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This VPN firm has created a way to stop Microsoft's hidden tracking tool on Windows — although it will break some key cloud services

9 August 2026 at 17:05
  • deGDID wipes cached tracking keys straight from the Windows registry permanently
  • The script blocks Microsoft's DeviceAdd endpoint from ever seeing your device again
  • Some Microsoft account and login services like login.live.com and account verification break once deGDID runs

Windscribe has built an open source script called deGDID to strip a persistent tracking identifier from Windows systems entirely.

The tool targets Microsoft's Global Device Identifier, a permanent marker that operates beneath the network layer where VPNs function.

Its release follows a federal case in which the identifier reportedly helped the FBI locate an alleged hacker.

How the script operates

The free script runs through PowerShell with administrator privileges and is available for download directly from GitHub.

It offers four execution flags that control its behaviour, starting with a read-only -Status check to confirm whether a GDID is active.

A -Status -Redact option generates diagnostic logs with the identifier hidden for safer sharing, while -Protect performs the core function.

This flag purges cached GDID keys from the registry and then modifies Access Control Lists and registry permissions to stop Windows from reissuing them.

It further puts up a firewall against the internal DeviceAdd endpoint, cutting off Microsoft identity services from recognizing the machine as registered at all.

A fourth flag, —Unprotect, lets users reverse the process and restore default settings if needed.

Testing on a Windows 11 machine confirmed the script functioned as described, with the -Status flag revealing several cached identifiers before removal.

No new GDID appeared even after a system restart, though the trade-offs became apparent almost immediately afterward.

Account verification through login.live.com stopped working across every browser tested, while login.microsoftonline.com continued functioning without issue.

Some Microsoft applications returned connection errors, though online games and other software kept working normally throughout testing.

Users should still keep antivirus and endpoint protection active since deGDID addresses tracking rather than malicious software.

Limitations of the workaround

Windscribe acknowledges that keys already stored on Microsoft's servers cannot be deleted, meaning the company retains indefinite access to previously collected data.

The script also refuses to run on managed systems or domain-joined accounts, restricting its use to individual unmanaged machines.

Windows currently offers no built-in method for disabling GDID, and the identifier persists across IP addresses regardless of any VPN tunneling applied.

"We tried the script on a Windows 11 computer, and it worked as intended," the company noted in its documentation of the testing process.

Windscribe describes deGDID as an ongoing research effort that will keep evolving as more details about the identifier's mechanics come to light.

The broken services represent a real cost for users weighing whether the privacy trade-off justifies losing certain Microsoft account functions.

Given that server-side keys remain permanently accessible to Microsoft, this script functions as a partial fix rather than a complete solution.

Via Tom's Hardware

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Los neandertales de una cueva del norte de España ya fabricaban y reutilizaban herramientas de hueso de forma estandarizada y planificada

9 August 2026 at 15:19
Un equipo de investigadores de la Universidad de Burgos y la Fundación Atapuerca ha publicado el primer análisis detallado de los retocadores de hueso hallados en la cueva de Valdegoba, en el municipio de Huérmeces (Burgos). Este yacimiento, ocupado por neandertales durante el Paleolítico Medio, ha proporcionado 38 fragmentos óseos que fueron utilizados como herramientas […]

Google Pixel 11 Pro Appears in Alleged Hands-On Photos Ahead of August 13 Launch

9 August 2026 at 14:37

Igeekphone News August 8, 2026 — The Google Pixel 11 Pro has reportedly appeared in new real-world images ahead of Google’s upcoming Made by Google event, giving consumers an early look at the company’s next-generation flagship smartphone.

Images shared by X account @PixelNewsHub reportedly show a Pixel 11 Pro demonstration unit placed inside its retail packaging. A second set of hands-on images appears to show the phone in a matte black finish. According to the source, the demonstration devices had already reached operators ahead of Google’s official launch event.

Google is expected to introduce the Pixel 11 series on August 13, 2026, although the company has yet to officially confirm the full specifications, pricing, or availability details.

Pixel 11 Pro Appears in Sand Dune and Matte Black

The newly leaked images reportedly show the Pixel 11 Pro in a sand dune colorway, with the handset positioned inside a product box.

Another hands-on image shows what appears to be a matte black version of the flagship. While the authenticity of unofficial leaks cannot be independently confirmed, the physical appearance of the device appears to correspond with previously leaked Pixel 11 Pro renders.

The appearance of what are described as demonstration units is particularly notable because such devices typically indicate that the smartphone is approaching its official launch.

Circular Telephoto Camera Opening Returns

One of the most noticeable changes visible in the latest images concerns the telephoto camera.

The black Pixel 11 Pro shown in the leaked photos reportedly features a circular opening around the telephoto lens. This matches renders that surfaced last month and suggests that Google could be changing the visual design of the telephoto camera compared with the current-generation Pixel 10 Pro.

The Pixel 10 Pro uses a more distinctive square-shaped periscope telephoto lens opening. On the Pixel 11 Pro, Google appears to be moving toward a circular design, potentially creating a cleaner and more symmetrical appearance within the rear camera bar.

Design Changes Could Be a Key Highlight

Although the Pixel 11 Pro is expected to retain Google’s recognizable Pixel design language, the camera system could receive some of the most visible changes.

The Pixel series has increasingly relied on its horizontal camera bar as a signature design element. Changing the telephoto lens opening from the square format seen on the Pixel 10 Pro to a circular opening could give the Pixel 11 Pro a subtly different visual identity while maintaining the overall Pixel aesthetic.

The newly surfaced photos also appear to show a relatively understated matte finish, particularly on the black model.

Pixel 11 Series Expected on August 13

Google is expected to officially unveil the Pixel 11 lineup at its Made by Google event on August 13, 2026.

The company has not yet provided complete details regarding the Pixel 11 Pro’s specifications or pricing. As a result, information circulating ahead of the event should be treated as unofficial until Google confirms it.

Beyond the Pro model, the Pixel 11 family is expected to include additional devices aimed at different price segments, although Google’s complete launch lineup remains to be confirmed.

What We Know About the Pixel 11 Pro So Far

Based on the latest leak and previously surfaced information, the Pixel 11 Pro is expected to feature:

  • Model: Google Pixel 11 Pro
  • Expected launch: August 13, 2026
  • Event: Made by Google
  • Reported colors: Sand dune and matte black
  • Telephoto design: Circular lens opening
  • Previous-generation comparison: Pixel 10 Pro uses a square periscope telephoto opening
  • Pricing: Not officially announced
  • Availability: To be confirmed

Final Thoughts

The latest Pixel 11 Pro images provide another glimpse at Google’s upcoming flagship ahead of its expected August 13 unveiling. The reported circular telephoto lens opening is particularly interesting because it represents a visible departure from the square periscope design used on the Pixel 10 Pro.

With demonstration units reportedly already reaching operators, more information could emerge in the days leading up to Google’s event. For international buyers, however, the most important details—including official pricing, regional availability, camera specifications, and hardware features—will have to wait for Google’s formal announcement.

Google is expected to officially unveil the Pixel 11 series on August 13, 2026. Until then, the leaked images and specifications should be considered unofficial.

The post Google Pixel 11 Pro Appears in Alleged Hands-On Photos Ahead of August 13 Launch appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

iQOO Z11S Reportedly Launching This Month With Dimensity 7500 Turbo Chip

9 August 2026 at 14:26

Igeekphone News August 8, 2026 — iQOO is reportedly preparing to expand its Z-series lineup with a new smartphone, the iQOO Z11S, which could debut later this month. The upcoming device has recently appeared in Geekbench and is said to feature MediaTek’s Dimensity 7500-series chipset, potentially offering a performance-focused upgrade over the existing Z11.

According to a report from Igeekphone, a new vivo smartphone carrying the model number V2603A was recently spotted in the Geekbench database. The device has also passed China’s 3C certification and is listed with support for 44W wired fast charging.

iQOO Z11S Could Launch in August

Chinese tech blogger @ExperienceMore has reportedly identified the V2603A as the upcoming iQOO Z11S. The tipster claims that iQOO plans to officially launch the smartphone sometime in August 2026.

The Z11S is expected to use either the MediaTek Dimensity 7500 or Dimensity 7500 Turbo chipset. The exact processor configuration has not yet been officially confirmed, so the final retail version could differ from the current leaked information.

The new smartphone may also be unveiled alongside the rumored iQOO Neo 11 Supreme Edition, potentially making August an important month for iQOO’s product lineup.

Geekbench and Charging Details

The appearance of the V2603A on Geekbench provides an early indication that the iQOO Z11S is moving closer to launch.

While the available benchmark information does not reveal the complete hardware configuration, certification data confirms that the phone supports 44W fast charging. This would position the Z11S as a mid-range performance smartphone with a relatively balanced approach to charging and processing power.

More detailed specifications, including its display, camera system, battery capacity, memory configurations, and global availability, have yet to be confirmed.

How Does It Compare With the iQOO Z11?

The iQOO Z11 was launched in China on March 26, 2026, with the full-spec Dimensity 8500 processor. At launch, its introductory price started at 1,999 yuan, while the standard retail price began at 2,299 yuan.

The Z11S could therefore serve as a more affordable or differently positioned member of the Z11 family. However, if it uses the Dimensity 7500 Turbo rather than the Dimensity 8500, it would not necessarily represent a direct performance upgrade.

Instead, iQOO may be positioning the Z11S as a model that balances performance, efficiency, and price, particularly for users who do not need the higher-end processing capabilities of the standard Z11.

iQOO Z11 With Dimensity 7500 Turbo Also Heading to India

Interestingly, iQOO has also begun promoting the Indian version of the Z11, which is expected to feature the Dimensity 7500 Turbo chipset.

According to the company’s recent promotional materials, the Indian Z11 is designed to deliver improved performance for AI applications and multitasking. The device is reportedly scheduled to launch in India on August 20, 2026.

This suggests that iQOO may use the Dimensity 7500 Turbo more broadly across different markets, although the specifications and branding of regional variants could vary.

What to Expect From the iQOO Z11S

If the latest reports are accurate, the iQOO Z11S could become one of iQOO’s notable mid-range releases for the second half of 2026. Its combination of a Dimensity 7500-series chipset and 44W charging indicates a focus on everyday performance rather than flagship-level hardware.

For international buyers, however, the key question will be whether the Z11S launches outside China. iQOO frequently uses different configurations and product names across markets, so the specifications of any potential global version could differ from the Chinese model.

At this stage, iQOO has not officially confirmed the Z11S launch date, processor, or complete specifications. More information should emerge as the rumored August launch approaches.

iQOO Z11S: Expected Specifications

  • Model: iQOO Z11S
  • Expected launch: August 2026
  • Reported model number: V2603A
  • Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7500 / Dimensity 7500 Turbo
  • Fast charging: 44W
  • Certification: China 3C
  • Geekbench: Listed in the database
  • Possible launch partner: iQOO Neo 11 Supreme Edition
  • Global availability: Not confirmed

Final Thoughts

The reported iQOO Z11S appears to be shaping up as a performance-oriented mid-range smartphone with a Dimensity 7500-series platform and 44W fast charging. Its potential August launch, combined with the rumored iQOO Neo 11 Supreme Edition and the upcoming Indian Z11, could make the next few weeks particularly busy for iQOO.

Until the company makes an official announcement, the processor, pricing, specifications, and international availability of the iQOO Z11S should be treated as unconfirmed information.

The post iQOO Z11S Reportedly Launching This Month With Dimensity 7500 Turbo Chip appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

What is the release date for Reacher season 4 episodes 1-3 on Prime Video?

Reacher season is my favorite time of year, and season 4 will account for much of my screen time over the next few months.

If you remember, the end of season 3 saw Reacher (Alan Ritchson) finally kill Quinn (Brian Tee) point-blank with a shotgun after reminding him of how he murdered Kohl (Mariah Robinson).

Reacher then, as is is way, leaves town... but does that mean that the drama stops? Of course not — it's just a new beginning (especially as season 5 has already been confirmed).

I haven't even seen any previews yet, but my advice is to strap in for what could be the wildest ride yet. But when do Reacher season 4 episodes 1-3 arrive on Prime Video?

What time can I watch Reacher season 4 episodes 1-3 on Prime Video?

We're expecting episodes 1-3 of Reacher season 4 to be available on Prime Video on August 12 at 12am PT / 3am ET in the US.

Internationally, look out for the below times:

  • US – 12am PT / 3am ET
  • Canada – 12am PT / 3am ET
  • UK – 8am BST
  • India – 12:30pm IST
  • Singapore – 3pm SGT
  • Australia – 6pm AEST
  • New Zealand – 8pm NZDT

When do new episodes of Reacher season 4 come out?

Jack Reacher hangs off of metal scaffolding

(Image credit: Prime Video)

After its three-episode premiere, Reacher season 4 episodes will be airing on a weekly basis. This gives us the following season schedule:

  • Episode 1: August 12
  • Episode 2: August 12
  • Episode 3: August 12
  • Episode 4: August 19
  • Episode 5: August 26
  • Episode 6: September 2
  • Episode 7: September 9
  • Episode 8: September 16

Interestingly, the Reacher season 4 finale coincides with the day that all episodes of spinoff Neagley will arrive on Prime Video.

PwC left red-faced after being caught using AI hallucinations and fake citations in multiple reports

9 August 2026 at 13:00
  • PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is believed to have published several AI-generated reports between 2024 and 2026
  • The reports included various AI hallucinations, fabricated citations, and fake footnotes, which were identified by the GPTZero AI detection tool
  • PwC is one of the world’s largest accounting firms

Accountancy and auditing giant PricewaterhouseCoopers is alleged to have published at last four AI-generated or enhanced reports over the past three years.

An investigation by the GPTZero team found the reports – which make inaccurate and false claims – were published by PwC Middle East between 2024 and 2026, and were intended to act as thought leadership pieces.

Various indicators of AI-generated links and citations have been highlighted as a result of the discovery, and while PwC has responded, there is no direct indication how this happened or if action has been taken.

Vibe citations

GPTZero may be better known as a software tool for discovering plagiarism and AI-generated content, but it also boasts an investigation team.

The work of Paul Esau, Om Ogale, and Alex Cui has highlighted several problems with the publications issued by PwC, uncovering “a pattern of irresponsible AI usage resulting in hallucinated (vibe) citations, fabricated claims, and incomprehensible drafting and formatting decisions.”

Vibe citations are hallucinated references to works that an AI-generated document cites as genuine. In some cases, specific pages may be cited, but usually the vibe citations refer to titles and authors.

They can be demonstrated as fake due to issues such as non-existence, incorrect authors, incorrect publication dates, erroneous URLs… or the citation may simply not exist, as in one case highlighted in the GPTZero report.

Not all inconsistencies are determined to be hallucinations, however, as not all meet the GPTZero team’s standard for identifying vibe coding. So, while some other references with issues may be genuine and simply poorly cited, others may still be fake, but impossible to define.

PwC’s account

The reports that PwC (and its competitors) are publishing are an attempt to position themselves as authorities on AI, and its responsible use. They seek to encourage organizations to avoid issues such as fabricated claims and vibe citations, but rather than provide advice, it has been a live demonstration in what not to do.

PwC responded to the GPTZero report by telling the Financial Times: “Consistent with our approach to responsible AI, we have quality control processes for research and content development we expect all our people to adhere to.”

Unfortunately, it seems that a better process of quality control and fact checking ahead of publishing was required for these reports, and perhaps others so far undetected.

Perhaps most concerning is the realization that PwC is not alone in this. In the past 12 months, GPTZero has documented similar issues with all the “big four” accountancy firms, with PwC joining Deloitte, EY, KPMG in this “vibes gallery” of fabricated and unchecked citations.

Notebook a meno di 600€ su Amazon? Questo Lenovo è il modello giusto (anche a rate)

9 August 2026 at 11:20

A causa della crisi delle memorie, il prezzo dei portatili è aumentato notevolmente. Per un nuovo notebook da meno di 600 euro è possibile puntare sul Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 con Snapdragon X e 16 GB di memoria RAM.

Sfruttando la promo in corso su Amazon, infatti, il modello in questione è ora disponibile in sconto a 569 euro, con anche la possibilità di pagare in 12 rate mensili, per gli utenti abilitati ai pagamenti rateali.

Per sfruttare l'offerta in corso basta premere sul box qui di sotto. 


Il miglior smartphone pieghevole del momento? Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, compralo al miglior prezzo da Amazon Marketplace a 854 euro.

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Il 12 agosto un'eclissi solare totale attraverserà il Nord Atlantico e la S…

9 August 2026 at 11:19
Il 12 agosto un'eclissi solare totale attraverserà il Nord Atlantico e la Spagna, offrendo l'osservazione della corona solare durante una fase di buio di circa due minuti. In Italia l'evento sarà visibile solo in forma parziale, con il massimo oscuramento (oltre il 90%) concentrato tra la Sardegna e le regioni del Nord-Ovest proprio al momento del tramonto. La brevità dell'allineamento e la posizione bassa del Sole richiederanno orizzonti sgombri ad ovest, fornendo un importante banco di prova scientifico per i team dell'INAF impegnati nella penisola iberica.

Xiaomi is aiming right at JBL with this dishy yet durable Bluetooth speaker — but after hours of testing, I need more depth from the sound

Xiaomi Sound Play review

It turns out that major mobile manufacturer Xiaomi also makes Bluetooth speakers, and its latest model, the Xiaomi Sound Play, is aiming to deliver “immersive, powerful sound” as well as a “stylish and versatile” design.

But that’s not all. The tech giant is doing all of this while keeping its speaker nice and cheap. It comes in at just £49.90 (about $67 / AU$95) — which is refreshingly affordable for an 18W model with features such as smart lighting, Auracast, and IP68 waterproofing.

So can the Xiaomi Sound Play compete with some of the very best Bluetooth speakers around? The answer is a little more complicated than a simple yes or no.

Let’s start by looking at the areas in which the Sound Play excels, and there are a fair few of these. I alluded to some a moment ago — its waterproofing and LED lights, for example. That IP68 rating means that the speaker is fully dustproof, but can also survive a dunking under a meter and a half of water for as long as 30 minutes, so you really can take it anywhere without fear of damage.

The lighting — a key selling point of this speaker — is pretty neat too. Lights sit on the base of the speaker and beneath a panel on the top side, which resembles an infinity mirror. And the rings of lighting really help to make your listening sessions more immersive, especially in lower-lit conditions. You can customize the color and pattern of the lights too, and one setting also syncs up to bass output. That level of customizability is spectacular to see on a speaker in this price category.

More generally, I’m quite a big fan of how the Sound Play looks. It comes in four very stylish colors — the Purple variant I tried is quite the looker, as is the Green version. It is reminiscent of the JBL Flip 7 in terms of look and feel, with a neat fabric exterior and psuedo-cylindrical build. The inclusion of the infinity mirror light and handy rubber strap also make it a real stand-out, looks wise.

Another welcome inclusion is a built-in mic, for speakerphone duties. This is something you don't often see these days and it does add value, on paper. However, I made a phone call and although my voice sounded clear on the other end, I noticed a high-pitched chime whenever the other person wasn’t speaking. It wasn’t a dealbreaker (my discussion was still easy to navigate), but it's my job to notice these things.

Other highlights include a JBL Grip-rivalling 14-hour battery life — which is excellent for a speaker of this size — as well as Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity, and true wireless stereo playback for anyone with multiple Sound Play models at their disposal.

Something that the Sound Play omits, however, is companion app support. For me, this is a bigger miss — an app could’ve opened up EQ adjustment, remote light alteration, and precise battery life tracking. The speaker’s nominal price doesn’t quite excuse this either. There are a number of budget-friendly rivals from the likes of Earfun, Edifier, and Tribit that do come with app support.

Infinity mirror on the Xiaomi Sound Play

(Image credit: Future)

By now you must be wondering how Xiaomi’s speaker sounds. In honesty, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. It’s a steady performer in some areas, but in need of improvement in others.

In general, the Sound Play delivers fairly clear audio. In Yes I Know My Way by Pino Daniele, vocals had good presence in the mix, and even had a decent sense of separation from other instruments in the mid-range. OK, higher-pitched drums weren’t the most expressive or articulate, but they didn’t sound tinny at mid-volume, and bass was weighted relatively well too.

With more energetic tracks, such as Trip by Ruze, the cracks started to show. There was a slightly compressed quality to the track, and the pumping bass just didn’t come through with the command or depth of similarly sized rivals, including the JBL Grip, which I directly tested against the Sound Play.

During this comparison, the Grip just delivered a more fun performance, with enhanced directionality and low-end punch. But that’s not to say Xiaomi’s speaker was blown out of the water — it still held its own with commendable clarity in the mid-range and fairly agile bass.

In House tracks, bass drops didn’t always have the impact or dynamism I was listening out for, and vibrant drums could occasionally sound on the blunt side. But then again, the Xiaomi didn’t succumb to a boomy, super-muddy sound that a lot of its budget rivals do — it puts up a fairly controlled performance overall.

As a smaller speaker, the Sound Play can’t get super loud, and bass will thin out substantially at top volume levels. It also won’t deliver the most detailed or open sound ever — again, I found a few tracks sounded a little compressed and narrow, which isn’t helped by the lack of higher-res codecs like LDAC or aptX.

Volume controls on the Xiaomi Sound Play

(Image credit: Future)

All in all, I think the Sound Play sounds good enough for the price you pay. Sure, it’s not the most dynamic or revealing-sounding model on the market, but you get typically clear, decently balanced sound without having to shell out all too much cash.

So, looking at the Xiaomi Sound Play as a whole, would I consider it worth buying? Well that depends. If you’re on a tight budget, and you want a speaker for less than £50, then I think the Sound Play is an option worth considering. It doesn’t sound amazing, but it gets the job done, and I’m a big fan of its durable yet eye-catching design.

However, if you’ve got a little more money to play with, then I’d suggest picking up the JBL Flip 7. That model can produce truly seismic bass, incredibly clean audio, and has a top-class companion app to boot. The JBL Grip is another neat alternative, especially if you can grab it on sale.

Xiaomi logo on the Xiaomi Sound Play

(Image credit: Future)

Xiaomi Sound Play review: price & release date

  • Priced at £49.90 (about $67 / AU$95)
  • Launched in May 2026
  • Scheduled to release in Australia in August 2026

The Xiaomi Sound Play was launched in May 2026, at the same time as its recently released 17T series. The speaker is available for £49.90 (about $67 / AU$95) in the UK, although Xiaomi told me that there are no plans for a US release, and the speaker won’t be available in Australia until August 2026. It can be purchased in one of four colors — Black, Green, Purple, or White — via Xiaomi’s digital store.

Xiaomi Sound Play review: specs

Weight

0.9lbs / 415g

Dimensions

2.5 x 2.7 x 7.9 inches / 63.4 x 69.5 x 201.1mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Battery life

14 hours

Speaker drivers

1x 18W full-range

Waterproofing

IP68

Button controls on the Xiaomi Sound Play

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Xiaomi Sound Play?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

Adjustable lighting, good battery life, but lack of app is a shame.

3.5/5

Performance

Decently balanced audio with clear vocals, but lacks the depth and dynamism of some rivals.

3.5/5

Design

Infinity mirror and lights look great, neat color options, well protected against the elements.

4.5/5

Value

Decent enough audio and great design at a very affordable price point.

4/5

Buy it if…

You want something stylish
I’m a big fan of the way Xiaomi’s Sound Play speaker looks. It comes in a funky range of colors, has personalizable lighting, and the infinity mirror feels like the cherry on top.

You’re on a tighter budget
Something the Sound Play has over rivals from the likes of JBL and Bose, is that it’s available at an exceedingly low price. At £49.90 (about $67 / AU$95), it’s highly affordable, and although it could sound a little better, I think it easily earns its price.

Don’t buy it if…

You want the best-sounding speaker
Although the Sound Play is a steady enough performer, offering relatively balanced audio output with clear vocals, it’s no sonic marvel. It lacks the extension and authority of similarly powered (and sized) rivals like the JBL Grip and JBL Flip 7 — so if you want truly great audio, it may not be your best option.

You’re looking for a speaker with remote controls
Perhaps the biggest shame here is that the Sound Play omits a companion app. This would’ve enabled remote control of lighting, EQ, and more, and it’s something that a huge proportion of Xiaomi’s competitors can deliver.

Xiaomi Sound Play review: also consider

Xiaomi Sound Play

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4

JBL Go 5

Price

£49.90 (about $67 / AU$95)

$99.99 / £89.99 / AU$149

$54.95 / £39.99 (about AU$75)

Weight

0.9lbs / 415g

0.9lbs / 420g

0.5lbs / 230g

Dimensions

2.5 x 2.7 x 7.9 inches / 63.4 x 69.5 x 201.1mm

4.1 x 3.8 x 3.8 inches / 104 x 95.3 x 95.3mm

4 x 3.1 x 1.7 inches / 101 x 77.4 x 43mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Bluetooth 5.2

Bluetooth 6.0, USB-C

Battery life

14 hours

14 hours

10 hours (with PlayTime Boost)

Speaker drivers

1x 18W full-range

2 x 40mm active drivers, 2 x 46.1x65.2mm passive radiators

1x 45mm full range

Waterproofing

IP68

IP67

IP68

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4
Ah, the UE Wonderboom 4 — I just can’t get enough of this little Bluetooth speaker. For such a small model, it produces an awful lot of bass, but its compact form makes it ideal for taking just about anywhere you go. It’s also highly waterproof, offers solid battery life, and can be bought at a discount fairly regularly. Pretty good, right? Read our full Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 review.

JBL Go 5
The tiny JBL Go 5 recently earned a glowing five-star review from yours truly, and for good reason. Not only is it extremely affordable, but it's equipped with a sensational feature-set, is incredibly durable, and produces far better sound than its predecessor. Read my full JBL Go 5 review.

How I tested the Xiaomi Sound Play

Xiaomi Sound Play with red LED light active

(Image credit: Future)
  • I spent multiple days testing
  • Mainly streamed tunes via Tidal
  • Reviewed by someone who’s tested more than 50 Bluetooth speakers

I spent multiple days testing out the Xiaomi Sound Play, during which time I listened to countless tunes, exhausted its various features, and compared it against various rivals.

When listening to music I mainly streamed tracks over Tidal, but I dipped into Spotify from time to time as well. As always, I started out by sifting through the TechRadar reference playlist, which features songs from a wide variety of genres. I also listened to a ton of tunes from my personal library as well, though.

More generally, I’ve spent years reviewing audio gear here at TechRadar, and have tested a whole lot of Bluetooth speakers — more than 50 in fact. I’ve tried out everything from pocket-sized audio companions like the Bose SoundLink Micro Gen 2 through to luxurious large-sized alternatives like the Marshall Bromley 750, as well as Xiaomi Sound Play rivals like the JBL Grip, so I know exactly what it takes for a speaker to stand out in this highly competitive market.

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