Author: Press Room

Language learning apps like Duolingo can only get you so far. Books are a great way to dive into a new language. After picking up some basic vocabulary, I started using my Kindle (or any eBook reader) with ChatGPT to turn passive reading into active learning. Build an Interactive Vocabulary The highlighting/annotation feature on Kindle is invaluable while reading a book. When I started learning Spanish, I chose the Spanish version of a Kindle book I enjoyed in English as a child (The Adventures of Tom Sawyer). You can start with a simple book, too. Look for bilingual editions so…

I’m a big fan of smart lighting products, with connected bulbs all throughout my home. But my outside space is a little… lacking, shall we say. Fortunately, Nanoleaf just dropped two new additions to its line-up, and finally my patio might be about to get an upgrade. Nanoleaf’s newest devices are the Rope Light and Solar Garden Lights. One’s designed to twist and turn into whatever squiggly light-up nonsense your creative brain conjures up, and the other makes your garden look pretty magical. First up is the Rope Light – imagine an RGB rave noodle, but posh. It’s 5 metres of…

I’ve tested far too many robot vacuums. And as much as I love the machines, one of my big gripes is that sometimes you could do with having a manual cleaner around, like a stick vac. But what about for tougher stains? This new Eufy vac is unlike any other, thanks to this excellent cleaning addition. The new Omni E28 robot vac’s party trick is a detachable portable deep cleaner. It’s the world’s first robot vacuum that lets you rip off a deep cleaner and go rogue on carpet stains or your sofa. Alongside it, there’s also the Omni E25 –…

Stumped by the sheer amount of choice when it comes to the very best noise-cancelling headphones? Don’t worry – we’ve done all the leg work, by testing out all the big brand ANC headphones on sale, plus plenty of lesser-known models, so by the time you’ve scrolled down, you should have a solid shortlist. From Sony and Bose, to Apple and Sennheiser, there are all sorts of in-ear and over-ear noise-cancelling headphones fighting for the coveted spot in (or around) your lugholes. Some excel at the noise-cancellation part. Others provide better sound. And some do both. They’re all available across…

Computex is one of the world’s largest tech trade shows, held annually in late May or early June in Taipei, Taiwan. As its name suggests, the show is centered around new computing and laptop tech. Despite being over a week away from the show, we’re already getting products launching in advance and we’ll bring you all the latest here. For our purposes – which we’re betting are much the same as your purposes – we’re talking about stacks of new PC laptops as well as announcements of updates in terms of laptop hardware, particularly in terms of processors. Major companies…

After ten series and several spin-offs, the Apple Watch is now the smartwatch equivalent of a TV box set. But when it comes to choosing the best Apple Watch for you, it’s not as simple as starting with the latest episode. From connected apps to fitness tracking to contactless payments, every recent Apple Watch has the smarts to embarrass traditional timepieces. But there are also important differences between each edition. They don’t all share the same screen size, dimensions or sensor setup, for starters. There are GPS sports watch-type features, too. And the price varies considerably depending on which ticker…

If there’s one aspect of technology I like most, it’s controlling multiple devices with just one, like using my phone as a remote. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, though. I’ve turned my smartphone and smart TV into a dynamite tag team with these apps. 7 AirScreen If I ever need to stream my smartphone to the TV, I skip using its built-in casting feature for AirScree. My son does the same with his iPhone. Not only does AirScreen serve the same function as, say, AirPlay, it has wider support. Related How to Connect Any Phone or Tablet to…

Reckon you’ve got a good idea for a podcast? You only need one thing to make it happen: the best podcast microphone. Yes, we are truly living in the age of the podcast, whether blasting out from a Bluetooth speaker in the office or listening on headphones in bed. From football to fitness to films, no topic is too niche to be discussed at length for legions of listeners. This means you’re probably sitting on a pod-worthy pitch right now. Whether you’re ready to broadcast your hot take to the masses or reckon recording your voice just seems like good…

Sonic kit can set you back hundreds, but you don’t need deep pockets to bag a pair of the best wireless earbuds. Want reliable ‘phones for everyday listening? The best cheap headphones make cord-free audio more affordable, without cutting corners where it counts. From accessible cans to budget earbuds, the list below features our pick of the top earphones available for less than $100/£100. They might not rival high-end headphones for outright feature-packed performance. But each pair promises to please the ears – and a few give premium competitors a good run for their money. Whether you want in-ears, on-ears…

Introduction The Hyundai Inster is my kind of EV. It’s small and efficient, but it also arrives packing lots of personality. Alongside the likes of the Renault 5, the Fiat Grande Panda, Citroen e-C3 Aircross and, more recently, the all-new Renault 4, I’m now spoilt for choice when it comes to affordable compact electric cars. That’s a good thing after being subjected to lots of battery-powered SUVs that, whilst being comfortable and all, often lack much in the way of charm. Frequently, they aren’t very efficient either. Refreshingly, the Hyundai Inster is a more reduced proposition, which falls nicely between…