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Democratic lawmakers, veterans and concerned citizens gathered in Memorial Circle to protest the arch Trump wants to build there. Their hopes lie primarily in a lawsuit and next month's midterms.

(Image credit: Saul Loeb)

• Ukraine drone forces chief Robert "Madyar" Brovdi says humanity stands to lose control of AI-enabled weapons in the future
• Brovdi has been awarded a life sentence in absentia by Russian courts, while the Ukrainian military states he also has a $20 million bounty on his head
• The warning lands after Russia reportedly killed civilians with a fully autonomous drone, and weeks before a UN decision on whether to negotiate limits on such weapons

Robert "Madyar" Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces (USF), has warned that humanity is losing its grip on artificial intelligence in warfare.

The remarks came in an interview with The Daily Telegraph three days after The Wall Street Journal reported the Ukrainian command's claims that Russia is offering $20 million for information on his whereabouts.

Brovdi, a former grain trader who has led the USF since June 2025, argued that combining AI with unmanned and robotic systems leaves humanity holding a weapon it will struggle to control, with consequences that reach far beyond the battlefield and into the future of civilization as we know it.

A hedged remark that also doubles as a warning

Brovdi was more direct than most in his position, as military planners continue to mix both approaches, embrace AI, and take a wait-and-see approach to how deeply they want to integrate it into their command-and-control systems.

"Humanity is losing control, in my opinion, however subjective it may be," he said, applying the point to the current phase of development rather than AI as a whole, even as he said he did not intend to frighten his audience.

One could argue that autonomy already being leveraged en masse in modern drones meets some of the criteria he lays out for the loss of control. His examples include Ukraine, which lacks significant naval resources, having had tremendous success in stopping Russia's shadow fleet from operating.

Russia's shadow fleet is an interesting example here because it is key to the country funding its war effort and has been a topic of increasing contention between Ukraine, the US, and Russia alike, with the US president blaming the former for effectively driving up the price of oil by conducting attacks on both the latter's energy infrastructure and supply lines, even as a defiant Iran manages to cap Middle Eastern oil exports, ironically with a mix of drones and mines.

He called drones "the plague of the third millennium," a line he also used with Sweden's SVT in August 2026, while he acknowledged their effectiveness in 'blocking Crimea remotely' without any presence on the ground.

The threshold he establishes, however, might already have been crossed, and it could have been on the other side that managed to strike the first blow.

The New York Times reported in August 2026 that a Russian Molniya drone carrying an Nvidia Jetson Orin module and no radio antenna chose its own final target, according to Ukrainian investigators, killing three civilians at a Zaporizhzhia gas station on July 6.

Diplomacy is moving much more slowly than it needs to; UN talks on lethal autonomous weapons under the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons ended on September 5 with a final report that Human Rights Watch described as "significantly watered down," naming Russia and the United States among the states that weakened it.

HRW counts 76 countries now backing negotiations on binding rules, and the convention's review conference, scheduled for November 16 to 20, will decide whether those talks materialize.

Brovdi is hardly a neutral observer of this shift; In September 2024, he told The Economist that within six to eight months, Ukraine's drones would no longer need human pilots, as Business Insider reported at the time. Needless to say, that has not yet come to pass, and even the Russian strike only used machine vision to lock on after a human operator had picked the target.

The result is a warning worth hearing from a messenger at the center of a conflict that has now entered its fifth year. The commander who says humanity is losing control of AI-enabled weapons is also urging allies to build drone forces faster, pressing the UK to create a dedicated unmanned branch and claiming, according to UNITED24 Media, that four NATO members are quietly designing their own, though he refrained from naming them outright.

The recent Russian strike suggests his concern is far from hypothetical, but it comes from a commander whose forecasts have outrun reality before, so one could argue that his timelines might be exaggerated heavily in favor of his narrative at a time when Ukraine continues to wage an asymmetrical war that places him squarely in the center of a conflict that already leverages AI on both sides for a variety of use cases such as targeting, loiter munitions, and monitoring supply lines.

Struggling with the daylight savings time change in some Aussie states? There are gadgets that can help you reset your circadian rhythm and they're discounted in Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days right now.

We're on the finish stretch of the sale, though, so I hope you don't sleep on your purchases for too long — this October Prime Day sale ends tomorrow (Monday, October 5) at 11:59pm AEDT.

• Shop Amazon's full Prime Big Deal Days sale

This shopping event gives you a great opportunity to get your Christmas gifting sorted as there are plenty of items going cheap right now — just take a look at these 10 beauties for under AU$100, but you can find more below in the dedicated section for deals under AU$100.

Plenty of record-low prices are still available as well, with some notable highlights including the Philips Baristina coffee machine dropping to AU$359; a couple of JBL Grip Bluetooth speaker colourways going for under AU$70, the Ninja Crispi Pro down to an all-time low of AU$290.70 and 63% off on the Roborock H60 Hub Plus, which is arguably the best-value self-emptying vacuum deal right now.

Pretty much every deal is Prime exclusive, so I hope you have a subscription. If not, you can sign up now and get a 30-day free trial if you're a first-time customer and you can cancel any time.

Amazon quick linksEditor's picks: today's top deals

The JBL Grip plugs the gap between the smaller Clip and formidable Flip. It's a compact speaker that delivers a big sound, offers impressive protection against dust and water and has some nifty LED lighting on its rear. The Flip 7 is still our top recommendation, but with the Grip currently at the lowest price we have seen for a couple of colour options, it's a great buy. View Deal

MX Master 3S (Bluetooth Edition): was $149.95 now $89.99
The Logitech MX Master range have been some of my favourite mice of all time, thanks to the ergonomic design, multiple customisable buttons, and a second scroll wheel for horizontal scrolling (or for flicking through multiple browser tabs). This version is Bluetooth-only, meaning it doesn’t have the Logi Bolt USB dongle and a USB-C charging cable included in the box.View Deal

Vertuo Pop: was $229 now $92.15
This little pod machine is very popular among TechRadar's Aussie team. We've had past and present staff say how much they love it, and they'd even buy it at full price. With a very compact footprint and plenty of Vertuo pods to choose from, you'll get delicious coffee at just the press of a button. View Deal

These AirPods lack active noise cancellation but you still get great audio and personalised spatial audio with dynamic head tracking without having to pay too much. Additionally, a battery life of up to five hours on a single charge and 30 hours with the included carry case will keep you listening for longer.
Prefer noise cancellation as well? Grab the AirPods 4 with ANC for AU$185 (or 38% off).View Deal

Crispi Pro: was $499 now $290.70
I've just got me this air fryer, but I haven't started using it yet... I can't wait to cook up a storm that can potentially feed up to 10 people! Yes, its largest glass basket has a 5.7L capacity, so that's a lotta chips! There's another 2.3L borosilicate basket also in the box, so you can just cook a small portion too. And both come with lids, so you can serve in the same basket or cover and store in the fridge.View Deal

H60 Hub Plus: was $799 now $299
We've tested the slightly different H60 Hub Ultra here on TechRadar, but not this cheaper, slightly less powerful model. And yet this could be one of the best-value self-emptying stick vacuums to buy right now. For this discounted price you get a lot: up to 170AW of suction, a maximum 80-minute runtime, a free-standing self-emptying dock that has room for attachments, and a green-lit floorhead to spot tiny dirt particles. You don't need much more.View Deal

Baristina: was $599 now $359
The best entry-level bean-to-cup coffee maker has received a good discount for Prime Day. It's simple to use, taking care of the grinding, tamping and pouring for you. The porta filter will even automatically slide into position for you. Do note there's no milk frothing here, but a matching milk frother is available. Also available in black. View Deal

Instinct 2X Solar: was $769 now $379
An upgraded version of a watch we proudly awarded five stars, this handy fitness tracker features solar power charging, allowing it to last much longer than the standard model. It's a rugged wrist piece and it's intended for heavy-duty activities.View Deal

Galaxy S26 Ultra (256GB): was $2199 now $1688
Our Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review called it the best Android phone ever for its powerful specs, excellent cameras, AI features and a new privacy display screen. It's also one of our picks for the best phone you can buy in Australia and we highly recommend it if you’re shopping for a top-spec Android handset. We’ve seen the S26 Ultra cheaper elsewhere before, but this discount is the lowest price we’ve seen on Amazon.View Deal

Deals under AU$100

This discount matches the Blink Video Doorbell System’s last all-time low price during the last Prime Day sale in July. It’s worth noting, though, that many of the features are locked behind the AU$4.95/m Blink Basic or AU$15/m Blink Plus subscription plans, so those costs should be considered if you want video storage, person detection and more. Amazon is also offering a bundle with two Blink Mini 2K+ cameras for AU$48 or 74% off, perfect for a good starter home security system.View Deal

Nova Lite: was $45 now $32
This is an excellent budget PC controller and affordable even at full price, but let's not scoff at the AU$13 saving, shall we? Despite its price, there's plenty here to get your game on, including 2.4Ghz wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, a wired option via the Type-C port, and 10 hours of battery life. The build quality isn't the best and there's no audio jack but, for under AU$50, it's a fab buy.View Deal

Video Doorbell 2K+: was $109 now $41
Already quite affordable, this Blink video doorbell can rival anything from the more expensive Ring line, while also offering a long battery life and IP65 weatherproofing. Also included is the Sync Module that you'll need to make everything work, but you will need to take into account that it requires a Blink Subscription Plan if you want all its functions at your fingertips. Note that the 'typical price' listed was the July discount, so this is more than the displayed 7% discount.View Deal

TV Stick 4K Plus: was $99 now $45.60
This is just the previous Fire TV Stick 4K rebranded to a new name. So if you already have the original, there's no need to upgrade, but for a first-time customer, you get Wi-Fi 6 support and a fast processor so you can get to your favourite streaming content that much quicker. All Fire TV Sticks now get you access to XBox Game Pass, so you don't need a console to play if you already have a subscription.View Deal

Outdoor 4 (2 pack): was $179 now $58.99
Read our review for the full scoop, but the Blink Outdoor 4 is an affordable home security camera from Amazon with the ability to last up to two years off batteries. It comes with an easy-to-use app and fairly good camera quality via a 1080p lens, and can store video when paired with a Blink Sync module.View Deal

iO 2: was $159.99 now $56.05
If you're after a really good electric toothbrush that won't cost an arm and a leg (or some teeth), then this is it. It's an entry-level oscillating brush, which means it rotates at fast speeds and may not be ideal for people with sensitive or bleeding gums as that movement can be harsh, but it sure does remove a heck of a lot of plaque and keeps your teeth healthy. View Deal

Echo Dot (5th gen): was $99 now $59
Amazon's Echo Dot it's a great smart speaker with decent sound and Alexa built-in. It also has motion detection and can measure temperature, which is handy if you have a connected thermostat. It is a little long in the tooth now, having released in 2022, but it's a bargain at this price.View Deal

Already affordable, these wireless buds have dropped to a record-low price (outdoing the previous one by a single cent). This is excellent value considering we rate them 4.5 stars in our Earfun Air Pro 3 review, and they have active noise cancelling, premium aptX sound quality and 45 hours total play time.View Deal

A Modo Mio Jolie Evo: was $129 now $64.99
The Lavazza Jolie machines are excellent and affordable alternatives to Nespresso. This Evo model just has a single button for extracting coffee (compared to the Jolie Plus that has programmable buttons), making it oh so simple to use. If you'd like the option to froth milk, you can get a bundle with a frother too. View Deal

Blast Water Flosser: was $179.99 now $65.78
If you don't enjoy flossing the traditional way, use the power of water instead. Removing plaque using three different water pressure settings, this handy flosser will clean out those hard-to-reach gaps that your toothbrush can't. Plus, it's cordless, meaning you can take it on your travels too. Admittedly these were a lot cheaper in July (just over AU$48), but it was bestseller then, so it would be remiss of me to not include it here again.View Deal

Galaxy SmartTag 2 (4-pack): was $169 now $69
Samsung's answer to the AirTag, the SmartTag 2 works with select Samsung phones to help you find mislaid items. It has a built-in hole for easier attachments, up to 700 days of battery life and it's water-resistant. If you're always losing stuff, this is a worthy investment that drops the price of each individual tracker to a mere AU$17.25 apiece.View Deal

Freeze Wand: was $149 now $84
The Ninja Creami is great and all, but paying almost AU$300 for an ice cream maker is a lot — but this one from Cuisinart costs a fraction of the price and also takes a lot less space too! It's a versatile machine that makes ice cream, slushies, milkshakes, sorbets, and mix-ins to truly earn its space in the kitchen. You can even combine up to three flavours with three included dessert cups.View Deal

MultiPro Go food processor: was $149 now $87
This food processor's biggest drawcard is its small footprint (30cm tall and 16cm wide), making it great for those with smaller kitchens, but it also has a powerful 650W motor to help blitz foods to slice, grate, chop and knead in seconds. This is the lowest price we've seen for the MultiPro Go, and you can read the full review here.View Deal

the Aroma Style: was $109.95 now $87
This drip-style coffee maker lets you wake up to a fresh pot of coffee every morning and it will even keep it warm all morning for those cold days working from home. You can program it to brew at a specific time and even adjust the strength of your brew. View Deal

Air Circulator 460: was $179 now $94
We might be in the middle of winter, but there's no denying some parts of Australia need a good fan year round. This Vornado model creates tornado-like air flow that circulates around the room. Note that this is the smallest model in the range, ideal for bedrooms. View Deal

2000 Series: was $179 now $98
If you're after a compact model that can feed one or two people, this Philips option is great for under a hundred dollary-doos. It's been hovering around the AU$95 mark for a while, so it's quite the best deal, but it's still a discount that's hard to pass up on an air fryer with a staggering 13 preset cooking options.View Deal

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Headphones & speakers

Offering poised and revealing sound, along with excellent comfort and microphone quality, this saving is one to consider if you've been on the hunt for a quality pair of earbuds. Though noise cancellation and battery life could use some work, we awarded these earbuds a TechRadar Recommends seal of approval in our Technics EAH-AZ80 review.View Deal

Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds (Black Copper): was $499 now $246
We gave these stunning earbuds 4.5 stars in our review as they have class-leading audio handling and impeccable sound quality that rivals the best wireless earbuds. With balanced sound, effective ANC and a great battery life, these Sennheiser buds will make any audiophile smile. View Deal

Offering “incredible sound”, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds have all the power and quality you’d expect from a Bose-branded item while providing the benefits of an open-ear form factor. The Immersive sound is excellent, and there’s also up to seven hours of play time and up to 48 hours of standby time. They simply just work and work very well.View Deal

OpenRun Pro 2: was $319 now $227.05
Read our review for the full lowdown on why these are the ideal runners headphones. Importantly, this Pro 2 version that improves the sound quality by combining the bone conduction tech with an air conduction speaker. This discount beats the price from Black Friday last year, but is five cents more than July.View Deal

QuietComfort SC: was $499.95 now $243
Nearly as good as the gen 1 QuietComfort Ultra, the SC misses out on the Immersive Audio mode. There'll also be a little difference in sound quality as they process sound differently, but it's still excellent, as is the ANC performance. You'll also get a soft case for this foldable headphone rather than the hard one for the more expensive set.View Deal

Momentum 4 Wireless: was $579 now $240
The 5th-gen version is out now, but it's our Sennheiser Momentum 4 review that scored a full five stars, where we called these headphones "unbeatable". With active noise-cancellation, 60-hours of battery life and excellent sound quality, there are few pairs that can compete with the Momentum 4.View Deal

WH1000-XM6 (pink): was $699.95 now $513
It's a pity only one colourway is going for this price, but if you don't mind the dusty pink of Sony's latest flagship cans, you'll be in for a treat. Arguably one of the best headphones available today, there's no doubting performance here, with beautifully balanced sound and great ANC.View Deal

SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen): was $249.95 now $147.25
Clean, detailed sound, full protection against dust and water and all packaged in a gorgeous body, the Bose SoundLink Flex is a Bluetooth speaker you'll want to take with you everywhere you go, and at a pretty good price too.View Deal

Boom 4: was $229.95 now $158
This floatable Bluetooth speaker is perfect for the poolside party, with up to 15 hours of playtime and very decent 45m connectivity range. It promises bassy, punchy and yet a clear 360º soundstage.View Deal

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Vacuum cleaners

This is a very different Dreame R10 to the one we've previously reviewed on TechRadar, but if it performs anything like the light-coloured version that has since been discontinued, then I think this is excellent value. For not a lot of money, this appliance promises up to 45 minutes of runtime and a bendy wand to get under furniture. It even comes with a wall-mount attachment.View Deal

Cordless Vacuum with Self Cleaning Brushroll (IZ102): was $549 now $189
We haven't tested this cordless vacuum ourselves but user reviews are glowing and I think that says something. For quick and daily vacuuming, this is great and excellent value and is currently at an all-time low price on Amazon.View Deal

An incredible price on the V8 Cyclone is well worth considering. An update to the iconic V8, you get better suction (150AW over 100AW) and a bigger battery (60 minutes of runtime compared to just 40). The newer model also gets 3 suction modes as opposed to only 2 and even in low power, our tests found it to be "sucky". And it will be compatible with Dyson's upcoming self-emptying dock, which will be sold separately when released.View Deal

Arguably the cheapest Dyson available right now, the V8 Origin is pretty much the same machine as the standard V8, just with a red wand and barely any additional accessories shipping in the box along with it — which explains the lower price. Honestly, I think the standard V8 is the better buy, but if cash is tight and you really want a Dyson, this will suit you fine with up to 40 minutes of runtime.View Deal

PowerDetect Clean & Empty: was $999 now $462.10
With powerful and dynamic suction, plenty of attachments and an auto-empty charging dock, this is arguably the best value non-Dyson cordless vacuum right now. Read our review for the full scoop. Often sold around the AU$750 price point, it as low as AU$438 at the start of this sale, but this is still a great bargain on what I think is the best stick vacuum cleaner in Australia. View Deal

V16 Piston Animal: was $1349 now $899.99
This is a fantastic discount on Dyson's most powerful cordless vacuum to date, and what I like even more about it is the quick-release floorhead so you don't have to keep bending to take off or clip it back in again. For your money, you're getting 315AW of suction and a very powerful motor, a new compression dust cup that can hold up to 30 days of compacted dirt, the new anti-tangle FluffyCones floorhead with dust-illuminating light and long runtime too. If you want the latest from the popular brand, this one is it.View Deal

For not too much money, the H12 Pro FlexReach will vacuum and mop at the same time, then clean its roller mop with hot water and hot air to prevent bacterial growth and odour build up. And, as the name suggests, it can lie completely flat to clean under low-lying furniture too.View Deal

F25 Ace: was $999 now $349
This Roborock wet-dry vacuum will leave your hard floors sparkling clean thanks to powerful suction and effective cleaning. It can get up close to edges and the whole body can lay completely flat to help getting underneath tricky to reach places. This price is equal to the lowest we have seen on Amazon and is a great saving on an excellent floor washer – read our review for more info.View Deal

X40 Ultra (black): was $2799 now $712.49
Where this Dreame differs from all the others on this page is that if you don't want it to mop (do a vacuum-only run), it can drop its mop pads in the base station by itself. It's also pretty powerful and scored 4 stars in our Dreame X40 Ultra review. It's now two generations old but I'd still recommend it today, especially at this price. View Deal

Qrevo Curv 2 Flow: was $2499 now $799
We haven't tested this specific model but we were rather impressed by the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro that's not available in Australia. The Flow version has slightly lower suction (20,000Pa vs 25,000Pa) and uses a roller mop rather than dual pads which I personally prefer. It is a slightly taller bot compared to the Pro model, but if you don't have a lot of low-lying furniture, I would trust this machine based on all other impressive Roborock robovacs my colleagues and I have tested.View Deal

L50 Ultra CE: was $2199 now $999.99
Want the latest Dreame tech? Released earlier this year, this robovac packs everything that Dreame models are good at — excellent suction, decent mopping, superb obstacle avoidance, pet-zone cleaning and so much more — into a sleek machine. OK, so it looks like all the others, but c'mon, you can't tell me the white with metallic accents don't fit into any home.View Deal

This is the robovac I would consider buying if I didn't already have a high-end Dreame machine that's been cleaning my home like... a dream. This Roborock is slimlined to crawl under furniture (no navigation puck here), and can raise not just its mop pads, but its side brush to avoid scattering and excessive tangling. Its headline act, however, has to be its cleaning prowess — our Roborock Saros 10R review didn't score 4.5 stars for nothing!View Deal

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Coffee machines

Dedica Arte: was $299 now $196.95
This compact manual coffee machine can pour up to two espresso shots at once and features a steam wand for cafe-quality milk foaming. There's no built-in grinder, but you either use ground coffee beans or invest in a separate grinder using the cash you save with this deal. View Deal

La Specialista Arte: was $649 now $444
This gorgeous-looking, easy-to-use, bean-to-cup espresso machine is a worthy addition to any coffee lover's kitchen. It's relatively compact, too, and pours delicious espresso with little to no skill involved. Note that this is the non-Evo model, meaning it can't make cold brew. The Evo model is out of stock at the time of writing.View Deal

The Breville Bambino Plus is incredibly simple to use, and can take care of most of the coffee making process for you. Grind some beans into the porta filter, insert it into the group head and use the one-touch controls to brew. It also has a hands-free milk texturing system for expertly frothed milk, while ThermoJet technology means the machine is ready to use in seconds. There's very little you need to do to simply enjoy the results — now AU$20 more than what it cost at the start of the sale.View Deal

4400 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine: was $1199 now $738
This Philips bean-to-cup machine can make 12 coffee-based drinks, all of which are served perfectly, and can be customised to suit your tastes. We weren't too fond of its milk frothing skills in our LatteGo 4400 Series review, but at this price, I can't recommend it highly enough, even though it was AU$175 cheaper for the first half of the sale thanks to a coupon.View Deal

Luxe Café Premier: was $799.99 now $577.89
This 3-in-1 coffee machine brews quality espresso, drip coffee and even fast cold brew using its Barista Assist technology, an integrated grinder and weight-based dosing. There's a lot it can do, and it does it very well. And it's just dropped in price by about AU$11 in the Oat Milk colourway.View Deal

The Barista Express (Stainless Steel): was $999 now $599
This at-home espresso machine is perfect for hobbyist baristas and coffee connoisseurs alike and has long held a position on our round-up of the best espresso machines for good reason. This manual coffee machine streamlines the brewing process from beans to latte with its integrated conical burr grinder, steam wand and precise espresso extraction. View Deal

It's an expensive machine but we like it so much that it scored 4.5 stars in our De'Longhi Eletta Explore review. Capable of making both hot and cold coffee brews, this bean-to-cup machine produces delicious results, although it's not without its quirks. Our reviewer thought its water tank design was a little annoying and wasn't too thrilled with the two-carafe milk system, but if those aren't going to be issues for you, this could be a good investment.View Deal

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Air fryers

Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer (AF300): was $249.99 now $127
This is an excellent price for the air fryer we awarded five stars to in our Ninja AF300UK review. It has six easy-to-use cooking functions and a total 7.6L capacity dual drawer setup, which can cook separate foods and sync timers to finish simultaneously — perfect for a couple.View Deal

Multi Zone Air Fryer Oven: was $299 now $162.45
This big air fryer has multiple accessories to keep clean, but there's no denying this Sunbeam unit is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It's capable of cooking in separate zones, complete with separate trays to maximise the space or one huge 11.4L zone. Food is roasted to perfection, whether it's a full chicken or small portions of fries or vegetables.View Deal

DoubleStack XXXL: was $599.99 now $170.05
Securing a spot on our list of the best air fryers, our reviewer said this innovative model from Ninja was the "air fryer of my dreams". It takes a familiar double drawer design, but stacks them on top of each other, resulting in a smaller footprint. Performance is exemplary, but just make sure the food you put in isn't that big, as the drawers themselves are on the smaller side at 4.75L each.View Deal

3000 Series dual basket air fryer (9L): was $349 now $170.05
We haven't tested Philips' dual basket air fryer, but considering how much we've loved the brand's other kitchen appliances, it's hard to not make a mention of this offer. This 9L air fryer has drawers of different sizes, which makes it easy to cook a main and a side together, and promises to sync cooking times if needed. View Deal

This compact air fryer packs 1700W of power into a portable design, with two borosilicate glassware containers that serve as both frying baskets and serving dishes. The borosilicate means they can also withstand extreme temperatures, making it easy to take your favourite foods from frozen to crispy, and it's safer to use than any non-stick basket. The Crispi also comes with two removable crisping grates and two snap-on container lids for easy food-storage post-feast.View Deal

5000 Series Dual Basket Air Fryer Steam: was $499 now $224.20
Ever cooked with steam in an air fryer? Now you can with this Philips two-drawer air fryer. In my Philips 5000 Series Dual Basket XXL Air Fryer Steam review, I said that it cooks everything really well, but there are some caveats to keep in mind when it comes to the use of steam. Still, it's absolutely worth the investment if you want to upgrade from an old air fryer and you have the space for it.View Deal

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Phones & tablets

I have a feeling the price of this budget phone will drop but that's not a promise, it's a hope. It's still worth it at this price, as long as you don't need the most powerful phone with all the bells and whistles. We called it a "competent all-rounder" in our Samsung Galaxy A57 review, but we also noted that it will not wow you.View Deal

Phone 4a (128GB): was $649 now $537.76
We named the Nothing Phone (4a) the best overall cheap phone for its mix of good mid-range specs, unique design, clean Android UI and low price. Its cameras can be better and there's no wireless charging here, but it's to be expected for a phone at this price point.View Deal

17T (512GB): was $1199 now $889
It looks like an iPhone and can rival Apple's performance too, thanks to a powerful chipset under the hood. In fact, our tester was quite impressed with this phone in our Xiaomi 17T review, with the biggest issue being bloatware. If that doesn't bother you, we gave this one four stars.View Deal

Galaxy S26 (256GB): was $1549 now $1127
Costing less than Apple’s budget phone — the AU$1,149 iPhone 17e — the base model Samsung Galaxy S26 is a true flagship device with three camera lenses, 12GB of RAM and the full Galaxy AI suite. We've seen this dip below AU$1,000 recently, but this price is still a bargain given how much more expensive flagship phones are these days. Amazon has the Black, Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue and White colours available for this price, and you can also trade in an old phone for more savings.View Deal

Galaxy Tab A11+ (128GB, Wi-Fi): was $399 now $339
The latest in Samsung's well-received budget tablet range, the A11 picks up where the A9 left off, and at the same price too. This is the base model, with just Wi-Fi connectivity and 128GB of storage, but you can expand that easily to up to 2TB via a microSD card. If you need an Android tablet for daily use like browsing, watching videos and maybe playing a few games, this one's well worth considering, although it has been available for less than AU$300 previously.View Deal

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (2024): was $329 now $259
With more storage than the standard Paperwhite, a brighter screen and wireless charging, the Paperwhite Signature Edition is arguably better value than the base model above if you think you'll make full use of the storage and its wireless charging capabilities. If not, you're better off going with the standard Paperwhite, although its meagre discount is rather disappointing.View Deal

Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition: was $419 now $334
The Kindle Colorsoft is one of the best ereaders with a colour display, even offering a feature to make the hues more vivid. While I wouldn't recommend at full price, this discount makes it a little easier on the pocket for the 32GB version that also has wireless charging.View Deal

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Summer must-haves

Art (Black): was $169 now $86.45
SodaStream is a leading name in sparkling water makers and the Art is an entry-level model that uses a retro-inspired pull lever to add CO2 to water rather than the usual button on models like the SodaStream Terra. This sparkling water maker will also get you a bottle and a gas cylinder to start, and you can purchase flavourings and get the cylinder replaced or refilled easily enough.View Deal

A welcome saving on Breville's answer to the SodaStream. Not only can you use the InFizz Fusion to carbonate water, but you can fizz any liquid you can think of — other than hot beverages of course. This nifty machine is sure to be a hit during at-home cocktail nights.View Deal

Creami Deluxe: was $449.99 now $283.10
It's got a cult-like following and two members of our own staff are massive fans. If you love your chilled desserts – ice creams, gelatos, smoothies – but want to control your calorie intake, you really should consider getting the Ninja Creami. This Deluxe edition gets you three containers, which is great value at this price, although it was over AU$50 cheaper in July.View Deal

The Ninja Slushi lets you skip the ice and still enjoy perfectly smooth icy drinks with very little effort. Whether you're craving a frappe, smoothie, or even a cheeky spiked slushi, its multiple drink modes have you covered. Check out our Ninja Slushi review for the full rundown. View Deal

Swirl by Creami: was $549 now $265.05
This is one of the better deals we have seen for the Creami lately. Read our review for more info, but you can think of it as the Creami’s upgraded sibling. It handles everything the original model does, then goes further with a built-in soft-serve unit featuring six dedicated programs.View Deal

Tower Fan 5000: was $179 now $113.05
When space is a premium and you only require cooling in a focused area, then a tower fan might be for you. This one from Philips is only 23.8cm deep and wide to fit a small space like a corner or a narrow hallway, while also standing 109.5cm tall to provide more cooling.View Deal

This fan can be used either at home, plugged in, or on the go with its built-in battery that’s rated for up to 12 hours of continuous operation. The water droplets from the misting function are ultra-fine and come from an integrated tank, so the feature also works while on the go. A built-in handle and lightweight 1.76kg body also make the FlexBreeze HydroGo easy to transport and move around.View Deal

This bladeless fan may be the priciest in this list, but this discount still makes the Shark TurboBlade Ultra a more affordable option than Dyson’s offerings. The fan can either be set horizontally to cover a wider area or vertically for more focused cooling. It comes with 10 speed options and different noise levels to suit whatever your cooling needs are.View Deal

2.5Kw portable air conditioner: was $299.99 now $239.99
This portable aircon can rapidly cool down a space of up to 20sqm while also running relatively quietly for as low as 64db. We haven't reviewed this yet, but it has dozens of 5-star user reviews for its ease of installation and effectiveness.View Deal

portable air conditioner: was $379.80 now $303.84
This portable aircon also doubles as a dehumidifier and can cool down a room of up to 30sqm, while also running at 64db during low-speed mode. TechRadar hasn't reviewed this yet, but it has a handful of 5-star user reviews praising its portability and performance.View Deal

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Personal care

The Beard Hedger: was $159.99 now $119.99
Whisk away facial hair in one smooth motion using Manscaped's Beard Hedger beard trimmer. With 20 length settings, edge trimming capabilities and a fully waterproof body, you'll be perfecting your stubble in no time. We have seen this trimmer go lower in price before, but we think it's such a talented performer that we felt compelled to include it here.View Deal

Series 9000 Prestige wet & dry shaver: was $209 now $113.53
Fitted with a flexible head, this shaver is designed to glide against the shape of your face, while onboard sensors will allow it to adapt the cutting power to your beard's length. Speaking of which, it's got 5 length settings to suit different needs and it holds its own while in the shower too. View Deal

Gleam Hair Dryer: was $169.99 now $66.47
The Dreame Gleame hair dryer is an even more affordable alternative to the bigger brands. Its motor spins at a mighty fast 110,000 RPM for fast airflow and quick drying, plus built-in ion technology results in smooth, shiny hair. Not to mention, the slim, lightweight build make it comfortable to hold. View Deal

The Oral-B iO 6 is a smart brush that can recognise your personal brushing style and provide feedback via the companion app to improve it. It also features a pressure sensor and an interactive display, as well a ring timer letting you know when to move on to a different section of your pearly whites. View Deal

Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 (2-pack): was $619 now $249
If you didn't know what a 'sonic' brush is, it's quieter and gentler than an oscillating electric toothbrush (like Oral-B). The DiamondClean 9000 has 4 cleaning modes, and one of them gets you 3 intensities. This value pack gets you a his-and-hers version, plus the glass is actually the charger.View Deal

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Home entertainment & Hi-Fi

The Amazon Fire TV Cube combines all the benefits of a streaming device with Alexa support. It works as a smart speaker so you can control your smart home devices with it, but it also provides access to every streaming app you can think of. Throw in Dolby Vision, HDR, and Dolby Atmos, and it’s everything you could want. So why not grab a streaming device that's also a smart speaker?View Deal

This budget-friendly 2.1 soundbar is ideal for anyone looking to upgrade their TV or computer audio without spending much money. We were pleasantly surprised by how it performed in our Creative Stage Pro review, finding it delivered impressive bass and excellent volume. Given its size and price, expectations should be tempered, but for a cost-effective audio upgrade, it's ace.View Deal

SR-B30A soundbar: was $499 now $309
It's often the #1 bestselling soundbar on Amazon and that doesn't surprise me in the least. It was very well received by experts at its price point when it launched in 2023, and has remained a top option for users too. And at this price, it's a fantastic budget option with Dolby Atmos support, plenty of bass and a wide soundstage.View Deal

In our Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar review, we said this soundbar rivals the Sonos Arc, which is the best Sonos soundbar we've tried. The Smart Ultra is compact, beautifully built, and offers plenty of control options to go with its wide, detailed sound. View Deal

PS-LX310BT turntable with Bluetooth: was $399 now $230
This Sony Bluetooth turntable is as fuss-free as they come with regard to setup and getting your favourite vinyl records spinning. Whether you're playing via wired or wireless speakers, it delivers a delightfully musical sound that will satisfy vinyl beginners or those looking for a more hands-off approach. Please note that this is a bigger discount than the 14% Amazon is displaying as the listed 'typical price' was the previous discounted price.View Deal

Arguably one of the most iconic turntables available right now, the Sound Burger is lightweight, works wirelessly with up to 12 hours of playtime, has Bluetooth connectivity and is easy to use. It's a fabulous entry into the world of vinyl at a fantastic price.View Deal

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Fitness trackers & smartwatches

Ring 4 (silver, black): was $449 now $317
We called it "nearly the perfect fitness tracker" in our Oura Ring 4 review, praising the design, ease-of-use, long-lasting battery and detailed health information it offers. This fascinating bit of tech hasn't been cheaper and, even though you need a subscription, it can be well worth it for the comprehensive health data you can get. Note that prices vary depending on colour and size, but most are discounted.View Deal

Epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition: was $1699.01 now $829
While it’s been cheaper before (having dropped to AU$684 in July this year), you get the same core functionality of the Fenix 9 — like multi-band GPS tracking, a built-in LED torch, core mapping data, and premium materials like scratch-free sapphire lenses and titanium bezels — for a much lower price.View Deal

Forerunner 265S: was $799 now $498
The 'S' in the name stands for 'small', meaning this specific Garmin was made for petite wrists and features a 42mm vibrant OLED display. You also get Multiband GPS, an intuitive menu navigation, excellent battery life, plenty of Garmin fitness features... and, oh, did I mention the OLED display?View Deal

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Dash cams

E1 Mini: was $239.99 now $126.99
Holding a spot on our list of the best dash cams, the Vantrue E1 is super compact, yet is capable of recording clear, detailed footage day and night. A comprehensive mobile, PC and Mac app allows for easy footage transfers and built-in GPS ensures you know exactly where any incidents take place.View Deal

A510 dash cam: was $269.99 now $170.98
We call this an "all-round surveillance solution" in our 70mai Dash Cam A510 review, due to it including both front-facing and rear-facing cameras in the box. They're quality cameras, too, recording 2.7K footage from the front and 1080p at the back, complete with wide fields of view. Built-in GPS, 360º rotation for in-car recording and easy install only add to its appeal.View Deal

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Gaming hardware

Quest 3S (128GB): was $569 now $454
This deal offers you a significant saving on the new, higher price on Meta's best 'affordable' headset, and a close second to its best ever headset according to our resident VR headset tester. In fact, he thinks it's the second-best headset anyone can buy from any brand, and it's only a more tempting offer thanks to this limited-time deal.View Deal

Please don't confuse this with the ROG Xbox Ally X, which has more powerful specs. This is the cheaper sibling that now costs AU$10 more than its July Prime Day price. However, given the price hikes across the board on all game consoles, this seems like a tempting buy right now. This was AU$799 during Amazon's Mid-Year Sale in early June, but it would be remiss of me to not list this discount here.View Deal

Legion Go S: was $1199 now $997
This handheld gaming PC has been cheaper before, dropping to the AU$899 mark but, then again, nothing really comes cheap these days. Importantly, though, this is a great performer, with a vivid 8-inch display and 144Hz refresh rate for smooth gameplay. It's also rather nice looking and comfortable in the hand.View Deal

Ultimate C: was $79.95 now $46.74
Sure, it's a wired controller, but this gamepad is simple to use and durable, with drift-free hall effect analog sticks. In fact, the base of the sticks also have RGB, which is fantastic at this price. Being wired, however, means this isn't ideal for couch play, but if you're a PC gamer at your desk, it'll do wonderfully well.
[Shipped and sold by Amazon UK]View Deal

F75 Gasket Mechanical Keyboard: was $123.99 now $90.24
While we've not reviewed this 75% mechanical gaming keyboard ourselves, reviews from other reputable sources across the web are largely glowing, praising its construction quality, performance and low price. This Prime Big Deal Days discount brings the cost to a new all-time Aussie low — though note that it's only available at this price in black. Other colourways start from AU$94.23.View Deal

TH99 Pro Mechanical Keyboard: was $148.99 now $111.74
If you prefer your gaming keyboards with a numpad, this 96% option is a great alternative to the Epomaker F75 above. It's likewise accrued positive reviews (both professional and from users) and even includes a customisable colour LCD display. This price is just AU$1 more than its all-time Australian low. Also available with this discount in blue/white and pink colourways.View Deal

Boasting a 12,000dpi 'Hero' sensor, as well as 6 programmable buttons, a 250-hour battery and onboard memory for your settings, the Logitech G305 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse is ideal for competitive play. Want to know more? Check out our review, but not that only the blue and lilac colourways get the best discount.View Deal

G Pro X Superlight 2 Dex Lightspeed: was $299 now $188.50
One of the best gaming mice available right now, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Dex is an exceptionally lightweight and capable device, with a long-lasting battery life, five programmable buttons and a 32K DPI sensor. View Deal

AW2725Q QD-OLED (2025): was $1199 now $813.01
A nice 30% off deal on a 27-inch OLED gaming monitor, bringing it down to the lowest price we have seen on Amazon. It features a 180Hz panel capable of a 4K resolution. We awarded four and a half stars to this screen in our Alienware 27 AW2725Q review, and were impressed with its sharp visuals and HDR performance.View Deal

AW3425DW QD-OLED (2025): was $1499 now $971.22
This OLED monitor comes with a gigantic 34.2-inch curved screen that boasts a 240Hz refresh rate and a lightning fast 0.03ms response time. It’s capable of producing gorgeous darkness with DisplayHDR TrueBlack 400 certification, and offers a 3440 x 1440 resolution.View Deal

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PC peripherals

Lift: was $129.95 now $71.24
This ergonomic vertical mouse is perfect for small hands and it encourages better posture, thus reducing aches along the wrist, shoulder and shoulder blade. I use it myself (I have the white colourway) and can't recommend it highly enough, even at full price. View Deal

L24-4E 23.8-inch monitor: was $179 now $117
A 100Hz-refresh-rate monitor for just AU$100? Sign me up! This display from Lenovo may be a bit small at under 24 inches with a 1080p resolution, but it uses IPS technology for sharp image quality. This is price is the lowest we've seen this monitor go on Amazon.View Deal

The MX Keys S Combo is an excellent desk upgrade if you want a premium keyboard and mouse without paying anywhere near the usual bundle price. It combines the backlit MX Keys S with the quiet, ergonomic MX Master 3S, plus a palm rest, and both can switch between up to three devices. View Deal

K100 Air wireless gaming keyboard: was $489 now $284.88
The most striking feature of this mechanical keyboard is its thinness, but it also comes with the promise of sub-1ms latency and 8,000Hz hyper-polling. In our review we praised the K100 Air's durability, great actuation and high polling, while bemoaning the high price of this slab. And yeah: it's expensive, so good thing there's a discount.
[Shipped and sold by Amazon US]View Deal

1TB T9 portable SSD: was $549 now $369.99
I've used the T5 previously and currently use the 2TB T7 Shield, and while it's tempting to upgrade, it's still plenty fast. So just imagine how good the upgraded portable SSD will be for you if you're looking for a safe and reliable backup solution for all your files. The 1TB T9 has apparently been as cheap as AU$190 before, but that was way back in 2024. It's since hovered around this price.View Deal

Flint 3 Wi-Fi 7 Router (GL-BE9300): was $316.99 now $238.39
In our 4-star review from last year, we praised this speedy tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router for its combination of advanced hardware and flexible OS (the excellent OpenWRT) at an impressively affordable price. It's only weak spot? It lacks mesh capabilities. GL.iNet has since released a beta firmware that aims to rectify that, but we still think it's best suited to use as a single router in an apartment or smaller home. This deal is just a couple of dollars shy of its previous Australian low.View Deal

Nest Wifi Pro Home Mesh Wi-Fi 6E System: was $699 now $279
Google's Wi-Fi 6e capable mesh system is worth considering for big homes, although we've seen discounts that make this 3-pack cheaper than half price. You can position each unit around your home to create an even blanket of Wi-Fi, cracking down on dead spots.View Deal

Eero 6+ Mesh Wi-Fi Router (3-pack): was $599.99 now $419.98
If you aren't keen on the Google mesh Wi-Fi system listed above, consider Amazon's own Eero 6+ three-pack instead. You should read our full review to get the complete picture, but we gave the Eero 6+ 4 stars, and noted that the Wi-Fi performance was excellent, the pricing is good and it's easy to use. View Deal

eero Pro 7 tri-band mesh Wi-Fi 7 router: was $529.99 now $397.49
The latest eero Wi-Fi 7 mesh router is down to the lowest price we have seen on Amazon. We don't have a review yet, but our friends over at Tom's Guide rated it 4-stars. It's a Wi-Fi 7 model designed for high-speed wireless and wired networks and includes dual 5GbE ports. View Deal

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Smart home

Mini Smart Plug (4 pack): was $69.99 now $48.99
I've tried a fair few smart home devices in my time but not the Meross smart plugs. Still, something has got to be said about the 4.6-star rating on Amazon with some very happy customers saying it's a great product. Smart plugs are a great way to turn any gadget at home into a smart one, including lamps and kettles. Where the Meross stands out from other affordable offerings is by also featuring an energy monitor — a great way to keep tabs on your usage and save money on power bills.View Deal

Echo Hub: was $329 now $118
This 8-inch smart display will need to be wall-mounted and it gives you control of thousands of smart home devices that work over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other connectivity standards like Zigbee, Matter and Thread. You can stream video, even security footage, start routines, add widgets and a heck of a lot more you can't with a regular Echo Show — now at its lowest price yet.View Deal

Matter Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp: was $149.99 now $119.20
As of October last year, the RRP for this floor lamp was just AU$149, something that made me give it a high value score on my Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp review. Now, though, the RRP is AU$169.99 – blame inflation, I suppose — but Amazon is still sticking with the original price. What that means is this is a bigger discount than it first appears. Either way, this is one of the cheapest smart lamps you can get, one that does exactly what it promises on the tin. I have one in my bedroom and, although it's not bright, it creates lovely wall-washing effects.View Deal

Shapes (Hexagon; 9pk): was $349.99 now $191.42
It's been a while since I've seen a good Nanoleaf Shapes discount on Amazon, so I'm stoked to find this. It will make a lovely Christmas gift or you can use it to create spooky Halloween effects this month, the possibilities are endless if you want to get creative. I'm not a great fan of the Nanoleaf app itself but I can't fault the lights.View Deal

I much prefer this design of the newest Echo Show 8 smart display, now powered by a AZ3 Pro chip for better performance and 15% more screen real estate than previous generations. It's a much better smart hub now, with Alexa at your beck and call (and fingertips).View Deal

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Over 6,000 Aussie shoppers have joined me so far on my deal-hunting expedition on Amazon, and I'm very grateful for your company — hopefully I've been able to help you not just find tech you need or like, but also save you some cash in the bargain.

I'm still at it, of course, because there's a ways to go before we get to the finish line. So stick with me, dear readers, and hopefully you'll find my ongoing coverage useful.

October 2, 2026 – 6:00 PMWhat's in my cart?

I bought two items already, but I now have some toiletries sitting in my cart. The first big purchase of this sale was a compact air fryer for a friend's daughter who's studying at Sydney Uni and living in student accommodation. I got her the 4.2L Philips 2000 Series Air Fryer for AU$98.

My other purchase was a new electric toothbrush to replace the now-gnarly Oral-B Genius 9000 I've used for over 10 years. My new brush is the Oral-B iO 6, which is 66% off in Black (now AU$179.55).

I wouldn't mind a lightweight folding case for my Kindle Scribe Coloursoft, but the kind I want — that folds into a stand — seems rather heavy and the 11-inch device itself is already unwieldy. I think I'll just have to hold off on that one for now.

October 2, 2026 – 7:45 PMWake up and smell the coffee – under $100

(Image credit: Nespresso)

The Nespresso Vertuo Pop is the famed coffee maker's smallest machine, yet it doesn't scrimp on features. Being part of the Vertuo lineup, it uses a wider range of pods that can brew a range of coffee sizes, from single espresso all the way up to a full mug.

This machine has been one of our faves here at TechRadar ever since it launched in 2023, with a couple of my colleagues using it themselves at home and none of any complaints. It works just as you'd expect and couldn't be simpler. All you need to do is pop a pod in and press a button, the machine takes care of the rest – it's that easy.

The AU$229 RRP is already good value in my opinion, but there's a pretty good discount that sees the compact pod machine drop to just just over AU$92 for the black model.

Nespresso Vertuo Pop: AU$229 now AU$92.15

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October 2, 2026 – 8:57 PMIs the Dyson V10 still worth buying in 2026?

(Image credit: Future)

In March this year, Dyson Australia announced the availability of the V10 Konical. While its name might suggest it's replacing the V10 Cyclone from 2018, it is, in fact, a V8 Cyclone (released last year) alternative that just happens to ship with the new conical floorhead called FluffyCones. The headline, though, is that it will work with a new self-empty charging dock that can either be purchased separately or as a bundle.

In the meantime, the similarly powered V10 remains an excellent option if you can get it at a steep discount. In 2026, I wouldn't recommend paying full price for it. It's dropped to under the AU$600 mark often enough, and is currently going for AU$529, which isn't bad at all.

Dyson V10: AU$799 now AU$529

I would say that the V10 is perfect for small homes with no pets. It will do a good job on carpets but it will struggle if you need to pick up a lot of pet hair from amongst the fibres. On hard floors, it will do a marvellous job even if you do have pets.

We've got handy guides to help you decide whether the V10 is worth your money. Check out of the follow articles for more details:

Dyson V8 vs V10: which cordless should you buy?
Dyson V10 vs V11: which is better?

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October 2, 2026 – 10:35 PMSound out your desk

(Image credit: BlueAnt)

Let's face it, the built-in speakers in your laptop and monitor just doesn't sound great, and I'm sure you've been tempted to upgrade to proper speakers for your desk. Bookshelf speakers are usually my go-to over smaller ones, but the boxy design may not appeal to everyone.

But what if you can add a soundbar underneath your monitor, just like your TV in the living room? That should look sleek, and take up real estate that typically doesn't get used as it can tuck away under the monitor.

And that's where BlueAnt's Soundblade under-monitor soundbar comes in. It has 120W power and promises rich audio with deep bass, and there are plenty of connectivity options like Bluetooth or a 3.5mm Aux jack. BlueAnt is also an Australian company, if you'd like to support local.

It was down to AU$94 in July, but I think the current discounted price of AU$129 is still worth highlighting here.

BlueAnt Soundblade under-monitor soundbar: AU$299 now AU$129

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October 3, 2026 – 12:07 AMLook, an affordable monitor

(Image credit: Future)

It's hardly a secret at this point that PC gaming is expensive as ever, no thanks to shortages in RAM and storage pushing up prices of the overall computing industry. In fact, it's even impacted console gaming, too, with price hikes on the PlayStation 5 and the Nintendo Switch.

One respite, however, is that monitors are getting cheaper than ever, and this Lenovo monitor is a fantastic budget option.

While the 23.80-inch Lenovo L24-4E isn't an outright gaming monitor, it has a 100Hz refresh rate to create a smooth gaming experience if you don't mind a 1080p display, as well as crisp IPS display technology. It was down to AU$94 during July's Prime Day sale, but I think the current price is still worth considering if you don't need the latest tech for a triple-monitor setup — it would still be cheaper than a single ultrawide monitor in most cases.

Lenovo L24-4E 23.8-inch monitor: AU$179 now AU$117

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October 3, 2026 – 1:31 AMOver AU$200 off the iPhone 17 Pro Max

(Image credit: Apple)

OK, not quite the discount to shout home about, but Apple offers are getting rarer since the recent price hikes. So surely this one is at least worth thinking about even if it doesn't make my main list of the best Prime Day deals this month.

9% off the iPhone 17 Pro Max saves you AU$204 on the listed price on Amazon and, honestly, I'd get this as an upgrade over the latest iPhone 18 family despite the latest flagship's variable aperture. It's a damn solid phone (I use the iPhone 17 Pro myself), with the Cosmic Orange and Silver models in the 256GB version available for under two grand.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (256GB): AU$2,199 now AU$1,995

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October 3, 2026 – 3:00 AMTraining for a marathon? Check out these Garmin deals

(Image credit: Garmin,Amazon/Edited by Gemini)

The Apple Watch might be all the rage, but when it comes to proper athletic training and keeping tabs on it, no brand does it better than Garmin. One of my Aussie colleagues is a long-time Garmin user and a cyclist, so he knows exactly how good these multisport watches can be, and he's used his expertise and experience to find some of the best Garmin deals during the current sale.

See all the best Garmin deals on Amazon here

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October 3, 2026 – 4:26 AMFor your spring-cleaning needs

(Image credit: Amazon / TechRadar)

Vacuuming isn't restricted to just spring, so of course this investment is for year-round clean floors, but buying one of the best vacuum cleaners in Australia takes a little thought since there are so many types and models to choose from. Rest assured, there's a good one for every household and I've been testing vacuums of all kinds for a decade, so I'm here to help.

I've rounded up all the best Prime Day vacuum cleaner deals on Amazon right now, cherrypicking ones we've tested or ones that offer good value from reputed brands that I'm familiar with. And let me tell you, the discounts are excellent right now! I don't even think you need to wait till Black Friday to save a pretty penny... then again, if the deals are so good right now, what will Amazon have in store for us in less than two months' time?

Whatever happens then, there's no need to overthink a vacuum purchase as I assure you, the deals are worth hoovering up (pun totally intended).

See all the best Prime Day vacuum deals on Amazon right now

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October 3, 2026 – 4:31 PMBlack Friday vs Prime Big Deal Days: should you wait?

(Image credit: Getty)

In some ways, it's good to wait till Black Friday sales kick off in Australia for purchasing big-ticket items like TVs and laptops as nearly every retailer will be vying for your attention. However, for most items available on Amazon, this year's Prime Big Deal Days sale is proving to be quite good than previous ones, so you can get a head start on your Christmas gift shopping — I would highly recommend it.

So it all depends on what exactly it is that you'd like to buy. If it's Halloween decorations or Christmas gifts, indeed shop now. For the more expensive tech, I would suggest you wait, but there's no guarantee you'll get stock later. As always, if a price suits your budget now on a product sold on Amazon AU, splurge away.

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October 3, 2026 – 6:00 PMThe AirTag alternative for Samsung users — just AU$17.25

(Image credit: Samsung)

While the Apple AirTags might be more popular on the interwebs, Samsung users can't exactly make do with those Bluetooth trackers. Enter the Samsung SmartTags. The second generation is still going strong in Australia, and they're actually cheaper to buy than AirTags.

For example, the white single-unit Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 is just AU$26 now, which in itself is a good price compared to a single Apple AirTag at AU$39. However, opt for the four-pack and the price of each unit drops even further to just AU$17.25 apiece! And that's the lowest price I've seen on either of the two brands' popular Bluetooth tracker.

So if you're a Samsung phone user, all you'll need is the SmartThings app and away you'll go.

Samsung Galaxy SmartTags 2 (4-pack): AU$169 now AU69

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October 3, 2026 – 7:45 PMDyson's most powerful vacuum now 33% off

(Image credit: Future)

We weren't particularly happy in our Dyson V16 Piston Animal review, but if you're keen on Dyson's latest and more powerful flagship cordless vacuum, it's now down to just under AU$900.

I'll be honest: it's a little disappointing when compared to the Gen5detect, but the latter is only down to AU$990 on Amazon right now, which makes the V16 the more economical option when it comes to features and specs. Our reviewer's biggest issue with the V16 was the design of the floorhead, but if that's not going to bother you overly, the new colour scheme and the easy-remove attachments might just sway you to splurge on this one.

Dyson V16 Piston Animal: AU$1,349 now AU$899.99

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• Amazon is now sending refunds to Prime customers
• Payouts can be as much as $200 per person
• It comes after the FTC charged Amazon with anti-consumer Prime practices

If you feel misled by the sign-up practices of Amazon Prime or have been frustrated with how difficult it is to cancel your membership, you might be in line for a sizeable payout. That’s because the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has revealed that $1.5 billion will be made available to consumers as part of a gargantuan refund package, giving you a chance to claim up to $200 in compensation.

Amazon started paying impacted customers in November 2025. However, a new round of payments affecting millions more began this week after a court order expanded the settlement’s scope and increased its maximum individual payouts. Better yet, you might be in line for that $200 refund without even filling out a form.

That said, not every Prime subscriber can take advantage of the settlement. To qualify, you’ll need to reside in the US, for one thing. You must also have enrolled in Amazon’s Prime scheme through one of the methods challenged in the FTC’s lawsuit. That includes the “universal Prime decision page, shipping selection page, single page checkout, or the Prime Video enrollment flow.”

Alternatively, you have to have unsuccessfully tried to cancel your subscription through Amazon’s official process between June 23, 2019, and June 23, 2025. You must also not have used more than 20 Prime benefits during any 12-month period. That includes services such as Prime Music or Prime Video.

How to claim your refund

(Image credit: Shutterstock / Sundry Photography)

The good news is that payouts are automatic, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. You don’t need to apply or fill out a form, and the FTC says Amazon will send you an automatic payment if you qualify. These will be sent either by mailed check or electronically using PayPal or Venmo. Payments will expire 60 days after the issue date, and the FTC says it will send your refund by April 2027.

Before the latest court order, payments were capped at $51 per person. Now that the limit has been raised to $200, Amazon might initially send you a $51 payment, then mail additional refunds of up to $149 to bring the total to $200.

Because payments are sent automatically, you’ll need to be aware of shady websites that attempt to lure you into giving up personal details or pay a fee in order to “claim a refund.” The FTC also says it will not contact Amazon customers about the refund, so watch out for phishing emails claiming to be from the organization.

If you have any problems with the process, the FTC says to contact Amazon’s official inbox at admin@subscriptionmembershipsettlement.com. Confusingly, it does not use an Amazon.com email address.

If you think you might be in line for a payout, all you need to do is put your feet up and wait for your refund to arrive. And if you see a website claiming you need to pay a fee to get your money back, steer clear.

• NASA's SR-71 Blackbird has vanished from its outdoor display pole
• Satellite imagery shows the Blackbird was gone by mid-May 2026, or possibly April
• Retired engineers Mike Relja and Tim Conners declined NASA's offer to help fly the Blackbird

A Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird with tail number 844 has vanished from the outdoor exhibit at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center, prompting questions about the agency's plans.

Satellite imagery obtained by Aviation Week shows the aircraft had left its pole by the middle of May 2026, and possibly even as early as April.

The aircraft left its pole months before Jared Isaacman, NASA's administrator, showed a silhouette resembling the Blackbird at the All-In Summit in Los Angeles in September.

Former engineers say NASA asked for help

Retired test engineer Mike Relja, now well into his seventies, said NASA offered him work roughly four weeks ago on returning the aircraft to flight, but he declined.

David Ash, a onetime Navy pilot who joined NASA in June to direct special projects, made the request but never explained the agency's motives.

“I told the guy, ‘You know, I’m too old to be doing this,’” Relja told Aviation Week. “I wish you well. I’d like to see you make it. It would be interesting. But I just don’t think you can get there from here.”

The airframe is 59 years old, and last flew on October 9, 1999 leaving a gap of almost 27 years and a long list of challenges.

Whoever takes this job should expect engines left idle for decades, cavities holding moisture and grit, and no spares after the $600 million stock was destroyed in 2007.

JP-7 fuel, triethylborane, hydraulic fluids and specialised ground carts would also need restoring, Relja said, and the last JP-7 stocks were burned in 2002.

NASA has not confirmed any plan to fly the aircraft again, and a spokesperson declined to explain why it was taken off its pole.

A similar offer was made to Tim Conners, a retired NASA test engineer, but he too declined the offer - however, he suggested that museum aircraft could supply spares, since nine Blackbirds reached exhibits with engines.

“My first thought was, ‘My god, I would drop everything [to help] …My second thought was, ‘How in the world are they going to do it? Those subsystems could be cannibalized,” said Tim Conners.

“The architecture was as simple as they could make it…It’s a big deal, but it should not be a showstopper…compared to some of the other challenges.”

Why NASA might want the aircraft

When asked about the silhouette at a press conference, Jared Isaacman said, "You sure that's a Blackbird?" and didn’t clarify anything.

At the EAA AirVenture in July, journalists asked him whether he had authority to revive such an old aircraft, and his response was "That's classified."

The SR-71 cruised near Mach 3.2 at almost 85,000 feet, and NASA flew Blackbirds in the 1990s for research on propulsion, structures and sonic booms.

The Aviationist notes that no aircraft currently used by NASA can reproduce that combination of speed and altitude.

The Blackbird could also serve as a stepping stone between supersonic testing and hypersonic flight, or as a carrier for experimental vehicles, though the latter would need modifications.

Reviving a long-retired aircraft isn't unheard of, either. The F-117 left service in 2008, yet it still flies regularly for training and testing nearly two decades later.

The estimate for reactivating an SR-71 for intelligence missions, made about two years after the final flight, reached $40 million to $45 million.

Adjusting for inflation alone, that estimate would be roughly $75 million to $85 million today. The real cost would likely run higher given the need to rebuild the supply chains, spare parts, and trained crews.

• OpenAI, Softbank, Blackstone, and construction unions have formed a lobbying group
• The American Infrastructure Alliance will support efforts to build data centers where local opposition is strong
• Opposition groups have called for a moratorium on new data centers, with existing research suggesting promises of long-term jobs are far-fetched

Challenges to data center development in the US are about to have the battle weighted against them with the unveiling of the American Infrastructure Alliance (AIA), a group of companies and unions that seek to overturn objections to new facilities.

Comprising OpenAI, global data center company QTS, investment company Softbank, management experts Blackstone, and seven unions including the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, this coalition plans to establish guardrails for data center development in 2027.

The American Infrastructure Alliance plans to launch its initial defensive strategy in Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Indiana and South Carolina. In doing so, the AIA hopes to head off objections from local opposition groups, and avoid growing calls for moratoriums.

“International” alliance

By establishing the alliance, the tech companies, management consultants, and unions intend to get public and union member support for the construction of new data centers.

Along with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the alliance includes the United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA), the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers (HFIAW), the International Association of Iron Workers.

Representatives from some of these organizations have offered their support publicly. For example, Michael Coleman, general president of SMART, says "American workers and communities should have a seat at the table as this critical infrastructure is built."

Responsible data center building

Unsurprisingly the heavy-handed approach that seems to have been conceived to force state officials and county and city councils to be more favorable to data center developments, is attracting criticism.

Mitch Jones has called for a moratorium on data center development to conduct further study on their mid- and long-term effects. He’s the managing director of policy and litigation at environmental group Food & Water Watch, and has concerns not just about the environmental impact, but jobs too.

He expressed concern about construction jobs data, telling the DCNF that “Once centers are constructed, very few jobs remain in the facilities themselves. Our research has found that as of 2024 there were only 23,000 people working permanently in data centers across the country.”

Calls for moratoriums have grown, with politicians including Sen. Bernie Sanders planning legislation to pause construction of data centers across the US until their guardrails are in place.

But the AIA’s guardrails and lobbying are likely to have a more immediate effect, and bring jobs. Kenneth Cooper, the IBEW's international president, notes: "Blanket bans on necessary infrastructure projects would set back our economy and threaten good middle-class jobs.”

I sifted through a boatload of emails with the help of Gemini.

• Police may be able to bypass one of iOS’s strongest security features
• The revelation is from a leaked video from the GrayKey device’s creator
• It has worrying ramifications for your data privacy

A company that works with law enforcement says it has bypassed a key iOS security feature that protects your sensitive information from being extracted from your iPhone without your permission. But it could be a step backward for user privacy and the security of your personal data.

According to a report from 404 Media, Magnet Forensics — the company behind the GrayKey device police use to crack open iPhones — has developed a new workaround that lets anyone with a GrayKey sidestep Apple’s Inactivity Reboot feature, plus a whole lot more. And it’s been using this exploit since at least early 2025, when a video seen by 404 Media was dated.

Inactivity Reboot is an iOS feature that automatically restarts your iPhone if it hasn’t been unlocked in 72 hours. This puts it into a more secure state called Before First Unlock (BFU), which protects certain sensitive data with encryption keys that aren't released until you enter your device passcode. After you’ve logged in, your iPhone enters a less secure state called After First Unlock (AFU).

In a video uncovered by 404 Media, Magnet Forensics claims that it can now freeze the iPhone in AFU mode using a new device called GrayKey Preserve, and that AFU mode is apparently maintained even if your iPhone restarts. That frozen state gives GrayKey easier access to the device’s data because it is not as strongly encrypted as in BFU mode.

In addition, GrayKey Preserve — and an associated mode for the regular GrayKey called Evidence Preservation Mode — can recover materials that iOS automatically purges after a certain period, including location data, iMessages, and deleted images. “We’re gonna be able to preserve that data for an infinite amount of time,” says a Magnet employee in the leaked video.

The video did not reveal Magnet Forensics’ technical solution in detail, but an employee hinted that enabling Airplane Mode and blocking radio transmissions (including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular) could play a role. And security expert Jiska Classen told 404 Media that the new GrayKey might be manipulating iOS’s built-in clock, “slowing down time” for the cops or even “stopping the clock from ticking” entirely, thereby indefinitely preventing Inactivity Reboot and iOS’s automatic deletion workflows from running.

Apple’s security stance

(Image credit: Shutterstock / nikkimeel)

Apple is well-known for the security of its devices and its strong stance against weakening the protections afforded to its users. While Apple says it complies with legitimate police requests, it has actively worked to thwart tools like GrayKey from accessing iPhone data. It has also pushed back against law enforcement requests to build a backdoor into its operating systems that police can use.

Why would Apple seek to frustrate law enforcement agencies like this? Well, part of the justification Apple has given is that there’s no such thing as a backdoor that only works for the good guys. Any software flaw can be exploited by hackers, stalkers, identity thieves, and all manner of other bad actors. Given the highly private data — including credit card details, medical records, and personal photos — on billions of iPhones worldwide, that’s a serious risk Apple isn’t willing to take.

As well as that, tools like GrayKey are known to be used by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation-states around the world to suppress free speech and harass critics. Apple has taken its fair share of criticism for making concessions to repressive governments in countries like China and Russia, but building an iOS backdoor for them is apparently a step too far for John Ternus’s company.

In the past, Apple has worked quickly to patch exploits used by Magnet Forensics and its competitors, and there’s no doubt that 404 Media’s report will have rung alarm bells in Cupertino and prompted furious work on a fix. But the fact that this vulnerability has been actively exploited since at least early 2025 will be disturbing news for people both inside and outside Apple.

Centrist politicians are soul-searching after electoral gains by the far right and the far left. Today's weak coalitions, political fragmentation and dire economy echo a past that led to the rise of fascism.

(Image credit: JENS SCHLUETER)

• EVGo says dynamic power sharing delivers the right charge to all EVs
• Up to 750kW could charge EVs in less than 10 minutes
• But China is still racing ahead with megawatt charging capabilities

One of the largest and most “highly utilized” public fast charging providers in the US has revealed details of its next generation equipment that can deliver up to 750kW charging speeds, which will be enough to top up some of the fastest charging EVs on sale in around ten minutes.

While there aren’t any models on the market that can charge at the full 750kW rate, more manufacturers are starting to push the limits of what's possible, with the likes of Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Rivian all readying vehicles that can manage anywhere between 400kW to 600kW in the case of the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe.

Once tethered, the high performance outlets could see the fastest-charging electric vehicles currently on sale charge in around ten minutes, with future models potentially topped up even faster.

(Image credit: EVgo)

But aside from touting fueling stops that are more in line with filling up a conventional gas car, EVgo says its upcoming technology will also use dynamic power sharing, which means multiple users at an individual station will theoretically receive a faster and more reliable charging experience.

The company says drivers won’t have to go hunting for specific fast-chargers, safe in the knowledge that its 750kW outlets will happily charge a car capable of 350kW speeds, as well as those that can only manage 50kW.

However, EVgo hasn't said what kind of speeds will be offered when two high-powered EVs are connected to an individual stall once. With the logical assumption being they will split the outlet and receive 350kW each. Still not bad at all.

EVgo had originally planned to roll out the next generation of equipment this year but now says the final charger design is expected to be unveiled in 2027 as it begins to deploy the new architecture.

Analysis: China races ahead (again)

(Image credit: BYD)

EV charging is undeniably becoming faster, with the previously unheard of 350kW fast-chargers now rolling out to ever-more locations worldwide.

That said, China is trumping the competition with its tens of thousands of megawatt-level chargers that are capable of delivering as much as 2.2MW of power in the case of Geely’s recent announcement.

According to reports, Geely has already installed its industry-leading megawatt chargers in five cities in China already, with 15,000 charging sites planned by the end of next year.

What’s more, the likes of BYD has demonstrated that it can fully charge its vehicles in under 10 minutes from its fastest chargers outside of its domestic market, but Geely is pushing this even further, suggesting that it is already working on a 1000V high-voltage architecture that will see a 10-80% charging session take as little as five and a half minutes.

Granted, its 2.2MW system can’t be used to its full potential by any EV on sale yet, but China is busy future-proofing its network, ensuring it can service the vast number of customers that are making a switch to electrification and be ready for those upcoming models that will likely banish range anxiety to the history books.

The lawsuit says the prominent conservative podcaster falsely claimed the protesters were assaulting ICE officers during demonstrations at an ICE facility in Illinois last year.

(Image credit: Jamie Kelter Davis)

Samsung's Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra offers a larger display, included S Pen, and expandable storage, while the iPad Pro with M5 leads in performance and battery life.

The post Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra vs iPad Pro With M5: Which Premium Tablet Gives You More? appeared first on TechRepublic.

The America First strategy asks for a Memorandum of Understanding as a condition for healthcare and development aid. It's been praised for promoting self-reliance but criticized for its conditions.

(Image credit: U.S. Office of Foreign Assistance)

Tencent reportedly plans to lease about 100,000 AI chips from Oracle in Southeast Asia under a five-year deal worth roughly $7 billion.

The post Tencent Reportedly Turns to Southeast Asia for $7B Oracle AI Chip Deal appeared first on TechRepublic.

From snooping smart glasses to AI bots going rogue, I’m not surprised US adults are more concerned about their privacy.

Vietnam AI adoption hit 26%, but most adopters are still experimenting as skills, ROI measurement, and regulation slow production deployments.

The post Vietnam’s AI Adoption Jumps to 26%, but Most Adopters Are Still Experimenting appeared first on TechRepublic.

AMD Ross helps engineers design, optimize, and debug embedded systems. Learn about supported tools, licensing requirements, and deployment options.

The post AMD Launches Ross AI Assistant for Embedded Development appeared first on TechRepublic.

Windows 11 26H2 brings a fast enablement-package upgrade to 24H2 and 25H2 PCs, while 26H1 devices remain on a separate path.

The post Windows 11 26H2 Update: Which PCs Get the Enablement Package appeared first on TechRepublic.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 was our top pick for the 'best smartwatch overall' throughout 2025 and 2026, although now the Apple Watch Ultra 4 has come along to replace it. We're just finishing our tests with that one, but for now, I bring you very important news — the Apple Watch Ultra 3 has had its price cut at Best Buy and Amazon, even though the Amazon Big Deal Days sale doesn't start until next week.

Right now, you can get the Apple Watch Ultra 3 with its iconic Ocean Loop band for $699 at Best Buy (was $799) in both its natural and black titanium colors. The watch is one-size-fits-all, with its hefty 49mm screen, and GPS and cellular options come as standard, so you can add it to a phone's data plan or not — your choice.

Even cheaper, Amazon's offering the Apple Watch Ultra 3 at 25% off, with its Large-sized Alpine Loop for just $599.99 (was $799), saving you $200 over Best Buy's $100 and bringing the Ultra 3 down to its lowest ever price. At this price, it might even be worth buying a second smaller, third-party band with it over the Best Buy deal.

If you're after something a little classier, Amazon is also doing the Apple Watch Ultra 3 with its Titanium Milanese Loop band for $699.97 (was $899), saving you $200.

Check out all the deals below.

Watch Ultra 3 with Alpine Loop (L): was $799 now $599.97
Save an impressive 25% on the Apple Watch Ultra 3. It's got a 42-hour battery life, high-powered Siri AI smarts, and outstanding health tracking. During my tests, it matched my electrical heart rate monitor practically beat-for-beat, so you know it's accurate. This is a lowest-ever price: while the large-sized Alpine Loop may not be for everybody, I'd recommend checking out the third-party bands and maybe buying the watch with one of those in your basket too. View Deal

• Get the Apple Watch Ultra 3 with Ocean Loop: was $799 now $699.99 at Best Buy
  Get the Apple Watch Ultra 3 with Milanese Titanium Loop: was $899 now $699.97 at Amazon

(Image credit: Future)

I rated the Apple Watch Ultra 3 as my best smartwatch of 2025. I wore it for most of 2026, and I can attest to the fact it's both an excellent fitness wearable and a fab daily driver for productivity and notification management.

Although the Apple Watch Ultra 4 is now available, the best thing about the new device cycle isn't that the new, shiny toys are out: it's that last year's still-excellent models, like the Ultra 3, come down in price and become better value. This is a terrific deal I don't expect to stick around.

A Tokyo court recognized voice protection in an AI cloning case. Learn what the ruling means for businesses using synthetic voices and digital identities.

The post Japan Court Recognizes Voice Protection in TikTok AI Dispute appeared first on TechRepublic.