Donald Trump pardons Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht
President Donald Trump has pardoned Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road who was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of money laundering, narcotics trafficking and computer hacking. I just called the mother of Ross William Ulbright [sic] to let her know that in honor of her and the Libertarian Movement, which supported me so strongly, it was my pleasure to have just signed a full and unconditional pardon of her son, Ross, Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Ulbricht has been serving a life sentence since 2015. Prosecutors alleged that the dark web marketplace Ulbricht created was used by thousands of drug dealers and other unlawful vendors to distribute hundreds of kilograms of illegal drugs and other unlawful goods and services to well over a hundred thousand buyers, and to launder hundreds of millions of dollars deriving from these unlawful transactions. Ulbricht was also accused of attempting to order assassinations of his perceived enemies, though prosecutors said there was no evidence that these murders were actually carried out. The reprieve for Ulbricht comes after he tried, and failed , to appeal his sentence in 2017. Crypto enthusiasts, many of whom supported Trump during the 2024 election, have long argued that his sentence was too harsh. Trump said during his campaign that he would commute Ulbrichts sentence on day one if he was reelected. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/donald-trump-pardons-silk-road-creator-ross-ulbricht-010206263.html?src=rss
The OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 12 continue the brands legacy of delivering high-performance smartphones with premium features at competitive prices. Launched last week on the global stage , the OnePlus 13 offers flagship performance and high-end camera features at a very competitive price (USD $899.99/CAD $1249.99). This article compares the two models in five critical areas: industrial design, display, performance, camera, and battery capacity. Industrial Design: Extended Durability With iP69 support OnePlus 13 The OnePlus 12 sets a high bar for industrial design with its streamlined aluminum frame, curved glass back, and carefully balanced weight distribution. Its elegant yet durable design has a circular camera housing that blends into the back panel. With the OnePlus 13 , while keeping the same visual identity, the design language evolves, featuring a more refined and futuristic look. The OnePlus 13 adopts a flatter form factor, with sharper edges, a thinner and lighter profile, providing a more modern aesthetic. Materials have also been upgraded to enhance durability, including Crystal Shield Ultra Ceramic Glass on both front and back surfaces. One significant difference is the IP69 rating for the OnePlus 13 , meaning the new phone can withstand water jets and high-temperature water in addition to water submersion (IP68). I saw theOnePlus 13sustaining extended sessions in a washing machine during my briefing . Display Both the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 13 feature AMOLED panels that offer vibrant colors and deep black. Both models sport a 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The displays are similar, with the OnePlus 12 protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 , while the OnePlus 13 uses Crystal Shield Ultra Ceramic Glass . Both displays offer high peak brightness of 4500 NITS and excellent HDR performance, making them ideal for media consumption and outdoor usage. OnePlus 13: displaying an excellent photo of an iguana that I shot with the telephoto camera at 30X zoom.The 4500 nits (peak) AMOLED display is bright even in direct sunlight Performance The OnePlus 12 is equipped with last years Qualcomm flagship, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. This configuration ensures fast multitasking, efficient gaming, and responsive app performance. The OnePlus 13 features the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, launched last October, offering improved performance, enhanced power efficiency, and faster AI processing capabilities. For more details on the top differences between the two Qualcomm SoCs, read my article here. RAM options extend to 24GB in the OnePlus 13 , allowing for unparalleled multitasking performance. Benchmark results indicate a noticeable boost in processing speed and graphics rendering, positioning the OnePlus 13 as one of the fastest smartphones on the market. Camera Photography has become a key focus for OnePlus, and the OnePlus 12 introduced significant improvements in camera technology. Developed in collaboration with Hasselblad, the rear optical system features a triple-lens system with a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom with EIS. The OnePlus 13 retains this triple-lens configuration but enhances its advanced image processing software and new AI features. The primary sensor on the OnePlus 13 is the same 50 MP SONY LYT-808 found in its predecessor with the same f/1.6 bright aperture and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) . The key difference lies in the telephoto lens that offers a 3x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) , combined with a new Sony sensor, the LYT-600, which captures more light and thus delivers better performance in low light. The 50MP ultrawide shooter is brighter with a f/2.0 aperture instead of a f/2.2, and features a wider field of view of 120. Battery Capacity Battery performance is crucial for flagship smartphones, and OnePlus has made notable advancements in this area. The OnePlus 12 features a 5,400mAh battery with 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging wired (included in the box) and 50W AIRVOOC wireless charging. The OnePlus 13 introduced a larger 6,000mAh battery , which features 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging wired (included in the box) and supports up to 100W charging with the optional OnePlus SUPERVOOC 100W Dual Ports Power Adapter . Additionally, the OnePlus 13 launched alongside a new AIRVOOC 50W Magnetic Charger , offering fast wireless charging for compatible devices and reaching full charge in approximately 75 minutes. Charging advancements and efficiency improvements in both hardware and software contribute to better overall power management, ensuring that the OnePlus 13 delivers a longer-lasting and more reliable experience under heavy usage. In conclusion, the OnePlus 13 represents a significant upgrade over the OnePlus 12, particularly in design, display, performance, and camera technology. While the OnePlus 12 remains a powerful and capable device, the OnePlus 13s refinements and enhancements make it an appealing option for users seeking the latest innovations in smartphone technology. One Plus 13 vs. OnePlus 12: Better Performance, Enhanced Durability With IP69 Support, Massive 6000 mAh Battery, And A New Telephoto Camera , original content from Ubergizmo . Read our Copyrights and terms of use .
Best Home Security Cameras With Lights for 2025
Brighten your home security feed using these cameras with lights. Our CNET home security experts have found the best cameras to add to your home security system.
Netflix plans now cost between $8 and $25 after yet another subscription price hike
Netflix has released its earnings figures for the fourth quarter of 2024. While a lot of the results seem like good news for the company's shareholders, like operating income of more than $10 billion and a 16 percent revenue increase, there's a sting in the tail for its viewers. Subscription prices are going up yet again, starting today. As we continue to invest in programming and deliver more value for our members, we will occasionally ask our members to pay a little more so that we can re-invest to further improve Netflix, the company said in its shareholder letter . To that end, we are adjusting prices today across most plans in the US, Canada, Portugal and Argentina. Netflix later confirmed the specifics of the latest price hikes. The Standard plan with ads is inching up from $7 to $8 a month, while the ad-free version of Standard will rise from $15 to $18 a month. The monthly rates for Premium, which offers 4K Ultra HD and HDR, will increase from $23 to $25. Adding an extra member from outside your household to a streaming plan is also getting more expensive, changing from $8 a month to $9 a month. In 2023, Netflix eliminated its Basic plan in major markets . That change preceded the most recent increase in subscription costs, less than two years ago. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/netflix-plans-now-cost-between-8-and-25-after-yet-another-subscription-price-hike-234344042.html?src=rss
Tonight You Can Marvel at Six Planets in a Spectacular Planet Parade
Don't miss this nighttime viewing event, which includes the three furthest planets in our solar system.
Switch 2 significantly more powerful than the Switch, says game developer
Nintendo finally showed us the Switch 2 last week, but we still dont know whats inside the new console (at least, not officially). Nintendo rarely The post Switch 2 significantly more powerful than the Switch, says game developer appeared first on BGR .
Bambu Lab pushes a control system for 3D printers, and boy, did it not go well
Security measure? Boxing out third-party tools? Or something more complex?
Update your morning routines with Govees smart Wi-Fi electric gooseneck kettle at $64 (Reg. $80)
Govees official Amazon storefront is offering its Smart Wi-Fi Electric Gooseneck Kettle for $63.99 shipped. Normally going for $80, weve been seeing more frequent falls to this same rate as time rolls forward, with numerous short-term Lightning deals to $64 popping up since the last few months of 2024, especially during Black Friday and Christmas sales. Youre getting another shot at that third-lowest price once again here, albeit without the immediate time restraint, though theres no telling how long this 20% markdown will last. more
One of the best sound bars just hit an Amazon all-time low: Sonos Arc now at $650 (Reg. $899)
We are now tracking the lowest Amazon price ever on the Sonos Arc Soundbar at $649.99 shipped. Considered by many (us included) to be the among the best out there in the price range, despite some of the issues the brands app has dealt with, youre looking at a regularly $900 home theater solution that is now $249 off the going rate to land at a new Amazon all-time low. more
Best Innerspring Mattress in 2025
Looking for the ultimate comfort? Then choose one from the best innerspring mattresses we've tested.
Today's NYT Strands Hints, Answers and Help for Jan. 22, #325
Here are some hints -- and the answers -- for the Jan. 22 Strands puzzle, No. 325.
Play Sniper Elite: Resistance and More on Xbox Game Pass Soon
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Best Luggage, Wheeled Cases, Duffels and Carry-Ons for 2025
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iOS 18.3 RC Is Out and It Updates AI Notification Summaries and More
Developers and public beta testers can download the update now, and everyone else will likely get the update in the next few weeks.
Apple Intelligence is enabled by default in iOS 18.3 and macOS 15.3
Macworld From its introduction in iOS 18.1 , Apple Intelligence has been an opt-in feature. Users had to decide to enable it, with Apple even going so far as to put people on a waiting list before they could use it. With iOS 18.3 and macOS 15.3 , Apples AI features become a standard default part of the experience for all compatible iPhones (iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, iPhone 16), iPads, and Macs (all Macs with M1 or later processors). According to the developer documentation , Apple Intelligence will be enabled by default: For users new or upgrading to iOS 18.3, Apple Intelligence will be enabled automatically during iPhone onboarding. Users will have access to Apple Intelligence features after setting up their devices. To disable Apple Intelligence, users will need to navigate to the Apple Intelligence & Siri Settings pane and turn off the Apple Intelligence toggle. This will disable Apple Intelligence features on their device. Obviously, this will only be true in the regions and languages for which Apple Intelligence is available. It makes some sense; These are distinguishing features of these devices and, unlike some Siri requests and responses, Apple Intelligence features are either processed entirely on the device or via Private Cloud Compute where everything is encrypted and never saved. Still, Apple Intelligence is clearly labeled as Beta and it feels premature to make any beta features opt-out rather than opt-in. To disable Apple Intelligence, open Settings, select Apple Intelligence & Siri , and flip the toggle switch to turn it off.
Best High-End Bluetooth Headphones and Earbuds
Audiophile-grade wireless headphones and earbuds tend to cost a lot of money, with several super premium models selling for $400 or more. Here are our current favorites.
Instagram's Newest Tactic to Entice TikTokkers Is a Video Editing App
Instagram's new Edits app will be available this spring. But thanks to new presidential action, creators can still use TikTok's CapCut.
Today's NYT Connections Hints, Answers and Help for Jan. 22, #591
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Report: Meta could release its first true AR headset as soon as 2027
Mark Gurman at Bloomberg has released a report about Meta's next steps in hardware, crediting sources familiar with the company's work. According to these insiders, Meta is developing at least three new smart glasses models and has set a roadmap toward releasing its first true augmented reality glasses. The company is reportedly also continuing efforts to implement AI tools in a wrist wearable and in earbuds. Meta already sells smart glasses in partnership with Ray-Ban, a product line internally called Supernova. Gurman reports that this existing lineup will be introduced to new markets, although he didn't offer specifics about where. Meta's technologies also be applied to frames from other brands owned by its partner, Luxottica Group. This will allegedly lead to the launch of glasses codenamed Supernova 2 based on the Sphaera glasses from Oakley. This set would be intended for cyclists and other athletes, and its camera would be placed in the center of the frames. The third model is internally dubbed Hypernova. This product would be another step closer to a genuine AR experience, giving wearers the capability to run simple software apps, view notifications and display photos taken by the device. The more advanced feature set would reportedly come with a more advanced price tag; sources told Gurman this set is currently projected to cost $1,000. Insiders had already revealed last month that Meta was working on bringing a display to its Ray-Ban glasses models. Alongside these smart glasses, Meta has also been developing an AR product dubbed Orion . Gurman reports that the Orion set will not receive a commercial release. Instead, he said that Meta plans to launch a different iteration of the hardware as early as 2027. This product is codenamed Artemis, and sources told Gurman that these prototype glasses aren't as heavy as Orion and are more advanced than the predecessor. Another item of note in Gurman's report is that Meta is developing a wrist strap that could control its smart glasses. Most of the company's models have controls at the temple, but a wrist option would be similar to the one used for the Orion prototype. Finally, he confirms that Meta is still working on prototypes of camera-enabled earbuds that could be a rival to Apple's AirPods. The Information reported on this project in May 2024, and it seems that the concept has faced some development challenges. If these Camerabuds do reach the market, it likely won't be for years. We've reached out to Meta for comment on this report and will update with any statement we receive. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/report-meta-could-release-its-first-true-ar-headset-as-soon-as-2027-222502610.html?src=rss
Meta is trying to lure TikTok creators with a new bonus program
The TikTok ban may have lasted only a few hours (at least for now), but Meta is still trying to capitalize on its rivals tenuous future. Meta has rolled out a new breakthrough bonus program that offers up to $5,000 to creators who are new to the companys apps. According to Meta, the bonus program is open to US adults who have an existing presence on a third party social app that you can link or already have linked during the application process. Participants will also be required to create a professional account on Instagram and a page on Facebook. If accepted, creators will then be able to earn up to $5,000 over a 90-day period in exchange for sharing at least 20 reels on Facebook and 10 reels on Instagram posted natively within each app within each 30-day bonus period and sharing on at least 10 separate days within each 30-day bonus period. (Meta notes that creators individual payments will be calculated based on an evaluation of your social presence.) Creators will also be able to participate in its Facebook Content Monetization program that allows creators to earn money for text and photos posts in addition to video content. Though Meta doesnt name TikTok specifically, the timing of the rollout seems pretty clearly meant to target TikTok creators who arent active on Facebook and Instagram. Its also notable that the terms of the bonus program require creators to post twice as many Reels on Facebook as Instagram, suggesting Meta is looking to boost original content on Facebook specifically. The breakthrough bonuses are just one of the ways Meta is attempting to lure TikTok creators to its platforms. The company is also offering some creators, including those in the breakthrough program, a free one-year trial subscription to Meta Verified, which provides a blue check and extra perks like impersonation protection. The company also recently extended the length of Reels on Instagram, from 90 seconds to up to three minutes , and redesigned the Instagram grid. Meta is also reportedly striking bigger deals with specific, higher-profile creators. The Information recently reported that Meta has been offering some TikTok stars bonuses of up to $50,000 a month in exchange for posting their content on Reels first. A Meta spokesperson declined to comment on the specifics of those arrangements, but said the company recently expanded our investment in content deals to support more creators. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/meta-is-trying-to-lure-tiktok-creators-with-a-new-bonus-program-220632949.html?src=rss
Netflix Is Increasing Subscription Prices. Here's How Much Your Plan Will Cost
The ad tier is going up, too.
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Amazon is offering the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit for $134 shipped. Normally fetching $229 at full price, but more recently keeping down near $149 through Black Friday and Christmas sales, todays deal comes in as a new all-time low just ten cents under the lowest pricing we saw during Black Friday. All-in-all, youre getting a 41% markdown off its full price, saving you $95 on this combo package, complete with two 2.0Ah batteries, a charger, and a tool bag. more
SSDI January 2025: The Last Round Of Payments Are Headed Out
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2025 Mortgage Rate Forecast: What Another Trump Presidency Means for Rates
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Govees Evangelion-inspired RGBIC Glide wall lights return to $140 low (Reg. $200), more from $70
Through its official Amazon storefront, Govee is offering significant savings and two all-time low prices on its three Evangelion-inspired smart lighting options. Leading the pack is the brands RGBIC Glide Wall Lights for $139.99 shipped. Usually carrying a $200 price tag most days, weve been seeing more frequent discounts to its $140 low since October when it first appeared. Youre getting another shot at it today with this 30% markdown that saves you $60 and brings in the first discount weve seen since Christmas sales. Youll also find them matching in price directly from Govee . more
Apples Find my tech has made its way into key organizers and passport wallets, wall chargers and wallet cards (among other things), and Im loving it. We also just happen to spot this relatively new FlashFinder Keychain Flashlight on Amazon with onboard Find My tech alongside a notable launch deal down at $23.79 clip the on-page coupon . Shipping is free for Prime members or in orders over $35. This unit landed on Amazon for the first time a few weeks ago at $28 and is now at the lowest price we have seen yet. more
Xbox Game Pass is getting 2 of Januarys biggest games
January will see quite a few new additions coming to Game Pass, including the hotly-anticipated sequel Citizen Sleeper 2.
Instagram blocked searches for #democrats and other political hashtags
Instagram blocked searches related to a number of political hashtags, including #democrats, #democrat, #jan6th, #republicans and a number of other terms Tuesday. Users who searched for these hashtags were instead greeted with a notice that weve hidden these results because they may contain sensitive content. Its not clear exactly how many search terms were affected but users on Reddit reported that dozens of tags were unsearchable. Meta spokesperson Andy Stone blamed an unspecified issue in a post on Threads and said the company was working on a fix. The timing, just days after Mark Zuckerberg took a front-row seat at President Donald Trumps inauguration, understandably prompted speculation that the issue was politically motivated. Zuckerberg recently moved to end Metas fact-checking programs , roll back content moderation standards that prohibited dehumanizing language and slurs targeting immigrants and LGBTQ people. The company also internally shuttered its corporate diversity programs . Stone, however, said the issue affected a number of different hashtags on Instagram - not just those on the left. Indeed, there seemed to be some inconsistency in what was blocked. #Democrat, #democrats and #republicans were reportedly affected, but #republican was viewable. Users reported that #constitution, #johnoliver and #queer were also unviewable. Meta now seems to have addressed most of the hashtags in question, though the company hasnt explained what caused the issue. This, notably, isn't the first time Instagram has inexplicably blocked searches for hashtags. Meta blocked hashtags related to LGBTQ content and labeled it as sensitive content for months . The company said earlier this year that was an error, noting that we do not consider LGBTQ+ terms to be sensitive under our policies. In 2020, Instagram briefly prevented users from sharing posts with the hashtag #blacklivesmatter. The company said it was a mistake and blamed its spam detection features. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/instagram-blocked-searches-for-democrats-and-other-political-hashtags-195612128.html?src=rss
EA's Origin app for PC gaming will shut down in April
EA's Origin PC client has officially reached the end of the line. The gaming company had previously announced its plans to rebrand the Origin app for desktop players back in 2020 and began rolling out the new EA app in 2022. However, Origin will be completely shuttered on April 17, 2025, as Microsoft ends support for 32-bit software. Anyone still using Origin will need to swap over to the EA app before that date. For those PC players who have not migrated over to the EA app, the company has an FAQ explaining the latest system requirements. The EA app runs on 64-bit architecture, and requires a machine using Windows 10 or Windows 11. (Although Microsoft would really prefer that everybody upgrade to Windows 11 as it sunsets the previous OS.) If you're simply downloading the EA app on a current machine, players won't need to re-download their games. And if you have cloud saves enabled, all of your data should transfer without any additional steps. However, it's always a good idea to have physical backups with this type of transition, especially since not all games support cloud saves, and those titles will need to have saved game data manually transferred. Mods also may not automatically make the switch, and EA recommends players check with mod creators about transferring to the EA app. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/eas-origin-app-for-pc-gaming-will-shut-down-in-april-191807523.html?src=rss
Todays Android app deals and freebies: Pro Wrestler Story, Heian City Story, Candy Disaster, more
This afternoons lineup of the best Android game and app deals is now at the ready for you down below. These offers join the OnePlus Pad 2 at $50 off with a FREE $150 magnetic keyboard case alongside Samsungs official Galaxy SmartTag 2 item tracker and an even lower price on TCLs 75-inch 120Hz NXTFRAME Google smart TV . Best Buys launched a Prime Day competitor sale today with discounts on Samsungs Galaxy Ring , but for now we are focused on the apps. Highlights include Pro Wrestler Story, Heian City Story, Candy Disaster TD, Anodyne, and more. Head below for a closer look. more
Polyend stuffed a fully programmable drum machine in a stompbox
This years NAMM trade show has opened up its doors, so that means there will be a wealth of new musical doodads to lust over. Case in point? Polyend just dropped a hybrid device that combines the functionality of a standard guitar pedal with a drum machine. The Polyend Step is a fully-featured, programmable drum machine in stompbox format. This should be an absolute boon for those who want some accompaniment while playing guitar, or any other instrument. That alone makes it the perfect practice tool, however it looks like it could also be a great resource for anyone doing the whole one person band thing. Drum stompboxes are nothing new, but the Step kicks things up several notches. It comes with over 200 drum kits to peruse, along with 350 preset rhythm patterns. These patterns consist of 16 steps, but can be combined to build full songs. To that end, the pedal can store more than 1,000 songs. Drum patterns can also be made from scratch via the built-in step sequencer, giving users four tracks to work with. Each track has a wide array of adjustable parameters, including swing, speed, step probability, velocity control and more. There are over 50 effects to choose from, and each song can handle 16. These effects include a number of delays and reverbs, and can be activated on the fly via footswitches. The connectivity here is on point. The Step includes MIDI I/O for syncing, guitar jacks, stereo input and output and a microSD card reader. Its available right now for $500. Polyend is primarily known for its sequencing devices, like the Polyend Tracker and the Tracker Mini . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/music/polyend-stuffed-a-fully-programmable-drum-machine-in-a-stompbox-190008034.html?src=rss
iPhone 17: Everything we know so far about the 2025 iPhone
Macworld It doesnt take long for iPhone rumors to circulate. Its one of the most iconic and influential tech gadgets of all time, and everyone wants to know whats coming next. That Apple is so secretive only heightens the appeal of iPhone rumors and leaks. So it should come as little surprise that iPhone 17 rumors, leaks, and info started to circulate months before the iPhone 16 was even formally announced. Heres everything we know so far, but dont take any of it as solid info: even when early rumors are accurate, plans can change, and nothing is ever certain until Apple announces it. Updated January 21: A new leaked image purportedly shows early case models of an iPhone 17 model, presumably the iPhone 17 Air, with the new camera bar design very prominent. iPhone 17: Release date Heres something we do know: The new iPhone lineup is almost always announced in Septemberusually on a Tuesday in the second week of September, to be specific. So we would expect the iPhone 17 line to be announced on or around September 9, 2025. Heres when the most recent models were released: iPhone 15: September 12, 2023 iPhone 14: Sepember 7, 2022 iPhone 13: Sepember 14, 2021 i Phone 12: October 13, 2020 (delayed due to Covid) Historically, preorders for the iPhone begin on the Friday after the announcement, and the phones ship a week later. On occasion, some specific models may ship a couple of weeks later than the others due to production issues. iPhone 17: Price We havent yet heard if the iPhone 17 line will cost the same as the iPhone 16 line. One rumor from a popular leaker on Weibo contends that the Plus model will be replaced by the new Slim model that costs more than the Pro Max, though it wont have the same processor and RAM and the Pro models. The supposed pricing would be: iPhone 17 : 6.27-inch LTPO display, A19/8GB ($799) iPhone 17 Pro : 6.27-inch LTPO display, A19 Pro/12GB ($1,099) iPhone 17 Pro Max : 6.86-inch LTPO display, A19 Pro/12GB ($1,199) iPhone 17 Slim : 6.65-inch LTPO display, A19/8GB ($1,299) This would mean a significant upward shift in overall iPhone pricing, with the Pro model jumping up $100 and a new model replacing the Plus with a price of $100 more than the Pro Max. iPhone 17: Colors We havent yet heard anything about what colors to expect from the iPhone 17 line. The iPhone 16 comes in five colors including Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White and Black.While the iPhone 16 Pro comes in Desert Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium and Black Titanium, which are reminiscent of the classic gold and space gray options. There were rumors that the iPhone 16 would also come in purple, so perhaps thats in the pipeline for 2025. iPhone 17: New slimmer iPhone 17 Air model The iPhone 17 is expected to have an ultra-thin model like the M4 iPad Pro. Petter Ahrnstedt Several analysts have reported that the existing Plus model will be replaced by a new Slim model with a larger screen size and a much thinner body. Analyst Jeff Pu was the first to report this change (in May 2024), and in the same month, The Information reported on the Slim model , stating that it would be a new even-higher-end model that sits above Pro Max in the lineup and would have a centered rear camera and a smaller Dynamic Island. A video by Jon Prosser in August 2024 surmises that the slim iPhone will be called the iPhone Air (we agree that makes sense) and will not be the most expensive in the lineup (its been rumored for years that Apple is planning to launch a new model with higher-end features above the Pro Max), but rather be a mid-priced model that prioritizes form and design over specs, much like the MacBook Air. Additionally, a report by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg in August 2024 claimed the new model will fit between the standard iPhone and the Pro: If you want something snazzier than a standard iPhonebut dont really need the performance, screen size, or cameras of a Pro modelyou can get something that looks much cooler while still having the specifications of a regular iPhone. A report from Jeff Pu in November 2024 claims that the iPhone 17 Air/Slim will be around 6mm thick . Thats thinner than any iPhone so far. The iPhone 16, for context, is 7.8mm thick. The thinnest new iPad Pro is 5.1mm thick. According to Koreas Sisa Journal in January 2025, the so-called iPhone 17 Air will be 6.25mm thick and cost in the same price range as the iPhone 16 Plus (starting at $899 U.S.). A medium post from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated that the thinnest part of the new ultra-slim iPhone is just 5.5mm thick , but its difficult to know what that means without more context. In October 2024 Pu said he expects the phone to have an A19 chip (not A19 Pro), 8GB of RAM, around a 6.6-inch display, an aluminum body, and a single 48MP rear camera. Another report (in July 2024) suggested that Apple wont use resin-coated copper components on the mainboard due to quality issues with the supplier. This was one of the ways Apple planned to reduce internal space requirements, so its unclear if it will have an impact on the iPhone 17 slim models overall thickness or not. A leaked image in January reportedly showed the case of the new iPhone 17 Air, with prominent camera bar design. Majin Bu/X iPhone 17: Rumored specs and features All iPhone 17 models have been rumored to feature a 24MP front-facing camera and the always-on display is supposed to finally be available on the non-Pro models . Some believe that ProMotion will come to the non-Pro models too, since the same LPTO technology that enables the always-on display is what makes ProMotion possible, in Apples iPhone implementation. If true, it would be the first time Apple has offered ProMotion on a non-Pro device. Some iPhone 17 models (maybe even all of them) will have a new camera bump , a wide rectangular raised area that stretches across the phone similar in style to Googles Pixel line. According to a leaked image of one iPhone 17 aluminum frame (we dont know from which model), it will be substantial in size. Apple is also said to be working with Corning on a new anti-glare and scratch-resistant glass for the iPhone 17 lineup. All iPhone 17 models are expected to have aluminum frames and bodies (with glass), rather than steel frames or titanium bodies in the Pro models today. A report from The Information in July 2024 claims that at least one model will feature a mechanical aperture , which would be new for iPhones but has been seen in a handful of Android phones so far. We dont know much about what chips will power the iPhone 17 line, but we expect the high-end models (Pro and possibly Slim) will get an A19 Pro , while the non-Pro models may get a standard or cut-back version of the A19, or perhaps a more souped up variant of the A18. Since Apple bumped every iPhone 16 model to 8GB of RAM due to the demands of Apple Intelligence, rumors have suggested Apple will increase the memory in the iPhone 17 Pro models to 12GB . An October 2024 research note from analyst Jeff Pu corroborated these claims, and added that the iPhone 17 Pro would feature a 48MP telephoto camera along with a new 24MP front camera . When it comes to wireless, the cellular modem is likely to still be supplied by Qualcomm; Apples own efforts to produce a top-tier 5G modem seem to be stalled and likely wont be ready in time for next years iPhone 17 line. Wi-Fi 7 support seems likely, too. iPhone history The iPhone 16 range and the iPhone SE 3 are the current-generation models available from Apple. In addition to this SE 4 model were also expecting iPhone 17 to launch in 2025. Below you can find links below to our reviews of all iPhone models, including the latest generation. Learn more about all the new Apple products coming this year and when is the next Apple event . You might also want to check out our advice on when is the best time to buy a new iPhone , our iPhone buying guide , and our comparison of every iPhone that is available to buy today . Original iPhone (2007) review iPhone 3G (2008) review iPhone 3GS (2009) review iPhone 4 (2010) review iPhone 4s (2011) review iPhone 5 (2012) review iPhone 5c (2013) review iPhone 5s (2013) review iPhone 6 (2014) review iPhone 6 Plus (2014) review iPhone 6s (2015) review iPhone 6s Plus (2015) review iPhone SE (1st generation; 2016) review iPhone 7 (2016) review iPhone 7 Plus (2016) review iPhone 8 (2017) review iPhone 8 Plus (2017) review iPhone X (2017) review iPhone XR (2018) review iPhone XS (2018) review iPhone XS Max (2018) review iPhone 11 (2019) review iPhone 11 Pro (2019) review iPhone 11 Pro Max (2019) review iPhone SE (2nd generation; 2020) review iPhone 12 (2020) review iPhone 12 Mini (2020) review iPhone 12 Pro (2020) review iPhone 12 Pro Max (2020) review iPhone 13 (2021) review iPhone 13 mini (2021) review iPhone 13 Pro (2021) review iPhone 13 Pro Max (2021) review iPhone SE (3rd generation; 2022) review iPhone 14 (2022) review iPhone 14 Plus (2022) review iPhone 14 Pro (2022) review iPhone 14 Pro Max (2022) review iPhone 15 (2023) review iPhone 15 Plus (2023) review iPhone 15 Pro (2023) review iPhone 15 Pro Max (2023) review iPhone 16 & 16 Plus review iPhone 16 Pro & Pro Max review
iPhone 17 Air leak shows off new camera bar design
Macworld Well-known leaker Majin Bu posted an image (above) on X of what he claims to be the casing for an iPhone 17 (in protective plastic wrap). if its realand its far too early to know for surethen the iPhone is about to go through some big changes. The image seems to show one large rear camera on the left side of a wide camera bar, with another round cutout on the right side for a flash, focus illuminator, LiDAR, or other sensor. This lines up with previous rumors for the new ultra-slim iPhone 17 model. Its rather early for a leak of this naturethe iPhone 17 Air (and all other iPhone 17 models) are expected to be released this September as usual, so volume production, and the supply chain and manufacturing leaks that come with it, wont begin until the summer. But Apple is known to shore up iPhone designs years in advance, so parts and prototypes are floating around. Its a big shift from the design of current iPhones, which bunch all the cameras and associated hardware together into a square in the upper-left corner. Apple has placed the camera in a square array since the iPhone 11, which was released in 2019. The camera bar design has been rumored for at least the iPhone 17 Air (the common name for a rumored ultra-slim model) and perhaps even for the entire iPhone 17 line. For more, check out our roundup of all the iPhone 17 leaks and rumors .
Samsungs new Galaxy phones are coming to show everyone how to really copy Apple
Macworld Thanks to Apples feast-or-famine approach to product announcements, January can be a tedious month for the Macworld crew. The last batch of new products came out in the fall, and the next ones probably wont be here until the spring; in between, we shiver and get bored. In their wintry desperation, keynote-starved Apple reporters have even been known to watch product unveilings by other companies. I dont know if Ill go that far this week when Samsung holds its next Galaxy Unpacked event. Not because Samsung phones are intrinsically inferior to iPhonesalthough coincidentally they arebut because I feel like Ive seen it all before. Samsung, you see, is the original. Not, sadly, in the sense that it does things first, but in the sense that it was xeroxing iPhone designs before it was cool. I know this because the long-running patent dispute between Apple and Samsung was my first beat topic as a Macworld reporter. The first lawsuits were filed back in 2011, and the saga dragged on until 2018. I got a bunch of articles out of that dispute, and an appearance on British TV news. (I can only assume it was a slow news day.) Samsung and Apple have a long history of borrowing features from each other year after year. Foundry The core of Apples original complaintwhich later got muddied by additional claims and counterclaimswas that Samsung had violated a number of patents covering the iPhones shape and software interface. It was suggested, not unreasonably, that the 1st-gen Galaxy S took a degree of inspiration from the iPhone 3GS that pushed the bounds of legal propriety. My own view was and remains that, once a device finds its optimal approximate design, it hinders competition if the company that came up with that design is able to prevent rivals from following suit in a general sense. But at the same time, its worth acknowledging that Samsung really was pushing its luck. Roughly 14 years on, Im feeling a little nostalgic about those simpler days when people could get angry about something as minor as product design. (Oh, hold on .) Funnily enough, given the lightning speed at which the tech industry is supposed to move, both Apple and Samsung are still releasing products from the same lines discussed in the 2011 lawsuit: well get a new iPhone in a couple of months, and at Galaxy Unpacked on January 22 we expect to see yet another Galaxy S phone. Which will presumably pay homage in its own way to the current range of Apple products. This isnt just a name or a general size and shape . Anything goes at Unpackedperhaps Samsung will announce a new charging standard called SafeMag. Or a camera cutout interface feature called the Energetic Islet. Im hoping to see a new button called the Controller For Cameras, with a Reaction Button on the opposite edge. Maybe Bixby Intelligence. And all of this of course will be announced by the new CEO, Tom Saute. At this point, of course, I am only indulging in facetious speculation. I dont know the details of Samsungs announcements, and even if I did, I wouldnt be allowed to tell you anything about them. But rumors suggest the new Galaxy phones will get rounder corners, a faster chip, and more AI. And a possible preview of an ultra-thin phone coming later this year. Ahem . Dont believe it? Youll just have to watch the event live and see for yourself. Then follow the ensuing seven-year legal battle right here on Macworld. Just kidding! I hope.
Rad Power returns its popular cargo-hauling RadWagon 4 e-bike to $1,499 (Save $300), more from $249
Rad Powers flash sale offers have ended, with the brand shifting its sale to now end January 29 and keeping a few previous offers just without the extra battery promotion attached. A notable continuation is the brands RadWagon 4 Cargo e-bike dropping to $1,499 shipped . Normally priced at $1,799 after falling from its original $1,999 price tag back in 2024, it usually spends sales at $1,599 or higher, we havent seen it fall lower since 2023 though, with its $1,399 rate last seen summer 2023 and its $1,299 pre-order low not seen since it first hit the market years before. As it currently stands, this is the best rate weve seen in over a year. more
What are the Nintendo Switch 2 launch games? We arent exactly sure just yet beyond what will likely be Mario Kart 9. But we did spot an official Nintendo retail listing pointing at a new 3D Mario game, Zelda remakes, and more. Scope out the details below. more
Slide this versatile aluminum MacBook stand in your bag while its down to $28 (Reg. $35)
OMOTON Rotating Laptop Stand Buy for $28 (Reg. $35) What we love This affordable MacBook stand packs quite a punch for the price. While premium brands charge this much for a no-frills stand, OMOTON delivers a collapsible option that unfolds to deliver a large stand that rotates in just about every direction. It can uplift an up to 16-inch notebook by more than 10 inches. This will bring it closer to eye level, which will help curb aches and pains you may get from staring down at a screen for hours on end. more
Calm down, focus up, and sleep better with Calmind, now $50 for lifetime access (Reg. $299)
What if your phone could help you relax instead of stressing you out? Enter Calmind, the wellness app that transforms your device into a tool designed to promote deep mental clarity, better sleep, and stress relief . Using Flickering Light Stimulation (FLS), Calmind delivers mesmerizing closed-eye visuals that sync your brainwaves, creating a calming experience unlike any other. Its like meditation on steroids but without the needles. For a limited time, you can get a lifetime subscription for a one-time payment of just $49.99 no recurring fees to worry about. more
Put that cup holder to use with this universal phone car mount at $17 Prime shipped (26% off)
LISEN Cup Holder Phone Holder Buy for $17 (Reg. $23) What we love If vent or dash-mounted solutions arent what youre after, this offering shakes things up by slotting into a cup holder. While it doesnt rely on MagSafe for connectivity, that could be a good thing if you want a universal solution that works for the whole family. more
Amazons Eddie Bauer Flash Sale offers up to 65% off best-selling styles, down coats, more from $48
Amazon is offering Eddie Bauers Flash Sale up to 65% off best-selling styles. Prices are as marked. During this sale you can score deals on outerwear, shirt jackets, t-shirts, and more. Shipping is free for Prime members or in orders of $35 or more. One of our top picks for men is the Cirrusite Down Jacket thats marked down from $60 and originally sold for $129. This down jacket was designed to help keep you warm in cool temperatures and its highly packable, which is great for traveling. Plus, you can choose from four fun color options. Score even more deals by heading below, or you can shop all of the scores here . more
Hiboy winter sale drops popular S2 Pro e-scooter with regenerative braking to $450 (Reg. $736), more
Hiboy has launched a winter sale that is giving e-riders up to 50% in continued savings on its lineup of EVs, with one of the best affordable commuters from under the flag, the S2 Pro Electric Scooter, down at $449.99 shipped . This model would normally cost you $736 outside of the discounts, with the biggest we saw in 2024 being a drop to the $380 low during Cyber Monday sales. Today, youre looking at a 39% markdown that slashes $286 off the going rate and lands it down among its lowest prices matching its Christmas and New Year pricing. Youll also find it matching in price over at Amazon right now too. more
The UKs digital drivers licence is coming later this year
The UK will release a digital drivers license later this year, along with a digital wallet issued by the government. This will allow folks to easily prove their age when buying age restricted items online and in person. Obviously, it will also prove a persons right to drive. This will be one of the first digital documents available via the GOV.UK digital wallet, which is also launching later this year. The wallet will also be home to documents like Veterans Cards, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and every other credential issued by the government. However, many of these digital versions wont be available until the end of 2027. The technology harnesses the security features of modern smartphones, for enhanced privacy. The documents wont open without a facial recognition check. The government says this will make digital documents more secure, even if a device is lost. Well have to see how that plays out. There will also be a way for users to hide certain info when displaying the digital license. Top Gear has reported that , for instance, the tech will allow folks to hide home addresses when paying for stuff. The best part? This is an opt-in technology. Traditional physical documents will still be available, just in case it skeeves you out to have official IDs hanging out on your phone. UK citizens can already apply for a license online using a stored digital photo and pay road fees. Its quick and easy to set up your Driver and vehicles account! Simply add your vehicles and youll have access to all your details at your fingertips Start here https://t.co/DXTn3olbi0 #DVLADigital pic.twitter.com/xcG0vapJF8 DVLA (@DVLAgovuk) January 17, 2025 Digital drivers licenses are nothing new. Many countries use them already, including Australia, Denmark, Iceland and Norway. Even some US states, like Ohio and New Mexico , have made use of the tech. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/the-uks-digital-drivers-licence-is-coming-later-this-year-165008815.html?src=rss
Samsung Unpacked 2025: Heres how to watch and what we expect
The biggest reveal from last weeks Samsung CES press conference may well have been another press conference. The hardware giant closed out the main event by teasing the companys upcoming show. The next Samsung Unpacked event is set for Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT. As with all recent Unpacked events, next weeks big show will [] 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Acer Vero Essential 15.6-inch Notebook Backpack Buy for $15 (Reg. $27.50) What we love If youve got some gear to lug back and forth to work, school, or really anywhere, this affordable backpack from Acer can get the job done without breaking the bank. Youre looking at what I consider to be a clean and mostly neutral style thats ready to accomodate an up to 15.6-inch notebook. Youll also benefit from an exterior front pocket and organizers on the inside. more
Brand new unlocked iPhone 14 now $580 shipped for today only (Orig. $799)
The iPhone 14 might not be quite as exciting a device as it once was, but if youre not bothered with the latest features and the USB-C port, or perhaps looking for something for the kids, or something along those lines, for today only Best Buy is offering the entry-level unlocked iPhone 14 in brand new condition at $579.99 shipped . This model originally launched at $799 and is now $219 less you can land it for $529.99 at Best Buy today if you set it up with a carrier during checkout or at $516 in open-box condition . more
Drop The Game Boy Encyclopedia hardcover on your coffee table while its 41% off, now $27.50
The Game Boy Encyclopedia Book Buy for $27.50 (Reg. $43) What we love Having some coffee table books out not only gives guests something to leaf through, but can also be a great way to spark conversation and easily showcase something that you find interesting. The Game Boy Encyclopedia displays and details around 1,150 games, with screenshots and trivia factoids for each one. more
Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 review: Excellent sound comes at a high price
There are a lot of factors to consider when shopping for wireless earbuds. Some people want the best active noise cancellation (ANC) performance while others are more interested in features that enable all-day wearing. Some folks desire a seamless interaction with their phone and some are searching for the absolute best sound quality. If you fall into that last category, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 ($399) is worth considering. The company has consistently produced some of the best audio performance youll find in over-ear headphones. But its wireless earbuds werent quite on the same level. They delivered great clarity and ample consideration of subtle details in songs. Still, though, there was work to be done to construct a fuller, more immersive soundstage. With the Pi8 , the company has overhauled its sound platform, adding new, larger drivers for even more nuance and enhanced low-end tone. Unfortunately, though, there are still some areas where Bowers & Wilkins needs to improve in order to truly rival the best. Whats good about the Pi8? Bowers & Wilkins introduced an all-new design on the Pi8, offering a completely different shape than the Pi7 S2 . This model has a more uniform, oval shell, which I think lends a refined look compared to its predecessor. The company also chose to use interesting details, like a microphone grill that spans the width of the earbuds, to hide components that have historically been prominently displayed. Yes, that outer area still accepts taps and long presses for calls and audio playback, and those actions garner quick responses. The biggest update to the Pi8 is sound quality. Larger 12mm carbon cone drivers power the audio, which is a change from the 9.2mm dynamic drivers inside the Pi7 S2. Bowers & Wilkins also opted for 32-bit digital signal processing (DSP), up from 24-bit on the previous model. These earbuds also support aptX Lossless, while the earlier version used aptX Adaptive. The company says all of these changes, particularly the new drivers, reduce distortion and offer better high-frequency detail. I found these claims to hold true. The Pi8 has enhanced detail compared to the Pi7 S2, which is a feat because those earbuds already offered excellent clarity. Instruments like guitars stand out on albums like mewithoutYous emo/post-hardcore Catch for Us the Foxes. On that record, the two guitars have a dialog or interplay going on during most of the songs, and you can clearly hear both playing their parts. The guitars also seem to float above the booming kick drum and grooving, droning bass lines. Aaron Weiss mostly spoken-word vocals also cut through the mix with all the emotion and metaphor he loads them with. Billy Steele for Engadget Bass performance has also improved on the Pi8. Its never overpowering, but you get chunky kick drum sounds for rock and metal that drive the songs rather than drowning everything else out. No Cures thrashing metal album I Hope I Die Here is an excellent example of this. Drums are there to guide the thick guitar riffs through the heavy breakouts and groovier verses, but everything remains nuanced and distinct. Despite the vocals being entirely screamed, you can easily pick out every word instead of them fading into the mix. Bowers & Wilkins extended the battery life on the Pi8 to 6.5 hours with ANC on. Thats 90 minutes longer than the Pi7 S2. That figure also inches closer to the likes of Sonys WF-1000XM5 which stands at eight hours of noise-canceling listening. Bowers & Wilkins has once again included wireless transmission in the charging case, allowing you to use the Pi8 at times when a Bluetooth streaming source isnt an option like in-flight entertainment. This tool isnt novel to the companys products as others, like JBL, have baked it in as well. However, wireless transmission still isnt so common that Id say its readily available elsewhere. Whats not so good about the Pi8? The biggest downside to the Pi8 is the price: $399. Sonys WF-1000XM5 were $300 at launch, although theyre usually available for around $200, and theyve been at the top of our best earbuds list since then. Bowers & Wilkins gear has always commanded a premium over Sony and others, and thats exactly whats happening here. While the Pi8 does have more nuanced and detailed sound than the M5s, Sony and others offer advanced features that make your life easier. For example, Sonys flagship model can automatically pause audio when it detects that youre speaking. It can also automatically adjust sound settings based on your location to help streamline your day. These types of tools could go a long way to expanding the range of the Pi8. The basics are all well covered on Bowers & Wilkins latest set, but theres nothing additional here feature-wise, which makes its cost become a significant disadvantage. Billy Steele for Engadget This extends to the limited customization on the Pi8. There is a 5-band EQ in the companys app for fine-tuning the sound profile, and you can change what a long press does. However, you can only select between ANC/ambient sound (left) and voice assistant (right) or volume controls (up on the right, down on the left). Having to forgo the ability to cycle between noise cancellation and transparency mode in order to get on-board volume adjustments is a significant sacrifice. Both of those actions are frequently used, and it would be nice to not reach for my phone to do them both. Active noise cancellation is another area the Pi8 lags behind its rivals. Id describe it more as noise reduction, since the technology here struggles with constant distractions like fans and white noise machines. Like a lot of earbuds, this model also has issues with human voices, but those are less of a concern at around 50 percent volume. ANC performance was just okay on the Pi7 S2 as well, so its still an area the company could improve to further close the gap to the likes of Bose . The final verdict on the Pi8 Bowers & Wilkins continues to impress me with the sound quality it produces. The companys Px7 S2e headphones are my pick for best overall sound quality and Ill likely bestow the same honor for earbuds to the Pi8. Simply put, few companies are creating sound profiles with the amount of detail, nuance and depth that Bowers & Wilkins consistently delivers. Audio performance is definitely the main reason to consider buying these earbuds. But there are other very important things that ANC earbuds need to do. You should be able to count on them to block a lot of noise, and the Pi8 isnt great at that. I think advanced features like speech detection, adaptive noise control and other automated tools are important as we head into 2025 as well. Add the ability to customize controls and settings to a high degree to that list too. Those are missing on the Pi8, and I can appreciate that some people probably wont care. But in my opinion, $400 earbuds should be all-inclusive and nearly flawless. The Pi8 shows this company is well on its way, but also that it still has work to do. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/bowers--wilkins-pi8-review-excellent-sound-comes-at-a-high-price-160032718.html?src=rss
Carhartts New Year Sale offers 40% off over 200 items from just $8: Shoes, outerwear, more
Carhartts New Year Sale offers 40% off outerwear, sweatshirts, pants, shoes, and more . Prices are as marked. Carhartt Loyalty Members ( free to sign-up ) receive complimentary delivery. One of our top picks from this sale is the Loose Fit Midweight Logo Hoodie thats currently marked down to $33 and originally sold for $60. This sweatshirt is available in fifteen color options and has a contrasting logo on the arm sleeve thats stylish. The fleece lining helps to provide warmth and it has an attached hood as well. With nearly 4,000 positive reviews, this sweatshirt is rated 4.8/5 stars . Score even more deals by heading below, or you can shop the entire sale here . Also, be sure to check out the Macys Winter Clearance Event thats offering 40% off The North Face, Ralph Lauren, and more. more
Quickly hop between your computer and game console with UGREENs HDMI switch at $12 (Reg. $15)
UGREEN 2-In 1-Out HDMI Switch Buy for $12 (Reg. $15) Clip the on-page 20% off coupon. What we love Quickly hop from your computer to a game console with this HDMI switch from UGREEN. Im personally using one of these so I have a physical button that sends a signal from my gaming PC to the TV in my office so I can easily swtich over to the big screen. Im using a different one to let me jump from my PC to Nintendo Switch on one of my monitors. more
Apple Passwords Review: Free and simple password manager
Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Free Simple to use Supports Passkeys and Verification codes Cons Apple-centric Very basic Doesnt store payment details or other ID Our Verdict A simple, if somewhat basic, first step into the world of passwords managers. Best of all, it costs you nothing to use it. Probably should be avoided if you use some non-Apple devices, but otherwise its a nice addition to Apples suite of bespoke apps. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Passwords Retailer Price Free View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket When Apple launched iOS 18 , the updated iteration of the software came with an entirely new password manager app called, simply, Passwords. So, how does it compare to the existing iCloud Keychain and does it have enough features to have Password Managers like Dashlane and 1Password looking over their shoulders? Software & Features Auto-fill passwords Supports Passkeys Can share passwords with family members It might seem like Apple is replacing iCloud Keychain with the new Passwords app, but the two will happily co-exist, with the latter being how your details sync across all your devices. The Passwords app itself is essentially a user interface for iCloud Keychain, and as such its clean and friendly to use. So, if youve yet to get to grips with an app of this kind then it could be an excellent first step. If you already have account details and passwords in your iCloud Keychain, then these should appear in the Passwords app once youve logged in and given permission. You can also import data from an existing password manager app , although that involves creating a .CSV file and then using the import feature to pull it in. Its not complicated and there are plenty of tutorials online to show you how to do it in only a few minutes. Martyn Casserly With the app up and running, youre able to have it auto-fill account login details, saving you the hassle when you want to quickly go to an online store and order something. The app supports biometrics, so Face ID and Touch ID can be used instead of having to type in a password for the app. Apples Passwords not only handles login details for online accounts, it also can become home for your Wi-Fi passwords, Passkeys and verification codes. Unlike most of the major password manager apps, Passwords doesnt hold your payments details or other forms of secure documentation such as drivers licence or passport information, plus there is no storage space for personal documents you want to keep safe.(Read about how to add your driving license or ID to the Wallet app ). You can set up a family sharing feature to securely allow other members of your family to receive and use passwords and passkeys from your accounts. This is helpful if youve been asked for the Netflix login by your children for the 17th time. If you want this feature outside the family, then Shared Groups offers the same capabilities, with you creating a list of trusted contacts, each of whom can share passwords and passkeys with others in the group. This could be useful for a trip with friends or if several of you are organising an event. Martyn Casserly The Passwords app is available on iOS, iPadOS, macOS and also works with Apple Vision Pro, so you can have your details to hand on all of your devices. Security & Encryption 256-bit AES end-to-end encryption Security warnings Automatic Verification codes As youd expect, the security on the Passwords apps is solid, with 256-bit AES encryption deployed end-to-end, so no hackers should be able to sneak a peek at your login details at any time. Theres also the standard security monitoring area in the app that warns you if any of your passwords have appeared in data leaks or are weak and could do with being replaced by stronger alternatives. Apples new app does have a password generator, which can instantly auto-generate strong ones for you to use, plus you have a few configuration options such as making ones with no special characters, but this only works on supported websites. Its simple to use, but a bit basic when compared to the likes of Dashlane and 1Password. Martyn Casserly The security section is also on the simple side, with none of the graphical representations youll find on other apps. This makes it more list-based, which is less interesting and engaging than with some of its rivals. One useful feature you can use in Passwords is to use it as an authenticator for one-time multi-factor authentication sites and accounts. With this set up, you can use your iPhone to generate the codes without needed SMS texts or other apps. Price & Availability As with iCloud Keychain, Passwords is a free service that comes with any iPhone running iOS 18, or devices on iPadOS 18 or macOS Sequoia. One thing to bear in mind is that this isnt a cross platform service, so if you have an Android phone or tablet, Linux PC, or Chromebook then you wont be able to use Passwords. There is compatibility via iCloud for Windows, but it isnt as clean and well designed as youd find with a standard password manager. Should you use Apple Passwords? If youre looking for a basic, easy to use password manager, and only really intend it to work with Apple devices, then Passwords is certainly worth a go. The lack of features does make it less appealing that the leading passwords managers, but its simplicity means it would be a great first step into using this kind of app. Security is decent, theres no cost in using it, plus its already on your device. To see what its up against, take a look at our roundup of the best password managers for Mac and iPhone .
Ankers latest Apple Health-ready smart scale returns to $35 Prime shipped (Reg. $50)
Anker eufy C20 Smart Scale Buy for $35 (Reg. $50) What we love After the holidays I hopped on the scale and was quite shocked at the result. Its incredibly easy to put on some extra weight this time of year not only because of all the great snacks, but also since its a more sedintary time of year for folks that live in a winter climate. With Ankers latest scale that debuted five months ago, youll be ready to keep tabs on changes throughout the year. Just download the eufy app, pair via Bluetooth, and itll capture 16 measurements and then sync those to Apple Health or Google Fit platforms if you opt in. more
LISEN Foldable 3-in-1 MagSafe Charging Station Buy for $24.50 (Reg. $40) Clip the on-page $5 off coupon. Prime-exclusive discount. What we love For years now, its been an ongoing personal challenge of mine to get my collection of travel gear as small as possible. If youd like to do the same, this affordable and collapsible charger is certainly worth a look. Once opened up, it can top off your iPhone via MagSafe, an Apple Watch, and pair of AirPods using Qi. Perhaps one of the more notable features here is that metal is used for the casing instead of plastic. more
Meta lets users add WhatsApp to their main Accounts Center
Accounts Center is a single space allowing users to manage their Facebook, Instagram and (even) Meta Quest log-ins. Today, Meta has announced that WhatsApp is joining the list of supported apps, enabling you to reshare statuses and posts across all of your platforms . In addition, you can use single sign-on to log back into your WhatsApp account. Meta has announced the change today, but it will take time before WhatsApp support is added to everyones Accounts Center, so patience may be required. In addition, Meta has pledged to add more features that can be shared across multiple platforms, like AI stickers, avatars and its AI-crafted selfie creations. Those worried about whether this may affect WhatsApps end-to-end encryption may rest easy, as Meta has said none of these changes will impact your messages privacy and security. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/meta-lets-users-add-whatsapp-to-their-main-accounts-center-150023247.html?src=rss
Coming to us through its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Greenworks 80V 22-inch Cordless Electric Snow Blower with a 4.0Ah battery for $399.99 shipped through the end of the day. Normally youd be shelling out $800 for this package at full price, with 2024 mostly seeing drops between $450 and $570, though we did spy it hitting the $330 low in a similar one-day early Christmas sale. This limited-time deal comes in to cut a massive 50% off the going rate, giving you the second-lowest price we have tracked. more
Score big savings on Hypers Stand & Go vegan leather MacBook Sleeve at $17.50 (Reg. $50)
HyperShield Stand & Go MacBook Sleeve Buy for $17.50 (Reg. $50) What we love Heres your chance to add a layer of stylish protector to your MacBook without breaking the bank. Not only will it keep your device safe while getting from A to B, but it also offers a built-in stand too. Were featuring the 15- to 16-inch model here, but the 13-inch case is also on sale (stock is running low). This sleeve is available in black or tan colorways. more
Masterbuilt adds another smart charcoal grill to its Gravity Series lineup
Masterbuilt has offered backyard grill masters smart options that burn charcoal instead of pellets since 2020 . Last year, the company debuted two models ahead of CES, and in early 2025, it's adding one more. The new Gravity Series 1150 is a larger sibling to the Gravity Series 600 in Masterbuilt's lineup. With 1,150 square inches of cooking space, this bigger model has nearly double the food capacity and a longer burn time of up to 15 hours. To achieve this, the hopper on the 1150 can hold up to 12 pounds of lump charcoal or up to 18 pounds of briquettes. The grill gets its name from the gravity-fed hopper that allows charcoal to naturally fall and ignite during use. A digital fan automatically maintains temperature that can be adjusted with on-board controls or with the Masterbuilt app. Like last year's Gravity Series XT, the company relocated the control panel on the 1150 from the shelf on the left side to the front of the hopper on the right. However, the controller itself looks like what's on the 600 instead of the upgraded version that's on the pricier XT. Besides the increased capacity, the 1150 offers another key upgrade from the 600. Instead of a cart-style stand, you get an enclosed cabinet for additional storage. You can expect a temperature range of 225-700 degrees Fahrenheit, which means you can do low-and-slow smoking, high-heat searing and everything in between. All of the crucial grill stats can be monitored from your phone via the aforementioned app from anywhere. Lastly, Masterbuilt offers add-ons to expand the grill's capabilities, including a pizza oven, rotisserie and griddle insert. The Gravity Series 1150 is available now from Home Depot for $999. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/kitchen-tech/masterbuilt-adds-another-smart-charcoal-grill-to-its-gravity-series-lineup-144924232.html?src=rss
The 65-inch LG C3 OLED TV is cheaper than ever right now
The Super Bowl is just around the corner, and theres no better way to enjoy the game at home than watching them on a large TV particularly an OLED, thanks to its color accuracy. The 65-inch LG C3 OLED TV is again at the lowest price that we saw during last years holiday season. Its currently 20 percent off and down to $1,197. While this is the older C3 model from 2023, the newer C4 model costs more, and it remains a good choice if getting the absolute latest model isnt a priority. The LG C3 OLED TV supports Dolby Vision and HDR10, perfect for streaming shows and movies. The 4K panel also has a 120Hz refresh rate, which is great for console gaming, especially with a PS5 or Xbox Series X/S. To make the gaming experience smoother, theres NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium and VRR to prevent screen tearing. Theres a reason we selected it as one of the best gaming TVs , and it still holds true even with newer models on the horizon. Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-65-inch-lg-c3-oled-tv-is-cheaper-than-ever-right-now-143040370.html?src=rss
Amazon will ship this FlexiSpot ergonomic chair to your door for $85 (Reg. $200)
FlexiSpot OC1 Ergonomic Office Chair Buy for $85 (Reg. $200) What we love If youve got aches and pains after a day at your desk, it may be time to rethink your ergonomics. Many of us here at 9to5Toys have stepped up our own setups with FlexiSpot gear and have come away impressed. At only $85, youre able to score an ergonomic chair at a very affordable price, and best of all, Amazon will drop it off at your door. more
Score a copy of Super Mario RPG at $30 to play before Switch 2 launches (50% off), more
If you havent picked up a copy of Super Mario RPG yet, Target has it on sale for $30 with free shipping for Target 360 members or in orders over $35 (you can also opt for free in-store pickup where available). This is a regularly $60 title seeing a solid 50% price drop to deliver the lowest we can find it is currently up at full price via Best Buy and is no longer available at the $33 we were tracking in the ongoing Woot sale over the last few months. While at this point everyone is really just waiting for Switch 2 to land and what will likely be the official reveal of the new Mario Kart 9 , youre going to need some games to tide you over until the April Direct, pre-order phase following that, and the likely release come sometime this summer (heres the latest on how much the Switch 2 might cost ) the Super Mario RPG remake is a great way to do just that, especially at 50% off. more
OnePlus Pad 2 now $50 off with a FREE $150 magnetic keyboard case thrown in
While the early launch deals on the new OnePlus 13 are still live, you wont get the freebie smartwatch at this point. The OnePlus Pad 2 offer with the FREE $150 keyboard case at $499.99 shipped , however, is back. Using code WELCOME25 at checkout directly on the official site will knock $50 off the asking price on the tablet and it also comes with the official keyboard case for FREE thats a $50 discount plus the $150 value of the keyboard for $200 in savings. Details below. more
NYT Mini Crossword today: puzzle answers for Tuesday, January 21
The NYT Mini crossword might be a lot smaller than a normal crossword, but it isn't easy. If you're stuck with today's crossword, we've got answers for you here.
NYT Strands today: hints, spangram and answers for Tuesday, January 21
Strands is a tricky take on the classic word search from NYT Games. If you're stuck and cannot solve today's puzzle, we've got help for you here.
NYT Connections: hints and answers for Tuesday, January 21
Connectionsis the new puzzle game from the New York Times, and it can be quite difficult. If you need a hand with solving today's puzzle, we're here to help.
H&R Block 2024 Federal/State Tax software + $20 gift card: Uber, Lowes DoorDash, Starbucks, more
Tax season is quickly approaching and Newegg is giving folks looking to save some cash a chance at scoring a nice deal on the H&R Block 2024 Deluxe Federal/State Tax software (PC and Mac digital download). As of right now, you can score the software bundle for $39.99 with a FREE $20 gift card to a wide range of stores and retailers thrown in for FREE Home Depot, Starbucks, DoorDash, Lowes, adidas, Uber, Xbox, Chipotle, and more. This same software with a 2% Amazon gift card bonus is selling for $50 at Amazon, just for comparisons sake. Head below a closer look at your gift card options. more
I Built a Campervan. Here's 5 Things I'd Do Differently and 5 Things I'd Do Again
With solar power, a fridge, and a (mostly) comfy bed, my campervan has let me explore 23 National Parks. Here's what I did right and wrong.
Change Your Mindset for the Better With These 6 Thought Exercises
Try these exercises to break negative thinking patterns.
The best VPNs for Google Chrome, let you unblock geographical restrictions and add a layer of privacy to your browser using a browser plug-in or native device app.
Save Money and Look Stylish in The Gym With These Activewear Picks
You can have fashionable yet budget-friendly workout gear. You just have to know where to shop. These are our wellness editors top picks.
The Morning After: TikTok lives to scroll another day (or 75)
Almost immediately after taking office, President Donald Trump signed a swathe of executive orders including a reprieve for TikTok in the US. With the executive order, Trumps Justice Department will not enforce the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act for 75 days , extending the time the company has to reach a deal. TikTok (and other ByteDance apps) went offline late Saturday, but the TikTok outage only lasted a matter of hours. Trump affirmed there would be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order. Trump also proposed a joint venture that would see US interests take a 50 percent stake in TikTok. Earlier on Monday, China (where ByteDance is based) signaled it was at least a little open to an arrangement with the US. TikToks rescue wasnt the only change President Trump announced. Read on, everyone. Coming up, weve got Samsungs big Unpacked event tomorrow, where we expect to see at least three new phones , a bunch of AI tricks and features of varying utility and who knows, maybe another wearable? Mat Smith The other big stories President Trump withdraws the US from the Paris climate agreement (again) So were just going to ignore what just happened in LA. and signs an executive order to rescind Bidens AI framework As big techs oligarchs and leaders applaud from the sidelines. Instagram is rushing out a new video editing app that sure sounds a lot like CapCut This weeks edition of social media rivals copying TikTok. X adds a dedicated video tab to fill the TikTok void This weeks edition of social media rivals copying TikTok. Part 2. Get this delivered direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! The Nintendo Switch 2 is official Everything we know so far Nintendo Trump is president, and Nintendo has a new console. Its 2017 all over again. The company is keeping the technical details under wraps, but the teaser shows a bigger console, bigger Joy-Cons and possibly a smoother gaming experience, judging by the Mario Kart renders. Expect the full details during the Nintendo Direct on April 2, with the company planning a worldwide roadshow to let gamers go hands-on with the console. These events start in New York and Paris on April 3 to 6, with more taking place in the following months. Continue reading. What to expect at Samsungs Galaxy S25 Unpacked event The S25 series is on the way. A little update ahead of the big Unpacked show tomorrow: Leakers have posted numerous renders this past week comparing the different size options. A post from Ice Universe puts the S25 Slim at 6.4mm. However, the FCC certifications made public so far only appear to cover the familiar trio of flagships. So if a slim iteration does exist, it may not arrive until much later in the year. Continue reading. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-121543030.html?src=rss
Samsungs official Galaxy SmartTag 2 item tracker just dropped down to $21 at Amazon (30% off)
While new Google Find My Device trackers have hit the scene from brands like Pebblebee and Chipolo (still on sale down at $22 ), Samsung users will find the official Galaxy SmartTag 2 selling down at $20.72 via Amazon. Shipping is free for Prime members or in orders over $35. Regularly $30 and still fetching as much directly from Samsung , this is over 30% off and the lowest price we can find. more
Microsoft word for Mac review: Whats new in Word 2024?
Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Packed into compelling Office package Full of options Focus mode is fantastic Cons So many tools it may overwhelm some Our Verdict Microsoft Word remains king of the word processors, and while it definitely has some stylistic choices that may push some away, its combination of affordability and flexibility make it tough to beat. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed Lifetime license, one device: $179.99; Microsoft 265 Personal, one device: $99.99 a year ($9.99 a month) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Microsoft (one device, one year) $99.99 View Deal Microsoft (lifetime license) $179.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket If youre of a certain age, Microsoft Word is likely to have been a cornerstone of your early computing life. Before Google Docs and the like, many of us used Word, helping Microsofts word processor become a household name whether you enjoyed using it or not. While it still has its quirks, Word is now better than it has ever been, and is rolled into an already compelling Office 365 suite that takes away the pain of expensive one-off licenses from yesteryear. First Impressions Whatever platform you use Word on, theres a pleasing familiarity to it. I used it throughout all levels of education, and as a result, found it easy to get started but others may be more than a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of toolbars and icons (more on that a little later). Still, once youre in, Word can open just about document you throw at it with the exception of Pages files which remain openable in, well, Pages. (Want to share a Pages document with a Word user ? You will need to save your Pages file in the doc. file format. To do so, press click on File and you will see an option to Export to. choose Word. Now click on Word and Save. If you are trying to open a Pages document in Word you will need to convert it using Pages, if you dont have Pages to hand you can use Pages in iCloud .) Template Gallery: All of these templates are a click away. Foundry As soon as you opt to pick a new document to open youre presented with a whole host of templates that range from Calendars to notepads, journals and resumes, and you can open from Microsofts OneDrive cloud storage, too. That brings us nicely to the integration with Office365. The rise of Google Docs and other cloud-based options means that buying a full word processor isnt a pressing concern for many of us. File Locations: Word can pull from a variety of file locations. Foundry Thankfully, the combined apps and services on offer with Microsoft Office 365 make it so youll probably find the value from somewhere, if not specifically Word. For one user its $99.99/84.99 a year ($9.99/8.49 a month) for Microsoft 265 Personal. Or for $129.99/104.99 a year (or $12.99/10.49 per month) you can get the Microsoft 365 Family edition with up to six licenses including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook and more. However, if you only want to buy Word you can do that too. Microsoft sells a lifetime license of Word for $179.99 / 159.99 (one device). Word is also available for free with 5GB of cloud storage and a series of basic templates, too. See: How to get Word for free. Microsoft Word features As you might expect from Microsoft, Word has a fairly business-like appearance, with easy to read labels and tooltips on the huge variety of buttons it offers. Id still rather look at the more minimalist Pages interface, but Word on Mac does a good job of putting things in places your muscle memory knows to drift to. You can share documents in real-time, too, with comment and highlighting functionality included, and as you can imagine its very easy to share via OneDrive or Outlook. New in recent years is, as you may expect, AI integration. On the web comes in the form of Copilot which works a little like Apples own Apple Intelligence Writing tools, letting you write or rewrite with simple prompts, but in the Mac app its seemingly restricted to the Editor tool. AI Editor: The Editor is included on the Mac version of Word, but Copilot isnt. Foundry Its fine, and feels like the way the world is moving, but it really just operates as a quick checklist of potential grammar mistakes and a rudimentary plagiarism check. My favourite feature is the Focus mode that helps you zoom in with minimal distractions. I tend to work on articles in Draft for its simpler view, but this is definitely something I can see myself coming back to for longer pieces. Focus Mode: Focus Mode is a great way to minimise distractions and get work done. Foundry Microsoft Word annoyances Toolbars: Word packs a lot of items onto its toolbars. Foundry Microsoft Words only real negative is just how chock-full of options it is. Just look at the toolbar in the screenshot above, for example there are buttons everywhere, and then theres the menu bar, too. If youre used to it, or you genuinely do find yourself using a lot of those features, youll have no issues here. But, as Microsoft shoehorns more AI features into its Office apps, it could end up getting more and more complex. Should you buy Word for Mac? Interface issues aside, Microsoft Word is a full-featured word processor that runs well on Mac, has an excellent ecosystem of sibling apps, and can be used for free. If youve not tried it for a while, it might just surprise you.
Latest 16GB M4 MacBook Pro with 1TB SSD now back down at $1,599 all-time low ($200 off)
Update: This deal is now live once again. Details below in the original post. Amazon has now dropped the price on Apples new M4 MacBook Pro with the 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD back down to its best price ever. We are indeed still tracking some notable price drops on the M4 Pro machines as well as this wild deal on an M3 Pro configuration at up to $1,000 off , but you can now indeed land the 16GB/1TB M4 MacBook Pro down at $1,599 shipped in Space Black right now. more
Apples latest Tan Alpine Loop with black titanium finish returns to all-time low today
Alongside some of the notable hangover deals we have from last week on Apple Watch band upgrades for your Ultra wearable, Amazon has just dropped the official Apple Watch Alpine Loop in Tan with the black titanium finish down to $85.99 shipped. Regularly $99, this is nearly 15% off and the same price drop we have tracked on a number of different configurations, colors, and sizes of the latest 2024 batch of official offerings from Apple. more
New leak changes everything we know about the iPhone SE 4
Macworld With about two months to go until the launch of the new iPhone SE, we thought we had learned everything about the upcoming budget phone. But a new leak claims it will be a lot different than we thought. According to longtime leaker Evan Blass on X , the iPhone SE 4 will have a Dynamic Island instead of a notch. That contradicts basically every other rumor weve heard about the iPhone SE display, which has long been expected to have a notch. Apple first dropped the notch with the iPhone 14 Pro followed by the iPhone 15 a year later. Rumors have long claimed the iPhone SE 4 will be based on the iPhone 14, the last iPhone to have a notch. Foundry Granted, the rest of what weve heard about the iPhone SE 4 matches up with the iPhone 15, including a 48MP camera and USB-C. But if the iPhone SE 4 has a Dynamic Island, it changes everything we thought we knew about the phone. For one, Apple still sells the iPhone 15. If the iPhone SE 4 has the same design and display with a better chip, the only benefit of the iPhone 15 will be a secondary camera, which is a hard sell for a year-old phone that will likely cost $200 more and have a slower chip. And who would buy an iPhone 14 with a notch and a Lightning port when the brand-new iPhone SE 4 is cheaper? If Blass is correct, it likely means that Apple will change its iPhone strategy and distill the lineup down to just five models: the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, and iPhone SE 4. Or maybe 16E , though Blass also reports that the iPhone SE name will stick around. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone SE 4 in March or April, possibly at a spring event alongside the 11th-gen iPad .
Sonys surprising entry into electric vehicle market
Sony and Honda's Afeela 1 EV launches with advanced tech and entertainment for $89,900. Tech expert Kurt CyberGuy Knutsson gives his takeaways.
Best Buy has now launched a somewhat surprising early 2025 Member Deals Days sale its version of Amazons Prime Day. Just as Amazons bi-annual Prime Day events have become some of the most popular discount shopping events of the year, Best Buy has been hosting its own Member Deals Days competitor sale events and the first one of 2025 is now live . more
The best smart home gadgets for 2025
If it feels like every piece of home tech is now smart, youre not far off. The smart home space has grown exponentially in the past few years to include speakers, cameras, locks, lights and even kitchen appliances. There are also different voice assistants and IoT standards to consider, all of which can make it confusing (to say the least) to build your smart home ecosystem from the ground up. Allow us at Engadget to help with that. Weve tested dozens of smart home gadgets over the years and continue to test the latest offerings to see which work well and are worth your money. We recommend, before you even dive in, to resist the urge to outfit your whole home in one go. Not only can this be quite expensive, but also we think its generally best to buy just one or two items first to see if you like them. You should also pick a preferred voice assistant and stick with it. If youre at the point where youre ready to invest in a few new IoT gadgets, below are the best smart home gadgets you can get right now, plus some advice on how to choose the right voice assistant for your needs. Best smart home gadgets: Smart speakers Best smart home gadgets: Smart displays Best smart home gadgets: Smart lights Best smart home gadgets: Security cameras Best smart home gadgets: IoT gear How to pick the right voice assistant before you buy While plenty of the best smart home devices are platform agnostic, there are some smart speakers and smart displays in particular that require you to choose your voice assistant. Currently, that means deciding if youll use the Google Assistant or Amazons Alexa on a regular basis (Ill address Siri in a moment.) Theyre both compatible with various smart home products from light bulbs to robot vacuums, but there are certain devices that work best with either Google or Amazon. Nest products, for example, are more compatible and have more functionality with Google-powered speakers and displays. They can still work with Amazon devices , but certain features might be disabled. The same holds true with Amazon products: They work better if theyre in the same ecosystem. Amazon Alexa So how do you choose between Alexa and Google Assistant? It really depends on your personal preferences. Do you listen to Audible, watch Prime Video and tend to do a lot of shopping on Amazon? Then you might lean toward an Alexa-powered smart home device. Google Assistant If you want a voice assistant thats great at answering questions, Google Assistant tends to be better than Alexa. Amazons helper, on the other hand, currently supports more smart home products. The companys smart speakers and displays also support the Zigbee smart home protocol, and some devices even have built-in smart home hubs. Both Google and Amazon devices can sync with your calendar, though Googles tend to work better with Google services. Plus, if you already have an Android phone, you might be more comfortable with Google Assistant anyway. Siri But what about Siri ? Apples assistant supports voice commands as well, but it doesn't have as many compatible devices as Google or Amazon. The HomePod mini and the full-sized HomePod are the only Siri-compatible speakers on the market at the moment, too. That said, its not too hard to find Apple HomeKit-compatible gear as more third-party companies add support for it, but you currently have a smaller pool of devices to choose from. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/best-smart-home-devices-154557162.html?src=rss
Disney Lorcana Just Announced Its First Original Character And I Am Stoked
Set seven, called Archazia's Island has been announced at the London Toy fair. We also know the names of sets eight and nine.
These Are the Best 3D Printers in 2025 (Im Obsessed With the Top Two)
From budget enthusiast builds to pro setups, these are our picks of the most reliable 3D printers you can buy.
US President Donald Trump Revokes Executive Order on Addressing AI Risks
US President Donald Trump revoked a 2023 executive order signed by Joe Biden that aiming to reduce the risks that AI poses to customers. The order also directed agencies to set standards for that testing and address related chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and cybersecurity risks.
New Samsung Galaxy S Series Launch Set for January 22; Company Teases 'Next Evolution of Galaxy AI
Best Internet Providers in Ithaca, New York
Spectrum and Verizon are the primary internet providers in Ithaca. If they dont meet your download and upload needs, look at alternates like T-Mobiles fixed wireless internet.
Best Sim Racing Cockpit for 2025
Racing is so much more fun when you have your own racing cockpit. Check out the best sim racing cockpits here -- chosen by CNET experts.
The government says that its decision to allocate satellite spectrum, rather than auction it, will give consumers more choice. Starlink has long wanted to launch in India, and has in recent months clashed with billionaire Ambani's company over how the country should grant spectrum for satellite services.
Samsung's Project Moohan XR Headset to Debut at Galaxy Unpacked 2025: Report
Samsung may debut its first-ever extended reality (XR) headset at the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event tomorrow (January 22), according to a report. The headset, dubbed Project Moohan (or infinity in Korean), was first announced in December 2024 as a competitor to the Apple Vision Pro. While exact specifications of the purported headset are yet to be made off...
iPad Air Lineup Tipped to Launch With Apple's M3 Chipset
Apple introduced the iPad Air lineup with an M2 chip at its 'Let Loose' event in May last year. Now, the Cupertino-based company is said to be preparing to launch its next-generation iPad Air lineup with an upgraded chip. Ahead of any official confirmation, a leak emerged on the Web revealing some of their potential names and display sizes. Like its predecessor, the new models could be offered in 11-inch and 13-inch variants. Apple was initially said to pack the high-end M4 chip in the iPad Air lineup.
Its time to drop kick Dropbox and get cloud storage without the recurring fees
Macworld Were of the opinion that a new year means a new you, and the new you shouldnt be paying subscription fees for cloud storage. Instead of giving Dropbox a chunk of change every month, why not own 10TB of cloud storage after just one payment? Yup, lifetime access to Internxt cloud storage is now only$244.99 (reg. $2,999) with coupon codeSTORAGE30. Its a big figure upfront, but consider thisa similar Dropbox plan takes $15 away from you monthly. If you do the math, this Internxt offer pays for itself after 18 months. Just like Dropbox, Internxt comes in a mobile and desktop app format for easy access. Its simple to use, too. Just open the app, select the files you want to transfer, and ditch your old cloud subscription forever! For reference, 10TB could store 2.5 million photos, 2,000 hours of HD video, and 20 million documents. It sounds like a lot, but keep in mind that this plan could last you forever, or at least in the near future. And dont worry, everything you upload on Internxt is protected with complete end-to-end encryption so no one but yourself or an intended recipient can view it. Make 2025 the year you kick your cloud subscription to the curb. Grab lifetime access to 10TB of Internxt cloud storage for$244.99 with code STORAGE30. This offer expires February 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT, and supplies are limited! Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB Plan Only $244.99 at Macworld StackSocial prices subject to change.
iPhone SE 4 Leaked Render Suggests It Will Feature a Dynamic Island
iPhone SE 4could soon be launched as a successor to the 2022 version of Apple's iPhone SE. Over the past few months, several details of the purported handset have surfaced online. A recently leaked render of the rumoured phone suggests that it will likely come with the Dynamic Island feature, which was introduced with theiPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max in 2022.
