There's now an explanation for the delay to Apple's smart glasses. We previously reported that the Meta Ray-Ban rivalling glasses had been delayed, but now it seems that part of the reason is the concern over privacy.

Writing in his PowerOn newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says: "The teams developing glasses … see privacy as priority No. 1, I’m told", leaning on the fact that Apple has used privacy as core to its marketing for the last decade.

While Meta has enjoyed the buzz of getting the first AI glasses to market, it's facing a privacy backlash, especially with plans to release "super sensing" glasses that might always be recording video and audio.

Meta recently had to push an update to disable the cameras if the privacy LED was tampered with, addressing concerns about people using the glasses for nefarious use. It has been reported that wearers are recording people without their consent, with the camera integration into the glasses making it more difficult to see when someone is filming you.

That's led to smart glasses being banned in some settings, with further investigations into exactly how such glasses are regulated. For Apple, launching into this category gives them a chance to bring Siri to another device and boost the Apple ecosystem.

According to the report, Apple has prototyped glasses that don't have cameras available for photos or videos, so while calls can still be taken, music enjoyed and Siri interrogated, the privacy concerns are abated.

At the same time, removing the ease with which moments can be captured will also strip away the appeal. Currently, all the features offered by smart AI glasses, except capture, can be accessed through AirPods. Part of the appeal of smart glasses is you can record without a phone in your hand.

That means you can get great point of view video, perfect for things like sports or driving, cooking or anything else that involves using your hands. That's always going to be open to abuse and that seems to be the challenge that Apple is facing.

Meta hasn't made this category any easier: reports that humans conducting moderation and AI training work were watching intimate videos captured on the Meta glasses bring everyone's privacy fears to life, something that Apple needs to find a way around.

With privacy being Apple's core message for so long, it's going to be a bumpy road for any AI glasses that the company plans to release - especially if they include cameras.

The iPad mini is expected to get an update in October 2026 that includes water resistance, something that no iPad has so far offered.

The new compact iPad is expected to implement a new design that removes the speaker holes, instead using flat surfaces on the device to create the sound. While it's not known what IP rating it might carry, it's thought that it will offer water resistance for the first time, according to Macrumors.

The new speaker system was first reported in 2025, while it's also expected that Apple's smallest tablet will make the jump to an OLED display. It will join the iPad Pro in offering those higher quality visuals, although the impact on the price might see this tablet suffer.

The iPad mini is currently £599 / $599 making it more expensive than the standard iPad which offers a larger display. The iPad mini is more powerful using the A17 Pro chip compared to the A16 in the standard iPad, although the next iPad mini is expected to move to either the A19 Pro or unreleased A20 Pro.

That, combined with the OLED display, might see the iPad mini creeping up on the price of the iPad Air, perhaps priced at £699 / $699, which is a lot of money for an 8-inch tablet.

Sealing the tablet to give it water protection will boost its credentials, however, meaning that people will be more comfortable using it in adverse conditions. Its compact nature makes it great for travel, where a soaking in the rain might be more common than when sitting around the home.

But the iPad mini's compact form makes it more like a reading device and I'm sure that many have used it in the bath because if its handholdability. With an IP rating, if it does slip, it likely won't be a disaster, although using it at the beach probably won't work unless Apple gives it a really bright display - currently, it's only 500 nits.

There could be a drawback with that display too: it's only said to offer 60Hz, which means that this won't be the compact gaming tablet that some will want.

The iPad mini is a great tablet, but it looks like Apple plans to make it increasingly premium. It's expected to launch alongside refreshed Mac devices in October 2026.

Samsung announced three new folding phones recently, featuring a change to the battery technology. Samsung has embraced silicon-carbon for the first time, following the lead of many smartphone brands. But there's a downside to that battery technology: it doesn't last as long.

The specifications for Samsung's new folding phones show the change clearly, with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 listed as having a minimum battery endurance (in charging cycles) of 1200. The Z Flip 8 is 1200 and the Z Fold 8 Ultra is also 1200.

While we can't compare the Galaxy Z Fold 8 to a previous model, we can check the details for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7, both of which state that their batteries are good for 2000 charging cycles.

In the case of the Galaxy Z Flip 8, the battery capacity remains the same at 4300mAh, but its longevity is reduced because of the move to silicon-carbon battery tech. For the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra there's some benefit, with an increase to 5000mAh over the 4400mAh so this battery will last longer between charges, but again, won't last as many years.

Silicon-carbon battery technology has the advantage of being more energy dense, allowing the manufacturer to get greater capacity within the same physical size. It's the tech that's see phones soar over 5000mAh which seemed to be the ceiling on battery capacity in a practical design.

That's resulted in phones with huge capacity, some over 7000mAh, with very little impact on the phone's design. For Samsung's part, it said that moving to silicon-carbon enabled the 45W charging now offered, but that's not strictly the case: the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra offered 45W charging in 2022, using a regular lithium-ion battery.

The evolution of silicon-carbon use in smartphones has followed a path that tells us a lot: it was first used by the Honor Magic 6 Pro in 2023 and then went on to be widely used by the likes of Xiaomi, OnePlus, Oppo and Motorola, all with the aim of increasing the capacity to extend the endurance of the phone.

These brands have also championed fast charging, while Samsung, Apple and Google have been a little more conservative.

That reluctance to move to silicon-carbon probably comes down to the fact that it doesn't last as long and with Samsung, Apple and Google all offering the longest software support to keep devices going, that doesn’t dovetail with a battery that has a shorter lifespan.

There have been calls for brands to adopt silicon-carbon from some corners of the media, but the true cost is right here in the specs: these phone batteries won't last as many years as they would with traditional lithium-ion.

It took a while but the UK was next in line for the Samsung Galaxy XR after its release in the US and Korea last year, and the wait may well have been to the benefit of Brits. That’s because since its original launch, the headset has been served patches and software tweaks that most certainly make for a better experience.

It is the first Android XR headset to hit the market, while also exhibiting Samsung’s ambitions in the higher-end mixed reality field, and there’s no denying the similarities to Apple’s Vision Pro. But at the same time, it is also something of its own beast, which I found out during the week I spent testing it.

The design and build

Having also played with an Apple Vision Pro and owning a Meta Quest 3, I am no stranger to the wonderful world of augmented reality. Also to the art of strapping a shoe box to your face for hours on end. And while it can never feel truly natural, the Galaxy XR does a great job of balancing its weight.

It’s considerably lighter than the Vision Pro (by around 200g) and is similar to the Quest 3 in that regard.

That’s not to say it is the most comfortable headset in the world. As a thoroughly premium device it is built with thoroughly premium, solid materials and therefore there’s less of a focus on padding. However, it is easy to fit tight to your head shape using the adjustment knob on the rear, so at least you don’t have to worry about wobble.

In the hand it feels sturdy and expensive – which it is – but importantly, it gives the impression that it’s something that’s built to last.

You also get additional forehead spacers in the box, for different sizes of foreheads and glasses wearers, plus silicon nose guards that sit under the lenses to block out ambient light. You don’t have to use them (I find it can get hotter when you do), but they do make for a more immersive experience and as they sit across the bridge of your nose, they also help reduce the pressure.

Then there’s the battery unit, which at 302g, weighs more than half the weight of the headset itself. That attaches via a cable to the side of the Galaxy XR and is designed to sit in a pocket. You can also charge it while during use, which gives you infinite playtime (it’s up to two-and-a-half hours, otherwise).

The display

Once the fit has been adjusted and you enter the experience, the first thing that strikes you about the Galaxy XR is just how incredible the display is. While it features similar Micro-OLED panel technology to the Apple Vision Pro, Samsung’s alternative has a higher resolution and smaller pixel pitch.

That results in a jaw dropping, super sharp image where you simply cannot pick out individual pixels. It’s the best VR/XR display I’ve used to date and makes it very easy to become absorbed without much adjustment. Admittedly, Apple’s alternative is capable of higher refresh rates, but when it comes to clarity, there’s a clear winner.

Of course, the image is nothing without the software and experience, and that’s where it comes down to personal preference.

It’s worth remembering at this stage that Android XR is still a fledgling system. Developed in co-operation between Google, Qualcomm and Samsung, it’ll eventually spread to multiple headsets and smart glasses. But the Galaxy XR is breaking new ground here, and it feels like it, at times.

The software

The in-visor set-up wizard is simple and intuitive, but I did have some issues with validating my Samsung account. The headset has some extra compatibility features if you’re a Samsung Galaxy phone owner and have the official Galaxy XR app, but considering it is a largely autonomous device, it will also work with iPhone and other Android handsets.

My main issue was that to log into a Samsung account using two-factor authorisation, it needed to send me a code by text to my UK number – and that never arrived on my iPhone. It could be that it was my network at fault, but I struggled to get past this hiccup until I finally found I could skip the Samsung account setup entirely. It just took a while to figure that out.

Once in, that’s where you get the full “wow” moment. The headset can be controlled using either pinch gestures on either hand or a combination of eye tracking and gestures. Both work wonderfully.

The cameras on the front of the unit track your hands in real time, even showing an outline that follows your hand movements to show you how accurate it is. There are also cameras that face down from the visor, so if using eye tracking to look at things you want to interact with – such as app icons – you can just pinch your fingers without needing to lift your hand. It’s very clever and intuitive.

On top of this, the outside world is captured and sent to the display in real time too. And while it’s not represented in as high-resolution as the overlays and apps, it is in full colour and still impressive. It helps ground you in an experience, making you feel like you are still in the real world while interacting with the virtual. And that also helps prevent the sort of motion sickness normally associated with the genre.

There is a mode whereby you can block the outside world and enter purely virtual landscapes, and many of the games and apps are VR rather than augmented, but I found myself using the overlays and AR tools more than any of the full VR options – especially when some of the best features are specific to this form.

Google’s renowned Circle to Search AI feature has even more relevance when you can circle anything you can see in the physical world, to get information and even purchase details on items you can see. And you can turn pictures and videos in your Google Photos library into spatial estimations, to look around them in a new perspective.

Then there’s the ability to loom over Google Maps in a god-like mode, exploring streets and buildings as if you were some sort of town planning deity. Indeed, most of my favourite experiences came from the free software provided as part of Android XR, which is not only a highlight of the Galaxy XR, but promising for future devices too.

Handily, if you purchase a Galaxy XR before the end of 2026 you also get a free bundle of apps and subscriptions to some of Google’s best services. This Explorer Pack contains a whole host of essential additions, including a year’s worth of Google AI Pro and 5TB of cloud storage.

There’s 12-months of YouTube Premium too, which gives you YouTube streaming – including spatial videos – without ads, and another great gift is a year’s membership to the Google Play Pass. This offers up hundreds of free Android games that can be played in the headset. I found it essential in my test period, not least thanks to the variety.

Then there is Adobe Pulsar to turn video creations into interactive experiences, including the ability to add 3D depth to them for other headset wearers to also enjoy. And there’s an NFL VR game thrown in too, which is a real standout, if you like that sort of thing. If not, the mindfulness service, Calm Premium, helps you unwind.

The whole bundle is worth over £600, so helps justify the headset cost a touch, but also gives you a decent amount of tools and games to get you started. As I found out, you’ll certainly not be left wanting for something to do.

The caveats

That’s not to say the headset doesn’t come with caveats. Save for its price, which is clearly in the luxury and premium range (although nowhere near the Apple Vision Pro’s hefty ticket in that regard), the headset does have some comfort issues, as previously mentioned. Even when fiddling with the nose pieces and head spacers, you might find it testing for long periods of wear.

Considering the battery life is limited to a little over two hours (when not tethered further to a USB-C charger), that’s almost a moot point anyway.

It’s also worth mentioning that although eye tracking works superbly and helps prevent motion sickness, not all the apps you’ll encounter support it, so you might still suffer at times if you’re prone to such things.

Still, that’s hardly Samsung’s fault – it has done everything it can to help mitigate the traditional issues with virtual and mixed reality, it’s now down to app developers to do their bit too.

Thankfully, that’s where Android XR steps in. It gives developers a solid foundation for a future where multiple headsets and devices will be unified in their offerings. Samsung is blazing a trail with the Galaxy XR, and in style to boot. Hopefully, others will follow in its wake.

In conclusion

So what did I learn in my week with the Samsung Galaxy XR? Well, I'll be honest, I'd almost given up on headsets and multiple mixed realities they promise. Beyond the initial wave of excitement, there was no escaping the sense that they provide a very solo experience – whether it be for work or play.

However, the sharpness and clarity afforded by something so premium made me think again. You can enjoy spending time inside the Galaxy XR because it offers experiences that are familiar yet better than real-world equivalents.

For example, I watched some of the World Cup coverage on an IMAX-sized screen, which filled my entire field of view. And from the comfort of my own living room, to boot. I could even see my beer on a table nearby to pick it up.

And while I haven't yet tried the headset on a long haul flight, I can only imagine how transformative it could be for movie viewing, while also keeping an eye on fellow passengers and airline staff.

My only real gripe is the fit, which can apply pressure across the bridge of the nose during lengthy use. One solution is to add your own top strap, which you can find in 3D printed form from enthusiasts online. Maybe even Samsung will add one to its accessories list at some point.

I hope so. But as it stands, although this headset is admittedly a niche product for a select audience, especially at its "luxury" price point, it fizzles with promise. It excitingly shows what is possible with Android XR in the now and future, and I for one am once again sold.

Steam Machine owners disappointed by the demise of Dbrand's gorgeous Companion Cube case have been handed a second chance – provided they have access to a 3D printer and a little patience.

Just weeks after Valve pulled the plug on Dbrand's officially planned shell over licensing issues, maker Jaron has released a fully printable alternative through the Printables community.

Rather than copying Dbrand's files, the creator says the model was built entirely from scratch using publicly available images as reference, complete with detailed assembly instructions and a list of the extra screws, magnets and components required.

The result is remarkably close to the design that captured PC gamers' imaginations before it was cancelled. It transforms Valve's compact gaming PC into the instantly recognisable Weighted Companion Cube from Portal, complete with layered panels and contrasting colour sections that can be produced on a standard single-extruder printer using filament swaps. It's not exactly a beginner project, but it looks well within reach for experienced makers.

The Companion Cube isn't the only project breathing new life into Valve's latest hardware. The growing modding community has also begun releasing replacement faceplates, alternative shells and even entirely new small-form-factor PC builds inspired by the Steam Machine's design.

"The Orange Box", is a greta example. This is a far more powerful custom gaming PC housed inside a SilverStone chassis but styled around Valve's ecosystem. Alongside printable accessories and cosmetic upgrades, these projects suggest the Steam Machine could end up becoming just as interesting for modders as it is for gamers.

If nothing else, it's proof that cancelling an official accessory doesn't necessarily kill the idea. As long as the maker community keeps designing clever alternatives, some of gaming's best concepts can still find a way into players' homes, one layer of filament at a time.

The world's biggest audio brands might love to shout about their newest speakers, but they're rarely keen to let people into their research and development hubs to see how those speakers were actually made.

It's not that they're ashamed of the work (far from it), but more that there are a heap of risks attached, not least that journalists could get peeks at still long-distant projects that aren't yet ready for the limelight.

So, when Bowers & Wilkins, one of the UK's most lauded audio houses (and a T3 Award winner for Best Headphones in 2026), invited T3 to check out its R&D facility near Horsham, in West Sussex, we leapt at the chance.

This sort of tour is a proper first – Bowers & Wilkins was at pains to underline that it had never before let the media into this facility.

Inside, I got to spend a good few hours embedded in a couple of Bowers' custom-built listening rooms, and while the new 800 Series Diamond D5 speakers I heard blew me away, the intricacy of those rooms took me by surprise and really stuck in my mind.

Behind the curtain

When you hear "listening room", it's easy to imagine a normal room with some sound-proofing panels, and then an extremely expensive setup of audio gear.

In truth, that's probably what many wealthy individuals get in their homes when they commission audio rooms, since the results are acoustically impressive while concentrating the cost on that audio gear.

Bowers, though, is swimming in different waters; it doesn't want great sound – it wants perfect sound. Rather than outfitting a room with soundproofing, this means literally building a soundproof room within a room. Bowers has a few of these in its R&D facility, and we used the biggest of them for the afternoon.

You immediately get a sense of the room's scale when you step in, because it has two doors. Between the outer and inner doors there's about a foot of space, effectively a sound-dampening vacuum, and it illustrates how the room is built. I was told about spring systems underneath it to keep it elevated above the original floor, and an estimate that the room itself weighs 12 tonnes.

The photo below is of the window in the room (something Bowers' engineers reportedly requested for their own wellbeing when it was being built). It shows you the air gap and the thickness of the walls.

A pretty penny

When I asked Bowers & Wilkins about how much this might cost to build, I was told: "When we built that room – around £250,000. That’s the room, not the components inside the room." Anyone who's following tech knows that inflation is a real thing, though, so it's no surprise that a follow-up clarified: "Today, probably more like £300,000."

Those responses came from Andy Kerr, the brand's director of product marketing and communications, and he was effusive about what that sizeable investment has brought to Bowers. Its previous R&D facility was storied but cramped, and when Bowers moved to its new location a few years ago, getting more listening rooms was one of its main priorities.

Neutrality at its purest

Needless to say, these rooms aren't for pleasure listening (although I'm sure they get their share of after-hours use). The idea is that this sort of pristine environment gives B&W's engineers total neutrality in which to assess their in-progress speakers' sound, and to hear the results of their tuning changes.

When I asked how often each room was in use, Kerr told me that the location "is an engineering facility, and the main listening room has been created with a specific function in mind, which leads to the room being pretty much in continuous use."

With a couple of other, smaller listening rooms also available, that spells out just how important these pristine environments are for audio development.

That's before you start to even discuss the equipment within these rooms. Some quick maths on the setup I was listening to by the end of the afternoon has its value sitting at around £300,000.

God-tier audio

The acoustics are, indeed, completely mad. Bowers staff had to come in to swap out heavy speakers every few minutes, and it was crazy how easily you could tell when the inner door was closing – the ambient noise of the world just sort of sucked away into nothing.

Once the music started, it didn't take long to realise just how impactful such a perfect environment can be. I remember as a teenager visiting an ancient Greek amphitheatre, at Epidauros, and being blown away by how its design carried sound around a huge open space. This was like the reverse – a space that felt like there was no sound, until it was completely filled by whichever speaker we had turned to.

To be clear, though, I'm not done writing up my visit to Bowers & Wilkins – I've concentrated here on the practical side of its listening room setup, but the sound is something I'm saving for another write-up this week. In that, you'll get to hear what I thought of Bowers & Wilkins' newest generation 800 series, the Diamond D5.

Apple has been offering its Care+ device insurance around the world for many years, but its AppleCare One subscription plan has only been available in the US... until now.

The plan, which launched in the States a year ago, is now rolling out in the UK, Australia, Germany and France too. It enables owners of multiple Apple devices to cover them all for a single monthly fee.

It includes coverage for drops, accidental damage and even loss or theft, where the devices will be repaired or replaced at no extra cost. And the subscription covers up to three devices for a standard fee of £16.99 per month (in the UK), with additional products able to be added for £4.99 per month extra each.

That provides big savings on purchasing AppleCare+ for each separate device. For example, if you have an iPhone, Apple Watch and iPad, you will save up to £11.48 per month with AppleCare One against each being covered individually.

You can also swap an existing AppleCare+ plan for AppleCare One at any time.

It's also not exclusive to new devices – you can enroll products that are up to four years old, as long as they are eligible. That means they will have to be in a good condition at the time of inclusion, but can have general wear and tear. A diagnostics check may be necessary before they can be added.

Other Apple devices that can be covered include MacBook, HomePod, AirPods, Apple TV, and even an Apple Pencil.

What if I only have one Apple product?

Of course, this level of protection is not necessary if you only own one Apple device, but there's also a new version of AppleCare+ you might be interested in.

Available for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, the plan now includes theft and loss, so you can have your product replaced if stolen or missing.

The plan covers up to two thefts/losses per year, while AppleCare One covers up to three thefts or losses.

You can find out more about AppleCare One on the dedicated website. Those who've recently bought an Apple device or have an existing AppleCare+ subscription can sign up or switch over directly on an iPhone, iPad or Mac.

There's a scene in Steven Spielberg's 1998 classic, Saving Private Ryan, in which Captain John Miller, played by Tom Hanks, is desperately shooting his pistol at a tank in a last-ditch attempt to take it out. It explodes in a seemingly impossible moment.

While a movie analogy isn't typical of mobile phone production, I spoke with BD Yang, Samsung's Deputy Head of Core Component Technology Team about the brand's latest Z Fold 8 folding phone – revealed at Galaxy Unpacked in London.

He confirmed the Z Fold 8 – which introduces Flex Titanium technology, in which the company has been able to create a folding layer of the metal – posed "so many challenges" that it "seemed impossible – so we started internally to call [the project] 'Saving Private Ryan'".

That's a rare piece of human insight from a corporate executive, but one that humanises the struggle in order to improve their products. "We’ve handled countless materials in the past seven generations," Yang said, in reference to Samsung's production of folding devices since back in 2019.

Why titanium?

"This time around we decided that titanium had the best fit for foldable form. Why? It's strong, stable, resistant to permanent deformation under external force – which is why it's used in golf clubs and aerospace applications – and offers improved elastic recovery."

But it wasn't an easy solution to deliver. After all, titanium is a chemical element and metal in its own right. To make it fold repeatedly, in order to provide a more rigid, flatter display and help to negate the crease that so often plagues foldable devices, it needed to be super thin.

"We knew that titanium would be the next level," says Yang. But there were "so many challenges to overcome without compromising; so many roadblocks when we started the project. But in the end we broke through – and are very proud of this achievement".

So just how is it achieved? The titanium layer is topped with a film that's "roughly a third the thickness of a human hair" and created using "ultra processing and heating to make it so thin".

The plate beneath has the "bottom part cut out using wet-etching, with liquid agents used to dissolve little holes – beneficial to provide the flexibility [needed]."

But the "innovation this time around is in the top part – where we create laser-cut holes, which are smaller micro-holes." This allows for a " flatter and more rigid" result where the display flexes down the centre of the device. And that's what lessens the visibility of the crease.

Samsung has literally created folding metal for this generation of foldable, in both the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra. So you can see why it felt like overcoming the impossible – and earned its secret 'Saving Private Ryan' namesake.

Bolstered battery

There's a lot more going on with these new folding phones, though, as I previously reported that they're the first Samsung devices to deploy a silicon-carbon battery (Si-C) technology – long used by competitors and increasingly demanded by would-be customers for its enhanced life.

Samsung has deeply invested research and development into this new technology: "We have continued to observe the demand for silicon-carbon. But Samsung holds ourselves to the highest standard for many qualities, including [battery] stability," said Yang.

The Z Fold 8's increase to a 5000mAh capacity in a slimmer overall design "required more than a new material alone. On the anode side, a thin carbon coating helps stability. On the cathode side, a high-porosity separator [is used] to improve ion mobility.

"This was not just about changing the anode material itself," but a full project to "cover end-to-end components to meet spec and standard. It may look as though it’s only about changing the anode material – but it’s more [than that]", confirmed Yang, unable to share some of the secretive aspects of Samsung's solution.

New display format

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is Samsung's big bet on a new format, though, offering a 16:10 exterior aspect and 4:3 interior – that's unlike anything Android has seen before. It's widely expected to be the format that Apple will use in its iPhone Ultra later this year.

So why now for such a change? "We're able to observe changing use case patterns over seven years – and made the decision by closely monitoring user data and insights. Over time [there's been an] increase in video content consumption, so have introduced an aspect ratio to best fit."

When pressed if Samsung will be selling this AMOLED panel to other companies, without explicitly citing Apple, Yang was reluctant to answer directly: "We're not sure if it's an IP (intellectual property) that can be commoditised – so don’t know whether that will become the future."

Notably, none of Samsung's trio of 2026 foldables feature the Privacy Display feature that rolled out in the Galaxy S26 Ultra at the beginning of this year. That display hardware can switch off certain pixels in real-time to hide notifications or specific apps' visibility to would-be snoopers, creating a black of privacy screen effect.

"We're happy to see the excitement around Privacy Display. Whenever we design and engineer for our devices, we base it on the target market. There are priorities and different considerations. The biggest priority here [in the Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra] was to take durability to the next level."

I've been using a Galaxy Z Fold 8 since the Unpacked summer showcase and it's an impressive piece of kit, with a hinge that feels different to any before it. "You felt that correctly," said Yang.

"The 8 and 8 Ultra have different hinge architectures. The Ultra is to maximise productivity, so the hinge is slimmer. The 8 is about content consumption, so makes the [unfolding] experience more natural and seamless – so we incorporated a hinge that’s smoother and lighter to open."

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 pre-orders are live now, with the on-sale date expected from 4 August. Making the impossible possible, these new foldables are a great achievement – and Yang's detailed explanations show just how much work has gone on behind the scenes in producing something truly unique in this market.

The Google Pixel Watch 5 could be in for an upgrade, with a listing for the device pointing to 3GB RAM. That doesn't sound like a lot, but it's a 50% upgrade compared to the Pixel Watch 4 and it's also 50% more than Samsung packed in the Galaxy Watch 9 that's just been announced.

Google's leaning towards RAM is the only real upgrade for the wearable device seems to point to one particular feature – Gemini.

On-device AI functions need plenty of RAM to keep things moving along and while the design, processor and display are all expected to be the same as previous years, the functionality, aided by Gemini, is likely to take a step forward.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you'll probably be aware that there's a components crisis in consumer technology at the moment, with prices skyrocketing because of the demands that have been put on the industry by rapidly expanding data centres and other AI functions.

That's one of the causes of price increases across a number of brands, but also makes it more remarkable that the Pixel Watch 5 will get this increase.

The details come from 9to5Google, with the Pixel Watch 5 listed in the Google Play Console under the codename Godric. Additional details point to the new Pixel Watch powered by the same Snapdragon SW5100 that was used to power devices since the Pixel Watch 2.

However, while this Snapdragon platform comes in a number of iterations, the CPU and GPU appear to be the same configuration as the Pixel Watch 4. That suggests it might not have more power – and the lack of the Snapdragon Wear Elite chip as found in the new Galaxy Watch 9 might leave some disappointed.

The Pixel Watch is popular for its minimalist design and easy-to-use interface, while the battery life is a common point of criticism. The fitness tracking is generally well regarded, with accurate heart rate tracking.

But the best thing about Pixel devices, whether that's phone, watch or buds, is the clean software approach and access to Gemini. Google designs Gemini to add value to its hardware and it often works best on those devices.

So, while the Pixel Watch 5 isn't going to be hugely different to the Pixel Watch 4, you can be fairly certain that it will have greater Gemini powers thanks to that additional RAM.

Google is expanding the number of ways to secure your Google account, adding a surprise addition – selfie videos. The industry as a whole is on a mission to replace passwords and passcodes with a wider range of sign-in methods, so now we have the selfie video.

Face has long been used to unlock phones – with Apple popularising the method with Face ID back in 2017 – but using your face to secure your Google Account makes a lot of sense.

That's because you're not going to write it down on a Post-It note stuck to your monitor, it's not going to be dog's birthday backwards or your mother's first pet name. Instead, it's a multi-faceted biometric.

Google isn't the first to turn to offer face verification for account access, it's popular with banking apps like Revolut. But Google says that you'll be able to use your face to get back into your account if you're ever locked out of it. Google describes it as an optional private backup for your password.

That's a great move, because if you've lost that Post-It note and you have no idea what your password is, you'll probably have your face with you to be able to unlock via the camera on any device.

Of course, there are huge privacy fears here, as this means Google is storing your literal face which provides access to your account. But the tech giant emphasises that it can be deleted at any time and it's only used for signing in.

Security assurances

There will be lots of security to keep it protected and if you're locked out, you'll be tasked with recording another video, with movements to prove that it's live, which will be compared to your face on record.

There's an interesting detail in Google's wording too, with the firm saying: "It’s used only for helping you sign in, unless you opt to share it for additional purposes."

There's no word on what those additional purposes are.

Google already loves faces: it was first to bring facial recognition to the Nest Hello in 2018 – as Familiar Faces – so it could announce who was at the door and it still uses that system in Nest cameras now. It also likes to link Google Photos to faces so it's easy to find people.

But I'm still interested in what "additional purposes" there might be. I'd love to be able to sign in with a video selfie on new devices rather than tapping in my randomised password every time.

On my first attempt to access the new service I was told that selfie video was not available for my account, so it's not exactly clear how this will roll out.

This week saw Samsung's second major Unpacked event of 2026 – and the reveal of its all-new Galaxy Z Fold 8 folding phone.

Not that Samsung is the only producer of the best folding phones, of course, with plenty of competition to keep things interesting.

Honor is one such major competitor, whose latest device, the Magic V6, is now on sale in the UK. It was already available with a discount promotion – but Unpacked has seen Honor make an even more enticing deal.

That marks Honor's full-size foldable as cheaper than either the Galaxy Z Fold 8 or Z Fold 8 Ultra – by at least a couple of hundred Pounds.

While Samsung has moved to silicon-carbon battery tech for its latest releases, Honor is onto its third-generation of this technology, offering a far more capacious battery.

Indeed, the 6660mAh cell in the UK product is almost 40% greater than what you'll find in the Z Fold 8 – and that'll translate to greater longevity.

If you like the sound of that and Honor's Ultra-rivalling phone is the one for you, then you've got until the end of July to jump on this deal.

It's available via Honor's Store only, where you'll need to register for the £600 discount to apply. There's more, too, as 'bundle offers' will add additional goodies at no extra cost.

For the last couple of months, there have been no end of reports on the rumoured iPhone Ultra. We’ve seen everything from dummy leaks to give us an idea of what it could look like, to specification rumours to let us know what we can expect in terms of things like screen sizes.

Most reports of late haven’t focused on whether Apple will launch a folding phone (that much appears to be clear) but on when. And there have been a few about its release date, with claims that could be significantly delayed, slightly delayed, or barely delayed at all.

Will the iPhone Ultra be delayed, or won't it?

Now it seems to be been flipped again. A report on DigiTimes (via 9to5Mac) suggests the delay could be back on.

DigiTimes writes that “Foxconn is now carrying out 'final mass-production adjustments' for the device”, which could lead to "production hurdles".

However, there is nothing in the report to confirm whether those adjustments are routine or an issue. So unfortunately, we are back to things being a little up in the air.

We're choosing to look at this positively though.

Samsung has just announced its latest folding phones, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8 with a new, wider format. It is widely thought this new shape will be showcased on the iPhone Ultra too, offering a squarer phone when folded and an iPad mini-like aspect when unfolded.

So with Samsung having put its marker down, all eyes are now on Apple and what it will bring to the folding phone space. Sure, the phone might release a little later than the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro XL, to give those devices a chance to sell, but we suspect the “final mass-production adjustments” won’t stop us seeing a folding iPhone this year.

If it is indeed on the cards.

Welcome back to another edition of T3's Quiz. This is the place to test your knowledge of the tech world this week.

There's lots of news about this week, including LEGO sets, Breitling watches, new Range Rovers and free Xbox Game Passes.

Have you been keeping up to date? Give the quiz below a go to see if you can top the leaderboard:

How we put the T3 Quiz together

Here at T3, we publish hundreds of articles each week looking at the latest and greatest products from the world of technology and gadgets. The answers to each of the questions in the quiz above can be found in an article on the website, meaning you can bolster your score by simply having a read.

That means whether you learn about the new Honor Magic V6, changes to the iPhone launch schedule or even a new British EV, you'll stand a better chance of topping the leaderboard.

Previous T3 Quizzes

If you enjoyed that one, there's more to try your luck with. Here are some of our other recent quizzes:

• Quiz #9, 3rd June
• Quiz #8, 26th June
• Quiz #7, 19th June
• Quiz #6, 12th June
• Quiz #5, 5th June
• Quiz #4, 29th May
• Quiz #3, 22nd May
• Quiz #2, 15th May
• Quiz #1, 8th May

Further reading

If you're looking to brush up even more, here are some extra pieces of reading which might give you a helping hand:

• Breitling's new chronograph is made to celebrate an unexpected sporting legend
• New headphone brand hopes to take on AirPods Max with premium metal design but cheaper price
• Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 is coming – company exec confirms new wearable ahead of Unpacked and it might even work with iPhone
• Samsung confirms Galaxy Z Fold 8 launch date early – here's when pre-orders should start

Xbox is testing a way to provide cloud gaming access for free, without the need for Game Pass membership. It is ad-supported and allows Xbox gamers to access their own library of games on different devices at no extra cost.

Initially available to Xbox Insiders with an Xbox account, the service is currently limited. It allows play in one hour sessions and you'll have to sit through adverts before each game starts, but the core experience is then uninterrupted.

Any Xbox gamer can join the Insider program to be part of the test, you just need to download the Xbox Insider Hub on your Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One or Windows PC and follow the sign-up instructions.

As this is not part of Xbox Game Pass, you won't have access to games outside those you've already purchased and own. You might also find that some of your games are unsupported, but Xbox is adding new games to the list all the time, so you might find additional titles become available over time.

Xbox free cloud gaming test – other details

It's also worth remembering that this is just a viability test for now – there's no guarantee that Xbox will continue to offer the service in future. However, it believes that there is a need for a free service for users who cannot easily access a console or PC.

It could also help Xbox One owners who are yet to upgrade play enhanced Xbox Series X/S games on their consoles.

The adverts that will be shown have been carefully vetted, the company claims, to ensure they meet the correct standards. They will also be "what players expect on each platform".

If you are an Xbox Insider and do not currently subscribe to an Xbox Game Pass tier that includes cloud gaming, you should be able to help test the ad-supported service now. It'll be available for a "limited period", although it's currently unclear how long that will be.

Amazon has followed Netflix by adding games to its Prime Video service, but it's raced ahead in quality and quantity. That's because the new "Games" tab on the Prime Video app gives you direct access to its ever-growing library of Luna games.

That means you will be able to play the likes of the multiple award-winning Dispatch, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, EA Sports FC 26, and the Harry Potterverse RPG Hogwart's Legacy for free, straight from Prime Video itself.

Luna is Amazon's cloud gaming service, which gives all Amazon Prime members access to a catalogue of console and PC quality games to stream over the internet. The game is run on remote hardware with the video feed streamed to your TV, while the controller codes are sent in the opposite direction.

There's a small amount of lag (latency) in comparison with playing directly on a PS5, for example, but everything is still very playable. All you need is a Bluetooth controller connected wirelessly and away you go.

Some of the games can even be played using a mobile phone or tablet as the controller, including an expanding selection of party games for family and friends to enjoy together.

That includes the new season of Courtroom Chaos, with Arnold Schwazenegger as the judge.

Other games available on the platform include some of Amazon's own properties, such as the most recent Tomb Raider trilogy. Fallout 4 is also available, to complement the TV series on Prime Video.

The Games tab is now available on Fire TV models in the UK and US, with a wider rollout coming "in the months ahead".

Hopefully that will include Prime Video apps on TVs and streaming devices from other manufacturers. As things stand, you can play Luna games through a browser on most devices by heading to the dedicated website.

I'm a child of Nintendo, and even if I won't always defend every generation of the franchise, it's always fun to remind myself that I've played Pokémon right since its very first games. The games have been long-term companions, but that doesn't mean I'm not open to new options.

Those of my generation have long known about a rivalry between Pokémon and Digimon, but the reality is that the former clearly won the war. It's a way bigger deal and has way more cultural capital – but that doesn't mean that Digimon's been left behind. Rather, it's just branched out in different ways.

I saw a decent amount of praise for Digimon Story Time Stranger when it came out last year, but didn't have a chance to play it – until now. A Switch 2 version of the game came out this month, and that's given me the opportunity to see what this parallel monster-collecting game has to offer.

I've been really pleasantly surprised by the setup of Time Stranger, which is actually way more like a Persona game than it is a Pokémon one. You're dropped into a funky sci-fi plot set in Tokyo and involving time travel without being too complicated, and soon introduced to Digimon, which are basically monsters that come into the real world from a parallel virtual one.

What I didn't realise is that Time Stranger, a bit like the Persona games, doesn't have linear evolution for its monsters. When you level up a Pokémon far enough, it'll evolve, but other than a few exceptions like Eevee, it'll always do so into the same new Pokémon. Not so in the world of Digimon – most monsters have a few forms they can turn into, turning the whole list of them into a sort of web that you can explore over time.

That one twist is enough to hook me – in Pokémon, unless you're aiming at competitive play, there's never a good reason to keep a Pokémon non-evolved, but in Time Stranger I'm already holding off to earn more stats and unlock new, more interesting-looking evolutions.

All of that sits outside of the core gameplay, too, which involves running around exploring environments and fighting turn-based battles. This uses a fairly familiar rock-paper-scissors system alongside some elemental twists, but it's really simple to learn, with a battle-speed toggle that makes less important fights far quicker.

I always like it when time-savers like that are available from the get-go, and after about three hours of gameplay I'm clearly just hitting the game's main stride, with new areas to access and the story developing at a decent clip. Another major advantage over Pokémon? It's got actual voice acting, even if some of it's a little over-the-top.

The game hits Switch 2 with both a quality mode that aims for 30fps at higher resolutions, and a 60fps at 1080p option. Neither really sticks to its target all that well, but I've found the 60fps mode much more enjoyable, so that's what I've been going with.

If you're in the market for an RPG that'll scratch a lot of that Pokémon itch while we wait for Winds and Waves, I think this is the best option out there right now, especially when you play on the Switch 2, so be sure to check out the free demo on the eShop to give yourself a taste of what it has to offer.

If you've been keeping tabs on the biggest tournament this summer, you'll know that the winner has now been crowned. No, not that tournament (though congratulations, Spain).

The T3 Tech Cup has pitted 48 of the best tech products against each other since 11th June. On 19th July, the cup final saw the Antigravity A1 drone take on the mighty Leatherman Arc in an all-or-nothing final, and there was only one winner.

With nearly 250 votes cast, the Antigravity A1 took 61% of the vote and the title of T3 Tech Cup Champion. This immersive drone took flying to a new level with its 360-degree approach, and it clearly captured the imagination of our readers, so a big congratulations to the team.

In the Third Place Playoffs, the Nothing Phone (3) beat the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro 54-46, giving them the bronze medal. That puts the final standing at:

• 1st: Antigravity A1
• 2nd: Leatherman Arc
• 3rd: Nothing Phone 3

In our review of the Antigravity A1, Matt Kollat said: "The Antigravity A1 is a bold step forward for drones, delivering an immersive 360-degree flying experience that feels genuinely new. It’s expensive and niche, but also thrilling, creative and unlike anything else in the sky. If you want innovation rather than iteration, this is the drone to try."

How the T3 Tech Cup works

The T3 Tech Cup is based on the same format as the football World Cup taking place this summer. Here, instead of 48 nations from around the world, we've selected 48 of the top tech products from across the various industries T3 covers.

The format will follow the football exactly, meaning every time there's a game on TV, there's also a poll to vote on! We'll be keeping points tallies for the group stage to pick out the winners, runners-up and highest third-place finishers, which then feeds into the knockout rounds.

Planner

To celebrate the release of their 25th studio album, Foreign Tongues, The Rolling Stones have teamed with Technics for a limited edition version of the EAH-AZ100 earbuds.

We awarded the standard variant five-stars in our review last summer, saying that they "sound excellent" and improve on their predecessor in every way possible. Clearly Mick and the gang agree, as they've allowed Technics to release the buds in a special edition collector's case.

The rubberised shell features the band's Lips & Tongue logo, with each version sold also engraved with an individual serial number from 1 to 5,000. That gives you an idea of how limited these could be, with just 5,000 pairs being available worldwide.

They are priced the same as the original version though (pre-discounts), so you'll have to be quick if this is the model you fancy. You can find them on the Technics website now for £259 / €299.

What do the Technics EAH-AZ100 offer?

A true step up from the AZ80 wireless earbuds release before, the EAH-AZ100 buds feature adaptive noise cancellation and excellent battery life. They can be charged from flat to full in around two hours, but last up to 10 hours with noise cancellation switched on.

The case can expand that to 28 hours with ANC on.

Each bud sports a proprietary 10mm Magnetic Fluid Driver, which promises low distortion and accurate bass. They support spatial audio for Dolby Atmos playback, as well as Dolby Head Tracking, and you get multipoint connectivity for up to three devices with seamless switching.

Bluetooth 5.3 is on board for wireless hook-up to your phone or another device, and there's IPX4 weather and sweat proofing, so you could wear them in the gym or on a run.

The Rolling Stones x Technics buds are available now.

Samsung used Galaxy Unpacked to showcase its new AI glasses (again), but it didn't go as far as telling us when we'll be able to buy them or how much they are going to cost. All we know is that they are still on track for 2026, launching "this fall".

Samsung, Google and Qualcomm announced they were getting together to work on XR devices in 2023. While Qualcomm provides the chip to power these devices, Android supplies the platform – Android XR – with Samsung building the devices themselves.

That's resulted in the Galaxy XR headset, but it's also powering a new wave of AI glasses – what Samsung currently calls "Intelligent Eyewear". That starts with audio glasses, before moving into display glasses at some point in the future.

To nail down the design of these glasses, Samsung worked with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, so these aren't generic Samsung-branded glasses. They come with a name that some will recognise and will, ultimately, have a range of styles to choose from.

Google stole Samsung's thunder to a certain extent, previously revealing the glasses at Google I/O earlier in the year, mostly as a way of pushing the Android XR platform's progress.

At Unpacked, the AI glasses had a little time on stage, showing how they would slot into the Galaxy ecosystem, offering access to Google's Gemini for AI tasks, while in partnership with the Galaxy phone in your pocket and Galaxy Watch on your wrist.

These glasses are powered by the Snapdragon AR1 Gen1 chip, with Samsung suggesting that they will be able to do things like summarise meeting notes on a whiteboard, provide live translation, give real time information and route guidance, while also sharing and recording what they can see.

Samsung confirmed that the glasses will offer nine hours of battery life, beating Meta's eight hour claim.

Privacy concerns mount when it comes to smart glasses

While AI glasses have seen a huge boom in popularity with influencers and online content creators, they are also getting the attention of lawmakers, with concerns about privacy and surveillance. Filming using the camera is generally only indicated by a small LED on the front of the glasses.

Meta is facing a lawsuit over such concerns, in fact, and the European Parliament is also looking into privacy risks.

Samsung's own plans for smart glasses have been confusing to date, and when I asked what the go-to market name would be for the glasses, I was told that that hadn't been announced yet. Some believe that Samsung will release its own Galaxy AI glasses separate to the Warby Parker and Gentle Monster models that have come out of this collaboration.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked introduced a slew of new folding phones, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8 which already appears to be winning fans, along with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and refreshed Galaxy Z Flip 8.

Apple is planning to refresh all of the Mac models that it offers, with an onslaught of updates planned for the latter half of 2026 and into 2027. That's going to include new M6 chips in some models, as well as the introduction of an OLED model that supports touch.

We've previously reported on Apple's plans for a high-end MacBook Pro model that could adopt the name MacBook Ultra. This is said to come in 14- and 16-inch sizes, with the internal names K114 and K116.

The launch window isn't exactly known as yet, but it's said it will be between the end of 2026 and early 2027. It's also thought to be powered by the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips.

The details come from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, who details that the first models to launch will be the refreshed version of the current MacBook Pro. That will see the debut of the Apple M6 chip, but the design will, in the short term, remain the same.

However, there's a replacement for the base MacBook Pro in the works too, with plans to launch this in 2027.

The staggered launch of what appears to be the same product line might be confusing, but it seems that Apple's focus is on getting the M6 into the hands of consumers, before updating the design to match the new MacBook Ultra. That might cause some who are planning an update to wait to see the new design before committing to a purchase.

Apple will also release a redesigned MacBook Air, it's claimed, which is slated for an early 2027 release.

Both 13- and 15-inch models are expected and it's said that the design "will closely resemble the current version" which some might be disappointed with. That's considering the dramatic design that the MacBook Air has offered in the past and the current likeness to the MacBook Pro.

An OLED MacBook Air is reportedly in the works, but this isn't expected until 2028.

Finally, the MacBook Neo will also be updated to keep it fresh, although plans are less certain. It's said that a model with the A19 Pro chip (which powers the iPhone 17 Pro) is in testing, but given the recent launch of the Neo, it's unlikely to appear soon. Apple will likely change the colour to retain its appeal.

Apple's desktop models are also getting updated

It's not just MacBook models that are in the frame for updates, Apple's desktop computers are also in the works. Gurman says that's going to start with refreshed iMac models, launched alongside the updated base MacBook Pro. It will likely benefit from the M6, but there's no mention of a redesign.

In the future, there are plans for an iMac with OLED display.

The Mac mini and Mac Studio are also in line for a refresh, with the M5 Pro and M6 in testing for the mini, while the Studio is testing the M5 Max and M5 Ultra. However, it's said that the supply situation makes the timeline for these updates less certain. The Mac Studio has been popular with those running AI applications, so demand is high.

That's a huge run of updated models planned by Apple, so to clarify, here's a timeline of what to expect when based on the information we have so far:

• 2026: MacBook Pro M6
• 2026: iMac M6
• 2026/2027: MacBook OLED M5 Pro, M5 Max
• 2026/2027 (?): Mac mini M5 Pro, M6
• 2026/2027 (?): Mac Studio M5 Max, M5 Ultra
• 2027: MacBook Air M6
• 2027: New MacBook Pro M7
• 2027/2028: MacBook OLED M7 Pro, M7 Max
• 2028: New MacBook Air OLED
• TBC: MacBook Neo A19 Pro

Xbox is currently undergoing a reset which has resulted in a vast amount of jobs being lost across the business. It is also dramatically changing strategy – nigh-on reversing a decade of decisions to refocus the company and brand. And it seems that some of the endeavours are working.

It has been revealed that, in the US at least, sales of the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles have "more than doubled" year-on-year.

In comparison, hardware sales for PlayStation and Nintendo have dipped – with the latter falling by 79%.

To be fair, that's understandable. The Nintendo Switch 2 launched in June 2025 so the company reported a massive spike in sales as pre-orders were shipped and launch stock sold out quickly. The sales for June 2026 were always likely to be much lower.

More interestingly, perhaps, is that PS5 sales dipped by 19% YOY. But then, Sony did recently raise its console prices significantly. And the Xbox Series X/S equivalent price hike is yet to come into affect.

It'll occur in just over a week, on 1 August, so consumers could be snapping up the consoles before that happens.

The sales figures are also relative. Mat Piscatella of data firm Circana revealed on Bluesky that while Xbox performed better than many expected last month, it still sold fewer consoles that its rivals. The Nintendo Switch 2 continued to be the best-selling option, in both units and dollars earned, with the PS5 in second.

Uncertainty in the games business

Whatever the trends, the games market is still looking uncertain at present. When it comes to the next generation, at least.

Xbox has admitted that its Project Helix plans might have to change in the light of the ongoing components crisis. Its hope to launch a "premium" PC/console hybrid might have to be scaled back to remain affordable.

Meanwhile, Sony is said to have delayed the PS6 for similar reasons, and we all know what happened with the Steam Machine. While it seems to have found a market, it is undeniably overpriced for what you get.

And so it seems we'll see this current console generation continue for the foreseeable, which is good news for those who already own a PS5, Nintendo Switch or Xbox Series X/S. At least the games are still coming thick and fast.

BBC iPlayer could be locked behind a paywall in the future, as the Beeb looks to restrict its content from those who refuse to pay for a TV Licence.

Its chief consumer officer has revealed that locking out licence dodgers from its "free" streaming service is one of the options that is being considered.

It comes as the corporation finds itself at a crossroads. It recently revealed that while 94% of UK households watch programming covered by the paid TV Licence, only 80% pay for one. And that disparity is resulting in the loss of jobs and budgetary constraints for future productions.

Some ideas have been touted around, including from the UK government's secretary of state for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy. She revealed that streaming services that are currently exempt from TV Licence requirements, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, could be added.

Currently, viewers need a licence to watch platforms that show live TV (including, confusingly, live broadcasts on Netflix and Prime Video), while the only streaming service that is covered fully by the TV Licence is BBC iPlayer.

Now it seems that could be about to undergo change, too.

Could BBC iPlayer go behind a paywall?

As reported by Deadline, the BBC executive, Kerris Bright, told staff during a call on Monday that there is a future "opportunity" to lock down iPlayer to licence payers only.

However, Bright also admitted that it didn't make sense in the short term: "iPlayer is the only service really that’s licensable where you could actually decide to put a gate in front of it. But, the data today says that actually [there’s] not really the return on investment for doing that," she said in the leaked call.

"The vast majority of people that are watching iPlayer are people that are paying their TV Licence... that would make it a very difficult experience for people that are paying for the licence."

Times are a-changing though, with new streaming services coming to the UK regularly, while Sky's acquisition of ITV (pending regulatory approval) will present the corporation with new challenges.

It could create a market where it is much more financially viable to put a paywall in front of iPlayer, for the BBC to compete. That's Bright's thinking, anyway: "It is something we should absolutely keep looking at because it might be something that you actually would want to do in the future," she added.

Meta is giving away free Xbox Game Pass membership with its own Meta Horizon+ subscription. That will give every Meta Quest owner who signs up a library of more than 50 Xbox games to stream on a virtual display in their headset, with 10 hours of cloud gaming access per month.

It's a similar deal to the one Discord started offering its Nitro subscribers in May. You don't have to pay any extra, but you will currently need an Xbox controller to play the games.

That's until Meta pushes a forthcoming update to the Touch Controllers for the Quest 3 and Quest 3S. They will soon be able to emulate an Xbox controller too, with the firmware patch rolling out "in the coming weeks".

The games in the new free Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition include the likes of Fallout 4, Fallout 76, Overcooked 2, Grounded and DayZ. They don't give you a full, immersive VR experience but you can play them on a huge virtual screen inside the headset – up to the equivalent of a 26-foot display.

You can even choose to play them from within an Xbox-themed virtual space.

Of course, a Meta Horizon+ subscription doesn't just include Game Pass, it also gives you access to more than 100 virtual games you can download and play on a Quest.

A subscription costs $59.99 / £59.99 per year or $7.99 / £7.99 per month, with the first month free for new members. That's a lot of gaming for the usual price of just one console title.

You'll just need to own a compatible headset and away you go. We're also hoping to hear plans on new Meta Quest devices during Meta Connect in September.

Whatever happens T3 will keep you informed all the way.

Samsung has just updated its Galaxy Z Flip, alongside the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 (the wide model) and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. But in the world of flip phones, Samsung faces a big rival in the form of Motorola and its Razr family.

The Motorola Razr 70 Ultra was announced earlier in the year, and it has something in common with Samsung's phone: neither of these devices changed significantly from the previous generation. On one hand, that might point to smartphone stagnation. On the other hand, it could just be that phones don't need to be updated every year.

With that said, both these phones also increased their prices, something that's a trend in tech right now. With that in back of mind, and having used both of these phones ahead of Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event, just how do they compare – and which one should you buy?

Price

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 has just been announced, with a launch price of £1149 for the 256GB version. Currently, I don't have confirmed pricing for the US or other regions.

It's expected that pre-orders will open immediately, with general sales from 4 August.

The Razr 70 Ultra launched at £1199 in May 2026 and it's still listed at that price, although Motorola is offering free Buds Loop if you order direct. Note that this is for the 512GB version, so technically, it's 'cheaper' than the Galaxy Z Flip 8. Prices have been really stable, with no discounts so far.

In the USA the (differently named, but effectively the same device) Razr Ultra 2026 is priced at $1499, while in Australia it's AU$1999 (albeit for the 256GB model in that instance).

Design

With neither of these phones changing much generation on generation, I could direct you to my comparison of the Z Flip 7 and Razr 70 Ultra – as much is going to be the same. The design of the new Samsung phone is essentially the same as it was before, but it's now only 6.1mm thick and drops to 180g in weight.

It remains more compact than the Razr, which is 7.19mm thick when unfolded and weighs in at 199g. That's close to 20g difference in weight, but it's the overall bulk that separates these phones – and you don't get more screen space on the Motorola as a result of the increased size (but you do get something else as I'll get to below).

The design language is different, too, with Samsung's approach being more industrial. Flat sides meet a flat back, while the Razr 70 Ultra hangs on to some curves. Samsung has made a tiny adjustment in the Flip 8, with a bevelled edge that makes it a little easier to open than the previous model. Motorola, thanks to its slightly more rounded frame, has always been a little easier to flip open.

While Samsung sticks to a glass back on the Galaxy Z Flip 8, this is where the biggest point of difference comes in: Motorola remains committed to using unique colours and materials. The Razr 70 Ultra comes in Pantone Cocoa, which has a wood veneer finish, while the Pantone Orient Blue is an opulent Alcantara.

This lends a completely different feel to these devices. While they principally have a similar folding design, Motorola's Razr has a slightly warmer feel about it. Both will turn heads, but the Razr will draw more questions – and I applaud that.

Much as it was before, this is a choice between industrial precision from Samsung or a slightly more lifestyle look from Motorola. My only concern is that the Razr 70 Ultra comes in just two finishes, at the moment, which is fewer than previous years.

Samsung offers four colours – although one is a Samsung.com exclusive.

Displays

Motorola stole an early lead from Samsung with its cover display: while Samsung was still offering an odd-shaped window on the Galaxy Flip 5, Motorola's Razr wrapped it right around the cameras on the Razr 40 Ultra. That set a new trend, which now sees these two going head-to-head on the cover screen.

The playing field has levelled, with Samsung offering a 4.1-inch screen compared to Motorola's 4.0-incher. That fractional difference in size makes a difference, especially when you consider that Samsung's phone is smaller: the Razr has wider bezels around the edge. Again, Samsung's precision comes through here.

Motorola is known for pushing the display specs, though, and the Razr 70 Ultra has a 3000 nits cover screen with 165Hz refresh rate and high pixel count. Samsung hasn’t confirmed the Z Flip 8 specs at the time of writing, but to me it looked just like the previous version.

That applies to the main display too: the Z Flip 8 has a 6.9-inch internal display, while Motorola is 6.96-inches. Motorola offers 165Hz – although I'm not sure you'll ever use more than 120Hz – while it also has a peak brightness of 5000 nits.

Finally, Samsung's crease is a little less visible than Motorola's. That's about all that separates these displays, although Motorola probably retains the brightness advantage.

But there's one other levelling factor: Motorola's advantage has long been the ability to use apps in full on the cover screen. Samsung is now offering the same on the Z Flip 8, moving on from the widget-based experience that it previously offered. I compared a couple of apps and Samsung might just have the edge now, offering a little more visible app space.

Performance

If you're looking for stagnation, Motorola's decision to stick with the Snapdragon 8 Elite in 2026 (the same as 2025) might cost it: Samsung updates to the Gen 5 version (in the USA; it's Exynos 2600 in some other regions, including the UK).

But before you get too excited, it's not simply a case of 'newer is better': the Snapdragon 8 Elite remains powerful hardware and many prefer to have a Snapdragon in their phone. While I haven't been able to fully test the Galaxy Z Flip 8, previous tests on the Exynos 2600 suggested that it was outperformed by the older Snapdragon hardware in some areas.

But let's keep this in check: this isn't a gaming phone, so absolute performance probably doesn't matter. In that sense, what happens in the battery department is probably more important.

The Motorola Razr 70 Ultra has a 5000mAh battery, while Samsung sticks to 4300mAh. Samsung battery now uses silicon-carbon (Si-C) tech, which is the same as Motorola. Samsung's motivation for moving to Si-C seems to be to support the 45W charging, which is very welcome.

Motorola, meanwhile, offers 68W charging and, let's face it, that's a world apart from Samsung's offering. I found the battery life of the Razr 70 Ultra to be really solid.

Cameras

When the Motorola Razr 70 Ultra launched, all the talk was about the introduction of a 'LOFIC' sensor, the first time the tech had been used in a folding phone. That's designed to strengthen the performance of the main camera – and it's a pretty good performer.

It leads a trio of 50-megapixel cameras, including an ultrawide (that's a little blurry towards the edges) and a front camera (that's pretty inconsistent in my experience). It's a so-so camera experience.

Samsung doesn't appear to have made any changes to its camera in the Z Flip 8, so there's a 50-megapixel main, supported by a 12-megapixel ultrawide and a 10-megapixel selfie camera. Motorola wins on the spec sheet, but I can't really judge which is better until I get to test them both.

There are clever features, like multiple ways to use the external display, the option to use the rear cameras for selfies, as well as clever features like camcorder mode and twist-to-zoom on the Motorola device.

Both lack a telephoto camera, which is the biggest downside at this price point when compared to a regular non-folding phone.

Software and support

This section is worth paying attention to and we'll start with the fact that Samsung offers 7 years of software support for its flagship devices, while Motorola has only promised three OS updates and 5 years of security updates on the Razr 70 Ultra. Whichever way you cut it, Samsung is better in this regard.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 has the benefit of launching on Android 17 (almost the first phone to offer it – the Google Pixel literally updated the week before launch), along with One UI 9. During my time exploring the Z Flip 8, I didn't spot huge changes – except for the cover display features that I've already mentioned.

Samsung with One UI remains one of the best experiences on Android – and that remains the case for the Galaxy Z Flip 8. Motorola, on the other hand ,isn't quite as slick.

The move to Hello UI has seen Motorola introduce a lot of preinstalled apps, while making changes to insert Moto AI in places you might not want it. Most annoying is the attempt to shoehorn a news feed into the apps tray, along with a search function that can draw on Perplexity to give you more waffly answers.

Thankfully you can turn off a lot of these intrusions, but it does take some effort. Samsung instead offers Galaxy AI, which always gets a high billing, but doesn't appear to offer much more than Google's Gemini – which both these phones offer as standard.

The caveat with Samsung's AI is that you have to use the Samsung Keyboard to get it to function – if you choose to use Google Gboard, for example, you basically void the Galaxy AI features.

Which should you buy: Samsung or Motorola?

Samsung has a couple of things stacked in its favour: it has a tighter and more compact design, which is lighter; it offers longer software support; and many will prefer the One UI experience over Motorola's Hello UI. But for the price, you get half the storage.

Motorola offers more unique finishes, with higher spec displays in some areas and a battery that's significantly higher capacity, with much faster charging. Motorola also offers 512GB storage for only a little more cash, so it's also better value for money.

But between all these things, I think it boils down to two factors: pick Samsung if you want the more compact device with a design that's slightly sharper; pick Motorola if you'd rather have longer battery life.

Okay, so it wasn't the best-kept secret in world history – Samsung had been openly teasing the new shape of its Galaxy Z Fold 8 for a couple of weeks. So, even without the many leaks that preceded it, we had a pretty good sense that the main Z Fold phone would be getting a new look.

Still, it's one thing to see leaks and another to get an entire Galaxy Unpacked event to check the phone out, and then the hands-on thoughts of our Tech editor, Mike Lowe. The phone looks like it's making a great impression on people in the first instance, although we'll doubtless get more context in the next few weeks.

I'll admit, though, that I've been a bit of a sceptic. The steep price tag attached to foldables makes them a non-starter for me, and I didn't see why a squatter design would change that. What I didn't expect was one moment in Samsung's presentation when they showed the phone opened up, but not in landscape mode – using a portrait orientation instead.

The photo at the top of this article shows that moment exactly, and that Samsung was using it to underline how the Z Fold 8 could be a great little e-reader alongside all the other more phone-like tools it offers. My surprise? I'm won over, at least moreso than before.

I've tested every Kindle released in the last few years, and I still regularly use the Kindle Paperwhite when I'm travelling, to cut down on the weight of a book (especially if I'm reading something chunky). Still, while I like an e-reader as much as the next reader, I'm mostly doing it for that weight reason.

So, if I had a phone that could be as satisfying to hold and as easy to read with, that would indeed be pretty tempting. There's a lot to wonder about in terms of ergonomics, still, and the biggest question for me would be how reliably I'd be able to read on the Z Fold 8 without worrying about battery life, but the concept it still quite a winning one.

The simple reality is that as long as these foldables stay this expensive, there's no way I'd ever commit to them – at £1,699, I just don't think the Z Fold 8 having a more adaptable aspect ratio is enough to move the needle. Still, this is the first time in a few years that I've even really perked my ears up at all in this area.

I'll be super interested in the folding iPhone we're likely getting later this year, but again will almost certainly never get my hands on one, if the rumoured pricing is to be remotely believed. Perhaps in half a decade, though, when folding phones are even more widespread, and the memory crisis has hopefully abated, I could end up not needing a Kindle at all – one less device is rarely a bad thing.

Today, Samsung used its Unpacked summer 2026 event to reveal a host of new devices – including, most critically of all, the brand new Galaxy Z Fold 8.

While the foldable's naming convention follows suit with its predecessor, the Z Fold 7, the new device is anything but – a 16:10 external aspect ratio, with a 4:3 aspect panel within.

That's an important difference to the typically 'narrow and tall' foldables of recent years, in particular because Android devices have consistently swerved a 4:3 aspect ratio – unlike Apple's iPad, which is precisely that form.

Has Samsung effectively just shown us the iPhone Ultra, expected to be revealed in September of this year? In a way, yes.

How's that the case? Well, Samsung is the producer of AMOLED panels – Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode – and it's largely expected that Apple will be a customer of this new panel.

Therefore this size and scale – 5.5-inches on the exterior at 16:10; 7.6-inches on the internal at 4:3 – is widely expected to be the very format that Apple also brings into the world of foldables.

But Apple has its own ecosystem, of course, with iOS and iPad OS fundamental to iPhone and iPad products – unlike Google's Android system, on which Samsung is based (with its own One UI interface).

That's the area where Apple could really excel in a way that Android hasn't quite presented in foldables as yet. Indeed, Samsung hasn't presented specific differences that the Z Fold 8 can offer compared to its Ultra, for example.

All that said, however, while Samsung may well sell the panel to Apple, it's not selling all of its research and development. And, with eight years of experience under its belt – the first Z Fold launched in 2019 – the South Korean maker has a lot to offer.

Indeed, the Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra both utilise what Samsung is calling Flex Titanium technology. Which is literally a laser-etched micro-thin layer of titanium that sits beneath the panel, ensuring flatness, rigidity and negating the crease more than any product of this type before it. Apple's not going to have that straight out of the gate.

None of this is guaranteed, of course, as it's all speculative. But it makes sense: if Samsung can claim to be first, with Apple doubling down on the new foldable format, then it ought to gather greater momentum. That's a winner for both sides – and all of us, the intended users.

With the Z Fold 8 confirmed to be priced from £1,699 in the UK, however, it remains a pricey piece of kit. Many think Apple's effort will be nearer to the £1,999 mark – which could be too much of a hurdle for many buyers. Guess we'll have to wait and see what comes later this year.

It seems like we've been writing about Samsung's 2026 foldable phones forever, but now they're official. And the range has expanded.

There are three foldables in the lineup this time, with an all-new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, which is wider to allow for a more tablet-like experience when unfolded. We also get a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra with more traditional sizing and a few upgrades, plus a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 for those who'd prefer a smaller device.

The phones will be available from 7 August 2026, but you can pre-order each now to get the best deals and incentives. Different UK networks often offer additional freebies too, so it's worth checking out everything available before making your choice.

That's why we've put together the best deals we've found so far, for each of the new devices. We'll update as and when new offers come in.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 pre-order deals

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is an all-new addition to the manufacturer's foldable phone lineup. It is shorter and wider than previous models, but has a more tablet-like internal display that's better to view videos on.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra pre-order deals

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the flagship model in this year's range. It is a direct replacement for the Z Fold 7, with a similar form factor. It also sports a few upgrades over the wider Z Fold 8, including the camera.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 pre-order deals

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 replaces the Z Flip 7 as the compact device in the foldable line. It features several key upgrades, not least in battery life and will undoubtedly be a popular choice for those who want pocketability.

We will continue to scour the UK networks and sites for other pre-order deals leading up to the phones arriving in store, so come back often.

Samsung has announced a trio of new phones at its Unpacked 2026 event. And everyone's attention is on one device – the new Galaxy Z Fold 8, the phone that's effectively going to rival the first folding iPhone.

While the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has the advantage of novelty bias, the spectre of the Z Fold 8 Ultra hangs over it – higher-specced, more expensive, and looking just like the previous Z Fold 7 model.

But somewhat under the radar is the Galaxy Z Flip, now in its eighth generation. With wide retro appeal, the Flip has always been popular with a non-tech audience, those who want a style phone that slips more easily into a pocket or bag.

But there's been a rumour that the Z Flip's days could be numbered, as Samsung faces a deficit in its mobile division and focus shifts to larger folding phones. So that's seen everything thrown into the new Z Flip 8, right? Well, not quite.

How do the prices compare?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 starts at £1149 in the UK, with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. It's $1,199 in the USA and AU$1,949 in Australia.

The earlier Galaxy Z Flip 7 launched at £1,049 / $1,099 with a 12/256GB configuration. The price has been as low as £849 / $799 on Amazon over Black Friday and has been regularly on offer since.

Pre-orders for the Flip 8 are open, with an on-sale date expected from 4 August 2026. As per previous years, there will be exclusive colours on Samsung.com, as detailed below. While the core colours change, Mint remains the exclusive:

The Z Flip 8 design is incredibly close to the Galaxy Z Flip 7

Samsung's Z Flip has evolved over the generations, with the Galaxy Z Flip 6 introducing the current industrial design with flattened sides, refined in the Galaxy Z Flip 7 to be a notably slimmer device, while the Z Flip 8 makes it thinner again.

Not much else has changed, but it's now 6.1mm thick when open, compared to 6.5mm, and dropping some 8g of weight – which you'll barely notice, of course.

None of those things are likely to convince you to part with the extra cash, but in evolutionary terms, it's all movement in the right direction.

There's a tiny detail, however, which you might have overlooked – and that's a slight change to the edges of the frame. They are bevelled on the Galaxy Z Flip 8, designed to make it a little easier to open.

The Z Flip 7 was notable for how flush the two halves of the phone were when closed – now there's a couple of additional millimetres in the frame to give you grip when opening. That's the same across all the new Galaxy Z devices for 2026.

The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is more powerful, but that might not matter

Turning to the actual hardware, what the Galaxy Z Flip 8 runs on depends on which region you buy the device in.

For the USA, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 'for Galaxy' is what's inside. In the UK, it's Exynos 2600 instead.

While Samsung's latest Exynos launch was exciting for its move to 2-nanometre process, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is more powerful.

There are a couple of things particular to flip phones that mean power isn't as important as it might be elsewhere. Firstly, it's more difficult to cool the hardware in a folding phone where the priority is on remaining slim, so that can limit absolute performance, as it’s more likely to get hot.

Secondly, the display doesn't lend itself to gaming, which is what a lot of people want that power for. The folding display is softer than one topped with a big slab of glass, and intense gaming can damage the display. I know, because I've done it.

So while the newer phone has more power, those choosing the older phone will probably find they don't miss out on much.

The rest of the hardware is mostly the same

The battery stays at 4300mAh, so although it's the same capacity as before, Samsung tells me it's moved to a silicon-carbon cell instead of lithium-polymer. There's also an increase to 45W charging, over the 25W previously. This is a respectable step forward for Samsung and very welcome.

The camera, unfortunately, appears to be much the same, with a 50-megapixel main camera supported by a 12-megapixel ultrawide and a 10-megapixel front camera.

Then you have the 6.9-inch folding display and the 4.1-inch cover display. Samsung didn't have anything to say about the display when introducing the new phones and, while there might be marginal changes, I didn’t spot anything during my time comparing the two devices. They might be brighter, but that's not officially confirmed.

Unlike the Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra, there's no use of Flex Titanium technology here either, which is what enables the bigger foldables to negate the much-maligned 'crease'.

A big software change – which both are likely to get

So that leaves us with a big software change that looks to be ushered in with One UI 9 on Android 17 that the Galaxy Z Flip 8 launches with. Samsung's cover display now offers access to apps, rather than it being a widget-based experience, which makes it a lot more usable.

I opened up YouTube and tested it out with Google Maps – and it seemed to work as I'd expect. It's definitely the missing piece of the software puzzle for this device. However, as Samsung offers a 7-year software update policy on its devices, it's highly likely that the update will come to the older phone too – although Samsung has yet to confirm that.

Elsewhere, I expect the software experience to be the same: it's One UI sprinkled with Galaxy AI. But as Samsung continues to drive home the artificial intelligence message, it's worth remembering that if you choose not to use Samsung's keyboard and switch to Gboard, for example, then most of the AI simply won't function.

Which should you buy: Galaxy Z Flip 8 or Galaxy Z Flip 7?

If you're approaching the Galaxy Z Flip 8 as a style-based purchase, then I'd say it's safe to buy the colour that you want without worrying about the specs. These two devices are so closely related in their hardware, that you really don't lose out on much either way.

It's safe to save yourself the cash and hunt out the cheaper Galaxy Z Flip 7, knowing that you'll still have 6 years of software support. As long as the software update includes the new cover screen app access, then it's the more obvious approach.

There are incremental improvements – a new battery type with faster charging; it's slightly thinner; and it's a little more powerful – that just about cover that increase in price, but much of the experience will be exactly the same as before.

Which, by the way, isn't to denounce the Galaxy Z Flip's accolades. In the world of flip phones, this is a highly accomplished handset, only really rivalled by Motorola, it just happens to be largely familiar rather than revolutionary.

This is Samsung's eighth year making folding phones – but it's a significantly different year to any prior, as the Korean giant has officially revealed not one foldable, but two.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the 'renamed' flagship, following the same fundamental design and proportions as the previous Z Fold 7, but with some core hardware updates.

The big change for 2026? The introduction of a Galaxy Z Fold 8 – which some are calling the 'Wide', given its form – with an all-new aspect ratio that stands it apart from the Ultra.

So you now have a choice in foldables. But which would be best for you and why? Ahead of Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked summer 2026 showcase I got to see both handsets in person – here's how they differ and my key takeaways.

Price

The Z Fold 8 is priced from £1,699 / $1,899 / AU$2,699, whereas the Z Fold 8 Ultra is from £1,899 / $2,099 / AU$2,999. That's for the 256GB model, with the 512GB or 1TB options costing yet more.

The on-sale date is expected to be 4 August 2026, with pre-order deals available prior. Samsung Store will have exclusive (green-themed) colourways, with the table below detailing what's available:

Display Sizes

The most obvious difference between these two foldables is their sizes, as result of their differing display aspect ratios.

You can see why the Z Fold 8 has been dubbed the 'Wide' already, while the Ultra goes down the tried-and-tested route – with its taller and skinnier external display.

Samsung's take is that the Z Fold 8 is engineered for content consumption above all else. The Ultra, meanwhile, is a little more 'business', yet still good for content if that's your main goal – its internal display has a larger surface area overall.

The aspect ratios are vastly different between the two. The Z Fold 8's 5.5-inch external display almost sounds small by today's standards. It's not, though, it's just wide rather than extending tall across its 16:10 aspect ratio.

The Z Fold 8 Ultra, meanwhile, maintains the 21:9 aspect ratio for its rear display, which has attracted criticism in the past for being too narrow. I've tended to find that gives greater reason to use the unfolded display, though, which is fitting for such a product.

Once opened, the Z Fold 8's 4:3 aspect ratio is an uncommon sight in the world of Android. Not even Android tablets elect for this aspect ratio, with perhaps the OnePlus Pad 2 from 2024 representing the closest (at 7:5).

What is in 4:3, though? Well, an Apple iPad. How Samsung will leverage this much-utilised form to its own advantage we'll have to wait and see. But I suspect that come September this year, we'll have an iPhone Fold/Ultra to compete – and this will be the new 'standard' in foldables. Samsung got there first, though.

The Z Fold 8 Ultra's internal panel is akin to two 6.5-inch displays presented side-by-side, which is great for multi-tasking. The 8-inch measure across the diagonal is as big as it gets, too, just as it was in the previous model.

What has changed significantly for this internal panel, however, is the fundamental hardware beneath, in what Samsung calls Flex Titanium technology. Ingeniously, Samsung has devised a way to laser-etch a titanium plate so that it'll fold, maintaining rigidity and flatness – which is ideal to negate the 'crease' so often maligned in foldables. It's done that best job at that I've ever seen, too.

Now, don't panic, both the Z Fold 8 Ultra and the wider Z Fold 8 get Flex Titanium as part of their build. Their hinges feel different, though, with the wide model 'snapping' into place, whereas the gentler feel of the Ultra can be positioned from flat, through to V-shape, or completely closed.

While I got the perception that the Z Fold 8's display was brighter in my side-by-side viewing (brightness manually pushed to maximum), the core spec reads that they're both the same with a 3,000 nit peak. So there's no compromise in picking one or other – it's literally down to the size, shape and aspect ratio use that will work best for you.

Core Spec

Aside from aspect ratio, then, how does the Ultra justify its more elaborate name? In terms of core spec, the two foldables also aren't dramatically different – as you can see from the table above.

Both use Qualcomm's current flagship chipset, upgraded with 'for Galaxy' designation (meaning it's overclocked for extra power), the same amount of RAM and storage. Neither is S Pen compatible, so no stylus options here.

A major new addition is that, finally, Samsung has ventured from using a lithium-polymer battery to a silicon-carbon type. This means greater density in a smaller footprint and, ultimately, improved longevity.

Both Z Fold 8 and Ultra devices have this Si-C battery type, but the 4,800mAh capacity of the former is bettered in the Ultra, which has a 5,000mAh total capacity. I'd consider that similar, however, in light of the display sizes – one has more pixels to power, after all.

Both handsets split this across two cells rather than one, which is why the 45W charging is faster than it may read – with at least 63% charge in 30 minutes (it's 67% for the Ultra, given how the duo of cells is divided).

Cameras

If anything, therefore, it's the cameras that provide the Ultra with its namesake. That's because it features a trio, including a zoom, just like the previous Z Fold 7 did – indeed, they're exactly the same cameras, with no upgrades for this generation.

The Z Fold 8, meanwhile, drops to a duo of cameras instead, with a pair of 50-megapixel sensors handling the main and ultra-wide offering. Zoom is digital-only, cutting out that more advanced offering from the wider foldable.

This would go some way to explaining the price difference between the pair, of course. Both still awkwardly 'wobble' when placed on a desk, given how the cameras protrude from the rear of each device.

The key, therefore, is whether you want a proper zoom lens. The 50-megapixel versus 200MP is neither here nor there, really, given how processing sees typical output vastly reduced in output size anyway.

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide vs Ultra: Verdict

In a nutshell: the all-new Galaxy Z Fold 8 is the wider aspect ratio option designed with content consumption in mind. It ditches a camera in favour of price, with the core hardware otherwise akin to the Z Fold 8 Ultra's outlay.

Why spend the extra for the Ultra instead? If the tall-and-narrow format suits you better – and that bigger interior screen overall – then it's the better match. The Flex Titanium technology does wonders for the crease – but you get that on the wider model, too.

Scrub any thought about the cameras, therefore, and the key difference between these two foldables is very much their aspect ratio. They're markedly different, which marks an exciting new option in this market – and what is quite likely to become the foldable 'norm' this year and beyond.

During the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 launch last summer, I queried Samsung's Minseok Kang, Head of Smartphone Product Planning, about when we might see the company release a phone with new battery technology.

He confirmed that "years of work" had already gone into testing at that stage. But now the wait is finally over – as the all-new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and 8 Ultra each feature a silicon-carbon (Si-C) battery type. That's a first for the Korean giant.

But it's far from a first for the industry, which is why so many have been querying when the mobile-maker would invest in the higher-density battery technology. After all, a key function of Si-C is greater longevity as a result, or the option of utilising less space in a design without compromising.

History lesson

I'm not surprised there's been an extended wait, though. It was almost a decade ago when the launch of the Galaxy Note 7 prompted a recall after risk of fire was identified. Ever since then Samsung has been cautious in pushing ultra-capacity batteries or the fastest-charging technologies.

“When Samsung apply or implements the battery, we consider three key points: one is the size; second is the charging speed; and the third one is safety – the reliability of that battery. We think a little more priority on the reliability is best practice," Kang said to me 12 months ago.

Clearly there's been ample testing time for Samsung's testing processes to be passed for these product lines. While it was initially thought that only the Ultra would feature such a battery, Samsung has confirmed it's that device, plus the all-new Z Fold 8 – which some have dubbed the 'Wide', given its less tall and wider ratio – and Z Flip 8 products.

A glimpse of the future

For future Samsung products I think this marks big potential to see further leaps forward. The Galaxy S27 Ultra is prime for a key update or two come next year – with battery being an area where it's stagnated. Sure, its 5,000mAh cell is perfectly capable, but when Oppo is delivering a 7,500mAh in its Find X9 Pro flagship, it's clear where the market is going.

Samsung can no longer afford to sit behind the pack, depending on its loyal customer base. But the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series is proof that it's put the work in to keep up with the times – and on its own terms. And a safety first approach is no bad thing, even if a bit of patience has been required.

There's a whole lot going on around Samsung's second Galaxy Unpacked event of 2026, with the Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, Z Flip 8 and Watch Ultra 2 launches the major headlines. Keep your eyes on T3 for more, as we'll be reporting live and direct.

Samsung has just revealed a major shake-up to its line of foldable devices in the shape of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 – which I got to try out ahead of the brand's Unpacked reveal showcase.

This is no iterative upgrade over the Galaxy Z Fold 7 – for that, you'll need to look to the also-new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra – but a totally new aspect ratio model, with its aim to deliver the best media consumption experience above all else.

I've tried (almost) every folding phone in recent years, where the format has become generally similar. Samsung has sometimes been criticised for its 'tall and narrow' Z Fold previously – but the new Z Fold 8 flips that on its head and addresses the critics head-on.

Given that 2026 is widely thought to be the year that Apple will reveal its 'iPhone Fold' – or 'iPhone Ultra' as many are now calling it – this landmark move from Samsung is a major step towards folding phones' wider acceptance. But with a price tag that remains an obvious hurdle, is that ever going to be feasible?

Price & Availability

So just what sort of price are we talking about? The Z Fold 8 will retail from £1,699 / $1,899 / AU$2,699 when it goes on sale from 4 August. That's £/$200 less than the £1,899 / $2,099 Z Fold 8 Ultra (it's AU$2,999 in Australia).

Note that's for the base storage model, with 256GB on board. There are 512GB and 1TB upgrade options for yet more cash – and no 'double storage pre-order' offer this year.

What's New?

• Totally new aspect ratio unlike previous Z Fold devices
• 10:16 cover display; 4:3 aspect unfolded
  • 5.5-inch external, 7.6-inch internal
  • Flex Titanium for minimal crease
• Samsung's first silicon-carbon battery
  • 4300mAh, 45W charging
• Dual camera system, not triple
  • 50MP main and wide
• Lightest Fold yet, at 201g

Samsung has been making folding phones since 2019, making 2026 the eighth generation – and it has not missed out one single year in that production cycle and evolution of its Z Fold product.

Some years the step up from one generation to the next would be minor. The Z Fold 8, however, changes absolutely everything – as you can see from my gallery of images above (next to the Ultra model). It's a radically different size and shape to what's come before it – and the lightest Samsung foldable yet, too.

It also marks the first appearance of a silicon-carbon battery type (Si-C) from Samsung, helping to squeeze greater capacity into this new form. I suspect this is the brand's first foray into what will become the norm for its flagship products going forward.

In opting for a new aspect ratio, however, Samsung has cut back on the cameras – it's a dual rear offering, lacking any optical zoom – which also seems a sensible cost-saving move. The Ultra maintains a trio of cameras, not that they've evolved over their equivalent predecessor's spec.

Displays

• 5.5-inch external AMOLED display, 10:16 aspect ratio
  • Wider and shorter than Z Fold 8 Ultra
  • 3000 nits peak brightness
  • 1264 x 1848 resolution
  • 120Hz refresh
• 7.6-inch internal AMOLED display, 4:3 aspect ratio
  • Flex Titanium Technology for anti-crease
  • Anti-reflective coating finish
  • 1828 x 2584 resolution
  • 120Hz refresh

There's more going on here than just a new display size, though, in what's called Flex Titanium technology. The fundamental workings in how Samsung has attempted to further negate the much-maligned 'crease' down the centre of the foldable panel is mighty impressive.

Not that you'll ever get to see much of what's actually going on. I found the device 'snaps' into position when unfolded, so there's no half-mast unfolding into a V-shape here. It's either open or closed, such is the nature of this new hinge – and I think that feels great.

What exactly is Flex Titanium, though? In what sounds seemingly impossible, Samsung has devised a way to seat the panel onto a titanium plate that's laser-etched in such microscopic detail that this elemental metal can literally flex. It's topped with a titanium-alloy film that's a third the thickness of a human hair to ensure smoothness.

So why does all that matter? Titanium is light yet strong, stable and largely resistant to permanent deformation – which is why you'll find it used in golf clubs, for example. That stable layer is how the Z Fold 8's unfolded display remains flatter than you'll have seen before – and this helps negate the crease.

Has the crease been banished completely? I struggled to see it whatsoever when looking front-on, but viewed at 45 degrees and with a light source, you can catch a slight indentation (see my gallery of images, above, for examples). I've never seen any foldable perform this well, though, including Oppo's impressive Find N6 (which never launched in most regions).

My other frustration with folding phones, however, is fingerprints. Samsung hasn't made further headway in negating the natural oils prevalent in human skin, which see coated flexible displays show up marks more than most standard flagship devices. The surface is anti-reflective, though, so it does at least hamper sunlight better than before for an improved viewing experience.

The unfolded device's display is a 4:3 aspect ratio, which is... well, it's an iPad ratio, isn't it? I think it's fair to call that unusual for an Android device, as Samsung doesn't make tablets with such an aspect ratio, whereas Apple does. And it's probably no surprise that Samsung is likely to produce the panel for Apple's incoming foldable, too, so you may well be looking at the exact format of what its other-OS competitor will deliver later this year.

Personally, I think that's a good thing, if it rings true. If it aids the adoption of foldables across a wider section of the market, then there could be broader software adoption and adaptation to such an aspect ratio. This Samsung could be the first foldable to normalise the aspect ratio that's expected – and I'm sure it is better for media consumption too.

Other raw specs are solid, too, with ample resolution, high dynamic range (HDR) support, considerable brightness (3000 nits peak), and fluid refresh rate (120Hz) ensuring it's every bit the flagship.

Hardware & Performance

• Colours: Graphite, Cream, Lavender, Pistachio (Samsung store exclusive)
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 'for Galaxy', 12GB RAM
• 4800mAh Si-C battery type, 45W charging
• 256GB / 512GB / 1TB storage options

What I'm a little light on at present is precisely how this new foldable will perform – having only handled a device for a couple of hours. Its specification is abundant, I can confirm, with Qualcomm's top-tier 'for Galaxy' processor rolled out here for the utmost clock speed of any Android device you'll lay hands on (until the next-generation of hardware anyway).

What Samsung has told me, however, is that the Flex Titanium technology actually frees up space in this design, as does the adoption of the new battery technology, so there's 7% more graphite for a thermal performance uptick compared to what the previous-gen Z Fold 7 could muster. Not that they're like-for-like device formats, but an increase is no bad thing.

How Samsung adapts its One UI software over Google's Android base is something that's yet to be fully realised, I feel. We're currently on version 8.5, but this new aspect ratio surely offers greater potential for exploration. There's long-term software support promised for 7 years, though, so plenty of time for more to feature. But no S Pen stylus compatibility here – that's not possible with this metal-backed screen technology.

The Si-C battery inclusion is a major boost for Samsung, too, as people have been asking for this for yonks. Many competitors have used it for three generations already, with the greater density meaning more capacity from physically smaller cells. The 4,800mAh here is moderate rather than massive, mind, when some competitors are leveraging 50% more than that in their devices.

Cameras

• Dual rear cameras:
  • Main: 50-megapixel
  • Wide: 50MP
• Selfie cameras:
  • Both: 10MP, f/2.2

A phone's cameras tend to be the biggest sign of its flagship nature these days. The Z Fold 8 doesn't go quite as far as the Ultra model here, however, dropping any optical zoom lens and relying on tried-and-tested 50-megapixel cameras in wide and ultra-wide.

If you want this new format, then you can't have the most sophisticated camera setup, therefore, but Samsung's well-established work in its photographic capabilities is already well documented. I'll be exploring the Z Fold 8's camera duo more fully for my full review, when I can really assess its offering.

What I do already know is that the suite of Galaxy AI features here will deliver plenty of tools to manipulate images on device and with ease. And the new FanCam feature is designed for auto-cropping for social media-friendly posts, able to auto-track you in the frame without needing to further intervene.

Early Verdict

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a bold vision for the future of foldables – and a format that I think will quickly become a more established norm in the near future.

That said, foldables being as costly as they are, that hurdle is going to remain a considerable obstacle for many would-be buyers at this stage. As has always been the case.

But if you are looking for a folding phone upgrade, then the crease-negating Flex Titanium technology on show here is second to none. It's an ideal platform for media consumption, as unusual as a 4:3 aspect ratio is in today's Android market.

Also Consider

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Google might be planning to link Google Maps to various other applications to take advantage of its Gemini -powered Personal Intelligence feature. That could see Maps having instant access to a lot more information and avoid frequent app switching.

Personal Intelligence was announced by Google at the beginning of the year. The Gemini system has access to information from across Google's apps like Gmail and Photos, so that Gemini (in all its forms) can be more useful.

Code has now been discovered in the Google Maps beta that points to the feature coming to the popular navigation app, which could reduce the number of steps you need to make when planning a route or trip.

As uncovered by Android Authority, there are code strings within the Google Maps beta that directly reference the new feature, saying "Supercharge Maps with Personal Intelligence".

There's a lengthier description, saying that information about reservations and flights will be available directly in maps. That could mean if you're trying to figure out where you're supposed to be, you don't have to jump back and forth into your calendar or start searching through Gmail.

This leans on Google's Connected Content Apps and it's something that Gemini can already do. For example, you can ask Gemini where you need to be today and it will pull that information from your Calendar.

Personal Information works across Contacts, Google Photos, Google Workspace (that's Gmail, Drive and Calendar), Search, as well as YouTube.

Android Authority speculates that Google is going to use the Ask Maps feature as the starting point for this. Ask Maps is the Gemini-powered conversational side of Google Maps. It's not universally available yet (I still have the old voice search in Maps in the UK), but it make sense for Google to use this.

With all these dots joined, you should be able to open Google Maps and access a wide range of information. You won't have to go and dig it out elsewhere and copy it to another app. That should speed up route planning and navigation, making things more seamless.

That's also thought to expand to things like accessing Google Photos to ask about places that you previously visited in the area.

Gemini can do some of this already and there is a big question mark over all of this: if every app is getting Gemini powers, why not just start every interaction in Gemini and have it supply the final Google solution that you need?

As this is currently in beta, there's no telling when it might appear on Android phones.

Privacy Display made its headlines at the launch of the Galaxy S26 Ultra and it looks like Samsung is boosting its features in a forthcoming software update.

The clever feature that's exclusive to Samsung's flagship Galaxy S phone works by limiting the light output to narrow pixels, limiting the viewing angle of the display. That means that only those right in front of the screen can see what's on it and those to one side can't.

It appears that Samsung is now going to expand the use of the feature to cover another use case, with Privacy Display working on picture-in-picture video too.

That means that if you're watching something that you want to keep private and you leave the source app, the floating miniature version of that video will remain obscured to those spying on your screen. The rest of the display becomes visible as normal.

Previously, if you left the app, the entire phone would stay in Privacy Display because part of that app was still open.

To get it to work you firstly need app support for picture-in-picture video. That list includes some big hitters like YouTube and Netflix, but it also extends to WhatsApp, Zoom and Google Meet, which is where you might have more sensitive video that you want to keep private.

When these apps are playing video, swiping back to the home screen minimises the video to a floating picture-in-picture window, which will then benefit from being private.

There are a couple of things you'd have to ensure to get this to work: first, you'll have to have selected the individual apps that you want Privacy Display to work on. Second, you'll have to ensure you're not using Privacy Display across the entire screen, in which case it would all be private all the time.

It's an interesting move and if you don't want that person next to you on the train watching your videos, this could potentially be useful.

The feature is reportedly included in beta One UI 9 software, according to 9to5Google, so once the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is out of the way, we're sure this will be heading the S26 Ultra in an update.

Samsung will launch its new range of foldable phones today, with the wider Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 being the much talked about newcomer.

It'll be joined by the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8 at the Galaxy Unpacked presentation being held in London, and you can watch it all unfold live right here on T3.

We also expect to see two new smartwatches announced on stage during the event, with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 also heavily leaked in recent times.

And who knows, maybe there'll be a surprise or two along the way? Let's hope so.

Here then is everything you need to know about the summer Samsung Galaxy Unpacked, including when it starts, running time and more.

When does the Galaxy Unpacked launch event start?

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked has a kick off time of 2pm BST – that's earlier than usual thanks to the event being held in London for the first time in years.

Here are the start times for your region:

• US West Coast: 06:00 PDT
• US East Coast: 09:00 EDT
• UK: 14:00 BST
• Central Europe: 15:00 CEST
• India: 18:30 IST
• China (Beijing): 21:00 CST
• Japan: 22:00 JST
• South Korea: 22:00 KST
• Australia (Sydney): 23:00 AEST

How to watch Samsung Galaxy Unpacked live

You can watch the entire event live via the video feed higher up this page.

It will also be available on Samsung's website and YouTube.

What to expect

We expect the main presentation to last around an hour, with the main focus being the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. This is the wider version of its book style foldable, which pre-empts the Apple iPhone Ultra by a few months.

The idea is that while more square-shaped when folded, the handset unfolds into a mini tablet form factor that's better to view videos on in comparison with conventional foldables.

The more traditionally-shaped Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra will also launch. It'll be a direct replacement for the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It will also have a beefier camera system than the new wider model, and maybe a few extra upgrades, too.

Finally, the Flip 8 will be very similar to the Flip 7, we believe. We're just waiting to see what upgrades it might enjoy.

There will be a couple of smartwatches launched too – the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. Both have leaked extensively in recent times.

As for surprises, we might hear a bit more on Samsung's Android XR ambitions. Watch this space.

Samsung will unveil its new foldable phones later today, during its London Galaxy Unpacked event, but just in case you haven't had enough spoilers already here's another.

One of the most talked about upgrades coming with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is its alleged "crease-less" display. And now we have some evidence. An image shared by an online leaker shows the new flagship device against the model it's replacing and the difference is obvious.

Posted by @kro-roe on X, the hands-on photo looks to have been taken in a factory environment or during an official event. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 on the left has a very visible crease down the middle of the open display, while the Fold 8 Ultra does not.

Admittedly, the Fold 7 in the shot might be a well-used device, as the crease can become more pronounced through wear and tear. However, it does seem that Samsung has made a major breakthrough in its screen technology – as it has suggested during the launch build up.

Of course, this might be a bogus image and we're not that familiar with the leaker, so do take it with a pinch of salt. But it does comply with previous rumours and information we've seen over the last few months.

What else is launching during Samsung Galaxy Unpacked?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra will be the flagship model launched today, with an upgraded Z Flip 8 expected too.

For many though, the most exciting new foldable to be announced will be the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 (sans the "Ultra"). This is a brand-new device with a wider, more square external display which unfolds to reveal a screen with a traditional tablet aspect ratio.

It is effectively Samsung's push to get ahead of the iPhone Ultra, which should launch in September. That is expected to have a very similar form factor. Indeed, it might even have the exact same display, as Samsung is likely to be supplying it to Apple as well.

Hopefully, the wider Galaxy Z Fold 8 will also feature the crease-less technology we can see in the latest leak (the iPhone Ultra, too). It will have some cutbacks, we understand, in comparison with the Z Fold 8 Ultra – such as a lower-spec'ed camera – but will still be the main focus of Unpacked.

You can also expect new smartwatches today, in the form of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.

Cambridge Audio has announced that its L/R X bookshelf speakers are now on sale, marking the availability of one cool retro-infused speaker set up.

T3 has been (im)patiently waiting for these to launch – and for good reason. When we reviewed its smaller bedfellow Cambridge Audio L/R S range back in March of this year, we gave them five stars, earning a coveted Platinum Award. We said at the time that it’s a speaker range that “absolutely demands your attention.”

The S range also won a coveted T3 Award this year.

But while we've yet to get this larger variant into our testing lab, there’s no reason why the X line can’t join that range in the top spot. Beneath the retro looks – this could easily have been a model that took pride and place in a conversation pit in the ‘60s – there’s a lot of modern tech packed in.

Stream dream

For those who prefer their music streamed, the Cambridge Audio L/R X offers access to your poison of choice – Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Amazon Music, AirPlay, Cast… you name it.

There’s also multi-room support, 64-bit audio processing and a number of ports, including: HDMI eARC for TV, moving magnet phono stage for vinyl and Bluetooth.

Cambridge graduate, with hons

As for the audio, this is pumped out through 800W of total system power. Dual 5-inch woofers. 28mm torus-chambered tweeters and dual 6-inch force-cancelling passive radiators are on board, which negate the need for a subwoofer and make sure the sound is wider than Spain’s collective grin this World Cup.

There’s a choice of six colours and finishes, complete with LED underlighting and this all comes at a price of £1799 / $2299 / €1999 (add another £100 if you fancy the walnut finishing).

Head to Cambridge Audio now for more details.

The second Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event of 2026 has been and gone (and only five months on from the first), with London providing hosting duties for the summer session.

This time it was the turn of Samsung's flagship foldables to take pride of place, with an all-new Z Fold 8 revealed to show off an entirely new format, alongside Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8 devices.

All of these new flagship foldables are now available for pre-order, with our Best Pre-Order Page highlighting any deals ahead of the August on-sale date.

T3's Tech Editor, Mike Lowe, was on the ground at the event – and handling The Gadget Show Podcast – to deliver live coverage.

You can see all that in the original blog below, but here are the key headline takeaways you'll most want to read:

The biggest headlines from Unpacked July 2026

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 pre-orders: The best Samsung Z Fold and Flip deals
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review: First impressions of foldables' big future
• Z Fold 8 'Wide' or Ultra? – I tried both, so you don't have to
• Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 review: 5-star stunner
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 or Flip 7?

Original Live Blog continues below...

It was only five months back that Samsung's first Unpacked showcase of 2026 wrapped, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Privacy Display the king of that reveal.

Now the next Unpacked event is upon us, this time with the best foldables set to be centre stage – and T3's tech editor, Mike Lowe, is on the ground at the event to report on all the news.

Samsung's second Unpacked of 2026 runs from 14:00 BST (06:00 PDT, 11:00 EDT) today – Wednesday 22 July. You can watch live, using the embedded YouTube video below, or follow along in the run-up to the event itself as we dissect the rumours.

As ever, in this live blog, we'll be highlighting the most important news related to the new folding handsets – expected to be the 'wide' Galaxy Z Fold 8, updated Z Fold 8 Ultra (with new name appendage), and Z Flip 8 – plus any additional surprises.

This is also the Unpacked where health will be showcased, with Samsung's latest wearables, the Watch Ultra 2 and Watch 9, expected as part of the package. So stay tuned – there'll plenty to see and adsorb, with news, opinions and previews to follow.

Hello from London

Samsung has chosen the UK capital for this year's second Unpacked event, so I'm on home soil ahead of the event kicking off by the Thames.

I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for any billboards or accidental giveaways ahead of the event kicking off at 14:00 BST, should anyone slip up.

Is anything ever secret anymore?

Well, that's a bit of a giveaway, isn't it? BTS' J-Hope is pictured holding the purported 'Wide' Galaxy Z Fold 8, showing off the new-form foldable for all to see. In a fetching purple finish of all things, too.

READ: Hello Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, where have you been all my life?

Given the Korean popstar's ties with Samsung, this seems to be no accident, more a coordinated tease of what the new wider-and-shorter foldable looks like – complete with its duo of cameras.

There's a lot more that Samsung will have to say about the latest Z Fold, though, so this glimpse is just that. It's the displays that we really want to see in action in this new aspect ratio.

The new standard?

Wait, hold up, that's not a Galaxy Z Fold 8. Here's where things are going to get interesting – as it's widely expected that Apple will reveal the 'iPhone Ultra' in September of this year.

Samsung, however, has beaten the Cupertino company to the punch. Sure, it was already several years ahead anyway, but this new format is likely to become the 'new standard' in what consumers expect.

It's believed that Samsung will be providing the AMOLED panel for Apple's foldable, which makes it even more likely that it'll be the very same base solution – hence the dummy render image, above, looking mighty similar.

What does that mean for the tall-and-narrow foldables market? We'll just have to wait and see. Samsung is expected to support both formats, but for how long?

Heavy metal

But here's one key aspect to Samsung's latest foldables that's already officially been released, as we reported last week.

That's all to do with the brand's new sub-structure, which uses a titanium-alloy film directly behind the display panel, replacing a polymer film. Samsung says this offers greater mechanical stiffness – up to 20x – which also means better anti-'crease' properties.

That ought to set the latest Galaxy Z Fold devices apart from the competition, as the crease has blighted foldable devices across all brands for many years now.

The end of the crease?

Samsung, like every other folding phone maker, has rightly been preoccupied in recent years with the crease in the middle of its phones' displays. Minimising that crease makes the internal display nicer to use, so it's a major goal – and leaks suggest this generation of phones could improve things massively.

A new image shared on social media today, ahead of Samsung's launch event, appears to show last year's Galaxy Z Fold 7 next to this year's Z Fold 8 Ultra. The harsh lighting makes it easy to see the crease on the older model, but the newer version next to it looks much smoother.

The angle is flattering, admittedly, and it's not the most scientific of comparisons given we only have the one image, but it's a great sign for those hoping Samsung would be able to keep things nice and flat on its new internal display.

What are we to make of this new shape?

As the leaks we've showcased already today demonstrate, this is a big moment for Samsung – it's not every day that a phone-maker completely redesigns one of its flagships. In a world where a new camera bump dominates headlines in iPhone-land, imagine if Apple completely changed the phone's shape one year: it'd be bedlam.

So, what does this new, squatter shape mean for Samsung? We can only assume that it's done an absolute shedload of market research and focus testing to back up the idea that taller folding phones aren't for everyone.

While we don't have the stats to back that up ourselves, it's worth throwing things way back to the Surface Duo, Microsoft's own bi-fold phone from a few years ago. It went the way of the dodo after a couple of iterations, but reviewers were consistently won over by its size and shape, which looks an awful lot like Samsung's new design.

Some things might not change as much

Of course, while the new size and shape of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is going to draw a lot of attention, we're expecting more than one phone today, and the reality is that the Z Flip 8 will likely be the bigger seller.

The flip-phone is a more common sight on the streets of London, in our experience, and its far lower cost of entry seems to be persuasive alongside its fun and dinky size. It's also highly like that we're going to see far less change between versions on this format.

That doesn't mean there won't be progress, and we'd assume that there will be internal upgrades as well as some display spec bumps, but the design is expected to be largely consistent with what came before – which is no problem, based on our glowing four-star review.

Watch out!

But it's not just about folding phones this Unpacked. As we reported yesterday, there's also expected to be new wearables.

Principally the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 leaked, courtesy of serial leaker Evan Blass, who appears to have acquired official marketing images from a Spanish-language source, as posted on his X feed.

Key to the Ultra 2 is its brighter-than-ever display rated at an apparent 5,000 nits. The battery is also purported to deliver up to 60 hours of runtime, which sounds mega.

More info from Unpacked come 2pm (London time), no doubt, so keep your eyes on the site for more.

Privacy, please?

But back to the phones for a moment. Back when Samsung revealed the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the addition of Privacy Display turned out to be a bit of a controversy.

The feature, which when enabled turns off some pixels to narrow the field of view, makes would-be snoopers unable to see your S26 Ultra's screen. It can even be regionally applied, as to only affect notification areas, for example.

This being Samsung's big feature breakthrough for 2026, surely the latest and priciest Galaxy phones will feature it? But there's not been a peep in the leaks about Privacy Display in the new foldables.

Therefore, we don't anticipate that it will feature – not even for the devices' front displays. That might be for the best in some people's eyes, however, instead leaving the focus on the new titanium sub-structure as the key talking point.

Colour me excited

Pictured above is the Z Fold 7 model, released last year, in its trio of colourways. The Blue Shadow is the standout winner for me.

So what to expect this year for the Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra? Rumour has it that there'll be exclusive new colour options, as it typical of Samsung Store.

A new source suggests those will be rather green in nature, with Pistachio, Green Shadow and Mint the purported exclusive options for the Z Fold 8, Ultra and Flip, respectively.

Those will join the base Cream, Graphite and Lavender options, expected to be available from wider retail sources.

Time for a trek...

Right, it's 12:30 (BST), so my time has come to trundle on over to the Galaxy Unpacked venue in London before the show kicks off.

I'll leave this live blog in the hands of my T3 colleagues to update with any rumours and wonders ahead of the start time – when, Wi-Fi permitting, I'll be live-blogging to my heart's content.

Elvis (well, Mike) is entering the building

We're here and it's packed already! News editor Rik taking over for a little while as Mike finds his way to a seat inside the venue.

I must have covered more than 50 Samsung events in my time as a journalist and they always draw the crowds. But will there be anything extra to see today? I wonder if Samsung might tease something Android XR-related at the end of the show – maybe its first smart glasses with a display or even the Galaxy XR 2.

I hope so, as we know most of the rest of it already.

I'll have a piece of that

And just like that, I'm back in the hot seat. Well, an Unpacked seat! It's bustling inside, with 45 minutes to go before the official kick-off.

Samsung is showing off the social teasers about the assumed Z Fold 8 and Watch Ultra 2 that it put out the other week – albeit on the big screen.

That's clearly going to be the focus of this Unpacked event, I'd wager.

BTS: I Believe That's A Samsung

Samsung is leveraging its BTS tie-in, as ever, with an X (formerly Twitter) post showing off a shadowy glimpse of the Z Fold 8.

It's not actually expected to launch in black, mind, per my previous colourways post – so let's assume it's just heavyweight retouching.

Unless, who knows, it's a special edition BTS version. Surely not?

Pre-order benefits

I was just browsing Samsung.com to see if there are any obvious last-minute giveaways.

Instead, however, the countdown timer confirms there'll be "exclusive pre-order benefits" for those who sign up.

That could well be worth it, therefore, as previous years have seen a free doubling of storage for those who pre-order.

It's not expected that's the exact deal for this year – but Samsung has been tight-lipped on what to expect. Time will tell!

Aye, aye, cap'n AI

Just a thought for a moment about AI, too. Samsung has previously gone to town with Galaxy artificial intelligence feature pushes – but that seems to have quietened somewhat in the run-up to this particular Unpacked.

It seems that, while Galaxy AI will very much continue as it stands, that new features will be minimal. Instead, the focus is clearly going to be on Samsung's all-new foldable in that all-new form factor.

And we're off!

A nice flyover of London to kick off Unpacked with a VT. It's not actually quite so sunny today, but there we go...

TM Roh kicks off proceedings

The big boss and CEO, TM Roh, takes to the stage to kick off Unpacked 2026 – with a little tease of Samsung's new AI Glasses.

Curtain Up

The curtain behind TM Roh opens and we're on to more VT.

But nothing's a secret anymore: I've already seen all of Samsung's 2026 foldables – from Z Fold 8 to Z Fold 8 Ultra to Z Flip 8 – as covered on the site.

Check out the key links below:

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review: First impressions of the future of foldables
• Z Fold 8 'Wide' or Ultra? – I try both folding phones, so you don't have to
• Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 review: Samsung's best yet
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 or Flip 7 – What's new?

Flex Titanium

Here's the lowdown on the Flex Titanium technology, as presented by Kadesh Beckford, UK Product Manager for Samsung Mobile.

It's literally a thin layer of titanium – which, let's not forget, is a metal – with laser-etched mesh to enable it to fold across the hinge.

As titanium is so robust and rigid, it helps to maintain a flat and sturdy surface that largely negates the central 'crease'.

Better battery

Big news klaxon! Samsung has finally added a silicon-carbon battery to its line-up, meaning greater capacity from the higher density type.

In the Z Fold 8 Ultra that's a larger 5000mAh capacity, with 45W charging being faster than predecessors – and charging to 67% in just 30 minutes.

Snapdragon inside

The partnership between Qualcomm and Samsung continues, with the top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip used here – in its 'for Galaxy' overclocked form.

It's still not yet clear whether this will be the chip in all three devices, however, as the Z Flip 8 is rumoured to feature Samsung's own Exynos hardware instead...

The one we've been waiting for

The all-new Galaxy Z Fold 8 is official, confirming the foldable's new format.

Ideal for playing games that are less "squished" with its 4:3 aspect ratio inside, or flipping it around for 3:4 for some quality reading time.

The Z Fold 8 is upselling its case for content consumption. It, too, uses Flex Titanium technology like the Ultra, to help negate that central crease.

My FanCam

Samsung's new social forward feature, My FanCam, allows you to select subjects in a video and crop to the ideal format for your preferred social platform.

Z Flip 8 – the thinnest yet

The Galaxy Z Flip 8 brings a refresh to the range, boasting that it's the thinnest in the series ever – although only by a whisker.

Like all the other handsets, it comes with Samsung's One UI software over Android 17 – and in the Flip 8 in particular, the cover display can run full.apps, which Samsung had previously limited in earlier devices.

My Spidey senses are tingling

Jacob Batalon, who plays Ned Leeds in the recent Spider-Man movies – including Brand New Day, which is due in cinemas at the end of the month – takes to stage.

Financials

In the US, Samsung is to enter the banking market, offering a card with competitive cashback.

This Unpacked is getting weirder by the minute...

Be healthy

Now it's wearables time! The Galaxy Watch 9 is revealed – certainly not to scale, as it's the size of Big Ben on screen – along with its core Vitals feature, to support heart health.

A new FDA-cleared capability can detect sleep apnea and whether you need further medical assistance to monitor your condition. The Galaxy Ring will also adopt this feature.

Introducing the Ultra 2

At the top of the tree is Samsung's latest Ultra 2 – which we've already reviewed on T3.com.

In short: It's the toughest, most powerful and brightest Galaxy Watch ever.

Closing remarks – surely?

Samsung's COO, Won-joon Choi, takes to the stage. He was appointed Head of Mobile (MX) last year, so is a critical figure for Samsung's phone products.

"Welcome to the family", he says to those joining the Galaxy family for the first time.

"AI is no longer a feature you use from time to time. You can spend less time managing your phone and more time living your life."

"Agentic AI is a new way to use your phone – where you simply say what you want and your phone takes care of the rest. Together with Google, we're building the future."

Rik Osterloh, Google's SVP of Platforms and Devices, is welcomed to stage, talking about Gemini's evolution.

Gemini Notebook will come pre-installed on all of Samsung's new foldable devices. And there's 6 months Google AI Pro subscription included, too.

Beyond the phone

Gemini Intelligence is coming to more than just phones, though.

The Google and Samsung partnership with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker is no secret – but we'll have to wait to learn more in the future.

Oh, there's more

Cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm, is here too. Samsung is rolling out all the big guns, eh?

He's bigging up the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 'for Galaxy' that features in some of Samsung's foldables – although it depends where you're based, as the Flip 8 gets Exynos for the UK market.

The all-new Snapdragon Wear platform is also inside the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, of course, which helps aid with its longer battery life and general all-round goodness.

Intelligent Eyewear

More about the AI Glasses. I've already seen them – but Samsung isn't permitted them to be worn or tested in any way at this stage. And touching them doesn't really give much away.

The next generation of Samsung's XR experience is intended to be far more 'all day, every day' than the current Galaxy XR device.

Full collection will be "this Fall" – so we're got to wait until nearer to the end of the year for the bigger picture.

That's a wrap...

So there we have it. From curtain up to curtain down, Galaxy Unpacked summer 2026 is over and out.

There was more on show than expected, with a longer runtime than usual, but it's all about the Z Fold 8's new form factor.

Grow up! Or don't – who cares? We've compiled the greatest tech-powered toys that anyone can enjoy, whether you're a youngster or an adult, from epic LEGO sets to a totally mature fart cannon. Yep, you read that right.

THE ULTIMATE GROGU

Matching the character from The Mandalorian and Grogu movie, this animatronic is not only a 1:1 replica, but it also mimics the movements and voice of the Yoda-like creature. Standing 37cm tall, this furry-headed bot can speak, blink, move its ears and lift its hand to unleash Force powers. Grogu reacts to sounds, head rubs and face taps, and will be available in 2027.

£599.99, hasbro.com

HUFFY ELECTRIC GREEN MACHINE

A full-size trike for any age, the Huffy Electric Green Machine measures 140cm in length, has mechanical disc brakes for quick stopping power, and can reach a top speed of 15mph. The seat is adjustable for kids (ages eight and up), teens and even adults, the 250W battery lasts for up to six hours. and there's a digital display that shows your remaining range.

£580, huffy.co.uk

LEGO MAERSK DUAL-FUEL CONTAINER VESSEL

Named after Ane Maersk, who pioneered more sustainable shipping, this 1,516-piece kit has see-through windows, a crew quarters (with a removable plate to peek inside), and gangways that slide out. Both kids and adults can construct the first low-emissions container ship, which when fully assembled is 18cm tall, 60cm long and 12cm wide.

£139.99. lego.com

CONNETIX PRO

It's all about the magnets with the Connetix Pro. Each tile in this 70-piece set can rotate 360 degrees for infinite combinations. The included squares, triangles and post and plank pieces mean you can create your own robot design or make an intricate sculpture. As a starter kit, you can add other Connetix Pro sets for even more complex creations.

£119, connetixtiles.com

HOLY STONE MINI

Drones meant for kids have one special attribute: they are incredibly easy to use for adults. No setup, no calibration and no complex software. The Holy Stone Mini line of quadcopters can hover in the air automatically, last about 21 minutes per charge, and even perform a flip manoeuvre. The kit also includes three rechargeable batteries.

£36.99, holystone.com

BRICK-YOU

Nothing says you've arrived in this world like a tiny Lego-compatible brick figure that resembles your face and torso. Brick-You involves submitting a photo of your head, which is used to create a 12cm-tall figure that arrives a week or so later. The fun is in assembling the 250 multicoloured pieces and then prominently displaying the results.

£46, brick-you.com

FENDER X LOOG STRATOCASTER

A micro guitar for kids, the Fender x Loog Stratocaster can double as a portable axe for adults. It's made of wood, has three strings, and comes with tutorials, flashcards, picks and stickers. Available in five colours including Hello Kitty pink, there's a single-coil pickup and you can connect to an amp and unleash your inner Van Halen.

£210, eu.loogguitars.com

PETOI QUADDLE

Currently in a Kickstarter campaign, the Quaddle robot responds to voice commands such as “walk 20 steps forward” with ease. If you stretch a leg out a few times, the Quaddle can memorise and repeat that movement. A tiny display helps you calibrate the robot, and programming is optional as many functions work by tapping the buttons. A fantastic four-legged friend.

£100, petoi.com

ROBOSEN FLAGSHIP SOUNDWAVE AUTO-CONVERTING ROBOT

What looks like a cassette player is actually an auto-converting Transformer 36cm tall. Its 28 precision servo motors and 84 microchips help the bot move, walk and bark commands, while audio features let you stream music over Bluetooth, record sound clips and even control the robot with your voice.

£1,299, robosen.com

SEGWAY E2 E II SCOOTER

Forget self-powered scooters. The Segway E2 E II relies on a 450W motor for power and lasts about 25km per charge, ascending a 12% incline with ease. Want to get to work faster? You can hit speeds up to 12.5mph – almost as quick as an electric bike. A dash display shows charge level and speed, and the E2 E II even has turn signal indicators.

£229, shop.segway.com

RUBIK'S X TETRIS CUBE

You might need to learn a new word to solve this puzzle. Tetriminos are the unique Tetris shapes used in the classic puzzle game, including a square, a T-shape and an S-shape. The Rubik's x Tetris Cube involves rotating the bricks to make those six different shapes. Whether you can solve it faster than your eight-year-old cousin is entirely up to you.

£14.99, rubiks.com

YOTO PLAYER

A smart bedside accessory for any age, the Yoto Player has a clock face and can wake you up in the morning. Cards slide vertically into the top and instantly start playing an audiobook such as Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone or cooking recipes. A nice bonus? The Yoto Player can also help you fall asleep with a noise generator, sleep sounds and calming music.

£89.99, yotoplay.com

DOUGLAS DC3 PAN AM AIRLINER

The iconic twin-engine airliner from the '30s includes four uniformed action figures and a sturdy display stand. The kit measures 24cm high, 51cm long, and 76cm wide, and a small lever retracts the landing gear. With 1,903 Lego bricks, you might want to set aside a day or two for the assembly process. There's even a plaque to commemorate the DC-3's history.

£199.99, lego.com

SPINMASTER MINIONS FART BLASTER PRO

Adults wear Minions shirts, mimic the voices, and have seen all of the movies. Why not carry the ultimate weapon as well? The Minions Fart Blaster Pro can emulate eight different fart sounds, including a sonic boom known as Clear the Room. For a prank at the office, the included Yum Yum Bubble Gum and Garbage Gusher scents will make a real impression.

£29.99, smythstoys.com

HORNBY COALFIELD FREIGHT TRAIN SET

This TT:120 (tabletop 1:120 scale) train set includes all the pieces you need to dive into model railways all over again. The starter kit includes a diesel locomotive, three freight hopper wagons, an oval track and a controller. Hornby offers expansion sets with tracks, buildings and carriages, and you can even control it with your phone over Bluetooth.

£249.99, hornby.com

SCALEXTRIC KEN MILES TRIPLE CAR PACK

A British tank commander during WWII who became a famous automotive engineer, Ken Miles helped develop the original Ford GT40 in the mid to late '60s. This kit includes that track racing car plus the Shelby GT350 and Shelby Cobra. There's no track included, but you can add a basic oval for about £70, and all cars have working front and rear lights.

£159.99, scalextric.com

TRAXXAS TRX-4 LAND ROVER DEFENDER

A real Land Rover Defender would set you back about £58,000. This Traxxas TRX-4 radio-controlled model is much more affordable. The body and ball bearings are fully waterproof, there's a roll cage and rock sliders for added protection, and massive 4.8cm knobby tyres. With 80mm of ground clearance, you can tackle any micro terrain.

£559, traxxas.com

DJI LITO X DRONE

The most advanced drones require some training and configuration, but the DJI Lito X is meant for beginners who want to start filming and snapping right away. The AI features help with obstacle avoidance, and can even perform sweeping aerial manoeuvres.

£369, dji-retail.co.uk

SWEEKAR

Known as an AI pocket pet, the Sweekar is like a Tamagotchi with more brain power. The toy sits 7.3cm tall and can remember personal details such as your favourite football team. Advanced features that include a Myers-Briggs personality test and gacha gameplay make the bot suitable for any age, not just kids. A Kickstarter campaign launches in July.

TBD, takway.ai

TEENAGE ENGINEERING EP-136 K.O. SIDEKICK

This portable sound mixer looks like a plaything but it's a powerful sound generator and track mixer that can emit a siren, a DJ scratch tone and loops as though you're in a club. One knob helps you match the beat of the track you're mixing. It's a standalone product, but can connect to other Teenage Engineering audio equipment.

£189, teenage.engineering

STAR WARS THE BLACK SERIES REPUBLIC TROOPER

Make a statement at your desk or on the mantelpiece with this action figure that stands 15cm tall. The Black Series Republic Trooper is from the Star Wars: The Old Republic videogame circa 2008. Multiple points of articulation mean you can strike a deadly pose, while a removable blaster cannon completes the collection.

£24.99, hasbro.com

KALA LIGHT TONE COLOUR-CHANGING SOPRANO UKULELE

This bright white ukulele has some hidden talents, including a button that cycles through ten different glowing colours. The uke charges over USB-C and lasts about five hours, and while the LED lights can't obscure your playing ability, the kit does include online lessons. Kala even includes a tote bag and uses high-quality Aquila strings.

£59, kalabrand.com

There's a big old genre of gaming that I've never quite got to grips with, despite a lot of trying, and that's skating games. I've never been a real-life skater, but the fashion and attitude has always been attractive, and that's meant I've tried over and over to get into giants of the genre like Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, without ever really finding my jam.

Little did I know that the way I'd finally get my satisfaction was to swap skating on a board for literally tricking an entire train – the barmy premise of Denshattack!, which is out now on basically all platforms. It sees you take on the role of a train driver in a world where trains can do things you'd basically never believe outside of an anime.

Luckily, anime is very much the aesthetic here, as you make your way through a sci-fi future Japan full of abandoned train tracks. This is a world where rebels pilot trains in a sport called Denshattack, and do so much like skaters, pulling off wild tricks, rail grinds and more.

You drop into a course with a set objective, whether it's to make it to the end of a more linear one or to get a certain amount of combo points in an open-ended arena, and from there it's all about free-styling your way to success. With a variety of button presses, you can jump, drift around corners, and pull off tricks in the air, and chaining these moves together is your best path to profit and speed.

Each track also has a range of secrets to find, from collectables to interactions with the passing world (using your train's horn to startle some birds, for instance). These give you stretch goals to keep an eye out for as you race, and they're consistently fun to achieve.

The aesthetic is also great, all cel-shaded and stylish, with really colourful stages that zip past with an impressive sense of speed. Back in the days of the Switch 1, I think this is a textbook example of a game that might have been really compromised either by blurry visuals or a lower frame rate, but on the Switch 2 it's been a buttery-smooth joy both in docked and handheld mode.

I didn't expect it to get its hooks into me, but a few hours in I'm really loving the core design choices at play. The game's welcoming if you just want to experience its pulpy story and don't have that much manual skill to get high scores, but the skill ceiling is incredibly high for those who want to find it.

This is one of those games that you have to see in motion to really appreciate, and I'm confident that watching the trailer I embedded further up this story will go a long way towards clarifying whether it's for you. Don't be put off by the story, either – it's littered with skip buttons if you just want to get to the train-skating.

That's what I've been doing, honestly, and I've had a stellar time doing it. Weird games are the way forward, I think, and this is a great example of a low-cost game that deserves to build up a cult audience.

Xbox might be shifting back to a tried and tested exclusives model in the coming year, but one remaining consequence of its foray into cross-platform is that Master Chief will soon arrive on PlayStation 5 for the first time.

Halo: Campaign Evolved will officially release in just a week's time, on 28 July and it marks a real shift for the series. There's just one thing – it will only be available to purchase on PlayStation, while Xbox Series X/S and PC owners can get it for free with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass membership.

Rebuilt from the ground up, the remake of Halo: Combat Evolved (originally released for the first Xbox) retains the same gameplay and mission structure, but with dramatically improved graphics. It also features some control changes, such as when driving the Warthog.

The campaign mode is the real star – as the tweaked title suggests – although you still get four-player online co-op. There are new missions too, as well as a healthy serving of additional weapons, vehicles and enemies.

Those who pre-ordered the Premium Edition will actually get to play the game in early access from Thursday, 23 July, but if you're an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, you don't have much longer to wait.

The additional Xbox Game Pass games for July 2026

Shift at Midnight is another day one release for Ultimate and PC Game Pass members that's arriving soon – tomorrow, in fact. While Hell is Us will be added for all members, including Premium, from Thursday.

Mistfall Hunter is coming at the end of the month, on 30 July, as a new release also. And Corsair Cove will be available for PC only the day after.

Xbox has announced a couple of games coming next month, too. Both Heretic + Hexen and Beast of Reincarnation will be available from 4 August. The latter is yet another day one release.

Sadly, there are eight games being removed from the service at the end of July, with the pixel-perfect platformer Celeste being a particular favourite. I advise you download and play it in the days you have left.

LG just dropped some fascinating news to tie in with the streaming arrival of Masters of the Universe – it's adding an all-new picture mode to its latest top-end TVs. That mode is called Creator Original Picture Mode, and it's a little bit like Filmmaker Mode on steroids.

Tied in with Amazon Prime Video, where the movie is going to be added on 22 July, Creator Original Picture Mode is like a bespoke, movie-by-movie version of Filmmaker Mode. It lets your TV adjust itself to the exact settings chosen by the creators of the movie you're watching, instead of applying a uniform settings list.

LG says that the parameters on offer to creators and studios include "shadow detail, colour balance, noise reduction and motion handling", all of which can have a pretty big impact on how a film looks on your hardware.

This means that, in the case of Masters of the Universe, you should get the right contrast levels between some of its more glitzy effects and darker parts of the frame, for instance.

As an amusing extra cherry on top, LG is also making the movie available through a fun wake phrase. Those with a compatible TV will be able to use their remote's voice function to say "I have the power", which will bring it up for them to start watching.

Which TVs will actually get Creator Original Picture Mode? Well, it's only going to be the high-end ones. That means the 2026 OLED flagships – the paper-thin W6, the beautiful G6 and the more mass-appeal C6. Those last two are five-star models in our eyes, so this feature could make them even better.

LG says the setting will roll out by the end of July, and it'll be genuinely fascinating to see whether it gets much uptake. There's a lot to be said in favour of being able to get your TV tuned to a director's vision the moment you load up a movie, but it does depend on those creators actually investing the time in tinkering.

Interestingly, for now the LG press information on the setting also calls it "Creator Original Picture Mode for Prime Video" in its footnotes, which suggests the feature might not work across more streaming services or physical media when it does arrive, which would also limit its potential a lot.

It's no easy task to break into the world of gaming accessories as a newer brand. While some giants like Sony and Logitech have big fan bases, there are also plenty of smaller gaming-specific brands with long lineages, from Razer to SteelSeries. Glorious is a far newer beast, founded in 2014 and with a heavy focus on PC accessories.

It's branched out into headsets in the last couple of years, though, and finally has a high-end flagship in the form of the GHS Wireless InfinitePlay. I've had my hands on it for over a month, and have run the rule over it in real detail, to see whether it could disrupt the established hierarchy of headset makers. So how does it fare among the best gaming headsets?

Price and Availability

The GHS Wireless InfinitePlay can be ordered directly from Glorious, with stock likely to trickle through to other retailers imminently. As mentioned, this is a high-end headset in Glorious' own terms, although it's lower-cost than some other flagships I've tested.

It comes in at £199.99 here in the UK and $229.99 in the US, which leaves it in a quite interesting window in the market. At that price most of its competition don't offer a base station of its sort – but equally, much of that competition does have active noise-cancelling (ANC).

Design and Features

Glorious has kept things pretty safe when it comes to the GHS Wireless InfinitePlay's design, and I think that's almost certainly the right call. The main headset is a simple enough thing to look at, although it conceals some smart design choices.

Each earcup comes with a good amount of cushioning, and the headband has a semi-hidden strap system that suspends some of its weight, making it nice and comfortable for long sessions in my testing.

One earcup has a volume dial, while the other has a more multipurpose one – letting you turn the headset on and off, but also balancing its chat/audio mix.

Those lovely dials are metal, which makes them different from the rest of the headset, which is mostly plastic. This keeps the weight down, at 360g, but it does mean that it feels a cut below more premium alternatives.

There's also a mute button and a Bluetooth pairing button (swapping between Bluetooth mode and the 2.4Ghz connection).

The right earcup also houses the removable boom microphone. This is the first duff note – it's made of a sort of flexible plastic, but doesn't flex all that well and is frankly fiddly to position correctly. The material means you'll need to do this each time you remove it, too.

The other big inclusion is a swappable battery, also in the right earcup. Fair play to Glorious here – this is the best implementation of such a system I've ever tested.

Rather than requiring you to open a panel and pry out a battery (like in SteelSeries' case), you simply push on the spring-loaded battery and it pops out, before you slot in the replacement. Crucially, that replacement is symmetrical in its power pins, so you don't have to worry about getting it the right way around.

To make this system even more impressive, each battery gives a huge 85 hours of play before needing to be swapped. The cherry on top is that the headset has an internal battery in addition, with around three hours of reserve charge so that you don't lose audio after 10 seconds like most of the competition. This makes the battery-swapping system pressure-free and genuinely so slick to interact with.

It's clear that Glorious' aim with this headset is to provide an approximation of the flagship experience, but at a substantial discount, meaning the box has to come with extras. The first, as is logical, is a base station that houses your spare battery, charging it when docked.

That station also has a slot for the included 2.4GHz USB-C dongle (handy since it lets you separate them if desired). There's a USB-A adaptor, too, so you're covered from all angles. That said, it's worth knowing that, like almost every headset out there, this won't work with Xbox consoles at present – but PlayStation, Switch and PC are all covered.

Finally, Glorious' software solution Core lets you customise quite a few elements of the headset's sound, including microphone gain, custom EQs, sidetone and more – including different settings for game audio and chat audio. It's functional and a welcome layer of customisation for those who want it.

Sound and Performance

Glorious has managed to pack a lot of features into a headset without inflating the price too badly, which means I was really curious about how it would perform in sonic terms.

Luckily, from a sheer audio quality standpoint, I'm impressed – the GHS Wireless InfinitePlay is a great headset that won't let you down when it comes to immersive or competitive play. I got through a lot of Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced, but also hours of Battlefield 6 for comparison.

In both cases, the spatiality of the sound was well preserved, leaving me able to hear cues and environmental details with a good amount of precision. There's also plenty of oomph, with really high volumes possible, and good amounts of bass by default.

There's one big omission in the GHS Wireless InfinitePlay's array of features, though – active noise-cancelling (ANC). So long as it's well-implemented, this can help hugely with immersion, so it's a shame not to see it here – although keeping the price down makes it easy to see why it's absent.

There is some noise-cancelling on the microphone, but I didn't find it all too brilliant. As well as being tough to adjust physically, the microphone was extremely sensitive straight out of the box, and picked up my breathing to a distracting degree for teammates. This was adjustable in software, but I suspect many people don't bother with that layer, so there's a small warning.

Still, the real meat of a gaming headset's performance is in its sound, and I'm impressed at what Glorious delivers at this price. That's even more the case when it comes to that battery system, which had me basically forgetting I'd ever need to swap one out. The 85 hours on a single charge is stunning stuff, even before the swappability feature's considered!

Verdict

Glorious has taken on a tough task in breaking down the order of things in the headset world – but its first take on a higher-end option is an impressive warning shot for bigger brands.

The GHS Wireless InfinitePlay headset's design is 'safe' but extremely effective, with great comfort levels and visual flair. Meanwhile, its battery life and swap system are best-in-class and outperform far more expensive rivals.

The sound is extremely solid, too, but there are a couple of letdowns. Including ANC would be a huge win if it didn't spike the price much, while the microphone lets the side down in both sound and design terms.

Overall, given the GHS Wireless InfinitePlay's asking price, this headset feels like a really great option in many areas. If you can forego ANC but want the best battery system then this one's a total winner.

Also Consider

The obvious major competitor is SteelSeries' own swappable-battery headset, the Arctis Nova Pro Omni (our reigning champion in our best gaming headset buyer's guide). Despite shorter battery life, SteelSeries wins out on sound quality and design, for me, but it's way pricier – ANC seals the deal, and if you have a bigger budget, it's the obvious choice.

If you want to stay below £/$200, I'd take a look at the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, a wireless headset that keeps things much simpler with just a dongle to worry about, and which has a far more industrial design. It feels more premium than Glorious' effort, but has a slimmer array of features as a compromise.

Samsung will unveil several new products during its Galaxy Unpacked event tomorrow, with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 among them.

It is expected that it'll be joined by the Galaxy Watch 9 and the new line of foldable phones in the presentation in London. However, here's a further look at the flagship smartwatch ahead of time.

Serial leaker Evan Blass has acquired what looks to be official marketing images and posted them on his X feed. They have seemingly come from a Spanish source, considering the text featured on one or two of the pics.

As per previous rumours, the Ultra 2 will reportedly come with a brighter display than its predecessor, rated at 5,000 nits. We can also see a battery size of 800mAh, which can provide up to 60 hours of runtime, according to the leaked images.

Additional images, which were posted on Blass' Substack feed (via 9to5Google), also reveal that the smartwatch will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset and be "12% thinner" than the original Galaxy Watch Ultra.

The new model will also be rated IP69K for water and dust resistance.

A whole new colour trend emerges

It's also interesting that Samsung is moving away from the orange trend that it and Apple thrived on with previous watches. It seems to be going for a more natural colours this time.

The green shown in at least one of the images is a better fit, we feel. Although there's still a dash of orange on the dial, to show the range's heritage.

We don't have long to wait to see the final device and all the options, with the Galaxy Unpacked event starting at 2pm BST tomorrow, Wednesday 22 July. T3 will be covering all the announcements extensively, so join us then.

Peak Design has launched a new modular camera bracket designed to adapt to different shooting styles without permanently encasing your camera in a bulky metal frame.

The Field Bracket is the brand's take on the traditional L-bracket, used by photographers to quickly switch between landscape and portrait orientations when shooting from a tripod.

Its key feature is a removable upright section secured using the brand’s new Field Latch mechanism.

This allows photographers to transform the accessory from a relatively discreet baseplate into a complete L-bracket in seconds, and, most importantly, without reaching for a screwdriver or Allen key.

Each Field Bracket uses a camera-specific baseplate precision-machined from recycled aluminium.

Peak Design says the plates follow the contours of individual camera bodies while preserving access to their ports, controls and battery compartments.

Versions will initially be offered for selected Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm and Leica cameras.

From tripod plate to video rig

The Field Bracket serves as the foundation of a wider collection of optional accessories.

You can replace its standard upright with Peak Design’s Cheese Plate, which adds 1/4-inch-20 and 3/8-inch-16 threads, along with cold-shoe mounting points.

These can accommodate accessories such as microphones, external monitors and compact lights without requiring a conventional full-size camera cage.

A dedicated Hand Strap attaches directly to the bracket for more secure handheld shooting.

The system also remains compatible with Peak Design’s Capture camera clip and camera straps, as well as Arca-type tripod heads and various third-party accessories.

Perhaps its most unusual add-on is the Beacon Finder Tag. Peak Design describes this as the first tracking device designed specifically to fit inside an Arca-compatible camera plate, providing a more discreet alternative to attaching a conventional tracker to a camera bag or strap.

“The best camera accessories disappear into your workflow until you need them,” says Peak Design founder and CEO Peter Dering.

“Instead of asking photographers to permanently attach functionality they only use some of the time, we built a system that can transform in seconds while remaining just as rigid and dependable as a traditional L-bracket.”

As usual from the brand, Peak Design just launched the Field Bracket on Kickstarter (this is its 17th crowdfunding campaign).

Early customers will be offered a limited-time discount ahead of the eventual retail release.

The Field Bracket has a suggested retail price of $149.95 (~£114 / €131 / AU$214), while optional accessories will start at $39.95 (~£30 / €35 / AU$57). UK and European pricing has yet to be confirmed.

For more info, head over to Peak Design.

References to a battery health feature deep in the iOS 27 beta code have given a big hint to Apple's future folding phone plans with a reference to "batteries". That pluralisation might seem like nothing, but it could point to the split cell arrangement of batteries in a folding phone.

Apple is thought to be preparing its first folding phone, generally known as the iPhone Ultra. Traditionally, the battery in book-type folding phones is split in two, so there's a cell in each half of the phone to make the best use of space.

That's led MacWorld, which found the code, to believe that this references the iPhone Ultra. The code string discovered says: "The batteries in this iPhone are performing as expected".

This is exciting because no iPhone model currently has multiple batteries, so it's thought that this feature might be to support and monitor the split cells in the iPhone Ultra.

This isn't the first time that references have been made to features that a folding iPhone might offer – previously we saw references to fold state and display numbers in the code.

Apple is expected to launch a 4:3 aspect folding phone, shorter and wider than we've seen from most other manufacturers in the past – more like a folding iPad mini.

The iPhone Ultra is expected to sit at the top of Apple's range price wise, above the iPhone 18 Pro Max that it's expected to launch alongside in September. It's said to have a 7.8-inch internal display and a 5.5-inch cover screen.

As is always the case with Apple, it's hard know what the company is planning until launch day, so there's no shortage of speculation out there.

But to play devil's advocate, there's a further explanation that might apply to the use of the word "batteries". Apple is known being rather conservative with its batteries and charging speeds, but one of the things that enables faster charging is a dual-cell battery.

This splits the battery into two storage cells and it allows for faster charging because there's the potential for better heat management. That also typically allows for higher capacity batteries too.

It could be that the reference to "batteries" is this, with Apple planning to support faster charging speeds on future devices with a dual-cell design.

However, with so much speculation pointing to Apple's entry into the folding phone segment – including brands changing their own folding phones to match Apple's plan – it's highly likely that this is, in fact, pointing towards Apple's iPhone Ultra with a battery in each half of the phone.

Samsung will host its summer Galaxy Unpacked event in London tomorrow, Wednesday 22 July, where it is expected to announce its 2026 foldable phones and a couple of Galaxy Watches. However, one new Galaxy product has been officially revealed early.

The company has launched the Samsung Galaxy Card – a credit card that will offer perks on purchases, including on Samsung devices.

Released in partnership with Barclays and Visa, the Galaxy Card will be available in your Samsung Wallet and as a physical, "premium" metal card with just a black Samsung logo embossed on the front.

It'll give you several "cash rewards" for transactions, including 5% on "eligible purchases" made with Samsung directly, 3% on purchases through your phone's Samsung Wallet, 2% on streaming services, such as Netflix, Disney+ and Spotify, and 1% on all other purchases.

There's also 20% off Samsung VIP Advantage, with 5% cash rewards when purchasing or renewing membership.

Haven't I heard all this before?

Of course, this is all familiar. Apple Card launched almost seven years ago and is still offered in the US. It too comes digitally and with a physical credit card made of metal.

That's operated in partnership with Goldman Sachs and Mastercard, so Samsung's equivalent really is a rival in just about every sense.

The Galaxy Card does share one specific similarity though, it'll only be available in the United States – initially, at least.

Samsung us taking early access applications online for its credit card now, although the general public (in the US) will also be able to apply from tomorrow (22 July).

An introductory offer will give every card holder $200 in cash rewards if $2,000 is spent using the card in the first 90 days of the account opening. That'd take the sting off the price of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 or Z Fold 8 Ultra a little.

It's a good job that Spain won the World Cup, because it gave defender Eric García the perfect platform to show off Honor's unreleased Robot Phone.

Mixed into the celebrations, the Barcelona player was seen filming with Honor's next-gen smartphone, which features a pop-out camera on a gimbal.

That camera, powered by Honor's AI, can respond to what it sees, reacting like a little robot, while also offering a versatile capture platform, a bit like the DJI Osmo Pocket.

This isn't the first time that's we've seen the Robot Phone. No, at Mobile World Congress we got up close and personal with it, but we weren't allowed to touch it. That doesn't seem to be the case for World Cup winner García – and perhaps that's what Argentina's Leandro Paredes was after during their post-match scuffle.

Well, judging by the look on García's face, all that was forgotten as he set about capturing a few moments on the pitch with the new device.

He's seen taking a selfie, filming his teammates still on the pitch while many of the fans seem to have left the stadium.

When you just won the World Cup but you also need to test out the new Honor 'RobotPhone' camera rig. 🥇 from r/Honor

Honor's Robot Phone currently seems to be in its launch phase, having appeared at WAIC 2026 (World Artificial Intelligence Conference) in China, with confirmation that the phone will be launched in August.

It's not clear exactly where the device will be available, but it's available for preorder in China.

Honor has previously reported that it had really focus on reducing the size of the motors for the gimbal, allowing it to be stored in the phone and pop-out when needed. Previously, we've seen it dancing along to music, providing pretty amazing stabilisation, while also offering great object tracking.

But so much of the experience will depend on software and the AI behind the camera that gives it its personality. There's fine line between cute and creepy and I guess Honor will be one of the first to experiment with that.

We don't have many confirmed specs for the phone: a 200-megapixel main camera is expected to be joined by a 50-megapixel ultrawide and a 200-megapixel telephoto.

It's thought to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, with a battery around the 6000mAh mark, and a 6.4-inch screen.

On the pre-order page on Honor's Chinese website, I spotted that Honor is offering free gimbal replacement for the first year to assuage fears. It's rumoured to be very expensive - perhaps you'll have to be a top flight footballer to afford one.

The Steam Machine was never intended to be one of the most expensive games consoles of all time. It was meant to be an affordable entry point to PC gaming in the living room.

However, AI came along and munched on available RAM chips like locusts in a wheat field, and Valve's good intentions ended up going awry. So, instead of a cheap and cheerful PC console, we got an overly-priced, under-spec'ed mini PC (albeit one that's cute).

That's not to say it's been a flop. Even starting at over $1,000, Valve is struggling to make enough units to meet demand. It is thought to have sold up to 15,000 Steam Machines so far and many on the lengthy waiting list are still awaiting.

If you're still undecided though, or are waiting for a price drop in future, we might have some bad news. There's every indication that the price will actually go up at some point.

As quoted by Jason Schreier at Bloomberg, one of the engineers that worked on Steam Machine, Yazan Aldehayyat believes the scarcity of components and the knock-on effect on prices isn't going to get better anytime soon: "Honestly, it’s still getting worse," he said.

The products and stock currently being sold are old, he suggested, and are soon to run out: "What people are seeing on retail shelves right now, from our observations, is lagging what we’re seeing from a bulk supply by at least three to six months."

The likely result of further price hikes for RAM and storage is that Valve will be facing higher costs to make more Steam Machines. And as a small company, those costs are likely to be passed on to the customer – just as they are now.

Aldehayyat's colleague, Pierre-Loup Griffais recently admitted that the existing elevated price the Steam Machine "ends up matching pretty closely" to the cost of its components. A sombre thought.

It could be why Valve has seemingly switched tact in recent times, from wanting its own console in some gamers' hands to wanting Steam OS in everyone's. It has recently started to release a version of its excellent front end and gaming platform for PCs of all shapes and sizes.

And so, if you want a more powerful Steam Machine, that's entirely possible. You just won't be buying it from Valve.

As we recently reported, the UK government is considering changes to the UK TV Licence to make it more relevant to today's services, with the potential of even lowering the fee for British households.

These proposals include adding streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ to the licence, meaning you'll need one to stream content – even if you're only using your mobile phone.

But what does the TV Licence cover now, when is it mandatory, and how much does it cost?

We answer these questions and more in this handy guide to the UK TV Licence as it stands, with one eye on how it could change in the future.

Why do I need a TV Licence?

Rather uniquely, the UK's main broadcaster – the BBC – is a public funded organisation rather than commercial. That means it doesn't carry adverts, but is paid for through a form of taxation – ie. the TV Licence.

Each household that watches live TV in the UK is required to pay a fee (monthly or yearly) and the government then dispenses that money to the Beeb to spend on its programming and operations.

Where it can become confusing for some is that while the BBC is the beneficiary of the TV Licence fee, it is mandatory to pay it even if you only watch other channels.

Indeed, all live TV is covered by the TV Licence, including the vast array of TV channels in the electronic programme guide – whether free or paid-for via the likes of Sky or Virgin Media. The same is true when watching live TV content on YouTube or Prime Video in the UK.

The licence is also required if you watch and stream content on BBC iPlayer, even if it's not live (ie. on demand).

What aren't currently covered by the TV Licence are sole streaming services when not viewing live TV content. For example, you can watch Stranger Things or Squid Game on Netflix without needing a TV Licence, but if you watch a live show such as WWE Raw or Smackdown, you will.

So, do I need a TV Licence to watch Netflix and Amazon Prime Video?

As mentioned above, you don't generally need a TV Licence to watch content streamed via the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV. Not even YouTube.

But, that depends on what you watch. If you watch any live shows broadcast on the streaming platforms, you do need one. And considering each of them is moving more and more into live TV, they are entering a grey area.

This is where the UK government's new proposals come in. It is already proving hard to encourage all households to purchase a licence, with only a reported 80% in the UK said to be paying already.

That's a lot lower than the amount of households thought to be watching the BBC or other eligible television programming – that's reportedly 94%.

The shortfall is an issue for the BBC, which is growing having to cut budgets and jobs as its funding shrinks. Which is why both the BBC board of governors and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport are considering different plans to alter the licence to suit changing trends.

This could lead to streaming services being covered by the TV Licence completely, regardless of whether you are watching live TV or on demand content. In that scenario, you will require a TV Licence no matter what, where or on what device you watch.

We're keeping a close eye on any further developments, and will update in due course.

How much does a TV Licence cost in the UK?

A UK TV Licence currently costs £180 per year which covers an entire household. That includes student or shared accommodation if you watch TV in a single shared area. Businesses also need at least one TV Licence to show live TV content in the office or in hotel rooms.

If you only have a black and white TV, you only have to pay £60.50 per year.

Note, if you are found to be recording or watching live TV without a TV Licence, you can be fined up to £1,000.

And finally, what has the BBC ever done for me?

As part of its drive to get more UK households paying for a TV Licence, the BBC has made its own commercial titled: "What has the BBC ever done for me?"

Starring comedian and presenter Romesh Ranganathan, it looks at the most popular programming and initiatives that are synonymous with the corporation, to remind viewers exactly how much it might mean to their daily lives.

It's well worth a watch.

Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event takes place later this week and we're expecting a packed agenda. This includes new wearables, the Galaxy Watch 9 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. Now new images have just furnished us with more details prior to launch.

The Galaxy Watch 9 is going to be powered by Snapdragon Wear Elite as it shifts over from Samsung's own Exynos hardware for the first time. That Snapdragon chip was announced earlier in the year and it had previously been confirmed that Samsung was using it – but we now have visual evidence too.

Images of the unreleased device, adorned with "Powered by Snapdragon Wear" badges have been posted by Evan Blass, the retired leaker who has thwarted companies attempts to keep launch plans secret for many years.

Shared via Blasses' Leakmail Substack, we have images of the Galaxy Watch 9 in a full selection of colours, showing off a design that's pretty much the same as the previous iteration while focusing on some of the wellness features that it is expected to offer.

Included in that selection is a screen showing Vitals, which looks like it's going to focus on core health features like heart rate and heart rate variability to highlight what state your body is in.

Elsewhere, we see sleep apnoea detection, running coaching, sleep reporting with energy score, all familiar features from other Samsung devices coordinated through Samsung Health.

These high-quality images look like they're designed to illustrate Samsung's product pages.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is set for an update as well

In 2026, it looks like we'll be getting the Galaxy Watch 9 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, with no Classic this year as normally that device works on a two-year cycle.

We've already seen a lot of the Ultra 2, with claims of a big battery update and a couple of minor tweaks to the design of the watch, most noticeable through the buttons.

Thanks to the same source, we have confirmation of Snapdragon Wear Elite, a battery that offers 800mAh, and watch that's reduced in thickness by 12%.

Additionally, there's an IP69K rating for the titanium-finished watch, which retains its rugged credentials.

On top of that the Watch Ultra 2 has a display that's cited as offering 5,000 nits, which should ensure that it remains visible in the brightest of conditions.

We've previously heard that Samsung will be increasing prices for the new Galaxy Watch devices, which is something of a trend across all technology at the moment. That's the price that AI has put on the market, with increasing demand for components for AI data centre expansion.

Both devices will be fully revealed on 22 July, but thanks to these leaks, we're not sure there's much for Samsung to show us.