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  • Aukey’s new charger gives more freedom through the power of the orbs

    Aukey’s new charger gives more freedom through the power of the orbs

    Aukey has announced a new modular charging solution called the MagFusion Ark. It combines a base station featuring up to three Qi2.2 charging pads with spherical power banks that each have their own Qi2.2-compatible pads. The spheres support passthrough charging and can wirelessly charge another device while they’re on the base station, but they can also be removed and used as standalone wireless chargers powered by either their 6,700mAh battery or a USB-C port.

    Pricing will be announced closer to the MagFusion Ark’s release in Q1 of 2026, but it will be available in three different configurations: a bundle that includes a base with three pads and three spheres, as well as one- and two-pad bases with the spheres sold separately. The Ark is entirely Qi2.2-compatible, and both the base and spheres will wirelessly charge Qi2.2 devices at rates up to 25W.

    On battery power alone, the number of times that the spheres can be used to fully recharge a device like a smartphone will depend on the capacity and health of that device’s own battery. But given the battery in the spheres is also used to power a cooling fan, you can probably expect to get at least one full smartphone charge out of them, or a handful of top-ups.

    Each sphere also features a 30W USB-C port. You can use it to maximize the sphere’s battery capacity by sidestepping the inefficiencies of wireless charging, charge devices that aren’t Qi2-compatible, or even keep the sphere plugged in to use as a charging stand. You can also charge two devices simultaneously from each sphere — one from the USB-C port and one from the Qi2 pad— but wireless charging rates drop to 15W while the USB-C port’s output drops to 20W.

    Although Aukey says the MagFusion Ark offers a “total of six charging points,” you’ll only be able to wirelessly charge three devices at a time on the base station, excluding the spheres. When the spheres are each being used independently to charge other devices, that then frees up the pads on the base for other devices. That’s a bit limiting given the relatively large footprint of the Ark’s base, but the added flexibility of being able to grab one of the spherical chargers and use it anywhere in your home could be worth the tradeoff.

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  • Google Pixel 10 review: the new benchmark for a standard flagship phone | Pixel

    Google Pixel 10 review: the new benchmark for a standard flagship phone | Pixel

    Google’s new cheapest Pixel 10 has been upgraded with more cameras, a faster chip and some quality software that has brought it out of the shadow of its pricier Pro siblings to set a new standard of what you should expect from a base-model flagship phone.

    The regular Pixel 10 costs £799 (€899/$799/A$1,349) – the same as last year’s Pixel 9 – undercutting the 10 Pro by £200 and matching rivals from Samsung and Apple while offering more for your money.

    The design is almost identical to the Pixel 9, except for some new bold colours and the all-important new third camera in the pill-shaped lump on the back. The satin aluminium and glass body feels like a quality piece of hardware and the design certainly stands out in a sea of samey slab phones. The 6.3in OLED screen is crisp, super-bright and smooth with a 120Hz refresh rate.

    The fast screen and rapid under-display fingerprint scanner help the Pixel 10 feel very responsive in use. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

    The glass back hides another upgrade: Qi2 wireless charging and magnetic accessory support. Google is making its own Pixelsnap gadgets but Qi2 is an open standard and cross-compatible with the plethora of accessories designed for Apple’s excellent MagSafe, including chargers, wallets, handles and stands that just stick to the back of the phone.

    Specifications

    • Screen: 6.3in 120Hz FHD+ OLED (422ppi)

    • Processor: Google Tensor G5

    • RAM: 12GB

    • Storage: 128 or 256GB

    • Operating system: Android 16

    • Camera: 48MP+ 13MP UW + 10.8MP 5x tele; 10.5MP selfie

    • Connectivity: 5G, eSim, wifi 7, UWB, NFC, Bluetooth 6 and GNSS

    • Water resistance: IP68 (1.5m for 30 minutes)

    • Dimensions: 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.6mm

    • Weight: 204g

    Tensor G5

    The Pixel 10 takes 90 minutes to fully charge using a 30W or greater power adaptor (not included) hitting 50% in just over half an hour. It also supports 15W wireless charging. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

    The new Tensor G5 chip is about 34-38% faster than Google’s previous top processor in testing, which is quite a leap for the brand, but still falls short of the raw performance of Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon chip used in rivals. The Pixel feels rapid in operation and will handle most things just fine.

    The battery life is solid if not class-leading. It manages roughly two days of light usage between charges or about 33 hours of heavy use, including five hours of 5G out and about with seven hours actively using the screen. Most people will need to charge it every other day.

    The Tensor G5 also includes a significantly faster AI processor that runs Google’s advanced AI quicker and handles more complex systems on-device, making the Pixel a showcase for Google’s AI prowess.

    Android 16 with AI

    Google’s new Magic Cue, Daily Hub and Camera Coach AI features. Composite: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

    The Pixel 10 runs the latest Android 16 out of the box and comes with software support until August 2032. Google’s take on Android is full of bold colours, big buttons and fun typography with plenty of nice touches and haptic interactions throughout the system. It’s a quality experience even if you choose more subtle colour combinations.

    The Pixel is a vehicle for some of Google’s most advanced AI systems, running the latest version of Gemini Nano on-device, which powers all sorts of AI features including various writing, dictation and image-editing tools. A flashy new voice translation system for phone calls can speak to you in a simulacrum of the caller’s voice, rather than one of the default Gemini voices.

    But Magic Cue is the most advanced new AI feature which runs locally on your phone and aims to be your little assistant running in the background on your device to proactively help you do things faster on your phone. It combines information from your Google account with multiple data sources on your phone to pop-up suggestions of useful information when using certain Google apps. For instance, it pulled up my order confirmation emails in a little card in the phone app when I called to check where my delivery was, giving me one-tap access to the order number.

    Or if someone texts about when your flight is due to land, it shows the time and date pulled from your calendar ready to send them with a single tap. The weather app suggests locations for your upcoming trips from your calendar, too.

    These things don’t sound particularly exciting, but are a step in the right direction for AI away from flashy gimmicks to useful little background time savers. Magic Cue currently works with Gmail, maps, calendar, Keep notes, screenshots, contacts and messages, with Google Photos and a few other Google apps coming soon. The biggest problem is that it doesn’t work in third-party apps yet, so if you use WhatsApp rather than text messages it can’t help you.

    Camera

    The camera app is fairly simple to use but has plenty of tools and modes to make the best of your photography. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

    The Pixel 10 features a 10.5-megapixel selfie and three rear cameras: a 48MP main, 13MP ultra wide and a 10.8MP 5x telephoto. It addresses the main complaint about the base-model Pixel phones, which have lacked a telephoto cameras.

    The main and ultrawide cameras produce excellent images across a range of lighting conditions, doing better than rivals at this price in higher contrast scenes or dimmer indoor lighting. The new 5x telephoto significantly closes the distance to objects shooting great photos and reaching up to 20x digital zoom if needed. The photos from all three cameras show a little grain when viewed at full crop, but most will be very pleased with them.

    Google is still the best at reliably producing good images without much thought. The new auto Best Take mode improves on the popular group shot Best Take system by shooting multiple images to automatically blend them together for an image where everyone is looking at the camera. In most photos it won’t have to do too much, but the more people and the more complex the situation, the more the AI intervenes.

    The large pill-shaped camera bump on the back acts as a rest for your fingers and stops the Pixel rocking around on a table. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

    The popular Add Me feature allows the photographer to be added in to larger and more complex group shots, and has been improved to support larger groups of people, more complex backgrounds and images of pets. The camera app also now adds C2PA content credentials to photos that show how the image was captured and whether generative AI was involved.

    One of the most overtly AI tools is the new Camera Coach feature, which uses Gemini to help you compose and frame a shot for a better picture. Press a small button at the top of the viewfinder and it sends the current view to Google’s servers to analyse and suggest several different possible compositions. Select the one you like the look of and it guides you through the steps of moving the camera, framing the shot and taking the photo. In testing, the suggestions were pretty good, so for anyone interested in improving their photography, this could be a low-key way of getting a bit of help.

    Overall, the Pixel 10 shoots great photos and videos with generally helpful AI additions, particularly with Best Take and Add Me, but it is possible you end up with images of a moment that may never have actually happened.

    Sustainability

    Pixel 10s sold in US lack the nano sim slot in the top of the phone and must rely entirely on eSims. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

    The battery is rated to last in excess of 1,000 full charge cycles with at least 80% of its original capacity. The phone is repairable by Google, third-party shops or self-repair with manuals and parts available.

    The Pixel 10 is contains 32% recycled materials by weight including aluminium, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, plastic, rare-earth elements, tungsten and tin. The company breaks down the phone’s environmental impact in its report and will recycle old devices for free.

    Price

    The Google Pixel 10 costs from £799 (€899/$799/A$1,349) in a choice of four colours.

    For comparison, the Pixel 10 Pro costs from £999, the Pixel 9a costs £399, the Samsung Galaxy S25 costs £799 and the iPhone 16 costs £799.

    Verdict

    The Pixel 10 sets a new bar for base-model flagship phones, offering a high-quality experience and great camera with a meaningful telephoto zoom that doesn’t feel like a poor second cousin to the Pro models.

    The outside has not changed a lot since last year but it is an attractive design that stands out in the sea of rather samey phones, at least from the back. It feels snappy in operation, even if it doesn’t have the fastest chip available, and the battery lasts a decent 1.5 to two days between charges.

    Some of the new AI features actually seem like meaningful improvements, particularly Magic Cue, auto Best Take and other small bits that run locally in the background while you are doing things. Combined with Gemini, Google is leagues ahead in the era of actually useful AI tools compared with rivals such as Apple, and it doesn’t get in the way of the core smartphone experience.

    It is not quite the killer bargain of Google’s cheaper Pixel 9a but the Pixel 10 is one of the best phones you can get and great value nonetheless.

    Pros: seven years of software updates, great camera with 5x telephoto, great screen, Magic Cue and impressive local AI features, Qi2 wireless charging and magnetic accessory support, good battery life, good size, fast fingerprint and face recognition.

    Cons: face unlock option not as secure as Face ID, raw performance and battery life short of best-in-class, no physical sim card slot in the US.

    The Pixel 10 is an attractive, quality-feeling flagship smartphone that is better than rivals. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

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  • Buckeye by Patrick Ryan review – behind the American dream | Fiction

    Buckeye by Patrick Ryan review – behind the American dream | Fiction

    I am not the kind of reader who naturally gravitates toward slice-of-life Americana. I’m an enthusiast for the sort of American fiction where cowboys make dolent pronouncements while staring into fires, sure – but less the kind where people are generally nice, and go to places called things like “Fink’s Drugstore” to drink “root beer floats”.

    So when Buckeye – the new novel from American author Patrick Ryan, whose collections of short fiction have garnered comparisons to William Faulkner and JD Salinger – clunked obstreperously on to my doorstep, I thought “you’ve got to respect a 440-pager”, and somewhat reluctantly pulled my little socks up for some Norman Rockwell-type business. And you know what? I now think slice-of-life Americana is good, actually.

    Opening in the first decades of the 20th century, this luminous and tender novel follows, for most of its stately length, the interwoven lives of two married couples in the fictional town of Bonhomie, Ohio. One half of the first of these couples is Cal Jenkins, the sweet-tempered son of a traumatised first world war veteran, born in the spring of 1920 with (to use the parlance of the era) a mild deformity: “The day you were born and one of your legs came up short,” his father, Everett, tells him, “right then I thought, well, that’s it. If we get into another big one, he’ll never be in it.” The delights of prolepsis!

    The US gets into another big one in quite short order, of course. Cal, just as his father predicted, is turned away from the recruitment office and ends up spending his days in drudgery at the local concrete factory instead. A chance meeting with Becky Hanover, a young woman with a dark bob and a loveably whimsical way about her, sees Cal married by the end of the first chapter. After all, Bonhomie is a small town, “hers was the first beret he’d ever seen that wasn’t on someone in a movie”, and we’ve got 50-odd years of American history to get through.

    On 8 May 1945, Cal is working a shift at the hardware store owned by Becky’s father when a gorgeous, confused redhead stumbles in. Together, they listen to President Truman announce allied victory in Europe over the wireless – and then she kisses him. The gorgeous, confused redhead is Margaret Salt. Her own equally gorgeous and strangely aloof husband is away on a cargo ship in the Pacific. From here, the novel takes off at full thrust, and, as one of Ryan’s characters summarises it: “people get laid, babies get made, everybody lies to their kids”.

    It is no surprise that Ryan cut his teeth writing short fiction: Buckeye is elevated throughout by the precision with which he captures the tiny, haunting glories of everyday suburban life. We have a mother-in-law with a singing voice so beautiful it silences the room, like “throwing a blanket over a birdcage”; a newborn baby peering up at his father “in a single-brow-lifting, James Cagney kind of way”; a Japanese submarine, recovered from Pearl Harbor and taken on tour through the snowbound midwestern winter, “ringing dull and hollow under the pummel of mittens”. Across this intimidatingly weighty novel, I encountered only one duff simile (and it would feel churlish to retype it here).

    For all its quotidian charm, a deep melancholy prevents Buckeye from ever tipping into saccharine nostalgia. I’d probably not go quite so far as to bring Faulkner into it – this is accessible, amicable and more-or-less conventional literary fiction – but nonetheless, Ryan writes his wounded souls with the same exactitude as his dusty vinyl diner booths. His Bonhomie is peopled by men almost universally traumatised by their experiences of war. “Life chewed you up and spat you out,” Cal thinks, when he turns his mind to his home town’s many eccentric veterans, whose company he has been fatefully excluded from, “but it didn’t often spit the same way twice”. “Women had the babies, and men … began to distance themselves the moment they pulled out,” Margaret thinks, “because they had to go to a wife, or to work, or to war, or to that secret place of stoic brooding all men are given the key to at birth.” Ryan’s characters are universally nuanced and finely wrought, their gently interpolated inner monologues giving the lie to the pleasant respectability they strive to project. As the years tick by and we enter the 60s, Cal is a father – and prolepsis becomes a crueller mistress.

    So much for Norman Rockwell, who is invoked almost as the artistic antithesis of Buckeye’s project. “[Rockwell] was always capturing the perfect moments then putting them under a microscope to find the cute parts … nothing was like those paintings.” Ryan, unlike Rockwell, is not interested in cute. With Buckeye, he strips away the Bakelite glaze of the American dream to expose the raw flesh beneath.

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    Buckeye by Patrick Ryan is published by Bloomsbury (£16.99). To support the Guardian, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.

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  • Instagram tests Picture-in-Picture feature for Reels to boost engagement – Storyboard18

    Instagram tests Picture-in-Picture feature for Reels to boost engagement – Storyboard18

    1. Instagram tests Picture-in-Picture feature for Reels to boost engagement  Storyboard18
    2. Instagram tests Picture-in-Picture viewing for reels  TechCrunch
    3. Instagram rolls out inbox filters and custom folders; here’s how to use them  Mint
    4. Instagram is making it easier for creators to sort their DMs  RouteNote
    5. You may soon be able to watch Instagram Reels in picture-in-picture mode  9to5Mac

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  • Peer-to-peer Learning on AMR Surveillance Takes South Sudan to South Africa – Africa CDC

    Peer-to-peer Learning on AMR Surveillance Takes South Sudan to South Africa – Africa CDC

    The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), under its mandate as the specialized technical health agency of the African Union Commission, continues to lead continental efforts to mitigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

    As part of this effort, the Africa CDC initiated peer to peer learning exchange among Africa Union Member States to advance surveillance capacity and shaping continental objectives to address AMR.

    The most recent exchange visit brought technical experts from South Sudan’s line ministries for a learning exchange at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) in South Africa’s Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses (CHARM) department.

    The visit focused on strengthening South Sudan’s national AMR surveillance system by providing practical exposure to best practices in laboratory systems, data management tools, and regional coordination mechanisms.

    “This visit marks a significant milestone for South Sudan as we plan to apply this knowledge to our own context in setting up our national AMR surveillance plan,” said Dr. Abe Abias, Head of the AMR Program in South Sudan.

    He noted that South Sudan has a strong One Health multisectoral coordination mechanism, and the learning experience was important to begin AMR data collection in South Sudan.

    Fowzia Mohamed Sheikh, AMR Officer, Eastern RCC explained thatSouth Sudan is just starting their AMR surveillance initiatives, and this visit was to learn from South Africa’s well-established surveillance system. . These were some of the clear outcomes from this visit:

    Sheikh said a strong partnership between the two countries is expected, as South African experts will be supporting the country in reviewing their National AMR Surveillance Plan once drafted.

    “There is clear guidance and understanding on implementing standardized AMR surveillance systems at national, sub-national, and facility levels,” she said adding enhanced knowledge and technical skills among key staff to support AMR surveillance program implementation in South Sudan.

    The  visit will lead to Development of a context-specific National AMR Surveillance Plan to guide the phased implementation and scale-up of surveillance efforts across South Sudan, Sheikh said.

    South Africa’s NICD continues to play a leadership role in the region and serves as a hub for collaborative learning. During the five-day visit, the South Sudanese delegation toured NICD laboratories, observed antimicrobial susceptibility testing procedures, reviewed quality assurance protocols, and explored strategies for integrating AMR surveillance data into national health systems.

    The delegation also received technical discussions on the WHO Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) framework, along with insights into Africa CDC- and Fleming Fund-supported initiatives.

    “NICD will continue to support South Sudan and other AU Member States through similar exchange visits through the collaboration with Africa CDC,” said Professor Olga Perovic, Principal Pathologist at NICD-CHARM.

    Africa CDC has supported South Sudan in developing its National Action Plan on AMR  in 2023. The Africa CDC’s AMR Surveillance Exchange Visit Initiative was launched in response to the growing threat of AMR in Africa, where nearly 1.3 million deaths were attributed to AMR in 2019. Despite this burden, surveillance infrastructure remains limited in many AU Member States. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen AMR surveillance systems across the continent .

    Surveillance is critical for understanding AMR trends and pathogen patterns and Africa experiences patchy and fragmented surveillance systems as these are not well coordinated at National Level particularly in low-income countries.

    Africa CDC remains committed to engaging AU Member States on AMR surveillance and to supporting initiatives that promote excellence in AMR prevention, containment, and control across the continent. These international exchange visits are a key component of efforts to build technical capacity and leverage existing resources in the fight against AMR in Africa.

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  • Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce possible wedding venue revealed

    Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce possible wedding venue revealed

    Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce could be planning to tie the knot in Rhode Island, a source tells Page Six.

    While some outlets have suggested the couple is in no rush to wed, one insider said, “They are getting married next summer in Rhode Island. She is in a hurry to have children.”

    Kelce himself recently acknowledged on his podcast that the upcoming wedding planning phase will be “crazy,” hinting at just how much attention the celebration is expected to draw.

    A wedding of this scale could stir local debate, but Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee has already expressed support, posting on social media that the state offers “some of the best wedding venues in the world.”

    Swift’s $17.5 million mansion in the Watch Hill area of Westerly is currently undergoing a $1.7 million renovation, according to permits obtained by the Providence Journal. Additions include a new wing with a large bedroom, extra bathrooms, and an updated kitchen.

    While it’s unclear if the ceremony will be hosted at her estate or elsewhere in the area, the seaside property has been central to Swift’s life and work.

    It inspired her 2020 Folklore track “The Last Great American Dynasty,” which tells the story of the mansion’s former owner, socialite Rebekah Harkness.

    The home has also been the setting for Swift’s famous Fourth of July parties, attended by friends and celebrities alike. Last summer, Kelce and his Kansas City Chiefs teammate Patrick Mahomes were spotted at one of her pool gatherings.

    Swift and Kelce announced their engagement on Aug. 26, sharing photos taken in his garden with the caption, “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married.”

    Kelce admitted he initially considered proposing on the water but chose a more personal moment instead.

    Page Six previously reported that the couple plan to keep their wedding “private,” with family and close friends in attendance.

    “It will be more casual than people think,” said a source, while Kelce described himself as “giddy” and “excited” about the engagement.

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  • Microsoft Confirms $61 Windows Update Fee Starts In 5 Weeks

    Microsoft Confirms $61 Windows Update Fee Starts In 5 Weeks

    Microsoft’s new Windows update fee could see users spend more than $7 billion over the next 12 months to ensure PCs retain access to critical support fixes. That fee starts in just 5 weeks and not paying has serious consequences.

    We’re talking Windows 10 and the price for business users to keep PCs secure. There’s no equivalent to the free 12-month update that Microsoft’s recent u-turn has offered to home users. But all Windows 10 users need to act before the October 14 deadline.

    The new warning comes from Nexthink, which says “the cost of custom Windows 10 support could reach upwards of $7.3bn,” based on analysis of the numbers of enterprise users likely to be still using Windows 10 as the October deadline comes and goes.

    ForbesMillions Of iPhone And Android Users Get Surprise RefundsBy Zak Doffman

    Nexthink says “data shows Windows 10 still has a 43% market share, which is equivalent to roughly 181 million devices.” They suggest “a further 33% reduction by the October 14, that would leave around 121 million Windows 10 PCs.”

    Given the $61 fee for the first year, confirmed by Microsoft, the straight math gives you the $7 billion overall figure — assuming enterprises don’t run the risk of leaving PCs off support. Given the state of the Windows threat landscape, that would be ill-advised.

    Nexthink also warns users upgrading to Windows 11 that PCs on the new OS “are currently experiencing a higher level of instability, with more frequent system crashes (1.2% vs 0.6% for Windows 10) and hard resets (9.9% vs 8.5% for Windows 10).”

    ForbesIf You See This Warning, Your Facebook Is Being HackedBy Zak Doffman

    “Every migration comes with teething problems, and what we’re seeing with Windows 11 is no different,” the team says, linking the higher level of instability to “underlying hardware, drivers, or the way systems are deployed.”

    This will be especially true for enterprises upgrading older PCs that just make the infamous Windows 11 cut , the security-based compatibility test to determine whether a PC can be upgraded or needs to be replaced. Unsurprisingly, the heavier weight OS will be more stable on newer devices given its higher level of performance.

    Home users also need to act before the October 14 deadline, with millions awaiting the “Enroll” button appearing on their PCs. Once that turns up, users can choose from one of three options to ensure PCs are secure for another year. Details here.

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  • Erasmus sticks to tried and tested for NZ battle

    Erasmus sticks to tried and tested for NZ battle

    The changes see the return of South Africa’s most experienced player, Eben Etzebeth, to the starting XV in the engine room alongside Ruan Nortje, in what will mark his 136th Test, with the other two changes in the loose trio, where Siya Kolisi returns from a niggle in what will mark his second Test at No 8, while Pieter-Steph du Toit returns at flanker.

    The only change in the backline is at fullback, where Willie le Roux will start his 101st Test after being forced to withdraw from the last clash against the Wallabies due to a niggle.

    Erasmus made three personnel changes to the replacements bench, which features five forwards and three backs, with Jan-Hendrik Wessels taking over from Marnus van der Merwe at hooker, Kwagga Smith moving back to the bench in the void left by Etzebeth, and utility back Ethan Hooker featuring in his second Test in place of Andre Esterhuizen.

    The settled squad includes a total of 17 players who featured against the Wallabies in Cape Town.

    “We selected the best possible team we could for the match, knowing that this is going to be an epic encounter against the All Blacks at Eden Park, and many of these players have done the job for us before against them,” said Erasmus.

    “This is obviously going to be a completely different challenge to what we’ve faced against them in the last two years, with the match being hosted in New Zealand, and also at a venue where they hold a fantastic record.

    “That said, we’ve been working hard on the detail we wanted to iron out following the matches against the Wallabies since arriving in Auckland, so it’s now up to us to implement our plans and deliver a performance that we can be proud of.”

    With the Test holding vast significance as the Springboks attempt to register their fifth victory in a row against the All Blacks and break their hoodoo at Eden Park – where they last won in 1937 – while the Freedom Cup is also on the line, Erasmus admitted that this match was momentous for both teams.

    “The history and rivalry between the sides speaks for itself, and with all the permutations attached to this match, it makes it particularly noteworthy, so we are expecting it to be a proper grind,” said Erasmus.

    “There are records on the line for both teams, and there’s no doubt that this game will be important in trying to win the competition, especially given how close the standings are at this stage. It’s definitely going to be a special match, and both teams will give everything they out there.”

    Adding to the significance of the encounter, All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea will be playing in his 100th Test, and Erasmus had no doubt that would fuel their motivation, while he also took the opportunity to congratulate the player on the massive achievement.

    “Playing 100 Tests is one of the most special milestones a player can achieve, and we’d like to congratulate Ardie for reaching this feat,” said the Bok coach.

    “He’s been a true servant to New Zealand rugby, and he deserves all the recognition that comes with that. It also doesn’t get more special than playing at their fortress in such a massive game.”

    Commenting on the decision to hand the captaincy to Kriel rather than regular skipper Kolisi, Erasmus said: “Siya was touch and go for the match earlier in the week after picking up a niggle a few weeks ago, and we didn’t want to risk him unnecessarily, but with Jean-Luc du Preez having picked up a niggle at training this week, Siya was the obvious choice to slot in at No 8.

    “At that stage, Jesse had already been told he would be the captain, and it was only fair for us to keep things that way. He’s a great leader and one of the core players in our team. His communication with the referee and his teammates is good, and he leads by example in the way he plays, so he deserves this opportunity.

    “It will also be a big occasion for him to captain the team against the All Blacks for the first time, so we are proud of Jesse, and we know he’ll carry this responsibility with great pride.”

    Zoning in on the match, Erasmus expected it to be an emotionally charged encounter and a huge battle all around.

    “Matches between the Springboks and All Blacks are always intense, and we know neither team will hold back,” said Erasmus.

    “They’ve announced a quality team with a strong forward pack and exciting backs, so we are under no illusion about the challenge ahead.

    “There have been a few big scores between the sides in the past, but also many tight battles, so the most important aspects for us will be to execute our game plan as well as we can, fight fire with fire, and be effective in every aspect of our game.

    “Every point will count in this match, so we need to be sharp mentally and physically, and ensure that we leave nothing out on the field.”

    The match kicks off at 09h05 (SA time) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

    Springbok team to face New Zealand at Eden Park:

    15 Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls) – 100 caps, 75 pts (15t)
    14 Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath) – 42 caps, 111 points (18t, 3c, 5p)
    13 Jesse Kriel (captain, Canon Eagles) – 82 caps, 95 points (19t)
    12 Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 90 caps, 55 points (11t)
    11 Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls) – 16 caps, 40 pts (8t)
    10 Handre Pollard (Vodacom Bulls) – 83 caps, 812 points (8t, 122c, 171p, 5dg)
    9 Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 21 caps, 25 pts (5t)

    8 Siya Kolisi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 94 caps, 65 points (13t)
    7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – 89 caps, 60 pts (12t)
    6 Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls) – 29 caps, 15 pts (3t)
    5 Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls) – 9 caps, 0 pts
    4 Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 135 caps, 35 points (7t)
    3 Thomas du Toit (Bath) – 26 caps, 5 pts (1t)
    2 Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 80 caps, 115 pts (23t)
    1 Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 43 caps, 0 pts

    Replacements:

    16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls) – 5 caps, 10 pts (2t)
    17 Boan Venter (Edinburgh) – 3 caps, 5 pts (1t)
    18 Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls) – 20 caps, 0 pts
    19 Lood de Jager (Wild Knights) – 69 caps, 25 points (5t)
    20 Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) – 55 caps, 50 points (10t)
    21 Cobus Reinach (DHL Stormers) – 42 caps, 70 pts (14t)
    22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers) – 11 caps, 54 points (15c, 8p)
    23 Ethan Hooker (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 1 cap, 0 points

    Stats and facts:

    Springbok record against New Zealand:
    Played: 108, Won: 42, Lost: 62, Drawn: 4. Points for: 1 790; Points against: 2 235; Tries scored: 173; Tries conceded: 244. Win %: 38.8%.

    Miscellaneous:

    • The Springboks will go in search of their fifth victory in a row against the All Blacks when the teams meet at Eden Park, after winning their last four matches against their arch-rivals and clinching the Freedom Cup against them last season for the first time since 2009.
    • The Springboks’ longest winning streak against the All Blacks was six matches in a row between 1937 and 1949.
    • The last time the Springboks defeated the All Blacks at Eden Park was in 1937 – a long-standing record they will be determined to end this weekend – while at the same time ending the hosts’ winning run at the ground since 1994.
    • Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth will extend his record as the most capped Bok of all time to 136 Tests.
    • Springbok flanker Siya Kolisi will play his 95th Test match, leaving him only five matches short of becoming the ninth Springbok centurion in the history of the game.
    • Willie le Roux will earn his 101st Test match after striking the 100th mark against Italy in Gqeberha in the Castle Lager Incoming Series earlier this year.
    • The centre pairing of Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende will extend their record of playing the most Tests together in the midfield to 39.
    • Jesse Kriel will lead the Springboks for the third time in a Test after taking charge of the team against Italy in the Castle Lager Incoming Series in July and Australia in their last Castle Lager Rugby Championship match in Cape Town.
    • The total Test caps in the Springbok starting line-up is 939 – the fourth highest combined total in SA rugby history.
    • There are 434 caps in the backline, with 505 caps among the forwards. On the bench, there are a further 206 caps.
    • The average caps per player in the backline is 62, the forwards 63, while the players on the bench average 26.

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  • Double Success For Hyundai SANTA FE Models At 2025 What Car? Electric Car Awards

    Double Success For Hyundai SANTA FE Models At 2025 What Car? Electric Car Awards

    LEATHERHEAD/SEOUL, September 3, 2025 – Hyundai is celebrating a double success at the 2025 What Car? Electric Car Awards, with both the current-generation SANTA FE and its predecessor taking top honors. The latest SANTA FE added to its growing trophy cabinet by retaining its crown as the Best Hybrid Seven-seater, while the previous-generation model was hailed Best Used Hybrid Seven-seater.

    The prestigious awards recognize the growing importance of electrified vehicles and are decided annually by the expert panel of testers at the UK’s biggest car buying brand. Each year, the finest new and pre-owned choices are named across a range of classes, covering all market segments and budgets.

    Since its launch in 2024, the latest SANTA FE has won an array of plaudits for its blend of quality, practicality and advanced powertrains. It features the 1.6-liter T-GDi Smartstream engine in two Hybrid variants (with two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive), as well as a four-wheel-drive Plug-in Hybrid. The package is enhanced by a striking design, with a distinctive boxy silhouette and a roomy interior, suited to a range of outdoor and urban activities. Fully foldable second- and third-row seats provide class-leading interior space, while a suite of high-tech, practical features reinforce its versatile, nature-meets-city appeal.

    This recognition at the What Car? Electric Car Awards adds to a series of other high-profile accolades, including being named TopGear.com’s 2024 SUV of the Year, Carwow’s 2025 Car of the Year and Best 7-Seater in the Autotrader 2025 Drivers’ Choice Awards.

    Steve Huntingford, Editor of What Car?, said: “The latest SANTA FE is the biggest and most spacious yet, with enough room to seat seven adults in comfort. Yet it’s surprisingly easy and reassuring to drive, thanks to accurate steering, tight body control and strong grip. You also get a fantastic driving position and a high-quality interior, while the electric range and pricing are competitive. All of this makes for the best plug-in hybrid seven-seater on sale.”

    For those buyers in the market for a used seven-seater with a hybrid powertrain, the What Car? team identified the previous-generation SANTA FE, sold between 2018 and 2024, as the best choice. Offering a compelling blend of space, upmarket appeal and generous equipment, it also features a choice of efficient powertrains: a 1.6 T-GDi Plug-in Hybrid and a non-plug-in 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid.  

    Steve Huntingford, Editor of What Car?, also said: “If you’re on a tighter budget, we’d still recommend a SANTA FE – just the previous version. This remains a very practical car, plus it’s one with a top-notch reliability record. The fact that cars aged up to five years old will still be covered by Hyundai’s original manufacturer warranty brings added peace of mind.”

    Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK, said: “SANTA FE has established itself as a firm favorite with buyers over the past 24 years, and it’s been pleasing to see the latest version prove so popular with customers and experts alike thanks to its unmistakable design, cutting-edge technology, exceptional practicality and superb hybrid powertrains. Its recognition by What Car? as the Best Hybrid Seven-seater simply reinforces Hyundai’s leadership in electrification – and the fact that its predecessor was named Best Used Hybrid Seven-seater underlines the model line’s tremendous pedigree.”


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  • No drama for Northamptonshire Llamas who star in Netflix movie

    No drama for Northamptonshire Llamas who star in Netflix movie

    Pete CooperBBC News, Northamptonshire

    Catanger Llamas Two llamas stood in a field being held by a woman in a cap wearing a green outfitCatanger Llamas

    Llamas Gino, Barnaby and their owner Sarah Brown appear in The Thursday Murder Club

    Llamas that starred in the movie adaptation of The Thursday Murder Club had no problem with the film cameras, drones and early starts, their owner said.

    The Netflix film, which is based on Richard Osman’s bestselling book, stars Pierce Brosnan, Celia Imrie, Sir Ben Kingsley and Helen Mirren as a group of retirees who try to solve a murder.

    Alongside the actors were llamas Barnaby, Emoji, Indigo, Fudge and Gino from Catanger Llamas in Weedon Lois near Towcester, Northamptonshire.

    Their owner Sarah Brown said the animals “were just brilliant, they were so good”.

    PA Media Helen Mirren in a blue dress and white jacket, Pierce Brosnan in a brown suit, shirt and tie, Celia Imrie in a pink dress and Sir Ben Kingsley in a blue suit, white shirt and purple tie. All at looking forward and smiling.PA Media

    The Thursday Murder Club stars Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Celia Imrie and Sir Ben Kingsley

    The llamas have previously appeared on Blue Peter, Countryfile, Horrible Histories and Midsomer Murders.

    This previous work led the farm to be asked to provide animals at Englefield House in Berkshire over two days for the movie.

    Ms Brown appears alongside the llamas and Imrie in an early scene in the film, as well as another scene towards the end.

    She told Annabel Amos on BBC Radio Northampton: “We had to get there at 05:00 for [the second scene] so it was a really early start but… they wanted to catch the sunrise and it was beautiful.”

    The production used a drone for the film and she said despite the size of it and the noise the llamas were “absolutely brilliant, they looked up at it and then they just carried on chilling, they were so good”.

    Catanger Llamas A group of llamas in a garden. A country house is to the right. A wall and trees are behind them. Above them is a drone.Catanger Llamas

    The llamas had to get comfortable with a drone that was used for part of the filming

    Ms Brown said the country house, which doubles as Coopers Chase for the film, was “such beautiful grounds to be filming on”.

    “We set up a pen under an oak tree and they could just graze and have hay and they were living the dream,” she said.

    The Netflix film is produced by Steven Spielberg’s company Amblin Entertainment and directed by Chris Columbus, who was the director on the early Harry Potter films.

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