One-minute review

The Xbox Wireless Controller isn't actually a brand new gamepad. Instead, it's a revised version of the gamepad used with the Xbox One, having undergone some upgrades for its release alongside the new Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles.

But while it may bear the same name as its predecessor and a largely similar design, the Xbox Wireless Controller is a marked improvement over Microsoft's previous core gamepads.

Jump to

Price and availability
Design
Performance
Should I buy?

The Xbox Wireless Controller feels familiar in the hand yet subtly different, with improved tactile textures and refined geometry making for a more ergonomically friendly (and comfortable) playing experience. We're also happy to see Microsoft finally implement a dedicated Share button to its gamepad, making it considerably easier to take screenshots and videos mid-game.

However, the Share button can sometimes be awkward to reach and we found ourselves frustrated with the gamepad still not being automatically rechargeable - instead, a recharge pack needs to be bought separately. 

It seems that Microsoft's new gamepad takes inspiration from the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, offering some of the premium controller's top-notch design features in a more affordable-feeling form. The result is a sleek, affordable and accessible controller, which just feels nice to use.

• PS5 vs Xbox Series X: which console should you pick?
• Check out our Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S reviews
• Where to buy Xbox Series X: all the latest stock updates

Xbox Wireless Controller price and availability

• Xbox Wireless Controller price: $59.99 / £54.99 / AU$74.99
• Three colors at launch: Carbon Black, Robot White and Shock Blue

The Xbox Wireless Controller price is $59.99 / £54.99 / AU$74.99, but it's worth noting that every Xbox Series X and Series S console comes with a controller in the box.

You'll only need to buy another controller if you're looking to pick up a replacement, or a second (or third, or fourth) for co-op play at home.

You shouldn't have too much trouble finding additional units either, with the Xbox Wireless Controller readily available at many major retailers, both online and in-store.

As well as being available in Carbon Black and Robot White, at launch the Xbox Wireless Controller also comes in a head-turning Shock Blue.

Design

(Image credit: Microsoft)

• Feels familiar in the hand yet subtly different
• Improved tactile textures and refined geometry
• New Share button

On the surface, the Xbox Wireless Controller doesn't look like a particularly drastic departure from its predecessor. It sports a similar shape, and keeps the traditional button and trigger layout. On closer inspection, though, you begin to notice the subtle differences Microsoft has implemented. 

For a start, the gamepad's exterior now sports a matte finish that closely matches the new consoles' designs. While this certainly looks sleek, it does come with drawbacks – the black controller that comes with the Xbox Series X easily picks up scuffs and scrapes that are noticeable.

Considering the amount of hands-on time controllers are subjected to it's possible that you'll find it hard to keep yours looking in tip-top condition for years to come. 

Other color variants of the controller are available though (you'll need to buy these separately, while a white version comes included with the Xbox Series S), and some may be less prone to scuffs.

That's a minor quibble, though, and overall we found that the Xbox Wireless Controller resembles a more premium controller, both in look and feel. The revised pad now has a tactile texture on the triggers, grips and bumpers, which we found made the controller feel more secure in our hands.

(Image credit: Future)

In addition, while the controller is the same size as its predecessor, the bumpers and triggers have been rounded and reduced in size by a few millimeters, which makes the gamepad feel less bulky. If you're someone with small hands, past Xbox controllers have felt quite tanky, but this simple change improves comfort levels in a subtle but noticeable way. 

Perhaps the most notable changes to the controller are the addition of the 'Share' button and the hybrid D-pad. The Share button essentially acts as a capture button, allowing you to easily snap screenshots of your game – a single click takes a snapshot, while holding the button down for longer records a 15-second video by default (you can adjust the video duration in the Capture settings). 

This is much easier than on the Xbox One, where you have to press the home button and then X or Y, but we did find it a bit fiddly to quickly take a screenshot – your experience may vary depending on how big your hands are.

The hybrid D-pad, on the other hand, aims to provide a middle-ground between the Xbox One controller's classic D-pad and the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2's changeable disc-shaped, faceted D-pad. 

What results is a kind of traditional D-pad, laid over a disc. Again, this is a small but welcome change and is intended to give more control and leverage over the D-pad – while generally feeling more comfortable. 

The D-pad also gives off a loud click we haven't heard from a controller before. You'll either find it satisfying or a bit annoying - we often found it the latter - though those used to mechanical keyboards may not be all that bothered.

But there's a lot about the controller's design that hasn't changed. It keeps the 3.5mm audio jack and expansion port at the bottom, its USB charge port and pairing button at the top, and its View, Menu and Xbox buttons on the face.

Performance

(Image credit: TechRadar)

• Works on a range of devices
• Lower latency
• Rechargeable battery pack needs bought separately 
• Remappable (but this is limited)

In addition to the cosmetic changes, the Xbox Wireless Controller brings improvements in functionality too. We found the controller to be more responsive, which is likely down to the lower latency Microsoft has boasted about (paired with more frame rate stability of the Xbox Series X/S), while connecting the gamepad wirelessly via Bluetooth to a range of devices – including the Xbox One, an iPhone 11, and a Mac – was straightforward.

The Xbox Wireless Controller again runs on AA batteries (regular or rechargeable), but if you want to avoid the hassle of changing or charging batteries constantly you have two options.

You can invest in a Play and Charge kit (a rechargeable battery back which you can use to charge the controller while you're playing or between sessions), or connect your controller to the console via USB-C (although this will, of course, limit your freedom of movement).

In terms of remapping, you can remap the Xbox Wireless Controller on the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S via the Xbox Accessories app - though the level of customization is somewhat limited. 

The app allows you to remap a fair few of the controller's buttons to your tastes and even gives you control over aspects such as whether your controller vibrates and whether you want your sticks automatically inverted. We found remapping fairly straightforward, even if there are some buttons - like the Xbox button and the triggers - which can't be changed. 

Given that the Xbox Wireless Controller utilizes the impulse trigger feature found in previous iterations of Xbox gamepads - providing haptic feedback to your fingertips when you, for example, drive the dirt roads of Dirt 5 - the lack of trigger remapping is understandable.

Should you buy the Xbox Wireless Controller?

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Buy it if...

You want a controller you can use with a range of devices
The Xbox Wireless Controller works with more than just the Xbox Series X/S. The gamepad is compatible with Xbox One, Windows 10 PC and Android - with iOS support coming in the future.

You've got small hands
The Xbox Wireless Controller fits a wide range of hand sizes, particularly those with small-sized hands. So no matter what hand size you have, the gamepad should be comfortable.

You want a premium controller feel without the price tag
With the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 priced at a whopping £159.99 / $179.99 / AU$249.95, Microsoft is offering the average player a slice of its premium pie for a much more digestible price. While you don't get the customization options and extra features that come with the Series 2, the Xbox Series X controller's design borrows enough from its premium sibling to make it feel like an upgrade. 

You want another Xbox Series X/S controller
It may seem obvious but, when it comes to picking up an extra gamepad for your Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X, the Xbox Wireless Controller is the most affordable, reliable option - making it a no brainer.

(Image credit: Future)

Don't buy it if...

You want a rechargeable controller off the bat
The Xbox Wireless Controller again runs on AA batteries (regular or rechargeable) or can connect to the console via USB-C (making it not wireless). If you want to avoid the hassle of changing or charging batteries constantly then you can invest in a Play and Charge kit - though this needs to be bought separately. 

You want a lot of bells and whistles
The Xbox Wireless Controller is a sturdy gamepad but isn't blowing us away with any innovative features

• Where to buy Xbox Series S: all the latest price and stock updates

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Since its release in 2017, the Nintendo Switch has been raking in money for the House of Mario – but two years on, in classic Nintendo fashion, the company decided to change things up and provide a compact alternative to the hybrid console: the Nintendo Switch Lite. 

The Switch Lite is the smaller, lighter sibling of the Nintendo Switch, stepping into the shoes of the Nintendo 3DS as Nintendo's handheld dedicated device.

If you're someone who enjoys the flexibility of playing the Switch on either the TV or as a handheld, then immediately the Switch Lite isn't for you – docked is not an option here.

But, if you find yourself solely using the hybrid console's handheld mode, or find the Switch a bit clunky for on-the-go gaming, then the Switch Lite could be the lightweight alternative for you. But, as with any new device, there are some pros and cons you should weigh up before making the switch to the Nintendo Switch Lite.

Update: with Amazon Prime Day 2020 approaching and Black Friday 2020 following soon after, it's possible we'll see discounts on the Nintendo Switch Lite this year. That said, the console has been mostly out of stock in 2020 due to the health crisis, even though stock has shown signs of recovering lately. Bundle deals seem more likely, and most of those are expected to carry across to Cyber Monday 2020. 

Nintendo Switch Lite: price and release date

• What is it? A more compact, handheld-only version of the Nintendo Switch
• When does it come out? September 20, 2019
• What does it cost? $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$329.95
• Where? Check out the latest Nintendo Switch Lite prices and deals

Nintendo Switch Lite: design

(Image credit: TechRadar)

The major difference between the Nintendo Switch Lite and the original Nintendo Switch is that the Switch Lite is solely a handheld device. Therefore, the Switch Lite is much more compact, and lighter, than its predecessor. 

The Switch Lite measures 91.1mm x 208mm x 13.9mm and weighs 275g, compared to the 102mm x 239mm x 13.9mm dimensions and 297g weight of the original Switch. This means the device comes with a smaller LCD touch screen too, measuring just 5.5 inches but still providing 1280 x 720 pixels.

In other words, it's a smaller screen than the original Switch's 6.2 inches, but with the same resolution – so you're not losing anything in terms of picture quality. In fact, this gives the Switch Lite a pixel density of 267 pixels per inch (ppi), a bit sharper than the original Switch's 236 ppi.

However, the trade-off is that it can sometimes be difficult to read small in-game writing on the smaller screen. We found ourselves having to hold the console closer to our face to read some text. It's a small issue, but slightly odd for onlookers on a morning commute.

But where the Switch Lite truly shines is that it feels more comfortable as a handheld device. Due to its smaller size, it's more portable and convenient to use on-the-go than the original Switch: you need less elbow room, and it could probably fit in quite a large pocket.

As someone with small hands, this writer is aware that the original Switch can be uncomfortable to use in handheld mode; while relatively compact, it's still large by handheld standards. By contrast, the Lite is considerably more portable, and fits snugly in your hands. However, it is still quite wide, and doesn't feel quite as comfortable as, say, the 3DS did.

(Image credit: TechRadar)

In addition, the Switch Lite comes with integrated controls rather than Joy-Cons. While you can connect up to four separate Joy-Cons wirelessly, you won't get an additional pair out of the box with the Lite. 

Despite the controllers being fixed, they offer mostly the same buttons as the original Switch – except the left, right, up, down buttons, which have been replaced by a D-Pad, or Plus Control Pad, as Nintendo calls it.

The D-Pad replacement feels natural, like it's always been there – and is certainly more suited to handheld play.

The ZL and ZR triggers feel the perfect size and help cement that snug fit. However, the L and R buttons are a bit thinner than on the original Switch. Arguably a bit too thin, as we sometimes found our fingers slipping off them. 

Both models also allow for wireless connectivity, Bluetooth (though not for wireless headphones) and the use of MicroSD cards to increase the 32GB of internal storage, so you aren't really losing out on many features aside from docked mode – which means no playing on the TV.

Due to the Switch Lite only being a handheld device, the console doesn't come with a dock, HDMI cable or kickstand. All you get in the box is the device itself and a charger – simple. The Switch Lite isn't meant to connect to a TV – and while we tested it out with our own HDMI cable anyway, the console simply doesn't support the feature.

The Switch Lite also comes in turquoise, gray and yellow models – shaking up the gray and neon Switch models we've been eyeballing for the past two years.

Nintendo Switch Lite: performance

(Image credit: TechRadar)

The Nintendo Switch Lite has essentially the same performance as the Switch, except that the Lite has a slightly longer battery life of 3-7 hours, about 30 minutes more than the original Switch, and 1-2 hours less than the upgraded Switch model entering stores (although Nintendo warns that this depends on the games you play).

However, it is definitely worth noting that the Switch Lite does not come with HD Rumble or an IR Motion Camera. The device is made to solely play handheld games, and will therefore only play Nintendo Switch games that support handheld mode.

That's not to say you can't play games which don't support handheld mode, but you would have to wirelessly connect Joy-Cons for this to work (and buy them plus their charging grip separately). We found that connecting Joy-Cons allows you to use HD Rumble. 

(Image credit: TechRadar)

At a hands-on preview event, a Nintendo representative explained that the console will be compatible with more devices than just the Joy-Cons, but what exactly would not be revealed until a later date.

The following games are unsuitable for the Switch Lite: 1-2 Switch, Super Mario Party, and Nintendo Labo accessory kits. While games which require Rumble could be played with Joy-Cons attached, we found that trying to play with more than one person on the Lite's small screen isn't exactly practical - so we wouldn't advise trying to take on party games as the device wasn't built for this.

Despite missing these two features, the Switch Lite still has an accelerometer, gyroscope, and brightness sensor. That means that you can still use gyro controls in games like Breath of the Wild – tilting the console to aim the bow for instance – and the screen's brightness adjusts depending on your surrounding. 

Wireless online play still means you can play with friends (just not necessarily couch co-op) as we were able to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online with ease. If anything, all the games we played felt less clunky due to the compact nature of the device.

Verdict

(Image credit: TechRadar)

The Nintendo Switch Lite is the perfect console for those who prefer comfortable handheld gaming and have never been sold by the Nintendo Switch's docked mode. 

The compact and lighter device feels considerably better than its predecessor and is much less clunky. When it comes to portable gaming, the Switch Lite is easier to transport, takes up less elbow space on commutes and fits in your hands much more snugly. It's not quite as comfortable as the 3DS, but packing in the same performance as the Switch means we can let that slide.

However, anyone thinking about picking up the Switch Lite needs to focus on the fact that it is intended to focus on solo, portable play and the number of games which are compatible with the device is slightly less than the original Switch. It is not simply a smaller Switch model.

But if you're looking for a more comfortable, lighter and overall better looking handheld device (and a range of snazzy colors), and don't particularly care about losing the few games we've listed, then the Switch Lite is likely for you. 

• Thinking of picking up the Switch Lite? You'll need the best Switch games

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Review Information

Time Played: 20 hours

Platform: Nintendo Switch

There are two reasons someone might decide to buy Super Mario 3D All-Stars. The first is nostalgia, with three landmark 3D Mario games from across three different consoles to be relived and replayed on Nintendo Switch. The second is curiosity, for those who aren’t familiar with all three titles and want to experience what they missed. 

In both cases, players should find something worthwhile here, with the first-ever 3D Mario game, 1996's Super Mario 64, sitting alongside the GameCube’s resort-themed Super Mario Sunshine and Wii’s interplanetary Super Mario Galaxy – as well as soundtracks for each game to be lazily enjoyed by themselves.

It’s a real treat visiting all three games, each with their own mechanics and controls unique to the platform they launched on at the time – though that does mean not all of them feel quite at home on the Nintendo Switch (more on this below).

These aren’t anything like remasters, and it can feel at times that Nintendo cut some corners to bring the games to market again without too much hassle.

Not that the games in Super Mario 3D All-Stars don’t play well – Mario is still synonymous smooth, satisfying gameplay, from his iconic triple-jump to the dives, dashes, and ground pounds that define his gamepad oeuvre. That hasn’t changed.

Super Mario 64 (1997) (Image credit: Nintendo/TechRadar)

You are getting a graphical upgrade, too, with all three titles displaying in 720p in handheld mode and Sunshine / Galaxy displaying in 1080p in docked mode for a TV (albeit with some letterboxing for the 4:3 aspect ratio for Mario 64, and the cinematic aspect ratio for Galaxy).

The line we’re fed in the 3D All-Star’s announcement, though – “graphics updated to HD resolution and optimised for Nintendo Switch” – feels more true for the former point than the latter.

It's a me, your childhood

Super Mario 64 was the first Super Mario game made in 3D. While it doesn’t reach the heights of spectacle of later Mario games on superior hardware, it was a milestone in the early days of 3D game design, and it’s still lively and imaginative, from the talking Bob-ombs and elusive white rabbits to the magical paintings that host the game's varied levels. 

Gradually unlocking the doors and corridors of Princess Peach’s castle is still a delight, and the polygonal visuals are more pleasingly blocky in HD than they are badly dated (though the 4:3 aspect ratio will lead to letterboxing on your Switch or TV screen).

Super Mario 64 (1997) (Image credit: Nintendo/TechRadar)

What’s brilliant about playing the games in tandem, too, is noticing the returning imagery and ideas – whether that’s the return of mystical painting portals in Sunshine’s graffiti, the need to collect Power Stars / Shine Sprites / Star Bits, or Peach inviting Mario over to the castle (for cake, obviously) just in time for him to see chaos descend.

Sunshine was the first Mario game I played as a kid, and it’s been the game I’ve paid the most attention to this time around. What strikes me even now is how thematically consistent Sunshine feels across its many levels – a collection of waterfalls, beaches, boats, and lighthouses that put the game’s FLUDD spraying/hovering water-gizmo to fantastic use.

While cleaning up graffiti may not sound like the most gripping outline for a game, it’s made magical in Sunshine – which easily has the best storyline out of all three titles. (If you remember the reveal of Shadow Mario, you’ll know what I mean!)

Super Mario Sunshine (2002) (Image credit: Nintendo/TechRadar)

Super Mario Galaxy was the only new game for me, and it certainly wins on visuals (not a fair contest, given it’s the most recent game). Launching Mario through space has a real thrill, and the perspective-twisting nature of its planetary puzzles feel refreshingly different from the rest of the All Stars trilogy.

In my mind, the motion-controlled ‘spin’ mechanic feels like an odd trade for the dive – and weirdly reminiscent of Crash Bandicoot – but it comes to life when holding both Joy-Cons separately, in docked or tabletop mode, when you can shake either controller to activate the spin.

Loading up the software on the Switch is very swift, as is jumping between titles, with the ‘–’ button offering a shortcut to controller layouts and the title screen for the other Mario games.

Super Mario Sunshine (2002) (Image credit: Nintendo/TechRadar)

Not a seamless transition

Not all is well in the Mushroom Kingdom, however. There are a few areas in which Nintendo hasn’t done everything it could to optimize these games for the Switch and Switch Lite.

Super Mario 64 is still plagued by imprecise controls, largely when it comes to speaking to an NPC (Toad, a talking bomb, etc). You have to be in exactly the right position to see the ‘A’ prompt, and if you’re slightly out of sync you end up jumping over them instead. It’s a small thing, but still disappointing considering its multiple re-releases on different platforms. Surely this could have been fixed at some point in the last 25 years?

Super Mario Galaxy, meanwhile, was clearly designed for the Wii’s motion controls in mind. This is fine when playing in docked or tabletop mode, when you can move the Joy-Cons to change the direction of your trigger (for shooting projectiles or dragging Mario between stars). This doesn’t function nearly as well in handheld mode, where you’re forced to take your hands off the controls to tap and drag across the screen in the midst of the gameplay – something you’re also forced to do for menu screens, which simply don’t recognize d-pad or button inputs for selecting ‘Yes’, ‘No’, or the specific galaxy you want to travel to.

Super Mario Galaxy (2007) (Image credit: Nintendo/TechRadar)

While it’s possible to complete each level in handheld mode, it breaks up what should be a seamless experience with awkward touch controls and a refusal to sync up with Switch-specific button inputs. Nintendo’s Co-Star Mode enables a second player can use a Joy-Con to fire Star Bits and grab enemies, but it’s a band-aid solution that doesn’t fix the issue when playing alone.

Super Mario Sunshine feels most at home on the Switch, largely due to the lack of touch controls, though I can’t help feeling that some quality-of-life improvements – namely, being able to skip tutorials or cutscenes, given so many people are replaying the game for the second, 10th, or 500th time – wouldn’t have been a huge ask.

It’s worth noting that each game supports a different number of languages, too, and it’s odd that Nintendo isn’t offering a unified localization experience across the 3D All Stars trilogy.

Super Mario Sunshine (2002) (Image credit: Nintendo/TechRadar)

Shining bright – but not for long

The games in Super Mario 3D All-Stars are a brilliant addition to the Switch library, but the collection isn’t without its problems, and the 64 / Galaxy titles in particular don’t feel optimized for the Switch’s inputs. For anyone with a Switch Lite, there's no way to escape Galaxy's awkward touch controls either.

The lack of Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a shame, too, while the inclusion of soundtracks to listen to outside of the games doesn’t really flesh out the experience very much. You are getting three games for $59 / £49 / AU$79, but given their age it’s not an outright bargain for that amount of money either.

Super Mario Galaxy (2007) (Image credit: Nintendo/TechRadar)

The limited release schedule – pulling physical and digital editions from sale in March 2021 – feels needlessly restrictive, too. The result is a shakily-assembled trilogy that not everyone will be able to try out for themselves, particularly if they're waiting until the Switch becomes more affordable.

We expect it may be part of some master plan (or remaster plan) for these games, possibly with the older titles coming as free as part of Nintendo Switch Online when the service starts adding Nintendo 64 games to its emulator.

Until then, Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a great way to get your nostalgia fix, or encounter these landmark games for the first time – and getting all three in one package deal isn’t to be sniffed at. It’s a shame, though, that Nintendo didn’t iron out all of the kinks before release.

• Best Super Mario games: from Bros. to Odyssey
• The weirdest Super Mario games ever
• Nintendo Switch Online membership: how to subscribe

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One minute review

There aren’t many gaming headsets like the Asus ROG Theta Electret. Making use of electret drivers alongside discrete neodymium bass drivers, it’s making good on its audiophile-aiming design, pushing clarity and a wide soundstage over the frills of other high-end gaming headsets.

But it’s a curious headset too – the Asus ROG Theta Electret is priced high, doesn’t offer surround sound, is large in design, and requires additional equipment in order to make it truly sing. When the stars align, it’s a fantastic headset, but it’s relatively small feature set and enthusiast-style leanings make it only for the most discerning PC audio connoisseurs. 

Asus ROG Theta Electret price and availability

The Asus ROG Theta Electret is available now from a small selection of retailers, with prices hovering around the £259.99 ($340 / AU$480) mark.

That puts it in the upper echelons of gaming headset pricing though, from an audiophile perspective, its components justify that price.

(Image credit: Future)

Design

• Interesting driver design
• Comfortable to wear
• Works best with an external amp

The Asus ROGTheta Electret is a Hi-Fi grade gaming headset that, thanks to its sole 3.5mm headphone jack connection, will work with basically any platform you care to game on. Plug it into your PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4 DualShock pad or Xbox One pad and it’ll work straight away, with its cable carrying both output and mic-input signals from the detachable boom. There’s no dongle, Bluetooth or wireless functionality to fiddle with.

With an impedance of 32 Ohm, it takes a fair bit of oomph to drive the Asus ROG Theta Electret, so don’t be surprised if they feel a bit quiet or weak when plugged into a console controller. They’re clearly intended to be used with an external amplifier, and so it’s a set probably best suited to use with a PC. The non-detachable cable, extending from both the left and right cans, is only 1.5m long, which may be a problem if your rig doesn’t have front-mounted headphone sockets. Thankfully, Asus pops a 1.2m mic splitter / extension cable in the box.

(Image credit: Future)

The exterior design makes the Asus ROG Theta Electret an obvious stablemate of Asus’ Republic of Gamers line. Though there’s no RGB lighting here, you’ve got the same angular, black design language that you find across Asus' gaming line-up. It’s an aggressive style, and it’s defiantly big here – the ROG Theta Electret, with its steel padded band and D-shaped earcups feels ginormous on your head. And though it’s relatively weighty at 555g, that weight is very well distributed, making for a mostly-comfortable headset.

Along with that 3.5mm extension cable in the box, you’ll also find a set of different ear cushions that can be swapped out. Both are chunky and squishy (with extra, welcome care made to support glasses wearers), but one is finished with a premium protein leather, while the other has a more breathable fabric, better suited to hot environments and longer play sessions.

Perhaps most interesting though is what’s going on inside the headset. The Asus ROG Theta Electret is packing in 120mm electret drivers, rarely used outside of audiophile circles, along with separate 45mm neodymium bass drivers. 

Those large electret drivers, which hold a static charge, don’t require a separate headphone amplifier, and ASUS believes their use leads to a more spacious and detailed sound. We’d still encourage you to pair the Theta Electret with an amp, or you’re going to find them lacking in overall power. But objectively they can be used without one.

(Image credit: Future)

Audio quality

• Detailed mids and highs
• Weak bass response
• Clear microphone

Unless your PC has a very fancy sound card, you’re going to want to pair the Asus ROG Theta Electret with an amp or DAC. As mentioned before, you’re going to run into some volume trouble with a console pad as a result.

Out of the box, the Theta Electret can sound a bit flat, but pair it with Asus' Sonic Studio software, and they come alive, with EQ settings that add depth to the neutral default.

You get a great sense of distance and movement from the ROG Theta, which boasts a very spacious and wide soundstage. Voices punch through clearly, and finer details (like the tropical ambient sounds of Shadow of the Tomb Raider) glisten. You’ll hear things you never knew were there before.

(Image credit: Future)

But the dual driver array seems to introduce an unwanted side-effect. Balancing two separate driver systems is always difficult – it’s why it’s so rarely done. And here the trade off comes at the expense of bass. 

The Asus ROG Theta Electret never really thumps as you’d like it to. Blasts lack power, and anything approaching subsonic just feels lost. It can make the overall sound feel quite thin, as if ASUS has been worried the bass drivers will overpower the delicate skills of the electret drivers. It leads to a curious sound – one that’s crisp and attentive, but lacking in warmth. At the price, it feels incomplete – especially considering there’s no 3D audio component involved.

Their size and lack of wireless connectivity make it unlikely that you’re going to want to take the ROG Theta for a walk with your smartphone, but they do a decent job of playing back music. The bass again can be shallow without some EQ fine tuning (especially on mobile devices), but the detailed highs and mids can be quite pleasing.

As for the bendy detachable mic, it did a solid job of picking up audio, and transmitted it clearly over Discord. It’s detachable nature is welcome, letting you remove it when not in use, and replacing it if it ever gets damaged.

Buy it if...

You prize comfort and build quality
Despite the size, the Asus ROG Theta Electret sit comfortably on your head, with liberal amounts of padding making them easy to use over long periods of time, even for glasses wearers.

You enjoy detailed mids and highs, and a spacious soundstage
There’s a crispness to the Asus ROG Theta Electret that makes certain game sound effects and scores shine, and an expansive nature to the mix design that makes for obvious directionality when gaming.

Don't buy it if...

You want pumping bass
Despite the detail on show, the Asus ROG Theta Electret lacks in the bass department. It can make more explosive sound effects sound weak, which is a shame as the detail elsewhere impresses.

You want a modicum of portability
Lacking in wireless functionality, being large on your head, and really requiring a dedicated amp to get the most out of them, the Asus ROG Theta Electret will be tied to your desk.

• Best PC gaming headsets: hear every detail of your games

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Microsoft dropped a bombshell announcement today in the middle of Apple’s WWDC 2020 event: the company will shut down Mixer in July and redirect all traffic to Facebook Gaming. 

In an interview with The Verge, Xbox Chief Phil Spencer says the move is going to help gamers get more of what they want to see in a more seamless way and says that the service was struggling to keep pace with Twitch and YouTube. 

“We started pretty far behind, in terms of where Mixer’s monthly active viewers were compared to some of the big players out there,” Spencer said. “I think the Mixer community is really going to benefit from the broad audience that Facebook has through their properties, and the abilities to reach gamers in a very seamless way through the social platform Facebook has.”

The transition will take place on July 22, at which point all Mixer streams will redirect to Facebook Gaming. Microsoft says all its existing streaming partners will be able to move to Facebook Gaming and immediately be granted partner status with Facebook’s Level Up Program. 

The trade-off here is that Facebook will begin implementing Microsoft’s xCloud game-streaming service on Facebook Gaming: eventually, the platform will enable PC gamers to jump directly into any game they’re watching on a stream. 

It could also mean that the Xbox Series X will use Facebook Gaming instead of Mixer.

Will the Xbox Series X use Facebook Gaming, YouTube or Twitch? 

Before today, it seemed like Mixer on Xbox Series X was a shoo-in. The streaming service has been integrated into the Xbox One for over two years now, and it didn’t sound like that would change with the Xbox Series X.

Now, though, it’s anyone’s guess as to which streaming service Microsoft will include on Xbox Series X. 

The partnership with Facebook does hint at a future where we see Facebook Gaming replace Mixer on the next Xbox console – but it could also open the door for Microsoft to partner with YouTube and/or Twitch, too. 

The best-case scenario is that Microsoft will continue to support all the game-streaming services and will give you that option every time you hit the new share button on the Xbox Series X.

Whether or not that will be the case, however, we'll just have to wait to find out.

• Can't decide which console to buy? Don't miss our guide to Xbox Series X vs PS5

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Apple’s midyear WWDC event is largely dedicated to developers, but the opening showcase is all about what’s coming for consumers. And while this year’s WWDC 2020 keynote didn’t reveal any hardware per se, it had plenty of exciting software changes coming to Apple’s lineup of devices.

While no devices were shown off, the event had one giant announcement: going forward, the tech giant will be ditching Intel chipsets in its Mac lineup in favor of one designed by Apple itself. That’s right: just like the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch lines all use in-house chipsets, the Mac family will get proprietary silicon. 

But there’s still plenty to get excited about with operating system updates. For instance, there are some meaty quality-of-life changes coming to iOS 14 that will auto-organize your app collection, enhance group chats, enhance Maps with greener navigation options, and make it far easier to download relevant apps while you’re out and about. And it’s finally catching up to Android by adding picture-in-picture video viewing.

iPadOS 14 will get some of those iOS perks itself along with more features that take advantage of tablet screens, like ‘sidebars’ filled with useful shortcuts and more robust menu choices. WatchOS 7 finally gets sleep tracking, as well as more workout modes and better customization of watch faces. Heck, it’ll even monitor how long you’re washing your hands.

MacOS 11 Big Sur, as it’s named, gets interface refinements and tweaks to Finder and the Toolbar, as well as a Control Center a la iOS and iPadOS for quick shortcuts to brightness and other features. For Apple TV, tvOS 14 is adding picture-in-picture and support for specialty Xbox controllers like the Xbox Elite 2 and Xbox Adaptive Controller.

That’s a lot of upgrades, both long-awaited and unanticipated-but-welcome. Here’s a breakdown for every corner of the Apple ecosystem that’s slated to get new tricks. 

• Will your iPhone get the iOS 14 update?
• What Apple Watch 6 details can we learn from watchOS 7?
• Will your iPad get iPadOS 14? There's good news for owners of most iPads

Everything we heard at WWDC 2020

Mac’s Apple chipset: one for the whole Mac family, eventually

The big announcement of the day was saved for the Mac family, which is officially shifting away from Intel chips to use Apple-designed silicon in future Apple desktop machines. The first Mac to use an Apple chipset will be released before the end of 2020, while the transition for the full device lineup will take two years, Apple CEO Tim Cook said. The company is still pledging to support Intel-powered machines with new software upgrades for years. 

Apple didn’t undersell the importance of the moment, and compared this transition to three prior Mac turning points in the device’s history: when it shifted to PowerPC chipsets, then when it introduced MacOS X, and finally when it adopted Intel chipsets. 

Why change silicon? Apple credited its own chipsets as crucial to the success of its device line, starting with the A4 Bionic chipset in the iPhone 4 and onward with the Apple Watches and iPads released over the years. The new Mac chipsets will be a family of SoCs for the entire Mac line. Like its other system-on-chips, Apple is focusing on performance and power management with a neural engine for machine learning and scalable architecture.

iOS 14: quality of life, media watching, and getting around

iOS 14 has gotten the lion’s share of improvements at WWDC 2020. Most importantly, Apple has generously noticed how terrible we all are at organizing our pages and pages of apps – now, your final page on the Home Screen will be auto-generated app collections, and if you want, you can hide pages of apps you don’t really use. Yes, it feels a little Android-ish to us, too.

You can also insert mini-apps called Widgets into your Home Screen pages – think of them as the abbreviated apps you’d see on your Apple Watches, which you can customize in the Widget Gallery. iMessages has improved, too, adding some work chat-inspired features like inline replies and pinned conversations. 

Siri will no longer take up the full screen, opting instead for a small popup at the bottom of the display, and can now send audio messages. And another inherited-from-Android feature: iOS 14 will get picture-in-picture video viewing. Huzzah.

Maps has been upgraded to offer cycling directions, which will be added to a handful of big cities at first. Cycling will give you ideas of elevation and suggested routes, while a new dedicated EV mode will track routes from EV recharging station to recharging station. 

Carplay has some upgrades too, including new backgrounds and, in select vehicles, allowing users to use their phones in place of car key fobs. The first car to take advantage of this will be the newest BMW 5 series: in the presentation, we saw someone unlock their doors via NFC on their iPhone. This goes beyond one linked device: it allows you to share ‘keys’ and vary access with conceivably anyone with an iPhone. This feature will be coming in iOS 14 but will also be made available in July for iOS 13 users.

Finally, iOS 14 will get improvements to the App Store in the form of new App Clips, which are small digital pop-ups prompting users to download the right app for a service. These can be triggered via NFC – like waving your iPhone in front of a smart scooter station – but they can also be prompted by text or QR code. Best of all, you don’t have to necessarily go through the rigmarole of registering with a new service so long as they accept Apple Pay and signing in with Apple. 

iPadOS 14: more real estate, some iOS 14 perks 

While iPadOS has been out since late 2019, we haven’t seen it shift course much from iOS. iPadOS 14 will bring more features and perks to take advantage of tablet screens.

Some of these had obvious appeal: Apple showcased new sidebars for apps that offer shortcuts and handy perks – think of similar toolboxes and panels in Adobe apps – along with expanded menu dropdowns. 

There are less flashy methods to expand the real estate, like adding art and lyrics when listening to music in full-screen mode. Other tweaks are simply functional: instead of taking over the full screen, incoming calls will be reduced to just a notification tab at the top – a change that’s also coming to iPhoneOS 14. That goes both ways: iPad will get those nice widget and app auto-organizing features coming to iPhoneOS 14, but we imagine they’ll have a greater effect on an iPad screen.

There are Apple Pencil upgrades, too. A new feature called Scribble lets you write in text fields (like, say, Safari’s search bar) and your penmanship will automatically be converted to typed text. There’s also assistance for your handwritten notes that ‘fixes’ your drawings into shapes – make a wobbly arrow and iPads will straighten it out for you. There’s also new text recognition features: you can select written words and even copy blocks of them to paste into other apps, where it will be converted to typed text. 

AirPods: smarter device switching and surround sound...even in motion

New firmware upgrades will improve automatic switching between your Apple ecosystem devices: if you’re watching media on your iPad and listening through AirPods, but get a call on your iPhone, your AirPods should automatically switch over.. 

The AirPods Pro also get a ‘big if true’ update that simulates directional surround sound using algorithms, audio filters, and tinkered frequencies. What that means: if you physically move your head, the accelerometer and sensors in the Pro keep the sound oriented around your device, allowing you to tilt your ears around a cohesive soundspace. This will supposedly adjust even if your entire body is shifted – like, say, if you’re riding a bus.

Apple Watch 6: Sleep tracking at last. And hand washing?

WatchOS 7 has refined how developers can craft complications, enabling more combinations and watch faces to help users create their own ideal watch faces. Apple’s also made it easier to share watch faces via a new feature, Face Sharing. When you see a watch face you like, click the button prompt and it will download – as well as prompt you to get any missing complications.

Just like in iOS 14, watchOS 7 includes improvements to Maps that add cycling directions, with elevation changes and navigation prompts that appear as large, easy-to-read complications.

Workouts are getting an upgrade, too, adding Dance as a total body workout, which tracks popular (yet broadly-defined) dance styles like Hip Hop and Latin. How? Advanced algorithms detect the difference when wearers use just their arms, just their legs, or combinations of the two. There are more workouts, too, like core training, functional strength training, and even cooldowns for post-workout sessions. The corresponding Activity app in iOS 14 has also been redesigned.

But the big addition is sleep tracking, which uses machine learning to detect patterns and feeds the info into the Health app on the Apple Watch ad linked iPhone. The feature prompts users to establish their own ‘wind down’ routine to end the day. In the morning, wearers can be woken up with either audio tones or haptic vibration for quieter personal alarm. They’re greeted by a wake-up screen with status updates to start your day like temperature, notifications – and crucially, battery life. 

Finally, watchOS 7 is getting another health feature of sorts: handwashing detection. Your Apple Watch will harness machine learning and analyze audio to monitor whether you’re washing your hands for the duration of a full 20-second countdown, with fun sounds and a ‘well done’ at the end. 

MacOS: Big Sur

The next macOS update is officially named Big Sur, taking its title from yet another classic California locale. But with the new version comes a bunch of changes. Many of these are interface tweaks, aspiring for more clarity. Windows will use depth, shading, and translucency to convey a hierarchy, which will come to both light and dark modes. 

Other tweaks are just as svelte: Mac apps are becoming more squared-off (‘squircles,’ if you will), with a new sidebar and toolbar for Finder. But other shifts are bigger, like macOS inheriting the Control Center from iOS, allowing users quick access to brightness and other settings. There’s also a notification center that lists notifications and widgets, too, like the ones headed to iOS 14.

Maps will also get improvements in macOS Big Sur, with indoor maps and Lookaround (Apple’s street view) and other iOS 14 upgrades like cycling and electric vehicle station navigation. 

Safari: refinements

Safari is also getting some improvements, with site privacy reports that show what they’re accessing. Safari will monitor your saved passwords and compare them against data breaches, which Google already does with Chrome. 

As other browsers get smarter about tab management, Safari is introducing new features: hovering over one, for instance, shows a preview of the page. 

tvOS 14: Xbox gaming time

In tvOS 14, gaming will get multi-user support, while support will be added for specialty the Xbox Elite 2 and Xbox Adaptive Controller. Picture-in-picture is coming to Apple TV, too.

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Sophos Labs has discovered a new software installer for macOS that installs multiple unwanted applications or “bundleware” on users' systems under the guide of installing one legitimate application.

The installer, which is primarily targeting macOS Catalina users, includes a total of seven “potentially unwanted applications” (PUAs) including three that target Apple's Safari web browser to inject ads, hijack download links and redirect search queries with the aim of stealing users' clicks to generate income. In at least one case, the injected content was used for malvertising by showing a malicious ad that prompted users to download a fake Adobe Flash update.

Sophos has identified the installer as belonging to the Bundlore family. Bundlore is a common macOS bundleware installer family that accounts for nearly seven percent of all attacks detected by the security company targeting Apple's operating system.

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Bundlore is also used to target Windows users through extensions for Google Chrome and some of the code used to target Chrome is shared with the versions of the adware that target macOS.

Bundlelore

The recent macOS samples discovered by Sophos stand out from previous versions of Bundlore due to the fact that they have been updated to keep up with recent changes in macOS and Safari, particularly Apple's changes to the format for Safari browser extensions.

The Bundlore sample analyzed contained multiple Safari extension payloads including two in the new App Extension format. However, these extensions were adware that contained code which injected new advertisements and download links and even redirected search queries from certain search engines. Based on code taken from a remote server that supports two extensions, Sophos discovered dozens of search affiliate names related to the ad injector and search modification payload as well as affiliate codes used to profit from visits to other sites.

PUAs are among the most common security threats to macOS because they can steal personal data and act as a pathway for both malvertising and other malware. Thankfully though, endpoint protection software is able to block PUAs and Apple's XProtect feature in macOS can block known Bundlore payloads.

Sophos' Sean Gallagher and Xinran Wu provided further insight on the security company's findings in a blog post, saying:

“Based on these and other samples we’ve observed, it’s clear that adware developers are clearly embracing the transition to Safari App Extension format and are updating their payload scripts. Browser extensions are increasingly popular as applications move to the cloud, and web browsers become the most heavily-used component of operating systems. So they will correspondingly continue to be a target for scams such as adware.”

• Also check out our complete list of the best antivirus software

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The 4th of July is just around the corner, which means a long holiday weekend filled with family, friends, and outdoor fun. You can also find fantastic 4th of July sales from your favorite retailers like Home Depot, Best Buy, Amazon, and Lowe's.

The biggest categories discounted during the 4th of July sale event include appliances, grills, furniture, laptops, and TVs. The 4th of July is also a fantastic time to find deals on mattresses with retailers like Dreamcloud offering $300 worth of free accessories, and 20% off sitewide at Bear Mattress.

Home Depot and Lowe's are just a few retailers that will be discounting top-brand appliances, and tech retailers like Dell and Best Buy have fantastic deals on electronics.

See our full list of 4th of July sales below and make sure to bookmark this page as we'll be continuously updating it with the best bargains leading up the holiday event. Plus, with Amazon Prime Day still up in the air, this might be your last chance to score record-low prices on this year's hottest items.

The best 4th of July sales 2020:

• Amazon - deals on appliances, tech, and home items
• Amerisleep - 30% off any mattress + free shipping with code AS30
• Apple - deals on the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and more
• Bear - 20% off sitewide + two free cloud pillows
• Best Buy- deals on TVs, laptops, headphones, and more
• Best Buy - save on top-brand appliances
• Dell - save big on laptops, monitors, TVs, and more
• DreamCloud - Save $200 off + free duvet, pillows, and towels
• Dyson - save up to $200 on Dyson vacuums
• Gap - up to 60% off everything
• Home Depot - save to 40% off appliances, patio, tools and more
• HP - save on laptops, desktops, printers, and more
• Lenovo - save up to 66% on select doorbusters
• Lowe's- up to 40% off appliance special values
• Mattress Firm - up to 50% off top-rated brands
• Microsoft - save on laptops, consoles, and more
• Nectar - $399 of free accessories with every mattress
• Overstock - 4th of July blowout, up to 70% off + free shipping
• Purple - free sheets + premium seat cushion with mattress purchase
• Saatva - take $200 off orders of $1,000+
• Target - save up to 20% off patio items
• Tempur-Pedic - save $500 off any Breeze mattress
• Walmart - save on patio, TVs, mattresses and more
• Wayfair - big outdoor sale, up to 65% off
• World Market - up to 40% off sitewide

Our best 4th of July sale picks:

When do 4th of July sales start?

The 4th of July falls on a Saturday this year, so we'll see most sales starting that week on Monday, June 29. All sales will last through the holiday weekend, and most will end on Monday, July 6.

We'll be updating this page daily with all of the current sales, so make sure to check back each day for new discounts and deals.

Who has the best 4th of July sales?

The biggest categories discounted during the 4th of July include furniture, appliances, mattresses, and TVs. Because 4th of July is a summer celebration, you can find discounts on several outdoor items such as grills, patio furniture, lawn mowers, and plants.

The 4th of July is also a fantastic time to find deals on mattresses with retailers like Purple and Temper-Pedic participating in sitewide sales. Home Depot and Best Buy are just a few retailers that will be discounting top-brand appliances all weekend long, and tech retailers like Dell have fantastic deals on laptops.

• See more of the best cheap 4K TV deals and sale prices and the best cheap laptop deals.
• You can also see shop more offers with our roundup of the best deals from Amazon's Summer sale.

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While it will come as no surprise to learn that gamers are one of the few demographics that have actually been enjoying lockdown, what may be more surprising is that professional gamers – those that compete in esports tournaments for big prizes across Australia and around the globe – have developed a work ethic and model that can teach all of us a thing or two about working from home.

Professional gamers need to balance their many hours of intense focus in front of a computer screen with healthy schedules that keep them capable of maintaining optimal performance, both physically and mentally, at all times. So, which techniques do they use, and which technology do they recommend?

To find out, we reached out to Legacy Esports – one of the most successful esports organisations in the burgeoning Oceanic Region with teams and streamers currently competing in games including Fortnite, Hearthstone, Starcraft 2 and the hugely popular League of Legends. Its techniques have been proven in the field too: in April, its League of Legends team was crowned Oceanic Pro League (OPL) Champions.

We asked Tim Wendel, Head of Esports for Legacy Esports, what we could learn from their success. After all, as he puts it, “Working from home under quarantine hasn’t really changed much for what we do… we’re very used to operating in this space.”

Communication is key

For Tim Wendell, Head of Esports at Legacy Esports, remotely communicating and coordinating with team members has always been the norm.

Many office workers will have been getting to grips with Zoom for meetings and communication, but pro-gamers are already well versed at coordinating with their co-workers remotely. Winning means sharing information quickly – calling out enemy positions with military-grade efficiency, for example – and operating as though your teammates (who could be many kilometres away) are sitting right next to them.

Legacy Esports uses the gamer-oriented multi-channelled Discord app for voice and text communications, but Tim’s experience with it translates to all web conference-related communication software. His first point is to ensure that everyone has very good microphones for clarity – it’s neither professional nor helpful to others to sound like you’re talking from the bottom of a well. He adds, “For people now working from home, the key is to become familiar with the software that your team or company uses. It’s going to save you a lot of time being able to fix your own problems as opposed to going to IT every time something goes wrong. It could be that your microphone was on local mute as opposed to muted in the software – any number of issues.”

Microphone and speaker problems are certainly regular bugbears for the new world of conference calls: being able to diagnose whether an issue stems from computer settings, headset buttons/dials, another attendee, the local network or third-party cloud service, is important. Meetings can quickly become derailed by key participants not having functional audio or video, and providing remote tech support can be difficult, especially when it comes to explaining how to navigate hidden settings in apps (and operating systems) to those who are not tech-savvy.

The key lesson here is to plan ahead and test your setup prior to any important events. This will give you enough advance time to Google a specific problem, or ask a colleague for help.

Healthy body, healthy mindset

Samsung's curved gaming monitors are kind on the eyes and can easily do double-duty as your primary work display.

“Esports professionals put in some of the longest hours, of any profession, into their craft. Consequently, taking regular breaks is important and so is posture and stretching,” says Tim. Indeed, when training primarily involves sitting in front of a screen, clutching a mouse and keyboard, for many hours, every day, it becomes particularly important to understand and compensate for the negative effect that this has on one’s body. Tim says that getting up at least once an hour and stretching – even if it’s only for five minutes – is very important.

He continues, “There is a gamer stretch routine which focuses on warming-up. It involves pulling your fingers back one way and then back the other way. It’s really about loosening up any tension: your forearms can become very tense when holding a mouse and using a keyboard for prolonged periods.” This will help stave off the primary affliction that blights the world of Esports: RSI.

Beyond that, following a rigid schedule was essential. While training alongside teammates kept pro gamers from missing most sessions, there was still a great deal of solo work required. Having them stick to tight schedules for practice, rest, exercise and performance reviews helps the team and each individual member to structure their days.

He also adds the following advice, “When your routine changes, try to build a schedule that includes alarms or reminders for checking your messages. If you are used to only checking your emails in one big block each day, it might make sense to be a bit more dynamic during this time.” He concludes, “Also, there shouldn’t be any excuse not to stick to a healthy diet. Even maintaining exercise isn’t difficult, as online classes and live sessions with personal trainers are widely available.”

Get the right gear for the job

Samsung's T7 SSDs are an easy way to add robust, super-fast external storage to any PC or Mac.

Every job is simpler when you have the right tools to do it and, just as a blunt knife acts as a frustrating barrier to a chef, having a slow computer or poor-quality peripherals can act as a major barrier to office productivity. To that end, Samsung provides Legacy Esports with a variety of high-quality equipment to help them perform their best, including fast computer memory, SSDs and curved gaming monitors. Tim says, “All players who have received them have enjoyed the benefits. Not having to wait long for your computer to boot, being able to load games quickly and having plenty of room to store games [has proved particularly popular].”

He also stresses the importance of having an ergonomic chair. “Gaming chairs are hot items in esports, right now, with multiple manufacturers including elements like adjustable armrests and lumbar support. But, as long as you have a good chair that supports good posture; that’s the most important thing.” He adds that while it’s important to ensure that forearms are level with the table, there is no special gaming posture, or way to hold a mouse, that will stop you from getting tired.

Nonetheless, Tim still recommends using a curved monitor (or two) for work purposes: “Having a curved screen means I move my eyes less to reach corner to corner whereas, with a flat monitor the space feels wider. It feels like I’m using my eyes less to see the whole screen. Also, using two monitors makes it easy to multitask by providing multiple sources of information. Working on one monitor, while source information or messages appear on the other, makes things much easier.” He adds that, connecting to ultra widescreen monitors can particularly boost productivity versus being hunched over a laptop screen – and will help encourage better posture, too.

Top tech for WFH

The 970 EVO Plus range of SSDs offer terrific performance and can help reduce both boot up and load times, as well as making your PC more responsive for both work and games. 

Samsung CT55 1000R curved monitor: Whether at home or in the office, curved monitors make it easier to tackle demanding tasks, offering a more natural and comfortable viewing experience. The Samsung CT55 features a 1000R curvature that matches the human field of view allowing you to see the whole screen in just one glance, which can help to limit visual fatigue, especially during sustained use scenarios. Another benefit of using a curved monitor is the ability to use it as a second monitor, making it easier to multi-task.

Samsung EVO Plus NVMe SSDs: These solid-state drives are fast and yet small enough to power both laptops and desktops alike. Boot times will plummet, as will the loading times of applications. Despite the diminutive dimensions they still pack in up-to 2TB of storage, so you won’t be running out of space any time soon.

Samsung Portable SSD T7: With increasing file sizes (especially when it comes to multimedia), running out of storage space on your laptop or desktop is a fairly common problem. Samsung’s portable SSDs, such as the T7, offer an easy way to add super-fast external storage, allow you to both save and work from large files on a separate drive – even demanding jobs like video editing can be done directly from a Samsung Portable SSD, so there’s no need to transfer files between the external SSD and your computer’s internal storage.

Samsung 27-inch CRG5 curved monitor: The CRG5 combines a lightning-fast refresh rate through 240Hz RapidCurve™ technology and 1500R curvature, minimising lag time while displaying ultra-smooth scenes for a truly immersive experience. The 240Hz refresh rate allows a swift, effortless response to screen transitions and quickly changing situations, while the 1500R curved screen offers a wide view with just one glance. To eliminate tears, stuttering and any delay in the action, G-sync compatibility from NVIDIA synchronises the graphics processing unit (GPU) and panel, offering players exceptionally dynamic and seamless gameplay during any scene in full HD resolution.

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eBay's Plus Month has just over a week to go before it ends, but there's still a bunch of ace daily deals to come before next Tuesday. Today's offering in particular is a ripper, with the online marketplace offering up the Apple Watch 5 for a tiny AU$399, discounting the popular smartwatch by AU$250, or an incredible 38% off! 

There's a total of 500 units up for grabs in the Plus-exclusive deal, which unlock in batches of 100 at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm.

Whilst Apple’s latest smartwatch isn’t all that different from the previous model in terms of design, its main change is that it comes with an always-on display for the first time. This means you don’t have to stimulate the watch to show your stats as they’re always displayed on a dimly lit screen.

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Along with the usual fitness features you would expect from an Apple Watch, the new model boasts some additional top-of-the-range tracking modes, including an ECG monitor, GPS tracking, impressive heart rate monitoring and more. If you're looking for the very best Apple Watch, this is it!

As we mentioned earlier, this bargain price is only available for 500 units in total, which unlock throughout the day, and you need to be an eBay Plus subscriber to access the discount – if you’re not already a member, signing up is easy and includes a 30-day free trial, so can even just use the latter to score this fantastic smartwatch.

If the Watch is sold-out when you visit the store don't fret, as new units will be dropped at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm – make sure to use the code PJT91 at checkout to receive your full discount.

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What is blue light? Those two simple words may well be causing you grief, in a screen-heavy society intent on getting you to work at a laptop, take breaks by scrolling through social media on your phone, and rest at the end of the day by… turning on the television.

In its simplest form, blue light is simply part of the light spectrum from infrared to UV (ultraviolet light). The reason you’re hearing so much about it these days, though, is that LCD screens emit a substantial amount – and our proximity to so many of them, for both our work and leisure, means we’re getting an awful lot of it.

Blue light has become something of a bugbear these days, with many claims around the impact of blue light on the quality of our sleep or even our eye health.

Studies certainly suggest that blue light can suppress the release of melatonin at night, making it harder to get to sleep or reach deep sleep states needed to fully rest. But when we end the day with the television or head to our smartphones to final-check our messages or set our morning alarms, it can be hard to break the routines keeping us in constant thrall to blue light.

That’s led to the creation of a host of blue light filter technologies, which aim to stop blue light reaching your eyes (through specialized spectacles) or possibly even leaving the screen at all (through protective screen filters).

This guide will run you through the science around blue light, why some concerns are more valid than others, and the aids currently available to help you out.

Blue light FAQ

• What is blue light? Blue light is visible light at a wavelength of 400−525 nm
• Where does blue light come from? LED screens such as those found on smartphones, TVs, and computers, as well as certain lamps and light bulbs
• Does blue light affect sleep? Blue light has been shown to suppress the release of the sleep hormone melatonin, disrupting your circadian rhythm and making it harder to sleep well
• Will blue light hurt my eyes? There’s no conclusive evidence for this, and the real culprit may be simply the amount of screen time in your day

OLED smartphones emit a lot less blue light than LED displays

Blue light: the science

We wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t come armed with some good, hard facts.

The important thing to remember is that blue light is a natural part of sunlight, and helps to keep us alert. The issue is when that blue light comes at times – say, late in the day – that mess with your circadian rhythm, telling your brain that it isn’t yet time to shut down for bed.

This is great for keeping you active in the late hours for a big project deadline, or if you’re trying to stay awake, but it’s not as great when you’re trying to sleep. Harvard Health cites numerous medical studies making a strong case for melatonin suppression by blue light – and specifically recommends people “avoid looking at bright screens beginning two to three hours before bed.”

The issue is fuzzier around eye health, though (more on this further down). Lots of uninterrupted screen time can absolutely irritate your eyes, though the issue may simply be because you’re focusing your attention at a fixed distance for hours on end, and therefore straining your vision. As ever, it’s good advice to take regular breaks from your screen, look out the window (if you have one), and walk about when you can to vary the distance your eyes are focusing on.

It's worth noting that OLED screens – like those used in the iPhone 11 Pro, or OLED TVs like the LG CX – emit far less blue light than traditional LED lighting technologies too (via FlatPanelsHD).

Other studies have suggested positive benefits to limiting blue light exposure or using filters, like this one (via GoodHousekeeping).

The proximity of LED screens to our eyes means we're getting a lot of blue light

Blue light: night shift, dark mode, and f.lux

You may already be aware of software fixes for blue light, such as Apple’s Night Shift setting, which reduces levels of blue light, according to the time in your region, to reduce the intensity of the display: “Night Shift automatically adjusts the colours of your display to the warmer end of the spectrum – making the display easier on your eyes.”

f.lux is a similar program available for Mac, PC, iOS and Android. The issue with both Night Shift and f.lux is that they give screens a reddish or orange tint towards the end of the day – which isn’t ideal for watching Netflix shows or enjoying pretty much anything in its original colors.

The much-discussed dark mode, too, is something available on a host of different devices and apps. Dark mode generally turns automatically white backgrounds to black (or a dark color) to reduce the amount of light being emitted, hopefully reducing eye strain.

• How to get dark mode for Android
• How to enable Chrome dark mode on any device
• How to get WhatsApp dark mode

Get some amber light before you go to sleep

Blue light filters

There’s now a burgeoning market in blue light filters: effectively screen protectors that help to block out blue light on your most commonly-used devices.

Ocushield is one company making blue light filters for computer screens or smartphones. The options are a bit limited to certain models and sizes – you’ll have better luck getting the right fit with an iPhone or Macbook – but we got to test out a few ourselves, and were impressed. The filters clearly block out blue wavelengths without overtly affecting the color palette on your screen, meaning you’re not left with off-tone images. 

We’re told by Ocushield founder Dhruvin Patel that users of the filter are “limiting blue light while maintaining a crystal clear picture,” while also noting that software such as f.lux – designed largely for evening use – doesn’t address exposure to blue light throughout the rest of the day. “Cumulative exposure to blue light during the day also causes visual stress in the form of eye strain and headaches which a lot of people are unaware of.”

“Ocushield has been specially developed to reduce the spikes in blue light while maintaining a clear image,” said Patel. “Through research studies done on blue light, simply reducing blue light by 19% has been shown to have positive impacts on users. Ocushield filters limit blue light exposure by up to 40%, double the researched amount. Ocushield screen protectors are registered to the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK.”

Patel advises us to turn down the brightness on our devices, too: “The brightness on digital device screens also correlates to the intensity of blue light being emitted, if you decrease the brightness of your screen you will again reduce the impact at hand.”

Ray-Ban now stocks blue light protection lenses

Blue light glasses: should you buy them?

A new twist on UV-protective glasses in the past few years has been prescription glasses with a blue light filter overlaid on the lenses, which help to block out blue light instead of ultraviolet light. Even Ray-Ban includes a Blue Light Filter option for its prescription glasses, claiming “17% protection” for blue light wavelengths. In recent news, a Manchester-based eyewear company Arlo Wolf is giving out free blue-light lenses to NHS staff too.

A study by the US National Institutes of Health writes that "More than one-third of wearers found that a clear lens with a blue-filtering coating (BT lens, which all limit blue light up to 20%) provided better anti-glare performance and improved their vision for computer and mobile digital screens."

However, the UK's College of Optometrists states that "There is no strong evidence that blue-blocking spectacle lenses will improve visual performance, alleviate symptoms of eye strain or improve sleep quality. It is also unclear whether blue-light filtering lenses preserve macular health or alter the risks associated with the development or progression of AMD [age-related macular degeneration]."

The FDA doesn’t view blue light glasses as medical devices, either, and it may be too early to claim certain benefits or harm prevention conclusively.

• How to reduce eye strain when using screens all day

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