Europe may have sold out of every last air conditioner unit, but there is one piece of home tech that I think everyone should own as high temperatures and heatwaves become more of an issue: the smart room thermometer.

If you've got young children, or care for someone older or with health issues, it's something you may already do religiously in a heatwave, as we all know such temperatures pose a greater risk to people in those groups.

However, for everyone else, it gives you a weapon in the fight to keep cool in your home — knowledge. Yes, while a smart thermometer isn't going to actually cool down a room, it's going to help you understand what's going on in your home and how to work around the temperature to keep as comfortable as possible.

It may seem like a niche bit of kit to own, but my go-to is IKEA's TIMMERFLOTTE, a stylish, minimalist temperature and humidity sensor that I picked up in store for £5/$9.99. Or, if you want it quickly, Govee's Smart Thermostat is available on Amazon Prime, so it will deliver in one day. Both offer an easy-to-use device that can help you plan better when it's hot — here's how.

1. Keep an Eye Out for Unsafe Temperatures

Of course, the most obvious way to use IKEA's TIMMERFLOTTE is to use it to monitor rooms to check temperatures in a room remotely, ensuring that they're not reaching dangerous levels. It's hard to guess the temperature of a room, but feeling alone, so this gives you a little more peace of mind, or the knowledge of when staying put in a room might be dangerous for a more vulnerable person.

2. Measure Different Rooms at Different Times of Day

More than just using a smart home thermometer to see how hot you are, it's a clever gadget to buy for a heatwave because you can track the temperature of different rooms at different times of day during hot weather.

What I discovered about my home is that upstairs is generally cooler in the mornings, as I've often slept with my windows open. However, towards the afternoon, it gets hotter upstairs by a couple of degrees, presumably from heat radiating from my loft, where the roof has heated up after being exposed to the sun all morning. Right there, it gives me the start of a routine to make sure I'm not accidentally spending time in the hottest part of the house at the wrong time of day.

You can do this by either buying multiple sensors and having them in every room (they're inexpensive, after all) or by just moving one sensor around the house and making note of the differences.

3. Figure Out If Your House Is Hotter or Cooler Than Outside

The big debate — should you open or close windows during hot weather? Most experts agree that when the temperature outside is hotter than inside your home, windows should stay closed, opening them when the outside temperature has cooled down. This is usually at night, and vital if you want to sleep well in the heat, but it's hard to tell by feel alone when it's time to open them again.

A room thermometer strips out the guesswork, so you can get to grips with what time of day to fling open the windows and make the most of cooler air from outside.

4. Track the Humidity Measurement, too

Recent heatwaves have been accompanied by high humidity, which makes them feel even more uncomfortable. High humidity prevents your sweat from evaporating, making the room feel hotter than it actually is.

IKEA's temperature and humidity sensor will help you identify when humidity is a contributing factor, so you can know when to turn on a dehumidifier and bring down the air's moisture in a room. Try this dehumidifier from Blue Air if you want one stylish enough for a modern home.

Alternative Smart Thermometers to Buy

Looking for more smart ways to beat the heat? Our wellness editor rated Shark's handheld fan, the ChillPill, nearly perfect scores recently, ideal for keeping you feeling fresh when on the move.

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It's no secret that this summer has been absolutely sweltering from the onset. And in the name of preparation, I've had my sights set on Dyson's HushJet Mini Cool Fan (here from Amazon). The brand reputation and admittedly sleek form were enough to convince me to test the fan out.

A hard-working, good-looking portable fan is at the top of my list of things to buy before a heatwave. But is the Dyson HushJet worth it? I tested it through the start of London's summer to see how it fares — and my verdict? It does live up to the hype.

And, I guess, don't just take my word for it. As I write this review, it's very hot out, so unsurprisingly, Dyson's HushJet Mini is sold out pretty much everywhere in the UK (except for this cool Ink/Cobalt version at Dyson), though available for preorder on Amazon. It is still available to buy from Amazon if you live in the US, though. If you want something urgently now (for which I don't blame you at all), I've also tested Shark's ChillPill, which I rated highly, and also discounted for Amazon's Prime Day right now.

But, back to the HushJet Mini — before you decide on whether this portable fan is a fit for you, and preorder it, here's what you should know.

Is the Dyson HushJet Mini Good Quality?

I'm not one for Dyson slander when it comes to quality. And the HushJet is no exception. At just 212g, it's a high-powered fan that is heavy enough to feel well-made, but light enough to comfortably tote on vacation or on sunny days out.

As far as gadgets to help you feel cool during a heatwave, the HushJet effortlessly makes a case for cooling yourself down without losing out on style points. But how powerful is the airflow?

How Does the Dyson HushJet Mini Hold Up in the Heat?

The Dyson HushJet's airflow is on par with its style. It works extremely hard to offer comfort on balmy summer days. With five speed settings, you can operate on the lowest for six hours. And at a maximum of one hour, when continuously set to the highest speed.

It's one of my hacks for spending time in the heat more comfortably. But I will admit that the higher settings on the fan aren't as quiet as the low hum on speeds one and two. However, if you ask me, it's a small price to pay to cool yourself off quickly.

How Does the Dyson HushJet Mini Rank on Style?

The Dyson HushJet design was the first characteristic to draw my attention. And you know only aesthetically-led objects get the Livingetc stamp of approval. While the actual head of the fan does feel slightly extra-terrestrial in its design, I find that it lends to the cool factor of the HushJet.

Additionally, the base itself feels sleek in its matte metallic finish. And in just 10 days of testing, I have already received a couple of compliments and queries around it.

Is the Dyson HushJet Mini Worth It?

At about £100, I would say that the Dyson HushJet is worth it. It feels like a long-lasting investment, and it's one of the more chic portable electric fans I've come across of late.

Especially, if you want a light-weight electric fan to carry on holiday, or while you're sunning yourself at one of the cool London hotels with pools, this is a sleek, design-forward option that should be on your radar.

All in all, a portable fan should be on your summer travel packing list. And I dare you to find one that looks better than this launch from Dyson.

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For decades, the challenge of the high-end home cinema was a choice between settling for mediocre sound or surrendering your living room to a labyrinth of cables and bulky black boxes. Over the last few years, however, that’s changed. Audio brands like Sonos, Bang & Olufsen, and Bose have all acknowledged that the design of a speaker system is just as important as the sound it produces.

As such, the recently announced Bose Lifestyle Collection, which includes the Ultra Speaker, Ultra Soundbar, and Ultra Subwoofer, takes a design-first philosophy that aligns perfectly with the shift toward warm, tactile minimalism in interior design. Crafted with premium materials and available in three timeless finishes, the Lifestyle Collection is designed to deliver a great listening experience without sacrificing your décor.

The Lifestyle Ultra Speaker costs £299.95, the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar costs £999.95, and the Lifestyle Ultra Subwoofer costs £899.95. The Lifestyle Collection comes in Black or White Smoke, but the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker is also available in limited-edition Driftwood Sand, which will set you back £349.

Design

The technical specifications of the speaker, soundbar, and subwoofer within the Lifestyle Collection are all impressive, but it’s the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker that will no doubt be the most interesting to the design-conscious among you. Its limited-edition Driftwood Sand finish eschews the cold plastics of traditional tech in favour of a soft beige palette and a solid white oak base, creating a piece of technology that looks like a piece of furniture. It is designed to age, ensuring this speaker feels as permanent and intentional as a designer armchair.

Meanwhile, the Ultra Soundbar and Ultra Subwoofer use textured knit fabrics, premium glass panes, and curved frames to further bridge the gap between high-performance audio and home styling. These are silhouettes that are destined to be on display rather than hidden behind the doors of your gorgeous new sideboard.

Much as the design is important in these speakers, however, so is the sound. "With the Lifestyle Collection, we wanted every detail to serve a singular purpose: making exceptional sound easy to enjoy," said Raza Haider, president of premium consumer audio, Bose Corporation. "The flexibility, refined aesthetic, and experience are all built to fit into life at home, delivering on the one central promise that has defined Bose for decades: that sound matters."

Performance

Beneath the aesthetically pleasing design, Bose has completely overhauled its internal engineering, introducing a suite of proprietary technologies designed to deliver multi-dimensional soundscapes from compact footprints.

The Ultra Speaker uses Bose’s Direct/Reflecting speaker technology with a three-driver array utilizing two front-facing drivers for direct audio delivery and one precision-angled up-firing driver to handle vertical sound channels. This works in tandem with TrueSpatial processing, a proprietary algorithm that intelligently adds height and dimensional depth. To prevent the thin sound common in compact devices, Bose’s CleanBass technology pairs a high-excursion woofer with a QuietPort acoustic opening and advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) to deliver deep, controlled low frequencies.

The Ultra Soundbar, meanwhile, represents Bose’s first major soundbar redesign in over a decade, with a single enclosure engineered to native Dolby Atmos specifications. Hidden behind the textured knit grille is a nine-driver architecture, including six full-range drivers, a dedicated center tweeter for clear dialogue, and two proprietary PhaseGuide drivers. These PhaseGuide drivers are designed to beam sound to the far left and right of your room to create the illusion of side speakers where none actually exist.

For casual watching, there’s SpeechClarity AI that applies real-time, data-driven speech augmentation to isolate vocals from background noise, so even whispered dialogue should be crisp without you having to hit the volume button. Meanwhile, CustomTune calibration (previously called ADAPTiQ) is on board, using your smartphone's microphone to map your room’s unique dimensions, furniture placement, and surfaces, automatically tuning the audio output to suit your home.

Lastly, when paired with the soundbar and speakers, the Ultra Subwoofer will handle the lowest frequencies, allowing the rest of the system to focus on mid-range clarity and crisp high frequencies. It utilizes the same CleanBass technology and QuietPort opening to deliver what should be floor-shaking bass without distortion.

The Lifestyle Collection is modular, so you can start with a single Ultra Speaker in your kitchen, pair two for a traditional stereo setup, or scale up to a full 7.1.4 multichannel home theater system by linking the soundbar, subwoofer, and rear surrounds wirelessly.

There are several reasons the Bose Lifestyle Collection is exciting, not least because it pairs a gorgeous design with what should be excellent sound performance. But it plays nicely with other brands too, which is somewhat rare.

Bose has fully embraced Google Cast, Apple AirPlay, and Spotify Connect technologies for these speakers, allowing you to group the Lifestyle Collection speakers with hardware from other manufacturers that support them. It makes for a refreshing change and one that acknowledges how we actually live: in homes that are often a patchwork of different technologies.

Bose has also redesigned its app, claiming that the initial install is "easier than ever with consolidated permissions, third-party account sign-in, and secure Wi-Fi credential sharing across devices." Once everything is set up, you’ll be able to control the Lifestyle Collection speakers through the app, with precise control over volume, equalization, surround, and height levels so you can tailor the output to the room the speakers are in and your preferences.

Some controls and functions can also be accessed on the soft-touch buttons on the speakers themselves, through music streaming apps, voice control via Alexa+, or with a compatible TV remote, so there are plenty of ways to get what you want from them. Bluetooth is also on board.

The Lifestyle Collection comes in Black or White Smoke, but the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker is also available in limited-edition Driftwood Sand, which will set you back £349.

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As someone who gets hot quite often, I started planning for this year's warm weather in advance. And at the top of my want list was a sleek portable fan. Then I spotted the likes of Alix Earle sporting the Shark ChillPill at Coachella. Followed by Justin Bieber releasing his own now sold-out limited-edition colorway of this chic fan.

Safe to say, that was enough to inspire me to give the ChillPill a chance. And after a month of living with it, it's at the top of my recommendations for things to buy before a heatwave.

It's easy to use, efficiently cooling, and has a long-lasting battery for those never-ending days in the sun. And above all, it's actually good-looking. The pictures just don't do the fan justice. But there are some things to know about the fan before you add it to cart. So, here's my review to help you decide if it's worth it.

Is the Shark ChillPill Good Quality?

Yes, the Shark ChillPill is absolutely good quality. Weighing in at 350g, it's comfortably light to carry around but heavy enough to know that it's crafted with high-quality materials.

It's one of the best gadgets for a heatwave, especially if you plan to be out and about. And the long battery life is the final aspect that seals the deal on this portable fan.

How Does the Shark ChillPill Hold Up in the Heat?

The Shark ChillPill features three settings for beating the heat. A fan for classic, consistent cooling, a misting attachment with a small space to fill with water for a refreshing spritz, and a satisfying cooling plate to press to your skin.

So, you can step out or move around with your attachment of choice — mine would be the fan. Or if you're carrying a bag with you, then the remaining attachments are just as portable. And all it takes to switch one of the other is a quick twist.

It's also worth noting that the fan and mist are fairly quiet on lower settings but tend to get louder as you dial up the fan's intensity or speed. The cooling plate is the quietest option of all three.

How Does the Shark ChillPill Rank on Style?

As far as portable, handheld fans go, the Shark ChillPill is one of the most stylish electronic designs I've ever come across. I'll be honest, when I first scrolled through pictures of the fan on my screen, I was not convinced of how sleek it would look in real life.

But after seeing the fans in person, I can confidently say that the pictures don't do the product any justice. The mixed matte and shiny finish, along with the vibrant colors and the twistable form, make it a fashionable fan for the warmer months.

Is the Shark ChillPill Worth It?

Yes, the Shark ChillPill is worth it. At £130, you benefit from the three cooling settings in one chic design-y fan that's portable and long-lasting. It'll keep you from overheating on public transport, while you stroll the city, or even when you're trying to keep cool at outdoor restaurants.

And the fact that the ChillPill is tough to get your hands on is a testament to its very real hype. But if your color of choice is sold out by the time you're reading this, then here are some alternatives.

Looking for more ways to cool down? Perhaps it's time to get a taste of the best ice cream in London, read our hot sleeper guide, or treat your home to Shark's Turboblade in a new butter yellow. And in the meantime, so you don't miss out on the coolest launches (literally and otherwise), sign up for the Livingetc newsletter.

We spend months creating the perfect living room, from obsessing over the exact shade of limewash for the walls, to finding the ultimate low-slung sofa that looks great while still being suitable for a Sunday snooze. But the tech that fills the room with music or movie soundscapes is often treated as an afterthought.

I completely appreciate the desire to make bulky black boxes disappear — they just don’t complement Farrow & Ball’s Scallop, do they? But the quest for a wonderfully minimal aesthetic can lead to some major acoustic faux pas.

If your sound system, whether it's a surround sound system, soundbar, or anything else, feels a bit flat, here are the seven setup mistakes I regularly see (and have been guilty of myself), plus how to fix them without ruining the vibe of your room.

1. Tweeters That Are Too Low

I see this constantly in otherwise gorgeous, relaxed spaces: beautiful bookshelf speakers sitting directly on the hardwood floor, a very low media console or the bottom shelves of a new paneled media wall. None of these positions will allow you to get the best from them.

High-frequency sounds (which are handled by tweeters) are highly directional. If they are pointing at your shins or your sofa cushions instead of your ears, the sound can lose its crispness and clarity.

Instead, consider investing in a pair of sculptural, minimalist speaker stands (like these from Amazon) that bring the tweeters to ear level when you are sitting down on that new squishy sofa. If you feel like stands will clutter your space, you could think about using floating wall shelves instead.

2. Positioning too close to walls

In a bid to keep floor space clear and wires out of sight, instinct is to push speakers flush against the wall, or worse, cram them into a block in IKEA’s BILLY bookcase. We’ve all been there, and while it delivers a streamlined look, it isn’t going to make your Saturday night movie sound as good as it could.

Speakers need to breathe. Pushing a speaker against a wall causes sound waves to bounce immediately off the wall, resulting in muddy, boomy, and indistinct bass.

You should instead try to position your speakers at least 15cm to 30cm from the wall. I suspect you will be surprised at how much tighter the bass becomes and how much wider the soundstage feels.

3. Tucking the Subwoofer Into a Corner

Subwoofers are rarely pretty, though the Sonos Sub Mini and Marshall’s Heston Sub 200 both try their best. Traditionally, though, I completely sympathize that your first thought might be to shove the heavy black box into the furthest corner of the room and cover it with a plant for good measure.

You should know, though, that corner placement causes something called room boundary loading. It artificially inflates the bass (sometimes by up to 12dB), making it sound overwhelming and disconnected from the rest of your audio.

Try the ‘subwoofer crawl’. No, that doesn’t mean crawling around the room with your subwoofer in tow. Instead, it means putting the subwoofer on your sofa where you normally sit. You should then play a bass-heavy track and crawl around the room at floor level — I didn’t say this method didn’t involve crawling at all. Wherever the bass sounds the tightest and most accurate (not just the loudest) is where you should place the sub. You might find a spot right next to your media console that works perfectly.

4. No Soft Surfaces

The current trend of hard surfaces, such as concrete floors, huge glass Crittall doors, and bare plastered walls all look incredible, but they are a nightmare acoustically.

Sound waves bounce off hard surfaces like a ping-pong ball. If your room is too reflective, your music will sound harsh, and movie dialogue can become difficult to understand.

You don’t need to cover your living room walls with acoustic foam to rectify the problem, but it is worth leaning into soft, textural elements. A plush rug, heavy linen drapes, a canvas art piece, or a fabric-upholstered sofa can help to absorb the reflections and make your room sound warmer and more inviting.

5. Suffocating the Center Channel

If you have a multi-channel surround sound system for your TV, the center channel is the most important element for film lovers. It handles most of the dialogue in a movie, so if you want to hear what is being said, you should avoid placing the centre channel speaker deep inside an enclosed media cabinet or at the back of a shelf. This causes the sound to echo inside the cabinet before it even reaches your ears.

If possible, position the center speaker right to the very front edge of your media console so the sound can project freely into the room. That should mean you won’t miss the all-important line.

6. Ignoring the Tuning Software

Many premium wireless speakers and soundbars come with sophisticated room-correction software built into their companion apps — Sonos is a prime example with its Trueplay tuning. It’s very easy to just plug a sound system in and skip this software tuning until later (by which I mean then never bothering to do it).

Every room has its own unique acoustic thumbprint. By skipping the software tuning element of setup, you are letting the physical quirks of your room, like the distance to the sofa or the height of the ceiling, dictate how your music sounds rather than the speaker or soundbar taking those into account.

Usually, it only takes a matter of minutes, and it can make a noticeable difference to how your system sounds in your space, so open up that companion app and run the digital room-tuning process. Most tuning software uses the microphone in your smartphone to listen to a series of tones as you walk around the space. The software then creates a custom digital profile that counterbalances your room's hard surfaces and odd angles.

7. Not Managing Cables

You’ve curated a stunning, minimalist media wall, only to have the entire look dragged down by a chaotic web of wires cascading down from the TV and speakers. Neglecting cable management isn’t just an eyesore; it can also be a hazard and make cleaning a nightmare. Power cables tangled up with audio cables can also sometimes introduce unwanted electronic hum or interference.

Try not to let wires just hang. If you are doing a full renovation, consider planning for in-wall conduits so you can completely hide cables. If you are working with an existing space, use paintable D-line trunking or invest in a media console with built-in cable management. For the speakers themselves, you could also look for stands that allow you to route the wires directly through the neck of the stand.

Of course, there are plenty of other features out there that promise you better home sound quality to explore, but there are some soundbar features that are overhyped, that you can probably ignore if you're just getting to grips with your sound system.

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Over the years, televisions have become considerably slimmer, and some have come on leaps and bounds in terms of design, from the resurgence of LG’s Wallpaper TV to the new trend for lifestyle TVs featuring picture frames surrounding their screens. The same can’t be said for their built-in speakers, though. These have gone in the opposite direction.

It’s not entirely their fault. A 15mm-thin frame physically cannot house the drivers needed for rich, deep, cinematic sound. But as a result, while the latest TVs will treat you to stunning 4K visuals and resemble pieces of wall art, the accompanying audio can sometimes sound like it’s being played through a tin can at the bottom of a well.

To fix this, you have two options: add a streamlined soundbar or introduce a full, multi-channel surround sound system. But which one is worth your hard-earned cash, and more importantly, which one won’t ruin the carefully curated living room you’ve spent months designing?

The case for the soundbar: Minimalist and hassle-free

For those hoping to keep the focus of their living room on their chic coffee table and neutral walls, a soundbar is usually the first port of call, as it demands very little visual attention. It sits quietly below your TV, blending into your media console or mounting elegantly to the wall without disrupting the flow of the room.

Soundbars are plug-and-play at its finest, typically requiring just a power cable and a single HDMI cable running from the soundbar itself to your TV's eARC port, sparing you the dread of running cables under rugs or down walls.

Modern high-end soundbars even use clever acoustic software and carefully positioned drivers to bounce sound waves off your walls, tricking your brain into thinking sound is coming from the sides of your room or overhead in an attempt to mimic the immersive Dolby Atmos experience.

Do be careful with this, though, virtual surround sound has become very good in recent years, but it is still an illusion. If you have an open-concept living room with towering ceilings or you're missing a side wall, those sound waves have nothing to bounce off, and the 3D effect will fall flat, so a soundbar won't be worth it if you value immersive audio.

The case for the surround sound system: True immersion for audiophiles

If you want the genuine, hair-raising sensation of a helicopter actually flying over your shoulder and landing behind you, an all-in-one soundbar isn't going to cut it, even ones as good as Sonos’ Arc Ultra. You need physical speakers placed around the room to create that scale and authentic separation — and a surround sound system is worth it for achieving this.

A dedicated centre channel speaker will handle dialogue brilliantly, while separate left and right channels create a huge front soundstage. Bigger speaker cabinets and independent power sources mean you can crank up the volume without distortion, giving action movies a visceral weight. This setup also offers great longevity because it is modular, allowing you to upgrade your AV receiver or swap out bookshelf speakers over the years as your budget allows.

But there is a trade-off here, too, and that is visual clutter. There are a number of wireless surround sound options these days, but some traditional systems will require you to run wires behind walls or invest heavily in architectural in-wall and in-ceiling speakers, meaning your stylish living room can quickly turn into something resembling a teenager’s gaming den.

The hybrid compromise: A modern middle ground

Thankfully, there is a middle ground you could also consider. Over the years, audio brands have realized that many of us would love cinematic sound without turning our homes into something that resembles a tech store. And that’s where modular soundbar systems come into play.

Brands including Sonos, Sony, LG and Samsung all offer systems that feature a powerful, sleek main soundbar, but allow you to wirelessly pair that with small rear speakers and a wireless subwoofer, and LG’s options can wirelessly connect to its TVs too, thanks to Dolby Atmos FlexConnect. The result from wireless surround sound systems is authentic physical separation of sound coming from around you, without the headache of cables running across your plush rug or beautiful parquet floor to an amplifier.

It is the ultimate ‘have your cake and eat it’ scenario, but do keep in mind that you won’t be able to mix and match between brands — a Sonos soundbar won’t work with a Samsung sub, for example. At least not currently.

Verdict: Which is actually worth it?

Whether you should opt for a surround system or soundbar depends on your space, habits, and tolerance for adding black boxes and hardware to your otherwise gorgeous living room.

You should consider a standalone soundbar if you have a smaller or medium-sized living room, value a clean aesthetic above all else, and primarily want an upgrade to dialogue clarity with minimal setup fuss.

A surround system, meanwhile, is a better choice if you are building a dedicated media room, are a serious movie buff or hardcore gamer, and crucially, you are willing to invest the time and budget into planning speaker placement for audio fidelity.

For everyone else sitting in the middle of these two, a modular soundbar setup offers true immersion with physical rear channels, but with a sleek, modern, wireless footprint that respects the design of your home's interior. Just keep in mind, you’ll need to pick a brand and stick with it.

When it comes to our living spaces, many of us take great care in selecting fabrics, furniture, and color palettes to make them the best they can be. But, get to the task of choosing a soundbar to make the otherwise terrible audio on your TV better, and you’ll probably find yourself confronted with a specification sheet full of technical jargon and "must-have" features that threaten to overwhelm your minimalist sensibilities.

Manufacturers often use features to justify high price tags, but while some are essential for enhancing your movie nights, others can be safely ignored. Here are five you can overlook when you’re on the hunt for your next soundbar, and a few options that deliver beyond their spec sheets.

1. The Virtual Illusion

You might see marketing labels promising an immersive cinematic experience from a single soundbar. Each manufacturer calls it something different, but if you see the words virtual or digital mentioned, it’s suggesting that software alone can place sounds behind you.

This technique relies on tricking your brain by bouncing sound waves off your walls in order to create the effect of sound coming from different places. If your room isn't a perfect, reflective rectangle, the effect can collapse, though, while in a modern home with large rugs, soft linen sofas, or open-plan layouts, it is pretty much a non-starter.

If you’re looking for true surround sound, you really need to invest in a system that includes physical rear speakers. A high-quality 5.1 setup with actual hardware behind where you sit will always provide a more authentic sense of space than a virtual 11.1 illusion.

2. Compromised Up-Firing Atmos Drivers

Dolby Atmos is currently considered the gold standard for height effects, designed to make sound feel like it is cascading from above. To achieve this with a soundbar, manufacturers typically add small speakers to the top that are angled toward the ceiling.

Unfortunately, these drivers are usually too small and too weak to reach your ceiling with enough energy to bounce back meaningfully. Some high-end soundbars do a great job given their space limitations, but there are a number that simply deliver a slightly taller soundstage in front of you, rather than true overhead audio.

If you want a true Dolby Atmos experience, rather than poor, muddled 3D effects, ideally, you’ll want a system of separates.

3. The Hi-Res Audio Myth

You may see gold "Hi-Res Audio" badges plastered on all the marketing of the soundbar you’re considering, suggesting it is a portal to audiophile-grade studio recordings (24-bit/192kHz). But, to truly hear the difference between standard and high-resolution files, you need a very trained ear, or large, high-dynamic-range drivers and a near-perfect listening environment.

The small speaker cones packed inside many soundbars are very unlikely to be physically capable of delivering that intricate detail. If your soundbar is primarily for television and casual streaming, you can skip this feature. For critical music listening, you should be exploring a separate pair of architectural bookshelf speakers (like these Edifier ones from Amazon) rather than a single box soundbar.

4. Redundant Smart Assistants

These days, many soundbars boast built-in voice assistants, like Alexa, which effectively makes them smart speakers. But, there is a very good chance you may already have an Echo, a Google Nest, a smart hub, or a microphone in your TV remote. Adding one to the soundbar is therefore often redundant and can lead to phantom triggers, where audio is interrupted because the soundbar thought you used the voice assistant wake word.

It is better to prioritise a soundbar that excels on the audio front rather than telling you what the weather is going to be like for the afternoon. You can always add voice control via a small, unobtrusive device like an Echo Pop if you need to — and this will likely be much cheaper than the premium you’ll pay in a soundbar.

5. Input Overload

A common marketing point is to highlight a soundbar's multiple HDMI inputs, allowing you to plug all your devices directly into it. For some, this will be essential, but for many, this feature is often obsolete thanks to HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel).

A lot of modern setups will see all sources, like streaming sticks and games consoles, plugged directly into the TV’s HDMI ports. A single, discreet eARC cable then routes audio back to the soundbar, with everything kept clean and tidy by utilising the TV as the hub.

That said, you shouldn’t ignore the option for multiple inputs on a soundbar if you have an older TV that does not support eARC, or if your TV simply has an inadequate number of ports.

Soundbars to consider that deliver beyond the hype

By only choosing features you'll actually use, you're more likely to make investing in a soundbar worth it for your home. And, if you want to keep in the loop with more on the good-looking home tech front, why not sign up to the Livingetc newsletter?

The latest TVs are a far cry from what they were. They might still be large black rectangles for the most part, but they are now wafer-thin, capable of hanging flush against the wall, and some display digital art with such fidelity that they practically vanish into gallery walls. And that’s before considering the influx of lifestyle TVs like Samsung’s Frame Pro with their picture frame surrounds.

But the relentless pursuit of ultra-thin designs has created a paradox for the senses. While our eyes are treated to slender frames and superb picture quality thanks to technologies like Micro RGB and OLED, our ears are often left to suffer thin, hollow audio.

Despite the advancements in design, the laws of physics remain unchanged. To move enough air for deep bass or directional dialogue, you need depth – something a 15mm-thin TV simply cannot provide. That's where buying a soundbar comes in — but how do they stack up in 2026 against your TV's built-in speakers? Well, they're almost always going to improve how you enjoy your TV watching experience, in my opinion.

TV Speakers vs Soundbars

Some of the latest flagship TVs are pushing the boundaries when it comes to delivering better sound. That’s thanks to the use of advanced tech, from AI-enhanced processing that you’ll find across most high-end TVs nowadays, to more unique offerings like Sony’s Acoustic Surface feature that sees the screen itself vibrate to produce sound. But, internal drivers are still limited by their chassis.

Most built-in TV speakers, therefore, can’t help but produce tinny bass that relies on digital tricks to fake depth, while dialogue is frequently drowned out by background music or loud effects. Spatial audio also often feels trapped, sounding like it is coming from behind the screen rather than surrounding you.

Modern soundbars, meanwhile, use dedicated centre channels and lean on AI to help isolate speech, delivering clearer, crisper audio. In some flagship soundbars, you’ll also find up-firing drivers to bounce sound off your ceiling for better height representation.

The Extra Benefits of a Soundbar

Opting for a soundbar adds yet another black box to your TV wall, but they almost always deliver a better sound experience than your TV’s built-in speakers could ever dream of. Apart from the reasons I mentioned above, the latest soundbars have a couple of extra advantages.

Brands like Samsung, Sony, and LG no longer turn off your TV speakers when you plug in a soundbar. Instead, they use the TV’s tweeters to handle high-frequency details (like glass shattering) while the soundbar handles the meat of the audio. Each brand calls this technology something different — Samsung’s is called Q-Symphony, Sony’s is Acoustic Centre Sync, and LG’s is WOW Orchestra — and you will need to buy a soundbar from the same company to benefit, but it’s an added perk of soundbars and sticking with one brand.

Understandably, you might want a soundbar with a more aesthetically pleasing design than Samsung or Sony’s portfolios may offer, and systems like Sonos' Arc and Marshall's Heston are great options in this instance. Many of these brands also allow you to start with a single, stylish bar and wirelessly add discrete rear speakers or a separate subwoofer later, without a single cable trailing your gorgeous rug.

Soundbars also have software tuning features. Most of the higher-end models offer tuning software to automatically adjust the sound output for open floor plans or the new velvet sofa you just bought, so you’ll not only get enhanced audio compared to your TV, but one tailored to your room and all its quirks.

Some Exceptions to Consider

While most slim TVs fail to impress on the audio front, there are a couple engineered specifically for those who refuse to add more hardware to their media console.

Minimalist Soundbar Picks

If you decide that your TV’s internal speakers aren't enough, these three options are what I would say represent the pinnacle of this year’s design-led audio. For now, anyway.

Verdict: Is a soundbar worth it?

A soundbar is worth it if you value dialogue clarity and an immersive sound experience. If you find yourself constantly turning the volume up for talking and down for action scenes, your TV speakers are failing you and a soundbar will be worth its weight in gold when it comes to delivering a better sound experience.

They too have limitations, however, and while they are not as limiting as the ultra-thin flagship TVs we now have, if you’re looking for a fully immersive experience, you may need to consider a system of separates.

If your TV audio is making your ears squint and subtitles have become your one true love, here's an expert guide to choosing your ideal soundbar.

When you consider soundbars, certain brands will likely spring to mind. Sonos, Samsung, and Sony are all renowned in this space, just as JBL and Bose are for Bluetooth speakers. But while rock and roll royalty Marshall needs little introduction when it comes to amplifiers, having been the backbone of live music for decades, it is lesser known in the soundbar world. That was, at least, until the company announced its first spatial audio soundbar, the Heston 120 last year.

The Heston 120 has earned itself a solid reputation since it launched, and Marshall has now taken the lessons learned and channelled them into something more accessible. The Heston 60 is smaller, more affordable, and designed to slip neatly into living rooms that the 120 might have overwhelmed. The question is whether size really does matter or if this compact and distinctive soundbar can take on the likes of the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and its rivals.

First Impressions

You only need to take one look at the Heston 60 and one thing is immediately clear: it looks significantly better than many traditional soundbars. There are some lovely design details that make it stand out for all the right reasons, from the woven grille to the gold controls.

A soundbar's main job is to make your TV audio better, but no one wants an eye-sore taking centre stage in their living room or bedroom, and the Heston 60 makes sure that isn't the case. You'll want it on display. I had the black option in for review, but if you really want a soundbar that stands out from the pack, consider the cream colourway.

Both beautifully translate Marshall's signature aesthetic into soundbar form. The Heston 60 feels considered in a way that many rivals, stuck firmly in black rectangle territory, simply don't.

Features

Under its handsome exterior is a thoughtfully engineered speaker system delivering 5.1-channel sound: three 32mm full-range drivers fire forwards in a left/center/right configuration, with two more facing sideways at each end, passing through waveguides designed to achieve a convincing sensation of width and surround sound.

Finishing things off are two 76mm woofers, reinforced by four balanced mode radiators arranged in opposing pairs to minimize unwanted vibration. Marshall claims the total peak power output is 56 watts, while the frequency response runs from 45Hz to 20kHz.

Connectivity is pretty much covered at all bases, too. There’s no HDMI passthrough for connecting multiple devices, but you will find an HDMI 2.1 eARC port, along with USB-C and a 3.5mm analogue input. There’s also an RCA pre-out for a separate subwoofer, though if you opt for Marshall's own Heston Sub 200, you can also connect it wirelessly.

Speaking of wireless, you’ll find Wi-Fi 6, enabling features like Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, and internet radio, while Bluetooth 5.3 handles everything else. The Heston 60 is also fully compatible with both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, while control is handled primarily via the Marshall app. There is no physical remote included in the box, so that’s something to keep in mind.

Style

If you've read this review from the top, you'll probably think I am starting to sound like a broken record (excuse the pun), but the Heston 60 really is one of the most attractive soundbars out there. The cream colorway will warm up a living room in a way that a matte-black bar never could, but I have a lot of love for the black finish, too.

The gold buttons and accents add character and give the Heston 60 a premium feel, while the crocodile-effect rubber on the edges and back adds texture and provides a little extra design detail to draw your attention.

The Heston 60 has a trick up its sleeve when it comes to the Marshall badge and metal control surround, too. Both are magnetic, allowing them to be repositioned depending on whether you place this soundbar flat on the surface under your TV, or wall-mount it on your TV wall.

An internal gyroscope automatically detects orientation and adjusts the sound output accordingly, so no manual configuration is required when switching between the two positions. It's a small detail, but one that reflects the attention Marshall has given to how people actually use this kind of product.

At 68 x 730 x 124mm, the Heston 60 is lovely and compact, though larger and a little more substantial than the Sonos Beam Gen 2. High-end soundbars have a habit of looking oversized beneath anything smaller than a 65-inch TV, but the Heston 60 is well-proportioned alongside a 48-inch or 55-inch screen – it's smaller than both but not uncomfortably so.

Sound Quality

The Heston 60 isn't all form and no function, though. Fire up a Dolby Atmos film or album, and you'll immediately understand what I mean. Its soundstage is considerably wider and more enveloping than its physical dimensions would suggest, with sound filling the room with ease and effects nice and precise.

Dialogue is handled with confidence, too. Voices are clear and centred, even when a soundtrack surrounds them. This can make a real difference in your viewing experience, and it's also something some rivals struggle to maintain. Tonality throughout the frequency range is natural and consistent, with plenty of detail in the midrange and above.

At the low end, the Heston 60 digs deeper and hits harder than its modest size implies. Bass is solid and controlled, transients land cleanly, and timing is tight, from sustained rumbles to sudden bangs. In some material, low-end information can seem slightly cordoned off from the rest of the frequency range, while higher frequencies can occasionally be a little harsh if you crank the volume up too much, but neither is a glaring flaw.

The one area where expectations need to be tempered is stereo music. Like many multi-driver spatial audio soundbars, the Heston 60 applies its full architecture to two-channel content, and the results are less impressive than its excellent performance with spatial audio material.

Ease of Use

Day-to-day operations are handled primarily through the Marshall app, available on iOS and Android. It's a clean, well-designed, and well-organized app, offering a five-band EQ and the ability to save custom presets so you can tune the Heston 60 to your liking. That said, the app can be sluggish at times — it can take a couple of seconds to find connected devices, and there’s currently no surround options in Marshall’s range – an area where Sonos takes the win.

The app allows for configuration of wall-mount or surface positioning, however, along with wireless subwoofer pairing, audio delay adjustment, and internet radio access.

On the Heston 60 itself, five small tactile buttons deal with input selection, play/pause, volume, and 'sound', the latter of which cycles through four preset EQ modes: Music, Movie, Night, and Voice. Only one mode can be active at a time, though, so you can’t combine Movie mode with Voice mode, for example. On Sonos, meanwhile, you can turn on night mode while also boosting dialogue.

It's a limitation worth being aware of, though the app's five-band EQ gives you the scope to build your own custom solution. The fifth button is a 'Prog' button, which can be assigned to a saved Spotify playlist or radio station – a thoughtful touch for those who like a quick-start option.

As I mentioned, there is no physical remote in the box, so the app will be your main means of control from the sofa unless you're relying on your TV remote for volume. It’s not a huge issue, but some may prefer to put their phone down when watching TV, and you can’t do that here unless you’re happy to use the on-device controls instead.

Extras

Beyond the audio performance, the Heston 60 has several noteworthy elements. Its sustainable credentials are excellent: around 75 per cent of the plastic used in its construction comes from recycled materials, there is no PVC in sight, and the grille, end caps, drivers, and circuit boards are all designed to be repairable and replaceable, which is far from standard in this field.

The magnetic design accents that allow the branding and controls to be repositioned for both orientations deserve another nod here, too, just in case you missed it when I mentioned it above. Lastly, the wall-mounting bracket is included in the box, which, like the sustainability credentials, is not common.

Is the Marshall Heston 60 worth it?

At £499, the Heston 60 sits in competitive territory, but it earns its place there. It delivers spatial audio that sounds bigger and more involved than anything else this size and price, it's built with care, and it's distinctive in a category where visual anonymity is the norm.

Yes, stereo music isn't at its finest, and the occasional sharpness in the high frequencies is worth noting. The absence of a physical remote and HDMI passthrough will matter to some buyers, too, and the inability to layer sound modes is a shame. But for a compact, characterful soundbar that takes Dolby Atmos seriously and won't look like an afterthought beneath your TV, the Heston 60 is an excellent choice.

Sonos is a company probably best known for its superb multi-room speakers, which isn't all that surprising given that's what it has been excellent at offering for the last two decades. However, it's Roam range, most recently the Sonos Roam 2, showcases the more casual, 'lifestyle' side of the brand.

It wasn't until 2019 that Sonos added Bluetooth to its speakers, first in the Move that launched in September 2019 and later in the Roam that arrived in March 2021.

The company has since added Bluetooth to its non-portable speakers in the Era 100 and Era 300, as well as the Arc Ultra soundbar, but it was the Move and Roam that really put Sonos on the Bluetooth map. Both those speakers are now in their second generation, but while the Move 2 is a superb speaker, it's nowhere near as lightweight and portable as the Roam 2.

I've been reviewing consumer technology for over a decade, and I've reviewed every Sonos speaker and soundbar to launch since the Play:5 (Gen 2) in 2015. If you're looking for a Sonos speaker you can take out and about, as well as part of a Sonos multi-room setup at home, the Roam 2 is the one you'll want, but is there anything you should consider before investing? I'm giving it a thorough review, while also comparing Sonos vs Bose, as well as other portable heavyweights, like JBL.

Style

The Sonos Roam 2 is the smallest speaker in the Sonos line-up, but that's far from a criticism. Its compact build, around the same size as a 500ml bottle of water, makes it incredibly portable, so it's perfect for moving around your home, bringing to a picnic in the park, or popping in a suitcase for a holiday.

Comparing the Sonos Roam vs Move, it's significantly smaller, and it comes in more color options, too. Despite Sonos predominantly sticking to white or black only for most of its speakers — the only exceptions in the last decade being the Sonos One and HAY collaboration in 2018, the three extra colors added to the original Roam in May 2022 and the Green option of the Move 2 in 2023 — the Sonos Roam 2 arrived in five colors from launch.

All five have a matte finish that's very pleasing to the touch and the eye, along with a color-matched logo on the front. The logo element might seem like a small detail to mention, but the original Roam speaker had a white Sonos logo no matter what main color you picked, and the color-coordinated logo is much nicer from a design point of view.

The prism shape stands out from other Bluetooth speakers too, like the cylindrical JBL models and rectangular Bose options. The Roam 2 can also be positioned vertically or horizontally, featuring small silicone feet for stability when horizontal, and a silicone bottom when vertical. The top, when vertical, is also finished in silicone with physical controls that are nice and easy to operate, even when your hands are wet.

Sound Quality

Sonos didn't change the sound architecture when it updated the Roam speaker. The Roam 2, therefore, offers the same configuration as the original, but don't mistake that for a bad thing. The original was an excellent Bluetooth speaker, and this upgrade is worthy of the same attribution.

It handles the mid-range very well while still offering clear and detailed vocals, along with decent bass at the low-end, and the result is a great overall audio performance. This is a Bluetooth speaker that punches well above its weight, considering its size.

As with all Sonos speakers, you can adjust the EQ in the Sonos app when in Wi-Fi mode if you want to change the balance to your preference, and there is automatic Trueplay tuning on board to allow the Roam 2 to adapt to its environment and deliver the best possible sound without you having to do anything. For those familiar with Sonos, its traditional speakers have manual Trueplay tuning, enabling you to use your phone to tune them specifically to the room they have been placed in, but with the Roam 2 designed to move around more, the automatic element of this feature is welcomed.

The Roam 2 is surprisingly better at higher volumes than lower ones, so if you want plenty of detail inside, you might consider the Era 100 instead, which shines at lower volumes. For outside use, though, whether a garden party, BBQ, or day at the beach, the Roam 2 will hold its own. I mentioned you can opt for a horizontal or vertical orientation with the sound adapting accordingly, and while I think horizontal offers a wider soundstage, the Roam 2 is a great speaker, whatever and however you choose to listen.

Ease of Use

It's very simple to use, too, much more so than the original Roam. For the original, there was only one button on the rear of the speaker that powered it on and off, as well as allowed you to put it into Bluetooth mode. That was fine, but for the Roam 2, Sonos split that button into two, making it much more user-friendly.

It also means you can use the Roam 2 straight out of the box as a Bluetooth speaker, connecting it to your phone, tablet, or laptop as you choose, rather than having to set it up via the Sonos app. If you do use the app and set up the Roam 2 on your Wi-Fi network, however, you get a number of extra features, like Apple AirPlay support. You can add it to an existing Sonos system for multi-room audio, too, and that also means it benefits from many of the same features as a traditional Sonos speaker, such as support for over 100 music streaming services and seamless music playback via multiple speakers.

The physical controls on the Sonos Roam 2 are lovely and simple to use, with volume up and down, as well as a play/pause button. The play/pause button does a lot more than it suggests, however, not only allowing you to play and pause audio, but also skip tracks with a double press and go back a track with a triple press. If you press and hold it for five seconds (and you have other Sonos speakers), a feature called Sound Swap kicks in, which is exclusive to the Roam and Roam 2. This feature will send whatever you are listening to on the Roam 2 to the nearest Sonos speaker when you come inside.

There's also Sonos Voice Control for easy control of the Roam 2 using your voice, and this works when on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, while Alexa is also available, but you'll need to be on Wi-Fi for that.

Battery Life

Battery life is probably the main area where the Sonos Roam 2 falls down a little compared to its rivals. It offers 10 hours of charge before it needs plugging in, which is a couple of hours less than the similarly-sized Bose SoundLink Flex and around a third of the JBL Charge 6's 28-hour battery offering.

Charging is simple through USB-C, and there is a dedicated wireless charging dock you can buy separately if you want to keep the battery of the Roam 2 topped up when it's inside your home, for example. It means you will be able to pick the Roam 2 and take it wherever you want without having to worry if it has charge in it.

Unlike the Bose SoundLink Max, you can't charge your phone via the Roam 2, and there's no indication or warning on the Roam 2 itself to tell you what percentage the battery is at. You can use Sonos Voice Control to find out, or if you have used the Sonos app for setup, you will be able to see the battery level through the app when you are at home on your Wi-Fi network. The Sonos app doesn't work when you're not, annoyingly.

Value

The Sonos Roam 2 is the cheapest Sonos speaker available, priced at £179. That makes it around £20 less than the excellent (but not portable) Sonos Era 100 and around £10 more expensive than the highly-acclaimed JBL Charge 6, so in terms of value, it's in a decent position on the whole.

You not only get a great traditional Sonos speaker with the Roam 2 when connected to Wi-Fi, but a superb-sounding portable Bluetooth speaker when you're out and about. It doesn't float, and it doesn't come with any accessories or included handles to help carry it around, but they are minor grievances in an otherwise brilliant package.

The Sonos Roam 2's sound performance is excellent for its size, it's jam-packed with features (especially when connected to Wi-Fi), and if you already have a Sonos system, it's a great, versatile addition that allows you to bring your music wherever you go.

When it comes to portable speakers, there isn't a shortage of options out there. You'll find everything from small speakers that you can slip into a pocket if you want to bring music with you on the go, to larger devices like the Sonos Move 2, designed to be moved around the home but not necessarily taken outdoors.

The Bose SoundLink Max sits somewhat in the middle of those two descriptions. It's bigger than the highly-regarded JBL Charge 6 and the Sonos Roam 2, but it's smaller than the Sonos Move 2. This Bluetooth speaker comes with an interchangeable handle, making it easy to take with you, whether that's to the bottom of your garden or the beach.

Sitting at the top of Bose's portable Bluetooth portfolio, the SoundLink Max is larger and more expensive than both the newer SoundLink Plus and the older SoundLink Flex. I've been reviewing consumer technology for over a decade, and I've seen and heard more than my fair share of Bluetooth speakers – some are superb, while others are no better than what your phone can manage. How does the Bose SoundLink Max hold up, though, and does it justify its high price tag?

Style

It depends on what you're looking for from a Bluetooth speaker as to whether the Bose SoundLink Max will fit your style and the style of your home. It's more rugged than some other Bluetooth speakers available – the handle at the top with the rope detailing being the main reason for this – but it also has soft curves and together they make for what I think is a lovely overall design.

There are three color options, comprising of Black, Blue Dusk, and Citrus Yellow, with all featuring a short color-matched handle a standard, though that handle is swappable for a longer version you can buy separately to allow you to carry the SoundLink Max over your shoulder should you wish to. Switching the handles is simple too, requiring a quick twist and pull.

Bose branding is positioned centrally and subtly on the front at the top of the main speaker grille, while the smooth and soft-to-touch silicone finish of the rest of the speaker is broken up with smaller speaker grilles on the sides.

On the rear, there is only an Aux In port and a USB-C port in the bottom right corner, while easy-to-use controls sit within a trough at the top of the speaker, next to the handle. I said at the beginning of this review that the SoundLink Max isn't small, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's a substantial speaker in both size and weight, which makes it perfect for a garden party or a trip to the beach, but less recommendable for popping into a suitcase and bringing on holiday.

Sound Quality

The Bose SoundLink Max sounds excellent, and while it's not as small as I mentioned, its sound far exceeds its size, resulting in superb overall performance. It is bass-heavy out of the box, so you might consider adjusting the EQ settings through the Bose app if you prefer more subtle bass. The EQ settings give you the option of moving a slider for Bass, Mids, and Treble, though you can also tap on the “Bass Boost”, “Bass Reducer”, “Treble Boost”, or “Treble Reducer” buttons for a quick fix.

Whatever genre of music you enjoy, however, the SoundLink Max delivers an exciting, punchy sound performance that makes it a very enjoyable speaker to listen to. There's definition in all the right places, and it offers great balance so everything from dance tracks to the voices talking on the radio sound excellent.

It's got a lot more about it than the smaller SoundLink Flex, and, comparing Sonos vs Bose, it's louder and more impressive than the Sonos Roam 2, allowing it to easily fill a room or garden in much the same way the more expensive Sonos Move 2 can.

Ease of Use

The Bose SoundLink Max is lovely and simple to use, connecting to the same Bose app as the company's soundbars and headphones. It's very easy to set up – taking a matter of minutes – and Bose has a little fun with you in the process too, recommending no less than 15 quirky name suggestions for this Bluetooth speaker as an alternative to its standard name. Earth Shaker and Thumper were particular favourites of mine.

The app also gives you access to settings like EQ adjustments, as I mentioned, and allows you to program the physical shortcut button on the top of the speaker itself, though options are a little limited here. By default, the shortcut button will switch to Aux In, and while you can change that to launch Spotify instead, there’s no option for other music streaming services like Apple Music.

The physical controls on top of the speaker, which include that shortcut button, are easy to understand and satisfying to press, though, as well as easy to press if your hands are wet. There's multi-point Bluetooth connectivity so you can connect it to a couple of devices at once, and the Aux In port means you can quickly connect other devices like a CD player or turntable.

Where the Bose SoundLink Max misses out is its lack of Wi-Fi connectivity, which means it doesn't have features like Apple's AirPlay on board, or voice control from assistants like Alexa, both of which you will find on the cheaper Sonos Roam 2. There’s also no built-in microphone, so you can’t take calls through it, though that’s not a deal breaker. You can stereo pair two SoundLink Max speakers together, and Bose has a Party Mode that will allow you to group this Bluetooth speaker with other Bose portable speakers, should you have more than one and you’re having, well, a party.

Battery Life

The Bose SoundLink Max has a battery life of 20 hours, which is more than the likes of the Bose SoundLink Flex and the Sonos Roam 2, both of which will last around 12 hours, but it's less than you'll find in the JBL Charge 6 that boasts 28 hours and the Sonos Move 2 that boasts 24 hours.

It's still a decent number of hours, however, more than enough to see you through hosting a BBQ in your garden, or a day at the beach. That 20-hour claim is pretty much on the money in use, but in case you aren't listening in one stint, the Bose SoundLink Max will tell you every time you turn it on what the battery percentage is. That's more handy than you might initially appreciate as it means you'll know when it's running a little low and might need to be topped up before you bring it anywhere. It’s worth mentioning that if you crank up the volume however, the battery will deplete faster so do keep that in mind.

The SoundLink Max is charged via the USB-C port on the rear of the speaker, and it takes around five hours to charge it from flat to full. It can also charge your phone through that port should you have it out and about and you’re struggling to find a charger.

Value

The Bose SoundLink Max is currently priced at £399.95, by far the most expensive of the portable speakers we've talked about today. That is 60% more than the JBL Charge 6, and more than double the Sonos Roam 2, however, so think about what you want from your Bluetooth speaker and whether one of those cheaper options will be sufficient.

I would also recommend taking a look at the Bose SoundLink Plus, which comes in £50 cheaper at £249.95 if you are looking for something similar to the SoundLink Max but on a tighter budget.

For a Bluetooth speaker that's big enough to fill a garden with sound and easy enough to move around without feeling like you've done a workout, though, the Bose SoundLink Max is a superb option.

In the world of 'TVs that look like art', there has been one name that has monopolized the market for some time. However, with the launch of the Canvas TV, Hisense has become a challenger that's gathering some steam.

In reviewing the Canvas TV, with its sleek, ultra-thin body, super matte screen, and minimalist wall mounting, I'm aware that these so-called 'art TVs' inhabit a slightly different space than other TVs in the market. While reviews from serious TV buffs might find picture quality and audio lacking, if you're looking to buy this style of set-up, I'd hazard a guess that, like myself, style is a more prominent factor in your choice when television shopping, as long as the model you choose delivers good enough picture and sound quality (and we'll delve into those details a bit later).

Where Hisense's Canvas becomes a serious contender for the art TV crown is the price. While it's not a 'budget' set per se, it's on the cheaper end of the scale for designer-style TVs. By comparison, the Canvas 2025 retails on Currys at some £200 cheaper than The Frame by Samsung, both in 55" sizes.

Now, this review isn't totally a Hisense vs Samsung debate; however, given that both brands have TVs occupying this niche, it makes for an easy scale of quality. However, for clarity, any comparison I'm drawing is from the 2025 Canvas vs the 2024 The Frame (with the 2025 version having a lot of new features and improvements), as these are the sets I currently have in my home.

Does Hisense's Canvas TV Look Good?

Short answer: yes. Art TVs such as Hisense's Canvas tend to be uniform in the sense they have super fine bodies that aren't much thicker than actual picture frames. It has a minimalist wall mounting, which means it doesn't stick out more than a few extra millimeters, too.

Like The Frame, the Canvas has a matte display, which means less glare and fewer reflections in the screen, a necessity for making the art display mode look as realistic as possible.

Where, with Samsung's The Frame, you have to buy its magnetic frames, called Bezels, separately, the Canvas comes with a set of its StyleFrames inside the box. It's limited to teak-effect only right now, but realistically that's the best option anyway. The Canvas also comes with feet, if you don't want to wall mount, something that The Frame only offers through a separate-to-purchase floor stand. With how thin the Canvas TV is, though, I can't help but feel a little nervous around it as a freestanding TV in this way.

Let's talk art. Canvas does have a more limited selection of artwork and doesn't benefit from the same collaborations and events that Samsung has loaded into its Art Store. However, its 300-deep collection is free, though you need to sign up to the VIDAA art collection for most of it, whereas Samsung's full collection requires an extra subscription (though there's plenty for free). The art looks great on screen, but the collection is, necessarily, going to be to everyone's taste. You can, however, add your own pictures through a USB connection, and the likes of Etsy sellers even offer packages you can purchase.

Another drawback for Hisense is that it doesn't have the same 'invisible' cable connecting The Frame to its OneConnect box. That means, if you have the Canvas on the wall, you have a thick black cable to deal with.

Does It Have Good Picture and Sound Quality?

I'd read other reviews of this TV in anticipation of trying it, that suggested the screen brightness was an issue, however, I found this to not be the case (in fact, I often dim the brightness on art TVs to make the art setting look more realistic). The Canvas is a 4K QLED with Quantum Dot Colour. The screen is bright, colorful, and high definition, though I noticed some issues with the color banding, where gradients appear as distinct steps, rather than smooth color transitions.

The Canvas supports Dolby Vision, as well as HDR10+, and for gamers, it offers 144hz refresh rate instead of 120hz, though as our TV expert Alan Martin suggests, it's only a theoretical improvement: "[you] aren’t likely to notice unless [you] hook a PC up to it, as even the priciest consoles don’t offer many 120Hz experiences.

The Ultra Matte screen might be an idea introduced for the TV's art mode, but it's a gamechanger for watching TV on a sunny day regardless, and the TV uses an RGB light sensor to adapt the screen to the room, at any time of day.

The TV also boasts 2.0.2 surround sound, which feels loud and clear. It's not the most spectacularly rich sound I've heard from a TV, but it matches up with the competition.

Is the Canvas Easy to Use?

I set up Hisense's Canvas in, honestly, under 5 minutes, using a QR code to my phone, after downloading the VIDAA app. You could also use this app to link it up to your streaming platforms, which means you don't have to spend ages trying to input your email and password using an onscreen keyboard. You can also use it to easily play music, and show photos and videos from your phone's camera roll on the screen.

The app can be used to control the TV as well, though the (solar-powered but also rechargeable) remote is easy to use. It feels responsive, and there isn't lag (something you'll find some complaints about on older The Frame models).

I didn't, I'll point out, try the wall mounting system for this TV during my testing period.

Is It Good Value?

Whether you're buying it at the full price, or picking up a brilliant deal like the one on QVC right now, it's likely to be at least a few hundred pounds cheaper than its like-for-like competitor. And while the Canvas might not stack up to The Frame in every aspect, it can do some things better.

Sounds too good to be true? As our TV expert, Luke Edwards, told me, right now Hisense TVs are particularly good value. To get a foothold in the market, the Chinese brand is undercutting competitors such as Samsung and Sony, offering great value for good technology. Basically, you're getting a beautiful TV that's (arguably) worth more than you paid for it.

If you're a brand snob, you might still want to go for The Frame, but if value for money and good looks are your main criteria, this is probably the TV for you.

Summary

The Frame Pro offers better picture quality and less intrusive design than The Frame, but this comes at a higher cost. The 65-inch Frame costs £1,899, while the 65-inch Frame Pro costs £200 more at £2,099. If you want a larger model, you’ll need to go with a Frame Pro, and if you want a smaller one, a regular Frame. Aside from size and picture quality, the TVs are essentially the same.

TVs provide a bit of a design conundrum. Generally, we want a big screen for full immersion with our boxsets, but the larger the screen, the more of an eyesore it becomes. In 2017, Samsung was able to square this circle with its first iteration of The Frame — a TV that looked less like technology, and more like a framed painting when not in use.

Its matte panel and ability to display art made it an instant hit with those prioritizing aesthetics above all else. But for videophiles, it historically hasn’t been the best choice, with weaker picture quality than similar TVs in the price bracket. With a number of high-profile alternatives to The Frame, Samsung is revisiting the formula with a higher-end version.

The Frame Pro is new for 2025, offering far better image quality and even less intrusive design, though you’ll pay more for the improvements. Here’s how the new The Frame Pro stacks up against the latest regular version of The Frame.

The Frame Pro vs The Frame: Pricing and Sizing

Samsung’s 2025 range of Frame TVs is spread across six sizes, with only a 65-inch screen available for both versions. At this size, the regular version costs £1,899 and the Pro model £200 more at £2,099, so it looks like Samsung puts a premium on the Pro upgrades.

Otherwise, if you want larger, you’ll need a Pro, and if you want smaller you’re looking at the regular model. The Frame can also be bought in 43-inch (£1,099), 50-inch (£1,299) and 55-inch (£1,499) sizes. The Frame Pro, meanwhile, can be had with a larger 75-inch (£2,999) or 85-inch (£3,999) panel.

The Frame Pro vs The Frame: What’s the Difference?

Choice of screen sizes aside, two key enhancements justify the price differences.

The first is the screen technology used. While The Frame has always used QLED technology, The Frame Pro upgrades to Samsung’s Neo QLED panel. This is Samsung’s branding for Mini-LED technology, an OLED alternative which provides superior brightness and far better contrast due to thousands of LED backlights capable of illuminating parts of the screen without uniformity.

There’s a small catch, however. As The Verge notes, for The Frame Pro, the Mini LEDs are all at the bottom of the display, firing upwards, rather than behind the entire display, which suggests brightness will be less tightly controlled.

Still, it should make it no contest between the regular Frame and The Frame Pro in terms of picture quality, both for watching TV programmes and enjoying artwork. That said, you can do better on that front if you’re prepared to have a more traditional-looking TV in your living room. Better still if your room isn’t too bright for OLED.

The second difference plays to the TV’s aesthetics. To keep cabling to a minimum, The Frame has sold with a One Connect Box, which puts all of your HDMI and USB connections to an external box, requiring just a single wire to your TV, tidying up things considerably.

For The Frame Pro, this is now wireless and works at a distance of up to ten metres, even with obstacles in its path (though you’ll still need a power lead to connect directly to the TV, of course).

This is obviously great for aesthetics, especially if you have an outlet behind the TV to hide the power lead, but if you ever use your TV for gaming, you might want to look elsewhere, as wireless data transfer adds input lag.

Our sister site, TechRadar, measured the Wireless One Connect Box and found it to add around 20 milliseconds at 4K 60Hz — not a huge amount, but still worse than a direct cable connection. The site does add, however, that Samsung claims The Frame Pro can hit sub-10 milliseconds with the Wireless One Connect Box at 4K 120Hz, but that couldn’t be tested at the time of writing.

The Frame Pro: Something for Aesthetically-Minded Videophiles

Size, screen quality and Wireless One Connect Box aside, the TVs are essentially the same, with the regular Frame upgraded to 144Hz this time around too. Both TVs also support Samsung’s brand new Vision AI platform [LINK], thanks to the NQ4 AI Gen3 processor powering them.

To be clear, you’re still paying a premium for aesthetics, and plenty of TVs will offer better picture quality, including Samsung’s own OLED sets. But if you want the best-looking TV with improved image quality for movie night, then The Frame Pro is almost certainly the way to go.

In the past few years, AI has moved on from being just a marketing buzzword to being an integral part of consumer technology. After introducing Galaxy AI to its high-end smartphones, Samsung has now decided it's time for its televisions to get the same treatment, with the introduction of Vision AI.

The company has just released a range of TVs with Samsung Vision AI built in, and while some of its capabilities are niche or likely to be overlooked, others could be a seriously useful addition to your living room. Yes, it seems like the best Samsung TVs to come will all be packed with this new technology, but what exactly does it do?

What Is Samsung Vision AI?

Announced at CES 2025 and available now in various Samsung TVs, Vision AI seeks to make screens aware of their surroundings to “enhance entertainment, simplify interactions and integrate into connected lifestyles.”

Why would you want your TV to be aware of its surroundings? There are several interesting use cases that Samsung has suggested, both in terms of improving how your content looks and sounds, and making its TVs the center of a connected smart home.

What Can Samsung Vision AI Do?

It’s easiest to divide this into two categories: what Samsung Vision AI can do for TV content, and how it can work with the smart home in general.

The first set is really building on what smart TVs have been doing for some time. Think analyzing the on-screen content and environmental factors to make whatever you’re watching look and sound its best. AI upscaling will enhance the on-screen resolution, while AI Sound aims to deliver crisp dialogue and immersive sound based on the acoustics of your room.

AI Motion Enhancer Pro is promoted as being especially good for sports fans. It’s capable of tracking fast-moving objects like a baseball or hockey puck, while enhancing its resolution and reducing blur in real time, making the big game easier to follow on the big screen.

But it goes beyond visual and audio upgrades with some other features that owners of recent Samsung Galaxy phones might recognize. Live Translate, for example, promises to offer real-time translated subtitles for content broadcast in a foreign language, while Click to Search allows you get instant information about what’s on screen via the remote control. Samsung’s all-too-familiar use case for this is when you recognize an actor on screen, but can’t remember their name.

If you happen to own a compatible Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 or later, you’ll even be able to use it to control the TV, by making a fist to return to the previous screen, or using pointer mode to rewind like in the video below.

Then there’s the smart home implementation. Vision AI TVs can work as a central smart home hub through Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem, letting you control compatible smart lights, thermostats, security cameras and more.

Another interesting smart home feature is Pet and Family Care. This uses the TV’s microphone and camera (if included) to spot unexpected activity such as break-ins or your dog’s barking, immediately sending a notification to your phone. It can also apparently respond to specific situations, by dimming the lights when a child falls asleep, for example.

When not in use, you can also use your Samsung Vision AI TV as a canvas to display AI-generated art. Generative Wallpapers create wallpapers based on your prompts, so you can have something to match your mood.

The really exciting thing about all of this is that it’s just the beginning. With smart TVs connecting to the internet, there’s no reason why Samsung shouldn’t build on this feature set over time via software updates, gradually increasing what Vision AI is capable of.

What TVs have Samsung Vision AI?

It varies by region, but in the UK, Samsung lists the TVs as including Vision AI on this list, all available in multiple sizes. Below are some highlights.

The cheapest of these are the 65-inch QLEDs, which comes in starting at £949.99.

For those looking for the unbeatable picture quality provided by an OLED panel, there’s the S85F, the S90F and the S95F. The lowest priced of these is the 48-inch S90F at £1,499.99, though you can get a lot more screen bang for your buck by opting for the 55-inch S85F at £1,699.99.

If that AI upscaling has got you dreaming of 8K content, meanwhile, your options are the QN900F or the QN990F.

For those who like their TVs to moonlight as art when not in use, there are two versions of The Frame, a TV designed to blend in with your decor. The 43-inch model of The Frame LS03FA starts at £1,099.99, rising to £1,899.99 for the 65-inch model. Alternatively, those who want brighter colors, sharper contrasts and deeper blacks will look to The Frame Pro LS03FW, which starts at £2,099.99 for the 65-inch version, rising to £3,999.99 for the 85-inch model.

The popularization of the humble but mighty air fryer has shown us all just how easy cooking can be. A lockdown trend that has stood the test of time, what's not to love about delicious food with half the effort? Luckily, the air fryer isn’t the only piece of kitchen tech here to help us out in the kitchen, we’ve curated a list of some of our favorite innovations in the food tech space.

Despite what the Instagram food influencers will have you believe, it’s a universal struggle to find the time, and the energy, to present a lovingly home-cooked meal every night of the week. If only the trad wives of TikTok knew about these innovative creations from our favorite kitchen appliance brands, their dinner could be done at double the speed, leaving them with more time to tend to their sourdough starter.

Even if you’re someone who finds great joy in the simple act of making a meal, these products will only assist you in that passion, never detracting from the experience. After all, we all know that waiting for your food to be done is the worst part of the whole process. These innovative tech products help us focus on the joy, and minimize the stress.

1. Quick Heat Ovens

The air fryer became a worldwide icon largely due to its ability to cut down cooking times in a dramatic way. While traditional, larger ovens may take up to 20 minutes to preheat, most air fryers can reach your desired temperature in under three. In an age when time is the most valuable currency, this was a major win in the air fryer's favor.

Now, though, ovens are finally catching up. For all the points air fryers scored for their time-saving capabilities, they were still dragged down by a few major flaws. Firstly, they're just too small. While their countertop size is ideal for those who live alone, households of 2+ would struggle to fit a full meal in there and forget about attempting to cook for the whole family. Their other drawback is arguably more surface, but in our opinion, just as important... they can be quite ugly. For all the elegant, modern kitchen ideas we've seen, a chunky air fryer on your marble worktop is not the final touch you're after, and you'll end up searching for ways to hide your air fryer.

Enter: quick heat ovens. These designs are elevated versions of your typical oven, boasting all the same space we've come to desire while satisfying our growing need for speed. Sophie Lane, from Miele, tells us that "quick-heat ovens and the ability to turn them on remotely are changing the way we cook. With features that speed up preheating, it’s possible to get an oven up to temperature in just a few minutes, saving precious time in a rush. And with many having remote controlling using a phone app, the oven can be turned on, or off, from anywhere, making it easy to pre-heat the oven before arriving home, or turning off a dish remotely when it's ready."

"Miele is taking quick heat ovens and remote turn on a step further with its latest tech. Miele's FoodView feature lets users keep an eye on your food via a camera in the oven, so there’s no need to open the door and risk ruining the dish," explains Sophie. "Meanwhile, Miele’s Smart Food ID uses AI to recognize the food inside and suggest the best settings, making sure every meal comes out perfectly. Add in MealSync, which helps time multiple dishes across different appliances to be ready at the same time, and you’ve got a kitchen that works smarter, not harder."

That is pretty handy and smart if you ask us.

2. Remote Turn On Ovens

You may never have thought your life would be better if your oven could connect to wifi... but we're here to confirm that it would. The GE Smart Wall Oven and other products from the brand's smart range come with their own built-in WiFi. This allows your appliances to be controlled via the Smart HQ app, giving you full control of your kitchen appliances from your phone.

This may sound a little unnecessary, and by no means are we saying that we couldn't survive without it, but there is an undeniable appeal in being able to preheat your oven while on your commute home. Or in adjusting the temperature without leaving the sofa. In fact, because GE ovens are compatible with Amazon Alexa and other voice-activated devices, you don't even need to touch a button to control your oven.

And GE isn't the only person getting on board. Smart ovens from BOSCH Series 8 Electric Pyrolytic Smart Oven can be controlled via Home Connect and, not only can you adjust the oven settings here, but the app can even suggest settings based on the dish you're making.

3. Steam Ovens

Steam ovens are another brilliant innovation in the world of kitchen tech, and are especially loved by those who value healthier cooking methods. But don't let their healthy cooking reputation fool you, the steam oven is as convenient as it is good for you, a rarity when it comes to healthier alternatives.

While regular convection ovens circulate dry heat, these versions contain a water reservoir that is used to circulate, you guessed it, steam. This method of cooking allows for all the beneficial nutrients and vitamins in your food to remain intact, unlike with traditional ovens. While the harsh heat of other methods destroys much of your meals nutritional value, steam cooking traps these minerals, vitamins and other nutritional benefits in your food, so you can reap the benefits.

However, as promised, that's far from the only benefit of cooking with steam. Steam is able to reach an extremely high temperature in record time, meaning your dinner gets finished much faster than with your regular oven.

The Bosch Series 4 Electric Steam Oven is one of the most popular versions on the market, and for good reason. The model combines conventional heat options with their Hot Air steam cooking setting. The 3D Hot Air fan promises even distribution of steam, resulting in perfectly crisp outsides, and juicy insides.

4. Multi-purpose Ovens

If you're looking for absolute optimal speed, the best results can be found when several of these speed-saving functions combine, especially when a convection oven feature is involved. Unlike conventional ovens, convection ovens include a fan and an exhaust system. This allows for a more powerful and even distribution of heat, resulting in faster cook times. The heat distribution system also ensures food is cooked more evenly, and the dry atmosphere created by this system offers superior crisping capabilities.

One of the best versions of these multi-purpose ovens comes from Smeg, with its innovative omnichef model. This powerful appliance combines convection features with steam and microwave settings. John Davies, head of marketing at Smeg, says, "With the ability to use all three cooking methods in unison, you can cook a roast chicken in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy households who want to make delicious home-cooked meals in less time."

With all the health benefits of steam cooking and all the time-saving benefits of convection heat, this is a real do-it-all addition to your kitchen.

"With over 150 preset programs, it automatically recommends the ideal time, temperature, and steam percentage, so all you have to do is place your food inside and enjoy a perfectly cooked meal," explains John.

These brilliant integrated ovens mean you no longer have to spend your days on the search for stylish countertop kitchen appliances, now your oven can do it all for you.

When it came to setting up my smart home, I got bitten by the Amazon bug, meaning I've got a number of its smart assistant speakers in my house. In my office, an Echo Dot, for example, while in my kitchen, an Echo Show, as well as having plenty of the other best Alexa speakers throughout the home to listen to music and audio content.

I can't really fault these smart devices for usability. They're reliable and easy to operate when set up, and installing a new speaker on an existing Alexa network takes less than a minute. There is, however, one problem I've had with them — they're not always the most stylish of designs. They feel a bit.. techy, if you know what I mean, where I'd ideally want something a bit cooler, especially when it comes to the devices with screens which you don't want to hide away so much.

Enter Amazon's newest release of the Echo Spot, a smaller-screened Alexa-enabled speaker that's been re-designed with good looks in mind. It's hailed as a 'Smart Alarm Clock' to bring 'Alexa to your nightstand', and that's what it feels right for. It's guaranteed a great price in the Amazon sale, too.

I put it next to my bed for a month, and this is what I thought of it.

Design

This isn't the first iteration of the Echo Spot that's been in the Alexa line-up, but it's inarguably the better-looking version. Amazon's devices tend to feel a little more tech-leaning in their appearance, while a smart home brand like Google feels a bit sleeker and more design-focused — just compare Amazon's Ring Vs Google's Nest doorbell offering.

However, the newest Echo Spot is a definite move in the right direction. It's a clean, modern design with an aesthetic screen interface, which is more than can be said for the first Echo Spot design. You can choose between different clockfaces to customize the appearance of the screen, as well as several color schemes. It's not total customization, but the choices are nice enough that you probably won't feel short-changed.

As someone who also owns an Echo Show Gen 8, the Echo Spot is also a refreshing take on a smart assistant with a screen. It only really shows you a different screen when you interact with Alexa, compared to the Echo Show's constant slideshow. All in all, its interface is a lot more grown-up, making it a better fit for a modern interior.

Features

The Echo Spot has mostly the same features as other Alexa-enabled devices — this design is, however, pitched as the best choice for a bedside alarm clock, making it easy to check time, date, weather and more at a glance.

The product listing suggests that it can work to wake you up slowly with gradual light or sound, but in terms of the former, it's only by setting up an Alexa routine, connected to a compatible smart light in the room. As someone who uses a Lumie wake-up alarm clock, also from Amazon, I prefer having it all within one device, but if having a smart assistant in your bedroom is non-negotiable, this will help stop your nightstand from being overwhelmed by devices.

Unlike other screen smart assistants, your Echo Spot won't be able to function for video calling, or connect to the live view of a Ring Video Doorbell. It can still be used for Announcements, Drop-in, and voice calls though.

My one grievance with the device was that when you ask it to play a song or podcast, it displays an audio screen, and doesn't return to the clock by default. You have to say "Alexa, go Home" to return to this.

Sound quality

My sound-testing for the Echo Spot wasn't exactly scientific in its approach, but I put an Echo Show Gen 8 next to it and compared the quality for the same song. Listening on the Echo Spot is in no way a bad experience, but it's a little less rich than the sound from the Echo Show. I also compared it to my Sonos One, an Alexa-compatible smart speaker, which does still dwarf both these Amazon devices in quality.

Is it worth it?

If, like me, you've chosen an Amazon system for your Smart Home (all my devices are at least Alexa-enabled, if not Amazon products themselves), then you might find the new Echo Spot deserving of a spot in your home. It doesn't, it's fair to say, do much better than other Amazon devices, however, it keeps up with the rest, and looks much better in the process.

If, however, you're just looking for a smart Amazon speaker, screen or no screen, the Echo Pop is better value for money, and shares the same minimalist aesthetic.

Amazon’s Fire TV Stick is a great, inexpensive way of getting all the key streaming apps on your TV. But sometimes, you want to stream from phone to TV and that’s a little bit more complicated.

What is AirPlay? Well, it is a brilliant solution to connect your iPhone to another device — but it’s proprietary Apple technology. Despite it working with Amazon’s Fire TV sets, it’s not something that’s supported by the company’s cheaper Fire TV sticks.

In other words, the short answer to 'How to AirPlay to Fire Stick?' is simple: at the time of writing, you can’t. But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. While it’s not quite as smooth as connecting via AirPlay, a third-party app will emulate the experience from your iPhone. Here’s how to get yourself set up.

How to screen share from iPhone to Fire TV

If you're looking for ways to cast a phone to your TV — while AirPlay isn’t natively supported on Fire TV Stick, a third-party app called AirScreen will do the job pretty effectively.

In short, it simulates Apple TV or Chromecast, letting you screen mirror as if you were using compatible hardware. It’s free, but it does contain ads, so you may want to pay for a Pro account if you find them irritating.

Here’s how to get it up and running, so you can judge for yourself.

Note that the image on screen will mirror what you’re doing, and that includes the aspect ratio. In other words, it will likely start in portrait mode, so tilt it horizontally to switch to an aspect ratio that matches the screen dimensions.

This is how you mimic AirPlay on your Fire Stick from an iPhone, but it’s also possible to do the same thing from your Mac if you wish. Just open AirScreen on your Fire TV Stick in the same way, then select Help, followed by macOS and AirPlay.

What are the alternatives to Fire TV Stick with AirPlay built in?

If this software solution isn’t doing it for you, you might want to consider hardware that does actually come with AirPlay support natively.

The obvious pick here is Apple TV — and the main reason as to why I ditched my smart TV's standard operating system. It’s a quality product that works beautifully if you’re deeply embedded into the Apple ecosystem.

The downside is that it’s extremely expensive, and if it’s a bit too pricey for you, you may want to consider a Roku device. According to the official website, pretty much all recent Roku hardware supports AirPlay out of the box, making it a solid competitor to Amazon’s Fire TV if iPhone streaming is all important to you.

For the most part, AirPlay — Apple’s proprietary technology for streaming audio and video from your iPhone, iPad or Mac to other devices — works pretty seamlessly. Especially if you’ve invested in the excellent Apple TV.

But sometimes, when you’re looking to stream from phone to TV or smart speaker, it refuses to play ball. Here are some things to try if you can’t get AirPlay working, or can’t connect to the device of your choice.

Things to check first if your AirPlay is not working

1. Is your device compatible?

Sorry if this feels a bit patronizing, but this is a surprisingly common stumbling block. While all modern iPhones, iPads and Macs support AirPlay 2, it remains proprietary Apple technology and needs to be built into the device you’re trying to stream to.

Obviously, Apple hardware like HomePod and Apple TV has it baked in, but otherwise, as the company explains on its official site, you’re looking for a device with the “Works with Apple AirPlay” logo on the box. If in doubt, look up your model number to check.

2. Are you close enough and on the same WiFi network?

If the devices are definitely compatible, there are a couple of other things to try. Firstly, AirPlay works best with minimal distance between you and the device — though generally speaking it should be fine if you’re in the same room.

While Apple states that you don’t need to be connected to the same WiFi network for AirPlay to work, it makes everything a lot more stable and reliable. Indeed, it’s listed as something to do on Apple’s own troubleshooting page, so make sure both your iPhone and the target device are on the same WiFi network.

Some people have also reported that being on a VPN tends to mess things up, so try turning yours off if you have one in use.

3. Make sure AirPlay is enabled on the target device

If your iPhone can’t see any compatible AirPlay devices in range, it’s possible the feature isn’t enabled at the other end.

The specifics of how to check this — and whether you actually need to do so — will vary from device to device, so look up your specific model or dig around in the settings. But if you’re using Apple TV, you can amend AirPlay options under Settings > AirPlay.

Note that with Apple TV, if you’re connected via Ethernet cable rather than WiFi, you might have to wake it up before it will appear as an option on your iPhone.

How to Troubleshoot AirPlay That's Not Working

Unfortunately, AirPlay isn’t great at telling you what specific problems need fixing. Nonetheless, there are a few things you can try.

1. Restart everything

It’s a cliché, but turning things off and on again really is a great problem solver for all tech.

Here, there are three things you want to give the reboot treatment to, if you’re looking to be thorough: your iPhone, your AirPlay receiving device and your WiFi network. Restart all three and see if it makes a difference.

2. Make sure all software is up to date

Sadly, it’s a fact of modern life that our TVs, speakers and phones sometimes need software updates. As with the previous step, you’ll want to check both the iPhone and the receiving device to see if any software updates are available.

3. Ensure your device isn’t restricted on the Home app

Another suggestion directly from Apple applies to devices that you’ve connected via the Home app, with the company suggesting you “make sure the Home Settings are not restricting AirPlay.”

To do this, open the Home app on your iPhone, tap the three-dotted “More” button, tap “Home Settings” and then “Speakers & TV”. Here, you’ll find options to allow access to all, just those on the same network, or those sharing Home access.

4. Change the resolution from “Auto”

A bit of a wildcard from Reddit — but one troubleshooting post still receives thanks from grateful users a year later, so worth considering.

If you’re seeing a red circle with a line through it when you try to play a video, try changing the resolution from “Auto” to something else. 'I was able to bypass the issue by going into the settings of the respective video and changing the quality from "Auto" to, for example, "1080p,"' writes the user whereisdennis.

'The specific quality choice didn't matter as long as it wasn't set to ‘Auto.’ I'm curious to know if this also solves the problem for you.'

At the time of writing, six users say this has worked for them — one as recently as this month — so it’s certainly worth trying.

A well-thought-out and maintained smart home should make your life easier. But too often you hear about the smart-home dream becoming a nightmare as things fail to function as advertised, or simply fall into disuse as they become more trouble than they’re worth.

Much of this can be avoided with a little foresight when building your smart home. With that in mind, here are some key mistakes to avoid making in 2024.

1. WiFi that's not up to the task

The first thing to bear in mind is that, as with all wireless technology, each modular smart home component is only as good as the Wi-Fi in your home.

This is less about speed than congestion and range – too many things sharing the same frequency can cause reliability problems, and anything placed within a Wi-Fi ‘not spot’ will face reliability issues.

We’d strongly recommend you fix your WiFi once and for all before starting on your smart home journey. If things seem patchy, consider getting one of the best Wi-Fi routers to help you manage traffic in your home more effectively, rather than relying on the cheap, flimsy thing that comes with your broadband.

If you have parts of your home that can’t be reached, look into range extenders or, better yet, a full mesh WiFi solution to ensure the whole dwelling is covered.

2. Not considering your specific circumstances

While lots of smart home components - like smart speakers, smart bulbs and smart plugs – are designed to be movable, others are a bit more permanent.

Installing a video doorbell or a smart cat flap is a serious undertaking. If you own your home, ask yourself if there’s any chance of you relocating in the next few years. If you’re renting, make sure you have permission to do anything that requires a semblance of DIY and, again, make sure you’re in for the long haul.

If you decide big DIY projects are a no-no, don’t worry too much. There’s plenty you can do that can be easily moved, and some alternatives for the big-ticket projects. For example, a few years back Amazon-owned Ring created a video doorbell designed for renters that sits over the peep-hole.

3. Not choosing the right ecosystem for you

While most smart home products aren’t fussy about the ecosystem they’re in, if you have some specific must-have items in mind, make sure they’re compatible with your ecosystem of choice: Amazon Alexa, Google Home or Apple HomeKit.

This is particularly important with video doorbells. Nest is owned by Google, and plays nicely with Nest Hub smart screens, while Ring is owned by Amazon and has the same preference for Echo Show panels. You may be able to get some of the functionality working across devices, but not all of it, and honestly it’s just not worth the headache.

4. Not building it incrementally

The beauty of building a smart home is that you can do it gradually – and in fact, it’s better to take this slow, methodical approach.

Not only will you feel less pressure to cut corners on costs with an incremental approach, but you’ll give yourself space to really learn the ins and outs of each component. You’ll also avoid overloading your WiFi if you build thing up slowly.

In short, we recommend starting with the simple essentials that offer a real, tangible benefit – perhaps some smart lights that can change color on command, or a smart themostat that will automate your heating and save money on your bills. Once you’re comfortable, move on to the next thing.

5. Not keeping things updated

While smart home technology can make your life easier, it does potentially open you up to a whole host of security risks. Nobody can remotely hack a traditional deadbolt, but with smart locks that’s a theoretical possibility.

The flip side to this is that network-connected tech can be updated, and the big manufacturers will often send out firmware updates to their devices closing security loopholes, fixing niggling bugs and even adding new functionality.

If you don’t take advantage, you’re leaving yourself at risk, so check in every so often and see if anything needs downloading to keep everything running smoothly. Most will have an automatic update setting so you can outsource it to the devices themselves, though if you do it manually you can look up what each update entails to make sure you want it.

6. Cheaping out on components

If you’re buying a lot at once, it can be tempting to get the cheapest option with the same functionality. Smart-home tech has really come down in price and you might be getting a veritable bargain.

But there’s a risk here — and it chiefly comes to the above point about security. If you buy a no-name smart home component, the chances of the company taking security seriously, or offering long-term support are significantly lower. 

It may be fine to roll the dice with a smart bulb or two, but we wouldn’t recommend cheaping out on a smart lock or a security camera. Your home security is at stake, if the company doesn’t fix security flaws promptly, after all.

If you disregard this warning, at the very least make sure you change the default password to something secure. Smart home tech can be hacked into remotely with relative ease if users don’t take the time to change “admin” to something unique to them.

7. Not ensuring everyone in the home can use it

Quite often, setting up a smart home can be a solo project, with one person taking the lead in buying, installing and maintaining the smart home. But if you live with others, it’s important they can actually use the technology too!

That may be as simple as getting them to install the apps and showing them how everything is controlled, but if they’re not tech-savvy then you may want to connect each smart device to a smart speaker to be easily controlled by the voice.

Better yet, you could purchase a smart home control panel like the Amazon Echo Hub. Make it easily accessible, show those you live with how to use it, and everyone can benefit from the smart home upgrades you’ve introduced!

How many times has the cord of your electrical device fallen out of your outlet while using it? Vacuuming, using the hair dryer, and kitchen appliances like blenders are some of the most common offenders, but the devices themselves aren't to blame. The culprit is your loose outlet, and this tiny gadget is the solution you've been searching for.

The so-called Snug Plug is a savior in the likes of a home office where loose outlets can lead to flickering screens, the loss of unsaved work, and countless uncharged devices. In just a matter of seconds, this inconspicuous little plug adaptor rids that problem by making outlets safe and secure.

'Sometimes the best solutions are the obvious ones right in front of us, and I have to admire how something so small can solve such a common frustration,' says Kelly Indah, a tech expert and security analyst at Increditools. 'Lord knows I've lost count of the number of times an appliance cord has slipped free of a loose outlet at the worst possible moment.'

Besides putting an end to frustrations, the Snug Plug scores points on the safety scale too. We all know there are some devices you should never plug into an extension cord if you want a safe, hazard-free home, but the same goes for loose outlets, too. By minimizing arcing and sparks, this gadget reduces the risk of fires and shocks. For $10, you really can't go wrong. Here's why the Snug Plug is a must-have addition to any modern home.

What is a 'Snug Plug'?

Over time, wall outlets can become loose meaning your plugs can easily fall out. 'Not only is this frustrating but it also reduces the connection between the plug and outlet reducing the flow of electricity,' explains Salim Mitri, co-founder of Snug Plug. It's a common problem in households all across the country, but it's one that few of us had a solution to - until now. 'Snug Plug's "Snuglets" seem like a simple little device, but they are highly engineered to solve the loose outlet problem,' Salim says.

So, what is it, and how does it work? Similar to the lock socket, the Snug Plug device is a small clear clip designed to slide into your outlet helping to secure your plug's pin connectors. 'The plug itself slides into the outlet like normal, but is then held snugly in place from all angles by the ridges and reinforced edges of the insert,' says Kelly Indah of Increditools. 'It's a real no-frills, straightforward approach - which is also part of its genius if you ask me.'

Not only does this quick and easy fix banish the frustration of having your electrical devices' cords falling out during use (hair dryers, irons, vacuums - you name it) but it also improves safety by minimizing the risk of sparks or electrical shocks during use. 'The material is a special nylon and the structure is created to be easy to use, safe, and to solve the problem,' says Salim. 'You just insert a Snuglet into a loose wall outlet and then insert the plug to the device you're using. You can remove it when finished using and take it with you wherever you go.'

If you haven't been worried about your loose outlets until now, you certainly should be. 'They can cause arcing and heat buildup, as well as wasted energy leaking out,' notes Rinkesh Kukreja, a senior software engineer and sustainability expert, as well as the founder of Conserve Energy Future. 'This "vampire" energy waste seems small, but it adds up when you have many loose outlets in a home.'

While effective, however, Rinkesh says Snug Plugs should only be used temporarily until you can get your outlets professionally fixed or replaced. 'I don't recommend using them permanently, especially for major appliances or electronics,' he says. 'Loose outlets often mean old, outdated wiring that needs to be replaced by an electrician to be safe. But for smaller plugged-in devices, snug plugs provide good energy savings and hassle-free connections.' If you want to waste less energy, live more sustainably, and improve safety in your home, Snug Plugs are an excellent short-term solution.

FAQs

Are snug plugs safe for outlets?

Snug Plugs are perfectly safe for use inside your outlets. 'They're manufactured using UL-rated materials, it's not conductive of electricity and it's similar to inserting a child outlet safety cover,' says Salim. Loose outlets, however, aren't safe, so you should endeavor to fix the entire outlet at the earliest opportunity.

Does every outlet need a snug plug?

There's no need to use a Snug Plug unless your outlet is causing you issues with loose connections. 'Snug Plug's "Snuglets" are not designed for every outlet in your house, just the loose one,' says Salim. 'A bedroom at home, an outdoor outlet, a coffee house, airport or hotel room, Snuglets are that go-to, instant solution.'

Other outlet essentials that no home should go without

iMessage, the iPhone's built-in media messaging app, has quickly taken the non-Android-using world by storm. With support for video, emoji, reactions, GIFs and more, it's a far cry from the bad old days of basic SMS messages, which were rigidly limited to just 160 characters and would cost you 10 cents a time.

If you're just using it for text and the occasional picture, you're missing out, however. iMessage is remarkably flexible and has some neat additional functionality that you'll want to be on top of. Here are some of the best iPhone tricks hidden in your iMessage app.

A word about Android

Before we get started, you should know that some of these require both the sender and sendee to be using iPhones. That's because Apple keeps iMessage as an iPhone-exclusive app, almost certainly because it's a big driver of iPhone user loyalty, especially amongst younger people. Indeed, the blue/green bubble divide between iPhone and Android messages has become a meme in its own right.

That may (or may not, depending on how deep the integration is) change this year, with Apple finally pledging to adopt the RCS messaging standard. But for now at least, some of these things simply won't work if you're talking to an Android user – or not work as well as advertised at any rate.

It's also worth noting that some require recent versions of iOS for both the sender and sendee to work, so make sure you're up to date by opening the Settings app and ensuring you have the latest version installed.

1. Attach a photo, video or your location

iMessage isn’t just for text. By pressing the ‘plus’ icon to the left of your message, you can attach photos or videos — either from your library (“Photos”) or taken there on the spot (via “Camera”).

Location is also one to take note of here. You can give a live GPS reading for anywhere between an hour and forever. This is not only good for peace of mind when you want to ensure someone gets home safe: it’s a handy way of finding each other in a busy area too.

2. Spruce up your messages with an animated GIF

If a picture is worth 1,000 words, just think how many a GIF must be worth!

You can easily add them to any iMessage conversation by pressing the plus icon to the left of the text box, and then selecting “more” followed by "#images". 

Just browse through the results, or search for something pertinent and tap your chosen GIF to attach it to a message.

3. Reply to a specific message

In busy chats, it’s easy for the context of a message to be lost completely. To make it clear that your latest text responds to something specific, you can reply to a message of your choice.

Simply swipe left on the message you’re replying to, and it will appear with the original message quoted above it. 

4. Say it with a reaction

Not every message needs a fully written reply, but you may still want to acknowledge you’ve seen it. That’s where reactions come in — little emoji that sit underneath the message as a visual reaction. It could be a heart for something heartwarming, or a thumbs up to acknowledge you’ve read it.

To react, press and hold the message you want to respond to and tap one of the available icons: a heart, a thumbs up, a “Haha”, a double exclamation mark or a question mark.

5. Automatically delete SMS 2FA codes

You've almost certainly received a verification code from an app when trying to log on to a service. These two-factor authentication (2FA) codes are a small price to pay for security, but they can make iMessage untidy when allowed to build up.

With iOS 17, that no longer has to happen. Open the Settings app, and hit "Passwords", followed by "Password Options". Under "Verification Codes", flick the switch labelled "Clean Up Automatically." Once you've got your code, the SMS will delete itself.

6. Save your finger with dictated messages

If you're sending out an intimidatingly long message, sometimes it's best to use your voice. The iPhone microphone is surprisingly good at catching your words and turning them into text.

To try, just tap the microphone icon – both the one next to the iMessage field or the one on your iPhone keyboard will do. Then just say the words you want typed and watch them magically appear before your eyes.

Don't worry if there are mishearings – it won't send until you're ready. Just take a minute to review it and edit any bits that have come out wrong by hand.

7. Edit or unsend a message

The only thing more annoying than a typo is having to send a follow-up message addressing said typo. With iMessage, if you catch it quickly, you no longer need to bother.

From sending, you have 15 minutes to edit a message to your heart's content. Just hold down on a sent message and hit "Edit" to fix the missive and send a corrected version.

You can also completely recall a message if it's a total write-off, you've sent it to the wrong person or you regret its contents. But you have to act quickly: it's only an option for two minutes after sending. Once again, hold down on the sent message and tap "Undo Send" – it will vanish from the recipient's phone, with a note saying the message was recalled.

Note that these require iOS 16 or later. If they're on Android or iOS, it's pretty ineffective, with both the corrected and uncorrected messages appearing for edits, and the message with a note saying you tried to unsend if you're deleting.

8. Pin your important conversations

If you're the kind of popular person who's in loads of iMessage conversations and groups, you may struggle to find the most important ones. Helpfully, iOS lets you pin up to nine favorites so they're always at the top of the screen.

Just hold down on the conversation and tap 'Pin' in the pop-up menu that appears.

9. Bring back those deleted messages

Deleting messages by mistake can happen, and thankfully Apple won't punish you for it. Deleted messages are stored by your iPhone for a customizable amount of time (you can change this to 30 days, one year or forever in the app settings).

To view those accidentally deleted missives tap the 'Edit' button in the top left-hand corner of the Messages app and select "Show Recently Deleted". Select the one you want and then tap "Recover" in the bottom right-hand corner to restore it to the main list.

Who doesn't want a better night's rest? No matter how much we invest in the best luxury bedding or the most supportive materials, sometimes we just can't seem to finesse a sleep routine that helps us wake up feeling refreshed.

That's because our nighttime rituals have a much bigger impact on our sleep quality than many of us realize, and another thing you probably don't realize is that your Amazon Alexa device can help. Your smart speaker has plenty of clever functions conducive to a deep slumber, so if you haven't yet got one in your bedroom, now is the time.

'We all have our individual bedtime rituals – from sleeping in a pitch-black room or with a night light, listening to audiobooks or nodding off to the sounds of whales or rain - everyone’s evening is a little different,' says Meryem Tom, UK Managing Director at Amazon Alexa. 'For those looking for something to help them drift off a bit quicker, there are some brilliant Alexa features to have an Alex-cellent night’s sleep.'

From dimming the lights to playing your favorite sleep-inducing sounds before bed, here are five ways you can use your Amazon Alexa device to sleep better ahead of World Sleep Day.

1. Use sleep sounds to soothe you to sleep

From pink to white and - these days - nearly every color in between, colored noise is all the rage when it comes to getting a better night's sleep (and for the skeptics, there's science to prove it). Whether you're partial to the fuzzy sound of white noise or prefer relaxing whale sounds, Alexa’s free Sleep Jar skill plays calming sounds to help you sleep more peacefully.

With a variety of ambient sounds to choose from, including rain, thunderstorms, ocean sounds and more, simply say 'Alexa, play white noise' or 'Alexa, play nature sounds' to ease you into the sleepy zone.

2. Drift off to an audiobook 

Picking up a book before bed can be a great way to switch off, but if you want to give your eyes a break, you can let Alexa read from its selection of free short stories. Just say 'Alexa, read me a nighttime story', or ask it to resume your audiobook through a subscription service such as Audible or Spotify.

If you prefer some calming music as a bedtime ritual instead of a pacy novel that keeps you awake past midnight, Alexa can offer that, too. Simply put on your selected nighttime playlist or ask Alexa to play a relaxing music station.

3. Set up an automated bedtime routine 

Speaking of bedtime routines, you can use your Alexa device to personalize your own nightly ritual. Whether you opt for sleep-inducing sounds or a relaxing audiobook to cue you to sleep, use your Amazon device to set sleep timers that automatically turn the sounds off after a certain amount of time to avoid any distractions interrupting your REM sleep.

4. Let guided meditation relax you

There's no need to splash out on a spa membership to get your wellness fix. Alexa has a number of meditation skills to provide you with guided exercises to practice mindfulness from the comfort of your bedroom. You can try saying 'Alexa, open Guided Meditation' for a new meditation exercise every day to help you calm your mind and body for a more restful sleep. Try it half an hour before bed to help you wind down after a long day.

5. Turn your echo device into a night light 

There's no shame in sleeping with a night light past the age of 10. Some of us sleep better with a warm glow from across the room, and with Alexa’s Night Light skill, you can turn your Echo device into a night lamp with just a simple command. Just say 'Alexa, open night light for 30 minutes' and have it cast a gentle light into your room as you drift off to sleep.

As we celebrate World Sleep Day this Friday, never was there a better time to add an Amazon Echo to your nightstand. Try one of these simple commands and see how much better your sleep becomes.

Shop our favorite Alexa devices for the bedroom 

January can be a miserable month, can't it? Christmas decorations have come down, weather still isn't as warm as it should be and no one really ever wants to do anything, do they? 

Which is why it's the perfect month to perk yourself up by sprucing up your  smart home tech. There a few new pieces on the market that, when used right, make your decor more cheerful, life less depressing and will help you beat your January blues. Here's what you need to do. 

1. Set the mood with smart lights

In winter, when daylight hours are in short supply, smart lights really come into their own. The best smart light bulbs can not only be controlled via your phone or voice, saving you the effort of getting up to turn them on when you’ve just gotten comfortable, but can change colors to fit the mood — just the thing to perk you up in the low-light months.

If you’ve already fitted your light fittings with smart bulbs, you needn’t stop there. The likes of Nanoleaf  let you create a stylish light array on your wall — and you can even have the lights respond to music or touch. 

2. Make your blinds or curtains smart

All the same, you can’t beat a bit of natural light for chasing away the winter blues. To fully take advantage of those precious few daylight hours, have you considered smart blinds or smart curtains?

There are no shortage of smart blinds available on Amazon. They come with a motor, letting you open and close the blinds via an app or with your voice. For your existing curtains, something like SwitchBot is just the ticket: simply attach it to your curtains and it will open and close them on your behalf. 

This may seem a little lazy, but it also has useful security connotations. With an automated system, you can make it appear like someone’s at home, even when you’re on a two-week vacation.

3. Get the party started with a quality smart speaker

A smart speaker technically isn’t essential for a smart home — but you’re missing out if you don’t have one, as voice controls are far simpler than scrambling for an app every time you want to do something.

But not all smart speakers are created equal, and if you’re a big music listener, then it’s worth splashing out for models with the best sound quality. 

For Apple households, that’s the HomePod 2, but if you’re into Alexa then you have a bit more choice. There’s the Echo Studio (combined with an Echo Sub if you really want to go all in), of course, but the Sonos Era 300 is the audiophile’s choice.

Missing from this equation is Google Assistant, sadly. The Google Home Max has been discontinued, and the company’s voice assistant is no longer supported by Sonos due to changes in Google’s requirements for third parties. Your best bet here might be the older Sonos One — or hunting down a Home Max on the second-hand market.

4. Clean up with a robot vacuum

Nothing really wears you down in January like the relentless daily grind of chores.

Robot vacuums aren’t a perfect solution (you’ll want a regular vacuum for spot cleaning, and doubly so if you have a staircase) but they’re pretty effective at keeping dust under control on a day-to-day basis. And white rugs, like in this living room above, looking a bit more....energized.

The best robot vacuums are especially recommended for households with pets and hard floors. Keeping that molting under control can certainly make the winter months feel a little less challenging. The iRobot Roomba j7+ is our favorite model.

5. Get cozy with temperature-controlled bedding

Finding the right temperature is important to getting a good night’s sleep — and that’s especially difficult to manage in winter. 

BedJet could be the answer you’ve been looking for. It’s a unit that sits under your bed and blasts hot or cold air under your sheets, getting you to the ideal temperature via a smartphone app or bundled remote control.

Better still, if you’re in a couple with vastly different temperature requirements, BedJet sells a bundle with two units and a separating sheet. That way you and your partner can sleep in entirely different climates for an argument-free and invigorating night’s sleep.

Make Your Home A Smart One With These Buys

If you're not the tech-savvy sort, the prospect of a 'smart home' might sound terrifying. Visions of a post-apocalyptic world where AI rules might be burnt into your brain thanks to pop culture, but we're here to tell you there's nothing to fear. In fact, there are some smart home gadgets that even the biggest technophobes might learn to love. 

We understand if you're skeptical, but smart technology isn't here to take over. On the contrary, it exists to make your life easier. Whether it's automating your home to help you save energy or keeping your space safe with smart security, there are many reasons to embrace everything the world of tech has to offer. That said, there's no denying it's a difficult world to navigate if you're not brushed up on the fast-moving tech industry, which is why we've asked experts to help us rustle up a list of the very best items it has to offer. Here are six smart home devices you ought to know about. 

1. Smart speakers

Smart speakers are one of the most ubiquitous smart home gadgets out there. We've been fast adopters of their technology since their inception, and that's because they're really simple to use. Essentially a speaker that connects to your wifi, they incorporate a voice assistant that can answer your questions, take note of your shopping list, make calls, play your favorite songs, and much much more. 

They might not sound like something you necessarily need in your life, but next time you have your hands tied up with the washing up or laundry, using the power of your voice can be a real game-changer. 'Smart speakers are also the core point for many different types of smart home systems,' says Vikas Kaushik, CEO of TechAhead. 

If you're looking for the best smart speaker, Vikas says brands such as Amazon Echo and Google Nest are especially user-friendly. 'To make it simple for those who are not comfortable with technology to engage with their smart home through the use of natural language commands, these devices provide voice control for a variety of smart home equipment, ranging from lights to thermostats,' he says. 

2. Robot vacuum cleaners

To anyone who bears the brunt of the household chores, a robot vacuum will almost certainly appeal. These clever gadgets map the floor plan of your home so they can navigate around and clean your floors on their own accord. While you are away, your floors will be cleaned automatically,' says Shanal Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer at TechAhead. 'Robot vacuums and smart attachments for your existing vacuum are also options that you can choose from.'

The biggest robot vacuum brand is Roomba, and Shanal recommends the i7+. 'It includes features like the ability to automatically empty itself, navigate difficult layouts, and respond to voice commands,' he adds.

3. Digital safe

Everyone needs a safe to protect their valuables, and smart safes are the best in terms of security. Unlike combination locks, electronic digital safes have enhanced security features to protect your belongings. 

'This isn’t one of the high-tech gadgets that’ll blow your mind, but surely I consider it as the safest tech gadget that can keep all your belongings in one place and eliminates the fear of theft or burglary,' says Colin Tan, an AI enthusiast and Tech Editor at Increditools. 'House break-ins are rising rapidly in the US, and getting a digital safe makes your emergency cash, gold, and keys secure, in case you’re traveling outside or not at home for a few days.' Combined with more advanced home security systems, you'll have peace of mind that you're space is protected. 

4. Smart plugs

If you want to automate pretty much anything in your home, a smart plug is the answer. You can easily use them to schedule your outlets throughout your home on a timer to help preserve battery life and turn on devices remotely, and the best smart plugs let you activate them with voice controls, too. 

'For those difficult-reach areas in your home, smart plugs are the answer,' says Bobby Lawson, tech editor at Earthweb. 'They can also be controlled remotely, and you can also create schedules for your appliances so they turn on or off automatically.' 

When it comes to what to buy, he recommends the TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring, available at Amazon, as does Kelly Indah, another tech expert and security analyst at Increditools. 'Plugs like Amazon Smart Plug and TP-Link Kasa Smart enable wireless control of appliances and electronics,' she says. 'You can easily automate things like fans, lamps, and more, which is very handy!' 

5. Smart Thermostats

To help you reduce bills and save energy, a smart thermostat is a must. No more returning to a cold, dark home. These clever devices not only help you create an automated home with adaptable energy functions, but they also allow you to control your heating remotely via an app, too.

'Nest makes high-quality thermostats that optimize home temperature and energy use. The Nest app enables remote access and control from anywhere,' says Kelly. 'This takes the guesswork out of energy savings.' 

If you're looking for the best smart thermostat, Doug Stevenson, technology consultant and founder of Blinq Blinq, has some suggestions. 'Ecobee and Honeywell help you save money on bills by adjusting the temperature when you're out,' he says. 'You come home to comfort without the high energy costs!'

6. Smart doorbells 

Video doorbells are a staple in many homes these days, and for good reason. These devices allow you to see who's at your door and communicate with them through an app on your phone without abandoning whatever you're doing at the time. 'See who's at the door right on your phone with the likes of Ring or Eufy,' says Doug. 'You can even chat with the mailman if you're not home which is super useful.'

In our view, the best video doorbell out there is Ring, a brand that also offers intercom systems and security cameras which can link up with your other devices, too. 'SimpliSafe, Abode, and Ring all make it easy to check in on your home anytime,' Doug adds. 'You get alerts if anything's up - a big help for peace of mind!'

Ready to embrace some smart technology to help make your everyday life simpler and safer? Try one of these six gadgets. Once you welcome one, you won't be able to live without it!

There’s still something magical about smart assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri. Being able to turn off the lights and change the temperature of your house with the power of your voice really doesn’t get old — especially if your bedroom light switch is far away from your bed, like mine.

But while smart assistants once lived in smart speakers and phones, Google and Amazon are increasingly pitching their smart screens — the Echo Show and Nest Hub — as the best way to enjoy them. 

So, should you upgrade to a smart assistant with a screen? Here’s what to consider before taking the plunge.

The reasons against

The first reason you may want to opt out is one of compatibility. If you’re an Apple household with a HomePod, you simply can’t upgrade to one with a screen at the moment — though the company is rumored to have plans to change that in the future. 

The second is that, bluntly, companies still don’t seem to have that many ideas of how to use the screen part of the smart speaker. Aside from being able to watch videos on them (more on that in a moment) integration tends to be companion graphics, like a week’s worth of weather forecast icons appearing when you ask if it’s raining. 

You also get things like the text of your voice commands appearing on screen, a digital clock, a list of upcoming diary appointments and a digital picture frame cycling through your snaps or other appealing vistas. This is all doubtless nice to have, but far from essential.

The problem with that is the money you’re spending on a largely superfluous screen is cash that isn’t being spent on the speaker part, which means weaker audio. To put it another way, if you have two smart speakers costing $100, one with a screen and one without, you can bet your bottom dollar that the latter will sound better than the former.

The reasons for

Despite these criticisms, I’ve reviewed a few smart screens over the years and eventually decided to permanently install a Nest Hub for my kitchen — a location where sound quality isn’t the be all and end all.

The reasons are twofold, but they both come down to video. A smart screen in the kitchen is incredibly valuable if you like to cook. Not only can you quickly get measurement conversions without washing your hands (“Alexa, how many grams in a cup?”) but you can ask for recipes directly, and the smart screen will bring up step-by-step guides or videos. No getting your cookery books dirty.

The second reason is that if I’m cooking something familiar, washing up or generally tidying the kitchen on autopilot — something that I spend several cumulative hours per week doing — it’s nice to be able to have a show on in the background. The Nest Hub’s tiny seven-inch screen might not match the IMAX, but it’s perfectly good for reruns of Modern Family and Frasier.

If that sounds appealing, my advice is to go Nest Hub over Echo Show here. While the latter is limited to Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime Video, the Nest Hub has Chromecast built in, letting you stream a lot more via your phone, from Disney Plus to Plex.

So, should I upgrade to a smart assistant with a screen? 

The long and short of it: it really depends on how you intend to use it. While I personally find the visual integration a bit lacklustre, you may really like it — especially if you have a packed digital diary and plenty of photos to cycle through. And if you want to watch videos or follow recipes in the kitchen, a smart screen is a great investment.

But if you really just want smart home voice controls and music playback then you’re better off buying a more expensive smart speaker, like the Apple HomePod or Echo Studio. 

If you have the budget for both, of course, then that’s the way to go to enjoy the best of both worlds. 

What Black Friday deals are there on smart assistants? 

Is your TV mounted too high on the wall? Given it’s entirely subjective, the answer is ‘no’, as long as you’re happy with it.

But not everyone shares this view. Indeed, there’s a whole subreddit dedicated to roasting setups where the TV is mounted too high on the wall. And yes, if your television is like some of the more eye-catching examples, then it probably is high enough that local chiropractors are already clearing their calendars ahead of your inevitable neck-strain-related visit.

So how high should your TV be on the wall? Here’s what most people seem to think is the most sensible answer.

How high should my TV be on the wall?

The consensus is that the center of your TV should be at eye level, ensuring you don’t have to flick your neck up or down to see the majority of the on-screen action.

Of course, that in itself brings up a whole host of factors, including the size of the TV, the dimensions of your couch, and the viewer’s height — itself made more complex if the TV is going to be used by multiple children and adults of varying proportions. 

There are a few ways of addressing this problem. If you have help at hand, sit in your favored position and get a friend or family member to measure the distance from the floor to eye level. Better still, enlist two strong friends to physically move the TV in front of you in your seated position until you find the sweet spot that feels right for you.

If this is a solo mission, you could use this online calculator. It factors in everything from TV size to tilt and watching height to spit out the ideal number.

Does all of this sound like a bit too much effort? Completely understandable, and Samsung has a recommended average that’ll work for most people: position the center of the TV 42 inches from the floor. 

“This should meet the approximate eye level of someone who is 5 feet 6 inches tall and sitting on a standard couch,” the company explains. “Of course, you can mount it a little lower if needed, based on the viewers' height.”

Don’t stress too much about this — an inch either way isn’t going to hurt. And if you’re catering to a family of varying heights, you’re just going to have to aim for something that’s merely ‘okay’ for everyone.

Some clear exceptions

It’s important to understand that these ‘rules’ are a starting point rather than the inflexible, absolute answer. It all depends on your circumstances and whether comfortable viewing is the priority.

What do we mean with that? Well, if you have young children or enthusiastic pets, you already know one exception: sometimes having a TV that’s out of reach trumps the ideal aesthetic viewing angle. If you need to wall mount your TV that bit higher to prevent accidents, then that’s a reasonable trade off to make.

Likewise, it’s important to remember that not all spaces are created equal. If you’re installing your TV in a home bar, you may have decked out the place with barstools which are significantly taller than your average sofa. 

Likewise, if your TV is background entertainment for a games room, then you’ll want the screen higher if you’re going to spend the majority of your viewing time standing around a pool table while you wait for your shot.

Is my TV too high on the wall?

As we wrote at the start, the question is a subjective one. Some people prefer their TV to be a bit higher than others, and that’s fine as long as it’s not so high that you’re straining your neck to see the action.

In short, eye-level or just above appears to be the sweet spot. If you’re in that range, it’s probably not worth the hassle of unmounting and remounting, but if you have to raise your head to see everything, then it’s likely time for a change. 

Whether you’re into baseball, football or basketball, if you’re hosting a party for the big game, you’ll want your TV to show the best image quality possible.

The trouble is that most sets don’t make it easy — or rather, they do, but the dedicated sports option they typically provide sacrifices image quality on the alter of overly saturated colors and footage that’s a bit too smooth.

While eve the settings on the best TV brands will come down to personal preference, here are some tips to help you get the image you’re looking for when watching your live sport of choice.

TV settings for sports: What not to do

Most TV sets come with a couple of pre-sets which sound perfect: ‘Sport’ and ‘Game’. Counterintuitively, you don’t want either of them.

‘Game’ refers not to game day, but to videogames. It’s a setting that strips back visual niceties and processing effects to reduce the amount of time it takes for the TV to reflect the movements from your gamepad. In other words, it has its place, but it’s not for sports.

‘Sport’ mode, meanwhile, is for sports, but it’s typically pretty unpleasantly implemented. For some reason, TV manufacturers believe that sports fans want the brightest, most garish colors around, which means that this setting typically boosts the brightness, contrast and colors to slightly silly levels. It just doesn’t look realistic, so isn't one of the best TV settings in my opinion.

Sport mode also implements something called motion smoothing, which is good in theory, but can backfire in practice. In short, it adds extra frames to fill in the gaps between those not included with the content making things artificially ‘smoother’.

It sounds great for sports, but in its attempts to make everything buttery smooth, you can lose detail as things become a bit too blurry and artificial-looking. Like so much of TV settings, it’s a personal preference thing, but you can turn it on with more realistic colors by just customizing the key settings as outlined below.

TV settings for sport: The things to tweak

So if you don’t want ‘Sport’ or ‘Game’, what do you want to start with? Well first, let’s add a couple more you want to avoid: Vivid and Dynamic. These again lean towards garish, which looks great in the harsh lighting of TV showrooms, but feels quite off in your living room.

Instead, start with something a bit more neutral. You’ll usually find settings called ‘Natural’, ‘Standard’, ‘Cinema’ or ‘Movie’ which prioritize color accuracy over brightness.

If that looks too dull, don’t worry: you’re not done yet — this is just the baseline where we tweak settings to your liking. And don't forget you can also make your TV sound better, too. 

Screen brightness

Start off with the brightness level. Counterintuitively, this isn’t necessarily the option labelled “brightness” as this typically just adjusts the black colors, moving them between black and grey. 

Instead, you want to adjust the backlight or OLED lighting instead. The former will be called something like “backlight level”, while the latter will be called “OLED light level” or “OLED brightness” — either way, move it up to your liking. 

Note that if you have energy-saving options enabled (they sometimes are on by default), this might be capped, so you may want to disable any before you begin.

Contrast

To achieve the right picture, you’ll need a little help from some on-screen content, starting with the “brightness” option I mentioned before, which would more accurately be described as black level. 

Find a nighttime scene in a movie or show, and then turn it up so you can see every image in the darkest areas. Then turn it back down again so it goes as black as possible while still letting you see the details.

Now we do the same with whites on the “contrast” option. For this, you’ll need as white a scene as possible — a cloudy sky, say. Slide the contrast down so that all the details are visible, and then turn it back up to the brightest point where the details are still visible.

Color temperature 

These typically come with presets ranging from warm to cool, with ‘natural’ or ‘standard’ in the middle. As a rule of thumb, cooler is brighter but less realistic, so you probably want to opt for something warmer — though this really is down to personal preference.

If you really want to get into the weeds, you can start adjusting the tint controls and saturation. The aim here is to make the colors appear as natural as possible, which probably means you’ll be somewhere in the middle for each bar, but, hey: it’s your TV.

Motion smoothing and sharpness

Finally, there are two settings that you’ll want to tailor to your personal preference: motion smoothing and sharpness.

Motion smoothing is the one I mentioned earlier that’s often enabled by default for ‘Sport’ mode. It fills in frames for a smoother effect, but it can feel blurry. 

For some TVs, it’s not a binary on/off choice, so tweak the setting and see what you like. Note that it’s called different things by different companies: it could be TruMotion, Auto Motion Plus or Motionflow, so Google your brand to check.

Sharpness may sound good, but the actual sharpness of the image is decided by resolution — both the TV and the content. What the sharpness slider does is accentuate the edges of images, which can lead to a nasty halo effect around objects and people if you overdo it.

You may want it off completely, but if you want to enable it, you’ll probably find your sweet spot in the 1% to 10% range.

TV settings for sports: The one exception

Once you’ve settled on settings that look good, you’ll probably find that all your sports of choice look great… unless your favorite happens to be ice hockey.

Ice Hockey is not only extremely fast-moving, but because it’s played on ice, there’s a whole lot of white that may make your brightness a bit too much on the eyes.

In other words, if hockey is your passion, you might want to turn motion smoothing even further down, make the colors a bit warmer and lower the brightness. You may be able to set up a custom set of pre-sets to enable just for hockey, but that’ll depend on your TV.

You can’t control when an email drops in your inbox, but you can choose when to deal with it. 

In the old days, before internet-connected smartphones were ubiquitous, emails would only arrive when sat at your computer with a dedicated programme open and checking. Now, they come through instantly via notifications, and it’s all-too easy to feel pressured into dealing with them right away — or worse, read and forget about them causing problems down the road.

There’s another way for iPhone: email reminders. If you’re not ready to deal with an email right away, you can tell your device to remind you in an hour, later in the day, tomorrow or at a custom time and date of your choosing. Here’s how to use email reminders, a simple, but so useful iPhone trick that'll change how you handle your inbox. 

How to use email reminders on your iPhone

Here are the steps you need to follow. 

2. Swipe left on the email you want a reminder on.

3. Tap “Remind Me” from the pop-up menu and choose exactly when you want the reminder. You can have it in one hour, later than evening (9pm local time), tomorrow morning (8am local time) or at a time and date of your choosing.

But sometimes you’ll already have opened the email to read it. No problem, you can set a reminder from there too.

2. Tap “Remind Me” in the menu that appears from the bottom.

3. Choose the time that suits you.

What about if you use the Gmail app?

Of course, this isn’t much use if you don’t use Apple’s Mail app — and personally I don’t. Fortunately, if you use Gmail, there’s a remarkably similar function called Snooze which works much the same way. 

Here’s how to use it on iPhone:

3. Select when you want the email to re-emerge. There are four set times you can choose, or you can pick a time and date of your choosing.

You can also do it from within an email like this.

2. Press the three dots in the top right-hand corner of the screen.

3. Tap “Snooze”

4. Select when you want the email to resurface.

If you’ve snoozed an email by mistake, or want to return to it before it comes back, sleeping emails are accessible via the side menu under “Snoozed”.

Final thoughts

As a freelancer, I find email reminders invaluable. It’s a lifestyle where you have to force yourself to take time off, rather than having allocated vacation, so you have to be disciplined to avoid burnout. As such, being able to snooze important emails until the next time I’m on call for work is extremely handy. 

Without the worry that an email can be forgotten, you can simply put it out of your mind and come back to it when you’re able to give it your full attention. 

And if it’s going to involve a long reply, you won’t have to awkwardly tap away on your phone screen, either: just schedule it to when you’re home near your laptop. 

All in all, it’s simply a superb feature that everyone should have in their iPhone toolkit.

The iPhone’s auto-correct feature can be an absolute lifesaver. It’s uncannily good at spotting typos as they happen, saving you from having to go back and painstakingly edit using the fiddly on-screen keyboard.

But did you know that as well as correcting typos, the iPhone can also be trained to automatically replace words and phrases you use all the time with whatever you want? It’s called text replacement, and it’s incredibly easy iPhone trick to set up and use, as we’ll demonstrate in a moment.

The best thing is that if you’re deeply ingrained into the Apple ecosystem, by default your replacements will follow you between devices via iCloud. That means that your corrections will not just follow you to your next iPhone, but across to your iPad or MacBook too.

Why use text replacement?

When you open the text replacement for the first time, you’ll find that there’s already one item in there that works on every new iPhone. If you type ‘omw’ into the iPhone keyboard, it will magically become “On my way!” before your very eyes. On its support page, Apple suggests making “GM” turn to “Good morning” as another possibility.

So you can autofill acronyms to read as full sentences, but more than that, you can make long words you type a lot appear without writing them in full. Say you’re writing a PhD thesis on triskaidekaphobia and talk to your friends about it a lot – with the iPhone’s text replacement feature, you could abbreviate that to just “trsk” and have iOS automatically fill in the missing letters on your behalf.

But that’s just scratching the surface of the possibilities. You could, for example, make it so that “@@” automatically autofills your email address, or that “##” brings up your phone number. If you regularly need to share bank details with friends and employers, you could program it so that your bank details offer to fill in whenever you type “[bnknum]”. How about as a way to share your Wifi password on an iPhone easily? 

The limit is your imagination. The important thing is to make the shortcut something you would never type under any other circumstances. If it’s not, then you may find saved words and phrases popping up at the worst possible time.

How to set up text replacement on your iPhone

Adding words and phrases to the iPhone’s text replacement dictionary is simple.

1. Open the Settings app. It’s the cog on the gray background.

2. From the settings menu, tap “General”. It’s the 13th option down the list.

3. Next, select “Keyboard”. You’ll find it ten items down.

4. Tap “Text Replacement”, which is the second item on the next screen.

5. Tap the plus icon in the top right-hand corner of the screen.

6. Now type the word or phrase you’re interested in shortening in the top box, for example your email address. Type the shortcut you want associated with it in the box below – for example “@@”.

7. Tap save, and you’re done. From now on typing the shortcut will give you the option of autofilling the word or phrase you’ve saved.

How to remove phrases from text replacement on iPhone

Made a terrible mistake, or just fed up of Apple lengthening “omw” to “on my way”? Removing phrases from your iPhone’s text replacement dictionary is just as straightforward.

1. Repeat steps 1-4 above to load the text replacement section of the iPhone’s settings.

2. Tap the “Edit” in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen.

3. Every item on the list will now be accompanied by red circles with a white line through the middle. Tap the ones next to phrases you no longer want the iPhone to remember.

Do you ever randomly discover something you never knew your iPhone could do? Well, there's probably many more features than you'd imagine you don't know about   that Apple has packed into your phone. 

A lot of its smarter features are hidden away to such a degree that even hardcore iPhone users will never find them. Here are 10 such genius things that your iPhone can do if you know where to look.

1. Copy text from images

If you have an iPhone XS, XR or later, you benefit from an extremely neat feature called Live Text. In short, your iPhone can recognize text in photos, images online or even video.

That means if you take or download a picture with written words in it, you can copy and paste it into other apps just by holding down your finger on the text you want.

But more than that, you can get a live copy of some text without even taking a photo. Just point your camera at some text and press the Live Text button, as shown in the picture below. We think it's a great iPhone trick to share your WiFi password, too. 

While it works best with printed text, I had some success with a hand-written note — albeit with a few understandable typos to correct.

2. Scan documents

On a similar note, your iPhone now has a good enough camera to make a dedicated document scanner redundant in most cases.  

You can do this via the Camera app, but if you want to save a useful document, it’s easier to use Notes as Apple recommends. 

Just start a new note, tap the camera icon and point at the document you want to scan. It’ll be saved to your Notes app for easy access.

3. Lift a subject from the photo background

Staying on photos, did you know you can lift people, pets and objects from photographs for them to be dropped elsewhere?

It’s all explained in the TikTok video above, but the upshot is you can remove the background from images and paste them into Notes or messaging apps!

4. Turn your keyboard into a trackpad

The iPhone keyboard is great, but when I made the switch from Android I was a bit lost when it came to precise editing of typos. No matter where I tapped, I couldn’t select the exact letter I wanted to edit.

Turns out there’s a way to finetune text edits. Just hold down the space bar and your keyboard becomes a trackpad, letting you slide your cursor to the exact spot you want to edit.

5. Make your Apple logo a button

Would you like more buttons on your iPhone? If you’re using an iPhone 8 or later, you can with a feature called “Back Tap”. 

It’s buried away in the accessibility settings, but once enabled you can make the back of your phone an extra button, binding actions like opening Control Center, muting the phone, or enabling the flashlight to a double or triple tap.

To enable it, go to Settings, then Accessibility, then Touch. Tap Back Tap and you can set it up to your liking. 

Note that this doesn’t seem to work if you have a particularly thick case, as I do.

6. Have your iPhone listen out for sounds

Another neat accessibility feature that you may want to enable is Sound Recognition. While clearly aimed at those with hearing difficulties, if you’re happy having your iPhone’s microphone listen out for certain triggers, such as a crying baby, the doorbell, a dog barking or a siren, then you can set it up to your liking. When it ‘hears’ something, you’ll get a notification on your phone for further investigation. Handy if you like to wear headphones.

You can even train it on alarms, wireless doorbell chimes our appliances the iPhone doesn’t automatically recognize. Just go to Settings, then Accessibility, then Sound Recognition to set it up.

7. Name the song

On the subject of listening out for things, did you know that your iPhone can recognize music, and name tracks if you let it listen?

It’s all thanks to Apple buying the music recognition app Shazam back in 2018, and it’s now integrated right into iOS. The easiest way is to go via Siri: simply say “Hey Siri, what song is this?”  

If you really don’t want to use Apple’s virtual assistant, you can add a Shazam shortcut to Control Center — the quick options menu you get by dragging down from the top right of the screen. Just go to Settings, then Control Center and tap the Add button next to Music Recognition.

8. Make your iPhone a high-quality Mac webcam

The webcams on Apple’s various Mac desktop and laptops aren’t bad, but they can’t compete with a dedicated smartphone camera. 

Brilliantly, with a feature called Continuity Camera, Apple lets you use your iPhone as a dedicated webcam for Mac. It’s a lot more flexible than a regular webcam with better quality and the ability to show your desk as well as your face in ultrawide mode. 

You need iOS 16 and for your Mac to be running macOS Ventura. Once done, the video below shows how to enable it:

9. Block out background sound on calls

With the latest version of Apple’s operating system — iOS 16.4 — iPhones made in the last five years can use machine learning to block out background noise from the microphone when on phone or video calls, making your voice crystal clear for whoever you’re talking to.

Here’s how to enable 'Voice Isolation' on iPhone. 

10. Measure things with LiDAR

If you have the Pro or Pro Max versions of the iPhone 12, 13 or 14, you’ve got an advanced LiDAR scanner built into your phone. Essentially, it sends out lasers and analyzes the time they take to return to the source, allowing the phone to measure distance and depth.

With Apple’s Measure app, this enables the measurement of anything. Just open up the app and point the camera at the edge of what you want to measure. Tap the ‘plus’ icon, then move your camera the other end of your measurement, and tap it again. The length will be shown on the screen.

Do you want to improve the sound quality of your iPhone calls? Good news, Apple has a new setting that will do just that.

It’s called Voice Isolation, and while it’s been available for some time on FaceTime and other third-party apps, it’s now an option for voice calls as well, with the arrival of iOS 16.4. 

Here’s how to use this new iPhone trick and clearer, better phone conversations going forward. 

What is Voice Isolation for iPhone?

Voice Isolation uses the machine learning powers of Apple’s latest iPhone chips to block ambient sound in real-time. 

In short, when you’re on a call with Voice Isolation enabled, your voice will be prioritized, dampening background audio and making your voice sound as crisp and clear as possible.

How to use Voice Isolation on your iPhone

Oddly, Apple doesn’t make Voice Isolation the default for calls, nor is it obviously placed in the Settings menu. Instead, you need to toggle it on in whatever app you’re using via the Control Center.

1. Make sure you’re using iOS 16.4. Check by going to Settings, then General, then About. If you’re on an earlier version, go back to the General section and tap Software Update to download the latest build of iOS.

2. Start a call using the phone or FaceTime apps.

3. When your call is underway, drag down from the top right-hand corner of your screen to bring up Control Center — a range of quick options for your iPhone.

4. Tap the microphone icon in the top right corner of the grid to open the mic settings.

5. Select Voice Isolation from the list of options.

The good news is that you don’t have to do this every time you make a call, as the phone will default to whatever you used last time around. 

For most people that means they’ll never have to think about it again as long as they’re happy with the improved call quality that Voice Isolation mode brings. 

But alongside Voice Isolation and Standard modes, there’s a third option: Wide Spectrum. This mode is the opposite of Voice Isolation mode, designed to capture as much sound as possible, which is handy if you specifically want the person on the other end of the call to hear what’s going on in the background. 

That said, this setting is intended for FaceTime. If you try and enable it for voice calls, you’ll get a “currently unavailable” message, which suggests it may one day arrive for regular phone conversations too.

Can I use Voice Isolation on third-party apps?

Voice Isolation is available to third-party apps via an API, meaning that plenty of programmes that support video calling will also let you boost the sound quality. 

The likes of WhatsApp, Teams, Slack, Signal and Instagram all support the feature in the same way outlined above. Just boot up your favorite communications app, start a call and test it via Control Center.

What iPhones support Voice Isolation?

For voice calls, you need iOS 16.4, which includes the following handsets in reverse chronological order:

However, Apple’s official support page for Spatial Audio, Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum omits both 2017’s iPhone X and iPhone 8 series. 

This is likely because these handsets were the first chips to contain a dedicated Neural Engine for machine learning tasks, and presumably the earliest implementation is not quite up to the job, even if it laid the framework for what followed.

That also means that older phones capable of reaching iOS 15 for FaceTime Voice Isolation support — the iPhone 7, iPhone SE (2016 model) and iPhone 6s series — are also illegible, even though it’s available in the software.

For the smart home that has almost everything, NFC tags are a great way of taking things to the next level. 

But what exactly are they? They’re little stickers that can be placed around the house. When tapped with your iPhone or Android device, they’ll instruct your phone to perform whatever function you’ve preprogrammed it to do.

One function per sticker may sound a bit underwhelming, but they’re inexpensive and available in huge packs. From setting timers to creating a guest WiFi login, here are a few ideas to try to add to your smart home. 

What can I use NFC tags for around the home?

If you’ve just got a load and are unsure of what to do with them, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some genius functions you may not have thought of.

(This piece won’t go into how to set them up on your phone, but if you need help, this guide from IFTTT should get you started.)

1. Control the lights in every room

Everyone knows that with the best smart light bulbs you can power on, change the color and adjust the brightness of your lighting via an app or with your voice.But, did you know, if you have a setting you really like, you can automate it via an NFC tag? Program the perfect conditions and then tap your phone against it to set your lighting just so. 

So you could have one on your bedside table to turn off the lights (possibly combined with the playing of a sleep playlist if that’s your thing), one near your sofa to set the mood for movie night, and one in the office to get the right feel for productivity.

2. Make time to focus

The constant dinging of notifications can be distracting, and sometimes you just need to focus. How about setting up an NFC tag on your desk that immediately puts your phone into do not disturb mode? 

3. Give your record collection the 21st century touch

Got a vinyl collection that’s gathering dust in your listening room in the age of Spotify and Apple Music? You can give these beautiful records a digital touch by programming an NFC tag with a link to each album and sticking them on to the cover, as shown in this marvelous video below.

4. Your favourite recipes on tap

If you’ve got a few brilliant but complicated recipes that you can’t quite remember, you can set up an NFC link for quick access.

Just stick one in the kitchen programmed with a link to the recipe, tap it and the page will immediately load on your phone — whether text or video. A new idea to make your smart kitchen even smarter. 

5. Timers on tap

Another handy function of NFC stickers is the ability to set phone timers. 

Only one per tag, of course, but it can still be handy all the same. Perhaps a 45-minute timer next to your tumble drier in your laundry room to know when it’s time to finish the laundry, or a 15-minute timer on your desk for a spell of intense focus. 

You could even put a two-minute timer tag on your bathroom mirror to ensure you brush your teeth for the right about of time!

6. Track your water intake

iPhone owners may know that Apple Health lets you track the amount of water you drink. But without any sensors, you have to enter it manually, which can be a pain.

Why not add an NFC tag underneath your water bottle? Program it to add a glass of water to Apple Health when tapped, and then activate it every time you finish your drink.

7. Plot your way home in the car

NFC tags aren’t just for the home! There are two very handy functions you can bind to stickers discretely placed in your car.

The first is for mapping. Set up an NFC tag to plot a route home in Google Maps, and wherever you end up, you’ll be able to get directions home with a quick tap of the phone.

And for more familiar routes, you can set up another NFC tag to send a text to your partner telling them you’re on your way home.

8. "Dinner time!"

On a similar note to that last bonus use, the ability to automatically send messages to people is especially handy if you live in a large household and need to get a mass message out quickly.

One example: calling people to dinner. NFC tags can automate a text message to everyone in your house telling them that food is ready and it’s time to get stuck in.

9. Connect guests to WiFi

If you’ve got a long, complicated WiFi password — or, worse, have to dig out the router to find it — then this one is a lifesaver. 

You can set up an NFC tag to automatically connect guests to your WiFi without having to dictate your password to them. A real time saver.

10. A makeshift pet tracker

NFC tags are extremely lightweight, which means they can easily be added to a pet’s collar. 

Why would you want that? Well, it means if your cat or dog goes missing, anybody finding the pet can tap their phone to the tag and instantly have your number to get in touch, reuniting you with the missing animal. Obviously not everyone will recognize a tag, but it could still be a life saver!

A world of possibilities

So buy a bunch of NFC tags and see how you get on. You might just come up with a shortcut that changes your life.

As with the genius ideas for smart plugs, there are infinite possibilities for NFC tags — the challenge is thinking of them. But, in short, if it’s something that your phone can do, then creating an automated shortcut should be trivial.

So, you want to set up a smart home, but don’t know where to start – we've all been there, and you have to start somewhere. We’re here to help, with some easy-to-follow steps to convert your house into a smart home.

Don’t feel you need to do everything in this list, or that you need to do it all in one go. You might not want a smart thermostat or smart locks, and that’s perfectly fine. The beauty of the smart home is that you can build it up at your own pace, and all but the foundational pieces of the smart home are entirely optional.

With that in mind, here are the ten steps to set up a smart home.

1. Fix WiFi notspots with mesh WiFi

It’s a bit boring when you’re itching to get your smart home off the ground, but the very first step is making sure your WiFi is up to scratch. Solid WiFi is the backbone of a smart home, and if you have WiFi not-spots in your home, you’ll want to fix them so every product can sync in harmony.

Note that WiFi doesn’t necessarily need to be super fast, but it does need to be reliable and reach every corner of your home. Consider investing in the best Wi-Fi extenders if that’s not the case.

2. Get voice controls

The thing that really makes a smart home sing (figuratively or literally) is by adding in one of the best smart speakers, like the Nest Audio or Amazon Echo. 

These brilliant devices not only function as radios and music players, but have built-in virtual assistants that can follow your voice commands, and control your smart home. Think “Alexa, turn off the living room lights” or “Okay Google, set the temperature to 68 degrees”.

As for which virtual assistant you should get, that really depends on you. Google Assistant is widely seen as the smartest and good if you use Google Calendar, but Alexa has the widest support and Amazon Echo products are usually the cheapest smart speakers thanks to Amazon’s big discounting power. If you’re all in on Apple devices, meanwhile, then the Siri-powered HomePod also makes some sense, even if it has the least support overall.

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter too much, but it’s worth thinking about what you might connect next, because Ring is owned by Amazon, and Nest by Google. If you’re dead set on one specific product, it’s worth checking compatibility with the various assistants before you begin.

3. Add smart plugs everywhere!

It can be tempting to replace your old dumb tech with new smart versions, but that’s not completely necessary. Smart plugs — plugs with built-in WiFi or Bluetooth — can make any device seem smart, by only supplying power when you ask via app or voice, or even when scheduled for certain times of day.

The possibilities are endless, but here are a few uses for smart plugs to get you started. 

4. Sort your lighting

My favorite, most used smart home feature is my bedroom smart light. Being able to turn the light on or off from bed is not only neat in its own right, but has saved me from countless stubbed toes, given the light switch is all the way across the room.

The best smart light bulbs are not only controllable via Alexa/Google Assistant/Siri (it always pays to check), but can be set to millions of different colors too. Perfect for setting the mood for the kids’ story time, or movie night. 

5. Get a video doorbell and smart screen

Video doorbells are a big smart home favorite, letting you not only see who’s at the door (or loitering nearby) at any time via an app, but speak to guests when you’re not around. That’s useful both for deterring thieves and telling the delivery guy where to leave a parcel.

The best wireless doorbells really come into their own if you have a smart screen, which will show a live feed of the door whenever anyone presses the doorbell. 

(Note: This is one area where it pays to be brand loyal: if you’ve gone the Google Assistant route, you probably want a Nest Hello doorbell and a Nest Hub to monitor it. If you went with Alexa, you’ll want a Ring doorbell and Echo Show.) 

6. Up your security

Video doorbells only cover the front of your house, of course, but you don’t have to stop there. There are various indoor and outdoor smart cameras that will keep an eye on your property when you’re away, day or night thanks to built-in night vision.

The best wireless security cameras automatically respond to movement (and are smart enough to ignore pets) or sound, springing into life and uploading footage to the cloud, meaning intruders can’t easily cover their tracks. Most have a two-way mic, so you can even give a would-be burglar a piece of your mind, if you like!

7. Control the temperature

A smart thermostat is a very handy addition to your smart home. Not only can you set the temperature from your phone from anywhere in the world (neatly letting you warm up the house just in time for your arrival), but the best smart thermostats learn your behavior and predict when you might like things a bit toastier.

While initially a pricey addition to your smart home (you’ll want to get a professional to fit one, unless you’re handy with home electrics), smart thermostats can prove to be money savers in the long run — especially with energy prices at an all-time high.

8. Lock it up

Want to go key-free in 2023? Smart locks let you do just that, giving you access to your front door with an app, PIN or even a fingerprint. 

The advantages are clear: you never need worry about forgetting your key again, and the best smart locks also let you provide access to others, letting you grant temporary access to pet minders, guests and tenants without having to cut a new key.

There are pros and cons to smart locks, and they certainly aren’t for everyone. But if you find carrying keys everywhere an inconvenience… well, there’s a smart solution available.

9. Going more niche

Speakers, lights, cameras, locks and thermostats are the most popular smart home staples, but you don’t have to stop there, as manufacturers are constantly on the lookout for the next Internet-of-Things frontier.

That could be in the field of robotics: robot vacuum cleaners are getting better and better at staying on top of dust, and there are even robot lawn mowers too.

Or it could be in smart appliances. For the bathroom, how about a set of smart scales that automatically send your daily weigh-in to your phone? Or a smart mirror that will show your notifications so you never miss a beat?

Alternatively there are plenty of smart kitchen ideas, from dishwashers that’ll automatically push out the right level of detergent to fridges that’ll suggest meals based on the ingredients inside, while also keeping an eye on approaching expiry dates.

10. Get fancy with IFTTT

Once you have a number of connected devices in the same home, you can really begin to automate your life. While some devices will automate by themselves via learned behavior, connected sister devices or geofencing (i.e: detecting when you’re home via the presence of your smartphone), this can be just the beginning if you’re prepared to get into the weeds of automation.

IFTTT — or “If This Then That”, to use its full title — lets you programme certain smart home functions to automatically kick in when certain requirements are met. For example, you could make it so that your smartlights automatically turn on at sunset in your area, or make them flash when it starts to rain, when you get a text or even if someone messages you on Facebook.   

And that’s just smart lights! How about an IFTTT applet that automatically warms up your bed if things get too cold? Or one that turns on dry mode on an air conditioner if the humidity is too high?

You can make your own, and the only limit is your imagination and the sensors available. How about you create an applet where a smart plug only enables on sunny days when your solar panels are generating their own electricity?

How to set up a smart home: Conclusions

Again, you don’t have to do all of this. The real beauty of a smart home is that it can be as simple or as complicated as you like. But once the foundations are in place, you can build on it to your heart's content. 

And with all the big players like Apple, Google, Amazon and Samsung all putting their weight behind the Matter standard, it’s only going to get easier to build the smart home of your dreams in the years to come. Start today, and you’ll be ready for the next big smart home thing.

Samsung vs Sony has been a battle in the TV world going on for decades now. It started when Japan ruled the digital world, and Sony TVs were considered simply the best in class. Then, the South Korean company Samsung started to offer similar quality for more affordable pricing, sparking up a battle between the brands.

Now the two are more similarly matched, yet with more choices than ever. Which begs the question, which is the best TV for me?

Some considerations here, aside from design (which both do exceptionally well), include screen type and sound performance. These will affect your price bracket and also whether you need to set more aside for a dedicated sound system on top.

TVs from both these brands range from as compact as 32-inch screens right up to whopping 85-inch panels. And since both the best Samsung TVs and best Sony TVs are available internationally, they should be easy to buy and are often backed with great warranties.

We've completely updated this guide for 2025, ensuring the latest advice and models are covered, and we'll keep on updating it so you can always make the best decision for your home. Both brands have recently unveiled their 2025 offerings also. For Sony, it's new TVs in its popular BRAVIA range, including its new flagship BRAVIA 8 Mk II; while Samsung unveiled a raft of updated models, including the brand's new Vision AI, packing the TVs with new and improved features.

So let's break down all you need to know in the Samsung vs Sony TV debate, so you're left with the ideal television for your space.

Does Samsung or Sony Have Better Sales?

Design

Both Sony and Samsung offer a range of stunning TV options, where even their more budget options will still look well thought out and enhance the rooms they live in.

Sony offers some unique TV options with an overall design ethos that champions minimalism and offers a clean and subtle look. This can be ideal if you're looking for something that will fit into most rooms without standing out too much. That Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, which turns the glass screen into a speaker, makes for a unique and functionally fantastic performer that's pretty iconic.

Samsung is more statement-focused with a wide range of TV options, including some stand-out examples. Samsung The Frame, for example, is designed to look like a frame and features a super minimal bezel so you can display art or your photos using a digital frame of choice, to suit the space. Samsung's screens, with QLED, are also generally brighter and punchier than the Sony options.

As part of Samsung's Lifestyle Collection of TVs, there is also The Serif, which comes on a four-legged stand that allows it to be moved but also to make a powerful design statement. Crafted by the Bouroullec Brothers, this features a matte display for a glare-free viewing experience. Samsung also uniquely offers The Sero, a rotating TV designed to give you a smartphone-style portrait experience for digital viewing as you need. There's also The Terrace, designed to be bright, glare-free, and weatherproof for outdoor viewing, even in sunlight.

Winner: Samsung

Picture quality

Both Sony and Samsung offer a range of panel types but the top-end in each case is OLED, and the price reflects that. In both cases, that means the widest range of colors, deep contrast range in the darker end, and buttery smooth frame rates. But there are limits even here.

Samsung offers one type of HDR codec support while Sony supports another. This is the tech behind how many colors the screen can display and ultimately how good that dynamic range is, leading to a smoother and more realistic finish.

Sony supports Dolby Vision, which offers a 12-bit color gamut for 68 billion colors. Samsung uses HDR10+, which has 10-bit, topping out at just over one billion colors.

While those numbers point out an obvious difference, there is also the subtlety of the processing to take into account. The way light is translated into digital messages, then decoded back into light to be displayed on the screen, is a big part of this. Since Sony has been working on that for decades, with its pioneering camera sensors, this is an area in which Sony excels. The end result is, usually, a superior picture on a Sony TV.

That said, when it comes to brightness, Samsung excels as it has developed new technology in its QLED panels, which are brighter than OLED. So if you're a sports fan who wants daytime viewing that's punchy, then one of these panels may suit you better.

Winner: Sony

Sound quality

While most TVs are so slim these days that the speakers are ultimately limited, Sony has found a workaround. Many of its premium TVs now feature a technology — Acoustic Surface Audio+ — that uses an actuator to turn the glass screen cover into a speaker. The end result is a more powerful and immersive audio experience.

Although it's worth keeping in mind that no TV can offer audio quality comparable to a dedicated sound system, as this offers sub-woofer bass and surround sound. That said, new TVs now use digital smarts to emulate all this well. Plus, for voice audio, both Sony and Samsung offer dedicated smarts to ensure the spoken word is as clear as possible.

Samsung offers its Object Tracking Sound (OTS) feature, which can simulate surround sound to make it appear like objects are moving in the room as they do on the TV. The reality is limited due to the number of speakers and their location, in the TV. That said, this is a useful feature that does set Samsung apart from a lot of the competition in terms of spatial audio immersion.

If you're looking to elevate your TV's sound, we tend to recommend getting a soundbar for the ultimate experience, and here are some great picks from the two brands below.

Winner: Sony

Price

Sony and Samsung offer a wide range of TV prices but it's Samsung that offer more for the affordable end of the market. Even Sony's more basic TVs are pricier than plenty of the competition out there. But you do get what you pay for and Sony is clearly a premium brand.

Samsung allows you to get some really powerful premium TV features at competitive prices. Rather than paying a premium for OLED you could go for QLED and thanks to Samsung smarts it will still offer an impressive picture quality backed by great software and smart audio immersion. And, of course, Samsung design always pays attention to detail for a quality finish.

Sony will cost you more but for that price you will have a better picture and enhanced audio all wrapped up in a beautifully designed package with plenty of support from Sony. So while Sony is more expensive, it does offer a lot to justify that premium price.

Winner: Samsung

Ease of use

Both Samsung and Sony offer smart TV functionality, all controllable via the handy remote control, and plenty of smartphone app-based functionality too.

Samsung uses a version of Tizen OS, developed itself, for a bespoke finish with apps and smartphone connectivity focused around Samsung apps and devices. This in a nicely uncluttered setup, and the recently used tab makes popping back into your most accessed apps very simple. This has the Bixby voice control system, which is fine for TV controls but little else.

Sony uses Android TV OS, meaning it can be more cluttered, but as a result you have far more at your disposal. There is a huge selection of apps, in the UK this includes YouView overlaid for catch-up TV over your WiFi. Plus, this uses Google Assistant for powerful voice controls over third-party things like your speakers, doorbell, camera, and more.

Winner: Sony

Verdict

In the battle between two of the biggest names in the world of TVs both Sony and Samsung offer a lot and definitely sit at the top end of what's out there. For the widest range of options in terms of screen type, design options, and price range, Samsung stands out as offering the most.

However, for pure quality when it comes to picture and audio — as well as ease of use with comprehensive smart apps — it's Sony that wins out. Although you will pay a premium for that top-end premium quality.

So, depending on what you need, Sony or Samsung could serve you, but in this straight battle to be king, it's Sony that wears the crown, according to this

Wondering how to weigh up Netflix vs Hulu? There was a time when ditching cable inevitably meant embracing Netflix. But now, so many streaming services are demanding a monthly subscription that it’s hard to know where your money should go. 

It can be hard to know how to weigh up Hulu vs Disney Plus, Netflix vs Amazon Prime, and more. Hulu and Netflix, for example, are two excellent services with an awful lot going for them. But which is more deserving of your monthly subscription? 

Below, we’ve outlined how the two stack up against each other, not just in terms of content and price, but where you can watch, the technologies the two embrace and other important things to consider. 

Want to decide between Netflix vs Hulu? Read on for our guide to which best suits you. 

How to decide between Netflix vs Hulu

Pricing

The short answer is that Hulu is almost always cheaper, but it comes with a big caveat.

There are two Hulu tiers — an ad-supported option for $6.99 per month or an ad-free version for $12.99. As you would expect, the main difference between the two is the absence of adverts (though due to “streaming rights”, Grey’s Anatomy currently features some ads), but it also allows you to download shows for on-the-go watching without having to use cellular data.

Netflix, on the other hand, has three tiers (all of them ad-free), and while the entry-level $9.99 option is cheaper than ad-free Hulu, it can only be used on one device at a time and is stuck at 480p resolution. That’s DVD standard, and it will look a bit rough on the latest big-screen 4K TV. 

If you want better, the Standard package is yours for $15.49 per month and offers 1080p (HD) playback on two devices at a time. The Premium tier is $19.99, and offers 4K and HDR (on recent shows) as well as the ability to watch on four screens at once, making it a good choice for multi-user households.

4K, HDR and surround sound

While Netflix makes you pay extra for it, the Premium tier does offer the best picture quality on recent shows if you have the setup to justify it. That tier not only provides 4K content, but some of the Ultra HD programming also supports Dolby Vision and HDR 10.

By contrast, while Hulu has 4K content in the mix on both the ad-supported and pricier tier, there’s no Dolby Vision or HDR.

Both services offer 5.1 surround sound, if you have the hardware to take advantage. Netflix has some Dolby Atmos content too, but Hulu misses out here as well.

Libraries

The first thing to note is that Hulu gets weekly episodes of shows that are currently airing on network and cable TV, while Netflix (with the exception of a few shows that have an international distribution deal) doesn’t.

But what it lacks in broadcast TV, it more than makes up for in terms of scale. While neither gives away the full size of its library, it’s pretty widely accepted that Netflix has more. Reelgood, for example, reckons that at the time of writing Netflix has 6,233 TV shows and 4,091 movies, compared to Hulu’s 1,575 and 1,019. 

But while library size is great for feeling like you’ve got the best value for money, and for those who like to explore obscure content, there are only so many hours in the day. Ultimately, only you can say which streaming service is more likely to match your exact tastes, so here’s a taster of the big hitters each service offers.

While Netflix was originally known for streaming others’ content, as networks have got into direct competition it’s now arguably better known for its original shows. Stranger Things, Ozark, The Witcher, Bojack Horseman, The Crown, Squid Game, Orange is the New Black and Russian Doll, to name just a few. 

It also still has plenty of licensed content. As that is subject to change as licensing deals are made and expire, it wouldn’t make sense to list too much, but as of May 2022 you can watch the likes of Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad, Seinfeld, 30 Rock and Community, as well as movies like The Power of Dog, Forest Gump and Zoolander.

So what about Hulu? As well as offering network TV shows on a weekly basis, it has some excellent exclusive originals of its own. Think The Handmaid’s Tale, Solar Opposites, Shrill, Pen15, Palm Springs and the reboot of Animaniacs. It also has plenty of excellent licensed shows and films such as Modern Family, Hell’s Kitchen, Atlanta, Fargo and Parasite.

Again, this is only a fraction of the content offered on both, so the best thing to do is spot-check your favorites and see where they live. You don’t have to subscribe to do this: sites like JustWatch will show you where each show or movie can be accessed.  

Other things to consider

Normally, we’d include a section about what devices support Hulu and Netflix, but the truth is that both are pretty much everywhere: web browsers, smart TVs, Chromecast, Roku, Fire TV, Android, iOS, Xbox and Playstation. In short, it would be astonishing if you didn’t have something that could play either.

Elsewhere, both offer downloads for offline watching (though only on the ad-free plan of Hulu), and while Netflix is completely free of ads, Hulu’s more expensive tier is virtually ad-free as documented above.

There’s one more thing to note, and that’s concurrent streams. While neither lets you share accounts beyond your household, if you have a larger family or plenty of housemates, you may want to stump up for Netflix Premium which allows four screens to use it at once. Hulu — both ad-supported and ad-free - maxes out at two.

So which is better out of Netflix vs Hulu?

Both Netflix and Hulu offer a great deal of value for their monthly fee, and while ultimately there’s no clear winner, we can offer a few pointers beyond personal taste.

Firstly, Netflix has a larger library and a big budget for original content which should represent ongoing value for money. It also offers better quality with 4K, HDR10, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos on certain shows, giving your state-of-the-art home theater a chance to shine if you’re prepared to pay for the premium package.

But at that point it’s $84 a year more than Hulu, which also has plenty of quality originals of its own. Plus, it offers shows shortly after broadcast making it an appealing option for cord cutters.

If you can’t justify subscribing to both, consult JustWatch and see which has the programming you can’t live without. Remember that there’s nothing stopping you canceling and rejoining either or both when you feel like a change, or when the latest big hit comes along.

Hybrid working is a big part of our ‘new normal’, and knowing how to set up a Zoom meeting is a crucial skill for your roster.

‘Virtual calling has become a huge part of our lives in the past two years and, although the technology existed before the pandemic, many people did not know the best way to make the most of it,’ says Sarah Small, founder of tech consultant A Digital Me. ‘Zoom has become a norm in our vocabulary, and to have a Zoom meeting now is seen as completely normal.’

‘Technology has moved us to a point where remote working is not only feasible, it’s often preferable,’ adds Charlotte Davies, career expert at LinkedIn, which has seen a 97% increase in remote jobs being advertised in the UK.

‘It’s important to get to grips with the technology that enables you to work remotely and stay connected to your colleagues,’ Charlotte says.

So, whether you’ve been putting off learning how to set up a Zoom meeting or this is your first time meeting virtually, here’s everything you need to know for a seamless Zoom experience, including how to make the most of the platform.

How to set up a Zoom meeting – everything you need to know in 5 simple steps

‘Before you host a Zoom meeting, make sure you take some time to familiarise yourself with the basics,’ recommends Charlotte at LinkedIn. ‘Setting up a practice Zoom meeting with a colleague so you can play around with all of the different controls can be a great way to familiarise yourself with the platform.’

Sarah adds: ‘It’s fair to say that, although you can use Zoom from your phone or tablet, you won't have the same functionality, so to make the most of your options, use a computer, and check the settings on the website directly rather than the app.’

1. Set up your account and log in

If you don’t have a Zoom account already, the first step is to set one up. ‘If there are up to 100 people in the meeting, you can use a free account for a call lasting 40 minutes,’ advises Myles Osborn-Banton at virtual tutoring site, GoStudent. ‘If you are inviting several people for longer than 40 minutes, a paid account may be more suitable.’

Note that your company might have a Zoom subscription that your email is already affiliated with. If this is the case, you will only need to log in using your normal work credentials.

‘If you are a Google user, then by adding the Zoom for GSuite add-on, you can instantly create any meeting into a Zoom meeting with all the correct details sent to your attendees,’ adds Sarah at A Digital Me.

‘Simply create your event in your calendar, and at the bottom you will see a button to make it into a Zoom meeting,’ Sarah advises. ‘This automatically populates your invite with the login details. You can also connect zoom to any scheduling apps like Acuity or Calendly, so that the meeting details are shared when a meeting is booked automatically.’

2. Click the ‘plus’ button and select ‘Schedule Meeting’

Once your account is set up and Zoom is open on your computer, click on the grey plus button and then select ‘Schedule Meeting’.

Clicking the plus button will also offer ‘Schedule from Outlook’ and ‘Schedule from Google Calendar’. If you click here, you will be taken to the corresponding platform to create a Zoom meeting that will automatically be added to your calendar.

3. Fill out all the details of your Zoom meeting

‘As the meeting organiser, you are able to use the call invite to explain what the meeting is about,’ says Myles at GoStudent. ‘You can use the ‘Topic’ field to give a top-line summary, and can use the ‘Description’ field to make the intentions of your meeting clear. Don’t forget to set your time zone also.’

‘Ensure you set up a waiting room,’ adds Sarah at A Digital Me. ‘This allows you to stay secure and only allow attendees into your meeting that you expect. It also means that if you are using your Personal ID rather than a separate meeting link, then you won’t have someone popping in without warning.’

There are lots of other personalization options here, too, including whether cameras are on or off when the call starts and automatically recording the meeting.

4. Making your Zoom meeting recur

‘If you have a regular meeting in your calendar with someone, you can create a recurring meeting in Zoom,’ Sarah advises. ‘This means that any settings relevant to that particular meeting are transferred over, and it will have a recurring unique link, different from your personal ID. This is better for control purposes, or if you regularly run webinars or team meetings.’

To do this, tick the ‘Recurring meeting’ box at the top, which will reduce the details you need to input and take you to your calendar of choice when you click ‘Save’. When you are taken to your calendar, remember to add when you would like your meeting to recur – for example, daily, weekly or monthly.

5. Save and share your Zoom meeting

When you click ‘Save’, the meeting will be scheduled under your ‘Upcoming Meetings’ tab in Zoom. Here you can ‘Edit’ or ‘Delete’ the meeting, and also ‘Copy Invitation’, which you can then paste in an email or message to anyone you would like to invite.

Top tips during a Zoom meeting – all the Zoom etiquette you need to know

‘Once you have set up a Zoom meeting, you may be asking yourself if there are any Zoom best practices,’ says Charlotte at LinkedIn. ‘The answer is yes – Zoom etiquette is a thing!

‘Before the workplace became virtual there were lots of do’s and don’ts for in-person meetings and it’s the same for Zoom. It’s worth taking the time to learn some best practices so you can always come as your best self,’ Charlotte suggests.

Muting in Zoom calls

‘Background noise from your colleagues if you’re in the office or from your surroundings if you’re working remotely can be a distraction for everyone else on the call,’ says Charlotte. ‘When you’re not speaking during the meeting, make sure you put yourself on mute. Also, if you’re a meeting host, don’t be afraid to mute everyone at the start of the meeting. This may seem a bit extreme but it’s the norm for virtual meetings and will allow you to regulate any background noise that can be a distraction.’

‘If you need to stay muted, but hop in from time to time, then you can use the spacebar to mute and unmute yourself,’ Sarah adds.

Using Breakout Rooms in Zoom

‘Make the most of Breakout Rooms, particularly if you run larger meetings that need smaller discussions,’ Sarah suggests. ‘You can pre-set these in the meeting settings, or open them within the app at the time. You can even put limits on how long people stay in the rooms for.’

Ensure your camera positioning is correct

‘Make sure your camera is at eye level,’ Charlotte suggests. ‘How many times have you seen someone looking down for the duration of a meeting? Not only can that strain your neck and eyes, but it can also be very distracting for the people in the meeting.

‘Before you jump on Zoom, make sure your camera is at eye level so you’re looking straight ahead,’ Charlotte recommends. ‘If necessary, use a few big books or magazines to prop up your laptop before you start your call.’ 

Be aware of time delays

‘Due to different internet speeds, there can sometimes be a bit of lag time during a meeting,’ says Charlotte. ‘To make sure everyone's on the same page, take pauses when speaking. This will not only make sure that people can keep up, but it’ll also reduce the possibility of people interrupting each other.’ 

Use Zoom’s extra features to optimize your session

‘Some popular features are the ‘Chat’ and ‘Share Screen’ options,’ says Myles. ‘Perhaps the more elaborate of these is the ‘Share Screen’ function, which allows you to share documents, for example. To use these, select them from your Zoom toolbar.’ You can also use Zoom’s whiteboard feature for collaborative annotation on a shared screen.

How to finesse your Zoom background

Curating your real background

‘With virtual background options available on Zoom, it is possible to disguise your background setting. However, the finished look isn't particularly polished or realistic and can distract the viewer,’ says Sanel Konyar, founder of Interior Kollection.

‘For a professional finish to your video chat, ensure that your background is uncluttered and tidy. The plainer the better to ensure that the focus is on you, not a busy, cluttered or untidy backdrop,’ says Sanel.

‘Big leafy plants in the background and light coloured walls are instantly attractive backgrounds on camera,’ Sanel adds.

‘Always be aware of where your lighting is coming from,’ Myles adds. ‘Ask yourself: is this natural lighting coming through a window or artificial lighting from lamplight in your room? Try to place yourself in front of the lighting with the source, if possible, slightly above eye level. This will ensure you remain well-lit on your calls. If relying on natural light, remember to stay aware of the time of day so you do not find yourself left in the dark.’

Using a virtual Zoom background

‘It was always possible to change your background in Zoom, but the options weren't that great,’ says Sarah. ‘If you don't want your background to be visible, then consider the blurred option.’

To activate the blurred background, while in the Zoom call, open the toolbar at the bottom of the screen and select ‘Video Options’ by clicking the small white arrow next to the video icon. Select ‘Choose Virtual Background’ from the options, and then select ‘Blur’. Here, you can also find Zoom’s virtual backgrounds and video filters.

Alternatively, you can upload a picture to use as a background. ‘There are loads to be found by googling,’ says Sarah. ‘I have an office behind me – it is incredibly realistic and often I'm asked where I am working.’

To use an image as a background, Sarah says: ‘Log into Zoom through your web browser and make sure virtual backgrounds are enabled under Settings > Meeting > In Meeting (Advanced).

‘Then, under the ‘Virtual Background’ tab in your Zoom app settings, you can update your background to any image saved to your computer,’ says Sarah.

Have you ever wondered if you actually know how to use an air purifier? It's much more common to own an air purifier now and, on the surface, they appear relatively simple to operate. However, if you're simply plugging it in and hoping for the best, you might not be using your purifier most effectively, nor exploring its full potential. 

The best air purifiers are a practical solution to combat poor air quality, and they may be set to be a future essential for every home. ‘Clean air helps to promote deep sleep, and people who live in areas with higher levels of air pollution are 60% more likely to sleep poorly than those living in areas with cleaner air,’ says Daniel Johansson, Chief Technology Officer at Blueair. Studies also show that better air quality can also improve productivity and general wellbeing.

The right kind of air purifiers with a high clean air delivery rate (CADR) can make a useful contribution to reducing the concentration of virus particles in a room, including a notable airborne virus we’ve become intimately acquainted within recent years. 

And that's before we even get onto allergies. Whether you’ve got hay fever, asthma, or any other kind of ailment that might be affected by air quality, the problem is that by the time your symptoms flare up, it’s already too late for an air purifier to save you. 

But what if you could adopt one more seamlessly into your home’s smart system to tackle air quality problems before you feel their effects? Here’s our expert guide on how to get the best from your air purifier, and how to automate it as part of a smart home

9 expert tips on how to use an air purifier

1. Keep windows closed

You should keep windows closed to reap the most air purifier benefits, as these devices work most efficiently in a sealed environment. 'Though indoor environments can readily trap outdoor pollution and viruses, opening a window to increase ventilation means poor air quality from outdoors can come inside,' explains David Hill, a design engineer at Dyson. 'This is especially the case if your home is in a city location with high traffic flow or at times of the year where there may be high pollen levels.' 

Having an open window can also mean that your purifier will take longer to work. What’s more, opening windows will impact the temperature of a room, affecting the comfort levels. 

2. Leave your air purifier on all day

Many air purifiers do their best work when left switched on all day. Choose a device with an auto mode that ensures the purifier changes its output depending on what’s going on in your home. 

‘Your purifier’s auto mode is designed to manage the air quality in your home without you having to operate the machine,’ explains David, ‘so it’s only on when it needs to be. Auto mode will help allergy sufferers stay on top of allergens in their home, whatever the season.’ 

3. Use a purifier year round

It won’t be a surprise to you that every season is allergy season if your sniffing, and sneezing never seems to end. The onset of your stuffy nose, watery eyes, and fatigue could come at any time of year, depending on what you’re allergic to and where you live. 

'Cooking or lighting a candle or fire can also release harmful elements into the air from combustion, while VOCs are emitted from common household items like cleaning and beauty products,' explains Daniel Johansson. 

Formaldehyde is a lesser-known pollutant but is prominent in indoor environments and can off-gas over time. Sources include non-eco paints, wallpapers, foam insulation, and new furniture. It can be removed by air purifiers like Dyson's Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde air purifier from Best Buy.

4. Position your air purifier in the right spot

Purifiers only filter one room, so you should use it where you spend the majority of your time at home. When positioning the machine, make sure there are at least a few feet of clearance on all sides so that the air can circulate effectively. An air purifier should also be considered among the best sleep gadgets, especially as you spend a major portion of your 24 hours in the bedroom. 

You might want to opt for an area where the air quality is worst in your home - this could be an area with smoke and vapors such as the kitchen, or any areas where you have problems with mold. 

Raising a purifier off the ground by several feet will also help it perform more efficiently. 

5. Replace your filter

'Replace your filter when recommended to ensure optimum performance,' says Dyson design engineer David Hill. 'On Dyson connected purifiers, you can check the status of your current filter using the LCD screen or the Dyson Link app.' 

Learning how to clean your air purifier and filter is an important task, as while your purifier might seem to still operate fine without this maintenance, it won't be as effective in cleaning the air in your home. 

6. Schedule a daily routine

The ability to control your purifier by app isn’t just the preserve of top-of-the-range devices anymore, meaning you can turn air purifiers of all price ranges on and off remotely, and often schedule them too as part of an automated home. 

The Starkvind air purifier from IKEA, for example, which retails for just $259, can be controlled through the brand’s Smart Home App when combined with their proprietary gateway hub, and has options for scheduling the purifier just as you would your smart heating. 

Scheduling your air purifier like your heating is a good place to start if you’re reluctant to leave it running 24/7. Plan for it to run when people are likely to be in the house, as well as just before they arrive home, as well as in a bedroom during the night, though on a quieter setting.  

7. Use an air purifier with a smart plug

While there might be a million and one uses for smart plugs to automate your smart home, they’re not always the best fit for an air purifier. Only certain models will work with them – and on the smart home IQ scale, these tend to be ‘dumber’ devices with single settings. 

The way to tell if a smart plug is an option for you is to check whether the purifier turns on automatically when you plug them into the wall, as even the best smart plug can only feed electricity to the device, not actually switch it on. If you can find one that works, smart plugs make the automating process easy, as they tend to be compatible with a variety of smart home assistants. 

8. Try out geo-fencing technology

'Some purifiers, like Blueair’s HealthProtect and DustMagnet models, don’t even need programming to benefit from the smart home treatment. These models have a Welcome Home feature, which uses geofencing technology based on your location to turn the purifier on and off.'

‘Basically, your air purifier goes into standby mode when you leave your home and turns back on as you approach home,’ explains Blueair’s Daniel Johansson, ‘ensuring your home is filled with clean air when you arrive.’  

9. Set up an IFTTT applet

It’s also possible to automate your air purifying system using a separate monitor, meaning that if the indoor air quality worsens, you have better control over its output than simply using the auto mode. 

Using an IFTTT (If This Then That) applet allows you to set up relationships between different smart devices, meaning that if an air quality monitor picks up a reading past a predetermined limit, it will ask your air purifier to step it up a gear. Samsung’s SmartThings system is IFTTT compatible, meaning its purifier can be connected to the applet, while an air quality monitor like the Awair Elements from Amazon can be used as a trigger for this routine

Should I sleep with an air purifier on?

'Since we spend around a third of our lives sleeping it is important to place an air purifier in the bedroom to ensure we experience the full effects of what an air purifier can offer,' says BlueAir's Chief Technology Officer Daniel Johansson.

With this in mind, it's important to make sure that you choose an air purifier for a bedroom that's quiet. 'Noise levels, measured in decibels (dB), can vary widely depending on various factors, including the setting, energy efficiency, type of technology, filter, and sound insulation,' explains Daniel.

Most specifications will give you an indication of the decibel level of the device, but this is often limited to the highest range. What's more useful for a purifier when sleeping is the noise level on the lowest setting as this is the setting it will be most of the time while you are sleeping. Ask the retailer or look online for a manual for the air purifier in question to make sure you get the quietest, most efficient model you can. 

Knowing how to use a laptop as a monitor can be a key skill to add to your tech armory. If your desktop tends to get quite crowded when you are working with all the windows you have open, this is the how-to for you.

'Some people find that having one screen for admin (to-do lists, messaging systems, emails, etc) and then one screen for action (tasks actively working on) is very effective,” say the tech experts at Titan Ice. “This provides a great split that means you can stay focused on one area while being able to glance at less pressing items on the other screen. For the super busy, you can connect much more than two displays to a single computer, too.'

'Working with an external monitor on your laptop has a couple of great benefits,' says Scott Riley, director of Cloud Nexus. 'It provides a lot more screen real estate to see more applications at the same time, it’s often easier to adjust the location and height of the screen to match your eye level, and it’s a much more comfortable viewing angle than looking down at a laptop screen.'

Sound good? If so, read on for everything you need to know about setting up your laptop to use as a monitor.

• The best smart plugs – the slickest ways to make your life easier, save energy and reduce bills

How to use a laptop as a monitor – everything you need to know in 5 easy steps

You will need

• Laptop
• Monitor
• HDMI cable – but check your laptop and monitor ports first!

1. Finding the right cable to connect your laptop to your monitor

In most cases, you can’t use a laptop for direct output, meaning that you couldn't connect a Playstation to one and then easily have that displayed on the laptop screen. So, if you're looking for a more flexible display option that you can connect external devices to, then a portable monitor may be what you're looking for.'

'It’s important to ensure that you get the right cable which matches your monitor and your laptop. If you get stuck, it’s a good idea to check out the laptop manufacturer’s website for guidance.' explains Scott.

'If you have an HDMI output on your laptop and an HDMI input on your monitor, then it’s simply a case of connecting a standard HDMI between the two devices. However, the most recent laptops and most Apple Mac devices use a USB-C or Thunderbolt port.'

'If you have a different connector at each end then you need to buy a special cable or an adaptor, these are very common and reasonably priced. You can quickly search for ‘USB-C to HDMI cable’ as an example to make sure that you get the one which works for you.'

2. Decide how you want your laptop and monitor to function

'Once you’ve connected your monitor to the laptop there are a couple of things that need a little tweak before you’re ready to get working,' says Scott. 'Do you want your laptop as just a bigger screen than your normal laptop screen, or as an additional monitor to your laptop.'

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3. Setting up your monitor to mirror your laptop screen

Setting up your monitor to mirror your laptop screen means you will have a larger display to work from.

'To achieve this on a Mac, head to System Preferences à Settings à Displays, and then press the ‘Display Settings'. Here you will see your built-in display and the external monitor. Select the external monitor and choose ‘mirror display’.

'On a Windows laptop, press the Windows key and P at the same time. You should get a pop-up menu, here you can choose ‘Duplicate’.' explains Scott.

4. Setting up your laptop to be an additional monitor

Doing this means you can complete different tasks on the two screens. 'Perhaps with your email on one screen and your documents on the other, this is great for multi-tasking or doing some research on the Internet whilst you are writing a document,' says Scott.

'To achieve this on a Mac, head to System Preferences à Settings à Displays. Here you will see your built-in display and the external monitor. Select the external monitor and choose ‘extend display'.'

'On a Windows laptop, press the Windows key and P at the same time. You should get a pop-up menu, here you can choose ‘Extend’.'

5. Ensure the laptop knows where the monitor is

'If you’re using the monitor as an extended display, you need to tell the laptop where your monitor physically sits in relation to the laptop. This is really important! You want to make sure that when you move your mouse point off your laptop screen it moves to the external display properly.' says Scott.

'For instance, when you move your mouse off the right-hand side of the laptop screen it appears on a monitor which is physically sitting on the right. If your monitor is physically on the left then this can all be the wrong way round, which is awkward!'

'To achieve this on a Mac, head to System Preferences à Settings à Displays. Here you will see a picture of two screens next to each other. The smaller one is your laptop screen and the bigger one is your external monitor. Click and drag the external monitor so that it is on the left or the right of the laptop screen.'

'On a Windows laptop, press the Windows key and type rearrange, you will see an option called ‘rearrange multiple displays’ which you can click on. You will see a picture of two screens next to each other. If you don’t know which one is which you can press ‘identify’. This will show a very clear number on the screen. Click and drag the picture of the screen so that the external monitor is on the left or the right.' Scott advises.

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Gmail is one of the biggest email platforms in the world, however, the easy-to-use interface means there are many Gmail hacks slipping through the cracks, from scheduling to searching to sectioning emails into different categories.

Fear not: we have gathered everything you need to know to keep your emailing life running smoothly.

'When you learn to use Google Mail effectively, the time you can save can be enormous, not to mention the efficiency boost in your business that you can benefit from,' says Sarah Small, director of A Digital Me, a business providing online operations direction and business support.

Using extensions enhances your Gmail experience: 'Use the Google Workspace Marketplace to find extensions for the other platforms that you use regularly,' says Sarah. 'Things like Slack, Asana, Trello, Loom, Zoom, and more can make life within your inbox more efficient.'

'If you have moved over to Google, or are considering it, here are some of the hacks and tools that you can benefit from to become a real pro.'

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Gmail hacks: everything you need to know to keep your emails running smoothly

1. Use filters to keep your Gmail inbox neat and tidy

'Gmail filters are pretty good, allowing you to automate your inbox in a way that can keep it clean and maximize your time,' says Sarah director of A Digital Me. 'You can set a filter to automatically apply a label, forward an email, send it to spam or even send a template.'

To set it up: 'Click the advanced search filter at the top, put in your parameters, and decide what action you want it to take.'

2. Use ‘send later’ to keep your emails inside sociable hours

Gmail allows you to schedule your emails to ensure they hit your recipient’s inbox at the perfect time. This is especially useful if you like to catch up on emails at the end of the day or outside of working hours, but you don’t want your emails to get lost in your recipient’s inbox.

'If you would rather someone not know you are working late, just choose for the email to go tomorrow morning when the office is open again!' says Sarah.

To schedule an email, start by writing your email as normal. When you are finished, instead of clicking ‘Send’ as normal, click the downward arrow on the right, which will bring up ‘Schedule Send’. Here you can choose between tomorrow morning (8 AM), tomorrow afternoon (1 PM), Monday morning (8 AM), or you can also select a custom date and time, which is handy if you are communicating across time zones.

If you’re in a habit of scheduling emails, you’ll get an additional option to send at the ‘Last scheduled time’ once you have scheduled your first email in the batch.

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3. How to use templates in Gmail – and why you would want to

Email templates are pre-written emails that can be sent with just a few clicks, instead of typing your regular sends out over and over again.

Sound good? Here’s how to set them up: 'Firstly, enable the template feature in the setting. This can be found by opening Gmail, clicking ‘Settings’ in the top right, then click ‘Advanced’. Under the ‘Templates’ section, select ‘Enable’, and then click ‘Save Changes.' advises Sarah.

'Compose your email and click on the three dots on the right-hand side. Click ‘Templates’, and save your draft as a new template. Name it and save for the future. When you next come to use it, compose a new email, click on the dots and choose the saved template.'

4. Use advanced search to find emails faster

'You can search by all sorts of parameters, and Gmail makes it particularly easy to find what you are looking for,' says Sarah.

To make the most of Gmail’s easy search interface: 'Go to the search bar at the top and click on the three lines to access the advanced search. Options to search by are date range, keywords that are or are not included in the emails, size of the email, if it has an attachment…the options are endless!'

5. Using Gmail labels to supercharge your searches

Beyond simply adding a ‘Star’ to your important emails, 'Labels serve a lot of purposes and a single email can have multiple labels' explains Sarah. Gmail labels are categorizations that can be seen only by you and not your recipients, perfect for storing emails and finding them easily later on.

To set up Gmail labels: 'Either tick the relevant emails from within your inbox, or use the label icon from within the email itself. Start typing the label name. If it exists you can select it directly, and if it is a new one, you have the option to create it directly from the same place.'

Then you can easily find emails by clicking on the relevant label in the left column.

6. Keep your inbox clean by archiving messages

If you long for a clean inbox but are hesitant to delete emails you might need in the future – note that emails are permanently deleted after 30 days in the trash folder! – try the archive tool.

Archived emails move out of your inbox, but can still be found under ‘All mail’ and the ‘Archived’ label. To archive an email, hover over your email of choice and click the icon of a box with a downward arrow.

7. Use Loom to screen capture, embed your videos in Gmail

Loom is a digital workspace tool that allows video and screen recording. If your team use Loom, there is a Gmail extension to help you.

'If you are using Loom to screen capture your work, then by adding the Loom extension, you are going to be able to share this much quicker,' advises Sarah.

Head to the Google Workspace Marketplace and search ‘Loom’ to install the extension.

'Once the extension is installed, you will see the loom button next to your send options. Here you can record a new video or insert your clip easily with a small screenshot and the details.'

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8. Use Boomerang to remind you to follow up on your emails

Boomerang is a Gmail extension that allows you to schedule messages, track messages to ensure you hear back, and schedule follow up reminders.

'It is a really handy tool,' Sarah reccomends. 'Once you have installed the extension, you will find additional options under your standard send button. This is a great tool for reminding you to follow up on something you haven't received a response on.'

9. Pause your inbox for some rest and relaxation

Also using the Boomerang extension, you can snooze your incoming emails until it is convenient for you to review them.

Do this when you would like to switch off from work, or turn it on when you’d like to work on something else, as Sarah suggests: 'It is a great distraction tool to use to focus your time.'

If you’d like to stop seeing a particular email, opt for ‘Snooze’ instead. To Snooze, click the clock icon that appears on the right when you hover over your email of choice. From there, you can choose how long to snooze your email for, meaning the email itself and any replies it will be hidden from your inbox until you’d like to see it again – perfect if you are copied into an active email chain that doesn’t specifically apply to you.

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Knowing how to mount a soundbar on a wall opens you up to a host of design possibilities at home. After all, when it comes to styling a room, positioning plays a crucial part in the finished look. Having a clear idea of where and how you can position your audio and visual gadgets, including TV, soundbar, record player, or surround sound system, will put you more in control of your end interior design vision. Let's dream big. 

For the best acoustic performance on your TV, the best soundbars are the pièces de résistance - the icing on the cake - the Mulberry handbag on the arm - the perfect paint sample discovered - you get the idea. As, while sleek TV design can streamline your decor, the sound quality can often be compromised. That's why choosing the best soundbar as a natural add-on and positioning it correctly is such an important part of your tele experience. But also - don't forget the snacks. 

'TV speakers are almost always aimed in the wrong direction, firing sound downward or toward the wall behind the TV,' says Mike Gregory, sales director at Klipsch Group. 'The goal of the soundbar is to create a sonic experience that matches the TV’s lifelike picture and any soundbar you choose is going to make your TV content sound a whole lot better.' 

How to mount a soundbar on a wall - follow the best tips and tricks from the experts 

Find the best position for your soundbar

When considering your soundbar mounting ideas, it's important to put your soundbar in the optimum position for the best sound. 'The forward-firing speakers should be pointing roughly at head height when sat down in front of the TV,' says Michael Price, brand development specialist at Panasonic. 'This is particularly important for TVs that create a Dolby Atmos effect (sound coming from above) from forward-firing speakers. Some soundbars may have up-firing speakers to bounce off the ceiling. There will likely be some way to calibrate these speakers to take into account the distance from the ceiling, which varies depending on the room.

'I often see TVs mounted quite high up on a wall which is not a great idea. If you're looking up at a TV at quite a sharp angle, the picture quality can suffer, especially on LED TVs. The soundbar speakers may also be too high and pointing above the viewer's head.' 

How to find the best position for your soundbar

Interior designer Caroline Milns from Zulufish says:

• Mounting a soundbar on a piece of furniture like a table, cabinet, or stand works well, or you can mount it on a wall below or above your TV.
• Mounting it in the wrong direction can really mess up your listening experience. Before mounting your soundbar on the wall, know that installing your soundbar more than 3 inches from your screen may delay the audio from video and can result in a poor listening experience. Therefore, the soundbar should be as close to the TV as possible for strong connectivity and the best listening experience.
• After the TV is wall-mounted, then the soundbar can be easily mounted above or below it. With a soundbar under the TV, I think the overall look of the room looks clean and modern.
• Mounting a soundbar underneath a TV means the sound is not scattered sideways and reaches the listener directly, with less echo and deflection from walls.

Prepare with the best electric drill 

Before carrying out any DIY work that involves electricals, it's important to seek advice from a professional - you don't want to have invested in one of the best surround sound systems only to drop it like Del Boy and that chandelier. That said, having a few essential DIY tools to hand is always a good idea for simple tasks such as putting up shelves, fixing furniture, and carrying out basic wall-mounting jobs. An electric drill and a bit is a good piece of kit to have to hand when mounting a soundbar to a wall. 

You can find a range of drills to choose from online including a drill-driver or combination, corded or cordless drill. 'Whether you enjoy getting hands-on with home improvement projects or you only do occasional DIY, if you’re a homeowner you're likely to need a drill at some point,' says Zoe Warren, Interior Designer from Price Your Job. 

'A good drill will hold its charge, have easy-to-use controls and be able to handle a variety of tasks. The main reason for buying a drill is to be able to bore holes and drive screws without too much effort. Different drills are designed to excel at these tasks. Most cordless drills have the same type of chuck - the part that grips the drill bit - so you can swap between various sizes of bit depending on your requirements.' 

Choose the right wall mounting tools 

The majority of soundbars will come with some sort of wall mounting tool included in the box. This makes them relatively straightforward to fold into your living room ideas as you can follow the step-by-step instructions. 

'Soundbars are generally easy to wall mount, and many of them will come with small brackets in the box,' says Michael Price, brand development specialist at Panasonic. 'These are designed to hook securely onto a screw into the wall. Wall screws are typically not supplied, as the type of wall will vary. 

'Another popular way to mount a soundbar is via a bracket that attaches to the TV - but these are not generally supplied with the soundbar. Typically, these are long brackets that attach to the TV wall mount so that the soundbar can mount underneath the TV. This means fewer holes drilled into the wall and also keeps the soundbar close to the TV. This is important, as you want speech to sound like it is coming from the screen, not some distance below it.' 

To attach your soundbar to the wall you need the brackets designed specifically for mounting soundbars. 'These typically have two arms that you attach to the front of the bar with screws,' says Zoe Warren, Interior Designer from Price Your Job. These arms can be attached securely to a wall stud using drywall anchors. This is by far the easiest way to mount a soundbar in your home.' 

Zoe also advises that you: 

1. Use an electric drill and bit to mount your soundbar

'The size will vary depending on your soundbar's wall-mounting solution and what type of drywall anchors you use. Typically a 1/8 inch or 3/16 inch bit is needed for wall anchors.'

2. Get the right wall anchors

'There are many different types of wall anchors. Some hold the screw in place, while others expand when you put in a screw so that it has more holding power.'

3. Measure up correctly

To ensure the look is easy on the eye and gives you the best audio performance, make sure the soundbar is centered below the TV. 'The brackets need to be level with each other and once you have decided where to mount your soundbar, mark it using a pencil so that the drill has an easy place to start.'

Why choose a soundbar? 

Soundbars are a great tool for transforming your living room into a home cinema - we find they often go hand in hand with the best smart speakers.  

'A must-have for film buffs, a soundbar will enhance your viewing experience so sounds such as helicopters or rainfall are crisper and clearer, creating the feeling that you’re in that very moment,' says Alan Whyte, Managing Director at Loewe. 

'Supporting technology such as Dolby Atmos that is available on many soundbars really bolsters this. Some soundbars come with a matching subwoofer and together you'll really notice an improvement in sound quality.'

• For more on transforming your home cinema audio, take a look at our guide to the best subwoofers.

What is the benefit of wall mounting a soundbar? 

Soundbars not only look attractive wall mounted as part of your living room TV ideas, but it is on the wall that they are best positioned to improve your TV's audio. Mounting them inside a cabinet will not give you the best sound quality as so many of them fire sound sideways.

'The benefit of mounting a soundbar on the wall is that it removes the negative effects from acoustically reflective or absorbent surfaces and objects from around the soundbar,' says Dean Hayward, head of sound device, Samsung Electronics. 'By removing artifacts that have an adverse impact to the sound quality and by positioning the soundbar on the wall, you can be certain to experience the soundtrack crisp and clear just as the director intended.'

Soundbar mounting ideas don't tend to be the first thing you think of when planning your living room decor. But while choosing between Farrow & Ball’s Pointing and Dulux’s Fine Cream paint for the walls is a tough call, sorting out your room’s technology before you pick up a paintbrush can be key to the finished look. 

It's important to know how you will house your TV and soundbar from the offset, so you can prep with specific tools and call in specialist help to hide all the wiring if needed, for example. Once the basics are in place it should make pulling your decor scheme together that much easier.  

If you want decent sound quality when watching TV, one of the best soundbars is an essential piece of kit. The latest designs do more than add enhanced sound effects to your favorite Netflix series. ‘While sound has been improving over the years, the reality is that TVs are getting thinner and there is less space to include powerful speakers, which is why a soundbar is a must,’ says Katrina Mills, TV & AV buyer at John Lewis & Partners. 

‘Most TVs will produce good sound for everyday viewing, but if you want to create a truly immersive experience a soundbar will do the trick. Many manufacturers create soundbars to be the 'perfect partner' to the TV, fully optimizing the sound and picture experience. You can use your soundbar to play music at other times too.’

There are a number of ways you can display your soundbar in your home, incorporating it into your TV mounting ideas. You can choose from placing it in front of your TV on an attractive media unit, mounting it onto the wall, or actually fixing it to your TV. 

Soundbar mounting ideas from the experts

1. Mount your soundbar on a feature wall 

Take a look at the most streamlined interiors and you’ll notice the trend for floor-to-ceiling joinery. Here everything - including the TV, soundbar, books, records, and alike - have their place to create a sense of order to the room scheme. You could easily slot in one of the best surround sound systems and no one would be any the wiser.  ‘A major trend we have seen in interiors in recent years is for a feature wall of joinery, incorporating either a fireplace, TV, soundbar, or both,’ says Caroline Milns, interior designer at Zulufish. 

‘Suited to more contemporary schemes, these feature walls work equally well in basement cinema rooms, luxurious living rooms, and open-plan kitchen areas. A media wall keeps your living room looking clean, neat, and modern.’

When it comes to soundbar mounting ideas in these feature walls, the design possibilities here are exciting. You could have your TV and soundbar mounted to take center stage in an open-shelved feature wall of joinery, or you could have a bespoke piece built that has doors to hide and reveal your TV and soundbar as and when you like (pictured here at the top). 

‘When mounting a soundbar to the wall, you'll want to think about hiding those distracting cables that run from the speaker to the TV and outlet,’ continues Milns. ‘Hiding them on the wall can be accomplished with a cable channel or an in-wall power unit specifically designed for soundbars. It has a separate power module for the TV and soundbar so you can hide all the power and AV cables behind the wall.’

2. Position your soundbar correctly 

Owen Maddock, technology specialist at Cinemaworks has installed numerous TVs and soundbars and knows exactly how to mount your TV to a wall. He stresses the importance of placing both the TV and soundbar at the optimum height for viewing and the best sound experience. 

‘There are three ways to mount a soundbar - either on a cabinet, fixed to the wall, or fixed to the TV, but you do need to be a little careful placing them in recesses or furniture as soundbars can fire sound sideways. If you have it too close it’s like talking with your hand over your mouth.'

'I really like this setup pictured above as the TV and soundbar are both at a good viewing height so you won't have to crank your neck to watch. The soundbar has speakers firing sideways, so it’s good that it’s not placed into a recess as you could potentially lose all the surround effect.'

3. Highlight your soundbar with feature lighting

Lighting has the ability to transform a room, and if you've got one of the best 40 inch TVs you'll want to show it off. You can use lighting to highlight your soundbar to make enhance your room's style and make a feature of it as shown here. 

'The cabinetry for this project pictured above was tailor-made to maximize storage and fit underneath a staircase bulkhead,' says Rob Lessmann, founder of luxury interior design studio Design’d Living. 'The Sonos soundbar and other items on show were made a feature of, through the installment of inset LED profile lighting provided by Collingwood LED, which is actually dimmable to create a nice mood on an evening.'

Designed by Design'd Living, it's made from veneered oak with an Osmo grey stain, with shelves sprayed with Slaked Lime paint from the Little Green Company.

For a similar effect, you could try placing one of these perfect LED smart color-changing strip lights from Amazon around your soundbar and TV area. Using an app you can control these smart lights remotely to enhance the atmosphere in your room.

4. Mount your soundbar to the wall

Fitting a soundbar straight onto a wall frees up footfall and can therefore maximize the space in a room. ‘Mounting a soundbar on the wall removes the negative effects from acoustically reflective or absorbent surfaces and objects from around the soundbar,’ explains Dean Hayward, head of sound device at Samsung Electronics UK. 

‘By removing artifacts that have an adverse impact on the sound quality and by positioning the soundbar on the wall, you can be certain to experience the soundtrack clearly - just as the director intended.’

To make mounting on the wall as easy as possible, all Samsung Q-Series and S-Series soundbars (pictured here) come with a wall mount in the box. ‘This simple and neat attachment to the wall uses two fixing points and only requires two screws. You need to screw the fixing points into the wall under your TV and then slot the soundbar on. Make sure this is done safely with the correct equipment, of course. The soundbar will then sit as if it was floating under the TV and give an impressive sound boost to your entertainment set up.’

5. Sit your soundbar on a luxurious unit

Sometimes using a soundbar is as simple as taking it out of the box, placing it on your media unit or TV stand, and pairing it with your TV. Depending on what style you want to go for - be it minimal and modern, or chic and classic -  there are a number of TV stand ideas to choose from online. You'll need to check there is enough space in front of your TV before you commit to a specific freestanding soundbar, however.  

Pictured here in this streamlined setup is the Edifier B3 Soundbar with Bluetooth. It has been designed to either sit on a surface or be wall mounted. It comes with a mounting bracket is included in the box should you wish to attach it to the wall. When placing it in front of a TV, it's worth using a spirit level to ensure the surface is even to ensure the best audio quality. 

6. Mount your soundbar to suit your interior space

It can be challenging to decide where to place your soundbar to suit your interior décor and room size, but there are some important points to consider when finding the optimum place.

‘Wall mounting your soundbar is fantastic if you're looking to save space in your living room and minimizes visible cable connections, which can be hidden in the wall,’ says Roger Batchelor, product marketing consultant at Sound United/Polk Audio UK. We're always keen on suggestions on ways to hide your TV. ‘To do this both the soundbar and TV would need to be wall-mounted, preferably by a professional AV installer.

‘Mounting your soundbar on the wall delivers a clearer and more precise sound compared to mounting the soundbar on a TV cabinet. This is especially true when listening to audio with bass frequencies that can cause the cabinet to vibrate. You should consider mounting the soundbar at ear level so that you receive clear reproduction of voice dialogue from your TV.

‘In terms of where to mount your soundbar, it's best to mount it just below the TV rather than above so that the audio is synced closely with the TV picture. If a satellite box, media box, games machine, or Blu-ray player are being used, then the advantages above still apply but of course, a cabinet of some sort will be needed.’

7. Choose a compact soundbar for the home office 

Soundbars can work just as well as part of your home office ideas or bedroom as they can in a living room. For a design that will allow you to switch from work and play – taking zoom calls by day and listening to music or gaming when the day is through - choose a compact solution. A design that will allow you to crank up the music loudly and dance away to release any tension from sitting at your desk all day is just what the doctor orders here at Livingetc. 

At 22.2 x 2.9 x 3.4 inches, the Creative Stage 360 soundbar can be placed neatly on your desktop without taking up too much room. It comes with Dolby Atmos – a surround sound technology – for a truly immersive experience. The best subwoofer as an accompaniment can also be positioned neatly alongside your desk or to the side of your media unit to add to the impressive sound effects. 

Should I buy a surround sound system or a soundbar? 

Bear in mind that a soundbar can act as a fully functioning surround-sound system itself. 'Home Theatre Kit's are no longer as sought after as they once were,' says Dean Hayard, head of sound device, Samsung Electronics. 

'The true benefit of a soundbar is to create a large amount of sound with many channels - either with a single soundbar or a soundbar combined with an extra subwoofer. 

'It is also possible to purchase soundbars with rear speakers such as the Samsung HW-Q950A, which gives you impressive cinematic sound.'

What should I look for when buying a soundbar? 

Audio specialists Edifier suggests the following when buying a soundbar: 

1. Check the total power output and acoustic configuration to see how powerful your soundbar is. Also, check whether it comes with a subwoofer built-in or a separate unit. 

2. Ask yourself whether the sound quality and effects can give the experience you want? 

3. Check the connector type to see if the input and output can meet your daily needs.

4. Think about whether the style, color, and material your soundbar is made from will fit into your home environment and match your TV. 

5. Consider your budget and whether it is reasonably priced compared to other soundbars on the market.