APC

For people who love technology, APC is unique: it's the world's longest-published monthly tech magazine. Launched in May 1980, we were there when Apple's Macintosh and IBM's PC were born, and have been at the forefront of tech ever since. With a combination of insights, testing and tutorials APC lets you stay up-to-date with tech as it changes the world.

APC

Nice new tech • For a cold mid-winter

Exclusive downloads • Your free full-version apps as a thanks for reading APC. Please note that these exclusive downloads will only be available for a limited time, from 24/08/26 to 11/10/26. Download these APC exclusives free from: www.apcmag.com/exclusives

TECHNOTES • Everything you need to know from the month in tech

AI is now just too expensive for many companies • The enduring paradox of the AI economy – models get better and more efficient, yet costs can still easily spiral out of control.

Memory crisis bites Jitesh Urbani, IDC • The fallout from Ramageddon is beginning to hit PC manufacturers.

Bargain laptop blowout

Zen6 is going to be Epyc • AMD just flipped the script, leaving Mark Williams salivating for next year.

The people who make AI aren’t like us • But they’re increasingly making us like them, writes Shaun Prescott.

AI at last • I’ve now used Siri AI for a month, and my iPhone finally feels like it’s caught up with the competition.

Less smart tech, more dumb things please • Jon Honeyball is yearning for simpler days when TVs took a minute to warm up… and then just worked.

GADGETS • Unnecessary but desirable things

The rise of robot wars • Drones over the skies in the Middle East. Robots winning positions in Ukraine. Warfare is going robotic – and it’s scary how unprepared we are, finds Nicole Kobie.

REVIEWS • Expert reviews and recommendations to help you buy with confidence

Dell XPS 13 DX13260 (2026) • A compact Windows laptop with an excellent touchscreen, capable performance and an affordable price.

AMD Ryzen 7 7700X3D • An affordable route to eight-core X3D gaming.

Logitech Signature Comfort Plus Combo • A+ for ergonomics, a D- for clunky keystrokes.

HP EliteBook X Flip G2i • HP’s highly regarded business convertible laptop now comes with Panther Lake.

Pebble Time 2 • Pebble is back, and this time is picking up where it left off.

Amazfit Active 3 Premium • A good-looking, fully featured fitness tracker that rivals the major names for a far lower price.

Fujifilm instax mini Evo Cinema • Retro images with instant printing.

Potensic Atom 3 • A brilliant entry-level drone that captures great images and is easy to pilot.

Samsung Odyssey G8 G80HS 6K • After wowing the world with its superlative QD-OLED panels, Samsung releases a 6K IPS gaming monitor.

Soundcore Nebula P1 • Experience cinema at home with this compact projector.

BleachBit 6 • It’s time to take out the trash.

MULTIDRIVE 1.4

RUFUS 4.14

Should I pay for?

Productivity boosters • Utilities that will save you lots of time and trouble.

THE BEST 50 APPS EVER • We count down the software that has made a lasting impression over the past 50 years.

AMAZING FREE SOFTWARE That does what Windows 11 CAN’T • Windows 11 is an excellent operating system but it still lacks many essential features. Robert Irvine recommends what to download to get those missing tools.

OPENCLAW Create your own AI • The free agentic AI platform can do amazing things, but it isn’t for the faint-hearted. Darien Graham-Smith explores how OpenClaw works, and how you can set it up as a genuinely useful personal...