PCMag UK

Roku Is Making OLED TVs Now, and I'm Here for It

Will Greenwald — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Roku's move into OLED TVs with its new Pro Series presents a promising opportunity for less tech-savvy and more budget-conscious users to get a premium panel with a simple experience.

Roku just unveiled new Pro Series OLED TVs, its first to use OLED panel technology instead of LED-backlit LCD. I can't say whether they're actually good TVs until I get them into the lab for testing, but this news is promising for …

DLSS 5 Officially Lands Sept. 3 With NBA 2K27, Boasts 5x Efficiency Gain

Michael Kan — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Following several leaks, DLSS 5 is about to launch officially. Amid accusations of the tech creating AI slop, Nvidia also reiterated that the feature is meant to preserve artistic intent.

It’s already been leaked and modified for over two dozen PC games, but Nvidia’s controversial DLSS 5 is ready to launch. The company will debut the AI-powered feature and its photorealistic graphics on Thursday, Sept. 3, through the game NBA 2K27.

DLSS 5 will land at …

The Best VPN Services for 2026

Justyn Newman — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Using a VPN (or virtual private network) is one of the best ways to protect your online privacy. We review dozens every year, and these are the top VPNs we've tested.

Is a VPN Worth Getting?

Yes, you should get a VPN if you value online privacy. Without a VPN, entities such as your internet service provider (ISP) can track your online activities and sell that data to advertisers. A VPN won’t completely anonymize you from …

Dyson’s First Toothbrush Puts a Camera in Your Mouth, Flosses For You

James Peckham — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 11:19:33 +0000

The new CameraJet toothbrush is expensive, much like Dyson’s other gadgets, at $499.

After innovating in vacuum cleaners, fans, and haircare, Dyson’s next target is oral health. Its first electric toothbrush comes with a built-in camera to help you monitor your mouth, along with AI-powered flossing and other finely tuned brushing features.

It’s called the Dyson CameraJet, which uses a 100,000-pixel macro camera to …

The Best Laptops for 2026

Brian Westover, Joe Osborne — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Whether you want a simple budget PC, a productivity workhorse, or a screamer of a gaming notebook, our experts have done the heavy lifting to help you find the right laptop for the job.

Buying the best laptop for you can be maddening, given all the specifications and features you'll encounter in your search. Which class of laptops is best for you depends on your budget and how you plan to use it. Take a systematic approach when shopping—here's how to make a smart …

Your PS5 Now Lets You Watch Over 100 Free Live TV Channels

James Peckham — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 09:31:51 +0000

Movies, TV shows, anime, sports, and news broadcasting are all included with Live TV on PS5.

To compete with ad-supported streamers like Pluto and Tubi, Sony has launched its own live TV service, built into its PS5 consoles. Unlike its rivals, Sony's Live TV with PS5 service is now immediately accessible through the media menu across all devices in the US.

First announced …

Google Hikes Prices of TV Streamer, Nest Doorbells and Cameras

Jibin Joseph — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 09:18:39 +0000

The Google TV Streamer gets a massive 50% bump, with the brand saying its price adjustments reflect rising component costs.

Another day, another set of price hikes — this time from Google. The company increased prices on Monday for its Google TV Streamer, Nest Doorbells, and Nest indoor and outdoor cameras.

For the Google TV Streamer, the price is going up by a massive 50%, …

The Best Scanners for 2026

Tony Hoffman, Tom Brant — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 04:01:00 +0000

Need to scan family photos, piles of documents, or expense receipts? Our experts have tested the best options for every scanning scenario.

The first step in scanner buying comes down to a simple thing: what kind or kinds of media you'll be scanning. Knowing what (and how often) you expect to scan will tell you everything you need to know about the features you'll need.

Photos, unbound documents, receipts, and business cards …

The Best OLED Laptops for 2026

Matthew Buzzi — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 23:36:55 +0000

Laptops with brilliant, ink-black OLED screens are getting ever more affordable. Still, are the benefits of this striking display technology worth paying a premium for? Let's dig in, and see our top performers in testing.

You might be asking: What is an OLED display, anyway?

To answer that, we'll start by getting into the details of OLED screens and the advantages they offer. As we said, the acronym stands for "organic light-emitting diode." The short explanation is that OLED technology is similar to traditional LED technology—the …

The Best Short Throw and Ultra Short Throw Projectors for 2026

M. David Stone — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 22:31:03 +0000

Need a projector for a tight space, whether that's a business conference room, a store-window display, or your personal media cave? One of these models we tested is the one you want.

If you're considering buying a projector with a shorter-than-standard throw distance, it's helpful to understand the categories of short throw and UST in context.

Most projectors give you a standard throw. Long-throw lenses and short-throw lenses are harder to manufacture well enough to project a high-quality image, which makes them, and …

The Best Printers for 2026

M. David Stone — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 21:59:58 +0000

Inkjet or laser? Need just printing, or have to scan and copy, too? Seeking low-cost ink, or a low-cost printer? Here's how to choose the right printer for home or work, along with some of our favorites among our top lab-tested picks.

Printers vary widely based on what you intend to print with them, whether you need color printing or just monochrome, and whether they’re for home use or business use (or dual use in a home and home office). In particular, high-quality printing for text, graphics, and photos requires different capabilities …

The Best Battery Life Laptops for 2026

Matthew Buzzi — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 21:36:01 +0000

We've tested hundreds of laptops to find the ones that last the longest between charges. These battery-life champs will easily take you through a day of work or school, plus an evening's entertainment.

Modern improvements in laptop battery life are largely thanks to CPUs and other more power-efficient components; it's not just battery technology that deserves the credit. That's especially true of Intel's and AMD's latest processors (especially the AI-centric Intel Core Ultra chips), which power some of the longest-lasting models on our …

Trump: Opposed to Data Centers? Hope You Like Being 'Backwards and Poor'

Michael Kan — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 21:03:33 +0000

The president argues that the data center backlash will help China win the AI race.

As resistance to AI data centers grows across the US, President Trump is hitting back, warning communities that they're regret protesting them.

“The only reason that communities throughout the USA should not want Data Centers is if they want to end up being backwards and poor,” Trump

Qualcomm's 6G Pitch Has Efficiency Covered. Privacy Is Another Story

Rob Pegoraro — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 20:08:10 +0000

Network efficiency is an easy sell, but other 6G use cases, from providing a 'God's-eye view of everything' to smart glasses constantly feeding footage for analysis, could be a privacy nightmare.

SAN DIEGO, CA—Six months after launching a public pitch for 6G at MWC Barcelona, Qualcomm faces two problems with its attempt to advance the next generation of wireless. One is that wireless customers and even carriers may not …

CapCut Review: Great for Social Videos, Risky for Personal Data

Michael Muchmore, Jordan Minor — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 19:26:18 +0000

If you regularly scroll Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts, you’ve no doubt seen videos with the distinctive CapCut logo watermark. Many social creators turn to the ByteDance-owned video editing app for their work because it's simple, full of AI smarts, and especially well-suited to …

Don't Overpay: 100 Expert-Tested Tech Budget Buys That Save You Serious Cash

The Pcmag Editorial Team — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 18:57:55 +0000

Inflation and the RAM crisis are making tech more expensive, but plenty of cheap gear is still worth buying. Here's our editor-curated list of the best affordable picks.

From Stair-Climbing Bots to 'Pervert-Free' Smart Glasses: The Coolest Tech Coming to IFA 2026

Andrew Gebhart — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 18:23:44 +0000

Germany's massive tech show is back. Here is your ultimate preview of the robot vacuums, AI appliances, and weird gadgetry we expect to make waves in Berlin this week.

What began as a venue for radio broadcasting technology has evolved into one of the world's premier tech showcases. IFA kicks off this week at the Messe Berlin, filling its vast halls with everything from

What's the Best iPhone to Buy in 2026?

Eric Zeman — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 18:05:00 +0000

Apple sells many iPhones, and we've tested them all. Whether you need a superb camera, flagship power, or a simple first phone for your kids, here's how to choose the best iPhone.

When Is the New iPhone Coming Out?

The iPhone 17 line launched in September 2025, which means the iPhone 18 is likely to arrive in September or October 2026. Apple's announcement event is set for September 8, so we should …

The Best Android Phones for 2026

Iyaz Akhtar — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 18:05:00 +0000

Google’s Android platform is the dominant global mobile operating system for good reason. Here are the top Android phones we've tested, along with advice on how to pick the best one for you.

When Is the Best Time to Buy a New Android Phone?

The Android release cycle is perpetual, and a new set of flagship phones arrives practically every month. Samsung updates its Galaxy S line in February, while Motorola refreshes its folding phone line in the spring. Summer brings Samsung's newest foldables …

We've Benchmarked Dozens of Phones. The Fastest Two Aren't the Ones You'd Guess

Eric Zeman — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 18:00:00 +0000

In our latest testing, when it comes to pure speed, the iPhone 17 Pro Max gets beaten by its smaller sibling, while a dedicated Android gaming phone blows past every mainstream flagship.

Behind every PCMag Editors' Choice award is extensive data. We thoroughly test each phone we review across multiple key factors, such as battery life, radio performance, and speed, all of which can be quantified with real-world data and …

Starlink Mobile and AST? This Prepaid Carrier Wants to Offer Both

Michael Kan — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 17:59:24 +0000

US Mobile's CEO tells Reddit users that his MVNO plans on offering both Starlink Mobile and AST SpaceMobile later this year.

As SpaceX’s Starlink Mobile and AST SpaceMobile compete in satellite connectivity for phones, one prepaid carrier in the US sees an opportunity to offer both services to its customers.

The CEO of US Mobile, Ahmed Khattak, mentioned the upcoming satellite connectivity push in a Reddit

These 11 Small macOS Tweaks Will Change How Fast Your Mac Runs

Chris Hoffman — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 16:33:24 +0000

From clearing background drains to optimizing hidden settings, these quick fixes will bring your sluggish system back to peak speed.

Just like Windows PCs, Macs can slow down over time. Whether it's app background processes launching when you sign in or a nearly full hard drive, macOS is full of potential culprits. The fixes below address both specific problems and general best …

Siri AI Isn't Enough: The 2 Major Hardware Flaws Holding Apple's Smart Home Back

Tyler Hayes — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 16:25:43 +0000

Apple has some intriguing smart home upgrades on tap with iOS 27, but software enhancements are only part of the puzzle. Luckily, it already has everything it needs to take on its rivals.

If you've experimented with smart home tech for any length of time, you've likely slogged through multiple platform transitions and poorly implemented gadgets. It's easy to be skeptical; companies discontinue devices and services every year, and home voice assistants still need …

Latest Windows 11 Update Can Cause Mouse Cursor to Glitch

Michael Kan — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 16:17:21 +0000

Windows 11 KB5120998 can also turn desktop wallpapers black. Plus, another strange bug says Microsoft Defender Antivirus is off even though it's functioning normally.

You might want to avoid a Windows 11 update released last week, as it can cause glitches with the mouse cursor and desktop wallpaper.

The KB5120998 update was released as a “preview” that focused on feature improvements, including the ability to re-position and move the Taskbar, …

The 5-Minute Phone Setup That Could Save Your Life in an Emergency

Jill Duffy — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:52:19 +0000

Make sure your emergency medical information and contact numbers are visible on your locked phone so you’re prepared if the worst happens.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you were alone in public and needed medical attention but couldn't communicate with first responders? How could you let them know if you have any drug allergies, major health issues, or who to contact? It's a scary thought, but one your

How to Watch This Week's Premier League Matches Live (Even for Free)

Jason Cohen — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:32:01 +0000

We have a full slate of matches this week, including a highly anticipated clash between Arsenal and Chelsea this Sunday. Here's how to tune in live with the right streaming service, free trial, or VPN.

The 2026 World Cup has ended, but football (or in the US, soccer) goes on. If you miss the exhilarating goals, dynamic action, and incredible drama, don't worry: There's still plenty of soccer to be watched. The current MLS season continues with the

Tim Cook Was No Steve Jobs, But That Was His Secret Weapon

Tyler Hayes — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:16:03 +0000

Cook was less inclined than his predecessor to go 'thermonuclear,' but his disciplined approach made Apple richer than ever. Can the company still thrive after he steps down as CEO on Sept. 1?

If you were describing Tim Cook’s 15-year tenure as Apple's CEO in one word, “boring” would be a top contender. So, it's no surprise that his final few months at the helm have been a tidy affair. No public controversy or …

Streaming Price Hike Tracker: How Much Every Major Service Costs in 2026

Chloe Albanesius — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:09:29 +0000

Apple TV is the latest streaming service to get a price increase, following Peacock, Netflix, Paramount+, and more. Here's how we got here and what you can expect to pay.

The streaming revolution was supposed to let us ditch cable for a more affordable, à la carte viewing experience. And while a Netflix membership is cheaper than a Comcast or Spectrum TV subscription (for now), the cost ticks up if you also need Apple TV for Ted Lasso, Prime Video …

Onimusha: Way of the Sword Is a Thrilling But Imperfect Samurai Revival

Zackery Cuevas — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0000

After two decades of silence, Onimusha is back with Onimusha: Way of the Sword, a wonderful revival of the fan-favorite franchise.

Onimusha has always been an interesting anomaly in Capcom’s library of franchises. Originally conceived in 1997 as a Resident Evil game set in feudal Japan, the first entry in the samurai action adventure series was released early in the PlayStation 2’s life cycle. And while it may have seemed like …

MapQuest Sticks With Lake Ontario, Sees Surge in App Downloads

Michael Kan — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 14:37:45 +0000

MapQuest's app ranking hits number one for navigation as it keeps Lake Ontario's name intact. Meanwhile, Google Maps is facing some backlash for displaying the 'Lake America' name.

President Trump’s decision to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America has sparked a bit of resurgence for MapQuest, the old-school mapping service some may have assumed was dead.

Launched in 1996, MapQuest says it's now seeing a flood of new app downloads after the online mapping service managed to get Nvidia's unreleased DLSS 5 AI beautification technology working on older RTX 40 and RTX 30 series graphics cards, with predictable results. As VideoCardz reports, one user ran it on an RTX 3080 in …

Microsoft Finally Lets You Dismiss the OneDrive Prompts for Good

Jon Martindale — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 13:20:50 +0000

Windows 11 25H2 adds an 'Opt out of backup' selection to dump those annoying pop-ups.

If you don't use OneDrive, you can finally dismiss prompts for Microsoft's cloud backup service in Windows 11 25H2. The next time a OneDrive pop-up appears asking you to protect your files, you can simply opt out of further suggestions,

Do You Edit Photos or Video on Your PC, Phone, or Tablet? Take This Survey to Win Big

PCMag UK — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 23:16:23 +0000

We want to hear your thoughts on the tools you use to perfect your digital snapshots, create amazing influencer videos, and more. One lucky respondent will get a $250 Amazon gift card.

Take the PCMag Photo and Video Editing Survey Now

Take other PCMag surveys. Each completed survey is a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card.

Asus Zenbook A16 Review: A Featherweight 16-Inch OLED Powerhouse

Brian Westover — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Luxury pricing for laptops often comes down to two things: performance and panache. This year's Asus Zenbook A16 (starting at $1,699.99) aims for both, combining high-end processing power with a distinctively rich, tactile build. The result is a lightweight and premium

Apple Watch Series 12 Wishlist: 5 Upgrades Standing Between Meh and Must-Have

Andrew Gebhart — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0000

From holding the line on pricing to deeper AI fitness coaching, these five upgrades will decide whether the Apple Watch Series 12 is worth your money.

At its 'Surprise and Shine' event on Sept.9, Apple will all but certainly announce a Series 12 smartwatch. I don’t expect Apple to throw out the playbook here, despite new leadership. If history is any …

I Test AI Every Day, and I Still Have No Idea What I'm Paying For

Ruben Circelli — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000

From hidden monthly caps to arbitrary usage resets, AI companies have turned subscription pricing into a guessing game. Here's how they obfuscate limits—and what needs to change.

As PCMag's resident AI expert, I test everything from AI chatbots to AI music video generators daily. But no matter what I'm doing, I never really know how much usage I can get out …

Anthropic Hit With New Copyright Lawsuit From Sony, Warner

Will Mccurdy — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 12:44:48 +0000

The publishers are claiming $150,000 per work infringed, across tens of thousands of works, meaning potentially well over a billion in damages if the case is successful.

Copyright lawsuits aimed at AI firms are nothing new, with seemingly countless publishers currently locking horns with companies like OpenAI and Anthropic.

So far, Claude-maker Anthropic is the AI giant that has been hit the hardest in terms of real-world payouts. In September 2025, Anthropic gaming chairs that provided lumbar support, but felt too stiff and unforgiving. Conversely, I've sat in gaming chairs that were soft and …

Google's Dreambeans Gives You Personalized Illustrated Life Suggestions. Now It's Free to All

Will Mccurdy — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 11:36:03 +0000

The tool, which began testing in June, previously needed a Google AI Ultra subscription. Now it's available to everyone in the US with a Google Account.

If you use the internet regularly, you've become increasingly comfortable with two things for the past few years: seeing personalized content and AI-generated imagery. in your feed.

Google Labs' newest app, Dreambeans, combines both, using Google's AI to create illustrated daily stories based on your interests, …

Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ Review: High-Res Security on a Budget

John R. Delaney — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 20:00:00 +0000

When I reviewed the Blink Video Doorbell back in 2025, I praised its affordability, sharp video quality, and long battery life. The Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ offers more of the same. It's affordable at $79.99, and its battery life is superb. This time around, …