NYT Mini Crossword today: puzzle answers for Wednesday, May 8

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

NYT Connections: hints and answers for Wednesday, May 8

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.

Moto X50 Ultra Renders, Specifications Leaked Online via Alleged TENAA Listing

Moto X50 Ultra with Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC is confirmed to release in China soon. Most recently, China's TENAA website has allegedly listed the phone with some specifications and photos. The listing indicates a curved display with a hole punch cutout on the Moto X50 Ultra. TheMoto X50 Ultra is expected to be the Chinese variant of the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra that de...

Most affordable Samsung Galaxy S9 series Tab hits Amazon low, FE models from $340 ($110 off)

Alongside ongoing offers on the entry-level Tab A9+ from just $170 , Amazon is kicking off some deals on the most affordable Samsung S9-series tablets today as well. Starting off with the base 128GB S9 Galaxy FE model, Amazon now has it down at $339.99 shipped in various colroways. Carrying a regular $450 price tag, much like it does directly from Samsung , youre looking at a nearly 25% price drop with $110 in savings at the ready. Making the most financially attainable S9 Tab even more so, this deal is $10 under our previous mention to deliver a new Amazon all-time low in the process. Folks looking to scoop up the elevated 256GB model are also in luck here as Amazon has dropped the regularly $520 configuration down to $409.99 shipped to land on par with the lowest we have tracked since release in late 2023. Check out our hands-on impressions at 9to5Google and head below for more details. more

Swiss startup unveils post-quantum cryptography library for devs

Terra Quantum has today revealed its TQ42 Cryptography library an open-source suite of quantum-resistant algorithms designed to help developers and businesses protect data from current and future cybersecurity threats. The new cryptography library provides developers with post-quantum algorithms and security and key management functions. They can be used across a range of applications, including mobile, web, IoT, and cloud. The library is now available through the GitHub repository. According to the startup, it offers a user-friendly API, scalable architecture, and essential security features like key generation and file deletion capabilities. Specifically, the algorithms found in the repository focus on This story continues at The Next Web

Your iPad can do so much more

Macworld Why your iPad is failing to meet its potential After a lengthy quiet period Apple has announced a raft of new iPads, and demand is sure to be hot among the companys loyal fans. Boasting insanely fast processors and all-new screen tech and sizes, the 2024 iPads are sumptuously designed and specced. Combining the work and entertainment capabilities of a laptop with the portability and convenience of a smartphone, the iPad has the potential to be the most versatile Apple device of all. Which makes it all the more disappointing that so many iPads end up as sofa computers with a very limited brief. If you feel that youre not getting the most out of your high-end tablet, or youve been holding off on upgrading because it doesnt seem worth it for something you use to check your emails while watching Netflix, were here to tell you that the iPad can be far more. The key to harnessing its capabilities is to select the right accessories. How to choose a great iPad accessory What you need to consider is how much an accessory can expand your iPads scope as a convenient computing tool, and whether that upgrade is worth the cost. We should be examining value for money and return on investment. The iPad, for example, has one obvious weakness as a work tool, and that is its lack of a hardware keyboard; onscreen keyboards are versatile but they arent suitable for fast, accurate typing. Similarly, its vulnerability to drop and scratch damage makes it less useful for use on the go. And no matter how nice the screen is, its not much fun watching a two-hour movie on an iPad that you have to hold. Accessories that cost a fraction of the price of the iPad can solve all of these problems. Its just a question of finding the right accessories. Luckily, were here to help you choose. Introducing ESRs accessories for the new iPad range If youre looking for accessories that will upgrade your tablet from sofa gadget to powerful all-round computing tool, youd be wise to check out ESR, a popular and well-established brand which has just unveiled its accessories for the new iPad range . Heres what weve picked out: Shift Magnetic Case: However you want to use your iPad, this clever and award-winning case/stand is here to help. It offers an astonishing nine different angles, six for viewing and a further three for working and writing, and its easy to switch between the various modes thanks to the innovative magnetic design. It even works in both portrait and landscape orientations. Available from Amazon. Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case 360: If you want to get work done on your iPad, this is a great choice. The backlit keyboardwith a choice of seven colours and three brightness levels so you can adapt to any working conditionsalso features a trackpad with support for Multi-Touch gestures. The cantilever stand is versatile and helps you position the iPad at your viewing angle of choice. Available for just $119.99 from Amazon. Premium screen protectors: What sort of protection are you looking for? One option is ESRs Paper-Feel Magnetic Screen Protector : it makes using your iPad feel like working on a physical page. The companys Armorite Screen Protector , meanwhile, is the toughest tempered-glass option out there, exceeding military-grade protection. Digital Pencil Pro: A premium iPad stylus that delivers smooth, precise input. It supports charging via both USB-C and wireless connection. Available for just $28.99 from Amazon. You can save money, too! Macworld readers can save money on their ESR purchases. Simply use the code 559HVZJZ for a 10% discount. This code will be live until June 30 2024. Tablet Accessories

The best microSD cards of 2024: Expert tested

I went hands-on with the best microSD cards from SanDisk, Lexar, ProGrade, and more to help you choose the right storage option for your needs.

Strap a 45mm Apple Watch Series 9 on your wrist at $100 off today, or a 41mm from $299

While all (most) eyes in the Apple world are fixed on the impressive new M4 iPad Pro, next-gen iPad Air, and the new pro Pencil pre-orders are now live on all of it, this morning is ushering in notable deals on Apple Watch Series 9 to go along with it all. Amazon is now offering the Apple Watch Series 9 45mm for$329 shipped in Midnight, Silver, and Starlight treatments. The regularly $429 latest-generation wearable from Apple is now seeing a straight up $100 price drop, marking a return to the Amazon low and a price we have only seen a few times before today. Those looking to strap on the smaller 41mm form-factor will still find those models starting at $299 shipped also a solid $100 price drop. Head below for more details and over at 9to5Mac . more

Delonghi Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine With Cold Brew Review: A Little Weird

The cold-brew feature is a letdown, but this De'Longhi makes great espressoif you help it out a little.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with S Pen hits one of its best prices ever from $1,050 ($250 off)

Today we have a particularly notable deal on the most popular Android smartphone of 2024. Amazon now has the unlocked Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with 256GB of storage on sale for $1,049.99 shipped in four colorways. This model sells for $1,300 directly from Samsung and regularly goes for as much at Amazon. Today youre looking at a straight $250 in savings, landing $50 below our previous mention for one of the lowest prices we have tracked on one of the best Android handsets out there. The elevated 512GB model is also seeing a solid price drop, now starting from $1,169.99 shipped from the regular $1,420 it goes for at Samsung . All of the details are waiting down below. more

The Morning After: Apple's new iPad Pro is thinner than an old iPod nano

We kicked off our Tuesday with an early iPad event . And what a beastly iPad we got. Apple shook things up by slotting its brand-new M4 chip into its new highest-end iPad Pro. Apple says the new device delivers 50 percent faster performance than the M2 iPad Pro. It supports dynamic caching, hardware-accelerated ray tracing and hardware-accelerated mesh shading so, better-looking games and faster graphic processing. Engadget But thats only half the story. The other major upgrade is Tandem OLED, which is a display of two OLED panels on top of each other. Expect richer colors and deeper blacks, but also brightness levels that max out at 1000 nits for standard and HDR and 1600 nits for HDRs brightest spots. This switch in display tech makes it thinner than previous iPads. Actually, it ensures the new iPad pro is (somehow) thinner than the iPod nano. The new iPad Pro starts at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299 for the 13-inch, each with 256GB of storage. Weve already got our first impressions right here . We also got new iPad Airs and an Apple Pencil Pro , for you professional scribblers. Mat Smith The biggest stories you might have missed Meta is testing cross-posting from Instagram to Threads Apples M4 chip arrives with a big focus on AI Nintendo to announce Switch successor before March 2025 What the heck is going on with Helldivers 2? You can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! Google announces the $499 Pixel 8a early Flagship AI and a 120Hz OLED screen. Engadget The latest Pixel A-series phone typically gets announced at Google I/O. However, to avoid distractions from all the other news, Google broke cover early. Compared to the standard Pixel 8, which has a 6.2-inch screen, the 8a features a slightly smaller 6.1-inch OLED display with noticeably larger bezels. But aside from that, the Pixel 8 and 8a are almost the exact same size. The 8a uses the same 64-megapixel and 13MP sensors for its main and ultra-wide cameras as its predecessor, but the Pixel 7a was a great camera phone, so no major complaints here. Sales start next week on May 14. Continue reading. OpenAI says it can detect images made by its own software mostly Until someone tinkers with the images. OpenAI is trying to get ahead of the problem of these almost-real images circulating the internet by creating a toolset that detects images created by its own DALL-E 3 generator. The company says it can accurately detect pictures whipped up byDALL-E 3 98 percent of the time. While that sounds good, its loaded with caveats. The image has to be created by DALL-E, and it only successfully classified five to ten percent of images made by other AI models. It also struggles to spot generated images manually tweaked by a user. Continue reading. The M4 iPad Pro is literally lighter than Air Time for a name change. Wait, what? This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-apples-new-ipad-pro-is-thinner-than-an-old-ipod-nano-111533601.html?src=rss

Best iPad 2024: Compete and updated guide to which iPad to buy

Macworld Which iPad should you buy? There are a lot of choices and it can be confusing. There are four different varieties of iPad, listed below, and each is available with or without cellular (including 5G on certain models), which costs extra. Thats before we get into storage capacity, colors, and second-hand alternatives. Our in-depth buying guide assesses the whole range of iPads sold by Apple and explores all the factors that should influence your iPad buying decision such as value for money, how much storage you need, and whether or not to buy a cellular version. We also reveal whether an updated version of each device is likely to be launched soonanswering the question of whether now is a good time to buy an iPad. If youre thinking of buying an iPad for college or university you might also like to read our guide to the best iPad for students . You may also like to read our best iPad for kids guide. Update May 7: Added new iPad Air and iPad Pro models and new 10th-gen iPad pricing. The iPad mini price has also dropped outside the U.S. Apple iPad comparison chart The table below summarizes the main features of the iPads in Apples current lineup and highlights the price for each. We have more information about the individual iPads and buying advice below. Click the links in the table of contents to go to the section most relevant to you. Model (launch date) Key features + specs Storage + cellular options Price + buy link iPad 10.9-inch 10th generation (October 2022) Medium 10.9-inch screen Touch ID on the Power button A14 Bionic processor 12MP/12MP cameras Supports Apple Pencil (USB) and Apple Pencil 1 248.6mm x 179.5mm x 7mm 481g 64GB 256GB 64GB (5G) 256GB (5G) $349 / 349 $499 / 499 $499 / 499 $649 / 649 iPad mini 6th generation (September 2021) Small 8.3-inch screen Touch ID on the Power button A15 processor 12MP/12MP cameras Supports Apple Pencil 2 195.4mm x 134.8mm x 6.3mm 293g 64GB 256GB 64GB (4G) 256GB (4G) $499 / 499 $649 / 649 $649 / 649 $799 / 799 iPad Air 11-inch 6th generation (May 2024) Medium 11-inch screen Touch ID on the Power button M2 processor 12MP/12MP cameras Supports Apple Pencil (USB) and Apple Pencil Pro 247.6mm x 178.5mm x 6.1mm 462g 128GB 256GB 512GB 1TB 128GB (5G) 256GB (5G) 512GB (5G) 1TB (5G) $599 / 599 $699 / 699 $899 / 899 $1,099 / 1,099 $749 / 749 $849 / 849 $1,049 / 1,049 $1,249 / 1,249 iPad Air 13-inch (May 2024) Largest 13-inch screen Touch ID on the Power button M2 processor 12MP/12MP cameras Supports Apple Pencil (USB) and Apple Pencil Pro 280.6mm x 214.9mm x 6.1mm 618g 128GB 256GB 512GB 1TB 128GB (5G) 256GB (5G) 512GB (5G) 1TB (5G) $799 / 799 $899 / 899 $1,099 / 1,099 $1,299 / 1,299 $949 / 949 $1,049 / 1,049 $1,249 / 1,249 $1,449 / 1,449 iPad Pro 11-inch 5th generation (May 2024) Medium 11-inch screen Face ID M4 processor 12MP/12MP cameras Supports Apple Pencil (USB) and Apple Pencil Pro 249.7mm x 177.5mm x 5.3mm 446g 256GB 512GB 1TB 2TB 256GB (5G) 512GB (5G) 1TB (5G) 2TG (5G) $999 / 999 $1,199 / 1,199 $1,599 / 1,599 $1,999 / 1,999 $1,199 / 1,199 $1,399 / 1,399 $1,799 / 1,799 $2,199 / 2,199 iPad Pro 13-inch 7th generation (May 2024) Largest 13-inch screen Face ID M4 processor 12MP/12MP cameras Supports Apple Pencil (USB) and Apple Pencil Pro 281.6mm x 215.5mm x 65.1mm 582g 256GB 512GB 1TB 2TB 256GB (5G) 512GB (5G) 1TB (5G) 2TB (5G) $1,299 / 1,299 $1,499 / 1,499 $1,899 / 1,849 $2,299 / 2,299 $1,499 / 1,499 $1,699 / 1,699 $2,099 / 2,099 $2,499 / 2,499 Every iPad Apple sells Apples iPad lineup is perhaps one of the most expansive product lineups presented by the company. Below we offer information about each model, but we also answer questions further down the article such as which iPad is the best value for money, which size is best, how much storage you need, and whether to get cellular (you can jump to these sections from the table of contents above). The iPad that is best for you will depend on what you need from an iPad. If you just want an iPad for reading books, watching movies and TV shows, email, and web browsing, then you dont need all the bells and whistles. An iPad or iPad mini might be best here. If you are looking for an iPad that will do everything that a laptop can, then you might want to consider a model that is more powerful and supports additional components, including one of Apples newer keyboards or the Apple Pencil, the iPad Air might suit you. And if you will be using your iPad for gaming, video editing, photo editing, or anything high-powered and graphic intensive, then you will probably be looking at an iPad Pro. Below we will run through every iPad you can buy so you can find the one thats best for your needs. Apple iPad (2022, 10th gen) Best value Price When Reviewed: Now: $349 (64GB) | $499 (256GB) [Was $449 (64GB) | $599 (256GB)] Best Prices Today: $349 at Apple $349 at B&H $349.99 at Amazon 64GB: $349 / 349 256GB: $499 / 499 64GB (cellular): $499 / 499 256GB (cellular): $649 / 649 The 2022 iPad (10th generation) is the cheapest iPadit was reduced by $100 in May 2024 from $449 ro $349. It offers a lot of features for the price and its available in an assortment of fun colors. It has a 10.9-inch screen, a USB-C connector, and supports the Apple Pencil 1 or the Apple Pencil (USB). Its also capable of 5G (if you were looking at the cellular model you wouldnt want the 4G-capable 9th gen). Pros: A14 chip will be powerful enough for a good few years. No more Home Button but there is Touch ID (on the Power button). Cons: Still feels cheap due to the unlaminated screen (will Apple ever update this?). Not as thin and light as the iPad Air. Best for: Anyone who needs a big screen (not a huge screen; theyll want the 12.9-inch iPad Pro) but is on a budget, and can cope without the latest in processing. Its a good option for anyone who likes the look of the iPad Air, but not the price. Is now a good time to buy? While the iPad is about two years old, Apple reduced its price in May 2024 and its a fantastic bargain. See : Best iPad (9th/10th gen) deal Read our full 10th-gen 10.9-inch iPad (2022) review Apple iPad mini (6th gen, 2021) Best for kids and travelers Price When Reviewed: $499 (64GB) | $649 (256GB) Best Prices Today: $399.99 at Amazon $399.99 at Target $469 at Walmart 64GB: $499 / 499 256GB: $649 / 649 64GB (cellular): $649 / 649 256GB (cellular): $799 / 799 This generation of iPad mini launched in September 2021. The iPad mini is available in four colors: silver, gold, Space Gray and purple. The iPad mini is Apples smallest iPad with an 8.3-inch display. The biggest draw of the iPad mini is probably its diminutive stature. This is the smallest and lightest iPad and as such is perfect for carrying around in a bag or handing to children when they need entertaining. Whichever version you go for, youll get an A15 Bionic processor chip, a Liquid Retina screen, and 12MP/12MP rear/front cameras. It might be small, but it is actually more powerful than the standard iPad thanks to its A15 processor, which is a generation newer than the A14 in the 10th gen iPad. Pros: Very portable and respectably powerful. The cheapest version has a decent amount of storage (64GB). Supports second-gen Apple Pencil. Cons: Small screen, which may not be great for those who get eyestrain or who like immersive films and games. Best for: The portability-conscious. Gamers on the go. Tablet photographers. Ebook readers. Kids. Is now a good time to buy ? Apple did not update the iPad mini during its spring 2024 event, but it did reduce the price outside the U.S. Its possible Apple could update it later in the year, but it probably wont be a major upgrade. Keep up with the latest speculation with our iPad mini 7 guide . See : Best iPad mini deals Read our full Apple iPad mini (6th gen, A15, 2021) review Apple iPad Air 11-inch (6th gen, 2024) Best for power in an affordable package Price When Reviewed: $599 (128GB, Wi-Fi only) Best Prices Today: $599 at Apple 128GB: $599 / 599 256GB: $699 / 699 128GB (cellular): $749 / 749 256GB (cellular): $849 / 849 The 11-inch iPad Air has an M2 processor that is powerful and energy-efficient (you may remember it from its widely praised performance in the Mac). The M2 pushes the iPad Air far ahead of the iPad mini and standard iPads with their A-series chips. The M2 also makes the Air an appealing alternative to the more expensive Pro models, with their faster M4 processors. Like all recent iPads, the Air features an all-screen design with no Home button. As with the 10th-gen iPad and the iPad mini, biometric security is handled by a fingerprint sensor in the power button rather than Face ID, which is reserved for the Pros. It has superb cameras (the front-facing 12MP camera and Center Stage), supports a wide range of Pro accessories, and now features 5G. Pros: Beautiful design. Superb processing and graphics power. Cheaper than the iPad Pro. Cons: Screen doesnt feature ProMotion. Ideal for: Tablet gamers and anyone who wants to be able to run the most demanding apps now and in the future. Pro users (business, creative, design) who cant afford an iPad Pro. Is now a good time to buy? Absolutely. It was updated in May of 2024 and will be around for a while. See : Best iPad Air deals 11-inch iPad Pro (5th gen, 2024) Best for power in a small package Price When Reviewed: $999 (Wi-Fi only) Best Prices Today: $999 at Apple 256GB: $999 / 999 / 128GB (cellular): $1,199 / 1,199 512GB: $1,199 / 1,199 / 256GB (cellular): $1,399 / 1,399 1TB: $1,599 / 1,599 / 1TB (cellular): $1,799 / 1,799 2TB: $1,999 / 1,999 / 2TB (cellular): $2,199 / 2,199 The current generation of iPad Pro models went on sale in May 2024. The iPad Pro comes in two sizes and a variety of capacities all the way up to a massive 2TB. The 2024 Pros feature M4 chips and are incredibly powerfulsome might say more powerful than it has any right to be. The 11-inch iPad Pro features a display it calls Ultra Retina XDR, which is an implementation of OLED technology that offers deeper blacks, better details in shadows and low light, and better response to motion. Apple uses two OLED panels in an implementation it calls Tandem OLED to address the brightness concerns of a single OLED panel. The Tandem OLED generates 1000 nits of SDR/HDR brightness and 1600 nits of peak HDR brightness. The front-facing camera is now on the longer side of the iPad Pro for use in landscape mode and the rear 10MP ultra-wide camera is gone. The 12MP main camera now has an adaptive True Tone flash that works while scanning documents, which uses AI to sense shadows when scanning and uses the flash to fill in the spot, and multiple photos are taken and stitched together to create the best scan. Pros: Slim and light; dual cameras; Face ID; devastatingly quick and power-efficient processor. Cons: Very expensive. Its power could be overkill for many. Ideal for: Creative types who dont need the absolutely largest screen. Its great for watching films and TV shows (and offers quad-speaker audio to match), but there are other screens in the range that are a similar size and a lot more affordable. Is now a good time to buy? The 11-inch M4 iPad Pro was released in May 2024, so its a good time to buy. Apple likely wont update it for a good amount of time. See: Best iPad Pro deals 13-inch iPad Pro (7th gen, 2024) The ultimate iPad power package for creative pros Price When Reviewed: $1,299 (Wi-Fi only) Best Prices Today: $1299 at Apple 256GB: $1,299 / 1,299 / 256GB (cellular): $1,499 / 1,499 512GB: $1,499 / 1,499 / 512GB (cellular): $1,499 / 1,699 1TB: $1,899 / 1,899 / 1TB (cellular): $2,099 / 2,099 2TB: $2,299 / 2,299 / 2TB (cellular): $2,499 / 2,499 The iPad Pro 12.9-inch, updated in May 2024, offers the biggest screen ever on an Apple tablet, squeezed into a relatively small and very thin chassis. In other respects its largely the same as the 11-inch Pro (above): super-fast processor (the M4) with lots of RAM, excellent cameras, and a user experience that looks more than capable of replacing a laptop. The 13-inch iPad Pro, like the 11-inch version, has an Ultra Retina XDR. This is based on OLED technology, but Apple uses two OLED panelsit calls Tandem OLED and it generates 1000 nits of SDR/HDR brightness and 1600 nits of peak HDR brightness. This is all thoroughly impressive. But on the downside, the 12.9-inch Pro is far less portable than the mid-size iPads (it remains admirably slim, but the sheer screen area makes it a handful) and ruinously expensive, particularly at those upper storage tiers. Pros: Largest screen (13-inch); extremely fast processor with lots of RAM; landscape camera with Face ID; four speakers; Ultra Retina display. Cons: Least portable iPad currently available (although it is very slim); very expensive; processor speed will be overkill for many prospective buyers. Ideal for: Creative types most of all, but anyone who needs a big screen will be interested. Gamers and those who enjoy consuming media on the go will like the combination of a sumptuous screen and a quad-speaker audio system. Is now a good time to buy? The current Pros came out in May 2024. Apple probably wont update it again for at least a year, maybe longer. See : Best iPad Pro deals iPad Buying Guide: What to look for when buying an iPad As you can see from the above there are a lot of iPads sold by Applethat doesnt even include the many previous-generation iPads that are still on sale at various resellers and at Apples Refurbished Store . When confronted by so much choice what should you consider when deciding which iPad to buy? For many the choice will be based on price and value for money. Some may be influenced by the screen size, others by the weight. The ability to get more than 256GB storage may be important, as may the inclusion of Face ID or Touch ID. Finally, the decision of whether to get a cellular version, which invites the assessment of the minefield of network contracts, will no doubt be a factor for some. We will look at each of those factors below. Which iPad is the best value for money? One persons value for money is another persons extravagance. You might be looking for the cheapest iPad. That would be the 10th generation iPad , launched in 2022. In May 2024, Apple reduced the price from its original $449 price to $349 (price drops were matched around the world). It has a 10.9-inch screen, a 12MP rear-facing camera, an A14 Bionic processor, and 5G as an option. If you are happy to buy an older iPad model then there are plenty of discounts available while they are still in stock. There are also some great savings to be had on refurbished models. We recommend you check the following deals roundups, where you can see the best prices right now on various iPads : Best iPad Pro deals Best iPad (9th/10th gen) deals Best iPad Air deals Best iPad mini deals If you have more to spend, what can you get for your money? The iPad mini more than justifies its slightly higher price tag of $499/499 (especially now that the price has dropped from the staggering 569 in the U.K.) with its faster A15 processor, True Tone flash, and a fully laminated, better quality, display, among other things.But its biggest draw will probably be its size for those who want a small iPad. The iPad mini is not much bigger than a hard-backed book making it the perfect size to carry around in a bag and a great size for kids. The 2022 iPad The 2022 iPad Apple The 2022 iPad Apple Apple Next up is the iPad Air , which starts at $599/599 for the 11-inch model. It might be worth every extra penny if you want a faster M2 processor. The iPad Air display is still superior to that of the iPad, fully laminated and with an antireflective coating (like the iPad mini). The iPad Pro , updated in May 2024 is the ultimate in this category. Starting at $999/999, the Pro has a lot to offer, with an incredible display and an M4 chip for starters. But we think these features are probably more than the average person needs. Those are the prices that Apple sells its iPads for, but you dont have to pay that much. Take a look at our regularly updated iPad deals page for the lowest prices and best discounts on iPads new and old. iPad screen size: Which size iPad to choose Size is a question of taste rather than simply going for the biggest iPad you can get your hands on. Bigger isnt necessarily better if what you need is small and light. The most obvious aspect of this decision comes down to screen size. All screens are measured diagonally from corner to corner, or from the place where the corners would be. Youve got four options: 8.3-inch iPad mini 10.9-inch iPad (10th gen) 11-inch iPad Air and iPad Pro 13-inch iPad Air and iPad Pro But how big a screen do you really need? You can think of the tablets in terms of print publications: the mini is roughly the height and width of a paperback book; the mid-size iPads are closer to a hardback (albeit much slimmer); and the 13-inch iPad Pro is like a magazine. The larger screen is obviously better for immersive entertainment. Whether watching films or playing games, its a more enjoyable, richer experience. But really this is a question of priorities. Are you more set on getting maximum screen space, or are you willing to compromise on that front in order to get a lower price tag and improved portability? iPad Pro 13-inch (2024): 281.6mm x 215.5mm x 65.1mm; 579g/582g (Wi-Fi/cellular) iPad Pro 11-inch (2024): 249.7mm x 177.5mm x 5.3mm; 444g/446g iPad Air 13-inch (2024): 280.6mm x 214.9mm x 6.1mm 617g/618g iPad Air 11-inch (2024): 247.6mm x 178.5mm x 6.1mm; 462g/462g iPad 10.9-inch (2022): 248.6mm x 179.5mm x 7mm; 477g/481g iPad mini 8.3-inch (2021): 195.4mm x 134.8mm x 6.3mm; 300.5g/308.2g Also read: Every iPad display compared . Want the lightest iPad? As youd expect, the iPad mini is a lot lighter than the other iPads. Theres a big gap between that device and even the mid-size iPads. As well as its markedly lower weight the mini also has a smaller body, which slips easily into a rucksack or jacket pocket. If you plan to mainly use your iPad out and about, on vacation, or commuting, or perhaps youre buying an iPad for a child , the mini is your best bet. The iPad, 11-inch iPad Air, and 11-inch Pro are pleasingly portable, but they still cant match the mini for portability. The iPad has a similar length and width to the Air, but is thicker and heavier; the Pros are slimmer still. The 13-inch Pro and Air are considerably less portable than their smaller cousins, but we think Apple has done well to keep the weight down, especially with the Pro: it remains a slender, relatively lightweight, and portable alternative to a laptop. How much storage do you need? The five iPads offer anywhere from 64GB to 2TB of storage, but if you are looking at an old, refurbished, or preowned iPad you could be confronted with as little as 32GB storage, which isnt enough. But what storage capacity do you really need for an iPad? Well, first of all, remember that you cant upgrade the storage of an iPad at a later date: this is your limit from now until you buy another iPad, so aim high and buy as much storage as you can afford. Its better to spend an extra few pounds now than to buy an entire new iPad in six months time. Storage capacity is mainly used up by three things: music, photos, and videos, in increasing order of storage drain. If you want to keep lots of films or TV showsor even a few, to be honestthen you need high storage: probably 128GB or higher for video fans. (If youre buying an iPad with the kids in mind, remember that youll want storage space for multiple episodes of their favorite show on a long car journey.) The same applies to large photo or music libraries, to a lesser extent, although iCloud Photos and iTunes Match make it possible to keep your stuff in the cloud and access it remotely (if you pay the fees for iCloud storage). The other thing that will fill up your storage is apps, especially games which will use up a lot of space. For that reason gamers should aim high on storage: The iPad Ait starts with 128GB and the Pro has 256GB, while the mini and 10th-gen iPad both start at 64GB. We recommend getting what you can afford See: How much storage do you need on an iPhone or iPad? for more advice. Should you get the most powerful iPad? The iPad Pro models are, as you would expect, faster than their smaller and cheaper equivalents, next up is the Air, then the iPad mini and finally the iPad. You can get an idea of relative speed by looking at a few relevant specs: iPad Pro 13-inch (2024): M4; 8GB/16GB RAM iPad Pro 11-inch (2024): M4; 8GB/16GB RAM 13-inch iPad Air (2024): M2; 8GB RAM 11-inch iPad Air (2024): M2; 8GB RAM iPad mini (2021): A15 Bionic; 4GB RAM iPad 10.9-inch (2022): A14 Bionic; 4GB RAM The M-series chips have won widespread acclaim in the Mac range and produce outstanding performance in the iPads. But that doesnt mean the A chips are sub-standard or incapable of running modern apps; keep in mind that much of the software on the App Store was designed with A chips in mind, and even now most developers will want to make their software accessible for as many iPad owners as possible. There is a good reason to choose the M-series chips over the A-series though. Some of the best iPadOS 16 features will only work with the M-series iPads . These include features like Stage Manager , which is a new feature for organizing your windows. There are also rumors that one day Apple may make a cutback version of macOS available on the iPad but this will be probably be restricted to the M-series chip, if indeed it ever happens.. But speculation aside, how powerful you need your iPad to be will be based on your your requirements (and how long you intend to use your iPad for). The most demanding graphic-design, video-editing, and audio apps will see better performance on the M4 and even M2 processor, so if youre looking at high-level workloads multiple years down the line the M4 and M2 would be a better option. But for most users, the A15 will be comfortably fast enough for the mid- and quite long-term, and even the A14 (from 2020) performs perfectly well on todays apps. Another important factor to consider is memory. The iPad mini and iPad 10.9-inch have 4GB. The Air gets a jump up to 8GB, while the Pros have either 8GB or a whopping 16GB of RAM, depending on your storage tier: the 1TB and 2TB versions get the higher RAM allocation. Overall, we would advise those who want to use highly demanding apps, such as video and image editors and graphically advanced games, to choose an iPad Pro or Air. If youre going to be using your tablet for the odd bit of email and web surfing, youll find an iPad or iPad mini perfectly decent. With these general observations out of the way, its time to look at each device in more depth. For each iPad we record the essential information, its pros and cons, which buyer should pick it, and whether now is a good time to buy. Should you get a Cellular iPad? For most people cellular connectivity is a luxury, even if its a nice one to have. For an extra $100 or so, youll be able to access the web and email, and use connected apps, away from a Wi-Fi network. You need to factor in the cost of a data plan and find a network provider. Consider carefully how often youre going to do that: with an iPad mini theres likely to be more on-the-go use than with a full-size iPad, but its still a lot to pay for something you may only use from time to time. Have you got a regular (overground) commute where youd enjoy catching up on news headlines or e-mail? Then it could be worth the extra. We think the best option, if you want to be able to get data on your iPad when you are out and about, is to create a hotspot and share it from your iPhone. Then you can use your iPad as if it is on the cellular network. Read about how to create an iPhone hotspot to share your mobile web connection to your iPad. Just bear in mind that the cellular option also brings with it a GPS radio, meaning youll be able to input accurate location data when using your device on the go. The other concern when buying a cellular iPad is whether to buy your iPad on a contract. Network providers will allow you to pay for your iPad and the data contract over a number of months but after that term is up, and certainly not before, you may not be able to switch to a different data provider. Buying on contract may also mean that the iPad is locked to the original contract provider which can also be a problem if you want to sell it in the future. Heres how to unlock an iPad from its network , once youve fulfilled your contractual obligations. Should you buy a refurbished iPad? You can buy a refurbished iPad from Apple You can buy a refurbished iPad from Apple Apple You can buy a refurbished iPad from Apple Apple Apple Well mention this only briefly because its covered in detail here: Why a refurbished iPad could be the best tablet for you , but one option you should absolutely consider is Apples Refurbished Store . Its a sort of halfway house between new and second-hand: the devices are generally ones that have been returned within the 28-day period in which you are legally allowed to change your mind about a purchase, or they have been returned due to a fault that has been rectified, or they were ex-display or ex-demo units from Apples stores or marketing. You can rest assured that Apple has checked all the refurbished iPads that it sells thoroughly, replaced any problematic components, and rated them as good as new (and you get a full one-year warranty to prove it). Apples not the only place to buy a refurbished iPad, so beware that all refurbished iPads are not the same, so do check the small print before you buy. Look for refurbished models that have been fully checked out by Apple-certified engineers, especially those that come with a guarantee. Our best advice is to only consider the current or previous generation iPads when looking at refurbished models, then you are less likely to be caught out by a sub-par tablet. Buying a refurbished iPad from a reputable company is definitely preferable to buying a used iPad from someone on eBay. Its too often the case that secondhand iPads sold that way end up as useless bricks because the person selling it didnt properly log out of their account. Another way to save money is to buy from a reseller who is selling discontinued stock at a discount. We often see resellers significantly dropping the price on older iPad models that are usually just one generation out of datejust beware, they sell out quick! Should you buy the newest iPad generation? Speaking of older iPads, even if functioning perfectly right now, older models will reach the end of their useful life sooner than the newest models and that is a good reason to avoid buying an iPad that is more than one or two generations old. But keep in mind that iPads tend to start slowing down at around two to three years of age; at the four- or five-year mark you should expect noticable loss of performance and you wont be able to get all the latest software updates. The current iPad range was mostly updated in 2024 and included the iPad Pro and the iPad Air. The 10th-gen iPad was released in October 2022 but had its price reduced in May 2024. The iPad mini came out in September 2021. Another reason to buy a recent iPad is the operating system it runs. Apple only supports the most recent three versions of iPadOS with security updates, so that means that only iPadOS 15, 16. and 17 are currently supported. See How long does Apple support iPads? for more information. The following iPads can run iPadOS 17 : iPad Pro 12.9 and 13 (6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd and 2nd gen) iPad Pro 11 (4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st gen) iPad Pro 10.5 iPad (10th, 9th, 8th, 7th and 6th gen) iPad mini (5th and 6th gen) iPad Air (6th, 5th, 4th and 3rd gen) The iPads that have been removed from support include: 2016 iPad Pro 9.7-inch with an A9X chip 2015 iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation) with an A9X chip 2017 iPad (5th generation) with an A9 chip So, while you dont have to buy the newest generation, we would recommend that you buy one that was launched relatively recently to be sure that Apple will support it for as long as you intend to own it. On that basis, any of the iPads listed above should be a safe bet because they support the iPadOS that Apple will support for the next three years, and for many the support will stretch on for more years. Buying advice: Which iPad should you buy? The iPad 10.9-inch is a good option for newcomers and those who will mostly use their iPad as a media consumption device with some light work. For most people, however, our recommendation is the iPad Air (2024) . The update in May 2024 brought it an M2 processor, which is more than enough for an iPad right now. Mind you, its still expensive compared to the standard iPad and the iPad mini, and to most rival tablets out there. The iPad mini is mainly recommended for those who see portability as their main priority. Its an excellent little device, although the smaller screen makes it less immersive for games and entertainment options. The remaining iPads will be too expensive for the average buyer. The 11-inch and 13-inch Pro models are amazingly powerful and well-made, and the arrival of the M4 is excellent news but probably more power than anyone really needs right now. But if youre a creative professional, the Pro is the iPad to get. Finally, before taking the plunge, have you considered if a laptop might suit your needs better? See iPad vs MacBook for more advice on that front. iPad

French AI toasts $200M for Holistic as Sonio sale shows risks of success

Frances budding AI scene has received another boost from a big investment in the startup Holistic. Amid the celebrations, however, the sale of medtech firm Sonio has added a warning about the dangers of success. The Holistic funding was revealed by Bloomberg on Tuesday. The Paris-based firm has reportedly raised $200mn (186mn) in a round that values the companyat $370mn (344mn). Holistic has big plans for the cash. According to Bloomberg, the startup wants to build multi-agent models that will enable interactions between different AI systems and genuine AGI capabilities. Holistic also boasts an eye-catching leadership team. It includes four This story continues at The Next Web

Bluesky plans to launch DMs for users

Bluesky is taking quite a few pages out of the social media handbook. The decentralized social app has announced it's working on new features like DMs , video and improved Custom Feeds. The company opened to the public in February and claims it grew from 40,000 to 5.6 million users in one year. DMs are an especially noteworthy edition as, currently, all posts on Bluesky are public, but the company's new DM option will integrate directly into the app. These messages should initially be available only one-to-one, and users can restrict who can reach out by choosing between the options open, followed users only, and disabled. The company uses an open-source framework, but the development of DMs will initially be off-protocol, so Bluesky can iteratively create them. Videos are in the works, with Bluesky projecting that clips up to 90 seconds long can be shared. The company is exploring a bunch of ideas for Custom Feeds, including a space for trending feeds, in-app feed creation and overall improved feed discovery. Bluesky is also getting OAuth and hopes users can one day Log In with Bluesky. None of Bluesky's impending updates have a release date yet, but the company expects to roll them all out over the next couple of months. The platform was notably backed by Jack Dorsey , co-founder and former CEO of Twitter. However, Dorsey recently confirmed that he was no longer on Bluesky's board. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/bluesky-plans-to-launch-dms-for-users-105039310.html?src=rss

Hades 2 is nearly perfect, but theres one problem that needs tweaking

We're loving Hades 2 so far, but there's one thing we hope Supergiant hammers out before the sequel exits early access.

Apples iPad event: 5 unexpected details you may have missed

Macworld If youve been paying attention to the rumors leading up to Apples Let Loose iPad event, you knew what to expect: iPad Air and iPad Pro in 11- and 13-inch sizes with new processors, a new Apple Pencil, and an updated Magic Keyboard. Still, there were a few details during the announcement that hadnt been predicted, and which caught us a little bit by surprise. None of these are earth-shaking revelations, but they can be enough to slightly color our views of some of these products. Here are some of the things we hadnt expected going into the event. Prices that didnt go up The iPad Pro is $200 more expensive no matter which size you picka price you might justify with that fancy new OLED display and twice the storage, perhaps. But the 11-inch iPad Air did not get more expensive, which is a relief. This is the first year a 13-inch iPad Air is available, so we have nothing to compare it against, but $799 feels right. Also not more expensive? The new Apple Pencil Pro , which comes in at the same $129 price as the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil, despite having several new capabilities. And the new Magic Keyboard , which has an aluminum deck, larger trackpad with haptic feedback, is slimmer, and has a function row, costs the same as the older Magic Keyboard ($299 for 11-inch iPads; $349 for 13-inch iPads). Its still too expensive, but its nice to see feature inflation without price inflation. The biggest surprise of all? The 10th-gen iPad actually got a $100 price cut , down to $349, which makes it just $20 more than the 9th-gen iPad that is no longer available. We always thought this should have been Apples move from the start: dont keep the 9th-gen model around, just replace it with the 10th-gen model with a very modest price increase (if any). The iPad Pros new Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil dont cost any more than the previous generation. The iPad Pros new Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil dont cost any more than the previous generation. Petter Ahrnstedt The iPad Pros new Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil dont cost any more than the previous generation. Petter Ahrnstedt Petter Ahrnstedt Back to a single camera Where did the 10MP ultra wide camera on the iPad Pro disappear to? Its just gone! We dont know how often it was used, but for the first time since 2020, all thats left is a 12MP Wide camera. Apple could have at least upgraded it to the 48MP wide camera on the new iPhones, to give us that 2x optical crop zoom option. Also missing is mmWave 5G in the cellular modelsbut most people probably wont even know its gone. M4 missing a core If you buy an iPad Pro with less than 1TB of storage, you get 8GB of RAM. If you buy the 1TB or 2TB option, you get 16GB of RAM. Thats the same as it was with the M2 iPad Pro from 2022. But what isnt the same is that you get a lesser M4 processor too. Thats right, while both models have six efficiency cores, the < 1TB models have only three performance cores. If you want the full M4 processor, you have to spend a minimum of $1,599 for the 11-inch 1TB model or $1,899 for the 13-inch 1TB model. Yikes. More storage for the same price Given the price increase and 18-month timeframe since the M2 iPad Pro was announced, its a good thing the 128GB model is simply gone from the lineup and the iPad Pro now starts with 256GB of storage. It takes a little bit of the sting out of the $200 price hike, but not much. No tablet at this price should dream of giving you only 128GB of storage. The iPad Air loses its 128GB model as well and gains a new 2TB option on the high end, leaving the 10th-gen iPad as the only model with 64GB of storage. If you want more storage, rest assured that Apple still charges a ridiculous price for additional storage. Some things never change. The new iPad Air is thin and lightbut not as thin and light as the iPad Pro. The new iPad Air is thin and lightbut not as thin and light as the iPad Pro. Petter Ahrnstedt The new iPad Air is thin and lightbut not as thin and light as the iPad Pro. Petter Ahrnstedt Petter Ahrnstedt Lighter than Air The 11-inch iPad Pro used to be slightly heavier than the 10.9-inch iPad Airjust 5 grams but enough to justify the Air moniker. The new 11-inch iPad Pro is now 18 grams lighter . The difference is even greater with the 13-inch models. The 13-inch iPad Air is about 10 percent lighter than the old 12.9-inch iPad Pro, but the new 13-inch iPad Pro is a few percent lighter still. At 579 grams, its a whopping 103 grams lighter than the M2 model and 38 grams lighter than the 13-inch iPad Air. The iPad Pro is also about a millimeter thinner than the Air. Maybe Apple needs to rename the iPad Air? Accessories, iPad

OpenAI is reportedly working on a search feature for ChatGPT

OpenAI is reportedly working on a search feature for ChatGPT that could make the chatbot a veritable alternative to Google Search. According to Bloomberg , the company is currently developing the capability, which can scour the web for answers to your queries and spit out results complete with citations to their sources. ChatGPT could take information from Wikipedia or blog posts, for instance, and link to their original pages when you ask it questions. Bloomberg says that in one version of the experimental search function, ChatGPT can show you images along with its written responses whenever they're relevant. For example, if the chatbot deems illustrated instructions or diagrams useful for an inquiry, such as how to change a doorknob or how to clean a split-type AC, then it could include them in its responses. As Bloomberg notes, ChatGPT can already do searches for paying customers, but it could give faulty responses or replies with incorrect citations. Earlier this month, DataChaz on Twitter/X, reported that OpenAI had created a new subdomain with the address search.chatgpt.com . It apparently briefly rerouted to the main ChatGPT page over the weekend, though you'll get a Not found note if you try to access it now. While the company has yet to officially confirm this particular undertaking, working on AI search is a logical next step if it wants to keep competing with its staunchest rivals. Google recently expanded its AI-powered search results test and started showing them to users who didn't opt in. Then there's Perplexity, a startup currently valued at $1 billion, thanks to its AI-powered search engine that Rabbit uses to respond to inquiries made through the R1 device . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/openai-is-reportedly-working-on-a-search-feature-for-chatgpt-101118170.html?src=rss

Get a lifetime of useful AI-powered content functions for $149.99

Macworld With social media posts, videos, blogs, marketing materials and more all expected to be part of any companys identity or any individuals personal brand, its easy to feel overwhelmed with the requirements of constantly feeding the digital beast. Thankfully, AI is here to help. With a lifetime subscription to a Unifire.ai Scale Plan on sale for $149.99, you can start leaning on the power of artificial intelligence to start pumping out all of that necessary content . The Unifire.ai approach is a unique one, employing a distinctive method for content generation by focusing on enhancing and transforming existing materials rather than starting over from the beginning like platforms like ChatGPT or Bard. Whether its articles, blog posts, or other written materials, this tactic applies advanced algorithms and natural language processing techniques to improve their quality, relevance, and effectiveness. You can shift content to help turn a webinar into a lead magnet, create text articles from a podcast recording, generate LinkedIn and other social media posts, turn a video into a newsletter or an e-book, and beyond. With a Unifire.ai Scale Plan , you can create up to 60 content assets from your source material per month. Regularly nearly $2,500, a lifetime subscription is now available for just $149.99 while this deal lasts. Unifire.ai Scale Plan: Lifetime Subscription (60 Generations/Month) $149.99 Curate content for $149.99 StackSocial prices subject to change. Accessories

iQoo Neo 9s Pro Tipped to Launch With MediaTek Dimesnity 9300+ SoC, 120W Wired Charging

iQoo Neo 9s Pro and Neo 9s Pro+ processor details have been leaked. The phones will soon be launched in China. The iQoo Neo 9s Pro is said to get the latest MediaTek Dimensity processor while the Neo 9s Pro+ will settle for the currently available Qualcomm Snapdragon silicon according to a tipster.

The 5 best cordless vacuums for 2024

Cordless vacuums offer a lot of improvements over their corded counterparts. Theyre typically more lightweight and easier to maneuver around your home than upright vacuums, and now that these devices have gotten better over time, you typically dont have to sacrifice suction power when choosing a cordless model over one with an old-school design. But just like the robot vacuum space, there are dozens of cordless vacuums to choose from now. Dyson isnt your only option anymore, which will be a good thing for your wallet but it also means that deciding which will be the best cordless vacuum for you can be confusing with all of the players out there. We at Engadget can help make that decision a bit easier. After testing a bunch of the most popular cordless stick vacuums available today, weve come up with our top picks, plus loads of buying advice to help you figure out which cordless stick vacuum is right for you. Factors to consider before buying a cordless vacuum Design and bin capacity Most of the cordless vacuums youll find today have stick designs, with a handle at the top attached to a debris bin, which has a space to connect different attachments at one end. These designs are more versatile than old school vacuums of yesteryear because, while you may use the long stick attachment most of the time to clean your floors, many cordless vacuums come with other attachments as well. Some allow you to clean hard to reach spaces like the interior of your car, while others make it easier to vacuum furniture and clean inside crevices. Bin volume is worth keeping in mind when youre choosing a cordless vacuum. The larger the bin, the more debris it can hold, but it might also mean a heavier machine. All of the cordless vacuums we tested had a bin size between 0.1 and 0.8 gallons and all were able to handle cleaning an entire one-pet home (roughly 2,000 square feet) in a single run without needing to be emptied. Anything smaller and you may have to deal with more frequent emptying during each cleaning session. Some cordless vacuums also have removable, replaceable battery packs, which is super handy. That means you can buy a replacement battery and install it easily, without needing to seek out professional assistance. Also, these extra batteries cost around $150-$200 a pop expensive, yes, but nowhere near as costly as buying a whole new cordless vacuum. Suction and power modes Cordless vacuum suction power is typically measured in air wattage (AW), but youll see some that list the power of the motor in wattage (W) instead. Typically the higher the air or motor wattage the stronger the suction power, and often strength is proportional to price more expensive cordless vacuums tend to have stronger suction power. A general rule of thumb is that those with precocious pets or mess-making children would benefit from a cordless vacuum cleaner with stronger-than-average suction power. Most cordless stick vacuums will have two different power modes: a normal or default power mode that balances suction power with battery life, as well as a max or stronger mode that kicks suction strength up a notch. Some vacuums, like those from Dyson, also have an eco mode, or one that prioritizes run time over strength. Separate from power modes you can select yourself, some cordless vacuums will automatically adjust motor strength depending on the detected floor type or the amount of mess in its wake. Not only is this convenient, but it also ensures that the machine is working its hardest only when you need it. Battery life Obviously, battery life is important since youll probably want to clean more than one room in a shot. All of the cordless vacuums we tested had a battery life of at least 40 minutes in standard cleaning mode. I tested each by cleaning all three floors of my home (upstairs, downstairs and basement) on a single charge with the machine running in its standard (auto) mode and none of them ran out of juice before I could finish the third floor. That said, extra battery life can come in handy if youre switching between power modes since max or high-power programs use more energy. Base style Most cordless stick vacuums come with some sort of base or mount where the machine lives when youre not using it. Wall mounts are the most common, but some have free-standing bases where you dock and charge the vacuum. Consider the space in your home where you want the cordless vacuum to live, since it will have to have an outlet or another power source nearby. Some high-end cordless vacuums come with self-emptying bases that act much like those included with expensive robot vacuums. After cleaning and returning the vacuum to the base, it will automatically empty the dustbin into a larger dustbin that you can then detach from the base when you need to empty it. This kind of base adds an extra layer of convenience into the mix, since you typically will only have to empty the larger dustbin every month or two. Smart features Yes, some cordless vacuums have smart features like Wi-Fi and app connectivity. But before we get into those, lets talk about the extra perks scattered among these devices. Some models, like the latest from Dyson, include particle sensors that show you how many different sized pieces of debris its sucking up in real time. Dysons, for example, is a piezo acoustic sensor that detects particle size and frequency and displays that information on the vacs LCD screen. Tinecos iLoop sensor is similar, controlling its vacuums automatic suction power adjustment and changing a circle on the display from red to blue as you fully clean an area. Higher-end cordless vacuums may also have companion apps that show things like battery level, filter status and cleaning logs. Its an added level of convenience, but by no means necessary. Unlike robot vacuums, which rely on their apps to set cleaning schedules, manually control the machines and more, cordless vacuums that you operate yourself really dont need Wi-Fi or an app connectivity. Price Cordless stick vacuums range in price from $150 all the way up to over $1,000. The best ones for most people lie in the middle, in the $400 to $700 range. Youll notice most of our picks land in the higher end of that range, but for good reason: More expensive machines tend to have more sucking power, which means less time wasted going over the same spots over and over. But does that mean everyone needs the most premium cordless vacuum? Definitely not. Weve come up with top picks at various price points that should work well for people with different budgets, lifestyles, home sizes and more. How we test cordless vacuums Engadget doesnt have a dedicated lab in which we can test cordless vacuums, but I used each model in my home for weeks. I ran them over hardwood and tile flooring, as well as low-pile carpet. And my first runthrough consisted of cleaning all three floors of my home on a single battery charge. I performed the same cleaning job as many times as possible, but also intermittently cleaned a single floor as needed, or sucked up isolated messes like crumbs, cat litter spills and tufts of pet fur. Over the course of many cleanings with each model, I made note of how loud the machine was, how easy it was to maneuver around my home, how easily it sucked up pieces of large debris (or if it pushed it around my floor instead) and if they got warm or hot. Best cordless stick vacuums for 2024 Other cordless stick vacuums we tested Dyson Gen 5 Detect The Dyson Gen 5 Detect has a single-button start and stronger suction power than our top pick, but its otherwise quite similar. However, since the Gen 5 Detect is more expensive at $950 (although it does receive discounts at Dyson online), the V15 Detect still provides greater value for your money. The Gen 5 Detect is arguably best for those who want the latest Dyson, or care about getting a more future-proof machine, since it came out just last year. Shark Detect Pro The Shark Detect Pro provides a lot of value for the money, but it was ultimately beat by the Tineco Pure One S15 Pet for our runner-up slot thanks to the Tinecos stronger suction power. The kicker for the Detect Pro is that it includes a self-emptying base in its $450 price, which is super handy. Itll automatically dump the contents of the vacuum into the larger bin in the base after every cleaning, and you only need to empty the bases container every month or so. The Detect Pro did a good job cleaning up messes across different types of flooring, and itll auto-adjust suction power depending on the amount of debris and whether youre cleaning hard or carpeted floors. However, its not as smooth to use as any of our top picks and its main cleaner head is a bit tall, making it difficult to use to clean under low furniture. FAQs How long does the battery last on a cordless vacuum? Most cordless vacuums will run for at least 30-40 minutes on a single charge, but you can find cordless vacuums with battery lives of up to 60 or 70 minutes. Manufacturers will outline an estimated battery life for each model, and theyre usually based on using the vacuums standard power mode for the entire runtime; if you switch between modes or prefer to use a higher-powered program for improved suction, youll drain the battery faster. Can cordless vacuums be as powerful as corded ones? Cordless vacuums do sacrifice a bit in overall power when compared to corded models, but that doesnt mean they cant handle everyday messes just as well. If suction power is your biggest concern, we recommend springing for a high-powered, high-end cordless vacuum since, typically, the more expensive a cordless vacuum is, the stronger the suction. Also, cordless vacuums have the edge over corded models when it comes to weight and convenience: cordless vacuums are much lighter than their corded counterparts, and youll never have to worry about placement or picking a fight with a cord while cleaning your living room. Are cordless vacuums effective on pet hair? Yes, cordless vacuums can handle pet hair well, but we recommend getting a model with strong suction power to get the best results. Its also wise to get one with a larger bin, since pet hair can quickly fill up smaller bins, which may force you to stop cleaning to empty the vacuum before finishing. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-cordless-vacuum-130007125.html?src=rss

Vivo X100 Ultra Live Images Leaked; Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, 200-Megapixel Camera Tipped

Vivo X100 Ultra will be unveiled on May 13 in China alongside the Vivo X100s and Vivo X100s Pro. Vivo is actively teasing their design and camera sample showcasing the image editing capabilities. Now, a tipster has posted alleged live images and specifications of Vivo X100 Ultra on the Web. The renders show a circular camera module on the rear that is said to include three Zeiss-branded cameras.

Maximize your Macs abilities with MacPilot, only $30 for life

Macworld The power, capacity, and look of Macs and MacBooks are impressive, but certain features are left to be desired. Want a more powerful and customized Mac experience? MacPilot is a platform offering 1,200 features to optimize your user experience . Now, lifetime access is only $29.97 (reg. $99). With MacPilot, users can unlock these features to enhance their computing. Customize your dock by adding spacers and sleek smart stacks and menus, repair your Macs system by running maintenance scripts like launch services, display hidden files in Finder, and more. You can even adjust your Mac so you can view all contents of the graphics card and RAM bus speeds , as well as full lists of network ports, error codes, and even key combinations. From UI settings to total system optimization, MacPilot is a standalone tool that can effectively help you craft a more personalized Mac experience. Customize your Mac to your liking and unlock its potential with lifetime access to MacPilot, now just $29.97 for a limited time. MacPilot Lifetime License Only $29.97 at Macworld StackSocial prices subject to change. Accessories

The best tablets for 2024

A tablet can make a great addition to your tech toolkit. It can replace an e-reader, serve as a more portable laptop replacement or simply be a shared device for watching movies or checking social media at home. However, with four different families of iPad , a plethora of Android options and Windows-based alternatives like the Surface Pro, it can be difficult to figure out which will serve you best. We at Engadget have tested and reviewed dozens of tablets over the years, and we continue to try out the latest models asa they hit the market. Below, we've solidified our current top picks, plus all of the information you should know before picking up the best tablet for you. Editor's Note (5/8/24): For anyone thinking about buying a new tablet, you may want to hold off for another few months. Interesting Android options like the TCL NXTPAPER 14 Pro which we saw back at CES have yet to go on sale. Meanwhile, Apple has announced a quartet of new iPads, including overhauled 11- and 13-inch iPad Pros with OLED displays, thinner designs and faster M4 chips, a refreshed 11-inch iPad Air with an updated M2 chip and an all-new iPad Air with a 13-inch display. Theres a new Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro as well. As part of the updates, the 10th-gen model has permanently dropped in price to $350 . Well have full reviews of all of the new iPads in the near future and will update our advice accordingly. Finally, while Microsoft did recently update the Surface family with a new Surface Pro 10 model , that device is specially targeted at enterprise buyers and it wont be available from traditional retailers. So if youre hoping to avoid buyers remorse after purchasing a new tablet that might get replaced real soon, youll want to exercise patience until new products get announced later this spring and summer. Which OS is right for me? Before you even start looking at specific devices, consider how your new tablet will fit in with the gadgets you already own, and how you plan to use it. For example, if everyone in your house uses Macs and iPhones, it probably doesnt make a lot of sense to buy an Android tablet, even if youve been tempted by the massive 14.6-inch screen on the new Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. This goes double for anyone with an extensive library of purchased videos and music that might be harder to access after switching platforms. Another consideration is the kind of work youll be doing. Thats because while most modern tablets are adept at browsing websites or playing games, some operating systems like iPadOS and Windows 11 are better designed to support multitasking and productivity than Android or even Chrome OS. Its a similar situation for software, because while most popular apps and games are available on both Apples App Store and Googles Play Store, more specialized software may only have proper support on desktop platforms like Windows or macOS. What size screen should I get? Figuring out the best screen size for you will also be related to the kind of work (or play) you intend to do. Larger displays make it much easier to view two apps side by side, and big screens also deliver a more immersive movie viewing experience. But at the same time, the larger the tablet, the less likely youre going to want to move it around. That means youre not only going to want to take stock of your workspace (i.e., if you have a desk or instead plan to work from a couch or even your bed), youre also going to want to think about how the device will fit into your everyday routine or commute (if you have one). Potential accessories Finally, youll want to consider any add-ons or accessories youre planning to use, which can range from detachable keyboards to things like external mics or a stylus. The good news is that many of the best tablets nowadays offer some kind of keyboard accessory, which allows the device to function more like a 2-in-1 instead of simply being a content consumption device. Some tablets also feature things like microSD card slots that support expandable storage, or optional 4G or 5G connectivity, which can be a real boon to frequent travelers. And if youre planning to use the tablet mainly for work, you might want to grab a USB hub for connecting all your favorite peripherals. How we test When evaluating different tablets, there are a few important things we look for above all else: solid performance, a good screen and long battery life. For performance, we run a handful of synthetic tests like Geekbench 6, while also performing a number of real-world use cases such as editing photos and playing games. And with tablets often serving as hybrid devices, we also consider how easy it is to multitask and switch quickly between various apps. The more responsive a device feels, the better. Because a tablets display is such a critical component, we also view a wide range of content to gauge things like brightness, color gamut and dynamic range. Its important to take into account the difference between various panel types like OLED, which typically produce richer colors and excellent contrast but may not be as bright as a mini LED display. Recently, refresh rate has become an increasingly important spec as 90Hz and 120Hz screens can make scrolling smoother and graphics appear sharper in games. We also consider a tablets design (including things like size, weight and water resistance), its connectivity (WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, 5G, et cetera) and special features like stylus support or the ability to serve as a secondary display. Thats because, while tablets were often viewed as content consumption devices in the past, higher-end devices like the Surface Pro and iPad Pro are more than capable of replacing a laptop for a lot of people. Finally, we test battery life by running our standard local video rundown test, which involves playing a single video on a loop from 100 percent until it runs out of juice. Ideally, a tablet should be able to last an entire working day, but longer runtimes are always welcome. Other tablets we tested Apple iPad Air While the iPad Air is the best iPad for most people , the iPad Pro is the model that showcases the best of what Apple has to offer in the tablet space. The Air has a similar design to the Pro, but it runs on an M1 chip and the base model comes with only 64GB of storage. Those with tight budgets can consider the Air a good alternative to the Pro, and it'll be particularly tempting if you see it on sale. Google Pixel Tablet The Google Pixel Tablet excels as a smart display rather than a simple tablet. As the latter, it's unexciting, but when paired with its speaker/charging dock, it becomes much more useful. It could be a good option for those that already live within the Google ecosystem and use the Google Assistant often, or those who like the idea of a tablet that can be docked and used as a smart display as well. OnePlus Pad The solid OnePlus Pad is let down by Android because there aren't many Android apps designed to be used on a large display like this model's 11.6-inch panel. Otherwise, the hardware is well-designed, its companion stylus is comfortable to use and it has an excellent battery life. FAQs What is the best brand for tablets? The best brand for tablets is really the brand you feel most comfortable with. We recommend taking stock of the gadgets you already have do you live in the Apple ecosystem already? An iPad might be best for you then. Do you have a Samsung phone? If so, a Galaxy Tab will likely be the most convenient choice. There is no one est brand for tablets; youll find good options made by companies including Apple, Google, Samsung, Microsoft and Amazon. Can a tablet replace a laptop? Its possible for a tablet to replace a laptop, but youll need a few accessories to truly make the experience as close as possible to that of a traditional notebook. A keyboard is a must, be it a keyboard case or a Bluetooth accessory that you keep with you. Some keyboard cases, like apples Magic Keyboard for the iPad, have a built-in trackpad, which will be more ergonomic than tapping on your tablets screen for input. Additionally, you could go one step further and use a wireless mouse that connects via Bluetooth to your tablet. If youre primarily looking for a tablet to replace your laptop, consider buying a 2-in-1 laptop since those systems typically consist of high-powered tablets that are designed to work well with (and without) keyboards. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-tablets-150026056.html?src=rss

Pre-orders for Apples new M4 iPad Pro, iPad Air, and Apple Pencil Pro now live at Amazon

Apples Let Loose event was let loose on the masses this morning with the M4 chip powering the thinnest and most powerful Apple tablet to date, the all-new AirPads (yes, Im calling them this for the time being), and Apple Pencil Pro the only Cupertino stylus that works with its latest iPad (properly anyway). While pre-orders on all of the new gear were exclusive to the official online Apple storefront earlier today, Amazon is getting in on the action this evening with Prime shipping and official pre-order listings for all of todays new releases. All of the details are waiting down below. more

NYT Strands: answers for Wednesday, May 8

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.

C'mon, Why Isn't the New Apple Pencil Pro Backward Compatible?

Apple's latest stylus will only work with its newest iPads. The long-running second-gen Apple Pencilwhich the company still sellswill not.

Meta is testing cross-posting from Instagram to Threads

Meta is testing a new way to boost engagement on Threads using Instagram. The company is now testing the ability to cross-post photos from Instagram to Threads. Meta confirmed the experiment after a handful Threads users noticed the setting crop up in Instagram ( TechCrunch was first to report the change). According to the company, cross-posting from Instagram to Threads is optional, though users can opt to have automatically all new photo posts shared to their Threads account as well. (Those who are part of the test can tweak cross-posting settings in the Instagram app.) Meta has been testing a number of features to boost the growth of Threads, which currently has 150 million users. The company has also experimented with cross-posting from Facebook to Threads and promotes Threads posts directly in Facebook and Instagram feeds, regardless of whether they use the app. Its also encouraging creators to be more active on the app. Meta has been offering bonuses to creators in exchange for high-performing posts on Threads. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/meta-is-testing-cross-posting-from-instagram-to-threads-234245961.html?src=rss

Auto-Voxs CS-2 wireless backup cam with 4.3-inch monitor and night vision returns to $71 low

Amazon is offering the AUTO-VOX CS-2 Wireless Backup Camera with 4.3-inch Monitor for $71.20 shipped, after clipping the on-page $32 off coupon and using the promo code ZT3VGIMI at checkout for an additional 14% off . Down from its $120 price tag, this device saw the same recurring discount throughout 2023 down to the same $90 low. We didnt see it fall below $80 until the new year the first time since 2019 and todays deal comes in to repeat the trend with a combined 41% markdown off the going rate. It matches our previous mention from the first week of March, returning costs to the all-time low. more

Campluxs 18kW tankless electric water heater lowers costs by 60% for $300 ($50 off)

The official Camplux Amazon storefront is offering its 18kW Tankless Electric Water Heater for $299.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page $50 off coupon. Down from its $350 price tag, this model has only seen a handful of discounts since its release in June, most of them only dropping costs by $50 and the greatest among them dropping costs to the $250 low in September before prices began climbing for the last few months of 2023. Since the new year began weve seen a few discounts taking things down to $270 in January and $290 in March at the most. Todays deal comes in as a repeat $50 markdown off the going rate that lands at the fourth-lowest price we have tracked. The 6kW and27kWmodels are also seeing discounts to $84 and$400respectively, after clipping the on-page coupons. more

Save over $200 on LGs beloved new 120Hz 2024 OLED evo C4 smart TVs from $1,397

Okay, here we go folks, one of the more popular OLED TVs out there was refreshed for 2024 and we are now tracking solid Amazon deals at over $200 off on the new LG Class OLED evo C4 Series Smart TVs . Starting with the 42-inch model right up to the 77-inch variant, prices have now come down on the 2024 C4 series for the first time at Amazon since the pre-order phase. Sporting the LG OLED-exclusive next-gen 9 Gen7 AI processor, AI-assisted deep learning analysis, an almost invisible bezel, and a whole lot more, youll want to head below for a closer at the feature set and the now discounted prices across the entire lineup. more

Amazon Pet Day takes up to 50% off robot vacuums, mops, stain cleaners, more from $98

Amazons annual Pet Day sales event is in full swing for today and tomorrow, with plenty of deals taking up to 50% off all manner of pet supplies and gadgets. Some of the most convenient of these devices is vacuums, mops, and stain cleaners both robot and stick models alike that can handle the large amount of shed hair and accidental messes from your fur babies. Youll find cleaning solutions from Roborock, ECOVACS, Yeedi, Bissel, iRobot, Hoover, and Anker Some of these models have seen regular discounts at higher rates, while others are returning to long-awaited all-time lows with releases starting at $98 . Head below for our top picks. more

The best Android phones for 2024

Theres one clear perk that Android has over iOS and thats variety when it comes to the phones you have to choose from. Apple has made the iPhone is the only game in town for iOS, but with Googles operating system, there are dozens of choices out there from manufacturers like Samsung, Motorola, OnePlus and others. But that also means it can be difficult to decide which device is best for you when it comes time to upgrade, or if you want to switch from iPhone to Android in the new year. If youre looking for a new phone and dont know where to start, weve got you covered with a selection of the best Android phones for every budget. Editors note (5/7/24) : Google has announced the Pixel 8a, its latest midrange smartphone. The 6.1-inch handset starts at $499 and, as expected, takes many of its cues from last years flagship Pixel 8 series . Well have a full review in the coming days and will update this guide accordingly. For now, you can check out our hands-on preview for more details on what to expect. Google says itll continue to sell the Pixel 7a , our current budget pick, at a reduced price, so it may continue to be worthwhile. Most should hold off until we put the new Pixel through its paces, though. What to look for in a new Android phone Performance When it comes to picking our favorite Android phones, the main things we look for are pretty straightforward: good performance (both compute and AI), a nice display, solid design, sharp cameras, long battery life and a significant commitment to ongoing software support. For performance, not only do we look at benchmarks and other metrics, but we also evaluate phones based on responsiveness. Regardless of whether youre reading, text messaging, scrolling through social media or playing a game, no one wants a gadget that feels sluggish. Display Sam Rutherford/Engadget When it comes to displays, we generally prefer OLED panels that can produce rich, saturated colors with at least 600 nits of brightness, though many of our top mid-range and high-end phones can hit 1,000 nits or more. And more recently, most of our favorite devices also support screens with fast refresh rates of 90Hz or 120Hz, which adds an extra level of smoothness and fluidity. Design Now we will admit there is a bit of subjectivity when deciding which phones look the best, but there are other design aspects like dust and water resistance or screen durability that can make a big difference to long-term survival. Its also important to consider things like support for wireless charging, power sharing (aka reverse wireless charging) and UWB connectivity, which can have an impact on how your phone interacts with your other devices. Cameras Obviously, for photos were looking for sharp, colorful shots in both bright and low-light conditions. And we want video clips with high dynamic range, rich audio and smooth image stabilization. Extra cameras for ultra-wide and telephoto lenses are a plus. The best cameras should also include features like dedicated night modes, support for various video recording resolutions, and additional photo modes like timelapse, slow motion and more. Battery and software Finally, in terms of longevity, were looking for all-day battery life on devices that also delivered great results on our local video rundown test (at least 16 hours on a charge, but more is obviously better). Wireless charging capabilities have become almost ubiquitous over the past few years, and most of our top picks have this extra perk. Fast-charging is available on some Android phones, too. Finally, with people holding onto their phones longer than ever, we like to see companies commit to at least three years of software support, upgrades and regular security updates. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-android-phone-130030805.html?src=rss

Apple's 2023 iMac drops to a record-low price

It's been a busy day of Apple news thanks to some new iPads , but the company has plenty of other M-series devices, including the iMac. Apple slotted M3 chips into its desktop computers late last year , and now the base version of the 2023 iMac is cheaper than ever. Thanks to a coupon at Amazon (make sure to clip it!), you can snap up an iMac with an M3 chip, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage for $1,149 . The deal is available for the silver, pink, green and blue versions of the system. A word of warning: while this is a decent deal on the surface, we do feel that the specs of the base 2023 iMac aren't quite up to scratch. It's difficult in this day and age to earnestly recommend a computer with just 8GB of RAM as apps become more and more demanding. That's why the iMac didn't score higher than 86 in our review . On the plus side, the M3 chipset is very fast and the iMac's display remains terrific. Although this is a desktop system, it's lightweight, so it's not too difficult to move from one room to another or prop it up on something the inability to adjust the screen vertically is a little disappointing. There are some caveats to keep in mind here, but if you're looking for a nice, pretty new computer for relatively basic tasks (you're not going to be doing much gaming or video editing on a system with these specs) and don't mind splashing some cash, then this iMac might do the trick for you. Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apples-2023-imac-drops-to-a-record-low-price-203841344.html?src=rss

Hello Again! Spigen debuts new vintage iMac G3-style MagSafe wallets [Launch deal]

Remember last year when Spigen debuted its epic vintage iMac-style cases for iPhone 15? Well its back with new matching MagSafe wallets for folks looking to bring the Jony Ive design-inspired translucent Apple vibes to the back of your iPhone. The new Spigen Classic C1 (MagFit) Magnetic Wallet Card Holder is now available for purchase on the brands official Amazon storefront with a series of perfectly matching colors at $28.99 shipped each, down for the $33 launch price. Check them out here and youll find more details below. more

iPad Pro 2024 vs. 2022: Whats changed

You may have heard Apple updated its top-of-the-line tablets at its Let Loose event on Tuesday. The 2024 model has some big improvements, including the new M4 chip , a noticeably thinner and lighter build, a superior OLED display and upgraded accessories . We broke down the key differences between the latest iPad Pro and its 2022 predecessor to help you figure out if its worth the (hefty) investment. Display and dimensions iPad Pro: 13-inch (2024) vs. 12.9-inch (2022) Apple / Will Shanklin for Engadget In Engadgets hands-on at Apples Let Loose event , Deputy Editor Nathan Ingraham said the new iPad Pros thinner and lighter build and its Tandem OLED display are the first big changes youll notice when you pick up the latest model. In Apples extremely bright demo area, the iPad Pro screen showed its quality everything was extremely clear, blacks were pitch-black and colors really popped, he said after using it at Apples event. After looking at the iPad Air display, it was obvious how much better these screens are. iPad Pro: 11-inch (2024 vs. 2022) Apple / Will Shanklin for Engadget Another change youll notice when you compare the two iPad Pros side-by-side is camera positioning. The 2024 model moves its front-facing camera to the top-center when viewed in landscape orientation. The older model used Apples original iPad configuration, where the camera was centered above the screen when holding it upright in portrait mode. The new iPad Pro is also noticeably lighter and thinner than its 2022 predecessor. The 13-inch model is a mere 5.11mm (0.2 inch) thick and weighs only 579g (1.28 lbs), making it 20 percent thinner and 15 percent lighter than the 12.9-incher from 2022. Meanwhile, the new 11-inch variant is 5.3mm (0.21 inch) thick and weighs 444g (0.98 lb), making it 10 percent thinner and five percent lighter than the older one. Considering the 2022 model was already a svelte machine, its no wonder we found the new iPad Pro surprisingly thin and light relative to its processing power. Speaking of which Processor Apple / Will Shanklin for Engadget The iPhone maker unveiled a new Apple Silicon version on an iPad instead of a Mac for the first time. The all-new M4 chip has up to a 10-core CPU configuration (four performance cores and six efficiency cores), which the company says translates to one and a half times faster performance than the M2 silicon in the 2022 model. I say up to because, similar to MacBooks and some older iPad Pro models, Apple is shipping different chip variants depending on your pricing tier. The 1TB and 2TB versions of the 2024 model have that 10-core chip, while the 256GB and 512GB models drop down to a nine-core M4 with three performance and six efficiency cores. The lower-tier and high-end M4 variants include a 10-core GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, a 16-core neural engine, 120GB/s memory bandwidth and 16GB of RAM. So the different models dont sound dramatically different you just get an extra performance core in the more expensive tiers. Well have to wait until we get some extended time with them to see how that translates into real-world experience. By comparison, the M2 in the 2022 iPad Pro has an eight-core CPU with four performance and four efficiency cores. It also has a 16-core Neural Engine (of course, an older version than the one in the M4), 100GB/s memory bandwidth and either 8GB or 16GB of RAM. Accessories Apple / Will Shanklin for Engadget The new iPad Pro also has some new accessories you cant use with the 2022 model. That includes a new Magic Keyboard that Apple claims makes the entire experience feel just like using a MacBook. You can thank its bigger trackpad with haptic feedback (like on modern MacBooks ) and an aluminum palm rest. The older model used a microfiber-esque material and physically clicking trackpad, so the new one should feel more solid underneath your hands and aligned with MacBooks look and feel. The new Magic Keyboard also adds a new 14-key function row (also similar to a MacBook) with shortcuts for things like brightness, Spotlight search, Siri / dictation and media controls. Meanwhile, the Apple Pencil Pr o exclusively compatible with the 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air looks much like its predecessor but adds some extra goodies. Those include a new sensor in its barrel that lets you squeeze it like the lovely little stylus it is. The new squeeze gesture can bring up tool palettes or activate shortcuts. Third-party developers can even customize the actions for individual apps. For the first time, it also adds haptic feedback to let you know if your squeeze was accepted or if something you moved has landed in its intended spot. The new Apple Pencil also works with Find My (another first), so you can check on its most recent location in Apples location app if you lose it. Both models also work with the cheaper ($79) USB-C Apple Pencil from 2023. Price Well, it cant all be good news. With all those upgrades, Apple is once again asking you to consider paying more for a high-end tablet. The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $999, and the 13-inch model starts at a whopping $1,299. Those are each $200 higher than the starting prices in the 2022 model (when it was available). But wait, it gets worse. Those prices dont take into account the $299 (11-inch) or $349 (13-inch) youll pay if you want to add the new Magic Keyboard, nor does it factor in the $129 for the Apple Pencil Pro. Youll have to pony up to make the new iPad Pro as much like a MacBook as possible: It will cost you almost what youd pay for an entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 chip. On the slightly brighter side, you get more storage this time around. The 2024 iPad Pro starts with 256GB, double the 128GB in the 2022 model. Moving up from there, the other storage tiers are identical to its predecessor (ranging up to 2TB for those with Scrooge McDuck bank accounts). Full specs comparison Heres a table showing the full specs comparison between the 2024 and 2022 iPad Pro models, including separate charts for the 13 / 12.9-inch and 11-inch variants. 13-inch iPad Pro (2024) vs. 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2022) 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2024) 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2022) Price $1,299, $1,499, $1,899, $2,299 $1,099, $1,199, $1,399, $1,799, $2,199 Dimensions 281.16 x 215.5 x 5.1 mm (11.09 x 8.48 x 0.20 inch) 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm (11.04 x 8.46 x 0.25 inch) Weight 1.28 pounds / 579 grams (Wi-Fi) 1.28 pounds / 582 grams (cellular) 1.5 pounds / 682 grams (Wi-Fi) 1.51 pounds / 685 grams (cellular) Processor M4 M2 Display 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR 2752 x 2064 (264 ppi) 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR 2732 x 2048 (264 ppi) Storage 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB Battery 38.99 Wh 10 hrs (Wi-Fi), 9 hrs (cellular) 40.88 Wh 10 hrs (Wi-Fi), 9 hrs (cellular) Camera Back: 12MP, /1.8 Front: 12MP, /2.4 Back: 12MP wide, /1.8 / 10MP ultrawide, /2.4 Front: 12MP, /2.4 Compatible Apple accessories Magic Keyboard (2024) Apple Pencil Pro Magic Keyboard (2020) Apple Pencil (2nd generation) 11-inch iPad Pro (2024) vs. 11-inch iPad Pro (2022) 11-inch iPad Pro (2024) 11-inch iPad Pro (2022) Price $999, $1,199, $1,599, $1,999 $799, $899, $1,099, $1,499, $1,899 Dimensions 249.7 x 177.5 x 5.9 mm (9.83 x 6.99 x 0.21 inch) 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm (9.74 x 7.02 x 0.23 inch) Weight 0.98 pound / 444 grams (Wi-Fi) 0.98 pound / 446 grams (cellular) 1.03 pound / 466 grams (Wi-Fi) 1.04 pound / 470 grams (cellular) Processor M4 M2 Display 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR Tandem OLED 2420 x 1668 (264 ppi) 11-inch Liquid Retina LED 2388 x 1668 (264 ppi) Storage 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB Battery 31.29 Wh 10 hrs (Wi-Fi), 9 hrs (cellular) 28.65 Wh 10 hrs (Wi-Fi), 9 hrs (cellular) Camera Back: 12MP, /1.8 Front: 12MP, /2.4 Back: 12MP wide, /1.8 / 10MP ultrawide, /2.4 Front: 12MP, /2.4 Compatible Apple accessories Magic Keyboard (2024) Apple Pencil Pro Magic Keyboard (2020) Apple Pencil (2nd generation) Stay tuned for Engadgets full review of the 2024 model. In the meantime, you can recap Nathan Ingrahams initial impressions of the new iPad Pro and Apple Pencil Pro , Devindra Hardawars recap of the new models features and Sam Rutherfords run-through of the new M4 chip . Follow all of the news live from Apple's 'Let Loose' event right here . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ipad-pro-2024-vs-2022-whats-changed-202056821.html?src=rss

Meta is expanding its paid verification service for businesses

Meta is expanding its paid verification service for businesses, adding three new tiers to the program that offers extra perks to companies willing to pay a monthly subscription. The company began testing the service, called Meta Verified, with businesses last fall after rolling out a paid verification for individuals. With the new plans, which are coming first to Australia, and New Zealand, Meta is offering a much wider range of services to business owners that rely on its platform. Under the new structure, the basic standard plan is $14.99/month. It offers a verification badge, higher ranking in search, impersonation protection, the ability to add links to images and access to customer support. (Each subscription covers a single Facebook or Instagram account, the program is expected to roll out to WhatsApp soon.) While that base plan is now the same price for businesses as it is for individuals, companies will pay a hefty premium for the extra perks. There are three additional tiers for business owners to choose from: the $44.99/month plus plan, the $119.99 premium plan and $349.99/month max plan. Each of these includes additions like the ability to add links to a Reels posts, fast-tracked customer support and more profile customization options. Meta The most expensive plan also expands impersonation protection to up to five employees as well as extra customer service perks. It includes a semiannual account review, which will consist of personalized guidance on their content strategy. And it allows account owners to request a phone call from a Meta customer service representative for help with account issues and other problems. During a briefing with reporters, Metas VP of new monetization experiences Pratiti Raychoudhury said the expansion of Meta Verified is meant to meet businesses where they are in their journey on our apps. She said Meta will continue to tweak its offerings as more companies sign up for verification. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/meta-is-expanding-its-paid-verification-service-for-businesses-200412634.html?src=rss

Redfall review: multiplayer sucks the life out of a promising vampire shooter

Single and multiplayer are at odds with one another in the messy vampire shooter Redfall from Arkane Studios.

Grab a copy of Fallout 76 on Xbox Series X|S for only $6 today

Millions of viewers have been following the new Fallout TV show, and if youre one of them then youre likely already familiar with its video-game roots. For those who enjoyed Fallout 3 and 4 and have yet to jump into Fallout 76, we have the prequel for a remarkably low price today. more

Android game and app deals: Roundguard, No Place for Bravery, Stardash, Zenge, more

This afternoons roundup of Google Play app and game deals for your Android devices is now ready to go. On your way down, stop by todays up to $200 in savings on unlocked Samsung Galaxy S24/+ smartphones as well as the Samsung GalaxyTab A9+ Android tablets now starting from just $170 . As for the apps, highlights include Roundguard, No Place for Bravery, Stardash, Zenge, Scalak, Bleentoro, and more. Head below for a closer look at all of todays best Android game and app deals. more

Record gameplay with UGREENs 1080p/60fps capture card at $42.50 (First price drop)

UGREENs official Amazon storefront is offering its 1080p/60fps Video Capture Card for $42.50 shipped once the on-page 15% off coupon has been clipped . Launched roughly six months ago, todays discount marks the first price drop on this capture card from UGREEN. With a retail price of $50, this offering was already a good deal and now its even better thanks to the on-page coupon. It doesnt matter if you have a PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, this capture card from UGREEN is ready to work with any of them. It accepts a 4K input, and outputs to your computer in 1080p at 60fps using software such as OBS, XSplit, PotPlayer, and more. This unit affordably paves the way towards your own YouTube channel and Twitch stream. Ports include USB-C, 2x HDMI, and 2x 3.5mm/AUX. Continue reading to find yet another model on sale. more

This $65 iPhone 15 Plus leather wallet folio case is unbelievably just $5 today

Macworld A new iPhone case doesnt just bring protection, it can bring style, class, and functionality too. Todays deal brings all that at an insanely low price: Amazons Woot is selling the Case-Mate Leather Wallet Folio for the iPhone 15 Plus for just $5 , a ridiculous $60 off the MSRP and the lowest price youll ever find for a case this good. This case doesnt just look good with soft genuine pebbled black leather, it also adds space for 3 credit cards, an ID card, and cash that doubles as a stand for watching movies. It also has built-in RFID shielding to protect your card information from identity theft with innovative blocking material. Its also MagSafe compatible so you wont lose easy charging. On the protection side, it has 12-ft drop protection with soft cushion corners to safeguard your iPhone 15 Plus against drops, bumps, dirt, or scratches. It also has raised bezels around the corners to keep your screen safe after a drop. This case comes with a 90-day Woot warranty and includes free shipping for Amazon Prime members. We havent tested it ourselves, but it has 4.5 stars with more than 400 ratings on Amazon , where it still sells for $65. iPhone

The Beats Fit Pro wireless earbuds are on sale for $160 right now

Beats might have some new audio gear to blab about, but its older models are nothing to sniff at, especially when you can score solid deals on them. Take, for instance, the Beats Fit Pro . Those true wireless earbuds have dropped by $40 to $160 . That matches the Black Friday price and it's just $10 more than the all-time low. The Beats Fit Pro are our pick for the best workout headphones as well as our top choice for headphones for running . They're rated for IPX4 water resistance, which is always welcome to have while you're working up a sweat. They're comfortable to wear and have solid battery life (six hours plus an extra 21 hours from the charging case). None of that would matter if the Beats Fit Pro sounded terrible, but they deliver great sound quality with the help of Adaptive EQ. Spatial audio is always a nice feature to have, while the active noise cancellation and transparency modes are solid. Multipoint connectivity is a plus too. On the downside, we thought that the charging case felt cheap with a poor build quality. We also found it too easy to accidentally press the onboard controls. Still, if you're looking for a pair of earbuds for your workouts, you can't get much better than the Beats Fit Pro right now. Elsewhere, the Beats Studio Pro are also on sale. At $180, they're effectively half off and just $10 more than the record low of $170. Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-beats-fit-pro-wireless-earbuds-are-on-sale-for-160-right-now-190035110.html?src=rss

You can now buy a Pixel Tablet without a dock for $400, if thats your bag

Google has made the 128GB Pixel Tablet available as a standalone device , without the charging dock. It costs $400, as compared to around $500 at most outlets with the dock. This is a great deal on paper, but theres one elephant-sized caveat. We had some issues with the tablet on its own and were mostly enamored by that dock. You cant cast streaming content to the device without the dock, which is one major negative. We also found the camera placement to be slightly awkward, particularly when participating in video calls. The 2,560 x 1,600 LCD panel isnt as vibrant as an OLED panel, but it gets the job done. All of the specs of this device are just fine but, at $400, thats probably to be expected. The dock brings some nifty stuff to the table, like a durable stand, fantastic speakers and, of course, charging. However, there are some things that the Pixel Tablet excels at, even without that charging dock. The battery life is superb, lasting well over 21 hours per charge at 50 percent brightness. Thatll handle even the longest international flight. We also found the tablet to be useful as a smart display, particularly if youve fully bought into the Google smart home ecosystem. This price drop is part of a larger announcement that includes a brand new smartphone. The Pixel 8a is a budget-friendly way to get involved with Googles robust suite of AI tools , like Gemini, Best Take and Audio Magic Eraser. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/you-can-now-buy-a-pixel-tablet-without-a-dock-for-400-if-thats-your-bag-185329549.html?src=rss

Apple Pencil comparison: 1st-gen, 2nd-gen, USB-C, or Pro which is best for your iPad?

Today, Apple unveiled the new Apple Pencil Pro to make the Apple Pencil lineup a crazy mess. Still, there are actually two accessories you should The post Apple Pencil comparison: 1st-gen, 2nd-gen, USB-C, or Pro which is best for your iPad? appeared first on BGR .

Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks have been shut down

Microsoft has shuttered three ZeniMax teams: Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks and Alpha Dog Studios. The company is also folding Roundhouse Games into Zenimax Online Studios. Arkane Austin is the home of Prey and Redfall , while Tango is responsible for The Evil Within , Ghostwire Tokyo and Hi-Fi Rush . Alpha Dog is the creator of Mighty Doom and Roundhouse was a support studio for ZeniMax projects. In an email to employees, Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty outlined the upheaval, stating that some workers would transition to other teams under ZeniMax's purview. Most employees, however, will be let go. Here's Booty's breakdown of the layoffs for each affected studio: Arkane Austin This studio will close with some members of the team joining other studios to work on projects across Bethesda. Arkane Austin has a history of making impactful and innovative games and it is a pedigree that everyone should be proud of. Redfalls previous update will be its last as we end all development on the game. The game and its servers will remain online for players to enjoy and we will provide make-good offers to players who purchased the Hero DLC. Alpha Dog Studios This studio will also close. We appreciate the teams creativity in bringing Doom to new players. Mighty Doom will be sunset on August 7 and we will be turning off the ability for players to make any purchases in the game. Tango Gameworks Tango Gameworks will also close. We are thankful for their contributions to Bethesda and players around the world. Hi-Fi Rush will continue to be available to players on the platforms it is today. Roundhouse Games The team at Roundhouse Games will be joining ZeniMax Online Studios (ZOS). Roundhouse has played a key role in many of our recent game launches and bringing them into ZOS to work on The Elder Scrolls Online will mean we can do even more to grow the world that millions of players call home. Additionally, a small number of roles across select Bethesda publishing and corporate teams will also be eliminated, Booty's email says. In summary, at least when it comes to the games: Redfall development has been stopped completely and people who spent $100 on the game's Bite Back edition will be eligible for a partial refund to compensate for the DLC they never received . Sign ups for the refund are right here . Hi-Fi Rush will remain playable. Mighty Doom will shut down on August 7. The remaining studios under ZeniMax Media, which is owned by Microsoft, are Arkane Lyon, Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, MachineGames, ZeniMax Online Studios, and the Bethesda publishing and corporate teams. Arkane Lyon is currently building Marvel's Blade and it's the home of Deathloop and the Dishonored franchise. The co-creative director of Arkane Lyon, Dinga Bakaba, shared his reaction to the layoffs on X with the following thread: This is absolutely terrible. Permission to be human : to any executive reading this, friendly reminder that video games are an entertainment/cultural industry, and your business as a corporation is to take care of your artists/entertainers and help them create value for you. Don't throw us into gold fever gambits, don't use us as strawmen for miscalculations/blind spots, don't make our work environments darwinist jungles. You say we make you proud when we make a good game. Make us proud when times are tough. We know you can, we seen it before. For now, great teams are sunsetting before our eyes again, and it's a fucking gut stab. Lyon is safe, but please be tactful and discerning about all this, and respect affected folks' voice and leave it room to be heard, it's their story to tell, their feelings to express. Microsoft purchased ZeniMax Media including Bethesda, id Software, Arkane and Tango in 2021 for $7.5 billion. The acquisition marked an escalation of Microsoft's efforts to eat the entire industry : The company acquired five mid-size teams in 2018, including Compulsion Games and Ninja Theory, and by February 2019, there were 13 studios under the Xbox Game Studios banner. The ZeniMax purchase cleared regulators in 2021, setting the stage for Microsoft to buy Activision Blizzard, one of the largest game producers in the world. The Activision Blizzard acquisition was the most expensive in Microsoft's history, costing around $69 billion. After nearly two years of regulatory negotiations, the purchase was cleared in February 2023. It's not just Microsoft making the video game industry smaller. Sony, Take-Two Interactive, Tencent, Epic Games and publishers of all sizes have been gobbling up talent in a rash of post-pandemic corporate consolidation, and this has led to an avalanche of mass layoffs in the industry. In 2023, an estimated 10,500 people in video games lost their jobs, breaking previous annual layoff records. Prior to today's studio closures, roughly 9,400 video game workers had been fired in 2024, setting a pace that should outstrip last year's figures. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/arkane-austin-and-tango-gameworks-have-been-shut-down-183913558.html?src=rss

All Incantations and how to unlock them in Hades 2

Melino is a witch, so she can concoct some special Incantations in her cauldron. Here are all the ones we've found and how to unlock them in Hades 2.

Skip brand names and cash in on this adjustable aluminum laptop stand at $17 (Save 37%)

OMOTONs authorized Amazon storefront is offering its LA09 Adjustable Laptop Stand for $16.99 Prime shipped. If you arent a Prime member, you can still score free shipping by checking out with $35+ of items that are shipped by Amazon. This laptop stand has only been on the market for a matter of months and first sold for as high as $40. Over time it has settled closer to $27, making todays offer a notable 37% discount that has only happened once before. Its time to streamline your desk and boost ergonomics with this affordable laptop stand. It costs a fraction of name-brand solutions and sports a plethora of additional features. One obvious example of this is the ability to tweak its height and angle. This is a huge perk in terms of ergonomics, which should help reduce neck strain by allowing you to keep the top of your screen aligned with your eyes. Youll also benefit from a collapsible design that makes it much easier to travel with. Continue reading for more. more

Pre-order the Google Pixel 8a from Amazon or Best Buy and get a free $100 gift card

Just moments after Google announced its latest smartphone , both Amazon and Best Buy swooped in with deals to convince you to get yours from one of them. Right now, the Pixel 8a is open for pre-orders at Google's storefront , but if you go through Amazon, you'll get a physical $100 Amazon gift card once the phone ships. Purchase through Best Buy and you'll get a$100 gift card for its store, plus a one-month membership to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Whichever way you go, your new phone will ship May 14, the same day as Google's I/O developer conference . On both Amazon and Best Buy, the offer apples to the 128GB model in any of the four colorways, including the new Aloe hue. The model with a larger 256GB capacity , a first for A-series Pixel phones, goes for $559 and also includes the $100 gift card, but only if you order it in Obsidian. New for this latest generation of Google's most affordable smartphone is a screen that's a little brighter and smoother thanks to a higher peak brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate. The battery is slightly larger than it was on the Pixel 7a and software improvements should help it last longer. The camera array stayed the same as with the previous generation, but a few more of Google's AI tricks, like Best Take and Magic Editor should help you get more out of what the lenses pick up. Engadget's Sam Rutherford had a chance to check out the new Pixel 8a ahead of its release and, while a full review is still forthcoming, he said the new handset is shaping up to once again be the mid-range Android phone to beat. And if a $100 gift card sweetens the deal for you at all, now might be a good time to pre-order. Amazon says its deal will run through 5/19 or until supplies run out, so if you want to wait to see what we think, you may have some time. 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/pre-order-the-google-pixel-8a-from-amazon-or-best-buy-and-get-a-free-100-gift-card-181519020.html?src=rss

Michelle Yeoh just got cast to lead Amazon's Blade Runner show

Its been a while since weve had an update on Blade Runner 2099 , the sequel series heading to Amazon Prime Video. The cast list is starting to take shape, as Oscar-winner and all-around icon Michelle Yeoh is set to play a lead role, as reported by Variety . Plot details are being kept under wraps, but Variety has a source that says Yeoh will play a character named Olwen, who has been described as a replicant near the end of her life. Thats pretty much all we know about the story, aside from the fact that it's set 50 years after Denis Villeneuves critically acclaimed Blade Runner 2049 . This is likely due to the fact that well be nowhere near the level of tech shown in that film when we actually hit the year 2049. The original Blade Runner , after all, was set in 2019. Franchise creator Ridley Scott is involved in some capacity, but not as showrunner. That duty falls to TV writer Silka Luisa, who recently ran the Apple TV+ adaptation of the book Shining Girls . The show was great, so color me optimistic. As for Yeoh, what more can be said? She won a long-deserved Oscar for her work in Everything, Everywhere, All at Once and has been involved with classic films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon , Sunshine and Tomorrow Never Dies , among many others. She spent a few seasons hamming it up on Star Trek: Discovery , and her character is getting a spinoff film that will likely release later this year. The actress also just received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, so this has been a big month. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/michelle-yeoh-just-got-cast-to-lead-amazons-blade-runner-show-180312046.html?src=rss

The best iPad for 2024: How to pick the best Apple tablet for you

Finding the best iPad for you can be complicated. Between the 10th-generation iPad , the iPad Air and the iPad Pro , Apple sells three roughly 11-inch tablets with key differences in terms of internal components and accessory support. With the most recent refresh to the iPad lineup, the company now sells two 13-inch slates as well. And the iPad mini is still hanging around, too. If youre looking to buy a new iPad, weve tested each model and rounded up the best values of the bunch. Editors note (5/7/24) : Apple has announced a quartet of new iPads, including overhauled 11- and 13-inch iPad Pros with OLED displays, thinner designs and faster M4 chips, a refreshed 11-inch iPad Air with an updated M2 chip and an all-new iPad Air with a 13-inch display. Theres a new Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro as well. As part of the updates, the 10th-gen model has permanently dropped in price to $350 , while the 9th-gen iPad has been discontinued. All of the new devices are currently available for pre-order now. Updated versions of the base iPad and iPad mini are still reportedly expected later in 2024. Our picks below may still work for a few people who desperately want an older model at a discount, but everyone else should wait to see how the new hardware stacks up. Well have full reviews in the near future and will update our advice accordingly. FAQs Photo by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget How long do iPads typically last? If history is any indication, expect Apple to update your iPad to the latest version of iPadOS for at least five years, if not longer. The new iPadOS 17 update , for example, is available on iPad Pros dating back to 2017 and other iPads dating back to 2018. How long your iPads hardware will last depends on which model you buy and how well you maintain it (if youre particularly clumsy, consider an iPad case ). A more powerful iPad Pro will feel fast for a longer time than an entry-level iPad, but each model should remain at least serviceable until Apple stops updating it, at minimum. Whats the difference between the iPad and the iPad Air? Compared to the 10th-gen iPad, the 5th-gen iPad Air runs on a stronger M1 chip (instead of the A14 Bionic) and has twice as much RAM (8GB instead of 4GB). Having an M-series SoC gives the Air access to certain iPadOS features such as Stage Manager . Its display supports a wider P3 color gamut, has an anti-reflective coating and is fully laminated. Being laminated means theres no air gap between the display and the glass covering it, so it feels more like youre directly touching whats on screen instead of interacting with an image below the glass. The Air also works with Apples latest Pencil stylus, Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio. Its USB-C port supports data transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps (the iPads goes up to 480 Mbps). Although the two tablets look very similar, the Air is marginally lighter (1.02 pounds instead of 1.05 pounds) and thinner (0.24 inches instead of 0.28 inches). The 10th-gen iPad is less expensive than the iPad Air, with an MSRP starting at $449 instead of $599. Its the only iPad with a front-facing camera along the long edge of the tablet, which can be a more natural position for video calls. It also supports Bluetooth 5.2, whereas the Air uses Bluetooth 5.0. It works with the first-gen and USB-C Apple Pencils which are more convoluted to charge and a unique keyboard accessory called the Magic Keyboard Folio . Apple also sells the 9th-gen iPad, as we detail above. That one uses a more dated design language with larger bezels, a Home button and a Lightning port, but it starts at $329. How do I take a screenshot on an iPad? As we note in our screenshot how-to guide , you can take a screenshot on your iPad by pressing the top button and either volume button at the same time. If you have an older iPad with a Home button, simultaneously press the top button and the Home button instead. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-ipads-how-to-pick-the-best-apple-tablet-for-you-150054066.html?src=rss

SanDisk just debuted it highest-capacity external desktop solid-state drive yet

Today, SanDisk is debuting its highest-capacity external desktop solid state drive yet. The new SanDisk Desk Drive a sort of desktop hard drive-like product, but with a solid-state storage system on the inside. WD is marketing the new drive as such, delivering a desktop SSD that forgoes the compact form-factor of the mainstream portable SSDs for a large capacity solution that requires a power cable. Now available for purchase at select retailers, you can dive into the details down below. more

Disney+ will start showing some live sports from ESPN this year

Some live sports and studio shows from ESPN will start appearing on Disney+ this year. Disney CEO Bob Iger told investors on an earnings call that this follows an encouraging start for Hulu programming on the company's namesake streaming service . By the end of this calendar year, we will be adding an ESPN tile to Disney+, giving all US subscribers access to select live games and studio programming within the Disney+ app, Iger said . We see this as a first step to bringing ESPN to Disney+ viewers, as we ready the launch of our enhanced standalone ESPN streaming service in the fall of 2025 . Iger also noted that ESPN+ subscribers will also be able to access content from that service through the new Disney+ tile, so Disney bundle subscribers will more or less have everything in one app. Iger didn't reveal exactly what sports Disney would make available to everyone on Disney+, but made it clear that it would only bring a modest amount of programming over from ESPN. The company is also working with Fox Sports and Warner Bros. Discovery on another sports streaming service that's slated to arrive later this year and will include games from the NFL, MLB, NHL and NBA. Meanwhile, Disney+ just had its first profitable quarter in its four and a half years of existence. The service had been expected to lose $100 million in the first three months of 2024, but it actually posted a $47 million profit surely aided by Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concert film debuting on the platform in March. However, Disney's streaming business as a whole (which also includes Hulu and ESPN+) lost $18 million during the quarter. That's still a vast improvement over the $659 million that side of the business lost a year earlier as Disney edges toward overall profitability in streaming. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/disney-will-start-showing-some-live-sports-from-espn-this-year-173524610.html?src=rss

ESRs feature-packed Geo Wallet has MagSafe, Apple Find My, a stand, more at $30.50 (New low)

An official ESR Amazon storefront is now offering the companys MagSafe Geo Wallet with Apple Find My for $30.59 shipped once the on-page 10% off coupon has been clipped . Generally youd have to spend $40 to score this wallet, but stacking a direct discount with the on-page coupon takes nearly $10 off. With 24% of savings in tow, this deal marks the very first time weve seen it go this low. If youve been on the hunt for a new wallet, this feature-packed offering shouldnt be overlooked. Its made with iPhone users in mind, wielding support for MagSafe (a feature thats built in to every iPhone 12 and later). Youll also stand to benefit from full Apple Find My support. This means that not only will you be able to spot it on a map, but youll also be able to make it play a sound and even receive automatic notifications if your iPhone detects that is has been left behind. Several more features are in tow as well, so continue reading to learn more. more

Adobe's full Creative Cloud suite is 40 percent off in a rare deal

Designers, photographers and other creators may want to check out this deal from Adobe. From now through May 13, first-time subscribers can save 40 percent on the monthly cost of the Creative Cloud All Apps plan for a full year. That brings the price down from a hefty $60 per month to a slightly more palatable $36. To get the deal, you'll need to agree to a 12-month subscription commitment. After the year is up, the plan will automatically renew at the regular price, unless you cancel. If you want to pay for the whole year at once, it'll run you $396, which is also 40 percent of the standard $660. Creative Cloud All Apps includes online access to Adobe stalwarts like Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, Illustrator, and InDesign, plus about 20 additional apps including Firefly , the text-to-image generative AI tool and the social-content-focused Adobe Express. The plan also comes with 100GB of cloud storage, tutorials, Adobe Fonts and 1,000 credits per month to use towards generative AI creation in Firefly and others. Adobe doesn't often run discounts on their service, so this is a rare opportunity to catch a break on the tools that, for some creative pursuits, are tough to replace. The $36 monthly price tag is likely the closest most of us will get to the enviable student and teacher pricing of $20 per month. 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/adobes-full-creative-cloud-suite-is-40-percent-off-in-a-rare-deal-170847284.html?src=rss

Jackery flash sale takes up to 42% off power stations, bundles, and accessories from $100

Jackery has a short-term flash sale currently going through tomorrow, May 8, that is taking up to 42% off a selection of power stations and bundles. One of the notable standouts among the offers is the Explorer 2000 Pro with two 200W Solar Panels for $1,899 shipped , after using the on-page coupon/promo code MAY1400 at checkout for $1,400 off. Down from $3,299, this particular combo usually only sees discounts on occasion during big sales and holiday events, with 2023 never seeing it fall below $2,000. In the new year weve seen prices fall lower, first to $1,999 in January and February and then to $1,899 since March. Todays deal comes in as a repeat 42% markdown off the going rate and lands as a return to the all-time lowest price we have tracked. more

Netflix subscribers are getting five games, including Sonic Mania Plus

Sonic Mania Plus, Katana Zero, Braid: Anniversary Edition, and more are all coming to the Netflix Games catalog this month.

OpenAI says it can detect images made by its own software mostly

We all think were pretty good at identifying images made by AI. Its the weird alien text in the background. Its the bizarre inaccuracies that seem to break the laws of physics. Most of all, its those gruesome hands and fingers. However, the technology is constantly evolving and it wont be too long until we wont be able to tell whats real or not. Industry leader OpenAI is trying to get ahead of the problem by creating a toolset that detects images created by its own DALL-E 3 generator. The results are a mixed bag. OpenAI The company says it can accurately detect pictures whipped up by DALL-3 98 percent of the time, which is great. There are, though, some fairly big caveats. First of all, the image has to be created by DALL-E and, well, its not the only image generator on the block. The internet overfloweth with them. According to data provided by OpenAI , the system only managed to successfully classify five to ten percent of images made by other AI models. Also, it runs into trouble if the image has been modified in any way. This didnt seem to be a huge deal in the case of minor modifications, like cropping, compression and changes in saturation. In these cases, the success rate was lower but still within acceptable range at around 95 to 97 percent. Adjusting the hue, however, dropped the success rate down to 82 percent. OpenAI Now heres where things get really sticky. The toolset struggled when used to classify images that underwent more extensive changes. OpenAI didnt even publish the success rate in these cases, stating simply that other modifications, however, can reduce performance. This is a bummer because, well, its an election year and the vast majority of AI-generated images are going to be modified after the fact so as to better enrage people. In other words, the tool will likely recognize an image of Joe Biden asleep in the Oval Office surrounded by baggies of white powder, but not after the creator slaps on a bunch of angry text and Photoshops in a crying bald eagle or whatever. At least OpenAI is being transparent regarding the limitations of its detection technology. Its also giving external testers access to the aforementioned tools to help fix these issues, as reported by The Wall Street Journal . The company, along with bestie Microsoft, has poured $2 million into something called the Societal Resilience Fund , which hopes to expand AI education and literacy. Unfortunately, the idea of AI mucking up an election is not some faraway concept. Its happening right now. There have already been AI-generated election ads and disingenuous images used this cycle, and theres likely much more to come as we slowly, slowly, slowly (slowly) crawl toward November . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/openai-says-it-can-detect-images-made-by-its-own-software-mostly-170012976.html?src=rss

Apple reveals new AI-enhanced versions of Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro

Macworld Along with new iPad hardware at its Let Loose event, Apple announced new versions of its professional media creation apps, Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro. The iPad versions are updated to version 2, while the Mac versions get AI enhancements. Final Cut Pro for iPad and Mac Final Cut Pro for iPad 2 now has a new Live Multicam feature that allows users to connect and preview up to four cameras at once. Apple also announced Final Cut Camera, a new iPhone and iPad app that works with Live Multicam and provides adjustable settings such as white balance, manual focus, ISO, shutter speed, and zebra monitors and audio meters. Final Cut for iPad 2 can now work on projects saved to an external drive, and those projects can be brought into Final Cut Pro on the Mac. Other features include 12 new color-grading presets, eight basic text titles, 20 new soundtracks, and the ability to add additional dynamic backgrounds to create effect overlays and title sequences. The new Final Cut Pro 10.8 for Mac has new AI-based features. The new Enhance Light and Color feature offers one-step color improvement on SDR, HDR, RAW, and Log-encoded media. The new Smooth Slo-Mo feature blends frames together to create high-quality slow-motion effects. Other features include custom naming of color corrections and video effects, the ability to search clips with missing media or effects in the timeline, and text-based timeline search with information on reels, scenes, and camera angles. Final Cut Pro for iPad 2 is free to current users of the app. Its free for a month to new users and then $4.99 per month. Its also available for a $49 annual fee. Final Cut Camera will be available for free later this spring. The 10.8 update for Final Cut Pro for Mac is free to current users; new users can get a 90-day free trial, after which the app is $299.99 (one-time fee). Both the iPad and Mac apps will be available later this spring. Logic Pro for iPad and Mac Logic Pro for iPad 2 and Logic Pro for Mac 11 boasts new AI features to assist in the music-making process. The announced new features are in both the iPad and Mac versions. The new Session Players feature uses AI to create a backing band that responds directly to feedback, according to Apple. It implements the current Drummer and adds a new Bass Player and Keyboard Player. Stem Splitter allows the producer to take any audio file and separate it into four parts: Bass, Drums, Vocals, and Other Instruments. Then the producer can edit and apply effects to each track. ChromaGlow uses AI to adjust the tone with five different saturation styles to add ultrarealistic warmth, presence, and punch to any track. Logic Pro for iPad 2 is a free update to current users, while new users get a free trial for a month and then pay $4.99 monthly or $49 annually. Logic Pro for Mac 11 is free for current users, while new users get a free 90-day trial. After that, its a one-time purchase of $199.99. Both new versions of Logic Pro will be available on May 13. L earn more about the products announced at Apples May 7 Let Loose event . iPad, Mac, Professional Software

The M4 iPad Pro is literally lighter than Air

Apple refreshed its iPads in a major way today with new launches in both the iPad Pro and iPad Air lineups. Both have significant hardware updates, but somehow the iPad Pro now weighs less than all of its Air equivalents. The 11-inch iPad Pro is 0.98 pounds (444 grams for the Wi-Fi model and 446 grams with cellular), while the same size version of the iPad Air is 1.02 pounds (462 grams with no difference between the Wi-Fi and cellular models). The weight difference is more evident in the 13-inch tablets the iPad Air comes in that size for the first time. The 13-inch iPad Pro starts at 1.28 pounds (or 579 grams) for the Wi-Fi model, with the cellular version coming in three grams heavier. Meanwhile, though the Wi-Fi and LTE variants of the 13-inch iPad Air are only one gram apart, they both weigh 1.36 pounds, which is noticeably heavier than the iPad Pro. Apple says the latest iPad Pro is the thinnest product it has made, with a switch to dual OLED panels helping make the tablet more slender than ever. On the flip side, that makes the name of the iPad Air a little janky at this point. Sure, it's just a name and it doesn't matter that much. But at 1.03 pounds, the original Air was nearly half a pound lighter than the iPad 4 . The latest model is essentially the same weight, but it's now heavier and chonkier than the iPad Pro, making Apple's premium tablets literally lighter than Air. Follow all of the news live from Apple's 'Let Loose' event right here . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-m4-ipad-pro-is-literally-lighter-than-air-164942372.html?src=rss

Satechis Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub just fell to the best price of the year at $150 (Reg. $200)

The official Satechi Amazon storefront is now offering its Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub for $149.99 shipped. Regularly $200, this model is now seeing a solid $50 price drop to deliver the lowest price we can find. Todays offer clocks in as the lowest price we have tracked all year and is a match for the second-best total we have seen on Amazon since its debut there in 2023. Only once have we seen it go for less, and that was a short-lived Black Friday offer at $140 in late November. Satechi, as any avid 9to5Toys reader will know, is one of our favorite Apple gear and tech accessory makers out there, and nows your shot to land one of its Thunderbolt 4 hubs on your work surface. Head below for more details. more

Keep your desk and keyboard free of debris with Ankers eufy HomeVac H11 at 40% off, now $36

eufys official Amazon storefront is now offering its HomeVac H11 Cordless Handheld Vacuum for $35.98 shipped. Typically sold for $60, todays offer slashes 40% off, making this a great time to strike. Need more convincing? Well, it just so happens that this markdown is a match for the best price weve tracked since 2022. If youre anything like me, a dirty desk can be a huge distraction. I try to keep clutter to a minimum, but sometimes crumbs, pet hair, and other types of debris end up on my desk and creep towards my keyboard. Thats where a handheld vacuum like this one comes in handy. I use one every day or two to keep things looking great, and for a little bit of cash, you can have this eufy unit always within reach too. Continue reading to learn the specifics about this model. more

What the heck is going on with Helldivers 2?

In the last five days, Helldivers 2 was removed from the PC market in 177 countries and the games Steam reviews collapsed under the weight of more than 200,000 negative ratings, dropping from Positive to Mixed. Its now Tuesday and the Helldivers 2 Steam page is overrun with people ranting against Sony and celebrating democracy, and for anyone taking their first glance at the game, its all a bit confusing. Heres whats going on. Helldivers 2 is a third-person co-op shooter developed by independent team Arrowhead Game Studios and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It went live on PlayStation 5 and Steam on February 8, marking a rare instance of cross-platform parity from Sony. Immediately, Helldivers 2 was a hit on PC it clocked more concurrent players on Steam than any other PlayStation game, beating God of War , Spider-Man Remastered , Horizon Zero Dawn and The Last of Us Part I . Helldivers 2 was so popular in its first few weeks that Arrowheads servers had trouble meeting demand and had to be capped at 450,000 players. I am completely exhausted by the success, Arrowhead CEO Johan Pilestedt tweeted one week post-launch. So is the team, many, many late nights, on-calls, emergency meetings, discussions around server capacity, shards, capacity units, CPU utilization, login rates and CCU. Tired, but very, very pleased. Sony Interactive Entertainment Helldivers 2 is one of the first tests of Sonys long-term multiplatform goals. While Pilestedt was taking stock of Helldivers 2 s launch week, Sony executives were telling investors about their fresh plans to aggressively chase revenue streams on PC. Sony president Hiroki Totoki said the objective was to proactively work on releasing first-party games on PC alongside PlayStation, a shift from the companys longstanding console-first approach. Helldivers 2 isnt a first-party Sony game, but its console-exclusive to PlayStation 5 and Sony has been supporting its development as its publisher. As long as Helldivers 2 has had a Steam page, its also had a dijon-yellow notification box alerting players that theyll need to link up a PlayStation Network account in order to play. According to Sony, account linking is all in the name of security and cross-platform play, but of course it also helps boost the studios PSN monthly active user numbers. Due to the games early network issues, Sony decided to postpone the account-linking requirement when Helldivers 2 went live on Steam on February 8. It hit the digital PC storefront for $40 with no notable region or account-linkage restrictions. For nearly three months, Helldivers 2 had its moment in the sun. And then it started to burn. On Thursday, May 2, Sony announced that all Helldivers 2 Steam players would be required to log into their PSN accounts in order to continue accessing the game on PC. The requirement would go live for new players on May 6, and existing players would start seeing a mandatory login prompt at the end of the month. Due to technical issues at the launch of Helldivers 2 , we allowed the linking requirements for Steam accounts to a PlayStation Network account to be temporarily optional, Sonys announcement said. That grace period will now expire. Usually this wouldnt be a massive issue, since PSN accounts are free and its relatively painless to link one to Steam. However, Helldivers 2 had been sold around the world, and PSN is only available in 73 countries. That would leave well over 100 countries and territories in the lurch, with those players unable to play a game they'd already paid for. Refunds were also out of the question for most players especially the most dedicated ones since Steam generally limits those to games thatve been played for less than two hours. The bad reviews started pouring in. Sony Interactive Entertainment Neither Arrowhead nor Sony seemed to know what to do next. Sony published an FAQ in the Helldivers 2 Discord that didnt offer solutions, and instead seemed to advise affected players to create PSN accounts in different countries, a violation of the platforms terms. It became readily apparent through tweets and Discord updates that while Sony was the driving force behind the PSN requirement, Arrowhead developers kind of hated it. They even encouraged the review riot. I want people to make their displeasure known in a place where it might actually make a difference, Steam reviews and refund requests will do that, angry posting in the Discord wont, Arrowhead associate community manager Spitz posted in the games Discord server on Friday. Im not happy about this decision either. Over the weekend, more than 200,000 people posted negative reviews of Helldivers 2 on Steam, tanking its overall rating. On Sunday, May 5, Sony silently removed Helldivers 2 from Steam in 177 countries and territories that dont have access to PSN. That same day, Arrowhead CEO Pilestedt tweeted , We are talking solutions with PlayStation, especially for non-PSN countries. Your voice has been heard, and I am doing everything I can to speak for the community but I don't have the final say. Sony Interactive Entertainment On May 6, the day the PSN requirement was set to go live for new players, Sony backtracked . The company tweeted that its account-linking plans would not be moving forward. The message continued, Were still learning what is best for PC players and your feedback has been invaluable. Thanks again for your continued support of Helldivers 2 and well keep you updated on future plans. Helldivers 2 is now available in every region that has Steam, with the option to link a PSN account. Its PC review score is slowly recovering as the rioters return to adjust their rankings, now alongside cheeky messages about the power of democracy. On Monday, Pilestedt quoted Sonys reversal tweet and added , Firstly, I am impressed by the willpower of the @helldivers2 community and your ability to collaborate. Secondly I want to thank our partners and friends at @PlayStation for quickly and effectively making the decision to leave PSN linking optional. We together want to set a new standard for what a live game is, and how developers and community can support each other to create the best game experiences. With Helldivers 2 , the account-linking issue was easily avoidable. Sony was knowingly selling a game to people who wouldnt be able to play it but first, it gave them a paid trial and three months of false hope. At best, it looks like Sony was completely unaware of the logistics that would support its bold new PC strategy. At worst, it all feels mildly diabolical. Sony Interactive Entertainment Its unclear what the 2024 Helldivers 2 Steam riots will mean for future Sony games on PC, but theres another test coming up soon with the release of Ghost of Tsushima Directors Cut on May 16. Just like Helldivers 2 , the games Steam page contains a little yellow rectangle warning players that it requires a PSN account for online multiplayer and the PlayStation overlay. According to SteamDB , Ghost of Tsushima is currently on sale in a handful of countries that dont have PSN. As the Helldivers 2 drama began to kick off on May 3, Ghost of Tsushima developer Sucker Punch Productions responded to a concerned fan on X with the following account-linking clarification: Just so you are aware, A PSN account is required for Legends online multiplayer mode and to use PlayStation overlay. It is not required to play the singleplayer game. As long as the terms of engagement are clear and Sony doesn't attempt to pull the rug out from under players three months after the game comes out, that all sounds just fine. Account linking isn't a new or even rare scenario in gaming Microsoft (including Activision Blizzard), Ubisoft, Riot, EA and most other major video game studios require a proprietary sign-in to access their games on Steam and other third-party storefronts. The issue with Helldivers 2 wasn't account linking. The issue was Sony's short-sighted execution of a high-profile PC rollout and its poor communication with upset players after the fact. Most gaming fans want to see PlayStation titles on PC, and Sony wants to wring as much money out of its core franchises as possible by putting them on additional platforms this plan should be win-win. With Helldivers 2 , it's been more like win-lose-win, but at least we got there in the end. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/what-the-heck-is-going-on-with-helldivers-2-163829512.html?src=rss

TikTok is suing the US government to stop its app being banned

TikTok is officially challenging the law that could lead to a ban of the app in the United States. The company, which has long claimed that efforts to force a sale or ban of its app are unconstitutional, announced a lawsuit against the federal government. In the lawsuit, TikTok claims that a divestiture of its business from ByteDance is simply not possible, and that the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act violates the First Amendment. They claim that the Act is not a ban because it offers ByteDance a choice: divest TikToks U.S. business or be shut down, the suit states . But in reality, there is no choice. The qualified divestiture demanded by the Act to allow TikTok to continue operating in the United States is simply not possible: not commercially, not technologically, not legally. The filing of the lawsuit is the first beat in whats expected to be a lengthy legal battle over the law, which was passed last month. Under the law, TikTok has up to a year to separate itself from Chinese parent company ByteDance or face a ban in US app stores. However, legal challenges from TikTok could significantly delay that process. Free speech and digital rights groups have also opposed the law, saying that it could set a precedent for further bans. In its lawsuit, TikTok made a similar argument, and said that the alleged national security risks posed by its app are unproven . If Congress can do this, it can circumvent the First Amendment by invoking national security and ordering the publisher of any individual newspaper or website to sell to avoid being shut down, it says. The Act does not articulate any threat posed by TikTok Even the statements by individual Members of Congress and a congressional committee report merely indicate concern about the hypothetical possibility that TikTok could be misused in the future, without citing specific evidence. The filing also references Project Texas , the companys multibillion-dollar investment into separating US user data and other security measures, as the result of negotiations with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Those negotiations eventually stalled and CFIUS told the company last year it wanted TikTok to divest from ByteDance after all. TikTok says that, as part of those talks, it had already agreed to a shut-down option, which would give the government the authority to suspend TikTok in the United States if the company violated the terms of its agreement. Instead, TikTok says, Congress tossed this tailored agreement aside because it was politically expedient. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tiktok-is-suing-the-us-government-to-stop-its-app-being-banned-163132752.html?src=rss

Inside iPad Pro's new 'outrageously powerful' M4 chip, designed for AI workloads

Apple says M4's Neural Engine 'is faster than the neural processing unit of any AI PC today'.

Everything Apple announced during the Let Loose event

Macworld Apples Let Loose event has concluded and weve got everything you missed right here, including video from the event, coverage of all of the announcements, and a chronological live blog. Let Loose event: Everything Apple announced M4 processor with advanced Neural Engine and 50 percent speed boost over the M2 iPad Pro with M4 chip and OLED display iPad Air with M2 CHIP and new 13-inch model Apple Pencil Pro with squeeze gesture New Magic Keyboard with function row Let Loose event: How to watch You can re-watch the Apple event at a variety of places online , but the easiest is right here. Let Loose event: Live updates When the keynote begins, we will update this story with the new products as they are announced. Were expecting Apple to announce updates to the iPad Pro and iPad Air , as well as a new Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard. 9:55am ET: The stream is live on Apple.com with artistic graphics that clearly mimic painting and drawing on an iPad. 10am: The event has begun with an animated Apple Park intro and now Tim Cook. 10:01am: This is the biggest day for iPads since its introduction. 10:02am: MacBook Air is the worlds best-selling 13-inch and 15-inch laptop. 10:04am: Today we have some huge updates across the iPad lineup! 10:05am: John Ternus talking about iPad Air on a train for some reason. 10:06am: New iPad Air: 2 sizes, redesigned 11-inch, all-new 13-inch. Apple Apple Apple 10:07am: Larger iPad Air is inspired by iPad Pro where more than half of users choose the larger model. 10:08am: 13-inch model has double the bass 10:09am: New colors: Blue, purple, starlight, space gray 10:10am: Landscape front camera! Starting at 128GB, with new 512GB and 1TB options. 11-inch starts at $599. 13-inch starts at $799. preorder today, available next week. 10:11am: iPad Pro! 10:12am: Ternus: Today were going to crush the limits of what you can do on the iPad Pro. Apple Apple Apple 10:13am: All new impossibly thin, incredibly powerful iPad Pro. 11-inch and 13-inch model. Thinnest Apple product ever. 11-inch is less than a pound. Silver and space black. 10:15am: OLED displays, combines the light from two panels to deliver phenomenal brightness. Ultra Retina XDR 1,000 nits SDR, 1,600 nits peak HDR , deeper blacks, more detail, more responsive to content nano-texture glass option with less glare 10:17am: M4 chip! Huge leap in performance. 10:18am: Tim Millet: 2nd-gen 3nm tech. New display engine. CPU: 4 perf cores, 6 eff cores. 10-core GPU, dynamic caching, M4 delivers the same performance as M2 at half the power. 10:20am: Most powerful Neural engine, 38 trillion operations per second, outrageously powerful chip for AI, more powerful than any NPU in any computer 10:22am: Ternus: The new iPad Pro wouldnt be possible without M4. Up to 4 times faster than M2 model. Apple Apple Apple 10:23am: Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro 2! 10:24am: Final Cut camera lets you use iPhones for multi-angle shooting 10:26am: Logic Pro Sessions uses AI to generate instruments; Stem splitter takes any recording and separates it into 4 tracks 10:28am: iPad Pro uses AI to automatically recognize files and update lighting. 10:29am: Lanscape camera! New charging and pairing system for Apple Pencil. 10:30am: New Magic Keyboard. Thinner and lighter, matching colors. Function row, aluminum palm rest and larger trackpad. Feels just like using a MacBook 10:31am: Entirely new Apple Pencil Pro. New sensor in the barrel to enable new interactions. Squeeze gesture with feedback. Gyroscope lets you roll the pencil. Find My support. Pairs, charges, and stores magnetically on the side of iPad Pro. Developers can create custom interactions. Also works with Air. $129 Apple Apple Apple 10:35am: iPad Pro, double the storage, starts at $999 (11-inch), $1,299 (13-inch). 10:37am: 10th-gen iPad now starts at $349! 10:38am: Tim is wrapping up. Let Loose event: The latest rumors Apple Store down: It took longer than usual, but the Apple Store is down ahead of the event. Apple Pencil Pro: According to code spotted on the Apple Japan website while describing the main logo for the event, Apple is preparing to introduce an Apple Pencil Pro to its ever-growing family of Apple Pencils. It is said to have features like haptic feedback and a new squeeze gesture. Apple Pencil eraser: An interactive teaser on Apple.com suggests the Apple Pencil could have an eraser feature built into the device. Short and to the point: The keynote will reportedly last just over a half-hour , making it one of Apples shortest Special Events. iPad

Final Cut Pro for iPad gets support for external drives and live multicam recording

Apple is all over the place today on the hardware side of things, having just announced a slew of new iPads . However, some of Apples most beloved software is also getting some love. Theres a new version of the video editing suite Final Cut Pro for tablets that brings plenty of long-requested features. The big news for video editors? Final Cut Pro for iPad 2 (actual name) now supports external drives. Video editing projects are typically gigantic when you consider all of that raw footage. Its easy to fill up all of the available space of an iPad with footage from one or two scenes, let alone an entire project. This fixes a major barrier of entry for those curious about editing on a tablet. It also makes it easier to hand off footage to another editor or import footage to Final Cut Pro for Mac. The software is even bringing live multicam recording to iPads. This lets creators capture up to four different angles of a single scene spread across multiple devices. Everything connects wirelessly via a new app called Final Cut Camera, which gives a real-time directors view on four iPhones or iPads. Each feed has its own settings that can be adjusted, like focus, zoom and more. Editable preview clips immediately get passed on to Final Cut Pro for editing. As for customization options, Final Cut Pro for iPad 2 brings 12 new color-grading presets, eight basic text tiles, 20 new soundtracks and more dynamic backgrounds. These will be especially useful when creating title sequences and the like. Apple The Mac version of Final Cut Pro is also getting a fairly substantial update, with a focus on AI. The software leverages Apple silicons Neural Engine to bring a bit of AI flourish to basic editing tasks. The update allows users to change up colors, color balance, contrast and brightness all at the same time. Theres also something called Smooth Slo-Mo that pairs with AI, in which frames of video are intelligently generated and blended together, providing the highest-quality movement. The timeline has also been refreshed and looks a bit more intuitive. Finally, theres an update to Logic Pro for iPad , with a new session player feature and a stem splitter tool. The updates for Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for iPad are available for free to current users and cost $5 per month for new users, which is the same pricing model as last year when both software packages were first released . Final Cut Pro for Mac costs $300 for new users, but the update is free for pre-existing users. All of these updates drop later this spring. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/final-cut-pro-for-ipad-gets-support-for-external-drives-and-live-multicam-recording-161244729.html?src=rss

Everything announced at Apple's Let Loose iPad event

Another Apple event is in the books and, as expected, the Let Loose showcase was all about iPad. We now have our first Apple device powered by an M4 chip in the iPad Pro, with the company surprisingly choosing to debut it there rather than in a Mac. There's also an upgraded iPad Air that's available in two sizes: 11 inches and 13 inches. There are some accessory updates too, which isn't a big shock given that an Apple Pencil was prominent in the event's teaser image. So, without further ado, here's a rundown of everything Apple announced at its blessedly brief Let Loose event. iPad Pro It had been expected for a while that any updated iPad Pro would have an M3 chip, but Apple decided to upend the expectations of many by instead slotting the brand new M4 into its highest-end tablet. Apple says the new device delivers 50 percent faster performance than the M2 iPad Pro. Rendering performance is said to be four times faster than on the M2 Pro as well. For the first time on an iPad, Apple is bringing support for dynamic caching, hardware-accelerated ray tracing and hardware-accelerated mesh shading to the Pro with the M4. There are some power efficiencies here too. Apple says the M4 can deliver the same performance as an M2 using half the power. So, if you're using the tablet for tasks that aren't too strenuous, it stands to reason that the battery should last for longer. The other major upgrade for the iPad Pro is new display tech called Tandem OLED. As the name suggests, it uses two OLED panels layered on top of each other. That means this tablet should have richer colors and deeper blacks on what Apple is calling the Ultra Retina XDR display. Apple says the brightness levels max out at 1000 nits for standard and HDR, and 1600 nits for HDR. Despite the dual layer, the OLED panels are still thinner than an LCD display. To that end, Apple says the iPad Pro is now somehow thinner than an iPod nano ( RIP, you beautiful thing ), making it the company's most slender product ever. There's a nano-textured glass option for the first time on an iPad Pro too, but only if you opt for at least 1TB of storage. One other notable change is that the Ultra Wide 12MP front-facing camera is now on the landscape edge. The Magic Keyboard users out there may be pleased about that tweak. The new iPad Pro starts at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299 for the 13-inch, each with 256GB of storage. Add $200 to each of you want 5G cellular connectivity via eSIM. We've already had a hands-on with the iPad Pro and, at first glance, the display seems like the show stealer. M4 We have to chat a bit about what's powering the iPad Pro: the all-new M4 chipset . The Pro is the first Apple product to use the M4, even before any Mac. The M4 has a new CPU with four performance cores and six efficiency cores. There's a 10-core GPU as well. Notably, the chipset's neural engine is focused on machine learning and AI. Apple says the neural engine is capable of 38 trillion operations per second it's 60 times faster than the first neural engine that debuted in the A11 chip. AI features that the M4 will power on the iPad Pro will include real-time Live Captions, the ability to isolate subjects and remove backgrounds in videos in Final Cut Pro and automatic musical notation in StaffPad. Odds are high that we'll start seeing Macs with the M4 pop up later this year, which might put folks off from buying the M3 MacBook Air Apple started selling just a couple of months ago (though the company says the MBA is now the best-selling 13-inch and 15-inch laptop on the planet). The main reason for Apple skipping a silicon generation with the iPad Pro is likely to start a transition into AI hardware ahead of its Worldwide Developers Conference in June . Expect the company to talk much more about what it plans to do with AI across all its products next month. iPad Air Apple The iPad Air was well overdue for an update after being stuck with an aging M1 chipset for over two years. The latest model (or models) boast an M2 chipset. Still recent enough to make it a notable upgrade from the previous Air while keeping the more powerful iPad Pro distinct. As I mentioned, the iPad Air now comes in two sizes, the existing 11-inch form factor and the new, larger 13-inch variant. That makes the Air the most cost-effective large screen iPad as things stand. Oh, and the front-facing camera is also positioned on the longer edge of the Air now. Thanks, Apple. The company has doubled the base storage from the previous generation to 128GB. The 11-inch model starts at $599 and the new 13-inch Air is $799. For 5G cellular connectivity, you'll need to pay $250 extra. As with pretty much everything else Apple showed off today, the new iPad Air will drop next Wednesday. Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Apple There's a new Apple Pencil around town and it has some nifty tricks up its sleeve, including haptic feedback. The Apple Pencil Pro supports a new squeeze gesture too. If you rotate the barrel, you can change the orientation of brush and pen tools, just as you would with a pen and paper. Find My support for the first time in an Apple Pencil is very welcome, considering how easy it is too lose the dang thing if you don't store it securely on the side of your iPad. The Apple Pencil Pro costs $129 . Preorders are open today and it ships on May 15. Apple Meanwhile, there's a new Magic Keyboard that's only compatible with the iPad Pro. This one is made from aluminum to give it a more premium feel and perhaps help users believe that the iPad Pro is the laptop replacement Apple has long envisioned its tablets being. The latest version has a larger trackpad with haptic feedback, while there's a row of function keys, la a more traditional keyboard. The new Magic Keyboard also ships next week. If you want one for the 11-inch iPad Pro, it'll run you $300, while the larger variant is $350. Follow all of the news live from Apple's 'Let Loose' event right here . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/everything-announced-at-apples-let-loose-ipad-event-161005007.html?src=rss

iPad Air M2 hands-on: A big-screen iPad that doesn't break the bank

Compared to the iPad Pro, the changes Apple made to the iPad Air are more modest. Rather than a total redesign, the iPad Air is getting some expected and slightly overdue changes: a new screen size, a new processor and a front-facing camera that is placed on the landscape side of the tablet. Yes, that's some faint praise, but there's a lot to like about the new iPad Air. It's long been the best overall iPad, straddling the line between the budget entry model and the wildly powerful and expensive Pro lineup. That's the case here, again. But now that the 13-inch iPad Pro is even more pricey than before, it's good to see a large-screen iPad that doesn't cost well over $1,000. The 11-inch iPad Air is identical in size and weight to the old one, though the screen is .1 inches bigger this time. So there's not a whole lot to say about that one. The 13-inch Air, however, feels quite a bit like the old 12.9-inch iPad Pro that was just replaced today. Indeed, it's identical in all dimensions, but a little bit lighter (1.36 pounds instead of 1.5). Photo by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget That makes it a little more approachable as a hand-held tablet, though I still feel like an iPad this large is best suited to either be used in a keyboard dock or flat on a table with an Apple Pencil. That said, Apple says that about half of iPad Pro sales were for the larger model, so there's clearly an appetite for this bigger screen. There's definitely something luxurious about using such a large screen tablet, provided it's easy to handle, and that's the case with the iPad Air (at least in the limited time I've had so far to handle the device). I also got to try the new Apple Pencil Pro, which is compatible with the new Air. As I said here , the new tricks like barrel roll for changing the shape of your brush and a squeeze feature to bring up tools like a brush picker are solid additions, and I'm glad that Apple didn't increase the Pencil's price given these new features. Photo by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget These tablets might not have the wow factor that I experienced when checking out the iPad Pro, but that's OK. From my first look, it feels like the iPad Air lineup offers most of the same experience that you'll get with an iPad Pro at least in ways that normal buyers will recognize. And I think Apple did well on pricing this time out. The 11-inch iPad Air costs $599, same as before, but it now has a more reasonable 128GB of storage. The 13-inch model is priced at $799, an expected price bump for the larger screen. It's the first time you can get a large-screen iPad for less than a grand, and I'm definitely curious to see if that helps to improve iPad sales. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/hands-on-with-the-ipad-air-m2-a-big-screen-ipad-that-doesnt-break-the-bank-160655629.html?src=rss

Should you play Hades 2 in early access or wait for the full game?

Supergiant games After what felt like a much longer wait than it really was, in early access. PC players can dive into the roguelike sequel right now and start their war against Chronos. Not everyone is rushing to buy their copy, though. Since its release, Ive seen a common question across social media and my []

How to pre-order Apple's new iPad Air, iPad Pro, Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard

The new iPads are finally here. Apple has announced four new entries in its tablet lineup, including two revamped iPad Pros with OLED screens and an all-new M4 chip , a refreshed iPad Air with an M2 chip and a new larger Air model with a 13-inch display. Along with the new slates, the company also unveiled a new Apple Pencil Pro stylus with haptic feedback support and an updated Magic Keyboard with a more MacBook-like design. The updates come more than a year and a half after the company last unveiled new iPads in October 2022. All of the new gear is available for pre-order today at Apple's online store and will be fully available on May 15. We plan to put everything through its paces in the coming days, but if you're already 100 percent sure that you want to upgrade, we'll quickly break down what's new and lay out your current purchasing options below. Here's what to know about pre-ordering the new iPad Air, iPad Pro, Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/how-to-pre-order-apples-new-ipad-air-ipad-pro-pencil-pro-and-magic-keyboard-160521255.html?src=rss

Apple has tragically killed off its last device that still had a headphone jack

Macworld As the Let Loose event wound down Tuesday, Tim Cook had one last announcement before the stream ended: the 10th-gen iPad now starts at $349, an impressive $100 price drop. What he didnt say is the move also means the 9th-gen iPad is gone. Apple hasnt updated the 9th-gen iPad since September 2021, so its not a huge surprise to see it go away. It still had Apples old iPad design with a Home button and Lightning port, tapered edges, and A13 Bionic chip, with a starting price of $329. It was definitely showing its age and unless you got it on sale, wasnt the great bargain it once was. It was rumored that the 9th-gen iPad could get an update later this year with a new processor, USB-C port, and updated design, but it appears those rumors wont come to pass. Instead, Apple will push entry-level buyers to the 10th-gen model, which is clearly a superior machine. For an extra $20, youre getting a far better iPad with a Liquid Retina display, USB-C support, newer A14 processor, and more color options. We struggled to recommend it at its original $449 price, but with a $100 price drop, its fantastic value. Still, its sad to see the last callback to the original iPad leave this world so unceremoniously. iPad

The Google Pixel 8a was just announced, here's how to pre-order the new smartphone

Google announced the Pixel 8a smartphone today, one week ahead of the companys I/O conference on May 14 . We no longer have to rely on leaked info , as Google has confirmed the Pixel 8a will start at $499, the same price as the Pixel 7a at launch, and will ship the same day as the event. You can pre-order it now from Googles storefront or from Amazon . The sub-$500 price tag maintains the A-series position as the most affordable handset in Googles lineup. We were able to spend a little time with the phone to get some initial thoughts, and our full review will be coming soon. In the meantime, heres whats new about the newest Pixel phone. The Pixel 8a upgrades to the Tensor G3 chip, giving it the same processor as the standard Google Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro. The new phone carries the same 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage as the previous generation, along with the option of 256GB of storage , that model is going for $559. The 6.1-inch OLED display is the same size and resolution as its predecessor, but the refresh rate is a smoother 120Hz. The screen's got a little more dazzle too, with a peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits, an increase from the Pixel 7a that now matches the Pixel 8. The battery is very slightly (about 100mAh) bigger, leading Google to claim a 24-plus-hour battery life, instead of the 7as flat 24-hour promise. Speaking of promises, the new budget Pixel comes with seven years of promised security and features updates, putting it on par with the 8-series phones. Thats two years longer than the support offered with the 7a. Google extended the warranty by one year as well, putting it at two years for the new phone. As we expected , the camera array remains largely the same as the prior generation, with a 64MP wide and a 13MP ultrawide lens in back and a 13MP selfie cam up front. Magic Editor and Best Take, two of Googles AI-assisted photography features that impressed us on the Pixel 8, have come to the Pixel 8a, as well as the new Audio Magic Eraser, which automatically cuts out distracting sounds from video recordings. The Pixel 8a comes in three of the same colors as the Pixel 8 Pro: Obsidian, Porcelain and Bay but the 8a swaps in an Aloe option instead of Mint. Pre-orders for Googles new Pixel 8a are now open and orders will ship on May 14. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-google-pixel-8a-was-just-announced-heres-how-to-pre-order-the-new-smartphone-160051570.html?src=rss

Google Pixel 8a hands-on: Flagship AI and a 120Hz OLED screen for $499

A new Pixel A-series phone typically gets announced at Google I/O. Unfortunately, that means the affordable handset sometimes gets buried amongst all the other news during the companys annual developer conference. So for 2024, Google moved things up a touch to give the new Pixel 8a extra attention. And after checking it out in person, I can see why. It combines pretty much everything I like about the regular Pixel 8 but with a lower price of $499. Right away, youll see a very familiar design. Compared to the standard Pixel 8, which has a 6.2-inch screen, the 8a features a slightly smaller 6.1-inch OLED display with noticeably larger bezels. But aside from that, the Pixel 8 and 8a are almost the exact same size. Google says the material covering the display should be pretty durable as it's made out of Gorilla Glass, though it hasnt specified an exact type (e.g. Gorilla Glass 6, Victus or something else). Some other changes include a higher 120Hz refresh rate (up from 90Hz on the previous model), a more streamlined camera bar and a new matte finish on its plastic back that Google claims mimics the texture of cashmere. Now, I dont think Id go that far, but it did feel surprisingly luxurious. The 8a still offers decent water resistance thanks to an IP67 rating, though that is slightly worse than the IP68 certification on a regular Pixel 8. Its battery is a bit smaller too at 4,492 mAh (instead of 4,575 mAh). That said, Google says thanks to some power efficiency improvements, the new model should run longer than the previous model. As for brand new features, the most important addition is that alongside the base model with 128GB of storage, Google is offering a version with 256GB. Thats a first for any A-series Pixel. And, following in the footsteps of last years flagships, the Pixel 8a is also getting 7 years of software and security updates, which is a big jump from the three years of Android patches and five years of security on last years 7a. Finally, the Pixel 8a is getting a partially refreshed selection of colors including bay, porcelain, obsidian and a brand new aloe hue, which is similar to the mint variant of the Pixel 8 earlier this year but even brighter and more saturated. I must say, even though Ive only played around with it for a bit, it's definitely the best-looking of the bunch. Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget One thing that hasnt changed, though, is the Pixel 8as photography hardware. It uses the same 64-megapixel and 13MP sensors for its main and ultra-wide cameras. However, as the Pixel 7a offered the best image quality of any phone in its price range, its hard to get too mad about that. And because this thing is powered by a Tensor G3 chip, it supports pretty much all the AI features Google introduced on the regular Pixel 8 last fall, including Best Take, Audio Magic Eraser, Circle to Search, Live Translate and more. Furthermore, while Google is giving everyone access to its Magic Editor inside Google Photos later this month , free users are limited to 10 saves per month, whereas theres no cap for people with Pixel 8s and now the 8a. However, there are a few features available on the flagship Pixels that you dont get on the 8a. The biggest omission is a lack of pro camera controls, so you cant manually adjust photo settings like shutter speed, ISO, white balance and more. Google also hasnt upgraded the 8as Qi wireless charging speed, which means youre limited to just 7.5 watts instead of up to 18 watts. Finally, while the phone does offer a digital zoom, theres no dedicated telephoto lens like on the Pixel 8 Pro. But thats not a bad trade-off to get a device that delivers 90 percent of what you get on Googles top-tier phones for just $499, which is $200 less than the Pixel 8s regular starting price. And for anyone who likes the Pixel 8a but might not care as much about AI, the Pixel 7a will still be on sale at a reduced price of $349. Though if you want one of those, you might want to scoop it up soon because theres no telling how long supplies will last. The one wrinkle to all this is that at the time of writing, the standard Pixel 8 has been discounted to $549, just $50 more than the Pixel 8a. So unless an extra Ulysses S. Grant is going to make or break your budget, Id probably go with that. Still, even though the Pixel 8a doesnt come with a lot of surprises, just like its predecessor, its shaping up to once again be the mid-range Android phone to beat. Pre-orders go live today with official sales starting next week on May 14th. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-pixel-8a-hands-on-flagship-ai-and-a-120hz-oled-screen-for-499-160046236.html?src=rss

Sennheiser's Accentum True Wireless earbuds have an all-new design and ANC for $200

Sennheiser's Accentum line is meant to offer flagship-quality features at more affordable prices. So far, the company has debuted two sets of headphones with that moniker, the Accentum Wireless and Accentum Plus Wireless , but it has now added true wireless earbuds to the group. The Accentum True Wireless have a different shape than the pricier Momentum 4 True Wireless , but still pack in several handy features including hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC). The company explains that the ergonomic shape of the Accentum True Wireless was developed in collaboration with hearing aid manufacturer Sonova (Sennheiser's parent company). Analyzing housands of ear models, the pair created earbuds that offer he ideal balance of stability, comfort and sophistication. The curves of the Accentum True Wireless should lead to a more comfortable fit for more ear shapes and four sizes of ear tips will help you find the best seal for both acoustic and ANC performance. Inside, 7mm transducers offer powerful and engaging bass, natural mids and crisp treble, according to Sennheiser. The company says beamforming microphones for the ANC setup can reduce low-frequency distractions, even airplane cabin noise, to the point they're barely noticeable. There's also a transparency mode when you need to be aware of your surroundings. The Sennheiser Smart Control app offers EQ customization and Sound Check, a feature that builds a unique audio preset based on your preferences. The app also allows you to reconfigure the earbuds' touch controls as needed. The Accentum True Wireless will last up to eight hours on a charge with another 20 hours in the wireless charging case. When topping off the set via a USB-C cable, a 10 minute plug-in will give you one hour of use. These earbuds also support Bluetooth 5.3, which delivers LE Audio and Auracast broadcast sound in public spaces or from privately-hosted sharing sessions. The Accentum True Wireless is available for pre-order now for $200 and is set to arrive on May 21. The new model comes in black and white color options for now, but according to the company's website a navy version is also on the way. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/sennheisers-accentum-true-wireless-earbuds-have-an-all-new-design-and-anc-for-200-154935691.html?src=rss

Hands-on with the new iPad Pro M4: Absurdly thin and light, but the screen steals the show

The new 11- and 13-inch iPad Pro models that Apple just introduced may be completely redesigned from the outside in, but they still feel a lot like their predecessors. That's not a bad thing, as the old iPad Pro design was outstanding. But there's no doubt Apple is flexing its hardware engineering muscles with these new tablets, not just with the M4 chip inside. Both tablets are noticeably thinner and lighter than the ones they replace, something I didn't really think was possible before. It's frankly a little absurd to see such a thin and light device with such an advanced display and powerful processor. It still feels like the prior iPad Pro, just in a more refined package. My big question is around durability, something Apple mentioned during its keynote I'd be a little worried about bending these iPads, but hopefully this is something Apple rigorously tested for. But it has had issues with thin products bending before (albeit a long time ago). Photo by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget After the impressive physical specifications, the next thing you can't miss is the OLED screen. Technically, it's a Tandem OLED screen, a display layer that is thinner than the one in the old iPad Pro which helped Apple achieve the wild thinness here. In Apple's extremely bright demo area, the iPad Pro screen showed its quality everything was extremely clear, blacks were pitch-black and colors really popped. After looking at the iPad Air display, it was obvious how much better these screens are. The viewing angles were particularly impressive to me, as images on the screen remained sharp, bright and clear no matter how I positioned the tablet. I also got a chance to check out the Apple Pencil Pro, which looks and feels nearly identical to the second-generation Apple Pencil revealed way back in 2018. That's OK, as the form factor is fine with me. It still connects to the side of the iPad Pro to charge and pair; all of its new tricks are under the hood. Squeezing the Pencil gives you a little burst of haptic feedback and pulls up a pane for selecting what brush you want to use in the FreeForm app demo I tried. But that action is customizable by third-party developers so the squeeze can do whatever is appropriate for the app you're using. The gyroscope, meanwhile, lets you spin the Pencil as you draw to change angles of your brush on the fly. Photo by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget Unfortunately, we didn't get to try the new Magic Keyboard Apple is producing for the iPad Pro, but Apple says it's thinner and lighter than the old model. That older one will still be available for the iPad Air. Between the display, the M4 processor and the new dimensions of the iPad Pro, this feels like a major update for Apple's best tablet, with a price to match. Both the 11- and 13-inch iPad Pro are $200 more than their predecessors: the 11-inch model starts at $999, while the 13-inch is a whopping $1,299. But hey, at least storage now starts at 256GB! That pricing firmly puts these iPads out of reach for normal humans, and that's OK most people will be more than happy with a tablet like the iPad Air. If you want this wildly impressive screen, though, you're going to pay for it. Photo by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget Follow all of the news live from Apple's 'Let Loose' event right here . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ipad-pro-m4-hands-on-absurdly-thin-and-light-but-the-screen-steals-the-show-153641259.html?src=rss

New Apple Pencil Pro adds a fourth stylus option for iPads

Macworld For some reason, Apple sells three accessories all named Apple Pencil, each with different features and compatibility. The solution? A fourth Apple Pencil! The new Apple Pencil Pro may seem like an unnecessary complication to a stylus lineup for an accessory that shouldnt need a lineup , but theres no arguing that it doesnt deliver the features everyone wants. Apple Pencil Pro looks just like the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil, and it supports all the same features including magnetic charging and pairing, double-tap, and tilt and pressure sensitivity. But it also adds four new features weve wanted in an Apple Pencil for a long time: A gyroscope that lets you roll the pencil to change the orientation of shaped brushes and tools. A taptic engine for haptic feedback. Find My support. Squeeze sensitivity, to open palettes or change tool options like weights or colors. All this and it costs the same as the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil: $129. The difference is compatibility: The 2nd-gen Apple Pencil is supported by the last few years iPad Pro and iPad Air models, but not the new M2 iPad Air and M4 iPad Pro. Apple Pencil Pro supports only the new M2 iPad Air (both sizes) and M4 iPad Pro (both sizes). It stands to reason that Apple will soon reduce its Apple Pencil line from four to twowhen older iPad Air and Pro models are no longer available. Apple has already stopped selling the 9th-generation iPad with a Lightning connector, so it stands to reason that the original Apple Pencil is no longer needed, but Apple will presumably still sell it until the 10th-gen iPad gets an update. For now, the stylus situation is confusing enough that Apple had to produce a features chart: Apple Apple Apple Accessories, iPad

Juiced Mothers Day sale is taking $100 off all purchases over $500, e-bikes start from $1,049

Juiced Bikes has launched a Mothers Day sale that is taking $100 off all purchases of $500 or more including most of the brands e-bike models, with all discounts being automatically applied at checkout. The most affordable amongst the bunch is the RipRacer Fun-Sized Fat-Tire e-bike for $1,049 shipped . Already down from its usual $1,499 price tag, this e-bike was featured in many holiday and flash sales throughout 2023, often landing between $1,099 and $999. Since the new year began weve seen a few discounts, with February seeing the biggest drops, first to the $899 low and then later to $949. Todays deal comes in as a combined 27% markdown off the going rate, giving you a solid $400 in savings and landing at the third-lowest price we have tracked. Currently the blue and black models are sold out, with only the green colorway available. more

The new iPad Pro is finally here with an M4 chip and OLED display

Macworld Apple introduced a major update to the iPad Pro during Tuesdays Let Loose event. Promoting the new iPads as AI-capable tablets, the new 13-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro have several upgrades over the models they replacewith a higher starting price to go with them. At the heart of the iPad Pro is an M4 System on a Chip, a big leap in silicon from the M2 chips they replace. The M4 has a 10-core CPU, with 4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores, and Apple claims that the M4 is 1.5 times faster than the M2 in CPU performance. The M4 has a new display engine that is 50 percent faster than the M2, and a 10-core GPU that is four times faster. The iPad Pro has 8GB (256GB or 512GB SSD models) or 16GB (1TB or 2TB models) of RAM. Learn more about the M4 . The M4 also has a 16-core NPU, which Apple calls its most powerful Neural Engine ever. It is capable of 38 trillion operating per second, which is 60 times faster than the original Neural Engine that was in the A11 Bionic chip. Apple claims that the Neural Engine in M4 is more powerful than any neural processing unit in any AI PC today. Apple Apple Apple Another major upgrade to the iPad Pro is the display. Apple has replaced the LED and mini LED technology on the previous iPad Pros with a new display it calls Ultra Retina XDR, which is an implementation of OLED technology that offers deeper blacks, better details in shadows and low light, and better response to motion. Apple uses two OLED panels in an implementation it calls Tandem OLED to address the brightness concerns of a single OLED panel. The Tandem OLED generates 1000 nits of SDR/HDR brightness and 1600 nits of peak HDR brightness. Apple also offers a nano texture glass option for $100 more than the standard glossy glass (though youll need to get a model with at least 1TB of storage). The third major change is with the cameras. The front-facing camera is now on the longer side of the iPad Pro for use in landscape mode and the rear 10MP ultra-wide camera is gone. The 12MP main camera now has an adaptive True Tone flash that works while scanning documents, which uses AI to sense shadows when scanning and uses the flash to fill in the spot, and multiple photos are taken and stitched together to create the best scan. Apple calls the new iPad Pro the thinnest Apple product ever. The 11-inch model is 5.3mm thick and weighs 0.98 pounds (444 grams), while the 13-inch model is 5.1mm thick and weighs 1.28 pounds (582 grams). Like the M3 Pro/Max MacBook Pro, the iPad Pro is available in Silver or Space Black. They start at $999 (11-inch) and ($1,299), $200 more than the M2 models: iPad Pro 11-inch Wi-Fi (2024): $999/999/CA$1,399/AU$1,699 iPad Pro 11-inch Cellular (2024): $1,199/1,199/CA$1,679/AU$2,049 iPad Pro 13-inch Wi-Fi (2024): $1,299/1,299/CA$1,799/AU$$2,199 iPad Pro 13-inch Cellular (2024): $1,499/1,499/CA$2,079/AU$2,549 The new iPad Pro is now available for pre-order now with shipments beginning next week. 13-inch iPad Pro (2024) Price When Reviewed: $1,299 (Wi-Fi only) Best Prices Today: $1299 at Apple 11-inch iPad Pro (2024) Price When Reviewed: $999 (Wi-Fi only) Best Prices Today: $999 at Apple iPad, Tablets

Amazons Hey Dude Flash Sale offers up to 50% off best-selling styles from $34

Amazon is currently offering up to 50% off Hey Dude styles for men and women with pricing starting at $34 shipped . Prices are as marked. A standout from this sale is the Meyers Flip Flops for spring and summer outings. These shoes are currently marked down to $34 and originally sold for $45. This style is lightweight, cushioned, and great for heading out the door in a breeze. Plus, it has a removable memory foam cushioned insole that helps to provide maximum comfort and reduce odors due to the fact it can be washed. Find even more deals by heading below, and be sure to check out our fashion guide for additional deals today. more

What is nano-texture glass and do I need it?

Macworld On some Apple products, including the Apple Studio Display and M4 iPad Pro, a feature called nano-texture glass is available. This is something that was first introduced on the incredibly expensive Pro Display XDR , before coming to other Apple products beginning with the now-discontinued 27-inch iMac. So, what is it, and should you spend hundreds more to have it adorn your screen? What is Nano-texture glass? Glare is often a problem in brightly lit offices and homes, which can render the large, glossy displays little more than hugely elaborate mirrors. One way to combat this is through matte displays. Opting for the new nano-texture glass will drastically reduce glare while avoiding the frostiness and washed-out colors that are often the compromise made when opting for a matte finish. Its all thanks to some clever design and a meticulous process that results in displays that can happily cope with bright light sources, albeit at a rather costly addition to the price tag. How does nano-texture glass work? One of the main causes of glare is light from lamps, windows, and other sources reflecting back at you due to the smooth surfaces of modern displays. Matte finishes combat this by having some kind of coating on the display which diffuses or breaks down the light due to its more angular surface. Sadly, this works both ways, so the light emanating from the display itself is also altered, resulting in the murkier results that usually accompany the technique. Apple has taken things to the next level by foregoing a coating and instead physically altering the surface itself through tiny (nano) etchings. The pattern of the etchings means that light rays hitting the display are reflected off at a range of angles, eradicating most of the glare in the process. The very clever part is that this somehow doesnt seem to have much of an effect on the onscreen display. Of course, making all those microscopic etches in the glass is a precision job, which is why it costs more. Over the years the price has come down, however, and the additional cost of the M4 iPad Pro is just $100 more than the standard glass (though youll need to get at least 1TB of storage). How can I clean nano-texture glass? One of the quirks of Apples new Nano-texture glass display is that the company insists it can only be cleaned using a specific Apple cloth. One is included with every display, but were not entirely sure what magic ingredients make it such a special piece of fabric. Needless to say, if youve just forked out half a grand for a special display technology, its probably a good idea to follow the manufacturers instructions and not buy a 5/$5 knockoff cloth from eBay. How durable is the nano-texture glass? Nano-texture is as durable as standard glass. Since it doesnt have a coating, there shouldnt be any noticeable wear. Should I get nano-texture glass on my Apple device? The main reason for adding on the costly Nano-texture glass feature is if you are struggling with glare, for example, if you use your Studio Display in a room with bright overhead lights or work outside on your iPad Pro. Apple Inc, Mac

Apple quietly gives the 10th-generation iPad a $100 price drop

Near the end of its Let Loose event that brought new versions of the iPad Pro and iPad Air , Apple made some changes to the cheaper end of its tablet lineup. The 10th-generation iPad , the newest version of the budget model, now starts at $349, down from its original $449. Alongside the price drop, Apples 9th-generation model (which was still rocking a Lightning port and home button) is now kaput. Its successor replaces it with a more modern design, USB-C and Touch ID on its lock button. Apples new iPad lineup sees the new price for the 10th-generation iPad and the end of its predecessor. Apple The 10th-generation iPad launched in 2022. Back then, Engadgets Nathan Ingraham described it as a complete redesign from [the 2021] model that cribs heavily from the iPad Air while also bringing a handful of compromises to upsell potential customers on Apples more expensive tablets. Although the 10th-gen model officially gets the $100 price cut, the model was already frequently discounted to that price at Apples retail partners. That price now gets you the 64GB base model, while the 256GB tier now costs $499, also a $100 drop from its 2022 launch. Follow all of the news live from Apple's 'Let Loose' event right here . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-quietly-gives-the-10th-generation-ipad-a-100-price-drop-150256714.html?src=rss

Apple debuts M4 processor in new iPad Pro

Macworld Apples new iPad Pro is powered by the M4 processor, skipping the M3 entirely. Apple has never debuted an M-series processor in a product other than the Mac, so the launch of this new processor in the iPad Pro is an unexpected surprise. The M4 is made on an enhanced 3nm process and contains over 28 billion transistors and has the following advanced features in the iPad Pro: 4 high-performance CPU cores with improved branch prediction and wider decode and execution engines. 6 high-efficiency CPU cores with improved branch prediction and a deeper execution engine. 10-core GPU built on the same architecture as M3, with dynamic caching, mesh shaders, and ray tracing acceleration. 16-core Neural Engine delivering over 38 trillion operations per second. Apple Apple Apple Apple says the CPU is up to 50 percent faster than the M2 found in the previous iPad Pro, which means its somewhere around 20-25 percent faster than the CPU in the M3. The GPU is said to be up tofour times faster than that in the M2, though that might be a best case scenario that uses lots of ray tracing. The Neural Engine is the fastest in any Apple product, but just barelythe A17 Pro in the iPhone 15 Pro can do 35 trillion operations per second, according to Apple. Apple says the M4 has a memory bandwidth of 120GB/sec, up from 100GB/sec in both the M2 and M3. Theres also a new display engine to handle the Tandem OLED display and updated video processing with support for H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and AV1. When it comes to power efficiency, Apple says M4 uses no more power than the M2 and can deliver the same performance using only half the power, and the same performance as a thin and light PC with one-fourth the power (Apple used an ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED with Core Ultra 7 155H for that comparison). In iPad Pro models with 256GB or 512GB of storage, the M4 will have 8GB of RAM. In those with 1TB or 2TB of storage, it will have 16GB. So that remains unchanged from the M2. Its not clear when the M4 will make its way to the Mac, but with the M3 MacBook Air only arriving in March and the Pro models making their debut in November, its likely the first laptops wont roll out until later this year. However, its possible that the Mac mini, Studio, and Pro, which are still using M2 chips, get an M4 refresh sooner than that. iPad

A two-pack of Blink Mini Indoor cameras drops to only $30

Summer is almost here, and with it comes vacations and long periods away from home. Security cameras are a great way to keep your mind at ease so we're excited to see Amazon's Blink Mini two-pack on sale for an all-time low price. The pair are currently just $30, down from $50 a 40 percent discount. The Blink Mini might no longer be the most recent model , thanks to Amazon's recent release of the Blink Mini 2, but it's still an excellent option for monitoring your home. In just a few minutes, you can easily connect it to your Wi-Fi, and you're all set. The camera provides 1080p capture, infrared capture, and alerts directed to your phone anytime there's movement. The big thing to keep in mind about the Blink Mini is that it's designed for use with Alexa. If you're a Siri or Google Assistant user, then you might want to look at some of our other favorite smart home gadgets. The Mini is also a cheaper version of Amazon's Blink Indoor , a wireless option currently down to $56 from $80 for just one. 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/a-two-pack-of-blink-mini-indoor-cameras-drops-to-only-30-150029850.html?src=rss

Amazon just knocked up to $200 off unlocked Samsung Galaxy S24/+ smartphones, now starting from $700

Amazon is now offering some notable deals on Samsung S24 handsets starting with theSamsung Galaxy S24 at$699.99 shipped. The regularly $800 handset is now up to $200 off on Amazon in brand new, unlocked condition. Todays deal takes the unlocked 128GB configuration in four colorways from its usual $800 price tag down to $700, or $25 below our previous mention to match the lowest price we have tracked all year. Its only one of a small handful of discounts we have tracked since launching back in February. Our hands-on review details the experience and youll find even more below alongside a deal on the S24 Plus model. more

Apple Pencil Pro adds squeeze, roll and haptic feedback to its bag of tricks

Alongside its lineup of new iPads , Apple revealed an overhauled Pencil today too. The Apple Pencil Pro has a new sensor in the barrel that accepts your squeezes. This action can do things like bring up tool palettes so you don't have to manually tap into them with your free hand. Apple says you can also use the gesture to activate shortcuts or and other actions. What's more, haptic feedback lets you know when the squeeze was accepted or when something you moved has snapped into place. Apple also added a roll gesture for precise control of whatever tool you're using, powered by a new gyroscope. The new Apple Pencil works with Find My, so you'll have some extra assistance when you lose it. And, as always, the new version still pairs, charges and stores magnetically on iPad Pro. Apple says developers can make their own actions with the new gestures, so you can expect to see customizations based on the iPad apps you're using. Apple Pencil Pro works with the new iPad Air in addition to the new iPad Pro, so you have multiple Pencil options for the more affordable iPad. Apple Pencil Pro is $129 and is up for pre-order today. It will ship next week. Follow all of the news live from Apple's 'Let Loose' event right here . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-pencil-pro-adds-squeeze-roll-and-haptic-feedback-to-its-bag-of-tricks-144712885.html?src=rss

ALLPOWERS 24,000mAh laptop power bank gets second discount to $59 (40% off)

The official ALLPOWERS Amazon storefront is offering its PB100 Laptop Power Bank for $59.40 shipped, after clipping the on-page 40% off coupon . Down from $99, this is the second official discount for this device since its release in November, having been sitting at its MSRP and unaffected by the holiday and sales events through the first three months of the new year. At the top of April we finally saw the first discount, taking things down to the $45 low for a short period before rising to a higher discounted rate. Todays deal comes in as a solid $40 markdown that marks the second-lowest price going forward. more

Apple's new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro gets a function row and haptic trackpad

Apple has announced a refreshed Magic Keyboard accessory at todays iPad event. The new keyboard is designed to specifically work with the M4 iPad Pro line, though it doesnt integrate with the iPad Air or any other model. When connected to the iPad Pro, it makes the tablet look like an actual laptop. Apple says the entire experience feels just like using a MacBook. To further assist this laptop mimicry, the keyboard boasts a larger trackpad with haptic feedback. Theres also a new function row for quick access to convenient controls, like brightness and the like. Apple The keyboard now features an aluminum palmrest and is available in two colors. Magic Keyboard ships with the iPad Pro next week. The keyboard costs $300 or $350 , depending on which iPad Pro model it aligns with. The company also announced new iPads today, including an OLED iPad Pro and a refreshed iPad Air . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apples-new-magic-keyboard-for-the-ipad-pro-gets-a-function-row-and-haptic-trackpad-144312086.html?src=rss

Bottoms up: This German beer is made from recycled wastewater

Reuse Brew is a classic German lager with a twist its made from recycled wastewater. The beer is the result of a tie-up between the south German city of Weissenburg, American water tech company Xylem, and the Technical University of Munich (TUM). Specifically, TUMs Brewery and Beverage Technology department (why didnt I study there?!). While the idea of a sewage brew might be hard to swallow, Xylem ensures us that all the bad stuff is filtered out before the malt, hops, and yeast are added. First a machine injects ozone into the wastewater. Then the sludge is blasted by This story continues at The Next Web

How to unlock all weapons in Hades 2

You are starting from scratch once again in Hades 2, but there are plenty of new weapons to unlock even in early access. Here is each of them and their cost.

Apple Pencil Pro takes the iPads stylus game to the next level

We knew Apple would make a big deal about the Apple Pencil during its big iPad event on Tuesday. The teasers were all there, hinting The post Apple Pencil Pro takes the iPads stylus game to the next level appeared first on BGR .