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Starting a newsletter can seem easy at the beginn...

Starting a newsletter can seem easy at the beginning. But as you build it, everything gets more complicated. You need to make a stellar copy, an intuitive layout, a precise contact list, and even pinpoint which offer goes to which set of contacts. With so much to handle, you need a tool that helps with everything while keeping ultimate control in your hands.

Hostinger Reach combines all these tasks into an email marketing service. Launched in June 2025, it manages your email marketing campaigns end-to-end. It’s separate from Hostinger’s web hosting and business email, though it connects with its website tools.

I wanted to see it stacks up against some of the best email hosting services I've tested. So, in this review, I’ll assess what Reach offers, where it falls short, and whether you should consider it before launching your campaign. Let’s begin.

Hostinger Reach: Plans and pricing

reach pricing plans

(Image credit: Hostinger Reach)

You should first compare the frequency of your emails and the size of your audience contact list with the plans and their limits. Once you’re done with this, go through the add-ons like the editing and automation tools that the plan offers.

Currently, Hostinger Reach offers the following plans:

Plan

First-year cost

Recipients/ month

Emails/ month

Starter

Free

100

200

Grow

$29.88 ($2.49/month)

500

3,500

Pro, 1,000 recipients

$47.88 ($3.99/month)

1,000

7,000

The displayed monthly renewal rates currently are $1.49, $2.49, and $3.99, respectively.

Now, you need to understand what “recipients” mean here. It counts distinct addresses emailed during a calendar month, not new subscribers added each month. So, if you delete a contact from your list, it won’t be counted as an additional seat for a new contact. Instead, the counter resets on the first day of each month, not after a specific campaign.

For example, two newsletters to 100 people use all 200 free emails. Four newsletters to those same people need 400. That’s why I’d use Starter to learn the tool, and not assume that it covers a weekly newsletter.

The Starter plan includes 20 one-time AI credits. Grow provides 10 monthly credits and Pro provides 20. Keep in mind that these AI credits pay for generation tasks, and not email delivery.

You will have multiple useful features like scheduling, personalization, and automations under the Grow plan. Whereas the Pro plan adds code editing, send-time optimization, custom fields, and teammates.

Hostinger Reach: Setup and website connections

reach audience integrations forms

(Image credit: Hostinger Reach)

To start an email campaign with Reach, you will need to have a sending domain. Now, if you’re already using a Hostinger-managed domain, it will connect automatically. But if you’re not, you will have to change your DNS records on that external domain to kick-start your campaign.

Once set up, you can add contacts manually, import a CSV file, or connect website forms. Hostinger’s website builder syncs form submissions into Reach. There’s a WordPress plugin too that supports sites hosted elsewhere, with connections for tools including WPForms Lite, Contact Form 7, and Elementor.

That’s the connection I find most useful. A visitor signs up on the website, and their details reach the mailing list without another spreadsheet import. The plugin collects contacts, while campaigns and reports live in Reach.

You should also enable the double opt-in feature for supported signup sources. This asks people to confirm their subscription by email before receiving campaigns. It doesn’t apply automatically to CSV imports or manually added contacts, so an imported address still needs valid permission.

Finally, Reach’s default no-reply address can send without a paid mailbox. Receiving replies requires a working mailbox, which can come from Hostinger or another provider.

Hostinger Reach: Creating and editing emails

reach email templates single prompt

(Image credit: Hostinger Reach)

Reach’s AI accepts a goal, supporting links, images, and product details. Using all of this, it proposes a campaign plan and, after confirmation, creates a draft. I noticed this entire process counts as one AI credit, which feels pretty fair to me.

For a small coffee shop, I’d provide the actual offer, closing date, product link, and desired tone. That gives the tool something concrete to work with. “Write a great sales email” leaves too many decisions to software that doesn’t run the shop.

Talking about the editor, you’ll find a template library, visual controls, and HTML/code options on eligible plans. Text, images, links, and design settings can be changed without relying entirely on another prompt. And I definitely prefer that choice. That’s because even if one price is wrong, I would edit the price myself.

I wouldn’t ask AI to rebuild the paragraph and then check whether it changed anything else.

The preheader is worth setting, too. This is the short text shown beside the subject in an inbox. Reach lets you choose it, rather than leave that space to a stray line from the email. I do suggest that before sending, you should check the mobile preview and send yourself a test.

Hostinger Reach: Personalization and automations

You can easily insert the subscriber’s name along with the email address here. My favorite detail in Hostinger’s tutorial is the fallback text. Its coffee-shop example uses “coffee lover” when a first name is missing, so the greeting still makes sense.

That’s a small control with a clear purpose. I would rather send a natural greeting to everyone than a personal greeting that breaks for half the list.

Coming to Segments, they’re simply filtered groups of contacts. Reach can automatically organize people by signup source, and its AI can help define groups using contact activity. I’d use that as a starting rule to review, not a universal sign that someone has lost interest. The useful part is having a group I can address differently from regular readers.

For example, someone joining a coffee workshop list may want class dates, while a shop subscriber wants new beans. Keeping those signup sources separate makes the next message easier to choose. That is a stronger reason to segment than simply making the contact list look tidy.

Hostinger Reach: Reports and email delivery

Reach reports opens, clicks, bounces, and unsubscribes. A bounce means the message could not be delivered. Its click map highlights which links attracted attention, while recipient and device views provide more detail.

You can also use the click map to compare the main offer with other links in the email. That tells more about the next edit than admiring a large open-rate number. But it still doesn’t prove that those clicks became sales.

There’s also a Smart Sending feature that uses past opening behavior to spread a campaign across a 24-hour window. I’d consider it for a general newsletter, but switch it off for an offer that ends that evening.

There’s even a Quality Checker option that looks for problems with content, links, layout, and spam-related signals. Keep in mind, it does not verify the sender’s reputation or guarantee inbox placement.

Hostinger Reach: Final verdict

I would consider Reach for a small business that needs a regular newsletter, website signup forms, and a few useful follow-ups. The appeal is having those jobs connected, with AI to draft and manual controls to finish.

However, you should be more cautious about moving an established mailing operation. Before switching, check the plan’s features, run through the actual store connection, and confirm that saved designs reopen correctly. Those checks matter more than an enthusiastic tutorial or a low monthly figure.

My first step would be a small, permission-based trial with a campaign I genuinely need to send, rather than a throwaway sample. If the editing suits the newsletter and the paid allowance fits its schedule, Reach earns a place on the shortlist.

FAQs

Is email marketing still worth it in 2026?

Yes, I think email marketing is still worth it when people have chosen to hear from the business. Useful newsletters, welcome messages, and relevant offers keep subscribers interested. I’d judge the return by inquiries, repeat purchases, and profit after campaign costs. A high open rate alone doesn’t tell me whether the effort paid off.

What is the 12-second rule for emails?

In email marketing, the “12-second rule” reminds you to make the message clear in a quick scan. Readers should quickly understand who’s writing, what’s being offered, and what to do next. I’d put the main point near the top and cut any opening that delays it. I treat 12 seconds as a writing guideline, not a fixed attention limit that applies to everyone.

What are the 5 C’s of email?

A common version of the five C’s is clear, concise, correct, courteous, and complete. I’d use them as a final check: explain the purpose, remove filler, verify the details, keep the tone respectful, and include everything the reader needs to act. Being concise shouldn’t mean leaving out an offer’s conditions or deadline.

What are the four types of emails?

Four common business email types are newsletters, promotional emails, transactional emails, and welcome emails. Newsletters share updates and useful content. Promotional emails highlight offers. Transactional emails confirm actions, such as purchases or password resets. Welcome emails introduce the business after someone signs up. I’d choose the type around the message’s purpose. These are useful starting categories, not the only kinds of email.



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Rugby League World Cup: October 15 to November 15...

Watch every match of the Rugby League World Cup for free as Australia look to claim their fourth consecutive RLWC title. It all begins today as Australia take on New Zealand at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

Not excited yet? Here’s more: 7plus will be streaming every match of the Rugby League World Cup for free in Australia.

But how can you watch the Rugby League World Cup on 7plus from anywhere? Can you access the free RLWC streams in the UK, New Zealand, Canada and the US too?

Here’s our simple guide to how to watch the 2026 Rugby League World Cup for free from anywhere in the world using NordVPN.

What Rugby League World Cup games are free this week?

  • Australia vs New Zealand: Thursday 15 October — 10:05am BST / 7:05pm AEST
  • Samoa vs France: Friday 16 October — 7:45am BST / 4:45pm AEST
  • Papua New Guinea vs Lebanon: Saturday 17 October — 5:25am BST / 2:25pm BST
  • England vs Tonga: Saturday 17 October — 10:05am BST / 7:05pm AEST
  • Fiji vs Cook Islands: Sunday 18 October — 6:05am BST / 3:05pm AEST

How to watch Rugby League World Cup for FREE on 7Plus

7plus will stream all 18 matches of the Men's Rugby League World Cup for free in Australia.

New to 7Plus? Register for a free account to watch 7Plus online. Alternatively, you can watch via the 7plus app (iOS/Android).

OUTSIDE AUSTRALIA? ACCESS FREE RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP STREAMS FROM ANYWHERE WITH NORDVPN

How to watch Rugby League World Cup for free from anywhere

Although 7plus is one of our favourite streaming platforms, it is only available in Australia.

Rugby League lovers travelling outside Oz can still access these free RLWC streams by using a VPN.

There are lots of VPN's but NordVPN is our pick to unblock 7plus to stream Rugby League World Cup like a pro.... and you can save 70% right now.

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It's really easy to use a VPN to watch 7plus.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is the best choice.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're visiting Canada and want to watch your free 7plus stream - you'd select Australia from the options.

3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to the 7plus website, sign in, and watch the RLWC for free.

7plus Q+A

Why should I use 7plus to watch the Rugby League World Cup?

7plus show an abundance of sport to viewers in Australia and will continue that with the Rugby League World Cup.

Mel McLaughlin, Matt White, Matt Shirvington and 2013 RLWC winner Corey Parker will lead the coverage.

Joining them will be Trent Robinson, Luke Keary, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Aaron Woods, Brett Kimmorley, Brent Tate, Emma Verran, James Graham, Lote Tuqiri, Yasmin Meakes, Shontelle Stowers, Shane Flanagan and Stephan Rochecouste.

Andrew Voss will be lead commentator, while Anthony Maroon, Andrew Moore, Drury Forbes and Beaven Dewar will also commentate across the tournament

7plus recommend an internet speed of at least 3-10 mbps for streaming.

Which devices can I watch 7plus with?

  • Amazon Fire (tablets, Cube, Stick and Fire TVs)
  • Android TV (some models may not be supported)
  • Android mobile phones and tablets (Android 7.0 and above)
  • Apple TV (tvOS 14 or later)
  • Google TV (including Chromecast with Google TV and NVIDIA Shield)
  • Freely
  • Freesat (some models may not be supported)
  • Freeview Play (TVs and set-top boxes; some models may not be supported)
  • iPhone and iPad (iOS 14 and above)
  • LG Smart TVs (2016–2024 models)
  • NOW Smart Sticks and Boxes (firmware version 11.5.0 or later)
  • PlayStation (PS4 and PS5)
  • Roku (Stick and Roku OS-powered TVs; version 11.5.0 or later)
  • Samsung Smart TVs (2017 models and newer)
  • Sky (Sky Q, Sky Glass and Sky Stream puck)

More from TechRadar

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.



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SAP report says AI spend could rise 45% between 2...

  • SAP report says AI spend could rise 45% between 2026 and 2028, ROI up by an estimated 39%
  • Half of businesses worry agentic AI is being deployed quicker than governance
  • Poor data quality is holding them back, 67% believe in integrated data systems as a fix

The average UK business now spends £20.6 million on AI per year according to new SAP data, marking a substantial 27% year-over-year increase compared with 2025 (£16.2 million).

And this is showing no signs of slowing down - as SAP even anticipates a further 45% increase in the two years between 2026 and 2028, bringing average UK business AI spend to very nearly £30 million annually.

Importantly, SAP also envisions ROI increasing in line with spend, rising from 17% in 2025 to 22% this year, and as much as 39% by 2028.

UK AI spend is rising, but at a cost

Despite anticipated rises in ROI, SAP criticized Britain's businesses for lacking AI strategies. Only 11% are said to have a strategic and holistic approach to AI investments, with around two in five businesses prioritizing AI investments on a department level instead of org-wide.

"Organisations are increasing their investments and expecting more in return, but now the focus needs to be on turning that ambition into scalable business value," SAP UK&I MD Leila Romane explained.

While AI spend is largely on the rise, agentic AI deployments are still in progress, with around 70% of UK businesses piloting agentic AI use cases. Still, there's widespread optimism among users, who believe they could unlock a 4.7x rise in financial returns over the next two years.

Among AI agent users, around half (49%) worry they're being introduced faster than they can be governed, and only a minority (9%) consider their governance skills and expertise to be fully ready. A staggering three in five (61%) are either developing governance processes now, or reported limited or no readiness at all.

But despite a clear lack in governance, most are opting to blame their poor data foundations. Poor data quality (71%), incomplete information (70%), siloed systems (65%) and limited access to real-time data (62%) are all considered to be barriers in this area.

Looking ahead, two-thirds (67%) believe integrated data systems are likely to become the most important enabler for AI readiness.

"Good governance is not a brake on AI adoption – it’s actually the opposite," CBI Technology and Innovation Director Naomi Weird added.

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The hardest part of retail AI may soon be the par...

The hardest part of retail AI may soon be the part nobody puts in the demo.

A model can recommend a markdown, predict a stockout, adjust a picking route or identify a pattern in store traffic in milliseconds. But a retailer only gets value when that decision becomes an accurate action in the physical store. Whether it’s a price change or a sensor reading, it has to arrive promptly for it to be useful.

There is already a striking gap between AI ambition and execution. Deloitte's 2026 survey of 200 retail and consumer products executives found that 75% consider AI a top strategic priority, yet only 16.5% can quantify the return they are getting from it. Clearly, retailers believe in AI. The harder problem is turning isolated capabilities into something that works consistently across the business.

For physical retailers, the challenge does not end with models, data or software. AI-driven decisions have to pass through stores containing thousands of devices, existing networks and years of installed technology. In complex environments, the building itself can affect connectivity. As the number of connected endpoints grows, so does the importance of the wireless foundation carrying information across the store.

For CIOs and CTOs, that means the next constraint on AI may be something that has been underappreciated: whether the store estate underneath it can execute reliably at scale.

A store is not a cloud workload

Physical retail introduces conditions that software teams cannot abstract away. Stores have walls, metal shelving, refrigeration, back rooms, loading areas and legacy systems installed. They also have trading hours. Infrastructure changes that look simple on an architecture diagram can become expensive or disruptive when repeated across hundreds of sites.

Take inventory, for example. A forecasting model can improve a replenishment decision, but store-level execution may depend on shelf sensors, handheld devices, picking tools and accurate product information all exchanging data.

Computer vision, digital displays and environmental monitoring add further endpoints and a wider mix of data, from routine device updates and sensor readings to visual content and real-time operational data. These workloads place very different demands on the network.

Some require high bandwidth or low latency. Others involve large populations of battery-powered devices sending regular updates across difficult environments. Individually, none is necessarily a network problem. Collectively, they can become one.

If a pricing decision cannot reach every store quickly, a replenishment signal arrives too late or each new application requires another costly infrastructure layer, the retailer loses part of the value the technology was supposed to create.

One response is to add another gateway, controller or application layer for the next project. That can work for a pilot. Repeated often enough, though, every new device gains a separate integration path, security owner, management console and failure mode.

In difficult store environments, adding project-specific infrastructure to overcome coverage gaps can also change deployment economics. The technology works, but operating it becomes progressively harder.

The scaling problem appears after the pilot works

Retail technology teams are used to asking whether a new application meets its business case. AI adds another question: what happens to the infrastructure if the application succeeds?

A pilot may involve one store and a limited number of endpoints. Scale changes the economics. Coverage has to work throughout the building, updates must remain reliable during normal trading and security teams need a consistent way to onboard and manage devices. Operations teams also need clear ownership when something fails.

Connectivity should therefore be treated as an architectural choice, not a specification buried inside each procurement. The objective is not to replace every existing network or create one for every application, but to match workloads to the wireless layer best suited to their requirements while keeping the estate manageable.

Current designs may be adequate in some stores. In large or difficult formats, or where suitable retail IoT endpoints are growing quickly, an additional purpose-built wireless layer may be justified. The decision should be deliberate rather than inherited one project at a time.

Different workloads need different wireless foundations

The future-ready store is unlikely to depend on one network doing everything. It will more likely use a combination of connectivity layers, each supporting the workloads it suits best. Now, retailers should consider whether enterprise Wi-Fi should remain the de facto transport layer for every new category of connected device.

As electronic shelf label estates expand and retailers introduce more sensors and retail IoT applications, suitable workloads may be better served by a purpose-built wireless layer alongside the enterprise network.

This should not mean an isolated network for each use case, but a scalable, reusable connectivity layer able to support large device populations over time. Security belongs in the same conversation. Every endpoint needs consistent management, from trusted onboarding and credentials through to decommissioning.

Open standards remain important because they provide a more consistent foundation for future devices, applications and platforms. But openness alone is not the architecture. The decision is which workloads belong on which connectivity layer; standards help those layers remain manageable and adaptable.

The most successful retail AI programs will be judged by more than the quality of their predictions. As connected estates grow the test will be whether organizations can turn those predictions into dependable action across real stores.

Before approving the next AI pilot, retailers should ask what will their estate need if it succeeds, which workloads will grow, and should they all continue to be carried in the same way?

If success means more devices, richer data, more frequent updates or deployment across a much larger estate, the wireless architecture supporting those workloads has to be a central part of the AI strategy.

Retailers are not investing in AI tools or connectivity for their own sake. They want to protect margin, improve availability and make stores easier to operate. AI capability and AI scalability are different problems.

The objective should be an architecture in which new workloads can use the wireless layer best suited to them without forcing the estate to be rebuilt each time. The retailers that design for both will be in a much stronger position to turn ambition into reliable, repeatable execution.

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Phone manufacturers are certainly feeling the pin...

Phone manufacturers are certainly feeling the pinch of the RAM and storage shortages. Apple recently increased prices across most of its products, the new Google Pixels received their own price hikes and now Samsung has joined in with price bumps across its Galaxy S26 lineup that launched earlier this year.

Thankfully, most Australian retailers have so far held off introducing most of the latter, and there are even some respectable deals on offer — Amazon has the 256GB base S26 discounted to just AU$1,127, for example, representing a 32% reduction from Samsung’s new pricing. If you’ve been considering upgrading your phone to a new flagship model, this is a prime opportunity to bag one for less.

Galaxy S26 (256GB): was $1649 now $1127
Costing less than Samsung’s new Galaxy S26 FE mid-ranger and Apple’s budget iPhone 17e, this deal gives you a true flagship Android handset, with triple-camera setup, 12GB of RAM and the full Galaxy AI suite. I did see this model dip below AU$1,000 in August, but given the price-increase we've seen since then, we think this discount is worth jumping on. Amazon has the Black, Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue and White colours available for this price, and you can also trade in your old phone for more savings.View Deal

Our Samsung Galaxy S26 review praised the bright AMOLED display, reliable cameras and long battery life. Storage options now also start at 256GB — up from the predecessor’s 128GB — and the screen size also increased from 6.2 inches to 6.3 inches, while retaining the same dimensions.

Those changes, plus the other improvements over the S25, meant the S26 came with a price increase from AU$1,399 to AU$1,549 at launch, and that has since gone up by another AU$100 to AU$1,649 earlier this month. That makes the 32% saving at Amazon all the more tempting.

One caveat that we should note about the base Galaxy S26 is that Aussies miss out on the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset found in the US model — locally, this model uses Samsung's own Exynos 2600 processor. Our colleagues over at Tom’s Guide, however, argue that the difference is marginal in their tests, so you likely won’t be able to tell the difference in most scenarios.

Our reviewer also noted the relatively slow 25W charging speed and the lack of full Qi2 wireless charging support, commenting that this phone is only worth buying when it’s on sale.

With this deal dropping the price by 32% vs the revised RRP, that latter sentiment has come true — and overall, the Galaxy S26 is still an easy recommendation despite those caveats, and is a solid entry-level flagship with the specs to back it up.

Samsung Galaxy price hikes

Having launched in March this year, Samsung’s 2026 S-series flagships have been out for a bit over 6 months and have even seen some generous discounts in major Australian sale events like EOFY and Prime Day. The brand has since increased the prices across the three Galaxy S26 handsets, ranging from AU$100 to AU$250, depending on the configuration as follows:

  • Galaxy S26 256GB: was AU$1,549, now AU$1,649
  • Galaxy S26 512GB: was AU$1,849, now AU$1,949
  • Galaxy S26 Plus 256GB: was AU$1,849, now AU$1,949
  • Galaxy S26 Plus 512GB: was AU$2,149, now AU$2,249
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra 256GB: was AU$2,199, now AU$2,299
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra 512GB: was AU$2,499, now AU$2,599
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra 1TB: was AU$2,949, now $3,199

Samsung's recently released 2026 foldables and the Galaxy S26 FE so far haven’t seen price hikes (as of October 14), though most of them came with increases over their respective predecessors.



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CMF by Nothing has the compact Speaker S and larg...

  • CMF by Nothing has the compact Speaker S and larger Speaker M
  • Both tote Bluetooth 6.0, dual device connection, and multiple audio modes
  • You can detach the speakers' panels and 3D print your own replacements

There are two new audio devices in town, and they come from Nothing’s sub-brand CMF — but they’ve attracted substantial attention in such little time for one particular reason.

Hot on the heels of the recent Nothing Headphone (1) Pro, the new Speaker S and Speaker M mark CMF’s portable speaker debut, mainly because of their quirky milk carton-inspired design which, as you can see, gives it quite an edge over the best Bluetooth speakers on the visual front. The smaller Speaker S is going for $59 / £49 and the larger Speaker M is $109 / $99, with both being available in white, dark grey, orange, and turquoise.

CMF Speaker M

(Image credit: Nothing / CMF)

While both are affordable entry-level options, they’re built for different purposes. The Speaker S is more compact, designed for easy transportability and listening on the go, packing a ‘custom-tuned’ 45mm driver and two passive radiators. If filling a room with your favorite tunes for a party or gathering is the bigger priority, that’s where the Speaker M comes in handy, which packs a 60Hz–20kHz frequency range.

As far as their respective features go, that’s pretty much it, and despite the size difference there’s a lot of common ground between the two models sitting beneath its carton-like surface. For starters, both speakers give you 18 hours of playback at 50% volume with Ultra Bass on, an audio feature that adds a little impact to music that needs ‘extra weight’. Fast-charging for 10 minutes will also give you an hour’s worth of playback.

Both support Bluetooth 6.0, allowing a connection range of over 100 metres between the speaker and your connected device. If you find yourself flicking between two different devices to control your audio playback, both models support dual-connection, meaning you can move between devices without having to keep pairing them to your speaker each time. I can see this coming in handy if there are two passionate maestros at the same gathering who will stop at nothing to assume total control over the party’s soundtrack — sharing is caring.

CMF Speaker S and Speaker M

(Image credit: Nothing / CMF)

Speaking of sharing, CMF’s new speakers offer an extensive range of playback options. Firstly, Stereo Mode turns two Speaker S or Speaker M devices into individual left and right output channels for a stereo pair. Party Mode is even more flexible however, giving you the freedom to pair both models together to beef up the sound, including, apparently, compatible models from other brands.

CMF is also taking its first speakers to another level by adding a unique customization element to the aesthetic. The front panels of both the Speaker S and Speaker M are removable, and can be swapped with another one of a different shade. CMF is also encouraging 3D printer owners to go ham on the creativity front, providing a guide for you to print your own custom panels and volume knobs so you can build your speaker around your home’s interior. It’s so extra, but I love the creative freedom.



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Slaying vampires always feels good, and 2D action...

Slaying vampires always feels good, and 2D action-adventure and exploration game Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is no exception. The first entry in the iconic horror platformer in more than a decade, Evil Empire and Konami have crafted a love letter to past titles that, while not changing much of the formula, delivers an experience worthy of the Belmont name.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Release date: October 15, 2026

Despite a fantastic animated adaptation (and great spinoff series with Nocturne), Castlevania has been six feet under as Konami barely revisited the series. Seldom for tie-ins with Dead Cells and re-releases, so fans were ready to sink their fangs into a new title.

Fortunately, it would come from the Dead Cells team, Evil Empire. Its mastery of the craft with the Metroidvania genre made it a safe but effective pick to hand the Vampire Killer whip to. And, lo and behold, they ran with it and made something fans will love.

You must whip it, whip it good

A screenshot from Castlevania: Belmont's Curse showing intricate level design

(Image credit: Konami)

Surprisingly, the game is a sequel of sorts to both Netflix’s Castlevania and Castlevania 3: Dracula’s Curse. As Rose Belmont, the daughter of Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades, she is tasked with stopping the newfound dangers flooding Paris.

With her father’s guidance and all the Belmont tactics, she’ll discover the root of it all, as well as how she and her mysteriously cursed arm fit into things.

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse does go a good distance with its narrative, but it doesn’t reach too high. It’s got some twists, turns, and great moments, though it can feel sparse. Of course, most of the fun will come from your experience dashing and slashing, but it can feel uneven with its cinematic counterparts. Still, it’s serviceable enough for you to want to keep playing and see more.

Rose Belmont, as the daughter of Trevor and Sypha, is a pretty likeable protagonist. She’s not one-note by any means and struggles with her emotions, especially with the spotlight now on her. However, it’s the supporting cast that provide her with what she needs to be a worthy Belmont.

Without spoilers, her Confidantes will be her moral compass, and it’s up to her to choose which direction she wants to go in. Props go to many of the fantastic performers in the game, as everyone works perfectly with their respective characters.

A missable little pile of secrets

A screenshot from Castlevania: Belmont's Curse showing intricate level design

(Image credit: Konami)

Once you set foot off the docks of the Seine, you’re instantly thrust into classic Castlevania gameplay: slay monsters and maneuver through obstacles. There are small tutorials, but for the most part, Paris is an open book, and you’re free to flip through the pages almost immediately.

Action-wise, it also harkens to classic Castlevania, with Rose using a variety of weapons to kill the many creatures of the night. There are many types of weapons, from the iconic whip to flashy gauntlets. Finding new versions of them throughout the world is always a treat, as it never disappoints when you equip them and test them out. Personally, the whip was a go-to, as it rewarded distance with better damage output, though the spear was a close second.

Also, with Rose’s abilities, which she’d earn after certain bosses, it unlocks various attacks, like throwable crosses or pillars of fire. It leaves customization very open, letting you play how you’d like in terms of combat.

Best bit

A screenshot from Castlevania: Belmont's Curse showing intricate level design

(Image credit: Konami)

The level design in Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is simply phenomenal. From trap-filled chasms to eerily beautiful vistas, the team has done a wonderful job making levels look seemingly impossible but enticing enough to make you want to persevere and keep going.

Without going into spoilers, Rose’s journey goes beyond the confines of Paris into various regions. Each of them has some theme and gimmick that makes them memorable in both a playing sense and a backtracking sense. As this is a Castlevania game, you will find yourself going back to certain locations to find secrets and clues for other locations. Luckily, with new abilities like an air dash and, of course, a grappling hook whip, you’ll be able to do so easily and rapidly.

That said, the level design in Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is phenomenal. Traps and platforming take advantage of Rose’s abilities, including ones she earns throughout her adventure. It takes precision and good reflexes to maneuver through them, and it never gets old. It can get frustrating, though, especially if you’re going back and forth a ton. Still, finding what you need after a seemingly impossible challenge feels so good.

Slaves to our family’s wishes

A screenshot from Castlevania: Belmont's Curse showing intricate level design

(Image credit: Konami)

As the first new 2D Castlevania in decades, there have been noticeable increases in graphical fidelity since then.

Belmont’s Curse blends 2D with 3D to bring a Dead Cells-like style to the gameplay and look. It does keep the drawn silhouettes of characters for dialogue, but in-game cutscenes are all flat 3D. While the pixelated depth in past titles like Symphony of the Night and Order of Ecclesia is sorely missed, Evil Empire’s redesign works well with the series and fits right in.

Frame-rate-wise, there were rarely any hiccups during the playthrough. There was a stutter or two during certain moments with tons of monsters, but it was pretty seldom. However, there were a handful of glitches with the audio, as it would cut in and out and, often, restart with each level transition. While rare, some glitches with the gameplay, like phased-out enemies or awkward platforming, would happen.

It’s also important to mention that it can be quite a difficult game. The series is known for being brutal, and Belmont’s Curse is no exception. A death can bring you way back and reset tons of progress. It’s a worthwhile challenge, but it is one that takes time and patience. Bosses will be the bane of many people’s existence, as some of them, especially late-game ones, are super difficult. It can feel a bit overkill, but it’s nonetheless satisfying to whittle them down and then finally get the last laugh.

In short, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is classic Castlevania brought to the modern age. Evil Empire and Konami have crafted a title that, while it’s not the huge blockbuster many would hope for, is a well-done action platformer. It doesn’t go too far outside the box, but it makes the most of what it does have.

With fantastic level design and combat, the franchise is in a position to return to its glory days and its bloody reign over the action platformer genre.

Should you play Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse?

Play it if...

You love a great balance of platforming and combat
You get the best of both worlds with Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, with the platforming and combat. Each aspect works extremely well and, most of the time, it’s a delicate dance between the two, even intersecting each other at times. It’s frenetic but exhilarating at the same time.

You enjoy a challenge in all areas
You will die a ton of times in Belmont’s Curse, and it’ll be in many different ways. However, if that is a big motivator for you, then you’ll have a wonderful time here. Precise platforming, expert hand-eye coordination, and a tinge of hesitation are required to make it, so if that’s up your alley, it’s the perfect challenge.

You love having the world be a puzzle in itself
Exploration in Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse isn’t just required, but rewarded. There are dozens of secrets hidden throughout the many stages, and backtracking only leads to better opportunities for you. Plus, hints for many connecting points, especially bosses, can be found.

Don't play it if...

You’re looking for something easygoing
As mentioned before, Belmont’s Curse is a difficult title. It doesn’t hold your hand much, and you will die a ton. While it may be possible to play this without throwing your controller in frustration, it’s not the most positive or happy-go-lucky title, given its dark world and countless pools of blood.

Accessibility features

While the game touts its difficulty, there are available accessibility features to lessen it. There are also various visual adaptations for thicker outlines or colorblind mode. In addition, subtitles are available in different languages, as well as voice-overs. However, despite some accessibility, some things, like one-hit-kill traps, exist and can be frustrating.

How I reviewed Castlevania: Belmont's Curse

I played Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse for around 16 hours, seeing much of the game’s map, bosses, and secrets. I also got many of the available weapons and spells, as well as heart and mana containers. In addition, I did play the demo, which was released prior to the game’s release, and transferred the save file from that to the full title.

I played the game on a base PS5 with the DualSense Wireless Controller and HyperX Cloud 3 wired gaming headset, all on a Roku 4K TV.

First reviewed October 2026



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Google has given its Nano Banana AI image genera...

Google has given its Nano Banana AI image generator another upgrade, and the latest version, Nano Banana 2.1, is arriving inside Google Gemini in an increasingly crowded field of tools that can turn a few sentences into remarkably convincing pictures. The promise is familiar, with sharper details, better instruction-following, more accurate text, and greater consistency across images. The real challenge is finding something that makes it meaningfully better than the competition.

Nano Banana's main rival, ChatGPT's image generator which is called Images 2.5, is hardly sitting around waiting to be overtaken. OpenAI has made considerable progress with realistic lighting, complicated compositions and text rendering, turning image generation into one of ChatGPT's most entertaining and genuinely useful features. With both companies pushing the technology forward, I wanted to see whether Google's latest upgrade had managed to pull ahead.

If you've got a Gemini account you'll find that it should have been upgraded to use Nano Banana 2.1 by now. To test the two image generators against each other I gave Gemini and ChatGPT identical prompts designed to test different abilities. I compared the resulting images side by side, with ChatGPT on the left and Gemini on the right. The results were surprisingly close, although the two generators often approached the same instructions with different artistic instincts.

Storms within storms

Nano Banana 2.1 / ChatGPT

A tiny Victorian greenhouse inside a glass snow globe during a thunderstorm. ChatGPT on the left, Gemini on the right. (Image credit: ChatGPT/Gemini)

My first test was designed to challenge the models' understanding of light, glass and reflections, three things that can quickly expose the weaknesses of an AI-generated image. I wanted a scene with multiple transparent surfaces, complicated lighting and enough tiny details to make the results worth examining closely. The prompt was, "Create a photorealistic image of a tiny Victorian greenhouse inside a glass snow globe during a thunderstorm, with realistic reflections, refractions, and lighting."

Both generators produced beautiful images that would look perfectly at home on the cover of a fantasy novel. ChatGPT's version featured an elaborate, golden-lit Victorian greenhouse inside a large glass sphere, sitting on a polished wooden base beside a rain-covered window. Lightning illuminated the storm outside, while the globe contained a surprisingly detailed miniature world, complete with plants, pathways and delicate architectural flourishes.

Nano Banana 2.1 went for something slightly more restrained. Its greenhouse looked more like an actual miniature structure, with dark metal framing, lush greenery and warm interior lighting that contrasted beautifully with the blue-gray storm outside. The globe's reflections were particularly convincing, and the lighting felt a little more natural, although the wet tabletop was an odd choice given that the scene appeared to be indoors.

Titan calling

Nano Banana 2.1 / ChatGPT

ChatGPT on the left, Gemini on the right. (Image credit: ChatGPT/Gemini)

Text has historically been one of the most embarrassing weaknesses of AI image generators. Letters would melt into one another, words would become nonsense and asking for an exact phrase could produce something that looked like an alien language. For the second test, I wanted to see whether either model could handle a fairly demanding design brief without mangling the typography.

The prompt was, "Design a retro-futuristic travel poster for Saturn's moon Titan with the exact text 'TITAN IS CALLING,' 'Seven nights beneath the rings,' and 'Starting at $2,499.'"

ChatGPT created a luxurious travel advertisement that looked like something a very wealthy space tourist might encounter in an interplanetary airport. Saturn dominated the sky above a beautiful orange landscape, while futuristic resorts and a couple enjoying drinks suggested that Titan had become the solar system's most exclusive vacation destination. One thing I didn't like was the gap it left between the $ and the 2 in its text rendering.

Google took a more cartoonish approach with a colorful vintage science-fiction poster featuring rockets, astronauts, icy mountains, and a futuristic base. It was actually more realistic about how the moon is not at all hospitable but still had the optimistic quality of a 1950s space-travel advertisement, complete with bold lettering and a slightly weathered finish. Crucially, it also reproduced the requested text correctly, including the price.

Fox library

Nano Banana 2.1 / ChatGPT

ChatGPT on the left, Gemini on the right. (Image credit: ChatGPT/Gemini)

Character consistency is another tricky problem for AI image generators, particularly when the same character needs to appear in several scenes. A fox might suddenly change its appearance, lose an accessory, or acquire an extra limb between panels. I decided to test this with a simple illustrated story that required both visual continuity and a coherent sequence of events.

The prompt was, "Create a four-panel comic showing an orange fox wearing a green scarf discovering a magical key, unlocking a door, and entering a library. Keep the fox identical in every panel."

ChatGPT produced four almost 3D illustrations. The lighting seemed more computer-generated, though the fox remained recognizable throughout as requested. The style leaned toward children's book illustrations rather than a conventional comic.

Nano Banana 2.1 delivered something much closer to a traditional comic strip, with bold outlines, clearly defined panels, and a consistent cartoon fox. Its version began with the fox finding a key in the forest, then examining it, unlocking a door in a tree, and finally entering a magical library. The storytelling was clearer, and the character's appearance stayed impressively consistent, right down to its green scarf and white-tipped tail.

Google edged ahead here because its four panels felt like parts of the same illustrated story. ChatGPT's individual images were more elaborate, but the fox's proportions and presentation varied slightly, and the sequence felt more like four separate illustrations.

Dragon on a desk

Nano Banana 2.1 / ChatGPT

A desk with a dragon sketched in a notebook. ChatGPT on the left, Gemini on the right. (Image credit: ChatGPT/Gemini)

For my final test, I wanted to see how accurately the models could follow a complicated collection of specific instructions. AI image generators have a habit of overlooking small details when a prompt contains several independent requirements. Getting everything into the picture is one challenge, while getting the exact numbers and arrangements right is another.

The prompt was, "Create a realistic overhead photograph of a wooden desk with a notebook showing a dragon, a compass pointing north, a pocket watch showing 3:15, exactly three red wax seals, and a blue gemstone."

ChatGPT produced an attractive overhead photograph of an antique wooden desk, with an open notebook containing an intricate dragon illustration. The compass, pocket watch, three red wax seals, and bright blue gemstone were all present, and the composition looked carefully arranged.

Nano Banana 2.1 also included the requested objects, but the notebook featured a smaller, cleaner dragon illustration, while the wax seals, gemstone, compass and watch were arranged around it. Google's result looked more like a casually assembled collection of historical objects, but it did make a common AI error and got the time wrong, setting it for 3:00, not 3:15.

Approaching parity

You can access Nano Banana 2.1 in Gemini if you're a Google AI Plus, Pro or Ultra subscriber as it is the new default model. Free users will still be getting the older Nano Banana 2 model.

Nano Banana 2.1 is an excellent image generator, but ChatGPT is already so capable that Google's improvements don't necessarily translate into an obvious advantage. Both tools produced attractive, detailed images from relatively short prompts, and neither suffered the glaring visual mistakes that used to make AI-generated pictures instantly recognizable.

That said, different prompts, styles, and repeated generations could easily produce different results. What these tests do suggest is that the leading AI image generators have reached a remarkably high level of capability and are approaching parity in many everyday creative tasks.

That makes the competition more interesting, even if it makes choosing between them harder. The differences increasingly come down to taste and interpretation. Nano Banana 2.1 may be Google's latest impressive upgrade, but ChatGPT has made sure it won't be claiming the image-generation crown without a fight.



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For the past few years, much of the conversation ...

For the past few years, much of the conversation around AI has centered on capability. We have watched it move from generating content and summarizing information to analyzing data, writing code and completing increasingly complex tasks. Now, with the rapid development of AI agents, we are beginning to hand over not just tasks, but portions of workflows and decisions as well.

That progression has understandably raised questions about what happens to people as AI becomes more autonomous, but we are looking at that question the wrong way. The bigger change will be in what we need people to do. When AI tools can handle more of the execution, people have to spend more time thinking about the system around it. We need to ask ourselves important questions to do this:

  • What are we actually trying to accomplish?
  • What information does the technology need to make a good decision?
  • How should work move from one step to another?
  • When can AI make a decision on its own, and when does someone need to get involved?

These are questions companies already deal with today, but AI raises the stakes because decisions and actions can happen much faster and at a much greater scale. Take a marketing organization as an example.

We are already at a point where AI can analyze an audience, develop content, adapt that content for different channels, check it against requirements and evaluate the results. It is not difficult to imagine those capabilities becoming connected so that one action automatically triggers the next.

The strategy comes in the coordination

The challenge is that every part of that process can work exactly as designed and still produce a bad result. An audience model could identify the people most likely to respond to an offer while missing the customers the business most wants to develop over time.

A content agent could produce something likely to generate clicks but inconsistent with where the brand wants to go. A system evaluating performance could make a perfectly reasonable recommendation based on the metric it was given, even though that metric does not reflect the larger business objective.

Those are not necessarily failures of the AI. In many cases, the technology has done exactly what it was asked to do. The failure happened earlier, when the objective, context or connections between decisions were not designed well enough. This is where the role of people becomes increasingly important.

Someone has to understand the broader business context and make sure the individual decisions being made across a workflow ultimately support the same goal.

Anyone who has spent time inside a large enterprise has seen a version of this before. Over the past two decades, companies bought specialized technology for almost every business need: CRM platforms, marketing automation systems, analytics tools, project management software, content platforms and countless point solutions. Each solved a real problem, but companies then had to figure out how to make all of those systems work together.

Teams built integrations, moved data between platforms, reconciled conflicting information and created processes to bridge gaps between systems that had never been designed to operate as one. In many organizations, employees effectively became the integration layer, carrying context from one platform or team to the next.

As companies adopt AI across functions, there is a very real possibility that we recreate the same problem, only much faster and with technology that can independently make decisions and take action.

It is relatively easy for a department to adopt an AI tool or build an agent that solves a particular problem. As that happens across an enterprise, however, organizations could quickly find themselves with large numbers of models and agents acting on different data, following different instructions and optimizing for different outcomes.

The individual components may be far more intelligent than the software systems that came before them, but that makes coordinating them even more consequential and increases the importance of having a strategy that extends beyond any individual agent or use case.

Finding the balance is key

Human strategy becomes critical in designing that larger system, but that should not be confused with putting a person behind every AI decision. Requiring someone to approve every output would defeat much of the purpose of creating autonomous systems in the first place.

Companies will have to determine where they are comfortable allowing AI to operate independently, where monitoring is sufficient and where the consequences of a decision justify direct human involvement.

That balance will probably look different across every organization and even across workflows within the same company. A routine decision with clear rules and limited consequences may require very little intervention, while a decision affecting a customer relationship, a brand, significant spending or strategic direction deserves a different level of scrutiny.

There will also be situations where the system simply needs to recognize that something unusual has happened and bring a person back into the process. Determining those boundaries and designing the workflow around them may ultimately matter more than the individual model or agent a company chooses.

Adapt and adjust, as technology changes

The technology underneath all of this will continue to change quickly. Models that seem dramatically better than their competitors today may be overtaken within months, and capabilities that currently feel differentiated will become widely available. Companies cannot assume that access to a particular model will provide a lasting advantage, especially as the gap between competing technologies continues to narrow.

What will be much harder to replicate is the thinking that surrounds the technology: an organization's understanding of its customers and operations, the way its workflows have been designed, the context it gives its AI systems and the judgment it applies to the decisions that matter most. Those things are specific to the business, and they become more valuable as the underlying technology becomes more widely accessible.

Greater AI autonomy therefore does not lead to a future with less need for human intelligence. It creates a greater need for people who can look across the entire system and understand what the technology is being asked to accomplish, whether the pieces are working together and whether the outcome actually makes sense for the business.

We are going to get very good at building AI that can do things on our behalf. The harder challenge will be making sure all of those things add up to something worth doing.

We've featured the best AI chatbot for business.

This article was produced as part of TechRadar Pro Perspectives, our channel to feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today.

The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/pro/perspectives-how-to-submit



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As an experienced deals hunter, I was fully under...

As an experienced deals hunter, I was fully under the impression that, following the recent Amazon Prime Big Deal Days event, we wouldn’t be seeing any particularly noteworthy discounts on coffee machines until Black Friday.

Having recently checked Amazon’s listing, however, it seems I’m very much in the wrong. I like to think that doesn’t happen often, of course, and on this occasion I’m more than happy to be told otherwise.

Yes, I’ve found some superb discounts on some of my favourite espresso machines that either match their Prime Day price, or actually beat it. The Nespresso Vertuo Creatista at AU$697 is a couple of dollars cheaper, while the Sunbeam Origins Sense at AU$475.15 is over AU$80 less than what I saw during Amazon’s recent sale.

It’s also pleasing to see the Philips LatteGo 4400 maintaining its discounted AU$799 price tag. It’s not the best I’ve seen, as it was eligible for an extra AU$175 coupon saving during Prime Day 2.0, but this AU$400 saving is still worth shouting about.

There are a few other coffee machines with big discounts right now, which you can view below. And as ever, make sure to view the full selection on Amazon for something that might be more to your liking. And while I’m on the subject of coffee machines, I have to remind you that Breville currently has a birthday sale live on its website, and TechRadar readers can save an extra 10% on already discounted models thanks to an exclusive coupon code.

Vertuo Creatista capsule coffee machine: was $1099 now $697
We rate the Vertuo Creatista as the best Nespresso machine out there thanks to its use of the Vertuo pods, which come in a range of cup and mug sizes and an integrated milk frother. It performs exceptionally well, too, and will brew your morning cuppa in no time at all.View Deal

Origins Sense Espresso Machine: was $799 now $475.15
This attractive bean-to-cup espresso machine from Aussie brand Sunbeam brews a fine espresso. For me, however, its headline feature is a thermometer built into the steam wand and four temp settings for various dairy milk alternatives, so you can get perfectly texturised milk with ease. It also sports a built-in conical burr grinder for precision grinding, and it has easy, one-button cleaning.View Deal

Origins Dual Espresso Machine: was $999 now $575.45
I’ve not used this exact Sunbeam model, but if it’s anything like the Sense above, you’re in for a treat. The main feature of this model is a dual-boiler system, meaning you can pour an espresso and steam milk at the same time, saving you valuable time in the morning.View Deal

Rivelia (EXAM44057W): was $1599 now $1099
Now available for AU$180 less than Prime Day, this is a great price for an excellent, compact bean-to-cup coffee machine. It scored a full five stars in our De’Longhi Rivelia review, due to it being able to consistently serve up a delicious coffee. There's plenty of customisation on offer, so you can tweak the various preset recipes and it uses the brand's LatteCrema technology for expertly frothed milk — it includes carafes to create hot and cold milk foam.

Also available in black for the same price.View Deal

Vertuo Pop+ w/ Aeroccino. 3: was $349 now $189
The Nespresso machine is a slightly larger version of the highly popular Vertuo Pop. The main difference is a larger 1.1L water tank (compared to 600ml with the Pop) and the water tank can be moved to help you better accommodate the machine in your kitchen. Elsewhere, it uses the extensive Vertuo capsule range, with five different coffee sizes.View Deal

4400 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine: was $1199 now $799
As mentioned earlier, this machine did go lower in price during Prime Day, but it’s pleasing to see it’s maintained a sub-AU$800 price tag in the week since. I consider it to be an excellent bean-to-cup espresso machine, as it can make 12 coffee-based drinks, all of which are served perfectly time after time. Plus, it's a great option for smaller households due to it having 2 customisable profiles. However, I have to admit that I wasn't too fond of its milk foaming skills in my LatteGo 4400 Series review.View Deal



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Southampton vs Portsmouth: Sunday, October 11 Kic...

  • Southampton vs Portsmouth: Sunday, October 11
  • Kick-Off: 12pm BST / 7am ET / 10pm AEDT
  • Watch for FREE: ITVX (UK) / CBS Sports Golazo Network (US)
  • Abroad? Use NordVPN to unblock your free stream

The Southampton vs Portsmouth live stream is the standout fixture this weekend in the EFL Championship as the arch-rivals meet for the first time this season, at St Mary's. Adding some extra spice is the fact that Saints manager Tonda Eckert will be on the sidelines after being given a suspended ban for his role in last season's Spygate scandal.

After months of uncertainty, the FA ruled that Eckert can remain as Southampton manager and suspended a six-week ban from football activity until the end of next season. The 33-year-old German will hope to celebrate that decision with a victory in the South Coast derby. The Saints have started the season well, losing just two of eight league games but sit 13th because of the four-point deduction for the unauthorized filming of opposition training sessions last season. Particularly strong at home, winning four from four and scoring 15 goals in the process, they will look to summer signing Cyle Larin to continue his deadly form.

Though 19th in the Championship with just two wins from seven matches, Portsmouth have drawn their last two games and were unfortunate not to beat Blackburn last time out. Manager John Mousinho was unhappy with his defense in that game and will be hoping for a sharper performance from his backline. He’ll also look to fit-again striker Marko Milovanovic, with the 23-year-old the only Pompey player to score more than one league goal this season, while Adrian Segečić remains the creative hub.

Mostly, expect lots of binoculars in the away end.

Read on to find out how to watch the Southampton vs Portsmouth live stream from anywhere in the world.

Can I watch Southampton vs Portsmouth for FREE?

For fans in the UK, Southampton vs Portsmouth is being broadcast for free on ITV1 and ITVX.

Just sign up for a free ITVX account to stream the match on your mobile, desktop or via the ITV app.

Alternatively, those in the US can stream at no cost on CBS Sports Golazo Network who offer select free games that Paramount+ show. No account or sign-up is required.

We recommend NordVPN to unblock your geo-restricted stream if you're usually based in the UK or US but are away this weekend.

How to watch Southampton vs Portsmouth from anywhere

A VPN is handy piece of software that can make your device appear as if it's back in your home country, so you can unlock your usual service. The best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and comes with a 75% discount and and extra three months for free...

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Get NordVPN and live stream Southampton vs Portsmouth from anywhere.View Deal

How to watch Southampton vs Portsmouth live streams in the USA

US flag banner

CBS's streaming service Paramount Plus is the place to catch Southampton vs Portsmouth.

Paramount+ subscriptions start at $8.99/month, rising to $13.99 to remove ads. You can also get a Paramount+ trial with Walmart+ for $1 with this sneaky trick we found.

As alluded to before, you can also watch for free via CBS Sports Golazo Network should you not have a Paramount+ subscription.

We recommend NordVPN if you're outside the country for the vital clash.

How to watch Southampton vs Portsmouth live streams in the UK

flag of the uk

The EFL Championship game between Southampton vs Portsmouth will be shown on ITV and Sky Sports in the UK.

Sky Sports packages start from £20 per month. Or you can use a more flexible streaming option, Now (formerly Now TV). Now Sports memberships start at £14.99 for a day pass or £34.99 monthly if you are looking to catch all of the games.

Alternatively, you can watch the game for free on ITV1 and ITVX, as outlined above.

Not in the UK? Use NordVPN to access your usual EFL Championship streams.

How to watch Southampton vs Portsmouth live streams in Canada

canada

In Canada, DAZN has the rights to broadcast the Southampton vs Portsmouth live stream.

DAZN plans start at CA$24.99/month and you can also watch the Champions League, Europa League, Carabao Cup and the Bundesliga.

Traveling outside the Great White North? Make sure to use a VPN so you don't miss out.

How to watch Southampton vs Portsmouth live streams in Australia

Australian flag

In Australia, Southampton vs Portsmouth will be shown on beIN Sports 3, which offers new users a 7-day FREE trial.

You can add beIN Sports to most TV packages, or sign up as a standalone subscription. It costs AU$16.99 month or AU$169.99 for a year, once that week-long trial ends.

Not in Australia at the moment? Then you'll need a VPN to watch all the big games as if you were back home. We recommend NordVPN.

What is the Southampton vs Portsmouth head-to-head record?

Southampton and Portsmouth have met on 73 previous occasions, with the Saints winning 35 to Pompey's 21. There have been 17 draws.

Last season was the first in 14 campaigns in which the bitter rivals were in the same division. Both matches finished level, a 1-1 draw at St Mary's, followed by a 0-0 at Fratton Park.

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.



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