AMD has announced that it’s releasing its newest Ryzen X3D processors on March 12. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 9900X3D were both introduced back at CES 2025, and are currently the most powerful gaming-focused processors the company sells.
The 9950X3D has 16 Zen 5 CPU cores, a max boost speed of 5.7GHz and second-generation 3D V-Cache tech for more efficient performance. In contrast, the 9900X3D comes with a more modest 12 CPU cores and a max boost speed of 5.5GHz. AMD’s 3D V-Cache tech is still the standout feature on these chips. The company introduced 3D V-Cache as a method of packaging cache modules on top of each other to provided less RAM-intensive performance. The tech was added to desktop processors first, before coming to laptop processors in 2023.
The 9950X3D’s 3D V-Cache packaging allows it to be 20 percent faster than Intel’s Core i9 285K across 40 different games, according to stats AMD shared when it announced the chip. It’s also supposed to be at least 10 percent faster across certain content creation apps, too. When you take into account AMD’s recently released Radeon 9070 GPUs, the company has the pieces you need to make a pretty compelling gaming PC.
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 900X3D will be available to order on March 12. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D will start at $699 and the Ryzen 9 9900X3D starts at $599.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/amd-is-releasing-its-latest-ryzen-x3d-processors-on-march-12-195656335.html?src=rss
The Apple Watch SE got a discount too. The device typically retails for $249, but you can snap it up for $169.
The Apple Watch Series 10 is our pick for the best smartwatch overall. That may not necessarily apply if you’re an Android user, since you need an iPhone to actually use an Apple Watch.
In any case, we gave the Apple Watch Series 10 a score of 90 in our review. Apple’s current flagship smartwatch has a bigger screen, making it easier to see your notifications and health data (it’s a pretty dang great device for wellness and fitness tracking). The thinner frame makes it more aesthetically pleasing too. On the downside, losing the blood oxygen feature from previous models is a bummer, but that issue was out of Apple’s hands to a certain extent.
It’s perhaps not quite worth an upgrade if you have a Series 8 or 9 already. Apple isn’t exactly reinventing the wheel here. Plus the sleep apnea detection feature that debuted alongside the Series 10 is also available on the Series 9 and Ultra 2. Still, if you’re an Apple Watch newcomer or upgrading from an even older model, the Series 10 is likely your best option, especially for the sake of future proofing.
Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-apple-watch-series-10-falls-to-a-record-low-price-184918237.html?src=rss
With US stocks unstable, consumer confidence in the economy plunging and whispers of a potential recession growing less muted, the economy under President Donald Trump’s second term has been about as stable as a recovering addict’s first week back on blow. With that turbulence as a backdrop, the cryptocurrency industry hoped Thursday’s executive order establishing a federal Bitcoin reserve would at least spur a surge in the blockchain ecosystem. Instead, Bitcoin’s value has dropped sharply, and one crypto-focused hedge fund founder called Trump’s order “the most underwhelming and disappointing outcome we could have expected for this week.”
After Trump posted in January that he would sign an executive order to establish a crypto stockpile, the market responded enthusiastically and prices rose accordingly. Bitcoin spiked to an all-time high of over $109,000 in January (after surpassing the $100,000 mark for the first time in early December).
On Friday, at its lowest point following Trump’s executive order, Bitcoin fell by around five percent to $85,000. It had recovered a bit at the time of publication but was still only hovering at around $88,000, a nearly 20 percent nosedive from its January high (and down over 2.2 percent on the day).
‘Just a fancy title for Bitcoin holdings that already existed’
Much of the underwhelming reaction stems from the reserve’s use of shares already owned by the government through seizures or civil asset forfeitures. Although the order leaves the door open to possible government Bitcoin purchases in the future, White House crypto czar David Sacks clarified that the executive branch was only “authorized to develop budget-neutral strategies for acquiring additional Bitcoin, provided that those strategies impose no incremental costs on American taxpayers.”
That wasn’t what the crypto bros were hoping for. “This is the most underwhelming and disappointing outcome we could have expected for this week,” Charles Edwards, founder of the crypto-focused hedge fund Capriole Investments, posted on X (viaReuters). “No active buying means this is just a fancy title for Bitcoin holdings that already existed with the Govt. This is a pig in lipstick.”
In addition, the executive order also calls for a “US Digital Asset Stockpile” for other crypto tokens, which Trump has said will include Ether, XRP, Solana and Cardano.
Potential conflicts of interest
Crypto industry executives are holding a summit at the White House on Friday to, among other topics, get a better lay of the land regarding future regulatory enforcement. Among the attendees is Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, whose company was one of several that recently had enforcement cases dropped by Trump’s SEC. (Convenient!) Reutersreports that analysts believe the market needs a reason to become bullish again, like a clearer pro-crypto regulatory policy or signs that the US Federal Reserve plans to cut interest rates.
Trump successfully courted the industry in his 2024 campaign. In addition to pledging to create a federal crypto reserve, he promised to make America “the crypto capital of the planet” and fire SEC Chair Gary Gensler on day one. (In November, he announced he would resign the moment Trump took office on January 20.)
The 47th US President also has a stake in crypto, which has set off alarms (if not blaring sirens) of potential conflicts of interest. First, he and First Lady Melania Trump have memecoins, currently down 80 and 90 percent, respectively, from their all-time highs right before his inauguration. Trump also has a stake in the crypto platform World Liberty Financial, which reportedly bought over $20 million worth of cryptocurrencies — including over $10 million in Ether, $9.9 million in Bitcoin derivative WBTC and $1.68 million in MOVE — ahead of Friday’s White House summit.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/trumps-federal-bitcoin-reserve-order-leaves-the-crypto-market-unenthused-184135436.html?src=rss
The company didn’t offer a date as to when the upgrades to Siri will actually launch beyond that they’re “rolling them out in the coming year.” Here’s the full statement reproduced below:
Siri helps our users find what they need and get things done quickly, and in just the past six months, we’ve made Siri more conversational, introduced new features like type to Siri and product knowledge, and added an integration with ChatGPT. We’ve also been working on a more personalized Siri, giving it more awareness of your personal context, as well as the ability to take action for you within and across your apps. It’s going to take us longer than we thought to deliver on these features and we anticipate rolling them out in the coming year.
A revamped, more powerful Siri was a core part of Apple’s original pitch for Apple Intelligence. Way back when the company first detailed its plans, it claimed that Siri would not only understand what’s happening on your phone, but also be able to take action in apps for you. So far, the main pieces of that new Siri Apple has shipped are the ability to type requests rather than speak them out loud, the ability to understand and explain Apple product features, a new animation for when Siri is activated and integration with ChatGPT.
Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 earbuds are on sale for just $170 via Amazon. This essentially ties a previous record-low price for 2025, which was $169. This purchase comes with the earbuds, four pairs of silicone tips in different sizes, a charging case, a lanyard loop and a USB-C cable.
We heaped a fair amount of praise on these earbuds in our official review, calling them “a worthwhile update.” The sound is better-than-ever, thanks to new drivers, amplifiers, transducers and audio algorithms. The transparency mode is absolutely stellar, largely helped by the company’s proprietary H2 chip.
The ANC is solid, particularly for earbuds. This is also thanks to that H2 chip, which allows the AirPods Pro to cancel twice as much noise as the first-gen model. These earbuds are made for Apple devices, so there’s seamless switching between, say, iPhones, iPads and Macs.
The touch gesture controls are neat, but there’s a learning curve. Give it a few days before throwing in the towel. The battery life is just average, but the charging case helps keep the music going. The primary downside here is age. The AirPods 2 Pro earbuds came out in 2022, so a refresh is likely on the horizon.
Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/airpods-pro-2-are-back-on-sale-for-170-180055678.html?src=rss
It’s been a busy week of Apple news with the company refreshing its Mac and iPad lineups. As a result, there are deals aplenty on older models as part of an apparent clear out. Take, for instance, the 10th-gen iPad. It’s $89 off at $260, bringing the tablet back down to its record-low price.
The biggest discount is on the blue and silver colorways. The pink one will run you an extra $9, while the yellow one is $279.
The 10th-gen iPad arrived in late 2022. At least until we put the new model through its paces, this is our current pick for the best budget iPad — a recommendation that automatically becomes a little stronger whenever it gets this kind of discount.
We gave this model a score of 85 in our review. We felt that the screen was somewhat lacking compared with those found in the likes of the iPad Air. However, we appreciated several updates such as the switch to a USB-C charging port and improved performance compared with the previous base iPad. Apple also moved the front-facing camera to the landscape edge, making video calls much more palatable when you’re using the tablet in that orientation.
If you just want an iPad to help you catch up on reading and email, control your smart home devices, watch videos and stream music, this is probably the one to go for. More resource-intensive tasks will require a more powerful tablet, but this one will handle the basics.
Meanwhile, if you’re interested in picking up the latest base iPad, you can pre-order one now. Our explainer details just how to do that. Apple has upgraded the chipset to an A16 and doubled the base storage to 128GB, but there’s no support for Apple Intelligence in the 11th-gen iPad.
Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-10th-gen-ipad-is-back-on-sale-for-an-all-time-low-price-of-260-171121705.html?src=rss
Whether you’re a true cord-cutter or you just want to watch the next season of Stranger Things when it (eventually? maybe?) drops, everyone’s on the lookout for streaming deals nowadays. Plenty have chosen VOD and live TV streaming services over traditional cable in recent years, but the savings that choice got you just a few years ago have somewhat evaporated now. Companies like Netflix, Disney, Max and others have been consistently raising prices to the point where you may question if streaming is even worth it anymore.
We at Engadget still think so, for many reasons, but you can (and should) be smart with your money at the same time. Streaming deals are an option, even if they don’t come around with the same regularity as discounts on AirPods do. If you’re looking to save money and still stream all of the content you want, Engadget can help by laying out the best streaming deals you can get right now, how you can save with bundles and everything you should know before paying for yet another streaming service.
Best streaming deals
True streaming deals can be hard to come by. Most often, they’ll pop up during the Black Friday shopping period. On occasion, we’ll see them sparingly throughout the year and they usually take the form of a discounted monthly or annual rate for a limited period of time. Also, true streaming deals are typically on the ad-supported versions of a service, but once in a while you’ll find a unicorn of a deal on a tier that has ad-free viewing.
If you’re able to wait for a deal before subscribing to a streaming service, we recommend doing so. You’ll save money upfront and in the long run, and you also have the option to cancel your subscription before the price goes back up to the normal rate. Maybe you find you like the service so much that you’re fine paying full price for it — that’s the ideal situation. But if you’re not compelled to keep that app on rotation in your smart TV, most streaming services make it easy for you to cancel at any time. With that said, these are the best streaming deals you can snag right now.
Starz (six months) for $18 ($28 off):Starz’s latest offer gives you six months of access for only $18, which shakes out to about $3 per month. This represents a 61-percent discount off the standard “semi-annual” plan, which puts six months of access up for $46. To get the offer, go to the Starz website and click on “claim special offer.” You’ll have to provide your email address before the discounted rates appear. As an alternative, you could opt for the monthly plan discount, which is currently $3 per month for a total of three months.
Sling Orange for $23/month for the first month (50 percent off): New customers can get Sling Orange or Sling Blue for half off the usual price for the first month, bringing the final prices to $23/month and $25.50/month, respectively. Orange is likely best for sports fans, with eight exclusive sports and family channels, while Blue includes 19 exclusive news and entertainment channels. You can get both Orange and Blue access also for half off for one month, or $33 total.
Fubo Essential for $60/month for the first month ($25 off): Fubo has introductory discounts on most of its packages, but Essential may be the best for most people. It offers access to 215 channels, unlimited cloud DVR and up to 10 simultaneous streams. Note that regional sports content is not included here; you’ll have to go up to Pro or Elite plans for that.
YouTube TV for $70/month for the first six months ($78 off): New subscribers can save a total of $78 when they sign up for YouTube TV’s base plan, which includes access to over 100 channels, unlimited DVR space and six household accounts with the ability to stream on three devices at once.
Spotify student discount – Premium + Hulu with ads for $6/month (72 percent off): Spotify’s student offer continues to be one of the best around, giving you access to the Premium tier of the music streamer and Hulu’s ad-supported plan for only $6 monthly. Purchased separately, you’d pay $22 per month for both of the services. Plus, the first month is free when you sign up.
Max student discount – subscribe for $5/month (50 percent off): Max offers their ad-supported tier to students for half off the usual rate. You’ll just have to verify that you’re a student through Unidays, and make note that this offer is only good for up to 12 months of service.
Streaming bundle discounts
There’s more consolidation happening now than ever before in the streaming space, and that means there are more streaming bundle options. These bundles offer you access to more content with one subscription price, but those prices are typically higher than paying for a single service by itself (obviously). It may be tempting to just get the bundle, but if only one of those services in the bundle speaks to you, you’ll spend less overall by just paying for the single service.
Speaking of a deep love for a single streaming service: if all of your favorite shows are on Peacock or the latest releases on Max consistently bring you joy, consider paying for one year upfront. Subscribing with an annual plan usually saves you money in the long term over paying on a monthly basis. Unfortunately, not all streaming services (looking at you, Netflix) have an annual subscription option. Here are some of the best streaming bundles you can get right now.
Disney+, Hulu, Max bundle with ads for $17/month: Ad-supported Max is included here, along with full, ad-supported access to Disney+ and Hulu. You’ll save 43 percent with this bundle, as opposed to paying for all three services individually.
Sling TV + Max starting at $53/month: Sling TV and Max have partnered on a discount that gives new subscribers 50 percent off their first month of Sling TV, plus $5 off monthly when you subscribe to the Sling TV + Max bundle. The standard price for the Sling Blue + Max duo is roughly $58/month, so you’ll get a monthly discount of $5 off that. In addition, for the first month only, you’ll get half off the price of the bundle. The promotion also applies to the Sling Orange & Blue + Max package, which has a standard price of $73/month.
Paramount+ with Showtime for $13/month or $120/year: This includes everything in Paramount+’s Essential plan, except the ads, and also provides access to Showtime content, live CBS streams and download features.
Hulu + Live TV with Disney+ and ESPN+ for $96/month: This streaming bundle amalgamation is a bit confusing but it does offer a lot: you get live TV streaming via Hulu’s service plus access to the following VOD services: Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+. Out of those three, only ESPN+ will have ads.
Disney+ and Hulu Duo Premium for $20/month: This bundle removes the ads from both Disney+ and Hulu (with the exception of select live and linear content) and allows you to download content for offline viewing. You’ll save 43 percent with this bundle, as opposed to paying for both ad-free tiers individually.
Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Trio Basic for $17/month: You get full access to Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ content with this package, albeit with ads across the board. This bundle price is 47 percent off the total price of all three separate subscriptions.
Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Trio Premium for $27/month: Similarly to the Duo bundles, the Premium version of the Trio removes ads from most content in Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+, and you can download content for offline viewing. This price represents a 43-percent savings when compared to paying for all three ad-free tiers separately.
While the excitement around 2-in-1 systems has cooled a bit over the years, they’re still useful solutions for anyone who wants a device that can act as both a tablet and a traditional laptop. In tablet mode, they’re handy for jotting down notes and drawing pictures, and in their full laptop configurations, they can let you manage e-mail and write as you would with a traditional notebook. Whether you’re a student, creative or just want a more flexible setup, a 2-in-1 solution gives you the best of both worlds without having to carry multiple devices.
We’ve tested and reviewed some of the top 2-in-1 options out there from brands like HP, Microsoft, Samsung and Apple. Whether you’re looking for a Windows PC that can occasionally act like a tablet, or traditional slates that can be empowered with keyboard accessories, we’ve rounded up the best models to consider.
Factors to consider before buying a 2-in-1 laptop
When you’re shopping for a 2-in-1 system, there are some basic criteria to keep in mind. First off, consider the type of machine you’re looking for. Do you want something that can look like a traditional Windows laptop, but also has a screen that can twist into different orientations? (We often call these convertibles.) Or do you want a standalone tablet that works with a separate keyboard attachment? Tablet setups are typically lighter, but they’re often harder to use on your lap since they rely on kickstands or awkward cases.
Also, while some 2-in-1s offer built-in LTE or 5G connectivity, not everyone will want to pay the premium for it. An integrated cellular radio makes checking emails or replying to messages on the go far more convenient. But it also often costs more — and that’s on top of what you’ll pay for data. And as for 5G, you can hold off on it unless you live within range of a mmWave beacon. Coverage is still spotty and existing nationwide networks use the slower sub-6 technology that’s barely faster than LTE. For now, tethering a PC to your phone is still the best way to get online.
When it comes to tablet keyboards, you’ll also have to make peace with the fact that they’ll never feel as responsive as full-fledged laptop options. Their keys are shallower, and their layouts are often a bit different than typical PCs. Again, there’s a cost for portability.
Sometimes, getting a third-party tablet keyboard might be just as good, and they’re often cheaper than first-party offerings. If you’re looking to save some money, Logitech’s Slim Folio is an affordable option for iPads, and if you don’t need your keyboard to attach to your tablet, Logitech’s K780 Multi-Device wireless keyboard is also a good pick.
While we’ve typically made sure to include a budget 2-in-1 in previous years, this time there isn’t a great choice. We would usually pick a Surface Go, but the latest model is still too expensive. Other alternatives, like cheaper Android tablets, are underpowered and don’t offer a great multitasking interface. If you want something around $500 that’s thin, lightweight and long-lasting, you’re better off this year looking at a traditional laptop (like those on our best budget PCs list). Alternatively, you might consider one of our top picks for the best Chromebooks, either as a back-to-school option or for basic tasks.
Best 2-in-1 laptops
Recent updates
February 2025: We’ve retitled this guide to “Best 2-in-1 laptops and tablets” to be more accurate, and we’ve also updated the introduction and “Factors to consider” section to refer to convertible laptops and detachable tablet options.
June 2024: We updated our top picks to include the Microsoft Surface Pro Copilot+ edition.
Nathan Ingraham contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/best-2-in-1-laptops-173038508.html?src=rss
The second lunar lander by Intuitive Machines has made its way to the Moon, but not without incident. The Athena vehicle may not be upright, which is what happened to the company’s Odysseus lander upon touchdown back in February. CEO Steve Altemus said during the post-landing news conference that he doesn’t believe that Athena is “in the correct attitude on the surface of the Moon yet again.”
Altemus said that the company will know for sure in the coming days once the team gets “a picture from the lunar reconnaissance orbital camera from above.” Data from the lander’s inertial measurement unit does seem to indicate a sideways orientation. We do know that Athena has touched down approximately 100 miles from the lunar south pole, which is where it’s supposed to be.
Athena is part of the company’s IM-2 mission, which is a partnership with NASA to (finally) bring crewed missions back to the Moon. The lander also carries a bevy of payloads and scientific instruments designed to look for evidence of water on the lunar surface.
The company’s previous lander Odysseus was the first privately owned spacecraft to reach the Moon’s surface, though it toppled over. Rival company Firefly Aerospace successfully landed its own Blue Ghost spacecraft onto the lunar surface earlier this week, and this one landed upright.
As for Athena, it’s currently charging on the surface and is communicating with the mission team here on Earth. However, performance seems to be sub-optimal. “We’re not getting everything that we had asked for in terms of power generation and communications,” Altemus said. This could impact the lifespan of the lander’s ten-day mission, though the company has “done some power conservation steps as prudent measures to see how long and what objectives we can accomplish in the mission going forward.”
When the orientation is confirmed, the team can start figuring out how many of the payloads and instruments are in working order. These include a drill that searches for ice and a hopping drone vehicle that the company has scheduled to explore a permanently shadowed crater.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/intuitive-machines-second-moon-mission-seems-to-have-gone-as-well-as-the-first-162637189.html?src=rss
One of the best things about Apple upgrading one of its devices is that you can find better deals on older, still very capable models. Just days after the company announced the M4-powered MacBook Air, a version of the laptop with the M2 chipset has dropped to a new record low of $699. That’s $300 off the regular price.
This is a variant with 16GB of RAM rather than the base model’s 8GB. That’s really the bare minimum of RAM you should be looking for these days (and we were pleased to see Apple start giving the MBA 16GB of RAM as standard). You’ll also get 256GB of SSD storage in this system.
This discount is quite transparently an effort to clear out M2 MBA stock ahead of the M4-powered model’s impending arrival. And while we currently rank the M3 MBA as the best MacBook and best laptop overall, the M2 version isn’t anything to sniff at — especially at this price.
In our 2022 review, we called the M2 MBA “a near-perfect Mac” and awarded it a score of 96. We liked the performance (which of course has been surpassed by the M3 system), thin form factor and terrific display and audio.
The M2 MBA should still be more than capable of handling most everyday tasks. It also supports Apple Intelligence features, for those who are interested in that sort of thing. So this is a great deal on a killer, if a little older, laptop.
Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-m2-macbook-air-with-16gb-of-ram-drops-to-a-new-low-of-699-154743334.html?src=rss
It’s obvious that Apple products are some of the most sought-after in the tech world — that means sales are fewer and farther between than other gadgets, and they’re often the first things to sell out when discounts do arrive. But it would be a mistake to assume you’re doomed to always pay full price on things like iPads and Apple Watches. Apple deals do exist, if you know where to look.
Engadget keeps track of deals like these on a regular basis, so we can help you there. Below, we’ve collected the best Apple deals you can get right now on items like AirPods, MacBooks, iPads and more. Arguably the biggest caveat to note about Apple sales is that you’re almost never going to see discounts directly at Apple.com. Unless you shop refurbished, you’ll always pay top dollar direct at Apple, and for some things (like iPhones), that might be best. But you’ll find more discounts more often if you’re willing to shop at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target and others.
Before we get to the deals, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the new devices Apple launched recently. There are two new iPads, a new entry-level iPad with the A16 chip and 128GB of base storage, and a new iPad Air powered by the M3 chipset. You can order those now starting at $349 and $599, respectively. On the Mac side of things, the MacBook Air got an upgrade to include the latest M4 processor. That’s also available to order now starting at $999.
Best AirPod deals
AirPods 4 with ANC for $169 ($10 off):These buds have ANC, but they don’t have the interchangeable ear tips you’ll find on the AirPods Pro 2. Even so, they have an improved fit over the last version, plus good sound quality and a heap of advanced features.
AirPods 4 without ANC for $117 ($12 off): Skip ANC to get the AirPods 4 for a bit less. These have the same design as the models with ANC along with the same advanced features and solid sound quality.
Best Apple accessories deals
Apple Pencil Pro for $99 ($30 off): The most advanced Apple Pencil includes a gyroscope, plus support for the squeeze gesture and Find My. It’s essentially an upgraded version of the second-gen Pencil, complete with pressure support and magnets so it can snap to the side of your iPad for safe keeping.
Apple Pencil USB-C for $69 ($10 off): This more affordable Apple Pencil doesn’t support pressure sensitivity, but makes for a good stylus overall. If you’re a casual note-taker and can handle connected charging, you’ll save a few dollars by picking this one up.
Best iPad deals
iPad mini (A17 Pro) for $399 ($100 off): This is the iPad to get if you prefer small tablets, akin to ereaders. The latest mini is equipped with an A17 Pro chipset, an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and Apple Intelligence. We consider it to be the best small tablet, period, and we appreciate its Apple Pencil Pro support, 128GB of storage on the base model and compact design.
iPad Pro (M4, 11-inch) for $850 ($150 off): The most powerful iPad is the iPad Pro, and it’s the one to get if you’re even toying with the idea of using your new slab as a laptop replacement. Both the 11- and 13-inch models have gorgeous displays, thinner and lighter designs, a repositioned front camera and the excessively powerful M4 chip inside.
Best Apple Watch deals
Apple Watch SE for $169 ($80 off): Those on tighter budgets can opt for the Apple Watch SE and know they’re getting the core Apple wearable experience with few compromises. We consider it to be the best smartwatch for newbies
Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $769 ($30 off): Apple’s most premium smartwatch, the Ultra 2 has a killer 36-hour battery life, a handy Low Power mode for extended use and cellular connectivity by default. It also has a compass app, water temperature gauge and a loud onboard siren that you can trigger in emergencies.
Best MacBook deals and Mac discounts
MacBook Air (M3, 13-inch) for $899 ($200 off): The M3 MacBook Air builds upon the solid foundation of the M2 model, meaning it’s more than enough computer for most people. It earned a score of 90 in our review thanks to its speedy performance, sturdy yet sleek design, excellent keyboard and trackpad and good speaker system. If you want a slightly larger display, grab the 15-inch model instead
MacBook Pro (M4, 14-inch) for $1,399 ($200 off): Both the 14- and 16-inchM4 MacBook Pros are some of the fastest laptops you can get right now, ideal for content creators, video editors and anyone who needs a notebook that can handle pretty much anything they throw at it. They have bright, bold displays, improved webcams and long battery lives, plus some models have Thunderbolt 5 ports.
Mac mini M4 for $529 ($70 off): If you prefer desktops, the upgraded M4 Mac mini is one that won’t take up too much space, but will provide a ton of power at the same time. Not only does it come with an M4 chipset, but it also includes 16GB of RAM in the base model, plus front-facing USB-C and headphone ports for easier access.
iMac (M4, 24-inch) for $1,179 ($120 off): For an all-in-one solution, the M4 iMac is a good pick thanks to its powerful performance, standard 16GB of RAM and improved webcam. Just note that it only comes in the 24-inch screen size option.
It turns out everyone likes to share their music suggestions, even monarchs. Apple Music has announced a new show called The King’s Music Room, hosted by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace. Yes, we know you’ve been dying to discover the getting ready playlist he made for the coronation that cost taxpayers £72 million ($93 million).
The show’s March 10 release coincides with Commonwealth Day and the playlist reportedly features artists from across continents — the release calls out artists such as Bob Marley, Kylie Minogue and Davido. “Throughout my life, music has meant a great deal to me,” King CharIes III states during the introduction. “It has that remarkable ability to bring happy memories flooding back from the deepest recesses of our memory, to comfort us in times of sadness, and to take us to distant places. But perhaps, above all, it can lift our spirits to such a degree, and all the more so when it brings us together in celebration. In other words, it brings us joy.” He’ll also share his, sure to be fascinating, encounters with some of the musicians.
If you’re dying to know what Britain’s longest heir apparent listened to over the years while waiting his turn then tune in to The King’s Music Room on Monday, March 10 at 6AM GMT. It will also air at additional times on Apple Music 1 and Apple Music Hits throughout music and Tuesday. Those looks into the King’s soul are free, though Apple Music subscribers can access it at anytime.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/music/apple-music-gives-britains-monarch-the-aux-143036505.html?src=rss
It’s your lucky day if you’ve been looking for a good deal on a power bank or charging station. A sale on many Anker products is taking place at Amazon. One power bank, the Anker 621, is 35 percent off. That discount brings it down to $26, which is almost a record low. The device typically costs $40.
This model is MagSafe-compatible, meaning it’ll attach magnetically to an iPhone 12 and above (but, annoyingly, not the new iPhone 16e unless you resort to a workaround) and charge your phone wirelessly. However, if you plug a cable into the Anker 621’s USB-C port, you can top up your phone’s battery a little faster — at a rate of 12W vs. 7.5W for wireless charging. The power bank has a capacity of 5,000mAh, which Anker says is enough to charge an iPhone 15 to 85 percent of its capacity from zero and an iPhone 14 to 80 percent.
A new power bank that Anker introduced at CES has a large enough capacity to top up an M3-powered MacBook Air’s battery approximately 1.3 times, per the brand. This model has dropped by 18 percent from $110 to $90. This particular power bank can charge four devices simultaneously — it has two built-in USB-C cables, another USB-C port and a USB-A port. It supports fast charging at up to 100W as well.
Elsewhere, a 3-in-1 charging cube is down to $104, which marks a 31 percent discount given that it usually costs $150. This compact device can charge your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods at the same time.
There are a few other deals that caught our eye. An Anker Zolo power bank with a built-in USB-C cable is just $13, which is half off. It has a capacity of 10,000mAh, which Anker says is enough to fully charge an iPhone 15 Pro twice over. Meanwhile, Prime members can pick up a travel-friendly 3-in-1 charging station (that can top up your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods batteries simultaneously) for $88, which is a $21 discount.
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/grab-anker-power-banks-and-wireless-chargers-while-they-are-up-to-35-percent-off-155626756.html?src=rss
SpaceX has lost another Starship, as the vehicle’s eighth test flight ended in an explosion just like its seventh. The first few minutes of the flight went according to plan: SpaceX launched the Starship rocket from its Starbase facility in Texas at 6:30PM Eastern time on March 6, and its first stage Super Heavy booster flew back down and was successfully captured by the launch tower’s “chopstick” arms. The event marked the third time SpaceX was able to capture the booster with the tower’s mechanical appendages.
The vehicle’s upper stage called the “Ship” was supposed to deploy four dummy Starship satellites as part of the test run before splashing down into the Indian Ocean around 50 minutes later. But eight minutes into the flight, the Ship lost multiple Raptor engines, causing it to lose altitude until it ultimately exploded over the Caribbean. Several people who witnessed the event posted videos of the Ship’s debris streaking across the sky.
As TechCrunch notes, SpaceX revealed in February that the seventh Starship test flight exploded because it suffered from propellant leaks that resulted in fires. The company took several measures to prevent the same thing from happening, such as adding vents and a new purge system to make the ship resistant to leaks. SpaceX also conducted a longer static fire test to make sure its changes and adjustments were working properly.
The company posted on X that the Starship’s eighth test flight “experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly” during its ascent burn. However, it it still has to review data from the flight to be able to determine the root cause of the issue. In another statement posted on its website, the company said that “an energetic event in the aft portion of Starship” prior to the ascent burn led to the loss of the engines. SpaceX lost contact with the Ship completely at around nine minutes and 30 seconds after liftoff. The Federal Aviation Administration temporarily halted flights departing from and into some of Florida’s busiest airports due to “space launch debris.” It also told TechCrunch that it’s requiring SpaceX to conduct a “mishap investigation” to determine the cause of the failure, so we’ll likely get a more detailed report from the company in the future.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/spacexs-starship-explodes-again-during-its-eighth-test-flight-140018375.html?src=rss
With the Zenbook A14, ASUS has reached a new milestone of portability. It’s a 14-inch laptop that weighs just 2.2 pounds, making it feel more like a tablet than a computer when you pick it up. And with its unique Ceraluminum case, which feels like a cross between ceramic and metal, the Zenbook A14 is a more viable premium notebook than LG’s chintzy ultra-light Gram lineup. But there’s always a tradeoff between size and power, and in this case ASUS has delivered the slowest Copilot+ PC we’ve seen yet. But I suppose that just makes it a true lightweight.
Now to be clear, the Zenbook A14 is a serviceable laptop for light productivity work. Since it’s a Copilot+ AI PC, it comes with at least 16GB of RAM, so it can easily deal with juggling dozens of browser tabs and your typical office and photo editing apps. But the A14’s Snapdragon X X1 chip limits its ability to do anything truly demanding, so don’t expect it to be playing many games or rendering video. And since it’s powered by that Arm chip, the Zenbook also has to run apps designed for Intel and AMD CPUs in a slower emulation. Some software won’t work at all, including very old apps, and games like Fortnite that use anti-cheat software.
So while the Zenbook A14 may seem like a MacBook Air killer at first glance, it’s more of a reminder of how well Apple has balanced that laptop. Sure, it’s half a pound heavier, but the MacBook Air can also edit videos, render 3D and play games in a pinch. You won’t feel the same sort of performance limitations you’ll undoubtedly encounter on the Zenbook A14.
That being said, there’s still an audience for an ultra-light, under-powered laptop. The A14 is an ideal machine for writing on the go, since you can travel with it effortlessly and it offers a whopping 18 hours and 16 minutes of battery life (according to the PCMark 10 benchmark). And let’s face it, the Zenbook’s sluggish gaming chops may actually boost your productivity.
I could see it being a perfect secondary computing device if you’ve already got a desktop or heftier laptop setup at home. And if you really just need to browse the web, reply to emails and watch the occasional video, you probably won’t notice its performance issues.
Devindra Hardawar for Engadget
Hardware
The Zenbook A14 makes a startling first impression long before you see it in action. Its retail box feels alarmingly weightless, as if it only contains air and some cardboard cushioning. And once you open it up, it’s hard to comprehend how a 14-inch laptop can weigh a mere 2.2-pounds. It also feels as well balanced as an artisanal chef’s knife, making it easy to hold. As impressed as I was by the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 and G16 last year, the Zenbook A14 feels like a stronger example of how far the company has come from producing cheap MacBook clones.
Also adding to the Zenbook A14’s overall polish is that aforementioned Ceraluminum case, which simply feels nice to hold. It’s warm and inviting to touch, whereas Apple’s MacBooks and most other all-metal laptops almost always feel cold (especially in heavily-chilled offices). As we’ve seen on other recent ASUS notebooks, Ceraluminum also feels sturdy, as there’s no flex on the A14’s slight frame.
The company clearly spent time fine-tuning the usability of such a light machine. Opening it up with one hand is effortless, thanks to a new hinge design that keeps the A14 from tilting backwards as you raise the screen. I’ve tested other light notebooks, including earlier Zenbook models, that required two hands: one to hold the computer’s keyboard section down, and another to lift the display. I can tell you from experience that it’s helpful to be able to flip open your computer with one hand while holding a crying kid in the other.
Devindra Hardawar for Engadget
The Zenbook A14 sports an impressively thin profile when it’s open, but it’s also well-built enough to keep its screen steady when typing on your lap. That may seem like a niche point, but I’ve grown to despise unstable displays on lesser thin notebooks. It’s yet another sign of ASUS getting the little things right in the A14.
And speaking of getting things right, I appreciated that ASUS was able to squeeze in a ton of ports: two USB-C connections, one USB Type A, a full-sized HDMI connection and a headphone jack. Apple, meanwhile, only includes two USB-C ports, a MagSafe charging connection and a headphone jack on the MacBook Air.
Devindra Hardawar for Engadget
In use: A serviceable Arm-based Windows laptop
It’s a shame that all of ASUS’ thoughtful hardware design is held back by the Snapdragon X X1, an eight-core system on a chip (SOC) meant for ultra-slim and low-power devices. In benchmarks and general usage, it’s clearly a much slower solution than the X Elite and X Plus chips that graced the Surface Pro and other Copilot+ systems. As I mentioned up top, that’s the major compromise ASUS had to make to deliver such a slim notebook, and for some, it may be a complete dealbreaker.
The Zenbook A14 handled my basic productivity workflow just fine: browsing on Chrome and Edge with dozens of tabs, while also running Slack, Spotify and occasional photo editing apps. But in comparison to the Surface Pro and Laptop, it’s like driving an entry-level car instead of a true luxury offering. And that’s a shame since it’s priced similarly to those PCs. Best Buy currently lists our review unit, which includes 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, for $1,100. If those specs were paired with a better processor, I’d consider the A14 a smart purchase. Instead, it feels like a machine that should clearly be under $1,000 with 16GB of RAM and a smaller SSD.
On Edge and Chrome, I noticed slight hiccups when I was jumping between tabs and multiple windows. And those were native apps developed for Arm processors! Snapdragon chips need to emulate older x64 and x86 Windows apps, which introduces even more slowdown. While writing this review in Evernote (an x64 app), the A14 would often have trouble smoothly scrolling down long notes, and it would sometimes take a few seconds to load older notes. (Evernote owner Notion says it “does not officially support ARM processors at this time,” which means users are out of luck if they encounter more significant issues.)
Devindra Hardawar for Engadget
One upside to running a fairly slow processor? Excellent battery life. In the PCMark 10 battery benchmark, the Zenbook A14 lasted 18 hours and 16 minutes. That’s around 30 minutes more than Dell’s Copilot+ XPS 13 with a Snapdragon X Elite, and it’s also two and a half hours longer than last year’s Intel Core Ultra-powered Zenbook S14.
I appreciated the Zenbook A14 the most when I wasn’t trying to benchmark it or search for its occasional slowdowns. It’s a wonderful machine to grab when you just want to focus on writing, clearing out e-mail or finalizing accursed corporate training. Its keyboard is responsive and comfortable to type on, though I wish its touchpad measured clicks more accurately.
The Zenbook A14 is also great for catching up on Netflix shows in bed, since it feels practically weightless and video looks tremendous on its 14-inch OLED screen. Its speakers sound terribly tinny, though, so I’d use headphones for any serious binge-watching sessions. I was also surprised that its 1080p webcam actually produced decent footage, and it also lets you log into the A14 easily with Windows Hello IR support.
Devindra Hardawar for Engadget
Should you buy the Zenbook A14?
Given the combined issues of Arm compatibility and a slow processor, I wouldn’t recommend the Zenbook A14 as a primary computer for most people, even though it’s priced like a true MacBook Air competitor. If anything, it’s a bit of an experiment by ASUS to see what compromises consumers will tolerate to get such a lightweight laptop. Instead of an impossibly light and underpowered notebook, most people would be better off with something like the Zenbook 14 OLED, which currently sells for $1,050 with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. Sure, it weighs 2.8 pounds instead of 2.2, but it’s still pretty portable.
Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Air, which starts at $999 with an M4 chip, is a half pound heavier than the Zenbook A14, but far more capable overall. Even the older M2 chip is faster than the Snapdragon X, and macOS has a wider selection of Arm-compatible apps, as well as faster emulation than Windows.
Devindra Hardawar for Engadget
Wrap-up
If ASUS’ goal was to make an impressively premium ultra-light laptop, it almost got there with the Zenbook A14. While it outdoes the MacBook Air in weight and value, its slow processor makes it far less capable than Apple’s ultraportable. Perhaps one day, with future revisions and more capable hardware, ASUS could finally deliver a powerful near-two-pound laptop. For now, though, you’re better off waiting for a discount so the A14 can serve as a secondary PC.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/asus-zenbook-a14-review-a-lightweight-in-every-sense-133013668.html?src=rss
We all want to protect our phones from the inevitable drops, scratches and tumbles of daily life, but what if your phone case could protect more than just your device? The best eco-friendly phone cases offer a great blend of durability and sustainability, helping to reduce plastic waste and better the planet.
Made from natural materials like biodegradable plastics, recycled ocean waste or even sustainable bamboo, eco-friendly and compostable phone cases prove that you don’t have to sacrifice style or protection to go green. They’re designed to safeguard your device while actively combating plastic pollution, making them a win-win for both you and Mother Earth.
Whether you’re looking for something sleek and minimal or bold and artistic, there’s an eco-friendly option out there that will fit your style. Instead of a standard plastic case, you can choose one that’s both practical and planet-friendly.
Eco-friendly phone case FAQs
What makes a phone case eco-friendly?
A phone case can be considered eco-friendly when it’s designed to protect not just your phone but also the planet. What sets these cases apart is the use of sustainable materials like biodegradable plastics, recycled plastic waste or even natural materials like bamboo or flax straw. Instead of contributing to plastic pollution, these materials break down naturally over time, or are made from recycled content that reduces waste.
Eco-friendly cases can also go a step further by being compostable, meaning you can toss them in a compost bin at the end of their life and they’ll decompose into the earth without leaving harmful residues. Plus, many brands behind these cases focus on sustainable practices, like reducing carbon emissions during production or offering recycling programs for old cases.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-eco-friendly-phone-cases-150016494.html?src=rss
Brazil has ordered Apple to allow users to bypass the App Store and sideload apps within 90 days, according a report in Valor Econômico seen by 9to5Mac. The new ruling follows similar orders issued in Europe and elsewhere that were referenced by the Brazilian court. “[Apple] has already complied with similar obligations in other countries, without demonstrating a significant impact or irreparable damage to its business model,” wrote judge Pablo Zuniga.
Late last year, Brazil’s antitrust regulator CADE ordered Apple to allow users to download apps and make purchases from outside its App Store, with a 20-day deadline and fines for not complying. However, Apple appealed that ruling on the grounds that the changes would be too difficult to implement within the time frame. The court agreed, calling the injunction “disproportionate and unnecessary,” buying Apple more time but forcing it to face a public hearing in Brazil.
Following another appeal, this time by CADE, the court ordered Apple to allow sideloading and third-party app stores within the next three months or face fines.
The litigation was launched by the Latin American e-commerce firm Mercado Libre, which complained about developers being forced to pay hefty commissions through Apple’s App Store. That was followed later by other developers including Match and Epic Games.
An Apple spokesperson told Valor Econômico that it “believes in vibrant and competitive markets,” but said that the changes will “harm the privacy and security” of iOS users. Apple plans to appeal the decision.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/apple-must-allow-app-sideloading-in-brazil-within-90-days-judge-orders-130037196.html?src=rss
The Disney+ Hulu Duo Basic plan usually costs $11 a month, but the companies are giving a big discount this spring. You can secure four months of the joint Disney+ and Hulu streaming subscription for just $3 a month. That comes out to just $12 in total and a savings of $32 for the whole offer period. The deal is for new and returning subscribers and is only for the basic tier, which includes advertisements on both Disney+ and Hulu content. You can sign up for the sale price from today through March 30.
At a time when it feels like every streaming service, audio and video, is pushing their subscription costs ever-higher, it’s a treat to get any amount of entertainment access for a discount. That’s why we’re big fans of the Disney+ Hulu Duo plans; even at the normal rate, it unites two of our favorite standalone content libraries in a single package that’s a solid deal at its normal rates.
Snagging the basic tier for an even lower cost feels like a no-brainer, especially if you’re invested in any facet of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, if you’re counting the days until the second season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives or if you just like to hum along with Encanto in the background while you work.
Keep in mind that the ad-free Duo Premium plan isn’t covered in this promotion, nor is the option that also bundles ESPN into the package. Access to Duo Premium will still run you $20 a month, while the Trio bundles begin at $17 a month.
Check out our coverage of the best streaming deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/four-months-of-the-disney-hulu-duo-basic-streaming-plan-is-on-sale-for-only-12-right-now-123511911.html?src=rss
Apple finally dropped some long-awaited updates this week: An M4 MacBook Air (now starting at $999!), M3 iPad Air, as well as a refreshed Mac Studio with M3 Ultra and M4 Max chips. In this episode, Cherlynn, Devindra and Deputy Editor Nathan Ingraham chat about all of Apple’s new hardware, as well as some interesting tidbits from Mobile World Congress 2025. Devindra also dives into his reviews of NVIDIA’s RTX 5070 and AMD’s Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT. It turns out AMD has finally delivered some killer GPUs to counter NVIDIA’s dominance.
Listen below or subscribe on your podcast app of choice. If you’ve got suggestions or topics you’d like covered on the show, be sure to email us or drop a note in the comments! And be sure to check out our other podcast, Engadget News!
MacBook Air refresh announced with an M4 chip and a slight price drop – 2:04
What’s hot at Mobile World Congress 2025 – 23:10
Lenovo’s Solar PC – 35:20
Xiaomi 15 Ultra (with a fancy Leica camera) – 37:53
New releases from Nothing – 39:16
Samsung releases a trio of A series devices – 40:35
NVIDIA vs. AMD part ∞: AMD’s Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT edge out the GeForce RTX 5070 – 46:20
Pop culture picks – 54:11
Credits
Hosts: Devindra Hardawar and Cherlynn Low Guest: Nathan Ingraham Producer: Ben Ellman Music: Dale North and Terrence O’Brien
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/engadget-podcast-the-m4-macbook-air-and-mobile-world-congress-2025-123012794.html?src=rss
It’s been a weird time to dip into graphics cards, GPUs and… another synonym for the GeForces and Radeons of this world.
AMD has tried for a while to undercut NVIDIA with slightly cheaper but less capable video cards — but this time, with the Radeon 9070 and 9070 XT, it might have got the recipe right, especially in 4K and ray tracing performance.
Devindra Hardawar says the $599 Radeon 9070 XT, in particular, is a solid midrange GPU with excellent support for 1440p gaming and a bit of 4K. It has better ray tracing support than before, it’s faster than the plain Radeon 9070 and it finally has AI upscaling built in too. Not to mention, NVIDIA’s similarly priced GPUs landed around the same time.
It’s a good strategy — better than fighting with NVIDIA at the extreme high end of GPUs. It makes more sense for AMD to focus on cards people can actually buy — if you can.
It’s a good time to look closer at that too. “Buy.” Hah! The gaming PC makers and people who need high-powered machines for their work know this already — it’s a mess.
Not only is it impossible to find NVIDIA’s 50 series GPU in stock, but as Igor Bonifacic noted, nearly every single model is way above NVIDIA’s suggested price. This isn’t a pandemic thing anymore, this isn’t a crypto thing anymore (although that’s stoked demand, of course).
It’s like Taylor Swift tickets or a PS5 disc drive when the PS5 Pro broke cover — it’s scalpers and opportunism from the middle-man companies that make the majority of GPUs out there.
Is there a robot vacuum that won’t destroy phone cables? How is US trade policy going to affect the price of my next phone? Do I need another phone? Ask Engadget returns, with an entirely new email address: askmat(AT)engadget.com.
A sub-$500 smartphone that Engadget can endorse is a rare feat, but Nothing might have nailed it. Despite a premium Nothing Phone 3 not even existing, the company’s see-thru phone series shoots straight for the cheap midrange. Many of the specs, like periscope zoom, a 120Hz 6.77-inch screen and a huge 5,000mah battery are typically in phones that are several hundred dollars more. It’s all wrapped in a design full of character too. Check out my first impressions and expect a full review very soon.
An upgraded laptop with a price drop? In this economy? The new MacBook Air, with an M4 chip, will retail at $999, down $100 from the previous starting price. There are still two size choices: 13-inch and 15-inch. RAM for the M2 and M3 laptops is 16GB by default, and the M4 model matches that standard. Apple is promising up to 18 hours of battery life, and the Airs will have support for Apple Intelligence. There’s also a new look in the lineup, with a sky blue color adding a new option beside the usual shades of gray.
Engadget has been testing action cameras for more than 16 years and with that experience, we can help you find the right model for your budget and needs. In the past, GoPro was the go-to choice for first-person action filming, whether it’s surfing, rock climbing or offroading. But now, you have more choice, with models also available from DJI and Insta360. We break down all the different form factors — and our best choices.
