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Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro: Two-minute review Anker's Soundcore sub-brand may not have a reputation for releasing the best earbuds that everyone raves about, but they tend to be solid pieces of kit. We gave the Soundcore Liberty 5 (yes, take care, because that's not these — and there's also a Pro Max to swerve in favor of these) a 3.5-star score, and that tends to be par for the course. Until now, that is. With the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro, there's been a change: it really feels like the brand is coming into its own, and it knows what buyers really want. These are incredibly feature-stuffed headphones, with an app that'll boggle your mind given how many tools it offers. And they're all useful too: the ANC is very good, the listening test is handy and the array of array of little extras is impressive. Particularly special is the quiet calling feature, so people you're spea...

Parallels Desktop is often included among the best virtual machine software options for users who need to run Windows on a Mac. Its main appeal is convenience. Rather than presenting virtualization as a technical task, Parallels tries to make Windows feel like part of the Mac environment, which is still its biggest advantage over more manual alternatives. This matters more on Apple Silicon Macs, where running Windows is no longer as simple as installing the standard x86 version of the operating system. Parallels focuses on Windows 11 Arm, and it handles much of the setup process for the user. That makes it especially useful for people who need Windows-only apps but do not want to manage installation media, drivers, or configuration details manually. The result is a tool that feels more consumer-friendly than most virtualization platforms. It is not the cheapest option, and it is not free from co...

Microsoft’s approach to virtualization combines two distinct tools under the same ecosystem. Hyper-V serves as the primary platform for running full virtual machines, while Windows Sandbox provides a lightweight, temporary environment for quick testing. Together, they are often considered among the best virtual machine software options, particularly for users who already rely on Windows as their primary platform. Unlike standalone virtualization tools, Hyper-V is built directly into Windows, which shapes both its strengths and its limitations. It benefits from deep system integration and consistent performance, but it also follows a more technical, system-oriented design that can make it less approachable for new users. Sandbox, by contrast, focuses entirely on simplicity, offering a clean and disposable environment that launches quickly and resets after each session. Microsoft Hyper-V / Sandbox...

Think portable PC monitor and something pretty puny probably comes to mind. What you're probably not imaging is folding contraption with dual 24-inch 1080p displays. What you probably didn't think of is the extraordinary Acer PD243Y E Portable Monitor. It's immediately obvious that the term "portable" is being used pretty liberally by this unusual dual-screen monitor. You're not going to be slipping it into a small bag with your 13-inch thin-and-light laptop. However, it is much more compact and transportable than a typical 24-inch PC monitor, let alone a pair of them. So, it's not designed to be taken to the coffee shop, even if that isn't actually out of the question if you could put up with the attention you'd surely attract. Instead, the Acer PD243Y E Portable Monitor makes more sense for someone wanting, perhaps, to take an additional screen with them on...

Scuf Omega: one-minute review The Scuf Omega is the Corsair subsidiary’s latest PlayStation 5-compatible controller. It’s received the PlayStation seal of approval as an officially-licensed product, so you’d expect it to be of at least a reasonably high quality, right? Here’s the thing. I’ve reviewed loads of the best PS5 controllers , including a bunch of those at the premium price level, including the Razer Raiju V3 Pro , DualSense Edge , and the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded . The Scuf Omega hasn’t outshone any of them in my testing, even though, on paper, it should win out with its feature set and customization options. So, where has Scuf gone wrong? Much of it comes down to build quality. While it’s solid enough in the hands - and actually very comfortable - most individual parts can be removed, like the faceplate, touchpad plate, d-pad, face buttons, and the thumbsticks. In isolation, these part...

Cuisinart Power Blend Immersion Blender: one-minute review American manufacturer Cuisinart is known for its range of high-quality kitchen appliances at affordable prices. The Power Blend Immersion Blender follows suit, offering versatility and convenience for less than $70 / £50 / AU$90. his powerful four-in-one stick blender comes with several convenient accessories and attachments, including a food processor (with a mixing/chopping blade and reversible shredding/slicing disc), a chef’s whisk, a blending shaft, and a prep-and-store cup that makes prepping and storing foods like whipped cream and omelette mix a breeze. It’s even got an ergonomic handle design to make use and maneuvering more comfortable. (Image credit: Future) The results are impressive, with the Power Blend’s pressure-controlled speed giving you more control over its use and quickly whisking eggs, blending soups, and grating che...