David Phelan

The reMarkable Paper Pure is a compact, lightweight digital notebook designed to recreate the feel and focus of writing on paper. Compared with the reMarkable 2, it offers faster performance, longer battery life, more storage, a brighter display and a lower starting price. Its matte E-ink screen provides convincing writing resistance, while handwriting-to-text conversion, document sharing, cloud features and collaboration tools expand its usefulness. The device lacks a front light and some advanced features require a subscription, but its focused purpose, comfortable design and nearly three-week battery life make it a compelling and more affordable alternative to the company’s larger Paper Pro models.

The reMarkable Paper Pure is presented as an affordable, lightweight digital notebook that recreates the tactile resistance of writing on paper while offering e-ink readability, handwriting-to-text conversion, document annotation, cloud features and collaboration tools. Compared with the reMarkable 2, it is faster, lighter, more compact, brighter, offers longer battery life and increases storage to 32GB, while costing less at £359 with a Marker. Its main limitations are the lack of a front light, a learning curve and subscription requirements for some advanced features. Overall, it is recommended for focused, distraction-free note-taking and writing.

The Independent’s IndyBest team ranks and reviews ten laptops for 2026 across budgets and use cases. The Apple MacBook Air M4 is selected as the best overall for its performance, portability, camera, battery life and lower price, while the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is recommended as the best budget option. Other picks include Dell’s XPS 14 for Windows users, Apple’s MacBook Pro M5 for premium performance, Lenovo’s Legion Pro 7 for gaming, Acer’s Swift X 14 for creative work and Microsoft’s Surface Pro 11 as a tablet-laptop hybrid. The reviews emphasize that Snapdragon-based Windows devices offer excellent battery life but can still have compatibility problems with older software, games, VPNs and drivers.

The Oura Ring 5 is substantially thinner and lighter than earlier Oura models, has improved scratch resistance, more accurate measurements and longer battery life. Testing found the size 12 model lasted more than nine days, exceeding Oura's six-to-nine-day estimate. The ring tracks sleep, stress, heart health, activity and illness indicators, but many features require a £5.99 monthly membership. The older Oura Ring 4 remains a cheaper alternative with the same core features, while Samsung's Galaxy Ring avoids subscription fees but is limited to compatible Android phones. Overall, the reviewer considers the Oura Ring 5 the company's best and possibly the best smart ring available.

David Phelan evaluates Amazon’s Alexa-enabled Echo range for different uses, including family organization, bedrooms, small spaces, hi-fi listening and children’s entertainment. The Echo Show 8 is selected as the best overall device, the Echo Spot as the best-value model, and the Echo Studio as the strongest audio performer. Alexa+ adds more natural conversation, memory and practical assistance across compatible devices, but will eventually require a subscription for non-Prime users. The reviews are based on hands-on home testing of setup, responsiveness, sound quality and value.

Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 remain highly competitive premium wireless earbuds, offering substantially improved active noise cancellation, a more secure foam-tip fit, heart-rate monitoring, hearing-health tools, real-time translation and longer battery life. Extended testing found the heart-rate tracking reliable for workouts and the noise cancellation particularly effective against traffic and other sudden sounds. The earbuds launched at £219 and are now commonly available for about £199, making them a strong upgrade over the first- and second-generation AirPods Pro. An upcoming iOS 27 update is also set to add a long-requested custom equalizer, although several features remain limited to iPhone users.

The £599 Apple MacBook Neo delivers a premium-feeling design, strong everyday performance, a high-quality display and audio, and up to 16 hours of battery life. Apple reduced the price through compromises including the lack of a backlit keyboard, MagSafe, haptic trackpad feedback, Centre Stage, and Touch ID on the 256GB model. Despite these omissions and performance below the MacBook Pro, hands-on testing finds the Neo an exceptional-value laptop that outperforms similarly priced Windows laptops and Chromebooks.

The Apple AirPods Max 2 retain the first-generation design but add an H2 processor, a high dynamic range amplifier, substantially improved active noise cancellation, live translation, head-gesture call controls and enhanced call and recording performance. Testing found them comfortable for extended use, with rich, detailed audio and excellent noise isolation, although they are relatively heavy and offer only 20 hours of battery life. At £499, they are expensive, but the review concludes that the performance improvements and new features make them a compelling upgrade.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max are both premium smartphones with excellent cameras, displays, performance and all-day battery life. Samsung offers a distinctive privacy display, an integrated S Pen and more advanced AI features, while Apple delivers better ecosystem integration, a useful camera-control button, more natural image colours and slightly longer battery life. The Galaxy is also thinner and lighter, but lacks built-in magnetic wireless charging. Although the choice depends on whether a buyer prefers Android or iOS, the iPhone 17 Pro Max narrowly wins overall because of its polished design, Apple apps and seamless connection with Macs and other Apple devices.

The iPhone 17e offers strong value through its A19 processor, improved C1X modem, MagSafe charging, double the storage and Ceramic Shield 2 protection. Its single 48MP camera performs well, and battery life is solid, but the phone lacks the iPhone 17’s 120Hz display, Dynamic Island, camera control button and additional cameras. The review considers it a substantial improvement over the iPhone 16e and a good affordable premium phone, but recommends spending £200 more on the regular iPhone 17 if possible.

Samsung is celebrating 20 consecutive years as the global leader in television sales, but executive SW Yong says the company faces a stagnant market, flat average selling prices and longer replacement cycles. He attributes Samsung’s leadership to consumer research, product innovation, cost control and vertical integration across semiconductor and display technologies. The company is seeking growth through artificial-intelligence features such as Vision AI Companion, which enables conversational searches and on-screen information, and through Micro RGB displays designed to deliver high brightness on very large screens. Samsung is also working to reduce Micro RGB costs and tailor televisions to different lifestyles, while using its operating system and usage data to improve products after purchase. Major sporting events and pandemic-era replacement demand may support near-term sales, but the future of television is expected to involve more interactive, connected and experiential screens.

The eighth-generation iPad Air, available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, retains the previous model’s design and colour options but introduces Apple’s M4 chip, 12GB of memory, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and an optional C1X cellular modem. Hands-on testing found excellent performance for demanding productivity, creative and gaming tasks, alongside a bright, detailed display and strong battery and connectivity capabilities. Starting at £599, it is judged to offer much of the iPad Pro experience at a lower price, although the Pro still has a better OLED display, audio and thinner, lighter construction.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a refined flagship with a slimmer, lighter design, faster Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, improved cooling, strong cameras and a full-day 5,000mAh battery. Its standout innovation is a hardware-and-software privacy display that can hide the screen from people viewing at an angle, either across the display or in selected apps and notifications. Galaxy AI gains new proactive features, including Now Nudge, while the phone retains the S Pen and high-end photography capabilities. The main drawbacks are a price increase to £1,279 for the 256GB model, limited changes compared with the S25 Ultra, and the absence of built-in Qi2 magnets, although compatible cases can address the charging issue. Overall, it is judged to be Samsung’s best phone yet and the best Android phone currently available.

David Phelan compares and tests wireless earbuds across sound quality, comfort, fit, battery life, noise cancellation, connectivity, controls and special features. Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 are selected as the best overall option, while Sony’s WF-C700N offers the strongest budget value and the WF-1000XM5 leads in noise cancellation. Bose, Bowers & Wilkins, Beats, Google, Sennheiser, Samsung, Nothing and Denon provide alternatives tailored to sound quality, bass, Android compatibility, battery life, style, comfort and customizable controls. The guide emphasizes that buyers should consider device ecosystem, active noise cancellation, battery performance, fit and intended use before choosing.

The entry-level 11th-generation iPad is recommended for most users because it offers the best value, solid performance, a bright 11-inch display and up to 10 hours of battery life, although it lacks Apple Intelligence. The 7th-generation iPad mini is the most portable option, the M3 iPad Air provides a balance of performance and price, and the M5 iPad Pro delivers the best display and power for demanding creative or gaming workloads. Higher-priced models offer stronger processors, improved displays and more advanced features, but the Pro is considered overkill for many buyers.

February is expected to bring major technology announcements, including Samsung's Galaxy S26 series, potentially led by the Galaxy S26 Ultra; Apple's more affordable iPhone 17e; and Google's Pixel 10a. The timing of the phone launches remains rumor-driven, while higher component costs and memory shortages could affect pricing and availability. Gaming developments may include Valve's Steam Machine, expected in early 2026 but vulnerable to delays, and a possible Sony State of Play presentation previewing upcoming PlayStation 5 titles. Mobile World Congress will take place later than usual, from 2–5 March.

The review ranks the best smartphones available in 2026 after extended real-world testing. Apple's iPhone 17 is selected as the best overall, while the OnePlus Nord 5 is the leading budget option, Google's Pixel 10 Pro is the top Android phone, and Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra is the most feature-rich Samsung model. The guide also recommends several folding phones, including Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip7 and Z Fold7, Honor's thin Magic V5 and Google's Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Key buying considerations include processor efficiency, AI capabilities, camera processing, display quality, durability and battery life.

A tech critic reviews six smart thermostats for 2026, assessing installation, usability, performance, features and value. Google’s Nest Learning Thermostat is selected as the best overall for its habit learning, presence detection and ease of use; Hive Mini is the best entry-level option, Honeywell Evohome suits multi-zone homes, Tado offers versatility, Nest Thermostat E provides simplicity at a lower price, and Netatmo stands out for design. The article also explains potential installation costs, subscription fees, compatibility issues and the energy-saving benefits and drawbacks of smart heating systems.

January is expected to bring major technology announcements, led by CES in Las Vegas from 6–9 January. Intel, AMD and Qualcomm may unveil new processors or automotive and laptop technologies, while Samsung has introduced advanced micro RGB televisions, smart speakers and AI features. Smartphone launches anticipated for wider international release include the OnePlus 14, Samsung Galaxy TriFold and Honor Magic 8 Pro. Apple may announce higher-end M5 MacBook Pro models, although its release could instead move to late February or early spring.

Technology critic predictions for 2026 include the possible mainstream adoption of folding phones, particularly if Apple launches an iPhone Fold, with Samsung, Google, Honor and Oppo also expected to benefit. Samsung is forecast to have a strong year across televisions and smartphones, including MicroRGB displays and the Galaxy S26 Ultra. AI is expected to expand through Amazon's Alexa+ and an upgraded Siri with Apple Intelligence, while smart glasses—especially Meta's Ray-Ban products—are predicted to grow rapidly. Wearable health and fitness devices should add more sensors, personalized AI coaching and movement feedback, although non-invasive glucose monitoring is unlikely to reach mainstream products soon.

Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon argues that agentic AI will shift users away from manually opening smartphone apps toward instructing AI models to perform tasks such as booking rides, checking balances and paying bills. He predicts that smart glasses, jewellery, cars and other connected devices will make the AI agent—not the phone—the centre of the user experience, while Qualcomm supplies processors across platforms. Amon says advances in on-device AI, cloud-edge networking and wearable hardware are already reaching an adoption inflection point, though widespread use will depend on reliability, scale and developers designing agent-first experiences. He foresees AI models such as Gemini or ChatGPT eventually replacing much of the traditional app-store model.

Apple’s upgraded Vision Pro M5 retains the original headset’s design and displays but adds a faster M5 processor, improved refresh rates and longer battery life. Its new dual knit band substantially improves comfort despite making the device slightly heavier, while immersive video, spatial computing and FaceTime personas remain standout features. The £300 price reduction improves value, but the headset still starts at £3,199, and existing owners are unlikely to notice enough day-to-day improvement to justify upgrading.

The Apple MacBook Pro M5 retains the previous model’s design but adds a faster, AI-focused M5 processor. Hands-on testing found excellent performance, a sharp Liquid Retina XDR display, up to 24 hours of battery life and better connectivity and audio than the MacBook Air. The main drawbacks are its high price, lack of a touchscreen and the omission of a USB-C power adapter in UK and EU boxes. The MacBook Air remains the better-value choice for ordinary users, while the Pro is recommended for demanding applications, gaming, AI workloads and buyers who value its superior display, speakers and ports.

Apple’s iPad Pro M5 retains the thin design and OLED display of the 2024 model but adds a substantially faster M5 processor, more RAM, faster storage and improved AI performance. It delivers excellent everyday performance, gaming, battery life and fast charging, while the optional nano-texture display significantly reduces glare. The tablet remains expensive, particularly with higher storage and accessories such as the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil. Existing iPad Pro M4 owners have little urgency to upgrade, but users of older iPads or other tablets will find the M5 model a compelling premium option.

Apple's new hypertension feature for Apple Watch analyzes blood-flow signals several times a day over recurring 30-day periods rather than displaying a specific systolic or diastolic blood-pressure number. The system does not require calibration with a traditional cuff and avoids readings during vigorous exercise. Apple says the algorithm prioritizes high specificity of about 92% over sensitivity, detecting roughly four in ten cases, so users who receive notifications are more likely to have stage one or stage two hypertension. They are encouraged to confirm the result by logging blood pressure, while background monitoring continues. Apple's vice president of health, Sumbul Desai, says the feature is intended to raise awareness and support earlier diagnosis, with further applications possible following regulatory validation.

David Phelan tests 11 cases for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, assessing fit, protection, design and camera-control compatibility. Nomad’s Modern Leather Case is selected as the best overall option, while Snakehive is recommended as the best budget wallet, Mous Clarity for maximum protection, Beats for distinctive design and Apple’s TechWoven case as the best Apple-made option. Other cases stand out for slimness, hand feel, bright colours, kickstand functionality, clear styling or discreet protection.

Apple’s three new smartwatches share the S10 processor, sleep score, sleep-apnoea notifications, always-on displays and fast charging, while differing in size, health features, battery life and price. The Series 11 is recommended as the best overall choice because it combines a slim design with most of the Ultra 3’s capabilities. The Ultra 3 is aimed at adventurers and extreme-sports users, offering the largest and brightest display, up to 42 hours of battery life, an action button, improved GPS and satellite emergency messaging. The budget SE 3 adds an always-on display and the latest processor but lacks hypertension notifications, ECG and blood-oxygen measurements, making it a strong entry-level option.

The iPhone 17 is presented as one of the biggest upgrades to Apple’s standard iPhone line in years. It adds a 6.3-inch 120Hz ProMotion OLED display, improved Ceramic Shield protection, dual 48MP rear cameras, an 18MP square selfie camera, the A19 chip and substantially longer battery life. Hands-on testing found the phone fast, durable, capable in photography and able to last a full day with charge remaining. Although it lacks the iPhone 17 Pro’s third camera and A19 Pro chip, its identical display, stronger base storage and £799 starting price make it the reviewer’s recommended choice for value.

The iPhone Air is Apple’s thinnest and lightest Face ID iPhone, featuring a titanium frame, eSIM-only design, A19 Pro processor, C1X modem and 6.5-inch 120Hz OLED display. After a week of testing, David Phelan finds it solid, durable, fast and capable of lasting a full day, despite concerns about its slim build and battery capacity. Its single 48MP rear camera performs well but remains less versatile than the multi-camera systems on the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro. Starting at £999 and launching on 19 September 2025, it is recommended for style-conscious buyers who value design over camera versatility.

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max introduce a major redesign with aluminium unibody frames, a wider camera panel, colour-matched ceramic shield glass and a bold cosmic orange finish. Both models use the A19 Pro chip and a new vapour chamber for sustained performance, while larger batteries improve endurance. Their three 48-megapixel rear cameras deliver detailed, natural-looking photos, with the new telephoto sensor and upgraded 18-megapixel Centre Stage selfie camera expanding photographic capabilities. The phones have bright 120Hz displays and strong build quality, but the Pro Max is heavy and both models are costly, with the top 2TB version reaching £1,999. The review concludes that they are the best iPhones yet and offer strong value for users seeking Apple’s most capable phones.

The second-generation Apple AirPods Pro remain a strong recommendation despite being replaced by newer models. Hands-on testing found substantial improvements over the first generation in active noise cancellation, personalized spatial audio, call quality and battery life, with up to six hours of listening per charge and 30 hours with the case. The AirPods Pro 3 offer somewhat better fit and noise cancellation, but the Pro 2 provide many comparable features at a lower price and remain a worthwhile choice for buyers on a tighter budget.

David Phelan ranks Apple’s smartwatch range for 2025 after wearing and testing each model for at least a month. The Apple Watch Series 10 is judged the best overall, while the Apple Watch SE is recommended as the budget option, the Ultra 2 for fitness and extreme sports, and refurbished Series 9 and Series 8 models for value and children. Key differences include display quality, health sensors, GPS, durability, weight, cellular connectivity and battery life; the Series 10 lasts up to 18 hours, while the Ultra 2 offers up to 36 hours.

Amazon is preparing to roll out Alexa+, an AI-enhanced version of Alexa that can interpret conversational requests, reason through unclear instructions, personalize responses and control multiple Echo devices and services. A live demonstration by Amazon Devices & Services chief Panos Panay showed Alexa+ moving seamlessly from playing music from A Star Is Born to finding and playing the corresponding film scene on an Echo TV. The service will launch in the US before expanding to other countries, with UK availability still undecided, and will cost $19.99 per month or be included with Amazon Prime. Alexa+ is designed to avoid the dead ends of current voice assistants by asking clarifying questions, adapting its tone and integrating with services such as Grubhub and Uber. Its success will depend on how reliably these capabilities work in customers' homes and whether users are comfortable with its personalization and listening features.

The iPhone 16e is presented as a substantial modernisation of Apple’s former low-cost iPhone category rather than a successor that simply reuses an older design. At £599, it offers a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, an A18 processor, a 48MP two-in-one camera, excellent performance, unusually strong battery life and support for Apple Intelligence. Its main compromises are the single rear camera, lack of an ultra-wide or macro mode, no Camera Control button, no MagSafe and fewer color options than the iPhone 16. Despite costing considerably more than the old iPhone SE, it is judged an outstanding choice for many buyers, while the iPhone 16 remains preferable for those wanting additional camera and connectivity features.

The MacBook Air M4 retains the slim design, display and strong battery life of its predecessor while adding Apple’s faster M4 processor, an improved 12MP Centre Stage webcam and a new sky-blue finish. The 13-inch and 15-inch models offer strong performance for everyday work and demanding applications, with the larger model preferred for its screen size. The absence of a touchscreen and high-refresh-rate display remain limitations, but a £100 price reduction—starting at £999 for the 13-inch model and £1,199 for the 15-inch version—makes the laptop an especially compelling buy.

The iPad Air M3 retains the previous model’s design, colors and high-quality 11-inch and 13-inch displays, but upgrades the processor from Apple’s M2 to the faster M3. Performance is excellent, Apple Intelligence features feel responsive, battery life is around 10 hours, and the redesigned Magic Keyboard adds function keys while retaining a comfortable typing experience and large trackpad. The upgrade is not compelling for owners of the recently released M2 iPad Air, but it is a strong choice for people with older iPads or those buying an Apple tablet for the first time, starting at £599. The iPad Pro remains more capable and the standard iPad is a cheaper option for casual users.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a premium Android flagship with a subtly redesigned, narrower body, a brighter 6.9-inch display, improved cameras and excellent performance. Its main distinction is Samsung’s second-generation AI software, including Google Gemini integration, enhanced Circle to Search, writing and transcription tools, and the proactive Now Brief interface. Battery life remains strong enough for more than a day but generally requires nightly charging. The review finds the phone expensive and too large for some users, and says S24 Ultra owners may not need to upgrade, while those with older Galaxy models have much more to gain.

Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon says AI-capable smartphones running generative AI locally on the device could become standard within five years, possibly sooner. He envisions AI front ends that let users control apps, payments, travel and other tasks through natural language, while Qualcomm focuses on processors capable of sustained parallel computing without overheating or draining batteries. The company is also extending its Snapdragon platform into PCs and vehicles, where on-device AI could provide conversational car manuals, fault diagnosis and software features that improve over time. Amon argues Qualcomm’s main advantage is packing substantial AI performance into small, energy-efficient devices, although the company remains dependent on partners such as Samsung, Microsoft, Dell, Lenovo and HP to bring the technology to consumers.

Amazon has launched four Kindle models at once for the first time: an updated entry-level Kindle, a larger and faster Paperwhite, a redesigned Scribe with improved writing tools, and the new Colorsoft, the company’s first Kindle with a colour screen. Colorsoft uses customized lighting hardware and software algorithms to produce more vivid colour while retaining 300ppi text resolution, making it suitable for graphic novels, recipes and travel guides. Scribe gains features including Active Canvas, which allows handwritten notes to be integrated into reflowing text, and these updates will also reach the original model. Amazon is discontinuing the Kindle Oasis once existing stock runs out, while executives say Kindle sales are at their highest level in a decade, with Gen Z and first-time buyers driving growth.

Apple executives describe how the Apple Watch has evolved over its first decade from a general-purpose smartwatch into a health and fitness platform. Jeff Williams says customer stories about improved activity and life-threatening heart conditions prompted Apple to expand monitoring features, including heart-rate alerts, ECGs, fall detection and sleep-apnoea notifications. Sumbul Desai emphasizes scientific rigor and easy-to-understand information, while Jay Blahnik highlights activity tracking as a source of motivation. Apple’s latest sleep-apnoea feature uses the watch’s accelerometer and reflects the company’s broader focus on preventive health, with further daytime monitoring hinted as a possible future direction.

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus bring vibrant new colours, a tougher Ceramic Shield front, an Action button, Camera Control, improved cameras, faster wireless charging and support for Apple Intelligence. Both models deliver strong performance and significantly improved battery life, with the Plus offering a larger display and even longer endurance. The review praises the cameras, design and expanded feature set, concluding that the standard iPhone has narrowed the gap with the Pro models and is now the best smartphone choice for most people.

Apple’s AirPods 4 come in standard and active-noise-cancelling versions, both featuring a smaller case, comfortable redesigned earbuds, the H2 chip and personalised spatial audio. The standard model offers strong sound, battery life and value, while the ANC version effectively reduces background noise but cannot match the AirPods Pro 2. Both models last about five hours per charge without noise cancellation, and the ANC version lasts about four hours with it enabled. The review concludes that the regular AirPods 4 are the best-value AirPods yet, while the Pro 2 remains worthwhile for users seeking better audio, a tighter fit and stronger noise cancellation.

A tested buying guide compares 17 cases for the iPhone 16 range, covering rugged, slim, leather, wallet, folio, sleeve and fashion designs. Mous Clarity 3.0 is selected as the best overall case for combining thinness, strong drop protection and attractive design, while Smartish Gripmunk is the budget recommendation and Nomad’s Horween leather folio is the top premium leather option. Apple’s clear and silicone cases are also recommended, particularly for their precise fit and camera-control covers. The guide emphasizes compatibility with the iPhone 16’s new camera-control and action buttons, MagSafe charging, protection, grip, fit and build quality.

A reviewer describes how OOFOS recovery sliders relieved chronic plantar fasciitis pain within weeks, with noticeable improvement beginning immediately after wearing them. OOFOS co-founder and CEO Lou Panaccione explains that the brand’s OOfoam technology is designed to absorb impact and provide slow rebound rather than the responsive bounce of running shoes. The company is expanding its recovery-footwear range and distribution while working to build brand awareness, though the products remain primarily focused on comfort, recovery and wellbeing rather than athletic performance.

Adobe executive Ashley Still says the company’s generative AI tools are intended to expand creativity and reduce tedious technical work rather than replace creative workers. She highlights Firefly’s custom models and Structure Reference, alongside AI features in Photoshop, Illustrator and Adobe Express, as ways to help users develop ideas and produce content. Adobe says it trains models on owned or licensed material, reviews features for bias and potential harm through an internal AI ethics board, and blocks prompts associated with harmful content. Still attributes the rapid pace of new features to accelerating AI research and argues that generative AI should give more people control over creative production.

Samsung is developing the Galaxy Ring as a discreet wearable that can continuously collect health data, particularly during sleep. Digital-health chief Dr Hon Pak says Samsung aims to shift more healthcare monitoring into the home, using data from rings, phones and watches to identify patterns such as sleep-apnoea risk and opportunities for earlier intervention. He also argues that generative and conversational AI will help doctors manage large volumes of health information and support digital assistants, although AI is unlikely to replace physicians. The prototype ring was comfortable to wear overnight, but its final design and capabilities had not yet been confirmed.

Apple executives explain that Continuity is intended to make Macs, iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches function as a connected system with minimal setup. Features including AirDrop, iCloud, Handoff, shared widgets, cross-device copying, FaceTime transfers, Apple Watch unlocking and NameDrop allow users to move content and activities between devices. Apple attributes the integration to controlling its hardware, software and services, while acknowledging similar efforts from Samsung, Huawei and Qualcomm. The company says future Continuity updates will continue to respond to user needs and reduce technology-related interruptions to productivity.

Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon argues that generative AI will transform smartphones from app-based devices into contextual assistants that can work across applications and cloud services. On-device AI could use personal context to find photos and videos, manage calendars, arrange transport and edit or summarise video, while Snapdragon Seamless is intended to connect devices across brands. Qualcomm is also expanding into laptop processors, challenging Apple, and sees AI-enabled phones as an opportunity to trigger a new hardware upgrade cycle.

Apple collaborated with the Charles Schulz Studio to create a Snoopy watch face for Apple Watch, combining animations inspired by the original Peanuts comic strips with Apple’s engineering. The face includes 148 animations, interactions with the minute hand, weather- and activity-based behavior, seasonal events, and newspaper-style halftone backgrounds that change for Sundays. The designers aimed to preserve Charles Schulz’s handmade visual style while using software to vary and extend scenes, creating an experience intended to surprise users and introduce Snoopy to new generations.

Apple Music Classical was developed after Apple acquired Primephonic to address the poor streaming experience traditionally available for classical music. The app uses extensive structured metadata, work pages, sophisticated search, curated playlists and human editorial judgment to help both experts and newcomers navigate a vast catalogue. Partnerships with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and London Philharmonic Orchestra provide extensive and exclusive recordings, while Apple’s team says the service is continuing to expand and improve accessibility and discovery.

Tim Cook says Apple’s Vision Pro headset gave him an “aha moment” and could have an impact on computing comparable to the iPhone. During a visit to London, he met UK app developers and highlighted the growth of Apple’s app economy, which the company says supports around half a million jobs and has generated nearly £7.5 billion for UK developers. Developers demonstrated augmented-reality apps including Gym Streak and Night Sky, while Cook emphasized Apple’s support tools and its ambitions in gaming, particularly through the iPhone 15 Pro and Vision Pro.

Samsung mobile chief T.M. Roh says the company is investing in foldable technology that could eventually extend from smartphones to tablets and laptops, although no launch timing has been announced. Samsung is targeting 1.8 million foldable-device sales in Europe this year and expects global cumulative sales to reach 30 million. Roh argues that smartphones will remain central because of their portability and instant access to information, while companion devices become increasingly interconnected. He also highlights large-screen tablets, smartphone photography and artificial intelligence as areas of continued development.

Apple’s watchOS 10 update introduces widgets through a Smart Stack, changes Control Centre access to the side button, adds mood and emotion logging, medication reminders, improved cycling and hiking features, and NameDrop contact sharing. Apple executives Kevin Lynch and Deidre Caldbeck explain that the company tests interface changes extensively and balances new features against battery consumption through coordinated software, hardware and silicon improvements. Existing health capabilities, Apple Pay and the Apple Watch’s role as an always-available health and utility device remain central to the product.

Apple has launched Apple Music Classical, a dedicated classical-music streaming service included with most Apple Music subscriptions. Developed after acquiring Primephonic, the service offers more than five million tracks, a catalogue organized around composers, works, conductors and other classical-music metadata, and lossless, hi-res lossless and selected Dolby Atmos recordings. It also includes curated recordings and exclusive content, though offline playback is not initially available and an Android version is planned.

Mercedes-Benz is expanding its autonomous-driving capabilities with Drive Pilot, a Level 3 system that can take over in slow, congested traffic while allowing the driver to perform other tasks. The technology uses cameras, LiDAR and radar, and is available in Germany and Nevada, with California approval expected. The company is also developing MB.OS, a 2025 operating system that will support an Android-based app store, games, mapping partnerships, YouTube, Zoom, Webex, Apple Music and Dolby Atmos. Mercedes-Benz aims to combine luxury-car design with digital services while limiting driver distraction through passenger-screen privacy features and monitoring of cognitive load.

Sonos CEO Patrick Spence explains the design and strategy behind the new Era 300 and Era 100 speakers. The Era 300’s unusual shape supports spatial audio and Dolby Atmos, while the Era 100 adds stereo capability to the smaller-speaker range. Sonos is replacing the popular mono Sonos One and One SL, which will not pair with the new Era 100, and is positioning the Era 300 below the Sonos Five in price while offering spatial audio. Spence says the technology is ready for mainstream adoption as artists, labels, Dolby and streaming services increasingly support Atmos. He also highlights long product lifespans, lower power consumption and plans to expand into four additional product categories.

British Airways has moved all New York JFK operations from Terminal 7 to a redeveloped Terminal 8 shared with American Airlines. The £326 million facility is expected to make connections between the two airlines faster and less stressful, while offering improved check-in and TSA PreCheck facilities. The move replaces BA’s JFK Concorde Room with three shared lounges—Greenwich, Soho and the premium Chelsea lounge—featuring upgraded dining, design and amenities. The article particularly praises Soho’s runway views and Chelsea’s luxury atmosphere and champagne selection, while noting that the terminal provides more modern facilities for all passengers.

Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon explains how the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor brings artificial intelligence directly to smartphones and other connected devices. Edge AI can improve low-light photography, manage connectivity, detect potential security events and recognise QR codes even when a phone is on standby. Amon contrasts Qualcomm’s open, horizontal Android platform with Apple’s vertically integrated model and says developer kits will help app makers use new chip capabilities earlier. He also describes Qualcomm’s expansion into PCs, cars and industrial devices, arguing that wireless connectivity and AI-based features such as noise cancellation will drive future growth, with assisted-driving technology potentially improving road safety.

Apple executives Craig Federighi and Alan Dye explain how the iPhone 14 Pro’s Dynamic Island emerged from Apple’s integrated hardware and software design process. They describe how the feature reshapes notifications, multitasking and app interactions, builds on earlier innovations such as widgets and Face ID, and was developed through long-term, cross-disciplinary collaboration. The executives also emphasize the technical work required to make the camera cut-out feel like a seamless, responsive part of the display, with carefully engineered touch detection and animations intended to create a sense of natural interaction.

Apple CEO Tim Cook visited London’s Southbank Centre to announce the company’s first UK partnership under its Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, supporting Black creatives through training, development programs and collaborations with schools in London, Birmingham and Manchester. The partnership builds on a Photo-Fantastic accelerator for 15 London-based Black photographers. Cook said Apple had exceeded its initial $100 million REJI commitment, spending more than $150 million on initiatives including an Atlanta learning hub, a Detroit developer academy and financing for communities of colour. The program’s participants and Southbank Centre chair Misan Harriman emphasized the importance of representation, mentorship and access to creative opportunities.

Apple’s iPadOS update introduces Stage Manager, a new multitasking interface that lets users manage multiple live apps and, with an external display, up to eight open windows. Apple software chief Craig Federighi says the feature reflects years of work to preserve the iPad’s touch-first simplicity while bringing it closer to the Mac’s flexibility. Stage Manager is limited to the latest M1-powered iPad Pro and iPad Air models because Apple says their memory, storage speed and external-display capabilities are needed to maintain responsiveness. Federighi describes the release as an initial beta that will receive further refinement.

The 2020 iPad Pro retains the previous model’s design but adds the A12Z Bionic chip, dual cameras, a LiDAR scanner, five microphones and support for trackpads and mice through iPadOS 13.4. Trackpad interaction makes typing and cursor control more laptop-like, although the existing keyboard lacks a trackpad and wrist-rest area. LiDAR enhances measurement and augmented-reality applications, with further uses expected in design, medicine and gaming. The review concludes that the performance, cameras, AR capabilities and improved computer-style controls make this a significant upgrade, with prices starting at £769 for the 11-inch model and £969 for the 12.9-inch version.

A reluctant runner tests Apple Fitness+’s Time to Run, an audio-guided workout led by coach Cory Wharton-Malcolm through London landmarks. The Apple Watch tracks heart rate, marks progress and displays photos, while a British music playlist and coaching prompts help sustain motivation. The broader Fitness+ service is praised for its polished production, accessibility and inclusivity, although the writer would like more advanced workouts. After completing a 35-minute run, the writer remains more attracted to walking, yoga, Pilates and core sessions but acknowledges that Time to Run made running feel achievable.

The Apple Fitness+ Time to Walk episode featuring Prince William follows him around the Sandringham estate in Norfolk as he discusses family memories, music, his Air Ambulance experience and the importance of talking about mental health. The episode includes songs associated with Princess Diana, an anecdote involving Taylor Swift and Jon Bon Jovi, and reflections on listening to people facing hardship. Apple made the 38-minute episode freely available through Apple Music to reach people without an Apple Watch or Fitness+ subscription.

Prince William will appear in a special free broadcast of Apple’s Time to Walk, discussing three meaningful songs, mental fitness and an experience that pushed him outside his comfort zone. The roughly 40-minute episode, ordinarily available through Apple Fitness+, will air on Apple Music 1 on 6 December and conclude the program’s second season. The appearance follows a joint statement from Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace and Clarence House criticizing the BBC for presenting alleged royal-media briefings and other claims as credible.

Apple design executives Alan Dye and Stan Ng explain how the Apple Watch Series 7’s larger display was developed without significantly increasing the case size or sacrificing comfort, battery life or band compatibility. The redesign reduced display borders from 3mm to 1.7mm, increased the visible area by nearly 20 percent and integrated the touch sensor into the OLED panel. Apple also redesigned the interface, introduced an onscreen QWERTY keyboard, created a variable typeface and added the Contour watch face, while continuing to emphasize health, fitness and connectivity features.

Apple has acquired the classical-music streaming service Primephonic and plans to integrate its specialized search and curated listening experience into Apple Music. Primephonic will close within a week, with subscribers receiving refunds for unused time, six months of free Apple Music and assistance transferring playlist data. The classical-focused features will not be available immediately but are expected by early 2022, alongside a familiar Primephonic-style interface and greater localization. Apple Music will also offer high-quality streaming without Primephonic’s additional £5 monthly charge, while Apple may eventually apply Primephonic’s search technology to jazz.

Apple is expanding Fitness+ with a second season of Time to Walk featuring about 20 new celebrity guests, including Randall Park, Gina Rodriguez, Sanjay Gupta, Naomi Campbell, Anthony Joshua and Stephen Fry. The service will also introduce seven HIIT and strength workouts led by guest trainer Jeanette Jenkins, with modified exercise options for different ability levels. Four weeks of artist-focused workouts will feature music exclusively from Alicia Keys, Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez or Lady Gaga, accompanied by Apple Music playlists. The updates reflect Apple’s effort to broaden Fitness+ internationally, deepen its integration with Apple Music and use storytelling and celebrity participation to encourage regular exercise.

The 2021 iPad Pro looks nearly identical to its predecessor but introduces major internal upgrades. The 12.9-inch model’s Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display delivers dramatically better contrast, blacks and brightness, while both sizes use Apple’s M1 processor, enabling demanding tasks such as editing and displaying multiple 4K or 8K video streams. Optional 5G connectivity, Centre Stage video tracking and a Thunderbolt USB-C port add practical benefits. The review finds the iPad Pro exceptionally fast and future-proof, though less demanding users may find the cheaper iPad Air sufficient.

Apple has launched Time to Walk, a Fitness+ feature for Apple Watch that pairs outdoor walking with audio stories and three personally meaningful songs from celebrity guests. Episodes featuring Dolly Parton, Shawn Mendes, Draymond Green and Uza Aduba last 25–40 minutes and display related photographs on the watch while tracking exercise metrics. The feature is designed to provide companionship during periods of isolation, works without an iPhone when paired with headphones, and is retitled Time to Push for wheelchair users. Apple executives say its accessible format may encourage both experienced exercisers and newcomers to become more active.

Google Pixel product manager Soniya Jobanputra explains how Google designed the more affordable, 5G-capable Pixel 5, including decisions about component selection, device size, software longevity and its unusual metal-backed wireless-charging design. The phone uses a resin-covered opening around the antenna to preserve wireless charging while retaining a durable metal body. Google also discusses its affordability-focused Pixel strategy and a British Film Institute collaboration that lets users discover and stream films through locations plotted on Google Maps.

G Network co-founder David Sangster explains why the company is continuing its disruptive rollout of end-to-end fibre broadband across central London despite the availability of 5G home routers. G Network has connected more than 100,000 premises and argues that full-fibre connections offer more reliable, uncapped speeds than services that combine fibre with copper. The company has adjusted construction hours and works closely with councils to reduce disruption, while its infrastructure is designed to last 40–50 years and can potentially be used by providers such as TalkTalk and Sky. 5G offers faster, simpler installation where coverage is strong, but its performance and data demands may make fixed fibre preferable for many households.

The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max offer opposite approaches to smartphone size while sharing 5G, the A14 Bionic processor, OLED displays, Ceramic Shield protection and improved cameras. The mini is praised for its unusually compact design, easy one-handed use and strong performance, although its battery life and cramped keyboard are limitations. The Pro Max delivers a large, impressive display, longer battery life and the range's best cameras, including a larger low-light sensor and 2.5x telephoto lens, but its size and £1,099 price may be excessive for some users. At £699, the mini is presented as the better choice for buyers who want flagship features in a small phone.