The Xperia 1 VI may have ditched its 21:9 display, but the Xperia 10 VI is here to continue the trend of tall and narrow Sony phones. The latest Sony midranger brings a few key changes compared to its predecessor including a more capable Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset and 8GB RAM but it loses out on the dedicated telephoto cam.
Sony Xperia 10 VI
Xperia 10 VI features a 6.1-inch OLED display with FHD+ resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate. You still get Gorilla Glass Victus protection on the front and an 8MP front-facing cam and Sony claims the speakers are now louder and offer improved...
The Sony Xperia 1 VI is official and it's looking like a welcome refinement of the Xperia 1 V formula.
The biggest change is the move away from the staple 4K OLED in its cinema 21:9 aspect ratio and towards a more conventional 19.5:9 1080x2340px panel. The diagonal is still 6.5 inches, but with the new aspect it's actually a slightly larger screen.
The display is now brighter too - up from 900 nits to 1,300 nits - and smarter - the LTPO panel variably adjusts between 1Hz and 120Hz, whereas the Xperia 1 V mostly toggled between 60Hz and 120Hz.
This will likely have a positive impact...
GPU: Entry-level 650MHz, High-performance 750MHz, 12 execution units
RAM: Upgradable up to 16GB of DDR3L, none supplied in the box
FLASH: 32GB eMMC
USB: 1 x Type-C, 1 x USB3.0, 2 x internal USB2.0
Display: 1 x 4K MiniDP, 1 x DP over Type-C, 1 x eDP internal
PCIe: Four lanes 2.0
SATA: 2 x SATA3.0
Ethernet: 1 x Gigabit LAN
Power Consumption: About 15W
Size: 107mm x 80mm x 32mm
It competes with the Raspberry Pi 4, being in the same price bracket while offering an Intel x86 architecture. The SBC has plenty of connectors, which makes this hacker-friendly platform versatile and unique. The built-in PCIe 2.0 x4 connector accepts various cards out-of-the-box, and with two SATA3 ports, the board can morph into a portable NAS storage device.
Since the ZimaBlade supports up to 16GB of DDR3L, it can run applications requiring large amounts of memory, such as databases and VMs. The main let-down is the outdated CPU, with the speediest version of the board based on a Quad-Core 2.3GHz Apollo Lake CPU. The SBC features a single USB Type-C, which supplies power and drives a DisplayPort output.
IceWhale Technology, the maker of the ZimaBlade, held a Crowdsupply campaign to finance the board's new version. Various perks are available; the most basic, containing a Dual-Core Intel Celeron N3350, is available for $64. The ZimaBlade 7700, built around a Quad-Core J3455 CPU, sells for $96. Except for the CPU, both have the same hardware and require a DDR3L memory module to boot.
(Image credit: Future)
ZimaBlade: Design
The ZimaBlade computer comes with a male-to-male Type-C and one SATA cable. The passively cooled unit measures 107mm x 80mm x 32mm and weighs 175g. The small case sits perfectly flat on a desk, with no mounting holes and only four tiny rubber pads on the bottom. Being very light, connecting various cables can become problematic as the case can topple easily.
The Zimablade designers have worked hard to produce an enclosure that showcases the computer’s internal components. A transparent plastic top displays the SODIMM memory but not the CPU. With no power button available, the hardware turns on when plugging a Type-C cable. A single status LED, barely visible from the side of the case, indicates if the board is powered. The PCIe socket location does not allow easy card insertion. The card’s metal bracket has to be removed before use.
Under the hood, the ZimaBlade sports a J3455 quad-core Intel Celeron CPU clocked at 2.4GHz for the highest performance board variant. Geekbench shows the ZimaBlade handily outperforms the Cortex A72 ARM CPU found in the Pi4 but scores well below the new Pi5’s Cortex A76 CPU. One aspect not found on similar-priced platforms is expanding the memory to 16GB using DDR3L SODIMM.
The ZimaBlade targets an audience that strives for high-speed interfaces. Seven connectors provide connectivity for many use cases with throughputs above the gigabit mark. Two SATA6 and one Gigabit Ethernet socket turn the ZimaBlade into a redundant storage server. One USB3, a USB Type-C with DP, and a mini-DP connector capable of 4K at 60Hz complete the list of external ports. Three internal connectors, two USB 2.0 connectors, and one eDP socket allow additional peripherals.
(Image credit: Future)
ZimaBlade: In Use
The owner can use the ZimaBlade simply by plugging a USB Type-C cable into a screen supporting a Type-C display. The computer then boots CasaOS, a lightweight cloud-accessible platform with an ever-increasing number of applications. ZimaBlade is extremely fast at booting, taking just five seconds to display the Linux login.
After entering the default username and password, the user has root access to the Linux-based OS stored in 32GB eMMC storage, with 24GB left for user applications. A lean OS means a lowly 20% RAM utilization with an 8GB memory module. With the 1G LAN connected, software updates run automatically and keep the platform secured.
In addition to being affordable, the ZimaBlade builds on a user-friendly OS where the UI is viewed entirely through a web browser. This cloud concept could have been a miss, but thanks to modern technologies like Docker containers, using the desktop is very snappy. The installed software includes a file explorer and an app store containing forty applications ranging from a retro emulator to home automation.
Running Geekbench6 on the ZimaBlade involves installing through SSH. The board's power consumption reaches 15W, with the case becoming
hot at more than 60 degrees Celsius, and decreases to 6W when idle. With a score of 300 in single-core and 911 in multi-core benchmarks on Geekbench6, the J3455 CPU won’t blow you away with its computing prowess but will be sufficient for everyday basic tasks.
(Image credit: Future)
ZimaBlade: The competition
Thanks to the ZimaBlade, finding an affordable x86 single-board computer with lots of connectivity and expandable memory has become more accessible. Hardkernel’s Odroid H3+ is very similar to the ZimaBlade, being passively cooled and possessing various high-speed connectors. The H3+ costs more than twice as much, with the Odroid H3+ being bigger with an oversized heatsink and consuming more power. The quad-lane PCIe connector on the ZimaBlade makes it a valuable testbed for PCIe cards, something not found in the Odroid H3+.
ZimaBlade: Final verdict
IceWhale’s ZimaBlade makes a tremendous entry-level computer with many options for adding extra hardware. The PCIe slot is the product's standout feature, allowing the use of high-end gaming graphics cards, for example. The single SODIMM socket gives the user an upgrade path to more memory. The onboard eMMC storage memory turns the unit into a self-contained product. Finally, a price below $100 tilts the balance, making the ZimaBlade a must-have gadget this year.
Oppo today announced it will unveil the Reno12 series with Oppo AI in China on May 23 at 4 PM local time. The brand hasn't revealed how many smartphones the lineup will include, but there will be a vanilla and a Pro model for sure.
Rumors claim the Oppo Reno12 will be powered by the Dimensity 8250 SoC, while the Reno12 Pro will have the Dimensity 9200+ Star Speed Edition at the helm.
The Oppo Reno12 Pro is also said to come with a 6.7" 120Hz 1.5K screen, a 5,000 mAh battery, and 80W charging. It will feature three 50MP cameras - primary, telephoto, and selfie.
With the launch...
The Miele DuoFlex HX1 is part of the European brand's HX1 range, pitched as the brand's most affordable cordless vacuum cleaner. The DuoFlex HX1 is available in five different iterations. They're the same core vacuum with the same main cleaner head, but in a range of colors and with varying tools and accessories included. That means you can choose the model that suits you, without having to shell out for extra tools that you don't really need.
Miele is a European brand that has a long history of designing practical vacuums that stand the test of time. It's still best known for its plug-in vacuums, but will no doubt be hoping the HX1 range will earn it spot on TechRadar's best cordless vacuum ranking.
On test it felt well-built, sturdy and robust, but heavy and cumbersome. It's designed to be as powerful as Miele's bagged vacuums, and I found the dirt collection was good on the higher power level. The HX1's ability to automatically detect different floor types and adjust its suction in response takes the fuss out of vacuuming around your home. I also appreciated the clever self-cleaning filter.
(Image credit: Future)
However, these innovative features are let down by some issues with the basics. The small dirt bin, messy emptying process and the short battery life are frustrating and mean this vacuum cleaner is best suited to smaller homes and those with predominantly hard floors.
For this review, I tested out the HX1 Cat & Dog version, the USP of which is a handheld 'Electro Compact' brush. I found this did a great job of removing hair from pet bedding and thoroughly cleaning upholstery. However, the small dust bin limits this vacuum's suitability for pet owners, especially if their four-legged friends shed a lot. Read on for my full Miele DuoFlex HX1 vacuum cleaner review.
UK: from £449, available now (launched summer 2024)
US: from $599, launching June 2024
Australia: price and launch date TBC
Each of the five models in the Miele DuoFlex HX1 range is priced slightly differently. It's the same base model for all versions, but the accessories included differ. Hop to my model comparison table to see exactly how they compare, but price-wise the UK range runs from £369 to £499, with the Cat & Dog model I reviewed is £449. There's plenty of scope to choose the model that's right for your home and lifestyle.
The Miele DuoFlex HX1 range launched in summer 2024 in the UK. At time of writing, that's the only territory it's available in, but it is due to launch in the US in June 2024, at $599 for the standard HX1 model. It will also be available in Australia, but we don't have pricing information yet.
Value for money score: 4 out of 5
Miele DuoFlex HX1 vacuum cleaner specs
Miele DuoFlex HX1 vacuum model options
Miele DuoFlex HX1 vacuum cleaner review: design
Sturdy build, tools supplied vary by model
ComfortClean system removes the need to wash filter
Dust cup is small at 0.3L
The various models in the range are available in different colors. The Miele DuoFlex HX1 Cat & Dog comes in obsidian black and space gray, which is just a fancy way of saying it's essentially a black and gray vacuum – arguably a bit dull. That being said, not everyone wants a bright and lurid vacuum. And while the look is understated, the vacuum itself has a sturdy quality. It feels well built, as do all the tools.
The 'MultiFloor electrobrush' is the HX1's standard cleaning head. Additionally, all models come with a dusting brush and crevice nozzle – both of which can be stored on the wand of the vacuum so they're always to hand when needed – and a large upholstery nozzle.
(Image credit: Future)
Beyond those tools, the extras depend on the model you go for. The special addition for the Cat & Dog version I had on test is a small 'Electro Compact brush', designed specifically for tackling pet hair on upholstery.
(Image credit: Future)
The vacuum switches on via a button on the front of the handle, so there's no uncomfortable trigger to worry about. A second button below it enables you to switch between the two power levels.
The charging cable can be plugged directly into the vacuum, or, if you're installing the wall bracket it can be included in this setup so the vacuum automatically charges every time it's docked on the bracket.
(Image credit: Future)
While many vacuums now include washable lifetime filters, Miele has developed an even better solution with what it calls the ComfortClean self-cleaning function. By turning the ComfortClean cap, the fine dust filter is cleaned in place. Any dirt that's removed from the filter makes its way into the dust bin and gets emptied out with the rest of the debris into your trash.
The dust bin is emptied easily via a flap that releases the dirt into the trash. But the small 0.3 liter dirt capacity will definitely be off-putting for some households.
Dirt bin fills up frustratingly fast, and emptying it can be messy
Feels heavy and a bit cumbersome, but maneuvers well
Suction is good and auto power switching is effective
When reviewing the Miele DuoFlex HX1, a few things were obvious even from the first use. This vacuum feels weighty, and I'm not just talking about vacuuming overhead. It has a heaviness even when vacuuming floors, which I think is down to the balance and the position and/or the angle of the handle.
Furthermore, the handle felt pretty chunky in my small hands, verging on uncomfortable. But I'm a 5ft 3in woman, so I got my 6ft 2in husband to try it out. He found the handle size to be more appropriate to his hand size. Though he felt there was less space under the handle and his fingers were a bit squashed. He also commented on the appearance of the vacuum which he liked, but I'm less keen on.
(Image credit: Future)
Maneuverability was good on all floors. The main floorhead automatically detects carpet and increases the suction in response. This auto switching function works effectively, and I found it really took the thinking out of maneuvering between floor types, though the down-side it that it drains the battery (more on that later).
Edge cleaning along baseboards is fine on the lower power setting, but much better on the higher setting. Even when I deliberately sprinkled debris along baseboards, it was thoroughly sucked up on the higher suction, which isn't always the case with cordless vacuums.
(Image credit: Future)
I've got both carpeted and wood stairs and the HX1 coped well with both. However, in general, even on hard floors, it was rare that I could vacuum a whole room on the lower suction. Generally, I felt the need to increase the power to the higher level to be certain of a thorough clean. And again, this impacts the amount of cleaning time you get before the battery dies.
(Image credit: Future)
After just five minutes of vacuuming a bedroom carpet, that wasn't all that dirty, the small dust bin was full up. The loose carpet fibers quickly fill the small bin, and while it doesn't fill up this fast on hard floors. If you've got a very busy house with children and pets, the dirt bin is not likely to be big enough. Similarly for larger homes, the frequent need to empty the bin will become very tedious.
Further to that, emptying out the dirt wasn't always straightforward. While the catch releases the base of the dust bin, the dirt doesn't always fall out. Often hair gets tangled around the pre-filter and sometimes debris gets stuck behind it. The pre-filter then has to be pulled out by hand to fully release everything, so it can certainly be a messy task.
The ComfortClean system is great for unclogging the filter, but every three months the filter has to be removed and tapped on the side of the trash. Once again, this is very messy to do.
(Image credit: Future)
The noise level is pretty typical for a vacuum. When using the hand tools it's around 70dB, rising to 80dB on the higher suction level. With the multi-floor brush in place you can expect a noise level in the region of 75-80dB depending on the floor type and power level.
Miele DuoFlex HX1 tools
The main floor cleaner head is referred to as the MultiFloor ElectroBrush, but there are a range of supplementary tools, which I'll comment on more here. The tools you get will depend on which version of the HX1 you opt for. The smaller of these tools can be attached directly to the vacuum for use as a handheld vacuum, or they can be fitted to the end of the wand for a longer reach. However, as a handheld vacuum in the car the HX1 felt bulky.
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Dusting brush (included with all models) (Image credit: Miele)
The dusting brush (included with all models) was handy for dusting shelves, but depending on the angle and the height of the shelf, isn't always the most comfortable method of dusting. I also used it on some of my car dashboard, but it couldn't reach into tighter spots.
The wide upholstery nozzle (all models) means you can cover large surfaces at speed. I quickly vacuumed two sofas, but did need to increase the power to the higher level to effectively remove all the dust clinging to a velvet sofa.
(Image credit: Future)
The crevice nozzle (all models) is a good length and the rubber end is a nice touch that means it won't damage or scratch anything. I found it particularly helpful for getting into hard-to-reach spots in the car.
The Electro Compact handheld brush is only included in the Cat & Dog version I tested, and the TotalCare version. On test, I found it was good for thoroughly cleaning my carpeted stairs. I also used it on my car mats, but found it couldn't reach everywhere in the foot wells. It works well on upholstery too and is designed for vacuuming up pet hair.
The nozzles from the HX1 range that I didn't test were the universal brush (Extra and TotalCare models) for cleaning sensitive surfaces, and the flexible crevice nozzle XL and the flexible suction hose (both CarCare and TotalCare only) designed to help you reach further into awkward areas in the car and the house.
Performance score: 4 out of 5
Miele DuoFlex HX1 vacuum cleaner review: battery life
Short run times
Vacuuming carpet drains battery
Only three lights to indicate battery level
Vacuuming carpeted floors on the higher power setting is the fastest way to drain the battery. The Duoflex HX1 managed 11 minutes of vacuuming carpets on high power before the battery needed a full recharge. However, the surprise came when vacuuming carpets on the lower power level. Despite being on a lower suction, the battery lasted for a pretty pathetic 13 and a half minutes.
On hard floors I was able to vacuum continuously on the lower power level for 21 minutes before the HX1 ran out of juice. This is the longest run time you'll get on floors, which is only enough time to blitz round two to three rooms, depending on the size of your rooms and how thorough you're being.
(Image credit: Future)
You'll get a longer vacuuming time when using the non-motorized hand tools, such as the dusting brush and crevice nozzle. But it still only offers up to 55 minutes, which will be on the lower power level.
When switching between all the hand tools, including the mini motorized tool, as well as switching between the power levels, the battery lasted just long enough for me to fully vacuum a Volkswagen Golf. But the car wasn't super dirty and if it had needed a more thorough, detailed clean, I would have had to do it in stages.
During testing, the battery recharge took between three and three and a half hours, which is in line with Miele's specs (which state 210 minutes).
Should you buy the Miele DuoFlex HX1 vacuum cleaner?
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
How I tested the Miele DuoFlex HX1
I tried every tool supplied
I used it on multiple surfaces throughout my home, as well as in my car
I timed the battery life
I used the vacuum in my own home for around a week. During that time, I tried all the various tools on a variety of surfaces. I vacuumed area rugs, carpet and hard floors, as well as upholstery, stairs, and even hard surfaces like shelving.
In addition to simply vacuuming, I took notice of ease of use, maneuverability and comfort. I also tested its performance on very specific tasks, like picking up that hard-to-reach debris along baseboards and in the corners of the room.
I reviewed my first vacuums over 15 years ago at the Good Housekeeping Institute in London. Over the years I've reviewed well in excess of one hundred vacuums. It really doesn't take me long to assess a vacuum and pinpoint its good features, as well as the less desirable qualities that are worth knowing before you buy.
Samsung's Galaxy M35 smartphone gots its page on the Google Play Console, giving us a first look of its design and some specs. The handset will have three cameras on the back and a single selfie shooter at the front, resembling the Galaxy A35.
The similarities between the M35 and A35 do not stop here – the listing also revealed the same Exynos 1380 chipset and a 6 GB RAM option, as well as Android 14 out of the box.
Samsung usually makes the Galaxy A and Galaxy M phones slightly different, but we are yet to find out what will change here. For instance, the Galaxy M15 came with a...
It's been a very Gemini-filled Google I/O conference this year, and Google Photos hasn't escaped Gemini-fication. Google has announced Ask Photos, an "experimental feature" that will be rolling out over the coming months, making it easier for you to get to a specific memory or recall information that's in your gallery.
This is powered by Gemini and will help you find what you need without scrolling through many pages of photos and videos. As the name implies, with Ask Photos, you simply ask for what you're looking for in a natural way.
The example Google gives is "show...
At its I/O conference today, Google has unveiled a new feature for Circle to Search. It can now help students with homework. When a student circles a prompt they're stuck on, they will receive step by step instructions to solve "a range of physics and math word problems without leaving their digital info sheet or syllabus".
And "later this year" Circle to Search will be able to help solve more complex problems involving symbolic formulas, diagrams, and graphs. This is all made possible by Google's new LearnLM, an effort to enhance its products and models for...
Google's Search Generative Experience experiment has reached the point where one of its features is now ready to graduate and be offered to everyone - at least everyone in the US at first. We're talking about AI Overviews, which was available as an experiment before, but is now rolling out to all Google Search users in the US. More countries will follow at some point in the future.
Google expects the feature to reach a billion people by the end of the year. AI Overviews, like the name implies, will give you a quick overview of a topic with links to learn more. This was already available in...
The new OLED iPad Pros are experiencing a color reproduction bug when displaying HDR content. The issue is appearing on both the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models and shows blown-out blue colors that appear to have patches of white streaks on them. This appears to be an issue with the image-processing engine.
iPad Pro OLED HDR bug (image: iMORE)
Apple has already acknowledged the issue and is actively working on a fix which is set to arrive with the next version of iPadOS. There is no immediate time frame for when this fix will arrive. Apple’s new iPad Pro models are set to go on...
