Technology

Hold off buying a Mac! Apple could launch new Macs next week

Published

2 years ago

October 24, 2023

If your laptop or desktop computer is on the blink you might want to wait a week or two before buying a new one. Apple is rumoured to be about to announce updates to its famous iMac and MacBook line up that should see improvements across the board right in time for the busy Christmas buying rush.

Bloomberg is reporting that Apple plans to unveil a brand new 24-inch iMac that would be an update to the last model that came out in April 2021. That version saw Apple add a powerful M1 chipset to its iconic desktop machine along with a radical redesign with colour options that reminded us of the classic see-through ‘90s iMac launched by Steve Jobs.

It’s now been two years since that update, which is longer than Apple usually waits before giving welcome power upgrades to its Mac – it’s said that Apple had planned to release a new iMac sooner, but changed its plans. It could be the time Apple decides to reveal its long-awaited M3 chip.

The report points out iMacs and MacBook Pro models are in short supply at Apple Stores and on Apple’s online store, suggesting the MacBook Pro could also be about to get updated, with a Mac launch event supposedly planned for next week on either Monday 30 or Tuesday 31 October.

“If you try to order the products from Apple’s website, several configurations won’t arrive until mid-November. That several-week delay is a clear sign that something is about to happen,” Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said. A new Mac event could happen just before Apple’s quarterly earnings come out on 2 November when the tech giant will reaffirm it is one of the most valuable companies in the world.

We’ve loved the latest 14-inch MacBook Pro with M2 Pro chip ever since it debuted earlier this year – so it’s probably too early to see an update to that machine. But Apple still sells a 13-inch MacBook Pro with an older design, and the company could be looking to breathe new life into the smaller machine. It hasn’t been updated since June 2022, same as the M2 13-inch MacBook Air, the cheaper laptop option from Apple.

A bit like the iPad, Apple’s MacBook line up is quite confusing and it’s hard to know which laptop is best to buy when you consider the whole range, with an assortment of designs, specs, and prices between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Hopefully when new products are announced it makes it a bit easier to decide which one you should buy.

There was a rumour that turned out not to be true about new iPads launching this month too – instead Apple released a new Apple Pencil, meaning it now sells three different styluses for its iPad range, just to add to your tablet confusion.

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Sky confirms channel shake-up this month and here’s how it affects you

Published

21 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Desk Report

There’s a change coming to Sky devices later this month that will merge two movie channels into one. Sky has confirmed to Express.co.uk that its current Cinema Animation service (channel 312) is being merged into Sky Cinema Family. The update, scheduled for April 30, aims to streamline operations and make the new platform (which will be available on channel 304) a one-stop destination for family movies.

Once the change comes into force, it will feature films like the Shrek franchise, Secret Life of Pets, Smurfs, How To Train Your Dragon, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse and Wicked all in one place.

Sky has also confirmed that everything customers previously enjoyed on Sky Cinema Animation will be available on Sky Cinema Family. Although this update is permanent, it’s not all bad news for those who currently enjoy the standalone Cinema Animation service.

It’s been confirmed that it will be back for the school holidays.

“To give families even more choice when it matters most, the standalone Sky Cinema Animation channel will be back for the school holidays – from 24 July – 30 August, 23 October – 1 November and 1 December – 5 January,” Sky said.

This isn’t the only update from Sky this week.

The firm has announced something a little different from its usual TV services: the launch of home security devices. Customers can grab a Sky Smart Doorbell and Chime for £5 per month with a £15 upfront fee. This camera system can record in full HD, send instant alerts to phones, offers customisable activity zones, two-way talk and 30-day cloud video recording.

Those wanting some added peace of mind can switch to the Smart Home Bundle with Smart Home Plan+ option.

This costs £8 per month with a £20 upfront fee and features an additional indoor camera plus additional features via the app such as scheduled and auto-arm device modes.

Speaking about the update, Paul Sweeney, Managing Director of Sky Smart Home, said, “Sky Smart Home is about making high‑quality smart tech more accessible. We’ve taken the features customers value most and made them easy to use, simple to manage and affordable, so staying connected to home feels effortless rather than complicated.”

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Technology

Ultimate Kindle upgrade is cheaper using simple Amazon shopping hack

Published

2 days ago

April 18, 2026

Desk Report

Amazon Kindle deal

Amazon Kindle deal (Image: AMAZON)

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Anyone who has had their eye on a feature-packed Kindle with a colour screen might want to check out a new deal from the online retailer. The latest Colorsoft offers an impressive 7-inch display, long battery life and an auto-adjusting front light to help avoid eye-strain when reading at night. Due to it featuring a full colour screen, this e-reader isn’t cheap, with prices usually starting from over £215.99 for the 16GB model and over £240 for the device with 32GB of storage.

That’s a lot of money, but there is a simple way to get that cost reduced.

Amazon currently has a sale on its “Certified Refurbished” devices, which drops prices to just £139.99 – that’s a 35 per cent saving.

Buying a device that’s already been used may sound slightly worrying, but Amazon says that every gadget it sells via this service has been fully tested, refurbished and “looks like new”.

There’s even a one-year warranty, so if anything goes wrong, it can be returned or fixed for free.

YOU CAN SEE THE DEALS BELOW

Kindle Colorsoft 16GB – refurbished
NOW £139.99 – save 35%
SEE THE DEAL HERE

Kindle Colorsoft 32GB – refurbished
NOW £157.99 – save 35%
SEE THE DEAL HERE

If that still sounds like a lot of money, don’t panic, as Amazon also has the standard Kindle (2022) model on its refurbished site.

This is now priced at just £60.99, making it a bit of a bargain. SEE THE DEAL HERE

As a quick comparison, buying a new Kindle from stores such as Argos or Currys will set you back at least £94.99.

Amazon Kindle deal

Amazon Kindle deal (Image: AMAZON)

These deals have come at the ideal time. Amazon has announced that it’s ending support for some of its ageing e-readers, which means they will no longer be able to download any new titles from the firm’s popular online book store.

The new rules coming into force will affect e-reader models such as the Kindle 5 and Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation.

Amazon says that these older Kindles will continue to work, but once the deadline passes, nothing new can be added to libraries.

“Starting May 20, 2026, customers using Kindle and Kindle Fire devices released in 2012 and earlier will no longer be able to purchase, borrow, or download new content via the Kindle Store,” said a spokesman for Amazon.

“These models have been supported for at least 14 years – some as long as 18 years – but technology has come a long way in that time, and these devices will no longer be supported moving forward.”

Here are all the models affected

• Kindle 1st Generation (2007)

• Kindle DX and DX Graphite (2009 and 2010)

• Kindle Keyboard (2010)

• Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation (2012)

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New Fire TV Stick launches this month with big upgrades at a lower price

Published

2 days ago

April 18, 2026

Desk Report

If your current Fire TV Stick feels like it’s running out of steam, there’s good news. Amazon has confirmed that it is expanding its streaming device lineup with the launch of a brand-new device that offers features older models can’t compete with. It’s called the Fire TV Stick HD (2026) and is the technology company’s latest budget-friendly option.

It will cost £39.99, and despite being cheaper than the firm’s 4K and 4K Max devices, it comes with several exclusive upgrades, including a slimmer and more stylish design. In fact, the new HD model is 30% narrower than the previous version, making it easier to squeeze into HDMI ports behind TVs and more convenient to carry while travelling. It also draws power directly from a TV’s USB port, removing the need for a separate mains plug.

Amazon said: “The new Fire TV Stick HD is our slimmest streaming device yet – smaller in both volume and width than earlier models – and designed for Direct Power through the TV’s USB port, so it sits more neatly behind a TV without needing a separate power adapter.”

Like other Fire TV Stick models, it provides quick access to major streaming platforms including Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ITVX and Netflix. It also includes a remote control with Alexa voice search and shortcut buttons for launching apps instantly.

While it does not support 4K resolution, the Fire TV Stick HD streams content in Full HD, which will be more than enough for many households.

Amazon also says the new model is significantly faster than previous HD versions. It is reportedly over 30% quicker on average than the last-generation HD stick, meaning faster start-up times and smoother app loading.

The device also runs the latest Fire OS software, offering a cleaner interface, smarter recommendations and a less cluttered browsing experience.

The Fire TV Stick HD will be available in stores from April 29 and will cost £39.99.

This isn’t the only update from Amazon. A smart new TV range is also coming soon. Amazon’s Ember Artline tellies are very similar to Samsung’s The Frame TVs, which look more like pictures hanging on the wall than ugly black screens.

Just like The Frame models, Amazon’s Artline come with changeable frames to match interior decors, along with access to around 2,000 free works of art that can be displayed on the screen.

There’s even a matte coating which makes it feel even more like painted pictures have been added to homes. If any of that sounds enticing, the Ember Artline TV is available to pre-order now and starts from £949.99.

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