News
- Alienware introduces two new monitors to expand its QD-OLED lineup
- The AW3226Q is a new 4K tandem OLED RGB stripe gaming monitor available this fall
- Alienware also has a new esports QD-OLED monitor with a 560Hz refresh rate
The gaming monitor market is heating up with new competition from Alienware, specifically via the new AW3926QW 5K2K ultrawide. However, it's not resting on its laurels.
As reported by Wccftech, Alienware has announced two new gaming monitors, further expanding its QD-OLED lineup: the AW3226Q is a new 32-inch 4K RGB stripe tandem OLED monitor that uses the same technology found in Alienware's flagship 5K2K display. For esports players, the AW2527HX is a 560Hz QD-OLED with great motion clarity and response time.
The highlight among both is clearly the AW3226Q 4K display, which is effectively the closest gamers can get to Alienware's flagship display. The new 4K display also uses the same RGB stripe layout, significantly improving text readability. The only major difference is 5K2K resolution on the AW3926QW, with 33% more pixels than 4K due to its ultrawide aspect ratio.
The AW3226Q will also feature 1,000 nits of peak brightness, alongside DisplayHDR True Black 400 and Dolby Vision. Having used the latter on the Alienware AW3426DW I reviewed, it's one of the standout benefits for consistent brightness levels and minimizing the brightness dimming issues that occur on OLED displays (which is also addressed by the tandem OLED layers).
It's increasingly clear that tandem OLED is quickly becoming the new standard for high-quality OLED displays, and using a four-stack tandem OLED layer should help boost and maintain high brightness levels.
Will it have an affordable price point?Alienware surprised most consumers by announcing that its flagship 5K2K AW3926QW monitor would retail at $1,099 / £999 / AU$1,999.80. The competition from LG — two 5K2K displays — is significantly pricier, leaving many turning their attention to Alienware to experience higher-quality gaming via sharper images.
If Alienware's flagship monitor is anything to go by, the newly announced AW3226Q should be another affordable option for OLED hunters, and that's great news since OLED is arguably still the best display type for gaming.
There's no release date for the AW3226Q just yet — it's worth noting that Alienware's flagship monitor hasn't launched in all regions. However, gamers can expect this to hit the market in the coming months, with availability scheduled for this fall.
The AW2527HX QD-OLED, designed for esports, is set to launch in the first quarter of 2027, but there is no price confirmation.
We've been searching through all this year's Labor Day sales, and one thing is clear: A genuine 4K business monitor for $200 is still a rare find, so this deal really stood out to us. the Samsung ViewFinity S70H is down to $200 (was $300) at Amazon.
This 27-inch 4K UHD monitor has an IPS panel, HDR10, and Samsung's built-in eye-comfort features. Whether you're upgrading a home office setup or adding a second display for multitasking, this is the most compelling Labor Day monitor deals we've seen yet.
27" ViewFinity S7 (S70H): was $299.99 now $199.99
27-inch 4K UHD (3840x2160) IPS panel with HDR10, a 178-degree wide viewing angle, and both HDMI and DisplayPort inputs. Includes Samsung's Eye Saver Mode and flicker-free technology for long sessions.View Deal
4K UHD resolution at this price point is still uncommon, and the extra pixel density makes a real difference for text sharpness and general productivity compared to a standard 1080p or 1440p display. The IPS panel and 178-degree viewing angle also mean consistent color and brightness even if you're not sitting dead center.
HDR10 support and Samsung's Eye Saver Mode, which reduces blue light and prevents flicker, make this a comfortable choice for anyone spending long hours in front of a screen. Samsung's Display Manager software adds useful extras like split-screen layouts and brightness presets without needing third-party tools.
With both HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, it's flexible enough to pair with a laptop, desktop, or games console without needing an adapter.
Price Context & Historical ValueThis is the lowest ever price for this Samsung monitor, according to CamelCamelCamel. A $100 drop from $299.99 to $199.99 is a genuine markdown, around 33 percent off, and a strong price for a 4K monitor with HDR10 and IPS color accuracy.
Monitor pricing can fluctuate around major sales events, so it's worth confirming the price is still live at checkout, but this is a solid entry point into 4K at home if you've been waiting for the right price.
Should you buy it?✅ Buy the Samsung ViewFinity S70H if...
You want a genuine 4K monitor for work or media at a budget-friendly price, you want HDR10 support and Samsung's Eye Saver mode for long screen sessions, or you need both HDMI and DisplayPort inputs for a flexible desk setup.
❌ Skip the Samsung ViewFinity S70H if...
You want a high refresh rate for gaming, since this is a 60Hz panel, you need USB-C connectivity or a built-in KVM switch, or you're after a larger screen than 27 inches.
The Catch: What to know before you buyThis 4K monitor has a 60Hz panel. That's ideal for general office tasks, but it's not built for high-frame-rate gaming. It also skips USB-C connectivity and a built-in KVM switch, both of which appear on some pricier ViewFinity models. For everyday productivity and media use, none of that should matter much.
- TechRadar's finest are at IFA 2026 from September 4-8
- Submit your questions here, and the team will reply to you
- Get the inside scoop on the latest tech straight from the show floor
The TechRadar team has set up camp in Berlin for IFA 2026, Europe's largest tech trade show, rushing between booths and exhibits to catch the most exciting new gadgets ,and shake hands with the 1,900 or so brands showing off their latest kit.
With some 200,000 people descending on Berlin over the next five days, the team will be elbowing their way to the front of every stand to get hands-on with the newest tech — and they're inviting you to come along for the ride.
Want to know about the latest innovations in household electronics? Which gadgets wowed them? Or what it's like to be on the ground at a massive tech trade fair? Drop a question in the chat below, and one of the team will reply to you as soon as they can.
The show officially opened today, and runs until September 8, but the team have already got well acquainted with the Messeplatz, the vast exhibition space that's home to the showcase, thanks to a raft of press events earlier in the week.
Most of the news gets announced in the lead-up to the event, so a lot of the major unveilings have already happened, allowing our writers to spend time seeking out some of the more under-the-radar new gadgets.
And with many brands exhibiting, there's a lot to see. From Nvidia's game-changing RTX Spark laptops to a lawnbot with a mechanical arm, there's a real mix of new tech for us to get excited about — and the team are here to give you the inside scoop.
Contains spoilers for Alice and Steve season 1
Don't worry Alice and Steve fans, the Hulu (Disney+ internationally) show is not leaving us on a cliffhanger. It's been renewed for another round, so rest assured, we should get some of those burning (no pun intended...) questions answered.
Alice and Steve season 2: key information- Season 2 was confirmed in August 2026
- The core cast are expected to return for season 2
- No trailer yet
- The plot is expected to pick up soon after season 1's dramatic finale
When we last saw everyone, they were in the middle of a chaotic wedding venue fire. In intense scenes, Alice saved Steve and jumped off the roof into a pool with him, with their fates left unknown. Even though Alice was furious that Steve was marrying her daughter, she still risked her life to help save his.
With a finale like that, we should all breathe a sigh of relief that we'll get to see what happens next. And by the sounds of things, we won't be disappointed.
Speaking of the renewal, Sophie Goodhart, creator and writer, said: “I am so thrilled that Alice and Steve has been given a second season. No one will be prepared for what happens next, especially not Alice and Steve.”
Read on to find out everything we know about Alice and Steve season 2.
Alice and Steve season 2 release date(Image credit: Hulu)Alice and Steve has only just been renewed, so a release date has not yet been confirmed. When I have more information about when it's expected to air on Hulu and Disney+.
The series was well received, with Lee Mason, VP, Scripted, Disney+ EMEA, praising the series after its renewal.” He said: “It’s been fantastic to see the rapturous reactions to ‘Alice and Steve’ from viewers at home. Sophie has created a distinctive and original comedy that is striking a chord and sparking debate with audiences across the country.
"I’m excited to see what mayhem Sophie and Clerkenwell have in store for our titular characters after that delicious cliffhanger – but we can expect more laughs, betrayal, and bad decisions in season two.”
Alice and Steve season 2 trailer: is there one?No, it's too early for a trailer yet, but I'll keep you updated once one is available.
If I had to speculate, the trailer should immediately pick up after the fire, where we can hopefully learn the fates of those caught up in it. I really can't wait, I need to know if everyone made it out alive...
Alice and Steve season 2 cast speculationYali Topol Margalith, Nicola Walker and Jermaine Clement are all expected to return. (Image credit: Hulu)If everyone reprises their roles or survives the fire, we should get the core cast back on our screens in season 2. Should that happen, here's the full line-up we'll expect to see in Alice and Steve season 2.
- Nicola Walker as Alice
- Jemaine Clement as Steve
- Yali Topol Margalith as Izzy, Alice's daughter
- Joel Fry as Daniel, Alice's husband
- Tyrese Eaton-Dyce as Dom, Alice's son
- Marcia Warren as Val, Alice's mother
However, casts can change, so if any of these aren't coming back, I'll update you. Fingers crossed we'll see them all!
Alice and Steve season 2 story synopsis and speculationWhat's next for Steve and Izzy? (Image credit: Hulu)Considering season 1's cliffhanger, it's likely the fire will be a key focus at least for the first episode of season 2. The scene cut to black before we could see if Alice and Steve made it out of the venue alive, so we really need to learn what happened to them.
If that wasn't enough drama, there's so much more. Izzy is pregnant, initially believing it was Steve's. As it happens, the baby's father is her ex, Yannis, but Steve has insisted he still wants to be involved in the child's life. But something tells me it won't quite be this plain sailing, especially if Izzy's ex arrives back on the scene.
We haven't seen Yannis on screen yet, so there's a chance he could become a new, problematic character when season 2 picks up.
If you're looking for a new TV in the Labor Day sales, then my top recommendation is the LG C6. You can get the 65-inch model for $1,499.99 (was $2,699.99) at Amazon: a huge 44% off.
Easily one of the best TVs I've tested in 2026, the LG C6 ticks all the boxes, delivering the picture quality for movies, the performance for gaming and sports, and the versatility for any other areas you might need.
While we'd usually recommend last year's models in sales, as they're generally available cheaper, not only is the C6 a worthy upgrade over its predecessor, the LG C5, but both models are at the same price of $1,499.99 for a 65-inch. So, the C6 is a no-brainer.
Today's best LG C6 dealC6 65-inch 4K OLED TV (2026): was $2699.99 now $1499.99
The LG C6 is a home-run of a TV, building upon its excellent predecessor, the LG C5, with notable upgrades in picture quality, performance and features that make an all-around fantastic TV. This deal at Amazon takes the 65-inch model to a record-low price of $1,499.99. View Deal
After the success of the LG C5 last year, the LG C6 had some big shoes to fill. The LG C-series has been a long-running successful lineup of TVs for years, but on occasion, they don't innovate that much from year to year. In truth, the C5 wasn't a huge step-up over its predecessor, the LG C4. So naturally, I was hoping for a big upgrade this year in the C6: and boy did I get it.
When I compared the LG C6 and LG C5 side-by-side, I saw a noticeable upgrade in picture quality. The C6 was brighter (over 250 nits higher in peak HDR brightness) than the C5, which meant that bright scenes — such as those with a lot of snow — had a lot more punch on the C6.
Where I was really impressed was the colors. Not only did they look more vibrant and natural on the C6, demonstrated by some pink flowers in Wicked, but the C6 got rid of the 'green tint' that has been known to plague some LG OLED panels in recent years. This meant pictures looked more accurate overall, resulting in a better viewing experience.
Outside of picture, the C6 comes fitted with the flagship Alpha a11 Gen 3 AI processor, the same used in the flagship LG G6 and a first for the LG C-series. This means performance feels smoother and more responsive, and it benefits from more picture upgrades.
Finally, LG's C-series are among the best gaming TVs and the C6 is no different. It supports 4K 165Hz, full VRR including G-sync and FreeSync, plus Dolby Vision gaming and ALLM across four HDMI 2.1 ports, it's fully kitted out for gaming. Throw in an ultra-low 9.2ms input lag time and you have a superb gaming TV that was a blast to use for gaming during my testing.
Other fantastic Labor Day TV deals55-inch B6E Series OLED 4K Smart TV: was $1299.99 now $799.99
LG's 2026 B6E is the budget version of the popular LG B6, and thanks to Best Buy's Labor Day sale, you can get the 55-inch model for an incredible price of $799.99. The LG B6E is packed with premium features, like LG's speedy Alpha 8 Gen 3 AI processor, Dolby Vision support, extensive gaming features, and webOS 26 - all for under $800.View Deal
65-inch Bravia XR8B Smart Google TV: was $3299.99 now $2499.99
If you're looking for a big-screen premium display, Sony's 65-inch Bravia XR8B OLED TV is now at a record-low price of $2,499.99. Sony's Bravia 8 features a sleek, slim design, a wide viewing angle, brilliant images with deep contrast, and cinematic sound across the entire screen.View Deal
B6 48-inch 4K OLED TV: was $999.99 now $699.99
The LG B6 is the brand's latest entry-level OLED TV for 2026 and a great choice if you want great picture quality and gaming chops on a budget. It features four HDMI 2.1 ports for 4K gaming at 120Hz, variable refresh rate modes, HGiG, and support for Dolby Vision Gaming. Our only criticism with this model is that it didn't provide a massive upgrade over the previous LG B5 model, but it's still an excellent entry-level OLED TV that ticks a lot of the right boxes.
Read our full LG B6 OLED TV reviewView Deal
75-inch S5 4K LED Fire TV: was $649.99 now $419.99
The TCL 75-inch S5 4K LED TV supports Dolby Vision, HDR10 Plus, HDR10, and HLG, while there’s Dolby Atmos sound and a built-in subwoofer. It also has a dedicated Game Mode for lower input lag and latency, and Motion Rate 240 technology for smoother motion. It’s all wrapped up in a highly attractive price tag for a screen of this size.View Deal
- Amazon: 45% off TVs, AirPods, air fryers & vacuums
- Apple: iPads, AirPods & MacBooks from $99
- Appliances: up to $1,200 at Samsung
- Best Buy: 60% off appliances, TVs, laptops & more
- Casper: up to 30% off mattresses
- Dell: laptop deals from $249.99
- DreamCloud: up to 60% off mattresses, 66% off bundles
- Home Depot: 40% off appliances, furniture, grills & tools
- Lowe's: $1,000 off appliances, patio & tools
- Nectar: up to 50% off mattresses, deals from $349
- Saatva: up to $625 off luxury mattresses
- Samsung: up to $2,000 off 4K, QLED & OLED TVs
- Target: 45% off clothing, tech & furniture
- Walmart: 58% off back-to-school, furniture, & clothing
- Tesla's Cybercab had a quiet launch event, but Elon Musk didn't attend
- It's unclear exactly how many Cybercabs will be in circulation
- Tesla says its Robotaxi service has driven one million unsupervised miles
Almost two years after Tesla first showcased its driverless Cybercab prototype — a vehicle that ditches traditional pedals and a steering wheel in favor of fully autonomous operation — the company has quietly introduced production versions to its fleet of driverless taxis in Austin, Texas.
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles records show that Tesla now has 420 autonomous vehicles registered in the state, including 45 Cybercabs, according to Reuters.
That figure includes the company’s wider Robotaxi fleet, rather than just the new purpose-built cars.
However, despite launching a Cybercab-specific website to coincide with the launch, there was no official word on how many eye-catching gold machines will be put to work in Austin immediately.
Elon Musk didn’t attend the low-key launch event, while reports suggest just a handful of Tesla influencers were on site, some of whom were allowed to take the first rides.
BREAKING: Tesla has officially started offering Cybercab rides to the public.I’ve been waiting years to say that!I took one of the world's first public rides. The cabin is comfortable and spacious, the suspension is soft, and FSD is VERY smooth. It’s an incredible vehicle.… pic.twitter.com/XBzJI9EVQmSeptember 4, 2026
Unfortunately, there was no further information on how the general public can increase their chances of hailing a Cybercab, as opposed to a 'standard' Robotaxi, which often still operate with safety monitors behind the wheel.
What’s more, Tesla's new dedicated web page says that children under 13 years old won’t be able to ride in a Cybercab, while those aged 13–17 will have to ride with an accompanying adult. The vehicle itself can also only seat two people.
Interestingly, the launch event did reveal more information about the Cybercab itself, including the fact that it is among the first vehicles in the world to use a dry brake-by-wire system that eschews traditional brake lines and hydraulic fluid, with each brake caliper instead getting its own electronically controlled actuator.
This, alongside the lack of traditional pedals and steer-by-wire steering, reduces the complexity of the overall build, resulting in what Tesla says is the lightest and most efficient vehicle it has manufactured to date.
Analysis: Robotaxi data suggests Tesla’s driverless cars could catch Waymo, in theory(Image credit: Tesla)During the Cybercab launch, Tesla VP of Autopilot/AI Ashok Elluswamy stated that the company had “achieved one million miles of unsupervised Robotaxi operation.”
This represents a massive jump from the previous figure, which was announced in late July of this year and put the total at 380,000 miles with “zero notable incidents.”
The increase of 620,000 miles in the last six weeks represents a rapid ramp-up in unsupervised Robotaxi operations — although Tesla stops short of stating whether these were real, paid-for passenger rides or whether that number also included testing.
If the numbers are to be believed, Tesla is now adding roughly 148,000 unsupervised Robotaxi miles per week, a dramatically faster rate than it was just weeks ago.
But its key competitor, Waymo, remains in another league when it comes to cumulative real-world autonomous driving experience. Waymo passed 100 million rider-only miles in 2025 and has since passed the 200 million mark.
Crucially, Waymo describes these as “rider-only” miles — autonomous miles driven in cities where it operates its ride-hailing service — rather than a combination of conventional human-supervised testing and autonomous operation.
Tesla seemingly has an advantage in the fact that it designs and manufactures its own purpose-built vehicle in the Cybercab, giving it control over both the car and the autonomous driving technology.
Waymo, meanwhile, works with vehicle manufacturers including Zeekr to integrate its Waymo Driver technology. But that doesn’t seem to be slowing its deployment. Just this month, Waymo added another three cities to its list of areas served, taking the tally up to 14.
Tesla’s public-facing fully autonomous rides, meanwhile, remain far more limited in scale, with Austin remaining its main focus, as its San Francisco operation till faces regulatory road blocks.
It feels like even with the purpose-built Cybercab finally joining the fleet, Tesla has a lot of catching up to do.
- Cisco patched eight IOS XR flaws, including three critical (CVE‑2026‑20274, CVE‑2026‑20279, CVE‑2026‑20212)
- Vulnerabilities allow unauthenticated exploitation, improper access control, and crafted input execution
- No abuse reported; patches urged, with iACL workarounds for Nexus 9000 devices using Silicon One ASIC
Cisco patched eight vulnerabilities affecting its IOS XR operating system, including three critical-severity ones. It urged its customers to apply the patches as soon as possible, even though it stressed that there is no evidence any of these were abused in the wild.
The company detailed its findings in two advisories published on the same day - September 2.
In the first one, it disclosed seven vulnerabilities, including two critical-severity ones: CVE-2026-20274 and CVE-2026-20279. Both carry a severity rating of 9.8/10 (critical). The former is an improper control of a resource during its lifetime flaw - a network-based, low complexity, vulnerability that requires no authentication or user interaction to be exploited. The latter is described as an improper access control vulnerability that can lead to the same consequences.
Fixes and mitigationsThese flaws, along with five others, affect all releases of Cisco IOS XR Software, including Cisco IOS XR7 (LNT) Software, regardless of device configuration, the company explained. There are no available workarounds, and installing the provided patch is the only way to mitigate the risk.
The third flaw, disclosed in a separate advisory, is tracked as CVE-2026-20212. Successfully exploiting this one allows attackers to connect to an affected device and send crafted input that could be executed as code, without root privileges. “The exploitation of this vulnerability could also cause the S1HAL process to crash, which could cause the device to reload,” Cisco explained.
This bug affects Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches if they include a Silicon One ASIC, the company stressed. A possible workaround is to use infrastructure access control lists (iACLs) to allow only required management and control plane traffic that is destined to the affected device. There is also the option of iACLs only being used to explicitly deny all TCP packets that are destined to a locally configured IP address with a destination port of 43210 or 43211.
Via The Register
September has arrived and Labor Day is this Monday, which means fall is near. Home Depot's Labor Day sale is one of my favorite places to shop for fall essentials, including up to 45% off patio furniture, grills, mums, Halloween decor, and outdoor tools.
• Shop Home Depot's full Labor Day sale
Below are my seven favorite fall deals from Home Depot's Labor Day sale, including its popular appliance offer. You can save up to $1,000 and score free shipping on orders over $998 on refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and ranges from brands like Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, and GE.
A few fall deals in my shopping cart include the viral 12-ft giant skeleton, in stock for $299; this Milwaukee M18 leaf blower for $149; and a variety of mums starting at just $17.
Shop more of Home Depot's most popular Labor Day deals below, and keep in mind these are limited-time offers that end on Labor Day proper (Monday, September 7).
Home Depot's Labor Day sale — quick links- Major Appliances: up to 40% off + free delivery
- Bath: 40% off bath vanities, faucets, toilets & more
- Grills: deals on grills & accessories from $99
- Halloween: outdoor & indoor decorations from $29.99
- Lawn mowers: up to $300 off riding and push mowers
- Mums: starting at $17
- Outdoor power: $200 off blowers, trimmers & pressure washers
- Patio furniture: $500 off sectionals, chairs, and tables
- Storage & organization: indoor & outdoor organization from $19.99
- Tools: up to 45% off select tools, plus free shipping
Home Depot Labor Day sale: save up to 40% off major appliances
Appliances are a Labor Day specialty, and right now Home Depot is offering up to $1,000 off major appliances. You can save big on refrigerators, washers and dryers, ranges, and more from brands like Samsung, GE, and Whirlpool. You can also score free delivery on orders over $998. View Deal
Home Depot Labor Day sale: up to $400 off patio furniture
My favorite offer from Home Depot's Labor Day sale is on its best-selling patio furniture. You can score clearance prices on high-quality furniture, including sets of chairs, umbrellas, dining furniture, fire pits, decor, and more.View Deal
Home Depot Labor Day sale: indoor and outdoor Halloween decorations from $10
If you're like me and love Halloween, then you'll want to head to Lowe's to save on popular indoor and outdoor decorations. You can find large inflatables, giant skeletons, spooky ghosts, and more.View Deal
Home Depot Labor Day sale: save up to $250 on lawn mowers
Home Depot's Labor Day sale offers a wide selection of lawn mowers, from push mowers to riding mowers, from brands like DeWalt and Ryobi, plus huge savings on trimmers, pressure washers, leaf blowers, and more.View Deal
Home Depot Labor Day sale: grills and accessories starting at $99
You can kick off the upcoming fall football season with a new grill at Home Depot's Labor Day sale. Find deals starting at just $99 on gas, charcoal, and portable grills from brands like Weber, Traeger, and more.View Deal
Home Depot Labor Day Sale: up to 45% off select tools and accessories
You can save up to 45% on select tools, which include everything from saws to drills, plus you can score free two-day shipping. Today's deals include big-name brands like Dewalt, Ryobi, and Milwaukee, and you can score a free gift with select purchases.View Deal
Home Depot Labor Day sale: storage solutions from $3
If you're still looking to get organized for the new school year, Home Depot's storage sale includes discounts on garage, closet, and laundry solutions, including containers, shelving, baskets, and more.View Deal
- Amazon: 45% off TVs, AirPods, air fryers & vacuums
- Apple: iPads, AirPods & MacBooks from $99
- Appliances: up to $1,200 at Samsung
- Best Buy: 60% off appliances, TVs, laptops & more
- Casper: up to 30% off mattresses
- Dell: laptop deals from $249.99
- DreamCloud: up to 60% off mattresses, 66% off bundles
- Home Depot: 40% off appliances, furniture, grills & tools
- Lowe's: $1,000 off appliances, patio & tools
- Nectar: up to 50% off mattresses, deals from $349
- Saatva: up to $625 off luxury mattresses
- Samsung: up to $2,000 off 4K, QLED & OLED TVs
- Target: 45% off clothing, tech & furniture
- Walmart: 58% off back-to-school, furniture, & clothing
I’ll lay my cards on the table and admit that I wasn’t very familiar with Hohem before I arrived at IFA Berlin 2026. But interestingly, the Chinese tech company has revealed one of the most innovative products at the conference so far, in my view, with the Eyepic 2-in-1 Pocket Gimbal Camera.
This product, Hohem told me, is a real “first” — not only because it’s the company’s first actual camera, but because it’s what Hohem describes as “the world’s first 2-in-1 pocket gimbal camera”.
What sets this model apart from other compact video cameras? I got the chance to watch a demo and speak with Hohem about the Eyepic 2-in-1, and learn about its tech specs, features, and design quirks. Here’s everything you need to know.
It’s all about versatilityFutureFutureFutureHohem told me that the Eyepic is targeted at a more casual, everyday user or vlogger, rather than those looking to take professional-grade video. Even so, its capabilities are commendable.
It offers native 4K vertical video capture at up to 60fps, which is ideal for users who want to film a TikTok or Instagram Reel, for instance. But a Hohem representative showed me that by merely rotating the on-board 2.51-inch touchscreen, the camera will reorient, enabling you to seamlessly switch to capturing landscape video instead.
But it gets even better.
As I watched, the Hohem demonstrator swiftly removed the camera unit from the device, revealing that the Eyepic is capable of fully hands-free shooting. He attached the unit to a lanyard on his neck to film a video, and I can see this being incredibly useful for creators who are on the move. The camera unit is magnetic, so it could really be attached to all sorts of accessories, be that a tripod, a fridge…you name it.
What’s more, the camera is highly waterproof, and Hohem told me it can even withstand being around 10m (32.8ft) underwater if, say, you want to take a video while swimming or diving. I was also interested to find that when the camera is detached, the gimbal retracts and locks, and a user can view a 1080p live preview of the action on the Eyepic’s touchscreen.
From what I saw in the demo, it appeared that the Eyepic was more than able to capture smooth, high-res video in a flexible, versatile manner, and this could really help it stand out from top-tier rivals like DJI and Insta360. It can also capture video in slow motion, although Hohem said that this will likely be at a lower resolution, potentially around 1080p.
While Hohem wouldn’t reveal the Eyepic’s price just yet (trust me, I tried), I was told that the model is expected to launch around the time that CES 2027 kicks off, which is early 2027.
Due to a combination of a Gamescom trip, illness, and holiday, I'm sorry that there wasn't a crossword last week. I'm here to get things back on schedule now, though, with another of our regular little brainteasers. Enjoy!
TechRadar CrosswordMissed a previous puzzle? You can browse the archive and play all TechRadar Crosswords right here.
This should be a fairly easy one to get things going again. Hopefully my setting skills haven't got too rusty in the last couple of weeks!
I did have a good time going back to Gamescom for the first time in about eight years to see something that's included in this week's puzzle — no spoilers if you're reading this first.
Outside of maybe Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, which got a much bigger reveal and an all-important release date announcement this week instead of at Gamescom, it felt like a fairly quiet event in terms of big news. Perhaps everyone is still nervous about being in the shadow of Grand Theft Auto 6, which is also getting the classic limited-edition DualSense treatment ahead of release.
Anyway, I best stop before I disappear into a rabbit hole of gaming yet again. Enjoy the puzzle!
September 2026 has arrived — and, after last week's meet weekly streaming round-up, the ninth month of the year has begun with a bang.
Indeed, there are plenty of great looking new movies and TV shows to catch on the world's best streaming services this weekend, including the official streaming debut of the latest Star Wars movie. No matter if you're after another trip to Lucasfilm's iconic galaxy far, far away, or looking for something that isn't sci-fi, we've got you covered. So, read on to see what's just landed on your favorite streamer. — Tom Power, senior entertainment reporter
The Mandalorian and Grogu (Disney+)I'll be honest: I wasn't a fan of The Mandalorian and Grogu. Indeed, I stated as much in my review of The Mandalorian and Grogu ahead of its theatrical debut in late May. But, hey, now that it's out on Disney+, you can decide for yourself whether it's any good or not.
Set some time after The Mandalorian's third season, the Star Wars film sees Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his diminutive protégé enlisted by The New Republic to help the Twins, aka the Huttese heads of Shakari's crime syndicate, rescue the latter's nephew Jotta (voiced by Jeremy Allen White). Of course, things aren't as simple as that and the pair soon find themselves embroiled in a criminal conspiracy. — TP
The Gentlemen season 2 (Netflix)We've got a double hit of Theo James in the list this week, but The Gentlemen season 2 is far and away my favorite. With the Glass family business back and booming the groundwork is set for a Shakespearean level of drama that's tinged with signature Guy Ritchie-style brutality to unfold. But whatever you think that looks like, times it by 100, and add in a chainsaw.
Through shrewd editing, handwritten effects, sound and narrative structure, new episodes feel playful and unserious despite its often sombre and hard-hitting undertones, with Ritchie's tonal balance across it all being nothing short of impressive.
Clearly, the best way to deal with the bad things in life is to sprinkle in as much absurdity and humor as possible, and Ritchie never lets us forget that. — Jasmine Valentine, entertainment reporter
Mayday (Apple TV)The above thumbnail almost makes it look as though Ryan Reynolds has decided to dramatize his Welcome to Wrexham journey, but I can confirm that new Apple TV movie Mayday is anything but.
As the name suggests, there are heavy military tones surrounding this one. In essence, a U.S. Navy pilot (Reynolds) on a top-secret mission during the Cold War gets trapped behind enemy lines, his only chance at survival is to form an alliance with an eccentric ex-KGB agent (Kenneth Branagh).
Honestly, it's just nice to see Branagh in front of the camera for a change, and I don't mean that as a sly diss to his Agatha Christie movies. His natural chemistry with Reynolds is exactly the mood-booster we need this week, and it's safe to say that you'll never look at the Cold War the same way again. — JV
Chad Powers season 2 (Hulu/Disney+)Chad Powers is back! Glen Powell returns as the titular quarterback in disguise, but he's in a difficult situation when we pick up with him in season 2 of the Hulu series.
In the season 1 finale, coach Ricky (Perry Mattfeld) discovered that Chad is actually disgraced former quarterback Russ Holliday, and his disguise has finally been rumbled. With Ricky threatening to expose Chad aka Russ, his future with the South Georgia Catfish is uncertain.
It's great drama to enter the new season with. In a recent TechRadar interview with the Chad Powers cast, they revealed why their characters are so special to them. — Lucy Buglass, senior entertainment writer
- Watch Chad Powers season 2 on Hulu (US) and Disney+ (internationally)
You Gal Gadon't want to miss this week's new Prime Video movie, The Runner (sorry, I had to). In a nutshell, the actress plays a high-powered attorney who must race through London to save her abducted son while following cryptic commands from a mysterious caller.
Is this an original premise? No. Is it going to be the best action movie you've ever seen? Also no. But sometimes things have to be so bad that they're great, and there's genuinely something really enjoyable about that.
I've had enough of overly polished, slick and serious action dramas... give me something a little rougher around the edges any day of the week (and I guarantee you'll have a smile on your face by the end too). — JV
Scary Movie 6 (Paramount+)Horror movies are known for having plenty of sequels, and it turns out that their parodies are no exception. Indeed, Scary Movie 6 is the latest installment in the comedy movie series, with the franchise returning after a 13 year break.
As always, the biggest horrors are parodied here such as Weapons, The Substance and Smile, as well as a recurring parody of Wes Craven's Scream series.
Unfortunately, it performed poorly and received a 24% Rotten Tomatoes rating, though the audience's verdict was more favorable at 64%. So you'll have to watch to decide which side of the debate you fall on. — LB
Fuze (HBO Max)HBO Max's new movie is a great weekend watch for anyone wanting a fast paced thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
In Fuze, a high-stakes London heist uses the chaos of a mass city evacuation as its cover, so we're following two events at once. A heist is taking place whilst the city is spooked by an unexploded World War II bomb, with the criminals hoping that local law enforcement will be too distracted to apprehend them.
The movie stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Sam Worthington, but in my Fuze review I noted that it does seem to waste its all-star cast. Still, it's highly entertaining. — LB
IFA is, as you'll probably know, a huge annual tech expo held in Berlin. It's also where some of audio-slash-hi-fi's biggest hitters unveil their latest wearable innovations — and this year is one of the best (and most varied) product lineups we've seen to date.
Here, I've chosen the top headphones and earbuds TechRadar saw at IFA 2026 — let me assure you, each member of our team got their 10,000 steps in during the first two days of the event to bring you this (and some of us worked feverishly back in the office, too).
A few of the products in this roundup were nominated for our 25-strong IFA 2026 'Best in Show' awards — and some even won! You'll see the little badge in the top corner of the image, beside their entry.
There's a separate piece for the main winners, though. This missive hones in on the new, noteworthy, and sometimes even slightly 1970s-retro earbuds (Noise, I'm looking at you) and headphones.
Sometimes, I've linked out to our more detailed coverage and early hands-ons of the product, because it's tough to get too granular within this multi-product roundup format.
Ready? Strap in, you're off to Berlin. Willkommen!
Noise Master Buds Open with Sound by BoseFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureDid you want IFA to showcase a lesser-known audio specialist now working with Bose to produce a set of open earbuds that look like something from the original 1960s Star Trek television series? Of course you did. That's why we love IFA.
What you're looking at is the Noise Master Buds Open from Noise, which is actually a leading Indian connected lifestyle and smart technology brand, sometimes known as 'Gonoise', according to the company's website. And the company now wants to go global.
The headline grabber here is, of course, that they're developed in collaboration with Bose and feature Sound by Bose technology, but for me the Master Buds Open's ergonomic clip-on design in such a premium case is also worthy of note.
Co-founder of Noise, Amit Khatri, said at the launch, “The Master Series was envisioned as our definitive expression of premium audio — bringing together thoughtful design, exceptional sound and meaningful consumer experiences. The response to Master Buds, Master Buds 2 and Master Buds Max has been phenomenal, and with Master Buds Open, we are taking the portfolio into its natural next chapter."
Noise has yet to confirm pricing or full specifications for Master Buds Open, but says those details will follow closer to launch slated for late September 2026. And I, for one, will be waiting.
Belkin SoundForm Isolate and SoundFrom Dot BudsFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureAnyone even mildly interested in keeping their tech charged up will know Belkin for its power banks (and probably phone cases and cables), but its range is diversifying — and it now includes some potential winners in the audio sector.
At IFA 2026, the brand unveiled two new super-affordable pairs of earbuds, each with ANC and asking prices far below any rivals.
The SoundForm Isolate Buds in the images above sell for a very palatable £39.99 (about $54, AU$80), and the SoundForm Dot Buds go for even less, at £29.99 (around $40, AU$60).
True, those names are meaty, but after a quick listen in Berlin, we can tell you that for this money, the audio is too.
Beyerdynamic Aventho YBeyerdynamicBeyerdynamicBeyerdynamicDo you need to 'find your why' when it comes to enjoying music? Actually, me neither, but Beyerdynamic's new over-ears are very affordable if a strict budget is your reason for considering them over more flagship sets.
Beyerdynamic is also calling this new model its "most personal headphone yet, designed to adapt to the way you listen," and as you'd expect in 2026, there's active noise cancellation on the menu. But one particular claim on the spec sheet — "more than 90 hours of battery life" — is what really got my attention.
Those four colorways, listed as 'Liquid Black, Blue Fusion, Soft Jade, and Peach Blush,' are certainly striking, but it's not unusual for Beyer to go bold — who could forget the debut of the true wireless guitar-pick shaped Free Byrd or delightfully 8-bit Custom Game headset.
All of this for $149.99 (so around £110 or AU$208)? I put more information on them in my news coverage of these headphones, but I think my why could be their serious stamina for that money, you know.
Baseus Bowie MC2 NCFutureFutureFutureIn one of the more "Wait, really?!" moments at IFA, Baseus unveiled a new model of its still-new open earbuds model.
It seems like only yesterday my colleague was reviewing the Baseus Bowie MC2 cuff-style earbuds (pictured above), which he confirms are some of the best open earbuds for people on a budget.
In truth, it was nearly three weeks ago, but still, for the brand to be back with a follow-up to these buds so soon is very unusual…
Anyway, the wraps have been pulled off the Baseus Bowie MC2 NC, which have one main change over the existing earbuds: the addition of noise cancellation. (You got it from the title, didn't you?)
Now, ANC and an open-ear fit — especially an earcuff-style one — aren't always the best of friends. But we can't wait to see whether Baseus has pulled it off here for a slightly higher asking fee of $99.99 (likely about £99.99, based on the non-NC buds' price of $79.99 / £89.99 or about AU$180), because the product upon which they're built is very good indeed.
JLab JBuds Open Sport 2, JBuds Go Sport ANC and JLab JBuds Mini ANC FutureJLabFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureThree products in one entry? I don't think you're ready for this 'Jelle'…
JLab has unveiled a few new offerings at IFA, but the highlight is a product we already knew about, but that we're seeing in a new way. Back when they were first unveiled in January, we gave the super-small JLab JBuds Mini ANC an early listen and loved that they'd happily fit on your keychain (with a price cheaper than some actual keychains, too).
Now, these affordable buds officially work with Apple's Find My for the first time (a feat not easy to achieve outside of Apple's AirPods and Beats products), so you can use your iPhone to locate the lost buds. Given that JLab loves the idea of you chaining them to your keys, this effectively means the JBuds' case can replace your AirTag 2. All for $42.99 / £39.99 (about AU$80) for them.
What about the other two products? There's the JBuds Open Sport 2, which are new hook-style open earbuds that act as an update to the JBuds Open Sport (surprise surprise), and will cost $52.99 / £49.99 (about AU$100). Then, there's the JBuds Go Sport ANC, which are due to sell in mid-September for $42.99 / £39.99 (about AU$80) — and we have some more details in our news coverage of the release.
And what of the Jelle? It's a new range of color options based on gel nail colors and is launching for the headliner Mini ANC, as well as the JBuds Luxe, which will sell for $84.99 / £79.99 (around AU$160) in these new finishes. You know how most headphones are often very 'matte black plastic'? These are shiny. No, really, they're shiny.
Philips Fidelio L5PhilipsPhilipsPhilipsThese winsome Philips wireless headphones launch in October 2026, and the brand claims they tote its "most intelligent active noise control yet".
You also get custom 36mm ceramic-coated dome drivers with woven silk suspension, LDAC for better-quality audio (ideal for Android owners), plus Bluetooth 6.0 with the more efficient LC3 codec, and Auracast support.
The Fidelio L5 also offer wired hi-resolution audio up to 96khz/24bit via a wired USB-C connection, up to 60 hours of battery life (or 50 with ANC deployed) and a five-mic system for call and noise-cancelling quality.
Replaceable components are the name of the game at IFA this year (thanks to the EU's legislation on user-replaceable batteries), and the Philips Fidelio L5 are built with that in mind. Philips tells me that both the ear cushions and the rechargeable battery can be easily replaced by the consumer.
The Philips Headphones app with 'AI Neural EQ' and spatial audio support round out what seems a versatile and long-lasting set of cans, on paper at least — and for extra marks, the L5 also incorporate GRS-certified recycled plastic and the packaging uses FSC-certified recycled cardboard with inserts printed on recycled paper.
The Philips Fidelio L5 over-ear wireless headphones will be available from October 2026 for € 199.99 / GBP £179.99 (so around $243 or AU$339, where sold), and although they look like a more standard set of cans than other entries in this list, sometimes you just want good ANC headphones. And, my music-loving friend, that is why I'm here.
Anker Soundcore Sleep Earbuds 4 Pro(Image credit: Anker)The best wearable technology serves up real-world benefits, and what could be more beneficial than some decent shut-eye? What you're looking at is the Soundcore Sleep Earbuds 4 Pro, which use in-ear PPG optical sensors to monitor your heart rate — and really rather accurately, thanks to the rich capillaries within your ear canal. Said monitoring delivers data to the buds' smart-screen, effectively making that part of the package a phone-free SleepHub charging case.
The Sleep Earbuds Pro also offer 30dB active noise cancellation, and there's a snore monitoring system in the case to detect and mask the sound of your partner (or dog) snoring. Despite all of the tech stuffed inside the buds, the driver housing is actually thinner than previous generations, which should be even more comfortable for side sleepers.
How else can they help you get a decent night's sleep? Why, with audio, of course! Anker's BioSync dynamic audio system monitors your relaxation in real time, adjusting the audio content to help you find the most effective route to the land of nod. I'm feeling sleepy already.
@techradar ♬ original sound - TechRadar EarFun Wave Pro X(Image credit: EarFun)EarFun made its name delivering premium headphones and earbuds without the premium price tag, and the Wave Pro X are probably the company's best example of that in action yet.
Yes, they were announced a little while ago (and delayed following the announcement to get the tuning just perfect), but they're very much here now — and they are award-worthy, thank you very much. Their patented dual-driver system puts a 40mm diamond-like carbon driver and 10mm liquid crystal polymer driver on a precisely aligned axis, with the aim of a more natural and integrated sound than you sometimes get from multi-driver solutions.
The Wave Pro X also features an 8-mic AI system to continuously optimize the onboard hybrid ANC system, even in wired mode, and the Qualcomm QCC3095 Bluetooth 6.0 chipset brings aptX Lossless, LDAC, Auracast, and USB Audio to the table. Add AI translation and up to 90 hours of battery life to the spec sheet, and you've got yourself a superb pair of headphones.
Plaud One(Image credit: Plaud)Plaud One is less a 'regular set of earbuds' and more a 'wearable AI companion'. This product combines three key features: wearable conversation capture, context that builds across day-to-day conversations, and AI that can analyze data and take appropriate action.
The buds can capture online meetings, face-to-face discussions, and phone calls, and they have built-in eSIM and 4G LTE for phone-free operation.
What makes Plaud One different? The product understands context. Rather than treating each recording as a standalone transcript, it can retain information across multiple discussions — so a chat from one meeting can be stitched to a later conversation or call.
This upgrade enables the Plaud Agent to help you take further steps, identifying actionable tasks and completing them across tools such as Google Calendar, Gmail, and Slack.
Here at IFA 2026 I finally got to try the Xreal Aura glasses. They’re the tech you’d get if my Xreal One Pro and Samsung Galaxy XR had a baby, and their Fall 2026 release date can’t come soon enough.
While they can basically do everything an Android XR headset can do (more on that in a moment) the Xreal Aura is importantly a pair of smart glasses, with the lightness and comfort advantages you’d expect of that compared to a bulkier VR wearable.
@techradar ♬ original sound - TechRadarThey do boast some serious tech, despite the light weight. Including see-through 2K displays boasting a 70-degree field-of-view — up from the the 1,080p screens you’ll find from similar smart specs to come before — plus speakers tuned by Bose, a microphone for capturing what you say, and cameras that facilitate hand-tracking and tools like Circle to Search (which lets you Google search things you can see, by drawing a circle around it with your hand).
However the specs don’t include a battery or any processing power. This is instead housed in an external compute puck that also doubles as a track pad — scroll your finger across the surface and you’ll move a digital cursor you can use to interact with apps alongside hand-tracking controls.
This is how the glasses are able to be so comfortable, while still being incredibly capable.
(Image credit: Xreal)One the Android XR side of things, these specs can — just like the Galaxy XR — access the Google Play Store to download dedicated XR and flat apps, let you enjoy content from your favorite streaming service on a giant virtual screen, engage with Gemini across your apps for assistance with a variety of tasks, and boot up Google Docs if you’re looking to be productive.
You can do these tasks all at the same time too, arranging virtual windows in the space in front of you.
With a USB-C Cable and compatible device — which includes most phones, laptops, tablets, and several consoles and handhelds — you can connect it to the glasses (via the puck) to have its screen appear as a window in front of you too.
In my demo I was watching the latest GTA 6 trailer while playing Hades on a Steam Deck. The windows appeared side-by-side in front of me, and I had Gemini watching me game so it could offer coaching (I’ve played plenty of Hades before so didn’t need the help, though the advice I was offered did seem decent).
Aura shares the One Pro's optic engine. (Image credit: Future / Hamish Hector)When will it land?It’s all very impressive and I cannot wait for these specs to be in my hand for a full-on review.
Speaking of, unfortunately Xreal hasn’t confirmed a release date or price for Aura. However its official website says it’ll be landing sometime this fall (Northern Hemisphere, so that’s September, October or November) and will cost no more than $1,500.
I hope the price will be as low as possible (even sub $1,000), though Xreal’s promise would still make it cheaper than a Galaxy XR headset, and there’s only so cheap we can expect XR tech to get — especially with the ongoing RAM crisis.
- GoPro CEO Nick Woodman has released a statement following concern around the company's "merger" with Starman
- He provides assurances that the company is committed to making consumer cameras
- But there are no concrete commitments – and a disclaimer list that's longer than the statement itself
GoPro has been in the spotlight over the past couple of days following the announcement of its "merger" with Starman Optical Inc, a private optical photonics company that few of us had heard of before two days ago.
The announcement caused a heap of speculation among GoPro enthusiasts, much of it negative. Consumer cameras were barely mentioned, with GoPro's output being described as "industry-leading imaging solutions featuring innovative, advanced optics, market-defining technology and an associated IP portfolio."
A quote from GoPro CEO Nick Woodman described GoPro's ambitions following the merger to be to grow across "commercial and defense markets as a leading American imaging and optical solutions company, addressing important areas of national security related to cameras, optics and AI infrastructure".
For a lot of people — myself included — alarm bells started ringing. It sounded a lot like GoPro would be pivoting away from consumer cameras. This backlash has clearly reached Woodman, as he has released a follow-up statement. In a letter addressed directly to the "GoPro community, fans and customers", he provides assurances that the company is still wholeheartedly committed to making cameras, and that there are no plans for this to change.
"Making amazing cameras for all of you is our core DNA and reason for being and that will never change!" Woodman says.
He describes how GoPro's improved financial situation following Starman's wiping of its debts will allow the company to "innovate, invent and advance the future of consumer and professional content creation". He acknowledges that GoPro is going to become a more "diversified" company, but that this should improve its financial situation and allow it to keep on making and releasing cameras.
And he finishes with one more assurance that GoPro is going to keep on making "the world’s highest-performance cameras and building the products, services and innovations that help you capture life’s most exciting moments. "It’s what we were founded to do and it’s what we will always do", says Woodman.
An uncertain futureThe GoPro Mission 1 Pro on test for TechRadar. (Image credit: Future)Reading Woodman's full letter, there are a couple of things that immediately jump out. One is that he stops short of making any concrete commitments — nary a hint of "we plan to release [X] number of cameras by [X] date" or anything similar. Another is that the list of disclaimers at the bottom is twice as long as Woodman's actual statement. In the disclaimers, we are unambiguously reminded that "forward-looking statements" are subject to "risks, uncertainties, and assumptions", and that material outcomes in reality may differ.
As evidence to support GoPro's commitment to image-making, Woodman points out that the company has accrued more than 2500 patents over the last 24 years. Which is very commendable, but the discerning reader will likely point out that these patents were all made before GoPro was bought up by a defense-focused AI optics company. As such, they don't do much to address the substance of people's concerns.
So, while it is nice to see Woodman saying something directly to GoPro customers following the alarmingly vague statement that was made to announce the merger, I wouldn't fully relax just yet. Ultimately, the real test of GoPro's commitment to cameras is going to come over the next few years as we see what the company releases.
- Afterworld is the first Paradox grand strategy game with an original fantasy setting in a decade
- Director Dan Lind says this brings a level of "design freedom" that would be possible in few real-world settings
- He also wanted "to do something different" after working on historical games for so long
The recently revealed Afterworld stands apart from the rest of the recent Paradox Games portfolio. It's the studio's first title in a decade to take place in an original fictional setting, this time post-apocalyptic North America, rather than a real-world historical one.
The game is being directed by studio veteran Dan Lind, who has been working at Paradox for almost twenty years. He started out on Europa Universalis 3, working his way up to eventually become game director of the supremely popular Hearts of Iron 4 — a massive-scale WW2 sim.
In an interview with TechRadar Gaming at the company's Stockholm HQ, Lind explained that not being tied down by history allows for a whole new level of "design freedom."
"I worked for like 15 years on just Hearts of Iron and history, so you want to do something different," he said. "That was a big motivator."
He also thinks that Afterworld, which features a map based on just part of one country rather than a chunk of the globe, will be able to fill a specific niche in Paradox's offering.
"Looking at our games, I think there's a niche in between a couple of them that we're not tapping," he explained.
"I think there's another different, fresh grand strategy game experience that you can have at a bit of a smaller scale, but with more detail basically. Also having worked with 'crunchy' games such as Hearts of Iron, I wanted to see if we could find a way to make the game easier for people to get into."
He continued: "It's kind of a bit 4X like this, and you can start scaling the mechanics over time. It makes it so much easier, right? It's hard to do that with a historical setting, unless you're doing something like a migration era, but this game can also tap a lot of those ideas."
The company's current office in central Stockholm. (Image credit: Future)He also revealed the surprising origin of his pitch for the game, which he's wanted to bring to life for over two decades.
"I think the first draft for this was super long ago. I'm not sure; it might have been like 2011 or something," he began. "We used to do these brainstorms at the pub, where the idea was to just come up with a bunch of games."
The team would sift through all of them at the end of the night, deciding which were "a terrible idea" and which were "actually an interesting idea."
"This was a good idea. I had one that was playing DNA chains through primordial soup, which we rejected, but this one was something that was pretty cool.
"I've always believed that you could do grand strategy games at slightly different scales. It doesn't always have to be big; the entire world. It can be just as interesting, but you've got to add details in the other direction as well.
At that point, it was a different scale. It was even smaller; I would say it was maybe the size of three states or something like that. When I was working on Hearts of Iron and a bunch of other stuff, I always had this in the back pocket as something I wanted to try and get back to."
Naturally, the idea evolved over time as Lind became "more and more interested in things that were...less board game, more simulation," leading to the current scale and focus on deep societal simulation.
"Now I'm shifting it more to groups of people, but not country level."
Afterworld is set to launch for PC in the future.