The iPhone 12 is landing later in 2020 and hopes are high that it will be a major shake-up for the range, as it's the first numbered iPhone of a new decade, and it's following the iPhone 11 series, which was a fairly conservative update from the iPhone XS series.

In fact, we haven't seen a big change since the iPhone X, so one is overdue, and current rumors suggest that's exactly what we'll get - offering buyers an expensive alternative to the relatively affordable new iPhone SE that's already launched this year.

While we're still months away from the launch of the iPhone 12 (and the rumored iPhone 12 Max, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max) we already have a good idea of what to expect, with everything from prices to design to core specs, camera details, and more having been leaked.

So there's a lot to know, which is where this article comes in. We've collected all the likely leaks and rumors in one place (here) divided by section. We've also added our own expert analysis, so you can see how likely we think each rumor is to be accurate.

There are still some major things that we don't know, and you can find out more about them in our iPhone 12: 5 big things we've still got left to learn article. But we'd expect most of the remaining things to leak before launch.

As such, we're keeping this article constantly updated with all the latest iPhone 12 leaks and rumors, so make sure to check back regularly if you want to stay up to date on Apple's next flagship.

iPhone 12: cut to the chase

• What is it? The new iPhone family from Apple
• When is it out? Probably September 2020
• What will it cost? We're expecting over $700 / £700

iPhone 12 release date: will it be delayed?

There isn't any official iPhone 12 release date information available yet. We're almost certain the phone (or phones) will appear in 2020 though as Apple launches its new phones almost metronomically.

So much so that we can get even more specific and say that the new iPhone release date will probably be in September 2020 - and it's usually around the second week of the month. It's almost always unveiled on a Tuesday too, so we'd put our money on it being revealed on September 8, 2020.

There's always the chance it may be pushed back to September 15 though as it isn't always the second week of the month.

We'd predict that you'll be able to pick it up 10 days after that, so you might need a Friday off work if you're desperate to get your hands on one. That said, we can't be as confident of these dates as usual, because there's a chance that the Covid-19 pandemic's impact on the production of the next iPhone may push things back.

We had heard that development would be unaffected, and there are even now reports that the main manufacturing factories are fully staffed up. Plus, an exec at Foxconn (the main manufacturer of the iPhone) has said that company aims and hopes to make up for lost ground.

But elsewhere there are reports that the phone will be delayed until October or November, with Apple apparently not even having finalized the design in late March 2020. Some sources even say it could slip into 2021 with Reuters also claiming a delay could be likely.

So what is going to happen? No one knows for certain yet, but there's a strong possibility that the iPhone 12 release date may be staggered by model. This is something said by respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who says it would likely be the larger models of the phone that would come later than September.

As of May 2020, the most recent news on this subject comes from a report in The Wall Street Journal, which states that production of the iPhone 12 has been delayed by around a month.

That doesn't necessarily mean that the release date of the range will also be delayed as the company may find a way to make up for lost time, but we'd think there's a significant chance that it will be.

In which case, we could be looking at October for the iPhone 12 release date. Despite some sources saying it could slip into next year though we'd say that is very unlikely.

iPhone 12 price

When it comes to the iPhone 12 price, it’s likely to stay broadly in line with the current models. For reference, the iPhone 11 started at $699 / £729 / AU$1,199, the iPhone 11 Pro starts at $999 / £1,049 / AU$1,749, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max starts at $1,099 / £1,149 / AU$1,899.

That's backed up by the rumors too, and one big leak from YouTuber and prolific leaker Jon Prosser has shared information on how much he believes the phones will cost in the US. This is according to a source close to Apple, and we've put it into a handy chart below:

There's no accurate information about prices for the UK or Australia, but it seems to largely match the iPhone 11 series with the cheapest model being slightly less this year for the iPhone 12.

Having said all that, one previous report suggested that the cost of materials for the iPhone 12 range might go up, which could mean even higher prices at retail. We won't know for certain until Apple announces this on stage.

iPhone 12 name

First things first: we're pretty confident the 2020 Apple phones will be called the iPhone 12 series. It's likely not to be  the 11S or similar, and that's mostly thanks to an industry analyst (with a great track record) saying as such.

That's why we're calling it the iPhone 12 throughout this article, even though Apple hasn't confirmed this name. Others might be calling it the iPhone 2020 or the 'new iPhone' - but we're not thinking that will be the moniker Apple plumps for.

That said, Apple may surprise us with a whole new name entirely so that may be subject to change in the future.

Before we get started on the rest of the leaks and rumors, it's important to note that we expect there to be four versions of the iPhone 12. Unlike the last two years where we've seen three models, lots of consistent and recent leaks suggest there will be four models.

Those models are rumored to include the standard 5.4-inch iPhone 12, a larger 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Max, the pricier 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro, and the 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max at the top of the range.

iPhone 12 design

So far, leaks suggest the iPhone 12 is set to get a very different design but it's likely going to take elements we've seen on previous iPhone models and use them here. Remember the iPhone 4? You may recognize some of the elements.

First off, you'll have four sizes to choose from. According to the most recent information on models, there will be the below:

• iPhone 12 with a 5.4-inch display
• iPhone 12 Max with a 6.1-inch display
• iPhone 12 Pro with a 6.1-inch display
• iPhone 12 Pro Max with a 6.7-inch display

That offers a larger screen size for those who don't want to spend lots on an iPhone 12 Pro model, and essentially means you'll have the choice of two devices are each of the price points.

Jon Prosser - a Twitter leaker who proved to have consistently correct information on the iPhone SE and MacBook Pro 13 - this information is correct and you can see some of the specs below.

Consistent leaks have suggested the iPhone 12 will have a metal frame, and the most trusted source before Prosser was Apple analyst Ming-Ch Kuo. The rear of all four phones is is still expected to be made of glass, but the edges are expected to be more squared than the rounded ones on current models.

Prosser's information suggests it'll be aluminum used on the iPhone 12, while the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max will come with a stainless steel body.

Some sources speaking to Bloomberg claim similar, and they make comparisons to the design of the iPad Pro, saying that the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max will have flat stainless steel edges, more sharply rounded corners, and flat screens. 

That look has been further backed up by CAD renders that you can see in a video made by EverythingApplePro and Max Weinbach.

The reports above also point to smaller notches on all four rumored models, which is something we've heard consistently since new Face ID technology was first rumored in October 2019.

You should still expect a notch at the top of the phone's display, but it looks like it'll be a lot smaller than before but won't be drastically different to previous models.

One of the upcoming phones might even lack a notch according to analysts, with the front-facing camera potentially set to be embedded under the screen instead. If this happens we’d expect it to be the most expensive iPhone 12 model that has this feature – likely the iPhone 12 Pro Max, or whatever it launches as.

One report has also suggested Face ID will be dropped entirely in favor of an under screen fingerprint scanner, though this seems unlikely.

This would be a big change for the brand, since current models don’t have a fingerprint scanner at all. That said, if the camera really is in-screen then it might not be possible to have all the Face ID sensors, so it could be that this fingerprint scanner will replace Face ID, though we're not convinced Apple would go that far.

iPhone 12 colors

As for the iPhone 12 colors, we've heard a rumor that Apple will be debuting a navy blue on its top-end models. Reports say the Midnight Green color that debuted on the iPhone 11 Pro sold beyond Apple's expectations, so it may decide to keep that or it may be replaced in the lineup by this navy shade.

The iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max were available in Space Gray, Silver and Gold alongside the Midnight Green. Those shades may remain for the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max, but we've yet to hear any firm evidence those colors will return.

As for the standard iPhone 12, we're expecting a similar pastel range to the iPhone 11. That phone is available in Black, Green, Yellow, Purple, Red and White, so you should probably expect some of those colors to return for 2020's device.

iPhone 12 display

We've touched upon display a little bit above and the four different models you can expect in 2020, but here we're going to dive into the rumors about the tech for the screens being used.

Ming-Chi Kuo has also said that all the iPhone 12 models may come with OLED screen tech for the first time. That’s a claim we’ve heard more than once, and Prosser's source has also confirmed the same thing.

That said, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Max displays are expected to be manufactured by BOE while Samsung will make the OLED tech on the top-end two models.

The iPhone 11 features an LCD display, while the iPhone 11 Pro features OLED technology. That may allow for a far stronger screen on the standard iPhone 12 models, although we don't yet have any clear details on the resolution you can expect from any of the four phone's displays.

Another source has said that the two Pro models will use a form of OLED that's both thinner and cheaper to produce than the screens used in the iPhone 11 Pro range. That could mean lower prices, but we wouldn't count on it.

The other big rumored change for the 2020 iPhone display is the move to a 120Hz refresh rate. The current iPhones - and a lot of other smartphones - sport a refresh rate of 60Hz, so upping that to 120Hz makes the screen reload quicker and gives you a smoother experience when scrolling through social media feeds or gaming.

Max Weinbach shared some leaked information on the iPhone 12 Pro that suggested this was the model that would get the improved screen tech. Prosser since suggests that tech would also come to the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

This is a claim we've now heard more than once, and some phones already have higher refresh rates than 60Hz, as do some iPads, so this isn’t unbelievable. That's especially true as top-end phones like the Samsung Galaxy S20 and OnePlus 8 Pro now feature the tech too.

All of this said, the source that provides information to Prosser has said that Apple may "nerf" the technology. That may mean there are limitations to when the 120Hz refresh rate works, and that may come down to the battery life of the handsets.

We've also heard that at least some iPhone 12 models could have thinner, cheaper and more energy-efficient screens than the iPhone 11 range. This in turn may allow the phones themselves to be thinner, as well as lasting longer between charges.

iPhone 12 5G

Another big change could take the form of 5G, which has been widely rumored for the iPhone 12 as many of its competitors now sport the technology. Back in July 2019, Kuo predicted that all models will support 5G. 

At the time, we only expected this feature to come to one model in the iPhone 12 range but it now looks like it'll be on all four devices. Prosser has suggested as much in his specs that he learned from a source at Apple.

The big caveat here is that the base iPhone 12 models may not support mmWave 5G technology. It's expected this will be a feature reserved for the two top-end models, so those on carriers like Verizon in the US will have to opt for those.

iPhone 12 specs

How are these phones going to power 5G connectivity? One rumor suggests it'll have a custom-made 5G antenna alongside a 5nm A14 Bionic processor.

What that means for the average consumer is an iPhone with an even longer battery life and more power than ever. That would be rather impressive, given the iPhone battery life is currently the best we've ever seen from Apple.

The RAM could also get a boost, with analysts claiming that the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max will have 6GB of the stuff, up from 4GB on their predecessors - though the standard iPhone 12 will apparently stick with 4GB. This is something we've now heard again and again, so it may well be true.

The chipset seems ready to wow too, as an A14 Bionic leaked benchmark showed it had a single-core and multi-score score that was ahead of the Snapdragon 865, the processor we've seen in almost all Android flagships in 2020.

And the iPhone 12 might also support the new 802.11ay specification, which could allow it to share content at speeds of at least 20-30Gbps. So in every sense this phone is likely to be fast.

How much storage will you have? You may have seen earlier up the page, but a pricing leak from Prosser showed us the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Max will come in 128GB and 256GB models while the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max will come in both of those and 512GB.

Battery capacity is an unknown at the moment for the iPhone 12 range. One rumor from late 2019 suggested that Apple may be using a smaller battery protection module for the iPhone 12 that would allow it to pack in a larger cell.

Whether that happens or not is currently unknown, and we may not even know that until someone manages to get one to do a teardown on the exact internals of the new iPhone.

A recent EU ruling may also mean future iPhones won't be able to use Lightning cables in Europe. That may force Apple to switch the connector on future phones to USB-C, and while it's not clear yet whether this will be the case for the iPhone 12 it may be something to consider.

Another report from Chinese publication Caifa news also suggests Apple and other manufacturers may soon use GaN power adapters. These are currently used by Xiaomi, and allow for fast-charging speeds up to 65 watts. 

There's no gurantee this will debut on the iPhone 12 - or any future iPhone for that matter - but it may mean we see an improved fast-charging experience along the line.

iPhone 12 camera

The iPhone 12 range is likely to get a camera upgrade, with the main change likely being the addition of a LiDAR scanner, just like we've seen on the iPad Pro 2020. This can accurately judge distances and therefore depth, and would allow for improved augmented reality and Portrait mode.

We've heard specific mentions of a LiDAR scanner being included on the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max (alongside three lenses), while the basic iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Max are said to have two camera lenses and no LiDAR scanner. These claims have been made by multiple sources.

We've also seen a leaked sketch supposedly showing four rear lenses on the iPhone 12 Pro. This sketch supposedly came from a build of iOS 14 and is backed up by lots of sources.

Three of the lenses look like those on the iPhone 11 Pro, if perhaps slightly bigger, but the new fourth lens looks like the LiDAR scanner found on the iPad Pro 2020, backing up other claims of such a lens.

Before all the LiDAR scanner rumors, we'd heard that a laser-powered 3D camera was rumored for inclusion. This would be on the back, and while only one rumor mentions lasers, another also talks about a depth-sensing snapper, while one mentions 3D sensing.

Another report from Fast Company cites sources close to production of the phone and also says a rear-facing 3D camera is in development. One of the sources for this rumor claims the two top models would get this, along with a triple-lens camera, while the two lower end ones would just get a dual-lens camera without 3D sensing.

All of this sounds along the same lines as the LiDAR scanner we're now expecting, so this is one very likely feature.

Elsewhere, one source says the iPhone 12 might have a 64MP main camera, over the 12MP snapper on the previous few versions, which would be a huge upgrade. This leak also suggests that the phone will have multiple lenses that support night mode shooting, and the ultra-wide snapper could have a dedicated macro mode.

We've also heard that the top-end iPhone 12 (likely the iPhone 12 Pro Max) will get a new image stabilization tech called 'sensor-shift', which would allow the sensor to move in order to counteract camera shake.

Plus, reputable leaker Max Weinbach says he has heard that the iPhone 12 Pro will feature Smart HDR functionality for improved low-light performance. That's alongside a 3x optical zoom, which is an increase from the 2x zoom capability featured in the iPhone 11 range.

iPhone 12 software

Apple's big software developer conference is set to start on June 22. It's called WWDC 2020 and it's expected to be the event where we first hear about iOS 14, which is likely to debut on the new iPhone.

It's also likely to come to your existing handset, but the iPhone 12 will be where it originates and it's likely to come with a few major upgrades over iOS 13.

That said, little is actually rumored about iOS 14 so far. There are rumors of a new Fitness App that will come to iPhone, Apple Watch and Apple TV that allows you to watch fitness related videos on your phone.

iMessage is heavily rumored to be getting some upgrades too with an ability to tag people - with an @ sign like you can do on other messaging platforms like Slack - as well as a way to delete your messages after you've sent them.

• Everything we know so far about iOS 14

Want to know what we want to see from the iPhone 12? Head on over to the next page to find out.

The iPhone 11 range is a strong - but safe, and thus a bit dull - upgrade for Apple. So for the iPhone 12 we want to see bigger, riskier changes, such as the following.

1. Exciting new features

First things first - the new iPhone needs to be good. Brilliant. Better than expected. We’re talking things that we haven’t even thought of. Things that we’re hoping Apple’s brightest minds are currently dreaming up in the company’s labs. 

This might sound like a very vague request, but Apple is one of the biggest companies in the world and if any brand could make a decent folding handset, or one with detachable VR glasses, it's Cook's Crew.

Because a tweaked design and improved specs are expected, ordinary, and no longer enough as consumers are holding onto their handsets for longer than ever. Come on Apple, give us something mind-blowing.

2. A new design

Perhaps the thing we want most from the iPhone 12 is a new design. Apple has been rolling out basically the same design for several years now, ever since it refreshed the look with the iPhone X.

Sure, some things get tweaked, but the core is the same. And it’s starting to look a bit dated. That’s thanks mostly to the large notch, which might be necessary for all the camera components needed for Face ID, but which we’d like to see shrunk or removed if possible.

Beyond that, we’d really like a whole new look. There’s not too much wrong with the rest of the iPhone 11 Pro’s design, but it certainly feels overly familiar at this point.

3. An in-screen everything

We’d like the iPhone 12 to have an all-screen front, and one way to achieve that is to move the front-facing camera under the display. If Apple can effectively achieve that, it’s sure to impress.

While it’s on, we’d like Apple to re-add a fingerprint scanner, for those times when Face ID isn’t working quite as slickly as it should. But we want this in the screen too, or better yet, make the whole screen one big fingerprint scanner, as it has been rumored Apple might be planning for a future phone.

4. A higher refresh rate

One way some companies are further improving their displays is by upping the refresh rate from the standard 60Hz. The OnePlus 7 Pro for example has an optional 90Hz refresh rate, while the Razer Phone 2 goes up to 120Hz.

This can help make interactions with the handset and animations feel silky smooth, so we’d like to see Apple offer a higher refresh rate of its own. It’s not out of the question, especially as some iPad Pro models have a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Indeed, exactly that refresh rate has been rumored for the upcoming iPhones.

5. Further battery boosts

For the first time in years, with the iPhone 11 range it feels like Apple has really prioritized battery life in its phones, but we want the company to go even further with the iPhone 12. Or at the very least not go backwards.

We’re still waiting on an iPhone that can comfortably last two days, and we’d like the iPhone 12 (or at least the iPhone 12 Pro Max) to be it.

6. 5G support

Apple is behind when it comes to 5G, as none of the iPhone 11 range offer it, while rival handsets like the Samsung Galaxy S20 family and OnePlus 7 Pro 5G do.

Apple’s lack of support isn’t a big deal right now, as 5G coverage is still very sparse in most countries, but by the time the iPhone 12 launches it will be more widely available and a large number of other handsets will support it, so it will be time for Apple to jump on board.

The good news is that it’s heavily rumored that 2020’s iPhones will support 5G, so this is one thing we’re likely to get.

7. A lower price

We ask for this every year with new iPhones and this year we actually kind of got it, with the base iPhone 11 starting at less than the iPhone XR did. So it’s actually not impossible that we could see an even lower price – or a reduced price for the rest of the range – with the iPhone 12.

We wouldn’t count on it, but Apple’s more affordable phones are typically its best-selling in recent years, so there should be some incentive to cut costs where possible.

• Check out the best free iPhone apps

There's never been a better time to buy a new laptop, as the sheer range of specs and capabilities on offer with these thin, light and powerful computers is truly impressive.

There’s a huge amount of choice out there, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Buying the best laptop is a big investment, so obviously you want to make sure you pick the right one. 

That’s why we have teamed up with Intel to give you clear no-nonsense, buying advice on how to pick the best new laptop for your needs, no matter what kinds of user you are.

But we don't want to dive right in - we want to make sure we're hitting all the things that our readers truly care about, so we've decided the best thing is to actually ask you, our dear and loyal readers.

Take TechRadar's short survey about your laptop- or desktop-buying choices to be in with a chance to win a £250 Amazon voucher. This competition is for UK readers only. Check out our Prize Draw Terms and Conditions, and good luck:

• Take the survey

What is QLED? If you're on the market for a new television, it's likely you'll have seen the QLED moniker during your search. But if you aren't in the know, Samsung's high-end QLED TV technology might sound baffling – and we're here to set you straight on what to expect from QLED, and how it differs from other panels technologies like OLED and LCD.

Essentially, QLED is a proprietary panel technology developed for top-tier Samsung TVs. By using a metallic quantum dot filter, QLED panels enhance color and contrast, boosting the capabilities of HDR and 4K images compared to other non-quantum dot LCD-LEDs.

There's a little more to it than that (QLED TV models now include Samsung's Bixby virtual assistant and a nifty Ambient Mode to help them blend into your room better) but what you just read is the crux of what makes a QLED a QLED. 

With new Samsung TVs now given a stamp of approval for your eye health from two safety standard organizations, you don't need to worry about Samsung's super-bright sets from doing too much damage to your eyeballs, either.

• New Samsung TV 2020: everything coming this year

It isn't quite a revolution in TV displays, but it does offer a high visual standard beyond the realm of regular LCD televisions. Here we'll cover everything you need to know about QLED, how it compares to basic LCD-LED TVs – or OLED TVs – and whether a QLED TV is worth investing in.

Since we first wrote this guide, a number of new QLED TVs from Samsung have entered the market. Once you've familiarized yourself with the ins and outs of QLED, including Samsung The Frame, which has had a QLED panel upgrade. 

You can also read our reviews of the high-end Samsung Q950TS 8K AI QLED  and the more budget-friendly Samsung Q60R QLED.

QLED quantum dot FAQ

• What is QLED? A TV panel technology used in Samsung TVs.
• Is QLED or OLED better? Depends who you ask. Check out this QLED vs OLED guide for more detail.
• Is QLED better than 4K? All QLED panels have a minimum 4K resolution – while some are even 8K.
• Are QLED TVs expensive? Some of them certainly are – though there are mid-range models that won't break the bank, too.
• Is QLED really worth it? It's a step up from Samsung's regular Ultra HD TVs, that's for sure – with incredible bright screens and strong upscaling ability. Everything else you need to know is in the rest of the guide below.

What is QLED?

Honestly? It's a bit of an enigma. Literally QLED means – or we suppose it means – quantum dot light-emitting diode. (That's not to be confused with OLED, which refers to 'organic light emitting diode', and is a competing display technology we won't go into detail on here.)

So what is a quantum dot light-emitting diode – or QLED – display, compared to a regular LCD television?

This Samsung-baked concept is basically just the latest set of enhancements to the same quantum dot technology that the company has been working on for the past few years. 

Technically speaking, Samsung's QLED TVs are not QLED at all, well, at least in the way that we understand the term. A 'proper' quantum light-emitting diode element emits its own light – the clue is in the name – whereas Samsung's latest TVs use a separate LCD backlight (and an edge-lit backlight, at that) just like any other LED-LCD TV. So where the QLED moniker comes from, we're not sure. 

How does a QLED TV work?

It’s complicated, but hang in there with us. So, to start, all QLED TVs have a quantum dot filter. This year, there’s a new refined aluminum compound that help make the dots more efficient (and therefore brighter) and more effective at passing pass light through, which creates wider and more accurate color. 

So what is a quantum dot filter exactly? It’s a film of tiny crystal semi-conductor particles that can be precisely controlled for their color output, which replace the red, green and blue color filters that old TVs used.

Samsung says that its QLED TVs use the new filters to display 100% coverage of the DCI/P3 color space (read: much deeper black levels and sparkling HDR), and maintain that performance whatever the brightness. 

They’re so bright, in fact, that Samsung's QLED TVs can manage anywhere between 1500 nits to 2000 nits brightness. Considering 1000 nits is needed to produce HDR, that's proper bright, though exactly how anyone could stand the glare of 2000 nits, we're not sure. Sunglasses, anyone?

While the advances in brightness are intriguing, Samsung claims that the new QLED TVs have a newly designed pixel panel structure to allow better off-axis viewing. For a living room environment, that could be QLED's big selling point.

QLED vs LED

Beyond the 'paradigm shift' hyperbole of Samsung's marketing, it's really important to understand that QLED isn't really anything new at all. In fact, it's really nothing more than the latest – possibly among the last technically possible – tweaks to existing LED-LCD technology that's dominated big screen TVs for the last decade.  

QLED's innovations – deeper blacks, better colors and wider viewing angles – tackle three traditional problems of LED and LCD technology, but they're the same problems that are addressed year in, year out by TV makers. Only upcoming reviews will reveal if, in fact, QLED is a significant step forward from traditional LED-LCD screens – but chances are good that we'll see some real improvements in these areas with Samsung's new sets.

QLED vs OLED

Perhaps a more important comparison is QLED vs OLED. The latter uses pixels that emit their own light, but OLED displays are manufactured only by Samsung's arch-rival LG, and now used by Sony, Philips and Panasonic, too.

There's no doubt that QLED, for now, has an advantage in terms of brightness (so in theory may better handle HDR content – though might just as easily overcook it), but if you're looking for a 'paradigm shift' in picture quality and the next-gen display technology, OLED is still the frontrunner. The latter uses individually lit pixels to achieve better contrast ratio and richer blacks that LED-LCD will never be able to hit, quantum dot filter or no. You can see the best of the bunch in our best OLED TVs roundup too.

What happened to SUHD?

QLED and SUHD are essentially the same thing; the new messaging is more about marketing than technology, although the jump from 1000 nits on the top-end SUHD TVs to 1,500 to 2,000 nits on the flagship QLED TVs is perhaps more revolutionary than it seems at first. 

Put simply, for a buying public still getting to grips with what UHD is, SUHD just proved too confusing, so Samsung has dropped it. (It also probably didn't help that the 'S' in SUHD didn't really mean anything... although we're not convinced that QLED is much clearer.)

How long do QLED TVs last?

Samsung itself has given a likely time frame for its QLED televisions, saying that you can expect a QLED TV to last you roughly 7-10 years before you start to see some sort of visual degradation – while stressing that that includes the heavier use expected from smart TVs these days.

In this blog post, Samsung says that "On average, based on typical use, consumers should expect their TV’s picture quality to remain roughly the same for anywhere from seven to ten years.

"What’s interesting to note is that the definition of that term – ‘typical use’ – has expanded in recent years with the rise of binge-watching video and the development of exciting ‘smart TV’ functionalities. Now, on a typical day, we may switch on the TV to watch the latest episode of a favorite show, start a gaming session with friends, or manage our home’s IoT appliances."

Should I buy a QLED TV?

Samsung's QLED TVs are claimed to be all about the brightest possible, most accurate coloured images pictures, which therefore work with all kinds of content in all kinds of lighting conditions. 

To an extent, those claims are true. The developments Samsung has made in recent years in improving QLED panels have made for some incredible high-end televisions, such as 2019's Samsung Q90 QLED. And Samsung's been sensible about using QLED as a by-word for premium hardware as well as brilliant picture quality.

That all seems a decent package for the living room, but whether you should buy a QLED TV will ultimately come down to price. You're still paying thousands for a good QLED television, and the longevity of QLED may lie in how successfully Samsung can bring the technology to more mid-sized budgets. For now though, QLED offers a bright picture of what's to come.

• Check out all the QLEDs coming this year in the Samsung TV 2020 range

Jamie Carter made original contributions to this article.

Nokia says it has broken the world 5G speed record for an over-the-air 5G transmission, reaching 4.7Gbps on a US operator’s network in Dallas, Texas.

The Finnish networking giant was able to achieve the speeds by pairing 800MHz of commercial millimetre-Wave (mmWave) spectrum in the 28GHz and 39GHz bands with 40MHz of LTE bandwidth using its dual connectivity capabilities.

Dual connectivity allows operators to transmit data simultaneously across 5G and 4G networks, achieving higher transmission rates than using either technology independently.

• Intel targets base stations with new Atom chip
• Nokia CEO steps down
• What is 5G? Everything you need to know 

Nokia 5G speed record

Whereas nearly all European 5G networks launched to date are powered by mid-range bands like 3.4GHz, several US carriers are offering 5G broadband services using mmWave spectrum. Although mmWave has limited range, it offers a high level of performance over a small radius.

Nokia says the tests demonstrate the ability of 5G to deliver ultrafast mobile broadband to consumers and is further evidence of the opportunities for operators to offer new applications that harness the greater speeds, enhanced capacity and ultra-low latency.

“This is an important and significant milestone in the development of 5G services in the US, particularly at a time when connectivity and capacity is so crucial,” said Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia.

“It demonstrates the confidence operators have in our global end-to-end portfolio and the progress we have made to deliver the best possible 5G experiences to customers. We already supply our mmWave radios to all of the major US carriers and we look forward to continuing to work closely with them moving forward.”

Nokia will hope the accolade will give its 5G efforts a boost as it competes with the likes of Cisco, Ericsson and Nokia for market share. 

The company is positioning itself as a one-stop-shop for 5G, capable of providing kit for the radio, transport and core layers of next generation networks. It is especially pushing its ‘AirScale’ platform (and features like dual connectivity) as a way for operators to maximise their spectrum assets.

Nokia says procuring equipment, software and services from a single vendor can reduce total cost of ownership by more than 20 per cent and reduce time to market by at least 30 per cent when compared to a multi-vendor strategy.

However, the high cost of developing 5G technology and intense competition in the sector has resulted in the firm cutting its financial outlooks and pausing dividends in recent times. This has led to speculation that Nokia was exploring a merger or possible sale of assets, while reports have suggested the company was preparing to guard itself against any hostile takeover attempt.

• 5G phone deals - the best prices and contracts in May 2020

The Apple Watch is one of the best smartwatches around, but we’ve found a way to improve just a little bit more with these 15 great Apple Watch accessories. The products below let you customize your Apple Watch experience, and they’re available to purchase from Apple directly as well as third-party manufacturers. 

If you’d like to pimp out your timepiece with a striking new look, or want to protect it from superficial damage, there’s an accessory out there that will do the job. As the Apple Watch 5 hasn’t changed too much from its predecessor, most of the accessories below should be compatible, particularly as Apple has continued to use the same straps and technology.

• Best Apple Watch charging stands
• Best Apple Watch bands and straps

To create this list, we've scoured the web for the things we're most impressed by, offering some cool features to enhance the power of your smart timepiece. We've ranked these from cheapest to most expensive according to prices at time of writing  - however, some variation may occur over time.

Griffin knows all about extreme phone defense, and the company recently transferred its protective case smarts over to the Apple Watch, with decent results.

The Survivor Tactical Case boasts a tough screen guard to keep your watch's display safe from scratches without compromising the display's touch responsiveness, and a molded TPE/polycarbonate body clips over the case to protect the Digital Crown from above, while remaining accessible from below.

We knew it was inevitable, but Apple ditching standard watchbands for something much more proprietary is still a blow, especially to those of us who don't want to splash out on the stainless steel link bracelet Apple is selling just to inject some metal into our watch.

Thankfully, this Wearlizer adaptor exists. Slotting into the wearable, it lets you attach almost any regular watch strap you want.

J&D Tech has been offering affordable Apple Watch bands since Apple's first model appeared on the scene, and this genuine leather strap with metal clasp adaptor is just one classy example.

Its elegant appearance and comfy, soft feel on the skin is gender-neutral too. The band includes spare screws and instructions, and is available in an assortment of shades. The perfect accessory for a smart evening out.

External power packs are a must for the Apple Watch if you plan to use it heavily. This particular one is sleek, molded from aluminum and packs an 1800mAh battery. It looks like it could have come from one of Apple's own design studios. 

It's a little 'DIY' though, as you have to use your own MagSafe charging cable, plug it into the battery and then wrap it around the interior to actually charge your Watch.

Still, being able to juice up the wearable a few times in our pocket sounds good to us.

Griffin's WatchStand is a nightly home for the wearable and your iPhone. There's a lip on the front that'll prop up your smartphone, while a raised arm proudly hoists your Watch into full view.

You'll be able to attach the MagSafe charger, but it doesn't look like there's anywhere for the iPhone cable. Saying that, it is one of cheaper docking solutions for the Apple Watch, and while it's not constructed from metal the matte black plastic still looks good.

Charging solutions don't come any simpler or smaller than this. Zens' minuscule Apple Watch power bank doesn't have a Lightning cable port - instead, it relies on an internal 1300mAh battery which is attached to an embedded inductive charger.

Four LEDs on the side indicate the battery's power level, and the cube packs three full charges before it needs to be plugged in for re-juicing via its micro USB port (although, irritatingly, adapter not included).

The Powerbank also supports Night Stand mode, making this a great all-round travel companion.

This is a rehash of Twelve South's older HiRise stands for iPhone and iPad (both of which we're huge fans of), but made to keep your Apple Watch charged up and visible when it's not attached to your wrist.

Its aluminum body, available in either black or silver, is Apple-esque and the finish, especially the soft silicone coated edges that'll stop any scratches appearing when you lift up or set down the wearable, is certainly premium.

You'll need to provide your own MagSafe cable, so it's probably best to pick up a spare unless you want this to be your charging solution.

Stand-based docks are great for showing off an Apple Watch, but if you're after more discretion then check out this leather-lined protective steel case from Studio Proper.

The watch lies flat inside in a soft EVA foam tray. Leather band owners may find this a fiddle at first - and Milanese loops need to be detached at the clasp - but once your watch is in, it's protected on top by more foam lining in the case lid.

The charging disc lies in a cut-out in the tray, while the cable runs discreetly underneath and out of a side port for connecting to a power source.

This neat-looking capsule works as both a case and a stand for your Apple Watch, and the fact that it can hold a charging cable, USB charger, and an extra watch band makes it a compact travel solution.

The charging disc slots into an integrated opening in the top of the case, which feeds power to your Apple Watch when it's draped over the front. The hinges are also stiff enough to keep the case open at an angle, allowing your watch to go into Nightstand mode as it charges.

Apple Watch batteries don't come much more portable than this. The Griffin Travel Power Bank is just about compact enough to tag along with your keys, but still packs an impressive amount of juice - up to two and a half full charges, in fact.

That kept our favorite timepiece ticking over for a whole week, without it ever going near a power outlet.

The portable battery can be charged using a spare USB port in your computer or any 5V USB charger, while an LED light indicates the charging status.

The fitness features of the Apple Watch are a big draw, especially for runners and swimmers, but like all smartwatches, the accuracy of the wrist-based heart rate monitor suffers during more complex exercises involving varied movement, such as high-intensity workouts.

The Moov HR Burn gets around this problem by recording your heart rate using chest-based sensors, where readings are more consistent. It also pairs with Apple Watch over Bluetooth, making your iPhone fitness data more accurate in the process.

Sena makes brilliant leather sleeves for iPhones, iPads and more. This is a neat travel case that protects the Watch when it's in your luggage. It also works as a charging stand.

It's compact and light, though there's a useful compartment in the base for the charging cord. This is handy when you're travelling, in case there's no convenient surface to rest the Watch on in your hotel room, say. It also means that you can leave the charging cable permanently connected.

The lid is magnetic, too, so you can be sure the Watch stays safely inside.

This minimalist dock comes in two parts: a heavy block base made of rubbery-soft matt graphite silicone, and a plastic/aluminum cylinder. The Apple Watch charging disk snaps into a molded cradle on the cylinder, which has an elliptical groove inside where the cable feeds through and runs out of the bottom from a discreet well.

With the charger in place, the cylinder slots magnetically into the reversible base, where it can be rotated freely.

Your Watch snaps onto it securely, buckled or not, while the base can be reversed and placed horizontally or vertically, depending on how you want to view and interact with the watch display. This thing was made for Nightstand mode.

The Apple Watch is capable of storing music that you can listen to when you don't have your phone with you - when you're running, for example. The smartwatch can be paired with pretty much any Bluetooth headset, but AirPods have some distinct advantages over the competition.

Apart from sounding great, the earbuds have a long 5-hour battery life, and come with a neat charging case that packs 24 hours of additional juice and a fast-charge feature that can provide an extra 2 hours of battery in 15 minutes. They also pair seamlessly with your iPhone, thanks to Apple's built-in W1 Bluetooth chip.

If you like to keep track of your fitness activities using your Apple Watch but crave a little musical motivation on those long and lonely runs, then Bluetooth earphones are the way to go.

These premium buds by Bang & Olufsen sit at the high end of the wireless earphones market, but the H5's are brilliantly designed. The magnetized buds snap together around your neck and auto-power off when not in use, they sound excellent, and you can even take calls thanks to the built-in microphone.

They also come with a neat magnetized charging cube and plenty of spare ear tips for matching your comfort and size needs.

• Need more inspiration? Check out the best Apple Watch docking stations

Apple's AR glasses have been a source of speculation for years, with patents dating back to 2015 and 2017 detailing AR-related software and hardware. But it wasn't until 2019 that it felt like Apple's highly-anticipated AR eyewear project would really happen as the rumor mill released more and more early information.

Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo initially said manufacturing of the AR specs would get underway at the end of 2019 or the start of 2020, according to money.udn.com, noting they would be reliant on a connected iPhone to do a lot of processing and connectivity. But by mid-2020, with no glasses in sight, a research note from Kuo surfaced that pushed back an estimated release date until 2022.

That said, another source has said that while they might not go on sale until then, they're likely to be announced either alongside the iPhone 12 in late 2020, or at an event in March 2021. The source added that they will apparently be called Apple Glass.

AR-enabled iGlasses have been swaddled in mystery given how little info has come out, and news even broke that Apple had scrapped its plan for AR glasses altogether. A report from Digitimes stated that supply chain sources had confirmed Apple disbanded its AR team. 

But a new patent appeared in late 2019 that detailed what appeared to be the much-rumored Apple AR glasses, reigniting the potential of their existence.

Other sources meanwhile have said they're still coming but have been delayed by years, with an AR headset apparently landing in either 2021 or 2022, followed by AR glasses in 2023.

So there's a lot of confusion and debate around when or even if we'll get Apple glasses, but the latest leaks suggest they might be announced before too long, but won't hit stores until a lot later.

While you try and get your head around all that, let's take a look at all the Apple glasses leaks and rumors, as well as Apple's augmented reality background and why AR specs seemed like the next big move for the tech giant.

Update: A massive leak has detailed the possible Apple glasses name, release date, price, and features.

• AR isn't just for eyewear: here's why augmented reality is the future of smart toys

Cut to the chase

• What is it? A new Apple wearable, a pair of glasses using augmented reality tech
• When is it out? May be announced in 2020, but would hit stores later
• What will it cost? A source suggests $499 (roughly £410 / AU$765)

What will Apple AR glasses cost?

That’s a tough question, as there’s no real precedent for this sort of thing yet. The only rumor on that subject so far claims $499 (roughly £410 / AU$765) - not including any prescription charges.

Beyond that we can guess based on other devices. On the one hand, you’ve got the Snap Spectacles, which were recently revamped as the Snap Spectacles 3 and now cost $380 / £330 (about AU$590). But as fancy as these new models are, they're basic, have simple AR features and we imagine Apple will have a more feature-rich experience in mind.

On the other, you have the HoloLens 2. It’s not, strictly speaking, really a consumer device yet and is only up for pre-order. 

But it looks like it'll cost around $3,000 (£2,719, AU$4,369), like the original Hololens, and will include additional software at an extra cost. However, Apple’s glasses will likely be built to mass-market scale, and with consumers (and associated price tags) in mind.

So it’s a guessing game really. Keeping in mind that Apple tends to slap a premium on its devices, a broad estimate of somewhere between $500/$AU670/£400 and $1,000/£800/AU$1,300 could be the ballpark. But don’t hold us to that.

Apple AR glasses hardware: the evidence, the patents and the specs

The biggest and latest leak on that front has detailed a lot of things. According to Jon Prosser (a reliable leaker), the Apple Glasses will be called Apple Glass and will be capable of displaying information on both lenses, with a user controlling them via gestures both on and in front of the frames.

All the processing would apparently be handled by a connected iPhone, and Apple Glass supposedly wouldn't have conventional cameras but would have a LiDAR scanner to power AR experiences.

Other details from the source include that there apparently won't be a sunglasses version, as the display doesn't work with tinted lenses, that observers won't be able to tell the lenses are displaying anything, and that the frame - at least in a prototype - is made from plastic.

Beyond that, Apple has been busy picking up companies with an interest in AR, which suggests it's prepping a product of its own – and recently Cook said that Apple had several new products in the pipeline that could "blow you away".

We've also seen a bunch of Apple patents appear recently, explaining how specially-designed lenses could be used to cast images on a user's eye, and how a touchscreen surface (like an iPhone or an iPad) could be used as a controller.

One patent points to glasses with adjustable opacity, which might help add focus to a video, for example, or aid visibility on a particularly bright day.

Apple also filed a patent for a catadioptric optical system – a series of lenses designed to project images into a user’s eyes – in early February this year. 

In fact, Apple has been granted 53 patents, covering its AR wearable, 3D mapping technology, and a more intelligent iPhone Home screen, amongst others, as discovered by Patently Apple.

Perhaps most telling of all is a leaked injury report out of Apple’s Cupertino headquarters, which suggests Apple is working on a “prototype unit” which has resulted in eye injuries for two users. Eugh.

Apple has also made a number of key AR talent hires over the years. According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple has poached a leading employee of Nasa for the project, hiring Jeff Norris, founder of the Mission Operations Innovation Office of Nasa's Jet Propulsion Lab. 

He is said to be working as part of an augmented reality team being headed up by another poached talent, Dolby Labs executive Mike Rockwell.

That team is apparently 1,000 people strong, and the AR glasses they're working on are said to have a high-resolution display, cameras, 3D scanning, and "advanced human detection". They're also apparently working on an AR headset, which could launch first with a design like the Oculus Quest, but a lightweight, comfortable build.

In May 2020, Apple confirmed it had acquired NextVR, a startup that produced virtual reality content from the likes of the NBA and Fox Sports. While it's unclear how this could impact the Apple AR Glasses, it's logical the startup's expertise will contribute to product design in some way.

What is augmented reality?

You're familiar with the concept of virtual reality, right? Popping on a headset and having software transport you to an interactive, 360-degree, left, right, up, down, all-encompassing virtual world? 

Augmented reality works a bit like that but with one big difference. Rather than giving a window into an invented world, it uses either screens or transparent lenses to place digital items on top of the real world around you.

The most popular example of this in action would be the lenses and filters available on Instagram and Snapchat – the ones that make it look like you have a squashed face, a dog's tongue or hearts coming out of your eyeballs. 

Another great example of well-executed and mainstream AR is Pokemon Go which puts Pikachu and co into your world through a combination of your phone’s camera and screen. 

Both see your real world 'augmented' by software on your smart device. Essentially, AR lets you get context sensitive digital information overlaid onto your real world surroundings – look at a subway station and get train times automatically displayed, for instance, or walk down the aisles of a food store and have the specs recommend a recipe. The applications could be exciting and used for games and entertainment or just extremely boring and extremely practical. 

Augmented reality could also get a significant boost thanks to the advent of 5G. In fact, many believe 5G could prove instrumental to augmented reality finally hitting the mainstream – at least for those in the UK.

• Securing the new reality: why AR and VR security should be a top priority

What is Apple ARKit?

First launched back in 2017, ARKit was Apple's way of sticking its flag down into the augmented reality landscape, an attempt to claim the space as its own.

First revealed at WWDC 2017, ARKit is a new set of APIs to let developers build augmented reality applications for Apple devices. They can now create apps that use the cameras, processors and sensors in your iPhone or iPad and use this information to overlay virtual objects onto the real world.

It's now in its third version, with the latest iteration arriving with iOS 13 in September 2019.

Users don't necessarily know that an app has been created with ARKit – there's no label – but they'll see a fun, AR experience. For example, the IKEA app allows you to hold up your iPhone and 'preview' how furniture will look.

• Forget virtual and augmented – what's mixed? Here's why HTC sees mixed reality as the next “disruptive technology” after smartphones

Why would Apple make AR glasses?

Apple ARKit is already bringing augmented reality to the forefront of consumer technology – but it's just a platform. It's long been suggested that the real future of Apple’s augmented reality road map would be AR glasses.

After all, Apple’s in need of a new product category. The last time the tech giant launched an inarguably successful new product line was the iPad – and even that has proved difficult to maintain momentum in. 

AR is an exciting new area, and one in which Apple (at least in hardware terms) wouldn’t have much competition in, at least in the present with a mainstream and consumer focus. 

Tim Cook has sung the praises of AR tech, going so far as to say augmented reality use will become as common as "eating three meals a day".

"A significant portion of the population of developed countries, and eventually all countries, will have AR experiences every day," he said during the 2016 Utah Tech tour, before casting shade on VR.

"I can't imagine everyone in here getting in an enclosed VR experience while you're sitting in here with me," said Cook to those assembled for the Utah talk.

"AR is going to take a while, because there are some really hard technology challenges there," he added.

"But it will happen, it will happen in a big way, and we will wonder when it does, how we ever lived without it. Like we wonder how we lived without our phone today."

• 5G is on its way: here's how 5G could make augmented reality mainstream

Who's the AR glasses competition?

Right now, there are a number of augmented reality glasses already on the market from companies like Vuzix, Epson and Vue. But many of them are reserved for enterprise use (in big businesses), are being used by developers or have been built for a rather niche purpose.

There are also mixed reality headsets, like the Microsoft Hololens 2, which sits somewhere between VR and AR. As well as one of the most exciting AR headsets, the Magic Leap One.

The main difference between these devices and the promise of AR glasses made so infamous by Google Glass, is AR glasses were tipped to be smaller, slimmer and could easily be mistaken for regular glasses. The Magic Leap One is an extraordinary piece of kit, but not exactly what Apple would have in store with AR specs. 

There could also be mounting competition from other big tech giants. For example, in July, details were leaked about a patent, which suggests Samsung might be working on its own pair of AR specs.

Spotted by Patently Apple, the filing shows a fairly standard design for a pair of glasses with added smarts on board. They're going to be foldable, apparently, so you can pop them in your pocket when you're not being wowed by AR.

What's more, according to a patent filed by Huawei at the World Intellectual Property Organization (and spotted by LetsGoDigital), the company is experimenting with a pair of AR glasses that are lightweight but only work when you insert your smartwatch into them.

It's also not a surprise to hear that Facebook, which owns Oculus, has also been rumored to be working on its own AR eyewear.

According to a 2017 patent, Facebook's AR glasses could use a ‘waveguide display' to combine computer graphics with the real world – essentially an advanced method of giving the illusion of depth on specs right in front of your face. 

Based on the patent images, the AR glasses could look just like a regular pair of glasses, which means there will be lot of complex, miniaturized technology to get right before they can be released. 

This means Apple may not be releasing its own AR glasses anytime soon, but its competitors might be just a year or two away. 

Of course we can't talk about AR specs without mentioning the legacy of Google Glass. These advanced smart glasses were tipped to change everything, from tech to the way we live, by overlaying layers of information onto the real world. But thanks to public perception, financial problems and design challenges they never fully materialised – apart from for a small number of developers and testers.

Well, at least not how they were meant to. Google Glass is still around, but exists as the Glass Enterprise Edition aimed at business use.

Although the troubled story of Google Glass may sound like a bit of a failure (at least when it comes to consumer traction), it actually taught tech companies a great deal about building AR, tech-enabled eyewear and the challenges of bringing a whole new product category to market.

• Goodbye smartphone, hello augmented reality: check out our guide to augmented reality of the future

The Apple AirPods Studio – the tech giant's rumored over-ear headphones – could launch within the next few weeks, according to a report by The Information (via MacRumors). 

The report says that suppliers Goertek and Luxshare will assemble "at least a portion of the headphones in Vietnam and begin shipments to Apple in June or July".

• Apple AirPods Studio release date, price, and rumors
• Read our AirPods Pro review
• After something cheaper? Check out the 2019 Apple AirPods

That would coincide neatly with Apple's WWDC 2020 event on June 22, and corroborates earlier claims by KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo

Kuo – whose Apple predictions have been proven right in the past – claims that the AirPods Studio will enter mass production in mid 2020.

The first over-ear AirPods

We've been hearing rumors of Apple's first over-ear headphones for a while now, but they really ramped up in early 2020 when two icons discovered in the iOS 14 code were found to depict a pair of over-ear wireless headphones.

Since then, we've had price leaks from prolific Apple leaker Jon Prosser who recently claimed that the AirPods Studio will come in a range of colors, citing the existence of three different product codes, all priced at $399 (around £320 / AU$610) – not unlike the Beats Studio 3 Wireless.

The headphones could also be the smartest headphones we've ever seen, if rumors of clever ear-detecting sensors are to be believed. We'll have to wait and see whether they actually materialize in June, but a mid-2020 is looking more likely by the day.

The AirPods Studio aren't the only Apple headphones rumored to launch in 2020; we've also been hearing about the AirPods 3, the Powerbeats Pro 2, and the AirPods Pro Lite, a cheaper version of the popular AirPods Pro.

Looking to buy AirPods? Check out the best AirPods deals we've found today:

• What are the best over-ear headphones of 2020?

Smart displays like the Google Nest Hub Max can be a great way to stay in contact with your family and friends, with the ability to make video calls and display photos of your loved ones. 

However, these clever gadgets aren't always easy to use for those of us who are less tech-savvy – and that's something Google is hoping to address by testing a simpler interface on residents in seven Washington State retirement communities. 

• Read our Google Home review
• Google Home vs Amazon Echo: which is best?
• The best smart speakers of 2020

According to a blog post, the company sent residents nearly 1,000 Google Nest Hub Max smart displays, all furnished with simpler controls and shortcuts to make staying in touch with family easier. 

These changes include a pre-loaded shortlist of contacts, so users can launch Google Duo video calls more quickly, as well as new 'What can you do?' cars, that "act like shortcuts for showing weather reports, setting alarms, or playing relaxing sounds".

Google says that "all of this was done in a way that preserves privacy for the residents, as the devices are managed on Nest’s fleet management system and run in a 'signed out' mode, meaning no audio is stored and all activity is anonymous". 

Smart displays for all

It's not clear how the results of this study will affect Google Nest users around the world. In theory, we could see new interfaces that are generated based on your requirements, making the smart displays more intuitive to use and more personalized – and in turn, encouraging a larger number of people to use Google Assistant. 

Speaking to Engadget, a Google spokesperson said that "a new experience will eventually roll out that won’t be exactly the same, but based on the same goal".

So, your Google smart display could be undergoing some user-friendly changes in the near future – for now, we'll just have to wait and see.

In the meantime, you can check out the best Google Nest deals we've found today:

• What is Google Assistant and how do I use it?

After the launch of the second iteration of its popular Poco lineup in the form of the F2 Pro, the brand has set its sights on the truly wireless or TWS segment in India with the upcoming Poco Pop Buds.

While there isn’t a whole lot to go on about the design or specifications of the earbuds, the company maintains that it is ‘one step closer to making its first truly wireless earphones a reality’.

There has been an increase in the number of users of wearable gizmos, what with many flagship smartphones and even mid-rangers doing away with the ubiquitous 3.5 mm audio port.

The Poco Pop Buds will be the brand’s premier foray into the wearables segment at a time when the Indian wearables scene is buoyant with wide usage of bluetooth earbuds that are not just utilitarian but also double-up as fashionable accessories.

Recently Poco conducted a Twitter Poll and asked fans to choose a name for their upcoming truly wireless accessory. Their poll had four options for the earbuds, namely Poco Move, Klip, Pop, and Funkz.

Poco Pop Buds received 42.6% of the fans' votes and resultantly they have chosen it for their new wearable. The initial announcement about a tentative new wearable segment for an India launch from the stable of Poco came about in April this year.

There have also been formidable product launches to the Indian TWS scene such as, from Noise, an Indian brand that launched the Noise shots X5 Pro TWS with a wireless range of up to 10 meters and  Qualcomm chipset that features AptX + AAC Hi-Fi audio technology.

With users expecting a truly ‘wowing’ product from Poco, delivering ‘better-than-most-brands’ in terms of features and competitive pricing, the company has a lot of ground to cover.

• Unannounced Poco F2 Pro is already listed at a Chinese retailer
• Noise shots X5 Pro TWS with IPX7 launched in India
• Best true wireless earbuds under Rs 10,000 in India, for May 2020

Nintendo has filed a patent for a new sleep-tracking device that will monitor how well you slept, and even produce pleasing aromas. 

In typical Nintendo fashion, the device would represent a new take on the growing sleep-tracking market with a host of novel features. According to the patent, the device could beam soothing images to your ceiling using an in-built projector (counting sheep mini-game, anyone?), along with the tracking information from your previous night’s slumber.

Perhaps most intriguing, though, is the device’s ability to produce a variety of smells to help either induce or disturb your beauty sleep. Sleep mists aren’t exactly new, and diffusers have become a common sight in most households, but if Nintendo has discovered that we all sleep better when a room is filled with the smell of Mario’s freshly washed dungarees, then we’re all for it.

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The mobile device, which sits in a base station by your bed, also includes a Doppler sensor that can pick up your breathing, pulse and body movement. It has a detachable element (which looks like a phone) that will track your activity over the course of the day and sync the data back to the base station if it’s close by. 

The patent was filed last September and was recently made public (thanks, Japanese Nintendo). The sleep-tracking device might never come to fruition, of course, but clearly Nintendo believes it’s an idea that’s worth protecting.

Switch it up

Nintendo has been very clear about its ambition to enter the health-related space. During the Wii U era, Nintendo revealed it was working on a ‘quality-of-life’ peripheral, but nothing has surfaced since that initial announcement which was more than five years ago.

Nintendo has had great success with its fitness-focused game Ring Fit Adventure and the Nintendo Switch in general, but this patent points at an entirely new piece of hardware that serves a specific purpose.

Sleep like a Snorlax

Nintendo’s new patent isn’t the only sleep-tracking device we’ve heard about recently from the video games industry. The Pokémon company also announced its own sleep-tracking app, Pokémon Sleep, which would link up with its incredibly popular mobile app, Pokémon Go. The app would require a new Pokémon Go Plus accessory, and users would place it next to their pillow each night. However, no further details have been revealed since its announcement in 2019.

• Gotta catch 'em all – How to play Pokémon Go from home

The Google Pixel 5 release date will likely be toward the end of 2020, a year that's starting to feel very long indeed – but that just means the tech giant has time to retool and learn from the feedback on the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL phones. 

Before the Pixel 5, we're expecting to see the Pixel 4a phones, mid-range versions of the Pixel 4s in the same vein as the Pixel 3a. We've heard a lot of rumors as the phone gears up to launch at the end of May or the beginning of June.

When the Google Pixel 4 phones launched in late 2019, we unsurprisingly loved their photo capabilities, but found they fell short in some other areas. 

The shortfalls we saw in the Pixel 4 phones give us ideas for what we'd like to see in the Google Pixel 5, and since there aren't many real leaks or rumors about the upcoming Pixel 5 devices just yet, we've taken this opportunity to make a wish list for Google's next flagship smartphone.

The Pixel 4 and 4 XL were popular devices, but didn't get quite the enthusiastic welcome that the Pixel 3 phones did, so the upcoming handsets could be Google's opportunity to wow buyers who may enjoy what Google does best. Read on to discover where we think the Google Pixel 5 could succeed.

Latest: The Google Pixel 5 could lack the Soli radar that allowed for hands-free phone navigation on the Pixel 4.

Cut to the chase

• What is Google Pixel 5? Google's next full-featured flagship smartphone
• When is the Google Pixel 5 launch date? Likely October 2020
• How much will Google Pixel 5 cost? The price may be around $799 / £669 / AU$1,049

Google Pixel 5 release date and price

It's a bit early to assert with confidence when the Pixel 5 release date will be, given how tumultuous 2020 has been, but given precedent we can take an educated guess.

The Pixel 4 launched on October 24 of 2019, and we can reasonably expect another release around that point in 2020, given every previous flagship Google Pixel has launched in October.

It's unclear exactly when in the month we'll see the Pixel 5 though: the first three Pixel phones were unveiled in the first week or so of the month, while the fourth came out at the end. Your guess is as good as ours. 

In terms of how much you'll pay, the Google Pixel 5 price will likely be at the same price or a bit higher than the Pixel 4, which had a starting price of $799 / £669 / AU$1,049. 

Smartphones have been slowly climbing in price, up from above-mid-range territory to true flagship price tags, and Google seems to be pitching its flagship phones as equal to that tier – so we've expected them to keep apace with rising flagship costs, too. 

And yet, Google might be thinking about dropping the price: a survey allegedly went out asking if consumers would buy a 'premium Google smartphone' at $699 (around £572 / AU$1,070). That could certainly give it an edge over rival flagship smartphones that are only getting pricier and pricier.  

Of course these are all guesses at this point, and when we hear some concrete leaks we'll update this article.

Google Pixel 5 leaks and news

The biggest Google Pixel 5 leak so far actually relates to the Pixel 5 XL. A high-quality render showing a supposed prototype of the phone has leaked, which you can see below.

As you can see, the camera design is rather different and likely to be divisive, but the source claims this is just one of three prototypes, and the others have a more conventional square camera block.

One of the three lenses pictured here is apparently wide-angle, which would be new for the range. As for the front of the phone, that isn't pictured but is apparently similar to the Pixel 4, including a large top bezel - though this is apparently slightly smaller this time.

One surprising leak is that the Pixel 5 might not have flagship power, as unreleased code in the Google camera app suggests that it uses the upper mid-range Snapdragon 765G chipset.

It may get an upgrade over that though, as Qualcomm has since launched that chipset's successor - the Snapdragon 768G. This is pin- and software-compatible with the Snapdragon 765G, so it should be easy for Google to make the change if it had been intending to user the 765G, and it offers all-round improvements, coming a bit closer to the top-end Snapdragon 865.

One source has said the Google Pixel 5 will use a slightly lower-end chipset than either of those, in the form of the Snapdragon 765. This is a processor that's only slightly different from the G variant, but it's older too.

We've also heard the Google Pixel 5 could have a reverse wireless charging feature, according to Android 11 code found in a developer beta. This would let you power up other devices, like earbuds, a watch, or another phone, using the Pixel 5 as a charging mat.

This feature can be a bit of a power drain though, so has the company found any ways to fix our biggest Pixel 4 gripe?

Well, possibly, because we've also heard of an 'ultra-low-power mode' which could come to the phone as well as the Pixel 4. This mode will likely turn off a load of features of the phone like location tracking and auto-syncing apps, in order to keep your handset ticking along as long as possible.

Finally, it seems the Soli radar present in the Pixel 4 might be gone in the Pixel 5. This would mean there's no hands-free navigation, but most people found that feature didn't work very well, so it's unlikely many will care. The absence could bring the cost of the phone down too.

Check back for more Google Pixel 5 news and leaks, as clearly we're a bit early into the process to see anything concrete. That should change over the next few months and maybe even weeks, as manufacturing of Google Pixel 5 prototypes continues.

Google, last year, actually provided its own 'leak' of the Pixel 4 in shadow in June, so we can keep our fingers crossed that it spoils its own surprise when it comes to the Pixel 5. Stay tuned for more updates as that happens.

What we want to see in the Google Pixel 5

The Google Pixel 4 refined on its predecessor, but it left a lot to be desired in certain very obvious areas (read: the Pixel 5 battery must improve). But there are also features and perks Google still hasn't put into its flagship phone. Here's everything we want to see in the Google Pixel 5.

1. Expand the Google Pixel 5 battery

By far the biggest gripe about the previous Google Pixel phone was its short battery life. While capacity isn't necessarily indicative of how long it takes for the percentage to tick to zero, the 2,800mAh battery is small by 2020 standards - and many users found the battery dying before the end of the day. 

The Google Pixel 4 XL fared somewhat better with its 3,700mAh capacity, but even that lasted only a bit more than a day. If Google wants to play with the big phone boys, it has to keep up with the 4,000mAh-and-greater batteries out there.

2. Bring back the fingerprint scanner

The Google Pixel 4 has no rear-mounted fingerprint scanner like the Pixel 3, nor does it sport an in-screen finger sensor like many premium smartphones as a backup biometric. All it had was facial recognition, and...it wasn't the best. 

Some might find it easier to use, but others are likely frustrated to have to stare into their phone until it unlocks. In the Pixel 5, we'd prefer both facial recognition and a physical or screen-mounted fingerprint sensor. Heck, just put a button on the back - we're not picky. We just want to be convenienced.

3. Add an ultra-wide lens to the Pixel 5

Google, we come on bended knee. We entreaty. We plead. Make like every other Android flagship in 2020 and give us an ultra-wide lens on the Google Pixel 5.

The addition of a telephoto lens was very welcome, justifying a lot of hopes that a second lens would enhance the Pixel's portrait photography and expand its versatility. But the phone could be so much better, and have so much more range, with an ultra-wide camera. We can, and will, still dream.

4. Give the Pixel 5 a microSD slot

A minimum 64GB of storage and a maximum 128GB? Is this a joke? Google's not-so-subtle nudging for users to offload their storage to the cloud is pretty egregious. People store locally for reasons - especially when they don't have reliable signal. It's frustratingly limited not to cheaply expand what's typically the easiest auto-include in an Android smartphone.

Truthfully, we doubt a microSD card slot will be a part of the Google Pixel 5 – it wasn't in any previous Pixel phone, nor was it part of the Nexus series. But there's ample reason to desire a microSD card slot.

5. Stick with the weird design

The Google Pixel 4 smartphones sure do look a bit odd compared to their dual-finish, single-hued predecessors. They're bare-backed except for a questionably stylish camera block, with a matte glass finish encased with a rubber frame around the edges. It's an odd, distinct aesthetic. 

And, of course, there was a return to a top bar bezel instead of a notch. All in all, the Pixel 4 devices are far from 'conventional' Android phones - far from the nearly full-screen sleek flagship phones put out by Samsung or Huawei, but darn if they aren't unique and particular in a market of gleaming black rectangles.

• What we want to see in the Samsung Galaxy Note 20

Nintendo Switch deals are still only flashing in and out of stock, so you'll struggle to find a bundle on the shelves this week. We're keeping tabs on the situation, primed to bring you the best Nintendo Switch bundles as soon as they arrive in your favorite retailer's inventory. In the meantime, however, those looking to get into Nintendo's excellent catalog of games right now can easily find a Nintendo Switch Lite to scratch that itch. 

Nintendo Switch Lite stock is holding fast at GameStop this week in what looks like an end to the shortages in the US, and we're still seeing plenty of handheld only Nintendo Switch deals available in the UK as well. 

We're keeping a watchful eye on stock in the US and UK, so bookmark this page as we'll be updating it throughout the week if we get even a sniff of a Joy-Con hitting store shelves. However, until then, we're seeing some fantastic Nintendo Switch Lite bundles available in the UK, with the US slowly picking up stock as well. We don't know when Nintendo Switch deals will return, but until then, we're also taking a look at the best retailers to check when those console do land on the shelves again. 

So, if you're after Nintendo Switch bundle deals you may be waiting a little longer. If you're in the UK and want to get your hands on Nintendo's catalog of excellent titles, however, there are plenty Nintendo Switch Lite bundles available for delivery right now. 

You'll find it difficult to get your hands on a Nintendo Switch console right now, and while the Switch Lite is still very much available, if you're looking for big-screen gaming there are some fantastic Xbox One and PS4 deals going right now. 

We're listing all of the best Nintendo Switch deals right here and we're always on the lookout for the best bundles with extra games, controllers and other accessories so we can share them with you while they're hot. Scroll past the bundles on this page and we'll show you prices on extra Joy-Con and Pro controllers and Nintendo Switch memory cards too. If you want to play online multiplayer and get other benefits like free games you'll want to pick up a Nintendo Switch Online subscription deal. We also have a dedicated page of Nintendo Switch prices for our Australian readers.

The latest cheap Nintendo Switch deals

Want to know where to buy a Nintendo Switch bundle? Check out our comparison charts and the latest highlights with extra games and accessories below for the best deals. On its own, the MSRP/RRP Nintendo Switch price is $299 in the USA and £279 in the UK. At the moment, though, you may be paying a premium to get your hands on such an in-demand console. 

You won't find Nintendo Switch bundles on sale in the US right now - the stock has been completely wiped out. Nintendo Switch Lite stock has resurfaced at GameStop this week, but you'll have to move fast. 

• Newegg - recently price hiked, but previously strong stock levels 
• B&H Photo - offering standard pricing right up until stock ran out, but backorders are on their way
• Adorama - stock temporarily unavailable at time of writing
• Kohl's - no stock currently available

• More retailers: B&H Photo | Newegg | Adorama
• For the best gaming features and reviews check out a cheap Edge magazine subscription

• More retailers: John Lewis | ebuyer | Amazon | Currys | Argos

Nintendo Switch bundles: how to spot a good deal

Just because a Nintendo Switch bundle is cheap doesn't make it a good deal. Many retailers often include cheaper games with their Nintendo Switch bundles and still charge standard price. Games readily available for $20 - $30 can sneak their way into the premium-priced deals, lowering the overall value of the offering. In this case, it's worth picking up a Nintendo Switch deal with a full $60 game and grabbing the cheaper title separately if you're desperate to play it. For this reason, it's always worth double checking the going price of the bundled game you're picking up against the overall cost to make sure you're getting a good deal. 

• Shop all the latest cheap Nintendo Switch games 

The Nintendo Switch Lite was recently released at just $199.99/£199.99. That's $100/£80 less than the original Switch console. If you want to play games on the TV as well, you should go for the standard Nintendo Switch instead as the Lite is only playable in handheld mode.

The Nintendo Switch Lite comes in multiple colour options. You can pick one up now in turquoise, gray and yellow. There will also be a special edition Zacian & Zamazenta Edition released on November 8 to celebrate the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield. It doesn't come with the game, but doesn't cost anything extra either. If you want to learn more about the console and see prices for every individual color and bundle, check out our Nintendo Switch Lite prices and deals guide.

How to buy the right Nintendo Switch

The updated version of the original Nintendo Switch is now being rolled out with an improved battery. That's the only change, but prices are generally the same as the older model. The old version model number was HAC-001 and the box featured a lifestyle image with a hand grabbing the console. While the new model number is HAC-001(-01) and the box has an all-red background and no hand.

What are the Joy-Con controllers?

The Joy-Con controller is actually a pair of controllers that attach to the sides the the Nintendo Switch when not in use or when playing in tablet form away from the TV. When playing the Nintendo Switch on the TV, you can remove them and play with one in each hand. The left hand gets a controller with an analogue stick and d-pad, the right hand handles the one with a second analogue and the usual A, B, X and Y face buttons. Or you and a friend can use one each in multiplayer games with the d-pad doubling up as impromptu face buttons. 

You get a pair with the console, but you might want to buy more to allow extra players to get involved in games like Mario Kart 8, FIFA 19 and many more. Or maybe you just fancy some different colors for your own use.

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What's the Joy-Con Grip controller?

The Joy-Con Grip is an additional accessory that joins the two Joy-Con controllers together, forming something something a bit more solid for you to hold thanks to the extended handles and plastic block between the two sides. The square dimension form-factor may remind older gamers of the Dreamcast controller, while everyone else will mainly be thinking how it resembles an odd-looking dog face. Nintendo is providing one in the box with the Nintendo Switch, so you won't have to buy one separately. This won't charge your controller though and doesn't have a battery pack.

You won't actually need a Nintendo Switch Pro controller to play any games, so don't feel pressured in to buying one. The Nintendo Switch Pro controller is a more traditional-style pad and launched alongside the Nintendo Switch. Prices aren't cheap though, starting around $69.99/£64.99. There's no sign of a Nintendo Switch Premium Edition console with one included either.

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Do I need to buy extra controllers for multiplayer on Nintendo Switch?

Possibly not! Remember how the Joy-Con controller splits in two? Turn them sideways and you get two basic controllers, each with their own analogue stick and face buttons - the d-pad acts as face functions on the left controller. We've seen 2K's NBA series, Snipper Clips, FIFA 19, and Mario Kart being used this way for local multiplayer in both docked and tablet modes. So you get multiplayer functionality straight out of the box with no additional purchase required.

However, if you want to play four-player games, then you're going to need to invest in an extra pair of Joy-Con controllers or some Pro controllers. We'd buy the Joy-Cons as a pair (see our comparison chart above) as you'll save a bit of cash over buying them separately. Better yet, if your friends own a Switch, ask them to bring their controllers to the party!

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With only 32GB of internal storage, you'll be wanting to pick up a cheap memory card or two for your new Nintendo Switch for any digital purchases or the inevitable game-fixing patches. Don't fret though, they're actually surprisingly cheap, with even 64GB ones coming in at under £20/$25.

What memory cards does the Nintendo Switch need? Those will be Micro SD cards also known as, depending on their size, as MicroSDHC (up to 32GB) or MicroSDXC (up to a huge 2TB soon). Nintendo also has their own branded cards, but you'll be paying more just for a label. So for now, we'd take a look at this range of cheap MicroSDXC Nintendo Switch-friendly cards.

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An exercise bike is a great way to get a good workout indoors, whether it's an intense anaerobic spin session or a long endurance ride. They take up less space than a treadmill, are typically more affordable, and although demand has spiked while people are under lockdown, they're much easier to find.

Exercise bikes are still a big investment though, and your choice can make the difference between a machine that gives you a great daily workout, and something that just gathers dust.

• The best exercise bike deals in the US
• The best exercise bike deals in the UK

How to buy an exercise bike

Choosing the right exercise bike is a big decision, so what should you look for when making your choice? Olivia Neely, personal trainer at Starks Fitness (currently sharing home workout videos at starksfitnessgym on Instagram), gives the following advice.

Olivia Neely (Starks Fitness personal trainer):

We're several weeks into lockdown, and no doubt lifestyle adaptions are well underway. A strong positive is that it seems health and well-being has remained a primary focus for most. With that, home-workout equipment is widely sought after so we’re having to be strategic about our purchases. It’s worth considering equipment that can be used longer term. And of course, one that will match all your training desires; cardiovascular, endurance or strength. So how about an indoor exercise bike to help reach those goals, come rain or shine.

Here are a few tips to ensure you’re buying the right kit for your needs.

What type of bike?

The most obvious but important consideration. There are many types, all focusing on different cycling methods. An upright bike, a recumbent bike, a spin bike, the list goes on…

Think about your previous cycling experiences. Do you usually take a leisurely cycle along the river road? Or are you an avid mountain biker? Try and match your previous experience to your current goals.

Design

We all want a bike that’s aesthetically pleasing, but more first, how much space do you have for it? For most, the bike will remain in your living room or bedroom so make sure it fits! Also note, there more advanced equipment (with a higher price tag) will no doubt offer a neater design requiring less space.

Features

Features will vary depending on the bike you choose, but here are a few things to look out for:

• Emergency brake feature – a must
• Adjustable saddle and handlebar
• Resistance feature – the better the resistance variations, the more versatile the bike
• Interactive or self-motivating – if your budget can stretch, it's useful to have a bike that offer pre-programmed options to keep you motivated. Look out for enhancements such as Bluetooth connection so you can track your progress.

Price

With such a diversity of options, it’s important to be realistic with your budget. Consider brand new models vs second hand, as you can often find a ‘nearly new’ model for a fraction of the price.

The best exercise bike deals in the US

• Shop for exercise bikes at Walmart
• Shop for exercise bikes at ABT Fitness
• Shop for exercise bikes at Amazon
• Shop for exercise bikes at Best Buy

The best exercise bike deals in the UK

• Shop for exercise bikes at Argos
• Shop for exercise bikes at Fitness Superstore
• Shop for exercise bikes at Amazon

The best exercise bike deals in Australia

• Shop for exercise bikes at Rebel
• Shop for exercise bikes at Catch

• How and where to buy a treadmill

Humans and vampires really aren't that different - at least not when it comes to life under lockdown. But while the last few weeks may have made you want to barf at the sight of your housemates, try rooming together for a few hundred years - which is exactly what this bloodsucking Staten Island posse have been doing. Here's how to watch What We Do In The Shadows season 2 online for free - stream episode 7 and more no matter where your coffin is right now.

For anyone new to the show, What We Do In the Shadows is directed by Taika Waititi and is based on his 2014 film of the same name. It follows the lives of Nandor the Relentless, Laszlo Cravensworth, Nadja and Colin Robinson - four vamps who live together in one of the duller parts of New York City.

The quartet of bloodsuckers is nominally led by Nandor, played by 41-year-old British actor Kayvan Novak. Some readers may recognize him from the shows like Fonejacker, or the film Four Lions, but in this instance he's all-vampire and is loyally served by his 'patient familiar', Guillermo (Harvey Guillén), who dreams of one day becoming undead himself - because of a certain Antonio Banderas movie.

Nandor's chief rival is English nobleman Laszlo Cravensworth - the always-hilarious Matt Berry of The IT Crowd, Mighty Boosh and Year of the Rabbit fame. In What We Do In The Shadows, he's married to his vampire and roomie Nadja (Natasia Demetriou), though their relationship might not be quite what it seems.

The bloodsucking household is rounded out by a Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch), a 'daywalker' vampire who the others secretly envy because he displays few outward signs of vampirism and is thus able to walk among the living - and even hold down an office job that pays most of the rent.

Whether you're new to this ridiculous, supernatural mockumentary - which is one of best Hulu shows around right now - or can't wait to see who gets it in the neck next, here's how to watch What We Do In The Shadows season 2 online and stream every episode for free from anywhere today.

• Missing sports? Here's how to watch The Last Dance online

Watch What We Do In The Shadows online from outside your country

The coronavirus has put things like holidays and work trips on the backburner for the time being but the fact is international travel will one day resume - and you may even be stuck outside your country of origin, for whatever reason, right now. If and when that's the case, you could be forgiven for wanting a taste of home comforts.

If that means streaming the services you normally would, geo-blocking can prove to be a major obstacle - but fortunately there's an easy solution. Using a little handy trick, you can get around these pesky digital borders using a VPN. This will allow you to watch What We Do In The Shadows season 2 by changing your IP to your nation of residence. Which VPN is best for you? Let's take a look.

How to watch Watch What We Do In The Shadows: stream season 2 for free in the US

What We Do In The Shadows season 2: UK release date and how to watch

• Read more: Discover the best BBC iPlayer VPNs

How to watch What We Do In The Shadows season 2 online in Australia

Looking for a punchy new show to watch that doesn't conform to TV norms? Then Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Vicky Jones, the dynamic duo behind Fleabag, have just what you need. Read on and find out how to watch Run online and stream every episode from anywhere in the world, including for free.

Run follows Ruby (played by Emmy-winning Nurse Jackie star Merritt Wever) as she leaves her comfortable suburban family life behind to reunite with college sweetheart Billy, an Irish life coach. He's played by Domhnall Gleeson, who's come some way since his time as Bill Weasley in the Harry Potter franchise.

The story unfolds as the pair go off on a whirlwind trip across America to honor a pact they made back at university - if either one of them texts the word "run" and the other replies with the same, it's time to drop everything and meet at Grand Central Station in New York City.

A transatlantic co-production between HBO and Sky Comedy, Jones serves as writer and producer, while Waller-Bridge stars as key character Laurel in addition to her executive producer credit. Keep reading and we'll tell you where to watch Run online and stream episode 6 no matter where you are right now.

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

How to watch Run online in the US

How to watch Run in the UK

How to watch Run online in Canada right now

How to watch Run online in Australia 

• More new TV: here's how to watch DC's Stargirl online

Memorial Day 2020 is almost here and the holiday weekend not only marks the unofficial start to summer, but its also a fantastic opportunity to find incredible deals from your favorite retailers like Lowe's, Best Buy, Home Depot, Amazon, and more. Memorial Day sales include discounts on everything from patio furniture, lawnmowers, appliances, and grills to laptops, mattresses, clothing, and TVs.

To help guide you through all the offers, we've put together a list of the best Memorial Day sales that are happening right now. We've also hand-picked the top standout deals from a variety of online retailers. Our top Memorial Day sale picks include up to 65% off patio furniture at Wayfair, the Insignia 50-inch 4K Fire TV on sale for just $289.99, up to $400 off mattress + sleep bundle at Purple, and the Ecovacs robot vacuum cleaner on sale for only $159.99.

Make sure to bookmark this page as we'll be continuously updating it with all the best Memorial Day deals leading up to the weekend sale event. Plus, with Amazon Prime Day 2020 still up in the air, this might be your last chance to score record-low prices.

The best Memorial Day sales:

• Amazon - deals on appliances and home items
• Best Buy - Memorial Day appliance sale, save on top-brand appliances
• Home Depot - save up to 40% off appliances, patio, tools and more
• Target - Memorial Day sale, up to 25% off patio items
• Wayfair - big outdoor sale, up to 65% off
• Lowe's- up to 40% off appliances, patio furniture and more
• Dell - save big on laptops, monitors, TVs, and more
• Purple - up to $400 off mattress + sleep bundle
• 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
• Saatva - take $200  off orders of $1,000+
• 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
• 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
• Dreamcloud - $200 off any mattress + 2 free pillows
• B&H Photo - save up to 59% off sitewide
• 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.
  
  

The best noise-cancelling headphones are essential in the age of hot-desking, working from home, and noisy commutes, bringing you exceptional audio quality and the ability to listen to your music in total peace.

A great pair of noise-cancelling headphones can help you slip into a state of pure audio nirvana, whether you're trying to steal a moment of peace and quiet, or you just want to listen to your music without any distractions.

Noise-cancelling headphones are true wonders of the modern era because they can totally tune out any unwanted sounds and ambient noise while making your music sound even better than any old pair of in-ear earbuds (except for fantastic noise-cancelling true wireless earbuds like the Sony WF-1000XM3s and the Apple AirPods Pro, of course). 

This high-end tech isn't just reserved for a few models. There are also so many styles and brands to choose from these days, from the ultra-premium to budget-friendly cans – and our latest entry, the JBL Tune 750BTNC prove that you don't have to spend loads to achieve truly accomplished noise cancellation.

Whatever you're looking for, we've rounded up the very best noise-cancelling headphones you can buy right now, based on value for money, design, and sound quality – read on for our top picks.

The Sony WH-1000XM3 are the best noise-cancelling headphones in the world for two years running now. Sure, they might have had only a small refinement after last year's excellent WH-1000XM2, but subtle tweaks like using USB-C instead of microUSB and  adding padding along the bridge help make Sony's award-winning cans even better.

So why does everyone love these Sony headphones so much? Well, it's exceptionally good at cancelling outside noise. Put a pair on while vacuuming and you'll barely hear the motor running. 

For music lovers, the Sony WH-1000XM3 features aptX HD and Sony LDAC, two of the best ways to listen to Hi-Res music from your phone without a wire. Finally, all of Sony's flagship headphones offer both Google Assistant and, starting in 2019, Alexa support, making them not only the best noise-cancelling cans on the market but some of the smartest, too.

We could see the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones in the near future; rumors of an imminent release date have been circling since an FCC filing from Sony revealed the model number of the new noise-cancelling headphones. For now though, the WH-1000XM3s are still the cream of the noise-cancelling crop. 

Read more: Sony WH-1000XM3 review

They don't quite beat the Sony WH-1000XM3s in terms of battery life and price, but the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are still a brilliant pair of over-ear cans – and the best Bose headphones we've reviewed. 

Traditionally, noise-cancelling headphones have been designed to block out the environmental sounds around you, so that you can hear your music more clearly (or catch some shut-eye on a noisy flight). 

This can be really effective if you’re listening to music. If you’re making a phone call however, the person you’re speaking to can still hear everything that’s happening around you.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 seek to remedy this, by applying noise-cancellation to phone calls as well as music, which is fantastic feature.

The sound quality is undeniably good, with a vibrant, lively character and well-balanced soundstage.

If you’re trying to decide between buying the Sony WH-1000XM3s and the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, we’d recommend going for the former because of that lower price and better battery life. That being said, you wouldn’t be making a mistake if you opted for the Bose cans instead (and we wouldn’t blame you if you did) – they sound great, look stunning, and the noise-cancellation is out of this world. 

Read more: Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 review 

If you can find a pair, the Sony WH-1000XM2 are still some of the best noise-cancelling headphones around: They sound great, deftly wield noise cancellation technology and cost just as much as a pair of Bose QC35s. 

They might have a slightly shorter battery life than Bose’s flagship over-ear headphones, but Sony’s WH-1000XM2 outclass the QC35 in terms of performance and feature-set.  

You’d want to pick these Sony headphones over the Bose because not only do they provide the same level of awesome noise-cancellation, but they have three neat tricks that Bose just doesn't have on its older headphones.

One is an ambient noise mode that only lets in mid-to-high frequency tones (announcements over a loudspeaker, for instance) and another is Quick Attention mode that allows you to let in all outside noise without taking off the headphones. 

The last trick Sony has up its sleeve is the LDAC codec. Alongside the widely adopted aptX HD standard, LDAC enables Hi-Res Audio playback using the 1000XM2.

Great-sounding, feature-packed and just as affordable as the competition? The Sony WH-1000XM2 are a solid all-around pick for noise-cancelling cans.

Read more: Sony WH-1000XM2 review

Coming in at number four are the Bose QuietComfort 35 II - a nearly identical product to the already-excellent Bose QuietComfort 35 but updated for 2018 with Google Assistant. This means you still get the class-leading noise cancellation Bose is known for, good sound quality and incredible comfort, plus a convenient assistant to answer any inquiries you might have while traveling.  

Taken as a whole, the Bose QC35 II NC are an excellent  pair of headphones for travelers and commuters. Bose has found a good balance of features that will satisfy most mainstream listeners. While we don't love them as much as the better-sounding Sony WH-1000XM2, they're still top of the class for noise cancellation.

Despite the popularity of the QC35s, Bose has shaken things up by releasing a totally new wireless noise-cancelling headphones model, with a focus on sleek design and “breakthrough” audio tech: the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. They may not have pipped Sony to the top spot of the best noise-cancelling headphones, but they're still a fantastic pair of over-ear headphones, coming in at number two.

Read more: Bose QuietComfort 35 II review

It's not often you'll find a pair of wired earbuds, let alone a pair of true wireless earbuds on a list of the best noise-cancelling headphones; considering it's still rare to find the technology in earphones at all, the Sony WF-1000XM3s are very impressive indeed, and fully deserve a place in this roundup. 

The Sony WF-1000XM3s manage to offer a level of noise cancellation that's very good for a pair of earbuds – they won't offer the same isolation as a pair of over-ear cans, but if you're after a sleek form factor then the compromise is worth it. 

Not only are these hands down the best-looking true wireless headphones out there, but they combine serious noise-cancelling tech with fist-pumping musicality. If you don’t want the inconvenience of carrying full-size cans, they’re a persuasive alternative.

Read more: Sony WF-1000XM3 review

The Razer Opus is an odd release – Razer has always seemed to live by the creed "for gamers, by gamers", with a wealth of gaming mice, keyboards and even some of the best gaming laptops we've ever used. However, the Opus looks to branch out further: it's a pair of noise-cancelling headphones meant more for your daily commute than your daily deathmatch in Halo 2. 

It's surprisingly affordable for what it brings to the table: for $199 (about £160, AU$300), you're getting a surprisingly stylish pair of headphones that will cancel out outside noise, with plenty of quality of life features that will make them appealing to people who may have never engaged with the brand. 

Read more: Razer Opus review

Offering class-leading battery life, terrific style and plenty of personalization when it comes to sound profiles, the Elite 85h is easy to recommend. That said, purists will bemoan the lack of high-end codec support and there are punchier headphones on the market at this price point. 

When you consider that Jabra’s Elite 85h headphones are the company’s first attempt at premium wireless ANC headphones, the result is quite commendable. We can’t wait to see what the company’s next premium ANC headphones will accomplish.  

If you want an alternative to Sony's WH-1000XM3, these are a great option.

Read more: Jabra Elite 85H review

Apple's most recent true wireless earbuds come with active noise cancellation, as well as a better fit and sound than their predecessors, the Apple AirPods.

However, at $249 / £249 / AU$399/ R4199, they’re pretty pricey, but they're optimized for iPhone users. The redesign means they’re far less likely to fall out, and the additional microphones provide strong noise cancellation, as well as a useful Transparency mode, which really does let the outside world in.

The sound quality of the AirPods Pro has certainly improved since the previous iteration – there’s a notable emphasis on vocals and bass, meaning these earbuds are better for pop fans than those that enjoy a more natural presentation that lends itself to classical music or more orchestral sounds.

Apparently, there's a new AirPods model on the horizon to join the original buds and the newer Pros. The AirPods Pro Lite are rumored to be a new, cheaper variant of the company's popular true wireless earbuds, and they could be released this year.

Read more: Apple AirPods Pro review

The Marshall Monitor II ANC are undoubtedly the brand’s best headphones yet; the audio quality on offer here far surpasses any of its previous models, with a balanced presentation, smooth mids, and a generally powerful, rock-ready sound. 

They feel comfortable, come with tons of cool rock heritage, and look stylish. That, alongside their good noise cancellation, easy controls and accompanying app, makes the Marshall Monitor II ANCs a compelling alternative to the Sony WH-1000XM3.

They don't quite win out in terms of sound quality or noise cancelation, but these over-ear headphones are still very good indeed. 

Read more: Marshall Monitor II ANC review

If you’re looking for really stylish noise-cancelling headphones and you're not put off by the $399 / £349 / AU$600/ R3999 price tag, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 are well worth considering. 

With sophisticated noise cancellation, brilliant sound quality, and a honed aesthetic, the PX7 could give any of the headphones on this list a run for their money. 

Plus, they're packing aptX Adaptive for improved stability and latency between the headphones and your device, as well as high-quality (24-bit) streaming aptX HD brought to the table.

Read more: Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Wireless Headphones review

In terms of sheer sound quality, the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless headphones sound brilliant, with high levels of detail, warm bass, and natural-sounding highs. 

The customizable noise cancellation on offer here is also good, but it doesn’t quite reach the class-leading standards set by the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless headphones.

They have nowhere near the battery life of Sony’s headphones, and are more expensive – which begs the question, why buy the Sennheisers when you could have the WH-1000XM3?

Well, if built-in Tile tracking appeals to you, and you like the industrial design and premium materials of the Momentum 3 Wireless, that could be reason enough – and if you do opt for them over the Sony model, you won’t be missing out on any audio quality. In that respect, they’re truly matched. 

Read more: Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless review

JBL is a popular name in the world of headphones and Bluetooth speakers, and rightly so. Solidly dependable, consumers know what to expect from the brand – decent sound quality for a decent price. 

That's what we found with the JBL Live 650BTNC last year – and now, ready to take their place are the JBL Tune 750BTNC, a superior successor to the 650BTNC's as a high-spec and well-priced set of over-ear headphones.

The JBL Tune 750BTNC sound great, look great, and they fit well. Reliable and easy to use, you might miss waterproofing and a few minor features – but at this price, it feels foolish to complain too readily.

Read more: JBL Tune 750BTNC review

While they're not quite up to par with the flagship noise-cancelling cans from Sony and Bose, Microsoft’s Surface headphones are surprisingly good, with a stunningly warm sound, and generous bass frequencies.

Problematically, the active noise-cancelling works pretty well, although it won’t block out all ambient noise in your environment, especially if you're somewhere noisy. That being said, if you have the noise-cancelling turned on while listening to music, you can pretty much get lost in the experience without being disturbed by your noisy shared office of the rumbling of the train on your commute.  

Although we were initially unconvinced by the high price (particularly when you can buy quality cans from heritage audio brands for less), most of the Surface Headphone's features work so seamlessly that it feels justified.

[Update: There's a new pair of Microsoft noise-cancelling headphones on the block. The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 come with "improved sound quality and 13 levels of ambient noise control"  – and they're considerably cheaper, too.]

Read more: Microsoft Surface Headphones review

The sound quality, battery life, and design of the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 are truly brilliant – and they're a really good alternative to the Sony WF-1000XM3, particularly if you prefer a more flashy design to adorn your ears.

We did find that those with smaller ears sometimes find them a little uncomfortable, however, and their high price just stops them from taking the top spot of this round up. 

Otherwise? Sennheiser has pretty much knocked it out of the park with these buds, offering great noise cancellation alongside smart looks and stunning sound. 

Read more: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 review

If you haven't found something quite to your liking so far, we have one last option for you to look at – the all-new Nura Nuraphone over-ear/in-ear hybrid. Their form factor means you’ve not only got an earbud sitting at the entrance of your ear canal, but also an over-ear cushion sitting over your entire ear. This effectively means you’ve got two physical barriers meaning that the noise from the outside world can’t get to your ears. While more traditional over-ear headphones do a better job offering useful features at a reasonable price, the Nuraphone will appeal to the more experimental audio crowd looking to be on the bleeding-edge of the next big thing.

Read more: Nuraphone Headphones review

Best noise-cancelling headphones at a glance

1. Sony WH-1000XM3
2. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
3. Sony WH-1000XM2
4. Bose QuietComfort 35 II
5. Sony WF-1000XM3 True Wireless Earbuds
6. Razer Opus
7. Jabra Elite 85H
8. Apple AirPods Pro
9. Marshall Monitor II ANC
10. Bowers and WIlkins PX Wireless
11. Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless
12. JBL Tune 750BTNC
13. Microsoft Surface Headphones
14. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2

What is noise cancellation?

Noise-cancelling headphones use analogue and electronic methods to block out the environmental sound around you, allowing you to listen to your music in peace without distraction. Most noise-cancelling headphones make use of the following two approaches:

Passive noise cancellation
This is when the headphones physically block outside sound from reaching your ears, and this can be achieved in a number of ways. Noise-cancelling over-ear headphones typically have heavily padded earcups to achieve this, while in-ear headphones need to fit snugly in your ear to create a tight seal, stopping environmental sounds from entering.

Active noise cancellation
This method uses inbuilt microphones to analyze environmental noise and create 'anti-noise' frequencies that are mixed in with your music playback. This effectively cancels out the sound of your surroundings using analogue or digital filters.

How to choose the best noise-cancelling headphones

We believe that noise-cancelling headphones are just as vital as your laptop, TV or mobile phone when it comes to tech that'll change how you live, work and play – especially if you have a long commute each day or a flight ahead of you. That means that choosing the right pair for you is important – the demands of a good pair of headphones for a flight are different to those you'll only ever use at home.

Design is hugely important, as a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones need to be comfortable for long listening sessions – look out for padded earcups and headbands in materials like memory foam for ultimate comfort. 

Padded earcups also help with passive noise cancellation – in other words, they physically block sound from entering your ears. This works in tandem with active noise cancellation, with the best noise-cancelling headphones using a combination of the two methods to get rid of outside noise. 

Not a fan of over-ear headphones? Nowadays, you can even find true wireless earbuds with noise cancellation built-in, so there really is an option for everyone.

As with any pair of headphones, the sound quality needs to be good, even if your focus is blocking out the world around you. How you define good sound quality depends on your personal taste. Do you like a warm, well-rounded sound, or do you prefer ultra high-fidelity that allows you to hear every single detail of your music? Are you a dedicated bass head or a classical music junkie?

The Apple AirPods Pro are among the best wireless earbuds you can buy right now. With great noise-cancellation, an improved design (compared to the original AirPods), and a snug fit, they’re hard to beat – especially if you’re a fan of Apple products.

However, the AirPods Pro aren’t perfect. They’re expensive and even the new and improved design doesn’t mean they aren’t prone to slipping out of place from time to time. Which is why, when it comes to the best true wireless earbuds on the market, the Sony WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds currently take our top spot. 

We rewarded the Sony WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds 5 out of 5 stars when we reviewed them in late 2019, thanks to their top noise-cancellation, solid audio performance and minimal looks. But given that they’re similar to the Apple AirPods Pro in many ways, the big question is: which pair of true wireless earbuds should you buy?

Of course, the answer will be different for everyone depending on your priorities and style. But below we’ve weighed up the pros and cons of each pair of earbuds based on key factors, like design and sound performance. 

Read on to find out whether the AirPods Pro or the Sony WF-1000XM3 should win the battle for your ears.

• We think Apple is on the verge of releasing a new version of the AirPods Pro; the AirPods Pro Lite are said to be a cheaper version of the true wireless earbuds. As well as that, we're expecting to see the AirPods 3 and the AirPods Studio in 2020.

AirPods Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM3: price

The Apple AirPods Pro cost $249 / £249 / AU$399. This is a big price difference when you compare them to the 2019 AirPods, which cost $159 / £159 / AU$249 (with the standard charging case), and $199 / £199 / AU$319 with the Wireless Charging Case. 

That means they’re not meant to be a direct replacement for the 2019 AirPods. But is that big price hike worth it? When we compared the Apple AirPods Pro with the Apple AirPods we found there’s a lot more on offer with the Pro model, most notably noise-cancellation and active EQ. But that still doesn’t mean many of us would be able to justify the price. 

In comparison, the Sony WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds cost $230 / £220 / €250 (Ireland) and AU$400. They’re available in regular black, and champagne silver.

Sure the Sony WF-1000XM3 buds aren’t a great deal cheaper than the AirPods Pro, but it’s worth noting that they’re roughly a third cheaper than Sony’s over-ear WH-1000XM3 model – which shares the same noise-cancelling technology. They’re also competitively priced against rival wireless earbuds, including the $299 Bose QuietControl 30 – buds that also offer active noise cancelling. 

It's also worth bearing in mind that there are some great Sony WF-1000XM3 deals out there at the moment – right now, AirPods Pro deals are a little more rare, but you can still find them if you look hard enough. We've done the hard work for you, and you can check out the best prices for both models below:

AirPods Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM3: design

The design of a pair of true wireless earbuds is often down to personal preference – do you want a bulky pair sticking out of your ears so everyone knows you have them in? Or do you like something unobtrusive and minimal?

Despite being slim and fairly minimal, the Apple AirPods Pro have a distinct look when you wear them. The stems of the Pro might be smaller than the original AirPods, but they’re still obviously Apple products.

Although the shorter stem might sound appealing, in practice it took some getting used to. That’s because there’s a ‘capacitive force sensor’ in the stem, which is a small ridge on each of the AirPods Pro that you can squeeze to activate noise-cancelling / Transparency mode, or skip and pause tracks. The shorter stem makes activating that ridge a little trickier, but we did find it became second nature within a few weeks.

In contrast, the Sony WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds have a simple design and sit just outside of your ear rather than hanging down from them, like the AirPods Pro stems. This makes them look very unobtrusive, especially because their design is overall very simple with minimal, clean lines. 

When it comes to comfort, the Apple AirPods Pro have had a big improvement over the original AirPods. They stay in place snugly and don’t bounce around, even when you’re jogging or charging up a flight of stairs. 

This is largely due to the customizable fit with three differently-sized silicone tips on offer. Apple helps you find which is best for you thanks to a fit test, which you can run on the app once the earbuds are in place.

The only downside is if you sweat, the silicon tips can start to slide around a little. However, the important thing is they didn’t fall out. Which means if you’re someone who struggled with the fit of the original AirPods when running, these are a huge step forward and fit far more comfortably. However, during our testing, we found the Apple AirPods Pro to also be extremely light. This is a pro in that it makes them comfortable to wear, but could be dangerous if one were to fall out – we’re not sure we’d notice.

The Sony WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds cleverly twist into place and, once there, stay secured by the structure of your ear. This design feels intuitive and means the experience of wearing them is snug and comfortable. 

There’s a selection of seven different non-slip rubber and foam earbud covers supplied in the box, so you should experiment to find one that offers the best fit and comfort level.

Although neither of these earbuds are designed with sports in mind, a big plus of the AirPods Pro when it comes to design is that they’re IPX4 water-resistant. This means you can use them in the rain and if you’re sweating a lot and it won’t affect their performance. 

AirPods Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM3: battery life

Battery life is important for a good pair of true wireless earbuds. What’s the point of going wireless if they die after a few hours? 

During our testing, we found the Sony WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds last around 6 hours on one charge. If you forgo noise cancellation altogether, you can claim back another couple of hours, which combined with the charging case, gives you 24 hours in total.

They come with a smart rechargeable case, which doubles as a battery pack and has a quick charge mode. Plug-in for ten minutes and you’ll get another 90 minutes of juice. This is perfect if you need a quick boost before a flight – and the case charges over USB-C in about three hours.

In comparison, the AirPods Pro last 4.5 hours with noise-cancelling and around 5 without. The AirPods Pro’s charging case will give you over 24 hours of listening time when fully charged and also has a fast-charging mode. 

So, when in terms of battery life, the Sony WF-1000XM3s just edge past the AirPod Pros, at least when it comes to the earbuds themselves – with the charging cases included though, both models will give you about 24 hours of listening time in total.

AirPods Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM3: noise cancellation

Both earbuds boast advanced noise-cancellation tech, which begs the question: which true wireless earbuds are the best when it comes to audio performance and noise-cancelling smarts?

Sony has a strong legacy of noise-cancelling tech. The Sony WF-1000XM3 headphones were among the first pairs of true wireless earbuds to use active noise-cancelling, thanks to a Sony QN1e HD noise-cancelling processor. That’s the same processor you’d find in the Sony WH-1000XM3 over-ear headphones, which have consistently been our pick for the best headphones you can buy since they launched in 2018. 

Because they’re true wireless rather than over-ear, the Sony WF-1000XM3 headphones don’t quite match up to the WH-1000XM3s when it comes to noise-cancellation, but they’re not far off.

Although we found they didn’t drown out the sounds you hear on a plane (like take-off, announcements, etc), and therefore might not be the best bet for long-haul travel, where Sony’s noise-cancelling really scored was the everyday commute. Whether it was by train, tram or bus, the noise suppression is high. They’re also very good at eliminating nearby chatter, thanks to dual noise sensors in each bud. 

We also found it virtually impossible to hold a conversation with Active Noise Cancelling engaged – which is a good thing, especially if you work in a busy office environment. 

Although Sony may have a history of noise-cancelling devices, the AirPods Pro feature Apple’s latest noise-cancelling tech. We found that when active noise cancellation is on there’s a strong and noticeable effect.

Similarly, it won’t shut out all other sounds around you – if you’re in an office and there’s music playing, a small amount might still bleed through. But if you’re walking down the street, the AirPod Pros practically shut off all the noise of a motor bike, and any constant noise (like a fan or constant wind) is shut out very well, too. We also found they worked well on a train, making a huge difference when the mode was turned on and off.

AirPods Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM3: sound quality

Both headphones may be similar when it comes to noise-cancellation, but how do they compare when it comes to sound quality? 

The Sony WF-1000XM3 wireless buds have 6mm drivers that we found exuded clarity and rhythm. They serve up a wide, expansive soundstage, with believable spatial detail – which is great from such small buds. 

When listening to podcasts, the mid-range is smooth. If you prefer to rock out, they roll with the best of them – guitars have edge, drums are tight and hard. Bass sounds good, but if you want a really pronounced thump you’re best off opting for over-ears anyway. 

With the AirPods Pro, Apple is showing off its custom drivers, improved bass and an adaptive equalizer. What does this mean when it comes to sound quality? Well, when we tested the AirPods Pro with a range of tracks, we found vocals often sounded really rich and the bass, in particular, was more powerful than the AirPods 2.

This was present across acoustic, indie rock, electro, pop, and hip-hop – but equally across these genres, the separation between high mid and low was only average. There’s still a feeling that the sound is 'closed off', by which we mean it sounds as though the music is coming from inside your head. This isn't ideal and high-quality headphones tend to make it sound as if the sound is coming at you from all angles instead.

We also found that compared to on-ear headphones (or some top true wireless earbuds, like both the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 and, yes, the Sony WF-1000XM3) it was harder to hear all the details in the music in the AirPods Pro.

Having said that, vocals in pop music came through clearly with rich and balanced mid-frequencies. But classical music sounded a little duller than it should. 

One additional feature it’s worth mentioning here is that the AirPods Pro send exact volume levels to your iPhone so you can see if you’re listening to things too loudly. It’s a small but significant step in hearing health that could win some people over.

AirPods Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM3: takeaway 

When we put some headphones head-to-head there’s a clear winner. But when it comes to choosing between the Apple AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds, you can’t really go wrong. 

If we had to choose we’d say go with the Sony WF-1000XM3. These earbuds have broader appeal, better sound and are cheaper. The design will also appeal to most people, as will the extra battery life. 

But it’s a very close call. The AirPods Pro have good noise-cancellation and fit well. It’s also a bonus that they’re water-resistant and have the added hearing health feature. It’s also worth bearing in mind that if you already own Apple products, including an iPhone, the AirPods Pro make a lot of sense.

Given there’s not much in it when it comes to pricing and battery life, the choice is also largely down to personal preference. If you like the AirPods aesthetic, you’re still getting a very premium pair of wireless earbuds. 

• If you want even more choice, check out our review of the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 true wireless earbuds 

Sex Education 3 is official on Netflix – now we just have to wait for its release date. While production on Sex Education season 3 is currently on hold as a result of the global health crisis, we still expect the much-loved British sitcom to return to the streaming service in 2021. 

Sex Education is set in the picturesque Welsh countryside, primarily at Moordale High School. Here, we explore the lives, loves and intimate hang-ups of the school's students and beyond. Mother and son Jean and Otis – played by Gillian Anderson and Asa Butterfield – help their friends and colleagues with their sexual issues. It's Jean's profession, but Otis does it to make money. Over the first two seasons, the show's characters develop in rewarding ways, and Sex Education explores a number of sensitive topics with a careful touch. 

Below, we'll tell you everything you need to know about Sex Education season 3, including its likely release date, cast, where we think the story will go next. Will Otis finally stop messing around and win Maeve's heart? Spoilers follow. 

• You season 3: release date and everything we know
• The Witcher season 2: what we know about the fantasy drama's return
• Umbrella Academy season 2: when to expect the superhero drama's return

Sex Education season 3 release date predictions: 2021?

We expect the Sex Education season 3 release date to be early 2021, depending on how long the show's current health crisis-related filming hiatus lasts.

If Netflix holds true to its current pattern of release for the show, which given its rating success seems possible, we predict we'll see season 3 release in January 2021. Production details are still quite scarce, but Production Weekly has the third season listed in a recent 2020 production schedule for May, so the timing roughly lines up. 

Sex Education season 3 trailer: a teaser of what to expect next year

Fortunately, Netflix seems to understand exactly how thirsty Sex Education fans are for more of the show, and the streamer marked the season 3 renewal announcement with a teaser trailer. Much like season 2’s initial reveal trailer, which featured Gillian Anderson delivering a sultry monologue about the benefits of sex ed, the season 3 teaser is playfully narrated by Alistair Petrie’s Principal Groff.

We see the taciturn principal walking the halls of Moordale High, passing portraits of Sex Education’s main cast as he notes what the future could possibly hold for each of them. The teaser wraps up with an invitation to find out more in the Sex Education season 3, but stops short of a proper release date.

Sex Education season 3 cast: who we expect to return

While a cast list for season three is yet to be confirmed, we feel pretty confident in assuming the characters featured in the teaser video are returning. 

Series headliners Asa Butterfield (Otis Milburn) and Gillian Anderson (Dr Jean Milburn) are featured, along with a sizeable chunk of the supporting cast including Emma Mackey (Maeve Wiley), Ncuti Gatwa (Eric Effiong), Connor Swindells (Adam Groff) and Patricia Allison (Ola Nyman). Given how heavily season 2 leaned into an ensemble narrative approach, it would be difficult to imagine the show returning without the bulk of the cast reprising their roles.

Anderson tweeted about Sex Education season 3 on the day of the renewal (note the patterns on the ceiling above her):

Sex Education season 3 story: what we expect from the next set of episodes

Series creator and writer Laurie Nunn was already hard at work on the script for a third season well before Netflix renewed the show

In an interview with LADbible, Nunn touches on the tight working schedule for the series, noting that the writing process of another season before confirmed renewal is a normal part of how TV production works. When asked about the potential for future stories, Nunn said, "I love writing these characters. It's such a big ensemble and I think the theme of the show – in terms of it being about sex and relationships – it really just offers up endless story opportunities."

Sex Education season 2 pivoted away from its focus on Otis and instead opted to lend almost equal time to the wonderfully diverse characters around him. The internet’s newest queer icon Eric (Gatwa) benefited the most from this shift in show structure, allowing for a nuanced and moving insight into the struggles of a young black queer man. His popularity clearly hasn’t gone without notice, as the teaser video for the third season is largely focused on the potential of his blooming romance with his former bully Adam.

Eric isn’t the only student with love on the brain, of course. The timeless 'will they, won’t they?' dance between Otis and Maeve (Mackey) seems set to come to a head. The somewhat divisive final scenes of season two saw Otis confess his love to Maeve in a voicemail, only for it to be deleted by Maeve’s new love interest before she could hear it. 

While some fans have been critical of this story beat as an artificial extension of the character’s ongoing love dilemma, the show’s director shrugs off any potential backlash. In a chat with BT, Ben Taylor says "I think shoes will be thrown at screens. In a good way. I love being p***ed off at stuff. You think you want it, but you don't”. 

There are plenty more threads featuring the supporting cast that need to be picked up in Sex Education season 3. Jean ends season two with a newfound appreciation for emotional intimacy with her on-again, off-again partner Jakob thanks to her friendship with Adam’s freshly divorced mother Maureen. Elsewhere, various students are now grappling with revelations about their identity and place in the world as they face the realities of sexual assault trauma, non-conventional identities and the looming prospects of the future. 

It's one of Netflix's best shows

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter about further developments for the show, Nunn is excited about the places she and her writers can take the eclectic cast. “These characters ... they've got legs. I think I could do some more with them if we're given the chance,” she said. “[Netflix] is very supportive and really wanting us to tell the stories that we feel passionate about. It really feels like we're all on the same page, wanting to make the same show.”  

It’s an exciting prospect for a show primarily made by young, diverse talent both in front of and behind the camera. It’s not hard to see why Sex Education has resonated so deeply with fans. It offers a very human, non-judgemental look at the issues facing not just teenagers, but many adults who are still coming to terms with their own sexuality. Nunn’s writing is razor-sharp, and the show’s inclusive agenda makes it a fine addition to Netflix’s growing library of progressive media and stories. 

Bring on season 3. 

• The best Netflix shows

Memorial Day sales are in full force just ahead of the long holiday weekend. You can already find incredible deals from your favorite retailers like Home Depot, Best Buy, Dell, and more. It's the perfect opportunity to score record-low prices on outdoor items like patio furniture, grills, lawnmowers, and decor. You can also find massive discounts on TVs, mattresses, laptops, appliances, and so much more.

To help guide you through all the offers, we've put together a list of the best Memorial Day sales of 2020 that are happening right now. We've also hand-picked the top standout deals from a variety of online retailers. Our top Memorial Day sale picks include up to $500 in savings on top-brand appliances at Best Buy, up to 40% off outdoor items at Home Depot, and Nectar is offering $399 of free accessories with every mattress purchase. If you're looking for tech deals, Amazon has the new AirPods Pro on sale for $228, and the Hisense 50-inch 4K Roku TV on sale for just $279.99 at Best Buy.

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 holiday sale event.

The best Memorial Day sales:

• Amazon - deals on appliances and home items
• Best Buy - Memorial Day appliance sale, save on top-brand appliances
• Home Depot - save up to 40% off appliances, patio, tools and more
• Target - Memorial Day sale, up to 25% off patio items
• Wayfair - big outdoor sale, up to 65% off
• Lowe's- up to 40% off appliances, patio furniture and more
• Dell - save big on laptops, monitors, TVs, and more
• Purple - up to $400 off mattress + sleep bundle
• 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
• Saatva - take $200  off orders of $1,000+
• 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
• 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
• Dreamcloud - $200 off any mattress + 2 free pillows
• B&H Photo - save up to 59% off sitewide
• 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.