The Amazon Big Spring Sale is here and, like last year, the discounts appear to be more focused on kitchen, fashion and decor. Those last two categories dont really apply to what we cover here at Engadget. Cooking gear, however, is getting more tech-reliant and the intersection of food and tech is a place we feel very comfortable. Weve reviewed Instant Pots , air fryers , coffee gear , sous vide machines and more. Lots of what we recommend is now on sale for Amazons latest sale. Read on for the best deals on kitchen tech we could find. The best Amazon Spring Sale deals on air fryers, Instant Pots and more Cosori 9-in-1 air frier for $90 ($30 off) : Cosoris fryer earned a spot as the runner up for best overall air fryer in our guide. It has nine preset cooking modes and a six-quart capacity. We like that it doesnt take up too much space, but can still cook up a decent amount of food Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro for $320 ($80 off) : If you want a more traditional toaster oven design with a huge capacity, go for our premium air fryer pick. The fryer-and-oven combo can accommodate a five-quart dutch oven, so its almost an auxiliary oven, which could come in handy when youre cooking for a crowd. Breville the Smart Oven Air Fryer for $280 ($70 off) : This is the non-Pro version of the Breville air fryer we recommend . It has a slightly smaller capacity (0.8 cubic feet instead of one cubic foot) and is missing two cooking functions (dehydrate and proof). But if youre not making your own jerky or baking a ton of bread, this one can toast, broil, air fry and slow cook. You can even get it in cool colors like Red Velvet Cake for the same price. Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10-quart air fryer for $190 ($40 off) : If you need to air fry two different foods at once, go for our recommendation for a dual-zone air fryer. Its a beast, so we think its best for larger kitchens and people who make big meals. It went as low as $130 for Black Friday last year, but this is the cheapest price weve seen since then. Instant Vortex 2QT Mini Air Fryer for $50 ($10 off) : The budget pick in our guide doesnt go on sale often its already pretty cheap at its $60 list price. Its sold for as little as $48 for Prime Day in July, but this is the cheapest weve seen since then. Its two-quart capacity is probably best for small kitchens and can crisp up food for one or two people. Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker for $90 $40 off) : We like this Instant Pot model because it's simple to use and has several quick-cooking modes including beans, cake, sous vide and more. It went as low as $70 earlier this year, but this is still a 30 percent discount off the list price. Instant Pot Pro Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker for $140 ($60 off) : We also suggest this fancier Pro Plus model in our guide to kitchen tech . Its a Wi-Fi connected unit with a canning function and you can even release the steam remotely using the companion app which has over 800 recipes. This matches the lowest price we saw earlier this year, but is still a bit more than its $99 all-time low. Ninja AF150AMZ Air Fryer for $120 (25 percent off) : This went as low as $100 for the holidays last year, but this matches the lowest price weve seen since then. The fryer gets an honorable mention in our air fryer guide because it makes good use of limited counter space with its taller design. The round cooking basket doesnt feel as roomy as square ones but it does have a dehydrate option that other cookers dont come with. Anova Culinary Sous Vide 3.0 for $129 ($70 off) : We named this the best overall sous vide machine after testing a number of models for our buyers guide. This is about $30 more than the low it hit for the holidays last year, but this is the lowest price weve seen in 2025. We appreciate the easy digital controls and found that the high flow rate maintains water temperature better than other machines. Plus, if youre at a loss for what to cook, you can check out the companion app which is replete with recipes. Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle for $60 ($10 off) : This kettle earned a spot in our list of favorite small kitchen appliances. It has different built-in temperature settings for different types of drinks and an elegant gooseneck pour. This is a price it has hit many times before, but is a chance to save $10 over the usual MSRP. Fellow Stagg EKG Pro electric kettle for $165 ($30 off) : This exquisitely designed kettle has an LCD panel built into the base so you can choose a specific temperature down to the degree. And the hold feature keeps water hot for up to an hour. This is the pro model of the version we recommend in our tea guide . Ninja SS101 Foodi Smoothie Maker for $80 ($40 off) : Engadgets Vallentina Palladino recommends this smoothie blender in our gift guide for cooks saying it doesnt take up that much space and the swappable lids make it easy to take ones health shakes on the go. This isnt an all-time low but matches the cheapest price weve seen since 2023 when it sold for $50. KitchenAid Artisan 5-quart stand mixer for $380 ($80 off) : Small wonder that the home cooks gold standard of mixers made its way onto our kitchen tech guide . Its ton of available attachments can be used to make pasta, grind food, strain or spiralize fruits and veggies and more. This is no unitasker. This is a solid $80 discount off of the MSRP, but well note that Amazon sold it for as low as $330 at the end of last year and for $350 last month. KitchenAid Go Cordless Hand Blender for $100 ($30 off) : The big selling point here is the removable battery that you can use for other KitchenAid Go appliances. In our testing, it had enough power to turn a roasted butternut squash into a smooth, creamy soup. The blender has hit this price a few times over the past few months and the deal isnt as good as the $77 it sold for at the end of last year. Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle for $60 ($10 off) : This kettle earned a spot in our list of favorite small kitchen appliances. It has different built-in temperature settings for different types of drinks and an elegant gooseneck pour. This is a price it has hit many times before, but is a chance to save $10 over the usual MSRP. Fellow Stagg EKG Pro electric kettle for $165 ($30 off) : This exquisitely designed kettle has an LCD panel built into the base so you can choose a specific temperature down to the degree. And the hold feature keeps water hot for up to an hour. This is the pro model of the version we recommend in our tea guide . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-amazon-spring-sale-deals-on-kitchen-tech-including-discounts-on-gear-from-breville-kitchenaid-ninja-and-more-092909254.html?src=rss
Amazon Spring Sale robot vacuum deals: The best sales from Shark, iRobot, Dyson and others
One notable trend at CES earlier this year was the quirky robot vacuum. It seemed every third booth had a new model that could climb stairs , pick up socks , serve drinks and, oh yeah, suck up dirt from your floor. Now that Amazons Big Spring Sale is here, were seeing lots of discounts not on those wacky prototypes, but on robo vacs that easy and automatically keep your floors clean. Engadget has two guides to these handy home gadgets, based on years of testing and reviewing products from brands like iRobot, Shark , Dyson , Eufy and more. Here are the best deals on robot vacuums and cordless stick vacs we could find for the Big Spring Sale. The best Amazon Spring Sale robot vacuum deals Shark's Matrix Plus robovac for $400 ($350 off) : In our testing, weve been consistently impressed with Shark vacuums but theyre not cheap. This machine can mop in addition to vacuum and is nearly half price at 47 percent off. Shark Robot PowerDetect NeverTouch vac and mop combo for $500 ($400 off) : This is the non-pro model of our runner up pick for the best combo bot. It mops and vacuums, quickly making a map of your home on its first run. The app easily lets you program where your hard and carpeted surfaces are, as well as set schedules. The base empties the dry debris and dirty water, then refills it with new water. The difference between this model and the Pro version is that this one doesnt clean the mop with each use, so you may need to manually perform that task more often but the price difference may make up for that lack. iRobot Roomba Combo Vac and Mop for $150 (45 percent off) : This essential Roomba is relatively no-frills, but it has the added benefit of being a mopping robot in addition to a vacuum. It includes a washable mopping pad and a water reservoir so you can clean hard floors, and it will autonomously vacuum just like all of iRobot's other basic robovacs. Anker Eufy Robot Vacuum 3-in-1 E20 for $400 ($200 off) : If you cant decide between a robot vacuum or a lightweight stick vac, you dont have to. The new Eufy E20 combines a robo vac, cordless upright and handheld vacuum in one machine. Plus the automatically emptying base holds a lot of debris for its size. While we found the robot performance to be better than the stick vac suction, its still impressive and convenient for an all-in-one model. Anker Eufy Robot Vacuum 11S MAX for $140 (44 percent off) : The S in the model name stands for slim and it was one of the more low-profile machines we tried. Its a pick in our guide to budget robot vacuums and has a long battery life and good suction power for its price. The main drawback is the lack of Wi-Fi, so instead of programming it with your phone, youll use the included remote. The best cordless vacuum deals Tineco Pure ONE S11 cordless vacuum for $200 ($100 off with coupon) : Click the coupon to get $100 off our top pick for a budget stick vac. We like that it automatically adjusts suction depending on what it's picking up and is relatively lightweight when youre pushing it around your floors. The bin is on the small side and the battery life isnt as good as on other models, but its an easy-to-use, no-frills way to clean floors. Dyson V15s Detect Submarine for $800 ($150 off) : This Dyson cordless stick vacuum and mop is a top pick in our best cordless vacuums guide thanks to its sleek design and included mop attachment that easily swap in so you can clean tile, hardwood and other flooring with liquid solution. Yes, it's expensive, but you're essentially getting two cleaning machines in one plus, when used as a vacuum, it has excellent suction power and great battery life. Levoit Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (LVAC-200) for $150 ($50 off) : The lowest price weve tracked on this stick vac is $130 but this matches the lowest price weve seen this year. Its our runner up budget pick for a stick vac in our guide. It doesnt have a storage base and the bin is smallish, but its lightweight and super affordable. It also disassembles easily for storage making its lack of base less of a deal breaker. Tineco Pure ONE Station FurFree for $400 ($300 off) : Of all the stick vacs our reviewer tried for our guide , this is the one she wanted to use the most. Its super convenient with a dock that charges and empties and cleans all parts of the machine brush, tube and dustbin after each use. Plus the suction power is great and the iLoop smart sensor kicks up the suction when needed. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-spring-sale-robot-vacuum-deals-the-best-sales-from-shark-irobot-dyson-and-others-092652375.html?src=rss
Amazon Spring Sale Apple deals: Save up to $200 on AirPods, iPads and more
Amazon has kicked off another sitewide sales event . The Big Spring Sale, as this one is called, is aimed at apparel and outdoor goods more than electronics, but weve tried to cut through the noise and pull out a few actually decent tech deals anyway. If youre specifically looking for grab a new Apple device, good news: A handful of AirPods, iPads, Apple Watches and Beats headphones are at or near their lowest prices to date. Many of these discounts arent explicitly tied to the sale, but if youre just trying to save some cash, that shouldnt matter much. Weve rounded up the best Spring Sale Apple deals we could find below. Amazon says the event will run through March 31, so well update this post if prices change and other deals pop up. Best Amazon Spring Sale Apple deals Apple AirPods 4 with ANC for $150 ($29 off) : This version of the AirPods 4 is nearly identical to the base model, only it supports active noise cancellation and comes with a wireless charging case. It also supports other listening modes like Adaptive Audio, and that case can tap into Apples Find My tracking network if you ever misplace it. The ANC isnt as effective as what you can get with a pair that fully seals off the ear canal, but it makes the earbuds a little more useful in noisy environments all the same. We gave the device a score of 86 in our review. This discount is $11 higher than the best price weve seen, but its about as low as the earbuds have fallen outside of that. Apple AirPods Pro 2 for $170 ($79 off) : The AirPods Pro 2 remain Apples best set of wireless earbuds, as they offer the full set of Apple-focused features, strong ANC, onboard volume controls, a (generally) comfy in-ear design and a warm sound profile that most should find agreeable. They can even work as a hearing aid , though their six-hour battery life still isnt the best, and you should only get them if youre all-in on Apple hardware. If thats the case, though, we call them the best choice for iPhone owners in our wireless earbuds buying guide . We saw this pair drop as low as $154 back in December, but this deal comes within a dollar of its best price since then. The Apple Watch Series 10. Cherlynn Low for Engadget Apple Watch Series 10 for $299 ($100 off) : The top pick in our guide to the best smartwatches , the Series 10 is a mostly iterative update, with faster charging, a slightly slimmer profile and a marginally larger display compared to the previous Series 9. That said, it remains a comprehensive fitness tracker, and no other smartwatch can integrate as neatly with iPhones and other Apple devices. It should be a welcome upgrade if youre looking to upgrade from an older Apple Watch (think pre-Series 7) just keep in mind a patent dispute has locked it out the blood oxygen detection features found on those older models. This $100 discount matches the lowest price weve seen for the non-cellular model with a 42mm case. Apple iPad (A16) for $329 ($20 off) : The newest entry-level iPad only arrived three weeks ago, but Amazon is currently selling it for $20 less than Apple direct, which is a decent little savings if you planned on grabbing the tablet early anyway. This one is another small update, but it now comes with a faster A16 chip, more RAM and 128GB of storage as standard. Our review is coming soon, but TL;DR: If you only need an iPad for media consumption and lighter work, its still a fine value. Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3) for $549 ($50 off) : Much like the deal on the base iPad above, this isnt a huge discount, but its a nice chance to save a few bucks compared to buying from Apple directly. The new iPad Air was released on the same day as the iPad (A16) and is a similarly minor update; the only big addition is a more powerful M3 chip. However, we still prefer the Air over the base model if you can swing it: Its display is more color-rich and better at fending off glare, its speakers are more robust, it works with Apples best accessories and its performance should hold up better in the years ahead. The older M2-powered model is an even better value if you can find it on sale, but either way the Air is the iPad we recommend to most people. The 13-inch iPad Air M3. Nathan Ingraham for Engadget Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M3) for $738 ($61 off) : We gave the 13-inch iPad Air a review score of 89 earlier this month. It has a bigger and slightly brighter display than its 11-inch counterpart; otherwise, the two slates are the same. If you plan to keep your iPad hooked up to a keyboard, the extra screen space is lovely for taking in movies and multitasking for work. This is the lowest price weve seen for the 128GB model. Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) for $1,099 ($200 off) : The iPad Pro is more tablet than most people need, but its the ultimate iPad for those who can stomach its price tag. Its wonderfully thin, its OLED display is one of the best weve seen on a consumer device and its M4 chip can handle virtually anything youd ever do on an iPad. Its also the only Apple tablet with Face ID, plus it has a better speaker setup than the iPad Air. We gave it a score of 84 in our review, with the only real drawback being how expensive it all is. This deal on doesnt truly lessen that and its another deal weve seen multiple times in recent months but it still ties the 13-inch models all-time low. Beats Studio Buds + for $130 ($40 off) : The Studio Buds + might be worth a look if you want some of the AirPods Pros Apple-friendly perks at a lower price. We gave these in-ear headphones a score of 84 back in 2023: Theyre relatively comfy, with decent ANC and a mostly neutral sound profile, plus they dont totally shut out Android users the way AirPods do. Theres no wireless charging, wear detection or automatic switching between Apple devices, though, and the ANC is still a step down from the AirPods Pro. But if you can live with all of that, this deal matches one of the best prices we could find outside of one extremely brief drop to $80 more than a year ago. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-spring-sale-apple-deals-save-up-to-200-on-airpods-ipads-and-more-092050968.html?src=rss
Amazon Spring Sale tech deals under $50: The best sales on our favorite budget gear
Amazons latest sales event is underway. The so-called Big Spring Sale runs through March 31, and while it mostly focuses on things like apparel and outdoor goods, it still includes a handful of discounts on electronics. Per usual with these big Amazon events, most of those arent anything special. But if youre on a budget and looking to grab a new gadget on the cheap, weve rounded up a few actually decent tech deals that are available now and priced below $50. Some of the discounts below have technically been live for a few days, but a good price is a good price, and the offers include several devices we recommend in our various buying guides . Well update this guide as things change over the course of the week. Best Amazon Spring Sale deals under $50 Anker PowerConf C200 for $48 ($12 off) : The PowerConf C200 is our favorite webcam for those on a tighter budget due to its crisp video quality, easy setup, solid microphones and built-in privacy cover. Its USB cable is on the shorter side, and it cant match the overall accuracy of our top pick, but its still a clear upgrade over a built-in laptop camera for a much lower price. This is another deal weve seen numerous times in the last year, but its as low as the camera usually goes. Anker 525 Charging Station for $30 ($36 off) : We recommend this reliable desktop charging station in our remote worker gift guide . It cant provide the absolute fastest charge to your smartphone or laptop (topping out at a quick enough 67W), but it packs four USB ports two USB-C, two USB-A and three AC outlets in a frame thats small enough to fit on a crowded desk. This deal ties the lowest price weve seen. The Anker 525 Charging Station. Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget Anker Nano Charger 30W for $13 ($10 off) : Its hard to have too many portable wall chargers on standby. This one from Anker should be particularly useful for traveling: At just over an inch thick, its small enough to fit in a pocket, while its 30W USB-C port is enough to top up recent iPhones at full speed. (Thats not enough for some newer Android phones , though.) This discount matches the lowest price weve seen. Amazon Music Unlimited 3-month trial for free ($24 off) : Amazon is offering new subscribers three months of its Music Unlimited streaming service for free. Normally, it gives new users a one-month trial. Though Music Unlimited isnt a top pick in our guide to the best music services , it still gets you lossless streaming quality and an extensive library of both music and podcasts. You could do worse if you just want to bum a few months of music streaming for no cost. Just note that your subscription will auto-renew once the trial period ends until you cancel. Blink Mini 2 for $20 ($20 off) : This deal ties the lowest price to date for the Blink Mini 2, which is the budget pick in our guide to the best security cameras . This one comes with its share of trade-offs for the low price its image quality isnt the best, it locks certain features behind a paywall and it wont automatically arm when you leave the house but it still provides functional 1080p video, color night vision, motion alerts and Alexa support in a weather-resistant frame. Its fairly simple to set up, too, though youll need to buy an external module if you want to store clips locally. Chipolo One for $20 ($5 off) : The Chipolo One is the top overall pick in our guide to the best Bluetooth trackers . While Apples AirTag can tap into a substantially larger crowd-sourcing network, weve found the One to send separation alerts faster when youve left an item behind and ring louder when youre back in its vicinity. Unlike the AirTag, it can also attach directly to a keychain. It probably isnt the safest choice for long-distance travel, but its a convenient security blanket if you, say, leave your keys or wallet behind at a restaurant. This is another discount thats been available for a few weeks, but its just 10 cents more the best price weve seen. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-spring-sale-tech-deals-under-50-the-best-sales-on-our-favorite-budget-gear-091512204.html?src=rss
The best monitors for every budget in 2025
The good news when it comes to buying monitors is that there has never been more choice, with numerous options for every type of use ranging from productivity to content creation to gaming. The problem is that all that choice can make it challenging to decide which one is best for your particular needs and budget. In this guide we can help you make that decision and show you which factors are most important, whether they be color accuracy, size, ergonomics or refresh rates. We used that information to gather the top picks, including options from our own monitor reviews, to help you find the one that best fits your needs. Table of Contents Best monitors for 2025 Factors to consider before buying a monitor Best monitors for 2025 Factors to consider before buying a monitor Panel type The cheapest monitors are still TN (twisted nematic), which are strictly for gamers or office use. VA (vertical alignment) monitors are also relatively cheap, while offering good brightness and a high contrast ratio. However, content creators will find that LCD, IPS monitors (in-plane switching) deliver better color accuracy, pixel density, picture quality and viewing angles. If maximum brightness is important, a quantum dot LCD display is the way to go those are typically found in larger displays. OLED monitors are now available and offer the best blacks and color reproduction, but they lack the brightness of LED or quantum dot displays. Plus, theyre expensive. The latest type of OLED monitor, called QD-OLED from Samsung, is now common among gaming monitors. The most notable advantage is that it can get a lot brighter, with recent models hitting up to 1,000 nits+ of peak brightness. MiniLEDs are now widely used in high-end displays. Theyre similar to quantum dot tech, but as the name suggests, it uses smaller LED diodes that are just 0.2mm in diameter. As such, manufacturers can pack in up to three times more LEDs with more local dimming zones, delivering deeper blacks and better contrast. Screen size, resolution and display format Where 24-inch displays used to be more or less standard (and can still be useful for basic computing), 27-, 32-, 34- and even 42-inch displays have become popular for entertainment, content creation and even gaming these days. Nearly every monitor used to be 16:9, but its now possible to find 16:10 and other more exotic display shapes. On the gaming and entertainment side, were also seeing curved and ultrawide monitors with aspect ratios like 21:9. If you do decide to buy an ultrawide display, however, keep in mind that a 30-inch 21:9 model is the same height as a 24-inch monitor, so you might end up with a smaller display than you expected. A 4K monitor is nearly a must for content creators, and some folks are even going for 5K or all the way up to 8K. Keep in mind, though, that youll need a pretty powerful computer with a decent graphics card to drive all those sharp pixels. And 4K resolution should be paired with a screen size of 27 inches and up, or you wont notice much difference between 1440p. At the same time, I wouldnt get a model larger than 27 inches unless its 4K, as youll start to see pixelation if youre working up close to the display. One new category to consider is portable monitors designed to be carried and used with laptops. Those typically come in 1080p resolutions and sizes from 13-15 inches. They usually have a lightweight kickstand-type support that folds up to keep things compact. HDR HDR adds vibrancy to entertainment and gaming but be careful before jumping in. Some monitors that claim HDR on their marketing materials dont even conform to a base standard. To be sure that a display at least meets minimum HDR specs, youll want to choose one with a DisplayHDR rating with each tier representing maximum brightness in nits. However, the lowest DisplayHDR 400 and 500 tiers may disappoint you with a lack of brightness, washed out blacks and mediocre color reproduction. If you can afford it, the best monitor to choose is a model with DisplayHDR 600, 1000 or True Black 400, True Black 500 and True Black 600. Where televisions typically offer HDR10 and Dolby Vision or HDR10+, most PC monitors only support the HDR10 standard, other than a few (very expensive) models. That doesnt matter much for content creation or gaming, but HDR streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and other services wont look quite as punchy. In addition, the best gaming monitors are usually the ones supporting HDR600 (and up), rather than content creation monitors with a few exceptions. Refresh rate Refresh rate is a key feature, particularly on gaming monitors. A bare minimum nowadays is 60Hz, and 80Hz and higher refresh rates are much easier on the eyes. However, most 4K displays top out at 60Hz with some rare exceptions and the HDMI 2.0 spec only supports 4K at 60Hz, so youd need at least DisplayPort 1.4 (4K at 120Hz) or HDMI 2.1. The latter is now available on a number of monitors, particularly gaming displays. However, its only supported by the latest NVIDIA RTX 3000- and 4000-series, AMD RX 6000-series GPUs. Inputs There are essentially three types of modern display inputs: Thunderbolt, DisplayPort and HDMI. Most monitors built for PCs come with the latter two, while a select few (typically built for Macs) will use Thunderbolt. To add to the confusion, USB-C ports may be Thunderbolt 3, and by extension, DisplayPort compatible, so you may need a USB-C to Thunderbolt or DisplayPort cable adapter depending on your display. Color bit depth Serious content creators should consider a more costly 10-bit monitor that can display billions of colors. If budget is an issue, you can go for an 8-bit panel that can fake billions of colors via dithering (often specd as 8-bit + FRC). For entertainment or business purposes, a regular 8-bit monitor that can display millions of colors will be fine. Color gamut The other aspect of color is the gamut. That expresses the range of colors that can be reproduced and not just the number of colors. Most good monitors these days can cover the sRGB and Rec.709 gamuts (designed for photos and video respectively). For more demanding work, though, youll want one that can reproduce more demanding modern gamuts like AdobeRGB, DCI-P3 and Rec.2020 gamuts, which encompass a wider range of colors. The latter two are often used for film projection and HDR, respectively. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-monitor-130006843.html?src=rss
This simple alternative to the Siri Remote for Apple TV just dropped to $19.97
Macworld The Siri Remote for Apple TV isnt for everyone. If you dont want voice control to be the standard, then check out the Function101 Button Remote . It goes back to the classic remote design, and it even works for Apple TV and Apple TV 4K. Get one of these Apple TV Button Remotes on sale for $19.97 (reg. $29). The Function101 Button Remote is a straightforward, no-frills solution for anyone who misses the feel of a traditional remote. It uses infrared technology, so youll need to point it at your Apple TV, but once synced, it works like a charm. You can easily control power, volume, and mute functions, making it a simple yet reliable alternative to the Siri Remote. The layout is intuitive, so you wont be fumbling around trying to figure out which button does what. And with a range of up to 12 meters, you can kick back and relax without worrying about whether your remote will reach. Its fully compatible with Apple TV and Apple TV 4K, along with most TV sets, so youre pretty much covered. March 30 is the deadline to get the Function101 Button Remote for Apple TV/Apple TV 4K on sale for $19.97. Function101 Button Remote for Apple TV/Apple TV 4K $19.97 See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.
Amazon Big Spring Sale goes live today with thousands of discounts
The Amazon 2025 Big Spring Sale goes live today folks. The now annual spring event is set to deliver seven straight days of savings with deals set to kick off today and run through until March 31 across a massive range of product categories. From sought-after tech and smart home gear to EVs, smartphone accessories, spring cleaning products, and a whole lot more, the deals will be flying starting today and we will be here to uncover the best of them. more
Netflix will stream shows and movies in HDR10+ on supported devices
Netflix has announced that it's adding support for HDR10+ streaming , on top of the existing HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats that are already offered on the streaming service. HDR10+ should offer greater visual fidelity on a per-frame basis for Netflix's frequently dark original programming. The company is enabling HDR10+ with the AV1 codec, the specification originally released in 2018 that's gradually become the standard for streaming 4K video without gobbling data. Netflix first adopted AV1 as a way to help customers save data while watching on their phone, but the compression tech works just as well for streaming large HDR files. Netflix is enabling HDR10+ on select popular titles now, and hopes to eventually offer all HDR content in the new format. Anyone with a Netflix Premium subscription and a device that supports both HDR10+ and AV1 (which includes most modern mobile phones and tablets) should be able to watch compatible content in HDR10+. After 4K, high dynamic range (HDR) has come to define the look of modern TV and movies, particularly on streaming. HDR content makes clear the stark differences between the light and dark parts of an image. The under-exposed, muddy quality of modern streaming TV is frequently due to an expectation that audiences will be viewing on a device that supports HDR. Without it, you can't see anything. With it, you can pick up all the various shades of gray that have become the norm in prestige TV. Netflix first rolled out support for HDR in 2016 with the debut of Marco Polo , and in the years since, has made supporting Dolby Vision and HDR10, the most common HDR format, the norm on its service. If you've been watching Netflix on a display that already uses Dolby Vision, you likely won't notice a difference, but if you're TV only offers HDR10+, adding support for the format should make watching everything a little bit better. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/netflix-will-stream-shows-and-movies-in-hdr10-on-supported-devices-222134243.html?src=rss
Brevilles Smart Oven Pro updates your countertop with 10-in-1 functionality for $210 (Reg. $270)
Amazon is now offering the Breville Smart Oven Pro Countertop Oven for $209.95 shipped. Normally fetching $270 at full price, its mainly been keeping above $224 over the last year, dropping lower during certain events like Black Friday sales. While weve seen it go lower in the past, youre still looking at a solid 22% markdown here today that saves you $60 off the going rate, dropping costs to the best price we have tracked in months. more
Amazon is offering the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i 42V 18-inch Cordless Chainsaw Kit for $383.99 shipped. Coming down off its usual $480 price tag, we dont usually see too many discounts on this brands equipment, with it keeping up at its MSRP for most of 2025 so far, with one previous discount in January taking things to $449. While we have seen it go as low as $335 in 2023, over the last year its mostly kept above $399, with todays deal being a 20% markdown that cuts $96 off the going rate, landing it among the lowest prices we have tracked $49 above the all-time low. more
Apple Watch dying? Not if you have one of these $15 keychain chargers (Reg. $49)
A dead battery on your Apple Watch is a quick way to sour a good day. However, you dont have to leave your watch on a charger anymore. Instead, just attach it to your keychain. This Apple Watch Wireless Keychain Charger lets you power up on the go, and you can get one on sale for $14.97 (reg. $49). more
ECOVACS new Goat O1000 RTK robot lawn mower sees its first discount to $900 (Reg. $1,000)
Were seeing the very first chance at savings over at Amazon on ECOVACS new Goat O1000 RTK Robot Lawn Mower that is dropping the price to $899.99 shipped , while also matching directly from the brands website . This model was only recently released following its unveiling at CES 2025 carrying a full $1,000 price tag, and its nice to see it already getting some cash savings in the early spring months ahead of those warmer days when plenty of folks will be much more concerned with getting their lawn care routines back to normal. Youre looking at a solid $100 discount here while the savings last, setting the bar for future discounts down the road. more
Eves latest Matter-equipped HomeKit smart weather monitor hits $55 Amazon low (Reg. $80)
While owners of the older HomeKit model can score a FREE upgrade for Matter support, the brand unleashed the new Eve Weather (Matter) smart weather monitor last summer and we are now tracking deep 30% price drop. As part of its spring smart home sale we detailed this morning you can now score the latest Eve Weather (Matter) down at the $54.95 shipped Amazon all-time low. Details below. more
Dune: Awakening is getting some surprising haptic support
Dune: Awakening's system specs show that it will work with Razer Sensa HD haptics so you can feel every one of the titular dunes.
The best midrange smartphones for 2025
A great phone doesnt need to cost a fortune. In 2025, features once exclusive to high-end devices big batteries, multi-camera arrays, high refresh rate displays and more have trickled down to more affordable models. Sure, youll still need to buy a flagship smartphone to get the best camera or fastest processor, but you dont need to compromise nearly as much anymore if youre looking for a great handset at a reasonable price. If you have less than $600 to spend, let us help you figure out what features to prioritize when trying to find the best midrange smartphone. Editor's note (3/24/25): We're looking forward to testing out the new Google Pixel 9a in the near future. We'll update our top picks again once we have a full review of the Pixel 9a, but for now, our current top picks still stand. The best midrange phones for 2025 What is a midrange phone, anyway? While the term frequently appears in articles and videos, there isnt an agreed-upon definition for midrange beyond a phone that isnt a flagship or an entry-level option. Most of our recommendations cost between $400 and $600 any less and you should expect significant compromises. If you have more to spend, you might as well consider flagships like the Apple iPhone 16 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 . What to consider before buying a midrange smartphone Buying a new device can be intimidating, but a few questions can help guide you through the process. First: what platform do you want to use? If the answer is iOS, that narrows your options down to exactly one phone. (Thankfully, its great.) And if youre an Android fan, theres no shortage of compelling options. Both platforms have their strengths, so you shouldnt rule either out. Of course, also consider how much youre comfortable spending. Even increasing your budget by $100 more can get you a dramatically better product. Moreover, manufacturers tend to support their more expensive devices for longer. Its worth buying something toward the top limit of what you can afford. Having an idea of your priorities will help inform your budget. Do you want a long battery life or fast charging? Do you value speedy performance above all else? Or would you like the best possible cameras? While they continue to improve every year, even the best midrange smartphones still demand some compromises, and knowing whats important to you will make choosing one easier. What wont you get from a midrange smartphone? Every year, the line between midrange and flagship phones blurs as more upmarket features and specs trickle down to more affordable models. When Engadget first published this guide in 2020, it was tricky to find a $500 phone with waterproofing and 5G. In 2025, the biggest thing you might miss out on is wireless charging and even then, thats becoming less true. One thing your new phone probably wont come with is a power adapter; many companies have stopped including chargers with all of their smartphones. Performance has improved in recent years, but can still be hit or miss as most midrange phones use slower processors that can struggle with multitasking. Thankfully, their cameras have improved dramatically, and you can typically expect at least a dual-lens system on most midrange smartphones below $600. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/best-midrange-smartphone-183006463.html?src=rss
MIFA suede leather military-style Apple Watch Bands now down at just $20 Prime shipped
MIFA Suede Leather Apple Watch Bands Buy for $20 (Reg. $25) Clip the on-page 20% off coupon. What we love The sort of suede-style leather treatment and black CNC anodized aluminum buckles and hardware immediately caught my eye with these models. They, as far as Im concerned, can make for a great option to go along with 42mm Jet Black Apple Watch Im also a sucker for the military vibes here too. more
Nike Spring Clearance offers over 3,000 styles up to 50% off with deals starting at $11
Nike offers new markdowns for spring with over 3,000 styles to choose from and pricing starting at just $11 . Prices are as marked. NikePlus Members ( free to sign-up ) receive free delivery on all orders. One of our top picks from this sale is the mens Pegasus 41 Running Shoes that are currently marked down to $112 and originally sold for $140. These shoes are available in eighteen color options and great for all of your spring training sessions. This style features an upgraded mesh upper design for added breathability and a foam outsole for enhanced energy return. Rated 4.7/5 stars from Nike customers. Score additional deals by heading below, or you can shop the entire sale here . more
Todays Android app deals and freebies: House of Da Vinci, Methods Detective, more
This afternoons roundup of Google Play Store deals to kick off the week in Android app discounts is now ready to go below. Joining the ongoing Samsung sale featuring hundreds in enhanced trade-in savings on the new Galaxy S25 devices and more, we are also tracking a major deal on the beloved Sony XM5 ANC headphones at $150 off alongside a new low on the Nothing Ear transparent wireless ANC buds , and this notable discount on Samsungs 180MB/s 1TB PRO Plus microSD card . As for the apps, highlights include titles like The House of Da Vinci, Methods: Detective Competition, Skel and Defense, and a host of freebies. Head below for a closer look. more
Where to find Pre-Order and Deluxe Edition gear in The First Berserker: Khazan
If you've pre-ordered The First Berserker: Khazan, or purchased the game's Deluxe Edition, here's where you can go to get all of your in-game bonus gear.
How to get and use the metal detector in Atomfall
There are many secrets and treasures to find in Atomfall, including underground. This is how you can get your hands on a metal detector and learn to use it.
5 The First Berserker: Khazan starter tips to help you survive
The First Berserker: Khazan is a very challenging game, but these tips will help you get going in the early part of your journey through its perilous world.
Best skills to buy first in The First Berserker: Khazan
The First Berserker: Khazan is an immensely challenging game, but you can use this list of best early-game skills we've compiled to help you get a head start.
A mere $9 Prime shipped brings home Rokus 2-outlet outdoor smart plug (40% off)
Roku 2-Outlet Outdoor Smart Plug Buy for $9 (Reg. $15) What we love It doesnt get much more affordable than this for an outdoor smart plug. It turns one outlet into two, and both of them can be toggled on and off using the Roku app, Alexa, and Google Assistant. With this type of smart home accessory I generally set up some sort of schedule for an outdoor water fountain, lighting, and then I dont really have to think about manually controlling it. more
Frito Lay Fun Times Mix Variety Pack, 40 Count Buy for $17 (Reg. $25) Subscribe and save discount What we love While its no substitute for a proper meal, it is always handy to have some snacks laying around, even if just as a treat in between your usual eating times. This 40-pack gives you a nice variety of flavors, with popular ones from Doritos, Cheetos, Lays, Sun Chips, and more. Subscribing and saving here will score them at $0.43 per pack, or you can make a one-time purchase for $0.45 per pack. more
The Blink Mini 2 security camera is only $20 for the Amazon Spring Sale
You can save on some of our top picks for the best security cameras as part of a sale on Blink gear thanks to the Amazon Spring Sale . For instance, the Blink Mini 2 is available for $20 , which is half off the list price. It matches a record low. A two-pack of the Blink Mini 2 is down to $38 as well. That's not quite a record low, but you'll still save $22 due to the 46 percent percent discount. We reckon the Blink Mini 2 is the best budget security camera around. You can adjust the webcam-style camera to a variety of angles. It's weather-resistant, so you can place it outside if you have a special power adapter. The camera picks up decent (but not great) images, particularly those captured in the infrared nighttime view. It also has a built-in LED spotlight. Since Blink is an Amazon company, of course the Mini 2 ties into the Alexa ecosystem. You'll just need to have a Blink account before you can actually use it. As you might expect, you'll be able to view images captured by the Mini 2 via the Alexa app on an Echo Show, Fire Tablet or Fire TV but, curiously, not iOS or Android. To see the captures on your phone or tablet, you'll instead need to use the Blink app. You'll get some extra features such as cloud storage and people and pet detection if you sign up for the Blink Subscription ($3 per month for one camera, $10 per month for any number). Elsewhere in the sale, a five-pack of the Blink Outdoor 4 cameras is half off at $200 . This is our recommendation for the best security camera for Alexa users . Having five of them should be enough for many folks to keep an eye on everything that's going on around their property. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-blink-mini-2-security-camera-is-only-20-for-the-amazon-spring-sale-171417722.html?src=rss
How to spot Crypt Devourers in The First Berserker: Khazan
There's a whole lot of loot to find scattered around The First Berserker: Khazan's levels, but you'll want to be extra careful when approaching certain spots.
The Countdown to the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct rolls on: T-9 Days.There are nine days left until Nintendo takes over the internet again to fully unveil the new Nintendo Switch 2 and our countdown to the big day continues now. Yesterday we detailed everything we know about the upcoming pre-orders to get gamers ready, including some reliable sources claiming the pre-sale will begin right after the April 2 Direct presentation ( all of the details you need are right here ), and today we are going to be going over the most exciting early details that have been floating around on Switch 2 hardware specs display upgrades, core graphics performance that support enhanced games, new Joy-Con features, and more. more
Running as part of EcoFlows ongoing Spring Sale , the brand has launched the last of its limited-time flash sales , this time with three different offers two power station deals and one accessory discount. Starting with the largest discount, theres the DELTA Max 2000 Portable Power Station down at $899 shipped . This model would normally cost you $2,099 at full price here, with most of the discounts weve seen have been on the power stations bundle options, though the standalone unit has been seen going as low as $759 in the past, though it more regularly keeps above $949. Todays deal gives you a 57% markdown, cutting $1,200 off the going rate and landing it at the third-lowest price we have tracked. more
The best Pokmon spinoff games of all time
While the mainline Pokmon games don't evolve much from one generation to the next, the spinoff games are much more diverse. Here are the best Pokmon spinoffs.
This desk lamp doubles as a 7-in-1 USB-C power strip with a 10-foot cord at $21 (Reg. $30)
Addtam 10-foot Desk Lamp and 7-in-1 USB-C Power Strip Buy for $21 (Reg. $30) What we love Theres a whole lot to like about this desk lamp. Not only does it wield all sorts of power sources that range from AC to Type-C, and USB-A, but youll also stand to benefit from its long 10-foot cord. This could allow you to get light and power to part of a room where both of those things are lacking. more
FlexiSpots already-affordable 55-inch desk just dropped lower, now $45 (Save 25%)
FlexiSpot 55-inch Desk Buy for $45 (Reg. $60) Clip the on-page $15 off coupon. What we love If you arent after a standing desk or a particular set of features, this unit from FlexiSpot packs quite a punch for a notably low price. Amazon will ship this unit to your door for only $45, and once assembled youll have a 55.1- by 23.6-inch surface to work from. I like that theres an included storage bag that slots into place along the side of this desk. more
Wrangle 120 cords with this reusable cable tie kit thats now just $5.50 (Less than $0.05 each)
120-pack of OneLeaf 6.5-inch Reusable Cable Ties Buy for $5.50 (Reg. $8) What we love Cords are a necessary evil these days, but having them is disarray is not. For years now Ive been using reusable cable ties like these to wrangle cords in drawers and even remove slack from ones that are always in use. At less than $0.05 each, its hard to go wrong with these. more
Embrace conversation with Babbels smarter approach to language learning, lifetime access for $125
In an increasingly globalized world, learning a new language is no longer just a cool party trickits a career booster, a travel essential, and a way to connect with cultures in a more meaningful way. Babbel offers a more intuitive approach to mastering a new language (or 14 of them), and thanks to an exclusive offer from StackSocial, you can get lifetime access to all 14 Babbel languages for just $124.99 (regularly $169.99). more
As part of its ongoing Spring Sale running through March 31 , Anker has added its two sizes of SOLIX EverFrost 2 Electric Coolers to the lineup, alongside the extended $2,598+ savings on the new F3800 Plus power station and its bundles. Youll find the 40L model down at $699.99 shipped and the 58L dual-zone model falling to $899.99 shipped . These coolers normally carry $900 and $1,100 price tags, respectively, since releasing at the top of the month, with only the previous launch discounts on the books which brought the 40L down to $600 while the 58L model dropped to $800 from Anker and $809 from Wellbots. While not the lowest, youll still be getting $200 off these new releases, which is nice for folks who missed the window on the launch savings. more
This Levoit air purifier is down to a near record-low price for the Amazon Spring Sale
Levoit's Core 400S air purifier is down to $187 from its usual $220 price, thanks to the Amazon Spring Sale . While its not the lowest price weve seen the air purifier briefly hit $177 last year its still a solid discount on one of the most convenient air purifiers for large spaces. Weve featured Levoit in our list of the best air purifiers for its strong performance and smart features. The Core 400S can cover rooms up to 1,980 square feet using a three-stage filtration system to capture allergens, dust, pet dander and smoke. It also includes a smart sensor that adjusts fan speed based on air quality, so youre not running it at full blast when you dont need to. One of the Levoit Core 400S biggest selling points is its low noise output, which makes it a good fit for bedrooms or home offices. If you need to knuckle down and get some work done without distraction whilst keeping your rooms air clean and fresh, even at higher speeds, it stays relatively quiet compared to bulkier purifiers. It also supports smart controls via the VeSync app, allowing you to tweak settings, set schedules or monitor air quality from your phone. If you have a smart home ecosystem in place, you can connect the purifier to third-party voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant an added layer of convenience that allows you to control the Core 400S with simple voice commands. Its 360-degree filtration system uses activated carbon to remove gases and odors, while an efficient middle filter captures 99.97 percent of pollutants as small as 0.3 microns. The built-in air quality sensor continuously monitors pollution levels, automatically adjusting performance as needed. You can track real-time air quality data on the LCD screen or through the VeSync app, which is handy (and interesting) to have access to at all times. At night, sleep mode keeps things extra quiet and subtle, dimming the display and operating at the lowest settings or you can turn off the display completely for total darkness. If youve been looking for an air purifier that can handle larger spaces without taking up too much room, this deal is worth considering, saving you over $30 on its usual price thanks to the Amazon Spring Sale. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/this-levoit-air-purifier-is-down-to-a-near-record-low-price-for-the-amazon-spring-sale-133052720.html?src=rss
Upgrade your at-work meal routine with Crock-Pots GO Electric Lunch Box at $40 (Save 20%)
Crock-Pot GO Electric Lunch Box Buy for $40 (Reg. $50) What we love Take your on-the-go food experience to the next level with Crock-Pots electric lunch box. It can store more than 3.5 cups of everything from hot leftovers to cold salads. When plugged in and turned on, it will gradually heat your food up to 195-degrees Fahrenheit. I really like that the entire thing is insulated so it can keep hot food warm for up to 2 hours and cold food chilled for up to 3 hours. more
Windows 11 Pro is now $15 for lifetime access (Reg. up to $199)
Update: This deal is live once again. Details below in the original post. Is your beloved PC in need of an upgrade? Microsoft Windows 11 Pro brings new life into your older computers, and you can currently snag a license for just $14.97 (reg. $199) now through March 30. more
Macworld Wireless headphones or earbuds (whatever you call them) are essentially the standard now, with Bluetooth earbuds being convenient and the sound quality difference to wired not being that noticeable to typical people (we realize audiophiles know). The market is huge, but here are the best wireless earbuds weve tested for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Macs. If you do want a wired connection some of these do offer it in addition to Bluetooth, but we also have a round-up of the best wired headphones and a comparison of over-ear headphones read our comparison of AirPods Max vs other over-ear headphones . We also have a comparison of all the AirPods . At the end of this round up of the best earbuds we run through some of the important factors to consider when choosing headphones. Such as whether they support ANC, which is Apples codec, or the aptX codec that is now used with many Bluetooth headphones and earbuds, but isnt supported by Apple (although there are some earbuds, such as the B&W Pi8 below that include a transmitter for aptX support. Best discounts and sales Theres a spring sale at Amazon this week (from March 25) and we have already seen some deals on some of the earbuds reviewed below. Here are the best deals weve seen: U.S. AirPods Pro 2 $169.99 (usually $49) AirPods 4 (without ANC) $99.99 (usually $129) AirPods 4 (with ANC) $149.99 (usually $179.99) Beats Studio Pro $179.95 (usually $349.99) Beats Solo 4 $129.95 (usually $199.95) Sony WH-1000XMS $249.99 (usually $399.99) Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones $249 (usually $349) Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones $179.99 (usually $349.99) Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones $349 (usually $429) Beats Fit Pro 169 (usually $199.95) U.K. AirPods Pro 2 189 (usually 229) Beats Studio Pro 199 (usually 349.99) Beats Fit Pro 134.99 (usually 219.99) Beats Flex Wireless earphones 41.49 (Usually 69.99) Best headphones and earbuds for iPhone 2025 1. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Pros Excellent sound quality Impressive noise-cancellation Useful app Cons Expensive Wireless case costs extra Spatial audio could be improved Price When Reviewed: $299.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $219 View Deal $219 View Deal $219 View Deal $219 View Deal $249 View Deal $249.99 View Deal Bose $299 View Deal $299 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $219 at Adorama $219 at Amazon $219 at B&H View more prices from Best Buy Lenovo USA Target Bose Close Best Prices Today: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Retailer Price $219 View Deal $219 View Deal $219 View Deal $219 View Deal $249 View Deal $249.99 View Deal Bose $299 View Deal $299 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Boses QuietComfort range has long been a market leader thanks to its combination of high-quality sound and impressively effective noise cancellation. Its been a while since we looked at the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, which launched with an improved design as well as a new immersive mode for spatial audio in late 2023, but we still highly rate them with the bonus being that they are often discounted now they are more than a year from launch. This is good news, because theyre not the cheapest earbuds around. The design of the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is sleek and streamlined, with a smart metallic finish that is available in black or Smoke White. Bose has modified the way that its rubber stability bands fit into each earpiece, helping them to sit inside your ear more securely. You get three sets of stability bands, and three sets of rubber eartips in different sizes, so the combination of the different bands and eartips should allow most people to get a good fit. The Bose app also includes a Seal Test option that can check the way that the earbuds are fitted and provide tips on getting a good fit. Sound quality is great, with the Ultra catching the sharp, shimmering sound of the cymbal crash that kicks off Blondies Rapture . The bass guitar riff bounces along like a playful puppy, and theres a bright jangling sound to the lead rhythm guitar, but the Ultra has a keen ear and also picks out the quiet chugging guitar riff that hides further back in the mix. The immersive audio isnt entirely convincing, but it does add a little extra reverb and spacey ambiance to more atmospheric tracks such as Cut by Low. Boses noise cancelation is still ahead of the pack. It stamps down on the deep rumble of aircraft engine noise so effectively that I had to check the airport noise test file was playing! Battery life is around six hours when using noise-cancellation, but spatial audio reduces that to just four hours. The charging case does provide three additional charges, though, and our only real complaint is that the standard USB-C case doesnt provide wireless charging as well, so youll have to pay extra for the optional wireless case. 2. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Pros Excellent sound quality Supports Bluetooth 5.4 Very good noise cancellation IP54 rating for outdoor use Cons Higher price Slightly chunky design Apple users dont need aptX Price When Reviewed: $299.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $164.95 View Deal $199.95 View Deal $199.99 View Deal $247.99 View Deal Sennheiser $299.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $164.95 at B&H $199.95 at Walmart Electronics $199.99 at Best Buy $247.99 at Amazon View more prices from Amazon Sennheiser Close Best Prices Today: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Retailer Price $164.95 View Deal $199.95 View Deal $199.99 View Deal $247.99 View Deal Sennheiser $299.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds arrived in 2024, and are the fourth-gen version of Sennheisers popular range of Bluetooth earbuds (and not to be confused with the larger Momentum 4 over-ear headphones). The TW4 was quite a big update as it should be, given that the price increased as well. It was one of the first sets of headphones to support Bluetooth 5.4, which includes new features such as Auracast, which is a kind of public announcement system based on Bluetooth. Auracast still isnt widely used most devices are still on Bluetooth 5.3 but it can be used in public places such as airports or gyms to transmit music or audio announcements to lots of people all at once, so it will be an important accessibility feature in the future. Additional Bluetooth features include support for the latest high-quality aptX Lossless, and the new LC3 codec. Sadly, Apple still doesnt support aptX, but like previous models the TW4 also includes the AAC codec for Apple devices too. Youll also find a sturdy IP54 rating for water and dust resistance. And, along with four sets of ear-tips in different sizes, the TW4 also includes three sets of rubber fins, which fit into the outer ear and help to hold the earpieces in place, so the TW4 will be a good option for outdoor use and exercise. Battery life gets a small boost too, now lasting for seven hours when using noise-cancellation, and you can use the wireless charging case to fully recharge three more times as well. And, as always, the Momentum earbuds sound really great. They handle the sonic mash-up of Sturgill Simpsons Sing Along with ease, finding room to pick out the taut, ticking percussion, fuzz-laden guitars and fizzing electronic keyboards so that you can hear each set of instruments clearly. You can hear the country drawl in Simpsons voice as he snarls carve my name in the barstool baby Im gonna be here a while and the swooping bass drop that follows is guaranteed to get you dancing. Even the noise-cancellation seems to have improved on this model, and comes close to matching noise-cancellation leaders such as the AirPods Pro and Bose QC Ultra. 3. Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Pros Great sound quality Innovative smart case Supports AAC, aptX Adaptive/Lossless Cons Expensive Battery life is only average Price When Reviewed: $399 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $319 View Deal $319 View Deal $319 View Deal Bowers & Wilkins $399 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $319 at Amazon $319 at B&H $319 at Best Buy View more prices from Bowers & Wilkins Close Best Prices Today: Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Retailer Price $319 View Deal $319 View Deal $319 View Deal Bowers & Wilkins $399 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Pi8 earbuds from Bowers & Wilkins support AAC, so you can simply connect your Apple devices to the earbuds using the standard Bluetooth settings on your Mac, iPad or iPhone. However, the Pi8 also supports aptX Adaptive and the latest aptX Lossless, so Bowers & Wilkins has come up with an innovative solution that allows Apple users to enjoy aptX audio quality as well. The Pi8 come with a smart case that can both charge the earbuds and be used as an aptX transmitter. Compared to their predecessor (the Pi7) the Pi8 has a more curved shape to the earpieces, to fit more comfortably and to angle the sound directly into the ear canal for the best sound quality. The earpieces are a little on the large size, but B&W includes ear-tips in four sizes to help you get a good fit. The size means they can fit high-quality 12mm drivers and a larger battery. The Pi7 only lasted five hours on a charge, even with noise-cancellation turned off, but the Pi8 lasts for 6.5 hours with noise-cancellation turned on (compared to six hours for the AirPods Pro). The smart charging case tops that up to 20 hours. Bowers & Wilkins includes a standard USB-C cable and a second with a 3.5mm connector. The 3.5mm cable allows you to connect the smart case to a wired audio device, such as an in-flight entertainment system on a plane. You can also use the USB-C cable to connect the smart case to a USB-C port and transmit wireless audio using aptX. The sound quality is great with both AAC and aptX, though. We think that the noise-cancellation on the AirPods Pro works a little better at blocking high-frequency sound. However, the Pi8 does a great job of eliminating low-frequency sounds, such as the rumble of engine noise in an airplane cabin. And, if you dont really worry about technical details such as AAC and aptX, then B&W has a less expensive model called the Pi6, see below. The Pi8 is more expensive than the AirPods Pro 2, but B&Ws high-quality sound and the versatile smart case ensure that the Pi8 can earn its keep. Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 review 4. Apple AirPods Pro 2nd-generation (2023) Pros Fantastic audio quality Excellent noise canceling Best-in-class transparency mode New charging case features Better battery life Cons You can still buy better-sounding wireless earbuds No LE Audio, lossless, or hi-res audio Controls on the stems is still a bad idea Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $229 View Deal $249 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $229 at Amazon $249 at Apple There were a few minor external changes for the second-generation Apple AirPods Pro , which arrived in September 2022. The AirPods Pro 2nd gen were updated a second time in 2023 to add USB-C charging capabilities and over time they have also gained various capabilities, including Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Personalised Volume, Head gestures, Voice Isolation, and the ability to perform a hearing test and use the AirPods Pro 2 as a hearing aid. Those features join Spatial Audio with head tracking, Conversation Boost to amplify speech in the direction youre facing, one-tap pairing, audio sharing with another pair of AirPods (or Beats), quick switching to other Apple devices your Apple ID is logged into, and hands-free Siri. The 2022 model came with four sets of eartips adding extra small (XS) to the mix the original AirPods Pro only came with three tips. We find the extra small tips more comfortable, your experience may differ. The charging case now comes with a small metal lanyard loop although Apple doesnt actually sell a lanyard. There are speaker holes a the base of the case that can make a sound if you lose the AirPods while they are in their case. The original AirPods Pro lacked an easy way to control volume, so the fact that the second-gen model adds the ability to detect up and down swipes on the little flat area of the stem is useful. A swipe up or down changes the volume. As for whats inside, the H2 chip in the AirPods Pro 2 enables Adaptive Transparency, which is an enhancement of the Transparency mode on the original model. As a result of this mode you can choose to hear things that you might need be able to hear in your vicinity, but you wont be deafened by them. In our tests the AirPods Pro 2 blocked more outside sound than the originals. We were impressed by how much better the new second-generation AirPods Pro sound compared to the first generation. Clarity and sharpness is improved and bass response is vastly improved. The bridge of the Beastie Boys Intergalactic at 2:30 was just way too much for the original AirPods Pro to handle, but the new model had no trouble keeping up. The battery life , at 6 hours, is longer than it was for the original AirPods Pro and you can now use your Apple Watch charger in addition to charging via Lightning and other wireless charging methods. Read our full AirPods Pro 2 USB-C review 5. Apple AirPods 4 with ANC Pros Great overall audio quality Effective active noise cancelation Case with wireless charging support and Find My speaker Cons Fit is highly dependent on your personal ear shape Price compared to AirPods Pro Price When Reviewed: $179 with Active Noice Cancelation Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $149.99 View Deal $149.99 View Deal $169.99 View Deal $178 View Deal $179 View Deal $179 View Deal $179.99 View Deal $179.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple AirPods 4th gen (2024) Wireless (USB-C) Charging case $148.67 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $149.99 at Amazon $149.99 at Walmart Electronics $169.99 at B&H View more prices from Adorama Apple Apple United States Best Buy Close Best Prices Today: Apple AirPods 4 with ANC New Refurbished Retailer Price $149.99 View Deal $149.99 View Deal $169.99 View Deal $178 View Deal $179 View Deal $179 View Deal $179.99 View Deal $179.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple AirPods 4th gen (2024) Wireless (USB-C) Charging case $148.67 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket The AirPods 4 with ANC offer many of the features found in the AirPods Pro 2, have a better fit than their predecessor, theAirPods 3. With each generation, Apple promises a better fit and Apple says these are the most comfortable AirPods ever. We did find them closer to being a proper fit than the AirPods 3 were, but every ear is different and your experience may vary. We find theAirPods Prowith silicon ear tips fit a lot better and securely, but they cost a lot more and some prefer the more open design of the AirPods. Apple offers the AirPods 4 in two variations: the $179/179 model with active noise cancelation, and a cheaper $129/129 model without that feature (below).The active noise cancellation feature includes two sound isolation modes: Adaptive Audio and Transparency. You also get Conversation Awareness, which was previously only available on the AirPods Pro. Youll have to decide whether the extra features are worth the extra $50/50. We think they are. The effectiveness of the AirPods 4s active noise cancelation is heavily affected by the open design, though. The AirPods 4 dont absolutely cancel the noise around you. If you want full noise cancellation and youre comfortable with silicon ear tips inside your ear canal, the AirPods Pro (above) are a better choice. We love the Conversation Awareness feature, where the volume automatically lowers when the AirPods 4 detects you are talking. It works better with one-on-one conversations rather than groups of people. Sound quality is delightful for general-purpose, open earphones.The AirPods 4 handle loaded tracks like 311s Need Somebody with ease; the bass in Real Boston Richeys Help Me is clean, heavy, and lacks distortion. The guitars in acoustic tracks like Fog Swamps Split the Sky are crisp and clear. We were impressed with the clarity and volume of voice recordings in podcasts and during phone calls. They werent quite as good as with the AirPods Pro, but it was close. The AirPods 4 USB-C case that comes with the ANC-equipped model has a speaker to play alerts through Find My. It also supports USB-C or wireless charging and works with the Apple Watch charger as well as Qi chargers. (It doesnt support MagSafe like the AirPods Pro case, but a MagSafe charger will work if placed correctly.) The cheaper models case only offers wired USB-C charging. If you use active noise cancelation, it shortens the AirPods 4s battery life. When fully charged, Apple states a 4-hour listening time with the earbuds and 20 hours of charge with the case. Turn off ANC, and fully charged earbuds can last 5 hours, and the case adds 30 total hours. We got a bit better than that. The earbuds lasted 4 hours and 16 minutes. In the fully-charged case, their battery life was at 27 percent after five minutesApple says a five-minute charge provides an hour of life. The AirPods 4 with ANC offer numerous pro-level features, sound great, fit better than previous AirPods and offer extremely useful active noise cancelation.In short, the AirPods 4 are a great, all-around set of earphones. As long as they stay in your ears. Read our full Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) review 6. Beats Studio Buds+ Pros Fun transparent design (other colors are available) Improved ANC and sound quality Good battery life Priced well Cons Dont sound as good as AirPods Pro Missing a few Apple ecosystem features No wireless charging Price When Reviewed: $169.99 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $128.95 View Deal $129.95 View Deal $129.95 View Deal $129.99 View Deal $129.99 View Deal $169.95 View Deal $169.99 View Deal $169.99 View Deal Beats $169.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Beats Studio Buds+ Earbud Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Earphones Transparent $77.56 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket $128.95 at Walmart Electronics $129.95 at Amazon $129.95 at B&H View more prices from Best Buy Target Adorama Apple Close Best Prices Today: Beats Studio Buds+ New Refurbished Retailer Price $128.95 View Deal $129.95 View Deal $129.95 View Deal $129.99 View Deal $129.99 View Deal $169.95 View Deal $169.99 View Deal $169.99 View Deal Beats $169.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Beats Studio Buds+ Earbud Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Earphones Transparent $77.56 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket The Beats Studio Buds +, introduced in 2023, might be from a subsidiary of Apple, but they beat Apple in terms of color choices with its retro frosted transparent plastic for both the buds and case. They are available in black and ivory too. The charging case is a bit larger than that of AirPods or AirPods Pro. Theres a USB-C charge port, but no wireless charging. The buds are average in size and fit and come with four sizes of eartips, so its easy to get a good seal, although in our testing we did lose the seal a couple of times while working out at the gym. There are actual physical buttons on the side of each earbud, which we found to be easier to use than Apples squeeze the stem AirPods control system. Beats says that these earbuds offer 1.6x better noise canceling and 2x better transparency than their predecessors. They still dont match the AirPods Pro, but they are priced closer to the standard AirPods, which dont even offer those features. The transparency feature isnt adaptive. These second-gen earbuds offer improved ventilation and bigger batteries than the predecessors (battery life is rated at six hours with ANC, or nine without). Sound quality is also better than that of the previous generation thanks to new microphones and transducers. In comparison though, the 2nd-gen AirPods Pro deliver a superior audio experience. Some Beats products use Apples own headphone chips, but the Beats Studio Buds + do not. Because they lack Apples H1 or H2 chip, they miss out on many of the features of Apples ecosystem. Hands-free Hey Siri is there, as is instant pairing with your iPhone and support for the Find My app. But you dont get instant switching between Apple devices, support for spatial audio with video, personalized spatial audio, Conversation Boost, or the in-ear detection that pauses playback if you take an earbud out. Instead, these buds support some Android features including Google Fast Pair, Audio Switch, and Find My Device. Surprising from a company owned by Apple. I enjoyed the design and usability of these Beats earbuds, but I still find the AirPods Pro easier to recommend. Read our full Beats Studio Buds+ review 7. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Pros Secure ear hook design Good sound quality Heart rate monitor Impressive battery life Cons Missing some AirPods Pro features Heart rate monitor is limited Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $249 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $249 at Amazon Beats Powerbeats Pro are arguably the most popular fitness-oriented earbuds of all time and they are our favorite earbuds for working out. The earhooks, which is what makes the Powerbeats so good for the gym, are 50 percent smaller than on previous models, but still keep everything locked in place. With smaller hooks comes a smaller case; 33 percent smaller, in fact. It is still considerably bigger than an AirPods case, but slightly easier to slip in a pocket than it was. The 2025 models include a brand-new technology not even found on Apples latest AirPods Pro, and thats despite coming from an Apple subsidiary. They also include Apples H2 chip, so offer many of the same improvements and features of the AirPods Pro 2 such as sound quality, greatly improved noise reduction, and an AirPods Pro matching transparency mode. However, you dont get the AirPod Pro hearing health features (hearing test/aid, hearing assistance, hearing protection), there is no personalized volume, no conversation awareness, no adaptive audio (the self-adjusting transparency/ANC mode) and no head gestures for accepting or declining notifications. You do get personalized spatial audio and Adaptive EQ though. There are rumors that heart rate monitoring will be coming to the AirPods Pro 3 when they launch, so we were surprised to see Apple introduced it first on the Beats line. Beats has worked with Nike Run Club, Runna, Open, Slopes, Ladder, Peloton, and YaoYao to integrate support. You can also sync with bikes and treadmills that connect via Bluetooth. One negative is that battery life drains a lot faster when using the heart rate monitor. If you are wearing an Apple Watch youd heart rate data from that will override the earbuds. The charging case gets a few upgrades too, including USB-C, wireless charging (Qi, but not MagSafe or Qi2), and a speaker for pairing and Find My sounds. Android users get a much better set of features than they would with AirPods: One-touch pairing, firmware updates in the Beats app, switching listening modes, and Find My Beats location service. Music playback quality is not quite on par with AirPods Pro 2, sounding perhaps a little too bright. Still, they sound appropriate clear, and punchy for earbuds in this price range. Beats claims 10 hours for the buds in normal playback, which gets cut down to 8 hours if you use ANC or transparency mode. You can get Powerbeats Pro 2 in Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, and Electric Orange. Read our full Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review 8. Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 Pros Strong sound quality Good battery life Comfortable design Cons No wireless charging option Noise-cancellation could be stronger Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $189.99 View Deal $199 View Deal $199 View Deal B&W $249 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $189.99 at Amazon $199 at B&H $199 at Best Buy View more prices from B&W Close Best Prices Today: Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 Retailer Price $189.99 View Deal $199 View Deal $199 View Deal B&W $249 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket We were really impressed by the Pi8 earbuds (above) that Bowers & Wilkins launched earlier in 2024, but the Pi8, which arrived later that year, is the companys flagship model, with a higher price than Apples AirPods Pro and an innovative smart-case that doubles up as an aptX transmitter. If you want the high-quality sound associated with B&W at a more competitive price then you could opt for the new Pi6 instead, which at $249/219,the company says are its most affordable earbuds ever. The Pi6 look very similar to the Pi8, with both models housing large 12mm drivers. They do look a little chunky, but like the Pi8 the earbuds are more streamlined than previous models, and we found that they fit well and are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. There are four sizes of ear-tips included and a rubber ring moulded onto the body of the earpieces that fits into your outer ear and helps to hold them firmly in place. The earbuds are rated IP54 for water and dust-resistance, so you can wear them outdoors or in the gym. Like the Pi8, the Pi6 uses Bluetooth 5.4, with support for Apples AAC codec for wireless audio (it also supports aptX Adaptive, although that is only for Android users). You can turn noise-cancellation on and off with a quick tap on the left earbud. The app lets you change the controls so that the buttons on the earbuds adjust the volume instead, and there are bass and treble controls for adjusting the sound. You can pair the earbuds with two devices and switch between them. There are some compromises needed to keep the price down. The Pi6 does without the smart-case that is included with the Pi8, so theres a conventional case that uses USB-C for charging. Battery life is good, lasting for eight hours when using noise-cancellation compared to six hours for the AirPods Pro. The case lets you recharge for 24 additional hours of listening time. Neither the Pi6 or Pi8 supports spatial audio, but the B&W team says thats because they dont feel that the technology adds to the sound quality rather than any attempt at cost-cutting. The noise-cancellation on the Pi6 isnt as effective as that of the Pi8: the earbuds do a good job of blocking out low frequency sound, but let in voices and higher frequency sounds. If noise-cancellation is your top priority then there are other earbuds and headphones that have the edge. However, the Pi6 earbuds do provide strong sound quality and respectable battery life at a price that can compete with rivals such as the AirPods Pro. Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review 9. Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless Pros Great value for money Supports AAC and aptX Light, comfortable design IP54 water and dust resistance Cons Average battery life Noise-cancellation could be better Price When Reviewed: $199.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $99.99 View Deal $114.99 View Deal $179.84 View Deal $199.95 View Deal Sennheiser $199.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $99.99 at Best Buy $114.99 at Amazon $179.84 at Walmart Electronics View more prices from B&H Sennheiser Close Best Prices Today: Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless Retailer Price $99.99 View Deal $114.99 View Deal $179.84 View Deal $199.95 View Deal Sennheiser $199.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Designed as a more affordable alternative to its Momentum earbuds (above), Sennheisers Accentum True Wireless (which arrived in mid 2024) is excellent value for money, providing good sound quality and noise-cancellation at a much lower price than Apples AirPods Pro. The Accentum also introduces a new design that is lighter and more streamlined than the rather chunky Momentum. The earbuds feel very light and comfortable to wear, and Sennheiser includes four different sizes of ear-tips to help you get a good fit. Theyre sturdy too, with an IP54 rating for water and dust-resistance, so they can cope with life outdoors in this rather wet and windy summer that we seem to be having. The earbuds support AAC for Apple devices and aptX for Android, and the Sennheiser app includes some useful features, such as a five-band equalizer for fine-tuning the sound, and an adjustable transparency control that lets in just as much sound as you need. Despite the lower price, the Accentum earbuds use the same 7mm drivers as the Momentum, which provide a healthy frequency response of 5Hz 21kHz, and produce very good sound quality. The Accentum shows a delicate touch on the slow strings that open Madonnas Frozen , allowing them to rise slowly and elegantly through the air. Theres a warm, silky tone to Madonnas voice, but the Accentum can turn around suddenly and land the sharp drum beats with dramatic impact. Switching to something less ethereal, the deep electronic bass on Prime Evil by The Orb glides along with a firm, sinuous rhythm that gets the shoulders moving, while the jangling percussion adds an eerie, nervous energy to the track. The noise-cancellation features work well too they dont stamp out background noise quite as effectively as some of the Accentums more expensive rivals, but theyll be fine for daily use when youre out and about. Battery life is similar to the AirPods Pro, lasting for six hours when using noise-cancellation, while the wireless charging case gives you 2.5 additional charges. So while it might not be the best choice for long-distance travellers, the Accentum is a really good, affordable option for general day-to-day use when youre wandering around town. 10. Beats Solo Buds Pros Very affordable 18-hour battery life Surprisingly good sound for the price Cons No active noise cancelling No automatic device switching or multi-point Bluetooth No in-ear detection No personalized spatial audio Charging case has no battery Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59.95 View Deal $59.95 View Deal $59.95 View Deal $59.99 View Deal $79.95 View Deal $79.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Beats $79.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $59.95 at Amazon $59.95 at B&H $59.95 at Walmart Electronics View more prices from Target Adorama Apple Apple United States Close Best Prices Today: Beats Solo Buds Retailer Price $59.95 View Deal $59.95 View Deal $59.95 View Deal $59.99 View Deal $79.95 View Deal $79.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Beats $79.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The cheapest AirPods (the AirPods 4 without ANC, below) cost $129/129 and are good at that price, but for even less you can get the Beats Solo Buds (released in mid 2024) which are also from Apple (though probably few people are aware of that). The Beats Solo Buds are little stemless buds that fit snugly in your ear and rest in a charging case when not in use. They come in four colors instead of just white: matte black, storm grey, arctic purple, and transparent red (the earbuds are not transparent). Beats Solo Buds are just little buds, without stems, so they fit snugly in the ear. On each earbud is a physical button thats easy to press when you need to. Unlike the plastic AirPods, they have rubberized ear tips (in four sizes), which not only makes for a more secure fit but improves bass response. The charging case is quite small, it doesnt have a battery though so you will need to plug it in to charge your Solo Buds. The battery in the eartbuds is rated to 18 hours though, which is pretty good. The sound is clear and punchy with sound quality is pleasantly surprising, given their price. Obviously they dont hold up to the clarity and kick of earbuds that cost twice as much. Call quality is fine, but the voice isolation is behind that of more expensive buds. As you would expect at this price, theres no active noise cancelation. But you get a lot for your money with these earbuds. Read our full Beats Solo Buds review 11. Apple AirPods 4 (without ANC) Pros Improved design and fit Great price Cons No ANC No wireless charging Price When Reviewed: $129 without Active Noise Cancelation Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $99.99 View Deal $99.99 View Deal $124.95 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $129.99 View Deal $129.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $99.99 at Amazon $99.99 at Walmart Electronics $124.95 at B&H View more prices from Adorama Apple United States Best Buy Target Close Best Prices Today: Apple AirPods 4 (without ANC) Retailer Price $99.99 View Deal $99.99 View Deal $124.95 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $129.99 View Deal $129.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The AirPods 4 gain all the same design improvements as the AirPods 4 with ANC featured above. They have a better fit than their predecessor, so should stay in your ears. They replace the $129/129 2nd generation AirPods, at the same price. Like the AirPods they replace these AirPods dont offer wireless charging, but they do offer one hour more battery life than the AirPods 4 with ANC do. If you want Active Noise Cancelation you need to pay $50/50 more to purchase the AirPods 4 with ANC, or look at one of the other options in this round up, many of which offer ANC for less. As well as missing out on Active Noise Cancelation, the standard AirPods 4 dont offer Adaptive Audio and Transparency mode, Conversation Awareness, or a speaker on the case for Find My alerts. As mentioned they are not capable of wireless charging either. Otherwise, theyre the same as the ANC model though. The AirPods 4 have an H2 chip like the ANC model as well as the same audio quality, fit, and features. At this low price this is a big leap from the 2nd gen AirPods that Apple sold at this price point until September 2024. 12. Creative Zen Air Pro Pros Great price Supports AAC Respectable noise-cancellation Wireless charging case Cons Lightweight plastic design Noise-cancellation cant match the best Price When Reviewed: $69.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $49.99 View Deal $49.99 View Deal Creative $69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $49.99 at Amazon $49.99 at Lenovo USA $69.99 at Creative Active noise-cancellation (ANC) is a standard feature with many modern earbuds and headphones, but its still an expensive feature that adds quite a lot to the overall price. For instance, Apples AirPods start at $129/129, but you have pay $179/179 to get ANC in the AirPods 4 with ANC, or $249/229 to get ANC from the AirPods Pro, so we were impressed when Creative launched its 2024 Zen Air Pro earbuds, which offer ANC for a very competitive $69.99/59.99. And, unlike many more expensive models, the Air Pro even manages to include a wireless charging case as well. As you might guess from the name, the Air Pro bears more than a passing resemblance to Apples AirPods Pro, with rubber eartips and a small stalk that hangs down from your ears. Admittedly, the plastic earpieces and charging case dont feel quite as sturdy as their Apple rivals, but the earpieces are rated IPX5 for water resistance, so they can cope with life outdoors when they need to. Battery life is also quite respectable, lasting for nine hours on a single charge, although using ANC does reduce that to six hours. The charging case brings the total battery life to 33 hours, or 22 hours with ANC. We were pleased to find that the Air Pro supports Apples AAC codec for Bluetooth audio (although the low cost means that theres no aptX for Android users). It does a good job of handling the grinding, fuzz-drenched guitars on Supermassive Black Hole by Muse, but also shows a light touch on the fast percussion that skips through the chorus. Its not fazed when I jump ahead a couple of tracks on the Black Holes album for the gentle Soldiers Poem , catching the smooth, warm tone and all the details in Muses Queen-esque harmonies as they intone theres no justice in the world The noise-cancellation feature also proves surprisingly effective for such a low-cost set of earbuds. Its not quite as effective as some of its more expensive rivals, but the Air Pro still does a good job of reducing the low rumble of an aircraft engine during our listening tests. It does let in some of the more varied sounds in our test of airport background noise, but thats also the case with many other headphones and earbuds, and the Air Pros noise-cancellation features represent excellent value at this price. 13. Logitech Zone True Wireless Pros Connects via Bluetooth or USB wireless adaptor Weather-resistant design, and two carrying cases Certified for use with Zoom, Teams, Google Meet Active noise cancellation with ambient mode Cons Expensive Large earbuds may not suit everyone Price When Reviewed: 299 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $224.99 View Deal Logitech $299 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $224.99 at B&H $299 at Logitech Logitechs Zone True Wireless earbuds from 2023 are even more expensive than Apples AirPods Pro, but theyre absolutely loaded with useful features, and theres a particular emphasis on remote working as well as simply listening to music. Available in black or pink, the Zone earbuds make a great impression straight out of the box, as they arrive in a sturdy charging case that includes a little lanyard to help keep them safe. The earbuds are also rated IP68 for resistance to water and dust, so theyll be ideal for running in the park or working out at the gym, and the outer section of the earbuds is covered with a mesh fabric to reduce wind noise during voice calls. Logitech even includes an additional padded carrying case, with room to hold the charging case and cables, so you can keep the entire kit safe when youre traveling. I often have trouble getting earbuds to stay in place, and I was initially a little worried about the rather chunky design of the Zone earbuds, but they did fit more firmly than I expected and Logitech provides three sets of ear-tips in different sizes to help get a comfortable fit. The size of the earbuds also means that each earbud is able to house a 12mm driver, as well as three microphones to help with active noise-cancellation (ANC). Even the Logi Tune app impresses with its extensive range of features starting with the fact that its available for Mac and Windows as well as iOS and Android, so you can use it to set up the earbuds when youre preparing for a video call at work. The noise-cancellation features include an ambient mode that lets you hear some of the background noise around you if required. You can pair the earbuds with two devices at the same time and then quickly switch between devices as required, and theres a five-band equalizer for fine-tuning the sound quality. The Zone is also certified for use with Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet for video calls. But, of course, none of those features would matter if the Zone didnt deliver on sound quality. Youve actually got two options here, as the Zone can be used as a conventional set of Bluetooth earbuds with your mobile devices, but also includes a USB wireless transmitter that can be used with Macs and PCs to provide greater range and reliability than Bluetooth. The sound quality is very good in both modes, and the Zone does well to dig right down to the gravelly rumble of Leonard Cohens voice on You Want It Darker. Theres a taut, rhythmic sound to the songs slinky bass guitar too, but it still keeps an eye on lighter details, such as the crisp tap on the snares. Battery life is good too, providing 10 hours when listening to music with noise-cancellation turned off, or six hours when using noise-cancellation. The battery life is a bit lower for talk-time on video and voice calls, but still lasts for six hours without noise cancellation or five hours with noise cancellation, which should be more than enough for most work-related calls. The charging case also lets you fully charge the earbuds two more times, and theres a QuickCharge feature that gives you one hour of battery life after just five minutes of charging time. Theres a USB-C connector on the case for charging, but it also supports Qi wireless charging too. Alternatively, if youre a die-hard lover of wired headphones, then Logitech is planning to release a wired version of the Zone soon as well. 14. Sony WF-1000XM5 Pros The best-sounding earbuds ever Incredible noise canceling Clever smart features Hi-Res support Cons Fiddly on-bud volume controls Occasionally come loose Some connection issues Price When Reviewed: $299.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $179.99 View Deal $185.95 View Deal $228 View Deal $249.99 View Deal $299.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $179.99 at Amazon $185.95 at B&H $228 at Adorama View more prices from Target Best Buy Close Best Prices Today: Sony WF-1000XM5 Retailer Price $179.99 View Deal $185.95 View Deal $228 View Deal $249.99 View Deal $299.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Sonys WF-1000XM5, which we reviewed in 2023, produce incredibly full, clear, detailed and balanced sound. They deliver exceptionally good audio range. Speed of Plight by Loyle Carner is well rounded with humming bass and the crackle of vinyl record at the beginning crystal clear. Id never noticed the light reverb on the drums on Violent Femmess Blister in the Sun before I listened on the WF-1000XM5. The XM5 play audio using the common SDC or AAC codecs, but iPhones do not support Sonys LDAC Hi-Res codec, which is why these dont rank higher in our chart. The XM5 are so good that I still enjoyed the audio quality when using an iPhone with bog standard bitrate Spotify streams. Sony says the XM5 have 20% better noise cancellation chops than predecessors, the XM4.They are very good indeed. The XM5 have three mics on each bud, up from two, to better help capture ambient noise. These mics also grant improved call quality. Wind reduction is also decent. You can connect two devices (iOS, Android, Windows, or Mac) at once, but you still need to manually connect each device if you are cycling between more than two. Unfortunately they arent clever enough to switch from iPhone to iPad if you start using that, even if they are already a paired device. The XM5 have great battery life and fulfilled Sonys promise of eight hours on a full charge. The case can provide another 24 hours of total listening time. Those times are with ANC on, turn it off and the battery will last even longer. A three-minute charge gives an hour playback. Read our full Sony WF-1000XM5 review 15. Soundcore AeroFit Pro Pros Open-ear design for sport Large drivers, with strong bass Firm fit, with detachable neckband Supports AAC, LDAC codecs Cons Hooked earpieces may not suit everyone No noise cancellation Sound quality requires a good fit Price When Reviewed: $169.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $149.99 View Deal $149.99 View Deal $149.99 View Deal $149.99 View Deal Soundcore $169.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $149.99 at Amazon $149.99 at B&H $149.99 at Best Buy View more prices from Walmart Electronics Soundcore Close Best Prices Today: Soundcore AeroFit Pro Retailer Price $149.99 View Deal $149.99 View Deal $149.99 View Deal $149.99 View Deal Soundcore $169.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Most earbuds include several sets of rubber eartips that are designed to fit firmly inside your ear canal, in order to provide good sound quality and block out background noise (and also to stop them falling out every five minutes). But, sometimes youll see a type of open ear earbuds, which tend to sit quite loosely in the outer ear instead (rather like Apples basic AirPods, whereas the AirPods Pro opt for a closed design that does use rubber eartips). These open-ear earbuds tend to be designed with sport in mind, so that you can hear whats going on around you while youre jogging through the park, or working out in a crowded gym. Thats very much the case with the 2023 AeroFit Pro earbuds from Soundcore (which is a division of Anker, well-known for its docks and other accessories). Priced at $169.99/149.99, and available in a variety of colours, the AeroFit Pro also has the hooked design that is common with many sports earbuds, and wraps around the back of the ear to hold them in place. And, just to be extra safe, the AeroFit Pro also includes a detachable neckband as well. I didnt really need the neckband, though, as the hooks on the earpieces held them in place pretty well. However, I did find that the earpieces sat quite high in my ears, which felt a little odd, so it might be worth trying the AeroFit Pro in a store or a showroom to see how they fit you before buying. These open-ear designs can sometimes sacrifice a little sound quality in order to ensure that you remain aware of your surroundings, but Soundcore has made a good effort to provide the best possible sound quality. The AeroFit Pro houses 16.2mm drivers, which are far larger than most rival earbuds in this price range. It doesnt quite provide the thumping bass that Soundcore boasts about, but the electronic bass on Bad Guy by Billie Eilish did have a taut, firm beat to it. The bass didnt overpower the sound either, with the AeroFit Pro lending a sharp snap to the finger-clicking on the chorus, and catching the breathy tone in Billies vocal. And, without noise-cancellation features to drain the battery youll get around 14 hours on a single charge, while the charging case lets you recharge three more times. Our only minor complaint is that the case doesnt support Qi for wireless charging as well. How to choose earbud headphones There are a few factors to consider before you hit that buy button. Type Earbuds, or in-ear headphones, typically fall into three main categories: Earbuds the type of headphones included with every iPhone and iPod and sit loosely in your outer ears. Although earbuds dont produce outstanding sound, theyre compact and relatively inexpensive. Apples stock buds are actually decent as earbuds go; youre not going to get a huge upgrade in sound quality by simply replacing them with a different model. Still, there are a few alternatives out there that provide modest improvements if youre looking for a new set. Recommendations: In-Ear-Canal Headphones : These headphones, also known as canalphones, use silicone or foam eartips that fit snuglyand fairly deepin your ear canals. Like earplugs, they block most external noise, so theyre great for travel and noisy environments. Theyre also capable of producing stunning audio quality. On the other hand, some people find canalphones to be uncomfortable, and the best ones come with an equally stunning price tag. If you decide to spend the big bucks on a set of high-end canalphones, we enthusiastically recommend going all-in and getting custom eartipstips custom-made for your particular ears. The process requires an audiologist visit to get impressions taken of your ears, but the benefits include substantially better comfort. (On some models, you may gain better noise isolation and better sound quality, as well.) A step above custom eartips are custom in-ear monitors, which place the actual headphone circuitry in larger, custom-made earpieces. Canalbuds : Canalbuds, which occupy a middle ground between earbuds and in-ear-canal models, have become quite popular. Compared to canalphones, canalbuds generally use smaller eartips that sit just inside the ends of your ear canals instead of deep inside them. Good canalbuds easily best earbuds in terms of audio performance and noise isolation, but fall short of good canalphones in those areas. On the other hand, canalbuds tend to be more comfortable than true canalphones because they dont sit so deep and dont fit so tightly; theyre also usually less expensive. (See our in-ear-canal-headphone primer, linked above, for more information on canalbuds.) Battery life This is crucial as many in-ear headphones have tiny batteries that help to keep the weight down but may only last for a few hours. That might be fine if you just want to listen to some music while youre working out, but wont be much use on a long journey by train or plane. However, some in-ear headphones, such as Apples AirPods, also include a charging case that can top up the battery, so thats something you should check on before buying any in-ear headphones. Noise canceling Some headphones are specifically designed for people who travel a lot or use headphones in noisy conditions and provide active noise-canceling (ANC) option that helps to block out background noise on trains and planes although this can add quite a lot to the overall price of the headphones. Note this isnt to be confused with passive noise isolation (or often referred to as canceling), which is just the way physically having headphones in/on blocks sound like putting earplugs or ear defenders on. Sound quality Wed always recommend trying out any new headphones in a store or showroom whenever possible, but thats not always practical with so many new headphones competing for your attention. Compatibility All the headphones here will work excellently with the latest iPhone models. Its typical for them to support Apples preferred AAC codec, although some will have others too like aptX which is handy if you want to also use them with other devices like Android phones. Its been quite a few years since Apple devices stopped supporting the high-quality aptX codec (compressor/decompressor) that is now used with many Bluetooth headphones and earbuds. Thats probably due to Apples long-running and seriously expensive legal battle with Qualcomm, the company that purchased the aptX technology back in 2015. Whatever the reason, this means that Apples AirPods have to rely on the older AAC codec for Bluetooth audio, even though many audiophiles feel that aptX provides better sound quality especially for listening to the high-res audio formats that are now available on Apple Music and other streaming services. It also means that owners of Macs, iPhones and iPads, dont always get the best quality when using headphones and earbuds from other manufacturers that do support aptX (such as our Best Wireless Earbuds). For this reason, we look out for earbuds that support AAC. If headphones support aptX you may still be able to benefit from that, for example, with the Pi8 B&W include a charging case that doubles up as an aptX transmitter. Its also worth noting that all Bluetooth headphones mentioned in this article are compatible with the Apple Watch perfect when going for a run.
Go barebones with elagos 2-card + key MagSafe wallet at $16 (Save 25%)
elago 2-Card + Key MagSafe Wallet Buy for $16 (Reg. $21.50) Clip the on-page 10% off coupon. What we love While we see our fair share of more spacious MagSafe wallets go on sale these days, Ive always been the guy that enjoys the challenge of scaling back my everyday carry. This offering from elago can really help you do that, by holding two essential cards plus a key for your home, apartment, workplace, or really whatever place you deem most important. more
Indiana Jones and The Great Circle hits PS5 on April 17
The PlayStation 5 release date for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has been revealed. MachineGames' latest Nazi-thwacking simulator will hit Sony's console on April 17, just four months after it debuted on Xbox and PC. If you pony up for the digital premium edition or physical collector's bundle, you'll get early access to the game on April 15 (plus some other goodies). Digital pre-orders are open now and physical pre-orders go live tomorrow, March 25. Microsoft confirmed last August that it would bring a port of the tremendously enjoyable blockbuster to Sony's console this spring as part of its shift away from platform exclusivity. We've seen a number of notable former Xbox exclusives come to PS5 (and Switch in some cases) over the last year or so. Among them are Sea of Thieves , Hi-Fi Rush , Pentiment and Grounded . Forza Horizon 5 is also PS5-bound on April 29 . Meanwhile, Doom: The Dark Ages will hit PS5 on May 15 , the same day it's set to land on PC and Xbox. Rumors suggest that a remastered collection of the first three Gears of War games is coming to Sony's system. The rebooted Fable and even Xbox's flagship Halo series could make the leap over to PlayStation as well, as the walls around Microsoft's gaming garden continue to crumble. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/indiana-jones-and-the-great-circle-hits-ps5-on-april-17-150021622.html?src=rss
AirPods Pro 2 drop to their 2025 low ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale
Macworld Stellar sound, noise cancelation, and a hearing aid for $170? Thats right, Amazon has slashed the price of AirPods Pro 2 to its 2025 low , a massive $79 discount (32 percent) off its MSRP. When we reviewed the AirPods Pro 2 , we absolutely loved them, giving the buds a 4.5-star rating and our Editors Choice label. We loved their fantastic audio quality, great noise canceling, and lengthy battery life. On the outside, not much has changed with these second-generation AirPods Pro. But the sound quality has improved a lot, noise canceling is much better, transparency mode is top-notch, and battery life is finally up to par, we wrote. Theyve only gotten better since then with new features such as Conversation Boost and Hearing Protection , which offers a clinical-grade hearing test and the option to use your AirPods Pro 2 as a genuine hearing aid. As always, the buds are extremely easy to pair with other Apple devices, allowing you to switch between them in a blink. Exercising with the AirPods Pro 2 in your ears is also perfectly possible since they deliver a secure fit and have water and sweat resistance. And of course, they work with hands-free Siri for answering calls and playing music. So dont miss out on the chance to get your hands on the AirPods Pro 2 for $170 at Amazon because this deal wont stick around forever. Save 32% on the AirPods Pro 2 Buy now at Amazon
23andMe has filed for bankruptcy and CEO Anne Wojcicki has stepped down
DNA testing company 23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy , following a tumultuous few years that included significant layoffs and a wide-ranging data breach . It plans to find a buyer and continue operations throughout the process, with the company's CEO, Anne Wojcicki, resigning to bid for the company independently. The Board of Directors' Special Committee previously rejected a proposal from Wojcicki. We expect the court-supervised process will advance our efforts to address the operational and financial challenges we face, including further cost reductions and the resolution of legal and leasehold liabilities. We believe in the value of our people and our assets and hope that this process allows our mission of helping people access, understand and benefit from the human genome to live on for the benefit of customers and patients, said Mark Jensen, chair and member of the Special Committee, in a release . Jensen added that the company is committed to safeguarding customer data and that being transparent about the management of user data going forward, and data privacy will be an important consideration in any potential transaction. There was a time when 23andMe was all the rage, with everyone you knew sending samples of their saliva. However, things have declined since the company went public. It was once valued at $6 billion , but this month that number was less than $50 million. The company also laid off over 200 employees late last year. But, the largest hurdle came in 2023 when hackers accessed the information of 6.9 million customers the breach started in April of that year, but 23andM3 noticed it five months later , in September. The company announced the leak that October . One year later, 23andMe settled a class action lawsuit for $30 million , following claims such as that the company failed to tell plaintiffs that they were specifically targeted for being of Chinese or Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/23andme-has-filed-for-bankruptcy-and-ceo-anne-wojcicki-has-stepped-down-144629683.html?src=rss
Popping back in on Aventons Spring Sale that is running through March 31, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the brands Level 2 Commuter e-bikes that have fallen lower than weve seen them in the last year, with both the Step-Over and Step-Through models at $1,499 shipped for this event. Though they carry a $1,899 price tag, over the last year weve seen them keeping down at $1,699 and $1,599 rates, never budging lower, even during Black Friday and Christmas sales. It has been since 2023 that we saw this model drop to $1,499 directly from Aventon (which is the lowest weve tracked from the brand and likely due to the upgraded Level 3 e-bikes release ), though we did spy a one-day-only sale from Best Buy a year ago that saw a short-term fall to the $1,299 low. Youre looking at a rare opportunity to score your own at the best price coming from Aventon and the second-best overall, saving you $400 to invest in accessories or other gear. more
Amazon Spring Sale deals include this Anker 5K magnetic power bank for only $20
Anker power banks and other charging gear have been discounted thanks to the Amazon Spring Sale . Noteworthy among the deals is this Anker 321 MagGo power bank that's going for only $20 for Prime members. The discount applies to all colorways, too, including white, black, pink, green and purple. Anker devices are some of our favorites and a few of them have made it onto our list of the best power banks and portable chargers. This particular model on sale is MagSafe-compatible, so it will magnetically attach to the back of your iPhone when you need a power-up. It's also compatible with MagSafe iPhone cases, too. Inside, theres a 5,000mAh battery that provides up to 19 hours of additional use for modern iPhones. Its equipped with heat sensors that continuously monitor temperatures to avoid accidental damage and it can juice up a phone while its being charged itself. This power bank is also on the smaller side, so it easily fits into pockets, bags and purses. The only downside is that this is only for Prime members. However, the Anker Nano 3-in-1 portable charger is on sale for everyone. This non-magnetic charger includes a large 10,000mAh battery and is currently $35 . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-spring-sale-deals-include-this-anker-5k-magnetic-power-bank-for-only-20-152009106.html?src=rss
Steep discount gets your 16-inch MacBook or PC laptop in Lenovos Legion backpack for $20 (Reg. $50)
Lenovo Legion 16-inch Laptop Backpack Buy for $20 (Reg. $50) What we love I think Lenovos Legion-branded backpacks generally offer a clean aesthetic that differentiates them from many gaming-inspired competitors. The vibrant blue interior catches my eye every time I see this bag. Its ready to hold any laptop up to 16 inches, making it suitable for most of the options out there. more
Joes New Balance Spring Flash Sale takes an extra 25% off new markdowns from $4 shipped
Joes New Balance Spring Flash Sale takes an extra 25% off new markdowns with deals starting at $4 . Discount is applied checkout. Customers receive free delivery on all orders. Inside this sale you can find deals on running shoes, lifestyle sneakers, apparel, accessories, and more. Elevate your spring workouts with the Fresh Foam X 1080v13 Running Shoes that are currently marked down to $75 and originally sold for $165. These running shoes were designed to promote maximum comfort with cushioning that helps to provide a softer, more responsive ride. Its mesh upper offers breathability and a secure fit and a flexibility outsole thats slightly curved helps propel you forward. Ideal for daily training or long-distance runs as well as walks or hikes alike. Find even more deals by heading below, and be sure to check out our fashion guide for additional sales today. more
Amazon Spring Sale vacuum deals: Shark robot vacuums are up to 47 percent off
The Amazon Spring Sale has brought a number of discounts to Shark vacuums , both cordless and robotic varieties. On the robot vacuum side of things, you can get the well-regarded Shark AI Ultra robovac for $300, or more than $100 off its regular price. This is a version of one of our top picks for the best robot vacuums . It has strong suction power, an easy-to-use mobile app and an extra-large, self-emptying base that can hold up to 60 days worth of debris. Its great for pet hair and all-around cleaning tasks. The only major downside is that this isnt a hybrid unit, so it doesnt mop. For that, consider the Shark Matrix Plus. This 2-in-1 robovac vacuums and mops, and its currently on sale for $400 . Thats a massive discount of 47 percent, as the typical price is an eyebrow-raising $750. This one also includes a self-emptying base that can accommodate 60 days of dirt and debris. It boasts a true HEPA filter and excels at mopping away deep stains. This is thanks to powerful scrubbers that operate at 100 times per minute. We couldnt truly recommend this model at its original price, as thats a whole lot of cheddar, but its a steal right now for $400. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-spring-sale-vacuum-deals-shark-robot-vacuums-are-up-to-47-percent-off-151615864.html?src=rss
Amazon Spring Sale 2025: The best tech deals from Apple, Bose, Sonos, Anker and others
We're still a few months out from the big Amazon Prime Day that typically happens in July, but the online retail giant is having yet another big sale to usher in spring. The Amazon Spring Sale is officially on the books for 2025, starting on March 25 and running through March 31. Considering the time of year, it's not surprising to see that Amazon is billing this as a sale for all things spring cleaning, home and fashion. We don't expect the Amazon Spring Sale to be as fruitful for tech deals as, say, standard Prime Day. But there are always some gadgets that pop up among the sales, and we'll cover all of the best tech deals we can find. For now, here are the best early Amazon Spring Sale deals you can shop right now. Best Amazon Spring Sale deals so far Anker 321 MagGo battery pack for $20 (23 percent off, Prime exclusive): This 5K power bank attaches magnetically to the backs of the latest iPhones to provide extra juice on the go. It can provide up to 19 hours of extra battery, and it's compatible with MagSafe cases as well. Sonos Ray for $179 ($100 off): This is our favorite midrange soundbar thanks to its compact, attractive design and easy setup. It's best for those who have a smaller living room or den they want to outfit with better TV sound. Also available at Sonos in their March Madness sale . Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for $250 ($150 off): These top our list of the best wireless headphones you can get right now thanks to their supreme comfort, excellent sound quality and ANC, multipoint connectivity and 30-hour battery life. Bose QuietComfort headphones for $249 ($100 off): These Bose over-ear headphones provide excellent noise cancellation, a comfortable fit and up to 24 hours of listening time on a single charge. A quick-charge feature will net you 2.5 hours of battery life in just 15 minutes of charging, so you'll rarely have to go without them, too. Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones for $349 ($80 off): These hold the top spot in our best wireless headphones guide for excellent noise cancellation. These cans will give you a step up in ANC, blocking out most noise and chatter of those around you. General audio quality has been improved as well, and they have a comfy fit. Dyson AM09 heater and fan for $300 (36 percent off): The AM09 has been around for ages, and for good reason. It's an excellent heater during cold months and fan during warm months, so you can use it all year round. Jet Focus control lets you choose from Focused or Diffused for personal or whole-room heating or cooling, and the handy sleep timer lets you set when the device turns off in intervals from 15 minutes up to nine hours. Dyson V15s Detect Submarine for $798 ($152 off): This Dyson cordless stick vacuum and mop is a top pick in our best cordless vacuums guide thanks to its sleek design and included mop attachment that easily swap in so you can clean tile, hardwood and other flooring with liquid solution. Yes, it's expensive, but you're essentially getting two cleaning machines in one plus, when used as a vacuum, it has excellent suction power and great battery life. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer for $280 ($70 off): A version of one of our favorite air fryers , this air fryer toaster oven has 11 cooking modes including air fry, broil, bake, roast and more, and it has a large capacity that can fit up to six slices of bread at once or a 13-inch pizza. The Pro model is also on sale, down to $300 from $400. Apple AirTags (four-pack) for $70 ($29 off): These are the best Bluetooth trackers for iPhone users thanks to their vast finding network and accurate ultra wideband features for locating your things when theyre close by. Just attach them to your keys, wallet or bag with the right AirTag holder and keep track of everything in the Find My app. 10th-gen iPad for $279 (20 percent off): The previous version of most affordable iPad gives you an A14 Bionic chip, a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, TouchID built into the lock button and more. Its compatible with the first-gen Apple Pencil and the keyboard folio, plus we found it to have solid performance and a matching battery life. AirPods Max (USB-C) for $480 ($70 off): If youre looking for over-ear headphones with all of the conveniences of in-ear AirPods, the AirPods Max are one of your only options (with the others being Beats devices). The latest models have the same design as the originals, but now charge up via USB-C instead of Lightning. Apple Watch SE for $169 ($80 off): Those on tighter budgets can opt for the Apple Watch SE and know theyre getting the core Apple wearable experience with few compromises. We consider it to be the best smartwatch for newbies. Audible (three months) for $3 ($42 off): This deal gives you access to Audible Premium Plus, which includes one credit each month that you can spend on any book you'd like, along with listening access to thousands of other books, podcasts and Audible Originals. You also get to take part in Audible's exclusive member sales. Blink Mini 2 for $20 (50 percent off): Blink's latest wired, indoor security camera is one of our favorites , particularly if you're just starting out building a security camera system. It's easy to set up and use, and it works seamlessly with Amazon's Alexa. Plus, if you want a local storage option, you can buy the Blink Sync Module 2 and a thumb drive to store video clips locally. Beats Fit Pro for $169 (15 percent off): These are the best wireless earbuds for working out thanks to their comfortable, secure fit, good sound quality with thumping bass and handful of convenient features provided by Apple's H1 chipset. It provides quick-pairing and switching between Apple devices (and quick pairing with Android phones), Find My compatibility and hands-free Siri. Levoit Core 400S air purifier for $187 ($33 off): Our top pick for the best air purifier for most people, the Core 400S has easy-to-use onboard controls, powerful filtering technology that isn't too loud and relatively affordable replacement filters. It reliably improved air quality in our testing, and even though its mobile app is a little overstuffed, it gives you another way to control and monitor the device. TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro mesh Wi-Fi system for $280 (30 percent off): Our current pick for the best mesh Wi-Fi system you can get, this TP-Link bundle may be no-frills, but it gets the job done nicely. It's easy to set up and provides excellent Wi-Fi 6E performance, plus the three included nodes can cover up to 7,200 square feet. Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum for $300 (31 percent off): This is a version of one of our top picks in our best robot vacuums guide. Shark makes excellent robovacs with strong suction power and convenient bagless, self-emptying bases. This model in particular can hold up to 60 days worth of debris before its base needs to be emptied. If you want a machine that can mop in addition to vacuum, consider Shark's Matrix Plus robovac , which is 47 percent off and down to $400. iRobot Roomba Combo Vac and Mop for $159 (42 percent off): This essential Roomba is relatively no-frills, but it has the added benefit of being a mopping robot in addition to a vacuum. It includes a washable mopping pad and a water reservoir so you can clean hard floors, and it will autonomously vacuum just like all of iRobot's other basic robovacs. Samsung Evo Select microSD card (512GB) for $35 ($5 off): A value pick in our best microSD cards guide, this Evo Select card provides respectable read and write speeds, and it comes with a full-sized adapter. Samsung T7 portable SSD (2TB) for $140 (48 percent off): We're on the T9 series now, but if you're looking to save a bit of cash, the T7 remains a great option for on-the-go storage. It supports read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s and sports a pocket-friendly design. Amazon Spring Sale FAQs When is the Amazon Spring Sale? The Amazon Spring Sale 2025 runs from March 25 through March 31. What is Amazon's Spring Sale? The Amazon Spring Sale is a multi-day sale event that has taken place at the end of March since 2024. Do I have to be a Prime Member to shop the Amazon Spring Sale? No, Amazon Spring Sale deals are available to all, including those who do not subscribe to Prime. What types of deals can I expect to find during the Amazon Spring Sale? In the past, we've seen a lot of spring cleaning and fashion items in sale during the Big Spring Sale. We expect this year to be no different. We at Engadget in particular will be on the lookout for discounts on our favorite spring cleaning tech, including robot vacuums, cordless vacuums and air purifiers, along with deals on kitchen and smart home gear. Are there deals I can shop now ahead of the Amazon Spring Sale? Yes, check out our list of the best Amazon Spring Sale deals you can get right now above. How long does the Amazon Spring Sale last? The Amazon Spring Sale lasts seven days this year, running from March 25 through March 31. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-spring-sale-2025-the-best-tech-deals-from-apple-bose-sonos-anker-and-others-130607433.html?src=rss
Samsungs 180MB/s 1TB PRO Plus microSD card drops back to $80 low today
While we are still trackings one notable deals on this special edition Sonic the Hedgehog models , Samsung, as part of its March Madness sale offers , is now offering on of the best prices to date on its 1TB 180MB/s PRO Plus microSDXC Memory Card at $79.99 shipped . This model debuted on Amazon last summer where it is now matched at $80 to deliver the lowest price we have tracked there or anywhere on this 1TB model (outside of military and EDU offers). more
Good luck undercutting this 20K USB-C power bank at only $10 Prime shipped ($20 off)
INIU 20,000mAh USB-C Power Bank Buy for $10 (Reg. $30) Clip the on-page 50% off coupon. What we love If you just want some backup power and arent concerned about extra features and frills, its hard to go wrong here. Youre looking at a power bank with two USB-A and one Type-C port. Power output tops out at 22.5W, which may not be the fastest out there, but will certainly get the job done. more
Apple is finally updating AirPods Max with lossless and ultra-low latency audio
No, pigs arent flying, hell hasnt frozen over and you (probably) havent won the Powerball jackpot, but something else nearly as unexpected is happening. Over four years after it debuted AirPods Max , Apple is set to update them with long-overdue features. The company is bringing lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio to the overear headphones when it rolls out iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4 and macOS Sequoia 15.4 in April . It's the first (and only major) update Apple has given the AirPods Max outside of starting to offer a model with a USB-C charging port back in September . And that's the kicker: based on the wording in Apple's press release , it seems the update will only be for the USB-C version of the AirPods Max, not the original version with the Lightning port. What's more, it appears that lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio may only be available when you connect the headphones to an audio source via a USB-C cable. Engadget has asked Apple for confirmation. As luck would have it, Apple is starting to sell a USB-C to 3.5mm cable today. It'll run you $39. There will also be the option to connect your iOS or iPadOS device to speakers or car stereos that have 3.5mm audio ports with the cable. Still, you'll at last be able to listen to 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio with AirPods Max. Lossless audio will also be compatible with Personalized Spatial Audio, Apple says. Apple Music subscribers can listen to more than 100 million songs in lossless audio. The company notes that, following the firmware update, AirPods Max will become the only headphones that enable musicians to both create and mix in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking. It adds that the ultra-low latency audio feature will allow for no response delay on par with the speakers built into Mac, iPad and iPhone devices. It suggests this feature could be a boon for gamers and livestreamers. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/apple-is-finally-updating-airpods-max-with-lossless-and-ultra-low-latency-audio-140142271.html?src=rss
The Apple Watch may get a new life as a camera-equipped AI device
Macworld As AI continues to dominate Apples strategic roadmap, a new report indicates the company wants to reimagine the Apple Watch as a camera-equipped AI assistant. The iPhone and Mac ranges have already gained AI features, thanks to the ( gradual and frequently delayed ) rollout of Apple Intelligence. But these are both products that the owner has to actively bring into use: sitting at a desk, opening a lid, and taking a handset out of a pocket. Whereas futurists believe AI will develop and thrive as a zero-friction technology thats with us all of the time. To an extent this model fits with the concept of the smart speaker, since this is just there ; all you need to do is talk to it. But such devices are not portable, which is why weve seen the development of the AI wearable, a dedicated device that is continuously accessible to answer questions and provide information on the world around the user. The two most famous examples so far have been the Humane AI and the Rabbit r1 , but neither have been successful. (The YouTuber Marques Brownlee called the former the worst product Ive ever reviewed and the latter barely reviewable.) There remains a gap in the market. Apple, according to the latest installment of Mark Gurmans Power On newsletter, hopes to fill this vacuum with a future iteration of the Apple Watch. This is an idea Ive discussed before, based on the fact that the Apple Watch already has the frictionless omnipresence that AI assistants need, and by contrast with standalone devices like the Humane AI is plugged into a wider ecosystem of messages, calendar entries, and so on. But there are two things preventing the Watch from doing the job convincingly at this point: it doesnt have a camera, which is essential for a lot of visual and geographically contextual queries, and it isnt in line to get the Apple Intelligence-based smarter Siri. The latter remains a troubling head-scratcher, but wed hope that Siri will get sorted eventually (now that Apple is taking the problem seriously ) and that Apple Intelligence will make its way to watchOS within a year or two. And the camera issue is in hand, according to Gurmans sources: The company is working on new versions of the Apple Watch that include cameras, he writes. As with the future AirPods , this would help the device see the outside world and use AI to deliver relevant information. Gurman claims Apple is working on two different approaches to this: a camera under the display for the standard watches, and a camera lens sitting on the side of the watch near the crown and button for the Ultra models. The second design sounds easier for the user, who wont need to bend their wrist to point the camera at relevant objects but is more suitable for a bulkier chassis. The cameras will be there for AI purposes only, so dont expect to be able to use them to capture sharp selfies or have FaceTime conversations; those things may follow but are not the point. For that matter, dont expect any of this to happen this year. Gurman says the development is still multiple generations away from launch.
Score exclusive $639 in savings on EcoFlows DELTA 2 1,024Wh LiFePO4 power station at a new $360 low
Weve got a fresh new exclusive deal for our readers from Wellbots, this time on the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station for $360.40 shipped , after using the promo code 9TO5D2 at checkout. Its already starting off coming down from its usual $999 price tag to $424, with the additional 15% off from the exclusive code bringing in a sizeable drop further. Weve seen it go as low as $399 back during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, with EcoFlows current Spring Sale only bringing things down to $474 at the moment. Todays deal gives you the best rate we have seen yet, cutting a combined $639 off the going rate and marking a new all-time low price. more
Todays best iOS app deals and freebies: Streets of Rage 4, Anodyne Mobile, and more
Your Monday morning lineup of the best App Store deals are now ready to go. Joining todays iOS game and app deals, we are highlighting some big-time Apple hardware deals that popped this weekend including the return of all-time low pricing on AirPods 4 as well as AirPods Pro 2 back down at $170 . From there, we spotted $100 price drops across just about every Apple Watch Series 10 model with deals starting from $299 and as much as $300 off M4 iPad Pro models . As for the apps, highlights include titles like Streets of Rage 4, Anodyne Mobile, Mirages of Winter, and more. Head below for a closer look. more
Get four months of this Disney+ and Hulu bundle for only $12
You have to be patient if you want to take advantage of the best streaming deals because they don't come around as often as discounts on laptops and smartphones. One of the best deals as of late is a new one from Disney: new and returning subscribers can get four months of the Disney+ Hulu Duo Basic bundle for only $12. You'll pay $3 per month for four months, and that represents a 72-percent discount off the standard $11-per-month price. For the whole period, you'll save a total of $32. The deal is available through March 30, but just keep in mind that the Duo Basic plan includes advertisements on both Disney+ and Hulu content. At a time when it feels like every streaming service, audio and video, is pushing their subscription costs ever-higher, it's a treat to get any amount of entertainment access for a discount. That's why we're big fans of the Disney+ Hulu Duo plans; even at the normal rate, it unites two of our favorite standalone content libraries in a single package that's a solid deal at its normal rates. Snagging the basic tier for an even lower cost feels like a no-brainer, especially if you're invested in any facet of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, if you're counting the days until the second season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives or if you just like to hum along with Encanto in the background while you work. Keep in mind that the ad-free Duo Premium plan isn't covered in this promotion, nor is the option that also bundles ESPN into the package. Access to Duo Premium will still run you $20 a month, while the Trio bundles begin at $17 a month. Check out our coverage of the best streaming deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-four-months-of-this-disney-and-hulu-bundle-for-only-12-123511439.html?src=rss
As part of its early Big Spring Sale deals and joining the discounts we detailed yesterday on works with Alexa+ smart speakers and displays , Amazon has now brought back all-time low pricing on the All-new Kindle Paperwhite Kids reader. Deals kick off from $139.99 shipped to mark the return of the lowest we have tracked since release and you can get more details down below. more
Macworld Apples AirPods wireless headphones offer an iconic look, exceptional convenience, and strong audio quality. They come with a premium price tag, however, so its important to shop around for a good deal or find a bunch of tech experts wholl do this for you. Thats where we come in. In this article, we round up the best AirPods discounts and deals to help you save money. Weve got the best prices on the 4th-gen AirPods , the 2nd-gen AirPods Pro with USB-C , and the premium AirPods Max over-ear headphones which Apple has updated to use USB-C rather than Lightning. Below you will find links to the best deals available right now. Youll find more detailed advice and price comparisons for each model further down. Theres an Amazon sale from 25 March at which we may see some discounts, in fact there are already some Early Spring Deals to be found. See: Amazon Spring Sale U.K. and Amazon Spring Sale U.S. U.S. Amazon, AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C case) : $170 ($79 off, MSRP $249) Amazon, AirPods 4: $100 ($29 off, MSRP $129) Amazon, AirPods 4 with ANC : $149 ($30 off, MSRP $179) Amazon, AirPods Max (USB-C) : $480 ($69 off, MSRP $549) U.K. We dont often see AirPods discounts in the U.K., but for Amazons Spring Deals we are seeing a decent discount on the AirPods Pro 2. Amazon, AirPods Pro 2 : 189 (usually 229) EARLY SPRING DEAL Amazon, AirPods Max : 494 (5 off, RRP 499) If it doesnt have to be Apple AirPods have a look at the best earbuds weve reviewed , which includes the best deals on those models. We also have a round-up of the best wired headphones and a comparison of over-ear headphones read our comparison of AirPods Max vs other over-ear headphones . Recent and imminent changes to the AirPods range Before you buy, note the following: AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC were introduced in September 2024. The AirPods 4 start at $129/129 with the ANC model costing $179/179. With this in mind do not buy the AirPods 3 or AirPods 2 if they arent considerably cheaper than $129/129. The AirPods Max with Lightning were discontinued in favor of the AirPods Max with USB-C. In this case if you do see the older models on sale they are worth buying at a good discount. The AirPods Pro are often on sale as they are likely to be updated in 2025. They are still a good purchase and recently gained the ability to work as hearing aids thanks to a software update. You can check the automated price comparison tables below to see if any retailers have dropped their prices since we last updated this article. How much do AirPods cost? Some changes were announced at Apples September 2024 event, so make sure youre up to date with the latest prices: AirPods Max (2024): $549 / 499 (price dropped from 549 to 499 in September 2023) AirPods Pro with USB-C (2nd gen, 2023): $249 / 229 AirPods 4: $129 / 129 AirPods 4 (with ANC): $179 / 179 Discontinued: 3rd-gen AirPods with Lightning (2021): was $169 / 169 3rd-gen AirPods with MagSafe (2021): was $179 / 179 2nd-gen AirPods (2019): was $129 / 129 You should never pay more than the prices above: weve seen unscrupulous retailers claim the MSRP/RRP is higher and work out savings based on that. Remember to take delivery and postage fees into account when evaluating deals; we include it in our list of prices but most retailers wont add it until youre at the checkout. And watch out for deals that seem too good to be true, but turn out to have no stock. We see this a lot. Good AirPods deals are rare and tend not to last long. If you see one (and youre sure the supplier is legit: look it up on TrustPilot if youve not bought from there before), grab it. Best new AirPods deals Apple sells two sets of basic (non-Pro) AirPods, both introduced at the 2024 Glowtime event: the 4th-gen model with active noise cancellation, and the 4th-gen model without. Best Buy is worth a look for some worthwhile savings in the U.S., while U.K. customers can save a little money across the range. You can buy the 4th-gen AirPods directly from Apple , but youll find the best prices elsewhere in the automated tables below. AirPods (4th gen, 2024, with ANC) deals These replace the AirPods (3rd generation) and have a redesigned, smaller USB-C case that works with wireless charging and now has Find My functionality, with a built-in speaker for locating the device. They feature active noise cancellation, previously found only on the AirPods Pro and Max, and sport Apples H2 chip, which was introduced in the 2022 AirPods Pro and improves audio quality. MSRP: $179/179 New Refurbished Retailer Price $149.99 View Deal $149.99 View Deal $169.99 View Deal $178 View Deal $179 View Deal $179 View Deal $179.99 View Deal $179.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple AirPods 4th gen (2024) Wireless (USB-C) Charging case $148.67 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket AirPods (4th gen, 2024, without ANC) deals Whereas the ANC AirPods 4 replace the 3rd-gen AirPods, these replace the 2nd-gen AirPods. They feature most of the features of the higher-priced model with the main exception of Active Noise Cancelation, Transparency Mode, and Adaptive Audio. MSRP: $129/129 Retailer Price $99.99 View Deal $99.99 View Deal $124.95 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $129.99 View Deal $129.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best AirPods Pro deals The 2nd-gen version of the AirPods Pro was released in September 2022. Rather than introduce the third generation in 2023, Apple instead tweaked them to support USB-C for charging (including charging via the iPhone 15) The Lightning models have now been discontinued, but will be available from other retailers for a while; make sure youre getting the exact model you want. AirPods Pro (2nd gen, 2023, USB-C) deals This is the 2023 version with USB-C charging. You can also use an iPhone 15 to charge the case. MSRP: $ 249 / 229 Retailer Price $229 View Deal $249 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best AirPods Max deals The AirPods Max, Apples wireless over-ear headphones, are available to buy directly from Apple for $549 / 499 (they were 549 in the U.K. before September 2023 when Apple dropped the price to 499). Best AirPods Max (2024, USB-C) deals The AirPods Max havent exactly been updated for 2024, beyond a new set of colors and USB-C instead of Lightning. These are still effectively the same as the 2020 models. It may still be possible to buy old models in the original colors for some time so we have included the best prices for the older model in the discontinued section of this article. Find the latest prices in our automated table embedded below. MSRP: $549/499 Retailer Price $477 View Deal $479.99 View Deal $479.99 View Deal $529 View Deal $529.99 View Deal $549 View Deal $549 View Deal $549 View Deal $549.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Discontinued AirPods deals One way to pick up a really good deal can be to buy discontinued AirPods which are often the first to be discounted. AirPods (3rd gen, 2021, MagSafe) deals Apple updated the ultra-popular AirPods in October 2021, after a wait of more than two and a half years. They were eventually discontinued in September 2024. Get all the info you need in our AirPods 3 review . MSRP was: $179 / 179 (DISCONTINUED) New Refurbished Retailer Price $119.95 View Deal $149 View Deal $153.49 View Deal $169.99 View Deal $169.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple AirPods 3rd gen (2021) MagSafe Charging case $95.88 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket AirPods (3rd gen, 2021, Lightning) deals There was also a cheaper version of the AirPods 3rd generation with a case that has to be charged via Lightning, rather than wirelessly. MSRP was: $169 / 169 (DISCONTINUED) New Refurbished Retailer Price $129.99 View Deal $149 View Deal $169 View Deal $169.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple AirPods 3rd gen (2021) Lightning Charging case $99.10 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket AirPods (2nd gen, 2019) deals This older version of the AirPods was sold by Apple until September 2024, and may still be found at other retailers. Note that this version of the AirPods comes with an Lightning charging case that needs to be plugged in, as opposed to the wireless MagSafe charging case. Check the automated table below for the latest deals. MSRP was: $129 / 129 (DISCONTINUED) New Refurbished Retailer Price $12.99 View Deal $169.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple AirPods 2nd gen (2019) Lightning Charging case $82 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket AirPods Pro (2nd gen, 2022, Lightning) deals This is the older version with a Lightning port for charging the case. You may still find them on sale. MSRP was $249 / 249 (DISCONTINUED) New Refurbished Retailer Price $279.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple AirPods Pro 2nd gen (2022) MagSafe (Lightning) Charging case $147.68 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket AirPods Max (2020, Lightning) deals This is the older version of the original AirPods Max came in different colors and featured Lightning (rather then USB-C in the newer models). You may still find them on sale. MSRP was: $549/499 New Refurbished Retailer Price $373.95 View Deal $477 View Deal $494.99 View Deal $534 View Deal $549 View Deal $549 View Deal $549.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple AirPods Max (2020) Pink $379.95 View Deal Apple AirPods Max (2020) Silver $395 View Deal Apple AirPods Max (2020) Space Gray $399.95 View Deal MGYN3AM/A Noise cancelling Headphone Bluetooth with microphone Green $479 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket For an in-depth look at your options here, read Where to buy AirPods Max . Other ways to save: AirPods Bundle deals The best way to get a good price on AirPods may be to bundle them with a phone, although this is mainly an option in the U.K. Phone network Three offers a variety of bundles that include the AirPods. Visit the companys accessories page to browse the best options for you. Vodafone and O2 arent currently bundling the AirPods with their iPhone plans, although O2 sells the 2021 AirPods , the early-2019 AirPods and the 2022 AirPods Pro on their own. Whichever bundle you go for, remember to check if youre getting the AirPods Pro, the early-2019 AirPods (sometimes called the second gen or AirPods 2) or the new 2021 AirPods (third-gen or AirPods 3). If youre getting the AirPods Pro, find out if they include the new MagSafe charging case. AirPods buying advice Wondering if a pair of AirPods is right for you? We have a guide to the Best AirPods , and you could read AirPods Pro vs AirPods to find out how the models compare, but lets quickly discuss the pros and cons. Apple has launched various AirPods versions, several of which are still on sale: 2016: 1st-gen AirPods , discontinued 2019: 2nd-gen AirPods , discontinued 2019: 1st-gen AirPods Pro , discontinued 2021: 3rd-gen AirPods , Lightning and Magsafe variants, discontinued 2022 & 2023: 2nd-gen AirPods Pro , Lightning and USB-C variants 2020 & 2024: AirPods Max All four non-Max models are wireless, sitting in your ears and in theory staying there through snugness of fit alone. The advantages of this are clearthey allow you to go running or work out without worrying about snagging the cablesbut they may fall out once you pick up the pace. Our experience, however, is that the AirPods are among the best earbuds around in this regard. The AirPods Pro offer a snugger fit than the others because they have a choice of flexible ear tips, and are actually able to tell you whether youve selected the right tip or not. Sound quality is decent but not exceptional on the original and early-2019 models; the 2021 3rd gen AirPods were better, while the AirPods Pro are a step above thanks in part to their better fit and implementation of active noise cancellation. What AirPods consistently do better than non-Apple headphones is coordinate with other Apple products, thanks to the W1 chip (in the 2016 model) and H1 chip (2019 and 2021) which makes pairing with an iPhone a breeze. Battery-wise, most non-Max AirPods will last around five hours, but thats not the end of the story: they come with a little charging case with its own larger battery, so you can pop them back in for a quick charge. The case should offer another 24 hours (give or take) before itll require charging. The 2021 AirPods, however, offer more in this department, with claimed figures of six hours out of the case and 30 hours in total. Weve got some advice on getting better AirPods battery life . Apples 2nd gen AirPods can respond to Hey Siri commands, charge wirelessly if you opt for the Wireless Charging Case, and offer more talk time than the originals. Those features are kept in the 2021 3rd-generation models, with Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ added to the mix. The 4th generation AirPods arrived in 2024 and add ANC to the mix. The AirPods Max are over-ear headphones and essentially a completely different product to the rest of the AirPods range. They are a lot more expensive and a totally different proposition to the other AirPods. Audio quality is almost universally considered to be exceptional, but its debatable whether its exceptional enough to justify that premium price tag. And many reviewers have pointed out that the case is oddly designed, given that the one part of the headphones that it doesnt protectthe mesh headbandis the one thats most vulnerable to damage.The AirPods Max are an appealing prospect, but may not be practical for most budgets. For more detailed advice and thoughts on the best alternatives to Apples three cheaper AirPods models, read our guides to the Best wireless earbuds and the best wired headphones .
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones drop to a record-low price for the Amazon Spring Sale
As someone who paid full price for Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones , I am incredibly jealous to report that they are down to a new all-time low price for Amazon's Spring Sale . Yes, our choice for 2025's best wireless headphones have dropped to $250 from $400 a 38 percent discount. The sale is available on the Black, Silver and Smoky Pink models, while the Midnight Blue option is going for $328. There are few tech products I would recommend to anyone, but Sony's M5 headphones are one of them. I've raved so much about them that my parents and brother all bought a pair (while my partner uses mine about as often as I do). One of the biggest things for me, as someone who gets headaches easily, is that they're so comfortable. I've worn them on quite a few overnight flights now and can easily keep them on the whole time. Speaking of flights, the active noise cancellation is another reason they're a treat for those overnight hauls. The M5s have double the processors and and microphones for ANC as their predecessor. I once slept two rows away from a crying baby and, with music on, I couldn't hear a thing. Plus, the 30 hours of battery life means I don't have to worry about them dying half way through my travels (my AirPods always need to recharge in their case before I arrive). Their excellence on flights isn't the only reason we gave Sony's M5 headphones a 95 in our review . They're also great for listening to music while working or out for a walk. The M5s have 30mm carbon fiber drivers and DSEE Extreme, together boosting the sound's quality and depth. My only complaint is that the M5s don't fold up, but especially at this price, they're still such a great buy. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-sony-wh-1000xm5-headphones-drop-to-a-record-low-price-for-the-amazon-spring-sale-123340453.html?src=rss
NYT Mini Crossword today: puzzle answers for Monday, March 24
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.
NYT Strands today: hints, spangram and answers for Monday, March 24
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 and hints for you here.
NYT Connections: hints and answers for Monday, March 24
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.
NYT Crossword: answers for Monday, March 24
The New York Times crossword puzzle can be tough, even if it isn't the Sunday issue! If you're stuck, we're here to help you out with today's clues and answers.
Belkins latest 3-in-1 15W MagSafe Travel Pad charger now back to $100 Amazon low (Nearly 25% off)
Update: This deal is now live once again at Amazon. Details below in the original post. Amazon is now once again delivering one of the best prices on Belkins 3-in-1 BoostCharge Pro Foldable Qi2 15W Charging Travel Pad down at $99.99 shipped. Regularly $130, this is on par with just about every deal we have tracked directly from Belkin and a match of the Amazon all-time low this is only the third time we have seen this model on sale there. more
Woot has now kicked off a weeklong sale on the popular Stanley Quencher tumblers alongside some of the brands IceFlow Jug models and a host of HydroFlask bottles starting from $13 Prime shipped (a $6 delivery fee will apply otherwise). Youll also fine some Ello models available in the sale starting down at $8.99 Prime shipped. All of the details await on this landing page and we will take a closer look down below. more
Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro review: Rising above the boring competition
The Nothing Phone 2a was one of the most memorable smartphones of 2024. It offered a fast display, big battery and personality, all for just $349. For a follow-up, Nothing could have simply refreshed the 2a and the result would have probably been worth recommending. But the company didn't do that. Instead, it decided to update the 2a and release an entirely new handset alongside it. That new device, the Phone 3a Pro, has something you don't find on many midrange smartphones: a periscope telephoto camera. If you can live with some added weight and a slightly silly design, the 3a Pro offers a nearly flagship camera experience for $459. As for the 3a, its a great device on its own, and a smart alternative if you have even less to spend on a new phone. Carrier compatibility Igor Bonifacic for Engadget There are a couple of important details I need to mention before I get too far into this review. In the US, Nothing is selling the 3a and 3a Pro through a beta program where the company only offers 14 days of after-sale support. If there's something wrong with your new phone and it's outside the extremely short warranty period, you could easily be out of luck. This is separate from Nothing's software support policy, which promises three years of Android upgrades and six years of security patches for the 3a and 3a Pro, in addition to corrective and functionality updates. Additionally, the phones don't support all of AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon's 5G bands. Youll get basic connectivity, but mmWave speeds are off the table. Lastly, Nothing notes AT&T and Verizon customers will need to contact their carrier to enroll their new phones IMEI for 5G access. I mention these things upfront because I think the 3a and 3a Pro are great phones worthy of your consideration, but its also understandable if Nothing's limited customer and carrier support put you off. Design Igor Bonifacic for Engadget The 3a and 3a Pro don't feel like two sub-$500 handsets, and a big part of that is a new glass backing. Compared to my iPhone 12, the 3a and 3a Pro feel very Apple-like in their construction. I especially like the coating Nothing used for the outer casing of the two phones, which makes the frame feel like it's made from ceramic. Both are big handsets, and the texture made for a secure grip anytime I took one of them out of my pocket. Nothing has also added better waterproofing, with both the 3a and 3a Pro offering IP64-certified protection against moisture and dust. That's up from the IP54 rating on the 2a. If you spend a lot of time around water, plenty of other midrange phones come with better protection, including the new $499 Pixel 9a . Another new feature is a button called the Essential Key. On both phones, it's located on the right side, right below the power button. I'll have more to say on what it does later, but for now I'll mention it feels less solid than all the other buttons on the two phones. It's a shame because everything else is so well-made. The Phone 3a is available in three colors (black, white and blue) and the 3a Pro in two (gray and black). Unfortunately, you can't buy the blue 3a in North America, otherwise I would get one for myself. Nearly three years after the release of the Phone 1 , Nothing's devices continue to have unique designs, though I imagine some people might not be thrilled about the look of the 3a Pro. Igor Bonifacic for Engadget I mean, look at it. The 3a Pro is a modern-day Lumia 1020 , and is sure to attract confused looks. Not only does the camera housing make an already thick phone thicker, but the extra hardware makes the 3a Pro a whole 10 grams heavier than the 3a. And at 201 grams, the 3a already feels substantial. It's hard to see in photos but there's a gap between bottom of the 3a Pro's camera module and the top of the back casing. In the short time I've had the phone, it has already started collecting dust and debris there. The outer ring of the module also has a finish that doesn't match with any of the other materials used on the phone. Ultimately, it feels like the 3a Pro sacrifices some of the 3a's cool factor for camera performance. That tradeoff is ultimately worth it and its design grew on me, but I wouldn't judge you if you found the 3a Pro too much. Display Igor Bonifacic for Engadget The 3a and 3a Pro have the same display. At 6.77 inches, it offers slightly more real estate than the 2a's 6.7-inch screen. This time around, Nothing has also gone with Panda Glass to protect the AMOLED panel from scratches. On paper, that's a downgrade from the Gorilla Glass Nothing used for the 2a and what you'll find on the Pixel 9a and Galaxy S24 FE , but short of conducting a drop test, its hard for me to say if there's any difference in durability. What I can say is the display looks great. It's still an FHD panel with a variable refresh rate that goes up to 120Hz. However, it offers improved visibility in direct sunlight with the ability to hit a peak brightness of 1,300 nits automatically. I never struggled to see the screen, even on a sunny day when I wore polarized glasses. For the price, Nothing picked the perfect screen. It's fast, vibrant and, thanks to a new 480Hz sampling rate, highly responsive. One aspect of the display that may annoy some is that Nothing went with an optical in-display fingerprint sensor instead of ultrasonic. Ultrasonic sensors tend to be faster and more accurate, but they also cost more to make, so they're typically only found on flagship devices like the Galaxy S25 . Don't let that scare you away from the 3a and 3a Pro though. Outside of a bit of pokiness during setup, I haven't had any issues with the fingerprint sensor. Cameras Igor Bonifacic for Engadget The cameras on the 3a and 3a Pro are the complete package. Starting with the 3a, Nothing has made a few tweaks. For a main camera, you still get a 50-megapixel Samsung GN9 sensor paired with an f/1.88 lens and optical image stabilization (OIS). Instead of the 50MP ultrawide camera on the 2a, the 3a has an 8MP sensor from Sony and a slightly wider 120-degree field of view. Most notably, the phone now comes with a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom. While more manufacturers are beginning to include telephoto cameras with their midrange phones, it's still not a feature you find on every device. For $379, the 3a's telephoto has no right being as good as it is, and I was constantly surprised by the detail in the shots I took. Across the entire package, Nothing has really pleasing image processing. The contrast that the software adds to photos might be too much for some, but it otherwise does a great job of producing warm and inviting natural colors. Like a lot of phones in its price range, the 3a's cameras can struggle in low light or when it has to contend with harsh sunlight. One idiosyncrasy of Nothing's image processing is that photos will often look unusable before you press the shutter. For example, bright scenes will frequently have blown out highlights. However, once the phone has had a second to apply HDR, those same images will often turn out great. I didnt know this when I first started using the phone, so sometimes I gave up on a shot before taking it. This is true of the 3a Pro too, so keep that in mind if you decide to buy one of them. As for the 3a Pro, it offers a near flagship experience and the highlight is the phone's periscope camera. It has a 50MP Sony sensor with an f/2.55 lens and built-in OIS. The telephoto gives a 3x optical zoom, but you can also push it to 6x with a lossless crop. Either way, the images produced by this lens can look sharp and detailed, as long as the subject you're trying to shoot is relatively still. As you can see from the sample gallery, some of the cats I tried to photograph around my neighborhood came out a bit blurry. That's because the 3a Pro attempted to get away with using a relatively slow shutter speed. However, for less challenging scenes, the periscope camera consistently felt like cheating, and I had to keep reminding myself this is a phone that costs less than $500. The telephoto also has a macro mode, allowing it to focus on subjects as close as 5.9 inches away. It can be tricky to judge how close you need to be to the subject, but when I was able to nail focus, the 3a Pro produced detailed shots. Igor Bonifacic for Engadget The main camera on the 3a Pro is similarly great. Like on the 3a, you get a 50MP sensor with an f/1.88 lens. However, it comes with a different Samsung sensor that has dual-pixel autofocus, which helps the 3a Pro lock in faster and more accurately. Here, Nothings image processing goes a long way to deliver photos that look pleasant. Colors are vibrant without being overbaked and there's just enough detail to satisfy anyone who's looking for it. I didn't take too many selfies. The 3a Pro has a slight edge in that department thanks to a higher resolution 50MP sensor, but the 3a is no slouch either with its 32MP sensor. Neither phone has a front-facing camera with autofocus, but thats often the first feature manufacturers cut to make a more affordable device. In the US, the 3a Pro has no counterpart. There are phones like the Motorola Edge 50 Pro that offer a great telephoto at a comparable price, but it's not sold in North America. If a camera with reach is important to you, the 3a Pro's closest stateside competitor is the Galaxy S24 FE, but it normally costs $650. And for that reason, I think it's well-worth considering over dual rear camera phones like the Pixel 9a. Performance Igor Bonifacic for Engadget On top of updated camera hardware, the 3a and 3a Pro feature a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset. Relative to the 2a's MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro, Nothing says the new Snapdragon SoC has a 33 percent faster CPU and 11 percent faster GPU. When I ran the 3a Pro through Geekbench 6, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 earned a single-core score of 1,115 and a multicore score of 3,082. For context, the Dimensity processor scored 1,123 and 2,603 when my colleague Sam Rutherford reviewed the 2a last year. For another point of comparison, the Exynos 2400e in the Galaxy S24 FE easily beats both the Qualcomm and MediaTek chips with scores of 2,140 and 6,690, respectively. I know thats a lot of numbers all at once, but I put them upfront to set expectations: think of the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 more as a budget chip than a flagship one. For everyday use, I found it was more than enough for my needs. With 12GB of RAM, the 3a and 3a Pro offer plenty of headroom for scrolling through social media, multi-tasking and AI applications like Gemini. However, the phones are less ideal for gaming. When I tried to play games like Diablo Immortal and League of Legends: Wild Rift, I found it was possible to run them at 60 frames per second, but the 3a and 3a Pro would occasionally drop frames and I couldn't play either game with all their graphics settings maxed out. Battery Igor Bonifacic for Engadget Like the 2a, the 3a and 3a Pro feature a 5,000mAh battery. Looping a YouTube video until the battery died, the 3a went 19 and a half hours on a single charge. If you want to spend a day gaming, the 3a Pro is good for about eight hours before it needs charging. For more average use involving a mix of social media use and web browsing, I was able to get close to 14 hours of screen time. Once the battery is empty, the 3a and 3a Pro support 50W fast charging, up from 45W on the 2a. Neither phone comes with a power adapter inside the box, and Nothing didn't provide me with one for testing, but the company claims the 3a and 3a Pro can go from zero to 100 percent battery in less than an hour using its new charger. Most people probably have a 20W power adapter lying around, and based on my observations, you can expect to charge the phones from 10 percent to full in about an hour and a half. If your budget allows for it, it's definitely worth spending extra to buy Nothing's new charger since few phones in this price range offer charging as fast as the 3a and 3a Pro. The tradeoff is neither the 3a or 3a Pro support wireless charging, but if you ask me, I would take faster wired charging over Qi compatibility every time. Software Igor Bonifacic for Engadget The 3a and 3a Pro arrive with Android 15 and the latest version of Nothing OS out of the box. As I mentioned at the start, Nothing has promised to support these phones with three years of Android updates, so if you buy one now, you can expect to get at least Android 18 before you might need to consider upgrading phones. Google and Samsung offer longer support, but relative to the rest of the Android ecosystem, Nothings policy is pretty good. This was my first time using Nothing OS and I have to say I'm a big fan. Nothing hasn't gone overboard customizing stock Android, and there's really no bloatware to speak of. Both the system and quick settings menus mostly follow the format established by Google, so navigating the interface is easy. One nice touch is that Nothing includes its own monochromatic icon pack, with many popular third-party apps covered. There are 18 custom widgets that come standard with Nothing OS and they all look great. The one major new software feature included with the 3a and 3a Pro is tied to the Essential Key I mentioned. A single tap of the button allows you to take a screenshot, which you can immediately annotate. If you long press instead, the 3a and 3a Pro will start recording a voice memo. Finally, a double tap opens the Essential Space, the new app where all of those screenshots and notes are stored. An algorithm will automatically transcribe any voice memos and do its best to categorize all your clippings into categories, though you can also create your own. Nothing plans to do more with Essential Space in the future, but for now it's limited in its functionality, and you can't rebind the Essential Key to do something else if you don't find the app helpful. If you're the type of person who uses Apple Notes religiously, I can see the Essential Key and Essential Space being a great way to keep your digital life tidy. I found it less useful, mostly because I've never been much of a notetaker. I will say I do think it's a good idea, and, with a bit more iteration, Nothing could create something that feels, well, more essential. Wrap-up Igor Bonifacic for Engadget The Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro offer tremendous value for $379 and $459. It's really hard to criticize Nothing for any of the component choices, and if you're willing to take a risk on the company's limited US warranty and want something unique, these are the phones to buy. For everyone else, it's safer to buy something like the Pixel 9a or Galaxy S24 FE directly from your carrier. You won't have to worry about calling your carrier about your phone, and you'll get a longer one-year warranty. Additionally, both Google and Samsung offer up to seven years of software support with their latest devices. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/nothing-phone-3a-and-3a-pro-review-rising-above-the-boring-competition-120014496.html?src=rss
How to use new Raw Input feature in Marvel Rivals
In , achieving mastery transcends merely selecting the ideal hero or perfecting team synergyyour settings can significantly influence your performance. Featuring more than 30 legendary , including fan favorites such as Spider-Man and Iron Man, the action unfolds in frenetic 6v6 skirmishes where every split second is crucial. Tweaking graphics settings, like dialing down shadow []
On the eve of the Amazon Big Spring Sale, it looks like the Eve smart home gear deals are kicking off early. We just featured one of the best prices on the brands Aqua HomeKit water controller lates last week that offer is still live , and now plenty of other smart home products from he Eve ecosystem are now dropping in price. Youll now find a range of the brands HomeKit and Matter gear at up to 34% off with deals starting from $30 . Head below for a closer look. more
How to get Fortnite Clix Icon Series skin
Clix finally has his own Fortnite skin and now you can become the legend himself in Battle Royale. Here's how you can get the Clix bundle.
How to type a hashtag (#) on Mac
Macworld The hash symbol also known as the pound/number sign, and which looks like this: # was one of the more rarely used special characters until Twitter and Instagram came along. Now you can barely avoid the symbol widely known as the hashtag and ubiquitous on social media. But how do you type a hash or hashtag symbol on a Mac? Well, that depends on your keyboard layout. For readers using the standard U.S. layout, its pretty simple, if you are in the U.K. it is a little trickier. Where is the Hash Key? If you have an Apple keyboard, with a U.S. keyboard layout, things are simple. To type a hashtag sign, hit Shift + 3 . Youll notice that the euro sign has also disappeared. Apple How to type a hashtag sign (#) in the U.K. The hidden keys on a U.K. Apple keyboard Foundry Because U.S. readers have less need for the pound sign, the hash sign gets higher billing: its the secondary option for the 3 key. But on U.K. keyboards that space is reserved for , so typing Shift + 3 will give you . To type a hashtag on a Mac keyboard with a U.K. layout, press Option + 3 . (The Option key is sometimes known as Alt, by the way.) U.K. keyboards have to relegate the # to the number 3s Option slot, because we need the Shift slot for our glorious British pound sign. Apple On some old keyboards youll find that the number 3 key only has the pound sign. Dont be put off: pressing Option + 3 will still work on such keyboards. Its just that in those days, the hash sign wasnt viewed as such an important character. (You may also find that your older Mac keyboard labels the Option key as Alt.) Alt? This isnt Windows Vista, you know. Want to update your keyboard? Take a look at our in-depth buying guide to the best Mac keyboards , and youll soon have access to properly-labeled Option and hash keys. Im not typing in English! Where is my Hashkey? The hash sign on French keyboards is found to the left of the number 1. German keyboards have the hash key beside the return key. Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish and Portuguese keyboards have the hash key on number 3. Italian keyboards have the hash key (cancelletto) just above the lower right shift key. But my Mac keyboard has a hash key and it doesnt work! It types a backslash symbol (or ), right? And when you hold Shift, it types a vertical line (or |)? In that case, our guess would be that youre inadvertently using a PC keyboard. A handy key for hashtags and tildes. David Price / Foundry Some PC keyboards in the U.K. have a dedicated hash key on the right, above Shift, and to the left of Return. If this keyboard was connected to a Windows machine, hitting this button would generate a # (and a ~ when used with Shift). But because youve connected a PC keyboard to a Macwhich is possible, and will work fine a lot of the timethe differences in layout confuse macOS. Unfortunately, your Mac is misinterpreting the keyboards hash symbol as a backslash. Wed recommend that you get a proper Mac keyboard., but in the meantime, you can type hashtags using your PC keyboard/Mac combo by pressing Alt + 3 . For more keyboard tips, see How to type , , #, @, and other special characters on a Mac .
Amazon now offering $200 off most affordable 13-inch M4 iPad Pro, 2TB model now $300 off
While we are still tracking some solid price drops on Apples more affordable iPad experiences, including iPad mini 7 configurations are $100 off as well as the first cash deals on the brand new iPad (A16) and the new M3 iPad Air , this morning we are turning our attention over to the pro-grade setup. Apples latest M4-equipped iPad certainly isnt the most affordable, but you can now score the least pricey 13-inch configuration with a solid $200 price drop, among others youll find below. more
iOS compatibility: Find out the latest version your iPhone can run
Macworld Unsure which version of iOS your iPhone can run? Heres a quick guide so you can find out if your iPhone is compatible with the most recent iterations of the iPhone operating system, and, if it isnt, which version you can install on your iPhone. Apple gives iOS a major update each year, usually introducing new features and some stability upgrades to the previous version, plus numerous smaller updates in between. iOS 18 arrived on September 16, but since then there have been multiple updates, including iOS 18.3 in January 2025. The good news is that the compatibility list foriOS 18is the same as iOS 17, so those with the iPhone XR, XS or 2nd gen SE will get to enjoy iOS 18. However, to use the new Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18, youll need the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro or 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e, or the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max. When Apple introduces iOS 19 later in 2025 we expect it to support every phone supported by iOS 18. Thats all phones sold since 2018. However, as with iOS 18 many Apple Intelligence features will not be available for older iPhones. Although Apple is better than most at keeping older models on the list of supported devices, hardware limitations can sometimes mean that an iPhone gets left behind. This doesnt mean the device will stop working, but you wont be able to access the newer features and capabilities that come with the updated software and you may be vulnerable to security flaws. If your iPhone cant run one of Apples supported versions of iOS then its probably time to upgrade your iPhone. To find out more read how long Apple supports the iPhone for . If you want to see a brief history of iOS, then take a look at our guide to Every version of iOS released so far . Latest iOS version supported by each iPhone To show you which version of iOS your iPhone can run, weve broken down each iPhone generation so you know which version it originally shipped with (as that will be the earliest it can run) and the latest iteration it currently supportsincluding whether that iPhone will support iOS 18. Weve not listed the smaller point releases, as they change all the time, so take it as understood that any version of iOS that the iPhone is shown as supporting (such as iOS 16 ) also means any smaller point updates too (such as iOS 16.4.1). It should be noted that Apple has stopped supporting a lot of the older versions of iOS now, meaning there are no new security patches for them. Alongside the latest iOS, Apple usually supports two (or sometimes three) generations of the iPhone operating system with security updates. Since September 2024: iOS 17 is the oldest supported version of iOS. The last version of iOS 16 was released in August 2024. This means that Apple has now ended support for the iPhones X, 8 and 8 Plus as it is no longer issuing security updates for iOS 16. With the end of support for iOS 15 (last updated in July 2024), the iPhones 7, 6S, 6S Plus and 1st gen SE has also ended. iOS 18 supports the same iPhones that were able to run iOS 17, so Apple is likely to end support for that version with the arrival of iOS 19 later in 2025. The last security update for iOS 17 was in November 2024. Every version of iPhone and the iOS it supports . Foundry iPhone 16, 16e, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max Original iOS version: iOS 18 Does it run iOS 18: Yes iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max Original iOS version: iOS 17 Does it run iOS 18: Yes iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max Original iOS version: iOS 16 Does it run iOS 18: Yes iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max Original iOS version: iOS 15 Does it run iOS 18: Yes iPhone SE (3rd generation) Original iOS version: iOS 15 Does it run iOS 18: Yes iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max Original iOS version: iOS 14 Does it run iOS 18: Yes iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max Original iOS version: iOS 13 Does it run iOS 18: Yes iPhone SE (2nd generation) Original iOS version: iOS 13 Does it run iOS 18: Yes iPhone XR, XS, XS Max Original iOS version: iOS 12 Does it run iOS 18: Yes iPhone X Original iOS version: iOS 11 Does it run iOS 17 or iOS 18: No Last compatible version: iOS 16 iPhone 8, 8 Plus Original iOS version: iOS 11 Does it run iOS 17 or iOS 18: No Last compatible version: iOS 16 iPhone 7, 7 Plus Original iOS version: iOS 10 Does it run iOS 17 or iOS 18: No Last compatible version: iOS 15 iPhone 6S, 6S Plus Original iOS version: iOS 9 Does it run iOS 17 or iOS 18: No Last compatible version: iOS 15 iPhone SE (1st generation) Original iOS version: iOS 9 Does it run iOS 17 or iOS 18: No Last compatible version: iOS 15 iPhone 6, 6 Plus Original iOS version: iOS 8 Does it run iOS 17 or iOS 18: No Last compatible version: iOS 12 iPhone 5S Original iOS version: iOS 7 Does it run iOS 17 or iOS 18: No Last compatible version: iOS 12 iPhone 5C Original iOS version: iOS 7 Does it run iOS 17 or iOS 18: No Last compatible version: iOS 10 iPhone 5 Original iOS version: iOS 6 Does it run iOS 17 or iOS 18: No Last compatible version: iOS 10 iPhone 4s Original iOS version: iOS 5 Does it run iOS 17 or iOS 18: No Last compatible version: iOS 9 iPhone 4 Original iOS version: iOS 4 Does it run iOS 17 or iOS 18: No Last compatible version: iOS 7 iPhone 3GS Original iOS version: iOS 3 Does it run iOS 17 or iOS 18: No Last compatible version: iOS 6 iPhone 3G Original iOS version: iOS 2 Does it run iOS 17 or iOS 18: No Last compatible version: iOS 4 iPhone Original iOS version: iOS 1 Does it run iOS 17 or iOS 18: No Last compatible version: iOS 3 If your iPhone isnt supported by iOS 18, 17, or 16 then you might want to consider upgrading to a newer device. Take a look at our best iPhone deals round-up where we share the most recent money-saving deals. Read our best iPhone guide for advice. How to tell which version of iOS youre running If youre not sure which version of iOS youre currently running, its very easy to find out. OpenSettings. Tap on General. Tap Aboutand look for theiOS Versionnumber. The number youre looking for will be something like 16.0 or 15.3.1. Dont worry about the bit in parentheses. Foundry How to upgrade iOS Now that you know the latest version of iOS that your iPhone supports, its a good idea to make sure youre running on that platform. We have a guide on how to update iOS on your iPhone , so take a look at that and follow the simple instructions to get your iPhone up to date.
Severance pay: Why Apple TV+ is worth losing $1 billion a year
Macworld Theres more to life than money, and heaven knows Apple isnt short of a dollar or two. So when I hear that the companys TV+ streaming service is losing $1 billion a year, my first reaction isnt shock, but intrigue. Is TV+ worth all that lost cash? On reflection, I think it is. At the time of writing, theres considerable excitement in the Price household ahead of the Severance S2 finale. By the time you read this article, that excitement will have been replaced by other emotions: sadness; loss; confusion about the relevance of those goats; a deep sense of satisfaction at a story (hopefully) well told; anger at structural missteps and (potentially) unresolved plot threads; and exasperation at the inevitable cliffhanger. But above all, we will be counting down the dayshopefully not yearsuntil the third season. Severance , by any metric, has been a hit. Despite the seemingly niche premise, the show is getting plenty of viewers: in February Deadline reported it had logged 589 million minutes viewed in the U.S. and at one point ranked #4 on Nielsen. We already know its surpassed Ted Lasso as the most-watched series in Apple TV+ history, but those are impressive numbers for a show on any platform. Unlike most high-viewership shows, its also almost universally liked (with the caveat that quite a few people think the second season hasnt been as good as the first). Even accounting for that slight dip it still has a 96 percent overall critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes , not to mention 14 Emmy nominations. It gets people talking around the water cooler and has its own subreddit. The Guardian calls it a cultural juggernaut . If youve seen the show and noted its production values and austerely sumptuous set design, you wont be surprised to hear that all this success and adoration comes at a cost. Severance is one of the most expensive TV projects ever commissioned, with costs reportedly exceeding $20 million per episode. Apple has spared no expense, a seeming trend with Apple TV+ content. Overall, its estimated by The Information that Apple is losing $1 billion a year from its streaming business. Thats a lot of money, and if this was any other company the alarm bells should be sounding. But since were talking about Apple, Ill say two things: the company can afford it and its totally worth it. Apple doesnt run ads on the TV+ platform, at least not yet, so you cant really ascribe revenue directly to one show or another. (Product placement could be a direct source of revenue, but TV+ shows tend to plug Apples own products rather than taking money for plugging those by other companies, and Severance doesnt have any obvious product placement at all.) Severance was never going to be a profitable project in any easily definable way. But it definitely generates money, principally by being such a cultural behemoth that people sign up to TV+ in order to join the conversation. Its been suggested that the show has earned Apple $200M in new sign-ups, and while Id serve a pinch of salt with that figure, it gives us a ballpark sense of how important a tentpole hit can be to a streaming platform. But Severance and other breakout TV+ hits are worth far more to Apple than the money they bring in. For one thing, they are part of the pivot Ive written about repeatedly over the past couple of years, the process by which the company moves away from making most of its money from selling iPhones and into selling other things to iPhone owners. A person owning an iPhone makes them more susceptible to paying for things like TV+ (and Apple Music, Arcade, Fitness+, and so on), but the reverse is also true: a person who likes Severance is more likely to at least consider buying an iPhone. Like the iPod in the early 2000s, a streaming hit can act as bait for the entire Apple ecosystem. Spending $20M on an episode is worth it if only a few hundred thousand people watch that episode and end up as lifelong Apple customers. Apple is more than a company that designs and sells phones and computers. Its a lifestyle brand, and its fortunes depend on being perceived in a particular way. If it starts to be perceived as a bullying monopolist or a hyperbolic promise-breaker then that damages its image and its ability to resonate with customers. And, conversely, if a few successful TV shows can make Apple seem charming and folksy ( Ted Lasso ), funny and rebellious ( Bad Sisters ), cultured and literate ( Pachinko ), or cynical and flatulent ( Slow Horses ), or weird and smart ( Severance ) then that buys priceless reputational benefits. More broadly, Apple stands to benefit simply by bringing good art into existence. The company worked this angle to a certain extent when the TV+-distributed movie CODA won three Oscars, and I found its attempt to horn in on the plaudits mildly distasteful since the film had been made and even premiered at Sundance before Apple got involved. But with shows like Severance , Apple can rightly claim to be a cultural force for good. Speaking to Variety last week, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos said he was confused by Apple TV+ and didnt really see the point. I dont understand it beyond a marketing play, he said. But theyre really smart people. Maybe they see something we dont. Netflix doesnt have a wider brand ecosystem like Apple, so of course Sarandos doesnt understand. If youre Netflix, you measure the success of a show by the number of subscriptions it drives versus the money it costs. But when youre in the reputation business like Apple, you get to play a longer game. Thats not to say that Apple will play a longer game. Last week it was reported that the company intends to slash its TV+ budget. I hope thats not accurate. Because theres more at stake than money. Also Severance is a great show and I dont want it to get canceled before I find out about those goats. Foundry Welcome to our weekly Apple Breakfast column, which includes all the Apple news you missed last week in a handy bite-sized roundup. We call it Apple Breakfast because we think it goes great with a Monday morning cup of coffee or tea, but its cool if you want to give it a read during lunch or dinner hours too. Trending: Top stories Future iPhones might ditch the USB-C port . Good. Apple Intelligence isnt just bad, its making Apple worse , reckons the Macalope. Is Siri really that bad ? Yes, yes it is . Which might be why Apple has reportedly ousted the Siri boss . This years WWDC keynote will be must-see Apple TV . Apple Watch SE 3 or 11e? Why following the iPhone is the wrong strategy . Your iPhones Action button is surprisingly powerfulheres everything it can do . iPhone 16e Speedtest results show how impressive Apples CI modem is. EU orders Apple to open up iOS connectivity features . Podcast of the week The second part of Apples M4 Mac rollout happened with the release of the M4 MacBook Air and the new Mac Studio. We review them in the latest episode of the Macworld podcast. You can catch every episode of the Macworld Podcast on Spotify , Soundcloud , the Podcasts app , or our own site . Reviews corner Codeweavers CrossOver for Mac review : One of the simplest ways to run Windows apps on a Mac . Surfshark One review : Impressive antivirus plus a reliable VPN service. The rumor mill This iOS 18.4 feature confirms: Apple is working on something big . Apples first foldable iPhone could cost more than the priciest iPad Pro . The rumored iPhone 17 Air is a trial run for phones with zero ports . Something which the EU has confirmed would be completely legal . New leak corroborates a major iPhone redesign this year. In a twist, Apple has two new Mac displays in the works. Software updates, bugs, and problems New Mac phishing attack causes fake freezes to nab your Apple ID password. Apple Passwords bug left users vulnerable to phishing attacks for three months. Theres a firmware update for Apples new MagSafe charger (but not the old one). iOS 18.4 beta 4 is out now , but the new Siri may not arrive until next year. And with that, were done for this weeks Apple Breakfast. If youd like to get regular roundups, sign up for our newsletters , including our new email from The Macalopean irreverent, humorous take on the latest news and rumors from a half-man, half-mythical Mac beast. You can also follow uson Facebook , Threads , Bluesky , or X for discussion of breaking Apple news stories. See you next Monday, and stay Appley.
While the Samsung March Madness event rolls on with notable deals and enhanced trade-in offers on its latest lineup of Galaxy S25/Ultra smartphones , as well as Galaxy Watch 7 , tablets, smart TVs, and more, a rare and particularly notable deal on Galaxy Watch Ultra just popped up at Amazon. Samsung is still offering a straight up $230 off all Galaxy Watch Ultra configurations with any band of your choice, but Amazon is also now offering a frankly wild bundle deal on the Galaxy Watch Ultra Bespoke Edition with the Dark Gray Trail Band down at just $259.99 shipped this is at least $390 in savings, and it might not last for very long. more
The official Walmart Super Savings Week Spring sale is now in full swing with many of the best advertised deals now up for grabs. Amazon announced its Big Spring Sale that is set to kick off tomorrow but Walmart is getting a one day head start with loads of p rice drops now live across a number of product categories from Apple gear like Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods through to loads of Ninja kitchen products, outdoor patio sets and grills to get your space summer-ready, LEGO kits, and much more. Head below for more details on the now live Walmart Super Savings Week Spring sale. more
Tablets and laptops are only getting more powerful , but rarely are there enough ports to harness all that potential. While Bluetooth accessories certainly have their place, you might prefer the speed and accuracy of wired peripherals not to mention items that dont have wireless counterparts. 5You have two main options for adding more connectivity to your tablet or laptop: a docking station or a hub. Both provide some combination of extra USB, HDMI, SD card slot, Ethernet and/or 3.5 mm ports so you can connect peripherals like monitors or wired mice and keyboards. Docking stations tend to be larger, require AC power and are usually meant to be stationary. A USB-C hub, on the other hand, is more portable and doesnt need its own power source. We tested more than a dozen options to come up with the best USB-C hub for maximizing your ports, and weve included advice on what to look for before you buy. Table of contents Best USB-C hubs for 2025 What to look for in a USB-C hub How we test USB-C hubs Other hubs we tested Best USB-C hubs for 2025 What to look for in a USB-C hub Hub vs docking station The first thing to decide is whether you need a USB-C hub or a USB-C docking station. Theres no set standard for what differentiates the two, but docking stations tend to have more ports, offer a separate DC power adapter and cost more, with some reaching upwards of $400. We have a separate guide to the best docking stations to check out if youre looking for something bigger than what were discussing here. USB-C hubs, in contrast, have between four and 10 ports, can support pass-through charging and typically cost between $30 and $150. Hubs, sometimes also called dongles or even multiport adapters, make more sense for smaller setups with just a few peripherals, such as a monitor, a wired keyboard and mouse, and the occasional external drive. Theyre also more portable, since theyre small and require no dedicated power. That could be useful if you change work locations but want to bring your accessories with you, or if you want to replace your laptop with a more powerful tablet . A docking station makes more sense for someone who needs a robust setup for their laptop, including multiple external monitors, webcams, stream decks, microphones and so on. Both docks and hubs make it easy to grab your laptop off your desk for a meeting or other brief relocation and when you get back, you only need to plug in one cable to get all your accessories reconnected. Ports The first port to consider is the one on your laptop or tablet. For a USB-C hub to work, it needs to connect to a port that supports video, data and power all of which is covered by anything listed as USB 3.0 or better, including USB4 and Thunderbolt 3 and 4. The port, of course, needs to be Type-C as well. The sea of laptops out there is vast, so its hard to make generalizations, but modern laptops should have at least one USB-C port that will suffice, and indeed, every one of our top picks for the best laptops do. Next, its a matter of finding a good USB-C hub that has the right connections for your needs. Most hubs offer some combo of HDMI, USB, SD card reader, Ethernet and 3.5 mm ports. If you have a 4K monitor and would like at least a 60Hz refresh rate, youll need a hub with an HDMI 2.0 port HDMI 1.4 only goes up to 30Hz. HDMI 2.1 will handle 4K at up to 120Hz, but hubs that have adopted that standard arent as common just yet. Keep in mind that a low refresh rate can cause your screen to feel laggy, making your mouse appear glitchy and your webcam movements to look delayed. Additional USB ports on these accessories are usually Type-A or Type-C. They can support data with different transfer rates, typically 5Gbps or 10Gbps. Some ports only handle passthrough power and no data, and some can do data, power and video, so its best to check the spec list to make sure youre getting the support you need. Keep in mind that a hub may bill itself as a 7-in-1, but one of those ports may not be usable for anything other than charging. Standard SD and microSD slots are useful for transferring data from cameras and the like. Ethernet ports may deliver faster internet speeds than your Wi-Fi and a hub with a 3.5mm jack can bring back the wired headphone connection that some laptops have ditched. Power delivery Nearly all of the USB-C hubs I tested support passthrough charging. That means if your laptop or tablet only charges via USB, you dont have to take up another port on your laptop to keep everything topped up. Unlike a docking station, powering a hub is optional. The one exception is if you want to close the lid on your laptop while you work on an external monitor. Most computers will go into sleep mode if the lid is closed without power, so either the laptop or the hub will need to be plugged into the wall to prevent that from happening. Many of the newer hubs include a 100W USB-C power delivery (PD) port, with a healthy 80 to 85 watts going to your Mac, PC or tablet (the hubs take a little of the juice for themselves, hence the 15-watt or so difference). In my tests, a powered USB hub ran hotter than when it wasn't passing the charge through, so I prefer to power the computer directly using its own charger. But for tablets or other devices with no extra ports, that PD option is important. Some PD ports are also data ports which is both good and bad. On one hand, it feels wasteful to use a perfectly good data port just for boring old electricity. But on the other hand, USB-C connections that only carry a charge are less versatile, and it makes it seem like it has more accessory hookups than it actually does. Design Theres surprisingly little design variation among hubs. Most look like a flat slab, a little smaller than a smartphone, and have an attached Type-C host cable. The hues range from a silvery black to a silvery gray. Some are thinner than others, some have all ports on one edge and some have ports on both sides. All of this is just to say that aesthetics probably wont make or break your buying decision. One variation that could tip the scales is the length of the cable. A longer one will give you more freedom as you arrange the hub on your desk, potentially even letting you hide it behind your laptop. Or you may prefer a shorter one to keep the hub neatly set beside your laptop. How we test USB-C hubs Before we test anything, we take a look at whats available and how theyve been received by shoppers, forum-goers and other publications. I became familiar with a few reputable brands when I was testing docking stations, so I looked into hubs from those companies as well. I focused on items that would help with an average day of productivity not high-end setups or demanding gaming situations. Once I settled on a dozen or so that would make good candidates, I had them shipped to my humble office in the desert and started testing them out over the course of a few weeks. I used an M1 MacBook Pro as the host computer and plugged in accessories that include a 4K Dell monitor, a ZSA USB-C ergo keyboard , a Logitech USB-A gaming mouse , an Elgato USB-C 4K webcam , a Logitech streaming light, a USB-A 3.0 Sandisk thumb drive, a USB-C Samsung T7 Shield external drive and a pair of wired headphones I got for free on an airplane (I should probably invest in some wired headphones, but the cord dangling on my chest drives me nutty so all my earbuds are wireless). I used high-end HDMI and USB-C cables to ensure that any data or connectivity issues werent related to my equipment. Then I put each USB-C hub through a gamut of basic tests. I looked at what could be plugged in at once, the resolution on the monitor, data transfer speeds, the overall build quality of the hub and general usability factors, like the placement of the ports and the length of the cords. And, finally, the price-to-value ratio helped determine the best ones for a few different use cases. Other hubs we tested HyperDrive Next 10 Port USB-C Hub Theres a lot to like about HyperDrives Next 10 Port USB-C Hub . The tethered cable is a lavish 13 inches long, the HDMI 2.0 port outputs clear and crisp 4K visuals at 60Hz and the data transfers are screaming fast. It has the coveted two USB-C data ports plus a PD port, and theres even a headphone jack. The only thing that holds back a full-throated endorsement is the way our unit handled a streaming light. Having it on at full brightness made the webcam flicker every time. The issue went away at 75 percent brightness, but the same problem didnt happen on any other hub I tested. Anker 341 USB-C Hub (7-in-1) Theres nothing wrong with the Anker 341 USB-C hub. In fact its a current recommendation in our iPad accessories guide and it comes at a great $35 price. It gives you two USB-A ports as well as SD slots. But at this point, a 1.4 HDMI connection, which only supports 4K resolution at 30Hz feels a little retro. Theres also just a single USB-C downstream port and the data transfer tests proved to be a touch slower than the other hubs. But if youve got a lower resolution monitor and dont need more than one USB-C, you wont be disappointed with it. Startech 4-Port USB-C Hub (data only) I only became aware of Startech when I started researching for this guide. The quality is decent and the yellow accents are a welcome bit of color in the otherwise very gray world of hubs. The performance is solid, with no hiccups that I encountered. The brands 4-Port USB-C Hub has a long cord that wraps around the hub itself, which is unique. It doesnt bother with power delivery, which isnt an issue if you can power your computer directly. But the four USB ports (three Type-A and one Type-C) max out at 5Gbps and theres no HDMI connector. It goes for $46, and unfortunately for it, there are cheaper ways to get a few more USB ports for your setup. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-usb-c-hub-120051833.html?src=rss
The best smart LED light bulbs for 2025
Smart LED light bulbs are one of the easiest ways to get into the IoT space. These smart lighting solutions let you control your homes illumination from your phone and other connected devices, and in addition to that practicality, they also inject some fun into your space. Color-changing bulbs have a plethora of RGB options for you to customize the lighting mood for your next movie night, date night or game day, or you can opt for cozy warm white light when you need to unwind at the end of a long day. It goes without saying that many of these smart LED light bulbs work with Amazons Alexa and the Google Assistant, so if you already have a smart home setup in the works, you can find one that fits into your chosen ecosystem. And arguably the best thing about these devices is that they can fit into any budget; affordable and advanced options have flooded the space over the past few years. Weve tested out a bunch of smart lights over the years, and these are our current favorites. Table of contents Best smart lights for 2025 Other smart bulbs we tested What to look for in smart light bulbs Smart light bulb FAQs Best smart lights for 2025 Other smart bulbs weve tested Nanoleaf Smarter Kit While weve recommended Nanoleafs Smarter Kits in guides in the past, theyre a bit more niche than other smart lights on this list. Theyre best for adding flare to your living room or game-streaming setup as they come in different shapes like hexagons and triangles and can sync with music. In addition to different colors, light animations and schedules, Nanoleafs Smart Kits also support Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands. What to look for in smart light bulbs Connectivity (To hub or not to hub) One of the biggest appeals of smart lighting solutions is being able to control them from your phone. Most of them are able to do so by connecting to it via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or via an external hub, which handles the connection for them. Bluetooth connectivity limits the range in which youll be able to control the light, so its only best for a limited number of bulbs and ones you dont expect to control when youre away. Wi-Fi color-changing bulbs are easy to set up and can be cheaper overall since they dont require a hub to connect them. However, having something like a central Zigbee hub can make your whole system more reliable since its connection is separate from your homes network. For that reason, hub-based bulbs tend to be more expandable, so we mainly recommend those if you want to eventually have dozens of smart lights around your home. White or color? Most color-changing bulbs youll find today are white and color bulbs, meaning they can glow in vibrant RGB color-options like blues, pinks, greens and everything in between, as well as shine with different temperatures of white. But there are some white-only bulbs out there, and they are often a bit more affordable than their color counterparts. While we recommend springing for the white-and-color devices, if youd prefer white only, make sure youre getting a bulb that can span the color temperature spectrum (typically from about 2000 to 5000 Kelvin), offering you various levels of cool and warm white light. App features One of the perks of smart lighting solutions is the amount of control you have over them thanks to their various app-control capabilities. Most companion apps let you do things like set lighting schedules and timers, group individual lights into room designations and create your own custom light scenes with different RGB options. But we have seen other features that arent as ubiquitous like vacation mode for automatically turning lights on and off to enhance your home security, and sync with media, which changes the colors of lights depending on the music youre listening to or the game youre currently live-streaming. Smart home compatibility If you use a smart assistant like Amazons Alexa or the Google Assistant regularly, make sure the smart lights or smart switches work with your favorite. All of the bulbs we tested supported both Amazons and Googles virtual assistants, allowing you to use voice commands to turn lights on and off, dim them with a virtual dimmer and more. The wildcard here is Siri and Apples HomeKit; while numerous smart bulbs have added HomeKit support, not all lights are compatible with Apples smart home system. Expandability We alluded to this above, but youll want to consider how many smart lights you eventually want in your home. Some brands and lighting systems are easier to expand than others, and we generally recommend going for hub-based bulbs if you plan on putting smart lights in every room in your home. If youre only looking to deck out your home office or living room with some fancy color-changing bulbs, Wi-Fi options should serve you well. Thankfully, these are some of the most affordable smart home devices you can get, so even if you dont have a clear answer to this question now, you can reconsider your options down the line if you do decide to outfit your home with multiple smart bulbs. Smart light bulb FAQs Whats the best smart light bulb for Alexa? There is no best smart light bulb for Alexa. Amazon doesnt make its own smart bulbs (like it does for smart plugs and thermostats), but rather there are dozens of smart lights made by third-parties that work with Alexa including all of the ones we tested. Before picking the best smart light bulb for you, make sure to check the voice assistants that the contenders support. Youll find that most smart light bulbs available today work with Amazons Alexa and the Google Assistant, and plenty of them also have support for Apples Siri and HomeKit. Can you put a smart bulb in any lamp? Smart light bulbs can go into most modern light fixtures but just like regular bulbs, they need to be the right shape/size for the fixture. A standard A19 smart light bulb should work properly in most table, floor and other lamps. If you have a fixture that takes a specific type of bulb, look for smart bulbs that will fit properly. Do smart light bulbs use electricity when off? Smart light bulbs do use a negligible amount of electricity when their fixtures are turned off. This is due to the fact that the smart bulb needs to stay in constant contact with your homes internet connection or Bluetooth in order to work properly. However, their energy-saving benefits usually outweigh the small amount of power they consume even while turned off. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/best-smart-led-light-bulbs-143022856.html?src=rss
Google says a technical issue caused some users Maps Timeline data to be deleted
After weeks of some Google Maps users reporting that their Timelines had been wiped of all the places theyve visited, as spotted by 9to5Google earlier this month, Google has confirmed that some users data was deleted and is, in some cases, unrecoverable. In a statement to The Verge , Google spokesperson Genevieve Park said, We briefly experienced a technical issue that caused the deletion of Timeline data for some people. Only users who had backups turned on will be able to restore their Timelines, according to the statement. Google recently switched to on-device storage for Timeline data, and backups dont appear to be on by default. To enable them, you have to go into Your Timeline in the Maps app and update the settings from the cloud icon there. The incident caused some users to lose years worth of location history. And while some who had backups enabled prior to the issue have said they were able to restore their Timeline data, others on Reddit said they werent able to get it all back even after importing their backups. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/google-says-a-technical-issue-caused-some-users-maps-timeline-data-to-be-deleted-214358403.html?src=rss
Apples rumored plastic Apple Watch SE has reportedly hit a serious snag
Weve been hearing for some time that Apple is working on a version of the Apple Watch SE with a plastic shell to offer a cheaper and more kid-friendly option, but it seems bringing that vision to life is a bit more complicated than expected. After Apples September event last year came and went with no new Apple Watch SE announced, Mark Gurman reported that the team had run into some cost and quality challenges with the plastic design, but that it was still happening . Now, in this weeks Power On newsletter, Gurman says the plastic Apple Watch SE is in serious jeopardy. According to Gurman, The design team doesnt like the look, and the operations team is finding it difficult to make the casing materially cheaper than the current aluminum chassis. Its been over two years since Apple released the second generation Apple Watch SE, and that model now feels bland, as Engadgets Amy Skorheim wrote after revisiting the device recently . A refresh is due, but it's now looking like the plastic design may not be in the cards just yet. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/apples-rumored-plastic-apple-watch-se-has-reportedly-hit-a-serious-snag-180820143.html?src=rss
Apple Watches with built-in cameras to support AI features are reportedly in the works
Apple is working on adding cameras to future Apple Watch models in order to make them function more like AI wearables, according to Bloomberg s Mark Gurman in the Power On newsletter. Gurman reports that the company is considering adding cameras to both its standard Series watches and Ultra models, with plans for a 2027 launch. The move would allow the Apple Watch to support AI features like Visual Intelligence , which can provide on-the-spot information about whatever the user points the camera at. Gurman previously reported that Apple is developing AirPods with a built-in camera for the same purpose, and he notes this week that these are expected to launch around the same time as the camera-equipped Apple Watches. Camera placement would likely vary among the different watch models. According to Gurman, the Series watches could get a camera in the display, while the camera in the Ultra would be on the side of the device. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/apple-watches-with-built-in-cameras-to-support-ai-features-are-reportedly-in-the-works-154531629.html?src=rss
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is down to $280 in the Amazon Spring Sale
If youre looking to upgrade your kitchen with a versatile countertop oven, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is currently on sale for $280 thanks to the Amazon Spring Sale down from its usual $350. Thats a $70 discount on one of the most well-regarded air fryer toaster ovens out there, and its close to the lowest price weve ever seen. Brevilles Smart Oven Air Fryer combines convection baking and air frying into a single, compact appliance. It features Element iQ system technology, which intelligently adjusts heat distribution to ensure precise and even cooking. Whether youre roasting a chicken, crisping up fries or baking cookies, this oven is designed to handle it all. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer has 11 cooking functions, including toast, bake, roast, broil, air fry, and pizza, making it a versatile tool for any kitchen. While throwing down close to $300 might seem steep, you have to consider how flexible this oven is, plus how good of a deal you can get right now. Air fryers have become convenient alternatives to ovens thanks to the speed at which you can cook with them. The Breville Smart Air Fryer is no different; its super convection technology speeds up cooking times while delivering that golden, crispy finish we all love. The LCD display and easy-to-use dials make navigating the settings simple, while the spacious interior can fit a 13-inch pizza or six slices of toast at once handy when you have a big family or crowd to feed. If you want even more features and are prepared to part with a little more cash, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is also on sale for $300, down from its usual $400. In our roundup of the best air fryers , we consider it the best air fryer toaster oven thanks to its extra cooking presets, a larger capacity and dehydration capabilities, making it an even better choice for those who frequently cook in bulk. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-breville-smart-oven-air-fryer-is-down-to-280-in-the-amazon-spring-sale-145714126.html?src=rss
Amazon just knocked $100 off just about every Apple Watch Series 10 model, deals from $299 lows
Amazon has now brought back the straight up, no-strings attached $100 price drops across the Apple Watch Series 10 lineup to give folks another shot at the best cash deals we have tracked to date. Landing on par with the lowest prices we have tracked on the latest model Apple wearables, just about all configurations are now $100 off with deals starting from $299 shipped. more
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Amazon hosted a dedicated showcase event last month to unveil the all-new upgraded Alexa+ , and today we are tracking the first chance to save since its debut on some of the gear that will support it as it begins to roll out. There were some impressive new features and demos of the upgraded Amazon AI assistant natural, flowing conversations, the newAlexicons, third-party AI integrations, the ability to handle far more complicated commands, and a whole lot more detailed right here . While at the time it seemed as though Alexa+ would only be supported on Echo Show 8, 10, 15, and 21, many of the smart Amazon speakers and displays now carry a This device works with Alexa+ badge, and a bunch of them are also now on sale ahead of the Big Spring Sale set to kick off on Tuesday. The details and deals await below. more
