• The Nvidia Shield TV (2019) is out of stock pretty much everywhere
• Nvidia says it's down to consumer demand for the streaming device
• It's not yet clear if we'll ever get more stock or a replacement gadget

While there hasn't been any new Nvidia Shield TV hardware for seven years now, the streaming devices continue to be popular — but it looks as though it could finally be the end of the road for the cheapest base model in the series.

As spotted by Android Authority, this $149 / £129 model is now out of stock via Nvidia's official channels, and Nvidia has stopped short of promising that those stock levels will be replenished anytime soon.

In a statement to Android Authority, Nvidia said the Shield TV was out of stock "due to demand", and that there was nothing to say "regarding future availability at this time" — so make of that what you will.

Nvidia also took the opportunity to highlight that all Shield TV models continue to get software updates and continue to be supported by Nvidia, even though it's now more than a decade since the first of these gadgets went on sale.

More to come?

Both the base model Shield TV and the more premium Shield TV Pro were given a refresh in 2019, and Nvidia says the Pro version is still on sale. Whether or not Nvidia is planning to let the stock run down on that model too remains to be seen.

I've had several Shield TVs down the years, and have always been impressed with the hardware and the software on offer. They support a wide variety of apps and games, come with local storage, and can be customized in a variety of ways too.

Even something like the recently launched Google TV Streamer only just about catches up to everything that's possible with the Shield TV boxes — and that's saying something considering Nvidia's devices made their debut in 2015.

Nvidia execs are on the record as saying they're open to the idea of new Shield TV hardware in the future, so hopefully this clearing out of stock will be followed by a brand new model in the not too distant future.

• Proton VPN is now officially published by Proton AG on the Snap Store
• The release offers one-click install for Ubuntu and other compatible distros
• Some features are missing from this initial build due to sandboxing limits

Linux users looking for a top-tier security boost just got a major convenience upgrade. The team behind Proton VPN has announced that its app is now officially available to download directly from the Linux Snap Store.

While the Swiss-based provider always supported Linux VPN distributions, previous accessibility for Snap users was limited to a "community-maintained fork." This release marks the very first time the official build has been published directly by Proton AG.

The move makes downloading one of the best VPN services on the market significantly easier for the open-source community. According to Proton's announcement, users can now perform a straightforward "one-click install on Ubuntu and any distro that supports snaps," saving them the usual hassle of manual command-line configurations or repository hunting.

Proton's Snap Store build arrives complete with a "verified publisher badge," ensuring users aren't accidentally downloading a compromised or outdated client. Yet, it still lacks some key features due to sandboxing limits.

What’s missing from the first release?

While the Snap Store debut provides the broader community with an "official, trustworthy way to install Proton VPN," the developers were highly transparent about a few technical trade-offs in this initial version.

Most notably, there is "no split tunneling" available just yet.

This highly requested feature, which lets you choose which specific apps bypass the encrypted tunnel to maintain high network speeds, was introduced to Proton’s standard Linux app last year. However, it is absent in the Snap version. "Like our Flatpak, this is due to sandboxing limitations," the team explained, adding that it is "something we hope to resolve in the future."

Proton VPN is now officially on the Snap Store from r/ProtonVPN

The provider's anti-censorship tool, the Stealth protocol, also missed the cut. "Stealth protocol isn't included yet. It's not part of this first Snap release," the company confirmed.

Hardware compatibility also comes with a slight catch. The new package offers "no ARM support at this time." While Proton noted that they "expect ARM device volume to be low for now," they are "keeping an eye on it."

Software-wise, the developers warned that "older distros may have issues," cautioning that if users are on an operating system "older than Ubuntu 24, you might run into connection problems."

A big year for Proton’s Linux community

Despite these early missing features, the Snap Store launch is just the latest in a rapid string of upgrades demonstrating Proton’s dedication to its Linux user base. Unlike many competitors that treat open-source platforms as a secondary concern, Proton has spent recent months closing the feature gap between its Linux, Windows, and Mac applications.

At the beginning of the year, the company revealed a major Linux makeover.

This included upgrading the graphical app to the modern GTK4 framework to pave the way for a complete interface redesign. Meanwhile, command-line interface (CLI) power users received vastly improved server selection tools, alongside support for advanced features like custom DNS settings and the NetShield Ad-blocker.

With the brand-new official Snap release now live at snapcraft.io/proton-vpn, Linux fans finally have the reliable, hassle-free installation method they've been waiting for.

• Ads for fake air conditioners are plaguing Facebook and YouTube
• These appliances promise high performance features and claim to be ground-breaking
• UK advertising regulator warns you should be sceptical and report them

The UK is having its share of sweltering heatwaves this summer and there’s never been a bigger demand for the best fans and air conditioners — but that's also come with a wave of fake air conditioning adverts.

Adverts for portable air conditioners allegedly ‘designed by former NASA engineers’ that can cool down a room ‘in less than 90 seconds’ are being pushed to consumers across the likes Facebook and YouTube. Portable air conditioners have been going out of stock pretty much everywhere — more recently Meaco’s Cirro lineup — so appliances from trusted brands are becoming a lot harder to come by as the UK is gripped by high temperatures

The advertised air conditioners claim to pack a punch all while having affordable prices, ranging between £70-£120 according to the BBC. Additionally, these product listings often feature fake customer reviews with overwhelmingly positive comments on performance features.

Civil engineer and content creator, Stuart Matthews, is just one online persona that’s raising awareness; “if it sounds too good to be true, it’s not ‘probably’ a scam these days, it definitely is a scam,” he shared in a YouTube video.

In one of his most recent unboxing videos, Matthews purchased one of the cheap air coolers, taking it apart bit by bit to give a closer look at the inner workings of these appliances — and they don’t work in the same way as proper air conditioners.

Here's how to spot a fake

The product he showcased was sold as a ‘mini portable air cooler’ with a small water tank that can ‘chill quite a sizable room by a number of degrees very quickly’. Once he took the machine apart, Matthews found what he described as ‘cardboard fins’ that essentially soak up water from the tank, which the fan blows air through at a very weak speed — all of which he forked out £70 for, when he thinks it’s worth no more than £5.

With high demand, users in need will often take the first appliance that’s put in front of them, giving companies more room to scam, and now the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is officially warning you. But if you’re finding it difficult to tell the difference between legitimate and misleading adverts, the regulator has issued a few tips.

As mentioned, one of the biggest things to note is the overuse of positive reviews and comments that report life-changing results, so if an advert claims a small fan can cool a room in a very short space of time, be sceptical.

Just with the advert shown in Matthews’ video, you should also be wary of lengthy backstories and bold claims, i.e. “an ingenious invention that’s disrupting the £5 billion air conditioning industry” — a bold claim for a product that no one has heard of.

Additionally, a majority of the adverts seem to be AI-generated, with inconsistencies such as spelling and grammar errors, which you should also keep an eye out for. If you think you’ve run into a fake air conditioner advert, you can file a report on the ASA website.

If you've survived the first 24-hour gap in this year's World Cup schedule, then it's time to ensure your viewing of the quarter-finals is the best it can be.

The World Cup's mass appeal puts a huge strain on streaming providers. And if you're travelling, you could easily miss out on commentary in your native language or be stuck behind paywalls if you're in the US.

This is where the best streaming VPNs come in handy. They offer high-performance encryption protocols, servers with huge capacity, and all the tech you need to securely watch your regular World Cup coverage from wherever you are.

Right now, the cheapest VPN for this is Norton VPN. It ranks second in our best streaming VPNs rankings, but is a dollar a month cheaper than our top pick — NordVPN.

Norton VPN has servers across 91 countries, speeds of over 1000 Mbps on WireGuard, and hardly struggled with any streaming services we tested.

It's also even cheaper when you pick up a 12-month plan. These now start from only $39.99.

By comparison, a year of NordVPN is $65.88, over $25 more.

So, if you're just after World Cup protection, why spend the extra? You even get AI-powered scam protection, real-time ransomware and malware protection, password management, dark web alerts, and 10GB cloud storage thrown in if you choose a Plus plan (still $15 cheaper than NordVPN).

For the absolute cheapest experience possible, only PIA, CyberGhost, and PrivadoVPN come with our seal of recommendation. These are all under $1.60/month but are far less reliable with streaming services, especially if you're planning to watch live events like the World Cup or Wimbledon.

Looking for a coffee machine that serves up a delicious espresso but won’t break the bank? Look no further than the Philips Baristina. This adorable, cost-friendly bean-to-cup machine currently holds the spot for the best budget coffee machine in Australia, and it’s now even cheaper in the Prime Day sales — just AU$418.99.

My colleague Cat Ellis couldn’t have been more positive in her Philips Baristina review, and she loved the fact it combines the best of bean-to-cup machines, with the convenience of capsule machines.

It handles all aspects of the coffee-making process — grinding, dosing, tamping and brewing, so you barely need to lift a finger. What’s more, it puts on a bit of a show, as it will automatically slide the portafilter into position once it's finished grinding and tamping. It’s unlike any other coffee machine I’ve come across.

• Follow our live coverage of the best Prime Day 2026 deals, many of which ship to New Zealand as well

When Philips announced the Baristina, it certainly piqued my interest. My colleague Cat was able to get her hands on a unit first though, inflaming my jealousy.

What drew me to the compact machine was its simplicity. Once you’ve loaded in some beans and filled the water tank, just push the portafilter handle into its slot and slide it to the right. Select which drink you want — it can only brew a 40ml espresso or a 110ml lungo — and the machine will get to work grinding the perfect quantity of coffee into the filter basket and tamping it down.

Ensuring the whole process is as hands-off as possible, the machine will then slide the handle to the left and dispense the coffee into your cup.

It even helps with cleaning, as once your coffee has finished pouring, the handle will release so you can pull it free and knock out the grounds.

I also love the look of the Baristina, in either its white or black guises it’s very modern. Do note that there’s no steam wand on this machine, but there is a matching Baristina Milk Frother. I do have this and use it daily to froth oat milk, perfect for lattes and cappuccinos. It’s also on sale right now during Prime Day.

The only negative Cat could find with the Philips Baristina is that it doesn’t let you adjust the grind size, so you'll have to choose beans that work with the machine's default settings. There’s no real guidance on this in the user manual, so it may require some trial and error. If your coffee tastes under- or over-extracted then you'll need to try a different bean.

Otherwise, there’s very little to find fault with the Baristina. It looks great, works a charm and brews a delicious espresso, all for an affordable price. What more could you ask for?

I test a lot of espresso machines here at TechRadar — over a dozen a year — and so far 2026 has delivered a particularly impressive crop. Whether you're looking for your first ever coffee maker or are a seasoned pro hunting for the perfect premium brewer, there's an option for you.

There are so many new espresso machines, in fact, that you might be spoilt for choice, which is where I come in. To help make your decision easier, I've rounded up this collection of the three best machines we've tested this year. Each one has been through our rigorous review process, and received a score of at least four and a half stars out of five.

If you can't see something that quite suits your needs, take a look at our complete roundup of the best espresso machines you can buy today, and the best Nespresso machines if you prefer your morning brew in pod form.

Philips Café Aromis

Release date: March 2026

Score: 5/5

This espresso machine (the Philips Café Aromis 8000 Series, to give it its full name) is a premium coffee maker that looks stunning, makes sublime coffee, and is fun to use as well. It has a menu of 50 drinks — hot and cold — and is astonishingly quiet in use too thanks to cleverly designed noise shielding.

Its milk system is particularly impressive, producing different textures to suit the type of drink you're making, and because the milk never enters the body of the machine itself, it's a piece of cake to keep clean. Just detach the carafe, disassemble it into its three hard plastic components, and wash them in the top drawer of your dishwasher. There are separate carafes for hot and cold milk, and they both work equally well with dairy or plant-based equivalents.

Espresso machines with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity are quite common, but after connecting your phone, usually all you get is a simple instruction manual. Not here. The Philips Home app is styled like an AI chatbot, and asks you a series of questions about your beans and taste preferences to help tailor the brew setting to your liking. It's certainly not cheap, but it's a superb espresso machine that earned a full five stars.

Read our full Philips Café Aromis review

Philips Baristina

Release date: February 2026

Score: 5/5

Philips has been really nailing it when it comes to espresso machines this year. The Baristina is very different to the Café Aromis, but if you're new to the world of speciality coffee, or just want something reasonably affordable, it's the better choice.

This is the smallest and cheapest bean-to-cup coffee maker I've ever tested, and it's so easy to use, it's a great option for anyone thinking of making the switch from coffee capsules. Just load your beans in the top, fill the water tank, push in the empty portafilter handle, and slide it to the right. The Baristina will grind the perfect dose of coffee into the basket, tamp it down, then slide the whole handle to the left and pull the shot for you.

It's a piece of cake, and much easier to clean than a typical automatic espresso machine because there's no moisture or debris building up inside an enclosed case. The only drawback is that it can't steam milk (unless you pick up a bundle with the standalone milk frother), but Philips has just launched an updated version — the Baristina Latte — that solves that particular issue. I'm very much looking forward to testing it

Read our full Philips Baristina review

Meraki Espresso Machine Gen 2

Release date: March 2026

Score: 4.5/5

The Meraki Espresso Machine Gen 2 (available direct from Meraki in the US, and from Bella Barista in the UK) is the most stylish coffee maker we've tested so far this year, with its satin finish, chrome and wood accents, pivoting touchscreen display, and separate 'towers' for its twin boilers, water tank, and bean hopper. It's huge, but if you've got the space, it's worth every centimeter.

This is a manual espresso machine, but is packed with thoughtful features that make achieving a delicious brew that little bit easier. For example, there are built-in scales beneath the grinder and grouphead to help you grind exactly the right dose of beans, then weigh your extracted coffee and stop the pump at precisely the right time. There's a temperature sensor to help you avoid scalding your milk, and if you really want a helping hand, you can scan a code on a bag of Meraki's own coffee beans, and the machine will adjust its own settings accordingly.

The standout feature, though, is its dual boiler, which is something we rarely see in a home espresso machine. "Not only does it produce exceedingly well-extracted espresso over and over again, it easily froths a range of milks without losing pressure or cooling down," said our reviewer Josh Russell.

Read our full Meraki Espresso Machine Gen 2 review

• NordVPN has launched Message Protection for Android users worldwide, adding SMS screening to its Call and Message Protection suite.
• The tool checks incoming texts from unknown senders and pushes a notification when a message looks malicious or suspicious.
• Flagged texts open in a safe view that stops links being tapped by accident, and NordVPN says it never stores message content.

NordVPN is rolling out a Message Protection feature to Android users worldwide, giving people a way to catch fraudulent texts before they become a threat. The tool automatically screens incoming SMS messages and flags anything that looks like a scam.

The feature, which was already made available to iPhone users at the beginning of June, joins existing Call Protection on a single screen, so there is now one place to manage defenses against both suspicious calls and malicious texts.

NordVPN has long been a front-runner for the title of best VPN, but this update is another step in its shift toward an all-in-one privacy and security app, rather than a service that simply encrypts your traffic.

Why text scams keep climbing

According to GASA's Global State of Scams 2025 report, text and SMS rank as the second most common channel used by fraudsters. The same research, which surveyed 46,000 adults across 42 markets, found that 57% had been scammed in the past year, with global losses reaching an estimated $442 billion.

Citing the US Federal Trade Commission, NordVPN says text scam losses hit $639 million in 2025, a 36% jump compared to the previous year. Fake package deliveries, bogus bank alerts, and unpaid toll notices remain some of the most common lures.

"Text messages have always been one of the easiest ways for scammers to reach people at scale," says Domininkas Virbickas, product director at NordVPN. "Message protection is about breaking that chain before it starts."

How Message Protection works

The feature screens every incoming SMS from an unknown sender, checking it against phone reputation data, URL analysis, and content categorization. When a message is judged malicious or suspicious, users get an instant push notification naming the threat type and the recommended action.

If you want to view a flagged message, you can do so in a safe viewer that prevents links from opening, and you can track how many messages and calls get flagged in the unified dashboard.

The feature runs quietly in the background, even when the VPN is switched off, and NordVPN says it doesn't store the content of any of the calls or texts.

How to switch it on

On a fresh install, you can enable Message Protection during the onboarding steps. Existing users can go from the Home screen to Call and Message Protection under the Product hub, then follow the permission setup.

NordVPN has also launched Prompt Guard, a separate Chrome and Edge extension that warns you before you paste sensitive data, such as passwords or card numbers, into AI tools.

Dreo Smart TurboPoly Fan 765S: two-minute review

The Dreo Smart TurboPoly 765S is one versatile fan. It can be tall or short pedestal fan, or you can swap out the base and turn it into a desktop model. You can choose from a generous 11 speed modes, as well as six 'special modes', and horizontal or vertical oscillation (or both at once, turning it into a very effective air circulator).

You're spoiled for choice when it comes to control options, too — you can use the remote, touchscreen buttons on the top of the fan head, or adjust settings on your phone using the Dreo companion app.

In that app you'll find an absolute ton of customization options: I've tested some of the best fans on the market, and it's rare to see a fan that offers such precise control over when, where and how it blows. While Dreo does a good job of laying out the app so it's nice and useable, I do wonder how many people really need quite so many options.

So what about that basics? The Dreo Smart TurboPoly 765S delivers an even, effective flow of air, with a great range of settings. The lowest speed is whisper-quiet and gentle yet still perceptible, and the highest is impressively punchy. The Turbo setting — separated out as a special mode — is a miniature tornado. At higher settings, it's not the quietest fan I've used, but neither is it excessively loud.

You're paying a premium for the versatile form factor, as well as the extensive customization options and smart functionality. If you don't need all those things, there are cheaper, equally effective fans that'll fit the bill better. However, if flexibility and precise control is what you're after, the Dreo Smart TurboPoly 765S is a standout choice.

Dreo Smart TurboPoly Fan 765S review: price & availability

• List price: $159.99 / £169.99
• Available: US, UK

At list price, the Dreo Smart TurboPoly fan 765S costs $159.99 in the US and £169.99 in the UK (which equates to about AU$230, though at the time of writing it's not available in Australia). That puts in in the premium price bracket for fans, but it goes some way to justifying the cost with its versatile desktop-or-pedestal design and smart features.

That's especially true when you compare the wider market alternatives. For example, the original Shark FlexBreeze costs $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$249.99 at list price. The Shark option lacks smart features, but it can be used cordless (whereas the Dreo can't). Another alternative is the Meaco 1056P, at $189.99 / £149.99 (about AU$270). This is the model I have at home, and it's less versatile than the Dreo TurboPoly 765S, but quieter at higher speeds.

If you don't need app control and are happy to commit to either a desktop or a pedestal model, there are cheaper options available to you.

• Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Dreo Smart TurboPoly Fan 765S specs

Dreo Smart TurboPoly Fan 765S review: design

• Versatile design can be a desktop or pedestal fan or air circulator
• App control is excellent; buttons / remote best for basic functions
• Wide speed range, precise oscillation control and multiple special modes

As fans go, the Dreo Smart TurboPoly 765S is one versatile performer. You can choose from a generous 11 speed modes, as well as six 'special modes', horizontal and vertical oscillation, and a timer option. You can direct the fan head at a specific target, or unleash the full range of oscillation to use it as an air circulator.

It can be used as pedestal fan, and in this mode it's possible to adjust the height to a taller or shorter floor-standing option. Alternatively, you can remove the base altogether and swap on a different one to turn it into a desktop fan. I especially like the design of the tabletop base — its opening mechanism protrudes so when you press it down on a flat surface the legs extend outwards to form a stable base.

The fan feels well-built and sturdy, and the pedestal base is reassuringly heavy, so I was never concerned about knocking it over. I also appreciated the inclusion of a moulded handle on the fan head, which makes it easy to carry it from the top.

Some competitors offer magnetic remotes that snap onto the fan itself when not in use, but that's not the case here. Instead there's a remote control holder that snaps onto the pole. It could feel more intentional but does the job perfectly fine.

There are a couple more advanced features the Smart TurboPoly 765S lacks. It can't be used cordless, so you'll have to commit to staying near a power outlet. There's also no misting capability — this is a newly popular concept in the fan world, and appears on a handful of modern fans including the Dreo 516S. It can be a bit of a game-changer if it's really hot.

App and controls

That 'S' in the product code tells me there's an app I can use to control this fan. I can't overstate how jam-packed with options this app is. You can use it to turn the fan on and off, switch modes or adjust fan speed, and change the angle of the fan head. You can also precisely set the oscillation angles, including an option for asymmetrical oscillation.

There's a scheduling area where you can either choose when the fan will go on or turn off, and you can also set it to come on at a certain time (and speed / mode) on certain days. One minor missed opportunity is that you can't then schedule when it turns off — I wanted to set it to run for a couple of hours each evening as I go to sleep, but that doesn't seem to be possible.

The app is well laid-out and easy to use, although the fact there are so many precise customization options means it can feel fiddly at times. If you don't want to get your phone out, you can also control the fan using the remote control, or via touchscreen buttons on the top of the head.

These are responsive, and, to a point, straightforward. Changing the speed, swapping modes or adjusting the angle the head is pointing in is easy. However, for fine-tuning I found it far easier to use the app. (In fact, I had such trouble working out some of the functions that I emailed Dreo's general customer services address to help — and they get major brownie points for replying quickly, with a clear answer.)

• Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Dreo Smart TurboPoly Fan 765S review: performance

• A little noisy on higher settings
• Great range of settings, including an ultra powerful Turbo mode
• Easy to direct the air exactly where you want it

Overall, I was very impressed with the Dreo Smart TurboPoly Fan. The speed settings cover a good range, with level 1 delivering a gentle but perceptible flow of air, while level 11 is pleasingly powerful, and Turbo mode all-but blew me away. I can't imagine many situations where you'd need such strong airflow, but it's nice to have the option.

One small but welcome detail is the fact that the windspeed settings cycle from 11 straight to 1. That meant if I knew I wanted a higher setting, I could work backwards and save some button presses.

Also in its favor is how precisely you can adjust where the airflow is directed. In static mode, arrow controls enable you to easily change where the fan head is pointing. It's also possible to finely adjust the vertical and horizontal oscillation; even making it asymmetrical if you want. And of course, you can extend / retract the pole or swap from pedestal to desktop mode if you want to alter the height more dramatically.

I used it to keep me cool in my home office during two UK heatwaves, and adjusted it to a very narrow range of oscillation where it was essentially just blowing from side-to-side on my back. The effect was absolutely dreamy.

I also used it as an air circulator (in its full vertical and horizontal range of oscillation) to amplify the effects of our newly-purchased portable air con unit. It did an excellent job of rapidly distributing the cool air as it was being pumped in, filling the bedroom much quicker than the AC could manage on its own.

In terms of noisiness, I'd give the Dreo middling marks. On setting 1 it's whisper-quiet, but as I moved up the settings the sound ramped up, and on level 11 it was noticeably louder than my usual fan (a Meaco air circulator). It's certainly not the noisiest fan I've come across, though.

Moving on to the special modes. They are as follows:

• Normal: runs at fixed speed
• Auto: speed increases or decreases depending on room temperature
• Turbo: runs at maximum speed
• Natural: speed fluctuates to mimic a natural breeze
• Sleep: decreases speed after 30 mins, up to two times
• Custom (via Dreo app): speed changes at specified times or temperatures

I was pleased to see there's a Sleep mode included, and the setup for this one is pretty standard, allowing you an hour to drop off. It's worth pointing out that the lights on the Dreo Smart TurboPoly 765S switch off automatically as standard a few seconds after you've finished adjusting them — something I appreciated as I hate to have a glowing LED illuminating my room as I'm trying to sleep. (You can change this setting if you prefer the display to stay on.)

Auto mode is useful, too, if you're using the fan throughout the day. The ambient temperature measurement seems accurate, and matched that of my other fan.

I wasn't so enamored with the Breeze mode. I've seen this mode listed on a few different fan models recently, and have always been curious about it. On test, though, I found the fluctuations in speed and accompanying shifts in noise distracting more than anything. That said, it did feel somewhat like a natural breeze, and I can imagine some people enjoying this effect.

• Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Dreo Smart TurboPoly Fan 765S?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Dreo Smart TurboPoly Fan 765S

I tested the Dreo Smart TurboPoly 765S over three weeks in June/July, which happened to encompass two UK heatwaves, with temperatures reaching 37C or higher (around 98F). I used it extensively during the day while working from home, as well as at night, and tested all the special modes. I also tried out all the control methods, including digging into the app. I compared my findings with other fans I've used, but predominantly my trusty Meaco air circulator.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed July 2026

The recent heatwaves sweeping the UK has led to a run on the best fans and air conditioners — and that also includes the new Meaco Cirro portable air conditioner, which lauched just last month.

Following high demand over the past few weeks, Meaco shared on its Instagram page that it will be restocking its Cirro range of air conditioners. This gives you another shot at scoring the air conditioner as UK temperatures soar again, but be warned — demand is going to be just as strong this time around.

As temperatures rise, so does the demand for air cooling devices. The Cirro range consists of six different models (it has cooling-only and cooling-heating hybrids in sizes 12,000, 14,000, and 16,000 BTU), but each one completely sold out on the Meaco website. The 12,000 BTU cooling-only model was restocked just yesterday (July 8), and it went like hot cakes.

The models being restocked are as follows. The Cirro 12,000 BTU and Cirro 16,000 BTU cooling and heating models will be restocked today (July 9) at 10am, and the Cirro 14,000 BTU cooling and heating model will be restocked on Friday July 10 at 10am.

This looks like your final chance to get your hands on one of Meaco's Cirro portable air conditioners this summe, as the company revealed that it won’t be restocking its cooling and heating devices until September. At the moment, Meaco’s cooling-only models are still unavailable and won’t be restocked until April 2027.

If you’ve had your heart set on one of Meaco’s latest air conditioners but miss out on the restock, all is not lost — a number of third-party retailers that are stocking Meaco’s range of fans and other cooling devices.

Argos is currently stocking Meaco air conditioners such as the Meaco Cool MC 8000CHBTU and the MeacoCool MC Series Pro 9000BTU portable air conditioner, while John Lewis has replenished its stock with Meaco fans as well as its coolers.

The Shark ChillPill is one of the best personal fans around, but it's selling out fast, and if you want to grab one for delivery this week you'll have to be quick. Right now the only option available for rapid delivery is the Shark ChillPill in Dragonfruit for £129 at Amazon.

All other colours are back-ordered, with the silver Cloud version not available until the end of July, and more popular options like Matcha green unavailable for at least six months. If you want your fan this side of Christmas, don't hang around.

I've been keeping a close eye on stocks of various fans during this summer's heatwaves, and personal coolers have been especially popular. In fact, according to a report published by the Guardian this morning, Britons are expected to buy eight million mini fans this year. Most of those will be cheap, low-quality devices sold for just a couple of pounds or even given away free, and last year it was calculated that 55% ended up in landfill.

You certainly don't have to spend £129 on a fan to keep yourself comfortable, and there are many cheaper options available. However much you spend though, it's worth taking care of it, and hanging onto it for as long as possible to prevent unnecessary e-waste — and to make sure you're ready when the temperature starts to climb again next year.

Hands-on with the ChillPill

If you do opt for the ChillPill, I think you'll be pleased. It's a compact and lightweight fan with 10 different speed settings, and a choice of three attachments: the standard fan, a misting fan with its own water reservoir, and a cooling plate to place against pulse points when you're getting uncomfortably warm.

I bought a ChillPill myself after trying one out, and it's been very welcome during my daily office commute — particularly when the train is replaced by a bus service. The misting attachment is especially effective, and can be filled from your drinking water bottle, though I recommend using the intermittent mode rather than continuous misting so the reservoir lasts longer between fills.

For more cooling options, take a look at our complete list of the best fans, which includes plenty of desk, standing, and tower fans to keep you comfortable at home.

The AeroPress Steel has sold out twice, but now it's back in stock in the UK, just in time for your summer camping trips. It's a super-tough, travel-friendly coffee maker that lets you make a tasty brew with fresh beans on the move, and it's available now direct from AeroPress for £159.99.

I've put the AeroPress Steel to the test myself, and was surprised by how little it weighs considering its all-metal construction. Although it probably won't be your go-to coffee maker for backpacking adventures where every gram counts (for that you'd be better with an AeroPress Go), it's not going to weigh you down unnecessarily.

Its accessories have received the stainless treatment as well; rather than the plastic stirrer and scoop provided with a standard AeroPress coffee maker, the AeroPress Steel comes with metal versions, which should give you many years of happy brewing.

If you're worried about the metal chamber conducting heat, you'll be pleased to know that it has double-walled insulation that keeps your coffee hot and hands safe. When using the steel brewer, I found that the outside was never more than pleasantly warm to the touch, and never uncomfortable to hold.

The only thing to watch out for is the metal filter cap at the bottom, which will heat up when you're extracting your coffee, so make sure you allow it to cool before unscrewing it and ejecting the used coffee grounds.

Find your grind

The AeroPress Steel is a great partner for the AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder, which I also had the opportunity to try recently. Unlike most travel-friendly coffee grinders I've tested, which use blades that chop coffee beans into shark little chunks, the AeroPress grinder uses stainless steel burrs that deliver consistent, even results.

You can experiment with different extraction times by adjusting the grind size, with an impressive 60 settings available, and the hopper holds up to 25g of beans at a time, which is enough to prepare two espresso-style drinks on the move.

The grinder has an easy-turn handle with a large, circular handpiece that's comfortable in the hand, but also comes with an attachment for a power drill (yes, really) if you'd rather spare the elbow-grease. Small magnets hold the handle against the side of the grinder when not in use, and the whole package is compact enough to slide neatly into your AeroPress (whether it's the Steel or a traditional plastic) for easy storage.

The AeroPress Manual Grinder is available direct from AeroPress for £199.99.

• ExpressVPN has grown to 214 'distinct, app-selectable server locations'
• The 214-location count across 113 countries does not mean 214 cities
• ExpressVPN now covers around 196 cities, up from 189

ExpressVPN has rolled out the biggest network in its history, expanding to 214 distinct, app-selectable server locations across 113 countries.

It's a significant step up for a provider TechRadar last clocked at 189 locations, and it arrives as the fight to top our best VPN list increasingly turns on where you can connect, not how many servers hide behind the app.

The fresh additions reach places the network had not touched before, including Nuuk in Greenland, Lagos in Nigeria, Doha in Qatar, Valencia in Spain, and Manchester in the UK. The move builds on ExpressVPN's rollout to all 50 US states earlier this year, bringing that same local-first approach to the wider world map.

It's worth noting, however, that what the provider refers to as a "server location" is a connection option in the app, rather than a guaranteed unique city. For example, ExpressVPN's UK entries bundle multiple London-area spots that each count separately toward the total.

If you strip those duplicates out, the real coverage is narrower. By TechRadar's own tracking, ExpressVPN now reaches roughly 196 cities, up from 189. It's a definite upgrade, but it still trails NordVPN, which covers around 224 cities and leads on country count, too.

A bigger, more local network

ExpressVPN is pitching this as a local-first expansion rather than a raw server-count boast. The new connection points span Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and North America, while established markets have been deepened rather than simply widened.

The UK line-up now runs from Docklands and Tottenham to Manchester and the Midlands, Australia stretches from Adelaide to Woolloomooloo, and Japan covers Osaka, Shibuya, Tokyo, and Yokohama.

More nearby options can cut latency, give you a backup when a route is busy, and let you match a specific city, state, or region to whatever you are doing, from streaming and gaming to banking or working while travelling.

Every new location runs on ExpressVPN's RAM-only TrustedServer tech, which wipes data on each reboot, alongside its no-logs policy and its record of independent audits.

How to switch to the new locations

Getting to the new spots is simple. Update to the latest version of the ExpressVPN app, open the location picker, and browse the expanded country and city list.

If you would rather not choose, Smart Location will pick the fastest option for you automatically, based on speed, latency, and distance.

You can preview the full network on ExpressVPN's server locations page before you connect. And if precise city-level control is what you are after, it is worth checking if the list covers the exact places you need, rather than trusting the headline figure alone.