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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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I've worn a few different slides over the years, including Oofos, but Oka's are arguably the best I've tested. They're available in a unisex design in a variety of colors.

Using a VPN can help to get the most out of your NFL livestreaming experience for this weekend's preseason matchups. Here's how.

One-minute review

If you’re searching for a no-nonsense gamepad to use with your phone, then the Acer Nitro Mobile Gaming Controller is a solid choice. It’s light on features compared to some of the best mobile controllers out there, but it delivers good performance where it counts.

It’s only available with a USB Type-C connector, but is fully compatible with both iOS and Android out of the box. It can fit a wide range of devices too, ranging all the way from the iPhone 15 or most small Android phones to bigger options like the iPhone 15 Pro Max. It even comfortably fits an iPad mini or a small Android gaming tablet like the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3.

This is a huge advantage given its compact size, as tablet compatibility is normally reserved for larger models like the Razer Kishi Ultra.

Its thumbsticks are on the smaller side, but they’re perfectly smooth and responsive. The face buttons are a little mushy, especially when compared to the mechanical ones found on the competing Backbone One 2nd Gen, but thankfully never impacted in-game performance in my testing.

Aesthetically, the Acer Nitro Mobile Gaming Controller is on the basic side but elevated by small decals and red highlights. Its plastic and rubber construction is also nothing special, but it keeps the weight down and feels suitably robust for the price.

Although it lacks a headphone jack, which is a shame, the inclusion of pass-through charging is a win. It supports 18W fast charging when you’re using a compatible plug, too, which makes keeping your device topped up while you play a breeze.

(Image credit: Future)Acer Nitro Mobile Gaming Controller: Price and availability

• Only available in the UK
• RRP of £79.99
• Easy to find for less than £70

The Acer Nitro Mobile Gaming Controller is currently available in the UK with no official word on a US release quite yet. It is available via the Acer website for £79.99 (around $100 / AU$165), but can easily be found cheaper.

At Very, for example, it costs just £69.99 (around $90 / AU$145), which is a very competitive price and comfortably undercuts the £99.99 Backbone One 2nd Gen (when that latter controller is not on sale).

Acer Nitro Mobile Gaming Controller: Specs

Price

£79.99 (around $100 / AU$165)

Dimensions

2.5 x 4.4 x 6.2in / 64 x 112 x 157mm

Weight

0.4lbs / 195.6g

Connection type

Wired (Type-C)

Compatibility

iPhone 15 Series, Android

Software

N/A

(Image credit: Future)Acer Nitro Mobile Gaming Controller: Design and features

• Folding design
• Compact and light
• Fits a lot of devices

The Acer Nitro Mobile Gaming Controller clearly takes a lot of inspiration from the successful Backbone One, with a similar overall form factor and design. It’s two halves of a small controller separated by an extending mechanism that holds your phone.

Unlike the Backbone One, however, the Acer Nitro Mobile Gaming Controller can fold in at two points, making it easier to store and transport. This folding mechanism also has the benefit of increasing device compatibility, as it allows you to more easily fit it around larger phones or small tablets.

All the expected buttons are present, with a soft, rounded D-pad and conventional face buttons. The face buttons are on the spongy side, which is a shame, but by no means a dealbreaker. The start, select, home, and capture (that’s the little red one on the right-hand side) buttons, in contrast, are much more tactile and responsive and feel better to press.

The only other notable element on the front is a small indicator LED, which illuminates when your phone is connected. On the bottom of the right-hand grip, you will also find a Type-C connector that is used for pass-through charging. The controller supports 18W fast charging, making it very easy to keep your phone full of juice as you play.

At just 0.4lbs / 195.6g, it feels very light, but importantly, not cheap or poorly made. The plastic and rubber here isn’t quite as premium as that found on the Backbone One, but this seems fair given the difference in price.

(Image credit: Future)Acer Nitro Mobile Gaming Controller: Performance

• No software required
• Small but comfortable
• Easy to transport

The Acer Nitro Mobile Gaming Controller does not require any software. Simply plug in your phone or tablet and you’re ready to go. On one hand, I appreciate the simplicity of this. Sometimes, you really do just want something that will work perfectly out of the box without the need for any fiddling.

On the other hand, I do miss the many customization options offered by competitors. If you crave the ability to remap buttons or tweak the dead zones of the thumbsticks, for example, this is decidedly not the controller for you.

That aside, performance is good. The controller is small, but still suitably comfortable in the hands. Its analog triggers respond well in fast-paced games like Zenless Zone Zero or Call of Duty Mobile, and the mushy face buttons never falter under even the most rapid inputs. Alternatives like the Asus ROG Tessen perform noticeably better thanks to their more tactile buttons, but come in at a higher price.

The thumbsticks, while small, have a decent range of motion similar to those found on the original Joy-Con Controllers and are therefore a decent fit for most games. They do not seem to be using Hall effect sensors, though, which is unfortunate and seems like a missed opportunity for an easy win.

When the controller is not in use, its folding design and light weight make it easy to transport. I’ve been taking it around in my bag for weeks and have honestly sometimes even forgotten that it’s in there. It can even comfortably fit into the large front pockets of my coat, though your mileage in this regard may vary.

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Acer Nitro Mobile Gaming Controller?Buy it if...

You want a simple, no-nonsense mobile gamepad
The Acer Nitro Mobile Gaming Controller is one of the simplest mobile controllers that I’ve ever tested. It works out of the box with both Android and iOS, making it a good choice for those who don’t want to mess around with complicated software or extra features.

You need a compact option for a tablet
The Acer Nitro Mobile Gaming Controller is one of the few models that works with the iPad mini or a small Android tablet. Its small size sets it apart from the rest, so pick it up if you want a tablet-compatible controller that’s easy to transport.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You rely on more features
Aside from its pass-through charging, the Acer Nitro Mobile Gaming Controller has no real features to speak of. Choose something else if you want remappable buttons, RGB lighting, or proper software.

Also consider

These two alternatives are slightly pricier than the Acer Nitro Mobile Gaming Controller, but offer greater functionality.

Acer Nitro Mobile Gaming Controller

Asus ROG Tessen

Backbone One 2nd Gen

Price

£79.99 (around $100 / AU$165)

$109.99 / £109.99 / AU$179

$99.99 / £99.99 / AU$179.99

Dimensions

2.5 x 4.4 x 6.2in / 64 x 112 x 157mm

7.5 x 3.6 x 1.5in / 191.5 x 92 x 40mm

6.93 x 3.70 x 1.34in / 176 x 94 x 34mm

Weight

0.4lbs / 195.6g

0.29 lbs / 136g

0.30 lbs / 138g

Connection type

Wired (Type-C)

Wired (Type-C)

Wired (Type-C / Lightning)

Compatibility

iPhone 15 Series, Android

Android

iPhone 15 Series, Android / iPhone 14 series, and earlier

Software

N/A

Armoury Crate (Android)

Backbone App

Asus ROG Tessen
The Asus ROG Tessen is a fantastic choice for mobile FPS gaming. It boasts tactile face buttons, a folding design similar to that of the Acer Nitro Mobile Gaming Controller, customizable RGB strips, and even remappable rear paddles made from durable metal.

Read our full Asus ROG Tessen review

Backbone One 2nd Gen
The Backbone One 2nd Gen is a fantastic all-round choice. It’s more expensive than the Acer Nitro Mobile Gaming Controller, but it feels more premium and is compatible with the superb Backbone App.

Read our full Backbone One 2nd Gen review

(Image credit: Future)How I tested the Acer Nitro Mobile Gaming Controller

• Tested for multiple weeks
• Tried with both Android and iOS
• Used in a range of games

I tested the Acer Nitro Mobile Gaming Controller over multiple months, using it as my primary mobile gaming controller. During that time, I tried it with both Android and iOS devices, mainly my iPhone 15 Plus and Porsche Design Honor Magic 7 RSR. I also tried the controller with my compact Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 gaming tablet.

I used the controller to play a wide range of games, including Call of Duty Mobile and Zenless Zone Zero, in addition to the likes of Hitman: Blood Money Reprisal, and more. Throughout my time with the controller, I compared its performance to my hands-on testing of many other mobile controllers, such as the Backbone One 2nd Gen, Turtle Beach Atom, Scuf Nomad, and Razer Kishi Ultra.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed July 2025

Agfaphoto Realimove MC3X review: two-minute review

The CS-8 only records video while the trigger is held down. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Released back in 2023, the original Camp Snap camera has quickly established itself as a minor cult classic. While I wouldn’t call it one of the best compact cameras around, this ultra-affordable, ultra-simple and ultra-pocketable screen-free snapper is a refreshing return to photography’s old-school principles: just point, shoot and look at the results at some point in the future.

Now, with the new Camp Snap CS-8, the company has brought that same ethos to video. Styled after the Super 8 film cameras of the 1960s, complete with vintage textured plastic, pistol-grip operation, knurled dials and analogue meters to show remaining battery life and storage space, the CS-8 is a retro camcorder for a generation bored of using smartphones for all their video needs.

The CS-8 is large and chunky, and felt reassuringly weighty in my hand. I’m not in love with the abundance of plastic here – despite the classic looks, there’s very little of the metal you’d find in a genuine original Super 8 camera – but I get it.

The camera's T and W buttons zoom in and out – but it's a digital zoom so image quality badly degrades as you edge toward full 8x magnification (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

This is an ultra-affordable modern simulacrum of a vintage camera rather than the painstaking recreation provided by Kodak’s own 2024-released Super 8 (price tag: north of $5,000), and it’s awash with obvious fakery: there are imitation screws on the base of the handle, a dummy cold shoe on top and, despite the rubbery grip wrapped around its barrel, there’s no way to actually adjust the lens. I can live with all that, as I don’t expect it to be a “real” 8mm camera – just to look like one from a distance.

Distractions are minimal; with no screen and an electronic viewfinder designed only for shot composition, there’s no way to review (or even delete) your footage until you offload it to a computer. There are very few settings to fiddle with, either: one dial picks your preferred aspect ratio (4:3, 16:9, 1:1 or 9:16), one your film look (standard, B&W, analogue or one of two vintage filters) and… that’s it, basically.

When the CS-8 is powered on, the rubber-cupped viewfinder shows a live view, formatted to match the current aspect ratio, plus the amount of battery life remaining and the current film look. To record a video, you simply point the camera at a subject and squeeze the trigger – there’s no need to focus, although you can use the “W” and “T” buttons to zoom in and out. Just like on a real 8mm camera, you need to keep the trigger pulled the entire time you’re filming; releasing it stops the capture immediately.

The base of the pistol grip features two fake screws – and one genuine tripod mount (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

While reviewing the CS-8, I realised that it makes filming a much more conscious act than when I’m using my phone, or even a compact camera. Because there’s no screen and no pressure to immediately check on the footage after it’s been recorded, I can concentrate on recording a clip, and then move on. There’s no need to fret about what I’ve recorded until I get home, or until the SD card is full (which takes a while, as there’s enough space here to hold about 30 minutes of video – and by loosening two screws and pulling off a panel, you can replace the supplied 4GB card with one up to 128GB in capacity, giving you room enough for around 16 hours of video).

The footage itself is quite high-resolution, but not high-quality. There’s no stabilization, using the digital zoom degrades detail quickly and sound is monoaural. This suits the camera perfectly, I think; in fact, my favorite look by far is the Super 8-mimicking Analogue, which reduces the frame rate to 20fps (it’s 30fps on all the other modes) and adds fake scratches and artefacts to the image. The resulting imperfect, jerky video is charmingly odd, while the other modes are a little flat and boring.

If I want pristine, stabilized video, I’ll use my iPhone or a mirrorless camera. What I want from the CS-8 is something different, weird and striking – and with the Analogue setting, at least, I’m getting just that. It’s not “good” video, no, but good video is not the point.

I also think the camera is ideal for kids, being incredibly simple to operate, robustly built and cheap enough that it doesn’t matter too much if it gets damaged. In my experience, youngsters weaned on smartphone photography expect to be able to look at what they’ve just filmed right away – and might find the idea of waiting hours or even days to see their footage utterly baffling. Maybe the CS-8 could be a perfect way to teach them a bit of good old-fashioned patience?

The CS-8 is robustly built, despite being made almost entirely of plastic (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

I don’t like everything about the camera, though. The microphone picks up the noise of the trigger being pulled in almost every shot, which is one bit of jankiness I found far less charming than the rest. The viewfinder is also a real pain to use if, like me, you wear glasses; even pressed right up against the cup I could only see about half of it, which I found annoying when trying to compose shots or even scope out remaining battery life.

Still, I view the Camp Snap CS-8 more as a fun alternative to a smartphone than a camcorder I’d use every day. It’s great for holidays, road trips, parties and the like – pass it round and let everyone have a turn filming, then edit all the clips together when you get home and share the results. As a piece of cheap, nostalgia-fuelled fun, it’s hard to beat.

Camp Snap CS-8: price and availability

At the time of writing, the CS-8 is currently available for pre-order, with shipments due to go out “by mid-September” 2025.

The camera is priced at $199 / £152, but those who do order ahead of the launch date can take advantage of 25% introductory discount, making the price a very reasonable $149 / £114.

In the box you get the camera itself, a pre-installed 4GB microSD card and a USB-C to USB-C cable for charging and data transfer. It would have been nice to include a strap or lanyard, but you either buy Camp Snap’s own wrist strap/USB-C cable or add any strap of your own.

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)Agfaphoto Realimove MC3X review: specs

Video

Up to 2880 x 2144 30fps

Audio

Mono only

Aperture

f/2.0

Zoom

8x digital

Focus

0.3m-infinity

Storage

4GB microSD card (replaceable)

Stills

N/A

Connectivity

USB-C

Battery life

30 minutes (approx.)

Dimensions

200 x 58 x 203mm / 7.9 x 2.3 x 8in (approx.)

Weight

519g / 18.5oz

Should I buy the Camp Snap CS-8?Buy it if...

You want an ultra-simple video camera
About as point-and-shoot as video gets, these days – and there’s no even a screen to distract you from the act of filming.

You’re a fiend for nostalgia
If you’re on your fourth binge-watch of Mad Men, the CS-8’s 1960s flair and its vintage video look might well appeal to your mid-century aesthetic sensibilities.

You want a kid-friendly camcorder
Cheap, sturdy and simple to use, the CS-8 is ideal for young kids. As long as they don't mind waiting to review their footage.

Don’t buy it if…

You’re expecting pristine audiovisual quality
With tinny sound and grainy video, the CS-8’s home movie clips are much more 1960s than 2020s. That’s kind of what you’re paying for, really – but inveterate pixel peepers need not apply.

You’re a spectacles wearer
If your glasses are, like mine, as thick as bottle bottoms, you might struggle with the CS-8’s restrictive viewfinder. It’s not a deal-breaker for me, but it is an annoying design quirk.

You want pocket-sized portability
The CS-8 is a very chunky camera by today's standards, and isn't fitting in anything but the largest of coat pockets.

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)How I tested the Camp Snap CS-8

• Three weeks of regular use
• Filmed video using all settings and looks
• Edited videos together using DaVinci Resolve

I was sent an early, pre-release review sample of the CS-8 from the initial batch of models off the production line, and had plenty of time to live with and test the camera in a variety of real-world scenarios: family get-togethers, coastal walks and inside my home, both day and night.

The camera is light on options, but I tested all the aspect ratios and looks (or filters), before exporting the video files to my laptop and editing them together into the sample video you see above using DaVinci Resolve. I didn’t color grade, correct or adjust any of the files, though – just used the editor to trim and stitch them together.

• Alien: Earth won't reference what happened in movies that take place before it
• One of its producers says that gave its creator more freedom to tell his own story
• Fans want to know why events from prior films aren't mentioned in the FX TV series

One of Alien: Earth's producers has confirmed whether events in films set before the franchise's maiden TV show were taken into account for its story. In short: no.

Chatting to TechRadar ahead the sci-fi horror series' debut in mid-August, David W Zucker admitted Alien: Earth isn't actively ignoring what was outlined in past movies that predate the show from a timeline perspective. However, Zucker argued that there wasn't "much mythology to contend with" from those films prior to Alien: Earth's development – a comment that's surely to pique the interest of long-time fans, and either confuse and/or infuriate Alien devotees.

Events depicted in Promethus, as well as the Engineers, aren't referenced in Alien's first TV series (Image credit: 20th Century Fox)

Before I get into the nitty-gritty of what Zucker actually said, let's look at the facts: in-universe, Alien: Earth is set in the year 2120. That places it two years before Alien and subsequent Sigourney Weaver-led films that follow.

The only movies that sit earlier on the Alien timeline, then, are Prometheus, whose main story takes place in 2093 (though the film begins in 2089), and Alien: Covenant, which takes place in 2104. You can see what we made of these films, plus their siblings, in our best Alien movies ranked piece.

But I digress. Considering what happens in Prometheus and Alien: Covenant – I won't spoil what goes down for anyone who hasn't seen one or both flicks – fans have wondered if Alien: Earth will address the franchise mythology that was detailed in that pair. They are part of the Alien timeline, so that makes their stories canon and therefore open to being referenced in the FX TV Original, right?

Alien: Covenant is set 16 years before Alien: Earth, but the former's story and lore doesn't impact the latter (Image credit: 20th Century Fox)

Not so, Zucker indicated when I asked him to clarify things for the property's puzzled fanbase.

"Fortunately, as [series creator] Noah [Hawley] has said before, there wasn't much mythology for him to actually contend with, so it left him a great deal of latitude," Zucker replied. "But, this was something that came whole cloth out of Noah's mind, and something that through the historic relationship he's had with FX.

"As soon as [FX Chairman] John Landgraf was able to seize the opportunity to explore a series in this space, there was honestly no one better that he could have tapped.

"So, the relationship that he [Noah] and Ridley really became one," Zucker added. "Noah used the original film as his departure point to set off on his own fresh take and story in a series environment. It became one that we really benefited from through all of the originality, creativity, and freshness of thinking in the story he opted to tell."

The Sigourney Weaver-starring Alien films take place after Alien: Earth (Image credit: 20th Century Fox)

Zucker's comments further muddy the waters of what's been said by other individuals involved in the Hulu and Disney+ show's production.

Speaking to Variety in late July, FX Entertainment President Gina Balian did little to clarify things, saying: "Everything doesn’t have to fit together the way you expect from Marvel. Fans don’t expect that in this universe. It doesn’t have the same pressure."

Elsewhere, Hawley told Empire Magazine (per PopVerse): "That first movie came out in 1979 and Prometheus came out in 2012... so you're talking about close to 40 years in which there was no black goo, no David, no Engineers. Alien, for me, is baked in as these creatures that have existed for millions of years. They're the perfectly evolved species. What you have to do is tell these stories from an organically fan-place within yourself."

Not exactly clearing things up, are they – but what do you think? Does it matter if Alien: Earth addresses what went down in Prometheus and Alien: Covenant? Let me know in the comments.

While we wait for the series to arrive on August 12 (US) and August 13 (internationally), check out my Alien: Earth review for my verdict on the vast majority of Hawley's latest TV production. Then, read our definitive Alien: Earth guide for the full lowdown on the forthcoming show.

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The Lions safety was in stable condition after he was attended to for about 20 minutes and taken off the field in an ambulance Friday, with the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons ending early.

(Image credit: Brynn Anderson)

Review: The prequel series is grand in scope and introduces horrors that reinvigorate Ridley Scott's iconic franchise.

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Sandra Grimes died at the age of 79. Her work was crucial in catching a Soviet agent who "caused more damage to the national security of the United States than any spy in the history of the CIA."

(Image credit: Nikki Kahn)

• Hackers installed a 4G Raspberry Pi inside a bank’s ATM switch to gain network access
• The device was disguised and communicated every 600 seconds, avoiding typical detection systems
• Malware used fake Linux names and obscure directories to blend into legitimate system activity

A criminal group recently attempted an unusual, and sophisticated intrusion, into a bank’s ATM infrastructure by deploying a 4G-enabled Raspberry Pi.

A report from Group-IB revealed the device was covertly installed on a network switch used by the ATM system, placing it inside the internal banking environment.

The group behind the operation, UNC2891, exploited this physical access point to circumvent digital perimeter defenses entirely, illustrating how physical compromise can still outpace software-based protection.

Exploiting physical access to bypass digital defenses

The Raspberry Pi served as a covert entry point with remote connectivity capabilities via its 4G modem, which allowed persistent command-and-control access from outside the institution’s network, without triggering typical firewall or endpoint protection alerts.

“One of the most unusual elements of this case was the attacker’s use of physical access to install a Raspberry Pi device,” Group-IB Senior Digital Forensics and Incident Response Specialist Nam Le Phuong wrote.

“This device was connected directly to the same network switch as the ATM, effectively placing it inside the bank’s internal network."

Using mobile data, the attackers maintained a low-profile presence while deploying custom malware and initiating lateral movements within the bank’s infrastructure.

A particular tool, known as TinyShell, was used to control network communications, enabling data to pass invisibly across multiple internal systems.

Forensics later revealed UNC2891 used a layered approach to obfuscation.

The malware processes were named “lightdm,” imitating legitimate Linux system processes.

These backdoors ran from atypical directories such as /tmp, making them blend in with benign system functions.

Also, the group used a technique known as Linux bind mounts to hide process metadata from forensic tools, a method not typically seen in active attacks until now.

This technique has since been cataloged in the MITRE ATT&CK framework due to its potential to elude conventional detection.

The investigators discovered that the bank's monitoring server was silently communicating with the Raspberry Pi every 600 seconds, network behavior which was subtle and thus didn’t immediately stand out as malicious.

However, deeper memory analysis revealed the deceptive nature of the processes and that these communications extended to an internal mail server with persistent internet access.

Even after the physical implant was removed, the attackers had maintained access via this secondary vector, showing a calculated strategy to ensure continuity.

Ultimately, the aim was to compromise the ATM switching server and deploy the custom rootkit CAKETAP, which can manipulate hardware security modules to authorize illegitimate transactions.

Such a tactic would allow fraudulent cash withdrawals while appearing legitimate to the bank’s systems.

Fortunately, the intrusion was halted before this phase could be executed.

This incident shows the risks associated with the growing convergence of physical access tactics and advanced anti-forensic techniques.

It also reveals that beyond remote hacking, insider threats or physical tampering can facilitate identity theft and financial fraud.

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