Amazon introduces new Kindle Paperwhite, Colorsoft and entry-level models
Amazon's new Kindle e-readers come with flat-surface displays and new colors.
HP's Omnibook 5 features an OLED screen and costs $699
It also lasts up to 42 hours on a single charge.
Neurable launches its newest brain-scanning headphones
Neurable is launching a new pair of EEG-equipped headphones to keep an eye on your brainwaves while you work, rest and play.
Amazon's latest Kindle accessories bring physical buttons back to its ereaders
BookTok will probably rejoice.
Alongside Amazons now-live early fall Prime Day deals, Woot is offering an AMD-powered CyberPowerPC gaming desktop for $494.99 Prime shipped (a $6 delivery fee applies otherwise). Just be sure to use promo code APPLETEN at checkout to see the discounted price. This is an entry-level configuration that typically sells for around $1,000, with Walmart currently listing the same PC at $949 and similarly specced systems at Amazon also hovering around that mark. Woots deal, however, drops it below $500 to deliver some serious value for your money. Its not going to compete with higher-end gaming rigs, but it makes a lot of sense as a starter desktop if youre getting into PC gaming and dont want to spend four figures right away. Head below for more details. more
GLM-5.3, an open-weight model from the Chinese lab Zhipu AI, can build working cyber exploits on its own almost as well as Claude Mythos Preview, Anthropic said on Tuesday. Its safeguards can be bypassed with simple techniques in up to 100% of tests. Anthropics Frontier Red Team published the findings in a research post. Zhipu [] This story continues at The Next Web
Use.ai puts 10+ AI models in one app and reaches 1 million monthly users
Every new AI model creates another reason to switch. For users who have already built up months or years of conversations, preferences, files and personal context inside one platform, moving to a better model can also mean starting again. Use.ai was built around the idea that people should be able to switch between the intelligence [] This story continues at The Next Web
Maximor rebrands as Hyphenate after 86x revenue growth
Maximor, the autonomous finance company, has rebranded as Hyphenate. The new name reflects the companys expansion across the office of the CFO and follows 86x revenue growth over the past 12 months. Finance software spent the last decade breaking the office of the CFO into point solutions. There was one for close, another for billing, [] This story continues at The Next Web
iPhone Duo Guide: Everything you need to know about Apple
Macworld The iPhone Duo , Apples first foldable iPhone , will be available to pre-order on October 16 and goes on sale October 23 . Buyers can begin Apples Get Ready process on October 12, allowing them to choose their configuration and prepare payment, trade-in and delivery details before orders officially open. The Duo opens like a book from a compact 5.4-inch phone into a much larger 7.6-inch device. Apple describes the internal screen as its largest-ever iPhone display, with 50 percent more screen area than the iPhone 18 Pro Max , while the outer display provides more than 90 percent of the screen area of an iPhone 18 Pro . The biggest change is obviously the folding design , but Apple has done more than simply add a hinge. The iPhone Duo will ship with iOS 27.1 , which adapts to different positions and orientations with fold-specific interface and multitasking features. These include Split View, hands-free FaceTime and video, StandBy without charging, and layouts that move seamlessly between the two screens. Apple Pencil USB-C support is also coming later in 2026. The other major changes are the 7.6-inch nano-texture inner display , Touch ID replacing Face ID , an A20 Pro processor with vapor-chamber cooling , and a dual-battery system designed around the two halves of the phone. Apple has also introduced camera features that exploit the second screen, including Duo Preview, Smart Take, Kid Cue and Duo FaceTime. Much of the pre-launch reporting proved accurate: the Duo name, book-style design, roughly 7.7- and 5.4-inch screens, Touch ID, two 48MP rear cameras, two front-facing cameras, A20 Pro, C2 modem, MagSafe and the white/dark-blue colours were all anticipated. iPhone Duo at a glance Apples first folding iPhone , with 5.4-inch outer and 7.6-inch inner displays. Touch ID replaces Face I D, with the fingerprint sensor incorporated into the side button. A20 Pro with vapor-chamber cooling , including a new 2nm manufacturing process. Dual-battery architecture , giving up to 44 hours of video playback on the outer display. Fold-specific iOS and camera features , including Split View, Duo Preview, Smart Take, Kid Cue and hands-free use. iPhone Duo: Top 10 features Foldable design Book-style titanium design with precision hinge Inner display 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz ProMotion Outer display 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz ProMotion Processor A20 Pro, 6-core CPU, 7-core GPU Neural Engine Dual 16-core Neural Engine Authentication Touch ID in side button Rear cameras 48MP Main + 48MP Ultra Wide Battery Dual batteries; up to 44 hours video on outer screen Connectivity C2 modem, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, second-gen UWB Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB iPhone Duo release date: When will it go on sale? Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo on September 9, 2026 , but unlike the iPhone 18 Pro models it wont arrive until October. From Monday, October 12 , Apple will let customers Get Ready for iPhone Duo pre-orders . Through the Apple Store app, buyers will be able to choose their preferred color and storage capacity, select a carrier, arrange a trade-in or financing, choose AppleCare+, and enter payment and delivery information in advance. That should make placing the final order considerably quicker once pre-orders open. Pre-orders begin on Friday, October 16 , at 1 p.m. in the U.K. and 5 a.m. Pacific in the U.S. The iPhone Duo officially goes on sale one week later on Friday, October 23 , in more than 70 countries and regions, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, China, France, Germany, India and Japan. A further 28 countries and regions will get it on October 30. Pre-order iPhone Duo at Apple U.S. Pre-order iPhone Duo at Apple U.K. It will be available directly from Apple online and through Apple Stores, with carrier availability varying by market. Initial supplies may be limited.A late-September supply-chain report claimed Apple and its manufacturing partners were still experiencing relatively low production yields for the new folding design. iPhone Duo design: What does it look like? The iPhone Duo opens up like a book. Apple The iPhone Duo uses a book-style folding design . Closed, it is unusually short and wide for an iPhone, measuring 84.1mm wide, 117.8mm tall and 11.3mm thick . Open it and the width expands to 164.6mm , while thickness reduces to just 5.2mm , making it Apples thinnest iPhone when unfolded (taking that mantle from the iPhone Air). It weighs 254g . The outer screen measures 5.4 inches , while the folding inner panel measures 7.6 inches . Both are Super Retina XDR OLED displays with ProMotion up to 120Hz, Always-On display support and up to 3,000 nits outdoor peak brightness. The internal display also has a nano-texture surface designed to reduce reflections and make the crease less noticeable. The frame and hinge cover are made from Grade 5 titanium . Apple uses a mirror-polished finish on the enclosure and a micro-blasted finish on the 3D-printed hinge cover. Ceramic Shield protects the rear, while Ceramic Shield 2 protects the outer display. The phone retains an IP68 rating despite its folding construction. The hinge from the outside. Apple There are just two colors: Star White and Night Sky , essentially confirming the pre-event reports of silver/white and a very dark blue. For more information read about the iPhone Duo colors. Action button and Camera Control There is Camera Control , giving access to exposure, depth, zoom, cameras, styles and tone. It can also launch the new Siri Camera mode. However, Apples Duo doesnt feature an Action button . The regular iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max retain both the Action button and Camera Control, so this is one hardware-control compromise of the folding model. Accessories Apple is also launching two dedicated accessories for the foldable: The iPhone Duo Case at $79/79 The Duo Folio with Kickstand at $129/129 Both will be orderable from October 16. Face ID, Touch ID and the notch Perhaps the most surprising difference between the iPhone Duo and Apples other flagship iPhones is that there is no Face ID . Instead, Apple has brought back Touch ID , with the fingerprint sensor incorporated into the side button. It works whether the Duo is folded or unfolded, and Apple Watch can also be used to unlock the device. This confirms one of the most persistent pre-launch rumors. The internal display therefore does not need the TrueDepth sensors used for Face ID. Its FaceTime camera sits beneath the display and disappears when it isnt being used , giving the inner screen a largely uninterrupted surface. The inner camera itself is hidden below the display rather than sitting permanently in a visible camera cutout. And yet, despite this and the absence of Face ID, there is still support for Dynamic Island . iPhone Duo cameras: What cameras does it have? There are two cameras on the rear. Apple The Duo has a 48MP Dual Fusion camera system , comprising: Camera Resolution Equivalent focal length Aperture Fusion Main 48MP 26mm f/1.6 2x crop from Main 12MP 52mm f/1.6 Fusion Ultra Wide 48MP 13mm f/2.2 Outer front camera 12MP f/2.2 Inner FaceTime camera Apple does not specify resolution f/1.8 The Duo does not have variable aperture . Variable aperture is exclusive to the 48MP Fusion Main camera in the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. The biggest camera features for iPhone Duo Duo Preview The outer screen can show a live preview while somebody else is being photographed, allowing the subject to adjust their pose and framing. Smart Take and Kid Cue Smart Take detects when everybody is ready and automatically captures the shot. Kid Cue uses animations on the outer screen to encourage children to look towards the camera. Two-screen shooting The folding design supports unusual shooting configurations, including using the main cameras for selfies or group photos while seeing the composition on the other screen. Duo FaceTime can also put nearby participants onto the outer display. Other notable camera features include 48MP macro photography, a 2x optical-quality crop from the Main camera, an under-display inner FaceTime camera, Dual Capture for simultaneous front-and-rear video, and 4K Dolby Vision recording at up to 120fps. Rear cameras The 48MP Fusion Main has an f/1.6 aperture, sensor-shift stabilization and can shoot 24MP or 48MP images. It also provides a 12MP, 2x optical-quality crop equivalent to a 52mm lens. The 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide has a 13mm-equivalent lens, f/2.2 aperture and 120-degree field of view. It also supports 48MP macro photography and is the same Ultra Wide camera used by the iPhone 18 Pro family. That means the Duo does not match the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max camera system. Those phones add a dedicated 48MP Fusion Telephoto and variable aperture on the Main camera, making the Pro models much more flexible for photography despite costing substantially less. Pre-event reports were divided between a Main + Telephoto and Main + Ultra Wide arrangement. Apple ultimately chose Main + Ultra Wide , confirming the earlier reports that a dedicated telephoto could be sacrificed to save space. Front cameras On the outside is a 12MP Center Stage camera with an f/2.2 aperture . It supports Center Stage, automatic portrait/landscape framing, Dual Capture, Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 5 and 4K Dolby Vision video at up to 60fps. Inside is an under-display FaceTime camera with an f/1.8 aperture. Apple does not specify its megapixel resolution. It supports Center Stage for video calls and records at up to 1080p/60fps. Its major advantage is visual rather than photographic: the camera effectively disappears beneath the display when it isnt being used. iPhone Duo video features The Main camera records 4K Dolby Vision at 24, 25, 30, 60, 100 or 120fps , with 4K/120fps also available for slo-mo. Cinematic mode reaches 4K/60fps and Action mode up to 2.8K/60fps. Dual Capture can record at up to 4K/30fps. Apples specifications also do not list ProRes or Apple Log recording for the Duo. Those remain more Pro-oriented capabilities rather than part of Apples foldable camera proposition. The Duo does support Spatial Audio recording , Audio Mix, Dolby Vision HDR and Apples computational photography features including Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 5, Photographic Styles 3, smart focus tracking and Apple Intelligence-powered editing. Apple does not list conventional Spatial Video capture in the Duo specifications. iPhone Duo processor: What processor does it use? Watch video on the screen. Apple The iPhone Duo uses the A20 Pro , the same processor as the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. It is manufactured using a 2-nanometer process , a major step forward in transistor density and efficiency. Apple combines it with a new chip packaging design inspired by its M-series Mac processors. The package connects the A20 Pro directly to a custom vapor chamber to transfer heat away from the processor more effectively. The A20 Pro includes: 6-core CPU: two super cores and four efficiency cores 7-core GPU with Neural Accelerators Dual 16-core Neural Engine Hardware-accelerated ray tracing A dedicated display engine capable of operating both Duo displays Compared with the A19 Pro, Apple says the CPU is up to 20 percent faster , while the GPU is up to 40 percent faster and more power-efficient . The Dual 16-core Neural Engine delivers twice the compute power , while unified-memory bandwidth rises by 50 percent . Apple also claims that the complete thermal system gives the Duo up to 35 percent better sustained performance than the iPhone 17 Pro . That sustained-performance figure is particularly important for a folding device because prolonged gaming, multitasking and AI workloads generate considerably more heat than short benchmark bursts. iPhone Duo RAM: How much memory does it have? Apple has not disclosed how much RAM is inside the iPhone Duo . Before launch, supply-chain reports consistently pointed to 12GB of RAM , which would make sense given the demands of running two displays, simultaneous applications, Siri AI and larger on-device AI models. Apple does reveal that A20 Pro has 50 percent more unified-memory bandwidth than A19 Pro , which should help the Duo move data more quickly between the CPU, GPU and Neural Engine. Extra memory is particularly useful on the Duo because iOS 27.1 can display multiple apps simultaneously and because Apple Intelligence and Siri AI increasingly run generative models locally rather than relying entirely on cloud processing. iPhone Duo connectivity An expensive desk calendar. Apple Apple has put a significant amount of its own communications silicon into the iPhone Duo. It uses Apples new C2 cellular modem , replacing Qualcomm silicon. Apple says C2 introduces AI-powered improvements to cellular quality and reliability and supports mmWave 5G in the U.S. The N1 wireless networking chip provides: Wi-Fi 7 with 22 MIMO Bluetooth 6 Thread networking The USB-C port also supports USB 3 data transfers at up to 10Gbps and DisplayPort video output. The Duo also has Apples second-generation Ultra Wideband chip , NFC and precision dual-frequency GPS. It is eSIM-only worldwide , something that had been widely rumored before launch. Eliminating the SIM tray gives Apple additional internal space for its batteries. Satellite capabilities include: Emergency SOS via satellite Roadside Assistance via satellite Find My via satellite Messages via satellite Battery, MagSafe and charging: Whats available? Instead of one battery spanning the body, the iPhone Duo contains two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries , with one high-energy battery fitted into each half of the device. Apples energy-balancing algorithms make them operate as a single battery system. Apple rates battery life at: Up to 24 hours of typical use Up to 44 hours video playback using the outer display Up to 31 hours using the inner display Up to 37 hours streamed video on the outer screen Up to 26 hours streamed video on the inner display Apple has not disclosed the batteries combined capacity in mAh. The pre-launch rumor of approximately 5,000-5,500mAh therefore remains unconfirmed. Wired charging can take the Duo to 50 percent in around 20 minutes with a 60W-or-higher USB-C adapter. Despite earlier uncertainty, MagSafe is supported , with wireless charging at up to 25W . Qi2 charging also reaches 25W. Apple says a 35W-or-higher adapter and MagSafe charger can bring the battery to around 50 percent in approximately 30 minutes. iPhone Duo price: How much does it cost? The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 in the U.S. and 1,999 in the U.K. for 256GB. Prices are: Storage Price 256GB $1,999/1,999 512GB $2,199/2,199 1TB $2,599/2,599 2TB $3,199/3,199 The 256GB starting capacity means Apple has not created an unusually low-storage entry model simply to make the headline price look lower. iPhone Duo vs iPhone 18 Pro pricing The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199/1,199 , while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299/1,299 . That makes the Duo approximately $700/700 more expensive than the Pro Max at entry level. That premium buys the folding display, precision hinge, titanium structure, second screen and more complex dual-battery design rather than superior cameras: in several areas the iPhone 18 Pro models are actually better equipped. Reports before the launch suggested the Duo could cost anywhere from around $1,999 to $2,399 at entry level, largely because of the folding OLED display, hinge mechanism, titanium components and other expensive parts. Apple ultimately landed at the very bottom of those predictions. Should you buy the iPhone Duo? The iPhone Duo is the iPhone to buy if you genuinely want a phone and small tablet in one device. Its 7.6-inch display, multitasking features, A20 Pro performance and clever fold-specific camera modes offer capabilities no other iPhone has. But at $1,999/1,999 it is enormously expensive, and there are significant compromises: no Face ID, no dedicated telephoto camera, no variable aperture and no Action button. For photography, battery life and conventional everyday use, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is likely to be the better-value flagship. Buy the Duo because you want the folding experience, not because it is simply the best iPhone . Read: When is the best time to buy an iPhone and our iPhone Buying Guide .
Galaxy Z Fold 8 up to $546 off the list prices today (Best Buy open-box)
The early fall Prime Day sale at Amazon is carrying all-time low pricing on Galaxy Z Fold 8 at $250 off, but we are circling back to some excellent condition open-box offers at Best Buy this morning. Prices have now dropped again on select models 256GB up to $441 off and 512GB models up to $546 off . Details below. more
Trump tells Axios that Jay Clayton would make a good AI czar
President Donald Trump has said that Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton would make a good AI czar, Axios reported on Tuesday. Trump has said he wants to name a czar within three or four days. Maria Curi of Axios asked Trump who he wanted for the role. He said he had someone in mind. [] This story continues at The Next Web
Amazons early fall Prime Day deals are starting to make a huge splash, but Woot currently has one of the best SSD deals out there now with WD_BLACKs 1TB SN850P Heatsink SSD at $179.99 Prime shipped (a $6 delivery fee will apply otherwise). Just be sure to use promo code APPLETEN at checkout to see the discounted price. This drive originally sold for around $150, but SSD pricing has climbed sharply this year, with the 1TB model fetching as much as $300 in recent months. Amazon currently has it listed closer to $240, and Woot is undercutting that price by about $60. Todays deal also marks a return to the lowest price we first tracked earlier this month following the recent storage price hikes, making this a particularly timely offer if you want to add more room to your PS5 ahead of bigger releases like GTA 6. Head below for more details. more
OpenAI seeks $30bn at a $1.4tn valuation as revenue nears $70bn
OpenAI is in early talks to raise at least $30bn at a valuation of around $1.4tn, before the new money. Bloomberg and The Information reported the talks on Tuesday. The round would give the ChatGPT maker fresh capital after it pushed back its stock market listing. Rebecca Torrence, Edward Ludlow and Shirin Ghaffary reported for [] This story continues at The Next Web
US lawmaker asks five AI firms how they guard model weights from China
US Congressman Ro Khanna has asked five leading American AI companies to share what they know about attempts by China or other hostile actors to steal their model weights. The letters went to the chief executives of OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Meta and SpaceX, Reuters reported. Model weights are the numbers learned during training that make [] This story continues at The Next Web
How much power does the iPhone
Macworld The always-on display is a brilliant feature, particularly on the Apple Watch, where it makes the smartwatch look just like a proper watch. With the iPhone 14 Pro, Apple began incorporating a similar technology into the iPhone. Starting with the iPhone 17, Apple included the always-on display on all models except the iPhone 17e. But how does the always-on display affect an iPhones battery life? After all, the battery has to power the large screen almost constantly. There are situations where the always-on display is switched off, despite the setting being enabled: in Sleep mode, when the iPhone is lying face down, when a paired Apple Watch isnt nearby, or when CarPlay is activated in the car. I ran a few tests to compare battery life when the always-on display is activated, and compared the results to when the display turns off when its not in use. Surprisingly, the results arent as drastic as one might think. Testing battery life My two weeks of testing involved an iPhone 17 running iOS 27 Beta 3. In the first week, I used the iPhone daily with the always-on display. In the following week, the screen was switched off. From the recorded data, I extracted the battery statuses at 15-minute intervals for each day and categorized them as Always On and Always Off. This yielded 672 data points in each category. Effect of always-on display on the iPhone battery Foundry If you filter out the rows in both datasets showing the battery level when the iPhone was being charged, and calculate the discharge rate per hour, it turns out that the iPhone discharges at an average rate of 4.27 percent per hour when the display is always on. For an iPhone with the display deactivated, this rate is 3.75 percent per hour. The discharge rate during the day, from 8 a.m to 11 p.m., was 5.88 percent with the always-on display activated, and 5.37 percent with it off. As can be seen from the data in the graph above, both discharge curves run almost parallel. There are no major discrepancies between the different settings that would suggest the always-on display being switched off has a significant effect on battery life. The t-test, which precisely calculates the significance of a factor, also yields a p-value of 0.3011 in this case. Significance is established at a p-value of 0.05 or less. This means that whether the always-on display is enabled or disabled has no significant effect on battery life. Our measurement data supports what Apple claimed when introducing the always-on display in 2022. When the screen is locked, it is throttled down to 1Hz, which reduces power consumption. In the chaos of everyday life, which is influenced by user behavior, signal strength, and outside temperatures, whether the screen is on or off does not make a significant difference.
Mark Zuckerberg came up with the AI safety accord that President Donald Trump signed on Tuesday, Semafor and Politico reported. He also circulated the draft. Microsoft and Amazon did not sign it. Satya Nadella and Jeff Bezos both attended the White House lunch where the CEOs agreed it. Ashley Gold first reported the story for [] This story continues at The Next Web
Still live: New Beats 360 ANC headphones launch deal
Just a quick head sup here: Yesterday Amazon had countdown clocks on the new Beats 360 ANC Headphones launch deal, but it has apparently decided to keep the 80% price drop on the modular Cushion Kits rolling through today. more
Neon will make a truly open-source SCP movie after A24 controversy
Movie studios are turning to the horror fiction site SCP Foundation and showing how dealing with that community can go right, and wrong.
Monk hosts Net 30, an applied AI summit on the future of finance
On October 21, 150 CFOs, operators, founders and researchers will gather at The Times Center in New York. They will discuss how AI is reshaping cash, capital and the finance function. In a Gartner survey of 183 CFOs, 84% of finance organizations had deployed AI or planned to. Yet only 7% reported a high impact. [] This story continues at The Next Web
Suspected Chinese hackers posed as US AI insiders, Proofpoint says
A group of hackers believed to have been acting on behalf of China pretended to be well-known American AI experts to obtain the email accounts of people who specialize in AI policy. According to Reuters, the security firm Proofpoint released the findings on Thursday. Proofpoint has identified the group as TA419 and has said that [] This story continues at The Next Web
Alongside the updated early fall Prime Day sale and the ongoing all-time low pricing on AirTag 2, Woot has launched another dedicated Apple sale this morning featuring iPads, HomePod, Watch bands, AirPods, and loads of official chargers, cables, and accessories. Plus, you can score an extra 10% off at checkout using code APPLETEN at checkout. Details below. more
While Prime Big Deal Days wont technically go live until next week, the folks over at Eve have informed 9to5Toys its official fall Prime Day deals at Amazon start today. Youll find plenty of the brands well-regraded HomeKit and Matter-compatible smart home gear now marked down for Prime Big Deal Days with as much as 38% in savings. Youll find them waiting on the brands official Amazon storefront and in detail down below. more
Google's first Gemini 4 model is 'Argon'
Google trained Gemini 4 Argon to be highly capable in knowledge work, cybersecurity defense and creative writing.
New LEGO Astro Bot now available on its own for $25 direct from PlayStation
We have already detailed all of this months new LEGO drops, but there is one very special PlayStation mascot GWP now available for purchase on its own you can now score the near-perfect LEGO Astro Bot directly from the PlayStation Store without having to buy the entire LEGO PlayStation console set. more
One platform gives you access to GPT, Gemini, Claude, and more for life for just $100
Macworld TL;DR: 1min.AI gives you lifetime access to GPT, Claude, Gemini, and more for a one-time payment of $99.99 (reg. $540). ChatGPT Plus costs $20 a month, and that only gets you OpenAIs models. 1min.AI puts GPT, Claude, Gemini, and other AI models in one app for writing, images, audio, and video, and a lifetime subscription to the Advanced Business Plan is on sale for $99.99 (reg. $540). With 1min.AI, you can chat with GPT-5.5 Pro, Claude 4.6 Sonnet, and Gemini 3.1 Pro all within the same window. That means its a lot easier to get work done across models, and you dont have to tab hop if you want to send the same prompt to different tools. Other tools write blog posts, edit images, summarize PDFs, turn text into speech, and generate short videos. This plan includes 4,000,000 credits a month, enough for up to 1,112,500 words or 1,186 images. You can earn another 15,000 free credits each day by opening the web app, and those credits never expire. Up to 20 team members can share the account, with unlimited storage and unlimited brand voices. Stop paying for a separate subscription to every AI model you use. Get a 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan lifetime subscription on sale for $99.99. 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change .
Macworld Podcast: Mac mini and Mac Studio reviews
Macworld Apple recently updated the Mac mini and the Mac Studio, so on this episode of the Macworld Podcast, we talk about the new chips in those Macs, the speed improvements, and what you get for the money. This is episode 1002 with Michael Simon , Jason Cross , and Roman Loyola . Episode 1002 on YouTube Episode 1002 on Apple Podcasts Episode 1002 on Spotify Get info Click on the links below for more information on what was discussed on the show., Mac mini (M5 Pro) review: Killer performance at a lethal price Should you buy a Mac mini now? M6 vs M5 Pro buying advice The new Mac mini hides an ugly SSD secret Mac Studio (M5 Max) review: Shifting into overdrive A Brief History of Microsoft Excel (Noble Desktop) Photo of Steve Jobs and Bill Gates announcing Microsoft Excel (Getty Images) Comment Corner We talked about the Apple Watch Series 12 last week, and said its the most significant upgrade since the Series 4. we got a few a comment sabout that on social. Its great but literally cant set a cooking timer Will.i.cook via TikTok This is lacking AI. AI on watches where it is headed. This is an embarrassment asg4aa via Instagram Im sure itll be great for people who actually use and understand all the extra data, but Im not heavily invested/nerdy regarding this sort of thing so just seems like a lot of stuff I wouldnt use. Same with all the new granular controls on the iPhone 18 Pro. Isaac P. via Facebook Subscribe to the Macworld Podcast You can subscribe to the Macworld Podcastor leave us a review! right here in the Podcasts app . The Macworld Podcast is also available on Spotify and on the Macworld Podcast YouTube channel . Or you can point your favorite podcast-savvy RSS reader at: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/macworld To find previous episodes, visit Macworlds podcast page or our home on MegaPhone . Apple Apple Mac mini (M5 Pro, 2026) Price When Reviewed: $1,699 Best Prices Today: $1,669 at Amazon $1669 at B&H $1699 at Apple Read our full Apple Mac mini (M5 Pro, 2026) review Apple Mac mini (M6, 2026) Price When Reviewed: $899 Best Prices Today: $879.99 at Amazon $879.99 at Walmart $899 at Apple Apple Mac Studio (M5 Ultra, 2026) Price When Reviewed: $5,499 Best Prices Today: $5499 at Apple $5499 at Best Buy US Read our full Apple Mac Studio (M5 Ultra, 2026) review Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max, 2026) Price When Reviewed: $2,499 Best Prices Today: $2,449 at Amazon $2449 at B&H $2499 at Apple Read our full Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max, 2026) review
California's new law bans companies from relying on AI to fire workers
California enacts new laws aimed at companies using AI to initiate job cuts or monitor employees.
Several Apple services went down for maintenance on the afternoon of September 30. Only Apple TV remains inaccessible.
Elon Musk and Palmer Luckey will advise the government on the future of warfare
So will Newt Gingrich, for some reason.
Mid-week Apple Books and audiobook deals $2
Todays lineup of the best Apple Books deals is now ready to roll alongside the early fall Prime Day deals. Todays highlights include A Brothers Journey, A Crown So Silver, A Dance of Ghosts, A Mystery On Tyneside, A Witch in Time, and more. Just be sure to check out the single 2026 Apple AirTag 2 down at Amazon all-time low pricing as well as iPhone 17 Pro Max models at up to $513 less than 18 Pro (Renewed Premium) and the ongoing $500 price drop on this 2TB M5 Pro MacBook Pro. more
Among Amazons early fall Prime Day deals, you can find a bunch of LEGO sets from across many popular themes currently benefitting from up to 40% discounts right now. You can find popular options from the Star Wars theme, including SMART Play options, like the AT-ST Attack on Endor down at a low price of $39.99 shipped, or fun Fortnite sets, like the Durrr Burger Restaurant, also at its lowest price for $39.99 shipped plus, more from Marvel, City, Technic, Minecraft, and much more. Head below to jump on all these savings before theyre gone. more
Running alongside the Amazon early fall Prime Day deals, Hiboy is currently running a Fall Ride Event Sale through October 12 that will act as its Prime Day savings, with plenty of budget-friendly options, like the S2 Max Electric Scooter down at $489.99 shipped , and matching at Amazon. While it may carry a $835 MSRP directly, weve never seen it go over $590 in 2026, and its been keeping down at this same rate for most of the year, beaten out by a single drop to $470 in June. Youre getting the next-best price here with up to $100 savings, giving you a budget-friendly 40-mile commuting solution in the process. You can also save a bit of money with the 25-mile S2 Pro e-scooter down at $423 in this sale, also matching at Amazon. Head below to check out the entire sale lineup. more
Get unlimited website hosting for life at just $150 ($1,800 value)
TL;DR : Access unlimited website hosting, unlimited NVMe SSD storage, unlimited bandwidth, and 54 free lifetime domains with this Hostdeal Unlimited Plan lifetime subscription for just $149.99 (reg. $1,800). more
New magnetic computing system could tackle complex optimization problems
When designing new computer chips, engineers need to make various decisions about how to connect their underlying components while efficiently using limited space. Planning these connections involves combinatorial optimization, or, in other words, a search for the best combination of choices under specific rules.
You can still score a single 2026 Apple AirTag 2 down at Amazon all-time low pricing
We have caught a number of notable deals on the 4-pack, but for folks who just dont need four of them, Amazons early fall Prime Day sale is still offering Apples 2026 AirTag 2 down at its lowest price to date in brand new condition. more
SpaceXAI weighs one Grok and X plan, from free to $100, Bloomberg reports
SpaceXAI is weighing a plan to fold Grok and X into a single subscription with four price tiers, from free to $100 a month. The plan comes from a company document viewed by Bloomberg, whose Edward Ludlow reported it on Wednesday. SpaceXAI is the artificial intelligence unit of Elon Musks SpaceX. It makes the Grok [] This story continues at The Next Web
Boeing beats Northrop to build the US Navy
Boeing will build the US Navys next carrier-based fighter, the F/A-XX, after beating Northrop Grumman for the contract. The Pentagon announced the award on Tuesday. The development contract is worth 0bn to produce test aircraft, Reuters reported. CNBC and Axios put it at more than 0bn. The programme could grow to hundreds of billions of [] This story continues at The Next Web
Breville's new $600 coffee machine makes pour-overs from scratch
You do still have to buy the beans though.
Meta denies its Muse AI agent read a journalist
Meta has denied that its Muse AI agent read a journalists private messages without his permission. Muse can only read Messages on a Mac if the user turns on two separate settings. Metas communications chief Andy Stone said so in a post on X on Wednesday. It cant read your Messages unless you do this, [] This story continues at The Next Web
Nissan wants hybrids to lead by 2030. In Britain a hybrid took an electric car
Nissan has told Automotive News it wants hybrids and extended-range models to be its primary powertrain in North and Latin America by 2030. In Britain the same strategy is already built: a 170M hybrid Kicks is going into the Sunderland slot promised to an electric Qashqai that Nissan stopped developing in early 2025. Nissan wants [] This story continues at The Next Web
America.gov, the US government
The White House launched America.gov on Tuesday, an AI chatbot meant to be a single front door to federal services. On its first day, it contradicted President Donald Trump. Within hours, some of its answers had changed. Trump signed an executive order at the launch in Washington to set up the site. The General Services [] This story continues at The Next Web
Macworld Its been just 12 days since the iPhone 18 Pro went on sale, and some customers are already complaining about their phones. Specifically, at certain times the speakers produce a clicking, crackling, snapping, or raspy sound. As is often the case with such issues, affected parties congregated on a Reddit thread to discuss the problem. The original poster reports that shortly after setup their new 18 Pro Max produced a brief clicking or popping noise from the speaker (either upper or lower; the poster seems unclear on this) almost as if someone is pulling out an aux cord. This didnt just happen once. It happened, they report, a number of times during app switching and [while] playing around with volume and possibly voice dictation. But it became less frequent over time, and didnt happen at all in the few hours before the post was made. In a later edit, they add that music at high volume sounds raspy as well. At the time of writing, there are 29 direct, undeleted and non-mod replies to the post, and by my count at least 21 of these say theyve experienced the same issue(s). Some report positive conclusions. One says it only happened on phone calls and that since updating to iOS 27.0.1 has stopped entirely. Another says that going into the Phone settings and choosing Standard mode rather than Voice Isolation led to way less crackling. But some cases appear to be more severe. One commenter, translated from Vietnamese, complains that they hear random clicking or crackling sounds almost whenever I interact with the screen. Sometimes, I even hear it the moment I touch the screen to wake it up. More reports of the issue have appeared on the MacRumors forum . Again, complaints are made about crackling sounds, intermittent popping sounds, a super faint tick/pop from the earpiece speaker, and a different, very unpleasant emphasis in the higher frequencies, as compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max. And again, far too many commenters confirm that theyve experienced the same issue for this to be dismissed as user error or a single defective unit. Apple has not yet made a public statement about the issue, but may address it in a software update. Go into Settings and select General > Software Update and follow the prompts to install the latest version of iOS. Since Apple just released iOS 27.0.1 this week to fix other iPhone 18 Pro launch bugs, however, an imminent update is not guaranteed. In the meantime we recommend that owners of affected phones contact Apple to get them fixed, especially before the two-week return period ends.
Amazons delivery drivers will soon wear smart glasses that take pictures almost constantly on foot, Bloomberg Opinion columnist Dave Lee reported on Wednesday. A single shift could produce several thousand images of whatever the driver sees, including private property. Customers will have no way to opt out, see the images or ask for them to [] This story continues at The Next Web
OpenAI says Moonshot-linked users tried to extract its AI reasoning
OpenAI says people linked to Moonshot AI, the Chinese developer of Kimi, were behind a coordinated campaign to extract the hidden reasoning of its models. The company set out its findings in a blog post on Wednesday. The activity began on 1 July at low volume. It spiked on 24 and 25 July, with 16,000 [] This story continues at The Next Web
Reddit imposes new restrictions on Old Reddit
The Old Reddit is dying; the new Reddit struggles to avoid scraping.
Mid-week Android game and app deals: Methods, Cyberlords, TABS, Kingdom Rush, more
Todays best Google Play app and game deals are now up for grabs alongside the thousands of price drops in Amazons early fall Prime Day sale. Highlights include Methods: Detective Competition, TABS Pocket Edition, Cyberlords Arcology PREMIUM, Laser Tanks: Pixel RPG, Kingdom Rush Frontiers TD, Screw Puzzle Premium, and more. Just be sure to dive into this giant $650 price drop hits Galaxy Z Fold 7 at Amazon ($750 less than Fold 8) and the brand new Fire TV Stick 4K that launched today at 50% off . The apps await below. more
An Analogue Pocket restock is coming October 2
It's sure to sell out fast again.
Giant $650 price drop hits Galaxy Z Fold 7 at Amazon ($750 less than Fold 8)
We are still tracking Amazon all-time low pricing on the new Galaxy Z Fold 8. But the previous Fold 7 is still a more than capable phone and, as my guys over at $650 under the original list price and $750 under the list on the new model. more
Amazons early Fall Prime Day deals are starting to pile up, and were now looking at a solid batch of offers on chargers, power banks, and other everyday charging gear. The sale covers everything from newer Qi2.2 magnetic chargers and multi-device stations to compact GaN wall chargers, high-capacity battery packs, desktop charging hubs, and more, with prices starting from just $20. You can save up to a whopping 50% off, with plenty of notable models in the mix from brands we feature a lot around here, including Anker, UGREEN, Baseus, and others. A bunch of newly debuted chargers are also seeing some of their best prices yet, making these offers particularly worth checking out if youve been waiting to upgrade the charging setup at your desk, nightstand, or travel bag while getting an early jump on Prime Day savings. more
Joining the waves of Amazon early fall Prime Day deals, you can find the Amazon-exclusive Bissell Little-Green Limited Edition Bordeaux Portable Deep Cleaner down at $116.75 shipped right now. This is a new model that just hit the market on Amazon earlier in September, with it having been cascading down from its $130 full price since mid-month, dropping first to $121 and further until $118 where it rode out until now. The savings have increased up to $13 here, giving you a new all-time low price on a limited-edition model. Of course, you can always go with the standard Little-Green cleaner that is currently down at a $95 2026 low . more
Empty your pockets with tomtoc
tomtoc 3L EDC Sling Bag Buy for $35 (Reg. $44) What we love Youve probably already read a post like this where I tell you that I switched away from a wallet in favor of a sling bag, and that still rings true. I love that now I can keep my pockets empty and tote more. I now always have my keyfob, AirPods, sunglasses, iPhone, and more tucked inside. more
Get three cords out of sight with this 12-foot cover kit for just $13.50
Delamu 12-foot 3-Cord Cover Kit Buy for $13.50 (Reg. $15) What we love This past week I swapped out some old HDMI cables for modern 2.1 cords that can handle the latest standards. This lead to me covering them all up even better than before. Now its incredibly difficult to spot cables, and I couldnt be happier. more
New macOS malware masquerades as Zoom installer
Macworld Jamf Threat Labs has posted a report on new malware that attacks macOS. The malware installer presents itself as a Zoom installer that actually installs the app, but it also installs an infostealer dubbed CloudSyncD that works in the background to capture data and send it to the attacker. The installation is presented as an app icon that is dragged to the macOS Applications folder, a common method of installation. However, because the malware lacks the proper signatures, macOSs Gatekeeper will not allow it to run. To bypass Gatekeeper, the installer window has a background image with instructions for the user on how to override Gatekeeper. Jamf Threat Labs The installation of the app appears legitimate and mounts as a disk image named Zoom laid out to look like any ordinary Mac installer with the application icon on the left and an alias to the Applications folder on the right. However, it also includes user instructions to bypass macOS Gatekeeper security, If CloudSyncD is installed, it monitors and records data that the user has entered. It can send reports to the attackers as frequently as every 8 seconds. CloudSyncD can also be used be the attacker to remotely execute commands. How to protect yourself from malware The easiest way to protect yourself from malware is to avoid downloading software from unfamiliar repositories. Apple has vetted software in the Mac App Store, and it is the safest way to get apps. If you prefer not to patronize the Mac App Store, then buy software directly from the developer and their website. If you insist on using cracked software, you will always risk malware exposure. Never open links in emails or texts you receive from unknown and unexpected sources. If you get a message that looks like it is from an entity that you do business with, check the senders email address and inspect the URL carefully. If you see a link or button, you can Control-click it, select Copy Link Address , and then paste it into a text editor to see the actual URL and check it. Macworld has several guides to help, including a guide on whether or not you need antivirus software , a list of Mac viruses, malware, and trojans , and a comparison of Mac security software .
Todays lineup of the best Apple TV deals is now ready to roll, alongside the updated early fall Prime Day deals at Amazon. Highlights include the 5-Movie Toy Story Collection, Mission: Impossible 6-Movie Collection, Monsters, Inc. Collection, Oceans Trilogy, One Battle After Another, Office Space, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and more. Just be sure to dive into $500 price drop on the 2TB M5 Pro MacBook Pro, these iPhone 17 Pro Max models at up to $513 less than 18 Pro. more
Dial in consistent temps across your home with Govee
Govee Bluetooth Hygrometer Buy for $11.50 (Reg. $13) What we love Each season I need to open and close vents throughout my home to better distribute warm or cool air. Thats why I have eight sensors throughout my home, and this hygrometer can help you do the same. Stats can be viewed directly on your phone, and a built-in display lets you keep on eye on it directly as well. more
Best AirPods 2026: Which AirPods should you buy?
Macworld Apples AirPods lineup falls into three main families: the AirPods 5, AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2. For most buyers, the choice is between the AirPods 5 and AirPods Pro 3. AirPods 5 start at $129 and combine an open-ear design with Active Noise Cancellation, while the $249 AirPods Pro 3 use foam-infused silicone tips for a more secure fit and stronger noise isolation, and add heart-rate sensing and Apples hearing-health features. AirPods Max 2 are a different proposition: $549 over-ear headphones aimed at buyers who prioritize sound quality and noise cancellation and specifically prefer an over-ear design. In this guide, we compare Apples current AirPods lineup to explain the key differences between each model and help you decide which is best for you. We look at design and fit, noise cancellation, sound, battery life, health and hearing features, and price, as well as whether its worth considering older AirPods at a discount. We also compare AirPods 5 directly with AirPods Pro 3 and explain which AirPods offer the best value for different types of buyer. Which AirPods are the best? We recommend AirPods Pro 3 as the best AirPods overall, thanks to their combination of noise cancellation, secure fit, longer battery life and additional health features. For many people, however, AirPods 5 will be the better buy. They now include Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode and Conversation Awareness, closing much of the feature gap with the Pro model while costing substantially less. Theyre also the obvious choice if you prefer an open fit rather than silicone ear tips. AirPods Max 2 are best considered separately. They are over-ear headphones rather than earbuds and cost more than twice as much as AirPods Pro 3, so they make most sense for buyers specifically looking for that style of headphone. 1. Apple AirPodsPro 3 Best AirPods overall Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check on Amazon Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Best for: Buyers who want the strongest combination of ANC, fit, battery life and features. Buy AirPods Pro 3 if: You want the best noise cancellation of Apples earbuds, longer battery life, a secure in-ear fit or the health and hearing features. Dont buy AirPods Pro 3 if: You dislike earbuds that seal the ear canal or dont need enough of their extra features to justify spending $100$120 more than on AirPods 5. For most buyers who dont object to silicone ear tips, AirPods Pro 3 are the best AirPods you can buy. Released in September 2025, the third-generation AirPods Pro improved on an already excellent pair of earbuds without increasing the $249 launch price. In our review, Jason Cross praised their more comfortable and secure fit, improved battery life, better noise cancellation and Transparency mode, and effective heart-rate sensor. Taken together, those apparently small changes add up to a significant improvement. The biggest physical change is the fit. AirPods Pro 3 have redesigned earbuds with foam-infused tips available in five sizes, including XXS. In our testing, they stayed securely in place even during intense activity and felt more comfortable than the previous generation. Noise cancellation is another major advantage. Apple says AirPods Pro 3 remove twice as much noise as AirPods Pro 2, while our review also found improvements to noise reduction, Transparency mode and bass response. Battery life is strong too. Apple rates the earbuds for up to eight hours with ANC enabled, an estimate that was broadly borne out in our testing. The charging case takes total ANC listening time to up to 24 hours. AirPods Pro 3 also have features the AirPods 5 dont. The built-in heart-rate sensor works with workouts in the Fitness app, while Apples Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection features make the Pro model particularly compelling for users interested in hearing health. Read our full Apple AirPodsPro 3 review 2. AirPods 5 Best AirPods for most people Price When Reviewed: $129 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $129 View Deal $129 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Best for : Most buyers who prefer an open fit or want ANC without spending $249 on AirPods Pro 3. Buy AirPods 5 if : You prefer an open-ear fit, want effective noise cancellation and want to spend substantially less than AirPods Pro 3. Dont buy AirPods 5 if : Maximum isolation and noise cancellation are important, or you want heart-rate sensing and Apples hearing-health features. AirPods 5 are no longer simply the cheaper AirPods that miss out on most of the Pro features. Apple introduced AirPods 5 in September 2026 with Active Noise Cancellation as standard. That immediately makes the decision more interesting: you can now get open-ear AirPods with ANC for $129, compared with $249 for AirPods Pro 3. Like previous standard AirPods, they dont use silicone ear tips. They sit in the ear without sealing the ear canal, which will be an important advantage for anyone who finds AirPods Pro uncomfortable or dislikes the isolated feeling of in-ear earbuds. Noise cancellation is much improved. Apple says AirPods 5 remove up to 50 percent more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC, thanks to a redesigned acoustic architecture and updated computational audio. Macworld also notes that Transparency mode has been improved and that Adaptive Audio can automatically blend ANC and Transparency according to your surroundings. Sound has been upgraded too, with a new acoustic design and next-generation Adaptive EQ intended to improve performance across a wider range of ear shapes. There are actually two AirPods 5 packages, but unlike the previous generation theydont differ in whether ANC is included. The $129 AirPods 5 come with a USB-C charging case.Apple rates these for up to four hours of listening with ANC enabled or six hours with noise control turned off, and up to 20 hours with the case when using ANC. The $149 AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case are the more compelling option. They can charge over USB-C, with an Apple Watch charger or with a Qi charger, and the case includes a speaker for Find My. They also add volume adjustment by swiping the stem.Battery life rises to as much as five hours with ANC, seven hours with noise control off and 22 hours with the case when using ANC. At only $20 more, wed lean toward the Wireless Charging Case version unless youre particularly keen to keep the price down. 3. Apple AirPods Max 2 Best over-ear AirPods Price When Reviewed: $549 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $479 View Deal $479 View Deal $529 View Deal $529 View Deal $549 View Deal $549 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Best for : Apple users who specifically want premium over-ear headphones. Buy AirPods Max 2 if : You want over-ear headphones, excellent sound and ANC, and particularly value AirPods integration with Apple devices. Dont buy AirPods Max 2 if : Price, weight or portability are important. AirPods Pro 3 offer many of the same AirPods features for less than half the price. AirPods Max 2 are the choice for buyers who specifically want Apples over-ear headphones rather than earbuds. Apple introduced AirPods Max 2 in March 2026, finally replacing the original AirPods Max with a model powered by the H2 chip. The change brought features including Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation and Live Translation to the AirPods Max line. Sound quality remains excellent. Our review also rated the Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode among the models strongest attributes. Apple says ANC is up to 1.5 times more effective than on the previous generation. They also support lossless and ultra-low-latency audio over USB-C. But AirPods Max 2 still come with significant compromises. They weigh 13.6 ounces, and our reviewer found that weight noticeable when moving around. Apple also retained the controversial Smart Case and the unusual power-management system that means the headphones cant simply be switched off manually. Battery life is rated at up to 20 hours with ANC enabled. And then theres the price. AirPods Max 2 cost $549, making them more than twice the price of AirPods Pro 3. Our review consequently found them difficult to recommend despite their excellent sound, ANC and Apple ecosystem integration. Read our full Apple AirPods Max 2 review AirPods compared AirPods 5 AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case AirPods Pro 3 AirPods Max 2 Price $129 / 119 $149 / 139 $249 / $219 $549 / 499 Design Open-ear earbuds Open-ear earbuds In-ear earbuds with foam-infused silicone tips Over-ear headphones Chip H2 H2 H2 H2 in each ear cup Active Noise Cancellation Yes Yes Yes Yes Adaptive Audio Yes Yes Yes Yes Transparency Yes Yes Yes Yes Conversation Awareness Yes Yes Yes Yes Live Translation Yes Yes Yes Yes Heart-rate sensor No No Yes No Hearing Test/Hearing Aid No No Yes No Battery with ANC Up to 4 hours Up to 5 hours Up to 8 hours Up to 20 hours Battery with case, ANC Up to 20 hours Up to 22 hours Up to 24 hours N/A Wireless case charging No Yes Yes N/A Find My speaker in case No Yes Yes N/A Volume swipe No Yes Yes Digital Crown Dust/water resistance IP57 IP57 IP57 earbuds and case None stated Weight 4.3g each 4.3g each 5.55g each 386.2g AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3: Which should you buy? AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 5 Foundry AirPods 5 are better if You dislike earbuds that seal your ear canal. You want to spend less. An open fit is more important than maximum noise isolation. You want ANC but dont need the Pro health features. AirPods Pro 3 are better if You want Apples hearing-health features. Strong noise cancellation is a priority. You want longer battery life. You want a more secure in-ear fit. You want heart-rate sensing. The difference between standard AirPods and AirPods Pro used to be straightforward: standard AirPods were cheaper and open-fitting, while the Pros added ANC and Apples more sophisticated listening modes. With the AirPods 5, that distinction is less clear. Both AirPods 5 and AirPods Pro 3 use Apples H2 chip and support Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation and Personalized Spatial Audio. The remaining differences are nevertheless significant. Design and fit AirPods 5 use an open-ear design and dont use ear tips. AirPods Pro 3 sit more tightly in the ear canal and come with foam-infused silicone tips in five sizes. When we reviewed the AirPods Pro 3 we found the redesigned tips substantially improved comfort and security and kept the earbuds in place during strenuous exercise. Choose AirPods 5 if you dont like the plugged-ear sensation of silicone tips. Choose AirPods Pro 3 if you want a tighter, more secure fit and better isolation. Noise cancellation AirPods 5 include Active Noise Cancellation as standard, unlike AirPods 4, which were sold with or without ANC. But their open-ear design means they approach noise reduction differently from the AirPods Pro 3. AirPods Pro 3 use ear tips to create a seal in the ear canal, giving them a natural advantage when it comes to isolation. Apple says their ANC removes up to twice as much noise as AirPods Pro 2, and in our testing both noise cancellation and Transparency mode were improved over the previous generation. AirPods 5 dont create a seal, but their open-ear ANC is significantly more effective than before. Apple says they remove up to 50 percent more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC. AirPods 5 are the better choice if you dislike the feeling of a sealed in-ear fit. AirPods Pro 3 remain the better choice if maximum noise reduction and isolation are your priorities. Battery life AirPods Pro 3 have a significant battery advantage. They last up to eight hours with ANC enabled and up to 24 hours including the charging case. The $129 AirPods 5 manage up to four hours with ANC, while the $149 Wireless Charging Case version increases that to five hours. Thats a substantial difference if you frequently use your AirPods for long journeys or extended listening sessions. AirPods 5 = 4 hours battery life AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case = 5 hours battery life AirPods Pro 3 = 8 hours battery life Health and hearing features The AirPods Pro 3 include a heart-rate sensor that can measure your heart rate during workouts, and our reviewer found the results comparable to an Apple Watch during testing. They also support Apples Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection features. Those features arent available on AirPods 5. AirPods Pro 3 are also the obvious choice if Apples health features are important. Price The Pro model costs $100 more than the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case and $120 more than the cheapest version. The gap can shrink during sales. AirPods Pro 3 fell as low as $169 during Amazon Prime Day in June 2026, so its always worth checking the live price comparison before deciding. AirPods 5 start at $129, or $149 with the Wireless Charging Case. AirPods Pro 3 are $249. Which AirPods 5 should you get? Unlike AirPods 4, Apple doesnt sell one AirPods 5 model with ANC and another without it. All AirPods 5 have Active Noise Cancellation. Instead, the choice is between cases. The $129 model has a USB-C charging case. It offers up to four hours of battery life with ANC and up to 20 hours including the case. For $149, the Wireless Charging Case can also charge using an Apple Watch charger or Qi charger and includes a speaker for Find My. The earbuds in this package also support volume adjustment by swiping the stems. Battery life increases to five hours with ANC and 22 hours with the case. Our recommendation : Buy the version with wireless charging case given the relatively small $20 difference, the $149 version is the better buy for most people. Should you buy older AirPods? Wed generally recommend buying the latest generation rather than deliberately seeking out older AirPods because there is a considerable gap between the different generations. Should you buy AirPods 4? AirPods 5 start at the same $129 MSRP previously charged for AirPods 4 without ANC, but now include ANC as standard, along with improved noise cancellation and sound quality. That makes AirPods 4 difficult to recommend unless you find them at a substantial clearance discount. They dropped to $99 during Prime Day 2026, but with AirPods 5 now available at $129, wed want to see them priced noticeably lower than that. Our recommendation : Only buy AirPods 4 at a steep discount. We recommend: Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) Price When Reviewed: $179 with Active Noise Cancelation Best Prices Today: $89 at Walmart | $119.99 at Best Buy US | $149 at B&H Should you buy AirPods Pro 2? AirPods Pro 2 remain capable earbuds, but AirPods Pro 3 improve the fit, noise cancellation and battery life, while adding heart-rate sensing. If you find AirPods Pro 2 at a heavy discount, they can still make sense. But the closer their price gets to a discounted pair of AirPods Pro 3, the harder they are to recommend. Our recommendation : Only buy AirPods Pro 2 at a significant discount and if you dont need heart-rate sensing. We recommend: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Should you buy the original AirPods Max? AirPods Max 2 retain many aspects of the original design but add the H2 chip, which enables Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation and Live Translation. ANC has also been improved. If youre going to spend close to AirPods Max money, the second-generation model is therefore the one to get. Our recommendation : Only buy if the discount is substantial. We recommend: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024) Price When Reviewed: $549 Best Prices Today: $351.96 at Walmart | $429 at Amazon | $429 at B&H FAQ 1. Whats the difference between AirPods and AirPods Pro? The biggest difference is fit. AirPods 5 use an open-ear design, while AirPods Pro 3 use foam-infused silicone tips that seal the ear canal. Both now have Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode and Conversation Awareness. AirPods Pro 3 nevertheless offer stronger isolation, longer ANC battery life and exclusive features including heart-rate sensing, Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection. AirPods 5 start at $129; AirPods Pro 3 cost $249. 2. Do AirPods work with Macs and iPads? Yes. AirPods work particularly well with Apple devices. Once your AirPods are paired, they can automatically connect to devices associated with your Apple account, and Automatic Device Switching can move playback between devices depending on what youre using. Apple lists current versions of macOS and iPadOS among the supported platforms for AirPods 5, AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2. 3. Can you use AirPods with non-Apple devices? Yes. AirPods are Bluetooth headphones and can be used with non-Apple hardware. We have, for example, demonstrated how AirPods can be paired directly with a Nintendo Switch using its Bluetooth Audio settings. Apple also explicitly states that current AirPods can be used as Bluetooth headphones with non-Apple devices, although some functionality may be limited. The main reason to use AirPods with Apple hardware is therefore the deeper ecosystem integration rather than basic Bluetooth compatibility. 4. Do AirPods have Find My? Yes, but the capabilities depend on the model and case. AirPods can be located through Apples Find My system. The $149 AirPods 5 Wireless Charging Case includes a speaker for Find My alerts, while the standard $129 USB-C case does not. AirPods Pro 3 also include a speaker in their MagSafe charging case. Find My support is useful not just for locating misplaced AirPods but also when checking whether a suspicious pair of AirPods behaves as genuine Apple hardware. See our guide to spotting fake AirPods for more advice. 5. Are AirPods waterproof? No. AirPods arent waterproof, but they do offer some water resistance. AirPods 5 are rated IP57 for dust, sweat and water resistance. AirPods Pro 3 and their charging case are also rated IP57. That makes them suitable for exercise and provides protection against water exposure, but water resistance isnt the same thing as waterproofing and shouldnt be taken as an invitation to use them for swimming. AirPods Max 2 dont have a water-resistance rating.
Xbox's disc-to-digital feature is now available for everyone
Many (if not all) Xbox Series X and Xbox One games are supported.
Freckle's smartphone aims to get kids back outside on their own
Freckle's smartphone encourages kids to get outside. What a concept!
These casual shorts are 40% off right now, snag them for only $15 Prime shipped
COOFANDY Casual Shorts Buy for $15 (Reg. $25) What we love While the weather is cooling off pretty rapidly where I live, the same is not true for all regions. So if you live in a warmer climate and would like to score an affordable pair of shorts, here you go. These priorize comfort and a casual style and clock in at only $15 Prime shipped right now. more
Bruno Marc Slip-On Loafers Buy for $35 (Reg. $40) What we love I really dig shoes I can easily slip on and off, and this style passes with flying colors. These offer a clean and traditional look too, and the price isnt bad either down at $35 shipped. more
Checkered Jacquard sweater falls to $20 Prime shipped across loads of colorways
COOFANDY Checkered Jacquard Sweater Buy for $20 (Reg. $27) What we love The checkered style here really catches my eye, as does the price. There are loads of colorways on sale too. Ive been reaching for sweaters a lot lately now that highs have dipped into the 60s and lows are in the 40s where I live. more
Affordable alternatives to DJI's Osmo Pocket 4
The best options when DJI's gimbal camera is too expensive or unavailable.
Save up to 40% on Govee floor lamps, like the latest three models starting from $85, more from $65
As part of the Amazon early fall Prime Day deals, the official Govee storefront is offering its latest Floor Lamp 3 with Matter down at $129.99 shipped, matching Lantern Floor Lamp is down at $109.99 shipped from $130 both the second-lowest prices just $5 and $10 above their lows. Youll also find all the brands floor and table lamp deals rounded up for you below. more
Nintendo's Mario Kart Tour mobile game is officially dead
It joins other smartphone titles in the graveyard, like Miitomo, Dr. Mario World and Dragalia Lost.
This $46 burgundy charger and cable is perfect for your iPhone 18 Pro
Macworld Baseus PicoGo Pro AH22 View Deal (function () { document.querySelector(#sticky-promo-block a).addEventListener(click, function(e) { const debug = document.location.host.search(/lndo.site|go-vip.net/) !== -1; const text = this.closest(#sticky-promo-block).querySelector(p.promo-title).textContent; const data = { event: stickyConversionUnitClick, eventCategory: Sticky Conversion, eventAction: Click, eventLabel: text }; if(debug)console.log(Sticky Conversion CLick - pushing to dataLayer: , data); dataLayer.push(data); return true; }); })(); Even if you didnt buy a new iPhone 18 Pro, youre probably feeling the new Burgundy color. Well you can get it on the hot new trend with this three-port Baseus PicoGo Pro AH22 100W charger thats 23 percent off at Amazon . Instead of $60, youll only pay $46, and youll even get a free $13 100W color-matched cable when you add both to your chart, a total savings of $27. Were not going to lie, but the color is a big part of the appeal for this particular charger. This is the Dark Cherry Edition, which is basically the same shade as the Burgundy finish of the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. If you just picked up one of those phones, your charger and cable can finally match it. A black version is also available for a couple of bucks less, but this one is really a looker. Beyond the hot color, this charger is super fast and can handle your smartphone, earbuds, and laptop all at once. There are three USB-C ports available, and with up to 100W of total output, it wont stumble through your charge. The charger is smart enough to handle the power split on its own, sending each device the amount of power it needs. You dont have to think about which port goes where. Just plug in and go. The interactive smart display will show you exactly how much power is going through every port, temperature, charging time, and more. The size makes this Baseus PicoGo Pro charger a perfect travel companion, too, measuring just 54 x 52 x 32 mm. Thats about as small as an AirPods case. It also helps that the prongs fold flat so they wont scratch out your tech or snag on clothes in your bag. For $46 with a free $13 cable, this is an easy pick if you want one pocket-sized charger that handles all your devices and matches your new iPhone.
DoorDash drone deliveries are first coming to northern California with Chipotle and Popeyes on board
You can now text your DoorDash orders instead of using the app or website.
Get two 2.0Ah SKIL PWR CORE batteries + a USB-C charger down at a $47 low (48% off)
SKIL PWR CORE 12 2 x 2.0Ah 12V USB-C Battery and Charger Starter Kit Buy for $47 (Reg. $90) What we love Its always nice to be able to stock up on batteries for your tool arsenal, and with this bundle, you get two 2.0Ah SKIL batteries to cover 12V models. Each battery comes with an LED indicator to show what level its at in real time, and the USB-C charger can be used on personal devices alongside the batteries. more
JSAUX EnergyFlow Joy-Con 2 Charging Dock Buy for $15 (Reg. $19) Apply ATJVTXUC during checkout. What we love Charging docks like this are great for keeping controllers topped off while also giving them a dedicated place to sit when theyre not in use. Theyre especially handy if you have multiple gamepads or sets of Joy-Con 2 controllers around, since everything stays charged, organized, and ready to go instead of being left scattered across a desk or entertainment center. more
TCL NXTPAPER Android tablets with case and stylus up to $130 off at Amazon
Joining a host of new early fall Prime Day deals and the reveal of the new flagship start from $190 shipped while bundles with the case and stylus are up to $130 off. more
If only all games had Control Resonant's Assist Mode
Sometimes you don't want a casual mode, but you also want a challenging game to cut you some slack. Control Resonant does that.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S12+ launched with Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, measuring 14.6 inches and 12.6 inches, respectively. They run Android 17 with One UI 9. They feature the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset and support Galaxy AI features. The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is 5.1mm thin. They offer IP68-rated water and dust resistance.
This 512GB Galaxy S26 Ultra is $335 off in brand new condition today
While we are still tracking up to $250 off Galaxy Z Fold 8 model as part of Amazons early fall Prime Day sale, we wanted touch down quickly to highlight this $335 price drop on the flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra. more
Mid-week iOS app deals and freebies: Caves of Lore, ThreeKingdoms, iWriter Pro, more
The updated early fall Prime Day deals at Amazon continue today, but we also have your lineup of the best iOS game and app deals. Highlights include Caves of Lore, ThreeKingdoms The Last Warlord, Methods: Detective Competition, iWriter Pro, KORG Module Pro, KORG Gadget 3, and more. Just be sure to dive into this ongoing $500 price drop on the 2TB M5 Pro MacBook Pro, these iPhone 17 Pro Max models at up to $513 less than 18 Pro (Renewed Premium), and the return of all-time low pricing on Apples official MagSafe Battery . The apps await below. more
As part of Amazons early fall Prime Day deals, you can currently find the combo for Greenworks 40V 12-inch Cordless String Trimmer and 390 CFM Leaf Blower down at $119.99 shipped, matching the price from the direct website . It dropped down from a $200 full price at the end of July and has been riding out the past two months at $130, but now the savings have increased by another $10. In total, youre getting $80 savings cut from the tag for the second-lowest price of the year, landing just $2 above the 2026 low seen during Junes Prime Day event. Theres also plenty more tool deals like this in the brands official Amazon storefront here. more
Switch 2 game deals from $37: Pok
Alongside the ongoing early fall Prime Day deals at Amazon, we are still tracking some notable pre-order deals on some of the biggest upcoming Switch releases, not the least of which is Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake pre-order. That one also joins the new Nintendo Switch Sports Resort pre-order at $10 off ahead of release in a few weeks, but we also wanted to highlight Amazons discount on Pokmon Legends: Z-A for Nintendo Switch 2 down at $53 shipped (prices appears in the cart) and DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO down at $37.49 , or 25% off the list price. You will however, find loads more down below. Secure you Switch Sports Resort pre-order discount while you still can, more Zelda Ocarina of Time remake pre-order discount now live at Amazon more
Amazon's new Fire TV interface and mobile app will come with Alexa+ upgrades
The Amazon Fire TV interface and mobile app will get a dedicated hub for a more powerful Alexa+ this November.
Shure's MV6 Gen 2 microphone gives creators more control over their audio
The USB microphone comes in a new color, has updated audio controls and can even work with an iPhone or iPad.
Amazon unveils a thinner and faster Fire TV Stick 4K, plus a new remote
It will cost just $30 during the Prime Day deals event next week, and retail for $60 otherwise.
Early fall Prime Day deals knock up to $300 off steel Breville espresso machines, grinders, more
As part of the now live early fall Prime Day sale, Amazon is already serving up hundreds in savings on those gorgeous stainless steel Breville espresso machines, alongside deals on drip coffee makers, its bean grinders and a host of other kitchen accessories. We are looking at up to $300 off the list prices and great time to upgrade both the look of your kitchen and your morning coffee routine. more
Parallel to Amazons early fall Prime Day deals, and as part of EcoFlows current Early Prime Day Sale , the brand has launched another 48-hour flash sale, with one of the included units giving you a second chance at 2x 1,024Wh DELTA 3 Classic Portable Power Stations down at $938 shipped , beating Amazon by $60. Down from $1,198, we saw this same flash deal offered over the weekend as part of the brands Monthly Madness promotions, with other previous discounts weve seen having dropped the cost between $879 and $979 in 2026, keeping to those higher rates these days. Its still a solid 22% markdown that cuts $260 off the tag for one of the better rates weve tracked this year. Head down below to browse the full lineup of flash deals. more
This Anker iPhone power bank with built-in foldable stand is down to just $26 today (Nearly 50% off)
As part of its early fall Prime Day deals, Ankers official Amazon storefront is now offering its 622 Magnetic Power Bank for $25.98 with free shipping for Prime members or in orders over $35. This is regularly a $48 unit, so youre looking at a straight-up 46% markdown on its usual going rate right now. It has seen several discounts this year, but todays offer marks the steepest discount at $22 off. This particular unit is available in a handful of finishes, and theyre all down to the $26 mark today. Head below for more details along with deals on other Anker charging gear. more
Here are the 20 new LEGO sets releasing in October 2026: UCS Star Wars, Playstation, Pok
Weve seen another exciting month of deals and news coming from LEGO , especially the recent Dragon Ball Shenron and Goku reveal, but its finally the most exciting time for any builders monthly calendar all the new sets hitting the market! Once we officially step over into October (and spooky season), these 20 new sets and GWP promotions will be available for purchase, so head on down below to see the entire lineup. more
Rare $100 price drop hits Apple
As part of the now live early fall Prime Day deals, Amazon is offering a solid $100 price drop on the official Apple Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad (A16 and 10th Generation). more
The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 3's special feature is being a pet activity monitor
Not only can it keep tabs on your furball's location, it can monitor their motion and sleep too.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra review: The apex Android tablet
Starting at $1,400, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is super expensive. But that's the price you'll have to pay for the best Android tablet.
Airbnb is adding a personalized map and other discovery tools
The rental service is getting more social and more AI.
Gears of War: E-Day gets a battle-worn 8BitDo keyboard and mouse to match its Xbox controller
After the Gears of War: E-Day Xbox controller we saw last month which is now down to $84.99 shipped Xbox is giving mouse-and-keyboard players some matching gear of their own for the upcoming title with a pair of officially licensed releases from 8BitDo. The new 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard Gears of War: E-Day Edition is now up for pre-order at Amazon for $119.99 shipped, bringing the same battle-worn E-Day look to one of the brands familiar mechanical keyboard designs. Theres also a matching Retro R8 Mouse to complete the setup, although that particular listing appears to be sold out at the moment. Head below for a closer look and more details. more
Samsung Wallet Adds Fingerprint UPI Payments: Pay Up to 10,000 Without Entering Your PIN
Samsung Galaxy users could find everyday UPI transactions quicker and more convenient with a new biometric payment option in Samsung Wallet. The feature allows eligible users to authorize certain UPI payments using their fingerprint instead of manually entering a four- or six-digit UPI PIN each time...
Get ready: Apple sets iPhone Duo pre-pre-ordering date
Macworld Apple unveiled its late-2026 iPhones (the iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, and Duo) at a single event earlier this month, but admitted not all of them would be released at the same time. As reported even before the event , the two Pro models went on sale on September 18, but the Duo wont be available until October. October 23, to be exact, with pre-orders commencing on October 16. In a semi-surprising turn of events, however, Apple has now announced that October 16 isnt the very earliest customers will be able to begin their purchase journey. According to updated verbiage on the iPhone Duo product page , as spotted by eagle-eyed Reddit users , we are cordially invited to come back on 10.12 to get ready for preorder. This is then followed by the same dates that had previously been announced: Pre-order starting at 5:00 am PT on 10.16. Available starting 10.23. If availability starts on October 23, and pre-ordering on October 16, what exactly will happen on October 12? What does it mean to get ready for pre-order? Happily, this isnt the first time Apple has allowed customers to use this option. And based on past behavior, we can report that it essentially allows you to do everything necessary to place an order up to but not including clicking the final buy button. Youll be able to go into the Apple Store app and pre-select your desired color and storage allocation, decide whether or not to use financing and/or trade-in on an older device, choose a carrier, and so on. (As noted by a commenter in the Reddit thread, you can already start the process by pre-saving an iPhone Duo configuration in the Apple Store app, but the Get Ready process is much more thorough.) All of this preliminary work makes the purchase on pre-order day a single-tap process, which could save you valuable time if, as is likely, Apple hasnt made as many iPhone Duos as it hoped to and supplies quickly run out . It could make the difference between getting your hands on a brand-new iPhone Duo and having to wait months for a restock, and early adopters would be advised to take any advantage they can get.
