The Umbrella Academy season 2 release date is set for July 2020 on Netflix. The first season of the quirky superhero show gave us a Wes Anderson-esque angle on the dysfunctional Hargreeves children that won the show a massive fanbase, and we can't wait to see how things pan out in The Umbrella Academy season 2.

The adaptation, from Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá, focuses on this eccentric superhero family who reunite to solve the mystery of their father's death, which snowballs into the small matter of (spoiler alert) averting the threat of the entire destruction of earth. Just everyday hero work, really.

While those working on the show have been tight-lipped in terms of story details about The Umbrella Academy season 2, we have an idea of the direction of the series following (unconfirmed) episode title leaks, but we're still waiting to officially now 'when' in time the family are, given that they need to travel back in time to save Earth - more on that below.

Here's everything we know about The Umbrella Academy season 2, including its release date.

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The Umbrella Academy season 2 release date: July 2020

The Umbrella season 2 release date has now been revealed as July 31, 2020. Here's the extremely unusual filmed-at-home trailer confirming it:

The Umbrella Academy season 2 was confirmed by Netflix in April 2019 and shooting wrapped in November 2019. The post-production of the show has since been worked on remotely.

Showrunner Steve Blackman said it takes about 18 months to make a season, which – given that season one debuted on February 15, 2019 – means the July release date for The Umbrella Academy season 2 makes perfect sense.

There's no full trailer for The Umbrella Academy season 2 yet.

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Are these The Umbrella Academy season 2 episode titles?

Following a leak on the WGA website (via Bleeding Cool), we may now have an idea of the episode titles for season 2. Naturally you should look the other way if you want to avoid spoilers, but know that we can only take these with a pinch of salt for now. Regardless, these are the leaked episode titles in no particular order, and the writers who may have worked on them: 

• 743: Bronwyn Garrity, Roberto Askins
• A Light Supper: Aeryn Michelle Williams
• OGA for OGA: Nikki Schiefelbein
• Right Back Where We Started: Steve Blackman
• The End of Something: Steve Blackman
• The Frankel Footage: Mark Goffman
• The Majestic Twelve: Bronwyn Garrity
• The Seven Stages: Mark Goffman, Jesse McKeown
• The Swedish Job: Jesse McKeown
• Valhalla: Robert Askins

When it comes to 'when' our heroes will be, 'Right Back Where We Started' implies that the team will be returned to their teenage selves, as was heavily hinted at the end of season 1. Potentially more interesting is 'The Majestic Twelve': could we be meeting more superheroes for season 2? Either way these are just leaks so far, so they are certainly subject to change.

The Umbrella Academy season 2 teased by Netflix: 'when are they?'

A long sequence of posters on Twitter have teased the coming of The Umbrella Academy season 2. It's likely a trailer and release date are imminent. The poster reads 'when are they?'

That's because, after all that funny business with Vanya and the moon, Five transported him and his mates through time, but to an unspecified point. Numbers One (Luther), Two (Diego), Three (Allison), Four (Klaus), Five, Six (Ben), and Vanya (Seven) each get one of these psychedelic posters, but where and when the group are in the temporal ether remains unanswered. Hopefully the highly-anticipated first trailer will bring us closer to answers.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? The second season of Netflix’s big-budget adaptation of Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá’s Dark Horse graphic novel series about a superpowered family.
• Where can I watch it? Like the first season of The Umbrella Academy, season 2 will be available exclusively on Netflix. 
• When can I watch it? This is still TBC, but it’ll almost certainly land at some time during 2020.

The Umbrella Academy season 2 story: what we expect

Right now, that’s the big mystery, because everyone connected to the show is playing their cards very close to their chests. 

It’s fairly safe to say, however, that the series will pick up directly after the end of season 1, where Number Seven/Vanya (who, unbeknownst to her family, had superpowers all along) blasted a chunk off the Moon – inadvertently causing the destruction of planet Earth. The teleporting Number Five saved the Hargreeves siblings by transporting them to another time – in the process reverting them to their teenage selves. 

“The truth is, we don't know where they are,” returning showrunner Steve Blackman told The Hollywood Reporter back in February 2019. “We don't know what happened to them. I wanted this to really be the best of cliffhangers, in that you're like ‘Wait, what? What happened?’ It gives us a lot of openness and legroom to tell the best story we can. But the apocalypse is not solved. They did not save the world, which is a slight alteration of the comic. To me, it was the right Netflix cliffhanger. You really want people to go into the off-season saying, ‘I gotta know what happened’, and that will be revealed when you see season two.”

All very mysterious – at least we know that the first episode of The Umbrella Academy season 2 will be called “Right Back Where We Started”.

While the TV show made a dramatic change from the comic book storyline because the Hargreeves siblings didn’t save the apocalypse, the show’s writer’s room is still using Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá’s graphic novels as a blueprint for the series. That means, there may be some clues in there – for example, it won’t be a surprise if The Umbrella Academy season 2 sees Number One/Luther dealing with depression, in the wake of revelations about his father’s decision to send him to the Moon for four years. 

“The goal is not to diverge [from the graphic novels],” Blackman told Indiewire. “Not everything translates from the graphic novel page to the screen, but there’s a legion of fans and I want to bring in a whole new legion of fans who’ve never read the graphic novel, so the goal is not to just go off in our own direction.”

And Gerard Way (arguably more famous for his other job as My Chemical Romance’s frontman) is keen that the planned eight-part graphic novel arc he’s writing with Bá’s should keep setting the agenda – nobody involved wants the show to overtake the source material as Game of Thrones did George RR Martin’s novels. 

“The goal for us is to stay ahead of the show,” Way said in the same interview, “and since we’re on series three [of the comics], we are now ahead of the show.”

And in case of emergency, Way and Bá have assembled an 18-page roadmap for Blackman and the rest of the writing team so they know where everything’s going.

What questions does The Umbrella Academy season 2 need to answer?

The mystery of Vanya/Number Seven’s apparent lack of powers may have been solved, but The Umbrella Academy season 1 finale left plenty of threads dangling still to be explored.

Crucially, we know that on October 1, 1989, 43 women gave birth simultaneously. We’ve met seven of them, but what happened to the other 36? Surely we’ll be encountering more superpowered 30-somethings in season 2.

Then there’s the mystery of Sir Reginald Hargreeves, the superpowered siblings’ adoptive dad. The flashback in episode 10, “The White Violin”, suggests he may have come from another planet, but how did he end up on Earth? And how was he so certain about the impending apocalypse that he was prepared to kill himself to reunite his kids to save the world?

We’ve also got questions about the true extent of Klaus/Number Four and Vanya/Number Seven’s powers, and how spiritual, tentacle-wielding sibling Number Six/Ben lost his life. And we’d really like to know more about The Handler and her timeline-managing Temps Commission.

And if you had the question "will season 2 be sound mixed or edited?", we can confirm it's the former. Even the coronavirus won't stop every last peep in The Umbrella Academy being curated by hand. 

Umbrella Academy season 2 cast: who's in the show?

Although they’ll presumably be starting out in their teenage incarnations, the grown-up versions of the Hargreeves siblings are all back in action in season 2. 

That means returns for Tom Hopper (Number One/Luther – ability: super strength), David Castañeda (Number Two/Diego – ability: controlling the trajectory of projectiles), Emmy Raver-Lampman (Number Three/Allison – ability: can make people do anything she tells them to), Robert Sheehan (Number Four/Klaus – ability: talks to the dead), Aidan Gallagher (Number Five – ability: teleporting/time travel), Justin H Min (Number Six/Ben – ability: weird tentacle things) and Ellen Page (Number Seven/Vanya – ability: initially nothing, then everything). 

This Instagram post shows five of them having an on-set family reunion:

Three newcomers to the cast have also been announced – and seeing as they’re all the right sort of age to play 30-somethings, we reckon they could be members of that exclusive club of 43 superpowered sprogs born on October 1, 1989. The official Umbrella Academy Twitter account has this to say about them:

Lila (played by Ritu Arya)

• A chameleon who can be as brilliant or as clinically insane as the situation requires.
• Unpredictable, mischievous, sarcastic.
• Twisted sense of humour.

Raymond (played by Yusuf Gatewood)

• Born leader and devoted husband.
• Has the smarts, gravitas, and confidence to never have to prove it to anyone. 
• Has the innate ability to disarm you with a look.

Sissy (played by Marin Ireland)

• Fearless, no-nonsense Texas mom.
• Married young for all the wrong reasons.
• Eager to rediscover what life and love has to offer.

And this is yet to be confirmed officially, but the timeline-hopping storyline means the apocalypse surely won’t have meant the end for time-travelling assassins Cha-Cha (Mary J Blige) and Hazel (Cameron Britton), or their boss The Handler (Kate Walsh). 

And somewhere between time travel, flashbacks and Klaus’s ability to talk to the dead, there should be numerous routes back for the deceased Sir Reginald Hargreeves (Colm Feore), the siblings’ android Mom, Grace (Jordan Claire Robbins), and chimpanzee assistant Pogo (Adam Godley).

Bring on season 2

The end of the Marvel shows on Netflix might be a blessing in disguise. Marvel Studios now controls all live-action versions of its characters, and it's seemingly pushed Netflix to adapt some more unusual superhero fiction. As well as The Umbrella Academy, the streaming service also has adaptations of comics by Kick-Ass creator Mark Millar on the way (which will be a very different proposition).

Being based on a non-Marvel comic clearly didn't hurt The Umbrella Academy's popularity at all. Let's hope we see many more seasons of it. 

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If you're in the market for the best bridge camera, you've come to the right place. With huge zoom lenses and chunky, DSLR-style handling, they're a popular choice for many – particularly for travel if you don't want to have a weighty kit bag.

Bridge cameras are a versatile and affordable alternative to DSLRs. They offer many of the same manual controls (as well as a host of easy-to-use auto modes) plus a huge built-in zoom lens that covers everything from wide-angle to super-telephoto photography. 

In essence, bridge cameras are a versatile and often more affordable alternative to DSLRs or mirrorless cameras. They feature the same kind of manual controls (typically as well as a host of easy-to-use auto modes), alongside a large built-in zoom lens that will cover everything from wide-angle to super-telephoto photography. It's like having a bag full of lenses in one neat package.

If you want to travel relatively light, you'll have one camera that's great for shooting expansive landscapes as well as tightly framed subjects like wildlife.

There are two important differences to be aware of, though. The first is that while some models now sport one-inch sensors, bridge cameras still have much smaller sensors than DSLRs or mirrorless cameras. Basically, that means they're not likely to match those models for picture quality. If that's your key concern, stick with one of those options.

Best bridge cameras 2020 at a glance:

1. Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV 
2. Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 
3. Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 
4. Sony Cyber-shot RX10 III 
5. Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
6. Panasonic Lumix FZ80 / FZ82
7. Nikon Coolpix P950
8. Nikon Coolpix P1000
9. Sony Cyber-shot HX400V

The second is that the lens is non-removable on a bridge camera, so although it can handle a wide range of subjects you can't swap to a macro lens for close-ups, for example, or a super-wide-angle lens, or a fast prime lens for low-light photography.

If you're not quite sure what kind of camera you need, read our essential guide: What camera should I buy?

Bridge cameras were traditionally so-called because they bridged the gap between basic point-and-shoot models and more advanced DSLRs. These days, some bridge cameras are extremely advanced, expensive and probably deserve to be a category in their own right. With larger sensors than we traditionally saw gracing bridge cameras, they come closer than ever to matching DSLR/CSC quality, too.

That said, there are still plenty of models out there that give you a lot of camera for your money and are great for learning with if you're still relatively new to photography. 

This is our pick of the best bridge cameras you can buy right now…

Before we get into our ten picks for bridge cameras, here's a quick look at a great value option from Panasonic. It was launched back in 2015, so it's a fair old age now, but that just makes the FZ300 (known as the Lumix FZ330) outside the US an even better bargain. With a 25-600mm zoom lens, what's really impressive is an f/2.8 constant aperture throughout the range, which is particularly useful at the longer end of the zoom range. Top that off with a splash-resistant body, a vari-angle touchscreen and a decent electronic viewfinder and you've got all the makings of a great all-rounder. Impressively for an older model, it even shoots 4K, too.

• Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix FZ300 / FZ330 review

Best bridge cameras in 2020:

For those looking for a powerful all-in-one solution, you won't find better than the  RX10 IV. Featuring a hugely flexible 24-600mm f/2.4-4 zoom lens, the RX10 IV builds on the RX10 III with an overhauled AF system that now does justice to the rest of the camera, while the 1-inch, 20.1MP sensor is capable of achieving excellent levels of detail. It's quite bulky for a bridge camera, and there's no getting away from the hefty price, but the RX10 IV is virtually in a league of its own and is perhaps even deserving of a better name than "bridge". 

• Read our in-depth Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV review

If your budget doesn't quite stretch to RX10 IV levels but you still want something top-quality, flexible and with great image quality, the Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 (known as the FZ2500 in the US) is an excellent choice. It uses a 1-inch sensor, and while the zoom tops out at 480mm equivalent, which is relatively short for a bridge camera, that's still plenty for all but the most extreme everyday use. We'd certainly sacrifice a little zoom range for better and faster optics, and we love the FZ2000 because it delivers both image quality and zoom range. If you're looking for something a bit cheaper, the older FZ1000 (below) is also worth a look, as is its successor, the FZ1000 II.

• Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix FZ2000 / FZ2500 review

The Lumix FZ1000's 16x optical zoom is less than that of typical bridge cameras, but that's due to its sizeable 1-inch sensor, which delivers a big boost in image quality. This isn't just any old lens, either, but rather a Leica optic with a large f/2.8 maximum aperture at the wide-angle end, which narrows to a still-respectable f/4 at full zoom. This helps you capture shots in low light without resorting to high ISO sensitivities, while the Hybrid 5-axis Optical Image Stabilisation minimises camera shake. 4K (Ultra HD, strictly) 3840 x 2160 video recording, advanced autofocusing, a superb 2,359,000-dot electronic viewfinder and raw shooting all help to make the FZ1000 one of our top picks. Note that Panasonic replaced the FZ1000 with the FZ1000 II this year - but as more of a gentle refresh than complete rebrand, making the older model the best value right now.

• Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 review

As is often the case with Sony, you can make decent savings if you look towards its extensive back-catalogue. In this case, if you can live without the advanced AF system and other performance advantages offered by the RX10 IV, the RX10 III is still worth a look. The design is pretty much identical to the RX10 IV, and you've got the same 24-600mm f/2.4-4 lens. What's the compromise? Well, the AF is a bit pedestrian compared to the latest model, while there's no touchscreen control or the ability to shoot at an impressive 24fps. 

• Read our in-depth Sony Cyber-shot RX10 III review

Canon's PowerShot SX70 HS is what we'd consider a more conventional bridge camera than those found in the top four. That's because it uses a smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor which gives you the advantage of a ginormous 65x optical zoom range. You still get full manual control, along with other great features such as an fully articulated screen (it lacks touch sensitivity though), a decent electronic viewfinder and the ability to shoot in raw format. In-built Wi-Fi and NFC is another bonus. This is a classic all-rounder which would suit those looking for something relatively small and light for trips such as safaris, where that big zoom comes into its own. A bugbear is having to activate the viewfinder manually since there's no sensor, but otherwise it's a solid performer. Image quality is very good, with the image stabilization system doing a good job of keeping captures even at the extreme end of the telephoto lens sharp. Shooting at the wide-angle and low-light are not this camera's forte, but there's good autofocus performance and speedy operation to compensate.

• Read our in-depth Canon PowerShot SX70 HS review

The Lumix FZ80 (known as the Lumix FZ82 outside the US) might be one of the most affordable bridge cameras here, but it still packs quite a punch. The zoom range is very impressive, going from an ultra-wide 20mm through to a staggering 1200mm, and benefits from an effective image stabilization system. There's also 4K recording with Panasonic's 4K Photo, which can shoot 8MP images at 30fps, meaning you should never miss that split-second moment. It's also very easy to use, with an intuitive touchscreen. The viewfinder could be better (and there's no eye sensor to automatically switch between the viewfinder and rear screen), while high-ISO performance can't match that of larger-sensor (and more expensive) rivals. That said, this is one of the best budget bridge cameras around.

• Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix FZ80 / FZ82 review

It doesn't quite have the Nikon P1000's ludicrous 125x optical zoom range, but the P950's 83x zoom is more than enough for most people in most situations. If you like to mainly shoot landscapes or wildlife on your travels, it remains a good contender, particularly if you're coming from another Nikon camera. The three big improvements over the P900 are support for Raw shooting (for greater flexibility when editing images), 4K video resolution, and a much-improved electronic viewfinder. Collectively, these make it more user-friendly and versatile than its predecessor, though it is also worth looking out for deals on the Nikon P900. We'd like to have seen a touchscreen added too, but the P950 remains a good option if zoom is your main priority. 

• Read our in-depth Nikon Coolpix P950 review

The Coolpix P1000 is the follow-up to the P900 and stretches what we’ve come to expect from superzoom cameras that bit further. The reason is the lens, with the P1000 packing in a massive 125x optical zoom range equivalent to 24-3000mm in 35mm terms, it has the potential to home in on the most distant subjects you’d realistically want to capture, be it wildlife or the Moon. If you absolutely need a camera with a 3000mm-equivalent lens, the fact that the P1000 is alone in offering this makes your decision easy. With a huge body, less-than-reliable autofocus, a sub-standard LCD and operational strifes, however, its appeal for anything else is more limited.

• Read our in-depth Nikon Coolpix P1000 review

Sony's superzoom bridge camera is closely matched with the Panasonic FZ82, and is available at a great price owing to its age. The downsides when compared to the FZ82 include JPEG-only image capture and a lesser zoom range, but if you can live with both it's a great budget option. The HX400V claws back some ground by offering Wi-Fi, while it's also pleasure to use thanks to its ergonomic design, and the tilting screen is nice touch, although it isn't fully articulating. More disappointing is the relatively low-resolution electronic viewfinder. Although there's no raw support, JPEG images have great colors and plenty of detail. Some image smoothing is visible when images are viewed at 100%, but that's a common trait amongst small-sensor bridge cameras.

• Read our in-depth Sony Cyber-shot HX400V review

Yes, yet another Sony, but for good reason. This is where the RX10 line began its life six years ago, and Sony has kept it alive for those don't need the fancy tricks or mammoth zoom lens of its other offerings, but just want a decent travel camera that won't cost a fortune. The 1in sensor and 24-200mm-equivalent f/2.8 lens will still cover many eventualities, while the weather-resistant magnesium alloy body should help to keep it protected in all manner of conditions. There's no 4K video, but Wi-Fi with NFC, together with a built-in ND filter, 10fps burst shooting and a titling LCD show it to still be competitively specced, even today.

Read our in-depth: Sony RX10 review

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The Umbrella Academy season 2 finally has a release date: July 31, 2020. Netflix announced the news with an unusual trailer featuring the show's cast dancing at home to 'I Think We're Alone Now' by Tiffany. Check it out below:

The superhero drama finished filming in late 2019, but naturally, since it's an effects-heavy show, post-production takes a bit more time. Work on the show has been completed remotely during lockdown.

The series is based on The Umbrella Academy comics, published by Dark Horse Comics and created by writer Gerard Way and artist Gabriel Bá. We called The Umbrella Academy one of the best Netflix shows, and it was among the top ten most-streamed original series on the service in 2019. 

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What's The Umbrella Academy about?

The Umbrella Academy is about a group of adopted superpowered siblings called the Hargreeves, who reunite after their father's death years later. In the first season, they're tasked with preventing an incoming end-of-the-world event. 

The second season ended on something of a cliffhanger, with the audience left unsure where (or when) the characters would end up at the start of season 2. The cast features Ellen Page and Robert Sheehan, among many others.

Season 1 released in early 2019, so now's not a bad time to catch up if it sounds like your sort of thing. 

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Summer used to be the time when there was no new television, but that's no longer the case in the age of Netflix and peak TV. There's always something new to watch, and this week that includes a DC Comics superhero drama, a thriller from the creator of Mr Robot, and a show that asks "what if Bake Off was about flower arrangements instead of cooking?" 

Below, we've captured six highlights of what's new on Netflix and other streaming services like Amazon Prime this week. It's fair to say this is a less exciting few days for Netflix, following a busy few weeks of big new dramas like White Lines and The Eddy, but May 29 is the date you'll want to highlight in your calendars – that's when Space Force, from The Office's Steve Carell and Greg Daniels, comes to the streaming service.  

In the meantime, here's what you can watch over the coming days.

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Homecoming season 2 (Amazon Prime Video)

The first season of Homecoming starred Julia Roberts as a therapist in an experimental facility for war veterans being treated for trauma. The corporation behind the facility, though, didn't necessarily have its patients' best interests at heart, and tried to cover its tracks after leaving some of its patients in a terrible condition. 

This second season is something of a surprise, featuring an all-new lead in Janelle Monáe (Moonlight), and some returning cast members (Hong Chau and Stephan James). Mr Robot creator Sam Esmail is behind Homecoming, an adaptation of a fictional podcast which is easily one of the best Amazon Prime shows, if you want to catch up for season 2. Episodes are a lean 30 minutes each, too, so it doesn't take long to binge. This is the show to watch this week.

Streaming on Amazon Prime Video from 22 May

The Big Flower Fight (Netflix)

If you love The Great British Baking Show (or Bake Off, depending on where you're reading from), this looks like it's trying to do the same thing for flower competitions. See an array of animals reconstructed via the medium of floral arrangements in this new Netflix reality series, where contestants try to outperform each other with increasingly ambitious, almost Pokémon-like creations. 

This looks like one of those shows that'll either become everyone's new guilty pleasure, or we'll all forget about it within a week and move on. Comedian Vic Reeves co-hosts, which should make it at least somewhat entertaining.

Now streaming on Netflix

Patton Oswalt: I Love Everything (Netflix)

Comedian Patton Oswalt has a new stand-up special available on Netflix this week. Even if you're not familiar with his stand-up work, you've surely spotted Oswalt popping up in every sitcom from Parks and Rec to Community and AP Bio. Check out our best Netflix comedy specials if you need more lockdown laughs.

Streaming on Netflix from May 19

Control Z (Netflix)

Control Z is a new Spanish language teen drama about a high school hit by a hacker, who starts to reveal the students' deepest secrets publicly. A couple of savvy students team up to figure out who the culprit is. Netflix is clearly hoping it'll capture a similar audience to Elite, another of its international hit shows. While this trailer might remind you of Netflix's excellent teen mystery show American Vandal to begin with, by the end we were firmly convinced this'll fall on the trashier end of the scale.

Streaming on Netflix from May 22

Stargirl (DC Universe/The CW)

Did you know that as well as launching HBO Max this year, Warner Bros previously released a DC Universe app featuring its own shows as well as comic books? If you're a devotee of the shows Titans and Doom Patrol, you likely already knew that, but it's still a pretty confusing strategy. 

Stargirl is the latest addition to the service, based on a Justice Society of America character from DC Comics. The show comes from comics superstar Geoff Johns, who also created this version of the Stargirl character. The good news is, while Stargirl is now available on the DC Universe app, everyone else in the US can watch it on The CW or its website. It's unclear when Stargirl will show in the UK.

Now available on DC Universe and streaming on The CW app/CWTV.com from May 20

Sweet Magnolias (Netflix)

Based on the books by Sherryl Woods, Sweet Magnolias is a gentle-looking series about a group of female friends in South Carolina, and the various challenges of their day-to-day lives. If you watched the extremely sedate trailer above waiting for some murder mystery plot, or a terrible event that brings the neighborhood to its knees, you won't find it. You will find Chris Klein from American Pie, though.

Streaming on Netflix from May 19

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Surface Pro deals run fairly regularly, but this Microsoft Surface Pro X for $899 (was $1,299) really is a cut above the rest, offering a whopping $400 saving on an upgraded 256GB spec. You'll have to act quickly though, as this Surface Pro deal is available for today only.

The Surface Pro X is the latest in tech giant Microsoft's premium 2-in-1 Surface tablet range. It features a gorgeous 13-inch PixelSense display, 8GB of RAM, and Microsoft's own SQ1 processor - which is built for a diverse range of productivity-focused applications, as well as more casual streaming and browsing.

This particular Surface Pro deal features an upgraded 256GB capacity solid-state drive and 4G LTE capability, so you can load it up with the SIM card of choice and untie yourself from any WiFi constraints, as well as enjoy a vastly more spacious drive overall.

We've previously only seen the Surface Pro X run at $200 off previously and never seen the 256 GB versions go for this cheap before, so this is a fantastic deal. For context, the 128GB Wifi-only version is currently going for $925 at Amazon, so not only are you getting an upgraded spec, but you're also saving a lot of cash here.

Note - this deal is for the base Surface Pro X tablet only, the pictured Surface Pro X keyboard on Best Buy is however also currently on sale for $112.99 (was $139).

Not in the US? Check out the best Surface Pro deals in your region just below.

Today's best Surface Pro deal

• Check out all the latest Surface Pro deals at Best Buy
• Read TechRadar's Surface Pro X review
• Check out our roundup of Amazon Prime Day 2020 

If you're looking for another great premium tablet, then we'd recommend checking out our best cheap iPad deals page, where we're looking at a whole range of excellent Apple offerings. Another great alternative is our cheap Samsung tablet prices page, which looks at some of the best Android tablets you can buy right now.

Many of us currently have more quality time with our TVs than in years. We're working through the boxsets and games we have been meaning to dig into for months. How about you?

However, it may be a reminder your TV is due for an upgrade, and now is a good time to make the jump. John Lewis currently offers up to £500 cashback when you buy a Samsung QLED TV.

These are some of the best TVs ever made. And if you want the proof, read TechRadar's 5-star reviews of the Samsung Q80T and 8K Samsung Q950TS. They are sensational sets, whether you are into gaming, movies, live sport or crime TV dramas.

Once you buy your TV, just submit a quick form online within 60 days to claim your cashback. It's easy.

An intro to QLED

Why buy a QLED TV? The specific technology behind Samsung QLED has a huge part in making these TVs as impressive as they are. It offers unparalleled brightness, excellent colour depth and accuracy, and contrast you might not ordinarily expect from a TV with a backlight. 

Movies are given cinematic punch, and HDR content has the brightness it needs to really shine. Gamers aren't left out either. Excellent response times and low input lag across the QLED range keeps your games looking and feeling as fast as they should.

Let's take a closer look at a few of the specific models available in the Samsung QLED cashback offer.

Gamer's choice

The Samsung QE55Q80T is an excellent choice for gaming. It has stacks of features at a very reasonable price, even before you factor in the £250 cashback on offer with this model.

These include a Direct Full Array backlight, for better contrast, HDR certified to 1500 nits brightness and Samsung's Real Game Enhancer+ tech. This includes AMD Freesync support, which synchronises the refresh of the TV and, for example, an Xbox One console to eradicate image tearing.

The Samsung QE55Q80T also supports VRR, variable refresh rate, set to be a major feature of the PS5 and Xbox Series X.  Samsung QLED TVs are made for tomorrow as well as today.

TVs with real style

Those worried about how their new TV will look in the living room should check out Samsung's The Frame range. These TVs come with a no-gap wall mount, so the set's back sits flush to your wall rather than sticking out. 

Wall-mounted TVs look great, but less so when you can see the mount mechanism when you enter the room.

Art Mode helps a Samsung The Frame TV fit into your living space even more naturally. They come pre-loaded with tasteful artworks displayed when the TV is not in use. And a motion sensor detects when people are around, switching the set off automatically when they aren’t to save power.

Buy the 50-inch Samsung The Frame TV from John Lewis and you can claim £250 cashback.

The best TV money can buy?

The Samsung QE75Q950TS is the TV that has reviewers salivating, though. This top-end 75-inch set has peak brightness of a searing 4000 nits for incredible HDR10+ images, tiny screen borders and 8K panel resolution.

It is ready for the next big leap in movie and TV image sharpness. And while you wait for the world to catch up, the Samsung QE75Q900TS already upscales HD and 4K images to 8K resolution, to make any movie look sharper than it would on another set.

Samsung's Quantum Processor to achieve this sharpness, using AI techniques to construct detail not there in the source video. It's clever stuff.

Check out the wider Samsung QLED range at John Lewis if these three top picks don't quite fit. All come with up to £500 cashback and a long 5-year guarantee.

• Shop the entire Samsung QLED range at John Lewis

A team of Japanese researchers and designers have built a soft, inflatable electric scooter for commuters that's lightweight and packs down small enough to fit into an ordinary backpack.

The device, called Poimo (short for Portable and Inflatable Mobility), can be inflated and ready to ride in under a minute using an electric pump – though that doesn't include time spent attaching the wheels, motor and battery.

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Unlike the e-scooters currently taking over streets and sidewalks around the world courtesy of hire companies like Bird and Lime, Poimo has four wheels for stability and places the rider in a comfortable seated position. 

Poimo is also designed to be safer for fellow road and pavement users; its creators say that its soft body makes it safer for pedestrians in the even of a collision.

Softly does it

Poimo is still a prototype for now, but the team from the University of Tokyo, design studio Takram and research organization Mercari R4D have released a video showing it roaming the city's streets at an impressively brisk pace.

There's no word on when it will become a commercially available product, or how much it might cost, but that does seem to be the plan for Poimo.

The team say that the final version will be even lighter and more portable, and users will be able to customize its thermoplastic polyurethane body into different shapes to suit their preferred riding style.

• Cheap electric scooter deals and price cuts

Via Dezeen

If you're looking for the best DNS servers around today, we're here to help.

DNS (Domain Name System) is a system which translates the domain names you enter in a browser to the IP addresses required to access those sites, and the best DNS servers provide you with the best service possible.

Your ISP will assign you DNS servers whenever you connect to the internet, but these may not always be the best DNS server choice around. Slow DNS servers can cause a lag before websites start to load, and if your server sometimes goes down, you may not be able to access any sites at all.

Switching to a free public DNS server can make a real difference, with more responsive browsing and lengthy 100% uptime records meaning there's much less chance of technical problems.

Some services can also block access to phishing or infected sites, and a few offer content filtering to keep your kids away from the worst of the web.

You need to choose your service with care - not all providers will necessarily be better than your ISP - but to help point you in the right direction, this article will highlight six of the best DNS servers around.

Why paid DNS is better than free

As with every service, you get what you pay for and it’s no different here. Free DNS can be good but it’s nothing compared to a Premium paid version. Granted, not everyone wants to pay and depending on their needs they might not need to, but paid DNS is always a better choice. Apart from the increased website performance and security, you also get additional features.

For instance, Dynamic DNS and Secondary DNS are a staple of the premium DNS service. The Dynamic DNS works with dynamic IP addresses and it allows users to access their home computer from anywhere in the world. The Secondary DNS works as a backup of sorts which is always a plus. This is just a small fraction of what a premium DNS can do and the exact number of features will depend on the service provider.

• We’ve rounded up the best website hosting services

Founded in 2005 and now owned by Cisco, OpenDNS is one of the biggest names in public DNS.

The free service offers plenty of benefits: high speeds, 100% uptime, phishing sites blocked by default, optional parental controls-type web filtering to block websites by content type, along with free email support if anything goes wrong.

Commercial plans enable viewing a history of your internet activity for up to the last year, and can optionally lock down your system by allowing access to specific websites only. These aren't going to be must-have features for the average user, but if you're interested, they can be yours for around $20 (£14.30) a year.

If you're an old hand at swapping DNS, you can get started immediately by reconfiguring your device to use the OpenDNS nameservers.

If you're a newbie, that's okay too, as OpenDNS has setup instructions for PCs, Macs, mobile devices, routers and much, much more.

• Check out OpenDNS here

Best known for its top-rated content delivery network, Cloudflare has extended its range to include a new public DNS service, the catchily-named 1.1.1.1.

Cloudflare has focused much more on the fundamentals. These start with performance, and independent testing from sites like DNSPerf shows Cloudflare is the fastest public DNS service around.

Privacy is another major highlight. Cloudflare doesn't just promise that it won't use your browsing data to serve ads; it commits that it will never write the querying IP address (yours) to disk. Any logs that do exist will be deleted within 24 hours. And these claims aren't just reassuring words on a website. Cloudflare has retained KPMG to audit its practices annually and produce a public report to confirm the company is delivering on its promises.

The 1.1.1.1 website has some setup guidance, with simple tutorials covering Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux and routers. These are very generic - you get one set of instructions for all versions of Windows, for instance - but there are some pluses (IPv6 as well as IPv4 details) and you should be able to figure it out. Additionally, mobile users can use WARP which secures all of the phone’s internet traffic.

The product doesn't offer ad-blocking or attempt to monitor what you can access, and what you can't. The one caveat is that Cloudflare has introduced content filtering for malware and adult content blocking, with their 1.1.1.2/1.0.0.2 and 1.1.1.3/1.0.0.3 services respectively, but this is an option a user can choose rather than have forced on them.

If you have any problems, Cloudflare offers a community forum where you can ask questions or see what others are doing, a nice extra touch which we'd like to see followed by other providers.

• Check out Cloudflare here

Google has its fingers in most web-related pies, and DNS is no exception: it's free Public DNS is a simple and effective replacement for your own ISP's nameservers.

Privacy can't quite match the 'we don't keep anything' promises of Cloudflare, but it's not bad. The service logs the full IP address information of the querying device for around 24 to 48 hours for troubleshooting and diagnostic purposes. 'Permanent' logs drop any personally identifiable information and reduce location details to the city level, and all but a small random sample of these are deleted after two weeks.

There's a further benefit for experienced users in Google's detailed description of the service. If you'd like to be able to assess the significance of Google's privacy policy, for instance, you can read up on absolutely everything the service logs contain to find out for yourself.

Google's support site offers only very basic guidance targeted at experienced users, warning that "only users who are proficient with configuring operating system settings [should] make these changes." If you're unsure what you're doing, check the tutorials from a provider such as OpenDNS, remembering to replace its nameservers with Google's: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

• Check out Google Public DNS here

Comodo Group is the power behind a host of excellent security products, so it's no surprise that the company also offers its own public DNS service.

Just as you'd expect, Comodo Secure DNS has a strong focus on safety. It doesn't just block phishing sites, but also warns if you try to visit sites with malware, spyware, even parked domains which might overload you with advertising (pop-ups, pop-unders and more). Furthermore, you can try out the Comodo Dome Shield service, which adds additional features to Comodo Secure DNS.

Comodo claims its service is smarter than average, too, detecting attempts to visit parked or 'not in use' domains and automatically forwarding you to where you really want to go.

Performance is key, of course, and the company suggests its worldwide network of servers and smart routing technology give it an advantage. DNSPerf's Comodo stats are less impressive, unfortunately. As we write, DNSPerf reports its average query time as around 72ms.

That said, Comodo may still be interesting if you're looking for an extra layer of web filtering, and the support website has some short but useful instructions on setting the service up on Windows PCs, Macs, routers and Chromebooks.

• Check out Comodo Secure DNS here

Quad9 is a young DNS outfit which has been providing a fast and free DNS service since August 2016.

The company sells itself on its ability to block malicious domains by collecting intelligence from 'a variety of public and private sources.' It's not clear what these sources are, but the website says Quad9 used 18+ 'threat intelligence providers' as of December 2018.

That's a little too vague for us, and we're not convinced that using a large number of threat intelligence providers will necessarily help – the quality of the intelligence is generally more important than the quantity.

There's no arguing about Quad9's performance, though. DNSPerf currently rates it seven out of ten for average worldwide query times, lagging behind Cloudflare and OpenDNS, but effortlessly outpacing contenders like Comodo.

Drilling down into the detail reveals some variations in speed - Quad9 is in eighth place for North American queries - but overall the service still delivers better performance than most.

Setup guidance is a little limited, with tutorials for the latest versions of Windows and macOS only. They're well presented, though, and it's not difficult to figure out what you need to do.

• Check out Quad9 here

Verisign was founded in 1995 and through the years offered various services, including several security services, like managed DNS.

Verisign DNS service is free to use and the company highlights the three features they deem the most important and those are stability, security, and privacy. The service definitely delivers on that account, especially for security and stability. As for privacy, while you can never be 100% sure when it comes to the company claims, there weren't any issues and the company assures you that your public DNS data will not be sold to third parties.

Performance, however, wasn't that great when compared to some other providers. Still, it's decent and depending on your needs, you might not be bothered by this. At the moment, DNSPerf.com ranks the service at tenth place, worldwide.

On their website, you can find tutorials on how to set up their public DNS. Tutorials are available for Windows 7 and 10, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices. There is also a tutorial on how to configure DNS server settings on your router.

All in all, Verisign offers a good alternative to some other DNS providers, plus it's free so it's worth checking out.

• Check out Verisign DNS here

Got further questions about DNS? Here are some common queries along with our answers.

What is DNS?

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a phonebook for the internet, a framework which translates domain names, like facebook.com or twitter.com, into the IP addresses necessary for devices to load those internet resources.

The mechanics of DNS can be quite complicated, as information isn't held in a single database, but rather distributed in a worldwide directory including a vast number of DNS servers.

Fortunately, the average internet user doesn't normally have to get involved in any of the low-level technical details. Your ISP automatically provides you with access to a DNS server whenever you go online, and whenever you enter a URL into your browser, this will find the relevant IP address for you. 

Why might DNS matter to me?

DNS servers can vary hugely in speed, particularly in areas which don't always have the best internet coverage (Africa, South America, Oceania.) To take an example of a single day when we tested, DNSPerf.com reported Cloudflare achieved an average 4.43ms query time for Oceania, while Yandex was left trailing at 350.24ms. That's potentially more than a third of a second in extra waiting time before your browser is able to access any new website.

This is an extreme example, to be fair. European or US lookups may see less than 30ms variation between most DNS services, and as your device or router will probably cache the address for reuse later, even this delay will only occur very occasionally. Still, a sluggish DNS server can noticeably slow down your browsing in some situations, and trying an alternative – especially as the best options are all free – is generally a good idea.

There's a second possible benefit in terms of uptime. If your ISP DNS server fails, you might not be able to access some or all of your favorite sites. Big-name providers such as OpenDNS claim they've had 100% uptime going back years.

How can I find the fastest DNS service?

DNS speed depends on many factors, including your location, the distance to your nearest server, and that server having enough power and bandwidth to handle all the queries it receives.

DNS Jumper is a portable freeware tool which tests multiple public DNS services to find out which delivers the best performance for you.

The program has a lot of options, but isn't difficult to use. Launch it, click Fastest DNS > Start DNS Test, and within a few seconds you'll be looking at a list of DNS services sorted by speed.

DNS Jumper can be useful, in particular because it's checking how servers perform from your location, but it doesn't run enough tests over a long enough period to give you a definitive answer.

DNSPerf tests multiple DNS services every minute from 200+ locations around the world and makes the results freely available on its own website. This gives a very good general idea of performance, and also enables seeing how services compare on different continents, as well as assessing their uptime.

How can I switch DNS servers?

The steps involved in changing your DNS service vary according to your hardware and possibly your operating system version.

Generally, you must start by finding the primary and secondary nameservers for the DNS service you'd like to use. These IP addresses are normally displayed very clearly on the service website, so, for example, Cloudflare DNS uses 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.

The simplest approach for home users is to update their router to use the new addresses. Most other devices will then pick up the new DNS settings automatically, with no further work required.

To make this happen you must log in to your router (the default password may be printed on its base) and look for the current DNS primary and secondary nameservers. Make a note of the current values in case of problems, then replace them with the nameservers you'd like to use.

If you run into problems, check out your DNS service website for any setup guidance. Keep in mind that you can also use the tutorials of other DNS providers, as long as you remember to replace their nameserver IPs with your preferred options. OpenDNS, for instance, has specific guidance for many different router types on its support site.

If router tweaks aren't right for your situation, you may have to change the DNS configuration of each individual device. Cloudflare has short and simple guidance here, while the OpenDNS website goes into more depth.

How can I find my current DNS servers?

If you're troubleshooting your internet connection, or maybe thinking of switching DNS servers, it might be useful to check which DNS servers you're using at the moment.

The simplest way to do this is to visit DNSLeakTest.com and tap the Standard Test button. Within a few seconds the website will usually display your DNS server IP addresses, host names, and sometimes (if appropriate) the name of your ISP.

After that, life gets more complicated as there are several potential options. Your device could be set up to use specific DNS servers; it might ask your router to give it the best DNS servers every time it boots; or it might not know anything about DNS servers, and leave your router to handle everything.

On Windows, you could get started by entering IPCONFIG /ALL in a command line window. Look for your network adapter and you should see its DNS servers specified in the list.

If there's a single DNS IP address which points at your router – 192.168.x.x – that suggests the router is handling all DNS queries. Enter that IP address into your browser, log in to the router if necessary and your DNS servers should be listed amongst the settings.

How can I test a DNS service?

If your browser is telling you a website's 'server IP address could not be found', even though you're sure it's up and available, then this could be due to a problem with your DNS. But you might not want to go to the trouble of changing your DNS service to find out.

Windows users can use the command line tool nslookup.exe to look at the results of any DNS server without touching their system settings.

Run cmd.exe to open a command line window, then type:

nslookup website.com

Then press Enter (replace website.com with the address of whatever website you're trying to reach).

Nslookup uses your default DNS server to look for the IP address of website.com. If it tells you it 'can't find website.com', this means your DNS server doesn't have a record for that domain.

Next, tell the tool to use another DNS service by entering a command like:

nslookup website.com 8.8.8.8

The 8.8.8.8 address uses Google DNS – replace that with any DNS service you like, such as 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare.

If nslookup returns errors using multiple servers, this doesn't look like a DNS issue. If one server returns an IP address and another doesn't, you might want to try setting up your system to use the working DNS and see if it makes any difference.

You might also want to look over our many web hosting guides:

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iPhone 7 deals have fallen behind very quickly in Apple's collection of devices. Yes, they aren't as powerful, big or fancy looking as some of the other iPhones but they are definitely one of the cheapest. 

The release of Apple's iPhone 11 and its two more powerful models was a big reminder of the costly nature of Apple and just another reason the iPhone 7 could be the ideal phone for you.

Even now that iPhone SE deals are readily available, the iPhone 7 provides low prices you just can't get anywhere else. But of course, that super low price tag does come with a drop in specs.

But despite its age the iPhone 7 still rocks many of the specs we have come to expect from Apple. A mid-size battery, strong processor and the much loved iOS features Apple has made famous.

When it comes to choosing the tariff for you there is still a surprisingly large range of iPhone 7 deals. Big data remains affordable and brilliant cheap contracts under £20 are readily available.

On this page you'll find all of the best iPhone 7 deals you can get right now. Whether you're looking for unlimited data, a free phone or any other type of tariff, you can use our comparison chart below to choose the cheapest option out there. Scroll down to find the best deal for you.

And if you find yourself feeling like something just a little bit more powerful would be the best decision for you, consult our guide to the best mobile phone deals to see what else is out there right now.

• Didn't find anything you like? Try our best mobile phone deals page

The best iPhone 7 deal right now:

Trading in your old phone for money off the iPhone 7:

The iPhone 7 might be an extremely cheap iPhone but you can always save more money. one way to do that is by trading in your old phone. There is a plethora of sites that can do this but one of the best ones is Sellmymobile.

 It compares different recycling sites, listing their TrustPilot scores, how long it will take for you to get paid, how you send your phone and of course, how much you'll get.

In terms of what you can earn, taking the Samsung Galaxy S8 as an example, you can get up to £126 for a working device or £32 for a completely broken device. Or if you have an iPhone 8, you could earn up to £183.

Head to Sellmymobile.com to see how much you can get for your old phone

The Apple iPhone 7 might now have fallen behind, becoming one of Apple's older devices and yet, the specs till hold up. The battery might not be market leading but for the price you pay for iPhone 7 deals, the water resistance, impressive camera and strong processor are a perfect combination.

Read TechRadar's full iPhone 7 review

Can iPhone 7 deals keep up with Apple's later releases?

Released way back in 2016, the iPhone 7 has a good few years behind it. With that in mind it is clearly no longer Apple's latest and greatest release. If you want the fancy camera specs, massive batteries, big screens and all that comes with new releases, iPhone 11 deals will be the way to go.

The exact area where the iPhone 7 really shines is as a very cheap iPhone. It offers some decent specs while holding on to the IOS features that many will be here for.

What other cheap iPhones are out there?

While iPhone 7 deals seem to be the most popular choice for people trying to land a cheap iPhone, there are a few other popular iPhones, now at lowered prices:

- iPhone 8 deals
- iPhone 7 Plus deals
- iPhone SE deals

Read more:

• Broadband deals: see the top internet plans currently available
• Amazon Prime Day: prepare for the big saving event
• Best Smartphones: see the top devices out there

Being a high school sophomore is tough enough, but trying being one who suddenly discovers they're destined to lead a new generation of superheroes? That's the premise of the latest DC Comics-inspired show - so here's how to watch Stargirl and stream every episode from anywhere in the world.

Stargirl was ordered back in 2018 and is the first show to land exclusively on the new DC Universe streaming service. The first season will feature 13 episodes and stars Brec Bassinger (Bella and the Bulldogs, All Night) as teenager Courtney Whitmore. 

After she discovers a cosmic staff, Courtney finds out that her stepfather Pat Dugan (Luke Wilson) used to be superhero sidekick S.T.R.I.P.E. - and thus starts her journey leading a new generation of superheroes, the Justice Society of America.

Other important castings include Yvette Monreal as Yolanda Montez / Wildcat; Anjelika Washington as Beth Chapel / Doctor Mid-Nite; and Cameron Gellman as Rick Tyler / Hourman.

We saw Stargirl and her team (minor spoiler alert) briefly introduced as part of the latest Arrowverse crossover, Crisis on Infinite Earths, so we know that the new show is set on Earth-2 - which was created as a result of the events depicted in Crisis.

With the latest seasons of Flash, Arrow and Supergirl all now finished, the time is perfect for the launch of a new DC series - so here's how to watch Stargirl online and stream every episode.

• Miss live sports? Here's how soccer fans can get a Bundesliga live stream 

How to watch Stargirl online in the US

How to watch Stargirl from outside your country

Those in the US will find it relatively easy to watch Stargirl, either on TV or online. For any American citizens or residents away from the country, however, accessing your usual streaming services can prove trickier - due to pesky geo-blocking restrictions. 

Yes, we're aware that most of us aren't going anywhere in the near future - but global travel will one day resume and, god forbid, you may even be stuck abroad during these difficult times.

Fortunately, there's an easy solution to geo-blocking. Downloading a VPN will allow you to watch Stargirl no matter where you are. This simple bit of software changes your IP address so that you can access episodes live or on demand just like you would at home.

• More can't miss TV: how to watch Normal People

Cheap laptop deals have been in massive demand in recent weeks, partly due to the working from home boom. Luckily, we've found some fantastic prices on leading brands such as Acer, HP, Dell, and Asus this week. So, if you're looking to pick up a laptop deal for as little as $199, then we can help.

There's a wide range of cheap laptop deals on offer here, from humble Chromebooks made for browsing, to powerful working from home machines. We've gone to the trouble of trawling through all the best retailer pages, comparing specs and weeded out the inferior options along the way. This means no sub-par cheap laptop deals that aren't worth your time - all our recommendations have been handpicked for their superb value and are decent considerations.

We've gathered all the information you need to know about each laptop deal and laid it out for your perusal. Check out the processors, storage solutions, and memory configurations on offer to help make an informed decision. 

If you're a gamer, you'd be better suited to check out our selection of gaming laptop deals, as the models on this page are not usually built with gaming in mind. We've also rounded up a fine collection of cheap laptops on sale in the UK too.

More top cheap laptop deals

Where to find the best laptop deals in the US:

We've compared prices on some of our favourite cheap laptops and run through the details on why we recommend them further down this page. But if you'd like to browse the latest laptop deals directly from your favorite retailers we've included a list of the most-recommended stores directly below. 

• Walmart
• Best Buy
• Lenovo
• Dell
• Amazon
• Newegg
• Sam's Club
• Jet
• HP

The best cheap laptops of 2020

Here we have one of the few budget laptops with a processor nearly equivalent to a MacBook Pro from a couple of years back, that is if you opt for the Intel Core i5 configuration. The best part? Among the best Acer laptops right now, it's roughly half the cost of its Apple-branded rival. Now given that it sells at a range of different prices, the Acer Swift 3 can be an obtuse purchase, but lucky for you, the midrange model will get you by just fine. There are often plenty of cheap laptop deals on Acer products so you'll always be in a good position to grab a discount. 

Read the full review: Acer Swift 3

This convertible laptop has always been about function over form. For one minuscule transaction, you’re getting a tablet equipped with an included keyboard and even a fingerprint scanner for more secure logins. Along with reliable performance and a magnesium-alloy chassis, it’s built to last – not to mention, one of the best Asus laptops you can buy when you're on the budget. As cheap laptops go, Asus is one of the most trusted brands out there so as long as you're getting the specs you need you can't go wrong. 

Read the full review: Asus Transformer Mini T102HA

While it may be outclassed by the Pixelbook and the Samsung Chromebook in terms of sheer power, the Acer Chromebook 15 can still pack a wallop while providing battery life that is frankly out of this world. It’s rare that a cheap laptop can truly provide all-day battery, but in our independent battery tests, Acer’s Chromebook lasted an astonishing 17 hours – on top of providing enough power to get your work done online. If you’re looking for a 15-inch Chromebook that will give you the most bang for your buck, look no further.

Read the full review: Acer Chromebook 15 

If you're looking for a Lenovo laptop, the Lenovo Yoga Book, and the Windows 10 version of it in particular, is the sort of futuristic fodder you would find in an episode of Black Mirror. It has a keyboard that doubles as a Wacom touch panel and, best of all, it’s cheap as hell. Now, of course, that comes with the caveat of a weak Intel Atom processor, but the rest of the Lenovo Yoga Book should go down in the history books. Lenovo laptop deals are often worth a look, even if you're just browsing, as they offer a decent range of prices and specs. 

Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga Book

With its slick lines and a slim silhouette, the Acer Chromebook 14 makes for a subtle, snazzy laptop. Although its display isn't the most attractive we've seen, it’s still acceptable for full HD. On top of that, the keyboard and trackpad adhere to the principle of ‘it just works.’ The battery life is satisfactory as well despite falling a bit south of Acer's 12-hour claim in real-world use. 

Read the full review: Acer Chromebook 14

Cheap laptop deals under $200: how much storage do you really need?

One of the first things we often check when shopping for cheap laptops is the amount of storage on offer. As shoppers, we've become accustomed to comparing prices and models based on the number of gigabytes next to the model name. However, there may be more to it than that, especially when you're browsing the cheaper shelves. You may also need to pay attention to your operating system when picking up a laptop deal under $200. 

A 16 or 32GB Windows laptop, for example, likely won't suit many even for lighter browsing. That's because Windows takes up considerable space on the hard drive by itself, especially when updates are taken into account. A Chromebook, however, runs on Chrome OS - a lighter operating system designed to run on cloud-based services from Google Chrome. Not only will you have to save space for updates, but you'll also make far more use of the limited space that you do have if you're storing most of your work online. 

That means, if you're looking for cheap laptop deals under $200, you'll want to make sure you're picking up enough room to house any future updates on a Windows machine, or you're happy using a Chromebook. 

How much are good laptop deals? 

Shopping for laptop deals between $50 and $200 will usually have you looking at the excellent range of Chromebooks on sale right now. Typically running Chrome OS, these budget laptop deals will see you through everyday web browsing, emails, and some light streaming for eye wateringly low prices. You'll be picking up anything from a 16GB SSD to a 64GB hard drive, but you'll also be looking to utilize the cloud for more storage.

If you're punting a bit higher than $200, you'll be opening yourself up to more RAM, moving from 4GB to 8GB in most models, meaning your cheap laptop will be able to open programs faster, generally retrieving information and multi-task in a more streamlined manner. You'll also be picking up far more storage for your cash, with prices this week including either a 128GB or 256GB SSD. This SSD further streamlines your storage, acting as a lightning-fast drive to keep everything you need instantly attainable.

Once you search for laptop deals above $400, you may well start to find 16GB of RAM on offer as well as a few models with a 512GB SSD. Along with improved processors, that means exceedingly fast storage potential, keeping your cheap laptop zippy however many programs you have open. Laptops above this price range are also better suited to media editing than cheaper models.

Not quite what you're looking for? Maybe our other laptop articles will have what you need:

• 15 best laptops you can buy in 2020
• The best cheap MacBook deals
• Top 10 best gaming laptops of 2020
• Top 10 2-in-1 laptops of 2020
• The best home internet service providers of 2020
• The best refurbished MacBook sales

Memorial Day 2020 is officially one week away, which means you can find fantastic deals now leading up to the big holiday event. Memorial Day sales include huge discounts from your favorite retailers like Home Depot, Amazon, and Best Buy on items such as patio furniture, TVs, laptops, grills, mattresses, and more.

To help guide you through all the promotions and offers, we've put together a list of the best Memorial Day sales that are live right now. We've also hand-picked the top standout deals from a variety of categories such as appliances, electronics, and home items. Some standout deals include up to 65% off patio furniture at Wayfair, the all-new AirPods Pro on sale for $228, up to 40% in savings on major appliances at Lowe's, and the best-selling Samsung 50-inch 4K TV on sale for just $329.99.

This might be your last chance to score record-low prices before the next big sale event (Amazon Prime Day), so you should take advantage of these incredible bargains while you can. Make sure to bookmark this page as we'll be updating it with all the best deals leading up to the long holiday weekend.

The best Memorial Day sales:

• Amazon - deals on appliances and home items
• Best Buy - Memorial Day appliance sale, save on top-brand appliances
• Target - Memorial Day sale, up to 25% off patio items
• Wayfair - big outdoor sale, up to 65% off
• Dell - save big on laptops, monitors, TVs, and more
• Microsoft - save on laptops, consoles, and more
• Tempur-Pedic - save up to $500 on select mattress sets
• Nectar - $399 of free accessories with every mattress
• Overstock - Memorial Day blowout, up to 70% off + free shipping
• Mattress Firm - up to 50% off top-rated brands
• Bear - 20% off sitewide + two free cloud pillows
• Serta - save up to $400 on iComfort mattresses
• Casper - save 10% sitewide with code GOODSNOOZE
• Amerisleep - 30% off any mattress + free shipping with code MD30
• Saatva - take $200  off orders of $1,000+
• Home Depot - save up to 40% off appliances, patio, tools and more
• Lowe's - up to 40% off appliances, patio furniture and more
• World Market - up to 40% off sitewide
• Best Buy - save on TVs, laptops, appliances, and more
• Zappos - save on clothing, shoes, jewelry, and more
• Nordstrom - up to 50% off savings sitewide
• Gap - 40% off your purchase + free shipping on orders of $25+
• Dick's Sporting Goods - 25% off select Nike footwear and clothing
• Purple - up to $400 off mattress + sleep bundle
• Dreamcloud - $200 off any mattress + 2 free pillows
• HP - save up to 55% on laptops, desktops, printers, and more
• Lenovo - save up to 62% on select doorbusters
• Apple - save on the iPhone with select trade-in

Our best Memorial Day sale picks:

When is Memorial Day 2020? 

Memorial Day is an American federal holiday that always falls on the last Monday in May to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. This year Memorial Day is on Monday, May 25, with the long holiday weekend kicking off on Friday the 22.

When do Memorial Day sales start?

Most Memorial Day sales start the week before the actual holiday on Monday the 18, and some retailers don't start their promotions till the weekend before. All sales will last through the holiday weekend, and most will end on Memorial Day.

We'll be updating this page daily with all of the current sales so make sure to check back each day for new discounts and deals.

What are the best Memorial Day sales? 

The biggest categories discounted during Memorial Day include appliances, patio furniture, mattresses, and laptops. Because Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer, you can find discounts on several outdoor items such as grills, patio furniture, planters, and camping equipment.

Memorial Day is also a fantastic time to find deals on mattresses with retailers like Casper and Temper-Pedic participating in sitewide sales. Home Depot and Best Buy are just a few retailers that will be discounting top-brand appliances all weekend long, and tech retailers like Dell have fantastic deals on laptops.

• You can also shop more of the best cheap 4K TV deals and sale prices and the best cheap laptop deals.
• You can also see the best Memorial Day TV sales from Best Buy.
  
  

Microsoft Build 2020 is going to be a lot different than past versions of the conference, for better or worse. Stating safety concerns – understandably due to the pandemic and shelter in place orders – Microsoft decided to shift gears and turn its biggest software conference into a 48-hour digital-only event.

Originally scheduled to take place in Seattle for four days, Microsoft’s massive developers conference is now a “48-hour digital experience.” What that means is that Microsoft is planning on producing continuous content, both pre-recorded and live, spanning all timezones in that 48-hour period that kicks off on May 19 at 8AM Pacific. And, it’s now completely free to all attendees.

As disappointing as this may be to many, the fact that Microsoft is proceeding with the event, considering the actual cancellations of such events as Google’s I/O and Facebook’s F8, is still great news. 

Unfortunately, it doesn’t look Microsoft will have much to share concerning its consumer-related products at this event. Even though Microsoft Build has always been for developers, the Redmond company has slipped in consumer-related news in the past. This year’s event, however, is rumored to be more focused on developers than ever. And judging from its session catalog, that’s highly likely.

Here’s everything you need to know about Microsoft Build 2020, from what Microsoft has confirmed so far to what we hope to see.

When is Microsoft Build 2020 and where will it take place? 

Instead of its typical four-day event, Microsoft is now holding Microsoft Build for 48 hours. It is slated to start on May 19, 2020 at 8AM PST and end on May 21, 2020 at 8AM PST, with the first day live-streamed and kicking off with a keynote from CEO Satya Nadella.

What does that mean exactly? Basically, Microsoft is packing four days’ worth of sessions – from keynotes to live Q&As to user-generated content – into a continuous 48-hour conference. All these sessions will be available to all participants at all times, regardless of timezone, during this 48-hour duration, which allows you to switch between sessions anytime no matter where you are in the world. Just pay close attention to that time difference.

Obviously, since it’s a digital-only event, it’ll take place on your PC, and you won’t even have to leave the bed, if you d`on’t want to. Simply go to the Microsoft Build 2020 website to register for free and to sign-in. 

Microsoft Build 2020: what to expect

It doesn’t seem like Microsoft will be making any major announcements on the consumer side this year. Last year, it shared some Cortana improvements, unveiled the new version of its Chromium-based Edge browser, and teased us with a new Minecraft AR game. 

However, if we were to go by this year’s session catalog, the upcoming event will be even more focused on developers and A.I.-leaning, with sessions like Expert Q&A: Cloud AI and Machine Learning, and Latest and greatest with Azure AI. Products on the consumer end, it seems, might take a backseat.

Still, we’re hoping to see Microsoft share a bit of news about its OS, which is slated to get its next update this month, Microsoft Office, and perhaps Windows 10X.

Windows 10 May 2020 Update
Since the past builds for Windows 10 May 2020 Update have been available to Fast Ring Insider testers since early 2019, we already know some of the new features and changes it’s bringing to the table. We also know that it’s done, and will be released sometime between May 26 and May 28, thanks to Microsoft accidentally revealing it in its Driver Shiproom Schedule.

This close to its release date, Microsoft will certainly be using its developers conference to share a bit of May 2020 Update news, possibly even unveil it. According to Digital Trends, Microsoft will give Windows a breakout session at the conference. Additionally, the Windows Insider team has already announced on Twitter that they will be hosting two webcasts for the event.

Microsoft Office
In an effort to bring the invaluable tools we use at work into our personal and family lives, Microsoft unveiled its two new services – Microsoft 365 Personal and Microsoft 365 Family – back in March. Then, earlier this May, it rolled out an Office 365 update with new features, bug fixes and security upgrades.

So, while there will be some Office-related workshops for developers at Microsoft Build 2020 like Focus Group: Office Extensibility and Automate spreadsheets with Office Scripts in Microsoft Excel, it’s not very likely that Microsoft will be making any major announcements concerning its productivity suite. 

Surface Duo, Android and Windows 10X
Perhaps the biggest question in everyone’s mind is whether or not Microsoft will be releasing massive details about its upcoming dual-screen device, the Surface Duo, which will run on Android 10, as well as Microsoft’s own OS for foldable devices, Windows 10X.

With rumors circulating about the Duo’s potential early release, and its possible final specs leaked, Microsoft might take this opportunity to set records straight and perhaps share exciting news of their own. It’s also likely that it will release more details about its plans to support dual-screen devices through its new upcoming version of Windows, Windows 10 X.

The catalog doesn’t reveal much about these. However, sessions like Unifying and evolving the Windows app platform and Focus Group: Cross-Platform Native App development will certainly give Microsoft plenty of opportunity to do so. 

Choosing the best instant camera isn't as easy as you might think. These cameras offer a feeling of nostalgia you won't find with digital photography, and let you get creative in ways you'll struggle to match with a smartphone. But there's more to consider than simply what you can afford.  

Instant cameras cover the full spectrum, from toy-like point-and-shooters to more advanced cameras with plenty of features and even swappable lenses. Then there are hybrids, which combine analogue with digital for the best of both worlds. 

You also have to take film into account: some brands like Polaroid deliver dream-like images, while others like Instax are more traditional. Certain film can work out more expensive per shot than others too.

With so much choice, it's no surprise that instant film has undergone a real renaissance in the last few years. Fans of instant photography love having a physical photo in your hand almost as soon as they press the shutter, and the limitations of the format that forces them to get creative with their snaps.

So how do you know which is the best instant camera for you? Our current all-round favorite is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11, an inexpensive and simple camera that puts fun ahead of features. But it's certainly not the right choice for everyone. 

That's why our guide is here to help you decide, whether you're looking for a camera for capturing the moment at parties, or something more capable that can bring out your creative side.

Here's our pick of the best instant cameras you can buy right now, to help you refine your choice down to the right model.

Best instant cameras 2020 at a glance:

1. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11
2. Fujifilm Instax Mini 70
3. Polaroid OneStep 2
4. Leica Sofort
5. Canon Zoemini S
6. Fujifilm Instax Wide 300
7. Impossible I-1
8. Fujifilm instax SQUARE SQ6
9. Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat
10. Polaroid Now

Best instant cameras in 2020:

If you're looking for an affordable, easy-to-use camera that won't overwhelm anyone that's new to instant photography, Fujifilm's Instax Mini 11 is our current favorite.

It may lack the more advanced modes and controls that you'll find on more expensive models, but that's a big part of its charm. An auto exposure system takes out a lot of the guesswork, meaning you just have to point and shoot to get decent credit card-sized instant prints.

A tiny mirror built into the front of the camera and a pop-out lens barrel for close-ups means it's easy to get an instant selfie, while the affordable packs of Instax Mini film make it a great addition to any party. It's available in a range of fun colors, so you should be able to find one that suits your style.

Another great thing about the Instax Mini 11 is how great it is as a present. Available at a reasonable price, it'd make a lovely gift for a photography fan – especially young ones – who are keen to experiment with the medium. Remember to factor in some extra cash for film, though.

• Read our in-depth Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 review

Slightly more advanced than the Instax Mini 9, the Instax Mini 70 comes with five shooting modes (including that all-important selfie mode). Despite having a few more features, it doesn't cost too much - but again you need to factor in some budget to pay for some Instax Mini Film. 

In terms of usability, one thing to be careful of with the Instax Mini 70 is obscuring the flash with your finger when you're taking shots vertically, but you get used to how it works with enough practice. 

All of the modes are automatic, so everything is taken care of - focusing, exposure and flash are a doddle, but it would be nice if you could control the flash manually (see the more expensive Instax Mini 90 for full control). 

Polaroid was the shorthand for instant photography in its heyday. Since closing the factory doors in 2008, its popularity has remained - so much so that a group of enthusiasts were able to step in to recreate the famous Polaroid film and, later cameras. 

The OneStep 2 was the first Polaroid Originals branded camera. It embraces a retro design from the spec sheet of the original 1970s OneStep, an is set-up to be as easy-to-use as possible. Large square prints are the order of the day thanks to I-Type film, with Polaroid Originals film readily available - but noticeably pricier than its Instax rivals.

If you dream of owning a Leica, then this relatively affordable option (compared to other Leicas) could be a way into notoriously expensive brand. The Leica Sofort is a few years old now, so it's harder to find than it once might have been, but it's not impossible. Considering this is Leica's one and only foray into the Instant camera genre, perhaps they weren't well received, but we were very pleased with the image quality. It uses Instax Mini film so finding compatible film won't be a problem - but it is a little on the small side. 

A number of modes come in useful, such as Macro, Bulb, self-timer, Party & People, Sport & Action, Double Exposure and (of course) selfie modes, while there's also fully automatic modes for those who just want to point and shoot. 

Although cheap by Leica standards, the Sofort is much more expensive than the comparable Instax models - so if you can live without the little red dot, head that way for savings. 

Canon's first instant effort is actually more of a hybrid, blending analogue 'film' with digital smarts. The Zink (zero ink) paper it uses doesn't need exposing to light like regular instant film, so the camera can be much smaller. The Ivy Cliq+ / Zoemini S is truly pocket-sized, beating even Fuji's Instax Mini LiPlay for portability. 

A built-in LED ring flash helps you take pleasing portraits, the mirrored lens barrel is purpose-built for selfies, and focusing is automatic, making this a great party camera. Still, it can be sluggish to start up and printing a picture takes around 10 seconds – much slower than our current favorite, the Fuji Instax Mini 9. The credit card-sized prints it produces are much more detailed, though, with colors more like a traditional 35mm photo than the dream-like lomographic effects seen with other instant film. 

Battery life typically stretches to two packs of 10 images, but even with an SD card installed, it won't take any more pictures once you're out of film. The 8MP sensor is merely on par with today's entry-level smartphones, and with no built-in screen, you'll need a computer to review your digital snaps. 

It seems a lot simpler than other hybrid cameras, but built-in Bluetooth support lets it perform double duty as a portable printer. Being able to turn your smartphone snaps into physical prints gives it an edge over bulkier instant cameras, and it's sensibly priced too. 

Big hardly covers it. The Instax Wide 300 is the size of an old-fashioned medium-format rangefinder camera, even a small folding field camera. It’s because it uses instax wide film packs rather than the regular instax mini. The Instax 300 wide might look big and clumsy but it’s light, and the generous grip makes it easy to hold and use. You power up with a spring-loaded switch around the shutter release, which extends the 95mm lens. The instax wide format is much larger than a digital sensor, so this equates to a moderate wide-angle lens. For a big camera, though, the Instax Wide 300 has a tiny viewfinder. It takes practice even to get your eye lined up with the eyepiece. Otherwise, it’s simple to use and delivers very good results. Where the regular instax mini format produces small photo ‘tokens’, these are more like proper photographs - we'd love to see Instax producing a printer in this format , as it has done with its Mini and Square formats.

Resembling a cross between a plastic pyramid and a spaceship from Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the Impossible I-1 features lights around the lens to form a ‘ring flash’ for softer portrait lighting, while it even comes with a free I-1 app for your smartphone. 

Expect to generate some "looks" while tooling around with this, it uses Polaroid Originals i-Type film, which produces "mixed" results at best - but that's all part of the charm, right?

You can use the app as a remote trigger, a noise trigger and a self-timer. The app also allows double exposures, light painting, and aperture and shutter speed adjustment – and it works as a photo scanner too. 

If you don't want to bother with all of that, you can also simply point and shoot the camera at its subject. Owing to its unpredictable nature, bulky shape and expensive film use, the I-1 is an excellent tool for experiments in instant photography, but too cumbersome for informal party shots. 

Unlike the original instax SQUARE model, namely the analog/digital hybrid SQUARE SQ10, the SQ6 has a different idea in mind. Shaped like the Instagram logo and very much targeted at the kind of younger user who shares their creations on the platform, the camera runs on a pair of CR2 batteries and spits out 6.2x6.2cm prints, with the selfie mirror integrated into the front of the camera allowing for more effortless self captures. 

Instax square prints feel like more serious photographs, with their larger size giving your subject more room to breathe. Fujifilm throws in orange, purple and green flash filters to allow for an instant injection of colour into images, and as the body is nowhere near as cumbersome as some of the other options here, it ends up being as convenient to carry as it is fun to use.

This is another great option for a gift, too.

• Read our in-depth Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 review

Arguably one of the more handsome options here, the Automat is one of many recent cameras that initially began life as a Kickstarter campaign.

It comes in a particularly broad range of finishes and conveniently captures images on Fujifilm’s widely available instax Mini film, but the thing that sets it apart from its contemporaries is its ability to be used with close-up, wide and fisheye lenses (that can be bought with the camera), in addition to the default optic. 

Further control includes unlimited multiple exposures and a bulb option, and while it’s a shame it doesn’t have a self timer this is hardly a deal-breaker.

What might be more painful to bear is the high price that the Instant Automat commands - it takes out of impulse and fun territory, but if you're particularly keen on the genre, you might be willing to fork out for it.

The newest model on our list combines retro-analogue charm with modern-day digital credentials. It's essentially a basic, low-resolution digital camera with a printer inbuilt for making instant snapshots - this gives you the opportunity to properly frame up your subject, and check it's something you actually want to print, before wasting expensive film (it uses Instax mini). 

One of the gimmicks of the LiPlay is the function to record a sound along with your image capture and "embed" it on to your print in the shape of a QR code. You can then gift that to a friend and ask them to scan the code to playback the sound - modern digital ways are much easier though so how much you bother with that remains questionable. 

You might find that purchasing an Instax mini printer is a better option for better quality prints, but the LiPlay is a fun option for kids and parties.

Upgrading a retro camera might seem like a contradiction in terms, but the Polaroid Now takes the Onestep 2, streamlines the shell and adds autofocus abilities to create an even better instant photography tool.

Physically, it bears a strong resemblance to its predecessor, retaining that iconic – if bulky – throwback form but removing a few buttons, refining the viewfinder and replacing the LED lights with a much clearer digital shot counter.

It remains a model designed for quick and easy snaps, and the new autofocus makes that simpler than ever, proving largely consistent in spitting out sharp, distinctive shots. It also eliminates much of the guesswork associated with a fixed-focus system – a welcome development, given the high price of I-Type film.

It’s not totally reliable – exposure can be inconsistent, with the automatic flash sometimes firing unnecessarily outdoors, or doing the opposite indoors – but that’s a flaw common to many cameras of its ilk. On the whole, the Polaroid Now feels like a definite step forward, delivering big instant prints with a unique lo-fi look – and a foolproof shooting experience.

Six films to choose from:

1. Instax Mini

The most common instant film format, producing pictures measuring just 62 x 46mm.

2. Instax Square

Fuji's take on the square format film popularized by Polaroid. Camera support for these 62x62mm photos is more limited.

3. Instax Wide

Twice the size of instax mini and twice the price, but photos measure a meatier 99 x 62mm. 

4. Polaroid I-Type

Designed for use in the Impossible I-1and OneStep 2, I-Type film packs don’t have batteries built in, so can't be used with vintage Polaroids.

5. Polaroid 600

Film designed for vintage Polaroid 600-type cameras. It can also be used in the Impossible I-1 and OneStep 2.

6. Polaroid Zink 2x3

Credit-card sized instant film that uses heat-sensitive ink to produce images. Colors are more traditional than Instax. Compatible with many Zink-based cameras and printers.

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Memorial Day 2020 is just around the corner, and Dell is giving us a sneak peek with an early deal on the best-selling XPS 13 laptop. For a limited time, you can get the Dell XPS 13 on sale for just $799.99. That's a $50 discount and a fantastic price for a powerful touch-screen laptop.

The Dell XPS 13 features a 13.3-inch InfinityEdge touch display and packs 4GB of RAM, 128GB SSD, and a 10th Generation Intel Core i5-10210U processor. The powerful laptop received an upgraded battery life of up to 19 hours, and the new 2.25mm webcam is now placed above the display. Perfect for students and travel, the lightweight XPS 13 is Dell's smallest 13-inch laptop and weighs just 2.7 pounds.

As we've mentioned above, this is a fantastic deal for a touch-screen laptop and the best price we've found for this particular model. We don't know how long Dell will have the XPS 13 on sale, so you should take advantage of this early Memorial Day sale while you can.

• See more laptop deals at Dell here

Dell XPS 13 laptop deal:

See more laptop sales with the best cheap laptop deals: prices start at just $129 today and shop more offers with the best Memorial Day sales 2020.

You can also see more of the best cheap Dell laptop deals and prices.

Apple TV Plus may soon start streaming older TV shows and movies, according to a new report. Bloomberg says Apple has licensed some shows and movies as part of private conversations it's had with Hollywood content owners. Apple TV Plus launched in November, and it's been built entirely on original programming. This would represent a change in direction for Apple – but not an unwelcome one.

Bloomberg's sources say that Apple hasn't bought any major blockbusters or franchises for the service yet, though. The service's focus will apparently still be on original content. 

Apple TV Plus has had its fair share of decent original shows, like the award-nominated The Morning Show, featuring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon and Steve Carell. But launching without an archive of shows to watch from day one suggested a little misunderstanding of the appeal of streaming services. Netflix, after all, was built on content licensed from the major studios years before it started making original programming. Disney Plus managed to make such a big splash out of the gate because it arrived with a big archive of movies that its audience already liked.

Apple TV Plus has lacked that, but its low price ($4.99/£4.99) has made it a fairly inoffensive proposition, and Apple device owners got a year of the service for free. 

We'd argue, though, that it's currently less essential than more expensive competitors like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu, all of which offer a mix of great originals and archive shows we actually like watching. 

It hasn't helped, either, that Apple TV still isn't available to download on PS4 or other games consoles. 

• The best series of 2020 so far
• The best Netflix shows
• The best streaming services compared

Why would Apple TV Plus benefit from older shows and movies?

This year, Apple TV Plus has debuted a number of big original shows. They include Defending Jacob, a family/crime drama starring Chris Evans, parental comedy Trying with Rafe Spall and a reboot of Steven Spielberg's Amazing Stories anthology show. Our highlight, though, is Mythic Quest, a game development-themed comedy from the creators of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. 

Still, older shows would give subscribers an excuse to use the service more regularly. Classic TV series can be like comfort food you enjoy over and over again, which is why so many big hitters from the past few decades fetch enormous licensing fees.

It's hard to figure out which big classic shows are left for Apple to pick up for the service. The likes of The Simpsons, Seinfeld, The Office, South Park and Friends have all been auctioned off to various streaming services on an exclusive basis in recent years.

Still, movies might have more potential. In 2017, it was reported that Apple was in the running for the distribution rights to the James Bond franchise (Universal won out). That's the sort of acquisition that would make a real impact, since Bond lacks a permanent streaming home. 

Whatever Apple ends up with, more choice can only be a good thing for its streaming service's future. 

• How to watch the James Bond movies in order

The best vacuum cleaners may all be good at the same central task – cleaning your home – but you'll find many of them go about it in different ways. In fact, there are so many different types, including cordless, corded, hand-held, stick, robot, wet and dry that it can be hard to keep up. 

You shouldn't worry, though, as the team at TechRadar has been busy testing out some of the very best vacuum cleaner designs from the biggest floor-care brands to see which models offer the best performance, reliability and value rolled into one device.

It's harder to find good vacuum cleaners these days that aren't cordless, with modern cleaners running on high-power, high-capacity lithium batteries that enable you to dart around your home with (mostly) the same suction power as a corded model – if not more!

What this means is that cleaning your home is easier than ever, and the machines you use to keep it in top nick are only getting smaller, stronger, and more efficient too. Who says the dirty work has to be a drag?

We've put in a considerable amount of dust-busting hours to select, rate and review the vacuum cleaners listed below, so you know which is the best model to buy in 2020. 

So, with not a speck of dust left here at TechRadar towers, these are the best vacuum cleaners you can buy right now.

• Now you've got the best tool, here's how to vacuum properly.

Best vacuum cleaners at a glance

1. Dyson V11 Absolute
2. Roidmi S1E
3. Hoover H-Lift 700
4. Shark DuoClean Powered Lift-Away Upright NZ801UKT
5. Bosch BCH7PETGB
6. Hoover H-Free 800
7. Vax Blade 2 Max 40V
8. SEBO Felix Wild ePower
9. Swan Eureka MultiForce Pet

Best vacuum cleaners of 2020: ranked

Adding another integer and two years of R&D to its V-series cordless range, Dyson’s V11 Absolute takes another giant leap forward for vacuum cleaner kind. It’s more potent than its best-in-class predecessor, cleans even better on all surfaces, is quieter, and has a properly marathon run-time of over 40 minutes on the seriously capable Auto power mode.

The powered tools ooze design class and hard-earned experience in the field, with the mini motorized tool easily outperforming air-powered equivalents, and the adaptability of the vacuum when you pair the torque head with the Auto mode makes the V11 Absolute easy to use as well as powerful. It also has an LCD screen, a first for Dyson, which tells you the exact run-time remaining, where blockages are located and how to clear them.

The V11 Absolute doesn't come cheap, but we think it’s worth the money if you want simply the best cordless vacuum cleaner available today.

• Check out our Dyson V11 review for all the details

Roidmi has won no less than six design awards for its innovative S-series cleaners, and with a 270-degree handle they're as functional as they are good-looking. The Roidmi S1E is the entry-level vacuum in the S series, and while it can’t pack the suction punch of our top cordless cleaners it comes in at fraction of the price of those.

It’s lightweight, and easy to carry and use in both stick cleaner or handheld mode, and it comes with a good selection of tools, including a motorized mattress brush to make upholstery cleaning easy. The S1E excels noise-wise too, as even though its decibel levels are similar to other cordless vacuums, its softer tone feels less intrusive, and you can chat while cleaning without having to shout.

The suction could be stronger, especially when it comes to deep-cleaning carpets, but with stylish looks, supreme ease of use, and a very useful run-time of 40 minutes, it’s a great everyday floorcare option.

Pet hair is no match for the Hoover H-Lift 700, which earns its number 4 spot whether it's clearing hair from the carpet with the main floor head or the dog bed with the mini turbo tool. The turbo tool also makes cleaning stairs a breeze, a task that's made easier by the H-Lift 700's lift-away mode, which lightens the carrying load. And all this comes at a pretty reasonable price.

A large-capacity bin, long reach thanks to a 2.5m hose and 8m power cable, three different cleaning modes – upright, lift and stick – and a great selection of tools make the H-Lift 700 a brilliantly versatile corded cleaner. The suction may not be as good as some other cleaners here, but the flexibility it provides for such a good price makes it an attractive purchase.

Another great corded option, the Shark DuoClean Powered Lift-Away Upright NZ801UKTDB is a limited-edition vacuum that's only available direct from Shark. It’s a powerful cleaner that picks up both pet and human hair with ease – and Shark’s Anti Hair Wrap tech means fewer hairs getting tangled around the brush.

It comes with a quirky selection of tools including a car detailing kit, dolls-house sized mini tools for super-precise cleaning, and a long under-appliance tool that's ideal for getting the fluff out from under the fridge. Sharks’ regular tools are all present and correct too, including an air-powered turbo brush.

The NZ801UKTDB is a little on the heavy side, but it moves over all floor types easily, and in Lift-Away mode it's much lighter, and great for stair-cleaning. If you're looking for a corded machine that can tackle a wide array of vacuuming tasks, this Shark is a great bet.

Lightweight, maneuverable and able to stand upright on its own – unusual for a stick cleaner – the Bosch BCH7PETGB is a great cleaner to have around the house. It’s essentially a cordless upright, but it also comes with tools that you can use with a hose, and a carry-strap for mobile cleaning – although this is a bit fiddly to set up – and it's light enough that you don’t notice the weight in either mode.

You won’t get great results on the lowest power setting, as although this gives you 75 minutes run-time, suction is negligible; on the mid setting, though, the Bosch performs solidly for 25-30 minutes, which is enough time to get through plenty of cleaning. General vacuuming is quick and easy – one floor head works for all floor types, and SmartSensor technology monitors the suction pressure and lets you know when to change the filter. Super-handy and easy to use, the Bosch BCH7PETGB is a versatile grab-and-go cleaner.

The Hoover H-Free 800 is a high-tech cordless cleaning option, coming with an app that lets you keep an eye on the battery level and tells you when the bin needs emptying; you can also set up parental controls, and it even counts the calories you've burned while cleaning.

Three cleaning modes and no less than eight tools make this cordless vacuum about as versatile as they come, and it's nicely lightweight too. It’s excellent at cleaning pet hairs from rugs and dry spills from tiles, and it's no slouch over carpets, even if it doesn’t manage the deep cleaning of the very best cordless models. If you need some extra cleaning gumption the super-powerful turbo mode doesn’t disappoint, although the run-time is relatively short in this mode. The H-Free 800 is an excellent all-round cleaner for a decent price.

Easy to use, and delivering excellent results on different floor types, the cordless Vax Blade 2 Max 40V offers powerful suction and long run-time for a great price.

It has bright lights on the floor head, so you won’t miss any dirt, and a good-sized bin for a cordless machine too, meaning fewer bin-emptying interruptions when cleaning. The Blade 2 Max is easy to use, but it's let down by how heavy it feels in the hand – your arm may not be able to hold out for as long as the battery.

The Blade 2 Max delivers great cleaning results on different floor types, and it's no slouch when it comes to tackling pet hair; however, it's far from the lightest-feeling or quietest cordless cleaner out there.

Sebo has built up a loyal fan base for its quirky vacuums, and the Felix Wild ePower is likely to gain it a few more. The fabulously eccentric design and animal-print bag-wrap decorate a solid old-school corded cleaner that feels like it could withstand a nuclear strike.

Its cleaning chops are equally robust. The Felix Wild ePower delivers a super-deep clean on carpets, with all the dust kept inside the cleaner thanks to filtering bags and a separate washable filter assembly. It's far from a lightweight option though; it feels weighty to push around, and using it as a portable cleaner without the floor head is rather cumbersome.

One for Sebo fans, and those looking for something different to brighten up the cleaning chores, the Felix Wild ePower is proof that there's life in the bagged vacuum cleaner yet.

If you're alarmed at the high prices some of the latest vacuums can command, Swan’s Eureka range aims to deliver on value, if not looks. The Eureka MultiForce Pet is an affordable mains-powered, bagless cylinder cleaner that offers decent cleaning power and good-sized bin.

The short cable, noisy motor and plastic build are all forgivable at the price, and if you can see past those foibles the MultiForce Pet cleans well on carpets and takes pet hair in its stride. Its bin is simply huge at two liters, the filters are HEPA-class and washable, and the turbo tool is great for pet beds and stairs.

While the design and build quality are about as basic as modern cleaners get, Swan’s Eureka MultiForce Pet makes it into our top 10 by offering great value if you're on a budget.

• The best smart home devices

4K Ultra HD Blu-ray players may not be at the top of your tech wishlist. After all, if you have a Netflix or Disney Plus subscription you might not even be buying DVDs of Blu-rays anymore. 

But anyone with a deep appreciation for movies will know that a good 4K Blu-ray player offers what no online streaming service can. That’s reliable, cabled input that isn’t subject to a slow internet connection, drops in service, or insufferable buffering as you try to binge your favorite films or TV shows.

Even if you maintain a consistent connection, many TV streaming services may still struggle to meet 4K resolution over your Wi-Fi or Ethernet – if you have a 4K TV, of course – and in 2020 particularly many are limiting available bandwidth amidst increased demand.

When you display video content from a disc, though, you don't get the same risk of buffering or varying resolution as you do when you’re relying on just an internet connection. New 4K Blu-ray discs also tend to pack in the most premium and advanced HDR formats, such as Dolby Vision – or even Dolby Atmos surround sound audio.

It’s worth mentioning that a 4K Blu-ray player will still be able to play HD Blu-rays too, as well as any regular DVDs you still have. There’s also the capability to upscale those lower-resolution formats up to 4K before feeding them to your TV.

• Got your player already? Check out our round-up of the best 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray movies

Blu-ray won't be around forever, as more and more of us make the move to streaming content online. Samsung decided to back out of developing new 4K Blu-ray players last year, only a few months after Oppo made the same announcement. CES 2020, too, had little to showcase in terms of Blu-ray players, despite there being plenty the year before.

But there are still some great choices for those opting for 4K Blu-ray discs. The likes of Pioneer, Panasonic, and Sony are still selling their multimedia players – even if business wasn't what it once was. 

Many games consoles come with Blu-ray or 4K Blu-ray players built into the hardware anyway, such as the Xbox One S, Xbox One X, or upcoming PlayStation 5. But if you want a standalone 4K Ultra HD player, we’ve selected the best options for you – with the best console choices below them.

What else do I need to watch a 4K UHD Blu-ray?

That being said, before you plunk down some money on a new player, make sure you already own a 4K TV in order to watch it – if you don't have one, then check out our guide to the best 4K TV.

If you don't have a 4K TV, your 4K Blu-ray player will still work, but it will only display images in 1080p. Buy a regular Blu-ray disc instead of a 4K version and it will still play in 3840 × 2160 resolution, but it won't be a native 4K image and will be noticeably different to an Ultra HD Blu-ray.

Best 4K Blu-ray players 2020: ranked

1. Panasonic DP-UB9000
2. Panasonic DMP-UB700 
3. Pioneer UDP-LX500 
4. Sony UBP-X800
5. Sony UBP-X1000ES
6. Panasonic DMP-UB300 
7. Xbox One X
8. Xbox One S 

The DP-UB9000 is Panasonic’s latest flagship 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player and, after Oppo started winding down its competing devices, the new model finds itself in one of the top spots in the high-end player market. 

That said, beautifully made and enviably specified, this flagship 4K disc spinner is unashamedly premium. The plastic and tin build, familiar on mainstream Blu-ray players, has been replaced with heavy metal and luxe design. 

Beyond its good looks, however, the DP-UB9000 is also the first UHD deck from Panasonic to support all key HDR flavours: vanilla HDR10, its dynamic sibling HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Vision. The latter is included, despite the fact that Panasonic isn’t supporting Dolby Vision on any of its 4K TVs. 

Not only is the player more than capable with images, it has audiophile aspirations as well, sporting high quality DACs, two-channel and 7.1-channel analogue outputs, and Hi-Res Audio support. Toss in a host of smart features, and the UB9000 ticks nearly every box in the book. 

Naturally all these flagship features don’t come cheap - but, for those seeking the ideal replacement Blu-ray player after Oppo’s collapse, the Panasonic DP-UB9000 is a more than adequate replacement. 

Read the full review: Panasonic DP-UB9000 review

The Panasonic DMP-U700 is the 4K Blu-ray player we end up recommending most often. It's more affordable than an Oppo deck, and still gets you the amazing picture quality of Panasonic's top-end DMP-U900.   

Streaming service support, with HDR-enabled 4K Netflix, is well worth trumpeting and the player does a swell job with 24-bit audio. It supports both FLAC and DSD files. 

There's no Dolby Vision support, perhaps the main reason to upgrade to the DMP-UB900. But as it stands the UB700 offers the best balance of price, audio visual performance and features. 

Read the full review: Panasonic DMP-UB700

While its £999 ($999, AU$1999) price tag might be a bit intimidating, Pioneer has produced a peach of a player with the UDP-LX500. This heavyweight home cinema hero deserves to be shortlisted by all high-end upgraders, and can comfortably claim to be one of the best universal 4K Blu-ray players available for less than a grand. 

There are caveats though. It’s not quite as brilliant a video performer as its main rival, the cheaper Panasonic DMP-UB9000, and it’s not quite as well finished either. However, if music is as important as movies to you, it’s clearly got broader appeal. Move over Bradley and Gaga, a new AV star is born.

Read the full review: Pioneer UDP-LX500

Sony might have been a little late to the Ultra HD Blu-ray party, but its first player is a great machine. It's solidly made, and its overall image quality is superb. 

As an added bonus, the player also supports a wide range of audio formats, can play SACDs, and even DVD-As. 

So why does the player sit the number three slot in our list? Well, unfortunately it lacks support for Dolby Vision, the high-end HDR format that discs are increasingly offering support for, and which the Oppo UDP-203 does now support thanks to a firmware update. Its also more expensive than our top pick, the Panasonic DMP-UB700. 

If you want a UHD player that also doubles as a very capable music player, then the Sony UBP-X800 is a great choice, but if you're after something focussed solely on playing movies, then there are better or cheaper options out there. 

Read the full review: Sony UBP-X800

The UBP-X1000ES is Sony’s premium 4K Blu-ray offering, a posh stablemate to the unfeasibly fine UBP-X800. In terms of performance and value, the latter can be considered one of the best value UHD Blu-ray players available, so clearly this more expensive sibling needs to be rather special to warrant a premium. 

To that end, the UBP-X1000ES delivers pristine UHD Blu-ray images and its audio performance is excellent, be it via HDMI or two channel analogue. The player is also artfully built, and incorporates a high-end 192kHz/ 32bit DAC and offers a gold-plated phono analogue audio output on the rear. 

Ultimately, though, the X1000ES is considerably more expensive than the UBP-X800, and doesn’t quite have the feature roster of the Dolby Vision-enabled, MQA-playing Oppo UHD-203 - and if you’re looking for a UHD player with comparable audio chops (although admittedly not universal disc compatibility), then Panasonic’s DMP-UB900 provides cheaper competition.  

Read the full review: Sony UBP-X1000ES

You'll make a couple of compromises if you want to take advantage of the DMP UB300's budget price-tag – there's no built-in Wi-Fi for example, and rear ports are incredibly limited – but thankfully the machine doesn't scrimp where it matters. 

Picture quality is excellent, it supports a wide range of audio codecs and formats, and there's also streaming services built in if you're willing to go down the wired ethernet route. 

Read the full review: Panasonic DMP-UB300

The Xbox One X is a beast of a gaming console. It offers 6 teraflops of performance, 12GB of GDDR5 RAM and an eight-core CPU clocked at 2.3GHz. By far and away, it's the most powerful device listed on this page. 

But despite all that power under the hood, it's not the best 4K Blu-ray player. Sure, it can play 4K UHD discs – and it even supports Dolby Atmos audio – but the images that it produces aren't likely to blow you away. That's probably because the Xbox One X doesn't have the same level of picture-upscaling that some of the other dedicated media players on this list have. 

While the Xbox One X might not be as good of a 4K Blu-ray player as the Oppo or the Sony, we'd like to see either one of those players handle an Xbox One X game.

Read the full review: Xbox One X

Not holding the title of a "proper Blu-ray player" doesn't stop the Xbox One S from being a great, cheap way to play 4K Blu-ray discs. 

Sporting a Blu-ray disc drive and the capacity to run Netflix in 4K Ultra HD, Microsoft's latest iteration of the Xbox is a great 'jack-of-all-trades' machine that's capable of satisfying your UHD disc needs as well as playing the latest console game released for the system. 

The downside of it being able to do everything is that you'll be working with an interface designed primarily for gaming. The controller that comes with the console isn't the most efficient way to control movie playback, and the machine lacks support for Dolby Vision. 

Regardless, if you want a machine that can handle both your gaming and your home cinema needs, the Xbox One S is the console for the job. 

Read the full review: Xbox One S

Honorary mention: PS5 / Xbox Series X

If you're sussing out a gaming console to play your 4K Blu-rays and DVDs, it's worth keeping in mind the next-gen PS5 and Xbox Series X coming in late 2020.

Both consoles will ship with 4K Blu-ray disc drivers, and it might make sense to wait a few months for a next-gen console rather than settle for an older Xbox One model.

Granted, the PS5 and Xbox Series X will be more expensive, and we're expecting a price tag in the realm of $499 / £499 (around AU$750) for both, or not much less. But for a machine that lets you play all your Blu-rays, as well as incoming PS5 games or Xbox Series X games, it may well be worth it for you.

• The PS5 will have a 4K Blu-ray player – here's why that matters

Take advantage of this week's impressive MacBook deals with one of these fantastic Pro laptops, now reduced by as much as £300. You'll find these savings at both Very and Currys right now, meaning you can also grab free delivery (next day in certain Currys offers). 

The cheapest model on offer in this week's MacBook deals is the 13-inch MacBook Pro with 128GB of storage space. That's sitting at just £1,059.97 at Currys, the lowest price we've seen for the entry-level machine. You don't have to spend much more to double your storage, however, as this £1,199 model with 256GB of storage space demonstrates. For even more power inside the 13-inch chassis, we've also spotted this £300 saving on the 512GB model with a 2.4GHz quad-core processor, now down to just £1,699 at Currys. 

Those cheap MacBook deals are certainly offering some low prices, but if you're after more juice you might also want to take a look at the 16-inch MacBook Pro. For £2,179.99 this week, you can grab a powerful hexacore 9th generation i7 processor, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD in the larger laptop. Or, you can go all out and save £267 on a build with a massive 1TB SSD and octa-core 9th generation i9 brain. 

We're seeing big savings on both the 13-inch and 16-inch models this week, making it a fantastic time to pick up a MacBook deal right now. We're always rounding up the best MacBook deals and sales right here on TechRadar, so stay in touch with all the latest savings if none of the below appeal. 

Not in the UK? We're rounding up all the latest MacBook deals further down the page. 

• Find all the best cheap laptop deals and sales of the week

13-inch MacBook Pro deals

• Shop all MacBook deals at Very
• Shop all MacBook deals at Currys

16-inch MacBook Pro deals

• Shop all MacBook deals at Very
• Shop all MacBook deals at Currys

More MacBook deals

We're keeping tabs on all the best cheap MacBook Pro deals and prices going right now, as well as the cheapest MacBook Air prices and sales. We're also tracking all the latest cheap iPad deals if you're looking for a more flexible Apple computing solution.

After a new 4K TV? There are plenty of new Sony TVs releasing for 2020 – though it’s clear that, if you’re buying at the flagship 55-inch size, you could miss out on some premium features.

We now have confirmation that the Sony XH90 is releasing before the end of May, with a retail price starting at £1,299 / $1,199 for the 55-inch model. That puts it just below the fancier XH95 – which sports a top-class X1 Ultimate processor – but above lower-spec 4K HDR sets like the XH80, which uses edge lighting instead of full array dimming.

There’s plenty to recommend the XH90, and many of its 4K TV siblings, with Dolby Vision support and Dolby Atmos audio, as well as built-in Chromecast and Google Assistant support.

• Check out these 65-inch 4K TVs for big-screen action

What’s curious, though, is how much the audio varies between model sizes. For the XH90, sizes 65-inch and above (75-inch, 85-inch) all feature Sony’s Acoustic Multi-Audio technology, for location-based sound that travels across the screen:

“In the sound department, the XH90 series TVs come equipped with Acoustic Multi-Audio (in 65-inch models and above), which includes two sound positioning tweeters at the back of the TV that enable sound to follow the action on the screen for a truly immersive experience.”

That's all well and good, but the feature is missing entirely from the XH90's 55-inch model, which is something we can across a few 2020 Sony TVs. The XH95 – the next 4K HDR TV up in this year’s range – also limits this feature to the 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch and 85-inch models, while leaving the smallest 49-inch model without.

Given the XH90’s rather small price jump between sizes – in the UK, it's just an additional £200 (around $250 / AU$375) for the 65-inch size – we’re not quite sure why the 55-inch model wouldn’t get the same feature, given the 55-inch XH95 is deemed large enough to fit rear tweeters on.

Sounds like screen spirit

Sony is a TV brand that certainly likes to experiment with audio. While its mid-range LCD sets – like those discussed above – are toying with a pair of rear tweeters for location-based audio, higher-end Sony TVs like the A8G OLED are using a beefed-up array of actuators and subwoofers to emit audio out of the panel itself (under the Acoustic Surface Audio label).

Inconsistencies in which sets and sizes make use of these technologies are confusing, though, and we could easily see shoppers getting blindsided by talk of high-end features and not realizing they’ve missed out when opting for the only size that goes without – inevitably, always the cheapest.

We can’t help but feel that having these features restricted to specific sets, but common to all sizes, would have made more sense than partial coverage across a number of different TVs – whatever we think of the sets that come with Sony’s innovative speaker design built into them.

• Sony vs Samsung TV: choosing the right TV brand for you