Microsoft is raising prices for Xbox consoles globally, with the flagship Series X jumping $100 to $599.99 in the US. The more affordable Series S will increase by $80 to $379.99, while game prices will reach $80 later this year.
The company cited “market conditions and the rising cost of development” in a statement, adding that it continues to focus on “offering more ways to play more games across any screen and ensuring value for Xbox players.”
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This is a timelapse video of a powerful supercell thunderstorm in Oklahoma captured by storm chaser Chad Casey earlier this week. With the storm above and all those blinking red lights below it looks like a modern day Mordor. And maybe it is, I’ve never been to Oklahoma. It definitely looks like the sort of place I wouldn’t simply walk into though.
Anyone rocking a recent-gen high-end GPU like an RTX 4090 or 5090 knows that these behemoths of rendering power are heavy enough to knock out a would-be PC thief. As GPUs get larger and heavier, sagging has become a growing concern for PC builders and GPU manufacturers, and ASUS briefly let on just how aware of this issue the company is.
ASUS quietly added a function called “Equipment Installation Check” to its GPU Tweak III monitoring software back in January. Included in this toolset was a measurement named “VGA Horizontal Status” that precisely measured the angle at which the installed GPU was tilting down. Users could set a custom warning if the GPU tilted down beyond a degree threshold set by the user.
In mid-April, Taiwanese publication UNIKO’s Hardware published a teardown of the latest ROG Astral 50-series cards, which highlights what they suspect to be a Bosch Sensortec chip. Bosch describes it as “a general purpose, low-power IMU that combines precise acceleration and angular rate (gyroscopic) measurement with intelligent on-chip motion-triggered interrupt features.” The technicians at UNIKO’s Hardware believe this chip is what powers the tilting detection tool.
Curiously, the most recent mentions of this feature on ASUS forums point out that as of the latest release of the Tweak III software, dated April 11, the Equipment Installation Check button is no longer there. Users had begun reporting what they believed to be false positives, confident that their GPUs were level despite the software saying they were sagging. Engadget reached out to ASUS to understand if this feature is being deprecated or if it wasn’t reporting accurate readings but did not receive a response.
Whether the feature is gone for good or angling for a comeback, the risk of sagging GPUs is all too real for many PC gamers today. PCIe slots were not exactly designed with today’s six-plus GPUs in mind, which has led to gamers finding creative solutions to hold up their enormous graphics cards and prevent potential damage.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/asus-adds-then-removes-the-ability-to-detect-sagging-in-its-latest-rog-astral-gpus-134508930.html?src=rss
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The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Play borrows the same compact, round design as the brand’s more expensive models, like the Wonderboom 4, but dials back on a few key features to hit a lower price point. Currently at $36.99 on Woot—its lowest price yet according to price trackers and well below the $89.99 list price (and $59.49 on Amazon)—this deal runs for two days or until it sells out.
Despite the low price, it holds onto the signature IP67 durability, meaning it can handle dust, splashes, and even short dips in water. And with over 14 hours of tested battery life, it’s built to last through full-day outings.
Functionally, it’s stripped down. There’s no fancy stereo pairing, EQ presets, or assistant support. You get a single mono speaker, no companion app, and no mic. The control layout is intuitive, though, with top-mounted volume buttons that are easy to use even if you’ve got the strap looped around your hand. It charges via USB-C and powers down after 15 minutes of inactivity, which helps stretch that already generous battery life. Build-wise, the Wonderboom Play feels solid. The design is clearly meant for travel, and the elastic strap is thick enough to hook onto a backpack or belt loop without worry.
Now, about the sound. If you’re coming in expecting rich, room-filling 360-degree audio, this probably isn’t the speaker for you. The single-driver setup means sound is directional—stand too far off to the side, and you’ll notice the drop in clarity. It also doesn’t get very loud and reportedly starts to compress if you push the volume too high. That makes it less ideal for parties or big outdoor hangouts where multiple people are listening from different angles. If you just want something affordable and rugged for basic listening without fiddling with apps or customizations, this might be worth considering. Otherwise, if you care about full-room sound or volume punch, something like the JBL Flip 6 might make a good alternative.
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If you’ve been considering upgrading your earbuds without shelling out top dollar, a pair of refurbished Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) could be the smarter way in. They’re $159.99 on StackSocial right now (a noticeable cut from buying new) and come with a Grade “A” refurbished rating, meaning they might come with a little cosmetic wear but are guaranteed to work like new. They ship free across the contiguous U.S. and come backed by a third-party 30-day parts and labor warranty—not as reassuring as AppleCare, but enough to cover any immediate surprises. And while they’re not brand-new, the price undercuts what you’d typically expect to pay for a pair that still offers Apple’s top-tier audio performance.
In terms of what you’re getting, the second-gen AirPods Pro deliver some real upgrades over the originals. Active noise cancellation is stronger, transparency mode sounds more natural, and Adaptive Audio now smartly blends noise control depending on your surroundings. If you’re used to older AirPods, the fit here feels tighter and more secure thanks to the extra ear tip sizes (though people with non-standard ear shapes might still find long sessions uncomfortable). Battery life holds okay too, with an estimated six hours of listening on a single charge and around 30 hours when you factor in top-ups from the MagSafe case. The shift to USB-C charging is also a bonus if you’re already moving away from Lightning cables with newer Apple devices, notes this PCMag review.
Still, there are a few things to keep in mind. Refurbished means you’re not getting a brand-new battery, so while it should be close to full health, it won’t have the same lifespan as something straight out of the box. Also, while the AirPods Pro are excellent for iPhone users with features like Personalized Spatial Audio and Find My tracking, they’re less impressive on Android devices, where you lose out on some of the ecosystem perks.
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The refurbished version of JBL Charge 5 is down to $89.99 on StackSocial (from its original $179.95), and it’s cheaper than the refurbished model on Amazon, which is currently listed at $102.99. This model carries a Grade “A” refurbished rating, meaning you’re getting something that might have light scuff here or there at most, but guaranteed to work like new. It’s available in blue, gray, red, and black, giving you a few classic color options. This speaker was also PCMag’s Best Speaker of the Year 2021, and it still holds up remarkably well.
The Charge 5 is built like it knows it will get tossed around. With an IP67 rating, it’s both waterproof and dustproof, making it an easy pick for beach trips, hikes, or poolside hangouts. Internally, it packs a 30-watt woofer and a 10-watt tweeter—a step up from the previous Charge 4, though it’s still a mono speaker. You won’t get stereo separation here (but most people wouldn’t hear much stereo separation at this size anyway), and if that’s a dealbreaker, two Charge 5s can be paired using JBL’s PartyBoost feature to simulate stereo. The speaker connects over Bluetooth 5.1, supports the basic SBC codec, and has a decent connection range, but you won’t find support for AAC or AptX, which might matter if you’re more of an audiophile, notes this PCMag review. Still, for casual listening, it gets the job done.
Sound-wise, the Charge 5 delivers strong bass and crisp highs without distorting at max volume, but there’s no EQ control, which would’ve been a nice touch for tuning the sound to your liking. As for usability, its onboard buttons handle basic playback, and there’s even a USB-A port for reverse charging your phone, which is handy in a pinch. Battery life is estimated at 20 hours, but that’ll vary depending on how loud you play it. All in all, this JBL Charge 5 sale is a steal for anyone who wants a portable speaker for the summer ahead.
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The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones are down to $174.99 for a refurbished Grade “A” unit, compared to their regular $399.99 price tag (and Amazon’s current refurbished listing at $239.97). They arrive in near-mint condition, showing little to no cosmetic wear, and include a carrying case, USB-C charging cable, and a 3.5mm audio cable for wired use. You also get an aftermarket one-year warranty, which helps ease any secondhand purchase worries. Free shipping across the contiguous U.S. sweetens the pot a little more.
When it comes to performance, these headphones still rank among the best. Released in 2022, the WH-1000XM5 earned PCMag’s “Best Headphones of the Year” for good reason. The 30mm drivers, combined with the Integrated Processor V1 and LDAC support, push out high-res audio without distortion even when ANC is on, which many competitors don’t get right. Plus, their Integrated Processor V1 means better handling of both high-frequency noises and the more subtle ambient sounds around you, whether that’s the roar of an airplane engine or chatty coworkers. Comfort-wise, the ultra-lightweight build and soft-fit leather make them easy to wear for long sessions, notes this PCMag review. Battery life promises up to 30 hours with ANC on (your mileage may vary).
There are a few things to weigh, though. The touch-sensitive ear cup controls can feel finicky if you’re used to physical buttons, and some people just don’t love the modern swipe-and-tap approach (customizable via the app). Also, while multipoint Bluetooth 5.2 pairing is smooth, these aren’t ideal for hardcore gaming where super-low latency matters. That said, for daily use across phones, laptops, and even old-school wired setups (thanks to the included 3.5mm cable), they hold up extremely well.
In a blog post yesterday, Google’s Group Product Manager David Sharon revealed that the feature allows you to tinker
An anonymous reader quotes a report from 404 Media: A new memo from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is calling on defense contractors to grant the Army the right-to-repair. The Wednesday memo is a document about “Army Transformation and Acquisition Reform” that is largely vague but highlights the very real problems with IP constraints that have made it harder for the military to repair damaged equipment.
Hegseth made this clear at the bottom of the memo in a subsection about reform and budget optimization. “The Secretary of the Army shall identify and propose contract modifications for right to repair provisions where intellectual property constraints limit the Army’s ability to conduct maintenance and access the appropriate maintenance tools, software, and technical data — while preserving the intellectual capital of American industry,” it says. “Seek to include right to repair provisions in all existing contracts and also ensure these provisions are included in all new contracts.” […]
The memo would theoretically mean that the Army would refuse to sign contracts with companies that make it difficult to fix what it sells to the military. The memo doesn’t carry the force of law, but subordinates do tend to follow the orders given within. The memo also ordered the Army to stop producing Humvees and some other light vehicles, and Breaking Defense confirmed that it had. “This is a victory in our work to let people fix their stuff, and a milestone on the campaign to expand the Right to Repair. It will save the American taxpayer billions of dollars, and help our service members avoid the hassle and delays that come from manufacturers’ repair restrictions,” Isaac Bowers, the Federal Legislative Director of U.S. PIRG, said in a statement.
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Apple said a majority of its devices shipped into the U.S. in the June quarter will originate in India and Vietnam, a move to allay investor concerns about the impact of tariffs on its operations. From a report: The company was among the hardest-hit of the tech giants last month because of its exposure to China, a primary target of the Trump administration’s global tariff pressure. Most of Apple’s devices are assembled in the country, and investors are closely watching its efforts to shift final assembly of devices bound for the U.S. to India and other countries.
Chief Executive Tim Cook said the impact in the June quarter from tariffs, assuming existing policies remain in place, would add $900 million to Apple’s costs, a figure he suggested could be worse in future quarters. He also said that there was limited impact from tariffs in March. […] He added that Apple would continue to diversify its supply chain away from China. “What we learned some time ago was that having everything in one location had too much risk with it,” he said. Further reading: JPMorgan Says India-Assembled iPhone Within Spitting Distance of China Price.
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Apple violated a court order requiring it to open up the App Store to third-party payment options and must stop charging commissions on purchases outside its software marketplace, a federal judge said in a blistering ruling that referred the company to prosecutors for a possible criminal probe. From a report: U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers sided Wednesday with “Fortnite” maker Epic Games over its allegation that the iPhone maker failed to comply with an order she issued in 2021 after finding the company engaged in anticompetitive conduct in violation of California law.
Gonzalez Rogers also referred the case to federal prosecutors to investigate whether Apple committed criminal contempt of court for flouting her 2021 ruling. The U.S. attorney’s office in San Francisco declined to comment. The changes the company must now make could put a sizable dent in the double-digit billions of dollars in revenue the App Store generates each year. The judge’s order [PDF]: Apple willfully chose not to comply with this Court’s Injunction. It did so with the express intent to create new anticompetitive barriers which would, by design and in effect, maintain a valued revenue stream; a revenue stream previously found to be anticompetitive. That it thought this Court would tolerate such insubordination was a gross miscalculation. As always, the cover-up made it worse. For this Court, there is no second bite at the apple.
It Is So Ordered.
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