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An increasing number of Apple users have shared a concerning problem with their M1 iMac devices. Owners of the all-in-one device have complained of phantom horizontal lines appearing on their screens. First reports of the issue date as far back as mid-2023, and Apple is yet to acknowledge the issue. What’s worse, the apparent design flaw tends to show up after two years of use, meaning most affected devices are already out of warranty.

A lengthy (17-page) discussion thread on Apple’s community forums is filled with user reports of this iMac display failure. Many users reported contacting Apple service centers only to be told that they must replace the screens entirely – not a desirable thought, considering those cost between $600 and $700, a price you could buy a brand-new Mac mini for.

This image was provided by Apple Community forum user leo.simon, showing the issue with horizontal lines across the display. (Image credit: leo.simon / Apple Community)

One user, not happy with the diagnosis, took their iMac to an independent repair shop. The technician found that the problem stems from the flex cable used in the displays. At maximum screen brightness, the cable has to carry up to 50 volts, and over time this causes the connector to burn out, which in turn leads to the circuit shorting and the horizontal lines appearing.

The blame game

Apple has yet to issue an official statement, which has led some to believe that even if the screens were to be replaced the issue would recur. We reached out to Apple for a direct comment, but have not yet received a response - we'll update this article if we receive a statement from the company.

It’s not unheard of for Apple to issue free repairs or even replacements when widespread defects are confirmed with their devices. In June 2018 it launched a program that offered free repairs or replacements for its MacBook Pro Butterfly Keyboard, which had received widespread complaints of double-typing, sticky keys, and keys not registering.

According to Apple’s warranty documentation, customers with expired warranty plans and who are not covered by AppleCare+ are responsible for any defects that arise after the warranty period.

Seeing as it looks like the fault lies with Apple’s manufacturing process, they may be forced to offer free repairs or recall the devices altogether. It’s certainly something that Apple must look into, because the issue could affect newer models like its M3 iMac, or even the upcoming M4 iMac. For now, customers remain desperate for a resolution to the issue.

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Squarespace website builder review

Squarespace has become a top choice in the website builder world thanks to its sleek designs and easy-to-use tools. You’ve probably seen it advertised across different platforms, and for good reason—it’s hard to miss.

For

• Built-in email marketing
• Essential e-commerce features with most plans
• Lots of lovely, mobile-responsive templates
• Free trial with no credit card info required
• Helpful link in bio tool
• Free SSL certificate
• Helpful 24/7 customer support and well-supplied knowledgebase
• A solid set of features

Against

• Can't switch templates without starting from scratch
• No telephone support
• Low level of customization

Hostinger website builder review

Hostinger is known for its easy drag-and-drop editor, built-in SEO tools, and fast hosting. With customizable templates and AI-powered design options, Hostinger makes it simple to create a professional website without breaking the bank.

For

• 24/7 live chat support
• Awesome AI-powered tools
• 7-day free trail
• All-in-one sort of solution
• Essential ecommerce tools
• Free SSL security
• Intuitive and insightful user interface
• Royalty-free image library
• Multi-language support
• Free domain (for 1-year, with annual plans)
• 30-day money back guarantee

Against

• No forever free plan
• Not fit for a membership site
• You can’t switch templates
• All ecommerce tools only on premium plan
• Most AI tools only on premium plan

Picking the right website builder for you is all about matching your needs, goals, and skills with the right platform. After all, what is right for one isn’t always right for another. But with your time already stretched and a plethora of tools and features to consider, comparing platforms can be a behemoth task.

In this guide, we stand two of the best website builders side-by-side, comparing important features including price, ecommerce features, usability, and more. We’ve dived deep into each of these areas and created a quick and easy summary, making it simple for you to get a true idea of how Squarespace and Hostinger compare.

Squarespace vs Hostinger: Pricing

(Image credit: Squarespace)

With just 4 plans to pick from, Squarespace pricing is simple to understand.

The Personal plan starts at $16/month for features such as custom domains, Squarespace AI, SSL security, and unlimited bandwidth. Moving up to the Business plan at $23/month, you get additional features like website analytics, promotional pop-ups, customization with CSS and Javascript, and a 3% transaction fee on e-commerce sales.

If you're aiming to build an online store, the Basic Commerce plan removes the transaction fees and adds perks like point of sale, product review, and more at $27/month. Meanwhile, larger stores can go with the Advanced Commerce plan. At $52/month, you’ll get additional features like advanced shipping, abandoned cart recovery, discounts, and commerce APIs.

Depending on your situation, you can save up to 50% on your Squarespace subscription by using one of the best Squarespace promo codes.

(Image credit: Hostinger)

Hostinger has two budget-friendly website builder plans, starting with the Premium Website Builder plan at just $2.99/month for a 48-month term.

This plan includes a free domain worth $9.99, integration with third-party tools like Facebook Pixel, Google Analytics, WhatsApp, Adsense, and access to a Mobile website editor.

At a slightly higher cost, the Business Website Builder plan comes in at $3.99/month and includes AI tools for generating images, blog writing, heatmaps, and SEO. Plus, you can set up your online store with a 0% transaction fee.

My verdict: Hostinger clearly wins in terms of affordability with its highly competitive pricing, making it ideal for beginners or small businesses on a budget. However, if you want a more polished, design-focused website with powerful built-in tools, Squarespace's higher price might be worth it, as it has specific plans based on your needs.

Squarespace vs Hostinger: Editor

Squarespace stands out with its intuitive and polished drag-and-drop editor, Fluid Engine. This editor features grid-based layouts and predefined content blocks. As you build your website, you can customize your template with colors, fonts, images, and content. You can see these changes in real time as you edit, and it’s easy to switch between the desktop and mobile views to make sure your site looks good on all devices. Squarespace comes with built-in tools for adding blogs, photo galleries, and online store features, which makes it easy to create different kinds of websites.

On the other hand, Hostinger’s AI brings your customizable site to life in a matter of minutes. Even if you choose a pre-made template, you can easily tweak elements using their drag-and-drop interface. While it might not be as feature-rich or as visually appealing as Squarespace, it gets the job done quickly and to a high standard. Not to mention, you can use Hostinger’s AI tools like AI Heatmap and AI Writer to optimize content and design for conversions.

My verdict: While Hostinger’s AI provides speed and simplicity to launch your site quickly, Squarespace comes out on top, with an intuitive editor that lets you experiment with different layouts. This gives you the flexibility to create beautiful designs and keep your website fresh and up-to-date.

Squarespace vs Hostinger: Ecommerce

Squarespace supports a wide variety of features for both physical and digital products, such as product variants, customer reviews, discount codes, and inventory management. It also offers point-of-sale integration, subscription-based services, and abandoned cart recovery in its Advanced Commerce plan. Squarespace further enhances your online store with SEO tools, customizable checkout pages, and the ability to connect your store with social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

From a single dashboard, Hostinger lets you set up a payment method, customize each item, add your business info for invoices, and review your shipping policies. It also offers several advanced tools, some of which are AI-powered, that can speed up store creation and product upload.

From the Store Manager section, you can set up an online store, manage inventory, create product categories, and offer discount codes. While you get insights like average order value and revenue, their ecommerce tools are not as advanced as Squarespace. Hostinger is best suited for smaller online stores that don’t need extensive ecommerce functionalities.

My verdict: Squarespace is the clear winner for users looking to build a full-fledged ecommerce website with advanced features. Hostinger is a great budget option for small businesses or individuals needing basic e-commerce capabilities.

Squarespace vs Hostinger: User experience

Squarespace focuses on giving you a visually-driven user experience. Its platform is smooth, well-organized, and packed with design-forward features that make building a website enjoyable. Whether you're a designer or someone with minimal tech skills, Squarespace’s well-thought-out UI leverages the help of AI for intuitive recommendations. All of their templates are mobile-optimized, so your website will look great across all devices.

Hostinger’s AI builder is designed to be quick and easy. The interface is straightforward and the features are great for those with no or little website building experience. While it doesn’t have the same level of design customization as Squarespace, the simplicity of the platform makes it easier to navigate, particularly for non-designers. Plus, the platform is lightweight, which ensures fast load times and smooth browsing experiences.

My verdict: If you value design and aesthetics, Squarespace’s user experience is unparalleled. Hostinger is more focused on efficiency and speed, making it a great choice for users who prioritize simplicity over complex design options.

Squarespace vs Hostinger: Support

Squarespace comes with 24/7 email support and live chat during business hours. Additionally, they have an extensive knowledge base, video tutorials, forum, and webinars to help you get the most out of their platform. If you need professional assistance, you can hire a Squarespace Expert to help set up your site. While Squarespace support is highly regarded, the lack of direct phone support may be a drawback for some users.

Similarly, despite a lack of phone support, Hostinger’s customer support team functions well with 24/7 customer support via live chat and email. Like Squarespace, it features a knowledge base with step-by-step guides, articles, and tutorials. What sets Hostinger apart is its Hostinger Academy YouTube channel, which has over 550 videos, run by industry experts.

My verdict: It’s almost a tie, since both Squarespace and Hostinger offer good resources, though neither has phone support. Squarespace comes with live chat, tutorials, and expert help, while Hostinger is known for quick responses and its highly valuable YouTube channel.

Squarespace vs Hostinger: Final Verdict

If you’re after aesthetics, design flexibility, and advanced e-commerce tools, Squarespace is the better choice. However, if you’re on a tight budget and need a quick, no-fuss website builder, Hostinger delivers excellent value for money.

Either way, it’s best to put these builders to the test with a free trial. Where Squarespace has a 14-day free trial, Hostinger’s trial only lasts up to 7 days, although you can get a 30-day money-back guarantee with a paid plan. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific needs and priorities, so take advantage of these trials to find the best fit for your website goals.

The Microsoft Windows 11 24H2 update dropped on October 1, 2024, and with it came the need for another workaround to address persistent hardware upgrade issues.

Since Windows 11 was originally released in 2021, Microsoft has required users to run its latest OS on a machine with Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, and with a sufficiently new 64-bit CPU supporting Secure Boot. Microsoft must be aware that users are unhappy with Windows 11’s strict hardware requirements, but the company has only become more inflexible.

Users have already been using creative solutions to run Windows 11 on their machines. One popular method involves the 'Rufus' utility software, which can be used to make bootable OS disks. Rufus circumvents Microsoft’s checks by the simple expedient of replacing the code used to do them – contained in the file appraiserres.dll – with an empty file.

It’s this particular method that no longer works, resulting in users running Windows 11 on older machines being left unable to install the 24H2 update.

Thankfully, Rufus developer Pete Bard dug deep into his hacker’s toolbox and pulled out a new solution. If you want to update right now, you can head to GitHub and follow the instructions, which involve a set of registry fixes. Future versions of Rufus will contain code to do this automatically.

Rufus to the rescue?

This is all great if tinkering with Windows 11's innards is your thing, but the average user is probably not feeling too great about how difficult and inconvenient that is for them.

At least the official method for upgrading systems appears untouched. If your PC is using Secure Boot, UEFI, and has a TPM 2.0, upgrading to Windows 11 should be relatively pain-free. Additionally, if you already have Windows 11 on your PC there’s no need for any new compatibility upgrades, so your system should continue to receive updates with no problems.

Microsoft seems hell-bent on making a huge chunk of its users miserable, because introducing such strict hardware checks, especially for TPM is just making things unnecessarily hard for many of its users. Sure, TPM and secure boot add more security, but perfectly functioning older hardware shouldn’t have to be excluded from receiving the most basic Windows updates.

The fact that Microsoft seems so hellbent on forcing users to buy new hardware when they have perfectly working older systems is another example of how Microsoft seems to prove again and again that it is not customer-focused enough and wants to dictate what its users can or can’t do with their own systems. Add the growing mountain of e-waste that we'll have to deal with eventually, and you've got a perfect storm of upset Windows users.

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We’re likely now mere weeks away from Apple revealing its new slate of M4 Mac products, with current leaks suggesting the new Macs will land in early November. It’s been a less-than-watertight build-up to launch, with a bevy of leaked details (including an apparent full leak of the M4 MacBook Pro on YouTube), but there’s one very conspicuous absence.

I’m talking, as you may have guessed, about the long-awaited M4 MacBook Air. Now, this isn’t actually the new product I’m most excited about – that honor goes to the M4 Mac mini, since despite my usual Apple skepticism I’m a sucker for a powerful compact computer – but I’m frankly baffled by the Air's apparent exclusion from the new product lineup, with current rumors suggesting it’ll launch sometime in early 2025.

After all, the MacBook Air is kind of a big deal. Apple itself labels it ‘the world’s most popular laptop’ – a term I take with a pinch of salt, since Apple doesn’t offer the same variety of configurations and models that virtually every other laptop manufacturer does – and we awarded the most recent M3 MacBook Air a rare five stars in our review. Even as a known macOS hater, I have to admit that it’s undeniably a stellar laptop. So why isn’t Apple leading with it when it comes to its upcoming M4 lineup?

Best foot forward

This isn’t the first time Apple has snubbed its ‘most popular’ Mac product. Last year’s ‘Scary Fast’ October event saw the same odd move, with the M3 chip being officially unveiled first in a new MacBook Pro and iMac. The M3 MacBook Air didn’t release until March this year, so it now looks like Apple is going to repeat that pattern.

Now, I’m just a humble tech journalist, not privy to the conversations no doubt taking place behind closed doors at Apple, but I’d like to posit a few possible explanations for this frankly rather baffling decision to apparently de-prioritize the MacBook Air, despite its claimed popularity. Why exactly doesn't Apple want to lead with its supposedly market-conquering laptop?

I love the Mac mini, but it only accounts for a small portion of Apple's Mac sales. (Image credit: Future)

Well, our first answer might come from sales statistics. According to a survey conducted by research organization CIRP, the MacBook Pro currently accounts for the largest portion of Mac products sold in the US, taking up a 43% share, while the MacBook Air sits in second place at 34%. But that’s still more than the remaining Mac devices combined, with the iMac, Mac Pro, Mac mini, and Mac Studio (in descending order of share) accounting for the remaining 23%.

So, the MacBook Air is significantly more popular than the iMac and Mac mini, yet both lines are reportedly receiving new M4-powered models this year. It could have to do with profitability; the iMac and MacBook Pro both typically retail a fair chunk above the Air, and putting out the more expensive products first could be a savvy business move. On the other hand, the Mac mini is the cheapest Mac product by far, with the M4 model supposedly getting a significant redesign that hopefully won’t impact its entry price too much (especially since there was no M3 variant of Apple’s diminutive desktop system).

A little trickery

I’m led to conclude that there’s a simple explanation for Apple holding back the MacBook Air – twice now – when it introduces a new wave of Mac products. Apple simply wants its shiny new M4 chip to look good – and it’s easier to showcase that in a Pro-level laptop with active cooling, rather than the slimmer, passively-cooled MacBook Air.

That’s not even mentioning the fact that the new M4 MacBook Pro will reportedly ship with 16GB of RAM in its base configuration – something that users and reviewers alike have been demanding for years, as 8GB simply isn’t enough for intensive work these days. If Apple plans to keep 8GB of unified memory as the baseline for the MacBook Air, the M4 chip inside the cheapest model will naturally perform less well in many tasks against a new 16GB MacBook Pro.

The MacBook Pro M4 was supposedly leaked by YouTuber Wylsacom, but there's no sign of any Air leaks (Image credit: Wylsacom)

By releasing the new MacBook Air long after the buzz about a new chip has died down, Apple could be hoping to mitigate any backlash surrounding expected versus real-world performance – and Apple already kicked off excitement about the M4 by releasing it in its latest iPad Pro 13-inch back in May, a smart move given that high-level computational performance is less important on a tablet device, and iPadOS is less resource-intensive than macOS.

Just to be clear: I’m not saying that the new MacBook Air is going to suck. It won’t be as strong as the MacBook Pro, and that’s totally fine – it’s cheaper, after all – but Apple probably doesn’t want anyone thinking of it as the ‘downgrade’. I will, however, be heavily disappointed if it launches with only 8GB of memory as standard, especially given the ludicrous amount Apple charges for RAM upgrades. Don’t let me down, Tim…

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Two weeks after suffering a cyberattack and shutting down parts of its infrastructure, MoneyGram has revealed more details on the incident, confirming that, contrary to what many speculated, this was not a ransomware attack.

A letter sent to stakeholders in late September 2024 seen by BleepingComputer, explains MoneyGram called in CrowdStrike, law enforcement, and other cybersecurity professionals, to investigate the matter, and the conclusion was - this was no ransomware attack:

"After working with leading external cybersecurity experts, including CrowdStrike, and coordinating with U.S. law enforcement, the majority of our systems are now operational, and we have resumed money transfer services," the email allegedly reads. "We recognize the importance of system security as we take these actions. We restored our systems only after taking extensive precautionary measures. At this time, we have no evidence that this issue involves ransomware nor do we have any reason to believe that this has impacted our agents' systems."

No evidence of ransomware

MoneyGram is a global money transfer and payment services company that enables individuals and businesses to send and receive funds internationally. It offers services including peer-to-peer money transfers, bill payments, and money orders, with operations in over 200 countries and territories.

On September 20, its customers took to social media (X, Facebook, Reddit) to complain about services not working properly, the website being offline, and other worries. Three days later, the company responded to the claims, saying it was experiencing a network outage, and later confirmed it suffered a “cybersecurity issue.” In response to this issue, MoneyGram shut down parts of its IT systems, including both online and in-person transactions.

This led to the media, and customers, speculating that MoneyGram had suffered a ransomware attack, even though no threat actors claimed to be responsible for the attack.

Money transfer services are back online, MoneyGram concluded.

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Ricoh GR IIIx HDF: two-minute review

With its large APS-C sensor and fixed 40mm f/2.8 lens, we already rated the Ricoh GR IIIx as one of the best premium compact cameras for travel and street photography. This version features a niche tweak that gives it a specific appeal: where the original had a built-in ND filter, the GR IIIx HDF instead has a highlight diffusion filter.

There’s no software trickery at work here. This is a physical filter that's built into the shutter unit and is enabled with a push of the Fn button, and it reduces contrast and blurs bright whites, producing soft, dreamy stills with an ethereal glow that harks back to the days of analog.

Based on our time with both the GR IIIx and the HDF version, the latter is the more creative tool. Whether you're capturing reflections shimmering off water or sunlight through leaves, it allows you to experiment with unique, film-like lighting effects.

(Image credit: Future)

The GR IIIx HDF also benefits from a couple of new firmware features: there’s support for up to three custom white balances, while zone-select AF gives you more flexibility to target automatic focusing within the center area. These are minor tweaks which will also be introduced to the GR III / IIIx down the line.

Otherwise, the GR IIIx HDF is identical to the existing version. That includes everything from the pocket-friendly dimensions and direct access controls to the APS-C sensor and 40mm lens combination we praised in our original review. It also retains the same drawbacks, though, including average battery life and a fixed screen.

The GR IIIx HDF isn’t the major update that many Ricoh fans were hoping for, and it’s certainly not worth buying if you already own the GR IIIx. But if you’re choosing between the two versions, we think the highlight diffusion filter makes it the more artful and unique option, especially if you’re a fan of the vintage aesthetic. It costs marginally more, but it’s the one we’d pick.

(Image credit: Future) Ricoh GR IIIx HDF: price and availability

• Launched on 28 March 2024, alongside the GR III HDF
• Priced at $1,146 / £1,099 / AU$1,899

The Ricoh GR IIIx HDF was announced in March 2024 with a launch price of $1,146 / £1,099 / AU$1,899. That makes it $147 / £100 / AU$120 more expensive than the standard Ricoh GR IIIx, which already commanded a pretty premium ask. At that price, the GR IIIx HDF is close to mid-range mirrorless money, with cameras like the Sony A7 III available for a similar amount.

While that might seem hard to justify for a compact with a fixed lens, the point here is that Ricoh is making a niche version of an already niche camera. You’ll buy the GR IIIx HDF not because you want the best possible performance for the money, but because you want a sharp-shooting compact with a relatively large sensor, with the added value of a unique built-in filter.

If you’re in the market for one of the best travel cameras, the GR IIIx offers better value objectively. Whether the highlight diffusion filter is worth the extra expenditure will come down to how you plan to use the camera and whether you’ll appreciate the creative aesthetic it’s capable of. But for our money, it’s the more compelling proposition, even with the increase in cost.

Ricoh GR IIIx HDF: design

• Physically identical to the GR IIIx
• Truly pocketable dimensions
• 3-inch, 1.03 million-dot touchscreen

Other than its silver shutter button, the GR IIIx HDF is identical to the GR IIIx. That means it’s a genuinely pocket-friendly compact, measuring a tidy 109.4 x 61.9 x 35.2mm and weighing an impressively light 262g, including the battery and an SD card. It’s pretty much as small as a camera with an APS-C sensor inside can be, making it a portable yet powerful shooting tool.

Not only do those dimensions mean the GR IIIx HDF is a convenient camera to travel with, but it’s also one you can comfortably use with one hand, making it ideal for discreet street photography. Ergonomically, there’s enough of a front grip to get your fingers around, with a moulded thumb rest on the rear.

Direct-access controls are plentiful, including a mode dial and scroll lever for adjusting exposure, and are neatly set out within easy reach of your thumb. Most prominent among them is the function button, which by default is used to activate the highlight diffusion filter. The control layout doesn’t clutter the body, but the camera’s proportions mean some of the rear inputs do require a bit of nimble finger-work to avoid accidentally hitting other buttons.

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(Image credit: Future)

Like the GR IIIx, the HDF version has a fixed 3-inch LCD touchscreen. It’s sharp enough at 1.03 million dots, although it’s not the brightest, which can make framing in direct sunlight slightly tricky. That’s not helped by the absence of an electronic viewfinder and, while there is a hot-shoe mount on top of the body, the only optional viewfinders available from Ricoh are analog ones.

All that being said, the GR IIIx HDF is just as fun to use as the standard GR IIIx. The touchscreen is responsive, and touch-focus support makes it as easy to shoot with as any smartphone. Its point-and-shoot design also strikes a good balance between accessibility for beginners and creative control for more experienced users.

Ricoh GR IIIx HDF: features and performance

• Highlight diffusion filter
• Fixed-focal-length f/2.8 lens
• New zone-select AF functionality

The headline feature of the GR IIIx is its highlight diffusion filter, which replaces the neutral density filter found in the GR IIIx. The HDF is a physical filter that’s part of the shutter unit, and it has the effect of reducing contrast and softening bright whites when enabled. The net effect of this is dreamy stills with a blurry glow that mimics the look of film photography.

Based on our tests, it’s more than a gimmick. The effect’s strength depends on what and where you’re shooting, but it can be surprisingly potent. In backlit or overcast scenes we found that it could lead to unwanted halo effects; but in the right conditions, such as warm sunlight filtering through trees or lights reflecting off water at night, the filter makes the GR IIIx HDF capable of producing some genuinely unique, creative images.

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On paper, it’s a niche feature. But at a time when analog is all the rage again we can see it appealing to a lot of people. Not only does the GR IIIx HDF produce images with a film-like aesthetic, it does so by way of a genuine physical filter, which lends the results a feeling of authenticity which can’t be achieved with post-processing. It also makes the GR IIIx HDF feel like a fun tool to experiment with creatively, with none of the associated costs of film.

Otherwise, the Ricoh GR IIIx HDF shares most of the rest of its features and spec sheet with the standard version. That’s true of the effective sensor-shift shake reduction system, useful Snap Focus tool and decent macro mode. Unfortunately, it’s also true of the modest 200-shot battery life, lazy burst speeds, and maximum Full HD video resolution.

Also inherited is the 40mm f/2.8 lens, which offers a focal length that’s more versatile for portrait work than the 28mm lens of the GR III. The depth of field is lovely and shallow, although you do need to be careful when using Snap Focus as it’s easy to miss your focus point. Rather than repeat the same observations here, we recommend reading our GR IIIx review for a full insight into how these features stack up in real-world use.

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Operation of the HDF version is just as quick as with the GR IIIx, with rapid start-up and shutter response times. Less impressive is the autofocus performance, which suffers from the same laggy tracking as before. One thing that is new for the GR IIIx is zone-select AF. This essentially allows you to zone the AF in on a specific region within the auto-area AF coverage. We could see this being useful for street portraits, but it’s a relatively minor addition, and one that’s also due to be added to existing models in a later firmware update.

More useful is the introduction of three programmable white balance settings, which means you can easily shift between different custom presets without having to dive into the manual settings. We think many users of the GR IIIx HDF are likely to use auto white balance, but it’s nevertheless a welcome addition.

Should I buy the Ricoh GR IIIx HDF?

(Image credit: Future) Buy it if...

You like the idea of an analog-style filter
Enabling the highlight diffusion filter gives images a soft, dreamy glow that, in the right lighting, can produce properly creative images with a film-like look.

You want a sharp-shooting street compact
Sharing most of its features with the GR IIIx, the HDF edition stacks up just as well for discreet street photography, with a travel-friendly body that captures sharp stills.

You want first access to the latest features
The GR IIIx benefits from three pre-programmable white balance settings and zone-select autofocus, which will only be added to existing models with down the line.

Don't buy it if...

You don’t need the highlight diffusion filter
The added cost of the GR IIIx HDF can only be justified if you’re excited by the idea of shooting with a unique physical filter; otherwise, the standard version is better value.

You want the best possible value
The GR IIIx HDF is priced in mid-range mirrorless territory, and it’s possible to get better performance and features from other APS-C cameras with interchangeable lenses.

You shoot a lot of video
With a video resolution that maxes out at Full HD, the Ricoh GR IIIx HDF is very much a camera for stills photographers first and foremost.

How I tested the Ricoh GR IIIx HDF

(Image credit: Future)

• I used the camera for two weeks
• I shot more than 150 stills
• I took pictures in a range of conditions

Testing the Ricoh GR IIIx HDF involved taking it out into the world and using it as I would use any camera day to day. I took more than 150 photos over the course of a fortnight, in a whole range of shooting scenarios and lighting conditions, from day to night, and from portraits to street details.

As the highlight diffusion filter is the key point of difference between this camera and the standard GR IIIx, I focused in particular on capturing images with the HDF enabled. I also shot a range of reference images across different shooting modes, to assess the actual effect of the filter.

First reviewed October 2024

Despite the negative connotations of my headline, I am by no means suggesting that I disliked Will & Harper. In fact, the opposite is true. A few weeks back, I openly admitted to crying at the trailer, and I firmly believe that it is deserving of its almost perfect Rotten Tomatoes score – it has 99% on the 'Tomatometer' at the time of writing. The Netflix movie is an essential watch, but you may find it uncomfortable in places.

That is no bad thing. I firmly believe that more Netflix documentaries should have the confidence to be this raw and vulnerable. While its message of self-acceptance, as well as the acceptance of others is clear, it doesn't shy away from showing mistakes along the way. It does not feel rehearsed, it feels genuine, and watching two long-term friends navigating a big change was presented with the honesty it deserved.

The documentary centers on the friendship between comedy legend Will Ferrell and his friend, Harper Steele. Before meeting on Saturday Night Live, where Steele was a head writer, Ferrell had known him as Andrew, a cisgender man. Ferrell later received a deep, heartfelt email from Steele about him coming out as transgender and identifying as a woman. He later learned his friend's new name was Harper, and this prompted Ferrell to suggest a road trip where he could get reacquainted with his friend and ask some important questions.

Straight away, Ferrell supported Steele. He admitted he was shocked, but at no point did he hold any vitriol towards his friend. This was nice to witness on many levels. For a start, he's a huge public figure who people look up to, so the fact he was so supportive is a positive thing to see. He took the initiative to teach himself and the world about a social issue, a topic that isn't always easy to approach or understand. He went into it with his signature humor as well as some tenderness, resulting in a rollercoaster of a documentary.

What exactly went wrong during Will & Harper?

(Image credit: Netflix)

If we're being honest, a lot. From some slightly sexist questions such as Ferrell asking Steele if she was a worse driver now, to conversations about new boobs, there's a lot that modern audiences might cringe at. But I think it's important to examine the subjects at the heart of the movie; Will Ferrell is a 57-year-old man who is used to crude humor, and Andrew Steele wrote those sorts of jokes with him during their respective careers. They're used to coping with humor like this, Steele at no point seemed uncomfortable and even threw jokes of her own right back. The jokes never felt malicious, instead it felt in line with the relationship they always had, and viewers were given an intimate look at how these two interact.

It is impossible for us to fully see the extent of their friendship throughout a two-hour movie, and being thrown into this typically masculine environment of beer jokes, gender jokes, and more, can feel a little jarring at first if that's not something you're used to. But throughout all of it, Ferrell was consistently supportive. He had breakfast with Steele's children, stayed with her sister, and got some different perspectives. He listened and, to his credit, did know when to stop the jokes and actually take things seriously.

Ferrell also messed up on two occasions. The first was during a basketball game where he boldly spoke about his transgender friend to Eric Holcomb, a governor who signed a bill banning gender-affirming care for minors in Indiana last year. Not knowing who Holcomb was, nor his recent policies, Ferrell had not considered the fact others may not be so supportive of Steele. As hard as this was to watch, I thought it was important as it allows viewers to see two opposing sides of the same issue, and how it is very easy for us to bring up topics around people who may have differing views.

The second was a restaurant scene where he decided to take on an eating challenge at a steakhouse in Texas. While there, his celebrity status draws attention and he introduces his friend to the crowd as "Miss Harper Steele". The announcer fumbled addressing her properly, and this prompted an onslaught of social media hatred calling both Ferrell and Steele insults, while intentionally misgendering the latter. This is arguably the most uncomfortable scene of the movie.

But it's crucial that scenes like these are left in. They're interspersed with other, more wholesome scenes like people in dive bars being kind towards Harper, and meeting with others who have shared similar experiences. As they travel the country and meet with a variety of different people, it's ultimately a hopeful movie and it felt important for Harper to visit some of the places she'd enjoyed years ago.

Being so vulnerable on camera is not easy, but this is one of the most important documentaries you'll see. I urge you to give it a go as soon as possible.

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