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Full spoilers follow for Agatha All Along 's two-episode premiere, WandaVision , and Doctor Strange 2 . Potentially big spoilers als...

Full spoilers follow for Agatha All Along's two-episode premiere, WandaVision, and Doctor Strange 2. Potentially big spoilers also follow for Teen's real identity.


Agatha All Along has made its spellbinding debut on Disney Plus – and, like many of you, I'm already caught up in its biggest mystery: who is Teen, the enigmatic character played by Joe Locke?

Shocking no one, Marvel doesn't give us a definitive answer at any point in the show's two-episode premiere. In fact, the comic giant goes to great lengths to ensuring that Teen's real name isn't disclosed in the episodes 'Seekest Thou The Road' or 'Circle Sewn With Fate, Unlock Thy Hidden Gate'. Clearly, there's more than meets the eye with the particular Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) character.

But, like any good detective, I've scoured Agatha All Along's first two episodes for clues to determine Teen's actual identity. I don't want to brag, but I think I've already worked out who he is, too. So, before you continue scrolling, this is your final warning: potentially huge spoilers follow for Marvel's latest TV show. If you haven't seen any episodes yet, read my Agatha All Along review first and then stream them. Once you've completed both tasks, you should be safe to proceed.

What is Teen's real name in Agatha All Along? Is it Billy Maximoff?

Teen sits in a chair at night with a lamp on next to him in Agatha All Along

I'm convinced that Joe Locke's Teen is Billy Maximoff in disguise (Image credit: Marvel Television/Disney Plus)

In the immediate aftermath of Agatha All Along's debut, the prevailing theory among Marvel fans – myself included – is that Teen's real name is William 'Billy' Maximoff. Yes, one of Wanda Maximoff/The Scarlet Witch's twin sons who first appeared in WandaVision.

There are plenty of signs to support this fan theory. For one, Teen wants to navigate the dangerous, sorcery-filled realm known as The Witches' Road. Individuals who successfully pass its numerous trials will be gifted a grand reward once they reach the end. With Wanda seemingly perishing in Doctor Strange 2's final act, what better reason would one of her sons have to successfully traverse The Witches' Road and rescue his mom from eternal damnation?

That isn't the only compelling piece of evidence that Teen is really Billy. Early on in episode 2 when he's conversing with Agatha Harkness, the latter asks him what his name is. Teen tries to tell her, but his mouth is covered by some of dark magic spell that prevents Agatha – and viewers – from hearing what he says, or even reading his lips to work out what words he's uttering.

Teen's mouth is censored by a black, cursive W or M in Agatha All Along

Interesting, very interesting... (Image credit: Marvel Television/Disney Plus)

While we can't decipher his name, there are two hints at Teen's real identity. The first is the cursive, black-inked letter that censors Teen's face as he replies to Agatha's query. Depending on how you read it, it looks like an upside down 'W' or a 'M', which – surprise surprise – are Wanda's initials. The other clue is more subtle but, if you pay very close attention to the movement of Locke's mouth and jaw as he responds to Agatha, it looks like it says 'Billy Maximoff'.

Then there's the fact that, in the comics, Billy is a supremely powerful being in his own right. You can read more about his comic book origins and history in our Billy and Tommy Maximoff explainer, which also goes into more detail about their creation and roles in WandaVision. In essence, though: Billy is, like his mom, a formidable magic wielder who adopts the superhero pseudonym Wiccan. His abilities are seemingly limitless and, at various points in Marvel comics, he's been part of superteams including The Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Young Avengers.

We already know that Teen is obsessed with the dark arts and witchcraft, and that he's a Familiar, i.e. someone who acts as a witch's companion on their travels. Evidently, then, he has the potential to become a sorcerer – all he needs is a push in the right direction to become Wiccan.

If Teen is Billy Maximoff, how did he survive the events of WandaVision?

Tommy, Billy, and Wanda dressed up for Halloween in WandaVision

Billy/Wiccan (center) was last seen as a child in 2021's WandaVision TV show (Image credit: Marvel Studios)

If Locke is playing an aged-up Billy, it poses one big question: how is he alive? After all, as we covered in our WandaVision episode 9 recap, Billy and his twin brother Tommy, died (read: disintegrated) after Wanda came to terms with the grief-laden events she experienced in Avengers: Infinity War

Essentially, Billy and Tommy were the fabricated offspring of Wanda and Vision – the latter also being a make-believe version of the deceased synthezoid that Wanda created following his death in one of the best Marvel movies. So, once Wanda made peace with original Vision's demise, she didn't need a manufactured family to keep her company, nor did she need to maintain her extremely powerful Hex spell that she accidentally covered the town of Westview with upon her arrival.

So, if Locke is playing an older Billy in Agatha All Along, we'll certainly need a thorough explanation about how he evaded certain death. Not only that, but we'll need answers to the following: how did Billy survive if Tommy didn't? Is it because of his powerful magical abilities or something else? If, at the end of The Witches' Road, he gains his own powers instead of being able to save Wanda from certain death on Mount Wundagore, can he use them to rescue her? And, if that's the case, will Agatha All Along finally set up Marvel's Young Avengers movie – one which may take inspiration from the 'Children's Crusade' comic book storyline – after years of rumors about its development?

Teen and Agatha stand on The Witches' Road as its bathed in a dirt yellow light in Agatha All Along

Teen could be Agatha's long-lost son, but I doubt that's the case (Image credit: Marvel Television/Disney Plus)

The other option, of course, is that Teen is Agatha's own son, who died/was given up for adoption/turned into Nicholas Scratch the rabbit (delete as applicable), and has been reincarnated or taken on human form for reasons unknown. There's little evidence to suggest this is the case, however, especially regarding the latter, with Agatha's pet rabbit (as seen in this article's main image) clearly still around in her standalone series.

Right now, then, all signs point towards Teen being Billy Maximoff. Hopefully, the Marvel Phase 5 series won't make us wait until its two-part finale to get a definitive answer.

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Yesterday we reported on an apparent Sonos soundbar leak that revealed the Sonos Arc Ultra and a fairly hefty price tag of $1,199. But it ...

Yesterday we reported on an apparent Sonos soundbar leak that revealed the Sonos Arc Ultra and a fairly hefty price tag of $1,199. But it seems that that particular detail may be incorrect and the price is lower – at least, we hope so, because two new claimed leaks shed more light on the Arc Ultra and another new Sonos speaker, the Sonos Sub 4.

The news comes via Arsène Lupin on X, who has posted images and pricing for both products. Lupin says that the Sonos Arc Ultra will be $999, and that the Sonos Sub 4 will be $799. They've also reposted some interesting details of the speakers' specifications.

Sonos Arc Ultra and Sonos Sub 4: rumoured specifications

Lupin posted a few weeks ago that Sonos has "begun preparations" for the two products' launches, and the shared images appear to be marketing photos. The speakers will be called the Sub 4 and the Arc Ultra, and the former will come in a choice of white or black with a matte finish and dual force-canceling woofers, as is the norm for Sonos subwoofers.

As per previous reports, the new Arc Ultra has "Sound Motion technology" which delivers "a balanced sound that surround you precisely from every direction". That's likely to be based on the HeartMotion technology Sonos acquired in 2022, enabling speakers to be made much smaller and more efficient without compromising on sound quality. That provides more flexibility with the number and/or layout of the drivers inside any speaker device, and it sounds like it's been used here to create a more immersive soundstage. It too will be available in white or black finishes.

The new posts look very similar to yesterday's leak, so it's unclear why the pricing is so different. It's possible that the previous web page leak was a marketing dummy that accidentally went public; it's possible it was a total fake (Sonos did not respond to our requests for comment). At $999, the Arc Ultra would be marginally more expensive than the current model, but at $1,199 it would be a major step up. Hopefully Lupin's price is the right one, and the Arc Ultra can take a place among our list of the best soundbars.

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A cybercriminal claims to have stolen 20 gigabytes of sensitive data from the French tech and consulting giant, Capgemini - but the company...

A cybercriminal claims to have stolen 20 gigabytes of sensitive data from the French tech and consulting giant, Capgemini - but the company is refusing to comment so far

The hacker, alias “grep”, posted a new thread on the popular dark web forum, BreachForums, in which they detailed their loot, which allegedly included databases, source code, private keys, credentials, API keys, projects, employee data (including names, email addresses, usernames, and password hashes). The archive also contains backups, and Capgemini clients’ internal configuration details for cloud infrastructure.

"They had more data but I decided to exfiltrate only big files, company confidential, Terraform, and many more," grep wrote in the thread. The crook shared a few samples as well, which included alleged T-Mobile virtual machine logs.

However, a T-Mobile US representative confirmed to TechRadar Pro that the data does not belong to that company.

"This is not T-Mobile US," they told us. "From what we can tell, we believe this may be a T-Mobile brand outside of the US."

No word from Capgemini yet

If any of the files are confirmed legitimate, this data breach could hurt Capgemini quite a lot.

However so far the organization is silent, and has yet to confirm, or deny, the hacker’s claims. The company’s website has no statements, and neither do its X or LinkedIn pages. TechRadar Pro has reached out to Capgemini for comment and will update the article if we hear back.

Capgemini provides a range of services including IT consulting, managed services, and software development, helping businesses adopt new technologies to improve efficiency, operarating in over 50 countries and serves clients across various industries, such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Last year, it generated more than $24 billion in revenue, and this year it won a UK government contract worth up to $750 million. Under the deal, the company will run His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs’ legacy tax management systems until 2029.

Via The Register

Edited on September 18 to include a statement from T-Mobile US.

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Apple Intelligence , Apple’s new suite of AI tools, is at the forefront of all the iPhone 16’s marketing campaigns and is the future of iOS...

Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new suite of AI tools, is at the forefront of all the iPhone 16’s marketing campaigns and is the future of iOS. From proofreading and summarizing, to a Siri upgrade that makes the voice assistant your personal assistant in your pocket, there’s an Apple Intelligence feature for everyone.

One of those features, however, could be an absolute game changer and no one seems to be talking about it. Overshadowed by Genmoji and Image Playground, this one feature might not even be on your radar, but it definitely should be.

Here’s why I can’t wait for this one Apple Intelligence feature that could actually change my life and it might change yours too.

The most underrated Apple Intelligence feature

Apple Intelligence Reduce Interruptions

(Image credit: Apple)

Focus modes first launched as part of iOS 16 in 2022 and to be quite honest with you I’ve barely even touched them. I see the appeal, but my iPhone 15 Pro Max is usually a cluttered mess, so I’ve never bothered setting Focus up correctly.

That’s where Apple Intelligence comes in. In iOS 18.1, launching in October, iPhone owners will be able to use the 'Reduce Interruptions' Focus mode, powered by Apple's AI. It might not sound exciting but this Focus mode uses the power of AI to determine whether or not a notification is important, allowing you to take back control of your life and get rid of pesky notifications for good.

Apple says the new feature is “an all-new Focus that understands the content of your notifications and shows you the ones that might need immediate attention, like a text about picking up your child from nursery later today.”

Essentially, 'Reduce Interruptions' could become the default mode for your iPhone, allowing Apple Intelligence to harness its power and personal context prowess to determine whether or not you need to see a notification or if it can wait for later. 

As someone who’s constantly battling with my online clutter, whether that’s a never-ending email inbox (Mail powered by Apple Intelligence will help with that) or a perpetual list of notifications, this Focus mode could very well be the best Apple Intelligence addition coming to the best iPhones.

If you want to find out more about Apple Intelligence, be sure to check out our iPhone 16 review, or our iPhone 16 Pro review as well as our Apple Intelligence hands-on.

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Samsung more than any other company has pushed foldable phones into the mainstream, with its latest models – the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 a...

Samsung more than any other company has pushed foldable phones into the mainstream, with its latest models – the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 – being among the best and most polished foldables yet. But next year, the company might change its focus to a new type of phone – one that rolls.

This is according to South Korean site The Elec (via NotebookCheck), which claims that Samsung is working on a phone with a 12.4-inch rollable screen, and that this handset may apparently be launched in the second half of 2025.

The site additionally claims that it will have an under-display camera, so you get an uninterrupted display. That much at least is very believable, since Samsung has already equipped some of its phones with under-display cameras.

So, will we truly get a tablet-sized rollable phone from Samsung next year? It’s certainly possible. The technology for this already exists anyway, as we’ve seen rollable concept phones in the past. This is also a logical next step after foldable phones, which Samsung has arguably come close to perfecting at this point.

The race to roll

Huawei Mate XT promo image

The tri-fold Huawei Mate XT (Image credit: Huawei)

Plus, Huawei recently launched a tri-fold phone, which is a design Samsung doesn’t yet offer, and which allows for a much larger screen than a conventional foldable phone, in this case one of 10.2 inches. Since Samsung wasn’t first to offer that design, it could make sense for the company to instead look to be the first with a commercially available rollable phone, packing an even larger screen.

On the other hand, we haven’t heard much about Samsung’s possible rollable phone yet, and the second half of 2025 is still a long way off, so we wouldn’t yet count on seeing it then, if at all.

If such a device does launch, though, it may well do so alongside the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, which we’d still expect Samsung to launch, since the company has found success with foldables. That could mean an announcement in July, but that’s just speculation for now.

In the meantime, we’re expecting the Samsung Galaxy S25 line to launch in or around January, so those are the next major Samsung phones to look forward to.

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AMD has allegedly won out against Intel in the PS6 chip battle, meaning the manufacturer will continue to provide Sony with internal compo...

AMD has allegedly won out against Intel in the PS6 chip battle, meaning the manufacturer will continue to provide Sony with internal components for its next-generation console.

That's according to Reuters, who state in a new PS6 report that AMD has been contracted by Sony for the design and fabrication of the chip for the next generation of PlayStation console. Sources claim that the deal was secured in 2022, with AMD winning out against rival chip manufacturer Intel in the bidding process.

It seems like the decision making process eventually whittled down to both AMD and Intel. However, it's possible that backwards compatibility for PS6 may have been the deciding factor.

"Moving from AMD, which made the PlayStation 5 chip, to Intel would have risked backwards compatibility, which was a subject of discussion between Intel and Sony engineers and executives," says the report.

It continues: "ensuring backward compatibility with prior versions of the PlayStation would have been costly and taken engineering resources. Allowing PlayStation users to play games they have purchased for older systems is a feature Sony often includes in a next-generation system."

We don't yet know the extent of Sony's plans for backwards compatibility on PS6 yet, and we probably won't for a number of years yet. But according to the report, it seems that Sony is keen to carry over support for the best PS5 games and - hopefully - older generations including PS4.

Backwards compatibility aside, sticking with AMD seems like the safe bet here. The California-based manufacturer provided the chips for both PS5 and Xbox Series consoles. Thus, it's safe to say the company is more comfortable with console hardware.

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A reliable leaker has given us our first real insight into the potential performance of the upcoming PS5 Pro . The console, which was annou...

A reliable leaker has given us our first real insight into the potential performance of the upcoming PS5 Pro. The console, which was announced by Sony last week, will likely target a 60fps framerate at a dynamic resolution of 1600-2160p in some titles.

The information comes from the YouTube channel ‘Moore’s Law is Dead’ which previously posted information regarding the specs of the then-unannounced console that were allegedly obtained from leaked developer documents. This included the fact that the PS5 Pro would have 2TB of storage and that it would be a substantial mid-generation jump that was up to 45% faster than the PS5.

We now know that these leaks were correct, which lends a lot of credibility to these latest claims. According to a recent live stream, the PS5 Pro will run at a dynamic resolution of 1600p-2160 with all in-game settings set to Maximum Quality. It will reportedly be able to achieve a locked 60fps frame rate. This is all without PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, or PSSR, which could improve performance even further.

The channel claims that it obtained this information from “a developer source” that provided “early testing footage” showing a game running on both the PS5 and PS5 Pro side-by-side for comparison.

The channel also suggests that the PS5 Pro will offer support for an 8K resolution, something that Sony previously claimed would be supported on the base PS5 “after a future system software update”. This update has still yet to arrive.

Finally, the PS5 Pro will benefit from access to an extra 1.2GB of memory, which could enhance performance even further. If correct, this information would go a long way in explaining some of the enhanced visuals shown in the PS5 Pro reveal live stream. As an unofficial leak, however, all of this should still be taken with a pinch of salt.

The PS5 Pro is set to launch on November 7. It will cost $699.99 / £699.99 / (around AU$1,052.99. PS5 Pro pre-orders will be available from September 26 at PlayStation Direct, and from October 10 at other participating retailers.

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In recent years, Apple’s Pro iPhone models have typically been its best sellers, but while that's still seemingly the case this year, i...

In recent years, Apple’s Pro iPhone models have typically been its best sellers, but while that's still seemingly the case this year, initial demand for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max is reportedly much lower than for their predecessors.

Ming-Chi Kuo – an analyst with a great track record for Apple information – has carried out a supply chain survey to estimate the pre-order numbers of each iPhone 16 model, and has found that the iPhone 16 Pro is down 27% relative to its predecessor, at 9.8 million units pre-ordered, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max is down 16%, with 17.1 million units pre-ordered.

This seemingly came as a surprise to Apple, particularly in the case of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, as the company reportedly produced around 6 million units of the phone ahead of pre-orders, which is 106% more than it produced of the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Still, it’s not all bad news for Apple, because while initial demand for the Pro models is seemingly down, the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are reportedly proving more popular than their predecessors, with pre-orders of the iPhone 16 said to be up by 10%, with 7.3 million units pre-ordered, and the iPhone 16 Plus’s said to be up by 48%, though still with the lowest demand overall, at 2.6 million pre-ordered units.

But according to Kuo, that hasn’t made up for the reduced interest in the Pro models, with the iPhone 16 line as a whole estimated to have sold around 37 million units so far, which is down 12.7% from the iPhone 15 series on its first weekend.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro Max (Image credit: Apple)

Missing a headline feature

So why is this? Kuo highlights the lack of Apple Intelligence at launch as being a major factor. This suite of AI features is one of the key selling points of the iPhone 16 line, but no Apple Intelligence features will be available until October, and even then, we won’t initially get all the features Apple has revealed.

Kuo also suggests that intense competition from Chinese phone brands has impacted pre-order numbers.

Beyond that, we’d guess the standard and Plus models might be proving more popular than their predecessors because they have more in common with the Pro phones. They have the new Camera Control button for example, which Apple could have easily made exclusive to the Pro phones.

They also gained the Action button from last year’s Pro models, and they have a new A18 chipset rather than inheriting the A17 Pro from the iPhone 15 Pro line. All of this could make the Pro models feel less essential, so it’s no real surprise that pre-orders for these are lower than for last year’s models.

Still, Kuo predicts that demand for the iPhone 16 line as a whole could well increase later in the year, once Apple Intelligence does start rolling out, and once we enter the year-end holiday season.

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SmallRig has been featured at Apple's mobile phone launch event for three consecutive years, showcasing their dedication to technologic...

SmallRig has been featured at Apple's mobile phone launch event for three consecutive years, showcasing their dedication to technological innovation. In 2024, SmallRig introduced the new SmallRig x Brandon Li All-in-One Universal Mobile Video Kit, expanding their photo and video accessories ecosystem. This kit empowers mobile phone creators to explore their creativity with greater freedom and enjoyment. 

If you want to capture truly spectacular smartphone videos, you need a good rig as an addition to your phone – a good rig such as Smallrig's universal mobile video kit, designed in collaboration with renowned filmmaker Brandon Li. This rig delivers pro-level expandability, stability, and control, taking your phone shooting to a whole new level. This kit is essential for filmmakers of all kinds. 

Check out the video to see what you can create with it:

Enhance the Creative Process

Today's smartphones have incredible cameras, but they are not easy to handle like traditional camera rigs. Even the largest flagship phones are difficult to keep still and stable, particularly when adjusting the zoom and focus. SmallRig changes that by providing a two-handed grip for better control and stability, and by placing all necessary controls within reach. This kit also features a variety of interfaces allowing you to attach various accessories to suit any of your needs.

Smallrig Universal Video Kit

(Image credit: Smallrig)

Pro-Level Filming with Any Phone

SmallRig x Brandon Li All-In-One Universal Mobile Video Kit Co-design Edition features both MagSafe magnetic attachment and clamp fixation for greater compatibility,  dual bilateral quick release handles with M.2 SSD enclosure and wireless control, a 67mm magnetic filter adapter with adjustable panel for attaching filters, and a 4-in-1 USB-C Hub for interface expansion. 

The wireless control incorporates key adjustments for both iOS and Android, including focus, zoom, and shutter control. The bilateral quick release handle adapters enable swift attachment to the cage and bi-directional infinite rotation. 

Additionally, there is a power bank holder for extended phone use and an Arca-Swiss quick release adapter for swift mounting on Arca-type tripods.

Smallrig Universal Video Kit

(Image credit: Smallrig)

Comprehensive Interface Configuration

The cage kit includes a detachable 67mm magnetic filter adapter with an adjustable panel, 3 anti-glare magnetic plates, providing light-modifying options for different phone models, and a 67mm VND 2-32 (1-5 Stop).

Moreover, the cage features multiple standard 1/4"-20 threaded holes and cold shoe mounts, supporting the free combination of accessories, allowing for more possibilities for your shooting.

The 4-in-1 USB-C hub offers a high-power PD charging port, a USB-C 3.0 interface, and two USB-C 2.0 interfaces. When used for mobile photography or videography, it enables simultaneous charging, data transfer, and utilization of a USB-C microphone.

Smallrig Universal Video Kit

(Image credit: Smallrig)

All You Need to Shoot Like a Pro

The package includes everything you need to improve your shooting experience: a universal phone cage, 67mm magnetic filter adapter, 67mm VND 2-32 (1-5 Stop), rotatable bilateral side handle with M.2 SSD enclosure and wireless control, rotatable bilateral side handle, 4-in-1 dock station (USB-C PD / USB-C 3.0 / USB-C 2.0), Arca-Swiss quick release adapter, power bank holder, multifunctional data cable, even velcro ties, and photography bag!

SmallRig x Brandon Li All-in-One Mobile Video Kit Co-design Edition 4596 is now available. Click here to learn how to transform any smartphone into the photo and video system you've been dreaming of.



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Thunderbolt 5 (TB5), Intel's latest leap in high-speed connectivity, is set to improve how we handle data transfer, display output, and...

Thunderbolt 5 (TB5), Intel's latest leap in high-speed connectivity, is set to improve how we handle data transfer, display output, and device charging.

With up to 80 Gbps of bandwidth - and a boost option up to 120 Gbps - it effectively doubles the speed of Thunderbolt 4. This extra power is perfect for handling dual 8K displays, transferring large video files, and running real-time applications like gaming and virtual reality.

A standout feature of Thunderbolt 5 is its ability to deliver 240W of power, which means faster charging for laptops and enough juice to power even more demanding devices through a single cable. Plus, it's backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and 4, so integrating it into your current setup should be straightforward. The extra bandwidth and power are also future-proofed for technologies like 16K displays and more powerful external GPUs.

Where are the laptops?

At IFA 2024, UGREEN unveiled its new Revodok Thunderbolt 5 docking station, one of the first devices to make use of the technology.

It comes equipped with three Thunderbolt 5 ports that offer up to 80 Gbps of data transfer and can boost up to 120 Gbps when needed. It’s versatile too, supporting a single 8K display for Windows users and triple-display setups for Mac. With 13 ports, including USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI, it’s built to cater to users with a serious need for connectivity.

The Revodok docking station really shows off what Thunderbolt 5 can do in terms of data transfer, display output, and power delivery. It’s a handy solution for professionals managing loads of data and running multiple displays and devices. We previously reviewed the UGREEN Revodok Max 208 8-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 docking station, and you can read our four star review here.

However, while it, like other TB5 docking stations (e.g. J5 Create) offers a glimpse into the future, laptops with built-in Thunderbolt 5 ports are still on the horizon. For users to get the full benefit of Thunderbolt 5, we’ll need to see more widespread adoption from laptop makers. It will happen, but when is the big as yet unanswered question.

Aside from the docking station, UGREEN also revealed a number of other products at IFA, like the Nexode Power Bank, a 20,000mAh charger capable of delivering up to 145W, and the NASync series, a new line of network-attached storage for personal and business use. It also showcased its Uno Series chargers and power banks.

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There are lots of reasons to love vinyl records. There's the sound of a good quality LP, of course. But there's also the joy of cra...

There are lots of reasons to love vinyl records. There's the sound of a good quality LP, of course. But there's also the joy of crate digging, which is when you rifle through the racks in the hope of finding a lost classic, an obscure curio or an absolute bargain. 

There's the joy of getting a brand new repressing of an old favorite, its heavy-duty vinyl enabling you to hear it like it's the first time all over again. 

There's the art of a good cover and the seductiveness of an interesting sleeve, and the anticipation between lowering the needle (hopefully onto one of the best turntables TechRadar recommends) and the music beginning. 

And with independent and small-label artists, there's also the knowledge that some money is actually going to the artist rather than to some shareholders somewhere, so it's good for your conscience too.

In other words, vinyl is brilliant. So how do you get started?

While getting into vinyl is a little more complicated than getting into streaming, it's not very complicated: all you need is a turntable, an amplifier and some speakers – and sometimes you can get all of those things in a single device. There are plenty of really good, really affordable and really straightforward turntables that are absolutely perfect for vinyl beginners and returning music lovers alike.

We test all kinds of turntables here at Techradar, ranging from super-cheap models to ones that cost more than you would spend on a car. And that means we know what turntables come with the least messing around and deliver the most musical bang for your bucks. 

Whether you're buying your very first turntable or coming back to vinyl after years of digital downloads and streaming, the following three turntables come highly recommended.

Buy now, enjoy forever: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon

How your turntable sounds is the most important thing, we know. But there's also value to a turntable whose looks make your heart sing a little every time you see it. And that's definitely the case here, because the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon comes in a range of colors and looks great in all of them. It's a bit like having really great artwork on a really great record.

The Debut is one of Pro-Ject's most user-friendly and affordable turntables, and it sounds fantastic. As we said in our review: "The Debut Carbon Evo is a luxuriously full-bodied listen, but that’s not to say it’s in any way languid. It has plenty of the warmth and richness that’s so often held up as an unarguable vinyl virtue, but it doesn’t wallow or slur. It’s easy to listen to, but it’s not uninvolving... Like any worthwhile turntable, it’s very adept and tying everything together."

This is at the higher end of many beginners' budgets, we know. But the sound it delivers is truly amazing, and while this particular model doesn't bother with the likes of Bluetooth that's not a problem when what it does do, it does so beautifully. 

If it's a little too pricey, or if you want Bluetooth, we'd recommend checking out the same firm's newly updated E1 range: that's available without or with Bluetooth, and the non-Bluetooth version is cheaper than the Debut. 

Read our full Pro-Ject Debut Carbon review

A brilliant budget buy: Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT

Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT on a table

(Image credit: Future)

If your budget can't quite stretch to the Pro-Ject, this sub-$200 turntable (street prices are typically $149 / £179 / AU$299) is an excellent alternative: it's our current best budget buy. That's because it does a creditable job in every department, including Bluetooth streaming to wireless headphones and speakers.

The materials aren't quite as touch-me as the Pro-Ject, but it's perfectly well-made and looks pretty good; the tonearm does feel a little flimsy, though, so it's wise to be careful with that. But really we're nit-picking here: the sound you get for the money you pay is really good, and this is a superb option for a starter turntable you won't outgrow too quickly. 

Read our full Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT review

A capable all-in-one: Lenco LS-410

the lenco ls-410 record player

(Image credit: TechRadar)

We're not snobbish about all-in-ones: if you're short of space or cash or both, an all-in-one system can be a great way to dip your toes into the vinyl waters without too much effort or expense. We wouldn't recommend this as the audio source for a seriously specified hi-fi system, but for around $230/£220 you're getting a lot of kit for not too much money - including Bluetooth streaming from other audio sources such as your phone. There's 50W of power via four speakers, and as a Bluetooth speaker it's really rather good.

Inevitably, though, the low price means some corners have had to be cut. We found a few flaws compared to rival turntables: the tonearm and lifter feel insubstantial so this might not be one for clumsy folks, and the sound is decent rather than jaw-dropping. In our review we found that the platter's rotation speed varied audibly, and once we noticed it we couldn't un-notice it. It's not a bad record player by any means, but it's not up there with the very best.

If you're thinking of taking the first steps towards building a really amazing hi-fi system, we wouldn't start here. But if you're looking for a bedroom player, something for a small flat or just don't know if you're going to be bitten by the vinyl bug, this is a good affordable, transportable option.

Read our full Lenco LS-410 review

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Netflix won't be giving the keys back to the reality series Buying London as the best streaming service canceled the show after one ...

Netflix won't be giving the keys back to the reality series Buying London as the best streaming service canceled the show after one season – and I can't help but feel slightly disappointed.

A Netflix spokeswoman confirmed the cancelation to Deadline in early September and declined to comment further – but I think its dreadful 14% Rotten Tomatoes score is enough of an explanation for why Buying London was axed by the streamer. 

The reality show made a brief appearance in the Netflix top 10 for one week, but failed to meet the sheer success of its critically acclaimed American counterpart Selling Sunset. The critics did not sing high praises for the show, with The Guardian writing in their scathing zero star review that it's "the most hateable TV show ever made" (ouch). Netflix subsequently used the publication's review to promote the show on X (see the post below), which probably helped it make a home on the streamer's top 10 list, as well as on my TV screen.

The series is a British alternative to one of my all-time favorite reality shows Selling Sunset (so of course I had to watch it) and is a spin-off of Buying Beverly Hills, which was also canceled by Netflix. The show follows property mogul Daniel Daggers and his agents at DDRE Global as they navigate London's prestigious property market. Much like its predecessor, there's mega mansions, office gossip, and friendship feuds, but they definitely aren't as juicy as the drama I've seen across the pond in Selling Sunset.

While Buying London failed to grasp my attention as much as Selling Sunset, news of its unsurprising cancelation was still a tiny sting to the heart after I watched three worst-rated TV shows on Netflix. Yes, Buying London isn't one of the best Netflix shows, it doesn't have any style or substance, and won't win awards – but this doesn't stop it from being enjoyable. 

Buying London doesn't pretend to be something it's not. It's a reality show, simple as that. It gets the job done in providing mindless, casual entertainment to escape our lives and block out the world when we desperately need to. And that's something I think is important in the world of streaming.

From London to LA

Lauren, Olivia, Oli, Reme, Daniel, Rosi, Rasa, and Julianna pose in a kitchen.

There won't be a second season of Buying London on Netflix, sadly.  (Image credit: Netflix/Zoe McConnell)

There are still so many loose ends to the series: did agent Lauren Christy leave DDRE to join a rival company? Is there still bad blood between her and colleague Rasa Bagdonaviciute due to Daniel's apparent favoritism? Oddly, I wanted answers to these questions in a Buying London season two and to snoop inside more homes of the mega rich that I would never be able to afford. But I guess I'll have to settle for Selling Sunset to keep me going.

In a stark contrast to Buying London, Selling Sunset took the world by storm when it first aired in 2019 and has become a huge hit for Netflix's reality TV portfolio. The Emmy-nominated series goes behind the scenes of the cutthroat world of LA real estate as it follows a group of glamorous female brokers at The Oppenheim Group who sell luxury properties to elite buyers. 

Selling Sunset's runway success has since birthed an eighth season, and two spin-offs Selling Tampa and Selling the OC, so it's clear that this kind of content is a big winner with audiences. 

While Buying London is yet another canceled Netflix show, it doesn't seem to be all bad as a spokeswoman for Daniel Daggers Real Estate Global told Deadline: "Buying London did exactly what we wanted it to do – it enabled us to put DDRE Global on an international stage, and as a result, generated record interest in our business. We are at the forefront of 'contemporising' an archaic industry by embracing new technologies and ways to communicate to likeminded people communities, which we have been doing since 2020 and what caught the eye of Netflix in the first place. Our work has only just begun and there’s so much more of our story yet to be told. Stay tuned…"


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An unlikely retro mirrorless camera is set to become the new most sought-after snapper after it was spotted in the hands of pop megastar Ta...

An unlikely retro mirrorless camera is set to become the new most sought-after snapper after it was spotted in the hands of pop megastar Taylor Swift this week.

You might expect a billionaire to step out in style with a pricey Leica – the red-dot brand hailing from Germany makes premium hand-crafted all-metal stunners often seen in the hands of celebrities, like the recently announced M11-D. However, Tay-Tay has a penchant for Olympus instead.

According to 43 Rumors, the low-quality paparazzi photo (below), shows Swift holding the Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV, which we rate as one of the best entry-level mirrorless cameras you can buy.

You can currently pick up the stylish snapper new for around $650 / £600 / AU$1,000 – it's an excellent budget camera. However, thanks to the 'Swift effect' it's unlikely to remain at that price for long, or remain in stock at all.

From the low-res photo alone, shared on X (formerly Twitter) by @43 Rumors, I can't be 100% sure it's the Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV model. Swift has been spotted on multiple occasions years ago with the OM-D E-M1 II, which has a similar design. However, I'll take 43 Rumors' word for it that's she updated to the newer E-M10 IV. In any case, she's certainly rocking a retro-style Olympus MFT (micro four-thirds) camera.

The celebrity effect

A potential surge in interest is great news for as OM System, the company that took over the Olympus brand, and for MFT cameras.

We've seen the social media effect spike a huge surge in camera sales recently, from the unlikely Nikon Coolpix S6900 – a vintage digital compact camera available in pink with selfie kick stand – to the Fujifilm X100 series of cameras after Fujifilm's Film Simulation picture styles went viral on Tiktok. The latest camera in the series, the X100VI, was the most preordered camera in living memory, and backorders are still being fulfilled six months after its release.

When Fujifilm's previous premium compact, the X100V, was out of stock throughout all of 2023, people even resorted to snapping up the closest alternatives, such as the Fujifilm X-E4.

For now, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV is still available at leading retailers, though it's probably a good idea to snap one up asap before it sells out. Should you miss the boat, there are some good E-M10 IV alternatives, such as the OM System OM-5, which is our favorite travel camera.

I personally own an Olympus OM-D E-M1, and can vouch for its image quality and easily handling. The MFT system it's part of is super-lightweight, and includes hundreds of superb lenses for just about every scenario. Still, you don't need me to persuade you when Tay-Tay is already convinced.

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For the last few years, TechRadar’s audio team regularly raved about the JLab Go Air Pop – ultra-cheap earbuds that massively defied their...

For the last few years, TechRadar’s audio team regularly raved about the JLab Go Air Pop – ultra-cheap earbuds that massively defied their low price with their performance and build quality. They were a stalwart of all our guides, from our best budget earbuds list up to our full list of the best wireless earbuds of any kind.

However, they’ve been getting harder to get hold of recently, so we started looking at alternatives to recommend… but it turns out the reason why is that their successor was getting ready to secretly drop at IFA 2024.

I say ‘secretly’, but JLab will quite happy tell you all about them if you visit its booth, and even gave me a pair to try, but the company has been mostly talking three other pairs of earbuds launched at the same time, and just kept very quiet about these initially.

Obviously, I found that unacceptable, so here’s what you need to know about the JLab Go Air ANC: they have active noise cancellation; they’re super small and light; they have a six-hours battery life in the buds and 24 with the case; they have a built-in USB-C charging cable; they have multi-point pairing; they’re going to come in cool 2000s-inspired translucent cases at a later date (they come in solid black, green and pink for now); they have IP55 waterproofing; and they’re still stupidly good value for their $29.99 asking price – so around £25 or AU$45, although unlike the confirmed US dollars MSRP, those last two figures are unofficial estimates.

I tried them out during my time at IFA, and it really does feel ridiculous that something so cheap delivers music as well-rounded as you get here. Obviously, compared to the AirPods Pro 2 I also had with me at the time, there’s much less depth to the bass, the details aren’t as sharp, and the mid-range is softer. But all seems fair considering they cost one seventh of the price.

The ANC is also staggering effective as well. I know you're expecting me to add "for $35" here, but based on my early testing, it's just straight-up good. With music, and the volume at 60% or so, they were as effective as I could need on my flight, a test more expensive earbuds have failed. It stumbles more if you're listening to podcasts, though, because the relative thinness of the mid-range and slightly soft detailing means the voices are more shadowed by the sounds that do come through. There's a transparency mode that's pretty crude but effective, too.

JLab Go Air ANC bud held in fingers

(Image credit: Future)

I love how light and discrete the buds are – if you like a bud that doesn’t seem like you’ve got a cybernetic attachment in your ears, these will be perfect for you. They have touch controls that include on-ear volume control, and you can also switch between ANC modes with a tap, and you can even switch EQ modes with a triple tap, though I haven't played with this yet.

I found them very comfortable, though with the medium ear tips, I found that the in-ear seal weakened enough to let in outside sounds depending on what positing my head was in, since it changes your ear shape a little. That's something we'll explore more in a full review, but is certainly a difference from more expensive buds.

The case is super-slim, which I always appreciate from a pair of buds. JLab has kept one of the odder foibles of the previous version, which is a built-in charging cable, though this time it's USB-C. JLab knows what it's doing, so I have to assume people want this, but it just seems a shame to remove the flexibility of being able to plug into different power sources to me – I bought my mum a pair of Go Air Pop buds, but I don't know if I'd buy her the Go Pop ANC because she doesn't have a single USB-C charger in her house, and if I need to buy one then it changes the value of the earbuds.

JLab Go Air ANC charging cable

(Image credit: Future)

Of course, being an editor on the website TechRadar dot com, I've been running an all-USB-C house for a while – so if you're the same as a reader of that august publication, then perhaps this will seem like a silly complaint.

We'll have to do a more in-depth judgment on them, but let me leave you with my prevailing thought about what good value they are so far: more than once while using them specifically to test the ANC, I’d made my judgment and taken notes, and then didn't bother to switch back to the AirPods Pro 2 sitting right there in my pocket. The Go Pop ANC were doing the job perfectly nicely already, so I just kept using them. It’s not like I’d switch permanently from my premium buds to these or anything, but as a picky listener, the fact that I didn’t switch back instantly is kind of a miracle.



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Wowzas. Just as IFA 2024 was wrapping up we got an Apple iPhone event, a PS5 Pro announcement, and a new version of ChatGPT to try out, alo...

Wowzas. Just as IFA 2024 was wrapping up we got an Apple iPhone event, a PS5 Pro announcement, and a new version of ChatGPT to try out, along with plenty of other major tech updates.

To help you get caught up to speed on it all we've rounded up the seven biggest tech news stories from the past week and condensed them all into this one quick ICYMI round up.

Once you're all caught up you should also check out our picks for the seven new movies and TV shows you need to stream this weekend across Netflix, Prime Video, Max, and more.

7. Sony unleashed the PS5 Pro

PS5 Pro

(Image credit: Sony)

After months of increasingly strong rumors, Sony has finally revealed the PS5 Pro – a substantially more powerful version of the PS5.

With upgrades centered around graphical improvements, Sony claims that the PS5 Pro’s beefed-up graphics card will be able to render 45% faster than the base PS5. Throw in some advanced ray tracing capability, and new AI-drive upscaling tech called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution and we could be in for some real treats, with the company pitching the console as a machine that will simply remove the need to choose between fidelity and performance modes in games.

It costs a pretty penny though as it’s set to launch at $699 / £699 – and won’t even come with a disc drive or vertical stand.

PS5 Pro pre-orders start at PlayStation Direct on September 26, and at other retailers in the US and UK on October 10.

6. It was Glowtime for the iPhone 16

Apple logo at Glowtime event

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

Apple unveiled four new phones that included new chips, new hardware, and new capabilities, and the jury is split on whether this is revolution or evolution. There’s that new Camera Control (not a button if you ask Apple) that gives you instant access to the iPhone 16 camera (yes, it’s on all the new phones) and is gesture sensitive for accessing further controls.

There are A18 chips for everyone, though the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max got the more powerful A18 Pro. Perhaps that extra power will help drive the now slightly larger screens on both devices. All that Apple Silicon will be tasked with powering Apple Intelligence (Apple’s brand of AI) which is set to arrive on these handsets shortly after they ship to consumers later this month.

All four iPhone 16 models got camera upgrades and we now have zoom parity between the two Pro models. There’s also consistent support for spatial photography (great news if you have a VR headset to view them on).

Finally, we have color and titanium hue upgrades across the board. The colors on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are particularly appealing.

Is it time to upgrade? It's too soon to tell but keep watching this space for more guidance.

5. Apple Watch got a Glow-up as well

Apple Watch 10

(Image credit: Apple)

Apple used its Glowtime event to give us a brand new smartwatch as well, this time with a bigger brighter screen, a slimmer body, and some new features – including the ability to play music through its speaker as a backup when your AirPods run out of charge (though it’s slightly odd that wasn’t possible before), and sleep apnea detection.

The new smartwatch is launching on September 20 for $399 / £399 / AU$649 and we were somewhat impressed with it when we gave it a whirl for our hands-on Apple Watch Series 10 review.

The only major gripe we have so far is that Apple didn’t make room for a bigger battery – an ongoing issue with Apple’s smartwatches – though it did introduce faster charging which could help to mitigate this problem. We’ll have to wait and see.

4. We got new AirPods, and Apple hearing aids

Apple AirPods 4

(Image credit: Aplpe)

During the Glowtime festivities we also saw the arrival of the new Apple AirPods 4… well two new AirPods 4. One version (costing $179 / £179 / AU$299) comes with active noise cancellation and related features like a transparency mode so you can better hear the world around you, while the other cheaper model drops ANC to offer a more entry-level option (that only costs $129 / £129 / AU$219).

But the big announcement came for the AirPods Pro 2, which now have FDA approval to be used as hearing aids. They’ll offer hearing protection and a hearing test feature too, all at no additional cost. The AirPods Pro 2 won’t have the battery life of full-on hearing aids but they’re a lot cheaper and could act as a solid middle-ground option for people who might want to explore getting a hearing aid but aren’t ready to shell-out on something pricier.

3. Project Strawberry became the new ChatGPT

OpenAI

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The next generation of ChatGPT has arrived, and you can try it now, provided you’re a ChatGPT Plus subscriber, which costs $20 / £16 a month. Initially called Project Strawberry, the new chatbot is actually named as ‘o1-preview’ in the ChatGPT interface, and is accessible from the drop-down menu at the top left of the screen.

Strawberry is much better at solving math problems than previous versions of the popular chatbot, and OpenAI claims this more powerful o1-preview has performed “similarly to PhD students on challenging benchmark tasks in physics, chemistry, and biology.”

2. A Fitbit Premium feature went free

Fitbit Versa 4 on wrist

(Image credit: Andrew Williams)

The Google Pixel Watch 3 got Fitbit Premium’s daily readiness score as a free feature, and now older Fitbit trackers and smartwatches are getting the same treatment. The Daily Readiness Score is an overview of how ready you are to take on the day and a big workout based on your resting heart rate, heart-rate variability, and recent sleep patterns, and it’s useful for knowing if you should take things easy or push yourself a little harder.

Now, rather than need to pay for Fitbit Premium, users with a Pixel Watch, Pixel Watch 2, Sense, Sense 2, Versa 2, Versa 3, Versa 4, Charge 5, Charge 6, Inspire 2, Inspire 3, or Luxe can access this feature in their Fitbit app for free once they update to version 4.23.

1. Huawei debuted a world first tri-fold phone

Huawei Mate XT

(Image credit: Huawei)

Foldable phones still only account for around 1.5% of the global smartphone market, but that hasn’t stopped Chinese mobile giant Huawei from pushing the technology even further.

This week, the company debuted the Huawei Mate XT – the world’s first commercially available dual-hinged, triple-screen phone. Yes, you read that right: triple-screen phone. When collapsed, the Mate XT’s front-facing OLED display measures a traditional 6.4 inches, but when fully unfolded, the new device spans three separate screens and a whopping 10.2 inches.

Of course, all that display real estate comes at a price. The Huawei Mate XT – which is currently only available in China – starts at 19,999 yuan (around $2,810 / £2,150 / AU$4,220) for the model with 256GB of storage. For context, the cheapest version of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – aka the most expensive of the best foldable phones in 2024 – costs $1,899.99 / £1,799 / AU$2,749. But since when did innovation come cheap?



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Most Samsung Galaxy S25 leaks so far have focused on the top-end model, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, but now we've had our first look...

Most Samsung Galaxy S25 leaks so far have focused on the top-end model, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, but now we've had our first look at what may be the design of the standard Samsung Galaxy S25.

This comes in the form of renders shared by reputable leaker @OnLeaks, in collaboration with Android Headlines, one of which you can see below – and at first glance you might think you’re looking at the Samsung Galaxy S24, as these renders show a very similar design to that phone.

As with the Galaxy S24, these Galaxy S25 renders show a triple-lens camera array arranged vertically at the upper-left of the phone's rear, with an identically positioned flash, while on the front there’s once again a punch-hole camera aperture in the top-center of a flat screen.

A leaked Samsung Galaxy S25 render

(Image credit: @OnLeaks / Android Headlines)

There are some small changes though. For one thing, the housing around the camera lenses is larger and black here, while on the Samsung Galaxy S24 it’s smaller and more of a silver color. Also, the bezels are apparently smaller on the Galaxy S25.

They don’t really look any smaller in these renders, despite the source saying they are, but leaker @UniverseIce agrees that they’re smaller and has shared an edited version of one of the renders, showing how they might actually look, which you can see below.

Slightly smaller but ultimately similar

In any case, the Samsung Galaxy S25 is also said to have a 6.17-inch screen which Samsung will likely market as being 6.2 inches, as on the Samsung Galaxy S24. But – probably in part because of the reduced bezel size – the handset overall is said to be slightly smaller than the S24.

This leak points to dimensions of around 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2mm, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 is 147 x 70.6 x 7.6mm.

So if this all proves accurate then the Samsung Galaxy S25 will probably look marginally different to the S24, but will be almost identical overall. That’s a bit disappointing, especially as, while many observers felt that Apple’s iPhone 16 announcement was underwhelming, the company at least added some new buttons to its phones. Still, maybe what’s on the inside of the Galaxy S25 will be more interesting.

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