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Performance Depends on the Battery The Samsung Jet 60 vacuum cleaner is well-known for its cordless convenience, sleek design, and powerful suction. But like all cordless appliances, its efficiency is tightly linked to battery health. The Samsung Jet 60 battery is a lithium-ion unit that provides the power needed for uninterrupted cleaning sessions. Over time, however, even high-quality batteries lose their capacity, resulting in shorter run times and reduced performance.
Signs You Might Need a Battery Replacement Frequent charging, reduced suction time, or a vacuum that shuts off quickly could all be indicators that the Samsung Jet 60 battery is no longer performing at its best. If you find yourself unable to clean a room without needing to recharge, it may be time to consider a Samsung Jet 60 battery replacement. Regular usage, charging habits, and the age of the device all contribute to battery wear.
Choosing the Right Replacement Battery When it comes to a Samsung Jet 60 battery replacement, compatibility and capacity are key. It’s important to select a battery that matches the voltage and size specifications of your Jet 60 to ensure safe and efficient operation. Many compatible options are available that meet these criteria and provide the same—if not better—battery life as the original.
Installation and Maintenance Tips Replacing the battery on the Jet 60 is generally straightforward. Most units feature a detachable battery pack that can be swapped out without tools. Once replaced, it’s advisable to avoid deep discharges and store the vacuum in a moderate-temperature environment to preserve battery life. Regular filter cleaning can also reduce strain on the new battery.
Extend the Life of Your Jet 60 With the right approach, a Samsung Jet 60 battery replacement can breathe new life into your vacuum. Instead of investing in a whole new unit, simply replacing the battery allows you to continue enjoying the performance of your Jet 60. It’s an easy, cost-effective way to extend your vacuum’s usability and efficiency.
If your Jet 60 seems to be losing steam, don’t rush to replace the entire vacuum. A compatible replacement battery might be all you need to restore your cleaning power.
A Toshiba laptop battery plays a crucial role in the overall performance and mobility of the device. Whether you’re working remotely, attending online classes, or simply enjoying some entertainment, a reliable battery is key to uninterrupted usage. Over time, however, even the best-performing batteries can encounter issues, from reduced lifespan to charging irregularities.
Why Is My Toshiba Laptop Battery Light Blinking?
One of the most common questions users ask is: “why is my Toshiba laptop battery light blinking?” This blinking indicator can signal a range of problems, depending on the color and frequency. A steady amber blink might mean the battery is critically low and not charging, while a flashing white or orange light can suggest a battery error, a charging issue, or even a system conflict. Understanding the pattern can help you diagnose the root cause more accurately.
Possible Causes Behind the Blinking Light
Several factors may lead to your Toshiba laptop battery light blinking. It could be as simple as a loose power connection or as complex as an aging battery that no longer holds charge. In some cases, temperature fluctuations or a faulty AC adapter might disrupt the charging process. Internal system misconfigurations or outdated BIOS versions can also interfere with battery detection, triggering the blinking alert.
What You Can Do to Fix It
Before jumping to battery replacement, it’s worth performing a few basic checks. Ensure the power cable is securely plugged in and the charging port is clean and undamaged. Restarting the system or removing and reinserting the battery (if detachable) may help reset the battery’s behavior. If the blinking persists, checking the battery status via system diagnostics or updating power management drivers may resolve the issue.
When to Consider a New Toshiba Laptop Battery
If your laptop continues to show irregular charging behavior or the battery life has drastically shortened, it might be time to replace the Toshiba laptop battery. A deteriorated battery can not only affect performance but also pose safety risks. Always monitor battery health periodically and seek a replacement when signs of aging become consistent, such as rapid draining or inability to charge fully.
Conclusion: Stay Informed and Proactive
To sum up, if you’re wondering why is my Toshiba laptop battery light blinking, the answer often lies in the battery’s condition or the charging system’s stability. Being proactive with maintenance and aware of warning signs can extend your laptop’s life and ensure smoother operation.
If you’re looking for a portable, IP67 waterproof Bluetooth speaker, Sprout’s Soundwave speaker could be the one for you. We check it out.
Headphones may be a great way to enjoy your Spotify playlist privately, but if you’re entertaining at home, camping, or relaxing on the beach, you may want to share your music. For this, you are going to need a Bluetooth speaker like Sprout’s Soundwave speaker.
Sprout is an Aussie company that designs speakers, headphones, chargers and phone accessories. They pride themselves on being sustainable and ethical, with a mission to enhance our world not just for today but for tomorrow as well. They do this via using recyclable packaging and examining the impact of their end-to-end supply chain, including end-of-life disposal.
Sprout’s Soundwave Bluetooth speaker stands 150mm high and weighs only 680g, making it the perfect size for sticking in your bag. The speaker features twin 47mm drivers and a 24W output, so you’re not really compromising power for portability. The speaker comes with a USB Type-A to Type-B charging cable, a strap, and the manual.
On the front of the speaker is a rubber panel with a power button, play button, volume buttons and a Unisync button for syncing up to 50 Sprout Bluetooth speakers. There’s also a bank of four battery charge indicator lights. A status light at the top of the rubber panel flashes red and blue for Bluetooth pairing and a solid blue when paired.
Behind a little rubber cover on the back of the speaker is a charging input, a 3.5 mm aux input. There’s also a 5W USB Type-A output, as the Soundwave speaker doubles as a power bank.
Connecting the device to my phone was painless. Following the instructions, the speaker appeared on my phone’s list of Bluetooth devices and paired with no fuss, with a voice prompt confirming that it was connected. A vocal cue will also let you know if the device needs charging. You should see around 14 hours between charges.
The speaker’s sound quality is great, but maybe a little pedestrian for those wanting to really upset the neighbours. For a bit of background music to accompany an alfresco meal or while doing chores, the Soundwave will do the job. If it’s a dance party you are after, you are likely going to need something with a bit more meat. Alternatively, you could buy a few more Sprout Bluetooth speakers and sync them together if you really need some extra volume.
The speaker seems quite rugged, but you do need to be mindful of the exposed drivers at each end. They are sealed in with rubber and look cool with the Sprout logo, but I’d like to have seen them with mesh covers, just to make sure they don’t get pierced by something in my bag.
Sprout’s Soundwave Bluetooth speaker does what it says on the tin. It’s a robust, very portable speaker for sharing music when you are out and about. It’s waterproof, so there are no problems if you are by the pool or on the beach. The audio is crisp, and it even acts as a power bank. The multi-speaker Unisync mode is pretty cool as well. All-in-all, it’s a competent device that’s worth a look if you are in the market for a portable Bluetooth speaker.
The eero 7 is now the most affordable Wi-Fi 7 router in the company’s range. It is designed to deliver multi-gigabit speeds and enhanced connectivity in a compact and accessible form factor. Priced at NZD $319.99 for a single unit and NZD $699.99 for a three-pack, the device targets customers looking to upgrade to the latest Wi-Fi standard without a high upfront cost. Coverage offered by a single eero 7 unit spans up to 190 square metres, while a three-pack extends coverage to 560 square metres. The device supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands and can achieve wireless speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps, with wired speeds reaching up to 2.3 Gbps using its two 2.5 GbE ports.
eero Pro 7 features
The eero Pro 7 is intended for households with high connectivity demands, such as those that require capacity for hundreds of devices or utilise large amounts of bandwidth. This model features tri-band support across 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz, maximising spectrum use to reduce congestion and maintain performance in busy Wi-Fi environments. Its wireless speeds can reach up to 3.9 Gbps, and the device features two 5 GbE ports for wired connections with speeds up to 4.7 Gbps. The Pro 7 is priced at NZD $599.99 for a single unit and NZD $1,299.99 for a three-pack.
Both the eero 7 and eero Pro 7 are powered by eero’s proprietary TrueMesh, TrueRoam, and TrueChannel technologies. These capabilities allow the routers to adapt in real time to changing network conditions by automatically optimising channel selection, dynamically connecting users to the best available unit, and managing data traffic to avoid interference from neighbouring networks.
Technologies and performance
The Wi-Fi 7 standard, which both new devices support, brings improved network throughput, increased device capacity, and lower latency compared to previous generations. Features such as Multi-Link Operation, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access, and 4K-QAM ensure that more devices can communicate simultaneously and data is transmitted more efficiently.
Additional features on both devices include support for advanced encryption and WPA3 security protocols, over-the-air software updates for security and functionality, and backward compatibility with earlier generations of eero products. Both the eero 7 and eero Pro 7 function as smart home hubs and include support for Matter, Thread, and Zigbee devices, allowing users to connect a wide range of smart home products via Alexa.
The increasing demand for reliable and high-capacity Wi-Fi has driven interest in mesh and advanced wireless systems in New Zealand households, particularly as more residents work or study from home and rely on multiple connected devices. Jacqueline Lipman, APAC Managing Director at eero, commented on the expansion:
“We are excited to bring advanced performance to Kiwi homes through our expanded eero range. Whether customers prioritise affordability or premium features, our lineup meets every household’s needs – from powering home offices and streaming across multiple devices to staying connected with family overseas,” said Jacqueline Lipman, APAC Managing Director, eero. “As connectivity becomes increasingly essential for Kiwi consumers, the new eero 7 and eero Pro 7 help simplify everyday life by delivering reliable connections in our complex digital world.”
The eero app, which accompanies the hardware, gives users the ability to set up and manage their networks within minutes, pause internet access, and view connected devices. The app recently underwent a redesign aimed at improving navigation and device monitoring for users. Subscribers to the eero Plus service, available for AUD $15.99 per month or AUD $159.99 per year, gain access to additional security features, parental controls, and internet backup during outages, as well as third-party security software.
The Deebot T50 Max Pro OMNI from Ecovacs Robotics is a robot vacuum and mopping system that uses 3D LiDAR technology to map your home. It comes with a station unit that automatically replenishes water and disposes of waste.
For nearly four years, my trusty Deebot N8 Pro has been soldiering on, haplessly vacuuming up the mess that a house with three kids, a cat and a dog leaves behind. I wouldn’t say life has been easy for the little robot vacuum cleaner. But it is the perfect environment to test the new Ecovacs Deebot T50 Max.
In the box you’ll find the Deebot T50 Max robot, the Omni Station, a base ramp, a side brush, a power cord and a brief instruction manual. Before you start using the Deebot, you need to download the Ecovacs Home app from either the Apple Store or Google Play. I already had the app installed as my Deebot N8 Pro is already on cleaning duty. You can have more than one Ecovacs robot on the app, for instance, if you use separate vacuums for different levels in your house. It’s a great app, and very robust, giving you full control of your robot vacuum, including mapping and cleaning settings.
After you’ve got the app, there’s a little bit of setting up, mainly removing the blue tape holding the bits together during transit. Then you just need to fix the base into the OMNI station and click the side brush into the robot. You’ll also need to hook up the dust bag and fill the water tank in the Omni station. After powering up the Omni station, placing the robot in the dock will start the charging cycle.
From the Ecovacs app, selecting “add device” will pair the new robot. You need to connect your phone to a 2.5GHz Wi-Fi channel (or a mixed network), as the device only supports 2.5GHz Wi-Fi connections. You’ll need your Wi-Fi password to complete the network connection.
From now on, interaction with the actual Deebot T50 Max is kept to a minimum. The Omni Station services and maintains the robot, filling it with water and emptying it of dust and dirty water, as well as cleaning off the mopping pads. There’s also an optional tank for Ecovacs’ cleaning fluid, which is available separately. It’s a shame that a pot of cleaning fluid isn’t included in the box, as it’s probably a good idea to use it to keep things cleaner.
The Omni Station is a game changer, making the T50 Max an autonomous cleaning system that requires minimal intervention. But there are some disadvantages compared to the old Deebot dock employed by my old N8 Pro. Whereas I could tuck the old dock out of the way somewhere, the Omni Station is a rather large bit of kit. It has a footprint, including the ramp base, of 45cm x 33cm and stands about 50cm high. It also needs 50cm clearance on each side and 80cm clearance at the front. To be fair, though, it’s no bigger than a kitchen bin, but still worth noting.
Anyone who’s used a regular robot vacuum, or even one of Ecovacs’ earlier Deebots will see the value in the Omni Station. My N8 Pro will happily continue to go through the motions of vacuuming the house with the little dust compartment stuffed to overflowing with debris. You then have to pluck out the compartment and pick out the fluff and dust into your bin. There’s a similar tiresome interaction with the N8’s mopping function, which is again redundant with the T50 Max’s automated Omni Station.
The Omni Station does provide a bit of a false sense of security. It’s dreadfully easy to completely forget about the vacuum once you’ve set up a cleaning schedule. You can be at work whilst the device vacuums your carpets and mops the floors and completely forget that the thing exists. But you do need to check that there’s water (and cleaner if you are using it) in the tank(s) and that the dirty water tank and the dust bag aren’t full. The mop pad cleaner also needs the occasional rinse, as does the mop cleaning area. You will get alerts from the app when maintenance is required, but it’s best to keep on top of it, rather than have your autonomous cleaning schedule disrupted.
The robot does an exceptional job of not getting caught up in items lying around the house. Whilst the instructions state that you need to make sure your floors are clear of obstacles, in reality, that’s not always going to work. Occasionally, the kids will leave something lying around that’s too much for it, but compared to my old N8, the Deebot T50 Max avoids sucking up cables and socks without any drama.
It’s not all plain sailing, though. A few times, the robot lost a mopping pad. Whilst the app alerted me to this issue, the robot had moved on, leaving the whereabouts of the missing mopping pad a bit of a mystery. Mishaps such as this are few and far between.
The robot has no problem detecting the difference between carpet and tile, keeping the brush up to avoid smudging your carpet. You need to be mindful if you have a particularly deep pile carpet, as the mop pads may not be high enough to clear the fabric.
All the robot’s clever technology, which includes LiDAR 3D mapping, ultrasonic carpet detection, infrared ranging and a microphone and an AI camera, is filtered to the end user via the Ecovacs app. Despite the high level of technology and automation at work, the Deboot T50 Max is simple and easy to use.
You can set the vacuum off by just pressing the start button. The first time, the robot will map your home, noting where rugs and carpets are. It will also detect and map the various rooms, labelling them for reference.
As you get used to the Deeboot you can start experimenting with the settings. You can select the way the robot cleans, i.e. vacuum and mop, vacuum first and then mop or just switch on intelligent hosting and allow the robot’s AI to select the best way to proceed for you. Setting up a cleaning schedule allows you to leave the robot to clean while you are at work or at any other convenient time, without any further intervention.
The app also allows access to the T50’s onboard 960P camera, which Ecovacs suggests can be used to monitor your home remotely. Whilst that’s sort of true, it’s not that practical, as you can’t directly control the path of the robot. The robot’s patrol mode, however, converts Deebot into an autonomous security guard, well, more like a moving security camera, as it trundles around your house snapping pictures. You can also remotely watch the live-streamed video from the robot’s camera. This is a cool bonus to complement your home security setup.
As well as being compatible with the likes of Amazon’s Alexa, the T50 Max Pro comes with its own voice assistant, called YIKO. When switched on via the app, saying “OK Yiko” and a command like, say, “clean the kitchen” will start the robot and have it follow your command. You can use this to quickly have the robot clean a spill in a particular area rather than open the app or commence a full house clean.
The scalability of the T50 Max Pro is its biggest strength. It’s easy to set the device off and get a great result without having to check the manual or wade through countless options in the app. But if you want to use the more powerful commands and automation, it’s all there for you. This is exactly what you should be looking for in a piece of technology.
The Ecovacs Deeboot T50 Max Pro Onmi is an impressive bit of kit that makes a big dent in your housework chores. Easy to use, but incredibly thorough and effective, Ecovacs has produced an AI-driven autonomous vacuuming and mopping system that is virtually unflappable. The Omni station automates most of the maintenance duties, allowing the device to potentially clean for weeks without needing any human interaction. The patrol mode and streaming video feed are added bonuses that make the robot even more futuristic. It’s an incredible cleaning machine that’ll leave you wondering what you ever did without it.
With both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz capabilities, the budget-friendly SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless is a bit of a head turner.
Complementing the usual black and white colours for their mice, for the second generation of the Rival 3 Wireless mouse, SteelSeries is offering more avant-garde aqua blue and lavender purple alternatives. We received the aqua version of the mouse to try out.
And it looks fantastic. The box doesn’t do the aqua colour of the mouse justice. It also features a lightly textured matte finish that makes it stand out even more.
The mouse is symmetrical, so if you are a lefty who, out of principle, feels the need to use a mouse in their left hand, you can with this mouse. You may have trouble using the two buttons on the left side, but that’s what you get for being awkward (and I say this as a lefty- that uses a mouse in my right hand).
The mouse comes with two AAA batteries in the box, which fit in a compartment under the palm area. SteelSeries states that the batteries should last you 175 hours using the 2.4GHz dongle or 450 hours with Bluetooth. You can even remove one of the batteries to reduce the weight by 11g if you want to make the mouse lighter. Personally, I found the weight, at 106g, to be about right.
Tucked away in the battery compartment is the 2.4GHz USB dongle. It’s good to see a device that has a place to store the dongle, so you don’t lose it if you are on the go. Whilst the mouse is Bluetooth as well, you will get better response times (polling rate) using the dongle.
The SteelSeries GG software (available as a free download from the SteelSeries website) is a bit pushy and wants to become your gaming hub. It would be nice to have a more streamlined app that only manages your device rather than wanting to manage your entire gaming life. The GG app “Engine” area is where you can update your SteelSeries devices and adjust options.
For the Rival 3, you can customise the six buttons with keystrokes or macros, set the DPI (including the middle button sensitivity toggles), adjust movement acceleration/deceleration, angle snapping and polling rate. There are also options to extend battery life, smooth Bluetooth cursor movement, and enhance wireless stability if you are getting interference. The GG software saves options to the mouse once set, so you can use it on other devices without the app.
There is an LED light in the scroll wheel, but this only seems to light up when pairing with Bluetooth. The only other time it seemed to light up is to warn when the battery is getting low. I’d expect, though, for lighting to be minimal with a battery-powered mouse to extend the time between battery replacements.
Using the mouse is a breeze. It’s very responsive and glides across your mouse mat on its three PTFE feet. The buttons have a reassuringly positive click about them and are built to last, with SteelSeries boasting that the mouse uses sixty million click switches.
For what purports to be a budget-friendly peripheral, the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 mouse certainly stands out. Not only does it look good, but it also feels solid. Having to replace the batteries is a bit of a downer, but you can’t have everything with a sub-AU$100 mouse. Overall, it’s a stylish mouse that performs well and offers excellent value for money.
New Dell Pro Max high-performance laptops and audio solutions are now available, offering a range of features designed for power users, engineers, creators and AI developers.
Pro Max Premium features
The Dell Pro Max 14 and 16 Premium laptops are positioned as models balancing mobility, design and advanced functionality. The devices feature a modern aesthetic, and, according to Dell, have the smallest footprint of 14- and 16-inch mobile workstations on the market. The Premium 16-inch model includes what is described as the world’s first 4K Tandem OLED display for a mobile workstation, certified with VESA DisplayHDR TrueBlack 1000.
The display aims to bring improved content presentation, with greater clarity and colour depth for tasks such as creative project work and collaborative engineering. Dell states that their laptops are built to cater for the needs of highly demanding workflows without unacceptable sacrifices in portability or design.
The Premium laptops use NVIDIA RTX PRO 3000 Blackwell laptop GPUs and up to 45W Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processors. Dell states that these new models provide a 19% and 23% boost in graphics performance over the previous generation for the 14- and 16-inch models respectively, based on internal testing. This is intended to allow smoother performance in tasks such as video editing and data analysis.
The Dell Pro Max Plus range, aimed at even greater performance, comes in 16- and 18-inch form factors. These laptops are targeted at users requiring additional screen real estate and processing power, such as those involved in AI modelling, complex simulations and large-scale data analysis.
The models feature NVIDIA RTX PRO 5000 Blackwell GPUs, up to 55W Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX processors, and storage capacities up to 16TB. According to Dell, the new Pro Max 16 Plus and Pro Max 18 Plus models deliver graphics improvements of 53% and 44% respectively when compared to the previous generation. These results are based on benchmarking against earlier models, as referenced in Dell’s internal testing reports.
Advanced thermal management is another element highlighted in the Pro Max Plus series. Dell claims that their patented thermal technology allows for up to a 36% increase in total performance while keeping the devices cooler during resource-intensive tasks. CAMM2 memory support with modules of up to 256GB, due to become available this year, is designed to facilitate increasingly demanding AI and specialty workloads.
Entry-level Pro Max options
For users with lighter workloads or those new to the Pro Max range, the Dell Pro Max 14 and 16 offer performance and reliability at a more accessible entry point. Weighing from 3.95 pounds for the 14-inch model, these laptops prioritise portability while maintaining operational battery life – up to 18 hours on the 14-inch and 20 hours on the 16-inch, according to Dell’s internal evaluation.
Processors include AMD Ryzen AI for the first Copilot+ PCs in the Pro Max line, allowing devices to reach 50+ TOPS (trillions of operations per second) on the NPU, and access a set of exclusive AI-powered features. Options also include up to 45W Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processors and, in the upper configurations, NVIDIA RTX PRO 2000 Blackwell GPUs supporting 572 AI TOPS. Dell reports up to 36% and 33% performance improvements for the 14- and 16-inch variants, compared to their predecessors.
The Pro Max 14 and 16 are positioned for users such as financial analysts and emerging creators who require dependable everyday performance.
Security and sustainability
The new Pro Max laptops incorporate security features for commercial use. Dell highlights that with AI workloads processed on-device rather than in the cloud, sensitive data remains local, potentially reducing exposure to external threats. Manageability tools enable IT departments to oversee devices in a fleet more easily.
Sustainability is also addressed in the Pro Max range. Dell reports that the new laptops utilise recycled and bio-based materials, including magnesium, plastics, ocean-bound plastics, aluminium, and cobalt. Recycled content is integrated into various laptop components such as speaker housings, covers, palmrests, and batteries, with some models incorporating up to 98% recycled plastic in specific parts. The modular USB-C port and easy-access service doors in certain models are designed to enhance durability and facilitate repair and upgrades.
Operating system and transition support
All models in the new Pro Max lineup run on Windows 11, which Dell notes delivers enhanced security and a modern user experience, including productivity tools such as Copilot for Windows. These features are promoted as aiding users’ transition ahead of Windows 10’s end of support in October 2025.
Dell’s portfolio strategy includes addressing growing workload demands with new devices and serviceability features. As stated in the release, “If your current technology is starting to strain under new and growing demanding workloads, now is the moment to upgrade to Dell Pro Max.”
Fujifilm has unveiled the X-E5, a new mirrorless digital camera that combines a compact body with features aimed at a wide range of photographers.
The X-E5 is the latest addition to Fujifilm’s X Series and weighs approximately 445g, offering portability for everyday use. The camera is powered by a 40.2MP back-illuminated X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor paired with the high-speed X-Processor 5, which the company states delivers “exceptional results in a range of shooting scenarios, from spontaneous street photography to carefully composed portraits.”
For the first time in the X-E series, the X-E5 introduces a five-axis in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) mechanism. According to Fujifilm, this provides “up to 7.0 stops of stabilisation in the centre of the frame (6.0 stops on the periphery). Whether shooting handheld in low light or on the move, users can enjoy sharper, more stable images.”
Design and handling
The camera debuts a new top plate made entirely from machined aluminium. The company describes this as giving “crisp edges with smooth curves to deliver a refined, tactile feel in hand.” The X-E5 also includes a “Classic Display” mode, which provides a “clean viewfinder with key information placed subtly at the bottom of the frame.” Fujifilm states that this design choice is aimed at helping “creators stay in the moment.”
The overall design continues with other classic elements, including a rope-type shoulder strap and a tapered rear on the top plate for comfort and improved operability. The Film Simulation dial is another new feature, and it includes a “precision-cut indicator window that minimises the gap between dial and body for an exact finish.” The dial allows users to individually set and save Film Simulation and image quality settings to three FS positions.
“Refinement is central to every aspect of X-E5’s design. For example, the viewfinder and diopter adjustment control fit flush with the body. By refining vertical and horizontal elements, the design preserves the essence of a traditional camera while exuding a sophisticated presence.”
Viewfinder and shooting experience
The X-E5 offers a “retro and minimalist ‘Classic Display’ mode for the EVF, inspired by the old film cameras. The information on the EVF has been simplified as much as possible. Combined with a body style that allows you to operate the dials and the lever with one hand, you can immerse yourself in image making with the camera to your eye.”
The camera introduces a Surround View function that displays the area outside the shooting range as a semi-transparent or line pattern, according to the chosen aspect ratio. Fujifilm says “users can easily switch between these two modes using a lever, providing a shooting experience that is similar to an OVF, even though it is an EVF.” A control lever on the front adds customisable options, including switching view modes, changing aspect ratios, and adjusting digital teleconverter magnification.
The company highlights improvements to the gyro sensor and a new algorithm for increased responsiveness to camera shake. “Thanks to the latest technologies, the camera realises 5-axis compensation performance of up to 7.0 stops at the centre and 6.0 stops at the periphery. The compact body is equipped with powerful image stabilisation, allowing for comfortable shooting across a wide range of scenarios.”
A digital teleconverter function provides 1.4x and 2.0x zoom levels. With the high-resolution sensor, Fujifilm says users can “zoom with minimal loss of image quality, making it versatile for a wide range of shooting scenarios.” The rear monitor can tilt and flip up to 180 degrees for varied compositions, including selfies, and the camera supports 6.2K/30P video recording with tracking autofocus.
Sensor and autofocus
The fifth generation X Series sensor is described as the “back-illuminated 40.2 megapixel ‘X-Trans CMOS 5 HR’ sensor.” Fujifilm states, “The latest image processing algorithms deliver high resolution while maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio.” The improved sensor allows ISO 125 to be used as normal sensitivity and offers fast shutter speeds up to 1/180,000 second via the electronic shutter.
Autofocus is powered by an AI-based subject detection system developed through deep learning technology, which can detect a wide range of subjects, including “animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, trains, insects, and drones.” The company claims the predictive algorithm “provides high tracking performance for moving subjects and high precision AF in low-contrast environments.”
If you own multiple Apple devices and want to save money, this is the plan to get
(Image credit: Apple)
If you want to protect your Apple devices from accidents, theft and loss and get priority support, you can now get coverage for multiple Apple products in one plan for one price. And you’ll save a bit of money in the process.
The new service is called AppleCare One, which builds on AppleCare+ by letting you protect up to three products tied to your Apple Account for $19.99 a month. It starts rolling out on July 24.
That’s not a bad deal considering that AppleCare+ currently costs $11.99 a month for theiPhone 16and $13.99 a month for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max.
So, for a few bucks more per month, you can add your Apple Watch and iPad. Or your MacBook and AirPods Max. It’s up to you. And if you want to protect more than three devices at once, each additional device will cost you an extra $5.99 a month.
Another plus is that AppleCare One can cover Apple products you already own up to 4 years old. Headphones need to be less than a year old, though. But at least you don’t have to buy something new to add it to your plan.
Apple will walk you through the steps virtually to see if your devices are eligible by checking if they’re in “good condition.” So you don’t need to go to an Apple Store.
For the first time, Apple is also extending theft and loss coverage to the Apple Watch and iPad. This will be available to AppleCare One and AppleCare+ customers.
What does AppleCare One cover?
Similar to AppleCare+, AppleCare One includes:
Unlimited repairs for accidents like drops and spills
24/7 priority support from Apple experts
Quick Apple-certified service
Battery coverage
Theft and loss protection for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch
Note that you cannot add devices from family members to AppleCare One — at least for now. They need to be tied to your specific Apple Account.
I review tablets for a living, and if you’re okay with Amazon’s FireOS I think the the best Amazon Fire tablets are just as good as any iPad or Android slate.
I know because my team and I review all the iPads that come out every year alongside a slew of Android slates from the likes of Google, Samsung and OnePlus. We also test and review every major Amazon tablet, and I use all that data to compile this regularly-updated list of the best Amazon Fire tablets on the market.
For my money theAmazon Fire HD 10is the best Amazon Fire slate for most of us because it offers you good performance, great battery life and a nice screen for significantly less than your average iPad.
If you can afford to splurge and crave something fancier than the HD 10, I recommend you upgrade to theAmazon Fire Max 11because it sports a bigger, brighter display, more power and more storage than the Fire HD 10 for roughly a hundred bucks more.
But if you’re on a really tight budget and just need a cheap tablet to browse the web, I think you can get by with theAmazon Fire 8. It’s a small, cheap slate with sub-1080p resolution, so it’s not great for enjoying your favorite movies—but it’s one of the best tablets you can get for $100.
I’ve got a lot more advice and recommendations to share below, so scroll down for more help finding the best Amazon Fire tablet for you!
The Amazon Fire HD 10 is a great all-around tablet, which is why I generally recommend it as the best Amazon Fire tablet for most people.
While it’s not the fastest or most beautiful tablet on the market, or even the most premium Amazon tablet (that honor belongs to the Fire Max 11), the Fire HD 10 hits a great sweet spot in terms of performance and price.
I say that because (according to our testing) you get great battery life, good performance, and a nice screen for a starting price of $150, making this a more affordable way to enjoy the benefits of having a tablet around without having to pay Apple or Samsung prices.
Its biggest flaws, though, are those endemic to the Amazon Fire tablets in general. Most notably, Amazon’s Fire OS is still app-challenged, missing the Google Play app store — which means you can’t get the full YouTube experience, for example, and you’ll miss out on a lot of great apps not available on Amazon’s app store.
But as long as you’re happy to content yourself with the apps available to you in the Amazon App Store, you can have a lot of fun with the Fire HD 10. It definitely helps to be deeply invested in Amazon’s ecosystem, as these slates are great for streaming videos, reading ebooks and browsing the web.
The Amazon Fire HD 8 is a cheap tablet, and for some that’s the main selling point.
I recommend this slate to Fire shoppers on a budget because its slightly nicer than the bottom of the barrel Fire 7, yet still affordable at $99. And while the 8-inch touchscreen isn’t sharp enough to support 1080p content, it’s more than fine for browsing the web and reading books.
This is a great utility tablet because you get good battery life (nearly 14 hours in our testing) and decent speakers, as well as easy access to Amazon’s various content streaming apps and strong parental controls. Of course, the front and rear cameras are pretty bad, but who uses their tablet to take photos anyway?
And since this tablet isn’t powerful enough to run many demanding apps very well anyway, you won’t miss the full panoply of apps available on Android nearly as much.
Camera Resolution:8MP front/back; 1080p video recording
Display:11-inch 2K (2,000 x 1,200 pixels)
Storage:64-128 GB
Memory:4GB RAM
Ports:1x USB-C, headphone jack, microSD
Dimensions:10.2 x 6.4 x 0.29 inches
Weight:1.08 pounds
Reasons to buy
+Bright, colorful screen +Good battery life +Premium build quality
Reasons to avoid
-Awkward button/port placement -Tinny speakers -Limited by FireOS
The Amazon Fire Max 11 is the biggest Fire tablet you can buy right now, and it’s the only one with a 2K (2,000 x 1,200 pixels) display. So if pixels count, this is the Fire tablet you want to buy for streaming shows on the biggest, most vibrant screen possible.
You pay extra for the privilege, of course, as this is not only the biggest but also the most expensive Fire tablet with a starting price of just over $200. But in return you get a speedy 2.2Ghz Mediatek chip that runs games and apps well, 4GB of RAM for speedy multitasking and a pair of decent cameras on the front and back.
Of course, even this beefy Fire tablet is handicapped by shipping limited to Amazon’s App Store. While you can sideload apps outside the Amazon App Store with enough know-how, it’s a hassle and a lot of effort to go through so you can access Google apps like Gmail and YouTube.
But if you don’t need to use YouTube, Gmail, Google Docs and other Google apps, the Fire Max 11 gives you a pretty premium-feeling slate for over a $100 less than the base iPad. It’s the best Fire tablet to upgrade to if you need more screen and power than the Fire Max 10 can deliver!
Best for older kids
4. Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro
The best Amazon Fire tablet for tweens
Specifications
CPU:2.0GHz octa-core CPU
Camera Resolution:5 MP (rear) 2 MP (front)
Display:10.1-inch, 1920 x 1200-pixel
Storage:32GB
Ports:1x USB-C, headphone jack, microSD
Dimensions:9.7 x 6.5 x 0.4 inches
Weight:17.8 ounces/1.1 pounds
Reasons to buy
+Vibrant screen makes cartoons pop +Tenacious battery outlasts the competition +Comprehensive 2-year warranty
Reasons to avoid
-No native Google apps
-Dull audio compared to the competitors
The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro is basically the same, hardware-wise, as the excellent Amazon Fire HD 10. It’s got the same octa-core processor, 3GB of RAM and vivacious 1,900 x 1,200 display. The big difference is that it’s designed specifically for use by older kids ages 6-12, so it comes with a one-year Amazon Kids+ subscription, a colorful kickstand case, and a comprehensive, no-questions-asked 2-year warranty that covers accidental damage.
If you’re in the market for a kid-friendly tablet, few competitors can match what the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro offers for $199, particularly with that generous extended warranty. Sure, it has all the same weaknesses as every Fire tablet — most notably, no easy access to the Google Play Store — but if you’re planning to give this to a kid anyway, that’s less of an issue.
Best for younger kids
5. Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids
The best Amazon Fire tablet for young children
Specifications
CPU:2.0GHz octa-core CPU
Camera Resolution:5 MP (rear) 2 MP (front)
Display:10.1-inch, 1920 x 1200-pixel
Storage:32GB
Ports:1x USB-C, headphone jack, microSD
Dimensions:9.7 x 6.5 x 0.4 inches
Weight:17.8 ounces/1.1 pounds
Reasons to buy
+Durable build +Great parental controls +Bright and sharp display
Reasons to avoid
-Lack of Google Play Store apps -Poor sound quality -Underwhelming performance
The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids, like the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro listed above, is effectively a version of the Fire HD 10 that’s tailored for kid-friendly use. It costs as much as the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro ($199) and offers basically the same features, but aimed at children ages three to seven rather than older kids.
Like its siblings the Fire HD 10 Kids sports a bright display, a durable kid-friendly design, and excellent battery life. Plus, the detailed built-in parental controls give you a lot of control over what a child does on the device, with little risk of them going astray. Sure, the lack of Google Play Store apps limits what you can do with this tablet, but that’s hardly a problem if you’re planning to give it to your 5-year-old so they can have something to watch videos on. If you want a durable, long-lasting tablet tailored to young children, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids is a great choice.
How to choose the right Amazon Fire tablet for you
Still not sure which Amazon Fire tablet is right for you? Here are some important things to consider.
Screen size:The Amazon Fire tablets come in a variety of screen sizes ranging from 7 to 10 inches. If you expect to be watching a lot of videos, you’ll want the biggest, nicest screen possible, so consider the Fire HD 10 or the Fire Max 11. But if you just want a tablet to browse the web and read ebooks, a smaller display, like those on the Fire 7 or Fire HD 8, will be more than enough for your needs.
Budget:While all of the Amazon Fire tablets are more affordable than anything Apple makes, there’s still a wide price range of $50-$200, or more if you splurge on extras. If you can afford the higher end of that spectrum, the $150 Fire HD 10 is probably the best choice for you. But if you’d rather spend $100, or $50, the Fire HD 8 or Fire 7 (respectively) are decent tablets that should meet your needs. If money is no object, you may as well get the Fire Max 11.
Age:How old is the person you’re buying this tablet for? Obviously if it’s for you, buy whatever you like, but if you’re getting a cheap Amazon Fire tablet for a younger person, there are a variety of kid-friendly options depending on their age. For those ages 3-7, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids offers decent performance, great parental controls, and a colorful drop-resistant case. The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro offers effectively the same benefits for the same price, but it’s aimed at older kids in the 6-12 range. And if the person you’re buying for is older than that, they should be well-served by the standard Amazon Fire HD 10.
Battery life compared
Battery life is one of the key things to consider when buying a tablet, and even though Amazon’s slates are pretty long-lived you can’t blindly trust the manufacturer’s claims about exactly how long they’ll last.
That’s why we put every tablet we test and review through a series of battery tests, then average the results and compare them against the competition. I’ve assembled the tested battery life of every tablet on this page here in one handy chart, to help you make a more informed buying decision.
Battery test results
Time (min:secs)
Amazon Fire Max 11
13:45
Amazon Fire HD 10
12:39
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro
14:12
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids
14:32
Amazon Fire HD 8
13:42
Amazon Fire 7
6:56
Frequently Asked Questions
What apps can I run on an Amazon Fire tablet?
I’m so glad you asked! One of the biggest weaknesses of the Amazon Fire tablets is that they run on Amazon’s FireOS, which is a modified version of Android. But while these are technically Android slates, you can’t just buy one and start putting your favorite Google apps on it because the Google Play Store is not accessible on an Amazon Fire tablet.
That means that unless you want to futz around with sideloading apps, you can’t easily install a significant number of Android apps that other Android tablets have access to. Basic Google apps like Gmail, Google Docs and YouTube are not easily available on a Fire tablet. You can still access those services by opening a web browser and using the web versions, but you should know this key limitation of Fire tablets before you buy one.
How do I get rid of lockscreen ads?
Good question! Like Amazon Kindles, Fire tablets can be ordered with or without lockscreen ads. It costs $15 more to buy one without lockscreen ads, but that means you won’t have to stare at promos for products when your tablet is locked.
Luckily, if you decide to get rid of ads later (or you get an ad-supported Fire as a gift and want to banish the advertising) you can. Just head to Amazon’s website, log into your account and navigate to the “Manage Your Devices” page.
From your Devices page, click on the Fire tablet you wish to remove ads on and select the “Special offers” section, then navigate to the “Remove offers” option. Click it, pay a $15 fee and voila—no more ads!
Should I get a Fire tablet or a Kindle?
This is a question I sometimes get from readers, and it has a simple answer.
If all you want your tablet for is to read books, documents and magazines or take notes, get a Kindle. Specifically, check our guide to thebest e-readersand choose which Kindle or Kindle competitor is best for your needs and budget.
But if you want to do anything else with your tablet, like browse the web, watch movies, play games or send emails, you should buy an Amazon Fire tablet. While they’re limited by what apps you can install in FireOS, even the cheapest Amazon Fire tablet is a lot more capable than any Kindle because once you connect it to the Internet you can load the Fire tablet up with all sorts of apps and files.
