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Lavazza’s A Modo Mio Deséa makes delicious espresso and a decent cappuccino – if you use the right milk

5:00 pm | January 18, 2026

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: one-minute review

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa is a compact capsule coffee maker with optional milk-frothing for cappuccinos and macchiatos, plus hot and cold milk foam. It's excellent at the fundamentals, and Lavazza's A Modo Mio pods are superb – affordably priced and packed with great quality coffee, with no flavored or sweetened options.

The Deséa is simple to use, as you'd expect from a capsule coffee maker, and is exceptionally quiet. During the testing period, it reached a maximum of only 50dB during brewing, making it the quietest machine I've tested to date.

It uses the same milk-frothing system as the Lavazza Assoluta (an automatic coffee maker that adapts its own settings to suit your chosen beans). This comprises a large glass cup with a lid containing a rotating electric whisk and a steam pipe. It works reasonably well with full-fat dairy milk, but in tests it produced very little foam when used with oat milk. This was very different to my experience with the Assoluta, so I suspect the much smaller Deséa may not be able to generate the same level of steam pressure.

Overall, it's a likeable little espresso machine that would be a good option for small kitchens, particularly if you're the lone coffee-drinker. The price of its capsules won't make you sweat, even if you enjoy several cups a day.

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: specifications

Name	Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg
Type	Capsule coffee maker
Dimensions (H x W x D)	11 x 5.7 x 15 inches / 280 x 145 x 380mm
Weight	9.9lbs / 4.5kg
Water tank capacity	37oz / 1.1 liters

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: price and availability

Similar price to other capsule coffee makers with milk foaming
Available in Europe and Australia, but not currently sold in the US
A Modo Mio coffee pods are much cheaper than alternatives

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa has a list price of £249 / AU$349 (about $330), but is often available at a discount. For example, at the time of writing, it could be found on sale for £199 in the UK in Lavazza’s online store, and $261.75 in Australia. Currently, this model isn't available in the US.

That price is about standard for a capsule coffee maker with a built-in milk frother. For comparison, the De'Longhi Lattissima One is currently priced at $429.99 / £259.99 / AU$519.

What sets the Deséa apart from the competition is the price of its capsules. A pack of 16 Lavazza A Modo Mio capsules retails for £6.45 / AU$15 (about $9), and the cost per drink drops significantly if you buy a bundle instead. That makes the A Modo Mio capsules some of the cheapest around, and much less expensive than Nespresso Vertuo or Tassimo alternatives.

A Modo Mio pods offer up lots of choice when it comes to coffee blends, roasts and terroir, but you won’t find any hot chocolate or coffee with added flavors. Your options are espresso, espresso, and more espresso. During testing, I found the freshly ground and vacuum-sealed beans excellent – but note that if your drink of choice is pumpkin spice, you won’t find it here.

Value score: 4.5/5

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: design

Compact and smart-looking
Includes milk-frothing system
Milk frother only works with supplied mug
Dishwasher-safe components

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa is available in black, white, cream and a deep burgundy (different retailers keep different colors in stock). It has a robust-feeling, glossy case with the company logo embossed on the side, and although it isn't quite as sleek as the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, it certainly isn't a slouch in the looks department. Gloss finishes can sometimes be a magnet for fingerprints, but I was pleased to find that this wasn’t an issue with the cream-colored model I tested.

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Person adjusting height of drip tray on Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker — You can adjust the height of the drip tray to suit different cups (Image credit: Future)

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Coffee capsule slot on top of Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker — The Deséa takes Lavazza A Modo Mio capsules, which can be composted industrially (Image credit: Future)

The Deséa is particularly compact, even for a capsule coffee maker. At just 11 x 5.7 x 15 inches / 280 x 145 x 380mm (H x W x D), it will easily tuck away into the smallest of kitchens – and can be stashed in a cupboard when not in use (provided it’s properly cleaned and dried beforehand). Despite this, it has a larger water tank than most pod coffee machines, holding 37oz / 1.1 liters. That’s because this isn’t just an espresso machine; it can also foam milk for lattes and cappuccinos using high-pressure steam.

The Deséa has an unusual milk-frothing system that uses a special glass mug with a lid containing a steam tube and a whisk. It's the same system used by the Lavazza Assoluta I tested a couple of months ago, and although it isn't as effective as a proper steam wand, it works reasonably well – provided you use the right type of milk.

However, bear in mind that you can only make milk-based drinks in the glass mug; the special lid doesn't fit onto other cups. Unless you buy a second (they are $22.70 / £15 each), you and your partner won't be able to enjoy lattes as the same time.

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Milk frothing cup for Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker — The milk system uses a glass mug with a lid containing a steam pipe and a rotating whisk (Image credit: Future)

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Water tank detached from Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker — The water tank holds almost a liter and has a sturdy lid and handle to prevent spills (Image credit: Future)

Most removable components (including the cup, drip tray and used pod container) can be safely cleaned in the top rack of your dishwasher, although they take only a moment to wash by hand, too.

The drip tray can be detached and positioned higher up to avoid splashes if you’re using an espresso cup, which is a welcome touch. Used pods drop into a bin that can be accessed by removing the tray and pulling out a drawer on the front of the machine.

Design score: 4/5

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: performance

Produces excellent espresso
Extensive drinks menu
Milk system doesn't work as well as a steam wand
Performs better with dairy than plant-based milk

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa has a cleverly designed control panel that displays the different menu options depending on the cup you’re using. Place an ordinary cup of any size under the dispenser and you’ll see options for brewing an espresso, long espresso (lungo), and long coffee. Push the milk-foaming cup into place and the options for milk-based drinks will light up. The full menu includes:

Espresso
Long espresso (lungo)
Long coffee (Americano)
Cappuccino (regular or large)
Latte macchiato
Hot milk foam
Cold milk foam

You can adjust the volume of your coffee pour, which is a nice feature that you won’t find on many capsule coffee machines. All the drink size options are customizable; just hold the appropriate button on the control panel for three seconds to begin dispensing, then press it again once you have the desired volume. When you hear two beeps, you know the new setting has been saved successfully, ready to use next time.

Like the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker I tested recently, the Deséa brews excellent, well-rounded espresso in just a few seconds, and does so extremely quietly. Using a decibel meter, I measured an average volume of 50dB when extracting coffee, which is about the same as the murmur of a quiet office (although Lavazza claims the volume doesn't exceed 43dB).

After your coffee has brewed and the lights on the front panel have re-illuminated, lift the lid and after a second or two you’ll hear the used pod drop into the collection bin.

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Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker dispensing espresso — Espresso is consistently delicious, and the machine's pump is exceptionally quiet (Image credit: Future)

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Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker waste bin with used coffee pods — Used pods drop into a bin, ready to be collected for commercial composting (Image credit: Future)

The milk system is a little louder when injecting steam, reaching a maximum of 70dB for a couple of seconds as it incorporates air, but it's quieter than the squeal and rip of a manual steam wand, and the whisk is whisper-quiet.

When you want to use the milk system, take a good look at the fill lines on the side of the glass cup that indicate how much milk to add for different drink sizes. Add too much milk and it risks splashing; too little and it won’t foam properly.

During tests, the Deséa didn’t fare very well when texturizing oat milk, which was very different from my experience with the Lavazza Assoluta. Despite the two machines using the same cup-and-lid system, the Assoluta produced inches of creamy oat foam, whereas the Deséa heated the milk (a little too much – it reached 70ºC, whereas the optimum for coffee is about 60-65ºC), but didn’t actually create any froth, even with the "extra foam" option selected.

Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker dispensing espresso into milk to make cappuccino — The milk system works much better with dairy than plant-based milk (Image credit: Future)

The Deséa’s milk system worked much better with full-fat dairy milk, although I found that it still didn’t produce quite as much foam as the Assoluta. This might be because the smaller Deséa can’t generate as much pressure and inject as much steam into the liquid.

The Deséa can also prepare cold milk foam. To do this, add your cup of milk, drop in a coffee pod if required, hold the temperature +/- button on the front of the machine until the foam and latte lights turn blue, then press the one you want. Again, during my tests this worked better with dairy milk. It’s a nice feature, but bear in mind that the Deséa can only brew hot coffee, so if you want to make a cold latte then you’ll need to add a shot of hot espresso when the milk is ready, which will raise the temperature. You might like to add a few ice cubes to the drink once it’s made (but not before, as they could damage the whisk).

Cappuccino prepared using Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker — The whisk produces large bubbles rather than fine microfoam, so the froth tends to break down relatively quickly (Image credit: Future)

Finally, a word on waste. Lavazza’s A Modo Mio capsules are compostable, but you can’t simply toss them into your household waste or add them to a compost pile. They have to be processed in an industrial facility; currently Terracycle is the only service that offers this in the UK. There’sno home collection or postage system as there is with plastic and foil coffee pods, so you’ll need to gather your used capsules and take them to a drop-off point. If there isn’t one near you, you can apply to create one.

Performance score: 3.5/5

Should you buy the Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa?

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	Similar price to other capsule coffee makers with milk frother, but the pods are much cheaper.	4.5/5
Design	Compact and smart-looking, though milk system only works with supplied mug.	4/5
Performance	Doesn't foam milk as well as a steam wand, but espresso is consistently excellent and the whole machine is very quiet in use.	3.5/5

Buy it if

You have a compact kitchen

There aren't many coffee machines this small with a milk-frothing system, and the Deséa is light enough to easily move around your home and tuck into a cupboard when it isn't in use.

You're a frequent coffee-drinker

Other capsule coffee makers may be cheaper to buy, but the pods can be very expensive, particularly if you drink several cups a day. Lavazza's A Modo Mio pods are super affordable, and packed with great-quality coffee.

Don't buy it if

You prefer plant-based milk

The Deséa's milk system works best with full-fat dairy, which is true of many automatic coffee makers. If you want to stick with oat or soya, you might be better choosing the Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie, which arrives with a standalone milk frother.

You want to make a round of coffees

The milk system only works with Lavazza's own mug; you can't fit the lid onto your own favorite cup. Again, a more basic Lavazza A Modo Mio machine and a separate milk frother would be a great alternative.

Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa is the best coffee maker for you, here are two other options for your shortlist:

De'Longhi Lattissima One

This smart coffee maker uses Nespresso Original pods (the ones shaped like top hats) and has a milk system that produces foam more like a conventional steam wand. You can use any cup and the froth is thick; but the capsules cost more than A Modo Mio ones.

Read our full De'Longhi Lattissima One review

De'Longhi Dedica Duo

Want to move on from capsules? This little manual espresso machine costs about the same as the Deséa and is a great introduction to fresh speciality coffee. It has an excellent steam wand as well.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Duo reviewView Deal

How I tested the Lavazza A Mio Modo Deséa

I used the Lavazza A Mio Deséa for two weeks, making at least two drinks per day and using all of the available drink options (including hot and cold milk foam). I used it with dairy and oat milk, both of which were freshly purchased and chilled. I used two different types of Lavazza A Modo Mio coffee capsules, with different intensities.

I measured the temperature of the prepared milk with a food thermometer, and used a decibel meter app to measure the machine's volume.

For more details, see how we test, rate, and review at TechRadar.

The Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave gaming desk looks fancy, and feels great for PC gaming — but you’ll probably want a desk mat

5:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: Europe, PC, UK, US | Comments: Off

Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave: Two-minute review

If you're looking for one of the best gaming desks, you're probably already aware that these fancy tables often don't come cheap. Nor does the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave, but having spent a few weeks using it after replacing my tired old office desk (which I bought on Amazon six years ago), I can confidently say that it's worth every penny.

Eureka has a decent history of producing office-standard chairs and desks, but this is the first gaming desk I've personally seen from them - and if the rest of their gaming range is anything to go by, they're taking it just as seriously as the professional office market. This L-shaped desk is of damn good quality, with a sturdy metal frame and two tempered glass panels forming the desktop.

Underneath that dark frosted glass is a small open space lined with RGB LED strips, which create a wave effect (hence the GTG Wave's name) when it shines through. It's a nice feature, and while it's not one I'd necessarily pay extra for, it does look good - especially in a darker room.

The Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave gaming desk in a well-lit room with a PC setup on it and a gaming chair in front, with all the RGB lights turned on. — (Image credit: Future)

Measuring 60 by 40 inches (about 152 x 102cm) in total - though obviously, the L shape means that some of this space is cut out for your chair to neatly slot in - it's certainly on the larger side when it comes to gaming desks. It's larger than the Secretlab Magnus that we highly recommend, so if you're working with limited space at home, you'll likely be better served by something like the far more compact Corsair Platform:4.

Still, if you've got the gaming room real estate, this is an excellent choice. I found it pretty easy to assemble solo, and it comes with a handful of extra features that I definitely value in a gaming desk. Firstly, there's some decent cable management options here; not only are there two flip-down metal racks along the rear edge, which can each house a multiplug unit or AC adapter brick, but the GTG Wave also comes with several plastic stick-on cable tie blocks - useful both for your own devices, and the cables for the LED lighting, which can be connected directly to your PC via a standard 4-pin ARGB header if you want to synchronize the lighting to the rest of your setup.

Another feature that will no doubt prove invaluable for some users is the VESA mounting bracket, which attaches to the back edge of the desk and can support two monitors at once. I don't personally have a VESA-compatible gaming monitor (mine is the fixed-base Razer Raptor 27), but I'm now seriously considering getting one.

Overall, I found it really hard to fault the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave. If I had to pick out some complaints, it would probably be that the RGB lighting isn't super visible in a brightly-lit room like my home office, but that feels like nitpicking. One thing I would note, however, is that I'm going to need to invest in a desk mat; the all-glass surface makes me a little nervous when I put things on it...

Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave: Price and availability

Retails at $599.99 (around £445 / around AU$890)
Ships to the US, UK, and Europe, but not Australia
Leaning towards the premium end of the market

At $599.99 (around £445 / around AU$890), the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave is certainly on the pricier end of the market - though it's worth noting that you could easily spend more on a gaming desk and get something smaller and less impressive. In terms of what the GTG Wave offers in value for money, I'm actually very happy with the price.

Considering that this is a pretty large gaming desk, it's actually cheaper than the much smaller aforementioned Corsair Platform:4, and only $100 more than the SecretLab Magnus (which is also a bit smaller than the GTG Wave). I'm not going to go down the rabbit hole of how many square inches of desktop space you get per dollar, but the Wave certainly isn't overpriced when you look at the wider gaming desk market.

When it comes to availability, Eureka is an American company that primarily ships to the continental United States, but they also sell through retail partners in the UK, Japan, and selected European countries. Unfortunately, it doesn't ship to Australia, meaning that our gaming friends down under are out of luck.

Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave: Specs

Price	$599.99 (around £445 / around AU$890)
Height	30in / 76cm
Load capacity	200lbs / 90kg
Material	Steel, tempered glass
Dimensions	60 x 40in / 152 x 102cm

Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave: Design and features

Looks and feels like a premium product
Relatively easy assembly
Plenty of customization

Despite having some extra features and essentially requiring assembly in two separate halves due to its L-shaped design, the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave was actually quite easy to put together.

While I could've asked my partner to assist me with assembling the GTG Wave, I opted to forge ahead by myself, specifically to see how challenging it would be to build it alone (after all, many of us won't have an extra pair of hands on, uh, hand). I'll be honest; as I unboxed the heavy glass panels and carbon steel frame, I was already starting to regret my decision to fly solo.

However, I'm pleased to report that I had the whole thing upright and ready to use (minus the cable racks and VESA mount) in under half an hour from getting it all unboxed and laid out. The instructions are clear and detailed, and assembly requires no additional tools - just the included hex keys.

You can pretty easily build it one piece at a time with the glass top-down, then flip the whole thing over once it's assembled. At no point in the process did I feel overwhelmed or confused, and once I had it upright, I only had to tighten a few screws for the whole thing to feel very robust. Attaching the cable racks and VESA mount is similarly easy.

The underside of the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave gaming desk midway through assembly, showing the steel frame and bottom of the glass panel. — (Image credit: Future)

Interestingly, there are screwholes for you to attach a headset hook and cup holder (on the left and right side, respectively), but these weren't included in my review model even though they do feature on Eureka's website and promotional images. I can live without these, personally - I tend to leave my headset on the armrest of my gaming chair, and I'm left-handed, so I prefer to keep my drink on the left side with a coaster anyway - but I'm assuming these should have been included. Amusingly, Eureka initially also sent me the wrong wall plug, but swiftly supplied me with a region-appropriate one once the mistake was realized.

Setting up the RGB lighting only requires you to plug in two cables, regardless of whether you're connecting it to your PC directly or just using the default mode, which is controlled with a basic IR remote. If you're not syncing it to the rest of your build, you can choose between solid color, rainbow, or color pulse patterns, and a sound-reactive mode (which means there must be a tiny microphone hidden in there somewhere). You can also set it to switch off automatically after 30 or 60 minutes.

There are only two levels of brightness, and even the brighter setting isn't super bright - you can still see it in a well-lit room, but it only really pops in a dimmer environment. If you're the sort of person who prefers to be bathed only in the RGB glow of your setup and display while gaming, then it's perfect; otherwise, it's more of a minor style win.

Despite the LEDs, the GTG Wave actually doesn't look that ostentatious, especially with the lighting turned off. With only a small logo stamped on one of the short edges, it actually looks very unassumingly professional - and considering that my gaming PC is also my work PC, I think that's great.

Closeup of one corner of the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave gaming desk, showing the Eureka logo stamped on the edge.

(Image credit: Future)

Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave: Performance

Cable racks function as designed
Ample room underneath for storage
Glass top makes me a little anxious... and can't take too much weight

As far as performance goes, I have no real complaints about the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave. It does what it advertises; my whole desktop PC setup fits easily on top with plenty of space left for other assorted bits and pieces. Seriously, I had to tidy up a LOT before shooting these review photos. You don't need to see all my figurines, sorry.

With a height of 30 inches (about 76cm), it's standard height for a gaming desk with a small degree of adjustability (perhaps half an inch or a centimeter or so) coming from the screw-on feet. The real advantage of these is that they can be easily adjusted to make the desk sit stably on an uneven floor. Since setting it up, I've moved a small drawer unit underneath the short edge of the 'L', which fits perfectly. In fact, the size of this desk means I could probably fit more underneath it, but at 6'3", I like having the extra legroom.

Closeup of a person's hands tightening a screw on a desk leg with a hex key while assembling the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave gaming desk. — (Image credit: Future)

While the cable racks don't feel quite as durable as the rest of the desk (they're made of a notably thinner metal), they had no issues bearing the weight of my multiplug and my Razer monitor's hefty power brick. If you're not using them, you can either leave them unattached or flip them up on a hinge so they don't get in the way. The VESA mount, on the other hand, needs to bear a lot more weight, and it's suitably sturdy.

Of course, the two tempered glass panels that form the upper worksurface of this desk won't bear as much weight as a more conventional metal or wooden desk. The GTG Wave is officially rated for 200lbs / 90kg, which should be plenty - just don't lean too hard on it.

Closeup of the ARGB lighting controller and cabling on the underside of the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave gaming desk. — (Image credit: Future)

The real concern is edge shattering; I've built enough PCs in my time to know that sometimes a sharp impact on the wrong spot of a tempered glass panel can lead to tiny shards all over your carpet. It's also nigh-impossible to gauge the actual durability of panels like this; it could break tomorrow, or last for another decade. Needless to say, I'd recommend investing in a desk mat. While using a mouse works fine on the glass top, if you're a naughty desk luncher like me, you won't want to put plates or glasses on this without some protection.

Nonetheless, this glass does feel fairly durable. It's fingerprint- and scratch-resistant, bearing no visible marks after weeks of use, though I will note that it shows up dust (and in my case, dog hairs) quite noticeably - probably worse than a wooden desk, since it appears to get dusty faster than my old desk, which was black-painted wood. That being said, it actually encourages me to clear off and wipe down my desk more than I used to, so I can't really mark Eureka down for silently encouraging me to maintain desk cleanliness.

Closeup of one corner of the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave gaming desk, showing the RGB lighting that runs around the edges. — (Image credit: Future)

Should you buy the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave?

Buy it if...

You want a statement gaming desk
Not many gaming desks manage to look this cool, while also maintaining a degree of refined professionalism with the RGB switched off. The GTG Wave will look good in almost any home office or gaming space.

You want a tidy setup
With two racks and multiple cable tie points, it's easy to get your gaming setup looking clean and hidden away beneath this desk.

You prefer an arm-mounted monitor (or two!)
The VESA bracket is easy as pie to attach, meaning that anyone who wants to mount their display(s) on a movable arm can do so with ease.

Don't buy it if...

You're a clumsy desk user
Look, I'm not going to mince words here: you shouldn't buy the GTG Wave if you tend to clang your can of energy drink down on the surface of your desk.View Deal

You're on a tight budget
At the end of the day, while it might offer good value for money, this is still a pretty expensive desk. If you're short on cash, there are cheaper options out there.View Deal

Also consider

Not keen on the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave? Here’s one cheaper desk and one more premium gaming desk option for you to consider.

	Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave	Flexispot E7	Secretlab Magnus Pro
Price	$599.99 (around £445 / around AU$890)	$340 / £360 / AU$420	$799 / £770
Height	30in / 76cm	22.8-48.4in / 58-123cm	25.6-49.2in / 65-125cm
Load capacity	200 lbs / 90kg	275lbs / 125kg	264.6lbs / 120kg
Material	Steel, tempered glass	Steel	Steel, wood fiberboard
Dimensions	60 x 40in / 152 x 102cm	43.3-74.8 x 26.7 x 22.8-48.4in / 110-190 x 68 x 58-123cm	59.1 x 27.6 x 25.6-49.2in / 150 x 70 x 65-125cm

Also consider the Flexispot E7
If you want something similar to the Corsair Platform:4 that doesn’t break the bank, consider the Flexispot E7. It’s not a gaming desk, but it still performs excellently and comes in a wide range of color options.

For more information, check out our full Flexispot E7 reviewView Deal

Also consider the Secretlab Magnus Pro
If you have the space for something larger, then the Secretlab Magnus Pro should be on your radar. It’s a bit cheaper than the Corsair Platform:4, but it still boasts a lot of features that make it fantastic for gaming.

For more information, check out our full Secretlab Magnus Pro reviewView Deal

How I tested the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave

Used as my main desk
Tested over multiple weeks
Extensive work and play

An old black wooden desk with nothing on it and visible signs of wear and tear. — Look at this sad old desk. Rest in peace, Amazon desk, you were moderately okay for a while. (Image credit: Future)

I replaced my tired old Amazon desk with the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave several weeks ago, assembling it myself. I used it almost every day, both to work and play on my desktop gaming PC, as well as eating several meals at it (I know, I know, it's a bad habit). I spent many hours at a time sitting at it in my NobleChairs Hero TX - with regular breaks to stretch, of course!

While I wasn't able to make proper use of the VESA mount option, I did set up the cable racks and used them to clear up the space under my old desk, which had become something of a cable-tangle nightmare. I also played around with the LED lighting and connected it directly to my motherboard to synchronize it with my rig's ARGB theme.

Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave: Two-minute review

Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave: Price and availability

Retails at $599.99 (around £445 / around AU$890)
Ships to the US, UK, and Europe, but not Australia
Leaning towards the premium end of the market

Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave: Specs

Price	$599.99 (around £445 / around AU$890)
Height	30in / 76cm
Load capacity	200lbs / 90kg
Material	Steel, tempered glass
Dimensions	60 x 40in / 152 x 102cm

Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave: Design and features

Looks and feels like a premium product
Relatively easy assembly
Plenty of customization

Despite having some extra features and essentially requiring assembly in two separate halves due to its L-shaped design, the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave was actually quite easy to put together.

Closeup of one corner of the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave gaming desk, showing the Eureka logo stamped on the edge.

(Image credit: Future)

Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave: Performance

Cable racks function as designed
Ample room underneath for storage
Glass top makes me a little anxious... and can't take too much weight

Should you buy the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave?

Buy it if...

You want a tidy setup
With two racks and multiple cable tie points, it's easy to get your gaming setup looking clean and hidden away beneath this desk.

You prefer an arm-mounted monitor (or two!)
The VESA bracket is easy as pie to attach, meaning that anyone who wants to mount their display(s) on a movable arm can do so with ease.

Don't buy it if...

You're a clumsy desk user
Look, I'm not going to mince words here: you shouldn't buy the GTG Wave if you tend to clang your can of energy drink down on the surface of your desk.View Deal

Also consider

Not keen on the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave? Here’s one cheaper desk and one more premium gaming desk option for you to consider.

	Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave	Flexispot E7	Secretlab Magnus Pro
Price	$599.99 (around £445 / around AU$890)	$340 / £360 / AU$420	$799 / £770
Height	30in / 76cm	22.8-48.4in / 58-123cm	25.6-49.2in / 65-125cm
Load capacity	200 lbs / 90kg	275lbs / 125kg	264.6lbs / 120kg
Material	Steel, tempered glass	Steel	Steel, wood fiberboard
Dimensions	60 x 40in / 152 x 102cm	43.3-74.8 x 26.7 x 22.8-48.4in / 110-190 x 68 x 58-123cm	59.1 x 27.6 x 25.6-49.2in / 150 x 70 x 65-125cm

For more information, check out our full Flexispot E7 reviewView Deal

For more information, check out our full Secretlab Magnus Pro reviewView Deal

How I tested the Eureka Ergonomic GTG Wave

Used as my main desk
Tested over multiple weeks
Extensive work and play

Enlaps Tikee 4: one-minute review

Enlaps Tikee 4 timelapse camera front view of dual cameras — (Image credit: James Abbott)

Timelapse cameras are specialist devices designed to do one job, and that’s to capture timelapses over short and long periods, as long as months or even years, and in all weather and lighting conditions. There are a handful of these specialist models available, and one that's a definite contender to top our list of the best timelapse cameras is the Enlaps Tikee 4.

This rather strange-looking camera can capture up to 6K timelapse videos with a 220-degree view captured across two cameras and lenses. Photos are then combined into a video after you upload the image files to the myTikee website. What’s more, if the camera is connected to a Wi-Fi or LTE network you can control the camera, access images, and process timelapse videos remotely.

This is one of the easiest timelapse cameras to use, both in terms of capture and processing. The camera is point-and-shoot, so the most involved part of the capture process is setting up the project interval – and actually this is incredibly easy. Without Wi-Fi or LTE, you can connect to the camera using the Tikee Remote app over Bluetooth, although functionality is reduced compared to the other connection methods.

The Tikee 4 costs $2,215 in the US for the camera only. For UK and Australian buyers the Tikee 4 is priced in euros at €1,590, which converts to around £1,400 / AU$2,800 at the time of writing. The Tikee 4 Pack, which is a comprehensive kit including a hard case, mounting adaptors, a microSD card and other accessories, costs $3,169 or €2,298, which is around £2,000 / AU$4,000.

You’ll also need a myTikee subscription to take full advantage of the myTikee website, and the most useful option for most people costs $96 / €104 plus VAT per month.

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Enlaps Tikee 4 timelapse camera lens close up — (Image credit: James Abbott)

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Enlaps Tikee 4 timelapse camera side view with solar panel raised — (Image credit: James Abbott)

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Enlaps Tikee 4 timelapse camera top view — (Image credit: James Abbott)

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Enlaps Tikee 4 timelapse camera bottom view — (Image credit: James Abbott)

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Enlaps Tikee 4 timelapse camera lens with lens cap attached — (Image credit: James Abbott)

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Enlaps Tikee 4 timelapse camera power connection — (Image credit: James Abbott)

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Enlaps Tikee 4 timelapse camera rear ports — (Image credit: James Abbott)

Enlaps Tikee 4 specs

Enlaps Tikee mini+ specs
Type:	2x Sony 12MP 1/2.3-inch sensors
Lens angle of view:	220 degrees
Aperture:	f/2.8
Interval times:	5 sec–24 hours
Connectivity:	LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Camera dimensions:	7.87 x 7.87 x 2.76 inches / 200 x 200 x 70mm
Camera weight:	3.53lbs / 1.6kg

Enlaps Tikee 4: Design

Compact considering its features
Built-in solar panel
Unique design

The Tikee 4 looks pretty much identical to previous models; it’s a tried and tested design that works, so it appears that Enlaps hasn’t felt the need to change it. It's a bold move in some ways, but why waste time redesigning the exterior when it’s the hardware itself that makes the difference? The overall design is unique, but it works extremely well, and it means the Tikee 4 can be left to work in even remote locations.

The overall design is simple, with the square 7.87 x 7.87 x 2.76-inch / 200 x 200 x 70mm body having two cameras on the two front corners of the camera body, and a solar panel on the top that can be left flat or angled for the best results. The design is simple, minimalistic even, with all operation via the Tikee Remote phone app or the myTikee website. The camera weighs 3.53lbs / 1.6kg, so it’s around the same weight as a full-frame mirrorless camera and standard zoom.

With this simple design, there are two buttons on the rear, a microSD card slot, a USB-C port, a micro SIM slot and a power connector. The power connector design makes it waterproof, and you can attach the Tikee 4 to the mains or to a larger, separately available Enlaps solar panel. All ports have rubber covers that maintain the weather resistance of the camera.

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Enlaps Tikee 4 timelapse camera case — (Image credit: James Abbott)

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Enlaps Tikee 4 timelapse camera inside the kit case — (Image credit: James Abbott)

The build quality is excellent, and the camera feels solid, as you’d expect for the price. It’s undoubtedly a high-quality product, offering IP66 weather resistance, which allows it to withstand even the harshest weather conditions. This is particularly beneficial, as the camera will spend most of its life outdoors. It can operate in temperatures between 14F / -10C and 122F / 50C.

Moving back to the camera design, other features on the camera body include a metal hoop to attach an anti-theft cable, a rubber square on the bottom so it can be positioned on flat surfaces without slipping, and a standard 1/4-inch screw thread for attaching the camera to any kind of support. For long-term projects, a mounting arm and an anti-theft cable are essential accessories, and these are included in the kit, making the Tikee 4 Pack an attractive option.

The internal battery has a 25,600mAh capacity, and Enlaps claims that without any solar input the Tikee 4 can take one photo every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day, for up to 36 days without any data transmission. With data transmission of photos uploaded to myTikee the battery lasts up to 12 days. In most situations, the solar panel would be charging the battery during daylight hours, so the operating duration could be indefinite.

Enlaps Tikee 4: Performance

Fantastic image quality
Panoramic field of view
Easy to use

The Tikee 4 may be an odd-looking timelapse camera with its two cameras on each of the front corners of the square body, but each features Sony 12MP 1/2.3-inch sensors to produce a 220-degree horizontal and 90-degree vertical field of view. What’s more, you can capture panoramic views in up to 6K with dimensions of a whopping 7360 x 2650 pixels. Output is available at 1080p, 4K and 6K.

Timelapse intervals are available from five seconds to 24 hours in Long-term mode, and from five seconds to 45 seconds in Event and Burst modes. This allows you to capture both shorter- and longer-duration timelapse projects.

It’s for longer-term projects where the Enlaps Tikee 4 excels, thanks to remote access to the camera and images when connected to LTE or Wi-Fi networks. These connection options offer a much better experience than using just Bluetooth to connect the camera to the Tikee Remote app to set up projects.

Image quality is fantastic, and you can capture sequences in both raw and JPEG formats. With the former, this means you can optimize image quality using the raw-processing tools in software such as Adobe Lightroom. You do, however, have to output images in JPEG format in order to upload them to the myTikee website.

Enlaps Tikee 4 timelapse video

The camera is completely automatic, which makes timelapse capture incredibly simple, particularly with long-term projects during which light will constantly change. The downside is that backlit scenes can be forced into underexposure, so this is why, for the best results, capturing in raw and manually bulk-processing images is the best option. The camera also produces much better results in brighter conditions, like drones and action cameras with similarly small sensors.

Once you’ve captured your images from the left and right cameras, you then have to upload them to the myTikee website, where the images will be merged to create the 220-degree panoramic view, and video up to 6K can be output. In some situations you can see the stitch, and you’ll notice it in the example video above if you look closely. It’s minor, though, and it certainly doesn’t ruin timelapses.

The myTikee website is easy to use, but subscriptions aren’t cheap, and naturally add to the overall cost of owning and running a Tikee timelapse camera. The basic Capture subscription costs $45 / €54 per month plus taxes, while the intermediate and arguably most attractive subscription costs $96 / €104 plus taxes, and you can save 25% with an annual subscription. Alternatively, there’s a bespoke Enterprise option, with pricing available upon request. Without a subscription, I was able to output a basic 1080p video with a watermark.

Two add-ons are available. Storage costs $49 / €39 per month plus taxes and, as you'd expect, gets you more online storage for photo uploads, while AI Dashboard costs $99 / €89 per month plus taxes and delivers some clever analysis features. These include the analysis of a range of elements within scenes, such as vehicles and whether PPE is being worn.

Should you buy the Enlaps Tikee 4?

Buy it if...

You need to shoot over months or years

The Tikee 4 is the ultimate timelapse camera for long-term timelapse projects thanks to long intervals, remote control and access alongside a built-in solar panel.

You require ease of use

Using the Tikee 4 to capture and my Tikee to combine photos into timelapse videos is unbelievably easy, so anyone can use the system.

Don't buy it if...

You’re not a timelapse pro

This is a specialist professional timelapse camera that really isn’t the best option for enthusiasts or casual users simply due to cost.

You’d prefer higher quality

To get the very best image quality, a mirrorless camera is the best option for capturing timelapses. However, you can’t leave them out in the elements for months or years like the Tikee 4.

How I tested the Enlaps Tikee mini+

Tested using a Bluetooth connection
Used to capture shorter timelapses
Tested in a busy city

I tested the Tikee 4 in shorter bursts rather than for long-form timelapse capture, as testing it to the extremes of its potential for longer-term capture could take months.

I used my smartphone for Bluetooth connection rather than installing a SIM card for remote access to the camera. The Tikee 4 was tested in a busy city to capture as much movement in the scene as possible. It was also tested in low-light situations.

With nearly 30 years of photographic experience and 17 years working as a photography journalist, I’ve used many of the cameras and lenses that have been released in that time. As a working photographer, I aim to test cameras and lenses from a photographer’s point of view.

First reviewed December 2025

I tested the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 and loved its bright, paperlike display and smart productivity features — but this tablet hero is undone by a single tragic flaw

4:00 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Tablets | Tags: FPS, RAM | Comments: Off

Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: two-minute review

The Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 is a mid-range tablet with a bright, paper-like PaperMatte display, a solid chipset, and a seriously capacious battery. It has all the makings of a great tablet, right up until you come up against its fundamental flaw.

Let’s put a pin in that for now. The display is seriously impressive, capable of exquisitely detailed images with its 280 ppi pixel density. It’s also wonderfully bright, hitting a peak brightness of 1000 nits, and has impressive color reproduction that rendered the nature videos I watched with wonderfully punchy hues.

Pretty much the only criticism I have of the screen is that it’s a little too easy to scuff. After a few sketching sessions with the Huawei M-Pencil Pro (sold separately), the display had a few light scrapes across it, something I’ve not experienced when using the best tablets out there.

The performance of the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025’s Kirin T92B Octa-core processor and 12GB RAM is also genuinely impressive. While playing PUBG Mobile at max settings, I didn’t detect a hint of frame rate drops or latency, making it easy to take out my opponents. Meanwhile, no matter how many simultaneous apps I was running or tabs I opened, the tablet never seemed to experience any slowdown.

If you fancy lengthy gaming sessions or want to work on the go, the MatePad 12X 2025 offers a generous battery capacity of 10,100mAh. In practice, that was enough to stream 2.5K videos for almost nine hours straight, meaning you should have plenty of battery for a medium-haul flight or a full working day. And topping it up took hardly any time at all, thanks to its 66W charging – you should be able to go from 0% to 100% in around 75 minutes, which is fantastic.

Perhaps less exciting is the MatePad 12X 2025’s design. While it’s razor thin at 5.9mm and very comfortable to hold, it doesn't have the most adventurous styling, and it could be made of slightly more premium-feeling materials than its matte plastic. Both the included keyboard case and the M-Pencil Pro are well put together, though, with an ergonomic design and robust build.

Unfortunately, it’s time to return to that issue we put a pin in earlier. With ongoing restrictions around access to US-based apps, there’s a real paucity of apps available on Huawei’s devices. Much of the software you’ll want to use on a daily basis, from Netflix to Google Docs, simply isn’t available, really reducing the MatePad’s actual utility. In light of this, it's hard to recommend the tablet, even with some excellent first-party apps like its GoPaint drawing app.

I’d love to be able to give the MatePad 12X 2025 a glowing recommendation, as it has some real strengths. But the lack of mainstream apps available on Huawei’s tablet puts it at a real disadvantage compared to other devices. Fundamentally, you’ll be better off considering one of the best Android tablets instead.

A closeup of the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025's top corner, showing both the volume buttons and lock button. — (Image credit: Future)

Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: specs

OS	HarmonyOS 4.3
Chipset	Kirin T92B, Octa-core
RAM	12GB
Storage	256GB
Display	12-inch IPS (2800 x 1840)
Weight	555g
Battery	10,100mAh
Charging	66W wired
Cameras	50MP rear, 8MP front

Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: price and availability

Released September 19, 2025
Costs £499
Includes keyboard case but stylus is extra £39.99

Launched on September 19, 2025, the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 is available now in the UK. While its initial list price was £599, it’s already seeing reductions, with Huawei selling it direct for £499.

Unlike the Huawei MatePad 11.5 released in August 2025, the MatePad 12X 2025 includes Huawei’s keyboard case in the box, which is definitely a nice extra to have. Not included as standard is Huawei’s M-Pencil Pro, but if you buy it along with the tablet, it’ll cost you just £39.99, rather than its £129.99 list price, making it a bit of a bargain.

In terms of colorways, you get just two options: the mint green that we tested here and white.

The Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 folded into tablet mode alongside the M-Pencil Pro. — (Image credit: Future)

Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: display

Crisp, 280 ppi resolution
Seriously bright
Gets marked easily

I have to say that, for a mid-market tablet, the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025’s display is pretty impressive. Its resolution can give the iPad Pro a run for its money: packing 2800 x 1840 pixels across its 12-inch screen, it’s capable of a 280 ppi pixel density, while Apple’s largest high-end tablet sits at 2752 x 2064 and 264 ppi. So while 4K videos didn’t look quite as crisp as on my TCL C8K TV, I was still pleasantly surprised by how much detail the 12X could reveal.

The sheer brightness of Huawei’s slate also made an impression on me. While its 1000-nit peak brightness can’t quite rival the iPad Pro’s 1600 nits, it leaves the iPad 11-inch (2025) quite literally in the shade with a brightness of just 500 nits. Putting the screen through its paces with some 4K BBC Earth videos on YouTube, I found it’s also capable of pretty punchy contrast and decent color reproduction. It might not be quite as lush and bold as the OLED displays of some slates these days, but it’s a looker nonetheless.

It’s certainly helped in this regard by Huawei’s PaperMatte screen tech. During most of my testing, I was using the MatePad 12X under bright, artificial lighting, and this thing just gulped down direct light, meaning I rarely had to worry about reflections marring my experience.

On top of this, the PaperMatte display’s etched glass was a treat to interact with, giving the screen a pleasingly tactile feel. It doesn’t feel quite as realistic to write and sketch on with Huawei’s M-Pencil stylus as dedicated writing tablets like the Kindle Scribe or ReMarkable – the nib slips more than I’ve experienced with these rival slates – but I still found it pleasant enough to sketch on. And at least this smoothness prevented the stylus from catching too much.

Really, my only criticism of the MatePad 12X’s display is how easy it is to mark. I’ve only used it for a couple of sketches so far, and there’s already a pronounced pen scuff visible on the screen when it’s powered down. These kinds of marks could easily build up over time, so if you were to buy the MatePad 12X, a screen protector would be a wise investment.

Display score: 4 / 5

The Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 from behind in its keyboard case, showing its stand and rear camera unit. — (Image credit: Future)

Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: design

Just 5.9mm thick
Solidly built
Not the most adventurous design

When it comes to its design, the Huawei MatePad 12X is inoffensive, almost to a fault. There’s nothing wrong with its matte plastic body or its two colorways – White and the mint-colored Greenery – per se, but a metallic build might have helped it feel just a touch more premium.

Fortunately, it is well put together, feeling substantial and sturdy enough in your hand while being light enough to hold easily. In fact, while it’s a shade heavier than the iPad 11-inch (2025), weighing in at 555g to 481g for Apple’s cellular model, it’s a little slimmer at the same time, measuring 5.9mm in depth rather than 7mm.

Huawei is reinventing the wheel here, but the MatePad 12X’s case is well designed. It follows the common mold of combining case, keyboard and stand all in one, but is flexible enough to suit every situation I was using it for. And its keys are pleasant to type on. Naturally, they don’t have the satisfying thunk of deeper travel keys, but at least they offer enough feedback that I never found touch typing on them to be a challenge.

One small oversight here compared to rivals like the iPad 11-inch (2025) or Microsoft Surface Pro 12 (2025) is that the case doesn’t include a trackpad. While I’d normally class this as a ‘nice to have’, you’ll probably only miss it when you want to crank through a lot of productivity and professional uses. And here the Huawei MatePad 12X has much bigger issues that dwarf the lack of a mouse input.

Design score: 3.5 / 5

A hand is sketching a peach on the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 using the M-Pencil Pro. — (Image credit: Future)

Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: software

Excellent first-party apps
Too few familiar apps available
Some unnecessary bloatware

Look. We all knew we'd have to have ‘the talk’ at some point. Most of you will be aware of the big challenge facing Huawei tablets by now, given they’ve been ongoing for over three years at this point. But it’s almost impossible to review Huawei devices objectively without bringing it up.

As a result of the Federal Communications Commission’s ban on Huawei in November 2022, many US-based brands no longer provide access to their apps on Huawei devices. Most notably, that includes the Google Play Store and full Google Suite, but it also affects the vast majority of apps you’ll be used to using.

Browsing the Huawei AppGallery, almost all of my go-to apps are absent. Spotify? Gone. Netflix? Gone. Facebook? Gone. Amazon? Gone. None of them are available as direct downloads. Although some are accessible as third-party APKs, this exposes you to potential security risks that downloading them directly wouldn’t. Sure, the odd app like Uber will fire up a browser version so you can still book a ride, but you’re still losing all the convenience that having an app installed on your desktop offers.

Inevitably, this also has a significant impact on the games that are available on the MatePad 12X. I probably spend more of my life playing mobile games than is strictly good for me, and yet, aside from PUBG Mobile and Candy Crush Saga, I barely recognized any of the other games on the Huawei AppGallery. The few I had heard of were those games you see advertised online with ads that don’t remotely reflect the gameplay, which didn’t fill me with confidence about digging through the charts at random.

A closeup of the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025's front facing camera above the screen. — (Image credit: Future)

What’s frustrating about this is that it's entirely out of Huawei’s control and, in fact, the apps it does control are well-made and offer great features. For example, Huawei’s GoPaint app is a pretty great drawing app for something just bundled in with an operating system, feeling a lot like if ProCreate came preinstalled on your iPad. It’s packed with brushes and blending options, and I had no end of fun whipping up watercolor-style pictures on it.

Likewise, Huawei’s Notes app is seriously versatile. I could quickly create notebooks with every template I might need, from musical staves to SWOT analysis charts. Its handwriting-to-text feature isn’t flawless, but given the chicken-scratch I produce any time I scribble by hand, it did a pretty commendable job.

Not every app that comes installed on the MatePad 12X feels this essential, though; there’s still a lot of bloatware on this tablet. I’m definitely over brands trying to cram icons onto the homescreen just to make their devices feel full-featured. Even when, as here, many are just suggested downloads rather than files taking up space, it’s pretty annoying to have your screen crammed with junk you’re not interested in.

Ultimately, software continues to be Huawei’s Achilles’ heel. Despite some bright spots, there’s just not enough big-name apps on the MatePad 12X for me to shake the feeling that I’m missing out on all the fun other people are having on their tablets.

Software score: 2.5 / 5

A closeup of the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025's rear camera, showing three discrete units. — (Image credit: Future)

Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: performance

Decent chipset and RAM
Handles multitasking without any slow down
Games show no FPS drops or lag

The real shame about this lack of software is that, beneath the hood, the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 has some pretty decent power. Not only does it rock a Kirin T92B Octa-core processor, but it also packs 12GB RAM, the same amount of memory as our pick for the Best Android tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus. But what does this all mean in the real world?

Well, first, I wanted to see how it fared with a range of productivity tasks. This wasn’t easy without full access to Google’s famously memory-hungry web apps, but I tried to open as many background tasks as possible. First, I loaded a couple of games and a couple of apps before opening the browser, where I opened a number of tabs, including Shein and Asos, several Reddit threads, a news site, and a 4K YouTube video. Once I started sketching in a free online photo-editing tool, I was pleased to see there wasn’t any significant slowdown.

Broadly speaking, the same seems to be true of games. Loading up PUBG Mobile and setting the graphics settings to maximum, I didn’t notice any significant FPS drops; every moment remained smooth and jitter-free. Meanwhile, there was no hint of lag or latency, making it easy for me to get the drop on most opponents I came across before they got me.

Using the Huawei M-Pencil Pro for various tasks, it became clear that it’s well worth the extra spend. It was always comfortable and easily manoeuvrable in my hand, and never so light that it felt flimsy or insubstantial. While sketching on apps like the GoPaint app, it was super responsive – there was no noticeable jitter or lag, and no obvious parallax between the stylus nib and the brushstrokes it created.

Probably the only area where the MatePad 12X 2025's performance is a little more mixed is its camera. It’s crisp and captures plenty of detail, but not quite as much as I’d expect from its 50MP lens. And while it’s not really fair comparing it to the iPhone 16 Pro I’m used to shooting on, I did feel some of the photos were lacking in the HDR pop I’ve come to expect. Ultimately, it’s not a bad camera, but as with any tablet, I doubt it’s going to become your go-to snapper.

Performance score: 4 / 5

A closeup of the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025's speakers at the bottom of the device, with a section of the keyboard showing in the background. — (Image credit: Future)

Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: battery

Huge 10,100mAh battery capacity
Seriously fast 66W wired charging
Can stream almost nine hours of 2.5K video

Huawei certainly hasn’t skimped on the battery in the MatePad 12X 2025. At 10,100mAh, it’s not quite as epic as the OnePlus Pad 3, with its 12,140mAh, but is pretty capacious all the same.

Trying to get a sense of how long it would last when really pushed, I set the MatePad 12X 2025 to stream continuous 2.5K videos and measured how much it depleted the battery. After seven hours, the battery had dropped down to 20%, suggesting that you should get around nine hours of continuous high-quality streaming from one charge. This is pretty competitive and not far off the 10 hours the iPad 11-inch (2025) offers.

Even better, topping it up is incredibly fast. Using a 100W charger – which is plenty to hit the Huawei’s 66W max – I popped the Huawei on to charge for an hour. In that time, it charged 78%, meaning you can expect it to be fully charged after around an hour and 15 minutes – that’s a truly absurd charging time, given its enormous capacity.

All in all, this means you’ll get a lot of use out of the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 before it falls flat, and you won’t have to wait long for it to spring back to life afterwards.

Battery score: 4 / 5

The Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 and M-Pencil Pro – on screen you can see Huawei's Notes app. — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025?

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Display	Bright, low-reflection screen with impressive pixel density. Colors and contrast are great, although some OLED screens pop more.	4 / 5
Design	Relatively unadventurous style but well-made, with a great keyboard case.	3.5 / 5
Software	Huawei’s first-party software is decent, but the lack of well-known third-party apps available make it hard to recommend.	2.5 / 5
Performance	Impressive performance, with its octa-core processor and 12GB RAM. Makes short work of multitasking and gaming alike.	4 / 5

Buy it if…

You want a bright, detailed display
With its shining brightness, super-crisp 280 ppi pixel density, and vivid colors, the MatePad 12X rocks a great screen – and that’s before you get to that reflection-killing PaperMatte display.

You’re seeking good performance
It’s not as powerful as an iPad Pro M5, but nothing I did could cause the MatePad 12X to break a sweat, whether I ran lots of simultaneous browser tabs or cranked game graphics up to maximum.

Don’t buy it if…

You want access to most mainstream apps
If you hate the idea of being unable to access Disney+, Instagram, Spotify or Google Drive, you’ll find the limited number of apps available on the MatePad 12X to be a deal breaker.

Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 review: also consider

	Huawei MatePad 12X 2025	OnePlus Pad 3	iPad Air (2025)
OS	HarmonyOS 4.3	OxygenOS 15	iPadOS 26
Chipset	Kirin T92B, Octa-core	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite	Apple M3
RAM	12GB	12GB/16GB	8GB
Storage	256GB	256GB/512GB	128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
Display	12-inch IPS (2800 x 1840)	13.2-inch 144Hz LCD (3392 x 2400)	11-inch / 13-inch LED (2360 x 1640 / 2732 x 2048)
Weight	555g	675g	460g / 616g / 617g
Battery	10,100mAh	12,140mAh	28.93Wh / 36.59Wh
Charging	66W wired	80W wired	Not disclosed
Cameras	50MP rear, 8MP front	13MP rear, 8MP front	12MP wide rear, 12MP ultrawide front

OnePlus Pad 3
If you’re looking for a tablet with similarly awesome workflow skills as the MatePad 12X but without all the restrictions on apps, the OnePlus Pad 3 is an excellent choice. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset means it runs super-smooth, while multitasking features like the ability to divide the screen among three apps at once make it a productivity powerhouse. Read our full OnePlus Pad 3 review.

iPad Air (2025)
Yes, it’s a little bit pricier than the MatePad 12X 2025, costing from £599. But in return, it gives you access to Apple’s lightning-fast M3 processor, which offers outsized performance for your spend. Meanwhile, its display is at least as vibrant and contrasty as the MatePad’s, and it lets you access all the apps you love. Read our full iPad Air (2025) review.

How I tested the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025

Tested it over a week
Completed multiple performance tests
Ran battery draining and charging tests

I tested the Huawei MatePad 12X 2025 over the course of a week. To test out its software, I used all of its first-party productivity apps and multi-tasking features. I assessed the quality of its display by watching multiple 4K HDR videos and seeing how accurately it reproduced artwork in graphics apps.

To put it through its paces in terms of performance, I ran multiple apps simultaneously while opening a wide range of browser tabs, including video streaming and web apps, to see if I could detect any potential slowdown or performance issues. I also played multiple online games on max graphics settings to look for frame rate dropping and obvious lag.

When it comes to my personal experience, I’ve been testing and reviewing gadgets for many years. I’ve also spent a lot of my career using mobile devices and laptops for productivity purposes, and I’ve reviewed multiple graphics tablets, which has given me a lot of first-hand experience in assessing styluses and the color accuracy of displays.

First reviewed: January 2026
Read more about how we test

This retro-style Bluetooth speaker is trying to outdo Marshall at its own game, but is it up to the task?

2:00 am |

Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Hi-Fi Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers | Tags: US | Comments: Off

Edifier ES60: two-minute review

Elegant and Supreme. According to Edifier, those are the two words that define its ‘ES’ line of speakers. So, as you can imagine, my hopes were pretty high for the Edifier ES60 – a Bluetooth speaker that promises “immersive” and “high-quality 360-degree sound”.

And in some ways, it met my expectations. Especially in regard to its ‘Elegant’ side. Yes, this is a very nice-looking speaker. Its retro-style design – which is clearly pretty Marshall-inspired – is a hit, with its golden details, faux-leather casing, and appealing speaker grille winning me over.

Sure it’s not the lightest speaker in its size-class, and its IP66 waterproof rating has been outdone by many of the best Bluetooth speakers, but it’s still highly portable and able to withstand a good splashing.

I wasn’t totally convinced of the ES60’s supremacy, though, especially in the audio department. This is a solid-sounding speaker in general, with clear overall audio output and punchy enough bass. However, it lacks the nuance that many similarly priced rivals offer. Vocals don’t sound beautifully separated, and it's not as expressive or energetic as models like the JBL Flip 7. The treble is also a little overzealous, and sounds particularly harsh at higher volumes.

The ES60’s suite of features is also a bit of a mixed bag. I’m a fan of the customizable ambient lighting, USB-C audio passthrough compatibility, and inclusion of a built-in mic for hands-free calls. However, the EQ options are very basic, and there’s no custom option, which I would’ve used to temper that treble a touch.

Also, you only get nine hours of battery life from this model, which is underwhelming compared to much of the competition in this price range. For instance, the aforementioned Flip 7 can live for as long as 16 hours, and the Marshall Emberton III can go for up to 32 hours.

When you consider that the Edifier ES60 typically comes in at $199.99 / £119.99 / AU$199.99, it just doesn’t feel like great value for money. Rivals outdo it in too many crucial areas, including audio performance, battery life, and waterproofing. It’s still a solid speaker overall, with an especially eye-catching design, but unless it’s on sale, I can’t recommend it outright.

Man holding the Edifier ES60 — (Image credit: Future)

Edifier ES60 review: price and release date

$199.99 / £119.99 / AU$199.99
Launched in March 2025

The Edifier ES60 launched in March 2025 as part of Edifier’s ‘ES’ line, which also includes models like the palm-sized Edifier ES20 and larger Edifier ES300. It typically sells for $199.99 / £119.99 / AU$199.99, but I have seen it going for less than $150 over on Amazon US on occasion. You can grab the ES60 in either Black or Ivory.

Edifier ES60 review: specs

Drivers	1x 18W mid-bass driver; 2x 8W tweeters
Dimensions	7.5 x 3.6 x 3.9 inches / 190 x 92 x 98mm
Weight	2.3lbs / 1kg
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C
Battery life	9 hours
Waterproofing	IP66

Edifier ES60 on table, against pink background with lights active — (Image credit: Future)

Edifier ES60 review: features

Attractive customizable lighting
Limited EQ options
Nine-hour battery life isn’t great

Under the hood the Edifier ES60 has a fairly standard configuration for a speaker of its size. It’s packed with a single 18W mid-bass driver, alongside two 8W tweeters. That means you’re getting a maximum power output of 34W – similar to that of the JBL Flip 7, but quite a bit more than its main rival, the Marshall Emberton III.

So, how good does it sound exactly? I’ll get onto that later – let’s take a look at its list of features for now.

You get a lot of the usual stuff here, such as multi-point connectivity, dual-speaker pairing, and companion app compatibility. However, you do get a few neat extras, including a high-sensitivity microphone, which enables you to take hands-free calls. This even has integrated noise-cancelling technology, which can carve your voice out from busy surroundings.

Another notable inclusion is EQ settings, accessible via the Edifier ConneX app. In honesty, these are pretty basic. You get the default music tuning, alongside a game, movie, and outdoor calibration. There are no genre-specific alternatives, and there’s no custom tuning available. That last part is a real shame – if there’s a specific sound I’m aiming for, I always appreciate the option to implement it.

Another negative for me was the speaker’s battery life. It only delivers nine hours of listening, which just isn’t that much for a speaker in its size class. By comparison, the JBL Flip 7 delivers as much as 16 hours, while the Marshall Emberton III provides a colossal 32 hours.

It’s not all bad news, though. One of the best things about the Edifier ES60 is its integrated LED lighting. This emits from the underside of the speaker, and can shine onto a surface to create a bit of ambience. You can customize the color and effect of the lighting in the Edifier ConneX app, which is a nice touch. This can also be disabled entirely if you want to focus on conserving battery life.

You can also access wired audio via the speaker’s USB-C port, which opens up higher-resolution, more stable listening. That’s an enticing inclusion, and something that a lot of Edifier’s rivals skip on.

Features score: 3.5/5

Edifier ES60 review: sound quality

Decent at mid volumes, with solid bass output
But treble can sound a little overeager
Not the best in terms of nuance and instrument separation

I absolutely adored the sound signature of the Edifier ES60’s smaller-sized sibling, the Edifier ES20, so I had pretty high hopes for this one. On top of that, Edifier itself claims that the ES60 plates up a “superior sound performance” with “deep, punchy bass”, so I was pretty excited to get into my listening test.

With I Just Wanna Stop by Gino Vannelli, the overall sound was fairly pleasant at mid-volumes, with clear vocals and well-balanced bass. However, I did sense that drums in the treble range were a tad overstated, which was only emphasized as I cranked up the loudness.

It was a similar sort of story in the more upbeat Keep the Fire Burning by Gwen McCrae – bass was tempered but clean, but those higher-pitched percussive elements were a little over-eager. Again, vocals were quite clear, but not beautifully separated. More generally, instrument separation isn’t incredible on the ES60 – it doesn’t feel as if every individual element can express itself fully.

After this, I tried something a little different, with the bass-heavy Fascinator by Max Dean. I was fairly impressed here, with the deep, pumping bass in the build-up sounding agile and decently regimented. Those highs were pretty aggressive again, and they could potentially get grating over long listening periods, but vocal chops in the midrange were balanced quite well, and didn’t sound obscured.

M-High’s 12 O.C Riddim was also handled pretty well. Bass gets very dark in this track, and although the ES60 couldn’t quite muster up the full-bodied low end might required to replicate that, it certainly produced a meaty effort. At higher volumes, though, bass does thin out quite a bit, and there’s very obvious compression – that treble goes from overzealous to shrill, and vocals lose tonal accuracy.

Another positive is that the ES60 sounds pretty good from every listening angle. I tried walking around our music testing space and office, and the speaker remained fairly consistent at all times.

But how does this model compare against the competition? Well, I tested the ES60 alongside the JBL Flip 7 – a speaker with a similar amount of power, and similar price (in the UK at least). And this comparison hammered home why the Flip 7 sits atop my guide to the best Bluetooth speakers.

The key difference I picked up on was the Flip 7’s ability to carve out vocals and bring them to the fore, creating a truly emotive listen. In Ned Doheny’s I’ve Got Your Number, strumming guitars were beautifully weighted on the Flip 7 and sounded as if they occupied their own pocket, while soulful vocals came through with clarity and direction. The ES60 delivered a more one-note performance, which never sounded harsh or unpleasant – it just lacked the nuance of JBL’s speaker.

Meanwhile, Love At First Sight - Kid Creme Vocal Dub by Kylie Minogue just had a bit more energy and drive on the Flip 7, a speaker that ultimately surpasses the ES60 in terms of control, instrument separation, and expressiveness. So, even though Edifier’s speaker sounds solid overall – especially in the low end – I just don’t think its audio performance can stack up to some big-name rivals.

If the ES60 had a custom equalizer or even some more presets to play around with, it may well be able to compete more effectively, but as I mentioned in the ‘Features’ section, the options at your fingertips are very limited.

It’s also worth flagging that this model only supports the most basic SBC audio codec – there’s no fancy stuff like LDAC or aptX Adaptive on-board, and not even any love for AAC. That means you won’t get the most insightful, high-resolution listen around if you’re streaming over Bluetooth.

Sound quality score: 3.5/5

Man pressing button on the Edifier ES60 — (Image credit: Future)

Edifier ES60 review: design

Appealing retro-style aesthetic
Decent IP66 waterproof rating
Pretty solid feel

The category in which the Edifier ES60 arguably excels the most is design. Sure, it’s clearly inspired quite a bit by Marshall’s Bluetooth speakers, in particular, the Emberton line, but Edifier has pulled off the retro style nicely here.

It’s got an attractive speaker grille, faux-leather casing, and golden details, which help it stand out from much of the crowd. You can also grab this model in either Black or Ivory, and both colorways complement the speaker’s luxury look beautifully.

On the top side, this model has a simple and effective array of buttons, which allow you to adjust lighting, playback, or power in an instant. You’ll also find a USB-C port on the reverse side of the speaker, which can be used to charge it up or access wired audio.

Earlier, I discussed the speaker’s LED lighting, which conjures up a little bit of ambience for immersive listening sessions, and is customizable in the Edifier ConneX app.

So, I’m a big fan of the layout and look of the Edifier ES60, but how does it fare in terms of practicality? Well, not too badly. First of all, it's not the lightest of speakers, coming in at around 2.3lbs / 1kg. However, it’s just about small enough to carry around one-handed, and there’s a fabric strap included if you’re traveling a short distance.

The ES60 is also IP66-rated, meaning that it’s fully dustproof, and able to withstand powerful jets of water from multiple directions. That rating is decent overall, but a lot of the competition goes further, with the JBL Flip 7, for instance, holding an IP68 rating, making it able to survive a dunking under 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.

Still, this is a solidly built model, and should survive the odd drop when you’re out and about. Combine that with its swell look, and the Edifier ES60 nets plenty of points in the design department.

Design score: 4.5/5

Edifier logo on the Edifier ES60

(Image credit: Future)

Edifier ES60 review: value

Fairly pricey, especially in the US
Better value rivals out there
Still, by no means a bad speaker

Though the ES60 exceeded in the last category, it falls a little flat in terms of value. It’s quite a pricey model, coming in at $199.99 / £119.99 / AU$199.99. That’s especially pricey for the US buyers out there, although I have seen it going for a bit less from time to time – it’s actually selling for around $149.99 on Amazon US.

Even so, that’s quite a bit to shell out on a speaker of this size, especially when you consider the imperfect audio quality and feature-set on offer. Don’t get me wrong, this is a nice-looking speaker, and it doesn’t sound bad by any means, but the competition is just too hot.

Take the JBL Flip 7, for example. It's regularly available for less than the Edifier ES60, plus it sounds better, has superior waterproofing, and offers much more playtime. Even the Marshall Emberton III – which this speaker draws inspiration from – delivers great audio, stereo sound capabilities, and an even more luxurious look.

As a result, the Edifier ES60 isn’t the value marvel of its sibling, the Edifier ES20 – and until it gets a juicy sale, I won’t be able to recommend it outright.

Value score: 2.5/5

Carry strap attached to the Edifier ES60 — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Edifier ES60?

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Features	Neat built-in mic and lighting, but poor EQ options and battery life.	3.5/5
Sound quality	Decently clear with solid bass, but lacks nuance and treble gets overexcited.	3.5/5
Design	Appealing aesthetic, well-built, IP66 rating isn’t too bad.	4.5/5
Value	By no means a bad speaker, but it can’t keep up with the competition in this price category.	2.5/5

Buy it if...

You want a speaker that’s also a statement piece
The best thing about the Edifier ES60 is its retro-style aesthetic, which makes it a real standout pick. Its golden details, neat speaker grille, and faux-leather casing make for a great combo, as we’ve seen with Marshall’s Bluetooth speakers, too.

You’re looking to enjoy an ambient listening experience
Another thing that makes the ES60 special is its integrated LED lighting. This can be customized in the Edifier ConneX app, and helps to create a more atmospheric, ambient listening experience.

Don't buy it if...

You want the best sound quality
When comparing the ES60 with the similarly powerful JBL Flip 7, the latter just operated at a new level in terms of audio quality. Unfortunately, the ES60 lacks the nuance, energy and control to compete with the best of the best in its size and price category.

You don’t want to charge your speaker too much
The ES60’s nine-hour battery life isn’t very impressive, and a whole lot of rivals outdo it for playtime. The two speakers I’ve listed below, for example, are far better choices if you don’t want to charge your audio companion all too regularly.

Edifier ES60 review: also consider

	Edifier ES60	Marshall Emberton III	JBL Flip 7
Price	$199.99 / £119.99 / AU$199.99	$159 / £159 / AU$289	$149 / £129 / AU$179
Drivers	1x 18W mid-bass driver; 2x 8W tweeters	2x 10W full-range drivers, 2 passive radiators	1x 45 x 80mm mid/bass 'racetrack' driver, 1x 16mm tweeter
Dimensions	7.5 x 3.6 x 3.9 inches / 190 x 92 x 98mm	6.3 x 2.7 x 3 inches / 160 x 68 x 76.9mm	2.8 x 7.2 x 2.8 inches / 70 x 183 x 72mm
Weight	2.3lbs / 1kg	1.5lbs / 0.7kg	1.2lbs / 0.6kg
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C	Bluetooth 5.3	Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C
Battery life	9 hours	32 hours	16 hours
Waterproofing	IP66	IP67	IP68

Marshall Emberton III
It only seems right to include the Emberton III here, as it's clearly a point of inspiration for the Elegant Superb 60. We really rated this speaker, thanks to its pleasantly balanced sound, incredible battery life, and gorgeous looks. It’s certainly a better performer than Edifier’s speaker – it just doesn’t have the integrated lighting. Read our full Marshall Emberton III review.

JBL Flip 7
I’ve mentioned the JBL Flip 7 multiple times already, but for good reason. It’s simply the best value-for-money Bluetooth speaker on the market, with S-tier waterproofing, an attractive cylindrical design, and almost unfathomably good sound for such a small cylinder. If you’re going to buy one speaker in this price range, the Flip 7 would be my top recommendation. Read our full JBL Flip 7 review.

How I tested the Edifier ES60

Tested over the course of one week
Mainly used in the music testing space at Future Labs
Predominantly tested using Tidal

I spent hours upon hours testing out the Edifier ES60, listening to a ton of music and fiddling around with its various features. During my time testing it, I tried all of its light customization and EQ options, and made sure to try it in a variety of settings.

For the most part, though, I used the ES60 in the music testing room here at Future Labs. When listening to tunes, I went through the TechRadar testing playlist, which features tracks from a range of genres. But I also sifted through a bunch of songs from my personal library – mainly via Tidal, but sometimes on Spotify instead.

More generally, I’ve reviewed dozens of speakers, headphones, earbuds, soundbars, and more here at TechRadar, where I have a particular focus on audio-visual technology. I’ve tested most of the ES60’s competition, so I know what it takes for a speaker to stand out in a highly convoluted market.

First reviewed: January 2026
Read more about how we test

No, Skyrim’s Switch 2 port isn’t that bad — but there’s room for improvement

7:00 pm | January 17, 2026

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: Nintendo Switch | Comments: Off

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim isn’t exactly a game that needs an introduction. Its broad appeal and astonishing staying power have seen it come to practically every single console since its late 2011 release, and it remains as impressively accessible and playable now as it was all those years ago.

Review information

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: PS5, PS4, PS3, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, watches, your grandma's washer dryer
Release date: December 9, 2025

Enter the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Skyrim Anniversary Edition, which packs the full game and all of its official expansions and Creation Club content into one portable package. This includes a whole heap of quests, housing, armaments, and entire systems like fishing and a survival mode on top of the already massive base game.

It sounds like a pretty sweet deal, and in many ways it is. I was especially impressed by the port’s incredibly crisp image quality - offering clarity and broad draw distance not dissimilar to versions of Skyrim on other contemporary platforms like PS5 and Xbox Series X. It’s also a winner in handheld mode, with visuals and performance that are broadly comparable to docked play on TV.

You might be aware that this port has had some teething issues, though some of which have thankfully been addressed since launch. Its initial horrendous input latency has been cleaned up, allowing for a more responsive play experience overall.

Some issues do remain, however. Distant objects like trees and rocks can take on a weird blue hue, and reflections on bodies of water can jitter as you move the camera. I’m also not a fan of the complete lack of visual or accessibility settings. This has always been an issue outside of the PC version, but Skyrim is a game that desperately needs a field-of-view slider accessible in its settings menu and not hidden within console commands on PC.

Otherwise, Skyrim’s Switch 2 port is a perfectly playable version of the monstrously popular role-playing game. I think the 30fps lock for exterior environments is disappointing - especially when we see other Switch 2 ports like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition offer VRR-supported 40fps modes for smoother play in handheld mode. That said, it is a stable 30fps, and you’ll rarely, if ever, run into bouts of chunky performance drops.

New dog, old tricks

A vampire lord addresses the player character in Skyrim. — (Image credit: Bethesda)

Skyrim’s gotten its fair share of criticisms over the years - many of which are fair. The main story isn’t much to write home about, combat is pretty rock-em-sock-em-robots at the best of times, and role-playing elements have been sanded down to offer a more action-focused experience compared to Morrowind and Oblivion.

Best bit

An armored player sits atop a gold furnished Dwarven mechanical horse in Skyrim. — (Image credit: Bethesda)

I’ve particularly enjoyed playing Skyrim in portable mode on Nintendo Switch 2. It runs great on the handheld and retains the clear image quality of docked play. I’ve done all of these quests so many times over the years, but having it in a compact, portable package is a novelty worth experiencing.

And yet for all its perceived issues, Skyrim remains one of the most impressively replayable games ever. Yes, even without mods (which aren’t supported on Switch 2 as they are on PS5 and Xbox, though I’m not going to criticize Bethesda for that one).

I still find much to enjoy in Skyrim to this day. Creating new characters to try a wide variety of builds is delightful - whether that be a warhammer-wielding Orc or a dainty Breton that specializes in conjuring everything from swords and skeletons, to zombies and atronachs. I’ve always liked the enchantment system, too; grabbing some nonchalant piece of jewelry and turning it into a fount of endless magicka regeneration is always such a satisfying feeling.

In this Switch 2 port, though, I’m checking out Skyrim’s curated Creation Club content for the first time. It’s a bit of a mixed bag. Some additions are brilliant, like entirely new player houses that are wonderfully decorated. Others, like a smattering of just-okay sidequests, I can really take or leave.

I really would’ve liked an option for an ‘alternate start’ though. Skyrim’s lengthy, unskippable intro is still a slog when setting up new characters (you can load up an autosave that skips to character creation, but you still need to play through the tutorial in Helgen). Perhaps that would be veering too close to modding territory, and above and beyond what this simple port is trying to achieve, but it certainly would help the pacing on repeat playthroughs.

What I’m even less of a fan of is Bethesda’s insistence on not offering anything in the way of quality-of-life updates. Skyrim, by default, has a very narrow field of view, and there is no option to change this on any of its console ports, including on Switch 2. While not so bad on the console’s handheld display, it makes for pretty uncomfortable play sessions on larger TV screens.

A fiery port?

A gorgeous sunsetted vista in Skyrim. A stream is surrounded by fall-like foliage as the sun sets over a mountainous background. — (Image credit: Bethesda)

This latest port of Skyrim does have some Switch 2-centric features to speak of. Both gyro aiming and mouse controls are fully supported, which are nice additions on paper. However, I didn’t find the latter to be a particularly good fit for this port and its 30fps lock. This lower framerate makes aiming and tilting the camera with mouse controls feel quite sluggish, even after a patch that improved the input latency issues. I quickly found myself going back to the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller after testing out the feature for a little while.

On the topic of performance, I feel there’s room for improvement. While I’m happy that overall performance is largely stable, the 30fps lock for the overworld is underwhelming for a nearly 15-year-old game. At the very least, a performance mode option that raises the framerate would have been nice to see here.

Elsewhere, there are a handful of visual oddities to make note of. Distant objects - particularly foliage - often take on a strange blue hue. While quite subtle at first, it’s one of those things you’ll notice every time after seeing it happen just once. Meanwhile, bodies of water have a weird visual bug that causes reflections to jitter when moving the camera. It’s not as egregious as the blue trees, but worth mentioning all the same.

Performance while exploring interiors like dungeons, houses, and inns can vary wildly. Many indoor locations actually uncap the game’s framerate, meaning performance can appear to go as high as 60fps. It’s a bit jarring to have this gap in performance between indoor and outdoor areas, honestly, but a smoother framerate in the more mazelike interiors is certainly welcome.

Should I play Skyrim Anniversary Edition on Switch 2?

Play it if...

You want Skyrim on the go
I was very impressed with Skyrim’s performance on Switch 2 in handheld mode. I don’t mind the 30fps compromise as much here, especially as it helps maintain a sharp image quality. Outside of Steam Deck, this is the best way to enjoy Skyrim in portable fashion.

You want all official content in one place
Skyrim Anniversary Edition houses the Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn expansions in addition to the base game and a wealth of curated Creation Club additions. That’s hundreds of hours of Skyrim in one portable package.

Don't play it if...

You were hoping for better performance
The Switch 2 port’s 30fps lock in exterior environs is definitely disappointing, and I expect more from a 15-year-old title. While overall performance is stable, play can feel quite sluggish.

You want more options
No FoV slider and a general lack of accessibility options lend the impression that Skyrim’s Switch 2 port is fairly low effort in some areas.

Accessibility

Skyrim’s options on Switch 2 aren’t much different from what you’ll get on other platforms. You can choose to enable or disable various Switch 2-specific options like gyro aiming, mouse controls, and gesture-based attacks, but that’s really about it. Don’t expect things like a field of view slider or colorblind options here.

How I reviewed Skyrim Anniversary Edition on Switch 2

I played Skyrim on Nintendo Switch 2 for around 30 hours, completing the main story (again) and a handful of guild questlines. I also played through a good portion of the game’s expansion content and Creation Club additions.

I went back and forth between handheld and docked play, finding that both offer great image quality and largely stable performance. When playing on TV, I used the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, as well as the Joy-Con 2, for trying out the port’s new mouse controls. My display of choice is the ever-reliable LG CX OLED TV.

First reviewed December 2025-January 2026.

Want delicious, quality espresso with the convenience of pods? After two weeks of testing, I can say the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is the coffee maker for you

4:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: US | Comments: Off

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg: one-minute review

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg combines the convenience of coffee capsules with Smeg's signature retro style. It's a cut above your typical espresso machine in terms of looks, and it performs brilliantly as well.

This is an appliance that does one thing, and does it well: making espresso. There are just two options to choose from – standard or lungo (long) – and the controls couldn't be simpler to operate. You barely need the manual to get started; just rinse the machine as directed and you're ready to make your first drink.

Lavazza's A Modo Mio capsules are remarkably affordable (much cheaper than similar Nespresso Vertuo or Tassimo pods), and offer a great variety of coffees and roasts, each of which is labelled with an intensity rating. There are no fancy added flavors here; just good coffee, freshly packed in an airtight package, ready to brew in seconds.

The pods themselves are compostable, although it's worth bearing in mind that you can't toss them in your home food waste or compost heap. Instead, you'll need to take them to a Terracycle collection point, which might be a little inconvenient, depending on where you live.

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker on kitchen counter with espresso cups, box of coffee pods, and plant — This is a capsule coffee machine that does one thing well: it makes great espresso (Image credit: Future)

The A Modo Mio Smeg also has a tendency to accumulate finger marks as a result of its glossy plastic chassis. I had a damp cloth on hand to ensure it remained looking smart; but it's one of the best coffee makers around – if you like your drinks short, strong, and fast.

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg: specifications

Name	Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg
Type	Capsule coffee maker
Dimensions (H x W x D)	11.4 x 6.2 x 14.4 inches / 290 x 157 x 366mm
Weight	9.4lbs / 4.25kg
Water tank capacity	30.4oz / 900ml

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg: price and availability

Relatively expensive for a capsule coffee maker
Currently not available in the US
Pods are much cheaper than Nespresso or Tassimo capsules

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg has a list price of £249 / AU$349 (about $350), but can sometimes be found at a discount – for example, at the time of writing, it was available in Australia for 25% off. At full price, it's expensive for a capsule coffee maker – particularly one without a milk frother – but the capsules themselves are so affordable that this coffee maker could actually work out cheaper than a budget Nespresso or Tassimo machine in the long run.

Lavazza A Modo Mio capsules are available directly from Lavazza as a one-off purchase or via subscription. You can also find them on various specialty coffee websites, on Amazon, and in some supermarkets. A pack of 16 capsules retails for £6.45 / AU$15 (about $9), and the cost per drink drops significantly if you buy a bundle instead. That makes A Modo Mio pods some of the cheapest coffee pods around, and much less expensive than Nespresso Vertuo capsules or Tassimo T-Pods.

Value score: 4/5

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg: design

Compact and lightweight
Gloss finish tends to attract fingerprints
Very simple controls
Small drip tray

This is an attractive little coffee maker with the same 1960s-influenced retro styling as many of Smeg's other products. It’s purely an espresso machine; it lets you choose between long (lungo) and regular shots, but these are the extent of your options. However, it would look great alongside the Smeg Mini Milk Frother, giving you a perfect little setup for making cappuccinos and lattes.

It’s available in black, white, and cream (different retailers stock different colors), all of which have a gloss finish and chrome accents. The black machine I tested looked very attractive, but I found that the shiny plastic chassis tended to attract fingerprints easily, and I had to keep a cloth on hand to keep it looking good.

Image 1 of 2

Water tank removed from Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker — The water tank feels solid, and has a sturdy lid to prevent leaks when carrying (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 2

Person inserting coffee pod into Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker — Lavazza's A Modo Mio pods are compostable, but only at special facilities (Image credit: Future)

The water tank is robust, and has a well-fitting lid that won’t slide off when the tank is full. That’s particularly helpful because the maximum fill line is only about half an inch from the top. It has a convenient handle, and the whole assembly slides easily onto the back of the machine.

The drip tray is only really large enough to accommodate espresso cups. While you can remove the main platform to fit a larger cup beneath (such as demi-tasse), a standard 300ml coffee mug will hang over the edge.

Used pod bin removed from Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker — Used pods are dispensed into a bin, which you can access by removing a drawer behind the drip tray (Image credit: Future)

Used capsules drop into a container that’s accessed by pulling out a drawer on the front of the machine, and which has an internal drip tray so the pods can dry (although I recommend always emptying used capsules at the end of each day for hygiene, washing out the drawer, and allowing it to air-dry overnight).

Design score: 4/5

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg: performance

Very simple to use
Pump is especially quiet
Espresso tastes rounded and well-extracted
No flavored coffee capsules available

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is exceptionally simple to use, even for a capsule espresso machine. The first time you use it, you’re instructed to wash out the water tank, place a cup under the dispenser, and run the "lungo" program with no pod inserted to thoroughly rinse the interior components with hot water. Continue doing this until the tank is empty, and the machine will be ready to use.

Lift up the chrome-colored lid and you’ll find a slot to insert your A Modo Mio capsule. It takes a little effort to push the lid back down afterwards – the machine uses this force to pierce the pod about 22 times – but you can use your whole hand to apply the necessary pressure.

Image 1 of 2

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker dispensing espresso into cup — The A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker can dispense espresso in two sizes: standard and lungo (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 2

Cup placed on Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker drip tray — Although you can remove the drip tray platform to accommodate a larger cup, there's not enough room for a standard sized mug (Image credit: Future)

Capsule coffee machines are rarely loud, but the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is quieter than most. Measured with a decibel meter, it briefly reached a maximum of 70dB during brewing – about the same as a hairdryer – but was only around 50dB throughout the whole brewing process.

Once you’re done, rinse the dispenser again without a capsule to remove residue from the dispenser.

During my tests, the espresso didn’t have as much crema as you might get from a Nespresso Vertuo pod, but the flavor from Lavazza’s capsules was considerably better; it tasted more rounded and balanced. I tested two different arabica capsules of different strengths, and was very impressed by both.

Espresso made using Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker — (Image credit: Future)

Unlike some other coffee pods, A Modo Mio capsules aren’t available in different flavors and with sweeteners – but, personally, I don't think that's a bad thing. Instead, the capsules vary by roast, variety and terroir. This is a capsule machine for people who want good-tasting espresso quickly, and aren’t interested in added fruit, syrup, or spice flavorings. Whether that appeals to you is a matter of personal preference.

Lavazza A Modo Mio capsules are compostable, but you can't toss them in your home food waste. If you're in the UK, you should take them to a public Terracycle drop-off point. If there isn't a drop-off point nearby (they're mostly concentrated around south England and the Midlands), you can register to run one, but you can't have personal collection boxes sent to your home.

Performance score: 5/5

Should you buy the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg?

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	The machine itself is quite pricey, but the capsules are some of the cheapest around (and great quality, too).	4/5
Design	Stylish, compact, and easy to operate, but the gloss finish is prone to gathering fingerprints.	4/5
Performance	Produces excellent espresso quickly and quietly, and is a piece of cake to maintain.	5/5

Buy it if

You want good espresso, fast

If you like your coffee short and fast, this is the machine for you. It does one thing, and does it very well – and Lavazza's coffee pods are excellent.

You plan to keep it for a long time

This coffee maker costs more than your typical capsule espresso machine, but the pods are so affordable that they'll offset the difference over time.

Don't buy it if

You enjoy fun-flavored coffee

There's nothing wrong with preferring a pumpkin spice latte to a straight shot of espresso, but Lavazza's A Modo Mio pods are all about the beans, not added flavorings.

You need a cheap coffee maker

Smeg style doesn't come cheap, and this machine is considerably pricier than most capsule coffee makers. However, there are more affordable options in Lavazza's A Modo Mio series, if this one is outside your budget.

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is the right coffee maker for you, here are two other options to consider:

De'Longhi Dedica Duo

If you're willing to consider moving from pods to freshly ground coffee, this smart little espresso machine is around the same price as the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, and opens up a whole world of specialty coffee.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Duo review

Krups Nespresso Pixie

The tiny Pixie has held the top spot in our roundup of the best Nespresso machines for years, thanks to its balance of style and performance. Like the A Modo Mio it's purely an espresso machine, and it uses Nespresso Original pods, which are more affordable than Vertuo capsules.

Read our full Krups Nespresso Pixie review

How I tested the Lavazza A Moda Mio Smeg

I tested the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker for two weeks, making at least two drinks every day using two different types of espresso pods. I followed the setup instructions in the manual, prepared each drink using fresh tap water, and rinsed the dispenser between brews. I emptied and washed out the machine's bin and drip tray at the end of each day, and allowed everything to air-dry overnight. I cleaned the exterior of the machine with a damp microfiber cloth.

For more details, see how we test, rate, and review products at TechRadar.

I tested the new Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED TV, and it’s good overall for the money but bested by budget mini-LED TV competition

3:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Televisions | Tags: Dolby Atmos, HDR, TV | Comments: Off

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025): Two-minute review

The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) is an interesting TV for one reason: it uses Amazon’s new AI-powered Alexa+, which is a more contextual, conversational, and higher-functioning version of the company’s voice assistant.

Otherwise, some features have been sacrificed in the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) that made the Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED, Amazon’s previous flagship TV, appealing, such as a mini-LED backlight and 144Hz support for gaming. Both are features we regularly look for in the best TVs. Despite those omissions, the new Omni QLED is priced relatively high for what it offers, with competing TVs from Hisense, TCL, and Roku delivering better bang for the buck.

On the plus side, Amazon’s built-in voice assistant is very well-implemented, and there’s even a mic mute for privacy. Also, you can expect to find the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED priced considerably lower during the company’s regular sales events.

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) review: Price and release date

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) remote control on table — Amazon's remote is similar to the ones included with other Fire TV devices (Image credit: Future)

Release date: November 2025
50-inch: $479.99
55-inch: $589.99
65-inch: $849.99
75-inch: $1,199.99

The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) was released in November 2025 and replaces an earlier version of the TV with the same name. Having just been released in time for Black Friday, it ended up priced a few hundred dollars below list price during that time, with the 50-inch model’s price dropping to $279.99 and the 65-inch model to $749.99.

The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) is currently only available in the US.

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) review: Specs

Screen type:	QLED
Refresh rate:	60Hz
HDR support:	Dolby Vision, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10, HLG
Smart TV:	Fire TV
HDMI ports:	4x HDMI 2.0
Built-in tuner:	ATSC 1.0

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) review: Benchmark results

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) review: Features

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) rear panel ports — The Omni QLED's connections include four HDMI 2.0 ports (one with eARC) (Image credit: Future)

Hands-free Alexa+ allows for deeper control
Can be used with Alexa smart home ecosystem
Amazon Ambient Experience

The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series supports both the Dolby Vision and HDR10+ adaptive high dynamic range formats, but the big feature on this TV is Amazon’s new Alexa+, a souped-up version of Alexa that allows for a higher level of flexibility and control.

For example, I’m able to not only ask for movie recommendations but also issue more basic commands like opening an app. I can even ask for things like the Philadelphia Eagles’ upcoming NFC schedule or what the weather outside is like. And I can do all this without picking up the remote control since Alexa+ is hands-free on this TV. The mic can be muted (there’s a slider under the front of the TV) if you’re worried about privacy, but otherwise, it can be used just like any other Alexa device. Alexa+ is free for Prime members but $19.99 a month if you don’t have Prime.

Since this TV has Alexa+ built in, it can be incorporated into an Alexa ecosystem. I found there were some limitations on what I could do using an Amazon Echo speaker, but I was able to turn on the TV and open apps through my Echo in my kitchen.

The other feature worth noting is the Ambient Experience. Every TV seems to now have some version of this feature, most likely due to the popularity of Samsung’s The Frame TV, and it’s also recently arrived on Amazon Fire TV devices.

Amazon’s Ambient Experience is a pretty cool feature that allows you to choose from a number of dynamic and static screens that will play when the TV is in standby mode. You can also customize it to have certain widgets displayed for time, temperature, and more. There are 2,000 free images to choose from, and you can also upload photos to display a personal photo reel. Amazon’s Omnisense sensors let the TV automatically display images when you walk into the room, and they even provide an interactive component.

Apple AirPlay is available for wireless casting from a phone or tablet to the TV, and so is Matter Casting.

Features Score: 3.5/5

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) review: Picture quality

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) showing image of flowers — The Omni QLED has good overall picture quality but average brightness (Image credit: Future)

Limited brightness
Full-array local dimming on all but the smallest size
Average color gamut coverage

The picture quality of the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series doesn’t quite measure up to the Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED, but then again it’s also cheaper. In Filmmaker Mode, we measured HDR Peak Brightness at 510 nits, compared to Omni Mini-LED’s 973 nits in the same picture preset. In Standard mode, the Omni QLED’s peak brightness was 598 nits, and fullscreen brightness was 528 nits.

Full-array local dimming, a feature that improves contrast, is provided on all sizes except the smallest (50-inch). I like to test this using images that show a black background with lighter objects on parts of the screen. With these, the TV did a good job – I didn’t notice any light blooming on the black areas.

The Omni QLED Series’ measured UHDA-P3 color gamut was 93.7% when we tested it, and 71.6% for BT.2020, both of which could be better. (Our target UHDA-P3 coverage is 95% for TVs.)

The TV’s Delta-E in Filmmaker Mode was 7, which is a worse-than-average result for picture accuracy for that preset. (The closer to zero, the better, with many TVs measuring under 3dE in Filmmaker Mode on this test.)

In real-world use, the Omni QLED Series’ picture wasn’t as bright as other TVs I’ve tested, but the picture was still crisp and vibrant, whether I was watching the animated Coco (one of my favorites for testing), an action movie, or sports.

Picture quality score: 3.5/5

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) review: Sound quality

Limited bass
No Dolby Atmos support
Dialogue boost and volume leveler

The sound quality on the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series is not going to make you skip getting one of the best soundbars. There are only 12 watts each for the speakers and the sub, so even though it can get loud, it tends to lose definition at louder volumes.

Also, there’s not much bass. You won’t get any rumble, just a mid-low-end boost. I found it to be a strange experience when testing with Deadpool & Wolverine and watching a big fight scene where none of the punches, or the score for that matter, had much weight to them.

Dolby Atmos isn’t supported, either, which is another reason to upgrade the sound with a soundbar (preferably one with a subwoofer).

I do appreciate that there’s a five-band EQ in the settings. Also in the settings are a Dialogue Boost, Dolby Dialogue Enhancer, and Volume Leveler (the last two in the TV’s advanced settings). The first two help with making dialogue clearer by boosting the frequency at which voices sit. The latter is similar to a Night Mode and works well enough at bringing up quieter parts while making louder parts quieter.

Sound quality score: 3/5

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) review: Design

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) support feet being attached with screwdriver — The Omni QLED uses the type of support feet typically found on more budget-oriented TVs (Image credit: Future)

Basic looks
Hidden privacy slider for built-in mic
Four HDMI ports, one with eARC

On the surface, the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED looks like a typical budget-level TV, though its bezels are at least thin. You’ll need a Philips head screwdriver for connecting the support feet to the TV (with included screws), but that takes a very short time to install.

There’s a slider hidden on the TV’s bottom edge to mute the built-in Alexa mic for privacy. Onboard controls are limited to the slider and button to control inputs, power, and navigate some basic settings.

The Fire TV Omni QLED has four HDMI ports, one with eARC. Also on hand is an optical port, coaxial, USB, headphone jack, and an IR transmitter port.

Amazon’s remote looks the same as the one it includes with its Fire TV streaming sticks. It has a talk button if you don’t want to use the built-in mic on the TV and buttons at the bottom for Prime, Netflix, Disney+, and Peacock, along with the usual suspects. It feels pretty good in the hand with its convex back. The only other thing worth mentioning is that it takes two AAA batteries instead of being rechargeable.

Design score: 3/5

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) review: Smart TV and menus

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) Fire TV home page — The Amazon Fire TV home page (Image credit: Future)

Very Prime-oriented even outside of the app
Plenty of live and free content
Menu diving is mostly easy, though some HDR settings are hard to find

Since the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series naturally uses the Fire TV interface, be prepared for a very Amazon Prime-centric experience. The top half of the home page consists of a rotating preview banner that autoplays both suggested content and ads that are more often than not Amazon-related.

Scrolling down past the streaming service tiles, you’ll see rows such as “Continue Watching,” “Sponsored,” and an assortment of recommendations. All the apps one could want are a download away, but a good number of the preloaded ones are Amazon ones, like Amazon Kids+ and Luna.

Plenty of content is built in – there’s a whole guide’s worth of live TV, including free channels like NFL Live, CBS, Fox, ABC News Live, NBC News Now, and more in the US.

Menu diving on the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED was initially confusing for me since the layout of categories is a bit different than on other interfaces. That said, it was easy to navigate after a few times using it. The one gripe I do have is that while I can cycle through most of the modes in the settings, any HDR-related adjustments only become available and selectable while watching content. Even though the TV picks the right mode automatically (if auto picture mode is enabled), it would be nice to have some control over choosing the picture mode I want before starting a movie.

Smart TV & menus score: 4/5

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) review: Gaming

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) showing game and game controller app — The Amazon Luna app gives you plenty of cloud gaming options (Image credit: Future)

60Hz refresh rate
Game Mode
Luna app for cloud gaming

The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED isn't anything special for console gaming. Unlike the Fire TV Omni Mini-LED, which supports up to 144Hz, this TV tops out at a 60Hz refresh rate, so you’re not going to get the smooth performance that next-gen consoles are capable of.

I do appreciate that, if TV Mode is set to Auto, it will automatically change to its Game Mode setting. This mode does a good job of letting the colors pop. I found the image to look good when using my PlayStation 5, even if the 60Hz refresh rate was a hurdle for performance.

The one somewhat bright spot is that Amazon’s Luna app provides access to cloud gaming, some of which is free or included for those with Amazon Prime. I appreciated that I could use either my phone or an external controller, which can be paired when booting up a game, for playing any of the games. I also appreciate that there was a healthy selection of games to purchase, alongside the free offerings.

Gaming score: 3/5

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) review: Value

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) accessories on floor — The Omni QLED's included accessories (Image credit: Future)

Cheaper than similar TVs
Sacrifices some features
Other options with Fire TV built-in

As I mentioned before, I consider the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series to be an okay deal at $849.99 for a 65-inch model. Of course, this is Amazon, so you’re more likely to see regular discounts.

How does it compare? It comes with some compromises compared to other TVs that I consider to be its competition. I’ve tested two other mid-range TVs that punch well above their weight. The TCL QM6K is one that immediately comes to mind. The price of the 65-inch model is currently selling for less than the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED reviewed here, and it supports a 144Hz refresh rate, Dolby Atmos audio, and uses a mini-LED backlight with “Halo Control technology” to minimize blooming.

There’s also the Hisense U65QF, which is also sells for less than Amazon’s TV. Like the TCL, it supports a 144Hz refresh rate and Dolby Atmos audio, and it also uses a mini-LED backlight. And with a Fire TV interface, you basically get the same smart features as the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED.

Value score: 3/5

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025) showing image of woman — (Image credit: Future)

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025)
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Features	Hands-free Alexa, plus the souped-up, context-aware Alexa+ for deeper and smarter smart home integration	.3.5/5
Picture quality	Brightness is average and the accuracy could be better, but it at least has full-array local dimming (except the smallest size)	3.5/5
Sound quality	Sound quality is pretty limited with not much bass. The decent volume leveling and dialog boost are a nice touch	3/5
Design	Design is mostly what one would expect for a budget TV	3/5
Smart TV and menus	Be prepared for an Amazon-heavy experience with this TV, with some advanced picture settings tricky to access in menus	3.5/5
Gaming	Refresh rate is capped at 60 Hz but features the Luna app for cloud-gaming	3/5
Value	Good overall picture quality, but competition offers equally good performance and superior gaming features for the price	3/5

Should I buy the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025)?

Buy it if...

You have Prime
If you have Amazon Prime, then the souped-up Alexa+ is free. It’s definitely a unique experience turning off the TV through an Amazon Echo elsewhere in the house.

You use Alexa
The TV’s Alexa integration is something you can really take advantage of if you’re already bought into the Alexa smart home ecosystem.

Don't buy it if…

You’re a console gamer
The TV’s refresh rate is capped at 60Hz, so you won’t be getting the most out of your Playstation 5 or Xbox Series X game console.

You want Dolby Atmos
If you want a TV that supports Dolby Atmos, you’ll have to look elsewhere, or you could just buy a soundbar to use with this TV.

Also consider...

	Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025)	Hisense U65QF	TCL QM6K	Roku Pro Series
Price (65-inch)	$849.99	$999	$999	$1,199
Screen type	QLED	QLED w/ mini-LED	QLED w/ mini-LED	QLED w/ mini-LED
Refresh rate	60Hz	upt to 144Hz	Up to 144Hz	120Hz
HDR support	Dolby Vision/HDR10+ Adaptive/HDR10	Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG	Dolby Vision IQ/HDR10+/HDR10	Dolby Vision IQ/HDR10+/HDR10
Smart TV	Fire TV	Fire TV	Google TV	Roku
HDMI ports	4 HDMI 2.0	4 (2x HDMI 2.1)	4 (2x HDMI 2.1)	4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

Hisense U65QF

The Hisense U65QF is very affordable for a mini-LED TV. It’s packed with features like Dolby Atmos, a 144Hz refresh rate, and Dolby Vision IQ. It also has Alexa built in, though not Alexa+. Finding the video settings does take some deep menu diving, and the Prime-focused interface is a bit of an acquired taste.

Read our full Hisense U65QF review

TCL QM6K

The TCL QM6K is excellent value and cheaper with discounts than the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series, though it doesn’t have quite the audio quality or Alexa integration. What it does have is great picture quality with vibrant colors, good contrast, and minimal blooming.

Read our full TCL QM6K review

Roku Pro Series

The Roku Pro Series is another budget mini-LED TV that’s priced around the same as the Amazon Omni QLED, but beats it when it comes to features and design. With both 120Hz support and an ultra-low input lag, it’s also a superior gaming TV and has a more streamlined and pleasing smart interface.

Read our full Roku Pro Series review

Samsung QN900D showing test pattern — (Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (2025)

I used the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series for several weeks
Tested with TV, movies, music, and games
Benchmark measurements conducted by Future US testing lab

I used the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series as my main TV for several weeks. I used it with TV, movies, and games. I tested the various features to see if they work as advertised. I also spent time listening to the audio as well as paying attention to the picture quality.

I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years, from laptops to keyboards and speakers, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.

You can read an in-depth overview of how we test TVs at TechRadar at that link.

First reviewed: January 2026
Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

I tested the ProtoArc Flexer Pro – a comfortable office chair with lumbar support that’s going to be divisive

6:15 pm | January 16, 2026

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

ProtoArc has been around for a while now, and they have a handful of items I have reviewed over the years, like their EC100 chair and a few keyboard / mice solutions. They have been impressive through and through with putting out quality gear for a shockingly low price every time.

This chair, the Flexer Pro, is no different. It had a quick and easy assembly that only took about 5 to 8 minutes to assemble, it has surpassingly breathable mesh on the backrest, featuring FlexWeave tech to cool you off on hot days or if you simply run warm like I do, and it has a great set or armrests. Right there, if those things are done well, the chair is already going to win people over. But, beyond that, this chair has some things I have never seen, such as the dual lumbar support. That’s something that even some of of my premium chairs don’t have.

Flexer Pro also excels in not being “too much” as a chair. Given it's only available in the US, and the dual lumbar support can take some time to adjust to, it's unlikely to make our round-up of the best office chairs. But it's simple and elegant in design, while still offering maximum comfort for up to 10 hours according to ProtoArc, and, in my testing, I can say that this chair surely lives up to the hype.

ProtoArc Flexer Pro: Price and availability

At the time of review, the Flexer Pro is currently on sale for $312.55 (was $399.99) on ProtoArc’s website. It's also available on Amazon.com in both black or white variants, with the former being $299 and the latter priced at $315.86.

From what I can see, the chair's only available in the US right now.

One thing that I always pay attention to for chairs like this is the warranty. After all, an office chair is an investment, even at the low- to mid-range models like this one. So, I was pleased to see ProtoArc offering a 10-year limited warranty.

ProtoArc Flexer Pro: Unboxing and First Impressions

The packaging was minimal and simple, yet enough to keep everything well-packaged, safe, and secure. As I mentioned above, this chair took a mere 5 minutes to assemble by myself. It was incredibly easy, no special tools necessary outside of what was sent with the chair, and no points of frustration.

After getting everything set up, I like how simple this chair is. A lot of chairs have a lot of things going on. The Flexer Pro keeps it simple. It’s a cushioned seat, a mesh back, good armrests. That’s the core. It’s clean, straightforward, and great for most.

ProtoArc Flexer Pro: Design & Build Quality

The dual lumbar supports are the stand-out feature of this chair for me, it seems like such a small thing, but in practice and in use, it’s super helpful to be able to add that support in two slightly different, or one larger spot on some days. I do find that some days I will adjust this and have it be slightly different, but perhaps I’m alone in that. Regardless, having that functionality in a chair at this cost is still wild to me.

Further, the cushion and backrest make for a very breathable sitting experience. As someone who runs fairly warm, I really appreciate having a chair that can breathe with me and help keep me cool even on hot days or during long working sessions.

Another thing that I really appreciate is the lack of over-the-top branding on this chair. I have some chairs that will remain unnamed, but they blast their branding everywhere, loud and proud. That ruins the professional feel of a chair immediately, so having this chair minimally branded and that is all is fantastic.

The armrests, crank tilt-tension control, seat depth slider, and 130-degree recline are all fantastic features. Again, these are features I’d love seeing on chairs worth three times as much, so seeing this in a quality chair at a budget price is a spectacular surprise.

ProtoArc Flexer Pro: In use

My team and I have rotated using this chair for the last 88 days at the time of writing. In that time, we have used it in my studio space, in some home offices and in both scenarios this chair has performed wonderfully. The chair is comfortable for even extended desk working sessions, it’s easy to kick back when we want to stand at our standing desks and if we maybe don’t get to stand that day and rather need to lay back, the 130-degree tilt makes it super comfortable and easy to grab a quick rest.

While most of our testing has been done during the harsh Midwest winter in the States, sometimes that means that with the heat on, your house is warmer than normal (depending on the person). For those days, or the harsh summer afternoons, having the mesh backrest is a wonderful two-thumbs-up for this chair. It means that I won’t stand up to find my back stuck to my shirt.

Another thing that is really nice is that since this chair doesn’t have a headrest and has a fairly compact frame, I can push this chair under my desk rather than just kicking it behind me if I am short on space or don’t want to get my chair too far away from my desk.

After three months' use, the felt still looks brand new, the mesh backrest has held up wonderfully, and the armrests still work well. No issues so far, and none in sight.

ProtoArc Flexer Pro: Final verdict

Not everyone who is looking for a chair is looking to spend thousands, or even close to a thousand. Some want a simple chair that gets the job done. The ProtoArc Flexer Pro is an easy recommendation for those people, as it’s budget-priced yet adds features you usually only see in high-end flagship chairs.

The quick assembly time is a real bonus - ProtoArc estimated it's a 10-minute job, but I did it half that time. Airflow, comfortability, and support are all good. And I'm pleased how well the chair has held up after using it for three months.

That dual lumbar support, though, may not be to everyone's tastes. I can understand that. I would've also liked to see greater availability beyond North America.

But the chair's nicely designed overall, with all the adjustability mechanisms I'd expect to find one priced this low. A solid choice for working from home or in the office.

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For more office furniture, I've tested the best standing desks.

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