The US Department of Commerce on Friday announced its awards for Samsung, Texas Instruments and Amkor Technology under the CHIPS Incentives Program, which come to more than $6.75 billion altogether. The program is meant to help expand domestic semiconductor production. Samsung was awarded up to $4.745 billion in direct funding a smaller amount than the preliminary award of up to $6.4 billion that was announced earlier this year while Texas Instruments was granted up to $1.61 billion and Amkor up to $407 million. Samsung plans to invest $37 billion over the next few years to ramp up chip development and production in the US, the DOC said. The company will expand its operations in Texas to include two new production facilities and a site for research and development. It also plans to expand an existing facility in Austin. Texas Instruments is working to build three new facilities two in Texas and one in Utah which its said it will invest over $18 billion in through 2029. Amkor is planning a $2 billion investment to create an advanced packaging and test facility in Peoria, Arizona. According to Reuters , itll be the countrys largest facility of its kind. The Commerce Department says the awards will be doled out as the companies complete certain project milestones. It expects the funding to support the creation of thousands of jobs per project. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/doc-finalizes-semiconductor-awards-totaling-nearly-7-billion-for-samsung-texas-instruments-and-amkor-235749200.html?src=rss
Canoo put employees on a mandatory unpaid break after pausing work at Oklahoma factories this week
After announcing this week that it furloughed 82 employees , EV startup Canoo emailed remaining workers to inform them they were being placed on a mandatory unpaid break and would be locked out of the companys systems at the end of the day Friday, TechCrunch reports. The email viewed by TechCrunch reportedly said the break would last at least through the end of the year. Canoo announced on Wednesday that it was idling its Oklahoma factories while it works to finalize securing the capital necessary to move forward with its operations. Canoo has faced financial difficulties , lawsuits and the departure of multiple executives over the last year. It previously announced it was furloughing 30 employees just this fall. Canoos announcement on Wednesday said that the company is now in advanced discussions with various capital sources. In a statement about the cuts, Canoo said, We regret having to furlough our employees, especially during the holidays, but we have no choice at this point. We are hopeful that we will be able to bring them back to work soon. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/canoo-put-employees-on-a-mandatory-unpaid-break-after-pausing-work-at-oklahoma-factories-this-week-221912555.html?src=rss
Google proposes alternative remedies for its search monopoly after DOJ demands radical changes
Google has filed a proposal outlining how it would remedy the antitrust violations its been accused of by the Department of Justice, after the DOJ called for Google to sell off Chrome and face restrictions that would prevent it from favoring its own search engine in Android. Judge Amit Mehta of the US District Court for the District of Columbia ruled in August that Google has violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act, and called Google a monopolist. Google said in the proposal filed on Friday night that it disagreed with the ruling but suggested ways to make its contracts with browser companies and Android device makers more flexible. In a blog post summarizing the filing, Googles VP of regulatory affairs Lee-Anne Mulholland wrote that the proposal would let browser companies like Apple and Mozilla continue to offer Google Search to their users and earn revenue from that partnership, while allowing them to have multiple default agreements across different platforms (e.g., a different default search engine for iPhones and iPads) and browsing modes. And browsers would be able to change their default search provider every 12 months. The proposal would also give device makers additional flexibility in preloading multiple search engines, and preloading any Google app independently of preloading Search or Chrome. Google said it plans to appeal the judges decision ahead of a hearing in April, and will submit a revised proposal on March 7. In the blog post, Mulholland called the DOJs proposal overboard, going on to write that it reflects an interventionist agenda and goes far beyond what the Courts decision is actually about our agreements with partners to distribute search. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-proposes-alternative-remedies-for-its-search-monopoly-after-doj-demands-radical-changes-185253526.html?src=rss
Tested: The ProtoArc EC100 Desk Chair offers comfort and ergonomics in a simple design
Were back with another product review to help you create an ideal workspace that meets all your comfort and utility needs. This time, we tested the EC100 ergonomic desk chair from ProtoArc. This chair combines ample seating space with stable support. more
The holiday season is fast approaching, which means it is time to set up the Christmas tree and deck out your house with festive lights and decorations. Having a power strip with multiple outlets can be handy to plug multiple lights and other electric decor, ensuring youre not running a bunch of wires to get power from one end of a room to the other. If youre looking to pick up a reliable unit, then TESSANs official Amazon storefront is offering its 11-in-1 USB-C power strip in Grey down at $22.99 with free shipping for Prime members or in orders above $35. This particular unit has fetched as much as $25 in recent months, but its now seeing a discount on its usual going rate just in time for Christmas. This is one of the lowest prices weve tracked for this particular model and you can learn more about it below. more
Sega could release its own game subscription service
In a recent interview with the BBC, Sega president Shuji Utsumi said the company is potentially considering its own game-streaming service.
Good morning and welcome to Best of 9to5Toys Weekly a one-stop shop for all of the weeks best deals on Apple gear, Samsung and Android tech, accessories for smartphones and Macs, intelligent household upgrades, and even deals to update your wardrobe. The all-new Best of 9to5Toys collects all of the most notable deals and organizes them neatly into one handy catalog for you to peruse every Saturday morning. This weekends lineup is headlined by some last minute doorbuster deals on Apple Watch Ultra 2, AirTags, LG OLED smart TVs, and a whole lot more. more
The Best Buy 25 Days of Deals Day 21 edition offers are now live . This time around it is trading out the slew of Snapdragon PCs, Chromebooks, and Google gear we featured throughout the week for some sweet deals on anime collectibles, McFarlane action figures, the official Star Wars Black Series Lightsabers, and more. Youll also find a host of deals on small kitchen appliances and home DIY gear, Philips Hue bulbs, and some affordable EVs. Everything awaits on this landing page and youll find additional details below. more
Judge finds spyware-maker NSO Group liable for attacks on WhatsApp users
A federal judge in California has agreed with WhatsApp that the NSO Group, the Israeli cybersurveillance firm behind the Pegasus spyware, had hacked into its systems by sending malware through its servers to thousands of its users' phones. WhatsApp and its parent company, Meta, sued the NSO Group back in 2019 and accused it of spreading malware to 1,400 mobile devices across 20 countries with surveillance as its purpose. They revealed back then some of the targeted phones were owned by journalists, human rights activists, prominent female leaders and political dissidents. The Washington Post reports that District Judge Phyllis Hamilton has granted WhatsApp's motion for summary judgement against NSO and has ruled that it had violated the US Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). The NSO Group disputed the allegations in the strongest possible terms when the lawsuit was filed. It denied that it had a hand in the attacks and told Engadget back then that its sole purpose was to provide technology to licensed government intelligence and law enforcement agencies to help them fight terrorism and serious crime. The company argued that it should not be held liable, because it merely sells its services to government agencies, which are the ones that determine their targets. In 2020, Meta escalated its lawsuit and accused the firm of using US-based servers to stage its Pegasus spyware attacks. Judge Hamilton has ruled that the NSO Group violated the CFAA, because the firm appears to fully acknowledge that the modified WhatsApp program its clients use to target users send messages through legitimate WhatsApp servers. Those messages then allow the Pegasus spyware to be installed on users' devices the targets don't even have to do anything, such as pick up the phone to take a call or click a link, to be infected. The court has also found that the plaintiff's motion for sanctions must be granted on account of the NSO Group repeatedly [failing] to produce relevant discovery, most significant of which is the Pegasus source code. WhatsApp spokesperson Carl Woog told The Post that the company believes this is the first court decision agreeing that a major spyware vendor had broken US hacking laws. Were grateful for todays decision, Woog told the publication. NSO can no longer avoid accountability for their unlawful attacks on WhatsApp, journalists, human rights activists and civil society. With this ruling, spyware companies should be on notice that their illegal actions will not be tolerated. In her decision, Judge Hamilton wrote that her order resolves all issues regarding the NSO Group's liability and that a trial will only proceed to determine how much the company should pay in damages. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/judge-finds-spyware-maker-nso-group-liable-for-attacks-on-whatsapp-users-140054522.html?src=rss
This Capcom bundle is the best deal of the Steam Winter Sale
Okami + Kunitsu-Gami Bundle offers up a pair of amazing, innovative games for an inexpensive price during 2024's Steam Winter Sale.
Welcome to 9to5toys Battlestation Weekly your go-to spot for the notable deals and latest releases in PC gaming at a glance every Saturday morning. The holiday sale is in full swing right now folks and we saw a lot of great deals this week out of which many are still alive and kicking. From new all-time lows on a slew of gaming gear to the return of best prices on a range of everyday gadgets and tech essentials, theres a lot to get through today. We also got a new gamepad with Hall-effect sticks courtesy of 8BitDo this week. All of that and more waiting for you below, so hit the jump for a closer look. more
Arc has just debuted its all Arc Pulse Bumper cases for Googles new Arc Pulse Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. These bumper cases have been among the most popular smartphone accessories around here across 2024, and they are now finally ready for Google latest slate of Pixel 9 devices. Best of all, using our exclusive 9TO510 code will deliver the best price anywhere on your pre-order . Head below for additional details and a closer look at the new Arc Pulse bumper case for Pixel 9. more
NYT Crossword: answers for Saturday, December 21
The New York Times crossword puzzle can be tough! If you're stuck, we're here to help with a list of today's clues and answers.
NYT Mini Crossword today: puzzle answers for Saturday, December 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 Connections: hints and answers for Saturday, December 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.
Welcome to 9to5Toys Electrified Weekly the best place to find all of this weeks best deals and new releases to electrify your life and protect Mother Nature. The Christmas savings on green deals is at full peak now that were only a few days away from the holiday, with our e-bike section being led by Velotrics weekend flash sale that has dropped the Go 1 Utility e-bike down to a new $999 low through December 22. We also have the final phase of Rad Powers ongoing savings which have added its newest models into the mix, along with up to $1,100 in savings from Vvolt (including a free extra battery deal). Theres also new prices from NIU, Trek, Gotrax, and more with the continued sales from popular brands Lectric and MOD kept in too. On the other side of the eco-friendly fence, we have the full Christmas sale from Anker SOLIX , which has taken 50% off its massive lineup of power stations all starting from $99 . Theres also the final phase of EcoFlows Christmas savings that has added a 5% off sitewide discount across its offers, with the DELTA 3 Plus power station hitting a new $617 low , among others. We also have new low prices on Jackery models, Goal Zero solar-charging power banks, Worx robot lawn mowers, Greenworks tools, and more. more
If you need a relaxing holiday vacation game, download this one
LOK Digital is a genius word search puzzle game that I will find myself playing for years to come.
Welcome to 9to5Toys Steals Weekly your go-to spot for already-affordable everyday essentials that are now selling for even less. This weekly roundup pulls together all of the Steals from the past week, and puts them in a digestable list for you to consume every Saturday morning. In this weeks batch of Steals youll find everything from a MagSafe water bottle to a 20K MagSafe power bank, Crest 3D Whitestrips, and so much more. Continue reading to see all of markdowns weve uncovered . more
Heres how you can ditch iCloud Drive for goodwith FolderFort
Macworld You might think iCloud is the easiest cloud storage solution to rid your iPhone or MacBook of low-storage notifications for good. But think about how much youve spent on iCloud to date. Is it a couple hundred? Yikes. Instead of paying a recurring fee for the rest of your life, hop on this deal that gives you 1TB of lifetime cloud storage for only $59.97 (reg. $251) for one more day. This is the lowest the price has ever been, so grab it while you can! Youll be able to swiftly transfer your photos, videos, and files from iCloud Drive into FolderFort to save the money youd normally spend on your monthly cloud subscription.This 1TB lifetime cloud plan stores around 200,000 photos, 300 hours of HD video, or a million documentsall for a one-time payment. Plus, FolderFort is compatible with every device, thanks to the fact that its browser-based. With FolderFort, you canshare your cloud storage with as many users as youd likeits like the iCloud family plan. Each person whos added gets their own 1GB of storage, and you have the option of creating private or shared folders to maximize your subscription. Get this iCloud alternative at an all-time low price with this best-of-web offer: just $59.97 (reg. $251) thats 76% savings you cant find anywhere else! FolderFort 1TB Cloud Storage Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription Only $59.97 at Macworld StackSocial prices subject to change.
Tesla is recalling almost 700,000 vehicles over a tire pressure monitor issue
Another day, another Tesla recall. This time, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) informed the owners of almost 700,000 Tesla vehicles warning them of a problem with a warning light for the tire pressure monitoring system as reported by the Associated Press . The recall affects the 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3 and 2020-2025 Model Y Vehicles. The NHTSA says the warning light for the tire pressure monitoring system may not stay illuminated between drives. Tesla says it will send out an over-the-road (OTR) update to vehicles affected by the warning light issue. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on Feb. 15, 2025. The past year has seen more than a few Tesla recalls and OTRs. The NHTSA recorded seven recalls in the last year for the Cybertruck to address problems involving the rear-view camera , faulty windshield wipers and loose trunk beds. Tesla issued an over-the-air update in June for 1.8 million vehicles including select 2021-2024 Model 3, S and X vehicles and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles to fix hoods that could come loose during drives if closed improperly. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/tesla-is-recalling-almost-700000-vehicles-over-a-tire-pressure-monitor-issue-223639361.html?src=rss
Were seeing Black Friday/Cyber Monday pricing returning through Amazon on the ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S AI Care Robot Vacuum and Mop at $749.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page $100 off coupon . Normally this advanced model would run you $1,130 at full price, with discounts usually dropping the cost between $880 and $850. But things are going even lower than normal with this combined 34% markdown that saves you $380 and returns the price to the all-time low that we first spotted during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. more
Belkins 60W USB-C to ethernet adapter with USB charge port hits $21 2024 low (Reg. $35)
Amazon is offering the Belkin 60W USB-C to Ethernet and Charge Adapter for $20.99 shipped. It carries a $35 price tag, but over the last two months weve been seeing it keep down between $25 and $27, which have been the lowest prices weve seen so far in 2024. Today though, youre looking at an even greater 40% markdown off its full price, which lands it down at the lowest rate weve seen this year and the second-lowest overall just $3 above the all-time low we last saw in 2022. more
James Bond (the movie franchise, not the spy) may be in deep jeopardy
Movie icon and super spy James Bond seemed to be on another rise to the top of the box office just a few years ago, but things have been almost as quiet as a shot from a Walther PPK with a silencer ever since then. Daniel Craig took on the role in 2006 with Casino Royale and passed the baton with 2021s No Time to Die in one of the most heart-wrenching endings in Bonds cinematic history (you cried, just admit it) . The only thing sadder is the reason why we havent seen a new Bond movie since then. The Wall Street Journal reports that Amazon and Barbara Broccoli, the producer who inherited the franchise from her father and film producer Albert Cubby Broccoli when he died in 1996, are in the middle of an ugly fight thats halted production on the next Bond film. Apparently, Barbara doesnt trust Amazon with her familys famous film franchise. How bad is it? Well, heres a quote from Barbara to some of her friends explaining how she feels about the people who run Amazons media empire: These people are fing idiots. Man, thats awkward with a capital awk. The stalemate started back in 2021 when Amazon bought MGM for $8.5 billion and thus acquired the rights to distribute Bond films, according to Variety . The deal seemed like a big move for Amazon to weave its way into Hollywood using one of its most storied and rock solid film franchises. Unfortunately for Amazon, the true power over the James Bond films lies with Broccoli. She supplies the ideas for Bonds big screen adventures and when they go into production, and Broccoli isnt keen on working with Amazon anytime soon. The WSJ spoke to 20 people familiar with the feud who say Broccoli feels Amazon isnt the right place for a Bond movie because its core business is retail and ecommerce. When Amazon purchased MGM, clinching the rights to the Bond franchise was a key part of the deals value. Broccoli and co-producer Michael Wilson had some reservations but were assured they would still retain creative control. COVID lockdowns were already making it hard to jump into the next Bond film production as well. However, things seemed to be smoothing over between the two parties when Amazon also insisted that its next Bond movie No Time to Die would get a theatrical release . But as soon as the deal closed, Amazon executives started thinking of ways to expand the Bond film franchise to other mediums like a Moneypenny spinoff series for Prime Video or a separate spy film or TV show that took place in the Bond universe. Broccoli refused to let any of these projects go forward. She also took umbrage with Amazon entertainment executive Jennifer Salkes use of the word content to describe new James Bond projects and any ideas Amazon had for Bond were labeled TBD in memos. To date, the only Bond property Amazon could get Broccoli to sign off on is a reality series 007: Road to a Million thats entering its second season. Broccoli and her family have been part of the Bond movie franchise for almost as long as she lived so shes fiercely protective of the brand and her fathers cinematic legacy. Shes also started training Wilsons son Gregg to produce recent installments and possibly prepare him to take over the franchise someday. Even that has led to disagreements over who should play Bond in the next film. Thats assuming we get one and it doesnt look like that will happen anytime soon. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/james-bond-the-movie-franchise-not-the-spy-may-be-in-deep-jeopardy-211608094.html?src=rss
Google's Gemini Deep Research tool is now available globally
A little more than a week after announcing Gemini Deep Research , Google is making the tool available to more people . As of today, the feature, part of the companys paid Gemini Advanced suite , is available in every country and language where Google offers Gemini. In practice, that means Gemini Advanced users in more than 100 countries globally can start using Deep Research right now. Previously, it was only available in English. As a refresher, Deep Research takes advantage of Gemini 1.5 Pros ability to reason through long context windows to create comprehensive but easy-to-read reports on complex topics. Once you provide the tool a prompt, it will generate a research plan for you to approve and tweak as you see fit. After it has your go-ahead, Gemini 1.5 Pro will search the open web for information related to your query. That process can sometimes take several minutes, but once Gemini is done, youll have a multi-page report you can export to Google Docs for later viewing. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/googles-gemini-deep-research-tool-is-now-available-globally-210151873.html?src=rss
How to schedule messages on Instagram
Instagram is still thought of as a feed of algorithmically-suggested photos first and foremost, but the app is also pretty popular for messaging, too. If you want to take some of the stress out of remembering to send a birthday message to a friend, as part of a recent update, you can now schedule Instagram messages in advance. Scheduled messages can't contain media like GIFs, photos or videos, but you can schedule them up to 29 days in advance on both the Android and iOS versions of the app. What are Instagram DMs? If you've stuck to using Instagram as a repository for your smartphone photos, you might have missed out on the introduction of Instagram Direct back in 2013, a direct messaging system integrated right in the Instagram app for sharing photos and videos with friends and family. Meta has changed the look, location, and features of Instagram DMs over the years, hooking it up with Messenger in 2020 , and more recently adding location-sharing abilities in November 2024. Adding scheduled messages brings Instagram more line with messaging tools like iMessage and Gmail. How to schedule an Instagram message You can access DMs by tapping on the arrow or chat bubble icon in the top right corner of your feed. To schedule a message, choose an existing chat or create a new message by tapping on the new message icon in the top right corner. Then fill out the text box with whatever you want to say, and tap and hold on the blue arrow icon to the right of the text box. Instagram will then pull up a series of dials you can use to set the date and time you want your message to be sent. Once you're happy, tap the blue send button at the bottom of the menu and the message will be scheduled. Ian Carlos Campbell for Engadget How to delete a scheduled Instagram message If you change your mind about a scheduled message, you can delete them directly from your chat. From inside a chat, tap on the small text that says scheduled messages above the text box. Then tap and hold on the message you want to delete. From the dropdown menu that appears, tap on Delete to remove the message. How to edit a scheduled Instagram message If you want to edit your message instead of deleting it, things get more complicated. It became possible to edit normal Instagram messages in March 2024, but editing a scheduled message currently isn't possible. There is a way to achieve the same effect if you're willing to do some extra work, though. First, open the chat were the scheduled message you want to edit is. Then tap on scheduled messages near the bottom of the screen above the text box. Find the message you want to edit, then tap and hold on it. Tap on Copy from the menu that menu to copy the text to your clipboard, then repeat the process and tap on Delete. With your copied message in hand, paste it into the text box of your existing chat or a new message. Edit it however you see fit, then tap and hold on the blue arrow to the right of the text box to schedule it again for your desire date and time. Tap on the send button at the bottom of the menu, and it will be scheduled. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/how-to-schedule-messages-on-instagram-205659294.html?src=rss
We gave 4 out of 5 stars to the Asus ROG Ally X, and today its on sale
Get in the game with the Asus ROG Ally X, a handheld console built for lightning-fast performance and glorious visuals. Get it for $100 off today.
Score a 2-pack of Govees smart Wi-Fi Curtain Lights at $200 for year-round patterns, GIFs, and more
Coming to us through its official Amazon storefront, Govee is offering its Curtain Lights 2-pack for $199.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page $40 off coupon. Normally this bundle would run you $240, with the longer-term discounts weve seen over the year dropping costs to this same $200 rate, though we did spot two short-lived Prime Day lightning deals to $168. Today, you can grab them for year-round ambient smart lighting at the second-lowest price we have tracked. Youll also find them matching in price direct from Govee. more
Intel Arc B580 review: The new king of $250 GPUs (for now)
When Intel debuted its first Arc video cards two years ago , I was more than a little skeptical. Could a company that famously gave up on its last major desktop GPU project in 2009 actually make a dent in a market dominated by NVIDIA and AMD? Well, when I reviewed them in 2022, the Arc A750 and A770 turned out better than I thought, though they were also held back by Intel's poor drivers. But it seems Intel has learned from its mistakes. The new $250 Arc B580 performs better than AMD's low-end Radeon 7600, and it can even tangle a bit with NVIDIA when it comes to budget ray tracing. The only question is if it's worth investing in an Intel video card given its rocky corporate outlook . But for such a cheap video card, with a price that harkens back to the early 2000s, the risk may be worth it. The B580 marks the debut of Intel's second-generation Arc Xe2 GPUs, and it'll be joined by the $219 B570 next month. Based on their specs alone, it's easy to see why they're compelling for budget games. The B580 features 20 Xe cores, 20 ray tracing units and a faster clock speed than the previous Arc cards. Most importantly, though, it's rocking 12GB of VRAM with a 192-bit memory interface, giving it more than enough room to pump out 1440p gameplay. The $299 NVIDIA RTX 4060, in comparison, is stuck with 8GB of VRAM and a far more limited 128-bit interface. Even the RTX 4060 Ti sports that meager amount of VRAM, limiting both of those GPUs mostly to 1080p gameplay (especially if you wanted a bit of ray tracing). AMD's Radeon RX 7600 , which goes for around $269, is also burdened with 8GB of RAM and weaker ray tracing performance than NVIDIA and Intel's cards. While Intel has a clear hardware advantage, timing is once again a major concern. The Arc B580 launched as we're preparing for CES 2025, where both NVIDIA and AMD are expected to show off new desktop GPUs. Given NVIDIA's ever-increasing prices, I wouldn't bet on seeing an RTX 5060 around $250, but AMD is another story. It's been trying to make an impact in the low- and mid-range GPU market for years, and thats reportedly still the case with its RDNA 4 cards. There's a good chance we'll eventually see some sort of inexpensive next-gen GPU from AMD. Intel If you need to build a budget gaming rig in the next few months or so, though, the Arc B580 will serve you well. In my testing, it scored slightly higher than the RTX 4060 Ti in 3DMark's Timespy Extreme Benchmark, and it was also noticeably faster than the Radeon 7600. The B580 shone even brighter with ray tracing. I hit a 58 fps average in the Cyberpunk 2077 benchmark running at 1080p with Ultra graphics settings and mid-range ray tracing. The Radeon 7600, on the other hand, sometimes struggled to stay above 40 fps with similar settings. GPU Timespy Extreme 3Dmark Speedway Port Royal Ray Tracing Intel Arc B580 7,287 2,443 7,872 Intel Arc A770 6,718 N/A 6,960 NVIDIA RTX 4060 Ti 6,599 3,217 8,170 AMD Radeon 7600 5,526 1,969 5,478 I was genuinely surprised by how well the Arc B580 tackled 1440p gaming. In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, I hit 70 fps on average with high graphics settings, mid-range ray tracing and Intel's XeSS upscaling flipped on. That's better performance than you'll see on the $700 PlayStation 5 Pro (though admittedly, Sony's PSSR AI upscaling might look better to your eyes). I also hit 85 fps on average while playing Halo Infinite in 1440p with maxed out graphics, which was slightly better than the 4060 Ti. While we're used to budget cards being mainly limited to 1080p gaming, the Arc B580's additional memory clearly makes it well suitedfor 1440p. Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget Still, there are benefits that the competition offers. NVIDIA's RTX GPUs can also work with its specialized apps, like NVIDIA Broadcaster, which can clean up your audio and video for streams and recordings. Additionally, NVIDIA's DLSS 3 upscaling is available on over 500 games, while Intel's XeSS just cracked 200 . And then theres the driver issue: NVIDIA has decades of experience crafting solid GPU software, whereas Intel is still recovering from its recent driver missteps. At least the XeSS 2 AI upscaling seems more useful than AMD's FSR 3 (FidelityFX Super Resolution), as Intel's tech looks dramatically better and can often increase a game's performance by 30 percent or more. The Arc B580 also survived several hours of benchmarking and gaming without any hardware or driver issues. When I first tested the Arc A750 and A770, they would often crash within an hour of testing. Intel's software has clearly made some progress. The B580 reference model I tested also stayed relatively cool under load, and it never surpassed 64 degrees celsius (which also kept its two large fans from ever making much noise). While there will be third-party cards available, I was also impressed by Intels reference design: The B580 feels premium and sturdy, not cheap and plasticky like many other budget GPUs. Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget At this point, it seems like Intel is already having trouble keeping the Arc B580 in stock , a rare good problem for the beleaguered chip giant . Its easy to see why gamers are smitten: It delivers solid 1080p and 1440p performance for most new titles, even with a bit of ray tracing. Finally, theres a viable $250 GPU that doesnt make you feel like youre desperately behind the pack. Its a clear win for Intel at least until we see whats new from AMD. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/intel-arc-b580-review-the-new-king-of-250-gpus-for-now-200047482.html?src=rss
Even more top-tier Android game deals now live for the holidays: Inked, Door Kickers, much more
The collection of holiday deals on Android games and apps is growing significantly here today after seeing a giant list go live yesterday . Our fresh batch of holiday offers on the Google Play store also join a host of hardware deals including this $240 price drop on Acers Chromebook 315 notebook at $109 as well as up to $400 in savings on ASUS Vivobook S 15 OLED Snapdragon X Elite laptop and this sweet deal on LGs wonderful 77-inch C3 OLED smart TV at up to $800 off . As for the apps, just some of todays additions include titles like Inked, My Child Lebensborn, Homo Machina, Sentinels of Earth-Prime, BOKURA, Door Kickers: Action Squad, and more. Head below for a closer look. more
Got Prime? Stack discounts and put this Apple Watch power bank on your keychain for $15 (Reg. $25)
LISEN 1,200mAh Apple Watch Power Bank Buy for $15 (Reg. $25) Clip the on-page 20% off coupon. Prime-exclusive discount. What we love This LISEN power bank is made specifically with Apple Watch in mind and wields a 1,200mAh capacity. An integrated USB-C cable locks in place so it can be attached to your keychain. This also makes it a cinch to top it back off once youre near a power source. Keeping something like this around paves the way for you to leave your usual charging cable behind and still have backup in place for your Apple wearable. more
OpenAI's next-generation o3 model will arrive early next year
After nearly two weeks of announcements, OpenAI capped off its 12 Days of OpenAI livestream series with a preview of its next-generation frontier model. Out of respect for friends at Telefnica (owner of the O2 cellular network), and in the grand tradition of OpenAI being really, truly bad at names, its called o3, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman told those watching the announcement on YouTube . The new model isnt ready for public use just yet. Instead, OpenAI is first making o3 available to researchers who want help with safety testing . OpenAI also announced the existence of o3 mini. Altman said the company plans to launch that model around the end of January, with o3 following shortly after that. As you might expect, o3 offers improved performance over its predecessor, but just how much better it is than o1 is the headline feature here. For example, when put through this year's American Invitational Mathematics Examination , o3 achieved an accuracy score of 96.7 percent. By contrast, o1 earned a more modest 83.3 percent rating. What this signifies is that o3 often misses just one question, said Mark Chen, senior vice president of research at OpenAI. In fact, o3 did so well on the usual suite of benchmarks OpenAI puts its models through that the company had to find more challenging tests to test it against. Developing... This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openais-next-generation-o3-model-will-arrive-early-next-year-191707632.html?src=rss
M4 MacBook Pro drops to best price for the last time this year
Macworld Its the last chance to get your hands on a new M4 MacBook Pro this year, and its the best time to do it because its down $200, for a total price of $1,399 over at Amazon , matching its best price so far. This is the powerful M4 model were talking about with 16GB of RAM, so its truly a geat deal. The 14-inch MacBook Pro went from meh to marvelous , we wrote in our 4.5-star review. The laptop got a near-perfect score from us, with our main praise being the bump to 16GB of unified memory (over 8GB) and the introduction of the Space Black option, which was unavailable on this model last year. The laptop runs on the blazing-fast M4 chip with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU for incredible speed in tackling demanding tasks. Youll also get fantastic battery life, with our tests clocking the battery at about 20 hours of use, good for a whole days work and then some. And of course, youre getting a fantastic 14.2-inch display with ProMotion and 1,600 nits peak brightness. Like the rest of the Apple silicon machines, this laptop is also ready to run Apple Intelligence, allowing you to perform work more efficiently with features such as Writing Tools and the upcoming next-gen Siri. So youre getting it all int he MacBook Pro: a gorgeous display, superb battery life, and rocket-level speeds, all for all for an incredible $200 off . Get the M4 MacBook Pro for its best price ever Buy now at Amazon
adidas takes up to 60% off hundreds of styles sitewide: Running shoes, sneakers, apparel, more
adidas offers up to 60% off running shoes, sneakers, apparel, accessories, and more . Prices are as marked. adiClub Members ( free to sign-up ) receive complimentary delivery on all orders. During this sale you can score deals on running shoes, apparel, accessories, and more. One of our top picks from this sale is the UltraBoost 5X Shoes that are currently marked down to $117 and originally sold for $180. These shoes are available in 15 color options and perfect for indoor or outdoor training. It has a cushioned insole that promotes support and comfort throughout your runs and a curved outsole to help propel you forward. Rated 4.7/5 stars from adidas customers. Find even more deals by heading below, and be sure to check out our fashion guide for additional sales today. more
Startup set to brick $800 kids robot is trying to open source it first
Most owners still won't be refunded for the emotional support toy.
Grab a pair of Ankers open-ear earbuds while theyre only $30 Prime shipped (Save 40%)
Anker Soundcore V20i Open-Ear Earbuds Buy for $30 (Reg. $50) What we love While noise-cancellation tech gets a lot of attention these days, there are situations when you dont want to block it all out. For instance, you may need to stay aware of your surroundings at work, when out for a run, and the list goes on. This pair of affordable open-ear earbuds allow you to grab them as a secondary solution without breaking the bank. Notable features include 36-hour battery life, Bluetooth 5.4, and multipoint support. more
The monkeys paw curls as Rayman returns in Ubisofts new NFT game
Miss the days of Rayman? He's back in a new game from Ubisoft, but it's probably not what you're imagining or what you want.
iPhone SE 4: Everything you need to know about Apples next budget phone
Macworld Apple updated its entry-level iPhone in March 2022, adding a few nips and tucks here and there along with a quiet price increase. It kept the iPhone 8 design with its Home button and small form factor that appeals to some, but the aging design and minimal upgrades meant the new iPhone SE was coolly received by the masses. The iPhone SE is in desperate need of a big upgrade, and it looks like it will get one in the spring of 2025 . iPhone SE 4 release date: When will the iPhone SE 4 be released? Spring 2025 (estimated) Apples iPhone SE doesnt follow the same predictable annual release schedule as the standard iPhone line, and the intervals between updates can be harder to predict, but they seem to always be released in the spring, in March or April. Heres when the three models released so far made their debut: iPhone SE (3rd gen) : March 2022 iPhone SE (2nd gen) : April 2020 iPhone SE (1st gen) : March 2016 Apples current budget phone, the iPhone SE (2022) Dominik Tomaszewski iPhone 4 SE price: How much will the iPhone SE 4 cost? Pricing has steadily increased across the three existing generations, no doubt influenced by the global cost of components and distribution. While the iPhone SE (3rd generation) was released around the same price as the model it replaced, Apple added a chunk onto the cost, making the current model somewhat less desirable than previous iterations, especially when you factor in the measly amount of storage that comes with the baseline model. At launch the prices were even higher in the U.K. but, in September 2023, after adjusting for inflation, Apple dropped the price back to match the U.S. price. Apple did the same thing for prices in Euros in September 2024. Heres how they line up: iPhone SE (3rd gen, 2022): 64GB: $429/429 (was 449 at launch) 128GB: $479/479 (was 499 at launch) 256GB: $579/579 (was 609 at launch) iPhone SE (2nd gen, 2020): 64GB: $399/419 128GB: $449/469 256GB: $549/569 iPhone SE (1st gen, 2016): 32GB: $399/379 128GB: $499/449 However, the iPhone SE needs to be inexpensive relative to other iPhones, and wed be surprised to see the price increase too much with the next generation, even with several rumored upgrades. The latest rumors claim the 4th-gen iPhone SE could start at $499, still far less expensive than any other new iPhone Apple sells. Bloombergs Mark Gurman claims the next model is intended to help Apple compete with low-end Android phones in China , so a low price would be necessary to achieve this plan. iPhone 4 SE design: What will the next iPhone SE look like? Will the iPhone SE get a long-overdue design revamp? Rumors suggest that we could see a move away from the iPhone 8 chassis to something more like modern iPhones, with Face ID and a full-screen display. That could be good or bad news, depending on your viewpoint. Some people prefer the Home button as a means to interact with their iPhone, for some older people and those who are less dexterous it is helpful to have a physical button. No Home button is likely to mean a notchand thats a notch, rather than the Dynamic Island. In terms of overall appearance, the iPhone SE would likely resemble the iPhone 14. A rumor in July 2024 suggested Apple will change course with the iPhone SE 4 and instead use the same body as the iPhone 16 , making it a true budget version of the latest iPhone lineup. If Apple chooses to use the chassis of the iPhone 16 rather than the iPhone 14 that could allow the best alignment of two camera lenses for talking videos for the Vision Pro. But that would mean that the iPhone SE would have two cameras on the back, rather than just one, as it does currently. It would also make it hard to differentiate between models, pushing some users who might otherwise consider the iPhone 16 to buy the iPhone SE 4 at a lower price. iPhone SE 4 specs: Will Apple Intelligence be supported? The iPhones this year are all about Apple Intelligence AI features, which first arrived with iOS 18.1 in the fall and will continue to get new features in iOS 18 updates . One of the biggest new features, a massive expansion of Siri capabilities, is due for release in iOS 18.4 around the same time the iPhone SE 4 would be released. Processor & RAM: To run Apple Intelligence an iPhone requires an A17 Pro or A18 chip and 8GB of RAM. There is some expectation that the iPhone SE 4 could meet these requirements. It is common for the iPhone SE to have the same processor as the latest non-Pro iPhone but skimp on other features to differentiate itself, so we expect the iPhone SE 4 to have the A18 processor. Other than the processor and RAM requirements, we may see some other internal changes including the following: Modem: The iPhone SE 4 might be the first iPhone to feature Apples own 5G modems (codenamed Sinope). It will offers sub-6 support but no mmWave, and lower performance than Qualcomms best 5G modems but better power efficiency. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Apple is also about to switch over to its own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip , codenamed Proxima. The rumors say this chip will actually appear first in a refreshed HomePod mini and Apple TV, but theres a chance it could be used in the iPhone SE 4. Storage: With the iPhone 13 range moving to a baseline of 128GB (and the 14-series handsets following suit), its hoped that the new iPhone SE might do likewise, as 64GB isnt enough for most users anymore, especially since system files take up more than 10GB (and you can add a multi-gigabyte Apple Intelligence model to that). There are no good rumors one way or the other about the minimum storage for the iPhone SE 4, but we wouldnt be surprised if it was 64GB. USB-C: We expect the iPhone SE 4 to feature a USB-C port for charging, as all new iPhones do, and IP68 water resistance. The current SE is one of the last remaining Apple devices to still have a Lightning port . Camera(s): One of the defining features of the iPhone SE is a single camera on the back. This is probably not going to change, although if the new iPhone SE does adopt the chassis of an iPhone 14 or 16 it is possible. The latest rumors suggest a single 48 megapixel camera, which would at least give the iPhone SE 4 a good 2x optical zoom mode using the center 12MP of the sensor, as the iPhone 16 does. Action Button: An alleged leak of an iPhone SE 4 case shows a cutout for the mute switch rather than an Action Button, and of course there will be no Camera Control buttonif the iPhone SE 4 had these features there would be little reason for anyone to buy an iPhone 16! iPhone SE 4: Will the new iPhone SE use Touch ID or Face ID? The most recent rumors say the new iPhone SE will have Face ID with a notch (not dynamic island), similar to an iPhone 13 or iPhone 14. That means Touch ID, which has been a staple of the SE line since its debut, will go away. 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
FlexiSpot TC1 Ergonomic Drafting Chair Buy for $110 (Reg. $180) Prime-exclusive discount What we love If you have a standing desk and dont want to adjust its height very often, this drafting chair can resolve that. Unlike traditional office chairs, the seat of this one one goes up to 30 inches high. It also features an ergonomic design that will help you keep typical office work aches and pains at bay. Weve reviewed several pieces of FlexiSpot gear at 9to5Toys , check them out here . more
More power awaits with this pair of 9-in-1 USB-C surge protectors at $10 each (44% off)
2-pack of Addtam 9-in-1 USB-C Surge Protectors Buy for $20 (Reg. $36) Apply code VF8WCZGO during checkout. What we love Struggling to to find an outlet in your space? Well, these power strips will not only turn one AC outlet into five, youll get two 12W USB-A and two 15W USB-C ports as well. Your gear will also benefit from 1,080-joule surge protection. Ive been personally using Addtam gear in my home and have yet to be disappointed. more
The US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau sues Zelle and four of its partner banks
On Friday, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) sued four financial companies involved with Zelle. The CFPBs lawsuit ( via CNBC ) accuses Zelles operator (Early Warning Services) and three of the services partner banks JPMorgan Chase, Bank Of America and Wells Fargo of failing to protect consumers from widespread fraud on the peer-to-peer payment system. The CFPB says customers of those three banks have lost over $870 million during Zelles seven years as a payment service . The suit claims hundreds of thousands of customers who filed fraud complaints were denied meaningful assistance, with some being told to contact the fraudsters directly to recover their money. (Pro tip: Dont do that.) The nations largest banks felt threatened by competing payment apps, so they rushed to put out Zelle, CFPB Director Rohit Chopra wrote in a statement. By their failing to put in place proper safeguards, Zelle became a gold mine for fraudsters, while often leaving victims to fend for themselves. The CFPB says one of the systems loopholes is that its tokens (linked US phone numbers or email addresses) can be used and reassigned across different banks. The agency claims fraudsters can exploit this by connecting a victims number or email to the perpetrators deposit account, causing payments meant for the consumer to go to the scammers account instead. The suit accuses Zelle and the banks of allowing repeat offenders to bounce between financial institutions with impunity. Banks did not share information about known fraudulent transactions with other banks on the network, the CFPB wrote. As a result, bad actors could carry out repeated fraud schemes across multiple institutions before being detected, if they were detected at all. The CFPB also claims the defendant banks didnt heed red flags to prevent further fraud, report incidents consistently or on time, properly investigate customer complaints or take appropriate action. On Friday, Zelle framed the governments lawsuit as a political hit that would help criminals and force them to charge fees. The CFPBs attacks on Zelle are legally and factually flawed, and the timing of this lawsuit appears to be driven by political factors unrelated to Zelle, Jane Khodos, Zelle spokesperson, wrote in a statement . Zelle leads the fight against scams and fraud and has industry-leading reimbursement policies that go above and beyond the law. The CFPBs misguided attacks will embolden criminals, cost consumers more in fees, stifle small businesses and make it harder for thousands of community banks and credit unions to compete. In September, JPMorgan Chase wrote in a quarterly filing (via CNBC ) that it would consider counter-litigation if the CFPB took action against the bank for its role with Zelle. Last month, The Washington Post reported that President-elect Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans plan to limit the CFPBs funding and powers, aligning with the agendas of large financial institutions. Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, his government efficiency advisors, have said they want to eliminate the agency, which was established in 2011 in response to the 2007-08 financial crisis and resulting recession. Killing the agency would require a congressional vote that wouldnt likely pass, given Republicans thin majorities. But they could do what Trump did in his first term: appoint a new director to slow or stop regulatory actions, effectively kneecapping the agency as long as theyre in charge. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/the-us-consumer-financial-protection-bureau-sues-zelle-and-four-of-its-partner-banks-175714692.html?src=rss
As part of its 25 Days of Deals , Best Buy is offering the Snow Joe 24V iON+ 13-Inch Single Stage Cordless Snow Shovel for $159 shipped . This package that includes an ice dozer and cover would normally run you $199, with you currently able to find just the tool and battery combo at Amazon for a similar rate, though it is currently unavailable. Youre looking at the second-lowest price that we have spotted since last year when Best Buy was offering it, saving you $40 off the usual rate while also providing you with a cheaper snow-clearing option over more heavy-duty snow blowers. more
How to use Double Pump in Fortnite OG
The infamous Double Pump meta is back in Fortnite and here's how you can use it in OG Chapter 1, Season 1 to dominate lobbies.
Netflix scores the broadcasting rights to the FIFA Women's World Cup
Netflix has inked a deal with FIFA to snag exclusive US broadcasting rights to the next two Womens World Cup tournaments, according to a report by ESPN . This contract covers both the 2027 and 2031 events. Neither entity has described the financial value of the deal, but it has been reported to be the most significant contract that FIFA has ever signed with a streaming service for a major tournament. FIFA president Gianni Infantino called it a landmark moment for sports media rights and a truly historic day for broadcasting and for women's football. This happened because FIFA unbundled the media rights for the womens event for the very first time, which goes into effect after Fox airs the next Mens World Cup in 2026. The 2027 Womens World Cup is being held in Brazil. The 2031 event doesnt have a home yet, but the US is expected to make a bid . This is a fairly big deal for Netflix, given that FIFA reported that a full 1.12 billion people watched the 2019 Womens World Cup, which the US won. This is a global number, of course, but the 2023 tournament recorded the highest-ever US domestic viewership. The sport is certainly catching on over on this side of the pond. Netflix has been making big moves into the world of live sporting events as of late. There was that utterly ridiculous Jake Paul/Mike Tyson fight , but the platform will soon be home to the weekly WWE Monday Night Raw broadcast . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/netflix-scores-the-broadcasting-rights-to-the-fifa-womens-world-cup-174017963.html?src=rss
Got someone that loves shoes on your list? This 8- to 16-pair organizer is 30% off, now $19
Delamu Shoe Organizer Buy for $19 (Reg. $27) What we love Still need a last-minute gift for someone on your list? Well, if they like to keep things tidy, this shoe organizer could be a solid option. I mean, who doesnt love to have their gear in order? This unit spans 17.3 by 17.5 by 13.2 inches and can hold anywhere from 8 to 16 pairs of shoes or sandals. more
The best stocking stuffers for $50 or less
The big ticket tech gifts may get the lion's share of attention during the holidays, but it's surprising how much people appreciate small and thoughtful accessories and gadgets. We picked out a dozen such stocking stuffers for under $50 perfect for a little something extra for a loved one or a welcome gift for a coworker. Just be sure to check the shipping windows to make sure these handy gizmos will arrive in time. Here are some of our favorite techie gift ideas come in at $50 or less. Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/the-best-stocking-stuffers-for-50-or-less-130049421.html?src=rss
Our favorite Sony earbuds hit an all-time low, plus the rest of the week's best tech deals
We're less than a week from Christmas, and if you haven't finished your holiday shopping, well, you should probably get on that. While it's likely too late to get most items shipped by Wednesday morning, there are still tons of decent tech deals available for those you're seeing after the holiday or if you just want to treat yourself. For one, Sony's WF-1000XM5 , our pick for the best wireless earbuds, is down to an all-time low of $198, while the 10th-gen iPad is back at its best-ever price at $250. Several other gadgets we recommend are similarly discounted, including the PlayStation 5 , Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Apple AirTags . Here are the best tech deals from this week you can still get today. Sony WF-1000XM5 for $198 at Amazon ($102 off MSRP) : The XM5s are the top pick in our guide to the best wireless earbuds , offering exceptional noise cancellation, a warm yet customizable sound, 8-12 hours of battery life and loads of handy bonus features. The design may not fit everyone's ears comfortably, but it's slimmer and lighter than previous versions. This discount matches the lowest price we've seen and undercuts the pair's Black Friday deal by $30. Also at Target and Best Buy . Apple iPad (10th gen) for $250 at Amazon ($99 off) : This matches the best price we've seen for the budget pick in our iPad buying guide . Just note that it only applies to the silver model, and you'll need to clip an on-page coupon to see the full discount at checkout. While the entry-level iPad lacks the laminated display, faster chip and wider accessory support of the iPad Air , it gets close enough to be a strong value for casual web browsing, reading and gaming. Roku Streaming Stick 4K for $29 at Amazon ($21 off) : A pick from our guide to the best streaming devices , the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is snappy and easy to navigate, with support for all the major HDR formats, streaming apps (Twitch aside) and Apple AirPlay. Its search function isnt as comprehensive as some competing streamers, however, and the UI isn't the most exciting to look at. This deal ties the price we saw on Black Friday; it's a few bucks above than the stick's all-time low but still $5 off its typical going rate in recent months. Also at Target and Best Buy . The Roku Streaming Stick 4K. Will Lipman Photography for Engadget PlayStation 5 (slim) for $424 at Amazon ($76 off) : This 15 percent discount has been live since before Black Friday, but Sony says it'll end on December 24, so consider this a last call. While it's not the best price we've seen, larger drops have still been uncommon over the last year. This bundle throws in a few Fortnite skins and V-Bucks , while the console alone is available for the same price. You can also pair it with the RPG Dragon Age: The Veilguard or an EA sports game for $450 at Walmart and Best Buy . Also at Target , GameStop and PlayStation Direct . PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (slim) + NBA 2K25 for $374 at GameStop ($76 off) : If you don't care about owning physical media, you can still save an extra $50 upfront by getting the all-digital PS5. This bundle includes the latest NBA 2K game, though the Fortnite bundle noted above and the standalone console are each available for $375 too. Also at Target , Best Buy and PlayStation Direct . $100 PlayStation Store gift card + $15 Target gift card for $100 at Target ($15 off, Target Circle only) : If you pick up a digital PlayStation gift card worth $100 or more at Target, the retailer will toss in its own $15 e-gift card with your purchase. The catch is that you need a Target Circle membership to take advantage, though it's at least free to sign up for that. If you often shop at Target and planned to pick up some PlayStation credit anyway, it's hard to complain about bonus money either way. The same offer is available for Xbox gift cards as well. Target says both promos will expire on Friday. The Sony PlayStation 5 (left) and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition. PlayStation Apple AirTags (4-pack) for $70 at Amazon ($29 off): Apple's Bluetooth tracker is our top pick for iPhone users, unsurprisingly, as it accurately locates tagged items right from the Find My app. Its waterproof design and replaceable battery are nice, too, though you'll need to grab a holder or case if you want to attach one to your keys. This deal isn't quite an all-time low for a four-pack, but it beats the street price we've seen for most of the past month by a couple bucks. Also at Best Buy . Apple Pencil (2nd gen) for $80 at Amazon ($49 off) : This discount comes within a dollar of the best price to date for Apple's second-gen Pencil stylus, which remains an accurate tool for sketching and notetaking. To be clear, though, you should only get it if you have an older iPad Air, Pro or mini and don't plan on upgrading anytime soon. Otherwise, go for the Apple Pencil Pro , which works with the newer models and adds built-in Find My support, among other conveniences. Also at Target . LG B4 OLED TV (48) + $50 Best Buy gift card for $600 at Best Buy ($250 off) : The B4 is LGs entry-level OLED TV for 2024. It gets you the core benefits of any good OLED set excellent contrast with deep black tones, wide viewing angles, fast motion, etc. but its not as bright as some upper-tier OLEDs, so its better off in a darker room. That said, this is a stellar value if you dont mind a smaller panel. This offer ties the largest cash discount we've seen and, unlike the deal we saw on Black Friday, it also includes with a $50 digital gift card. The Apple AirTag. Photo by Chris Velazco / Engadget Half-Life: Alyx for $20 at Steam ($40 off) : In case you missed it, Valve kicked off its annual Steam Winter Sale yesterday, bringing its usual buffet of PC game discounts along with it. There are simply too many deals to list everything here, but this one ties the lowest price to date for Half-Life: Alyx , which remains a must-try FPS for VR newbies. A few other quick-hit highlights: Halo: The Master Chief Collection for $10, The Orange Box for $2, Grand Theft Auto IV (plus DLC) for $6, Titanfall 2 for $3, Pizza Tower for $13 ( trust me on this one) and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt for $8. Valve says the sale will last until January 2. Super Mario RPG for $30 at GameStop ($30 off) : The SNES classic Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars didnt really need a Switch remake, but it got one last year anyway. Thankfully, the new version keeps the originals oddball spirit intact as it spruces up the visuals for true 3D. If you're in the mood for a lighter RPG, this price is an all-time low. Backbone One (2nd gen) for $50 at Best Buy ($50 off) : The Backbone One is a comfy mobile gamepad that connects directly to your phone's USB-C port and makes playing console-style games feel a little more natural . This matches the all-time low for the most recent model. The Keychron Q3 Max mechanical keyboard. Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget Anker Soundcore Space A40 for $45 at Amazon ($40 off) : The Soundcore Space A40 is the longtime top pick in our guide to the best budget earbuds . While it can't match the Sony XM5s in terms of sound quality and noise-canceling strength, it gets admirably close for way less cash. Wireless charging, multipoint connectivity, 8-10 hours of battery life and a compact design all help, though call quality is mediocre, and there's no auto-pausing when you remove an earbud. This is the same deal we saw on Black Friday; outside of a couple drops for Costco members, it ties an all-time low. Also at Anker with an on-page coupon. JLab Go Air Pop for $10 at Target ($15 off) : The Go Air Pop is another pair we highlight in our budget earbuds buying guide. It's about as basic as the price would suggest, with no active noise cancellation (ANC), an all-plastic design and a relatively boomy sound. JLab released a new ANC version in October. That said, the older model's audio quality is still passable, its built-in touch controls actually work and it gets a solid 8-9 hours of battery life. If you just want a competent pair for as little money as possible, it's hard to beat $10. This deal ties the Pop's all-time low. Keychron Q3 Max for $182 at Keychron ($32 off) : The Keychron Q Max series is the top pick in our guide to the best mechanical keyboards , pairing an upscale (if heavy) aluminum case with a delightful typing experience and deep customizability. This ties the all-time low we saw on Black Friday for the tenkeyless model, but other sizes are discounted as well. Also at Amazon for $188, but only for Prime members. The Google Pixel 8a. Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget Beats Pill for $100 at Amazon ($50 off) : We gave the latest Beats Pill a score of 83 over the summer and currently recommend it in our Bluetooth speaker buying guide . It's not the best pure value, and it struggles at maximum volume, but in general it pumps out strong bass without sounding imbalanced. A clean, water-resistant design, ample battery life and wired audio support over USB-C add to the appeal. This deal ties the speaker's all-time low. Also at Target and Walmart . Samsung Pro Plus (512GB) for $38 at Amazon ($38 off) : The Pro Plus is the top pick in our guide to the best microSD cards . It's not the cheapest option, but it was faster than most in our benchmark tests, with a particular edge in random performance. That helps it play a bit nicer in a portable gaming PC or a device like the Raspberry Pi, where itd more frequently have to access smaller bits of data in random locations. The 512GB model here has previously sold for less, but this discount marks its lowest price since March. Also at Samsung and B&H . Google Pixel 8a for $399 at Amazon ($100 off) : This is the second-best price we've seen for an unlocked Pixel 8a, which we consider the best midrange phone for Android fans. It has most of the headline features you'd get from a flagship Pixel phone excellent cameras, a crisp 120Hz OLED display, clean software with updates through 2031 , solid performance and battery life only it puts them in a slightly cheaper plastic frame with slower charging speeds. At this price, though, that should be easier to live with. Also at Target and Best Buy . The Anker Prime Power Bank. Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget Anker Prime Power Bank for $78 at Amazon ($52 off) : The Anker Prime is the premium pick in our guide to the best power banks . It may be overkill for most, but its hefty 20,000mAh capacity and pair of 100W USB-C ports mean it can recharge multiple laptops let alone mobile devices at full speed. There's a 65W USB-A port as well, plus a handy display that keeps you updated on the battery's status. This deal ties the lowest price we've seen. Also at Anker with an on-page coupon. Anker 525 Charging Station for $30 at Amazon ($26 off, Prime only) : We recommend this 67W desktop charging station in our remote worker gift guide . It's not the fastest model around, but it packs four USB ports (two USB-C, two USB-A) and three AC outlets in a design that's compact enough to fit on a crowded desk. This deal is another all-time low, though it's only available to Prime members. Twelve South AirFly Pro for $40 at Amazon ($15 off) : Another holiday gift guide recommendation, the AirFly Pro is a Bluetooth transmitter that lets you pair up to two sets of wireless headphones to an inflight entertainment system, older treadmill or most other devices with a 3.5mm jack. This discount marks the lowest price we've seen in a couple of years. Also at Best Buy . 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/our-favorite-sony-earbuds-hit-an-all-time-low-plus-the-rest-of-the-weeks-best-tech-deals-173211089.html?src=rss
2-pack of GoveeLife Bluetooth Hygrometers Buy for $18 (Reg. $26) Clip the on-page 30% off coupon. What we love While cold weather has already arrived for most of us, winter officially starts tomorrow. With big temperature fluctuations ahead of us, youre bound to find some hot and cold spots in your home. These Govee hygrometers will allow you to quickly identify how much of a variance there is and tweak your vents more accurately. These pair with the Govee app to so you can view stats and export up to 2 years of historic data as a CSV file. more
Govee drops second-ever discount on its new Matter-ready RGBIC wall sconce for $80 (Reg. $100)
Govee is bringing the second official round of savings on its new Matter RGBIC Wall Sconce that is now down at $79.99 shipped , after clipping the on-page $20 off coupon. This smart lighting device is usually priced at $100 since first releasing last month, with only one previous price cut on the books that took costs down to $70 in early Black Friday sales. Todays second-ever discount is coming in nearly a month later with a solid $20 being struck from the going rate, saving you a little cash to reinvest elsewhere in your smart lighting upgrades. more
The courageous story of Afghanistans first all-girls robotics team is coming to a theater near you. Rule Breakers is based on the true story of The Afghan Girls Robotics Team, who grabbed the worlds attention when they were denied member visas by the United States in 2017 while attempting to compete at the First Global Challenge international robotics competition. Fifty three members of Congress signed a petition and President Donald Trump intervened to give the girls travel documents on special humanitarian grounds allowing them to enter the US and compete in the robotics games, according to a New York Times profile . The story of the teams struggle to compete in the robotics competition goes much deeper than their attempts to enter the US. First Global founder Dean Kamen, who is best known for designing the Segway, put together his competitive robotics league as a way to spark interest in science and technology among high schoolers. He invited and enlisted Afghan tech entrepreneur and Digital Citizen Fund (DCF) founder Roya Mahboob to put together an all-girls robotics team for the competition nicknamed the Afghan Dreamers. A dozen girls made the cut forming the first team and worked on their robotic creation in Mahboobs parents basement using whatever they could find for tools along with parts donated by Kamen, according to the Times . The movie tells the story of the teams deep and perilous struggle to compete and pursue their passions. The Talibans return to power in 2021 reversed years of gender equality and strife for freedom by forbidding women from receiving an education in science and technology, forcing some of the team members to flee their country for their own safety and the right to pursue their future on their terms. Team member Sadaf Hamidi, who fled for Qatar in 2021, told NBC News last year that one of her sisters had to give up her dream of going to medical school saying This is heartbreaking for me and for them. Rule Breakers is directed by two-time Academy Award winner Bill Guttentag and stars Nikohl Boosheri as Mahboob and Fleabags Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The film hits theaters on March 7, 2025. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/trailer-rule-breakers-will-bring-afghanistans-first-ever-girls-robotics-team-to-the-big-screen-on-march-7-170049854.html?src=rss
CES 2025: The new tech we're expecting to see in Las Vegas from AMD, NVIDIA, Hyundai and more
The holiday season has barely begun, but some of us are already getting ready for CES 2025. Shortly after New Years Day, many from the Engadget team will be packing our bags to fly to Las Vegas, where well be covering techs biggest annual conference. As usual, our inboxes are already flooded with pitches from companies that are planning to be there, and our calendars are filling up with appointments for briefings and demos. Based on our experience, as well as observation of recent industry trends, its fairly easy to make educated predictions about what we might see in January. Over the years, the focus of the conference has spanned areas like TVs, cars, smart home products and personal health, with a smattering of laptops and accessories thrown in. At CES 2025, we expect to see AI get even more pervasive in all areas of the show floor. But we are also likely to get the usual slew of new processors and subsequent laptops, as well as all manner of wearables, trackers, bathroom appliances and massage chairs. Oh, the massage chairs. There's already a lot we know is coming, just by a cursory glance at the lineup published by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). In addition to numerous panels and talks, there will be keynotes by NVIDIA's founder and CEO Jensen Huang , Delta CEO Ed Bastian as well as C-suite executives from companies like Panasonic, SiriusXM, Waymo and Volvo group. That gives us a taste of who might make big announcements at the show. In fact, some companies didn't even wait till January to make their news known. LG, for example, continues its annual tradition of sharing its upcoming CES launches weeks ahead of the show by unveiling the 2025 refresh for its QNED evo line of LCD TVs . Hyundai Mobis, meanwhile, has said it will be giving us a look at its Holographic Windshield Display, something it's claiming is a world's first. Hyundai Mobis even shared a picture of what its booth at CES 2025 will look like, in case pictures of convention center booths get you excited. Hyundai Mobis If youre already looking ahead to 2025 and are studiously researching what might be coming in January, heres a taste of what our team expects to see at the show. New video cards from AMD and NVIDIA Theres no doubt 2025 is going to be a momentous year for PC gamers. NVIDIA is expected to debut its long-awaited RTX 5000 video cards at CES, while AMD CEO Lisa Su has confirmed well see next-generation RDNA 4 GPUs early next year . Of the two companies, AMD could use the upgrade more. Its last batch of Radeon 7000 cards were decent mid-range performers, but they lagged far behind NVIDIAs hardware when it came to ray tracing, and AMDs FSR 3 upscaling also couldnt compete with NVIDIAs AI-powered DLSS 3. In addition to a strong increase in gaming performance, RDNA 4 delivers significantly higher ray-tracing performance and adds new AI capabilities, AMD CEO Lisa Su said in an October earnings call. As for NVIDIAs new hardware, a rumor from the leaker OneRaichu ( via DigitalTrends ) suggested that the RTX 5090 could be up to 70 percent faster than the RTX 4090. (Thats a GPU that I previously described as having unholy power. ) They also note that other high level cards could see 30 to 40 percent performance bumps. Those gains might be enough to tempt wealthy RTX 4090 owners to upgrade, but RTX 4070 and 4080 owners might want to skip this generation. For NVIDIA holdouts with RTX 3000 and earlier GPUs, though, next year may be the perfect time to upgrade. Devindra Hardawar, senior reporter AI PCs round 2 Last year, I predicted that AI PCs would dominate CES, and that mostly turned out to be true. As 2024 rolled on, we saw even more powerful NPUs in chips from Intel, AMD and Qualcomm. Microsoft also doubled down on AI PCs with its Copilot+ initiative , which gave a big marketing push for artificial intelligence features and premium specifications (like having at least 16GB of RAM). Expect more of the same going into CES 2025, alongside even more AI being stuffed into every category of product imaginable. This year, in particular, PC makers are likely to gear up to take advantage of Windows 10 support ending next year . Instead of just upgrading your old computer to Windows 11, the likes of Dell and HP would rather you buy a whole new AI PC with the new OS pre-installed. While 2024 was a year of endless AI PC hype, 2025 might end up being a year of reckoning. Microsofts long-delayed Recall feature is slowly trickling out to more users, but its already showing some glaring security holes, like failing to scrub social security and credit card numbers from screenshots . Weve also been mostly underwhelmed with Apple Intelligences image generation capabilities . PC makers have been eager to talk up the potential of AI-powered features until now, but in 2025 theyll have to actually prove they can live up to their fantastical claims. D.H. Earbuds that follow Apples lead on hearing health Im fully aware not every audio company has the ability to build out a clinical-grade hearing test and hearing aid features in their apps. However, Apples recent update for the AirPods Pro 2 should inspire the competition to offer some form of hearing health tools on their flagship products. Jabra was probably the best equipped to do this since parent company GN has extensive hearing aid experience. Sadly, the company announced earlier this year that it wouldnt make earbuds anymore . Samsung and Google could probably integrate something like what Apple made for the AirPods, given both companies existing health platforms. If they did, those announcements are unlikely to be made at CES, as both companies prefer to host their own standalone hardware events throughout the year. That leaves Sennheiser as the biggest audio company that consistently launches earbuds and headphones at CES. Last year, it showcased multiple new models , including one with heart-rate tracking for workouts. Plus, it already offers hearing assistance with dedicated devices like the true wireless Conversation Clear Plus . Those earbuds are more hearing focused than for general content consumption, so it would be great to see Sennheiser bring some features from that product to its flagship Momentum line of earbuds . Perhaps a Momentum True Wireless 4 Pro or Plus is in the cards, but the current model is just nine months old. Of course, theres plenty of room for other companies to innovate here, and there will be no shortage of new earbuds in Vegas next month. We also tend to see a ton of assistive devices and technology launch at CES , from major accessibility companies like OrCam and all manner of smaller brands. I just hope some of the new tech includes more general hearing tools on the models most people will want to use. Billy Steele, senior editor Vehicle electrification goes sky high As the growth of electric cars nears 10 percent of new models sold in the US, its easy to forget that wheeled vehicles arent the only kind of transportation seeing the shift to battery-powered propulsion. Flying taxis have been a mainstay of CES for the past few years, with concept vehicles from brands as large as Hyundai dotting the show floor in Vegas. Granted, these contraptions look more like giant drones with cockpits than anything the Jetsons ever dreamed up. But with companies like Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation pledging to actually launch eVTOL services (electric vertical take-off and landing) in 2025, the era of air taxis may have landed for real this time. Sam Rutherford, senior reporter Expanded dialog improvement features on soundbars When it comes to the main aspects of soundbars, there really isnt a ton of innovation from year to year. Heck, Samsungs biggest update last year was the addition of HDMI 2.1 support to its flagship model, which shouldve been there already. Companies have also been focused on the transition to cable-free everything, whether thats wireless Dolby Atmos or wireless transmission boxes . Audio enhancement features are a place where companies can really rise above the fray, and tools like Sonos TV Audio Swap and Boses Personal Surround Sound are great examples of this. A key area nearly every company can improve is dialog boost, a feature that raises the volume or separates spoken word from background noise and music for better clarity. Sonos made a huge leap in this regard on the Arc Ultra , offering two additional settings for its so-called Speech Enhancement. Previously, this was just an all-or-nothing toggle, which is how most companies handle their versions of this tool. Not only is the Sonos update customizable to a degree, its also just better, thanks in part to the redesigned architecture of its new premium soundbar. This is an obvious area where other companies can improve. LG and Samsung typically announce new soundbars at CES, and there are plenty of smaller companies that will debut some too. Id love to see all of them take dialog enhancements a step further and at the very least give multiple options for how its applied. LG has been using AI Sound Pro from its TVs since 2021 and Samsung offers something called Adaptive Sound on its home theater speakers. I would expect them both to generally improve the quality of their features, but Im hoping theyll expand the capabilities too. B.S. Update, December 17 2024, 12:40PM ET: This story has been updated to include the companies and CEOs that will be making keynotes at the show. Update, December 20 2024, 11:55AM ET: This story has been updated to include LG and Hyundai Mobis' announcements ahead of CES 2025. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ces-2025-the-new-tech-were-expecting-to-see-in-las-vegas-from-amd-nvidia-hyundai-and-more-200052730.html?src=rss
Star Citizens 4.0 update supports 500 players per server
Star Citizen's 4.0 update brings a lot of changes to the game, including more stable gameplay, larger servers, and a brand-new area to explore.
Amazon takes $50 off Chefmans stainless steel Panini Press and Indoor Grill, now $70 shipped
Chefman Digital Panini Press and Indoor Grill Buy for $70 (Reg. $120) What we love While I will admit that I do frequently go out for food, Ill also say that I make at least half my meals at home too. Ive honed in what I like, and as a result, I really look forward to my hand-crafted meals. If youd like to step up your at-home cooking in 2025 and beyond, this multi-purpose unit is here to help. Its able to make sandwiches, opens flat to be used as in indoor electric grill, and more. Its also worth calling out that it looks premium, as well. more
Through its official Amazon storefront, Baseus is offering its 15W MagSafe Car Mount Charger for $18.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page 5% off coupon. Youd normally have to pay $40 in full for this handy car charger, which weve seen go as low as $20 over the year, but the added 5% off here sweetens the pot to a new all-time low price. Youre looking at a combined 53% markdown here that saves you $21, giving you an affordable means to keep your iPhone juiced up while driving. more
A four-pack of Apple AirTags is down to a record low of $70
Do you constantly lose stuff? Then we have a deal for you. A four-pack of Apple AirTag tracking chips is available via Amazon for just $70 . This is a record low price and represents a discount of $30. That breaks down to $17.50 per tag. Apple AirTags easily made our list of the best Bluetooth trackers , and this is especially true if youre already tied into the companys ecosystem. The finding network is vast and comprehensive, which really helps when it comes time to actually find one of these tags. Just think of all of those AirTags, iPhones and other devices out there in the world helping to create this network. These trackers can also tap into the ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless protocol, which creates a sort of game out of finding a lost item in the home. As long as the object is within 25 feet of your smartphone, the screen will display directional arrows and a distance meter. This lets you zero in on the object without having to constantly ring the AirTag. Now onto the caveats. AirTags really only work with iPhones and other Apple devices, so Android users should keep shopping for something else. Also, the ringer only pings for seven seconds at a time, which can make finding something feel like a mad dash. Finally, theres no attachment point for connecting to a keychain or a related accessory. Luckily, there are all kinds of amazing AirTag accessories to get that job done. One recent case even comes with batteries that will power the tag for a full decade . 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/a-four-pack-of-apple-airtags-is-down-to-a-record-low-of-70-161406703.html?src=rss
Apple AirPods Max USB-C Cyber Monday deal returns at $500
Update: Amazon and Best Buy have now brought back the $499.99 Black Friday price on Apples USB-C AirPods Max , down from the regular $549. Details below in the original price. After seeing AirPods Pro 2 hit the all-time low very early this morning, Apples new USB-C AirPods Max are now getting in on the Amazon Black Friday Week deals . While you will find select colors of the original AirPods Max with Lightning starting from $429 right now, the newer USB-C variants are now marked down to $499.99 shipped today. Regularly $549, thats $49 off the going rate on all five of Apples new colorways: Midnight, Starlight, blue, orange, and purple. This is within a couple bucks of the lowest we have tracked outside of the orange model that had a short stint down at $487. more
As part of its 25 Days of Deals , Best Buy is offering folks in snow-falling areas an affordable chance to score the Greenworks 80V 20-inch Cordless Snow Blower with a 4.0Ah Battery for $299.99 shipped . Normally sitting at $450 most of the time, this particular package with the 4.0Ah battery hasnt seen much by way of discounts, with the biggest of them dropping costs to this same rate last month in a similar one-day sale. You can add it to your winter arsenal today with a 33% markdown that strikes $150 off the tag, returning it to the second-lowest rate we have seen just $1 above the all-time low from 2023. more
The App Store exploded with holiday deals yesterday , but there are even more top-tier titles to add to the list today before we head into the weekend. Alongside on ongoing return all-time low on the 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro with 16GB of RAM back to the $1,399 all-time low , the Best Buy Doorbuster deals are now live with big-time price drops on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at $80 off alongside the return of Black Friday pricing on Apples 4-pack of AirTags . As for the new holiday offers joining our giant list of deals , we have titles like FTL: Faster Than Light, Juicy Realm, Moncage, ICEY, Nerd Survivors, Old Mans Journey, Barbearian, and more. Head below for a closer look. more
We might get a new Steam Deck next month and Valve isnt making it
No, a Steam Deck 2 isn't imminent, but Valve will nonetheless make waves at CES 2025 in January.
GoveeLife 530-square-foot Smart Air Purifier Buy for $41.50 (Reg. $70) Clip the on-page $11 off coupon. What we love Put an additional layer of protection between you and airborne viruses this season and beyond when you add an air purifier to your space. This model purifies an up to 530-square-foot room each hour. Unlike standard units, this model wields several smart home integrations with support for Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and Siri Shortcuts. more
Get an unlocked iPhone 15 for over $300 off in this blowout sale
Macworld Finding an unlocked iPhone for less than Apples listed price is a rare thing unless its refurbished or otherwise used. But we found one today: Amazons Woot is selling an unlocked iPhone 15 in black for $580 (128GB), $610 (256GB), and $695 (512GB), a savings of $149, $189, and $304, respectively. This iPhone 15 isnt sold by Apple but is promised to be in Pristine condition having never been in customer hands. Woot says the phone will arrive with a test sticker showing100% battery life and insidea sleek custom black box,not the original retail packaging. Itcomes with a 1-year vendor warranty but isnt AppleCare-eligible. While its a year old, Apple still sells the iPhone 15 for $699 and up. And its still a great phone, with an A16 processor, 6.1-inch OLED display, and Apples innovative Dynamic Island. We loved it in our 4-star review and Its even better with iOS 18. It will receive updates for years to come, but just note it isnt compatible with Apple Intelligence. So if you want a great iPhone at a great price without needing to jump through carrier hoops, go grab this deal before its gone forever. Save up to $300 on the iPhone 15 Buy Now at WOOT!
3 new PS Plus games that you should play this weekend (December 20-22)
Get ready for the holidays by playing Forspoken, Rabbids: Party of Legends, or PHOGS! on PS Plus this weekend.
We are now tracking a deal at Amazon that drops Elgatos new Facecam Neo 1080p webcam to $69.99 shipped. This particular model debuted earlier this year in April carrying a $100 price tag alongside other products in Elgatos new Neo lineup . Todays 30% discount takes $30 off its usual going rate, landing at the lowest price we have tracked for this webcam outside a limited deal that briefly had it for $61 before the fall Prime Day event kicked off in October. Head below for more details. more
Velotric is having a holiday flash sale that is running alongside its ongoing December holiday sale through December 22, giving you increased savings on its Go 1 Utility e-bike at $999 shipped . This model usually cruises into view with a $1,699 price tag after falling from its original $1,799 MSRP earlier in the year, with most sales usually taking things to $1,299 (including for Black Friday/Cyber Monday), though we did spy it once at $1,249 at the end of summer. Today, youre looking at a bigger markdown than ever before, as $700 is struck from the costs to give you a new all-time low. more
Walker Edison Kourt Contemporary 60-inch TV Stand Buy for $121 (Reg. $225) What we love If you picked up a new TV over Black Friday or have one on the way for Christmas, you can really take your home theater upgrade a step further by rethinking the look of your storage as well. This standout style from Walker Edison is described as offering a minimal silhouette [that] appeals to any interior style. Thanks to lots of open shelving, youll have plenty of space for streaming media players, game consoles, and more. more
VPN used for VR game cheat sells access to your home network
Big Mama VPN tied to network which offers access to residential IP addresses.
3 games leaving Xbox Game Pass you should play this weekend (December 20-22)
Make sure you play Lego 2K Drive, Humankind, and Party Animals before they leave Xbox Game pass at the end of the month.
No MagSafe? No problem. This universal dashboard smartphone mount just hit $7 (Save 46%)
LISEN Universal Dashboard Smartphone Mount Buy for $7 (Reg. $13) Clip the on-page 30% off coupon. What we love Looking for a dashboard mount that is universal and doesnt require MagSafe? Well, this affordable and unique solution could be the one for you. It adheres to the dashboard and goes all-in on landscape orientation with a side-mount profile that allows you to see more of the map when using GPS. more
Best Mac 2024-2025: Every Apple Mac and MacBook compared
Macworld If youre wondering which Mac to buy, youve come to the right place. In our Mac buying guide, youll find everything you need to know about the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, Mac Pro, and Mac Studio, with expert buying advice to help you choose the machine (and configuration) thats right for you. Apple makes six different types of Mac: MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro, but within each of those categories there are variations in the size, specs, and features, so things can get pretty complicated. Thats where this guide comes in, helping you make the right decision. If youre simply looking for a great offer, visit our MacBook Pro deals , MacBook Air deals , iMac deals , Mac Studio deals , and Mac mini deals pages which are regularly updated. For help choosing the best Mac laptop, we also have a MacBook buying guide . We have included the newest Macs: the M4 iMac, M4 Mac mini and M4 MacBook Pro. Read our M4 iMac review and M4 Pro Mac mini review . Those Macs were updated in October 2024. At the same time, Apple doubled the RAM in the MacBook Air M3 and M2, so we have updated our advice accordingly. Should I upgrade from my Intel Mac? We are now more than four years into Apples transition from Intel processors to its own silicon that includes CPU, GPU, and unified memory. The transition began with the introduction of the M1 in November 2020. Since June 2023 every Mac Apple sells uses Apples own chips rather than Intel processors. If youve yet to upgrade your Intel Mac to one powered by Apples silicon what are you waiting for? If you are concerned that a must-have app doesnt run on an M-series Mac, consider finding a new app because the performance gains are tremendous. Another good reason to update your Intel Mac is that it is unlikely to be supported by Apple for much longer in terms of security updates. With the arrival of macOS Sequoia, the number of supported Intel Macs is fewer than ever, and although Apple will be supporting Sonoma with security updates for a couple more years, and Ventura for another year, only a few of the most recent Intel Macs still be supported in a year or so. Read: The Intel Macs that can run macOS Sequoia. For more information see our Mac processor comparison where we compare Apple silicon and Intel . We also offer advice about how much storage, RAM, and cores in How much MacBook RAM, SSD, GPU, and CPU do you really need. Every Mac Apple sells Below well take you through each Mac currently available from Apple, to give you an overview of whats on offer and what youve got to choose from. 13-inch MacBook Air, M2 (2022) Price When Reviewed: $999 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $799 View Deal $799 View Deal $899 View Deal $924 View Deal $999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $799 at Amazon $799 at Best Buy $899 at B&H View more prices from Walmart Electronics Apple United States Close Best Prices Today: 13-inch MacBook Air, M2 (2022) Retailer Price $799 View Deal $799 View Deal $899 View Deal $924 View Deal $999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket What is it? The MacBook Air is Apples most affordable laptop, designed with portability in mind. There are currently three versions of the MacBook Air available from Apple: a 13-inch MacBook Air with M2 chip, a 13-inch MacBook Air with M3 chip, and a 15-inch MacBook Air with M3 chip. The M2 MacBook Air had a price cut when the M3 model was introduced in March 2024: it now starts at $999/999. The M2 MacBook Air was introduced in July 2022 with a brand-new look and a 13.6-inch screen (up from 13.3 inches). Its a great machine, but the newer MacBook Air is only $100/$100 more than the M2 model and is well worth the upgrade. Another update came in October 2024 when Apple doubled the RAM (unified memory) from 8GB to 16GB without changing the price. This is an excellent update meaning that the M2 MacBook Air is better value than ever. Whos it for? The MacBook Air is ideal for the budget-conscious. Its also for anyone who is always on the go, doesnt want to be bogged down by a regular-size laptop, and needs a computer thats more versatile than an iPad. How much does the 13-inch MacBook Air (M2) cost? Prices start at $999/999 M2 MacBook Air with 256GB SSD and 16GB RAM and $1,199/1,199 for the MacBook Air M2 with 512GB SSD and 16GB RAM. Make sure to check how much RAM is in the model you are buying and that it is priced accordingly. To update the RAM to 16GB would previously have cost $200/200. What are the specifications? The entry-level M2 MacBook Air has 8 GPU cores, just like the entry-level M3 model, but the M3 is a step up from the M2 thanks to the newer 3nm manufacturing process. The M3 also offers faster Wi-Fi than the M2. Apple M2, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16GB memory , 256GB SSD, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports: $999/999. Apple M2, 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB memory , 512GB SSD, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports: $1,199/1,199. Additional options: 24GB memory. Up to 2TB storage. What are display specifications? The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina on the M2 MacBook Air display has a native resolution of 2,5601,664 and 500 nits brightness. How do I connect stuff? The MacBook Air with M2 chip has a MagSafe port for charging as well as a pair of Thunderbolt/USB 4 connectors. If you want to connect USB-A devices, you need either a USB-C to USB adapter, like Apples $19 / 19 one, or a USB-C hub that has USB-A ports. See our round-up of the best USB-C hubs and adapters . If you want to plug in more than one external display officially you cant but we know a workaround, read: How to connect two or more external displays to an M-series MacBook . The M2 MacBook Air has built-in Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for connecting to a network (the M3 offers faster Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax). It also provides built-in Bluetooth 5.3 for wirelessly connecting a mouse or other peripherals. If you want to connect to an ethernet network, you need an adapter. How fast is it? The M2 provides performance that is leaps and bounds faster than the Intel processors that were previously found in the MacBook Air, and Apple claims an 18 percent total CPU improvement over the M1 and a 35 percent improvement in graphics speed. Its plenty fast enough for general-purpose use. But because it doesnt have a fan to keep the computer cool, it may throttle down its speed during long processing sessions, such as video editing or compiling code, for which the MacBook Pro with its fan is a better choice. Macworlds buying advice: The MacBook Air with M2 is a great affordable laptop for someone who does general-purpose work and moves around a lot, such as a student or a self-employed person. But it only costs another $100/100 to upgrade to the M3 model, so unless you want to use that $100/100 to upgrade the storage, we recommend the M3 over the M2. You may also want to avoid the entry-level models due to slower SSDs , but that may not be an issue if the kind of work you do doesnt require a lot of writing to the hard drive. 13-inch MacBook Air, M3 (2024) Price When Reviewed: $1,099 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $899 View Deal $999 View Deal $1014 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $899 at Best Buy $999 at B&H $1014 at Walmart Electronics Not Available at Amazon View more prices from Amazon Close Best Prices Today: 13-inch MacBook Air, M3 (2024) Retailer Price $899 View Deal $999 View Deal $1014 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket What is it? The M3 MacBook Air looks identical to the M2 version (above), but there are some changes to the specs that make this a much better machineand it only costs $100/100 more. There is also a 15-inch MacBook Air with M3 chip, which we discuss below. Apple introduced the M3 version of the MacBook Air in March 2024, it then updated the Unified Memory (RAM) from 8GB to 16GB in October 2024 and didnt change the price. Whos it for? The MacBook Air with M3 is great value and ideal for the budget-conscious. If you are always on the go, dont want to be bogged down by a regular-size laptop, and need a versatile computer, its a great choice. How much does the 13-inch MacBook Air (M3) cost? Prices start at $1,099/1,099 and Apple has doubled the RAM to 16GB from 8GB without increasing the price. There are three configurations and you can create build-to-order models with even more memory or storage. What are the specifications? The specs for the M3 MacBook Air look similar to the M2 model, but while it looks like identical cores and memory support, there is a leap from the M2 to the M3 which should improve performance. We used to recommend 16GB RAM as a build-to-order option because we didnt think 8GB was enough, but now Apple has listened and offers that as standard. Apple M3, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16GB memory , 256GB SSD, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports: $1,099/1,099. Apple M3, 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB memory , 512GB SSD, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports: $1,299/1,299. Apple M3, 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 24GB memory , 512GB SSD, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports: $1,499/1,499. Additional options: Up to 2TB storage. What are display specifications? The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina on the M3 MacBook Air display has a native resolution of 2,5601,664 and 500 nits brightness. How do I connect stuff? All MacBook Air models (since the M2) have a MagSafe port for charging as well as a pair of Thunderbolt/USB 4 connectors. If you want to connect USB-A devices, you need either a USB-C to USB adapter, like Apples $19 / 19 one, or a USB-C hub that has USB-A ports. See our round-up of the best USB-C hubs and adapters . Unlike the M2 MacBook Air, the M3 MacBook Air is able to support more than one external display (although there is a workaround for older Mac laptops, read: How to connect two or more external displays to an M1-M4 MacBook .) The MacBook Air has Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) for connecting to a network (faster than the Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) in the M2 model. It provides built-in Bluetooth for wirelessly connecting a mouse or other peripherals. If you want to connect to an ethernet network, you need an adapter. How fast is it? In our tests the M3 shoots ahead of the M2 in fact the M3 was better than the M1 Pro was in some of our tests. Apple says the M3 is 60 percent faster than the M1 MacBook Air and up to 13x faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air. So the MacBook Air should be more than fast enough for general-purpose use. The only issue is that, because it doesnt have a fan to keep the computer cool, it may slow down during long processing sessions to keep cool. So if you are likely to be video editing or compiling code the MacBook Pro with its fan is a better choice. Macworlds buying advice: The MacBook Air is a great choice for someone who does general-purpose work and moves around a lot, such as a student or a self-employed person. Note that its impossible to upgrade the storage or memory after purchase, so you should buy the model with the largest amount of storage and memory you can afford. The good news about the M3 MacBook Air is that it doesnt appear to be saddled with slow storage in the same way that the M2 model is. We have previously recommended that buyers should avoid the entry-level models due to slower SSDs , but it appears that the storage in the 256GB M3 MacBook Air model is made up of two 128GB NAND chips, rather than one 256GB chip, so the two drives can process data simultaneously, so the storage in the 256GB M3 MacBook Air should work faster . We compare the MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro separately. Also read Best MacBook: Which MacBook should you buy? Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M3, 2024) Price When Reviewed: $1,299 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1099 View Deal $1199 View Deal $1199 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $1099 at Best Buy $1199 at B&H $1199 at Walmart Electronics Not Available at Amazon View more prices from Amazon Close Best Prices Today: Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M3, 2024) Retailer Price $1099 View Deal $1199 View Deal $1199 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket What is it? The 15-inch MacBook Air arrived in June 2023, and a few months later, in March 2024, Apple updated it with an M3 chip. Compared to the 13-inch MacBook Air the 15-inch model offers a bigger screen (obviously) and a six-speaker system rather than four speakers. Surprisingly, battery life isnt better on the 15-inch, despite the bigger battery. As with the other MacBook Air models, the MacBook Air now comes with 16GB RAM as standard. Whos it for? The 15-inch MacBook Air is ideal for anyone who wants a big-screen laptop without having to spend a fortune. The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models cost considerably more than the 15-inch MacBook Air does. Its a great choice for anyone who is always on the go due to its lightweight design. How much does the 15-inch MacBook Air (M3) cost? There are three configurations starting at $1,299/1,399. The price hasnt changed despite Apple increasing the RAM from 8GB to 16GB, which used to cost $200/200 at the point of sale. What are the specifications? The specifications of the M3 MacBook Air are generally the same, although the entry-level 13-inch has an 8-core GPU option the 15-inch doesnt have. You are essentially paying $200/200 more for the bigger screen. Apple M3, 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB memory , 256GB SSD, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports: $1,299/1,299. Apple M3, 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB memory , 512GB SSD, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports: $1,499/1,499. Apple M3, 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 24GB memory , 512GB SSD, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports: $1,699/1,699. Additional options: Up to 2TB storage. There are some differences between the 13- and 15-inch models in terms of audio, with the larger model featuring more speakers as well as a larger screen. What are display specifications? The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display has a native resolution of 2,8801,864 and 500 nits brightness. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display has a native resolution of 2,5601,664 and 500 nits brightness. How do I connect stuff? All MacBook Airs with M2 or M3 chips have a MagSafe port for charging as well as a pair of Thunderbolt/USB 4 connectors. The M3 MacBook Air offers Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) for connecting to a network (faster than the Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) in the M2 models. It also provides built-in Bluetooth for wirelessly connecting a mouse or other peripherals. If you want to connect to an ethernet network, you need an adapter. Unlike the M2 MacBook Air, the M3 MacBook Air is able to support more than one external display (although there is a workaround for older Mac laptops, read: How to connect two or more external displays to an M1, M2 or M3 MacBook .) How fast is it? This is the same M3 as found in the 13-inch MacBook Pro, so you can expect similar performance, however, the Air doesnt have a fan to keep the computer cool, so it may throttle down its speed during long processing sessions, such as video editing or compiling code, for which a MacBook Pro would be a better option. In our tests, the M3 was better than the M1 Pro, and Apple says the M3 is 60 percent faster than the M1 MacBook Air and up to 13x faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air. Macworlds buying advice: Starting at $1,299/1,299, the 15-inch MacBook Air is a more affordable Mac laptop than the 14-inch MacBook Pro, so if you want your screen to be bigger than 13 inches, and you dont need the power of a MacBook Pro for the kind of work you do, the 15-inch MacBook Air is a great option. One thing to note is that the 15-inch MacBook Air with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD costs $1,499/1,499, which is only $100/100 less than the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the same 16GB memory and 512GB SSD, but that model has an M4 chip. So in that case the 14-inch MacBook Pro could well be a better choice. Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4, 2024) Price When Reviewed: $1,599 | $1,799 | $1,999 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1499 View Deal $1499 View Deal $1599 View Deal $1599 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $1499 at B&H $1499 at Best Buy $1599 at Apple Not Available at Amazon View more prices from Amazon Walmart Electronics Close Best Prices Today: Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4, 2024) Retailer Price $1499 View Deal $1499 View Deal $1599 View Deal $1599 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket What is it? In October 2024 Apple updated the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 chip. The M4 14-inch MacBook Pro arrived a year after the M3 version replaced the 13-inch MacBook Pro, which is no longer sold. The 14-inch MacBook Pro was already much better than the old 13-inch MacBook Pro thanks to the HDR ProMotion display, more storage, HDMI and SDXC slots, better battery life, and a newer design. The 2024 update makes it better than ever with double the RAM (16GB rather than a paltry 8GB). Whos it for? The 14-inch MacBook Pro is for a more demanding user than the MacBook Air. Its main benefit is the design allows for better cooling, which means that if you push the machine it wont slow down to avoid overheating. However, there are other MacBook Pros available from Apple (including a 16-inch model) that offer faster processors, so if you really need a powerful machine one of those might be more suitablewell discuss the M4 Pro and M4 Max models below. How much does the 14-inch MacBook Pro cost? The entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro starts at $1,599/1,599. Theres another model available with twice the storage (1TB) for $200/200 more. Great news if you are in the U.K. the new models cost less than the predecessors did. What are the specifications? Apple M4, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB memory, 512GB SSD, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, SDXDC, HDMI, $1,599/1,599. Apple M4, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB memory, 1TB SSD, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, SDXDC, HDMI, $1,799/1,799. Apple M4, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 24GB memory, 1TB SSD, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, SDXDC, HDMI, $1,999/1,999. Additional options: 32GB memory; up to 2TB storage What are display specifications? The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display has a native resolution of 3,0241,964 and 1,000 nits brightness, 1600 nits peak, 600 nits SDR brightness, and ProMotion for adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. The notch at the top of the display conceals the 12MP FaceTime camera which now features Centre Stage. How do I connect stuff? Apple now includes three Thunderbolt 4 ports (up from just two). These are compatible with USB-C (if you have wired devices that arent USB-C or are an older version of Thunderbolt, youll need an adapter, we have a separate MacBook Pro Thunderbolt adapter guide to help you decide which ones youll need). The 14-inch MacBook Pro also comes with an HDMI port for connecting an external display or projector, and an SDXC Card slot for plugging in memory cards from cameras, audio recorders, and other devices. The HDMI port also supports multichannel audio output. The 14-inch MacBook Pro has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity. The 2024 models offer Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3, as was the case with the predecessor. How fast is it? The M4 version of the 14-inch MacBook Pro is now a generation ahead of the MacBook Air. Even without the chip boost, you can expect more out of the MacBook Pro just because it features a fan for cooling (the MacBook Air doesnt have the space for this). If you need a really powerful Mac then you should look to the M4 Pro or even the M4 Max. Macworlds buying advice: The 14-inch MacBook Pro costs $1,599/1,599, which is quite a bit higher than the $1,299/1,349 price the 13-inch MacBook Pro sold for.And much more than the 13-inch MacBook Air (with the M3 model starting at $1,099/1,099). Thats $500/500 more than the entry-level 13-inch M3 MacBook Air, and $600/600 more than the M2 MacBook Air. Thats enough to buy a Mac mini and have money left over! The MacBook Pro is a chip generation ahead of the MacBook Air, but that is unlikely to be the case for long. So if budget is what is important to you, buy a MacBook Air. Read our full Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4) review 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro/M4 Max, 2024) Price When Reviewed: $1,999 | $2,399 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1749 View Deal $1839 View Deal $1899 View Deal $1999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $1749 at B&H $1839 at Walmart Electronics $1899 at Best Buy Not Available at Amazon View more prices from Amazon Apple Close Best Prices Today: 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro/M4 Max, 2024) Retailer Price $1749 View Deal $1839 View Deal $1899 View Deal $1999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket What is it? The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro or M4 Max was introduced in October 2024 (a year after the M3 Pro and M3 Max models). This is one of Apples top-of-the-line laptops, the other being the 16-inch MacBook Pro (discussed next). Theres not a huge difference between the specs on offerboth offer the M4 Max as a processor optionbut the 14-inch MacBook Pro is cheaper than the 16-inch. If you want a laptop that can handle any task you throw at itand you dont have a constraining budgetyou want one of these laptops. The new M4 Pro/Max models offer better battery life (22 hours) than the previous generation did (18 hours). Whos it for? When Apple called these Pro laptops, they werent kidding around. If your work is very demanding processing power, these laptops are happy to handle it. Work in pro-level software all the time? Get a 14- or 16-inch MacBook Pro. With either the M4 Pro or M4 Max processor, theyre the fastest laptops Apple has ever created. How much does the 14-inch MacBook Pro cost? There are three configurations starting at $1,999/1,999 for the 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 Pro with 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB unified memory, and 512GB SSD, and $2,399/2,399 for the 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 Pro with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU, 24GB unified memory and 1TB SSD. The third option is the M4 Max version with a 14-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 36GB memory, and 1TB SSD, which costs $3,199/3,199. All those prices are 100 lower in the U.K. than they were. What are the specifications? Here are the standard configurations for the 14-inch MacBook Pro Apple M4 Pro, 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB memory, 512GB SSD, three Thunderbolt 5 ports, SDXC, HDMI, 70W Power Adapter, $1,999/1,999. Apple M4 Pro, 14-core CPU, 20-core GPU, 24GB memory, 1TB SSD, three Thunderbolt 5 ports, SDXC, HDMI, 96W Power Adapter, $2,399/2,399. Apple M4 Max, 14-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 36GB memory, 1TB SSD, three Thunderbolt 5 ports, SDXC, HDMI, 96W Power Adapter, $3,199/3,199. Additional options: M4 Max, 16-core CPU, 40-core GPU; 36GB (now possible with Pro chip) 48GB, 96GB or 128GB unified memory; up to 8TB SSD (with Max). What are display specifications? The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display hasnt changed from its native resolution of 3,0241,964, 254 pixels per inch, 1,600 nits of maximum brightness and 1,000 nits for HDR content, but it now offers 1000 nits for standard content, up from 600. Youll also get a 1,000,000-to-1 contrast ratio and ProMotion support with a refresh rate up to 120Hz. The notch at the top of the display conceals the 12MP Center Stage camera with support for Desk View and 1080p HD video recording. The notch does not affect the available screen areathe work area is a 16-by-10 space, while the screen surrounding the notch is considered extra space and is used to display the menu bar. How do I connect stuff? The 14-inch MacBook Pro has Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity. As for its ports, Apple includes three Thunderbolt 5/USB C ports. If you have a Thunderbolt device, you can plug it directly into the laptop. The same goes for any USB-C device. These laptops also come with an HDMI port for connecting an external display or projector, and an SDXC Card slot for plugging in memory cards from cameras, audio recorders, and other devices. The HDMI port in the 2023 model supports multichannel audio output. How do I charge the laptop? Battery life improved for this generation. Up from 18 hours to 22 hours for the M4 Pro (still 18 hours on the M4 Max). A fast charging feature allows the laptop to go from no charge to 50 percent in 30 minutes, but you need to have the proper power adapter to do this. It wont work with the 70W adapter that comes with the $1,999 MacBook Pro. The 14-inch models need to use the 96W adapter (which is a $20/10 upgrade) and can do fast charging through MagSafe or a Thunderbolt port. How fast is it? Apple built the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with pro users in mind and it shows in the performance. Now that Apple has introduced the M4 Pro and M4 Max you can enjoy the fastest Mac laptops Apple has ever made, although when it comes to graphics prowess the Max will always beat the Pro. So if you need the fastest then youll want to upgrade to the M4 Max. Macworlds buying advice: The only reason not to buy the 14-inch M4 Pro or M4 Max MacBook Pro would be if you saw a good deal on the M3 Pro/M3 Max versionweve been seeing some excellent deals and price cuts on the older models, just remember that there was less RAM in those model (18GB rather than 24GB at the entry-level). Our other advice would be that if you are considering the 14-inch MacBook Pro because you need a powerful Mac then, ignore the $1,999/1,999 model in favor of the $2,399/2,399 model which has more CPU and GPU cores. If you dont need 1TB storage, save money by adding the M4 Pro with 14-core CPU, and 20-core GPU as a build-to-order option to the $1,999/1,999 model for an additional $200/200, bringing the price to $2,199/2,199. 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro/M4 Max, 2024) Price When Reviewed: $2,499 | $2,899 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $2,249 View Deal $2299 View Deal $2299 View Deal $2399 View Deal $2499 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $2,249 at Amazon $2299 at B&H $2299 at Walmart Electronics View more prices from Best Buy Apple Close Best Prices Today: 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro/M4 Max, 2024) Retailer Price $2,249 View Deal $2299 View Deal $2299 View Deal $2399 View Deal $2499 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket What is it? The 16-inch MacBook Pro, like the 14-inch model above, was updated in October 2024. It offers a similar set of specs and configuration options as the 14-inch MacBook Pro (above), but it has a higher price, a bigger screen, and better battery life (24 hours, up from 22 hours on the predecessor). Whos it for? This is Apples largest Pro laptop and its designed for people who need a portable Mac to do work that demands extreme processing power. You could save some money by opting for the 14-inch MacBook Pro, but if you need a big screen on your laptop this is the Mac for you. Youll also benefit from longer battery life. Configured with the M4 Max this is the fastest and most powerful laptop Apple has ever created. How much does the 16-inch MacBook Pro cost? There are four standard configurations starting at $2,499/2,499 for the 16-inch MacBook Pro M4 Pro with 14-core CPU, 20-core GPU and 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD; $2,899/2,899 for the MacBook Pro M4 Pro with 14-core CPU, 20-core GPU, 48GB RAM, and 512GB SSD; $3,499/3,499 for the MacBook Pro M4 Max with 14-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 36GB RAM, and 1TB SSD; and the M4 Max with 16-core CPU, 40-core GPU, 48GB RAM and 1TB SSD for $3,999/3,999. What are the specifications? Here are the standard configurations for the 16-inch MacBook Pro introduced in 2024. Apple M4 Pro, 14-core CPU, 20-core GPU, 24GB memory, 512GB SSD, three Thunderbolt 5 ports, SDXC, HDMI, 140W power adapter, $2,499/1,299. Apple M4 Pro, 14-core CPU, 20-core GPU, 48GB memory, 512GB SSD, three Thunderbolt 5 ports, SDXC, HDMI, 140W power adapter, $2,899/2,899. Apple M4 Max, 14-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 36GB memory, 1TB SSD, three Thunderbolt 5 ports, SDXC, HDMI, 140W power adapter, $3,499/3,499. Apple M4 Max, 16-core CPU, 40-core GPU, 48GB memory, 1TB SSD, three Thunderbolt 5 ports, SDXC, HDMI, 140W power adapter, $3,999/3,999. Additional options: 48GB, 64GB, or 128GB unified memory. Up to 8TB SSD. What are display specifications? The 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display has a native resolution of 3,4562,234, 1,600 nits of maximum brightness, and 1,000 nits for HDR content, but it now offers 1000 nits for standard content, up from 600. Youll also get a 1,000,000-to-1 contrast ratio and ProMotion support with a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The notch at the top of the display conceals the 12MP Center Stage camera with support for Desk View and 1080p HD video recording. The notch does not affect the available screen areathe work area is a 16-by-10 space, while the screen surrounding the notch is considered extra space and is used to display the menu bar. How do I connect stuff? The 16-inch MacBook Pro has Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity. As for its ports, Apple includes three Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports that are compatible with USB-C. If you have a Thunderbolt device, you can plug it directly into the laptop. The same goes for any USB-C device. However, if you have wired devices that arent USB-C or are an older version of Thunderbolt, youll need an adapter. We have a separate MacBook Pro Thunderbolt adapter guide to help you decide which ones youll need. Unfortunately, be prepared to shell out a good amount of extra cash. These laptops also come with an HDMI 2.0 port for connecting an external display or projector, and an SDXC Card slot for plugging in memory cards from cameras, audio recorders, and other devices. The HDMI port supports multichannel audio output. How do I charge the laptop? Apple has equipped the 14-inch and 16-inch laptops with MagSafe, a magnetic connector that breaks away with a good tug. Its a nice safety feature, but you can also charge using the Thunderbolt port, too. Battery life is improved for this generation: up from 22 hours to 24 hours. The fast charging feature allows the laptop to go from no charge to 50 percent in 30 minutes, but you need to have the proper power adapter to do this. Fast charging does not work through Thunderbolt or with an adapter with lower wattage, so youll need the 140W power adapter that is included in the box for this. How fast is it? The 16-inch MacBook Pro models were built with pro users in mind so you can expect excellent performance. Your software will be able to take full advantage of the CPUs multiple cores. If you are a professional, youll benefit from the M4 Pro or M4 Max. Macworlds buying advice: The M4 Pro and Max launched in October 2024, so dont expect an update until late in 2025 or beyond. As above, look out for deals on the M3 Pro and M3 Max models, but note that there is more RAM in the newer models (24GB up from 18GB for the entry-level M4 Pro). We often see excellent deals and price cuts on these models which while not as powerful are still excellent machines. Read our full Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro) review Mac mini (M4/M4 Pro, 2024) Price When Reviewed: $599 | $799 | $999 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $599 View Deal $599 View Deal $599 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $599 at Apple $599 at B&H $599 at Best Buy Not Available at Amazon View more prices from Amazon Close Best Prices Today: Mac mini (M4/M4 Pro, 2024) Retailer Price $599 View Deal $599 View Deal $599 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket What is it? The Mac mini with M4 and a Mac mini with M4 Pro were introduced in October 2024. This was already Apples smallest desktop Mac, but now it is even smaller following a redesign that means it now measures 5 inches by 5 inches, down from 7.75 inches by 7.75 inches. It offers a nice combination of speed and, at just $599/599, affordability (in fact the 2024 is even cheaper in the U.K. where it costs 50 less than it did). Its not only fast enough for general-purpose use, but its multi-core speed is quite goodif you use a professional app like a video editor, 3D software, or developer tools, the Mac mini can handle it, no problem. Whos it for? Because of its price and performance, the Mac mini is a great Mac for just about anybody. It makes for an ideal primary Mac for a home or small office. Professionals on a budget will be satisfied with the Mac mini. If youre switching from a PC, you can use your PCs keyboard and mouse with the Mac mini. The Mac mini is also ideal as a secondary Mac in your home, and it can integrate into your home entertainment center. How much does the Mac mini cost? There are three standard configurations starting at $599/599 for the Mac mini M4 with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB unified memory, and 256GB SSD. Theres also a $799/799 Mac mini M4 with 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB unified memory and 512GB SSD, and a $999/999 Mac mini M4 with 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 24GB unified memory and 512GB SSD. At the top of the range is an M4 Pro Mac mini with a 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB unified memory, and 512GB SSD which costs $1,399/1,399. The price is about $1,000/1,000 less for a similarly specced MacBook Pro, although, in each case, the MacBook has a bigger SSD. What are the specifications? Apple sells three Mac mini models . Apple M4, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB memory, 256GB SSD, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, 2 USB-C, HDMI, $599/599. Apple M4, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB memory, 512GB SSD, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, 2 USB-C, HDMI, $799/799. Apple M4, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 24GB memory, 512GB SSD, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, 2 USB-C, HDMI, $999/999. Apple M4 Pro, 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB memory, 512GB SSD, three Thunderbolt 5 ports, 2 USB-C, HDMI, $1,399/1,399. Additional options: M4 Pro with 14-core CPU, 16-core GPU; 48GB or 64GB unified memory; up to 8TB SSD. The Mac mini does not include a display, keyboard, or mouse, so youll have to provide your own, or you can customize your order to include these devices as extra-cost options. How do I connect stuff? Like Apples other Macs, the Mac mini has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The $599 and $799 M4-based Mac minis have three Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 ports, while the M4 Pro-based Mac mini has three Thunderbolt 5 ports. All Mac minis also offer an additional two USB-C ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, a headphone jack, and a gigabit ethernet port. They no longer offer USB-A ports (the M2 models did). To connect a display , you can use the HDMI port or a Thunderbolt port. You might have to buy an adapter if your display doesnt have either HDMI or a port that can connect to Thunderbolt. How fast is it? The $599 and $799 M4-based Mac minis are very fast, and offer the best performance-to-price ratio of any Mac that Apple offers. The Mac mini with M4 Pro offers the same 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU, 24GB memory, and 512GB storage that is found in the M4 Pro MacBook Pro for $1,399 rather than $1,999 which represented a huge saving and a great way to get a powerful Mac without spending a fortune. Macworlds buying advice: The Mac mini is an excellent machine for most Mac usersnew or experienced, professional or general consumer. Plus the price is excellent: if youre on a budget, its a great choice, especially if you already have a spare keyboard, mouse, and display. Apple 24-inch iMac (M4, 2024) Price When Reviewed: $1,299 | $1,499 | $1,699 | $1,899 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1,199 View Deal $1199 View Deal $1199 View Deal $1204 View Deal $1299 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $1,199 at Amazon $1199 at B&H $1199 at Best Buy View more prices from Walmart Electronics Apple Close Best Prices Today: Apple 24-inch iMac (M4, 2024) Retailer Price $1,199 View Deal $1199 View Deal $1199 View Deal $1204 View Deal $1299 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket What is it? In October 2024 Apple introduced the M4 version of the 24-inch iMac. Little has changed since the redesign of 2021, which represented the first major update in more than a decade, with a cleaner design and a choice of seven bright colors (slightly lighter shades for 2024). Whos it for? The iMac is great for both novices and demanding users. It can handle general-purpose and heavy-duty tasks equally well, although those after a replacement for a 27-inch IMac or iMac Pro might want to wait to see if the rumored iMac Pro ever materializes, or settle for a Mac mini Pro (above) or Mac Studio (below). Its ideal for someone who needs to buy a complete computer setup (keyboard, mouse or trackpad, and display) and wants to maximize workspace efficiency. The 24-inch iMac is a design icon that will look great in any office. How much does the iMac cost? When the M4 iMac Apple dropped prices outside the U.S. The three standard configurations start at $1,299/1,299 for the entry-level model, $1,499/1,499 for the mid-range, and $1,699/1,699 for the top of the range. What are the specifications? The 24-inch iMac uses Apples M4 chip, the same M4 that features in the 14-inch MacBook Pro, but in each case, there is half the storage and the price is $100 less. There are several configurations available as well as build-to-order options: Apple M4, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16GB memory, 256GB SSD, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, $1,299/1,299. Apple M4, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB memory, 256GB SSD, four Thunderbolt 4 ports, $1,499/1,499. Apple M4, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB memory, 512GB SSD, four Thunderbolt 4 ports, $1,699/1,699. Apple M4, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 24GB memory, 512GB SSD, four Thunderbolt 4 ports, $1,899/1,899. Additional options: 32GB memory; up to 2TB storage What are the display specifications? The 24-inch 4.5K Retina display has 11.3 million pixels and supports the P3 wide color gamut, over a billion colors, 500 nits of brightness, and True Tone. Apple treats the display with an anti-reflective coating to help with readability. The display hasnt changed since the M1 model launched. How do I connect stuff? The $1,299 24-inch iMac 24 has two Thunderbolt 4 ports that also work with USB-C devices. The $1,499 and $1,699 iMacs have four Thunderbolt 4 ports (the previous generation had two Thunderbolt/USB 4 and two USB 3 ports). If you have a USB-A device, you need to buy an adapter, such as Apples ( $19 / 19 ). If you have multiple USB-A devices and other items, consider a Thunderbolt hub . The 24-inch iMac also has a headphone jack on the side. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 are built-in. Apple doesnt put a gigabit ethernet port on the 24-inch iMacinstead, its on the power adapter. But that ethernet-equipped power adapter comes standard with the $1,499 and $1,699 models. Its not included with the $1,299 model, but you can select it as an option at the point of purchaseand yes, that means youll have to pay extra for it. How fast is it?: Since the 24-inch iMac has the same M4 as the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro, its speed is very similar. That means its fast. Its got all the speed general consumers need, and it can handle pro applications with no problem. However, the $1,299 model has only one fan inside its body, while the $1,499 and $1,699 models have two fans. That means the high-priced models do a better job of keeping the internals cool. The $1,299 model may need to slow down its performance on heavy-duty tasks in order to maintain a proper temperature. Macworlds buying advice: The iMac was greatly improved when Apple introduced the 24-inch model back in 2021, from the design to the display to its performance. But, we hope rumors that Apple may launch an iMac Pro model are true. If you are buying one the sweet spot is the $1,499/1,499 model, which gets you more ports, Touch ID, and ethernet. Read our full Apple iMac (M4) review Mac Studio (M2 Max/M2 Ultra, 2023) Price When Reviewed: $1,999 Note: This model hasnt been updated since 2023. An update is expected in 2025 . See: M4 Mac Studio rumors . What is it? The Mac Studio joined Apples Mac lineup in March 2022 and was updated in June 2023 when it gained the M2 Max and M2 Ultra. Its a desktop modular Mac thats more powerful (and more expensive) than the Mac mini and similarly specced to the Mac Pro, but lacking the Mac Pros expansion options. Whos it for? The Mac Studio is for the user who wants the maximum processing power. Its not the only powerful Mac availablethe Mac Pro also runs on the M2 Ultrabut it is the cheapest way to get either the M2 Max or M2 Ultra chips. If you want the expansion options of the Mac Pro then youll want to look elsewhere, but the Mac Studio brings all the power usually reserved for the ultimate Mac in a small package. How much does the Mac Studio cost? There are two standard configurations starting at $1,999/2,099 (was 1,999) for the Mac Studio M2 Max with 30-core GPU and 512GB SSD, and $3,999/4,199 (was 3,999) for the Mac Studio M2 Ultra with 60-core GPU and 1TB SSD. There are also build-to-order options that include a 76-core GPU, up to 192GB Unified Memory, and 8TB SSD. Fully maxed out a Mac Studio would cost $8,799/8,999. What are the specifications? The Mac Studio uses either theM2 MaxorM2 Ultraprocessors. Apple offers two standard configurations: Apple M2 Max SoC with a 12-core CPU, 30-core GPU, 32GB of memory, and a 16-core Neural Engine; 512GB SSD, $1,999/2,099 Apple M2 Ultra SoC with a 24-core CPU, 60-core GPU, 64GB of memory, and a 32-core Neural Engine; 1TB SSD, $3,999/4,199 Additional options: M2 Ultra SoC with a 76-core GPU, up to 192GB unified memory, and up to 8TB SSD. The Mac Studio does not include a display, keyboard, or mouse, so youll have to provide your own, or you can customize your order to include these devices as extra-cost options. Apple released the Studio Display at the same time as the original Mac Studio, but it can be used with third-party displays, too. How do I connect stuff? The Mac Studio has the following ports: M2 Max: Four Thunderbolt 4 ports on the back; two USB-C ports on the front. M2 Ultra: Four Thunderbolt 4 ports on the back; two Thunderbolt 4 ports on the front. SDXC Card slot on the front. Two USB-A ports. 10Gb ethernet. HDMI 2.0. 3.5 mm headphone jack (with advanced support for high-impedance headphones, a feature lacked by the M1-series models) 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E (was 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 in predecessor) Bluetooth 5.3 (was Bluetooth5.0 in predecessor) To connect to a network, you can use the built-in ethernet port, or you can use Wi-Fi, which comes standard. To connect a display, you can use the HDMI 2.0 port or a Thunderbolt port. You might have to buy an adapter if your display doesnt have either HDMI or a port that can connect to Thunderbolt. You can connect up to eight 4K displays, six 6K displays, or three 8K displays to the M2 Ultra. The M2 Max supports fewer displays. How fast is it? The M2 Max Mac Studio is a very fast Mac at a very competitive price point, however, the M4 Pro is now faster than the M2 Ultra, so the Mac Studio isnt the powerful machine it once was at the moment. Once Apple adds the M4 Max as an option the Mac Studio will be a beast of a machine, but until then instead of an M2 Max or M2 Ultra Mac Studio you might be better off with an M4 Max MacBook Pro. The only good thing is that it costs a fraction of the price of the MacBook Pro with M4 Max, making it an excellent choice for anyone on a budget. Macworlds buying advice: The Mac Studio is ideal for users who use processor- and graphics-intensive apps, such as media production, software development, graphics software, and more. If you find yourself spending a lot of time watching progress bars while you work, youll benefit from the power of the Mac Studio. However we would recommend that you wait until Apple upgrades the processors to M4 Max and M4 Ultra, which we anticipate happening around WWDC in June 2025. Other than that, the main disadvantage is that the Mac Studio relies on external connections for expandability. If you want a pro-level Mac with the ability to swap expansion cards you should look at Apple silicon-based Mac Pro below. Also read: Why Mac professionals should switch to a Mac Studio . Apple Mac Pro (M2 Ultra, 2023) Price When Reviewed: From $6,999 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $6999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $6999 at Apple Note: This model hasnt been updated since 2023. An update is expected in 2025. See: M4 Ultra Mac Pro rumors . What is it? The Mac Pro is Apples workstation. Its designed for professionals who need a powerful and flexible machine. Apple took its time to update the Mac Pro with its own silicon, but in June 2023, three and a half years after the previous update, the company finally came up with the goods. Whos it for? The Mac Pro is designed for professionals who work with applications that use as many processing cores as possiblevideo-editing applications, image-editing software, 3D programs, audio editing, software developers, and the like. How much does the Mac Pro cost? The Mac Pro starts at $6,999/7,199 (which is up from the previous generations starting price of $5,999/5,499). Thats for the Tower version, there is also a Rack mount version that starts at $7,499/7,699. Those are the starting prices, you can choose various configuration options, such as the 76-core GPU and the 192GB unified memory and 8TB storage just as with the Mac Studio. A fully specced out Mac Pro Tower costs $11,799/11,999. What are the specifications? The specifications on offer are identical to the Mac Studio with M2 Ultra: Apple M2 Ultra SoC with a 24-core CPU, 60-core GPU, 64GB of memory, and a 32-core Neural Engine; 1TB SSD Additional options: M2 Ultra SoC with a 76-core GPU, up to 192GB unified memory, and up to 8TB SSD. How do I connect stuff? Mac Pro has the following ports: Six Thunderbolt 4 ports on the back; two USB-C ports on the top. Two USB-A ports. 10Gb ethernet. HDMI 2.0. 3.5 mm headphone jack (with advanced support for high-impedance headphones, a feature lacked by the M1-series models) Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) Bluetooth 5.3 To connect a display, you can use the HDMI 2.0 port or the Thunderbolt ports. You might have to buy an adapter if your display doesnt have either HDMI or a port that can connect to Thunderbolt. You can connect up to eight 4K displays, six 6K displays, or three 8K displays. To connect external devices, the Mac Pro has six Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, two HDMI ports, and dual 10Gb Ethernet. But the real draw for creative pros will be the seven full-length PCI Express gen 4 slots, one of which comes with an Apple I/O card installed. How fast is it? When it announced the model, Apple said the 2023 Mac Pro was up to 3x faster than the previous-generation Intel-based model. It was impressive at the time, but now the M2 Ultra has been superceeded by the M4 Max in our tests, and until Apple updates the Mac Pro with the M4 Ultra you might be better off with an M4 Max MacBook Pro. However, with support for 192GB of unified memory, the Mac Pro supports more memory than the MacBook Pro (the Mac Studio can also support 192GB memory). Apple says that, like the M2 Ultra Mac Studio, the M2 Ultra Mac Pro can plan an unprecedented 22 streams of 8K ProRes video. Just imagine what the new Mac Pro M4 Ultra could be capable of. Macworlds buying advice: The Mac Pro provides the processing power that the most demanding users need. Were talking about production environments, like TV and audio recording studios, animation houses, and software developers. If you feel like you can never have enough power, youre probably the professional the Mac Pro is aimed at. But if you dont need the expandability then the Mac Studio will probably be adequate. If youre more of a prosumer than a professionalsomeone who is an expert Mac user, but doesnt use high-end appsthe Mac Pro is overkill. Youre probably not going to be able to take advantage of what the Mac Pro has to offer. You just need to figure out whether you want to wait until June 2025 for the long overdue M4 Ultra.
Govee Matter 50-foot Outdoor Dot String Lights Buy for $101 (Reg. $180) Clip the on-page 44% off coupon. What we love Govee has been stepping up their game lately with more and more Matter-ready smart home gear hitting the scene. The new Dot String Lights here are among them. Youre looking at a set of 50-foot RGB string lights that you can tweak from Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and other smart home apps. These will be great for colorful holiday lighting and an elegant warm white glow the rest of the time. more
We are now tracking a deal at Amazon that drops ASUS Vivobook S 15 Copilot+ PC with Snapdragon X Elite chip down to $899 shipped. Though this is listed as a $1,300 laptop, it has mostly been fetching $1,000 in recent months. Todays 31% discount on its listed price at Amazon, however, shaves $101 off its usual going rate to land at one of the best prices we have tracked for it. This 12-core Snapdragon X Elite-powered notebook is now within $22 of its all-time low we tracked a few months back in September, making it a great time to strike. Head below for more details. more
In 2024, early access video games went mainstream
Between Palworld, Hades 2, and Path of Exile 2, early access became more mainstream than ever in 2024.
Wrap up your shopping with these low-price gift cards for Apple fans
Macworld If you havent checked the calendar lately, the holidays are nearly upon us, and if you havent gotten around to getting something for the Apple fans in your life, we have the perfect solution: an eGift card. You dont have to spend a lot, youll get it immediately, and your recipient will love it. Of course, youll want to get them a card they can use to buy one of their favorite Apple devices, and there are several great options. The most obvious is an Apple Store gift card, which they can use to buy at the Apple Store or the App Store, but other official Apple retailers are an excellent choice too. Best eGift cards for Apple lovers Apple Starts at $15 Amazon Starts at $25 Best Buy Starts at $15 Walmart Starts at $5 Target Starts at $5 All these stores feature an abundance of Apple products, quite often on sale, so theyre great picks for anyone who wants something now or is saving up for the flurry of new devices coming in 2025. More eGift ideas If you want to branch out and get them something different, then check out these other gift cards you can get on slle right now: Meta Quest eGift Card Save $5 on $50 (via Amazon) Google Play eGift Card Save $5 on $50 with code GOPLAY (via Amazon) Taco Bell eGift Card Starts $7.50 on $50 with code TACO (via Amazon) VUDU eGift Card Save $10 on $50 (via Amazon) Uber/UberEats eGift Card Save $10 on $100 (via Amazon) Lyft Gift Card Save $15 on $100 with code LYFT (via Amazon)
Home Office Setup Guide (2024): Webcams, Desks, Chairs, and More
Gear can make or break your home office setup. Heres our ultimate list of nearly 100 items, from monitors and desks to webcams and chairs.
NYT Crossword: answers for Friday, December 20
The New York Times crossword puzzle can be tough! If you're stuck, we're here to help with a list of today's clues and answers.
NYT Mini Crossword today: puzzle answers for Friday, December 20
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.
YouTube will crack down on 'egregious clickbait,' starting in India
Clickbait videos have always been annoying, but there are times when they can be downright harmful. YouTube has vowed to strengthen its enforcement efforts when it comes to dealing with egregious clickbait on its website, particularly those that cover or pretend to cover breaking news and current events. The website describes egregious clickbait as videos where the title or thumbnail promises viewers something that the video doesn't deliver. YouTube says these videos leave viewers feeling tricked, frustrated, or even misled if they come to the website looking for truthful and timely information on important issues. If you've ever watched a clickbait video, you'd know that's definitely true. You may have trained yourself on being able to spot and skip them over the years, but some people might still not know the difference between clickbait and legitimate content. One example of egregious clickbait, according to YouTube, is if a video says the president resigned! without actually addressing the president's resignation. Misleading thumbails are considered egregious clickbait, as well. If a thumbnail reads top political news and the video doesn't contain any political news, then it will also be subjected to YouTube's enforcement action. The website will start cracking down on clickbait videos in India it didn't say how it will expand from there, but we've asked it for more information. For now, it will delete any video that violates this policy without issuing strikes. After it goes through old videos, it will then prioritize new uploads, presumably so that they don't reach more people that they should. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/youtube/youtube-will-crack-down-on-egregious-clickbait-starting-in-india-130010064.html?src=rss
NYT Strands today: hints, spangram and answers for Friday, December 20
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 Friday, December 20
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.
Best Apple Watch: Which Apple Watch to buy in 2024-2025
Macworld Apple released only one new Apple Watch in 2024: the Apple Watch Series 10. It offers a refined design and a few modest upgrades over the Series 9. Apple did not update the Ultra 2, and instead just added a new color option. You can also still buy the Apple Watch SE from 2022. In this guide, we will help you decide which Apple Watch is best for you. Well compare the features, specs and price as well as offer advice on choosing cases, colors, and straps in our Apple Watch comparison chart so you can be confident you are choosing the right Apple Watch. Heres what you need to know before buying an Apple Watch. What can an Apple Watch do? Practically every Apple Watch ever made has offered the same set of basic functions. Apple Watch can be used in conjunction with an iPhone (or separately if the user has a cellular contract) to: Make or take phone calls Read and send text messages Read and send emails Listen to music or podcasts Receive notifications relating to iPhone and Apple Watch apps Use apps, such as Maps for navigation, a calculator or a compass Track fitness, including steps and calories burned Monitor your health, including heart rate Detect a fall or car crash Tell the time especially if your watch has an always-on display (they dont all offer that) Act as a flashlight (or torch) Pay via Apple Pay Track your sleep The Apple Watch doesnt need an iPhone to work, but it helps, and it is needed for initial setup. See: Does an Apple Watch work without an iPhone? Theres another choice to be made. Do you need an Apple Watch with cellular connectivity or not? We examine GPS versus cellular in a separate article, read: Should I buy a cellular Apple Watch . Also read: You probably dont need an LTE Apple Watch . If you choose a cellular version of the Apple Watch youll be able to leave your iPhone at home and use your Watch for making calls, receiving texts, and streaming music. Apple Watch can also support Family Setup if you are looking for a Watch for someone who doesnt have an iPhone. Apple Watch comparison chart Apple Apple Watch SE 2 Apple Watch Series 10 Apple Watch Ultra 2 Price from $249/219 $399/399 $799/799 Screen size 44mm or 40mm 46mm or 42mm 49mm Display 1,000 nits 2,000nits 3,000 nits Weight 40mm from 26.4g / 44mm from 32.9g 42mm from 30g / 46mm from 36.4g 61.4 g Materials Aluminium Aluminium or Titanium Titanium Colors Midnight, Starlight, Silver Aluminium: Silver, Rose Gold, Jet Black. Titanium: Slate, Natural, Gold Natural or Black Processor S8 S10 S9 Battery life Up to 18 hours Up to 18 hours, Faster charging 0-80% in 30 mins Up to 36 hours, Fast charging 0-80% in 1 hour Extra features Siri, Find iPhone, Always-on display, double tap gesture, Faster on-device Siri, PrecisionFinding for iPhone, Depth gauge to 6m and water temperature sensor, speakers and media playback, microphone with voice isolation Always-on display, double tap gesture, Faster on-device Siri, PrecisionFinding for iPhone, Customisable Action button, Depth gauge to 40m and water temperature sensor, scuba to 40m, Dual speakers, media playback and three-mic array with beamforming Health features Heart rate, Heart rhythm, Cycle Tracking, Sleep stages BloodOxygen, ECG, Heart rate, Heart rhythm, Temperature sensing, Cycle Tracking with ovulation estimates, Sleep stages BloodOxygen, ECG, Heart rate, Heart rhythm, Temperature sensing, Cycle Tracking with ovulation estimates, Sleep stages Safety features Emergency SOS, FallDetection and Crash Detection Emergency SOS, FallDetection and Crash Detection Emergency SOS, FallDetection and Crash Detection, Siren Water resistance 50 meters, Swimproof 50 meters, Swimproof 100 meters, Swimproof, High-speed water sports, dive to 40m Connectivity L1 GPS, cellular option L1 GPS, cellular option Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5 GPS), cellular only Best Apple Watch Right now Apple sells three different Apple Watches, although there are different combinations of case and wristband that can make it seem like a bit of a minefield.These is the newest Apple Watches: the Apple Watch Series 10 (2024), and the older Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023), and the Apple Watch SE 2 (2022). Generally, each Apple Watch offers a few more features than the one that came before it. Below we will run through the features available on each Apple Watch so you can see what you are getting for your money. Apple isnt the only place where you can buy an Apple Watch, and if you shop around you can still buy older models that Apple doesnt sell.To get the best deal on an Apple Watch take note of the best prices shown below, you might also like to look at our roundup of the Best Apple Watch Deals . Apple Watch Ultra 2 Pros 1 to 3,000 nits brightness Ultra capabilities for extreme sports Tough exterior Cons Still uses S9 as wasnt updated in 2024 Only one size Price When Reviewed: $799 (base) Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $799 View Deal $799.99 View Deal $849.55 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm Titanium Natural Titanium Ocean band Blue $503.97 View Deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm Titanium Natural Titanium Alpine loop Blue $567 View Deal Apple Watch Ultra (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm Titanium Natural Titanium Alpine loop Starlight $599 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $799 at Apple $799.99 at Target $849.55 at Amazon View more prices from Adorama Close Best Prices Today: Apple Watch Ultra 2 New Refurbished Retailer Price $799 View Deal $799.99 View Deal $849.55 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm Titanium Natural Titanium Ocean band Blue $503.97 View Deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm Titanium Natural Titanium Alpine loop Blue $567 View Deal Apple Watch Ultra (2023) GPS + Cellular 49 mm Titanium Natural Titanium Alpine loop Starlight $599 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket This is the second generation of Apple Watch Ultra that launched in 2023. In 2024 there was a minor update to the color options on offer. The Apple Watch Ultra is the ultimate Apple Watch. Its designed for athletes and adventure, so it isnt a watch for everyone, but it goes beyond the standard Apple Watch with features for divers (depth gauge, water temperature sensor, water resistance to 100 meters) and features for hikers such as precision dual-frequency GPS. The Apple Watch Ultra is constructed from tougher materials: a titanium case and a sapphire crystal cover for the screen.However, the Apple Watch Series 10 shares now offers a Titanium option, depth gauge and water temperature sensor, so the difference isnt as great as it was between the Series 9 and the Ultra. But there are still a lot of superior features offered by the Ultra. The Ultras battery life is better than the standard Apple Watch series at 36 hours for the Ultra and 18 hours for the Series 10 (and the Series 9 and 8 before it). You can eke out even more battery life in the Ultra too, up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode (Low Power Mode on the Apple Watch 8 to 10 models results in 36 hours of battery life). The second-gen Apple Watch Ultra features the S9 chip. The S9 is superior to the S8 in the original Apple Watch Ultra, with 60% more transistors, a four-core Neural Engine that is twice as fast than the S8, and 30 percent faster graphics. The newer Apple Watch Series 10 has the S10 chip, but there is very little difference between the S10 and S9. You might wonder why you need a powerful chip anyway, but it allows for things like smoother animations, faster and more accurate dictation, Siri on device and the Double Tap feature. When introduced, the Apple Watch Ultra screen offered 2,000 nits of brightness, the second generation Ultra offers 3,000 nits (while the Series 9 and 10 get 2,000 nits). This should make it easier to see the screen in bright light, perhaps on the ski slopes. The always-on screen can also turn down to 1 nit so as not to disturb others. Like the Series 10, the Ultra 2 offers the new U2 Ultra-wideband chip that enables Precision Finding to make it easier to find your iPhone. Rather than just ping with iPhone, you will get navigation instructions on the watch. The original Ultra has the Action Button, to make controlling the Watch a bit easier, but the second-gen model goes a step further. Thanks to the Double-Tap gesture (also in the Apple Watch 9 and 10) you wont have to touch the screen to control the Watch, useful if your other hand isnt free. Just tap your thumb and index finger together and the gesture is recognized by the watch (via sensors and algorithms) so that the primary action of whatever app is showing will be triggered. You will also be able to use on-device Siri to do like ask Siri to open Watch apps or check or input data. Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 2 review Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) Pros Bigger, easier-to-read display Faster charging Refined design Cons Still only 18 hours battery life Blood Oxygen unavailable in the U.S. Price When Reviewed: $399 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $349 View Deal $349 View Deal $349 View Deal $399 View Deal 399 View Deal $399.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $349 at Amazon $349 at Best Buy $349 at Walmart Electronics View more prices from Adorama Apple Target Close Best Prices Today: Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) Retailer Price $349 View Deal $349 View Deal $349 View Deal $399 View Deal 399 View Deal $399.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Series 10 is a modest set of improvements over the Apple Watch Series 9. Notably, the watch is now a tiny bit thinner and larger, just enough to make the display fractionally bigger (42mm up from 41mm or 46mm up from 45mm) and slightly easier to read (its got wider viewing angles, too). Performance hasnt changed and neither has battery life, still rated at 18 hours, but theres a new water temperature sensor and the ability to sense depth up to 6 meters. The premium model is now encased in titanium instead of Stainless Steel, which results in a big weight reduction. The titanium Series 10 is barely heavier than the aluminium model, while the stainless steel Series 9 was a lot heavier. The Series 10 charges faster, too. It will go from 0-80% in 30 minutes instead of 45 minutes, which is enough of a change to make a real difference. If you have a Series 8 or Series 9 this isnt an upgrade you need, but its probably the best Apple Watch to get if its your first one or youre coming from a much older model, unless you live the sort of life of adventure that necessitates the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Read our full Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) review Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, 40mm) Pros Cheapest Apple Watch Crash detection Fall detection Cons Lacks health sensors: no ECG, no O2 Smaller screen Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $189 View Deal $199 View Deal $199.99 View Deal $249 View Deal $299.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $189 at Walmart Electronics $199 at Best Buy $199.99 at Target Not Available at Amazon View more prices from Amazon Apple United States Target Close Best Prices Today: Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, 40mm) Retailer Price $189 View Deal $199 View Deal $199.99 View Deal $249 View Deal $299.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Apple Watch SE, which arrived in 2022, is the second generation SE, with the first being introduced in 2020. The 2022 Apple Watch SE introduced new features and component improvements compared to the original. Like the Series 8 and subsequent Watches, it offers Crash Detection and an improved Compass app. The heart sensor in the SE (old and new) is second-generation, while the Series 7 and above offer a third-generation heart sensor. The SE also lacks the body temperature sensor for cycle monitoring.You also dont get Blood Oxygen monitoring or the ability to perform an ECG. The SE comes in two sizes, but the screen is slightly smaller than the screen on the Series 10 and older at 44mm and 40mm, rather than 46mm and 42mm. This means the screen is a little bit more cramped, especially when compared to the Ultras 49mm screen. Speaking of the screen, the SE doesnt offer an always-on display like the other watches, so if that is likely to be a point of frustration for you its a good reason to upgrade. Battery life is the same 18 hours as the Series 10. Read our full Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, 40mm) review How the new Apple watches compare Thats an overview, but in a little more detail heres how the features of each Apple Watch compare. Dimensions The Apple Watch Ultra is the biggest Apple Watch sold by Apple. To accommodate the 49mm screen the watch measures 49mm by 44mm by 14.4mm. It weighs from 61.4 grams depending on the color chosen. The Apple Watch Ultra is big and heavy. If you have slim wrists you might prefer a smaller case, in which case Apple offers the option of a large and smaller variant of each watch with the Apple Watch Series 10 and SE.With the Ultra only one size is available. The Apple Watch Series 10 offers either a 46mm or 42mm screen. To accommodate the 46mm screen the watch measures 46mm by 39mm by 9.7mm. It weighs from 36.4 grams for the aluminium option, 41.7 grams for titanium. For the 42mm screen the watch measures 42mm by 36mm by 9.7mm. It weighs from 30 grams for the aluminium option, 34.4 grams for titanium. The Apple Watch SE (2) offers either a 44mm or 40 screen. To accommodate the 44mm screen the watch measures 44mm by 38mm by 10.7mm. It weighs from 32.9 grams. For the 40mm screen the watch measures 40mm by 34mm by 10.7mm. It weighs from 26.4 grams. Display The bigger the watch the bigger the screen, of course. Or at least thats what you might think. In fact, the display area of the 46mm Apple Watch Series 10 is fractionally bigger than the 49mm Apple Watch Ultra 2. Heres how those two compare: Apple Watch Ultra 2: 410502 pixels, 1,185 sq mm display area, 3,000 nits brightness Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm): 416496 pixels, 1,220 sq mm display area, 2,000 nits brightness Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm): 374446 pixels, 989sqmm display area, 2,000 nits brightness Apple Watch SE (44mm): 368448 pixels, 977 sq mm display area, 1,000 nits brightness Apple Watch SE (40mm): 324394 pixels, 759 sq mm display area, 1,000 nits brightness Its not just size that matters with the screens though. The 3,000 nits brightness on the Ultra means it should be easier to read in particularly bright light, for example, when skiing.This beats the Series 10, which offers 2,000 nits, as did the Series 9, but the Series 10 also offers wide-angled OLED screen which helps when viewing the screen at an angle. The SE offers 1,000 nits brightness. A bigger screen means you can see more text. Apple Both the Apple Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch Series 10 offer an Always-On display so you can always see the time without having to wake it. This is a feature that was also shared by the Apple Watch Series 5 and later. The Apple Watch SE doesnt offer an Always-On display. Design There may be three variants of the Apple Watch, but there are a number of combinations that mean that there are more design differences than you might expect. As we explained above, there are five sizes to choose from if you consider all models: 49mm, 46mm, 44mm, 42mm and 40mm. In addition to the sizes, Apple uses two different materials for the cases: aluminum for the Watch SE; aluminum or titanium for the Series 10; and titanium for the Ultra 2. For each case there is a choice of colors: Aluminium comes in midnight, starlight, rose gold, and silver. Titanium is available in gold or natural on the Series 10, or natural and black on Ultra 2. As well as a choice of case color, you also have a vast choice of straps or bands to go with the Apple Watch, some are only compatible with certain Watch sizes. See: Do Apple Watch straps fit all models? Some add a considerable expense to the cost of the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch Ultra has a choice of three straps designed to be rugged and suitable for extreme sports enthusiasts, these new straps can be used with the larger Apple Watches as well. Take a look at all the watch straps on offer on Apples site . We discuss the best Apple Watch straps and Apple Watch straps: how to find the perfect size separately. Durability Various elements of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 design help it withstand altitudes, high temperatures, low temperatures, immersion, freeze/thaw, shock, and vibration. So if you want a watch that can be worn at a depth of 40 meters (its certified for scuba diving) the Ultra 2 will be the one for you. Also making the Ultra a little better able to withstand knocks is a sapphire front crystal display, around which raised edges of the case provide protection. The Apple Watch Series 10 also features strong sapphire glass with the TItanium models (and the 9 and 8 did on the Stainless Steel models). Theres Ion-X screen glass on the aluminium models. The Apple Watch Ultra can be used by divers Apple All three watches are Swimproof according to Apple, but they are not equal in this respect. The Apple Watch 10 and SE have a water resistance rating of 100 meters and Apple suggests that they can be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. The Apple Watch Ultra has a water resistance rating of 50 meters and includes a Depth gauge and water temperature sensor. With these feature its no surprise that Apple states that the Ultra can be used for recreational scuba diving, however Apple adds that Apple Watch Ultra should not be used for diving below 40 meters and also points out that water resistance can diminish over time. The Ultra offers the same IP6X dust resistance as the Series 10. The SE doest offer this certification. Health and Safety features All the Apple Watches offer Car Crash detection, a feature that arrived in 2022. Apple Cycle Tracking : Just like the Series 10, the Ultra offers temperature sensing for Cycle Tracking, which was a new feature introduced with the 2022 Watches that should help women trying to get pregnant identify when they have ovulated. Blood Oxygen : Youll also find the Blood Oxygen app (which arrived with the Series 6) in the Ultra and Series 10 Watches. Measuring blood oxygen can alert the wearer to any reduction of oxygen in their bloodstream and can help with management of conditions like asthma.This isnt available in the SE. Due to a patent battle, this feature is disabled in Apple Watches sold and used in the United States, though it may return via a software update in the future. ECG : The Apple Watch 10 and Ultra offer the ECG app (introduced with the Series 4). The 2022 SE cant perform an ECG (electrocardiogram), but it can notify you of high and low heart rate and irregular heart rhythm, as can the other Watches. Crash Detection : In 2022 Apple Watches gained the ability to detect a car crash. This feature means that if you are in a severe car crash while wearing any Apple Watch from 2022 or above, the Watch will detect the impact and dial emergency services if you are unresponsive (youll get a 10-second warning). Fall Detection : Another safety features that is shared by all the Apple Watches is Fall Detection (the feature arrived with the Apple Watch Series 4). If the watch identifies that you have fallen it will sound an alarm and display an alert so you can confirm if you are ok. If you arent ok the watch can call the emergency services. If you dont have a cellular plan for your Apple Watch you will need your connected iPhone to be nearby for the call to be placed. Siren : This safety feature is unique to the Ultra (1 and 2). That model can play a 86-decibel siren that is audible up to 600 feet (182 meters), handy if you get lost on a mountain. Compass & Backtrack : Speaking of mountaineering, the new 2022 Watches gained an improved Compass app with and Backtrack feature that should help you avoid getting lost. The Apple Watch Ultra 9 and 2) could be better at this job though because it features a new dual-frequency GPS that should make it better at positioning you because it wont be affected by tall trees and buildings. If you are frustrated that your Watch cant pinpoint your exact location when you are trying to use it for directions amid tall buildings this is a feature for you. Sleep Tracking : The Apple Watches can also track your sleep and wake you up. Since watchOS 8 the Apple Watch has been able to track your breathing rate, notifying you of possible health issues. The Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2 offer Sleep apnoea notifications . Specs Chip: The 2023 Apple Watch Ultra 2 has the S9 chip and the Series 10 has the S10 chip, but they appear to be identical in performance. The S8 chip in the SE (as well as in 2022s Series 8 Apple Watch and the original Ultra) didnt offer a significant power boost over the S7, which itself wasnt a lot better than the S6. While the S6 delivered just a 20 percent boost in performance over the Series 5, which launched in 2019. GPS: Both the Apple Watch Series 10 and SE have L1 GPS, while the Apple Watch Ultra (1 and 2) offer Precision dual-frequency (L1 and L5) GPS. L1 GPS is the standard GPS, but it can be blocked by tall buildings and other obstacles. L5 GPS is more advanced and should cope better with buildings blocking the satellite signal. U2: The Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2 both offer an upgraded ultra-wideband chip that will improve their ability to track the location of an object, such as the iPhone 15. This improves on the U1 chip in the Series 8 and Ultra 1. Note the Apple Watch SE is the only Apple Watch that doesnt even include the U1 chip. Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi connectivity is better in the Series 10 and Ultra: the SE offers only 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n. I Cellular : If you have a cellular contract, the Apple Watch 8, 9, 10 and Ultra models offer 5GHz Wi-Fi, but the SE only 4G LTE. Double Tap on Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch 9 and 10 makes engaging with the Watch easier. Apple Battery life The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers 36 hour battery life (as did the original Ultra). This is much more than the other Watches 18 hours. The Series 10 offers faster charging (0-80% in 30 minutes), an improvement over prior models fast charging (0-80% in 45 minutes). That 36-hour figure for the Ultra can be even higher though if you use the Low Power Mode you should be able to get up to 72 hours, according to Apple. This same Low Power Mode brings the Watch 10 battery life to 36 hours. Thats battery life measured in typical use, but athletes and other users might not be quite so typical. Apple says that therell be enough battery power to get users through a triathlon (thats a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a marathon of 26.2 miles). The problem for other Apple Watch users is that the battery would probably run down if you were tracking such extensive exercise. Check out our roundup of the best Apple Watch chargers and docks . Which Apple Watch to buy As you can see from the above, its not a simple case of being able to say a particular Apple Watch is the winner. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 clearly has the best features and if you are off up a mountain, diving in the ocean, or heading out for a marathon, then the Ultra is the way to go. But its big, perhaps too big, and it has a big price attached to it. The Apple Watch Series 10 offers some enticing new features, and is probably the best choice for most users that dont have specific need of the rugged outdoor qualities of the Ultra. The Apple Watch SE is Apples cheapest Apple Watch, starting at $249/219, which will be a big point in its favor, but its not the cheapest Apple Watch ever sold. Apple used to sell the Apple Watch Series 3 for just $199/179 for the 38mm version. The 2022 SE is cheaper than the 2020 generation though, which started at $279/269. Along with a lower price, the SE also offers features such as Car Crash detection, but it lacks some of the health-related features that people are looking for. Its the health-related features that will probably stand out as the main differentiator between the SE and the Series 10, and this hasnt changed from the previous generation. If the ability to check blood oxygen, take an ECG, and temperature monitoring, are important to you then it has to be the Series 10. If those arent something that you think you need then the SE will be quite sufficient. If you are after a bargain though, we recommend that you look for a deal on an older Apple Watch. We often see the Apple Watch Series 9 on sale and we think its just as good as the 10, unless you really wanted a slightly bigger display. Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $399 Best Prices Today: $349 at Amazon | $349 at Best Buy | $349 at Walmart Electronics Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm) Read our review Price When Reviewed: From $399 Best Prices Today: $279.99 at Target | $319.99 at Best Buy | $399 at Amazon Apple Watch Ultra 2 Read our review Price When Reviewed: $799 (base) Best Prices Today: $799 at Apple | $799.99 at Target | $849.55 at Amazon Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, 40mm) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: $189 at Walmart Electronics | $199 at Best Buy | $199.99 at Target
Our favorite tech we bought in 2024
We at Engadget are in the unique position to test out many more gadgets than we actually use on a regular basis. It just comes with the territory of reviewing the newest smartphones or testing out dozens of power banks to find the best ones. But we still have to buy things for ourselves, and there are winners and losers just like there are when we test things out for professional purposes only. And similar to when we find a new top-tier tablet or VR headset , we like to sing the praises of the tech we bought ourselves to anyone who will listen. These are the best things Engadget staffers purchased this year that will continue to get lots of use in 2025. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/our-favorite-tech-we-bought-in-2024-130006482.html?src=rss
Courtesy of the official Insta360 Amazon storefront, you can now score its brand-new Link 2 4K webcam for $179.99 shipped once you clip the on-page $20 off coupon . This is the first discount were tracking for this particular unit that debuted not too long ago in September carrying a $200 price tag. Todays on-page coupon shaves a solid $20 off to make this 4K webcam with built-in gimbal for auto-tracking a bit easier on your wallet. Head below for more details. more
Engadget Podcast: The AI hype train stalled in 2024
This week, we're looking back at our hellish 2024 and trying to figure out where to go from here. We began the year with enormous hype around artificial intelligence, but that's cooled off after seeing how useless many AI features have been. It's also clear that many companies, including Microsoft and Apple, are trying to push half-baked AI concepts onto users. Looking forward, we're expecting a rough few years for the tech industry (not to mention the world as a whole). Listen below or subscribe on your podcast app of choice. If you've got suggestions or topics you'd like covered on the show, be sure to email us or drop a note in the comments! And be sure to check out our other podcast, Engadget News ! Subscribe! iTunes Spotify Pocket Casts Stitcher Google Podcasts Topics 2024 in review: AI hype hasnt led to much and the social media vibes are in flux 1:12 What were looking forward to in 2025 21:43 Tiktok appeals its ban all the way to the US Supreme Court 29:53 TP-Link routers are being investigated by US authorities 32:39 Quick thoughts from last weeks Game Awards 35:35 Working on 38:26 Pop culture picks 39:17 Interview with Tim Miller and Dave Wilson of Primes Secret Level 49:20 Credits Hosts: Devindra Hardawar and Cherlynn Low Producer: Ben Ellman Music: Dale North and Terrence O'Brien This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/engadget-podcast-the-ai-hype-train-stalled-in-2024-123042348.html?src=rss
The Morning After: Google accused of using novices to fact-check Geminis AI answers
Last week, Google allegedly instructed contract workers evaluating Gemini not to skip any prompts, regardless of their expertise, TechCrunch reports based on internal guidance it viewed. Now, contractors have allegedly been instructed not to skip prompts that require specialized domain knowledge and to rate the parts of the prompt you understand, adding a note that its not an area they have knowledge in. Apparently, the only times contractors can skip now are if a big chunk of the information is missing or if it has harmful content. Google filed a statement to Engadget, saying its raters perform a wide range of tasks across many different Google products and platforms. They provide valuable feedback on more than just the content of the answers, but also on the style, format and other factors. Mat Smith Get this delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! The biggest tech stories you missed Sonic the Hedgehog 4 movie confirmed by Paramount DJI evades US ban but has one year to prove its products arent a national security threat The Steam Winter Sale is here to take all your money Elevation Labs TimeCapsule is a waterproof 10-year battery case for your AirTag A literal set and forget. Lenovo Elevation Lab has released an accessory for the Apple AirTag that extends its battery life by up to 10 years and makes it waterproof. The TimeCapsule contains your AirTag and two AA batteries. You dont need to open your AirTag and tinker with it you only have to remove its backplate and coin battery before attaching it to the case. As you can see, it will make your tracking device a lot bigger and considerably heftier, so its mostly ideal for use with large objects, such as vehicles and big suitcases. Peace of mind for $20 plus two AAs. Continue reading. Honda is unveiling two EV prototypes at CES 2025 The concepts broke cover last year. Honda is officially introducing two Series 0 electric vehicle prototypes at CES next year, and the company says theyll be available for purchase around the world sometime in 2026. The vehicles will be based on the futuristic-looking concepts the company presented at CES 2024, including a flagship model called the Saloon, which featured a low profile and aerodynamic design . Continue reading. Lenovos leaked ThinkBook Plus unrolls extra screen space The company teased a rollable laptop concept in 2022. Lenovo According to images shared by leaker Evan Blass, Lenovos sixth-generation ThinkBook Plus will have an extendable rolling display. The company first teased a rollable laptop concept in 2022. The display can extend and unroll until you effectively have two screens stacked on top of each other. Lenovos images show a video call open on the top part of the display, and what looks like a PowerPoint presentation on the bottom. It looks a little weird. Continue reading. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-121541903.html?src=rss
Best Buy is having a massive holiday sale right now as a part of which it is offering new deals every day. Today, as part of their 25 Days of Deals event , you can get big discounts on an Acer Chromebook and an IdeaPad Windows laptop with some solid specs. The retailer is also offering deals on a Higround gaming keyboard, a Toshiba 65-inch 4K Smart TV, and a bunch of other home and kitchen essentials today. You can save up to $1,619 by cashing in on Best Buys Day 20 offers, so be sure to check them out below. more
Apple has big plans for the smart home in 2025
Macworld Apple has big plans for the smart home in 2025. Having long struggled with limited device support and complex standards, the company wants to move forward with simplified platforms, deeper device integration and improved software. This change in strategy is intended to strengthen the Apple ecosystem and make it competitive at a time when the larger industry is resting its hopes on Matter and Thread to restart a faltering market. In this article we outline Apples smart home strategy for 2025, and explain what this means for the HomePod range. The seamless smart home Apple is planning to significantly expand compatibility with cross-industry standards in 2025. Apple already supports the universal standard Matter, which makes it easier for you to use a wide variety of smart home products from different manufacturers. The Eve and Nanoleaf brands, which are well established in the Apple ecosystem, were among the first to jump on the bandwagon, and others are gradually being added. By doing this, Apple is breaking away from previous restrictions and opening up its platform to a wider range of devices. But it will also make it much easier for users to pick and choose which manufacturers they want to buy from and find the best-value choice. This can be a double-edged sword, as Apple is rarely the cheapest option. Apple Intelligence is also a central element of the new strategy. This AI-based technology is designed to understand commands, react flexibly and perform complex tasks. It is intended to enhance Siri so that the voice assistant can better implement contextualized commands. The goal is a true smart home experience in which your devices respond efficiently to your needs and work together seamlessly. Apple Intelligence isnt just about providing smart summaries of emails. It has an important role to play in the smart home. YouTube / Apple Theres no place like homeOS A key element of the new strategy is the introduction of homeOS . This operating system is intended to bring together several hardware lines and provide the basis for a standardized smart home. Currently, the Apple TV has tvOS running in the background, while the HomePod runs customized software. In future, homeOS could serve as a common platform that provides updates and functions more quickly. The new homeOS software wont be limited to the HomePod and Apple TV: it will play a role in new device categories too. These could include stationary smart displays that allow you to control your home devices more directly and intuitively, instead of using the fiddly controls on an iPhone, iPad or Apple TV. This would benefit both the HomePod and the HomePod mini: the more devices are controlled via homeOS, the more seamlessly your HomePod integrates into the overall experience. But one question remains unanswered: What will the smart display be able to offer that cant already be accomplished with an (inexpensive) iPad? The Apple TV 4K is not yet capable of running Apple Intelligence, although it already has some useful smart home functions. Apple Where does this leave the HomePod? The HomePod range has barely evolved since the launch of the original model. Although there have been software updates, there have been no real hardware innovations. We dont even want to talk about the 2nd-gen HomePod ; rarely has there been such a loveless relaunch of an Apple product. As part of the new strategy, however, Apple could give the HomePod and HomePod mini more significance. In future, the HomePod should be able to handle Apple Intelligence. This is not yet the case, as the hardware requirements are high and the HomePods are controlled by lower-power chips from the Apple Watch range. But Apple is likely to equip future generations of HomePods with more powerful chips to process complex local commands. This would allow Siri to react more intelligently on the HomePod without delays caused by cloud processing, and would enable Apple to remedy the HomePods biggest weakness: its limited voice assistance. The next generation of the HomePod mini should also benefit from the new strategies. Improved processors and optimized wireless standards such as Wi-Fi 6E should reduce response times and make operation smoother and more intuitive. Apple can also upgrade its sensor technology to better capture environmental data, which would make it easier to use an updated HomePod mini as a smart hub. Another factor is new displays. Apple is understood to be working on HomePod variants with an integrated screen, and although these will not appear for some time, they could significantly enhance the HomePod family. With a display, the speakers could be used much more flexibly, for example for video calls or displaying camera images. The idea is not entirely new; Amazon has been offering the Echo Show for a long time. The smart home of the future Support for Matter, the introduction of homeOS, and the deeper integration of Apple Intelligence in Siri will all drive Apples smart home ecosystem forward. For the HomePod and HomePod mini, this means a long-awaited upgrade. While Siri was previously seen as a weak point, better hardware, AI features and a simplified software platform could turn the HomePod into a valuable home hub in the future. While new HomePods with displays and significantly upgraded hardware may not be launched until after 2025, Apple is laying the foundations for a more powerful smart home offering.
Update: This Cyber Monday pricing is now live once again. Details below in the original post. As part of its now live Doorbuster offers , Best Buy is offering on the LG 77-inch Class C3 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart TV at $1,499.99 shipped . This is a 2023 model, one of the best OLED 2023 models on the market in fact, that initially released at over $3,700. These days it carries a regular price at $2,300 via Best Buy and has been selling for between $2,500 and just under $2,000 on Amazon this year. more
5 exciting products that will shape Apples 2025and beyond
Macworld Apple has had a jam-packed 2024. From kickstarting its spatial computing era with the Vision Pro to finally embracing AI on its platformsthe firm has laid some solid groundwork that could reshape the tech industry in the coming years. Nevertheless, the iPhone maker still has some tricks up its sleeve. If the rumors turn out to be accurate, Apple will launch several exciting products next year, and weve got our eyes set on a few of them. HomePad Perhaps the most thrilling 2025 announcement for smart home enthusiasts will be Apples long-rumored HomePod with a displaybetter known as HomePad . The HomePad is rumored to launch late next year as a smart home hub that rivals Nest and similar products. The tablet-like device will likely feature a 6- to 7-inch screen and pack the iPhone 16s A18, a chip more powerful than anything HomePod runs. While the HomePad is expected to offer a specialized interface that revolves around smart home controls, its purpose could extend beyond that. After all, the hub will reportedly support Apple Intelligence and next-gen Siri, FaceTime calls, and other features not necessarily related to smart home functions, including Music, Safari, and Notes. More importantly, it could mark the beginning of a new smart home chapter at Apple, as the company is also rumored to be working on a security camera for 2026. The iPhone 17 could introduce a model thats dramatically thinner than the iPhone 16. Connor Jewiss / Foundry iPhone 17 Air Another exciting device that could launch late next year is the iPhone 17 Air . Apple is reportedly developing an ultra-slim smartphone that could dethrone the 6.9mm iPhone 6 as its thinnest ever, along with a new design. Opting for a 5mm to 6mm thickness will likely push Apple to make several compromises. For example, the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to have a single rear camera centered on the top rear of the phone. It may also miss out on the Pro variant of the A19 chip and retire the physical SIM card slot globally. In short, the iPhone Plus replacement will likely appeal to those seeking the sleekest aesthetics rather than the best possible performance and specs. However, even if the iPhone 17 Air isnt the most technologically advanced compared to the rest of the line, it could act as the foundation for Apples future products, particularly foldables. The new design appears to be a way to test the real-world performance and durability of an ultra-thin handset as Apple continues to work on its rumored foldable iPhone, which isnt due until 2026. iPhone SE 4 Despite being a midrange phone, the iPhone SE 4 will be getting a lot of loveand attentionin 2025. Rumored to launch in its usual spring slot, the budget-friendly model looks to finally retire the prehistoric chassis in favor of a more modern one. On the front side, it will reportedly resemble an iPhone 14, boasting a notched edge-to-edge display that drops the physical home button at long last. Other notable improvements could include Face ID support, a sharper rear camera, a USB-C port, and an A18 processor. For years, those opting for SE iPhones had to sacrifice the design and some nice-to-have perks. With the iPhone SE 4 supporting Apple Intelligence and finally adopting a modern enclosure, it wont feel like a device from the 2010s anymore. And if Apple can keep the price under $499, itll be a real winner. A new Studio Display could make an appearance in 2025. Willis Lai / Foundry Studio Display 2 Apple released its first and only Studio Display back in 2022. The 27-inch LCD monitor starts at $1,599 and features a humble refresh rate of 60Hz, a stunning 5K pixel resolution, up to 600 nits of brightness, a 12MP ultra-wide webcam, multiple USB-C ports, six speakers, and three microphones. While the current Studio Display looks great and works well with Apples Mac lineup, its specifications could use a bump. For starters, Apple could give it a mini-LED display similar to the MacBook Pro, with a higher refresh rate, 1,600 nits of max XDR brightness, and a Nano-texture option. The design could also use an update, perhaps with Liquid Retina rounded corners and a thinner enclosure like the iMac. Its not as certain as the other products on this list, but the latest rumors suggest Apple will launch an update to the 27-inch monitor in the spring alongside the M4 Mac Studio and Mac Pro. Itll look equally slick next to the new micro Mac mini and the next item on our list. M4 Ultra Mac Pro The Mac Pro is no longer powered by an Intel chip, but its the only Apple computer that still has its Intel-era design. While all other Macs have been seriously slimmed down since the transition to Apples M-series processors, the Mac Pros bodydespite not needing memory slots for RAM sticks anymorecontinues to be relatively bulky. In 2025, Apple will reportedly launch an M4 Ultra-powered Mac Pro, boasting up to 32 CPU cores, 80 GPU cores, and 512GB of RAM when maxed out. While the rumors seemingly dont reference a fresh exterior look, itll be around six years since its last facelift. On the other hand, the Mac Pro is generally a niche computer, so Apple could easily get away with just boosting its performance. Not just an iterative year The HomePad and iPhone 17 Air will potentially ignite Apples push into two new categories: the smart home and foldables. Meanwhile, the iPhone SE 4 will be the first of its kind to offer both impressive specs and a modern exterior for a reasonable price tag. And while the Studio Display and Mac Pro may not be as popular as other Apple products, their potential 2025 successors will feature welcome enhancements that their fans will appreciate. Tech reviewers and enthusiasts often complain that todays devices, particularly those coming out of Cupertino, have become too iterative. Vision Pro aside, that was largely the case with 2024s slate of releases. But 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Apple.
The best budgeting apps for 2025
Almost a year ago, I was prompted to look for another budgeting app. Intuit, parent company of Mint, the budgeting app I had been using for a long time, shut down the service in March 2024. The company encouraged Mint users to migrate to its other financial app, Credit Karma , but I found it to be a poor Mint replacement after trying it out. That sent me searching elsewhere to find an app to track all of my financial accounts, monitor my credit score, track spending and set goals like building a rainy-day fund and paying down my mortgage faster. If youre looking for a new budgeting app to get your finances straight, allow Engadget to help. I tried out Mint's top competitors in the hopes that I'd be able to find a new budgeting app that could handle all of my financial needs, and to see which are actually worth the money. How we tested budgeting apps Before I dove in and started testing out budgeting apps, I had to do some research. To find a list of apps to try out, I consulted trusty ol Google (and even trustier Reddit); read reviews of popular apps on the App Store; and also asked friends and colleagues what budget tracking apps (or other budgeting methods) they might be using for money management. Some of the apps I found were free and these, of course, show loads of ads (excuse me, offers) to stay in business. But most of the available apps require paid subscriptions, with prices typically topping out around $100 a year, or $15 a month. (Spoiler: My top pick is cheaper than that.) All of the services I chose to test needed to do several things: import all of your account data into one place; offer budgeting tools; and track your spending, net worth and credit score. Except where noted, all of these apps are available for iOS, Android and on the web. Once I had my shortlist of six apps, I got to work setting them up. For the sake of thoroughly testing these apps, I made a point of adding every account to every budgeting app, no matter how small or immaterial the balance. What ensued was a veritable Groundhog Day of two-factor authentication. Just hours of entering passwords and one-time passcodes, for the same banks half a dozen times over. Hopefully, you only have to do this once. Best budgeting apps of 2025 Budgeting app FAQs What is Plaid and how does it work? Each of the apps I tested uses the same underlying network, called Plaid, to pull in financial data, so its worth explaining what it is and how it works. Plaid was founded as a fintech startup in 2013 and is today the industry standard in connecting banks with third-party apps. Plaid works with over 12,000 financial institutions across the US, Canada and Europe. Additionally, more than 8,000 third-party apps and services rely on Plaid, the company claims . To be clear, you dont need a dedicated Plaid app to use it; the technology is baked into a wide array of apps, including all of the budgeting apps listed in this guide. Once you find the add an account option in whichever one youre using, youll see a menu of commonly used banks. Theres also a search field you can use to look yours up directly. Once you find yours, youll be prompted to enter your login credentials. If you have two-factor authentication set up, youll need to enter a one-time passcode as well. As the middleman, Plaid is a passthrough for information that may include your account balances, transaction history, account type and routing or account number. Plaid uses encryption, and says it has a policy of not selling or renting customer data to other companies. However, I would not be doing my job if I didnt note that in 2022 Plaid was forced to pay $58 million to consumers in a class action suit for collecting more financial data than was needed. As part of the settlement, Plaid was compelled to change some of its business practices. In a statement provided to Engadget, a Plaid spokesperson said the company continues to deny the allegations underpinning the lawsuit and that the crux of the non-financial terms in the settlement are focused on us accelerating workstreams already underway related to giving people more transparency into Plaids role in connecting their accounts, and ensuring that our workstreams around data minimization remain on track. Why did Mint shut down? When parent company Intuit announced in December 2023 that it would shut down Mint, it did not provide a reason why it made the decision to do so. It did say that Mint's millions of users would be funneled over to its other finance app, Credit Karma. Credit Karma is thrilled to invite all Minters to continue their financial journey on Credit Karma, where they will have access to Credit Karmas suite of features, products, tools and services, including some of Mints most popular features, Mint wrote on its product blog . In our testing, we found that Credit Karma isn't an exact replacement for Mint so if you're still looking for a Mint alternative , you have some decent options. What about Rocket Money? Rocket Money is another free financial app that tracks spending and supports things like balance alerts and account linking. If you pay for the premium tier, the service can also help you cancel unwanted subscriptions. We did not test it for this guide, but we'll consider it in future updates. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-budgeting-apps-120036303.html?src=rss
Best AirTag key rings, luggage tags, wallets & accessories
Macworld Here at Macworld were extremely fond of Apples AirTag , which we consider by far the best Bluetooth tracker for an iPhone or Mac user. However, one complaint raised in our AirTag review was that it doesnt have an attachment hole, which means youre forced in most situations to buy an accessory to put it in. Want to attach it to your keys? You need to buy a special key ring. Want to attach it to your luggage? Special luggage label. An ecosystem has quickly sprung up offering straps, loops, pet tags, cases and holders for AirTag owners. But which ones are worth buying? Weve been testing out all the AirTags accessories we can get our hands on, so we can help you find the best AirTag holder for your needs from key rings, luggage tags, wallets and more. Best AirTag Key Rings Apple AirTag FineWoven Key Ring Pros Made by Apple Cons Fabric can scuff Price When Reviewed: $35 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $35 View Deal $35 View Deal $41 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $35 at Apple $35 at Best Buy $41 at Amazon There are cheaper alternatives, but this is the classic AirTag key ringreplacing the previous Apple Leather Key Ring, now that Apple has gone fully vegan in honor of its legendary co-founder Steve Jobs. Its light, attractive and reassuringly well-made. Its easy to put the AirTag inside, but the metal popper wont let it escape. And we love the large, chunky (but quite flat) ring, although wed recommend testing it out in a shop if youre planning on attaching car keys with a small aperture. This reviewers Nissan and Skoda keys were both a tight fit. The fabric covering protects the AirTags edge from drop damage but leaves most of its chassis, both front and back, open to the elements and liable to scuff a littlea complaint publicly made about Apples FineWoven iPhone cases. We think this is worth it for the pleasing look, and scuffing is both inevitable and minor, but if you want total protection youll need to look elsewhere. Its available in five colors: Black, Deep Blue, Blackberry, Dark Green and Chartreuse David Price Belkin Secure Holder with Wire Cable for AirTag Pros Feels more secure than Apple ring Cons Plastic feel Price When Reviewed: $19.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $14.99 View Deal $19.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $14.99 at Amazon $19.95 at Apple Belkins Secure Holder is made of hard plastic, which gives it more of a budget feel, but its reassuringly robust, and looks tough with its wire cable that includes a hex key to lock the AirTag in place. As with Apples key ring, both faces of the AirTag are left exposed, but the plastic surround sticks out more and thus provides more drop protection. Its available in white or black. David Price OtterBox Rugged Case for AirTag Pros Super protective Cons Larger than most Price When Reviewed: $19.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $12.99 View Deal $19.95 View Deal $19.95 View Deal OtterBox $19.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $12.99 at Amazon $19.95 at Apple $19.95 at Apple United States View more prices from OtterBox Close Best Prices Today: OtterBox Rugged Case for AirTag Retailer Price $12.99 View Deal $19.95 View Deal $19.95 View Deal OtterBox $19.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket OtterBox is a company known for its ultra-protective phone cases, and its Rugged Case for AirTag continues this tradition, as its name suggests. The protective perimeter is increased to allow for larger bumps and mishaps than most AirTag key rings. OtterBox also has a Rugged Passport Series of the Rugged Case that is styled with the coordinates of iconic cities, such as New York, London, Paris and Tokyo, as well as a large range of other AirTag cases and key rings . Simon Jary Nomad AirTag Keyrings Pros Range of AirTag keychain options Price When Reviewed: From $15 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Nomad $15 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $15 at Nomad Available in black and white, the Nomad Rugged Keychain is built with a polycarbonate frame and TPU overmold, and ships with two enclosure options: a closed back option and an open speaker option. It is rated IP66 for water and dust resistance. With a Rustic Brown option, the Nomad Leather Keychain carries your AirTag in a good-looking, thermoformed, American Horween Leather holder. Over time, the raw, vegetable-tanned leather will patina to create a unique lived-in look. Adding a third available Natural (tan) color, the Nomad Leather Loop for AirTag is a Horween leather loop that attaches to your AirTag with a powerful 3M adhesive. The AirTag battery, however, remains easily accessible for replacement. Simon Jary OtterBox Core Series Case for AirTag Pros Sustainable materials Price When Reviewed: $19.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $17.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $17.99 at Amazon The OtterBox Core Series Case is the most sustainable AirTag key ringmade from a FSC-certified recycled and recyclable material. Its speckled looks shows off an authentic recycled appearance. Simon Jary Orbitkey Leather Holder for AirTag Pros Leather Cons Covers one side Slight wobble Price When Reviewed: $39.90 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Orbitkey $39.90 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $39.90 at Orbitkey Orbitkey s leather offering is well worth your consideration. It costs roughly the same as Apples non-leather key ring but it has a nice-looking design and a couple of advantages up its sleeve. One is the slenderness of the ring itself. Whereas Apples broad, flat ring can be awkward for attaching car keys with a narrow aperture, this will fit into holes of the smallest dimensions. The second advantage lies in the innovative way keys are attached: an initially baffling locking system that, once mastered, is far quicker and easier (and far less painful) than prising apart the traditional two-layer ring with your fingernails. The only real quibble is that the leather fob is quite a lot bigger than the AirTag itself. It has more space than it needs and wobbles around slightly inside the pocket. The key ring thus takes up more room in your pocket than it needs to. This does also give the AirTag far more protection than Apples version. Its less likely to get scuffed than with the other key rings we tried out. If the price tag puts you off, Orbitkey also makes a much cheaper Slim Case with a similar locking system. David Price ElevationLab TagVault: Keychain Pros Waterproof Cons Reduces volume of AirTag sounds Price When Reviewed: $12.95 (single); $39.95 (4 pack) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price ElevationLab $12.95 View Deal $37.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $12.95 at ElevationLab $37.99 at Amazon Elevation Labs TagVault: Keychain claims that it is fully waterproof. This rugged case has a gasket that prevents water intrusion while passing through ultra-wideband and Bluetooth signals and allowing about two-thirds of the AirTags sound volume. It has an integral loop for a keychain ring and comes with a simple but robust one. Glenn Fleishman Read our full TagVault: Keychain review Caseology Vault Pros Rugged Karabiner attachment Cons Larger than most Price When Reviewed: $13.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $14.69 View Deal $14.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $14.69 at Amazon $14.99 at Walmart How about a properly rugged key ring accessory for your AirTag? The Caseology Vault is made from military-grade thermoplastic polyurethane, with a nicely grippy sandstone finish that makes it less prone to drops. Like the Olixar Silicone it features a karabiner attachment. This is removable, which makes the Vault a versatile accessory. Its just as happy tracking rucksacks as keys. David Price Best AirTag luggage tags and locks Apple AirTag Loop Pros Made by Apple Price When Reviewed: $29 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $12.01 View Deal $29 View Deal $29 View Deal $29.83 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $12.01 at Amazon $29 at Apple $29 at Best Buy View more prices from Walmart Close Best Prices Today: Apple AirTag Loop Retailer Price $12.01 View Deal $29 View Deal $29 View Deal $29.83 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Apples AirTag Loop is made of polyurethane and feels and looks smart, with two of the color options (Electric Orange and Sunflower) particularly bright and cheerful. This will also help you to spot your suitcase on the conveyor belt. The AirTag clips in using a metal clasp thats easy to use and secure; you then put the strap around your luggages handle and loop the head part back through the slit in the tail. It looks slightly delicate at first glancethe strap gets quite thin at a certain pointbut proved resistant to moderate tugging and should be fine under non-military usage conditions. Like Apples key ring, it protects the edges of the AirTag but not the center of its two faces, so expect some scuffing. David Price Belkin Secure Holder with Strap for AirTag Pros Robust Price When Reviewed: $12.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $9.08 View Deal $9.71 View Deal $9.71 View Deal $12.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $9.08 at Amazon $9.71 at B&H $9.71 at Best Buy View more prices from Apple Close Best Prices Today: Belkin Secure Holder with Strap for AirTag Retailer Price $9.08 View Deal $9.71 View Deal $9.71 View Deal $12.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Belkins Secure Holder is also available with a robust string for attaching it to the handle of a suitcase or bag. Like the strap-style loops provided by other manufacturers this threads back through itself to easily attach to your luggage. Its available in white, black, blue, and pink with a matching string. Since the front and back sections, string and key ring are all detachable, you could create a multicolor accessory by mixing and matching more than one holder. David Price Casetify Customisable AirTag Holder Pros Colorful design options Price When Reviewed: $29 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Casetify $29 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $29 at Casetify The principal appeal of Casetifys AirTag holder is the sheer range of designs and colors you can choose from. The ones pictured are, from left, Colorful Floral in Turquoise and Pink (with Peach background); Flowers for you by Matthew Langille (with Licorice); and Egg Tart with Mice (with Avocado). That last one is our favorite, but there are hundreds of options . David Price OneAdaptr AirLock Best Find My travel lock Pros Physical padlock Works with Apple Find My Price When Reviewed: $49 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price OneAdaptr $49 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $49 at OneAdaptr Add extra security to your luggage as well as an Apple-certified location tracker with OneAdaptrs AirLock . This TSA-approved travel lock Its not an AirTag accessory as it is its own Bluetooth locator but it works just like one and is fully compatible with Apples Find My app and ecosystem. It even uses the same reusable battery as the AirTag. As with an AirTag you can play a sound to easily locate your AirLock, check the most recent location of your luggage and receive notifications if your AirLock is left behindwhich might save you a cab ride back from the airport when you realize that you left your suitcase at the hotel. If your lugge gets lost by the airline or other travel operator you can activate Lost Mode in the Apple Find My app, Aside from the locator, the AirLock is an old-school physical zinc alloy padlock with P64 water resistanc, available in either black or silver. Best AirTag wallet and card holders Its not just keys and luggage thate easy to lose. Misplacing your wallet or card holder is a common occurance, and as long as you also havent lost your iPhone, finding one with an AirTag pocket is an easy solution. Artpaxy Wallet with AirTag Holder Pros Full bifold wallet with AirTag pocket Price When Reviewed: $29.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $29.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $29.99 at Amazon This traditional-looking bifold wallet includes a front-mounted pocket for an Apple AirTag, and then does the usual wallet business with 13 card slots, two cash pockets and two ID windows. It also claims to include Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) blocking to stop device scanning. Bosca Old Leather AirTag Seven Pocket ID Card Case Pros Slim and stylish AirTag wallet ID window Cons High International shipping fees Price When Reviewed: $85 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Bosca $85 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $85 at Bosca This slim, stylish and minimalist hand-stained, vegetable-tanned leather card case comprises of a surprising seven small pockets to store your cards and cash, with a snap-close AirTag pocket on the front so you be able to loate it when its left in another jacket or trouser pocketor left behind on the bar. Two or three of the pockets can be sued for bank notes or business cards, three are definitely for creadit or other types of card, and theres a clear ID card window on the side opposite the AirTag. Its available in three colours: Saddle (tan), Dark Brown and Black. Customers outside the U.S. will encounter quite stiff customs and shipping charges. Bazza AirTag Card Wallet Pros Colorful, fun AirTag card wallet Cons Feels a little plasticky Price When Reviewed: $22.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Bazza $22.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $22.99 at Bazza This super-lightweight card wallet from Italy nicely nestles an AirTag in a selection of attractive and fun colors. It feels a little plasticky but is in fact made from sustainable, recyclable plant-based materialstheres not even any glue introduced into the manufacturing process. You can buy with the AirTag preinstalled, or fit in your own. The Bazza AirTag Card Wallet is available in pink, yellow, red, dark blue, light blue, white, black and green. Best AirTag pet collars ElevationLab TagVault: Pet Price When Reviewed: $19.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $16.95 View Deal Elevation Lab $19.95 View Deal $28.66 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $16.95 at Amazon $19.95 at Elevation Lab $28.66 at Walmart Electronics The TagVault: Pet uses screws with the small Torx T6 star-shaped drive for the portion that contains the AirTag and maintains the waterproof seal. These screws are piercing, self-tapping screws with a T10 slot. Theyre used to hold a hard plastic anchor to provide further stability when attached to a pet collar that you providethough the case may be too big for smaller collars. The kit includes a steel Torx T6 L-shaped wrench with screw tips on both ends. Glenn Fleishman Read our full Elevation Lab TagVault: Pet review Best AirTag wallet holders ElevationLab TagVault: Wallet card holds AirTag Pros Securely holds AirTag Best Prices Today: Retailer Price ElevationLab $9.95 View Deal $9.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $9.95 at ElevationLab $9.99 at Amazon Designed to hold an AirTag firmly in place in a wallet, it comes in two form factors: standard, 3.25 by 1.5 inches (83 by 38 mm), and compact, 2 by 1.5 inches (51 by 38 mm). Both are 0.05 inches (1.3 mm) thick. The more rectangular style works well in billfold slots; the squarer design in other parts of a wallet. With the AirTag exposed front and back, theres no additional blocking beyond your wallet to block wireless signals for tracking and Precision Finding. Glenn Fleishman Read our full TagVault: Wallet review Best AirTag mounts Olixar AirTags Adhesive Silicone Pocket Price When Reviewed: $11.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Mobile Fun $11.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $11.99 at Mobile Fun If the thing you want to track hasnt got a handle you can loop the AirTags to, or a pocket you can slip one inside, then the next option is stickiness. These neat silicone pockets (which come in a pack of four) both protect the tracker from external damage, and give it a strong and reliable adhesive surface to cling to a jewel box, schoolbag or games console. Despite the unobtrusive look of the pocket the AirTag is still fairly obvious and easily slipped out, so this solution isnt ideal for tracking down stolen property (unless theres a more discreet internal surface you can stick it to). But for locating TV remotesand for sheer versatility of applicationtheyre indispensable. David Price Pelican Protector Sticker Mount Case for AirTag Devices Pros Strong adhesive connection Cons No built-in water resistance Price When Reviewed: $19.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $9.99 View Deal $9.99 View Deal Pelican Outdoor $19.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $9.99 at Amazon $9.99 at Walmart Electronics $19.99 at Pelican Outdoor If youre looking for an AirTag mount that can stick to almost any surface and allows for easy AirTag removal, the Pelican Protector fits the bill. Its not discreet, its not rugged, and it doesnt offer additional water protection, but as a mount, it works well. Pelican relies on 3M VHB adhesive for attachment, which creates a near-permanent mount that becomes stronger over time. Glenn Fleishman Read our full Pelican Protector Sticker Mount Case for AirTag Devices review Other types of AirTag cases and holders ElevationLab TagVault: Bike AirTag bike tracker Pros Built for bikes Price When Reviewed: $19.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Elevation Lab $19.95 View Deal $19.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $19.95 at Elevation Lab $19.99 at Amazon The TagVault: Bike is a lozenged-shaped plastic shell that houses the AirTag AirTag nestles inside its waterproof seal. It attaches to a bike via the bikes water bottle mount, using longer screws to attach the bottle cage, or shorter screws if you dont attach the cage. The case is a matte black, rendering it unobtrusive. Screwed in between a cage and the frame, a thief would first have to recognize it and then work hard to remove it quickly. Glenn Fleishman Read our full Elevation Lab TagVault: Bike review Pitaka PitaTag for Lighter Pros Never lose your lighter Price When Reviewed: $69.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Pitaka $69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $69.99 at Pitaka Lighters are easy to leave behind or lend to someone and forget to ask for it back. One solution is to hide an AirTag inside the lighter so you can track it down and get it back when this happens. This refillable lighter, crafted like the companys iPhone cases, from military-grade aramid fiber and premium zinc alloy, looks like a card case rather than a cheap off-the-shelf lighter. Pitaka claims that the lighters blue pyramid-shaped flame is unaffected by wind, and that it features a built-in gravity lock pin to ensures that it cant create a flame when upside down. Nomad Hydro Flask AirTag Tracker Pros Easily track your Hydro Flask Cons For specific models only Requires Medium Flex Boot Price When Reviewed: $15 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Nomad $15 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $15 at Nomad Hydro Flask water bottles are popular but also surprisingly easy to leave behind after a run, bike ride, or visit to the park. The Nomad Hydro Flask Tracker is a hidden inner AirTag compartment in a slim TPU body that fits between your Hydro Flask and the Medium Flex Boot (accessory sold separately) and features It works with 32oz or 40oz Wide Mouth Hydro Flasks. If the Apple AirTag is just not right for you, check out these Bluetooth tracker recommended AirTag alternatives . What you can expect in an AirTag case Because the AirTag comes in a single variety, you dont need to choose which kind to acquire. Apple sells them singly ($29) and in a four-pack ($99). Engraving is free. An AirTag regularly broadcasts 2.4GHz Bluetooth signals with an encrypted device ID for other Apple devices to pick up and relay along with those devices locations. The 2.4GHz band penetrates solid objects well, but case designers need to be mindful of materials that have the potential to block the signal. In our survey of AirTag cases, we didnt find a case so far that had that design problem. AirTags also use ultrawideband (USB) technology for Precision Finding, exclusive to Apples own Find My items. Precision Finding lets an iPhone with UWB identify the direction and distance within inches when its within about 15 to 30 feet (4.5 to 9 m). Consider to what use you may put an AirTag to determine the features you want: Purpose: Cases exist in enough variety that you can find one designed as a luggage tag, another as a stylish keyring, and another to resist enormous amounts of damage. Figure out where you want to put the AirTag and match the case to it. Water resistance: Many cases feature some degree of water resistance, some using the IP rating that defines precisely how much. If youre using an AirTag outside or on a pets collar, you may want one with a high degree of resistance. When attaching to a bag or keyring, it may seem less important or not important at all. Ring, clip, loop, or carabiner: Case makers offer many variants on attachments. Some include a simple hole to attach a keychain, while others incorporate a keychain as part of the product and may include a keyring. You can purchase multiple cases built into a carabiner, including one with a three-digit combination lock. You can also get a string or similar loop design, in which the case passes through a loop and pulls tight on a handle without a knot. Removable or adhesive: You might want an AirTag case thats easy to move about or attach and reattach. Other cases include adhesive for semi-permanent fixed attachment. Hidden for theft recovery: Some cases are designed to hide an AirTag, making its presence less apparent and thus less likely to be discovered if stolen; others are obvious, such as in a keychain or luggage tag. Temper hideability with the knowledge that Apples anti-stalking features built into AirTag tech makes them discoverable to criminals with a smartphone.Shows the front:Conversely, some cases show off an AirTag, revealing its front where you might have had added custom engraving from Apple with an emoji or text. You might want to see that engraving to differentiate among AirTags you own. Cost: Cases generally cost from about $20 to $35around the price of a single AirTag. However, there are outliers below $10 and above $40. Its all about the function, ruggedness, and complexity of purpose. Some charge extra for style. How we test AirTag case features For each kind of case, we rated them based on specific features around which they were designed. These include: Easy to insert the AirTag for secure retention: Every case has a slightly different approach to getting an AirTag inside. Some cases have an elaborate locking procedure or require removing and restoring four tiny screws to preserve a waterproof seal. Others are simple as sliding the tag into a holding or popping it into a rubber ring. Attaches securely for attachable cases: We tested cases that market themselves as attachable at how well they succeed at that task. Cases may come with or be part of a keyring, carabiner, wrist strip, or pet collar, or may have an adhesive to stick on to objects, like the inside of luggage. Access for battery replacement: Apple expects an AirTag battery to last for about a year in everyday usage, which it defines as one case of Precision Finding and four tones played per day. A case should allow access that isnt maddening for replacing the battery every several months to a year. Robust against bumps and bangs: Only a few kinds of cases can avoid the wear and tear of bumping against other objects. Most need to be constructed with that in mind. For cases exposed to other surfaces, we look at whether the materials and build quality give confidence in them provide lasting value. Blocks access to remove: A handful of cases provide a security element intended to prevent access to an AirTag without excessive forcethe AirTag would have to be destroyed to remove it. We rate these cases on whether they seem able to prevent or deter everything but destruction. Apple AirTag Price When Reviewed: 1 pack $29 | 4 pack $99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $25.99 View Deal $27 View Deal $29 View Deal $31.73 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $25.99 at B&H $27 at Walmart $29 at Apple $31.73 at Amazon View more prices from Amazon Close Best Prices Today: Apple AirTag Retailer Price $25.99 View Deal $27 View Deal $29 View Deal $31.73 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Read our full Apple AirTag review Apple AirTag 4 pack Price When Reviewed: $99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $72.99 View Deal $72.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal $84.99 View Deal $89 View Deal $99 View Deal $109 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $72.99 at Amazon $72.99 at Walmart Electronics $79.99 at Best Buy View more prices from Target B&H Adorama Apple United States Close Best Prices Today: Apple AirTag 4 pack Retailer Price $72.99 View Deal $72.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal $84.99 View Deal $89 View Deal $99 View Deal $109 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket
The best laptops for gaming and schoolwork in 2025
While there remain regular laptops and gaming laptops, the line that separates them has nearly disappeared. Today, if you have a fast CPU and graphics card, along with perks like a big screen and a good cooling system, you can play a decent number of games on your laptop. Besides, not everyone wants a big, garish gaming rig, nor does everyone want to spend the money required to get one of those. If youre considering a new laptop for school, there are more options now than ever before that can both get you through your most challenging studies and keep up with your next AAA play through. These are our top picks for the best laptops for gaming and schoolwork but if youre looking for a dedicated gaming laptop rather than an all-in-one machine, check out our best gaming laptops list for our recommendations. Best laptops for gaming and school in 2025 Are gaming laptops good for school? As weve mentioned, gaming laptops are especially helpful if you're doing any demanding work. Their big promise is powerful graphics performance, which isn't just limited to PC gaming. Video editing and 3D rendering programs can also tap into their GPUs to handle laborious tasks. While you can find decent GPUs on some productivity machines, like Dell's XPS 15, you can sometimes find better deals on gaming laptops. My general advice for any new workhorse: Pay attention to the specs; get at least 16GB of RAM and the largest solid state drive you can find (ideally 1TB or more). Those components are both typically hard to upgrade down the line, so its worth investing what you can up front to get the most out of your PC gaming experience long term. Also, dont forget the basics like a webcam, which will likely be necessary for the schoolwork portion of your activities. The one big downside to choosing a gaming notebook is portability. For the most part, we'd recommend 15-inch models to get the best balance of size and price. Those typically weigh in around 4.5 pounds, which is significantly more than a three-pound ultraportable. Today's gaming notebooks are still far lighter than older models, though, so at least you won't be lugging around a 10-pound brick. If youre looking for something lighter, there are plenty of 14-inch options these days. And if you're not into LED lights and other gamer-centric bling, keep an eye out for more understated models that still feature essentials like a webcam (or make sure you know how to turn those lights off). This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/best-laptops-for-gaming-and-school-132207352.html?src=rss
