News
- One in two business travellers currently manage their own internet abroad
- Holafly says a secure connection should be the workplace's responsibility
- Current policies cover what not to do, but not what workers should actually do
While many companies have strict internet access policies when it comes to working from the office, and even working from home, many overlook account security when workers travel abroad, with more than half (53%) of business travellers managing their own internet access.
In its new Summer Travel & eSIM Report, Holafly argues that providing workplace VPNs isn't strictly enough. Despite protecting data to and from company systems, they don't determine how employees get online in the first place.
With many international travellers having to connect to potentially risky airport, hotel and other public networks, Holafly says the most secure companies are actually the ones who consider the initial, secure connection.
Should employers provide travellers with eSIMs?In its report, Holafly argues that issuing instructions like 'use a VPN' and 'avoid public networks' isn't enough for travellers who are already having to negotiate other international challenges, and it leaves room for misinterpretation as to how they should actually get online.
By providing a travel eSIM, employers can regain control over something that they've been leaving in the hands of employees for too long. "t provides a trusted connection from the moment the plane touches down, proving that a solid cybersecurity strategy doesn't begin when the VPN is turned on; it begins with that crucial first step of securely providing the connection itself," Holafly summarized.
Interestingly enough, with many business travellers left without their own coverage and having to connect to potentially risky public networks, security is a top priority for 42% of business travellers, so Holafly argues that providing an eSIM could actually be a welcome move by employers, and not be seen as yet another IT restriction.
Holafly is already a known brand to some consumers, but it also has its own Business Center where IT admins can manage and distribute company eSIMs for international travellers. Once issued, admins can send the eSIM's QR code or details to workers to install the connection on their devices.
It is no longer news that AI is driving incredible demand for electricity.
You may have read that data centers were using 6% of the electricity supply in the UK and the US as of May this year, or that these centers require 40% more energy than originally expected. Electric vehicles, heat pumps, and the growth of locally generated renewable energy are cranking up the pressure on an already complex energy system.
But the physical grid is only part of the infrastructure that now has to change.
Energy companies depend on a complex digital backbone to keep the business moving. ERP, finance, procurement, HR, customer systems, and more all support essential services. Regulatory obligations don’t disappear just because an IT transformation is underway.
In most industries, leaders might look for a quiet weekend to complete a major system migration. Retail brands, for example, can literally change their entire platform overnight, with some careful planning.
Energy companies do not have that luxury. Demand does not stop. Assets still need to be monitored, and operational teams still need access to the information that helps them make safe decisions.
That means downtime must shape the transformation from the outset, rather than being seen as an obstacle to navigate at the end of the process. For organizations supporting critical infrastructure, the real measure of a successful migration is whether the business and its customers can keep operating while that change takes place.
Move less, move smarterAchieving this means wrestling with cumbersome legacy technology estates that have slowly grown over decades of acquisitions, divestments, regulatory change, and necessary short-term fixes.
The result is a web of heavily customized platforms, duplicated records, undocumented dependencies, and data that has outlived the process it was originally created to support. Change one part without understanding the rest, and the consequences can surface somewhere completely unexpected.
The National Grid offers a useful sense of the scale involved. One of its key S/4 systems alone contains around 1.9 terabytes of data, before accounting for its legacy ECC and HR environments or 20 years of financial information. The organization has also completed three divestments in six years, requiring its data estate to keep changing alongside the structure of the business.
A migration at this scale is not automatically a modernization. A ‘lift and shift’ from the existing environment into a new one can inadvertently preserve the very complexity that made transformation necessary in the first place.
Before anything is moved, energy providers therefore need a clear view of what they hold, what the business still depends on, and what no longer belongs in the live environment. Some data must remain immediately accessible. Some must be retained for regulatory or contractual reasons. Other information can be archived, consolidated, or removed altogether.
That work may not sound as dramatic as a major system launch, but it is what determines whether an organization emerges with a cleaner, more adaptable platform – or falls into the trap of recreating yesterday’s problems in a more expensive environment.
What are you migrating?Once you understand what is inside the estate, the next question is not simply how to move it. It is what you move, and what you leave behind.
Legacy systems accumulate data almost by default. Energy companies have legal, regulatory, and contractual responsibilities that may extend for years, including for parts of the business they no longer own.
Organizations should separate the data that is needed to run the business from the data that only needs to remain accessible. Completed transactions, technical logs, duplicate records, and data inherited through previous acquisitions or divestments can remain long after their operational value has disappeared.
Cleaning and archiving that information, making it available again when required, is a fundamental measure of success here. This simultaneously makes the migration smaller and the target environment healthier. Teams gain a clearer view of the information they use and can avoid carrying unnecessary complexity into every project that follows.
This is becoming a regulatory priority as well as an operational one. In January 2026, Ofgem expanded its Data Best Practice framework across industry codes, emphasizing the need for energy providers to understand, structure, and manage data consistently. The message was that data should be governed according to its value, rather than simply accumulated.
The same discipline is important in testing. Transformation teams often need realistic copies of production data to confirm that payroll, finance, integrations, and other critical processes will behave correctly. But those copies may contain names, addresses, banking details, or sensitive employee and customer information.
Simply avoiding that data is not an option, because inadequate testing creates its own operational risk. It needs to be masked or scrambled in a way that protects the individuals concerned without making the test environment useless.
In this context, selective migration becomes an opportunity: a chance to decide what the future system should contain. If you’re able to protect sensitive information properly and remove some of the baggage that is making change so difficult in the first place, the organization is in a good position to plan how to move what remains without bringing the business to a halt.
Keep the business liveOnce organizations have reduced what needs to be migrated, they can turn to the question that matters most: how to complete the move without bringing essential processes to a halt.
Traditionally, that has meant choosing between a phased migration and a single ‘big bang’ cutover. The first can leave old and new systems operating alongside one another for months. The second concentrates considerable risk into one carefully planned event.
But those are not the only options. With a near-zero-downtime approach, most data can be transferred while the existing system remains operational. Changes made during that process are captured and synchronized separately, leaving only a small final set to be moved during a tightly controlled cutover.
This migration must be rehearsed, the target environment tested, and responsibilities agreed across technology and operational teams. Everyone needs to know which processes can pause, which cannot, and what happens if the cutover does not proceed as expected.
For energy companies, speed and continuity shouldn’t be seen as competing objectives. Moving less data through a controlled, well-rehearsed process allows the organization to modernize while the essential work beneath it continues.
Build for what comes nextFor critical national infrastructure and the energy companies that run it, a successful transformation should do more than get them to the next go-live. A cleaner core, supported by well-governed data, makes every subsequent change easier – whether that means adopting AI, moving further into the cloud, responding to new regulation, or managing another acquisition or divestment.
Energy companies cannot afford to stop evolving, because the infrastructure, demand patterns, and risks around them will not stand still. Underlying systems must be equally capable of change.
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AI adoption has moved beyond theory into the mainstream and mid-market companies are in a prime position to capitalize on the many benefits. Typically, these mid-market companies are more nimble than their enterprise counterparts, which means that when it comes to technical transformation, they can act quickly, initiate change and deploy AI in targeted ways to solve a real need in the business.
Recent research, however, found that 90% of mid-market companies that have explored AI are still at an early stage or have experienced stalled pilots. Despite their agility, it’s clear many mid-market companies remain stuck in the experimental phases. The challenge is that many are held back by uncertainty over where to start, which technologies to deploy and how to invest with confidence.
This uncertainty and lack of confidence can translate into projects that are not tied to tangible business outcomes and that, ultimately, fail to move into full deployment and deliver real impact.
For businesses to break out of this pilot purgatory, it’s imperative to overcome three root causes of this stagnation. Specifically, building and mobilizing the right expertise and skillsets, establishing robust data and technology foundations and ensuring the right governance guardrails are in place across each project.
Bridging the expertise gapMany debates and conversations around AI deployment highlight the importance of building the right skillsets. It stands to reason that having access to specialist expertise is essential to the success of any technology projects, including AI. Without it, businesses are more likely to experience AI paralysis, where they don’t know where to start or become overwhelmed by too many options.
Expertise, however, is a broad term and what is often missed is the exact nature of the skills needed. AI deployments have many facets, including strategy and use case prioritization, tooling and understanding the vendor landscape, through to data readiness, security and privacy.
Teams might feel confident in some areas but unintentionally overlook where they have a fundamental skills gap. What’s interesting is that businesses will often feel confident overall with their capabilities but that confidence might mask a very different reality.
There is a big difference between theoretical confidence and having the practical ability to deliver. Some teams will be equipped to tackle data readiness, for example, but still struggle with the deeper knowledge required in areas such as integration or change management.
What’s needed is a fully rounded team, often with a blend of different resources, that can move beyond theory and establish more mature, execution-focused capabilities.
Addressing the data and technology foundationsIt’s not possible to discuss AI success without first looking at the fundamental foundations on which they are built. Putting in place robust data and technology frameworks is essential to moving from pilot to full deployment but many mid-market companies often struggle to achieve this and for good reasons. They’re faced with a multitude of historical issues, including legacy technology, poor data quality and incomplete guardrails.
Enterprise applications such as ERP, CRM and HRIS increasingly come equipped with AI capabilities and, in some cases, as AI-native systems. While these offer many advantages, a lot of companies operate with legacy enterprise applications that lack integration capabilities, have limited functionality and contain outdated data models. All this creates a significant barrier when it comes to AI adoption.
Data quality is also a vital component but, all too often, mid-market companies are faced with poor data quality, which can quickly become one of the biggest blockers of AI deployments.
Data readiness is an integral part of any AI strategy and it’s important for businesses to treat it as such and integrate it into projects from the outset rather than address it as an afterthought. Those that can improve data accuracy, ownership and accessibility will be in the best position to accelerate pilots into production and ensure projects succeed.
Another crucial element of the technology foundation is the guardrails that surround it, including governance, ethics, security and privacy. This is also an area where some mid-market companies fall short. They might have a comprehensive framework in place but have yet to implement formal policies, controls or both.
A practical path forwardUltimately, for AI to scale beyond pilots, it needs to be embedded into the right environment. For mid-market companies, that requires them to go beyond deploying individual tools and address the systems, data and controls that ensure AI can operate both safely and effectively.
This foundational work is important but it also needn’t hold up projects. Speed can be critical and so addressing issues such as data quality can be done effectively in parallel with deployments, so long as it is considered, mapped out and integrated from the outset.
What is important is that these are all solvable challenges. Knowing and understanding the problems is the first important step. Without full awareness of the issues, companies will inevitably continue to experience the same pilot failures. They can then begin making the right strategic investments, in the right teams to build a full range of skillets, and in the right foundations to create a stronger platform for AI.
Only then will mid-market companies be able to use their agility to its full potential and deliver measurable, sustainable value from their AI investments.
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Full spoilers immediately follow for Lanterns' season 1 finale.
Lanterns episode 8 is out now on HBO Max. And, after weeks of engrossing storytelling and a surprising amount of meme-able content, it's brought the increasingly popular show's debut season to an end.
As the dust settles on Lanterns' season 1 finale, I suspect you want answers to your most burning questions. It's a good job, then, that I'm here to provide them. Just make sure you've watched this week's chapter, titled 'Dirt and Stars', before you proceed, for the purposes of spoiler avoidance!
Who murdered Hal Jordan in Lanterns?Hal-lelujah, we finally know who murdered the former Green Lantern (Image credit: DC Studios/HBO Max)It's only been eight weeks since Lanterns episode 1 dropped the bombshell that someone had killed Hal Jordan in its 2026 storyline, but the wait to find out the identity of his murderer has felt longer.
Well, we finally have an answer — and, after correctly guessing the individual in question in my Lanterns pre-season 1 finale predictions piece, I'm feeling pretty pleased with myself right now.
But, enough posturing: the person responsible for Hal's demise is none other than Sheriff Kerry Kane.
It was Sheriff Kane, with the sidearm! (Image credit: DC Studios/HBO Max)Truth be hold, Hal's death was more akin to manslaughter than pre-meditated murder. After all, the only reason Kerry shot the former Green Lantern — and man she was in a romantic relationship with, no less — was to protect her son Noah after Hal learns a game-changing secret about him. I'll get into the weeds of that later in this article.
So, yes, after weeks of speculation, it turns out the most unlikely candidate of all was behind Hal's death.
Does John Stewart become a Green Lantern?John Stewart becomes a Lantern... but of which color? (Image credit: John Johnson/HBO)Strictly speaking, yes. Prior to the release of 'Dirt and Stars', some viewers were convinced that John would become the DCU's first Yellow Lantern, but the sci-fi crime drama's latest entry dispelled that fan theory.
That said, John isn't a legitimate member of the Green Lantern Corps., aka the space cop organization set up by the Guardians of the Universe whose agents patrol the wider cosmos.
Guy Gardner, who watches over Sector-2814, is Earth's one and only official Green Lantern because our world falls under his jurisidiction. However, after John charges Hal's old ring with the Lantern Battery made by Sinestro (more on this in a moment) and comes up with his own Lantern Corps. oath, he's technically a Green Lantern, albeit an independently contracted one.
"In brightest day, in darkest night..." (Image credit: DC Studios/HBO Max)Ironically, the only way that the DC Universe's (DCU) John Stewart becomes a Lantern is because of Hal's villainous former mentor Sinestro. Want more information on him? Read my Sinestro in Lanterns explained article.
But, I digress. As we learn in 'Dirt and Stars', Sinestro was broken out of his space prison cell by none other than Noah (I'm getting to him, don't worry), marooned on the dead world of a major alien genocide, and tasked with making a Lantern Battery for Noah. Long story short: Sinestro successfully crafts said Lantern, which is charged with Fear and Will energy owing to the toxic fear gas and planet's remaining water supply.
Sinestro tries to individually manipulate and tempt John and the Hal-O-Gram (the latter being a digital back-up of Hal's consciousness) with respective promises to help them become a Lantern and be brought back to life. However, the pair reject his offers and head back to Earth, leaving a chained-up and furious Sinestro to presumably live out his days on this barren world.
"They'll send an army, to hunt you down" (Image credit: John Johnson/HBO)Fast-forward to the end of the HBO Max show's eighth episode, and John uses Hal's ring, the Lantern Battery, and reciting of his self-made oath to become a Green Lantern.
Unsurprisingly, Guy, who's summoned by John before the latter does that, isn't exactly pleased to hear John's plan — one which John says will allow Guy to continue patrolling Sector-2814 while John only watches over and protects planet Earth. Guy is also convinced the Guardians will be angry at this rebellious development, so it'll be interesting to see if a second season of Lanterns picks up and runs with this story beat.
Anyway, John's plan means the Hal-O-Gram will be permanently erased from Hal's ring once he recites his oath. Incredibly sad though I am to see Kyle Chandler's portrayal of Hal for what could be the final time, at least there's an incredibly touching goodbye between he and Aaron Pierre's John.
Unfortunately, while we get to finally see John fly, we don't get to see him in his full Lantern super-suit. I guess we'll have to wait for his next DCU appearance for that...
Is Noah Macon a Manhunter?That fan theory about Noah was correct! (Image credit: John Johnson/HBO)Yes. Another fan theory to emerge in recent weeks, Lanterns episode 8's arrival on HBO Max, aka one of the world's best streaming services, revealed that Noah is a Manhunter.
As Kerry tells Hal prior to the latter's death, she mysteriously fell pregnant after Zoe, who appeared to be the sole remaining Manhunter, used her advanced medical technology to grow Kerry a new pinky finger. Remember, in episode 5's flashback to 2007, we learn that, at Zoe's suggestion, Kerry removed that digit on her right hand to give to the criminals chasing her to 'prove' to their mob boss that they'd caught and killed her.
Clearly, during the process of growing Kerry's new pinky finger, Zoe used her alien android tech and Manhunter blood to also make Kerry pregnant. That way, in the even that Zoe died, the Manhunters wouldn't become extinct. And, prior to Zoe's death at John's hands in episode 5 during the 2016 storyline, she tells Noah not to forget everything she's previously told him, which must mean she informed him of his true nature.
Will Noah ever decide between his humanity and Manhunter conditioning? (Image credit: John Johnson/HBO Max)Fast-forward to the present, and Noah ambushes John when the latter returns from the dead world that Sinestro is marooned on.
Taking Hal's old ring and the Lantern Battery, Noah says he can use them alongside his Manhunter abilities to enact revenge on the Guardians for what they did to his race.
However, as evidenced by him saving Hal from that near-fatal house fire, Noah's humanity is constantly at odds with his Manhunter conditioning. And, after finding out that John mercy-killed Zoe because she was tired of her immortality and never-ending guilt over what she did to Antaan's people, Noah asks John to do the same for him.
Long story short, John decides not to mercy-kill Noah. However, the possibility of Noah's Manhunter conditioning winning out some day and threatening humanity as a whole is what pushes John to fulfil his destiny and become a Green Lantern in the DCU Chapter One TV series.
Does Lanterns have an end credits scene?Thaal Sinestro doesn't form the Yellow Lantern Corps. in a post-credits stinger (Image credit: John Johnson/HBO)No. So, if you were hoping that Lanterns had a mid-credits or post-credits scene to stick around for, you'll be severely disappointed.
Has Lanterns season 2 been announced?"I love you, too, Junior" (Image credit: John Johnson/HBO)Not yet, but it's only a matter of time before Lanterns season 2 is officially given the *ahem* green light.
Indeed, Lanterns' glowing viewing figures and the assembly of a writers room have given fans hope that it'll be renewed for another season. Add in comments made by DC Studios co-head James Gunn that 'Dirt and Stars' was only the season 1 finale, not the full series finale, and things look even *double ahem* brighter for one of the most popular DCU projects so far.
How does Lanterns episode 8 set up James Gunn's Superman sequel Man of Tomorrow?David Corenswet will return as Superman... in Man of Tomorrow (Image credit: DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures)It doesn't. Okay, while we already knew that Aaron Pierre will return as John Stewart in Man of Tomorrow, there's a point to be made about the fact that he'll be a Green Lantern in the follow-up to 2025's Superman movie.
Even so, Lanterns' season 1 finale doesn't tell us anything about Stewart's role in Man of Tomorrow, nor that film's wider plot. We'll just have to wait until the Gunn-directed comic book flick's first trailer to get a sense of how Stewart fits into its narrative, and/or how Lanterns sets up its story.
For now, find out everything we know so far about Man of Tomorrow, including its current release date and confirmed cast.
- Apple has confirmed that a "small number" of iPhone 18 Pro Max users are experiencing an unfixable bug
- Affected users will have to replace their phone
- Any currently unaffected iPhone 18 Pro Max users on AT&T should download a pair of updates to ensure their phones don't break
Most bugs can be fixed by software updates, but right now, some iPhone 18 Pro Max users are facing a glitch that requires a whole new handset.
In a statement to 9to5Mac, Apple has confirmed that a “small number” of iPhone 18 Pro Max devices on AT&T have lost cellular service, leaving them unable to make calls.
The company is rolling out a carrier settings update which — along with iOS 27.0.1 — is designed to prevent this issue from occurring on phones that aren’t already affected, but it won’t fix things for devices that already have the bug.
(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)How to check if your phone is affectedSo, how can you see if your phone is affected? Well, first off, the issue is limited to iPhone 18 Pro Max models on AT&T — the iPhone 18 Pro isn’t affected, likely because it uses a different modem. So if you’re not on AT&T or not using an iPhone 18 Pro Max, you should be fine.
If you are using this phone on AT&T, then you should easily be able to tell if the bug has hit your handset, as it will be displaying the word ‘SOS’ in the status bar, and you won’t be able to use AT&T’s network for calls, texts, or data — though Wi-Fi should still work.
If you haven’t experienced that, then make sure to update your phone to iOS 27.0.1 immediately. The carrier settings update that Apple is additionally rolling out should automatically be installed within the next 14 days, but you can trigger it before then by heading to Settings > General > About, where a prompt should then appear to download this.
But what if you’ve already been affected by this glitch? Well, sadly, the only option there is to get your phone replaced.
To do this, get in touch with Apple Support or AT&T over the phone or online, or visit an Apple Store or AT&T branch. Since this is an unfixable glitch, you should then be issued a free replacement — though make sure you’ve backed up your current iPhone first.
A big week of sales begins this week and Best Buy is getting in early with its huge Techtober event, which promises savings of up to 50% on TVs, appliances, laptops, headphones, and much more. I've dove into the sale to uncover all the best deals, sharing the 35 top offers that I'd recommend right here.
• Browse the full Best Buy Techtober sale
As is always the case with a Best Buy sale, there are some very strong TV offers. A couple of the highlights include the excellent value TCL QM6K 55-inch Mini-LED TV for $499.99 (was $799.99) and the five-star-rated LG C6 65-inch OLED TV for $1,499.99 (was $2,699.99). The latter is currently our expert's pick for the best TV you can buy right now.
Elsewhere, capitalising on the growing popularity of wired earbuds, there are these Sony MDREX14AP for a ridiculously low $9.99 (was $19.99). That's a super-cheap pair of buds from a top manufacturer, so they feel like a bit of a steal in my eyes.
I've summarised all of the key categories from the sale below and then hand-picked 35 of the best deals further down, so do have a browse or see if anything specific inspires you. With the Best Buy Techtober sale set to run all week, I'll be back to add any more standout offers I find over the coming days.
And be sure to stick with TechRadar for our full Amazon Prime Big Deal Days coverage once that event kicks off on October 6.
Best Buy Techtober sale — quick links- Apple: up to $500 off MacBooks & AirPods
- Appliances: up to 40% off
- Cameras: up to $1,000 off Sony, DJI & Canon
- Gaming: PS5 & Switch games from $19.99
- Headphones: Apple, Sony & Bose from $9.99
- Kitchen: up to 50% off Ninja & Breville
- Laptops: from $189
- Phones: up to $1,200 off iPhone & Samsung
- Smart home: up to 50% off cameras & doorbells
- Smartwatches: up to $200 off Apple & Google
- Speakers: up to $400 off LG & JBL
- Tablets: up to $100 off iPad & Lenovo
- Toys: up to 50% off
- TVs: from $69.98
- Vacuums: up to 40% off Dyson & Shark
MDREX14AP Wired Earbuds: was $19.99 now $9.99
Wired earbuds are rising in popularity right now, and this is a great low price for a solid pair from Sony. You get excellent sound quality, a comfortable fit, a small and lightweight design, and an integrated microphone on the wire for making calls. All for under $10 is a bit of steal.View Deal
QM6K 55-inch 4K Mini-LED TV: was $799.99 now $499.99
A truly great, budget mini-LED TV, the TCL QM6K delivers vibrant picture quality along with solid gaming features for a price that won't break the bank. Upgrades here include support for 120Hz refresh rates at 4K resolution, which is perfect for gamers. This deal knocks a decent $300 off the 55-inch model, making it an appealing option for those who want a premium display at a mid-range price. View Deal
OmniBook 3: was $799.99 now $629.99
Display - 14 inches
Processor - Snapdragon X
RAM - 16GB
Storage - 512GB
This is a solid discount on a modern laptop powered by one of the efficient Snapdragon X CPUs. As well as excellent levels of all-around performance, this device boasts a huge all-day battery life of up to 41 hours, so you won't need to worry about being attached to a charger at all times. Storage is also solid with a 512GB SSD, so this is an impressive laptop for the price for everyday, college and business use.View Deal
Switch 2: Choose Your Game Bundle: $499.99
Nintendo Switch 2 bundles have been a rare sight in recent months, so it's good to see this customisable option available at Best Buy. As well as a console, you can also choose between a downloadable copy of either Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Pokémon Pokopia, for a saving of up to $29.99.View Deal
The Breville Barista Express is on par with some of the best espresso machines we've reviewed here at TechRadar. It has a higher learning curve than the average espresso machine, but it allows you to hone your coffee skills to make drinks exactly how you like them. This is a return to the record-low price for the entry-level espresso maker, and it remains a best-seller during all sales events, so it's looking like the right time for me to upgrade.View Deal
C6 65-inch OLED TV: was $2699.99 now $1499.99
The LG C6 is the successor to our best-rated TV, LG's C5 OLED, and it has a whopping $1,200 discount at Best Buy's Labor Day sale. This year's OLED TV delivers more accurate, brighter colors than the C5, with powerful contrast thanks to its new Alpha 11 AI processor. The C6 also includes impressive gaming features and LG's intuitive smart TV platform.View Deal
We awarded the JBL Charge 6 five stars, and it currently sits atop our list of the best speakers, so I definitely want to shout out this deal you can nab right now at Best Buy. With booming sound and an easy-to-carry design, you really can't go wrong with this one if you need an all-purpose speaker.View Deal
XPS 13 Laptop: was $999.99 now $799.99
Display - 13.4 inches
Processor - Intel Core 5
RAM - 16GB
Storage - 512GB
The Dell XPS 13 has regularly been one of our favorite laptops here at TechRadar. With a 13.4-inch touchscreen display, Intel Core 5 processor, 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD, and excellent battery life, it has everything you need for solid all-around performance at work or college.View Deal
Crispi: was $179.99 now $152.99
Here's an excellent discount on Ninja's portable air fryer. This bundle includes the PowerPod lid, plus two resealable glass containers to carry your dishes until you're ready to cook. According to our testing, it cooks exceptionally quickly, is easy to use and a breeze to clean, making this one of the best air fryer deals I've seen this year.View Deal
Fire TV Stick 4K Select: was $49.99 now $17.99
Amazon's newest 4K streaming stick is now $17.99 at Best Buy. Since it's only a couple of bucks more than the cheaper HD version, you might as well pay for the upgrade and get higher-resolution streaming—as long as you have a 4K TV. It lacks a few premium features found in the more expensive Plus and Max models, such as improved Wi-Fi and Dolby Atmos, but that is more than enough for everyday use.View Deal
Processor: MediaTek Kompanio 540
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB
You don't always find a laptop with 8GB of memory for under $300, so this Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook really stands out in Best Buy's Labor Day sale. Other components are good for light use, but that bump to 8GB of RAM will really help with everyday performance and load times. It's still a fairly basic laptop, but with enough extra power to avoid dramatic slowdown when multitasking.View Deal
Display - 14 inches
Processor - Intel Core 3
RAM - 8GB
Storage - 128GB
While this HP 14 Chromebook offers a similar level of power to the Acer above, it does come with a smaller, higher-resolution display. If easier portability and a sharper image are more important to you, then I would consider paying the little extra to get this device instead. It also has a more modern processor, which isn't dramatically more powerful, but will be better supported and more efficient for general use.View Deal
OmniBook 3: was $799.99 now $629.99
Display - 14 inches
Processor - Snapdragon X
RAM - 16GB
Storage - 512GB
This is a solid discount on a modern laptop powered by one of the efficient Snapdragon X CPUs. As well as excellent levels of all-around performance, this device boasts a huge all-day battery life of up to 41 hours, so you won't need to worry about being attached to a charger at all times. Storage is also solid with a 512GB SSD, so this is an impressive laptop for the price for everyday, college and business use.View Deal
OmniBook X Flip: was $1199.99 now $749.99
Display - 16 inches
Processor - Intel Core Ultra 7
RAM - 16GB
Storage - 1TB
This powerful and versatile HP OmniBook Flip offers impressive performance for the price, with powerful components such as a modern Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, a healthy 16GB of RAM to boost performance, and a decent 1TB SSD for storage. You can comfortably handle everyday tasks, demanding work, video calls, media streaming and more with this laptop, all with the option to flip it around to a 16-inch touchscreen tablet when needed, too.View Deal
XPS 13 Laptop: was $999.99 now $799.99
Display - 13.4 inches
Processor - Intel Core 5
RAM - 16GB
Storage - 512GB
The Dell XPS 13 has regularly been one of our favorite laptops here at TechRadar. With a 13.4-inch touchscreen display, Intel Core 5 processor, 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD, and excellent battery life, it has everything you need for solid all-around performance at work or college.View Deal
MacBook Air 13-inch (M5): was $1299 now $1099
Display - 13.6 inches
Processor - Apple M5
RAM - 16GB
Storage - 512GB
Our reviewer called the newest MacBook Air M5 "the best ultraportable I've ever used" and awarded it 4.5-stars, so it's every bit as good as its already excellent predecessor. As well as the powerful and efficient M5 chip, the latest MacBook Air boasts a slick 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD as standard. Those are solid overall specs for all-around use, productivity, and creative tasks. This is the best offer we've seen since the recent price hike, too.View Deal
MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 2025): was $1999 now $1849
Display - 14 inches
Processor - Apple M5
RAM - 16GB
Storage - 1TB
Apple's powerful MacBook Pro with the latest M5 chip and a chunky 1TB of storage is on sale at Best Buy. Boasting that powerful M5 chip, a gorgeous Liquid Retina display and an impressive 18 hours of battery life, this is a complete creative workstation. We awarded this model a solid four stars out of five in our MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5) review, praising the overall performance, elegant design, and long-lasting battery, but we were disappointed by the lack of a larger redesign and the overemphasis on AI features rather than other useful upgrades.View Deal
Best Buy Techtober sale — TelevisionsF20 32-inch HD Fire TV: was $129.99 now $69.98
It's one of the smallest and cheapest TVs you can buy, but if that's all you need, then this Insignia F20 is very hard to beat. Definitely don't expect the best picture quality or the fastest performance, but if you just need a display for infrequent streaming in a kid's room, the bedroom, or kitchen, then it's up to the job — and it doesn't cost very much at all.View Deal
F50 Series 55-inch 4K Fire TV: was $349.99 now $189.99
This large and budget-friendly 55-inch TV from Insignia supports high-quality 4K HD resolution, has smart capabilities with the Fire operating system, and a voice remote with hands-free Alexa controls. I've picked out this size in particular as it's a great low price for the already affordable display. All this for under $200 is a solid offer for a no-frills TV of this size.View Deal
QD50 58-inch Hi-QLED 4K TV: was $399.99 now $199.99
I can't speak too much about the overall quality of this TV given we haven't had extensive testing time, but I can't deny that it's a super low price for a TV of this size. It also sports the budget version of Hisense's QLED tech, which offers superior brightness and more vivid colors, although it's not as powerful as the premium displays. Still, this is a big and cheap TV that will be ideal for general everyday viewing and streaming for someone who isn't too bothered about getting the very best picture possible.View Deal
U8000H 50-inch 4K TV: was $299.99 now $249.99
If you're looking for a mid-sized budget display, Best Buy has this 50-inch 4K TV on sale for $249.99. It won't rival the premium QLED and OLED displays, but this entry-level TV from Samsung still packs a solid 'Crystal' UHD 4K processor, the easy-to-use Tizen operating system, and full HDR support. That's good value for money if you need a straightforward but capable display for your everyday viewing and media streaming.View Deal
C350 75-inch 4K Fire TV: was $729.99 now $399.99
The Toshiba C350 is getting older now, but finding a 75-inch 4K smart TV for under $400 is still an amazing deal. Toshiba's C350 is a 4K TV with HDR support, delivering solid picture quality for everyday viewing. Access to streaming apps is easy with the Fire TV OS, which has Netflix, Disney Plus, Prime Video, and more at your fingertips. It's not as powerful as many premium options, but if you're on a tight budget and want a large display, this is an excellent option.View Deal
QM6K 55-inch 4K mini-LED TV: was $799.99 now $499.99
A truly great, budget mini-LED TV, the TCL QM6K delivers vibrant picture quality along with solid gaming features for a price that won't break the bank. Upgrades here include support for 120Hz refresh rates at 4K resolution, which is perfect for gamers. This deal knocks a decent $300 off the 55-inch model, making it an appealing option for those who want a premium display at a mid-range price. View Deal
U7 55-inch Mini-LED QLED TV: was $1299.99 now $649.99
This is my pick for the best Hisense TV deal in the latest Best Buy sale. You get a lot of top TV tech for the money in a reasonably sized display, including a bright and vibrant QLED panel with excellent contrast, and a high 165Hz refresh rate support for smooth images. It will excel as a TV to watch the World Cup, as well as stream all of your favorite shows and movies, and play the latest games.View Deal
C6 65-inch OLED TV: was $2699.99 now $1499.99
The LG C6 is the successor to our best-rated TV, LG's C5 OLED, and it has a whopping $1,200 discount at Best Buy's Labor Day sale. This year's OLED TV delivers more accurate, brighter colors than the C5, with powerful contrast thanks to its new Alpha 11 AI processor. The C6 also includes impressive gaming features and LG's intuitive smart TV platform.View Deal
R85H 75-inch Micro RGB TV: was $2799.99 now $1799.99
The 75-inch version of Samsung's latest R85H just got its largest discount ever at Best Buy. This TV stands out for its excellent color and image quality, thanks to the array of micro RGB LEDs. That means it also boasts superior brightness and fantastic contrast, ensuring you get a smooth, sharp and vibrant image. It's an ideal all-rounder for films, movies, sports, and gaming, as it also supports 144Hz and a variable refresh rate to give you a smooth and responsive picture. It's easily one of the best premium TV deals I've seen right now.View Deal
G6 77-inch OLED 4K TV: was $4499.99 now $3699.99
The LG G6 is a pricey TV, but this flagship OLED delivers superb picture quality and unbeatable gaming performance, according to our LG G6 review. It uses a new-gen Primary RGB Tandem 2.0 OLED panel and a new Alpha 11 AI Gen 3 processor to deliver a better bright-room viewing experience than the previous model. With four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting a full suite of features, the G6 is also a fantastic gaming display.View Deal
Fire TV Stick 4K Select: was $49.99 now $17.99
Amazon's newest 4K streaming stick is now $17.99 at Best Buy. Since it's only a couple of bucks more than the cheaper HD version, you might as well pay for the upgrade and get higher-resolution streaming—as long as you have a 4K TV. It lacks a few premium features found in the more expensive Plus and Max models, such as improved Wi-Fi and Dolby Atmos, but that is more than enough for everyday use.View Deal
The Breville Barista Express is on par with some of the best espresso machines we've reviewed here at TechRadar. It has a higher learning curve than the average espresso machine, but it allows you to hone your coffee skills to make drinks exactly how you like them. This is a return to the record-low price for the entry-level espresso maker, and it remains a best-seller during all sales events, so it's looking like the right time for me to upgrade.View Deal
Air Fryer Pro XL: was $179.99 now $119.99
An air fryer allows you to enjoy your favorite fried foods with less oil, and this Ninja Pro model is ideal for families who want a big but budget-friendly option. The five-quart capacity drawer is enough to make meals for the whole family, and preset functions allow for easy air frying, roasting, reheating, and dehydrating.View Deal
Crispi: was $179.99 now $152.99
Here's an excellent discount on Ninja's portable air fryer. This bundle includes the PowerPod lid, plus two resealable glass containers to carry your dishes until you're ready to cook. According to our testing, it cooks exceptionally quickly, is easy to use and a breeze to clean, making this one of the best air fryer deals I've seen this year.View Deal
Pro Coffee Maker: was $59.99 now $29.99
This will never be one of the best coffee makers you can buy, but there's no denying that it is dirt cheap. It's a basic and no-frills drip filter coffee maker that can brew up to 12 cups at once, has a programmable timer so you can wake up to a fresh pot, and dishwasher-safe components that make it easy to clean.View Deal
4 qt Touchscreen Slim Air Fryer: was $69.99 now $59.99
The Bella Pro is exclusive to Best Buy, and we have seen this four-quart model a little cheaper in previous sales. However, for under $60, this is excellent value for money if you just need a compact air fryer for a small household or kitchen.View Deal
MDREX14AP Wired Earbuds: was $19.99 now $9.99
Wired earbuds are rising in popularity right now, and this is a great low price for a solid pair from Sony. You get excellent sound quality, a comfortable fit, a small and lightweight design, and an integrated microphone on the wire for making calls. All for under $10 is a bit of steal.View Deal
Best Buy's latest sale has the previous-generation AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation available for $119.99 — that's just $20 more than the record-low price. These AirPods 4 feature a new comfortable design, handy controls, and Apple's H2 chip, which supports personalized spatial audio and voice isolation — alongside that all-important ANC.View Deal
AirPods Pro 3: was $249 now $199
Apple's newest premium buds feature improved Active Noise Cancellation, outstanding audio, a comfortable in-ear design, and new features such as live translation and heart-rate tracking. These do-it-all buds really are 100% flagship audio and the noise-cancelling quality is outstanding. Today's deal at Best Buy is the best price you can find on Apple's newest AirPods, and just $10 more than the record-low from earlier in the year.View Deal
Right now, you can grab the incredible Sony WH-1000XM6 for $80 less in the Best Buy Techtober sale, bringing them back down to the lowest price they've ever been. These headphones deliver beautifully balanced audio, top-tier touch controls, a comfortable fit, and noise-crushing ANC to block out unwanted sounds.View Deal
AirPods Max 2 (USB-C): was $549 now $429
The AirPods Max use an Apple-designed dynamic driver to provide high-fidelity audio – and they sound fantastic for it. Exceptional active noise cancellation, personalized Spatial Audio, and Dolby Atmos support all reinforce that. They feel good on your head as well, thanks to the knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions, so you can easily wear them for the full 20 hours of battery life if you ever want or need to.View Deal
We awarded the JBL Charge 6 five stars, and it currently sits atop our list of the best speakers, so I definitely want to shout out this deal you can nab right now at Best Buy. With booming sound and an easy-to-carry design, you really can't go wrong with this one if you need an all-purpose speaker.View Deal
Best Buy Techtober sale — TabletsiPad A16 (2025): was $449 now $399
The brand-new Apple iPad A16 is down to its lowest-ever price in the Best Buy Labor Day sale, so it's worth taking advantage of if you have an eye on the latest Apple slate. The biggest upgrade over the previous-generation model is the A16 chip for faster performance. You also get double the storage, with 128GB standard, a sharp 11-inch Liquid Retina display, and solid 12MP front and back cameras.View Deal
iPad Air 11-inch (M4): was $749 now $649
The iPad Air hits the middle ground between power and affordability while still offering many of the same features and capabilities as the much pricier iPad Pro range. It has an attractive 111-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone support, which means it looks good in all lighting conditions — including outdoors. It's not quite as compelling a buy after a price hike, but still a good option for work and creatives.View Deal
iPad Pro 11-inch (M5): was $1199 now $1149
There's a decent $100 saving on the latest iPad Pro 11-inch at Best Buy, which we'll have to take after the recent price hike on Apple's tablets. Even at this higher price, you get the brand-new M5 chip, high-quality tandem OLED display and 256GB as standard. Expect this to be one of the better offers we see on the tablet until later in the year.View Deal
The iPhone Air is one of a kind. Apple's first thin-and-light flagship measures just 5.6mm thick, boasts the powerful A19 Pro chipset, and sports a beautiful 6.5-inch display. It's as fast as a Pro in daily use, and while its battery life isn't quite so impressive, you won't find a better iPhone for this price.View Deal
Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: was $2099.99 now $1799.99
You can get a $300 discount when buying the Fold 8 Ultra at Best Buy. That equals the biggest flat saving available on the latest flagship foldable and is a great option if you don't have an existing phone to trade in. This high-end foldable was awarded an impressive 4.5-stars in our review for its thin design, super-fast performance, and excellent cameras.View Deal
AirTag 4 Pack (2nd generation): was $99 now $89
The best-selling Apple AirTag is on sale for $89 during Best Buy's Labor Day sale. A great way to track a child's backpack or luggage, the AirTag can be attached to anything you don't want to lose, and your iPhone can locate it.View Deal
Amazon's October Prime Day — officially named the Prime Day Big Deals, if you want to call it that — isn't here for another day. Someone forgot to tell Sony, though, because the company's already discounted a range of its headphones.
• Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale
The highlight here is a $30 discount on the WH-CH730N — they're now just $148, (was $179) — this being a highlight because those puppies were only unveiled at the beginning of September.
What I'm saying is, we haven't seen a reduction on these already-affordable over-ears before. Brand new tech, brand new prices. To be clear, these are over-ears with noise cancellation that sit just below Sony's flagship 1000X lineup — but an even cheaper new set also exists, and it's also discounted. Hurrah for Prime Day!
Their contemporaries, the WH-CH530, are also reduced, but by a relatively minor $11 from $69.99 to just $58 (they are, after all, much more affordable Sony cans).
Again, the product is only a month old, so this discount is the first we've seen on them. They're on-ears and don't offer active noise cancellation, but do deliver Sony-grade audio, for a bargain price.
WH-CH730N: was $179.99 now $148
These modern cans from Sony haven't seen a discount before, so losing almost 20% of their price is a great incentive for you to pick them up. Just note: only the black model is officially reduced.View Deal
WH-CH530: was $69.99 now $58
Sony's affordable on-ear headphones are enjoying their first price cut, jumping the wait on the other Prime Day deals.View Deal
We haven't reviewed either of these products yet, that's how new they are. But we've previously been impressed by members of Sony's over-ear family, often naming them the best of their market segment, and there's no reason to think these will be different.
If you're not interested in Sony's mid-range and affordable headphones, then you'll be glad to know that the brand also has a few other options with temporarily-lowered prices.
Want something really cheap? The WH-CH530's predecessor is down to $33 at Amazon, and they were already great affordable options as we detailed in our Sony WH-CH520 review.
And if you want something more premium, some past-gen flagships are back down to $198, a saving of 50% on the MSRP, and we gave them a perfect score in our Sony WH-1000XM5 review.
WH-CH520: was $69.99 now $33
Need cheap Sony cans now? These get the job done. No ANC and they've just been superseded by a newer set, but this is a return to their lowest-seen price — which is a massive 53% off! — and we gave them a great write-up at their full whack asking fee. View Deal
WH-1000XM5: was $248 now $198
Oh, how we love these headphones. They're not the newest Sony flagship ANC headphones, but the fit and comfort levels are excellent, and their popularity endures. This is also a return to their lowest ever asking fee — we've listed their most recent regular price, but it's worth remembering that these headphones cost $399 at launch, so the discount is huge. View Deal
- Deliveroo says its first robot deliveries will start soon in London
- Canary Wharf will get its first four-wheeled robot deliveries this month
- Four other UK cities will follow "in the coming weeks and months"
Your next Deliveroo order could arrive courtesy of a four-wheeled robot rather than a human rider — with the delivery giant revealing that its first robot deliveries are starting soon in five locations.
Deliveroo has partnered with Coco Robotics to use its fully-electric robots for some deliveries, which will start in London's Canary Wharf sometime in October. These will use onboard sensors, cameras and AI to trundle around at "walking pace" through public streets to bring orders straight to customers.
The robots won't be used for every food or takeaway option. Initially, they'll only accept orders from the likes of Patty & Bun, Signorelli and the restaurant Beam in Wood Wharf. Deliveroo says the service will expand to more merchants including Ole & Steen "at a later stage", but hasn't commented on when that'll be.
The Canary Wharf scheme will be followed by similar pilots in Milton Keynes, Leeds, Stockton on Tees and Nottingham, which can expect to see the teal-colored robots arrive "in the coming weeks and months".
This will the first time Deliveroo has used autonomous delivery vehicles in the UK, and it's likely to be just the start. The announcement will spark concerns among human Deliveroo riders, but the company has promised that "the majority of orders will continue to be fulfilled by Deliveroo’s extensive rider network". And given the limitations of these four-wheeled robots, that's likely to be the case for a while.
Analysis: The delivery robots and drones are coming (Image credit: Getty Images / Bloomberg / Amazon)Deliveroo is far from the first delivery giant to experiment with robot delivery recently. Since October 2025, the company has been owned by the US giant Doordash, which has already partnered with Coco's robots in the likes of Los Angeles, San Jose, Chicago, Miami, Washington D.C and Helsinki.
Just last week, Doordash also revealed its new delivery drone for North California, which can apparently get food to you in under five minutes — although it was launched to a background hum of Texas residents complaining about the noise from Amazon's first Prime Air drones. Evri also recently announced a trial of its first two-legged robot delivery drivers in the UK.
While some pedestrians might not be thrilled about sharing the pavements with a growing army of delivery 'bots, there is one potential benefit for the blind and partially-sighted. Coco's robots are able to share real-time data on pavement hazards with the popular GPS navigation app BlindSquare.
"Coco's robots are essentially a real-time accessibility mapping network, feeding hazard data, discarded e-scooters, temporary construction, straight into BlindSquare's self-voicing app, giving blind and partially sighted pedestrians the crucial seconds they need to navigate safely," BlindSquare's founder Ilkka Pirttimaa said.
Thinking about upgrading your gaming TV in time for GTA 6? While there are tons of great options, you can't really go wrong with LG's OLEDs — and I've found some great deals ahead of Prime Day.
If you're in the US, you can pick up the LG B6 48-inch for $699.99 (was $1,199.99) at Best Buy. A perfect-sized TV for bedroom gaming, the B6 is packing everything you need for the best gaming experience.
If you're in the UK, today's LG B6 deals aren't as good, but the excellent LG C5 48-inch is available for £819 at PRC Direct. Crampton & Moore had this TV for £99 earlier, but the price has gone back up: PRC Direct now has the best price. This is a great price for what was easily one of 2025's best TVs.
Today's best 48-inch gaming OLED TV deals48" B6 OLED 4K TV (2026): was $1199.99 now $699.99
The LG B6 is a brilliant OLED TV, delivering colorful, contrast-rich picture quality along with full gaming features and an intuitive smart TV platform. The 48-inch model is down to $699.99 at Best Buy, which is an excellent price if you're looking for a bedroom-sized TV or gaming display. View Deal
C5 48-inch 4K OLED TV (2025): was £999 now £819
One of 2025's very best TVs, the LG C5 is the total package. Showcasing awesome picture quality and carrying every feature you could need, especially for gaming, the C5 is a tough TV to beat in terms of value. While stock of the C5 continues to thin out, the 48-inch model is available at PRC Direct for £819 (use code AUTUMN10 at checkout). View Deal
LG's OLEDs are among the best gaming TVs each year, as each model comes packed with all the features you could need.
While the LG B6 may be the entry-level model in the 2026 LG OLED lineup, it still offers four HDMI 2.1 ports, which support 4K 120Hz, full VRR, Dolby Vision gaming and ALLM. With a measured 8.9ms input lag time, performance on the B6 is excellent. While playing Battlefield V, I found the B6's response times to be razor-sharp, delivering smooth performance that never faltered, even in intense shootouts as I tried to dodge enemy fire.
The B6 is brighter than its predecessor, the B5, offering roughly 150 nits more peak brightness. This means HDR highlights have more punch, resulting in richer picture quality. Colors are vibrant, black tones are inky and contrast is strong: the B6 delivers a great picture that's perfect for movies and games.
The LG C5 may be one of last year's models, and while this year's LG C6 is an improvement, the C5 is still a fantastic TV, especially for gaming. It too has four HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K 144Hz, full VRR, ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming, and its measured 9.2ms input lag time mean performance is smooth. Again while playing Battlefield V, the C6 did a phenomenal job handling fast-paced action as I tried to navigate chaotic battles.
The C5 also has brilliant picture quality ideal for movies and gaming. Colors really pop on screen, detail is refined with 3D-like textures, it offers rich contrast with dazzling bright tones and deep dark tones and it has razor-sharp motion handling.
Quick links TV deals: US- Best Buy: save up to 50% on LG, TCL and more
- Walmart: TVs from as low as $68
- Currys: save up to £500 on TVs from Sony and more
- Argos: TCL and Samsung TVs from £189
- John Lewis: up to £350 off Sony TVs
- The world's tallest wind turbine has been built in Germany
- It's designed to catch higher, stronger, more consistent winds
- An 'inside out' construction process was deployed to build up
There's a new milestone to report in the field of wind energy engineering: German company Gicon just completed construction on the tallest wind turbine in history, standing 365 meters (1,198 feet) tall near the town of Schipkau in Brandenburg.
According to the official press release (via Interesting Engineering), the structure is now the second tallest in Germany, as well as the tallest wind turbine in the world. The official commissioning of the towering electricity generator is set for November.
The reason for the extra height is simple: a higher altitude means stronger and more reliable winds. However, experts won't know if the additional power generation is worth the extra costs and engineering efforts until the new turbine has started operating.
This first super-tall turbine will have a rated output of 3.8 MW, with future builds expected to hit 7 MW. That's fairly modest by turbine standards, but it's expected that the new structure will hit peak capacity more often and more consistently, ultimately achieving twice the energy yield of a conventional wind turbine with the same rotor diameter.
A new approach to construction"This is an overwhelming moment for our entire team," says Gircon CEO Prof. Dr. Jochen Großmann (via Google Translate). "What was long a challenging idea and then an equally challenging construction project now stands as a globally unique facility in Schipkau... we at Gicon are extremely proud of this."
The engineering team used a special 'inside out' approach to constructing the tower, using what's known as a strand jack system to lift the higher sections through the center of the base of the turbine before fixing them in place.
And there's another promising aspect to all this: Gicon says current wind farms can be retrofitted with the taller structures, meaning (in theory) more power from existing turbine plots without the need for more land development.
Once the world record turbine is running, we'll be able to see just how effective it is at harnessing the faster, more consistent winds at higher altitudes. If it proves a success, expect to see wind turbines getting a lot faster in the future.
Walmart has just launched a massive fall sale today that feels like an early preview of the brand's upcoming Black Friday sale. Running until October 11, the 'Deals & More' sale is absolutely worth checking out if you're looking for price cuts on a range of tech.
I've been scanning today's sale and found 13 highlights for our readers, including laptops, TVs, phones, and audio, with prices starting at just $39. Everything is included here, from cheap gift ideas to serious price cuts on high-end products that we've tested (and loved) here at TechRadar.
• Check out the Walmart Deals & More sale in full
Highlights include the latest Apple AirPods 4 for a record-low price of $79 (was $129), the outstanding TCL QM8L TV for $1,498 (was $1,698), and the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro for $419 (was $499). These are all models that we've personally reviewed here at TechRadar, so they're very easy to recommend at these prices.
Check out my full list of deals just below, and remember that the overall sale will be running until Sunday. If I spot any more recommendations, I'll be sure to add them to the list. Alternatively, check in regularly at TechRadar over the next week for more coverage of Walmart and other leading retailers' sales.
Quick links — today's best sales at Walmart- Apple: AirPods and iPads from just $79
- Headphones: JBL, Apple, Beats, and more
- Computing: laptops and tablets from $219
- PC gaming: gaming laptops and desktops from $799
- TVs: Samsung, LG, TCL, and more
The AirPods 4 are one of the overall highlights of Walmart's big Fall sale this week, as Apple's latest entry-level earbuds are currently sitting at their lowest-ever price. While this particular model doesn't have noise cancellation, they're still a decent buy at this price if you need a good pair of buds for your iPhone. Not only do they sound great, but the spatial audio is genuinely good, too. View Deal
V14 G5 Laptop: was $1999 now $699
Processor: Intel Core i7-13620H
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 1TB
Laptop prices have really taken a hit recently, which is why this Lenovo V14 is well worth taking a look at in the Walmart sale this week. It's a slightly older model, but it's still features a combination of a 13th-gen Core i7 chipset and 16GB of RAM, which makes it a good option for working from home or relatively demanding applications.View Deal
14-inch Chromebook: was $399.99 now $249
Processor: MediaTek Kompanio 540
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 128GB
Want a laptop for just the basics? A Chromebook is a great (and affordable) choice. Right now, Walmart has a good price on this entry-level 14-inch Lenovo, which is a compelling option if you just want something to stream content or do light web browsing. View Deal
Cyborg 15.6 gaming laptop: was $2099 now $1349
Graphics card: RTX 5070
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 260
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 1TB
RTX 5070 gaming laptops tend to be pretty expensive, considering this graphics card is one of Nvidia's higher-end models. This MSI Cyborg, however, is relatively reasonably priced with today's big price cut at Walmart. Not only do you get a really quick graphics card here, but the AMD Ryzen 7 chipset is also fantastic. Annoyingly, you do only get 16GB of RAM here, but that's still enough to run most games smoothly. View Deal
15.3-inch gaming laptop: was $1499.99 now $799
Graphics card: RTX 4050
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 220
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB
It's extremely uncommon to see an Alienware gaming laptop for under $1,000, let alone $800. With that said, this 15-inch Alienware is very much a basic, entry-level machine with a slightly older RTX 4050 graphics card and a Ryzen 5 chipset. This machine is definitely not a high-end option, although it does still feature that stunning futuristic design that Alienware laptops are known for.View Deal
Codex Z2C gaming desktop: was $1599 now $999
Graphics card: RTX 5060 Ti
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8700F
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 1TB
If I were buying a mid-range gaming PC for myself, I'd be severely tempted by this MSI Codex at Walmart today. The RTX 5060 TI is a fantastic graphics card for 1080p and even 1440p gaming, and the Ryzen 7 chipset is also really good here. Annoyingly, you do only get 16GB of RAM here, but that's still more than enough to get you started with decent performance right out the box. View Deal
Galaxy Tab A11+: was $249 now $219
The latest in Samsung's well-received budget tablet range, the A11+ picks up where the A9 left off, and at the same price too. This is the base model, with just Wi-Fi connectivity and 128GB of storage, but you can expand that easily up to 2TB via a microSD card. If you need an Android tablet for daily use like web browsing, watching videos, and maybe playing a few games, this one's well worth considering.View Deal
Go 5 portable speaker: was $47 now $39
The JBL Go 5 is our favorite budget portable speaker, so it's a strong recommendation if you're looking for a lightweight speaker for your tunes. This particular model features upgraded sound, new ambient lighting, and an ultra-durable build. Overall, well worth the money, although we still think the 10 hours of battery life is beaten by some of the competitors on the market currently.View Deal
75-inch QM8L Mini LED TV: was $1698 now $1498
The TCL QM8L is one of the best TVs that we've reviewed this year, by far. For the price, it's a very, very compelling high-end option that combines an impressive, bright picture with a range of excellent tech. TCL's backlight tech in particular does a great job of offering a clean image with no blooming, highlighting detail no matter how bright or dark the picture is. With four HDMI 2.1 ports, it's also a fantastic option for gamers looking for the highest possible frame rates at 4K. View Deal
77-inch C6 Series 4K UHD OLED TV: was $2799.99 now $2299.99
This is the latest iteration of LG's well-renowned 'C' series of OLED displays. They've been a favorite at TechRadar for a few years, and this sixth-gen model is the best yet. For the price, you get almost unbeatable image quality, support for 165Hz frame rates at 4K, and the brand's latest Alpha 11 AI Gen 3 image processor. In short, this mid-range OLED display is worth every penny. View Deal
Looking for something a little different? Walmart currently has the excellent Nothing Phone (4a) Pro listed at its lowest price yet. Awarded an almost perfect score in our review, we think the Phone (4a) Pro is a great mid-range option for most people. Not only do you get a fantastic 144Hz AMOLED display, but the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset also provides great bang for the buck. Of course, the main selling point is the device's stunning modern (and unique) design. View Deal
- Businesses are tracking AI as consumers shift to AI-powered buying patterns
- Social media is also a big are for monitoring consumer trends
- Conventional retail like Walmart and eBay have dropped
AI platforms have become synonymous with scraping other sites for information, but it's not every day you hear of AI sites themselves becoming targets. The latest Decodo research has revealed just that, though, with ChatGPT and Perplexity both appearing in the top five.
Decodo argues this marks a fundamental shift in what organizations are now demanding from the web – "Two years ago, businesses scraped the web to see what people were searching for," CEO Vaidotas Juknys noted.
"Now they scrape AI platforms to see what people are being told. The use case for data collection is changing."
AI platforms like ChatGPT are now being scrapedBesides AI platforms, Decodo found that seven of the top 10 sites are actually new entrants, with just TikTok (number one) Google (second place) and Amazon (eighth place) re-entering as repeat offenders.
ChatGPT, in third place, accounted for 14% of the activity observed by the analysis, which could account for businesses checking how the AI tool ranks their products against competitors, monitoring how it describes the company, measuring brand mention frequency, recording ChatGPT citations and more.
Perplexity accounted for 10% of the data, landing it in fifth place, while TikTok saw the most scrapes at nearly one in five (18%).
\But with several top-10 sites from 2025 dropping out of the charts, including Walmart, eBay and Airbnb, Decodo's data shows much more than just the rise of AI. It's also a much broader indication of how and where consumers are shopping, including AI and social media.
Looking ahead, the company is also anticipating that Gemini and Copilot could end up in next year's top 10. But marking an even bigger shift, Decodo also predicts that AI agents could replace humans in starting those scrapes in the first place.
"Next year the agents might be doing the deciding instead of just reading the answers," Juknys added.
I've tested more sets of headphones than I can even count during my time here at TechRadar, but Sony's most premium cans ever are true stand-outs. Be it their incredibly expansive sound, stellar look, or capable ANC, these headphones really have it all… but one thing has held me back from recommending them more regularly: their steep asking price. Thanks to an early Amazon Prime Day Big Deal Days offer, though, the Sony 1000X The Collexion can be yours for $598 (was $649.99) at Amazon US and just £474 (was £549) at Amazon UK. As a result, I think they're well and truly worth snapping up if you're looking for premium headphones.
• Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale
I like to think of The Collexion as Sony's answer to Apple's AirPods Max 2. They go all in on a spacious, immersive soundstage that affords every element in a track plenty of breathing space, but the headphones are also immensely stylish and feature-rich. Android users who can't get the iOS-specific features from Apple's cans should seriously consider these. They have a highly customizable EQ, LDAC and DSEE Ultimate for higher-quality Bluetooth listening, and class-leading touch controls — things that Apple's cans skip on entirely.
There's even more to love about The Collexion, and I'll delve a bit deeper down below. However, the bottom line is that these are an excellent pair of headphones, and now, at a record-low price in both the US and UK, they're all too easy for me to recommend. So, make sure to scroll down for the best deals and more details on the Sony 1000X The Collexion.
Today's best Sony 1000X The Collexion deal in the USWith impeccable, immersive audio, an excellent standard of build, and a seemingly endless suite of features, the Sony 1000X The Collexion stand as a fantastic set of over-ear headphones in a highly competitive market. I was hesitant to recommend them regularly in the past due to their steep asking price, but with this deal, I think they're well-worth snapping up.View Deal
Today's best Sony 1000X The Collexion deal in the UKI love the expansive sound signature of the Sony 1000X The Collexion, as well as their incredibly comfortable fit, luxurious looks, and gigantic feature-set. Now, you can net £75 off Sony's most premium wireless headphones ever, making them a must-buy for anyone that wants the ultimate blend of premium sound and design.View Deal
When I reviewed the Sony 1000X The Collexion earlier in 2026, they impressed me in a few key areas. Of course, sound is one of them. I've already spoken about their expansiveness, but they also offer excellent balance across the frequency range, with impactful and dynamic bass output, rich and intricate mids, and expressive treble. If you have LDAC switched on for higher-res streaming — or if you're using a wired connection — The Collexion can also unearth some of the finest details in your favorite tracks, resulting in a highly insightful, engaging listening experience.
Something else that impressed me was their active noise cancellation. Although these headphones have a relatively relaxed fit, they still crush external sounds to impressive effect, and whether I was using them on public transport or just while working in the office, they kept me focused on my tunes with ease. There's also a transparency mode if you want to be more aware of your surroundings, something that you can trigger by placing your hand over the right earcup, or with a simple button press.
I also absolutely loved the look and feel of the Sony 1000X The Collexion. Thy have a much sleeker look than the aforementioned XM6, with gorgeous metal details, a faux-leather exterior, and plush earcups. These headphones are some of the most, if not the most, comfortable I've ever used, and I had no problems using them for hours on end without stopping.
Even with this discount, they're still expensive, sure. But for the all-round quality you get in return, I think they're well worth the investment. If you're looking for some cheaper Sony headphones, though, I've got you covered with a few extra deals in the US and UK — head on down for more details.
More Sony headphones Prime Day deals in the USWH-1000XM5: was $248 now $198
Sony's previous-gen flagship headphones are down to an incredible low price, and they're all too easy to recommend. With energetic, bass-heavy sound, a classy design, and excellent ANC, they're an absolute steal at under $200.View Deal
Prefer on-ears? Then it's good news. The Sony WH-CH520 are available right now for less than $35, which is an unbelievable price for the quality you get here. With clear, balanced audio, customizable sound, and 50 hours of battery life, you simply can't go wrong with these.View Deal
More Sony headphones Prime Day deals in the UKThey may not be Sony's newest flagship model, but the Sony WH-1000XM5 still have an awful lot to offer, with amazing ANC, exciting and punchy audio, an attractive look, and no end of features to play around with in Sony's Sound Connect app. At less than £200, you're looking at an unbeatable value for money option.View Deal
If you're a fan of on-ears, then I'd highly recommend scooping up the Sony WH-CH520 right now. For under £30, the quality you get in return is astonishing. With clean, balanced sound, 50 hours of battery life, and excellent in-app controls, there's just so much to love.View Deal
This has been the year of console price increases, with everything from the PlayStation 5 to the Xbox Series X getting steadily more expensive. It might seem all doom and gloom, but Nintendo is bucking that trend this Amazon Prime Day with a nifty Switch 2 discount.
A range of retailers have the system at 15% off, including Amazon, where it's on sale for £354.99 (was £419.99), matching its lowest ever price on the storefront.
• Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale
That's less than the console's £395.99 launch price (the RRP went up to £419.99 last month), so a genuinely good deal – a rare sight in today's gaming market!
Today's best Nintendo Switch 2 dealsNo, your eyes aren't deceiving you - this is a bona fide console discount in 2026! At £65 off, the Nintendo Switch 2 is currently cheaper than it's ever been at Amazon right now. Lots of other retailers are matching that price too, as you can see below.
Argos - £354.99 | John Lewis - £354.99 | Smyths Toys - £354.99View Deal
The Nintendo Switch 2 is a console that almost needs no introduction. The successor to the supremely popular Nintendo Switch, the Switch 2 boasts enhanced graphical capabilities and a wealth of new features.
It has a selection of exclusive games too, including recent hits like Splatoon Raiders and Donkey Kong Bananza as well as family favorites such as Mario Kart World.
As we approach the end of the year, big sales events will begin cropping up regularly, culminating in Black Friday in November. This week, it's the Amazon Big Deals Days event, and I've just found what might just be the worst laptop deal of the year.
That's right, the worst. So why am I writing about it? Well, I think it's worth pointing out 'deals' that are actually a waste of money, and explain what makes those deals bad, to help you avoid getting stung in the future. Of course, I've also added some alternative laptop deals that are much better, and worth buying instead.
• Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale
The awful laptop deal in question is for the HP 14-em0018na (what a great name for a product), that Argos is selling for £279.
Now, with prices for many devices climbing ever upwards, getting a Windows 11 laptop for under £300 might seem like fantastic value, but looking at the hardware involved, you should stay well clear.
The biggest red flag is that this laptop comes with just 4GB of RAM. That's a pitiful amount for a Windows 11 laptop in 2026 — these days I'd recommend 16GB as a minimum, with 8GB only being worth it if the laptop is really cheap.
Unlike ChromeOS, which Chromebooks run on, Windows 11 is a heavy (some might say 'bloated') operating system that needs a lot of memory to run smoothly, and 4GB just won't cut it. This laptop will be slow, unreliable and very annoying, especially if you want to run multiple apps at once.
The dual-core AMD Athlon 7120U processor is also pretty pathetic, and despite HP claiming the laptop has "plenty of storage", 128GB isn't going to last long these days, especially as most of that space will be taken up by Windows 11.
I'm annoyed at Argos selling this, as anyone buying it is likely going to feel ripped off. According to the Argos website, it seems this laptop is selling steadily as well, which is worrying. User reviews are positive, though vague (and one even admits they've not used it yet, but have still given it a high score), and I wonder if those impressions will be quite so positive after a few weeks of using the laptop.
Of course, budgets are tight at the moment, and not everyone can afford a high-end laptop packed with RAM and cutting-edge components, but there are plenty of cheap laptop deals out there that will offer much better value for money. So don't be tempted just because this laptop has a rock-bottom price tag — check out these laptop deals instead:
Today's best cheap laptop deals in the UK14a-nf0003na 14in Intel 8GB 128GB Chromebook: £259
Here's another HP laptop deal from Argos, and not only is it cheaper, it's just an all-round better buy. For a start, it's got twice the RAM, which will help make things feel quicker, and because it runs on Chrome OS, that extra RAM will make even more of a difference with how snappy it feels compared to a Windows 11 laptop with similar specs. If you're after the absolute lowest price possible, then a Chromebook like this is a great pick.View Deal
15-fd1007nax: £299
See? HP can make good cheap laptops, and Argos knows it. This laptop is just £20 more expensive but comes with double the RAM and storage (8GB and 256GB, respectively), and a more powerful Intel Core i3 processor. While it's still far from powerful, it'll be much better at handling day-to-day tasks, and should last a lot longer as well before you feel the need to upgrade.View Deal
CX14 Chromebook Plus: £299
This is another sub-£300 laptop that's worth considering. It's a Chromebook Plus device, which is more powerful than a regular Chromebook, so with a decent (for a Chromebook) 8GB of RAM and Intel Core 3 processor, you're going to have a much better experience than if it was a Windows 11 laptop with half the RAM. Just remember that Chrome OS doesn't support all the applications Windows 11 does, but there's often alternative software that is just as good.View Deal
Apple's new Mac mini desktop computer is down to $799.99, a saving of almost $120 (or 13%) off its official selling price. It is very rare for Apple to drop the price of a popular product that quickly and that deeply after launch.
Grab that "Big Day Deals" special as it won't be around for long. Amazon says that more than 2,000 in the past month have been sold, no surprise that it is the best seller in mini PCs there.
Mac mini (M6): was $899 now $779.99
The 2026 model of the ever-popular Apple Mac mini desktop gets its first price cut since launch.
In the UK: now £824 (was £899)View Deal
What is it?This is the newest evolution of the Mac mini. This 2026 version of the award winning, game changing tiny PC crams a lot of new technology into a familiar form factor and that makes it higher price tag more palatable. There's Wi-Fi 7, now powered by Apple's own wireless chip, and standard 2.5Gb LAN ports but the cherry on the cake is the new mighty M6 chip. 0
According to two respected test sites (CPUBenchmark and GeekBench), it is the fastest single thread processor ever produce, ahead of the M5 Ultra. Let that sink down for a second. Apple's cheapest PC is powered by a blindingly quick processor with a solid penchant for AI workloads. You don't see that in the world of AMD and Intel.
Other than the 12-core CPU, the M6 has a 12-core GPU and two 16-core Neural Engine NPU to tackle those all important 'personal, professional and creative tasks'. The onboard memory (16GB) and SSD (256GB) are the two major letdowns but then again, that's against the backdrop of the ongoing RAMpocalypse that decimated global memory and NAND markets. On the other hand it is the only mini PC in this price range with three Thunderbolt 4 ports.
What others say?The Guardian (5/5): “Truly mighty but now more pricey… Apple’s cheapest desktop computer is no longer a bargain but its newest, fastest chip makes it a pocket powerhouse.”
Wired (4.5/5): “Apple has refreshed the Mac mini with a brand-new chip, the M6. And this time, it’s more focused on AI than ever. Unprecedented power in a tiny box. Impressive gaming for what it is. Big gains in some AI performance. Good port selection with support for dual 5K monitors.”
Gizmodo (4.5/5): “A Better Tiny Desktop, With or Without AI. The latest Mac mini offers unparalleled performance for its price. Just know the AI connoisseurs are waiting to gobble it up first.”
Petapixel (3.5/5): “The novelty of the M4-generation Mac mini’s redesign has worn off. But on the plus side, there’s something else all-new to enjoy, the first Mac with M6 is here.”
TechRadar hasn't reviewed the new Apple Mac mini yet.
Read more: We're currently tracking all the best Prime Big Deal Days home office deals in the October sale
- Microsoft has admitted there's a bug in the latest Windows 11 update
- The September preview update causes some games and apps to crash
- According to some reports, this patch is also leading to sluggish performance, or even boot failures, so tread very carefully
Windows 11's latest update has a bug that's causing havoc with some PC games and apps, or worse still, according to reports that have found the upgrade breaking their entire system.
Windows Latest highlighted a post on the Windows health dashboard where Microsoft admits there's a problem with September's optional update, which was released almost two weeks ago now.
Bear in mind that this patch (KB5124010) is a preview update, then, but there certainly seem to be quite a few issues for gamers here based on some of the feedback on social media. These problems affect Windows 11 26H2 and 25H2 users, as well as those still on 24H2.
Microsoft tells us that: "Some applications which require the decoding of AC-3 (Dolby Digital) audio might close unexpectedly."
The company adds: "Affected applications may vary and can include games, media players, and certain productivity applications."
The bug may cause the game or app to completely fail to launch, or it might crash, and in some circumstances things could be fine until certain features are used, notably playing music.
At least Microsoft assures us that "many modern applications do not use Windows for this type of encoding and therefore will not encounter this issue," but clearly there are problems here.
There are reports on Reddit from gamers expressing their displeasure at witnessing crashing with, for example, Fallout: New Vegas, Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and Wardogs. In all cases, players found that the problems started after installing the September preview patch, and ceased when the update was removed.
What's more worrying is that some of the affected gamers are reporting more serious issues that include the system ending up broken with boot failures, or very slow performance for booting or shutting down the PC. Other complaints include general sluggishness on the desktop.
As one Redditor observes: "KB5124010 was a disaster on one of my Win11 25H2 PCs. It caused boot issues, very slow shutdown/search, and after uninstalling it the machine got stuck at the Asus logo and stopped booting. Clean reinstall in the end."
Another agrees: "I thought I was going insane with slow boot up. File Explorer issues. Just big grey boxes taking forever."
Analysis: this needs a quick fix(Image credit: Bethesda)Microsoft says: "We are working on releasing a resolution for this issue in a future Windows update. We will provide an update when more information is available."
Well, this is a nasty one by all accounts, so Microsoft better muster all its bug squashing powers pretty swiftly. After all, while this is a preview update now, it becomes the full October update for Windows 11 a week tomorrow – so that's not far away at all.
Also, there are some folks who may have wanted to grab this optional update straight away because it packs a fix for a previous bug in the September (non-preview) update which broke a backup feature in Windows 11. So, they could have downloaded KB5124010 and been happy to receive this particular fix, only to find that their games or apps are suddenly in hot water (or worse). Sadly this kind of situation is all too common with Windows 11 these days.
Furthermore, this is a warning to be careful around preview updates, because seemingly the only cure for the bugs here is to uninstall the patch – there's no workaround. Also be aware that if you have selected the option to 'Get the latest updates as soon as they're available' in Windows 11 then you will get all these preview updates automatically, and possibly be hit by bugs like these.
That's why I'd be cautious about exercising this right, even if you are very keen to receive new Windows 11 features as soon as possible.