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Steve Hogarty

Tech Writer@misterbrilliant

Steve Hogarty is an award-winning lifestyle journalist and travel writer with more than a decade's experience in the videogames and technology industry. He joined The Independent in 2021 as a technology critic for IndyBest where he covers anything with a chip in it, from phones, laptops, tablets and e-bikes to gaming, smart home and audio hardware. His work has been featured in magazines including Vice, Edge, Rock Paper Shotgun and PC Gamer. He's made appearances on BBC News and was a regular guest on the TV series Videogame Nation. Steve's previous publications include City AM, the Official Nintendo Magazine and PC Zone. You can email him at steve.hogarty@independent.co.uk

<p>The most advanced models can now empty their own bins, mop the floor and refill their water own water tanks. </p>
Vacuum Cleaners

Best robot vacuum cleaners for 2024, tried and tested

<p>This Black Friday, we’re predicting giant savings across Samsung’s wide and varied range of products</p>
Black Friday

Best Black Friday Samsung deals 2024

<p>The sale could be your best chance to grab the Xbox and PS5 at their lowest price before Christmas. </p>
Black Friday

Best Black Friday gaming deals 2024: Offers on Xbox, PS5 and more

<p>The four big carriers, O2, Three, EE and Vodafone, are all expected to hold a Black Friday sale this November </p>
Black Friday

Best mobile phone deals to expect in the Black Friday 2024 sales

<p>There’ll be plenty of offers to smile about when the November sale kicks off </p>
Black Friday

Best electric toothbrush deals in the Black Friday sale

<p>Discounts on last year’s models tend to be the best, with TVs like the LG C3 expected to plummet in price. </p>
Black Friday

Best TV deals to expect in the Black Friday 2024 sales

<p>The sale is a few weeks away, but you can already find discounts on top-rated laptops </p>
Black Friday

Best laptop deals to expect in the Black Friday 2024 sale

<p>You can already find great deals on our top-rated headphones and wireless earbuds. </p>
Black Friday

The best headphones deals we’re expecting this Black Friday

<p>During testing, we considered how easy each was to set up and use, along with the display, battery life and speed</p>
Laptops & Tablets

10 best tablets 2024: iPads, Samsung Galaxy models and more reviewed

<p>The 128GB version of the Meta Quest 3 has been discontinued, making the 512GB version the de facto leader in Meta’s VR range. </p>
Tech

The Meta Quest 3 VR headset just got its biggest-ever price drop

<p>Emily Watson plays Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen in ‘Dune: Prophecy’ </p>
Television

Dune Prophecy release date revealed – here’s when and how to watch

<p>Hot or not? We track down the best prices on electric heaters</p>
Home & Garden

The best electric heater deals for October

<p>Air fryers also use little or no oil to cook food, meaning healthier chips could be on your menu</p>
Kitchen Appliances

Best air fryer deals in October 2024, from Ninja to Tefal

Kitchen Appliances

Best air fryer deals in October 2024, from Ninja to Tefal

<p>Air fryers also use little or no oil to cook food, meaning healthier chips could be on your menu</p>
<p>Based on the Wool trilogy of books, the TV adaptation centres on a bunker-dwelling society of apocalypse survivors</p>
Television

Silo season two trailer has just dropped – here’s what to know

<p>We’ve assessed the key specs and performance of mobiles from Samsung, Google, Apple and more </p>
Phones & Accessories

Best smartphones in 2024, reviewed by a tech expert

<p>Make the switch from a manual toothbrush and you’ll notice the difference after just one clean</p>
Tech

Best electric toothbrushes 2024

<p>They might all look the same, but the best electric scooters are not all created equal</p>
Tech

Best electric scooters for adults 2024, tried and tested

<p>They might all look the same, but the best electric scooters are not all created equal</p>
Tech

Best electric scooters for adults 2024, tried and tested

<p>Upgrade your dental hygiene routine this Prime Day, with stellar discounts on the best electric toothbrushes</p>
Prime Day

Best electric toothbrush deals for Amazon Prime Day 2024

<p>Amazon’s own devices include everything from televisions and streaming sticks to e-readers, smart speakers and more </p>
Prime Day

The best Amazon device deals this October Prime Day

<p>We’re seeing big savings on top laptop devices from Acer, Lenovo and Asus, plus discounts on the MacBook Air </p>
Prime Day

Best laptop deals in the Amazon Prime Day 2024 sale

<p>Need something to play? A handful of the latest PS5 games are also on offer, with prices starting around £15 </p>
Prime Day

I’ve found the best Xbox and PS5 accessory deals in the Prime Day sale

<p>Amazon Prime is about more than just free shipping. You’ll get access to music, TV shows and movie streaming. </p>
Prime Day

How to get a free Amazon Prime membership

<p>The Roomba j7+ is perfect for flats and apartments with pets and a mix of carpets and hard flooring. </p>
Prime Day

I’ve tested lots of robot vacuums – my favourite is cheaper than ever

<p>The entry-level Fire TV Stick is discounted alongside the higher-resolution Fire TV Stick 4K. </p>
Prime Day

The Fire TV stick is cheaper than ever for the Big Deal Days sale

<p>You can get an iPad for as little as £320, or spend much less on the £70 Fire HD 8 kids </p>
Laptops & Tablets

Best tablet deals for October 2024

<p>The Roomba j7+ is perfect for flats and apartments with pets and a mix of carpets and hard flooring. </p>
Prime Day

I’ve tested lots of robot vacuums – my favourite is cheaper than ever

<p>The entry-level Fire TV Stick is discounted alongside the higher-resolution Fire TV Stick 4K. </p>
Prime Day

The Fire TV stick is cheaper than ever for the Big Deal Days sale

<p>You can get an iPad for as little as £320, or spend much less on the £70 Fire HD 8 kids </p>
Laptops & Tablets

Best tablet deals for October 2024

<p>We only recommend budget-friendly laptops and brands we’ve tested, so we know they’re not rubbish</p>
Laptops & Tablets

Best laptop deals in October 2024

Laptops & Tablets

Best laptop deals in October 2024

<p>We only recommend budget-friendly laptops and brands we’ve tested, so we know they’re not rubbish</p>
<p>Ruth Wilson and Michael Sheen as Emily Maitlis and Prince Andrew in A Very Royal Scandal</p>
Television

Where to watch A Very Royal Scandal in the UK

<p>You’ve a wider choice of laptop than ever, with designs suited for entertainment, gaming and productivity. </p>
Laptops & Tablets

Best laptops for 2024, tested and rated

<p>The Pixel Buds Pro 2 launch in four colourways: hazel, porcelain, peony and wintergreen </p>
Headphones & Earphones

Pixel Buds Pro 2 review: Google’s best wireless earbuds yet

<p>You can pop off your PS5 slim’s covers, but you’ll need to spend £69.99 on a whole new DualSense pad if you want a matching controller </p>
Video Games & Consoles

Sony’s announced something unexpected – here’s what to know

<p>You can pop off your PS5 slim’s covers, but you’ll need to spend £69.99 on a whole new DualSense pad if you want a matching controller </p>
Video Games & Consoles

Sony’s announced something unexpected – here’s what to know

<p>The LG C4 was included in our guide to the best 4K TVs, and the 42in model is currently down to £889 </p>
Deals

Best TV deals for October 2024

<p>Google uses Gemini AI to summarise episodes, making it easy to get back up to speed when new seasons arrive </p>
Tech

Google TV Streamer review: Sleek streaming box

<p>The newer Pixel 9 series launched last month, but the Pixel 8 Pro is still a stellar smartphone with a great camera </p>
Phones & Accessories

Pixel 8 Pro deal: Get a £250 discount and a £100 Currys voucher

<p>Our expert tech writer tested phones from Samsung, Google, OnePlus and more </p>
Phones & Accessories

Best Android phones of 2024, reviewed by a tech expert

<p>With blockbusters like Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine hitting the screens, there’s no better time to grab this Amazon Prime discount </p>
Deals

How to get two tickets to watch Beetlejuice 2 for just £10

<p>Digital notepads offer a distraction-free zone for handwriting, sketching, and PDF editing</p>
Tech

ReMarkable 2 vs Kindle scribe: Our tech expert compares the devices

<p>As Google expands and improves Gemini, we should see it become more reliable and more powerful</p>
Phones & Accessories

These 5 impressive AI features convinced me to upgrade to the Pixel 9

<p>There are two main types of folding phone: the classic clamshell style and the larger book style</p>
Phones & Accessories

Best foldable phones 2024: Top folding and flip models, reviewed

<p>There are two new Xbox Series X consoles and one new Series S </p>
Video Games & Consoles

New Xbox consoles are out soon – here’s how to pre-order them

<p>Pixel 9 is available to buy - with Pro and Fold available for pre-order</p>
Phones & Accessories

Google Pixel 9 is available to buy now

<p>The Pixel 9 Pro is available in two sizes – the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL is identical besides the bigger screen and battery </p>
Phones & Accessories

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review: Powerful AI features shine

Phones & Accessories

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review: Powerful AI features shine

<p>The Pixel 9 Pro is available in two sizes – the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL is identical besides the bigger screen and battery </p>
<p>The Pixel Watch (left) is available in two sizes for the first time this year </p>
Phones & Accessories

Pixel Watch 3 vs Galaxy Watch 7: Which smartwatch is best for you?

<p>We’re live on the ground at Made by Google in Mountain View, California, where Google’s newest products are revealed </p>
LiveTech

Made by Google event – live: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and more announced

<p>The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 in porcelain and the 45mm version in obsidian</p>
Phones & Accessories

Pixel Watch 3: Where to pre-order Google’s new fitness wearable

<p>Over the years, we’ve tested VR games on a wide range of headsets, from the original Oculus Rift to the Pico 4 and Meta Quest 3</p>
Video Games & Consoles

The best VR games to play in 2024

<p>Over the years, we’ve tested VR games on a wide range of headsets, from the original Oculus Rift to the Pico 4 and Meta Quest 3</p>
Video Games & Consoles

The best VR games to play in 2024

<p>You can find more than half-off Myprotein’s most popular protein powders, bars and drinks in the brand’s clearance sale</p>
SPONSORED

Myprotein’s clearance section is hiding the fitness brand’s best deals

<p>Whether you’re after comfortable loungewear or high-performance activewear, Myprotein’s range has you covered </p>
Sports & Fitness

All the workout clothing we’re buying in the Myprotein summer sale

<p>Whether you’re a professional streamer or you’re just trying to keep the noise down at night, there’s a gaming headset to suit every player </p>
Video Games & Consoles

Best gaming headsets for 2024, tried and tested

<p>You have four colourways to choose from this year, plus three online-exclusive designs available only from Samsung’s official store </p>
Phones & Accessories

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 review: The flip phone gets AI features

<p>The Galaxy Z Fold 6 was unveiled at Samsung’s annual Unpacked showcase in Paris and launched 24 July</p>
Tech

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 review

<p>Amazon’s two-day sale is your chance to grab a bargain on top-rated tech we’ve reviewed and love </p>
Prime Day

Best tech deals Amazon Prime Day 2024: Sony, Samsung and more

<p>Many e-bikes come with pannier racks, removable batteries and even cargo holds for carrying heavy items </p>
Cycling

Best electric bikes of 2024, tried and tested

<p>Laptop stands are designed to be used with a separate wireless keyboard – trying to type at an angle can cause even more strain on your body</p>
Laptops & Tablets

Best laptop stands 2024: Improve your posture and reduce strain

<p>Matt Smith and Olivia Cooke are confirmed to return in season two of House of the Dragon </p>
Television

Where to watch House of the Dragon season two in the UK

<p>We’ve been playing games on the Xbox series X since the console launched in 2020</p>
Video Games & Consoles

9 best Xbox games for every kind of player

<p>Amazon is extending its usual Prime Student discount to everyone in the UK aged between 18 and 22 </p>
IndyBest

How to get Amazon Prime membership for half price ahead of Prime Day

IndyBest

How to get Amazon Prime membership for half price ahead of Prime Day

<p>Amazon is extending its usual Prime Student discount to everyone in the UK aged between 18 and 22 </p>
<p>The MyPro range covers pre- and post-workout supplements, designed for those ready to kick their gym routines up to the next level </p>
SPONSORED

What is Myprotein’s MyPro range? Premium supplements explained

<p>Just one of Myprotein’s range of vegan protein powders, the superblend comes in bags of either six or 20 servings </p>
SPONSORED

You can enjoy this vegan protein powder hot as well as cold

<p>Choose between barbecue flavour and thai sweet chilli </p>
SPONSORED

These high-protein crisps will help you get through the day

<p>Ideal for working, studying, gaming and streaming </p>
Laptops & Tablets

Best student laptops for 2024, tried and tested

<p>Ideal for working, studying, gaming and streaming </p>
Laptops & Tablets

Best student laptops for 2024, tried and tested

<p>The heavy-duty, BPA-free plastic is designed to take a beating without spilling a single drop of that sweet, sweet H20 </p>
SPONSORED

Myprotein half gallon hydrator: Get the 1.9l water bottle for £8

<p>Mix with water to make a spread, or even chuck some in your post-workout protein shake for a nutty kick </p>
SPONSORED

Myprotein powdered peanut butter deal: Get 50% off

<p>Myprotein’s package also includes the get stronger app, with expert guidances and a seven-day meal plan </p>
SPONSORED

This protein powder bundle can help you hit your training goals

<p>The package comes with a sleeve and an elasticated strap for holding the pack in place as you recover </p>
SPONSORED

Myprotein’s hot and cold gel packs will sooth workout aches and pains

<p>The half-price ab roller also comes with its own mat, so you can roll anywhere there’s a flat surface </p>
SPONSORED

This £10 ab roller will help you one up from the comfort of your home

Tech

Google Gemini app launches in the UK

<p>The £569 deal gets you the original Pixel Watch and the 128GB Pixel 8 </p>
Phones & Accessories

Google Pixel 8 deal: Get £140 off plus a free Pixel Watch

<p>Like even the most expensive single malts, these discounted bottles come from a single distillery and have been aged for three years</p>
Food & Drink

The best whisky deals we’ve found online

<p>Dolby Atmos enhances your audio experience with virtualised surround sound effects </p>
SPONSORED

The Sonos beam just dropped in price by £100

<p>Four new Chromebooks from HP and Acer mark the launch of Google’s new AI laptop update </p>
Tech

Google rolls out free AI software upgrade to Chromebook laptops

<p>Whether you’re strength training or running a marathon, Myprotein’s range has something to offer </p>
SPONSORED

Myprotein impact week sale: Best deals on protein, snacks and more

<p>The surface pro and surface laptop start at £1,049 for the most basic configuration </p>
Laptops & Tablets

Microsoft claims its new devices are 58% faster than the MacBook air

<p>The 12-year-old scotch hails from the Speyside coastal region of the Scottish Highlands </p>
SPONSORED

The Singleton single malt whisky has 40% off

<p>Virgin Media is offering speeds of up to 500 megabits per second for £35 per month </p>
Deals

Save on your broadband with Virgin Media discounts

<p>You can grab a decent phone that does everything you need for less than £200</p>
Phones & Accessories

Best cheap phones 2024: Top budget smartphones in the UK

<p>The newest phone in the Pixel a-series is available in black, white, blue and a limited-edition green colourway</p>
Phones & Accessories

Google Pixel 8a review: Premium AI features for less

<p>Virgin Media is offering speeds of up to 500 megabits per second for £35 per month </p>
Deals

Save on your broadband with Virgin Media discounts

<p>You can grab a decent phone that does everything you need for less than £200</p>
Phones & Accessories

Best cheap phones 2024: Top budget smartphones in the UK

<p>The newest phone in the Pixel a-series is available in black, white, blue and a limited-edition green colourway</p>
Phones & Accessories

Google Pixel 8a review: Premium AI features for less

<p>The third series premiered on 3 May with four episodes. </p>
Television

Where to watch Clarkson’s Farm season 3 in the UK

<p>The design takes the original Magnus desk design and adds powered legs and extra features </p>
Video Games & Consoles

SecretLab Magnus Pro standing desk review

<p>Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine star as the age gap defying pair in The Idea of You</p>
Television

Where to watch The Idea of You in the UK

<p>We take a look at some of the biggest discounts on top-rated brushes </p>
Tech

Best electric toothbrush deals on Amazon: From Oral-B to Philips

<p>PlayStation Portal isn’t a standalone console like the Nintendo Switch, instead, it’s a wireless extension of the PS5</p>
Video Games & Consoles

Where to buy PlayStation Portal: Latest stock updates in the UK

<p>Season three of Clarkson’s Farm will be available to stream on Prime Video from 3 May </p>
Food & Drink

Where to buy Jeremy Clarkson’s farm shop produce

<p>The top solar panels are small enough to carry, but powerful enough to charge laptops </p>
Phones & Accessories

Best portable solar chargers 2024

<p>The third-generation hub sounds better than ever thanks to its new spatial audio feature </p>
SPONSORED

This Amazon Echo Show 8 deal will save you £50

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