Wireless microphones have been steadily the hidden ace up the sleeve of anyone from the sole vlogger to documentary filmmakers. If you’re fed up with working around knotted cables and fumbling adapters, RØDE Wireless Micro just got upgraded in a big way that could fundamentally alter how you capture on the move.

Let’s get into what’s new, what’s improved, and what you need to know before you press that record button.

The RØDE Wireless Micro: Little Size, Big Aspirations

RØDE Wireless Micro has never been a product about complexity and luggable equipment. It arrives in a kit of two very small, rechargeable clip-on transmitters and a compact receiver that connects directly to your device. It’s designed for creatives who desire excellent audio without carrying a lot of equipment. With up to 328 feet of wireless range and simultaneous recording of both mics, it’s been a reliable option for interviews, podcasting, and filming on the go. 

Direct Connect: Bluetooth Freedom for iPhone Users

Here’s the good news—RØDE just dropped a firmware update with a new feature called Direct Connect. It allows you to connect the Wireless Micro transmitters directly to your iPhone via Bluetooth. That is, no more receivers or dongles, and a much simpler, faster setup.

This update comes straight from user feedback. People wanted true wireless freedom, and now it’s here. RØDE CEO Damien Wilson summed it up well: “With Direct Connect, we’re making content creation more seamless than ever.”

What’s the Catch? Bluetooth Limitations and iOS Exclusivity

As cool as Direct Connect is, there are some trade-offs to consider. For the time being, it only supports iPhones, so Android fans will have to wait. And since it relies on Bluetooth, you can only record one wireless microphone transmitter at a time. The distance is also reduced compared to using the provided receiver, and the connection may not be quite as solid in all settings.

So if you’re planning a two-person shoot or need the longest, most reliable range possible, it’s still a good idea to keep the receiver handy.

RØDE Capture App: More Control, Cleaner Audio

In addition to Direct Connect, RØDE also refreshed its Capture app with a few useful new features. There’s a noise reduction option that reduces background noise, which is excellent if you’re recording in noisy or variable locations. You can enable and disable this feature for each mic independently, so you have even more control over audio.

The app also allows you to decide how your audio is recorded. You can merge both mics into one stereo track for speedy publishing or maintain them separate for simpler editing later. And there’s now a gain control setting integrated, so you can adjust your audio levels in real time without additional equipment.

Battery Life, Warranty, and Sustainability

The Wireless Micro kit comes with a compact charging case providing you with up to 21 hours of battery life, long enough to see you through extended days on set. RØDE is also increasing its dedication to customers and the planet. Owner Peter Freedman recently announced that all wireless products are now covered for five years, regardless of when you purchased them. And future products will either feature replaceable batteries or come under a recycling scheme.

How does it compare to other RØDE systems?

If you want longer range, dual-channel Bluetooth recordability, or compatibility with something other than phones, the Wireless GO II remains the best. It offers you up to 200 meters of range, built-in recording, and is compatible with nearly everything from smartphones to DSLRs. But if you’re all about having the lightest and iPhone-maximal setup, the Wireless Micro with Direct Connect is tough to beat.

Who Comes Out a Winner with This Update?

Solo creators, mobile journalists, and anyone else who demands professional sound without carrying around a whole lot of gear are huge winners with this update. With the Wireless Micro’s new Bluetooth Direct Connect, it’s simpler than ever to capture high-quality audio directly to your iPhone—no cables, no dongles, no stress.

If you already have a Wireless Micro, this update is a no-charge upgrade to a smoother, more streamlined setup. If you’re looking for a new wireless mic, this new feature is worth keeping in mind.

Smart home devices are appearing everywhere nowadays, and one of the most practical—and unexpectedly hip—new additions to the roster is the smart faucet. If you’ve ever attempted to turn on the tap with grimy hands or fretted over wasting water, then these ultra-modern fixtures could be your new kitchen or bathroom must-have. 

So what, precisely, constitutes a “smart” faucet? Unlike standard faucets, smart faucets require a power source to operate their features. Some operate on battery power, while others have an outlet installed under the sink. Most families can count on their faucet’s battery pack to last between two to five years, according to Joseph Wood, master plumber and founder of Boston Standard Company. Standard AA or C batteries are used by most brands for long life. And don’t worry—if the power is out or the batteries run out, the faucet just defaults to manual mode, so you’ll never be without water.

At the heart of a smart faucet is a solenoid valve, essentially a magnetic switch that regulates water flow. The technology exists in everything from washing machines to car doors, but in a faucet, it allows you to turn the water on or off simply by waving, touching, or even speaking to the faucet.

Let’s discuss features, because this is where smart faucets truly come alive. One of the greatest benefits is touchless operation. Imagine this: you’re working with raw chicken or dough and don’t want to get your greasy hands on the faucet. Some models have infrared sensors to sense motion, and others are voice-activated, such as a smart speaker. There are even touch-activated faucets that respond to your body’s natural electrical charge, like how your phone screen picks up your fingers. As Wood puts it, “You can turn it on using your wrist or elbow rather than your dirty dough-covered hands.”

But you can do more than simply turn the water on and off with smart faucets. Some even measure the water for you. James Walsh, American Standard vice president of product management, cites the Beale MeasureFill Touch Faucet as one example. It can release set amounts of water—up to 40 ounces per release—and you set it with a simple dial, eliminating guessing once and for all.

Timers and leak detection are also convenient features. Some smart faucets will turn themselves off after a set time, which is convenient when your hands are full or someone refuses to turn the tap off. Others alert you to turn the water off when brushing your teeth or signal if a leak is found, detecting small problems before they become costly issues.

Water quality is another aspect where smart faucets truly shine. While many standard faucets come equipped with filters, smart faucets usually come with real-time water quality information. Walsh points out the Saybrook Filtered Kitchen Faucet, which eliminates 99.6 percent of lead, 96.9 percent of chlorine, and 92.6 percent of particulates. It even has an LED indicator that lets you know when to replace the filter.

Design-wise, there’s something for everyone. Some smart faucets replace your current one altogether and are available in finishes such as chrome, brushed nickel, polished brass, and matte black. Others are just basic add-ons that retrofit your existing faucet and are generally under $50. Just be sure to check compatibility beforehand before purchasing.

Most users who give smart faucets a try end up becoming huge fans, particularly for the ease of installation and the daily convenience. Consider the Himimi Touchless Faucet, for instance. This inexpensive unit comes with two motion detectors (the base and nozzle) and three spray modes and features a swiveling head that rotates 360 degrees. One user proclaimed it “looks great and works as advertised,” while another exclaimed that the touchless functionality was “super exciting.” Families particularly appreciate the automatic shut-off, which turns water off after three minutes—ideal if you have children or curious pets.

So why go for a smart faucet? To begin with, it makes your environment neater and cleaner by reducing touch-ups with dirty hands. As Wood describes it, “Imagine just moving your hands into position or tapping with your forearm—no more clunky elbow movements or letting the water run.” And with leak detection and auto shutoff, they’re a good way to conserve water, which benefits the planet as well as your bill.

Of course, smart faucets do cost more, often more than twice the price of a standard one. But if you’re someone who loves smart home tech and values convenience, cleanliness, and efficiency, the investment can pay off in the long run.

Microsoft is giving some of its most recognizable Windows apps a drastic AI overhaul, and if you’re a Windows 11 Insider on the latest Canary or Dev builds, you’re watching it happen live. Paint, Notepad, and the Snipping Tool—those trusty old tools you’ve likely used since the dawn of time—are now bursting with fresh features that seem like they’re straight from the future.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s new and why it’s a significant development.

Paint: Doodles to AI-Generated Stickers

What was once a simple tool for pixel art and rough sketches, Paint is now entering the age of artificial intelligence. Perhaps one of the neatest additions is the Sticker Generator. Simply enter a description—”a cat wearing sunglasses,” for example—and Paint will generate a group of customized stickers from your input. You can plop them on your canvas, save them, or use them anywhere else.

There’s also a new Object Select tool based on AI. Rather than manually selecting objects in an image, you can now right-click on an object, and Paint will select it for you to edit. It’s a huge time-saver if you’ve ever struggled with pixel-perfect selections.

To facilitate users ‘ exploration of all these new tools, Paint now has a Welcome dialog that guides you through the new features. You can refer back to this guide at any time by clicking on the megaphone icon in the toolbar.

Snipping Tool: Screenshots, But Smarter

The Snipping Tool isn’t just for grabbing pieces of your screen anymore. With the new Perfect Screenshot feature, AI steps in to crop and resize your capture based on what it believes you are attempting to highlight. It still allows you to make adjustments, but it spares you the annoyance of tweaking your selection later on.

Another useful new gadget is the Color Picker. If you’re a designer or coder—or simply someone who feels strongly about getting the colors right—you can now pluck precise color codes such as HEX, RGB, or HSL directly from your screen. You can zoom in with your mouse scroll or utilize shortcuts for pixel-perfect accuracy.

Notepad: Your New AI Writing Assistant

Notepad has long been a basic, reliable writing and editing tool. But now it’s going big with AI capabilities that make it seem more like a collaborator for writing. The new Write tool allows you to generate content from a prompt or build on what you’ve written already. Right-click, select Write from the Copilot menu, or use Ctrl + Q, and Notepad’s AI will write for you. You can leave it as is, edit it, or start over with a new prompt.

This extends the previous AI tools, such as Summarize and Rewrite, but Write is the headliner—it makes Notepad a clever assistant from a text editor, making you more productive while you write faster and better.

What You Need to Use These Features

These new AI-powered features are currently available only on Copilot+ PCs—Microsoft’s latest line of devices built specifically for advanced AI capabilities. To access them, you’ll need to sign in with your Microsoft account. Moreover, some features, such as the Write function in Notepad, require AI credits. These credits are included with select Microsoft 365 subscriptions, including Personal, Family, Enterprise, and Copilot Pro plans.

The Bigger Picture: AI in Windows

All of this is the culmination of Microsoft’s massive effort to introduce AI into all aspects of Windows. The upgrades and enhancements to Paint, Notepad, and the Snipping Tool are only the start. Even the most basic apps are getting smarter, more assistive, and, honestly, a whole lot more enjoyable to use.

Honor is causing big ripples in 2025 by launching a varied range of smartphones that will cater to every user’s requirement, be it ultra-high-end flagships or feature-loaded affordable phones. Whether you’re looking for premium performance, reliable software updates, or a slim device that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, Honor’s new series is worth a second glance.

Here’s the lowdown on what’s new, what’s different, and why these phones are creating so much buzz.

Flagship Power: Honor Magic 7 Pro Sets the Standard

At the forefront is the Honor Magic 7 Pro, which is the flagship that aims to compete with the best offered by Samsung and Apple. According to TechRadar, “The Honor Magic 7 Pro is one of the top Android phones you can currently buy in the UK, with leading hardware and a bunch of special software features such as Deepfake Detection and AI Super Zoom.

This behemoth is equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 12GB of RAM, a gorgeous 6.8-inch OLED display, and a camera setup with a 200MP telephoto lens. Even under EU battery controls, which restrict cell size slightly, the Magic 7 Pro retains its impressive battery life.

Most significantly, perhaps, Honor is supporting the Magic series with seven years of Android OS and security updates, placing it among the future-proofed devices out there.

Midrange Magic: Honor 400 and 400 Pro Bring Big Value

For consumers seeking premium features at a non-flagship price, the Honor 400 and 400 Pro hit a great sweet spot.

The Honor 400 Pro (from £699.99 / €799) is founded on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, packs a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen, IP68/69 ratings, and a 5,300mAh battery. Its triple camera setup is centered around an excellent 200MP main sensor. The Verge reports, “Honor’s six years of OS version updates and six years of security patches are the same for both phones, and should take them up to Android 21 in 2031.”

The base Honor 400 (£399.99 / €499) provides a smaller 6.5-inch screen and replaces the processor with a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. It has the same primary and ultrawide cameras as the Pro, loses the telephoto lens, and goes without wireless charging, but maintains great battery life and overall performance.

Both devices have Android 15, along with MagicOS. They share a special AI-based image-to-video feature, driven by Google’s Veo 2 model—a highlight that the 400 series has to itself.

Budget-Friendly Surprise: Honor 400 Lite Overdelivers

On the lower end of the range, the Honor 400 Lite provides immense value for money on its price. It costs only €299 in Europe (£249.99 in the UK, approximately) and has a flagship-grade design with many useful features.

The 400 Lite boasts a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen, a standalone AI camera button, and a 108MP primary sensor. It’s driven by the MediaTek Dimensity 7025-Ultra, has up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, and is based on Android 15 with MagicOS 9.

In spite of its budget tag, the phone still features IP65 dust and water resistance, smooth finish in shades such as Mars Green and Velvet Black, and 35W fast charging. Performance is good for routine use, although it can falter in heavier activities or games. As TechRadar puts it, “You will, however, have to settle for occasionally sluggish performance and limited camera capabilities.” Nevertheless, for the price, it’s an attractive bundle.

Selecting the Right 400 Series Phone

Here’s a quick rundown to assist you in choosing which one’s for you:

• Honor 400 Pro: Great for people who need the best specs and features, such as wireless charging, all at a mid-range price.
• Honor 400: Priced lower than the Pro, but it has almost all the same capabilities with a smaller design and great battery life.
• Honor 400 Lite: Ideal for budget shoppers wanting dependable everyday functionality and great looks without cutting corners.

Software Support: A Long-Term Strategy

Perhaps the most significant upgrade of Honor’s 2025 lineup is its new emphasis on software durability. Both the 400 and 400 Pro are guaranteed six years of OS and security updates, which puts them on a par with Samsung’s Galaxy A-series and just behind Google’s Pixel 9A.

At the same time, the Magic 7 Pro is the best of the lot with seven years of updates, which puts Honor in the exclusive league of Android brands that really care for long-term user experience. 

The Verge puts it succinctly: “Honor’s six years of OS version updates and six years of security patches are the same for both phones, and should carry them through to Android 21 in 2031.”

Honor’s 2025 smartphone lineup is a daring leap forward—one that provides significant options for all types of users. Whether you’re spending big on a decade-long flagship, a reliable midranger, or something fashionable on the cheap, there’s something about this lineup that excels.

The world of photography is well-acquainted with nostalgia, but Fujifilm’s new X Half does more than tip its hat to the past. It leans in, combining analog appeal with digital convenience in a manner that is raising eyebrows and generating buzz. Small, innovative, and unapologetically unique, the X Half brings a breath of fresh air to photography today.

A Pocket-Sized Companion for Everyday Moments

The first thing you’ll be struck by with the Fujifilm X Half is its compact size. It’s small, light, and goes with you wherever life goes. As The Verge says, “the camera is designed to give you no excuses—you should be able to bring it with you everywhere.” But portability is only part of the story. The X Half encourages you to slow down, be present, and savor the moment without being seduced by tech-driven distractions.

Simple by Choice

Under the bonnet, the X Half is bare-bones. It has a vertically stacked 1-inch sensor (cropped to 18MP for a 3:4 aspect ratio), a fixed 32mm f/2.8 lens, and a pared-down control design. There is no electronic viewfinder, no RAW support, and no hot shoe. But that’s the point. As The Verge explains, the X Half’s bare-bones approach is its defining feature—it’s meant for spontaneous photos and memory-creation, not perfection.

The bare-bones interface, simplified menus, and narrow customizations translate into less hassle and more gunplay. It’s perfect for those who prioritize immediacy and fun over tech finery.

Classic Looks, Creative Tools

One of Fujifilm’s biggest selling points has always been its film simulations, and the X Half does not disappoint. It comes with 13 of Fujifilm’s most classic looks—Provia, Velvia, Acros, Classic Chrome, and so on—plus creative filters such as light leaks, mirror mode, selective color, and dynamic tone. As per Tom’s Guide, “No Fujifilm camera is complete without the brand’s signature film simulations, and the X Half is no different.”

These apps allow users to play, experiment, and accept imperfections—all while capturing visually appealing images in-camera.

Film Camera Mode: A Digital Throwback

One of the X Half’s best features is its “Film Camera Mode,” which simulates the process of taking photos with analog film. You select your virtual roll of film (36, 54, or 72 exposures), select a film simulation, and shoot through the optical viewfinder. You crank the film advance lever after each exposure—yes, actually. And like with real film, you don’t get to see your photos until the roll is “developed” in Fujifilm’s stand-alone app.

As Fuji X Weekly describes it, “You cannot see your pictures until after the roll is finished and ‘developed’ in their new app that is just for this camera.” This inherent delay reintroduces a sense of anticipation and surprise that digital photography has pretty much lost.

Diptychs: Storytelling in Pairs

The X Half also adds a playful, creative touch with its diptych capability, enabling you to pair two images—static or dynamic—side by side. It’s a lighthearted nod to analog-era creativity, inviting users to construct narratives with juxtapositions of images. You even begin the diptych series by hand-cranking the film lever, further enhancing the tactile appeal. The Verge describes it as a “quirky, endearing feature that invites experimentation.”

Imperfect by Design

Of course, the X Half isn’t flawless. A few users have commented that the touchscreen can sometimes lag, and saving diptychs, particularly those with video, is slow. But these are hangups characteristic of the camera’s more deliberate, slower pace. They’re designed to have you appreciate the process, not just the result.

Who’s It For?

The X Half is designed specifically for photography enthusiasts who enjoy the analog look but want the convenience of digital. It’s also an excellent device for social media content creators, given its vertical format and ability to share instantly. As Fuji X Weekly suggests, it will be appealing to Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences already familiar with the retro look of older digital and film cameras.

At $849, it’s a premium price for a camera without RAW or pro-level specs. But what you’re paying for is experience: a unique, tactile, and creative approach to photography that stands out in a sea of spec-heavy devices.

A Playful Step Forward—By Looking Back

With the X Half, Fujifilm is not in the megapixel madness or filling with the latest technology. Instead, it’s delivering a camera about feeling, fun, and freedom. In Fuji X Weekly’s words, “I applaud Fujifilm for daring to be different and going way outside the box.”.

No matter if you’re an old-school film buff, a digital native discovering the joy of slow photography, or simply someone who’d love to make taking pictures fun again, the X Half is for you. Amidst an age of hyper-optimized cameras, it’s a reminder that the best gear is the kind that inspires you to shoot.