Profile: 1110e570...
Nintendo is looking for 10,000 testers for a new Switch Online feature
Nintendo has posted a call for 10,000 testers who'll get first access to an unnamed, mysterious Switch Online feature. The whole posting is rather vague and offers no solid clues on what feature it's testing exactly, but only people who have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership can participate in the "Playtest Program." Nintendo's $50-a-year Switch Online Expansion Pack adds Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis and Game Boy Advance games to the subscription service's games library. It also gives users free access to downloadable content for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Splatoon 2.
Testers must also be at at least 18 years old and must have an account registered in Japan, the US, the UK, France, Germany, Italy or Spain. Switch Online subscribers who want to participate can send in an application by scrolling to the bottom of Nintendo's announcement and clicking the "To Application Page" link.
The company will start accepting entries today, October 10, at 8AM PT/11AM ET, until November 5 at 4:59PM PT/7:59PM ET. Nintendo will choose participants in Japan through a raffle if it receives a lot of applications. Everyone else may want to hurry if they want to participate, because it'll be first come first serve for them. The company will also stop taking applications early if it quickly reaches the maximum number of participants.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-is-looking-for-10000-testers-for-a-new-switch-online-feature-123032431.html?src=rss
This dazzling NASA image shows the biggest super star cluster in our galaxy
The James Webb Space Telescope continues to capture images of space that are clearer and more detailed than what we've seen before. One of the latest images it has taken is of a "super star cluster" called Westerlund 1, and it shows an abundant collection of heavenly bodies, shining brightly like gemstones. Super star clusters are young clusters of stars thousands of times bigger than our sun that are all packed in a small area. Our galaxy used to produce more clusters billions of years ago, but it doesn't churn out as many stars anymore, and only a few super star clusters still exist in the Milky Way.
Westerlund 1 is the biggest remaining super star cluster in our galaxy, and it's also the closest to our planet. It's located 12,000 light-years away, made up of massive stars between 50,000 and 100,000 times the mass of our sun within a region that measures six light-years across. Those stars include yellow hypergiants that are around a million times brighter than our sun, as well. Since the stars populating the cluster have a comparatively short life, scientists believe it's only around 3.5 to 5 million years old. That's pretty young in the cosmic scale. As such, it's a valuable source of data that could help us better understand how massive stars form and eventually die. We won't be around to see it, but the cluster is expected to produce 1,500 supernovae in less than 40 million years.
Astronomers captured an image of the super star cluster as part of an ongoing survey of Westerlund 1 and another cluster called Westerlund 2 to study star formation and evolution. To take the image, they used Webb's Near-InfraRed Camera (NIRCam), which was also recently used to capture a gravitationally lensed supernova that could help shed light on how fast our universe is expanding.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/this-dazzling-nasa-image-shows-the-biggest-super-star-cluster-in-our-galaxy-120053279.html?src=rss
The best Prime Day deals you can still get after the October Big Deal Days sale: Apple, Sony, Anker and more
Another October Prime Day is in the books, but all of the deals haven’t disappeared from Amazon’s site just yet. This year’s Fall Prime Day brought a bunch of discounts on smartphones, speakers, wearables, robot vacuums and more tech, and you can still grab some of the sale prices right now even after the event has officially ended. While it’s possible we see some of these deals come back in a month during Black Friday, it’s a good idea to pick up your top items now if you’re keen on getting some of your holiday shopping done early. Here are the best Prime Day deals you can still get today.
Best Prime Day deals you can still get: Engadget's top picks
Apple 9th-gen iPad for $199 ($130 off)
Apple AirPods Max for $395 ($154 off)
Apple 13-inch MacBook Air M2 for $749 ($250 off)
Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant 71426 for $48 (20 percent off)
Roku Streaming Stick 4K for $34 ($16 off)
Sonos Era 100 for $199 ($50 off)
Marshall Emberton II speaker for $100 ($70 off)
Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum cleaner for $300 ($119 off)
Best Prime Day Apple deals
Photo by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Apple deals can be hit or miss during Amazon Prime Day, but we saw a number of good ones this time and many of them are still available. Whether you've been on the hunt for a new Apple device for yourself or you know you want to pick one up as a gift, you can save a bit of cash if you do so now.
Apple 10th-gen iPad for $299 ($50 off): The new, baseline iPad updates a familiar device with a fresh design, improved performance, USB-C charging and a better battery life.
Apple 9th-gen iPad for $199 ($130 off): This model is on its way out, but $200 for an iPad is a solid sale price. This slab has a 10.2-inch display, an A13 Bionic chip and 64GB of storage — plus the antiquated physical Home button.
Apple AirPods Max for $395 ($154 off): These expensive cans are a much better buy when on sale, and they boast excellent sound quality, good ANC, a luxe design and a solid battery life. They're available in Lightning or USB-C.
Apple Watch SE (2nd gen, GPS) for $170 ($79 off): The entry-level Apple Watch remains a fine choice for first-time smartwatch buyers, so long as you can live without the larger always-on display and more advanced health features of the pricier Series 10. This is another one of the lowest prices we’ve tracked for the 40mm model; the larger 44mm variant is similarly discounted at $200.
Apple 13-inch MacBook Air M2 for $749 ($250 off): Despite having a slightly older chipset, the M2 MacBook Air remains a great budget option for most anyone, save those who regularly push their daily driver to the limit with activities like video editing.
Best Prime Day Lego deals
A number of Lego sets are still on sale post October Prime Day. Some of our favorites come from the Star Wars, Super Mario and Harry Potter lineups, and you'll find savings up to 41 percent on those.
Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant 71426 for $48 (20 percent off)
Lego Star Wars: A New Hope Boarding The Tantive IV Fantasy Toy 75387 for $44 (20 percent off)
Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Grounds 76419 for $136 (20 percent off)
Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box 10696 for $19 (46 percent off)
Best Prime Day deals on tech
Will Lipman Photography for Engadget
Yes, Black Friday is right around the corner, but it would be unwise to sleep on these Prime Day tech deals that you can still get today. We're seeing steep discounts on headphones, TVs, streaming devices, gaming gear and more, making it a good time to pick up something for yourself or cross a few items off your holiday shopping list early.
Sonos Era 100 for $199 ($50 off): This is one of our favorite smart speakers thanks to its excellent sound quality, Trueplay tuning and Bluetooth support. Plus, if you have two of them, you can pair them for a stellar stereo sound experience.
Marshall Emberton II speaker for $100 ($70 off): One of our favorite Bluetooth speakers, this model has an attractive, retro design, a pleasant, balanced sound profile and up to 30 hours of battery life.
Google Pixel 8a for $449 ($50 off): Our top pick for the best midrange smartphone impresses with a 120Hz display, excellent cameras and a strong battery life.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K for $34 ($16 off): One of our top picks for the best streaming devices, this Roku dongle supports 4K, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision content and provides access to a lot of free content thanks to Roku's operating system.
Roku Ultra (2024) for $79 ($21 off): The brand new Ultra is 30 percent faster than the previous model, and it supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision and Wi-Fi 6.
Dyson V15 Detect Plus cordless vacuum cleaner for $696 ($54 off): This version of our top pick in our best cordless vacuum cleaner guide has superior suction power and can handle pet hair without breaking a sweat, plus it has 60 minutes of run time and comes with a number of cleaner-head accessories.
LG 55-inch C4 evo OLED smart TV for $1,297 ($700 off): LG's midrange OLED sets, the C4 family includes upgraded Alpha 9 Gen 7 chip, improved brightness and a 144Hz max refresh rate. Most sizes are discounted at the moment.
Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum cleaner for $300 ($119 off): Shark’s robo-vac can clean both carpet and hard floors well and maps your home while it cleans so you can more easily send it to specific rooms and areas when you want. Its self-emptying base can also hold up to 60 days worth of debris.
Crucial X9 Pro portable SSD (1TB) for $85 ($10 off): The X9 Pro is the top pick in our guide to the best portable SSDs, combining dependable performance with a rugged compact design. We've seen this 1TB model go for much less in previously sales, but it's sat in the $90 to $100 range for almost all of the past year. This discount marks the lowest price we've seen since January.
Anker Soundcore Space A40 wireless earbuds for $59 ($21 off): This is a new record-low price for our favorite budget wireless earbuds, which offer solid ANC, a good sound profile, multi-device connectivity, wireless charging and a comfortable fit.
Jabra Elite 4 Active for $104 ($16 off): These are some of our favorite headphones for running thanks to their comfortable, IP57-rated design, good sound quality and ANC, multipoint connectivity and solid battery life.
Ninja DualZone air fryer for $168 ($32 off): This 8-quart model of one of our favorite air fryers can cook two totally different foods at the same time, and you can set it up for both foods to be done cooking at the same time. The larger, 10-quart model is $50 off and down to $200.
Expired Prime Day deals
SanDisk Ultra microSD card (1.5TB) for $90 ($60 off): If you don’t care about performance so much and just want a big chunk of space for as little cash as possible, this deal should work. You’ll have to deal with slower transfer speeds, but the discount takes roughly $20 off this 1.5TB card’s typical going rate in recent months.
Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for $300 ($100 off): Our top picks for the best wireless headphones have never been cheaper, and they offer excellent sound quality, ANC, multi-device connectivity and a 30-hour battery life.
Bose QuietComfort headphones for $199 ($150 off): These are some of our favorite noise-canceling headphones and most of the colorways are on sale right now.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones for $329 ($100 off): These headphones offer class-leading noise cancellation and they’re a much better buy then normal at this sale price.
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice, and stay tuned to Engadget.com for all of the best tech deals coming out of October Prime Day 2024.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-prime-day-deals-you-can-still-get-after-the-october-big-deal-days-sale-apple-sony-anker-and-more-040010842.html?src=rss
The Morning After: Nintendo’s latest hardware is not the Switch 2
We’ve been waiting and waiting, and Nintendo finally did the right thing and announced an entirely new piece of hardware. Alas, it’s not a new console but a very Nintendo-looking smart alarm clock. The Alarmo has motion sensors that let you snooze it based on your movement. (There is a physical snooze button too.)
You’ll also be able to check how much you move around while you sleep, and the clock has sleeping sounds and music to drift off to.
Nintendo
You can set the clock’s background with scenes inspired by the likes of Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Splatoon 3, Pikmin 4 and, er, Ring Fit Adventure. The company says it plans to add more games as updates in the future. And when it’s time to wake you up, Alarmo will use music and sounds from those games.
For now, the curio is only available if you’re a Nintendo Switch Online member in the US and Canada. Other regions will have to wait, although as I finished writing today's TMA, Nintendo's UK site had the clock available to buy. You can order the $100 Alarmo online now, and Nintendo says it will be available at retail early next year.
— Mat Smith
Get this delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!
The biggest stories you might have missed
Former Humble Games staff form new publisher that will work with their old company
Meta AI will launch in six more countries today, including the UK
Zoom’s latest feature update focuses heavily on its AI assistant
Green Day’s Dookie has been demastered for Game Boy, a toothbrush and a Billie Bass
All to mark the album’s 30th anniversary.
Green Day
While other classic albums often get remasters for big anniversaries, Green Day (with the help of an art studio called Brain) went in a lo-fi direction. It’s re-releasing the music on defunct and/or (very) inconvenient formats in very limited editions. As a result, you can hear what “Basket Case” sounds like through a Big Mouth “Billie” Bass, listen to “Welcome to Paradise” on a Game Boy cartridge. Other formats include an answering machine, toothbrush, animatronic stuffed animal, floppy disc, doorbell, Fisher Price record, HitClip and — this is crazy — MiniDisc.
Continue reading.
How to watch Tesla’s robotaxi event
It kicks off at 10PM ET / 7PM PT today.
If you’re intrigued by what Tesla has planned for its robotaxis, you’ll probably have to pull a late one. At the company’s long-delayed robotaxi event, we’re not expecting to see a fully finished vehicle, but investors and Tesla fans are hoping for a working prototype. The manic-jumping Tesla boss, Elon Musk, began talking about the robotaxi plan years ago. However, it took on greater importance earlier this year when Tesla reportedly shelved its plans for an entry-level EV in favor of the autonomous ridesharing project.
Continue reading.
The Internet Archive was taken down by DDoS attacks
It’s been a tough week for the digital library.
The Internet Archive has been hit this week with a series of DDoS attacks, which have taken the service offline. The Verge noticed a popup on the site when the online database went down. The popup has since disappeared. This attack apparently came just as the Internet Archive was going to disclose a previous breach of its site that resulted in the theft of more than 31 million records. A DDoS organization known as Blackmeta claimed responsibility for the attacks with a confusing message that the platform “belongs to the USA.” The Internet Archive is headquartered in San Francisco.
Continue reading.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-nintendos-latest-hardware-is-not-the-switch-2-alarmo-111617400.html?src=rss
The best cheap Windows laptops for 2024
We review a number of the best laptops with Windows 11 Home and other versions of the OS every year at Engadget, but the cheapest among them often fall to the bottom of the list. Unlike our top picks for best Windows laptop, or even more niche devices like the best gaming laptops, these machines don’t have pricey OLED panels, high-powered graphics cards or super thin-and-light designs. But that doesn’t mean you should write them off. Besides, not everyone needs a pro-level laptop — they just need the best machine that will fit their budget.
Sub-$500 laptops made by Acer, Dell, Lenovo and other companies can be great fits for those who primarily use a computer to check email, shop online and occasionally video chat with friends and family. They’re also probably the best option for kids who have no business touching their parents’ expensive daily driver. We’ve tested a number of budget-friendly Windows notebooks — these are our favorites below, and we outline some buying advice for anyone looking for a cheap Windows laptop that balances capability with affordability.
Table of contents
Best cheap Windows laptops for 2024
What about Chromebooks and tablets?
What Windows laptops do well
What to look for in a budget-friendly Windows laptop
Best cheap Windows laptops for 2024
What about Chromebooks and tablets?
You may be inclined to recommend a Chromebook or a tablet to anyone considering a budget Windows laptop. Those instincts aren’t wrong, but Chromebooks and tablets aren’t the best buy for everyone. Tablets have the most portability, but they will only work for the most mobile-competent users like kids who have been grabbing smartphones out of their parents’ hands since they’ve been dexterous enough to do so. Tablets can also be just as expensive as some of the cheapest Windows laptops, and that’s without a mouse or keyboard.
Chromebooks are a good alternative for those that basically live in a browser, the trade-off being you must give up the “traditional desktop.” And Chrome OS is a more limited operating system than Windows when it comes to the programs you can install and run.
What Windows laptops do well
What can you realistically accomplish on a cheap Windows laptop? Quite a bit, especially if you’re doing one thing (or a limited number of things) at a time. They’re great for everyday tasks like web browsing, checking email, video streaming and more. All of those things can be done on Chromebooks as well, but Windows laptops have a big advantage in Microsoft Office. While yes, there is a browser based version, the native, desktop apps are considered a must have for many and will run smoothly on even the most bare-bones budget laptop. The only caveat is that you may run into some slowdown on low-powered devices if you’re multitasking or working with large data sets in Excel or a lot of photos and graphics in Powerpoint.
When it comes to specs, a bright spot for Windows laptops is storage. Even the most affordable devices tend to have at least 128GB SSDs. That will come in handy if you prefer to keep your most important files saved locally on your laptop's hard drive. In contrast, cheaper Chromebooks often have less storage because they’re built on the assumption that you’ll save all of your documents in the cloud. Not only is that less convenient when you need to work offline, but it also limits the size of programs and files that you can download. So, Chromebooks aren't the best for hoarding Netflix shows before a long trip or for use as a gaming laptop.
Windows also has thousands of apps that you can download from its app store. Chromebooks have some Chrome apps, numerous browser extensions and the ability to download Android apps, but quality control is… inconsistent. Android apps, in particular, often haven’t been optimized for Chrome OS, which makes for a wonky user experience. Windows may not have as many apps as Android, but at least the experience is fairly standard across the board.
Windows also gives you the ability to download and use programs from other sources, like direct from the developer. You can run things like Adobe Creative Suite, certain VPNs and programs like GIMP, Audacity and ClipMate on a Windows device, which just isn’t possible on Chrome OS. Chromebooks limit you to the apps and programs in The Play Store and the Chrome Extensions store, reducing any others to unusable, space-sucking icons in your Downloads folder.
What to look for in a budget-friendly Windows laptop
While you can do a lot even when spending little on a Windows laptop, you must set your expectations accordingly. The biggest downside when purchasing a budget laptop (of any kind, really) is limited power. Many Windows laptops under $500 run on Intel Celeron or Pentium processors, but you can find some with Core i3/i5 and AMD Ryzen 3/5 CPUs at the higher end of the price spectrum.
Specs to look for in a sub-$500 Windows laptop
Intel Core i or AMD Ryzen 3 processors
At least 8GB of RAM
An SSD with at least 128GB of space
1080p display
Mostly metal designs
We recommend getting the most powerful CPU you can afford because it will dictate how fast the computer will feel overall. RAM is also important because, the more you have, the easier it will be for the laptop to manage things like a dozen browser tabs while you edit a Word document and stream music in the background. However, with sub-$500 laptops, you’re better off getting the best CPU you can afford rather than a laptop with a ton of RAM because the CPU will have enough power to handle most everyday tasks that cheap Windows laptops are designed for (If you’re editing RAW images or 4K video, you’ll want to invest in more RAM… and a laptop well above $500).
When it comes to storage, consider how much you want to save locally. If you primarily work in Google Docs or save most things in the cloud, you may not need a machine with a ton of onboard storage. Just remember that your digital space will also be taken up by apps, so it may be worth getting a little extra storage than you think you need if you know you’ll be downloading big programs. A final side note: SSDs are ubiquitous at this point, not to mention faster and more efficient than HDDs, so we recommend getting a laptop with that type of storage.
You also don’t have to settle for an entirely plastic notebook either. There are options in the sub-$500 price range that are made, at least in part, with metals like aluminum. Those will not only be more attractive but also more durable. As for screens, there’s a healthy mix of HD and FHD options in this price range and we recommend springing for a notebook with a 1080p display if you can. Touchscreens aren’t as common in the under-$500 space as standard panels, but you’ll only really miss one if you get a 2-in-1 laptop.
See Also:
Best Laptops for 2024
Best Gaming Laptops
Best 2-in-1 Laptops for 2024
Best Chromebooks
Best Laptops for College Students
It’s essential to prioritize what’s important to you. But at the lower end of the budget, a good laptop may not offer everything you need, whereas a great one might. Although most machines come with features like Bluetooth, built-in Wi-Fi and additional ports, you might find not all of them come with the specifics you require, like an SD card slot, webcam, charger, and so on. Be sure to check the spec list of any laptop you’re considering before you buy, especially if you need specific connectors and capabilities.
A final note before we get to our picks: The best cheap laptop models change all the time. Unlike more expensive, flagship machines, these notebooks can be updated a couple times each year. That can make it hard to track down a specific model at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart or any other retailer. Also, we’ve seen prices vary widely depending on the configuration and retailer you’re looking at. We’ve listed some of our current favorite models below, but if you can’t find any of them available near you, just keep in mind our list of specs to look for in a cheap laptop – they’ll guide you to the best laptops available at the moment.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/best-affordable-windows-laptops-123000512.html?src=rss
https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/best-affordable-windows-laptops-123000512.html?src=rss
The best Prime Day deals you can still get after the October Big Deal Days sale: Apple, Sony, Anker and more
October Prime Day has come and gone but, as to be expected, there are still a few deals floating around on the internet. This year’s fall Prime Day brought a slew of deals across all categories, including tech, and some of those deals haven’t expired just yet. There’s a chance we see some of these sale prices return in a month when Black Friday comes around, but if you’re keen on getting some of your holiday shopping done now, you still have a bit more time. Here are the best Prime Day deals you can still get today.
Best Prime Day Apple deals
Billy Steele / Engadget
Apple deals can be hit or miss during Amazon Prime Day, but we saw a number of good ones this time and many of them are still available. Whether you've been on the hunt for a new Apple device for yourself or you know you want to pick one up as a gift, you can save a bit of cash if you do so now.
Apple AirPods Max for $395 ($154 off): These expensive cans are a much better buy when on sale, and they boast excellent sound quality, good ANC, a luxe design and a solid battery life. They're available in Lightning or USB-C.
Apple Watch SE (2nd gen, GPS) for $170 ($79 off): The entry-level Apple Watch remains a fine choice for first-time smartwatch buyers, so long as you can live without the larger always-on display and more advanced health features of the pricier Series 10. This is another one of the lowest prices we’ve tracked for the 40mm model; the larger 44mm variant is similarly discounted at $200.
Apple 10th-gen iPad for $299 ($50 off): The new, baseline iPad updates a familiar device with a fresh design, improved performance, USB-C charging and a better battery life.
Apple 9th-gen iPad for $199 ($130 off): This model is on its way out, but $200 for an iPad is a solid sale price. This slab has a 10.2-inch display, an A13 Bionic chip and 64GB of storage — plus the antiquated physical Home button.
Apple 13-inch MacBook Air M2 for $749 ($250 off): Despite having a slightly older chipset, the M2 MacBook Air remains a great budget option for most anyone, save those who regularly push their daily driver to the limit with activities like video editing.
Best Prime Day Lego deals
A number of Lego sets are still on sale post October Prime Day. Some of our favorites come from the Star Wars, Super Mario and Harry Potter lineups, and you'll find savings up to 41 percent on those.
Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant 71426 for $48 (20 percent off)
Lego Star Wars: A New Hope Boarding The Tantive IV Fantasy Toy 75387 for $44 (20 percent off)
Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Grounds 76419 for $136 (20 percent off)
Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box 10696 for $19 (46 percent off)
Best Prime Day deals on tech
Will Lipman Photography for Engadget
Yes, Black Friday is right around the corner, but it would be unwise to sleep on these Prime Day tech deals that you can still get today. We're seeing steep discounts on headphones, TVs, streaming devices, gaming gear and more, making it a good time to pick up something for yourself or cross a few items off your holiday shopping list early.
Dyson V15 Detect Plus cordless vacuum cleaner for $696 ($54 off): This version of our top pick in our best cordless vacuum cleaner guide has superior suction power and can handle pet hair without breaking a sweat, plus it has 60 minutes of run time and comes with a number of cleaner-head accessories.
LG 55-inch C4 evo OLED smart TV for $1,297 ($700 off): LG's midrange OLED sets, the C4 family includes upgraded Alpha 9 Gen 7 chip, improved brightness and a 144Hz max refresh rate. Most sizes are discounted at the moment.
Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum cleaner for $300 ($119 off): Shark’s robo-vac can clean both carpet and hard floors well and maps your home while it cleans so you can more easily send it to specific rooms and areas when you want. Its self-emptying base can also hold up to 60 days worth of debris.
SanDisk Ultra microSD card (1.5TB) for $90 ($60 off): If you don’t care about performance so much and just want a big chunk of space for as little cash as possible, this deal should work. You’ll have to deal with slower transfer speeds, but the discount takes roughly $20 off this 1.5TB card’s typical going rate in recent months.
Crucial X9 Pro portable SSD (1TB) for $85 ($10 off): The X9 Pro is the top pick in our guide to the best portable SSDs, combining dependable performance with a rugged compact design. We've seen this 1TB model go for much less in previously sales, but it's sat in the $90 to $100 range for almost all of the past year. This discount marks the lowest price we've seen since January.
Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for $300 ($100 off): Our top picks for the best wireless headphones have never been cheaper, and they offer excellent sound quality, ANC, multi-device connectivity and a 30-hour battery life.
Bose QuietComfort headphones for $199 ($150 off): These are some of our favorite noise-canceling headphones and most of the colorways are on sale right now.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones for $329 ($100 off): These headphones offer class-leading noise cancellation and they’re a much better buy then normal at this sale price.
Anker Soundcore Space A40 wireless earbuds for $59 ($21 off): This is a new record-low price for our favorite budget wireless earbuds, which offer solid ANC, a good sound profile, multi-device connectivity, wireless charging and a comfortable fit.
Jabra Elite 4 Active for $104 ($16 off): These are some of our favorite headphones for running thanks to their comfortable, IP57-rated design, good sound quality and ANC, multipoint connectivity and solid battery life.
Sonos Era 100 for $199 ($50 off): This is one of our favorite smart speakers thanks to its excellent sound quality, Trueplay tuning and Bluetooth support. Plus, if you have two of them, you can pair them for a stellar stereo sound experience.
Marshall Emberton II speaker for $100 ($70 off): One of our favorite Bluetooth speakers, this model has an attractive, retro design, a pleasant, balanced sound profile and up to 30 hours of battery life.
Google Pixel 8a for $449 ($50 off): Our top pick for the best midrange smartphone impresses with a 120Hz display, excellent cameras and a strong battery life.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K for $34 ($16 off): One of our top picks for the best streaming devices, this Roku dongle supports 4K, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision content and provides access to a lot of free content thanks to Roku's operating system.
Roku Ultra (2024) for $79 ($21 off): The brand new Ultra is 30 percent faster than the previous model, and it supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision and Wi-Fi 6.
Ninja DualZone air fryer for $168 ($32 off): This 8-quart model of one of our favorite air fryers can cook two totally different foods at the same time, and you can set it up for both foods to be done cooking at the same time. The larger, 10-quart model is $50 off and down to $200.
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice, and stay tuned to Engadget.com for all of the best tech deals coming out of October Prime Day 2024.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-prime-day-deals-you-can-still-get-after-the-october-big-deal-days-sale-apple-sony-anker-and-more-040010842.html?src=rss
The best Prime Day deals you can still get after the October Big Deal Days sale: Apple, Sony, Anker and more
October Prime Day has come and gone but, as to be expected, there are still a few deals floating around on the internet. This year’s fall Prime Day brought a slew of deals across all categories, including tech, and some of those deals haven’t expired just yet. There’s a chance we see some of these sale prices return in a month when Black Friday comes around, but if you’re keen on getting some of your holiday shopping done now, you still have a bit more time. Here are the best Prime Day deals you can still get today.
Best Prime Day Apple deals
Billy Steele / Engadget
Apple deals can be hit or miss during Amazon Prime Day, but we saw a number of good ones this time and many of them are still available. Whether you've been on the hunt for a new Apple device for yourself or you know you want to pick one up as a gift, you can save a bit of cash if you do so now.
Apple AirPods Max for $395 ($154 off): These expensive cans are a much better buy when on sale, and they boast excellent sound quality, good ANC, a luxe design and a solid battery life. They're available in Lightning or USB-C.
Apple Watch SE (2nd gen, GPS) for $170 ($79 off): The entry-level Apple Watch remains a fine choice for first-time smartwatch buyers, so long as you can live without the larger always-on display and more advanced health features of the pricier Series 10. This is another one of the lowest prices we’ve tracked for the 40mm model; the larger 44mm variant is similarly discounted at $200.
Apple 10th-gen iPad for $299 ($50 off): The new, baseline iPad updates a familiar device with a fresh design, improved performance, USB-C charging and a better battery life.
Apple 9th-gen iPad for $199 ($130 off): This model is on its way out, but $200 for an iPad is a solid sale price. This slab has a 10.2-inch display, an A13 Bionic chip and 64GB of storage — plus the antiquated physical Home button.
Apple 13-inch MacBook Air M2 for $749 ($250 off): Despite having a slightly older chipset, the M2 MacBook Air remains a great budget option for most anyone, save those who regularly push their daily driver to the limit with activities like video editing.
Best Prime Day Lego deals
A number of Lego sets are still on sale post October Prime Day. Some of our favorites come from the Star Wars, Super Mario and Harry Potter lineups, and you'll find savings up to 41 percent on those.
Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant 71426 for $48 (20 percent off)
Lego Star Wars: A New Hope Boarding The Tantive IV Fantasy Toy 75387 for $44 (20 percent off)
Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Grounds 76419 for $136 (20 percent off)
Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box 10696 for $19 (46 percent off)
Best Prime Day deals on tech
Will Lipman Photography for Engadget
Yes, Black Friday is right around the corner, but it would be unwise to sleep on these Prime Day tech deals that you can still get today. We're seeing steep discounts on headphones, TVs, streaming devices, gaming gear and more, making it a good time to pick up something for yourself or cross a few items off your holiday shopping list early.
Dyson V15 Detect Plus cordless vacuum cleaner for $696 ($54 off): This version of our top pick in our best cordless vacuum cleaner guide has superior suction power and can handle pet hair without breaking a sweat, plus it has 60 minutes of run time and comes with a number of cleaner-head accessories.
LG 55-inch C4 evo OLED smart TV for $1,297 ($700 off): LG's midrange OLED sets, the C4 family includes upgraded Alpha 9 Gen 7 chip, improved brightness and a 144Hz max refresh rate. Most sizes are discounted at the moment.
Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum cleaner for $300 ($119 off): Shark’s robo-vac can clean both carpet and hard floors well and maps your home while it cleans so you can more easily send it to specific rooms and areas when you want. Its self-emptying base can also hold up to 60 days worth of debris.
SanDisk Ultra microSD card (1.5TB) for $90 ($60 off): If you don’t care about performance so much and just want a big chunk of space for as little cash as possible, this deal should work. You’ll have to deal with slower transfer speeds, but the discount takes roughly $20 off this 1.5TB card’s typical going rate in recent months.
Crucial X9 Pro portable SSD (1TB) for $85 ($10 off): The X9 Pro is the top pick in our guide to the best portable SSDs, combining dependable performance with a rugged compact design. We've seen this 1TB model go for much less in previously sales, but it's sat in the $90 to $100 range for almost all of the past year. This discount marks the lowest price we've seen since January.
Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for $300 ($100 off): Our top picks for the best wireless headphones have never been cheaper, and they offer excellent sound quality, ANC, multi-device connectivity and a 30-hour battery life.
Bose QuietComfort headphones for $199 ($150 off): These are some of our favorite noise-canceling headphones and most of the colorways are on sale right now.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones for $329 ($100 off): These headphones offer class-leading noise cancellation and they’re a much better buy then normal at this sale price.
Anker Soundcore Space A40 wireless earbuds for $59 ($21 off): This is a new record-low price for our favorite budget wireless earbuds, which offer solid ANC, a good sound profile, multi-device connectivity, wireless charging and a comfortable fit.
Jabra Elite 4 Active for $104 ($16 off): These are some of our favorite headphones for running thanks to their comfortable, IP57-rated design, good sound quality and ANC, multipoint connectivity and solid battery life.
Sonos Era 100 for $199 ($50 off): This is one of our favorite smart speakers thanks to its excellent sound quality, Trueplay tuning and Bluetooth support. Plus, if you have two of them, you can pair them for a stellar stereo sound experience.
Marshall Emberton II speaker for $100 ($70 off): One of our favorite Bluetooth speakers, this model has an attractive, retro design, a pleasant, balanced sound profile and up to 30 hours of battery life.
Google Pixel 8a for $449 ($50 off): Our top pick for the best midrange smartphone impresses with a 120Hz display, excellent cameras and a strong battery life.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K for $34 ($16 off): One of our top picks for the best streaming devices, this Roku dongle supports 4K, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision content and provides access to a lot of free content thanks to Roku's operating system.
Roku Ultra (2024) for $79 ($21 off): The brand new Ultra is 30 percent faster than the previous model, and it supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision and Wi-Fi 6.
Ninja DualZone air fryer for $168 ($32 off): This 8-quart model of one of our favorite air fryers can cook two totally different foods at the same time, and you can set it up for both foods to be done cooking at the same time. The larger, 10-quart model is $50 off and down to $200.
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice, and stay tuned to Engadget.com for all of the best tech deals coming out of October Prime Day 2024.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-prime-day-deals-you-can-still-get-after-the-october-big-deal-days-sale-apple-sony-anker-and-more-040010842.html?src=rss
The best noise-canceling earbuds for 2024
Whether it’s blocking the noises of your daily train ride, trying to be productive at a coffee shop or just needing to tune out the world for a while, noise-canceling earbuds can provide solace. But, as is the case with all audio gear, the effectiveness of active noise cancellation (ANC) can vary greatly from model to model, even with products from the same company. We test dozens of sets of wireless earbuds every year, and I’ve shortlisted a selection of the absolute best in terms of pure ANC performance. You might find better sound quality or all-around choices elsewhere, but if blocking out unwanted sounds is your primary concern, this list has everything from high-end to budget options, in addition to those with the best battery life.
Looking for new ANC headphones but don't like the feeling or style of earbuds? Check out our picks for best noise-canceling headphones, which focuses on full-size models.
How to choose the best noise-canceling earbuds for you
Design
Most true wireless earbuds these days have a “traditional” design that’s a round bud that fits in your ear. However, there are some variations on the formula in terms of shape, size and additional fitting elements. Some companies include fins or fit wings to help hold their earbuds in place while others opt for an over-the-ear hook on more sporty models. You’ll want to pay attention to these things to make sure they align with how you plan to use them. Also consider overall size and weight since those two factors can impact the fit. A less-than-ideal seal due to a weird fit will affect the performance of active noise cancellation.
Type of noise cancellation
Next, you’ll want to look at the type of ANC a set of earbuds offer. You’ll see terms like “hybrid active noise cancellation” or “hybrid adaptive active noise cancellation,” and there are key differences between the two. A hybrid ANC setup uses microphones on the inside and the outside of the device to detect ambient noise. By analyzing input from both mics, a hybrid system can combat more sounds than “regular” ANC, but it’s at a constant level that doesn’t change.
Adaptive ANC takes the hybrid configuration a step further by continuously adjusting the noise cancellation for changes in your environment and any leakage around the padding of the ear cups. Adaptive ANC is also better at combating wind noise, which can really kill your vibe while using earbuds outdoors. For this best wireless earbuds list, I’m only considering products with hybrid ANC or adaptive ANC setups because those are the most effective at blocking noise.
Customization
You’ll also want to check to see if the ANC system on a prospective set of earbuds offers presets or adjustable levels of noise cancellation. These can help you dial in the amount of ANC you need for various environments, but it can also help save battery life. Master & Dynamic, for example, has ANC presets that either provide maximum noise-blocking or prioritize energy efficiency. Other companies may include a slider in their companion apps that let you adjust the ANC level.
How we test noise-canceling earbuds
The primary way we test earbuds is to wear them as much as possible. I prefer to do this over a one-to-two-week period, but sometimes deadlines don’t allow it. During this time, I listen to a mix of music and podcasts, while also using the earbuds to take both voice and video calls.
Since battery life for ANC earbuds is typically 6-10 hours, I drain the battery with looping music and the volume set at a comfortable level (usually around 75 percent). When necessary, I’ll power the headphones off during a review without putting them back in the case. This simulates real-world use and keeps me from having to wear them for an entire day.
To test ANC performance specifically, I use the earbuds in a variety of environments, from noisy coffee shops to quiet home offices. When my schedule allows, I also use them during air travel, since plane noise is a massive distraction to both work and relaxation. Even if I’m not slated to hop on a flight, I simulate a constant roar with white noise machines, bathroom fans, vacuums and more. I also make note of how well earbuds block human voices, which are a key stumbling block for a lot of ANC setups.
I also do a thorough review of companion apps, testing each feature as I work through the software. Any holdovers from previous models are double-checked for improvements or regression. If the earbuds I’m testing are an updated version of a previous model, I’ll spend time getting reacquainted with the older set, and revisit the closest competition as well.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-noise-canceling-earbuds-150026857.html?src=rss
https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-noise-canceling-earbuds-150026857.html?src=rss
The best Prime Day deals you can still get after the October Big Deal Days sale: Apple, Sony, Anker and more
October Prime Day has come and gone but, as to be expected, there are still a few deals floating around on the internet. This year’s fall Prime Day brought a slew of deals across all categories, including tech, and some of those deals haven’t expired just yet. There’s a chance we see some of these sale prices return in a month when Black Friday comes around, but if you’re keen on getting some of your holiday shopping done now, you still have a bit more time. Here are the best Prime Day deals you can still get today.
Best Prime Day Apple deals
Billy Steele / Engadget
Apple deals can be hit or miss during Amazon Prime Day, but we saw a number of good ones this time and many of them are still available. Whether you've been on the hunt for a new Apple device for yourself or you know you want to pick one up as a gift, you can save a bit of cash if you do so now.
Apple AirPods Pro for $169 ($80 off): Apple's most powerful wireless earbuds have excellent ANC, a good sound profile and decent battery life, and thanks to a software update, they just got new features like voice isolation and Siri interactions (hearing aid features are coming soon).
Apple AirPods Max for $395 ($154 off): These expensive cans are a much better buy when on sale, and they boast excellent sound quality, good ANC, a luxe design and a solid battery life. They're available in Lightning or USB-C.
Apple Watch SE (2nd gen, GPS) for $170 ($79 off): The entry-level Apple Watch remains a fine choice for first-time smartwatch buyers, so long as you can live without the larger always-on display and more advanced health features of the pricier Series 10. This is another one of the lowest prices we’ve tracked for the 40mm model; the larger 44mm variant is similarly discounted at $200.
Apple 10th-gen iPad for $299 ($50 off): The new, baseline iPad updates a familiar device with a fresh design, improved performance, USB-C charging and a better battery life.
Apple 9th-gen iPad for $199 ($130 off): This model is on its way out, but $200 for an iPad is a solid sale price. This slab has a 10.2-inch display, an A13 Bionic chip and 64GB of storage — plus the antiquated physical Home button.
Apple 13-inch MacBook Air M2 for $749 ($250 off): Despite having a slightly older chipset, the M2 MacBook Air remains a great budget option for most anyone, save those who regularly push their daily driver to the limit with activities like video editing.
Apple 13-inch MacBook Air M3 for $849 ($250 off): This is our top pick for the best MacBook you can buy right now thanks to its excellent performance, thin-and-light design, bright screen and comfortable keyboard and trackpad.
Best Prime Day Anker deals
Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
One can never have too many charging accessories, be they cables, wireless charging pads or power banks. Anker makes some of our favorites across all those categories, and you'll find deep discounts on Anker gear even now after Prime Day has ended.
Anker MagGo 10K power bank for $60 ($30 off): This is our current favorite power bank for iPhones in our guide to the best power banks thanks to its Qi2 fast charging, LED display that shows battery percentage and sturdy, built-in kickstand.
Anker MagGo 3-in-1 foldable charging station for $82 ($28 off): This compact charging station doubles as a power bank for iPhones and can charge up an iPhone, Apple Watch and a pair of AirPods all at the same time.
Anker MagGo 3-in-1 charging stand for $72 ($28 off): This stand supports an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods simultaneously, and it comes with a 40W wall charger and a USB-C to C cable which which to connect all the necessary pieces together.
Anker Prime Power Bank 240W with 100W charging base for $160 ($75 off): This is the top premium pick in our best power banks guide thanks to its high capacity, sleek design, informative built-in display and the charging base that makes it convenient to store and easy to charge up.
Anker Eufy Boost 11S Max robot vacuum cleaner for $130 ($120 off): This is one of the best budget robot vacuums available now thanks to its good suction power, long battery life and slim design that lets it get underneath more furniture than other, taller machines.
Best Prime Day Lego deals
A number of Lego sets are still on sale post October Prime Day. Some of our favorites come from the Star Wars, Super Mario and Harry Potter lineups, and you'll find savings up to 41 percent on those.
Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant 71426 for $48 (20 percent off)
Lego Star Wars: A New Hope Boarding The Tantive IV Fantasy Toy 75387 for $44 (20 percent off)
Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Grounds 76419 for $136 (20 percent off)
Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box 10696 for $19 (46 percent off)
Best Prime Day deals on tech
Will Lipman Photography for Engadget
Yes, Black Friday is right around the corner, but it would be unwise to sleep on these Prime Day tech deals that you can still get today. We're seeing steep discounts on headphones, TVs, streaming devices, gaming gear and more, making it a good time to pick up something for yourself or cross a few items off your holiday shopping list early.
Dyson V15 Detect Plus cordless vacuum cleaner for $570 ($180 off): This version of our top pick in our best cordless vacuum cleaner guide has superior suction power and can handle pet hair without breaking a sweat, plus it has 60 minutes of run time and comes with a number of cleaner-head accessories.
Dyson Airwrap for $500 ($100 off): Dyson's immensely popular hair styling tool uses the Coanda effect to help create waves and curls without excess heat.
Samsung The Frame smart TV for $978 ($668 off): This is a return to the July Prime Day price for this bundle that includes Samsung’s iconic art TV and a white bezel.
LG 55-inch C4 evo OLED smart TV for $1,297 ($700 off): LG's midrange OLED sets, the C4 family includes upgraded Alpha 9 Gen 7 chip, improved brightness and a 144Hz max refresh rate. Most sizes are discounted at the moment.
Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum cleaner for $280 ($139 off): Shark’s robo-vac can clean both carpet and hard floors well and maps your home while it cleans so you can more easily send it to specific rooms and areas when you want. Its self-emptying base can also hold up to 60 days worth of debris.
Dyson V15 Detect Plus cordless vacuum cleaner for $570 ($180 off): This version of our top pick in our best cordless vacuum cleaner guide has superior suction power and can handle pet hair without breaking a sweat, plus it has 60 minutes of run time and comes with a number of cleaner-head accessories.
SanDisk microSDXC Card for Nintendo Switch (128GB, 2-pack) for $28 ($12 off): SanDisk’s Switch-branded microSD card isn’t the fastest we’ve used, but it’s perfectly suitable for most use cases, and this is a solid value for a two-pack.
SanDisk Ultra microSD card (1.5TB) for $89 ($61 off): If you don’t care about performance so much and just want a big chunk of space for as little cash as possible, this deal should work. You’ll have to deal with slower transfer speeds, but the discount takes roughly $20 off this 1.5TB card’s typical going rate in recent months.
Crucial X9 Pro portable SSD (1TB) for $85 ($10 off): The X9 Pro is the top pick in our guide to the best portable SSDs, combining dependable performance with a rugged compact design. We've seen this 1TB model go for much less in previously sales, but it's sat in the $90 to $100 range for almost all of the past year. This discount marks the lowest price we've seen since January.
Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for $298 ($101 off): Our top picks for the best wireless headphones have never been cheaper, and they offer excellent sound quality, ANC, multi-device connectivity and a 30-hour battery life.
Bose QuietComfort headphones for $199 ($150 off): These are some of our favorite noise-canceling headphones and most of the colorways are on sale right now.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones for $329 ($100 off): These headphones offer class-leading noise cancellation and they’re a much better buy then normal at this sale price.
Anker Soundcore Space A40 wireless earbuds for $45 ($35 off): This is a new record-low price for our favorite budget wireless earbuds, which offer solid ANC, a good sound profile, multi-device connectivity, wireless charging and a comfortable fit.
Jabra Elite 4 Active for $70 ($50 off): These are some of our favorite headphones for running thanks to their comfortable, IP57-rated design, good sound quality and ANC, multipoint connectivity and solid battery life.
Sonos Era 100 for $199 ($50 off): This is one of our favorite smart speakers thanks to its excellent sound quality, Trueplay tuning and Bluetooth support. Plus, if you have two of them, you can pair them for a stellar stereo sound experience.
Marshall Emberton II speaker for $100 ($70 off): One of our favorite Bluetooth speakers, this model has an attractive, retro design, a pleasant, balanced sound profile and up to 30 hours of battery life.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for $920 ($380 off): The entirety of the Galaxy S24 lineup has dropped in price for this sale event; the Galaxy S24+ has been discounted to $750, while the Galaxy S24 is just $600.
Google Pixel 8a for $379 ($121 off): Our top pick for the best midrange smartphone impresses with a 120Hz display, excellent cameras and a strong battery life.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K for $34 ($16 off): One of our top picks for the best streaming devices, this Roku dongle supports 4K, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision content and provides access to a lot of free content thanks to Roku's operating system.
Roku Ultra (2024) for $79 ($21 off): The brand new Ultra is 30 percent faster than the previous model, and it supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision and Wi-Fi 6.
Elgato Stream Deck+ for $170 ($30 off): This upgraded version of the popular streaming controller includes eight programmable buttons, four dials and a touch strip, all of which work together to let you build the ultimate controller for your gaming or productivity setup.
Ninja DualZone air fryer for $168 ($32 off): This 8-quart model of one of our favorite air fryers can cook two totally different foods at the same time, and you can set it up for both foods to be done cooking at the same time. The larger, 10-quart model is $50 off and down to $200.
Cosori 9-in-1 air fryer for $85.49 ($33.51 off): This newer air fryer from Cosori has nine preset cooking modes and a six-quart capacity that makes it just the right size to cook a good amount of food without taking up too much space on most countertops.
Ooni Volt 12 electric pizza oven for $719 ($180 off): Ooni's electric pizza oven can be used indoors and it has handy, front-mounted controls that let you easily adjust the top and bottom cooking elements.
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice, and stay tuned to Engadget.com for all of the best tech deals coming out of October Prime Day 2024.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-prime-day-deals-you-can-still-get-after-the-october-big-deal-days-sale-apple-sony-anker-and-more-040010842.html?src=rss
Kamala Harris' Twitch account streamed Tim Waltz rally alongside live WoW gameplay
In August, Kamala Harris' campaign launched a Twitch account in an effort to reach young people and some of the "hardest-to-reach voters" out there. It debuted with a stream of Harris' acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, which is perhaps what one could expect from an account owned by a presidential campaign. On the evening of October 9, though, the channel streamed live gameplay for the first time — along with a live feed of Vice Presidential nominee Tim Waltz's speech in Arizona.
As Wired notes, Twitch creator Preheat kicked things off by playing World of Warcraft on the channet at 6:30PM ET. Preheat, who told Wired that they volunteered for the task because of Harris' platforms, also provided commentary about the game and encouraged viewers to vote. "GOP is the opposite of POG," they said at one point during the stream. A spokesperson told the publication that the campaign is hoping to reach young male votes that make up most of Twitch's userbase by streaming the rally alongside WoW gameplay.
Harris isn't the first politician to use Twitch to reach voters. Joe Biden's administration streamed his inauguration on the website, while Donald Trump's camp had been streaming rallies and speeches on the platform since 2019. The former president's account was suspended following the January 6 US Capitol riot, but it was reinstated in July this year. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is on Twitch, as well, and streamed herself a few times while playing Among Us.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/kamala-harris-twitch-account-streamed-tim-waltz-rally-alongside-live-wow-gameplay-021612716.html?src=rss
How to watch Tesla’s robotaxi event
On Thursday, Tesla CEO and noted fancy leaper Elon Musk will take the stage to showcase the company’s robotaxi plans, a la the “Cybercab.” Although the vehicle we see isn’t expected to be a fully functional product, investors and Tesla fans are hoping for a working prototype or other signs the company can navigate the technological and regulatory obstacles it will face. You can watch the event on an X livestream at 10PM ET.
With the Cybercab, Musk is aiming for a fully autonomous vehicle that runs on a Tesla ridesharing network. Owners will also reportedly be able to make their cars available on the network to run as autonomous cabs, likened to a “combination of Airbnb and Uber.”
The CEO began talking about the robotaxi plan years ago. However, it took on greater importance earlier this year when Tesla reportedly shelved its plans for an entry-level EV — often called “Model 2” — in favor of the autonomous ridesharing project.
Unlike competitors Waymo, Cruise and Zoox, Tesla’s current automation relies on cameras and AI. Reuters notes that Musk will aim to improve the tech rapidly enough to “crack” the highly regulated industry. No matter what is promised at the event, you may want to take the CEO’s promises with several grains of salt (if not Cybertruckloads). In April 2019, Musk said, “If you fast forward a year, maybe a year [and] three months, we’ll have over a million robotaxis on the road.”
Here we are in 2024 — which you may have noticed isn’t, in fact, 2020 — and Tesla doesn’t have a single robotaxi on the road.
Wired notes that the company doesn’t have an autonomous permit in California and reportedly hasn’t contacted the state’s AV regulators about testing. Waymo, Zoox, the beleaguered Cruise and Apple (no longer in the self-driving car business) have logged thousands of miles testing their self-driving vehicles in the Golden State. Waymo is the only company in the US currently operating robotaxis commercially.
You can tune in to the livestream to see what Musk and company have in store at 10PM ET / 7PM ET on Thursday.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/how-to-watch-teslas-robotaxi-event-230046409.html?src=rss
The best Prime Day deals under $50 in the final hours of Amazon's Big Deal Days
Plenty of the tech we cover costs less than $50. And some gadgets hovering close enough to that price just need a decent discount to put them in range. Now that Amazon's Prime Day is coming to a close, we're surprised to see that many of our picks for the best tech deals under $50 are still live.
If you need to pick up microSD cards, power banks, digital streamers or even a smart speaker, now’s the time. As always, these Prime Day picks are drawn from our own testing, coverage and reviews. Here are the best Prime Day Tech deals under $50.
Best Prime Day tech deals under $25
If you’ve got $25 and some change in an account somewhere, you can get something decent from Amazon’s sale (particularly if you’re a Prime member and don’t have to pay for shipping). We searched for the most useful tech we could find and came up with smart home speakers, cameras and plugs, plus a mouse, a streaming stick and some cable — all for less than $25.
Echo Pop with TP-Link smart color bulb for $18 (72 percent off): Amazon’s smallest smart speaker has sold for $18 in Prime Days past, and here it is for that same price with a free smart bulb thrown in. Makes a perfect smart home starter kit.
Anker Nano USB C Cable (240W, 6 ft) for $19 ($6 off): If you're tired of cables that conk out or can't handle fast charging, this is a better option. It can handle up to 240 watts and the six-foot length is just long enough for most places. I use this one to test power banks and like it a lot.
Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite for $18 (40 percent off): The budget pick in our guide to streaming devices isn’t quite beating its Black Friday price from last year, but this is still a good deal if you just need a basic way to watch your streaming apps on any screen with an HDMI port.
Apple AirTag for $25 ($4 off): Apple’s popular Bluetooth tracker is close to an all-time low. It anonymously pings nearby iPhones to create a crazy-vast finding network to help locate your lost keys, luggage or anything else you attach one to (using an accessory, of course).
Amazon Smart Plug for $13 ($12 off): I was impressed how well this plug works with my Echo Dot speaker. It was easy to set up and stayed reliably connected in my tests. And this is close to an all-time low price.
Belkin Apple AirTag Secure Holder for $14 ($6 off): We named this one of the best ways to secure your AirTag to just about anything. The wire cable is extra tough and attaches with an allen wrench. A less intense Belkin AirTag holder with a strap is also on sale.
J-Tech Digital Ergonomic Mouse for $17 ($13 off): One of our favorite ergonomic mice is cheaper than last Prime Day thanks to a discount and a 5 percent off coupon. We like the natural, vertical grip design and the optional LED lights.
Roku Express streaming stick for $18 ($12 off): For just a dollar more than its all-time low price, you can snag the runner up budget pick in our streaming device guide. It’s an affordable and capable HD streaming device that lets you watch tons of free shows and movies.
Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug (EP40A) for $17 ($13 off): One of the best ways to schedule and control your holiday lights is with an outdoor plug. We tried this one and found it to be easy to connect with Siri, who doesn’t always play nice with smart devices.
Anker USB-C to USB-C Cable (240W, 6ft) for $12 ($5 off): Stocking up on things like cables is a Prime Day must-do — you’ll always need more of them so snag them while they're cheap. Anker’s cords are solid and this one is rated to 240W with a just-right, six-foot length.
Blink Mini 2 for $20 ($20 off): I’m currently testing this camera for an upcoming guide and I’ve been impressed with the accuracy of its person detection — though that feature requires a subscription, which you get to try free for 30 days.
Amazon Echo Buds (2023) for $24.99 (50 percent off): Open design earbuds don’t go all the way into your ear canal and are therefore more comfortable for some. We named the Echo Buds best low-cost pick in that category in our budget earbud guide.
Amazon Echo Pop Kids for $23 ($50 off): The Echo Pop Kids comes covered in either Marvel heroes or Disney princesses and ships with a year of access to Amazon Kids+.
Amazon Echo Dot for $23 ($27 off): Amazon is matching last year’s Black Friday low on the Echo Dot — and beating July’s Prime Day price, too. It’s the top smart speaker on our list and puts out impressive sound for its size. I rely on mine daily for weather updates and smart light control.
EarFun Free 2S Wireless Earbuds for $24.99 ($15 off): You don’t always get much for less than $25 when it comes to earbuds. But we found these to have a comfortable fit and lively sound. Good enough for a knock-around pair.
TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Extender for $23 ($27 off): If you have Wi-Fi dead spots in your home and need a low-cost solution, grab one of these at half price. We tested this model and found it was easy to set up and reliable. We named it our budget pick in Engadget’s Wi-Fi extender guide.
Meross Dual Smart Plug for $25 ($5 off): For about a dollar less than its most recent low, you can snag a two pack of our favorite dual-outlet smart plugs. These work with all four smart home assistants and each outlet can be controlled individually.
Samsung Bar Plus USB flash drive (128GB) for $13 ($8 off): The Bar Plus is a basic but dependable thumb drive if all you need is a simple stick to hold and transfer files. Over the past year, we've seen it go for between $15 and $20.
Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box 10696 for $19 (46 percent off): True, Legos aren't technically tech, but show me someone who loves gadgets and computers who isn't into Legos and I'll show you a day without sun.
Best Prime Day tech deals under $30
Add a few more dollars to your budget and you can snag Apple’s new fast charger or a doorbell camera to keep tabs on your front porch while you’re at work. Here’s the best gadgets for less than $30 for Prime Day.
Anker 3-in-1 (10K Fusion) portable charger for $29.99 ($15 off): Here’s a low price — though only for Prime members — on one of the top picks in our power bank guide. It has a built-in cable and built-in wall prongs so all you need to bring is this handy brick and you can charge what needs charging, no extra cables required.
Ring Indoor Cam for $29.99 ($30 off): Snag this half price deal on an indoor smart camera that was updated just last year and helps you keep tabs on any room, with 1080p and color night vision. This sale matches its all-time low price.
Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A (4-pack) for $29.99 ($20 off): The prior low we saw on this set was $34, making this an even better deal. It’s the top pick in our smart plug guide because it works with all the smart assistants, isn’t frustrating to set up and stays reliably connected.
Amazon Echo Dot Kids for $28 ($32 off): The kids version of the smart speaker is the same basic hardware, but this one comes with a cute cover, parental controls and a year’s subscription to Amazon Kids+ with kid-friendly audiobooks and more.
Blink Video Doorbell for $29.99 ($30 off): You can keep tabs on your porch from anywhere for just $30. Just note that you’ll need to hardwire it or purchase the Sync Module if you want to see video on-demand, otherwise you’ll need to wait for a motion-detection alert.
SanDisk microSDXC Card for Nintendo Switch (128GB, 2-pack) for $28 ($12 off): SanDisk’s Switch-branded microSD card isn’t the fastest we’ve used, but it’s perfectly suitable for most cases, and this is a solid value for a two-pack.
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 for $21 ($9 off): Previous sales have dropped this tracker to $21 — and right now, Prime members can snag that all-time low. We named it the best bluetooth tracker for Samsung users and we’re particularly fond of the smooth pebble-like design.
JBL Go 3 for $28 ($12 off): The smallest JBL speaker isn't on our list of the best speakers, but many other models from the speaker company have earned high praise from our reviewers. This deal is the lowest price we've seen on this pocket sized music machine, just note that only Prime members get the full discount.
Best Prime Day tech deals under $40
Under the $40 mark, there are power banks, streaming devices and one of our favorite speakers. There’s even an advent calendar filled with stuff that’s way more exciting than chocolate.
LEGO Star Wars 2024 Advent Calendar for $36 ($9 off): The key to advent calendars is getting one early. Wait until November and the good ones are gone. That may be the case with this one, which has Leia and Luke in Christmas sweaters and is currently 20 percent off.
Apple iPhone 16 Silicone Case for $38 ($11 off): From year to year, Apple makes just enough tweaks to the design of the iPhone that last year’s case won’t work. Those with an iPhone 16 can save a few bucks on a case that accommodates the new design and Camera Control button.
Apple MagSafe Charger (1m) for $33 ($7 off): Apple slipped in a new MagSafe charger with the release of the iPhone 16. It boosts wireless charging speeds for the new handset, supporting a maximum rate of 25W.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for $35 ($25 off): This is the cheapest price yet on Amazon’s most powerful streaming stick. It supports 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos audio, plus it lets you play Xbox games without a console (but with a subscription).
Anker Nano Power Bank 10K for $32 ($8 off): We gave this a shout-out in our guide to power banks and this is the cheapest price we've seen. It has a handy connecting USB-C cable built in.
UGreen Revodok Pro 109 USB C Hub for $36 ($20 off): Our favorite overall USB-C hub is down to the lowest price we've tracked. It's got a good array of ports and an HDMI hookup that supports 4K at 60Hz.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K for $34 ($16 off): That’s about $6 more than the streamer sold for last Prime Day, but if you don’t want to wait and see whether it goes for less during Black Friday, grab it now and start enjoying our favorite streaming device for free and live content.
Razer Basilisk V3 wired gaming mouse for $39.99 ($20 off): We've seen this mouse go for as low as $40 before, which is a solid, 43 percent discount. It made the cut in both our best gaming mouse guide and our guide to ergonomic mice. Even if you're not a gamer, you'll appreciate the smooth glide.
Amazfit Band 7 fitness tracker for $39.89 ($10 off): Prime members can save on one of Amazon’s own fitness bands. It’s gone for as low as $40 previously. The band made the cut as a runner up in our cheap fitness tracker roundup.
8Bitdo Ultimate 2.4G Wireless Controller for $39.99 ($10 of): We are of the opinion that 8Bitdo makes some of the best third-party controllers out there. This one comes with a charging deck and works with PC, Android, Steam Deck and Apple products.
Best Prime Day tech deals under $50
Items in the priciest category on this list still aren't terribly expensive. For less than $50 you can get, for example, a smart display-and-bulb bundle. Pair them up and ask Alexa to turn on the light…and make it green. Then ask to turn it off again. Then on. Then off again at 10 pm. Then have it come on tomorrow, but pink. That’s worth at least $50 right there.
Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant for $48 ($12 off): I hated this little guy as a kid; it was always brushing the legs of my plumber and killing him. But this Lego set is so adorable (and nicely priced) that I can let go of any grudges.
Amazon Echo Spot and smart bulb for $45 ($35 off): Amazon’s revamped smart speaker has a half screen to show simple details like the weather, time and the song you’re listening to. The other half houses an improved speaker for music and chatting it up with Alexa.
Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam for $49.99 ($30 off): The motorized base can rotate 360 degrees to give you a complete view of the room and captures HD video. It has the same features as other indoor Ring cams, such as Live View and two-way talk.
Soundcore by Anker Space A40 earbuds for $45 ($35 off): Our top budget earbuds are down to a new low price for Prime Day. We’re fans of the pleasant, warm sound and solid ANC. Plus they’re comfortable and go for eight-ish hours on a charge.
Echo Show 5 with TP-Link smart color bulb for $49.99 (56 percent off): The screen here is small (measuring just 5.5 inches diagonally) but it’s enough to display your Alexa-enabled smart camera feeds and show you cooking videos. Plus the included smart bulb lets your Show do tricks right out of the box.
Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 for $48 ($32 off): We like the smallest speaker in our guide because it packs serious sound for its size. The audio isn’t the highest fidelity, but the rubbery strap is perfect for strapping onto a pack, bike handlebar or elsewhere.
Blink Outdoor 4 + Blink Mini 2 bundle for $49.99 ($90 off): A bundle with both an indoor and outdoor camera is 64 percent off, so you can start your home-monitoring system on the cheap. As an Amazon brand, Blink works best with other Alexa-enabled smart home devices.
Anker PowerConf C200 2K webcam for $48 ($12 off): The budget pick from our webcam guide is even more budget-friendly now. It offers good video quality and does a good job of making you appear clear in low-light settings.
Expired Prime Day deals
Anker 6.6k MagGo MagSafe-compatible portable charger for $29.99 ($40 off): We’ve seen this battery go as low as $40, but now, if you’re a Prime member, you’ll see it for $40, plus there’s a $10 coupon that’ll drop it down to $30. We tried this one for our battery bank guide and liked it, it just didn’t have the capacity of our top MagSafe pick.
Anker 100W USB C charger block for $39.99 ($35 off): When you need to recharge your devices quickly, you might need more than that 25-watt brick you have lying around. This one from Anker is speedy and just $40 for Prime members.
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice, and stay tuned to Engadget.com for all of the best tech deals coming out of October Prime Day 2024.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-prime-day-deals-under-50-in-the-final-hours-of-amazons-big-deal-days-091634975.html?src=rss
The best Prime Day bluetooth speaker deals we could find during Amazon's Big Deal Days sale
The October Prime Day sale at Amazon is slowly coming to an end, but as of this writing, there are still quite a few speaker deals to be had. At Engadget, we’ve tested scads of audio equipment. In our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers and smart speakers, we break down which, out of the thousands out there, are worth your money. And our guide to the best soundbars lists our favorite devices for immersive viewing and clear dialogue.
Not surprisingly, many of those picks come from stalwart brands like Bose, JBL, Ultimate Ears and Marshall — and most of our favorites aren't exactly cheap. That's what makes sales like this so great. You can save on quality equipment, that comes highly recommended, so you won't get stuck with mumbly lows and flat mids and tinny highs. Here are the best Prime Day speaker deals we could find on the models we recommend.
Best October Prime Day Bluetooth speaker deals
Photo by Jon Turi / Engadget
There’s a portable speaker for just about every situation in our guide to Bluetooth speakers. Whether you just want some tunes as you horbgorble around at home or need to entertain some coworkers at a music dance experience, there’s something for you here — and best of all, these are on sale.
Beats Pill Bluetooth speaker for $100 ($50 off): The new Beats portable speaker just came out a few months ago, and we called it a worthy revival of a classic Beats product in our review. It has improved sound, a longer battery life and a rugged build.
Soundcore Motion 300 for $60 ($20 off): This sub-two-pound sound-maker delivers a bright, punchy output from 30-watt speakers. We found it to have a crisp high end and fairly thumpy bass when it has walls to bounce the sound off of. Plus it’s waterproof and goes for 13 hours on a charge. This Prime-members-only price matches its all-time low.
Anker Soundcore Motion+ for $69 ($31 off): This little guy comes in at just over two pounds and has a bright and bassy output. It can play songs for around 12 hours on a charge and we particularly appreciate the solid build with its metal grille. This Prime-exclusive deal matches the lowest price yet.
Tribit StormBox Micro 2 for $48 ($32 off): This is the smallest music box on our list, and we like it because it packs serious sound for its size. The audio isn’t the highest fidelity, but the rubbery strap is perfect for strapping onto a pack, bike handlebar or elsewhere.
JBL Flip 6 for $80 ($50 off): After reading our guide, this is the speaker I bought, and I can confirm this crowler-sized device has great sound quality, is durable as heck and I love that it sounds great on its side or stood on end.
Marshall Emberton II for $100 ($70 off): This clutchable model has two 10-watt drivers and passive radiators for 360-degree sound. While it’s not super loud, we found the output to be nicely balanced. You’ll get up to 30 hours of play on a charge and it has a IP67 water- and dust-resistance rating.
Marshall Middleton for $250 ($50 off): This is the flagship in Marshall’s waterproof/portable line. We like the top-notch sound quality and impressive output from the dual woofers, tweeters for the front and back, and passive radiators along each side.
Ultimate Ears Hyperboom for $320 ($130 off): At 13 pounds, this UE speaker pushes the boundaries of portable, verging into shelf speaker territory. It made the cut in our guide thanks to its good looks, loud output and ample port options. It’ll play for 24 hours on a charge, too.
JBL Go 3 for $28 ($12 off): The smallest JBL speaker isn't on our list of the best speakers, but many other models from the speaker company have earned high praise from our reviewers. This deal is the lowest price we've seen on this pocket sized music machine, just note that only Prime members get the full discount.
Best October Prime Day smart speaker deals
Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
I never thought I’d own a smart speaker, but now I ask Alexa for everything — turn on the smart lights, set a noodle timer, remind me about Saturday’s group FaceTime and, most importantly, tell me the weather today. It’s always a good idea to get these devices on sale, so take advantage of these Prime Day prices while you can.
Sonos Era 100 for $199 ($50 off): The Sonos Era 100 is our pick for the best midrange smart speaker. The sound quality is excellent, it pairs well with other Sonos devices and there are plenty of useful features — which should only improve once Sonos resolves all of its app issues.
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) for $23 ($27 off): The Dot is the most popular model in Amazon’s smart speaker family. Though it’s small, it puts out decent volume and music sounds pretty good from its speakers. But where it really shines is acting as your daily smart home assistant.
Amazon Echo (4th Gen) for $50 ($50 off):The full-sized model is probably a better option if you plan to use your Echo as a music source regularly — not surprisingly, its bigger size makes for bigger sound, plus you can pair two together. It’s our recommendation for a smart speaker under $100.
Amazon Echo Spot (2nd gen) for $45 ($35 off): The half-a-softball Spot with its tiny display went away for a time, but came back with a new look and a half-moon screen that can display the time, weather and the song that’s playing.
Amazon Echo Pop for $18 ($22 off): The tiniest Echo device is best suited to a small space where it would be helpful to have Alexa’s assistance. It’s not built for high fidelity music playing, but will bop out a song as you get ready or make some dinner.
Best October Prime Day soundbar deals
Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
It’s not just you. The dialogue in TV shows is getting tougher to suss out. In my house, a soundbar has made a world of difference. Of course, these long speakers and sets also make movies more immersive. Engadget’s Billy Steele tested out a bunch, putting his favorites in our soundbar guide and, in good news for anyone ready to turn off the subtitles, Prime Day deals extend to a few winning models.
Sonos Beam for $399 ($100 off): The Sonos Beam is our favorite midrange soundbar. It has solid sound quality, support for Dolby Atmos and is easy to set up. Just note that it only has one HDMI port, so you can’t hook up a console directly to the speaker.
Sonos Ray for $169 ($110 off): This is the lowest price we've seen yet for this recommended soundbar, at over $100 off. We like the Sonos Ray because it's an affordable option that puts out excellent sound in a compact bar with easy setup.
Sonos Arc for $719 ($180 off): In our guide to soundbars, we mention the Arc, noting that it's definitely the company's best sounding soundbar — but the price, and the fact that there's likely an updated Arc on the way make it harder to fully recommend. Still it got a positive review from us and if you're the type to go with the tried and true model over the new one and you want to save a chunk of change, this could be the deal for you.
Sonos Sub Mini for $343 ($86 off): Here's a 20 percent discount on the Sub Mini. We gave it good marks in our official review, calling it a Sonos subwoofer that's "more affordable and practical for smaller spaces."
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice, and stay tuned to Engadget.com for all of the best tech deals coming out of October Prime Day 2024.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-prime-day-bluetooth-speaker-deals-we-could-find-during-amazons-big-deal-days-sale-073606169.html?src=rss
The Internet Archive taken down by DDoS attacks
The Internet Archive has been hit with a series of DDoS attacks this week that have taken the service offline. The Verge noticed a popup on the site today when the online database went down. The popup has since disappeared, but the site is not currently available.
🚨🚨🚨The Wayback Machine looks like it has been compromised.
web[.]archive[.]org pic.twitter.com/MvPshUrs7i
— Dark Web Informer (@DarkWebInformer) October 9, 2024
Internet Archive founder Brewster Kahle has been publishing updates on the attacks on X, with the latest news simply that the team is attempting to bring the site back online. A DDoS organization known as Blackmeta claimed responsibility for the attacks with a confusing message that the platform "belongs to the USA." The Internet Archive is a non-profit that provides free access to a vast library of software and media, as well as hosting the Wayback Machine web archive.
Yesterday's DDOS attack on @internetarchive repeated today. We are working to bring https://t.co/Hk02WjumkL back online.
— Brewster Kahle (@brewster_kahle) October 9, 2024
This isn't the first time it has been targeted by DDoS attacks, but this week's attacks are the latest in a string of bad news for the Internet Archive. The platform has been fighting a legal battle over ebook copyrights and recently lost its appeal in the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/the-internet-archive-taken-down-by-ddos-attacks-222317044.html?src=rss
The best Prime Day Kindle deals take up to 25 percent off the Scribe and Paperwhite models
In these final hours of Amazon's October Prime Day sale, we're down to just two Kindle models on sale (or, really available at all) on Amazon's site. Why are there just two active listing for Kindles right now? It's almost certainly because Amazon is going to announce new models soon. We have no hard evidence to back that up. But consider that the newest option, the Scribe, is two years old. Consider that Amazon has no color ereaders in its lineup (while it's rivals do). Then add in the fact that models are missing from one of Amazon's biggest sales of the year. It's a good bet that new models are on the way.
So why would you want to bother with the Kindle sales that are happening. Some won't. But others may prefer a tried-and-true model over the latest thing. The good news is that an ereader isn't meant to do everything a tablet can. They should display crisp, 300 dpi text, have weeks of battery live, be comfortable to hold and have a soft front light for low-light reading. Both of these models do just that (plus the Scribe adds in note-taking). Here are the best Prime Day Kindle deals (all two of them).
October Prime Day 2024 Kindle deals
Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Amazon Kindles dominate the ereader market, and right now there are just two models to choose from. Of course, a new Kindle is likely on the horizon — rumors suggest as much and the last entry in the lineup came over two years ago. But since ereaders aren't as tech-heavy as a tablet, the generational bump may not make as much difference.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite for $125 ($25 off): The Paperwhite is an upgraded Kindle, adding a larger display, an adjustable warm light and a waterproof build. The flush-front screen makes page turns easier and a faster processor makes that action speedier, too.
Amazon Kindle Scribe for $255 ($85 off): You can write as well as read with this tablet. It has a large 10.2-inch display, auto-adjusting warm front light and an auto-rotating display. It comes with the Basic pen so you can use the notebook feature that even converts handwriting to text.
Kindle Accessories deals
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Case for $20 ($15 off): If you already have the latest (11th generation) Paperwhite, here's a deal on a case. It not only adds a little protection, opening or closing the cover also wakes or sleeps your device.
Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle for $135 ($70 off): If you want a case and are picking up the Paperwhite ereader for the first time, go for this bundle that includes the device, the cover and a power adapter for just $10 more than the sale price of the Paperwhite on its own.
Expired Prime Day deals
Amazon Kindle for $80 ($20 off): The base-model ereader is our pick for the best budget ereader you can buy. It’s got a clear, 300-ppi screen, long battery life and a display that’s easy to customize to your reading preferences.
October Prime Day 2024 Kindle Kids deals
Kindles geared towards kids are basically the same thing as their “adult” counterparts, but these come with a cover, extended warranty and a free trial of Amazon Kids+ that lets youngsters access kid-friendly audiobooks, stories and more. Plus they don’t have ads on the lock screen (Amazon makes you pay $20 for that concession on the standard devices).
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids for $115 ($55 off): The kids edition of the upgraded Paperwhite ereader has a flush-front design, waterproof build and warm front lights for late-night reading. It comes with a cover, a two-year warranty and a year of the kids subscription.
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice, and stay tuned to Engadget.com for all of the best tech deals coming out of October Prime Day 2024.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-prime-day-kindle-deals-take-up-to-25-percent-off-the-scribe-and-paperwhite-models-080333490.html?src=rss
The best Prime Day Anker deals include savings on power banks, chargers and mobile accessories
Anyone could use an extra charging cable or a power bank to help them when they’re having a long, busy day and their smartphone is about to die. Sale events like October Prime Day typically bring some of the best prices of the year to Anker charging gear, and this year has been no different. In the final hours of the sale, we’re seeing some of our favorite Anker accessories on sale for record-low (or close to them) prices, including magnetic power banks, charging adapters, docking stations and more. While there’s always the chance that these deals come back around in a month for Black Friday, we recommend grabbing what you want now while the deals are available. These are the best Prime Day Anker deals that we found for October Prime Day.
Prime Day deals on Anker magnetic charging gear
Particularly if you have an iPhone with MagSafe support, magnetic accessories can make charging up your phone even easier. On sale this time around are wireless, magnetic power banks and charging stations that can support multiple devices at once.
Anker MagGo 10K power bank for $60 ($30 off): This is our current favorite power bank for iPhones in our guide to the best power banks thanks to its Qi2 fast charging, LED display that shows battery percentage and sturdy, built-in kickstand.
Anker MagGo 3-in-1 foldable charging station for $82 ($28 off): This compact charging station doubles as a power bank for iPhones and can charge up an iPhone, Apple Watch and a pair of AirPods all at the same time.
Anker MagGo 3-in-1 charging stand for $72 ($28 off): This stand supports an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods simultaneously, and it comes with a 40W wall charger and a USB-C to C cable which which to connect all the necessary pieces together.
Anker MagGo 5K power bank for with built-in stand for $32 ($10 off): The built-in kickstand on this battery pack lets you more easily watch videos and otherwise use your phone while it's powering up.
Anker MagGo 5K power bank for $30 ($5 off): Attaching this power bank to the back of your iPhone won't add much bulk, but it will provide a good amount of power when your handset needs it the most.
Prime Day deals on Anker charging cables and adapters
Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Prime Day, or any big sale event for that matter, is a good opportunity to pick up a few extra essentials like charging cables while you can get them at a discount. Anker's offerings right now include deals on USB-C and Lightning cables, along with charging adapters in various sizes and max wattages.
Anker 240W bio-branded USB-C to C cable for $14 ($11 off): Both of the six-foot cables included here can handle enough power to charge up laptops, tablets and smartphones alike.
Anker Nano 30W GaN USB-C charger for $13 ($10 off): Anyone can use an extra USB-C charger, and this one is super compact and includes foldable prongs for easier transport.
Anker Nano 47W USB-C charger for $25 ($5 off): This adapter has two USB-C ports and can push a maximum of 45W of power to one device, making it powerful enough to charge a MacBook Air.
Anker GaN Prime 65W 5-in-1 charging station for $50 ($20 off): You get two USB-C ports, one USB-A connector an and extra AC plug in this versatile charging station that includes a wrap-around cable that makes it easier to travel with.
Anker 100W GaN II USB-C charging block for $40 ($35 off): With 100W of power, this chunky adapter can power almost anything, and it gives you two USB-C ports and one USB-A port.
Anker Prime 240W GaN USB-C charger for $100 ($60 off): A good option for your desk, this 240W brick provides an extra three USB-C ports and one USB-A port so you can power up multiple devices at once.
Anker Prime Power Bank 240W with 100W charging base for $160 ($75 off): This is the top premium pick in our best power banks guide thanks to its high capacity, sleek design, informative built-in display and the charging base that makes it convenient to store and easy to charge up.
Prime Day deals on Anker docking stations, hubs and more
Anker may be known for its charging gear, but the company makes other accessories like docking stations and webcams, too. Prime Day deals include deep discounts on hubs and stations that add a bunch of extra ports back into the mix, and one of our favorite webcams.
Anker PowerConf C200 2K webcam for $48 ($12 off): One of our top picks for the best webcams, this accessory records 2K video and has dual stereo microphones plus an adjustable field of view.
Anker 8-in-1 USB-C hub/foldable tablet stand for $80 ($20 off): This handy stand can make it much easier to turn your iPad or other tablet into a laptop replacement. It supports passthrough charging and has eight different connectors including a microSD card slot, a 3.5mm audio jack and two USB-A ports.
Anker 14-in-1 USB-C docking station for $54 ($21 off): If you need a lot of connectivity on the go, this 14-in-1 hub could be a good option. Not only does it include an Ethernet port, but it also has two HDMI connectors and supports 80W passthrough charging.
Anker 10-in-1 USB-C docking station for $150 ($40 off): This slim docking station provides three USB-A ports, two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort, along with an Ethernet jack and up to 100W of charging for your laptop.
Anker 13-in-1 USB-C docking station for $140 ($30 off): A docking station like this one make your work-from-home setup more efficient. Here, you get pretty much every connector you'd need, including Ethernet, Display and HDMI ports, multiple USB-A ports, an audio jack and more. Plus, the docking station supports 85W charging for your laptop while it's connected.
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice, and stay tuned to Engadget.com for all of the best tech deals coming out of October Prime Day 2024.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-prime-day-anker-deals-include-savings-on-power-banks-chargers-and-mobile-accessories-084224389.html?src=rss
Prime Day TV deals include the Samsung Frame TV for a record-low price on Amazon
The October Prime Day sale at Amazon kicked off with some excellent deals on TVs and there’s one in particular we wanted to call out on this final day of Prime Day: Samsung's Frame art TV. Prime Day deals have brought the TV down to a record low of $978 for the 55-inch model. If you’ve been thinking about a TV that looks more like art when you’re not watching — instead of a black mirror — this might be the time to dive in. Other sizes are on sale as well.
For the uninitiated, The Frame TV is one-part television and one-part artistic canvas. When it’s not being used to binge shows and movies, it can display art prints. This is the perfect box for those who want to watch TV once in a while but don’t want a giant contraption taking up the entire living room. Most visitors won’t even know it’s a TV unless it's pointed out.
We’ve long sung the praises of Samsung’s The Frame TV. It boasts picture-frame edges and an ultra-thin bezel, to help with the illusion. The TV also mounts flat against the wall, so it can be placed just about anywhere. There isn’t even a large and ornery power cable. The TV connects via a thin wire that leads to an external receiver/port hub, which in turn goes to the power outlet. This wire is small enough to easily hide behind a plant or something, but it can also be dropped behind drywall and popped back out somewhere else.
As for TV specs, this is a 4K QLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate in TV mode. This refresh rate drops to 60Hz when in canvas mode because, well, there’s not that much to refresh. The matte display also limits light reflection, enhancing screen visibility in both TV and canvas mode. There is a caveat here. This sale is only for the 55-inch model, so the larger TVs will still break the bank.
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice, and stay tuned to Engadget.com for all of the best tech deals coming out of October Prime Day 2024.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/prime-day-tv-deals-include-the-samsung-frame-tv-for-a-record-low-price-on-amazon-103016838.html?src=rss
Apple Prime Day deals on AirPods, Apple Watches, iPads, MacBooks and more that are still available today
Amazon’s fall Prime Day sale has brought a handful of decent discounts on Apple devices, from the AirPods Pro 2 to the Apple Watch SE to the latest MagSafe Charger. If you’ve been waiting to take the plunge and don’t want to hold out until Black Friday, here are the best Apple deals we could find from the Prime Big Deal Days event. We’ll update this post if we find anything new. As a refresher, the sale runs through the end of the day today, and you’ll need to subscribe to Prime to view some of the deals.
Best Prime Day Apple deals
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) for $169 ($80 off MSRP): This is the lowest price we’ve seen for Apple’s noise-canceling wireless earbuds, which we consider the best choice for iOS users.
Apple AirPods Max for $395 ($154 off): This matches the all-time low for Apple’s over-ear noise-cancelers, though this price only applies to the older Lightning-based model, not the newer revision with USB-C. If you can live with the outdated charging port and somewhat bulky design, though, the old model still offers clean sound and top-notch ANC.
Apple AirPods 4 for $119 ($10 off): This modest discount has been available for a few weeks now, but it's still worth highlighting given that Apple only launched its new wireless earbuds last month. We gave the pair a review score of 88, praising its improved fit, comfort and overall sound quality. This model doesn't include active noise cancellation or wireless charging, however.
Apple Watch SE (2nd gen, GPS) for $170 ($79 off): It’s getting a bit long in the tooth, but the entry-level Apple Watch remains a fine choice for first-time smartwatch buyers, so long as you can live without the larger always-on display and more advanced health features of the pricier Series 10. This is another one of the lowest prices we’ve tracked for the 40mm model; the larger 44mm variant is similarly discounted at $200.
The AirPods Pro 2.
Billy Steele/Engadget
Apple Watch SE (2nd gen, GPS + Cellular) for $220 ($79 off): If you need more than Wi-Fi, the 40mm and 44mm versions of the Apple Watch SE with cellular support are also cheaper than usual at $220 and $250, respectively.
Apple MacBook Air M2 (13-inch) for $749 ($250 off): It's a generation old now, but the M2 MacBook Air offers most of the same benefits as the latest model, minus the slightly faster chip, dual external monitor support and improved storage speeds in the base model. This discount matches the lowest price we've seen. Just be sure you can live with 8GB of RAM before pulling the trigger. And if you need more storage, the 512GB model is also on sale at $200 more.
Apple MacBook Air M3 (13-inch) for $849 ($250 off): If you're willing to pay more for those upgrades, however, the latest and greatest MacBook Air is also discounted for $100 more. We've seen this discount a few times before, but it matches the entry-level model's lowest price to date. In general, we consider the M3 Air to be the best laptop for most people.
Apple MacBook Air M3 (15-inch) for $1,044 ($255 off): The 15-inch Air is a half-pound heavier than its 13-inch counterpart, but it has a more robust speaker system, and the added heft may be worth it if you need the extra screen space. This deal only beats the previous low by $5, but it's the best price we've tracked all the same. Note that this is the base model with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD; a config with double the memory and storage is down to a low of $1,423 as well.
The 15-inch Apple MacBook Air with an M3 chip.
Photo by Devindra Hardawar / Engadget
Apple iPad (9th gen) for $199 ($130 off): This model has technically been discontinued, and we've seen this discount for much of the last couple of months, but it bears repeating that $199 is a great price for an iPad that's still perfectly competent for casual media consumption. You'll have to put up with thicker bezels, the antiquated Home button and a meager 64GB of storage, but you get (almost) the same clean software and expansive app library as any other Apple tablet.
Apple iPad mini (6th gen) for $350 ($149 off): To be clear, this is a bad time to buy the iPad mini, as Apple is expected to launch a long-overdue refresh before the end of the year. But if you don’t care about owning the latest and just want a small iPad for (relatively) cheap, this is about $30 less than the 8.3-inch slate’s typical street price over the last few months.
Apple Pencil Pro for $96 ($33 off): This is the biggest drop to date for Apple's top-end stylus; just make sure you own (or plan on buying) one the latest iPad Airs or iPad Pros before taking the plunge.
Apple MagSafe Charger (25W) for $32 ($7 off): While not a huge discount, this is the lowest price we’ve seen for the company’s newest MagSafe charger, which now supports wireless charging speeds up to 25W with the iPhone 16 (and an appropriate power brick).
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice, and stay tuned to Engadget.com for all of the best tech deals coming out of October Prime Day 2024.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-prime-day-deals-on-airpods-apple-watches-ipads-macbooks-and-more-that-are-still-available-today-072544277.html?src=rss
The best Prime Day deals under $50 in the final hours of Amazon's Big Deal Days
I just counted. There are 45 Prime Day tech deals under $50 that are still live for the second day of Amazon's sale. (OK, there are probably thousands of such discounts at the retailer's site right now, but the products on this list are actually good.) Here, we've gathered up the smaller gadgets and supporting accessories, brands and devices we've tested and reviewed and know to be worth your money.
This list includes useful gear like chargers, storage cards, cables, batteries and even earbuds — plus a few Lego sets thrown in for good measure. Here are the best Prime Day Tech deals under $50.
Best Prime Day tech deals under $25
If you’ve got $25 and some change in an account somewhere, you can get something decent from Amazon’s sale (particularly if you’re a Prime member and don’t have to pay for shipping). We searched for the most useful tech we could find and came up with smart home speakers, cameras and plugs, plus a mouse, a streaming stick and some cable — all for less than $25.
Echo Pop with TP-Link smart color bulb for $18 (72 percent off): Amazon’s smallest smart speaker has sold for $18 in Prime Days past, and here it is for that same price with a free smart bulb thrown in. Makes a perfect smart home starter kit.
Anker Nano USB C Cable (240W, 6 ft) for $19 ($6 off): If you're tired of cables that conk out or can't handle fast charging, this is a better option. It can handle up to 240 watts and the six-foot length is just long enough for most places. I use this one to test power banks and like it a lot.
Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite for $18 (40 percent off): The budget pick in our guide to streaming devices isn’t quite beating its Black Friday price from last year, but this is still a good deal if you just need a basic way to watch your streaming apps on any screen with an HDMI port.
Apple AirTag for $25 ($4 off): Apple’s popular Bluetooth tracker is close to an all-time low. It anonymously pings nearby iPhones to create a crazy-vast finding network to help locate your lost keys, luggage or anything else you attach one to (using an accessory, of course).
Amazon Smart Plug for $13 ($12 off): I was impressed how well this plug works with my Echo Dot speaker. It was easy to set up and stayed reliably connected in my tests. And this is close to an all-time low price.
Belkin Apple AirTag Secure Holder for $14 ($6 off): We named this one of the best ways to secure your AirTag to just about anything. The wire cable is extra tough and attaches with an allen wrench. A less intense Belkin AirTag holder with a strap is also on sale.
J-Tech Digital Ergonomic Mouse for $17 ($13 off): One of our favorite ergonomic mice is cheaper than last Prime Day thanks to a discount and a 5 percent off coupon. We like the natural, vertical grip design and the optional LED lights.
Roku Express streaming stick for $18 ($12 off): For just a dollar more than its all-time low price, you can snag the runner up budget pick in our streaming device guide. It’s an affordable and capable HD streaming device that lets you watch tons of free shows and movies.
Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug (EP40A) for $17 ($13 off): One of the best ways to schedule and control your holiday lights is with an outdoor plug. We tried this one and found it to be easy to connect with Siri, who doesn’t always play nice with smart devices.
Anker USB-C to USB-C Cable (240W, 6ft) for $12 ($5 off): Stocking up on things like cables is a Prime Day must-do — you’ll always need more of them so snag them while they're cheap. Anker’s cords are solid and this one is rated to 240W with a just-right, six-foot length.
Blink Mini 2 for $20 ($20 off): I’m currently testing this camera for an upcoming guide and I’ve been impressed with the accuracy of its person detection — though that feature requires a subscription, which you get to try free for 30 days.
Amazon Echo Buds (2023) for $24.99 (50 percent off): Open design earbuds don’t go all the way into your ear canal and are therefore more comfortable for some. We named the Echo Buds best low-cost pick in that category in our budget earbud guide.
Amazon Echo Pop Kids for $23 ($50 off): The Echo Pop Kids comes covered in either Marvel heroes or Disney princesses and ships with a year of access to Amazon Kids+.
Amazon Echo Dot for $23 ($27 off): Amazon is matching last year’s Black Friday low on the Echo Dot — and beating July’s Prime Day price, too. It’s the top smart speaker on our list and puts out impressive sound for its size. I rely on mine daily for weather updates and smart light control.
EarFun Free 2S Wireless Earbuds for $24.99 ($15 off): You don’t always get much for less than $25 when it comes to earbuds. But we found these to have a comfortable fit and lively sound. Good enough for a knock-around pair.
TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Extender for $23 ($27 off): If you have Wi-Fi dead spots in your home and need a low-cost solution, grab one of these at half price. We tested this model and found it was easy to set up and reliable. We named it our budget pick in Engadget’s Wi-Fi extender guide.
Meross Dual Smart Plug for $25 ($5 off): For about a dollar less than its most recent low, you can snag a two pack of our favorite dual-outlet smart plugs. These work with all four smart home assistants and each outlet can be controlled individually.
Samsung Bar Plus USB flash drive (128GB) for $13 ($8 off): The Bar Plus is a basic but dependable thumb drive if all you need is a simple stick to hold and transfer files. Over the past year, we've seen it go for between $15 and $20.
Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box 10696 for $19 (46 percent off): True, Legos aren't technically tech, but show me someone who loves gadgets and computers who isn't into Legos and I'll show you a day without sun.
Best Prime Day tech deals under $30
Add a few more dollars to your budget and you can snag Apple’s new fast charger or a doorbell camera to keep tabs on your front porch while you’re at work. Here’s the best gadgets for less than $30 for Prime Day.
Anker 3-in-1 (10K Fusion) portable charger for $29.99 ($15 off): Here’s a low price — though only for Prime members — on one of the top picks in our power bank guide. It has a built-in cable and built-in wall prongs so all you need to bring is this handy brick and you can charge what needs charging, no extra cables required.
Ring Indoor Cam for $29.99 ($30 off): Snag this half price deal on an indoor smart camera that was updated just last year and helps you keep tabs on any room, with 1080p and color night vision. This sale matches its all-time low price.
Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A (4-pack) for $29.99 ($20 off): The prior low we saw on this set was $34, making this an even better deal. It’s the top pick in our smart plug guide because it works with all the smart assistants, isn’t frustrating to set up and stays reliably connected.
Amazon Echo Dot Kids for $28 ($32 off): The kids version of the smart speaker is the same basic hardware, but this one comes with a cute cover, parental controls and a year’s subscription to Amazon Kids+ with kid-friendly audiobooks and more.
Blink Video Doorbell for $29.99 ($30 off): You can keep tabs on your porch from anywhere for just $30. Just note that you’ll need to hardwire it or purchase the Sync Module if you want to see video on-demand, otherwise you’ll need to wait for a motion-detection alert.
SanDisk microSDXC Card for Nintendo Switch (128GB, 2-pack) for $28 ($12 off): SanDisk’s Switch-branded microSD card isn’t the fastest we’ve used, but it’s perfectly suitable for most cases, and this is a solid value for a two-pack.
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 for $21 ($9 off): Previous sales have dropped this tracker to $21 — and right now, Prime members can snag that all-time low. We named it the best bluetooth tracker for Samsung users and we’re particularly fond of the smooth pebble-like design.
JBL Go 3 for $28 ($12 off): The smallest JBL speaker isn't on our list of the best speakers, but many other models from the speaker company have earned high praise from our reviewers. This deal is the lowest price we've seen on this pocket sized music machine, just note that only Prime members get the full discount.
Best Prime Day tech deals under $40
Under the $40 mark, there are power banks, streaming devices and one of our favorite speakers. There’s even an advent calendar filled with stuff that’s way more exciting than chocolate.
LEGO Star Wars 2024 Advent Calendar for $36 ($9 off): The key to advent calendars is getting one early. Wait until November and the good ones are gone. That may be the case with this one, which has Leia and Luke in Christmas sweaters and is currently 20 percent off.
Apple iPhone 16 Silicone Case for $38 ($11 off): From year to year, Apple makes just enough tweaks to the design of the iPhone that last year’s case won’t work. Those with an iPhone 16 can save a few bucks on a case that accommodates the new design and Camera Control button.
Apple MagSafe Charger (1m) for $33 ($7 off): Apple slipped in a new MagSafe charger with the release of the iPhone 16. It boosts wireless charging speeds for the new handset, supporting a maximum rate of 25W.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for $35 ($25 off): This is the cheapest price yet on Amazon’s most powerful streaming stick. It supports 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos audio, plus it lets you play Xbox games without a console (but with a subscription).
Anker Nano Power Bank 10K for $32 ($8 off): We gave this a shout-out in our guide to power banks and this is the cheapest price we've seen. It has a handy connecting USB-C cable built in.
Amazon Echo Buds with ANC (2021) for in our review
Roku Streaming Stick 4K for $34 ($16 off): That’s about $6 more than the streamer sold for last Prime Day, but if you don’t want to wait and see whether it goes for less during Black Friday, grab it now and start enjoying our favorite streaming device for free and live content.
Razer Basilisk V3 wired gaming mouse for $39.99 ($20 off): We've seen this mouse go for as low as $40 before, which is a solid, 43 percent discount. It made the cut in both our best gaming mouse guide and our guide to ergonomic mice. Even if you're not a gamer, you'll appreciate the smooth glide.
Amazfit Band 7 fitness tracker for $39.89 ($10 off): Prime members can save on one of Amazon’s own fitness bands. It’s gone for as low as $40 previously. The band made the cut as a runner up in our cheap fitness tracker roundup.
8Bitdo Ultimate 2.4G Wireless Controller for $39.99 ($10 of): We are of the opinion that 8Bitdo makes some of the best third-party controllers out there. This one comes with a charging deck and works with PC, Android, Steam Deck and Apple products.
Best Prime Day tech deals under $50
Items in the priciest category on this list still aren't terribly expensive. For less than $50 you can get, for example, a smart display-and-bulb bundle. Pair them up and ask Alexa to turn on the light…and make it green. Then ask to turn it off again. Then on. Then off again at 10 pm. Then have it come on tomorrow, but pink. That’s worth at least $50 right there.
Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant for $48 ($12 off): I hated this little guy as a kid; it was always brushing the legs of my plumber and killing him. But this Lego set is so adorable (and nicely priced) that I can let go of any grudges.
Amazon Echo Spot and smart bulb for $45 ($35 off): Amazon’s revamped smart speaker has a half screen to show simple details like the weather, time and the song you’re listening to. The other half houses an improved speaker for music and chatting it up with Alexa.
Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam for $49.99 ($30 off): The motorized base can rotate 360 degrees to give you a complete view of the room and captures HD video. It has the same features as other indoor Ring cams, such as Live View and two-way talk.
Soundcore by Anker Space A40 earbuds for $45 ($35 off): Our top budget earbuds are down to a new low price for Prime Day. We’re fans of the pleasant, warm sound and solid ANC. Plus they’re comfortable and go for eight-ish hours on a charge.
Echo Show 5 with TP-Link smart color bulb for $49.99 (56 percent off): The screen here is small (measuring just 5.5 inches diagonally) but it’s enough to display your Alexa-enabled smart camera feeds and show you cooking videos. Plus the included smart bulb lets your Show do tricks right out of the box.
Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 for $48 ($32 off): We like the smallest speaker in our guide because it packs serious sound for its size. The audio isn’t the highest fidelity, but the rubbery strap is perfect for strapping onto a pack, bike handlebar or elsewhere.
Blink Outdoor 4 + Blink Mini 2 bundle for $49.99 ($90 off): A bundle with both an indoor and outdoor camera is 64 percent off, so you can start your home-monitoring system on the cheap. As an Amazon brand, Blink works best with other Alexa-enabled smart home devices.
Anker PowerConf C200 2K webcam for $48 ($12 off): The budget pick from our webcam guide is even more budget-friendly now. It offers good video quality and does a good job of making you appear clear in low-light settings.
Expired Prime Day deals
Anker 6.6k MagGo MagSafe-compatible portable charger for $29.99 ($40 off): We’ve seen this battery go as low as $40, but now, if you’re a Prime member, you’ll see it for $40, plus there’s a $10 coupon that’ll drop it down to $30. We tried this one for our battery bank guide and liked it, it just didn’t have the capacity of our top MagSafe pick.
Anker 100W USB C charger block for $39.99 ($35 off): When you need to recharge your devices quickly, you might need more than that 25-watt brick you have lying around. This one from Anker is speedy and just $40 for Prime members.
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice, and stay tuned to Engadget.com for all of the best tech deals coming out of October Prime Day 2024.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-prime-day-deals-under-50-in-the-final-hours-of-amazons-big-deal-days-091634975.html?src=rss
Prime Day gaming deals for 2024: Save big on the PS5, headsets, mice, board games and more
Amazon's October Prime Day sale is nearing the finish line, but many of the event's actually decent gaming deals are still kicking. The standard and digital versions of Sony's PlayStation 5 are each $50 off, for instance, while several of the mice, headsets, controllers and board games we recommend in our various buying guides are at or near their lowest prices to date.
If you've been looking to upgrade your setup and don't want to wait until Black Friday, we've sorted through the sale and picked out the best Prime Day gaming deals we could find below. As a refresher, Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event (as it's officially called) is scheduled to conclude at 3AM ET, and you'll need to be a Prime member to access some (but not all) of the discounts.
Best Prime Day gaming deals
The Astro A40 TR gaming headset.
Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
PlayStation 5 (slim) for $449 ($51 off MSRP): While this isn’t the best PS5 deal we’ve ever seen, steeper discounts for Sony’s console have been infrequent, so this isn’t the worst time to hop aboard. If nothing else, it’s a better value for most than the PS5 Pro.
PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (slim) for $400 ($50 off): If you’re 100 percent sure you’ll only buy games digitally, the version of the PS5 without a disc drive is also on sale for $50 less. Annoyingly, this was the standard going rate for the original PS5 Digital Edition, but Sony hiked the console’s MSRP by $50 when it introduced these “slim” models last year. NOTE: This deal has gone in and out of stock at Amazon, but it's also available at Walmart and Best Buy.
Xbox Series X (1TB) + $25 Best Buy gift card for $450 ($75 off): This is neither an Amazon deal nor an all-time low, but those who'd prefer an Xbox can also take $50 off a new console at Best Buy. The retailer will throw in a $25 digital gift card with your purchase.
Astro A40 TR gaming headset for $90 ($40 off): It’s several years old, but the open-back Astro A40 TR remains a top wired gaming headset thanks to its spacious sound and comfy design. The built-in microphone is pretty mediocre, however. This deal checks in $10 below the usual discount price we’ve seen over the course of this year.
Corsair Virtuoso Pro gaming headset for $140 ($60 off): The Virtuoso Pro is another wired open-back pair we recommend in our gaming headset guide. It’s not quite as good of a value as the Astro A40 TR, but it has a clearer mic, and we found its sound profile to work better with some (but not all) games. This deal matches the lowest price we’ve tracked.
Sennheiser HD 560S headphones for $126 ($104 off): If you don't need a built-in mic, the HD 560S is a quality pair of open-back headphones with the kind of wide, detailed sound that can help you feel immersed in most games. It's another pick from our gaming headset guide. This discount matches the lowest price we've seen in well over a year.
The 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller.
Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
Razer Basilisk V3 wired gaming mouse for $40 ($30 off): We recommend the Basilisk V3 in our guide to the best gaming mice for those who prefer a more ergonomic, right-handed shape and don't mind connecting over a cable. This deal matches the device's all-time low. It's worth noting that Razer announced an updated version of this mouse with an improved sensor just last week — we plan to test that model soon, but the upgrades appear to be fairly minor in practice.
Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro wireless gaming mouse for $110 ($40 off): If you'd rather go wireless, the DeathAdder V3 Pro is another favorite from our gaming mouse guide, blending a superlight, gently contoured shape with top-shelf performance. This is only a $10 drop from the mouse's recent street price, but it still represents an all-time low.
Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless MMO gaming mouse for $90 ($40 off): The Scimitar Elite is the wireless version of the top MMO pick in our buying guide. It offers 12 customizable side buttons that make it easier to pull of complex commands in MOBAs or MMOs like Final Fantasy XIV. This is the second-largest discount we’ve seen.
8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller for $50 ($20 off): While not an all-time low, this discount takes $10 off the usual street price for 8BitDo's wireless Switch/PC gamepad, which we've raved about before. It's a bit on the smaller side, but it's comfortable, with durable Hall effect joysticks that should avoid the "drift" sensation that's plagued Nintendo's Joy-Cons. If you don't need Bluetooth support, another model that only connects over a USB dongle is on sale for $10 less. That variant also uses Xbox-style face buttons instead of Switch ones.
Backbone One (USB-C, 2nd gen) for $70 ($30 off): The Backbone One is an easy-to-use mobile game controller that we’ve recommended before. This 30 percent discount ties the lowest price we’ve seen for the second-gen model. A PlayStation-branded model — which supports Sony’s official Remote Play app on Android and iOS, instead of just the latter — is available for the same price, as are the versions that connect over Lightning.
The ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless gaming keyboard.
Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless gaming keyboard for $142 ($38 off): This honorable mention from our guide to the best gaming keyboards offers a stellar typing experience, with a sturdy case, layers of sound-dampening foam and crisp PBT keycaps. The stock switches in this configuration are great, but they're also hot-swappable if you ever want to change things up. This deal is only about $15 off the keyboard's usual going rate, but it's still the second-best price we've tracked.
Keychron C3 Pro mechanical keyboard for $25 ($12 off): If you just want to pay as little as possible for a mechanical keyboard that still feels great, we recommend the C3 Pro. This iteration uses cheaper ABS keycaps and lacks hot-swappable switches, but it feels and sounds remarkably pleasant for something so cheap. This deal marks another all-time low. A hot-swappable version is also on sale for $13 more.
Keychron V3 Max mechanical keyboard for $89 ($11 off): The V3 Max is another recommendation from our gaming keyboard guide, specifically for those who want a more traditional look without any "gamer-y" embellishments. This is a modest discount, but we haven't seen the board fall this low super often. If you need a numpad, the full-size V6 Max is similarly discounted at $95.
8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard (Fami Edition) for $76 ($24 off): This wireless keyboard should appeal to anyone looking for a "vintage tech" aesthetic, as its keycaps and color accents are inspired by Nintendo's old Famicom console. It feels great for typing, too, though the default switches are somewhat noisy, so you may not want to use it in an office setting. This discount isn't an all-time low, but we normally see the device retail between $90 and $100.
WD Black C50 Xbox Expansion Card (1TB) for $121 ($37 off): It’s a pain in the neck, but the only way to fully expand the storage of an Xbox Series X/S is to use a proprietary expansion card such as the C50. This deal isn’t an all-time low, but it’s $10 to $20 cheaper than the typical street prices we’ve seen over the last several months.
Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card (2TB) for $199 ($50 off): If you want to add 2TB to your Xbox, meanwhile, this is the best price to date for Seagate's expansion card. There's little performance difference between this and the C50, so which one is best simply comes down to how much space you need.
Crucial P310 (2TB) for $168 ($97 off): The P310 is a small-size SSD you can slot into handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck or ASUS ROG Ally. It uses cheaper QLC memory, not the more performant TLC, but reviews suggest it'll still run well in something like the Deck. This is the lowest price we've seen for the 2TB variant.
Alienware M18 R2 gaming laptop for $2,300 ($500 off): The M18 R2 is the latest version of the top 18-inch pick in our guide to the best gaming laptops. It’s an absolute hoss of a notebook, but it’s built well, and this model with an RTX 4080 GPU, 32GB of RAM and a Core i9-14900HX chip is powerful enough to play modern games in 1080p or 1440p at high-ish settings. While not cheap, this matches the config’s best price to date.
The WD Black C50 Storage Expansion Card for Xbox consoles.
WD
Assassin’s Creed Mirage for $23 ($27 off): Mirage is a something of a throwback to older Assassin’s Creed games, one that’s smaller in scope than the more recent open-world entries. We called it a “warm, bloody hug from an old friend” in our review — in video game land, that’s a good thing. These days we usually see the game retail around $30.
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 for $19 ($21 off): This collection includes (lightly) remastered versions of the first three Metal Gear Solid games, which remain more subversive and self-assured than most games that have hit in the decades since. A few of the series’ classic 8-bit entries are here, too, and Konami has done well to rectify most of the set’s technical issues since launch. We’ve seen this price before, but it ties an all-time low.
Madden NFL 25 for $43 ($27 off): Madden is in pretty dire need of a creative reset, but at the end of the day, it’s Madden, and it works fine enough if you just want to scratch the pro football game itch. This is the second-best price we’ve seen for the latest entry.
EA Sports College Football 25 for $43 ($27 off): If you’re more of a college sports fan, EA brought back the series formerly known as NCAA Football back from an 11-year hiatus this past summer, and it generally received higher marks than its pro counterpart. This discount is the largest we’ve seen since launch.
WWE 2K24 for $28 ($32 off): If you prefer powerbombs and Hell in a Cell matches to touchdowns and bowl games, the latest WWE 2K game is also down to the best price we’ve seen (for a console copy, that is). It’s a 2K game, so there’ll be some bugs, but it received solid reviews at launch — something we cannot say for Cody Rhodes’ neck tattoo. Keep in mind that this game is available for free with a PlayStation Plus subscription during October, so there’s no need to buy if you plan on keeping that service for a while.
Azul board game for $18 ($22 off): We highlight this award-winning tile-laying game in our board game gift guide, calling it "a great gift for those who are new to gaming or just anyone who enjoys strategic puzzles." This deal comes within a couple bucks of the lowest price we've tracked and marks a $14 drop from the game's common street price in recent months.
King of Tokyo board game for $25 ($20 off): Essentially Yahtzee with monsters, King of Tokyo is another pick from our board game gift guide. We recommend it for kids and newbie board gamers in particular. This deal isn't an all-time low, but it does match the best price we could find in more than a year.
Ticket to Ride board game for $30 ($25 off): This is the lowest price we've seen all year for the ever-popular train-themed strategy game.
Catan board game for $30 ($30 off): Another ultra-popular one, Catan is a competitive strategy game in which you gather resources to build roads, cities and settlements. There's a non-zero chance it'll lead you and your loved ones to argue about sheep. The game has typically retailed around $43 over the last few months.
Expired Prime Day gaming deals
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for $20 ($30 off): Its story isn’t much, and it doesn’t veer too far outside the usual Metroidvania lines, but The Lost Crown should be a safe bet for most people looking for a tight-playing action-platformer. This discount marks a new low for the Xbox copy of the game, though the PS5 and Switch versions appear to be sold out.
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice, and stay tuned to Engadget.com for all of the best tech deals coming out of October Prime Day 2024.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/prime-day-gaming-deals-for-2024-save-big-on-the-ps5-headsets-mice-board-games-and-more-075455534.html?src=rss