Andris Veliks - techRadar

Week in Review: The top stories in phones, AI, entertainment, and more

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 20:12:00 +0000

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October 3, 2025

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Welcome to the Week in Review

This week continued the theme of ‘AI is everywhere’, as we rapidly shift from using AI mostly in chatbots to engaging with AI systems like Alexa+ and Gemini across a wide range of new smart-home technology.

It feels like the other shoe is dropping. To be fair, Amazon had promised this integration with the preview release of Alexa+ six months ago, but now we finally have hardware, like the new Echo Dot Max, built specifically for the generative AI system.

Hours after Amazon unveiled its new speakers and smart displays, Google was rolling out its own new Nest and Home devices, infused with Gemini smarts. In short, we’ll soon all be talking to our smart homes in new ways – and hopefully getting the automation responses we desire.

On the other side of the AI spectrum is the huge Sora 2 release, which is not just a new video generator; it's the first one launching with its own social network. It’s so powerful that I think we’re about to lose the ability to trust any video we see. *sigh*.

Meanwhile, in the world of good old-fashioned smartphones, we got a glimpse into a not-so-exciting 6G future, and we're still wondering where that long-rumored tri-fold Samsung Galaxy phone is at.

If all of that isn't distracting enough, how about Xbox jacking up Unlimited prices? It's a big topic of discussion in my house and, unsurprisingly, no one is happy. Maybe it’s because we’re being hit by price hikes from every service and streaming platform – and personally I'm getting tired of the burgeoning tech subscription culture. *double sigh*

At least I can disconnect by watching Peacemaker this weekend… oh wait… it’s about what?! *triple sigh*

Enjoy your weekend, and get ready to snap up some tech bargains during next week’s Amazon Prime Day event – you’ll find some fantastic early deals linked below.

Lance Ulanoff, Editor at Large

The week in Amazon

Amazon has been showing off a lot of new gadgets this week (Amazon)

11 big announcements from Amazon's latest showcase

We're still trying to take in everything Amazon announced this week, across its Kindle, Echo, and Ring lines – and if you need a comprehensive recap, we've got you covered.

Read the full story

The new Echo Show feels like Amazon's most high-end smart display yet

The Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is the most exciting Kindle in ages

The 5 hottest AI features from Amazon's September hardware reveal

The week in Google

Google has unveiled a new smart speaker (Future)

This is Google's new smart speaker, powered by Gemini

Google has unveiled a selection of new smart home products, including the Google Home Speaker with Gemini on board – though the speaker won't be available for a while yet.

Read the full story

Gemini makes its way to lots of smart devices: here's how to get it

Google Home Speaker vs Amazon Echo Dot Max

The Google Home app gets a big AI upgrade with Gemini smarts

The week in Apple

We might be waiting a while for a successor to the Vision Pro (Future)

Apple reportedly goes all-in on AI smart glasses

A report from a well-placed source suggests Apple is abandoning work on the Vision Pro 2 to direct all of its efforts to making AI-powered smart specs – but is that the right move?

Read the full story

Inside Apple's first Friday Night Baseball broadcast shot on iPhone 17 Pro

The iPhone 17 series is reportedly selling well – apart from one model

Got a buggy iPhone 17 or iPhone Air? iOS 26.0.1 could help

Today's best deals, hand-picked by TechRadar's experts

(Future)

Today's 50 best early Prime Day tech deals at Amazon US

There's no need to wait for next week's Prime Day event – if you want to get your deal-hunting done this weekend we've found today's top offers on Amazon devices, TVs, headphones, laptops, appliances and much more, with savings of up to 50%.

View the deals

Early Prime Day deals on Amazon devices are live at Amazon UK – save up to 60% on Fire TV Sticks, Kindles, Ring doorbells, Blink cameras, and more

Nespresso's top-rated Vertuo Pop is now under $100 at Amazon US

This superb compact De'Longhi coffee machine just hit a record-low price

The week in AI

The AI video revolution continues (OpenAI)

Sora 2 is here, and now you can star in your own AI movies

OpenAI is rolling out an upgraded version of its AI video generator, and Sora 2 brings with it some really neat tricks – including letting you insert yourself into your movies.

Read the full story

Can the 'uncanny valley' explain why AI images and videos feel so weird?

Google adds eyes to AI Mode with new visual search features

Your Meta AI chats now affect ads you see on Facebook and Instagram

The week in Phones

The future is AI... and 6G (Future)

Qualcomm hints at our 6G future

Qualcomm has been speaking about the 6G-capable mobile devices that will start appearing in the coming years – but are there genuine reasons to get excited about them?

Read the full story

We have a potential launch date for the Samsung Galaxy tri-fold

WhatsApp just got a big update: here are 5 upgrades on the way

The OnePlus 15 global launch and 'Sand Storm’ design is confirmed

The week in Entertainment

Mark Wahlberg and LaKeith Stanfield star in Play Dirty (Jasin Boland / Amazon MGM Studios)

The best new movies and shows to stream this weekend

New movies dominate our picks for this weekend, including a Mark Wahlberg-led heist comedy. But don't worry, TV fans, there are two great-looking shows for you to enjoy as well.

See our top picks

Stunned Peacemaker fans react to S2 episode 7's killer twist of an ending

Don't get carried away by the Avengers: Doomsday trailer rumors

The Disney+ price hike has arrived in the UK – here's what's happening

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Thu, 26 Jun 2025 18:29:00 +0000

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June 26, 2025

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iPhone

The iPhone 16 (Future)

Why the next iPhone should be the iPhone 26

Apple has taken the bold step of updating all its operating systems to version 26 this year – so wouldn't it make sense if it adopted the same naming convention for its phones?

Read the full story

Read next: Talking Italian with iOS 26's new AI translation tool

Get studio-quality audio and video with this 4K webcam

Upgrade your online work meetings. Learn More

Android

The Pixel 9 Pro offers a lot of bang for your buck (Future)

The Pixel 9 Pro shows the value of slower flagships

While it might get beaten by the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25 in terms of raw power, the appeal of the Google Pixel 9 Pro shows that speed isn't everything in a smartphone.

Read the full story

Read next: Actually, the Trump phone won't be made in the US

Entertainment

007 will return, eventually (Amazon)

The Bond franchise has its next director

It looks as though things are finally moving with Bond 26: Amazon MGM Studios has announced that Dune and Sicario director Denis Villeneuve will be helming the film.

Read the full story

Read next: The Social Network is getting a sequel

Today's best deals, hand-picked by TechRadar's experts

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Amazon US drops more early Prime Day deals: here are my 33 top picks

Early Prime Day headphone deals: 7 top deals from Apple, Sony and more

Dell UK summer sale: these are the 6 best laptop deals, from just £289

Artificial intelligence

You can now invest in a robot pet dog (Hengbot)

Would you want to look after an AI pet?

Say hello to Sirius the robot dog – it can perform tricks and respond to your commands, and perhaps points to the future melding of AI robotics and domestic pets.

Read the full story

Read next: Google AI Pro gets an annual plan

Wearables

There's now a smaller OnePlus Watch 3 (OnePlus)

A smaller OnePlus Watch 3 has been announced

If you found the OnePlus Watch 3 appealing but didn't like its size, there's some good news: a smaller, lighter 43mm version of the wearable has just been unveiled.

Read the full story

Read next: watchOS 26 is bricking some Apple Watches

More of today's top stories

Sony is celebrating 15 years of PlayStation Plus with treats

The Vestaboard smart display justifies its high price

I tested Cambridge Audio's all-new Melomania A100 earbuds

HDMI 2.2 is officially ready to upgrade your TV setup

This Bluetooth speaker is also a 'soulful' musical instrument

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Wed, 11 Jun 2025 18:47:00 +0000

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June 11, 2025

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Android

Android 16 is rolling out (Google)

Android 16 is out now – without its big redesign

Google has officially started pushing out the big Android 16 update, with Pixel phones getting it first – but we're not going to see its major interface revamp for a while yet.

Read the full story

Read next: Could an Android phone soon support the Apple Watch?

These Components Deliver Stylish Simplicity

Whether you're a beginner putting together your first PC or the veteran everyone comes to for tech support, you don't want your tech to be overcomplicated. From its neater cable management to its clean, pure-white look, the Stealth Ice line of products from GIGABYTE is a game changer. Learn More

Artificial intelligence

Sam Altman has yet more thoughts on the future of AI (Photo Agency / Shutterstock)

Sam Altman gazes into our AI future once more

OpenAI's Sam Altman spends much of his time pondering the future of AI and robotics, and he's penned a blog post (without AI's help) with some bold new predictions.

Read the full story

Read next: The Alexa+ rollout is finally happening

	The Rig of Your Dreams Is Around the Corner You want your computer to be a gorgeous conversation piece, and the pristine white of the Stealth Ice series makes your rig stand out. All the pieces, from the GPU to the motherboard to the chassis, are made to work together seamlessly and create an aesthetic you'll be proud to call your own. Learn More

Apple

The number of Apple Watch faces is shrinking (Apple)

Apple keeps taking away Apple Watch faces

You can make a strong case that there aren't enough faces for the Apple Watch as it is – and now Apple is taking five of them away with watchOS 26 rather than adding new ones.

Read the full story

Today's best deals, hand-picked by TechRadar's experts

Switch 2 restocks live: the latest US and UK availability updates

Best Buy Father's Day sale: the 19 best tech deals, from just $25

Grab these unbeatable gaming laptop deals at Walmart before they're gone

Get the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra for just £149 with a trade-in at Currys

Gaming

Resident Evil Requiem is looking wonderfully sinister (Capcom)

We've seen a preview of Resident Evil Requiem

The TechRadar Gaming team has managed to get eyes on a behind-closed-doors preview of the much-anticipated Resident Evil Requiem – and it's shaping up very well indeed.

Read the full story

Read next: Resident Evil Requiem gets multiple viewpoints

Entertainment

Season 3 of The Last of Us will put Abby center-stage (HBO)

The Last of Us has its season 3 star

We were expecting it, but now its official: the third season of The Last of Us is going to focus on Abby's story, with Kaitlyn Dever's character taking center stage.

Read the full story

Read next: A new Wonder Woman movie is coming

More of today's top stories

Apple's new Liquid Glass interface design is nothing new

The Nintendo Switch 2 is already smashing sales records

KitchenAid's new blender handles everything from ice to hot soup

Xreal teases its Android XR specs, and a massive upgrade

My experience wearing the Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 for a fortnight

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