Startup news and updates: daily roundup (March 25, 2025)

YourStory presents the daily news roundup from the Indian startup ecosystem and beyond. Here's the roundup for Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

Your printer, scanner, and filing cabinet just got replaced by an app

Macworld When you need to scan a document , you generally have two options: you can hunt down a scanner, or you can snap a photo. The first option is impractical, and the second often gives you low-quality results. iScanner gives you a third option. This iOS scanner app can create high quality scans of any document type, and a lifetime subscription just went on sale for $24.99 (reg. $199). This mobile scanner app is a life-saver if you need a scanner in a hurry. Just hover your phone camera over your documents, and the app captures a perfect scan in seconds. AI will automatically straighten pages and crop borders. Then, you can use the built-in PDF editor to fill out your information, add your signature, and save in any file format you need theres no more need to print, fill out, and scan your documents. iScanner has some other tricks up its sleeve. Capture or upload photos and have it solve math problems, count objects, or measure the area of a room for home improvement projects. April 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT is the deadline to get an iScanner lifetime subscription on sale for $24.99. iScanner App: Lifetime Subscription $24.99 See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

This simple alternative to the Siri Remote for Apple TV just dropped to $19.97

Macworld The Siri Remote for Apple TV isnt for everyone. If you dont want voice control to be the standard, then check out the Function101 Button Remote . It goes back to the classic remote design, and it even works for Apple TV and Apple TV 4K. Get one of these Apple TV Button Remotes on sale for $19.97 (reg. $29). The Function101 Button Remote is a straightforward, no-frills solution for anyone who misses the feel of a traditional remote. It uses infrared technology, so youll need to point it at your Apple TV, but once synced, it works like a charm. You can easily control power, volume, and mute functions, making it a simple yet reliable alternative to the Siri Remote. The layout is intuitive, so you wont be fumbling around trying to figure out which button does what. And with a range of up to 12 meters, you can kick back and relax without worrying about whether your remote will reach. Its fully compatible with Apple TV and Apple TV 4K, along with most TV sets, so youre pretty much covered. March 30 is the deadline to get the Function101 Button Remote for Apple TV/Apple TV 4K on sale for $19.97. Function101 Button Remote for Apple TV/Apple TV 4K $19.97 See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

Scientists Observe Carbon Dioxide on Planets Outside the Solar System for the First Time

The findings provide strong evidence that four giant exoplanets 130 light-years from Earth formed much like Jupiter and Saturn.

Ecofy secures $12.5M from Denmarks IFU for EV and solar financing

The funds will help Ecofy expand its loan portfolio for electric two- and three-wheelers and rooftop solar systems, targeting over 1 million EVs and 1.5 gigawatts of solar capacity within the next six to seven years.

Webb Space Telescope captures a star in the making and a galaxy far, far away

The Webb Space Telescope has captured a plume of gas and dust streaming from a star in the making, with a spiral galaxy as a stunning backdrop

Unlocking happiness: Hacks to unlock your happy hormones

Discover powerful ways to boost your happy hormonesdopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphinsfor a happier, healthier life.

Earths oldest yet impact crater found in Australia, where geologists hoped it would be

The oldest meteorite impact crater formed more than 3.5 billion years ago, making it the oldest knownby more than a billion years.

Icarus of the deep: how a dying anglerfish became a social mediasensation

The video has provoked an enormously empathetic response on social media, with some seeing the fish as a feminist icon or an Icarus-like figure who swam too close to the Sun.

Why woolly mice wont bring back mammoths or save endangered species

Does a woolly mouse really teach us anything about the woolly mammoth?

The psychology-backed way of reading people accurately

Learn how to understand peoples thoughts, emotions, and intentions without knowing them personally through observation, psychology, and cues.

The AI Dilemma: Balancing Innovation and Intellectual Property Rights

Big Techs AI boom is built on the backs of unpaid creatorsand the copyright battle is heating up.

DevSparks back in Bengaluru: Ultimate playground for developers

With over 1,000 expert developers, 10+ thriving communities, 30+ speakers, and 25+ hands-on sessions, DevSparks Bengaluru is the place to be if you want to build India's tech future with AI, data and security.

Ola Electric arm settles dues with Rosmerta Group

Ola Electric Mobility Ltd on Tuesday said its arm Ola Electric Technologies Pvt Ltd has amicably settled all dues with its former vehicle registration service provider Rosmerta Group.

Juspay looks beyond fintech tie-ups; Illustrating joy in the little things

Juspay Technologies open-sources its payment orchestrator. Alicia Souza talks about her journey, myths and challenges in the creative industry. Women leaders discuss systemic barriers in maternal care, fertility treatments, and reproductive health awareness.

Amazon Big Spring Sale goes live today with thousands of discounts

The Amazon 2025 Big Spring Sale goes live today folks. The now annual spring event is set to deliver seven straight days of savings with deals set to kick off today and run through until March 31 across a massive range of product categories. From sought-after tech and smart home gear to EVs, smartphone accessories, spring cleaning products, and a whole lot more, the deals will be flying starting today and we will be here to uncover the best of them. more

Why is the Parker Solar Probe trying to touch the sun?

On March 22, the probe made another attempt to get within 6 million km of the sun, considered a very small distance to be from the star

RevX Capitals Rahul Chowdhury on the rise of private credit

RevX Capital is carving a niche in Indias private credit market with a focused micro fund strategy, aiming to bridge the financing gap for mid-sized businesses.

OpenAI says its AI voice assistant is now better to chat with

OpenAI released updates Monday for Advanced Voice Mode, its AI voice feature that enables real-time conversations in ChatGPT, to make the AI assistant more personable and interrupt users less frequently. Manuka Stratta, an OpenAI post-training researcher, announced the changes in a video posted Monday to the companys official social media channels. OpenAIs latest update aims []

A new, challenging AGI test stumps most AI models

The Arc Prize Foundation, a nonprofit co-founded by prominent AI researcher Franois Chollet, announced in a blog post on Tuesday that it has created a new, challenging test to measure the general intelligence of leading AI models. So far, the new test, called ARC-AGI-2, has stumped most models. Reasoning AI models like OpenAIs o1-pro and []

Trump Officials in Signal Fiasco Attended Secret Mar-a-Lago Dinner Shortly After Celebrating Bombing

Trump officials accidentally invited the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic to their Signal group chat. Hours after bombs dropped on Yemen, they partied at a $1-million-per-seat Mar-a-Lago dinner.

Xiaomi MIJIA Smart Audio Glasses 2: A $150 Rival To Metas Ray-Ban

Xiaomi has officially launched the MIJIA Smart Audio Glasses 2, an upgraded version of its predecessor, through Xiaomi Youpin. The crowdfunding campaign will begin on March 26 at 10 AM , with a special early bird price of 999 Yuan ( ~$140 ). This launch follows speculation regarding Xiaomis AI-powered smart glasses, which are expected to compete with Metas Ray-Ban collaboration . The Mijia Smart Audio Glasses 2 come with a more refined design, offering a sleeker and more comfortable wearing experience. The frame has been significantly slimmed down, with the temple arms measuring just 5mm thickmaking them 26% thinner at the narrowest point and 30% thinner at the widest compared to the previous model. Weighing only 27.6g , the glasses distribute weight more evenly, reducing pressure on the nose for enhanced comfort over extended wear. Xiaomi has also upgraded the frames durability by integrating a piano steel ultra-flexible hinge, which was developed over a 12-month period and tested to withstand 15,000 bends. Additionally, the glasses introduce a second-generation quick-release mechanism, featuring a 70% smaller hinge design, allowing users to swap lenses single-handedly. The glasses are available in five styles: metal aviator, hybrid browline, classic Boston, hybrid aviator, and deep-space titanium, catering to different fashion preferences. Audio performance has also been significantly improved. The new acoustic structure enhances sound quality, providing better volume and noise reduction. A four-microphone array, supported by intelligent algorithms, ensures clearer calls. Furthermore, Xiaomi has introduced a privacy mode that reduces sound leakage through a combination of inverse sound waves and anti-leakage membranes. This feature can be activated via the Mijia Glasses app. A notable functionality is the one-touch recording feature, activated by pressing the temple of the glasses. This allows users to take instant voice notes without needing their phone. To address privacy concerns, a notification light automatically turns on whenever recording is active. Other smart features include voice assistant support, real-time audio broadcasting, and IP54-rated dust and water resistance for durability. The battery life has been optimized to support extended usage. The glasses offer up to 12 hours of music playback , 9 hours of talk tim e, and an impressive 12-day standby duration. Xiaomi has also introduced 2C magnetic charging technology , enabling a full charge in just one hour , while a quick 10-minute charge provides four hours of listening time, ensuring convenience for users on the go. Xiaomi MIJIA Smart Audio Glasses 2: A $150 Rival To Metas Ray-Ban , original content from Ubergizmo . Read our Copyrights and terms of use .

As preps continue, its looking more likely NASA will fly the Artemis II mission

The core stage of NASA's Space Launch System is now integrated with the rocket's twin boosters.

a16z- and Benchmark-backed 11x has been claiming customers it doesnt have

Last year, AI-powered sales automation startup 11x appeared to be on an explosive growth trajectory. However, nearly two dozen sources including investors and current and former employees told TechCrunch that the company has experienced financial struggles, largely of its own making. Numerous people in the U.S. and U.K. told TechCrunch that the situation []

UK on alert after H5N1 bird flu spills over to sheep in world-first

The UK sheep had inflamed mammary gland much like infected cows in US.

Netflix will stream shows and movies in HDR10+ on supported devices

Netflix has announced that it's adding support for HDR10+ streaming , on top of the existing HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats that are already offered on the streaming service. HDR10+ should offer greater visual fidelity on a per-frame basis for Netflix's frequently dark original programming. The company is enabling HDR10+ with the AV1 codec, the specification originally released in 2018 that's gradually become the standard for streaming 4K video without gobbling data. Netflix first adopted AV1 as a way to help customers save data while watching on their phone, but the compression tech works just as well for streaming large HDR files. Netflix is enabling HDR10+ on select popular titles now, and hopes to eventually offer all HDR content in the new format. Anyone with a Netflix Premium subscription and a device that supports both HDR10+ and AV1 (which includes most modern mobile phones and tablets) should be able to watch compatible content in HDR10+. After 4K, high dynamic range (HDR) has come to define the look of modern TV and movies, particularly on streaming. HDR content makes clear the stark differences between the light and dark parts of an image. The under-exposed, muddy quality of modern streaming TV is frequently due to an expectation that audiences will be viewing on a device that supports HDR. Without it, you can't see anything. With it, you can pick up all the various shades of gray that have become the norm in prestige TV. Netflix first rolled out support for HDR in 2016 with the debut of Marco Polo , and in the years since, has made supporting Dolby Vision and HDR10, the most common HDR format, the norm on its service. If you've been watching Netflix on a display that already uses Dolby Vision, you likely won't notice a difference, but if you're TV only offers HDR10+, adding support for the format should make watching everything a little bit better. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/netflix-will-stream-shows-and-movies-in-hdr10-on-supported-devices-222134243.html?src=rss

Vertical farming company Plenty files for bankruptcy after raising nearly $1B

Vertical farming company Plenty has filed for bankruptcy, the company said in a press release on Monday. In its statement, Plenty said it has received a commitment for $20.7 million in debtor-in-possession financing as part of a proposed restructuring plan. It plans to continue to operate a strawberry farm in Virginia and a plant science []

Brevilles Smart Oven Pro updates your countertop with 10-in-1 functionality for $210 (Reg. $270)

Amazon is now offering the Breville Smart Oven Pro Countertop Oven for $209.95 shipped. Normally fetching $270 at full price, its mainly been keeping above $224 over the last year, dropping lower during certain events like Black Friday sales. While weve seen it go lower in the past, youre still looking at a solid 22% markdown here today that saves you $60 off the going rate, dropping costs to the best price we have tracked in months. more

French VC firm Founders Future plans US expansion

Founders Future, a Paris-based VC firm with 300 million in assets under management (around $324 million at current exchange rates), is opening up the capital of the holding company that manages Founders Futures funds and Sowefund. The company has sold a 25% stake in the holding company to MACSF, the Dassault family, CMA CGM Group, []

The Trump administration planned Yemen strikes in an unauthorized Signal chat

The Trump administrations national security leaders accidentally included the editor-in-chief of the Atlantic, Jeffrey Goldberg, in a chat on Signal discussing confidential plans to attack Yemens Houthis. I could not believe that the national-security leadership of the United States would communicate on Signal about imminent war plans, Goldberg wrote of the March 15 messages, which []

How to Delete Your Data From 23andMe

DNA-testing company 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy, which means the future of the companys vast trove of customer data is unknown. Heres what that means for your genetic data.

Husqvarnas Power Axe 350i 42V 18-inch cordless chainsaw kit falls to $384 (Reg. $480), more from $288

Amazon is offering the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i 42V 18-inch Cordless Chainsaw Kit for $383.99 shipped. Coming down off its usual $480 price tag, we dont usually see too many discounts on this brands equipment, with it keeping up at its MSRP for most of 2025 so far, with one previous discount in January taking things to $449. While we have seen it go as low as $335 in 2023, over the last year its mostly kept above $399, with todays deal being a 20% markdown that cuts $96 off the going rate, landing it among the lowest prices we have tracked $49 above the all-time low. more

Trump administration accidentally texted secret bombing plans to a reporter

Shocking recklessness in leak of detailed Yemen bombing plan in Signal chat.

Apple Watch dying? Not if you have one of these $15 keychain chargers (Reg. $49)

A dead battery on your Apple Watch is a quick way to sour a good day. However, you dont have to leave your watch on a charger anymore. Instead, just attach it to your keychain. This Apple Watch Wireless Keychain Charger lets you power up on the go, and you can get one on sale for $14.97 (reg. $49). more

ECOVACS new Goat O1000 RTK robot lawn mower sees its first discount to $900 (Reg. $1,000)

Were seeing the very first chance at savings over at Amazon on ECOVACS new Goat O1000 RTK Robot Lawn Mower that is dropping the price to $899.99 shipped , while also matching directly from the brands website . This model was only recently released following its unveiling at CES 2025 carrying a full $1,000 price tag, and its nice to see it already getting some cash savings in the early spring months ahead of those warmer days when plenty of folks will be much more concerned with getting their lawn care routines back to normal. Youre looking at a solid $100 discount here while the savings last, setting the bar for future discounts down the road. more

Eves latest Matter-equipped HomeKit smart weather monitor hits $55 Amazon low (Reg. $80)

While owners of the older HomeKit model can score a FREE upgrade for Matter support, the brand unleashed the new Eve Weather (Matter) smart weather monitor last summer and we are now tracking deep 30% price drop. As part of its spring smart home sale we detailed this morning you can now score the latest Eve Weather (Matter) down at the $54.95 shipped Amazon all-time low. Details below. more

Now back in-stock: Twelve South Butterfly SE 2-in-1 15W MagSafe travel charger at the $51 all-time low (Reg. $100)

Update 3/24: The Twelve South Butterfly SE 2-in-1 15W MagSafe travel charger is now back in-stock at the $50.99 all-time low (49% off). Details below in the original post. This one is already starting to sell out quick folks so jump in now if youre interested. Amazon is now offering the best price ever on the latest Twelve South Butterfly SE 2-in-1 Compact Foldable Wireless Travel Charger with 15W Qi2 MagSafe action down at $59.99 $50.99 shipped . Youre looking at a deep 40% price drop on a regularly $100 travel charger from one of the better Apple gear accessory brands out there. more

The best midrange smartphones for 2025

A great phone doesnt need to cost a fortune. In 2025, features once exclusive to high-end devices big batteries, multi-camera arrays, high refresh rate displays and more have trickled down to more affordable models. Sure, youll still need to buy a flagship smartphone to get the best camera or fastest processor, but you dont need to compromise nearly as much anymore if youre looking for a great handset at a reasonable price. If you have less than $600 to spend, let us help you figure out what features to prioritize when trying to find the best midrange smartphone. Editor's note (3/24/25): We're looking forward to testing out the new Google Pixel 9a in the near future. We'll update our top picks again once we have a full review of the Pixel 9a, but for now, our current top picks still stand. The best midrange phones for 2025 What is a midrange phone, anyway? While the term frequently appears in articles and videos, there isnt an agreed-upon definition for midrange beyond a phone that isnt a flagship or an entry-level option. Most of our recommendations cost between $400 and $600 any less and you should expect significant compromises. If you have more to spend, you might as well consider flagships like the Apple iPhone 16 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 . What to consider before buying a midrange smartphone Buying a new device can be intimidating, but a few questions can help guide you through the process. First: what platform do you want to use? If the answer is iOS, that narrows your options down to exactly one phone. (Thankfully, its great.) And if youre an Android fan, theres no shortage of compelling options. Both platforms have their strengths, so you shouldnt rule either out. Of course, also consider how much youre comfortable spending. Even increasing your budget by $100 more can get you a dramatically better product. Moreover, manufacturers tend to support their more expensive devices for longer. Its worth buying something toward the top limit of what you can afford. Having an idea of your priorities will help inform your budget. Do you want a long battery life or fast charging? Do you value speedy performance above all else? Or would you like the best possible cameras? While they continue to improve every year, even the best midrange smartphones still demand some compromises, and knowing whats important to you will make choosing one easier. What wont you get from a midrange smartphone? Every year, the line between midrange and flagship phones blurs as more upmarket features and specs trickle down to more affordable models. When Engadget first published this guide in 2020, it was tricky to find a $500 phone with waterproofing and 5G. In 2025, the biggest thing you might miss out on is wireless charging and even then, thats becoming less true. One thing your new phone probably wont come with is a power adapter; many companies have stopped including chargers with all of their smartphones. Performance has improved in recent years, but can still be hit or miss as most midrange phones use slower processors that can struggle with multitasking. Thankfully, their cameras have improved dramatically, and you can typically expect at least a dual-lens system on most midrange smartphones below $600. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/best-midrange-smartphone-183006463.html?src=rss

AI creation platform Arcade expands from jewelry to home goods

Arcade, a generative AI marketplace for designing jewelry, is expanding its offerings to include home goods, starting with rugs. The company on Monday also introduced a new feature called Match My Room, which allows users to upload a photo of their room so their design complements the existing colors and style. Alongside this expansion, Arcade []

MIFA suede leather military-style Apple Watch Bands now down at just $20 Prime shipped

MIFA Suede Leather Apple Watch Bands Buy for $20 (Reg. $25) Clip the on-page 20% off coupon. What we love The sort of suede-style leather treatment and black CNC anodized aluminum buckles and hardware immediately caught my eye with these models. They, as far as Im concerned, can make for a great option to go along with 42mm Jet Black Apple Watch Im also a sucker for the military vibes here too. more

US lifts sanctions on Tornado Cash, a crypto mixer linked to North Korean money laundering

Tornado Cash was used to launder billions in stolen crypto, according to the Treasury.

Nike Spring Clearance offers over 3,000 styles up to 50% off with deals starting at $11

Nike offers new markdowns for spring with over 3,000 styles to choose from and pricing starting at just $11 . Prices are as marked. NikePlus Members ( free to sign-up ) receive free delivery on all orders. One of our top picks from this sale is the mens Pegasus 41 Running Shoes that are currently marked down to $112 and originally sold for $140. These shoes are available in eighteen color options and great for all of your spring training sessions. This style features an upgraded mesh upper design for added breathability and a foam outsole for enhanced energy return. Rated 4.7/5 stars from Nike customers. Score additional deals by heading below, or you can shop the entire sale here . more

Revel opens first EV fast-charging hub in San Francisco

Brooklyn-based electric vehicle charging infrastructure startup Revel on Monday launched its first fast-charging station in San Francisco, kicking off its plans to expand across the Bay Area over the next year. For years, Revel has operated the largest, fastest, and most reliable fast-charging network in New York City, Frank Reig, co-founder and CEO of Revel, []

How to Enter the US With Your Digital Privacy Intact

Crossing into the United States has become increasingly dangerous for digital privacy. Here are a few steps you can take to minimize the risk of Customs and Border Patrol accessing your data.

Todays Android app deals and freebies: House of Da Vinci, Methods Detective, more

This afternoons roundup of Google Play Store deals to kick off the week in Android app discounts is now ready to go below. Joining the ongoing Samsung sale featuring hundreds in enhanced trade-in savings on the new Galaxy S25 devices and more, we are also tracking a major deal on the beloved Sony XM5 ANC headphones at $150 off alongside a new low on the Nothing Ear transparent wireless ANC buds , and this notable discount on Samsungs 180MB/s 1TB PRO Plus microSD card . As for the apps, highlights include titles like The House of Da Vinci, Methods: Detective Competition, Skel and Defense, and a host of freebies. Head below for a closer look. more

Google Drive is now available on Snapdragon-based Windows PCs

Theres now a native version of Google Drive for Arm-powered PCs, like those featuring last years Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips . The company announced this feature update in a blog post, saying that the Drive app for Windows is generally available for Snapdragon X chipsets. Todays release follows a beta test going back to last year. This includes machines by several big brands, with the most notable being the newest Microsoft Surface laptops . The Drive port for Arm-based PCs also allows users to access their accounts through the Windows File Explorer app. This should make it easier to pull files from Drive accounts. The native app only works on devices running Windows 11 and Microsoft WebView2. Existing beta users will automatically be updated to the full version. Its rolling out today but could take up to 15 days to hit everyones accounts. The new app is available for all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers and users with personal Google accounts. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/google-drive-is-now-available-on-snapdragon-based-windows-pcs-173517153.html?src=rss

Using Starlink Wi-Fi in the White House Is a Slippery Slope for US Federal IT

The ad hoc addition to the otherwise tightly controlled White House information environment could create blind spots and security exposures while setting potentially dangerous precedent.

Current SEC chair cast only vote against suing Elon Musk, report says

SEC case over late disclosure of Twitter stock buy still moving ahead, for now.

A mere $9 Prime shipped brings home Rokus 2-outlet outdoor smart plug (40% off)

Roku 2-Outlet Outdoor Smart Plug Buy for $9 (Reg. $15) What we love It doesnt get much more affordable than this for an outdoor smart plug. It turns one outlet into two, and both of them can be toggled on and off using the Roku app, Alexa, and Google Assistant. With this type of smart home accessory I generally set up some sort of schedule for an outdoor water fountain, lighting, and then I dont really have to think about manually controlling it. more

Stock up on munchies with this Frito-Lay 40-pack variety mix of Doritos, Cheetos, Lays, and more all from $0.43 per pack

Frito Lay Fun Times Mix Variety Pack, 40 Count Buy for $17 (Reg. $25) Subscribe and save discount What we love While its no substitute for a proper meal, it is always handy to have some snacks laying around, even if just as a treat in between your usual eating times. This 40-pack gives you a nice variety of flavors, with popular ones from Doritos, Cheetos, Lays, Sun Chips, and more. Subscribing and saving here will score them at $0.43 per pack, or you can make a one-time purchase for $0.45 per pack. more

MyTerms wants to become the new way we dictate our privacy on the web

It's not a do not track request, it's a set of terms you demand from sites.

The Blink Mini 2 security camera is only $20 for the Amazon Spring Sale

You can save on some of our top picks for the best security cameras as part of a sale on Blink gear thanks to the Amazon Spring Sale . For instance, the Blink Mini 2 is available for $20 , which is half off the list price. It matches a record low. A two-pack of the Blink Mini 2 is down to $38 as well. That's not quite a record low, but you'll still save $22 due to the 46 percent percent discount. We reckon the Blink Mini 2 is the best budget security camera around. You can adjust the webcam-style camera to a variety of angles. It's weather-resistant, so you can place it outside if you have a special power adapter. The camera picks up decent (but not great) images, particularly those captured in the infrared nighttime view. It also has a built-in LED spotlight. Since Blink is an Amazon company, of course the Mini 2 ties into the Alexa ecosystem. You'll just need to have a Blink account before you can actually use it. As you might expect, you'll be able to view images captured by the Mini 2 via the Alexa app on an Echo Show, Fire Tablet or Fire TV but, curiously, not iOS or Android. To see the captures on your phone or tablet, you'll instead need to use the Blink app. You'll get some extra features such as cloud storage and people and pet detection if you sign up for the Blink Subscription ($3 per month for one camera, $10 per month for any number). Elsewhere in the sale, a five-pack of the Blink Outdoor 4 cameras is half off at $200 . This is our recommendation for the best security camera for Alexa users . Having five of them should be enough for many folks to keep an eye on everything that's going on around their property. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-blink-mini-2-security-camera-is-only-20-for-the-amazon-spring-sale-171417722.html?src=rss

Oops: Google says it might have deleted your Maps Timeline data

Google Maps switched to local-only Timeline storage in December.

Nintendo Switch 2 Direct Countdown [T-9 Days]: Switch 2 Enhanced games, AI tech, specs, mouse mode, more

The Countdown to the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct rolls on: T-9 Days.There are nine days left until Nintendo takes over the internet again to fully unveil the new Nintendo Switch 2 and our countdown to the big day continues now. Yesterday we detailed everything we know about the upcoming pre-orders to get gamers ready, including some reliable sources claiming the pre-sale will begin right after the April 2 Direct presentation ( all of the details you need are right here ), and today we are going to be going over the most exciting early details that have been floating around on Switch 2 hardware specs display upgrades, core graphics performance that support enhanced games, new Joy-Con features, and more. more

Did Red Bull build an undriveable car? Questions from the Chinese Grand Prix.

F1 reminds us it's entertainment, not just engineering and sport.

This desk lamp doubles as a 7-in-1 USB-C power strip with a 10-foot cord at $21 (Reg. $30)

Addtam 10-foot Desk Lamp and 7-in-1 USB-C Power Strip Buy for $21 (Reg. $30) What we love Theres a whole lot to like about this desk lamp. Not only does it wield all sorts of power sources that range from AC to Type-C, and USB-A, but youll also stand to benefit from its long 10-foot cord. This could allow you to get light and power to part of a room where both of those things are lacking. more

Nothings Essential Spaces is an AI-powered app done right

The most notable feature of Nothings latest phones may be its combo of distinct hardware design and Android software tweaks. However, after using the Nothing Phone 3a for a few weeks, the Essential Space app has kept me hooked on what is ostensibly a lower-mid-range smartphone. Its also a hard app to explain in a single sentence. Its a little bit of a screenshot gallery, a little bit of a notes app, a little bit of a to-do list app, a little bit of country, a little bit of rock-and-roll. Its all sewn together with similar AI features to what we've seen on most new smartphones. However, compared to the disjointed apps and features of Google AI, Galaxy AI, or Apple Intelligence, Essential Space keeps everything in one place. The utility is helped by having a dedicated launcher button (the Essential Key): A single press will screenshot your phone (and file it in Space), while a long press starts recording your voice and files it away in Space, too, initiating AI-powered transcription. A double press of the Essential Key launches the app, which seems odd. The screenshot should also be a double press, but maybe thats just me. Its not an entirely new premise. We raved about Googles Pixel Screenshot app , which also does a good job of organizing your screenshots to make things easier to find. However, Googles Screenshots app is limited to only that screenshots. Nothing, on the other hand, already announced itll bring a similar-seeming Smart Collections feature to the Space app in the future. Inside Nothings Space app, the phone extracts dates, attempts to create to-do lists, analyzes screenshots and associates them with time, date, and location data. In short, it makes it easier to remember why I took a screenshot when I did, and it even attempts to create actionable items and reminders. Ive started taking voice notes and mulling over everything I must do on a workday morning. It'll summarize it into a to-do list with goals I can check off when completed. With Essential Space, Nothing doesnt seem to be meddling with AI for the sake of it. While image generation, rewriting emails, and writing guidance on my smartphone are occasionally fun, Essential Space removes many roadblocks to using these functions. I dont have to ask the Phone 3a to transcribe your voice recordings; it just gets to work. There are limitations, perhaps predictably, given the middleweight processor of a mid-range phone, and AI processing happens on the cloud. Nothing says it deletes processing requests from its servers after theyre completed. However, phones that cost over twice as much as the Phone 3a can handle AI processing on-device for most things that Essential Space can do. There is also no way to share something with Space, whether a photo or a recording unless you initiate the recording through that pesky Essential Key. Of course, you can take screenshots of old screenshots, photos, and websites, but then youre back to the same disjointed process as other Android devices and iPhones. Nothings Essential Space manages to streamline AI into many of the features I use most, like transcription and reminders. The company has teased further functionality, like a focused search for use inside the Space app, and cutesy gimmicks like flip-to-record for your voice notes, which should only bolster what I thought would be weird software curio. It isnt earth-shattering, but put all together, it's one of the best integrations of AI aimed at making your life easier. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/nothing-phone-3a-essential-spaces-ai-powered-app-done-right-163042976.html?src=rss

FlexiSpots already-affordable 55-inch desk just dropped lower, now $45 (Save 25%)

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This Levoit air purifier is down to a near record-low price for the Amazon Spring Sale

Levoit's Core 400S air purifier is down to $187 from its usual $220 price, thanks to the Amazon Spring Sale . While its not the lowest price weve seen the air purifier briefly hit $177 last year its still a solid discount on one of the most convenient air purifiers for large spaces. Weve featured Levoit in our list of the best air purifiers for its strong performance and smart features. The Core 400S can cover rooms up to 1,980 square feet using a three-stage filtration system to capture allergens, dust, pet dander and smoke. It also includes a smart sensor that adjusts fan speed based on air quality, so youre not running it at full blast when you dont need to. One of the Levoit Core 400S biggest selling points is its low noise output, which makes it a good fit for bedrooms or home offices. If you need to knuckle down and get some work done without distraction whilst keeping your rooms air clean and fresh, even at higher speeds, it stays relatively quiet compared to bulkier purifiers. It also supports smart controls via the VeSync app, allowing you to tweak settings, set schedules or monitor air quality from your phone. If you have a smart home ecosystem in place, you can connect the purifier to third-party voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant an added layer of convenience that allows you to control the Core 400S with simple voice commands. Its 360-degree filtration system uses activated carbon to remove gases and odors, while an efficient middle filter captures 99.97 percent of pollutants as small as 0.3 microns. The built-in air quality sensor continuously monitors pollution levels, automatically adjusting performance as needed. You can track real-time air quality data on the LCD screen or through the VeSync app, which is handy (and interesting) to have access to at all times. At night, sleep mode keeps things extra quiet and subtle, dimming the display and operating at the lowest settings or you can turn off the display completely for total darkness. If youve been looking for an air purifier that can handle larger spaces without taking up too much room, this deal is worth considering, saving you over $30 on its usual price thanks to the Amazon Spring Sale. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/this-levoit-air-purifier-is-down-to-a-near-record-low-price-for-the-amazon-spring-sale-133052720.html?src=rss

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As part of the amendment, effective April 1, 2025, the 6% Equalisation Levy on online advertisements will be abolished. This will reduce the tax burden on digital ad consumers and costs on platforms like Google, X and Meta.

Best earbuds for iPhone

Macworld Wireless headphones or earbuds (whatever you call them) are essentially the standard now, with Bluetooth earbuds being convenient and the sound quality difference to wired not being that noticeable to typical people (we realize audiophiles know). The market is huge, but here are the best wireless earbuds weve tested for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Macs. If you do want a wired connection some of these do offer it in addition to Bluetooth, but we also have a round-up of the best wired headphones and a comparison of over-ear headphones read our comparison of AirPods Max vs other over-ear headphones . We also have a comparison of all the AirPods . At the end of this round up of the best earbuds we run through some of the important factors to consider when choosing headphones. Such as whether they support ANC, which is Apples codec, or the aptX codec that is now used with many Bluetooth headphones and earbuds, but isnt supported by Apple (although there are some earbuds, such as the B&W Pi8 below that include a transmitter for aptX support. Best discounts and sales Theres a spring sale at Amazon this week (from March 25) and we have already seen some deals on some of the earbuds reviewed below. Here are the best deals weve seen: U.S. AirPods Pro 2 $169.99 (usually $49) AirPods 4 (without ANC) $99.99 (usually $129) AirPods 4 (with ANC) $149.99 (usually $179.99) Beats Studio Pro $179.95 (usually $349.99) Beats Solo 4 $129.95 (usually $199.95) Sony WH-1000XMS $249.99 (usually $399.99) Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones $249 (usually $349) Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones $179.99 (usually $349.99) Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones $349 (usually $429) Beats Fit Pro 169 (usually $199.95) U.K. AirPods Pro 2 189 (usually 229) Beats Studio Pro 199 (usually 349.99) Beats Fit Pro 134.99 (usually 219.99) Beats Flex Wireless earphones 41.49 (Usually 69.99) Best headphones and earbuds for iPhone 2025 1. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Pros Excellent sound quality Impressive noise-cancellation Useful app Cons Expensive Wireless case costs extra Spatial audio could be improved Price When Reviewed: $299.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $219 View Deal $219 View Deal $219 View Deal $219 View Deal $249 View Deal $249.99 View Deal Bose $299 View Deal $299 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $219 at Adorama $219 at Amazon $219 at B&H View more prices from Best Buy Lenovo USA Target Bose Close Best Prices Today: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Retailer Price $219 View Deal $219 View Deal $219 View Deal $219 View Deal $249 View Deal $249.99 View Deal Bose $299 View Deal $299 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Boses QuietComfort range has long been a market leader thanks to its combination of high-quality sound and impressively effective noise cancellation. Its been a while since we looked at the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, which launched with an improved design as well as a new immersive mode for spatial audio in late 2023, but we still highly rate them with the bonus being that they are often discounted now they are more than a year from launch. This is good news, because theyre not the cheapest earbuds around. The design of the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is sleek and streamlined, with a smart metallic finish that is available in black or Smoke White. Bose has modified the way that its rubber stability bands fit into each earpiece, helping them to sit inside your ear more securely. You get three sets of stability bands, and three sets of rubber eartips in different sizes, so the combination of the different bands and eartips should allow most people to get a good fit. The Bose app also includes a Seal Test option that can check the way that the earbuds are fitted and provide tips on getting a good fit. Sound quality is great, with the Ultra catching the sharp, shimmering sound of the cymbal crash that kicks off Blondies Rapture . The bass guitar riff bounces along like a playful puppy, and theres a bright jangling sound to the lead rhythm guitar, but the Ultra has a keen ear and also picks out the quiet chugging guitar riff that hides further back in the mix. The immersive audio isnt entirely convincing, but it does add a little extra reverb and spacey ambiance to more atmospheric tracks such as Cut by Low. Boses noise cancelation is still ahead of the pack. It stamps down on the deep rumble of aircraft engine noise so effectively that I had to check the airport noise test file was playing! Battery life is around six hours when using noise-cancellation, but spatial audio reduces that to just four hours. The charging case does provide three additional charges, though, and our only real complaint is that the standard USB-C case doesnt provide wireless charging as well, so youll have to pay extra for the optional wireless case. 2. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Pros Excellent sound quality Supports Bluetooth 5.4 Very good noise cancellation IP54 rating for outdoor use Cons Higher price Slightly chunky design Apple users dont need aptX Price When Reviewed: $299.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $164.95 View Deal $199.95 View Deal $199.99 View Deal $247.99 View Deal Sennheiser $299.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $164.95 at B&H $199.95 at Walmart Electronics $199.99 at Best Buy $247.99 at Amazon View more prices from Amazon Sennheiser Close Best Prices Today: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Retailer Price $164.95 View Deal $199.95 View Deal $199.99 View Deal $247.99 View Deal Sennheiser $299.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds arrived in 2024, and are the fourth-gen version of Sennheisers popular range of Bluetooth earbuds (and not to be confused with the larger Momentum 4 over-ear headphones). The TW4 was quite a big update as it should be, given that the price increased as well. It was one of the first sets of headphones to support Bluetooth 5.4, which includes new features such as Auracast, which is a kind of public announcement system based on Bluetooth. Auracast still isnt widely used most devices are still on Bluetooth 5.3 but it can be used in public places such as airports or gyms to transmit music or audio announcements to lots of people all at once, so it will be an important accessibility feature in the future. Additional Bluetooth features include support for the latest high-quality aptX Lossless, and the new LC3 codec. Sadly, Apple still doesnt support aptX, but like previous models the TW4 also includes the AAC codec for Apple devices too. Youll also find a sturdy IP54 rating for water and dust resistance. And, along with four sets of ear-tips in different sizes, the TW4 also includes three sets of rubber fins, which fit into the outer ear and help to hold the earpieces in place, so the TW4 will be a good option for outdoor use and exercise. Battery life gets a small boost too, now lasting for seven hours when using noise-cancellation, and you can use the wireless charging case to fully recharge three more times as well. And, as always, the Momentum earbuds sound really great. They handle the sonic mash-up of Sturgill Simpsons Sing Along with ease, finding room to pick out the taut, ticking percussion, fuzz-laden guitars and fizzing electronic keyboards so that you can hear each set of instruments clearly. You can hear the country drawl in Simpsons voice as he snarls carve my name in the barstool baby Im gonna be here a while and the swooping bass drop that follows is guaranteed to get you dancing. Even the noise-cancellation seems to have improved on this model, and comes close to matching noise-cancellation leaders such as the AirPods Pro and Bose QC Ultra. 3. Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Pros Great sound quality Innovative smart case Supports AAC, aptX Adaptive/Lossless Cons Expensive Battery life is only average Price When Reviewed: $399 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $319 View Deal $319 View Deal $319 View Deal Bowers & Wilkins $399 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $319 at Amazon $319 at B&H $319 at Best Buy View more prices from Bowers & Wilkins Close Best Prices Today: Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Retailer Price $319 View Deal $319 View Deal $319 View Deal Bowers & Wilkins $399 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Pi8 earbuds from Bowers & Wilkins support AAC, so you can simply connect your Apple devices to the earbuds using the standard Bluetooth settings on your Mac, iPad or iPhone. However, the Pi8 also supports aptX Adaptive and the latest aptX Lossless, so Bowers & Wilkins has come up with an innovative solution that allows Apple users to enjoy aptX audio quality as well. The Pi8 come with a smart case that can both charge the earbuds and be used as an aptX transmitter. Compared to their predecessor (the Pi7) the Pi8 has a more curved shape to the earpieces, to fit more comfortably and to angle the sound directly into the ear canal for the best sound quality. The earpieces are a little on the large size, but B&W includes ear-tips in four sizes to help you get a good fit. The size means they can fit high-quality 12mm drivers and a larger battery. The Pi7 only lasted five hours on a charge, even with noise-cancellation turned off, but the Pi8 lasts for 6.5 hours with noise-cancellation turned on (compared to six hours for the AirPods Pro). The smart charging case tops that up to 20 hours. Bowers & Wilkins includes a standard USB-C cable and a second with a 3.5mm connector. The 3.5mm cable allows you to connect the smart case to a wired audio device, such as an in-flight entertainment system on a plane. You can also use the USB-C cable to connect the smart case to a USB-C port and transmit wireless audio using aptX. The sound quality is great with both AAC and aptX, though. We think that the noise-cancellation on the AirPods Pro works a little better at blocking high-frequency sound. However, the Pi8 does a great job of eliminating low-frequency sounds, such as the rumble of engine noise in an airplane cabin. And, if you dont really worry about technical details such as AAC and aptX, then B&W has a less expensive model called the Pi6, see below. The Pi8 is more expensive than the AirPods Pro 2, but B&Ws high-quality sound and the versatile smart case ensure that the Pi8 can earn its keep. Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 review 4. Apple AirPods Pro 2nd-generation (2023) Pros Fantastic audio quality Excellent noise canceling Best-in-class transparency mode New charging case features Better battery life Cons You can still buy better-sounding wireless earbuds No LE Audio, lossless, or hi-res audio Controls on the stems is still a bad idea Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $229 View Deal $249 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $229 at Amazon $249 at Apple There were a few minor external changes for the second-generation Apple AirPods Pro , which arrived in September 2022. The AirPods Pro 2nd gen were updated a second time in 2023 to add USB-C charging capabilities and over time they have also gained various capabilities, including Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Personalised Volume, Head gestures, Voice Isolation, and the ability to perform a hearing test and use the AirPods Pro 2 as a hearing aid. Those features join Spatial Audio with head tracking, Conversation Boost to amplify speech in the direction youre facing, one-tap pairing, audio sharing with another pair of AirPods (or Beats), quick switching to other Apple devices your Apple ID is logged into, and hands-free Siri. The 2022 model came with four sets of eartips adding extra small (XS) to the mix the original AirPods Pro only came with three tips. We find the extra small tips more comfortable, your experience may differ. The charging case now comes with a small metal lanyard loop although Apple doesnt actually sell a lanyard. There are speaker holes a the base of the case that can make a sound if you lose the AirPods while they are in their case. The original AirPods Pro lacked an easy way to control volume, so the fact that the second-gen model adds the ability to detect up and down swipes on the little flat area of the stem is useful. A swipe up or down changes the volume. As for whats inside, the H2 chip in the AirPods Pro 2 enables Adaptive Transparency, which is an enhancement of the Transparency mode on the original model. As a result of this mode you can choose to hear things that you might need be able to hear in your vicinity, but you wont be deafened by them. In our tests the AirPods Pro 2 blocked more outside sound than the originals. We were impressed by how much better the new second-generation AirPods Pro sound compared to the first generation. Clarity and sharpness is improved and bass response is vastly improved. The bridge of the Beastie Boys Intergalactic at 2:30 was just way too much for the original AirPods Pro to handle, but the new model had no trouble keeping up. The battery life , at 6 hours, is longer than it was for the original AirPods Pro and you can now use your Apple Watch charger in addition to charging via Lightning and other wireless charging methods. Read our full AirPods Pro 2 USB-C review 5. Apple AirPods 4 with ANC Pros Great overall audio quality Effective active noise cancelation Case with wireless charging support and Find My speaker Cons Fit is highly dependent on your personal ear shape Price compared to AirPods Pro Price When Reviewed: $179 with Active Noice Cancelation Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $149.99 View Deal $149.99 View Deal $169.99 View Deal $178 View Deal $179 View Deal $179 View Deal $179.99 View Deal $179.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple AirPods 4th gen (2024) Wireless (USB-C) Charging case $148.67 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $149.99 at Amazon $149.99 at Walmart Electronics $169.99 at B&H View more prices from Adorama Apple Apple United States Best Buy Close Best Prices Today: Apple AirPods 4 with ANC New Refurbished Retailer Price $149.99 View Deal $149.99 View Deal $169.99 View Deal $178 View Deal $179 View Deal $179 View Deal $179.99 View Deal $179.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple AirPods 4th gen (2024) Wireless (USB-C) Charging case $148.67 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket The AirPods 4 with ANC offer many of the features found in the AirPods Pro 2, have a better fit than their predecessor, theAirPods 3. With each generation, Apple promises a better fit and Apple says these are the most comfortable AirPods ever. We did find them closer to being a proper fit than the AirPods 3 were, but every ear is different and your experience may vary. We find theAirPods Prowith silicon ear tips fit a lot better and securely, but they cost a lot more and some prefer the more open design of the AirPods. Apple offers the AirPods 4 in two variations: the $179/179 model with active noise cancelation, and a cheaper $129/129 model without that feature (below).The active noise cancellation feature includes two sound isolation modes: Adaptive Audio and Transparency. You also get Conversation Awareness, which was previously only available on the AirPods Pro. Youll have to decide whether the extra features are worth the extra $50/50. We think they are. The effectiveness of the AirPods 4s active noise cancelation is heavily affected by the open design, though. The AirPods 4 dont absolutely cancel the noise around you. If you want full noise cancellation and youre comfortable with silicon ear tips inside your ear canal, the AirPods Pro (above) are a better choice. We love the Conversation Awareness feature, where the volume automatically lowers when the AirPods 4 detects you are talking. It works better with one-on-one conversations rather than groups of people. Sound quality is delightful for general-purpose, open earphones.The AirPods 4 handle loaded tracks like 311s Need Somebody with ease; the bass in Real Boston Richeys Help Me is clean, heavy, and lacks distortion. The guitars in acoustic tracks like Fog Swamps Split the Sky are crisp and clear. We were impressed with the clarity and volume of voice recordings in podcasts and during phone calls. They werent quite as good as with the AirPods Pro, but it was close. The AirPods 4 USB-C case that comes with the ANC-equipped model has a speaker to play alerts through Find My. It also supports USB-C or wireless charging and works with the Apple Watch charger as well as Qi chargers. (It doesnt support MagSafe like the AirPods Pro case, but a MagSafe charger will work if placed correctly.) The cheaper models case only offers wired USB-C charging. If you use active noise cancelation, it shortens the AirPods 4s battery life. When fully charged, Apple states a 4-hour listening time with the earbuds and 20 hours of charge with the case. Turn off ANC, and fully charged earbuds can last 5 hours, and the case adds 30 total hours. We got a bit better than that. The earbuds lasted 4 hours and 16 minutes. In the fully-charged case, their battery life was at 27 percent after five minutesApple says a five-minute charge provides an hour of life. The AirPods 4 with ANC offer numerous pro-level features, sound great, fit better than previous AirPods and offer extremely useful active noise cancelation.In short, the AirPods 4 are a great, all-around set of earphones. As long as they stay in your ears. Read our full Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) review 6. Beats Studio Buds+ Pros Fun transparent design (other colors are available) Improved ANC and sound quality Good battery life Priced well Cons Dont sound as good as AirPods Pro Missing a few Apple ecosystem features No wireless charging Price When Reviewed: $169.99 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $128.95 View Deal $129.95 View Deal $129.95 View Deal $129.99 View Deal $129.99 View Deal $169.95 View Deal $169.99 View Deal $169.99 View Deal Beats $169.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Beats Studio Buds+ Earbud Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Earphones Transparent $77.56 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $128.95 at Walmart Electronics $129.95 at Amazon $129.95 at B&H View more prices from Best Buy Target Adorama Apple Close Best Prices Today: Beats Studio Buds+ New Refurbished Retailer Price $128.95 View Deal $129.95 View Deal $129.95 View Deal $129.99 View Deal $129.99 View Deal $169.95 View Deal $169.99 View Deal $169.99 View Deal Beats $169.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Beats Studio Buds+ Earbud Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Earphones Transparent $77.56 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket The Beats Studio Buds +, introduced in 2023, might be from a subsidiary of Apple, but they beat Apple in terms of color choices with its retro frosted transparent plastic for both the buds and case. They are available in black and ivory too. The charging case is a bit larger than that of AirPods or AirPods Pro. Theres a USB-C charge port, but no wireless charging. The buds are average in size and fit and come with four sizes of eartips, so its easy to get a good seal, although in our testing we did lose the seal a couple of times while working out at the gym. There are actual physical buttons on the side of each earbud, which we found to be easier to use than Apples squeeze the stem AirPods control system. Beats says that these earbuds offer 1.6x better noise canceling and 2x better transparency than their predecessors. They still dont match the AirPods Pro, but they are priced closer to the standard AirPods, which dont even offer those features. The transparency feature isnt adaptive. These second-gen earbuds offer improved ventilation and bigger batteries than the predecessors (battery life is rated at six hours with ANC, or nine without). Sound quality is also better than that of the previous generation thanks to new microphones and transducers. In comparison though, the 2nd-gen AirPods Pro deliver a superior audio experience. Some Beats products use Apples own headphone chips, but the Beats Studio Buds + do not. Because they lack Apples H1 or H2 chip, they miss out on many of the features of Apples ecosystem. Hands-free Hey Siri is there, as is instant pairing with your iPhone and support for the Find My app. But you dont get instant switching between Apple devices, support for spatial audio with video, personalized spatial audio, Conversation Boost, or the in-ear detection that pauses playback if you take an earbud out. Instead, these buds support some Android features including Google Fast Pair, Audio Switch, and Find My Device. Surprising from a company owned by Apple. I enjoyed the design and usability of these Beats earbuds, but I still find the AirPods Pro easier to recommend. Read our full Beats Studio Buds+ review 7. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Pros Secure ear hook design Good sound quality Heart rate monitor Impressive battery life Cons Missing some AirPods Pro features Heart rate monitor is limited Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $249 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $249 at Amazon Beats Powerbeats Pro are arguably the most popular fitness-oriented earbuds of all time and they are our favorite earbuds for working out. The earhooks, which is what makes the Powerbeats so good for the gym, are 50 percent smaller than on previous models, but still keep everything locked in place. With smaller hooks comes a smaller case; 33 percent smaller, in fact. It is still considerably bigger than an AirPods case, but slightly easier to slip in a pocket than it was. The 2025 models include a brand-new technology not even found on Apples latest AirPods Pro, and thats despite coming from an Apple subsidiary. They also include Apples H2 chip, so offer many of the same improvements and features of the AirPods Pro 2 such as sound quality, greatly improved noise reduction, and an AirPods Pro matching transparency mode. However, you dont get the AirPod Pro hearing health features (hearing test/aid, hearing assistance, hearing protection), there is no personalized volume, no conversation awareness, no adaptive audio (the self-adjusting transparency/ANC mode) and no head gestures for accepting or declining notifications. You do get personalized spatial audio and Adaptive EQ though. There are rumors that heart rate monitoring will be coming to the AirPods Pro 3 when they launch, so we were surprised to see Apple introduced it first on the Beats line. Beats has worked with Nike Run Club, Runna, Open, Slopes, Ladder, Peloton, and YaoYao to integrate support. You can also sync with bikes and treadmills that connect via Bluetooth. One negative is that battery life drains a lot faster when using the heart rate monitor. If you are wearing an Apple Watch youd heart rate data from that will override the earbuds. The charging case gets a few upgrades too, including USB-C, wireless charging (Qi, but not MagSafe or Qi2), and a speaker for pairing and Find My sounds. Android users get a much better set of features than they would with AirPods: One-touch pairing, firmware updates in the Beats app, switching listening modes, and Find My Beats location service. Music playback quality is not quite on par with AirPods Pro 2, sounding perhaps a little too bright. Still, they sound appropriate clear, and punchy for earbuds in this price range. Beats claims 10 hours for the buds in normal playback, which gets cut down to 8 hours if you use ANC or transparency mode. You can get Powerbeats Pro 2 in Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, and Electric Orange. Read our full Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review 8. Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 Pros Strong sound quality Good battery life Comfortable design Cons No wireless charging option Noise-cancellation could be stronger Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $189.99 View Deal $199 View Deal $199 View Deal B&W $249 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $189.99 at Amazon $199 at B&H $199 at Best Buy View more prices from B&W Close Best Prices Today: Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 Retailer Price $189.99 View Deal $199 View Deal $199 View Deal B&W $249 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket We were really impressed by the Pi8 earbuds (above) that Bowers & Wilkins launched earlier in 2024, but the Pi8, which arrived later that year, is the companys flagship model, with a higher price than Apples AirPods Pro and an innovative smart-case that doubles up as an aptX transmitter. If you want the high-quality sound associated with B&W at a more competitive price then you could opt for the new Pi6 instead, which at $249/219,the company says are its most affordable earbuds ever. The Pi6 look very similar to the Pi8, with both models housing large 12mm drivers. They do look a little chunky, but like the Pi8 the earbuds are more streamlined than previous models, and we found that they fit well and are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. There are four sizes of ear-tips included and a rubber ring moulded onto the body of the earpieces that fits into your outer ear and helps to hold them firmly in place. The earbuds are rated IP54 for water and dust-resistance, so you can wear them outdoors or in the gym. Like the Pi8, the Pi6 uses Bluetooth 5.4, with support for Apples AAC codec for wireless audio (it also supports aptX Adaptive, although that is only for Android users). You can turn noise-cancellation on and off with a quick tap on the left earbud. The app lets you change the controls so that the buttons on the earbuds adjust the volume instead, and there are bass and treble controls for adjusting the sound. You can pair the earbuds with two devices and switch between them. There are some compromises needed to keep the price down. The Pi6 does without the smart-case that is included with the Pi8, so theres a conventional case that uses USB-C for charging. Battery life is good, lasting for eight hours when using noise-cancellation compared to six hours for the AirPods Pro. The case lets you recharge for 24 additional hours of listening time. Neither the Pi6 or Pi8 supports spatial audio, but the B&W team says thats because they dont feel that the technology adds to the sound quality rather than any attempt at cost-cutting. The noise-cancellation on the Pi6 isnt as effective as that of the Pi8: the earbuds do a good job of blocking out low frequency sound, but let in voices and higher frequency sounds. If noise-cancellation is your top priority then there are other earbuds and headphones that have the edge. However, the Pi6 earbuds do provide strong sound quality and respectable battery life at a price that can compete with rivals such as the AirPods Pro. Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review 9. Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless Pros Great value for money Supports AAC and aptX Light, comfortable design IP54 water and dust resistance Cons Average battery life Noise-cancellation could be better Price When Reviewed: $199.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $99.99 View Deal $114.99 View Deal $179.84 View Deal $199.95 View Deal Sennheiser $199.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $99.99 at Best Buy $114.99 at Amazon $179.84 at Walmart Electronics View more prices from B&H Sennheiser Close Best Prices Today: Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless Retailer Price $99.99 View Deal $114.99 View Deal $179.84 View Deal $199.95 View Deal Sennheiser $199.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Designed as a more affordable alternative to its Momentum earbuds (above), Sennheisers Accentum True Wireless (which arrived in mid 2024) is excellent value for money, providing good sound quality and noise-cancellation at a much lower price than Apples AirPods Pro. The Accentum also introduces a new design that is lighter and more streamlined than the rather chunky Momentum. The earbuds feel very light and comfortable to wear, and Sennheiser includes four different sizes of ear-tips to help you get a good fit. Theyre sturdy too, with an IP54 rating for water and dust-resistance, so they can cope with life outdoors in this rather wet and windy summer that we seem to be having. The earbuds support AAC for Apple devices and aptX for Android, and the Sennheiser app includes some useful features, such as a five-band equalizer for fine-tuning the sound, and an adjustable transparency control that lets in just as much sound as you need. Despite the lower price, the Accentum earbuds use the same 7mm drivers as the Momentum, which provide a healthy frequency response of 5Hz 21kHz, and produce very good sound quality. The Accentum shows a delicate touch on the slow strings that open Madonnas Frozen , allowing them to rise slowly and elegantly through the air. Theres a warm, silky tone to Madonnas voice, but the Accentum can turn around suddenly and land the sharp drum beats with dramatic impact. Switching to something less ethereal, the deep electronic bass on Prime Evil by The Orb glides along with a firm, sinuous rhythm that gets the shoulders moving, while the jangling percussion adds an eerie, nervous energy to the track. The noise-cancellation features work well too they dont stamp out background noise quite as effectively as some of the Accentums more expensive rivals, but theyll be fine for daily use when youre out and about. Battery life is similar to the AirPods Pro, lasting for six hours when using noise-cancellation, while the wireless charging case gives you 2.5 additional charges. So while it might not be the best choice for long-distance travellers, the Accentum is a really good, affordable option for general day-to-day use when youre wandering around town. 10. Beats Solo Buds Pros Very affordable 18-hour battery life Surprisingly good sound for the price Cons No active noise cancelling No automatic device switching or multi-point Bluetooth No in-ear detection No personalized spatial audio Charging case has no battery Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59.95 View Deal $59.95 View Deal $59.95 View Deal $59.99 View Deal $79.95 View Deal $79.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Beats $79.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $59.95 at Amazon $59.95 at B&H $59.95 at Walmart Electronics View more prices from Target Adorama Apple Apple United States Close Best Prices Today: Beats Solo Buds Retailer Price $59.95 View Deal $59.95 View Deal $59.95 View Deal $59.99 View Deal $79.95 View Deal $79.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Beats $79.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The cheapest AirPods (the AirPods 4 without ANC, below) cost $129/129 and are good at that price, but for even less you can get the Beats Solo Buds (released in mid 2024) which are also from Apple (though probably few people are aware of that). The Beats Solo Buds are little stemless buds that fit snugly in your ear and rest in a charging case when not in use. They come in four colors instead of just white: matte black, storm grey, arctic purple, and transparent red (the earbuds are not transparent). Beats Solo Buds are just little buds, without stems, so they fit snugly in the ear. On each earbud is a physical button thats easy to press when you need to. Unlike the plastic AirPods, they have rubberized ear tips (in four sizes), which not only makes for a more secure fit but improves bass response. The charging case is quite small, it doesnt have a battery though so you will need to plug it in to charge your Solo Buds. The battery in the eartbuds is rated to 18 hours though, which is pretty good. The sound is clear and punchy with sound quality is pleasantly surprising, given their price. Obviously they dont hold up to the clarity and kick of earbuds that cost twice as much. Call quality is fine, but the voice isolation is behind that of more expensive buds. As you would expect at this price, theres no active noise cancelation. But you get a lot for your money with these earbuds. Read our full Beats Solo Buds review 11. Apple AirPods 4 (without ANC) Pros Improved design and fit Great price Cons No ANC No wireless charging Price When Reviewed: $129 without Active Noise Cancelation Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $99.99 View Deal $99.99 View Deal $124.95 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $129.99 View Deal $129.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $99.99 at Amazon $99.99 at Walmart Electronics $124.95 at B&H View more prices from Adorama Apple United States Best Buy Target Close Best Prices Today: Apple AirPods 4 (without ANC) Retailer Price $99.99 View Deal $99.99 View Deal $124.95 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $129.99 View Deal $129.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The AirPods 4 gain all the same design improvements as the AirPods 4 with ANC featured above. They have a better fit than their predecessor, so should stay in your ears. They replace the $129/129 2nd generation AirPods, at the same price. Like the AirPods they replace these AirPods dont offer wireless charging, but they do offer one hour more battery life than the AirPods 4 with ANC do. If you want Active Noise Cancelation you need to pay $50/50 more to purchase the AirPods 4 with ANC, or look at one of the other options in this round up, many of which offer ANC for less. As well as missing out on Active Noise Cancelation, the standard AirPods 4 dont offer Adaptive Audio and Transparency mode, Conversation Awareness, or a speaker on the case for Find My alerts. As mentioned they are not capable of wireless charging either. Otherwise, theyre the same as the ANC model though. The AirPods 4 have an H2 chip like the ANC model as well as the same audio quality, fit, and features. At this low price this is a big leap from the 2nd gen AirPods that Apple sold at this price point until September 2024. 12. Creative Zen Air Pro Pros Great price Supports AAC Respectable noise-cancellation Wireless charging case Cons Lightweight plastic design Noise-cancellation cant match the best Price When Reviewed: $69.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $49.99 View Deal $49.99 View Deal Creative $69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $49.99 at Amazon $49.99 at Lenovo USA $69.99 at Creative Active noise-cancellation (ANC) is a standard feature with many modern earbuds and headphones, but its still an expensive feature that adds quite a lot to the overall price. For instance, Apples AirPods start at $129/129, but you have pay $179/179 to get ANC in the AirPods 4 with ANC, or $249/229 to get ANC from the AirPods Pro, so we were impressed when Creative launched its 2024 Zen Air Pro earbuds, which offer ANC for a very competitive $69.99/59.99. And, unlike many more expensive models, the Air Pro even manages to include a wireless charging case as well. As you might guess from the name, the Air Pro bears more than a passing resemblance to Apples AirPods Pro, with rubber eartips and a small stalk that hangs down from your ears. Admittedly, the plastic earpieces and charging case dont feel quite as sturdy as their Apple rivals, but the earpieces are rated IPX5 for water resistance, so they can cope with life outdoors when they need to. Battery life is also quite respectable, lasting for nine hours on a single charge, although using ANC does reduce that to six hours. The charging case brings the total battery life to 33 hours, or 22 hours with ANC. We were pleased to find that the Air Pro supports Apples AAC codec for Bluetooth audio (although the low cost means that theres no aptX for Android users). It does a good job of handling the grinding, fuzz-drenched guitars on Supermassive Black Hole by Muse, but also shows a light touch on the fast percussion that skips through the chorus. Its not fazed when I jump ahead a couple of tracks on the Black Holes album for the gentle Soldiers Poem , catching the smooth, warm tone and all the details in Muses Queen-esque harmonies as they intone theres no justice in the world The noise-cancellation feature also proves surprisingly effective for such a low-cost set of earbuds. Its not quite as effective as some of its more expensive rivals, but the Air Pro still does a good job of reducing the low rumble of an aircraft engine during our listening tests. It does let in some of the more varied sounds in our test of airport background noise, but thats also the case with many other headphones and earbuds, and the Air Pros noise-cancellation features represent excellent value at this price. 13. Logitech Zone True Wireless Pros Connects via Bluetooth or USB wireless adaptor Weather-resistant design, and two carrying cases Certified for use with Zoom, Teams, Google Meet Active noise cancellation with ambient mode Cons Expensive Large earbuds may not suit everyone Price When Reviewed: 299 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $224.99 View Deal Logitech $299 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $224.99 at B&H $299 at Logitech Logitechs Zone True Wireless earbuds from 2023 are even more expensive than Apples AirPods Pro, but theyre absolutely loaded with useful features, and theres a particular emphasis on remote working as well as simply listening to music. Available in black or pink, the Zone earbuds make a great impression straight out of the box, as they arrive in a sturdy charging case that includes a little lanyard to help keep them safe. The earbuds are also rated IP68 for resistance to water and dust, so theyll be ideal for running in the park or working out at the gym, and the outer section of the earbuds is covered with a mesh fabric to reduce wind noise during voice calls. Logitech even includes an additional padded carrying case, with room to hold the charging case and cables, so you can keep the entire kit safe when youre traveling. I often have trouble getting earbuds to stay in place, and I was initially a little worried about the rather chunky design of the Zone earbuds, but they did fit more firmly than I expected and Logitech provides three sets of ear-tips in different sizes to help get a comfortable fit. The size of the earbuds also means that each earbud is able to house a 12mm driver, as well as three microphones to help with active noise-cancellation (ANC). Even the Logi Tune app impresses with its extensive range of features starting with the fact that its available for Mac and Windows as well as iOS and Android, so you can use it to set up the earbuds when youre preparing for a video call at work. The noise-cancellation features include an ambient mode that lets you hear some of the background noise around you if required. You can pair the earbuds with two devices at the same time and then quickly switch between devices as required, and theres a five-band equalizer for fine-tuning the sound quality. The Zone is also certified for use with Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet for video calls. But, of course, none of those features would matter if the Zone didnt deliver on sound quality. Youve actually got two options here, as the Zone can be used as a conventional set of Bluetooth earbuds with your mobile devices, but also includes a USB wireless transmitter that can be used with Macs and PCs to provide greater range and reliability than Bluetooth. The sound quality is very good in both modes, and the Zone does well to dig right down to the gravelly rumble of Leonard Cohens voice on You Want It Darker. Theres a taut, rhythmic sound to the songs slinky bass guitar too, but it still keeps an eye on lighter details, such as the crisp tap on the snares. Battery life is good too, providing 10 hours when listening to music with noise-cancellation turned off, or six hours when using noise-cancellation. The battery life is a bit lower for talk-time on video and voice calls, but still lasts for six hours without noise cancellation or five hours with noise cancellation, which should be more than enough for most work-related calls. The charging case also lets you fully charge the earbuds two more times, and theres a QuickCharge feature that gives you one hour of battery life after just five minutes of charging time. Theres a USB-C connector on the case for charging, but it also supports Qi wireless charging too. Alternatively, if youre a die-hard lover of wired headphones, then Logitech is planning to release a wired version of the Zone soon as well. 14. Sony WF-1000XM5 Pros The best-sounding earbuds ever Incredible noise canceling Clever smart features Hi-Res support Cons Fiddly on-bud volume controls Occasionally come loose Some connection issues Price When Reviewed: $299.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $179.99 View Deal $185.95 View Deal $228 View Deal $249.99 View Deal $299.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $179.99 at Amazon $185.95 at B&H $228 at Adorama View more prices from Target Best Buy Close Best Prices Today: Sony WF-1000XM5 Retailer Price $179.99 View Deal $185.95 View Deal $228 View Deal $249.99 View Deal $299.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Sonys WF-1000XM5, which we reviewed in 2023, produce incredibly full, clear, detailed and balanced sound. They deliver exceptionally good audio range. Speed of Plight by Loyle Carner is well rounded with humming bass and the crackle of vinyl record at the beginning crystal clear. Id never noticed the light reverb on the drums on Violent Femmess Blister in the Sun before I listened on the WF-1000XM5. The XM5 play audio using the common SDC or AAC codecs, but iPhones do not support Sonys LDAC Hi-Res codec, which is why these dont rank higher in our chart. The XM5 are so good that I still enjoyed the audio quality when using an iPhone with bog standard bitrate Spotify streams. Sony says the XM5 have 20% better noise cancellation chops than predecessors, the XM4.They are very good indeed. The XM5 have three mics on each bud, up from two, to better help capture ambient noise. These mics also grant improved call quality. Wind reduction is also decent. You can connect two devices (iOS, Android, Windows, or Mac) at once, but you still need to manually connect each device if you are cycling between more than two. Unfortunately they arent clever enough to switch from iPhone to iPad if you start using that, even if they are already a paired device. The XM5 have great battery life and fulfilled Sonys promise of eight hours on a full charge. The case can provide another 24 hours of total listening time. Those times are with ANC on, turn it off and the battery will last even longer. A three-minute charge gives an hour playback. Read our full Sony WF-1000XM5 review 15. Soundcore AeroFit Pro Pros Open-ear design for sport Large drivers, with strong bass Firm fit, with detachable neckband Supports AAC, LDAC codecs Cons Hooked earpieces may not suit everyone No noise cancellation Sound quality requires a good fit Price When Reviewed: $169.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $149.99 View Deal $149.99 View Deal $149.99 View Deal $149.99 View Deal Soundcore $169.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $149.99 at Amazon $149.99 at B&H $149.99 at Best Buy View more prices from Walmart Electronics Soundcore Close Best Prices Today: Soundcore AeroFit Pro Retailer Price $149.99 View Deal $149.99 View Deal $149.99 View Deal $149.99 View Deal Soundcore $169.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Most earbuds include several sets of rubber eartips that are designed to fit firmly inside your ear canal, in order to provide good sound quality and block out background noise (and also to stop them falling out every five minutes). But, sometimes youll see a type of open ear earbuds, which tend to sit quite loosely in the outer ear instead (rather like Apples basic AirPods, whereas the AirPods Pro opt for a closed design that does use rubber eartips). These open-ear earbuds tend to be designed with sport in mind, so that you can hear whats going on around you while youre jogging through the park, or working out in a crowded gym. Thats very much the case with the 2023 AeroFit Pro earbuds from Soundcore (which is a division of Anker, well-known for its docks and other accessories). Priced at $169.99/149.99, and available in a variety of colours, the AeroFit Pro also has the hooked design that is common with many sports earbuds, and wraps around the back of the ear to hold them in place. And, just to be extra safe, the AeroFit Pro also includes a detachable neckband as well. I didnt really need the neckband, though, as the hooks on the earpieces held them in place pretty well. However, I did find that the earpieces sat quite high in my ears, which felt a little odd, so it might be worth trying the AeroFit Pro in a store or a showroom to see how they fit you before buying. These open-ear designs can sometimes sacrifice a little sound quality in order to ensure that you remain aware of your surroundings, but Soundcore has made a good effort to provide the best possible sound quality. The AeroFit Pro houses 16.2mm drivers, which are far larger than most rival earbuds in this price range. It doesnt quite provide the thumping bass that Soundcore boasts about, but the electronic bass on Bad Guy by Billie Eilish did have a taut, firm beat to it. The bass didnt overpower the sound either, with the AeroFit Pro lending a sharp snap to the finger-clicking on the chorus, and catching the breathy tone in Billies vocal. And, without noise-cancellation features to drain the battery youll get around 14 hours on a single charge, while the charging case lets you recharge three more times. Our only minor complaint is that the case doesnt support Qi for wireless charging as well. How to choose earbud headphones There are a few factors to consider before you hit that buy button. Type Earbuds, or in-ear headphones, typically fall into three main categories: Earbuds the type of headphones included with every iPhone and iPod and sit loosely in your outer ears. Although earbuds dont produce outstanding sound, theyre compact and relatively inexpensive. Apples stock buds are actually decent as earbuds go; youre not going to get a huge upgrade in sound quality by simply replacing them with a different model. Still, there are a few alternatives out there that provide modest improvements if youre looking for a new set. Recommendations: In-Ear-Canal Headphones : These headphones, also known as canalphones, use silicone or foam eartips that fit snuglyand fairly deepin your ear canals. Like earplugs, they block most external noise, so theyre great for travel and noisy environments. Theyre also capable of producing stunning audio quality. On the other hand, some people find canalphones to be uncomfortable, and the best ones come with an equally stunning price tag. If you decide to spend the big bucks on a set of high-end canalphones, we enthusiastically recommend going all-in and getting custom eartipstips custom-made for your particular ears. The process requires an audiologist visit to get impressions taken of your ears, but the benefits include substantially better comfort. (On some models, you may gain better noise isolation and better sound quality, as well.) A step above custom eartips are custom in-ear monitors, which place the actual headphone circuitry in larger, custom-made earpieces. Canalbuds : Canalbuds, which occupy a middle ground between earbuds and in-ear-canal models, have become quite popular. Compared to canalphones, canalbuds generally use smaller eartips that sit just inside the ends of your ear canals instead of deep inside them. Good canalbuds easily best earbuds in terms of audio performance and noise isolation, but fall short of good canalphones in those areas. On the other hand, canalbuds tend to be more comfortable than true canalphones because they dont sit so deep and dont fit so tightly; theyre also usually less expensive. (See our in-ear-canal-headphone primer, linked above, for more information on canalbuds.) Battery life This is crucial as many in-ear headphones have tiny batteries that help to keep the weight down but may only last for a few hours. That might be fine if you just want to listen to some music while youre working out, but wont be much use on a long journey by train or plane. However, some in-ear headphones, such as Apples AirPods, also include a charging case that can top up the battery, so thats something you should check on before buying any in-ear headphones. Noise canceling Some headphones are specifically designed for people who travel a lot or use headphones in noisy conditions and provide active noise-canceling (ANC) option that helps to block out background noise on trains and planes although this can add quite a lot to the overall price of the headphones. Note this isnt to be confused with passive noise isolation (or often referred to as canceling), which is just the way physically having headphones in/on blocks sound like putting earplugs or ear defenders on. Sound quality Wed always recommend trying out any new headphones in a store or showroom whenever possible, but thats not always practical with so many new headphones competing for your attention. Compatibility All the headphones here will work excellently with the latest iPhone models. Its typical for them to support Apples preferred AAC codec, although some will have others too like aptX which is handy if you want to also use them with other devices like Android phones. Its been quite a few years since Apple devices stopped supporting the high-quality aptX codec (compressor/decompressor) that is now used with many Bluetooth headphones and earbuds. Thats probably due to Apples long-running and seriously expensive legal battle with Qualcomm, the company that purchased the aptX technology back in 2015. Whatever the reason, this means that Apples AirPods have to rely on the older AAC codec for Bluetooth audio, even though many audiophiles feel that aptX provides better sound quality especially for listening to the high-res audio formats that are now available on Apple Music and other streaming services. It also means that owners of Macs, iPhones and iPads, dont always get the best quality when using headphones and earbuds from other manufacturers that do support aptX (such as our Best Wireless Earbuds). For this reason, we look out for earbuds that support AAC. If headphones support aptX you may still be able to benefit from that, for example, with the Pi8 B&W include a charging case that doubles up as an aptX transmitter. Its also worth noting that all Bluetooth headphones mentioned in this article are compatible with the Apple Watch perfect when going for a run.

Amazon early Big Spring Sale deals on works with Alexa+ Echo Buds now live from $35

As part of its early Big Spring sale deals, Amazon has now dropped the price on a number of its works with Alexa+ smart speakers and displays , but we also just spotted some offers on its already affordable Alexa earbuds as well. While we did see some slightly lower prices during the Black Friday festivities last year on Amazons in-house earbuds , todays early spring offers are the first discounts we have tracked since they received the works with Alexa+ badge. Everything you need to know about the new Alexa+ awaits right here and youll find additional details on the Echo buds deals below. more

Indiana Jones and The Great Circle hits PS5 on April 17

The PlayStation 5 release date for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has been revealed. MachineGames' latest Nazi-thwacking simulator will hit Sony's console on April 17, just four months after it debuted on Xbox and PC. If you pony up for the digital premium edition or physical collector's bundle, you'll get early access to the game on April 15 (plus some other goodies). Digital pre-orders are open now and physical pre-orders go live tomorrow, March 25. Microsoft confirmed last August that it would bring a port of the tremendously enjoyable blockbuster to Sony's console this spring as part of its shift away from platform exclusivity. We've seen a number of notable former Xbox exclusives come to PS5 (and Switch in some cases) over the last year or so. Among them are Sea of Thieves , Hi-Fi Rush , Pentiment and Grounded . Forza Horizon 5 is also PS5-bound on April 29 . Meanwhile, Doom: The Dark Ages will hit PS5 on May 15 , the same day it's set to land on PC and Xbox. Rumors suggest that a remastered collection of the first three Gears of War games is coming to Sony's system. The rebooted Fable and even Xbox's flagship Halo series could make the leap over to PlayStation as well, as the walls around Microsoft's gaming garden continue to crumble. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/indiana-jones-and-the-great-circle-hits-ps5-on-april-17-150021622.html?src=rss

Genetic testing company 23andMe declares bankruptcy

Former CEO wants to buy it, but the fate of its customers' genetic data is unclear.

AirPods Pro 2 drop to their 2025 low ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale

Macworld Stellar sound, noise cancelation, and a hearing aid for $170? Thats right, Amazon has slashed the price of AirPods Pro 2 to its 2025 low , a massive $79 discount (32 percent) off its MSRP. When we reviewed the AirPods Pro 2 , we absolutely loved them, giving the buds a 4.5-star rating and our Editors Choice label. We loved their fantastic audio quality, great noise canceling, and lengthy battery life. On the outside, not much has changed with these second-generation AirPods Pro. But the sound quality has improved a lot, noise canceling is much better, transparency mode is top-notch, and battery life is finally up to par, we wrote. Theyve only gotten better since then with new features such as Conversation Boost and Hearing Protection , which offers a clinical-grade hearing test and the option to use your AirPods Pro 2 as a genuine hearing aid. As always, the buds are extremely easy to pair with other Apple devices, allowing you to switch between them in a blink. Exercising with the AirPods Pro 2 in your ears is also perfectly possible since they deliver a secure fit and have water and sweat resistance. And of course, they work with hands-free Siri for answering calls and playing music. So dont miss out on the chance to get your hands on the AirPods Pro 2 for $170 at Amazon because this deal wont stick around forever. Save 32% on the AirPods Pro 2 Buy now at Amazon

23andMe has filed for bankruptcy and CEO Anne Wojcicki has stepped down

DNA testing company 23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy , following a tumultuous few years that included significant layoffs and a wide-ranging data breach . It plans to find a buyer and continue operations throughout the process, with the company's CEO, Anne Wojcicki, resigning to bid for the company independently. The Board of Directors' Special Committee previously rejected a proposal from Wojcicki. We expect the court-supervised process will advance our efforts to address the operational and financial challenges we face, including further cost reductions and the resolution of legal and leasehold liabilities. We believe in the value of our people and our assets and hope that this process allows our mission of helping people access, understand and benefit from the human genome to live on for the benefit of customers and patients, said Mark Jensen, chair and member of the Special Committee, in a release . Jensen added that the company is committed to safeguarding customer data and that being transparent about the management of user data going forward, and data privacy will be an important consideration in any potential transaction. There was a time when 23andMe was all the rage, with everyone you knew sending samples of their saliva. However, things have declined since the company went public. It was once valued at $6 billion , but this month that number was less than $50 million. The company also laid off over 200 employees late last year. But, the largest hurdle came in 2023 when hackers accessed the information of 6.9 million customers the breach started in April of that year, but 23andM3 noticed it five months later , in September. The company announced the leak that October . One year later, 23andMe settled a class action lawsuit for $30 million , following claims such as that the company failed to tell plaintiffs that they were specifically targeted for being of Chinese or Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/23andme-has-filed-for-bankruptcy-and-ceo-anne-wojcicki-has-stepped-down-144629683.html?src=rss

Aventons Level 2 commuter e-bike with 60-mile range drops to $1,499 in spring savings for first time in over a year

Popping back in on Aventons Spring Sale that is running through March 31, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the brands Level 2 Commuter e-bikes that have fallen lower than weve seen them in the last year, with both the Step-Over and Step-Through models at $1,499 shipped for this event. Though they carry a $1,899 price tag, over the last year weve seen them keeping down at $1,699 and $1,599 rates, never budging lower, even during Black Friday and Christmas sales. It has been since 2023 that we saw this model drop to $1,499 directly from Aventon (which is the lowest weve tracked from the brand and likely due to the upgraded Level 3 e-bikes release ), though we did spy a one-day-only sale from Best Buy a year ago that saw a short-term fall to the $1,299 low. Youre looking at a rare opportunity to score your own at the best price coming from Aventon and the second-best overall, saving you $400 to invest in accessories or other gear. more

Amazon Spring Sale deals include this Anker 5K magnetic power bank for only $20

Anker power banks and other charging gear have been discounted thanks to the Amazon Spring Sale . Noteworthy among the deals is this Anker 321 MagGo power bank that's going for only $20 for Prime members. The discount applies to all colorways, too, including white, black, pink, green and purple. Anker devices are some of our favorites and a few of them have made it onto our list of the best power banks and portable chargers. This particular model on sale is MagSafe-compatible, so it will magnetically attach to the back of your iPhone when you need a power-up. It's also compatible with MagSafe iPhone cases, too. Inside, theres a 5,000mAh battery that provides up to 19 hours of additional use for modern iPhones. Its equipped with heat sensors that continuously monitor temperatures to avoid accidental damage and it can juice up a phone while its being charged itself. This power bank is also on the smaller side, so it easily fits into pockets, bags and purses. The only downside is that this is only for Prime members. However, the Anker Nano 3-in-1 portable charger is on sale for everyone. This non-magnetic charger includes a large 10,000mAh battery and is currently $35 . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-spring-sale-deals-include-this-anker-5k-magnetic-power-bank-for-only-20-152009106.html?src=rss

Steep discount gets your 16-inch MacBook or PC laptop in Lenovos Legion backpack for $20 (Reg. $50)

Lenovo Legion 16-inch Laptop Backpack Buy for $20 (Reg. $50) What we love I think Lenovos Legion-branded backpacks generally offer a clean aesthetic that differentiates them from many gaming-inspired competitors. The vibrant blue interior catches my eye every time I see this bag. Its ready to hold any laptop up to 16 inches, making it suitable for most of the options out there. more

Groyyo picks up 51% stake in US-based Oussum Inc

The Gurugram-based firm will work closely to scale private labels operating under the brands of 'Oussum' and 'Gypsie Blu' across both offline and online channels in the US.

Apple is bringing lossless audio and low-latency audio to AirPods Max

Apple announced on Monday that its bringing lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio to AirPods Max headphones when using the included USB-C cable. With this upcoming update, AirPods Max headphones will unlock 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio to maintain the quality of original recordings. Lossless audio also extends to Personalized Spatial Audio to deliver a []

Top off the tech bin while these 20W USB-C wall chargers are only $4.50 (Save 50%)

VOLTME 20W USB-C Wall Charger Buy for $4.50 (Reg. $9) What we love Its become fairly common to see a lot of USB-C powered gear leave out an included wall adapter. This is why I like to keep some spare units in my tech bin. With 20W of power here, these will be able to handle a majority of devices, even more power hungry ones like smartphones and tablets. more

Amazon Spring Sale vacuum deals: Shark robot vacuums are up to 47 percent off

The Amazon Spring Sale has brought a number of discounts to Shark vacuums , both cordless and robotic varieties. On the robot vacuum side of things, you can get the well-regarded Shark AI Ultra robovac for $300, or more than $100 off its regular price. This is a version of one of our top picks for the best robot vacuums . It has strong suction power, an easy-to-use mobile app and an extra-large, self-emptying base that can hold up to 60 days worth of debris. Its great for pet hair and all-around cleaning tasks. The only major downside is that this isnt a hybrid unit, so it doesnt mop. For that, consider the Shark Matrix Plus. This 2-in-1 robovac vacuums and mops, and its currently on sale for $400 . Thats a massive discount of 47 percent, as the typical price is an eyebrow-raising $750. This one also includes a self-emptying base that can accommodate 60 days of dirt and debris. It boasts a true HEPA filter and excels at mopping away deep stains. This is thanks to powerful scrubbers that operate at 100 times per minute. We couldnt truly recommend this model at its original price, as thats a whole lot of cheddar, but its a steal right now for $400. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-spring-sale-vacuum-deals-shark-robot-vacuums-are-up-to-47-percent-off-151615864.html?src=rss

Amazon Spring Sale 2025: The best tech deals from Apple, Bose, Sonos, Anker and others

We're still a few months out from the big Amazon Prime Day that typically happens in July, but the online retail giant is having yet another big sale to usher in spring. The Amazon Spring Sale is officially on the books for 2025, starting on March 25 and running through March 31. Considering the time of year, it's not surprising to see that Amazon is billing this as a sale for all things spring cleaning, home and fashion. We don't expect the Amazon Spring Sale to be as fruitful for tech deals as, say, standard Prime Day. But there are always some gadgets that pop up among the sales, and we'll cover all of the best tech deals we can find. For now, here are the best early Amazon Spring Sale deals you can shop right now. Best Amazon Spring Sale deals so far Anker 321 MagGo battery pack for $20 (23 percent off, Prime exclusive): This 5K power bank attaches magnetically to the backs of the latest iPhones to provide extra juice on the go. It can provide up to 19 hours of extra battery, and it's compatible with MagSafe cases as well. Sonos Ray for $179 ($100 off): This is our favorite midrange soundbar thanks to its compact, attractive design and easy setup. It's best for those who have a smaller living room or den they want to outfit with better TV sound. Also available at Sonos in their March Madness sale . Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for $250 ($150 off): These top our list of the best wireless headphones you can get right now thanks to their supreme comfort, excellent sound quality and ANC, multipoint connectivity and 30-hour battery life. Bose QuietComfort headphones for $249 ($100 off): These Bose over-ear headphones provide excellent noise cancellation, a comfortable fit and up to 24 hours of listening time on a single charge. A quick-charge feature will net you 2.5 hours of battery life in just 15 minutes of charging, so you'll rarely have to go without them, too. Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones for $349 ($80 off): These hold the top spot in our best wireless headphones guide for excellent noise cancellation. These cans will give you a step up in ANC, blocking out most noise and chatter of those around you. General audio quality has been improved as well, and they have a comfy fit. Dyson AM09 heater and fan for $300 (36 percent off): The AM09 has been around for ages, and for good reason. It's an excellent heater during cold months and fan during warm months, so you can use it all year round. Jet Focus control lets you choose from Focused or Diffused for personal or whole-room heating or cooling, and the handy sleep timer lets you set when the device turns off in intervals from 15 minutes up to nine hours. Dyson V15s Detect Submarine for $798 ($152 off): This Dyson cordless stick vacuum and mop is a top pick in our best cordless vacuums guide thanks to its sleek design and included mop attachment that easily swap in so you can clean tile, hardwood and other flooring with liquid solution. Yes, it's expensive, but you're essentially getting two cleaning machines in one plus, when used as a vacuum, it has excellent suction power and great battery life. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer for $280 ($70 off): A version of one of our favorite air fryers , this air fryer toaster oven has 11 cooking modes including air fry, broil, bake, roast and more, and it has a large capacity that can fit up to six slices of bread at once or a 13-inch pizza. The Pro model is also on sale, down to $300 from $400. Apple AirTags (four-pack) for $70 ($29 off): These are the best Bluetooth trackers for iPhone users thanks to their vast finding network and accurate ultra wideband features for locating your things when theyre close by. Just attach them to your keys, wallet or bag with the right AirTag holder and keep track of everything in the Find My app. 10th-gen iPad for $279 (20 percent off): The previous version of most affordable iPad gives you an A14 Bionic chip, a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, TouchID built into the lock button and more. Its compatible with the first-gen Apple Pencil and the keyboard folio, plus we found it to have solid performance and a matching battery life. AirPods Max (USB-C) for $480 ($70 off): If youre looking for over-ear headphones with all of the conveniences of in-ear AirPods, the AirPods Max are one of your only options (with the others being Beats devices). The latest models have the same design as the originals, but now charge up via USB-C instead of Lightning. Apple Watch SE for $169 ($80 off): Those on tighter budgets can opt for the Apple Watch SE and know theyre getting the core Apple wearable experience with few compromises. We consider it to be the best smartwatch for newbies. Audible (three months) for $3 ($42 off): This deal gives you access to Audible Premium Plus, which includes one credit each month that you can spend on any book you'd like, along with listening access to thousands of other books, podcasts and Audible Originals. You also get to take part in Audible's exclusive member sales. Blink Mini 2 for $20 (50 percent off): Blink's latest wired, indoor security camera is one of our favorites , particularly if you're just starting out building a security camera system. It's easy to set up and use, and it works seamlessly with Amazon's Alexa. Plus, if you want a local storage option, you can buy the Blink Sync Module 2 and a thumb drive to store video clips locally. Beats Fit Pro for $169 (15 percent off): These are the best wireless earbuds for working out thanks to their comfortable, secure fit, good sound quality with thumping bass and handful of convenient features provided by Apple's H1 chipset. It provides quick-pairing and switching between Apple devices (and quick pairing with Android phones), Find My compatibility and hands-free Siri. Levoit Core 400S air purifier for $187 ($33 off): Our top pick for the best air purifier for most people, the Core 400S has easy-to-use onboard controls, powerful filtering technology that isn't too loud and relatively affordable replacement filters. It reliably improved air quality in our testing, and even though its mobile app is a little overstuffed, it gives you another way to control and monitor the device. TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro mesh Wi-Fi system for $280 (30 percent off): Our current pick for the best mesh Wi-Fi system you can get, this TP-Link bundle may be no-frills, but it gets the job done nicely. It's easy to set up and provides excellent Wi-Fi 6E performance, plus the three included nodes can cover up to 7,200 square feet. Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum for $300 (31 percent off): This is a version of one of our top picks in our best robot vacuums guide. Shark makes excellent robovacs with strong suction power and convenient bagless, self-emptying bases. This model in particular can hold up to 60 days worth of debris before its base needs to be emptied. If you want a machine that can mop in addition to vacuum, consider Shark's Matrix Plus robovac , which is 47 percent off and down to $400. iRobot Roomba Combo Vac and Mop for $159 (42 percent off): This essential Roomba is relatively no-frills, but it has the added benefit of being a mopping robot in addition to a vacuum. It includes a washable mopping pad and a water reservoir so you can clean hard floors, and it will autonomously vacuum just like all of iRobot's other basic robovacs. Samsung Evo Select microSD card (512GB) for $35 ($5 off): A value pick in our best microSD cards guide, this Evo Select card provides respectable read and write speeds, and it comes with a full-sized adapter. Samsung T7 portable SSD (2TB) for $140 (48 percent off): We're on the T9 series now, but if you're looking to save a bit of cash, the T7 remains a great option for on-the-go storage. It supports read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s and sports a pocket-friendly design. Amazon Spring Sale FAQs When is the Amazon Spring Sale? The Amazon Spring Sale 2025 runs from March 25 through March 31. What is Amazon's Spring Sale? The Amazon Spring Sale is a multi-day sale event that has taken place at the end of March since 2024. Do I have to be a Prime Member to shop the Amazon Spring Sale? No, Amazon Spring Sale deals are available to all, including those who do not subscribe to Prime. What types of deals can I expect to find during the Amazon Spring Sale? In the past, we've seen a lot of spring cleaning and fashion items in sale during the Big Spring Sale. We expect this year to be no different. We at Engadget in particular will be on the lookout for discounts on our favorite spring cleaning tech, including robot vacuums, cordless vacuums and air purifiers, along with deals on kitchen and smart home gear. Are there deals I can shop now ahead of the Amazon Spring Sale? Yes, check out our list of the best Amazon Spring Sale deals you can get right now above. How long does the Amazon Spring Sale last? The Amazon Spring Sale lasts seven days this year, running from March 25 through March 31. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-spring-sale-2025-the-best-tech-deals-from-apple-bose-sonos-anker-and-others-130607433.html?src=rss

Samsungs 180MB/s 1TB PRO Plus microSD card drops back to $80 low today

While we are still trackings one notable deals on this special edition Sonic the Hedgehog models , Samsung, as part of its March Madness sale offers , is now offering on of the best prices to date on its 1TB 180MB/s PRO Plus microSDXC Memory Card at $79.99 shipped . This model debuted on Amazon last summer where it is now matched at $80 to deliver the lowest price we have tracked there or anywhere on this 1TB model (outside of military and EDU offers). more

Best Running Shorts, Tested and Reviewed (2025): Nike, Asics

We logged the big miles in the latest running shorts so you can conquer your goals in comfort.

Good luck undercutting this 20K USB-C power bank at only $10 Prime shipped ($20 off)

INIU 20,000mAh USB-C Power Bank Buy for $10 (Reg. $30) Clip the on-page 50% off coupon. What we love If you just want some backup power and arent concerned about extra features and frills, its hard to go wrong here. Youre looking at a power bank with two USB-A and one Type-C port. Power output tops out at 22.5W, which may not be the fastest out there, but will certainly get the job done. more

Apple is finally updating AirPods Max with lossless and ultra-low latency audio

No, pigs arent flying, hell hasnt frozen over and you (probably) havent won the Powerball jackpot, but something else nearly as unexpected is happening. Over four years after it debuted AirPods Max , Apple is set to update them with long-overdue features. The company is bringing lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio to the overear headphones when it rolls out iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4 and macOS Sequoia 15.4 in April . It's the first (and only major) update Apple has given the AirPods Max outside of starting to offer a model with a USB-C charging port back in September . And that's the kicker: based on the wording in Apple's press release , it seems the update will only be for the USB-C version of the AirPods Max, not the original version with the Lightning port. What's more, it appears that lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio may only be available when you connect the headphones to an audio source via a USB-C cable. Engadget has asked Apple for confirmation. As luck would have it, Apple is starting to sell a USB-C to 3.5mm cable today. It'll run you $39. There will also be the option to connect your iOS or iPadOS device to speakers or car stereos that have 3.5mm audio ports with the cable. Still, you'll at last be able to listen to 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio with AirPods Max. Lossless audio will also be compatible with Personalized Spatial Audio, Apple says. Apple Music subscribers can listen to more than 100 million songs in lossless audio. The company notes that, following the firmware update, AirPods Max will become the only headphones that enable musicians to both create and mix in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking. It adds that the ultra-low latency audio feature will allow for no response delay on par with the speakers built into Mac, iPad and iPhone devices. It suggests this feature could be a boon for gamers and livestreamers. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/apple-is-finally-updating-airpods-max-with-lossless-and-ultra-low-latency-audio-140142271.html?src=rss

Only 7 Days Left: Founders and VCs Save $300+ on TechCrunch All Stage Passes

TechCrunch All Stage is returning to Boston, MA on July 15 for a jam-packed day where founders no matter what stage theyre in will gain practical insights to fuel their startup growth. With a lineup of expert-led sessions, founders will leave with actionable strategies they can implement right away. Investors will also be []

Apply to compete in TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200 today!

Start your engines applications for TechCrunchs Startup Battlefield 200 competition are open! If youre a pre-Series A startup founder looking to make your mark on a global stage, this is an opportunity you cant pass up. We want to see you showcase your game-changing innovations to the world at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025s premier startup pitch []

The Apple Watch may get a new life as a camera-equipped AI device

Macworld As AI continues to dominate Apples strategic roadmap, a new report indicates the company wants to reimagine the Apple Watch as a camera-equipped AI assistant. The iPhone and Mac ranges have already gained AI features, thanks to the ( gradual and frequently delayed ) rollout of Apple Intelligence. But these are both products that the owner has to actively bring into use: sitting at a desk, opening a lid, and taking a handset out of a pocket. Whereas futurists believe AI will develop and thrive as a zero-friction technology thats with us all of the time. To an extent this model fits with the concept of the smart speaker, since this is just there ; all you need to do is talk to it. But such devices are not portable, which is why weve seen the development of the AI wearable, a dedicated device that is continuously accessible to answer questions and provide information on the world around the user. The two most famous examples so far have been the Humane AI and the Rabbit r1 , but neither have been successful. (The YouTuber Marques Brownlee called the former the worst product Ive ever reviewed and the latter barely reviewable.) There remains a gap in the market. Apple, according to the latest installment of Mark Gurmans Power On newsletter, hopes to fill this vacuum with a future iteration of the Apple Watch. This is an idea Ive discussed before, based on the fact that the Apple Watch already has the frictionless omnipresence that AI assistants need, and by contrast with standalone devices like the Humane AI is plugged into a wider ecosystem of messages, calendar entries, and so on. But there are two things preventing the Watch from doing the job convincingly at this point: it doesnt have a camera, which is essential for a lot of visual and geographically contextual queries, and it isnt in line to get the Apple Intelligence-based smarter Siri. The latter remains a troubling head-scratcher, but wed hope that Siri will get sorted eventually (now that Apple is taking the problem seriously ) and that Apple Intelligence will make its way to watchOS within a year or two. And the camera issue is in hand, according to Gurmans sources: The company is working on new versions of the Apple Watch that include cameras, he writes. As with the future AirPods , this would help the device see the outside world and use AI to deliver relevant information. Gurman claims Apple is working on two different approaches to this: a camera under the display for the standard watches, and a camera lens sitting on the side of the watch near the crown and button for the Ultra models. The second design sounds easier for the user, who wont need to bend their wrist to point the camera at relevant objects but is more suitable for a bulkier chassis. The cameras will be there for AI purposes only, so dont expect to be able to use them to capture sharp selfies or have FaceTime conversations; those things may follow but are not the point. For that matter, dont expect any of this to happen this year. Gurman says the development is still multiple generations away from launch.

Score exclusive $639 in savings on EcoFlows DELTA 2 1,024Wh LiFePO4 power station at a new $360 low

Weve got a fresh new exclusive deal for our readers from Wellbots, this time on the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station for $360.40 shipped , after using the promo code 9TO5D2 at checkout. Its already starting off coming down from its usual $999 price tag to $424, with the additional 15% off from the exclusive code bringing in a sizeable drop further. Weve seen it go as low as $399 back during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, with EcoFlows current Spring Sale only bringing things down to $474 at the moment. Todays deal gives you the best rate we have seen yet, cutting a combined $639 off the going rate and marking a new all-time low price. more