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Sony has announced a new portable Bluetooth speaker alongside its substantial new SRS-XV800 party speaker. The SRS-XB100 is a lightweight wireless model for music fans on the move, and it’s designed to bring better-than-average loudness through Sony’s use of a passive radiator.

Available in blue, orange, light gray, and black color options, the SRS-XB100 is priced at $59 (around £47 / AU$87), which puts it in the same price range as the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2, TechRadar’s current top budget pick in our best Bluetooth speakers guide. Like the Tribit, Sony’s portable is a lightweight option at 0.6 pounds, and it measures a mere 2.9(w) x 3.7(h) inches. Also like the Tribit, Sony includes a multiway strap, letting you lock the speaker to a backpack, bike handlebars, or whatever else is handy when you’re out and about.

Along with that passive radiator, Sony’s new portable packs a Sound Diffusion Processor that uses DSP to create a more expansive sound field, indoors or out, and it can be paired with a second SRS-XB100 for stereo playback. The speaker’s built-in microphone lets you make hands-free calls, and it has an Echo canceling feature that improves call clarity when both parties are speaking at the same time.

Sony says you can expect 16 hours of battery life from the SRS-XB100 when the speaker is set to a modest volume level. That’s enough to keep it playing all day long without a recharge – something you’ll do using its USB-C port – and it’s also a four-hour power advantage over the Tri-bit Stormbox Micro 2.

When out on an adventure, you’ll want for your portable speaker to be weather-resistant, and the SRS-XB100 manages that with its IP67 rating. That basically means Sony’s portable can withstand a dunking in a one meter depth of water for up to 30 minutes, and it’s also dustproof.

The Sony  SRS-XB100's color options (Image credit: Sony)

Opinion: Sony’s affordable portable – the new Bluetooth speaker price champ?

Summer is approaching (here in the US, at least), and we’re more than ready to get outdoors and soak up the sun. With its compact design and essentially weather-proof build, Sony’s new SRS-XB100 portable speaker looks like the perfect companion for a day-long outing, and with a 16-hour battery life, we won’t have to fret about it running out of juice.

As for sound quality, Sony is making strong claims for the SRS-XB100. Passive radiator or not, we don’t expect this compact speaker to be able to touch the rich, full sound delivered by the also-portable Sonos Move, the top choice for premium sound in our Bluetooth speakers guide. 

But the Sonos also connects via Wi-Fi and can be used as the outdoor option in an extended Sonos whole-home system, so it’s not an apt comparison. A better one would be the Sonos Roam, a significantly smaller and more lightweight model that Sonos designed for more wide-ranging portability. But the Roam is priced at $179 / £179 / AU$299, making it a pricey Bluetooth speaker option for most people, and its 10-hour battery life is just average. If Sony’s significantly cheaper SRS-XB100 can deliver even a slice of the Sonos’ sound quality while offering a basically weatherproof build and day-long battery life, it will be a formidable competitor for that model, let alone the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2.

There’s only one way to find out, and it will be to get our hands on an SRS-XB100. Sony’s new speaker is available for pre-order today and can be purchased starting on May 22, so it may not be long before we have a verdict.

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We've seen quite a flurry of leaks around the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 in recent weeks, and that's continued with some new images of a transparent case for the foldable phone, which show off the design tweaks that we're expecting for the foldable.

These images come from well-known tipster @UniverseIce (via SamMobile), and give us a good look at the cut out for the cover screen. As previously predicted, it's going to be larger this time around, and appears to be in a folder-like shape.

We can also see the cut outs for two cameras on the rear of the phone, and an LED flash. Meanwhile, the configuration of the case also indicates a USB-C charging port and a fingerprint sensor mounted in the power key at the side.

and pic.twitter.com/7MIr3M12ChMay 6, 2023

See more

Cases and colors

Another picture from the same source shows off the clear case from a different angle, and we also have images of what look like silicone cases for the Galaxy Z Flip 5 in a variety of colors – including white, yellow, blue, green, and gray.

Taken all together, these leaked shots show off the flat edges and the improved hinge on the upcoming flip phone. The design isn't going to change radically from the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, apart from that much larger cover display.

The details we can infer from these case pictures match up pretty well with what we've heard and seen so far about this phone. According to the latest rumors, both this handset and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 are going to launch at the end of July.

---

Analysis: a more useful Flip

Having a larger cover screen on the outside of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 has to be good news whichever way you look at it. As per previous rumors, the additional screen real estate will be used for a series of widgets developed by Samsung.

You may well be able to see weather information, upcoming calendar appointments, and battery levels for connected devices on the cover screen, for example. The screen will be interactive too of course, so you'll be able to swipe through various screens and bring up information (from incoming notifications, perhaps).

The cover screen on the Galaxy Z Flip 4 was useful too, for quick at-a-glance information, but there's only so much you can do with a titchy display – apparently this screen is going to increase in size from 1.9 inches to 3.4 inches, with a resolution increase from 260 x 512 pixels to 720 x 748 pixels as well.

In fact, if Samsung really makes a lot of this new and improved cover display, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 might end up stealing most of the limelight away from the Galaxy Z Fold 5 – but we're looking forward to seeing both of them unveiled in a couple of months.

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It's almost Google IO time again, and Google IO 2023 looks set to be the most significant of these events in years. We're expecting a host of announcements around Google hardware, software, and services, and we're counting down the days to Wednesday, May 10 and the show's main keynote presentation.

Google IO, like Apple's WWDC, is ostensibly for developers: Google announces the changes coming to its software, and coders can then go away to make apps that run on top of Android, or Wear OS, or Gmail.

In reality, Google IO has become a showcase for everything Google is doing, and for the wider world as well as for developers. This time around we're expecting lots of news on Google's Pixel products, its continuing development of artificial intelligence systems, and how Google's software platforms are going to evolve over the next year. Join us as we look forward to the biggest reveals to expect at Google IO 2023.

1. Google Pixel Fold

Google Pixel Fold as show by Google on Twitter (Image credit: Google)

This is the one that we're most sure about, because Google itself has announced that the Pixel Fold will be revealed on May 10. However, we don't currently know much more about the foldable, beyond what we can glean from the slick-looking eight-second video preview that Google has put out.

To the rumors then: the Google Pixel Fold is apparently going to feature a 7.69-inch main screen and a 5.79-inch cover display, and is said to be running the same Tensor G2 chipset as the Google Pixel 7 phones. It looks like we've got a triple-lens rear camera on the back, and pricing is reportedly going to start at $1,799 (about £1,425 / AU$2,660). 

That all sounds promising, and although we would have liked a cheaper price it's fair to say that there are plenty of reasons why the Pixel Fold could beat the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and potentially become the best foldable phone.

2. Google Pixel 7a

Leaked renders of the Pixel 7a (Image credit: OnLeaks / MySmartPrice)

At this stage it would be a real surprise if the Pixel 7a wasn't announced at Google IO 2023. The latest in Google's mid-range smartphone series is rumored to be bringing with it a Tensor G2 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. The 6.1-inch display, meanwhile, is apparently going to offer a 90Hz refresh rate.

That all adds up to performance that rivals the Pixel 7, if leaked benchmarks are to be believed, and price-wise we've heard unconfirmed reports that it'll cost $449 / £399 / AU$749. Remember that the Google Pixel 6a was announced at Google IO last year, so there's precedent for this reveal.

3. Android 14

Let's not forget the software, which is supposed to be the main reason everyone is gathering physically and virtually for Google IO 2023. Android 14 will be getting a lot of mentions during the course of the show, with features such as app cloning (for using two accounts on the same app) and passwordless logins expected to be on the way.

Android 14 isn't the only software platform that Google develops of course, and we should be hearing updates around Wear OS (with a space) and ChromeOS (without a space) too. What's more, Google IO is usually the place for announcements about new features in apps such as Gmail, Google Maps, Google Drive and more.

4. Google Pixel Watch 2

There haven't been too many rumors floating around about the Pixel Watch 2 lately, but considering that the original Pixel Watch was announced at Google IO 2022, we think there's a chance that a follow-up might get mentioned at this year's show.

One reliable source says that the Pixel Watch 2 will launch alongside the Pixel 8 in October, which again would match with last year's schedule – and Google may well want to create some buzz ahead of time. A faster processor on the inside and thinner bezels on the outside may well be involved.

5. Artificial intelligence

(Image credit: Gguy via Shutterstock)

You could say Google IO 2023 is a chance for the empire to strike back: the empire being Google and its long-standing innovation in and deployment of AI, and Microsoft being the usurpers. With the arrival of ChatGPT and Bing AI, it feels as though Google has been overtaken when it comes to artificial intelligence.

AI has been talked about at every previous IO of course, and is embedded into just about every Google product already, but expect some significant announcements on May 10. We're likely to get more AI smarts inside Google's apps, and most probably news of how Google Bard is being developed further.

6. Google Pixel Tablet

We've been waiting a long time for the Pixel Tablet (Image credit: Google)

It feels like we've been waiting for the Google Pixel Tablet for an absolute age – or more specifically, since it was first shown off at Google IO 2022. A year on, and it must be time (or nearly time) for Google to actually launch it and put it on sale, and it would make sense to do it at this year's IO get-together.

We know quite a bit about the tablet: it's going to double-up as a smart home hub, there's going to be an official speaker stand available for it, and it's going to be running the Tensor G2 chipset like the Pixel 7. What we don't know is the price, but the rumor is that it's going to cost around €600 (with a straight conversion that's $675 / £530 / AU$995).

7. Google AirTags

It's pretty rare now for Apple to have a product with no Google equivalent, but we're still waiting for Google to announce its own version of the Apple AirTag. Google IO 2023 could be the moment for that to happen, with an increasing number of rumors suggesting that Google is ready to unveil its own Bluetooth-enabled tracker.

Google and Apple have already teamed up to put anti-stalking measures into Android and iOS, so all we need now is the Google hardware. The new Google AirTags, as we're currently calling it, may well come under the Nest branding when it finally does appear, and Google may well launch a revamped interface for tracking all of your various gadgets at the same time. 

That's a pretty long list of potential announcements, then, and of course there's always the chance that Google throws a curveball into the mix. We'll have a team at Google IO 2023 to find out, and will keep you updated on all of the big news as it happens. Until then, make sure you know how to watch Google IO 2023 and cross your fingers that it's all as exciting as it promises to be.

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It's time for your daily dose of Quordle hints - now with added Daily Sequence answers! 

Yes, that's right: the makers of Quordle have a new game, which sees you complete four Wordle puzzles consecutively. The twist is that the letters you've already used on the first game are repeated on the second and so on. 

It's good fun, but also difficult - so if you already find yourself searching for Wordle hints, you'll probably need some for Quordle and the Daily Sequence too. 

I'm a Quordle and Wordle fanatic who's been playing since December 2021, so I can definitely help you solve Quordle today and improve your game for tomorrow. Read on for my Quordle hints to game #468 and the answers to the Daily Sequence. 

SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers. 

Quordle today (game #468) - hint #1 - Vowels

How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 3*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too). 

Quordle today (game #468) - hint #2 - total vowels

What is the total number of vowels in Quordle today?

• The total number of vowels across today's Quordle answers is 5.

Quordle today (game #468) - hint #3 - repeated letters

Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 3.

Quordle today (game #468) - hint #4 - total letters

How many different letters are used in Quordle today?

• The total number of different letters used in Quordle today is 10.

Quordle today (game #468) - hint #5 - uncommon letters

Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #468) - hint #6 - starting letters (1)

Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 2.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #468) - hint #7 - starting letters (2)

What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• T

• S

• B

• S

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

Quordle today (game #468) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #468, are…

• TOOTH
• SKULK
• BRISK
• SLOSH

In recent days I've found the (relatively) new Quordle Daily Sequence to be a lot harder than the standard Quordle we all know and love. But less so today. The main game served up a plethora of repeated letters, with two Ss in SLOSH, two Ks in SKULK and both double O and two Ts in TOOTH. 

On the flipside, the fact that there were again not many letters used (just 10, one more than in yesterday's Quordle) made things a bit easier than they would otherwise have been, and I managed to solve all four quadrants with one guess remaining.

The Daily Sequence, meanwhile, started with a slightly easier one than in the previous few days; where before we'd had the likes of TULLE and ENNUI we got MISER. The ER ending could have made it tricky, but I solved it in four guesses and had plenty spare to find the other three answers.   

How did you do today? Send me an email and let me know.

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Daily Sequence today (game #468) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #468, are…

• MISER
• TEETH
• WORTH
• HARRY

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Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #467, Saturday 6 May: SCALD, TABBY, STYLE, TEASE
• Quordle #466, Friday 5 May: LIMBO, REVUE, TOTEM, ELBOW
• Quordle #465, Thursday 4 May: BALER, SCORN, FETID, PASTE
• Quordle #464, Wednesday 3 May: GODLY, LAGER, STEEL, GROWL
• Quordle #463, Tuesday 2 May: CROSS, MOULT, STAIN, TATTY
• Quordle #462, Monday 1 May: ETHIC, ALIKE, BIRTH, SLAIN
• Quordle #461, Sunday 30 April: STOUT, GROUT, RALPH, RIGOR
• Quordle #460, Saturday 29 April: SCOUR, BLUSH, WHINE, ELIDE
• Quordle #459, Friday 28 April: TRITE, SLEEK, ALTAR, VOTER
• Quordle #458, Thursday 27 April: QUASI, PLUSH, CHUTE, SOAPY
• Quordle #457, Wednesday 26 April: PARKA, SPINY, BUSHY, CHAIR
• Quordle #456, Tuesday 25 April: CREST, SHRUB, CREDO, BELOW
• Quordle #455, Monday 24 April: DEUCE, BEAST, NOISY, YOUNG
• Quordle #454, Sunday 23 April: FALSE, LUSTY, EMPTY, FLESH
• Quordle #453, Saturday 22 April: LIMIT, IRONY, TERRA, ARBOR
• Quordle #452, Friday 21 April: WARTY, SEVER, KNAVE, PUBIC
• Quordle #451, Thursday 20 April: JELLY, PRONG, GLOBE, BLOOM
• Quordle #450, Wednesday 19 April: PURGE, OPINE, LILAC, CHEAP
• Quordle #449, Tuesday 18 April: MOLAR, PROBE, DRIER, BORNE
• Quordle #448, Monday 17 April: ASSAY, SLANT, NADIR, DENIM

Quordle FAQs: Everything you need to know

What is Quordle?

Where Wordle challenges you to guess a new five-letter word each day, Quordle presents you with four puzzles to solve. And rather than complete them in turn, you do so simultaneously. You get nine guesses, rather than the six for Wordle, but the rules are otherwise very similar. 

It's played online via the Quordle website and you can also get to it via the Merriam-Webster site, after the dictionary purchased Quordle last year. 

As with Wordle, the answers are the same for every player each day, meaning that you're competing against the rest of the world. And also as with Wordle, the puzzle resets at midnight so you have a fresh challenge each day.

The website also includes a practice mode - which I definitely recommend using before attempting the game proper! - and there are daily stats including a streak count. You also get Quordle Achievements - specific badges for winning a game in a certain number of turns, playing lots of times, or guessing particularly hard words.

Oh, and it's difficult. Really difficult.

What are the Quordle rules?

The rules of Quordle are almost identical to those of Wordle.

1. Letters that are in the answer and in the right place turn green.

2. Letters that are in the answer but in the wrong place turn yellow. 

3. Letters that are not in the answer turn gray…

4. …BUT the word you guess appears in all quadrants of the puzzle at the same time, so an A could turn green in one square, yellow in another and gray in the final two. 

5. Answers are never plural.

6. Letters can appear more than once. So if your guess includes two of one letter, they may both turn yellow, both turn green, or one could be yellow and the other green.

7. Each guess must be a valid word in Quordle's dictionary. You can't guess ABCDE, for instance.

8. You do not have to include correct letters in subsequent guesses and there is no equivalent of Wordle's Hard mode.

9. You have nine guesses to find the Quordle answers.

10. You must complete the daily Quordle before midnight in your timezone.

What is a good Quordle strategy?

Quordle needs to be approached in a different way to Wordle. With four puzzles to solve in nine guesses, you can't blindly throw letters at it and expect to win - you'll stand a far better chance if you think strategically.

That's the case in Wordle too, of course, but it's even more important in Quordle.

There are two key things to remember. 

1. Use several starting words

Firstly, you won't want just a single starting word, but almost certainly two or three starting words. 

The first of these should probably be one of the best Wordle starting words, because the same things that make them work well will apply here too. But after that, you should select another word or possibly two that use up lots more of the most common consonants and that include any remaining vowels.

For instance, I currently use STARE > DOILY > PUNCH. Between them, these three words use 15 of the 26 letters in the alphabet including all five vowels, Y, and nine of the most common consonants (S, T, R, D, L, P, N, C and H). There are plenty of other options - you might want to get an M, B, F or G in there instead of the H, maybe - but something like that should do the trick.

If all goes well, that will give you a good lead on what one or sometimes two of the answers might be. If not, well good luck!

2. Narrow things down

Secondly, if you're faced with a word where the answer might easily be one of several options - for instance -ATCH, where it could be MATCH, BATCH, LATCH, CATCH, WATCH, HATCH or PATCH - you'll definitely want to guess a word that would narrow down those options. 

In Wordle, you can instead try several of those in succession and hope one is right, assuming you have enough guesses left. It's risky, but will sometimes work. Plus, it's the only option in Hard mode. But in Quordle, this will almost certainly result in a failure - you simply don't have enough guesses.

In the scenario above, CLAMP would be a great guess, as it could point the way to four of the seven words in one go.

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