Steve Hogarty
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Articles by Steve Hogarty
The Oral-B iO3 electric toothbrush has more than 65% off for Amazon Prime Day
Amazon’s October Prime Day sale will be coming to an end at 11.59pm tonight but there’s still time to save some money on a new electric toothbrush. The prices of electric toothbrushes tend to bounce up and down more than an excitable toddler on a trampoline, so it’s worth snapping up large savings when sale events such as Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days roll around.
Where to buy refurbished laptops, plus the best deals to shop now
The Independent and Yahoo will earn a commission from purchases made via links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change. A shiny new laptop is one of the most expensive pieces of tech you can buy. But unless you’re a hardcore gamer or rendering 4K video for a living, the reality is that you probably don’t need to drop two grand on a factory-fresh device. Going refurbished is the smartest way to upgrade your laptop, without leaving a gaping hole in your savings account.
Best Oral-B electric toothbrushes 2026, tried and tested
Oral-B's electric toothbrush range can be surprisingly confusing to get your head around. Many of the models look similar, the names can be hard to tell apart and the differences between features aren't always obvious. Yet the prices can vary significantly. So, which one is actually worth spending your money on? Oral-B has been moving away from many of its older models in favour of its iO range, which first launched in 2020.
Our favourite Oral-B electric toothbrush is over 50% off in Amazon’s Prime Day sale
Prime Day is in full swing, and as usual it’s bringing a wave of discounts across everything from tech to everyday essentials. The sale occurs every year, lately coming about bi-annually, where almost everything sees big discounts, from robot vacuums to new TVs. One of the top offers we’ve seen so far is on the Oral-B iO3 electric toothbrush, which is currently more than half off in Amazon’s Prime Day sale (£59.99, Amazon.co.uk).
Surfshark VPN is one of the best high-speed VPNs I’ve used in 2026
Whether you want to keep your browsing habits hidden from your internet provider, do some online banking on coffee shop wifi or watch your favourite shows from home while travelling abroad, a VPN could make your life much easier. Launched in 2018 as a budget-friendly disruptor, Surfshark has spent the last few years growing into one of the biggest behemoths in the VPN space.
Aldi’s LED projector and inflatable screen are ideal for the World Cup – and launch this week
The Fifa World Cup kick off is just over a week away, so watch party plans are no doubt already starting to take shape. Whether you’re gathering with friends for an outdoor BBQ or watching on a big screen indoors, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the tournament. Aldi is cleverly tapping into the build-up with the launch of new specialbuys landing in stores this week.
Huawei watch fit 5 review: Is this £250 fitness tracker worth it?
The 1.92in AMOLED screen is bright, hitting up to 3,000 nits for clear visibility outdoors. - (Steve Hogarty/The Independent) The newest entry in Huawei’s popular fitness-focused wearable range, the watch fit 5 is the smartest watch the brand has yet made. The lineup comprises two models: the standard watch fit 5 (£159.99, Huawei.com) and the more premium watch fit 5 pro (£249.99, Huawei.com).
Shark Blastboss: A 190mph Indoor-Outdoor Leaf Blower for £129.99
Shark Blastboss: 190mph Indoor-Outdoor Leaf Blower The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us? Shark Blastboss: A 190mph Leaf Blower You Can Use Indoors The 'indoor-outdoor air blasting system' is designed to tackle patios and keyboard crumbs. By Steve Hogarty, Tech Critic, Monday 27 April 2026 10:35 BST Shark is best known for making products that suck – but the vacuuming giant's latest product blows.
The best Oral-B electric toothbrushes, tried and tested
Oral-B’s electric toothbrush range isn’t the easiest to navigate. The names blur into one another, the designs look almost identical and the differences in features can feel frustratingly minor. And yet, the prices vary massively. So, which model is actually worth it? Oral-B is stripping back much of its older range in favour of the iO series, which first launched in 2020.
Bluetti 60W solar panel review: A rugged, highly portable charger
Steve Hogarty Heading off-grid on a multi-day hike or cycling trip usually involves some strategic battery management.While a heavy power bank is the usual safety net, a reliable portable solar panel allows you to generate your own free electricity on the move (so long as the weather cooperates). The market is awash withportable solar chargers, ranging from flimsy dashboard toys to massive, rigid arrays designed to power a motorhome. The Bluetti 60W solar panel aims for the middle ground.
Amazon rivals Samsung’s The Frame with its first ‘lifestyle’ TV
The Ember Artline comes with more than 2,000 pieces of art to display - (Steve Hogarty/The Independent) The television is the focal point of most living rooms, despite looking like an ominous black rectangle most of the time. Samsung challenged the status quo with The Frame (£899, Samsung.com), a television disguised as a piece of gallery art when it’s not being used. Now, Amazon is getting in on the so-called “lifestyle TV” category with the arrival of the Ember Artline.
I compared 7 of the best Oral-B electric toothbrushes – these were the top performers
Oral-B’s electric toothbrush range isn’t the easiest to shop. The names blur into one another, the designs look almost identical and the feature differences can feel frustratingly minor. And yet, the prices vary massively. So, which model is actually worth it? For those that don’t know, Oral-B is stripping back much of its older range in favour of the iO series, which first launched in 2020.
Lidl to sell £400 plug-in solar panels – here’s everything you need to know
13 hours ago NSA is warning U.S. internet users to reboot their routers now, with attackers increasingly targeting home networks to steal personal and sensitive data. “Don’t be a victim!" the spy agency says. "Malicious cyber actors may leverage your home network to gain access to personal, private, and …
Amazon'dan Kindle kullanıcılarına kötü haber
2013 öncesi çıkan, güvenilir bir Kindle'a sahip olanlar için kötü haber: Amazon, eski e-okuyucularına desteğini resmen sonlandırıyor. Bu, şirketin en sadık müşterilerinin 20 Mayıs'tan itibaren yeni kitap indiremeyeceği veya ödünç alamayacağı anlamına geliyor. Daha da kötüsü, kaydı silindikten sonra eski Kindle'ınız hiçbir şekilde kullanılamaz hale gelecek ve işe yaramaz bir plastik levhaya dönüşecek.
Amazon will end support for these Kindle models very soon
Amazon says just 3 per cent of Kindle owners will be affected - (Steve Hogarty/The Independent) Bad news for anyone holding on to a trusty, pre-2013 Kindle: Amazon is officially pulling support for its older e-readers, meaning the company’s most loyal customers won’t be able to download or borrow new books from 20 May. Worse still, once de-registered, your old Kindle won’t be usable in any way, becoming a useless plastic slab.
Samson: A Tyndalston Story launches tomorrow – but it’s not the next GTA 6
Wanted levels. Police chases. No wonder the GTA comparison is made - (Liquid Swords) With hype around Grand Theft Auto 6 reaching fever pitch, it seems any game where you run around a city smacking strangers will draw comparisons with Rockstar’s open-world crime simulator. The latest is Samson: A Tyndalston Story, a brand new title from the makers of Just Cause launching 8 April on PC. To be clear, Samson bears only a passing resemblance to GTA 6.
Bluetti 60W solar panel review: A rugged, highly portable charger
Steve Hogarty Heading off-grid on a multi-day hike or cycling trip usually involves some strategic battery management, While a heavy power bank is the usual safety net, a reliable portable solar panel allows you to generate your own free electricity on the move (so long as the weather cooperates). The market is awash with portable solar chargers , ranging from flimsy dashboard toys to massive, rigid arrays designed to power a motorhome. The Bluetti 60W solar panel aims for the middle ground.
Lidl to sell £400 solar panels – here’s what you need to know
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The Shark blastboss is a 190mph leaf blower you can use indoors
The indoor leaf blower comes in a range of fetching colourways - (Shark) Shark is best known for making products that suck – but the vacuuming giant’s last product blows. Delightfully named the Shark blastboss, the handheld blower uses 190mph gusts to blast away your mess. It’s cordless, cute, costs £129.99 and is available in strawberry pink. You’d be forgiven for being skeptical, given the date, but the Shark blastboss is real.
Best streaming service in the UK 2026, compared by a tech expert
Alex Lee and Steve Hogarty The way people subscribe to streaming services has completely changed over the past couple of years. Instead of sticking with one or two platforms year-round, many viewers are now “subscription cycling”. This basically means rotating through services depending on what's worth watching that month, meaning you're only paying for what you actually watch. Netflix , once the king of streaming, has seen itself swamped by competitors in recent years.
Surfshark VPN review: This simple, high-speed VPN is still one of the best in 2026
Whether you want to keep your browsing habits hidden from your internet provider, do some online banking on coffee shop wifi, or watch a wider library of Netflix shows while travelling, choosing one of the best VPNs is the way to go. Launched in 2018 as a budget-friendly disruptor, Surfshark has spent the last few years expanding its toolset to become a major player in the VPN world.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide rumours: Everything we know about the iPhone Fold rival
The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold lasted just three months before being discontinued - (David Phelan/The Independent) Samsung looks set to add yet another foldable phone to its roster this summer. Rumoured to be named the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide, the handset would represent the biggest shift in form factor for the premium foldable series, since killing off the Galaxy Z TriFold earlier this year.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide rumours: Everything we know about the iPhone Fold rival
6 hours ago VIENNA (AP) — Austria’s governing coalition on Friday announced plans to ban social media use for children under 14, joining a string of other countries in drawing up restrictions for young people. Alexander Pröll, the official in Chancellor Christian Stocker’s office responsible for digitization, …
Dyson’s new air purifier is perfect for small spaces – but is it worth £350?
There are cheaper air purifiers, but none quite as pretty as the Dyson HushJet - (Steve Hogarty/The Independent) Let’s address the elephant in the room: the Dyson tax is real. If you’re looking for the best air purifier and your main priority is price, you have plenty of great non-Dyson options to consider. But, if the prestige of that name badge is too alluring to ignore, the Dyson hushjet purifier compact justifies the premium price tag.
Best solar chargers 2026, tested for camping and backpacking
Steve Hogarty The sun is finally making a comeback, which means festivals, garden parties and – most thrillingly of all – the prospect of harvesting free electricity from the sky using one of the best portable solar panels.
Samsung launches a cheaper alternative to the Galaxy S26
Both the A57 and A37 retain the same design as last year, albeit slightly slimmer and with thinner bezels - (The Independent/Samsung) Samsung’s ultra-premium Galaxy S26 might grab all the headlines, but it’s the mid-range A-series phones that tend to offer the best value for money. Samsung has just unveiled its 2026 line-up: the sleek Galaxy A57 and the more affordable Galaxy A37.
Lidl to sell £400 solar panels – here's what you need to know
Steve Hogarty With global energy markets once again thrown into chaos by the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the cost of keeping the lights on is only moving in one direction. But relief is coming to a middle aisle near you, with news that Lidl is set to start selling cheap, plug-in solar panels . The UK government has announced a major regulatory shake-up that paves the way for plug-in solar panels to be sold in high street shops within months.
7 best water flossers to upgrade your home dental routine
When shopping around, one of the main features to look for is a decently sized water tank. Ideally, you don’t want to faff around with refilling your flosser halfway through a clean. The most popular models incorporate the tank directly into the handle, which means they don’t hold as much water as bulky countertop versions, but they’re way more convenient if you’re short on cabinet space. Plus, they can be used in the shower if you’re worried about making a mess.
7 best water flossers to upgrade your home dental routine
Your questions about water flossers answered What is the best water flosser? If you’re ready to ditch the string and upgrade to a water flosser, my advice is to keep things simple. Ignore the fussy counter-top models and go handheld with the Ordo hydro sonic. It hits the sweet spot between price, performance and design, with a decently sized 260ml tank, USB-C charging and a trigger button that makes it the least messy water flosser for newbies.
Best refurbished laptop deals to shop right now
Steve Hogarty A shiny new laptop is one of the most expensive pieces of tech you can buy. But unless you're a hardcore gamer or rendering 4K video for a living, the reality is that you probably don't need to drop two grand on a factory-fresh device. Going refurbished is the smartest way to upgrade your laptop, without leaving a gaping hole in your savings account.
Google Pixel 10a review: Almost identical to the 9a but still a budget marvel
While the camera hardware remains identical to the 9a, the 48MP main sensor still delivers superb, instantly recognisable Pixel photography. - (Steve Hogarty/The Independent) Let’s address the elephant in the room: the Google Pixel 10a is the most marginal annual smartphone update I’ve seen since I started reviewing smartphones. With Apple recently launching the iPhone 17e, it seems Google wanted to get its ducks in a row with a numbered update to its own budget handset.
Resident Evil Requiem launches tomorrow: Here’s where to buy the terrifying return to Raccoon City
Requiem sees Leon Kennedy return to the classic halls of the Raccoon City Police Department - (Capcom) Stock up on green herbs and hoard your shotgun ammo, because Resident Evil Requiem officially launches tomorrow (27 February), plunging players back into a grim, modernised vision of the Raccoon City Police Department.
Best portable projectors 2026, tried and tested for indoor and outdoor streaming
Most portable projectors run on Google and Android software, meaning you not only get the most common streaming apps built-in, but you can wirelessly stream to them from your phone or laptop. They’ll also automatically handle keystone – that is, reshaping the projection so that it lands squarely on your wall or screen – for the perfect image any time they’re moved. That means virtually no faffing around with settings while your audience twiddles their thumbs.
Best robot vacuums for 2026, tried and tested
Steve Hogarty Today's best robot vacuums are nothing like their clumsy ancestors. I've been testing robot vacuum cleaners since they were little more than dust-pans on wheels – since then, they've evolved from a techy novelty to genuinely useful cleaning tools. The latest robot vacuums are capable of a lot, using laser-guided navigation and AI-powered cameras to identify and avoid obstacles like socks and loose cables.
Pixel 10a pre-order deals: Get Google's new phone for £14.99 per month
Steve Hogarty Launching Wednesday 5 March for £499, the budget-friendly Pixel 10a is remarkably similar to last year's Pixel 9a . It has the same Tensor G4 processor, the same 8GB of memory, the same storage options. Same cameras. Same battery. Same size. Same price. The display is 11 per cent brighter, but otherwise it's the same 6.3in Actua display from 2025. At least it comes in new colours.
Get Google’s new phone for £14.99 per month
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Nintendo’s retro ‘90s VR headset is making a comeback on Switch
You’ll need a new accessory to play Virtual Boy games – thankfully Nintendo’s made a cardboard version - (Nintendo) Launched approximately one million years ago – in the ancient year of 1995 – the Virtual Boy was Nintendo’s ill-fated early attempt to kickstart 3D gaming, long before the immensely more successful Nintendo 3DS.
Pixel 10a is available to pre-order now – here's everything to know
Steve Hogarty With Apple about to complete the iPhone 17 family with the iPhone 17e , the new cheapest Pixel phone, the Pixel 10a, looks less like an annual upgrade and more of a quick rebranding exercise to bring the series numbering back in line. Launching 5 March for £499, the Pixel 10a is essentially identical to last year's Pixel 9a . It has the same Tensor G4 processor, the same 8GB of memory, the same storage options. Same cameras. Same battery. Same size. Same price.
15 unmissable game announcements at Sony’s State of Play
Metal Gear Solid 4 and the God of War Trilogy are both in line for 2026 remasters - (Sony Interactive Entertainment / Konami) Worried that 2026 was going to be a quiet year for the PlayStation 5? Well you can rest easy. Sony’s latest State of Play presentation was packed with new games and enough remakes and sequels to keep your nostalgia-tank topped up until the PS6 rolls around. The headline act was a double dose of Kratos.
I tried Dyson’s new robot vacuum – it’s a major upgrade on the old model
The headline feature here isn’t just the Dyson-tier cleaning power, but the dock. Unlike almost every other self-emptying robot on the market, Dyson has stuck to its guns with its trademark bagless cyclone design. This means no ongoing costs for disposable dust bags, which is a small win for your wallet. However, in a move that must have caused heated arguments among Dyson’s design team, it also means your accumulated household filth sits in a clear plastic bin for all to see.
I tried Dyson’s new robot vacuum – it’s a major upgrade on the old model | Flipboard
5 hours ago “I never knew I needed it — now I tell everyone they do!” Bending over to sweep debris into a dustpan or constantly wringing out a mop can be a total pain, and even touching washable filters can feel like a gross end to cleaning time. Thankfully, we found a two-in-one Shark that combines a vacuum …
Fitbit’s new AI coach finally makes sense of your health data (and it’s surprisingly bossy)
Fitbit’s personal health coach builds weekly exercise plans and gives you tailored feedback on your workouts - (Steve Hogarty/The Independent) If there’s one thing the best fitness trackers do best, it’s hoarding your data. Whether it’s the Apple Watch 11 or the Pixel Watch 4, they silently hoover up gigabytes of information about your heart rate variability, sleep stages and step counts, then present it all in flashy graphs that look impressive but have limited practical use.
Sky’s new bundle includes the four big streamers for £24 per month
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The streaming wars just went nuclear with Sky’s new £24 “super-bundle”
Kiss goodbye to the old Sky interface – this new update seamlessly brings the top streaming apps into the mix - (Sky) If your monthly bank statement is a mess of £5.99 direct debits to various streaming services, Sky might have the intervention you need. The broadcaster launched what it’s calling a “world-first” subscription, bringing Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max and Hayu together under one roof. And the price is turning heads.
A Fire TV device is being axed by Amazon - here’s what to buy instead
The Fire TV Blaster (right) was designed to bridge the gap between old technology and the smart home. Amazon says its served its purpose - (Amazon) The Fire TV Blaster is a relatively niche accessory launched by Amazon in 2019, designed to control the infrared inputs of older TVs and soundbars using voice commands picked up by Echo speakers.
Best phones for 2026, reviewed by a tech expert
David Phelan and Steve Hogarty What are you looking for in your next phone in 2026? Fast performance? Outstanding cameras? A big screen that folds ? Better value? All that and more? We've spent the past year testing the latest handsets, and the best phones are the ones that combine next-gen features with a design you'll enjoy looking at every day, as well as offering rock-solid build quality and a battery life that lasts for hours upon end.
How to watch ‘Hijack’ season 2: Release date, cast and everything we know
Emmy Award nominee Idris Elba returns for the second season of Hijack, premiering globally on 14 January on Apple TV. - (Apple) Idris Elba is back for season two of Hijack, which returns to Apple TV on 14 January and sees corporate negotiator Sam Nelson thrust into yet another high-stress hostage situation.
Amazon launches new gallery-style TV to rival Samsung’s The Frame
Upload a few snaps of your living room and Alexa will choose an artwork that fits with your decor - (Amazon) Want a television that doesn’t look like an ominous black rectangle in the middle of your living room? Until recently you had exactly one choice: the Samsung Frame (£899, Samsung.com), a TV that cleverly masquerades as a matte artwork canvas when you’re not watching it. Now Amazon has entered this niche product category, launching a so-called “lifestyle TV” of its own.
Percy Jackson and The Olympians season 2 debuts with 100% on Rotten Tomatoes – here’s how to watch
Percy Jackson and the Olympians is available to stream on Disney+ right now - (Disney) Based on Rick Riordan’s wildly popular series of young adult fantasy novels, Percy Jackson and the Olympians returned to Disney+ for its second season on 10 December. Not up to speed? Percy is your average 12-year-old boy facing the challenge all boys face at that awkward age: finding out that you’re the son of the Greek god Poseidon and saviour of the world.
Fallout season two premieres tonight – here’s how to watch episode one online
The second season sees the return of Ella Purnell as survivor Lucy - (Amazon) The first episode of Fallout season two premieres in the UK tonight at 2am, dragging viewers back to the irradiated, retro-futuristic wasteland of the New California Republic. A faithful adaptation of the legendary game franchise, Fallout captivated audiences – and surprised sceptical gamers – when season one debuted exclusively on Prime Video last year.
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