What’s most surprising is that, having been unveiled and put on sale, the WiiM Ultra is actually even less than the cheapest option on that list. Can you imagine Apple ever asking what a reasonable price for its latest iPad Pro might be? Us neither. 

You get plenty of streamer for your money, too. The Mac Mini-esque aluminium chassis bears a 3.5in touchscreen, which can be used to just display things like artwork or to control playback and tweak settings, and a physical volume dial, adding a touch of the tactile to your digital music delivery.

There’s Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 inside, with two antennas for solid streaming from Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast, but it also has a pre-amp built-in, so you can use the wealth of ports round the back to connect other sources, from turntables to TVs. You get line-in and phono-in, optical and HDMI ARC, but there’s also a subwoofer socket, USB for adding storage, and a 3.5mm output that’s connected to a dedicated headphone amp. 

The WiiM Ultra uses an ES9038 Q2M SABRE DAC, which means hi-res files at up to 192kHz/24-bit are on the playback menu, with tech to automatically tweak the sound based on the sonic characteristics of the room you use it in. 

You get all of this for just £339 – a tenner less than the lowest price proposed by WiiM before launch. Bargain.

• Read more: Spotify Supremium explained – when will the long-awaited hi-res streaming upgrade appear?

Note, if you’re looking for something a little more lightweight – you can also get fitness trackers for children. These can be found in our best fitness trackers for kids guide.

There’s a growing amount of smartwatches out there now that are built specifically for the wrists of children of all ages but there are some good and not-so-good ones. We’ve picked out the best smartwatches for kids that we think are worth considering. So whether you don’t want to dish out a smartphone just yet or you like the idea of some of the safety features that these wearables offer, these are the top children’s smartwatches to take a look at.

What’s the best smartwatch for kids?

We think the Spacetalk Adventurer (buy now) is the best smartwatch for kids. The Adventurer offers a good mix of safety and fun smarts to make it appealing to both kids and parents as well.

Other kids smartwatch recommendations

The best kids’ smartwatches you can buy today:

1. Spacetalk Adventurer

The Spacetalk Adventurer is our favourite full-featured kids’ smartwatch. It can handle taking calls, help parents know their child is safe and there are some smarts to have fun with too.

All of those features are packed into a design that offers some resistance against water with the OLED touchscreen display firmed up with some Gorilla Glass to give it an extra layer of protection. We think it feels pretty well made.

For parents, it can be used as a GPS tracker to monitor the location of the wearer along with creating safe zones they can stay inside of, with 4G connectivity and the ability to send text messages also supported.

For the kids, there’s a 5-megapixel camera to snap pics with, a heart rate monitor and a step counter to keep active, plus a school mode that strips back those features so they can only be distracted by checking in on the time.

2. NickWatch

NickWatch, from everyone’s favourite kids’ brand Nickelodeon, has all the features you’d expect of a connected kids’ smartwatch, including GPS tracking, two-way messaging, calling, and a camera. But, we love about the NickWatch is that it’s plastered with Nickelodeon characters and colourful icons throughout the whole operating system.

Beloved characters such as Spongebob Squarepants, The Loud House and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles star in regularly updated games and promote creativity, independence and physical activity. This, we think, is an amazing feature that will make children actually want to wear the watch.

NickWatch comes equipped with a USB-C cable for charging and two easily changeable velcro watch bands: the grey Simple Strap and the Snazzy Strap printed with Nickelodeon characters. 

3. Vtech Kidizoom Smart Watch D

Vtech’s smartwatch sits at the more fun end of the kids’ watch spectrum and is aimed at users aged 4-12 and comes in your pick of just pink or blue case looks.

That case is only splashproof, so not fit to go for a dip in the water but does host a good-sized, 1.44-inch LCD display that is the touchscreen kind little fingers can prod at.

The fun stuff includes a dual camera to drop effects onto images and videos, playing augmented reality games and being able to personalise watch faces. There’s even some onboard memory for a voice recorder feature.

We are disappointed it lacks big safety features found on other smartwatches but does include the ability to track daily activity if that’s something that’s important to you. Ultimately though, this is a smartwatch that’s a good pick for much younger users who want something on their wrist that has a more playful feel.

4. Apple Watch SE

The Apple Watch SE is primarily designed for adults, but with the addition of Apple’s new Family Setup feature, we think it’s one that can feasibly work for older kids too as opposed to the ones that are still running rings around you.

Using that Family Setup means an adult can let their child use the Watch to receive notifications, make calls and share location, putting some of its typical features off limits in the process.

If you’re worried they might go on an App Store spending spree you can set it up so you have approval on app and game purchases and when they wander to school with it you can set up the Schooltime mode to stop them from being pestered by notifications until they’re out of the school gates at the end of the day.

So they get one of the best smartwatches available and you can keep in control of the big Watch features they’re using and when they’re using them.

5. Xplora X6 Play

Another kids smartwatch that aims to offer plenty of grown-up smartwatch features along with one’s parents can put to good use from afar, the R1 is equipped with 4G/LTE connectivity to handle calls and uses that onboard connectivity along with GPS to locate the position of the wearer and includes a class mode to turn off distracting features.

We like the raised edge design to help protect the display from damage, has a splashproof as opposed to a swim-friendly design and does let you change the straps if they start to get a bit grubby.

You can snap pictures with a 2-megapixel camera, pile on up to 500 songs to turn it into a music player and include fitness tracker smarts to help make sure your little ones are not sitting staring at a screen for most of the day. It’s a good-looking kids’ smartwatch with plenty of strong features that inevitably push the price up.

How to buy the best smartwatch for your child

When buying a smartwatch for your child there are several things you’ll want to keep in mind to ensure it’s a suitable and safe choice.

The first and most important thing you want to think about is what age the smartwatch is designed for. Different watches cater to various age groups, with some designed for younger kids with simpler features and others better suited for older children with more advanced capabilities. We’ve included a range to suit all age groups in this list.

Of course, when it comes to children, safety and privacy are paramount. You’ll want to get a smartwatch that prioritises these aspects, ensuring that any data collected is encrypted and stored securely. Robust security measures are crucial to safeguard your child’s information.

While we’re on the topic of privacy, you’ll also want to consider whether the smartwatch you get includes GPS. The inclusion of GPS tracking is useful for parents to locate and keep a digital eye on their children. However, it can also be seen as an invasion of privacy. If you do opt for a watch with GPS, ensure that the tracking features are accurate and reliable.

You’ll also want some form of parental control on the smartwatch. Look for devices that allow you to manage settings, contacts, and other functionalities remotely.

Most kids’ smartwatches also have some form of activity tracking, allowing you to keep an eye on their activity levels and encouraging them to be more active. Smartwatches offer extended capabilities, such as calling and messaging, games, educational apps, and even cameras. If you’re only interested in fitness tracking, then you could consider one of the best fitness trackers for kids instead.

You’ll want the smartwatch to be durable, as many children have active lifestyles (and aren’t very careful when it comes to tech). Durability is key here, opt for a smartwatch that is built to endure rough handling, and has some form of water resistance.

As with all technology, battery life is another essential aspect. The smartwatch should ideally last a few days without needing recharging.

Of course, as children will be using these, ease of use is essential. You’ll want a smartwatch with a user-friendly interface that ensures your child can use the watch’s features without any assistance.

Finally, it’s crucial that the watch is comfortable to wear and fits well, otherwise, your child won’t want to wear it.

Oh, and if you’re shopping for an adult, don’t forget to check out our lists of the best smartwatch overall as well as the best GPS watches.

What age should a child get a smartwatch?

Like many things when it comes to raising children, determining the right age for a child to have a smartwatch depends on several factors. You have to take maturity, features, and parental goals into account. Typically, ages 5-7 might benefit from basic safety features like GPS tracking. Ages 8-10 can handle more functions with parental guidance. Pre-teens aged 11-13 can use more advanced features responsibly.

Consider the child’s maturity level and level of parental supervision when introducing a smartwatch. Younger children need more oversight. Start with basic models and gradually introduce more features. Set clear rules on usage and privacy and regularly monitor their activities.

Ultimately, there’s no definitive age, starting with simpler models and progressing to more complex ones as children mature and demonstrate responsibility is a sensible approach.

While the shape of the Meridian Ellipse might not come as a surprise, then, its audio capabilities might. Despite only being about the size of a shoebox, Meridian has found space inside for a pair of 90mm wide-range drivers and a suitably oval-shaped subwoofer, each with a dedicated chunk of the 80W total amplification.

There’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth onboard, with support for AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify and Tidal Connect, but unusually for a wireless speaker of this size there’s also plenty of ports positioned neatly on the back, including ethernet, USB-C (which enables playback of hi-res tunes at up to 24-bit/192kHz), 3.5mm and, with a little help from a dongle, digital optical. You also get a set of illuminated touch controls on the top, which allow you to stop, start and skip tracks, and adjust the volume, plus there’s a hidden NFC chip for easily pairing your phone.

It all runs on Meridian’s R2 platform, which includes the same signal enhancements found inside its £60,000 DSP9 active floorstanding speakers. If you buy a pair of those you can choose any colour of the rainbow (and pick between matt, satin and gloss finishes), but the Ellipse only comes in black.

Just make sure you don’t look at it from the top, because then you’ll realise it’s actually the shape of a purple Quality Street and Meridian will have to come up with a new name.

The Meridian Ellipse is available to buy now and will set you back a pretty hefty £1900.

• Read more: Best wireless speakers 2024 – music and radio via Wi-Fi

But what exactly is an AI PC? What can it do, what hardware powers them, and how can you get your hands on one? Here’s everything you need to know about the newest laptop category.

• Read more: Best lightweight laptop 2024: for work, gaming, and streaming

So what actually is an AI PC?

Imagine a personal computer on steroids. One that’s custom-built to tackle AI and machine learning tasks like a seasoned pro. That’s an AI PC for you. It’s engineered to give those intense number-crunching, data-analysing AI workloads a significant boost. Think of it as a beefed up version of your everyday PC. It’s geared up with the latest in hardware and software to manage everything from generating AI art with programs like Stable Diffusion to running sophisticated AI-driven applications and simulations.

These machines are lot more than just flashy features, though. At its core, an AI PC is designed with a power-packed combination of CPUs and GPUs for multitasking prowess, along with ample RAM and fast storage. But the real magic ingredient is the NPU (Neural Processing Unit), a dedicated processor meant to supercharge AI tasks.

Intel and Microsoft have teamed up to set the standard for AI PCs. They stipulate that these machines must include a CPU, GPU, and NPU. They’ve also introduced a physical Microsoft Copilot key on the keyboard, allowing users to run Copilot locally without needing an internet connection. This setup not only speeds up AI task execution but also enhances security by keeping sensitive data local.

What can you do with one?

The possibilities with an AI PC are as vast as they are exciting. For starters, you can use it to run generative AI programs like Stable Diffusion, which create stunning visuals based on your prompts. Fancy a chat with an intelligent assistant? Local language models will have you covered, providing smarter and quicker responses without needing to ping a cloud server.

For data scientists and analysts, an AI PC is a dream come true. It can offer robust performance for comprehensive data analysis, model training, and running complex simulations. Developers can train AI models more efficiently, while creative professionals can benefit from AI-driven applications for tasks like video editing, background blurring during calls, and even generating content.

But I think the most exciting part of an AI PC is what it can’t do yet. Stay with me here. These machines are being built with the most cutting edge processors for AI. They’re capable of running AI programs that we don’t have yet because they’re still being built. While you may only see a few AI apps you want to run today, this number is only going to increase.

The hardware behind AI PCs

An AI PC isn’t just any regular PC with a fancy label. The hardware is meticulously chosen to cater to the high demands of AI workloads. Let’s break it down:

• CPU (Central Processing Unit): The brain of the PC, handling general-purpose tasks and coordinating the activities of other components.
• GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): Originally designed for rendering graphics, the GPU is adept at parallel processing, making it perfect for handling the heavy lifting in AI tasks.
• NPU (Neural Processing Unit): The star of the show, designed specifically for AI workloads. While GPUs can handle AI tasks, NPUs do it more efficiently and with less power consumption.
• RAM (Random Access Memory): Ensures smooth multitasking and quick access to data.
• Storage: High-speed SSDs (Solid State Drives) provide the necessary speed for loading and saving large datasets quickly.

Intel and AMD are both major players in this space, with Intel’s Core Ultra and AMD’s Ryzen 8000G series featuring built-in NPUs. Qualcomm is another big hitter, with the new Arm-based Snapdragon X Series. These processors bring AI acceleration to the forefront, enhancing everything from video calls to multi-tasking with AI-boosted software.

• Related: Best AI phones 2024: which smartphone has the best AI features?

The watch has been created to celebrate Inter Milan’s second star and uses the team’s signature colours: blue and black.

• Best smartwatch: Apple and Android smartwatches reviewed

For those that don’t follow Italian football, in Serie A, a team earns a star to be permanently affixed to its jersey for every 10 titles won. Inter Milan, after an excellent season and with five matches still to be played, became Italian Champions, winning their 20th Scudetto and earning their Second Star. 

The dial features the logo of Inter at six o’clock, along with the two stars they’ve earned, printed in gilt.

An ombré gradient pattern, fading from blue in the centre to black in the periphery, adds a striking visual effect to this exclusive dial.

In terms of the case and bracelet, you’re getting the standard Black Bay 58 – an excellent 39mm steel case which is water resistant to 200 metres.

Inside is the Manufacture Calibre MT5402 (COSC), a self-winding mechanical movement with a power reserve of approximately 70 hours.

This new Black Bay 58 will be proudly worn by the players of Inter Milan and is limited to 1908 numbered pieces. It will be available at the Tudor Boutique in Milan and Rome as well as all Tudor points of sale throughout Italy.

If you’re in the UK and want to get your hands on one of these watches, you should contact your local Tudor retailer as an undisclosed number has been allocated to the UK market.

If you prefer cycling to football, then I suggest you check out the Tudor Pelagos FXD Chrono Cycling Edition – a high-performance watch with a carbon composite case.

• Read more: Best outdoor security camera 2024: wireless cams for home

While we didn’t review Ezviz’s original C8C security camera ourselves, the online consensus seems to be that it struggled with close-up details. Now, the C8C offers 3K resolution, which is quite the upgrade from the old 2MP model. This means clearer, sharper images that’ll help you spot the smallest details. Whether it’s that stray cat that’s knocking over your bins or the postie sneaking around your garden. In fact, Ezviz reckons the camera can identify a car’s number plate – it can catch those zoomed in details.

Now, this camera doesn’t just sit there looking pretty. It offers 360° panoramic coverage and AI-powered detection. The AI smarts can distinguish between humans and vehicles, so no more false alarms. When it spots someone, it auto-zooms to keep track of their every move. It has night vision, but not just any night vision. This is full-colour night vision up to 20 metres and black-and-white up to 30 metres. This means you’ll get clear, vivid images even in the dead of night. And if an intruder dares to come close, the C8C 5MP will set off a siren and flash its spotlights to send them scurrying.

Control is a breeze with the Ezviz app. You can see, hear, and talk to anyone who wanders into view thanks to the two-way talk feature. Plus, you can manoeuvre this pan and tilt security camera to cover every nook and cranny of your property and set up to 12 customisable detection zones. This camera is built to withstand the elements, with a durable, weather-proof design. Whether it’s rain, snow, or the blistering sun, the C8C won’t bat an eyelid.

Dual antennas ensure a solid Wi-Fi connection, offering up to 220m coverage. Prefer to go wired? It’s got that option too. Storing footage is flexible – go for a local SD card up to 512GB to avoid subscription fees, or opt for Ezviz’s cloud option. And because we all love a bit of voice control, it’s compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can tell your smart assistant to show you the feed or turn off motion detection when you get home.

Fancy sticking this outdoor pan and tilt security camera on your gaff? The new Ezviz C8C is available on Amazon for £85. But it’s currently discounted to £70 for the launch. Considering the tech and features packed into this camera, it’s a steal.

• Related: Best smart home devices 2024: time to upgrade your home

• Read more: Which streaming stick should you buy? The best streaming devices – reviewed

Google’s latest Android update for Google TV includes a nifty new feature that promises to make the eternal hunt for the TV remote a thing of the past. Unveiled at last week’s Google I/O conference, the Android 14 for TV beta reveals a Find my Remote feature that’s set to save us all from the sofa cushion shuffle.

According to Android Authority, the beta release uncovered that a button on your Google TV can now trigger a 30-second beeping session on your remote. This auditory beacon is a lifesaver if your remote has mysteriously migrated to the depths of your living room. To stop the sound, you can simply press any button on the remote (once you’ve found it).

AFTVNews also stumbled upon the same functionality on Walmart’s Onn Google TV 4K Pro streaming box. The Onn box sports a dedicated button to activate the remote’s beeping and a helpful LED flash. There’s a toggle to enable or disable the feature. Plus, you get a handy test button to ensure everything’s working as it should.

Thanks to the beta software, we can assume the Find my Remote feature is not exclusive to Walmart’s Onn box. Rather, it’s a broader update coming to all Google TV users with the Android 14 update. However, don’t expect your ancient remotes to join in the fun – they’ll need a built-in speaker to sound off. We’re still waiting on Google to confirm when this update will roll out and which models will be supported.

• Related: What is Google Chromecast, and how does it work?

• Read more: Best AI phones: which smartphone has the best AI features?

Google Photos is doling out this treasure trove of AI photo editing tools, previously the exclusive playground of Pixel phone aficionados and those willing to shell out for a Google One subscription. Now, they’re flinging open the doors to everyone in a free update.

At the heart of this suite of photo editing tools is Magic Editor, an AI wizard that can transform your dreary holiday snaps into envy-inducing masterpieces. It can tweak a grey sky to a vivid blue, give photobombers the boot, and even reposition your sulking teenager to centre stage, all with a few taps. This kind of magic used to require a wand named Photoshop and a hefty sprinkle of patience. Not anymore. The rest of the AI photo editing tools – including the crowd-pleasers like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and a bunch of other snazzy features are on the way as well. The crème de la crème, like the AI-powered Best Take, will remain reserved solely for the Pixel 8 series.

But before you start planning a photoshoot in your garden, there are a few hoops to jump through. This whole ensemble is currently rolling out, and older Pixel devices are up first. Don’t expect your ancient tech relics to suddenly become photo-editing powerhouses. There’s a minimum spec requirement. Chromebooks need to be running ChromeOS version 118+ with at least 3GB of RAM, while smartphones must be on Android 8 or higher, or iOS 15 or higher. Pixel tablets are joining the party too.

But there’s one more kicker for the rest of us with iOS and Android devices. You only get 10 Magic Editor saves a month. Want more? That’ll require opening your wallet for a Premium Google One plan.

• Related: The best photo editing apps for Android, iPhone and iPad

• Read more: Best Ring doorbell 2024: which one is best for your home?

The best Ring doorbell deal

Our top pick is the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen). It can be snapped up for £60 – that’s 40% off the usual £100 asking price.

For your cash, you’re getting a hardwired or plug-in video doorbell that can stream 1536p footage from your doorstep to any device with the app installed. You can also receive alerts when motion is detected and talk directly to doorstep callers. And because it’s powered by a rechargeable battery, it’s simple to install – although you’ll need a monthly Ring Protect subscription to make the most of its features.

You can also opt for the Ring Battery Video Doorbell Pro 2 and Chime bundle. At £160, it has a substantial 35% off – saving £90 over the £250 RRP if you bought them separately.

Save up to 62% on other Ring video doorbells

If you don’t need quite as much welly, the lower specced Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus and Chime are bundled together for £110. That’s a rather tasty £30 saving from the regular ticket of £140. It offers the same high-res camera, but drops some of the more premium features for a cheaper package.

Elsewhere, the Ring Intercom, is down to £60 – which is 40% off the regular price of £100. It lets you can hear whoever’s at the door from anywhere in the house. Security conscious customers should also check out the Ring Alarm 5 Piece Kit (2nd Generation). It usually retails for £220, but during Amazon’s Big Spring Sale can be had for £160 – that’s a 27% discount.

Other Ring deals

There’s no shortage of mega savings on Ring camera deals in the UK either. Don’t believe us? Check this lot out:

• Related: Ring’s latest smart security cameras offer peace of mind wherever you are

• Read more: Best Samsung Galaxy S24 deals and SIM-free prices including S24 Plus and Ultra

From today until 4 June, you can save money across the entire line-up of Samsung smartphones. That’s every device from the newest Galaxy S24, to the foldable phones, and even the cheaper A-series. There’s no promo code needed, you just order straight from the brand or other third-party retailers, including Amazon and Currys. This Samsung sale is pretty unprecedented, with every single device on offer. You can bag savings of up to £400! Here are all the deals to be had:

• Galaxy S24: was £799, now £499 – £300 off
• Galaxy S24+: was £999, now £699 – £300 off
• Galaxy S24 Ultra: was £1249, now £949 – £300 off
• Galaxy A25: was £249, now £169 – £80 off
• Galaxy A35: was £339, now £239 – £100
• Galaxy A55: was £439, now £289 – £150 off
• Galaxy Z Flip 5: was £1049, now £649 – £400 off
• Galaxy Z Fold 5: was £1749, now £1349 – £400 off

The Samsung Galaxy S24 rocks a 6.2-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, while the S24+ steps it up to 6.7 inches, both powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The S24 Ultra, the showstopper, packs a 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED display and a 200MP main camera.

Swinging over to the A-series, the Galaxy A25, A35, and A55 are your more budget-friendly options. The A25 offers a 6.5-inch HD+ display and a modest Exynos 1280 processor. The A35 improves on that with a 6.6-inch FHD+ display and better camera capabilities. But the A55 tops the series with a 6.7-inch FHD+ display, a more powerful Exynos 1380 processor, and a more robust camera system.

For those who love a bit of foldable flair, there’s the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Galaxy Z Fold 5. The Z Flip 5 features a 6.7-inch FHD+ foldable display, perfect for compact convenience, while the Z Fold 5 expands to a 7.6-inch QHD+ main display, offering tablet-like usability in a phone’s body​ (Samsung)​. Each of these devices caters to different needs, from high-end performance to innovative design and affordability.

• Related: Samsung Galaxy S24 vs S23: what’s the difference?