity and resource requirements present challenges, the investment pays off for teams managing complex network infrastructures. However, the platform shows its age in areas like cloud integration and user experience compared to newer solutions.

Organizations planning significant cloud migrations or seeking AI-powered automation might find better value elsewhere. For traditional network environments where deep device monitoring and path analysis are priorities, SolarWinds NPM remains a compelling choice despite its limitations.

FAQs

How many devices can SolarWinds NPM monitor?

SolarWinds NPM can scale from small networks to enterprise environments with thousands of devices. The actual limit depends on your server specifications and licensing tier. Most organizations find the platform handles their current needs well, though very large deployments may require additional polling engines for optimal performance.

Does SolarWinds NPM work with cloud services?

NPM includes some cloud monitoring capabilities, particularly for hybrid environments, but it's primarily designed for on-premises infrastructure. While NetPath can trace paths into cloud services, the platform lacks the native cloud integration found in solutions like LogicMonitor or Datadog. Consider SolarWinds' SaaS offering if cloud monitoring is a priority.

What's the difference between NPM and SolarWinds' other monitoring tools?

NPM focuses specifically on network performance monitoring using SNMP and flow data. Other SolarWinds tools cover server monitoring, application performance, log analysis, and IP address management. Many organizations start with NPM and add other modules as their monitoring needs expand across different infrastructure layers.

How difficult is SolarWinds NPM to set up?

Initial setup requires significant networking knowledge and time investment, typically taking several days to weeks depending on network complexity. The auto-discovery feature helps identify devices, but configuring meaningful alerts, dashboards, and reports demands careful planning. Most organizations benefit from dedicating experienced network administrators to the implementation process.

Can SolarWinds NPM replace multiple monitoring tools?

NPM can consolidate many network monitoring functions into a single platform, particularly for SNMP-based device monitoring and performance analysis. However, you may still need specialized tools for application monitoring, log management, or security monitoring depending on your requirements. The modular approach lets you add SolarWinds components gradually rather than replacing everything at once.

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