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• Visit the Spigen store today

Apple's new iPhone SE is a top option if you want a phone you can keep for many years. It's a quality piece of hardware, Apple's long-term support is second to none. And if you buy an iPhone SE, you've probably already decided you are not going to be swayed by bigger screens begging to fill your pocket. 

It's a long-term partner, and that makes protecting your iPhone SE all the more important. 

Spigen's range of cases made just for the iPhone SE should be your first stop, and you can already get some of the brand's most-loved lines sized-up for the SE. 

Fan favorite: Spigen Tough Armor

(Image credit: Spigen)

The Tough Armor is the true fan favorite in Spigen's line-up. It provides serious military-grade protection without adding major bulk to the iPhone SE 2022. Given you buy one of these phones so it slips happily into any pocket, this is pretty important. 

The three-layer construction makes this possible. Spigen's Tough Armor uses a hard polycarbonate backplate, flexible TPU sides, and large but slim layers of shock absorbing material on the inside of the backplate. 

You get excellent drop and scratch protection, while the raised camera shield keeps the lens glass safe. A great little extra on the Spigen Tough Armor is the flip-out stand on the back. It's perfect for letting you read a recipe while cooking, without having to pick up with the phone with food-caked hands. 

• Buy the Tough Armor case today

Boosted clarity: Spigen Ultra Hybrid

(Image credit: Spigen)

The Spigen Tough Armor isn't for everyone, though. Check out the Spigen Ultra Hybrid if you'd rather have a case that lets an iPhone SE 2022 retain its signature look. 

Its backplate is transparent. And the bumpers can be clear, black or red: you choose. Pick the fully transparent model and the case seems "barely there", but the level of protection it provides is still present and correct. 

Much like the Tough Armor, the Ultra Hybrid's backplate is hard polycarbonate, while the sides are flexible TPU for top shock resistance and an easier fit. There's more going on in the corners too. Spigen carves out Air Cushion pockets, which soak up impact force for even better drop protection. 

• Buy the Ultra Hybrid case today

Cool style: Spigen Ultra Hybrid Frost

(Image credit: Spigen)

The Spigen Ultra Hybrid Frost is something a little newer and more exciting. 

It takes the core design principles of the standard Ultra Hybrid, including its tough polycarbonate rear, flexi TPU sides and Air Cushion tech, but puts a stylish spin on them. Spigen switches a transparent back for a matt, frosted one. 

This has a couple of neat effects. The matt finish scatters reflected light, letting you see your iPhone SE's Apple logo and color finish, but through a translucent lens. 

Its appearance is softened, and so is the polycarbonate back. The matt finish feels softer, which is worth a few tactility bonus points. 

A new spin on an old favorite, this might be a popular pick for the iPhone SE and will be available in the next couple of days.  

A different approach: Spigen Liquid Air

(Image credit: Spigen)

What do all the cases discussed here so far have in common? They all use a hard back and softer sides. The Spigen Liquid Air bucks the trend. 

This is a pure thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) case, making the entire thing flexible. TPU also allows for the Truss pattern etched into the back, which gives the Liquid Air a distinctive appearance and extra grip. 

Why pick the Liquid Air? It's an exceptionally slim case, which should appeal if the iPhone SE 2022's petite dimensions were the number one draw in the first place. 

And while its one-piece design may sound simple, this is a carefully designed case. Air Cushions in the corners supply great drop resistance, not typically seen in a "barely there" flexible case.

• Buy the Liquid Air case today

Added power and protection

(Image credit: Spigen)

Cases make up just one part of the Spigen line-up. For complete iPhone SE 2022 protection we also recommend a screen protector. 

Fitting one of these can be a fiddly job but Spigen's AlignMaster makes it easy. An alignment frame is included in the box, so even first-timers will get it right without any fuss. The screen protector itself is ultra-hard scratch-resistant 9H tempered glass and has a fingerprint-busting oleophobic coating. 

Then there's the Spigen's ArcStation charger. It's a punchy 27W adapter that recharges your iPhone SE at full speed, and will do the same job for any other gadgets that use the USB PD standard. 

Its Intelligent Safety smarts provide overcharging protection, to keep your battery healthy for longer. And, the best bit, the ArcStation Pro is trim — a full 48% smaller than Apple's own 20W charger. 

Prefer to go wireless? The 15W Spigen ArcField pad will charge your iPhone at 7.5W, and supports AirPods with wireless charging too. Its non-slip rubbery surface helps avoid accidents, and it will work with all the Spigen cases mentioned earlier.

Get fully tooled-up

(Image credit: Spigen)

Why stop at the iPhone SE? Spigen also makes neat accessories for Apple tablets, watches and earphones. 

A Spigen Thin Fit for Apple Watch protects your smartwatch's outer casing while adding virtual no extra weight or bulk. 

The Spigen Tough Armor case for the AirPods 3 does the same job for your earphones, and if you are game for a visual punch the Metallic Gold version looks like something Iron Man would keep in his back pocket. 

Own an iPad? Several of Spigen's top case lines are available for Apple tablets too. The Touch Armor Pro's kickstand comes into its own when matched with a tablet, and you even get a slot to store your Apple Pencil. 

These are just a few picks from the expansive wider Spigen range. Explore the full line-up at the official Spigen UK Store. 

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With the launch of the iPhone SE (2022), Apple secretly bumped off the new mid-range iPhone's popular predecessor, the iPhone SE (2020), relegating it to the records of history... almost.

As can be seen on Apple's website, clicking on 'iPhone SE' no longer leads you to the 2020 model, but to iPhone SE (2022) pre-orders - in fact, the phone has been completely dropped from the fruit brand's online store. 

The only hint it ever existed is in accessory listings, where 'iPhone SE (2nd generation)' is listed in the Compatibility section for certain products.

That's not exactly a surprise, as Apple is prone to canning older iPhones when new ones are announced, though we'd argue that the older iPhone SE should have been kept around as a 4G counterpart to the new 5G model, since connectivity is one of the only changes between them.

However, if you were keen to buy the iPhone SE (2020) and haven't been tempted by the newer model, there are actually ways to still buy it.

How to buy the iPhone SE (2020)

Although Apple no longer stocks the two-year-old iPhone SE, and likely also switched its factories over to making the new one, it's still certainly easy to buy the handset from retailers.

That's because third-party shops still have their inventory of iPhone SE (2020) models to sell off, and depending on how big their stocks are, we could see the handset remain readily available for months to come.

Even once new handsets have been sold off, there will likely be a burgeoning second-hand market for the devices, which is something we've seen for other iPhones in the past. 'Renewed' or 'refreshed' iPhones remain popular, especially from retailers with great services that ensure your second-hand handset feels like a new one.

So don't worry - you haven't missed your chance to buy an iPhone SE (2020). In fact, you can see all the best prices on them right here:

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If you're running a Linux distro on your computer or use an Android smartphone, you should install the latest updates immediately as a severe security vulnerability has been found and patched in the Linux kernel.

The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2022-0847 and dubbed “Dirty Pipe”, was discovered by a software developer named Max Kellerman at the web hosting company IONOS earlier this year. 

According to a detailed blog post published by Kellerman, he first became aware of the vulnerability present in the Linux kernel since 5.8 after receiving customer complaints about corrupted files. After the same problem occurred multiple times after the first report, Kellerman was able to recognize a pattern and discover that the cause of the error was in the Linux kernel itself.

Following his discovery, Kellerman informed the Linux kernel team the same day and it quickly provided a patch for the issue. A security update has now been rolled out to all affected Linux versions and Google has also updated the Android operating system which is based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open source software.

Dirty Pipe vulnerability

If left unpatched on vulnerable systems, Dirty Pipe can be exploited by an attacker to gain complete control over affected computers and smartphones. With this access, they would be able to read users' private messages, compromise banking apps and more.

Generally speaking, Linux allows precise permissions for reading, writing or executing files to be defined for each file. However, an error in the way memory is managed for communication between different processes (by means of so-called pipes) made it possible for an attacker to bypass these protection mechanisms.

Read More

> This Linux backdoor went undetected for 10 years

> Multiple vulnerabilities put 40 million Ubuntu users at risk

> Linux devs fix nasty vulnerability dating back half a decade

The Dirty Pipe vulnerability affects all Linux systems from kernel version 5.8 on as well as Android devices running untrusted apps. While untrusted apps are usually isolated from the operating system as much as possible, the flaw could still be reproduced according to a recent email from IONOS.

Although the problem was quickly fixed by making a small adjustment to the source code of the Linux kernel, IONOS waited until patches for Dirty Pipe were widely rolled out before publishing additional details on the vulnerability.

• We've also highlighted the best endpoint protection software and the best firewall

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What will Tim Cook be unveiling today from Apple Campus? (Image credit: Apple)

Good morning! It's a bright and breezy day in the world of tech, and another tentpole moment in 2022 is approaching quickly: it's Apple's Peek Performance March event.

There's something comforting in seeing the big events begin again, and Apple launching new iPads, iPhones and MacBooks in March is becoming a familiar thing - while this year we've not got an in-person event, the rumor mill has been in overdrive of late with what we're expecting to see.

But before we get to what's coming, let's get some housekeeping out of the way - the  Apple March event time is 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm GMT / 2am ACT (sorry, Aussie readers. We promise to catch you up in the morning...) and here's how to watch the Apple March Event in one easy place.

Right, so that's how you can watch it sorted, but what about the actual content itself?

Well, we're expecting to see the iPhone SE 3 / iPhone SE 2022 (as it will very likely be called, given 2020's iteration wasn't called the iPhone SE 2) - and rumor has it that the cost won't be too much higher.

There's been confliciting information from the world of leakers over the iPad(s) we'll be seeing this year - 'tradition' dictates that we'll be seeing a new iPad Pro 2022, and likely in two sizes... but the iPad Air 5 also looks quite likely, and wouldn't be the biggest shock.

The rumors are swirling strongly around a new M2 chipset, and that means new entrants into the Mac line - whether that's a new MacBook (mostly likely a Pro) or a new iMac is unsure - but in the last week, leaks have pointed to a new M1 Pro- or M2-powered Mac Mini too.

There's also talk of 'One More Thing'... but that's sadly unlikely to be the Apple Glasses that some people have been tipping, and more likely to be a mid-range monitor that improves on the Pro Display XDR.

Anyway, join us throughout the day, as we dissect the strongest rumors, speak to our experts on what they expect / want to see and see behind the scenes as TechRadar prepares for the latest in a long, long line of Apple event coverage.

The iPhone SE 2020 - basically an iPhone 8 with a faster brain. (Image credit: TechRadar)

Hello! Welcome to today's live blog, and you've got Gareth (and friends) with you today, taking us through the big events likely to be coming in the world of Apple - I'm probably most intrigued by the new iPhone SE we've got on the cards. 

While the design from the first iteration in 2016 to 2020's model saw a fairly large change, we're not expecting the same to happen this time around, as Apple sticks with what it knows for cheaper phones.

But what will come inside? More power and a better camera is a cert - and will that ageing screen, first seen on the iPhone 8, get a bit of a refresh?

(Image credit: Future)

One of the most interesting things for me about the iPhone SE 3 is the cost - we’re hearing that it will come in for just $300 (or more likely $299) which would be rather cheap, seeing as the previous two models have retailed for $399.

Considering the cost of living increases that many are going through right now, a cheaper iPhone SE would be a very well-received thing - but would heavily suggest that the technology inside, especially the screen and camera, aren’t getting much of an upgrade as Apple seeks to save costs in production. 

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The Google Pixel 6a has been leaking for a while, but now we have a clearer indication of how much power this upcoming phone might have, as it's been spotted on a benchmarking site.

MySmartPrice has spotted the phone on Geekbench, and its presence there not only gives us a sneak peek into the phone’s specs but tells us that the Pixel 6a might launch soon.

The Geekbench 5 listing suggests that the affordable Pixel 6a will indeed come with Google’s Tensor chipset – the same chipset that powers the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. It's shown here as being clocked at the same speeds too, and paired with the Mali-G78 GPU, just like the rest of the range.

(Image credit: Geekbench)

Where the Google Pixel 6a looks to differ is in its RAM, which is listed here as being 6GB, while the Pixel 6 comes with 8GB and the Pixel 6 Pro has 12GB. That said, we've previously heard rumors of an 8GB Pixel 6a model too.

The benchmark listing also mentions Android 12 unsurprisingly, and reveals that the phone has scored 1,050 points in the single-core test and 2,833 in the multi-core test.

For reference, in our reviews we achieved a score of 2,837 from the Pixel 6 and 2,895 from the Pixel 6 Pro in multi-core tests, so the Pixel 6a could be similarly powerful.

Going by previous reports, both the Google Pixel 6a and the Pixel Watch were slated to launch in May, however, a recent report suggests that Google might postpone the Pixel 6a announcement to July. This is reportedly being done because of the ongoing global chipset shortage.

---

Analysis: worth the wait for a wider rollout 

The Pixel 6a wouldn't be the first Google phone affected by the global chipset shortage, as the Pixel 5a only landed in the US and Japan, presumably at least in part due to a shortage of components.

Yet with its mid-range price and competent specs, plus the promise of numerous and speedy Android updates, the Pixel 5a was a phone with global appeal, and we expect the Pixel 6a will be as well.

So with any luck Google will be able to launch the Pixel 6a in more regions, and if it takes a delay to achieve that then so be it.

• Check out the best smartphones you can buy

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If you've been hanging out to sign up for a new Telstra NBN plan, or upgrade to one of the telco's choice mobile plans, now's your chance to score a full free year of Disney Plus along with it (valued at AU$119.99 annually, or AU$11.99 monthly). 

This means you can net yourself blazing fast download speeds, or top-notch 5G coverage, so you can binge The Book of Boba Fett or stream all the latest Marvel movies to your heart's content.

If this deal sounds like a treat, you'll need to get a move on as the offer expires on March 28. If you sign up before this date, you'll have until May 31 to redeem the offer.

• Best Disney Plus shows: the best TV series you can stream right now
• Best Disney Plus movies: the greatest films on Disney's streaming service

Telstra mobile plans | from AU$65p/m

For the most affordable entry into this promotion via a mobile plan, go with Telstra's Medium plan. It gets you an awesome 80GB of data for just AU$65p/m, but the Large (AU$85) and Extra Large (AU$115) plans are also eligible. You'll have access to the telco's powerful 5G network and won't be locked into anything, with the month-to-month contract allowing you to leave or upgrade whenever you want.

Telstra NBN plans | from AU$95p/m

For those looking for some of the fastest NBN speeds on offer, the Disney Plus bonus is available on all of Telstra's broadband plans over (and including) NBN 50. Prices start at AU$95 monthly for NBN 50, with NBN 100, 250 and 1000 costing AU$110, AU$140 and AU$180 a month respectively. All plans also get a 3-month subscription to Binge's Standard plan for free and have no connection fee. 

To be eligible for the offer, you'll need to be a new customer of the AU$65, AU$85 or AU$115 mobile plan, the AU$55 or AU$85 data plan, or the telco’s NBN 50, NBN 100, NBN 250 or NBN 1000 broadband plans.

To actually redeem the Disney Plus offer, you’ll also need to be a new or returning subscriber, so if you have an active monthly subscription you’ll need to cancel it (and wait for your paid-for service period to have ended) in order to redeem the offer as a returning customer. 

Those with annual subscriptions that won’t expire before May 31 are therefore likely out of luck, unfortunately... Although in theory you may be able to use the offer to sign up for a separate new Disney Plus account.

If eligible, Telstra will send you an email or SMS with a link to redeem the offer. You’ll need to sign in to the Telstra Offers Hub page using your Telstra ID, and from there you’ll be able to click ‘redeem’. Once your free year of Disney Plus is up, you'll automatically roll into the monthly subscription tier (costing AU$11.99p/m) unless you cancel.

• Best Telstra mobile plans
• Best Telstra NBN plans

Eligible Telstra mobile plans

Eligible Telstra NBN plans

Eligible Telstra data-only plans

• Are Marvel's TV shows on Disney Plus worth the hype?

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What will Apple do on March 8? Even though this launch is almost upon us, we're always asking that question, sometimes literally moments after it's finished a product unveiling and we're all eagerly anticipating the next thing. When the iPhone 13 launched in September last year, there were stories that afternoon about what the iPhone 14 might look like.

Put another way, speculation runs rampant regardless of if it's before, during, or after an Apple product launch. I may be projecting a bit here, but this time, March 8, feels different, bigger, more momentous.

It could be the number of product categories – both existing and potentially new ones. It might also be that this is the first major Apple launch since the "end of the pandemic." I know, the pandemic isn't over, but there's been a significant shift in its progress and our approach: offices, highways, and commuter lines are full again. Masks are disappearing inside offices. We're making a leap to normalcy. What new Apple products do we want or need in this new world?

Maybe you're reading this and not feeling it. All I can say is that I've seen many Apple product events, most in person, some online. Many of them occurred in the first half of the year. We've seen Macbook Airs, iPads, iPod Shuffles. But there's a density to the potential number of product launches this time that portends a launch event of an extraordinary scale:

• iPhone SE
• MacBook Air
• Mac Mini
• M2
• AirPods Pro 2
• Suprise: Apple AR Glasses

Obviously, all this is based on educated rumors and speculation and Apple might launch just a couple of products, and we'll walk away wondering, 'What was all the fuss about?' I doubt it because Apple is not just a market mover, it's a market listener.

Apple CEO Tim Cook may not be the showman his predecessor, the late Steve Jobs, was but he knows consumers, and he can read a national and international mood as well as he can read a room. The market is primed for something more from Apple.

It's time

It's been seven years since Apple tackled a completely new product category with its Apple Watch, a product that dominates smartwatch shipments and the traditional watch market. It's a reminder that Apple has no trouble winning a market once it enters it. Unfortunately, Apple's new market expansion can only be measured at a glacial pace.

Apple fans feed off morsels of new category rumors parsed out over years. However, something's shifted in recent months, and in the weeks leading up to what might normally be considered a relatively sleepy March / Spring event; people are starting to envision something big.

Once again, we're talking about Apple Cars, Apple augmented, virtual, and mixed reality headgear, even a possible Apple smart TV (okay, the last one might just be me). 

The need for a fresh start in our lives, I think, has bled over into product anticipation. All eyes are turning to Apple to kick off the product year in a way that, perhaps, CES, Samsung, and Mobile World Congress have not.

Apple's role has never been one of a simple consumer electronics company. It's an icon for some, a target of derision for others. Good luck finding someone who doesn't have an opinion about Apple. It drives passion because people expect it to deliver products that elicit a passionate response.

Tim Cook's job

Cook, when he takes the stage on March 8 at 10 AM PST, may not acknowledge the millions of eyeballs trained on him through video, but he'll know they're there, watching with heart-racing anticipation.

He'll have some business to get through and, knowing Cook, he may well start with Ukraine, because the reality of that International calamity threatens to eclipse interest and activity around the world. However, Apple is an optimistic company and will quickly turn to the good news in a global turnaround and how Apple and its customers are returning to normal.

His next words will be about how Apple meets our new normal with a new set of tech wizardry. This cannot be a run-of-the-mill collection of middling updates.

We need new products, new technologies, eye-popping colors that remind us we're alive, and more. It is the perfect time for Apple to set a new course with one (maybe two) new product categories that remind us that Apple is not just a peddler of sexy gadgets and ever-expanding (and lucrative) services. It's an innovator.

We're ready, Apple, for you to lead us into the next quarter of this 21st century. Don't let us down.

• 5 things we expect to see at the March Apple event – and 5 we don’t
• Apple March Event live blog: our analysis keeps rolling in
• Apple’s March Event is official – here’s what to expect, including iPhone SE 3

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From the rumors and leaks that have appeared online so far, it seems as though the Google Pixel 6a and the Google Pixel Watch are launching soon – though perhaps not as soon as we originally thought.

Both devices had previously been tipped to make an official appearance in May, but now well-known tipster Jon Prosser has said that the Pixel 6a could be delayed until late July, while the Pixel Watch might also get pushed back.

One of the reasons is the global chip shortage that continues to affect just about every company in the electronics industry at the moment. There are some signs that it's easing, but it continues to have an impact on gadget launch schedules.

as i mentioned in today’s show: i am hearing that google has delayed the pixel 6a until late july. (chip shortage) pixel watch is still may 26th, but the source believes it could soon be pushed as well.https://t.co/iqoh9RlCzkMarch 4, 2022

See more

May-be, May-be not

A launch date of May 26 has been rumored for the Pixel Watch since back in January – leaked by none other than Jon Prosser himself, in fact – but as we've seen in the past, these provisional dates can often get pushed back as situations change.

More recently, sightings of the Pixel 6a and the Pixel Watch in a US carrier inventory system hinted that a launch could be imminent, with some sources pointing to May. That's when Google hosts its annual Google IO developer conference, which would be a suitable occasion to announce new hardware.

Now it would seem that launch window is in serious doubt, though Prosser says the Pixel Watch is still slated for May 26 for the time being. There's no guarantee they'll launch together, of course, and Google may decide to stagger the announcements.

---

Analysis: checking the timetable

Google unveiled the Pixel 6 and the Pixel 6 Pro in October 2021, so it makes sense for the Pixel 6a to show up around May time, irrespective of Google IO – that would leave plenty of breathing space before the expected arrival of the Pixel 7 phones later on in 2022.

The Pixel Watch timetable is less easy to predict, because Google has never launched a smartwatch before. It's certainly fair to say that we've been expecting the wearable for several years at this point, so it would be no surprise to see it appear any day now.

Something Google might do (and something which it has done in the past) is announce these devices several months before they actually go on sale... so they could get their launch in May, but then they won't be available in July or whenever.

As far as consumers are concerned, that's quite a frustrating approach, and it means the hype around these devices may have died down by the time people can buy them. We'd say it's more likely that the launch dates and the release dates will be close together.

• Pixel 7 chipset and codenames may have been revealed by Android 13

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"There is… one more thing." When the late Apple CEO Steve Jobs used to coolly deliver those words on stage at Apple's launch events, you'd know something special was about to happen. 

After Jobs' passing in 2011, Tim Cook took over the hosting duties, and has supplied his fair share of 'One More Thing' moments, including the Apple Watch in 2014, Apple Music in 2015 and iPhone X in 2017.

But since that iPhone X moment five years ago we've been waiting patiently for another industry-defining 'One More Thing' from the Cupertino-based brand. Could the Apple March Event supply the next one? Perhaps – but it's unlikely to be the 'Thing' I really want. 

Glasses schmassess

My colleague Lance Ulanoff has already delved into the 'Peek Performance' invite and teaser video to analyze what may be in store for us at the Apple March event, and it's something that's been rumored for a while.

We may be about to get our long-awaited first look at Apple Glasses, a set of augmented reality (AR) specs that could see Apple building significantly on what Google Glass gave us several years ago. 

It's a reasonable assumption, as in recent years Apple has gone big with on-stage AR demos, especially involving the iPhone and iPad –  but I continue to struggle to see how or where the technology is going to appeal to the general public, other than as an occasional gimmick (like Snapchat filters), or as a niche tool – for example to measure the depth of snowfall so that you can show off to friends and colleagues overseas.

There are certainly more practical use cases for business and industry, but these don't excite me – and AR as a whole still doesn't excite me at a raw, 'holy cow this is cool', level. So I'm struggling to get excited about the long-rumored Apple Glasses.

It's time for Apple to show its hand in the world of electric vehicles

What Apple really needs to do is rock an established industry. Turn it on its head, make people sit up and think ‘how is that even possible?’ And I believe it can do that in a different space entirely. It's time for Apple to show its hand in the world of electric vehicles (EVs).

Driving it home

Apple never likes to rush into a new technology field; it prefers to watch from the sidelines and see what others are doing in a space, and then sweep in with its own seamlessly slick solution which, more often than not, wins the hearts of millions.

Rumors of an Apple Car have been circulating for almost as long as rumors about Apple Glasses, and an EV from the company has the potential to blow the bloody doors off any previous 'One More Thing' moment. 

Tesla has been making EVs for 10 years now, and every major automotive manufacturer in the world is working on electrification, with many aiming to go fully electric with new vehicles within the next 10-15 years.

While automotive technology does take longer to develop than mobile phones or PCs, 2022 would be a good time for Apple to stick its iron in the fire. 

(Image credit: Shutterstock / petovarga)

Electric vehicles are presenting automakers with an almost blank slate. They're no longer confined by the conventions dictated by internal combustion engines, and this is enabling them to re-imagine the whole idea of the car, from the design to the increasingly prominent technology.

The latest EVs are coming hyper-connected, with 5G, Wi-Fi 6 and the latest Bluetooth standards ensuring they're always online. They can speak to our homes, to our phones, to other vehicles and, in the near future, will even be able to communicate with the infrastructure around them, such as traffic lights and weather stations.

There's clear overlap between these features and Apple's strengths, and that's before we've even considered infotainment. Both the number of screens in electric cars, and the size of those screens, are growing rapidly, with touch displays, voice assistants and AI determining the best route, roads, drive modes and more for drivers.

There are obvious integration wins in the car for Apple, such as mounts for iPads and iPhones to enable front passenger and rear-seat occupants to enjoy content, while also being able to connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot provided by the vehicle.

Why stop there?

But why stop there? We have iOS, we have watchOS, we have iPadOS and even tvOS – now it's time for Apple to give us carOS. Sound foundations for this have already been laid with Apple Carplay, but there's so much more Apple could bring to the table.

As for what the rumored Apple Car actually looks like, or could offer, that's still anyone's guess. It'll almost certainly be an EV, but there are a number of leaks suggesting that it may also be a fully autonomous vehicle, after Apple purchased an autonomous vehicle startup and hired a 'Radar Test Engineer'.

Meanwhile, various auto-related patents filed by Apple have been spotted, including one that would see a car window alter its opacity, and another suggesting that passengers may be able to wear VR headsets to view the outside world. It’s all a little bit bizarre.

The arrival of an Apple Car would be exciting, relevant and timely, and would be the perfect convergence of Apple's superb existing technology with a market that's on the cusp of major transformation.  

If the Apple Car is the company's 'One More Thing' this year, it'll be the biggest Thing Apple has announced in years.

• Sony has a partner to build its PlayStation-toting EVs

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The amount of times I make phone calls these days has decreased massively over the years - sending a message means you can still chat with friends and family but at a pace that’s more convenient. 

I also find I now only make calls when I’m doing something else to maximize my time - whether that’s sorting the washing while I’m on hold to a company, or because both myself and my partner are chatting to our families. But you might be surprised to learn that I make these calls on my Amazon Echo, and other Alexa smart speakers and smart displays in my home.

It’s a better experience than using my smartphone on hands-free mode (something I started doing to reduce arm ache as well as ensure that both myself and my other half could hear the conversation). Even better than that,  it’s free of charge and doesn’t come out of my monthly calling allowance either. 

Hands-free calling that doesn’t cost a penny

Alexa Calling, which is the name given to the feature on Amazon Echos that lets you make calls - isn’t new. It was first introduced in 2017 in the US and made its way to the UK a couple of months later but many Echo owners don’t even know it exists.

Initially it wasn’t really a viable option for me as I spent most of my waking hours away from home, and my Amazon Echo. 

Then the pandemic hit, and like everyone else I was confined to the house, and my Amazon Echo speaker was closer than ever before. While my friends and brother were happy to engage in the ‘zoom boom’ when it came to staying in touch, my parents weren’t quite as comfortable video calling, and preferred traditional telephone calls. 

However, having got used to making far fewer phone calls over the years, it wasn’t long before my arm started to ache holding my, quite frankly hefty, iPhone 11 Pro Max for 30 minutes to an hour at a time. This also meant when I came off the phone, I had to repeat most of the conversation so my other half was up to speed with what had been discussed. 

We’ve found it’s far more efficient for us both to talk to the family together, something we started doing during the global pandemic and have carried on as life begins to revert back to normal. 

I tried using my smartphone on speaker, to ensure my other half could take part in the conversations too, but it meant balancing my handset precariously on the edge of the sofa, so we could both hear the conversation, and our recipients were able to hear us clearly too. However, as soon as one of us shifted position, the phone slipped down the crack between the sofa cushions, and the callers were left listening to our muffled voices panicking as we shoved our hands between the stiff cushioning.  

All of these phone calls also meant my calling plan allowance took quite a beating. Prior to the pandemic I’d been someone that always prioritized mobile data over calling minutes  - a move, which I was beginning to regret. That’s when I realised the answer was right in front of me - my Amazon Echo. 

(Image credit: Amazon)

How to use Alexa Calling

The Alexa Calling feature is available on any Amazon Echo smart speaker and Amazon Echo Show smart display. Although, you’ll need to give Alexa permission to access your contacts from your smartphone before you can use Alexa Calling. 

To this, open the Alexa smartphone app and tap on the Communicate icon in the lower-left corner of the screen. You’ll then be asked to verify your mobile phone number and grant permission for Alexa to make calls on your behalf. You’ll also be given the opportunity to  import contacts from your smartphone - you can either select the ones you want, or import then all in one go. 

Once you’ve done this, you can then make a call to any mobile or landline number, simply by using the command “Alexa call….” followed by the name of the contact you want to call or the telephone number, to your Amazon Echo. 

The calls are made using your Amazon Echo’s internet connection, which means your calling allowances won’t be affected and for those on pay as you go tariffs, you won’t be charged for these calls. 

However, there are some limitations, Alexa Calling won’t work if you want to call emergency or premium-rate numbers, and you can only call numbers in the US, UK, Canada and Mexico (these are the territories the feature is currently available).

If you’re still struggling with Alexa Calling, follow our in–depth guide on How to use Alexa to make phone calls on an Amazon Echo

In my lounge, my Amazon Echo (2020) is positioned on a coffee table directly in front of the sofa myself and my partner sit on when relaxing. This meant that we were both able to clearly hear what was being said during conversations with friends and family. Likewise, the far field microphones were able to clearly pick up both our voices so the recipients on our calls were able to understand us both easily too. 

This hands-free calling method ensured we were more comfortable, and put an end to any arm ache I endured during audio calls. The fact there were no charges for the calls was an added bonus too. 

In fact, Alexa Calling has proved so successful that as things are starting to get back to normal, I still use it as my go-to calling method, particularly if I know it's going to be a long conversation, or one that warrants both myself and my other half on the call. 

The best Amazon Echo devices for Alexa Calling

There’s a wide array of Amazon Echo smart speakers on the market, which may leave you wondering which is best if you plan to use Alexa Calling to make phone calls rather than your smartphone. Here’s our pick of the three best Echo devices. 

(Image credit: Amazon)

1. Amazon Echo (2020)

The best Amazon Echo for Alexa Calling

Good balance between price and sound

Responsive at picking up our voice

Relatively compact

Sound quality isn't as high-end as we'd like

Futuristic look may not be everyone's taste

In our eyes, the best smart speaker for Alexa Calling is the Amazon Echo (4th generation). It strikes the right balance between price and sound quality - the Echo Dot just can't complete here when it comes to hearing your caller clearly across large rooms. 

On test, it was responsive at picking up our voice too, thanks to the six built-in microphones, and it's a relatively compact smart speaker, so won't dominate your room. 

However, the futuristic look may be a bit too out there for some homes, and if you're looking for a speaker that also doubles as a great way to listen to your favorite albums, this isn't going to suffice. 

Read our full review: Amazon Echo

(Image credit: Amazon)

2. Amazon Echo Studio

The best sounding Amazon Echo for Alexa Calling

Excellent sound quality

Pair two together for an affordable home cinema set up

Acts as a Zigbee hub

Bulky

3D Audio requires a subscription

If you want the best-sounding Amazon Echo for Alexa Calling, then you'll be hard pushed to do better than the Echo Studio. On test, we were seriously impressed by the sound quality, and the fact you can pair two together for stereo sound.

The Echo Studio also supports 3D music  - a directional sound format that makes it feel like you're listening to a live performance with different aspects of the track such as voices and instruments coming from different directions, although this does require a subscription. 

It's also the bulkiest Amazon Echo speaker on the market right now but it can act as a Zigbee hub making it great for smart home devices.  

Read our full review: Amazon Echo Studio

(Image credit: Amazon)

3. Amazon Echo Show 10

The best Amazon Echo smart display for Alexa Calling

Rotating screen follows you around the room

High-quality camera is great for detailed video calls

Can double as a Zigbee hub

Most expensive Amazon Echo on sale right now

Audio is bass-heavy

If you move around the room a lot during calls, then the Amazon Echo Show 10 is the best device for Alexa Calling. The screen rotates as you move so it's always within view. As the microphone is located in the screen, then it's always close enough to pick up your voice clearly during calls.

There's a built-in high-quality camera if you prefer video calling, and it can even act as a Zigbee hub so you control an array of compatible smart home devices, even if they're from different manufacturers.

However, it's the most expensive smart display Amazon offers, and the audio is bass-heavy, which means it may not offer the best experience when using it to listen to your favorite tracks.

Read our full review: Amazon Echo Show 10

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Thinking of buying a new laptop this weekend? That’s great! Laptops are brilliant, and we have plenty of buying guides such as the best laptops 2022, best gaming laptops and best laptops for students, which can help you find the ideal model for you.

However, I’m going to go against my usual advice and say don’t buy a laptop this weekend.

That’s it. Put your wallets and purses away, or your rune-filled pouches if you’re thoroughly immersed in Elden Ring, and hold tight, as this weekend may be a bad time to buy a new laptop.

Why? Well, we know on Tuesday, March 8, Apple will be holding a March Event, and alongside rumors of new iPhones and iPads, there’s a growing number of people who expect to see some new Macs and MacBooks at the event, including possibly the MacBook Air 2022.

If these rumors are true, then we could be days away from Apple revealing a follow-up to the best laptop you can buy right now.

(Image credit: Future)

The previous model, the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) absolutely blew us away when it launched. Thanks to the (then) new M1 chip designed by Apple, this was a laptop that offered brilliant performance, excellent battery life and a fanless thin and light design that made it completely silent when in use.

Add in a stunning screen, solid build quality and a price tag that was quite a bit cheaper than rival Windows laptops that offer a similar level or performance, and it’s little surprise that this is still the laptop we recommend you buy above all others, even one and a half years after its release. The fact that it has dropped in price and is now even better value means ordinarily I’d have no qualms with recommending it, even for people who usually hate Apple.

But don’t buy it this weekend. On Tuesday, there’s a real possibility that we could see a new and improved MacBook Air, with rumors suggesting it’ll be powered by a new M2 chip. This could bring vast performance improvements over the previous MacBook Air, and in the past Apple has released new models of its MacBooks at the same price the previous model sold for.

That means by waiting a few days, you may get a substantial upgrade for the same price. Of course, if Apple does release a new MacBook Air, I expect the price of the older model to then drop further. The existence of a new MacBook Air doesn’t suddenly make the older model obsolete. But it will lead to retailers dropping the price to clear stock for the newer model.

So, even if you’re set on the MacBook Air (M1, 2020), it’s still worth waiting a few days, as it could mean you save a bit of money on the laptop you were thinking about buying.

(Image credit: Folya / Shutterstock)

What about Apple haters?

But what about people who are avidly anti-Apple? I suggest you still wait until Tuesday and see what Apple shows. You never know, you may be impressed, and if you aren’t, then you’ve not lost anything.

I’ve been using Windows since 3.1, but the MacBook Air won me over with just how good it is, and the new one, whenever it arrives, could do the same with you. These days, most apps have macOS versions, so the switch to macOS from Windows is a lot easier.

Also, unlike Apple’s other products, like the Apple Watch and HomePod that annoyingly only work with other Apple products, Mac and MacBooks are thankfully less tied to Apple’s ecosystem. While you get some nice additional benefits from owning an iPhone or iPad alongside a MacBook, you can use it if you don’t have any other Apple devices.

As a first Apple laptop, then, the MacBook Air is a great choice, and any new model will likely be the same.

However, if you’re thinking of buying a gaming laptop this weekend – go ahead. It’s unlikely Apple will show anything even remotely resembling a gaming laptop at the event, and while the powerful new MacBook Pro 14-inch and MacBook Pro 16-inch can be configured with the M1 Max chip, which can offer enough GPU power to play modern games, gaming on Mac is still rather neglected.

But, for anyone else considering a new laptop, I really recommend you hold tight until after Tuesday. We may be about to see a follow-up to the best laptop money can buy right now.

• These are the best MacBooks and Macs of 2022

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