High-end audio is moving away from passive boxes, racks of separates, endless cable debates, and systems like the Kii SEVEN explain why. As Kii Audio brings its ultra compact wireless music system to the 2026 Bristol Hi-Fi Show, the updates being previewed underscore a broader shift: premium loudspeakers are increasingly defined by integrated amplification, software control, and flexible system architecture rather than nostalgia for traditional hi-fi hierarchies.

Introduced in 2023, the Kii SEVEN was designed to function as a complete, scalable audio solution. Each speaker can be used individually, as a stereo pair, part of a multi-speaker home theater setup including Dolby Atmos, or within a multi-room environment. This level of flexibility is not about replacing “real” hi-fi, it’s about acknowledging that the future of high-end audio is smarter, more adaptable, and far less dependent on stacks of external hardware.

“You now just need Kii SEVEN speakers, a power connection and a streaming service subscription to create a complete high-end audio system. With our unique technologies and room-optimisation tools, this means you can get rid of a traditional hi-fi stack and a spaghetti of cables, streamline your life, and improve your listening experience at the same time” says Kii Audio co-founder, Wim Weijers.

Core Features

Wireless Music System: The Kii SEVEN is a compact, high-end three-way active wireless (or wired) bookshelf sized loudspeaker designed for both professional monitoring and serious home listening. It supports a wide range of wired inputs, including AES/EBU, XLR, and TRS, alongside wireless connectivity via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay 2. Each speaker incorporates 600 watts of Class D amplification, delivering 1,200 watts per stereo pair, with amplification and DSP fully integrated into the cabinet.

Cardioid Speaker Design: Engineered by Kii Audio, the Kii SEVEN employs a true cardioid dispersion pattern that extends down into the low-mid and bass frequencies. By controlling rearward energy, the design reduces unwanted room interaction, improving bass definition and placement consistency across a wider range of listening environments.

Kii Home App: The Kii Home App for iOS and Android provides straightforward control of the Kii SEVEN from a mobile device. It allows users to manage playback, assemble streaming playlists, and control multiroom audio when multiple Kii SEVEN speakers are deployed throughout a home. The app is designed to handle system setup and day-to-day operation without requiring additional hardware or a separate control interface.

Active Wave Focusing: Rather than relying on conventional crossover filters alone, Kii’s Active Wave Focusing technology uses DSP and strategically positioned drive units to shape a coherent wavefront directed toward the listener. This approach enables precise time alignment across the full frequency range, improving clarity, imaging, and phase consistency without requiring external calibration hardware.

Weijers further stated, “Because our own DSP and firmware drive every Kii speaker, we’re always looking to add refinements, features, and ecosystem upgrades through software instead of forcing owners to buy a ‘Mark II’. These updates enhance the system you already own – without making it obsolete.”

What’s New for the Kii SEVEN in 2026

Since 2015, Kii Audio has focused on combining engineering-driven design with a streamlined user experience. That approach continues at the 2026 Bristol Hi-Fi Show, where the company is previewing a new color option and a series of functional updates for the Kii SEVEN.

Alongside the existing Fine Touch White and Fine Touch Dark Grey finishes, the Kii SEVEN will now be offered in a new Fine Touch Titanium finish.

Software updates are equally practical. New features include native Qobuz Connect support, improved TIDAL Connect and Spotify Connect performance including compatibility with Spotify Lossless, and even simpler setup with 24-bit/192kHz wireless communication between speakers.

The software update will be available at no cost to existing owners and can be downloaded directly through the Kii Audio Support Center.

The Bottom Line 

Rather than chasing a replacement model, Kii Audio is doing the smarter thing by keeping the Kii SEVEN current through software and a subtle hardware refresh. The addition of Qobuz Connect, improved TIDAL and Spotify Connect support (including Spotify Lossless), and higher-quality wireless speaker setup improve system performance without forcing owners into an upgrade cycle.

This approach will resonate most with listeners who want high-end performance in a compact, self-contained system and expect it to evolve with streaming standards rather than become obsolete.

Tip: The Kii SEVEN were awarded Best in Show at NAMM 2025, while the larger Kii THREE BXT Loudspeaker System earned Best in Show at NAMM 2026.

Price & Availability

The Kii SEVEN wireless active speakers can be purchased individually for $4,495 each or $9,885/pair with Kii CONTROL (remote) from Authorized Dealers. Optional companion stands are $445 each ($890/pair). The updated Kii SEVEN will be demonstrated at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show, taking place from February 20-22, 2026.

For more information: kiiaudio.com

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If you’ve ever felt the need to open two versions of the same podcast, one with the audio and the other with audio plus video, Apple has something for you. The company has unveiled an Apple Podcasts overhaul that brings native video streaming support to the app.

The native video support in Apple Podcasts is available as part of iOS 26.4 developer beta (for now). It aims to offer a seamless video podcast experience, similar to what platforms like YouTube and Spotify provide, rather than the current RSS feed-based mechanism.

A proper video experience for viewers

The underlying upgrade is support for HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), something that already works very well on Apple TV. It lets you switch between listening and watching experiences, with an inline or expanded video window and automatic adjustments to video quality (depending on connectivity).

As and when the feature moves out of beta, you’ll be able to watch video podcasts on the entire screen (including horizontal orientation), and even download video episodes for offline viewing, making the app much more useful for subway or airplane rides.

While these additions will benefit listeners, Apple Podcasts has also announced updates related to creator distribution and monetization.

At launch, several distributors, including Acast, ART19, Omny Studio, and SiriusXM (including SiriusXM Media, AdsWizz, and Simplecast), support HLS video.

A monetization boost for creators

Further, the platform will allow creators to insert advertisements dynamically, including host-read placements for the first time, giving creators new monetization avenues.

While Apple doesn’t charge creators for distribution via Podcasts, ad networks will pay impression-based fees later this year.

Even though the new Podcasts experience remains in beta, it is due for a launch this spring, arriving with iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4.

The update marks a shift from purely audio podcasts toward audio/video streaming. Integrating video streaming into Podcasts will help Apple place the app better against other giants.

Based on logged meals, the app predicts a person’s blood sugar response to those foods. It also makes personalized recommendations throughout the day, such as adjusting portion size, choosing a different food combination, or taking a walk after eating. Users can accept or ignore these suggestions—maybe broccoli isn’t their favorite food, or they prefer to exercise during a particular time of the day. The app uses AI to adapt to their preferences over time. Users can also chat with human coaches if they have specific health questions.

For Buckley, Twin Health has helped him make healthier choices, such as swapping out frozen, prepackaged breakfast sandwiches for homemade breakfast burritos with low-carb, high-fiber wraps. He no longer drinks soda, and he walks several miles a day.

“When I first started the program, I could barely make it a mile before my back was hurting, my knee was hurting. Now I’m doing six and a half miles every morning,” he says.

He likes getting instant feedback from the app and also tracking his biometrics over time. He can see that his body fat percentage and blood pressure have been trending downward.

“That’s where I get my motivation to keep walking and keep doing the work,” he says.

Buckley reached his initial weight goal of 300 pounds and is now around 275. After being on blood pressure medication for decades, his doctor recently suggested a lower dose.

When Twin Health approached the Cleveland Clinic’s health plan about using its program, staff endocrinologist Kevin Pantalone was initially skeptical. He decided to conduct a study himself.

“We have really struggled to implement lifestyle modification in a very effective manner. Patients often require numerous therapies to control their diabetes,” he said. “So I was certainly very interested.” Despite the age-old advice of simply exercising more and eating healthy, most Americans struggle to get the recommended amount of weekly physical activity and have difficulty sticking to a healthy diet.

Pantalone and his colleagues recruited 150 participants with type 2 diabetes, randomly assigning 100 people to the Twin program and the rest to a control group. On average, participants were 58 years old with obesity and had a blood glucose level, or A1C, of 7.2 percent. A level of 6.5 percent or higher indicates diabetes. The goal of the trial was to see if participants could reach an A1C of less than 6.5 percent with fewer medications.

After 12 months, 71 percent of the study participants using the Twin app achieved that blood sugar level with fewer medications, whereas only 2 percent of people in the control group did. The people using Twin also lost more weight—8.6 percent of their body weight versus 4.6 percent in the control group.

At the beginning of the study, 41 percent of those using Twin were on a GLP-1 medication, but by the end of the study, only 6 percent still were. In the control group, 52 percent of participants started off on a GLP-1, and at the end of the study that increased to 63 percent. The results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine Catalyst last year.

Photographer Ancient crammed a fully functional computer into the tiny gap of a lens adapter, which may seem like an odd location to put one, but that’s just the goal. This adapter, which connects DSLR lenses to mirrorless camera bodies, is often just a hole in a metal item, but Ancient didn’t think that was adequate. Instead, they transformed that often-overlooked sliver into a home for a miniature computer and a programmable aperture.

Ancient recovered a transparent LCD screen from an ancient phone that was well past its prime. After the backlight and other unneeded layers were removed, the screen sat in the light path as if nothing was there, unless the computer commanded it to block the way. Under the LCD is a custom PCB that Ancient designed from scratch, complete with a configuration that allows the entire assembly to fit into the adaptor enclosure.

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Power is delivered to the rig via some gold contacts on the adapter, which Ancient meticulously matched to an odd pinout after extensive investigation. A few buttons slapped on the outside of the housing allow you to control the computer directly. The firmware for this little board is available on Github under AncientJames/aperture, and it handles all of the LCD’s sophisticated functions.

The LCD functions similarly to a dynamic iris, with no mechanical parts to bother with and only a collection of pixels that change from clear to opaque and back again to change the shape of the aperture in whatever insane way you like. Unlike a regular iris which just opens and shuts the whole thing, this digital one can do all sorts of interesting things, like display a lot of shapes continuously or even generate animations that change over time.

Photographers gain a lot more control over bokeh and depth effects. Your out-of-focus area can now be a spinning flower, a collection of caution signs, or even tiny little animations reminiscent of childhood cartoons. When you move the camera while the aperture scans horizontally, you get a really amazing parallax wobble that looks like 3D without the need for repeated exposures or post-processing.

Noise is hard to escape, whether it’s the hum of traffic, the buzz of a busy office or the neighbor’s lawn mower starting up right when you need to focus. That’s where noise-canceling headphones earn their keep. A good pair doesn’t just quiet the world around you, it creates a pocket of calm so you can actually enjoy your music, podcasts or peace and quiet.

Modern noise-canceling headphones have come a long way, combining powerful ANC with clearer sound, longer battery life and smarter features like adaptive modes and multipoint connectivity. Some emphasize comfort for long flights, while others are tuned for audiophiles who want studio-level clarity.

We’ve tested a wide range of options to find the best noise-canceling headphones for every listener. Whether you’re after something lightweight for travel or a premium set for focused work sessions, these picks deliver the sound, silence and comfort you need to tune out the chaos.

Best noise-canceling headphones of 2026

Bose/Engadget

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Connectivity: Bluetooth | ANC type: Hybrid Adaptive | Customizable ANC: Yes | Max battery life with ANC: 30 hours | Transparency mode: Yes | Weight: 264 grams | Collapsible: Yes (folds both flat and inward)

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 review

The second-gen version of the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones aren’t an entirely new device, but there are impactful upgrades all around. With regard to the ANC specifically, Bose enhanced its ActiveSense tech to smooth any adjustments to sudden spikes in ambient noise levels. This bolsters what was already superb ANC performance, an achievement that gives the company a slight edge over the competition.

The new version also includes significant updates to power management and battery life, with at least five more hours of use in all listening modes. You’ll also get lossless audio over USB-C, putting the QC Ultra Headphones on the same level at Apple’s AirPods Max and others. A comfy fit, reliable controls and folding design round out the spec sheet for this model.

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Pros

• Industry-leading ANC got even better
• Sound and power upgrades are substantial

Cons

• Still expensive
• Glossy finish isn’t for everyone

Billy Steele for Engadget

Connectivity: Bluetooth | ANC type: Hybrid Adaptive | Customizable ANC: Yes | Max battery life with ANC: 30 hours | Transparency mode: Yes | Weight: 254 grams | Collapsible: No (ear cups swivel flat but do not fold inward)

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Read our full Sony WH-1000XM6 review

Sony’s 1000X line has been our top pick for best wireless headphone for a long time now. That’s still true. However, even though the company packs in lots of premium features alongside excellent sound quality, the M6 sits just below Bose in terms of pure ANC abilities. With the WH-1000XM6, Sony subtly redesigned its flagship headphones, making them way more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. This is an important factor to consider when purchasing over-ear headphones. We also noticed in our tests that the company made noticeable improvements to the active noise cancellation, thanks to a new QN3 chip. There are now 12 total ANC mics as well – the previous model only had eight. This all combines to better block background noise at medium and high frequencies, including human voices.

The M6 also has improved sound quality, thanks to new drivers, some help from mastering engineers and spatial audio upmixing. Its battery life remains the same 30 hours as its predecessor, which is more than enough to get you through several days of work or long international flights. Speak-to-Chat still reduces volume and activates ambient sound when you talk and the M6 can automatically change noise settings based on your location or activity. The only real downside is that they’re $50 more than the WH-1000XM5 at full price ($450).

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Pros

• Improved sound
• Better ANC performance
• Tons of handy features
• Supremely comfy

Cons

• Price has increased again
• Speak-to-Chat still needs work
• Call quality suffers in loud environments

Photo by Billy Steele / Engadget

Connectivity: Bluetooth | ANC type: Hybrid | Customizable ANC: Yes | Max battery life with ANC: 35 hours | Transparency mode: Yes | Weight: 192 grams | Collapsible: No (ear cups swivel flat but do not fold inward)

Read our full Sony WH-CH720N review

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The WH-CH720N won’t win any design awards with these over-ear headphones, but what you get for the price is well worth some aesthetic sacrifices. Due to their all-plastic construction, the CH720N are super lightweight and comfy, allowing you to wear them for hours at a time. The ANC isn’t as robust in these budget headphones as that in more expensive headphones, but it’s above average for products in this price range. Toss in customizability and a handy transparency mode, and you’ve got a solid device that costs only $150 — and regularly goes for around $100.

In addition to decent noise reduction for a small investment, the CH720N has 35-hour battery life, physical controls, DSEE upscaling and Sony’s 360 Reality Audio. You can also adjust both the EQ and the level of ambient sound. Plus, the company’s ever-present Adaptive Sound Control can automatically switch the sound settings based on your activity or location. Last but not least, the overall sound quality is really impressive for headphones at this price. There’s plenty of detail and subtlety in the audio; you can really hear the gritty texture of distorted guitars and near-pristine acoustic instruments.

Pros

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• Affordably priced
• Lightweight and comfy
• Great sound quality
• Some handy features

Cons

• ANC struggles in certain environments
• Lots of plastic
• No automatic pausing
• Advanced features reserved for pricier models

Billy Steele for Engadget

Connectivity: Bluetooth | ANC type: Adaptive | Customizable ANC: No | Max battery life with ANC: 30 hours | Transparency mode: Yes | Weight: 300 grams | Collapsible: No (ear cups swivel flat but do not fold inward)

Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 review

If you seek to pair excellent sound quality with capable ANC performance, the Px7 S3 are the best option. Sure, you can find more impressive noise-blocking abilities elsewhere, but if you want pristine audio as well, Bowers & Wilkins is the way to go. An adaptive ANC setup uses eight microphones to capture unwanted noise and automatically adjust to any changes. 40mm dynamic full-range bio cellulose drivers pipe in balanced tuning that provides you with the finest detail of any song.

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You’ll also get up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, although you will probably surpass that figure. Plus, handy tools like transparency mode, multipoint Bluetooth and an adjustable EQ cover the basics on the Px7 S3. You won’t find more advanced features than those, but what Bowers & Wilkins does offer here is finely tuned and carefully polished.

Pros

• Excellent sound quality
• Comfy fit
• Sophisticated design

Cons

• Expensive
• Awkward button locations
• A lack of advanced features

Photo by Billy Steele / Engadget

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Connectivity: Bluetooth | ANC type: Hybrid Adaptive | Customizable ANC: Yes | Max battery life with ANC: 60 hours | Transparency mode: Yes | Weight: 292.9 grams | Collapsible: No (ear cups swivel flat but do not fold inward)

Read our full Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless review

Sure, there are headphones that will last longer than Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 Wireless, but they don’t offer the combo of great battery life, ANC and good sound quality you’ll find here. On this model, the company made big improvements to its active noise cancellation, catching up to rivals like Bose and Sony. Specifically, the ANC on the Momentum 4 handles constant distractions more effectively than previous models in the series.

I don’t care for the design Sennheiser introduced on the Momentum 4 as the company ditched what was a quite novel look for something much more generic and plastic. However, the change comes with the bonus of increased comfort. You’ll also get excellent sound quality, in fact, it’s some of the best you’ll find in wireless headphones. There’s noticeable depth to the audio profile with a wide soundstage that complements all genres. You might even discover finer details you previously missed. And, of course, its 60 hours of battery life with ANC on is double what a lot of flagship headphones offer these days.

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Pros

• Impressive 60-hour battery life
• Better ANC performance
• Great sound quality
• Improved comfort

Cons

• Pinch gesture feels unnecessary
• Standout design is gone
• Auto on/off needs work

How to choose the best noise-canceling headphones for you

Design

When you’re shopping for the best wireless headphones, the first thing you’ll need to decide on is wear style. Do you prefer on-ear or over-ear headphones? For the purposes of this guide, I focus on the over-ear style as that’s what most noise-canceling headphones are nowadays. Sure, you can find on-ear models with ANC, but over-ear, active noise-canceling headphones are much more effective at blocking outside sounds since your ears are completely covered.

For gamers, there are also gaming headsets that feature noise cancellation — some even have detachable microphones, so they can double as over-ear headphones. However, for the purpose of this article, we’re only going to be focusing on noise-canceling headphones rather than headsets. Look for models with a comfortable headband and memory foam ear cups to ensure you can wear them for long periods without discomfort.

Many headphones also come with a range of color options, so if aesthetics matter to you, you’ll find plenty of choices beyond just black or white. Whether you’re looking for something neutral or a bold pop of color, brands now offer a variety of styles to match your personal taste.

Finally, if you’re planning to wear your headphones for long periods of time, it’s important to pick a model with a comfortable fit. Memory foam ear cups, an adjustable headband, and lightweight materials can make all the difference during extended listening sessions. After all, great sound is only part of the equation; comfort matters just as much.

Type of noise cancellation

Next, you’ll want to look at the type of ANC a set of headphones offers. You’ll come across terms like “hybrid active noise cancellation” or “hybrid adaptive active noise cancellation,” and there are key differences between the two. A hybrid ANC setup uses microphones on the inside and on the outside of the device to detect outside noise and cancel it out. By analyzing input from both mics, a hybrid system can combat more sounds than “regular” ANC, but it does so at a constant level that doesn’t change.

Adaptive ANC takes the hybrid configuration a step further by continuously adjusting the noise cancellation for changes in your environment and any leakage around the padding of the ear cups. Adaptive noise-canceling also does a better job with wind noise, which can really kill your vibe while using headphones outdoors. Some high-end headphones also support Dolby Atmos, which enhances spatial audio and makes everything from music to movies sound more immersive. For the purposes of this best headphones list, I’m only considering products with hybrid ANC or adaptive ANC setups because those are the most effective at blocking noise and improving your overall listening experience.

Customization

You’ll also want to check to see if the ANC system on a prospective set of headphones offers adjustable levels of noise cancellation or presets. These can help you dial in the amount of ANC you need for various environments, but it can also help you save battery life. Master & Dynamic, for example, has ANC presets that provide both maximum noise blocking and more efficient cancellation that is more energy efficient. Other companies may include a slider in their companion apps that let you adjust the ANC level to your liking. Some high-end models even allow you to fine-tune the ANC for specific types of environments.

How we test noise-canceling headphones

The primary way we test headphones is to wear them as much as possible. I prefer to do this over a one-to-two-week period, but sometimes deadlines don’t allow it. During this time, I listen to a mix of music and podcasts, while also using the headphones to take both voice and video calls.

Since battery life for headphones can be 30 hours or more, I drain the battery with looping music and the volume set at a comfortable level (usually around 75 percent). Due to the longer battery estimates, I’ll typically power the headphones off several times and leave them that way during a review. This simulates real-world use and keeps me from having to constantly monitor the process for over 24 straight hours.

To test ANC performance specifically, I use headphones in a variety of environments, from noisy coffee shops to quiet home offices. When my schedule allows, I use them during air travel since plane noise is a massive distraction to both work and relaxation. Even if I can’t hop on a flight, I’ll simulate a constant roar with white noise machines, bathroom fans, vacuums and more. I also make note of how well each device blocks human voices, which are a key stumbling block for a lot of ANC headphones.

ANC-related features are something else to consider. Here, I do a thorough review of companion apps, testing each feature as I work through the software. Any holdovers from previous models are double checked for improvements or regression. If the headphones I’m testing are an updated version of a previous model, I’ll spend time getting reacquainted with the older set. Ditto for the closest competition for each new set of headphones that I review.

Other noise-canceling headphones we tested

AirPods Max

Apple’s AirPods Max are premium, well-designed over-ear headphones that incorporate all of the best features you find on standard AirPods: solid noise cancellation, spatial audio and easy Siri access. However, their $550 starting price makes them almost prohibitively expensive, even for Apple users. There are better options available at lower prices, but if you can pick up the AirPods Max at a steep discount, they might be worthwhile for the biggest Apple fans among us.

Dyson On-Trac

The On-Trac headphones have an almost infinitely customizable design, and that’s what’s most unique about them. The sound profile offers some nice detail, but lacks dynamic range overall. ANC is average at best and there aren’t any advanced features that will make your life easier. Well, except for the hearing health monitor, which is actually handy. All told, that’s not a lot for a set of $500 headphones.

Sonos Ace

The Sonos Ace is an excellent debut for the company’s first headphones. The combination of refined design, great sound quality and home theater tricks creates a unique formula. However, ANC performance is just okay and key functionality is still in the works for many users.

Sony ULT Wear

If most headphones don’t have the level of bass you desire, the ULT Wear is an option to consider. The low-end thump isn’t for everyone, but there are also plenty of handy features and a refined look to make the $200 set more compelling than many in this price range.

Beats Studio Pro

The Studio Pro lacks basic features like automatic pausing, and multipoint connectivity is only available on Android. Moreover, they’re not very comfortable for people with larger heads. Overall sound quality is improved, though, and voice performance on calls is well above average.

Master & Dynamic MH40 (2nd gen)

The MH40 are a great set of headphones if you favor crisp, clear and natural sound that isn’t overly tuned. This pair showcases the company’s affinity for leather and metal too, but limited customization and short battery life for non-ANC cans kept this set from making the cut.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8

The company’s trademark pristine sound is on display here, but the Px8 is more expensive and not nearly as comfortable as the Px7 S3.

Noble Audio FoKus Apollo

While this is my top pick for overall sound quality in our main guide to the best wireless headphones, the ANC performance is less impressive than the Px7 S3. Bowers & Wilkins gets the nod here for its improved noise cancellation over the Px7 S2 and Px7 S2e, and its overall excellent audio quality.

Noise-canceling headphones FAQs

Does noise cancellation block all noise?

Noise cancellation doesn’t block out all noise, though it does drastically reduce the volume of most external sounds.

Is there a difference between wired vs wireless noise-canceling headphones?

In terms of sound quality, if you have two headphones — one wired and one wireless — with similar specs, the difference is going to be very minimal. However, wireless headphones offer more convenience, allowing you to move around more freely with your headphones on, which is why they often feature noise cancellation to minimize external sounds.

Does noise cancellation impact sound quality?

ANC does bear some weight on sound quality, but the impact of this often doesn’t outweigh the benefits. Noise cancellation reduces ambient noise, allowing a greater focus on audio detail. For audiophiles, however, there may be a small difference in sound fidelity when ANC is turned on.

A short drive from London, the town of Potters Bar is separated from the village of South Mimms by 85 acres of rolling farmland segmented by a scribble of hedgerows. In one of the fields, a lone oak serves as a rest stop along a public footpath. Lately, the tree has become a site of protest, too. A poster tied to its trunk reads: “NO TO DATA CENTRE.”

In September 2024, a property developer applied for permission to build an industrial-scale data center—one of the largest in Europe—on the farmland. When locals caught wind, they started a Facebook group in hopes of blocking the project. More than 1,000 people signed up.

The local government has so far dismissed the group’s complaints. In January 2025, it granted planning permission. The following October, multinational datacenter operator Equinix acquired the land; it intends to break ground this year.

On a dismal Thursday afternoon in January, I huddled around a gate leading onto the farmland with Ros Naylor—one of the Facebook group’s admins—and six other local residents. They told me that they object to the data center on various grounds, but particularly to the loss of green space, which they see as an invaluable escape route from town to countryside and buffer against the highway and fuel stop visible on the horizon. “The beauty of walking in this area is coming through this space,” says Naylor. “It’s incredibly important for mental health and wellbeing.”

As the UK government races to meet the voracious demand for data centers that can be used to train AI models and run AI applications, similarly large facilities stand to be built across the country. For the people who live in closest proximity, though, the prospect that AI might buoy the economy or infuse new capabilities into their smartphone is thin consolation for what they consider a disruption to a countryside way of life.

Bonfire of Red Tape

Since the mid-20th century, London has been hemmed in on all sides by a nearly contiguous patchwork of land known as the green belt, made up of farms, forest, meadows, and parks. Under UK law, construction is only permitted on green belt land in “very special circumstances.” The aim is to protect areas of countryside from urban encroachment and stop neighboring towns from melding into an amorphous blob.

After the present government came to power in 2024, however, the UK introduced a new land classification—grey belt—to describe underperforming parcels of green belt on which construction should be more readily permitted. At around the same time, the government announced it would treat data centers as “critical national infrastructure.” Together, those changes have cleared the way for a raft of new data centers to be built across the UK.

As they attempt to develop models capable of surpassing human intelligence, the world’s largest AI labs are planning to spend trillions of dollars in aggregate on infrastructure. Across the globe, wherever new data centers are being built, developers are encountering organized resistance from impacted communities.

When the local planning authority approved the Potters Bar data center, its officers concluded that the farmland met the definition of grey belt. They also said their decision was colored by the government’s support for the data center industry. The benefits from an infrastructure development and economic standpoint, they concluded, outweighed the loss of green space.

“People have this slightly romantic idea that all green belt land comprises pristine, rolling green fields. The reality is that this site, along with many others, is anything but that,” says Jeremy Newmark, leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, the constituency that encompasses Potters Bar. “It’s a patch of very low-performing green belt land.”

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? I admit, I thought 8-Across was spelled with another letter at the end, but I guess you can spell it two different ways. Read on for all the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.

Mini across clues and answers

1A clue: Prefix meaning “eight”
Answer: OCTO

5A clue: Classic poem that begins “I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness”
Answer: HOWL

6A clue: One of the Jenners
Answer: KYLIE

7A clue: As one word: A henchman/As two words: “Please proceed”
Answer: GOON

8A clue: Prickly seedcases
Answer: BURS

Mini down clues and answers

1D clue: “Stop, I’m blushing!”
Answer: OHYOU

2D clue: Indicator of difficulty in Connections
Answer: COLOR

3D clue: Identical siblings
Answer: TWINS

4D clue: Repeated cheer at a soccer stadium
Answer: OLE

6D clue: Soviet spy org.
Answer: KGB