Windows 11 uodate causes Firewall error messages, Microsoft has confirmed.
SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Microsoft Windows updates: you can’t live without them, but living with them can be tough at times. When high-severity vulnerabilities are uncovered, such as CVE-2025-33073, which can lead to Windows system takeover, updating is a security no-brainer. When vulnerabilities are of the zero-day variety and already subject to ongoing attacks, the need to update is even more critical. The problem that Microsoft has, however, is a history of fumbled update issues that have led to mass confusion at best, and at worst, problems like the startup loop of death that prevent users from being able to use their Windows machines. So, when yet another Windows update problem emerges, the user base heaves yet another sigh of exasperation. Here’s what you need to know about the Windows 11 firewall configuration error, erm, error.
ForbesFBI 2FA Bypass Warning Issued — The Attacks Have StartedBy Davey Winder
Microsoft Windows Non-Security Update Leads To Misguided Security Concerns
Windows 11 users are experiencing issues with a Firewall configuration error when using Windows Firewall with Advanced Security, following the June 26 KB5060829 Windows update. One simply cannot ignore the irony of a non-security update leading to security concerns.
Microsoft has now confirmed that the issue is displayed within the Event Viewer under event 2024 for Windows Firewall With Advanced Security. The error appears, Microsoft said, “as Config Read Failed with a message of More data is available.” This error is triggered every time the Windows device is restarted, Microsoft admitted.
The good news in this mess of Microsoft’s own making, is that the error “can be safely ignored,” according to the Seattle tech behemoth. As it does “not reflect an issue with Windows Firewall.”
ForbesNew Windows Security Bypass Alert For Chrome And Edge UsersBy Davey Winder
The Truth Behind Microsoft’s Latest Windows Update Fumble
So, what is actually going on, beyond the obvious update faux pas? Microsoft’s July 2 update, erm, update, explains this error as being “related to a feature that is currently under development and not fully implemented.” Oh well, that’s OK then, and doesn’t display any lack of proper validation of update integrity before release at all. I mean, it’s good to know that the issue does not have any impact on or to Windows processes and that, as Microsoft has said, it is “working on a resolution and will provide an update in an upcoming release,” but wouldn’t it be better if these things were discovered before the update is made available to one and all?
I have approached Microsoft for a statement.
ForbesMicrosoft’s Password Deadline — You Have 28 Days To DecideBy Davey Winder
Sweden plans to survey immigrants’ values in a bid to improve their integration into the country’s progressive and liberal society, Sweden’s new integration minister said on Sunday.
Sweden’s right-wing government came to power in 2022 backed by the far-right Sweden Democrats, vowing to crack down on immigration and improve the integration of immigrants, among other things.
Integration Minister Simona Mohamsson, who was appointed in a cabinet reshuffle a week ago, said Sweden’s secular, unpatriarchal society can pose challenges for immigrants from more traditional, conservative countries.
“We are an extreme country, in a good way. For people who join our society, it can be a little difficult to navigate,” she told Sweden’s paper of reference Dagens Nyheter in an interview.
Previous surveys conducted by the World Values Survey research group have shown that some newly-arrived immigrants to Sweden have diverging views from native Swedes on issues such as divorce, sex before marriage, abortion and homosexuality.
After 10 years in Sweden, their values had evolved and were more in line with those of native Swedes, according to the World Values Survey.
“Ten years is far too long. That’s a whole generation of girls who don’t get to choose who they want to love or boys who can’t come out of the closet,” Mohamsson said.
Some 3,000 people will be surveyed this autumn about their “values”, half of them of Swedish background and the other half “non-Western”, she explained.
“The result will guide integration efforts going forward.”
She said the plan was “not about changing opinions”, but rather “about upholding the values we have in Sweden.”
Those who choose to come to Sweden have a responsibility to try to be a part of society, she insisted.
“It is not a human right to live in Sweden.”
The Scandinavian country has taken in large numbers of refugees since the 1990s, many fleeing from countries like Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Syria and the former Yugoslavia.
But following a large influx in 2015, successive Swedish governments from both the left- and right-wing have tightened asylum rules.
In 2024, around 20 percent of Sweden’s inhabitants were born in another country, compared to around 11 percent in 2000, according to Statistics Sweden.
Wimbledon has long held its place as the most prestigious tournament in tennis, and with that comes a signature blend of sport, style, and star power.
For a fortnight each London summer, the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club becomes more than just a battleground for Grand Slam glory; it transforms into a stage where fashion meets tradition and celebrity meets centre court.
The 2025 edition is no exception. Since play began on Monday, stars from the worlds of sport, music, fashion, and film have graced the stands, soaking up the action and the sunshine of the first week in true Wimbledon flair.
As always, the Royal Box has delivered on spectacle. Guests turned heads with elegant dresses, tailored suits, and the ever-essential sunglasses.
Tell us about your new novel, One Summer in Provence.
Celia gave up her son at birth. Out of the blue, 47 years later, the son makes contact. One Summer in Provence is a woman’s journey towards finding a family, belonging, overcoming betrayal, facing up to her past and reconnecting with the child she renounced at birth.
Is the subject matter of a long-lost son particularly charged, given how movingly you have addressed the struggle to have your own child?
I am sure that my childlessness has affected my writing. When I began this novel I didn’t know who David (the long-lost son) was, whether he was genuine or a pretender. It is very hard to understand the deep emotional mechanics of writing, the impulses that push the narrative of a story. Probably best not to try.
Tell us about your series of bestselling memoirs about managing an olive farm in Provence.
I fell in love with a Frenchman. He asked me to marry him on our first date. We purchased an overgrown olive farm in the south of France. Once the land was cut back, we discovered centenarian olive trees surviving on drystone-wall terraces. Our olive oil is fabulous, and organic. These Olive Farm memoirs are many love stories rolled into one: the Mediterranean, olive farming, a man, a house, France …
You made your name as an actor, perhaps most memorably as Helen Herriot in the BBC series, All Creatures Great and Small. What is your most abiding memory of it? What were your other highlights?
All Creatures Great and Small was a gift to me as a young actress. I had no idea it would be such a calling card. We had huge fun on location; we were all great friends. No unkindnesses, no rivalry. Working with Max Von Sydow on the film Father, playing father and daughter, winning a best screen actress award for my performance. Three months in Melbourne with Max, a truly fine, generous actor, was very special.
Who or what made you a writer?
Reading transports, as we know. I have a traveller’s soul. No one influence made me a writer.
The experience of the starlet Marguerite in your novel The Lost Girl was based on your sexual assault by Elia Kazan while auditioning for the lead role in his film The Last Tycoon (1976).
It was decades before I was able to open up about Kazan’s appalling behaviour towards me. I first spoke about this deeply painful experience at the West Cork Literary Festival several months before the #MeToo movement took off.
You were born in London but your mother Phyllis McCormack was an Irish nurse and you bought a second home here. One of your books is called The Hunger: The Diary of Phyllis McCormack, Ireland, 1845–1847. Tell us about your many Irish connections.
I proudly carry an Irish passport. I consider myself Irish rather than British. Irish-Mediterranean. My sister lives in the UK. Otherwise, all my family are here in Ireland. Ireland is my roots; in my bones.
Which projects are you working on?
A new novel set in wartime Marseilles.
Have you ever made a literary pilgrimage?
Several. Among them: Hemingway’s homes in Cuba; Jack London’s sprawling estate in northern California; Dostoevsky’s House Museum; Yasnaya Polyana near Moscow, the rural home of the Tolstoy family. Nelson Mandela’s cell on Robben Island.
What is the best writing advice you have heard?
“Turn up at the desk. Open the page. No one else is going to write that book for you.”
Who do you admire the most?
Your questions are the best/worst/favourite etc! I tend to experience in degrees. I admire so many people.
You are supreme ruler for a day. Which law do you pass or abolish?
I have no desire to be supreme leader. Let’s abolish the US’s current “supreme ruler”.
Which current book, film and podcast would you recommend?
I rarely tune in to podcasts. Looking forward to the third in Joseph O’Connor’s Rome trilogy.
Which public event affected you most?
I am struggling with Gaza. Its destruction. For my Olive Route travel books and films I spent quite some time in the Middle East. Also, my father was in Palestine during the second World War. He spoke about his experiences frequently.
The most remarkable place you have visited?
I visited central Australia several times years ago. I was very moved by The Olgas, Ayers Rock, which back then we climbed. I dived up at the Great Barrier Reef many times. Spectacular.
Your most treasured possession?
Aside from our olive farm … ?
What is the most beautiful book that you own?
It’s the collection, rather than one. My library, my passport to take off.
Which writers, living or dead, would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Marguerite Duras, Marcel Pagnol, Jean Giono, Graham Greene, Isabel Allende, Gabriel Garcia Marquez; Georges Simenon.
The best and worst things about where you live?
The south of France is a kind of paradise. Of course, that means many tourists and over-construction.
What is your favourite quotation?
“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear.” Rosa Parks.
Who is your favourite fictional character?
As a child it was William from the Richmal Crompton books … Innocent anarchy.
A book to make me laugh?
Gerald Durrell’s My Family and Other Animals.
A book that might move me to tears?
So many … All the Light We Cannot See; The Kite Runner; Four Letters of Love; Love in the Time of Cholera.
New Delhi [India], July 6 (ANI): Former Indian cricketer Varun Aaron praised Indian test skipper Shubman Gill’s historic century in the second innings of the 2nd test against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
At a venue where India is yet to register its maiden Test win, Gill led from the front following his memorable 269(387) in the first innings and then topped it up with a flamboyant 161(162) in his second turn to rescript the history books on the fourth day.
Speaking on ‘Match Centre Live’, JioHotstar expert Varun Aaron said, “I honestly feel privileged to be here and witness that innings. I can’t recall him giving the English bowlers even a single chance. The way he shifted gears — hitting sixes at will — without slogging, just pure cricket shots, was something special. Today, he showed how complete a batter he is. It reminded me of the previous Indian number four — almost a carbon copy of that genius. I don’t think he could’ve dreamed of a better start to his first two Tests on this tour. Sure, he’d have liked to win at Headingley, but now he’s hopefully set up a fantastic victory here tomorrow.”
With a whopping 430 runs across both innings, Gill has the second-highest aggregate of runs in a single Test, behind England’s Graham Gooch, who had an output of 456 runs after scoring 333 and 123 against India at Lord’s back in 1990.
Gill became the second batter to register 150-plus scores in both innings of a Test after Allan Border (150* & 153) against Pakistan in Lahore in 1980. Gill’s outing is also the first instance of a 250-plus and 150-plus score in a Test by a batter.
The 25-year-old is only the second Indian, after Gavaskar, to hit a double century and a century in the same Test. He has outdone ex-skipper and legendary batter Virat (243 and 50) to have the highest aggregate by an Indian captain in a Test match.
Gill is the second Asian batter with 350-plus aggregate in a Test outside the subcontinent after Pakistan’s Hanif Mohammad (354: 17 and 337) at Bridgetown in 1958. (ANI)
While black beans seem to be great at fighting low-grade chronic inflammation, chickpeas are more of a cholesterol-lowering powerhouse, according to recent research from Illinois Institute of Technology.
In a three-month study, researchers asked a group of roughly 24 prediabetic people to eat a cup of black beans every day, while another group of 24 with prediabetes was given chickpeas. In a third control group, participants cooked white rice.
By the end of just 12 weeks, the researchers noticed significant differences in inflammation levels for the black bean eaters, while chickpea eaters had a greater effect on their total cholesterol, moving from at risk (with an average total cholesterol around 200 mg/dL) into a heart-healthy range (186 mg/dL).
Chickpeas have cholesterol-lowering power
Chickpeas are rich in phytosterols, a cholesterol-lowering plant compound.
margouillatphotos/Getty Images
The reason why different beans house different health benefits probably has to do with the chemicals that color them and make each bean unique.
While the phytochemicals that make black beans black are known to have more anti-inflammatory properties, golden chickpeas have more of other plant chemicals called phytosterols, which are cholesterol-lowering compounds.
This is why nutrition buffs often recommend eating a wide variety of different colored plants, including fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. By eating a rich diversity of colorful whole foods, you’ll enjoy the complex natural “food matrix” found inside each one, lead researcher Indika Edirisinghe told Business Insider.
“It contains protein, it contains lipid, it contains fiber, vitamins, minerals,” and different combinations of each from bean to bean, he said. “Somebody can synthesize artificial bean by adding all the nutrients, but I don’t think you’re going to get the same effect.”
Registered dietician Joel Ramdial, who was not involved with this study, is the director of nutrition at Southeast Missouri State University’s department of sport sciences. He told BI that beans are one of the most dense and varied sources of dietary fiber you can find, making them a great ingredient to mix into your next meal.
“You can blend them up and mix them into things, you can roast,” he said. “You can put them in soups, you can mix them into sauces.”
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In order to make it easier on research participants to include a cup of chickpeas per day in their diets, Edirisinghe and his team equipped their study volunteers with canned chickpeas, a measuring cup, and several easy recipes.
Here are 5 chickpea recipes scientists recommend to lower cholesterol:
Cool ranch chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas are an easy, healthy snack.
Courtesy of Indika Edirisinghe.
Ingredients:
2 15 oz. cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp. of ranch seasoning
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400F
Dry chickpeas well with paper towels
Spread onto a large baking sheet in an even layer
Bake until golden and crisp, 30 minutes
In a large bowl, toss the hot chickpeas with oil and seasoning
Spread out onto the baking sheet and bake for five more minutes
Remove from the oven. Chickpeas will continue to crisp as they cool.
Tomato cucumber feta salad with chickpeas
Mixing chickpeas with fresh veggies and cheese crams a lot of different macronutrients into one meal.
Courtesy of Indika Edirisinghe.
Ingredients:
1 15 oz. can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 large cucumber, chopped
1 pint of cherry tomatoes, preferably multi-colored, halved
1/2 white onion, chopped
1/2 cup of feta cheese
1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp. of red wine vinegar
Salt
Pepper
2 tbsp. of fresh cilantro, chopped
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, tomato, chickpeas, and onion
In a small bowl, whisk together the oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Add to the large bowl and toss to combine.
Top with feta and cilantro
Honey sesame chickpeas
This meal only takes about 20 minutes to make.
Courtesy of Indika Edirisinghe.
Ingredients:
1 15 oz. can of chickpeas
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 cup of honey
1/3 cup of soy sauce
2 tbsp. of toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp. of rice wine vinegar
2 tbsp. of vegetable oil
1/4 tsp. of crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp. of fresh grated ginger
Cooked rice, for serving
Sesame seeds and sliced scallions, for garnish
Directions:
Put the diced onion, minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, vegetable oil, red pepper flakes and ginger in a medium saucepan.
Add some water and bring to a boil
Reduce to simmer and cook for five to 10 minutes, until slightly thick
Add the chickpeas and return to a boil
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, until chickpeas are coated and sauce is thick
Serve over cooked rice, and garnish with the sesame seeds and sliced scallions, if desired
Chickpeas with leeks and lemon
A fresh and vibrant meal for summertime, with lemon zest and rosemary.
Courtesy of Indika Edirisinghe.
Ingredients:
2 cups of chickpeas
4 leeks
1/2 lemon
1 branch of fresh rosemary
1 clove of garlic
1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
Salt
Directions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil, garlic, and rosemary over medium heat
Once the garlic turns fragrant and the rosemary starts to sizzle, remove the rosemary and set it aside
Add the leeks to the pan, along with a good pinch of salt
Cook, stirring often, until the leeks are soft and sweet but still green, around five to eight minutes
Add in the chickpeas, and continue to cook, turning the beans in the oil, for five more minutes. The chickpeas should darken slightly in color.
Using a microplane or zester, add a few scrapes of lemon zest into the pan, plus a squeeze of lemon juice
Stir to combine
Season to taste with lemon juice, zest, or salt as needed
Roasted chickpea gyros
A quick meal for busy days.
Courtesy of Indika Edirisinghe.
Ingredients:
1 15 oz. can of chickpeas
4 pita flatbreads
1 cup of tzatziki sauce
2 lettuce leaves, roughly chopped
1 tomato, sliced
1/4 red onion, cut into strips
1 tbsp. of olive oil
1 tbsp. of paprika
1 tsp of black pepper
1/4 tsp of salt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400F
Pat the chickpeas dry with paper towels, removing any skins that come off
In a large bowl, gently toss the chickpeas with the oil, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt
Spread the chickpeas onto a greased, rimmed baking sheet and roast for roughly 20 minutes, until lightly brown but not hard
Spread tzatziki on one side of the pita bread, then sprinkle in 1/4 of the chickpeas, and add your veggies
Crugnola’s plan to record a hat-trick of wins at the asphalt rally was boosted after the Pirelli-shod Citroën C3 Rally2 driver issued a timely response to double ERC champion Giandomenico Basso, to take a 2.5sec lead into the final three stages.
Crugnola started the day with a 3.3sec margin but his lead was whittled away after the morning’s first stage SS8 (Guarcino – Altipiani 1 – 11.58 km). The Italian could only set the sixth fastest time as Basso reduced the deficit to 2.7sec.
Two-time European champion Basso continued to charge in SS9, a 30.59km run through Canterano – Subiaco. The Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 driver set a stunning stage winning time, 2.9sec faster than Crugnola, which was enough to snatch the rally lead away from the Citroën driver by 0.2sec.
However, Crugnola bounced back in SS10 Jenne – Monastero to win the stage, posting a time 2.7sec faster than Basso.
“I think this fight is going to last until the last stage. Since yesterday morning we have been so close through the rally. We just need to keep going and that’s it,” said Crugnola.
Basso added: “There is no margin for error, you have to be precise but I made some little mistakes with my pacenotes.”
Meanwhile, FIA ERC points leader Miko Marczyk managed to hold onto third, although his Michelin-equipped Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 is only 1.1sec ahead of title rival Andrea Mabellini after the latter took 2.2sec from Marczyk in SS10.
“This one was tough for us. It was a typical Italian road, I think we made big progress from last year where we were losing one second per kilometre, but for such a short stage it is too big a loss. We will fight until the end,” said Marczyk.
Mabellini’s impressive time arrived despite a moment at the first corner but the Italian managed to recover, and is now setting his sights on the podium
“We had a big moment in the very first corner. It is not so bad just 0.7s off the fastest time, but it is incredible that we are playing with tenths all of the time,” said Mabellini.
“I need to prepare really well for the stages this afternoon because it is going to be crucial. There is still a battle on with many competitors split by a few tenths, so every centimetre counts now.”
Marczyk managed to hold onto third from a charging Mabellini
WRC2 Sardegna winner Roberto Dapra was fortunate to survive clipping a wall in SS9 to hold onto fifth, before posting the second fastest time on SS10 to sit 21.3sec from the lead.
Further down the order, the leaderboard underwent a shake up. Simone Campedelli slotted into sixth, helped by an impressive fastest time on SS8, a stage he claimed last year.
Another driver on the move was 2022 ERC champion Efrén Llarena who enjoyed a strong morning too rise from ninth to as high as sixth, before slipping to seventh. The Spaniard set the fourth fastest times on SS8 and SS9 as he continued to gel with his new Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.
For Mads Østberg, it was a difficult morning as the Norwegian former WRC star dropped to ninth behind Friday night’s leader Boštjan Avbelj, while Dominik Stříteský, rounded out the top 10.
“I’m just struggling a bit to find the rhythm. We tried now to reset and change everything and we did some changes, so it feels better but it is very different. We are mainly working on the suspension to find the correct balance,” said Østberg.
Simone Tempestini’s rally ended prematurely when the Romanian was forced to retire from 11th position after his Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 suffered radiator damage from an impact in SS8.
Marco Signor inherited the position ahead of Norbert Herczig. M-Sport-Ford World Rally Team’s Jon Armstrong continued to struggle with the balance of his Ford Fiesta. Armstrong was forced to reverse in SS9 after a half spin at a tight hairpin, but ended up the morning with an impressive run to third fastest on SS10.
Armstrong was fighting for balance in his Fiesta for much of the morning
“I just can’t push at all. I’m a long way from where I need to be that is for sure. I will just try to get through the rest of the day. I don’t know if we can improve too much now we have tried a lot of things,” said Armstrong after SS9.
The top 15 was completed by Italy’s Fabio Andolfi (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) and ERC Staff House Rally Hungary winner Roope Korhonen making his first asphalt start for Team MRF Tyres.
Max McRae and Simon Wagner were non-starters following their retirements on leg one. McRae, who was driving his Citroën C3 Rally2 on Tarmac in the ERC for the first time, rolled on SS6, while Wagner stopped on SS3 with a connector issue having gone equal eighth quickest through Saturday’s opening test.
In the Master ERC battle, Basso is in command by 3minutes 42.1sec from Antonio Rusce. Tymek Abramowski inherited the FIA ERC3 lead after Tristan Charpentier hit trouble in SS9. Hubert Kowalczyk is second, 1minute 56.3sec behind, with Casey Jay Coleman in third. Opel Corsa-driving Calle Carlberg heads Jaspar Vaher (Lancia Ypsilon Rally4 HF) in FIA ERC4 and FIA Junior ERC, while Ireland’s Craig Rahill is 0.2sec behind in third (Peugeot 208 Rally4).
The crews will repeat the loop of stage this afternoon, with the final Jenne – Monastero Power Stage due to begin at 1705 local time.
Plan-S, which develops new generation satellite and space technologies, started to provide services in Azerbaijan with a team of satellites on 5 July, 2025. (AA Photo)
July 06, 2025 01:19 PM GMT+03:00
Türkiye’s satellite technology company Plan-S has launched a new phase of digital cooperation with Azerbaijan, successfully integrating its Connecta IoT Network with systems developed by Azerbaijani tech firm Elsmart, using data relayed via Plan-S’s satellite constellation.
The initiative, carried out in collaboration with Azercosmos, Azerbaijan’s national space agency and satellite operator, marks a key milestone in delivering reliable, low-energy, and cost-effective IoT connectivity, especially in rural areas with limited terrestrial infrastructure.
Satellite systems developed by Turkish technology company Plan-S on 24 June, 2025. (AA Photo)
IoT data transmission enabled via satellite
As part of the integration, sensor data collected by Elsmart was transmitted through the Connecta IoT Network satellite infrastructure. Field tests confirmed the system’s operational reliability.
Elsmart, known for its locally developed smart home and automation technologies, contributes to Azerbaijan’s digitalization efforts across areas such as smart cities, energy monitoring, and building security.
The integration highlights how satellite-powered IoT systems can support critical sectors—including agriculture, energy, and environmental monitoring—even in hard-to-reach regions.
Plan-S, which develops new generation satellite and space technologies, started to provide services in Azerbaijan with a team of satellites on 5 July, 2025. (AA Photo)
Plan-S expands global coverage with more satellites
Plan-S recently launched four additional Connecta IoT Network satellites, bringing its total to 12. The company aims to reduce data latency, increase coverage, and scale its global IoT capabilities.
The new satellites feature a higher percentage of domestically produced components, aligning with Türkiye’s national technology and sustainability goals.
The Azerbaijan integration is among the first international field applications of the expanding network.
More to Read
Executive statement on regional technology cooperation
This work we carried out together with Azercosmos and Elsmart is not only a technical success; it is also a very important step in terms of technology transfer and digital inclusivity. With satellite-based solutions, the geographical boundaries of digital transformation are eliminated,” said Plan-S CEO Ozdemir Gumusay.
“We will continue to expand our satellite constellation, service network, and capacity in our future work. In this way, we are determined to carry our strong ties with friendly and brotherly countries like Azerbaijan to the technology field through the collaborations we will implement,” Gumusay added.
The completed integration paves the way for expanded use of the Connecta IoT Network across Azerbaijan. Demonstration and pilot projects are planned to support widespread adoption.
Data transmitted from space is expected to enhance decision-making processes and operational efficiency in both the public and private sectors.
If there’s one thing my 20-plus years of writing about AV tech have taught me, it’s there’s no such thing as the perfect product.
Whether it’s wireless earbuds, music streamers or flatscreen TVs, there’s always room for improvement, even in the very best five-star performers.
And the world of Dolby Atmos soundbars is no different. It’s a category that has exploded in recent years as support for the audio format has gained momentum, thanks to its ability to add an extra dimension to traditional surround sound.
But what if I had a blank sheet of paper and could create the perfect Dolby Atmos soundbar, combining the best bits from models we’ve had through the What Hi-Fi? Test rooms?
Below, I’ve attempted just that. My aim? To try and build a bar that delivers a bit of everything in your hunt for convenience and amazing, immersive sound quality.
What would you like to see in your ultimate Dolby Atmos soundbar? Let me know in the comments below.
JBL’s flexibility
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
Part of the selling point of a soundbar is the convenience. Many people want to improve their TV’s audio but haven’t got the space for a traditional full-blown surround sound set-up and all the big boxes and reams of cabling that it entails.
The latest hi-fi, home cinema and tech news, reviews, buying advice and deals, direct to your inbox.
This hasn’t stopped the emergence, though, of what we’d call soundbar systems. These halfway house packages include surround speakers, such as the Samsung HW-Q990D.
But even this solution still leaves you with extra boxes cluttering up your living room and, in many cases, these boxes (specifically rear surround speakers) require a power cable running to them.
However, JBL has come up with a genius solution which I would love to see more manufacturers implement. The unique feature of the JBL Bar 1300 is that it has speakers at either end of the soundbar, which, when detached, turn into wireless surrounds.
Not only this, they can be used as portable Bluetooth speakers, which gives you an immense amount of flexibility and added value.
The wireless surrounds even have an upfiring driver, which helps with the dispersion of effects at the rear of your viewing position.
Worried about them running out of steam before the end of your LOTR movie marathon? Battery life of around 12 hours should put your mind at rest (and should even cover you for the extended editions of the Rings trilogy).
Sonos’ precision
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
The Sonos Arc Ultra is arguably the best Dolby Atmos soundbar you can buy if you’re looking at all-round performance for the money. And a huge chunk of its appeal comes from the sound quality it spits out.
In particular, it delivers some of the most precise placement of dialogue, Dolby Atmos effects and bass that we’ve experienced from a standalone soundbar.
In our Sonos Arc review, we noted that the “increased precision helps keep everything organised both rhythmically and spatially”. It’s a dab hand at extracting a real sense of atmosphere from any soundtrack it’s asked to handle.
Lower down the frequency range, we noted that “bass notes hit with greater force and stop more precisely, and they’re tuneful in a way that makes the bass from the original Arc sound somewhat leaden and one-dimensional”.
Partly responsible for this awesome audio are the bar’s Sound Motion drivers. These clever units have four smaller, lightweight motors in opposing corners, which push the cone more than the single motor you find in most traditional drivers.
These motors push the cone to shift far more air and produce far more bass. But the extra agility in the low-frequency performance also makes the Arc Ultra even more musical than its close rivals.
Sony’s scale
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi? / Netflix / Drive To Survive)
No Dolby Atmos soundbar we’ve tested does room-filling sound quite like the Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9.
While it’s not difficult for a good soundbar to bring an improvement to your TV’s sound, it can be difficult for a soundbar to truly fill your living room and deliver a proper home cinema experience with enough of a sense of scale to make the bar just blend into the background.
Step forward the Bravia Theatre Bar 9. It features 13 drivers and quad passive radiators with the array designed to create a ‘bubble of sound’ in your room using Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping.
This extra processing creates phantom speakers in places where physical speakers don’t exist, and the effects are fantastic.
Sony also uses its Sound Field Optimisation processing to get the soundbar performing optimally for your particular room layout and viewing conditions.
In our Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 review, we said it “puts in arguably the most Atmos-y delivery we’ve heard from a solo soundbar”. We also remarked that it “pushes sound far out to the left and right, a long way into the room and right up to the ceiling” – which is exactly what you want from a soundbar.
The last thing you need to hear is gaps in the sound field, and the Sony is an expert at filling these in.
Samsung’s bass
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
If there’s one area where soundbars can struggle, it’s in the bass department.
Given the laws of physics and the slim dimensions of many soundbars, it probably doesn’t come as much of a surprise that, generally, they can’t unleash a lot of low frequency heft.
But even when a subwoofer is added, the integration between bar and bass box isn’t always perfect and can make the sound more disjointed. The quality of bass can be sub-par too, with explosions and rumbles sounding thick, wallowy and ill-defined.
Which is why I’d take the bass performance from the recently tested Samsung HW-Q990F.
This soundbar package includes a cool cube subwoofer that not only hits hard with plenty of power behind it but also sounds controlled and dynamic, and paints low frequencies with the kind of tonal texture you rarely hear from such systems.
In our Samsung HW-Q990F review, we said bass sounds “organic, balanced, and seamlessly integrated into the system”, which is a tricky thing to accomplish.
Nakamichi’s features
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
The Nakamichi Dragon 11.4.6 might not have blown us away in the sound department, but there are a few features I’m drawn to that seem to make sense for a Dolby Atmos soundbar.
Take the satellite speakers. Each unit features two drivers pointing in different directions so that they can serve as surround or surround-back speakers.
Not only this, each one has an upward-firing driver on top that can be rotated to five pre-set positions to angle the overhead sound towards your seating position.
Other soundbars could learn from the Nakamichi’s wired connectivity and excellent choice of inputs too. These include an HDMI eARC socket plus three full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 connections that support 4K up to 120Hz, or 8K up to 60Hz, as well as VRR and ALLM.
The Dragon 11.4.6 also supports HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision HDR through those HDMI passthrough ports. All Dolby formats are supported, as is DTS:X Pro, which is a rarity in the world of soundbars.
Oh, and did I mention this bonkers bar even has a concierge service, which you can use if you’re having any technical difficulties?
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