The Stop Killing Games initiative has hit a major milestone, but the fight's just begun
A petition to preserve video game access recently achieved an important milestone of one million signatures, but it has two more challenges to overcome before reaching the final level. The Stop Killing Games movement reached a million votes earlier this month, meaning the European Union will have to consider adopting legislation addressing this issue. However, the petition first has to deal with the threat of potentially fake signatures and the resistance from major game studios and publishers. The Stop Killing Games initiative, created by Ross Scott, aims to pass new laws to ensure that video games still run even when developer support ends. The petition was a direct response to when Ubisoft delisted The Crew from online stores, shut down the game's servers in 2024, and revoked licenses from players who bought the game. Scott and other critics felt Ubisoft's actions set a dangerous precedent for gamers who may lose access to their purchased games at a developer's whim. Even though there are enough signatures to move to the next step, Scott explained in a YouTube video that many of these may have been incorrectly filled out, while others could have been falsely submitted. The movement's founder said, This is not a change.org petition, this is a government process, adding that spoofing signatures on it is a crime. To ensure enough legitimate signatures are collected, Scott said that there needs to be at least 10 percent more to cover the potentially invalid ones. As of July 6, the petition has earned more than 1.2 million signatures. Beyond the signatures, a European advocacy group that includes major gaming studios and publishers like Electronic Arts, Microsoft and Nintendo released a statement opposing the movement. Private servers are not always a viable alternative option for players as the protections we put in place to secure players data, remove illegal content, and combat unsafe community content would not exist and would leave rights holders liable, the statement read. In addition, many titles are designed from the ground-up to be online-only; in effect, these proposals would curtail developer choice by making these video games prohibitively expensive to create. In a longer report , the Video Games Europe group said that this initiative would aise the costs and risks of developing such games, create a chilling effect on game design and act as a disincentive to making such games available in Europe. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-stop-killing-games-initiative-has-hit-a-major-milestone-but-the-fights-just-begun-190431644.html?src=rss
Prime Day deal: Our favorite air purifier is $37 off right now
Prime Day 2025 is nearly here, and it's set to be bigger than ever as it will run for four days. But you don't need to wait until then for tasty deals. There are plenty of savings to shop now, including this one for the Levoit Core 400S air purifier . At $183, the device is $37 off. It's not quite the lowest price we've seen for this model. However, it's not too far off that mark of $176. The Levoit Core 400S is our current pick for the best air purifier overall . Sure, it might not have the prettiest design of all the options we have tested and the companion app might have a little too much going on. But the Core 400S does its job and does it well. This smart air purifier is slated to clean the atmosphere in spaces of up to 1,733 square feet in as little as one hour. The Core 400S has a cylindrical shape with vents at the top and a touch display that shows air quality readings. You'll be able to get a sense of the current air quality in your space at a glance with a color-changing ring that will light up in blue, green, orange or red. The 360-degree filtration system is said to be capable of capturing over 99.9 percent of pollutants as small as 0.3 microns, such as dust, pet dander and pollen. There is an auto mode that should suffice for maintaining air quality, but the Core 400S is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls too. The fan isn't too loud, even when it's operating at maximum speed the volume topped out at 62dB in our testing. Meanwhile, at $50 each, the air filter replacements aren't too expensive compared with those from many of Levoit's competitors. You can also find other Levoit Prime Day deals on Amazon right now that include more air purifiers, cordless vacuums and more. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/prime-day-deal-our-favorite-air-purifier-is-37-off-right-now-143224916.html?src=rss
Elon Musk's proposed America Party is already attracting the attention of the ultra-rich
Just a day after former White House advisor Elon Musk claimed on X that he's creating a new political party in the US, some deep-pocketed figures have offered support and potential interest. Replying to an X post that said the America Party would offer independence from the two-party system, billionaire Mark Cuban and investment banker Anthony Scaramucci both replied to Musk, providing some possible next steps. After celebrating the America Party announcement post with emojis, Cuban said that he works with the Center for Competitive Democracy and could help get Musk's party on ballots. Scaramucci also responded on X, saying he would like to meet to discuss. I work with @voterchoice . They will help you get on ballots. That is their mission. https://t.co/o4ERVGwQNH Mark Cuban (@mcuban) July 5, 2025 Scaramucci previously served as the White House communications director in 2017 during Trump's first term before being dismissed 10 days in. The former Trump ally has since crossed to the other side of the political aisle and supported both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential campaigns. Similarly, Cuban previously supported Harris and was even tied to the Democratic candidate as a potential running mate. While there are still plenty of questions about Musk's proposed political party that comes after a hostile fallout with Trump, the Tesla CEO's post on X indicated that it would focus on taking over wo or three Senate seats and eight to 10 House districts. It's unclear if Musk has already filed the necessary paperwork to officially establish the America Party. The latest filings with the Federal Election Commission show several documents that reference Musk's new party, but the veracity of these is questionable, and they sit alongside a slew of apparent joke filings, including the American Meme Party, The Diddy Party and The DOGE Party. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/elon-musks-proposed-america-party-is-already-attracting-the-attention-of-the-ultra-rich-170030496.html?src=rss
Prime Day deals include $100 off the Apple Watch Series 10
Prime Day 2025 will be here in a few days, but you can already shop great tech deals on Amazon before the July 8-11 event. Case in point: the Apple Watch Series 10 , which is $100 off at the moment and down to $299. That's the lowest price it's been so far since it came out last September. Its hard to believe that the Apple Watch is already ten years old. It seems like only yesterday that we got our hands on the first generation, and now the Apple Watch Series 10 is counting the days until the next generation is announced. Whether youre looking to upgrade from an older Apple Watch or this is your first time buying an Apple smartwatch (though keep in mind an iPhone is required to use an Apple Watch), this sale is a great opportunity to pick one up at a fantastic value. The tenth generation of the Apple Watch represents a powerhouse of computing on your wrist. In our hands-on review , we loved the comprehensive health and fitness tracking capabilities on the watch, which has been a strong niche for Apple. We were sad to see the blood oxygen app removed following a patent dispute , but features like fall detection and sleep apnea tracking are still intact. Its also the thinnest Apple Watch yet, feeling more like a slim accessory than a bulky gadget. We gave the Apple Watch 10 a score of 90 out of 100, and it remains our top pick for best smartwatch . If you're looking to send less, consider the Apple Watch SE . You can grab one for only $169 right now, or 32 percent off its usual price. It doesn't have all the bells, whistles and extra sensors that the Series 10 does, but you'll still get the core Apple Watch experience with excellent activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, smart alerts and more. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/prime-day-deals-include-100-off-the-apple-watch-series-10-152348481.html?src=rss
Why Im skipping the iPhone 17: Five reasons you should wait too
Macworld Once upon a time, Apple used to make significant changes to the iPhone every two years. A new model (iPhone 4, 5, 6, etc) would launch with an overhauled look, followed by an S variant that boosted performance and smoothed out any imperfections. Thats no longer the case. Primarily due to the iPhones maturity, iterative annual upgrades have become the norm. After all, theres only so much it can improve year over year. And despite what you may have read about this years phones , the new lineup is looking to be more of the same, even with the introduction of a new Air model. Thats why if youre planning to get a new iPhone , you may want to wait for next years iPhone 18 series . Unlike the iPhone 17 , 2026s lineup is set to bring some of the biggest design and functionality upgrades in years, which could make the iPhone 17 feel decidedly ho-hum. Something in the Air In September, Apple will reportedly launch the iPhone 17 Airan ultra-slim handset with a whole new form factor. Exciting, right? Maybe not. First-generation devices are often riddled with flaws, and a year later, the iPhone 18 Air will almost certainly address any issues with a refined and polished design. Beyond that, there seem to be few compelling reasons to opt for an iPhone 17 Air. The sleek device will likely have a mediocre battery life, a single rear camera, fewer speakers, and other compromises for a premium price tag. With most people popping their phone into a case anyway, will a super-slim iPhone really be worth it? Now that the EU has confirmed that Apple is permitted to release portless smartphones, the iPhone 18 Air could potentially take advantage of that. The end result would be a lighter, incredibly thin iPhone that, unlike the 17 Air, may justify the shortcomings and expense. The iPhone 17 Air might be super-thin, but thats nothing compared to a folding model. Foundry Above the fold Weve been hearing about a folding iPhone for years, but it finally seems like its coming. But not this year. In 2026, Apple is expected to debut its first foldable smartphone (enter the iPhone 6 Plus joke here), rivaling Samsungs Galaxy Z Fold and changing the iPhone as we know it. The 5.5-inch device is rumored to pack a 7.8-inch inner display, mimicking an iPad mini when opened. It would easily be the most dramatic and exciting iPhone change since the iPhone X in 2017, and many Apple fans are going to want to jump on board as early adopters. Lens flair Even if youre skipping the iPhone 17 Air and its single camera, the iPhone 17 Pro isnt looking to deliver much in the way of meaningful camera upgrades, other than a 24MP front-facing sensor and a 48MP telephoto lens. However, a more substantial camera boost could arrive next year. At least one iPhone 18 model (presumably the Pro Max) will boast a variable aperture lensa perk long limited to high-end professional cameras. If true, iPhone users will get to mechanically control how much light reaches the sensor for the first time. This could elevate portrait shots by improving the applied depth of field effect, as well as minimizing overexposure. Most smartphone users dont rely on a dedicated DSLR or mirrorless camera for capturing their everyday moments. Porting a variable aperture lens to the iPhone could dramatically enhance the photo-taking experience. The iPhone 17 Pros camera will be very good, but the real big changes are rumored to be coming next year. Foundry A cut above Apple introduced the Dynamic Island with the iPhone 14 Pro, and its quickly become one of the handsets best features, with quick access to timers, scores, background tasks, and so on. But when its not in use, its still somewhat unsightlyand thats not expected to change this year. Next year, however, Apple will reportedly switch to under-display Face ID sensors, which will likely shrink the Dynamic Island noticeably. The conflicting reports make it hard to predict whether the iPhone 18 Pro will feature a smaller Dynamic Island or a hole-punch design, but its safe to assume itll look more futuristic and bring the iPhone a step closer to the flawless, glass slab vision coming in 2030. Chip shift For many casual users, Apples annual chip upgrades arent all that important. iPhones from years ago still run fluidly and perform in a lag-free manner, and a slightly faster processor wont really impact the daily experience meaningfully. However, there may be a bigger boost with the iPhone 18 models. In 2026, Apple is expected to unveil the A20, switching from a 3nm to a 2nm manufacturing process. As a result, the iPhone 18 Pro models could be significantly more capable and power-efficient. But thats not allthe iPhone 18 lineup is also expected to adopt the second generation of Apples in-house 5G modem. Unlike the C1 predecessor included with the iPhone 16e, the C2 chip could support mmWave connectivity and bring other enhancements to the table. With the iPhone 17 line likely sticking to Qualcomms hungrier modem and 3nm A19 processor, its safe to assume the iPhone 18 will have a superior battery life. Next years iPhone lineup will likely have Apples second-generation modem. Foundry Iteration now, innovation later In just 12 months, Apples iPhone 18 series will likely offer some of the most distinct changes in ages. Were rumored to be getting an all-new folding form factor that caters to multitaskers, along with a potentially improved Air model as well as other significant enhancements. Meanwhile, what will the iPhone 17 bring? A thin body? A tweaked rear camera bump and a price hike? We think youll be better off buying a discounted iPhone 16 and waiting till 2026 to get something really new.
While the official Nintendo Summer game sale is still live as well as a host of deals on physical games via Woot (youll find all of these below), Walmart and Target have now launched Switch game sales of their own. Ushered in by the now live Target Prime Day Circle Week sale , and now all slightly lower at Walmart ahead of its massive summer sale set to go live tomorrow, youll find some price drops on Switch games you wont find elsewhere at the moment: Super Mario Odyssey $39 (Reg. $60) Animal Crossing: New Horizons $39 (Reg. $60) Pikmin 4 $39 (Reg. $60) Splatoon 3 $39 (Reg. $60) Kirbys Return to Dreamland: Deluxe Edition $39 (Reg. $60) Super Mario RPG $39 (Reg. $60) Super Mario Bros U: Deluxe $39 (Reg. $60) 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. This week its all about the upcoming Prime Day deals, Best Buys Black Friday in July event, some unfortunate Switch 2 issues to watch out for, and more. more
The latest Kindle Scribe drops to a record-low price for Prime Day
The latest Amazon Kindle Scribe ereader is on sale for just $260 as part of the upcoming Prime Day festivities . This is a record-low price and a discount of $140. The sale applies to the 16GB model, which is enough storage for thousands of books and notes. The Kindle Scribe is Amazon's answer to devices like the reMarkable E ink tablet . It's both a standard ereader and a tablet for taking notes, as it ships with a pen for scribbling. This makes it handy for writing down thoughts or for mindlessly drawing pizza slices. Users can jot notes over books, but not every title supports this feature. The Scribe made our list of the best E Ink tablets for a number of reasons. We appreciated the low latency when writing. In most cases, users won't notice any latency at all. The latest software update also brings in new brush types, which now include a fountain pen, a marker and a pencil. This device makes it easy to create multiple notebooks for different purposes. There are even some AI tools for summarization and the like . Of course, it's also a standard ereader. I have a Scribe and, to be honest, I use it primarily for reading. The giant 10.2-inch screen is just so luxe and offers a superior reading experience to standard-sized Kindles. It's a bit heavier and cumbersome to hold for long periods, but that tradeoff is worth it to me. The only major downside here is the price. It's tough to recommend a $400 ereader, even with all of the handwriting bells and whistles. However, this sale certainly takes the edge off a bit. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-latest-kindle-scribe-drops-to-a-record-low-price-for-prime-day-131544672.html?src=rss
The Amazon Smart Plug falls to only $13 for Prime Day
If you're looking for an ultra-affordable away to make a part of your home a little smarter, look no further than the Amazon Smart Plug . Prime Day deals have brought the IoT device down to just $13, which is 48 percent off its regular price. Amazon's accessory made it onto our list of the best smart plugs and it's particularly good for anyone who's already relying heavily on Alexa as their voice assistant. It plus into any outlet and can turn common items like lamps and coffee makers into smart ones by letting you control them with voice commands, set usage schedules and more. It's extremely easy to set up and use, particularly for folks who have some experience with the Alexa app. It doesn't require a smart home hub, as the app itself handles adjustments. The compact design also ensures there's room for another plug in a standard two-outlet fixture. The plug will automatically reconnect to Alexa after a power or Wi-Fi outage. We came away impressed with some of the features here. The app allows users to create routines, and we got a small thrill by saying Alexa, goodnight and watching everything power down for the evening. The major drawback here is the app's lack of sharing capabilities. The app doesn't let other people in the home access smart home devices, though they should be able to turn stuff on and off with their voice. However, they won't be able to make routines or adjust settings. It's also not the cheapest smart plug on the market, but this sale handles that for now. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-amazon-smart-plug-falls-to-only-13-for-prime-day-230012842.html?src=rss
Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones are $115 off for Prime Day
Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones are $115 off as part of the Prime Day festivities , which brings the price down to $285. This discount applies to multiple colorways. These headphones once topped our list of the best wireless headphones before being usurped by the XM6 . They are still fantastic, despite being slightly outshined by the newer kid on the block. We praised the supreme comfort and great sound in our official review , along with the powerful ANC technology. The battery life is also incredible here. Users can expect around 30 hours per charge, which will more than handle a long train ride or flight. It's also lighter than the XM4, which adds to the overall comfort. There are touch controls on the outside panel of the right ear cup, with the ability to play, pause, skip tracks and adjust the volume. These cans also work with various voice assistants and there's an affiliated app that allows for even more customization. The headphones offer multipoint connectivity and there are a handful of integrated microphones for phone calls. The only downside here remains the price, which has been somewhat alleviated by this sale. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/sonys-wh-1000xm5-headphones-are-115-off-for-prime-day-123544069.html?src=rss
Prime Day deals include the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam for only $40
Ring security gear is among the smart home tech on sale for Prime Day this year. One of the highlights from the sale is the Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam it normally goes for $80, but it's half off right now and down to only $40. That's even lower than the previous all-time low price of $50 that we've seen during other sales, and the discount applies to all colorways: Black, Blush, Charcoal, Starlight and White. Ring introduced the Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam in 2024. It can spin a full 360 degrees on its base, and tilts up and down with a tilt range of 169 degrees. That makes it especially helpful for keeping tabs on pets and other goings-on in the home. It offers live views in addition to 24/7 recording, and supports two-way talk for when you want to check-in with a family member. The Pan-Tilt Cam also offers HD color video day and night. The camera has a physical shutter as well, for when you want to be sure it's not watching. Sliding this will cover the camera, and Ring says it'll also disable the audio and video feeds. Setup should be easy with the Ring app, but if you aren't already in the Ring ecosystem, you'll need a subscription to use this camera. Ring offers three subscription options at $4.99, $9.99 and $19.99 per month. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/prime-day-deals-include-the-ring-pan-tilt-indoor-cam-for-only-40-123513441.html?src=rss
The early Prime Day deals are flowing today, just after seeing discounts on the latest AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 , but Amazon has now also matched all of the major Beats deals that went live in the Target Prime Day competitor sale . That means the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 have now dropped back down to the $199.95 shipped all-time low in all four colors Amazon offers, alongside 50% in savings on Beats Solo 4 over-ear headphones and more right here. more
Early Prime Day deal hits AirPods Pro 2 at $170 (Reg. $249), AirPods 4 down from $100
As we featured in the now live Target Prime Day Circle Week early this morning, Apples AirPods Pro 2 have now dropped down to $169.99 shipped. This deal is live at Amazon and Target starting right now, down $79 from the usual $249 list price, and is now joining notable discounts on both sets of AirPods 4 as well with the standard model down at $99.99 and the ANC set at $148.99 shipped . Details below. more
Heads up! Black Apple Watch Ultra 2 just hit the best price ever at $649 via Amazon (Reg. $799)
Okay folks, its not even Prime Day yet and Amazon has a deal even better than anything we even expected to see on the latest Apple Watch Ultra 2 in satin black. We dont know how long this deal is going to last, but you can now score the Apple Watch Ultra 2 with the Black Titanium Case and the Dark Green Alpine Loop or the Black Trail Loop at $649 shipped. Regularly $799, this is a giant price drop for the black Ultra 2 and the lowest price we have tracked by a long shot at Amazon. more
Targets Prime Day Circle Week Sale is now live! Apple, Beats, Nintendo, home goods, BOGO, more
The official Target Prime Day competitor sale known as Circle Week is now live ! This sale, much like the upcoming Amazon Prime Day event, is specifically geared towards Target Circle members, delivering hundreds of notable price drops across just about every product category the retailer covers. It is now live and waiting for on the official Target site with some of the best prices of the year from now through next weekend.Unlike Amazons Prime Day, all you need is a FREE Target Circle membership to shop the deals . more
Pick up this Dyson cordless vacuum while it's $180 off for Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day has returned for the summer, making it a good time to check to see if any big-ticket gadgets on your wishlist are on sale. A lot of our favorite tech is on sale at the moment, and that includes a number of Prime Day vacuum deals . One of the best is on the Dyson V15 Detect Plus , which has dropped to $570 for Prime members. We loved the Dyson V15 Detect and it earned a slot in our best cordless vacuums guide. The Plus model on sale during Prime Day is the same vacuum with more accessories. The suction power on the V15 Detect Plus is really impressive, especially for a cordless vacuum. For anyone with pets, good suction should be a strong consideration when selecting a vacuum, and we were thoroughly impressed with the pet hair this model picked up in our tests from both hardwood and carpet. The Fluffy Optic hard surface cleaning head comes with a laser that illuminates the ground in front of you as you vacuum. It does a frighteningly good job of highlighting just how much dust, hair and other debris have collected on your hardwood or tile floors that you might not have seen. For a shocking look at just how much stuff is on your floors, try vacuuming with the lights off. The V15 Detect Plus gets its namesake from a handy LCD display screen on the main body of the vacuum that tells you exactly how many particles across different size ranges the vacuum has detected since you started cleaning. In practice, this doesn't add anything to the functionality of the device, but it sheds a light on just how much stuff you've picked up. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/pick-up-this-dyson-cordless-vacuum-while-its-180-off-for-prime-day-121534903.html?src=rss
Three months of Audible is only $3 in this Prime Day deal
The bumper 2025 edition of Amazon's Prime Day is fast approaching and the deals are starting to emerge. While we've seen this offer pop up several times in the past, it's one that's always worth highlighting. New Audible subscribers can get three months of access to the Premium Plus plan for $3. That's a total of $42 off. This is one of the best streaming deals around right now. It will be available until July 31, which is a few weeks after the Prime Day event ends (it could probably be called Prime Week this year since it's running for four days). If you don't cancel your Audible membership before the promotional period ends, it will automatically renew for $15 per month. Through the Audible Premium Plus plan, you'll receive one credit each month. You can use this to claim any audiobook you like on the platform, whether it's a bestseller, new release or something else you've been meaning to get to. You'll retain access to audiobooks you claim with credits even after your subscription expires. So, you're effectively getting three audiobooks for your permanent collection for three bucks. Audible members will be able to take advantage of exclusive discounts and sales too. They also get access to thousands of audiobooks, Audible Originals and podcasts as long as their subscription remains active. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/three-months-of-audible-is-only-3-in-this-prime-day-deal-143734246.html?src=rss
Xbox's sci-fi looter-shooter Blackbird was scrapped even after leaving execs 'blown away'
Xbox was well on its way to delivering a sci-fi stylized game with plenty of exciting movement mechanics before an abrupt change of heart. The upcoming third-person shooter RPG codenamed Blackbird from ZeniMax Online Studios, which developed The Elder Scrolls Online, has been shelved indefinitely, according to an exclusive report from Bloomberg . The report added that Xbox execs were blown away by the game and had nothing but complimentary words, according to Bloomberg 's sources. The exciting new IP was expected to rival the Destiny franchise with its looter-shooter gameplay in an alien noir-themed world. The Bloomberg report revealed that a sci-fi setting would be paired with movement-based abilities like double-jumping, air-dashing, a grappling hook and wall climbing. The project was reportedly gaining momentum recently and was set to be released in 2028, after the studio expanded its team to 300 people. Microsoft didn't provide comments to Bloomberg or any explicit reasoning why the Blackbird project was dropped. Not much was known about the game, but TrueAchievements uncovered a plot that revolves around players uncovering a notorious murder in a capital city called Exodus. Along with Blackbird, Microsoft canceled Everwild , a fantasy game from Rare that's been in development since 2014, and a reboot of the Perfect Dark first-person shooter. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/xboxs-sci-fi-looter-shooter-blackbird-was-scrapped-even-after-leaving-execs-blown-away-191305493.html?src=rss
A Tesla robotaxi inexplicably drove into a parked car
One of Tesla's fully autonomous robotaxis grazed a parked car after completing a ride recently in Austin, Texas. In a video recorded by YouTuber DirtyTesla, a self-driving Model Y is seen turning and accelerating into a Toyota, making light contact with its tire. As seen in the video, the Model Y already dropped off its passenger, but had trouble navigating out of the dark alleyway afterwards. Tesla's robotaxi service launched in Austin just two weeks ago with a small fleet. According to DirtyTesla, there were no serious injuries or damages and the robotaxi's safety monitor eventually swapped to the driver's seat and drove off. Although the sideswipe was minor, it's unclear what caused the Tesla to drive into the parked car instead of driving off normally after completing the ride. Outside this incident involving another car, other invited guests have shared their unexpected experiences with Tesla's robotaxi service. So far, we've seen the robotaxi service abruptly stop for emergency lights that aren't on the road and briefly drive on the wrong side of a double yellow line. It's important to note that Tesla's self-driving software relies mostly on cameras and artificial intelligence. That's unlike some of its competition, like Waymo, which uses a combination of cameras, lidar and radar for its robotaxi service. However, Waymo isn't without its own incidents, one of which led to a voluntary recall of its fleet in Phoenix, Arizona, following a collision with a telephone pole last year. More recently, Waymo issued another recall for its robotaxis, which were reportedly prone to hit roadway barriers that are harder to see. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/a-tesla-robotaxi-inexplicably-drove-into-a-parked-car-171004400.html?src=rss
The best Prime Day laptop deals: Save on MacBooks, Windows 11 machines, Chromebooks and more
So you need a new laptop youve waited for the right time. Amazon Prime Day 2025 , as has been in years past, offers a ton of laptop deals to consider and that's true even now in the days leading up to the event. All kinds of devices are on sale this year, from refreshed MacBooks to high-end gaming machines to already affordable notebooks. But sussing out a good deal from a just-ok deal (or even worse, a bad deal all together), can be a challenge. Laptop prices on Amazon are all over the place even when its not Prime Day depending on the configuration of the notebook, the brand, the seller and a bunch of other factors. This is where Engadget can help. Weve poured over the Prime Day laptop deals available this year to pick out the best ones you can get across all kinds of computers. As always, if youre super particular about the display panel you want in your next laptop, or you know you want to get as much RAM as possible, we recommend going straight to manufacturers to customize your next PC. But if youre willing to work with premade models, Prime Day deals could help you save some cash on your next laptop. Prime Day laptop deals: MacBooks Apples latest laptops are the MacBook Air M4 and the MacBook Pro M4, but the M3-powered machines are still available and great values when you can get them at steep discounts. But for the most future-proof options, we recommend going with the M4 MacBooks. Amazon actually has decent MacBook deals throughout the year, most of the time on the base configurations of any given model. In a welcomed update, Apple recently made all base models of the MacBook Air M4 have 16GB of RAM by default (which is the same as youll find on the base-level Pros). MacBook Air (15-inch, M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for $1,049 ($150 off) MacBook Air (15-inch, M3, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for $1,249 (26 percent off) MacBook Pro (14-inch, M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for $1,429 (11 percent off) Prime day laptop deals: Windows laptops Youve got a lot of variety to choose from when it comes to Windows laptops, and that can be a blessing or a curse. We recommend looking for a laptop from a reputable brand (i.e. Microsoft, Dell, Acer, Lenovo and others like them), and one that can handle daily work or play pressures. That means at least 8GB of RAM and 245GB of SSD storage, plus the latest Intel or AMD CPUs. If youre looking for a new gaming laptop, youll need a bit more power and a dedicated graphics card to boot. Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 (Windows 11, Copilot+, 15.6-inch, Intel Core Ultra 7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for $1,000 (26 percent off) Microsoft Surface laptop (Windows 11, Copilot+, 13.8-inch, Snapdragon X Plus) for $880 (27 percent off) Lenovo V15 G2 laptop (Windows 11 Pro, 15.6-inch, Intel Celeron N4500, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) for $429 (28 percent off) Microsoft Surface Pro 2-in-1 (Windows 11, Copilot+, 13-inch, Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for $900 (25 percent off) Prime Day laptop deals: Chromebooks Most Chromebooks start off pretty affordable, so that just means you can get them for even less during an event like Prime Day. If youre a Chrome OS lover, its also a decent time to check out sales on premium Chromebooks, which can usually cost $500 or more. In general, we recommend looking for at least 4 to 8GB of RAM and at least 128GB of SDD storage in a Chromebook that you plan on using as your daily driver. Google Pixelbook Go (13-inch, Intel Core M3) for $315 (51 percent off) HP Chromebook Plus x360 (14-inch, Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS) for $329 (45 percent off) Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (14-inch, Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) for $320 (20 percent off) This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-prime-day-laptop-deals-save-on-macbooks-windows-11-machines-chromebooks-and-more-130057546.html?src=rss
Prime Day deal: Get up to 50 percent off Shark robot vacuums
If you've been itching to invest in a robot vacuum to help you clean up around the house, you're in luck. Prime Day deals, like clockwork, have brought discounts to a bunch of our favorite robot vacuums. One of the best deals is on this Shark AI Ultra robovac , which you can grab for 49 percent off just $280. This is a version of one of the top picks in our best robot vacuums guide. It boasts excellent suction power and a bagless, auto-empty base that's super convenient. Shark's mobile app is easy to use as well, allowing you to set cleaning schedules and see the home map the robot creates so you can select specific areas and rooms to clean. The battery life is decent, at 120 minutes per charge. Like most modern robovacs, it'll head back to the power outlet on its own. During use, we found that the vacuum did a pretty good job at avoiding obstacles and managed to sidestep the many cat toys strewn across the floor. The only caveat worth mentioning is that this particular model includes a debris canister that needs to be manually emptied every 30 days. There's a version with a larger canister that's also on sale. It's down to $298 from $600 , which is also a discount of around 50 percent. Many other Shark products are also on sale right now . This includes other robovacs, but also standard upright designs. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/prime-day-deal-get-up-to-50-percent-off-shark-robot-vacuums-170023935.html?src=rss
The best Amazon Prime Day deals under $50: Save on gear from Blink, Anker, Samsung and others
Big ticket items like TVs and iPads might get the lions share of the attention during Amazons big sale, but there are plenty of Prime Day deals to be had for under $50, too. Weve combed through the pages (and pages) of discounts to find the brands and gadgets that we at Engadget actually recommend. Our picks include power banks from Anker, smart plugs from TP-Link, microSD cards from Samsung and smart speakers from Amazon Echo. Weve also linked back to our reviews and buying guides to help with your shopping decisions. Here are the best Prime Day tech deals under $50 that are available right now. Best Prime Day tech deals under $25 Amazon Fire TV Stick HD for $18 ($17 off with Prime) : We name this the best budget streaming stick on our list of the best streaming devices . It's easy to set up and so you can access all of the major streaming platforms. Just note that it only streams content at 1080p, not 4K and the UI is more ad-heavy than competing streamers. Apple AirTag for $23 ($6 off) : Heres our pick for a Bluetooth tracker for iPhone users . These little discs have the most accurate finding ability of any fob we tested, thanks to Apples vast Find My network that taps into all nearby iPhones to track down your missing stuff. They could be louder and hole would be nice, but nothing beats its accuracy. Samsung Fit Plus 56GB flash drive for $23 ($12 off) : We named this the best thumbstick drive in our guide to the best SSDs . It has a sleek design, five-year warranty and has a USB 3.1 connection. Theres even a small attachment point for a keychain so you can take your extra storage drive with you when you go. Thermacell E55 Rechargeable Repeller for $25 ($10 off) : The mosquitos arent going anywhere. Even places that didnt used to have these evil bloodsuckers are now overrun. If you would like some reprieve from the bites, this is the repeller we recommend in our guide to outdoor tech . TP-Link AC1200 WiFi extender for $20 ($10 off) : If youve got some dead spots in your homes internet coverage and arent quite ready for a mesh setup, a Wi-Fi extender can help. This is our favorite budget option in our guide to these plug-in devices thanks to its easy setup and user-friendly app. Amazon Echo Pop for $22 ($18 off with Prime) : The smallest (and cheapest) Echo speaker is ideal for small apartments or rooms. The half-sphere design comes in purple and teal in addition to the standard black and white colorways. It's gone as low as $18 in past Prime Day sales. Anker Nano USB-C charger block for $16 ($4 off) : Remember when tiny bricks like this all maxed out at a dinky five-watts? This tiny but mighty cube is the best cheap fast charger in our guide to fast chargers and it outputs a generous 30 watts, plus the prongs fold down to make it even more teensy. Soundcore Select 4 Go Bluetooth speaker for $22 ($13 off with Prime) : One of the newest additions to our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers is this lil guy from Soundcore (Anker). We found it had decent sound quality and was loud enough to fill a standard-sized living room. It's gone as low at $20 in the past. Amazon Smart Plug for $13 ($12 off with Prime) : This plug and an Alexa Echo device makes a perfect smart home starter kit (and a number of Echos are on sale for Prime Day, too). Snap this into your outlet and Alexa should automatically detect it (if not, a few taps in the Alexa app should get things connected). Then you can use it to control any lamp, fan or other simple device you plug into it just by asking the assistant. Blink Mini 2 security camera for $20 ($20 off with Prime) : Our pick for the best budget security camera is now even more budget friendly. We appreciated this diminutive cameras ease of setup and excellent integration with Alexa devices, like Echo speakers and displays. It requires a subscription for person detection and cloud storage, and the image quality wasnt the best of the bunch. Best Prime Day tech deals under $35 Amazon Echo Dot for $32 ($18 off with Prime) : Amazon seems to wait for Prime Day sales to give its smart speakers hefty discounts. We see minor sales throughout the year, but not quite this steep (though it's gone as low as $23 in past sales). So if you want to bring Alexas peppy helpfulness into your home, this is a good time to do so. The Dot is our favorite smart speaker under $50. Amazon Echo Dot Kids with Alexa for $32 ($28 off with Prime) : The kids version of Amazon's smart speaker is the same hardware but with a kid-themed cover (owl or dragon) and it comes with a free year-long subscription to Amazon Kids+ with audiobooks, games and educational Alexa skills. Blink Video Doorbell for $30 ($30 off with Prime) : If you already use Alexa in your home and want a compatible video doorbell, you may want to check out this deal. Note that youll need a Blink subscription and a Blink Sync Module to store clips and to access other features. You can wire it to your existing doorbell wires or use it wirelessly with two AA batteries that can last up to two years. Best Prime Day tech deals under $50 HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 gaming headset for $36 ($14 off) : In our guide to gaming headsets, we ultimately recommend getting an external mic along with a good pair of wired headphones for chatting. But if you really want a two-in-one, the Cloud Stinger 2 is our pick for a budget gaming headset . Razer Basilisk V3 gaming mouse for $40 ($30 off) : Some prefer a wired connection when playing games. Razers Basilisk V3 is our top budget pick for a wired mouse in our gaming mouse guide . Its comfortable, well-built, accurate and a good value particularly with a Prime Day discount. Amazon Echo Spot for $45 ($35 off with Prime) : The Spot speaker was resurrected last year with a slightly different design than it first had. Now the display is a half-circle on the round face of the clock and it can show you the weather, time and song title. The speaker itself brings you all Alexa can do, like setting timers, adding stuff to your grocery lists and answering questions about the weather. Leebin Electric Spin Scrubber for $40 (43 percent off): This was Deputy Editor Valentina Palladino's favorite thing she bought last year because it makes the must-detested chore of cleaning her shower less of a pain. It's an electric spin scrubber that comes with multiple cleaning heads so you can use it on your countertops, sinks, tubs and showers and more. It also has an adjustable arm so you can reach tough spots in hard-to-reach places, and it convenient recharges via USB-C. Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation for $45 ($95 off with Prime) : These buds are a bit old at this point, as they came out in 2021, but the 68 percent discount could be compelling. In our review, we said the buds were much improved over the last generation. They're more comfortable and have a better sound quality. Plus the Alexa integration makes them a decent pick for those who've gone all-in on Amazon's ecosystem. Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam for $40 ($40 off with Prime) : This indoor security camera can spin 360 degrees and has a tilt range of 169 degrees so you can keep tabs on pets and other happenings at home. It'll let you drop in for a live view from your phone, and supports two-way talk for telling your pup to get off the couch. UGreen Revodok Pro 109 USB-C Hub for $39 ($16 off) : The top pick in our guide to the best USB-C hubs has a good array of ports, including an HDMI 2.0 connection that supports 4K monitors at 60Hz, plus three USB-A ports, Ethernet and one USB-C (plus another for delivering 90W of power to your device. The hub has gone as low as $30 in prior sales. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-amazon-prime-day-deals-under-50-save-on-gear-from-blink-anker-samsung-and-others-160028226.html?src=rss
Amazon Prime Day 2025: The best deals live right now, plus everything else you need to know
Amazon Prime Day has been a summer mainstay for years at this point and this year is no exception. Prime Day will return on July 8 to July 11 this year, marking the first time the shopping event has been more than 48-hours long. That just means youll have more time to shop the deals, but really, you don't even have to wait until the official start date to save. Amazon typically always has early Prime Day deals in the lead-up to the event, and this year were already seeing some solid discounts on gadgets we like. Here, weve gathered all of the best Prime Day deals you can get right now, and well keep updating this post as we get close to Prime Day proper. Prime Day deals under $50 Audible Premium Plus (three months) for $3 ($42 off): New subscribers can get three months of Audible for only $3, which represents a $42 discount. The Premium Plus tier gives you one book credit per month to use on any audiobook the service has, and you can stream any of the included titles for free on top of that. Audible also has members-only sales and discounts that you'll be able to take advantage of, too. The deal runs through July 31. Samsung SmartTag 2 for $18.50 (38 percent off): Samsung users looking to keep track of their stuff need look no further than the SmartTag 2. One of our top picks for the best Bluetooth trackers , this accessory easily attaches to keys, bags and other items and uses Samsung's large finding network to show you their last known location. Jisulife Life7 handheld fan for $25 (15 percent off): Jisulife makes handheld fans we've recommended in past gift guides and this is one of its newer models. It can be held, folded so it sits flat on a table or worn around your neck for a cool breeze wherever you're going. It has an easy-to-read display in its center that will show you the fan speed level or current battery life, and its 5,000 mAh battery can last up to 19.5 hours on a single charge when you're running the fan on its lowest setting. Amazon Fire TV Stick HD for $18 (49 percent off): Our favorite budget streaming stick , the Fire TV Stick HD is an easy, dirt-cheap way to upgrade an aging TV set. It supports HD video and its revamped remote can control the power and volume of your TV, so you don't have to keep track of two controllers. Leebein Electric Spin Scrubber for $40 (43 percent off): This was my favorite thing I bought last year because it makes the must-detested chore of cleaning my shower less of a pain. It's an electric spin scrubber that comes with multiple cleaning heads so you can use it on your countertops, sinks, tubs and showers and more. It also has an adjustable arm so you can reach tough spots in hard-to-reach places, and it convenient recharges via USB-C. Amazon Echo Spot for $45 (44 percent off): Amazon revived the Spot smart alarm clock last year, which features a half-circle shaped display that shows the time, weather and other information like song titles when you're using the speaker to play music. It has a compact design that will make it easy to fit on a desk or a nightstand, and as with any Alexa smart speaker, you can use it to control IoT devices like smart lights, locks and more. Blink Outdoor 4 (one camera system) for $45 (55 percent off): These security cameras are some of our favorites, and you can start building a system for your home with this pack that includes one Outdoor 4 camera and one Sync Module 2. These Blink cameras record 1080p video, support two-way talk and deliver speedy and accurate motion alerts to your phone. You don't need a subscription to save footage either; just use a thumb drive with the Sync Module 2 to save clips locally. Prime Day Apple deals AirPods Max (USB-C) for $480 ($70 off): If youre looking for over-ear headphones with all of the conveniences of in-ear AirPods, the AirPods Max are one of your only options (with the others being Beats devices). The latest models have the same design as the originals, but now charge up via USB-C instead of Lightning. AirPods Pro 2 for $199 (20 percent off): The AirPods Pro 2 remain Apples best set of wireless earbuds, as they offer the full set of Apple-focused features, strong ANC, onboard volume controls, a comfy in-ear design and a warm sound profile that most should find agreeable. They can even work as a hearing aid . Their six-hour battery life still isnt the best, though, and you should only get them if youre all-in on Apple hardware. But if thats the case, we consider them the best wireless earbuds for iPhone owners. Apple Watch Series 10 for $299 ($100 off): We consider Apples flagship wearable to be the best smartwatch you can buy, period. It's a mostly iterative update , with faster charging, a slightly slimmer design and a marginally larger display than the prior Series 9. That said, it's still a comprehensive fitness tracker, and no other smartwatch can integrate as neatly with iPhones and other Apple devices. Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, M4) for $849 (15 percent off): Apple continues to iterate on its most affordable laptop, and the M4 is the best Air yet. We consider this to be the best laptop for most people, thanks to its excellent performance, thing-and-light design, comfortable keyboard and trackpad and excellent battery life. Apple AirTags (4-pack) for $75 ($24 off) : AirTags are famous for their ability to keep track of anything you attach them to. We named them the best Bluetooth trackers for iPhone users in our guide thanks to the AirTags almost spooky ability to locate items in the world at large. If you just need a single tag , thats on sale too. Prime Day laptop deals Microsoft Surface Laptop (13.8-inch, Snapdragon X Plus) for $880 (27 percent off): In addition to running on a Snapdragon X Plus processor, this 2024 Surface Laptop has 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. It's a Copilot+ PC that also has a 13.8-inch touchscreen, and it should last up to 20 hours on a single charge. Google Pixelbook Go (13-inch, Intel Core M3) for $315 (51 percent off): The Pixelbook Go is a bit old at this point, but if you're a Chrome OS lover and want a Google-made laptop, this is a solid option. It includes an Intel Core M3 processor, 8GB of RAM, 64GB of storage and a 12-hour battery life. Prime Day smartphone deals Moto G Play (2024) for $130 (13 percent off): This budget-friendly smartphone packs a lot of value into its 6.5-inch frame. Its LCD screen is surprisingly sharp with a 90Hz refresh rate, its design is IP52-rated for water- and dust-resistance and it comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage (the latter of which you can expand with a microSD card if you wish). Prime Day tech deals Ninja Dual-Zone air fryer (10 quart) for $180 ($50 off) : This model is one of our favorite air fryers thanks to its dual-zone cooking system, which allows you to prepare two separate foods at different temperatures and settings. There's even a Match Cook feature that ensures both foods will be done at the same time, regardless of their cooking settings. Levoit Core 400S air purifier for $183 ($37 off): Our top pick for the best air purifier , Levoit's Core 400S reliably improved air quality in our testing, plus it has easy to use onboard controls and replaceable filters that are not too expensive . We also found it to not be offensively loud, even on its highest setting. TP-Link Deco XE75 Wi-Fi 6E mesh system for $250 (29 percent off with code DECOXE75): Our top pick for the best mesh Wi-Fi system , this Deco XE75 three-pack is easy to set up and provides excellent performance with no-frills. The Deco mobile app lets you check speeds for each node, and you can see all of the devices on your network at any time. iRobot Roomba Vacuum and Mop Combo for $140 (49 percent off): A version of one of our top favorite robot vacuums , this budget-friendly machine comes with a water reservoir that allows it to mop hard floors. It connects via Wi-Fi to the iRobot app as well, which lets you set cleaning schedules and further control the machine. Dyson V15 Detect Plus for $570 ($180 off): You can't get much better than a Dyson if you're on the market for a cordless stick vacuum, and the V15 Detect delivers. It's our current top pick for the best cordless vacuum overall thanks to its excellent suction power, lightweight design, good battery life and the included Fluffy Optic cleaning head that uses a laser to show you where all the debris is while you're using it. Ring Doorbell Battery + Indoor Cam 2 for $70 (50 percent off): If you're looking to build out a security system in your home, this bundle is a good place to start, giving you a video doorbell and an indoor security camera. You'll be able to see both live feeds in the Ring app, and they can send you motion alerts and let you speak to people on the other end of the camera when you're not at home. Amazon Fire TV soundbar for $85 (29 percent off, Prime exclusive): Amazon's soundbar supports Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X, and it measures just 24-inches long so it should be able to fit into even the most cramped TV setups. It also supports Bluetooth audio, so you can play music from it when you're not using it with your TV. Amazon Fire TV Cube for $90 ($50 off) : Amazon's most powerful streaming device, the Fire TV Cube can play 4K video with Dolby Vision and HDR10+, plus it supports Wi-Fi 6E and has a built-in Ethernet port for those who want a hardwired connection. Kindle Scribe for $260 ($140 off): The Scribe is one of the best E-Ink tablets you can buy at the moment, and certainly the top pick if you want a writable table that also excels as an ereader. It provides a great reading and writing experience, thanks in part to its ability to access the entire Kindle ebook library, and it has handy Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive and Dropbox integration. Amazon 55-inch Omni mini-LED Fire smart TV for $700 ($120 off): A top-of-the-line model in the Fire TV family, this set has a 4K QLED mini-LED display with 1,400 nits of peak brightness and intelligence picture technology that adapts the screen to your room's lighting conditions. It also has a 144Hz refresh rate and support for AMD FreeSync. What is Prime Day? Prime Day is Amazon's members-only shopping event, which means youll have to be a Prime subscriber on Prime Day to take advantage of most of the savings. Amazon still offers a 30-day free trial to new Prime subscribers, so you can start your free trial closer to July and participate in the event. When is Prime Day 2025? Amazon Prime Day 2025 will be back this year on July 8 through July 11. How often is Prime Day? Amazon Prime Day typically comes around annually in July. In the last few years, Amazon has also had its Big Deal Days in October, which is effectively a second Prime Day and the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season. How does Prime Day work? Prime subscribers can go to Amazon's site on Prime Day to see all of the exclusive deals they have access to. Prime subscribers do not have to do anything additional to get Prime Day sales: the discounts you see on product pages will show up in your cart automatically. If you're not a Prime subscriber and you go to Amazon to shop on Prime Day, you'll likely see tons of items on sale but only with Prime; those discounts will not be available to those who are not active Prime subscribers. Is Prime Day only for Prime members? Technically yes, but even if you do not pay for a Prime membership, you should still check out Amazon on Prime Day. While most Prime Day deals will be exclusively available to subscribers, there are always a handful of sales available to all shoppers. Amazon distinguishes between them very clearly: you'll see Prime exclusive on product pages near the deal pricing on the discounts that are only available to paying members. Separately, its very likely that other retailers like Walmart, Target and Best Buy will have their own competing Prime Day sales during that time frame, too. So if you're not keen on shopping at Amazon at all, it's worth checking out other retailers during the week of Prime Day to see if they are matching Prime Day deal prices. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-prime-day-2025-the-best-deals-live-right-now-plus-everything-else-you-need-to-know-120028287.html?src=rss
The latest Kindle Scribe is $140 off in this Prime Day deal
It's usually wise to wait for Amazon Prime Day to pick up a Kindle ereader since the online retailer typically saves the best deals for its own shopping events. Case in point: this deal on the latest Kindle Scribe . The E Ink tablet is down to $260 right now, which is $140 off and the cheapest we've seen it. You'll get that price on the base 16GB model, but there are similar discounts on the 32GB and 64GB configurations as well. The Kindle Scribe is Amazon's answer to devices like the reMarkable E ink tablet . It's both a standard ereader and a tablet for taking notes, as it ships with a pen for scribbling. This makes it handy for writing down thoughts or for mindlessly drawing pizza slices. Users can jot notes over books, but not every title supports this feature. The Scribe made our list of the best E Ink tablets for a number of reasons. We appreciated the low latency when writing. In most cases, users won't notice any latency at all. The latest software update also brings in new brush types, which now include a fountain pen, a marker and a pencil. This device makes it easy to create multiple notebooks for different purposes. There are even some AI tools for summarization and the like . Of course, it's also a standard ereader. I have a Scribe and, to be honest, I use it primarily for reading. The giant 10.2-inch screen is just so luxe and offers a superior reading experience to standard-sized Kindles. It's a bit heavier and cumbersome to hold for long periods, but that tradeoff is worth it to me. The only major downside here is the price. It's tough to recommend a $400 ereader, even with all of the handwriting bells and whistles. However, this sale certainly takes the edge off a bit. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-latest-kindle-scribe-is-140-off-in-this-prime-day-deal-131544290.html?src=rss
The best Amazon Prime Day robot vacuum deals you can get now for 2025
Amazon Prime Day typically brings great discounts on all sorts of electronics, but its a good idea to go for the expensive gear first. We consider robot vacuums to be in that category because, while there are solid affordable models available today, youll likely still spend at least $200 to get a robovac worth its salt. These are some of the more expensive smart home gadgets you can get, but snagging them on discount during Prime Day can mean saving hundreds off the sticker price. Prime Day deals this year already include some of our top picks for the best robot vacuums , slashing prices (in some cases) down to record lows. There are also some decent deals on cordless vacuums as well, if you prefer to invest in a vacuum with a bit more human control. These are the best Prime Day vacuum deals you can get right now. Best Prime Day robot vacuum deals iRobot Roomba 104 Combo robot vacuum and mop for $250 (44 percent off): This combo machine will vacuum and mop on its own, plus it comes with an auto-empty base as well. That means it will automatically empty the dry debris it collects into the base after every cleaning job. iRobot Roomba Plus 405 for $400 (50 percent off): This newer Roomba model comes with a dock that both empties and refills its mopping reservoir and cleans its mop pad in between uses. In addition to mopping, this machine vacuums and supports smart mapping so you can better target where it should clean on a per-job basis. Shark AV2501S AI Ultra robot vacuum for $280 (49 percent off): A version of our favorite robot vacuum , this Shark machine has strong suction power and won't choke at the first sight of pet hair or big dust bunnies. Its self-emptying base is bagless as well, which means you won't have to buy propriety bags to refill it with over time. This auto-empty base has a 30-day capacity, but you can spend a bit more if you want a model with a 60-day capacity . Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro robot vacuum and mop for $800 (33 percent off): This Shark machine is one of our favorites in part because it truly lives up to its name. Thanks to its self-emptying dock that handles vacuumed debris along with clean and dirty mopping water, you really don't have to touch the thing for at least 30 days in between cleanings. We found it to be a solid autonomous dirt sucker, and its mopping capabilities are quite good to match. Eufy 11S Max robot vacuum for $150 (46 percent off): A favorite budget robot vacuum of ours, the 11S Max has a slim profile that allows it to easily get other some furniture that other robovacs can't reach. It does a good job of sucking up dirt and debris, and even though it doesn't have Wi-Fi connectivity, it comes with a remote control that gives you most of the functions an app would have. Eufy E20 3-in-1 robot vacuum for $400 (38 percent off): One of Eufy's latest machines and a top pick of ours for the best robot vacuums , the E20 can putter around your home automatically, sucking up dirt and debris in its path. But then it can quickly transform into a cordless or handheld vacuum, allowing you to clean hard-to-reach spots manually. Roborock Q7 M5+ for $280 (35 percent off): This robovac has 10,000Pa suction power, LiDAR navigation, an anti-tangle brush design and Wi-Fi connectivity. It also comes with a self-cleaning base that can hold up to seven weeks of debris before it needs to be emptied. Best Prime Day vacuum deals Dyson V8 Plus cordless vacuum for $300 (36 percent off): This Dyson stick vacuum has 40 minutes of runtime, a lightweight design and two power modes to choose from. It comes with four attachments, including the Motorbar cleaner head that works on all floor types, and it can easily convert to a more compact handheld vacuum to take out to your car when it needs a cleaning. Dyson V15 Detect Plus for $570 ($180 off): You can't get much better than a Dyson if you're on the market for a cordless stick vacuum, and the V15 Detect delivers. It's our current top pick for the best cordless vacuum overall thanks to its excellent suction power, lightweight design, good battery life and the included Fluffy Optic cleaning head that uses a laser to show you where all the debris is while you're using it. Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty cordless vacuum for $430 (28 percent off): Shark's cordless vacuums are just as good as their robot vacuums, and you can usually find them on sale for less than other major brands. This one has great suction power and a relatively lightweight design, but the fact that it comes with a self-emptying base makes it an ultra-convenient choice. Tineco Pure One Station Furfree cordless vacuum for $299 (25 percent off): This cordless vacuum has its own self-emptying base, and it comes with attachments to groom your pets. It has solid suction power and the built-in iLoop smart sensor automatically adjust suction power depending on the messes in its path. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-amazon-prime-day-robot-vacuum-deals-you-can-get-now-for-2025-140049763.html?src=rss
The Apple Watch Series 10 is on sale for $100 off for Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day is around the corner, but there are plenty of great deals to be found before the July 8 to 11 event. Right now you can pick up the Apple Watch Series 10 for $100 off its normal price. Thats the lowest weve ever seen it, and trust us, 25 percent off on current-generation Apple products is not easy to come by. Its hard to believe that the Apple Watch is already ten years old. It seems like only yesterday that we got our hands on the first generation, and now the Apple Watch Series 10 is counting the days until the next generation is announced. Whether youre looking to upgrade from an older Apple Watch or this is your first time buying an Apple smartwatch (though keep in mind an iPhone is required to use an Apple Watch), this sale is a great opportunity to pick one up at a fantastic value. The tenth generation of the Apple Watch represents a powerhouse of computing on your wrist. In our hands-on review , we loved the comprehensive health and fitness tracking capabilities on the watch, which has been a strong niche for Apple. We were sad to see the blood oxygen app removed following a patent dispute , but features like fall detection and sleep apnea tracking are still intact. Its also the thinnest Apple Watch yet, feeling more like a slim accessory than a bulky gadget. We gave the Apple Watch 10 a score of 90 out of 100, and it remains our top pick for best smartwatch . If you're looking to send less, consider the Apple Watch SE . You can grab one for only $169 right now, or 32 percent off its usual price. It doesn't have all the bells, whistles and extra sensors that the Series 10 does, but you'll still get the core Apple Watch experience with excellent activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, smart alerts and more. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-apple-watch-series-10-is-on-sale-for-100-off-for-prime-day-152348579.html?src=rss
If youre considering updating your kitchen setup, first check out the best Prime Day kitchen deals we could find from Amazons sale. Engadget editors and reporters have tested and reviewed a whole bunch of kitchen tech and Amazons annual July sale is a great time to save on many of the gadgets we recommend. Right now, were already seeing discounts on Ninja air fryers, Kitchen Aid appliances, Anova sous vide machines and even some indoor pizza ovens. And weve linked to our testing so you can get some background before diving in. Here are the best deals on kitchen tech in Amazons Prime Day sale. Prime Day air fryer deals Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro for $320 ($80 off) : This is the premium pick in our air fryer guide but really, it does far more than just air fry. As our reviewer noted, its massive cubic-foot-capacity and numerous cook modes make this more like an auxiliary oven. (It can even cook an entire 14-pound turkey.) It went on sale for $300 during last year's Black Friday sales. Ninja Foodie Dual Zone Air Fryer (10 QT) for $180 ($70 off) : This is the air fryer to pick if youve ever wished you could air fry two different things at the same time. We named it the best dual-zone air fryer you can get it even has a feature that makes sure the two different foods are ready at the same time. Instant Pot Vortex Plus Air Fryer (4QT) for $65 ($65 off with Prime) : Heres a smaller version of the Instant air fryer we named best overall. It has a four-quart capacity, which is perfect for one person and small kitchens. And, like its larger sibling, pre-heats quickly. Ninja Air Fryer (4 QT) for $80 ($50 off) : The budget pick from our air fryer guide isnt currently on sale, but this four-quart Ninja fryer has twice the capacity and is nearly the same price. It can also roast and dehydrate in addition to air frying and reheating. Prime Day Instant Pot and rice cooker deals Cuckoo Twin Pressure Rice Cooker for $190 ($70 off with Prime) : This is the best premium rice cooker in our guide to those machines. We like how quickly it cooks all types of rice to perfection (we tested it with long-grain white basmati, brown and sushi-grade white rice). Just keep in mind that it can be a little difficult to clean and the manual isnt the most user-friendly. Prime Day kitchen tech deals Breville Joule Turbo Sous Vide Machine for $200 ($50 off) : The premium pick in our guide to sous vice machines has a powerful 1,100-watt heater that cuts down on cooking times. It also uses your phone as the controller (just dont get it if youre hoping for on-device buttons). Anova Sous Vide Cooker 3.0 for $145 (37 percent off) : Our top pick for a sous vide machine delivers 1,100 watts of power and a flow rate of eight liters per minute which will get your water up to the right temperature faster. It also has intuitive digital touch controls and Wi-Fi connectivity. Ooni Volt 12 Electric Indoor Pizza Oven for $630 ($269 off) : This is our pick for the best indoor pizza oven but it can be used outdoors as well thanks to its weather-resistant design. It has front-mounted controls that let you individually control the upper and lower heating elements and it can get up to 850 degrees Fahrenheit in as little as 20 minutes. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-prime-day-kitchen-deals-you-can-get-right-now-on-air-fryers-instant-pots-and-sous-vide-machines-180019264.html?src=rss
Slack now integrates with reMarkable's e-paper tablets
You can now send your reMarkable notes and doodles straight to Slack. The companies have announced Slack integration for reMarkable tablets, letting you send whatever you want from the e-paper device straight to your workplace chat in one tap. ...we realized that when theres friction between thinking and producing, you risk losing time, ideas, and momentum, reMarkable Chief Technology Officer Nico Cormie said in a statement. By linking the tablet with Slack, there's less friction between coming up with ideas and sharing them with your team, so you can more easily collaborate with others. reMarkable is an e-paper tablet designed to work with a stylus. Simply put, it's a digital notebook, where you can sketch, write notes, draw, annotate documents and even read ebooks if you want to treat it more as an eReader like the Kindle. If you want to share your notes with Slack, you simply have to go to the menu on the left-hand corner of your device and choose Send to Slack. When you do, it opens into a canvas in Slack containing an image of your file with AI-generated notes. If there's handwritten text in the image, the canvas will also include your notes that AI has converted to editable text. To be able to use the Slack integration, you'll need to be subscribed to reMarkable Connect, which gives you access to unlimited cloud storage and sync for $3 a month. You'll also need to have a Slack account with a Pro, Business+ or an Enterprise Grid plan. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/slack-now-integrates-with-remarkables-e-paper-tablets-140015983.html?src=rss
A bundle of two Blink Mini 2 security cameras is only $35 for Prime Day
The best value in security cameras is back. This early Prime Day deal has two Blink Mini 2 cameras for only $35. That's half off and $5 less than you'd usually pay for only one of them. This matches a Black Friday record low for the pair. The Blink Mini 2 is a recent offering, arriving in 2024 . The compact camera has a built-in LED spotlight, a low-light sensor and color night vision capabilities. It supports 1080p live view, which should be plenty sharp enough for regular use. Its field of view is wider than that of the original model. (It's 143 degrees diagonally vs. 110 in its predecessor.) Being an Amazon product, it's no surprise that it works with Alexa. The camera has two-way audio, so you can chat with your pooch while you're out. It also supports person detection, but you'll need a subscription for that. (They start at $3 per month or $30 per year for one device.) Although it's primarily an indoor camera, you can also use the Blink Mini 2 outdoors. However, that requires a $10 weather-resistant power adapter . The camera is available in black and white. Both colors are available for the $35 deal . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/a-bundle-of-two-blink-mini-2-security-cameras-is-only-35-for-prime-day-201819580.html?src=rss
The best Prime Day Apple deals on iPads, MacBooks, AirPods and more
Theres a reason Apple gear is so in demand. After reviewing nearly every major device out there, our current favorite laptop , smartwatch , tablet and smartphone are all made by Apple. The only problem is, Apple gear isnt cheap. So its sometimes wise to wait for an event like Amazons Prime Day before you buy. This guide rounds up the best Prime Day Apple Deals we could find so far, including some of the lowest prices of the year on iPads, Apple Watches, AirPods and MacBooks. Weve also linked to our reviews and buying guides so you can make the most informed purchases possible. Best Prime Day Apple Watch deals Apple Watch SE for $169 (32 percent off): Those on tight budgets can opt for the Apple Watch SE and know theyre getting the core Apple wearable experience with few compromises. We consider it to be the best smartwatch for newbies. Best Prime Day iPad deals Apple iPad Pro (11-inch, M4) for $899 ($100 off) : We named the iPad Pro the best tablet money can buy. The screen is one of the best weve seen and Apple somehow managed to make the Pro model lighter than Air models. If you plan on handling heavy productivity video rendering and editing, machine learning apps and the like, this is the way to go. Apple iPad Pro (13-inch, M4) for $1,099 ($200 off) : The larger iPad pro is the ultimate laptop replacer. The M4 chip is faster than many computers out there but the thin and light design makes it super portable. The battery life will last through a whole day of work and more (we clocked over 10 hours of use in our review ) and the screen is brilliant. Our only real complaint is the price, and this Prime Day helps at least a little. Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro) for $399 ($100 off) : Apples smallest iPad earned an 83 review score from us when it came out late last year. Despite its compact size, its still a fully-featured iPad, with support for accessories and a laminated, anti-reflective screen. Its not a laptop-replacer, but rather the perfect couch companion, handling games, video, web browsing and email triage. Best Prime Day MacBook deals MacBook Air (M4, 15-inch) for $1,049 ($150 off) : If you want a little more screen real estate, go for the 15-inch Air. Devindra found the screen more immersive than the smaller model, and only slightly less portable. The slightly larger battery gave it a few more minutes of life. Whichever size you go for, the MacBook Air will be able to handle all but the most demanding rendering tasks without breaking a sweat. MacBook Air (15-inch, M3, 24GB RAM) for $1,249 ($450 off) : This higher-specced version of the M3 MacBook Air from last year has a 15-inch screen and a little extra internal memory. We gave the 15-inch model a score of 90 in our review when it came out in early 2024. Outside of its older M3 chip (which is still plenty fast for everyday use), marginally improved camera and inability to power two external displays with the lid open, this MacBook is virtually identical to the M4 version. Best Prime Day AirPod deals AirPods Max (USB-C) for $480 ($69 off) : Apples only over-ear headphones are due for an update. The company outfitted the AirPods Max with a USB-C port late last year, but the internals havent had an overhaul since 2020. Still, we named them the best (and only) over-earn AirPods . They are comfortable and relatively lightweight, have a balanced sound and the noise cancellation is solid. Best Prime Day deals on Apple accessories Apple Pencil Pro for $99 ($30 off) : Apple announced the Pro version of its pencil at the same time as the iPad Pro with the M4 chip. It adds haptic feedback, squeeze gestures and roll capabilities to the usual stylus tricks. It works with the newest iPad Pro, Air and Mini models. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-prime-day-apple-deals-on-ipads-macbooks-airpods-and-more-150005724.html?src=rss
9to5Toys Battlestation Weekly Early Prime Day deals, fresh lows RTX 50-series gaming PC, more
Welcome to 9to5Toys Battlestation Weekly your go-to spot for the notable deals and latest releases in PC gaming at a glance every Saturday morning. Early Prime Day deals are already rolling in, and weve been tracking some of the best ones all week ahead of Amazons big annual sale. From fresh lows on Alienwares RTX 50-series gaming PCs and Samsungs Odyssey monitors to PC gaming handheld and peripherals, theres a bunch of stellar deals live right now. Weve highlighted the ones definitely worth checking out, so hit the jump for all the details. more
Welcome to 9to5Toys Electrified Weekly the best place to find all of this weeks best deals and new releases to electrify your life and protect Mother Nature. Its been an exciting lead up to 4th of July festivities this year, with tons of sales on EVs, power stations, tools, and more continuing into next weeks Prime Day event. You can find all the hangover 4th of July savings on eco-friendly tech rounded together in our holiday Green Deals hub here , with plenty of notable standouts on new models. Among the e-bikes, we spotted the first-ever savings on Fords Mustang and Bronco e-bikes starting from $3,500 , as well as the new Aventon Pace 4 Smart Step-Through Cruiser e-bike at $1,699 . Theres also the second-ever savings on Rad Powers Radster Trail and Road e-bikes at $1,999 , while through this weekend only you can find the RadTrike back at its $1,399 low . And dont forget the insane new $599 low on Velotrics Fold 1 Lite e-bike , and much more. In terms of power stations, weve got Ankers expanded SOLIX F3000 launch deals with up to $2,399 in savings starting from $1,699 , as well as the new low prices on the brands F3800 Plus power station and its bundle options starting from $2,659 . From there, we also have Bluettis new Elite 100 V2 power station with exclusive savings launching at $379 , and much more that you can browse below. more
Welcome to 9to5Toys Steals Weekly your go-to spot for already-affordable everyday essentials that are now selling for even less. This weekly roundup pulls together all of the Steals from the past week, and puts them in a digestable list for you to consume every Saturday morning. While Prime Day is right around the corner, that hasnt stopped us from finding lots of notable markdowns. Headliners include this magnetic Apple Watch sport band for $16 , a bundle that brings three ball caps to $5 each , and even a bifold Apple Find My wallet at $24 . You can find these and so many more down below. more
Everything You Can Do in the Photoshop Mobile App
Adobe has launched a mobile Photoshop app for iPhone and Android. Here's what it offers.
This morning Woot has launched a notable Apple accessory sale loaded with official woven USB-C cables the MagSafe 3 cable and a bunch of Apple adapters, power adapters, the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil , and more. But youll want to get in there quickly: Not only are we talking about the best prices around on just about all of it, but you can also use code APPLEFIVE at checkout to knock $5 off your order. This will yield official Apple USB-C cables , for example, as low as $10 for one or just $8.30 each if you buy three . Head below for more details. more
Paramount+ deal: Get two months of Essential or Premium for only $2
Another hot streaming deal has arrived to match the summer heat. This time it comes from Paramount+ , which is offering a two-month subscription for only $2. Put another way, you'll pay $1 per month for your first two months. But the kicker for this deal is that is applies to two subscription tiers: you can either choose the ad-supported Essential plan or the ad-free Premium plan and the deal price remains the same. That means new subscribers will save $14 on the standard price of the Essential tier, or $24 on the price of the Premium plan. Paramount+ is a decent service and made our list of the best streaming platforms . It started as a home for all things Star Trek, but that particular bonus is shrinking all of the time . It was recently announced that Star Trek: Strange New Worlds will end after a truncated season five , leaving just the forthcoming Starfleet Academy . The third season of Strange New Worlds premieres on July 17. It also hosts original programming like the Sonic-adjacent Knuckles TV show and the dad-friendly Tulsa King . Paramount owns CBS, so subscribers can also access much of that network's programming. This includes stuff like The Amazing Rac e, Blue Bloods and several CSI entries. This offer will be available until July 13. There's just one caveat. Subscriptions will auto-renew if you forget to cancel. Set a reminder to kick in at the end of the second month. Check out our coverage of the best streaming deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/paramount-deal-get-two-months-of-essential-or-premium-for-only-2-114314805.html?src=rss
A surrealist documentary about climate change and other new indie games worth checking out
Welcome to our latest roundup of indie game news and releases. It's a shorter edition than usual this week, but there are still a few interesting games here that are worth having on your radar. Also, there's still plenty of time to pick up some bargains in the Steam Summer Sale. So if you're planning on bringing your Steam Deck (or ROG Ally or whathaveyou) to a cookout this July 4 weekend and have some change to spare, why not pick up a game or two and try it out? There are a bunch of quality options available for less than the cost of a cup of coffee. We've highlighted some of the juicier deals too. Technically, 8BitDo is an indie gaming company in that it's an independent enterprise that makes third-party gaming controllers. That's relevant, because I read a cool story this week in Endless Mode (a new gaming- and anime-focused publication from Paste Media). It's about how medical students are using tiny 8BitDo controllers to help them study with a flashcard program called Anki. And here's me thinking those controllers would be most useful for on-the-go Mario Kart World sessions with friends. New releases Atuel is one of the more interesting new(ish) games that popped up on my radar this week. After debuting on Itch.io back in 2022, this experimental project just landed on Steam and Google Play. It's a short, free experience that should take around half an hour to finish. Atuel is billed as a surrealist documentary about climate change in which you explore beautiful, dreamlike landscapes inspired by the topography and wildlife of the Atuel River Valley in Argentina. Add an eye-catching trailer into the mix and I'm quite happy to spend 30 minutes checking this one out. We probably shouldn't expect to see much more from the team behind this one the crew at indie game co-op Matajuegos called it a day last year. However, the developers have been working on other projects, including their own games. Upcoming Its been a decade since the debut of Turbo Kid , one of my favorite films of all time. Its a low-budget love letter to Saturday morning cartoons with bucketloads of blood and heart. I love it so very deeply. A video game that serves as a quasi-sequel arrived on PC in 2024. I enjoyed it quite a bit, and its coming to Nintendo Switch soon. This is a Metroidvania (in other words, an action platformer) from Outerminds. It has wonderfully gruesome pixel art and a cracking soundtrack from Le Matos, the composers of the films score. Id highly advise watching the Turbo Kid movie before playing this one. You have a few weeks to do so before the Switch release date of August 5. FMV games never really went away, and an upcoming one from Tales of Kendra: Zau developer Surgent Studios and Palworld creator Pocketpair's publishing arm caught my eye this week. Surgent founder Abubakar Salim is an actor himself, so it's perhaps not too much of a surprise that he'd want top-notch talent for his latest project. Dead Take stars two of the most highly regarded game actors around In the lead roles: Neil Newbon ( Baldurs Gate 3, Resident Evil Village ) and Ben Starr ( Final Fantasy XVI, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 ). In this game, you'll play an actor who is seaching for a missing frined after a Hollywood party. You'll solve escape room-style puzzles and piece together videos you find along the way to find out what really happened. Sounds promising! This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/a-surrealist-documentary-about-climate-change-and-other-new-indie-games-worth-checking-out-110021975.html?src=rss
Prime Day deals include the Amazon Smart Plug for only $13
The Amazon Smart Plug is on sale for just $13 as part of the latest Prime Day event . This is 48 percent off and a record-low, as the typical price is $25. It just might be time to stock up. The Smart Plug is pretty handy. It plugs into any standard outlet and integrates with Alexa. This means that it provides voice control to many common household items like lamps and coffee makers. It made our list of the best smart plugs and this is especially true for those already tied into Amazon's ecosystem. It's extremely easy to set up and use, particularly for folks who have some experience with the Alexa app. It doesn't require a smart home hub, as the app itself handles adjustments. The compact design also ensures there's room for another plug in a standard two-outlet fixture. The plug will automatically reconnect to Alexa after a power or Wi-Fi outage. We came away impressed with some of the features here. The app allows users to create routines, and we got a small thrill by saying Alexa, goodnight and watching everything power down for the evening. The major drawback here is the app's lack of sharing capabilities. The app doesn't let other people in the home access smart home devices, though they should be able to turn stuff on and off with their voice. However, they won't be able to make routines or adjust settings. It's also not the cheapest smart plug on the market, but this sale handles that for now. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/prime-day-deals-include-the-amazon-smart-plug-for-only-13-230012394.html?src=rss
Pick up our favorite air purifier while it's $37 off for Prime Day
Prime Day 2025 is coming soon on July 8-11, but you don't have to wait to grab good tech deals and that goes for everyone, not just Prime members. Early deals have already started popping up on Amazon, and one of the best at the moment is on an Engadget-approved air purifier. The Levoit Core 400S air purifier is on sale for $183, which is $37 off its usual price and not too far off of the lowest price we've seen. It's part of a larger sale on all kinds of Levoit devices including other air purifiers, cordless vacuums and more. The Levoit Core 400S is our current pick for the best air purifier overall . Sure, it might not have the prettiest design of all the options we have tested and the companion app might have a little too much going on. But the Core 400S does its job and does it well. This smart air purifier is slated to clean the atmosphere in spaces of up to 1,733 square feet in as little as one hour. The Core 400S has a cylindrical shape with vents at the top and a touch display that shows air quality readings. You'll be able to get a sense of the current air quality in your space at a glance with a color-changing ring that will light up in blue, green, orange or red. The 360-degree filtration system is said to be capable of capturing over 99.9 percent of pollutants as small as 0.3 microns, such as dust, pet dander and pollen. There is an auto mode that should suffice for maintaining air quality, but the Core 400S is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls too. The fan isn't too loud, even when it's operating at maximum speed the volume topped out at 62dB in our testing. Meanwhile, at $50 each, the air filter replacements aren't too expensive compared with those from many of Levoit's competitors. You can also find other Levoit Prime Day deals on Amazon right now that include more air purifiers, cordless vacuums and more. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/pick-up-our-favorite-air-purifier-while-its-37-off-for-prime-day-143224711.html?src=rss
Professional diagrams made simple Microsofts premium app is just $10 (Reg. up to $250)
Creating complex diagrams in PowerPoint or Excel can get messy fast. But heres a trick savvy pros already know: Microsoft Visio Professional 2021. Its a purpose-built tool designed to help you create flowcharts , org charts, network diagrams, and more all with the precision and compatibility those other apps cant match. And for a limited time, you can grab a lifetime license for just $9.97 (regularly $249.99) . This one-time offer is available through July 20. more
Supergiants latest Hades II patch is likely its last before launch
Despite it having upward of 61,000 reviews on Steam, Hades II isnt actually out yet. The sequel to Supergiant Games hugely successful roguelite dungeon crawler has been in early access on PC for over a year, and even the early builds were extremely polished and content-rich for what is still a work-in-progress game. But we (and Switch owners) have been waiting patiently for that 1.0 release date, and it looks like it might be just around the corner, with Supergiant confirming that the latest Unseen Update patch is likely to be the final one ahead of the full launch. The third major early access update arrived on June 17, and was focused primarily on combat tweaks, as well as adding a new Vow of Rivals that not only made Guardian encounters tougher, but forced players to switch up their strategies for each bout. The latest patch is mainly a host of minor adjustments to existing items and abilities, as well as some balancing on the aforementioned Vow of Rivals Encounters. No more new story content or areas are due to be added ahead of the v.10 launch, with Supergiant confirming back in June that the games true ending is being held back for the full release. If youre a console player or just wanted to hold out until the game is finished, its probably safe to start getting excited. That said, PlayStation and Xbox owners are going to have to wait a little longer, because while we still dont know Hades II s release date, we do know that the game is launching on PC and both the Switch and Switch 2 initially, mirroring the release roadmap of its predecessor. The developer has already assured fans that both Nintendo consoles can run the game at a smooth 60 fps, with the Switch 2 version benefiting from the consoles larger 1080p display in handheld mode. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/supergiants-latest-hades-ii-patch-is-likely-its-last-before-launch-190005440.html?src=rss
Rest your iPad on this aluminum stand while its down at $11 Prime shipped (31% off)
LISEN Metal iPad Stand Buy for $11 (Reg. $16) What we love Ready to accomodate all modern iPads and a majority of Android tablets, this unit can handle models with an up to 13-inch screen. Unlike some of the alternatives, this stand trades plastic for aluminum, offering up a more premium look and feel. Other notable features include a rotatable base and two points of articulation. more
Prime Day deal: Pick up this Roomba combo robot vacuum and mop while it's nearly 50 percent off
Prime Day 2025 begins soon on July 8, but members can already save on a bunch of tech available on Amazon's site. One such early deal is on the Roomba Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo , which is down to $140 for Prime members right now. That's nearly half off its usual price and a far cry from its standard $275 cost. We ranked iRobot's Roomba Robot Vacuum as our overall favorite budget option , but this Prime Day deal features a version that can both vacuum and mop. With the Prime Day price drop, the vacuum and mop combo is cheaper than the vacuum-only model, but it does double the work. The combo Roomba can even be set to only vacuum if you prefer to mop yourself, but you'd be missing out on the four-stage cleaning system that vacuums and mops in the same pass. Since it's a Roomba, it's a straightforward setup process that takes a few minutes before you can set it and forget it. The robot vacuum can navigate through your house or apartment, avoiding furniture and stairs, thanks to onboard sensors. Once it drains through its battery, which can last up to 120 hours, the Roomba knows to return to its charging dock to recharge itself. You can even customize this combo Roomba with three levels of both suction power for vacuuming and water levels for mopping. For more control, you can program it to spot clean a single spot in your home or schedule cleaning times through the companion iRobot Home app. A number of other iRobot machines are on sale for Prime Day as well. That includes the Roomba 104 with auto-empty dock for 44 percent off, down to $250, and the premium Roomba j9+ for 36 percent off, down to $579. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/prime-day-deal-pick-up-this-roomba-combo-robot-vacuum-and-mop-while-its-nearly-50-percent-off-141013222.html?src=rss
Best external SSD for Mac: expand your Mac storage
Macworld Solid-state drives aka SSD used to be really expensive, but prices have really fallen in the past few years, and you can now pick up fast, reliable SSDs that cost only slightly more than their hard drive counterparts. Even the slowest SSDs are generally faster than mechanical hard drives. As well as being faster than conventional hard drives, SSDs are lighter and sturdier too, making them ideal for use with a laptop when youre traveling. Thats reflected in the drives that we review here, most of which are small and light enough to slip into your pocket. However, the latest SSDs can also offer up to 8TB of storage, which makes them a good option for use with a desktop Mac in an office as well. And they can help to reduce cable clutter too, as they generally take their power from a USB port on your Mac, rather than requiring a separate external power supply. In this article weve included the best external SSDs for everything from blazing-fast performance, to budget options, to portability, and more. Best SSD for Mac 2025 LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 Fast and rugged Pros Supports Thunderbolt 5 Impressive performance Rugged design with IP68 Five-year warranty Cons Expensive Requires M4 Pro or Max Price When Reviewed: 2TB: $399.99; 4TB: $599.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $279.99 View Deal $279.99 View Deal $279.99 View Deal Seagate (Lacie) $399.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Pro5 looks almost identical to the previous-generation Rugged SSD Pro, which uses Thunderbolt 3. The only visible difference between the two drives is the fact that the Pro5 is wrapped in a dark-blue rubber sleeve, rather than the somber black of its predecessor. That rubber sleeve is designed to provide extra protection for the drive, and the Pro5 is even sturdier than before, with an IP68 rating for water and dust-resistance. LaCie claims the Pro5 can survive immersion in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, survive being dropped from a height of 3m (10ft), and survive being run over by vehicles weighing up to two tonnes. Theres a five-year warranty too. It measures 17mm thick, 98mm wide and 65mm deep and weighs 150g, which is a little more than its 100g Rugged Pro predecessor. It comes in 2TB or 4TB capacities. Its not cheap, starting at $399.99/359.99 for 2TB or $599.99/579.99 for 4TB. The Pro5 does use a standard USB-C connector, so its still backward-compatible with older Macs, but if you want to get the full performance of the Thunderbolt 5 interface youll need a MacBook Pro or Mac mini with M4 Pro or M4 Max processor as these are the only chips to support the standard. The older Rugged Pro is still on sale, so make sure you look for the Pro5 model if you want Thunderbolt 5 performance. We found that the standard USB-C cable we use for our Time Machine back-up drive didnt provide enough power for the Pro5, so it might be worth investing in a spare Thunderbolt 5 cable. The Rugged SSD Pro5 is the fastest Thunderbolt drive weve tested so far, and along with its rugged, portable design its an excellent option for creative users who want to exploit the full speed of their new Thunderbolt 5 Macs. Read our full LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 review SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD with USB4 Impressive, affordable performance Pros USB4 provides good performance Competitive price Rugged design Cons Lacks full Thunderbolt support Large Price When Reviewed: $280 for 2TB, $430 for 4TB Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Sandisk $279.99 View Deal $429.99 View Deal $429.99 View Deal $429.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Since parting ways with Western Digital SanDisk has launched a collection of new products. Among these were SanDisks Extreme Portable SSD, an affordable entry-level drive included below, and the Extreme Pro With USB4. The Extreme Pro With USB4 is available with 2TB or 4TB of storage. It resembles its predecessors, featuring rounded corners, orange trim, and a cut-out for attaching a lanyard. A USB-C cable is included. Its a little larger than previously: 11.9mm thick, 58.7mm wide, and 140mm long. Making it almost as large as the iPhone 16e and heavier than it. The drives main body is made of forged aluminium, wrapped in a silicon sleeve for added protection. SanDisk claims it can survive a 2m drop and is IP65 water and dust resistant. They also provide a five-year warranty. The Extreme Pro With USB4 is larger than other SanDisk drives, measuring 11.9mm thick, 58.7mm wide, and 140mm long. Its almost as large as the iPhone 16e and heavier than it, but still small enough to fit in a pocket or bag. Its sturdy design makes it suitable for travel and outdoor work. The main attraction is USB4 performance. SanDisk quotes a maximum write performance of up to 3700MB/s and read performance of up to 3800MB/s. We tested the drive with a MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt 4, achieving strong performance of 3400MB/s for both read and write. We also tested the drive with a new Mac mini with Thunderbolt 5 and were surprised to see a significant jump in write performance to 4400MB/s, which remained consistent despite repeated tests. Read performance remained unchanged at 3400MB/s. Professional users requiring top performance with large video or graphics files may prefer a solid-state drive with full Thunderbolt support, but the Extreme Pro With USB4 offers impressive performance at an affordable price, making it suitable for most users who need a fast, sturdy portable drive for Time Machine backups. Read our full SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD with USB4 review OWC Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 fast Pros Fast 6GBps reading & 5GBps writing via Thunderbolt 5 Rugged and weatherproof Cons Expensive Requires M4 Pro/Max Mac for full 80Gbps performance Limited compatibility Price When Reviewed: 2TB: $399.99; 4TB: $599.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $349.99 View Deal OWC $400 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket You can take full advantage of the Thunderbolt 5 ports on your M4 Pro Mac mini or M4 Pro/Max MacBook Pro and possibly circumvent Apples avaricious storage upgrade pricing with OWCs Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 external SSD. Thunderbolt 5 itself is backwards compatible with older Thunderbolt specs, but its not nearly as backwards compatible as wed like. For example, to utilize a Thunderbolt 5 drive your M-series Mac need to be running macOS Sonoma or later. Thunderbolt 3 Macs with Intel chips must run Sequoia or later. But only the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips will give you the full Thunderbolt 5 experience. You may have seen 120GBps quoted in some articles as Thunderbolt 5s top speed, but thats only unidirectional for displays. Bi-directional, as with storage, is limited to 80Gbps. Benchmarks showed anywhere from 5.2GBps (Blackmagicdesigns Disk Speed Test), to 6.5GBps reading (AmorphousDiskMark), to near 7GBps reading and 5.57GBps writing (ATTO). Its fast. The OWC Envoy Ultra is a larger chunk of black metal, measuring about 0.75 inches thick, 2.8 inches wide, and 5 inches long. The Envoy Ultra weighs in at 10.5 ounces or so. It has a captive cable, which is for weatherproofing (its not IP-rated). This does make it a bit harder to put away. Alas, writing was considerably slower, only around 1.5GBps. The Envoy Ultra costs $400/356 in its 2TB form and $600/598.49 at 4TB. It carries a three-year warranty. If you want, and can afford the absolute fastest storage for your new Thunderbolt 5 Mac, then this is a heck of a lot cheaper than Apples rapaciously priced internal storage and nearly as fast. Read our full OWC Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD review SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD Compact and portable design Pros Rugged design Competitive price Good performance USB-C interface, with USB-A adaptor included Cons No Thunderbolt support Not completely water-resistant Price When Reviewed: 1TB: $99.99; 2TB: $149.99; 4TB: $249.99; 8TB: $549.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $99.9 View Deal Western Digital (1TB) $99.99 View Deal $102.99 View Deal $104.99 View Deal $104.99 View Deal $104.99 View Deal $137.99 View Deal $203.34 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket This SanDisk model offers a sturdy design and up to 8TB of storage. The external design hasnt changed over the years, it still comes in a perforated black case made out of silicon that provides plenty of protection, and theres the same hook for a lanyard. The 8TB version is slightly larger than the previous model, but its still slim and light. There arent many rival drives that provide that much storage in such a compact and portable design. This model uses the same USB-C connector as its predecessor, with support for USB 3.2 (Gen 2). Theres a USB-C cable included in the box, and even a USB-A adaptor! Speeds are 1000MB/s and 1050MB/s for write and read performance respectively, as previously. And our tests found that the two drives produce very similar results when running the Black Magic Disk speed test, with the Extreme Portable reaching 946MB/s for write performance and 910MB/s for read performance. The main difference is that this update for 2025 is even tougher than before, boasting an IP65 rating for resistance to water and dust. This model provides more storage capacity too, starting at 1GB and going up to 8TB. SanDisk has several portable solid-state drives that look similar and have similar names. The Extreme Pro Portable looks identical and has a faster USB4 interface, but only offers up to 4TB storage. The less expensive Portable SSD, isnt particularly fast. Check the name before you buy. Its a good option for anyone that needs to store large, high-res photo or video files on their MacBook when theyre working outdo. Read our full Sandisk Extreme Portable SSD (2025) review Kingston XS1000 Affordable and lightweight Pros Very competitive price Pocket-size design Weighs only 28.7g Cons No Thunderbolt interface No bundled software Cable is USB-A-to-USB-C Price When Reviewed: 1TB $84.99; 2TB $139.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Kingston $64.90 View Deal $79.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket We liked the sturdy little XS2000 drive that Kingston launched back in 2022, but it was pretty expensive and used a version of USB known as USB 3.2 Gen 22, which isnt fully supported on the Mac at the moment. Drives that use Gen 22 will still work with a Mac, but the Mac wont get the full speed that the drive is capable of. However, the XS1000 is a more conventional USB-C drive, using standard USB 3.2 Gen 2, so its a good, affordable option for Mac users who just want a compact, lightweight backup drive. The XS1000 is one of the smallest and lightest SSDs that weve seen so far in fact, it looks more like a little USB thumb drive, rather than a high-capacity backup drive. It measures just 13.5mm thick, 32.5mm wide and 69.5mm long, and weighs only 28.7g, so you can easily slip it into your shirt or trouser pocket when youre traveling. Its not quite as rugged as the more expensive XS2000 which had an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance but the plastic and metal casing feels sturdy enough to cope with a few knocks when youre traveling, and Kingston provides a five-year warranty as well. Its very competitively priced too, costing $84.99/74.99 with 1TB of storage, or $109.99/99.99 with 2TB. The drives USB interface provides a quoted write speed of 1000MBs, while the read speed is slightly higher at 1050MB/s. It didnt quite match those speeds in our tests, but its write speed of 875MB/s and read speed of 950MB/s will still be fine for routine back-ups with Time Machine. Our only complaint is that Kingston only includes a USB-A-to-USB-C cable with the XS1000, so youll need to buy an adaptor or a new cable if your Mac only has USB-C. Professional users might prefer a faster drive, or a more rugged design, but if you just want an affordable backup drive that can go traveling with you then the XS1000 is great value for money. Adata SE920 USB4 SSD High performance Pros High data transfer rates Good fan Cons No transport bag No rubber feet Price When Reviewed: 1TB: $140 I 2TB: $200 I 4TB: $380 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Adata $159.99 View Deal $159.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Adata SE920 External SSD is a high-performance USB4 SSD for those who need rapid data transfer speeds. It combines passive and active cooling with a compact metal housing for passive cooling, and a micro-fan with openings for active cooling. The user can actually activate the fan by pressing on the housing. If you are working on a project such as a video or image edit, or another task that could require a lot of drive access over a period of time, then switch on the fan. The rest of the time you can probably leave it. The SE920 is primarily designed for Windows users, evident from the formatting in the NTFS file system and the backup software for Windows, but this shouldnt be a problem for experienced Mac users. The SE920 is quickly reformatted in APFS using the macOS Disk Utility. Data transfer rates measured with Aja System Test Lite were impressive. The SE920 achieved 2992MBps for writes and 3161 MBps for reads. Data rates are stable over a longer period and the thermal design works perfectly. All this comes at a good price. We recommend the SE920 to any content creator. Read our full SE920 External SSD review SanDisk Pro Blade System For professional and creative users Pros Thunderbolt 3 interface (compatible with USB-C) Ultra-rugged design Professional-level performance Cons Very expensive Doesnt support Thunderbolt 4 Price When Reviewed: $49.99 for dock I $159.99 w/1TB Mag I $219.99 w/2TB I $339.99 w/4TB Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Western Digital $49.99 View Deal $164.99 View Deal $164.99 View Deal $213.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket We normally organize reviews of portable drives and desktop drives separately, but the new SanDisk Pro Blade is a modular SSD storage system that is very much designed for professional and creative users, and allows you to switch between portable and desktop modes as required. You can start by buying the Pro Blade SSD Mag , which is a solid-state storage module that is available in 1TB, 2TB or 4TB sizes (the 1TB was discounted from $179.99 to $119.99 at the time of our review). The SSD Mag is pre-formatted in APFS format for Mac users, and is tough enough to withstand being dropped from a height of 3 meters or 9.8 foot, and withstand 4000lb (1814kg) crush pressure, making it ideal for outdoor use. However, the SSD Mag modules cant connect to a computer on their own, so SanDisk provides two options for portable and desktop use. For portable use you can buy the Pro Blade Transport , which is a compact case for the SSD Mag, and is equipped with a USB-C port for connecting to your Mac. The Transport measures just 130.4mm long, 71.5mm wide and 16mm thick, so you can easily slip it into your pocket or a carrying case just like any other portable drive. Its also possible to connect the Transport to a camera that has a USB-C interface so that you can record high-res video rather than having to carry lots of smaller SD memory cards. When you get back to the office you also have the option of inserting the SSD Mag modules into the Pro Blade Station ($499.99/490.99). This desktop storage system doesnt include any built-in storage of its own, but it has four slots that allow you to insert SSD Mag modules (not included) providing up to 16TB of high-speed solid-state storage. The Pro Blade Station has two Thunderbolt 3 ports, with one used to connect your Mac, while the other port can be used to daisy-chain additional storage devices if required. The Pro Blade Station is fairly expensive given that it doesnt include any storage of its own but it gives you the option of creating a high-speed, high-capacity SSD storage system for use in your office, whilst also being able to remove the individual SSD Mag modules and use them as portable drives whenever you need to. Western Digital which owns SanDisk these days claims that the Pro Blade Station can provide read and write speeds of 3000MB/s and 2600MB/s respectively. Our tests actually recorded a read speed of 2600MB/s and write speed of 2300MB/s, but thats still one of the fastest SSD drives weve ever seen, making it a good option for creative users who need a fast storage system that they can use both in the office and on the road. Read our full Sandisk Pro-Blade Transport review LaCie Rugged SSD Pro Pros IP67 ruggedized Fast NVMe/Thunderbolt 3 performance Operates via Thunderbolt 3 or USB 3.0 Cons Expensive Price When Reviewed: $419.99 (1TB), $739.99 (2TB), $1049.99 (4TB) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $184.99 View Deal $239.99 View Deal $274.99 View Deal LaCie $419.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket LaCies Rugged drives have been popular with Mac users for many years, thanks to their combination of high-performance and that now-familiar orange sleeve that helps to keep the drive safe when youre working outdoors. However, the Rugged range has mostly used conventional hard drives in the past, which are slower than the latest solid-state drives, as well as being bigger and heavier. Welcome the Rugged Pro SSD, which is primarily aimed at creative users. (We look at the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 above, which is a newer model that supports Thunderbolt 5). The Rugged SSD range starts at around $180 / 180 for a model with 500GB storage, but we were able to review the SSD Pro, which stands out from the rest of the range with its matte-black sleeve. Its pretty expensive, costing $419/249.99 with 1TB of storage, and a hefty $739.99/379.99 for the 2TB model and $1,049.99/999.99 for 4TB, but it justifies that price with an even tougher design and the latest, super-fast solid-state drives designed for professional video work. (U.K. prices dropped in 2024 but US prices dont seem to have followed suit. Luckily you can get good deals at various resellers). Switching to a solid-state drive means that the SSD Pro is now the smallest model in the Rugged range, measuring just 3.8in/98mm long, 2.5in/65mm wide and 0.6in/17mm thick. It only weighs 100g/3.5oz, so you can easily slip it into your pocket or bag when youre traveling and barely even notice that its there. Despite its compact design, that new black sleeve is seriously tough and rated IP67 for resistance to water and dust, allowing it to survive in 3.2 foot/1m of water for up to 30 minutes. It can cope with being dropped from a height of 9.8 foot/3m, and can even resist the weight of a two-tonne car driving over it. It includes a five-year warranty in case anything does go wrong, which includes one visit to LaCies data-recovery labs if you need to retrieve important data. The Rugged SSD Pro includes just a single Thunderbolt 3/USB-C interface, but most of its high price is down to the use of the latest NVMe solid-state drives, which provide top performance for high-end video applications, such as editing 8K or super-slow-motion video files (which can be enormous, as they shoot at up to 240 frames per second on the latest iPhones). The drive didnt disappoint, recording consistent write speeds of 1780MB/s, and an even faster 2480MB/s for read speeds with both figures leaving just about every other SSD drive weve ever tested trailing in its wake. And, when backing up our iTunes music library, the Rugged SSD Pro blew us away by backing up 5GB of music files in just five seconds look away for a couple of seconds and youll miss it! Of course, not everyone will need that sort of performance especially at this price but if you work with high-res video and need a fast, tough drive for outdoor work then the Rugged SSD Pro is in a class of its own. Read our full LaCie Rugged SSD Pro review LaCie Portable SSD Pros Small and stylish Solid construction Cons Middling performance Price When Reviewed: 500GB $129.99; 1TB $209.99; 2TB $369.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $64.99 View Deal LaCie $129.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The LaCie Portable SSD is an option for people who dont need James Bond levels of security. Available with 500GB, 1TB or 2TB of storage, the Portable SSD has a new design compared to its predecessor. Rather than sharply angular corners and edges of the now discontinued LaCie Mobile SSD, the compact Portable SSD has smoothly round corners perhaps following Apples recent fetish for rounded corners on icons in Big Sur and Monterey. Its smaller and lighter than previous drives from LaCie too, measuring just 0.4in/10.6mm thick, 1.9in/50mm wide, and 3in/80mm long, and it weighs a mere 1.5oz/45g, so its ideal for carrying around with your MacBook or iPad when youre traveling. The drive has a single USB-C interface, and includes a USB-C cable, but the low cost means that there are no added extras, such as an adaptor for older Macs that have USB-A (3.2) connectors. LaCie hasnt cut any other corners, though. The Portable SSD has a solid, sturdy design that should be able to cope with a few bumps in a backpack or briefcase, and it performs very well too. LaCie quotes read and write speeds of 1000MB/s, but repeated tests with the BlackMagic speed test app showed the Portable SSD comfortably cruising along at around 1,300MB/s with no trouble at all. That combination of speed, compact design and competitive pricing makes the Portable SSD a great option for anyone that needs a portable backup drive for their Mac or iPad. Read our full review . Samsung T5 EVO Pros Compact, lightweight design Sturdily built Provides up to 8TB storage Competitive price Cons Modest performer Only supports USB 3.1 (Gen 1) Price When Reviewed: 2TB: $189.99; 4TB: $$229.99; 8TB: $479.00 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Samsung (2TB) $189.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket T5 EVO isnt as fast as some of its SSD rivals, but its great as a general-purpose backup device and provides a faster and more portable alternative to a conventional hard drive. Unlike many solid-state drives, it provides up to 8TB of storage, making it a good option for people who need a lot of storage space for their work files, photos and videos. Its competitively priced, starting at $189.99/146 for 2TB of storage. The drive is compact, just 17mm thick, 40mm wide and 95mm long, and weighing 102g. Theres a chunky metal ring on one end that can be used to attach the drive to a backpack or belt. It doesnt have the armor-plated protection of Samsungs T7 Shield, but the T5 EVO doesnt cut corners on build quality. The drive is metal and then wrapped in a rubber sleeve to provide extra protection. It doesnt quote an IP rating for resistance to water and dust though. Its not the fastest back-up drive you can buy, and while theres a USB-C port for connecting to a Mac or PC, it only supports the relatively old USB 3.2 (Gen 1) standard, and Samsung quotes fairly modest speeds of 460MB/s for both read and write performance. Our tests showed that the drives write performance was right on the nose with a speed of 460MB/s when running the Black Magic disk speed test, although read performance was slower at 370MB/s. T5 EVO will be a great option for laptop users who want to ditch an old hard drive and replace it with a more portable solid-state drive that provides plenty of storage. Lexar Armor 700 Pros Competitive price Up to 4TB storage Rugged, weather-resistant design Cons No Thunderbolt support Full speed requires USB 3.2 Gen 22 Price When Reviewed: 1TB: $150 I 2TB: $230 I 4TB: $400 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $209.99 View Deal B&H $209.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Lexar makes a wide range of memory cards and solid-state drives that are very much aimed at creative users, and its Armor 700 drive provides fast, high-capacity storage in a rugged design that will be ideal for outdoor photo-shoots or filming. As the name suggests, the Armor 700 is sturdily built, boasting an IP66 rating for water and dust protection. This means that the drive can withstand powerful jets of water (but not complete immersion under water), and is tightly sealed to prevent dust or other particles from penetrating the drive. Its also wrapped in a shock-resistant rubber sleeve that can cope with being dropped from a height of three metres. The drive is available with 1TB, 2TB or 4TB of storage, so it provides plenty of storage for your Time Machine backups when youre on the road. Lexar also includes an app called DataShield that allows you to create an encrypted folder on the drive for storing sensitive files and data. The Amor 700 is equipped with a USB-C interface, with a USB-C cable and USB-A adaptor included in the box. Lexar states that the drive provides read and write speeds of up to 2000MB/s, but it does require a device that supports USB 3.2 Gen 22 in order to achieve those speeds (yes, USB standards are a complete mess these days). Apple doesnt support that specific version of USB, which means that Macs, iPhones and iPads with USB-C will only get a maximum speed of 1000MB/s. Our tests actually recorded scores of 910MB/s for write performance and 925MB/s for read performance, but thats more than adequate for routine backups when youre out and about. Lexar also states that this is fast enough to record 4K ProRes video from an iPhone 15 or 16, and the Armor 700 is still competitively priced when compared to rugged drives such as LaCies Rugged SSD. Professional users who really need top performance may prefer a drive that supports Thunderbolt such as LaCies high-end Rugged Pro but Thunderbolt drives are still very expensive, making the Armor 700 a good option for people on a tighter budget. You cant buy direct from Lexar, though, so its worth shopping around online to find the best price. Verbatim TurboMetal SSD Pros Good data transfer rate Quiet fan Cons Data rate drops during long data transfers No operation without fan Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $154.10 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Verbatim TurboMetal SSD is a classic NVMe drive with a length of around 106mm, a 55mm wide and 18mm thin metal housing, and weighs 150g. Like many USB4 enclosures, it uses an active fan and cooling slots for cooling. The fan is temperature-controlled and starts automatically when the temperature rises. Verbatim specifies a USB4 data transfer rate of 3600MBps for writing and 3700MBps for reading. However, we achieved 2664MBps for writing and 3123MBps for reading on an M3 MacBook Air in a 4K test with Aja System Test Lite. These are not bad values, but the best USB4 drives weve measured achieve slightly higher writing speeds but not higher reading speeds. The M4 Max Mac Studio showed much better values, with 2869MBps for writing and 3499MBps for reading. In a 30-minute endurance test with the Backmagicdesign Disk Speed Test, the fan started after 10 minutes. The TurboMetal got too warm after around 9 minutes in the data transfer rate, which dropped significantly to below 1000MBps. Shortly after starting the fan, the temperature of the SSD levelled off again, and the data transfer rate rose to its original value. The runs only when it has to. During the endurance test, the data transfer rate dropped briefly but stabilised immediately. DriveDX measured the temperature at around 46 degrees Celsius after using the fan, which remained on. The TurboMetal Portable SSD is available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities with a 20cm USB4 cable. Its formatted as FAT32, so Mac users should reformat it to APFS. The included software is only for Windows. The TurboMetal SSD is a discreet USB4 drive. The data transfer rates are suitable for everyday use, but some SSDs offer better speed. The regular dips indicate thermal protection, but they shouldnt affect most applications. Read our full Verbatim Turbometal Portable SSD review SanDisk Professional Pro-G40 Pros Thunderbolt 3 interface (compatible with USB-C) Ultra-rugged design Professional-level performance Cons Very expensive Doesnt support Thunderbolt 4 Price When Reviewed: 1TB $299.99; 2TB $449.99; 4TB $699.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $184.99 View Deal $269.99 View Deal $269.99 View Deal $269.99 View Deal Western Digital $299.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Many portable drives use a standard USB-C port for connecting to a Mac or PC, but SanDisks Pro-G40 opts for a high-speed Thunderbolt 3 port to provide maximum performance for professional users who need to work with large video and graphics files (and, of course, its backward-compatible with USB-C as well). The Pro-G40 was first released in 2022, and was already on our list of the best SSD drives for Mac, but this current model provides both improved performance and higher capacity for your work files. The design hasnt changed though, with a compact, portable drive that measures just 12mm thick, 58mm wide and 111mm long. It weighs just over 120g depending on the capacity you choose so you can slip it into a jacket pocket or into a carrying case alongside your MacBook with no trouble at all. The drive is also extremely tough, with a sturdy metal case that is rated IP68 one of the highest ratings possible for resistance to water, dust and other particles. Western Digital, which now owns the SanDisk brand, also claims that the drive can survive drops from a height of 3m, and can withstand crushing pressure of up to 4000lbs. The drive even includes a five-year warranty as well. The 2022 version of the Pro-G40 provided read and write speeds of 2700MB/s and 1900MB/s respectively when using the Thunderbolt cable included in the box, but the current model is rated at 3000MB/s for read and 2500MB/s for write speeds. Our tests showed it to be absolutely spot-on for write performance, consistently hitting 2500MB/s. The read performance didnt quite hit the quoted 3000MB/s, settling at just over 27000MB/s, but thats still far faster than most USB-C drives, and provides the sort of performance that professional users need for backing up their work files. That combination of high performance and ultra-rugged design does mean that the Pro-G40 is quite a bit more expensive than many USB-C drives, so its probably overkill if you just need an affordable portable drive for backing up personal files. However, professional users will be pleased to find that the price of the Pro-G40 has been reduced recently, with the 1TB model now costing $299.99/294.99, while the 2TB version is $449.99/441.99. And, as mentioned, theres a new 4TB version to provide extra capacity, priced at $699.99/687.99. Read our full SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 review SanDisk Desk Drive Pros Good performance Up to 8TB capacity Compact design Cons Requires mains power No additional ports Price When Reviewed: 4TB: $379.99; 8TB: $699.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $289.99 View Deal $289.99 View Deal $289.99 View Deal Western Digital $379.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The lightweight, compact design of solid-state drives makes them a great option if you need a portable back-up drive to use with your MacBook when youre traveling. However, portable SSDs do tend to have limited storage capacity, often with a maximum of just 1TB or 2TB. In contrast, the SanDisk Desk Drive provides both high-speed SSD performance and high capacity too, starting with a minimum of 4TB for $379.99/359.99. If thats not enough then you can also step up to 8TB, for $699.99/663.99. As the name suggests, the Desk Drive is very much designed for desktop use in an office, and its larger than most conventional SSDs, standing 40.2mm high and 99.2mm on each side, and weighing 268g. The drive itself is still small and light enough to slip into a backpack or traveling bag along with your MacBook, but it does require a mains power supply as well, so this isnt a drive that is going to leave the office very often (we did try to power it through a USB-C port on our MacBook Pro, but that didnt work). Its also a little disappointing that the Desk Drive just has a single USB-C port for data transfer. At this price, a couple of extra ports would have been a useful bonus, especially for MacBook models that only have a couple of USB-C ports of their own. We didnt have any complaints about the Desk Drives performance, though. SanDisk quotes a speed of 1GB/s, although the results we got were closer to 925MB/s and 910MB/s for write and read speeds respectively. Thats not as fast as some high-end SSDs that are designed for professional users such as SanDisks own Pro Blade system but its still a lot faster than a conventional hard drive, and the Desk Drive will be a very good option for people who simply need a fast backup drive that provides plenty of storage for photos, videos and work files. Seagate OneTouch SSD Pros Ships with USB cables that cover both USB-C and USB-A Sturdily built Cons Doesnt offer hardware encryption options Price When Reviewed: 500GB $94.99; 1TB $169.99; 2TB $309.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Seagate $94.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Seagates OneTouch hard drives are a popular choice with many users. The OneTouch SSD is the smallest and lightest portable drive weve ever seen and is available in black, silver or blue. When sitting flat on the desk it measures just 2in/50mm wide, 2.7in/70mm deep and a mere 0.4in/10.6mm thick. And it weighs only 2.6oz/74g, so you can easily slip it into your pocket and carry it around with your laptop or iPad when youre traveling. Its sturdily built too, with Seagate claiming that it can withstand being dropped from a height of 6.5 foot/2m. The OneTouch drive has a USB-C interface, but Seagate includes both USB-C and USB-A cables so that you can use it with most Macs and PCs straight out of the box. It works with Apples Time Machine for automatic backups, but Seagate also includes its own ToolKit app, which has a sync option for backing up specific folders. The drive also includes a one-year free subscription to the Mylio photo-organizer app, and four months with Adobes CC Photography plan, normally $9.99/9.98 a month on an annual plan (read our guide to getting the best deal on Adobe Creative Cloud ). The drive is available with 500GB, 1TB or 2TB of storage, so it provides plenty of room for backing up large libraries of photos, videos or music. It doesnt quite match Seagates quoted speed of 1GB/s, but it recorded read and write speeds of 835MB/s and 915MB/s respectively in our tests, which still put it among the fastest solid-state drives that weve tested recently. And, with its ridiculously light and compact design, the OneTouch will be ideal for backing up all your important files when youre on the move. LaCie Rugged Mini SSD Pros Compact, rugged design Up to 4TB storage 3-year warranty Cons Expensive No Thunderbolt interface Requires USB 3.2 Gen 22 for maximum performance Price When Reviewed: 500GB = $89.99; 1TB $129.99; 2TB $234.99; 4TB $439.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $79.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Lacie $84.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Continuing LaCies Rugged range of hard drives and SSDs. These have long been popular with people who need a sturdy back-up drive that can cope with rough weather and conditions when working outdoors, but the Rugged drives have always tended to be rather large and bulky like the Rugged SSD Pro (above) so LaCie has produced a more compact option in the form of the new Rugged Mini SSD. As you might expect, the Rugged Mini looks very much like its rugged relatives, with LaCies distinctive bright orange rubber sleeve helping to keep the drive safe. But, of course, its a lot smaller than previous models, measuring just 17.3mm thick, 66.9mm wide, 105mm long. It only weighs 114g as well, so you can easily slip it into a jacket pocket or backpack when youre traveling. Despite that compact design, the Rugged Mini is still tough enough to cope with some rough treatment. Its rated IP54 for water and dust resistance, so it should be able to cope with life outdoors if youre working on location for a photo- or video shoot. And, thanks to that rubber sleeve, it can handle drops of up to 3m and even survive being driven over by a 1-tonne truck. And if thats not tough enough, the drive comes with a three-year warranty that includes LaCies Rescue Data Recovery Service, to help restore any lost data. The drives USB-C port will work with any Mac or PC that also has USB-C or Thunderbolt. But, like a number of drives that weve seen recently, it uses a version of USB known as USB 3.2 Gen 22, which isnt fully supported by Macs at the moment. This means that Macs wont be able to get the full 2000MB/s speeds supported by that interface, and our tests confirmed this, recording write and read speeds of 900MB/s and 970MB/s respectively. Weve seen stronger performance from some rival drives, but those speeds should be perfectly adequate for routine backups when youre on the road, and the sturdy design of the Rugged Mini makes it a good option for people who need a drive that they can use outdoors on a regular basis. Pricing is a little confusing, though. In the US, the Rugged Mini costs $84.99/74.99 (1TB), $109.99/99.99 (2TB), and $159.99/149.99 (4TB). Weve seen much lower prices from Amazon and other online retailers, so its definitely worth shopping around before buying. WD My Passport SSD Pros Lightweight Offers USB-C and A Hardware encryption Cons Expensive Remarkably short cable Software issues Price When Reviewed: 500GB $59.99; 1TB $74.99; 2TB $179.99; 4TB $319.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Western Digital $59.99 View Deal $84.99 View Deal $89.99 View Deal $94.99 View Deal $138.99 View Deal $149.99 View Deal $149.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Western Digitals Passport drives have always provided portable, lightweight designs, and the My Passport SSD combines compact design with strong performance and additional security features. Available in a variety of colors, the My Passport SSD provides up to 4TB of solid-state storage, although the 1TB model that we review here costs $74.99/94.99. The drive measures just 0.35in/9mm thick, and weighs 1.6oz/46g, so its small enough to slip into a jacket pocket when youre on the move. However, its also tough enough to survive being dropped from a height of two metres. The drive is equipped with a USB-C interface, but WD includes a USB-C cable and a USB-A adaptor with the drive, so you can still use it with older Macs that dont have USB-C. The solid-state drive provides good performance too, recording a write speed of 935MB/s and read speed of 908MB/s, making it a great option for backing up your important files on the move. Its secure too, as WDs Discovery app allows you to set a password for the drive in order keep your files safe. Theres a second app as well, called WD Unlocker, which is built into the drive itself, and allows you to enter the password so that you can use the drive with another Mac or PC if you need to. When the drive was first introduced there were complaints that the WD apps hadnt been properly updated to 64-bit code for the latest versions of the macOS, but we tested the drive with our office Macs and didnt encounter any problems. Read a full review over on our sister site Tech Advisor. Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield Pros Rugged & shock resistant Password protection USB-C cable and a USB-A adaptor included Cons The standard T7 is cheaper and may be sufficient for your needs. Price When Reviewed: 1TB $129.99; 2TB $219.99; 4TB $389.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $99.99 View Deal $109.99 View Deal $109.99 View Deal $109.99 View Deal $118.21 View Deal $129.99 View Deal $160.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket There are three versions of Samsungs T7 . The standard T7 is a compact, lightweight SSD that looks very similar to the old T5 although it boasts higher performance, so make sure you check the model numbers before buying. We tested the T7 Shield, which is a more rugged model, wrapped in a sturdy rubber sleeve designed for outdoor use. Both of those models can use Samsungs Portable SSD app to add password protection for your files, but theres also a third model called the T7 Touch that has a built-in fingerprint sensor for extra security and convenience. Available in black, blue or silver, the T7 Shield costs $129/110 with 1TB of storage, but we are seeing great discounts now its been out a while. It has a USB-C interface for connecting to your Mac, but Samsung includes a USB-C cable and a USB-A adaptor so that you can use it with older Macs that have USB-A. The rugged protective sleeve means that its a little larger than the other T7 models, measuring 0.5in/13mm thick, 2.3in/59mm wide and 3.4in/88mm long, and weighing 3.4oz/98g. Even so, its still small enough to slip into a jacket pocket or backpack with no trouble at all, and many people will appreciate the extra protection that it offers. The T7 Shield is rated IP65 for water- and dust-resistance, and Samsung claims that the shock-resistant rubber sleeve can survive drops from a height of three meters. Its a good performer too. Samsung quotes read and write speeds of 1,000MB/s, but our tests with the Blackmagic disk tool actually recorded a read speed of 1,780MB/s, and a write speed of 1,300MB/s, which makes the T7 Shield a great backup option for people who need to work outdoors with their laptop. OWC Express 1M2 USB4 SSD Pros Very high data transfer rates High-quality housing Good cooling without a fan Cons Short connection cable Price When Reviewed: 1TB: $219.99 I 2TB: $299.99 I 4TB: $529.99 I 8TB: $1,299.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price OWC $219.99 View Deal $229.99 View Deal $229.99 View Deal $229.99 View Deal $229.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The OWC Express 1M2s cooling fins alone account for around half of the overall height of this external SSD. The aluminum housing is quite large at 5.2 by 2.8 by 0.9 inches (13.2 by 7.1 by 2.3 centimeters) and the very high-quality metal housing also has sufficiently large rubber surfaces on the underside. To test for speed, we used two benchmarks, Aja System Test Lite and Blackmagicdesign Disk Speed Test. The results are impressive: 2736MBps (write) and 2980MBps (read) in Aja System Test Lite. The values with Blackmagicdesign Disk Speed Test were around 100MBps higherit cracked the 3000 MBps mark in the read test. Read our full OWC Express 1M2 USB4 SSD review How we test Mac SSDs We test SSD drives with our Mac running the latest version of macOS. We format the drive before we begin and then we run benchmarks and perform real-world operations to determine its speed relative to other similar drives. We also look at longevity and durability we want to make sure that a drive wont die after a few months of use, so the build and construction matters. Portability is also considered, assuming the drive is designed to be portable. Why you should trust Macworld At Macworld been putting Mac hardware through its paces for decades. We know how to root out the strengths and weaknesses of a SSD drive using a combination of rigorous benchmark testing and real-world hands-on use. How to choose an SSD: Buying advice Youve read our recommendations of the best SSDs for Mac owners on the market right now. But how did we reach these decisions, and what general advice should you follow when selecting the best SSD for your needs? SSDs vs hard drives Cost per gigabyte is themain stumbling block. You might pay $200 for a 1TB portable SSD, whereas a 1TB external hard drive costs around $25. This is because hard drives use relatively cheap spinning platters to store data. SSDs employ NAND memory chips. They are pricier, but also faster and allow for much smaller enclosures. If you decide in favor of hard drives, see our roundup of the best Mac hard drives . Which connectors to choose Another thing to take note of is whether the SSD connects via Thunderbolt 5, 4 or 3, and USB 4 or USB-C, USB 3 or USB 3.22. The latter is one to avoid if you are a Mac user because Apple supports only 10Gbps with USB 3.2, meaning 3.22 20Gbps SSDS are constrained to half their potential. There are some SSD drives that support the new Thunderbolt 5 standard, which brings speeds of up to 80Gbps if you have a Mac with M4 Pro or M4 Max. Weve looked at some Thunderbolt 5 equipped SSDs below. How fast can you expect SSD file transfers to be? The top external SSDs can read and write at up to around 550MB/s. However, to get these speeds you need a port on your Mac or MacBook that can handle this bandwidth. If youve got a Mac model with a Thunderbolt/USB-C port, youre set. While external SSDs use USB 3.1 standards rather than Thunderbolt, the port also supports USB 3.1 Gen 1 and Gen 2, which is what were after. Most modern Macs have a Thunderbolt 4 port, but some MacBook Pro models already have Thunderbolt 5 (Pro and Max versions) as does the Mac mini with the Pro chip, and the Mac Studio. Thunderbolt 4 is almost exactly the same as Thunderbolt 3 was, but it has stricter implementation requirements and some changes for PC users which just bring it into line with what Mac users already had. Thunderbolt 5 is the highest-performing interfaces for external storage. We explain everything you need to know about Thunderbolt 5 vs Thunderbolt 4 and 3 vs USB4 separately. Thunderbolt 5 is a big step up from Thunderbolt 4. Bandwidth doubles from 40Gbps to 80Gbps, display connections go as fast as 120Gbps. Thats up to three times more bandwidth than previous existing connectivity solutions. How much storage do I need? Recent external SSDs tend to come in three or four capacities: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB and you might even find 8TB. Youll want to think carefully about the capacity you need, as the cost difference between 500GB and 1TB models is usually stark. There arent the same relatively minor price leaps seen in 1-4TB hard drives. We cant answer this one for you, but its a good idea to do a quick mental calculation. For example, 4K footage from a Panasonic Lumix GH4 camera eats up 4GB every five minutes. Video editors who work in 4K need a lot of storage. However, if you just need to back up or carry around some movies and photos, a smaller-capacity model may well do the trick. Check out your Macs own storage capacity and use that as a guide. We recommend about twice that number because it allows you to make a full back up and store some incremental backups too. Just dont assume that the lowest-cost drives provide the best value. Its usually the case that the higher the capacity the better the price per gigabyte is. The best value is usually the highest capacity, but that also means a higher price, so you probably want something in the middle of that, depending on your needs. 2.5in or ultra-portable? SSD performance varies from around 300-500MB/s read speeds all the way up to 3000MB/s, but there are three basic physical forms of SSD. And two can be considered portable. Naked SSD boards plug directly into PCIe or SATA interfaces. These are the kind you might use to replace the SSD in a laptop, or add to a desktop. They are not really portable. 2.5in SSDs offer a mix of portability and internal use, and are the cheapest way to get a portable drive. They have a plastic casing, avoiding damage to the components, but use SATA connectors rather than USB. You can buy an enclosure to get more protection and that all-important USB or Thunderbolt interface, or even just use a SATA-to-USB cable. We use one of these cables in the office to ferry around test files on a 2.5in SSD. For the ultimate portable experience you need a pocket SSD, though, not one based on 2.5in drive dimensions. These are designed to be used with USB or Thunderbolt connectors, not those found inside a Mac or MacBook. Youll mostly find this kind below. They are incredibly small and convenient. However, they are more expensive than 2.5in-style drives, so you may want to consider the larger type if lower spend is a top concern. Shock-proof and rugged? Other features to look out for include IP-ratings for weather protection and password protection for your important files. SSDs are more durable than hard drives. They have no moving parts, and wont be damaged if they are moved or knocked while writing data. While modern hard drives have some level of shock protection, its still a big issue. You can treat an SSD pretty mean before it starts complaining. Some portable SSDs even offer water resistance. You can also get ruggedization in a specialized drive enclosure, if you choose to go down the 2.5in drive route. This is a huge portability benefit. But if they are sat still all day, are SSDs more reliable than HDDs? Hard drives tend to fail mechanically. For example, the motor that spins the platters might burn out. SSDs memory cells age, which can lead to failure. Both kinds require specialist recovery. As ever, back up important data. However, for our purposes, as people who occasionally have to fling drives in rucksacks and plug them in while sat in an airplane seat, SSDs are the clear winner. Software Just remember to check that any apps provided by the manufacturer work with Macs and well as Windows PCs.
Fairphone 6 lands a perfect 10 for repairability
Dutch company Fairphone continues to lead the charge on consumer- and planet-friendly electronics, proving that a great phone doesn't have to be impossible to repair or environmentally unsustainable. The Fairphone 6 has just been released, coming two years after the last generation of the phone built to last. The folks over at iFixit wasted no time in conducting a teardown of this new entry to see how it stacks up against previous generations. The Fairphone 6 scored a perfect 10 out of 10, like every generation of Fairphone bar the very first. Fairphones are modular, and have been designed with easy repair in mind, but there is one change from the previous generations that makes things harder. Whereas the last few Fairphones have used hard batteries that could be flipped out with your fingernail, the new handset packs a soft-pouch cell thats thinner than its predecessors. Thats slimmed the phone down, but it does mean the battery is now held in place with five screws. Its the same with every other component on the handset, since none of the components are held in with glue. The lack of adhesives does account for the phones IP 55 rating, which is lower than the rest of the industry. But given you cant exactly get Samsung to send you a video guide telling you how to open your phone with nothing more than a T5 Torx screwdriver, so theres give and take. iFixit is quick to point out that the Fairphone 6 isnt a bleeding-edge smartphone, nor is it intended to be. Its designed from the ground up to be as sustainable and repair-friendly as possible, and this means some trade-offs compared with flagship devices. The Fairphone 6s use of USB 2.0, a less pixel-dense screen, and only 8GB of RAM are all necessary design choices when built with longer life cycles in mind. Nevertheless, this almost certainly wont affect the day-to-day use of the handset for most consumers, and owning a device you can truly repair yourself just might be worth it. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/fairphone-6-lands-a-perfect-10-for-repairability-190001687.html?src=rss
Overhaul your space with Walker Edisons mid-century modern Saxon TV stand, now $159 (Reg. $230)
Walker Edison Saxon Modern 65-inch TV Stand Buy for $159 (Reg. $230) What we love Give your space a fresh look with this discounted TV stand. It boasts a mid-century modern vibe thats ready to give nearly any room a face lift. The entire unit spans roughly 24 by 60 by 16 inches and its ready to prop up a 65-inch television. Theres storage down below too, with two cabinets plus a piece of tempered glass shelving in tow. more
Resident Evil is getting a new mobile spin-off game
Less than a month after Capcoms surprise announcement of the next Resident Evil game, another new entry has been confirmed. But before Resi fans get too wild with excitement, this one is a mobile spin-off for iOS and Android called Resident Evil Survival Unit . Its a strategy game that somehow fits into the broader universe, even if its not clear how at this point. We dont have a lot of concrete information at the moment, with the game set to be fully revealed in a showcase scheduled July 10 at 6pm ET, but we do know that its being co-developed by Aniplex Inc and Korean developer Joycity. The latter is currently working on another strategy game called Disney Realm Breakers , with access to various Disney IP including Toy Story and The Incredibles . Joycity is also the studio behind Pirates of the Caribbean: Tides of War , a free-to-play real-time strategy game that has an average rating of 4.4 from 210 thousand reviews on the Google Play Store. Strategy is clearly the studios favored genre, then, and in its announcement message for Resident Evil Survival Unit it promises the game expands the global fanbase of Resident Evil to mobile, allowing players to enjoy the world of the series with a new approach that is different from the existing series. It was also confirmed in a press release that the mobile game is being developed in close collaboration to ensure authenticity and quality. Resident Evil Requiem (the official name for what is technically Resident Evil 9 ) was announced back in June at SGF 25, and centers on a new character called Grace Ashcroft. For the first time in the series history, both first-person and third-person gameplay perspectives will be an option from launch. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/resident-evil-is-getting-a-new-mobile-spin-off-game-160044931.html?src=rss
G-SHOCK vibes await with Spigens Rugged Armor Apple Watch Series 10 case at $6 (Save 40%)
Spigen Rugged Armor Apple Watch Series 10 Case Buy for $6 (Reg. $10) What we love While Apple offers several different styles of its wearbles these days, they are all very popular and can blend in with the crowd. This affordable case from Spigen gives it a layer of rugged protection while also mimicking the look of Casios G-SHOCK watches, if you ask me anyway. This case wraps around a Series 10 and leaves band slots fully accessible. more
As part of its ongoing early Prime Day Sale through July 7 , Bluetti has launched its newest backup power solution plus, the exclusive bonus savings we secured for our readers extends here! You can now pick up the brands new Elite 100 V2 Portable Power Station at $379.05 shipped , after using the exclusive code 9TO5TOYS5OFF at checkout. This new model will be carrying a $799 price tag outside of discounts, with this sale giving you the chance at the first cash savings while its still fresh to the market. Youre looking at a combined 53% markdown that saves you $420 off the tag and sets the bar for future discounts. more
You can do better than the grocery stores surge protector, this 8-in-1 USB-C model is $10
Addtam 8-in-1 USB-C Surge Protector Buy for $10 (Reg. $13) What we love Back when surge protectors used to only have AC outputs, there was nothing really wrong with grabbing something from a local grocery store. Personally, I think the landscape has changed and it makes a lot of sense to grab one off Amazon instead. For $10 youre getting a model that sports four AC outlets, two USB-A, and two Type-C ports. more
Amazon is offering the Worx 20V JawSaw Cordless PowerShare Chainsaw for $109 shipped. Its mostly been keeping to its $170 full price over the last year, with discounts in that 12-month period only going as low as $130 for Black Friday and Christmas, while 2025 has only seen it fall as low as $136. While we have seen it go as low as $89 in past years, todays deal comes in as the best price weve tracked in 12 months, with a 36% markdown that cuts $61 off the tag. more
Were just a few days away from Amazons big annual Prime Day sale, but were tracking some solid deals on a bunch of PC gaming gear thanks to the fresh lot of 4th of July offers. Its one of the best times to snag some PC gaming deals, and everything from gaming laptops and handhelds to high-performance desktops and essential components are currently discounted. To help you cut through the noise, weve rounded up the best PC gaming deals in one place so you can upgrade your setup without the hassle. more
LISEN 3-in-1 MagSafe Nightstand Charging Station Buy for $21 (Reg. $35) Enter code M7QF6L6D at checkout for $14 off. What we love This LISEN charging station is an affordable option to add 3-in-1 wireless charging for your Apple kit to your nightstand or desk. It comes with a foldable design, with dual hinges allowing it to condense to a more compact form factor thats ready for traveling support too. Youll get up to 15W wireless speeds with the MagSafe iPhone charger on top, while the charging puck takes care of your Apple Watch and the Qi-compatible pad covers your AirPods. Youll even be getting a 20W wall adapter and a braided nylon USB-C cable so its ready to go straight out of the box. more
GMs Cruise Cars Are Back on the Road in Three US StatesBut Not for Ride-Hailing
After sightings by WIRED, GM confirms that a limited number of sensor-laden Bolt EVs have been given a second life.
Dysons $500 OnTrac ANC headphones with CNC Aluminum/Copper caps hit new all-time low at $200 off
We are now tracking a deal at Amazon that gets you Dysons OnTrac ANC headphones down at $299.99 shipped. This is regularly a $500 set that hit the scene around the same time last year. Discounts for this set have been rare since then, but todays 40% off deal marks the biggest price drop weve seen yet. You can get these headphones with CNC aluminum and CNC copper caps outside of Dysons online store, and theyre both down the $300 low today. Head below for more details. more
This 65-inch sofa was already affordable, but now Amazon will ship it to you for $250 (Reg. $300)
Marsail 65-inch Loveseat Sofa Buy for $250 (Reg. $300) Clip the on-page $20 off coupon. What we love Need more seating at home? This option wont break the bank at just $250. That includes shipping too, with Amazon getting it to your doorstep for that price. One perk I really dig is that the covers can be removed, making it easier to wash them and keep this sofa looking good for years to come. Once assembled, this unit will take up roughly 64.6 by 31.5 by 29.5 inches of space. more
How to Choose the Right Soundbar (2025): Size, Price, Surround Sound, and Subwoofers
What size should you get? Do you need a subwoofer? Heres everything you need to know when upgrading your TVs audio.
As part of its ongoing 4th of July Sale , Rad Power Bikes has added its RadTrike electric tricycle to the lineup only through the weekend at $1,399 shipped , while the rest of the discounted models will retain their savings through July 9. Normally fetching $1,699 at full price, weve only spotted two previous discounts on this model in 2025, both of them only taking things down to $1,499. The deal here, however, gives you an even greater $300 in savings, bringing the costs back down to the lowest price we have tracked for the first time this year. more
Best July 4th iOS app deals and freebies: Teslagrad, Temporal War, Clank!, more
Youll find all of the best 4th of July deals ready and waiting in our master roundup , but we are taking some time to roundup all off the best deals surfacing on the App Store today as well. Some of this years highlight Apple deals include $100 off all iPad mini 7 models , at least $150 off all M4 MacBook Air configs , and at least $200 in savings across the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro lineup , but there are even more waiting right here . As for the apps, youll find them all waiting for you below. more
Best monitor Prime Day deals 2025: Early discounts
Macworld Looking for a great deal on a new display or monitor to use with your Mac or MacBook? This Amazon Prime Day, youll have a great opportunity to pick up a new monitor to use with your Mac mini or MacBook, as Amazon is discounting some of our favorite monitors. The sale starts on July 8 and runs until July 11, which is longer than usual, but we still recommend you act quick to grab the biggest bargains. Amazon Prime Daylets Prime subscribers take advantage of great savings. See our roundup of the Best Amazon Prime Day Apple deals for our pick of the best Prime Day deals on Apple products. To take advantage of the deals, you will need Amazon Prime membership (which costs $14.99 / 8.99 / AUD$6.99 a month but can be canceled after 30 days). If you dont already have a Prime membership, you can sign up for the free 30-day trial . The monitors picked here are all chosen by our editors, who have decades of experience with Apple devices. Weve reviewed most of the monitors we recommend, and the ones we didnt, we referenced our companion sites, including PCWorld, as well as our prior knowledge of the company. In short, we wont tell you to buy something thats not an actual deal. The products below are all at or near all-time lows, and weve selected what we think is the best configuration for each product type. We know Apple is expensive, so weve chosen products at prices we would be willing to pay, so you can trust that our recommendations will steer you in the right directionand save you big bucks. Best Amazon Prime deals for monitors and displays Below you will find some of the best deals weve seen for Amazon Prime Day so far this year. Click on Review if you would like to read our review of the monitor on offer. In addition, you may like to read our round-up of the best Mac monitors. U.S. Prime Day deals on Mac monitors For the best monitor deals on Amazon right now, go to Amazons Monitors store. Or click here for the display deals specific to Prime Day. Samsung M8 : $645 ($54 off, RRP $699) REVIEW Dell U2723QE UltraSharp 27-inch 4K : $480 ($160 off, MSRP $639.99) REVIEW Dell UltraSharp U3223QE 31.5-inch 4K : $836 ($84 off, MSRP $919.99) REVIEW Acer KB272 27-inch Monitor : $142 ($13 off, MSRP $155) Samsung T35F 27-inch Monitor : $100 ($50 off, MSRP $150) Dell S2425HS 23.8 Inch : $130 ($30 off, MSRP $150) U.K. Prime Day deals on Mac monitors For the best monitor deals on Amazon right now go to Amazons Monitors store . Or click here for the display deals specific to Prime Day. Samsung M8 : 449 (80 off, RRP 529) REVIEW BenQ GW2790QT : 246.97 (34 off, RRP 280) REVIEW BenQ PD2725U, 27-inch : 697.99 (200 off, RRP 899.99) REVIEW ALOGIC Clarity 27-inch UHD 4K Monitor : 585 (114 off, RRP 699.99) REVIEW Samsung S65TCUWQHDViewFinity 34-inch : 484 (168 off, RRP 652) REVIEW LG 32MR50C-B, 32-inch Curved Widescreen Monitor : 139 (55 off, RRP 194) LG 27MR400-B, 27 Inch, Full HD : 86.99 (23 off, RRP 109.99) Samsung LU32J590UQPXXU UJ590 32-inch 4K : 286.98 (53 off, RRP 339.99) Samsung ViewFinity S65TC : 484.73 (115 off, RRP 599) REVIEW Dell U2723QE UltraSharp 27-inch 4K : 494 (46 off, RRP 540) REVIEW Amazon Prime Day: Best Mac accessory deals Prime Day is also a great opportunity to save some cash on some accessories for your MacBook. Perhaps you need a spare charger for your MacBook. Or perhaps you want a dock, a printer, or a bag. If we spot a good deal well list it here. We also have separate round-ups for the best Amazon Prime Day Mac storage deals .U.S. Mac accessory Prime Day deals Apple Pencil (USB-C) : $58 ($21 off, MSRP $79) Apple Pencil Pro: $99 ($30 off, MSRP $129) Apple MagSafe Charger (2m) : $40 ($9 off, MSRP $49) AirTag (4-pack): $75 ($24 off, MSRP $99) AirTag (single): $23 ($6 off, MSRP $29) U.K. Mac accessory Prime Day deals Magic TrackPad : 109 (20 off, RRP 129) Magic Keyboard : 84 (15 off, RRP 99) Magic Keyboard with Touch ID : 126.65 (22 off, RRP 149) Magic Keyboard with Touch ID & Numeric Pad : 169.98 (10 off, RRP 179) Prime Day: How can I get the best deals on Mac monitors? Once Prime Day begins, most deals will be exclusive for Prime members, so youll need to sign in with an active membership to purchase one of the deals. Prime memberships cost $139 / 95 annually, or $14.99 / 8.99 / AU$6.99 every month. New users can sign up for a 30-day free trial that can be canceled at any time during the trial window. As well as access to sales prices, Prime members also get free two-day shipping and access to Prime Video and all the content available on that service. For more Amazon Prime Day coverage, check out our other Apple deal roundups: Best Amazon Prime Day Apple deals Best Amazon Prime Day AirPods deals Best Amazon Prime Day Apple Watch deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPad deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPhone deals Best Amazon Prime Day MacBook Air and MacBook Pro deals Best Amazon Prime Day Mac deals Best Prime Day storage deals for Mac
15 Best MagSafe Wireless Chargers (2025): Power Banks, Stands, Pads, and Travel Chargers
Keep your iPhone battery topped up with a magnetic MagSafe wireless charger.
5-pack of LISEN 60W USB-C Cables Buy for $9 (Reg. $10) Clip the on-page 10% off coupon. What we love Now that USB-C is a given on most devices, its worth having a lot of cables at the ready. This bundle includes a total of five, and they vary from 3 to 10 feet in length, helping ensure you have the proper size waiting in your tech bin. more
Happy Independence Day, everyone! While we celebrate the birth of America, lets not forget just where America resides within the whole of Mother Nature. As such, weve rounded together the very best Green Deals on eco-friendly tech to help you electrify life and protect the planet we call home. This years festivities are seeing quite a lot of savings rolling in especially with many of these sales coinciding with early Prime Day discounts. Weve broken everything down into curated sections with EVs, power stations and solar generators, electric tools, ENERGY STAR-certified appliances, and more. Head below to browse through everything weve collected, and well be sure to update this hub as new deals roll in. more
Happy 4th of July and I hope you get some time on the Switch 2 on your day off before you head out to todays festivities. On that note, we have gathered up all of the best deals we can find on Switch games today to save you some cash while shoring up your library with top-tier first-party games. The official digital Nintendo Summer Sales are now live at Best Buy and Amazon , but there are also a load of notable deals on physical titles at Woot as well, including Switch 1 games with FREE Switch 2 upgrades. You can even leverage some of these Switch 1 deals to land the game at a discount and then just buy the Switch 2 upgrade pack this is much less than just buying the Switch 2 Edition. This is, for example, the only way to score a deal on the Switch 2 Edition of Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Enjoy: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom $48 (Reg. $70) Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom $44 (Reg. $60) Donkey Kong Country Returns HD $40 (Reg. $60) Super Mario Bros. Wonder $45 (Reg. $60) Mario & Luigi: Brothership $43 (Reg. $60) Super Mario 3D World + Bowsers Fury $45 (Reg. $60) Luigis Mansion 2 HD $45 (Reg. $60) Super Smash Bros. Ultimate $43 (Reg. $60) Mario Vs. Donkey Kong $40 (Reg. $60) Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition $25 (Reg. $30) Princess Peach: Showtime! $45 (Reg. $60) Super Mario Maker 2 $42 (Reg. $60) Kirbys Return to Dream Land Deluxe $40 (Reg. $60) Mario Party Superstars $40 (Reg. $60) And much more more
Amazon Insta360 camera sale now live with up to 47% off! Action cameras, webcams, more from $100
We are now tracking a bunch of solid deals on Insta360s range of action cameras, webcams, and more at Amazon via its official storefront. You can save up to 47% today by cashing in on these camera deals ahead of the Prime Day sale, and the prices are starting down at $99.99 shipped . Weve already highlighted a couple of these deals separately over the last few days including the fresh low on its Link 2 webcam with built-in gimbal down at $149.99 shipped , but there are more offers ready and waiting for you down below. Hit the jump to check out all the latest deals. more
Baseus new 67W 3-in-1 charger w/ retractable USB-C cable + tiny FREE 45W brick now at $40 (Save 53%)
We just spotted an unmissable deal at Amazon that gets you Baseus latest 67W 3-in-1 USB-C charger with retractable cable for $39.99 shipped. This deal on the new charger, courtesy of the brands official storefront, even gets you a FREE 45W Type-C charging brick on top of a $20 discount. Simply head to the offer page right here and add the 67W Enercore charger to the cart. Then click Benefit Items on the left, under View, and add the 45W PicoGo C1 charger to the cart to grab it for FREE during checkout. The Enercore 67W model, in case youre wondering, is a fairly new charger which is now back to its lowest price with a $20 markdown from its $60 usual going rate. Todays deal gets you two solid charging units at $20 each, so be sure to snag it after getting more details below. more
Best 4th of July deals: Apple, Samsung, PC laptops, e-bikes, smart home gear, more
Down below youll find a collection of the all the best 4th of July deals live today. We are indeed on the horizon of the massive summer Prime Day event, so there will be a whole lot more big ticket deals landing then, but there are certainly loads of notable deals across the Apple and Samsung lineup alongside accessories for all of it, big-time PC laptop and gaming rig offers, e-bikes, power stations, and plenty of smart home gear as well. Youll also find loads of early Prime Day deals on Amazons in-house gear already on tap today too. more
We just spotted a deal at Amazon that gets you Alienwares tri-mode AW720M wireless gaming mouse down at $69.99 shipped. This is originally a $150 gaming mouse that has lately been sitting at the $130 mark at Amazon. Todays 46% discount shaves $60 off its usual going rate, marking a new best price to beat. This mouse is available in both black and white colors and theyre both down to the $70 low today. Head below for more details. more
15 Best Heat Protectant Sprays for Wet and Dry Hair (2025)
I spent months testing dozens of heat protectants for hair. Whether youre blow-drying, curling, or straightening, these are the best formulas I've found.
The 13 Best Fans for the Coolest Summer (2025)
From tower and pedestal styles to utilitarian box fans, these are our WIRED-tested favorites.
What stores are open and closed for the 4th of July 2025? Walmart, Costco, Target, more
Lets take a look at what stores are closed and open for the 4th of July 2025. Is Walmart closed on the 4th of July? Is Costco closed on July 4? What about Target? Is Sams Club open today? The short answer here is that most major retail locations are indeed open for the 4th of July 2025, but there are a couple notable exceptions that are not opening brick and mortar locations for the U.S holiday today and we have all of the details on store closures and more waiting for you below. more
The Morning After: Big, Beautiful Fallout
The so-called Big, Beautiful Bill has passed with plenty of nasty treats for the US technology and manufacturing industries. As well as swinging the sword at basic environmental protection measures, the bill sticks its thumb in the eye of the EV industry. Tim Stevens takes you on a tour of the most salient changes, like the imminent end of the EV tax credit . Joining that on the bonfire is the used EV incentive, as well as the rebates for the purchase of commercial EVs. Similarly, for all of this administrations talk of bringing manufacturing back to the US, the bill is a middle finger for domestic solar companies. The US is the only credible manufacturing rival to China in solar panels, but the bill cuts these businesses off at the knees. I spoke to people inside the US solar industry who know that, despite whatever tariffs are implemented, this bill opens the door to a flood of cheap, Chinese-made solar panels to usurp their US rivals . An earlier version of the bill also contained moves that could only be described as weirdly vindictive. It previously proposed an annual EV tax of $250 (and $100 for hybrid owners) as well as a general levy on all wind and solar projects. Why? A cynic might suggest it was due to the bill being drafted to benefit fossil fuel companies at the expense of literally everyone else. Anyway, hopefully you can enjoy the holiday and wont need to spend it panic-buying an EV and US-made solar panels. Although thats not actually a bad way to spend a long weekend. Dan Cooper Get Engadget's newsletter delivered direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! The news you might have missed Here are the letters that let Apple and Google ignore the TikTok ban AG Pam Bondi offered a written guarantee they would incur no legal liability. Xbox was funding Romero Games' new game, but layoffs have left the project in crisis Turns out Microsoft was backing John Romeros new studio. Uber drivers in British Columbia, Canada have unionized This will be interesting. Get two months of Paramount+ for only $2 right now Catch up on all that new Star Trek. Paramount+ You can snag two months of Paramount+ for just $2, allowing you to take advantage of the new season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds . The deal applies to both the Essential and Premium plan, so you can easily have a little run of ad-free Star Trek as a treat. And, if you dont like the idea of binging Strange New Worlds , you can always watch Star Trek: Lower Decks instead. Continue Reading. Microsoft gaming division suffers further layoffs Even before the Xbox layoffs, there was 'tension' at Halo Studios Halo Studios Microsoft has announced it will cut 9,000 jobs from its global workforce , with much of that focus on its gaming division. Engadget's Jessica Conditt got the inside scoop from employees at Halo Studios, who reveal all is not well at what should be one of Microsofts crown jewels . Sadly, the company was already gutted back in 2023, and the lukewarm reception of its work since then is a sign of how badly things are going. Continue Reading. Crunchyroll's lazy AI subtitles have anime fans furious Friends dont let friends subtitle shows with ChatGPT. Igor Bonifacic for Engadget Translating a work of art is a delicate task requiring nuanced knowledge of both the culture and the languages youre translating from and to. Unless youre Anime-favoring streaming service Crunchyroll, which just dumped subtitle files into ChatGPT and hoped for the best . As well as a general sloppiness, Engadgets Igor Bonifacic found instances of lines beginning with ChatGPT said: at the start of a line. Crunchyroll said the subtitles were the result of the unauthorized action of a third-party vendor, and it is working to rectify the error right now. Continue Reading. PlayStation needs Neil Druckmann more than HBO does Our take on the Last of Us changes Neil Druckmann, head of Naughty Dog and co-creator of The Last of US and its TV adaptation, is stepping down from the HBO series . He said hes shifting his focus back to video games full time to work on the studios next big title, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet . The Last of Us Part II co-writer Halley Gross is also stepping down at the same time, and that got our staff TLoU superfan Nathan Ingrahams antennae twitching. He feels the video game industry, currently suffering body blow after body blow, needs Druckmann (and Gross) far more than the TV world does . Continue Reading. Nothing Phone 3 hands-on: A tiny, playful dot-matrix screen in the company's most expensive phone yet Its another quirky gimmick on the back cover. Mat Smith for Engadget Nothing has launched its third-generation flagship, the $799 Nothing Phone 3, complete with a new eye-catching gimmick . Whereas previous models had the Glyph Interface, a series of flashing lights on the rear cover, the 3 gets a tiny dot-matrix display called the Glyph Matrix. Wanna find out if its going to be worth your cash? Check out Mat Smiths detailed hands-on. Continue Reading. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-111523433.html?src=rss
Check out the official 50-page Target Prime Day Circle Week sale ad: Deals, start time, more
We already brought you the early details on Targets massive upcoming Prime Day competitor sale known Circle Week, and now we have a look at the official 50-page ad to give you more details. Unlike what we have seen from Best Buy and Walmart, as well as Amazons sneak peak at the upcoming Prime Day sale deals, Target is serving up a proper ad with exact prices on hundreds of items and you can check it out below. more
The official Walmart 4th of July sale is now live folks . While it is offering up a large selection of cookout and celebration essentials from $1.98 with delivery in as fast as 1 hour, we should also point out that its brick and mortar locations just about everywhere are open today as well for folks who might need to swing by for some last-minute pickups as well. On top of that youll still find its Walmart+ memberships at a seriously notable 50% off right now alongside rollbacks on tech, and loads of July 4th grocery deals on tap. Details below. more
Best Mac Prime Day deals 2025: Early discounts
Macworld If youre in the market for a new Mac, the good news is Amazon Prime Day is coming soon! It runs from July 8 to July 11. In our experience, you can get discounts on Macs all year round, but some of the best Mac discounts fall during Amazons sales. The Amazon Prime Day sale is a great way to save some money when buying a new Mac. We see some of the best Mac deals during Prime Day, plus, the sale comes at a time when you might be thinking about back-to-school shopping, making its July timing ideal. Below you will find links to the different types of Mac desktops available on Amazon, so it will be easy to find the best deals. If you arent sure which Mac to buy read our Mac buying guide where we compare every Mac and MacBook. The Macs picked here are all chosen by our editors, who have decades of experience with Apple devices. Weve reviewed everything we recommend, and we wont tell you to buy something thats not an actual deal. The products below are all at or near all-time lows, and weve selected what we think is the best configuration for each product type. We know Apple is expensive, so weve chosen products at prices we would be willing to pay, so you can trust that our recommendations will steer you in the right directionand save you big bucks. During the Amazon Prime Deals, we will be tracking the sales, so be sure to check this page often as the deals change constantly. We also have a round-up of all the Best Amazon Prime Day Apple deals so check it out if you need other Apple gear. If you want a deal on a MacBook we have included them below, as well as in our Best Amazon Prime Day MacBook Air and MacBook Pro deals roundup. Best Prime Day Mac deals These are the biggest savings we have found on all Macs. You can find even more deals on specific desktop Mac models in the sections below. U.S. Mac Prime Day deals M4 Mac mini (256GB) : $547 ($52 off, MSRP $599) M4 Mac mini (24GB RAM, 512GB) : $914 ($75 off, MSRP $999) M4 Pro Mac mini (24GB RAM, 512GB) : $1,261 ($138 off, MSRP $1,399) M4 iMac (8-core GPU, 256GB): $1,184 ($114 off, MSRP $1,299) M4 iMac, 10-core GPU, 256GB : $1,269 ($230 off, MSRP $1,499) U.K. Mac Prime Day deals M4 Mac mini, 256GB/16GB RAM , 528.98 (70 off, RRP 599) M4 Mac mini, 512GB/16GB RAM , 729 (70 off, RRP 799) M4 Pro Mac mini, 512GB/24GB RAM , 1,269 (125 off, RRP 1,399) M4 iMac (8-core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM ), 1,179 (120 off, RRP 1,299) M4 iMac (10-Core GPU, 256GB/16GB RAM ), 1,349 (150 off, RRP 1,499) M4 iMac (10-Core GPU, 512GB RAM ) 1,550 (149 off, RRP 1,699) For more Mac mini deals see Best Mac mini deals and for more iMac deals see Best iMac Deals. Apple doesnt sell the Mac Studio on Amazon. If you want to save money on a new Mac Studio, take a look at our Mac Studio deals roundup , or check out the Apple Refurbished Store in the U.S. or the Apple Refurbished Store in the U.K . Best Prime Day MacBook deals These are the biggest savings we have found on all MacBooks. You can find even more deals on MacBooks in our separate round-up of the Best Amazon Prime Day MacBook Air and MacBook Pro deals . U.S. MacBook Prime Day deals 13-inch M4 MacBook Air (256GB) : $849 ($150 off, MSRP $999) 15-inch M4 MacBook Air (256GB) : $1,049 ($150 off, MSRP $1,199) 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro (512GB) : $1,429 ($170 off, MSRP $1,599) 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB RAM, 512GB) : $1,799 ($200 off, MSRP $1,999) 16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB RAM, 512GB) : $2,249 ($250 off, MSRP $2,499) 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pro (48GB RAM, 1TB) : $3,596 ($403 off, MSRP $3,999) U.K. MacBook Prime Day deals 13-inch MacBook Air, M4 (256GB) 899 (100 off, RRP 999) 13-inch MacBook Air, M4 (1TB) 1,279.97 (119 off, RRP 1,399) M4 14-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/16GB RAM, 1,429.97 (170 off, RRP 1,599) M4 14-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB/16GB RAM, 1,609.97 (184 off, RRP 1,799) M4 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/24GB RAM, 1,832 (167 off, RRP 1,999) M4 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB/24GB RAM, 2,149.97 (245 off, RRP 2,399) M4 Max 14-inch MacBook Pro, 512GB/36GB RAM, 2,879.97 (380 off, RRP 2,499) M4 Max 16-inch MacBook Pro, 1TB/48GB RAM, 3,119.97 (379 off, RRP 3,499) Prime Day 2025: Best Mac accessory deals Prime Day is also a great opportunity to save some cash on some accessories for your MacBook. Perhaps you need a spare or just a beefier charger for your MacBook. Or perhaps you want a dock, a printer, or a bag. If we spot a good deal, well list it here. We also have separate round-ups for the Best Prime Day Mac monitor and display deals and Best Prime Day storage deals for Mac . Plus, find a cut-price Apple keyboard, mouse, or trackpad: Best Prime Day Apple accessories deals . U.S. Mac accessory Prime Day deals Apple Pencil (USB-C) : $58 ($21 off, MSRP $79) Apple Pencil Pro: $99 ($30 off, MSRP $129) Apple MagSafe Charger (2m) : $40 ($9 off, MSRP $49) AirTag (4-pack): $75 ($24 off, MSRP $99) AirTag (single): $23 ($6 off, MSRP $29) U.K. Mac accessory Prime Day deals Magic Keyboard : 84 (15 off, RRP 99) Magic Keyboard with Touch ID : 126.65 (22 off, RRP 149) Magic Keyboard with Touch ID & Numeric Pad : 169.98 (10 off, RRP 179) Magic TrackPad : 109 (20 off, RRP 129) Prime Day 2025: How can I get the best Mac deals? Once this Prime Day begins, most deals will be exclusive for Prime members, so youll need to sign in with an active membership to purchase one of the deals. Prime memberships cost $139 / 95 / AUD$59 annually, or $14.99 / 8.99 / AUD$6.99 monthly. New users can sign up for a 30-day free trial that can be canceled at any time during the trial window. As well as access to sales prices, Prime members also get free two-day shipping and access to Prime Video and all the content available on that service. Prime Day 2025: More Apple bargains For more Prime Big Deals Day coverage, check out our other Apple deal roundups: Best Amazon Prime Day Apple deals Best Amazon Prime Day AirPods deals Best Amazon Prime Day Apple Watch deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPad deals Best Amazon Prime Day iPhone deals Best Amazon Prime Day MacBook Air and MacBook Pro deals Best Prime Day storage deals for Mac Best Prime Day Mac monitor and display deals Best Prime Day Apple accessories deals
These six iOS 26 hints all but confirm the iPhone 17 Air
Macworld Last month, Apple released the iOS 26 developer beta , letting testers try out upcoming features before the OS launches this fall. As expected, the early code references unreleased Apple products, such as what appears to be the AirTag 2 and AirPods Pro 3 . Thats not all! A closer look at iOS 26s user-facing changes suggests that an iPhone 17 Air is coming later this year. Liquid Glass design Apple has long envisioned its ideal smartphone to resemble a sleek glass slab; it would do away with the screen bezels and visible sensor cutouts. While the iPhone 17 Air wont adopt this flawless look, it is expected to initiate the next significant hardware evolution. For starters, the ultra-thin iPhone could be only 5.5mm thick. This would crown it as the slimmest iPhone yetand potentially the lightest. Hardware changes on their own, however, are not sufficient to execute a truly elegant look. iOS 26 will power the iPhone 17 Air out of the box, and the operating systems fresh user interface is prepared for the big moment. Liquid Glass is Apples latest design language and OS 26s most notable highlight. As its name suggests, the UI now mimics flexible glass material that heavily relies on translucency and refraction. Liquid Glass is visible across the entire system, including the Lock Screen, app icons, widgets, alerts, notifications, menus, navigation bars, and more. Despite it being a first developer beta, interacting with it has made my iPhone feel more modern than ever, and itll only get more fluid with the next builds. Paired with the iPhone 17 Airs rumored form factor, Liquid Glass is bound to make the experience seem more futuristic. Simplified Camera app Another design change that hints at an Air iPhone 17 variant is the revamped Camera app. With iOS 26, Apple has hidden most of the shooting modes and options to simplify the increasingly cramped layout. The iPhone 17 Air will reportedly launch with a single rear lens, and, naturally, itll miss out on some of the camera features offered by the higher-end iPhone modelssuch as spatial and ProRes recording. Most iPhone 17 Air customers will likely use the camera to shoot regular, everyday photos and videos. Its not meant to match the Pro iPhone camera systems superior quality and perks. And thats exactly what iOS 26s overhauled Camera app presentsthe basic photo and video capturing modes. Foundry Adaptive Power Mode One of the main drawbacks with extra-slim smartphones is their smaller batteries, and the iPhone 17 Air will likely be no different. While iOS is a relatively energy-efficient OS, dropping the batterys capacity, as one might expect, will decrease the usage time. To mitigate its impact, iOS 26 brings an all-new Adaptive Power Mode that aims to increase battery life. For those unfamiliar, the traditional Low Power Mode throttles your iPhones performance and kills certain background activities to save energy. Its too irritating to keep on at all times, as the iPhones sluggishness becomes quickly noticeable. On the other hand, Adaptive Power Mode makes smaller adjustments to your iPhones performance based on how you use it. Its impact is supposedly subtler, making it a viable option to keep on at all times. Battery Intelligence Given the shorter battery life, 17 Air users might need to charge their iPhones more than once a day. To make the charging cycle more predictable, iOS 26 introduces a long-overdue feature dubbed Battery Intelligence. It presents the estimated charging duration to reach 80% (then 100%) when connected to a charger. This will simplify planning and help users avoid going out before their batteries are fully charged. Foundry Easier mic selection Other potential iPhone 17 Air shortcomings will include fewer hardware components. Beyond the missing ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, the ultra-slim phone could pack inferior speakers and microphones. Fortunately, iOS 26 makes it easier to rely on AirPods as dedicated microphones and switch between different audio input devices. This will help casual content creators bypass the built-in mics and shoot videos that dont necessarily sound muffled. Foundry Flexible apps Lastly, the iOS 26 SDK supports flexible app UIs that automatically adapt to new screen sizes. When Apple launches fresh hardware with unique dimensions, third-party apps will no longer get letterboxed. Instead, the system will optimize their windows to match the new displays by default. While this change could primarily be preparing for foldable iDevices, the iPhone 17 Air will reportedly launch a new 6.6-inch size. So, apps updated for iOS 26 should look great on day oneeven if the devs havent specifically built them for the iPhone 17 Air. A new interface for a new era Apples unprecedented jump from iOS 18 to iOS 26 isnt merely to streamline its operating systems version numbers. Its also to mark the major shift in its software design and philosophy. iOS 26s Liquid Glass interface kickstarts the next iPhone chapteran era dominated by devices that will only get sleeker and more powerful. The new battery management tools also help users escape the consequences of basic physics and prepare for even more compact gadgets, like the Apple Glasses, aka Apple Vision Air.
Amazon lows return on latest Galaxy Tab S10 FE from $450 for 4th of July, or up to $192 off open-box
While we have tracked a number of chances to save even more on open-box listings (youll find details on those below), Amazon has now brought back all-time low pricing for the first time on the latest Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE models starting from $449.99 shipped in brand-new condition. Details below. more
Apples latest iPad mini 7 now $100 off for the 4th of July, deals from $399 (All configs and colors)
Amazon has brought back its all-time low on the most affordable current-generation iPad mini 7 at $399 shipped for the July 4th this year. While did catch some of the deals over the last week already, all colors across the least expensive configuration are now on sale, alongside $100 price drops on the 256GB and 512GB models, not to mention discounts on just about all of the Wi-Fi + Cell variants as well. more
Amazons official July Prime Day event is landing very close to the 4th of July this year, and that means we are tracking loads of major early Prime Day deals for the big holiday. Ranging from the best prices of the year on its Echo smart speakers and displays through to all-time low pricing on its latest Kindle Scribe and Colorsoft and the best deals we have tracked on the Echo Auto that brings Alexa to your car. The deals are also hitting its Fire HD tablet lineup from $55 as well delivering the lowest prices of the year across its Fire TV Stick streaming devices . And theres even more than that on tap down below. more
Choosing the best VR headset for you is the first step into some of the most immersive gaming, entertainment and virtual work experiences available today. Whether youre exploring new worlds, working out in virtual gyms or collaborating in 3D environments, a great headset can make all the difference. The latest models offer high-resolution displays, improved FOV (field of view) and ergonomic head strap designs that keep things comfortable during extended sessions. Many also support Bluetooth for connecting external accessories like controllers or earbuds. As the tech has matured, youll now find headsets that balance performance with portability, and some even offer a wider field of view to enhance your sense of presence in virtual spaces. From beginner-friendly options to high-end devices built for enthusiasts, there's a VR headset out there for every type of user and this guide will help you find the one that fits your needs best. Table of contents Best VR headsets for 2025 How we test VR headsets Other VR headsets we've tested VR headset FAQs Recent updates Best VR headsets for 2025 How we test VR headsets I tend to judge candidates for the best VR headset on a few basic criteria: Ergonomics, immersion and controls. It's not that hard to shove a mobile display into a plastic headset and strap some cheap elastic headbands onto it. But it takes real design skill to craft something that's well balanced, includes a supportive headstrap, and doesn't feel uncomfortable after 30 minutes. My test for ergonomics is fairly simple: How long can I wear a headset until I start to feel discomfort? For the most ergonomic devices, like the Quest 3, that could easily be an hour or two. But heavier PC hardware often feels cumbersome after just 15 minutes you wont find those kinds of devices in our list of the best VR headsets. Immersion, meanwhile, comes from having high resolution screens with fast refresh rates, like a 120Hz refresh rate, so everything looks sharp and smooth. Field of view is also a major element, as it describes how well VR screens can cover what you see. A narrow FOV makes it feel like you're peering through a pair of binoculars, which limits your sense of presence. The best VR headsets aim for a wider field of view, helping virtual environments feel more natural and fully surround you. A wide field of view, on the other hand, can make it seem like youre actually flying over the globe in Google Earth. We look at a few popular video games, like Superhot , Beat Saber and Pistol Whip , on every headset to judge how immersed we feel and how enjoyable the gaming experience is overall. The best controllers fit naturally in your hands and offer accurate tracking. The industry has basically adopted the design of Metas excellent touch controllers, but we're also seeing intriguing leaps forward like Valve's finger tracking gamepads. We judge controllers based on how easy they are to hold, how they hold up to sweaty gameplay sessions and how easily headsets can track their position in space. However, its important to look at a virtual reality headsets specs as a whole. Depending on what youre looking for in yourVR headset, youll want to consider factors like your PCs CPU and graphics card if you plan to use the headset to play the best VR games. You might not need a super powerful PC, but you should check the minimum requirements for the headset youre looking to purchase. If youre not looking to invest in a VR headset solely for gaming, features like head tracking allow you to explore your environment just by simply moving your head in the simulator. This often results in a more immersive and realistic experience. Other VR headsets weve tested HTC Vive Focus Vision The Vive Focus Vision is a sleek premium standalone VR headset that can also deliver solid PC VR. But its also running aging hardware, its riddled with software issues and its expensive compared to the Meta Quest 3. Meta Quest Pro As great as the Meta Quest 3 is, the Quest 2 is still a very good entry-level VR headset, and its worth considering if its on sale below its current $250 list price. The Meta Quest Pro , on the the hand, is an expensive boondoggle best ignored. HTC Vive Pro 2 Outside of Metas hardware, the HTC Vive Pro 2 remains a fantastic PC headset, but its far more expensive than the Valve Index, which is more comfortable and offers better audio. VR headset FAQs How do VR headsets work? At the most basic level, a VR headset is simply a high quality screen that youre holding up to your face. For a wired headset, the actual work of rendering a game is done on either a PC or game console. For completely wireless devices, like the Meta Quest 3, that work is handled right on the headset. They rely on either external sensors, or sensors built into the headsets, to map your physical space. While you can use a traditional gamepad or keyboard and mouse in VR, they typically use motion tracking controllers to immerse you in their 3D environments. What VR headset is best for full body tracking? While were still waiting for a truly great haptic VR bodysuit to arrive, you can still achieve accurate body tracking with most Steam VR-compatible PC headsets. The Valve Index and HTC Vive Pro 2 both rely on room-tracking sensors that can map your body more effectively than the built-in sensors on competitors. You can also add HTC Vive Trackers to wrist and leg straps, as well as belts, for even better coverage. The Meta Quest 3 doesnt have any easy body tracking solutions, but you can add Vive trackers when its plugged into your PC to mimic a Steam VR headset. Only a few experiences, like VRChat, take advantage of full body tracking at the moment. Currently there arent any body tracking solutions for the PlayStation VR and VR2, but were intrigued by the companys Mocopi body trackers , which were really announced in Japan. What VR headsets are better than Oculus? Oculus is the previous name for Metas VR hardware. Currently, Meta only supports the Quest 3, Quest 3S and Quest Pro, all of which are wireless headsets. As we explain above, PC VR headsets can generally achieve better quality virtual reality, since they rely on more powerful graphics hardware. What VR headsets work with Xbox? Currently, Microsofts Xbox consoles dont support any VR headsets. Recent updates April 2025: Updated to include review scores for our top picks, where applicable. November 2024: Added the HTC Vive Focus Vision to the others we tested section. October 2024: Updated our est cheap VR headset top pick to be the Meta Quest 3S. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/best-vr-headsets-140012529.html?src=rss
Apple has just three smartwatches in its current lineup. We think the flagship Apple Watch Series 10 is the best for most people, but athletes and outdoor enthusiasts might be happier with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 . The budget model, the Apple Watch SE , offers a surprising array of features for the price. All three are excellent companions for your iPhone and all do a great job of tracking health and fitness stats. This guide to the best Apple Watch breaks down the differences in sensors, case design and more to help you decide which model makes the most sense for you. Table of contents Best Apple Watch in 2025 What to look for in an Apple Watch How we tested Apple Watches Apple Watch comparison chart Best Apple Watch in 2025 What to look for in an Apple Watch Like all Apple products, Apple Watches will only work with other devices from the brand's ecosystem. You won't be able to pair any Apple Watch to your Android phone. Note that you can pair other wearables (like a Garmin tracker or a Fitbit band) with your iPhone. There are some more features that are specific to Apple Watches and that set each of the three models apart from one another. Chips and sensors The new Apple Watch Series 10 has an S10 SiP (system in a package) chip with a four-core Neural Engine. The Ultra 2 was updated last September with Apples S9 SiP. Both chips allow for on-device processing of Siri requests as well as dictation, translation, automatic workout detection and the Double Tap gesture that lets you answer calls or stop an alarm by tapping your thumb and forefinger together twice. It also enables faster machine learning performance for interpreting sensor data, speech recognition and performing other thinking tasks. The Apple Watch SE still relies on the S8 SiP, which was also used in the Series 8 and the original Ultra. Both the Series 10 and Ultra 2 can measure certain vital signs like heart rate, and both have an ECG app. Temperature sensors can help track ovulation, while underwater temperature sensors may come in handy while swimming and snorkeling. Both also support fall-detection and crash-detection as a safety feature. All three models have a compass and altimeter. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has an onboard SOS siren, as well as dive features like a depth gauge. Water features were added to the Apple Watch Series 10, but with a shallower depth rating (just six meters, as compared to 40 meters on the Ultra). The Ultra includes blood oxygen sensors, but a patent dispute has forced Apple to disable that health feature on new models sold in the US and the hardware isnt present in the new flagship model. All three models support near field communication (NFC), the chip that enables Apple Pay. Once you set it up using the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, you can pay for stuff at any store that accepts Apple Pay, even if you don't have your phone with you. Displays and case sizes The wide-angle OLED display on the Apple Watch 10 lets you see the always-on display from more angles. The Ultra 2 also has an always-on display, but youll have to lift your wrist to tell time or read notifications on the SE. The SE can reach a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits, the Series 10 can get as bright as 2,000 and the Ultra 2 hits 3,000 nits. Both higher-end screens can dim to a single nit, making them less distracting in the dark. The Apple Watch Series 10 came with a new finish and case material a glossy anodized jet black finish on the aluminum model and the option for a titanium case. The Ultra 2 also got a new finish, satin black, that utilizes a PVD (physical vapor deposition) process to apply the color. As for case sizes, the SE is available in 40 or 44mm. The Series 10 increased in size from the prior generation and now has a choice of a 42 or 46mm case. The Ultra 2 comes in just one size measuring 49mm. You also get the opportunity to pick the length and style for watch bands. The SE and Series 10 come in small/medium or medium/large and the Ultra 2 gives you the choice of small, medium or large. The Series 10 (left) and Series 9 (right). Cherlynn Low for Engadget Battery life Since its the largest wearable, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 sports the biggest battery and can last for a claimed 36 hours on a charge. That number jumps up to 72 hours if you turn on low power mode. Both the Apple Watch 10 and the SE are rated by Apple to go for 18 hours before they need a visit to the charger, and longer when using battery saver mode. That means if you want to use either of those models regularly for sleep tracking, you may need to recharge them a bit before bed. Fitness and wellness features Believe it or not, all three Apple Watches have similar fitness tracker chops. The Activity app uses three rings to keep tabs on how much youre moving in a day: The Move ring tracks your active calories; the Exercise ring monitors the minutes youve spent walking, running, doing yoga and so on; and the Stand ring tells you how many hours in a day youve stood up and moved around for at least one minute. Different internal sensors detect those activities, for example the accelerometer senses when youre moving versus sitting still, and the optical heart rate sensor judges how hard you're working out and how many calories youve burned. You can set your goals for each ring and youll earn badges and animations when you hit them. The Workout app lets you start and track an exercise session. The sensors can even auto-detect when youre working out, tapping your wrist to suggest you track the activity. Apple Watches will integrate with Apples Fitness+ subscription, displaying real time heart rate and calorie burn data on your iPhone, iPad or even Apple TV 4K as you take a class. Fitness+ also includes audio-guided walks and runs with just your watch and Bluetooth earbuds. All three models support the Activity and Workout apps for free. The Fitness+ app also works with all Apple Watches, but costs $10 per month. New features enabled with watchOS 11 include Training Load that gauges your bodys response to workouts over time, which could help athletes better prepare for events like marathons. Users can also now skip a day (or more) from fitness tracking metrics when they need to rest or arent feeling up to the challenge of closing their rings. The new OS also supports offline maps , which could prove useful when hiking far from cellular coverage. Upcoming features of the next operating system ( watchOS 26 ) will include an AI Workout Buddy to coach you through your next run via your connected Airpods. Siri You can get the weather, start a workout, identify a song and dictate a text just by asking Siri. All Apple Watch models support the Raise to Speak feature that bypasses the need to say Hey Siri and will instead listen for your request when you lift your wrist near your mouth. Both the Series 10 and the Ultra 2 utilize onboard processing of Siri requests. That means executing simple requests like starting workouts and timers are quicker, as they wont need to access external networks. However, requests like sending texts or getting weather forecasts still need to communicate with Wi-Fi or cellular, so youll need to have your phone nearby if you have a GPS-only model. Carbon neutral options The Apple Watch Series 9 with the aluminum case was the company's first carbon neutral product. Apple defines its carbon neutral products as those that use 100 percent clean electricity for manufacturing and product use, 30 percent recycled or renewable material by weight and 50 percent of shipping without the use of air transportation. Combined, Apple says those changes reduced the emissions by around 75 percent, and the company will use credits so make up for the remaining emissions. Currently, the Apple Watch Series 10 in either aluminum or titanium with the sport loop band, braided solo loop or Milanese loop, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 with the trail loop or alpine loop bands are designated as carbon neutral products. Price Theres a $550 difference between the cheapest and most expensive Apple Watches. For $250 (and often on sale for less), you can get the 40mm Apple Watch SE with GPS-only connectivity; adding cellular connectivity ups the price by $50. The Apple Watch Series 10 starts at $399 for the 42mm, non-cellular model in aluminum and goes as high as $749 for the 46mm titanium case (which is only available with GPS and cellular). The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has just one price: $799 for a titanium 49mm case with both GPS and cellular power though if you want the titanium Apple Watch Band, the price goes up. For any model you pick, you'll probably also want a few Apple Watch accessories , so you may want to factor that into your purchasing decision. How we tested Apple Watches Engadget has been reviewing Apple Watches since the first one came out in 2015 . Since then, weve tested every subsequent model Apple has released , including the Ultra and SE models , spending at least a few days or even a couple weeks with one strapped to our wrists. During that time, we run, hit the gym, go on hikes and wear it while sleeping, all the while gauging how it tracks various metrics, integrates with the iPhone and performs every other trick Apple claims its smartwatches can do. Since we also review smartwatches from other companies, such as Samsung and Google , our editors can compare Apple Watches not just to previous generations, but also to other wearables on the market. Our buying guides and recommendations rely on first-hand testing by Engadget staff. Apple Watch comparison chart Product Apple Watch Series 10 Apple Watch Ultra 2 Apple Watch SE (Gen 2) Release date September 2024 September 2023 September 2022 Case sizes 42mm or 46mm 49mm 40mm or 44mm Case material Aluminum or titanium Titanium Aluminum Display LTPO3 OLED Always-On LTPO2 OLED Always-On LTPO OLED Max brightness 2,000 nits 3,000 nits 1,000 nits Chip S10 SiP S9 SiP S8 SiP Max battery life 18 h./36 h. low power 36 h./72 h. low power 18 h. Water resistance 50 m. 100 m. 50 m. Featured sensors ECG, electrical heart rate, optical heart rate, water temp, altimeter, compass, gyroscope, sleep tracking, sleep apnea, wrist temp ECG, electrical heart rate, optical heart rate, water temp, expanded-range altimeter, compass, gyroscope, sleep tracking, sleep apnea, wrist temp ECG, optical heart rate, altimeter, compass, gyroscope, sleep tracking This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/best-apple-watch-160005462.html?src=rss
The best Apple deals you can get right now: Save on AirPods, iPads, MacBooks and more
Apple devices tend to be fairly high-quality the company's gear currently occupies the top spots in several of our buying guides, from laptops and tablets to smartphones and smartwatches . Which means that gear usually doesn't come cheap. We keep a running list of the best Apple deals out there. This week, things are looking slower than usual, deals-wise and that's likely because Amazon's Prime Day is just around the corner. If history is any indicator, many more Apple deals will pop up closer to when that sale starts (at Amazon and other retailers matching the prices). Currently Amazon , Best Buy , Walmart , Target are hosting some discounts. Just note that Apple's own online store, with the exception of refurbished , doesn't offer many discounts. (Though for iPhones, going direct is actually the best route to take.) Best iPad deals iPad Pro (M4, 11-inch) for $900 ($100 off): The most powerful iPad is the iPad Pro, and its the one to get if youre even toying with the idea of using your new slab as a laptop replacement. Both the 11- and 13-inch models have gorgeous displays, thinner and lighter designs, a repositioned front camera and the excessively powerful M4 chip inside. iPad mini (7th gen) for $399 ($100 off): This is the iPad to get if you prefer small tablets, akin to ereaders. The latest mini is equipped with an A17 Pro chipset, an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and Apple Intelligence. We consider it to be the best small tablet, period, and we appreciate its Apple Pencil Pro support, 128GB of storage on the base model and compact design. Also at Target . Apple iPad Air (M3, 11-inch) for $549 ($50 off) : The only major difference between the latest iPad Air and the previous generation is the addition of the faster M3 chip. We awarded the new slab an 89 in our review , appreciating the fact that the M3 chip was about 16 percent faster in benchmark tests than the M2. This is the iPad to get if you want a reasonable amount of productivity out of an iPad that's more affordable than the Pro models. Best Apple AirPods deals AirPods Pro 2 for $199 ($50 off): These are the best wireless earbuds for Apple users, period. The latest models have improved ANC and transparency mode, along with good battery life, spatial audio and hands-free Siri. They also have MagSafe charging support and work with Apples clinically validated hearing test . Best MacBook and Mac deals Apple MacBook Air (15-inch, M3, 24GB RAM) for $1,249 at Amazon ($450 off) : The last-gen M3 MacBook Air has officially been discontinued, but it remains a superb laptop while the last bits of stock remain available. We gave this 15-inch model a score of 90 in our review outside of its slower chip (which is still plenty fast for everyday use), marginally improved camera and inability to power two external displays with the lid open, it's virtually identical to the newer version. This deal applies to the model with the larger 24GB of internal memory is on sale. Apple MacBook Air (15-inch, M4) for $1,049 at Amazon ($150 off) : The 15-inch MacBook Air is nearly identical to the smaller version but features more robust speakers and a more spacious trackpad alongside its roomier display. Also at B&H . MacBook Air (M3, 15-inch) for $999 at B&H ($300 off) : The last-gen M3 MacBook Air has officially been discontinued, but it remains a superb laptop while the last bits of stock remain available. We gave this 15-inch model a score of 90 in in our review outside of its slower chip (which is still plenty fast for everyday use), marginally improved camera and inability to power two external displays with the lid open, it's virtually identical to the newer version. Best Apple accessories deals Apple Pencil (USB-C) for $69 at Amazon ($10 off): This more affordable Apple Pencil doesnt support pressure sensitivity, but it still makes for a useful stylus for the basics. If youre a casual note-taker and can live without wireless charging, youll save a few bucks by picking this one up. Also at Best Buy , Walmart and Target . Apple AirTags (4-pack) for $75 at Amazon ($25 off): We think most iPhone owners will appreciate how easy it is to keep track of things like wallets, keys or handbags with a set of AirTags. These Bluetooth trackers monitor the location of your belongings so you can check in on them using the Find My app. Those with newer iPhones can also use UWB technology to get turn-by-turn directions to find their stuff when the AirTag is within close range. Also at Walmart . Read more Apple coverage : The best AirPods The best Apple Watches The best MacBooks The best iPhones The best iPads Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/best-apple-deals-150020110.html?src=rss
As part of its ongoing 4th of July Sale/Prime Day Sale , Velotric is offering the best pricing ever on its Fold 1 Lite e-bike at $599 shipped . This model came onto the scene last August with a $1,099 price tag as a lighter alternative to its standard folding e-bike, which weve only seen discounted as low as $999 during the sales since then. Now, with this latest sale event, Velotric is making this low-cost folding model even more budget-friendly with a 45% markdown that cuts $500 off the tag, landing it at a new all-time low price. more
Here are the letters that let Apple and Google ignore the TikTok ban
More than six months after TikTok was briefly banned, we still don't know exactly what its fate in the US will be. But we do have new insight into the legal wrangling that has allowed Apple, Google and other platforms to continue to support the app. If you remember, TikTok was only anned for a matter of hours shortly before President Donald Trump took office in January and delayed enforcement of the law. The app's service was promptly restored January 19, 2025, but the app didn't return to Apple and Google's app stores until February 13. Reporting at the time suggested the companies had lingering concerns about potential liability for running afoul of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. Back in February, Axios and others reported that the Justice Department had given assurances to tech platforms that they wouldn't be penalized for violating the law. Now, we know exactly what Attorney General Pam Bondi told the companied as letters sent to Apple, Google, Amazon, Oracle and other firms have been made public. The letters were disclosed in a Freedom of Information Act Request made by Tony Tan, a software engineer and Google shareholder suing the search giant for not complying with the TikTok ban. In a letter dated January 30, 2025, Bondi tells Apple and Google that he President has determined that an abrupt shutdown of the TikTok platform would interfere with the execution of the President's constitutional duties to take care of the national security and foreign affairs of the United States. It goes on to state that Apple and Google may continue to provide services to TikTok without incurring any legal liability. A followup later dated April 5, 2025 (the day after Trump gave TikTok another 75-day reprieve), Bondi told the companies that he Department of Justice is also irrevocably relinquishing any claims the United States might have had against them for the conduct proscribed in the Act during the Covered Period and Extended Covered Period, with respect to TikTok and the larger family of ByteDance Ltd. and TikTok, Inc. applications covered under the Act. The letters can be read in full below. The law has now been paused three times since Trump took office. Earlier this week, he said that details about TikTok's new ownership could be made public in about two weeks. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/here-are-the-letters-that-let-apple-and-google-ignore-the-tiktok-ban-220630588.html?src=rss
Amazon is offering the Krcher K1700 Electric Pressure Washer at $129.99 shipped. Its coming down from its $190 price tag here with the biggest savings weve seen in nearly three months, which saw the price remain above $144 with discounts in that timeframe. While its gone as low as $100 in the past, youre looking at one of the best prices weve tracked over the last year, beaten out by falls to $120 at the top of 2025 and falls to $105 last seen in early April. more
The best live TV streaming services to cut cable in 2025
We still think getting a live TV streaming service is a better deal than paying for cable but the gulf between the two options is narrowing. Now that many of the major providers go for more than $80 per month, its not the amazing deal it once was. Still, live TV streaming plans have no contract, offer relatively simpler pricing and need no special equipment beyond your smart TV and an internet connection. After testing all the major players, we found YouTube TV to be the most well-rounded. But other services have their advantages, too, and there are plenty of free services as well. Here are the best live TV streaming services we tested, along with our advice on how to stream and what to look for. Editors Note : Mergers, restructuring and buyouts continue to change the landscape of the streaming world, which sometimes affects pricing and the options available to viewers. Recently Disney completed its acquisition of Hulu , purchasing the remaining portion of the service from Comcast. There have been no announcements of any changes to Hulu + Live TV as a result yet, which is one of our recommended services, but well update this guide if that changes. Also of note is the recent splitting of Warner Bros. Discovery (owners of HBO, CNN and more) into two entities; one that will hold the movie, TV and game studios, and another that will control the companys cable channels. When this move changes viewers streaming options, well likewise update this guide. Table of contents Best live TV streaming services for 2025 Best free live TV streaming services for 2025 What to look for in a live TV streaming service How we tested Live TV Streaming FAQs Recent updates Best live TV streaming services for 2025 Back to top Best free live TV streaming services for 2025 There are plenty of ways to get free TV these days. To start, many standard streaming apps have added live components to their lineups. Youre paying for the service, so its not technically free, but you can get a dose of live TV without spending more than necessary. Peacock includes some regional NBC stations, and notably access to the 2024 Summer Olympic Games . Paramount+ subscribers can watch on-air CBS programming. The standard Hulu app has a live ABC news channel and Max now includes a live CNN outlet with its service, along with cable-like linear channels . The smart TV operating system (OS) you use likely provides free live content too: Amazons Fire TV interface has a live tab and Rokus built-in Roku Channel includes hundreds of live channels at no extra cost. The same goes for Samsung TV Plus , which added a trove of K-dramas to its free live and on-demand lineup in 2024. The PBS app offers local live streams of its channels even NASA has a free streaming service with live coverage. But for a full suite of live TV networks, and dont want to sign up for any paid service, there are a number of free ad-supported TV services that have live TV. Even cable company DirecTV has joined the crowd with MyFree , and Fubo Free lets customers with a lapsed subscription keep watching some content. Here's the best of the live TV streaming services we tried: Back to top What to look for in a live TV streaming service How to stream live TV Streaming live TV is a lot like using Netflix. You get access through apps on your phone, tablet, smart TV or streaming device and the signal arrives over the internet. A faster and more stable connection tends to give you a better experience. Most live TV apps require you to sign up and pay via a web browser. After that, you can activate the app on all of your devices. Monthly Price When I started testing these cord-cutting alternatives, I was struck by the price difference between live TV and a standard video streaming app . Where the latter cost between $5 and $20 per month, most live TV services hit the $80 mark and can go higher than $200 with additional perks, channel packages and premium extras. The higher starting price is mostly due to the cost of providing multiple networks particularly sports and local stations. And, in the past year or so, every service except Sling has raised base plan prices. Local channels Only two of the services I tried dont include full local channel coverage for subscribers and one of those makes no effort to carry sports at all. That would be Philo and, as you might guess, its the cheapest. The next most affordable option, Sling, only carries three local stations and only in larger markets but it still manages to include some of the top sports channels. When you sign up with any provider that handles local TV, youll enter your zip code, ensuring you get your areas broadcast affiliates for ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC. Of course, you can also get those stations for free. Nearly all modern television sets support a radio frequency (RF) connection, also known as the coaxial port, which means if you buy an HD antenna , youll receive locally broadcast stations like ABC, CBS, PBS, FOX and NBC. And since the signal is digital, reception is much improved over the staticky rabbit-ears era. But local channel access is another area where traditional streaming services, like Netflix, are bleeding into broadcast territory. For example, you can watch your local NBC station with a Peacock subscription and you can tune into your areas CBS station through your Paramount+ subscription. Netflix is even getting into the mix with a recently announced deal with one of Frances broadcast companies, TF1. The streaming service will now air TF1's live TV channels and on-demand content inside the Netflix app. No word if the concept will expand to other regions, but its an interesting move to anyone interested in the future of streaming. Live sports coverage One reality that spun my head was the sheer number and iterations of sports networks in existence. Trying to figure out which network will carry the match-up you want to see can be tricky. I found that Google makes it a little easier for sports fans by listing out upcoming games (just swap in NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL and so on in the search bar). When you click an event, the TV & streaming button will tell you which network is covering it. That just leaves figuring out if your chosen service carries the RSNs (regional sports networks) you want. Unfortunately, even with add-ons and extra packages, some providers simply dont have certain channels in their lineups. It would take a lawyer to understand the ins and outs of streaming rights negotiations , and networks leave and return to live TV carriers all the time. That said, most major sporting events in the US are covered by ESPN, Fox Sports, TNT, USA and local affiliates. I should also point out that traditional streaming services have started adding live sports to their lineups. Peacock carries live Premier League matches, Sunday Night Football games and aired the 2024 Olympic Games from Paris. Thursday Night Football as well as NBA and WNBA games are on Amazon Prime and Christmas Day Football aired on Netflix. Max ( formerly HBO Max) now airs select, regular season games from the NHL, MLB, NCAA and NBA with a $10-per-month add-on . You can watch MLS games with an add-on through the Apple TV app, and Apple TV+ includes some MLB games . Roku users can watch the just-added free sports channel and those who subscribe to Paramount Plus can see many of the matches aired on CBS Sports, including live NFL games. This year, even the Super Bowl was live-streamed for free on Tubi . While all of these alternatives may not cover as much ground as live TV streamers, they could end up being cheaper avenues to the sports you want. And if sports is all youre after, there are sports-only plans that are a touch cheaper, too. The promised sports streaming service from ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. called Venu was cancelled early this year. But in May, ESPN confirmed it will launch its own streaming service that will include all ESPN channels , though a start date hasnt been confirmed. DirecTV recently announced a $70-per-month, sports-only streaming package called MySports and Comcast now has a sports and news bundle for the same price (as long as you're an Xfinity customer with auto-pay, otherwise it's more expensive). Traditional cable networks Dozens of linear programming networks were once only available with cable TV, like Bravo, BET, Food Network, HGTV, CNN, Lifetime, SYFY and MTV. If you only subscribe to, say, Netflix or Apple TV+, you wont have access to those. But as with sports, standard streamers are starting to incorporate this content into their offerings. After the Warner Bros. merger, Max incorporated some content from HGTV, Discovery and TLC. Peacock has Bravo and Hallmark shows, and Paramount+ has material from Nickelodeon, MTV and Comedy Central. Other channels like AMC+ have stand-alone apps. The Discovery+ app gives you 15 channels ad-free for $9 per month (or with ads for $5 monthly). And a service called Frndly TV starts at a mere $7 per month and streams A&E, Lifetime, Game Show Network, Outdoor Channel and about 35 others. Of course, most live TV streaming options will deliver more sizable lists of cable networks, but just note that you may already be paying for some of them and if all you need is a certain channel, you could get it cheaper by subscribing directly. On-demand streaming Most live TV subscriptions include access to a selection of video-on-demand (VOD) content, like you would get with a traditional streaming service. Much of this content is made up of the movies and TV series that have recently aired on your subscribed networks. This typically doesnt cover live events and news programming, but I was able to watch specific episodes of ongoing shows like Top Chef or BETs Diarra from Detroit. Just search the on-demand library for the program, pick an episode and hit play. Partnerships, like Hulus relationship with Disney, and add-ons, such as bundling Max with your YouTube TV subscription or Starz with your Sling plan, will let you watch even larger libraries of on-demand content. But again, if VOD is all youre after, paying for those networks directly instead of through a live TV plan will be far cheaper. Digital video recordings (DVR) limits Every option I tried offers some cloud DVR storage without needing a separate physical device. Youll either get unlimited storage for recordings that expires after nine months or a year, or youll get a set number of hours (between 50 and 1,000) that you can keep indefinitely. Typically, all you need to do is designate what ongoing TV series you want to record and the DVR component will do all the hard work of saving subsequent episodes for you to watch later. You can do the same thing with sports events. Aside from being able to watch whenever its most convenient, you can also fast-forward through commercials in recorded content. In contrast, you cant skip them on live TV or VOD. Simultaneous streams and profiles per account Each plan gives you a certain number of simultaneous streams, aka how many screens can play content at the same time. And while most providers will let you travel with your subscription, there are usually location restrictions that require you to sign in from your home IP address periodically. Stream allowances range from one at a time to unlimited screens (or as many as your ISPs bandwidth can handle). Some plans require add-ons to get more screens. Most services also let you set up a few profiles so I was able to give different people in my family the ability to build their own watch histories and libraries, set their favorite channels and get individual recommendations. Picture-in-picture mode and multiview Picture-in-picture (PiP) usually refers to shrinking a video window on a mobile device or computer browser so you can watch it while using other apps. Sling, YouTube TV, FuboTV, Philo, DirecTV Stream and Hulu + Live TV all have PiP modes on computers and mobile devices. Another feature, multiview, lets you view multiple live sports games at once on your TV screen. YouTube TV and FuboTV are the only live TV streamers that let you do this. With YouTube TV, you can select up to four views from a few preset selection of streams. FuboTV offers the same feature, but only if you're using an Apple TV or Roku streaming device. 4K live streams Right now, just FuboTV, YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream offer 4K live streams but with caveats. YouTube TV requires a $20-per-month add-on , after which youll only be able to watch certain live content in 4K. DirecTV Stream has three channels that show live 4K content one with shows and original series, and two with occasional sporting events. You dont have to pay extra for these but you do need to have either DirecTVs Gemini receiver, or a device from Fire TV, Apple TV or Roku. Youll need those same streaming devices to watch the select 4K programming on Sling as well. FuboTV shows certain live events in 4K but access is limited to the Elite and Premier packages, not the base-level Pro plan. Of course, watching any 4K content also requires equipment that can handle it: a 4K smart TV or 4K streaming device paired with a cord and screen that can handle 4K resolution. Tiers, packages and add-ons Comparing price-to-offering ratios is a task for a spreadsheet. I made three. The base plans range from $28 to $85 per month. From there, you can add packages, which are usually groups of live TV channels bundled by themes like news, sports, entertainment or international content. Premium VOD extras like Max, AMC+ and Starz are also available. Add-ons cost an extra $5 to $20 each per month and simply show up in the guide where you find the rest of your live TV. This is where streaming can quickly get expensive, pushing an $80 subscription to $200 monthly, depending on what you choose. How to stream live TV for free I also downloaded and tried out a few apps that offer free ad-supported TV ( FAST ) including Freevee , Tubi , PlutoTV and Sling Freestream . These let you drop in and watch a more limited selection of live networks at zero cost. Most dont even require an email address, let alone a credit card. And if you have a Roku device, an Amazon Fire TV or Stick, a Samsung TV, a Chromecast device or a Google TV, you already have access to hundreds of live channels via the Roku Channel , the live tab in Fire TV, through the Samsung TV Plus app or through Google TV . Back to top How we tested When I begin testing for a guide, I research the most popular and well-reviewed players in the category and narrow down which are worth trying. For the paid plans, just six services dominate so I tried them all. There are considerably more free live TV contenders so I tested the four most popular. After getting accounts set up using my laptop, I downloaded the apps on a Samsung smart TV running the latest version of Tizen OS. I counted the local stations and regional sports coverage, and noted how many of the top cable networks were available. I then weighed the prices, base packages and available add-ons. I then looked at how the programming was organized in each apps UI and judged how easy everything was to navigate, from the top navigation to the settings. To test the search function, I searched for the same few TV shows on BET, Food Network, HGTV and Comedy Central, since all six providers carry those channels. I noted how helpful the searches were and how quickly they got me to season 6, episode 13 of Home Town . I used DVR to record entire series and single movies and watched VOD shows, making sure to test the pause and scan functions. On each service with sports, I searched for the same four upcoming NHL, NBA, MLS and NCAA basketball matches and used the record option to save the games and play them back a day or two later. Finally, I noted any extra perks or irritating quirks. All live TV streaming services weve tested: Philo Sling YouTube TV Hulu + Live TV DirecTV Stream FuboTV Freevee Tubi PlutoTV Sling Freestream Plex Back to top Live TV Streaming FAQs What is live streaming? Streaming simply refers to video content that is delivered to your screen over the internet. Live streaming can be split into two categories: linear programming and simultaneous transmission. That first one is similar to what you get with cable or broadcast TV, with channels that play a constant flow of movies and shows (sort of what TV looked like before Netflix). Simultaneous streaming lets you watch live events (like a basketball game) or a program (like the evening news) as they happen. What is the difference between streaming and live streaming? Standard streaming, the most popular example being Netflix, lets you pick what you want to watch from a menu of choices. Its also referred to as video on demand. Live streaming refers to sports and news events that you can stream as they happen in real time. It also refers to channels that show a continuous, linear flow of programming. What streaming service is best for live TV? FuboTV does the best job of letting you organize live channels to help you find just what you want to watch. The interface is uncluttered and when you search for something, the UI clearly tells you whether something is live now or on-demand. YouTube TV also does a good job making that info clear. Both have just over 100 live channels on offer. What is the most cost effective TV streaming service? Free TV streaming services like PlutoTV, Plex, Tubi and FreeVee show plenty of ad-supported TV shows and movies without charging you anything. Of course, they wont have the same channels or content that more premium subscriptions have. Ultimately it depends on what you want to watch and finding the service that can supply that to you in the most streamlined form so youre not paying for stuff you dont need. Is it cheaper to have cable or streaming? A basic cable package used to be more expensive than the base-level live TV streaming service. But now that nearly all major providers have raised their prices to over $75 per month, thats no longer the case. And with add-ons and other premiums, you can easily pay over $200 a month for either cable or a live TV streaming service. What streaming service has all the TV channels? No service that we tested had every available channel. Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV Stream carry the the highest number of the top rated channels, according to Neilsen . Hulus service also gets you Disney+ fare, which you cant get elsewhere. FuboTV has the most sports channels and YouTube TV gives you the widest selection of add-ons. What is the most popular live TV streaming platform? YouTube TV has the most paying customers. According to 2024's letter from the CEO, the service has over eight million subscribers. Disneys 2024 third quarter earnings put the Hulu + Live TV viewer count at 4.6 million. Slings customer count dipped from two million to about 1.9 million in 2024 and FuboTV grew its subscriber list to 1.6 million . How safe are free streaming services and websites? You may have heard certain sites that provide free content can be dangerous, leading to stolen info and/or exposing you to malware. Thats likely in reference to certain peer-to-peer (P2P) networks and file-sharing sites that let people download free movies and series which can come bundled with malicious code. But if youre talking about the free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) services listed here, from providers like PlutoTV, Tubi and Freevee, they are just as safe as any other streaming service. Since you sometimes dont even have to provide your email address or credit card info, they can even be more anonymous than apps that require login credentials. Back to top Recent updates January 31, 2025 : Added information about which streaming service would live-stream the Super Bowl, including Tubis free option. Updated Fubos pricing. Added details about DirectTV Streams sports-only package and Comcasts sports and news bundle. January 16, 2025 : Included higher prices for Slings Orange and Blue plans. Noted the demise of the never-launched Venu sports streaming service and mentioned the inclusion of DirecTVs new sports package. December 31, 2024 : Noted increased pricing for YouTube TV, Hulu+ Live TV and DirecTV. Updated information for 4K streaming capabilities and requirements for multiple services. Reported on the upcoming shut down of Amazons Freevee service and the addition of DirecTVs free service. August 6, 2024 : Updated with the addition of Plex as a free live TV streaming recommendation and mentioned the additional free channels Philo is now including with the free version of its service. Added pricing information for ESPN's new sports-only streaming service, Venu. June 12, 2024 : Updated with more information about 4K live streaming, picture-in-picture and multiview modes, as well as video on-demand options. We expanded our recommendations around free live TV streaming services and added a FAQ query about the safety of free streaming services and clarified the difference between standard and live streaming. More traditional streaming services have added live and sports components, so we revised that section accordingly. Back to top This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/best-live-tv-streaming-service-133000410.html?src=rss
Some folks love their Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, and Best Buy is offering them at a massive $130 off today
Samsungs shiny new Galaxy Buds 3 Pro have been out for a while some folks love them, some wish they stuck with the stemless design instead of going the way of AirPods. I happen to think the latest model Samsung buds are fantastic looking, but some folks love the Galaxy Buds 2 Proand we are tracking a massive price drop down at $99.99 shipped for today only at Best Buy thats up to $130 off. more
Amazon is offering the best pricing yet on Ninjas new FrostVault 65-quart Outdoor Wheeled Cooler for $265 shipped in multiple colorways, with it coming in $2 under the brands direct website pricing . It entered the market back in March with a $350 full price, coming in a year behind its smaller 30 and 45 quart variants, which are also seeing discounts right now (more on those below). In the time since its release, weve only seen three previous discounts, all of them taking the costs to $280 and being beaten out here today. Youre looking at a 24% markdown off the going rate while the deal lasts, giving you $85 in savings at a new all-time low price. more
Neither AI nor E Ink can make touchscreen trackpads a good idea
E Ink, the company behind the highly readable displays you'll find in ereaders the world over, has created a new touchscreen trackpad for some reason. And rather than act as an extension of your laptop's screen, E Ink thinks it should be a dedicated home for AI interactions. The new touchscreen trackpad appears to use a color E Ink display, not unlike what you'll find on the Kobo Libra Colour or the Kindle Colorsoft , and is supposed to offer the normal swiping, tapping, dragging and clicking functionality of a normal trackpad. When you're not using it like that, E Ink imagines the trackpad offering second-screen capabilities, like quick access to frequently used shortcuts and system notifications and GenAI contents like text/image summaries, gaming tactics, or custom AI tasks. E Ink says it leveraged several different Intel technologies to prototype its AI tools, and it specifically designed the trackpad so it's useable even if your laptop is off. Unfortunately, that doesn't make the idea of cramming a touchscreen into a laptop trackpad any less whack. E Ink Using an E Ink display is novel, sure, but plenty of attempts have been made to turn the seemingly untapped resource of the trackpad into another place for content, and none of them have caught on. ASUS in particular has taken multiple bites at the apple with its ScreenPad feature , which it first introduced on the ZenBook Pro 15 . The ScreenPad could be an extension of your main display, but it also ran simple apps and widgets. E Ink believes one of the advantages of its trackpad is that it'll consume less power than those previous versions, but was anyone worried about a laptop's trackpad affecting its battery life before they also had to be screens? Putting a display in a trackpad isn't going to be the reason anyone upgrades to a premium laptop. Beyond that, it's just not intuitive. You have to both learn to look down to see what's on the trackpad and learn not to cover it, something hands naturally do while using a laptop. If you're not dissuaded, E Ink hasn't actually shared when its trackpad will be available. Given the use of the Intel tech, though, odds are good it shows up in an expensive AI PC at some point in the future. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/neither-ai-nor-e-ink-can-make-touchscreen-trackpads-a-good-idea-202505733.html?src=rss
Say goodbye to VPN subscriptionsthis lifetime VPN covers 15 devices for $30 (Reg. $600)
Browsing the internet without a VPN? Thats almost like walking around naked in a crowded mall. Online trackers, hackers, and data-hungry corporations are constantly lurking, eager to snatch your personal information, butFastestVPN Pros lifetime Pro Planis a deal that not even skeptics can pass up. Grab this VPN at its lowest price ever: $29.97 for forever access (Reg. $600). more
