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Even as the world continues to become more and more technically advanced, not everyone wants the most flagship, fancy, and frankly quite delicate smartphone. We've reached a point where it's commonplace for people to have smartphones, but not everyone wants to spend top dollar on the best flagship. Some can't risk the lack of durability of some of the more highly promoted devices, regardless of the company -- whether it's fruit or robot. For those who need rigidity, durability, and reliability without compromising on bulk, the rugged smartphone stands out as a fantastic option to protect your key device and get work done, without the additional cost and expense of an extra case.

The best rugged phones can withstand drops, water, cold, gloves, and more on its own. Something that even the best flagship phones can't always claim. The Samsung XCover7 Pro is a newly released rugged smartphone that features a 6.6-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, outdoor vision booster, Gorilla Glass Victus+. On the rugged side of things, it has an IP68 rating for water resistance and MIL-STD-810H drop rating. Internally, there's a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 with 6GB of RAM, up to 128 GB internal storage plus a microSD Card slot for expanded storage. It also boasts great connectivity, a removable battery, built in Knox Vault security and all within a compact, USB-C ported device that can comfortably fit in your pocket.

It's engineered from the ground up for rugged use cases, offering durable reliability, enterprise-grade features, and ease of use in the field, thanks to the glove- and wet-hand-enabled touchscreen. Samsung markets this towards frontline workers and other tough jobs, and it's pretty clear why.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Samsung Galaxy XCover7 Pro: Pricing & Availability

The Samsung Galaxy XCover7 Pro was launched for $600 directly from Samsung and other retailers in May 2025. If you are a first responder, T-Mobile can offer priority connectivity. However, different carriers can also work with this phone, as it's frequently purchased unlocked to be compatible with any network.

Samsung Galaxy XCover7 Pro: Unboxing & first impressions

The Samsung Galaxy XCover7Pro is rated as a rugged phone, but that doesn't mean it feels like a smartphone with a bulky Life case or an Otterbox on it. That's what most people would guess a rugged smartphone would look and feel like. But instead, this Galaxy XCover7 Pro felt like a standard smartphone, just without a glass back.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

I was genuinely surprised and impressed by how thin and sleek this phone felt, especially considering its durability on paper. I was also happy to see USB-C - even though it's now standard practice, it's still good to see.

Samsung Galaxy XCover7 Pro: Design & build qualitySpecs

Display: 6.6″ FHD+, 120 Hz, 2408 x 1080
Durability: IP68 + MIL‑STD‑810H (1.5 m drops)
Processor: Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
Connectivity: 5G Sub‑6, Wi‑Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, GPS
Battery: 4,350 mAh removable
Security: Knox Vault, 7 years OS/security updates
Weight: ~240 g, glove/wet hands compatible touchscreen

The Samsung Galaxy XCover7 Pro is a phone built to be rugged, yet also one that you can carry with you every day. It's blocky and easy to grip, but it's not so hefty that you can't take it with you on days that you're not fully kitted out as a first responder, firefighter, construction crew, or the likes. It can be your everyday phone or your work phone if you prefer.

The buttons are easy to access and control, even with gloves on, and Samsung has included an XCover Key that can be programmed to perform a wide range of tasks, including PTT/Scanning mode, allowing for ease of radio-like communication using Microsoft or other software.

Further, the removable battery allows for quick swaps in the field if necessary, keeping one (or several) batteries on charge and then, when your active battery dies, swap it with a fully charged one in a matter of seconds, rather than waiting for even the fastest of chargers to juice up your phone.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Samsung Galaxy XCover7 Pro: In use

I've had this phone in my arsenal of tech for the last 67 days at the time of writing this. Throughout that time, I've used this device extensively as a working tool, navigating around town, utilizing Samsung DeX to write portions of this article and several others, multitasking, customizing, chatting with Slack, and researching. While working outside, the display is legible and usable, but it's not as bright as some of my other OLED panels. However, it's still clear enough and bright enough that I can see what is on the screen.

During my time using this phone, I've been generally pleased with the battery performance overall. Obviously, I wish it could last longer, but in my use, even on pretty heavy days, I have seen it last 10-11 hours, sometimes longer, depending on workflow. So, even those that do work on the job for an actual sun up to sun down kind of shift, odds are when you are working on the job all day you are not on your phone all day, or if you are on your phone, you should still be suitable for quite some time, and may have to top off the battery between job sites, on the drive home, etc.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

The performance has also been something that I've been happy with. It's no flagship, so it's not the best of the best, but it still held up to my workflow throughout the day. I was able to jump in and out of Google Workspace, respond to Slack, and project manage in Jira, Notion, Asana, HubSpot, and every other project management tool that my consulting business requires. I've been able to multitask (on the same screen) emails, web browsers, and more. I've been able to plug into any of my many desk setups via USB-C and run the phone in DeX mode, connecting to the keyboard and mouse at that setup and then pulling up full browsers to get some writing, research, emails, and project management done without needing another device. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 has handled all of this well. And, while I am reminded that this is in no way a full desktop setup, it's not a powerful laptop, and it's not even a powerful productivity tablet. However, it is an impressive feat for the price point and the other features of this phone.

Another thing worth mentioning, which you don't often see, but that works in the background for you with this device, is the Knox security implementation. Knox security enables a rigid separation between work and personal use, allowing you to use this device for both purposes, from the chipset up. Every element of what you do on this device can be segmented. And, so you can keep an eye on what applications can do, there is an integrated privacy dashboard that will help you see what is what.

Samsung Galaxy XCover7 Pro: Final verdict

I didn't know what tier rugged phone I was getting into when I grabbed the Samsung Galaxy XCover7 Pro. I didn't know if it was going to be just rugged and slow, or what all I was going to experience. But, after nearly 70 days with this phone, I am genuinely impressed. It's plenty powerful and feature-rich for most, whether you are in the first responder category or not.

If you want a phone that you're not constantly worried about breaking, this is a phenomenal option. However, if you are on the front line, a first responder, or in construction or a similar field, this phone is a remarkable option you should consider as your work device, or even your all-in-one device.

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Rugged, yet sleek design

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Practical for rugged users

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Good price

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10: two-minute review

Do you have money to spend and want to save on space? If so, the multi-talented Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 purifying fan heater is a compact solution for combating chilly days or hot nights, while helping to purify airborne nasties, too.

The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 purifying fan heater is available at multiple retailers in the US, UK, and Australia at a list price of $529.99 / £549.99 / AU$899, though I’ve spied the occasional discount in the US from the likes of Dyson and Amazon, who are both offering the HP10 for just under $400 at the time of writing.

(Image credit: Future)

The price is on the steep side, considering you can get a far smarter air purifier like the Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09 for a similar price or sometimes less. You can also get the full-sized tower fan version, the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10, for a whole $100 / £100 / AU$100 cheaper. Neither has a heat function, admittedly, but if I had the budget, I’d be looking to buy the TP09 when it’s on offer, and buy a separate heater.

At just 30.2 inches / 77cm tall, the HP10 is a stumpier, yet slightly chunkier and heavier, version of the TP10. It’s too chonky to sit on a tabletop, and has a relatively short loop amplifier, but it makes up for this with its ability to be tilted, so it’ll cool more than just your knees – happy days.

The HP10 has a lot of skills to its name, with 10 fan speeds, a multi-temperature heating mode, and oscillation of up to 350 degrees. Thanks to its low noise level, I found it easy to sleep with the HP10 next to my bed, and found the tilting element useful for perfecting the airflow angle.

(Image credit: Future)

Auto mode performed well during testing, though it is basic, as it only has the ability to detect and react to PM2.5 and PM10 contaminants. It’s important to note that – as is the case with many other air purifiers on the market rocking a HEPA H13 filter – just because a device may not have the capacity to detect and react to other contaminants like VOCs, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t helping to filter them out.

Overall, I really like the multi-functional format of the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 purifying fan heater, and was impressed with its performance, so if you’ve got the budget and don’t want a particularly smart air purifier, you won’t be disappointed with the HP10. But personally, if I had the space (and the budget), I’d opt for the smarter TP09 and buy a separate little fan heater for colder days. If you’d like to take a look at other options, I suggest checking out our pick of the best air purifiers and the best fans for options we highly recommend.

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 review: price & availability

• List price: $529.99 / £549.99 / AU$899
• Available now in the US, UK, and Australia

The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 purifying fan heater is available to purchase at Dyson, Amazon, and multiple other third-party retailers, and has a list price of $529.99 / £549.99 / AU$899.

This isn’t a terrible price if you’ve got your heart set on a Dyson appliance and desperately want all three functions in one small package. But considering you could get the impressively performing Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09 purifying tower fan for a similar cost, or even less, or spend $100 / £100 / AU$100 less on the taller Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 purifying fan and just buy a separate heater, I’d recommend thinking over your priorities before buying.

That being said, the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 purifying fan heater can occasionally be found for less. For example, it’s “Dyson Week” on the Dyson US website at the time of writing, which has knocked the price down to a far more acceptable $399.99, and Amazon US is offering the HP10 for $399 too, so it’s worth checking if any discounts are available.

(Image credit: Future)

The Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 uses the same filter as many of Dyson’s other purifier models: the 360 Combi Glass HEPA + Carbon air purifier, which has a list price of $79.99 / £75 / AU$99. Dyson recommends the filter be changed every twelve months, based on usage of twelve hours a day, so it’s important to factor this in as an ongoing cost. Most air purifiers need regular filter changes, though some, like the Shark NeverChange or the Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i, employ helpful washable pre-filters in an attempt to extend the lifespan of their single-use filters.

Overall, if you’re a Dyson fan with the right budget who wants three appliances in one conveniently compact package, you’ll be happy enough with the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 purifying fan heater. If you’d rather sacrifice a little more floor space over creating a noticeable void in your bank account, however, you may want to consider individual appliances instead.

• Value score: 3.5 out of 5

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 review: specs

Type

Purifying fan heater

Fan speeds

10

Oscillation

45, 90, 180, 350 degrees

Timer

Yes, in Night mode

CADR (Clean air delivery rate)

Requested

Filter

HEPA H13 with activated carbon

Particle sizes detected

PM2.5, PM10

Dimensions

9.8 x 9.8 x 30.2 inches / 25 x 25 x 77cm

Weight

11.7 lbs / 5.3kg

Control

Onboard power button, remote control

Additional modes

Auto, Night mode

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 review: design and features

• Three functions in one package: cooling, heating, and purifying
• Short in stature, but can be tilted for better airflow position
• No smart features

With its bladeless loop amplifier and metallic details, the Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 purifying fan heater has the classic Dyson aesthetic we know and love. The white and nickel color of the sample I tested is available in the US, UK, and Australia, but Dyson also offers a white and gold version on their UK site, and a white and silver model in the US.

At first glance, I’d say it’s a little on the short side for a tower fan, and it’s too chunky and heavy to easily fit on a tabletop, but its ability to tilt forward and backward means that the airflow can be easily directed. I think I may actually prefer this format to the taller tower fan loop amplifiers, as the airflow feels a bit more concentrated.

(Image credit: Future)

Weighing 11.7lb / 5.3kg, the HP10 is surprisingly heavy for its size, and I can only assume it must be the heating element that makes it heavier than its taller siblings.

Other than the power button, there are no controls on the HP10 itself. All of the controls are accessible via the slightly curved remote, which sits magnetically on top of the loop amplifier when not in use. It houses buttons to increase and decrease the fan speed or heat level, a button to switch back to cool mode, an info button, and buttons to toggle oscillation, auto mode, or Night mode.

By pressing the info button, I could cycle through the different detail screens on the front of the purifying unit. This includes graphs showing air quality changes either recently or over a 24-hour period, PM2.5 and PM10 readings, filter status, and the ambient temperature.

Image 1 of 4

(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 4

(Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 4

(Image credit: Future)Image 4 of 4

(Image credit: Future)

At this price point, it’s a little disappointing that the HP10 doesn’t have any smart features. This means that historical data is limited to the little 24-hour on-screen graph, and control is limited to the remote.

When Auto mode is enabled, the HP10 will react accordingly to rising or falling levels of PM2.5 or PM10 contamination. There’s a timer function that can be used if you don’t want the HP10 running all day if you’re out of the house, but it’s tied in with Night mode, so it can’t be used without the display being dimmed.

The HP10 comes with a 360 Combi Glass HEPA + Carbon air purifier filter, which is an H13-grade HEPA filter and is understood to capture 99.95% of particles as small as 0.2 microns. Though the HP10 only automatically reacts when it detects PM2.5 or PM10 contaminants, it’s worth noting that its HEPA and carbon filter are still capable of capturing other airborne nasties, like VOCs.

• Design score: 4 out of 5

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 review: performance

• Easy to operate
• Tilt function proved useful
• Reacted promptly to PM2.5 and PM10 contaminants

It was really easy to use the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10; all the buttons on the remote were self-explanatory, and it was pleasingly responsive and had a good range.

The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 reacted quickly when I sprayed dry shampoo toward it from around two feet away. It took just a couple of seconds to detect the contamination, instantly spiking the PM2.5 and PM10 readings, turning them purple to indicate very bad air quality. The readings were lowered to around 30 micrograms in around a minute, which is considered good on Dyson’s air quality scale.

(Image credit: Future)

The strength of the airflow was fine for its size, but noticeably less than the larger tower fan models. I could feel a cooling breeze from two feet away on fan speed one, four feet on speed five, and 10 feet on top speed ten.

I felt the benefit from the heat mode pretty quickly. The screen showed a little thermometer with the current room temperature noted, and I could raise or lower the temperature a degree at a time using the plus and minus buttons on the remote.

(Image credit: Future)

Night mode worked as expected, with the fan speed dropping to four and the display dimming, either permanently or on a timer of up to eight hours. I liked that I could still increase the fan speed in Night mode, as that means no choosing between light pollution or overheating on a hot night. Being able to tilt the HP10 was also really helpful when setting the airflow to the right angle at bedtime.

The HP10 was lovely and quiet, with a volume of just 30dB when running on fan speed one, 41dB on speed five, and 53dB on speed ten when I tested it. These readings were very similar to those recorded from the TP09 and TP10, with the HP10 operating as quietly as a soft whisper on its lowest setting, and about as loud as moderate rainfall at its highest.

• Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should I buy the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10?

Section

Notes

Score

Value for money

The multi-functionality and great performance of the HP10 means you’re getting okay value for money here, but you could get better value for money by purchasing a cheaper Dyson purifying fan and teaming it with a separate fan heater.

3.5/5

Design & Features

The HP10 is a great space-saver, and although it may be a little on the short side, the tilt function makes it easy to direct the airflow. At this price, though, I’d really expect it to have some smart features.

4/5

Performance

All three of the HP10’s functions performed well; it heated up quickly, had strong, cooling airflow, and reacted promptly to contamination during testing.

4.5/5

Buy it if...

You want to save space
One clear benefit of the HP10 is that it packs three efficient functions into one compact appliance. This means you can control the heating, cooling, and purifying with just one remote, and it’ll only take up one power outlet.

You want a good degree of oscillation
The HP10 offers four different oscillation angles of 45, 90, 180, and 350 degrees. This, combined with the manual tilt function, makes it easy to position the airflow where you want it.

You want something simple to use
Thanks to the clearly labelled and responsive remote and the large LCD screen, it’s satisfyingly easy to operate and review data from the HP10.

Don't buy it if...

You want something smart
I’d have hoped for some app support at this price point, but the HP10 has no smart features, sadly.

You want a purifier that’ll react to VOCs
The purifying element of the HP10 works well, but the auto mode’s detection and reaction skills are basic, as it’s only capable of detecting PM2.5 and PM10.

You’re on a budget
It’s no secret that Dyson appliances tend to come with a premium price tag, but you could be getting better appliances for less if you buy them separately.

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 review: Also consider

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10

Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09

Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10

Type

Purifying fan heater

Purifying tower fan

Purifying tower fan

Price

$529.99 / £549.99 / AU$899

$749.99 / £549.99 / AU$999

$429.99 / £449.99 / AU$799

Fan speeds

10

10

10

Additional modes

Auto, Night mode

Auto, Night mode, Diffused mode

Auto, Night mode

Oscillation

Up to 350 degrees

Up to 350 degrees

Up to 350 degrees

Filter

HEPA H13 and activated carbon

HEPA H13 and activated carbon

HEPA H13 and activated carbon

App support

No

Yes

No

Dimensions

9.8 x 9.8 x 30.2 inches / 25 x 25 x 77cm

8.7 x 8.7 x 41 inches / 22 x 22 x 105cm

8.7 x 8.7 x 41.3 inches / 22 x 22 x 105cm

Weight

11.7 lbs / 5.3kg

10.7 lbs / 4.85kg

10.4 lbs / 4.7kg

Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09
Thanks to its smart skills and great performance, I loved the Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09 when I reviewed it. At the time of writing, you can get the TP09 for a similar price, or even less, than the HP10, so if you’re not too bothered about a heater, or have the space for a separate one, I’d highly recommend checking out this alternative.

Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10
If you’ve got your heart set on a Dyson purifying fan and don’t want all the bells and whistles, then the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 is a great option. Other than the heating element, it’s basically just a larger version of the HP10, and costs $100 / £100 / AU$100 less, giving you plenty of spare cash for a separate fan heater, if you want one. If you’d like to learn more, I recommend checking out my full Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 review.

How I tested the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10

• I used the Dyson HP10 purifying fan heater in my living room and bedroom
• I observed its detection and purification skills
• I evaluated the strength of the airflow and the sound levels

I used the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 purifying fan heater in our photo studio, my living room, and my bedroom for two weeks. I evaluated how easy it was to operate, along with the build quality and aesthetics, and explored the available functions and features.

I tested the strength of the airflow by determining at what distance I could still feel a cooling breeze. I also observed the HP10 purifying fan heater’s detection and purification skills during standardized testing, which included spraying dry shampoo towards it from around two feet away to test how quickly it would react and clear the contamination, and I also used it passively in my bedroom and my living room.

I used a decibel meter app on my iPhone to record the noise levels, taking readings from around two feet away and ensuring the fan wasn’t blowing directly into the microphone.

I checked the timer worked as expected, and tested out the sleep mode to see whether the HP10 was quiet enough for me to be able to sleep well with it running overnight.

• First reviewed: August 2025
• Read TechRadar's Reviews Guarantee

Pep Guardiola's men wrap up their prep for the new campaign with a trip to Sicily.

It took the capsule 17 hours to make the trip home, experiencing re-entry temperatures of around 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit as it punched through the atmosphere following Friday's ISS undocking.

(Image credit: NASA)

• Modos uses open hardware to fix everything wrong with sluggish commercial e-paper displays
• E-paper finally reaches 75Hz refresh rates, enough to handle modern productivity tasks
• USB Type-C and HDMI connectivity offer simple setup across Windows, macOS, and Linux

E-paper has is recent years often been relegated to niche applications, largely due to its sluggish refresh rates and limited interactivity.

However, Modos Tech is attempting to upend this perception with a new set of developer kits featuring e-paper displays capable of reaching 75Hz refresh rates, which are now crowdfunding.

Though this figure might not turn heads in the consumer monitor space, this productivity tool introduces a different kind of performance that caters to focused, distraction-free work.

A different approach to responsive e-paper

Modos attributes its performance improvements to an open-hardware design built around the Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGA.

This controller, combined with a DDR3 framebuffer and STM32H750 microcontroller, eliminates the proprietary bottlenecks typical in commercial e-paper displays.

The company suggests traditional systems are constrained by outdated hardware decisions that limit response time and usability, as it claims its open design lifts those barriers and introduces real-time responsiveness to what has historically been a static technology.

“From writers and engineers to accessibility advocates and digital minimalists, people are tired of the distraction, eye strain, and fatigue of mainstream displays,” said Alexander Soto, CEO of Modos Tech.

“E-paper offers a better path, and we’ve built tools that make it fast, flexible, and accessible to all.”

With support for multiple grayscale levels and a hybrid rendering mode, the screens attempt to offer flexibility without relying on full color.

While the architecture supports color displays, none are being offered at this stage - instead, the current implementation is aimed at users who prioritize simplicity and legibility over visual richness.

The kits include USB Type-C and HDMI ports, making them compatible with major desktop platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Its USB Type-C can handle both data and power, but those opting to connect via HDMI will need an additional power source for operation.

This device is available in 6-inch and 13.3-inch which are selling for $199 and $599 respectively.

But make no mistake about this device, it will not replace business tablets or traditional business laptops.

Nevertheless, for users with specific visual or cognitive requirements, they offer an alternative that minimizes eye fatigue and digital noise.

As always with crowdfunded hardware, the pitch comes with caveats.

Modos is working through Crowd Supply, a platform with a decent track record for delivery; the usual warnings apply.

However, delays, supply issues, and unforeseen design revisions remain real possibilities.

Modos’ e-paper kits are still in pre-order status, with expected delivery in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Via Toms Hardware

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OpenAI touted GPT-5 as a new model for everything. However, some people still prefer the older versions.

I've reviewed a lot of power stations. My home office has backups on backups on backups. I have power stations to run everything I could need for weeks. So, I had thought I knew every brand of power stations worth knowing as well. I know many, but it turns out I've been missing out on a fantastic brand of power stations, Ampace.

The company's Andes 1500 has been with me for a little while now, and in that time, I've been able to put it through the paces. I've used this portable power station to do everything from run a backup desk of mine to some light camping. I've recharged mowers and tools. I've run computer setups and more.

The Andes 1500 is Ampace's top-of-the-line hybrid unit that sits nicely between massive home backup units and mobile, lightweight power solutions. Ampace utilize the LFP battery type that professionals in the battery space frequently use. These batteries are designed from the ground up to be fast, powerful, and long-lasting, which in something like an expensive power station, is always a plus.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Ampace Andes 1500: Pricing & Availability

The Andes 1500 by Ampace is generally around $1,400 new on the Ampace website, but at the time of writing this, it looks like there is a $600 sale, bringing the price down to $799.00. There are options to bundle this purchase with solar panels if desired, and there's a five-year warranty.

I've also seen it available on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk for around the same price.

Ampace Andes 1500: Unboxing & first impressions

The Ampace looks Tesla-like. The first thing I noticed when unboxing this unit was the design language, the lights on top, and the port layout. From first glance, this looks like it could be a Tesla-inspired design, and while I cannot get that claim confirmed, I wouldn't be totally surprised.

The design offers two carrying handles, one on either side of the power station (or front and back), and from the beginning, I can tell that it is well-balanced, yet a bit heavier than other power stations I have that are this size.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

When I first turned this power station on, the top of the unit lit up, making what I thought was just a cool design light up with a cool blueish-greenish glow. This is a light in addition to the light bar on the front of the unit, with the ability to be a light if the power goes out, and also light up the ports. I wish there were a bit of light on the back where the AC ports are, but I understand why there is not.

Ampace Andes 1500: Design & build qualitySpecs

Capacity: 1,462 Wh (LFP)
Lifespan: ~6,000 cycle lifespan
Inputs: AC up to 1,800W (A‑Boost), solar up to 600W, 96W car port
Outputs: 4× AC outlets, 2x USB-C, 4x USB-A
Weight: 16.5 kg / 36.3 lb
Warranty: 5-year

The overall layout of this power station is one that I understand, but I'm not sure if I love it. I go back and forth if I prefer the AC ports on the front or the back of the unit; I feel the same way about docking stations.

For some setups, it works well to have AC ports on the back, and in others, it is super helpful to have those ports on the front.

The frame is chunky and easy to grab, which I appreciate, and thanks to a reinforced frame, it doesn't feel like it flexes at all, even when moving it around with one handle.
The display is clean and easy to understand, it is also pretty bright and usable in broad daylight as much as it is usable in the dark.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Ampace Andes 1500: In use

As I mentioned, I have been able to use this power station for various tasks and scenarios. I have used it to back up a desk during a power outage so I could still get some work done without compromise.

I used it to charge up some tools while working on a home project, I've used it to recharge devices on a working road trip, I also used this to run a portable work setup on a rolling cart for a week during some construction at one of my jobsites I was working at. In all of these scenarios, the Ampace held up just fine, without any concern, stress, disconnect, or issue.

The recharge on this device is remarkably impressive. Ampace notes that this can recharge from empty to full in 55 minutes. I've also experienced this in my use.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

Even while running a heavy load, I never heard a fan kick on, nor did I notice any excess volume from the machine getting hot or trying to draw heat. Pair that with the safe ports, and this power station may just be the perfect machine to use while camping, especially if you need a CPAP to breathe while sleeping in the great outdoors under the stars.

Whether you're looking for a power station for your road trip, camping, or battery backup in inclement weather, or to power a semi-permanent setup, this power station is better than it seems. It's one that I'll be reaching for more in the future.

Ampace Andes 1500: Final verdict

The Ampace Andes 1500 portable power station is a powerful solution for those looking to have some serious power in a still very portable unit. This has great ports, excellent output, fun lights, and excellent durability, making this a great option for most. For the size, price, and performance, the Ampace Andes 1500 is hard to beat.

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Clean and simple design with a fun light

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy for all to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Practical for most who need portable power

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Good price

⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Gunners take on Spanish opposition for the second time in a week in their final warm-up match before the big kickoff.

Big news from TechRadar's best robot vacuum ranking: there's a new top bot in town – the Roborock Qrevo Curv. We absolutely loved this model when we tested it for our Roborock Qrevo Curv review, but at that point it was just a little too pricey to go in the #1 spot.

Now, prices have tumbled, value for money has risen, and I've decided it's time to shift it into pole position. It's not even that old – it came out in October 2024. It's just that Roborock is releasing new bots at such a rate that anything that's not a 2025 launch is ripe for discount.

At list price, the Curv costs $1,599.99 / £1,299.99, but recently I've seen it drop as low as $899.99 / £850. It's still not cheap (and I'll include some great alternatives below for those on a tighter budget) but if you can afford it it's well worth the investment. This is a seriously good robot vacuum.

Roborock is probably my favorite robovac brand. Its bots consistently deliver high build quality, strong cleaning performance and reliable navigation. The experienced reviewer who tested the Curv (alongside many other robovacs) calls it his "go-to brand for reliable, fuss-free vacuuming with smarts galore".

(Image credit: Future)

Roborock is also known for blazing a trail when it comes to innovation in this market, and the Curv is powered by very nearly the newest tech. It recognizes the tall thresholds in your home and figures out the best way to climb over each one, the onboard camera can be used to make two-way voice calls for security or pet-reassurance purposes, and there's automatic suction adjustment for different floor types.

(Image credit: Future)

It nails the basics, too: mapping is speedy and accurate, navigation and obstacle avoidance reliable, there's a very powerful 18,500Pa of suction, dual spinning mop pads (one of which can kick out to the side to get up close to the edges of rooms), and an extending side brush for sweeping into corners.

On test it aced every cleaning task we put to it, and it proved itself to be not just a capable cleaner, but a low-effort, easy to use one too.

The curvy dock will take care of a whole list of maintenance tasks for you. It will charge the bot and empty its dustbin, but also refill its water tanks and wash and dry its mop pads so they don't get stinky. And it looks pretty cool too, in a kind of space-age way.

My favorite alternatives

Not sure the Qrevo Curv is right for you? Let's take a look at the best alternatives, starting with more affordable options and then – just for fun – looking at what you can get if you blow the budget entirely.

If you have less to spend, the Dreame L40 Ultra and Eufy X10 Pro Omni are both excellent all-rounders, and depending on deals can be in the region of $200 / £200 less than the Curv. Or in the budget bracket, I loved both the Roborock Q7 M5 and Dreame D9 Gen 2, but be aware that you'll need to get a little more hands-on than you would with a pricier option.

If money is no object, there are even more functions available if you stump up for one of the very newest models. My new top premium robot vacuum is the Dreame X50 Ultra Complete, which has little feet that enable it to scale even taller thresholds than the Qrevo Curv can manage. The LiDAR tower can retract into the body of the robot too, enabling it to clean in particularly low-height spaces.

The crowning option in the Roborock lineup is the Roborock Saros Z70, which has a big robotic arm that'll clear away your socks for you. Slightly less flashy 2025 additions to the range are the Saros 10, which has a retractable LiDAR puck similar to the X50 Ultra's, and Saros 10R, which doesn't have a raised puck at all but instead uses a different approach to navigation.

However, if you're looking for powerful cleaning and reliable all-round performance with no unnecessary bells and whistles, the Robrock Qrevo Curv is first on my recommendations list.

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Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Saturday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Saturday, August 9 (game #790).

Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.

What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Connections today (game #791) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• PULP
• BIOPIC
• FAN
• CALCIUM
• PULL
• CONCENTRATE
• SCIENCE
• GROUP
• HISTORICAL
• JUICE
• COLLECT
• CHEMISE
• SWAY
• TRIGLYCERIDE
• WEIGHT
• CLUSTER

NYT Connections today (game #791) - hint #1 - group hints

What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: Clout
• GREEN: Gather
• BLUE: Reading matter
• PURPLE: Words begin with school abbreviations

Need more clues?

We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…

NYT Connections today (game #791) - hint #2 - group answers

What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: INFLUENCE
• GREEN: AMASS
• BLUE: KINDS OF FICTION
• PURPLE: STARTING WITH MATH AND SCIENCE CLASSES, FOR SHORT 

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Connections today (game #791) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #791, are…

• YELLOW: INFLUENCE JUICE, PULL, SWAY, WEIGHT
• GREEN: AMASS CLUSTER, COLLECT, CONCENTRATE, GROUP
• BLUE: KINDS OF FICTION FAN, HISTORICAL, PULP, SCIENCE
• PURPLE: STARTING WITH MATH AND SCIENCE CLASSES, FOR SHORT BIOPIC, CALCIUM, CHEMISE, TRIGLYCERIDE

• My rating: Hard
• My score: 2 mistakes

While it was very tempting to find a group that could contain PULP, CONCENTRATE, and JUICE I couldn’t find a fourth word, so resisted the temptation of throwing in a random word. This is my most common type of Connections error, so I’m pleased I checked myself.

This did, however, leave me in a situation where I couldn’t see a single group – another common Connections feeling these days.

Thankfully, I remembered another meaning for JUICE and put together the INFLUENCE group.

Somehow, I managed to get the green group after seeing the link between SCIENCE and PULP – but this is where the good times ended.

I thought that TRIGLYCERIDE and CHEMISE belonged together, but after two attempts at trying to fluke my way to the finish line I switched tracks and saw the far more obvious green group. Phew!

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Saturday, August 9, game #790)

• YELLOW: RESULT FRUIT, PRODUCT, RETURN, YIELD
• GREEN: KINDS OF JOKES DAD, INSIDE, KNOCK-KNOCK, PRACTICAL
• BLUE: MOVIES FEATURING SUPERNATURAL ROMANCE CASPER, GHOST, LET ME IN, TWILIGHT
• PURPLE: CORN-Y THINGS MAZE, MUFFIN, SILK, SYRUP

What is NYT Connections?

NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.

On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.

It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.

It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Saturday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Saturday, August 9 (game #524).

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.

Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Strands today (game #525) - hint #1 - today's themeWhat is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… A rip-roaring good time

NYT Strands today (game #525) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

• TOWER
• WIRE
• TRAIL
• SALE
• RUST
• GAIN

NYT Strands today (game #525) - hint #3 - spangram lettersHow many letters are in today's spangram?

• Spangram has 7 letters

NYT Strands today (game #525) - hint #4 - spangram positionWhat are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: left, 5th row

Last side: right, 6th row

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Strands today (game #525) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #525, are…

• LUAU
• BLOWOUT
• SHINDIG
• HOEDOWN
• JAMBOREE
• WINGDING
• SPANGRAM: PARTIES

• My rating: Hard
• My score: 1 hint

A tricky game today, thanks to some unusual words and interesting twists.

I took a hint to get started, after finding half a dozen non-game words without hitting anything that might relate to a “rip-roaring good time”. 

The hint gave me LUAU, which is a good thing as this would have been the last thing I would have spotted amongst these old fashioned descriptions of a knees up.

I think it speaks of our appetite for pleasure that there are so many different words for PARTIES – I’d never heard of WINGDING before, but I’m certain some killer punch and a game that will involve everyone hiding in a cupboard will be involved. 

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Saturday, August 9, game #524)

• CORKSCREW
• SPATULA
• MIXER
• ZESTER
• SIEVE
• WHISK
• SPANGRAM: KITCHEN TOOL

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's not-so-new-any-more word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable that has been running for a year and which can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.

Looking for a different day?

A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Saturday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Saturday, August 9 (game #1293).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.

Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

Quordle today (game #1294) - hint #1 - VowelsHow many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 4*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

Quordle today (game #1294) - hint #2 - repeated lettersDo any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 2.

Quordle today (game #1294) - hint #3 - uncommon lettersDo the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1294) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 2.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1294) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• S

• P

• T

• S

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

Quordle today (game #1294) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1294, are…

• SCRUM
• PIPER
• TROLL
• SPORE

Sometimes it pays not to overthink things when playing Quordle.

For my last word I had a choice between wiper and my hunch of PIPER. There was no real logic, just a feeling – and I guessed right.

Then again, I had the luxury of knowing that even if it had been wrong I still would have had enough moves left to complete the puzzle, which is always a nice feeling.

Daily Sequence today (game #1294) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1294, are…

• EDICT
• GRANT
• BIRCH
• COLOR

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1293, Saturday, 9 August: NOOSE, INLET, ELEGY, VIRUS
• Quordle #1292, Friday, 8 August: KNEEL, KINKY, RALPH, BOOZY
• Quordle #1291, Thursday, 7 August: PLUNK, PROXY, CURVY, PEARL
• Quordle #1290, Wednesday, 6 August: RISKY, APART, FAUNA, HANDY
• Quordle #1289, Tuesday, 5 August: ROAST, SLICK, AUDIT, BILLY
• Quordle #1288, Monday, 4 August: MACAW, SINCE, COLON, CHIRP
• Quordle #1287, Sunday, 3 August: MOTIF, LEERY, LOFTY, BURST
• Quordle #1286, Saturday, 2 August: WARTY, PUPAL, CLEAR, SLICE
• Quordle #1285, Friday, 1 August: ACTOR, MEALY, WIDTH, ADOBE
• Quordle #1284, Thursday, 31 July: STYLE, VALET, AGONY, ALLOY
• Quordle #1283, Wednesday, 30 July: DEBAR, ADMIN, FOLIO, USAGE
• Quordle #1282, Tuesday, 29 July: BATCH, TOPIC, MURKY, BUNCH
• Quordle #1281, Monday, 28 July: CANDY, TRYST, SHIRT, FORGO
• Quordle #1280, Sunday, 27 July: TRAWL, BALER, PIANO, MINCE
• Quordle #1279, Saturday, 26 July: MUDDY, SAINT, KINKY, POLAR
• Quordle #1278, Friday, 25 July: BONUS, RESIN, CEDAR, MADAM
• Quordle #1277, Thursday, 24 July: AGONY, VERVE, GLEAN, MINUS
• Quordle #1276, Wednesday, 23 July: OZONE, PENCE, ROOMY, WIDER
• Quordle #1275, Tuesday, 22 July: OPTIC, GIDDY, VOCAL, ADULT

It's the first Scottish Premier League home fixture at Ibrox for new Rangers boss Russell Martin.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified the man who opened fire at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as Patrick Joseph White. White died and a police officer was shot and killed.

(Image credit: Hyosub Shin)

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified the man who opened fire at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as Patrick Joseph White. White died and a police officer was shot and killed.

(Image credit: Hyosub Shin)

• New Wyoming facility could consume twice as much electricity as the entire state currently produces annually
• Data center developers will build custom natural gas and renewable plants to feed massive energy needs
• Crusoe refused to confirm any involvement of OpenAI despite growing speculation and prior partnerships

Plans for a new AI data center in Cheyenne, Wyoming, have raised serious questions about energy use and infrastructure demands.

The proposed facility, a collaboration between energy company Tallgrass and data center developer Crusoe, is expected to start at 1.8 gigawatts and could scale to an immense 10 gigawatts.

For context, this is over five times more electricity than what all households in Wyoming currently use.

A dedicated power supply for a silent tenant

Given the extraordinary energy demands, drawing power from the public grid is not an option - instead, the developers intend to power the site using a combination of natural gas and renewables, built specifically for the facility.

However, the mystery around the project continues to deepen because the future occupant of the data center has not been named.

Speculation has focused on OpenAI, as the AI giant recently partnered with Crusoe on a separate facility in Texas, described as the “largest data center” in the world.

That project reportedly draws about a gigawatt of energy and is seen as part of OpenAI’s broader “Stargate” initiative.

OpenAI has made commitments to develop several gigawatts of data center capacity, though the company has not publicly confirmed any presence in Wyoming.

When asked, Crusoe declined to confirm or deny whether this new site is tied to Stargate, fueling further uncertainty.

At the core of such AI-focused data centers lies the demand for extremely high-performance hardware.

Industry experts expect it to house the fastest CPUs available, possibly in dense, rack-mounted workstation configurations optimized for deep learning and model training.

These systems are power-hungry by design, with each server node capable of handling massive workloads that demand sustained cooling and uninterrupted energy.

Wyoming state officials have embraced the project as a boost to local industries, particularly natural gas; however, some experts warn of broader implications.

Even with a self-sufficient power model, a data center of this scale alters regional power dynamics.

There are concerns that residents of Wyoming and its environs could face higher utility costs, particularly if local supply chains or pricing models are indirectly affected.

Also, Wyoming’s identity as a major energy exporter could be tested if more such facilities emerge.

Via Arstechnica

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