Uber has acquired Blacklane, a Berlin-based startup that offers chauffeur services and bookings through its app, with plans to expand further into the luxury travel industry. Blacklane, founded in 2011, acts as a liaison between independent local chauffeur services and travelers looking for a more premium ride. According to Uber, the deal is subject to regulatory approvals but is expected to close by the end of 2026.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone in Blacklane’s next chapter and is a powerful step-change in introducing our service to new markets globally,” Jens Wohltorf, founder and CEO of Blacklane said in a press release. Uber didn’t disclose the acquisition details and it’s not clear if Uber Elite and Blacklane will compete against each other.

Currently, Blacklane is available in at least 500 cities across more than 60 countries. Besides on-demand chauffeur hailing, the startup offers long-distance rides from city to city, airport pickup with flight tracking, and by-the-hour bookings. Uber’s acquisition of Blacklane comes several weeks after it launched Uber Elite as an invite-only service for its “luxury ride experience.” Besides Uber Elite and Blacklane, another luxury hailing service has recently entered the US market. Earlier this month, Wheely announced its US debut with New York City as its first location, with five others to be announced in the coming years. Blacklane also currently operates in New York City, along with several dozen other cities in the US.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/uber-to-acquire-berlin-based-chauffeur-hailing-app-to-ramp-up-its-luxury-travel-efforts-163855603.html?src=rss

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Apple products are notoriously expensive. Whether you’re an Apple fan or an Apple hater, we can all agree: These things aren’t cheap. That’s why shopping holidays, like Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, can be a great time to save on typically pricey devices. While this Spring Sale doesn’t have deals on most of Apple’s latest iPhones or Apple Watches, there are some great discounts on previous-gen devices—as well as one sale on a brand-new iPad.

iPad A16 (256GB)

$359.10
at Amazon

$499.00
Save $139.90

$359.10
at Amazon

$499.00
Save $139.90

Apple Watch Ultra 2

$399.49
at Amazon

$450.00
Save $50.51

$399.49
at Amazon

$450.00
Save $50.51

Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS + Cellular)

$499.00
at Amazon

$799.00
Save $300.00

$499.00
at Amazon

$799.00
Save $300.00

iPhone 13 (Renewed Premium)

$296.05
at Amazon

$346.88
Save $50.83

$296.05
at Amazon

$346.88
Save $50.83

iPhone 14 (Renewed Premium)

$358.26
at Amazon

$383.34
Save $25.08

$358.26
at Amazon

$383.34
Save $25.08

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (Renewed Premium)

$118.15
at Amazon

$149.00
Save $30.85

$118.15
at Amazon

$149.00
Save $30.85

iPad A16 deal

Apple sells a lot of different iPads, some with fancy features and inflated price tags. But most of us really just need Apple’s basic slab of glass, which Apple plainly calls “iPad.” To be more specific, many call this the iPad A16, as that’s the chipset this tablet comes with. It’s no M-series SoC, of course, but the A16 has no trouble running iPadOS 26, and I imagine it won’t have issues running the latest updates for years to come.

This particular iPad only has 128GB of storage, which isn’t much for a tablet in 2026. That said, if you can practice some storage management, and keep your iPad use to streaming and cloud storage for the most part, you can snag a cellular iPad for just $359.10. You can pay for a network plan if you want to, giving you the opportunity to use your iPad anywhere you can get cell service.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 deal

The Apple Watch Ultra line is designed for extreme use cases, like intense hiking, diving, or swimming. But its features can also be good for casual athletes, or anyone who wants the biggest watch display Apple makes. While Apple’s Ultra 3 is $799, you can save a lot of money by buying the previous generation model—especially with this Amazon sale.

Right now, Amazon is selling the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for just $399.49. That’s a great deal. While you don’t get the Ultra 3’s S10 chip or 5G connectivity, the Ultra 2 comes with most of the same fitness features, including a depth gauge to 40m and a siren. It also comes with cellular capabilities baked in—you’d have to spend an extra $100 to get the cellular version of the Apple Watch Series 11.

Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS + Cellular) deal

The Apple Watch Series 10, like the Ultra 2, is the last-gen Apple Watch model. And like the Ultra 2, it’s perfectly usable today. In fact, it might be a better value than the Series 11, as it offers a similar suite of features for a discounted price.

The real advantage with this model right now, however, is you can score Apple’s “premium” Titanium material at a huge discount. Usually, the Titanium Apple Watch starts at $799 for the 46mm option. But during Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, you can pick one up for $499. My Apple Watch Series 6 is still going strong, but if it were showing even the slightest sign of failure, I’d be retiring it in favor of this watch in a heartbeat.

iPhone 13 (Renewed Premium) deal

If you need a new iPhone, you don’t have to go through Apple, or even your carrier. Instead, you can opt for an unlocked, refurbished iPhone, for a fraction of the cost of a brand new unit. In this case, the iPhone 13 might just be a great value: Amazon has Big Spring Deals on the 256GB variant, and prices vary by color. Right now, the cheapest option is the red version, a color Apple doesn’t offer anymore on new iPhones, for $296.05.

This isn’t a brand new iPhone with all the latest bells and whistles, of course, but it’s a solid device—even in 2026. It has Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, the company’s standard 6.1-inch OLED display, two 12MP camera (one wide, one ultra-wide), and full compatibility with the latest version of iOS. Amazon says its Renewed Premium products do not have scratches on the display, nor any cosmetic damage you can see from 12 inches way, and battery life that is great than 90% of the capacity of the product when it was new.

iPhone 14 (Renewed Premium) deal

Amazon also has a Big Spring Deal on the iPhone 14, if you’re willing to pay slightly more for a slightly newer iPhone. That said, the iPhone 14 also uses Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, though it has one extra GPU core than the iPhone 13. (You might notice a slight advantage in graphics-intensive apps and games.) The iPhone 14’s camera is a bit better, but doesn’t break any ground, and it supports Bluetooth 5.3 while the iPhone 13 supports Bluetooth 5. In fact, the only other major difference here is the iPhone 14’s lack of physical SIM slot. If you need SIM card support, stick with the iPhone 13.

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (Renewed Premium) deal

Apple’s AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation also get a decent discount during the Big Spring Sale—if you’re okay buying a pair of Renewed Premium earbuds. Right now, the earbuds are 21% off, meaning you can get a pair of noise cancelling AirPods for just $118.15. That comes with modern AirPods features, like Transparency Mode, Adaptive Audio (which adjusts the volume based on your environment), and Conversation Awareness (which automatically lowers the volume when it detects you’re speaking).

The only hitch here is that these AirPods are not “brand new.” Again, these are Renewed Premium, which Amazon asserts have high standards for a refurbished product. That’s all well and good for iPhones, but AirPods are another story, since no one wants someone’s previously worn earbuds. My hope is that in this case, these are “open box” items, in which someone returned unused AirPods after breaking the seal on the packaging. But as it’s impossible to know for sure, it’s the risk you take to buy AirPods at a 21% discount.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Amazon’s Big Spring Sale is nearing its end, but there’s still time to take advantage of solid deals for all your fitness needs—here are all the best fitness deals under $100 that are still available.

Deals on strength training equipment

It seems like the heavier you want to lift, the more expensive it’s going to get. In the meantime, there are great deals on starter dumbbells, storage solutions, and more:

• UNNMIIY 5 in 1 adjustable dumbbells, $79.98, down from $109.99

• PLKOW storage and weight rack, $79.98, down from $129.99

• NICEPEOPLE adjustable weight bench, $64.59, down from $75.99

• Resistance bands, $24.98, down from $37.99

If you’re willing to go slightly above your $100 budget, I recommend opting for these Lifepro adjustable dumbbells, currently on sale for $150.09, down from $189.99.

UNNMIIY Adjustable Dumbbells, 20/30/45/70/90lbs Free Weight Set with Connector,5 in1 Dumbbells Set Used as Barbell, Kettlebells, Push up Stand, Fitness Exercises for Home Gym Suitable Men/Women

$79.98
at Amazon

$109.99
Save $30.01

$79.98
at Amazon

$109.99
Save $30.01

Deals on fitness trackers

The Fitbit Inspire 3 is on sale for $69.95, down from $99.95. If you want a simple, minimalist fitness tracker, this is a great way to grab one on the cheap. The Inspire 3 is, in many ways, a pared-down Charge 6, and I simply have to mention that the Fitbit Charge 6 is currently $119.95, down from $159.95. If you’re stuck deciding between these two budget options, I recommend reading my colleague Beth Skwarecki’s review of the Charge 6 here.

For a reliable chest strap, the Polar H10—widely regarded as the best heart rate monitor out there—is on sale for $76.99, down from $104.99. 

Fitbit Inspire 3

$69.95
at Walmart

$89.95
Save $20.00

$69.95
at Walmart

$89.95
Save $20.00

Deals on muscle recovery and stretching equipment

If you’re looking for a travel-sized massage gun, the Bob and Brad Q2 Ultra Mini Massage Gun is on sale for $78.82, down from $99.99. For me, the real selling point of this massage gun—which I reviewed in-depth here—is how great the heat therapy feels. Plus, its compact size makes it perfect for travel or bringing to the gym—something I never considered with my full-sized TheraGun Therabody.

Some more deals in this realm:

• 5 in 1 Foam Roller Set, $32.99, down from $39.95

• 1-Inch Thick Yoga Mat, $29.99, down from $36.99

• TriggerPoint Grid 1.0 Foam Roller, $27.99, was $39.99

Bob and Brad Q2 Ultra Mini Massage Gun

$78.82
at Amazon

$99.99
Save $21.17

$78.82
at Amazon

$99.99
Save $21.17

Deals on headphones and earbuds

The original Shokz OpenRun are available for $89.94, down from a list price of $129.95. They might not have as powerful bass or as long a battery life compared to my favorites, the OpenRun Pro 2 (also on sale right now, for $139.95), but they’re still a top choice of open-ear bone conduction headphones.

If you’re eyeing Sony noise-cancelling headphones that won’t put you out hundreds of dollars, the Sony WH-CH720N are available for $94 (originally $179.99) on Amazon right now. For more great deals on home gym equipment (even though, fair warning, many of them exceed this post’s $100 benchmark), check out my round-up here.

Shokz OpenRun

$89.94
at Amazon

$129.95
Save $40.01

$89.94
at Amazon

$129.95
Save $40.01

For the “foreseeable future,” Sony says it has stopped accepting new orders for most of its CFexpress and SD memory card lines due to the an ongoing memory supply shortage. “Due to the global shortage of semiconductors (memory) and other factors, it is anticipated that supply will not be able to meet demand for CFexpress memory cards and SD memory cards for the foreseeable future,” the company said in a notice. “Therefore, we have decided to temporarily suspend the acceptance of orders from our authorized dealers and from customers at the Sony Store from March 27, 2026 onwards. PetaPixel reports: The suspension includes all of Sony’s memory card lines, including CFexpress Type A, CFexpress Type B, and SD cards. The 240GB, 480GB, 960GB, and 1920GB capacity Type A cards have been suspended, as have the 480GB and 240GB Type B cards. The full gamut of Sony’s high-end SD cards has also been suspended, including the 256GB, 128GB, and 64GB TOUGH-branded cards and the lower-end 512GB, 256GB, 128GB, and 256GB plainly-branded Sony cards, which cap out at V60 speeds. Even Sony’s lower-end, V30 128GB and 64GB SD cards have been suspended, showcasing that the SSD shortage affects all types of solid state, not just the high-end ones.

It appears that only the 960GB CFexpress Type B card and the lowest-end SF-UZ series SD cards remain in production. However, those UHS-I SD cards are discontinued in the United States outside of a scant few retailers and resellers. “We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our customers,” Sony concludes.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Microsoft’s Copilot is getting even better at research thanks to a new feature that combines the power of both OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude. In a blog post announcing Copilot Cowork‘s availability, Microsoft debuted the Critique feature that will be used in Microsoft 356 Copilot’s Researcher tool. Unlike the standard Copilot, Researcher is designed to tackle more complex tasks with multiple steps.

Now, Researcher is getting even better at that with the Critique feature that uses GPT responses, which are then refined by Claude. In a blog post, Microsoft said that, “this architecture creates a powerful feedback loop that delivers higher-quality results across factual accuracy, analytical breadth, and presentation,” adding that Researcher’s process is similar to what you see in “academic and professional research settings.” Microsoft claims the upgrade scores somewhat higher (compared to the most recent Perplexity Deep Research models) on the Deep Research Accuracy, Completeness, and Objectivity benchmark. On its own, Anthropic has a Research feature that can use multiple Claude agents to provide a comprehensive response to more complex requests.

If you prefer doing research with a little more autonomy, Microsoft also added the Model Council feature that’s available as an alternative option for Researcher. With Model Council, you’ll get side-by-side responses from both Anthropic and OpenAI, with a report that shows where the models agree and disagree. Both features are currently available in Microsoft 365 Copilot’s Frontier program, which acts as a early access space for the company’s AI innovations.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/microsofts-research-assistant-can-now-use-multiple-ai-models-simultaneously-154558628.html?src=rss

They say the best camera is the one you have with you. But if everyone has at least a pretty good camera in their phone, why would Gen Z (and really, everyone) be drawn to retro photography? Despite the downsides of bulky, standalone film cameras, the aesthetics and tangibility of old school photography still has a lot to offer.

When we talk about “retro” photography, there’s a lot we could mean, but there’s a distinct revival trend around 80s- and 90s-style camera gear and aesthetics we want to focus on. Think Polaroid cameras and standalone point-and-shoots. And if you’re not already drawn in by the appeal of tangible photos and nostalgic vibes, allow me to make the case for why you should.

What is the appeal of retro photography?

There’s a tendency to think of camera technology as steadily progressing forward in a linear fashion. But for creative purposes, it’s often more helpful to think of it in terms of aesthetic eras. Every type of camera has distinct physical qualities that contribute to the appearance of the images they create. And those qualities, over time, become associated with the times and images they capture.

For one very obvious example, consider film grain. As this video essay from YouTube channel Nerdwriter explores, film grain was initially just an artifact of how film cameras work. As it became possible to eliminate film grain, however, our brains started associating this grain with older cinema, or a more generic “film look.” With more control over how—and whether—film grain appears in an image, it can be used to deliberately create a chaotic energy in otherwise still footage.

This same principle applies to the aesthetics of every era of camera technology. 90s point-and-shoots, for example, were characterized by harsh, unflattering lighting. They typically had poor low-light performance, so a blinding flash was sometimes the only viable source of light. Now, with better cameras and lighting equipment, that look can become a deliberate stylistic choice.

Film and instant cameras also provide a tangible experience that forces more deliberate choices. You might notice a lot of your old family photos have a kind of awkward, staged vibe, and there’s a reason for that. When you only had a dozen or so chances to take a picture, you had to be more careful to make sure everyone is posed and in frame, eyes are open, etc. Now, it’s easy to take dozens of photos until you get the right one, but going back to limited use cameras can force you back into thinking ahead about the image you want.

And when it comes to instant cameras, there’s nothing quite like the experience of having a physical memento immediately. Everyone has piles of photos in their camera roll that they’ll never look at again, but if someone hands you a Polaroid of you and your loved ones, there’s a solid chance it’s going on your fridge or in your scrapbook.

If nothing else, there’s also something to be said for photography without all the AI nonsense that’s so unavoidable now. We have guides on how to take photos on Android or iOS without all the post processing junk. But that can only go so far. On some level, every modern smartphone is doing some kind of digital processing to create a look that’s appealing to the vast majority of users. That can result in a smoothed over, generic look that might not actually be what you want.

These are the best retro photography options

So, okay, you’re sold on the idea of experimenting with nostalgic aesthetics. Where can you get started? The great news here is that you have well over a century of camera history to play around with. Used camera gear is going to be your friend, and you can often find great tools for relatively cheap either online or at local photography shops.

In general, there are a few interesting categories of dedicated cameras to check out:

• Polaroid-style instant cameras. Through a convoluted process of bankruptcy, acquisitions, and relaunches, Polaroid is back, but it’s not the only game in town anymore. Fujifilm, Kodak, and Lomography all offer their own brands of instant cameras that can snap photos and immediately print them out.

• Classic digital point-and-shoots. Today’s point-and-shoots are geared a bit more towards professional photographers who want a high degree of control. But you can find a lot of cheap, used digital cameras from the last couple decades that still take surprisingly good photos. In many cases, the digital noise or lens artifacts that would’ve been considered flaws when these cameras were new can offer creative opportunities to get a specific nostalgic look.

• Ancient smartphones. The earliest smartphones from the late 2000s had some pretty atrocious cameras by modern standards. But they also lacked a lot of the AI and post-processing that’s come to dominate the landscape today. You can find cheap, used smartphones on sites like eBay for as little as $50, which can be a handy way to get some authentically aughts-era photos without having to fake it.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera Mint Green and Fuji Film Value Pack (60 Sheets) Bundle with Sturdy Tiger Accessories, Carrying Case, Photo Album 64 Pockets

$171.95
at Amazon

$171.95
at Amazon

Some camera gear—particularly when it comes to DSLR and mirrorless camera lenses and systems—can retain their value for long periods of time. But there’s a wide range of used or outdated camera gear circulating that provide distinct looks and feels. As you explore older cameras, pay attention to the unique aspects of the photos they create, and experiment with how you can use those traits to convey a different story.

How to get started with retro photography

Camera and smartphone manufacturers will never let you forget about their latest and greatest hardware, but where do you go to find the best gear from a decade or two ago? The used market for photography equipment can be scattered and fractured, but here are some tips to get started with your hunt:

• Check out your local photography or thrift stores. Few things can be more useful to a photographer than that one shop in town that always seems to have a used lens or proprietary power adapter that you need for your camera. And sometimes, if they trade in used camera gear, you can find unique devices that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. If you establish an ongoing relationship with your local camera shop, you can even get the opportunity to try out gear you might otherwise have to buy to experiment with.

• Search specialty camera gear sites. You can always find used cameras on generic auction sites like eBay, but for my money, I like checking out specialty sites like Adorama and Precision Camera. These sites offer a selection of used camera gear, and sometimes receive a better selection than you find on eBay. Every once in a while, I’ll sort the used camera section by lowest price and scroll to see what kind of budget options are on offer.

• Join a local photography group. Camera gear is expensive, but you don’t always need to invest a ton of money just to explore different aesthetics. In many cities, groups of photography enthusiasts will get together for photo walks or just to meet up and trade tips. Making friends with other photographers is a great way to learn from others and even share experience with each other’s equipment.

Even if you don’t want to invest in camera gear specifically, it can be a helpful exercise to look back through photos from past eras and observe what they have in common. Pull out your old family photo albums and compare them to the photos on your phone. Grab a movie from your childhood and examine how it looks different from the polished reboot that just dropped a couple years ago.

In photography—and all art—the details matter. A difference in color saturation, noise texture, or even how an image is framed can convey a world of meaning. As you explore the aesthetics of retro photography, your grasp of contemporary visual media can grow, making you better able to express yourself through visual art.