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The best AirPods deals this month

Macworld Apples AirPods wireless headphones offer an iconic look, exceptional convenience, and strong audio quality. They come with a premium price tag, however, so its important to shop around for a good deal or find a bunch of tech experts wholl do this for you. Thats where we come in. In this article, we round up the best AirPods discounts and bundle deals to help you save money. Weve got the best prices on the 3rd-gen AirPods that were released in October 2021, the 2nd-gen AirPods Pro that launched in September 2022 as well as the updated 2nd-gen AirPods Pro with USB-C that launched in September 2023, and the premium AirPods Max over-ear headphones from 2020. Weve also got bargain deals on some older models, such as the early-2019 second-gen AirPods, where stock is still available. Here are quick links to the best deals; youll find more detailed advice and price comparisons for each model further down. U.S. Amazon, AirPods (2nd gen) : $89 ($40 off, MSRP $129) Amazon, AirPods Pro (2nd gen, USB-C) : $190 ($60 off, MSRP $249) Amazon, AirPods (3rd-gen, wired case) : $162 ($7 off, MSRP $169) Amazon, AirPods Max : $519 ($40 off, MSRP $549) U.K. At time of writing, there arent any savings to be had on Apples AirPods in the U.K.; there were some shortly before Christmas but these have now disappeared. In fact, wed advise readers to hold off on buying a set of AirPods, if thats an option, until decent discounts come back. You can check the automated price comparison tables below to see if any retailers have dropped their prices since we last updated this article. How much do AirPods cost? Some changes were announced at Apples September 2023 launch event, so make sure youre up to date with the latest prices. AirPods Max: $549 / 499 (was 549) 2nd-gen AirPods Pro with USB-C (2023): $249 / 229 (2nd-gen AirPods Pro with Lightning was $249 / 239) 3rd-gen AirPods with Lightning (2021): $169 / 169 (was 179) 3rd-gen AirPods with MagSafe (2021): $179 / 179 (was 189) 2nd-gen AirPods (2019): $129 / 129 (was 139) You should never pay more than the price above: weve seen unscrupulous retailers claim the MSRP/RRP is higher and work out savings based on that. Remember to take delivery and postage fees into account when evaluating deals; we include it in our list of prices but most retailers wont add it until youre at the checkout. And watch out for deals that seem too good to be true, but turn out to have no stock. We see this a lot. Good AirPods deals are rare and tend not to last long. If you see one (and youre sure the supplier is legit: look it up on TrustPilot if youve not bought from there before), grab it. Best AirPods deals Apple sells two sets of basic AirPods: the 3rd-gen model introduced in 2021 and the 2nd-gen model from 2019. Best Buy is worth a look for some worthwhile savings in the U.S., while U.K. customers can save a little money across the range. The 1st-gen AirPods have long been discontinued. You can buy direct from Apple , but youll find the best prices elsewhere in the automated tables below. AirPods (3rd gen, 2021, MagSafe) deals Apple updated the ultra-popular AirPods in October 2021, after a wait of more than two and a half years. The new models feature a more Pro-like design and a MagSafe-compatible charging case; they also have improved battery life and water resistance, and support for Spatial Audio. Get all the info you need in our AirPods 3 review . MSRP: $179 / 179 (was 189 in the U.K. prior to September 2023) New Refurbished Retailer Price $169.99 View Deal $179 View Deal $179.99 View Deal $201 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple AirPods 3rd gen (2021) MagSafe Charging case $179 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket AirPods (3rd gen, 2021, Lightning) deals There is also a cheaper version of the AirPods 3rd generation with a case that has to be charged via Lightning, rather than wirelessly. MSRP: $169 / 169 (was 179 in the U.K. until September 2023) New Refurbished Retailer Price $149 View Deal $161.99 View Deal $161.99 View Deal $169 View Deal $169 View Deal $169 View Deal $169.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple AirPods 3rd gen (2021) Lightning Charging case $169 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket AirPods (2nd gen, 2019) deals Apple still sells the older version of the AirPods. Note that this version of the AirPods comes with an Lightning charging case that needs to be plugged in, as opposed to the wireless MagSafe charging case. (You can buy a wireless charging case separately, however.) Check the automated table below for any deals that have popped up since we last updated this article. MSRP: $129 / 129 (U.K. price was 139 prior to September 2023) New Refurbished Retailer Price $89 View Deal $89.99 View Deal $99 View Deal $119.99 View Deal $129 View Deal $129 View Deal $129.99 View Deal $149 View Deal $149.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple AirPods 2nd gen (2019) Lightning Charging case $129 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Best AirPods Pro deals The AirPods Pro came out in 2019, but a 2nd-gen version was released in September 2022. Rather than introduce the third generation in 2023, Apple instead tweaked the 2nd gen AirPods Pro in 2023 to support USB-C for charging (including charging via the iPhone 15) For a while both the Lightning and USB-C powered AirPods Pro will be on sale, so be sure to make sure you are getting the model you want. The comparison tables below gather the lowest prices on the AirPods Pro 1st and 2nd gen Lightning and 2nd gen USB-C, so you can be sure not to miss out on any appealing deals. AirPods Pro (2nd gen, 2023, USB-C) deals This is the 2023 version with USB-C charging. You can also use an iPhone 15 to charge the case. MSRP: $249 / 229 New Refurbished Retailer Price $179.99 View Deal $189.99 View Deal $239.99 View Deal $249 View Deal $249 View Deal $249 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple AirPods Pro 2nd gen (2023) MagSafe (USB-C) Charging case $249 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket AirPods Pro (2nd gen, 2022, Lightning) deals This is the older version with a Lightning port for charging the case. You may still find them on sale. MSRP was $249 / 249 New Refurbished Retailer Price $224.99 View Deal $249 View Deal $249.99 View Deal $269 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple AirPods Pro 2nd gen (2022) MagSafe (Lightning) Charging case $249 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket AirPods Pro (1st gen, 2019) deals You may still find the original AirPods Pro on sale at a discountmake sure you factor in if they are refurbished before you decide its a good discount. But stock is starting to run short. If you dont see a price-comparison table below, that means there are no deals at all in your region. MSRP was $249 / 239 New Refurbished Retailer Price $249 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Apple AirPods Pro 1st gen (2021) MagSafe Charging case $219.99 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Best AirPods Max deals Right now, the AirPods Max are available to buy directly from Apple for $549 / 499 (they were 549 in the U.K. before September 2023). Find the latest prices in our automated table embedded below. For some time now, weve been seeing third-party retailers undercut Apple by a significant margin. New Refurbished Retailer Price $477 View Deal $519 View Deal $519 View Deal $529.99 View Deal $549 View Deal $549 View Deal $549 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Apple AirPods Max (2020) Sky Blue $549 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket For an in-depth look at your options here, read Where to buy AirPods Max . Other ways to save: AirPods Bundle deals The best way to get a good price on AirPods may be to bundle them with a phone, although this is mainly an option in the U.K. Phone network Three offers a variety of bundles that include the AirPods. Visit the companys accessories page to browse the best options for you. EE also lets you add AirPods to your plan for 16 a month spread over 11 months plus a 10 upfront fee. Thats the Lightning version, by the way. The AirPods Pro, including a MagSafe case, are 22 a month with a 5 upfront fee. In each case youll need to click Apple, then your choice of AirPods model. Vodafone and O2 arent currently bundling the AirPods with their iPhone plans, although O2 sells the 2021 AirPods , the early-2019 AirPods and the 2022 AirPods Pro on their own. Whichever bundle you go for, remember to check if youre getting the AirPods Pro, the early-2019 AirPods (sometimes called the second gen or AirPods 2) or the new 2021 AirPods (third-gen or AirPods 3). If youre getting the AirPods Pro, find out if they include the new MagSafe charging case. AirPods buying advice Wondering if a pair of AirPods is right for you? We have a guide to the Best AirPods , and you could read AirPods Pro vs AirPods to find out how the models compare, but lets quickly discuss the pros and cons. Apple has launched various AirPods versions, several of which are still on sale: 1st-gen AirPods (2016), discontinued 2nd-gen AirPods (2019) 1st-gen AirPods Pro (2019), discontinued 3rd-gen AirPods (2021), Lightning and Magsafe variants 2nd-gen AirPods Pro (2022/2023), Lightning and USB-C variants AirPods Max (2020) All four non-Max models are wireless, sitting in your ears and in theory staying there through snugness of fit alone. The advantages of this are clearthey allow you to go running or work out without worrying about snagging the cablesbut they may fall out once you pick up the pace. Our experience, however, is that the AirPods are among the best earbuds around in this regard. The AirPods Pro offer a snugger fit than the others because they have a choice of flexible ear tips, and are actually able to tell you whether youve selected the right tip or not. Sound quality is decent but not exceptional on the original and early-2019 models; the 2021 AirPods are better, while the AirPods Pro are a step above thanks in part to their better fit and implementation of active noise cancellation. What AirPods consistently do better than non-Apple headphones is coordinate with other Apple products, thanks to the W1 chip (in the 2016 model) and H1 chip (2019 and 2021) which makes pairing with an iPhone a breeze. Battery-wise, most non-Max AirPods will last around five hours, but thats not the end of the story: they come with a little charging case with its own larger battery, so you can pop them back in for a quick charge. The case should offer another 24 hours (give or take) before itll require charging. The 2021 AirPods, however, offer more in this department, with claimed figures of six hours out of the case and 30 hours in total. Weve got some advice on getting better AirPods battery life . Apples 2019 AirPods can respond to Hey Siri commands, charge wirelessly if you opt for the Wireless Charging Case, and offer more talk time than the originals. Those features are kept in the 2021 models, with Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ added to the mix. The AirPods Max are over-ear headphones and essentially a completely different product to the rest of the AirPods range. They are a lot more expensive and a totally different proposition to the other AirPods. Audio quality is almost universally considered to be exceptional, but its debatable whether its exceptional enough to justify that premium price tag. And many reviewers have pointed out that the case is oddly designed, given that the one part of the headphones that it doesnt protectthe mesh headbandis the one thats most vulnerable to damage. The AirPods Max are an appealing prospect, but may not be practical for most budgets. For more detailed advice and thoughts on the best alternatives to Apples three cheaper AirPods models, read our guides to the Best wireless earbuds and the best wired headphones . Apple Inc, Headphones, Home Audio

Macworld 3 May 2024 9:22 am

X is changing how the block button works

Elon Musk has made no secret that hes not a fan of the block button. Now, X is changing how blocks work on its platform, though its (for now) stopping short of Musks wish of nuking the feature entirely. Instead, X is tweaking the visibility of replies in the context of a block. Previously, a user could block someone on X and still reply to their posts. And the person who was blocked wouldnt be able to view that reply or know the person who had blocked them was engaging with their posts. Thats now being rolled back so that users will be able to see direct replies even if the person posting has blocked them. In a post from Xs engineering team, the company said the change is part of our ongoing commitment to aligning the block feature with our principles as a public town square. We are making changes to how block works. If a user who has blocked you replies to one of your posts, you will now be able to see their reply. This change enables you to identify and report any potential bad content that you previously could not view, safeguarding both your Engineering (@XEng) May 2, 2024 The post also hinted that there may be more changes coming to blocks, which is one of the most widely used safety features on the service. Our goal is to allow users to control their experience while maintaining the public visibility of posts, the company said. That would seem to align with previous comments from Musk, who has said on multiple occasions that a public-facing block feature makes no sense and that block is going to be deleted as a feature, except for DMs. For now, the changes to blocking arent that drastic. In fact, they may even be welcomed by some users who want more visibility into what people are saying about them on the platform. But the fact that X is starting to change the visibility of previously blocked content could also be a sign of more significant changes to come. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/x-is-changing-how-the-block-button-works-225338769.html?src=rss

Engadget 3 May 2024 4:23 am

How to get to Monkey Island in Sea of Thieves

Getting to Monkey Island in Sea of Thieves can feel just as difficult as the classic puzzles. Let us walk you through this tall tale to help you get your prize.

Digital Trends 3 May 2024 3:45 am

Cusinarts new pomodoro red indoor pizza oven falls to new $300 Amazon low (Reg. $400)

Amazon is offering the new Cuisinart Pomodoro Red Indoor Pizza Oven for $299.95 shipped. Down from its $400 price tag, this is the best price ever on this all-new colorway. Weve seen the other colorways drop lower in price since the start of the new year, with March seeing the biggest fall to the $200 Amazon low only beaten by a short-lived $150 all-time low at a lesser known site (that is now unavailable to purchase altogether). All-in-all, youll be getting a 25% markdown that lands at the fifth-lowest price overall. Youll also find the stainless steel at $300 , the black model at $300, and the matte black model sitting at a higher $353. more

9To5Toys 3 May 2024 2:51 am

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: release date window, trailers, gameplay, and more

Everyone's favorite part-time archeologist is getting the video game adaptation he deserves with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Here is everything we know.

Digital Trends 3 May 2024 2:45 am

Apple Q2 2024 earnings: Analysts expectations exceeded but iPhone sales down

Macworld Apple on Thursday announced its second quarter 2024 earnings, posting revenue of $90.8 billion for the quarter, a 4 percent decline year over year, and quarterly earnings per diluted share of $1.53, which is one cent higher than last year. The company reported $23.6 billion in profit. Apple beat the analysts predicted revenue of $90 billion and earnings per diluted share of $1.50. iPhone sales, which usually buoy Apples results, took a hit this quarter, posting $46 billion in revenue, which is a 10 percent decrease from the second quarter of 2023. Wearables, Home, and Accessories revenue was also down 10 percent. iPad sales were also down 17 percent. Apples Services set a record for the quarter and saw a jump in revenue YoY of 14 percent, while Mac sales increased about 4 percent. During the quarter, we were thrilled to launch Apple Vision Pro and to show the world the potential that spatial computing unlocks, said Apple CEO Tim Cook in a p ress release . Were also looking forward to an exciting product announcement next week and an incredible Worldwide Developers Conference next month. As always, we are focused on providing the very best products and services for our customers, and doing so while living up to the core values that drive us. How the quarter ended YoY for Apple: iPhone: $46 billion (down from $51.3 billion) iPad: $5.6 billion (down from $6.7 billion) Mac: $7.5 billion (up from $7.2 billion) Wearables: $7.9 billion (down from $8.7 billion) Services: $23.9 billion (up from $20.9 billion) Apple had revenue challenges in Greater China, Japan, and Asia Pacific, where revenue was down from those regions a total of 11 percent YoY. Apple declared a cash dividend of $0.25 per share of common stock payable on May 16, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 13, 2024. Apple also authorized an additional program to repurchase up to $110 billion of common stock. Apple did not issue guidance for the third quarter of 2024, which ends this June. The company did say it expects double-digit growth in iPad and Services revenue, and low single-digit growth in total. Apple is holding its Let Loose event on May 7 and is expected to reveal new iPad models and accessories. Learn how you can watch the Let Loose event . Apple Inc

Macworld 3 May 2024 2:28 am

Harber London debuts gorgeous new full-grain leather EDC Sling Bag with 15% launch deal

Any avid 9to5Toys reader will know how big a fan I am of Harber Londons tech-focused carriers and EDC bags. Its certainly not the most affordable out there, but if youre talking quality, premium materials, and wonderful design, youre talking Harber London. Its gear is easily among the best I have ever Tested out in the category, from its new business-meets-EDC tech carrier for MacBook and iPad, to its gorgeous leather desk mat , and the utterly beautiful leather iPhone 15 covers . And today, the brand is launching its new leather Everyday Sling Bag with a notable 15% launch deal in tow. All of the details are down below. more

9To5Toys 3 May 2024 2:08 am

The ASUS ROG Ally handheld gaming PC has a nice discount today

The Asus ROG Ally, a handheld gaming PC with the AMD Ryzen Z1 processor and 16GB of RAM, is available from Walmart at $87 off so you'll only have to pay $400.

Digital Trends 3 May 2024 2:05 am

Microsofts latest Windows security updates might break your VPN

Microsoft says the April security updates for Windows may break your VPN . (Oops!) Windows devices might face VPN connection failures after installing the April 2024 security update (KB5036893) or the April 2024 non-security preview update, the company wrote in a status update. Its working on a fix. Bleeping Computer first reported the issue, which affects Windows 11 , Windows 10 and Windows Server 2008 and later. User reports on Reddit are mixed, with some commenters saying their VPNs still work after installing the update and others claiming their encrypted connections were indeed borked. We are working on a resolution and will provide an update in an upcoming release, Microsoft wrote. Theres no proper fix until Microsoft pushes a patched update. However, you can work around the issue by uninstalling all the security updates. In an unfortunate bit of timing for CEO Satya Nadella, he said last week that he wants Microsoft to put security above else. I cant imagine making customers (temporarily) choose between going without a VPN and losing the latest protection is what he had in mind. At least one Redditor claims that uninstalling and reinstalling their VPN app fixed the problem for them, so it may be worth trying that before moving on to more drastic measures. If you decide to uninstall the security updates, Microsoft tells you how. To remove the LCU after installing the combined SSU and LCU package, use the DISM/Remove-Package command line option with the LCU package name as the argument, the company wrote in its patch notes. You can find the package name by using this command: DISM /online /get-packages. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/microsofts-latest-windows-security-updates-might-break-your-vpn-202050679.html?src=rss

Engadget 3 May 2024 1:50 am

Is Rust cross-platform?

Just waking up on the Rust island and feeling a little lost? You can play Rust with friends on different platforms, but the title isn't entirely cross-platform.

Digital Trends 3 May 2024 1:45 am

Lectric offers up to $570 off e-bikes with 5 free accessories in celebration of 5-year anniversary

Lectric eBikes is currently celebrating its five-year anniversary , and wanting to extend the celebrations to its customers, has launched a new limited-time sale that is offering five free accessories along with your purchase of either an XP 3.0, XPedition, or XP Trike e-bike. A standout amongst the bunch is the XPedition Single-Battery Cargo e-bike for $1,399 shipped . Down from its usual $1,933 price tag, we only saw it fall to this price for a short-lived period in March before rising to stay at $1,475 since, but todays deal is bringing things back to the all-time low once more. Youll find the dual-battery model down to the second-lowest $1,699 rate .It should also be noted that youll automatically see the discounted rate once the e-bike and the accessories have been added to your cart. more

9To5Toys 3 May 2024 1:42 am

Sony PlayStation 5 review: slimmer model makes a great console better

The PS5's slimmer upgraded model makes a great console even better, with more storage and a slightly less awkward design.

Digital Trends 3 May 2024 1:22 am

iOS 17.5 beta feature makes sending in your iPhone for repair a lot friendlier

Macworld Sending your iPhone in for repair was always a little nerve-wracking. Not just because you no longer have access to what may be the most important gadget in your life, but because you never know if its safe. Apples recommended procedure for preparing your device for service is to back up your phone, turn off Apple Cash, remove all cards from Wallet, and then remove your iPhone from Find My. This also removes Activation Lock. The fine print says, Apple might not be able to service your device if Find My isnt turned off. Its all very worrying and not the smooth and seamless experience were used to from Apple. Thats about to change, it seems. MacRumors found a new feature in iOS 17.5 (currently in beta) that allows you to set your iPhone to a Repair State in which it remains fully functional and has Find My and Activation Lock enabled but still does whatever Apple needs to repair your iPhone. When you go to Find My, then your Devices list, and choose Remove This Device on your iPhone with iOS 17.5, youll get a message that says Cannot remove iPhone. Prepare this device for repair? Choosing Continue will retain your devices functionality and it can be tracked via Find My. It will have a stethoscope icon next to it in the device list. Foundry Foundry Foundry The feature is currently limited to iOS, but it makes sense that Apple would expand it to other devices, including the Apple Watch and Mac. Allowing users to track their devices as theyre sent in for repair, and keeping Activation Lock enabled, should hopefully give users a lot more piece of mind that it wont get stolen. iOS

Macworld 3 May 2024 1:15 am

GTA 6: release date speculation, trailer, gameplay, and more

GTA 6 finally got its first trailer in December 2023. Here's what we know about the next Grand Theft Auto right now based on leaks and rumors from experts.

Digital Trends 3 May 2024 12:45 am

Two of our top Anker power banks are back on sale at all-time low prices

Some of the best and brightest Anker power banks are on sale via Amazon and directly from the company . These deals include the 20,000mAh Prime portable charge, which is down to $90 from its usual price of $130. Thats a discount of 31 percent and matches a previous record low . Anker products are all over our list of the best power banks , and we named the Prime charger as the best ultra-premium product on the market. Unfortunately, ultra-premium also means ultra-expensive, though $90 is a whole lot better than $130. We admired the slick aesthetics, as power banks dont tend to turn heads. The case is a textured metallic plastic with a nice polish. Theres a built-in screen and rounded corners, all of which work to give this bank a luxe feel. The screen is useful, displaying the remaining charge within the battery and the watts flowing out to each device. The charge times and capacity were in line with other 20K batteries we tested. Its easy to use, which is made even easier if people pony up for the companion base. This base includes magnets to align the pins, so users can just plop the battery down and move on to something else. The base does offer additional ports, one USB-A and two USB-C, which turns the whole package into a fairly decent power hub. However, the base costs $70 and isnt currently on sale. We did notice that the Prime charger can be sluggish to wake, which isnt a huge deal. The power banks sleek and shiny finish also tends to pick up fingerprints. Theres a faux-suede pouch to carry it in, which is a nice touch. The Anker Nano Battery is also on sale for $16 with an on-page coupon, which is $14 off the device's list price. This cute little thing boasts a foldable USB-C connector, so as to better integrate with smartphones. It also made our list of the best power banks and we heartily recommend it for anyone looking for a quick partial charge of an Android device. Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/two-of-our-top-anker-power-banks-are-back-on-sale-at-all-time-low-prices-185125271.html?src=rss

Engadget 3 May 2024 12:21 am

Android game and app deals: Meganoid 2, Rush Rally 3, Screenshot Pro, and more

Thursday afternoon has arrived and so has your fresh new collection of deals on Android games and apps. Alongside the Google Play offers, we are also tracking notable discounts on Google Pixel Buds Pro with ANC , the OnePlus 12R handset , and Samsungs 11-inch Galaxy Tab S9 tablet , not to mention Googles original Pixel Watch , but for now its on to the apps. Highlights of todays collection include titles like Meganoid 2, the Gunslugs games, Residual, Rush Rally 3, Screenshot Pro, and more. Head below for a closer look at the rest of deals. more

9To5Toys 3 May 2024 12:16 am

How well do you know video games? This free game will test your knowledge

Do you know how long it takes to beat your favorite video games? This free browser game will put your knowledge to the test.

Digital Trends 3 May 2024 12:08 am

The best VR games

Whichever brand of VR headset you own, you have many different choices when it comes to games. These are the best virtual reality games you can play today.

Digital Trends 2 May 2024 11:59 pm

Huawei has been secretly funding research in America after being blacklisted

Chinese tech giant Huawei has been secretly funding research in America despite being blacklisted, as reported by Bloomberg . The cutting-edge research is happening at universities, including Harvard, and the money is being funneled through an independent Washington-based research foundation, along with a competition for scientists. Bloomberg found that Huawei was the sole funder of a research competition that has awarded millions of dollars since 2022 and attracted hundreds of proposals from scientists. Some of these scientists are at top US universities that have banned researchers from working with the company. Whats the big deal? The fear is that this research could lead to innovations that give China a leg up with regard to both defense contracting and commercial interests, according to Kevin Wolf, a partner at the business-focused law firm Akin who specializes in export controls. Optica, the foundation behind all of this, has posted online that it is interested in high-sensitivity optical sensors and detectors, among other categories of research. Its a bad look for a prestigious research foundation to be anonymously accepting money from a Chinese company that raises so many national security concerns for the US government, said James Mulvenon, a defense contractor who has worked on research security issues and co-authored several books on industrial espionage. Its worth noting that this money funneling operation doesnt look to be illegal, as research intended for publication doesnt fall under the purview of the ban. Huawei operates similar competitions in other parts of the world, though openly. People who participated in the US-based research competition didnt even know that Huawei was involved, believing the money to come from Optica. The competition awards $1 million per year and Optica didnt give any indication that Huawei was supplying the cash. A Huawei spokesperson told Bloomberg that the company and the Optica Foundation created the competition to support global research and promote academic communication, saying that it remained anonymous to keep from being seen as a promotion of some kind. Opticas CEO, Liz Rogan, said in a statement that many foundation donors prefer to remain anonymous and that there is nothing unusual about this practice. She also said that the entire board knew about Huaweis involvement and that everyone signed off on it. Bloomberg did note that the Huawei-backed competition was the only one on Opticas website that didnt list individual and corporate financial sponsors. Huawei has been wrapped in a web of US restrictions these past several years. We cant buy the vast majority of Huawei products in America , as the companys been effectively banned. This all started in 2019 when President Trump signed an executive order that banned the sale and use of telecom equipment that posed unacceptable risks to national security. At the time, Trump said that foreign adversaries were exploiting security holes that would eventually lead to potentially catastrophic effects. Wait, Trump used the words potentially catastrophic effects? Wild. To that end, the company has faced numerous claims that it installs backdoors in networks for the purpose of data theft, though theres no proof of actual theft and the company denies the accusations. Huawei has also been accused of employing Chinese spies to influence an investigation and documents seem to indicate Huaweis involvement in Chinas surveillance efforts . Some expected President Biden to reverse Trumps executive order when it expired in 2021 , but he headed in the opposite direction. Not only does the order stand, but Biden signed a law that blocked Huawei from obtaining an FCC license and he banned American investments in Chinas high tech industries. We arent cozying up to China anytime soon, so Huawei will continue to be persona non grata on this side of the pond (the company still does booming business in Europe.) This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/huawei-has-been-secretly-funding-research-in-america-after-being-blacklisted-182020402.html?src=rss

Engadget 2 May 2024 11:50 pm

Google Pixel Buds Pro with ANC and convo detection land at $140 in all six colors (Reg. $200)

Amazon is now offering thelatest Google Pixel Buds Pro for$139.99 shipped. Todays offer drops all six of the different styles including the all-new Bay and Porcelain colors down from the usual $200 price tags. Youre looking at $60 in savings as well as the third-best price to date. We last saw these earbuds at $1 less, but now theyre down to the second-best offer of the year. You can read all about how compelling of a package that combines into in our hands-on review . more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 11:46 pm

Rare deals hit Skylights smart touchscreen home hub and picture frame from $120

Some of you might remember when we featured the latest Skylight Calendar Max , an intelligent home hub of sorts that comes in the form of a tablet where you can organize your calendars, to-dos, and much more in one central place in the home. While that oversized model is still in the pre-order phase , the brand is now offering some notable Mothers Day deals on its more modest 10- and 15-inch Skylight Calendars alongside some deals on its equally as attractive Skylight smart digital picture frames as well. Head below for more a closer look. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 11:36 pm

Call of Duty competitor XDefiant is finally coming out this month

XDefiant, Ubisoft's crossover competitive shooter meant to take on the likes of Call of Duty, will finally launch later this month.

Digital Trends 2 May 2024 11:34 pm

Snapcycles 2024 R1 Pro all-terrain e-bike sees first discount to $1,699 (Save $300)

Update: Snapcycles R1 Pro All-Terrain e-bike just fell another $100 to $1,699 shipped . The bundle option with the free Vintage Leather Bag has also dropped to $1,699 shipped , with the discount now being automatically applied at checkout without a promo code. Snapcycle is offering its all new 2024 R1 Pro All-Terrain e-bike for $1,799 shipped , after using the promo code SNAP200 at checkout for $200 off. Down from its $1,999 price tag, this is the very first chance to save on this all-new e-bike model. There is also a bundle option that gives you a free Vintage Leather Bag along with the $200 off discount for $1,908 shipped . The new R1 Pro e-bike comes equipped with a 750W brushless geared motor (1,200W peak) alongside a 48V Samsung battery that propels the bike up to a max speed of 28 MPH for up to 60 miles on a single charge. It has five levels of pedal assistance (that is configurable up to 9 levels) that are monitored by a torque sensor with a throttle available as well for pure electric action (at 20 MPH max), but keep in mind mileage will vary. It also features a headlight with high/low beam functionality, 4-inch fat tires with fenders over both, a rear cargo rack, a 7-speed SHIMANO derailleur, dual-piston hydraulic brakes with meatal-ceramic brake pads, and an integrated color LCD display for real-time performance data. Youll also get smart controls through the companion app via Bluetooth for performance monitoring and keyless unlocking. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 11:04 pm

LGs all-new gram 14-inch 2-in-1 Laptop with Intel Core Ultra 7 chip hits $1,387 (Save $231)

Amazon is now offering the new 2024 LG gram 14-inch 2-in-1 Laptop for $1,368.99 shipped. This is down from its usual $1,600 for one of the first times. It just launched earlier in the year after being revealed at CES 2024. This is $231 off and a rare chance to save on one of the new Intel Core Ultra 7 machines. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 11:02 pm

Amazon all-time low hits PowerAs minimalist official Series X|S controller charger at just $16

We spotted a few deals on Xbox Series X|S controller chargers today, but the most notable of the bunch is arguably the first discount we have seen on the officially licensed PowerA Solo Charging Stand. While the white model is still up at full price, you can now land a notable price drop on the black variant down at $15.99 . Shipping is free for Prime members or in orders over $25. This is a straight up 20% price drop and the lowest we have tracked on Amazon since it launched there last summer. While certainly not the most flashy of the models on sale here today, it does deliver a clean, minimalist, and mostly branding-free solution that will slide in nicely with your Series X setup at a particularly affordable price. Head below for more deals and details. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 10:48 pm

Amazon CEO's anti-union comments broke federal laws, labor judge rules

Continuing the long American tradition of wealthy corporate overlords making union-busting comments, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy went on a media blitz in 2022 to warn of the workplace-altering terrors of labor unions. (Surely, its an unfortunate happenstance that his urgent PSA coincided with an uptick in organizing efforts at Amazon .) Sadly for Mr. Jassy, the US still has a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and CNBC reports that the board ruled Wednesday that his anti-union comments broke federal labor laws. Jassy popped up on CNBC in April 2022 to say that if employees voted for and joined a union, they would become less empowered and could expect things to become much slower and more bureaucratic. In an interview with Bloomberg , he added, If you see something on the line that you think could be better for your team or you or your customers, you cant just go to your manager and say, Lets change it. He capped off his union-busting trifecta at The New York Times DealBook conference, where the CEO said that a workplace without unions isnt bureaucratic, its not slow. Its the latest in Amazons long history of union-busting behavior . Amazon NLRB Judge Brian Gee said Jassy violated labor laws by suggesting employees would be less empowered or better off without a union. However, Gee said the CEOs other comments about worker-employer relationships changing were lawful. According to the judge, the difference is that the more aggressive quotes went beyond merely commenting on the employee-employer relationship. Gee added that the comments threatened employees that, if they selected a union, they would become less empowered and find it harder to get things done quickly. The judge recommends that Amazon cease and desist from making similar comments in the future. The company is also required to post and share a note about the judges order with all of its US employees. In December, Jassys Amazon shares were valued at $328 million, making him one of Americas wealthiest CEOs. In a statement to CNBC , an Amazon spokesperson said the judges ruling reflects poorly on the state of free speech rights today. Because, hey, what kind of free country do we even have if a retail magnate cant tell low-income workers scary bedtime stories about the perils of voting to empower themselves in the workplace? This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-ceos-anti-union-comments-broke-federal-laws-labor-judge-rules-171809699.html?src=rss

Engadget 2 May 2024 10:48 pm

The best accessories to use with Delta game emulator

Delta is a nearly flawless emulator for your iPhone, but your phone itself isn't a flawless platform. Use these best accessories to make Delta shine.

Digital Trends 2 May 2024 10:27 pm

New Amazon lows hit Razers latest BlackWidow V4/X gaming keyboards from $91

While youll also find the latest entry-level BlackWidow V4 Xsitting at its best Amazon price, we are now tracking an Amazon all-time low on the mid-range Razer BlackWidow V4 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard down at $131.52 shipped as well. This is a regular $170 gaming keyboard that is now 23% off the going rate for the lowest price we can find. It also undercuts our previous $140 mention to deliver a new Amazon all-time low in the process. While todays deal is on the clicky green switches, you will also find the silent yellow Switch model back down at $140 as well. There are more details in our launch coverage , but youll find some below alongside more deals too. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 10:20 pm

EGO Power+ 10-inch pole saw and power head hits $269 (Save $50), plus bonus bundle offers

Amazon is offering the EGO Power+ 10-inch Pole Saw and Power Head with 2.5Ah Battery for $269 shipped. Down from $319, this tool saw very few discounts over the last year, with most of them being short-lived drops to $299 until Labor Day sales brought costs down further to the $256 low. The new year has only seen minor price cuts so far, with one falling to $280, while todays deal comes in as a $50 markdown off the going rate that lands at the second-lowest price we have tracked. Throw away the noise, fuss, and fumes of traditional gas-powered tools with this combo kit . The pole saw features a 10-inch bar and chain, able to auto-lubricate, and has the added feature of being swappable with the multi-head attachments from the EGO Power+ ecosystem. The brushless motor, in combination with the 56V 2.5Ah battery ensures up to 70 cuts per charge, and thanks to its weather-resistant construction, longer-lasting life is guaranteed. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 10:10 pm

Upgrade moms audio with Bose holiday deals: Ultra earbuds, speakers, more up to $100 off

After featuring a series of Mothers Day sale events from the likes of Nike , Journey , Amazon , and others, its now time for Bose . The popular audio brand has already made headlines today with the launch of its brand new SoundLink Max speaker (full details on that right here ), but it has also launched a notable Mothers Day sale event . Featuring deals on everything from a range of its latest Ultra QuietComfort headphones and earbuds to its portable SoundLink Flex (including the new Chilled Lilac colorway), this is a notable chance to upgrade moms audio game with sweet new buds, cans, or Bluetooth speakers. The entire collection of Bose Mothers Day deals are waiting on this landing page and youll find our top picks waiting after the jump. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 9:56 pm

Amazon offers Kendra Scott jewelry up to 25% off thats perfect for Mothers Day gifting

Amazon is currently offering up to 25% off Kendra Scott jewelry including necklaces, bracelets, rings, and more. Prices are as marked. A standout from this sale is the Chantal Beaded Bracelet thats currently marked down to $40 shipped, which is $20 off the original rate. This bracelet easily elevates any outfit and the layered look is very on-trend this season. It would make a perfect gift for Mothers Day and you can choose from a gold or rose gold design. Find even more deals by heading below, and be sure to check out the entire sale here . more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 9:25 pm

You can finally use passkeys to sign into your Microsoft account

Microsoft is celebrating World Password Day (IT folks deserve holidays, too!) by helping to kill them. The company has finally rolled out consumer passkey support for Microsoft accounts, nearly two years after Apple and Google . Once you set it up, the passkey lets you sign into your Microsoft account using your face, fingerprint or device PIN. It works not only on Windows but also on Apple and Googles mobile and desktop platforms. Passkeys are an easier and more secure way to access your account. They use whats called a cryptographic key pair to ensure only you can get in. One half of the pair is stored on your local device, only accessible via your secure local login. The other part stays on the app or website. Requiring both of them to sign in acts as a deterrent for things like password leaks and phishing attacks. In addition to Apple, Google and now Microsoft, companies adopting passkeys include Amazon, 1Password, Dashlane, Docusign, eBay, PayPal and WhatsApp (among others). Google said on Thursday that its passkeys have already been used a billion times . Microsofts passkey support works starting today on the companys desktop apps and websites, including Microsoft 365 (Office) and its Copilot AI assistant . The Windows maker says passkey support for its mobile apps will follow in the coming weeks. You can get started by signing into your Microsoft account here and following the instructions. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/you-can-finally-use-passkeys-to-sign-into-your-microsoft-account-155431241.html?src=rss

Engadget 2 May 2024 9:24 pm

The Apple Studio Display is finally down to the price it always should have been

Macworld The Studio Display is more than a pretty monitorits also loaded with high-end features you wont find anywhere else, including a FaceTime camera, spatial audio, and three built-in USB-C ports. All that comes at a price, but today its cheaper than its ever been: Amazon is selling the 27-inch Apple Studio Display for $1,300 , a savings of $299 and the best price weve ever seen. The Studio Display is a fantastic monitor with a 5K Retina display sporting 600 nits of brightness, True Tone, and a P3 wide color gamut. Inside its thin bezels, youll find a built-in 12MP ultra-wide camera with Center Stage support, as well as a six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio, and three USB-C ports with 96W of power delivery for fast-charging a MacBook. In our 4-star review , we liked the Studio Display as an affordable alternative to the Pro Display XDR, but didnt love its high price. This deal fixes that and at this price, it gets our full recommendationespecially if you want to pair it with a Mac mini, which is also on sale for $499 ($100 off). So go grab one before the price shoots back up. Mac

Macworld 2 May 2024 9:20 pm

Amazon Mothers Day tech sale up to 50% off: Echo smart speakers, Fire TV, more from $15

Moms big day is fast approaching and Amazon has now gathered up a host of its in house gear with some notable price drops. The new Amazon Mothers Day section is offering up to 50% off a wide range of its smart speakers, Fire TV displays, routers, smart home gear, and accessories for its Echo lineup. This is a great chance to land mom some sweet smart tech with Alexa voice command action for listening to tunes around the house, checking the weather, mounting Echo speakers with official Made for Amazon stands, landing a new smart TV, or even automating electronics with smart home gear. Pricing kicks off from around $15 with free shipping for Prime members or in orders over $25 with plenty of time left to ensure it all arrives for moms big day this year. You can find all of the gear on sale right here , but we have also included some highlights down below as well. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 9:14 pm

Pelotons pandemic-era fairy tale is officially over

The pandemic sucked. Four years ago we were all stuck at home, and would continue being stuck at home for months on end. With all of us trapped in our houses, some products experienced a serious COVID-19 bump. Grocery delivery services absolutely blew up, as did Zoom and the perfectly-timed Animal Crossing: New Horizons . The same goes for Peloton and its line of exercise equipment. People were buying bikes and treadmills in droves, ballooning the companys market cap from $6 billion to $50 billion. However, what goes up must come down, and Pelotons market cap shrank to $10 billion by 2022 and now it rests at around $1 billion. The companys pandemic-era success story has officially ended, and now it's focused on cutting costs. So that means layoffs. Peloton is laying off 15 percent of its workforce, according to TechCrunch , which amounts to 400 people. Aside from those massive cuts, the company is continuing to shut down brick-and-mortar showrooms . Barry McCarthy, the CEO, president and board director, is also stepping down after two years in the job. He was previously CFO at both Spotify and Netflix. Peloton says it's currently in the process of finding a successor, with current chairperson, Karen Boone, and director, Chris Bruzzo, to serve as interim CEOs. However, it is expanding international reach, announcing a more targeted and efficient marketing strategy overseas. Peloton hopes all of these steps combined will reduce annual expenses by $200 million by the end of its fiscal year 2025. The rise and fall of Peloton $PTON earnings will release today. Remember the times (pandemic) when many were convinced we would never return to the gym. #stocks #fallenangels pic.twitter.com/sfmmZTptB6 ArmChair Analyst (@peWhispers) May 2, 2024 All of this comes after the company reported some really bad Q3 2024 revenue and loss numbers, with a 21 percent decline in paid subscriptions compared to 2023. Unfortunately, Q2 wasnt much better . Not that the stock market really means anything, just look at Tesla or that bizarre Trump stock, but Pelotons shares have gone from $156 in 2021 to, uh, less than $3 today. These arent just people going outside again numbers, as the company has experienced its share of controversies that have nothing to do with the pandemic. The Tread+ treadmill was recalled after being linked to 90 injuries and the death of a child. Peloton also recalled over 2 million bikes over a safety issue. It's been a bad few years. All of this doesnt mean that Peloton cant turn things around, as it's a fairly iconic brand in the space. It sure has some work to do, however, to reverse this decline. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/pelotons-pandemic-era-fairy-tale-is-officially-over-153619110.html?src=rss

Engadget 2 May 2024 9:06 pm

New all-time low takes $70 off the affordable OnePlus 12R at $530

We are now tracking only the second-ever discount on the new OnePlus 12R. Courtesy of Amazon and directly from OnePlus , the new mid-range smartphone drops to $529.99 shipped in both Iron Gray and Cool Blue colorways. The unlocked 256GB handset is $70 off the usual $600 going rate and a new all-time low. Back during the launch in February, we saw it for $30 off. Todays offer is on the elevated capacity and not the entry-level 128GB model. We dive into how OnePlus managed to deliver more flagship-caliber specs at a midrange price over in our announcement coverage . more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 9:06 pm

Bose brings that big-speaker energy with new boombox-style SoundLink Max, pre-order now

After the debut of its new open buds and notable price drops landing on its latest Ultra QuietComfort headphones , today Bose is introducing the latest entry to its Bluetooth speaker lineup with the Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker . The brand describes its latest as a combination of big-speaker energy [and] grab-and-go convenience, which sounds a lot like what its speakers have been known for in the past, just with a hefty price tag and a fresh new design that sits somewhere between the smaller SoundLink Flex and the cylindrical flagship offerings. Now available for pre-order ahead of the May 16 shipping date, head below for more details. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 8:53 pm

Denago Earth Month Sale is taking up to $500 off e-bikes for limited time starting from $999

Denago eBikes Earth Month Sale is still going on, taking up to $500 off a selection of the brands e-bike models for a limited time more, like the City 1 High-Step Commuter e-bike for $999 shipped . Regularly $1,299, this model is often at the front of holiday sales, dropping to the same $999 low that we see again today. This deal comes in as a 23% markdown off the going rate and returns costs to the all-time lowest price that we have tracked. The City 1 High-Step is equipped with a 500W hub motor and a 48V battery that propels the bike to top speeds of 28 MPH. It features five levels of pedal assistance and a travel range of up to 60 miles on a single charge 30 miles when using the throttle alone. It comes with a variety of accessories tailored to make your ride as effortlessly comfortable as possible like the wide padded seat, puncture-resistant tires, a Shimano 7-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and an LCD display that gives you all the information you will need during your journey. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 8:53 pm

The best noise-canceling earbuds for 2024

Whether its blocking the noises of your daily train ride, trying to be productive at a coffee shop or just needing to tune out the world for a while, noise-canceling earbuds can provide solace. But, as is the case with all audio gear, the effectiveness of active noise cancellation (ANC) can vary greatly from model to model, even with products from the same company. We test dozens of sets of wireless earbuds every year, and Ive shortlisted a selection of the absolute best in terms of pure ANC performance. You might find better sound quality or all-around choices elsewhere, but if blocking out unwanted sounds is your primary concern, this list has everything from high-end to budget options, in addition to those with the best battery life. Looking for new ANC headphones but don't like the feeling or style of earbuds? Check out our picks for best noise-canceling headphones , which focuses on full-size models. How to choose the best noise-canceling earbuds for you Design Most true wireless earbuds these days have a traditional design thats a round bud that fits in your ear. However, there are some variations on the formula in terms of shape, size and additional fitting elements. Some companies include fins or fit wings to help hold their earbuds in place while others opt for an over-the-ear hook on more sporty models . Youll want to pay attention to these things to make sure they align with how you plan to use them. Also consider overall size and weight since those two factors can impact the fit. A less-than-ideal seal due to a weird fit will affect the performance of active noise cancellation. Type of noise cancellation Next, youll want to look at the type of ANC a set of earbuds offer. Youll see terms like hybrid active noise cancellation or hybrid adaptive active noise cancellation, and there are key differences between the two. A hybrid ANC setup uses microphones on the inside and the outside of the device to detect ambient noise. By analyzing input from both mics, a hybrid system can combat more sounds than regular ANC, but its at a constant level that doesnt change. Adaptive ANC takes the hybrid configuration a step further by continuously adjusting the noise cancellation for changes in your environment and any leakage around the padding of the ear cups. Adaptive ANC is also better at combating wind noise, which can really kill your vibe while using earbuds outdoors. For this best wireless earbuds list, Im only considering products with hybrid ANC or adaptive ANC setups because those are the most effective at blocking noise. Customization Youll also want to check to see if the ANC system on a prospective set of earbuds offers presets or adjustable levels of noise cancellation. These can help you dial in the amount of ANC you need for various environments, but it can also help save battery life. Master & Dynamic, for example, has ANC presets that either provide maximum noise-blocking or prioritize energy efficiency. Other companies may include a slider in their companion apps that let you adjust the ANC level. How we test noise-canceling earbuds The primary way we test earbuds is to wear them as much as possible. I prefer to do this over a one-to-two-week period, but sometimes deadlines dont allow it. During this time, I listen to a mix of music and podcasts , while also using the earbuds to take both voice and video calls. Since battery life for ANC earbuds is typically 6-10 hours, I drain the battery with looping music and the volume set at a comfortable level (usually around 75 percent). When necessary, Ill power the headphones off during a review without putting them back in the case. This simulates real-world use and keeps me from having to wear them for an entire day. To test ANC performance specifically, I use the earbuds in a variety of environments, from noisy coffee shops to quiet home offices. When my schedule allows, I also use them during air travel, since plane noise is a massive distraction to both work and relaxation. Even if Im not slated to hop on a flight, I simulate a constant roar with white noise machines, bathroom fans, vacuums and more. I also make note of how well earbuds block human voices, which are a key stumbling block for a lot of ANC setups. I also do a thorough review of companion apps, testing each feature as I work through the software. Any holdovers from previous models are double-checked for improvements or regression. If the earbuds Im testing are an updated version of a previous model, Ill spend time getting reacquainted with the older set, and revisit the closest competition as well. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-noise-canceling-earbuds-150026857.html?src=rss

Engadget 2 May 2024 8:30 pm

11 best graphics cards of 2024: the GPUs Id recommend to any PC gamer

We've reviewed every graphics card from Nvidia, AMD, and Intel. Here are the best GPUs you can buy for your next gaming PC.

Digital Trends 2 May 2024 8:30 pm

Google pays Apple more than most companies make in a year for its prime iPhone slot

Macworld Its no secret that the iPhone is a valuable device, not just to Apple but also to many of its biggest competitors. According to unsealed court documents revealed in the antitrust trial between theJustice Department and Google, we now know exactly how valuable. As reported by Bloomberg , Apples senior vice president of servicesEddy Cue admitted that the deal with Google to be the default search engine in the Safari browser netter Apple $20 billion in 2022, a staggering increase of over the roughly $15 billion in 2021. Figures for last year werent disclosed in the trial but theyre likely higher than $20 billion. It was also revealed in documents and testimony that Microsoft tried to usurp Googles position by offering a staggering 90 percent of its advertising revenue with Apple to make Bing the default in Safari as well as other concessions including hiding the Bing brand. Microsoft CEO said default status on Safari is a game-changing position. But the deal is also lucrative to Apple. The document claims that Googles payments to Apple for default search accounted for nearly 20 percent of Apples operating income in 2020 when payments were likely about half of what they are now. The government is expected to wrap up its case against Google with closing arguments this week and a decision in the case will likely arrive later this year. iPhone

Macworld 2 May 2024 8:28 pm

Pair your new M3 MacBook Air with Ankers PowerExpand 6-in-1 USB-C Hub at $30

Ankers official Amazon storefront is now offering its PowerExpand 6-in-1 USB-C Hub for $29.99 shipped. This is $25 off the usual $55 price tag and matches the lowest price of the year. Its the second-best offer to date at within $2 of the all-time low from back in December. But now for spring, its on sale just in time to pair with your shiny new M3 MacBook Air or any of Apples other newest Macs, for that matter. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 8:22 pm

Backcountry Pre-Summer Sale takes up to 50% off: The North Face, Patagonia, more

Backcountry Pre-Summer Sale takes up to 50% off hundreds of styles . Prices are as marked. Customers receive free delivery on orders of $50 or more. Inside this sale you can find deals on the North Face, Patagonia, Helly Hansen, Columbia, and more. A standout from this sale is the Patagonia R1 Air Full-ZIp Jacket thats currently marked down to $125 and originally sold for $179. This jacket is a perfect layering piece for spring weather and its available in seven color options. It also has an attached hood and the material is infused with stretch to give you full range of motion. Find even more deals by heading below, or you can shop the entire sale here . more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 8:21 pm

How to clear cache on a Mac

Macworld Maybe your Mac isnt running as well as it used to. Maybe one or more of your apps are behaving strangely. Perhaps you are concerned about your privacy online or what companies and app developers know above you. All these are good reasons to clear the cache on your Mac. We are here to answer the question: How do I clear my cache on my Mac? So if you want to know how to clear cache on a Mac youve come to the right place! But before we run through how to do that well explain what cache is, why you might benefit from deleting it, what cache you shouldnt delete, and how you can delete your cache. What is cache? A cache is where data is stored to help your Mac speed up various processes. You have probably heard of the cache associated with web browsers. This cache contains the data that gets downloaded to your Mac and is saved so that the next time you visit the same website some of the data is already downloaded and it wont take so long to load up the page. PROMOTION CleanMyMac X | Clear your Macs disk Use CleanMyMac X to find hidden junk and free up the unseen cache files. Locate large old folders, background apps, and heavy memory consumers. Tune your Mac for maximum speed, and keep it malware-free and secure Download Free Edition Among other things, browser cache means you can browse the web faster, which sounds like a good thing, but there are quite a few disadvantages too. One disadvantage is the fact that you could find yourself browsing an old cached version of a webpage and another is that your browser cachewhich includes cookies and trackerscan give websites and advertisers information about you as you browse the web. The latter may be a concern for privacy reasons. There are two other kinds of cache: system cache and application cache. Application cache, sometimes referred to as user cache, includes data associated with your apps that is saved so that it doesnt have to be loaded up every time you use the application, this means your applications can work faster. Again, this sounds beneficial, but there are disadvantages. For example, if you work with high-resolution images, or large video files, your computer could be storing a lot of data related to the edits you make. Similarly, if you play games on your Mac you could find you are losing space to game saves. App data can take up a lot of space and if you are no longer using the app you are unlikely to require the cached data that could still lurk on your Mac. System cache, as youd probably expect, is where the data created by macOS that helps your Mac run smoothly is stored. Because its connected to the operating system we would recommend against deleting anything from your system cache, unless you are using a specific tool to do so. Deleting data from any of your Macs caches is a risky business if you dont know what you are doing, but even more so when it comes to system cache as you could accidentally erase files that ensure your Mac runs smoothly. There is another kind of cached data that is the result of sandboxing between apps, but this data is removed when you restart your Mac (which you should do regularly: see Should I shut down my Mac every night? ). Should you clear cache on a Mac? There are a few reasons why you might want to delete or clear cached data. Most commonly Mac users want to delete data from a cache because they are running out of space on their Mac and assume that clearing their cache could recover a few gigabytes. Perhaps youve been looking at whats taking up the space on your Mac (System Settings > General > Storage > Storage Settings in macOS Ventura and beyond, About This Mac > Storage in older macOS versions) and wondering what Other and System Data are and why so much of your space is given over to these categories of data. One thing to note in this case is that deleting data from the cache wont necessarily free up space as your Mac will recreate many of these cached files. Another reason to clear your Macs cache is for troubleshooting purposes. Perhaps your Mac, or just a particular app, is running poorly and you want to see it deleting data from the cache fixes the issue. This is probably the last case scenario after restarting the troublesome app, restarting your Mac, and possibly deleting and reinstalling the app. You may also be concerned about your personal data and how an app or website might be using it, which is a good reason to clear your browser cache from time to time. Another reason to clear browser cache is if you are finding that a website you use isnt up to date. If you dont clear the cache you may find you are loading up the version of a webpage as it was the last time you visited. The cache you can, and cant, delete Under no circumstances should you delete all of the data in your cache if you are thinking of doing something that drastic you would probably be better off wiping your Mac and doing a clean install of macOS . The reason not to delete all your cached files is that some of these files are needed by your Mac to run normally. If you delete cache files willy-nilly you might break something. Deleting cache thats related to an application can also be asking for trouble. Some apps keep important user information in cache folders and may not work without it. It can also be pretty inconvenient for you if you are in the middle of a big project in say Photoshop or Premiere Pro and you delete your cache associated with that. These are both good reasons to back up your Mac before you clear your cache, at least then you can recover your Mac to the state it was in before you started meddling, or at the least copy the cache files back to the folder you deleted them from. Thats what you shouldnt delete or at least you should be cautious about what you delete. How about what you can safely delete? Wed suggest that you can delete cache files that relate to apps you no longer use. In particular, if there is data in cache that relates to an app that you have removed from your Mac you should be able to confidently remove the associated files from the cache. In fact, a good app uninstaller, such as MacPaws CleanMyMac X , MacCleaner Pro from Nektony, or DaisyDisk from Software Ambience, will remove the associated data from your cache. For more of our Mac Cleaner recommendations see our round-up of the best Mac cleaner apps . Browser cache is a type of data you can be pretty confident about removing, but the advantages of keeping it may well be greater than any advantages of removing it. Deleting data from your browser cache can become an annoyance when afterwards you discover that you now have to re-enter your logins and other data that used to autofill. How to delete cache on a Mac Well look at each kind of cache separately since the process is different. Well cover how to delete data from your cache manually and well also look at some of the third-party tools you can use if you are concerned about making a mistake. Before we start, you may be wondering whether Apple provides you with the necessary tool to quickly delete cached files. If you are using macOS Sonoma, Ventura or later you can access the information via About This Mac > More Info. This takes you to System Settings where you go to General > Storage > Storage Settings. In macOS Monterey and older you can click on the Apple in the menu at the top of your screen and go to About This Mac > Storage. Whichever way you get there you will see a breakdown of the kind of storage on your Mac that indicates where there are files that you might want to delete, or move to iCloud, in order to free up space. For example, if you click on the i beside the section (in Ventura or later) then you can see all the files or applications you might want to delete. Foundry Foundry Foundry You might also see a large section called Other, or System, or System Data, depending on the version of macOS you are running. The kind of cached files you want to delete may well lurk in this section of your storage, so you may wonder if you can easily delete it from here. Unfortunately, you cant easily delete files from any of those sections from this view. But there are lots of other ways to free up space from these sections and elsewhere on your Mac. We discuss how to use this here: How to free up space on Mac and address the question of How to delete Other on the Mac and How to delete System on the Mac separately but read on for tips for clearing the cache on your Mac. How to clear browser cache The method here depends on which browser you use, be it Safari, Chrome, Firefox or something else. If you are a Safari user then the process is as follows: In Sonoma or Ventura Open Safari. Click on Safari > Settings in the menu. Click on the Advanced tab. You need to turn on the Developer view, so click on Show features for web developers (or Show Develop Menu). Now you will see a new Develop option in the menu at the top of your screen. Click on that. Click on Empty Caches. (You could also press on Option/Alt + Command + E.) In Monterey or older Open Safari. Click on Safari > Preferences in the menu. Click on Advanced. You need to turn on the Developer view, so click on Show Develop Menu. Now you will see a new Develop option in the menu. Click on that. Click on Empty Caches. You could also press on Option/Alt + Command + E. That method will delete your Safari cache. You may also want to clear your browsing history. To do that follow these steps: Click on History in the Safari menu. Click on Clear History. Finally, you can remove cookies by following these steps: In Sonoma or Ventura Click on Safari > Settings. Click on the Privacy tab. Click on Manage Website Data. Click Remove All (or go through the different sites and choose whether or not to allow them). Select Block all cookies to stop cookies in the future. In Monterey or older Click on Safari > Preferences. Click on Privacy. Click on Manage Website Data. Click Remove All (or go through the different sites and choose whether or not to allow them). Select Block all cookies to stop cookies in the future. Just note that removing this data can mean you are logged out of websites that you used to be able to automatically log on to so make sure you know your passwords. How to clear system cache Next up well run through how to clear system cache: A word of warning before you start: Back up just in case something goes wrong! If you delete something that turns out to be important you can at least return to the way things were before. If the thought of making a mistake fills you with dread take a look at one of the options below that will do it for you safely. Open the Finder. Click on Go > Go to Folder Type in Library/Caches/ Enter or click on Go. Open each folder and choose what to delete. You could sort by Data Modified to see what hasnt been added recently. Drag caches into the Trash/Bin. Dont forget to delete your trash. This is a long and boring process that also happens to be really risky so if you would rather reclaim your afternoon and not risk deleting something you shouldnt, we recommend using one of the apps below. How to delete application cache files Along with gaining back some space, clearing files from application cache is something you might want to do if an app isnt working properly, or if you want to speed a particular app up, but note it could have the opposite effect if you remove cached files that are required. For that reason, we again recommend that you back up your system before you start to delete. Open the Finder. Click on Go > Go to Folder Type in ~/Library/Caches/ (note that you need a ~ this time, its next to the Z). Enter or click on Go. Open each folder and choose what to delete. Drag caches into the Trash/Bin. Delete your trash. Again, if you arent 100 percent sure you know what you are doing, we recommend that you use a dedicated app to remove you application cache. Best Apps for removing data from cache We have a round-up of the best Mac cleaner apps where we run through some of our favorite options for deleting files and memory hogs. Among them, you will find some excellent solutions for removing cache files from your Mac. Below are three options that we recommend. How to use CleanMyMac X to clear cache Get CleanMyMac X CleanMyMac X from MacPawclaims to clear your cache safely, it refers to a Safety Database to do so. CleanMyMac X can be downloaded from MacPaws website . It costs 34.95/$34.95 for a one-year subscription, although from time to time the company offers discounts. Alternatively, you can buy the software for 93.95/$89.95 if you dont fancy forking out every year. You can download it for free , but if you want to delete anything you will need to pay up. Open CleanMyMac X and click on System Junk. Click on the Scan button. The app will start analyzing your system. Once the scan is complete you will see a message indicating how much space can be freed up. This includes User Cache Files, System Log Files, Language Files, Document Versions, User Log Files and System Cache Files. Click on Review Details to see more information. Here you get more details of the various cache files the software is offering to delete. So you could deselect anything you would rather not delete. (For example, you might prefer not to delete Document Versions, or you might want to keep some languages and not others. Plus you might prefer not to delete the cache associated with a particular app). If you are happy to go ahead just click Clean. You may need to enter your password and install a helper tool. Now wait while CleanMyMac X cleans your system. How to use MacCleaner Pro 2 to clear cache Get MacCleaner Pro MacCleaner Pro from Nektony is another option that is visually quite similar to CleanMyMac X. There is a free trial that is pretty much fully functional. To upgrade to the pro version costs 40.95/$44.95. Download it from Nektony . Open MacCleaner Pro. Click on Clean up Mac. Here you will see various types of files you can delete, including Caches, Installation Files, Language Files and Downloads. You can deselect any you dont wish to delete. Click on Clean Up. You will be asked to confirm that you are happy for the files to be deleted. Click on Review. You can click on the down arrows to see more information about each. Deselect any you dont want to delete. Click on Clean Up. Enter your password. The great thing about MacCleaner Pro is that it functions in trial mode, rather than just showing you what you can delete and then asking you to purchase the software. The trial is time-limited though. How to use CCleaner to clear cache CCleaner for Mac costs $29.95/29.95 for the Professional version. There is also a free version of CCleaner which you can download from the CCleaner website . Get CCLeaner Open CCleaner. Click on the Applications tab. Youll see which apps have files you can remove. Click on Analyze and wait for the software to examine what you can delete. It will then show you the files that can be removed. If you are happy to go ahead click on Run Cleaner. You will see a warning that the process will permanently delete files from your system. Confirm that you wish to proceed. You may need to install a helper tool, in which case: enter your password. Wait while the app removes the cache files. If youre on a budget, DaisyDisk which has a one-off cost of $9.99/9.99 is another solid choice for Mac cleaning, ranking #3 in our Best Mac Cleaners chart. For more advice read our tips for cleaning up your Mac to make it run faster. Cleaning and Data Recovery Software, Mac, MacOS, Personal Software

Macworld 2 May 2024 8:03 pm

May PlayStation Plus FREE games: Tunic, Ghostrunner 2, EA Sports FC 24, more

As we all anxiously await what has started to seem like an imminent announcement for PS5 Pro and the PlayStation Summer showcase, Sony has now taken to the official PlayStation Blog to detail the May PS Plus FREE games. Last month it was all about action-platforming, block strategy games, and a first-person magic shooter, but this month we are hitting the pitch, embarking on an unforgettable puzzle adventure, and fighting back against the Darkness. Head below for all of the details ont he May PlayStation Plus FREE games. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 8:00 pm

Best Sonos Setup (2024): Which Speakers and Soundbars Should You Buy?

From the Move to the Beam, weve tested nearly every speaker from the venerable brand. We like them allbut here are the best picks to fit your lifestyle.

Wired 2 May 2024 8:00 pm

Save $100 for today only on this 9-quart dual-basket Bella air fryer at $80 shipped

Today only, as part of its Deals of the Day , Best Buy now has the 9-quart Bella Pro Series Digital Air Fryer with Dual Flex Basket down at $79.99 shipped . Regularly $180 there, youre looking at a huge $100 price drop and the lowest we can find. Todays deal its on par with the one-day offer we spotted early last month. As we have mentioned previously, these Best Buy daily air fryer offers tend to deliver some of the best values out there on models from brands we feature on a regular basis. Youll find plenty of higher-end 9-quart, dual-basket models on the marketplace from more premium brands, but they will almost certainly cost you a whole lot more than this one even thisCOSORI model, for example, is selling for $140 at Amazon right now, much like this Chefman option at $130. More details below. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 7:37 pm

Best Samsung monitor deals: 4K monitors, ultrawide, and more

There's an amazing selection of Samsung monitor on sale, and we've rounded up all of the best Samsung monitor deals right here.

Digital Trends 2 May 2024 7:30 pm

This Greenworks electric 3-tool bundle returns once more to $600 (Save $500) in one-day sale

For today only, Best Buy is offering the Greenworks 80V 21-inch Lawn Mower, 13-inch String Trimmer, and 730 Leaf Blower Combo with 4.0Ah Battery for $599.99 shipped . Down from its $1,100 price tag, this combo saw a few discounts over 2023, the biggest of them dropping costs to the $580 all-time low during Black Friday sales. Weve already seen three previous discounts in the new year taking things down to $600 with a My Best Buy membership, and two like todays deal that drop the need for membership altogether. It comes in as a repeat 45% markdown off the going rate, landing at the second-lowest price we have tracked. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 7:25 pm

Over 200 militia groups and users are using Facebook to organize nationwide, new report states

Facebook is a hotbed for conspiracy theories and dangerous organizing at critical moments, like the 650,000-plus posts arguing against President Biden's victory between the 2020 general election and the January 6 insurrection. Some users scattered following the latter and subsequent prosecutions, but a new report first published by Wired shows a resurgence, identifying about 200 groups and profiles across the platform organizing militia activity nationwide. The research, conducted by the Tech Transparency Project , found these groups have ties to organizations such as the Three Percenters militia network, dubbed by Meta as an armed militia group in its 2021 Dangerous Individuals and Organizations List. Yet, groups such as the Free American Army have urged users to join their local militia or the Three Percenters without consequence (Meta took down the Free American Army group only after Wired enquired about it, calling Facebook an adversarial space that requires regular investment to stay safe). Katie Paul, director of the Tech Transparency Project, has watched hundreds of these groups and people since 2021 and has seen an increased seriousness and focus on organizing over the previous year. Many of these groups are no longer fractured sets of localized militia but coalitions formed between multiple militia groups, many with Three Percenters at the helm, Paul told Wired . Facebook remains the largest gathering place for extremists and militia movements to cast a wide net and funnel users to more private chats, including on the platform, where they can plan and coordinate with impunity. The Tech Transparency Project found users seek out active patriots to discuss anti-government ideology, attend meetings and take combat training. The latter lends itself to a common theme: being prepared for standing up against or even going to war against enemies such as drag queens, pro-Palestine college students and the government itself. Take a recent post by the administrator of a group called the Pennsylvania Light Foot, which has over 1,000 members: In light of the violence and uncertainty in the world, Covid 19 shortages, civil unrest, and potential for terrorist attacks and natural calamity, we exist to equip our members. Our aim is to equip them with the ability to defend themselves, whether it be a mugger on the street or foreign soldier on our lawn. These sentiments are echoed by other extremist organizers across Facebook. Meta has attempted to at least create a facade of action and transparency. In 2019, it launched the Oversight Board as an independent reviewer of its content moderation. While the entity has pointed to Facebook's role in dangerous election rhetoric, including incidents outside the United States, critics argue it hasn't been impactful enough. Now, The Washington Post reports that layoffs at the Oversight Board could be imminent. On August 14, Meta will shutter CrowdTangle , a tool it bought in 2016 that allowed journalists and academics to see how conspiracy theories and false information moved on Facebook and its sister site Instagram often showcasing the platforms' shortcomings. The company is replacing it with the Meta Content Library, which not only appears to be less detailed but isn't available to for-profit news organizations. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/over-200-militia-groups-and-users-are-using-facebook-to-organize-nationwide-new-report-states-135003902.html?src=rss

Engadget 2 May 2024 7:20 pm

Samsungs 11-inch Galaxy Tab S9 tablet starts from $692 (Reg. $800+)

Amazon is now offering the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 for $691.82 shipped. This 11-inch Android tablet comes with 128GB of onboard storage and drops from its usual $800 price tag. This is the third-best offer to date and comes within $22 of the all-time low set just once before. You can save even more on the 256GB model at $791.47 , down from its usual $920 going rate. This is $129 off and marking one of the best prices weve seen. Over at 9to5Google , we fully explore whats new this time around across the whole Galaxy Tab S9 lineup. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 7:16 pm

Todays best iOS game and app deals: Sands of Salzaar, Evoland 2, Juicy Realm, and more

Your Thursday morning collection of todays iOS game and app deals is now at the ready down below. Be sure to scope out the deals we are tracking on Apples Magic Keyboard Folio and iPhone 14 Pro , but for now we are focused on the apps. Joining a host of mobile Star Wars deals and in-game events going live for May the 4th, todays collection is highlighted by titles like Sands of Salzaar, Evoland 2, The Tiny Bang Story, Juicy Realm, and more. Head below for a closer look at everything on tap this morning. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 7:13 pm

Apple discounts MLS Season Pass to $69 for the rest of the season

You can get an MLS Season Pass for Apple TV at a discount if you haven't paid for one yet and want to watch the league's upcoming games these coming months. Apple is now selling the pass, which typically costs $99, for $69 for the remainder of the 2024 season. If you're an Apple TV+ subscriber, you can get an additional $10 discount and only pay $59 for it. The company occasionally launches promotional offers for the MLS Season Pass meant to drum up interest in its sports streaming package. Last year, it offered a free one month trial mid-season, as well. If you're undecided, you can watch league games for free this weekend first: Apple is making all 14 matches taking place in the next few days streamable at no additional cost. One of the matches features Inter Miami, which signed Lionel Messi in 2023. An MLS season pass will give you access to every MLS game with no blackouts, as well as to additional content like in-depth coverage and analysis of the matches. You can watch league games through the Apple TV app on iPhones, iPads and Macs, as well as on smart TVs, set-top boxes, gaming consoles and non-Apple streaming devices. You can also watch matches on the web at Apple TV's official website and on the Apple Vision Pro if you have the mixed reality headset. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-discounts-mls-season-pass-to-69-for-the-rest-of-the-season-133019422.html?src=rss

Engadget 2 May 2024 7:00 pm

Todays best game deals: Princess Peach Showtime! hits Amazon low at $51.50, more

While we are now tracking loads of Star Wars game deals ahead of May the 4th already, this morning we are taking a look at a notable deal on a brand new Switch release, Princess Peach: Showtime!. The regularly $60 title has now dropped to its Amazon low price at $51.52 shipped for folks looking to snag a physical copy without waiting all year for the chance it might drop lower. Just keep in mind, some lucky Costco members are able to score it for a touch less at just under $50 right now. Either way these are some of the best prices we have tracked yet on the family-friendly new Peach game. We enjoyed our hands-on time with the experience ahead of release, and nows your chance to help Peach and Stella save the Sparkle Theater from Grape and the Sour Bunch at a discount.Head below for the rest of todays best console game deals. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 6:53 pm

Europe is falling behind in the race to develop space-based solar power

When the EU approved the European Green Deal in 2020, the bloc unveiled a plan to lead the clean energy transition. Yet it has since faced growing competition from both China which has quickly and quietly buried Europes solar panel industry and is now taking aim at its EV market and the US, which under the Biden administration took an about-face on sustainability with the introduction of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022. As the EU invests more into renewables, it will need to overcome hurdles around reliability, storage, transmission, and scalability to reach its ambitious 2030 renewable This story continues at The Next Web

TNW 2 May 2024 6:33 pm

Bose's SoundLink Max is its largest portable Bluetooth speaker with 20-hour battery life

Bose may be best known for its noise-canceling headphones , but the company makes solid portable Bluetooth speakers too. In fact, the company's SoundLink Flex made our best Bluetooth speakers list as a great option among contenders in its price range. Today, the company is adding to the SoundLink lineup with its largest portable Bluetooth speaker yet: the SoundLink Max ($399) . While the overall design is similar to previous Bose devices, this model packs bigger sound and longer battery life into that expanded frame. Inside the SoundLink Max, three transducers and two passive radiators power a spacious stereo experience that includes bass performance that sounds like an even larger speaker, according to Bose. The company says this portable unit employs tech typically used in its soundbars and pairs that with digital signal processing to reduce distortion for full, natural sound across genres. Bose is promising that you'll be able to hear every aspect of a song clearly, no matter the musical style and no matter where the speaker is located. You'll also be able to adjust lows, mids and highs via the Bose app if the stock tuning doesn't suit your preferences. Bose Bose opted for a powder-coated, silicone-wrapped steel enclosure for the SoundLink Max, which the company says offers a more refined look. The speaker is also IP67 rated, so dust, water, rust and dropping it shouldn't be an issue. This all makes the Max well-suited for outdoor use, and when you do take it on the go, you won't have to worry about recharging often. Bose says the SoundLink Max will last up to 20 hours, plus it can juice up your phone via a USB-C cable if needed. A removable rope handle will assist with transport, but Bose also makes a carrying strap if you prefer over-the-shoulder hauling. The SoundLink Max is equipped with Snapdragon Sound, which offers more consistent connectivity with recent Android devices, and aptX Adaptive that provides improved audio quality over Bluetooth. The speaker also supports Google Fast Pair and Bluetooth 5.3. Pre-orders for the SoundLink Max start today from Bose , and the speaker is schedule to ship on May 16. In addition to being the company's largest portable Bluetooth unit, it also ties the Bose Portable Smart Speaker for being the most expensive at $399. If you're looking for something smaller, the SoundLink Micro ($99), SoundLink Flex ($119) and SoundLink Mini II ($149) are also available from Bose. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/boses-soundlink-max-is-its-largest-portable-bluetooth-speaker-with-20-hour-battery-life-130043418.html?src=rss

Engadget 2 May 2024 6:30 pm

WD_BLACKs P40 SSD Game Drive is one of the best in the business, now starting from $120

Amazon is now offering the WD_BLACK 2TB P40 SSD Game Drive for $169.99 shipped. While we did see this one go for less last year, since the near industry-wide price hikes took effect on SSDs of all sorts in 2024, this one now carries a regular list at $200 but it is actually going for $330 via Best Buy and is now at the lowest price we can find. Todays deal is matching the lowest price we have tracked at Amazon this year. The P40 is a personal favorite of mine. I enjoyed my hands-on time with it for review , it still functions flawlessly for me, and it was an easy entry in our latest roundup of the best portable SSDs out there. We have seen the 1TB model drop as low as $100 this year, but you can score that one down at $119.99 right now if you dont need the expanded capacity. Head below for more details. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 6:26 pm

Satechis new SM1 Slim Keyboard sees rare discount to $85 (Reg. $100)

Satechis official Amazon storefront now offers itsnew SM1 Slim Mechanical Keyboard for$85 shippedafter clipping the on-page coupon . This discounts the just-released Dark Grey style specifically, which launched at the very end of February after the original version debuted at CES 2024 in January. Todays price cut is $15 off the usual $100 price tag, only the second discount on this model, and comes within $5 of the only other price cut that was live at launch for the light grey version. We break down what to expect in our launch coverage , too. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 6:17 pm

Logitechs Litra Glow LED content-creator light with monitor clip drops to $49.50 (Reg. $60)

Joining a host of other Logitech content-creator gear deals, Amazon is now offering the Logitech for Creators Litra Glow LED Streaming Light for $49.50 shipped . Regularly $60, this is a solid 17% off the going rate and the lowest price we can find. Todays deal comes within $1 of the lowest we have tracked in over a year at Amazon it very quickly dropped to $49 in January for a couple days to match one of the lowest prices we have seen all-time. Designed to make you look better on camera and present a more professional vibe for your viewers, the brands TrueSoft tech is in place here to deliver balanced, full-spectrum LED light with cinematic color accuracy. Hit the jump for more details. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 6:02 pm

Audible is testing book recommendations based on your Prime Video habits

Audible is testing a new category of book recommendations based on what a user watched recently on Prime Video. Which, as the name suggests, will show you audiobooks based on what you watch on the Amazon-owned service, TechCrunch reports . The new carousel should appear on mobile and web apps for about half of users who have Amazon Prime Video and Audible subscriptions. You might see recommendations as straightforward as the book a movie you watched is based on or titles with storylines or authors that users with similar preferences to you have enjoyed. Audible claims the decision came due to the uptick it saw in users accessing titles recently released as shows or movies. There is a natural synergy between TV, movies, and books, and we see that clearly in how our customers engage with content on Audible, Andy Tsao, chief product and analytics officer at Audible, said in a statement. The company gives examples such as Reacher , which came out on Amazon Prime in 2022. Audible claims that the listenership of author Lee Child's books rose by almost 80 percent daily in the two weeks after its release. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audible-is-testing-book-recommendations-based-on-your-prime-video-habits-123053133.html?src=rss

Engadget 2 May 2024 6:00 pm

NYT Mini Crossword today: puzzle answers for Thursday, May 2

The NYT Mini crossword might be a lot smaller than a normal crossword, but it isn't easy. If you're stuck with today's crossword, we've got answers for you here.

Digital Trends 2 May 2024 6:00 pm

NYT Connections: hints and answers for Thursday, May 2

Connectionsis the new puzzle game from the New York Times, and it can be quite difficult. If you need a hand with solving today's puzzle, we're here to help.

Digital Trends 2 May 2024 6:00 pm

Googles original Pixel Watch is an even better value at $180 (New low, Reg. $250)

Amazon is now offering the original Google Pixel Watch for $179.99 shipped. This is $80 off the usual $250 price tag it has been trending at lately and a new all-time low. We did see it at $0.50 more earlier in the spring, but now it undercuts even that as the best price ever. Our hands-on review explores just how all of the fitness tracking tech stacks up for daily use and how it compares to the new second-generation model. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 5:39 pm

Best iPhone SE deals of May 2024

Macworld If youre looking for an iPhone but dont want to spend a fortune, the third-gen iPhone SE , Apples cheapest current handset, is the phone for you. It features a powerful processor (the A15, which also appeared in the flagship iPhone 13 Pro from 2021) at an affordable price, starting at $429 in the U.S. or 429 in the U.K. For a phone thats even cheaper, however, you may want to consider the second-gen iPhone SE from 2020. Apple no longer sells this device itself, but other vendors may still sell you one for a bargain price. In this article we round up the best deals and discounts currently available on each iPhone SE model, as well as cheap bundle offers worth considering. We cover both SIM-free and contract deals, identifying which retailers which have the handsets in stock, and which offer the best price. If you want to get yourself an iPhone SE, read on for the best deals. How much does the iPhone SE cost? Apples most affordable iPhone starts at $429/429. (And you can get it for less if you trade in an older qualifying phone.) The 2022 model is currently available in three configurations: iPhone SE (2022, 64GB): $429 / 429 / AUD$719 iPhone SE (2022, 128GB): $479 / 479 / AUD$799 iPhone SE (2022, 256GB): $579 / 579/ AUD$969 Thats a slight price increase on the previous model. The 2020 iPhone SE is no longer available from Apple itself, but had the following MSRPs at launch: iPhone SE (2020, 64GB): $399 / 399 / AUD$679 iPhone SE (2020, 128GB): $449 / 439 / AUD$759 (If youre buying the iPhone SE we recommend that you avoid the lowest-capacity model. We explain in a separate article: Why you shouldnt buy the 64GB iPhone SE. ) Where to buy iPhone SE (2022) SIM-free Apple sells the iPhone SE starting at $429/429. You can buy from Apple right now. (Thats the U.S. store; depending on where you are, the U.K. store or the Australia store may be more suitable.) Its also available from other retailers, who may offer discounts on Apples price. But this phone is relatively cheap (at least by Apples standards), so youre unlikely to see any startling savings just yet. In the U.S., in fact, all the major retailers are sticking at Apples price. The best option in the U.K. at time of writing is AO, which has the third-gen SE for 419, a discount of 10. KRCS , meanwhile, is selling for 424.71. You can check the best and latest offers in our automatic pricing tables, below. iPhone SE (64GB), MSRP $429/429 New Refurbished Retailer Price $339 View Deal $429 View Deal $429 View Deal $449 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone SE (2022) 64GB Midnight Unlocked $429 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket iPhone SE (128GB), MSRP $479/479 Retailer Price $323.27 View Deal $479 View Deal $479 View Deal $499 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Numerous retailers are stocking the iPhone SE. Just make sure you get the third-gen or 2022 version of the iPhone SE: many will continue to stock the second-gen model from 2020, which features the older A13 processor and doesnt support 5G. U.S. readers should check the following stores: Amazon Best Buy Target Walmart U.K. readers, meanwhile, should check the retailers below. Affordable Mobiles Amazon Argos Carphone Warehouse Currys E2Save Giff Gaff John Lewis KRCS Mobiles.co.uk Mobile Phones Direct Very Where to buy iPhone SE (2022) on contract Try the following stores and carriers for the best iPhone SE contract deals. As mentioned above, make sure youre getting the 2022 model with the A15 processor and 5G. Its also bearing in mind that youll want the contract to include 5G support too: you need both hardware and contract to support the tech, and this may cost extra. If in doubt, ask a member of the sales support staff. AT&T T-Mobile Verizon U.K. readers can browse the best contract deals using the table below: If youd like to research further, try the following U.K. carriers: Affordable Mobiles BT Mobile Carphone Warehouse EE E2Save iD Mobile Fonehouse Giff Gaff O2 Sky Mobile Tesco Mobile Three Virgin Mobile Vodafone Mobiles.co.uk Mobile Phones Direct iPhone SE (2020) deals The iPhone SE model from 2020 is no longer sold by Apple itself, but there are good deals available from other vendors. Where to buy the iPhone SE (2020) SIM-free Youll see the lowest prices from third-party retailers in the automatic pricing table below. You can also buy the iPhone SE SIM-free from a number of other retailers. Try these U.S. stores: Amazon Best Buy Target Walmart U.K. readers should try the following: Affordable Mobiles Amazon Argos Carphone Warehouse Currys E2Save John Lewis KRCS Mobiles.co.uk Mobile Phones Direct Very Where to buy the iPhone SE (2020) on contract You can pick up the iPhone SE from a number of different networks in the U.S. and U.K.: AT&T T-Mobile Verizon U.K. contract providers: Affordable Mobiles BT Mobile Carphone Warehouse EE E2Save iD Mobile Fonehouse O2 Sky Mobile Tesco Mobile Three Virgin Mobile Vodafone Mobiles.co.uk Mobile Phones Direct Weve also compared the original iPhone SE to the iPhone SE 2 if you want to know what kind of upgrades and differences to expect. Trade-in discounts Dont forget you can save when you trade in your old qualifying phone with Apple or other retailers participating in a trade-in programme. Apple offers up to hundreds of dollars off the iPhone SE when you trade in your old iPhone (but if your phone is older, youll likely get much less). Youll have to select the trade-in option during purchase and answer a few questions about your existing phone model, storage capacity and condition. Youll need to provide your IMEI number as well. Read about Apples Trade In scheme in the U.S. and U.K. In the U.K. you could get even more money off if you trade-in via Currys PC World, which has offered up to 240 off previous iPhone SE models when you trade in an older iPhone. Head to Currys to see how much your device is worth. Amazon offers some good trade-in values, so you should see if you can get more there. Check out Amazons Trade In program in the U.S . U.K. readers can see how Amazon trade-in process works here. Apple reseller KRCS also offers a trade-in scheme . Refurbished deals You can save on the iPhone SE by opting for a refurbished model. This is an excellent option for the second-gen model from 2020. Although youre buying a device that has been pre-owned, buying refurbished isnt the same as simply buying second-hand, the main difference being that the product has been repaired and rigorously tested to ensure it works just like new. Refurbished devices often come with additional warranty arrangements for peace of mind if you are to run into any issues after purchase. Decluttr (better known as MusicMagpie in the U.K.) is a great source to shop for refurbished deals, although right now its prices are higher than Amazons. You reduce the rate if you choose to trade-in your old device or old tech for cashback. When shopping refurbished, look out for Apple Certified Refurbished products. These have been repaired, with parts replaced as needed, and thoroughly tested (and cleaned) to meet the Apple standard. You can find Apple Certified Refurbished iPhones from the Apple Refurbished Store . We have a dedicated guide on buying refurbished iPhones with everything you need to know, as well as the best refurbished iPhone deals. Wondering if theres a more affordable option than the SE? We answer the question What is the cheapest iPhone? in a separate article. Our iPhone buying guide , meanwhile, offers in-depth advice for those looking to buy or upgrade. iPhone

Macworld 2 May 2024 5:34 pm

First deals land on the wonderful new Focusrite Scarlett 4th Gen Interfaces from $119

Update #2: Alongside the ongoing all-time lows on the interfaces below, some of the Focusrite Scarlett 4th Gen Interface Studio bundles are also seeing the first price drops. These sets include the latest interfaces as well as Focusite headphones, a microphone, and a mic cable as well: Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio 4th Gen Bundle $220 (Reg. $250) Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio 4th Gen Bundle $270 (Reg. $300) And even more Update: Amazon is also now offering the first notable deal on the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen audio interface at $179.99 shipped. Regularly $200, this is the first time we have tracked a sizable price drop on Amazon and a great chance to land what will likely be a rarely discounted piece of kit for some time to come still.Get even more details on this model in our hands-on review . The Focusrite Scarlett offerings have delivered some of the best bang for your buck in the interface category for years, and its latest 4th Gen machines are much of the same. After coming away thoroughly impressed with the latest models in our hands-on review last summer , today we are tracking the very first deal on Amazon for the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB Audio Interface at $119 shipped. This is the entry-level Solo model thats great for at-home studios and folks just looking to record an XLR microphone or guitar/synth that regularly fetches $140. Todays deal is the very first price drop we have tracked on what is easily one of our top recommendations in the price range. Our hands-in review offers a detailed breakdown of the feature set and youll find some additional thoughts down below. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 5:33 pm

Ninjas Coffee Barista System does it all espresso, pods, over-ice, more at $199 ($50 off)

Amazon is now offering a theNinja CFN601 Espresso and Coffee Barista System down at$199 shipped. Also now matched at Best Buy . Regularly $250, youre looking at a straight up $50 price drop today and the lowest price we can find. While we have seen some very limited offers for less during holiday events and over the Black Friday season last year, this is otherwise matching the lowest we have tracked on this versatile coffee maker. This is one of Ninjas most capable brewers, offering a do-it-all design that provides a 19 Bar pressure system for single and double espresso shots as well as an over ice option and more. You can also brew a carafe-full with your choice of ground beans while leveraging the onboard single-serve pod system setup as well. Nine different cup size option are joined by a fold-away frother for espresso-based cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, and more. More details below. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 5:31 pm

The best smart home gadgets for your first apartment

Your first apartment after graduation is probably not your forever home, but you can make it something youre proud of with gadgets that do your bidding. You can automate your lights, keep an eye on your pets and clean up your floors more efficiently with relatively affordable devices that wont eat up too much of your paycheck. Weve tried out a lot of smart home tech over the years and heres what we recommend for newbies and those with tight budgets This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/smart-home-gadgets-for-your-first-apartment-153006018.html?src=rss

Engadget 2 May 2024 5:30 pm

Google says its secure entry passkeys have been used a billion times

As part of World Password Day ( yes, that's a thing ), Google is hyping up its security achievements and sharing updates on its latest endeavors. The company revealed passkey adoption metrics for the first time and said they have been used more than one billion times by 400 million Google accounts. Since launching, passkeys have proven to be faster than passwords, since they only require users to simply unlock their device using a fingerprint, face scan or pin to log in, Google wrote. The company launched broad support for passkeys in 2022 and rolled them out across its services a year ago . Over the past 12 months, the technology has been adopted by Amazon, 1Password, Dashlane, Docusign and others, joining companies like eBay, PayPal and WhatsApp. Google boasted that the tech helped Kayak users sign in 50 percent faster and said Dashlane has seen a 70 percent increase in conversion with passkeys. Google will soon be expanding passkeys to users at the highest risk of targeted attacks as part of its Advanced Protection Program (APP). That offering is aimed at individuals including campaign workers and candidates, journalists, human rights workers and others, according to the company. APP enrollment traditionally required the use of hardware security keys as a second factor, but users will soon have the option to enroll with any passkey in addition to using their hardware security keys, Google wrote. This expanded passkey support will help reduce the barrier of entry to APP while still providing phishing resistant authentication... [and] is coming during a critical election year. It's also expanding Cross-Account Protection to safeguard users on multiple platforms. That system lets Google share security notifications about suspicious event with non-Google apps and services. This is a critical benefit since cybercriminals often use an initial entry point as a foothold to gain access to more of your information. Google suggests creating a passkey for your account to benefit from the new protections. In the meantime, practice good password hygiene by using long passwords with a mix of characters, numbers and symbols, applying two-factor authentication (2FA), never recycling passwords and more. According to HIPAA , attackers can crack a simple 8-number password in just 37 seconds, but it takes 19 quadrillion years to break an 18-digit cypher with a mix of numbers, upper and lowercase letters and symbols. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-says-its-secure-entry-passkeys-have-been-used-a-billion-times-120001230.html?src=rss

Engadget 2 May 2024 5:30 pm

Best deals on iPhone 12 (and iPhone 12 mini and 12 Pro)

Macworld If youre looking to buy an iPhone 12 (or 12 mini, 12 Pro, or 12 Pro Max), make sure you get a terrific deal. Following the iPhone 15 launch, retailers will be looking to clear out any remaining stock; until they do, you can expect great deals on the iPhone 12 range, whether SIM-free or on contract. There are some great discounts on refurbished models too. In this article we look at every major retailer and contract provider to find the best deals for the iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max. In a separate article we round up the best iPhone deals overall; we also look at the best Apple deals in an even broader article. iPhone 12 range prices The 12-series iPhones were launched in fall 2020, but since then weve seen some significant changes to the range in terms of price and availability. Each model has gradually dropped in price before eventually disappearing from Apples store. When Apple released the iPhone 13 in September 2021, it discontinued the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max and dropped the price of the iPhone 12 and 12 mini. The following year the iPhone 12 mini was discontinued too, while the iPhone 12 got another price cut. The iPhone 12 was finally discontinued in fall 2023. Heres how the entry-level prices for each model (with the minimum storage allocation) have varied over the years. From this you can extrapolate to what would be a fair price when buying today. Launch price Fall 2021 Fall 2022 Current price iPhone 12 mini From $699/699 From $599/579 Discontinued Discontinued iPhone 12 From $799/799 From $699/679 From $599/649 Discontinued iPhone 12 Pro From $999/999 Discontinued Discontinued Discontinued iPhone 12 Pro Max From $1,099/1,099 Discontinued Discontinued Discontinued While the 12-series handsets are no longer available from Apple, they can often be found from other retailers: stock may be scarce, but if theyve got any handsets left you should be looking at a hefty discount. Check the price-comparison tables below to find the lowest price. Best iPhone 12 mini deals How much does the iPhone 12 mini cost? The smallest of the iPhone 12 range, the iPhone 12 mini features a 5.4-inch screen, which is only slightly larger than the iPhone SE (2022) . Apple stopped selling it following the launch of the iPhone 14, but we can look at past prices to get an idea of whats reasonable to pay now. Here are the original launch prices, from fall 2020: 64GB: $699 / 699 / AU$1,199 128GB: $749 / 749 / AU$1,279 256GB: $849 / 849 / AU$1,449 And here are the reduced prices, from fall 2021: 64GB: $599 / 579 / AU$999 128GB: $649 / 629 / AU$1,079 256GB: $749 / 729 / AU$1,249 In other words, it would be reasonable to assume that Apple would have knocked off another $100 or so in 2022, just as it did for the standard iPhone 12, discussed below. It might have got another price cut in 2023, for that matter. Its more than three years old now, so make sure youre not paying over the odds. Best iPhone 12 mini SIM-free deals You can keep up with the latest SIM-free prices across a wide range of retailers using our automated price-comparison table below. If the table isnt showing, that means there are no available supplies in your region, and youll need to consider an alternative. New Refurbished Retailer Price Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 12 mini 64GB Blue Unlocked $459 View Deal iPhone 12 mini 64GB Red Unlocked $459 View Deal iPhone 12 mini 64GB Green Unlocked $459 View Deal iPhone 12 mini 64GB White Unlocked $459 View Deal iPhone 12 mini 64GB Black Unlocked $459 View Deal iPhone 12 mini 128GB Black Unlocked $549 View Deal iPhone 12 mini 128GB Green Unlocked $549 View Deal iPhone 12 mini 128GB Blue Unlocked $549 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket View more prices Best iPhone 12 mini contract deals Here are the U.S. providers to check for iPhone 12 mini contracts. AT&T T-Mobile Verizon U.K. readers should try the following: Affordable Mobiles Carphone Warehouse EE O2 Sky Mobile Three Virgin Mobile Vodafone Best iPhone 12 deals How much does the iPhone 12 cost? The standard iPhone offers a 6.1-inch display and is available in white, black, blue, green, purple and Product(Red). Like all of the handsets in the 12-series range, the iPhone 12 is no longer available direct from Apple, but it survived long enough to get two price cuts, in 2021 and 2022. This is what it cost in summer 2023: 64GB: $599 / 649 / AU$1,049 (Was $829 / 799 / AU$1,349 at launch) 128GB: $649 / 699 / AU$1,129 (Was $879 / 849 / AU$1,429 at launch) 256GB: $749 / 809 / AU$1,299 (Was $979 / 949 / AU$1,599 launch) Best iPhone 12 SIM-free deals You can browse the latest prices in our automated table below. New Refurbished Retailer Price $816 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 13 128GB Blue Unlocked $629 View Deal iPhone 12 64GB White Unlocked $629 View Deal iPhone 12 64GB Black Unlocked $629 View Deal iPhone 12 64GB Blue Unlocked $629 View Deal iPhone 12 64GB Red Unlocked $629 View Deal iPhone 12 64GB Green Unlocked $629 View Deal iPhone 12 128GB Purple Unlocked $679 View Deal iPhone 12 128GB Green Unlocked $679 View Deal iPhone 12 128GB Blue Unlocked $679 View Deal iPhone 12 128GB Black Unlocked $679 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket View more prices Where you can buy the iPhone 12 Here are the main retailers to check when shopping around for the best price on an iPhone 12: Amazon (renewed) Best Buy Walmart Target U.K. readers should try the following: Amazon AO Argos Carphone Warehouse Currys PC World John Lewis KRCS Laptops Direct Very Best iPhone 12 contract deals Here are the U.S. contract providers to consider: AT&T T-Mobile Verizon U.K. readers can browse the best contract deals using the table below: But if youre interested in doing your own research, you can try the following providers: Carphone Warehouse EE O2 Three Sky Mobile Virgin Vodafone Voxi Best iPhone 12 Pro deals How much does the iPhone 12 Pro cost? The 12 Pro features a 6.1-inch screen like the standard iPhone 12 but has a much brighter display and a third (telephoto) lens on the back. The Pro and Pro Max are available in Graphite, Silver, Gold and Pacific Blue. Apple discontinued the 12 Pro and Pro Max when it launched the iPhone 13, but you can still find it from other retailers. Weve listed Apples original prices for the 12 Pro below: 128GB: $999 / 999 / AU$1,699 256GB: $1,099 / 1,099 / AU$1,869 512GB: $1,299 / 1,299 / AU$2,219 These were the prices when the device was brand new (back in fall 2020), so you should be looking to spend considerably less if buying today. New Refurbished Retailer Price $607.05 View Deal $1008 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 12 Pro Max 128GB Pacific Blue Unlocked $899 View Deal iPhone 12 Pro Max 128GB Gold Unlocked $899 View Deal iPhone 12 Pro Max 256GB Gold Unlocked $999 View Deal iPhone 12 Pro Max 256GB Graphite Unlocked $999 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Best iPhone 12 Pro SIM-free deals While you can no longer buy the iPhone 12 Pro directly from Apple, there are other retailers that still carry it. Check the following sellers if youve got time: Amazon Best Buy Walmart Target U.K. readers should try the following: Amazon Argos Currys PC World John Lewis Laptops Direct Carphone Warehouse The automated price table below will show the best offers currently available, but stock shortages may mean it comes up empty (or doesnt appear at all). In this case consider a refurbished model, which will also be cheaper. Try Decluttr in the U.S., or musicMagpie in the U.K. New Refurbished Retailer Price $607.05 View Deal $1008 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 12 Pro Max 128GB Pacific Blue Unlocked $899 View Deal iPhone 12 Pro Max 128GB Gold Unlocked $899 View Deal iPhone 12 Pro Max 256GB Gold Unlocked $999 View Deal iPhone 12 Pro Max 256GB Graphite Unlocked $999 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket Best iPhone 12 Pro contract deals The following networks may still have the iPhone 12 Pro available on contract, but be prepared for disappointment at this stage. AT&T T-Mobile Verizon U.K. readers should try the following: Carphone Warehouse EE O2 Sky Mobile Voxi Best iPhone 12 Pro Max deals How much does the iPhone 12 Pro Max cost? Its been discontinued now, but heres how much the iPhone 12 Pro Max cost at launch: 128GB: $1,099 / 1,099 / AU$1,849 256GB: $1,199 / 1,199 / AU$2,019 512GB: $1,399 / 1,399 / AU$2,369 Its very important to note that these were the prices when the devices were brand new. Based on what Apple did to the 12 and 12 mini prices in previous years, these would have dropped significantly if the company decided to keep the 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max on sale. In other words, you should be looking to spend a lot less than the launch MSRPs if you buy today. Best iPhone 12 Pro Max SIM-free deals You can compare prices from top retailers in our automated price table below. But stock is running low, and it may therefore come up empty or fail to appear. Your best bet in fact, may be to buy a refurbished model, which will also be cheaper. Try Decluttr in the U.S., or musicMagpie in the U.K. Retailer Price $1104 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best iPhone 12 Pro Max contract deals You may struggle to find the 12 Pro Max on contract now that its been discontinued by Apple. The following networks are worth trying, however. AT&T T-Mobile Verizon U.K. readers can try the following, but again, you may struggle to find a provider willing to offer the 12 Pro Max: Carphone Warehouse EE O2 Sky Mobile Voxi Where to get iPhone 12 cashback deals The following retailers offer phones on contract from various networks and may have different deals to those youll find direct from the network. Many of these sites also offer cashback plans, if you want to save more in the long term. Affordable Mobiles Carphone Warehouse E2 Save Mobiles.co.uk Mobile Phones Direct Fonehouse Where to get refurbished iPhone 12 deals If you havent already, you may want to consider buying a refurbished iPhone 12 to save money (and the environment). Refurbished devices are thoroughly tested and repaired to work and look just like new. In some cases, you might see some signs of wearsuch as scuffs or scratchesbut most retailers will indicate the condition of the device before you buy it. Typically, youll see A, B, and C grades, with A-grade devices showing no or very, very minimal signs of use and C-grade devices showing obvious signs of wear. See our full guide to buying refurbished or second-hand iPhones for more on device grades. The first place to shop for a refurbished iPhone is on the Apple Refurbished Store . Here youre guaranteed that the device will be exactly like a new iPhone out of the box. Rest assured, the Apple Refurbished Store is where you can get the highest quality of refurbished iPhones. You may also want to consider the following refurbished resellers, which are likely to offer lower prices: Decluttr (known as musicMagpie in the U.K.) Envirofone Reboxed 4Gadgets Smartfone Store See our separate round-up of the best iPhone 11 deals , and for the best Apple deals 2021 see our dedicated deals hub . About the iPhone 12 range Apple launched the iPhone 12 range flagship phones at its Hi, Speed Special event on October 13, 2020: a fitting title, given these were the first iPhones to feature 5G connectivity, the A14 Bionic processor and Neural Engine, which also appeared in the iPad Air 4 for advanced image processing. While weve come to expect iPhones in three sizes, Apple introduced four models with the 12 range: the iPhone 12 , iPhone 12 Pro , 12 Pro Max , and a smaller iPhone 12 miniagain, all with 5G support. The iPhone 12 and 12 mini feature a Ceramic Shield front, glass back, and an aluminum frame, while the top-tier Pro and Pro Max add a textured matte glass on the back and a stainless steel band to the mix. Design aside, the Pro and Pro Max also feature an extra telephoto lens on the back, along with advanced photo and video capabilities, like AppleRAW support and recording and editing video in Dolby Vision. For everything there is to know about the new iPhone 12 range see this handy explainer . iPhone

Macworld 2 May 2024 5:27 pm

Apples Magic Keyboard Folio for 10th Gen iPad hits $199 as best price of the year

Amazon is now discounting the Apple Magic Keyboard Folio for 10th Generation iPad for one of the first times in months. Its now dropping down to $199 shipped , saving you $50 from its usual $249 price tag. Its the best price in 2024 and the lowest since back in December when it dropped down to the all-time low at $30 less. Dive into our launch coverage for a closer look and then head below for more. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 5:18 pm

Shures legendary SM7B Dynamic Vocal Mic sees rare price drop today down at $359 shipped

While Shure did just launch its new flagship podcast-grade microphone with the new MV7+ USB-C/XLR model, and it is a good one, today we have a relatively rare deal on its professional SM7B Dynamic Vocal Microphone . Amazon is now offering the latest version of the legendary Shure SM7 down at $359 shipped. This regularly $399 XLR mic remains one of the most beloved in the dynamic category and rarely ever goes on sale. Todays deal takes a solid $40 off the going rate to offer folks a chance to bring home one of the best in its category. The Shure SM7 mic has a storied history dating back to the 70s, and the latest iteration on sale here today continues to carry the torch. Head below for more details on the Shure SM7B. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 5:12 pm

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e Headphones are our favorite AirPods Max killer at $319 (Save $80)

Amazon is now offering theBowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e Headphones for$319 shipped. This is down from the usual $399 price tag and now marking an all-time low at $80 off. This is only the second time it has dropped this low and beats our previous mention by an extra $20. Last fall, I tried out thenew Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e headphones, only to deem them the AirPods Max successors I had been waiting for. Now theyre even easier to recommendwith todays discount. Dive into our hands-on review for the full scoop of what to expect, or just head below for a rundown. more

9To5Toys 2 May 2024 5:00 pm

The Morning After: Microsofts OpenAI partnership was born from Google AI envy

Emails from the Department of Justices antitrust case against Google revealed how Microsoft executives were alarmed by and even envious of Googles AI lead . In an email thread, CTO Kevin Scott wrote he was very, very worried about Googles rapidly growing AI capabilities. He said he initially dismissed the companys game-playing stunts, likely referring to Googles AlphaGo models. The emails reference Gmails autocomplete features, which execs called scary good. Microsoft struggled to copy Googles BERT-large, an AI model that deciphers the meaning and context of words in a sentence. It took the company six hours to replicate the model, while Google inched further ahead on more elaborate, bigger models. Scott said Microsoft had very smart people on its machine-learning teams but their ambitions had been curbed and that their company was multiple years behind the competition in terms of ML scale. This all led to a billion-dollar push into OpenAI in 2019. Its since invested $13 billion. Mat Smith The biggest stories you might have missed The Cheyenne Supercomputer is going for a fraction of its list price at auction right now Batman: Arkham Shadow is the first big exclusive VR game for the Quest 3 May's PlayStation Plus games include Ghostrunner 2 and the modern classic Tunic You can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! LinkedIn now has daily Wordle-style games What connects you with a B2B marketer in West Virginia? Four letters. LinkedIn, the career-centric social network, is getting into gaming. But the kind of earnest, word-based games your mom would let you play when you were a kid. LinkedIn describes them as thinking-oriented games, though the format will likely look familiar to fans of The New York Times Games app. You can only play each game once a day, and you can share your score with friends. And just maybe... strike up a conversation on how you can help each other with targeted SaaS projects. Yes, I have feelings about who hits me up on LinkedIn. Continue reading. TikTok might be trying to circumvent Apples in-app purchase rules It appears to be directing users to avoid in-app service fees. TikTok is allegedly violating Apples App Store rules, with the app allowing (even recommending) particular users to purchase its coins directly from its website. TikTok has apparently given some iOS users the option to Try recharging on tiktok.com to avoid in-app service fees namely Apples 30 percent commission on purchases, which are more likely than not passed onto those users. Its definitely not available to all users and seems to be there for TikTok users who have previously bought a large number of coins the TikTok whales , if you will. Continue reading. Rabbit denies claims its R1 virtual assistant is a glorified Android app Someone pulled the APK out and put it on an Android phone. Rabbit The Rabbit R1, a pocket-sized AI virtual assistant device, runs Android under the hood. Now early users have been able to tease out the R1 APK, install it on an Android phone and make it work if not with all the features. If thats the case, whats the point in the $200 gadget? In a statement sent to Android Authority , Rabbit CEO Jesse Lyu, said the Rabbit R1 is not an Android app. He added the R1 ran on very bespoke AOSP (Android Open Source Project) build and lower-level firmware modifications, so a local bootleg APK wont be able to access most R1 services. Were wrapping up our own detailed review stay tuned. Continue reading. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-microsofts-openai-partnership-was-born-from-google-ai-envy-111555445.html?src=rss

Engadget 2 May 2024 4:45 pm

Baseus Blade HD Laptop Power Bank review: Flat-out impressive

Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Fast charging times Flat design Includes transport bag and cable Cons Difficult to read display No display in watts Our Verdict The flat design of the Baseus Blade HD Laptop Power Bank is practical for stowing in a bag or backpack. With its four connectors, it offers enough connection options, and the charging times are very good. Price When Reviewed $129.99 Best Prices Today: Baseus Laptop Powerbank PD 100W 20000mAh Retailer Price $99.99 View Deal Baseus $100 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket At first glance, the Baseus Blade HD Laptop Power Bank 100W 20000mAh is the ideal laptop power bank. Its flat, not too heavy, has enough capacity for one charge, and its not too slow when charging. It does have impressive features: a capacity of 20,000 mAh; two USB-C power delivery ports with a maximum output power of 100 watts and an input power of 65 watts; and two USB-A ports with a maximum of 30 watts. It measures 5.27 by 5.27 by 0.7 inches (13.4 by 13.4 by 1.8 centimeters) and is flat with rounded corners, perfect for stowing in a bag. It also comes with a protective storage bag and a USB-C charging cable. The 20,000 mAh capacity is enough to charge a 13-inch MacBook Air M1 from zero to 100 percent once, with about 5 percent remaining on the Blade HD. During a 30-minute charging session, the Blade HD added 37 percent to an M1 MacBook Airs battery, 57 percent to the iPhone 15, and 30 percent to the iPad Pro. Its one of the fastest power banks weve tested. The Blade also recharges very quickly. it reaches 90 percent after just 90 minutes and is fully charged after just under two hours. The display on the top of the Blade HD is very practical. It provides information about the capacity percentage, voltage, and current, as well as the approximate time for the charging process. The major criticism is the poor readability of the display. It is far too dark and can only be read when there is no light on it. Also, the practical benefit of the display would be even greater if the power was displayed in watts and not in a combination of volts and amps. The Baseus Blade HD Laptop Power Bank 100W 20000mAh has an informative display that can be difficult to read. The Baseus Blade HD Laptop Power Bank 100W 20000mAh has an informative display that can be difficult to read. Thomas Bergbold The Baseus Blade HD Laptop Power Bank 100W 20000mAh has an informative display that can be difficult to read. Thomas Bergbold Thomas Bergbold Should you buy the Baseus Blade HD Laptop Power Bank? With its flat form factor, the Baseus Blade HD Laptop Power Bank 100W 20000mAh is the ideal companion in a notebook bag or backpack. Its easy to slip into a pocket, the charging performance is plenty fast, and it charges in a hurry, all of which make it a great option for MacBook road warriors.. For more power banks and portable battery packs, check out our roundup of our favorite models . Thomas Bergbold Thomas Bergbold Thomas Bergbold This article originally appeared on Macwelt and was translated by Roman Loyola . Laptop Accessories, Mac

Macworld 2 May 2024 4:45 pm

Use these tips to make your passwords even stronger

Macworld The first Thursday of May is World Password Day, a day to remind ourselves of the importance of making our digital lives more secure. For better or worse, just about everything we do is connected, online, and digitalour phones are car and house keys, every penny we have is behind a few banking passwords, and our entire jobs and reputations can be destroyed with access to just a couple social media accounts. Its more important than ever to ensure our accounts and digital devices are as secure as possible. But of course, security has to be convenient as wellyoure not going to type in a 45-character alphanumeric password every time you want to unlock your iPhone! With that in mind, here are some straightforward tips for making sure your digital life is more secure. Some can be done in minutes, others may take some time to set up but will be fast and convenient after you do, but all of them will help make sure you dont end up with a disaster on your hands. What makes a bad password Every security expert will tell you that the biggest problem isnt that hackers are super skilled, its that they dont have to work very hard most of the time because people use bad passwords and the same passwords for multiple things. Left to their own devices, people will choose passwords that are simple for them to remember. Theyll use their spouses name, their dogs name, their favorite sports team or a recent vacation spot. Just look at the most common passwords for 2022 : password 123456 123456789 guest qwerty It takes no skill or ingenuity to guess one of those in seconds. You should also not use your childrens birthdays, anniversaries, a pets name, or any other set of numbers or words that is associated with your real life. How to create a strong password Instead, experts say to use long passwords made of multiple words togethera pass phrase , if you will. Something like super-sonic-headphones or walter-white-is-heisenberg is a lot harder for a computer to crack than vNe3R#1! because brute-force password cracking gets much harder as the password gets longer , not stranger . By using these following tips, people will be able to create easy to remember passwords that follow these typical requirements: at least eight characters long and with at least 3 of the following character types: upper-case letters, lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Substitute numbers for letters and vice versa. (o instead of 0, 4 instead of A, 1 instead of L, E instead of 3) Substitute words for numbers (one, two , three) Combine both the of above (0ne, thr33, f1ve) Use capitalization in random places (bLue, happY) Use special characters ( !@#$%^&*(){}[] ) to punctuate and separate words Create passwords out of words, numbers or phrases youll remember Misspell words Using these tips, you can create memorable passwords that will be nearly impossible to guess. Here are some examples of converting memorable information into a complex password Well start with some easy ones: Friday becomes frYday! Robert becomes #robERt# 867-5309 becomes 8siX753o9 19 Peach Place becomes: 0ne9peacHpl! I love Jill becomes: eYelov3Jill My dog Fritz becomes MeyedogfrltZ That should help you create a secure password, but youll need to create more than one, because using the password, or recycling old passwords and using passwords on rotation is bad. Read on to find out how to solve this password problem. Managing multiple passwords You should also use a different password for every single account you have, without exception. Huge lists of stolen passwords are frequently sold and traded among hackers, where they are then checked against millions of sites and services. If one of your accounts is compromised and you change the password, you can bet that same password will be tried on many other sites and services for years to come. Using long, complex passwords that are different for every account you have is a huge painyoull never remember them all. Thats where password managers come in! They help you store and fill in passwords across all your devices and can fill in things like address and payment forms too. A good password manager makes your life easier and more secure and is well worth the time to set up. You can use iCloud Keychain which is built into your iPhone, iPad, and Mac to help you manage passwords, but for even more flexibility try one of the Password Managers weve reviewed in our round-up of the Best Password Managers for Mac and iPhone. Take advantage of biometrics While your device is only ever as secure as your passwordbecause biometrics can be overridden by the passwordusing biometrics means you wont always need to type out a long and complicated password. Biometric password features like Face ID and Touch ID are not foolproof, but theyre much harder to crack than a string of six numbers, and theyre much more difficult to sell and trade around than big lists of passwords. You should change your iPhone or iPad passcode to a real password , and make it a good one, then use Face ID or Touch ID to avoid having to type it in all the time. Do this wherever possible: Use big complex unique passwords for your main password manager, for example, and let Face ID or Touch ID do the hard work of unlocking it for you. Apple, Microsoft, and Google have joined together to allow the use of biometric logins without passwords across their sites and services. This initiative, called Passkey, has been supported in Apple devices since macOS 13 and iOS/iPadOS 16 and is starting to be used across other sites and services. You can now log in to your Google account with Passkey , for example. Secure every account with 2FA where possible Two-factor Authentication (2FA), also called Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), is when you have to supply a password and something elsea short one-time use code sent to you via text message or generated by a special app, or a fingerprint or face scan, for example. These are really great ways to secure your account. Any time your password is correctly entered on a new device (such as when a hacker tries to use it), you must enter a code sent to you via text or generated with an app. The code can only be used once and is valid for a very short time. So even if a hacker steals or guesses your password, theyre not likely to be able to get into your account. Using SMS (texts) for this is commonplace and handy because it doesnt require an app, but SIM-jacking and other techniques can sometimes allow hackers to target individuals and access their texts, making this less secure than using a 2FA app like Auth , Google Authenticator , or Duo Mobile . Apple has its own 2FA system for your Apple ID, which you should definitely have enabled since many Apple services require it. Heres how to set up 2FA with your Apple ID . Youll want to enable 2FA on every other account you have, especially bank accounts and accounts where you can make purchases (like game services). Check out our guide to getting started with 2FA for more. And if you want the utmost security, you can lock down your Apple ID with a security key if youre running iOS 16.3 or macOS Venture 13.2 or later. Instead of a code, youll have a physical key (two actually) that stores your authentication and is impossible to steal or spoof remotely. Use Passkeys Since the introduction of iOS 17 and macOS 14 Sonoma, your Apple ID can support passkey authentication. This means that anywhere you need to sign in with your Apple ID, including websites and icloud.com, youll have a new option alongside the usual standard password login method. If you press a Continue with Apple button you will be able to scan a QR code with your iPhones camera and this will allow you to log in. Read more about using passkey in: How to use Passkeys on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Includes additional reporting by Michael Scalisi. iOS, iPhone, Mac, MacOS, Password Managers, Security Software and Services

Macworld 2 May 2024 4:42 pm

Crunchyroll announces first price hike since Funimation purchase

Crunchyroll, like many other streaming services recently, is raising its subscription prices . The anime streaming service has announced its first price hike since it was acquired by Funimation in 2020. Subscribers in Argentina, Colombia, France, Portugal, the United States and select additional countries will now have to pay $12 for the Mega Fan tier, up $2 from $10. Meanwhile, the Ultimate Fan tier will now be $1 more expensive at $16 a month. Both options give subscribers access to offline viewing and the Crunchyroll Game Vault, which contains a library of mobile games. The Mega Fan tier allows streaming on up to four devices at a time, while the Ultimate Fan tier allows streaming on up to six. People subscribed to the most expensive option also get a swag bag if they keep paying for the service for 12 consecutive months. The basic Fan Tier doesn't come with the perks these two have, but its price remains unchanged at $8 a month. Unfortunately, those who haven't decided whether to pay for a subscription yet can now only test the service out for seven days instead of 14 like before. But if they don't mind watching their anime with ads, they can still view more than 1,000 hours of content for free. Sony's Funimation purchased Crunchyroll from WarnerMedia for $1.175 billion back in 2020, but it took a while before they were able to complete their transformation into a unified anime subscription service under the latter's name. Funimation didn't shut down its old app and website until April 2 this year after it moved its available titles to Crunchyroll's service. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/crunchyroll-announces-first-price-hike-since-funimation-purchase-104035825.html?src=rss

Engadget 2 May 2024 4:10 pm

Samsung Hints at Introducing New Premium Models of Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Ring Launch Tipped Too

Samsung recently said it is looking to expand its wearable ecosystem this year and dropped a big hint that it might introduce new premium models of smartwatches. The company published its Q1 2024 (Jan - March) earnings on Tuesday and also shared its plans for the next quarter and the rest of the year. For its Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, it could launch new models...

NDTV 2 May 2024 4:07 pm

Im thrilled about Batman: Arkhams move to VR and you should be too

Batman: Arkham Shadow might not be the game fans wanted, but the VR exclusive has serious potential.

Digital Trends 2 May 2024 4:00 pm

Best gaming laptop deals: Alienware, Razer, Asus and more

With plenty of gaming laptop deals around, we've highlighted some of the best from Alienware, Lenovo, HP, and many more great laptop manufacturers.

Digital Trends 2 May 2024 3:47 pm

Boost your Macs abilities and potential with 16 macOS-friendly apps, only $40

Macworld While Apple consistently offers some of the best tech innovations, Mac users are due forsomelong-awaited tools to maximize their macOS devices abilities. Fortunately, you can add a helpful arsenal of tools to your macOS device with the$40 Big Mac Utility Bundle, which serves upa collection of 16 productivity apps that can streamline virtually everything you do on your Mac . With a one-time payment for this bundles plethora of Mac-friendly apps, youll get lifelong access to 16 apps, which include minor updates as theyre released. Heres what youll receive: Colori ToAnything Tidier FileUnhider Web2Mac AppKiller QRWizard SpeakMe Markdown+, And much more! Lets dive into some of the apps. With AppKiller, you caneasily clear out your running apps with a singleclick of a button . Need to connect to WiFi when youre traveling or commuting? WiFi Radar Pro helps by scanning, monitoring, and resolving issues with connecting networks. If you workin-personat the office, FileUnhider can be helpful, as userscan instantly hide and unhide their displayed files if theyre showing their screen to a colleague.Constantlycopying and pasting? Use AllClips to manage your Macs clipboard and recover lost clippings. Boost your Macs potential andyourefficiency by investing in The Big Mac Utility Bundle, now just $39.99 . The Big Mac Utility Bundle Only $39.99 at Macworld StackSocial prices subject to change. Accessories

Macworld 2 May 2024 3:30 pm

500 AI models optimised for Core Ultra processors, says Intel

Intel says more than 500 AI models have been optimised for its Core Ultra processors, calling the move a significant milestone in its effort to position itself as the prime chip supplier for AI PCs.

Computing 2 May 2024 3:11 pm

Olivia Rodrigo, Drake and other Universal artists return to TikTok

TikTok and Universal Music Group (UMG) have signed a deal that will allow Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, The Weeknd and other artists to return to the platform, the companies announced in a press release . Universal pulled songs from its roster of performers back in February and with some exceptions, its music hasn't been there since. Both sides are now working expeditiously to get content back on the platform that's home to a billion-plus users. A key part of the deal is artist protection from generative AI. TikTok and UMG will work together to ensure AI development across the music industry will protect human artistry and the economics that flow to those artists and songwriters, the companies wrote. TikTok is also committed to working with UMG to remove unauthorized AI-generated music from the platform, as well as tools to improve artist and songwriter attribution. Also part of the deal are new monetization opportunities from TikTok's recent expansion into e-commerce . TikTok will reportedly also assist artists by providing tools around analytics, integrated ticketing, an Add to Music App and more. Universal took the drastic move of pulling music earlier this year, forcing the platform to mute videos or replace tracks with options from other labels. As our negotiations continued, TikTok attempted to bully us into accepting a deal worth less than the previous deal, far less than fair market value and not reflective of their exponential growth, UMG said at the time. Last month, Taylor Swift's songs returned to TikTok, likely because she has full control of her own catalogue and was able to strike a separate deal. Some songs by other UMG artists, including Ariana Grande, also started appearing on the platform. The dispute appears to be water under the bridge, but it's the least of TikTok's problems at the moment. US Congress recently voted in favor of a bill that would see TikTok banned in a year unless owner ByteDance sells the app. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/olivia-rodrigo-drake-and-other-universal-artists-return-to-tiktok-094057811.html?src=rss

Engadget 2 May 2024 3:10 pm

MacCleaner Pro review: Clear the junk from your Mac

Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Impressive array of tools builds on previous versions of Mac Cleaner Pro. Makes customization and getting under the hood of the macOS simple. Decently priced for what you get. Cons Occasionally awkward user interface (occasionally asked permission to access macOS operating system after a function had begun). Drive space warning issued needlessly. Our Verdict Here are easy options for reclaiming drive space, clearing out system detritus, and getting under the hood of the macOS and customizing it. That and a good level of support make it worth your consideration. Price When Reviewed $74.95 (one-time purchase), $29.95 (one year subscription) Best Prices Today: MacCleaner Pro Retailer Price Nektony (free trial) Free View Deal Nektony $74.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Theres no shortage of cleaning and optimization utilities for the Mac these days and Ukranian developer Nektony presents a handy, powerful selection of such tools in MacCleaner Pro . There are times when a good utility sticks to its roots, yet gets that much better in the subsequent version. There are also times when the developers leave an irritating reminder in the user interface that shouldnt be there, making you wonder exactly what they were thinking as this version passed through developer Nektonys QA department and went out across the internet and into the marketplace. This is a mix of the two (albeit the better elements win out in the long run). MacCleaner Pro (version 3.3 at the time of this review) is divided into a core app and several module apps, namely App Cleaner & Uninstaller, Disk Space Analyzer, Duplicate File Finder, Memory Cleaner, and Funter. The core app, which can perform an overall disk cleaning and help free up storage space by eliminating extraneous files, diverts to the modules as needed, par for the course for this genre of utility. MacCleaner Pro 3.3s main screen, complete with overview scan options. MacCleaner Pro 3.3s main screen, complete with overview scan options. Foundry MacCleaner Pro 3.3s main screen, complete with overview scan options. Foundry Foundry As expected, MacCleaner Pro is easy to install, and you just grant it access to areas of your operating system such as your Desktop, Documents, Photos, etc. The App Cleaner & Uninstaller module works well, and allows you to see the app youre removing as well as its support files. This module has been improved compared to version 3, and now offers you easier access to startup programs and extension files, allowing you to enable, disable, or remove them. A Remaining Files feature allows you to chase down loose files, while an Open With feature lets you assign applications to open certain file types. The Disk Analyzer module is interesting and features a good layout, but also scanned my M2 MacBook Pros SSD for more than 30 minutes before I paused it, then asked me to grant it full access to my hard drive as well as my Documents folder and iCloud Drive folder, which seemed to be a backward approach to the entire process. MacCleaner Pro 3.3s Disk Analyzer module, complete with graphic layout of your hard drive and folder architecture. MacCleaner Pro 3.3s Disk Analyzer module, complete with graphic layout of your hard drive and folder architecture. Foundry MacCleaner Pro 3.3s Disk Analyzer module, complete with graphic layout of your hard drive and folder architecture. Foundry Foundry Once again, the Duplicate File Finder is a good module and its easy to specify file types to look for, such as audio and photo files. Theres also an impressive level of precise control via the Select Duplicates in Folders feature, and its satisfying to hunt down duplicates and get some of your drive space back. Similar to its previous version, the Memory Cleaner module offers an easy interface to show which applications and processes are consuming the most RAM. The module, which resides in the macOS Menu Bar, comes in handy and offers an Automatically Free Up option with which to optimize RAM usage to the best of its ability. Still, this is one of the peculiar instances in which a reminder pops up advising the user to clear disk space for a macOS Sonoma install, even though I was already running macOS Sonoma. Perhaps the understated jewel of MacCleaner Pro is the Funter module, which has been improved on since the previous version. Funter works as an outstanding tool for finding hidden files within your operating system. The search feature has been updated, and while it could take a considerable amount of time to index everything, this is still a powerful search tool for rooting through the inner workings of the macOS. Where the main MacCleaner Pro module was concerned, the Fast Cleanup option was able to clear up 11.45 gigabytes of drive space, most of these being application cache files, while the Deep Cleanup feature helped reclaim 65.4 gigabytes of drive space. The Speed Up module offers a good level of control over startup applications, heavy applications, RAM optimizations, and other tasks, making it easy to decide what to load within the macOS. Theres a lot thats going right with MacCleaner Pro, and the software runs well, has a good feature base, builds well on previous elements and modules, offers good in-app guides and help, and doesnt overreach by also offering to provide security services, such as antiviral and VPN protection, even though those are also products Nektony sells. The software is priced decently at $21.95/month (usually $29.80) for a 2 Mac license, $44.95/year (usually $59.90) with a 2 Mac license, or a one-time purchase fee of $119.95 (usually $150.90) for a 2 Mac license as of this writing, which feels reasonable. Download it here . Foundry Foundry Foundry As mentioned before, there are a few user interface elements that might make you shake your head, but theyre not deal breakers. A few of the modules displayed the macOS Sonoma drive space warning I mentioned earlier, even though I was already running macOS Sonoma. This seems a bit redundant. There were also times when the modules asked for permission to access certain areas of the operating system after a cycle has begun, as opposed to asking for full permission for everything upfront. This can feel a bit awkward, and while most of these decisions are one-time choices that stay after the first time, it feels like something that could be streamlined in a future update. Should I buy MacCleaner Pro? Theres a good utility to be found in MacCleaner Pro 3.3. Nektony has done a good job building out previous versions of the software, putting forth some easy options for both reclaiming drive space, clearing out system detritus, and getting under the hood of the macOS and customizing it without having to dive into the Terminal application and the command line. That and a good level of support and updates make it worth your consideration, despite a few user interface quirks. If you have doubts, the software is available to download and try out with no hassle, which is worth its weight in gold. Cleaning and Data Recovery Software, MacOS

Macworld 2 May 2024 2:57 pm

The best budget wireless earbuds for 2024

It used to be difficult to find cheap wireless earbuds that weren't trash. Today, though, it's much less of a struggle to get something good enough without spending triple digits. And with headphone jacks all but extinct on most new smartphones , that should be the case. Still, some models are better than others. If youre looking to upgrade, weve researched and tested more than a dozen wireless earbuds that cost less than $100 and sorted out our top picks below. While none of them beat our absolute favorite wireless earbuds in terms of sound quality or noise cancellation, the best can provide a surprisingly polished experience for a fraction of the price. This is a busy market with new contenders arriving all the time, but for now, here are the best cheap wireless earbuds weve tried. Editors note (5/2/24) : In accordance with our recent guide to the best wireless workout headphones , weve made the JLab Go Air Sport our new best for workouts pick. We now highlight our former pick, the Jabra Elite 3, as a good alternative. Were also in the process of testing a new batch of sub-$100 earbuds, which well include in our next update. Honorable mentions This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-budget-wireless-earbuds-130028735.html?src=rss

Engadget 2 May 2024 2:30 pm

T-Mobile finally owns Ryan Reynolds-backed Mint Mobile

Over a year after announcing it would acquire Mint Mobile for up to $1.35 billion, T-Mobile has closed the deal. With the Un-Carrier's purchase of parent Ka'ena Corporation, it will not only get Mint, but internationally focused prepaid operator Ultra Mobile and wholesale wireless provider Plum. T-Mobile also promised to keep Mint Mobile's $15 per month/5GB offering that's among the least costly in the US. Mint Mobile is backed by Ryan Reynolds, who is believed to own 20 to 25 percent of the company. The purchase was announced back in March 2023, but the FCC only approved the deal last week. Mint will continue to be operated as a separate brand with Reynolds as pitchman and founders David Glickman and Rizwan Kassim joining T-Mobile to guide the brands. Mint Mobile's $15 plan has a few loopholes, namely you have to pay for three months at the start to get that rate, then pay for an entire year to keep it ($180 in total). As a perk, T-Mobile is offering unlimited (40GB with throttling, really) data for the first months. Customers will also get unlimited talk and text in Canada, along with 3GB of roaming data. Mint's rivals include T-Mobile itself, which has a very similar plan but a hard cap at 5GB, along with AT&T, which offers 15GB for $25 including 10GB of hotspot data. A one-year contract and up-front payment is required for the latter. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/t-mobile-finally-owns-ryan-reynolds-backed-mint-mobile-082450117.html?src=rss

Engadget 2 May 2024 1:54 pm

As Kubernetes turns 10, experts predict the future of cloud-native

In June, Kubernetes celebrates its tenth birthday. The system is now so widely used by hundreds of thousands of companies worldwide to scale their applications to meet demand its hard even to remember a time before it existed. But there was a time when other options were available, and I even remember using some of them. Despite this relative vintage, many large developers teams and companies are still yet to embark on a migration to Kubernetes, or are in the middle of the process. But to many developers who like to live on the edge, 10 years of a technology This story continues at The Next Web

TNW 2 May 2024 1:35 pm

Macworld Podcast: Apple Let Loose iPad event and what to expect

Macworld Apple is having an event on May 7. What do we expect to see? New iPads, maybe a new Apple Pencil, and more! We talk about it all on this episode of the Macworld Podcast! This is episode 882 with Karen Haslam , David Price , and Roman Loyola . Listen to episode 882 on Apple Podcasts Listen to episode 882 on Spotify Get info Click on the links below for more information on what was discussed on the show. 2024 iPad Air: Everything you need to know about the 6th-gen model 2024 iPad Pro: Everything you need to know about Apples next flagship tablet Apple Pencil 3 with a new squeeze gesture could be coming soon The ridiculously long wait for iPads has reached 18 months New AirPods 2024: What to expect from the AirPods, Pro, Lite, and Max Subscribe to the Macworld Podcast You can subscribe to the Macworld Podcastor leave us a review! right here in the Podcasts app . The Macworld Podcast is also available on Spotify . Or you can point your favorite podcast-savvy RSS reader at: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/macworld To find previous episodes, visit Macworlds podcast page or our home on MegaPhone . iPad

Macworld 2 May 2024 1:30 pm

Upgrade your cloud storage to 1TB with Koofr, now only $130 for life

Macworld Everybody needs cloud storagethese days, but nobody likes paying monthly subscription fees. Youlikeit even less when you run out of storage and suddenly have to payeven more per month. But what if you could pay once for enough storage to last a lifetime ? Now, you can since lifetime access to Koofr Cloud Storages 1TB planis only $129.97 using coupon code: KOOFRthrough May 5 at 11:59 PM Pacific. (reg. $810) through May 5. Koofr is an intuitive cloud storage platform that makes it easy to connect all of your existing cloud storage and bring your files together into a single hub. Users can link Dropbox, Google Drive, and more to create a centralized solution. With 1TB of cloud storage, youll have plenty of room for all your files, photos, and other media. For organization, Koofr offers a Duplicate Finder to remove copies and other file management tools. Another bonus of Koofr is that the platform never tracks users. All files are encrypted at rest and in transfer , ensuringyourcomplete security and privacy. Pay once and grab a lifetime subscription to 1TB of Koofr Cloud Storage for just $129.97 using coupon code: KOOFRthrough May 5 at 11:59 PM Pacific. Koofr Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (1TB) Only $129.97 at Macworld StackSocial prices subject to change. Accessories

Macworld 2 May 2024 1:30 pm

Anthropic now has a Claude chatbot app for iOS

Anthropic is making its Claude AI easier to access on mobile. The company has released a Claude mobile app for iOS that any user can download for free. Similar to the mobile web version of the chatbot, the app syncs users' conversations with Claude across devices, allowing them to jump from a computer to the app (or vice versa) without losing their chat history. Users will also be able to upload files and images straight from their iPhone's gallery or take a photo on the spot if they need Claude to process or analyze them in real time. They'll be able to download and access the Claude app whatever plan they're using, even if they're not paying for the service. If they do decide to pay for Claude, they now have a new option other than Pro. The new Team plan provides greater usage than the Pro tier so that members can have more conversations with the chatbot. It also enables users to process longer documents, such as research papers and contracts, thanks to its 200,000 context window. The Team plan gives users access to the Claude 3 model family, as well, which includes Opus, Sonnet and Haiku. It will cost subscribers $30 per user per month, with a minimum head count of five users per team. Back in March, Anthropic claimed in a blog post that its Claude 3 language model had outperformed ChatGPT and Google's Gemini in several key industry benchmarks. It was better at graduate-level reasoning, multilingual math and coding (among many other metrics), the company said, showing Claude 3's benchmark results against its staunchest rivals. The most powerful Claude 3 model, the Opus, even apparently showed near-human abilities with rapid response rates that make it ideal for more complex and time-sensitive tasks. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/anthropic-now-has-a-claude-chatbot-app-for-ios-075930308.html?src=rss

Engadget 2 May 2024 1:29 pm

NYT Strands: answers for Thursday, May 2

Strands is a tricky take on the classic word search from NYT Games. If you're stuck and cannot solve today's puzzle, we've got help for you here.

Digital Trends 2 May 2024 9:30 am