These open-ear headphones pack both sound and safety for less than $40
Macworld Ifyoure a sensitive listener or simply dislike in-ear audio options, consider upgrading to these open-ear headphones. These Mercato headphones have an open-ear design for comfort and crisp audio , allwhile keeping you aware of your surroundings.Now, theyre on sale for only$39.95 (reg. $69) with code GET10 . Boasting an ergonomic open-ear construction, the Mercato headphones rest outside your ears and loop around them to ensure they stay put and remain comfortable all day. Music, podcasts, and other soundsgets sent through their directional audio technology , and you can enjoy premium bass and dynamic acoustics. Since these headphones have an open-ear design, you can listen in peace without sacrificing awareness or safety.Plus, theyhave IPX5 water-resistanceto withstand sweat and rain. They also boast 6 hours of batterylfieon a full charge, so you can get through workouts and the work day with your tunes. Enjoy high-quality audio and situational awareness with the Mercato Open-Ear Bluetooth Headphones, nowjust $39.95 when you enter code GET10 at checkout. Its the best price online! Mercato Open-Ear Bluetooth Headphones Only $39.95 at Macworld StackSocial prices subject to change. Accessories
Wordle Today: Wordle answer and hints for April 27
Trying to solve the Wordle today? If you're stuck, we've got a few hints that will help you keep your Wordle streak alive.
NYT Strands: answers for Saturday, April 27
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.
Apple has reportedly resumed talks with OpenAI to build a chatbot for the iPhone
Apple has resumed conversations with OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, to power some AI features coming to iOS 18, according to a new report in Bloomberg . Apple is also building its own large language models to power some iOS 18 features, but its talks with OpenAI are centered around a chatbot/search component, according to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman. Apple is also reportedly in talks with Google to license Gemini, Googles own AI-powered chatbot, for iOS 18. Bloomberg reports that those talks are still on, and things could still go either way because Apple hasnt made a final decision on which companys technology to use. Its conceivable, Gurman says, that Apple could ultimately end up licensing AI tech from both companies or none of them. So far, Apple has been notably quiet about its AI efforts even as the rest of Silicon Valley has descended into an AI arms race. But it has dropped enough hints to indicate that its cooking up something. When the company announced its earnings in February, CEO Tim Cook said that Apple is continuing to work and invest in artificial intelligence and is excited to share the details of our ongoing work in that space later this year. It claimed that the brand new M3 MacBook Air that it launched last month was the worlds best consumer laptop for AI, and will reportedly start releasing AI-centric laptops and desktops later this year. And earlier this week, Apple also released a handful of open-source large language models that are designed to run locally on devices rather than in the cloud. Its still unclear what Apples AI features in iPhones and other devices will look like. Generative AI is still notoriously unreliable and prone to making up answers. Recent AI-powered gadgets like the Humane Ai Pin released to disastrous reviews , while others like the Rabbit R1 have yet to prove themselves valuable. Well find out more at WWDC on June 10. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-has-reportedly-resumed-talks-with-openai-to-build-a-chatbot-for-the-iphone-002302644.html?src=rss
Brevilles Barista Express Impress espresso machine falls to new $630 low (Reg. $895)
Amazon is offering the Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine for $629.97 shipped, after clipping the on-page $265.02 off coupon . Down from a $895 price tag, this appliance has only seen two previous discounts since the start of the new year, with both repeating to the same former $720 low. Todays deal comes in to take things further as a 30% markdown that beats our previous mention by $90 and lands at a new all-time low. more
Is Sea of Thieves cross-platform?
Sea of Thieves is all about getting a group of friends together to take to the high seas. But is Sea of Thieves cross-platform? Here's what you need to know.
The FTC accuses Amazon of using Signals auto-deleting messages to erase evidence
According to a court document viewed by Engadget, the Federal Trade Commission accused Amazon of using Signals disappearing messages feature to conceal communications as part of its antitrust suit against the company . The FTC says the retailer continued to auto-delete its communications even after the agency notified it that it was under investigation and asked it to preserve them. Founder and former CEO Jeff Bezos and current CEO Andy Jassy are among the accused. For years, Amazons top executives, including founder and former CEO Jeff Bezos, discuss[ed] sensitive business matters, including antitrust, over the Signal encrypted-messaging app instead of email, the FTC wrote in the full document, acquired by (Bezos-owned) The Washington Post . These executives turned on Signals disappearing message feature, which irrevocably destroys messages, even after Amazon was on notice that Plaintiffs were investigating its conduct. The FTC wants a federal judge to compel Amazon to provide documents related to its data handling. The government agency says the retailer didnt disclose its Signal use until March 2022, ahead of a Wall Street Journal article highlighting the covert practice. Although the contents of deleted messages are impossible to recover, the app shows when a user turns the disappearing message feature on, off, or changes the timer for deletions, leaving breadcrumbs showing that Amazon executives deletions were widespread, the document reads. From the messages that were not deleted, it is apparent that Amazon executives used Signal to talk about competition-related business issues. The issue appears to be an increasingly common business practice in Silicon Valley. Last year, the DOJ accused Google of routinely destroying its internal chat histories , which it was required to preserve under federal law. In addition, before Elon Musk bought Twitter and changed its name to X, the company asked a judge to sanction the Tesla founder for using Signals auto-deletion to withhold messages sent through the app . In addition to Bezos and Jassy, The Washington Post reports that the full document names General Counsel David Zapolsky, former CEO of Worldwide Consumer Jeff Wilke and former CEO of Worldwide Operations Dave Clark as participating in the practice. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-ftc-accuses-amazon-of-using-signals-auto-deleting-messages-to-erase-evidence-205431161.html?src=rss
Ankers self-washing Clean X9 Pro robot vacuum and mop hits new $600 low ($300 off)
Ankers spring sale will be ending in a few days, and since our last coverage, weve noticed some price drops on major autonomous cleaning units, like the eufy Clean X9 Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop with Auto-Clean Station for $599.99 shipped , after using the on-page promo code WSPEV28THQAQ at checkout for $300 off . Normally $900, it saw a few discounts over 2023 since its release back in July, with the majority of them falling to the same $650 low especially during Black Friday and Christmas sales. Todays deal comes in as an even better 33% markdown off the going rate, giving you $300 in savings and landing at a new all-time low that beats its Black Friday and Christmas rates. Youll find this price matched over at Amazon as well. more
How to charge an iPhone properly
Macworld iPhones are remarkable devices, but they lose their lustre once the battery runs dry. Thats why its important to look after the cell inside and ensure that you always charge it properly. In this article we explain the steps you need to take if you want your iPhone to last till the late hours each day and keep doing so for as many years as possible. How to charge an iPhone with a cable The fastest way to charge an iPhone is using a cable. Until the iPhone 15 , this meant using a USB to Lightning cable. From the iPhone 15 on, you need a USB-C to USB-C cable. But its not quite as easy as that. For the fastest charge, that Lightning cable needs to connect to a USB-C charger so you need a USB-C to Lightning cable and not an old USB-A to Lightning cable. While Apple states that a 20W charger can fast-charge an iPhone, newer iPhone models will charge faster if you use a 30W or faster charger. Read about the best Lightning cables and the best USB-C to USB-C cables for iPhone . How to wirelessly charge an iPhone From the iPhone 8 on, you can charge wirelessly. From iPhone 8 to iPhone 11, this used the Qi wireless charging standard. From iPhone 12, you can use Qi chargers or faster MagSafe chargers that clamp to your iPhone using a ring of hidden magnets for a more efficient fit and therefore faster wireless charging. Qi chargers range in power from 5W to 15W; MagSafe chargers from 7.5 to 15W. Because of the magnetic fit MagSafe chargers will be faster even if at the same wattage as Qi, so got for a MagSafe charger if you can (and your iPhone is version 12 or later). Read our recommendations for the best MagSafe chargers and also the best MagSafe power banks . The latest Qi2 chargers should match MagSafe on 15W charging speed; see What is Qi2 for more details. How to charge an iPhone using a power bank Portable power banks offer the ability to charge an iPhone on the go when youre not near an outlet or dont have time to sit for 15 minutes. They range from a few thousand milliamp hours to more than 15,000, which is enough to change an iPhone 15 Pro Max nearly three times. Most power banks need a separate charging cable that connects to the iPhone, though some have built-in cables that are stored somewhere inside the device. Some higher-end power banks have magnetic pads for charging wirelessly as well. Using a power bank is simple. Make sure you charge it before you head out and then when you want to fill up your iPhone, use it as you would use a regular chargereither with a cable or wirelessly. Most power banks have LED lights to let you know how much charge is remaining. You can learn more about MagSafe power banks and read our best picks in our roundup. How to use the iPhones Charging Optimization settings Inside the Battery tab in Settings, Apple has a Charging Optimization option that lets you turn on features to preserve battery wear over time and conserve energy. They are: Optimized Battery Charging: Your iPhone will learn from your daily charging and usage habits so it can limit charging to 80 percent until you need to use it. 80% Limit: Your iPhone will stop charging at 80 percent most days and only charge to 100 percent to maintain battery state-of-charge estimates. Clean Energy Charging: Your iPhone will attempt to charge when lower carbon-emission electricity is available in your area based on your daily usage habits. You can turn on any of these options in Settings or opt for None , which will charge to 100% when you plug it in as normal. How to choose the best iPhone charging accessories There are two things to consider when shopping for new iPhone charging gear: the charger and the cable. The iPhone comes with an Apple USB-C cable that supports charging of up to 60 watts, more than enough to fast-charge any iPhone, but only USB 2 speeds (480Mbps) for data transfers. If youre buying a second or replacement cable for charging , we recommend getting one that supports at least 5Gbps for data transfers. Youll also need a power adapter, and we recommend getting one thats at least 30W for the fastest charging. If you dont want to carry around multiple adapters, buy one that has two or more ports and can charge two devices at once (60W or higher will be best). Check out our roundup of the best USB-C power adapters for iPhone and MacBook for a good selection for any budget. FAQ 1. Can I leave my phone charging overnight Ever since smartphones arrived, the most common way of recharging them has been to plug them in when you go to bed, then disconnect them in the morning with a full charge to last the day. This made a lot of sense when batteries took a long time to get up to full charge, as the eight hours in bed gave both the user and device time to recover from the previous days exertions. But now, as the period it takes to charge a battery has dramatically reduced, its time to reconsider how you top up the tank. iPhones use Lithium-ion batteries because, Apple states, they charge faster, last longer, and have a higher power density for more battery life in a lighter package. These are all fine features, but one thing that Li-On is not really keen on is being reduced to 0 percent and then back up to 100 percent each day. Apple recommends, as do many others, that you try to keep an iPhone battery between 30 and 80 percent charged. Topping up to 100 percent isnt optimal, although it wont necessarily damage your battery, but letting it regularly run down to 0 percent can prematurely lead to a batterys demise. There is an exception, as its considered good form to do a complete 0-100 percent charge about once a month, just to keep the battery in good shape. For all other instances, though, the best practice is to top your battery up periodically during the day so that it stays in that sweet spot. Hopefully, this should keep the cell healthy for as long as possible. To make this easier to achieve we recommend keeping an extra charger at work or in your car so that you can pop the iPhone on to it when you see the battery beginning to fade. Theres more on why you shouldnt charge a phone overnight here. 2. Can I use any charger to charge my iPhone? The generala dvice is that you should use the charger that came with your device. If you have an iPad, then the charger that came with it is also compatible and may actually get your iPhone up to a full tank quicker than its own charger. But there are faster, smaller and cheaper chargers that beat Apples own. There are various third-party charger offerings on the Apple store itself , but, just for you, we have tested the best iPhone chargers to make your choices much easier. Charging an iPhone via a cable is the speediest way to get back up to full power but wireless charging is often more convenient. From the iPhone 12 on, Apple has added a magnetic technology called MagSafe that makes wireless charging more efficient and therefore faster. Avoid cheap knock-off products, as in some cases these have been known to damage devices. See our Are cheap iPhone chargers safe? feature for more details. 3. Does fast charging damage an iPhone? No. So long as your iPhone has the Fast Charge capabilities (from the iPhone 8 and later) then the battery and iOS work together to ensure that it wont overheat or cause any harm. If you have a thick protective case on your iPhone, it might be a good idea to remove it while using a fast-charger, just so the heat dissipates easily and doesnt trigger the software warnings to slow down the power flow. Learn the fastest ways to charge an iPhone . 4. Is it safe to store a charged iPhone? Should you find you are travelling without your device or need to leave it unused for multiple weeks or months, youll want to ensure that its charged to around 50 percent before turning it off. This will protect the battery cell from dying while left idle. The battery will still lose charge at a slow but steady rate, so after six months it will need charging back up to 50% once more. For more ways to get the best energy performance from your iPhone see our How to improve iPhone battery life guide, or if youre worried that the cell might be experiencing problems then read How to check iPhone battery health . Apple Inc, iPhone, Mobile Phone Chargers, Power
PS5 Pro: news, rumored release date, price, and specs
Where there's smoke, there's fire, and there's been a lot of smoke about a PS5 Pro for the past few months. Here are all the rumors so far about this system.
How to add friends in Sea of Thieves
If your crew is scattered to the winds, bring them together in Sea of Thieves by inviting them to your game. Here's how you can party up with your friends.
Juiced Bikes takes $300 off two e-bikes for limited-time flash sales starting from $1,149
Juiced Bikes has launched a weekend flash sale on its CrossCurrent X Ultimate Commuter e-bike that also comes with a free portable air pump for $1,999 shipped . Down from its $2,199 price tag, weve seen this model go for much less in the past, mainly during Black Friday and Christmas sales that dropped costs to $1,499 and to the $1,399 low. In the new year weve seen a handful of flash sales that brought the price down to various rates, with Valentines Day seeing the best deal in the form of a buy one get one half off sale. Todays deal is a solid $300 markdown off the going rate and also gives you a reliable and compact device to keep your tires filled and ready. Currently, only the red colorway is available as the black and silver colorways are sold out. You can learn more about the CrossCurrent X by heading below the fold or checking out our coverage over at Electrek . more
Tesla Autopilot Was Uniquely Riskyand May Still Be
In an investigative report into crashes and deaths associated with Tesla Autopilot, federal regulators concluded that the system lacked standard protections.
Apples latest HomePod 2 drops to $250 low (Reg. $299), HomePod mini at $70
Through the end of the weekend, Best Buy is offering Apples latest HomePod 2 for $249.99 shipped . Both Midnight black and white styles are available as $49 discounts from the usual $299 going rate. This is the best offer weve seen to date, too. The last mention was $269, and we have seen some member-only Costco deals. But now, everyone can save $49 and score the best HomePod 2 price yet. more
How to get a gun in Another Crabs Treasure
Another Crab's Treasure may look like a calm and friendly sea adventure, but it's actually quite difficult. However, it's certainly nothing a gun can't fix.
All console commands and cheats for Fallout: New Vegas
No one is going to play fair in the wastelands of Fallout New Vegas, so why should you? These are all the cheats and console commands you can access on pc.
Aaron Sorkin is working on a Jan. 6-focused follow-up to The Social Network
Aaron Sorkin has announced that hes currently writing a followup script to The Social Network , according to The Hollywood Reporter . He broke the news during an episode of The Town podcast that centered on how Facebook and social media have influenced democracy in the years since his Oscar-winning hit. The first film chronicled the early days of Mark Zuckerbergs social network and starred Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake, among others. Sorkin is cagey on the actual details of the new script, but it looks to follow Facebook throughout the Trump era. He went on to tell the podcast hosts that he actually blames the social media site for the January 6 riots that claimed the lives of five people and led to the injuries of more than 140 police officers . Look, yeah, Ill be writing about this, Sorkin told podcast hosts Matthew Belloni and Peter Hamby. I blame Facebook for January 6. He didnt give any reason as to why he blames Facebook for the attack on the capitol, telling the podcast hosts that they will have to buy a movie ticket. Facebook, Google, Twitter and Reddit were all subpoenaed as part of the investigation into January 6. Lawmakers have suggested that Facebook didnt take the proper steps to handle the Stop the Steal movement, which was organized on the platform, and that it didnt recognize the danger posed by these groups until after the violence in DC. Whistleblower Frances Haugen told Congress that Facebook disbanded its civic integrity team after the 2020 election. She also has said that Facebook knew its algorithms and platforms promoted harmful content and that it failed to deploy internally recommended or lasting countermeasures. According to Haugen, the company chose profits over safety. Sorkin has obviously been paying attention to all of this, saying in the same interview that Facebook has been, among other things, tuning its algorithm to promote the most divisive material possible. Because that is what will increase engagement. He further dinged the company by suggesting that theres supposed to be a constant tension at Facebook between growth and integrity. There isnt. Theres just growth. Now, dont go heading to your local multiplex to buy a ticket for The Social Network 2: Electric Boogaloo just yet. The script is still in the early stages and Sorkin hasnt announced a partnership with any studio to get the film made. This also isnt his first attempt to get something like this off the ground. He was previously working on a script entirely about January 6, but it didnt move forward. It remains to be seen if some aspects of that script will end up in followup to The Social Network , should it actually get made. He told the Happy Sad Confused podcast that he would only push to make a sequel to The Social Network if David Fincher returned to direct it. If a studio does sign on to make this project, which is fairly likely given the success of the 2010 film, it leaves me with two glaring questions. Can Jesse Eisenberg grow a sweet beard and what are his thoughts on ultra-premium livestock ? This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/aaron-sorkin-is-working-on-a-jan-6-focused-follow-up-to-the-social-network-190010714.html?src=rss
Amazon confirms that Prime Day 2024 is set for July
Amazon Prime Day turns ten years old in 2024! The company is celebrating that milestone by offering its first announcement about the summer sale but still keeping some of the excitement wrapped up at the same time. Amazon is confirming that Prime Day 2024 will arrive in July as the tenth installment of the savings event. more
Is Manor Lords multiplayer or co-op?
Do you want to pit your growing army against a friend's or work together in Manor Lords? we'll let you know if the game supports multiplayer and co-op or not.
JBL Authentics 200 smart speaker with Google Assistant drops to $279 (Reg. $350)
Amazon is now offering the JBL Authentics 200 Smart Speaker with Google Assistant for $279 shipped. This is a 20% price cut from the usual $350 going rate it just launched with last fall. Todays offer is not only one of the first deals so far, but also one of the best. Its the second lowest price to date and comes within $4 of the all-time low from back in February. The Authentics lineup first debuted at the tail end of the summer last year to deliver a more flagship listening experience packed with Google Assistant features. Scope out our hands-on review and get more details on the lineup below. more
How to increase your approval rating in Manor Lords
Even though you're a king by right, you still need the approval of your subjects to succeed in Manor Lords. Here are the ways to increase your total rating.
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra falls to a new low, plus the rest of the week's best tech deals
Another week is coming to a close, which means it's time for another roundup of good tech deals. This week's highlights include a new low on Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra , which is $200 off and down to $1,100 for an unlocked model. That's not exactly cheap, no, but any savings should be welcome for what we consider the best premium Android phone . Elsewhere, a trio of recommendations from our wireless earbuds buying guide are on sale, including Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for $249, Google's Pixel Buds Pro for $135 and Anker's Soundcore Space A40 for $49. Apple's latest MacBook Air has dropped to a new low of $989 as well, while Best Buy has the HomePod mini down to $70 in a rare discount. Other gadgets we like are discounted beyond that, so here are the best tech deals from this week that you can still get today. 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/samsungs-galaxy-s24-ultra-falls-to-a-new-low-plus-the-rest-of-the-weeks-best-tech-deals-181055583.html?src=rss
Message-scraping, user-tracking service Spy Pet shut down by Discord
Bot-driven service was also connected to targeted harassment site Kiwi Farms.
Nikons Z8 is a phenomenal mirrorless camera for the price
Nikon is arguably the world's most famous camera brand, but with the decline of DSLRs it has lagged behind Canon and Sony. In 2022, it released the Z9 , a flagship mirrorless camera that could finally hold its own against rivals, but the $5,500 price tag put it out of reach for most. To appeal to a wider audience, Nikon unveiled the Z8 last year with the same sensor and nearly the same specs as the Z9 for $1,700 less. With a 45-megapixel stacked sensor and the latest Expeed 7 image processor, the Z8 can do everything from sports to wildlife to scenic photography. It's also a powerful video camera, offering 8K RAW internal capture at up to 60 fps. The only other model that can really compare in terms of speed, resolution and video is the Sony A1 , but it costs a whopping $2,200 more. To find out how the Z8 stacks up against that model and others, I rented a Z8 and shot with it around Vancouver, Canada with my photographer cousin. Body and handling Design-wise, you can think of the Z8 as the Z9 with the battery grip chopped off. It's still a chunky camera at 910 grams (2 pounds), though, compared to 737 grams for the Sony A1. That might suit pros or those who like a larger camera body, but the size and weight aren't ideal for travel. By the way, a $346 battery grip ( the MB-N12 ) with secondary controls is available for the Z8, effectively transforming it into a Z9 for far less money. The Z8 has a nice big grip and all the controls you'd expect, including a joystick, D-Pad style menu control, switch for camera/video settings and front and rear dials. Nikon users will enjoy the layout as it's largely similar to past models, but everything is just different enough that it may feel awkward for users coming from other brands. Unlike the A1, the Z8 features a display on top that shows key settings like shutter, aperture and battery life. Although it takes up space that could be used by buttons or dials, it's a handy way to see everything at a glance and I miss it now on models that don't have it. If you do have to dive into the menus, they take a bit of getting used to, but work well once you're over the learning curve. One of the key negative points is the lack of a fully articulating display. Instead, the rear 3.2-inch 2.36-million dot screen only tilts up and down and to the left or right. That's too bad, because the Z8 could be a powerful vlogging camera and a flip-out display is must for that type of work (especially as it makes solo shooting easier). The 3.69 million-dot electronic viewfinder is a bit low-res for a camera in this price range, especially compared to the 9.4 million-dot display on the Sony A1. Even Canon's cheaper R5 has a 5.76 million dot display that makes it substantially easier to check focus. Battery life is on the weak side at 420 shots (one to two hours of video shooting depending on resolution), compared to 490 shots for the Canon R5 and 530 for the A1, according to CIPA ratings. Again, though, you can nearly double that with the battery grip. Other notable features include UHS-II and CFexpress B memory card slots, a full-sized HDMI port for external capture, as well as two separate USB-C ports for power delivery and data. Performance With the fastest high-resolution stacked sensor out there, the Z8 is unbelievably quick for a 45-megapixel camera. You can shoot RAW photos at 20 fps, a bit slower than the A1's 30 fps RAW capability, but the Z8 can shoot 30 fps in JPEG mode. It can handle 40 uncompressed RAW frames before the buffer fills, but can store more compressed images if you have a fast CFexpress card. The hybrid phase-detect autofocus is Nikon's best to date due to the upgraded image processor, stacked sensor and huge number of AF tracking points. It offers reliable subject tracking, and the face, eye and animal detection is fast and accurate as well. In fact, the company has said it's nearly identical to the far more expensive Z9 as of the latest firmware. That said, the Z8's AF isnt quite as dependable as Sonys A1 when shooting at the highest speeds. It occasionally had trouble tracking subjects, in particular those moving toward the camera, resulting in some out-of-focus shots. The Z8 (and Z9) is quite sensitive to setup, so it's best to fine-tune the AF settings until it works the way you want. Theres no mechanical shutter, but the Z8s sensor is fast enough that rolling shutter isnt an issue, even on fast-moving objects like airplane propellers. The 5-axis in-body stabilization reduces shake by six stops, enough to get sharp photos down to a quarter second or so. Thats superior to the A1, but falls way short of the EOS R5s 8 stops. Image quality The Z8 has the same excellent sensor as the Z9, so of course image quality is identical in all respects. With 45.7 megapixels on tap, it delivers sharp photos on par with the 50-megapixel A1 and second only to Sonys 60 MP A7R V in the full-frame realm. Dynamic range is also outstanding, arguably a touch better than the A1. JPEG images are bright and punchy straight out of the camera, with the best results in terms of colors from the Natural Light Auto white balance setting. Colors are accurate, though skin-tones arent quite as warm as Canons R3 or R5. Meanwhile, the 14-bit RAW images hold plenty of detail that can be teased out in Lightroom or ON1, particularly in the highlights. Like the Z9, the Z8 no longer has an uncompressed option, but now offers lossless compression and two high-efficiency lossy modes. I typically used the RAW setting with the highest compression, because it's super efficient and frankly, I can't see any difference between that and lossless compressed RAW. The Z8 performs reasonably well in low-light, too. Grain is well-controlled up to about ISO 6400, and shots are usable at ISO 12800. Beyond that, noise can become distracting. That lines up with Canons R5, but Sonys A1 performs a bit better in dim lighting. Video The Z8s video specs are pretty mind-blowing for a non-cinema camera and exceed the A1s capabilities. You can shoot RAW video at up to 8K 60p in Nikons 12-bit N-RAW or 8K 30p with 12-bit ProRes RAW HQ internally, to CFexpress cards only, of course. It also captures 4K video oversampled from the full width of the sensor at up to 60p, and full-width 4K up to 120p again, all in RAW. It's worth noting that Nikon recently purchased RED cameras, so it now owns the RED RAW video patent that stymied so many other companies, including Apple. It'll be interesting to see if Nikon loosens up that enforcement, and if the acquisition impacts the tech in its own future models. As with photos, video autofocus is fast and reliable, while doing a good job tracking subjects, faces and animals. It can handle challenging situations like subjects moving toward the camera, though again, not quite as well as the A1. Rhonda Dent for Engadget 8K and 4K oversampled video is extremely sharp. Colors are accurate, but again, skin tones arent quite as pretty as on Canons latest models. Dynamic range is top-notch, particularly in the ISO 400-800 level in ProRes mode, making it easy to adjust shadows and highlights in post. If you love shooting ProRes footage, be sure to get some high-capacity CFexpress cards, because the files can get huge. One area where the Z9 bests the Z8 in video is with thermal performance, as the Z9s larger body allows for 125 minutes of 8K 60p recording compared to 90 for the Z8 before overheating. There are very few content creators that will need to continuously shoot 8K video for that long, however. Wrap-up Nikons Z8 is an extremely capable camera and shows that the company should offer as much speed and power as possible if it wants to catch up to Canon and Sony. For many hybrid shooters, the Z8 is a better option than Sonys A1, particularly when it comes to video. While it does out-spec the Sony in a number of areas, the Z8's autofocus isnt quite as good and that's arguably the most important feature on any camera. Shooters who require a mechanical shutter (for flash photography, etc.) will also need to look elsewhere. Another 8K-capable full-frame mirrorless model is Canons R5 that falls short of both models in many regards, but is cheaper at $3,200. A decision to buy this camera might be based on what system and lenses youre already into. However, if I was starting from scratch, Id go for the Z8 over Sonys A1, as you get the camera plus a very good lens for the same amount of money. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nikons-z8-is-a-phenomenal-mirrorless-camera-for-the-price-180209073.html?src=rss
Some of our favorite Bose headphones and earbuds are back to all-time low prices
Amazon has some of the highest-rated Bose headphones on sale for record-low prices. That includes the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones , which have best-in-class active noise cancellation (ANC). Usually $429, the wireless cans are now only $379, matching an all-time low. Engadgets Billy Steele praised the headphones sound, ANC and comfort in our review, but he also found them a bit expensive at their standard retail price, so this sale could be the right time to snag a pair. The headphones are comfortable for long listening sessions with enough battery life to keep up. Although their Immersive Audio spatial listening mode is a bit hit-or-miss (and not for everyone), the feature pairs incredibly well with some tracks and genres. The headphones are our runner-up picks in Engadgets noise-canceling headphones guid e. Battery life is impressive, and our review unit surpassed Boses claims of 24 hours with ANC turned on or 18 hours with ANC and Immersive Audio activated. In Engadgets testing for the latter mode, the headphones still had 30 percent remaining after 20 hours of listening. They have a streamlined design with fewer physical navigation buttons than the standard QuietComfort variant, giving them sleeker aesthetics. That includes metal in their headband and hinge (with no visible screws). Amazon also has several other Bose products on sale . The highly rated QuietComfort Ultra earbuds , which have similar features in a compact in-ear form factor, are available for $50 off ($249). They also include a spatial audio mode and have impressive ANC to block out your environment when working or commuting. Theyre our pick for the best noise cancellation in Engadgets wireless earbuds buying guide . If spatial audio algorithms arent your cup of tea, you can save $100 on the standard Bose QuietComfort headphones . They also have leading noise-blocking and high-quality audio, lacking only the illusion of sitting in an acoustic Immersive Audio sweet spot. They offer 24-hour battery life and multipoint connectivity to switch between several source devices easily. Bose also has the same sale on its website, a good option if you dont have Amazon Prime . You can hit up the complete sale for details. 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/some-of-our-favorite-bose-headphones-and-earbuds-are-back-to-all-time-low-prices-180039087.html?src=rss
elago brings Game Boy Advance SP vibes to its newest MagSafe charging stand
elago is launching a new MagSafe charging dock today that looks like a Game Boy Advance SP. The new MS W5 Charging Stand debut with a retro design thats a bit more recent than some of the other throwback-themed accessories weve seen from elago and channels the vibes of Nintendos folding handheld. more
Apple's 13-inch MacBook Air with the M3 chip has never been cheaper
Apple's latest MacBook Air with the new M3 chip just hit its lowest price yet at Amazon. The retailer is taking $110 off the laptop's list price, which is $10 cheaper than the sale price of $999 its been hitting lately . That's not a huge difference, but still represents a new low for the two-month-old laptop. The discount applies to all four colorways of the entry-level 13-inch model, which gives you 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. If you need more memory, you can get the model with 16GB , which is down to $1,399, or $100 off, at Amazon and Best Buy . We think the 13-inch MacBook Air with the M3 chip is the best laptop for most people and, unsurprisingly, it's also our top pick for the best MacBook you can buy. Engadget's Devindra Hardawar gave it a score of 90 in his review when the computer came out last month. It's slim and light yet sturdy, and the keyboard and trackpads are comfortable to use. The bright display is accurate and the battery will far outlast a typical workday. The new chip gives the notebook a performance boost according to our benchmark testing, though Devindra didn't feel a noticeable difference when it came to performing real-world tasks loading apps, editing photos and multitasking was just as speedy using the previous MacBook Air with the M2 chip. In fact, we noted when the M3 Air was released that the M2 model is now an even better buy thanks to a permanent price cut and proven stellar performance . It's still part of Apple's official MacBook lineup and Engadget's Daniel Cooper points out , he fact its available as the budget option is almost a flex . Right now the base level 13-inch MacBook Air with the M2 chip is down to $849 at Amazon. That's $150 off the list price and the lowest price we've tracked. If you don't need the absolute latest chip, it's a great buy right now. 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/apples-13-inch-macbook-air-with-the-m3-chip-has-never-been-cheaper-172604636.html?src=rss
Govee outdoor LED strip lights color your home for year-round decoration starting at $55 low
The official Govee Amazon storefront is offering its 32.8-foot RGBIC Pro Outdoor Strip Lights for $54.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page $15 off coupon . Already down from its $90 price tag, these strip lights have only seen two official discounts since its release back in October, with Black Friday dropping costs to $76 and an earlier April discount dropping it to $70. Todays deal comes on the heels of this recent discount as a combined 39% markdown off the going rate that lands as a new all-time low. Youll also find the 65.6-foot strip lights at $110 , down from $140, and the 98.4-foot strip lights at $140, down from $190. Just be sure to clip those on-page coupons! more
Whats on Apple TV+ this week: The Big Door Prize season 2 is now streaming
Macworld Apple has planted its own flag in the streaming wars with Apple TV+ , its in-house streaming service that focuses almost entirely on original programming rather than an extensive library of existing TV shows or movies. This guide will list all the Apple TV+ content you can watch today, divided into episodic shows or series and movies. Theres also a ton of new content in the works for Apples $9.99-a-month service. If you want to know whats on the way, check out our list of upcoming Apple TV+ shows and movies . Updated 04/26/24: The second season of The Big Door Prize is now streaming. u003cbru003eMentioned IN THIS story Apple TV 4K (2022, 3. Gen.) 128GB WiFi + Ethernet Read our review Price When Reviewed: 64GB $129 | 128GB $149 Best Prices Today: $129 at Apple Whats new on Apple TV+ The Big Door Prize (season 2) Released: April 24, 2024 Jane (season 2) Released: April 19, 2024 Argylle Released: April 12, 2024 Franklin Released: April 12, 2024 Sugar Released: April 5, 2024 Girls State Released: April 5, 2024 Loot (season 2) Released: April 3, 2024 Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock (season 2) Released: March 29, 2024 STEVE! (martin): A documentary in two pieces Released: March 29, 2024 Best shows on Apple TV+ Theres far too much content on Apple TV+ to sift through it all yourself. If youre looking for something to watch and dont know where to start, here are a few of the Macworld staffs favorite shows, series, and movies. Bad Sisters Synopsis: A dark comedy about a group of Irish sisters who find themselves at the center of a life insurance investigation after John Paulthe abusive husband to one of the sistersdies unexpectedly. Number of seasons: 1 Release date: August 19, 2022 Black Bird Synopsis: A gripping miniseries about a convicted con artist who works for the FBI to try to get a serial killers confession before he is released from prison. Based on the true story of James Keene and Larry Hall. Number of seasons: 1 Release date: July 8, 2022 For All Mankind Synopsis: What if the U.S.S.R. put a man on the moon before the U.S.? How would the ensuing space race change history throughout the decades? Thats the high concept behind this gripping big-budget sci-fi series. Number of seasons: 4 Release date: November 1, 2019 Mythic Quest Synopsis: A lighthearted workplace comedy about a game development studio and the big egos and personal conflicts that happen within. Its goofy good fun but sometimes quite touching. Number of seasons: 3 Release date: February 7, 2020 Physical Synopsis: Even if youre not old enough to remember the aerobics craze in the 80s, Physical will give you all the big hair and leotard vibes. Starting Rose Byrne as an alternate-universe Jane Fonda, this dark comedy will keep you laughing, guessing, and sweating with plot twists and crisp writing. Number of seasons: 3 Release date: June 18, 2021 Severance Synopsis: A combination of dystopian sci-fi drama and workplace comedy about a company where employees are severedwhen at work, they cant remember their outside lives, and vice-versa. Number of seasons: 1 Release date: February 18, 2022 Shrinking Synopsis: A surprisingly quick-witted comedy about a therapist who has trouble dealing with the death of his wife and his eccentric patients. Number of seasons: 1 Release date: January 27, 2023 Slow Horses Synopsis: Gary Oldman turns in a great performance as the cranky leader of a band of misfit spies. Number of seasons: 3 Release date: April 1, 2022 Ted Lasso Synopsis: Apples fish-out-of-water comedy/drama about a midwestern college football coach who heads to England to coach Premiere League soccer is a breakout hit for good reason. Number of seasons: 3 Release date: August 14, 2020 The Morning Show Synopsis: Big star power and a fantastic performance by Jenniffer Aniston highlight this fast-paced drama that goes behind the scenes of a fictional morning news program. Number of seasons: 3 Release date: November 1, 2019 Apple TV+ shows and series These are all the episodic series you can currently watch on Apple TV+, including both recurring and limited series. This list is in alphabetical order. Title Premiere Seasons / Episodes 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything May 21, 2021 8 episodes Acapulco October 8, 2021 2 seasons, 20 episodes Amazing Stories March 6, 2020 1 season, 5 episodes Amber Brown July 29, 2022 1 season, 10 episodes Bad Sisters August 19, 2022 1 season, 10 episodes Becoming You November 13, 2020 1 season, 6 episodes Best Foot Forward July 22, 2022 1 season, 10 episodes Big Beasts April 21, 2023 1 season, 10 episodes Black Bird July 8, 2022 6 episodes Boom! Boom! The World vs Boris Becker April 7, 2023 2 episodes The Buccaneers November 8, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Calls March 19, 2021 1 season, 9 episodes Carpool Karaoke August 8, 2017 5 seasons, 75 episodes Central Park May 29, 2020 3 seasons, 39 episodes Circuit Breakers November 11, 2022 1 season, 7 episodes City on Fire May 12, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Constellation February 21, 2024 1 season, 8 episodes Criminal Record January 10, 2024 1 season, 8 episodes Curses! October 27, 2023 1 season, 10 episodes Dear Edward February 3, 2023 1 season, 10 episodes Dear June 5, 2020 2 seasons, 20 episodes Defending Jacob April 24, 2020 8 episodes Dickinson November 1, 2019 3 seasons, 30 episodes Doug Unplugs November 13, 2020 2 seasons, 26 episodes Dr. Brain November 3, 2021 1 season, 6 episodes Drops of God April 21, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Duck & Goose July 8, 2022 2 seasons, 17 episodes Earth at Night in Color December 4, 2020 2 seasons, 12 episodes Earthsounds February 23, 2024 1 season, 12 episodes Echo 3 November 23, 2022 1 season, 10 episodes El Deafo January 7, 2022 3 episodes Eva the Owlet March 31, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Extrapolations March 17, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Five Days at Memorial August 12, 2022 8 episodes For All Mankind November 1, 2019 4 seasons, 40 episodes Foundation September 24, 2021 2 seasons, 20 episodes Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock January 21, 2022 2 seasons, 27 episodes Fraggle Rock: Rock On! April 21, 2020 1 season, 6 episodes Frog and Toad April 28, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Get Rolling with Otis October 8, 2021 2 seasons, 18 episodes Ghostwriter November 1, 2019 3 seasons, 39 episodes Greatness Code July 10, 2020 2 seasons, 13 episodes Gutsy September 9, 2022 1 season, 8 episodes Harriet the Spy November 19, 2021 2 seasons, 20 episodes Hello Tomorrow! February 17, 2023 1 season, 10 episodes Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show November 5, 2021 2 seasons, 16 episodes Helpsters November 1, 2019 3 seasons, 40 episodes Helpsters Help You April 24, 2020 6 episodes High Desert May 17, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Hijack June 28, 2023 7 episodes Home April 17, 2020 2 season, 19 episodes Home Before Dark April 3, 2020 2 seasons, 20 episodes Interrupting Chicken November 18, 2022 2 seasons, 17 episodes Invasion October 22, 2021 2 seasons, 20 episodes Jane April 14, 2023 2 seasons, 15 episodes John Lennon: Murder Without A Trial December 6, 2023 3 episodes Lessons in Chemistry October 13, 2023 8 episodes Liaison February 24, 2023 1 season, 6 episodes Life by Ella September 2, 2022 1 season, 10 episodes Lincolns Dilemma February 18, 2022 4 episodes Liseys Story June 4, 2021 8 episodes Little America January 17, 2020 2 seasons, 16 episodes Little Voice July 10, 2020 1 season, 9 episodes Long Way Up September 18, 2020 11 episodes Loot June 24, 2022 2 seasons, 20 episodes Losing Alice January 22, 2021 1 season, 8 episodes Lovely Little Farm June 10, 2022 2 seasons, 14 episodes Make or Break April 29, 2022 2 seasons, 15 episodes Manhunt March 15, 2024 7 episodes Masters of the Air January 26, 2024 9 episodes Messi Meets America October 11, 2023 6 episodes Messis World Cup: Rise of a Legend February 21, 2024 4 episodes Monarch: Legacy of Monsters November 17, 2023 1 season, 10 episodes Monster Factory March 17, 2023 6 episodes Mr. Corman August 6, 2021 1 season, 10 episodes My Kind of Country March 24, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Mythic Quest February 7, 2020 3 seasons, 30 episodes Now and Then May 20, 2022 1 season, 8 episodes One-of-a-Kind Marcie August 18, 2023 39 min. Oprah Talks COVID-19 March 21, 2020 1 season, 13 episodes Oprahs Book Club November 1, 2019 1 season, 14 episodes Pachinko March 25, 2022 1 season, 8 episodes Palm Royale March 20, 2024 10 episodes Physical June 18, 2021 3 seasons, 30 episodes Pinecone & Pony April 8, 2022 2 seasons, 16 episodes Platonic May 24, 2023 1 season, 10 episodes Prehistoric Planet May 23, 2022 2 season, 10 episodes Pretzel and the Puppies February 11, 2022 2 seasons, 18 episodes Puppy Place October 15, 2021 2 seasons, 16 episodes Real Madrid: Until the End March 10, 2023 3 episodes Roar April 15, 2022 1 season, 8 episodes Sago Mini Friends September 16, 2022 2 seasons, 19 episodes Schmigadoon! July 16, 2021 2 seasons, 12 episodes See November 1, 2019 3 seasons, 24 episodes Servant November 28, 2019 4 seasons, 40 episodes Severance February 18, 2022 1 season, 9 episodes Shantaram October 14, 2022 1 season, 12 episodes Shape Island January 20, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Shining Girls April 29, 2022 1 season, 8 episodes Shrinking January 27, 2023 1 season, 10 episodes Silo May 5, 2023 1 season, 10 episodes Slow Horses April 1, 2022 3 seasons, 18 episodes Slumberkins November 4, 2022 1 season, 8 episodes Snoopy in Space November 1, 2019 2 seasons, 24 episodes Still Up September 22, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes Stillwater December 4, 2020 3 seasons, 30 episodes Strange Planet August 9, 2023 1 season, 10 episodes STEVE! (martin): A documentary in two pieces March 29, 2024 2 episodes Sugar April 5, 2024 8 episodes Super League: The War for Football January 13, 2023 4 episodes Surface July 29, 2022 1 season, 8 episodes Surfside Girls August 19, 2022 1 season, 10 episodes Suspicion February 4, 2022 1 season, 8 episodes Swagger October 29, 2021 2 season2, 18 episodes Ted Lasso August 14, 2020 3 seasons, 34 episodes Tehran September 25, 2020 2 seasons, 16 episodes The Afterparty January 28, 2022 2 seasons, 16 episodes The Big Conn May 6, 2022 4 episodes The Big Door Prize March 29, 2023 2 seasons, 20 episodes The Changeling September 8, 2023 1 season, 8 episodes The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin March 1, 2024 1 season, 6 episodes The Crowded Room June 9, 2023 1 season, 10 episodes The Dynasty February 16 2024 10 episodes The Enfield Poltergeist October 27, 2023 4 episodes The Essex Serpent May 13, 2022 6 episodes The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey March 11, 2022 6 episodes The Last Thing He Told Me April 14, 2023 7 episodes The Line November 19, 2021 4 episodes [a] The Long Game: Bigger Than Basketball April 22, 2022 1 season, 5 episodes The Me You Cant See May 21, 2021 1 season, 6 episodes The Morning Show November 1, 2019 3 seasons, 30 episodes The Mosquito Coast April 30, 2021 2 seasons, 17 episodes The New Look February 14, 2024 1 season, 10 episodes The Oprah Conversation July 30, 2020 1 season, 15 episodes The Problem with Jon Stewart September 30, 2021 2 seasons, 20 episodes The Reluctant Traveler February 24, 2023 2 seasons, 13 episodes The Shrink Next Door November 12, 2021 8 episodes The Snoopy Show February 5, 2021 2 seasons, 26 episodes The Super Models September 20, 2023 4 episodes They Call Me Magic April 22, 2022 1 season, 4 episodes Tiny World October 2, 2020 2 seasons, 12 episodes Truth Be Told December 6, 2019 3 seasons, 28 episodes Trying May 1, 2020 3 seasons, 24 episodes Visible: Out on Television February 14, 2020 5 episodes Wanted: The Escape of Carlos Ghosn August 25, 2023 4 episodes Watch the Sound with Mark Ronson July 30, 2021 1 season, 6 episodes WeCrashed March 18, 2022 8 episodes Wolfboy and the Everything Factory September 24, 2021 2 seasons, 20 episodes Apple TV movies and short films Apple TV+ is home to a fair number of original movies, too. Some of the movies saw a limited theatrical release, all are listed here in alphabetical order. Title Release Date 9/11: Inside the Presidents War Room September 1, 2021 Argylle April 12, 2024 Beastie Boys Story April 24, 2020 Billie Eilish: The Worlds a Little Blurry February 26, 2021 Blush October 1, 2021 Boys State August 14, 2020 Bruce Springsteens Letter to You October 23, 2020 Causeway November 4, 2022 Cha Cha Real Smooth June 17, 2022 Cherry March 12, 2021 CODA August 13, 2021 Come from Away September 10, 2021 Dads June 19, 2020 Emancipation December 9, 2022 Fathom June 25, 2021 Finch November 5, 2021 Fingernails November 3, 2023 Flora and Son September 29, 2023 Fireball: Visitors from Darker Worlds November 13, 2020 Ghosted April 21, 2023 Girls State April 5, 2024 Greyhound July 10, 2020 Hala December 6, 2019 Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas November 22, 2023 Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth April 17, 2020 Killers of the Flower Moon January 12, 2024 Louis Armstrongs Black & Blues October 28, 2022 Luck August 5, 2022 Mariah Careys Magical Christmas Special December 4, 2020 Mariahs Christmas: The Magic Continues December 3, 2021 Napoleon March 1, 2024 On the Rocks October 23, 2020 Palmer January 29, 2021 Raymond & Ray October 21, 2022 Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me November 4, 2022 Sharper February 17, 2023 Sidney September 23, 2022 Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne December 10, 2021 Snoopy Presents: Its The Small Things, Charlie Brown April 15, 2022 Snoopy Presents: Lucys School August 12, 2022 Snoopy Presents: To Mom (and Dad), With Love May 6, 2022 Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin February 16, 2024 Spirited November 18, 2022 Stephen Curry: Underrated July 21, 2023 Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie May 12, 2023 Swan Song December 17, 2021 Tetris March 31, 2023 The Banker March 20, 2020 The Beanie Bubble July 28, 2023 The Bloody Hundredth March 15, 2024 The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse December 25, 2022 The Elephant Queen November 1, 2019 The Family Plan December 15, 2023 The Greatest Beer Run Ever September 30, 2022 The Pigeon Tunnel October 20, 2023 The Sky Is Everywhere February 11, 2022 The Tragedy of Macbeth January 14, 2022 The Velvet Underground October 15, 2021 The Velveteen Rabbit November 22, 2023 The Year Earth Changed April 16, 2021 Twas the Fight Before Christmas November 26, 2021 Who Are You, Charlie Brown? June 25, 2021 Wolfwalkers December 11, 2020 Apple TV
The 13-inch M3 MacBook Air is cheaper than the M2 model today
Macworld If youre looking for a new laptop, the newest 13-inch MacBook Air is a perfect option for most people, especially when its on sale: Amazon is selling the 13-inch MacBook Air with 256GB of storage for $989 , a savings of $110 and the best price weve ever seen. The 13-inch MacBook Air has the same thin and light design as the M2 model with a new M3 processor and the ability to run two external displays . Its got a gorgeous Liquid Retina display with super-skinny bezels (and a notch) along with 18 hours of battery life, a fantastic keyboard, fast charging with MagSafe, and two Thunderbolt ports. In our 4.5-star review , we praised the M3 MacBook Air performance boost and called it a great laptop, especially for users who prioritize mobility that can handle whatever task you need to do. And at this price its a fantastic bargain too. Mac, MacBook
NHTSA concludes Tesla Autopilot investigation after linking the system to 14 deaths
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has concluded an investigation into Teslas Autopilot driver assistance system after reviewing hundreds of crashes, including 13 fatal incidents that led to 14 deaths. The organization has ruled that these accidents were due to driver misuse of the system. However, the NHTSA also found that Teslas weak driver engagement system was not appropriate for Autopilots permissive operating capabilities. In other words, the software didnt prioritize driver attentiveness. Riders using Autopilot or the companys Full Self-Driving technology were not sufficiently engaged, because Tesla did not adequately ensure that drivers maintained their attention on the driving task. The organization investigated nearly 1,000 crashes from January of 2018 until August of 2023, accounting for 29 total deaths. The NHTSA found that there was insufficient data to make an assessment for around half (489) of these crashes. In some incidents, the other party was at fault or the Tesla drivers werent using the Autopilot system. The most serious were 211 crashes in which the frontal plane of the Tesla struck a vehicle or obstacle in its path and these were often linked to Autopilot or FSD. These incidents led to 14 deaths and 49 serious injuries. The agency found that drivers had enough time to react, but didnt, in 78 of these incidents. These drivers failed to brake or steer to avoid the hazard, despite having at least five seconds to make a move. Thats where complaints against the software come into play. The NHTSA says that drivers would simply become too complacent, assuming that the system would handle any hazards. When it came time to react, it was too late. Crashes with no or late evasive action attempted by the driver were found across all Tesla hardware versions and crash circumstances, the organization wrote. The imbalance between driver expectation and the operating capabilities of Autopilot resulted in a critical safety gap that led to foreseeable misuse and avoidable crashes. The NHTSA also took umbrage with the branding of Autopilot, calling it misleading and suggesting that it lets drivers assume the software has total control. To that end, rival companies tend to use branding with words like driver assist. Autopilot indicates, well, an autonomous pilot. Californias attorney general and the states Department of Motor Vehicles are also investigating Tesla for misleading branding and marketing. Tesla, on the other hand, says that it warns customers that they need to pay attention while using Autopilot and FSD, according to The Verge . The company says the software features regular indicators that remind drivers to keep their hands on the wheels and eyes on the road. The NHTSA and other safety groups have said that these warnings do not go far enough and were insufficient to prevent misuse. Despite these statements by safety groups, CEO Elon Musk recently promised that the company will continue to go balls to the wall for autonomy. The findings could only represent a small fraction of the actual number of crashes and accidents related to Autopilot and FSD. The NHTSA indicated that gaps in Teslas telematic data create uncertainty regarding the actual rate at which vehicles operating with Autopilot engaged are involved in crashes. This means that Tesla only receives data from certain types of crashes, with the NHTSA claiming the company collects data on around 18 percent of crashes reported to police. With all of this mind, the organization has opened up another probe into Tesla. This one looks into a recent OTA software fix issued in December after two million vehicles were recalled . The NHTSA will evaluate whether the Autopilot recall fix that Tesla implemented is effective enough. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nhtsa-concludes-tesla-autopilot-investigation-after-linking-the-system-to-14-deaths-161941746.html?src=rss
Save $230 on the EGO Power+ 21-inch cordless electric mower at $419 low, more from $123
Amazon is offering the EGO Power+ 56V 21-inch Cordless Electric Self-Propelled Lawn Mower for $419 shipped. Normally fetching $649, it spent the late half of 2023 riding along its MSRP and occasionally rising and falling in small increments, the biggest of which brought costs down to $549. Since the new year began, weve seen a few repeat discounts down to the former $454 low, as well as one previous drop to the $419 low back at the beginning of the month. Todays deal comes in as a repeat 35% markdown off the going rate that lands as a return to the all-time lowest price we have tracked. more
Review: JBLs Soundgear Sense are a solid open earbud choicewith a couple caveats
Today we are taking a deeper dive on the JBL Soundgear Sense Open Earbuds. After more pricey models from Bose recently made headlines around here, we though it would be a good idea to check out the somewhat more affordable, lets call it mid-priced options, and JBLs Soundgears seemed a suitable candidate at $149.99 shipped. Dive into our hands-on impressions down below. more
Save $1,346 on Hover-1s blue Altai Pro R500 e-bike at $954, more EVs starting from $280
Amazon is offering the Hover-1 Altai Pro R500 e-bike (blue model) for $954.46 shipped. Down from its regular $2,300 price tag, it wasnt until early Christmas sales that we saw the price get taken down to $1,386, with most of the discounts weve seen in 2024 so far being on the other color schemes, except two first to $1,138 in March and then further to the $922 low at the top of the month. Todays deal comes in as a 59% markdown off the going rate, giving you $1,346 in savings and landing at the second-lowest price we have tracked. The red model is currently going for $2,116 shipped , and the jet black model going for $2,108 shipped. more
Dicks Sporting Goods takes an extra 25% off clearance: Nike, Under Armour, HOKA, more
Dicks Sporting Goods is currently offering an extra 25% off clearance during its Spring Deals Event. Prices are as marked. Customers receive free delivery on orders of $65 or more. A standout from this sale is the Under Armour Tech Vent 1/2-Zip Pullover Shirt thats currently marked down to $38 and originally sold for $50. This pullover is available in several color options and has a sweat-wicking design thats highly breathable. It can be styled year-round and is a perfect option for spring golf outings due to its stretch-infused fabric that allows you to have a full swing. Rated 4.8/5 stars from Dicks Sporting Goods customers. Score even more deals by heading below, or you can shop the entire sale here . more
10 Best Lubes (2024): Water-Based, Silicone, and Lube Dispensers
For the most sensitive parts of the human body, friction is the enemy. Heres how to keep it at bay.
Aiper Scuba S1 robot cleans up to 1,600-square foot pools all summer long at $560 (Save $140)
Amazon is offering the new Aiper 2024 Scuba S1 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner for $559.89 shipped as limited and extended Earth Day sales. Normally fetching $700 since its release in March, todays deal is the second official discount that is piggy-backing off the first drop to $580 from two weeks ago, giving you a $140 in savings and hitting a new all-time low. The new Aiper Scuba S1 is designed for both above-ground and in-ground pools up to 1,600-square feet in size. It sports a brushless drain motor that prolongs energy efficiency by cleaning and filtering up to 80 gallons-per-minute, as well as caterpillar treads for greater surface contact, maneuverability, and obstacle traversal along your pools floor and walls. It utilizes the companys WavePath 2.0 navigation technology that ensures maximum cleaning coverage alongside four modes to choose from (floor, wall, floor and wall, or Eco), with the Eco mode keeping its on a periodic cleaning schedule that goes to work for 45 minutes every 48 hours before switching over to low power mode. This cycle repeats multiple times throughout a single week to maintain a clear and swim-ready pool. Head below to learn more. more
The Best Govee Smart Lights (2024): M1 Light Strip, Envisual T2, and More Tips
Govee makes some of the best affordable smart lights, but its enormous range can be overwhelming and confusing. Heres how to choose the right fit for your home.
Fitbit Sense 2 Smartwatch drops to just $140 with this all-time low discount (Reg. $300)
Amazon is now offering the Fitbit Sense 2 Advanced Smartwatch for $139.96 shipped. This is down from the usual $300 price tag and marking a new all-time low. Its $60 under our previous mention from back in January and saves you a total of $160. By comparison, we saw it sell for $198 back on Black Friday, too. We fully break down just how todays savings stack up below the fold, as well as over in our hands-on review . more
It doesnt matter how many Vision Pro headsets Apple sells
Earlier this week, noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo posted an updated forecast for Apples Vision Pro headset, claiming production was being cut to 400,000 or 450,000 units compared to a previous market consensus north of 700,000. This came after a related report from Bloombergs Mark Gurman, who said in his Power On newsletter that demand for Vision Pro demos is way down while sales in some locations have significantly slowed. Naturally, this incited a lot of panic and hand-wringing among Apple enthusiasts who feared that the headset that was supposed to change VR forever might not have the staying power they expected. However, before anyone else starts clutching their pearls, I want to let you in on a secret: It doesnt actually matter how many headsets Apple sells. Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget First, lets talk production numbers. Is it 400,000 or 800,000, or something in between? Back in January, the same Ming-Chi Kuo estimated that the company sold between 160,000 and 180,000 units during its initial pre-order weekend , which was up from previous production predictions of around 60,000 to 80,000. But if we go back even further to last July, the Financial Times cited two people who said Apple only asked its supplier to make fewer than 400,000 units in 2024 while other sources put that number closer to 150,000. Now obviously numbers are subject to change over time as Apple responds to feedback and interest from developers and the public. Regardless, trying to predict the exact number of devices to make is extremely tricky, especially for an attention-grabbing and innovative product that has been the subject of rumors dating back to 2015 (and even before that, according to some very early patent applications ). Still, lets take that 400,000 number and see how far it goes. Without factoring in accessories (some of which are very important, especially if the owner wears glasses), the Vision Pro sells for $3,500. Rough napkin math suggests that Apple is looking at around $1.4 billion in sales. Thats a pretty big number and for a lot of other companies, that would represent a banner year. But this is Apple were talking about it raked in $383 billion in 2023 with around $97 billion in net income . And that was considered a down year. So we're talking less than one percent of the companys total revenue, which is basically a rounding error for Apples finances. Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget That figure looks even less impressive when you consider all the research and development that went into making the Vision Pro. Apple is always cagey when it comes to revealing how much money it invests into various departments. But if we look at another major player in VR, Meta, we can get a better sense of what Apples VR budget might look like. According to Business Insider , based on an analysis of regulatory findings, Metas Reality Labs has lost nearly $50 billion since the start of 2019. Thats a serious chunk of change and more than enough to cause some consternation among investors, with Metas stock recently falling big after its most recent earnings report. But all these numbers are just noise. Analysts like to look at this stuff to help predict company growth, though theyre so busy focusing on quarterly numbers that they often miss the bigger picture. Depending on who you ask, Apple has more cash on hand than any other company in the world, with upwards of $165 billion sitting in a bank somewhere. And with recent reports claiming that Apple has canceled its secretive car project, Id argue that the company may want to double down on its headset endeavors. Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget Thats because the Vision Pro might be the first step towards a platform that could reshape the companys entire trajectory like the original iPhone did back in 2007. From the start, it was clear Apples first handset would have a massive impact. But when people look back, they never cite the iPhones first year of sales, which according to Statista only amounted to around 1.4 million units. Sure, thats more than 400,000, but that was also for a significantly less expensive device and a drop in the bucket compared to the HUNDREDS of millions Apple has been selling more recently. Those figures were meaningless. The Vision Pro is Apples Field of Dreams device for virtual reality, spatial computing or whatever you want to call the category that encompasses head-mounted displays. Apple had to build it so developers have actual hardware to test software on. Apple had to build it so theres a platform for people to download apps from. (If you remember, the original App Store didnt arrive until July 2008, more than a year after the OG iPhone went on sale and on its own made an estimated $85 billion in 2022 .) Apple had to build it to plant a flag, lest they cede the first mover's advantage completely to Meta or someone else. Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget Even though Id posit that the Vision Pro is a glorified dev kit (it was announced at WWDC after all), there are features that evoke the magical feeling I had the first time I used an iPhone. The Vision Pro has possibly the best optics Ive seen on any headset, including enterprise-only models that cost way more than $3,500. It also has the best eye-tracking Ive experienced, and it makes navigating menus and apps incredibly intuitive. It just kind of works. And slowly but surely, its getting better, as my colleague Devindra noted in his recent two-month check-in. Just like Apples first phone, though, the Vision Pro isnt without its issues. Its heavy and not super comfortable during long sessions. Its wired battery pack isnt the most elegant solution for power delivery. Its front visor is prone to cracking, typing still feels clunky and there arent enough bespoke apps to make it an essential part of your everyday tech kit. But those are fixable issues and theres clearly something there, a foundation that Apple can iterate on. Even in its infancy, the Vision Pro brings enough to compel hundreds of thousands of people (or developers) to buy a device that doesnt make much practical sense. The focus should be on what upgrades or additions Apple can make in the future, not on how many units it does (or doesnt) make. So dont let analysts or other noisemakers convince you otherwise. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/it-doesnt-matter-how-many-vision-pro-headsets-apple-sells-ming-chi-kuo-production-numbers-143112470.html?src=rss
16 Best USB-C Cables (2024): For iPhones, Android Phones, Tablets, and Laptops
Unravel the tangled world of cords and find the ones you need to charge your gadgets and transfer data.
Two more LEGO Animal Crossing sets will be launching this year. The LEGO Group just collaborated with Nintendo on the new theme, which launched for the first time in March, and now builders wont have too long to wait for the next round of models. They really are worth the wait, too, as were getting a LEGO Animal Crossing Town Hall with K.K. Slider, as well as a Dodo Airlines build complete with the beloved pilot Wilbur. more
Save $900 on NIUs class 3 BQI-C3 Pro e-bike with 90-mile range at $1,300 (Today only)
Today only, Best Buy is offering the NIU BQi-C3 Pro e-bike for $1,299.99 shipped . Down from its usual $2,200 price tag, in the new year weve seen two previous 1-day sales like this back on Valentines day, where it fell to $1,500 and at the top of this month, where it returned to $1,300 for the first time since Labor Day sales. Todays deal comes in as a repeat 41% markdown off the going rate and landing as a return to the all-time low matching Labor Day sales. You can learn more about this e-bike by heading below the fold or by reading through our hands-on review over at Electrek . more
These mobile accessories will make your smartphone a betterand saferroad trip companion.
Score an extra pair of neon Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons with the first drop of the year at $67
Amazon is now offering the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Neon Red and Blue Controllers for $66.78 shipped. This is down from the usual $80 price tag as the first and only discount of 2024. Youll save $13 on the most iconic color combo of Joy-Con controllers while bringing home an extra set of gamepads for game nights and more. All of the other Joy-Con colors at Amazon sell for full price, by comparison. more
DJIs Mini 3 quadcopter can shoot vertical video starting at $419 (Reg. $559+)
Amazon is now offering the DJI Mini 3 Quadcopter with the standard DJI controller for $419 shipped. This is a new all-time low as a discount from its original $559 price tag. This is $140 off and an extra $50 below our previous mentions. Those who want to bundle in a touchscreen DJI RC controller can step up to the $549 sale price. This one is also $50 under previous mentions and saves you $150 from its original $699 price tag. more
Samsungs crazy 57-inch curved 4K monitor is $700 off today
The 57-inch Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 curved gaming monitor, which offers dual 4K Ultra HD resolution, is down to $1,800 from Samsung following a $700 discount.
Apple Watch Series 9 45mm hits $329 all-time low (Save $100), more from $299
Amazon is now offering Apple Watch Series 9 45mm for $329 shipped. This is $100 off the usual $429 price tag and matching the all-time low. We last saw this price for a 1-day sale back in March as one of the first and only other times it has ever been $100 off. Smaller 41mm Series 9 styles are also on sale at $299, down from $399. This is the third-best price to date and the lowest in nearly a month. Go check out our coverage from 9to5Mac on whats new this time around, and then head below for all the info on these Apple Watch Series 9 deals. more
The Google Pixel Buds Pro are back on sale for $135
Google's Pixel Buds Pro remain one of our favorite pairs of true wireless earbuds , offering robust active noise cancellation (ANC), punchy bass, reliable touch controls and a host of convenient features for Android users in particular. That said, given how competitive the wireless market is these days, they aren't the greatest value at their standard list price of $200. Today, though, Wellbots is running a sale that brings the pair down to a more palatable $135 with the checkout code ENGPIX65 . This isn't an all-time low the buds fell as low as $117 in a similar deal last October and went for $119 for much of the holiday season but it's the best price we've tracked in 2024. For reference, the device dropped to $139 last month. This offer applies to each of the set's colorways. Engadget's audio expert Billy Steele gave the Pixel Buds Pro a review score of 87 back in 2022. By default, they have a sculpted, hyped-up sound with thumpy bass and elevated treble. It's the kind of signature that won't suit audio purists but should work well with modern pop music. As with many pairs, though, you can tweak the sound with a graphic EQ . The earbuds themselves have an IPX4 water-resistance rating, so they should be able to withstand typical workouts. Battery life is solid at roughly seven hours with ANC on or 11 hours with it off, while the case supports wireless charging. You can connect to two devices at once, and the pair supports in-ear detection, so it'll automatically pause when you remove an earbud. Maybe the biggest reason to consider the Pixel Buds Pro is how tightly they integrate with Android. It's somewhat similar to how Apple's AirPods work with iOS: You can call on the Google Assistant hands-free, quickly swap between paired devices, utilize adaptive and spatial audio modes, ring the earbuds remotely and access Google Translate , among other OS-specific features. Last fall, Google also added a conversation detection mode that automatically pauses your music and turns off ANC when you start talking to someone. All of this functionality is natively available on Google's Pixel phones ; with other Android devices, you can access most of the same tricks through a separate Pixel Buds app. There are still issues to note. While we didn't have any comfort issues in testing, the fit may be tricky for those with smaller ears. Call quality isn't great, nor is the included transparency mode. For more discerning listeners, there's no support for higher-quality Bluetooth codecs like aptX or LDAC. And again, this is a busy market: Other pairs like the Sony WF-1000XM5 , Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 or Anker Soundcore Space A40 can provide better noise isolation, sound quality or overall value in a vacuum. It wouldn't be a huge shock if we saw a new model at Google's I/O conference next month, either. Still, the current model remains a well-rounded choice for Android fans today, and this discount brings them down to a more appropriate price. 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/the-google-pixel-buds-pro-are-back-on-sale-for-135-130026338.html?src=rss
Dell XPS 13 and XPS 14 review (2024): Gorgeous laptops with usability quirks
Say farewell to the classic XPS 13, and say hello to the spiffy new XPS 13. Dell surprised us at CES by bringing the modern (and somewhat controversial) design of 2022's XPS 13 Plus to its entire flagship lineup, which now includes the larger XPS 14 and 16 models. With this new design, they all have invisible haptic trackpads hidden beneath the glass-covered wrist rest, a capacitive top row of function keys (which can instantly switch to media controls), and wider gap-less keyboards that have no spacing between keys. But do those upgrades actually make them better computers than Dell's previous XPS lineup? Well, it really depends on how much you like the way they look. When I reviewed the XPS 16 last month , I was impressed by its sheer power and attractiveness, but its high price and a few quirks made it a tougher sell than the XPS 15 that came before it. The same is mostly true for the XPS 13 and 14. The smaller model is basically just the XPS 13 Plus with a new Intel Core Ultra 7 chip. The XPS 14 is far more intriguing, since it aims to pack in the power of the XPS 16 without being so damn hefty. Im reviewing them together because they're gunning for a very similar audience: People who demand both speed and portability. Choosing between them comes down to how much power you actually need and how much weight you're willing to deal with. Just like their larger sibling, both the XPS 13 and 14 are gorgeous to behold. They're exercises in minimalism, with all-aluminum cases (available in light or dark variants) and clean layouts around their keyboards. And yes, their displays also have razor-thin bezels, something Dell popularized with the XPS line over a decade ago. Rather than try to stand out with extraneous features like dual screens or a plethora of LEDs, the XPS 13 and 14 make more of a statement by what they don't have: visible trackpads and dedicated function keys. Like the XPS 13 Plus, this year's XPS 13 only carries two USB-C sockets and no other ports no dedicated headphone jack, not even a dedicated charging connection. But hey, at least Dell put its USB-C ports on opposite sides, something I'd still like to see on the MacBook Air. If you want any other additional connectivity, you're probably better off with the XPS 14, which has three USB-C ports, a headphone jack and a micro-SD card slot. Professionals would be better off with a full-sized SD card reader, though, and it would be nice to have an HDMI port like the MacBook Pro 14-inch. Weight is the most obvious difference between the XPS 13 and 14: the smaller model comes in at 2.6 pounds (slightly less than the MacBook Air), while the XPS 14 is noticeably heftier at 3.7 pounds. (Dell is following Apple's product strategy a bit, as the 13-inch MacBook Air weighs 2.7 pounds and the MacBook Pro 14-inch sits between 3.4 and 3.6 pounds.) The XPS 13 and 14 are both easy to carry around all day, but the one-pound difference could make the larger model more annoying if you're trying to travel light. Still, the XPS 14 justifies its additional heft by cramming in more hardware. It can be equipped with NVIDIA's RTX 4050 GPU (running at 30 watts), and also features more robust cooling, which allows it to reach a higher maximum thermal envelope of 47 watts. The XPS 13, on the other hand, can only hit 28 watts of sustained performance. Even though both machines use the same Intel Core Ultra CPUs, you'll end up seeing far better performance from the XPS 14 for prolonged workloads like video encoding or 3D rendering. (Again, that's much like the difference between the MacBook Air and base configuration MacBook Pro.) The XPS 13 (2024) sitting on top of the XPS 14. Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget The XPS 14's 14.5-inch screen is an inch larger than the XPS 13's, which makes it more comfortable for multitasking with multiple apps or working on media timelines. No matter which model you choose, though, you'll get a bright and immersive image, along with thin bezels that Apple still can't touch. Both computers offer a variety of viewing options: the XPS 13 can be equipped with Full HD+ (1,920 by 1,200 pixels, non-touch), Quad HD+ (2,560 by 1,600) or 3K+ OLED (2,880 by 1,800), while its larger sibling gets Full HD+ (non-touch) and 3.2K+ OLED (3,200 by 2,000) screens.. Dolby Vision is standard across the board, but you'll only get 100 percent DCI-P3 color gamut coverage with the pricier displays. You'll also get up to 120Hz refresh rates on all of the screens, except for the XPS 13's OLED, which maxes out at 60Hz. (I'd recommend avoiding that option entirely and going for a high refresh rate LCD, which will ultimately deliver a smoother image.) None PCMark 10 3DMark (TimeSpy Extreme) Geekbench 6 Cinebench R23 Dell XPS 13 (2024, Intel Core Ultra 5 135U, Intel Graphics) 5,772 1,075 2,276/11,490 1,662/10,298 Dell XPS 14 (Intel Core Ultra 7 165H, Intel Arc) 6,737 9,107 2,261/11,920 1,572/11,295 Dell XPS 16 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, NVIDIA RTX 4070) 7,436 4,087 2,298/13,117 1,676/14,755 Framework Laptop 16 (AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS, Radeon RX 7700S) 8,129 4,770 2,557/11,961 1,675/14,448 Both the XPS 13 and XPS 14 I reviewed were equipped with Intel's Core Ultra 7 155H CPU, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. The XPS 14 also had NVIDIA's RTX 4050 GPU, while the smaller laptop relied on Intel's built-in Arc graphics. As I expected, they didn't differ too much when it came to CPU benchmarks like Geekbench 6. But the XPS 14 was twice as fast as the XPS 13 in the Geekbench 6 Compute test, which relies on the GPU for more intensive work. That NVIDIA hardware also helped the XPS 14 be more than three times as fast as the 13 in the Geekbench Machine Learning GPU test. While the XPS 14 is far from what I'd call a gaming laptop, its NVIDIA GPU also let me play Halo Infinite in 1080p with medium graphics at 40fps. That's not exactly my ideal Halo experience, but hey, it's playable. In comparison, the XPS 13's Intel Arc graphics barely managed to sustain 25fps. The RTX 4050 GPU is mainly useful for media creation on the XPS 14: I was able to use Handbrake to transcode a 4K clip into 1080p in 26 seconds, whereas that same task took 36 seconds on the XPS 13. I had no trouble with my daily workflow on either machine, but I enjoyed carrying the XPS 13 around town far more than the XPS 14 simply because it's lighter and easier to maneuver. I could slip it into a tote bag without a second thought, bring it to Starbucks and get up and running easily. Thanks to its additional bulk and weight, II sometimes had trouble stuffing the XPS 14 into the same bag amid the accoutrements of parenthood. This won't be much of a problem if you're using a backpack (and not trying to fit in kids' toys and snacks), but it was a reminder of how useful a sub-three pound notebook can be. Much like the XPS 16, I enjoyed typing on Dell's lusciously wide keyboards. The large key caps are easy to hit and they have a satisfying amount of key travel. The keyboard is more visually impressive on the XPS 13, since it stretches completely edge-to-edge, while it's flanked by speakers on the XPS 14. The capacitive function keys are fine most of the time, but they still disappear in direct sunlight and other bright lighting. And then there's the trackpad. By now, I'm used to Dell's invisible design, and I also appreciated the increased size of the XPS 14's trackpad. But it still takes some adjustment, especially for newcomers. I've also noticed that it's sometimes tough to find the line that separates left and right clicks, which led to a few frustrated attempts to copy and paste links from Chrome. Now that I've experienced Dell's invisible trackpad and capacitive function row across four machines, I'm even more convinced they're a mistake. Sure, they look cool and help Dell stand out in the dull world of Windows laptops, but that doesn't justify the usability issues. On the XPS 13 and 14, I also saw fraction-of-a-second delays while swiping around Windows. The problem went away when I forced both machines to run at 120Hz, but that also uses more battery life than running at 60Hz. It almost feels like I'm trying to swipe through an additional layer of glass. I noticed the same issue on multiple XPS 13 and 14 units, but Dell tells me it hasn't been able to replicate any slowdown in its labs. The company will be doing a further investigation into our review units, and I'll report back later on what it finds. As for the rest of their hardware, both the XPS 13 and XPS 14 feature solid 1080p webcams with Windows Hello support for facial authentication. You can also use Windows Studio Effects during video chats to blur backgrounds and adjust your gaze, thanks to the NPUs in Intels new Core Ultra chips. Their 8-watt speaker setups sound fine for watching YouTube videos or playing a bit of background music, but theyre not nearly as impressive as Apples notebooks. There was also a surprising battery life gap between both machines: The XPS 13 lasted 13 hours and 15 minutes in PCMark 10s Modern Office benchmark, while the XPS 14 ran for just four and a half hours. You can chalk that up to its beefier GPU, as well as its larger screen. Another downside to the XPS 13 and 14's spiffy look? Higher prices. The XPS 13 now starts at $1,399 with the configuration we tested, while the XPS 16 starts at $1,699. (Our review unit would cost $2,399, thanks to its NVIDIA GPU and OLED screen.) I'll give Dell credit for making 16GB of RAM standard, instead of 8GB like previous models, but for the most part you're paying out the nose to have a prettier trackpad. Is that really worth it? Dell's pricing is particularly wild when you consider you can nab an M3 MacBook Air for $1,099 and a 14-inch MacBook Pro for $1,599. Sure, you'll also need to add $200 to get 16GB of RAM, but even the base configurations are faster than Dell's laptops. While theres a lot to like about the new XPS 13 and XPS 14, we cant recommend them as easily as Dells earlier XPS generations. They look attractive and perform well, but that comes at a cost for usability, battery life and, well, actual cost . Simply put, youre paying more for pretty machines. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/dell-xps-13-and-xps-14-review-2024-gorgeous-laptops-with-usability-quirks-130010912.html?src=rss
Lowest price of the year on Samsungs Galaxy Buds 2 Pro returns at $170 (Save $60)
Amazon now has theSamsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro for$169.99 shippedin all three colors. This is $60 off the usual $230 price tag and beats our previous mention from earlier on in the spring by an extra $10. Its a notable discount to bring home the companys latest flagship earbuds at the lowest price in 2024 all with the added live translation features that Samsung just began rolling out. more
Oppo Find X7 Ultra Review: Impressive Yet Inaccessible
The Oppo Find X7 Ultra is the first Ultra-branded smartphone from Oppo. It packs a very unique dual periscope camera system which offers excellent flexibility when shooting. Its design is also very unique and feels like a breath of fresh air compared to most smartphones at this price point. But how does it stack up against the existing competition in India? Read...
NYT Mini Crossword today: puzzle answers for Friday, April 26
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 Friday, April 26
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.
New all-time low takes $110 off Apples just-released 13-inch M3 MacBook Air
Amazon is now offering a new all-time low onApples just-released 13-inch M3 MacBook Air. The entry-level 256GB configuration now sells for $989 shipped in Space Gray. Thats $110 off the usual $1,099 price tag it just launched with earlier in the spring and the best price ever. Its still one of the first markdowns so far and beats our previous mention by an extra $10. more
OpenAI's Sam Altman and other tech leaders join the federal AI safety board
Sam Altman, OpenAI's CEO, Microsoft chief Satya Nadella, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai are joining the government's Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security Board, according to The Wall Street Journal . They're also joined by Nvidia's Jensen Huang, Northrop Grumman's Kathy Warden and Delta's Ed Bastian, along with other leaders in the tech and AI industry. The AI board will be working with and advising the Department of Homeland Security on how it can safely deploy AI within the country's critical infrastructure. They're also tasked with conjuring recommendations for power grid operators, transportation service providers and manufacturing plants on how they can can protect their systems against potential threats that could be brought about by advances in the technology. The Biden administration ordered the creation of an AI safety board last year as part of a sweeping executive order that focuses on regulating AI development. In the Homeland Security's website , it said the board includes AI experts from the private sector and government that advise the Secretary and the critical infrastructure community. Homeland Security secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told the Journal that the use of AI in critical infrastructure can greatly improve services it can, for instance, speed up illness diagnoses or quickly detect anomalies in power plants but they carry a significant risk which the agency is hoping to minimize with the help of this board. That said, one can't help but question if these AI tech leaders can provide guidance that aren't meant to primarily serve themselves and their companies. Their work centers around advancing AI technologies and promoting their use, after all, while the board is meant to ensure that critical infrastructure systems are using AI responsibly. Mayorkas seems to be confident that they'll do their jobs properly, though, telling the Journal that the tech leaders understand the mission of this board, and that it's ot a mission that is about business development. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/openais-sam-altman-and-other-tech-leaders-join-the-federal-ai-safety-board-120334742.html?src=rss
The best gaming gear for graduates
Another school year over, and another batch of high school and college grads let loose in the world. Theyve worked hard for years to get to this point, so why not reward them with the tools to play well? Weve assembled a list of favorites that will improve your grads game, with a few gadgets that can pull double-duty at their new jobs, too. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-gaming-gifts-for-graduates-150047802.html?src=rss
JLab JBuds ANC 3 Review: A $60 Alternative to Apple AirPods Pro
For less than youd spend on dinner out for two, you can snag this pair of excellent noise-canceling earbuds.
How to delete photos from iPhone but not from iCloud
Macworld If you are running out of space on your iPhone you may be looking at the huge amount of space being attributed to Photos and thinking that deleting all the photos from your iPhone would be an easy way to increase your storage. You may have heard of iCloud Photos and wondered if that would be a way to back up your photos so you can delete them from the iPhone. Or you may already be using iCloud Photos and think they are all backed up in iCloud and can be deleted from your iPhone. But youd be very wrong! iCloud can be a little confusing: its not a backup its more of a sync. So rather than being a way to free up space on your iPhone, its more of a way to make everything available on all your devices. Thats not to say you cant use iCloud to make more space on your iPhone, you can, but probably not in the way you think. So, in this article, we will explain how you can reduce the amount of space photos take up on your iPhone using iCloud and how you can delete photos from your iPhone and not iCloud. Find out how to save space on your device without accidentally trashing your digital memories. We look at the following elsewhere: How to delete photos from iCloud How to delete photos from an iPhone How to backup iPhone photos If I delete photos from my iPhone are they deleted from iCloud? iCloud Photos is a sync. It allows you to see all your images on all your Apple devices (and at the iCloud.com website). If you delete a photo on your iPhone it will be removed from the iCloud sync. However, you do have a period of 30 days to recover it from the Recently Items folder. To find the Deleted Items folder in Photos on you iPhone follow these steps: Tap on the Albums tab in the Photos app. Swipe down to the Utilities section and find Recently Deleted. Unlock the folder. Find the photo select it. (If you want to recover more than one image tap on Select and tap on all the images you wish to restore.) If you have selected just one image that photo will open on your screen. Tap on Recover. If you select more than one image tap on the three dots at the bottom right of the screen and choose Recover. How to use iCloud Photos to save space on your iPhone This doesnt mean that iCloud cant help you save space on your iPhone. If you use iCloud Photos and choose Optimise iPhone Storage you can reduce the amount of space taken by the photos stored on your iPhone. Also read: How to move photos to iCloud to save space on an iPhone . Apple explains: If your iPhone is low on space, full-resolution photos and videos are automatically replaced with smaller, device-sized versions. This should significantly reduce the amount of space being taken up by your photos. The only limit is the amount of space you have available in iCloud. We run through the iCloud storage plans and the other features of iCloud separately, but essentially Apple offers the following: 5GB free (this wont be enough for all your photos) 50GB 99c/99p 200GB $2.99/2.99 2TB $9.99/8.99 6TB $29.99/26.99 12TB $59.99/54.99 If you take a lot of photos you might need to consider 2TB or more, but you will be able to share the space with members of your family if you turn on Family Sharing . How to turn on iCloud Photos To use iCloud Photos follow these steps: Open Settings on your iPhone. Tap on the Apple ID section at the top of the screen. Tap on iCloud. Tap on Photos. Switch the slider beside Sync this iPhone on. How to optimize iPhone storage with iCloud Photos. As we explained above if you want to reduce the amount of space being taken up by photos on your iPhone you need to turn on Optimize iPhone Storage. Once you have iCloud Photos turned on you can choose for high-res versions of your images and videos to be saved in iCloud, but only small versions on your iPhone. Go to Settings and tap on your Apple ID. Tap on iCloud. Tap on Photos. Now make sure that Optimise iPhone Storage is selected rather than Download and Keep Originals. Once you have turned on iCloud Photos and Optimise iPhone Storage there should be no need to delete photos from your iPhone. What happens if I turn off iCloud photo sharing? If you go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Photos you will see that it is possible to stop syncing your iPhone by switching the slider beside Sync this iPhone to off. If you do this, and have Optimize iPhone Storage on, you will see the option to remove photos from your iPhone or download the photos and videos to your iPhone. Assuming you dont have space on your iPhone to download everything, you might consider the Remove from iPhone option. At this point, you are likely wondering: If I choose the Remove from iPhone option will all my photos be deleted from iCloud? If you never connect that iPhone to iCloud again your photos will remain in iCloud. But, crucially, if you later decide to connect that iPhone to iCloud using the same Apple ID to do so, the iCloud sync will result in all your photos being removed from iCloud to match your iPhone. How to backup photos so you can delete them from iPhone If you want to remove the photos from your iPhone and still have them backed up there are some ways to do this. We cover various ways to back up photos on iPhone in another article, but here are a few options to consider. Option 1: Use Google Photos One option is to use Google Photos to back up your iPhone photos . We run through how to do this in another article, but the steps are as follows: Download the Google Photos app on your iPhone. Allow Google Photos to access your iPhone. Choose the option to Back Up and Sync. Google offers free unlimited photo and video storage, but the files will be compressed. Luckily for typical users this shouldnt affect image quality. If you choose to maintain the original image quality you will need to pay for storage. With Google Photos up and running all the photos you take on the iPhone will be backed up. This should mean that if you delete photos from your iPhone they will remain in Google Photos. Option 2: Back up to a Mac You could save all the images synced in iCloud Photos to your Mac. Assuming you have enough space on your Mac this may be an option. Open Photos on your Mac. Click on Photos in the menu bar. Choose Settings. Click on iCloud. Choose Download Originals to this Mac. With this option selected high res versions of all the images in iCloud will be downloaded to the Mac. Expect it to take some time! Note that unless you turn off iCloud Photos your entire library will still be synced via iCloud, so if you delete something from your Mac it will be removed from iCloud. There are other ways to import your photos from your iPhone to your Mac. You can import images directly to Photos on a Mac. To do this: Plug your iPhone into your Mac. Open Photos. Click on your iPhone in Devices. Wait while your Mac prepares to import from your iPhone. Once you can see previews of the Photos on your iPhone you can choose which ones you want to import. Click on Import. You can also use Image Capture to import photos to a folder on your Mac. Both of these options will take a long time if you have a lot of photos stored on your iPhone. Once you have backed up your photos from your iPhone to your Mac you might want to consider backing up your Mac , or moving your Photos library to an external drive. We also have group tests of the best SSDs and best External hard drives . For other ideas on getting the most from your iPhones storage, read How to free up space on an iPhone . Backup Software, iOS, iPhone, Storage
Fitbit Versa 4 lands at Amazon low of $105 for spring (Reg. $200)
Amazon now offers the Fitbit Versa 4 Smartwatch for $104.96 shipped. This is $95 off the usual $200 going rate and one of the first discounts of the year. Its marking a new Amazon low by a long shot and beats our previous mention by an extra $45. You can get a better idea of what to expect from the new onboard Google features in our launchcoverage , or you can just head below the fold, where we break down the whole feature set. more
The Morning After: Apple announces an iPad event for May 7
Apple has scheduled its next product showcase for May 7 , a few weeks before its Worldwide Developers Conference, clearing space for even more announcements in June, hopefully. For May 7, an iPad refresh has been rumored for months, and Apples Let Loose announcement features an illustration of a hand holding an Apple Pencil. That screams iPad to us. We could see some substantial upgrades to the iPad Pro series. M3 chips are a predictable addition, but we might also see OLED displays, according to Bloomberg s Mark Gurman. That should bring richer colors and deeper blacks to the iPad Pro. The technology could even lead to thinner iPads too. Given the illustration, we wouldnt be surprised if theres a next-gen Apple Pencil or even iPad Air unveiled too. Mat Smith The biggest stories you might have missed Adobes new upscaling tech uses AI to sharpen video Spotify tests Apples resolve with new pricing update in the EU BlizzCon 2024 is canceled The worlds biggest 3D printer can make a house in under 80 hours You can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! FCC restores net neutrality protections Commissioners voted along party lines to reinstate the Obama-era rules. The Federal Communications Commission has voted to reinstate net neutrality protections that were cast aside during the Trump administration. With net neutrality rules in place, broadband service is considered an essential communications resource under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934. That enables the FCC to regulate broadband internet in a similar way to water, power and phone services. Heres our explainer on what net neutrality entails. Continue reading. The best wireless earbuds for 2024 Noise-canceling, sport models and cheap wireless Bluetooth earbuds galore. We at Engadget are constantly testing and reviewing new Bluetooth earbuds at all price ranges to provide the best buying advice and refine our favorites. Heres our latest refresh, including the usual suspects from Sony, Bose and Apple, as well as a few other surprises and a breakdown of what to look for when buying your first pair or an upgrade. Engadget Tupacs estate threatens to sue Drake for his AI-infused diss track Even if it was aimed at Kendrick Lamar. Tupacs estate is not happy about Drake cloning the voice of the late Shakur in a recent song. Attorney Howard King, representing Shakurs estate, sent a cease and desist letter calling Drakes use of Shakurs voice a flagrant violation of Tupacs publicity and the estates legal rights. The diss track Taylor Made Freestyle is the latest chapter of the artists simmering decade-long feud with Pulitzer and 17-time Grammy award winner Kendrick Lamar. The track also used AI to clone Snoop Doggs voice. Further complicating the whole AI-voice-cloning-without-permission thing, Universal Music Group (UMG), the label representing Drake, pulled the track Heart on My Sleeve by Ghostwriter977 because it used an AI-generated version of Drakes voice. Continue reading. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-apple-announces-an-ipad-event-for-may-7-111548820.html?src=rss
TSMCs shrinking silicon roadmap could mean big things for your Apple devices
Macworld Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) just held its 2024 North America Technology Symposium, where it filled in attendees and investors on its technology roadmap for the future. You may rightly ask: okay but what does this have to do with me, a user of Apple products? Well, TSMC is a chip fabrication company, and likely the most advanced one in the world. Theyve been Apples partner for nearly all of its chips major chipsthe A series for iPhones and iPads, the M series for Macs, and more. And Apple is often first in line for new manufacturing processes from TSMC, paying a premium to be the first customer to get to use 5nm or 3nm technologies, for example. Heres a summary of the TSMC roadmap and what it might mean for future Apple silicon, and therefore future iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more. Whats a nanometer? Before we talk about TSMCs future technologies, lets have a quick reminder on what a nanometer is in this context. Technically, its one billionth of a meter. A human hair is between 50,000 and 100,000nm thick. Most bacteria are between 1,000 and 10,000 nanometers. In silicon process technology, the nanometer measurement is how big some of the features of the chip are. Different companies measure different featuresit used to be the length between the source and drain parts of a field-effect transistor (FET), but these days different parts are measured by different companies. The A17 Pro chip was Apples first 3nm processor, followed by the M3. The A17 Pro chip was Apples first 3nm processor, followed by the M3. Apple The A17 Pro chip was Apples first 3nm processor, followed by the M3. Apple Apple In other words, 5nm means some specific parts of the chip are only 5 nanometers big, but TSMCs 5nm is not the same as Intels 5nm, is not the same as Samsungs 5nm, and so on. A smaller nanometer number means you can fit more chip logic or cache or whatever in the same amount of space, which can lead to more powerful chips, lower power consumption, smaller chips that fit into smaller devices, and so on. Think of it a bit like looking at a city in Apple Mapszooming out makes everything smaller, putting more buildings, streets, and land on the same amount of screen. Thats what moving to a smaller nanometer process is like more city in the same space. There are many other important aspects of a microprocessor, including the way transistors are insulated, materials used, and so much more, but the nanometer measurement has stuck as a way of differentiating one major manufacturing generation from another. 3nm progress Apple was first with TSMCs initial 3nm process, which was called N3. The company has now refined that with the N3E process, which is what we think Apple will use in its most advanced products this fall ( A18 and M4 ). While it might seem significant, the main focus of N3E is to make the chips more affordable. There are some slight differences in density and performance but its not a major generational change. TSMC TSMC TSMC 2nm coming next year The next major change is the shift to 2nm, which is expected to happen in 2025. Apple is once again expected to be the first major (and possibly only) customer, so its possible that the A19 or other chips (maybe an M5?) that ship in late 2025 will use this process. It all comes down to TSMCs ability to work out the kinks in manufacturing and yields and such in time to produce tens of millions of chips with it. Compared to the N3E process, the N2 process is expected to reduce power consumption by 25-30 percent (for a chip of the same complexity and frequency) or to improve performance by 10-15 percent at the same power consumption. Chip density (how much stuff fits into a single area) is expected to increase by 15 percent. An interesting change to this generation of chips, besides simply being smaller/denser/faster, is something TSMC calls NanoFlex. It will allow chip designers to use cells from different chip libraries all on the same wafer. Usually, a chip designer has to use all blocks from a low power, high density, or high performance library, depending on the most important needs of the chip. By letting designs use different parts from different libraries, chips can fine-tune different areas to their needs. For example, Apple could decide it is most important to make the video and audio encoders and decoders part of the chip as small as possible and lay out that part of the chip using the high-density design libraries while using the energy-efficient libraries for the low-power CPU cores and the high-performance libraries for the performance CPU cores. For the chips Apple produces, the limiting factor tends to be power and thermal dissipation. So you can probably expect chips made with the N2 process to have more stuff in them (cores, cache, bigger and more complex video encoders, etc) to the tune of 15-20 percent, with slightly higher clock speeds and therefore performance, compared to chips from the year before. However, the ability to optimize specific parts of the chip with tools from different chip libraries has the potential to pay off big in terms of higher peak performance or lower idle power. The year after N2 is released, TSMC will have two enhanced versions of the process: N2P which is focused on top performance, and N2X focused on lower voltages and power consumption. Its unclear whether Apple will adopt one of those for the chips that come in 2026. A16were doing angstroms now? The major shift after 2nm (N2) is a process TSMC calls A16 (no relation to the A16 Bionic). Its a 1.6-nanometer process but now that things are getting so small, theyre sort of getting off nanometers and switching to angstroms. An angstrom is a ten-billionth of a meter, or 10 times smaller than a nanometer. This one is not coming until late 2026, almost certainly too late for Apple to use that year. Well see chips made with the A16 process from Apple in 2027, most likely. TSMC gave some early estimates compared to the coming N2P process, where A16 is expected to improve performance by 8-10 percent at the same voltage and complexity or reduce power by 15-20 percent at the same frequency and transistor count. The big innovation in the A16 generation will be backside power delivery, something TSMC calls Super Power Rail. This runs a network for power distribution on the back side of the silicon wafer, connected to the transistors through little tunnels through it. This improves density and potentially reliability, as power doesnt have to be routed around with all the signal and clock distribution lines on the top side of the chip. Other chip manufacturers are pursuing similar technologies (Intels PowerVia comes to mind)basically different approaches to the same idea. TSMC TSMC TSMC TSMC may be a little later than competitors like Intel with this kind of technology, as it has been pushed back a little. It was originally expected to debut in the N2P process, and now will be first introduced in A16 instead. Chips in Apple products that use the A16 process will be able to have even more stuff (more cores, bigger caches) than the N2 process while maintaining the same power profile. Having chips with more density or a better power profile earlier than others is one of Apples big advantages, but the real magic comes from excellent chip design and software development that optimizes Apples software specifically for the chips they produce. Apple Inc, CPUs and Processors
The ridiculously long wait for iPads has reached 18 months
Macworld Earlier this week we got some surprising news out of Cupertino. After weeks of reported delays, Apple announced that it will be holding an event on May 7 with the tagline Let Loose that will presumably feature new iPads. That would make a whopping 559 days since the announcement of the 10th-gen iPad and M2 iPad Pros and even longer since the M1 iPad Air arrived at the Peek Performance event (March 2022). Thats an extremely long wait for new iPads; the longest ever, in fact. Apple had never gone a full calendar year without launching a new iPad or an update, let alone nearly halfway through the second year. So to say there is tremendous anticipation for the new iPads is an understatement. Were expecting several new tablets and accessories to appear at the event, including: Updated iPad Air with a 10.9-inch screen and an M2 processor New 12.9-inch iPad Air with an M2 processor Updated 11-inch iPad Pro with an M3 processor and an OLED display Updated 12.9-inch iPad Pro with an M3 processor and an OLED display A new Apple Pencil with a squeeze gesture A new Magic Keyboard There mayand likely willbe other surprises, but were not expecting the iPad mini or entry-level iPad to get an update at the event. Based on the invitation and cheeky post from Tim Cook, Apple is going to lean into the iPads creative side, with a heavy focus on drawing and painting, the new things the Apple Pencil can do, and the color benefits of the iPad Pros new OLED screen. But when the fanfare fades away, the new iPad line could be very similar to the existing one, with higher prices. Its possible that Apple delivers a refined design, exciting accessories, and new features that make the updates worth waiting more than 18 months to get. But more likely, theyre just gonna be the same old iPads that we just waited a long time to get. You can catch up on all of the latest rumors in our iPad Air and iPad Pro roundups ahead of the event. iPad
Whats the Safest Seat on an Airplane?
All of them and none of them, really. Let us explain.
Save $400 on this Razer gaming laptop with an RTX 4060
The Razer Blade 14 gaming laptop, which is powered by the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, is on sale from Razer for $2,000 following a $400 discount.
This $80 OneAir plan uses AI to land you the best airline tickets available
Macworld While travel costs continue to rise steadily, that doesnt mean you have to ditch your vacation dreams. With OneAir, a members-only travel app , you can save on your travel planning by letting this platforms AI find the best airfare deals. Through April 30, you can grab lifetime access to the OneAir Elite Plan for only$79.97 (reg. $790). By leveraging cutting-edge AI technology, OneAir can scan and tracks millions of fares across business, first, premium, and economy class , ensuring members secure the best flight deals and mistake fares when they hit themarket. Elite members can choose up to 10 departure airports they wish to receive deals for, as well as gain1-on-1 business and first class flight planning support Meanwhile, OneAirs mobile app for iOS and Android making booking your next flight a breeze. Unlike other platforms that redirect customers to different outlets for ticket purchases, OneAirs app allows you to spring into action immediately. If you find deals on the OneAir app, you can search and book on the same interfaceno redirects needed. Plus, users can set up personalized deal alerts to get a better chance of finding discounts for their desired destinations. Save on future flights for life with a lifetime subscription to the OneAir Elite Plan, now just $79.97 through April 30 at 11:59 PM Pacific. OneAir Elite Plan: Lifetime Subscription Only $79.97 at Macworld StackSocial prices subject to change. Entertainment
3 great Xbox Game Pass titles you should try this weekend (April 26-28)
Looking for something to play on Xbox Game Pass this weekend? Check out these great games from Bethesda, EA, and Hooded Horse.
Apple Thunderbolt Display requires native Thunderbolt, not just USB-C
Macworld Apple made its popular Apple Thunderbolt Display from 2011 to 2016we still get questions about using the display eight years after it was discontinued. Even though the Thunderbolt Display used an older Thunderbolt standard, it remained compatible with Thunderbolt 3 when that newer standard was released, as well as with the even fresher Thunderbolt 4. The Apple Thunderbolt Display offered a Thunderbolt 2 data connection via a jack that is identical in appearance to Mini DisplayPort. Thunderbolt 3 requires USB-C, a standard that can connect devices and computers using Thunderbolt 3/4, USB 3.1 and later, and USB4. USB-C is a specification for ports, jacks, and cables; Thunderbolt and USBs numbered standards define what flows over those connections. (There were some tweaky elements of using Mini DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 2 when Apple transitioned from the former to the latter, but none of that is relevant with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3/4.) If you want to use a Thunderbolt Display, most people rely on Apples Thunderbolt 2 to 3 adapter, for which Apple still charges a whopping $49. This adapter has a USB-C jack on one end, and you can only get the display to work if its plugged into a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port on your Mac or an external Thunderbolt dock. Apples Thunderbolt 2 to 3 display has a Thunderbolt 2 port in the main body, which looks identical to Mini DisplayPort, and a USB-C jack on the other end, which only works when plugged into a Thunderbolt 3/4 port. Apples Thunderbolt 2 to 3 display has a Thunderbolt 2 port in the main body, which looks identical to Mini DisplayPort, and a USB-C jack on the other end, which only works when plugged into a Thunderbolt 3/4 port. Foundry Apples Thunderbolt 2 to 3 display has a Thunderbolt 2 port in the main body, which looks identical to Mini DisplayPort, and a USB-C jack on the other end, which only works when plugged into a Thunderbolt 3/4 port. Foundry Foundry Plug it into a USB 3.x/USB4 port on an external dock or a USB 3.x/USB4-only port on certain Macs (like the lower-end Mac Studio models front two ports) and the display doesnt function. The reason is convoluted. The display relies on DisplayPort data coming from the computer to show the screen. However, even though USB 3.x/USB4 support passing through DisplayPort data, the hardware on the Apple Thunderbolt Display cant interpret thatit only has a chip that can accept Thunderbolt-encoded information, including the method by which DisplayPort is wrapped up for Thunderbolt. Its one of the remaining cases where USB-C frustrates an average user with a mix of older and newer gear. The telltale is the lightning bolt symbol on Apples adapter: theres a Thunderbolt lightning bolt on both the input side (for Thunderbolt 2) and output (for Thunderbolt 3/4). The USB logo is entirely different and absent. Learn more about connecting older Apple displays to a Mac . This Mac 911 article is in response to a question submitted by Macworld reader Mike. Ask Mac 911 Weve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently, along with answers and links to columns: read our super FAQ to see if your question is covered. If not, were always looking for new problems to solve! Email yours to mac911@macworld.com , including screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used. Not every question will be answered, we dont reply to email, and we cannot provide direct troubleshooting advice. Mac, Monitors
You can get a refurbished iPad Pro with a 9.7-inch display for only $171
Macworld Apple is touted for its iPads, which offer storage, performance, and moreundera sleek package. While iPadsare typicallyhundreds of dollars, you can score wallet-friendly savings with this pre-loved iPad Pro , which is now only $170.99 (reg. $599). Though this iPad Pro isnt brand new, it boasts a Grade B refurbishment rating, meaning it may have light cosmetic imperfections, thoughits performance has been inspected to ensure it works properly. Thanks to its refurbished status, you can score savings on this device, as well asreduce electronic waste. Designed with afully-laminated 9.7-inch LED-backlit touch-sensitive Retina display, this iPad Pro provides generous screen space for streaming, browsing, and working.Expect vibrant colorsand sharpimages and videos, and enjoy its automatically adjustable True Tone Technology. Its 2GB of RAM and Apple A9X dual-core processor means youll have snappyperformance and seamless multitasking capabilities. This iPad Pros 32GB of storage space provides ample room for storing apps, media, and documents, while the four-speaker audio system promises immersive sound quality. This 2016 model boasts 12MP iSight and 5MP FaceTime HD cameras for vivid photos and clear FaceTime calls. Meanwhile, the 10-hour battery life is sufficient for a whole days work without recharging. Enjoy wallet-friendly savings on this eco-friendly Grade B refurbished 9.7-inch iPad Pro, now just$170.99 for a limited time. Grade B Refurbished 9.7-inch iPad Pro Only $170.99 at Macworld StackSocial prices subject to change. iPad
The best wireless earbuds for 2024
Its pretty easy to find a solid pair of wireless earbuds today. New wireless Bluetooth earbuds are arriving at a constant pace nowadays, and most of them from big players like Sony, Bose, Beats and others will serve people well. While all that variety is good for your wallet, that also means deciding which pair of earbuds is best for you can be tricky. Youve got to consider things like active noise cancellation (ANC), waterproof ratings, sound quality, design and more. We at Engadget are constantly testing and reviewing new Bluetooth earbuds at all price ranges to provide the best buying advice and refine our favorites. This buying guide breaks down our current top picks, and lays out everything you need to know before choosing the best wireless earbuds for your needs. What to look for in wireless earbuds When it comes to shopping for earbuds, the first thing to consider is design or wear style. Do you prefer a semi-open fit like AirPods or do you want something that completely closes off your ears? If youre shopping for earbuds with active noise cancellation, you'll want the latter, but a case can be made for the former if you want to wear them all day or frequent places where you need to be tuned in to the ambient sounds. The overall shape of earbuds can determine whether you get a comfortable fit, so can the size and weight, so youll want to consider all that before deciding. And remember: audio companies arent perfect, so despite lots of research, the earbud shape they decided on may not fit you well. Dont be afraid to return ill-fitting earbuds for something thats more comfortable. As wireless earbuds have become the norm, theyre now more reliable for basic things like consistent Bluetooth connectivity. Companies are still in a race to pack as much as they can into increasingly smaller designs. This typically means a longer list of features on the more premium sets of earbuds with basic functionality on the cheapest models. Carefully consider what you cant live without when selecting your next earbuds, and make sure key items like automatic pausing and multipoint connectivity are on the spec sheet. Youll also want to investigate the volume controls as youll often have to sacrifice access to something else to make that adjustment via on-board taps or swipes. When it comes to battery life, the average set of earbuds lasts about five hours on a single charge. You can find sets that last longer, but this is likely enough to get you through a work day if youre docking the buds during lunch or the occasional meeting. Youll want to check on how many extra charges are available via the case and if it supports wireless charging. Companies will also make lofty claims about call quality on wireless earbuds. Despite lots of promises, the reality is most earbuds still leave you sounding like youre on speakerphone. There are some sets that deliver, but dont get your hopes up unless reviews confirm the claims. Sound can be subjective, so we recommend trying before you buy if at all possible. We understand this isnt easy at a time when were doing most of our shopping online. But trying on a set of earbuds and listening to them for a few minutes can save you from an expensive case of buyer's remorse. If a store doesnt allow a quick demo, most retailers have return policies that will let you take earbuds back you dont like. Of course, you have to be willing to temporarily part with funds in order to do this. We also recommend paying attention to things like Spatial Audio , Dolby Atmos, 360 Reality Audio and other immersive formats. Not all earbuds support them, so youll want to make sure a perspective pair does if that sort of thing excites you. How we test wireless Bluetooth earbuds The primary way we test earbuds is to wear them as much as possible. We prefer to do this over a one- to two-week period, but sometimes embargoes dont allow it. During this time, we listen to a mix of music and podcasts, while also using the earbuds to take both voice and video calls. Since battery life for earbuds is typically less than a full day, we drain the battery with looping music and the volume set at a comfortable level (usually around 75 percent). To judge audio quality, we listen to a range of genres, noting any differences in the sound profile across the styles. We also test at both low and high volumes to check for consistency in the tuning. To assess call quality, well record audio samples with the earbuds microphones as well as have third parties call us. When it comes to features, we do a thorough review of companion apps, testing each feature as we work through the software. Any holdovers from previous models are double checked for improvements or regression. If the earbuds were testing are an updated version of a previous model, well spend time getting reacquainted with the older buds. Ditto for the closest competition for each new set of earbuds that we review. Best wireless earbuds Other wireless Bluetooth earbuds we tested Bose Ultra Open Earbuds Bose created something very unique for this set of earbuds that allows you to stay in-tune with the world while listening to audio content. The clip-on design is very comfortable, but sound quality suffers due to the open-type fit, especially when it comes to bass and spatial audio. Audio-Technica ATH-TWX7 These stick buds have a compact design thats comfortable to wear and the warm sound profile is great at times. However, overall audio performance is inconsistent and theres no automatic pausing. Master & Dynamic MW09 Retooled audio, better ambient sound mode and reliable multipoint Bluetooth are the best things the MW09 has to offer. Theyre expensive though, and you can find better ANC performance elsewhere. Beats Studio Buds + Updates to sound, ANC and battery life top the spec sheet here , and the new clear color option has some throwback energy I love. But there are some basic features missing, and Beats doesnt come close to Apples natural audio quality in transparency mode. JBL Tour Pro 2 These earbuds are feature-packed, including a touchscreen smart case. They arent the most consistent in terms of overall performance though, and Im not convinced that case provides a lot of utility just yet. FAQs What is considered good battery life for true wireless earbuds? Most wireless earbuds will last five hours on a single charge, at the least. You can find some pairs that have even better battery life, lasting between six and eight hours before they need more juice. All of the best wireless earbuds come with a charging case, which will provide additional hours of battery life but you'll have to return each bud to the case in order to charge them up. Is sound quality better on headphones or earbuds? Comparing sound quality on earbuds and headphones is a bit like comparing apples and oranges. There are a lot of variables to consider and the differences in components make a direct comparison difficult. Personally, I prefer the audio quality from over-ear headphones, but I can tell you the sound from earbuds like Sennheisers Momentum True Wireless 3 is also outstanding. Which wireless earbuds have the longest battery life? With new models coming out all the time, tracking the hours of battery life for each this can be difficult to keep tabs on. The longest-lasting earbuds weve reviewed are Audio-Technicas ATH-CKS5TW . The company states they last 15 hours, but the app was still showing 40 percent at that mark during our tests. The only downside is these earbuds debuted in 2019 and both technology and features have improved since. In terms of current models, Master & Dynamics MW08 offers 12 hours of use on a charge with ANC off (10 with ANC on) and JBL has multiple options with 10-hour batteries. What wireless earbuds are waterproof? There are plenty of options these days when it comes to increased water resistance. To determine the level of protection, youll want to look for an IP (ingress protection) rating. The first number indicates intrusion protection from things like dust. The second number is the level of moisture protection and youll want to make sure that figure is 7 or higher. At this water-resistance rating, earbuds can withstand full immersion for up to 30 minutes in depths up to one meter (3.28 feet). If either of the IP numbers is an X, that means it doesnt have any special protection. For example, a pair of wireless earbuds that are IPX7 wouldnt be built to avoid dust intrusion, but they would be ok if you dropped them in shallow water. Which earbuds stay in ears the best? A secure fit can vary wildly from person to person. All of our ears are different, so audio companies are designing their products to fit the most people they can with a single shape. This is why AirPods will easily fall out for some but stay put for others. Design touches like wing tips or fins typically come on fitness models and those elements can help keep things in place. Youll likely just have to try earbuds on, and if they dont fit well return them. What wireless earbuds work with PS5? PlayStation 5 doesnt support Bluetooth audio without an adapter or dongle. Even Sonys own gaming headsets come with a transmitter that connects to the console. There are universal options that allow you to use any headphones, headset or earbuds with a PS5. Once you have one, plug it into a USB port on the console and pair your earbuds with it. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-wireless-earbuds-120058222.html?src=rss
Wordle Today: Wordle answer and hints for April 26
Trying to solve the Wordle today? If you're stuck, we've got a few hints that will help you keep your Wordle streak alive.
Razers Kaira HyperSpeed wireless Xbox/PC gaming headset hits new $90 Amazon low
Amazon is now offering its best price on the black edition of the Razer Kaira HyperSpeed Wireless Gaming Headset for Xbox Series X|S that is down to $89.99 shipped. Normally going for $130, we have only seen two minor discounts and one major one to the former $94 low since its release last spring. Todays deal comes in as a 31% markdown off the going rate that beats our previous mention from February by $4 and lands as a new all-time Amazon low. Youll also find the white edition of the Xbox model down to $104 and the PlayStation model slightly discounted to $121, which we have never seen fall lower than $115 on Amazon. more
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra robot vacuum and mop with 4-in-1 RockDock returns to $1,000 low
Best Buy is offering the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum & Mop with RockDock Ultra for $999.99 shipped . Down from its $1,600 price tag, it has seen few discounts since its release in early 2023, with the biggest of last year bringing costs down to $1,200 during Black Friday sales. Since the start of the new year we only saw a 1-day sale to the $1,000 low for the first time, with todays deal coming in as a longer-term 38% markdown off the going rate that gives you $600 in savings and returns costs to the all-time lowest price we have tracked. more
The best Power Armor in Fallout 4 and where to find each set
Power Armor will turn you into a walking tank in Fallout 4. That kind of power doesn't come easy -- or equally. Here are the best sets and where to find them.
Apple is launching new iPads May 7: Here's what to expect from the 'Let Loose' event
Apple has scheduled its next product showcase for May 7 , a few weeks before the Worldwide Developers Conference gets under way . While the company is, as usual, being a bit coy about what's on deck, the signs are all there. It had been rumored for months that Apple would refresh its iPad lineup in May. Sure enough, the image on the announcement for this Let Loose event includes an illustration of a hand holding an Apple Pencil. Various reports over recent months have offered some insight as to what Apple has up its sleeves. So, with that in mind, here's what to expect from the upcoming iPad event: M3 iPad Pro Nathan Ingraham / Engadget It's been about 18 months since Apple updated any of its iPads , so its tablet lineup is due for a refresh. It won't exactly come as a surprise to see Apple slot M3 chips into the latest iPad Pro models, since the most recent versions run on M2 chipsets. Otherwise, the biggest update is expected to come in the form of OLED displays , according to Bloomberg s Mark Gurman. That should bring richer colors and deeper blacks to the iPad Pro. Since OLED panels are thinner than LCD panels, that should allow Apple to reduce the thickness of the iPad Pro. According to 9to5 Mac , the 11-inch iPad Pro will be 0.8 mm thinner at 5.1 mm, while the 12.9-inch model will be more noticeably slender, as the thickness is expected to drop by 1.5 mm to 5 mm. A leaker has suggested that the bezels could be up to 15 percent thinner than previous models as well. Rumors have been swirling for a while that Apple may offer a glass-backed iPad Pro this year to enable MagSafe charging . Meanwhile, there have been hints that Apple will solve one of our biggest iPad bugbears and move the front-facing camera to the landscape edge of the Pro, as it did with the entry-level iPad in late 2022. That means the camera will be more optimally placed for those who use a Magic Keyboard or folks who simply prefer a landscape orientation. M2 iPad Air Nathan Ingraham / Engadget As for the iPad Air, which Apple has left in stasis for over two years , that's expected to get an upgrade to M2 chips from the M1 that the tablets currently use. There are rumblings that Apple will go with the older chip in the iPad Air to differentiate it from Pro models and ensure that the latter devices clearly remain its highest-end tablets. Reports suggest that the iPad Air's front-facing camera is also blessedly moving to the landscape edge. There is one other big change we're expecting for the iPad Air, and I mean that in the most literal sense. Apple is rumored to be prepping the first 12.9-inch iPad Air. It's likely to be the least expensive option for a large-screen iPad, even though that would run somewhat against the Air part of the name. Display analyst Ross Young previously suggested that the 12.9-inch iPad Air screen would have a mini-LED display, but that no longer appears to be happening at least for now. However, Young says that Apple may release an iPad Air with such a display later this year. Meanwhile, the new iPad Air models may have a larger camera bump , perhaps so Apple can add a flash. New Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Engadget Gurman reported last year that Apple was working on a revamped Magic Keyboard, but only for the iPad Pro, not the Air lineup . The updated keyboard is said to make the iPad Pro look more like a laptop, with a larger trackpad. It's said to be made of aluminum to make it sturdier than previous models, though he exterior shell of the Magic Keyboard will retain the cover material of the current model, Gurman says. In addition, Apple is expected to unveil a new Apple Pencil to replace the second-gen model. Dataminers have suggested that an updated peripheral could include a squeeze gesture to carry out certain actions and have Find My support . Some reports have indicated the next Apple Pencil could work with Vision Pro drawing apps too. What not to expect: A new iPad or iPad mini Even though the iPad mini in particular is getting very long in the tooth the most recent model arrived in September 2021 you probably shouldn't expect a new model to show up at the Let Loose event. Not are we expecting to see a new base iPad. Reports suggest an 11th-gen iPad and an updated iPad mini may arrive later this year, but maybe don't hold your breath for them. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-is-launching-new-ipads-may-7-heres-what-to-expect-from-the-let-loose-event-210041117.html?src=rss
Anova takes up to 62% off sous vide machines, vacuum sealers, and more starting from $6
Anova has launched a Mothers Day Sale through May 12 that is taking up to 62% off its lineup of cooking appliances and kitchen aids, like the Precision Cooker Pro that is seeing the second-biggest discount to $199.99 shipped . Down from its regular $399 price tag, this isnt the cheapest weve seen this device fall, having seen it hit $174 at the lowest in the past year, with an all-time low of $160 from 2022. Todays deal comes in as a $199 markdown off the going rate and lands as the fourth-lowest price we have tracked $40 above the all-time low from 2022. This upgraded 1,200W model delivers more power than the popular Nano models and utilizes Wi-Fi for improved connectivity alongside a three-line touchscreen display that allows you to quickly view time and temperature settings. It can also be linked to your mobile device to provide recipes and also monitor cooking jobs remotely, and it features an onboard adjustable clamp that makes it an ideal fit on nearly any pot that is deep enough to meet the minimum water depth requirements. Head below to learn more. more
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Tupacs estate threatens to sue Drake for his AI-infused Kendrick Lamar diss
Tupac Shakurs estate is none too happy about Drake cloning the late hip-hop legends voice in a Kendrick Lamar diss track. Billboard reported Wednesday that attorney Howard King, representing Mr. Shakurs estate, sent a cease-and-desist letter calling Drakes use of Shakurs voice a flagrant violation of Tupacs publicity and the estates legal rights. Drake (Aubrey Drake Graham) dropped the diss track Taylor Made Freestyle last Friday, the latest chapter of the artists simmering decade-long feud with Pulitzer and 17-time Grammy award winner Kendrick Lamar. Kendrick, we need ya, the West Coast savior / Engraving your name in some hip-hop history, an AI-generated 2Pac recreation raps in Drakes track. If you deal with this viciously / You seem a little nervous about all the publicity. Representing Shakurs estate, King wrote in the cease-and-desist letter that Drake has less than 24 hours to pull down Taylor Made Freestyle, or the estate would pursue all of its legal remedies to force the Canadian rappers hand. The unauthorized, equally dismaying use of Tupacs voice against Kendrick Lamar, a good friend to the Estate who has given nothing but respect to Tupac and his legacy publicly and privately, compounds the insult, King wrote, according to Billboard . The Estate is deeply dismayed and disappointed by your unauthorized use of Tupacs voice and personality, King wrote. Not only is the record a flagrant violation of Tupacs publicity and the estates legal rights, it is also a blatant abuse of the legacy of one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time. The Estate would never have given its approval for this use. SnoopDogg.com Taylor Made Freestyle also used AI to clone Snoop Doggs voice, with Drake using digital clones of two of Lamars west-coast hip-hop influences to try to hit him where it hurts. In a video posted to social media the following day, Snoop didnt appear to know about the track. They did what? When? How? Are you sure?, the 16-time Grammy nominee and herb connoisseur said. Why everybody calling my phone, blowing me up? What the fuck? What happened? What's going on? I'm going back to bed. Good night, he continued. Engadget emailed Snoop Doggs management to ask about his thoughts on Drake cloning his voice. At the time of publication, we hadnt heard back. The saga contains more than a bit of irony if not outright hypocrisy from Universal Music Group (UMG), the label representing Drake. You may remember the track Heart on My Sleeve by Ghostwriter977, which briefly went viral last year . It was pulled after UMG complained to streaming services because it used an AI-generated version of Drakes voice (along with The Weeknd). Engadget asked UMG if it approved of Drakes use of AI-generated voices in Taylor Made Freestyle and where it stands on the broader issue of using artists digital clones. We havent received a comment at press time. Without a clear explanation, its hard not to see the label as being on the side of whatever seems most financially advantageous to it at any particular moment (surprise!). Laws addressing AI-cloned voices of public figures are still in flux. Billboard notes that federal copyrights dont clearly cover the issue since AI-generated vocals typically dont use specific words or music from the original artist. Mr. King, speaking for Shakurs estate, believes they violate Californias existing publicity rights laws. He described Drakes use of Shakurs voice as forming the false impression that the estate and Tupac promote or endorse the lyrics for the sound-alike. Last month, Tennessee passed the ELVIS (Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security) Act to protect artists from unauthorized AI voice clones. The first-of-its-kind legislation makes copying a musicians voice without consent a criminal Class A misdemeanor. But none of the parties involved in this feud are in Tennessee. On the federal level, things are moving much more slowly, leaving room for legal uncertainty. In January, bipartisan US House legislators introduced the No Artificial Intelligence Fake Replicas And Unauthorized Duplications Act (No AI FRAUD), putting cloned voices like those Drake used in the governments crosshairs. Congress hasnt taken any public action on the bill in the more than three months since. It is hard to believe that [Tupacs record label]s intellectual property was not scraped to create the fake Tupac AI on the Record, King wrote in the cease-and-desist letter. He demanded Drake offer a detailed explanation for how the sound-alike was created and the persons or company that created it, including all recordings and other data scraped or used. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tupacs-estate-threatens-to-sue-drake-for-his-ai-infused-kendrick-lamar-diss-182518997.html?src=rss
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BlizzCon 2024 is not happening despite Blizzards strong 2024 lineup
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Best price of the year takes $60 off CalDigitTS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock at $190
Amazon is now discounting one ofour favorite Thunderbolt 3 dockson the market. The companys official storefront via Amazon offers theCalDigitTS3 Plus for $189.99 shipped after youve clipped the on-page coupon . This is a new 2024 low at $60 off the usual $250 price tag. Todays offer beats our previous mention by an extra $10 and comes within $10 of the all-time low from Black Friday the only time it has ever sold for less. The TS3 Plus has been a staple of 9to5 desk setups for years, including my own. You can learn more about why in our hands-on review .Head below for more. more
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World of Warcraft , Diablo and Overwatch fans who were looking forward to getting together at BlizzCon in November may be disappointed to learn that Blizzard has canceled this year's edition of the event. The publisher didn't give a clear reason as to why it made that decision, but said it was not made lightly as BlizzCon remains a very special event for all of us, and we know many of you look forward to it. Even so, BlizzCon isn't necessarily gone for good, unlike E3 . While were approaching this year differently and as we have explored different event formats in the past, rest assured that we are just as excited as ever to bring BlizzCon back in future years, Blizzard wrote in a blog post . The publisher plans to spill the beans about expansions (including the upcoming three-part WoW saga and Diablo IV DLC ) for its franchises at other events, such as industry trade shows and Gamescom. Now that Blizzard is under Microsoft's umbrella, we can probably expect some news from the publisher at the annual Xbox showcase in June. There are also in-person events lined up for Overwatch esports and to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Warcraft. BlizzCon 2023 was the first in-person edition since 2019 , so to miss out once again in 2024 may come as a blow for many fans. Now they'll likely need to wait until at least late 2025 to meet up with a bunch of their peers and Blizzard developers again. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/blizzcon-2024-is-canceled-174906497.html?src=rss
