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News

Is It Even Worth Buying Tech During Early Holiday Sales? Here’s What We Recommend - Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - 18:07
US adults are juggling higher tech prices with smaller budgets this year. Can the sales help them afford more?
Today’s NYT Connections Hints and Answers for Thursday, Oct. 8, #1215 - Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - 18:07
Need a Connections hint today? Get a hint for each color group in NYT Connections #1215 on Thursday, Oct. 8, then all four answers.
Last Chance: Get a Free Soundbar When You Buy an LG B6 OLED TV This Prime Day - Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - 18:01
LG’s B6 Series OLED 4K TVs were already at an all-time low for Prime Day, and the deal just got spicier, but you’ll want to act fast.
Today’s NYT Wordle Hints, Answer and Help for Thursday, Oct. 8, #1937 - Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - 18:42
Need a Wordle hint today? Get spoiler-free hints for NYT Wordle No. 1,937 on Thursday, Oct. 8, then the answer, plus yesterday’s word.
OLED or Mini-LED? How to Pick the Right LG TV for Your Room, Lighting and Viewing Habits - Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - 19:03
The answer depends on your room more than your budget. Here is how LG OLED Evo and LG QNED Mini LED actually differ, and which one suits the way you watch.
The Surface Laptop Ultra Is Here: Microsoft and Nvidia Built a Premium Computer for the AI Age - Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - 19:25
With Nvidia’s RTX Spark chip and platform, Microsoft’s newest laptop is ready to compete with AI heavyweights.
Your New Apple Watch and AirPods Still Fall Short on Repairability, iFixit Teardowns Reveal - Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - 19:45
If you’re hoping to replace the batteries in your Apple wearables one day, it might be a tricky fix.
Today’s NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Oct. 8, #745 - Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - 20:04
Here are hints and the answers for today’s NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for Oct. 8, 2026.
Today’s NYT Strands Hints, Spangram and Answers for Thursday, Oct. 8, #949 - Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - 21:00
Need a Strands hint today? Get the theme hint, the spangram and every answer for NYT Strands No. 949 on Thursday, Oct. 8.
Utah Now Allows AI to Scan Your Face and Prescribe Acne Medication - Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - 21:20
The program is limited in scope and can only prescribe medication for acne.
11 home office essentials for a cozy workspace this fall - Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - 11:35

As I sat down at my desk this morning, something felt different. I sipped my coffee and looked around. Nothing had moved, but the room had changed.

Several sips of coffee later, it clicked. The familiar feeling of fall had finally settled in. The room was darker, cooler, and a light mist was visible from my office window. For me, this time of year has always been my favorite. The chaos of Summer is behind us; it’s cozy sweater season.

As I spend more time in my home office than any other single space, I started thinking about how I can create a cozier work environment in the coming months. This collection offers 11 ideas on how to do just that. Some of these items are already trusted parts of my desk setups; others are on my list to consider investing in this year.

Oh, and they are all in the Prime Big Deal Days sale at the time of writing.

COMFIER Back Massager With Heat

Nextmug by Nextboom Temperature-Controlled, Self-Heating Coffee Mug

Snailax Heated Footrest

Amazon Basics Ceramic Portable Mini Space Heater for Office Desk

Bedsure Soft Fleece Throw

SONORAN Merino Wool Fingerless Gloves

SweetSlubr Memory Foam Seat Cushion

LISUNAR Electric Candle Warmer Lamp Black

LitONES Led Desk Lamp

Air-Scent Waterless Diffuser

Contigo Byron Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug

Want a gaming TV upgrade in time for GTA 6? Here are the 3 we recommend — all personally tested by us - Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - 11:37

After what feels like forever, GTA 6 is finally due for release on November 19, 2026. With that in mind, it might be a good time to think about upgrading your TV for this generation's most anticipated game. Thankfully, Amazon Prime Day has arrived with deals on top TVs.

• Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale

We here at TechRadar test the best gaming TVs all the time, putting them through their paces with fast-paced, high performance games to make sure they can handle the action. While there are tons of great gaming TVs out there, we've picked three of our favorites that will be perfect for GTA 6.

Quick links TV deals in the US TV deals in the UK Our 3 perfect for GTA 6 TVs LG C6 FutureDisney / Future Warner Bros. / FutureFuture

The LG C6 is truly the whole package, delivering brilliant performance with every feature you could need and all for a better price than its rivals. Available in 42-83-inch sizes, it really can fit any room: perfect for a gaming setup.

The C6 carries a full suite of features for gaming, with 4K 165Hz, full VRR (including FreeSync and G-Sync), Dolby Vision gaming and ALLM, as well as a ton of Game Optimizer settings to really customize your playstyle. I measured the C6's input lag time at 9.2ms for 4K 60Hz (with Boost activated) and 4.7ms for 1080p 120Hz: which are both superb results.

In practice, gaming on the C6 was incredibly smooth. Darting around battle sequences in Battlefield V to avoid enemy gunfire was judder-free, and the C6 showcased its razor-sharp response times whenever a big battle took place. As you're tearing around Vice City in GTA 6, expect a very smooth experience on the C6.

The C6's picture quality is up there with the best TVs. During my testing, its bold, dynamic colors were perfect for movies like Elemental, accurately rendering the dazzling oranges and blues of the fire and water people respectively. Expect the same when you're exploring Vice City's streets, whether it's the neon-clad nightlife or the bright, vibrant outfits of the locals. The C6 also has deep, inky blacks as you'd expect from an OLED: perfect for night-time scenes.

The C6 excels in offering everything you need from a TV, and while it is a premium price for many, what offers for said price is incredible value, often cheaper than its major rivals.

65-inch C6 4k OLED TV (2026): was $1699.99 now $1499.99
The LG C6 is an excellent all-rounder, delivering fantastic picture quality and performance for movies, TV, sports and gaming. It's a notable upgrade over its predecessor, the LG C5, but still for the same launch price. The 65-inch is available at Amazon for $1,499. We've also seen it a 3rd party seller on Amazon for $1,449, but stock is low. View Deal

48-inch C6 4K OLED TV (2026): was £1199 now £1049
Not many TVs can cover the wide range of content that the LG C6 does, be that movies, gaming, sports etc, and even fewer can do it so well. The C6 delivers on almost every front, and stands out as a brilliant value option in an expensive market. The 55-inch model has dropped £1,049 at Richer Sounds.

LG C6 48-inch: was £1,199 now £1,087 at AmazonView Deal

C5 48-inch 4K OLED TV (2025): was £999 now £819
Bonus UK deal! While the LG C5 doesn't have the picture accuracy, newer processor or new panel (in 77 and 83-inch sizes) of the C6, it is still an excellent TV for gaming. While stock of the C5 continues to thin out, the 48-inch model is available at Crampton & Moore for £799. We've seen the price fluctuate a couple of times, so check out PRC Direct if it goes back up again.

LG C5 48-inch: was £999 now £819 at PRC DirectView Deal

TCL QM7L/TCL C7L Future / James HollandFuture / James HollandFuture / James HollandFuture / James Holland

The TCL QM7L (known as the C7L in the UK) is the definition of value. We thought it "almost reached the heights of TCL's flagship TVs, but at a much lower price". While it may not have the brightness of the step-up QM8L/C8L, it still delivers great colors, excellent clarity and brilliant backlight control. We haven't fully tested the C7L ourselves yet, but should be virtually identical to the QM7L as they carry the same SQD mini-LED panel, processor and features.

The QM7L is well equipped for gaming, with 4K 144Hz, FreeSync Premium Pro, Dolby Vision gaming and ALLM all featured. During our testing, we found that "whether it was Madden 26 or Star Wars: Outlaws, the picture was crisp and the action was smooth." This bodes well for the chaotic, open-world of GTA 6, where the action will almost certainly need to be smooth as you try to shake-ff a five-star wanted level.

The QM7L's picture is truly impressive for the price. Watching The Batman, we found the QM7L rendered the fast-paced Batmobile chase scene with real clarity. Watching Coco, the QM7L faithfully delivered the vibrant colors of the land of the dead. The QM7L also shows off TCL's Halo Control System, resulting in great backlight control during a scene in Soul, where a bright character against a dark background showed no blooming.

As we said above, we've not fully tested the C7L in the UK yet, but we have tested its predecessor the C7K which in itself was a brilliant TV. With a new SQD mini-LED panel, it can only get better.

The real highlight here though is the QM7L's price. Launching for a great price, the QM7L receives regular discounts throughout the year and is often among the most competitively priced TV on the market.

65-inch QM7L SQD mini-LED 4K TV (2026): was $997.99 now $897.99
The TCL QM7L is superb value for money, with this deal taking the 65-inch model under $900. It's perfect for gaming, with excellent performance and picture quality that's sure to work well for games like GTA 6, as well as movies and TV shows. View Deal

55-inch C7L: was £1099 now £849.15
Packed with nearly every feature you could need for gaming, as well as great picture quality for movies, the TCL C7L is excellent value for money. This deal at Richer Sounds knocks the 55-inch model down to £849.15: excellent value for a TV with this much to offer. View Deal

LG B6FutureDisney / Future FutureWarner Bros. / Future

Unsurprisingly, the third TV on this list is another LG OLED, but this time it's the entry-level LG B6. If you've been researching this TV, you may notice that in certain sizes, there are two models: the B6 and B6E. I've personally tested both these TVs and aside from some AI picture features and a plainer back panel, the B6E performs virtually the same and carries the same major features but at a cheaper price.

The B6 comes equipped with four HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K 120Hz, full VRR, ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming, as well as the Game Optimizer menu: virtually the same feature-set as the step-up C6. I also measured the B6's input lag at 8.9ms at 4K 60Hz and 4.9 at 1080p 120Hz, which are amazing results.

Playing Battlefield V on the B6, I found the TV's response times to be fantastic, resulting in super-smooth gameplay. Whether I was flying around the skies in a commandeered plane in a desert mission or sprinting to avoid enemy fire, the B6 expertly handled the action. For GTA 6 then, as you're no doubt tearing around the streets of Vice City in some ridiculously fast car, you can expect the B6 will do a great job with the action.

The B6's picture quality is also great. Its colors are rich and vibrant, making the pink flowers in a tree from Wicked or the dazzling oranges, reds and purples of a glittery vase in Elemental all pop on screen. It also demonstrates strong contrast, with a great balance between light and dark tones, shown in The Batman's many high-contrast scenes. As you're moving around Vice City, whether it's during the colorful nightlife or bright daytime, the B6 is sure to deliver a well-rounded picture.

It's worth noting that the B6E is better value than the B6, but both are still great entry-level OLED prices. The B6 is your only option in 48-inch, but this TV has dropped to some seriously low prices. And in larger sizes, the B6E is a no-brainer.

65-inch B6E 4K OLED TV (2026): was $1899.99 now $999.99
The B6E offers a cheaper alternative to the LG B6 without compromising on any major features. It delivers the same great picture quality and fantastic gaming performance, making it a real all-rounder. You can get the 65-inch model at Best Buy for under $1,000: sensational value for a 2026 OLED of this size. View Deal

48-inch B6 4K OLED TV (2026): was £999 now £887
The LG B6 48-inch is a superb TV for gaming in a smaller room. Carrying a full suite of features with performance to match, the B6 is also top-notch for movies, with a nice brightness increase over its predecessor. This deal takes the 48-inch down to £887. View Deal

More Prime Day deals in the US More Prime Day deals in the UK
The only headphones and earbuds worth considering this Prime Day - Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - 11:43

We're well into day two of Amazon Prime Day and, well, there's no easy way to put this: it is but a two-day event — which means today is your last day to snap up a bargain.

Maybe today is the day you treat yourself to a set of earbuds for the gym bag or over-ears for the commute. And if it's something that plays music and the deal's good, you'll find it here, in this little roundup. I'm not including anything I wouldn't buy myself — if the saving isn't good and I don't rate the product, you won't find it here.

• Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale

Whether it's my favorite sports earbuds, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, which are only $179 (was $249) in the US, or £179 (was £249) in the UK, or Soundcore Space 2 over-ears, which are just $99 (was $129) in the US, or £99 (was £129) in the UK, there's something here I think you'll love.

Stick with me, there's still plenty of time to bag you an affordable music maestro! Happy shopping!

Today's best Prime Day audio deals, USTop Prime Day headphones deals still live, US

Quietcomfort Headphones: was $359 now $169
This is the older-gen set, not the new 2nd-generation QuietComfort — but for this money and with this iconic design, you cannot go wrong. Oh, and many of the colorways (including this limited-edition green) are in the sale, so you can have a style set to match your fall wardrobe. View Deal

Sony WH-1000XM6: was $459.99 now $378
They're class-leaders for a reason folks. These flagship Sonys really are the best that Sony can offer: think supreme comfort, big cosy ear cups and cocoon of silence ANC. Oh, and a whopping $82 off! View Deal

Need something super-cheap, right now? Here you go: Sony's WH-CH520 on-ears have recently been superseded by the WH-CH530, but look what that has done to the price tag! For the same price as an ad-free Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max bundle you can have these indefinitely — and yes, the sound quality absolutely befits Sony's name. View Deal

With 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

Space 2: was $129.99 now $99.99
It seems that Soundcore's over-ears are $10 cheaper than they've ever gone before. Symbolically dropping into double-figures, that makes them seem like a real bargain, especially now that they're half the price of the Pro sibling.View Deal

We raved about the Sennheiser Accentum Plus when we reviewed them a couple years back, talking up their punchy, assertive sound, strong battery life, and quality build. At 56% off, this deal almost feels too good to be true.View Deal

WH-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

Now that their successor has launched, it's perhaps unsurprising to see the Sennheiser Momentum 4 get a juicy discount for Prime Day. These five-star headphones offer spectacular, impactful audio, huge battery life, and a timeless design that we can't get enough of. And at 43% off, it feels like the perfect time to snap up some of our favorite wireless headphones that Sennheiser has ever put out.View Deal

My colleague often waxes lyrical on his love for the Sennheiser HD 660S2, and it's not hard to see why. They supply nuanced, neutral, and engaging audio and a supremely comfortable fit that's ideal for musicians and audiophiles alike. At almost 30% off, these are worth every penny.View Deal

Top Prime Day earbuds deals still live, US

Apple Airpods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds With Active Noise Cancellation: was $249 now $179
Amazon has dropped Apple's AirPods Pro 3 to $179.99, which is the best price you can find right now. Upgrades to the AirPods Pro 3 include vastly improved Active Noise Cancellation and audio, a better in-ear design, live translation and the ability to track heart rate, workouts, and calories burned. They're the complete package, especially for iPhone owners. View Deal

Powerbeats Pro 2: was $249.99 now $179.95
I'll be honest, the lilac (or 'Hyper Purple') is my top choice. I remember that when I tested them, I could choose my review sample loan product, and I loved them. That said, the 'Quick Sand' gray, 'Jet Black', or 'Electric Orange' finishes are all discounted too. If you own an iPhone, your workouts will not be the same after this purchase. View Deal

Liberty 5 Pro: was $169.99 now $135.99
While 20% off isn't as big a saving as for the Space 2, it's nothing to turn your nose up at. I can't see any previous discounts in the deal history, so this could be the first time the buds have been reduced. And they're absolutely worth it — one of my colleagues won't use anything else. View Deal

Another of my colleagues has been using the Sennheiser IE 200 for years, and they've never let him down. The level of detail they can unearth would be impressive enough at full-price, so this deal makes them a true must-buy for audiophiles or musicians on a budget.View Deal

Accentum Open Wireless Earbuds: was $129.95 now $59.95
This is a staggeringly low price for a pair of wireless earbuds from this brand. With a flexible open-style fit, 28 hours of battery life, and IPX4 waterproofing. From a trusted name such as Sennheiser, there's a lot to like about this deal.View Deal

The best Prime Day audio deals, UK Top Prime Day headphones deals still live, UK

They 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

I 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

Space 2: was £129.99 now £99.99
Double-figure pricing on these reliable over-ears is great, especially because it puts them at the same price point as many tempting rivals. All the color options are reduced too, so you can get the lovely blue version I use.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

We're huge fans of the Sennheiser Accentum Plus here at TechRadar, and continue to recommend them regularly, even years after release. They offer punchy, assertive audio, plenty of playtime, and a stylish look that already felt like great value for money. So now, at almost half-price, it would be impossible for me not to advise you to snap these up!View Deal

HD660 S2: was £369 now £305
Finally, we have a set of audiophile-grade wired headphones in the Sennheiser HD 660S2. Our Reviews Editor, Josh Russell, always speaks highly of his pair, which offer satisfyingly neutral, insightful sound as well as an ergonomic fit and eye-catching design. A tidy saving of £64 only adds another reason to grab these, whether you enjoy making music or you're a hobbyist audiophile.View Deal

Top Prime Day earbuds deals still live, UK

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are some of the best running headphones you can buy, now at a steep discount. They beat their predecessor in almost every category, with a modern Apple H2 chip, lighter weight, longer battery life, and new features like heart-rate monitoring and Qi wireless charging. The battery lasts an impressive 45 hours total with both the buds and case, which beats many of the best workout earbuds by a long shot.View Deal

Liberty 5 Pro: was £149.99 now £112.49
At a quarter off, this is the biggest proportional saving of the lot. The discount applies on all four color options, but not the Pro Max model. Personally, I'd go for the Pros, even before the discount, and the wider price discrepancy makes it a no-brainer. View Deal

I've not tried the Sennheiser Accentum Open Wireless Earbuds yet, but this deal felt too good to leave out. With an ergonomic open-style fit, IPX4 waterproofing, and 28 hours of battery life, you're getting an awful lot of value for sub-£50 Sennheiser earbuds.View Deal

The Sennheiser IE 200 might just be some of my favorite IEMs ever made. That comes down to the fact that they provide such impressive levels of detail and insight while remaining highly affordable. So now, at less than £85, I would urge any audio enthusiast on a budget to scoop these up. View Deal

I take the Sennheiser CX 80U with me everywhere I go to use with my Nintendo Switch 2 or listen to tunes on my phone, and they continue to impress me no end. They offer amazing audio quality, with especially refined treble and instrument separation, plus the convenience of USB-C connectivity, and even a built-in mic for taking calls. In my view, there aren't any similarly priced USB-C earbuds that can compete with these. View Deal

More Prime Day deals in the US More Prime Day deals in the UK
VPN threat protection vs. dedicated antivirus: Are VPNs really enough? - Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - 11:44

Chances are that your VPN does more than just encrypt your traffic. An increasing number of providers now bundle malware detection, malicious link checkers, and ad blockers into their packages.

This recent trend raises an interesting question: Are a VPN’s built-in security tools enough to replace standalone antivirus products? Or do we still need dedicated antivirus protection layered underneath our VPN?

VPN security tools

Modern VPNs have evolved far beyond simple tunneling tools. The best VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark now include real-time malware protection that checks URLs against malicious databases and scans files during downloads.

In 2024, NordVPN became the first VPN to earn certification as a reliable anti-phishing tool. Its Threat Protection feature blocks websites, web trackers, and ads while scanning downloads on the spot.

Surfshark takes this further with Surfshark One. It offers real-time protection from viruses and malware, with scheduled scans as part of regular security maintenance.

Surfshark's antivirus tool offers real time protection across all devices it's available on (Image credit: Surfshark)

That said, VPN-based solutions often skip features common in standalone antivirus such as full system scans and behavioral threat analysis.

Here’s where it gets interesting: some VPNs’ antivirus tools are essentially rebadged versions of the same underlying technology. Surfshark’s antivirus is directly powered by Avira’s anti-malware SDK, while CyberGhost Security Suite uses Intego’s frontend – which, for Windows, relies on Avira’s engine and definitions.

This shared infrastructure means they depend on the same detection databases. When Avira pushes an update, VPN partners may take time to integrate it, creating potential gaps in protection compared to native Avira users.

Beyond timing delays, platform support can be inconsistent. Some VPN antivirus features only work on Windows and Android, leaving macOS and iOS users with partial coverage. For threat actors targeting Apple devices specifically, this gap becomes exploitable.

OS-level protection

Having evolved significantly since the days of basic protection, built-in security deserves more credit. Microsoft Defender, once considered a bare-minimum option by many, has improved considerably.

In AV-Comparatives’ July-August 2026 real-world protection test, Defender blocked 95.5% of live threats with just one false positive recorded.

AV Comparatives' data shows just how well Windows Defender compares to third-party providers (Image credit: AV Comparatives)

What stands out is its consistency. Across multiple testing rounds, Defender has consistently earned Advanced+ awards and solid protection scores that often rival paid solutions, including Bitdefender and Sophos.

Critically, it recorded fewer false positives than many commercial competitors – meaning fewer instances of legitimate files being incorrectly flagged as threats.

Apple’s approach is equally sophisticated, deploying a trio of defenses rather than traditional signature-based scanning. Gatekeeper verifies authenticity, Notarization scans for known malware before distribution, and XProtect handles background detection with automatic updates. XProtect Remediator, added in recent macOS versions, periodically scans for active infections that slip through.

Between these systems, Apple prevents a substantial share of opportunistic attacks, though zero-day threats remain a vulnerability.

The free options and when to pay

If you prefer not to pay for antivirus software, Avast Free Antivirus remains a solid baseline. In recent testing from AV-Comparatives, it was one of only three products out of 20 tested to achieve a 100% block rate.

Free tiers typically come with trade-offs such as limited cross-platform coverage and reduced toolsets. For casual browsing, these rarely matter, but for managing sensitive files across multiple devices, they start to add up.

However, the value proposition shifts with paid suites. Norton 360 Deluxe and Bitdefender Total Security offer numerous valuable extras beyond antivirus protection that justify their cost for many users.

Features include password managers, cloud backup, parental controls, and identity monitoring. Having all these utilities in one package means less to juggle, and often works out cheaper than buying each tool separately.

The Verdict

Rather than choosing between them, a combination works best. A VPN, free antivirus, and built-in OS-level security creates a solid protection foundation. Relying on any single layer leaves gaps.

A VPN alone won’t catch malware already on your device or protect offline activity. Free antivirus lacks the behavioral analysis and premium support of paid suites. OS-level security can’t stop every zero-day exploit or advanced persistent threat.

That said, for the average user practicing sensible browsing habits, this layered approach provides adequate protection for everyday use. If you manage sensitive data, handle financial transactions regularly, or use older hardware that might delay security updates, investing in a premium suite adds meaningful insurance.

Practically speaking, most users can stay secure without overspending. The key is to stay sharp by keeping software updated and avoiding clicking on unexpected pop-ups or unsolicited links without thinking twice.

Google signs billion-dollar deal to expand nuclear power capacity at multiple US plants - Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - 12:00
  • Google announces 20-year plan to help Constellation upgrade its existing nuclear plants
  • The company previously promised to "[bring] net-new energy to the grid"
  • It has now enabled over 1.5GW of new nuclear energy across the US

Google has signed a major long-term partnership with Constellation Energy designed to boost energy generation for the PJM Interconnection – a grid network that covers 13 states and an estimated 67 million US citizens.

The expansion, of course, comes amid the company's rising energy consumption as it continues to expand its AI data centers to keep up with customer demand.

A 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) is set to support 890MW of new nuclear generating capacity, but with one key detail – six existing sites will increase their output, rather than this being Google funding the development of new nuclear facilities.

Google signs 20-year nuclear deal to generate 890MW of additional energy

Global Head of Data Center Energy Amanda Peterson Corio explained that, with this announcement, the company has now enabled over 1.5 GW of new nuclear capacity for the US energy system. In other words, the latest development could mark around a 2.5-3x increase over its earlier total, which would have been around 610MW (based on the 1.5GW total).

Google says the first uprated nuclear plant is expected to go live in 2028, with the full 890MW of additional power set to be delivered by the end of 2032.

Constellation said it expects to invest more than $4.3 billion into the program – Google didn't share the financial details of its end of the deal, but Corio did emphasize the positive impact on jobs, particularly around temporary construction-related roles.

"Preserving and expanding the output of the existing nuclear fleet and developing new clean generation is critical to meeting our nation's growing energy needs," Constellation CEO Joe Dominguez explained.

Corio had previously promised to pay for the company's power and "any new infrastructure costs directly driven by [its] growth," including boosting "grid resilience" and "bringing net-new energy to the grid."

So while the 890MW isn't technically destined exclusively for Google's own data centers, it will ultimately support those expansions while helping to keep citizens' bills lower with more abundant energy supply.

Up to 50% off on waterproof jackets from The North Face, Rab, Arc'teryx, Patagonia and more — I've rounded up the best deals - Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - 12:00

Rainier days are coming, and now's a great time to make sure you have your wet weather gear sorted. If you've missed the memo, we're in the middle of Amazon's Prime Day sale (actually, we're nearing the end — the two-day event finishes at midnight). I went hunting for waterproof jacket deals in the Amazon sale, and unearthed some gems from The North Face and Columbia in the mix.

• Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale

There were also plenty of strange, no-name brands included in Amazon's sale, but as a former outdoor gear tester my advice would be to stick to brands that are known and trusted. The good news is that a number of the big outdoor retailers are running sales alongside Prime Day. I've rounded up all the best offers, from Amazon and beyond, below.

In the mood for some more bargains? Head to our Amazon Prime Day tag page to browse all the deals we thought were worth spotlighting.

Men's waterproof jacket deals

Hop down to the women's jacket deals

The North Face Men's Antora Jacket, Cedar/blk

Rab Khroma Kinetic Jacket - Men's

The North Face Men's Venture 2 Jacket, Cedar

Patagonia M10 Anorak - Men's

Columbia Men's Collegiate Field Bound Jacket

Marmot Men's Cascade Waterproof Rain Jacket, Trail Blue

Patagonia M10 Storm Jacket - Men's

Columbia Inner Limits III Jacket - Men's

Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket - Men's

Marmot Superalloy Bio Rain Jacket - Men's

Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket - Men's

Mammut Taiss HS Hooded Jacket - Men's

The North Face Lightning Zip-In Jacket - Men's

Rab Firewall Mountain Waterproof Jacket - Men's

The North Face Men's Venture 2 Jacket, Shady Blue

The North Face Men's Venture 2 Jacket, Iron Clay

Women's waterproof jacket deals

The North Face Women's Antora Jacket, Opal Frost

Rab Firewall Light Jacket - Women's

The North Face Women's Venture 2 Jacket, Black

The North Face Women's Venture 2 Jacket, Mars Dust

The North Face Alta Vista Rain Jacket - Women's

Helly Hansen Momentum 3L Stretch Jacket - Women's

Helly Hansen Graphic Rain Jacket - Women's

More Prime Day deals in the US
8 minimalist home office essentials to boost focus - Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - 12:05

It took me a decade to really understand what they mean when they say ‘less is more’ – at least when it comes to my workspace.

Over the past ten years, I have spent countless hours refining exactly what I have on my desk, aiming for optimal productivity. I've tested everything from a simple laptop-and-nothing-else setup to countless monitors and gadgets, and found that a small, carefully chosen set of items delivers the best results.

With many of my favorite products now in the Prime Big Deal Days sale, I’ve curated a list of 8 top items that will help you remove distractions and create your own minimalist desk setup.

Wolvende Premium Felt Desk Mat

Velinjowy Serving Acacia Wood Valet Tray

Lamicall 6 Pack Rotatable Cord Organizer

Univivi No Drill Under Desk Cable Management Tray

PEGZONE Ergonomic Monitor Stand Riser With Storage Drawer

UGREEN Vertical Laptop Stand Holder

ClocTeck Nixie Tube Clock

XXXFLOWER Plant Terrarium

This is the cheapest 4TB SSD for Prime Day — Acer FA200 Gen4 SSD costs $480, less than $0.12 per GB, 50% less than Samsung 990 Pro - Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - 12:08

As a chronic deal-finder, I know when I've seen an outstanding deal for PC storage - and the Acer FA200 4TB internal SSD is now $479.99 (was $530) at Amazon, making it the cheapest 4TB SSD I've seen in the Prime Day sales and cheapest SSD per TB since February 2026.

Yes, that’s significantly more than what it was this time last year but hey, nobody wants to lend me their fusion-powered Delorean.

FA200 4TB SSD: $479.99
Designed for professionals, creators, and gamers, the Acer FA200 is a Gen4 NVMe internal SSD capable of hitting speeds up to 7200 MB/s. Stock is getting low, but more units are available by clicking on "other sellers on Amazon" from as little as $479.View Deal

Why I recommend this deal

At this price, that works out at $120 per TB (or a little under 12cents per GB, if you prefer), which is the most affordable I've seen in the deals.

The drive is well-specced for both general computing, as well as heavy workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming. Connectivity-wise, it features a PCIe Gen4 with hitting read speeds of 7,200 MB/s and write speeds of 6,200 MB/s.

It compares very well to competing 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSDs like the Samsung SSD 990 Pro ($938.99), which costs almost twice the price for a marginally faster performance or the Western Digital 4TB SN5000 Blue, which costs the same but has a way slower performance.

The FA200 got a solid 60% from our sister publication, Tomshardware. The reviewer noted that it has an above average overall performance, is power efficient and runs cool but suffers from poor sustained write performance.

WD Blue SN5000 4TB SSD: $494.99
The closest competitor to the FA200 in terms of price, but the speeds can't match it, reaching up to 5,500 MB/s. View Deal

990 Pro 4TB SSD: was $1099.99 now $949
Still one of the best internal SSDs we've ever tested, but the price is astronomically high right now, especially compared to the Acer FA200. View Deal

Black Opal 2TB SSD: was $289.99 now $245.99
This deal is from Biwin, who manufacturer's the Acer SSD. It's for the 2TB model, so you could plug two in a RAID-0 to match the FA200's capacity. View Deal

Read more: We're currently live-tracking all the best Prime Day home office deals.

I've tested dozens of Dolby Atmos soundbars, but the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is easily among the greatest compact options on the market — and I'd buy it today for one key reason - Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - 12:11

Looking for a compact soundbar with Dolby Atmos audio and excellent dialogue clarity? The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is what you're after, and right now it's available at a seriously temping low price. You can grab the Sonos Beam Gen 2 for $359 (was $499) in the US, and just £338 (was £449) in the UK today in the Amazon Prime Day sales.

• Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale

I've used the Sonos Beam Gen 2 extensively and its punchy bass output, crystal-clear dialogue and expansive soundstage wow me every time. It's an ideal pick for two main reasons: firstly, it's incredibly compact, making it convenient for anyone who wants quality audio but is working with a smaller space. And secondly, it's a lot more affordable than a lot of Dolby Atmos soundbars. Whether you want it for your small apartment, you want a more affordable option, or both, this is the soundbar I'd recommend for you.

Scroll down to find the best prices on the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and to learn why I still love this soundbar after using it for multiple years.

Today's best Sonos Beam Gen 2 deal in the US

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the ultimate compact option. It provides convincing and expansive Dolby Atmos audio, clear dialogue, and Wi-Fi support for streaming music, making it perfect for movie and music lovers. It's also highly customizable via the Sonos app, and shines with a modern, understated look. At this price, it's incredibly easy for me to recommend. View Deal

Today's best Sonos Beam Gen 2 deal in the UK

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is an exemplary compact soundbar, with immersive and engrossing Dolby Atmos audio, a gorgeous modern design, and a fantastic feature-set. It's also incredibly easy to set-up and use, and has Wi-Fi support for higher-res music streaming. At this price, it's an absolute steal.View Deal

I've used the Sonos Beam Gen 2 extensively during my years testing audio-visual gadgets here at TechRadar, and it's never failed to impress me.

One area in which it excels is with its bass output. It provides palpable low-end sound when you consider that it's such a small model, helping dark, ambient movie scores and high-octane action sequences feel super-impactful.

But that roaring bass doesn't come at the expense of other sounds in the frequency range. The Beam Gen 2 provides clear, well-defined dialogue, especially with the Speech Enhancement feature switched on. It also handles higher-pitched sounds with ease, and when watching Dolby Atmos movies, its ability to whip up a wide, expansive soundstage is something to behold.

Sure, the lack of dedicated height channels means you're getting Dolby Atmos using software processing and virtual height channels (rather than real, physical upward-firing drivers), but the Beam Gen 2 still sounds convincingly immersive. You can also customize its sound in the Sonos app, pair up supported Sonos speakers to turn it into a soundbar system, or even transfer audio over to your Sonos Ace or Sonos Ace Ultra headphones if you want to indulge in a private listening session.

The Beam Gen 2's compact size also makes it perfect for apartment living, or for adding to a spare room. It's an excellent small soundbar, and at this price, it's well worth snapping up — but be quick, Amazon Prime Day is almost over!

More Prime Day deals in the USMore Prime Day deals in the UK
Keep active this fall with these 8 home office upgrades - Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - 12:15

In summer, I stay active out of necessity. Events to attend, kids to run after, and tasks to get done around the home – often hitting my steps goal by pure accident. But as fall settles in, remaining active becomes more intentional. With colder days and darker nights, I find myself spending more time settled in the comfort of my desk, reluctant to get up and move around as much as before.

From experience, forcing myself to be more active is often short-lived. But make it convenient by building it into my routines and the spaces I frequently spend time in, and I get far more done than I planned.

So, I created a list of products I’m looking to invest in to make this my most active fall season ever. All of them are also in the Prime Big Deal Day sale, so it’s a great time to buy them.

CYBERGOING Walking Pad Treadmill Powered by Bosch®

StrongTek Professional Wooden Balance Board

Putnen Under Desk Elliptical Machine

NIYIKOW Grip Strength Trainer

AOC Ergonomic Mouse

QUTOOL Lumbar Support Pillow

AQUAFIT Half Gallon Water Bottle

LanSuper 10000 Lux Light Therapy Happy Lamp

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