There’s no acoustic space quite like a bathroom when you want to sing along to your favorite tracks, but most smart speakers aren’t really made to handle that kind of heat and humidity. Thankfully, Home Depot has come to the rescue with a Bluetooth speaker/ventilation fan/smart lighting combo that will transform your bathroom karaoke sessions with audio and color-changing illumination.
The Commercial Electric Smart Exhaust Fan Powered by Hubspace is a strange, but interesting device that fills a particularly damp niche in your home. Hubspace is Hope Depot’s own smart home platform, and works with Alexa and Google Home, so you can use it with your existing devices and use voice commands to control it through a smart speaker (though it’s not yet Matter-compatible).
Alternatively, you can manage it through the Hubspace mobile app, which lets you set schedules, change the color of the light, tweak the fan speed, and group various Hubspace products together. You can pick a warm or cool while light, or choose from a palette of RGB options.
The fan works with Home Depot’s own Hubspace platform, and is Alexa and Google Home compatible (Image credit: Home Depot)
Smarts after dark
It also has a humidity sensor, so the fan only kicks in when necessary, and turns off automatically when the steam has cleared. Airflow is adjustable, and the fan is quiet enough to avoid disturbing your tunes, operating at a 0.8-1.0 sone level depending on your chosen setting. That’s no louder than your refrigerator, so it definitely shouldn’t impede your in-shower singalongs.
There’s a motion sensor too, and a subtle nightlight mode that will illuminate for nocturnal bathroom visits with no need to fumble for a switch or dazzle yourself when nature calls.
With its Siri overhaul, image-generation abilities, and photo-editing tools, Apple Intelligence – Apple’s upcoming suite of AI features – could be more exciting than iOS 18 itself, but according to one report it might also be rather expensive.
According to Neil Shah, a partner at Counterpoint Research, speaking to CNBC, Apple Intelligence probably won’t be a free offering, with Apple charging $10-$20 (around £8-£16 / AU$15-AU$30) for some of the more advanced features within Apple Intelligence.
Shah didn’t specify which features might be charged and which might be free, but we can imagine that perhaps the upgraded version of Siri or the ChatGPT integration would come at a cost.
He added that if Apple does charge, it might bundle its Apple Intelligence features into an Apple One tier, so you’d be getting other things for your money too, like iCloud storage and potentially subscriptions to services like Apple TV Plus and Apple Music.
So there’s precedent for this sort of bundle, and there’s certainly precedent for charging for AI, with OpenAI charging for the most advanced ChatGPT model.
Shah also pointed out that AI would give Apple a chance to further lock its customer base into Apple products, since Apple Intelligence can learn from a user’s behavior over time, becoming more personalized, and you wouldn’t be able to bring that model with you from iOS to Android.
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As it becomes more personalized, you’d likely use it more too, becoming more reliant on it, and therefore happier to pay.
Of course, Apple would have to get past the initial hurdle of convincing people to sign up in the first place, but it’s easy to imagine that it might provide Apple Intelligence for free for a period of time with purchases of an iPhone 16 or other devices.
All of this is really just speculation though, and we likely won’t know Apple’s plans for Apple Intelligence until the service launches, which it probably won’t until October. Before that, there’s the iPhone 16 line itself to look forward to, with a September launch likely, and TechRadar will cover all of these announcements in full as they happen.
At the recent Government Fleet Expo, automotive experts discussed current industry-wide pain points and provided tips on managing aging government fleets amid tightening budgets and rising vehicle procurement costs in the public sector. With government fleet managers facing the dual challenges of financial constraints and the need for efficient vehicle management, the sessions offered strategies centered around data-driven maintenance and real-time sensor data for fleet management.
During one of the primary panel discussions, several key points emerged that perking the ears of attendees:
Government fleet managers increasingly value user-friendly systems that provide seamless data integration, a feature often lacking in legacy systems but well-executed by more modern fleet tracking solutions
Efficient tracking and integrated fuel data with telematics are essential for significant cost savings and better resource allocation
Building a data-driven maintenance plan involves gathering comprehensive and up-to-date data, analyzing it to predict issues and create actionable alerts, and continuously monitoring and adjusting the plan for optimal fleet performance.
Before diving into the tactics needed to establish optimal fleet operations, the panel addressed the most immediate challenges faced by the industry.
Dan Simpson, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Fleetio, &
Logan Kiernan, Senior Sales Engineer, Public Sector at Samsara.
Pressing Challenges for Government Fleet Managers
It’s no wonder government fleet managers operate under stringent fiscal scrutiny, often having to justify every expense while ensuring their fleets remain operational. They also face spikes in diesel fuel costs, tightened shoestring budgets, and rising costs of new vehicles. These challenges make managing fleets increasingly difficult and can bring about additional obstacles, such as the following, which were also discussed during the panel:
Public Scrutiny: Government operations are under constant public oversight, demanding high transparency, zero errors, and accountability in fleet management.
Technological Lag: Many government fleets still rely on fragmented, outdated systems, which hinders efficient data collection and analysis.
Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Fleet managers often serve numerous departments within a municipality, each with its own unique requirements, adding complexity to fleet management.
Adapting to Challenges: Proactive Strategies
In response to these challenges, the panel noted that fleet managers are increasingly turning to modern technologies to optimize the management of aging vehicles more efficiently. One key strategy being adopted is data-driven proactive maintenance. Using cohesive fleet management software, fleets can collect and analyze detailed service data to address recurring issues and better tailor preventive maintenance schedules according to asset needs. This new approach ensures preventive maintenance is performed before breakdowns occur, avoiding unnecessary extended asset downtime and costly repairs.
During the panel, experts agreed that real-time sensor data plays a crucial role in modern fleet management. By incorporating sensor data from telematics with fleet management systems, fleet managers gain a more comprehensive view of vehicle health and usage, free of data silos. Sensor data provides actionable insights that can significantly extend vehicle lifespans. For example, real-time alerts about battery voltage, engine performance, or tire pressure allow fleet managers to address issues before they become critical, reducing downtime and repair costs.
Integrating telematics within fleet maintenance software helps facilitate more accurate maintenance scheduling and improves fuel usage tracking. Together, these technologies enable fleet managers to maintain their vehicles more effectively and efficiently, reducing costs and enhancing overall fleet performance.
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Building a Data-Driven Proactive Maintenance Plan
The truth was heard around the expo: to build an effective data-driven maintenance plan, it is essential to follow a structured approach. The first step involves comprehensive data collection, which entails gathering data from all available sources, such as telematics, maintenance records, and fuel usage. Ensuring that the collected data is accurate and up-to-date is crucial to forming a reliable foundation for the maintenance plan. These maintenance programs, for example, should include real-time data like failed inspection alerts and engine faults. These alerts, derived from fleet management systems and sensor data, are critical for identifying and scheduling essential maintenance tasks.
Next, as the panelists discussed, the collected data must undergo thorough analysis to interpret the data, identify patterns, and predict potential issues before they occur. This proactive approach allows for timely interventions, reducing the likelihood of unexpected failures and costly downtime.
Lastly, the maintenance plan should be subject to regular review and adjustment. Continuous monitoring of the plan’s effectiveness is necessary to adapt to new data and evolving fleet needs. By regularly reviewing and adjusting the plan, the maintenance strategy remains dynamic and responsive to changing conditions, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of the fleet.
The Future of Government Fleet Management
The future of fleet management lies in the continued integration of advanced technologies. As regulations push for more electric vehicles (EVs) in government fleets, managing these assets will require new strategies and tools. Fleet managers must stay informed about technological advancements and be prepared to adopt new solutions to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
By leveraging technology and real-time data, government fleet managers can optimize maintenance schedules, extend vehicle lifespans, and ensure fiscal responsibility. The insights provided by expert panelists at the Government Fleet Expo offer a detailed roadmap for navigating these challenges, highlighting the importance of proactive maintenance and the power of data in modern fleet management.
This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro’s Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro
No, PIA has a no-logs policy, which means they do not track, record or store any of their customers’ browsing data, so there is no record of your activity online whilst you’re using the PIA VPN, and none of your data is being sold to third-parties.
What features are included in the PIA VPN?
PIA’s VPN, like all VPN services, is encrypted and allows users to hide their IP address and browsing data whilst online. PIA also offers use on unlimited devices, meaning you can keep as many of your gadgets safe whilst browsing at once, and split tunnelling, which lets you direct traffic through and “around” PIA at the same time (which helps you use apps or websites that try and block VPN usage).
What is PIA’s 30-day money-back guarantee?
PIA’s 30-day money-back guarantee lets customers effectively test out the service for up to 30 days after they’ve taken out their chosen plan. You’ll have access to the full suite of features during this time, and if you decide before this time is up that you’re not happy with the service, you just need to contact the service team to request a full refund before 30 days is done.
How do I contact Private Internet Access?
If you need to talk to the PIA team, you’ll need to head to the brand’s Contact Us page. From here, you can find a number of support articles by clicking on the relevant topics, or you can start a live chat by clicking the message icon on the right hand side.
Hints and Tips
Choose a longer plan: When signing up for Private Internet Access, if you can afford higher upfront costs, you can save more in the long run my opting for a yearly or three-yearly plan instead of paying monthly. For example, PIA costs $11.95 paid monthly, but this drops to $3.33 per month if you choose an annual plan.
Watch for deals: Private Internet Access often run promotions on its plans as well, letting you save on the usual prices. These are often stacked with the longer plan discounts – for example, we’ve seen 3-year plans offered with 3 months free included as standard, making it 83% off when compared to monthly prices. You can also find larger discounts around seasonal events like Black Friday.
Refer a friend: If you know friends or family who would like PIA, you can refer them to the brand to get rewards. Once you’ve signed up, you can log in to your account and head to the PIA dashboard, where you can find your unique referral link. Send this to someone you know and when they sign up, you’ll be rewarded with 30 days free membership as a thanks.
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2) Find one you want to add to your order and click the “Get Code” button next to it.
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4) Head back to your old tab to visit the Private Internet Access website.
5) Choose the plan for you and proceed to the checkout.
6) Look for the field marked “Promo Code” and paste your code here.
7) Click “Apply” and your order total should change to reflect your savings.
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Who would have thought August would have such amazing deals at Best Buy? The retailer currently has an excellent selection of Black Friday-level deals across a wide range of its inventory thanks to a combination of an end-of-summer and back-to-school sale.
That means you can currently get massive discounts of up to $2,000 on high-end TVs, superb cheap laptop deals starting at just $159, and a massive range of decent headphones and earbuds from the likes of Bose, Sony, and Apple. I’ve rounded up the 28 best deals at Best Buy just below, covering a range of highly reviewed models here at TechRadar.
A couple of highlights today include record-low prices on the latest MacBook Air models from Apple, the new Snapdragon Elite-equipped Dell XPS 13, and an incredible $1,500 discount on the five-star-rated Samsung S95C OLED TV. These are all pricey buys, but the good news is there are plenty of cheap tech options today at Best Buy, too.
Shop more of Best Buy’s end-of-summer deals below, and visit our main back-to-school sales guide for the best deals on the web.
It is often assumed that migrating to cloud computing is purely a technical move, but how can it help companies in terms of improving their business models, support business transformation efforts and deliver value?
Any migration, including moving to the cloud, must be based on business value. Typical reasons organizations adopt the cloud include to take advantage of the ability to scale quickly and drive efficiency while focusing on core priorities.
Crucially, cloud can be an enabler for innovation. In a recent EY survey that looked at how rethinking your cloud strategy can help you reshape your business, 35% of executives stated that cloud-native development will lead to improved innovation and stronger ability to develop new revenue streams. By lowering the barriers to entry for new apps and automation, employees at various levels can contribute ideas that transform the business model through bottom-up innovation.
Rapid technology advancements, including AI and Generative AI, are changing how businesses operate. The ability to use these new technologies is critical to survive and thrive and leveraging the cloud for these technologies is a necessity.
Arvind Purushothaman
Cloud Leader for EY Global Delivery Services.
Along with AI, the cloud plays a pivotal role in enabling better insights and experience via data and analytics by making it easier to use the latest technologies with elastic scaling.
Additionally, well-architected cloud solutions can provide cost savings when compared to traditional on-premises solutions if designed and implemented optimally. Also, moving to an Opex model can help with cash flow and offer flexibility for organizations. Well-architected solutions designed to use the right combination of services and regions can also help reduce a company’s overall carbon footprint, helping to achieve sustainability goals.
Security and data privacy is an important requirement for all businesses. While the cloud itself does not necessarily provide any guarantees, it is important to understand that hyperscalers have invested billions on best practices, including encryption, key vaults, identity and access management, and threat detection. They also comply with many regulations including GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS. The onus, however, is still with the organization to implement all best practices to ensure security.
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In the past, business continuity, including disaster recovery, involved standing up alternate data centers with high levels of availability. Today, the cloud makes it easier and less expensive to stand-up applications using “as-a-code” approach.
In the world of digital transformation, cloud is the foundation, and it must be seen as not just an infrastructure play, but as a proxy for all technologies.
How does cloud migration factor into AI adoption for companies?
By migrating to the cloud, organizations can take advantage of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics. In the survey, 84% of participants said AI adoption would not have been possible without cloud migration. Cloud offers the ability to reimagine operations, create agile business models, and harness AI.
The adoption of AI services on the cloud, however, requires organizations to adopt the cloud more broadly rather than just rely on it for specific or siloed AI use cases.
For example, a universal approach to data, cloud, and AI can help companies get a better bird’s eye view of operations and customer behavior. Having access to a larger and more diverse dataset allows for more accurate and reliable analysis, making AI outcomes better. This continuous influx of real-time data in the cloud creates an ideal environment for evolving AI models. These models can adjust and learn as new data flows in, forming the foundation of an agile and intelligent business ecosystem.
We believe that cloud has the potential to democratize access to AI by breaking down siloes and technical complexities to help create an accessible and collaborative environment where cross-functional teams can share ideas and innovate collectively.
How is AI transforming cloud migration?
AI is completely transforming end-to-end cloud migration & modernization life cycles. Overall, we see that GenAI-infused tools, including the use of AI agents, help significantly improve productivity across the entire migration/modernization lifecycle. GenAI intervention is increasingly important when it comes to optimally executing large scale migration programs at scale, helping to enhance quality, consistency, and risk mitigation. Examples include the use of AI tools to support cloud migration risk and planning, scenario testing, cybersecurity in cloud operations, and cost.
Many companies believe that their cloud migrations would have been useful, but that they were not implemented effectively
Companies can face barriers or challenges when it comes to cloud migration, especially in highly regulated industry fields such as banking, capital markets, wealth and asset management, insurance, healthcare, public sector, and government. This includes seeing cloud migration as purely an IT project; 50% of IT executives surveyed told EY that their cloud strategy was part of their technology transformation efforts while only 27% said the aim was business transformation.
Lack of executive commitment, organizational buy-in, and stakeholder availability are also challenges. Only 16% of companies we surveyed were looking at using cloud to evaluate new business models.
Other challenges include a lack of governance, a shortage of skills and knowledge, organization readiness, and a lack of planning or budgeting.
How can organizations readjust and recalibrate following a less-than-optimal cloud migration to deliver true value?
To set a migration up for success, we recommend that companies clearly define their cloud strategy and governance framework from the outset, with the process being led by a Cloud Transformation Office that incorporates all relevant stakeholders, who should frequently refresh their business case for cloud migration as necessary and course correct as needed to ensure the value gap is minimized.
Secondly, if a value gap does appear, it is crucial the specific reasons behind it are fully understood. For example, this includes always revisiting and reflecting upon the original business case, addressing cost overruns through FinOps best practices, validating the people strategy, including upskilling and creating new roles, and revisiting the overall IT procurement approach in the cloud world.
This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro’s Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro
Based on the concept of the old fashioned push-and-pull carpet sweeper – you know, like the one your grandma used to have – the Gtech AirRam 3 adopts the same upright design principles of its predecessors but adds a lot more suction power and a revolutionary pair of spinning side brushes that collect every last speck of dust along skirting boards and in the tightest of corners. To my knowledge, there’s nothing else like this on the market. While it won’t be for everyone, to me it’s pretty much the best cordless vacuum around.
I’ve always been a fan of Gtech’s AirRam concept, and for several reasons. First and foremost, all the weight is at ground level and this low center of gravity makes it easy to use for much longer periods than your average stick vac, which has all the weight in the handle area. Secondly, it stands up on its own on a charging plinth, so it’s a breeze to just grab and use when the need arises. And thirdly, it has one of the best bin-emptying systems in the business.
It’s a pared-back option. There’s only one suction mode, although that setting proved very effective, performing well on both hard floors and carpet, and acing all the cleaning tasks I put to it. There’s no option to add detail cleaning tools, and you can’t turn it into a handheld, either. That doesn’t bother me, but might be a downside for someone looking for a vacuum with more versatility. The Gtech AirRam 3 is designed to do one thing – clean your floor – and do it well.
If you’re fed up with grappling with an ungainly stick vac, are perhaps not quite as strong and spritely as you used to be, or have had enough of picking clumps of hair out of a stick vac bin, this svelte and very aesthetically pleasing upright vacuum may revolutionize your carpet and hard floor sweeping days and put a big smile on your face. Read on for my full Gtech AirRam 3 review.
(Image credit: Future)
Gtech AirRam 3 review: price & availability
List price: $449.99 / £399.99
Launched: July 2024
Available: US and UK
If you’re shopping in the UK, you can buy the AirRam 3 direct from Gtech, priced at £399.99. It’s also now becoming available at third-party retailers like Amazon, Argos and Lakeland. Gtech products aren’t widely available in the US but this model is on sale at Amazon, priced $449.99.
At that price, the AirRam 3 sits at the top of TechRadar’s mid-range price bracket, moving towards premium. There are plenty of cheap vacuums around for less, and it’s pricier than your average Shark or lower-specced Tineco. However, the Gtech AirRAM 3’s build quality and use of high-end materials justify its price to some degree. And although it doesn’t come with any tool attachments, the practicality and convenience of having an upright vac that can be grabbed and used at a moment’s notice should not be underestimated.
Shopping events like the Black Friday sales can often be a good time to shop for deals on vacuum cleaners, as well as other home appliances.
Value for money score: 4 out of 5
Gtech AirRam 3 specs
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Weight:
8.3lbs / 3.8kg
Dimensions (H x L x W):
44.1 x 9.8 x 11.8in / 112 x 25 x 30cm
Bin capacity:
27fl oz / 0.8L
Max runtime:
30 mins
Charge time:
3 hrs
Gtech AirRam 3 review: design
Height-adjustable handle
Practical upright design with weight low to the ground
Spinning edge brushes
It’s always a pleasure when you come across a product that trounces much of the opposition by dint of some simple but clever tech and a smorgasbord of sensational design flourishes. That’s the Gtech AirRam 3 in a nutshell.
I’m personally a fan of Gtech products in general and have been impressed by all the UK company’s previous AirRams, as well as its nifty ProLite handheld vac. Clearly modeled to some degree on the old fashioned mechanical push-and-pull floor sweeper that, believe it or not, some manufacturers still produce, the new Gtech AirRam 3 is a one-of-a-kind cordless vacuum cleaner that stands alone amidst a sea of stick vacs. And yet, when it comes to the nitty gritty of sweeping a floor – whether it’s hard or carpeted – it’s more than a match for the majority of the competition.
Most of this vacuum’s weight is concentrated close to the ground (Image credit: Future)
One of the very best things about this vac is that its motor housing, battery and bagless dustbin are all located at floor level. Since pretty much all stick vacs, bar the Miele Triflex HX2 Pro, have all their operational bits stacked around the handle, adding a whopping amount of weight and awkward discomfort, it’s a wonderful thing to be able to perform the unenviable task of vacuuming without one’s arm falling off after 10 minutes on the pile. Moreover, because this model’s tangle-free brush bar is set close to the floor, its rotating action actually helps pull the unit in a forward direction.
The AirRam 3’s push handle is stupendously comfy and, in a nod to the automotive industry, stitched in faux leather, just like a steering wheel. A similar faux leather-covered carrying handle can be found several inches below. The main shaft, too, is well thought out and perfect for all heights of user, because it can be extended from an eminently storable 85cm right up to 113cm.
The first part of the extension takes the handle to 104cm, but then it can be extended by just under a centimeter at a time until it reaches its fullest height. If you were looking to get your kids doing some household chores, this is the model for you.
The handle extends from 85cm up to 113cm (Image credit: Future)
Admittedly, one of the not so great things about previous AirRam incarnations was their relative inability to steer around tight corners. While the new model can’t beat the Dyson V15 Detect for dragonfly-like maneuverability, it’s loads better than before and no worse than the majority of stick vacs I’ve reviewed.
Moreover, the shaft can be lowered to the floor to reach under any furniture that’s more than 10cm above the ground. (Those looking for ultimate comfort in getting under furniture though, should consider a Shark – many of the best Shark vacuums have a wand that can bend forwards to 90-degrees, so you can reach the back of the sofa with the floorhead while standing basically upright.)
The Gtech AirRam 3 doesn’t have any suction power controls or fancy dirt-detecting sensors (as per like the likes of the Dyson V15 Detect or Samsung Bespoke Jet AI). Instead, you get one full-blown level of suction, which is just the right level of power so as not to cause the floorhead to feel too resistant when used on deeper carpet. I like this simplicity, but others may prefer to have a little more control. It can be useful, sometimes, to have the option to go for a lower-powered mode that won’t sap battery for light cleaning, or a boost mode to dislodge ground-in dirt.
Rotating brushes help tackle the edges of rooms (Image credit: Future)
Before looking at the business end of this model, I should add that you don’t get any detail tools whatsoever with this vac and no means to fit any. Again, that’s something I consider a bonus because I personally hardly ever use hand tools and, besides, I’ve never been a fan of products that come with a whole bunch of bolt-on accessories that I know I’ll lose or never use.
If you want to do any detail cleaning, like shelves and down the side of the sofa, most of today’s best vacuum cleanerscome with some kind tools included, or at least compatible to buy, so you have plenty of other options. Alternatively, you could tackle those tasks with a handheld vacuum, like the Shark Classic Handheld Pet Vacuum (called the UltraCyclone Pet Pro Cordless in the US).
The foot-operated on-off switch (above left wheel) and black battery in the centre (Image credit: Future)
Let’s look at the base of the unit, which contains the brush head, motor, bagless dustbin, battery housing and foot-operated on/off switch. Gtech doesn’t advertise any power stats on its website but take it from me that the AirRAM 3’s motor is plenty powerful enough for all household cleaning scenarios. And since there are no fancy cyclonic systems between the suction intake and the 0.8-litre bagless dustbin, all dust and debris is sucked directly into the bin, bypassing any elongated routes and extra filters.
The dust bin sits in the top of the floorhead (Image credit: Future)
I admit that 0.8 liters doesn’t sound like a lot of bin space but, on the plus side, the AirRam 3’s suction force does an amazing job of compressing all dust, hair and debris into a tight bundle. Which leads me to one of the best things about the entire AirRam range – their simple but effective bin-emptying systems.
Many stick vacs occasionally require some finger work to extricate trapped clumps of hair from the bin, but the AirRam 3’s dust container is equipped with a sliding latch that automatically opens the end of the unit. To empty, simply grab the leatherette handle on the dust container and pull it off the unit, then slide the latch from one side to the other and everything is ejected in one go. The filter system, too, is a stroke of genius because it is kept clean with regular blasts of air. And anyone who has ever owned a normal bagless stick vac will know how often their filters need to be cleaned and rinsed.
A slider on the dustbin sweeps all the debris out in one swift motion (Image credit: Future)
Heading beneath the floor head you’ll find a 23cm bristle brush bar with Anti Hair-wrap comb for tangle-free use. This brush does a sterling job of sweeping hard floors and digging down into even the deepest of pile without bogging down. For those darker recesses of the home, this model is equipped with a row of very bright LED headlights.
Headlights help illuminate dirt in dingy areas (Image credit: Future)
That’s not all – Gtech’s R&D department has almost certainly looked at robot vacs and particularly their spinning side brushes that normally do a great job of collecting dust along skirting boards and in corners. As a consequence, this vac comes with two spinning side brushes – one on either side of the front corners – and they work wonders at removing every last speck from the edges and corners of a room. Why no-one thought of adding spinning side brushes before is frankly dumbfounding but you can be sure other manufacturers will gradually follow suit.
Design score: 4.5 out of 5
Gtech AirRam 3 review: performance
Excellent cleaning performance
Lightweight to use
Extremely practical
I’ve been extremely impressed by this vacuum cleaner’s performance on both hard floors and carpet. But then that’s been the case with pretty much every iteration in Gtech’s AirRam range.
Before I get down to the results of the AirRam 3’s sweeping performance, I must reiterate some of the main reasons why many users might prefer this type of model over a conventional stick vac. Because it stands up on its own, there’s no need to hunt around for somewhere to rest it while you move pieces of furniture around. In a race from storage area to vacuuming a space, I guarantee that this model would win hands-down.
Image 1 of 2
Before the flour / biscuit crumb test on carpet(Image credit: Future)
After the flour / biscuit crumb test on carpet(Image credit: Future)
There’s no wrestling with suction tubes and ungainly motor housings; instead, you just grab it using the handle or wheel it to its place of work. And the fact the weight is concentrated at floor level makes a huge difference to how easy it is to push about.
Granted, while the nature of the spinning floor head helps draw the AirRam 3 across hard floors under its own power (Gtech calls it ‘Forward Inertia Drive’), it does add some resistance to reverse passes when used on medium to deep pile carpet. But not to the extent that it requires any more energy than your standard stick vac.
Using TechRadar’s usual method of assessment, I performed a series of separate tests using flour, crushed digestive biscuits and raw porridge oats. I also added my own cornflake test because, well, some vacs simply don’t like them.
Image 1 of 3
The flour / biscuit crumb test on hard floors(Image credit: Future)
During the flour / crumbs test on hard floor(Image credit: Future)
The oat test on hard floors(Image credit: Future)
Tests one and two involved flour/crumbs and oats on both hard floor and carpet and I’m pleased to say there was absolutely no snow ploughing of ingredients on either flooring – the AirRam 3 dutifully collected everything in a couple of passes, including flour caught between the floorboard’s cracks. However, as expected, the spinning side brushes did scatter some pieces to the left and right and this added a little bit of extra work.
Nevertheless, I don’t consider this a strike against it because, in my skirting board test, the side brushes collected up every last crumb (albeit after a couple of sweeps), and they really proved themselves when cleaning the edge of my inherited beige hall carpet, which was looking grubby with dust and pet hair before the AirRam 3 came to the rescue.
The AirRam 3 sucked up this notoriously hard-to-vacuum cereal with ease (Image credit: Future)
I then brought the average stick vacs’ arch nemesis into the hard floor arena – Crunchy Nut cornflakes (a kind of frosted breakfast cereal, for those not in the know) – and this proved quite amusing because, as I was fiddling with my camera, I accidentally nudged the vac forward a few inches and everything simply disappeared. This flummoxed me because there’s a soft rubber flap at the very front of the suction area and I was pretty sure it would cause the vac to snowplough such large, obstreperous ingredients. Of all the vacuum cleaners I’ve tested, I can’t ever remember having had such a successful cornflake test on hard flooring. So I’m giving Gtech a free tag line – ‘Gtech AirRam 3: the best Crunchy Nut sucker in the business!’.
The side brushes seem clearly inspired by robot vacuums (Image credit: Future)
Although this vac’s sound levels average out at an acceptable 71.3dB at ear level, the higher frequency of its motor makes it sound very shrill. However, I did get used to the noise fairly quickly.
Final thoughts? Aside from some flinging of detritus by the spinning side brushes, I am struggling to find anything truly negative to say about this vac. It collects pet hair like a maestro, doesn’t snag on the edges of rugs or bog down in deep pile carpet, and I love the bin-emptying method and filter system that requires no maintenance. I also don’t mind the fact that this vac doesn’t feature any hand tools because I’m lucky enough to own a Dyson Gen5 Detect and Halo Capsule X. However, I can see how the lack of hand tools may sway some prospective owners towards a standard stick vac.
Performance score: 4.5 out of 5
Gtech AirRam 3 review: battery
Maximum runtime of 30 minutes
Charging takes 3 hours
Batteries can be swapped
Unlike its predecessors, which required removing their batteries for recharging, this model comes with a slim, unobtrusive docking strip that charges the battery on the unit. It works splendidly well.
Depending on the power setting, most cordless stick vacs have an operating time of between 15 and 60 minutes. This one carries on cleaning for a shade under 30 minutes which equates to a very decent amount of floorspace. Half an hour is actually about average for a vacuum’s ‘middle’ setting, but competitor models have the benefit of a lower-suction mode that lasts longer.
The battery, which can be removed, takes about three hours to fully charge. When available, expect to pay around £70 for an extra battery.
Battery life score: 4 out of 5
Should you buy the Gtech AirRam 3?
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Attribute
Notes
Rating
Value
On the cusp between mid-range and premium price brackets, so not the cheapest, but the high build quality and unique, user-friendly design might make it worth it.
4 / 5
Design
Unusual but effective design puts all the weight into the base section, making it ultra-comfortable to use, and adds useful features like a height-adjustable handle, and ability to stand up on its own. .
4.5 / 5
Performance
Excellent cleaning performance on hard floors and carpet, although lack of tools and different suction levels will frustrate some.
4.5 / 5
Battery life
A maximum of 30 minutes is fine but not amazing, although you can extend that if you purchase a second battery.
4 / 5
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
How I tested the Gtech AirRam 3
As per usual, I first examined the design of the Gtech AirRam 3, highlighting any USPs and also any concerns. I then noted down the experience of using it – how heavy it felt, how easy it was to use and how practical it was for day-to-day cleaning. I then put it through its paces on different flooring – hardwood, medium pile rug and deep pile bedroom carpet – and made notes on its effectiveness at collecting crumbs, flakes, dust and hair.
Back in April, evidence surfaced online revealing that Google was working on improving Android’s desktop mode. Early demos show it’ll be more user-friendly than before by having movable windows, although it still lacks vital features. Since then, we haven’t heard much about the project until recently, when it popped up again in the “latest Android 15 Beta 4.1 release”.
Android expert Mishaal Rahman discovered that Android’s feature may work on a tablet – provided it has a big enough display. In the build, he states that if you go to the device’s ‘Recents’ view and open the dropdown menu for an app, you will see a new button called “Desktop.”
Tapping said button causes whatever app you were on to turn into a free-floating window. From here on, it behaves similarly to a browser on Samsung’s New DeX system. The app can be minimized, maximized, attached to the side, or connected to another window. Down at the bottom is a taskbar with all currently open software.
Rahman’s demo video shows you can have multiple windows on the home screen at once. He has Chrome, Gmail, and the Calculator app. While those are basic functions many other operating systems already have, it is important to highlight them as they indicate that the mode has come a long way, considering that earlier versions were pretty barebones.
Side-by-side experiences
We found it interesting that the desktop mode on Android might be able to coexist with the traditional tablet experience. Imagine having the desktop layout in one instance and the traditional tablet layout in another. You’ll be able to hop between the two options at any time.
Having two different environments side-by-side could give Google’s software a unique edge as you won’t need to commit to one or the other. It will allow Android’s desktop mode to stand out from Samsung‘s New DeX on Galaxy tablets.
Samsung’s version offers a similar experience, complete with a taskbar, an app drawer, and home screen icons, but it takes over the device it’s on. Google’s software has the potential to be more flexible, although this remains to be seen.
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Possible launch window
Looking at the deep dive, it seems Android’s desktop mode is not seeing daylight anytime soon. The feature is still a work in progress, and while it appeared on Android 15, we doubt it’ll launch within the next three months.
Mishaal Rahman points out that rumors of a Pixel Tablet 2 have been circulating for some time now. Perhaps Android’s desktop mode might arrive alongside the device’s rollout. Admittedly, that is just speculation, so take it and this leak with a grain of salt. At least, take solace in the fact that development is still ongoing.
Google Photos on Android might receive a big update soon that will deliver another redesign and several new features. Android Authority discovered the latter after diving into the files of Google Photos version 6.94. These potential changes run the gamut, affecting various areas of the app.
First, the platform is reportedly gaining two new search filters to help people locate pictures. They are “Most Recent” and “Best Match” – and yes, their respective names adequately explain what they do. Most Recent sorts “search results chronologically, with the most recent” images (hence the name) showing up at the top.
Best Match finds photographs “that closely match” a certain keyword. Android Authority gives the example of someone typing “Flower” into the search bar and Photos then bringing up photos displaying a flower within a frame. Additionally, the company may allow scrollable albums to appear above search results near the top.
Spotlighting
Next, evidence of ” Spotlight ” was discovered inside Google Photos 6.94. This tool is apparently capable of automatically editing videos down to “key moments and [applying] effects.”
Very little is known about Spotlight at the moment, and while Android expert AssmebleDebug was unable to activate the software, he did find a few clues. He claims it’ll offer preset editing profiles that can be enabled with a single tap.
AssembleDebug states Spotlight operates similarly to Video Spotlight in the Memory carousel. In that particular feature, Google Photos highlights sections of past videos and then shares them on the home screen as a “trip down memory lane” experience. It’s possible the feature functions similarly, but you’ll have manual control over what to highlight.
Lastly, Google may be making it easier to comment on shared albums. AssembleDebug says the app will give users a direct way to add comments through a new floating bar. Tapping the onscreen album will cause it to appear.
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This is simpler than the current method, which requires you to tap a speech bubble icon to bring up the comments section before you can add one of your own. It’s a small change, but it could improve user engagement significantly.
AssembleDebug said he could turn on the revamped comment section by enabling the right software flag. However, because the feature is still in development, we don’t recommend going into the files and flipping the switch yourself, as it may not work.
Be sure to take all this leaked information with a pinch of salt. It’ll probably be a long time before we see any of these changes roll out. Or Google could, one day, decide to cancel all of these projects out of the blue. It’s entirely possible.
Rumors and reports for Intel’s upcoming Battlemage graphics cards have been steady since at least 2023, which, if true, could be a boon for gamers looking for more budget-minded components.
Now there’s a brand new leak, shared on the Weibo forums by Chinese tech blogger Little Pigeon (reported on by VideoCardz), which alleges the new cards will be released before the end of 2024. According to this blogger, Intel reportedly held a conference with Asus in which the former provided the latest updates on the manufacturer.
The blogger also asserted that Battlemage promises significant performance boosts, though nothing else was revealed at this event. This is consistent with recent reports that we should be seeing generational improvements in performance, even when current and next-gen cards have the same number of cores. However, make sure to take these rumors with a huge grain of salt, as there aren’t any slides proving these claims.
Other interesting rumors also surfaced revolving around Intel’s upcoming Raptor Lake processors. Apparently, the microcode update for the 13th and 14th Gen Core series will not impact turbo boost capabilities, meaning that overclocking functionality will be maintained. The new processors will also have at least 100W lower power consumption while maintaining performance and eliminating previous high voltage issues that will increase stability.
More budget cards in the future?
Intel’s graphics cards, the Arc series, are highly underrated in terms of price versus performance, giving you incredible value for your money. And with Battlemage possibly coming in late 2024 or early 2025, we have a chance to get even more budget-oriented cards for gamers.
This news coincides with another rumor — that AMDmay be launching its own budget graphics cards, the RX 7400 and RX 7300. If all these rumors turn out to be true, we could be seeing some of the most variety in the lower-end market in years. The last several generations have been plagued by a mix of expensive mid- and high-end cards coupled with virtually no true low-end options.
Not only that, but the competitive aspect could spur updates for the possible upcoming ones and development for any future models, which naturally means better quality products, better sales, and an incentive to keep manufacturing budget cards.
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It would be nice if the current issues plaguing the launch of Team Blue and Team Red’s processors could also be avoided. If that stretches to the budget cards, it could kill any hard-earned momentum. We’ll just have to see, but let’s wait until Intel and AMD actually confirm these graphics cards first.
