Chipolo POP item tracker available ahead of AirTag 2 launch
Popular item tracker brand Chipolo just released a new accessory called the Chipolo POP. This device is compatible with Android and iOS and is the The post Chipolo POP item tracker available ahead of AirTag 2 launch appeared first on BGR .
Espresso 15 Pro review: Just a really nice (though pricey) portable monitor
Espresso Displays makes some of our favorite portable monitors , but up until now, it felt like there was a hole in its portfolio. That's because aside from its flagship model the $800 Espresso 17 Pro the other members of the family are slightly more affordable fare like the $469 Espresso Touch 13 and $499 Touch 15. Today, the company is plugging that gap with the Espresso 15 Pro, which packs everything I like about its bigger sibling in a more portable package for $699 (with a stand included). Design and display One of the things I appreciate about Espresso is that it doesn't try to do too much. The 15 Pro features an ultra minimalist design made from simple sheets of matte black aluminum along with glossy glass in front (if you prefer matte displays, you can always add one of the company's textured screen protectors ). Granted, the monitor does have a bit of a chin, but aside from two USB-C ports stashed in the corner, that's really the 15 Pro's only defining exterior feature, so I'm not that bothered. All told, the display weighs 1 pound and 11 ounces, which sounds a lot heavier than it feels. As for its specs, the Espresso 15 Pro's 4K LCD panel delivers nearly everything you want and then some. Brightness tops out at 550 nits (it was actually 556 nits according to my light meter), which is higher than the 450 nits on the 17-inch model. It also covers 100 percent of the Adobe RGB spectrum with 10-bit color (8-bit + 2-bit frame rate control). The one thing I wish Espresso included was a 120Hz refresh rate instead of being capped at 60Hz. That said, unless you're gaming or editing videos, that limitation may not be a huge factor. Setup and special features Sam Rutherford for Engadget Getting the 15 Pro up and running couldn't be easier. Each USB-C port has enough bandwidth to carry power and data over a single cable, so you just need to plug in the included cord, and off you go. The one exception is for laptops that can't send out much power via USB-C, but I tested the monitor with 4 different laptops (both Mac and PC) and none of them had issues. The display even automatically downloaded the EspressoFlow software, which adds touch support to your Apple notebooks. You also get the new Glide feature that automatically positions the monitor in the right place depending on how you have it arranged next to your laptop. And by some black magic, the 15 Pro nailed it when it correctly laid out the monitor to the left of my notebook's built-in screen. As someone who has recently been forced to use a Mac for work, the ability to quickly and easily add touch support to Apple's laptop is super nice. And while I'm far from a digital Degas, you can even use the display for drawing and sketching as the monitor also works with the company's optional stylus . This makes the 15 Pro an ideal travel companion for both people who want more screen real estate or a portable way of creating art on the go. Accessories In addition to screen protectors and pens, there are also a couple of important stand accessories for the 15 Pro. The first is the $49 Espresso Case , which is more of a magnetic folding cover that protects the screen while in transit that can also flip around back to become a kickstand when you're working. Like the display itself, it's a fairly simple affair that does exactly what you expect it to. However, for those who want something more substantial, the 15 Pro also works with Espresso's $69 Stand+ . It's more like what you'd see on a traditional desktop monitor, except that it can fold up for improved portability while also packing a really strong magnet that allows you to mount the monitor in a variety of positions. This thing might be too pricey for some, but I've quickly grown to appreciate how easy it makes putting the 15 Pro in the perfect position. It's more well-built than a lot of the desktop monitor stands I have. The obvious drawback is that at 1 pound and 4 ounces, the Stand+ weighs almost as much as the display itself, which is rather hefty. Wrap-up Sam Rutherford for Engadget The Espresso 15 Pro has nearly everything I look for in a premium portable monitor. It features well above average brightness, a sleek but sturdy design and super simple setup. It also comes with a few special features like Glide and added touch support for Macs that help you get more out of the devices you already own. And thanks to a wealth of accessories, it can adapt to almost any use case. While I'd like a higher refresh rate, not having it is far from a deal-breaker. That would almost certainly increase its price, and considering that the 15 Pro is already somewhat costly, starting at $699 for the monitor and the Stand+, I'm not sure the added expense would be worth it. Regardless, if you want a really portable monitor that's also more than good enough to use at home, there aren't many other displays that can match the Espresso 15 Pro. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/espresso-15-pro-review-just-a-really-nice-though-pricey-portable-monitor-230046315.html?src=rss
How will Apple improve its AI while protecting your privacy?
Macworld With all the problems weve heard about Apple Intelligence latelydelayed Siri improvements, bad news notification summaries, unimpressive image generation, and moreyou might wonder what Apple is planning to do to right the ship. Obviously new and improved models are important, and so in increased training, but Apple has a particularly hard time of this because its privacy policies are a lot more strict than other companies creating AI products. In a new post on Apples Machine Learning Research site, the company explains a technique it will employ to help its AI be more relevant, more often, without training it on your personal data. Ensuring privacy while polling for usage data Differential Privacy is a way to, as Apple puts it, gain insight into what many Apple users are doing, while helping to preserve the privacy of individual users. Basically, whenever Apple collects data in a system like this, it first strips out any identifying information (device ID, IP address, and so on) and then slightly alters the data. When millions of users submit results, that noise cancels out. Thats the Differential Privacy part: take enough samples with random noise and identifiers removed, and you cant possibly connect any particular bit of data with a user. Its a good way to, for example, get a good statistical sample of which emoji are picked most often, or which autocorrect word is used the most after a particular misspellingcollecting data on user preferences without actually being able to trace any particular data point back to any user, even if they wanted to. Apple can generate synthetic text that is representative of common prompts, then use those differential privacy techniques to find out which synthetic samples are selected by users most often. Or to determine which words and phrases are common in Genmoji prompts and which results the users are most likely to pick. The AI system could generate common sentences used in emails, for example, and then send multiple variants out to different users. Then, using differential privacy techniques, Apple can find out which ones are selected most frequently (while having no ability to know what any one individual chose). Apple has been using this technique for years to gather data meant to improve QuickType suggestions, emoji suggestions, lookup hints, and more. As anonymous as it is, it is still opt-in. Apple doesnt collect this type of data unless you affirmatively enable device analytics. Techniques like this are already being used to improve Genmoji, and in an upcoming update, theyll be used for Image Generation, Image Wand, Memories Creation, Writing Tools, and Visual Intelligence. A Bloomberg report says the new system will come in a beta update to iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, and macOS 18.5 (the second beta was released today ). Of course, this is just data gathering, and it will take weeks or months of data collection and retraining to measurably improve Apple Intelligence features.
NVIDIA is going to make AI chips and supercomputers in the US
In a decision almost certainly informed by the recent tariff chaos, NVIDIA is going to start making some of its AI chips and supercomputers in the US. The company announced that it's building and testing its Blackwell chips in Arizona and it plans to manufacture its AI supercomputers presumably the recently announced DGX Spark and DGX Station in Texas. NVIDIA says TSMC is already making Blackwell chips in Phoenix, Arizona and the company is partnering with Amkor and SPIL for testing and packaging. In Texas, the company's supercomputers will be made by Foxconn in Houston and Wistron in Dallas. Mass production at both plants is expected to ramp up in the next 12-15 months, NVIDIA says. It's not entirely clear which version of NVIDIA's Blackwell chips TSMC will actually be building, but the chip maker plans to be equipped to handle a wide variety of manufacturing for US tech companies, including Apple and Qualcomm. TSMC received $6.6 billion in funding from the CHIPS Act under the Biden administration and committed to spending an additional $100 billion to expand its US operations in March. NVIDIA has benefitted most directly from the current AI boom, and stood to be harshly impacted by the latest round of tariffs announced by President Donald Trump. As of April 11, some of those tariffs have been paused for computers and chips , saving companies like NVIDIA from some financial strife, but moving some manufacturing to the US is a much more permanent way to avoid the ongoing trade war. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/nvidia-is-going-to-make-ai-chips-and-supercomputers-in-the-us-213534618.html?src=rss
By way of its official Amazon storefront, Goal Zero is offering a chance to score its Sherpa 100AC 25,600mAh 100W Wireless AC Power Bank at $199.89 shipped. This model, which is one of the few weve seen sporting an actual AC port, has been more recently keeping to $250 after falling from its original $300 MSRP back in 2024. While we did see it go as low as $177 during Black Friday and Christmas sales, its mostly stayed above $210 over the last year, with todays deal providing a solid $50 markdown that lands it at the fourth-lowest price we have tracked $23 above the low. more
Grab this 49-inch ultrawide curved monitor while its 20% off
The INNOCN 49C1G ultrawide monitor, which features a 49-inch curved screen with a 32:9 aspect ratio, is available from Amazon at 20% off.
Running as part of its Easter Sale, Hiboy is launching its brand new U2 Pro Electric Scooter with a significant discount to $899.98 shipped along with a handy free device for its upkeep. This all-new commuting solution will carry a $1,500 price tag normally, but its hitting the ground today with the very first chance at cash savings here. Youll be getting a 40% markdown while these savings last, cutting $600 from the tag and setting the bar for future deals down the road. Whats more, youll even be getting some free gear too, as it comes with a 2-in-1 tire inflator and vacuum device that is valued at $70. more
This FastestVPN PRO lifetime subscription protects 15 devices forever at $40 (Reg. $600)
Its 2025, and its time to start taking your internet security seriously. We know its probably not top of mind, but FastestVPN makes it easy to do. And if you act fast, you can secure their PRO lifetime subscription, which is only available for a limited time. Get it now for $39.99 (reg. $600). more
Beatbot is celebrating the warmer weather moving in with a Pool Opening Sale that is taking up to 23% off its new AquaSense 2 series of advanced robot pool cleaners, starting with the AquaSense 2 model at $1,199 shipped and also matching at Amazon. This all-new cleaner was released to the market at the top of the new year carrying a $1,559 price tag, which we saw brought down to this same rate for the first time last month. The savings are returning again with this new event, taking $360 off the going rate and giving folks a sweeter opportunity to score the latest in autonomous pool cleaners at the lowest price we have tracked, along with the low prices on its counterparts below. more
Ankers rechargeable SmartTrack Apple Find My wallet card returns to $24 Prime shipped
Update: This deal is now live again. Details in the original post below. The official Anker Amazon storefront is now offering its latest rechargeable SmartTrack Card E30 with Apple Find My down at $23.99 with free shipping for Prime members or in orders over $35. This model first landed on Amazon last fall to supersede the previous, non-rechargeable model. It has carries a regular price at $35 ever since, outside of a few drops into the $24 range and youre getting another shot at it here today. more
OpenAI is phasing out GPT-4.5 for developers
OpenAI has announced its phasing out GPT-4.5 from its developer API in favor of its new GPT-4.1 model . When it launched, OpenAI described GPT-4.5 as its best and most capable model so far, in part because it was a more natural conversationalist and could capably mimic some notion of emotional intelligence. Despite what its name suggests, GPT-4.1 is supposed to be better and more efficient. OpenAI says GPT-4.1 is available exclusively to developer's using OpenAI's API, and comes in three sizes, GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini and GPT-4.1 nano. That means that if you won't find it as in option in the public-facing ChatGPT interface, but you could someday interact with an agent that leverages the model's improvements. GPT-4.1 is supposed to be better at coding and long context understanding, according to OpenAI, with support for up to one million tokens of context and knowledge of the world up to June 2024. Important to the decision to phase out the GPT-4.5 Preview, GPT-4.1 is also cheaper to run. OpenAI says the model is 26 percent cheaper than GPT-4o for median queries. The company imagines developers using GPT-4.1 to build agents that can work in software engineering environments, one of the more popular uses for generative AI. Even though GPT-4.5 will be eventually removed from OpenAI's API, the model preview will still be available in ChatGPT if you wan't to play with it. OpenAI says the GPT-4.1 family is available to use today via the company's API. GPT-4.5 will be fully-phased out in three months on July 14, 2025. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-is-phasing-out-gpt-45-for-developers-185554841.html?src=rss
Apples all-black 2024 Milanese Loop just fell back down to the Amazon all-time low (Medium size)
Deals on Apples latest updated black Milanese Loop dont tend to stick around for long, but we did just spot the medium size model back down at its Amazon low. Regularly $199, you can land this one down at $172.99 shipped to deliver a deal on par with the best we have tracked since this one was released last fall. more
Ubisoft just open-sourced its colorblind assistance tool Chroma
Ubisoft has open-sourced Chroma , the companys in-house colorblind assistance tool. Its available for download via GitHub and is described as a one-stop solution for detecting color blindness-related issues in games. Heres how it works. It throws a filter over the game screen that simulates various types of color blindness. This allows testers to flag accessibility issues in real time. The tool uses the Color Oracle algorithm and integrates with both single or dual-screen setups. It works with hotkeys and theres a customizable overlay for adjusting settings. Ubisoft says that applying the filter will not impede game performance. Ubisoft Its important to note what this software does and who its for. It simulates how a person with color blindness will experience a game, allowing devs to take action. It doesnt fix anything on its own. However, knowing is half the battle as they say. This move by Ubisoft should allow other devs to address these concerns before shipping a game out the door. Ubisoft isnt the only company that has been widening the availability of accessibility tools. EA recently made a whole bunch of accessibility patents open-source. This included photosensitivity and speech recognition tech. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/ubisoft-just-open-sourced-its-colorblind-assistance-tool-chroma-184546640.html?src=rss
iPhone and Apple Watch MagSafe travel chargers dont get much less than this, grab one for just $13
Courtesy of the official LISEN Amazon storefront, you can now score its 2-in-1 MagSafe travel charger in black for $12.77 Prime shipped once you enter promo code FQGZSRJ4 at checkout. Simply head to this link right here and add the charger to your cart without clicking anything else or redeeming any other on-page coupons as they more often than not dont stack and wont get you the best value. Also, folks without a Prime membership can dodge the shipping fee by checking out with items worth over $35 in the cart.This pocketable charger carries a $26 price tag, but it has lately been sitting at the $18 mark at Amazon. The promo code delivers an additional $5 discount on its usual going rate, dropping it down to one of the lowest prices we have tracked for it to date. more
Meta will start using data from EU users to train its AI models
Meta plans to start using data collected from its users in the European Union to train its AI systems, the company announced today . Starting this week, the tech giant will begin notifying Europeans through email and its family of apps of the fact, with the message set to include an explanation of the kind of data it plans to use as part of the training. Additionally, the notification will link out to a form users can complete to opt out of the process. We have made this objection form easy to find, read, and use, and well honor all objection forms we have already received, as well as newly submitted ones, says Meta. The company notes it will only use data it collects from public posts and Meta AI interactions for training purposes. It won't use private messages in its training sets, nor any interactions, public or otherwise, made by users under the age of 18. As for why the company wants to start using EU data now, it claims the information will allow it to fine tune its future models to better serve Europeans. We believe we have a responsibility to build AI thats not just available to Europeans, but is actually built for them. Thats why its so important for our generative AI models to be trained on a variety of data so they can understand the incredible and diverse nuances and complexities that make up European communities, Meta states. That means everything from dialects and colloquialisms, to hyper-local knowledge and the distinct ways different countries use humor and sarcasm on our products. This is particularly important as AI models become more advanced with multi-modal functionality, which spans text, voice, video, and imagery. Meta notes other AI companies, including Google and OpenAI, have similarly used data from European users to fine tune their own systems. Today's announcement follows the initial release of Meta's new Llama 4 models. After some early hype, the company was accused of gaming LMArena , a website where humans compare the outputs of different AI models to rank them. Researchers noticed Meta had provided an experimental version of Llama 4 to the site optimized for conversationality. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/meta-will-start-using-data-from-eu-users-to-train-its-ai-models-175307338.html?src=rss
The Meta Quest 3S is on sale for a record-low price
The Meta Quest 3S is on sale for $269 via Amazon . This is a record-low price for the 128GB VR headset, as it typically costs $300. It comes with a download code for Batman: Arkham Shadow and a three-month trial for Meta Quest+. This is the platforms version of Game Pass or PS Plus , with an extensive catalog of playable titles. The Quest 3S made our list of the best VR headsets , and for good reason. It offers a similar experience to the standard Quest 3, with just a couple of cut corners. This means that the graphics fidelity is a bit lower with the 3S, as it doesnt have those sweet pancake lenses. However, it does have the exact same Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip as the Quest 3 and uses the same Touch Plus controllers. They offer decent motion controls and responsive joysticks and buttons. Theres no headphone jack, but we found the speakers to be adequate in most cases. Plus, you can always insert a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter or just pair wireless headphones. Just like the original Quest 3, this one can connect to gaming PCs over USB-C or wirelessly. This allows folks to play AAA titles intended for power-hungry computers and not standalone VR headsets. It can also wirelessly stream gameplay to Chromecast devices or to AirPlay devices by mirroring the Quest app from an iPhone. We called it impressive VR for $300 in our official review . This is even more true with todays sale. The only caveat here is this is the 128GB version, which could fill up pretty fast. Batman: Arkham Shadow , for instance, is around 20GB. The 256GB model is on sale for $369 instead of $400. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-meta-quest-3s-is-on-sale-for-a-record-low-price-174954820.html?src=rss
First straight up cash deal lands on the 128GB Meta Quest 3S headset at $269
Amazon is now offering the very first chance to score a straight up cash discount on the latest Meta Quest 3S 128GB model down at $269 shipped. This particular model hit the scene in September last year at $300, and it has mostly been fetching its full price since then. We saw some bundle deals last year during Black Friday that delivered FREE credits on purchase, but this is the first time were seeing the base variant fetching a $31 discount on its listed price. The 256GB model is also at $369 shipped right now with a lighter 8% discount on its $400 usual going rate. Head below for more details. more
iOS 18.5 beta 2 arrives, but we dont see any major new features
Macworld Two days after the release of iOS 18.4 , Apple has begun the iOS 18.5 beta testing cycle. The first developer release landed on April 2, and we expect a wide release in May (or possibly late April). The last few iOS versions had their x.5 releases in May, with only minor features and changes, and we expect the same this year, especially now that the anticipated new Siri has been delayed . Updated April 14: Apple has released the second beta of iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5, but we still dont see any major new features. iOS 18.5: New features With the big Siri enhancements pushed back out of the iOS 18 update cycle and the iOS 19 beta starting at WWDC in June, we dont expect much in the way of major new featuresjust a few touch-ups, bug fixes, and security enhancements. Contact Photos in Mail In the three-dot menu () you can quickly enable or disable contact photos in Mail. AppleCare Info In Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty youll see a new AppleCare banner you can tap to learn about your coverage. iOS 18.5: How to install the public beta If you want to be among the first to test iOS 18.5, you can sign up for the public beta test. The process for installing a beta has changed in iOS 16.4. Heres how the new process works now: Click Sign Up on the Apple Beta page and register with your Apple ID. Log in to the Beta Software Program. Click Enroll your iOS device . Open the Settings app, tap General , then Software Update . In the Beta Updates section, select the iOS Public Beta. It may take a few moments after registering for the beta option to appear in Software Update. iOS 18.5: How to install the developer beta Youll need to be registered as an Apple developer. Beginning with iOS 18.5, you dont need to be in the $99 per year developer program to access the developer beta. A free developer account will do. You can get one via Xcode or the Apple Developer app in iOS. Heres how to do it via the Apple Developer app: Download the Apple Developer App from the App Store. Open the app. Tap on Account. Sign in using your usual Apple ID. Registered developers can choose to get the Public Beta instead by selecting iOS Public Beta in the Software Update screen. It may take a little time after registering as a developer for the option to appear in Software Updates. Find out everything you need to know about iOS 18 in our iOS 18 superguide .
Nintendo just launched a giant Switch game sale with hundreds of titles from $2 (Up to 50% off)
While we are still awaiting the new official pre-order date for Switch 2, we do have this weeks dedicated Mario Kart World Direct to look forward not to mention a host of sweet Switch game deals to take advantage of. Alongside all of the offers on Switch titles in this mornings roundup , Nintendo now launched a giant eShop sale with hundreds of titles at up to 50% off . Details below. more
Apple Watch Activity badges: 10th anniversary Global Close Your Rings award on April 24
Macworld Achievement badges are a funny thing. You know theyre just a simple little bit of visual flair, they dont even do anything, and yet for some reason you just have to collect them. Gamification can be a great motivator, and the achievement badges for the activity tracking on the Apple Watch have inspired many users to get more exercise. If you want to maximize your badge count, youre going to want to chase down as many activity achievements as you can. Most are available year-round, but there are also some time-limited special events to grab, too. Heres a list of all the activity achievements for the Apple Watch and how to unlock them. Updated April 14, 2025: Apple has announced a special Global Close Your Rings award on April 24 in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Apple Watch. Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $399 Best Prices Today: $329 at Walmart | $389 at Amazon | $399 at Adorama Standard achievements Most of the achievements can be earned year-round. If you open the Activity app on your iPhone, then head over to the Achievements tab, youll see some of them listed even before you earn them (in which case they will be represented by a grey outline). However, there are some achievements that are not shown until you earn them. Past and future monthly challenges, for example, wont show up, nor do all the various individual exercise workouts. Here is a list of all the standard badges you can get. First [exercise] Workout The first time you perform a new exercise for at least 5 minutes, youll get a achievement badge. Every workout type that does not fall under the Other category is eligible for this badge: from walking to yoga to HIIT to hiking and more. Activities with both indoor and outdoor variants, like Cycling and Walking, are bundled together; you can do either activity to get the badge, and can only get it once. [exercise] Workout Record Every time you beat your previous best record for calories burned in any of the exercises listed above, you get this badge. There is one caveat: You must complete five workouts of that type first. If you want to game the system, make sure your first four workouts of each type are short and easy, so it wont take much effort to beat them. You get a badge the first time you do each major exercise type, and when you break a record. 7-Workout Week Simply complete any workout of at least 15 minutes every day of the week. Note that the week is Monday-Sunday, and you have to do a workout on each of those days (you cant simply do any seven days in a row). If you start a walking workout whenever you walk outside, you can achieve this easily. New Move Record Any day that your Move ring goes further than ever before (meaning you burned more calories in a day), youll earn this award. Theres one catch: you have to use your Apple Watch for 10 days before you can complete this. New Exercise Record This is just like the Move Record achievement, only for the green ring. This one is based on minutes of exercise, not calories burned, so its really easy to get. Just like the Move Record achievement, you have to use your Apple Watch for 10 days first. Move Goal 200%, 300%, 400% You earn this when you exceed your calorie target (the red Move ring) by 2x, 3x, or 4x, respectively. In other words, its given for making the red activity ring go around two, three, or four times in a day. Its easy to get if you just set your Move goal very low. Double, triple, and quadruple your Move ring goal. Reduce your goal if youre having trouble. New Move Goal Every time you change your daily Move goal, and then exceed that new goal, you get this achievement. You can change your Move goal by opening the Activity app on your Apple Watch and force-pressing the screen. Longest Move Streak When you hit your Move goal (close the red ring) several days in a row, thats a streak. You get this award when your streak finally ends, if its longer than your previous best streak. Perfect Week This is given out for four categories: Move, Exercise, Stand, and All Activity. For the first three, simply close the rings (red, green, or blue) every day of the week. To get the Perfect Week (All Activity) badge, close all three rings every day for an entire week. You can earn this multiple times, though it only shows one badge. Remember, one week in the Activity app is from Monday-Sunday! Close those rings every day from Monday to Sunday to earn a handful of badges. Perfect Month Unlike Perfect Week, there are not multiple different Perfect Month badges for the different color rings. The lone Perfect Month achievement is for closing the red Move ring every day of the month. Theres a separate Perfect Month badge for every month and every year, though. So you can earn this in February and again in March, and again in February in the next year. Monthly Challenge Each month has its own unique fitness challenge. If you have notifications set for the Activity app on our Apple Watch, youll see the goal presented at the beginning of the month, but youll also see the current months challenge in the Achievements tab of the Activity app on your iPhone. It will be a grey outline before its completed, but you can tap on it to see what the challenge entails. The monthly challenge may task you with burning a specific number of calories, working out a number of times, or traveling a certain distance. Theres no telling what each new month will bring, you just have to look! Theres a different challenge every month, so check your Activity app. 100, 365, 500, 1,000 Move Goals When you hit your daily Move goal (close the red ring) 100 times, you get an achievement badge. You get another for hitting it 365 times, 500 times, and 1,000 times. These do not need to be in a row; its just the total number of times youve ever hit the goal. Close the Move ring often to unlock a series of badges. Set the Move goal low if you want to make it easier. Apple Watch Ultra 2 Read our review Price When Reviewed: $799 (base) Best Prices Today: $799 at Apple | Not Available at Adorama Limited Achievements Apple offers multiple one-off challenges per year that are only available for a limited time. Often, theyre only around for one day or one weekend. Some are limited to the U.S. because theyre based on U.S. holidays. Youll get a notification on your Apple Watch when one of them is coming up (make sure you have notifications enabled for the Activity app, using the Watch app on your iPhone). Global Close Your Rings Day (April 24, 2025) Apple To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the release of the first Apple Watch. Users who close all three Activity rings will earn a limited-edition award, plus 10 animated stickers and an animated badge for Messages. Heart Month challenge (February 14, 2025) Apple Show your heart some love! Close your Exercise ring this Valentines Day, February 14, to earn this award. New Years 2025 challenge (January 2025) Apple Lets start 2025 off right. Earn this award by closing all three rings for seven days in a row in January. Mental Health Day challenge (October 10) Apple Lets bring awareness to all the ways we can take care of our mental health. On October 10, record 10 mindful minutes with any app that adds to Health to get this award. National Parks challenge (August 25) Apple In the U.S., the National Parks Service was founded on August 25, 1916. Apple has a National Parks challenge around that time each year to celebrate National Parks all over the world. To get this badge, just record a workout of 20 minutes or more on August 25 with any app that adds workouts to the Health app. Global Running Day (June 5) Apple Hit the road, trail, track, or tread for Global Running Day! Record a running workout and go at least 5 km on June 5 to earn this special badge. World Meditation Day (May 21) Apple To complete this new challenge, youll need to record five or more mindful minutes using the Mindfulness app or any app that adds mindful minutes to Health app on May 21, 2024. Earth Day (April 22) Foundry Lets get moving for the planet. On April 22, do any workout for 30 minutes or more to earn this award. Record it with the Workout app or any app that adds to Health. Heart Month (February 14) Apple This Valentines day, its all about heart. Close your Exercise ring on February 14 to get this award. Veterans Day (November 11) Foundry Earn this special award on November 11 by doing any workout for 11 minutes or more. Record your time with the Workout app or any app that adds workouts to Health.
Get Apples newest iPad for $20 off at Amazon
Macworld The new iPad A16 has barely been out a month and were already seeing a pretty good price cut. Over at Amazon, you can now get the newest iPad for $328 , which means youre saving $21, one of the best discounts weve seen so far. This offer is only good on the yellow color, so if you want pink, blue, or silver, itll cost you a little more. Even though its not all that different than the previous model, we gave this new tablet a four-star rating in our review , loving how affordable it is, as well as the excellent display and the overall strong performance. Youre also definitely not going to complain about battery life because this tablet will keep you going for hours and hours of work and play even with the brightness up. Since this tablet has the A16 chip, its Apples only tablet that cant run Apple Intelligence, which requires a minimum of an A17 Pro chip with 8GB of RAM. However, given how limited the Apple Intelligence experience is these days, youre not missing much. So, if you want a new iPad, this ones a great deal at $328 , so make sure to add it to your cart sooner rather than later over before the price goes back up. Snag the newest iPad for $30 off Buy now at B&H Photo
Star Wars: Zero Company is a new tactical strategy game set in the Clone Wars
Star Wars: Zero Company is Respawn Entertainment and Bit Reactor's new single-player game.
This 7-in-1 USB-C outlet extender has all the ports you need when traveling for just $7 (Save $9)
Addtam 7-in-1 USB-C Outlet Extender Buy for $7 (Reg. $16) What we love Its hard to know what your power situation is going to look like when traveling, but with an outlet extender like this, you wont have to worry. It turns one outlet into a total of seven different power sources. The outputs range from four AC to two Type-C and one USB-A. more
INIU 20,000mAh USB-C Power Bank Buy for $12 (Reg. $30) Clip the on-page 50% off coupon. Apply code UDC86U7K during checkout What we love While there are certainly more advanced power banks on the market, this budget-friendly model provides ample backup power support for your devices with its 20,000mAh capacity. It dishes out up to 22.5W of power through the two USB-A ports and one USB-C port, which may not be the fastest speeds on the market, but it will definitely get the job done while youre moving through your day-to-day schedule. more
This UGREEN wireless transmitter connects AirPods to in-flight audio systems at $20 low
UGREEN 2-in-1 in-flight and car wireless adapter Buy for $20 (Reg. $26) What we love You are looking at a handy little wireless gadget that can beam audio wirelessly to your headphones from a wired-only source like an in-flight entertainment system or even a treadmill in your gym. Whats particularly interesting about this model is that it supports two-way audio, meaning it can send audio to your headphones or you can send audio to it from your smartphone for car systems and the like. more
Amazon offers Under Armour spring gear up to 50% off to crush your workout goals in style
Under Armour drops new markdowns on Amazon up to 50% off. Prices are as marked. Shipping is free for Prime members or in orders of $35 or more. One of our top picks from this sale is the Rival Fleece Hoodie thats currently marked down to $38 and originally sold for $55. This pullover is made from a soft, mid-weight cotton-blend fleece and features a brushed interior for extra warmth and comfort, making it perfect for cooler weather or post-workout lounging. With its relaxed fit and minimalist design, its both functional and stylish for everyday wear. You can pair it with shorts, jeans, joggers, or chino pants alike as well as find it in several color options. Find even more deals by heading below, or you can shop the entire sale here . more
Score $20 to spend at Costco with a new Gold Star Membership for $65
Want to go easier on your wallet? Right now, when you sign up to be a Gold Star Member at Costco, you can take advantage of a $20 Digital Costco Shop Card bonus. Get a Gold Star Membership today for $65 . more
This is one of the cleanest looking iPad car mounts Ive seen, and its only $13 Prime shipped
Lamicall iPad Car Mount Buy for $13 (Reg. $16) What we love A lot of the iPad car mounts we see for the back seat are often have a bulky style if you ask me. This model takes a much cleaner approach, with a design that is made to quickly snap in place with a form factor that is about as minimalitic as they come. more
This $1,700 gaming handheld is a treat for Evangelion fans
The OneXPlayer X1 Pro is decidedly Evangelion-themed, and its stock is limited.
As any avid 9to5Toys reader will know, we love our Amazon Renewed Premium iPhone deals, and some solid pricing is now starting to emerge on the latest iPhone 16 Pro models . While we have featured a ton of iPhone 15/Pro discounts, tracking down deals on unlocked iPhone 16 Pro models can be a tricky proposition quality control, color options, a solid warranty, and so on but Amazons Renewed Premium is one of the better sources and the iPhone 16 offers are now arriving. Check them out below. more
Leisurely enjoy errands and joyrides on Lectrics XP Trike with $420 bundle at $1,499 ($1,919 value)
Its the final day of Lectrics April Showers Sale with up to $654 being taken off e-bike bundles, which the brand has provided a countdown clock for through the rest of the day. We wanted to shine a spotlight on the bundle for the brands XP Trike that is coming with $420 in free gear at $1,499 shipped . Youd normally have to shell out $1,919 to get this package at full price, which sits among some of the largest bundles we have been seeing over the last year. With the additional gear, youll be upgrading your riding experience with steel-encased front and rear cargo baskets, a wide saddle with a backrest, a suspension seat post, an Elite 850 lux headlight, and a bell. more
Elgatos Wave Neo USB-C microphoneis back down to $65 low today
We just spotted a deal at Amazon that drops Elgatos Wave Neo USB-C microphone down to $64.99 shipped. This is regularly a $90 mic which is now seeing a 28% discount. Todays deal shaves $25 off its price tag, returning it back to the lowest price we first tracked for it towards the end of last year. Its a great time to cash in if you were waiting for a good deal to strike this model, and you can learn more about it below. more
Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders: Delays, prices, release date and everything else you need to know
If you somehow haven't already heard, Switch 2 pre-orders remain indefinitely delayed in the U.S. While folks in the UK are able to pre-order the new console now (while stock lasts, of course), Americans will have to wait for their time to shine. In response to new tariffs announced by President Donald Trump shortly after the last Nintendo Direct presentation , the company delayed Switch 2 pre-orders in the U.S. Canadians will also have to wait as Nintendo has also delayed pre-orders in that country as well, according to a report from MobileSyrup and confirmed by Walmart of Canada via a post on X . According a statement Nintendo provided to Engadget: Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start April 9, 2025 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions. Nintendo will update timing at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025 is unchanged. President Trump recently announced a 90-day pause on steep reciprocal tariffs affecting 75 countries, but also announced that the tariff imposed on China will go up to 125 percent (we now know it's up to 145 percent for that country). Its still unclear what this could mean for Switch 2 pre-orders and pricing, but we do know this: Nintendo started moving some of its Switch console manufacturing to Vietnam in 2019. The reciprocal tariff for Vietnam was set to be 46 percent, but with this latest announcement, that appears to be on hold for now in favor of a 10 percent reciprocal tariff thats now in effect for the 90-day pause period. The latest speculation is that Nintendo will ramp up production of Switch 2 units in Vietnam so it can ship them to the U.S. on schedule, and possibly even selling them at a loss in the short term. Nintendo had previously announced the April 9 pre-order date for North America, along with the June 5 date for wider availability. The starting price was to be $450, but that could change now in response to the proposed tariffs. Participating retailers will also be selling the Switch 2 when it eventually makes its way to the U.S. We expect those to include Amazon , Best Buy , GameStop , Walmart and others. There's some fine-print attached to pre-ordering directly from Nintendo. According to the pre-order page on Nintendo's site, you must be 18 years or older, sign in with your Nintendo account and register your interest in pre-ordering. Then, you'll be sent an invitation email when it's time to play your pre-order, and the invitation will be valid for 72 hours. And then there's this bit of info: Invitation emails will be prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis to registrants who have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership with a minimum of 12 months of paid membership and a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours, as of April 2, 2025. That seems to mean those who have paid for Switch Online in the recent past and those who have spent a good amount of time playing Switch games as of late will get first pick at buying a Switch 2. There's no telling if these same restrictions will apply if you want to pre-order from third-party retailers. We knew from the teaser trailer for the Switch 2 that Nintendo's new hardware would be bigger and would have a new approach to the detachable Joy-Cons. The new Joy-Con 2 have a new C button, mouse controls and a built in gyroscope for tilt control. The console has a built-in mic to support a new feature called Game Chat that will let you communicate with friends in-game. The device is indeed a bit larger, with a 7.9-inch LCD screen that supports a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR and a 1080p resolution. When docked, you'll be able to play at up to 4K on your TV, and Nintendo says it improved the consoles internal speakers as well. The new dock also has a built-in fan to keep the console cool and help maintain performance during long play sessions. The Switch 2 has dual USB-C ports for charging, and the base storage amount has increased to 256GB. The Switch 2's storage can be expanded like the previous model, but it will only work with newer microSD Express cards. The Switch 2 has a number of accessories that you'll be able to purchase separately as well, including the new Switch 2 camera for $50, a new Switch 2 Pro controller for $80, an extra pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers for $90, a Joy-Con 2 charging grip for $35 and more. However, considering the new question of tariffs, it's unclear if those accessory prices will change before customers can actually order the gear. Pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2 from: Nintendo Amazon Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-switch-2-pre-orders-delays-prices-release-date-and-everything-else-you-need-to-know-140931105.html?src=rss
Whether youre into shooters, fighting games or immersive RPGs, theres something for every Xbox owner out there. While Microsofts first-party output has been a bit slim lately, the company has been on a tear acquiring the likes of Bethesda and Activision Blizzard , as well as pumping up the amount of worthwhile titles in its Game Pass subscription service. The result is a plethora of games to choose from, which can be either a blessing or a curse for the indecisive gamer. To make life a bit easier, weve highlighted some of the best titles available on the Xbox Series X and S (some of which are also playable on older Xbox One systems). Weve chosen a mix of old and new titles, but given the hundreds of hours weve put into these games, we can guarantee theyre well worth your time. Check out our entire Best Games series including the best Nintendo Switch games , the best PS5 games , the best Xbox games , the best PC games and the best free games you can play today. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/best-xbox-games-140022399.html?src=rss
Delamu 94-inch Cord Cover Kit Buy for $8 (Reg. $10) What we love If theres a pesky cable around the house that youd like to hide, this is an easy and affordable way to do it. For just $8, youll get nearly 8 feet of cover, which could bail you out several times over. Ive used kits like this to stealthily get power, Ethernet, and HDMI cables to their final destination time and time again. more
The iPad update of our dreams is finally coming (we hope)
Macworld The iPad is an excellent platform, so good that many of us prefer using it over a MacBook. But it has user interface issues that hinder productivity, issues that, according to Bloombergs Mark Gurman, are going to be addressed in iPadOS 19. In his later Power On newsletter , Gurman states that with iPadOS 19, the goal is to make the iPad more like a Mac with updates that address productivity, multitasking and app window management. How Apple will implement those changes is not detailed by Gurman, who notes that while Apple wont be putting macOS on the iPad, the update will bring the software up to the level of the hardware. Windows management is the biggest problem with iPadOS. When used for production, users need to switch between apps constantly, which is difficult on the iPad. With iPadOS 16, Apple introduced Stage Manager as a window management tool several years ago, but it restricts window sizes and layouts uncomfortably. Split View, which was in place before Stage Manager, limits the user to two open app windows. So, when Gurman states that iPadOS 19 will be more like a Mac, it doesnt seem likely that Apple will implement a macOS-like Desktop, but rather window management like that of macOS, where the user can freely resize windows and move them around the screen. That would make it easier to work with multiple apps at the same time. That will be especially beneficial for iPad Pro users who have devices with larger displays and are using professional-level production apps. Gurman specifically mentions the M4 iPad Pro and the upcoming M5 iPad Pro , which could mean that Apple will taylor some features specifically for the higher-end hardware. Apple will unveil iPadOS 19 at the WWDC keynote on Monday, June 9, at 10 am PT, alongside iOS 19 and macOS 16, among other updates.
ORIA Portable Lock Box Buy for $17.50 (Reg. $35) What we love Want another layer of security when out and about? This portable lock box can secure your valuables with a customizable 4-digit combination. Theres also a built-in steel security cable which allows you to attach it to something sort of like you would with a bike lock. more
This custom Apple Pencil Pro looks like a crayon and costs $215
Macworld If theres one criticism we have of the Apple Pencilother than the confusing nature of the lineup its that it only comes in one color, white. Now modification company ColorWare has a solution to that problem, but its going to cost you. Thanks to ColorWares clever customization, you can get an Apple Pencil Pro in one of seven Crayola crayon-inspired colors : black, mint (green), pink, purple, red, yellow, and white. In addition to the colors, the Pencils look exactly like Crayola crayons with a matte-painted wrapper adorned with the trademark black oval. In a nod to its inspiration, ColorWare cheekily warns, Do not sharpen. However, the unique paint job will cost you. Specifically, itll cost you $86 more than the Apple Pencil Pro MSRP. ColorWare charges $215 for one of the new Crayon Pencils, which is something of a bargain over the non-Pro Number 2 Pencil , which also sells for $215 but is a mod of the cheaper 2nd-gen Pencil. The $215 MSRP doesnt include shipping, which varies by location. ColorWare also sells a variety of modified Apple products, including a Mac mini Retro in Light and Dark, starting at $899, a premium of $300 over the standard Mac mini. Its worth noting that the customization voids the standard Apple warranty, though ColorWare offers its own 1-year parts and labor warranty. If youre interested, the Apple Crayon Pros are expected to ship at the end of April.
As part of its Deals of the Day , Best Buy has two Worx discounts that will affordably get you geared up for spring mowing duties, led by the brands 40V 17-inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower that comes with two 4.0Ah batteries for $265.99 shipped , and matches in price over at Amazon too. Coming down off its $330 perch, most of the recent discounts weve seen on this older model have been taking things down to $280, with some falls as low as $247 in the last year. Youre looking at $64 off the going rate here today though, which provides you with a tried-and-true means to handle mowing jobs around your home. Head below to learn more about it and the additional one-day-only offer. more
Amazons regularly $100 Fire HD 8 tablet drops to $65 today, plus more from $60
Alongside some discounts on its made for Alexa+ smart speakers and displays , Amazon has also now brought back a series of the spring sale prices on its already affordable Fire tablet lineup. One standout here is the latest model Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet that is now starting down at $64.99 shipped , some 35% under the usual $100 list price. Details and additional Fire tablet deals await below. more
Spring into style with Levis Flash Sale thats offering 30% off jeans, t-shirts, jackets, more
Levis is currently offering 30% off spring favorites including jeans, jackets, t-shirts, accessories, and more. Prices are as marked. Red Tab Members ( free to sign-up ) receive complimentary delivery on all orders. One of our top picks from this sale is the 512 Slim Taper Flex Jeans that are currently marked down to $63 and originally sold for $90. These jeans offer a tailored, modern fit thats slim through the thigh and tapers down to the ankle, providing a sleek silhouette. This style features a flex technology, they deliver exceptional stretch and comfort for all-day wear. You can also choose from an array of color options and theyre rated 4.1/5 stars from Levis customers. Find even more deals by heading below, or you can shop the entire sale here . more
UGREENs new 3-slot vertical MacBook stand sees first drop to $34 (Reg. $40)
UGREEN 3-Slot Vertical Laptop Stand Buy for $34 (Reg. $40) Clip the on-page 15% off coupon. What we love This new release hit Amazon over the weekend and is accompanied by a launch discount to make it a bit more tantalizing. Weve seen similar vertical stands from UGREEN, but until now theyve held one or two devices, this unit steps things up with room for three. more
Step up your setup with WALIs metal dual-monitor stand at $32 (Reg. $40)
WALI Metal Dual-Monitor Stand Buy for $32 (Reg. $40) Clip the on-page 20% off coupon. What we love While there are a lot of ways to streamline a dual-monitor setup, this one caught my eye because of what appears to be a more premium construction than some with a design that is mostly comprised of metal. Each arm is ready to uphold a 32-inch display that weighs up to 19.8 pounds. more
Official Mario Kart World Direct showcase 3 days to go: Start time, new open-world details, more
With the full official reveal of Nintendo Switch 2, the release date , the announced $450 starting price , and the debacle that immediately followed after pre-orders were officially delayed in the U.S. (and Canada), one thing that might have raced under your radar was this weeks official Mario Kart World Direct showcase. It has been a busy couple weeks for Nintendo to say the least, and while it officially debuted the new Mario Kart game during the Switch 2 Direct alongside some Treehouse gameplay footage thereafter, it still has more to show us on the keystone Switch 2 launch game and it is set to go live later this week. more
LISENs compact 57W car charger with retractable USB-C cable falls to $17.50 (Reg. $25)
LISEN 57W Retractable USB-C Car Charger Buy for $17.50 (Reg. $25) Clip the on-page 30% off coupon. What we love These days, when I need something with a cord, I opt for retractable solutions wherever I can. This new-release car charger checks that box with a 30W USB-C cable that can be pulled out when needed, and hidden when no longer in use. It also packs both USB-A and Type-C ports as well. more
As part of its soon-to-end Easter Sale and alternate Mega Sale , EcoFlow is closing out these sales tonight with its final flash offers on three different backup power deals, starting with the DELTA Max 2000 Portable Power Station for $849 shipped . We usually see discounts hitting this models bundles over the standalone unit, which is being brought down from its $2,099 price tag here for the rest of the day (and sale). We saw it fall lower back during Black Friday sales to $799 and then $759 during Cyber Monday, with todays deal still coming in as a significant $1,250 in savings, beating out our previous mention during the brands Spring Sale by $50 to land down at the third-lowest price we have tracked. You wont currently find it available at Amazon, with this being the best price we can find right now. more
Todays best iOS app deals and freebies: Bonfire 2 Uncharted Shores, Riptide GP, more
Your Monday morning collection of the best App Store game and app deals is now ready to go down below. On your way down, be sure to scope out the now live Best Buy Spring Sale with loads of deals on iPads, AirPods, Macs, and more, as well as the ongoing all-time low on Apples most affordable new iPad A16 , this mornings Apple Pencil price drops, up to $465 off Apples 1TB 13-inch M4 iPad Pro , and this deal on Twelve Souths TimePorter Apple Watch band organizer . As for the apps, highlights include The Bonfire 2 Uncharted Shores, Riptide GP: Renegade, Not Another Weekend, Refind Self, and more. Everything awaits below. more
UGREENs metal MagSafe stand with collapsible and adjustable design hits $18.50 (Save 20%)
UGREEN Adjustable MagSafe Desk Stand Buy for $18.50 (Reg. $23) What we love While there are plenty of MagSafe-friendly ways to prop up your iPhone, this one stands out with a flexible design thats comprised of metal. Youll benefit from several points of articulation, a large anti-slip base, and a collapsible form factor that makes it easy to throw in your travel bag. more
Lunar Remastered Collection is my new favorite retro RPG package
Lunar Remastered Collection has smart quality-of-life updates that bring the games up to modern standards, making two RPG classics worth revisiting.
We are now tracking a deal at Amazon that drops ASUS Vivobook S 15 Copilot+ PC down to $799.99 shipped. This is originally a $1,300 machine that hit the scene last year as one of the first Copilot+ laptops on the market with Qualcomms Snapdragon X Elite chip. It has fetched as much as $1,100 in recent months, meaning youre looking at a $300 discount right now on its usual going rate. Todays 38% discount on its listed price marks the return of the lowest price we first tracked for it last month, making it a great time to cash in. Head below for more details along with deals on other Copilot+ PC discounted right now at Amazon. more
Three months of Apple TV+ drops to only $9
Apple TV+ has a ton of popular originals like Ted Lasso , Severance , Slow Horses , For All Mankind , Foundation and Silo . If you've been meaning to check them out, you can do so for less right now. Apple TV+ is on sale right now for $3 per month for the first three months, bringing the total cost to just $9 for the entire period. That saves you a total of $21 off the standard $10 monthly cost of the subscription that we consider to be one of our favorite streaming services . Apple's shows won 10 Emmy Awards in 2024 , including a Slow Horses victory for outstanding writing in a drama series. Although its films weren't up for anything at this year's Oscars, it received 13 nominations in 2024 , including Best Picture nods for Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon . Three months of Apple TV+ for $9 is available through April 24. Both new and qualified returning subscribers (those who haven't been subscribed for the past 30 days) are eligible. You also must sign up via Apple directly and not through a third-party provider or your mobile wireless provider. If you don't want to pay full price after three months, just remember to cancel before the renewal date. 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/three-months-of-apple-tv-drops-to-only-9-193009187.html?src=rss
The Apple Pencil Pro drops back down to $99
There are some great keyboard attachments for Apple's iPad but, sometimes, you just want to physically write things down with a pencil. While the Apple Pencil lineup can be confusing ( see our helpful guide here ), there are two great options currently on sale. Take the 23 percent discount on the Apple Pencil Pro , for instance. The markdown drops its cost to $99 from $129, only $10 more than its all-time low price. Apple released this top-end model last year and it's certainly the best of the bunch. It offers features such as squeeze gesture to see menu options and a built-in gyroscope that improves the process of changing your pen's orientation and brush tools. Plus, it works with Apple's Find My network, so you can easily locate the tool at any time. However, it's only compatible with select iPads, including the iPad Pro with an M4 chip , iPad Air with M2 or M3 chips and the iPad mini with A17 Pro. If you don't want to spend close to $100, the Apple Pencil with a USB-C port is also on sale. The 2023 model is available for $66, down from $79 a 16 percent sale. The big benefit (other than the reduced price) is that it works with a lot more iPads than the Pencil Pro. The Apple Pencil with a USB-C port also has all the basics, like tilt sensitivity, magnetic attachment and supporting Apple Pencil hover when using an iPad Pro. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-apple-pencil-pro-drops-back-down-to-99-134027919.html?src=rss
As part of its now live Spring Sale that kicked off this morning, Best Buy is now offering up to 70% off Switch 1 and PS5 games including a dedicated SEGA sale and a collection of Ubisoft titles . But one of the highlights here for us is Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft. The regularly $30 PS5 version is now $14.99 at 50% off while the Nintendo Switch edition has dropped to $19.99 . Shipping is free with a FREE My Best Buy membership . The Switch version is also matched on Amazon but you wont find this remastered version of the Lara Croft classics on sale for PS5 there. Browse through the rest of the Best Buy Spring Sale right here and youll find even more of todays best game deals waiting below. Nintendo Store holds strong on official date forSwitch 2 pre-orders in the U.S. sort of Why Switch OLED could still be the best option for most over Switch 2 [Video] more
Marathon is another live service title from Bungie, but this time an extraction shooter instead of looter shooter. Now that the team is owned by PlayStation, will it still be cross-platform?
How to join the Marathon closed alpha test
We've been waiting a long time for a new shooter from Bungie, and now we know Marathon is almost ready. Here's how you can get a taste of the game early.
Samsungs mid-range Galaxy S24 FE returns to 2025 low at $150 off, or from $250 with trade
While we saw some short-lived offers over the holidays and during Black Friday for less, Samsung has now brought back the 2025 low on its mid-range Galaxy S24 FE handsets just after the debuted of its new Tab S10 FE/+ tablets . Youll now find the most affordable configuration down from the regular $650 price tag to $499.99 shipped in all colors. This same deal also applies to the upgraded 256GB configuration at $559.99 shipped , down from the regular $710 list. Details below. more
At $301 off, this MSI gaming laptop with Core i5 and RTX 4060 delivers serious value for $699 today
We are now tracking a deal at Walmart that drops MSIs Thin 15.6-inch gaming laptop with Intel Core i5-13420H/16GB/512GB/4060 down to $699 shipped . This is regularly a $1,000 machine which is now seeing a $301 discount to land on your battlestation at a lower rate. This is a solid deal to consider if you are in the market to buy a new gaming machine, and it delivers a great value for money considering a similarly-specced MSI laptop with a less powerful RTX 4050 is currently fetching over $900 at Amazon. Head below for more details. more
Apple is working on a new Vision headset made for the Mac
Macworld Theres been organizational turmoil lately at Apples Vision Products Group, which created the Vision Pro headset. Following the completion of that project, the group was essentially disbanded as a coherent body, with constituent parts reshuffled under other reporting lines within the company. Vision boss Mike Rockwell took over the Siri brief from John Giannandrea, while the groups hardware and software engineers are now spread out across multiple teams. All this change might seem disruptive, and has reportedly led to fears of layoffs, but Apple is keeping its Vision-focused employees busy. And in the latest installment of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman reveals that the team is still working on not one but two new headsets to follow up on Vision Pros critical success but commercial failure. The first is an obvious attempt to address the two obstacles preventing Vision Pro from achieving widespread adoption: its high price tag and substantial physical bulk. The new plan is to release a model that makes the headset both lighter and cheaper, Gurman writes, noting that the first-gen Vision Pro version weighs almost 1.5 pounds and has received almost universal criticism about neck strain. He doesnt explain how Apple will make the device lighter, though it will presumably turn to a different material than the original models aluminum frame or cut down on the size. He also fails to share details on how the price will come down, particularly in light of the current tariff turmoil. These, then, are obvious upgrades Apple was always going to attempt if it went ahead with plans for a sequel to Vision Pro. A more interesting prediction is Gurmans claim that a second headset will be designed specifically for use with a Mac. In January, I reported that Apple had scrapped work on augmented reality glasses that would tether to a Mac. Instead, its now working on a Vision Pro that plugs into a Mac, he explains. The idea is to create an ultra-low-latency system for streaming a users Mac display or for connecting to high-end enterprise applications. Some customers have been using the Vision Pro for things like viewing imaging during surgery or for flight simulators. Those are two areas where a user would want the least amount of lag possiblesomething that cant be guaranteed by a fully wireless system. Apple already offers a feature that lets Vision Pro users wirelessly access their Macs display wirelessly , though the problems above have limited its success . However, a headset designed to plug into a Mac would likely be significantly cheaper and lighter and could be marketed as a pro accessory rather than a high-priced standalone item. Ultimately, Gurman insists, Apple wants to create its long-awaited augmented-reality glasses, with an extremely low weight and discreet profile. He notes that Tim Cook is hell-bent on creating an industry-leading product before Meta can, but its still many years from launch. However, the two headsets currently in development could serve as a useful stopgap before the company gets there.
Lushfoil Photography Sim wants to make photographers out of us all
Lushfoil Photography Sim captures the joys and anxieties of nature photography in one relaxing game.
Sony raises PS5 prices in a surprise selection of countries
Sony is raising the price of the PlayStation 5 in Europe and Australia, citing inflation and exchange rates as the reason.
PS5 prices are increasing across Europe, UK and Australia
Potential PS5 buyers in Europe, the UK, Australia and more will now need to fork over up to 100 more AUD, EUR and other local currencies for a console. Sony has announced a series of price hikes for the PS5 , blaming a backdrop of a challenging economic environment, including high inflation and fluctuating exchange rates. The company last raised PS5 prices across these markets in 2022. Only the PS5 Digital Edition's cost changes in Europe and the UK. It will increase to 500 ($570) from 450 ($513) in Europe and to 430 ($567) from 390 ($514) in the UK. Prices for the Digital Edition and PS5 with disc drive are rising significantly across the board. The Digital Edition is increasing to AUD $750 (USD $475) from AUD $650 (USD $412) in Australia. Meanwhile, in New Zealand, the PS5 with disc drive is now NZD $950 (USD $558), up from NZD $900. Those new prices go into effect immediately, so hopefully, you did some shopping over the weekend if you wanted a new PS5 . In contrast, Sony is reducing the cost of purchasing the add-on disc drive. Buyers will pay 80 in Europe (down from 120) and 70 in the UK, down from 100. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/ps5-prices-are-increasing-across-europe-uk-and-australia-123025793.html?src=rss
NYT Mini Crossword today: puzzle answers for Monday, April 14
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 Connections: hints and answers for Monday, April 14
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, April 14
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.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 up to $164 off with deals from $635 (Best Buy open-box w/ full warranty), more
Update: Ushered in by the Best Buy Spring Sale that is now live and offering the black Apple Watch Ultra2 at $738.99 shipped in brand new condition, we are also now tracking some newer lower pricing on open-box listings with a 1-year Apple warranty on the Black Ocean Band and Green Trail Loop configs. Details below. Straight up cash deals on brand-new Apple Watch Ultra 2 units have been harder to come by in 2025. We have seen some drops here and there on select configurations, but nothing quite as readily available as during the holiday season at the tail end of 2024. Today, however, over at Amazon youll find the the Natural Titanium Apple Watch Ultra 2 with a Navy Ocean Band marked down to $734.89 shipped , or $64 off the regular $799 price tag, alongside a host of notable open-box listings at Best Buy with full 1-year Apple warranties at the ready and up to $170 in savings on the black models . Scope those out down below. more
This may have flown under your radar, but GoPro debuted a limited-edition Polar White variant of its latest HERO13 Black camera last month. It hit the scene carrying a $400 price tag just like the regular model, and its now seeing its first discount down at $349.99 shipped . Thats straight up a $50 discount and the lowest we have tracked for this model which was listed on Amazon just over a month ago. The regular HERO13 Black is also down to $349.99 shipped right now, and youll also find the HERO13 Black Creator bundle at $499.99 shipped , down from its usual price of $600. Head below for more details. more
How to get Sabrina Carpenter skins in Fortnite
Sabrina Carpenter brings her charm to Fortnite with stunning cosmetic items and some of her popular songs. Here's how to get both of her outfits in Fortnite.
Amazon is now offering up to $300 off unlocked Google Pixel 9/Pro smartphones, deals from $649
The all-new Google Pixel 9a pre-orders are now finally live with some notable early promotions a FREE $100 Google Store credit or you can score one for as low as $99 with a trade-in but we are also now tracking some price across the entire Pixel 9 flagship lineup of devices as well. While there have been some wild one-off and short-lived offers on select configurations for less here and there, as of right now both Best Buy and Amazon are now knocking hundreds of just about every configuration and color option with deals starting from $649. The details await below. more
Samsung's latest rugged devices are keeping old-school mobile traditions alive
For anyone who misses the way smartphones used to work, Samsung has announced two new ugged Galaxy devices, the Galaxy XCover 7 Pro and the Galaxy Tab Active 5 Pro, that feature removable backplates and user-replaceable batteries. The Galaxy XCover 7 Pro is designed for enterprise customers, but it comes packed with some of the same Galaxy AI features Samsung has been pushing on its flagship smartphones , including Google's Circle to Search and Object Eraser. The phone uses a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip, has a brighter screen and comes with a 4,350mAh battery, but the reason to buy it are all the ways Samsung's made it tougher and more customizable than the average phone. That includes IP68 water and dust resistance, MIL-STD-810H certification for drops, programmable buttons, built-in pogo pins as another charging option and a battery you can replace yourself just by popping off the back of the phone. Samsung The Galaxy Tab Active 5 Pro has a 10.1-inch screen and uses the same Snapdragon chip as the XCover 7 Pro, but the tablet offers even more options when it comes to charging. Samsung says the Galaxy Tab Active 5 Pro can be used without a battery inside if it's connected to a dock and you can also hot-swap batteries on the tablet without turning it off. You'll get to enjoy many of the same durability benefits as the XCover 7 Pro, and the IP68 water and dust resistance extends to the Galaxy Tab Active 5 Pro's S-Pen stylus, too. Samsung Neither of these devices are for normal people by any means, but they are good illustration of how formerly common-sense features like batteries you can replace yourself have become niche. We got lighter and sleeker flagship phones in the process, but one has to wonder whether XCover owners are the ones actually living the good life. The Galaxy XCover 7 Pro will be available to order on May 8, 2025. The Galaxy Tab Active 5 Pro is schedule to be released in early June, according to Samsung. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/samsungs-latest-rugged-devices-are-keeping-old-school-mobile-traditions-alive-120056640.html?src=rss
Amazon knocks 30% off Googles Indoor Nest Cams at $70, or open-box for $59 (Reg. $100)
Alongside the ongoing price drops from last week on Googles wireless Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor) , this morning Amazon has knocked 30% off the latest Google Indoor Nest Cam. Regularly $100, youll now find the Snow white, Linen, and Fog blue models all sitting down at $69.99 shipped this is matching our previous mention and the best we have tracked at Amazon in 2025. more
Boses Diamond Ultra Open Bluetooth Earbuds return to $229 shipped at Amazon ($70 off), more
Amazon is now offering various color options of the latest Bose Ultra Open Bluetooth Earbuds, including the sweet Diamond 60th Anniversary Edition set, down at $229 shipped . Regularly $299, this is $70 off, matching the price youll pay for a refurbished set right now straight from Bose , and the lowest we can find. This deal is also matched as part of the now live, weeklong Best Buy Spring Sale details on that await right here . more
Apple Pencil Pro now nearly 25% off at $99, while Apple Pencil USB-C falls to $66
After a brief hiatus up close to the full $129 MSRP, Amazon has bought the flagship Apple Pencil Pro back down to the official 2024 Black Friday price at $99 alongside a deal on the more affordable USB-C Apple Pencil at $66.13 shipped. Head below for more details. more
Dear Apple: Please learn from Nintendos Switch 2 debacle
Macworld There was huge excitement in the Price household at the start of this month when Nintendo announced the upcoming launch of the Switch 2 . And then that excitement turned to bitter recrimination when the company revealed that games for the new system could cost as much as $80, even if you choose a digital rather than physical copy. Oh and then they announced that the April 9 preorders were delayed to assess the potential impact of tariffs. This financial bombshell was especially ill-timed because its become clear that the Switch 2 is considerably less innovative than its more affordable predecessor. Many of Nintendos hits have achieved success thanks to a fun gimmick or point of difference: the DSs twin screens, the Wiis motion controls, and the Switchs twin function as a handheld and big-screen console. Even the Wii U, which flopped, at least attempted something new with its asymmetric controllers. But aside from a cursory (sorry) mouse mode for the Joy-Cons, the Switch 2 appears to just do what the Switch did with better specs. Then again, doing the same thing with better specs is a phrase that could have been written for Apple, especially its all-conquering iPhone product line. Regular readers will be well aware of the exasperating pattern : early rumors hint at a dramatic revamp and startling new features before reality bites and the new iPhone ends up being much the same as the previous model. That certainly appears to be the case this year, with the big redesign predicted earlier in the cycle now looking considerably less radical and the long-awaited shake-up now expected in 2027 . A wide camera module probably isnt going to be enough for the iPhone 17 to blow your socks off. These increasingly consistent reports about the iPhone 17 arrive, like the Switch 2 price reveal, at an inconvenient time. Because, thanks to on-again, off-again tariffs on goods imported from China, where Apple makes most of its iPhones, the company may have to bite the bullet this year and increase prices or at the very least hike the low end by bumping the starting storage . A 40 percent price bump is a lot easier to swallow if the product is 40 percent better, but if its largely the same Well, lets just say that being expensive and boring at the same time is not a good combination. Apple couldnt realistically have seen this situation coming, but I still feel like this is a crisis of its own making. Year after year, the company has changed the iPhone as little as it possibly can, in order to save money, focus engineering on other projects such as Vision Pro, and leave room for further upgrades in the future. Its been like an expert racing driver, pushing as close to the barriers as possible for maximum efficiency. But when you do that, you make yourself vulnerable to even the smallest of outside factors, and a political gust of wind just made a crash more likely. Betting against Apple (or Nintendo, for that matter) is a fools errand, and my assumption is that Tim Cook will find a way to make this work. Hes already lobbied his way to a temporary exemption , and may yet perform logistical miracles ramping up production in India and Brazil. But above all, I hope Apple will learn its lesson and stop taking iPhone customers for granted. 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. Have your say We received an interesting and thoughtful response to last weeks Apple Breakfast on the rumored iOS redesign , and Id like to quote from it here. Your apprehension toward the anticipated iOS redesign appears to stem from a preference for the familiar, writes Gregg from Denver, CO. However, embracing change is essential for technological advancement. Consider the evolution of language: languages that fail to adapt risk obsolescence. Latin, once dominant, has faded from common discourse due to its stagnation. Similarly, operating systems must evolve to remain relevant and meet users changing needs. Historically, iOS redesigns have led to significant improvements. For instance, iOS 7s overhaul introduced a cleaner, more intuitive interface that many users appreciated. While initial reactions were mixed, the changes ultimately set the stage for future innovations. Furthermore, redesigns can enhance user engagement. Studies have shown that improvements in UX/UI design, such as streamlined navigation and faster load times, can drastically reduce frustration and abandonment, encouraging users to engage more deeply with the operating system. In the realm of technology, stagnation is synonymous with decline. As technophiles, we should welcome change that propels us toward more efficient and user-friendly experiences. Trending: Top stories Next-gen CarPlay is the broken Apple promise that foreshadowed the Siri fiasco . Jason Cross will never use his AirPods Pro again without this $20 upgrade . Microsoft made me want a Fiftieth Anniversary MacBook more than ever. Can Apple make its best Mac matter again ? Hey Apple , scrap the foldable iPhone and iPad before its too late. A 256GB SSD is too small for a Mac in 2025 and its all macOSs fault. Ugh: Tariff special Tariff panic? Buying an iPhone right now is a terrible idea . With tariffs causing turmoil, the Macalope wonders what exactly Tim Cook spent a million bucks on. Talking of which Heres how President Trumps tariffs will impact the price of Apple products . And heres how Apple can handle Trumps tariffs without raising prices (too much). Podcast of the week Believe it or not, the next iPhone is only six months away! So in episode 929 of the Macworld Podcast, were covering the latest iPhone rumors and whether or not youll even be able to afford the new phone. You can catch every episode of the Macworld Podcast on Spotify , Soundcloud , the Podcasts app , or our own site . Reviews corner Best Mac data recovery apps : Bring back your lost and deleted files . Best MacBook bags, cases and sleeves : Perfect for every situation . The rumor mill Here we go again: The iPhone shake-up is now coming in 2027 . And that big redesign predicted for this year might not be so big after all . Still iPhone 16e comparison pics show off an impressively thin iPhone 17 Air . Report : Apple is prepping a giant folding iPad for release next year. iOS 19 leak shows new icons, shimmery buttons, and lots of glass . Instagram finally, finally makes an iPad app ! Maybe. Siri woes reportedly push Apples smart home hub into 2026. Software updates, bugs, and problems You can use a VPN for TikTok if it gets banned , but its a headache. 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.
Sony has now announced an official price increase on PlayStation 5 in Europe and elsewhere. While the U.S. remains safe (for now anyway), the value on that new Astro Bot bundle is looking better and better everyday. more
Best Buy has now launched its massive spring sale with thousands of items on sale across giant selection of product categories. From iPads and AirPods through to smart home gear, LEGO sets, Samsung Galaxy tablets, Bose headphones home theater, major appliances, and much more. The sale goes live right now, carries through until weeks end, and we will touch on some highlights down below. more
The best ergonomic keyboards for 2025
I probably look at my computer screen more than I look at my family members. And copious hours sitting at a desk have not done favors for my already wonky neck and shoulders. If you also feel some discomfort from typing and mousing the day away, you might want to invest in an ergonomic keyboard. The first time I tried a fully split, thumb cluster board, I knew I had found the answer to my particular problem. But it was tricky to figure out how to type on it. Other unibody boards with angled keys, such as Alice style keyboards, might make things more comfortable for you without requiring much relearning. I tried out more than 15 models of ergonomic boards and found a few that stood out. While theres no single best option for everyone (since bodies are inherently different), this guide explores the options so you can find the best ergonomic keyboard for you. Table of contents Best ergonomic keyboards for 2025 What to look for in an ergonomic keyboard How we tested ergonomic keyboards Other ergonomic keyboards we tested Best ergonomic keyboards for 2025 What to look for in an ergonomic keyboard Alice vs split Most ergonomic keyboard layouts fall into two categories: unibody (or Alice) and split. The former is a single board with the two halves of the keys rotated about 30 degrees apart at the bottom. The separation forms an A-shaped space between the keys which has nothing to do with why its called an Alice layout, its just a happy coincidence. This subtle tweak pushes your elbows away from your ribs while keeping a straight line from your forearm to your middle knuckle. Using one, I pretty instantly felt more open along the front side of my body. This layout more closely resembles a traditional keyboard, so it should be easier for most folks to get used to than a fully split option. Speaking of, split boards break the keys into two separate parts you can position individually. You can put them shoulder distance apart, bring them closer together or angle them as much as feels comfortable. You can also put your mouse between the halves, which may feel like an easier trip for your cursor hand and could potentially help with conditions like repetitive strain injuries (RSI). Personally, I like being able to put my current snack between the two parts. I've also found that pairing a split keyboard with a good ergonomic mouse has helped me even more, particularly a vertical mice. Tenkeyless You can find ergonomic keyboards with and without number pads. Not having those number keys on the right side lets you keep your mouse closer in, minimizing overall reach. But if you work with numbers a lot, youll likely want that pad included. Some programmable boards allow for the use of layers, which temporarily repurpose keys and can provide you with a ten-key option through clever remapping of letter keys. Tenting and negative tilt Tenting raises the middle of the keyboard up, so your hands move closer to a handshake position. Alice keyboards usually angle up towards the middle and always to a fixed degree, since the two sides are connected. Split boards often let you adjust the degree of tenting, going from flat to subtle to extreme lift. You may have encountered keyboards with an optional lift at the back of the board, raising the top keys higher than the space bar. Every set of hands is different, but for most people, pulling the backs of the hands towards the forearms increases strain. Negative tilt has the opposite effect by sloping in the other direction, lowering the top number keys while raising the edge with the spacebar. Many Alice and some split keyboards offer an optional negative tilt. I found it was more comfortable to enable that feature when Im standing, and I preferred to have the keys flat when sat at my desk. Staggered vs columnar This decision seems to be one of the more hotly-contested among ergo enthusiasts. A conventional keyboard has staggered keys, with each row slightly offset to the rows above and below it so the A key is about halfway between the Q and W above it. This is a holdover from vintage mechanical typewriters, in which each press activated a hammer that smashed ink onto paper in the shape of a letter. To fit the hammers as close together as possible, while still allowing for finger pads, the keys were staggered. Columnar or ortholinear keyboards stack the keys in orderly columns, often with rows that are not linear. Proponents claim this makes the keys easier to reach. Whether thats true will be up to your fingers to decide, but I can say for certain that if you learned to type on a staggered keyboard, switching to a columnar layout is tough. It will take days, possibly weeks before you instinctively hit the C key. The N, M and B keys dont fare much better. Programmable keys With a few exceptions, most ergonomic keyboards will work with PCs or Macs as a standard typing input, but the use of function and hot keys may require some remapping. It can be as easy as an onboard switch to toggle between Mac and PC layouts, or as involved as downloading software to change up the keys. Some boards even include (or let you buy) extra keycaps to change, say, the Macs Command and Option keys to PCs Start and Alt buttons. Those are what's called hot-swappable keys, meaning you just pull the old key off (usually with a provided key puller) and stick the new one on, no soldering required. For some boards, remapping or programming keys using software is a crucial feature. Gaming peripherals have extra keys that you can set to execute a series of keystrokes with the push of a single button, and we cover the best gaming keyboards in a separate guide. Keyboards that work with layers, in which a single button can perform several functions, typically allow you to change what those are. Some ergo keyboards have non-standard layouts, like thumb clusters with multiple keys near the space bar that you operate with your thumb. Youll also be able to program those. Other considerations Ergonomic keyboards come in mechanical, membrane, and scissor switch versions. Which works best for you is, again, up to your preference. I wont get too deep into the particulars here, as we have an entire guide devoted to the best mechanical boards , but the short of it is that membrane and scissor switches are less customizable than mechanical and typically cheaper. Typing on them tends to be quieter and softer. Mechanical switches are more customizable, offer a more responsive typing experience and are usually pricier. Youll also have the option of wired or wireless ergonomic boards. All other things being equal, wired models are less expensive. Competitive gamers who rely on split-second responses may prefer the zero-lag of wired keyboards. Wired models also never run out of battery life and have fewer connectivity issues. But wireless keyboards keep your desk less cluttered. Some ergonomic keyboards come with permanent or removable wrist or palm rests, which can be cushioned or hard. This is another area where opinions diverge: proponents claim they help you maintain a neutral hand position, while detractors say they put pressure on the tendons in your wrist and can exacerbate conditions like carpal tunnel. Ideally, your palms should be resting, not your wrists, and you might find you like having that support or you may find the pressure uncomfortable. Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget How we tested ergonomic keyboards All our guides begin with extensive research to figure out whats out there and whats worth testing. We consider brands with good reputations that weve heard good things about from colleagues and look at keyboard reviews in forums and other trusted publications. For this guide, I looked for keyboards with ergonomic features like tenting, split keys, palm support and so on. I also zeroed in on boards that didnt require a deep amount of familiarity with the vast and exhaustive world of custom keyboards. Once I settled on ten boards, I acquired them and used each one for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. I tried out the remapping and macros software and considered the comfort, design, price and durability of each model before arriving at picks I think will work best for the most people out there. For subsequent updates to this guide, I have continued to acquire and test out new keyboards as they come on the market, adding and replacing the top picks as warranted. If and when Microsoft ergonomic keyboards, like the Sculpt, come back on the market, as a collaboration with Incase has promised , I'll try those models, too. Other ergonomic keyboards we tested Naya Create I didnt get to fully test the Naya Create keyboard, but I was able to try one out for a few minutes during CES this year . Its one of the more customizable keyboards youll find. Not only is it a fully split, mechanical board with programmable keys, the thumb clusters sit just below two modular platforms that each accept a touchpad, rollerball, dial or a 3D joystick. These are meant to replace your mouse and other input devices, eliminating travel for your cursor hand. Each half of the keyboard body bends in two places to allow for precise tenting and, from my short time with the Naya, the hinges and the entire board felt solidly built. The Naya Create starts at $500 before you add on any of the mouse modules, but thats not stopping people from ordering. According to Nayas website, the first three batches of pre-orders sold out and the fourth batch will ship in July 2025. Goldtouch Elite Adjustable I remember wondering if something like the Goldtouch Elite Adjustable existed when I first started testing ergonomic keyboards. It didnt at the time, as far as I could tell, but now a connected yet adjustable split board is indeed a product you can buy. Its a solidly-built board and the ball joint connecting the two halves feels like it will put up with a lot of use. A squeeze of the lever at the top of the keys lets you set the board just how you like, adjusting both the vertical tenting and the angle between the two halves. Theres no programming to speak of, just the ability to swap a few function keys like print screen and home. Unfortunately, the tenting doesnt work for me. Because of the extra keys at the outer edges, raising the middle edges upwards lifts the center keys considerably, which brings my wrists and forearms off the desk instead of letting them rest. Holding them like that created extra neck and shoulder strain on my part, which is sort of the opposite of the goal. But if youre not into tenting anyway and want a flat, Alice-split board with an adjustable splay, this works quite well. Kinesis Form Split Touchpad Keyboard The idea behind the Kinesis Form Split Touchpad Keyboard is pretty ergonomic: put the trackpad between the two halves and minimize travel for your mouse hand. The distance between the two puts your elbows at a comfortable distance and keeps your wrist nearly in-line with your forearms. The build is excellent, with low profile mechanical switches that feel smooth and just the right amount of clacky. The trackpad is responsive, but gestures only work with Windows computers. Even dragging and dropping doesnt work on a Mac here, so I dont see Apple users getting much use out of the board. I also found myself wishing for the slightest rotation of the keys though theyre a good distance apart, a slight angle would keep my wrists fully unbent. Theres no tenting or negative tilt either, both of which could help a bit more, ergonomically speaking. Logitech Wavekeys While it's a perfectly fine and affordable Bluetooth keyboard, the Logitech Wavekeys has minimal ergonomics. The keys rise up slightly in the middle and there's a comfortable wrist rest attached, but the layout is the same as any other keyboard, with no splitting of the keys to open up your arms or keep your wrists straight. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-ergonomic-keyboard-130047982.html?src=rss
Rusty Rabbit review: wacky new platformer could have used a tune-up
Rusty Rabbit has an elevator pitch that's easy to love, but the wacky platformer struggles to deliver.
The best wireless headphones for 2025: Bluetooth options for every budget
Whether you're listening to playlists on your daily commute or zoning out with a podcast at home, wireless headphones can make your audio experience much more comfortable. With no cords to untangle or get caught on your bag, theyre a great pick for anyone who wants convenience without compromising on sound quality. If comfort and immersive audio are high on your priority list, over-ear wireless headphones are often the way to go they wrap around your ears to help block out the world and deliver rich detailed sound that earbuds can sometimes miss. Theres a wide range of over-ear wireless headphones to choose from, whether you want active noise cancellation, long battery life or a comfy fit for marathon listening sessions. Of course, if you're after something a little more compact or tailored to a specific use case, we also have you covered with our buying guides for the best earbuds , the best gaming headsets and the best budget earbuds . But if wireless headphones with top-tier sound and a comfortable, over-ear design are what you're after, read on weve tested the top options to help you find the right pair. Table of contents Best wireless headphones for 2025 How to choose the best wireless headphones for you How we test over-ear headphones Other wireless headphones we tested Wireless headphones FAQs Best wireless headphones for 2025 How to choose the best wireless headphones for you When it comes to shopping for a good pair of wireless headphones, the first thing youll need to decide on is wear style. Do you prefer on-ear or over-ear headphones? For the purposes of our buyers guide, we focus on the over-ear style as thats what most noise-canceling headphones are nowadays. Sure, you can find on-ear models with ANC, but over-ear designs are much more effective at blocking sound. Speaking of noise cancellation, youll want to determine early on if you even want that. If you frequently crank up the beats in noisy environments, youll want to not only make sure its there, but also make sure its good, preferably with adaptive ANC. If you plan to use your new headphones in quieter spaces, skipping ANC can save you some money. The next area to consider is features. We recommend trying to get the most bang for your buck, but as youre shopping around you should determine which items are must-haves and what you can live without. And dont take basic things like automatic pausing and Bluetooth multipoint connectivity for granted, as not all companies include them. We also suggest reading reviews to see how well a companys more advanced features work. This will help you decide if those are something youre willing to (likely) pay extra for. Keep an eye on better battery life estimates to avoid disappointment, as some manufacturers promise more hours than real-world testing delivers. And dont be easily swayed by lofty promises about call quality without verifying them. Sound can be subjective, so we recommend trying before you buy if at all possible. We understand this isnt easy at a time when were doing most of our shopping online. But trying on a set of headphones and listening to them for a few minutes can save you from an expensive case of buyers remorse. We also recommend paying attention to things like Spatial Audio , Dolby Atmos , 360 Reality Audio and other immersive formats. Not all headphones support them, so youll want to make sure a perspective pair does if that sort of thing excites you. If you plan to use your headphones for other media besides music, checking for latency is also a must some delay can impact playback for things like movies or games, even if most true wireless headphones now offer minimal lag. How we test over-ear headphones The primary way we test wireless headphones is to wear them as much as possible. We prefer to do this over a one- to two-week period, but sometimes embargoes dont allow it. During this time, we listen to a mix of music and podcasts , while also using the earbuds to take both voice and video calls. Since battery life for headphones can be 30 hours or more, we drain the battery with looping music and the volume set at a comfortable level (usually around 75 percent). Due to the longer battery estimates, well typically power the headphones off several times and leave them during a review. This simulates real-world use and keeps us from having to constantly monitor the process for over 24 straight hours. To judge the best Bluetooth headphones, we focus on higher-quality audio by listening to a variety of genres and paying close attention to how each style sounds. We also test at both low and high volumes to check for consistency in the tuning. To assess the quality of phone calls, well record audio samples with the headphones microphones as well as have third parties call us. When it comes to features, we do a thorough review of companion apps, testing each feature as we work through the software. Any holdovers from previous models are double checked for improvements or regression. If the headphones were testing are an updated version of a previous model, well spend time getting reacquainted with the older set. Ditto for the closest competition for each new set of headphones that we review. Other wireless headphones we tested AirPods Max Apples AirPods Max are premium, well-designed over-ear headphones that incorporate all of the best features you find on standard AirPods: solid noise cancelation, spatial audio and easy Siri access. However, their $550 starting price makes them almost prohibitively expensive, even for Apple users. There are better options available at lower prices, but if you can pick up the AirPods Max at a steep discount, they might be worthwhile for the biggest Apple fans among us. Dyson On-Trac The On-Trac headphones have an almost infinitely customizable design, and thats whats most unique about them. The sound profile offers some nice detail, but lacks dynamic range overall. ANC is average at best and there arent any advanced features that will make your life easier. Well, except for the hearing health monitor which is actually handy. All told, thats not a lot in a set of $500 headphones. Sonos Ace The Sonos Ace is an excellent debut for the companys first headphones. The combination of refined design, great sound quality and home theater tricks creates a unique formula. However, ANC performance is just okay and key functionality is still in the works for many users. Sony ULT Wear If most headphones dont have the level of bass you desire, the ULT Wear is an option to consider. The low-end thump isnt for everyone, but there are also plenty of handy features and a refined look to make the $200 set more compelling than many in this price range. Sony WH-CH720N While the WH-CH720N are a great affordable option, we prefer the Audio-Technica in the budget category. Sonys cans are lightweight with good sound quality, but ANC struggles at times and theyre made with a lot of plastic. Beats Studio Pro The Studio Pro lacks basic features like automatic pausing, and multipoint connectivity is only available on Android. Moreover, theyre not very comfortable for people with larger heads. Overall sound quality is improved, though, and voice performance on calls is well above average. Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones Boses latest flagship model has a lot to offer, but its trademark Immersive Audio feature can be inconsistent across different types of music. Theres still world-class ANC, excellent comfort and a clearer transparency mode, but for the price, the non-Ultra model is a better choice right now. Master & Dynamic MH40 (2nd gen) The MH40 are a great set of headphones if you favor crisp, clear and natural sound that isnt overly tuned. This pair showcases the companys affinity for leather and metal too, but limited customization and short battery life for non-ANC cans kept this set from making the cut. Bowers & Wilkins Px8 The companys trademark pristine sound is on display here , but the Px8 are more expensive and not nearly as comfortable as the Px7 S2. Wireless headphones FAQs How can you tell the quality of wireless headphones? I typically look at three factors: design, sound quality and features. In terms of design, Im usually looking to see if the build quality of the headphones feels cheap and plasticky. Plenty of companies use plastic, but they can do so in a way that doesnt look or feel like budget models. For sound quality, I want to hear a nice, even tuning where highs, mids and lows are all well represented. No overly boomy bass or scooped out mids. I also want good clarity where you can pick up fine details and an open, immersive soundstage. Features is typically a distant third, but if a company doesnt cover basic functionality (automatic pausing, transparency mode, multipoint Bluetooth, etc.) it can be an indication of overall quality. How do I choose the best quality wireless headphones? Best can be pretty subjective, but I always recommend going to a place where you can listen to the headphones youre thinking about buying before you commit. Sometimes this isnt possible, so youll want to check return policies. I also recommend doing some research to determine what your priorities are in a new set. Are you an audiophile who wants the best sound quality? Is powerful active noise cancellation (ANC) the most important? Would you rather have conveniences like automatic pausing? Which brand has the best wireless headphones? Sony consistently tops our list with its 1000X line . This is mostly due to the combination of sound quality, ANC performance and the truckload of features these headphones pack in. Ill be the first to tell you that there are better sounding options and other companies, like Bose , offer more effective noise cancellation. But when you add everything up, no one comes close to the full slate of tools Sony puts in its premium headphone line. Do expensive wireless headphones sound better? Exorbitant price tags dont mean better audio quality. Bowers & Wilkins headphones are on the high end for wireless noise-canceling models and they sound amazing. However, Audio-Technicas M50xBT2 is much more affordable and doesnt have ANC, but these headphones have a warm, natural sound profile that I find very inviting. At the end of the day, it will come down to personal preference, but you dont need to spend a lot to find great headphones. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-headphones-wireless-bluetooth-120543205.html?src=rss
Bungie shares first looks at gameplay from its new shooter, Marathon, alongside a release date
Bungie finally took the wraps off its upcoming team-based extraction shooter, Marathon , sharing a look at gameplay and a cinematic short during its showcase this weekend. We also now know the release date: September 23. Marathon will be available on Steam , PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, and support full cross play and cross save. Marathon, a reboot of Bungies 30-year-old FPS series , was first announced back in 2023, and weve heard little more about it until now. Now, Bungie says: In Marathon , players inhabit a Runner, a cybernetic mercenary scouring the remains of a lost colony of Tau Ceti IV for fortune and power. Players team up in crews of three as they battle rival Runner teams and hostile security forces for weapons and upgrades. Survive and everything theyve scavenged is theirs to keep for future runs on Tau Ceti IV or if theyre brave enough, a journey to the derelict Marathon ship that hangs above. If you missed the live Gameplay Reveal Showcase on Saturday, you can catch up on all the highlights now on Bungies website and the official Discord. The team says there will be a fairly small Closed Alpha Test from April 23 to May 4, ahead of bigger tests leading up to the release in September. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/bungie-shares-first-looks-at-gameplay-from-its-new-shooter-marathon-alongside-a-release-date-213530509.html?src=rss
iPad software will reportedly get more Mac-like with the iPadOS 19 redesign
Apple is said to be readying some big improvements for iPadOS that could bring it more in line with macOS. According to Mark Gurman in the Power On newsletter, Apples iPadOS 19 will focus on productivity, multitasking and app window management with an eye on the device operating more like a Mac. It wont quite be macOS for iPad, but Gurman notes that the changes will likely go far enough to please those users who are looking to get more out of the tablets software. It's expected to arrive later this year. Chances are we'll hear all about it at WWDC 2025 , which Apple has set for the second week of June. This year is rumored to be bringing some major changes to iOS and macOS as well, as Gurman previously reported . It all reportedly comes as part of Apples push to make its software look more consistent across its devices. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/ipad-software-will-reportedly-get-more-mac-like-with-the-ipados-19-redesign-200759136.html?src=rss
Nintendos upcoming Zelda Notes have an overlooked perk: item durability repair
The Zelda Notes feature will give players a once-a-day roll for a chance to repair their equipment.
Apple is reportedly working on two new versions of the Vision Pro
Apple hasnt abandoned its previously rumored plans to release a less expensive Vision Pro, according to Bloomberg . Mark Gurman reports in the Power On newsletter this weekend that the company has two new models in development: one thats lighter and cheaper than the first generation headset, and one that would tether to a Mac. While Apple had once considered the latter setup for AR glasses , it shifted the idea over to the Vision Pro so it can create an ultra-low-latency system for streaming a users Mac display or for connecting to high-end enterprise applications, according to Gurman. Apples ultimate goal, though, is reportedly to create AR glasses that are practical and comfortable enough to be worn like regular glasses, and the next iterations of the Vision Pro are seen as steps toward getting there. Gurman reports that Apple CEO Tim Cook is hell-bent on creating an industry-leading product before Meta can. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/apple-is-reportedly-working-on-two-new-versions-of-the-vision-pro-153536984.html?src=rss
12 Best Laptops of 2025, Tested and Reviewed
These are our favorite Windows laptops, MacBooks, Chromebooks, and Linux portables.
Rumors of the new XM6 sets have been bouncing around for a months, but as of right now the Sony XM5 Wireless Bluetooth Noise Canceling Earbuds remain both the brands flagship set and one of the industrys best. These beloved in-ears arent cheap with a $300 list price, but they just dropped back down to the $179.99 shipped Amazon low to deliver a solid 40% in savings. more
Welcome to 9to5Toys News Weekly your go-to spot to catch up on the latest new product releases, features, and hands-on reviews. This weekly roundup collects all of the coolest new gadgets, the most interesting updates in the world of tech, and more from the past week, and organizes it into a single handy reading list for you to sift through every Sunday morning. Down below youll find the latest on Nintendo Switch 2 as we await pre-orders, hands-on reviews of some new Find My gear, Samsungs all-new wireless 144Hz The Frame Pro smart TV , the kick-off date and details for the massive 2025 summer Xbox Games Showcase , and much more. more
Walmart slashed the price of this LG 32-inch monitor by $140
The 32-inch LG UltraGear QHD gaming monitor is on sale from Walmart with a $140 discount that pulls its price down to an affordable $209.
NYT Mini Crossword today: puzzle answers for Sunday, April 13
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 Sunday, April 13
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 Sunday, April 13
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 Sunday, April 13
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.
