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Hello and welcome to Stuff’s epic Christmas gift guide (01732 447007)
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Steve Wright
by genre. Of course, while the basic premise is that Chief Operating Officer
Phil Weeden
you’ll buy these gifts for other people, in reality there’s Publishing Director
Mark Winterton
Subscription
some good fodder for your own wishlist. After all, who Director
Kevin McCormick
wants another slightly different shirt to last year’s? Operations Director
Gill Lambert
Elsewhere we’ve got plenty of other tech picks that will suffice Retail Director
Steve Brown
for Santa’s sack – comparing the newest battery-powered smart Print Production
Manager
doorbells from Eufy, Ring and Yale for starters. We’ve looked at the Georgina Harris
Print Production
latest iPhones in our main review (you’ll be surprised which one Controller
Hayley Brown
is our favourite this year), done a long-term test of Apple’s Watch Senior Subscriptions
Marketing Executive
Series 10 (our tips feature also focuses on watchOS 11), reviewed Molly Walton
• Volume 28 issue 12
Honor’s excellent Magic V3 foldable and checked out Cambridge • ISSN: 1364-963
• On sale 25 Oct 2024
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3
 CONS 12.24
P27

P6
WIN!
p23

P35

HOT STUFF TESTS FEATURES MAKING STUFF UP

06 The Hot Five 27 First test Apple iPhone 16 23 Competition Molekule Editor-in-Chief
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra Yes, we’ve been poking, prodding Win two air purifiers! Or, if you Dan Grabham
Deputy Editor
A tablet the size of the door panel and caressing the new button… lose, simply move to a cabin in Tom Morgan-Freelander
in Titanic, and just as seaworthy and also testing out the Pro and the Alps instead – that way you Commissioning Editor
Oura Ring 4 Pro Max variants get clean air and the sound of Rachael Sharpe
A wearable the shape of a Hula 59 3 of the best Smart doorbells clonking cowbells! Contributors
Rob Clymo,
Hoop, and just as desirable Which rechargeable ding-dong 32 Upvoted Smart speakers Esat Dedezade,
Focal Diva Utopia cam will be your new bouncer? “Alexa, hack into Spotify and Craig Grannell,
A speaker system the price of a 60 Tested Honor Magic V3 delete all Coldplay records from Sam Kieldsen,
Ross Presly,
Dacia Jogger, and just as hefty Radical idea: it’s a folding phone, the master library” Richard Purvis,
Meta Quest 3S but it isn’t twice as thick as a 35 Cover feature Gift guide Chris Rowlands,
A VR headset the weight of a non-folding phone Next time someone tells you Matt Tate,
Alan Wen,
Quest 3… and just as good? 63 Tested Ruark R810 to ‘remember the true meaning Tom Wiggins
Marshall Monitor III ANC Basically a sideboard, but louder of Christmas’, remind them that
Headphones with the lifespan of 67 Tested Xgimi MoGo 3 Pro little baby Jesus was bored of Contact us
[email protected]
a gastrotrich, and just as bendy This little projector’s no mug his gold, frankincense and myrrh UK subscription and back issue
71 Tested Cambridge Audio P100 by lunchtime on Boxing Day. If orderline: 01959 543747
Overseas subscription orderline:
14 Vital stats Are these cans a bit too good? he’d had this tech-packed list 0044 (0)1959 543747
reMarkable Paper Pro 72 Long-term test to choose from, who knows how Toll-free USA subscription
orderline: 1-888-777-0275
Yay, virtual coloured pencils! Apple Watch Series 10 his life would have turned out… UK customer service team:
01959 543747
16 Stream It’s a wearable and it’s bearable, 64 Tips + tricks watchOS 11 Customer service email address:
Woohoo, a man in a nice hat! but is battery life still terrible? As an advisory side-salad to [email protected]
Customer service and
18 Icon Ruark R610 74 Versus Smart kettles the Watch S10 review on p72, subscription postal address:
Stuff Customer Service Team,
Huzzah, a box of hi-fi magic! It’s a whole different kettle of fish here’s our guide to Apple’s Kelsey Publishing Ltd,
20 Games (fish not included) latest wearable system The Granary, Downs Court,
Yalding Hill, Yalding,
Yippee, a game with a cat in it! 76 Games 98 Random access memories Maidstone,
22 Wheels Lotus Theory 1 The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Nintendo DS (2004) Kent ME18 6AL

Hallelujah, a car so sexy we can Wisdom, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Right, imagine a Switch but with
forgive it for not really existing! EA Sports FC 25 a pen… revolutionary, eh?

THE LEGENDARY STUFF TOP TENS P81

4
 Finest
work prong
The bundled stylus
snaps on to charge next
to the cameras on the back.
You can also add the Book
Cover Keyboard – with a
trackpad (£339) or
without (£199).

6
 ALL THE
BIGGEST
STORIES FROM
PLANET TECH

Tiny snappy
peep-holes
Taking photos with a 14.6in
tablet would look absolutely
absurd, but there are 13MP and
8MP snappers on the back.
The twin 12MP cams on the
front are likely to get a
lot more use.

HOT
FIVE
#1
WRITE SWIMMING
Samsung Galaxy
Tab S10 Ultra
There is a bizarre scenario in Samsung’s
collective imagination that involves its
gigantic new IP68-rated Galaxy Tab S10
Ultra and S Pen stylus being used to take
notes underwater. Whether that’s a key
selling point probably depends on whether
you’re amphibious or just have a tendency
to leave taps running, but it’s also a good
example of how brilliantly over the top this
Android slate is.
For starters there’s that 14.6in AMOLED
screen, which gives you space to run up to
three apps side by side, plus the Dimensity
9300+ processor that should allow you
to do so without it getting its chug on.
Such a pixel-packed display demands
a substantial power pack, so there’s an
11,200mAh battery inside the 5.4mm
World leader chassis, and if you really want to show your
upspend credit card who’s boss it’s possible to max
out the memory at 16GB and the built-in
As standard it has 256GB of storage at 1TB.
storage and 12GB of RAM. You Of course, it wouldn’t be a 2024 tablet
can up the storage to 512GB without a swarm of AI trickery, including
for £100 more, but you’ll only generative image editing, automatic
get the 16GB RAM by translation, and Sketch to Image, which
choosing the 1TB turns crude scribbles into works of art.
option (£1549). Which could be pretty handy if you like
to do your sketching underwater.
As hot as… your latest octopus portrait
from £1199 / go.stuff.tv/TabS10Ultra

7
 Turn
to tone
A smart ring needs to
look good too, so you can
choose from six finishes for
this one: gold, gloss silver,
brushed silver, rose gold,
black and ‘stealth’
(matt black).

HOT
FIVE
#2
DON’T RING
ME DOWN
Oura Ring 4
There’s no point owning a smart ring if
wearing it for long periods feels like the
finger equivalent of a medieval neck trap
(a nasty-looking torture device that
consisted of an iron collar with spikes on
the inside). Oura’s previous Ring wasn’t
quite as uncomfortable as that, but its
protruding sensors would start to irritate
after a while, so now they’re recessed into
the Ring 4’s titanium coating.
Oura has also improved the algorithm that
collects the data from them to increase
accuracy, reliability and efficiency, so you’ll
get better insights into over 20 biometrics,
including your heart rate, cardiovascular
age and quality of sleep, plus a battery that
lasts up to 8 days between charges. Every
morning it’ll give you a readiness score, so
if it’s low you’ll be able to use cold, hard
facts to justify staying in bed… but if you
do drag yourself out, an accelerometer
automatically detects activities and
tracks your movement.
Come the end of the day you’ll also be able
to check your stress timeline in the app,
and spot exactly when you got into that
road rage incident with the moron on the
e-scooter. If only you’d been carrying your
medieval neck trap…
As hot as… a medieval tongue-tearer
fresh from the fire
from £349 / go.stuff.tv/Ring4

8
 Cost of
livin’ thing
To see beyond your basic
sleep, readiness and activity
scores you’ll need to pay
a subscription fee, which
is either £5.99/m or
£70 up front for
the year.

Change
magic
There are four sensors on
the inner surface: two sets
of LEDs to measure heart
rate, heart variability, SpO2
and respiration; a digital
thermometer; and an
accelerometer.

9
 Chestnut
pair
There are just three fixed
inter-pupillary distance
settings on the 3S, whereas
the 3 has a dial that lets you
fine-tune it. Whether this
is a big deal will depend
on your eyes.

HOT
FIVE
#3
BUST LIKE
HEAVEN
Focal Diva Utopia
Ask AI what a diva utopia looks like and
it’ll probably spit out an image of Mariah
Carey, Elton John and Kanye West
surrounded by perfectly chilled pink
champagne, a dozen white kittens and
an unlimited supply of strawberry-scented
toilet paper. Ask Focal, though, and you get
a pair of active Wi-Fi speakers that stand
slightly taller than R2-D2 (the biggest
robotic diva in the galaxy) but should make
much sweeter music.
With 800W of total power to play with
they’ll easily fill any climate-controlled
room (a pleasant 21.6°C at all times, please),
with Spotify Connect, AirPlay, Google
Cast, Tidal Connect and Bluetooth 5.3
to please the most demanding streaming
fan. The two speakers communicate via
UWB tech, which means they can play
your tunes wirelessly at 96kHz/24-bit, Mister
or 192kHz/24-bit if you’re willing to lower space plan
your aesthetic standards and link them You can choose from either
with the supplied cable. 128GB or 256GB (£380) of
You can control it all via app, remote or your storage. Before long the Quest
phone’s voice assistant – or simply get 3 will only be available with
your PA to do it for you. Just be aware that, 512GB (£470), so soon the
at a pound shy of 30 grand a pair, you’ll potential savings will
need the equivalent of Elton John’s annual be even bigger.
flower budget to gain entry to this Utopia.
As hot as… Elton’s infamous temper
£29,999 / go.stuff.tv/FocalUtopia

10
 Ballad of
easy glider
With its smaller 96°
horizontal and 90° vertical
field of view you’ll see slightly
less, but the refresh rate
options – 72Hz, 90Hz or
120Hz – match the
Quest 3.

HOT
FIVE
#4
I’LL FEEL A WHOLE LOT META
Meta Quest 3S
With Apple’s Vision Pro headset costing should actually last slightly longer between
about the same as a pair of second-hand charges. A pair of controllers are included
eyeballs (VGC, one fairly careful owner), in the box too.
you’re probably on the lookout for a Despite being a touch chunkier, the 3S
cheaper mixed-reality hit – and the is virtually the same weight – partially due
Quest 3S might just provide it. to the fact that software now does the job
On paper it’s just a Quest 3 with some of the Quest 3’s depth sensor – but it still
of the bits removed, but with at least £120 has the same 4MP full-colour camera that
knocked off the price there are a few good lets you mix the virtual world with the real
reasons to consider the 3S instead. For one. There’s no headphone port… but then,
starters you still get the same Snapdragon with a hi-tech blindfold on, wireless buds
XR2 Gen2 chipset and 8GB of RAM; and are probably a better option than getting
while the 4324mAh battery is smaller, tangled up in cables anyway.
there are fewer pixels to push (1832x1920 As hot as… a second-hand eye of Sauron
per eye compared to 2064x2208) so it from £290 / go.stuff.tv/Quest3S

11
 Ear mild
heaven
The headband has been
designed to be especially
bendy, with soft ear-cushions
to ensure you’ll be happy
to keep these cans on
right until the battery
finally dies.

Drawl
on me
As well as this shiny
multidirectional knob for
volume and playback, there’s
HOT an ANC button and one that
can be assigned to control
FIVE stuff like EQ or phone

#5 call settings.

DAYS LEAPER
Marshall Monitor III ANC
Most albums are over long before the avant-garde music, but you can always
battery in your headphones dies – but put on some Phil Collins after a month or
if you’re a fan of American band Bull of so instead.
Heaven, whose longest song lasts over Elsewhere there’s support for
6 months, you might want to invest in Soundstage spatial audio, plus ‘adaptive
Marshall’s latest wireless cans. loudness’ that adjusts the tonal balance
They’d need plugging in just a fraction of based on the noises around you. And while
the way through Blurred With Tears And lugging one of Marshall’s legendary guitar
Suffering Beyond Hope, but the Monitor IIIs’ amps around all day would cripple most
100hr battery life with noise-cancelling people, these headphones weigh just
turned off (or 70hrs with it on) will mean 250g and fold up neatly into a compact
you hear more of it than with most other velvet-lined case, so you won’t need a
pairs, while a 15min charge adds an extra roadie to carry them for you.
half a day. Whether that’s a good thing As hot as… a 70hr Phil Collins drum solo
or not depends on how you feel about £299 / go.stuff.tv/Monitor3

12
V I T A L S T A T S The Paper Pro’s
screen has a light, but
it’s purely for making
the device usable after
dark – so it won’t put

SCRAWL IT WHAT
strain on your eyes like
a normal backlit job.

YOU WANT
reMarkable Paper Pro
from £559 / go.stuff.tv/PaperPro

This 11.8in tab approaches

its job slightly differently
to the usual suspects…
and now it’s made the
transition to colour like
it’s the 1970s all over again

OSwank space
When TV switched to full colour
50-odd years ago, it brought the
world to life in a way that would’ve
blown the minds of those used to
watching everything in black and
white. And while reMarkable’s
new 11.8in tablet won’t have quite
the same impact on the human
race, the Paper Pro’s addition of
a colour screen is still significant.
What sets reMarkable’s tablets
apart from iPads and their ilk is
the use of a Kindle-esque display
based on E Ink tech – which isn’t
just easier on the eye due to its
lack of a backlight, but is also
textured to feel like real paper.

OReddy for it?

The Paper Pro comes with its own
Marker stylus, which looks like a
pencil but can do nine jobs, from
ballpoint pen to paintbrush, with
eight blendable colours to choose
from (nine if you include white).
Every stroke shows up before you
can even blink – we’re promised
no lag – and it’ll respond to the
angle you’re holding it at and the
amount of pressure you apply.
You can even use it to rotate and
resize stuff. Fork out an extra
£40 and you get the Marker
Plus instead, which has an eraser
function built in.

OPad blood
Compared to an iPad Pro or the
new Samsung Galaxy Tab S10
Ultra on p6, the Paper Pro looks
like a pathetic weakling, with just
a 1.8GHz Cortex A53 processor,
2GB of RAM and 64GB of storage;
but such comparisons miss the
point. You’re not going to use this
to play games or gaze upon Vince
McMahon’s weird face in that
Netflix series, which is precisely
why the 5030mAh battery lasts
so long: two weeks of regular use,
up to three months in standby.

14
 Spool summer
MORE TASTY
NEW TABLETS FIIO KA15
Cassettes aren’t exactly known for their stellar sound quality, but that
hasn’t stopped FiiO from designing this portable DAC to look like a tiny
OAmazon Fire HD 8 tape recorder. The 0.96in screen displays a graphic of spinning reels,
Amazon’s bargain 8in tablet along with real-time power consumption and file info, but what’s
now comes with 50% more actually inside is a pair of Cirrus Logic CS43198 chips that support
RAM, up to 13hrs of battery life 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD256 hi-res audio. There are twin
and a 5MP camera, with the now headphone outputs at one end and a USB-C port at the other, so
obligatory AI features due to be you can connect it to computers and most phones, although FiiO’s
added in the coming months. control app, which lets you fiddle with the 10-band EQ, is only available
from £100 / amazon.co.uk for Android. Your Walkman certainly never sounded this good.
£100 / go.stuff.tv/KA15

OHuawei MatePad 12 X
Huawei’s new 12in tablet has
a PaperMatte display: it uses
a standard backlit LCD, but it’s
covered with a textured layer
to make using a stylus on it feel
more tactile.
£550 / huawei.com

OLenovo Chromebook
Duet 11in
This convertible has a kickstand
and comes with a keyboard
case so you can switch from
tab to Chromebook depending
on the task at hand.
from £349 / lenovo.com

Look what you made me view

LOEWE WE BEAM
A lot of projectors give off pretty severe ‘Q4 budget presentation’
vibes, but you can always rely on Loewe to ensure its stuff looks a little
bit sexier than that– and the We Beam is no different. This is a Full HD
THE STYLUS portable laser projector best suited to beaming moody spy thrillers
onto your walls at up to 120in – although it’ll do the same with episodes
CAN DO NINE of The Chase if you want it to – with automatic picture adjustment to
ensure The Menace doesn’t end up looking like The Beast or vice versa.
JOBS, IN NINE An integrated 10W sound system ensures you can hear all of Bradley
BLENDABLE Walsh’s ‘gags’, but for the full experience you’ll want to connect a
Bluetooth speaker or plug in a soundbar using the HDMI ARC socket.
COLOURS £859 / go.stuff.tv/WeBeam

15
16
 S T R E A M

Winter’s coming and it’s nothing but misery

and angst from here on in, so cheer yourself up
with… well, more misery and angst, but on TV

Before Emilia Perez Cross

It’s a bit bizarre to see rom-com Having already wowed Cannes, Based on James Patterson’s novel
legend Billy Crystal pop up in this where it won the Jury Prize and series, this eight-part crime thriller
supernatural thriller, in which its four leads shared Best Actress, sees Aldis Hodge step into the
he plays a child psychiatrist who this Spanish-language musical is gumshoes of mercurial detective
forms a bond with a mysterious coming straight to Netflix. A blend Alex Cross, whose background in
new patient. But if the man wants of comedy and crime thriller, it forensic psychology gives him a
to flex his dramatic acting muscles centres on a female cartel leader unique perspective on the criminal
and creep us out in the process, who dreams of going straight. mind. The bar’s pretty high for this
who are we to argue? Rosie Perez We lost you at ‘Spanish-language one: Cross has previously been
is in it too. musical’, didn’t we? played by Morgan Freeman, twice.
S1 / Apple TV+, 25 Oct Film / Netflix, 13 Nov S1 / Prime Video, 14 Nov

Don’t Move Lioness Silo

Thinking a dose of nature might Another of Yellowstone creator Silo’s triumphant first season – a
be just the thing to soothe her Taylor Sheridan’s many TV series veritable masterclass in mystery
grief-stricken soul, a young woman (he has one more, Landman, and world-building – is being
takes a hike in the woods… but, this debuting on Paramount+ in quickly followed up with this second
being a horror thriller, it turns out November – take a week off, slice. Engineer Juliette (Rebecca
she thought wrong. Spiked with a Taylz!), this military spy thriller Ferguson) begins to uncover more
paralysing poison that’s gradually follows the exploits of female of the enigma surrounding the
spreading through her body, she marines working in an undercover mile-deep silo keeping humanity’s
must fight to survive before she CIA unit. Zoe Saldana, Nicole Kidman remnants safe from a supposedly
becomes completely helpless. and Morgan Freeman star. lethal world outside.
Film / Netflix, 25 Oct S2 / Paramount+, 27 Oct S2 / Apple TV+, 15 Nov

The Day of the Jackal

TH ISS ’T

You might well think the 1973 film version of Frederick Forsyth’s thriller is quite ‘classic’
M N
DO

enough, thank you very much… but wait, because Top Boy creator Ronan Bennett is the
brains behind this serial adaptation. Eddie Redmayne plays the Jackal, a contract killer
IS

who likes to pick off his targets before changing his identity and vanishing into thin air…
but an equally skilled and driven intelligence operative (Lashana Lynch) in on his trail.
S1 / Sky/Now, 7 Nov

17
 I C O N

IT’S GOT WI-FI,

ETHERNET AND
BLUETOOTH…
AND 75W FOR
EACH CHANNEL

RUARK R610
£1199 / go.stuff.tv/R610

Why do I have an overwhelming Ruark’s resurrected version has got Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Bluetooth there’s a built-in phono stage that
urge to put on some flares? had its insides updated, even if on board, so you can stream from lets you hook up your turntable,
Sounds pretty groovy, man, and from the outside the R610 looks your service of choice, with 75W and you’ll soon be able to buy a
it’s probably something to do with like it still considers Kraftwerk to of amplification for each of the matching Ruark CD player. The
the immaculate 1970s vibes that be the pinnacle of experimental two channels. It supports hi-res only thing missing is speakers…
are emanating from this music modern music. audio up to 32-bit/384kHz, and and considering Ruark’s own
system. Back in the days when the whole lot is controlled by the Sabre-R bookshelf pair (£699)
Abba didn’t only perform as Ha! What a jive turkey. suitably retro RotoDial (or you can match it exactly, the fact that you
holograms and the Atari 2600 Hey, don’t be fooled by the R610’s use your phone instead). can’t buy the whole lot as a bundle
was the games console to have, threads. Besides, audio gear didn’t seems like a missed opportunity.
self-contained music centres have 5in colour TFT screens in the Ten-four, good buddy. Fancy something that does it all in
were the gateway to becoming ’70s so it’s not all old-school. As OK, enough of the ’70s lingo now. one? Turn to p63 for our review of
a proper hi-fi nerd. Fortunately, well as DAB+ and internet radio it’s If you’d rather keep it authentic Ruark’s latest musical desk.

18
 WTF IS
For your eye zonally
LEICA Q3 43
THE RAZER
If you’re going to shoot with a fixed-lens snapper, it makes sense to
choose one that sees the world as you do. That doesn’t mean the
FREYJA?
Q3 43 thinks lollipop ladies should be paid more than footballers, but
it does have a 43mm lens that more closely matches the POV of a Razer, eh? Let me guess… is it covered
human eye than the regular Q3’s 28mm type. You can compose your in LED lights?
shots using either the OLED viewfinder or the tiltable 3in touchscreen, While that’s a reasonable assumption
and that eyeball-like lens funnels light down to a 60MP full-frame whenever Razer is involved with anything,
sensor that offers an expansive 50-100,000 ISO range and 4K@60fps the Freyja (€299, razer.com) is more
video recording. Unlike your peepers, it also lets you select other concerned with another of your senses:
simulated focal lengths at the push of a button using digital zoom. touch. In case you’ve ever wished the
£5900 / go.stuff.tv/Q343 haptic feedback you get from your console
controller could be redirected through your
whole body, Razer has filled this full-length
cushion with six motors rather than duck
feathers, so it’ll vibrate to replicate in-game
events – such as the clash of swords as you
duel with a demon, or the changes in terrain
across a rally stage.

Sounds a bit weird.

Yeah, there’s no doubt it’s a slightly crazy
idea – but having tried it, we’re converts.
The cushion can be fixed to almost any
gaming chair using the adjustable straps,
with the three pairs of force-feedback
motors pressed up against your shoulders,
lower back and bum-cheeks to deliver
the vibrations. It talks to your Windows
PC or Android device (iOS isn’t currently
supported) over Bluetooth, or using Razer’s
HyperSpeed wireless tech via a dongle; and
depending on the action it’s trying to mimic,
either you’ll feel it in one particular spot or
it’ll travel across the zones.

What games does it work with?

Empty brooms Freyja support will be baked into the Unity,
iROBOT ROOMBA COMBO 2 ESSENTIAL Unreal and GameMaker engines, so expect
hundreds of titles to integrate the tactile
There’s not much point in owning a robot vacuum cleaner if you have tech. It’s not just a case of ‘has bass, add
to spend half your time emptying it just so it can carry on sucking up rumble’ either: things intensify in line
all your muck. Self-emptying bots don’t normally come cheap, but with the sound mix, and it’s customisable
this new Roomba is both affordable and capable of autonomously through Razer’s Synapse 4 software. The
jettisoning its filthy cargo into a charging dock that can hold up to soft material feels a lot like the stuff Razer
60 days’ worth of dirt. It has four levels of suction power for inhaling uses for its mousepads, meaning it’ll wipe
even the biggest globs of crud, plus three different water settings clean with a wet cloth – handy if you set
for when it deploys the mop, with sensors that help it avoid getting the intensity too high and cause yourself
stuck on your slippers – and also make sure it doesn’t miss a bit. If only to have a little accident. Ready for the bad
doing all household chores could be so easy. news? For regulatory reasons it won’t be
£399 / go.stuff.tv/Combo2 sold in the UK. Thanks, Brexit!

19
 FIRST PLAY LOST RECORDS: BLOOM & RAGE PS5, XSX, PC
Don’t Nod, the studio behind the actually perfect here. While you you’ll be tasked with filming
beloved Life is Strange series, control her in the third person, a certain number of objects or
returns to put players into the she’s also a movie buff who people; but having the freedom
shoes of a teenage girl once loves filming things with her to shoot your subjects from
again. The difference in Lost camcorder – think of it as this different angles or zoom in
Records: Bloom & Rage is that narrative game’s superpower on specific details makes this
there’s an ensemble cast as mechanic, complete with grainy feel far more personalised. The
you follow high-school friends home-movie filter. game even edits that footage
Swann, Nora, Autumn and Kat, While choice-based dialogue into a mini movie.
living out their unforgettable interactions or the ability to But nostalgia is just half of the
summer of 1995 together. examine objects remain a staple story, as there’s also a timeline
That said, there is still just one of modern adventures like this, set 27 years later as the former
[ Words Alan Wen ]

character you experience all this there’s something more special friends reunite to confront a
through. Swann is the chubby about having choice in creating long-buried secret. The mystery
introvert who would normally memories through what you will unravel early next year when
be relegated to ‘side character’ film. During a scene, you can Bloom & Rage is released as two
status, but her perspective is go into camcorder mode where ‘tapes’ a month apart.

20
 FIRST LOOK NEVER GONNA CIV YOU UP

OUT
11 FEB

SID MEIER’S Firaxis having been focused

on XCOM and then Marvel’s
you’ll begin from the Age of
Antiquity and then work your
your march of progress than
Gwendoline Christie, another
CIVILIZATION VII Midnight Suns, but the wait way to Exploration, and then Game of Thrones actor to
PC, PS5, PS4, XSX, XB1, Switch should be worth it: Civ VII the Modern Age. That might take on the role of narrator
The 4X strategy genre has is looking to be the most sound like fewer eras than following Sean Bean’s turn
seen its share of big hitters ambitious instalment yet before, but you won’t be in Civ VI?
in recent years, but you can’t as players try to build an locked to the same civ during Coming out next February,
forget about the godfather of empire that can truly stand a run, instead getting to pick it may well be best played
them all from legendary game the test of time. a new one to develop in a new on the latest PC rig – but
developer Sid Meier. Picking a historical leader, age based on your decisions it’s also apt that Civ VII won’t
It’s been eight years since from Benjamin Franklin to from the current age. And be leaving past platform eras
the last Civilisation, developer Queen Hatshepsut of Egypt, who better to accompany behind, including Switch.

BEST OF INDIES OFFERING A STRANGE SLICE OF LIFE

APARTMENT STORY THANK GOODNESS YOU’RE HERE! ON YOUR TAIL

PC Switch, PC, PS5 Switch, PC
If someone decided to turn The Sims into Living in a fictional northern town that Out in November but with a demo
a feature-length kitchen-sink drama, it looks like something out of The Beano available now, this 3D adventure game
might look something like this. You play or Viz, you’re a little salesman who finds feels like the perfect holiday getaway.
as Arthur, who’s just trying to survive himself doing all manner of odd jobs for Except there are also mysteries to uncover
in his flat and pay the bills, only for an old the even odder locals. Surreally hilarious, for aspiring detective Diana, on the search
roommate and a dangerous stranger to it’ll have you asking yourself whether you for a thief menacing the idyllic Italian town
walk into his life. like your pies tiny or big enough. of Borgo Marina.

Game
INCOMING reviews
p76-79
NOVEMBER
OASSASSIN’S CREED SHADOWS
OMARIO & LUIGI: BROTHERSHIP
OS.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: HEART OF CHORNOBYL
ODRAGON QUEST III HD-2D REMAKE
OLEGO HORIZON ADVENTURES
DECEMBER
OINDIANA JONES AND THE GREAT CIRCLE
OMARVEL RIVALS
OFANTASIAN NEO DIMENSION

21
W H E E L S
Lotus Theory 1
THE BIG PANG THEORY
Getting in and
out is done via scissor
doors that rotate upwards
at 90°. Inside, there
are three seats
moulded into the
bodywork.

£tba / lotuscars.com NEWS DASHBOARD

OMG, please tell me this is real. Any smart tech in there?

Sorry, it’s a concept… for now. Loads – the press release is full of
The design is certainly radical, bold claims about cutting-edge
with two of the three seats technologies, and much of that
slotted in behind the driver, revolves around the company’s
and it’s also innovative: Lotus new proprietary driver system,
says it has slashed the number Lotuswear. That might sound
of materials used compared to like a range of branded bomber STEELY SEAL CIT-Y SLICKER BUZZY BUGGY
most cars, making liberal use of jackets and string-backed leather The Seal U DM-I is DS has reimagined Summer lives
recycled carbon fibre. driving gloves, but it’s actually another new model the classic Citroen on thanks to the
about an immersive experience from burgeoning SM, dubbing this Meyers Manx 2.0
Have they got as far as actually involving robotic textiles. Chinese brand BYD. concept the SM EV: a classic beach
making it go? This time it’s an Tribute. It’s a wild buggy but with an
Well, there are some tempting That sounds a tad gimmicky. SUV in a trio of reworking of the electric powertrain.
highlights on the performance It does have practical value: there model variants original, with design The styling is very
front – even if they’re hypothetical are inflatable pods on the seats featuring a plug-in flourishes including much true to the
at this point. There’s all-wheel and steering wheel that “react hybrid powertrain. fruity rear wheel ’60s original, but
drive, single-speed transmission in real time to offer more support, Our pick is the spats and a striking performance stats
and a whopping 986bhp of grunt, grip, and subtle prompts via Comfort edition, gold/black exterior are vague (that
which would be able to propel personalised haptic feedback”. which offers up finish. Inside things is, non-existent)
the Theory 1 from 0 to 62mph So you’ll get hand-prods for to 77 pure electric are just as wacky, at the time of
in under 2.5secs. Top speed is navigation cues, and the seats miles or up to 699 from the retro writing – although
199mph, so more than adequate will change shape according to the miles combined… one-piece seats the teaser launch
[ Words Rob Clymo ]

for the average trip to Aldi. And the driving mode. Oh, and the car also and is there a whiff to the touchscreen back in 2022
70kWh battery pack should make has Level 4 autonomy – so if you of Porsche in that and rectangular promised up to
the Theory 1 good for around 250 don’t feel like driving, maybe you front end? steering wheel. 300 miles of range.
miles of range. could ask it to give you a massage.

22
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head to molekule.com to find out more.

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C A L L U S 01959 543747
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Terms and conditions: UK continuous payment offer: You will pay £45.99 every 12 months. One-off payment offer: You will pay £55.99 for 13 issues. Gifts are only available for UK customers. Gifts available on selected
offers. Gifts are subject to availability and while stocks last. Gifts will not be dispatched until first payment has successfully been taken. Your subscription will start with the next available issue, and you will receive 13
issues in a year. Offer ends 24 December 2024. Prices are correct at the time of printing and are subject to change. *Discounts are calculated on the full cover price plus Kelsey Media’s standard postage and packaging for
one year. For full terms and conditions visit shop.kelsey.co.uk/terms Data protection: We take great care in handling your personal details; these will only ever be used as set out in our privacy policy, which can be viewed
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 MPB Approved.
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 FIRST TEST APPLE iPHONE 16

Baseline funkyThis year it’s the entry-level iPhone that packs the most appealing
combo of price and feature set – here’s why, this time, basic is best

from £799 / go.stuff.tv/iPhone16

pple’s biggest new update, of course, and is just early to tell whether it will be a p30) but is also available on the

A iPhone feature of
2024 wasn’t even
available when the
one of many aspects that I’d
normally consider in a review.
The problem is that Apple
benefit worth buying for.
So what else does Apple’s
new iPhone lineup have to offer?
6.1in iPhone 16 I’ve tested here,
as well as the 6.7in iPhone 16
Plus. As before, the Plus is the
handsets went on sale. has put so much effort behind The other headline feature is same as the base model except
[ Words Dan Grabham ]

Apple Intelligence is a suite of associating Apple Intelligence ‘camera control’, essentially a for the screen and battery.
AI tools for iOS, only just rolling with its 2024 iPhones that it’s shutter button that also opens Another key thing to consider
out in the US and coming soon a challenge to just forget about the camera app and can be used is that the camera system on
to the UK. And it won’t even be it. But, though I’ve had a play with to tweak zoom levels (or other the 16 and 16 Plus has had a
complete then, with some extra an early version, I’ve decided not custom options). This is not just decent upgrade, adding a 48MP
features due later. It’s easy to to consider it here – it’s just too coming to the Pro models (see ‘Fusion’ cam with 2x telephoto.

27
 FIRST TEST APPLE iPHONE 16
3

5
1 Stack for good
Design-wise, this year’s iPhone 2
doesn’t evolve a huge amount,
though Apple has now arranged
the cameras vertically, which
is smarter-looking than the old
formation. The bezels are a little
thicker compared to the Pros, but
it’s a tiny difference.

2 Wake some action 3 Sappy hour

Previously the preserve of the The iPhone 16 has a bigger
iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, the battery. It’s a small increase
action button now replaces the (from 3349mAh to 3561mAh),
mute switch on the standard but clearly progress has been
iPhone too. It can mute if that’s made in terms of optimisation
what you still want a physical from the new A18 chip. You’ll
control for, but you’re also free probably get another hour of
to customise it to open anything. continuous use out of it.

4 Moves like dragger 5 A new day has cam

One massive miss for the iPhone On a brighter note, the camera
16 is the lack of Apple’s 120Hz system has got a lot better this
ProMotion tech. This is clearly time around. There are still two
a choice to keep it special for the lenses: a 12MP ultrawide and that
Pro models. While it’s an OLED, main 48MP job, which can go to
the basic 16’s 60Hz refresh rate 2x telephoto at 12MP. It’s a very
is now only comparable to cheap welcome feature that enables a
Android phones. Shame, that. wider range of shots than ever.

24 hours with
if

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5mins 15mins 20mins 1hr 1hr 15mins 2hrs 4hrs 5hrs 6hrs

28
 FIRST TEST APPLE iPHONE 16

Tech specs
Blue fun day
4 As well as black and Screen 6.1in 2556x1179 60Hz OLED
white there are three CPU Apple A18 RAM 8GB
quite bold new colours: Storage 128/256/512GB OS iOS 18
ultramarine, teal and Cameras 48+12MP rear, 12MP front
pink. Ultramarine is Battery 3561mAh
our pick of the Dimensions 148x72x7.8mm, 170g
bunch.
Completer control
We were expecting a button-less iPhone at some
point soon, but Apple seems to be going the other way

Q App tap Q Mode node

First and foremost, the Two light presses will
camera control button change the camera control
opens the camera app. mode. The most common
(It can also be used to open one for me was the zoom,
a third-party app if you so but you can also pick from
choose.) Then press again other settings like tone,
to take a picture, or press photographic style and so
and hold to shoot a video. on. Will you really, though?

Q Zoom vroom Q Speed freed

You can slide your finger You can adjust the
across the button to accessibility settings
change settings within for the new button – the
the current mode – so pressure or speed needed
it can zoom in or out, or to double-press, for
change the exposure or example – or turn it
depth of field for a portrait, off entirely in the main
for example. camera control settings.

This year’s iPhone 16 Pro lineup is

a mighty fine selection to choose
from, but it’s the standard model
that does more to impress. Camera
control and the 2x telephoto lens are
great to have in particular, while the battery
it’s
n
ee
ce
W

is

ut

life is excellent. The screen’s refresh rate does

es
en
30

th

,b
I’v
llig
ble

ow
. a

disappoint, but Apple clearly believes most

te

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er t to

ra

gn
t. In
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as
igh ec

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lin
f

people don’t care about that… @dangrabham

ry

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ve

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ro o

ea

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te u c

. sr
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un fe

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lag 18
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STUFF SAYS +++++

’t a sh

no e A
tim e p

las he b
po but

isn s a
Th

Th
It’
…

A pleasing update that makes for

a much more appealing combo
than spending more to go Pro
8hrs 9hrs 10hrs 19hrs 24hrs

29
 FIRST TEST APPLE iPHONE 16

The alternatives:
Apple’s new Pro models
The iPhone 16 may be this generation’s best value pick, but the Pro range
still offers the top level of performance. Here’s how they stack up…

Apple iPhone Apple iPhone

16 Pro Max 16 Pro
from £1199 / from £999 /
go.stuff.tv/16ProMax go.stuff.tv/iPhone16Pro

What’s the story? What’s the story?

This year the gap between With the action button
the Pro and Pro Max can having dripped down
be measured in minuscule to the standard 16 and
amounts, especially since camera control being
they have exactly the launched across the entire
same camera setup. But range, there seems less of
the Max’s 120Hz display a gap between the models
now clocks in at a huge this year. However, one
6.9in. As with the Pro, the change is that the Pro is
frame is still titanium but slightly bigger – 6.3in, so
Apple has swapped out it is a step up from the
the blue colour for ‘desert standard 6.1in iPhone 16
titanium’ – basically gold. and last year’s 15 Pro.

Is it any good? Is it any good?

With a £200 premium Absolutely – there are
over the Pro, you’ve got many spec improvements
to really want that extra over the standard model,
screen real estate and though of course you do
battery life – it feels like pay for them as the Pro
a real luxe decision to go starts at £200 more than
Pro Max. With tweaks the basic 16. There’s a
around the top-end Apple notable jump in camera
A18 Pro chip, that battery performance, with the 5x
life is stunning: it’ll do a day telephoto lens now coming
and a half, and you can eke to the Pro having been
that out to a full two days limited to the Pro Max last
if you need to, which is year. There’s a slightly
remarkable when you bigger battery than in the
consider the hardware iPhone 16 too, and that
being powered here. growth in screen size
There’s a bit of a weight really does make a
penalty, though: it’s 28g difference: it feels bigger in
heavier than the Pro and terms of what you do on
almost 60g more than the screen but doesn’t feel
standard iPhone 16. bigger in the pocket.

Key specs Key specs

Screen 6.9in 2868x1320 Screen 6.3in 2622x1206
120Hz OLED CPU A18 Pro 120Hz OLED CPU A18 Pro
Cameras 48+48+12MP Cameras 48+48+12MP
rear, 12MP front Battery rear, 12MP front Battery
4685mAh Dimensions 3582mAh Dimensions
163x78x8.3mm, 227g 150x72x8.3mm, 199g

Stuff says Stuff says

+++++ +++++
Ace battery life, but Bigger and better
the non-Max version than before, this is our
is more compelling pick of the 16 Pros

30
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 UPVOTED
COMPACT COMPANIONS

The sensitive sphere The discerning disc The clever clock

Apple HomePod Mini Google Nest Mini Amazon Echo Spot
Most smart speakers can control a Google’s dinkiest speaker is neat and Add this Alexa speaker to your bedside
connected thermostat; only Apple’s cheap enough that you could stash a few table and you’ll wonder how you ever
actually knows what’s hot, thanks to its throughout your home, while beefed-up managed with just a Hello Kitty alarm
built-in temperature and humidity sensor. bass gives this second-gen model clock. Besides keeping an eye on the time,
A full-range driver and dual passive punchier feedback. The first question it lets you view reminders at a glance and
radiators help you heat things up in another to ask it? How they recycle the plastic tap to command your home. And it comes
sense, and it’s stereo-pairable. bottles to make its fabric wrap. in three colours to match every bedroom.
£99 / apple.com £49 / store.google.com £80 / amazon.co.uk

SMART
HI-FI HELPERS

The Atmos assistant

SPEAKERS The tuned-up totem
Amazon Echo Studio Can’t quite afford an actual Sonos Era 100
A friendly assistant will ask you what’s up. butler? Chris Rowlands picks The Era 100 is a stereo Alexa speaker for
With the Echo Studio, the answer is Dolby out a selection of listening keen-eared listeners, with two angled
Atmos: thanks to an upward-firing driver, boomboxes that will be tweeters and a central mid-woofer dishing
you can immerse yourself in 3D spatial out sound quality fit for any era. Launch the
audio. Four additional drivers are arranged
almost as useful… Sonos app for Trueplay tuning to suit your
to fill the room, while Alexa is on hand to room’s acoustics, before streaming your
cue all manner of bangers. tunes from any major platform.
£220 / amazon.co.uk £199 / sonos.com
PORTABLE PUMPERS

The weatherproof walkabout The full-metal friend The handy hero

Sonos Roam 2 Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Bose Portable Smart Speaker
Leaving a standard speaker in the rain isn’t From playlists to transport plans, Alexa Voice assistants can help you get a handle
smart; take this one out and it stays clever makes a great travel companion. Want on your calendar… and this Bose number
whatever the weather. IP67 waterproofing answers wherever you are? Stash this has a handle on, er, itself. Built to be carried
makes it fit for a Bluetooth pool party (for hardy puck in your pack. Waterproofing about and survive splashes along the way,
up to 10hrs between charges), before Wi-Fi makes it ready for the road – for up to it delivers sound and smarts in 360° with
unlocks the full Sonos experience once 18hrs at a time – while its pearl-blasted support for Google Assistant and Alexa.
you’re back at home. shell is natty but gnarly. The battery is good for up to 12hrs.
£179 / sonos.com £259 / bang-olufsen.com £380 / bose.co.uk

1 Voice choice 2 Stream team

Some speakers work with a range of voice A speaker should be happy to summon your
HOW TO assistants, while others are glued to a single
system. If you’re already wedded to Siri, Alexa
playlists, so choose one that works with your
favourite streaming service. Spotify is widely
DECIDE or Google Assistant, pick a product that is too. supported, but the likes of Tidal are less universal.

32
 UPVOTED

The groovy grille

JBL Authentics 200
Voice assistance in the 1970s meant yelling at
your secretary. This speaker keeps things
vintage without the dodgy power dynamic: its
Quadrex grille and aluminium frame nail the
retro brief, while support for both Alexa and
Google Assistant brings its CV bang
up to date. Stream old-school anthems via
Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, with a 6in passive radiator
enhancing the low-end oomph.
£300 / uk.jbl.com

3 Air pair 4 Push hush

Most of the speakers above let you stream audio Many smart speakers have an option to mute
via both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but you’ll need an the mics when you don’t want them listening
active internet connection to ask for assistance. in. Look out for a dedicated privacy button, for
That also applies to portable options. a one-touch way to know you’re off the record.

33
 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Santa’s elves are busy this year, and

they aren’t too strong with electronics Movie Music Tech Eco Fitness
buff lover nomad warrior freak
anyway – so we’ve lightened their p36 p38 p40 p42 p44

load by bringing you a Christmas

Gaming Photo Junior Retro Budget
Gift Guide so epic that old Saint Nick geek
p46
fiend
p48
nerd
p50
head
p52
buddy
p54
would be proud, with presents for
everyone from gamers through to Bank
buster
Not enough choice? Tsk, you
fussy bugger… see stuff.tv
eco warriors. Prepare to get spendy… p56 for even more categories!

35
 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Bloody well bright

The Hue Sync mobile
app lets you easily
tweak the lighting
any way you see fit:
adjust the brightness,
colours, intensity
and more.

Give a spittle hit

Feeling lazy? Voice
control via Alexa and
Google Assistant is
supported. Feeling
handy? You can also
configure your trusty
IR remote to control it.

The logical long

The box connects via
HDMI, and a cable is
included in the box. At
20cm wide and just
under 600g, it shouldn’t
be a hard gadget to find
a place for.

PHILIPS HUE PLAY SYNC BOX 8K

It’ll never make The One Show exciting, but this box can transform any TV into an immersive
bedazzling light experience – by automatically synchronising the owner’s Philips Hue light
collection with the on-screen action. Now supporting up to 8K@60Hz (and still playing nice
with 4K@120Hz content), it’s the perfect pairing for next-gen consoles too. You can easily
create a virtual room layout for optimal placement of up to 10 Hue lights, and it supports
Dolby Vision and HDR10+. Yay, it’s Ambilight for everyone!
£300 / go.stuff.tv/HuePlay8K

36
 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

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and Quantum in just 3mins. With delivering great
THE MATRIX - ORIGINAL Dot technology. 1200W of power, XGIMI AURA 2 clarity and power
MOTION PICTURE SCORE Translated, that it’s perfect for in spades. The
means incredibly movie nights. If you want to embiggen your movie lineup includes
This expanded 25th-anniversary vibrant images, The machine experience, this 4K ultra-short-throw towers, monitors
release of Don Davis’ score features with black levels has a spout for projector with Dolby Vision and IMAX and surround
18 tracks curated by the composer, that can genuinely easy serving Enhanced certification is the way to speakers that will
complemented by new anime-inspired rival OLED tellies. and non-slip feet go. With 2300-lumen brightness and make your single
artwork by Yuko Shimizu – a must-have Impressive stuff. for safety, and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, it delivers soundbar feel
for fans of the legendary sci-fi action It also has a 144Hz cooks without vivid images and deep blacks – and it’s very glum indeed.
movie. Now if you’ll excuse us, we’re off refresh rate. any oil. capable of bestowing a 100in screen on from £1100 /
to follow the white rabbit. Again. £1499 / £28 / your wall from just 18cm away. arendal
£32 / resident-music.com amazon.co.uk amazon.co.uk £2459 / amazon.co.uk sound.com

MOVIE BUFF
Got a loved one who can recite every line from every SWITCHBOT THE CONVER-
ROLLER SATION (4K
Fellini/Kurosawa/Spider-Man film? Here are some SHADE BLU-RAY
LIMITED
ideas that might shut them up for a few minutes… This smart roller EDITION)
blind fits windows
up to 1.85m wide. This limited edition
With replaceable of Coppola’s 1974
fabrics (including thriller includes
blackout options, a 4K restoration,
essential for new artwork
that proper and a 64-page
cinema vibe), booklet. The set
it’s controllable also features
via app, voice the original
CINEPHILE AMAZON FIRE MICKEY’S or remote, and soundtrack on
TV SOUNDBAR TOFFEE integrates with cassette, which
This beautifully POPCORN your smart home is ‘period correct’
made card game Amazon’s bar CANDLE 50CL through Matter. if nothing else.
is challenging enhances your from £170 / £44 /
enough for TV’s middling This soy wax switch-bot.com shop.bfi.org.uk
serious movie audio with DTS candle will butter
lovers while still Virtual:X and anyone up with
offering multiple Dolby Audio for the intoxicating
ways to play, sound that packs LEGO IDEAS smell of freshly
ensuring it’s more of a punch. HOME ALONE popped toffee
accessible to all. Easy setup via popcorn from the
With a series of HDMI eARC does This 3955-piece set recreates the cinema… minus
attractive cards away with any McCallisters’ house in intricate detail, the extortionate
in a yellow and cluttered cable with interactive elements like Kevin’s ticket prices,
black theme, runs, and at just zipline and swinging paint cans. The sticky floors,
it’s as much fun over 60cm long house opens up to reveal multi-level screaming
to play as it is to it should fit most interiors, including the scary basement, children and
look at. home setups. and the minifigures have double-sided 30-minute ads.
£15 / £120 / heads for various expressions. £31 / milos
amazon.co.uk amazon.co.uk £260 / lego.com candles.com

37
 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

PRO-JECT MERIDIAN IFI ZEN DAC 3

AUDIO XA B ELLIPSE
The latest in a
This turntable This all-in-one long series of
prioritises stability streaming award-hogging
and precision, speaker distils combined DACs
while happening Meridian’s and headphone
to look way classy advanced tech amplifiers, the
in the process. Its into a compact Zen DAC 3 has
10in aluminium ACTIVO P1 (and slightly an optional NOBLE AUDIO
tonearm and menacing) bass boost FOKUS APOLLO
damped plinth Powered by an Astell&Kern Teraton all-black form. to compensate
design contribute chip, this compact digital audio player It delivers big for cans that These true wireless over-ears feature
to a dynamic and also harnesses the auditory prowess of sound with are a little on the a unique dual-speaker arrangement,
detailed sound, a dual-DAC design for premium sound exceptional bass airy side, and combining planar magnetic and dynamic
but looks-wise in a refreshingly minimalist package. response, while supports hi-res drivers to provide the clarity of the
it’s all about that Its tactile controls and simple UI help an app takes audio files up to former with the bass response of the
(acrylic) base. provide a user-friendly experience, with care of setup 32-bit/768kHz latter. They’ve also got hybrid ANC,
£1099 / high-quality audio performance to back and tweaks. over USB-C. so you don’t have to worry about the
sevenoakssound up its (relatively) low price. £1900 / £229 / outside world spoiling it all.
andvision.co.uk £399 / amazon.co.uk futureaudio.co.uk ifi-audio.com £589 / hifonix.co.uk

R810
REVIEW
p63

MUSIC LOVER
RUARK R410 A2D2 STREAM From high-end audio systems to portable players,
Ruark’s stylish
all-in-one system
A2D2’s humble
little device
these shiny goodies will elevate anyone’s listening
artfully combines connects any experience whether at home or on the move
retro aesthetics audio source to
with modern Wi-Fi-enabled
streaming skills, smart speakers,
in a design that’s gracing them
pretty much with the power
unmatched of modern
for droolability. streaming smarts
Featuring AirPlay, and thus saving
Google Cast you from forking
and hi-res audio out more cash on
support, it can also a newer system. FLATE HIDIZS S8 LOOP
connect to your Good news for VINYL RACK PRO ROBIN EXPERIENCE 2
TV via HDMI for vinyl or CD fans,
use as a soundbar. and even cassette This cleverly A solid portable There’s no
£1299 / diehards. engineered wall DAC/amp can denying the
ruarkaudio.com £149 / a2d2.com rack holds up inject life and appeal of a really
to 12 records volume into your loud gig, but the
at a time, with portable musical ringing tinnitus
a circular cutout experience. following it often
for displaying WIIM ULTRA Available in black spoils things. Gift
your current or silver, this someone these
favourite. Easy WiiM’s versatile and compact streamer dual-DAC dongle stylish earplugs,
to install and with features a 3.5in touchscreen interface, also looks rather available in a
a timeless look, a swanky ESS Sabre DAC plus Wi-Fi 6E snazzy, not that plethora of chic
the only question and Bluetooth 5.3 wireless connectivity appearances colours, and
– at over £100 to help elevate your tunes. With ‘room really matter in they’ll be set
for two – is how correction’ EQ tech and a generous array the grand scheme for safe listening
many you’ll need of wired in/out options round the back, of Phil Collins without fear of
to order. it’ll seamlessly integrate into any home marathons. looking dweeby.
£102 for 2 / audio setup. £90 / £30 / loop
flate-store.com £349 / petertyson.co.uk amazon.co.uk earplugs.com

38
 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Class onion
There’s some serious
power layered under
that wooden hood: six
woofers, four midrange
drivers and four
tweeters, each firing
out 50W of sound.

Clear prudence
A honeycomb grille
behind the fabric cover
protects the drivers
while helping the Evo
One deliver music
crisply and cleanly,
without distortion.

Hearther my dear
Handy multiroom
compatibility with
Google Home, AirPlay
and Roon extends its
versatility – or you can
pop it under the TV to
use as a soundbar.

CAMBRIDGE AUDIO EVO ONE

The Evo One is a stunning all-in-one solution for the discerning tune-gobbler. With 14 drivers
delivering 700W of crystal-clear sound, it can fill any room with immersive audio. Its sleek
design cloaks a wealth of features, including hi-res audio support up to 32-bit/192kHz,
built-in streaming capabilities for services like Spotify and Tidal, and a phono stage for vinyl.
The customisable EQ and room optimisation settings also help ensure perfect sound in any
space. It’s a true statement piece that packs a heck of a punch.
£1299 / go.stuff.tv/EvoOne

39
 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
I’ve just seen a trace
The lining is made
of 100% recycled
polyamide and the
frame is FSC-certified
birch, making this
greener than the
average backpack.

Ticket to wide
The Kajka is available in
two sizes — S/M and
M/L. They’re both 55L
but the latter has longer
straps that don’t taper
at the ends, to better fit
wider torsos.
Tester day
The hard-wearing
Vinylon F fibre, aided
by the included rain FJALLRAVEN KAJKA 55
cover, should ensure
your kit stays dry long
after your body is The ultimate trekking companion would be a mountain goat that could make tea. But in second
soaked through. place is this backpack, blending durability, comfort and functionality with rugged aesthetics.
An innovative pack with a unique wooden frame that distributes heavy loads effectively, it
has 10 pockets (including mesh and zipped options), so organisation is a breeze. Naturally it’s
waterproof, and its thoughtful design extends to repairability as well, ensuring this 55L pack
will be your trusted goat-substitute for many dependable years to come.
£360 / go.stuff.tv/Kajka55

40
 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

FULL
REVIEW
p67

LOGITECH ONEPLUS JBL TOUR

KEYS-2-GO 2 PAD 2 PRO 3
Versatility meets Superb battery These true
portability in this life, fast charging wireless earbuds
tablet-friendly and excellent feature a smart
keyboard that’s productivity charging case
compatible with features define with, oh yes,
multiple devices OnePlus’s a touchscreen
XGIMI MOGO 3 PRO and operating high-end Android DANNER display. Spatial
systems. A built-in tab. A 12.1in 3K MOUNTAIN 600 EVO audio and
Cinema can go anywhere with this cover protects display with a slick adaptive ANC
portable projector. Packing 450-lumen it in transit, and 144Hz refresh rate Heritage styling meets modern tech deliver immersive
brightness, a built-in adjustable stand scissor-switch delivers stunning in these rugged hiking boots. Full-grain sound anywhere,
and Harman Kardon speakers, it can keys provide visuals, while an leather uppers and waterproof Gore-Tex while the case
transform any blank wall into a pop-up comfy typing. optional keyboard lining keep feet dry, while a Vibram SPE doubles as an
entertainment hub. The 130° stand and There’s even a and stylus boost midsole and Fuga outsole provide ample audio transmitter
automatic alignment smarts let it create row of shortcut the ‘tech nomad’ cushioning and traction on varied terrain. for in-flight
perfect screens up to 120in, and you can keys along the top. credentials. These are ideal for both long-distance entertainment
run it from a 65W USB-C power bank. £80 / £449 / backpackers and casual day hikers. systems.
£429 / xgimi.com logitech.com oneplus.com £250 / global.danner.com £280 / uk.jbl.com

TECH NOMAD
Rugged backpacks? Versatile gadgets? Adventure TWELVE BOOX PALMA
SOUTH
awaits — and these are the gifts that will look after BUTTERFLY Uniquely blending
phone smarts
2-IN-1
those who insist on straying off the concreted path… MAGSAFE with e-reader
CHARGER functionality, the
Boox Palma helps
This little charger reduce screen
is an Apple-loving time while
traveller’s saviour. maintaining
International connectivity
adapters are during your
included, and travels. A 6.13in
it can charge an E Ink touchscreen
iPhone and Apple offers paper-like
SILHOUETTE INSTA360 REMINGTON Watch at the reading in calm
NASH LINK 2 G12 GRAPHITE same time. It monochrome,
also doubles while Android 11
These rimless Working from The last thing any as a phone stand. brings the apps.
sunglasses offer a beach in Bali? traveller wants to £130 / twelve £280 /
UV protection Sending emails cart around with south.co.uk amazon.co.uk
via high-impact from a Spanish them is a big bag
polycarbonate rooftop bar? It’s of grooming gear
lenses for outdoor tough out there. to keep them
enthusiasts. The At least with ULTIMATE EARS trim and tidy.
hypoallergenic this webcam, MINIROLL One solution
and screwless digital nomads is to go full yeti…
design ensures will look amazing Rugged and portable, this sonic omelette another is this
comfort during in 4K HDR on delivers big sound for any adventure. 12-in-1 kit, which
extended their calls. And Rocking 12hr battery life, IP67 resistance has everything
adventures… its auto-tracking to water and dust, and a PartyUp feature to keep growth
and yes, you will gimbal will follow for syncing multiple speakers, it’s ready at bay. Head,
also look dead cool them around the to rock as soon as you are. A hookable nose, eyebrow
wearing them. beach hut. strap also allows for easy attachment and even ear hair
£295 / £200 / to backpacks or tents. are all in its sights.
silhouette.com insta360.com £70 / ultimateears.com £35 / boots.com

41
 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

TIMES ROAM MEACODRY ECOFLOW

ARETE TWO DELTA PRO 3
Made in Italy + 400W
using sustainable At first, second or SOLAR PANEL
bio-acetate, even third glance,
these sunglasses a dehumidifier EcoFlow’s home
have a flexible may seem like electricity system
strap integrated a strange idea works with a
into the arms, for a Christmas portable solar
letting you easily STUART & LAU present. But while panel for off-grid HELIOGRAF PORTABLE
hang them around CARY BRIEFCASE it may look like a operation. Its LIGHT SOY FISH LAMP
your neck when hi-tech pedal bin, 4096Wh capacity
the sun goes in. Made from waterproof DuraLite fabric this one is also an will power most Inspired by those little fishy soy sauce
Fitted with Zeiss with recycled Eco-Twill lining, this case air purifier, and home appliances, bottles, this lamp is as green as it is
polarised lenses, balances sustainability with grownup it makes for a and you get whimsical. Made from over 75% recycled
they fold flat to style. Features include a removable greener way to real-time ocean-bound plastic, each lamp is
sit comfortably laptop sleeve, umbrella slot and dry clothes than monitoring to ever so slightly unique and features
under your jacket concealed AirTag pocket. It’s shipped running a big old ensure efficient touch-control dimming and USB-C fast
when not in use. in 100% recyclable packaging, and 1% tumble dryer. energy usage. charging. There’s also a pendant version,
£115 / of every sale is donated to green causes. from £180 / £3398 / if you prefer your whimsy fixed.
wearetimes.com from £253 / stuartandlau.com meaco.com ecoflow.com £140 / japannakama.co.uk

ECO WARRIOR
HUSKEECUP DASHEL Sustainability doesn’t mean making the turkey last
BUNDLE OCEAN
These striking
EDITION until February – these greener gifts might just add
cups repurpose Made in the UK a few more years to the life of our doomed planet
coffee waste into from recycled
durable drinkware, materials, this
which also keeps handsome cycling
your brew hotter helmet turns
for longer. Comfy manufacturing
to hold and fine imperfections into
in the dishwasher, unique finishes. It
this bundle also incorporates
comprises four old fishing nets
cups, saucers for the rear
and lids. All can loop, and each FAIRPHONE FINISTERRE LOMI HOME
be returned and purchase means FAIRBUDS ORSIK FLEECE COMPOSTER
recycled into new €5 goes to PRINTED
Huskee products. Healthy Seas. The world’s JACKET Believe it or not,
£60 / £85 / most repairable this unassuming
huskcups.co.uk dashel.co.uk premium in-ears, Eye-catching, countertop device
the Fairbuds blend eh? This printed turns food waste
quality audio jacket is made into nutrient-rich
with sustainable from recycled compost in as
design. Both the DUALIT CLASSIC KETTLE polyester, with little as 24hrs.
buds and the case a contour design Designed for
have replaceable This kettle’s standout eco-feature is its inspired by indoor use, it has
batteries, replaceable heating element, meaning oceanographic a simple touch
massively it can be quickly fixed for a much longer maps. It has a interface. Yucky
extending their lifespan and less waste. The sleek design mesh lining for stuff goes in, nice
possible lifespan, complements Dualit’s equally stylish breathability and stuff comes out,
and you can order toaster range, while that 3KW element comfort, but sadly and it’s ready
replacement buds is no slouch – and the company’s doesn’t count as a to chuck on the
for £40 each. patented Whisper Boil tech means Christmas jumper. flowerbeds.
£129 / you can truly enjoy a quiet cuppa. £165 / £400 /
fairphone.com £150 / dualit.com finisterre.com eu.lomi.com

42
 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Fried in light
The photocatalysis
process works by
shining light on a
special titanium dioxide
filter. This breaks down
and destroys pollutants
as they pass through it.

Spree no evil Beauty drip

Vitesy reckons you can Not very good at
save around €100 a remembering to water
year by not needing to your plants? This pot
change filters as with has a 1L self-watering
a HEPA purifier. Of system, so for once
course, it also means they might have a
less waste.
VITESY NATEDE SMART fighting chance…

This is a far cry from your average air purifier, resembling a plant pot without any clue to the
tech crammed within. In fact, it is a plant pot… but beneath its white shell lies an ingenious
filter-free air purification system, bolstered by whatever vegetation you choose to put in
it. Compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant, it offers voice control and app-based
management, letting you keep tabs on pollutants, temperature, humidity, allergens and dust
levels. The plant in the pic is mother-in-law’s tongue, by the way.
£239 / go.stuff.tv/NatedeSmart

43
 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
Vetting better
Dual mics, combined
with a beamforming
algorithm, pick up
speech while filtering
out surrounding noise,
letting people hear you
more clearly on calls.

Lovely tweeter
The DLC diaphragm,
according to Xiaomi,
improves the accuracy
and quality of the
sound. You do get rich
treble, mellow mids
and thumping bass.

With a little help

from my bends
The ear-hooks have
been bent and twisted
5000 times in Xiaomi’s
electronics torture
laboratory (yeah, we
made that name up).

XIAOMI OPENWEAR STEREO

Bad news for hungry sewer drains: Xiaomi’s lightweight buds provide a secure ear-hook
fit, while keeping the wearer alert to ambient sounds courtesy of their open nature. With
surprisingly good reduction of sound leakage and app-customisable settings, they deliver
rich sound without isolation. The smart touch controls and long battery life (up to 38hrs
including top-ups from the case) make them ideal for extended training sessions, while
a flexible design with soft-touch coating ensures a comfortable fit.
£90 / go.stuff.tv/OpenWearStereo

44
 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

SHOKZ VITRUVIAN ZWIFT RIDE

OPENSWIM TRAINER+
PRO Road cycling
Sure, you could might have things
These dapper waste hours like ‘fresh air’ and
bone-conduction every week ‘the beauty of
headphones offer waiting your turn nature’, but it also
both Bluetooth for the squat rack, has angry drivers,
and onboard MP3 or you could ditch heavy rain and
ADIDAS TERREX functionality (with the gym for a AMAZFIT ACTIVE hand-numbing
AGRAVIC 3 32GB of storage) premium private cold. Making
for swimmers workout at home. This stylish (and admittedly somewhat the transition
With a breathable upper, Lightstrike who just can’t hit This cable-based obviously Apple-inspired) smartwatch to indoor cycling
cushioning and Continental rubber their PBs without platform might combines AI-powered training guidance looks tempting
outsole, these versatile and hardy kicks listening to some look like a coffee with comprehensive health monitoring. with Zwift’s own
will let any off-track runner hit the trails angst-fuelled table with no legs, Featuring a vibrant AMOLED display, smart bike, which
with confidence, not to mention style. metal. And tell ya but it’s a complete 14-day battery life and accurate GPS is (obviously)
Offering comfort, stability and reliable what, they sound gym solution for tracking for various outdoor pursuits, compatible with
grip in all conditions, they’re also made surprisingly vivid. home use. it’s an ideal choice for style-conscious the Zwift app.
with at least 20% recycled materials. £169 / £2890 / vitruvian fitness fans who aren’t Apple snobs. £1200 /
£120 / adidas.co.uk uk.shokz.com form.com £101 / amazon.co.uk uk.zwift.com

FITNESS FREAK
From open earbuds to innovative accessories, these COSORI NUROSYM
SMART
training gadgets will help them break a sweat and AIR FRYER This extremely
sophisticated yet
TWINFRY
smash their goals (or at least feel like they are) compact wearable
Air fryers are ‘neuromodulation’
getting better by device aims to
the day. This one reduce stress and
has a cavernous improve various
10L capacity, health issues by
which can be split stimulating the
into two separate vagus nerve. It’s
drawers, each a non-invasive
with individual way to address
timings and fatigue and
PININFARINA VENTETE SHAKTI temperature other concerns.
SINTESI AH-1 PREMIUM controls for Bioelectric
SPORT ESSENTIALS the ultimate in medicine: it’s
Revolutionise your BUNDLE low-calorie joy. the future!
This hybrid watch bike commute by £290 / £599 /
merges classic asking Mr Claus Lying on sharp amazon.co.uk nurosym.com
style with smart for this inflatable plastic spikes
tech. Featuring helmet. Collapsing sounds like… not
a stainless steel to just 10% of its a good idea. But
case and proper size, it inflates in COROS DURA trust us when
hands, it tracks 30secs, saving a we say that the
health metrics bunch of precious Slim and slinky, this bike computer has sensations after
and delivers bag space when an incredible 120hrs of battery life thanks a few minutes on
notifications… not in use. The to solar charging wizardry. Rammed this acupressure
but without structure claims with all manner of sensors and featuring mat and pillow are
screaming “I’M better impact a 2.7in colour touchscreen, it also has worth it, with a
A SMARTWATCH!” absorption and turn-by-turn GPS (including offline relaxation effect
£299 / ventilation than map functionality) and gets on with unlike anything
pininfarina- a foam helmet. various popular apps including Strava else out there.
hybridwatch £350 / and Komoot. £118 /
byglobics.com ventete.com £249 / uk.coros.com shaktimat.co.uk

45
 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

PICO 4 ULTRA WOOJER PLAYSEAT

VEST 3 FORMULA
Pico’s latest VR INSTINCT
headset offers Few things will F1 EDITION
quite stunning elevate a VR
mixed-reality experience more This cockpit is
gaming with dual than this vest, endorsed by real
32MP cameras. which uses F1 drivers, which
You can access powerful haptics is more than most
SteamVR and 2D SANDISK POKEMON to let you feel rivals can say. Its HYTE THICC Q60 240MM
games via PC, or MICROSD CARD when and from dynamic comfort AIO LIQUID CPU COOLER
enjoy standalone which direction system accepts
VR apps — now These officially licensed Nintendo you’re getting racers of all sizes, This eye-catching CPU cooler combines
with full-body Switch microSD cards feature beloved shot, speared while patented powerful chillage with massively OTT
tracking (courtesy Pokemon designs, making them or tackled. It’s adjustment customisable flair. Its ‘thicc’ 240mm
of new trackers, infinitely more exciting (and giftworthy) a bit full-on… but systems offer radiator efficiently dissipates heat, while
sold separately) than any other slice of memory. With should also add customisation the utterly unnecessary screen adds
for increased read speeds up to 100MB/s and write something to to help them get a new dimension to RGB customisation.
immersion. speeds up to 90MB/s, they ensure quick music listening. nice and comfy. But let’s be honest, that’s the bit that
£529 / game loading and smooth performance. £487 / £549 / makes us want it.
argos.co.uk from £30 / shop.sandisk.com woojer.com playseat.com £340 / awd-it.co.uk

GAMING GEEK
ALIENWARE META As a real treat for the hardcore gamer in your life, why
AW2725QF QUEST 3S
This monitor can It might not reach
not take them outside to see what the sky looks like?
switch between quite the same Or, if that’s just not going to happen, try one of these…
4K@180Hz and pixel count as
1080p@360Hz the full Quest 3;
at the press of a but with the same
button, catering Snapdragon
to both hi-res and innards the new
high-refresh-rate 3S is no slouch,
gaming needs. and is capable of
Think crisp, blasting VR and
slow-paced MR magic into
single-player your eyes. And
experiences, the price makes STEELSERIES MEZE AUDIO WD_BLACK
before bumping this one of the ARCTIS BOOM MIC C50
down the best-value VR NOVA PRO
resolution for headsets yet. WIRELESS Ooh look, Santa’s This expansion
insane FPS plays from £290 / headphones have card for Xbox
£530 / dell.com meta.com Video games are suddenly become Series X/S saves
supposed to be a gaming headset deleting games
an escape from thanks to this to make space.
crappy old reality, detachable mic. Available in
so this headset FIEHDUW MANBAONE Its flexible arm 512GB and 1TB
has ANC to help CONTROLLER ensures ideal capacities, it’s
block it all out. positioning, while not going to be
Neodymium This versatile controller supports an in-line control the most exciting
drivers deliver Switch, iOS, Android and PC, while offers easy mute product on your
crystal-clear its interactive screen allows for easy and volume Christmas list, but
audio, and tweaking and customisation without tweaks — ideal if you’re forever
onboard profiles messing around with additional apps. for trash-talking shuffling titles
offer optimisation Hall-effect joysticks and triggers in game (or on around you’ll be
for popular games. provide precise and mercifully drift-free work Zoom calls). glad of it.
£270 / control with adjustable dead zones. €79 / from £90 /
steelseries.com £74 / amazon.co.uk mezeaudio.eu amazon.co.uk

46
 Take a hook CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
at me now
Installing the Matrix is
as easy as popping up
a curtain pole. Simply
screw in the included
mounting hooks and
hang up the bar.

A movey kind of love

Twinkly’s app lets you TWINKLY MATRIX In the glare tonight
If you’ve got the space
play preset animations, and are ready to be
but you can also create really dazzled, you can
your own effects or The Twinkly Matrix might sound like a Keanu remake for toddlers, but it is in fact a hypnotic connect two or more
upload your own GIFs ambient lighting setup suited to gamers. An LED curtain that claims the highest density of Matrix curtains
for the whole family to its type, it has 500 individually mappable lights capable of creating stunning visual effects. together, or link with
laugh/despair at. Wall-mountable and app-controlled, it offers unlimited customisation options, from relaxing other Twinkly products.
gradients to pulsating patterns. And PC screen-mirroring capabilities add an immersive layer
to gaming sessions, extending the on-screen action into your room.
£220 / go.stuff.tv/Matrix

47
 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
Stills of the night
You’ll want to shoot
in the brightest light
possible to maximise
this camera’s potential,
but do experiment
with more moody
shots as well.

Here buy Go again

Make sure you buy the
Go-specific film (the
prints are about
67x54mm), as regular
Polaroid i-Type film is
much bigger and won’t
fit in this camera.

Cool for your loving

Polaroid film should be
stored in the fridge if
you’re not planning to
use it for six months.
But please don’t
accidentally grate
it over your pasta.
POLAROID GO GENERATION 2
Polaroid has reinvented the instant camera, again, with a smattering of new and enhanced
features for better, more creative shots. Its wider aperture range (f9 to f42) and faster
1/300s shutter speed both go a long way to improving image quality, while a more precise
light sensor ensures better exposure. Its compact design comes in a choice of four colours,
while USB-C charging adds a dash of modern convenience. Just be sure to get enough film
to go with it, lest you give someone the gift of a camera-shaped paperweight.
£78 / go.stuff.tv/GoGen2

48
 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

ANCHOR LOGITECH PEAK DESIGN

IN THE MX CREATIVE TRAVEL
LANDSCAPE CONSOLE BACKPACK 45L
This exquisite Serious snappers This backpack
photography and vid-shooters expands from 35L
book by Adam spend hours to 45L (a bit like
Broomberg and post-shoot our stomachs on
Rafael Gonzalez tweaking and Christmas Day),
DJI NEO FLY documents the editing. And doing GOPRO HERO13 BLACK with rugged
MORE COMBO raw beauty of all those edits zips, multiple
Palestinian olive with a regular Yep, it’s time for another GoPro Hero access points,
DJI’s lightest drone weighs just 135g and trees, some of mouse and generation already. This latest high-end and clever
has fully enclosed propeller guards for them thousands keyboard is no action camera introduces swappable organisation
safety. Intuitive controls include palm of years old, in a fun. Enter the MX lenses, including ultrawide, anamorphic pockets for your
takeoff and landing, while its multiple rapidly changing Creative Console, and macro options (sold separately). photographic
shooting modes encourage the creative (and that’s an a customisable Other new features include a magnetic knick-knacks.
juices to flow. It’s ideal for vlogging, but understatement) combo to speed latch mounting system for quick It comes in three
can also capture 12MP photos to liven up landscape. any workflow. swapping shenanigans, and improved smart colours.
your social media feeds. £40 / mack £200 / battery life. from £280 /
£300 / dji.com books.co.uk logitech.com £400 / gopro.com peakdesign.com

PHOTO FIEND
These tools cater to every level of shutterbug, whether JOBY SWING NIKON Z6 III
COMPLETE
they’re just starting out in photography or already TRAVEL KIT Go on then, let’s
round off this
have a collection of lenses to rival an optician’s lab Joby’s clever kit selection with
brings motion a proper tasty
control powers camera: Nikon’s
to smartphone latest full-frame
content creation. mirrorless beast
The Swing slider has a partially
offers app-driven stacked 24.5MP
linear movement CMOS sensor
for timelapses and and Expeed 7
videos, letting you processor,
achieve smooth which means
SANDISK INSTA360 VQ HAND panning shots it’s serious
PRO-G40 SSD GO 3S WARMER without fuss. kit for serious
It comes with photographers.
This external SSD Insta360’s tiny While gloves various mounts £2699 (body
delivers blazing action camera are obviously and accessories. only) / park
speeds up to now offers 4K a thing, there’s £114 / joby.com cameras.com
2700MB/s read video recording, no escaping their
and 1900MB/s while maintaining -10 dexterity
write over its predecessor’s penalty. That’s
Thunderbolt 3. ultra-compact INSTAX MINI LINK 3 where this
Phwoar! It’s also design. It also rechargeable
compatible with offers improved This portable printer creates Instax mini hand warmer
USB-C, while low-light prints direct from your smartphone, comes in. Not
its ultra-rugged performance offering creative modes like collage only does it
design (with 3m and enhanced printing and remote shooting via its keep your digits
drop protection) stabilisation, and companion app. A delightfully rounded cosy, but it also
is bolstered by an 5m waterproofing little number available in pastel green, doubles up as
IP68 rating against means it’s ready pink or white, it also does quirky 3D AR a 10,000mAh
dust and water. for all adventures. effects, with a battery that recharges power bank in
from £240 (1TB) from £350 / via USB-C. emergencies.
/ amazon.co.uk insta360.com £115 / instax.co.uk £20 / myvq.co.uk

49
 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

STEALTH ROOKIE 12 BITZEE

C6-100 BALANCE BIKE DISNEY GAME
A multi-platform This lightweight This virtual pet
gaming headset balance bike features 30
that’s compatible weighs just 2.9kg, Disney characters
with most major letting little ones in one compact
consoles and PCs, up to 4 (or 5 if pod, brought to life
it’s the low price they’re smallish) by a strip of LEDs.
of the C6-100 that MINECRAFT BLOCK learn to ride Responding to GARMIN VIVOFIT JR.3
will most appeal to BUILDING LIGHT without being touch, swipes
parents. A flexible weighed down by and tilts, it offers This swim-friendly fitness tracker offers
mic and in-line This interactive light lets you create a hulking unwieldy interactive an interactive app experience with virtual
controls, coupled custom Minecraft-inspired structures frame. It has moments from world tours. It monitors steps, sleep
with soft-foam using 16 light-up blocks. With familiar adjustable seat beloved movies, and activity, motivating kids with app
ear-cushions elements such as earth, TNT and height and letting children adventures and games, encouraging
and an adjustable diamond ore to juggle, it offers unlimited handlebars, 12in unlock rare them to explore the great outdoors (yes,
headband, make customisation possibilities – perfect for alloy wheels and characters and the real one). Parents can even manage
for a comfortable providing some useful ambient light to a padded saddle. play mini games. chores and rewards through the app, and
fit for all ages. spot any approaching creepers. £130 / kidvelo £35 / the design is suitably durable.
£15 / argos.co.uk £45 / amazon.co.uk bikes.co.uk johnlewis.com £80 / garmin.com

JUNIOR NERD
MINELAB CORNILLEAU Interactive toys, educational gadgets, and the return
X-TERRA HOBBY
VOYAGER MINI TABLE of Furby. Oh, what wonders await to shape young
Not just a metal This ping-pong minds as we train up the next geek generation…
detector, this table is foldable for
kit for budding easy storage and
detectorists adjustable to three
includes heights, making
headphones, it an accessible
a backpack and way of introducing
a shovel — all you ’em to the way
need to hunt for of the whizzing
Roman coins, hands. Bats, balls
only to introduce and talent not
little tykes to the included, but TILE MATE YETI RAMBLER CONNETIX
disappointment at least two of JR (354ML) RAINBOW
of bottle caps and those are easy The Tile Mate’s CREATIVE
rusty nails. to come by. vibrant hues Most parents will PACK
£190 / £199 / uk. make it an know the pain of
amazon.co.uk cornilleau.com ideal pick for having to replace This magnetic tile
parents looking broken drink set encourages
to keep tabs bottles virtually learning through
on their children every week. But play, using various
(and/or their FURBY not any more. shapes, sizes and
stuff), without Yeti’s kid-friendly colours to help
any arguments Were you traumatised by the staring Rambler Jr will develop fine
about colours. eyes of your childhood Furby? Good laugh in the face motor skills and
Well, probably. news! Now you can share that trauma of drops, its problem-solving
Small enough to with a whole new generation. The latest stainless steel abilities. It’s 102
clip to bags, belt iteration responds to voice commands, shell brushing pieces, but you
loops and more, touch and movement, with over 600 off tumbles and can add more for
it’s easily located responses. Features also include dancing, double vacuum creative building
with the Tile app. singing and light-up effects, which your insulation keeping as kids grow.
from £25 / children will surely love. Even if you don’t. drinks cold. £95 / thekid
tile.com £55 / smythstoys.com £25 / uk.yeti.com collective.co.uk

50
 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

The fast time As gears go by

One of the engineers The seven-speed
who designed the Lego gearbox actually works.
P1 can apparently blitz Yes, seriously. You can
through an entire build witness its magic when
in 16hrs. Rest assured, you shift through the
your teen will be kept gears. Mind-boggling
busy for longer. engineering, that.

Wild forces
The original McLaren
designers reportedly
took inspiration from
images of hammerhead
sharks and falcons in
flight. Who knew sharks
could fly?

LEGO TECHNIC MCLAREN P1

Treat ’em nice now, and maybe one day they’ll buy you a real McLaren P1. Well, it’s a long shot…
but for now, this 1:8 scale marvel – recreating the hybrid supercar with 3893 pieces – will
at least make you popular way past Boxing Day. Designated as 18+ but approachable for any
smart teen with parental guidance, it features a V8 piston engine, a seven-speed gearbox,
and the P1’s signature butterfly doors with an advanced opening mechanism. You also get
details such as functioning suspension and an adjustable rear wing.
£390 / go.stuff.tv/LegoP1

51
 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Tie another day

USB-C connectivity and
MIDI sync capability
bring modern tech to
the sampler’s historical
sounds – it’s very much
ready to take its place in
a current studio setup.

Justify my glove Plucky star

Powered by four AAA What sort of instrument
batteries (or over USB),
the EP–1320 Medieval TEENAGE ENGINEERING samples are we talking
about here? Well, how
can be carried around
in a quilted bag if you EP–1320 MEDIEVAL about hurdy-gurdy,
gittern, bagpipes,
have another £99 chain rattles and,
to spare. erm, a dragon?
OK, maybe a medieval-themed pocket sampler is stretching the definition of ‘retro’ – are you
nostalgic for the Black Death? But this Teenage music-maker – more Dungeons & Dragons
than drum’n’bass – is truly unique. It packs a whole array of olde worlde instruments into
a compact and alluring package, with 128MB of storage (96MB pre-loaded, 32MB for your
own samples). The built-in microphone, speaker and sequencer make it a versatile tool, while
a bank of effects and an arpeggiator round out its impressive feature set.
£299 / go.stuff.tv/Medieval

52
 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

FIIO DM13 ORANGE NANOLEAF

PYRAMID EXPO
Yes, vinyl and SYSTEM STARTER KIT
cassettes have
seen a mighty We challenge you Show off your
resurgence, but to find an amplifier retro gadgetry
who’s to say they that more closely collection (or any
should have all resembles a other collection,
the nostalgic fun? pharaoh’s burial really) in style
MODRETRO CHROMATIC FiiO’s beautifully monument than THE SPECTRUM with this smart
crafted portable Orange’s zany display case. With
This Game Boy-inspired handheld CD player delivers centrepiece. With Relive the glorious ZX Spectrum era with customisable LED
marries classic design with modern retro charm with Bluetooth, RCA this faithful modern replica. Featuring lighting, a flexible
enhancements, all in a delectable modern features, and aux inputs, 48 built-in games (including Manic modular design
rainbow hue of colour options. With offering aptX HD and a pair of Miner) and HD output via HDMI, it blends and smart skills
a sunlight-readable 160x144 display, Bluetooth and speakers included sweet, sweet nostalgia with modern such as rhythm
a magnesium alloy body and compatibility USB audio, to in the package, this conveniences such as save states and visualisation, it’s
with original cartridges, it’s perhaps the breathe new life isn’t just another the ability to load games via USB. Oh, literally a showcase
ultimate AAA-battery-powered tribute into all those old hi-fi system. and let’s not forget the ability to rewind of your geekery.
to portable gaming’s golden age. CDs you can’t find. £795 / orange gameplay by up to 40 seconds. from £300 (for 4)
£155 / modretro.com £179 / fiio.com ssentials.com £87 / shopto.net / nanoleaf.me

RETRO HEAD
Embrace nostalgia with these modern twists on MARSHALL RETROSPEKT
EMBERTON III POLAROID
classic gadgets, including a sampler so fiendishly The very name
600
INSTANTART
clever it might just get you burned at the stake ‘Marshall’ feels
inherently retro, For instant
but this Bluetooth photography
speaker packs with a twist, this
a modern punch, eye-catching
pumping out your (or should we say
tunes in 360° for ‘eye-assaulting’?)
32hrs or more. camera’s vibrant
It also has IP67 design houses
waterproofing and refurbed vintage
a mic for fielding components, for
TINYTV 2 SMEG 10 IN 1 HMD BARBIE calls mid-beach a true analogue
COUNTERTOP PHONE party, and is experience with
Almost certainly OVEN available in black sustainability
the smallest TV If you’re going or cream. in mind.
ever to grace the Combining to jump on the £150 / £139 /
pages of Stuff, Smeg’s famous ‘dumb phone’ marshall.com retrospekt.com
this cute box is retro style with craze and break
a fine example of modern cooking free of modern
doing something tech, this 30L tech’s shackles,
just because oven harnesses OFFICIAL DATA EAST you might as well
you can. Flick the power of BURGERTIME QUARTER do it in style. And
between various 33 automatic SIZE ARCADE CABINET things don’t get
channels with its programs within more stylish or
titchy remote or its deceptively Bring the arcade home (minus the pallet retro than this
knobs, or hook sleek design. From delivery costs) with this quarter-scale dazzling Barbie
it up to your PC fish and bread to BurgerTime cabinet. With its illuminated flip-phone,
to load it up with desserts, there’s marquee and original BurgerTime ROM, complete with
MP4 files. It’s a 1in practically no limit this is a trip to the ’80s that lets you mirror front for
216x135 screen. to its skills. make burgers while evading enemies checking you’re
£47 / £850 / shop. like Mr Egg, Mr Hotdog and Mr Pickle. still gorgeous.
tinycircuits.com smeguk.com £220 / quarterarcades.com £100 / hmd.com

53
 PRO
MODEL
CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE TESTED
p59

BURTON RS No9 ATARI 3D

GOODS LOGAN SPEAQUA WALL ART
LEATHER CUFF BARNACLE CARTRIDGE
VIBE 3.0 COLLECTION
This Apple Watch
band is the perfect This Bluetooth You don’t have
present for those speaker offers to be a greying
living their best powerful audio veteran with
cattle rancher in a floatable form, diminishing
lives. Made from RING BATTERY complete with joystick reflexes TINYPOD
full-grain leather VIDEO DOORBELL the Rolling Stones’ to appreciate this
with stainless famous logo. With homage to some Watches – they’re just too watchy,
steel hardware, it This smart doorbell offers 1440p HD 8GB of internal of Atari’s classics. aren’t they? This case transforms an
has a tapered cuff video with colour night vision and a wide storage, it can Capturing the Apple Watch into a nostalgic iPod-like
design for comfort field of view, to help ensure you don’t hold up to 2000 magic of an era device. Available with or without a scroll
and comes in four miss Santa prowling around looking for songs for offline where box art wheel, it’s designed to make the wearable
colours, so you an alternative to chimney entry. Other playback, making mattered, this will a more focused smartphone alternative,
can match their notable features include two-way talk, it ideal for off-grid smarten up any offering a unique way to interact with
favourite Stetson. customisable motion zones and quick pool parties. gaming den. music libraries and more. Think of all the
$100 / replies for fending off salespeople. £90 / £40 / wrist space it’ll free up!
burtongoods.com £100 / en-uk.ring.com rsno9.co.uk thumbsup.com £79 / thetinypod.com

BUDGET BUDDY
IMOU CELL CHERRY You don’t need to spend yourself into the workhouse
3C 2K XTRFY M64
This wireless This ultra-light
to nab the perfect techy gift – at £100 and under,
security camera wireless gaming these parsimonious picks won’t embarrass anyone
offers effortless mouse weighs
24/7 surveillance just 53g, which
without the faff is barely heavier
of either wired than two mini
installation or Curly Wurlys. Even
battery range better, it has a
anxiety, thanks to high-performance
its included solar sensor, an
panel. That’s right, ergonomic design
an actual solar and up to 75hrs
security cam for of battery life per NOKIA 3210 D-LINK M30 CHROME
under 50 quid. It charge. We’re big AQUILA PRO INDUSTRIES
just needs placing fans of the blue This 4G update of AI AX3000 LOGAN POUCH
in a sunny spot. and brown option. the classic 3210
£46 / £99 / blends nostalgia Few gifts show This sleek pouch
store.imou.com cherryxtrfy.com with modern how much you keeps essentials
connectivity. care more than close at hand,
Featuring a vivid a router. Saving without weighing
display, an epic someone from you down with
battery and the GROOV-E MY LOCK buffering wheels superfluous bits.
obligatory Snake and bottlenecked With a removable
game, it’s perfect Unless you’ve got an unfortunate speeds is one of strap and multiple
for those seeking habit of losing your fingers, you’ll never the kindest things pockets, it’s
a simpler handset misplace the keys for this padlock: you can do this ideal for carrying
experience, unlocking itself in the presence of Christmas. The everyday gear,
offering a break a saved fingerprint, it can always be fact that this mesh while remaining
from smartphone opened at a moment’s notice. With an router looks like light and nimble.
overload while IP67 rating to fend off the elements, it’s a futuristic manta And it’s made from
maintaining suitable for outdoor use, making your ray sculpture recycled materials.
essential comms. shed door the smartest on the block. helps too. £37 / chrome
£75 / hmd.com £20 / groov-e.co.uk £58 / dlink.com industries.com

54
 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Do you feel size?

With a selection of
different-sized silicone
ear-tips included, you
can find your perfect fit
to seal out the noise of
the world – handy, as
there’s no ANC.

Case for the prize

The charging case
conveniently supports
Qi wireless charging,
which is a rather
unexpected (and
welcome) bonus at
this price.

Fright test
An IPX5 rating means
showers should pose
no problems, and you
can even wash them
under a tap. Don’t
go swimming in
them, though.

AUDIO-TECHNICA ATH-SQ1TW2
There’s a lot to love about AT’s budget earbuds beyond their price. They’re available in a
wondrous collection of hues for a start, ranging from a bold red/blue/white combo to this
fetching Master Chief-esque green/bronze option. Shades aside, the drivers inside will serve
up thumping bass and crisp highs. Multipoint pairing means they can connect to two devices
at the same time; and while 6.5hrs is far from the best battery life we’ve seen, we’re certainly
not complaining at this price – and you can extend that to 20hrs with the case.
£49 / go.stuff.tv/TW2

55
 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Sayin’ alive
It’s got voice control,
and the simple phrase
“Hello Rocky” lets you
start cleaning even
without an internet
connection or smart
speaker system.

Live talkin’ Fright weaver

With a colour camera Lidar, the camera and
and speaker, you can AI work together to
use this vac as a roving identify floor and room
spy-cam to cruise types, with the ability
around and keep an eye to identify up to 73
on your furry friends different object types
while you’re away.
ROBOROCK S8 MAXV ULTRA to scoot around.

The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra has the sort of name you might associate with a fighter jet, and
it’s certainly not shy of waging war on dust, dirt and debris. A combination vacuum and mop
with a stylish dock/charging station, it’ll provide you with immaculate floors on a daily basis,
with 10,000Pa suction power and a dual-roller design making short work of deep grit and the
stray hairs of your designer pet ocelot. Its side brush and edge mop help reach tight corners,
while AI obstacle recognition and Lidar navigation create precise cleaning routes.
£1200 / go.stuff.tv/MaxVUltra

56
 FULL CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
REVIEW
p30

TORMEK T-1 APPLE TAG HEUER

iPHONE 16 CARRERA
The keen amateur PRO MAX CHRONO-
chef in your life will GRAPH
enjoy pro-grade Apple’s latest EXTREME
slicy goodness flagship is quite SPORT
at home with this possibly the best
knife sharpener. iPhone yet – well, This beautifully
The low speed isn’t it always? designed 44mm
BANG & OLUFSEN and precise angle Powered by the NINJA LUXE CAFE chronograph
BEOPLAY H100 setting minimise ridiculously fast might be the most
steel removal, A18 Pro chip, it Ninja’s versatile machine combines luxurious thing
Available in this ‘sunset apricot’ and two while the fine offers enhanced espresso, filter coffee and cold brew you can put on
other colours that are less scary to pets, diamond wheel AI capabilities capabilities in one all-encompassing, the human wrist.
these ultra-luxurious headphones blend handles all steel and improved kitchen-hogging package. It can And you can add a
immersive sound with typically luscious types and even performance auto-calibrate its settings for perfect free 15-character
B&O design. Packing advanced ANC and ceramic blades. across the board. brews, while hands-free frothing creates engraving on
optimised for Dolby Atmos, the modular It comes with an The cameras are silky microfoam and a built-in grinder the back – total
construction embraces sustainability 8yr warranty. revamped too. with 25 settings ensures connoisseur bargain, then!
with user-replaceable parts. £330 / shop. from £1199 / precision with every cup. £7150 /
£1299 / bang-olufsen.com tormek.co.uk apple.com £550 / ninjakitchen.co.uk tagheuer.com

BANK BUSTER
What’s that? Money’s no object? We hate you. But ENGWE L20 GOZNEY X
HEDLEY &
never mind that – treat yourself (or someone you Even rich people
get tired, so how
BENNETT
ARC XL
love) to some of the finest gadgetry money can buy… about an e-bike
for your favourite Scorching up to
commuter? This 500°C (perfect for
one has fat tyres cooking authentic
to provide stability Neapolitan discs
on less-than-flat of cheesy joy),
terrain, while the this flame-filled
250W motor will dome will warm
push them up any pizza lover’s
inclines with ease. stone-baked
The step-through heart. Serving
LEICA M11-D LIITON THERAGUN design means up 16in pizzas of
LUXURY PRIME PLUS they won’t split restaurant quality,
This beautiful CRYSTAL their fancy suit the Arc XL is a real
screen-free WHISKEY Theragun’s new getting off it. statement piece.
digital rangefinder PEAKS SET super-powerful £999 / engwe- £750 /
pays homage yet compact bikes-uk.com gozney.com
to analogue Imagine sipping massage gun
photography in on a fine whiskey is a physio in
a way that only (or whisky) while the palm of your
Leica can. Its it swirls around ASUS ZENBOOK S 14 hand, tending to
60MP full-frame over a miniature knots and pains
sensor offers glass recreation The good thing about posh laptops is with a percussive
flexible resolution of one of the they go obsolete after about six weeks, movement that
options, while the world’s great so even the most high-flying executive melts tension
64-50,000 ISO mountains. The will always need a new one soon enough. away. Everyone
range ensures fact that the This powerful Asus measures in at a from office
versatility in all peaks actually svelte 1.1cm thick and comes packing workers to daily
lighting conditions. help keep it cold, one of Intel’s Core Ultra processors, gym-goers will
£8100 (body without ice, is a with the latest Copilot+ AI capabilities appreciate this.
only) / leica- tasty bonus. and day-long battery life. £379 /
camera.com £390 / liiton.com £1500 / asus.com therabody.com

57
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 GROUP TEST SMART HOME

3 OF THE BEST

Smart doorbells Need to stop package pirates, or just screen who’s popped over
for a cuppa? These battery-powered dingers will do the job…

T
TES R
E
INN
W

BEST BEST BEST

FOR FOR FOR
A FULL SMART BATTERY
VIEW HOMES LIFE

Eufy Video Doorbell E340 Ring Battery Video Yale Smart Video Doorbell
What’s the story?
Doorbell Pro What’s the story?
Eufy’s newest smart battery doorbell (which What’s the story? Yale is obviously a big name in security, and
can also be wired in) has two cameras: a Ring’s doorbell range has been bewildering at this subscription-free doorbell – which is
front-facer for people and a down-pointer times, but you just need to know that this is rechargeable but can also be wired in – has
that gives a view of the floor in front of your the current range-topper as far as its battery a lot going for it. It pairs with the Yale Home
door. The double delights don’t stop there models go. If you want to store recordings app, you can add additional £30 chimes, and
either: it also features dual motion-sensitive (which you will) then you’ll also need to get you won’t need the optional cloud storage as
lights for enhanced security and night vision. a Ring Protect Plan, which is £50 a year. you can store plenty of footage on the device.

Is it any good? Is it any good? Is it any good?

The double view is an absolute gamechanger, With quality HD video, colour night vision The Yale loses out on specs to the other two
and what’s particularly smart is the way it (not much more useful than black and white, on test here, but isn’t a poor relation for that:
tells you if anyone approaches a parcel left to be honest) and a head-to-toe view, this it still offers Full HD video, a wide 154° field
on your step. The 2K visuals are super-clear is one of Ring’s best gadgets yet – and if you of view, two-way talk and night vision.
and you even get a decent view at night, aided have Alexa gear on the go already, it’ll work You can also live-view using the app at any
by those lights. App connectivity is great, seamlessly with it. The fine-tuning features time. Battery life is excellent: Yale cites 4-6
with instant notifications, easy two-way for motion and area coverage are also second months, compared to a few weeks for the
[ Words Dan Grabham, Rachael Sharpe ]

conversations, pre-programmed quick replies to none. Although the specs aren’t quite Ring. Another clever feature is that, if you
and locally stored recordings (of up to 8GB) as good as the Eufy’s, this one offers great have a Yale smart lock, you can unlock your
with no pesky subscription fee. value – especially in the Amazon sales. door from the same app to let people in.

Price £160 / go.stuff.tv/E340 Price £130 / go.stuff.tv/RingPro Price £130 / go.stuff.tv/YaleDoorbell

Stuff says +++++ Stuff says ++++, Stuff says +++++

A fantastically clear door-to-floor view with A value-packed doorbell that offers much, With great battery life and on-device storage,
motion-sensitive lights at a decent price though the sub has become expensive this is a solid option from a trusted name

59
 TESTED HONOR MAGIC V3

Next big thin

Honor has finally brought its slimline
2

Magic V3 to the UK… and it’s as slick as

it is pocketable. Enough to make this
a tipping point for folding phones?

£1699 / go.stuff.tv/MagicV3
3
Foldable phones have only really
been around for five years, but
they’ve come a long way in that
time, and the Honor Magic V3
is the perfect example of that
progress. At just 9.2mm thick
when shut, this is the thinnest
foldable available – that’s less
than a millimetre thicker than an
iPhone 16 Pro, and a full 2.5mm
thinner than the OnePlus Open.
At 226g, it’s lighter than the
OnePlus too.
Improvements have also been
made in durability. Honor says
the material used for the frame
is twice as strong as steel, there’s
an improved water-resistance
rating of IPX8, and a NanoCrystal
Shield is there to stop the 6.43in
outer screen getting scratched.
Whereas early foldables felt
fragile, there’s none of that here: 1
it feels almost as rugged as any
[ Words Dan Grabham ]

hinge-less phone.
You’ll still pay a premium over
similar-specced ‘flat’ models, but
could the Magic V3 be the folding
phone you just can’t ignore?

You sexy thin Thins can only get better Don’t you worry ’bout a thin
There’s no doubt that the look Android 14 is running the show With a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 CPU
and feel of the V3 is its key selling here, with Honor’s MagicOS on at the heart of things, it’s no
point. The rear has a lovely matt top (2). That means you get a surprise that the Magic V3 is
finish (1), which looks smart and few extras, but also a handful an excellent performer. The RAM
doesn’t get instantly covered of unnecessary sponsored apps. and storage are a standard 12GB
in fingerprints… but it is slippery. It lacks a little of the polish of and 512GB respectively, with
Not much can be done about the Samsung’s One UI, and needs Wi-Fi 7 also on board if you have
front screen being glossy, but the more work for the large screen a fancy enough router to take
back should be easier to grip. format (see panel opposite). advantage of it.

Superb Great Decent

design and battery set of
build life cameras
GOOD Magic Portal Multitasking
MEH doesn’t work
to the full
could be
better
EVIL It’s still a
very pricey
phone

60
 TESTED HONOR MAGIC V3
Oh, you
pretty thin
Face-unlocking
is the easiest way to
gain access to the V3.
4 There’s a fingerprint
reader on the side
but it’s fiddly.

Tech specs
Screens 7.92in 2344x2156 + 6.43in 2376x1060 120Hz
OLED CPU Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 RAM 12GB Storage
512GB OS Android 14 + MagicOS 8 Cameras 50+50+40MP
rear, 20+20MP front Battery 5150mAh Dimensions
157x145x4.4mm (open), 157x74x9.2mm (folded), 226g

All thins bright and beautiful

Both screens are capable of 120Hz refresh rates and
support Dolby Vision, but what are they like to use?

Q Outer: lush Q Inner: flush

The 6.43in LTPO OLED The 7.92in OLED internal
cover screen is the size display is also pin-sharp,
of many ‘normal’ phone but it’s the crease – or
displays, although the lack of it – that’s the most
bezels are a touch wider. appealing part. You have to
It’s super-bright and very tilt the screen towards the
usable even on sunny light to see the indentation,
days, with support for and even then it’s not
up to 5000 nits. really a distraction.

Q Apps: mix Q AI: tricks

I don’t want to miss a thin All thins must pass To make the most of all You also get a load of
The V3’s main camera (3) takes The 5150mAh battery will easily that screen space Honor AI-enhanced MagicOS
some superb shots and copes last a day (4) and won’t drain too has made it possible to features. There are
fine in low light, although detail quickly when you’re not using it. have two apps open side translation tools and
could be better. The periscope Wireless charging support still by side, or one on top of camera features, plus
lens only offers 3.5x zoom but isn’t the norm for foldables, so another. It’s not bad, but Magic Portal, which gives
it’s great for portraits; and while it’s welcome here… but you’ll need OnePlus’s Open Canvas you context-sensitive
you’ll probably get less use out of to buy Honor’s SuperCharge is better as it lets you see actions – but it doesn’t
the ultrawide one, it’s more than accessory to achieve the fastest three apps at once. work universally.
up to the job for landscapes. 50W cable-free charge speeds.

The Magic V3 is the first foldable I’ve used that’s STUFF SAYS +++++
like having a normal phone in your pocket – and A major step up from
that feels like a big deal. It’s almost unbelievably
thin and seems superbly made. There are still
the previous model, the
areas that could be improved, most obviously the Honor Magic V3 will
multitasking, but the V3’s real achievement is that it makes change how you think
carrying a foldable phone feel normal. @dangrabham about foldable phones

61
Wire free, worry free.
How does it work?
Navimow uses an Exact Fusion Locating System (EFLS 2.0) via satellite signals to get
centimetre-level position accuracy to mow even the most diverse lawn layouts.

AI-assisted Mapping
Set up is easy. Just map out a virtual boundary in the app and Navimow will follow the planned
route. You don’t need to lay wires.

VisionFence Sensor
140° field-of-view camera with built-in AI enables your Navimow to proactively and smoothly
avoid 20+ garden objects.

Perfect Lawn Maintenance

Mows your lawn the way you would. Intelligently recharges and keeps mowing until the job
is done. Your lawn will always look fresh.

navimow.segway.com/uk
 TESTED RUARK R810

Bench kissin’
There’s an optional
Desk o’ tech
Like an old radiogram that’s had its analogue
bracket that allows you
to mount a TV directly
guts replaced with modern parts, does this
to the R810. It even has musical furniture sound as good as it looks?
a shelf for a streamer
or Blu-ray player. £2999 / go.stuff.tv/R810

QThe R810’s aluminium frame

bolts together quickly and provides
a stable base to slot the unit onto.
I like how slim the legs are but wish
it had just a little extra height – and
because the power cable juts out
slightly, it can’t sit flush to a wall.

QThere’s a pair of 1in tweeters and

two 4in mid-range units at either
end, plus an 8in downward-firing
subwoofer. Two small bass ports
complete the 4.1-channel package,
and the whole lot is fed by 180W of
Class A/B amplification.

QFrom Spotify Connect to Google

Cast, the R810 isn’t short on Wi-Fi
or Ethernet streaming options.
There’s also aptX HD Bluetooth,
which is a bit behind the times; for
the best quality you’ll want to play
directly from a supported source
like Qobuz or Amazon Music.

QThe R810 offers a wonderful

level of detail without a hint of
harshness. Everything sounds
natural and with a great sense of
space; I’m not sure I’ve ever heard
a single-box speaker with as much
stereo separation as this.

QThis isn’t a bass-heavy system,

but it’s only when using it with
a TV that you might have some
reservations over the low end.
Given its credentials as a soundbar
alternative, it’s odd that there’s
no subwoofer socket, but it’s still
a huge upgrade on telly speakers.

Tech specs
Output 180W Drivers 2x 1in
Q Dresser you up Q Thorn in my sideboard tweeters, 2x 4in woofers, 8in sub
The 4in display at the front isn’t There’s no companion app – so if Connectivity HDMI (eARC), RCA
a touchscreen, but navigating its your music library mainly comes + phono, optical, USB-C, Ethernet,
simple menus works perfectly from Spotify or one of the other Wi-Fi Streaming Internet, DAB+ and
well with either of the two streaming services and you don’t FM radio, AirPlay 2, Google Cast,
controllers: you can use the want to reach for your phone Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect,
RotoDial built into the top or the every time, you’ll need to create Bluetooth 5.1, DLNA Dimensions
puck-shaped Bluetooth remote. favourites on the unit itself. 1000x650x435mm, 30.7kg

STUFF SAYS A gorgeous streaming system that doesn’t put style over substance ++++,

For audiophiles You’re paying a premium for the ultra-classy styling, but sonically the Ruark R810
and design geeks is an absolute knockout that has the pipes to rival high-end separates and doesn’t
alike it’s ready, skimp on ways to play your tunes. Some of its sheer presence is lost when using it
willing and table as a television soundbar; but if you’re sold on the retro look and have the room to
Tom Morgan-Freelander accommodate its wide frame, there’s very little else out there like it.

63
 TIPS + TRICKS

watchOS 11
Apple has turned its smartwatch operating system up to 11…
and Craig Grannell is here to point you at the best bits of the
latest update, because he knows what makes watchOS tick

THE BASICS QImprove your wellbeing

The health stuff extends to
other watchOS 11 goodies.
QGet set Make a Custom Workout
Whether or not you’re new to and your wearable will let
Apple Watch and watchOS 11, you know about your current
spend time nosing around in interval – and what’s next. If
Settings. Good places to start you’re pregnant, inform the
are Display & Brightness (to Health app on your iPhone,
adjust text appearance and and Cycle Tracking on Apple
toggle the always-on display), Watch will provide handy
App View (for grid or list information. And to reassure
options) and Passcode (to loved ones, you can use
unlock with your iPhone). Messages or Workout to
start a Check In session.
QExplore new apps QCheck your vitals
Bit of a surfer? Go to App View The Vitals app is another QChange your face
and open Tides to monitor newcomer. Wear your watch Tap-hold your watch face,
nearby tidal patterns. On at night and it’ll measure heart scroll to the right and tap ‘+’.
holiday? Try Translate: speak rate, blood oxygen and other In New Watch Faces, you’ll
into the watch and your words important stuff. After a week, find Flux and Reflections.
will be converted into another it’ll figure out what’s normal The former fills the screen
tongue; play it back so as not for you. And when something as seconds tick by; the latter
to embarrass yourself. There’s crops up that isn’t normal, is a fancy metal sunburst
also Music Recognition, a you’ll get a notification that that reacts to light in real time.
renamed Shazam, because reads “HUMAN! YOU ARE Apple didn’t give us back a
someone in Apple’s naming DOOMED!” (or maybe way to quickly swipe between
team is very dull. something more sensible). faces, though. Tsk.

BE SNAP HAPPY

QTry the Photos face

The Photos face isn’t new, but
it is improved. Set it up in your
iPhone’s Watch app – select
Tappy hour some snaps (Choose Photos
Hate buttons? Ignore for specific ones) and pick
the digital crown and from a range of font, colour
double-tap to scroll in apps and style options. Then scroll
like Weather. Love ’em? right down to add one or two
Hold the Watch Ultra’s complications.
action button to get a
switching menu. QLet that sync in
Once you’re done, the face
will be synced across to your
Apple Watch… possibly by
carrier pigeon (it can take
some time). But once it’s
there, you’ll see a new photo
every time you raise your
wrist or tap the display.

64
 Apple
Watch Series
10 review
p72

…AND GET
MORE APPS

BARCODES:
LOYALTY
CARD WALLET
There’s an App Store on
your Apple Watch, or you
can install stuff by using
the Watch app on your
iPhone. Start with this,
which lets you scan
cards into your blower
and use them right from
your wrist in shops.
£free or £14.99

BFT – BEAR
FOCUS TIMER
On iPhone, BFT helps
you focus by putting
MANAGE the handset face-down
YOUR RINGS to start timers. You
can’t really do that with
a watch, but the app
QPut rings on hold remains effective. Define
Horribly ill and about to lose work sessions, and it’ll
your streak? Run a marathon give you a nudge when
and not keen on doing another a timer’s done.
half-hour of exercise? Apple £1.99
MAKE AN EFFORT no longer thinks you’re a robot: TRIM THE FAT
tap your rings and then Pause
Rings. You can turn them off
QCheck your load for the day or a custom time. QRemove things
Like a snarky exercise Press the digital crown to view
subtweet, your Apple Watch QMove the goalposts your apps; tap-hold the display
will now rate your effort after For each goal, you can tap the and delete what you don’t
each workout session. If you ‘-+’ button and change the use. Next, press the side
disagree with its assessment, target just for today. Or under button to view Control Centre.
simply open the Activity app, Change Daily Goal, tap the Scroll down, tap Edit, and
scroll to the bottom, select calendar button and Schedule arrange items to optimise STAR DUSTER
a workout, tap Effort, and to adjust targets for different the limited space and access For gaming, an Apple
change the number. days. (Read: fewer stands at to what you need. Watch is hardly a PS5.
weekends if you like a lie-in.) Or even a Commodore
QTrack and tweak QEdit widgets 64. But it can be a lovely
Use the iPhone’s Fitness app QUse your phone Rotate the crown upwards old-school LCD game.
to peruse (and adjust, you Messing around with targets on any face to view the Star Duster has you
massive cheat) previous is simpler on an iPhone. In the Smart Stack; it now includes twiddle the crown
workout numbers. But also Summary tab of Fitness, tap improved time-based alerts. to make a dinky ship
tap Edit Summary in the the rings, then Change Goals, Tap-hold to edit and use ‘+’ zoom around collecting
Summary tab to rearrange and then Schedule. You’ll then to consider new widgets that space-junk.
or remove cards, so you only see the entire week on the house multiple items or show £2.99
see what matters to you. screen, ready for fine-tuning. your training load.

65
 TESTED XGIMI MOGO 3 PRO

My mug buddy Portable projectors are becoming

a must-have gadget – can this
cup-sized effort really shine?
£429 / go.stuff.tv/MoGo3Pro

QThe MoGo 3 Pro jumps into

a burgeoning throng of portable
projectors. The next frontier in this
market is 4K, of course; but while
there are bigger options that will
reach that resolution, the cheaper
end of the market is dominated by
1080p Full HD for now.

QLike other models like this, you

can easily run it from a large (at
least 65W) power bank via USB-C,
which is the only way to make it
truly portable. It’s ideal for setting
up in a room when you just want
to give some friends the ability to
watch a movie but don’t want the
hassle of a big projector or TV.

QWhat is most clever about the

Xgimi is its ability to adjust to a
new location instantly. It doesn’t
Big grey art even need to be square onto
You can also pay the screen (or wall): the projector
around £70 more for auto-corrects and focuses the
the PowerBase Stand. image each time it’s moved.
It raises the projector
into the air and adds QAt 450, the lumen count is more
around 2hrs of impressive than a bunch of rivals:
battery life. Samsung’s Freestyle 2 (£599)
is only capable of 230 lumens.
Obviously this is still way below
what many larger, less portable
projectors are capable of.

QThe MoGo 3 Pro runs Google TV

with built-in Netflix, YouTube and
Prime Video, so you should easily
be able to find something to watch.
You can also get access to various
other apps, but these don’t include
iPlayer at present. You can, however,
cast to it from your phone or tablet,
and there’s a microHDMI input.

Q Fits about time Q This is bobbins, son Tech specs

The projector features a built-in The in-built Dolby-enhanced
stand with a 130° tilt range, and audio won’t match a dedicated Resolution Full HD Brightness
a wrist cord for carrying it. The sound system, but the dual 5W 450 lumens HDR No Audio 2x 5w
lens part is on a rail, so it can Harman Kardon speakers are OS Google TV Connectivity USB-C
be moved up and down, and fine for viewing TV shows. With (charging), USB-A, microHDMI,
it folds away into the base for films and sport I found I wanted Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Dimensions
storage so the lens is protected. a little more. 205x95x95mm, 1.1kg

STUFF SAYS As coffee-cup-sized devices go, this is a rich blend of great features +++++

It’s a shame Although there are some drawbacks in terms of the brightness (it looks great at night
about day, but but a little lacking in daylight), this is a terrific little gadget that has really switched me on
this is a superb to the benefit of having a portable projector versus a hulking thing to carry around. The
nocturnal device automatic picture adjustment is really clever too, meaning I didn’t need to worry too
Dan Grabham much about placement.

67
 STUFF PROMOTION

My sweet Ford
Mint editions of the real
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lower too.

POCKET ROCKETS
AND SPEEDY TRAINS
The best Christmas presents are timeless… iconic Sierra RS500s whizzing A RICH HISTORY
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Y reminisce about
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If that’s a bit too much excitement
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there’s a combined total
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 STUFF PROMOTION

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 T E S T E D C A M B R I D G E A U D I O M E LO M A N I A P 1 0 0

Melo good buy Cambridge has done Melomania in-ears for

a while now; can it bring the same love to
over-ears? The answer is a giant ‘yes’…
£229 / go.stuff.tv/P100

QAvailable in simple black or white,

there’s no getting away from the
Get yack fact that these are big headphones.
There are clear They’re among the bulkiest I’ve
spoken-word audio experienced, and the hard case
cues for things like feels like a suitcase compared to
‘transparency on’ – so any cans that fold (these don’t).
much better than the
usual vague QHowever, they’re actually not
bleeps. that heavy – 55g less than the
Apple AirPods Max. What’s more,
the build quality is excellent and
their eco credentials are pretty
good too, with user-replaceable
earpads and battery. If there
is a little negative, it’s that the
headband isn’t the softest. But
I was still able to wear them for
many hours straight.

QCambridge says these ’phones

can do 100hrs with the ANC off, but
probably a more important figure
is 60hrs with ANC on. It’s still there
or thereabouts at the top of the
class. It feels like they last forever,
and I found myself pre-emptively
wanting to charge them only to
find they were still 40-50% full.
A 5min fast charge will give you
another 4hrs of tunes.

QWe tend not to be too driven by

pricing in our reviews at Stuff, but
the P100s’ modest price demands
we consider it. £229 feels like you’re
getting an excellent deal. With the
feature set on offer here, including
lossless audio with Snapdragon
Sound devices (or via USB-C with
others using the supplied cable),
they compete favourably in many
ways with options that cost a
couple of hundred pounds more.

Q Please squeeze me Q Hey skewed Tech specs

With the controls, Cambridge has You can change lots of settings
gone for a simple approach that in the app, such as whether you Drivers 40mm dynamic ANC
works well: an on/off pairing want the headphones to pause Yes Connectivity Bluetooth 5.3,
slider on the left with a dedicated when you take them off; but USB-C, 3.5mm Codecs SBC, AAC,
ANC button, then playback and better still are the EQ options. aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive
volume on the right. It’s a simple, Choose from six existing profiles, Battery life Up to 60hrs (ANC
winning combo. or create your own. on) Weight 330g

STUFF SAYS Top build quality, superb sound and decent ANC at a great price +++++

Unlike most There are so many headphones I test that have some kind of drawback: they’re too
headphone expensive (Sonos Ace, Dyson OnTrac), they’re too heavy (AirPods Max), or the buttons
reviews, all you are a confusing mess (loads of the effing things). All I get from the Melomania P100s
read is love is joy. Everything works as it should. They sound great for the price. They won’t be for
Dan Grabham some because of the size, but they’ll put a smile on the faces of everyone else.

71
 TWO WEEKS WITH THE APPLE WATCH SERIES 10

Worn to die
The Apple Watch is a decade old now… and while there’s a refined design for
the Series 10 model, the one upgrade that Dan Grabham really wants isn’t here
from £399 / go.stuff.tv/WatchS10

previous iterations – and certainly

DAY 01 than the Watch Ultra.
It’s new Apple Watch time, and One thing that has gone this
this year does feel like a bit of a time is the red ring around the
rebirth to mark a decade since digital crown to signify the cellular
Apple’s wearable first appeared. version (it remains orange on the
In that time, it’s gone from being Watch Ultra 2). Quite why Apple
promoted as a fashion accessory has removed this little design
to its current status as a fitness distinction is open to question,
and health gadget that you can but perhaps it just doesn’t
wear all the time. matter. Maybe Apple expected
While the Watch Ultra (which more people to buy cellular
I usually wear) hasn’t had an models as time went on and
upgrade this year, the Series 10 it just hasn’t happened.
has had a slimming redesign, and After last year’s reworking of
it’s with some glee that I take it how a lot of watchOS controls
out of the white box. And as I put worked, this year’s watchOS 11

Beyond squeezing out a few extra

hours, stamina is an area where Apple
has made no progress in a decade
it on, it’s clear that this one does update is less root-and-branch.
feel very different – not only There are three additional faces,
from the Ultra, but also from including a new photo one, and
Apple’s previous, markedly the Vitals app is also new – this
weightier designs. is to measure health while you
There’s a step-change in size sleep (though it’s quite simple
this time around, with last year’s in approach) and signal any
41mm and 45mm variants changes. It includes sleep apnoea
now replaced by 42mm and monitoring, which is now available
(as tested) 46mm. Despite being in many countries.
smaller than the 49mm Ultra 2, There are also new graphs to
this watch’s display is ever so show training load, so you can
slightly bigger than that of the see how your effort has changed
more expensive model. over time and the impact this has
It has more rounded corners had. There are additional features
too. It’s a minor detail, but this for pregnancies in the Cycle
Watch looks less angular than Tracking app as well.

72
 LO N G -T E R M T E S T

01 06
Donut of Truth™
01 Faster charging is a 04 Battery life really should
02 05 welcome improvement… be longer
02 …and so is the slightly 05 The titanium option is
larger display extremely expensive
03 This is the most sleek 06 The Watch SE will still be
04
03 Apple Watch yet a better option for some

Tech specs
Display
42/46mm
446x374 /
496x416 OLED
OS watchOS 11
CPU Apple S10
Connectivity
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
5.3, UWB, 4G (not
GPS-only model)
Durability IP6X,
50m Battery
life Up to 18hrs
(USB-C)
Weight 29/35g
(aluminium),
34/42g (titanium)

that’s a big shame. Today I closed

DAY 02 my rings with a 30min workout,
What, time to recharge already? and there was around 20-30%
We all know that Apple is capable battery left to take me into the
of producing an Apple Watch with next day. That’s much better than
longer battery life (the Ultra and older models but around half of
Ultra 2), so what’s stopping it with what I can get out of my Ultra 2.
the Watch Series 10? I can’t help
but wonder if people would rather
pay the price of a larger design to DAY 10
have more stamina. The number of health features
While Apple will say those is becoming quite overwhelming:
people should buy the Ultra, whereas a few years ago the
battery life continues to be a ability to take an ECG felt like
real pain point with this wearable. a big breakthrough, now it’s
Beyond squeezing a few extra just another facet of the Watch’s
hours of life out of the battery, huge capability in this area. Vitals
it’s an area where Apple has is a handy new training tool, but the
essentially made no progress headline feature in terms of health
over the last decade. is those sleep apnoea notifications.

DAY 06 DAY 14
Thankfully Charging speeds are even faster There’s no doubt the Series 10 will
you’re now able this time, which is welcome – you represent a serious improvement
to pause your can get to around 75-80% in half for some Apple Watch owners.
activity rings if an hour, while a 15min charge will If you’ve got a Series 6 or order, STUFF SAYS
you’re ill or can’t take you through a working day you’re going to feel this wearable
be arsed. (around 8hrs). You will need to use is a night-and-day upgrade. And A worthwhile
a USB-C Apple Watch charger or even if you have a newer one – say, design tweak;
equivalent for this. the 45mm Series 7 – you’re still
Coming from a rival like a Fitbit, going to notice the larger 49mm
it’s just a pity
it’s hard to get used to the fact display if you opt for it. the battery life
that you need to refuel this thing
every night to stop yourself
So the Watch Series 10 isn’t
a cause for birthday celebrations,
hasn’t also had
running out of juice. Night-time but the breadth of its feature set an upgrade
charging means sleep tracking is ensures Apple’s wearable stays at +++++
still somewhat disadvantaged and the top of the game.

73
 VERSUS SMART KETTLES

TES
WI T
NN
ER

Morning poury Planned by me

The WeeKett’s After 500 boils, the
baby milk mode Swan will notify you
heats it up to 100°C, that a descaling is
lets it cool down to required to keep
70°C and keeps it it efficient and
warm for an hour. prolong its life.

Tea’s electric
These smart kettles will both boil water at your spoken
command… but which will be your slaker maker?

WeeKett Smart Kettle VS Swan Alexa Smart Kettle

The WeeKett allows remote control using Alexa or Google Tell Alexa to boil this kettle at 8.30am, or sync it to your kids’
Home, or via the Smart Life app… or you can just use the bedtime alert so you’re ready to make hot chocolate – I love
1. FEATURES
buttons on the base. The app lets you turn it on when you’re how easy it is to team up the Swan with other kit. There are
heading home, or still in bed, and schedule boiling times. six temperature settings and a keep-warm function.

Solidly made from stainless steel, the WeeKett has water This is one sleek-looking kettle, with minimal touch controls
gauges on both sides and sturdy buttons with LEDs plus on the side: just on/off and ‘set’, which takes you through
2. DESIGN
a fancy light strip. The button to open it for refilling works the temperatures. It has a gloss black finish that doesn’t like
nice and slowly, and the handle is easy to grip. strong chemicals, so be careful when cleaning.

Super-simple to set up for voice control, the WeeKett is a This one is effortless to use, either the old-fashioned way
joy to use. It’s easy to fill, all the different settings work well, or through voice control as a device within the Alexa app.
3. IN USE
and keeping it clean is a cinch too… although sometimes it It’s easy to fill and easy to carry, and the spout is precise
can be a bit of a messy pourer. with no dribbly issues to report.

1
2
Capacity 1.7L 3 Capacity 1.5L
Power 2200W Power 1800W
Integration Alexa, Google Home Integration Alexa
Dimensions 28x23x23cm, 1.25kg Dimensions 27x20x16cm, 1.26kg

O Price £95 / go.stuff.tv/WeeKett O Price £70 / go.stuff.tv/SwanKettle

[ Words Rachael Sharpe ]

++++, STUFF SAYS +++++

The Swan just wins overall, but the WeeKett is a better option for new parents
74
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 TESTED GAMES

Switch / go.stuff.tv/ZeldaEchoes

The Legend of Zelda:

Echoes of Wisdom
Weaving the open-ended, open-air design of the recent 3D Zelda titles into the
comfort blanket of the 2D games, is this the missing Link in the beloved series?

espite having an entire of Wisdom you’re given a magical same thing with monsters and 2D game, and its colourful toy-like
D series named after her,
Princess Zelda of Hyrule
staff that allows Zelda to create
‘echoes’, or copies, of things she
Hyrule’s varied wildlife, using a
boarblin echo to fight for you, or
visual style is reminiscent of the
excellent Link’s Awakening remake.
has never been the playable finds. Trampoline echoes can be a spider echo to spin a climbable Sadly the framerate and slowdown
protagonist in a Zelda game… used to reach great heights, beds web. Each new echo you add to issues from that game are present
but that changes with Echoes can be replicated end-to-end to your collection is located in the here too, and at times I did wish it
of Wisdom. After Link and much form makeshift bridges, and pots same toolbar, so finding the one looked a bit sharper.
of Hyrule are sucked into a sinister can be both throwable weapons you want can be tricky, but the Echoes of Wisdom might look
rift, it falls to the princess to find and convenient hiding places. It’s game constantly challenges you like a return to simpler times, but
out what has caused such turmoil all very playful in typical Nintendo to think creatively – with more this is a meaty and ambitious
in her kingdom and rescue those fashion, with frequent “Aha!” solutions turning up via the ‘bind’ game that dares to break the
whisked away. moments when your strategy ability, which lets you manipulate mould with 2D Zelda in the same
In nearly every Zelda game comes together. objects and cling to creatures. way that Breath of the Wild did
your most important tools are And it isn’t just objects that you The game’s version of Hyrule with the 3D series back in 2017.
a sword and a shield, but in Echoes can make echoes of: you can do the feels surprisingly expansive for a Matt Tate

STUFF SAYS An absorbing blend of Zelda old and new, and a grand adventure ++++,
76
 TESTED GAMES

It’s only lock and

scroll but I like it
When people say they miss
the Zelda games of old, what
they often mean is that they
miss dungeons – so if that’s
you, you’ll be glad to know that
Echoes of Wisdom has plenty
of the things. To access them
you enter the Still World, where
isolated clumps of terrain float
eerily in the air.
Dungeons in this game are
of the traditional lock-and-key
variety, with floors often linked
by 2D side-scrolling sections.
They’re all well designed, if
mostly pretty linear affairs,
rarely stumping me with what
I was supposed to do next. And
because all of your echoes and
Zelda is often described See – doesn’t really look abilities are available to you
as elf-like. We think this elf-like with her ears in dungeons, they become
means ‘pointy-eared’. covered up, does she? less about finding specific
puzzle solutions than using
everything at your disposal
to engineer workable ones.
You’ll be amazed at how often
a few trampolines and a bed
bridge do the trick, and several
times I found myself staring at
a rock blocking my path before
remembering I could just yank
it out of the way with a bind.
But while your abilities can
make dungeons a bit on the
easy side early on, eventually
you will need to get a bit more
creative. The same goes for
bosses, which are usually most
effectively downed using a
combination of special abilities
and old-fashioned swordplay.

77
 TESTED GAMES

XSX, PS5, PS4, PC/ go.stuff.tv/Metaphor

Metaphor: ReFantazio
From the creative talents behind the Persona series, Metaphor swaps
contemporary Japanese school life for a fantasy world with election fever

e’d surely all be a lot more in menus. And victory rarely

W invested in politics if our
leaders had to conquer
comes by spamming attacks:
each encounter is a puzzle, where
dungeons and defeat monsters you figure out which Archetypes’
in order to win support. Metaphor: weapons or elemental spells We looked at
ReFantazio sets your would-be work best. Exploiting weaknesses this picture too
king off on a global election grants you bonus points, either long and now
campaign, gradually revealing to deal more damage or to stay we can’t
an incredibly realised world that on the defensive with heals and
operate heavy
blends high fantasy with sci-fi buffs. Just remember enemies
architecture and fashion ripped can exploit your weaknesses in machinery.
straight from the ’60s. the same way.
That world is full of unique A real-time element essentially
tribes of people to please – you lets you bat away low-level foes
won’t find any dwarves or elves instantly. It sounds simplistic, yet
here – and a calendar system feels empowering once creatures
means you can’t waste hours you had a tough time with become
on the RPG equivalent of shaking a triviality. Pre-emptive strikes
hands and kissing babies between also inflict damage on more potent
story beats. Some dungeons enemies, potentially stunning them
might take multiple days, and on their first turn. That starting Hulkenberg: her
your party members all have advantage can sometimes make pointy ears
personal arcs to explore. all the difference. make Zelda’s
Each one channels powerful There’s enough content here look like two
heroic beings called Archetypes to sink hundreds of hours into, nobbles on
in combat – which rejects the and the story’s antagonist has
an old potato.
current trend for action in favour to be one of the most despicably
of traditional turn-based battles. compelling villains of all time. Clear
It all feels dynamic and fast-paced, your calendar if you must – this is
though, with commands being royally unmissable.
input-based rather than buried Alan Wen

STUFF SAYS A triumph that evolves Persona 5’s DNA into something even greater +++++
78
 TESTED GAMES

PS5, PS4, XSX, XB1, Switch, PC / go.stuff.tv/FC25

EA Sports FC 25
EA’s annual festival of football returns with a real feeling of
familiarity… but really, isn’t that all that fans want anyway?

hether it’s entering the missed out on an essential facet of

W ground through the same
turnstile, drinking the
the game.
There’s one entirely new mode
same number of pre-match pints, in FC 25: an incredibly enjoyable
Tom took these or wearing the same ‘lucky’ pants version of five-a-side called Rush.
screen grabs every week, football fans are It’s more speedy and end-to-end
himself. Tom is suckers for rituals – and EA Sports than a full-size game, with EA
a Brighton fan. FC is no different. wisely integrating it into Ultimate
Even in its FIFA days, playing a Team and including it in Career
We can only
new version often felt like a game mode as a far more interesting
apologise. of spot the difference to begin way of adding some elements
with, and that’s true of FC 25 too, of youth training.
albeit with a few crucial tweaks Changes to those two fully
here and there. Matches generally life-absorbing modes are pretty
feel a smidge slower-paced, giving minimal: the former still feels too
you an extra fraction of a moment much like gambling for children,
to pick out a pass and making and for better or worse the latter
a patient, possession-based remains a kind of Football Manager
approach a more viable strategy Lite (depending on how you feel
than before. about doing admin).
Could the 2034 FC IQ is the new tactical system Last year’s inaugural version of
Champions that allows you to summon your EA Sports FC was like a club with
League final be inner Guardiola and set up your a new manager in charge – one
Grimsby Town team exactly how you want it, who didn’t want to shake things
v Ross County? easily tweaking your gameplan up too quickly and completely lose
on the fly in the hope of changing the dressing room. The spine of
Well… no.
the outcome. It certainly allows FC 25’s team is very much the
more nuance than just parking same, but it’s a version of the
the bus or going for all-out attack, side that shows a few welcome
but you can also quite happily signs of progression.
ignore it without feeling like you’ve Tom Wiggins

STUFF SAYS Comfortably familiar but with some movement in the right direction ++++,
79
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 OF EVERYTHING
Time changes
NEW everything,
including Stuff
Top Ten entries.
BARGAIN
BUY
UPDATE
Straight
outta testing
and into our A proper steal.
rankings. Worth owning
regardless of
cashflow.

Smartphones 82, 83 Games 91 HOW

Headphones 84, 85 Speakers 92 WE RATE
Smartwatches, 86 E-bikes, 93 Always fair
fitness tech electric cars and accurate,
Laptops 87 Smart home 94 our reviews For selected A step up Our highest
TVs 88 VR headsets, 95 are scored products in approval, accolade is
from 1 to 5 that are rated this can only given out just
Soundbars, 89 drones & action cams and might get with four stars be awarded a few times
streamers Cameras 96 one of these but stand out to five-star a year in each
Tablets, consoles 90 Budget buys 97 awards too: from the pack. products. key category.
TOP TENS PREMIUM PHONES 82

1
Apple iPhone 15
Pro Max
from £1099 / go.stuff.tv/15ProMax

TIPS & This is, at least until we’ve decided how to rank
TRICKS the new 16 models (see p27), the best iPhone
Apple has ever made. The camera revisions are
Select Optimised great, USB-C was long overdue but is fantastic
Battery Charging to now it’s here, and the action button is genuinely

O Prices quoted are for handset only unless otherwise stated

limit top-ups to 80%, useful. It’s probably only worth upgrading from
keeping your battery the 2022 equivalent if you’re desperate for that
in prime condition. USB port, but this Max lives up to its name.

Create a Contact Stuff says +++++

Poster by tapping on Just a solidly sensible advance, but the
My Card > Edit > Edit; new camera smarts are an absolute joy
add a photo and any
text you want.
O NOW ADD THIS
In Find My, select Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1
any AirTag and This solid MagSafe charging dock
you can share lets you top up your iPhone, Apple
its location with Watch and AirPods.
a trusted group. £110 / argos.co.uk

Xiaomi 14 Ultra
2 3 NEW 4 +++++£900 / go.stuff.tv/14Ultra
If you think in focal lengths and ISO values, this
photography specialist should be your next phone.

OnePlus 12
5 +++++from £799 / go.stuff.tv/OnePlus12
A compelling package thanks to its boosted camera
and impressive core specs.

Apple iPhone 15
6 +++++from £681 / go.stuff.tv/iPhone15
Apple’s best this time around is at the top and bottom
of the range: you can’t go wrong here.

Nothing Phone 2
7 +++++from £575 / go.stuff.tv/Nothing2
Rivals edge it out in some areas, but they can’t
match this phone’s pocket presence.

Samsung Galaxy S24

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
from £830 / go.stuff.tv/S24Ultra from £1099 / go.stuff.tv/9ProXL
8 +++++from £649 / go.stuff.tv/S24
The ‘basic’ S24 is not one for specs snobs, but it’s
still an ace Android all-rounder.
Yet another epic do-it-all flagship, This is every bit the modern
elevated to even more desirable flagship. Styling is up there with
status by its titanium build and anything from Apple or Samsung, Sony Xperia 1 VI
superior screen. The AI additions
are perfect for productivity and it
also takes a very good photo, even
real-world performance is suitably
top-tier, and it takes fantastic
pictures in all conditions… but don’t
9 +++++from £1299 / go.stuff.tv/XperiaOneSix
More mainstream than Sony’s previous efforts, this is
a fantastic flagship that majors on battery life.
if Samsung has taken its foot off overlook the non-XL version, which
the gas just a little on that front. is very nearly as good.
OnePlus 12R
Stuff says +++++
Proper ‘future phone’ vibes… just be
prepared to pay for them
Stuff says +++++
The best big-screen Pixel yet
levels up Google’s AI efforts
10 +++++£509 / go.stuff.tv/OnePlus12R
Ideal for mobile gamers who don’t need wireless
charging or top-class cameras.

FOR UP-TO-DATE NEWS AND REVIEWS OF ALL THE BEST NEW PHONES, VISIT STUFF.TV/TOP-10/SMARTPHONES
TOP TENS FOLDABLE PHONES 83 BUDGET PHONES TOP TENS

1 1

OnePlus Open
£1499 / go.stuff.tv/Open
Google Pixel 8a
from £419 / go.stuff.tv/Pixel8a

The Hasselblad camera system in the Open is the best of any In recent years, Google’s cheaper ‘a’ models have dominated the
folding phone, taking impressive photos across all conditions. mid-range phone market. They’ve delivered outstanding value
Neither of the two screens feels like a compromise, and with its by including many of the brand’s flagship features (think amazing
flat sides this phone is easy to hold: on paper the 11.7mm profile cameras and slick software) and cutting corners where you’re
is skinny, although that doesn’t account for the hefty camera less likely to notice. And the good news is, that’s still true of the
bump. OnePlus’s UI is fantastically optimised for multitasking, Pixel 8a, which looks and feels almost identical to the full-on
while its 67W charging and long-lasting battery are a boon; the Pixel 8 and performs almost as well. It really is astonishing how
one thing it can’t offer is wireless charging. good the cheaper Google phones are for photography.

Stuff says +++++ Stuff says +++++

Cheaper than its main rivals and brilliantly well made, Once again Google proves you don’t need to spend
the OnePlus Open is the finest foldable phone yet over £500 to get a great phone

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 OnePlus Nord 4

2 from £1033 / go.stuff.tv/ZFlip6
Samsung’s little clamshell finally has the
camera hardware and battery to match the
2 from £479 / go.stuff.tv/Nord4
If you don’t want a Pixel 8a with its excellent
camera, this is the next best thing. That’s not
Galaxy S24. It keeps pace on performance the whole story, though, because the Nord 4
too, and adds useful software tweaks that beats its Google rival for design: the metal unibody
make great use of the form factor. makes this a very appealing smartphone indeed.
Stuff says +++++ Stuff says +++++
A near-zero-compromise foldable You can’t get a better design at this kind of price

NEW Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Nothing Phone 2a

3 from £1749 / go.stuff.tv/9ProFold
An astonishing turnaround for Google in
the foldable field: it now has the styling and
3 from £289 / go.stuff.tv/Phone2a
Despite more modest specs and less bling than
the full-fat Nothing Phone 2, the 2a is a stylish
screens to compete with the best, and some budget triumph. Performance is impressive, it
genuinely useful software smarts. The many lasts longer than any previous Nothing, and it
good points add up to a convincing whole. also delivers pleasing photos.
Stuff says +++++ Stuff says +++++
A slick sequel that fixes the first Fold’s flaws One of the finest affordable handsets around

Motorola Razr 50 Ultra Redmi Note 13 Pro+

4 +++++£877 / go.stuff.tv/Razr50Ultra
Moto doubles down on everything that made
the last-gen Razr such a fabulous flipper.
4 ++++,£359 / go.stuff.tv/Note13ProPlus
Loads of storage, a brilliant curved screen and a
seriously impressive main camera.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 Samsung Galaxy A55

5 ++++,from £1799 / go.stuff.tv/ZFold6
The best Z Fold yet isn’t quite the hardware
leap forward we were hoping for.
5 ++++,from £215 / go.stuff.tv/GalaxyA55
Samsung die-hards will appreciate the styling and
photo processing… and the ever-tumbling price.

FOR UP-TO-DATE NEWS AND REVIEWS OF ALL THE BEST NEW PHONES, VISIT STUFF.TV/TOP-10/SMARTPHONES
TOP TENS IN-EAR HEADPHONES 84

1
Sony WF-1000XM5
£190 / go.stuff.tv/WFXM5

TIPS & The WF-1000XM5 in-ears are significantly

TRICKS smaller than the XM4s, which were already
a lot more compact than their predecessors.
Sony’s eartips are And yet Sony has still squeezed even larger
great, as long as you drivers inside each earbud, along with the
use the right size. firm’s best active noise-cancelling yet. The
Be sure to try all four feature list is as extensive as ever, and they’re
included in the box. priced to compete with Bose’s best. Add in
decent battery life and a strong app, and you
360 Reality Audio won’t find anything more well-rounded for less.
upmixing can add
a sense of space to Stuff says +++++
tunes, but not every Excellent noise-cancellation, a comfy fit
track sounds better. and simply stellar audio
Give the personalised
EQ a try in the app. O NOW ADD THIS
Its A/B choices are Spigen Rugged Armor Case
far simpler than a This drop-resistant outer shield
multi-band equaliser. comes with a carabiner clip for
keeping your buds within reach.
£20 / amazon.co.uk

Beats Fit Pro

2 3 NEW 4 +++++£199 / go.stuff.tv/BeatsFitPro
Good battery life, punchy sound and a lock-tight fit
make these some of the finest fitness buds around.

Apple AirPods Pro with USB-C

+++++£229 / go.stuff.tv/AirPodsPro
Apple’s pricier in-ears sound superb, and now come
with the bonus of charging via USB-C.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4

6 +++++£206 / go.stuff.tv/Momentum4
A definitive upgrade on the TW3 buds with positive,
detailed and spacious sound.
Bose QuietComfort Bowers & Wilkins Pi8
Ultra Earbuds £349 / go.stuff.tv/Pi8 Technics EAH-AZ80
£219 / go.stuff.tv/QCUBuds

These in-ears don’t provide much

For a company with such pedigree,
B&W’s previous in-ears fell just
7 +++++£238 / go.stuff.tv/TechnicsAZ80
Excellent all-rounder wireless in-ears that balance
clean sound with convincing ANC.
of a design upgrade over their short of what we’d hoped for, but
predecessors, but they do deliver these are an improvement in all
a fresh audio experience (as well the right places: a better fit, more Beats Studio Buds+
as industry-leading ANC). While
rivals may have them beat for
nuance or engagement, spatial
consistent connectivity, and a
case that means you don’t need
an aptX-ready device to stream
8 ++++,£130 / go.stuff.tv/StudioBudsPlus
The ‘+’ brings a fine upgrade to buds that were pretty
good already… but rivals are even better.
sound technology is put to great in max quality. It seems mid-range
effect here. Apple’s AirPods Pro and top-end detail were the tuning
and the Sony buds at No1 both priorities here, with clarity and JBL Live Beam 3
deliver effective ANC and a
fantastic listen for less cash,
though… and if you already have
precision that make rivals sound
almost muffled. Bose is still the
ANC king, and Sony the all-rounder
9 ++++,£147 / go.stuff.tv/LiveBeam3
The touchscreen-toting case is an oddity, but the
buds are long-lasting and sound great.
a pair of QC Earbuds II, the Ultras pick, but the Pi8s’ sonic chops mean
probably aren’t worth the upgrade. audio purists simply won’t care.
Nothing Ear
Stuff says +++++ Stuff says +++++ ++++,£100 / go.stuff.tv/NothingEar
A top option if you prioritise audio Comfortable and capable, these As distinctive as ever, but now with ANC upgrades
with minimal interruptions should be the music-lover’s choice and EQ improvements.

TO READ THE FULL REVIEWS, VISIT STUFF.TV/TOP-10/IN-EAR-HEADPHONES & STUFF.TV/TOP-10/HEADPHONES

 85 OVER-EAR HEADPHONES TOP TENS

1
Sony WH-1000XM5
£259 / go.stuff.tv/WHXM5

Nobody was able to knock the WH-1000XM4s

off the top of this list for two years… yet Sony’s
TIPS & latest model manages to be even better. The
TRICKS new carbon-fibre composite 30mm drivers
are key: they bring even greater clarity than
Adaptive Sound the previous generation, and the sound
Control auto-adjusts reproduction is beautifully precise. The simple
the ANC to suit your fact is that these are the best noise-cancellers
location – ideal for around by almost every measure. You really
public transport. won’t regret buying them.

Speak-to-Chat Stuff says +++++

pauses playback Sony ties up top spot with an unrivalled
and activates combo of great sound, ANC and comfort
ambient mode
if you start talking.
O NOW ADD THIS
A firmware update Anker Nano Power Bank
means you can This pocket-friendly USB-C clip-on has
now use LDAC and enough capacity for three charges, so
multipoint Bluetooth the music never has to end.
at once. £30 / anker.com

Focal Bathys
2 3 4 +++++£699 / go.stuff.tv/FocalBathys
Brilliant ’phones in every respect, from build quality
and comfort to deft sound and ANC.

Grado GW100X
5 +++++£229 / go.stuff.tv/100X
No ANC, no app, no travel case… but more complete
sound than any of Grado’s rivals.

FiiO FT5
6 +++++ £426 / go.stuff.tv/fiioFT5
A top pair of over-ears, built to please audiophiles who
refuse to give up on wired listening.

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e Beats Studio Pro
£228 / go.stuff.tv/SM4 £379 / go.stuff.tv/PX7S2e

Their styling might be slightly With the premium build, 40mm

7 +++++ £249 / go.stuff.tv/StudioPro
Top-notch audio and noise-killing smarts: here’s
another brilliant pair of Beats.
anonymous, but there’s nothing drivers and three-stage ANC of
forgettable about how these the original PX7 S2 cans, these
Sennheiser headphones sound: are a spin on an already winning Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
42mm dynamic drivers deliver
a listen that’s bold, detailed and
enjoyable, while eight mics are
formula. And they hold their own
in every respect: audio, build quality
and user interface. The ‘e’ model
8 ++++, £380 / go.stuff.tv/BoseQCU
They sound brilliant, cancel noise like champions and
are comfy… but they’re bafflingly expensive.
deployed for noise-cancelling saw upgrades to the digital signal
duties. Battery life is simply epic processing in an effort to extract
at 60hrs, and that’s not the only even greater audio performance, Sonos Ace
element that can go the distance:
thanks to robust construction
and a high standard of finish, the
and the sound is lively with
amazing detail. There have also
been plenty of improvements to
9 ++++, £368 / go.stuff.tv/Ace
Superbly designed but costly, and the way they don’t
integrate with the app properly is bizarre.
Momentum 4s feel built to last. The B&W’s app; the only drawback is
app is comprehensive too. that they don’t fold away.
Dyson OnTrac
Stuff says +++++
These have the build, sound and
battery life to mix it up with the best
Stuff says +++++
A superbly designed pick that won’t
disappoint on sound quality
10 ++++, £449 / go.stuff.tv/DysonOnTrac
Dyson’s mask-free cans offer superb design, battery
life and sound, but the tech inside them is limited.

TO READ THE FULL REVIEWS, VISIT STUFF.TV/TOP-10/IN-EAR-HEADPHONES & STUFF.TV/TOP-10/HEADPHONES

TOP TENS SMARTWATCHES 86 FITNESS TECH TOP TENS

Apple Watch SE
from £208 / go.stuff.tv/AppleWatchSE
Garmin Edge 1040 Solar
£470 / go.stuff.tv/EdgeSolar

The SE is easily the best-value Apple Watch. It tracks sleep Ideal for multi-day adventures and training camps, the Edge
and all the exercise you need, supports Apple Pay, works great 1040 Solar harnesses the sun’s power for a massive 45hrs of
with your iPhone and… what more do most people require? The riding time on one charge. It has all the mapping, navigation and
user experience is broadly identical, and while the screen bezels training firepower you’ll ever need, including accuracy-boosting
are a bit larger than on the Series 9 it’s hard to tell them apart dual-band GPS, best-in-class route planning and detailed
without getting right up close. Note also that your SE will now training insights via Garmin Connect. The screen could be
be carbon-neutral if you take it with a Sport Loop (unless you brighter, but we love the custom ride profiles that make it
choose one of the fancy multicoloured options). easy to exploit all that performance data.

Stuff says +++++ Stuff says +++++

Offers most of the full Apple Watch experience for a A do-it-all beast of a bike computer with unrivalled
whole lot less cash battery life, reliable GPS and useful training smarts

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra JLab JBuds Air Sport

2 £524 / go.stuff.tv/GWUltra
There are no prizes for guessing what
inspired the Galaxy Watch Ultra: this is the
£45 / go.stuff.tv/JBudsAirSport
The third-gen JBuds Air Sport seriously flex
JLab’s value muscle: with a solid earhook fit,
deliciously OTT Apple Watch Ultra rival that custom EQ, an ambient awareness mode
Android owners have been waiting for. On plus rapid charging and Tile finder tools, they
Wear OS, it doesn’t get better than this. offer ace performance for a tiny price.
Stuff says +++++ Stuff says +++++
A sleek, sturdy, fully featured Android watch Dedicated fitness buds on a nice budget

Garmin Fenix 7 Withings Body Scan

3 from £434 / go.stuff.tv/GarminFenix7
If your budget stretches, the impressive
mix of rugged durability, serious battery
£349 / go.stuff.tv/BodyScan
As well as all the usual stats, this stylish
and robust smart scale measures body
endurance, excellent navigation skills and composition, pulse wave velocity, nerve
smartwatch features makes this the best health, heart rate and vascular age. Sounds
all-round sports watch you can buy. complex but it’s a cinch to use.
Stuff says +++++ Stuff says +++++
An ace tool for adventurous fitness-building A top all-round health-tracking scale

Apple Watch Series 9 Garmin Forerunner 965

4 ++++,from £300 / go.stuff.tv/AWSeries9
The S9 chip brings longevity… but see the
new Apple Watch Series 10, tested on p72.
4 +++++£600 / go.stuff.tv/Forerunner965
More guidance and insights than most
fitness newbies will know what to do with.

OnePlus Watch 2 Apple Watch Ultra 2

5 ++++,£234 / go.stuff.tv/OPWatch2
With brilliant battery life and fitness tracking,
this is a great smartwatch for Android users.
5 +++++£769 / go.stuff.tv/AWUltra2
A brilliant fitness tool, though we wouldn’t
bother upgrading from the old model.

FOR THE FULL REVIEWS, VISIT STUFF.TV/TOP-10/SMARTWATCHES & STUFF.TV/TOP-10/FITNESS-TRACKERS

 87 LAPTOPS TOP TENS

TIPS &
TRICKS
Don’t want to pay for
peak performance?
The M2 Air is still
available, and it’s
Forgotten your
power brick? It can
also charge over
USB-C with your
1
no slouch. iPhone’s adapter. Apple MacBook
Air 13in (M3)
from £1029 / go.stuff.tv/MBAirM3

With its super-powered M3 processor, the

latest version of Apple’s ‘basic’ laptop breaks
new performance ground for a thin-and-light.
It once again puts Windows machines to shame
when it comes to battery life, and SSD speeds
have taken a welcome step up from the M2
model. There’s also a 15in version with the
same innards if you need extra screen space.

Stuff says +++++

The best everyday ultraportable is also
the Mac most Apple fans should buy

O NOW ADD THIS

Belkin 4-Port GaN Charger 108W
This brick lets you charge your Mac
laptop through its 96W USB-C output…
while juicing up three other devices.
£70 / argos.co.uk

Asus Zenbook 14 OLED

2 3 4 +++++ from £1099 / go.stuff.tv/Zenbook14
Not the flashiest skinny laptop around, but a fine
showcase for Intel’s Core Ultra processors.

Razer Blade 16
5 +++++ from £2550 / go.stuff.tv/RazerBlade16
A monster of a gaming machine that fits true
hardcore performance into a compact shell.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16

Apple MacBook Pro 14in (M3) Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 6 +++++ from £2299 / go.stuff.tv/AsusG16
If you game at home and travel for work, this
could be all the laptop you need.
from £1500 / go.stuff.tv/MBProM3 from £1249 / go.stuff.tv/SLCopilot

The latest generation of Apple’s Copilot+ PCs use chips similar to HP Omen Transcend 14
flagship laptop is even flagshippier
than ever, with an array of powerful
new processors and a goth-friendly
the ones found in smartphones
and tablets – so this handsome
Microsoft machine has decent
7 +++++ from £1449 / go.stuff.tv/Omen14
Merges proper portability with genuine gaming
performance and fun.
‘space black’ option that would graphics, extra AI capabilities
look right at home in the Batcave. and very efficient performance,
The 120Hz ProMotion screen is meaning much longer battery Huawei Matebook X Pro (2024)
great, the speakers are beefy, and
you get a plentiful array of ports
including MagSafe charging. The
life. The step up in performance
is clear: it feels significantly quicker
than recent Intel laptops we’ve
8 ++++, £1500 / go.stuff.tv/HuaweiXPro
The company’s skinniest PC yet delivers rapid
performance and a stunning screen.
power available at the very top used in this price range, and
of the range is properly awesome handles pretty much everything
(and so is the pricing, at over three you throw at it with total aplomb. Acer Predator Helios Neo 16
grand for the M3 Max even with
base specs); but for most users,
a 14in MacBook Pro with an M3 or
Windows on Snapdragon is in
its early days, but if this is what
the first Copilot+ computers are
9 ++++, from £1200 / go.stuff.tv/Neo16
Serious gaming performance, effective cooling
and satisfying keys.
M3 Pro chip should be more than like then we’re pretty excited for
enough laptop. the next-gen versions.
Acer Chromebook Plus 515
Stuff says +++++ Stuff says +++++ ++++, from £370 / go.stuff.tv/Acer515
Apple’s pro laptops now have even One of the best ultraportables you A welcome hardware step up for Chrome OS: the
more power and no weak links can buy, though upgrades are pricey ideal upgrade for everyday computing.

FOR UP-TO-DATE NEWS AND FULL REVIEWS OF ALL THE BEST NEW LAPTOPS, VISIT STUFF.TV/TOP-10/LAPTOPS
TOP TENS TVs 88

TIPS &
TRICKS
Got a modern-ish
Samsung soundbar?
Q Symphony tech
can add the telly’s
Families can set up
individual profiles; the
Tizen smart TV will
offer personalised
1
speakers into the mix. suggestions. Samsung
QE65S95D
£2499 / go.stuff.tv/SamsungS95D

The S95D raises the bar of what’s achievable

with an OLED television, delivering brightness
and saturation beyond what was previously
possible, while the glare-free screen is a
revelation. Add the elegant design, immersive
sound, capable smart features and extensive
gaming skills, and this Samsung becomes
almost impossible to resist.

Stuff says +++++

Classy looks, ace image quality and
great sound: a near-perfect package

O NOW ADD THIS

Samsung HW-Q990D
Wireless rear satellites and a
11.1.4-channel setup make for
ultra-enveloping spatial sound.
£1199 / johnlewis.com

NEW Samsung QE55QN85D

2 NEW 3 NEW 4 +++++ £800 / go.stuff.tv/QN85D
For the price, it’s tricky to find fault with this
dependable all-rounder.

Sony KD55X85L
5 +++++ £899 / go.stuff.tv/SonyX85L
An LED-backlit LCD with local dimming that
offers refined and naturalistic images.

NEW Hisense 50U6N

BARGAIN
BUY
6 ++++, £599 / go.stuff.tv/U6N
The ‘budget’ signs are there, but this is excellent
quality for the price.
LG OLED65G45LW Philips 55OLED809
£2499 / go.stuff.tv/LGG4 £1499 / go.stuff.tv/Philips809
Sky Glass
People have always loved OLED
tellies for their lush colours and
slimness – not so much for their
Philips’ latest mainstream model
has an extensive spec sheet,
with Google TV smarts and
7 ++++, from £699 / go.stuff.tv/SkyGlass
The future of Sky is here… but probably not if
you have a decent 4K television already.
brightness. But this MLA effort gamer-grade picture modes
banishes the ghosts of the past, joining the brand’s signature
delivering a brilliantly intense Ambilight mood lighting. You NEW Panasonic TX-65MX950
picture that bursts with vibrancy
and contrast. LG’s a11 AI processor
fuels its deep-learning-based
don’t get Freeview Play, but a
truly stunning picture pretty much
makes up for that: the OLED809
8 ++++, £1249 / go.stuff.tv/MX950
The flagship of Panasonic’s Mini LED range
delivers on both features and performance.
picture and sound enhancements, is only bettered on brightness by
but if you don’t like the results you far more expensive OLEDs, with
can adjust the settings manually Dolby Vision and HDR10+ Adaptive NEW LG 65QNED91T6A
or use the more traditional preset
modes. It’s also excellent with
video games thanks to strong
covering the two biggest HDR
bases. Native 4K content shows
exceptional fine detail, with only
9 ++++, £1399 / go.stuff.tv/QNED91
LG is known for its OLED tellies but this one’s
actually a Mini LED… and it’s better than most.
connectivity and the automated upscaled broadcast content letting
Game Optimiser. the side down a bit.
Loewe Inspire 55 DR+
Stuff says +++++ Stuff says +++++ ++++, £2499 / go.stuff.tv/Inspire55
This gloriously vibrant TV breathes An engaging OLED with bold images Peerless design and strong performance, but
brilliant life into all types of content and the ever-awesome Ambilight not a perfect picture.

FOR UP-TO-DATE NEWS AND FULL REVIEWS OF ALL THE BEST NEW TELEVISIONS, VISIT STUFF.TV/TOP-10/TVs
TOP TENS SOUNDBARS 89 STREAMERS TOP TENS

Sennheiser Ambeo Sky Stream

Soundbar Max from £28/m + setup / go.stuff.tv/SkyStream

£2199 / go.stuff.tv/AmbeoMax
Functionality-wise, it’s hard to find fault with this little puck. The
basic package seems a little pricey compared to a subscription
Utterly convincing Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D sound, ample to Sky’s £9.99/m Now Entertainment deal, which gets you
power and lots of inputs mean no other soundbar currently access to most of the same channels via an app that’s available
available can perform sonic feats with the solidity and on all sorts of smart TVs and streaming devices. But if you want
confidence of this Sennheiser. The sheer room-filling scale to watch movies too, and especially if you’re willing to pay to
of its sound is remarkable – and the more affordable (but still watch Premier League football and can’t have (or don’t want)
hugely powerful) Plus version is also worth a look. a satellite dish, this is the ideal solution.

Stuff says +++++ Stuff says +++++

The Ambeo Soundbar Max is a big unit but the sound Making it more affordable and accessible than ever, this
it makes is bigger still is the best way to watch Sky TV

Sonos Arc Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

2 £699 / go.stuff.tv/Arc
Don’t expect this soundbar to do everything
a multi-speaker Dolby Atmos setup can
2 £60 / go.stuff.tv/TVStick4K
The latest version of Amazon’s 4K streaming
stick, complete with Alexa remote, has faster
do, but its up-firing and side-firing drivers internals than the old model and adds Wi-Fi 6
give a real sense of cinematic scale. There’s connectivity. See also the Max model below,
also a much more affordable Ray model. and the cheaper non-4K version.
Stuff says +++++ Stuff says +++++
Big-screen sound for your big-screen binges Simply a great 4K streaming stick

BARGAIN
BUY Roku Streambar BARGAIN
BUY Roku Express 4K
3 £120 / go.stuff.tv/RokuStreambar
It’s a compact soundbar and a versatile
streaming stick in the same box – and both
3 £40 / go.stuff.tv/Roku4K
Powered by the user-friendly Roku OS and
offering all the streaming services you’d
parts of the deal work brilliantly well. This is expect, this compellingly versatile yet
the simplest and cheapest way to upgrade surprisingly affordable 4K receiver sits
your TV’s sound and smarts in one go. discreetly below your telly.
Stuff says +++++ Stuff says +++++
A punchy little bar with built-in streaming skills The best-value streaming device you can buy

NEW Klipsch Flexus Core 200 Chromecast with Google TV

4 +++++£449 / go.stuff.tv/Core200
A simple and effective way to give your home
cinema an audio glow-up.
4 +++++from £35 / go.stuff.tv/Chromecast
A solid buy if you like Google’s casting tricks
but also want all your TV apps in one place.

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max

5 +++++£449 / go.stuff.tv/Beam2
The addition of Dolby Atmos has made an
excellent compact soundbar even better.
++++,£70 / go.stuff.tv/TVStickMax
The ‘Max’ part means faster insides, more
storage and a remote with more buttons.

FOR FULL REVIEWS OF ALL THE PRODUCTS IN OUR TOP TEN LISTINGS, VISIT STUFF.TV/TOP-10
TOP TENS TABLETS 90 CONSOLES TOP TENS

1 1

Apple iPad Pro (M4)

from £999 / go.stuff.tv/iPadProM4
Sony PlayStation 5
from £469 / go.stuff.tv/SonyPS5

The latest iPad Pro gets incredible power, using a processor that The PS5 is not a modest upgrade. Its hulking design will make
isn’t even in a Mac yet, while being slimmer than before. The a bad first impression on some (although the slimmed-down
performance gains are quite staggering… and the only question version is less intimidating), but spend time playing it and it’ll
is, why has Apple upgraded the Pro quite so much? It offers a soon win you over. This is essentially a high-spec gaming PC
level of capability that most people won’t ever need – so this for the living room: stupendously powerful, with greatly reduced
is really a powerhouse for the 1% who edit or design with the loading times compared to the PS4. Most last-gen titles will
stylus. And for them, the talented Pencil Pro is also a serious run fine and the lineup of new games is strong, while devs have
upgrade on the standard Pencil. found increasingly clever ways to use that haptic DualSense pad.

Stuff says +++++ Stuff says +++++

This really takes iPad power to the next level, even if Huge power, clever hardware and a guarantee of more
iPadOS still needs more multitasking clout great games to come make the PS5 hard to resist

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Nintendo Switch OLED

2 from £1199 / go.stuff.tv/TabS9Ultra
If you like it big, you’ll love this tab. The screen
and speakers do a fine job of pumping out
2 £270 / go.stuff.tv/SwitchOLED
While it’s identical to the standard Switch in
terms of raw power, the OLED model does
quality whether you’re watching a movie or move things on with its bigger, better display.
listening to a podcast, and it’s also a gaming If you’re looking to buy a Switch for the first
powerhouse thanks to its top-tier specs. time, this one is well worth the extra cash.
Stuff says +++++ Stuff says ++++,
Premium design, great specs, luscious display A tempting upgrade from the trusty old Switch

Apple iPad Microsoft Xbox Series X

3 from £349 / go.stuff.tv/AppleiPad
The latest everyday iPad is predictably
good… but disappointingly expensive. Still,
3 £429 / go.stuff.tv/XboxSX
A fully future-proofed machine that doesn’t
scrimp on specs or speed, the Series X just
there’s much more positive than negative wants more exclusive titles to make it sing.
here: it’s a big upgrade over the previous Xbox Game Pass remains pretty much the
model, with numerous enhancements. best streamed offering in gaming.
Stuff says +++++ Stuff says ++++,
Apple’s entry-level tablet is still excellent A beast of a console that needs more games

Apple iPad Air (M2) Valve Steam Deck OLED

4 +++++ from £599 / go.stuff.tv/iPadAirM2
A great ‘cheaper iPad Pro’, but only if you
really need its extra screen space and power.
++++,from £479 / go.stuff.tv/DeckOLED
Not a true sequel, but the ultimate first-gen
Steam Deck… with a screen to rival your TV.

OnePlus Pad 2 Microsoft Xbox Series S

5 +++++ £449 / go.stuff.tv/OPPad2
This really is pretty much all you need from
an Android tablet.
5 ++++,from £250 / go.stuff.tv/XSS
Delivers affordability without sacrificing key
features – and now there’s a 1TB version.

FOR FULL REVIEWS, VISIT STUFF.TV/TOP-10/TABLETS & STUFF.TV/TOP-10/GAMES-MACHINES

 91 GAMES TOP TENS

1
Elden Ring: Shadow
of the Erdtree
from £25 / PC, PS5, PS4, XSX, XB1

It might be a gigantically generous expansion

TIPS & that almost makes you feel you’re playing Elden
TRICKS Ring for the first time again, but this isn’t DLC
you can dip straight into: it’s aimed at seasoned
You have to fell players who are ready for truly punishing
bosses Mohg and challenges. The Land of Shadow offers an
Starscourge Radahn entirely new, expansive location to explore,
in the base game to an engrossing lore-dense plot… and fresh
unlock the DLC. horrors to fight.

Dungeons have Stuff says +++++

multiple exits and Lives up to – and in some ways even
entry points now, betters – Elden Ring’s excellence
making them worth
going back to later.
O OR PLAY THIS
Scadutree The Nioh Collection
Fragments greatly This double dose of tough action
boost your attack set in a spooky Sengoku-era Japan
and defence, but only is almost as good as the genre gets.
in the DLC areas. £43 / PS5

NEW Astro Bot

2 3 4 +++++ £55 / PS5
A truly fantastic platformer and a generous
treat for gamers of all ages.

Street Fighter 6
5 +++++ from £16 / PS5, PS4, XSX, PC
Packed with options, the best fighting game in
years has got something for everyone.

Super Mario Bros Wonder

6 +++++ £37 / Switch
The best 2D Mario game in years is a must-play
for Switch owners.

God of War Ragnarok

The Legend of Zelda: Baldur’s Gate 3 7 +++++ £40 / PS5, PS4

Bigger and better than the original GoW in
every way, Ragnarok deserves godlike status.
Tears of the Kingdom from £43 / PS5, XSX, PC
£47 / Switch
You needn’t have mulled over thick Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
How do you follow a classic that
not only tore up the Zelda rulebook
but set a new gold standard for
rulebooks and perfected your D20
dice rolls to immerse yourself in
Baldur’s Gate 3. Even newcomers
8 +++++ £45 / PS5
A superior sequel that makes you feel like a real
superhero – this is a fine showcase for the PS5.
open-world game design? You go to Dungeons & Dragons will
large – very large. If you lost weeks appreciate some of the most
of your life to Breath of the Wild, epic and absorbing role-playing Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
prepare for a big dose of the same…
only this time there’s a world
above for Link to conquer too.
stories ever conceived. A diverse
cast of characters, multi-layered
tactical combat and an unrivalled
9 +++++ from £30 / PS5, PS4, XSX, XB1, PC
A curious and brilliantly original blend of action,
real-time strategy and tower defence.
The result is a game that’s even sense of freedom mean no two
more enormous and engrossing. playthroughs will be the same.
Hades
Stuff says +++++
A wondrous open-world adventure
that challenges you at every turn
Stuff says +++++
Enthralling and huge in scope, this is
the grandest D&D RPG ever made
10 +++++ from £18 / all platforms
Great even if you don’t like roguelites… and if
you do, it’s the best there is.

FOR UP-TO-DATE NEWS AND REVIEWS OF ALL THE BEST NEW GAMES, VISIT STUFF.TV/TOP-10/GAMES
TOP TENS SPEAKERS 92

1
Sonos Move 2
£429 / go.stuff.tv/SonosMove2

The ‘2’ means our favourite speaker is now even

better. Sonos has upgraded the Move in the
areas that matter most – sound quality and
battery life, the latter of which has more than
doubled. Our only criticisms are about the high
price and the weight, which is an inevitable
trade-off for the muscular sound. Line-in is
TIPS & also a little bit of a faff with the extra adapter…
TRICKS but if you’re in the market for this excellent box,
you’re probably beyond cables.
You can control your
Move 2 with the Stuff says +++++
touch controls on Beefed-up audio and a longer-lasting
top, the Sonos app battery – a winning combo
or Alexa.

Auto Trueplay adapts O NOW ADD THIS

the Move 2’s sound YouTube Music Premium
to different rooms, If you’d like a side of optional visuals
while the app offers with your audio, look no further than
additional EQ tweaks. the ad-free tier of YouTube Music.
£10.99/m / music.youtube.com

Sonos Roam 2
2 3 4 +++++ £139 / go.stuff.tv/SonosRoam
There are better-sounding sub-£200 speakers,
but none with the Roam’s portable skills.

Ruark R410
5 +++++ £1299 / go.stuff.tv/RuarkR410
A superb-sounding streaming system with a
luscious design that shames its frumpy rivals.

Ultimate Ears Epicboom

6 +++++ £304 / go.stuff.tv/UEEpicboom
A portable party speaker with epic stamina,
punchy audio and waterproofing… but it is pricey.

Sonos Era 100 Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Naim Mu-so 2nd Generation
£189 / go.stuff.tv/SonosEra100 £549 / go.stuff.tv/BWZeppelin

Improved in every way over the No, the latest Zeppelin doesn’t
7 +++++ £899 / go.stuff.tv/Muso2
More than capable of maintaining Naim’s position
at the front of the luxury hi-fi pack.
already brilliant Sonos One – not quite give the widely separated
least with the crucial addition of stereo sound it reckons it can.
Bluetooth support – the Era 100 And no, that downward-facing Audio Pro C10 MkII
matches its key rivals for sound
quality. If you’ve got an existing
Sonos system, it’s the obvious
‘ambient’ light doesn’t serve much
of a purpose, while the absence
of an HDMI input is perplexing.
8 +++++ £329 / go.stuff.tv/C10MkII
Ideal for multiroom systems – there’s nothing
else that sounds this good at this price.
choice. And see also the Era 300, But in every other respect this
a much bigger speaker that really is a deeply impressive wireless
excels at spatial audio and takes speaker. There’s no clever DSP Devialet Phantom 1 108dB
standard stereo recordings up
a notch. Both are super-smart
if you add Alexa and can do all the
magic, just excellent sound with
a stack of music-making talent
and a control app that helps
9 +++++ £2800 each / go.stuff.tv/Phantom1
An insanely powerful lump of hi-fi magic, best
enjoyed in a neighbour-terrifying stereo pair.
usual multiroom stuff you expect rather than hinders. It’s basically
from Sonos. the complete package.
JBL Charge 5
Stuff says +++++
The most classy smart speaker you
can get for the price
Stuff says +++++
Supremely enjoyable hi-fi sound in
a supremely large format
10 +++++ from £140 / go.stuff.tv/JBLC5
A no-nonsense portable speaker for audio fans
who won’t settle for a sonic lightweight.

FOR UP-TO-DATE NEWS AND REVIEWS OF ALL THE BEST NEW HI-FI, VISIT STUFF.TV/TOP-10/HI-FI-STREAMING
TOP TENS E-BIKES 93 ELECTRIC CARS TOP TENS

1 1

Honbike Uni4
£2271 / go.stuff.tv/HonbikeUni4
Tesla Model 3 (2024)
from £39,990 / go.stuff.tv/Tesla3

This urban e-bike is designed to be as maintenance-free as This is much more than a simple mid-cycle refresh for Tesla’s
possible, with no gears, integrated lights, and a hub that swaps most affordable electric vehicle: now smoother and quieter than
the oily chain for a nice clean belt. The non-removable battery ever, the updated Model 3 does everything you could want from
might make it a poor choice for flat-dwellers, and the fixed a family car. Electric range is superb, performance and dynamism
gearing limits its touring appeal, but the Uni4 is an otherwise are hardly lacking, and the tech inside that gadget-packed yet
fantastic performer. The display is slick, the app strong and the minimalist interior is slick. A few quirks remain, and rivals have
styling distinctive. It undercuts similarly stylish rivals on price yet caught up with their own self-driving systems, but none can
doesn’t skimp on features. match the Tesla for mainstream appeal.
Stuff says +++++ Stuff says +++++
An appealing blend of outstanding looks, minimal An excellent family car that fixes most of the previous
maintenance and a relaxed electric ride gen’s niggles… and sets a new standard for EVs

Cowboy Cruiser Kia EV6

2 £2537 / go.stuff.tv/CowboyCruiser
The Cruiser combines all the perks of a
connected bike with the simplicity of a less
2 from £45,575 / go.stuff.tv/EV6
This brilliant crossover arrived with a
properly head-turning design and a roomy
evolved option: you can hook up your phone cabin packed with tech features. It’ll manage
for hi-tech riding, or use it as an offline up to 300 miles on a charge and can handle
e-assisted steed when that’s all you need. a heady 350kW when it’s time to plug in.
Stuff says +++++ Stuff says +++++
Smart yet simple, this is an excellent buy A fantastic family-focused electric car

Whyte ELyte 140 Works Volvo EX30

3 £10,999 / go.stuff.tv/140Works
The wireless shifting never misses a beat, the
brakes are ultra-grippy and the suspension
3 from £32,850 / go.stuff.tv/EX30
This cute little Volvo hits the spot on most
fronts. It packs in everything that’s great
offers ace performance… if you want the best about the Swedish brand, and opens up
of the best in electric mountain bikes, this is the world of all-electric motoring to a whole
what it costs. new audience.
Stuff says +++++ Stuff says +++++
The ultimate lightweight performance eMTB A nearly perfect compact EV

Canyon Commuter:ON 7 BMW i4

4 +++++£2829 / go.stuff.tv/CanyonON
For the money, this is a smart and nippy way
to get from A to B.
4 +++++from £51,270 / go.stuff.tv/i4
A no-nonsense fully electric BMW but still
with the look and feel of a petrol car.

Specialized Turbo Tero X 6.0 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

5 +++++£5500 / go.stuff.tv/TurboTeroX
An e-bike you can happily take off-road or
trailer the kids to school on.
5 +++++from £65,000 / go.stuff.tv/Ioniq5N
This is a blisteringly good high-performance
all-rounder with added novelty value.

FOR FULL REVIEWS OF ALL THESE GADGETS, AND TO EXPLORE MORE TOP TEN LISTS, VISIT STUFF.TV/TOP-10
TOP TENS SMART HOME 94

1
Amazon Echo
(4th Gen)
£110 / go.stuff.tv/Echo4Gen

Having morphed from a cylinder to a sphere,

TIPS & the latest Echo is an excellent newsreader,
TRICKS weather forecaster, personal assistant and
intercom straight out of the box; but it’s now
The Echo’s built-in also a capable speaker and a very accessible
Zigbee hub can hook smart home hub. It doesn’t sound as good
up hundreds of as the Sonos Era 100 for listening to music,
smart home devices but it’s significantly smarter and considerably
without a bridge. cheaper too.

Pair a compatible Stuff says +++++

thermostat and the An all-round upgrade that makes the
Echo’s temperature Echo a smarter speaker than ever
sensor can activate
the heating.
O NOW ADD THIS
Alexa Flash Briefings Honeywell T6R
deliver bursts This Zigbee-enabled thermostat
of news or trivia; is wireless so you can place it
choose from a wide where it’s most convenient.
range of sources. £162 / amazon.co.uk

Ring Indoor Camera (2nd Gen)

2 3 4 +++++£50 / go.stuff.tv/IndoorCam2
Minimally tweaked for v2, this cute spy-cam is
a real bargain for anyone with security worries.

Nest Learning Thermostat

5 +++++£160 / go.stuff.tv/Nest3
A simple and mess-free smart thermostat with
Alexa compatibility.

Arlo Pro 5
6 +++++£130 / go.stuff.tv/Pro5
A premium indoor/outdoor security cam with
excellent detail and colour night vision.

Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) Google Nest Mini Eufy X10 Pro Omni
from £55 / go.stuff.tv/EchoDot5 £35 / go.stuff.tv/GNestMini

The latest Dot offers improved If you live in Google’s world (and
7 +++++£679 / go.stuff.tv/EufyOmni
Finally, a powerful robot vacuum cleaner that
does proper mopping as well.
sound quality over the 4th Gen let’s face it, most of us do) then
model. Not surprisingly given its the Nest Mini is the best, cheapest
size, it still doesn’t have the heft way to get into the smart home NEW Ultion Nuki Plus
of a full-scale Echo, but this Dot is
more than good enough for bedside
table or kitchen listening – and
game. Just like the latest Echo
Dot, this latest version features
upgraded speakers and mics
8 +++++£379 / go.stuff.tv/NukiPlus
A top-notch smart lock combining robust
security with clever features.
light years away from the lame compared to older models. It’s
sound of the early versions. a slightly better bet than the Echo
Consider the ‘with Clock’ variant Dot with Clock if you want close Philips Hue Starter Kit
if you can still find one – it offers
a better and much more useful LED
display than the previous model,
integration with your Google
calendar and apps. The only
reason not to buy is if you want
9 +++++from £70 / go.stuff.tv/HueKit
Become an indoor god with the smartest way
of lighting up your home remotely.
but Amazon has now discontinued more powerful audio – for that,
it in favour of the Echo Spot. get the Google Nest Audio instead.
Dyson V15 Detect Absolute
Stuff says +++++
The 5th Gen brings a nice upgrade
to an already excellent little gadget
Stuff says +++++
Louder and cleverer than ever… and
it’ll only improve with updates
10 +++++£710 / go.stuff.tv/DysonV15
Ludicrous but brilliant: a vacuum cleaner that
illuminates your dust particles with a laser.

FOR FULL REVIEWS OF THE BEST SMART HOME DEVICES, VISIT STUFF.TV/TOP-10/SMART-HOME-DEVICES
TOP TENS VR HEADSETS 95 DRONES & ACTION CAMS TOP TENS

1 1

Sony PlayStation VR2

£478 / go.stuff.tv/SonyPSVR2
GoPro Hero12 Black
£288 / go.stuff.tv/GoPro12

As long as you have the PS5 console needed to use it, this The Hero12 Black is a fantastic first action camera and a solid
headset is better than the original PS VR in every way that upgrade for anyone with a Hero9 or earlier. GoPro has brought
matters. It’s lighter and far easier to set up, and the new haptic back the same sensor first introduced on the Hero11 Black but
controllers are really great. Games look much sharper while made it even easier to use, adding HDR video, a 1/4in tripod
maintaining smooth framerates, and futuristic eye-tracking thread and Bluetooth mic recording to the mix. That’s refined
allows for features like foveated rendering that should help a solid system – and while this isn’t a low-light champ like DJI’s
big-budget titles look and perform better. But it isn’t technically Action 4, its class-leading stabilisation, upgraded audio and pro
flawless, and needs a lot more games to set it apart. features make it the most accessible action cam around.

Stuff says ++++, Stuff says +++++

A big improvement over the original PS VR, but it still An iteration rather than a revolution, this is a seriously
lacks a library of experiences that make the most of it powerful and intuitive camera

Meta Quest 3 DJI Mini 4 Pro

2 from £410 / go.stuff.tv/MQ3
There’s no disputing that the Meta Quest 3
is an improved headset in almost all metrics:
2 from £616 / go.stuff.tv/DJIMini4Pro
This is definitely the best sub-250g drone
we’ve reviewed, and its safety features, auto
faster, lighter, brighter, more sophisticated. flight functions and image quality make it a
But it’s still cumbersome and doesn’t quite joy to use. It’s one of the few ultralight models
know what it wants to be. that doesn’t feel full of compromises.
Stuff says ++++, Stuff says +++++
A fantastic headset, but for serious VR fans only The most powerful mini-drone in the skies

Valve Index DJI Osmo Pocket 3

3 £919 / go.stuff.tv/ValveIndex
The Index came out back in 2019 with
enough evolutionary upgrades to put it
3 £450 / go.stuff.tv/OsmoPocket3
The latest Osmo Pocket delivers the video
quality to best any footage shot on a phone.
atop the PC-based headset pack. Even This is a versatile vlog machine that copes
if it doesn’t solve all the usual VR hangups, astonishingly well in low light and has
the Index experience can be mesmerising. excellent audio too.
Stuff says ++++, Stuff says +++++
The best of the performance PC options A superlative compact vlogging system

Vive Pro DJI Mini 3

4 ++++,£599 / go.stuff.tv/VivePro
No longer the top dog for high-end VR using
a PC, but it looks crisp and feels comfy.
4 +++++from £459 / go.stuff.tv/DJIMini3
A delightfully portable fly-anywhere
quadcopter with great battery life.

Pico 4 Insta360 Go 3S
5 ++++,£293 / go.stuff.tv/Pico4
A sensibly-priced standalone VR headset
that impresses on the hardware front.
5 +++++from £350 / go.stuff.tv/3S
A welcome (if not drastic) improvement to
an already great miniature action camera.

FOR FULL REVIEWS, AND TO EXPLORE MORE OF THE STUFF TOP TEN LISTS, VISIT STUFF.TV/TOP-10
TOP TENS CAMERAS 96

1
Fujifilm X-T50
£1199 / go.stuff.tv/XT50

The X-T50 is a wonderfully compact mirrorless

camera with a distinctive top plate covered in
TIPS & control dials – including one dedicated to Fuji’s

O System camera prices quoted are for body only unless otherwise stated
TRICKS excellent film simulations. On paper it should
deliver identical image quality to the flagship
With film simulations X-T5 – both have the same sensor and image
on a dedicated dial processor after all – and that is absolutely the
now, it’s worth setting case: the 40MP sensor captures amazing detail,
a custom button to noise is well maintained as ISO levels creep up,
adjust ISO. and sharpness is on point across the frame.

Switch from Stuff says +++++

mechanical to A brilliant camera that puts Fuji’s fine
electronic shutter film simulations front and centre
and you can rattle
off shots at 20fps.
O NOW ADD THIS
Fuji’s XApp phone Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f2.8-4.8
companion is slick, An essential first lens for any Fuji
with features such as system newcomer, the 16-50mm
shot counts for each is well suited to most scenarios.
film simulation. £699 / parkcameras.com

Canon EOS R7
2 3 4 +++++£1449 / go.stuff.tv/CanonR7
A mid-range option with speed, image quality
and handling on its side – this is a fine buy.

Fujifilm X-T5
5 +++++£1549 / go.stuff.tv/FujiXT5
More feature-packed than the X-T50 at the top
of this list, but more money too.

Nikon Z8
6 +++++£3789 / go.stuff.tv/NikonZ8
A near-perfect mirrorless, with all the power of
the flagship Z9 in a smaller, cheaper body.
Sony A7 IV Fujifilm X100VI
£2149 / go.stuff.tv/SonyA74 £1599 (fixed lens) / go.stuff.tv/Fuji100 Sony A7C R
The A7 series might be marketed
as Sony’s ‘basic’ full-frame
In 2020, Fujifilm couldn’t keep up
with the TikTok-fuelled demand
7 +++++£2080 / go.stuff.tv/SonyA7CR
Premium performance and resolution in a small
(and sometimes slightly cramped) body.
E-mount camera, but it’s now for its fixed-lens X100V. That
become a premium model in its camera’s successor adds a bunch
own right. The A7 III proved very of upgrades including 40MP of Nikon Zf
popular with content creators,
delivering both strong 4K video
and ace stills; the A7 IV takes
APS-C goodness, courtesy of
the X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor,
and in-body image stabilisation.
8 +++++£1699 / go.stuff.tv/NikonZf
A wonderfully stylish retro snapper that packs
outstanding full-frame image quality.
things up a notch with even The result is a compact gem
better image quality, improved that takes beautiful photos
performance and a host of and is much more versatile Leica Q3
thoughtful design touches.
It’s pricey compared to some
APS-C and Micro Four Thirds
than the old model: a meaningful
improvement that doesn’t
lose sight of what made the
9 +++++£5550 (fixed lens) / go.stuff.tv/LeicaQ3
This is simply an exceptionally capable (and, yes,
exceptionally expensive) compact camera.
options, but there’s a lot going X100 series so popular in the
on here for the money. first place.
Panasonic Lumix S9
Stuff says +++++
Sony’s mirrorless all-rounder delivers
premium-quality stills and video
Stuff says +++++
This could be the last camera you’ll
ever feel the need to buy
10 ++++,£1499 / go.stuff.tv/LumixS9
As compact as full-frame cams with swappable
lenses get, the S9 takes gorgeous photos.

FOR FULL REVIEWS OF ALL THE BEST NEW CAMERAS, VISIT STUFF.TV/TOP-10/SYSTEM-CAMERAS
 97 BUDGET BUYS TOP TENS

1
Amazon Echo Dot
TIPS & (5th Gen)
TRICKS from £55 / go.stuff.tv/EchoDot5

Fed up of yelling? The latest Dot offers improved sound quality

Alexa’s voice can over the 4th Gen model. Not surprisingly given
work like an intercom its size, it still doesn’t have the heft of a full-scale
with connected Echo, but this Dot is more than good enough
Echo devices. for bedside table or kitchen listening – and light
years away from the lame sound of the early
Alexa Voice versions. Consider the ‘with Clock’ variant
Shopping lets you if you can still find one – Amazon has now
order from Amazon; discontinued it in favour of the Echo Spot.
add a ‘voice code’ to
keep the kids off. Stuff says +++++
The 5th Gen brings a nice upgrade to
Dot at your bedside? an already excellent little gadget
Saying “Alexa, turn
on whisper mode”
will stop it waking O NOW ADD THIS
up sleepyheads. Wall Mount for Echo Dot
This mount for the Dot (and other
small speakers) will keep it clear
from wet kitchen surfaces.
£15 / amazon.co.uk

CMF Phone 1
2 3 4 +++++£209 / go.stuff.tv/CMF1
Some clever accessories set the CMF Phone 1
apart from its Android rivals.

Sony WF-C700N
5 +++++£78 / go.stuff.tv/WFC700N
Affordable in-ears with proper noise-cancelling,
easy comfort and decent sound quality.

SanDisk Extreme 1TB

6 +++++£98 / go.stuff.tv/SDExtreme
A rugged little SSD for those who don’t just
need a drive to dump next to their desktop.

Microsoft Xbox Amazon Kindle Razer Kishi V2

Wireless Headset £85 / go.stuff.tv/Kindle11
£95 / go.stuff.tv/XboxWireless
The basic Kindle gets its first
7 +++++ £70 / go.stuff.tv/RazerV2
This compact device is a sleek way to turn your
phone into a games console.
With their chunky earpads, these update for three years – and
black cans are unmistakably Xbox. jumps into the water alongside
And the sound is impressive for the interesting new Kindle Scribe. CRKD Nitro Deck+
the price, with a low-end response
so impactful we had to turn down
the bass in the Xbox’s EQ app. You
It’s the same size as before
at 6in, but slightly lighter; and
the wonderful display now has
8 +++++£70 / go.stuff.tv/NitroDeckPlus
With high-quality controls, this is a premium
deck and dock for your Switch.
might find yourself wishing for a higher resolution (300dpi),
some sort of multifunction button while there are also upgrades
for non-gaming use (and there’s no to battery life and storage. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12
case, suggesting Microsoft expects
you to keep it in the house). But if
you like the sound of keeping your
latter goes up to 16GB from 8GB,
but the stamina improvement
is better still: an impressive six
9 ++++, £72 / go.stuff.tv/InstaxMini12
Charmingly simple, this affordable instant
camera ejects a print in just five seconds.
Xbox headset outlay below three weeks instead of four. This is a
figures, look no further. great sub-£100 e-reader.
Beurer TL 50
Stuff says +++++
Yes, you really can bag a decent
gaming headset for under £100
Stuff says +++++
Some nice improvements make the
latest entry-level Kindle a doozy
10 ++++,£73 / go.stuff.tv/BTL50
A beautifully designed anti-SAD lamp that
doesn’t cost the earth.

FOR FULL REVIEWS OF ALL THESE GADGETS, AND TO EXPLORE MORE TOP TEN LISTS, VISIT STUFF.TV/TOP-10
 Loud busting
Dual screens grabbed
the attention, but the DS’s
dual speakers were great for
blaring out the GTA soundtrack
until someone nearby got
RANDOM ACCESS MEMORIES 2004 annoyed and snapped
the clamshell shut
on your fingers.

Nintendo DS
hat’s the line again? “If you see Sorry… what? And it drew in so many new gamers that the

W a stylus, they blew it.” Ha! Take

that, Nintendo!
That was a Steve Jobs line about
Remember, this was a console about bucking
conventions. Sure, it had a D-pad, buttons
and triggers, but Nintendo wanted to once
DS… ceased to exist. Where is it now, eh?
In the DNA of countless devices around the
world. The DS paved the way for mobile and
smartphones. But further back in 2004, the again position itself in the market as a force casual gaming, through allowing you to play
stylus was an innovation in games consoles. for innovation – so it encouraged intuitive, games by prodding screens. And it revitalised
As was a two-screen setup, which recalled direct interaction with games. The result Nintendo and the games industry as a whole,
the Donkey Kong Game & Watch. And with was a system that felt excitingly inclusive. by proving success could come from daring to
the bottom display also being a touchscreen, It drew in people who’d never had a console be different. So while the DS was supplanted
[ Words Craig Grannell ]

Nintendo was challenging game creators to before, and it prompted an explosion in by smartphones, its spirit lives on in Ninty’s
try new things. Blew it? Hardly: it sold over reimagining game design – from Brain own Switch, and in more out-there hardware
150 million units… though you did get to ‘blow Training having you hold the DS like a book such as Panic’s Playdate. Of course, not even
it’ in a more literal sense when games asked to Pac-Pix bringing your freeform mutant Nintendo considered a handheld with a hand
you to, say, make pan-pipes play on screen. dot-muncher scribbles to life. crank – but it probably wishes it had.

DON’T MISS THE NEXT ISSUE! ON SALE 22 NOV

T-shirts, sweatshirts,
knitwear and prints.
Inspired by art, design,
sport and good times.
Original British Design. WWW.T-LAB.CO.UK
See them all at
www.t-lab.co.uk
 Despite its 10.95mm height, the Trident C60 Pro 300 ‘Lumiére’ leaps from your
wrist. (Just like it jumped off this page.) Its brightness results from proudly
protruding indices and the logo they encircle. Featuring facets finely machined
to tolerances of 0.03mm, these mini-monoliths are super-legible in daylight. But
it’s the Globolight®, the unique luminous ceramic from which they’re hewn, that
produces their astounding, super-brilliance at night. And inspired this timepiece’s
name. The light show doesn’t end there. Carved from titanium, the 41mm case
incorporates a second sapphire crystal displaying its super-accurate movement.
But it’s not the back of this beautiful tool watch you’re buying into. Is it?

Do your research

christopherward.com