2026 is almost over — well, not quite, but given we're already halfway through the year, it won't be long before those year-end awards are in sight again. And with the 2026 progress bar hitting 50% this week, we decided it was a good time to look back on the last six months and pick out the early 'gadget of the year' contenders from everything we've tested since January.

And we've been testing a lot — 639 products, to be precise, have passed through our labs and the real, unvarnished lives of our experienced testers this year. Those hundreds of gadgets span everything from coffee machines and smartphones to life-boosting accessories like portable DACs, fans and smart Lego.

So if you've just woken up from a six-month nap (we don't blame you) or are looking for some gadget inspiration, the list below will make for some fascinating reading. It doesn't contain every five-star product we've tested this year (check out our separate five-star review roundup for those), but it is a temperature check of all the products our reviewers haven't been able to stop talking about over the past six months...

21. Fitbit Air

• The fitness tracker of 2026 so far

The Google Fitbit Air is the highest-profile, most exciting fitness release of 2026 so far, and it’s generated plenty of buzz online. A screenless Whoop-style band weighing just 12 grams (including strap!) and with up to a week of battery life, the Fitbit Air is the most exciting thing we’ve seen from Fitbit since Google brought the brand.

The hardware is excellent, proving to record heart rate accurately in our comparison tests, and it’s eminently comfortable to wear. I had no problems wearing it virtually 24/7 during my testing period, including to shower and sleep in. It looked great, was super-light, felt comfortable and delivered accurate, insightful metrics.

The app is another story. While its AI-powered premium functionality is good, not everyone’s going to jive with the chatbot format of the AI Coach, and existing Fitbit users are irked that their community features and historic badges were deleted, replaced by an AI Coach to help you ‘celebrate your achievements’ in a different way. The app is uniformly recognized as being messy and cluttered, too. But away from the app’s design, the tracker is still the boldest, most interesting release in the fitness tech world this year.

Matt Evans, Senior Editor, Fitness, Wellness & Wearables

• Read our in-depth Fitbit Air review

20. Maxell Wireless Cassette Player

• Our favorite blast from the gadget past

Look me in the eye and tell me you have no cassette tapes hiding anywhere in your home. Right, there’s a shoebox somewhere. But where to play them? That’s where the Maxell Wireless Cassette Player comes in.

Not only is it brand new gear to play these old tapes, but it works with your favorite Bluetooth headphones; I found it the perfect blend of nostalgia and modern audio pleasure. Even its imperfect functionality, like flaky Bluetooth support, was somehow charming.

I wish it had recording like my old portable cassette player, but it was still kind of wonderful to get to hear old mixtapes, recordings, and even classic releases from 1980s music icons (The Traveling Wilburys!) again.

Lance Ulanoff, Editor at Large

• Read our in-depth Maxell Wireless Cassette Player review

19. MacBook Neo

• Still a winner, despite its recent price hike

Up until a month ago, the MacBook Neo was my favorite laptop of 2026, and I didn’t think there’d be any other new laptop this year that could beat it. With a launch price of $599 / £599 / AU$899, it was the cheapest MacBook you could get, and despite its budget price, it offered the kind of build quality, design, screen and performance that you just didn’t expect from laptops and Chromebooks around that price point.

It certainly made a big impact. Running on the A18 Pro chip, it could run pretty much any macOS app that more expensive Macs could, offered excellent battery life and a bright and vibrant display (something a lot of budget laptop makers often neglected to keep prices down). It sold like hot cakes, and gave a kick up the bum to rivals. Since its launch, both Acer and Dell have announced laptops (the new Acer Swift Air and Dell XPS 13) that the companies are very open about how they’ve been designed to take on the MacBook Neo.

However, last month Apple announced a raft of price increases for some of its products, including a $100 / £100 increase in price for the MacBook Neo. While not a massive increase (unlike what the MacBook Air and Pro got), it’s enough to make the MacBook Neo less of an instant recommendation, and some of its compromises, such as slow USB-C ports and no backlit keyboard, are suddenly harder to forgive.

Matt Hanson, Managing Editor, Core Tech

• Read our in-depth MacBook Neo review

18. Lego Smart Brick

• The opinion-splitter that won us over

The toy brand introduced a new technology-fueled piece in its iconic build block system this year at CES 2026 — and while some reactions have been mixed online we here at TechRadar have fallen in love with the system. If you’re a kid who loves playing with your sets and not just admiring them it hits the mark (almost) perfectly.

Out the gate it featured in a handful of Star Wars themed builds adding iconic starship noises, blaster fire effects, and flashing lights as the model moves and its play features are used. It does this thanks to motion and color sensors in the brick which perform different effects based on the special NFC tiles the smart brick is placed onto — the tile effectively programs the smart brick’s lights and speakers while they touch.

Admittedly it wasn’t perfect at launch, but Lego has already started to solve some of our issues with the builds and the brick’s interactiveness in its upcoming Pokémon Smart Play sets — helping to cement the smart brick as one of the best gadgets of the year, and we’re confident it’ll only get better.

Hamish Hector, Senior Staff Writer, News

• Read our hands-on Lego Smart Brick review

17. iFi Go Link 2

• A huge audio upgrade for your phone or laptop

Some hi-res products require careful tinkering and compatibility testing. This isn't one of those. Instead it's a no-fuss, super-small headphone DAC (which stands for digital-analog-converter) to effectively take the job away from the small and likely pretty basic DAC and amp stage in your smartphone or laptop, do the conversion job a lot better, and deliver the improved audio to your wired earbuds or headphones (and thus, to your shell-likes) of choice.

Did I mention it's also super-cheap? This thing costs just $59 / £59 and it essentially turns your source device's sound into something you'd get from hi-res player — and those can cost thousands.

It's smaller and lighter than the iFi options that came before it too. The Go Link 2 will happily slip into your pocket or bag along with your smartphone without issue, and if you're looking to get in on the wired trend (hey, lots of people are) it's a very good way to add wired headphone support to devices that have long since dropped the 3.5mm headphone jack.

OK, its amp stage won't be enough to drive high impedance planar magnetic cans (and those would probably come toting a 4.4mm jack anyway, which this doesn't have) but provided you're just looking to level up with closed-back dynamic solutions, this is little money, well-spent.

Becky Scarrott, Audio Editor

• Read our full iFi Go Link 2 review

16. RayNeo Air 4 Pro

• A lightweight personal cinema for travelers

Android XR and Meta might be stealing the smart glasses spotlight in 2026 with their announcements, but here at TechRadar we think the best new pair to launch so far this year is something a little different: the RayNeo Air 4 Pro.

The biggest difference between the RayNeo and those other specs is they don’t bother with AI — instead they’re effectively a portable display for your compatible phone, tablet, laptop, console, essentially anything that can output video and audio via USB-C.

The Air 4 Pro don't reinvent the wheel but add important new tools like being the first specs of their kind to support HDR10 — leading to more accurate and vibrant colors from their micro-OLED displays. Couple that with solid sound, a comfy fit, and optional Batman/Joker stylings for DC mega fans (plainer designs are available) and you have something incredible.

Hamish Hector, Senior Staff Writer, News

• Read our in-depth RayNeo Air 4 Pro review

15. MacBook Air M5

• The best ultraportable we've ever used

The MacBook Air is, in some ways, the portable most other laptops aspire to; it’s thin, light, surprisingly powerful, and has simply outstanding battery life.

At the time of review, Apple had doubled that storage space (far more important than you might think), finally upgraded connectivity to the future (Wi-Fi 7 and BLE 6) and, of course, slipped in the new M5 silicon.

The price rose a bit, and some wished for more colors (heck, maybe they'll think about Citrus for the next Air), but none of this really detracted from the MacBook Air’s sizable qualities, including a fantastic keyboard, huge ForceTouch trackpad, and Thunderbolt 4 ports. MacBook Air was the laptop that lured me away from Windows, and the M5 model is what’s keeping me here.

Lance Ulanoff, Editor at Large

• Read our in-depth Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) 

14. Oppo Find X9 Ultra

• The new camera phone king

If you're in any doubt about whether the Oppo Find X9 Ultra is the best camera phone on the market right now, just look at the devices we've compared it to. In our Oppo Find X9 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comparison, the Chinese flagship came out on top in almost every category, and in our Oppo Find X9 Ultra vs Lumix TZ300 vs Nikon Z8 comparison, we found that its telephoto capabilities "render most travel zoom compact cameras redundant." High praise indeed.

So, yes, the Find X9 Ultra — which is the first Ultra-branded Oppo phone to ship outside of China (albeit not in the US) — is the new camera phone king. But it comes with plenty of other flagship bells and whistles, too. There's the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, the 12GB of RAM, the 6.8-inch OLED display, and the enormous 7,050mAh battery. And Oppo's software has also come on leaps and bounds in recent years.

If we're talking 'the best phones of 2026 so far', the Find X9 Ultra is a must-include.

Axel Metz, Phones Editor

• Read our in-depth Oppo Find X9 Ultra review

13. Audeze Maxwell 2

• The best-sounding gaming headset I've ever tested

The Audeze Maxwell 2 isn't the gaming headset that's received the highest score from our team of reviewers so far this year on TechRadar Gaming, but it's still one of the absolute best to release this year. And it gets that mantle on sound quality alone.

The 90mm planar magnetic drivers produce the finest gaming audio I've ever experienced, and I can't imagine using anything else now (unless I have to for pesky work reasons). Audeze's patented SLAM tech means the bottom end is even better than ever, and so the whole soundscape is much more rounded and fulsome, while being exceptionally detailed and immersive.

It's a chunky headset, yes, but it has all the modern features you realistically need to get the most out of a headset for single-player immersion and gaining edges in multiplayer games: a robust mic, reliable connectivity, good design and build, all supporting that brilliant audio quality.

After nearly a decade of testing and reviewing gaming headsets of all stripes, I have not been treated to audio this good. It's proven so good that I disagree with our own review (sorry, Phil) and have written about how, after a few months of living with the Maxwell 2, I think it's a five-star gaming headset. If you want to consider any new gaming headset of 2026 thus far to upgrade your audio game, then this has to be it.

(Rob Dwiar, Managing Editor, TechRadar Gaming and Streaming)

• Read our in-depth Audeze Maxwell 2 review and my op-ed on why I would have scored the Maxwell 2 higher

12. Dyson PencilVax FluffyCones

• The most streamlined vacuum we've ever used

It's been a long time since I saw a vacuum that truly made me do a double-take, but that was the case with the Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones. Instead of the chunky dust cup / battery / filter configuration usually found at the top of a stick vacuum, the PencilVac has... nothing. There's just a broom-shaped handle. In fact, this handle houses all those components, except they've been shrunk down to an almost impossibly small size, and hidden away. That makes the PencilVac incredibly light, nimble, and easy to wield.

The floorhead is equally unique, with its two pairs of cone-shaped, fluffy rollers, rotating in opposite directions to whisk away dust from hard floors and clear hair without tangling. This head pivots ultra-smoothly, can be used either way around, and enhances the incredible maneuverability on offer here. A truly innovative design from Dyson, and a useful one at that.

Ruth Hamilton, Collections Editor

• Read our full Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones review

11. Dali Sonik 1

• Small, passive stereo speakers that sound twice their size

It's not just because the Dali Sonik 1 are clearly the cat's miaow — although that never hurts!

The Dali Sonik 1 are the smallest in the Danish brand's ever-expanding new line of passive stereo speakers, but while this February 2026 proposition might be bijou, they sound easily twice their size. And for this money, that's a huge win.

We love them for their clear-mindedness, sparkling vocal reproduction, textured transients and remarkably deep, thumping robustness. They’re also low-distortion, with a sonic profile that never falls foul of overstating itself, apart from a very occasionally overzealous bass reflex (but that's largely down to placement).

You might be thinking you've seen this all before: small passive stereo speakers, they must all basically be the same, no? The Dali Sonik 1 are better than that — in fact we think they're currently the absolute best in their size and price category. It could well be the Sonik 1’s use of Dali’s trademarked Clarity Cone technology (taken from the Kore range before it), or the “SMC” (Soft Magnetic Composite)-assisted magnet systems that constitute the driver.

However it has been achieved, collectively this in-house wizardry has created a fulsome yet supremely natural-sounding set of standmount speakers. And they'll easily fit into your home (for a refreshingly palatable fee).

Becky Scarrott, Audio Editor

• Red our fully star-rated Dali Sonik 1 review

Our top 10 of 2026 (so far)

10. Apple AirPods Max 2

• The best noise-cancelling iPhone headphones on the planet

At first glance, Apple's March-issue second-generation flagship headphones probably didn't receive too many hugely excited whoops and cheers from the Cupertino giant's noted fanbase. Why? Because they arrived looking exactly the same as the first pair.

And they still come out on top in any mid-year headphones roundup. The ANC is just that good. We may sometimes be harsh at TechRadar, but we're always fair…

Put them on your head, engage the ANC and get them playing music. Suddenly it's impossible to knock them. There's a new H2 chip in each ear cup (plus a new amplification module) and that combination is a bona-fide game-changer.

OK, so you can use the Digital Crown as a remote and yes, you can now use Live Translation, nod or shake your head to control call-handling, or pipe up and the headphones now adjust playback accordingly. But none of these under-the-hood improvements is what seals the deal for me.

No, it's all about the sound, underpinned by the noise cancellation performance that is 1.5 times better — and anyone who owns the inaugural set will know how big a deal that is. Also, the overall sonic profile is punchier, more vibrant and with an extra ounce dynamic nuance across the frequencies.

The only reason I couldn't give them the full five stars? The stamina, at only 20 hours with ANC deployed. The thing is, when the cocoon of silence is this good, I'll take a hit on battery life.

Becky Scarrott, Audio Editor

• Read my full and in-depth Apple AirPods Max 2 review

9. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

• The new king of Android

It can be hard to mess with near perfection, but that was the task facing Samsung when it built the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. It’s a follow-up to the best Android flagship I'd ever used and, thankfully, the S26 Ultra did not disappoint.

The excellent, solid design (despite losing titanium) is a perfect showcase for Samsung’s vast OneUI 8 and all that AI. Plus it has a built-in S Pen that’s endlessly useful and new privacy screen feature that's so cool I wonder when Apple will copy it.

The just-short-of-perfection is mostly because it wasn't a full redesign some wished for and the frustrating lack of any kind of MagSafe charging capabilities. Those were, obviously, minor niggles in what is otherwise a powerful, big-screen handset that should be on everyone’s Android shortlist.

Lance Ulanoff, Editor at Large

• Read our in-depth Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review

8. EcoFlow Stream Ultra X

• A game-changing home battery for renters

It's no surprise that in a year of spiraling energy costs one of the big trends has been home batteries that can cut chunks out of your electricity bills — and this powerful, balcony-friendly unit is the most complete we've tested so far.

The EcoFlow Stream Ultra X isn't cheap and, at the time of writing, isn't available in the US (although its lower-capacity Stream Ultra X sibling is). But with its 3.84 kWH capacity and AI-powered energy management, it is a glimpse of a smart home genre that will soon become mainstream.

In short, this lithium iron phosphate battery charges from the sun via solar panels or from cheap grid power during the day, then powers your home at night. In our tests, we estimated that it could easily pay for itself in three years — and that's without connecting it to solar panels.

On its own, the Stream Ultra X isn't powerful enough to power your whole home during a power cut — it's more like the first rung on a ladder that can take you to solar or a bigger home energy system. But you can connect five more Stream series units to hit 23 kWh of power, and its versatility makes it one of the best examples so far of what the Germans call 'Balkonkraftwerke' (or 'balcony power plants').

Mark Wilson, Managing Editor, News (UK)

• Read our in-depth EcoFlow Stream Ultra X review

7. Sony InZone H6 Air

• Sony’s first open-back gaming headset is the best

This year Sony debuted its first open-back gaming headset with the Inzone H6 Air, and it’s the best such model that we’ve tested, blowing strong competitors like the Turtle Beach Atlas Air out of the water.

Underpinned by the same studio quality drivers found in the audio giant’s ever-reliable MDR-MV1 studio monitor headphones, now reworked for additional bass, it delivers crystal-clear, well-balanced sound that’s perfect for both gaming and music listening.

That open-back design lends itself to a wonderfully wide soundstage that adds depth to your favorite games — the detailed weapon sound effects of Battlefield 6 have never seemed so real, while we found that more narrative driven titles like The Last of Us Part 2 or Assassin’s Creed Shadows benefit from a whole new level of aural immersion.

They’re incredibly light and comfortable, coming in at 7oz / 199g, but that doesn’t mean that they feel cheap. The premium aluminum earcup shells are hardwearing and we’re certain that the durable fabric headband will last us for many years to come.

Dashiell Wood, Gaming Editor

• Read our in-depth Sony InZone H6 Air review

6. DJI Avata 360

• Our new favorite all-seeing drone

The big new trend for drones in 2026 is 360 models. A bit like flying versions of cameras like the Insta360 X5, these all-seeing aerial gadgets let you reframe your aerial videos and photos after you've landed, so you don't need to be so precise or decisive up in the sky.

The DJI Avata 360 isn't the first 360 drone we've seen — that was the Antigravity A1 — but it is our new favorite thanks to its unrivaled versatility. Yes, you can shoot 360 videos thanks to its dual 1-inch sensors, then edit that footage using DJI Fly mobile app or the DJI Studio desktop software.

But switch to the drone's single-lens mode, and you effectively have a DJI Avata 2, an FPV drone that can perform aerial acrobatics and get some very different footage. Because you get to choose between using FPV goggles and a standard RC2 two-stick controller, you also don't always need to bring along a spotter friend to fly it legally either.

Mark Wilson, Managing Editor, News (UK)

• Read our in-depth DJI Avata 360 review

5. Dyson HushJet Mini Cool

• A surprisingly powerful heat wave savior

Heatwaves have been another big theme of 2026 — and if you've been baking under a 'heat dome' in the past few months, you might well be interested in the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool, a tiny fan whose performance is as good as its name.

Dyson’s first portable fan excels for two main reasons. Firstly, the fan’s powerful motor reaches a staggering 65,000rpm, and the shape of the HushJet nozzle concentrates the airflow so it’s all directed right at you. Even on the lowest setting you can really feel it, but dial it up to maximum and you’d think you’re using a hairdryer.

You also don’t just have to use it as a hand-held fan — you can wear it around your neck, attach it to clothing or a bag strap, or stand upright on your desk, so it’s pretty versatile to boot. But we know what you’re thinking; it's a Dyson, so isn’t it going to be ridiculously expensive? Fortunately not, so that's why we awarded it a rare five stars.

Rowan Davies, Editorial Associate

• Read our in-depth Dyson HushJet Mini Cool review

4. JBL Go 5

• The best tiny Bluetooth speaker, now even better

When I fired the JBL Go 5 up for the first time, it genuinely blew me away. See, its predecessor was already a very solid-sounding speaker given its minuscule size, and it had great build quality and features to match.

But JBL really outdid itself with this sequel. The Go 5 has even more open and expressive sound than what came before, with clean and agile bass, enhanced detail and clarity in the mid-range, as well as articulate and controlled treble. Pair that with new, customizable edge lighting, improved IP68 dust and waterproofing, and options like USB-C lossless audio, and the Go 5 is easily one of the best small speakers on the market.

It’s also drop-proof, comes in a range of funky colors, and has personalizable EQ, enabling you to find the perfect sound for any occasion. At less than $55 / £40, it’s also sensational value for money, and it couldn’t be more deserving of its five-star rating.

Harry Padoan, Senior Writer, Reviews

• Read our in-depth JBL Go 5 review

3. Philips Baristina

• Bean-to-cup that's great value and a doddle to use

As far as entry-level coffee makers go, the Philips Baristina is simple, stylish, and just as easy to use as any pod coffee machine. Basically, it’s the best affordable bean-to-cup espresso machine we’ve tested.

Like a manual espresso machine, the Baristina uses a portafilter handle. All you need to do is push the empty handle into place, select your drink, and the Baristina will grind the right dose of coffee into the filter basket, so you don’t even need to weigh the coffee beans before brewing.

Using a simple set of three buttons — one for single espresso, one for a lungo, and one to boost the intensity by increasing the dose of ground coffee — it’s incredible value for money. While it doesn’t come with a steaming wand for milk and is very much espresso-first, the Baristina remains an excellent beginner-friendly espresso machine that's perfect if you're new to fresh beans.

Rowan Davies, Editorial Associate

• Read our in-depth Philips Baristina review

2. Sony A7R VI

• Sony just perfected mirrorless cameras

I've tested just about every major camera release spanning the last 15 years, and I don’t use the word 'perfect' lightly — but that's what the Sony A7R VI is. For me, it’s the winning combination of raw quality and speed — thanks to a stacked 66.8MP full-frame sensor with ludicrous dynamic range, lightning-fast burst-shooting and reliable autofocus performance. I really pushed the A7R VI, shooting everything from landscape photography to wildlife and portraits, and it didn’t skip a beat.

The A7R VI is also a seriously well-designed professional mirrorless camera, with an immersive high-resolution EVF and multi-angle touchscreen, plus it packs an all-new higher-capacity battery that bags more shots. Sure it costs a lot, but considering it’s capable of 95% of what the A1 II can do, with more resolution, for a much lower price, I think it’s decent value.

I've never owned a Sony Alpha mirrorless camera, but the A7R VI has me seriously tempted, especially since Sony has made my favorite lenses over the last 18 months. If I could keep a hold of a single new camera from 2026, the A7R VI would be it, and that’s why it’s my top pick.

Timothy Coleman, Cameras Editor

• Read our in-depth Sony A7R VI review

1. LG C6

• The OLED TV that somehow improves on its near-perfect predecessor

The LG C6 is the best TV I’ve tested this year so far. Impressively, it makes huge improvements over its predecessor, the LG C5. Thanks to its new, flagship-level processor, the C6 delivers brilliant, vibrant colors, powerful contrast and crisp detail, delivering better picture quality over the C5: which is no mean feat. When I tested the C6 next to the C5, the C6 proved to be more accurate too, eliminating a green tint that was noticeable on the C5.

The C6 is a gaming powerhouse, continuing the LG C-series’ legacy as one of the very best gaming TVs on the market. With four HDMI 2.1 ports, 4K 165Hz, full VRR including FreeSync and G-Sync, Dolby Vision and ALLM all supported, plus an ultra-low, measured 9.2ms input lag time, gaming is fantastic on the C6.

The C6 covers all the bases, offering solid built-in sound, an intuitive smart TV system that gets better each year and it’s generally the most competitively priced OLED as well. The C6 will take some beating in 2026.

James Davidson, TV Hardware Staff Writer

• Read our in-depth LG C6 review

• DJI's Pocket 4P has been revealed in full on the China page of DJI's website
• It shares the core features of the Pocket 4, but adds a 3x telephoto camera
• There's no official word on global availability or pricing yet

We knew it was coming after a soft reveal at Cannes Film Festival last month, but now DJI has fully revealed its first dual-lens compact vlogging camera, the Osmo Pocket 4P.

You'll have to dig for the details, mind you — the Pocket 4P has only been announced in China, and for now, the full specs and features can only be found on the China page of the DJI site. You'll need to select the China region (中国大陆) to learn about the camera's core features, or you can stick with me here for the highlights and how it compares to the Osmo Pocket 4 and the Insta360 Luna Ultra dual-lens rival.

There's no official word yet on global pricing and availability, but based on recent DJI launches, I would expect a two-week wait before there's wider availability. Let's see how the Pocket 4P compares to the Pocket 4 and Insta360 Luna Ultra. For now, DJI's confirmed a starting price of CNY 3,799 for the Pocket 4P, which is about $562 / £420.

1. Lenses

The Pocket 4P's core design is the same as the Pocket 4, but with one major difference: the lenses. Where the Pocket 4 has a single ultra-wide 20mm f/2.0 lens, the Pocket 4P adds a second 3x telephoto lens.

The 3x lens is a 60mm f/1.8 optic, and it records onto a separate 1/1.28-inch sensor to the ultra-wide's refined 1-inch sensor. This is truly a dual-camera device with two distinct perspectives, and it's a design approach we've seen in the recent Insta360 Luna Ultra, which I'm still testing in depth as I write this article.

At first glance, the Pocket 4P and Luna Ultra's lenses are designed differently; the Pocket 4P's twin-lens array is vertically arranged, the Luna Ultra's is horizontal. I'm not sure of the reasoning for that, or what practical advantages each array has over the other.

Both Pocket 4P and Luna Ultra offer a 'lossless' 6x zoom from their telephoto cameras, plus a 12x digital zoom. I'll compare the DJI Osmo Pocket 4P and Insta360 Luna Ultra in real-world tests soon, but the specs look pretty similar:

2. Dynamic range and color

Almost all of the Osmo Pocket 4 and Pocket 4P specs are identical, but there is one area where DJI is pushing the pricier dual-lens model: dynamic range and color profiles.

The Pocket 4's dynamic range is rated up to 14 stops, whereas the Pocket 4P is billed as having a ludicrous-sounding 17 stops, which would beat the performance of high-end professional cameras. I don't have details on how the dynamic range is achieved or whether you need a specific mode to get it, but we'll find out soon enough.

One way could be DJI's new D-Log 2 color profile, which it says is an upgrade from the D-Log profile used in the Pocket 4.

And as for the Luna Ultra, it supposedly has a 14-stop dynamic range and an I-Log color profile. I-Log is Insta360's first Log profile, whereas DJI has iterated log profiles over multiple versions.

As far as which camera delivers the best-looking footage, we'll have to wait and see, but the shots on the Pocket 4P product page look stunning!

3. Design

You can think of the Pocket 4P as a Pocket 4 but with an extra camera, because otherwise the design of the two cameras is pretty much the same; they both feature a compact design, a rotating 2-inch touchscreen, which reveals two additional buttons when positioned horizontally.

They both utilize a 3-axis gimbal camera unit, which features a magnetic arm and contact points to which a neat LED light snaps onto, and is powered by the camera. I like the new slimline gimbal protector in the Pocket 4 models — it's much more compact than the hard shell case that came with the Pocket 3.

Of course, there are more design differences between the Pocket 4P and the Luna Ultra. The Pocket 4P is the slimmer and the slicker of the two, and it has additional buttons and that gimbal feature.

The Luna Ultra comes in a larger hard shell case and is overall clunkier, but it has a clever and well-implemented detachable control with 20m transmission range, which has gained much praise and is being touted as a reason to choose Insta360 over DJI. The control features the rotating 2-inch OLED touchscreen, key camera controls and a built-in mic.

I'll be returning soon with my in-depth Luna Ultra review and, no doubt, comparisons with the Pocket 4P once I've got the two cameras side by side.

Having already used the Luna Ultra for about a month, I can safely say that I'd struggle to return to a single-lens vlogging camera like the Pocket 4; these dual-lens models are so much more versatile, so stay tuned for more.

4. Pricing

• Pocket 4P Standard kit costs CNY 3,799 (about $562 / £420)
• Pocket 4P Vlog kit costs CNY 4,299 (about $636 / £475)

If those price conversions are remotely accurate to the actual price, then the Pocket 4P will be much cheaper than the Insta360 Luna Ultra. I think the actual price will be higher.

But of course, DJI is banned in the US, and so the Pocket 4P won't be available there for the foreseeable future, and so those US prices are a moot point.

The luna Ultra costs; $769.99 / £649 / AU$1,229.99 for the Standard Kit, while a Creator Bundle costs $969.99 / £829 / AU$1,549.99. The Pocket 4 starts at £429 / AU$749 or £549 / AU$959 for the Creator Combo.

• Insta360 launched the Luna Ultra 8K vlogging camera on June 10
• DJI filed a lawsuit on the same day, claiming Luna had copied its DJI Pocket 3, only for Insta360 to file countersuits two days later
• Because of the ongoing DJI ban in the US, Insta360 could enjoy unrivaled availability there

No sooner has Insta360 unveiled its first vlogging cameras, the Luna Ultra and (upcoming) Luna Pro — which look set to enjoy unrivaled access to the US market because of the DJI ban — than DJI has filed an Insta360 lawsuit in the US, claiming they "blatantly copy" its Pocket 3.

For years, DJI has enjoyed near total dominance in the compact vlogging camera market with its hugely popular Osmo Pocket series, but now it faces two very real challenges: access to the US market, and the first serious-rival product.

DJI's latest and best vlogging camera, the Pocket 4, was launched in April this year, but the polished Pocket 3 successor is yet to make it to the US, given that DJI is on the FCC's 'Covered list', which currently affects any DJI products with a camera, not just its drones. So it's unlikely to hit US stores any time soon.

Meanwhile, Insta360 Luna cameras have made quite the impression. Despite being a first-generation product, the Luna Ultra is polished, and features a neat modular design that DJI Pocket cameras lack — check out my first impressions of the Luna Ultra, which I've been testing at length.

Now DJI is going straight for the jugular with its lawsuit, demanding that Luna cameras are banned. I've tested both cameras, and the user experience is very similar, but the crux of the situation is whether or not Luna cameras actually violate design and utility patents, as DJI claims in its lawsuit.

Insta360 has now filed two countersuits against DJI, related to "patents covering technology used in gimbal and 360-degree cameras". In a statement provided to TechRadar, Insta360 also defended its Luna cameras, saying "Luna Ultra is the result of years of independent R&D, not a response to any competitor's product."

The DJI / Insta360 rivalry just went up a notch

I spoke with Insta360 co-founder Max Richter at a pre-launch Luna event, and he told me the company was "not going to compete on price", but on premium and exclusive features. Specifically he was referring to the Luna's innovative removable remote, which features a 2-inch OLED screen, camera controls and built-in mic. Right now in the US, however, Insta360 doesn't need to rival DJI at all, because it has a clear field in that market.

But Insta360 faces a potential headache in the form of DJI's lawsuit. Petapixel reports that DJI has filed two patent lawsuits against Arashi Vision Inc. — which does business as Insta360 — covering two alleged violations of design patents and four utility patents.

The lawsuit claims that Luna cameras closely copy the design and features of the Osmo Pocket 3, claiming that “Insta360’s new Luna line of gimbal cameras, including but not limited to the Luna Ultra, supporting accessories, and the Insta360 mobile application (collectively, the “Accused Products”) blatantly copy DJI’s patented inventions wholesale.”

The suit adds: "From its silhouette to its feature set, the Accused Products mirror what DJI has spent the better part of a decade engineering and patenting for its innovative handheld gimbal camera systems.

"The visual similarity between the Accused Products and the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 design is striking. [As shown below,] the Accused Products share the same general proportions, the same gimbal-on-handle architecture, and the same component arrangement as DJI’s Osmo Pocket 3."

As for the four utility patents, DJI says that Insta360 Luna cameras and accessories "copy key features that make the DJI Osmo Pocket unique in the marketplace including DJI’s innovative subject-tracking technology, seamless gimbal-mode switching allowing the camera’s shooting direction to follow user movement of the handle, and a 'locked' mode to maintain a fixed shooting direction regardless of how the handle is moved."

DJI was clearly ready with this lawsuit, given that it was filed on the day the Insta360 Luna Ultra became officially available for purchase in leading US stores, including B&H Photo.

Many US-based vloggers will likely be watching the case with interest — they're already missing out on the excellent DJI Pocket 4, and they must be hoping that they won't also be denied the chance to buy Insta360's Luna cameras.

Now the rivalry has been raised another notch, with Insta360 filing its countersuit.

Insta360's response

In a statement provided to TechRadar, Insta360 founder and CEO JK Liu struck a defiant tone in his response to the DJI lawsuit and Insta360's countersuit, saying about the Luna cameras:

"Development began in 2020, with earlier Insta360 products including the ONE R, Link Series webcams, and Flow Series gimbals helping shape the technology and design direction behind Luna Ultra. DJI filing lawsuits on the same day we launched Luna Ultra speaks volumes — exposing their fear of competition from a highly competitive product."

Regarding the countersuit, the statements reads:

The company asserts that DJI infringed its patents relating to gimbal stabilization, gimbal directional control, camera smooth stabilization, telemetry overlay, and panoramic video stabilization. These technologies are incorporated into several major DJI products, including the Osmo Pocket series, Ronin/RS series, Osmo Mobile series, and Osmo 360.

Liu said, "We are fully committed to protecting our innovations and will take decisive action to defend our intellectual property from infringement."

• Insta360's Luna Ultra is a modular 8K compact vlogging camera
• It rivals the upcoming dual-lens DJI Pocket 4P
• The single-lens Luna Pro is yet to be fully unveiled

We now have the full picture of Insta360's first compact vlogging camera and DJI Pocket rival, after the Luna Ultra hit online stores yesterday (June 10), with prices starting at $769.99 / £649 / AU$1,229.99.

I've already shared my first impressions of the dual-lens 8K video camera, but Insta360 limited what could be shared ahead of its launch. Now all can be revealed — but you'll have to forgive the timing and nature of my coverage, because Insta360 hastily brought forward the launch from the previously-set embargo that I was working to.

I can now reveal that the Insta360 Luna Ultra packs two cameras which are stabilized by a 3-axis gimbal. The 1x main f/1.8 camera shoots 8K 30p video with Dolby Vision (HDR) and 4K 120fps slow motion, and features a 1-inch sensor (Insta360's largest yet, matching DJI) with 14 stops of dynamic range. (DJI has separately teased 17 stops dynamic for its upcoming Pocket 4P.)

The 3x telephoto f/2.0 camera works with a smaller but still decent-sized 1/1.3-inch sensor, and offers a 6x lossless zoom and up to a 12x digital zoom. I've tried both cameras extensively, and the telephoto camera is able to throw depth of field nicely for upper-body vlogging.

The Ultra is equipped with I-Log color profile — a feature pros demand for color grading flexibility, and another complete first for Insta360, plus Insta360's triple processing chips and latest AI subject tracking, which works pretty darn well.

I'll share more about the Luna Ultra's features in my upcoming in-depth review, but until then, let's look at how it handles compared to the Pocket 4.

Clearing up the Luna / Pocket 4 confusion

Insta360 is going hard with its first vlogging cameras, the single-lens Luna Pro and dual-lens Luna Ultra. The latter is available now, while the Pro's launch date is yet to be confirmed. Insta360 changed the Luna Ultra launch date several times due to a "rapidly changing competitive landscape," and it was eventually brought forward to a week earlier than the date I was working to. I've been testing the product for several weeks, and will publish my in-depth review as soon as I can.

DJI's latest single-lens vlogging camera was launched last month — check out my in-depth Pocket 4 review. It's no secret that the Pocket 4P is coming soon — DJI teased the dual-lens vlogging camera at Cannes Film Festival recently.

So, both brands will have single-lens and dual-lens vlogging cameras in their product lineups soon. But what we have right now is DJI's single-lens Pocket 4 and Insta 360's dual-lens Ultra, which makes direct comparisons tricky — it's like pitting a featherweight against a heavyweight in terms of versatility.

That being said, we know enough about the specs of all four cameras, and I've had enough time to get a feel for the design of the Luna Ultra and Pocket 4, to make some early impressions.

Luna Ultra versus Pocket 4

This isn't a fair comparison — the Luna Ultra is a pricier model with dual-lens versatility that will rival the upcoming Pocket 4P. But it's Insta360's first foray into a vlogging camera market, which has been dominated by the DJI Pocket series for several years. In that respect, the Luna Ultra feels surprisingly polished.

The Pocket 4 is the smaller of the two, and the Pocket 4P will be smaller than the Luna cameras too. It's not a big difference in size, and the extra bulk of the Luna Ultra hardly effects its handling, plus it's to facilitate a unique, game-changing feature — a detachable 2-inch OLED screen.

The screen is part of a module which also includes the camera's main controls. It has up to a 20m transmission range, and can be used to view and control the camera, and of course to initiate recording.

Given that the Luna Ultra features advanced subject tracking, you effectively have an autonomous camera that can track you while you move, within the limits of the gimbal's range. The module also features a built-in microphone, which is super handy too for vlogging, even if you still might want a wireless mic like Insta360's 5 star-rated Mic Pro for the best quality audio.

This modular functionality is a bit like the Insta360 Go 3S and its Action Dock / DJI Nano action cams, and clearly an advantage over the Pocket 4. The Pocket 4 has its own tricks mind you, such as its magnetic LED light which directly attaches to and is powered by the camera.

Both cameras are compatible with useful accessories, such as wireless mics. Yes, DJI has had skin in the game for longer, and boasts a solid ecosystem, but Insta360 is hardly lacking either.

As for the single-lens and dual-lens varieties, the latter are indeed like having two cameras, and will set the benchmark for compact vlogging camera quality, potentially persuading new users over using their smartphones. They're much pricier than the single-lens varieties, though — as we now we know, having seen how much the Luna Ultra costs.

How do the two cameras sounds to you? Is the dual-lens version overkill, or what the format needed? Let me know in the comments below, and make sure you vote in the poll above — and check back in for my in-depth coverage, coming soon.

If you're buying your first drone, you'll want a beginner-friendly model that includes everything you need to get flying straight away. One drone that ticks all those boxes is this DJI Mini 4K at Amazon for £189 (was £242). That discount drops the four-and-a-half-star-rated drone back to its lowest price ever.

This particular bundle includes the drone, an RC-N1C controller, and one battery. That means you'll be up and flying in no time at all, capturing breathtaking 4K video.

One of the best things about the DJI Mini 4K is how portable it is. At less than 249g, you can throw it into a camera bag or rucksack and take it anywhere you want. The fact that it's now discounted by so much only sweetens the deal more.

Today's best DJI drone deal

Take a read of our in-depth DJI Mini 4K review, where our cameras editor, Timothy Coleman, took the popular drone out for a test spin. It didn't take long for him to be impressed by the high-resolution 4K video, the set of features that are perfect for beginners, and its excellent value. And don't forget, that was at full price.

Beyond this, the drone offers level 5 wind resistance, dynamic movement presets, and a battery that will last for a maximum of 31 minutes. This will be enough for most flights, but if that's going to be an issue, then we recommend investing in additional batteries.

To give you a complete picture, the Mini 4K lacks object-collision sensors and subject tracking, which will make it difficult to fly through tight spaces. If you require this feature, then the DJI Mini 4 Pro would be a viable alternative. But this Mini 4K has all the essential features you would need for your first drone at a much more reasonable price.

The Mini 4K is ideal for beginners, but if you're looking for something more advanced, then our guide to the best drones is a great place to start. And if you're set on DJI, then we have a dedicated best DJI drones buying guide just for you.

• We're getting closer to the launch of the DJI Osmo Pocket 4P
• Official images of the camera have been posted by DJI
• A lot of the key details about the device are still to be confirmed

Following the launch of the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 vlogging camera last month, we're getting closer and closer to the full unveiling of its premium sibling — and DJI has given us our best look yet at the Osmo Pocket 4P on social media.

Posts to X and Instagram reveal the design of the device in full, more or less. We can see the dual-lens camera setup, which is one of the key differences from the standard model, and there are hints towards 3x zoom and a 1-inch sensor.

The camera was shown off at an "exclusive preview" at the Cannes Film Festival yesterday, but we're still waiting on a lot of details. Some festival attendees have been showing off the camera, without revealing any specs or showing any footage captured by the device.

What we can say is that this is going to be a step up from the standard Pocket 4 in terms of video quality and price, and its tease at Cannes is a sign that DJI wants to promote this as a serious bit of equipment for movie-makers.

The waiting game

There is now an official press release, but again it's light on specific specs. We do hear the camera is capable of "professional-grade storytelling" and offers 10-bit D-Log2 color performance, which industry creatives will appreciate.

The press release also talks about better portrait, zoom, and low-light performance, so it sounds as though DJI has put everything it can into the DJI Osmo Pocket 4P. However, pricing and configurations "will be announced at a later date", DJI says.

This long build-up of hype hasn't sat well with some commenters on Reddit, who have dismissed the Cannes tease as "pure marketing fluff" with "zero real details". We'll have to wait and see if the camera ends up being worth the extended wait.

Meanwhile, Insta360 is busy getting ready to launch the Insta360 Luna Ultra, with its own dual-lens camera setup, 8K video recording, and a detachable, remote control dashboard, according to the latest leaks.

• The FCC has extended its waiver on software updates for DJI drones
• The latest extension ends on January 1, 2029
• You can also have your say on the DJI ban

The US Federal Communications Commission’s ban on new DJI drones and its other technology has been a frustrating one for camera enthusiasts and professionals alike — as they’re set to miss out on 25 launches this year alone — but we finally have a silver lining, even if it is a small one.

Your older DJI drones should stay reliable for a little while longer.

That’s because the FCC has announced that it’s extending the waiver for certain drones to receive software updates in the US. Previously, it was set to expire on January 1, 2027, but now it will last until at least January 1, 2029 — foreign internet routers have also had their software access extended until this date (via Tom’s Hardware).

In terms of hardware access, nothing has changed, but it means that manufacturers shouldn't get blocked from releasing essential security or bug fix patches to already sold tech (at least not until 2029). Previously, this was a fear once the waiver ran out, and could have left some tech unable to function if it encountered a glitch, or turn your drone into the sort of security risk that the FCC’s ban is meant to avoid.

Meanwhile, DJI is attempting to appeal the FCC’s ruling in US courts. The ban came about when DJI was put on the 'Covered List' — a list of entities thought to be a threat to national security — though neither the FCC nor the US government has explained exactly what DJI has done to deserve this designation.

At the same time, these entities refused to perform a security audit of DJI, despite the company submitting to one.

The whole process has been a frustrating one to watch play out — especially given the excellent quality of DJI’s camera and drone tech. Hopefully, this waiver extension will help alleviate some issues, but we’ll have to wait and see how the DJI appeal goes for a more definitive verdict on the drone brand’s US fate.

Have your say

If you’re frustrated with the DJI ban, the FCC is currently giving the public a chance to submit comments on its measures — though the form closes today (May 11), so you don’t have much time left.

As highlighted on the r/drones subreddit, you just need to go to the FCC’s Submit an Express Comment page and fill in the short form; in the first box, type "26-22" to find the DJI ruling where you'll want to comment.

You will need to provide some personal information (such as your name and address), and then provide your comment on the ban. You can highlight how DJI drones have positively impacted your life, and/or you could question the confusing implementation of the ban — how it affects all of DJI’s tech rather than just its drones, or how the ban doesn’t seem to be applied fairly to other similar drone makers.

Equally, if you think the ban has had a positive impact (though we here at TechRadar wouldn’t agree), you can also leave a comment explaining why you hope the ban stays in place.

Just remember to keep your comments civil, the FCC likely won’t appreciate being bombarded with rude or hateful comments — and harsher words wouldn’t help either side’s arguments in this technology debate.

Want a glimpse of the world's best aerial photography? DJI and SkyPixel's annual photo and video contest is the place to go, and this year's winners have just been announced after the early contenders were teased a couple of months ago.

The stunning winning photos and videos of the 11th edition of the contest were selected from over 95,000 entries and 96 countries and regions — and drone pilot Filip Hrebenda scooped the grand prize in the contest's $200,000 pot with his aerial image The Gate (see below).

Contest judge Zhu Jiong described the scene as "straight out of a fairyland — layered mountains wrapped in mist.

"The image feels calm on the outside, yet somehow breathtaking."

Four judges praised the grand prize winner, saying: "The location and conditions feel rare, especially with the fog and elevation, making the scene stand out."

Judge Daniel Kordan goes on to say: "I must admit I haven't seen such a composition before, so it is a unique and fresh shot."

The remote aerial scene was taken in Buskerud, Norway, with the DJI Mavic 3 Pro — a pro triple camera drone which we gave a five-star rating, and which has since been updated with the Mavic 4 Pro. We rank the Pro series as the best camera drones for consumers.

Details on the SkyPixel contest's site suggest Hrebenda used the main 24mm camera with variable aperture, which utilizes a micro four thirds sensor – that's bigger than those used in DJI's sub-250g drones.

Hrebenda had this to say about his winning image:

"Captured in the far north of Norway during the autumn of 2025, this photograph was taken in a remote and extremely difficult-to-reach location. At sunrise, the landscape was covered by dense fog that filled the valleys and concealed the dramatic terrain.

"After a demanding ascent, we finally rose above the cloud layer, revealing this surreal and almost otherworldly view. The natural stone arch, resembling a monumental gate carved by time, stands suspended above a deep valley, surrounded by rugged cliffs and distant mountain silhouettes emerging from the sea of mist. The lone figure on the rock emphasizes the scale and raw beauty of the landscape.

"To capture this composition, finding the perfect perspective was essential. This was made possible with the help of a DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone, which allowed me to position the camera precisely and reveal the full geometry of this extraordinary natural formation."

All the winning images can be seen at the SkyPixel site and also include the early front-runner Carpet Fields, which ended up being a finalist and was captured with the older Mavic 2 Pro.

It's truly amazing the standard of photography that camera drone pilots are creating with what is relatively affordable gear.

There's a winning new affordable drone on the market. But while the outstanding DJI Lito has winged its way to the UK and Australia, thanks to that pesky DJI ban, US shoppers are currently missing out. If you live in the US and are looking for a budget-friendly drone to buy now (or even if you're in the UK and want to explore all your options), I've rounded up the best Lito alternatives below.

The main model to consider is the Lito's predecessor, the DJI Mini 4K, which at time of writing holds the #2 spot in TechRadar's best drone ranking. It packs some impressive specs for an affordable price, and is an especially strong choice for beginners (we crowned it "your best first drone"). You can see exactly how it matches up against its replacement in our DJI Lito X1 vs DJI Mini 4K comparison.

For content creators looking to capture short selfie video clips and photos for social media, the obvious choice is the DJI Neo 2. It's compact, simple and wallet-friendly. And if you're looking to steer clear of DJI altogether, the Potensic Atom 2 is well worth a look.

Finally, there's a curve-ball option from TechRadar's Cameras editor Tim Coleman. "A left-field alternative is a 360 camera with a long selfie stick — you can get drone-like effects with those," he explains. You could pick any option from TechRadar's best 360 cameras guide, but for those seeking to keep the price down, Tim suggests the Insta360 Invisible selfie stick paired with the Insta360 X3 camera — this model has been upgraded twice over (with the X4 and X5) but it's still available, capable, and at this point very affordable. Who needs a Lito anyway?

DJI Lito alternatives

We rated the DJI Mic Mini as the best small wireless mic when it was launched in 2024, and it now has a successor in the shape of the Mic Mini 2. Both are 5-star products for content creators wanting an affordable, lightweight, and simple mic for better audio on the go.

If you already own a Mic Mini, there's very little reason to upgrade to the Mic Mini 2 because performance is practically the same; both mics feature clear 24-bit audio, two-level noise reduction, a transmission range up to 400m, healthy battery life, and a lightweight 11g build.

So what exactly is new? I've pinpointed the key differences below, chief among them being much better pricing this time around, plus a new bundle for mobile creators.

Surprisingly, however, DJI also revealed in its Mic Mini 2 press release that a Mic Mini 2S is in the pipeline for later this year. The 'S' version will add welcome upgrades missing in current models: internal recording, plus the capacity to sync up to four mics with one receiver. That's all we know about the Mic Mini 2S for now, but it sounds like it'll be worth the wait for Mic Mini upgraders.

Let's now see how the Mic Mini and Mic Mini 2 compare. You can find out more about each product in our full reviews via the links above.

1. Design

Both products are tiny, discreet, and lightweight — the Mic Mini 2 weighs just 11g by itself (not including the magnetic attachment). However, there's one new design trick in the Mic Mini 2 that could be worth an upgrade, depending on the user: magnetic covers.

The Mic Mini 2 has a magnetic surface that accepts covers, with a wide range of colors available, as you can see in the lead image of this article. There are further limited edition covers too (see above). There's a selection of covers included in the 2 TX + 1RX + Charging Case bundle (details below), while additional covers can be purchased separately.

If you're style-conscious and like the sound of a wireless mic that matches the color of your outfit, then this new feature could be worth the upgrade alone. However, if you don't mind the standard black or white options, then this upgrade could feel like a bit of a gimmick.

2. Voice tone presets

DJI has added three voice tone presets to the Mic Mini 2: regular, rich, and bright. The idea is that each preset optimizes audio quality based on the recording environment. However, our reviewer found that there was so little difference between the sound in each preset that it's barely worth the upgrade.

So if customizable colors aren't your bag, nor do the voice tone presets entice, there's essentially no reason to upgrade to the Mic Mini 2 from the Mic Mini. However, for those buying new, the biggest reason to be excited is a significant price cut, along with a new bundle designed for mobile creators.

3. Pricing and bundles

When the Mic Mini was unveiled in 2024, the 2 TX + 1RX + Charging Case bundle cost $169 / £145 / AU$245. It seems hard to believe, then, that the equivalent Mic Mini 2 bundle costs just £89 / AU$149 — that's a huge price cut, likely due to increased competition. As is the way with DJI currently, there's no US pricing or availability at launch.

There's also a new bundle designed for solo mobile creators, which comprises one mic, one mobile receiver (see our DJI Mic series mobile receiver hands-on), and a charging case, available for just £49 / AU$89. This kit includes a sleek receiver that slots into your phone's USB-C, whereas the bundle above includes the standard receiver, which is much clunkier when connected to a phone, and is a better fit for proper cameras.

The price for the mobile bundle is the same price that DJI was asking for a single mic when it launched the original Mic Mini. Sadly, it's not possible to buy a solo Mic Mini 2 mic just yet.

All that being said, the price of the original Mic Mini complete kit mentioned above has continually dropped during its two-year life, and can now be found for as little as £65 / AU$124 — that's less than the new version with its additional colored covers.

For me, those Mic Mini 2 prices are super competitive. Yes, the second-gen model is a tiny upgrade (customizable covers aside), but it led the way for value in an increasingly competitive space and is my new favorite small wireless mic. Whether or not the Mic Mini 2S reveal rains on the Mic Mini 2 parade, we'll have to wait and see.

• DJI is appealing its ban in the US
• The company says it could lose $1.5 billion across this year
• 25 product launches are planned in 2026

Late last year, new DJI products were effectively banned from the United States, which means devices like the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 can't be found in the US. In a freshly published court filing, we've now got some idea of what the cost is going to be for DJI — and its US-based fans.

DJI is busy appealing the ban in the US courts (via DroneDJ), and in official filings the Chinese tech giant claims that being shut out of the United States is going to cost it some $1.5 billion across the course of this year — around $700 million for regulatory payments for devices that never launched, and another $860 million for new products in 2026.

Those new products number 25 in total, as per the filing (check out page 7), and will include both drones and other types of gadgetry (like vlogging cameras). This presents an "immediate and grave harm" to DJI, the document says.

And it's not just DJI that's missing out: DJI argues that businesses, energy companies, and emergency responders that rely on DJI kit are going to be negatively impacted, because they'll be stuck on older hardware. That's a violation of Constitutional and federal law, DJI argues in its appeal.

National security interests

The ban came about when DJI was put on the 'Covered List' by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US — a list of entities thought to be a threat to national security (Huawei is also on the list, for example).

Neither the FCC nor the US government have explained exactly what threat DJI poses to the safety of citizens, but once a deadline for a security audit of DJI had passed, that was that. It's thought that there are concerns over a Chinese company having such deep access to US networks, and such a widespread array of photo and video capture devices.

Whatever the politics or security concerns, given that DJI regularly tops our list of the best drones on the market, it's a shame that US customers are no longer going to be able to get hold of these devices. The US appeals court must now decide whether the challenge can move forward, which would give DJI more scope to argue its case.

From DJI's side, the evidence is that substantial losses are already happening — and so the decision should be challenged at the earliest opportunity. In the meantime we're expecting another drone from DJI any day now.

DJI Osmo Pocket 4: One-minute review

I've been around the content creator's block enough times to say that the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is easily the most popular vlogging camera for creators on the go. I've seen the tiny, gimbal-stabilized 4K camera in the hands of so many people, and with good reason — it's a fabulously discreet and powerful pocket video camera.

Ahead of what could be a stampede of new rivals, not least of which could be the rumored Insta360 Luna, DJI now looks to build on the success of its two-and-a-bit-year-old vlogging camera with a new and improved successor, the Osmo Pocket 4.

Considering the time between the two cameras, and how swift DJI has been in bringing genuine improvements to its camera gear in recent years, especially its drones such as the Mini 5 Pro, I expected a little more from the Pocket 4. That being said, there are a few notable upgrades worth knowing about — I've unpacked those in more detail in this Pocket 4 vs Pocket 3 article.

All the bits I appreciate about the Pocket 3 remain — the compact design, stellar video stabilization performance, crisp 4K video, the easy switch between vertical and horizontal video, and direct connection with wireless mics.

What DJI has done in the Pocket 4 is add some welcome polish. The new features might not leap out on a spec sheet, but in real use they combine for a slicker user experience.

Top upgrades include better slow-motion recording, now up to 240fps in 4K, better-quality 4K video with 10-bit color depth and wider dynamic range now up to 14 stops, slicker subject tracking which is available in more modes, better battery life, 107GB of internal memory, and refined controls, such as a new magnetic gimbal arm which accepts accessories such as a fill light (see the hero image).

It's not a big upgrade per se, but it's enough of an improvement that I would recommend Pocket 3 owners take a look, and it's an easy recommendation for first-time buyers looking for a powerful and small vlogging camera besides their smartphone.

DJI has tightened its stranglehold on this pocket video camera market, but for how long? When Insta360 enters the stage, it might just wrestle the spotlight away from this playing-it-safe Pocket 4 upgrade.

DJI Osmo Pocket 4: price and release date

• Announced on April 16 2026
• Available in Essential, Standard and Creator Combo kits
• Prices start at £429 / AU$749, with US availability and pricing TBC

The DJI Osmo Pocket 4 was unveiled on April 16 2026 in Essential, Standard and Creator Combo packages. The Essential Combo costs £429 / AU$749, the Standard Combo is £445 / AU$769 and comes with the gimbal clamp and tripod handle, while the Creator Combo, which adds Mic 3 transmitter, wide-angle lens, magnetic fill light, mini tripod, and carry bag accessories, costs £549 / AU$959, and is better value for DJI newcomers.

There's no US pricing or availability at launch through official DJI channels, given DJI's ongoing issues in the US. Like most DJI products, the Osmo Pocket 4 is excellent value considering what it's capable of, and it'll be a tough ask for future rivals to beat it.

• Price score: 4.5/5

DJI Osmo Pocket 4: specs

DJI Osmo Pocket 4: Design

• Similar pocket-size dimensions to the Pocket 3, with rotating screen and gimbal-mounted camera
• USB-C fast charging and a handy 107GB of internal storage in addition to micro SD
• New controls added, and smarter joystick response

The Pocket 4 has a familiar look about it, because it keeps a similar Pocket 3 form factor that has won many admirers, even if it is a tiny bit taller.

I can't stress enough how important its compact dimensions are for vlogging on the go. The Pocket 4 is even more discreet for video than a phone, and in my experience I've never had anyone take issue with me filming in public with an Osmo Pocket. Put simply, you can film freely with one of these.

At first glance you might think there's nothing new in this latest model, but there are in fact some helpful design tweaks. For instance, the speed of the gimbal's movement responds to how firmly you push the joystick, making quick or more precise adjustments possible — whereas before the movement was a single speed.

DJI has also added two new buttons under the screen, which are only visible when the display is flipped horizontal, but which provide shortcuts to useful regularly used controls, including the 2x lossless zoom.

The gimbal arm has been fitted with a magnetic surface and electronic contacts, which can be used to pair accessories, such as the new magnetic fill light included in the Creator Combo kit (see below).

On connection, the light automatically fires up because it's powered by the camera. Its output is minimal, and of no real help in bright daylight, but it's certainly useful in dimly lit spaces or at night.

Otherwise, the design is mostly as you were. The gimbal is supremely effective for smooth video on the move, the rear screen still rotates 90 degrees to switch between horizontal and vertical recording, and there's still a micro SD card slot (now with a protective cover) and USB-C charging.

There are other additions regarding memory and power, which I'll get onto next.

• Design score: 4.5/5

DJI Osmo Pocket 4: Performance

• Improved subject tracking
• 107GB of built-in memory added
• Higher-capacity battery extends record times

Despite it effectively being the same size as the Pocket 3 (just a fraction taller), there's a higher-capacity 1,545mAh battery squeezed into the Pocket 4 — that’s 20% more power compared to the older 1,300mAh unit.

This new battery provides up to four hours shooting time, but the small print stipulates that this for recording 1080p video at 24fps, and with wireless connections and the screen turned off. If you're recording 4K video, expect shooting times to be significantly less.

Still, that's quite the feat for such a tiny camera, plus charge times have been reduced, so you can be ready to shoot again quicker. From flat, the Pocket 4's battery can get to 100% charge in 32 minutes, or an 80% charge in just 18 minutes. Again, the small print says those numbers are for using DJI's 65W PD charger (sold separately, or included in the Creator Combo kit). I don't have the numbers for regular USB-C charging.

In addition to microSD card memory (compatible with cards up to 1TB), DJI has fitted the Pocket 4 with 107GB of built-in storage. which is sufficient for many hours of 4K video files, while the Pocket 3 has none. Both can record onto microSD.

There’s next-gen Wi-Fi 6 and USB 3.1 support in the Pocket 4 too, plus faster wired transfer speeds, making for a speedier workflow on the move.

Subject tracking has seen a boost in performance, with an upgrade to DJI's latest Active Track 7.0 (the Pocket 3 uses Active Track 6.0). A double tap on your subject in the frame initiates tracking, with the ability to track people, animals, vehicles and more.

DJI has let subject tracking loose in that it's available in more shooting modes. It's one of many instances where the Pocket 4 feels like a more polished all-rounder than the Pocket 3, which has many similar features but is hampered by what feel like unnecessary restrictions on which shooting modes you can use them in.

One drawback that does remain, however, is that the Pocket 4 can get a little warm when using its more power-hungry features. I've not had any overheating issues, but you're aware of the camera warming up when you're holding it.

• Performance score: 5/5

DJI Osmo Pocket 4: Image and video quality

• 1-inch sensor and single camera with 4K video up to 240fps
• New color profiles added, including D-Log and filmic looks
• Low-light further boosts the improved 14 stops dynamic range

For most people, the outright image quality of the Pocket 4, while impressive for pro vloggers, won't be enough reason to upgrade from the Pocket 3, which was already impressive in this regard. Both cameras are fitted with a 1-inch sensor, but DJI says the Pocket 4's 4K video output is optimized with 14 stops of dynamic range and 10-bit color depth.

One factor contributing to improved tones is the addition of a D Log color profile, which is available in the Pro setting. It's DJI's best flat color profile (also found in the pricey Mavic 4 Pro drone) which gives greater editing scope for color graders. The Pocket 3 offers D Log-M, which is a bit like a light version of D Log.

DJI says that the Low Light mode further boosts dynamic range and overall image quality from its previous Pocket. I haven't directly compared the two, but from the recordings I've made with the Pocket 4, detail in dark scenes looks a little cleaner than I remember.

There are also six new film tones to choose from for stylized baked-in looks, handy for users who would rather not mess around with Log and color grading. I've happily used a couple of these profiles regularly – 'Movie' is nice and punchy.

Slow-motion recording receives a boost, in that the Pocket 4 can shoot up to 240fps — that’s 8x slow-mo — in 4K and 1080p. The Pocket 3 is limited to 120fps for 4K, but can also shoot at 240fps in 1080p.

For stills photography, a SuperPhoto mode ups resolution from 9.4 megapixels to 37 megapixels, for more detailed snaps. That's for 1:1 aspect ratio pics, the resolution drops to 33 megapixels when switching to 16:9.

Even in stills mode, the Pocket 4 is clearly a video-focused camera, in that it doesn't offer 3:2 and 4:3 aspect ratio stills common among photographers.

The 2x lossless zoom is easily selected by pressing the left of the two new buttons under the Pocket 4's display, and again DJI has loosened previous restrictions for this feature — it can now be used in photo mode and when subject tracking is active.

Yes, image quality upgrades are minor in the Pocket 4, but for professional users there's just about enough to merit swapping out their Pocket 3.

• Image and video quality score: 4.5/5

DJI Osmo Pocket 4: testing scorecard

Should I buy the DJI Osmo Pocket 4?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

DJI Osmo Pocket 4: also consider

How I tested the DJI Osmo Pocket 4

• DJI loaned me the Creator Combo kit a few weeks before the product's launch
• I regularly used the Pocket 4 and all of its accessories
• I've tested its new features, including 240fps slow-mo recording

DJI loaned me an Osmo Pocket 4 Creator Combo kit, which comprises the camera, gimbal guard, magnetic fill light, grip handle, battery handle, mini tripod and DJI Mic 3 transmitter. I used all of these accessories throughout my review period ahead of the product launch, which spanned the best part of a month.

I briefly compared how the Pocket 4 differs to the Pocket 3 by holding both products side by side, though I haven't shot like-for-like videos with the two cameras to compare quality.

I've shot video in all resolutions and frame rates — that's 4K and 1080p up to 240fps — utilized subject tracking, and shot comparison clips using the various color profiles, including D-Log and the six presets, and used the SuperPhoto and regular photo modes in RAW and JPEG format.

I've recorded onto the camera's internal memory, and run the camera battery down and checked recharge times using a standard USB-C cable.

• First reviewed: April 2026
• Read more about how we test

There are a lot of tech stories that get published every day on TechRadar, and we'll forgive you for not getting around to reading all of them — though we're very grateful if you do (and our daily newsletter might be perfect for you as well).

If you're in need of a catch up on what's been happening since this time last week, then our ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) round-up is here to help. It features the biggest stories from the week, summarized in an easy-to-digest format.

With new LG TVs, cameras from DJI and GoPro, Fire TV sticks, and more to discuss, it's once again been quite a week in technology — here's what went down.

7. We got our first taste of Spider-Man: Brand New Day

We've already seen a trailer, but the first extended clip of Spider-Man: Brand New Day has been shared at CinemaCon 2026 in Las Vegas, and there's lots to dig into. Besides what it tells us about the upcoming Spidey flick (arriving in theaters on Friday, July 31), it also hints at some retconning that could have an impact on the next two Avengers movies.

This is mostly just speculation until we get to see the movie for ourselves, but everything is now perfectly set up for the return of Tom Holland as the superhero web slinger. At the same CinemaCon 2026 event, we've also been treated to two excellent new posters for the movie — check both of them out via the link below and tell us which one you prefer.

• Read the full story: Spider-Man: Brand New Day's first big clip has been revealed at CinemaCon 2026 — and I think it's teasing us over how it'll set up Marvel's next two Avengers movies

6. There was a new twist in the US foreign router ban

The US administration recently banned the launch of any new routers manufactured in foreign countries — ostensibly over national security concerns. One of the companies expected to be affected by the ban was Netgear, but this week we got news that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will be giving Netgear routers a pass.

Netgear has told us that it did submit an application for an exemption based on the FCC guidelines, which take into account the future plans of a company as well as current manufacturing processes, and that may be what made the difference here. Whatever the details in the small print, this remains a somewhat confusing ruling by the FCC.

• Read the full story: Netgear routers seemingly won’t be banned in the US after all — and this just proves the ban was never about security

5. Amazon gave us a slimmer Fire TV Stick

There was a lot of Amazon Fire TV news this week: not only did we get a slimmer version of the dependable Fire TV Stick HD streaming device, there's an interface revamp coming for all Fire TV devices. The updated layout is apparently going to help users to find content faster, with improved category selections one of the incoming software improvements.

Alongside the interface refresh, Amazon is also pushing out Fire TV channels, which will be free and ad-supported. These channels are going to be rolling out internationally at the end of the month, and cover genres such as news, comedy, cooking, and travel. These updates are substantial enough for rivals such as Roku and Google to take note.

• Read the full story: Own a Fire TV device? You're getting a free update soon, with refreshed layout and new streaming channels — and Amazon's also launching a slimmer Fire TV Stick

4. We tried 'the most beautiful phone of 2026'

Oppo has something to say to those who think smartphone design has peaked, and it's saying it in the form of the Find X9 Ultra. We've spent some time with the handset, which is inspired by the fantastic Hasselblad X2D camera in terms of its aesthetics, and this could genuinely end up being the most beautiful phone of 2026 (and quite a few other years as well).

There's going to be a full reveal of the phone next week, but for now we can confirm that the Oppo Find X9 Ultra comes with twin 200MP cameras and 10x optical zoom, and we're confident that the inside of the phone will be just as good as the outside. Stay tuned to TechRadar for more details over the next few days, including pricing and availability.

• Read the full story: The Oppo Find X9 Ultra is inspired by my favorite Hasselblad camera — and I think it's the most beautiful phone of 2026 so far

3. The DJI Osmo Pocket 4 finally landed

After months of rumors and speculation, the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 has finally landed, and this looks to be a serious upgrade over the Pocket 3 that preceded it. We've listed seven key upgrades that make the latest model worth a look, whether you're looking to upgrade from an existing device or wanting to get started with a vlogging camera for the first time.

The upgrades here include a new 4K sensor for better photos and video, improved color handling, a new slo-mo mode (up to 8x in full 4K), and subject tracking. We've got some welcome design tweaks to talk about too, while there's a higher capacity battery compared to the Pocket 3 that should ensure more recording time between charges.

• Read the full story: DJI Pocket 4 vs DJI Pocket 3 — 7 upgrades for the next best-selling vlogging camera

2. GoPro launched its epic Mission action cams

GoPro has been rather quiet of late, but that changed this week, when we got three new models from the camera company. These models are firmly aimed at serious videographers and photographers, too — the Mission 1 Pro ILS supports a Micro Four Thirds lens mount, which means it's compatible with hundreds of existing lenses.

That model is joined by the Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro models. All three cameras feature a new 1-inch 50MP sensor and are capable of recording 8K video, and while we're still waiting for details on pricing, we do know pre-orders are opening up on May 21. Check out the three new models for yourself and let us know your thoughts — is GoPro back?

• Read the full story: GoPros get their biggest upgrade for 20 years with trio of 'professional' Mission 1 8K action cams — and one even supports hundreds of pro camera lenses

1. We tested LG's new flagship OLED TV

For many years LG has topped our list of the best OLED TVs on the market – or been very close to the top – and so expectations were high for the LG G6 that's leading the charge for the electronics maker in 2026. Having spent three weeks in the company of the television, we can confirm that it sets a new high bar when it comes to viewing experiences.

The LG G5 remains an excellent TV, but the LG G6 has somehow managed to improve on its predecessor in terms of picture quality, reflection reduction, gaming performance, color reproduction, and performance in brightly lit rooms. Have a read through our review and see if this could be the significant television upgrade you've been waiting for.

• Read the full story: I reviewed the LG G6 for 3 weeks, and it's a fantastic OLED TV that's the new best option for brighter rooms

Following months of rumors, the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 has finally landed to succeed the best-selling Pocket 3 vlogging camera, and I expect it to be equally popular.

It’s not a huge upgrade; nonetheless, the Pocket 4 looks like a more polished vlogging camera that could be worth swapping out the Pocket 3 for. This article covers the 7 most notable improvements in the latest model.

And if you are on the hunt for your first vlogging camera, either model is well worth a look. I've shot plenty of content with the Pocket 4 ahead of its launch — look out for my in-depth review, coming soon — and consistently with its predecessor over the last two years, and they are excellent smartphone alternatives for video, combining an exceptionally discreet and tiny body with sharp, gimbal-stabilized 4K video, complete with the tools needed for clear vocals, especially using DJI's own wireless mics.

The Pocket 4 costs £429 / AU$749 for the Essential Combo, or £549 / AU$949 for the Creator Combo, which adds a battery handle, wireless mic, and a new magnetic fill light, among other extras. There’s no US pricing or availability at launch.

Without further ado, let's dive into the key differences between the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 and Pocket 3.

1. Video quality

The spec sheet suggests little change on the image quality front – like its predecessor, the Pocket 4 shoots 4K video and features a 1-inch sensor. However, DJI says the sensor is new, and its 4K video output is optimized with 14 stops of dynamic range which is further expands by 2 stops in the low light mode.

There's also 10-bit color depth and a revised D-Log color profile available in the Pro setting. Want a baked-in look? There are six new film tones to choose from. There are a bunch of new beauty filters, too, if that's your thing, found in the revised DJI Mimo app.

2. Slow motion

One of the headline-grabbing upgrades is 8x slo-mo recording in 4K – that’s 240fps, which is up from the Pocket 3's maximum 120fps. Most other cameras that offer such slow frame rates, including the Pocket 3 tend to do so just for 1080p, but DJI has expanded these frame rates from 1080p to 4K in the latest model. The 2x zoom function (scroll down for more details) doesn't work in this mode, mind you.

3. Subject tracking

DJI’s next-gen Active Track 7.0 features in the Pocket 4, for some of the stickiest subject tracking I’ve experienced. Simply double-tap your subject and the Pocket 4 will keep them in the centre of the frame, with support for people, vehicles, pets, and more.

Subject tracking works in photo mode, with the 2x lossless zoom and for the D-Log color profile, none of which is true of the Pocket 3's Active Track 6.0 feature.

4. Photo skills

Photo resolution has been increased from 9.4 megapixels in the Pocket 3 and up to 37 megapixels in the Pocket 4 for more detailed snaps, provided you select the SuperPhoto mode. You'll get the maximum resolution for 1:1 aspect stills, which drops to 33 megapixels in the 16:9 format. In the regular photo mode, the resolution is the same as before, being roughly equivalent to 4K.

Photos can be captured in JPEG or RAW format, or both simultaneously. The 2x lossless zoom can now be used in photo mode and when active track is in play, whereas this function is not available in the Pocket 3.

5. Controls

Less measurable on a spec sheet but of infinite help in actual use, the Pocket 4 has some welcome design tweaks.

The joystick, which controls the camera's gimbal, has been upgraded, and the speed of its movement responds to how firmly you push it. There are also two new buttons under the screen, which are visible when the display is horizontal, providing shortcuts to useful controls such as zoom.

The gimbal arm has been fitted with electronic contacts and a magnetic surface, which can be used to pair a new magnetic fill light accessory, which is part of the Creator Combo kit. The light is powered by the camera and its output is minimal, only being of real use in dimly lit spaces or at night, but it's certainly a useful extra.

6. Battery life

DJI has fitted a higher capacity 1,545mAh battery in the Pocket 4 – that’s 20% more juice compared to the Pocket 3’s 1,300mAh unit. With this new battery unit, the Pocket 4 has been tested for up to 4 hours run time, when recording 1080p video at 24fps and with wireless connections and screen turned off. 4K recording run time will be significantly less.

Charge time has been reduced, too. Using DJI's 65W PD charger (sold separately), the Pocket 4 can gain a 100% charge in 32 minutes, or an 80% charge in just 18 minutes. We don't have the numbers for regular USB-C charging.

7. Memory

The Pocket 4 features 107GB of built-in storage, which is sufficient for many hours of 4K video files, while the Pocket 3 has none. Both can record onto micro SD. Oh and praise be, DJI has added a protective door over the micro SD card slot, which is fully exposed in the Pocket 3.

There’s next-gen Wi-Fi 6 and USB 3.1 support in the Pocket 4 too, plus faster wired transfer speeds, making for a speedier workflow on the move.

There are a few more additional features in the Pocket 4, but those 7 are the big ones, and it feels like an all-around more polished vlogging cam.

What do you reckon, does the Pocket 4 sound like a vlogging camera worth upgrading for? Let me know in the comments below!

• Expect the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 on April 16
• The vlogging camera has been long rumored
• Insta360 is also launching the Luna soon

The build-up to the launch of the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 has been a long and busy one, but we now have an official date for the unveiling of the vlogging camera — while further leaks appear for a rival device from Insta360.

DJI has posted a teaser clip to social media that tells us the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 will launch on Thursday, April 16. The reveal begins at 12pm GMT, which works out as 4am PT / 7am ET / 9pm AEST in Australia, so get your calendars marked accordingly.

The camera isn't mentioned by name, but we do get a pretty good glimpse of it, with the tagline "the world in my pocket". In Japanese, the tagline translates as "the world expands", which may hint at expanded camera sensor capabilities.

As Notebookcheck points out, that hints at a wider native focal length on the new camera, together with support for the Open Gate standard, as offered by the iPhone 17 Pro — it means more of the sensor area can be used for filming.

DJI vs Insta360

The official announcement hasn't stopped the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 leaks from appearing. Regular tipster Igor Bogdanov (via Notebookcheck) has posted more renders of the camera ahead of time, showing its tweaked design—with two extra console buttons.

Among the other upgrades that have been tipped are improvements to the 1-inch sensor that allow in more light and improve photo and video quality, and an additional camera a potential possibility for a Pro version of the device.

However, DJI might immediately have some competition for its new camera. Again we're indebted to Igor Bogdanov for the leak, this time for the Insta360 Luna: it's described as a "more interesting" version of what DJI is about to unveil.

The Insta360 Luna is official, sort of, having already been announced — but we don't know exactly when it's going to go on sale, or any of the specs we can expect. For consumers though, more choice and more competition is most definitely welcome.

Another week, another seven days of some seriously big tech news, and we're here to help you catch up on what you might have missed.

From Mac shortages to Artemis II iPhone photos, we have recaps of the seven biggest news stories of the week below for you.

When you're finished, make sure to also check out the eight new movies and TV shows you should watch this weekend.

7. Pebblebee built an excellent AirTag rival

This week, personal safety device company Pebblebee launched its new Halo tracker, a new AirTag rival but with added functionalities.

Built on that ‘what if something goes wrong’ feeling, the Halo tracker can be registered on Apple’s Find My app or Google’s Find Hub, so no additional app is required. When activated, the tracker signals a 130dB siren when activated to attract attention from passersby in the area, and will also emit a flashing strobe of light (which doubles as a 150-lumen flashlight), all while sharing your real-time location with up to five trusted contacts called your Safety Circle

It’s retailing now for $59.99/ £55.28/ AU$87.88, and each device comes with a free 12-month subscription to Pebblebee’s Alert Live plan, which is required for live location sharing.

• Read the full story: Pebblebee’s new personal tracker is an AirTag crossed with a safety siren

6. We tried DJI's robovac

The people at DJI know a lot about drones, but it turns out they’re no slouches when it comes to robot vacuums, either. We tested the new DJI Romo P, with its funky transparent case that lets you see its cleaning components while it works, and its obstacle detection and navigation blew us away.

The Romo P surpassed expectations in our vacuuming tests, too, getting right into the corners of the room, and did an admirable job mopping up messy spills on hard floors. It’s expensive, yes, but it’s one of the best robot vacuums that has ever roamed our floors, and we highly recommend it.

• Read the full story: DJI’s first foray into the pantheon of home cleaning

5. We experienced Sony RGB TV

We've been waiting for Sony's formal entry into RGB TV, and this week we got a first look at what the TV giant has dubbed True RGB. It's an eye-catching name amongst the crowded RGB TV space, with Samsung, TCL, and Hisense all already taking up space.

Our early first impressions of Sony's True RGB TV tech proved good, though, with punchy colors, high brightness, and overall impressive visuals. Sony says its first consumer TV model with True RGB will launch in Spring 2026, and Sony's RGB TV tech is a three-diode system with one red, one green, and one blue, plus a new backlight driver controlled by Sony's unique mix.

As always, Sony will strive not to skew reality and, ideally, deliver visuals that match the creator's intent.

• Read the full story: I saw Sony’s True RGB TV tech in action

4. We poured one out for Samsung Messages

We said goodbye to Samsung Messages this week, as the South Korean tech brand announced the service is shutting down in July.

The announcement came with a suggestion to switch to Google Messages, but many folks are frustrated by the change.

There's no workaround to keep access to Samsung Messages, but if you don’t like Google Messages, there are at least alternative apps you could use, including Textra SMS and Handcent Next SMS messenger.

• Read the full story: Samsung Galaxy owners rebel against being forced to switch to Google Messages

3. Amazon stopped support for some Kindles

As of May 20, Amazon will be pulling the plug on support for Kindles and Fire tablet models released before 2012. However, most of the affected devices are still widely used today (mainly the Kindle 3, Kindle 4, and the first generation Kindle Paperwhite), and it’s rubbed keen e-readers the wrong way.

When the day comes, you’ll still be able to read content that’s already downloaded on your device, but you won’t be able to purchase or download new books after the date has passed. For most users, the simplicity of a Kindle is what has kept them glued to older models instead of upgrading to Amazon’s more advanced, and therefore pricier, models. Besides, this isn’t stopping users from sideloading new books as a workaround — but how long will it be until Amazon clamps down on this, too?

• Read the full story: Amazon is pulling the plug on old Kindle devices

2. NASA shared its otherworldly iPhone snaps

The Artemis II mission has been wowing us, mere earthlings, this week with its deep-space adventures — and that included shooting what are probably the best iPhone and GoPro photos ever taken.

Two of these, showing astronauts Christina Koch and Reid Wiseman looking back towards their home planet, were shot using the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s selfie camera, no less. And outside the ship, a 12-year-old GoPro captured a mind-blowing photo of a lunar eclipse from the far side of the moon.

Our camera roll looks decidedly underwhelming by comparison. Still, it was fascinating to see NASA using some of the same dusty old camera tech – including the decade-old Nikon D5 DSLR – that we’ve been eyeing up in secondhand stores.

• Read the full story: The first iPhone 17 Pro Max photos sent back from the Artemis II mission really are out of this world

1. Mac stock ran low

Mac Mini, Mac Studio, and MacBook Neo stock has been running low across various Apple stores, and problems may persist.

You could be waiting several weeks, or even months in some cases, to receive your Mac Mini or Studio order, depending on your configuration. While Apple hasn't confirmed the rumors, many suspect the ongoing RAM crisis is to blame.

As for the MacBook Neo, the delays are instead being blamed on a weirder source: a lack of iPhone 16 Pro chips. The theory is that these chips were chosen because Apple had a stockpile of A18 Pros with a faulty CPU core; the five-core chips wouldn't work for phones but could be repurposed into Neo chips. However, the incredible popularity of the Neo may have taken Apple by surprise, leading to shortages.

• Read the full story: Mac shortages hit, and the RAM crisis is probably to blame

• Fresh images and video of the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 appear
• It looks as though the camera will launch on April 20
• Several upgrades are expected, including longer battery life

We've seen plenty of leaks around the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 in recent weeks, and a fresh batch of unverified images of the vlogging camera hit the web — as well as hints that the device is going to go on sale on Monday, April 20.

Colombian retailer DroneTech has posted pictures and video of the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 to its social media channels (via Notebookcheck), as well as hinting at that date. While we can't confirm the posts actually show the camera, it looks to be the real thing.

The descriptions along with the images and video (via Google Translate) mention high quality video, intelligent stabilization, and a Creator Combo — matching the name of one of the bundles that we got with the DJI Osmo Pocket 3.

Have a read through our DJI Osmo Pocket 3 review, and you'll see we were very impressed with the current model: we described it as a "class-leading 4K camera" that's able to deliver "amazing video quality and beautiful slow-motion scenes".

Lights, camera, action

We're hoping to see a global launch for the DJI Osmo Pocket 4: while new DJI products are now banned in the US, the indications are that this camera received regulatory approval early enough that it can still go on sale.

The upgrades we're expecting are a brighter screen, more battery life between charges, and a slight tweak to the design. Improvements in terms of video quality are expected too, though the details of these improvements aren't yet clear.

Thanks to previous leaks we've also seen some of the accessories that are going to come along with the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 — including an LED light that you can fit on top of the camera — and multiple bundle options will again be offered.

There has also been talk of a Pro version of the device that comes with an extra camera, and no doubt a more expensive price tag. We haven't heard any rumors on pricing, but the DJI Osmo Pocket originally launched for $519 / £489 / AU$849.

This week, we saw major decisions that could rock the tech world, as social media was called addictive in a landmark trial, and the US banned foreign Wi-Fi routers.

To catch up on this, as well as the latest reviews and other essential tech news stories, scroll down for our full ICYMI recap of the week.

When you’re done here, be sure also to read our experts’ picks for the seven new movies and TV shows to watch this weekend.

1. Social media declared addictive

On Wednesday, a Los Angeles jury found that Meta and Google are liable for designing products that are deliberately addictive, a case that could change social media forever. The plaintiff, a woman known only as KGM, testified that "she became addicted to YouTube at age six and Instagram at nine", leading to body image issues and self-harm.

KGM's lawyers, in their closing remarks, said: “How do you make a child never put down the phone? That’s called the engineering of addiction." We pinpointed three persuasive tricks social media companies use to keep users glued to their screens, and exactly how the infinite-scroll loop hijacks children's still-developing brains — all according to the latest scientific research.

• Read the full story: 'The 'engineering of addiction' explained

2. We heard the Sonos Play in all of its glory

We’ve spent a few weeks testing the Sonos Play speaker, and it’s a real return to form for Sonos. Not because it’s the best-sounding speaker in the world (though it’s really impressive for something that size) or because it has every feature imaginable (though it offers more options than basically anything else in its price range) — but because it gets back to what Sonos was known for: speakers so convenient that you’ll listen to more music than ever.

It’s a battery-powered portable speaker that’s compact and light enough to grab and take around with you, but that’s also powerful and high-quality enough to use as your main home wireless speaker in a room. That means it’s always grabbable at a moment's notice, so we found ourselves using it more often, in more places, than with other portable speakers.

The great, durable design with a charging cradle is what helps cement this as maybe the ideal do-anything wireless speaker for the home, though it’s not cheap.

• Read the full story: I spent 3 weeks testing the Sonos Play, and I love it

3. We flew the DJI 360 drone

We’ve tested the DJI Avata 360, and our verdict is in: it’s the 360 drone to beat. It’s more agile and versatile than the previous frontrunner, the Antigravity A1, and boasts excellent 10-bit image quality — did we mention it’s more affordable too?

Yes, other DJI drones offer better pure image quality, and 360 footage requires post-production editing. Still, as an all-rounder that's both a capable 360 camera and a thrilling FPV flyer, the Avata 360 delivers brilliantly.

• Read the full review: I had an absolute blast flying the DJI Avata 360

4. US banned non-American routers

In this week’s rendition of what weird tech law the Trump administration will dump on us, it just banned new non-US-made Wi-Fi routers — meaning they’ll be banned unless they’re made in the States.

According to the FCC, routers manufactured outside the US represent both a "supply chain vulnerability" and a "severe cybersecurity risk". Essentially, they fear these foreign routers could be used to spy on US citizens.

While this isn’t the most illogical move, the big trouble is that finding American-made routers isn’t easy, and all of the best we’ve tested are made outside the country — meaning a new router you ‘upgrade’ to could in fact be a downgrade.

• Read the full story: The US just banned new routers that aren't made in America

5. OpenAI killed Sora

Sora, we barely knew ya. Just six months after launching what might be the world’s first social AI app and just 18 months after launching the Sora generative video model into the world, OpenAI pulled the plug.

Sora, as a platform and app, seems to be no more.

OpenAI announced the news in a social post and has since offered little explanation. We have some guesses, like the skyrocketing costs of supporting all that video generation, the shrinking interest in the app, or maybe OpenAI’s preparation for going public. It’s something they might need to do since Disney also just pulled out of a $1B deal with the AI company.

• Read the full story: Is this the start of a mini AI bubble collapse?

6. iOS 26.4 sparked a controversy

iOS updates usually deliver fun new treats for iPhone fans, but this week, iOS 26.4 came with a less welcome gift — age verification checks for UK users.

When you install the update, you have to prove you’re over 18, and that’s caused problems for many who don’t have a driving license or a credit card to scan. The buggy process and concerns around the security of age verification checks have also doused this already hot topic with extra gasoline.

If you’re having iOS 26.4 issues, we’ve outlined some potential fixes in our guide below. This controversy is likely only just getting started, but maybe WWDC 2026 (also announced this week for June 8) will help give us some answers.

Still, to put this is furore in context, it isn't quite on the scale of the Apple's biggest tech crimes — check out our new, definitive list of the worst Apple gadgets ever, voted for you by you.

• Read the full story: iOS 26.4 age verification is proving a disaster for some users

7. Netflix hiked prices

It’s that time of year again! We’re not talking about the changing of the seasons, no, of course, it’s Netflix hiking prices. Yippee…

The world's biggest streaming service has quietly announced that the Standard with ads tier is going up by $1 to $8.99, while both ad-free tiers, Standard and Premium, are going up by $2 to $19.99 and $26.99, respectively.

What’s more, Netflix’s extra member fee will rise from $7.99 to $9.99 — yikes!

It’s not clear if this change will launch outside the US anytime soon, but you can always count on three things in life: death, taxes, and Netflix price hikes.

• Read more: The cost of Netflix has just gone up in the US again

When is a quiet week in tech not a quiet week in tech? How about right now. Because while this week lacked the huge launches of the previous one, it was still packed with big stories and impressive new tech.

For starters, we delivered our expert verdicts on the Apple devices that were revealed last week, and the MacBook Neo in particular blew us away. We also sat down for a long chat with Sonos' CEO as the audio giant launched two new speakers, and delivered our Google Pixel 10a review.

In fact, so much happened this week that we didn't even have space to include the two massive Gemini-powered features coming to Google Maps, so scroll down for your full catch-up and when you’re finished here be sure to read our picks for the seven new movies and TV shows you need to watch this weekend.

7. DJI prepared the Avata 360 for liftoff

DJI's first 360-degree drone has long been rumored, and this week it finally broke cover. And though we don't know everything about it yet, we do know its name, launch date, and one core spec.

The Avata 360, as it will be known, will be equipped with 8K video recording and will launch on March 26. Further specs, and the price, are yet to be revealed, but we're already getting pretty excited about it.

It will compete against the excellent Antigravity A1, which debuted last year as the world’s first true 360-degree flying camera, but the Avata 360 will have an advantage over that rival in that it will settle into an already formidable DJI drone ecosystem. Watch this space for more info ahead of that launch date.

• Read more: DJI’s Avata 360 will land this month — here’s what we know about DJI’s first 360 drone, and 3 reasons I’m psyched for its arrival

6. HBO started its global password crackdown

HBO Max’s password crackdown is going global according to the company's CEO and president of global streaming, JB Perrette.

That means you may no longer be able to share an account with another HBO max user, unless you pay an extra member fee — though that option is currently only available in the US.

However, how much longer will HBO Max even be around? HBO Max's future currently depends on whether regulators approve the acquisition of its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, by Paramount Skydance. According to at least one prominent media analyst, if that goes ahead then HBO Max could be shut down by the end of 2027.

• Read the full story: HBO Max is launching a global password-sharing crackdown

5. Apple prepared its 50th anniversary celebrations

Apple will turn 50 in a couple of weeks, and Tim Cook has been teasing what the tech giant has planned to celebrate the occasion.

"In the coming weeks, Apple and its global community will celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary, recognizing the creativity, innovation, and impact that people around the world have made possible with Apple technology," said Cook, before ending with a note to fans that "If you’ve taught us anything, it’s that the people crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”

So, does that mean we should prepare for a crazy launch? The new MacBook Neo was impressive (see more on that below), but perhaps the company has something folded up its sleeve for April 1?

• Read the full story: Apple announces major anniversary celebrations

4. We tested Google's budget Pixel

Even amongst the flashiest, most expensive tech there's a place for a budget champion, and in the Android world the Google Pixel 10a is a strong contender for that title.

Our Managing Editor Jacob Krol put it through its paces over the past week or so, and as his review states, "it proves you don’t need big upgrades to make a great phone."

So, while it doesn’t get a new processor or upgraded camera hardware this year — instead sticking with the Tensor G4 and the same dual-camera system as the Pixel 9a — it nails the basics: a comfortable design, strong battery life, bright display, and a dependable camera, all for a low price of $499 / £499 / AU$849.

• Read more: Google’s Pixel 10a review: still one of the best budget options

3. And we tested Apple’s iPhone 17e too

Sticking in the world of budget smartphones, we also reviewed Apple’s iPhone 17e, and it too proved its worth as an affordable winner.

No, it doesn’t reinvent Apple’s budget iPhone approach, but it does bring some meaningful refinements to the iPhone 16e thanks to its A19 chip, double the starting storage at 256GB, and the long-awaited addition of MagSafe — all for the same starting price as the previous model.

The single rear camera will be a let down if you love taking snaps, and the display isn’t as crisp as the iPhone 17’s, but if you’re after an affordable iPhone there isn’t a better option based on our tests.

• Read the full review: I tested the iPhone 17e, and it's an even better budget iPhone

2. The MacBook Neo blew us away

The Apple MacBook Neo doesn’t sound like it should work. It runs on an iPhone chip, boasts just 8GB of unified memory, and includes ancient USB 2.0 technology. Yet the Neo manages to deliver an excellent MacBook experience — there’s zero macOS compromises, and it’s a far more capable machine than its budget counterparts running Windows 11 and ChromeOS.

Why? Well for a start the performance is solid. Yes, you’ll want to stick to Apple’s own apps over third-party alternatives and keep multi-tasking to a low level, but you can get a good level of utility out of this machine.

Then there’s the design, which is simply beautiful, with the Neo’s color being showcased across its aluminum shell, Magic keyboard, and even in macOS elements — plus the display is stunning.

And then there's the price. At $599 / £599 / AU$899 it stretches the definition of budget a little, but compared to other MacBooks — or the Windows competition — it's a steal.

• Read more: Apple MacBook Neo review: the best budget laptop you can buy

1. Sonos gave us two new speakers — and some explanations

Sonos has not had a great time of it of late, with its disastrous and well-documented app relaunch leading to much criticism and, eventually, the replacement of its CEO in January 2025.

That was then and this is now, though, and this week Sonos released not one but two new speakers in the form of the Sonos Play and Sonos Era 100 SL. And, its current CEO Tom Conrad was eager to sit down with us and explain what went wrong in 2024, what its strategy is for the future, and why we should be excited about the new devices.

You can read our Managing Editor of Home Tech Matt Bolton's full interview with Conrad here, and also check out Conrad's insights into what went wrong with the Sonos app upgrade. But for now, let's focus on the speakers.

The Sonos Era 100 SL is a new, more affordable version of the existing Era 100, but without microphones; so, it lacks the smart home functions of the original, but comes at a much cheaper price.

More interesting still, though, is the Sonos Play. This new portable speaker sits between the Roam and Move models in terms of price and characteristics, and Conrad thinks it might be the “Goldilocks” speaker. And we think he might just be right.

• Read the full story: Sonos launches a new portable Play speaker and a cheaper Era 100

• DJI teases its 'flagship' Avata 360 drone
• It will shoot 8K 360 degree video
• Launch is set for March 26 at 5am PT / 8am ET / 12pm GMT / 10pm AEST

After months of rumors and speculation, the DJI Avata 360 is official, after DJI shared the clearest teaser of them all — revealing the drone's name, core specs, and launch date.

The Avata 360 is set to be DJI's first-ever 360-degree drone, equipped with 8K video recording. It'll take on the excellent Antigravity A1, which was the world's first true 360-degree drone.

'Above It All, See It All' says the trailer, confirming the 'flagship' Avata 360's upcoming unveil on March 26 at 5am PT / 8am ET / 12pm GMT / 10pm AEST, which is a little over two weeks to go as I type these words.

There's little else to go on from the teaser. Still, I'm excited about the Avata 360, especially after all the recent rumors. For example, I've seen leaked pictures and even a mysterious DJI teaser last week that contained aerial footage, including the tiny planet effect made with a 360-degree camera.

Why the Avata 360 excites me

I've personally tested the Antigravity A1, which is the only true 360-degree consumer drone. It's an excellent first 8K drone from the Insta360-incubated start up, that is further improving with firmware updates. However, it's about to be joined by the Avata 360.

DJI's Avata 360 has a leg up in that it settles into an already formidable DJI drone ecosystem, with established accessories including motion controllers, goggles, and batteries.

And rather than being a 360 drone first and foremost, it looks more versatile, like one of DJI's FPV drones from the Avata line, which also shoots 360-degree video (see some clips below, which we can only assume are shot with the Avata 360).

That's if previous leaks are anything to go by. One such rumor suggests that one trick up the Avata 360's sleeve will be a single lens mode, meaning the gimbal-mounted camera unit can rotate from a 360 degree mode — that's twin lenses with one pointing directly up and the other directly down for complete coverage — to a single lens mode with the camera pointing straight forward, much like in the Avata 2.

I would also expect the Avata 360's list price to sit a little lower than the Antigravity A1's, because DJI is typically aggressive with its pricing. And there could be good news for DJI fans in the US. Rumors suggest the Avata 360 could be a DJI product that was registered before the December 2025 cut-off for FCC approval, meaning it could hit stores in the US. Many will hope that's the case, and we'll find out soon enough on March 26.

The Osmo Action 4 isn't the latest DJI action camera, but that means you can pick up this highly-rated GoPro alternative for half the price of the latest model. And now, thanks to a new deal, you can snap up the Osmo Action 4 at Amazon for £169 (was £199) — the lowest price we've seen since Black Friday.

Released in August 2023, the Osmo Action 4 still boasts a fantastic set of specs. You've got a 1/1.3-inch sensor, 10-bit D-Log M colour performance, and superb low-light capabilities — all of which combine to provide superb video quality.

The popular action camera has only been £10 cheaper, which makes this one of the best deals we've ever seen. And if you're looking for a camera to capture your spring and summer adventures, then this Osmo Action is an absolute bargain.

Today's best DJI action camera deal

Four out of five stars was what we gave this action camera. You can read why in our full DJI Osmo Action 4 review, but if you're strapped for time, let me give you the rundown.

The 1/1.3-inch sensor delivers improved 10-bit 4K video quality and a D-Log colour profile. These qualities elevate image output and make it possible to perform extensive colour corrections. The larger sensor is also brilliant in low light, picking up more detail and with less noise.

Another standout feature of the Osmo Action 4 is the magnetic mounting system that enables mounts to be swapped out in a matter of seconds. Our reviewer called them "hassle-free mounts" and said they are superior to the mounting systems on many alternative models.

If you want the latest technology, then this deal won't be for you. Instead, head over to our best action cameras buying guide, where you can quickly narrow down your best options.

• DJI officially teases a new drone launch, coming soon
• Based on the teaser video, it's likely to be the rumored DJI Avata 360
• A Pro version of the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 has leaked too

DJI has confirmed that another drone launch is imminent, and based on the video it's included in the launch teaser, it looks very much like it'll be the rumored DJI Avata 360 — while the leaks around DJI's next vlogging camera have taken another twist.

The drone teaser comes straight from the @DJIGlobal account on X, which means we're hopeful of a global launch for the upcoming drone. Despite new DJI products now being banned in the US, it's possible that DJI was able to get regulatory approval before the ban came into force in December.

And given the shots in the teaser video — including a classic 'tiny planet' shot — it's almost certain that this is a drone with 360-degree imaging skills, most likely the rumored DJI Avata 360, though it's not mentioned by name.

The 360-degree drone has leaked extensively over the last few weeks, and is rumored to be coming with a single-lens mode too, that should help it stand out from its main rival, the Antigravity A1.

Only a few days ago, Notebookcheck reported on hands-on footage of the DJI Avata 360 appearing online, so it seems a launch is now very close. DJI hasn't given us a date or a time, but we should get an official reveal any day now.

The Pocket goes Pro

In the meantime, there are yet more leaks around the DJI Osmo Pocket vlogging camera. Veteran tipster Igor Bogdanov has posted some new shots purportedly showing off the device — and they give us our first look at a potential Pro model.

Most previous leaks around this camera have shown off a device very much like the current DJI Osmo Pocket 3 in terms of its design, albeit with a couple of extra console buttons. However, this new Pro leak shows the addition of an extra camera on top, together with a protective hood.

While there had been talk of a dual-camera setup in earlier rumors, the most recent leaks just mentioned one standard model. It would seem that when this next generation of DJI's pocket vlogging camera does break cover, there'll be two models to choose between — with the Pro edition no doubt coming with a higher price tag.

Like the DJI Avata 360, it's plausible that the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 was registered just in time to avoid being banned in the US. As soon as DJI makes either of these products official, we will of course let you know.

• Another DJI vlogging camera is on the way
• The quick start guide for the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 has appeared
• We're expecting a launch very soon now

Leaks around the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 vlogging camera have been coming thick and fast recently, and the latest information to appear online about the device comes in the form of a quick start guide to using it.

The pamphlet, posted by well-known tipster Igor Bogdanov, shows off the updated design of the camera – including two extra buttons – while also revealing the name of one of the bundles the gadget will be available in: the Creator Combo.

It looks as though the extra buttons that have been spotted in previous leaks are going to control zoom and timer settings. Elsewhere in the quick start guide we can see how the device screen rotates, how the camera gimbal works, and how a tripod gets attached.

This is more evidence that the camera must be about to launch officially – and given how impressed we were with what the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 had to offer, our expectations are high when it comes to what DJI might have put together here.

Upgrades on the way

From what we've heard so far, it sounds as though the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 is going to come with a brighter screen and longer battery life compared to its predecessor – though of course none of this is confirmed until DJI makes it official.

There's also been a full hands-on video leak of the camera in action, so at this stage there's not a whole lot left for DJI to reveal. One remaining question is pricing: the Pocket 3 launched for $519 / £489 / AU$849 when it made its debut back in 2023.

That was for the standard bundle with just the basics, and as this latest leak shows, the Pocket 4 will be available in a variety of bundle packs. You'll be able to pick the one that best fits your budget and filming needs.

While a ban on new DJI products in the US remains in place, there are indications that DJI might have registered this camera with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US early enough for it to still be launched in that country.

• One user accidentally gained access to thousands of DJI Romo vacuums worldwide
• Sensitive data, including floor plans and live video feeds, was exposed online
• Encryption of communications was intact, yet server storage remained completely unprotected

A hobbyist discovered that his DJI Romo vacuum unintentionally allowed access to thousands of other devices.

Sammy Azdoufal, an AI strategist, used reverse engineering to understand how the Romo communicated with DJI servers. He did not hack into DJI systems or bypass encryption, and he did not use brute force or other illicit methods.

He was attempting to control his own robot using a PlayStation controller when the protocol returned private tokens for additional vacuums, including more than 6,700 devices located across multiple regions, including the United States, Europe, and China.

Discovery and technical details

The core problem was that device data was stored in plain text on the server, which allowed anyone who gained access to read floor plans, live video feeds, and microphone input.

The encryption protecting communications was not flawed, yet the data storage exposed sensitive information to anyone with access.

Azdoufal immediately reported the vulnerability to DJI, and the company issued updates to address several problems without requiring user intervention.

Some vulnerabilities remain, including the ability to stream video without a security PIN and another undisclosed issue because of its severity.

These remaining problems indicate that server-side data storage and access control still need attention.

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case — an engineer previously discovered that his iLife A11 smart vacuum continuously sent logs and telemetry back to the manufacturer.

When he blocked reporting through his network, the company remotely disabled the device.

Using technical adjustments, he restored local functionality, proving that cloud connectivity is not strictly necessary for proper device operation.

Many consumers purchase smart devices for convenience, but incidents like these show potential risks when ordinary users can accidentally access private data.

Live video, floor plans, and other information could be exposed if attackers exploit similar vulnerabilities.

Using firewall software, careful monitoring, and endpoint protection for network activity can reduce exposure, and broader use of AI tools could also help identify unusual patterns, although this does not guarantee detection.

Users should be aware that even minor misconfigurations or design flaws can create major privacy risks.

The case of the DJI Romo vacuums indicates that IoT devices may prioritize convenience over strong data protection - as while this discovery was accidental and responsibly reported, the underlying design leaves sensitive personal information vulnerable.

This raises valid concerns about both unintended access and potential targeted attacks in the future.

Via Tom's Hardware

• DJI has filed a petition with the US Supreme Court
• It claims the recent FCC ban on its products is unlawful
• New DJI products can no longer be launched in the US

A ban on new DJI products in the US kicked in last December, but the issue isn't closed yet: DJI has taken its case to the US Supreme Court, arguing that government authorities haven't actually found any evidence of security issues.

The ban came into force almost by default – not through any new discoveries about DJI, but because a security audit of the Chinese company wasn't carried out in advance of a December 23 deadline imposed by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Without getting fresh security clearance, DJI was automatically shunted to the FCC's Covered Entity List, a record of companies believed to pose "an unacceptable risk" to national security (it's the same list that Huawei is on). That course of events is unconstitutional and unlawful, DJI argues.

"Despite repeated efforts to engage with the government, DJI has never been given the chance to provide information to address or refute any concerns," the company said in a statement to the press. "These procedural and substantive deficiencies violate the Constitution and federal law."

Does DJI stand a chance?

As DJI points out in the petition that it has filed with the US Court of Appeals, for a company to be added to the Covered Entity List, the FCC needs to identify a national security threat from the company or the products it makes – something that the FCC has so far failed to do with DJI.

From the side of the US authorities, there are concerns about allowing any Chinese company widespread access to telecommunications networks. DJI's drones spend a lot of time connecting to the internet, and capturing a lot of footage through cameras and microphones, and that's something the FCC is worried about.

While we wait for the US courts to decide what's next, new DJI launches in the US are in limbo. Existing DJI tech can continue to be used in the country however, and it may be that there are still new DJI products to come that got FCC approval before December, such as the rumored Osmo Pocket 4.

Unfortunately for US consumers wanting access to some of the best drones on the market, DJI could be fighting a losing battle here. Its requests to be audited before December fell on deaf ears, and it's unlikely that the FCC will suddenly become proactive now.

• A hands-on video for the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 has leaked
• The vlogging gimbal camera should be about to launch
• It looks as though an LED light accessory will be available

We must be very close to the official launch of the successor to the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, because the leaks just keep on coming – and the latest to catch our eye is a hands-on video of the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 being tested out in a store.

This comes from The New Camera (via Android Authority), and the video was apparently filmed by employees at the official DJI retail outlet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, after a customer brought in one of the as-yet-unannounced vlogging cameras.

While the original video has now been taken down, The New Camera was able to upload it to its own YouTube channel, so we can still get a good look at what's coming our way soon. The design looks largely the same, though there are now two extra buttons on the control panel – at the moment, it's not clear exactly what they do.

From previous leaks, it seems as though the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 is going to have the same size screen as its predecessor – 2 inches, corner to corner – but there has been talk that it'll be brighter than before, and there are rumors of a battery capacity boost too.

Shine a light

Perhaps the most notable new revelation in this leak is the addition of an LED light on top of the DJI Osmo Pocket 4. According to The New Camera, that's going to be an optional accessory – you'll be able to buy it in one of the bundles offered with the camera.

The same source is putting the estimated launch price at around $549-$699. There's no pricing for countries outside the US, but considering the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 had a starting price of $519 / £489 / AU$849, it looks as though a price bump might be imminent.

However, it's not clear if those two price points include exactly the same offerings in terms of what's bundled with the camera (like additional batteries). It's more than two years since the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 launched, so its successor might come with some surprises.

With a ban on new DJI products now in force in the US, we're going to have to wait and see if the camera gets a launch in that country at all – though it may have sneaked through regulatory approval just in time, as per earlier leaks.

• A DJI Romo owner has exposed a huge security flaw
• He gained access to a global network of 7,000 robovacs
• DJI says it's busy patching the security vulnerabilities

DJI's first robot vacuum, the DJI Romo, is expanding to more markets after launching last year – but it apparently comes with some rather large security holes that led to one hobbyist hacker gaining control of 7,000 of the machines.

As The Verge reports, DJI Romo owner Sammy Azdoufal was trying to get his PS5 controller to operate his new robovac when he inadvertently took over thousands of the devices. Azdoufal's remote control app, made with the help of Claude Code, slipped through some rather basic security on DJI's servers.

Not only could Azdoufal control any of these robovacs, he could also access the video and audio they were feeding back, and view 2D floor plans of the homes they were in. IP addresses were also accessible, meaning approximate locations of these properties could be calculated, alongside everything else.

It seems that the security token that Azdoufal used to confirm ownership of his own device was good enough for DJI's servers to grant access to thousands of other DJI Romos too. Even DJI Power portable power stations were showing up on the map, reporting back diagnostics and status.

Fixes coming

The good news is that DJI has patched this problem, confirming to The Verge that the issue is now "resolved" and indeed that "remediation was already underway prior to public disclosure". However, it's very worrying that this was possible in the first place, with so little security put in place against hacks.

New DJI products are in fact banned in the US at the moment, due to concerns about security protocols and the company's connections to the Chinese government – and suspicions around spying and surreptitious data collection aren't going to be allayed by this latest security disaster.

There is actually another security problem with the DJI Romo, which The Verge has deemed too serious to report openly about. DJI says that this second issue will be fixed within weeks, but it's hardly going to inspire confidence or trust in anyone looking to purchase one of the best robovacs right now.

It's yet more evidence that smart-home devices are some of the worst when it comes to security. We've reached out to DJI for an official statement on the reporting done by The Verge, and will report back if we hear anything.

If you're new to the world of the best drones, then you should start with a bundle package. These combos include the drone, extra batteries, a controller, and a handy carry case for keeping all your kit organised. One of the best around is the DJI Mini 4K bundle on sale at Amazon for £259 (was £329).

In our DJI Mini 4K review, we rated the drone an impressive four-and-a-half stars, and at this record-low price, there really is nothing better at this price point. Snap it up before the deal ends on February 15.

The drone itself features an outstanding 4K UHD resolution support, a 31-minute maximum flight time, and excellent three-axis gimbal stabilisation. You really are getting a whole lot of drone for not a lot of money.

Today's best DJI drone deal

When our cameras editor, Timothy Coleman, got his hands on the DJI Mini 4K, he was quickly impressed by the 4K video quality, fantastic feature set for beginners, and the value for money. The drone boasts 4K resolution support, 2x video support, and Level 5 wind resistance. Additionally, the inclusion of dynamic movements such as Helix, Circle and Boomerang is guaranteed to set your shots apart from the rest.

There are some trade-offs to buying a budget drone, though, and for this particular model, that comes in the form of no object-collision sensors or subject tracking. If you're more keen on flying and capturing aerial photography, then the absence of these won't be an issue.

If you're looking for something more advanced, then have a look at our guide to all the best drones. We also have a best DJI drones buying guide if you're certain about the brand.

• Two new DJI drones have appeared at the FCC in the US
• These drones are the DJI Lito 1 and the DJI Lito X1
• They may replace the DJI Mini 4K and the DJI Mini 5 Pro

While DJI devices are now officially banned in the US, it looks as though two new drones may have been registered early enough to sneak on to retailer shelves – and they are set to replace two of the best DJI drones currently available.

As spotted by The New Camera, the drones in question are the DJI Lito 1 and the DJI Lito X1, which have both turned up at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US. FCC approval is required before any tech gadget can be sold in the United States.

It seems as though these two models will replace the DJI Mini 4K and the DJI Mini 5 Pro respectively, so we're very much at the entry-level, beginner end of the market. Considering these drones were approved in November and early December, it looks as though they were just in time to beat the US ban that came in on December 23, 2025.

According to The New Camera, an actual announcement about these drones could happen any time from the end of February to early April, with the devices then going on sale shortly after that – presumably in the US and all the other markets DJI operates in.

Predicted specs and pricing

Quite why we're getting a new product name from DJI at this stage isn't clear, but the DJI Lito 1 appears to be the more basic and affordable of the two drones, with the DJI Lito X1 catering to a higher end section of the market.

As per the rumors that have surfaced so far, there will be slight design tweaks compared to the DJI Mini 4K and the DJI Mini 5 Pro. That's based primarily on a leaked image of a drone landing leg that carries the Lito branding – the FCC documents don't include any pictures, or much in the way of specs either.

These drones are likely to come with 360-degree obstacle avoidance, according to everything we've heard so far, and should also offer a range of more than 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from a single battery charge.

Starting prices are predicted to be around $330 (roughly £240 / AU$475) for the Lito 1 and $759 (£555 / AU$1,090) for the Lito X1, which is roughly in line with the current Mini models. As soon as DJI makes any of this official, we'll let you know.

This week, Meta turned its back on VR, and Apple caved to Google in its hunt for an AI update for Siri.

To catch up on these and the other seven biggest tech news stories of the week, scroll down to see our recaps of the big things that happened.

When you're done, check out the seven new movies and TV shows to watch this weekend.

7. DJI fans in the US finally got some good news

It hasn’t been a great time for drone fans in the US, with the FCC recently banning the sale of new, foreign-made drones – and a separate proposal from the US Department of Commerce taking aim at all Chinese drone imports (including existing models that have already been launched).

Well, fortunately, a U-turn from the latter has removed that particular restriction from the equation for now. That means that stock of previously approved drones like the DJI Mavic 3 Pro and the Antigravity A1 can still be legally imported into the US.

Still, with the FCC effectively banning the sale of foreign-made drones that it hasn’t approved (in other words, all new models), the future still looks bleak for Stateside drone fans.

• Read the full story: DJI and other drone companies get a partial reprieve in the US – but the ban on new models still stands

6. Sophie Turner served Lara Croft

We got our first look at Sophie Turner as filming on Amazon’s Tomb Raider TV show begins, and the recreation of the character’s iconic video game look is perfect, highlighting to fans of the games how seriously Amazon is taking this adaptation.

Obviously, this is just a still of Turner in her costume, but she is undeniably Lara Croft in it, and if similar care and attention has been paid to the rest of the cast (which includes Jason Isaacs, Sigourney Weaver, and Martin Bobb-Semple, among others) as well as the show’s story, we could be in for a real treat.

No release date has been given yet, but we can’t rule out a mid- to late 2026 launch.

• Read more: Amazon reveals perfect first photo of Sophie Turner as Lara Croft

5. Spotify made people mad

Over the past few weeks, Spotify Premium subscribers have been encountering AI-generated music recommendations in their Discover Weekly and Release Radar playlists, prompting the music platform to introduce labels to identify AI-generated music in a monster Reddit thread.

According to users who have experienced this, the issue with AI music on Spotify is only getting worse; the problem doesn’t lie with AI music itself, but with the deception on Spotify’s part, which is what’s getting under people’s skin. This has led many paying users to think it’s part of a wider, secret business plan and that Spotify is deliberately doing this to avoid paying artists further.

In other news, Spotify has also raised subscription prices for US members, affecting all tiers. It marks the third price increase since 2023, which many people are attributing to the maintenance of Spotify Lossless.

• Read more: AI music is flooding Spotify, and subscribers are furious

4. Meta gave up on VR

This week, Meta seemed to give up on VR as it slashed Reality Labs jobs, including closing down several VR game studios, and ending updates for the excellent VR fitness platform Supernatural.

The news is a tragedy for fans of the Meta Quest system as it suggests Meta’s future support for its headsets will be at least a little lackluster, and Hamish Hector argued that, as things stand, he’s only interested in the Steam Frame.

It’s no secret Reality Labs has been hemorrhaging funds for some time, but this major about-turn from Meta might lead some to wonder if you can trust the company not to change course again if its new AI glasses focus starts to go awry.

• Read more: Meta just killed some of its best Quest 3 game studios

3. Gemini got an upgrade

Google has just dropped "Personal Intelligence" for Gemini, and it might be the most significant leap for AI assistants yet. This upgrade allows Gemini to securely tap into your personal Google ecosystem (Gmail, Photos, Search, and YouTube) to provide deep, individualized context for your queries.

The capabilities are genuinely impressive: imagine Gemini diagnosing a car issue by checking your Gmail purchase history for the model, scanning your Photos for service records, and pulling DIY solutions from YouTube. It’s the "true" AI assistant we’ve been waiting for. Interestingly, given the newly announced Apple-Google AI partnership, this looks like a sneak peek at how the next-gen Siri might function in iOS 27.

• Read more: Gemini gets its biggest upgrade yet 'Personal Intelligence'

2. Siri got a Gemini upgrade

Apple got served a huge slice of humble pie this week, as it conceded Ai supremacy to Google announcing that Siri’ s next-gen version will be backed by Gemini.

A lot of questions remain, but in a joint statement Apple and Google revealed “These [Gemini] models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year.”Apple first unveiled its plans to launch an AI-upgraded Siri during WWDC 2024 but almost two years later we’re still waiting for the upgrade. The company has since promised a Spring 2026 launch, and with Google Gemini it might finally make that happen.

• Read more: Apple gives up and lets Google take the AI wheel

1. Verizon had a major outage

Well, we have officially had the first major outage of 2026, and it was a massive, nearly 8-hour outage that took out Verizon's cell service for customers across the United States on January 14, 2026. You can see our full reporting in the live blog linked below, but it was a serious, hours-long event that saw folks with Verizon swap 5G and network bars for SOS with no access to voice, text, and data across much of the country.

Down Detector reports swelled around 12:30 PM ET, with Verizon confirming the issue at 1 PM, but many folks did not see any signs of recovery until closer to 8 PM ET that evening. The carrier didn't have the best communication during the event, with only a few statements that came hours apart. The day after the outage, Verizon confirmed each account would receive a single $20 credit, which, simply put, many customers were not pleased with. The carrier also confirmed to TechRadar that it was a software issue tied to a cyber incident.

• Read more: Verizon service restored after a 'software issue'

Recently, I stumbled across a cheap accessory for DJI's wireless microphones, and I was shocked that more people didn't know about it. It costs just $14 / £14, and it's no exaggeration to say that it has completely changed my workflow.

It's called the DJI Mic Series Mobile Receiver, and it's designed to make DJI microphones much easier to use with your smartphone. It's a decent pitch, but DJI mics already work with smartphones, so why has this accessory got me so jazzed up?

What problems does the Mobile Receiver solve?

Let me start by explaining the current pitfalls. To use a DJI wireless mic with your phone – and you should because it makes some of the best wireless mics, including the DJI Mic 2 or Mic 3 – you can either pair it over Bluetooth, or use the on-camera receiver connected to the phone's USB port.

Bluetooth connectivity is convenient, but trust me the quality is awful. Honestly, it sounds so bad that you'd be better off using your phone's built-in microphone most of the time. Using the receiver (pictured below), produces the high quality audio you'd hope for, but the form factor is far from ideal.

The wireless receivers that come included with the DJI Mic 2, Mic 3, and Mini are all designed with mirrorless cameras in mind, not phones. This means they have a cold-shoe connection and a relatively bulky housing. They do work with smartphones, thanks to clip-in USB adapters, but they stick out in a weird way, and I'm always scared of accidentally knocking the receiver out of place or, worse still, damaging the USB connector.

There are other issues, too, like the fact that you can't charge your phone while the receiver is attached, as there's no pass-through power. To make things worse, you actually have to remember to charge the receiver before shooting - which is something that has caught me out more than once.

How the Mobile Receiver works

The Mobile Receiver fixes all of these issues and adds a few more perks besides. It's a tiny device that's less than 9mm thick, about the same width as most flagship phones. It sticks out from the USB-C port on the base of your phone by about a centimetre, and it weighs almost nothing. You'll never have to worry about knocking this one loose.

In addition, it's powered by the phone itself, so there's no charging to worry about. It also features a USB-C port with pass-through power, so you can keep your phone topped up during longer shoots. Honestly, these features alone are enough to make this an essential purchase for anyone who regularly shoots video with a phone, but it gets better.

I personally own the DJI Mic 2 and the DJI Mic Mini. With my Osmo Pocket 3, I can record audio with both simultaneously, but with my mirrorless camera and phone, I have to choose one or the other, as they come with different receivers.

However, the Mobile Receiver allows me to pair both mic at the same time, just like I do with the Pocket 3 - it's so handy.

It's not just phones that this receiver is good for, either. It might be ancient in tech terms, but I still use my DJI Action 2 action camera quite often. The problem is that it came out before DJI's wireless mics, and therefore lacks compatibility with any of them.

Thankfully, plugging in the mobile receiver just works; no setup needed. I'm sure it'll be a similar situation with Insta360 cameras and GoPros, too. It's another reason that the tiny form factor is crucial. Sure, you could use the full-size receiver, but that'll look crazy hanging off the side of an action camera. This is so small that it should hide between the stitch lines on a 360 camera.

How to use the Mobile Receiver

If you're an astute observer, you may have noticed that there's no screen on the Mobile Receiver. So, how do you change settings? Thankfully, that's something that DJI has taken into account.

There's a three-position slider on the base of the unit, which lets you change the level of noise-cancellation, and there's also a physical pairing button, but otherwise, everything is handled by the DJI Mimo app on your phone.

The Mobile Receiver pairs up just like a DJI camera would, and within the app, you can access all the same in-depth settings that are found in the standard receiver's menu. There are all the basics, like gain adjustment, stereo mode, and low-cut options. As well as more niche features, like the ability to turn off the LED indicators.

If you own a DJI Mic 2, Mic 3 or Mini (it doesn't work with the original DJI Mic), and if you ever shoot with your phone, I think the DJI Mic Series Mobile Receiver is a must-buy. For just $14 / £14, this little accessory has completely changed my shooting process. It adds so much versatility for such a low price that I think it's a no-brainer.

• Images of the DJI Avata 360 have leaked again online
• This will be the first 360-degree drone from DJI
• It may feature a single-lens mode for standard filming

A fresh leak for the DJI Avata 360 has shown up online – this will be DJI's first 360-degree camera drone, expected in the very near future – and it points to an advantage that the flying machine may have over its Antigravity A1 rival from Insta360.

The leak is courtesy of seasoned tipster @Quadro_News, and shows a couple of unofficial pictures of the DJI Avata 360 (see below), together with a selection of accessories. We can see the standard DJI RC controller, for example.

There is a shot of the DJI RC showing live footage from the drone, which suggests it's going to come with a single-lens mode. In other words, you'll be able to use just one of the lenses to shoot standard, non-360-degree photos and videos.

This trick will seemingly come courtesy of a rotating camera unit. Upward and downward facing lenses will capture 360 degree videos, and it looks like the unit itself will rotate 90 degrees to front-face one of those lenses for single lens video.

That's something the Antigravity A1 doesn't have – its lenses are fixed and it can only shoot in 360 degrees. If you're trying to make a decision between these two drones then that's worth considering, though of course nothing is confirmed about the DJI Avata 360 yet.

The Avata 360 being part of DJI's FPV drone family could also mean that its flying speeds and aerial manouvers trump those of the somewhat pedestrian Antigravity A1.

An aerial DJI Osmo 360

One of the two leaked pictures also shows a battery charging hub of the sort typically included in Fly More Combo packs, with three batteries loaded in. We've previously heard about some of the bundles that might be available with this drone.

We've heard plenty of rumors around the DJI Avata 360 to date, and it seems as though it will be heavily based on the DJI Avata 2 that launched in April 2024. Given how many leaks we've seen already, a launch for this drone can't be far off now.

We're expecting to see 8K video recording capabilities, with dual 1/1.1-inch CMOS sensors – presumably the same used by the DJI Osmo 360 action camera – and a battery boost over the DJI Avata 2 predicted. Obstacle avoidance and a follow mode have also been tipped by those in the know.

Of course in the background of all this there's the ban on new DJI products that's just come into force in the US – so the DJI Avata 360 won't be available there. For the rest of us, it seems as though the wait is almost over.

If you've been planning on upgrading to 4K drone videography, then you're probably expecting it to be well out of your budget. Think again. Thanks to a New Year's deal, you can grab the highly rated DJI Mini 4K at Amazon for £215 (was £269).

The DJI Mini 4K continues to be our favourite budget option when it comes to the best drones. For the money, you'll get 4K UHD resolution support and a 31-minute maximum flight time. And if it's slow-mo footage you love, then you can capture up to 60fps at 2.7K resolution.

This is a fantastic low price for an excellent beginner drone. In fact, it's only ever been £6 cheaper, so this is extremely close to a record-low price. Snap it up while you can.

Today's best DJI drone deal

Budget 4K drones don't get much better than the DJI Mini 4K. We love it so much that we rated it 4.5 out of five stars. Considering five-star ratings are only very rarely given out, this number of stars shows how good it is. Our cameras editor, Timothy Coleman, loves the excellent value and 4K video quality that beats rivals.

It's worth pointing out that the drone doesn't feature object collision sensors or subject tracking, but at this price, that's no surprise. If you plan on being in the open air with simple flight routes, then you won't be missing out.

That being said, there's a lot to commend about the DJI Mini 4K, including 2x video support, Level 5 wind resistance and dynamic movements such as Helix, Circle and Boomerang. You'll look like a pro without having to pay for the privilege.

This is a seriously good deal, but if you'd like to explore other options, then we recommend checking out our comprehensive best drones guide. We also have a dedicated guide to the best DJI drones if you're set on the DJI brand.

• Leaptic teases a new action camera for CES 2026
• It could rival the DJI Osmo Nano
• The teaser indicates the 'AI' camera will shoot 8K video

DJI and Insta360 could have a new rival on their hands, after a new Chinese company called Leaptic teased a modular action camera that will be unveiled at CES this week.

The teaser on X (formerly Twitter) reveals the silhouette of the '8K AI tiny action camera', and it looks a lot like the profile of the modular DJI Osmo Nano.

Like the Insta360 Go 3S before it, the Osmo Nano is a truly tiny thumb-sized action cam which can fit in tight spaces for creative angles and worn as a body camera, but being modular it also attaches magnetically to a pod with a screen for a traditional action camera design.

Leaptic's offering appears to have a strikingly similar design to the Osmo Nano, but we know precious little else about it other than will shoot video at a higher 8K resolution.

Another post shared on Instagram in September 2025 seemingly reveals Leaptic's AI action camera, if indeed this is the same camera, calling it a 'next-gen AI action camera redefining sports filmmaking', armed with a 'disruptive end-to-end AI concept'.

It says the camera will weigh just 35g, is equipped with voice control, plus it features what sounds like 'AI' subject and action detection and auto editing to speed workflow.

This all sounds intriguing, and with CES kicking off tomorrow on January 6, we'll soon have more concrete detail about the tiny 8K action camera from the horse's mouth, and if indeed it has what it takes to break into this competitive space.

TechRadar will be extensively covering this year's CES, and will bring you all of the big announcements as they happen. Head over to our CES 2026 news page for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything from wireless TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for the latest from the CES show floor!

So farewell, 2025 – you were frequently exciting, regularly chaotic, occasionally frustrating but always interesting. And that’s how we like it around here.

It was a year in which often fairly iterative improvements to hardware were overshadowed by rapid and significant advances on the computing side of things. I’m talking, of course, about AI, which is now so dominant within the tech world that it’s increasingly hard to find a device that doesn’t have an AI brain.

Not that I’m complaining, because the leaps made in 2025 by the likes of OpenAI’s Sora and Google’s Gemini were truly astonishing; the pace of change is such that it feels like we’re squeezing about a decade’s worth of advances into each year now, and I wouldn’t like to predict what the state of play will be in 12 months’ time. Well, other than to say that we’ll be taking for granted things which seem almost impossible right now – although as our AI Editor Graham Barlow notes below, maybe we’re already doing that.

In comparison, it often looked in 2025 as though things were slowing down on the hardware side. Could Apple really make its already-excellent MacBooks much better? Could Samsung improve much on the superb Galaxy S series? Was there much scope for OLED TVs or wireless headphones or mirrorless cameras to develop?

The answer was yes, yes and yes. Though the upgrades to many models may not have been as big as those on the software side, they were frequently excellent in their own right. The improvements to battery life, screen tech and camera lenses may not be as flashy as those on the AI front, but they can make a real difference to how we use our devices on a daily basis. In many ways, tech fans have never had it so good.

Whether that will continue in 2026 remains to be seen. AI now looks to be having a direct – and negative – effect on component prices, which could make your favorite new phone or laptop more expensive in the coming year. We might also see stock shortages in some areas, which could further inflate those price tags.

It looks like we’re set for another year of exciting, chaotic, frustrating and interesting news, then – and we’ll be here with you every step of the way. Until then, I hope you’ve enjoyed reading TechRadar in 2025, and have a happy New Year!

My year in tech

I bent reality, but I failed to bend an iPhone

This year was marked by astonishing leaps in AI capabilities, which I tried to not only report on but experience in full. From my first experience with ‘vibe coding’ to wild leaps of fancy with Veo 3 (and later the Sora app) to creating my own digital double, AI’s fast-changing capabilities constantly amazed me.

Never in four decades of covering emerging technologies have I seen anything like it: AI’s rise continues to be a heady mixture of enthusiastic adoption tinged with white-knuckled fear about what it all means for jobs, and for humanity, and nothing we saw in 2025 did much to resolve that anxiety.

However, it was my conversations with those leading the AI and wider innovation charge that stood out. My interviews with Amazon’s Panos Panay about Alexa+ and Google’s Sameer Samat about the future of Android were particularly memorable, as was the moment when one of Apple’s top executives threw his brand-new iPhone Air to me during a video podcast and insisted that I try to bend it.

The rise of humanoid robots was a trend that shocked and pleased me in equal measure, though I’ve tried to temper my enthusiasm with the knowledge that clever marketing and eye-popping videos will only get us so far. We all want the ultimate home robot, but I still don't think many of us are willing to pay $20,000 to get it.

Away from all the AI and robots, I spent much of the year trying new phones, including redesigned iPhones and an incredibly thin folding Samsung phone, along with a wide range of wearable technology that included the Galaxy XR headset, and some very exciting AR glasses from Meta and Google’s Android XR group. Experiencing these felt like peering into our near technological future, which increasingly will be filled with on-demand AI, flexible phones, and maybe those robots.

The year in AI

This was the year we started taking AI for granted 

For all the talk of breakthroughs and hype, 2025 felt less like the year AI changed everything and more like the year it quietly became unavoidable. While the much-hyped arrival of super-powerful artificial general intelligence (AGI), predicted for 2025 by many, simply hasn’t materialized, the year has still been a strong one for companies such as OpenAI, xAI, Anthropic, and Google. That said, there have also been some massive flops; and as for Apple, it feels like yet another year in which it slipped further behind in the AI race.

ChatGPT maintained its vice-like grip as the most popular AI chatbot in the world, though it hasn’t been plain sailing for OpenAI. Legal challenges, particularly the copyright infringement claim brought by The New York Times, have continued to dog the company, and in June its servers crashed for a couple of days, giving the world a brief taste of life without the ubiquitous chatbot.

OpenAI then fumbled the ball with the release of its GPT-5 model, which came across as cold and unemotional compared to the previous GPT-4o. For millions of users who’d come to rely on the chatbot as something closer to a trusted companion it felt like a best friend had undergone a personality transplant overnight, forcing OpenAI to make the legacy 4o model available again.

The company has also lost a little ground to Google’s Gemini in recent months. The arrival of Gemini 3 Pro in November was well received, and on the image front, Gemini’s Nano Banana and Nano Banana Pro proved superior to ChatGPT for image generation. OpenAI responded with a new image-generation model in December.

AI-powered pets and toys also began to appear this year. We took Moflin for a spin, until we accidentally fried its battery. More broadly, the dominant theme of the year was that every product must now have AI built into it in some form, and no company exemplifies this approach better than Microsoft, which has spent the year enthusiastically stuffing Copilot into just about everything it makes.

Finally, the year looks set to end on a high note for Amazon. Alexa+, the AI-powered version of Alexa that Amazon has been promising all year but hasn’t yet managed to fully roll out, may finally be getting a web version, at least in the US.

THE YEAR IN PHONES

Slim pickings for thin phones, and hints of a tri-fold future

2025 was the year of the super-thin phone, writes Roland Moore-Colyer, Managing Editor, Mobile Computing, with the release of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge in the first half of the year, and the iPhone Air in the second. These handsets grabbed headlines with their svelte proportions, but so far sales figures have yet to match the hype.

That’s likely due to their relatively high prices in the face of already pretty slim iPhones and Galaxy and Pixel handsets, all of which saw the expected yearly upgrades with the iPhone 17, Galaxy S25 and Pixel 10 lines respectively. While the upgrades to the iPhone 17 family appeared incremental at first glance, I'd argue they're a bigger deal when you dig into the details: there was a new design and cooling system for the Pro phones, the standard model finally got a 120Hz display, and Apple's 48MP 'Fusion' camera came to every iPhone in the lineup, including the Air (the Plus model went the way of the dodo).

AI found its way into more phones and more features, with Google’s Pixel phones in particular boasting a whole host of genuinely useful smart tools. Meanwhile, Apple just about managed to distract us from the shortcomings of Apple Intelligence with its flashy Liquid Glass design and the eye-catching Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro.

Some of the most interesting phones came from smaller brands, with the Nothing Phone 3 offering something a little different without scrimping on flagship features. There was the Oppo Find X9 Pro with its strange but useful camera kit, while the OnePlus 15 was the only phone to earn a maximum five-star review from us this year. There were also a clutch of affordable phones from the likes of Motorola and Xiaomi, proving that you don’t have to pay a lot to get a very capable smartphone these days.

We saw further evolution in the folding phone space, with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 leading the way, and Samsung also unveiled its first tri-folding phone, with the Galaxy Trifold joining Huawei's Mate XT, and teasing a future of devices that truly blend phones and tablets. We may even see a foldable iPhone in 2026, but don’t hold your breath.

THE YEAR IN COMPUTING

RAM drama enlivens a year of evolution over revolution

When it came to computing, 2025 didn't start off as the most promising year. While 2024 felt like a year of revolutionary change, with the explosive growth of AI, the fall of Intel, and the rise of Arm-based laptops that were actually worth buying, this year has felt more like we're in a holding pattern, as the innovations of the past few years are iterated on and refined.

The year kicked off with Nvidia launching its latest generation of consumer graphics cards, the RTX 5000 series, at CES 2025, and they encapsulated the ‘evolution, not revolution’ theme, with some great new features that haven't fundamentally shaken up the industry, as the introduction of ray tracing with the RTX 2000 series did. Of course, making a great product even better is no bad thing, and our components editor and GPU expert John Loeffler was suitably impressed, enthusing in his RTX 5090 review that “If you're a gamer, you'll still get impressive gen-on-gen performance improvements over the celebrated RTX 4090, and the Nvidia RTX 5090 is really the first consumer graphics card I've tested that can get you consistent, high-frame-rate 8K gameplay.”

I have an RTX 5090 and I love it, and I've also been impressed by its 8K performance in modern games, but with the majority of PC gamers still playing at 1080p, this high-end GPU might be a bit too expensive to justify. Other releases from AMD and Intel, plus Apple’s latest M5 chip, continued the theme of impressive releases that don’t massively change the computing landscape.

Perhaps the biggest event in 2025 was the continued rise of AI. Recently, the AI boom has led to a global shortage of memory, which has in turn caused an increase in the prices of devices that use it. All of a sudden, PCs, RAM, and GPUs look set to get increasingly expensive, though some, like our computing editor Christian Guyton, aren’t too worried – yet. Personally, the end-of-year drama is making me nostalgic for those early months when 2025 felt rather boring.

THE YEAR IN TVS

The era of giant, cheap TVs is here

This year saw two really interesting developments in TV technology, with the first being the arrival of a whole new kind of ‘Tandem RGB’ OLED TV panel from LG. This appeared in the LG G5, helping it to score the maximum five stars in our review, and in the fantastic Panasonic Z95B, enabling both TVs to hit stunning levels of brightness and color depth, but with reduced power consumption.

However, this new screen technology didn’t win either of those sets our TV of the Year award – that went to the Samsung S95F, which not only earned its own perfect 5-star review, but was also voted the top TV in the most categories by the judges in our flagship OLED TV showdown, which pitted it against the LG G5, Panasonic Z95B, and Sony Bravia 8 II.

The second big tech development was the arrival of RGB mini-LED tech – and, make no mistake, this is the next big thing. It’s more efficient than current mini-LED tech, and is capable of richer colors and less light leakage from bright areas to dark ones, and it could be the tech to finally knock OLED off its perch.

We know that Samsung, LG, TCL and Hisense will all launch RGB mini-LED TV ranges in 2026, but the Hisense UX116 was the only TV to use it in 2025 – and it was a mixed bag, with performance issues that disappointed given its eye-wateringly high price. Still, we’re excited to see how this tech develops.

But the biggest thing in TVs this year was the TVs themselves – as in, they got big and they got affordable. TCL and Hisense launched 85-inch and 100-inch TVs that were within the budgets of regular mortals, and 75-inch TVs are becoming positively cheap, while still being good. While new tech is exciting, huge TVs like the Hisense U8N and TCL QM7K becoming more affordable is the change that made the biggest difference for customers.

THE YEAR IN VR/AR

Android XR arrives to challenge Meta’s dominance

This year XR or 'extended reality' took center stage, thanks in large part to Android XR hardware finally breaking cover in the shape of the Samsung Galaxy XR headset. We also tested prototype Android XR glasses ahead of their expected release in the coming year, and they’re impressive (the glasses at least, the headset less so right now). Google, along with its Android partners, looks set to seriously challenge Meta in 2026.

For its part Meta debuted several new smart wearables over the past 12 months, including two pairs of Oakley smart glasses – the stylish HSTNs and the sporty Vanguards, the latter of which are perfect for runners when used with a compatible Garmin watch. We also saw a Gen 2 model of the Meta Ray-Bans, and the company's latest step towards full-on AR specs, the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, which as you can probably guess feature a display for the specs to relay info visually. We’ve tested them, and they’re everything Google Glass wanted to be, but right now they're not easy to get hold of.

What about VR headsets proper? Valve surprised no one (because the device was so heavily leaked before launch) with its Steam Frame headset announcement. Key details like the price are still a mystery, but it will be landing in 2026 – and when it does, the spec sheet teases a device that could seriously challenge the reigning champion of VR, the Meta Quest 3. Depending on how Valve handles the launch, I wouldn’t be surprised if it makes all other headsets feel obsolete – even the Galaxy XR and Apple Vision Pro.

Talking of Apple's mixed-reality spatial-computing headset, we got a new version with an M5 chip and comfier strap, but while it's a worthwhile upgrade the price still feels too high.

THE YEAR IN AUDIO

The year the big dogs bit back

If 2024 was the year niche UK hi-fi brands took over the dance floor amid a hiatus from audio's heavy hitters (see Bowers & Wilkins' fantastic Pi8 earbuds or Cambridge Audio's inaugural, affordable, adorable P100 cans), 2025 was the year the big dogs returned to the party and got their groove back.

We got five major headphones releases in 2025, starting with the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds in February. The hotly anticipated update to the 2019 Powerbeats Pro proved that Apple could indeed deliver heart-rate monitoring in its earbuds.

Cut to May and Sony's WH-1000XM6 landed, to finally knock the 2020-issue WH-1000XM4 off the top spot in our best headphones guide. It was a similar story with the June arrival of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), quickly followed by the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) in September – a two-pronged attack on the market that saw Bose reinstated as the king of ANC.

However, this roundup wouldn't be complete without a nod to the biggest launch of them all: the fall arrival of Apple's AirPods Pro 3. The shape's different, the ANC is twice as good, and yes, like the Powerbeats Pro 2 they also keep tabs on your ticker, in a slightly different way, and with increasing third-party fitness-app support. Still the most popular earbuds in the world? Absolutely.

Elsewhere, Spotify Lossless finally landed, at no cost to Premium subscribers, offering almost-as-good-as-Apple-Music resolution at up to 24-bit/44.1kHz. While Lossless wasn't a huge hit with fans initially, the big green streaming machine's popularity continues to grow, despite concerns over artist payments.

Oh, and if you take note of just one audio brand name this year, let it be WiiM. As Sonos continues to tackle trust issues among its once-loyal fanbase, the plucky multi-room underdog unveiled its WiiM Sound (and now the WiiM Sound Lite) premium hi-res speakers – and the firm would love to help you build your wireless sound system around them.

THE YEAR IN CAMERAS

A memorable year for glass as well as for cameras

2025 was full of pleasant surprises for photographers. The Sigma BF was truly out of the ordinary, being dubbed ‘the camera Apple would have made’, while the Caira with its Nano Banana AI skills showed us a glimpse of how on-the-go generative editing can work in an actual camera.

Fujifilm and OM System showed us that user experience matters with the quirky X half and retro OM-3 respectively, while Hasselblad and Nikon delivered strong offerings of their own – my favorite stills camera ever, the X2D II, and a new player in the cinema-camera game, the Nikon Zr. A special shoutout goes to Nikon for becoming the best-value camera brand this year, notably for the excellent Z5 II, which is our Camera of the Year, and Z50 II.

It was arguably an even better year for new lenses than cameras, with Sigma, Sony and Viltrox in particular knocking it out the park with world-first and affordable optics. Canon continues to lock out third parties from its full-frame camera lineup, but that decision feels more justified after it launched the affordable and capable 45mm F1.2 STM prime.

A sense of order was restored towards the end of the year when Canon and Sony launched their anticipated mid-range full-frame cameras: the EOS R6 III and A7 V, both of which are integral to their lineups.

The long-threatened US ban on DJI products finally came into effect, and we saw a couple of major product launches from the brand in the build-up to it: the incredible (sort of) sub-250g Mini 5 Pro, and the DJI Osmo 360 – its first foray into 360 cameras, and rival to both the Insta 360 X5 and GoPro’s new Max 2. DJI is also being tipped to launch its first 360 drone soon, but Insta360 got there first with the truly innovative Antigravity A1.

Overall, it’s been a good year for camera fans, with demand seemingly remaining strong in the face of competition from increasingly capable smartphones. I’m predicting that the consumer and cinema camera spaces will continue converging in 2026, and I hope the likes of Viltrox expand our options with new and affordable autofocus zoom lenses.

The year in gaming

The Switch 2 makes waves, and GTA 6 looms over 2026

Gaming in 2025 was largely dominated by the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2. It’s a safe improvement on the original Switch, and one that epitomizes the ‘evolution not revolution’ approach to console development.

The specs sheet won’t blow anyone’s socks off, but it’s a superb package that cements the Switch's position as the go-to handheld console; and it was so popular in the pre-order and launch phases that it took months for retailers to catch up with demand. It’s been backed up by some excellent games too, including Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Kirby Air Riders, and Pokémon Legends Z-A.

Sony had its own say in the gaming handheld space, breathing new life into the PlayStation Portal handheld device, which is now capable of excellent cloud streaming. This has elevated the handheld, which we were already big fans of, to impressive new heights.

The PS5’s game library got a bump with Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Ghost of Yotei, as well as titles including Borderlands 4, Battlefield 6, Arc Raiders and TechRadar Gaming’s Game of the Year, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Elsewhere, indie games ruled, with the likes of Blue Prince, Hades 2, and Hollow Knight: Silksong proving standouts in a strong year for releases.

It’s been a year to forget for Xbox, however, and its woes only accentuated the aforementioned successes for Nintendo and Sony. For starters, more Xbox games – including Gears of War: Reloaded – arrived on PS5, while others are set to follow, including the symbol of Xbox itself, Halo. Meanwhile studios were shuttered and prospective games cancelled, and to make matters worse the Xbox X/S were outsold by a tiny family console, the Nex Playground, over Black Friday. All in all it’s been tough going for Team Green.

As for 2026, it’s beginning to feel like the pace of progress towards next-gen consoles will quicken, and the game release calendar looks well stocked. However, a titan looms: Grand Theft Auto 6 is now slated for release in November after being originally planned for late 2025, and the whole gaming world is going to revolve around its arrival.

THE YEAR IN FITNESS

Time’s finally up for wasteful wearables, thanks to Google

Last year, I ended my contribution to this round-up by predicting a move away from fitness watches towards screenless trackers, such as a new WHOOP model, writes Matt Evans, Senior Editor, Fitness, Wellness & Wearables. Well, we got not one, but two new WHOOPs, and they were… fine. But, as prices rose, I found the ongoing subscription model far too expensive.

However, my prediction that we’d move away from smartwatches hasn’t really been borne out. Wearable tech isn’t changing much in the mainstream, with the highest-profile releases being a slate of new watches from Garmin, Apple, Samsung, Google and OnePlus, and they’ve been as popular as ever.

Look beyond those big releases, however, and interesting new stuff is out there. A subscription-free WHOOP competitor band was launched by Polar, while Core Devices, the resurrected Pebble watch company led by its original founder, unveiled a pair of watches inspired by the original Pebble designs, complete with low-power LCD-style screens, and open-source software that anyone with the know-how can tinker with.

Core Devices also launched a new kind of smart ring with a button and a microphone, which the company says acts as “external memory for the brain”. Elsewhere, the AirPods Pro 3 now have built-in heart rate sensors, and Meta teamed up with Garmin to bring us the Oakley Meta Vanguard sports specs. Cool new wearable innovations are happening, but it all still feels quite fringe.

My innovation of the year, however, came from Google. The Google Pixel Watch 4 is the first properly repairable smartwatch, as you’re able to take it apart and replace the battery and display. This enables you to change individual parts rather than the whole watch, reducing your contribution to e-waste, and saving you money in the long run.

Almost every other piece of wearable tech from every other company is still a sealed unit that will ultimately end up being disposed of, and I hope Google's move could be the catalyst for change that the wasteful wearable tech industry sorely needs.

THE YEAR IN ENTERTAINMENT

Streaming sensations, box-office flops, and merger madness

The biggest story of 2025 broke late in the year, and it concerned off-screen studio machinations rather than on-screen drama. Netflix’s $82.7bn bid for Warner Bros. sent shockwaves through the industry when it was announced in early December, and provoked a counter-bid from Paramount Skydance. There’s still a long way to go before a deal is approved, but should Netflix acquire one of the film world’s most iconic studios it would be a landmark moment for the streaming sector, and would represent a seismic shift for the entertainment industry as a whole.

Turning to the year's big theatrical releases, and numerous new movies flopped at the box office, including some with huge names attached (I’m looking at you, Dwayne Johnson and The Smashing Machine). Heck, with Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts*, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps all underperforming, even the usually reliable Marvel Studios didn’t have a money-spinning hit on its hands. I wonder how many people predicted that animated and live-action/CGI hybrids would rule the theatrical roost, led by multi-billion dollar-spinning flicks like Lilo & Stitch, Zootopia 2, and Ne Zha II…

As for the major streaming services, users endured more of the now-customary annual price hikes, while Max raised eyebrows by rebranding itself – again – to HBO Max. On the screen, unexpected hits such as HBO medical drama The Pitt, plus Netflix's ‘one-shot’ drama Adolescence and pop-culture phenomenon Kpop Demon Hunters, proved that not even the savviest industry exec can really be sure what viewers will latch onto. Add in the return of unmissable shows including Severance and Stranger Things amid the glut of great and not-so-great film and TV releases, and there was plenty to keep our eyeballs engaged. Now, what have you got in store for us, 2026?

The Year in Smart Home

If the subscriptions don't get you, the fridge ads will

It's been a slow but not insignificant year in home technology as legacy brands scramble to keep pace with bigger, already tech-savvy players vying for their spot in our homes – whether that's Breville reinventing the toaster with a proprietary optical sensor, IKEA launching new renewable energy solutions, or Eufy and Dreame duking it out to give us the most effective stair-climbing robot vacuum.

Some brands were less innovative than others though. Dyson left some of us feeling snubbed with its 'new' (read: decade-old) vacuum, while Shark's TurboBlade Cool + Heat failed to impress despite its noble attempt at mimicking other SharkNinja product's viral fame.

Elsewhere we saw big plays from Amazon and Google in the smart home space, with the arrival of their AI-bolstered home assistants. Amazon's Alexa+ and Google's Gemini for Home both entered Early Access beta in the US, and while the early reviews for both have been mixed, it's a promising glimpse into the future of the connected home.

Both of those services are subscription-based offerings, and subscriptions look set to become a major battleground for smart-home brands, and a bone of contention between brands and their customers, as companies attempt to lock users into their ecosystems, as we've already seen with video doorbells. Between that, and brands like Samsung using screen-loaded appliances as advertising billboards around the home, now might be a good time to really think about which brands you want want to invest in as you build your smart home.

• More DJI Avata 360 details have leaked
• The 360-degree drone will come in various bundles
• A new DJI power bank has also appeared

Take a peek at our list of the most exciting cameras to expect in 2026, and you'll see there's a mention of the DJI Avata 360 – and a fresh leak has now given us some additional information about the first 360-degree drone from DJI.

Veteran tipster @Quadro_News has posted an image that purportedly shows off the bundles we can expect the DJI Avata 360 to be available in. As you would expect, they pretty closely match what's available with the existing DJI Avata 2.

We've got a choice of options with additional batteries and carrying cases, as well as bundles with or without the DJI RC 2 remote controller (so if you already have one, you don't need to buy another).

The most expensive bundle appears to include both the DJI Goggles N3 for a truly immersive viewing experience, and the DJI RC Motion 3 controller, for controlling the flying machine via gestures rather than joysticks.

Pricing and power banks

We get some pricing on these bundles as well, though the numbers listed are in Chinese yuan. Direct currency conversions are unlikely to apply here once all of the taxes and duties and tariffs are taken into account.

To give you a rough idea though, the cheapest combo comes in at 2,988 yuan, which is about $425 / £320 / AU$640 using the currency rates at the time of writing. The most expensive bundle is close to double the price.

Of course there's a big caveat here: DJI drones are now banned in the US, so the DJI Avata 360 won't be launching in that country. For everyone else, this competitor to the Antigravity A1 from Insta360 should arrive sooner rather than later.

Meanwhile, the same leak from @Quadro_News also teases a DJI portable power station called the DJI Power 1000 Mini – which, judging by the name, will be a smaller version of the original DJI Power 1000 that launched back in 2024.

• The DJI Osmo Action 6 can now record in 8K
• This comes via a firmware upgrade with other goodies included
• You can update now via the DJI Mimo app

Have a read through our DJI Osmo Action 6 review, and you'll see we were very impressed with the action camera – it got four-and-a-half stars out of five – but the device is now even better, as its latest firmware upgrade ups the maximum video recording resolution to 8K.

News of the update was posted to Instagram by DJI (via PetaPixel), and you can see from the post that that 8K recording is now available at 30 frames per second, at a 16:9 aspect ratio. It's a pretty sweet free upgrade for owners of the camera.

There's more in the update too: it also adds the ability to upload footage direct from the camera to various cloud services, including OneDrive and Google Drive, or a personal NAS. This can be done automatically or manually as needed.

Owners of the action camera now have access to new film-style tone presets in Photo mode as well, plus additional customization options, and a few other minor tweaks (the grid overlay in Custom mode has been tweaked for the better, for example).

Better than ever

The DJI Osmo Action 6 was already one of the best action cameras on the market, and these new upgrades improve it even further. It offers excellent photo and video quality, in a wide range of lighting conditions, and an easy-to-use interface.

"With the Osmo Action 6, DJI cements its position as a real threat to GoPro's dominance in the action camera market," we wrote in our review. "The Osmo Action 6 is yet another step in the right direction for DJI."

If you own one of these cameras, you can get the new update through the DJI Mimo app – it should appear automatically as a prompt on screen inside the app, when it's ready (firmware 01.02.05.21 is the version you're looking out for).

It's another reminder that software updates don't just have to be about bug fixes: they can also bring with them genuinely useful improvements that add extra value for money when companies invest enough time and effort into them.

• The DJI Osmo Pocket 4 has appeared in another leaked image
• A launch for the vlogging camera shouldn't be far off now
• It may well come with an optional wireless remote accessory

It looks as though we're not going to see the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 vlogging camera replaced before the end of 2025, but another image of its successor has sneaked out online, together with details of a brand new accessory that might accompany it.

Tipster @OsitaLV (via Notebookcheck) has posted a fresh picture of the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 (the camera furthest to the left in the image below), together with its predecessor (the middle camera) and an unidentified camera on the far right that we can't quite see.

The changes we've seen in previous leaks are again visible here: there's a larger camera housing, which we think is to fit in a dual lens setup, as well as additional physical buttons underneath the rotating viewfinder screen.

Might the camera on the far right be a single-lens version of the DJI Osmo Pocket 4? It's difficult to tell, and we haven't heard too many rumors about multiple variants of this camera – though it's definitely possible that standard and pro versions will be offered.

An accompanying accessory

We were expecting the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 to break cover before the end of the year, but that now looks unlikely to happen. The word from those in the know is that quality control issues have meant that the camera has been delayed into 2026.

Further complicating matters, new DJI products are now banned in the US, as of December 23. It looks as though the new camera won't be launching there at all, though previously purchased DJI kit should carry on working as normal.

We've also heard that the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 might come with a new accessory: New Camera (again via Notebookcheck) spotted something called the DJI Osmo FrameTap has been registered at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US.

Quite how that fits in with the US ban isn't clear – but the listing suggests it's a wireless remote that goes with the camera. Given the number of leaks we've seen so far, it shouldn't be too long before these devices are made official.

• New leaks for the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 and DJI Avata 360 have appeared
• Both products could be launching before the end of 2025
• A ban in the US is looming for DJI, which would block new launches

Even as a US ban looms, DJI is still pushing out new products to try and get as much stock on shelves as possible – and it doesn't seem to be finished yet for 2025, according to fresh leaks of the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 vlogging camera and the DJI Avata 360 drone (rumored to be DJI's first 360-degree model).

First the DJI Osmo Pocket 4, and well-known tipster Igor Bogdanov has posted a brief clip showing the camera being tested, apparently out in the real world. We get a reasonably clear look at the new device, though the clip is rather brief.

This backs up previous leaks around the successor to the current model, which we described as "class-leading" in our DJI Osmo Pocket 3 review. The updated version is expected to have a second camera lens, a bigger battery life, and a rotatable display.

All of these improvements apparently mean the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 will be slightly taller and heavier than its predecessor, which seems to be the case in this leak too. We're still not sure exactly when we'll see the rumored vlogging camera, but given the frequency of the leaks lately, it's likely that a launch will be happening soon.

Full 360-degree coverage

On to the DJI Avata 360, and this is another DJI product that's already been extensively leaked, suggesting an imminent launch: previous rumors have predicted that the 360-degree drone is going to break cover before the end of the year, which only gives DJI two or three weeks to get this announced.

The latest leak comes from New Camera, which has done the work of digging through all the AI-generated fakes on the web to find an image which might actually, authentically, show the DJI Avata 360 retail box. This appears to be the Fly More Combo box that comes with three batteries inside.

A first-person view pair of goggles also appear to be bundled with the drone, and besides capturing photos and videos in 360-degrees, that wraparound first-person view will be one of the key benefits of the DJI Avata 360 – which is expected to offer 8K video capture, dual 1/1.1-inch CMOS sensors, obstacle avoidance, and a follow mode.

The previous reference point for this drone seems to be the DJI Avata 2, although the 360-degree model is being tipped to come with a larger battery for a longer flight time. Whatever the specs, the drone will be taking on the Antigravity A1 from Insta360, which has already impressed us.

• The DJI FlyCart 100 is a new heavy-duty load-carrying drone
• It can carry up to 100kg and climb heights up to 6,000 meters
• It’s also able to operate in a range of demanding environments

DJI drones may be faced with an impending US ban, but that hasn't stopped new models from flying into view – in fact, the Chinese giant has just unleashed its most powerful flying machine so far in the form of the brilliantly-named FlyCart 100..

According to a DJI press release, the FlyCart 100 could deliver your next parcel – although unless you’re up Mount Everest or on a construction site, it probably won’t be necessary. That’s because it’s custom-made to work with heavy payloads in the most challenging environments, and by the sound of it, there’s not a whole lot it can’t do. It could be one of the best drones around, albeit not one you'd pack for a photography trip.

DJI says the FlyCart 100 can carry loads up to 100kg in weight, making it a beefy option compared to more standard delivery drones. Over longer distances, it can carry 65kg for 12 kilometers, or 80kg for six kilometers, giving it impressive range for substantial parcels.

In order to do that, it’s equipped with a winch and 30-meter cable, which can be retracted at a rate of 1.2 meters per second. The winch has both automatic and manual release and retrieval options, too.

That kind of carrying capacity requires a powerful battery. In that regard, DJI notes that the FlyCart 100 can support ultra-fast charging and has hot-swappable batteries with a redundant design, enabling the drone to keep operating even when one cell goes down. The batteries can also be warmed to keep them working well in cold conditions.

Comes with a sky-high price tag

Speaking of which, DJI says its new drone can function in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 40°C, withstand winds of up to 12 meters per second, and fly as high as 6,000 meters, which would let it scale a good number of sky-high mountains. It’s got IP55 water and dust resistance, a LiDAR detection system to help it avoid obstacles, plus a built-in parachute that slows its descent to seven meters per second if needed.

Still, despite all that, it’s not the friendliest-looking drone on the market. Its large size, angular design, eight blades and multiple attachments give it a cyberpunk feel, like it was heading to a shoot for a new Terminator film and got lost along the way. If I saw a swarm of FlyCart 100 drones appearing over the horizon, I’m sure my heart would skip a beat or two.

If you’re based in the US, though, you might not be able to get hold of one of these products. The US government is inching closer to banning DJI products from its shores over alleged national security concerns, meaning the company’s titan-sized drone might never make an appearance there.

DJI hasn’t listed an official price for the FlyCart 100. We’re checking with DJI but have seen prices listed elsewhere in the range of $12.500 (£9,400 / AU$18,800). That might seem like a lot, but this is no consumer toy.

Given what it can do, it’s likely that anyone interested in its capabilities won’t mind paying a pretty penny for a drone that claims to be able to stand up to the roughest of challenges. Let's just hope the FlyCart 100 doesn't find a way to connect to Skynet and get HK-Aerial ambitions.

• The DJI Osmo Pocket 4 has passed FCC approval
• A launch could now be imminent
• DJI is racing to get ahead of a ban next month

It looks as though we might soon be getting a successor to the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 – which we described as "class-leading" in our review – now that a new DJI vlogging camera has tipped up at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US.

Any gadget that wants to go on sale in the United States has to get FCC approval first, and as spotted by New Camera (via Notebookcheck), that has now happened. It means the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 could be going on sale pretty much any day now.

The FCC documentation doesn't tell us a whole lot that's exciting about the camera – it confirms that it'll support Wi-Fi 5, for example, like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 – but there is apparently going to be a battery capacity upgrade: up from 1,300 mAh to 1,545 mAh.

We'll have to wait and see how much difference that makes to actual battery life when we get our hands on the DJI Osmo Pocket 4. Extra battery capacity is always welcome of course, but it's only one of the factors that contribute to battery life.

A ban in the US is looming

We have previously seen leaked images of the DJI Osmo Pocket 4, which show a substantial redesign. That redesign could include a second screen, apparently, which would also have an impact on the average time between battery charges.

As well as a second screen, the rumors are that the upcoming gimbal device is going to have a second camera too. That would theoretically lead to higher quality photos and videos, and a wider range of shooting options too.

This is all happening under the threat of a ban on new DJI products in the US, which looks increasingly likely to happen on Tuesday, December 23. A government agency security audit needs to happen before that date for DJI to escape a ban.

DJI will want to get the Osmo Pocket 4 launched before December 23 and the start of the ban – though at the moment it's unclear what powers the US government might have to retroactively ban products launched before that date.

Welcome to another In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) round-up, which we do every week to make sure you're fully caught up with all the big stories that have been breaking in the world of technology over the last seven days.

It's been a bumper week this week – as it is every week – and we've seen an important upgrade for ChatGPT, a new retro film camera from Kodak, an update on the US ban for DJI, a tease about the 'future of wearables' from Garmin, and more besides.

Of course, it's peak time for the Black Friday deals as well, so you'll find links to a pile of discounts and deals further down this page (or head here for the best UK deals too). If you're in the market for a new piece of tech, now might be the perfect time to pick it up. But first, here are the rest of the week's biggest stories...

7. Kodak gave us a gloriously retro 35mm film camera

Say hello to the Snapic A1, a new 35mm film camera from Kodak that offers multiple exposure shooting, a 25mm three-element glass lens, a maximum aperture of f/9.5, and manual focus, all wrapped up in a plastic build with a retro aesthetic.

The camera tips the scales at a mere 117 grams, comes in two colors (Rhino Grey and Ivory White), and costs $99 (that's around £75 / AU$150), with a neck strap and pouch included. Given the sample photos provided, we're cautiously optimistic about performance, too.

• Read more: Kodak reveals affordable 35mm film camera that's a glorious blast from the past

6. Garmin teased the ‘future of wearables’

What is Garmin working on? One of the company's official social media pages posted and then pulled a teaser for a new device, promising the 'future of wearables' – and there's been plenty of speculation online about what the teaser could be referring to.

Based on the brief glimpse we get in the teaser image, it looks as though the upcoming device could be a slim smartwatch rather than the Whoop competitor Garmin is rumored to be working on – but we won't know for sure until Garmin makes it official.

• Read more: Garmin just teased a new device it's calling the 'future of wearables' – and it's coming soon

5. ChatGPT got a voice mode upgrade

The voice mode inside ChatGPT now works much more seamlessly with the text mode, so you can switch between them more easily. We've already given the new interface a whirl, and came away impressed by how much it improves the user experience of the AI bot.

We've got all the details you need to know about the newly revised and improved voice mode, including how to switch back to the old interface, and exactly what the differences are if you're signed up for one of the ChatGPT subscription plans, compared to free users.

• Read more: ChatGPT's voice mode just got a major upgrade – here are 5 things you need to know

4. Insta360’s all-seeing drone got a launch date

Insta360 has a new 360-degree drone called the Antigravity A1, which should make for some spectacular in-flight views, and some fantastic subsequent photos and videos. The drone was actually announced in August, but now we have an on-sale date too.

You'll be able to place your order for the Antigravity A1 on Thursday, December 4 – and it's going to be available worldwide, so you should be able to get hold of one. In the meantime, DJI is strongly rumored to be working on its own 360-degree drone device.

• Read more: Forget DJI – Insta360's exciting Antigravity drone just got an on-sale date and it's soon

3. OpenAI’s first gadget took a step closer to reality

It's no longer a secret that OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, in partnership with ex-Apple design chief Jony Ive, are working on a device that will let you carry ChatGPT around with you at all times – but we're still waiting to find out what it looks like and what it'll cost.

Those questions remain unanswered, but we do know the gadget is getting closer to a launch. Altman has now gone on the record saying the device should feel like a "cabin by a lake" compared to an iPhone – whatever that means – and will be launching within the next couple of years.

• Read more: Sam Altman says his new AI device should feel like a 'cabin by a lake' – not an iPhone

2. DJI warned us about its imminent US ban

Time is rapidly running out for DJI to avoid having new products banned in the US – not because any security audit has found it to be a threat to US national security, but because no security audit at all has taken place, with a December 23 deadline fast approaching.

DJI has now posted a full update on the current situation for its users, and is asking for their help to avoid a ban. Find out what the ban will mean for DJI if it eventually comes into force, and that will happen to the products you've already bought after that date.

• Read more: DJI explains what its looming US ban means for your drones – and says time is quickly running out

1. We hand-picked the best Black Friday deals

We take Black Friday deals hunting very seriously here at TechRadar, and our team of experts has been hard at work looking across the biggest retailers on the web for the holiday season discounts that you should be taking advantage of across this week.

We're not just looking for the most significant discounts out there – though that's part of it – but we're also picking out the best gadgets and products on the market, and finding them at the lowest prices. You can be sure that all of these deals are worth your while.

• Read more: The best Black Friday deals in the US and the best Black Friday deals in the UK

• A DJI ban in the US could happen next month
• December 23 is a key date for the ban process
• DJI has posted an urgent update on efforts to avoid the ban

If you've been keeping tabs on the news around DJI, you'll know that there have been worries over its products being banned in the US for several years now. Next month, that ban could finally happen – and DJI has now posted an update on the situation.

In a new blog post, DJI has highlighted the crucial deadline of Tuesday, December 23, 2025. That's the date when DJI will be added to what's known as the 'Covered List' by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Once that happens, DJI says "we would no longer be able to launch new products in the U.S". This is "expected to impact all DJI products", DJI says, and not just drones.

The only way DJI can avoid being put on this list is to pass a security audit, but no such audit has happened – and in fact no government agency has even been assigned to handle it. With only a month to go, it's looking unlikely that it will be carried out.

"DJI has repeatedly and publicly requested for a fair, transparent, and timely audit, but - as far as we can tell - the process has not begun," explains the blog post. "DJI could face a market ban without any review or due process – not because of any wrongdoing, but because of a legislative gap and continued government inaction." But what does this all mean for your DJI tech?

What happens to current DJI devices?

If you're already using DJI drones and cameras in the US, no one is going to come and take them away. However, the ban could eventually lead to DJI being unable to issue software updates for its products in the US, or involve restrictions being placed on the connectivity of those products at some later point.

DJI says that "even if DJI were added to the FCC’s Covered List, you would still be able to use your current DJI equipment". However, the Chinese company added that "a listing could block future purchases of DJI products – even those already on shelves in the U.S". Worryingly. that means that "while your current drones would still function, the future availability of products and upgrades could be at risk", DJI added.

Another unknown is whether or not DJI devices that have already launched in the US will be removed from sale: it's something that US authorities would have the power to do, but further public consultation would be required. Right now, we just don't know what will happen with devices that are already being sold.

This is all down to the US government suspecting DJI has links to the Chinese military, something which DJI strenuously denies. The current US administration is currently busy scrutinizing many different types of technology developed outside of its borders – including TikTok of course.

DJI says it will continue to fight a ban in the US, and is pushing for an extension to the December 23 deadline. It's also encouraging users to get in touch with US lawmakers and make their voices heard, which you can do by following this link.

• The DJI Avata 360 just passed through US regulatory approval
• We're expecting it to launch before the end of the year
• 8K video recording and other advanced specs have been rumored

DJI is expected to launch its first drone with a 360-degree camera in the near future, ready to compete directly with the Insta360 Antigravity A1, and a fresh leak gives us some indication of when the DJI model might launch.

It's expected to be called the DJI Avata 360, and DroneXL has spotted that the flying machine has just been granted regulatory approval at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US.

However, there's the potential of a DJI device ban looming in the United States, which could come into force on Tuesday, December 23. That will happen unless the US government specifically approves DJI technology as permitted before then.

With that in mind, the team at DroneXL expects DJI to try and get the 360-degree drone on sale before December 23 – otherwise, it's not going to be available in the US at all. In other words, we might see the DJI Avatar 360 appear any day from now.

Predicted specs

Some important specs for the drone have been revealed so far, from both the FCC filing and other sources. It looks as though we're going to get a 38.67 Wh (14.32 V) battery, which would be a 26% capacity boost from the DJI Avata 2.

Dual 1/1.1-inch CMOS sensors are expected for the camera system, enabling 8K video capture in 360 degrees at 50 frames per second,, with 4K/120fps standard video and 38MP panoramic still photos also still available.

Four front-facing sensors and two side sensors are expected to provide obstacle avoidance, and enable the drone to follow moving subjects. As for connectivity, OcuSync 4.0 tech will apparently provide a range of up to 20 kilometers (12.4 miles).

All of this should be official sooner rather than later, even if there remains a lot of uncertainty about DJI in the US. We've written a full explanation of what the ban would potentially mean for new and existing DJI products.

You can stop searching – I've found your best first drone for a record-low price, and that's the DJI Mini 4K for $239 (was $299) at Amazon. That's for the basic bundle, for which there's an equally great deal in the UK – the Mini 4K for just £215 at Amazon (was £269). Considering the Mini 4K was already the best value option for most beginners, these Black Friday prices are hard to resist.

• Shop DJI's full Black Friday sale

And I should know – I bought the Mini 4K myself when it came out in April 2024, before awarding it 4.5 stars in my review. It's a fabulous 4K drone, with a lightweight body and a host of easy flight moves to elevate the quality of your aerial shots in quick time. I've since moved onto pricier drones such as the Mini 5 Pro, but trust me the Mini 4K is an excellent starter kit.

There are three bundles to choose between, which also includes the comprehensive Fly More Combo for $359 in the US (was $449) or for £318.99 in the UK (was £399.99). You'll find links to all of these deals below. You should also check out TechRadar's live Black Friday coverage where we highlight only the very best deals during the year's biggest sale.

(Not in the US or UK? See today's best deals in your region below)

Today's best DJI Mini 4K Black Friday deal (US)

Today's best DJI Mini 4K Black Friday deal (UK)

Should I buy the DJI Mini 4K?

In my book the Mini 4K makes the most sense for most people who've never flown a drone before – you won't find better price to performance elsewhere.

Top features include the 3-axis gimbal camera, sharp 4K video recording, a host of dynamic QuikShots flight moves, and sturdy level 5 wind resistance.

Sure, the Neo is even cheaper and lighter than the Mini 4K (while the newer Neo 2 is around the same price), but that drone is more casual and selfie-focused. Or you could splash out more for the Mini 5 Pro to get object sensing (a supremely helpful feature) and DJI's D-Log M color profile among other upgrades, but that's quite the leap in price.

No, for me, the Mini 4K is the best beginner drone overall, especially now that it's available for the lowest-ever price.

If you'd like more buying advice, you should check out my DJI Mini 5 Pro vs DJI Mini 4K and DJI Mini 4K vs DJI Neo articles, where you can get the full low down on how these beginner drones compare.

I've added further deals for some of the best beginner drones below.

More Black Friday beginner drone deals

Shop more of today's best Black Friday sales in the US

• Amazon: 45% off TVs, AirPods, air fryers & vacuums
• Apple: iPads, AirPods & MacBooks from $119
• Best Buy: $1,000 off TVs, laptops & headphones
• Dell: laptop deals from $249.99
• Home Depot: 40% off appliances, furniture, grills & tools
• Lenovo: 45% off laptops & tablets
• Lowe's: up to 30% off appliances, holiday decor & tools
• Samsung: up to $2,000 off appliances, TVs & phones
• Target: 40% off Christmas decor, clothing & furniture
• T-Mobile: up to $1,100 off latest iPhone 17
• Walmart: furniture, cheap TVs & vacs from $69
• Wayfair: 54% off Christmas, furniture & decor

Shop more of today's best Black Friday sales in the UK

• Amazon: up to 66% off tech & essentials
• AO: up to £500 off Dyson, Bosch & Hisense
• Argos: up to 50% off appliances, tech & toys
• Boots: save on 1,000s of beauty products
• Currys: deals on Ninja, Shark & Lenovo
• Dell: laptops from £279
• Dyson: up to £550 off vacuums
• EE: Switch 2 bundles from £20/month
• John Lewis: up to 50% off tech & fashion
• Lego: sets & accessories from £2.99
• Samsung: deals on appliances & phones
• Very: up to 40% off tech, toys & fashion

I've been searching for the best Black Friday camera bargains, and I must say that the tastiest deals are for the latest 360 cameras. I can't say that I'm surprised, now that DJI and GoPro are vying with Insta360 to be the top pick, while Akaso entered the fray as a budget alternative.

So which you 360 camera should buy? That decision is hardly any easier since all the cameras are on sale over Black Friday, although your wallet will be thanking you if you act this week rather than delaying. If we're purely talking price, it's a win for DJI right now – the DJI Osmo 360 costs $357.49 at Amazon (was $549.99), while it's £298 at Amazon in the UK (probably the best deal of all).

In the US, there's $100 off for the GoPro Max 2 which is now $399 (was $499) - while it sinks to a record low in the UK: $349 at WEX (was $449). Meanwhile, the Insta360 X5 drops to $464.99 in the US (was $549.99) and to just £409.99 in the UK (was £519.99) – both of those are record-low prices, and it's available for that price in black or white colorways. Oh, and there are even bigger price cuts on older models.

I've rounded up the very best 360 camera deals below, together with price tracking so you can get a feel for the deals. And if you're not sure where to start, do check out the Which 360 camera should you buy? section below. And for more tech deals, be sure to check out TechRadar's live Black Friday coverage.

(Not in the US or UK? You can find the best prices for the best 360 cameras via the links at the end of this roundup.)

Today's best 360 camera deals in the US

Today's best 360 camera deals in the UK

Which 360 camera should you buy?

DJI and GoPro revealed stunning 360 cameras this year – the Osmo 360 and Max 2 respectively – that both shoot 8K video with full 360-degree coverage. They present a serious challenge to the Insta360 X5 – the top pick in my best 360 camera guide, and while I reckon the X5 remains the best camera of its kind overall, DJI's Osmo 360 and GoPro's Max 2 have certain advantages of their own.

So should you be looking for the best deal or the best value? Based on the deals above, surely DJI is the option to go for? Not exactly – prices only tell one side of the story (and they do regularly change).

The Insta360 X5 and GoPro Max 2 both have a trick up their sleeves that DJI's Osmo 360 wishes it had – and that's cost-effective replacement lenses. Should either of the lenses get damaged, say in a nasty tumble – which is quite likely depending on what kind of use the camera gets and the bulbous design of those optics – you can swap them out with a low-cost replacement. Not so with the Osmo 360.

On this basis and with the slight price differences in the UK and US over Black Friday, I'm tempted to recommend the GoPro and Insta360 cameras over DJI's right now.

That's one feature covered, but you should also consider when and where you are likely to use each camera. In our in-depth reviews, we said the Insta360 X5 is the best overall package, that the Max 2 excels in bright daylight with its 'true' 8K image quality, while the Osmo 360 is a low-light champion. As you can see, the choice also comes down to how you'll use a 360 camera – thankfully we've reviewed each model and distilled that advice into our best 360 cameras guide.

Here's how each of the latest flagship 360 camera's key specs square up:

One more thing – do you actually need the latest gear at all? I'm asking because there are even bigger savings on older models, such as the Insta360 X4 and Go Pro Max (I've also included those deals above too), plus budget brand Akaso. For example, UK shoppers can now take advantage of a £200 saving on the GoPro Max now just £149 at Amazon.

However you look at it, it's a great time to be shopping for a 360 camera. For years, there was only one choice – Insta360 – but now we are spoiled with alternatives from GoPro, DJI, and Akaso.

Prices change regularly over Black Friday, so I've included live prices below for the best deals for all of these 360 cameras at the end of this article, for wherever you live.

Shop more of today's best US Black Friday sales

• Amazon: 45% off TVs, AirPods, air fryers & vacuums
• Apple: iPads, AirPods & MacBooks from $119
• Best Buy: $1,000 off TVs, laptops & headphones
• Dell: laptop deals from $249.99
• Home Depot: 40% off appliances, furniture, grills & tools
• Lenovo: 45% off laptops & tablets
• Lowe's: up to 30% off appliances, holiday decor & tools
• Samsung: up to $2,000 off appliances, TVs & phones
• Target: 40% off Christmas decor, clothing & furniture
• T-Mobile: up to $1,100 off latest iPhone 17
• Walmart: furniture, cheap TVs & vacs from $69
• Wayfair: 54% off Christmas, furniture & decor

Shop more of today's best UK Black Friday sales

• Amazon: up to 66% off tech & essentials
• AO: up to £500 off Dyson, Bosch & Hisense
• Argos: up to 50% off appliances, tech & toys
• Boots: save on 1,000s of beauty products
• Currys: deals on Ninja, Shark & Lenovo
• Dell: laptops from £279
• Dyson: up to £550 off vacuums
• EE: Switch 2 bundles from £20/month
• John Lewis: up to 50% off tech & fashion
• Lego: sets & accessories from £2.99
• Samsung: deals on appliances & phones
• Very: up to 40% off tech, toys & fashion

DJI and GoPro delivered stunning 360 cameras this year that both shoot 8K video with full 360-degree coverage and present a serious challenge to the Insta360 X5 – the top pick in our best 360 camera guide. While the X5 remains the best camera of its kind overall, DJI's Osmo 360 and GoPro's Max 2 have certain advantages of their own, and now they are arguably better picks given that they just received huge price cuts (depending on where you live).

There are currently no deals on the Insta360 X5, which means it is considerably pricier than rivals. But which of the two excellent value 360 camera alternatives would I pick? If we're purely talking price, it's a win for DJI right now – the DJI Osmo 360 costs $410 at Amazon (was $549.99), while it's £298 at Amazon in the UK (probably the best deal of all).

• Shop all early Amazon US Black Friday deals
• Shop all early Amazon UK Black Friday deals

The GoPro Max 2 remains at full price in the US – $499 - while it sinks to a record low in the UK: $349 at WEX (was $449). I'm keeping an eye on prices, which could change at any point over Black Friday.

So surely it's a home run for DJI then? Not precisely, because prices only tell one side of the story and they do regularly change...

Best deal or best value?

GoPro's Max 2 has a trick up its sleeve that DJI's Osmo 360 wishes it had – cost-effective replacement lenses. Yes, should you damage either of the bulbous lenses in the Osmo 360 – which is quite likely depending on what kind of use it gets – it'll need to go in for repair or get replaced.

Not so with the Max 2, because you can easily remove a damaged lens should your camera take a particularly nasty tumble and swap it out with a low-cost replacement. The Insta360 X5 has this feature too, by the way.

On this basis and with the slight price difference in the UK, I'm tempted to recommend the Max 2 to UK shoppers right now. There's a bigger price difference in the US currently, so it's a closer call.

And then there's the matter of when you are likely to use each camera. In our in-depth reviews, we said the Max 2 offers the best 'true' 8K image quality in bright daylight, but that the Osmo 360 is a low-light champion. So again, the choice comes down to how you'll use a 360 camera.

Here are how each camera's key specs square up:

Either way, it's a great time to be shopping for a 360 camera. For years, there was only one choice – Insta360 – but now we are spoiled with alternatives from GoPro, DJI, and even budget brand Akaso with the Akaso 360 (just $199 / £199, plus there has been deals for it every seasonal sale so far, so I expect a price cut is coming).

Prices change regularly, so I've included live prices below for the best deals for all of these 360 cameras, wherever you live.

Today's best DJI Osmo 360 and GoPro Max 2 in the US

Today's best DJI Osmo 360 and GoPro Max 2 deals in the UK

Shop more of today's best US Black Friday sales

• Amazon: 45% off TVs, AirPods, air fryers & vacuums
• Apple: iPads, AirPods & MacBooks from $119
• Best Buy: $1,000 off TVs, laptops & headphones
• Dell: laptop deals from $249.99
• Home Depot: 40% off appliances, furniture, grills & tools
• Lenovo: 45% off laptops & tablets
• Lowe's: up to 30% off appliances, holiday decor & tools
• Samsung: up to $2,000 off appliances, TVs & phones
• Target: 40% off Christmas decor, clothing & furniture
• T-Mobile: up to $1,100 off latest iPhone 17
• Walmart: furniture, cheap TVs & vacs from $69
• Wayfair: 54% off Christmas, furniture & decor

Shop more of today's best UK Black Friday sales

• Amazon: up to 66% off tech & essentials
• AO: up to £500 off Dyson, Bosch & Hisense
• Argos: up to 50% off appliances, tech & toys
• Boots: save on 1,000s of beauty products
• Currys: deals on Ninja, Shark & Lenovo
• Dell: laptops from £279
• Dyson: up to £550 off vacuums
• EE: Switch 2 bundles from £20/month
• John Lewis: up to 50% off tech & fashion
• Lego: sets & accessories from £2.99
• Samsung: deals on appliances & phones
• Very: up to 40% off tech, toys & fashion

DJI Osmo Action 6: two-minute review

When you think of action cameras, GoPro will likely spring to mind before DJI. While it wasn’t a complete surprise that the latter company, best known for its drones, made the move into the action cam market, it's had to do a lot of work over the past few years to catch up, and offer something that stands out from the competition.

The GoPro Hero 13 Black is arguably the action camera all others will currently be judged against, so DJI’s latest model in the Osmo series, the Osmo Action 6, has a lot to prove. That said, the quality of its predecessors, most notably the Osmo Action 5 Pro, has been hard to ignore, and based on my experience with that camera I had great expectations going into this review.

Fresh from reviewing the entry-level GoPro Lit Hero and Insta360 X4 Air, I was immediately impressed by the Osmo Action 6’s user-friendliness; the menus are easy to navigate, and the screens are a breeze to work with. Images and video also look amazing on these high-quality monitors, so reviewing the fruits of my shooting sessions was a pleasure.

Image quality is superb, benefiting from a larger 1/1.1-inch sensor, which produces excellent detail and color rendition in good lighting and stand-out noise performance as ambient light levels fall. I’d happily use the Osmo Action 6 as my main carry-everywhere camera, or as a backup to a mirrorless system for capturing unique perspectives from places those larger cameras simply can’t go.

I thoroughly enjoyed using the additional accessories, such as the Macro Lens, ND Filter Set, and FOV Boost Lens, which make the whole system feel pro-grade and versatile. If you're a fan of the GoPro mods, you’ll be happy to see DJI making efforts to expand the modular compatibility of its action cameras. Once you add in the streamlined compatibility with the wireless DJI microphones, I see the Osmo Action 6 as an indicator of great things to come.

DJI Osmo Action 6 specs

DJI Osmo Action 6: Price and availability

• Released November 18; not available in US at launch
• Osmo Action 6 Standard Combo costs $379 / £329 / AU$669
• Osmo Action 6 Adventure Combo costs for $479 / £415 / AU$839

DJI's Osmo Action 6 is available now, priced at £329 / AU$669 for the Standard Combo, while the prices rises to £415 / AU$839 for the Adventure Combo which adds two batteries, an extra quick-release mount and locking screw, battery case and 1.5m extension rod to the standard bundle.

Like recent DJI products, it's not available in the US at launch. A DJI spokesperson gave us the following statement:

"The DJI Osmo Action 6 will not be officially available in the US market through official websites following the global launch on 18th November. DJI remains committed to the U.S. market and is optimizing our strategy to best serve our customers amidst evolving local conditions."

That said, I'm already seeing the Osmo Action 6 available for preorder at B & H Photo for $379 (Standard Combo) or $479 (Adventure Combo).

• Price score: 4.5/5

DJI Osmo Action 6: Design

• Larger 2.5-inch rear LCD
• IP68-rated weather and waterproofing
• Waterproof to 20m

If you’ve used the Osmo Action 6’s predecessors, such as the DJI Osmo Action 3 DJI Osmo Action 4, or DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, there aren’t any drastic surprises in store for you design-wise. The body is a little bit larger, most notably in its width, measuring 72.8 x 47.2 x 33.1mm to the Osmo Action 5 Pro’s 70.5 x 44.2 x 32.8mm. It might be noticeable if you hold both cameras side-by-side, but in real-world terms it won’t make a huge difference to the handling experience.

The Osmo Action 6 remains super portable and lightweight, despite the inclusion of a larger sensor, which is impressive. As you’d expect from an action camera, it can be fitted into a coat pocket for easy transport or use on the move. However, fresh from testing the tiny GoPro Lit Hero, the Osmo Action 6 did feel quite chunky by comparison. This is a much higher-end product, however, featuring a larger CMOS unit, a lens aperture that's both adjustable and brighter, and a front LCD, all of which are missing from the entry-level GoPro.

I was immediately drawn to the 2.5-inch main LCD screen, which feels much bigger in use than the rival GoPro Hero 13 Black’s 2.27-inch monitor. Although this is still too small to get a truely precise idea of sharpness, it’s much nicer to look at than the screens on earlier models, and matches those on cameras like the Insta360 Ace Pro 2, which we ranked as the best premium action camera.

The screen itself was highly responsive in my tests, and I found it easy to access settings and navigate menus, even when the camera was wet or covered in a dusting of ground coffee (see the sample video below for context). I reckon I’d find it more practical to work with the Osmo Action 6 in cold weather than the native-portrait-orientation Insta360 X5 or Insta360 X4 Air.

Both the front and rear LCDs are crisp and easy to read in brighter light too. While smaller and lower-resolution, the front screen (1.46-inch, 342 x 342 pixels) is still useful, and doesn’t feel like an extra gimmicky feature that DJI threw in but which is ultimately pointless. I remember feeling that the front LCD on the GoPro Hero 9 Black was so laggy that there were times it was barely worth being there, for example.

The large shutter release is easy to locate without looking, speeding up operation. Also, I like DJI’s choice to place the microSD card slot in the battery bay, rather than alongside the USB-C port, something which proved fiddly and frustrating on the GoPro Lit Hero. I always appreciate integrated storage in a camera too, of which the Osmo Action 6 provides plenty at 50GB.

• Design score:4.5/5

DJI Osmo Action 6: Performance

• Impressive four-hour battery life
• Effective RockSteady 3 and 3+ stabilization with reduced cropping
• Excellent connectivity with external DJI mics

DJI claims a battery life of 240 minutes for the Osmo Action 6, similar to the Action 5 Pro. Shooting inside and out, I found that a single charge lasted about four hours using a mix of 1080p and 4K resolutions, across the various modes. This is impressive, although as the temperature dropped, so too did the battery life, so if you plan to work away from a power source for any length of time I’d still advise taking a few extra batteries.

The RockSteady image stabilization system also has an impact on battery longevity, although in my tests, this wasn’t anything major. The system itself is effective. While not a replacement for a gimbal, I found I could create commendable tracking shots free from micro vibrations. The same was true with POV walking shots.

The Osmo Action 6 continued to perform well after being submerged in water, with the screen remaining responsive. Once it was removed from the water the lens quickly repelled remaining droplets, as did the body, making the camera easy to dry off.

The camera features voice control, which is either ideal or an irritation depending on the environment. When it worked, being able to give the Osmo Action 6 a voice command such as “start recording” helped free up my hands, while reducing the amount of footage I had to trim as I positioned the camera for my shots. On several occasions, it didn’t respond, or I didn’t realise it hadn’t stopped recording after a command at the end of the shot. If the microphone is obscured in any way, it produces mixed results.

Speaking of sound, I was surprised by the quality of the internal microphone. While an external mic like the DJI Mic Mini gives you more versatility, as well as depth of audio, the built-in mic didn’t have the thin sound common to similar mics on other small cameras.

If you own the Mic Mini or DJI Mic 2, connecting them to the Osmo Action 6 couldn’t be easier. Simply pressing and holding the link button on the mics themselves until the indicator light flashes blue is all it takes to get audio recording off-camera, giving video that extra professional edge.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

DJI Osmo Action 6: Image quality

• Larger sensor enables better low-light performance than Osmo Action 5 Pro
• 10-bit and D-Log M modes enable pro-level grading
• Slightly aggressive default in-camera noise reduction/sharpening

Along with smartphones, I think that action cameras best demonstrate how far sensor and processor technology have come over the past decade or so. By mirrorless camera standards, the 1/1.1-type sensor housed in the Osmo Action 6 is small, at around 14mm on the diagonal, yet in my testing it produced better results than a high-end compact camera from circa 2014.

The Osmo Action 6 sees a big jump in sensor size from the 1/1.3-type CMOS of the Action 5 Pro, but uses a similar resolution of 38MP for still images.. This allows for greater pixel pitch (the distance from the center of one pixel to its neighbors), which benefits light-gathering capacity; the pixel size is 2.4 micrometers. An image measuring 7168 x 5376 is still quite a lot of pixels for this sensor format, but while I wasn’t amazed by the camera’s low-light performance, nor did I find it especially problematic.

Detail in stills becomes a little smudged from around ISO 800 and above, shooting in gloomy indoor lighting, but outdoors, or in direct artificial light, noise levels are kept at respectable levels for an action camera. Colors are also still quite punchy.

Video footage, meanwhile, is excellent in moderate low light. There is noise visible, but the grain size looks very fine, meaning it’s easier to ignore in areas of the image containing flat tones. I thought in-camera processing coped well, minimizing noise without obliterating texture.

I did notice that some quite excessive sharpening is applied in some circumstances, no doubt to counteract any noise-reduction related degradation. It isn’t a deal-breaker, but you might want to turn down the default sharpening (known as Texture in the Image Adjustment menu) for a more organic look.

The SuperNight mode is designed to produce a brighter image in low-light conditions by increasing the exposure digitally, then applying AI noise-reduction processes to minimize grain. This produces footage with significantly less texture, so I wouldn’t recommend it if your video is likely to be viewed on a larger screen, where this effect will be far more noticeable. In everyday shooting scenarios, or for social media, however, it captures brighter shadows, so it's useful for shooting around cities. There's a lot less distracting noise, too.

I enjoyed using the Slow Motion mode as a means of capturing share-ready footage in-camera; however, for professional uses, I’d recommend switching to a higher frame rate, shooting your footage, and manually applying the Slow Mo effect in editing.

I really appreciated the Color Recovery feature when shooting in D-Log M, which allows you to preview how the footage would look with a profile applied. This doesn’t bake in any edit settings, but merely gives you an idea of the final image after grading.

All of the shooting conditions mentioned above would be challenging for any camera, and once you take the DJI Osmo Action 6 out into bright daylight, the quality is superb. Combined with the flexibility of the Log mode, it’s possible to capture excellent levels of detail and natural colors.

GoPro Hero 13 Black users might bemoan the ‘limited’ 4K resolution here, in favor of the 5.3K available on that model, but 4K is fine in all but the most specific of situations. I still shoot in Full HD as standard when creating content for social platforms, unless I know that for some reason I’ll need to crop or recompose my frame in DaVinci Resolve. The workflow is faster, and viewers are unlikely to perceive a difference in Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts, for instance.

• Image quality score: 4.5/5

DJI Osmo Action 6: testing scorecard

Should I buy the DJI Osmo Action 6?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

How I tested the DJI Osmo Action 6

• I tested a full production model running release firmware over several days
• I mounted the camera on the bundled 1.5-meter extension Rod or Dual-Direction Battery Handle
• I recorded videos in varying lighting conditions, both indoors and outside

To ensure I was able to get a true sense of the Osmo Action 6's capabilities, I shot in a range of lighting conditions. My indoor tests involved a vlog-style shoot, testing the sensor's high-ISO performance and the camera's temperature and water resistance (I placed the camera in a freezer and poured cold water over it for a unique POV). I then took the camera out into the countryside, where I filmed close to and underwater. These shoots also gave me the opportunity to use the optional macro lens and FOV Boost lens. All audio was captured using the in-camera mic. Footage was edited in DaVinci Resolve 20.

• First reviewed November 2025

DJI's first pocketable 360-degree camera launched just a few months ago, but it has already received its first major price cut – the Osmo 360 costs just £298 at Amazon (was £409). In the US, meanwhile, the Osmo 360 is on sale for $410 at Amazon (was $549.99) – that's the first price cut since the camera finally made it to US stores.

That's an amazing deal wherever you live, especially considering the Osmo 360 already beats the GoPro Max 2 and Insta360 X5 for value. DJI seems well and truly intent on pricing out its rivals (though GoPro is already discounting its new 360 camera too in the UK – the Max 2 is now just £349 at WEX).

You get a lot of camera for your money, as our Osmo 360 review points out: class-leading 1.1-inch sensors, 8K 360 video recording, versatile mount options and built-in storage. Want a complete package? You get a charging hub, two additional batteries, quick release adapter mount and a 1.2m selfie stick in the Osmo 360 Adventure Combo for £395 at Amazon (was £539.99) or the Osmo 360 Adventure Combo costs $524.99 at B&H Photo (was $699.99) – that's the package to get if you're starting out or regularly doing long video sessions.

• Shop all early Amazon US Black Friday deals
• Shop all early Amazon UK Black Friday deals

(Not in the US or UK? Check out the best DJI Osmo 360 deals below)

Today's best DJI Osmo 360 deal in the US

Today's best DJI Osmo 360 deal in the UK

Should you buy the DJI Osmo 360?

Despite recent DJI Osmo 360 and GoPro Max 2 arrivals, it is in fact the Insta360 X5 that remains my favorite 360 camera. To get the lowdown, check out our Osmo 360 vs X5 article, where Insta360's offering comes out on top overall.

That said, it was hardly a comprehensive victory for the X5. The Osmo 360 has plenty going for it, including class-leading 1.1-inch sensors for superb low light quality. It also serves audiophiles well with a seamless wireless connection to one of DJI's remote mics, such as the Mic Mini.

DJI probably wishes its Osmo 360 featured swappable lenses, given both the Max 2 and X5 allow for this cost effective fix should either lens get damaged. Overall though, the Osmo 360 isn't far behind the X5 or Max 2 at all.

It feels like rivals have the hardware edge in terms of ruggedness, but DJI clearly wins in the value department. The Osmo 360 already cost much less than its competitors, and now with this major price cut, it is clearly the value 360 camera to get. Similarly priced models such as the older Insta360 X4 can't compete, and the Osmo 360 in another league to the budget Akaso 360.

If you're starting out from scratch, the Osmo 360 feels like the best 360 camera deal to get, though I would opt for the pricier Adventure Combo mentioned above, because a selfie stick is pretty much an essential accessory. Still, that bundle with numerous accessories even costs less than the Insta360 accessory-less bundles. Top deal, DJI.

Shop more of today's best US Black Friday sales

• Amazon: 45% off TVs, AirPods, air fryers & vacuums
• Apple: iPads, AirPods & MacBooks from $119
• Best Buy: $1,000 off TVs, laptops & headphones
• Dell: laptop deals from $249.99
• Home Depot: 40% off appliances, furniture, grills & tools
• Lenovo: 45% off laptops & tablets
• Lowe's: up to 30% off appliances, holiday decor & tools
• Samsung: up to $2,000 off appliances, TVs & phones
• Target: 40% off Christmas decor, clothing & furniture
• T-Mobile: up to $1,100 off latest iPhone 17
• Walmart: furniture, cheap TVs & vacs from $69
• Wayfair: 54% off Christmas, furniture & decor

Shop more of today's best UK Black Friday sales

• Amazon: up to 66% off tech & essentials
• AO: up to £500 off Dyson, Bosch & Hisense
• Argos: up to 50% off appliances, tech & toys
• Boots: save on 1,000s of beauty products
• Currys: deals on Ninja, Shark & Lenovo
• Dell: laptops from £279
• Dyson: up to £550 off vacuums
• EE: Switch 2 bundles from £20/month
• John Lewis: up to 50% off tech & fashion
• Lego: sets & accessories from £2.99
• Samsung: deals on appliances & phones
• Very: up to 40% off tech, toys & fashion

What's this week's biggest tech news announcement? Is it the Steam Machine, Valve's impressive new gaming machine, or the iPhone Pocket, a sock for your phone?

If you think it's neither, then perhaps it's one of the other five major tech announcements we've highlighted here so you can catch up on yet another massive week in the tech world.

You can also check out the start of our Black Friday deals hunt, because while the big day is still a couple of weeks away, the sales have already started.

7. Gemini Live got its biggest ever update

Google’s real-time conversational AI assistant, Gemini Live, has gradually been getting smarter since it launched in August 2024 – and this week it got its biggest-ever update to make it sound even more human.

For example, it’s now a much better learning assistant thanks to its personalized tutoring powers and ability to imitate accents. You can also do practice conversations to help you tune up for an interview or difficult family chat, and it’ll even respond in a calmer voice if it senses you’re talking about something stressful.

We’ll still need our real friends for their jokes and drinking buddy potential, but their days may be numbered.

• Read more: Google Gemini Live gets its 'biggest update ever' with 5 new upgrades – here's how to try them

6. Superman spun-off

This week, we found out that James Gunn's Superman movie is getting a spin-off, according to Variety.

In the lead is reportedly Skyler Gisondo's Jimmy Olsen, with the character expected to be the 'host' of an in-universe true crime docuseries. He’ll apparently appear alongside other members of The Daily Planet's news reporting team. However, David Corenswet's Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane, who also work for The Daily Planet, apparently won't be involved.

Gunn has yet to officially announce the show (he usually steps in on social media to confirm or deny reports from the trades), but he has previously teased an announced TV show that is his “favorite thing in all of this [DCU Chapter One].”

• Read more: James Gunn's Superman movie is getting a spin-off show

5. Apple launched an iPhone Pocket

This week, Apple launched an all-new product… a pocket for your iPhone. The design is a collaboration with Issey Miyake, the designer behind Steve Jobs’ iconic turtle neck.

At first glance, the fabric sling – which comes in two sizes – is a fashionable carry case that comes in a wide variety of striking shades, but commenters have been quick to deplore the asking price: $149.95 / £139.95, or $229.95 / £219.95 for the long strap.

Apple is no stranger to outrageous accessory prices, but there does seem to be a method to the madness. These kinds of phone slings are picking up steam in territories like Asia, which Apple has targeted heavily based on the Pocket’s availability.

• Read more: Here are 5 reasons why Apple's ridiculed phone ‘sock’ actually makes sense

4. The DJI Neo 2 took flight

DJI took selfie drones to new heights with the Neo 2, which is the lightest and most affordable drone with omnidirectional object sensing – a truly fantastic feature for beginners. We played with Neo 2 ahead of its launch, and it's clearly a much-improved model, even if it's slightly heavier and pricier than the original Neo.

Still, it's only 151g and features better wind resistance, flight speed, and now voice and gesture control – Neo 2 can take off from the palm of your hand and follow voice or gesture prompts for flight moves and then return to your palm. It's incredibly clever stuff. It'll record aerial 4K video at 60fps, or vertical 2.7K video, complete with intelligent subject tracking skills – the whole experience is child's play. Prices start at just £209 / AU$409, but once more, there's bad news if you're in the US – the Neo 2 is another DJI product unavailable at launch.

• Read more: I flew the DJI Neo 2 for a week

3. OnePlus cured the common phone

According to reviewer Philip Berne, “The OnePlus 15 is better than perfect. It grants every smartphone wish I have and exceeds most expectations. It has the best battery life of any smartphone, stellar performance, and top-notch cameras, backed by an understated yet durable design. There isn't a better phone you can buy than this one.”

That’s some high praise, so it’s no wonder this is the first phone Phil has ever given a five-star review. Perhaps it’s finally time to ditch that iPhone or Galaxy phone in your pocket for something much better.

• Read more: The OnePlus 15 has exceeded my high expectations

2. Valve’s Steam Frame finally broke cover

After months of leaks, we finally got to see what the Steam Frame is all about, and it could be the best VR headset we’ve seen in years.

It’s a standalone design with some impressive specs (including a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 16GB of RAM, and at least 256GB of storage, which is expandable with an SD card) and the SteamOS.

That basically makes this both a VR headset and a Steam Deck for your face, which sounds like it could finally put the Meta Quest 3 in its place.

The only downside is we’re missing the price, but rumors have pointed to it costing $1,200, and based on the specs Valve has announced, our resident VR expert Hamish Hector says he’d be surprised if the device didn’t land around this price.

• Read more: 7 things you need to know about Valve's Quest 3 rival

1. Valve debuted the Steam Machine

Valve dropped a bombshell on the gaming scene for both PC and console gamers, with the announcement of the Steam Machine. It’s a mini-PC, but designed like a hybrid PC console, with a small form factor catered to TV-couch gaming setups, and uses AMD Zen 4 hardware that looks like it could give Sony’s PlayStation and Microsoft’s Xbox reasons to worry.

With a promise to deliver a streamlined console-like experience using the popular Linux operating system, SteamOS, Valve is putting current generation consoles, notably the PlayStation 5, but more so the Xbox Series X | S, and Microsoft’s Windows 11 on notice. If reasonably priced, we could be looking at a serious contender in the gaming console market, and perhaps a revolutionary move for gamers on every platform.

• Read more: The Steam Machine sounds like a beefed-up Steam Deck for your TV