David Snelling

Sky has launched the free Your Multiview feature for Sky Glass, Sky Stream and Sky Q, allowing viewers to watch up to four live Sky Sports events simultaneously on one screen. Users can change the layout, select audio, view an event full-screen and access scores, statistics and clips. The rollout accompanies additional sports features including a Sports Hub, short-form clips, team pages and a live sports rail, with Sky showing 1,500 matches during the season.

The Google Pixel 11 Pro is praised as a premium Android flagship with excellent cameras, a bright display, smooth Tensor G6 performance, useful Gemini-powered features, strong battery life and long-term software support. However, its design and hardware remain largely unchanged from earlier Pixel models, while the new HiLight notification system feels gimmicky compared with Nothing’s Glyph Interface. Despite being highly capable and dependable, the phone is considered too expensive and lacking in personality to inspire an urgent upgrade or day-one purchase.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is praised for its powerful Snapdragon processor, tougher titanium-reinforced design, reduced display crease, strong battery life, improved cameras, excellent screens and extensive AI features. However, its price exceeding £1,950 and tall cover screen are significant drawbacks, while the nearly square inner display is poorly suited to watching films and television. The reviewer therefore prefers the less expensive Galaxy Z Fold8, whose passport-style design is easier to use and better for video, although the Ultra remains an impressive choice for buyers seeking the most advanced foldable and willing to pay for it.

A technical glitch caused most live Freely channels to disappear for an estimated 100,000 UK users, while BBC channels remained available. Freely advises affected viewers to reset their devices, check their internet connection and, if necessary, perform a factory reset, which will erase recordings, logins and saved settings. The service is working on a permanent fix, as it continues to expand toward its goal of becoming the UK's largest TV platform by 2030.

A caller impersonating EE claimed the writer’s SIM card was about to expire and demanded personal information to send a replacement. The writer identified warning signs including an unfamiliar number, an artificial deadline, failure to provide identifying details, and a request for a physical SIM despite using an eSIM. EE warns that scammers may seek personal information, device access, or bank details. Customers should end suspicious calls and contact their provider through an official channel to verify any account issue.

Xiaomi’s REDMI 17 is presented as a budget Android phone launching in the UK on Amazon later this month for £189, despite the headline stating £179. Its key features include a 6.9-inch 120Hz display, AI-assisted dual cameras, Gorilla Glass 7i, stereo speakers, 45W charging and a 7,500mAh battery, which is larger than the 5,000mAh batteries found in most Samsung phones. Xiaomi claims up to 28 hours of video playback and 91 hours of music playback. The phone will come in four colors and use a MediaTek Helio G91 processor, while Samsung’s latest foldable phones are noted as a higher-end alternative.

A phishing scam targeting UK motorists impersonates ParkingEye and claims they owe a small unpaid parking charge, directing recipients to a fake payment website designed to steal card and personal details. The scam appears convincing and has been tested using fabricated information. ParkingEye and councils including Uttlesford and Ealing advise recipients not to click, reply or provide details; anyone who has paid or submitted card information should contact their bank, monitor statements and change reused passwords.

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8 is presented as the most practical and refined foldable phone yet, thanks to its lighter passport-style design, useful 7.6-inch inner display, improved hinge, strong durability, fast performance and reliable all-day battery life. Its compromises include a cramped cover screen, no telephoto camera, limited magnetic-charging support and a starting price of £1,699. Despite these drawbacks, the reviewer considers it the first foldable worth choosing over a conventional smartphone and tablet combination.

Mercedes-Benz has launched a new GLA range that includes an electrified combustion model and, for the first time, a fully electric GLA. The EV is claimed to offer more than 400 miles of range and can add up to 167 miles in 10 minutes using a sufficiently powerful charger. Highlights include a large Superscreen with passenger entertainment, an AI-powered MBUX Virtual Assistant combining Google and ChatGPT technology, self-parking, extensive driver-assistance sensors, a panoramic SKY CONTROL roof and a front storage compartment. The GLA is available to order from £45,400, with optional packages including AMG styling and Burmester audio.

Virgin Media is offering a free 43-inch LG 4K Smart TV, or £150 in bill credit, to new customers taking selected broadband and television bundles before the July 29 deadline. Eligible packages include Cinema, Sport, Sport + Cinema and Max Volt plans, with prices starting at £46.99 per month on 24-month contracts. The packages include varying broadband speeds, TV channels and streaming services, while the premium plan also includes Sky Sports, Sky Cinema and an O2 SIM. Customers are warned that prices may rise during the contract and increase significantly afterward.

Vodafone is offering EE, O2 and other non-Vodafone customers a free seven-day eSIM trial at several UK music festivals, including Reading & Leeds, Camp Bestival, Wilderness, Kendal Calling and Boardmasters. Customers can scan a venue QR code and use Vodafone’s network alongside their existing provider without changing their number or physical SIM. The trial includes 500 minutes, 500 texts and 50GB of data, and is intended to showcase Vodafone’s connectivity as the official network partner of the events.

Microsoft was the most impersonated brand in Check Point’s Q2 2026 phishing research, accounting for about 23% of brand impersonation attempts—nearly twice the share of LinkedIn. Users of Windows 11, Outlook and Office are warned to avoid fake support pages, urgent update notices, suspicious security alerts and websites with slightly altered domain names. LinkedIn, Google, Apple, Amazon and other major brands were also targeted, while ChatGPT entered the top ten for the first time. Users should verify senders, avoid questionable links, use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.

Which? research finds that 91% of UK broadband customers experienced problems during the previous year, most commonly connection dropouts, slow speeds and outages. Sky recorded the highest rate of frequent dropouts, while Virgin Media was criticized for unreliable service and had the highest average bills among major providers. Smaller companies including Zen Internet, Community Fibre and Hyperoptic performed better on reliability and value, with Plusnet the strongest of the major brands. Which? urges customers to check alternative providers available locally and switch if they are receiving poor value. Virgin Media rejects the criticism, citing Ofcom complaint data and Opensignal rankings that place it among the UK’s best broadband services.

A review assesses Kärcher’s OC 3 Foldable Portable Cleaner as a compact alternative to a garden hose during UK hosepipe bans. Its rechargeable battery, collapsible 8-litre tank and low-pressure spray make it useful for rinsing bikes, muddy footwear, garden tools, plants and lightly dusty cars. However, it lacks the power of a full-size pressure washer, has only one included spray pattern, requires refilling for larger jobs and feels somewhat flimsy. At roughly £109 to £140, it is expensive compared with buckets and watering cans, but remains a convenient option for small cleaning tasks while water restrictions continue.

Virgin Media has added four free streaming channels—Robot Wars, Demand Drama, River Monsters and The Hotel Inspector—to its UK TV platform, bringing the total number of bonus channels to more than 40. The update is automatic for Virgin TV customers and carries no additional charge. Virgin Media O2 is also deploying AI-based monitoring systems to detect picture, sound and service-quality problems and alert human teams for faster resolution.

Ofcom data shows UK broadband complaints have fallen to historic lows, with TalkTalk receiving the highest number of complaints and Plusnet and Sky the fewest. Most issues relate to service faults, provisioning, customer service, and billing. Ofcom encourages providers to continue improving and urges dissatisfied customers to switch more easily under recent rule changes. Additional figures show Utility Warehouse, Sky, Virgin Media and Vodafone performing best for landline complaints, and TalkTalk and Sky leading in Pay-TV complaint performance.

WhatsApp has released four new features, including the ability to create an account directly on iPad, redesigned interfaces for CarPlay and Android Auto, improved in‑app PDF viewing and editing powered by Adobe Acrobat, and direct sharing of songs from Apple Music or Spotify to WhatsApp Status.

Samsung has introduced three new foldable smartphones, led by the redesigned Galaxy Z Fold 8 featuring a wider 7.6‑inch display, lighter build, upgraded hinge and improved durability. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra brings enhanced performance and a boosted 200MP camera system, while the Galaxy Z Flip 8 refines its clamshell design with reduced weight and better cover-screen functionality. All models use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and faster charging. The launches position Samsung ahead of Apple as reports suggest a foldable iPhone is expected later in the year at a higher price point.

A review of the Meta Ray-Ban Gen 2 smart glasses highlights strong design improvements, useful hands‑free features, solid audio performance and a surprisingly capable camera, while raising concerns about privacy, data collection, battery life and inconsistent AI accuracy. Despite high cost and unresolved ethical issues around recording, the glasses have become a frequently used daily device, suggesting potential for broader future adoption of smart eyewear.

Xiaomi has launched its TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) in the UK, offering a compact, Google TV–powered streaming device with Google Assistant, Google Cast, and access to thousands of apps and free channels. Priced at £39.99, it competes directly with Amazon and Roku devices, featuring HDR10+ support, Dolby Audio, dual‑band Wi‑Fi, and a remote with quick‑access keys. Its main limitation is HD‑only resolution, but it provides a low‑cost option for streaming without subscriptions.

Motorola has launched the Edge 70 Max, featuring a 7100mAh silicon‑carbon battery, 90W fast charging, a 6.82‑inch Quad HD+ display, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip, and an AI‑powered camera system. The device outperforms Samsung’s current offerings in battery technology and charging speeds and has received a Gold Label rating from DXOMARK. It is available now for £699.99 in multiple Pantone color options.

A recent Windows 11 update has caused certain Dell laptops using Intel’s Innovation Platform Framework driver to shut down unexpectedly, overheat or perform poorly. Microsoft has withdrawn the problematic update and is working with Dell on a fix. No specific list of affected models has been released. Microsoft also confirmed that Windows 10 Extended Security Updates will continue until October 2027, offering users more time before transitioning to Windows 11.

High pressure weather conditions are expected to cause significant TV reception problems for Freeview users across the UK until July 20, with the BBC warning that atmospheric layering can distort or interrupt signals. Viewers are advised not to retune their devices, as this may worsen the issue. Service should return to normal once the weather changes, and those seeking uninterrupted viewing are encouraged to consider internet-based platforms such as Freely or Sky Stream.

Virgin Media has reduced the price of its 1,100Mbps broadband to £26.99 per month, its lowest to date, undercutting competitors such as BT and Sky. The deal is subject to annual price increases and availability varies by location. Alternative fibre providers like Community Fibre may offer lower prices and fixed rates. Guidance is provided on choosing appropriate broadband speeds based on household usage.

Several major smartphone brands are preparing new flagship releases, prompting advice to avoid current models from Samsung, Google, Apple and OnePlus. Samsung is expected to unveil updated foldable phones at its July event in London, including a redesigned Galaxy Fold and Flip. Google will introduce the Pixel 11 lineup in August with improvements in power, cameras and AI features. Apple is anticipated to launch new Pro iPhones and possibly a foldable device in September, with standard models likely arriving next year. OnePlus may release the OnePlus 16 later this year, featuring major upgrades such as a large battery, advanced camera and faster processor.

Sky is offering a discounted bundle combining its Essential TV package and 900Mbps full‑fibre broadband for £35 per month, its lowest advertised price, available only with Sky Stream rather than Sky Q. The deal includes more than 100 channels plus Netflix and discovery+, though it requires a two‑year contract and may vary depending on local fibre availability via Openreach. Additional channels and services such as Disney+ and Hayu require upgrading to Sky Ultimate TV. Competing packages from Virgin Media and BT are highlighted, with Virgin offering lower speeds at a slightly lower price and BT charging more for similar high‑speed service.

Google will unveil its new Pixel 11 lineup at an August 12 event in New York, with expectations of improved performance, camera upgrades, AI features, and refreshed designs. Additional products may include updated foldables, Pixel Watch models, and earbuds. Samsung will host its own event on July 22 in London to introduce new foldable devices, with hints of a redesigned passport-style model aimed at pre‑empting Apple's anticipated entry into the foldable phone market.

Warnings highlight a rise in scam emails impersonating Amazon, including messages claiming accounts have been suspended to trick users into entering login details on fake websites. Amazon advises customers not to share sensitive information outside its official platforms, to verify orders directly through their account and to report suspicious messages using its self‑service tool. Customers are urged to remain vigilant as scammers increase activity during busy shopping periods.

The UK-based tech firm Nothing has launched the Nothing Phone 4b, a £299 Android device positioned as a lower-cost alternative to Samsung’s Galaxy A37 and A57 models. It features a 6.77‑inch 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor, 5200 mAh battery, vapour chamber cooling, and a dual-camera system with a 50MP main sensor capable of 4K video with AI stabilisation. A distinct Glyph Bar of 45 LEDs offers glanceable notifications and alerts. The phone runs Nothing OS with three years of Android updates and six years of security patches and is available for pre-order in three colours with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage.

O2 will provide free data roaming in the United States for pay‑monthly Classic Plan customers travelling between 6 and 20 July 2026 by crediting back the cost of eligible roaming bolt‑ons. The move aims to support fans travelling for the World Cup and builds on O2’s policy of inclusive EU roaming. Virgin Media O2’s CEO says the initiative is intended to ease travel costs, while rival network roaming prices remain significantly higher.

Argos is offering significant discounts on a range of Samsung TVs, with some marked at their lowest recorded prices and further reductions available through promotional checkout codes. Models across various sizes, including QLED options, can be purchased for under £210 after combined offers. The TVs include smart features, 4K support and enhanced audio technologies. Competing retailers such as Currys and Amazon are also running low‑price TV promotions.

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra was named Best Phone of 2026 by T3, repeating the company’s success from the previous year. Adidas’ Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 won Product of the Year, while Apple CEO Tim Cook was awarded Person of the Year and the Apple iPod received a lifetime achievement recognition. Additional awards highlighted top products across categories including laptops, electric cars, headphones, and smart devices.

A scam targeting UK Aldi shoppers uses fake emails promoting cheap air‑conditioning products that link to counterfeit sites resembling the retailer. The scheme relies on urgency tactics such as time‑limited discounts and limited‑stock claims to pressure users into sharing personal or financial details. Kaspersky cybersecurity experts warn consumers to verify website authenticity, avoid unsolicited links, and check product and site details against official sources.

Freeview warns UK users of potential TV signal disruptions from July 7 to July 12 due to high‑pressure weather conditions weakening local transmitter signals and increasing interference from distant ones. Viewers are advised not to retune their TVs, as reception will return once the weather system passes. Internet‑based alternatives such as Freely and Sky Stream are suggested as unaffected options offering live and on‑demand TV with additional features.

Google has released a major Chrome update that fixes 433 security vulnerabilities, several rated critical because they could allow attackers to escape the browser sandbox and run code on a device. Users are urged to update immediately by checking their browser version in the settings menu and restarting Chrome if it is below version 150.0.7871.46. Google will restrict technical details about the vulnerabilities until most users have installed the update.

Research indicates that illegal streaming in the UK carries significant cybersecurity risks, with one in five users reporting malware infections and many experiencing financial losses averaging £1,680. A victim described being scammed and having personal accounts compromised after using an illegal streaming site. Cybersecurity experts warn that such platforms lack security checks, making users vulnerable to malware, data theft and fraud, and urge greater caution when sharing information online.

Virgin Media is providing customers with free access to 14 premium Asian TV channels throughout July, including the normally paid Asian Mela bundle. The channels are automatically added to Stream and TV 360 boxes and require no changes to subscriptions. Virgin Media O2 says the offer supports South Asian Heritage Month, giving viewers access to a wide range of dramas, films and entertainment across networks such as Utsav, Sony, Zee, B4U and Colors.

Samsung released teaser videos hinting at a redesigned Galaxy Z Fold with a smaller, wider passport-style form factor that may offer a more tablet-like experience when opened. The company may add this new design alongside existing Fold and Flip models, potentially beating Apple to market as it prepares its first foldable iPhone. Both companies are expected to reveal new devices in the coming months.