Amazon discontinued 2016’s Kindle Oasis in early 2024, and since then, the company hasn’t offered a new e-reader with physical page turn buttons or any other alternative to touchscreen input. There still isn’t a Kindle with buttons and the feature seems unlikely to return, but buyers of the latest Kindle Paperwhite or the Kindle Colorsoft are getting a possible consolation prize in the new 5.18.1 software update: a “double tap to page turn” feature that will turn the page or move to the next screen when you double-tap on the back or side of the device.

The 5.18.1 software update is available on all Kindle readers going back to 2018’s “10th generation” models, but the double-tap feature only works on the newest 12th-generation Paperwhite and the Colorsoft, not on any older Kindles or either Kindle Scribe model. We verified this firsthand by installing 5.18.1 on a 10th-generation Paperwhite, but we also checked the release notes for each individual Kindle on Amazon’s software update page.

All Kindles that get the 5.18.1 update also gain access to new book summaries for “thousands of bestselling English language Kindle books,” aiming to make it easier to pick up a new book in an ongoing series.

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An eruption of measles is spreading quickly in Kansas, with cases doubling in a week and spreading to three new counties, some with vaccination coverage among kindergartners at pitiful levels as low as 41 percent. Coverage of 95 percent or greater is thought to protect communities from onward spread of the extremely contagious virus.

In an update Wednesday, March 26, Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reported 23 measles cases across six counties—up from 10 cases across three counties on March 21. The 23 people ill with the dangerous virus are mostly children, including six who are 0 to 4 years old, nine who are 5 to 10, three who are 11 to 13, three who are 14 to 17, and two adults between the ages of 25 and 44. Fortunately, none of the cases have been hospitalized so far, and there have been no deaths.

Twenty of the 23 cases were unvaccinated. One case was “not age appropriately vaccinated,” one was “age appropriately vaccinated,” and the remaining case’s vaccination status is pending.

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Computer maker Dell’s staff numbers have fallen by 25,000 in the last two years. In its latest 10-K filing, published on Tuesday, the company said that it had about 108,000 global employees as of January 31, 2025. In February 2024, that number was 120,000, marking a 10% annual reduction in the workforce. From a report: Looking back two years, Dell’s head count stood at 133,000, meaning that since February 2023, the Texas-based tech company has reduced its workforce by 19%. The decline in Dell’s head count comes after a year of both layoffs and RTO mandates. In August, the company significantly restructured its sales division, which it told workers was necessary to prepare for “the world of AI.” As part of the restructuring, Dell laid off workers, though it did not specify how many.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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When you think of the best wireless earbuds, it’s easy to think of popular brand names like Bose and Sony, but a newer entry to the market has also made a splash. EarFun has made a name for itself by punching well above its weight class with earbuds and headphones that don’t cost nearly as much as the competition but, as I can personally attest, bring audio quality and features that even some of their pricier rivals lack. But if the value offered by EarFun’s buds wasn’t already good enough, many of its products boast solid discounts as part of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. 

EarFun Air Pro 3

$49.99
at Amazon

$99.99
Save $50.00

$49.99
at Amazon

$99.99
Save $50.00

I would be happy to recommend the EarFun Air Pro 3 for anyone looking to get budget noise-canceling headphones, even if they were at full price. But with this discount, they’re even more of a steal. There’s a lot on offer for $50 here, including exceptional audio quality, powerful noise canceling, a long battery life, and wireless charging for the case. Plus, they’re water resistant for workouts and support Bluetooth Multipoint. See more in-depth detail in PCMag’s review.

EarFun Air Pro 4

$59.99
at Amazon

$95.99
Save $36.00

$59.99
at Amazon

$95.99
Save $36.00

The EarFun Air Pro 4 are an update of the Air Pro 3, and they basically level up those buds in a few key areas. These buds boost the noise canceling performance and also increase the battery life to up to 11 hours on a single charge, even without the extra juice the case provides. They also support a wide range of Bluetooth codecs — such as aptX Lossless and LDAC — to help you enjoy optimal audio quality. And at just $10 more than the Air Pro 3, they’re an easy upgrade choice for those who want the best audio for their money. You can find out all about them in my review for PCMag.

EarFun Free Pro 3

$49.99
at Amazon

$79.99
Save $30.00

$49.99
at Amazon

$79.99
Save $30.00

The EarFun Free Pro 3 take a slightly different direction. They still offer great sound and noise canceling, with many of the same capabilities as the Air Pro 3. However, they feature a different design. These buds tuck away into the ear more than the stemmed design of the Air Pro 3, which can be useful for sports or tucking under beanies. The smaller design of the buds also allows for an ultra-compact charging case that’s easy to find space for in even a small bag or pocket.

EarFun OpenJump

$59.99
at Amazon

$79.99
Save $20.00

$59.99
at Amazon

$79.99
Save $20.00

EarFun’s OpenJump headphones are an alternative for runners who want to prioritize safety. These earbuds loop around the ear and see the buds hover over the opening of the ear. Since they don’t actually go into or block the ear canal, they let external sounds enter along with whatever you’re listening to. The result is that you can get a pretty good sense of your surroundings while wearing the OpenJump, which can improve your safety while exercising outdoors, where hearing cars and other pedestrians is important. 

EarFun Wave Pro

$55.99
at Amazon

$79.99
Save $24.00

$55.99
at Amazon

$79.99
Save $24.00

EarFun even has some over-ear headphones in the Wave Pro. You get a lot of the same high-end features as the company’s buds, such as support for Bluetooth Multipoint, LDAC support for high-resolution audio, and surprisingly good noise-canceling. And the Wave Pro are geared up for long-time listening, with up to 55 hours of battery life with ANC on or 80 hours without ANC. Find out more in PCMag’s review.

The US Space Force on Wednesday announced that it has certified United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket to conduct national security missions.

“Assured access to space is a core function of the Space Force and a critical element of national security,” said Brig. Gen. Panzenhagen, program executive officer for Assured Access to Space, in a news release. “Vulcan certification adds launch capacity, resiliency, and flexibility needed by our nation’s most critical space-based systems.”

The formal announcement closes a yearslong process that has seen multiple delays in the development of the Vulcan rocket, as well as two anomalies in recent years that were a further setback to certification.

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If you’ve ever thought about practicing a new language, then put it off because an owl got too passive-aggressive, this Rosetta Stone deal might be more your speed. StackSocial is offering a lifetime subscription to Rosetta Stone for $179.99 right now, down from its usual $399. That’s a pretty deep cut for anyone curious about dipping into Spanish, French, Korean, or even something less commonly studied, like Irish or Farsi. You can access 25 languages in total, though you can only use one at a time. You can switch between them anytime, making it great for folks who want to experiment or refresh old skills.

Rosetta Stone’s immersion-based method doesn’t rely heavily on translations—instead, it teaches you by matching words to images and sounds, mimicking how you’d naturally pick up a language. As you go along, it builds up to interactive lessons that use speech-recognition tech to help with pronunciation and speaking skills. Additionally, its mobile and desktop syncing capability means you can start a lesson on your laptop and continue on your phone during your commute. Just note that you’ll need a decent internet connection (at least 768Kbps), a headset with a mic if you want to use the speech recognition tools, and either a Windows 7+ or macOS 10.9+ device to get started. It’s not compatible with older systems, and the sale is only for new users, so returning Rosetta Stone learners won’t be able to cash in.

All in all, it’s a solid price if you want to practice a language and want a structure that’s been around for a while. But if you’re just toying with the idea or looking for something more casual, free apps might be enough for you. Still, the fact that this is a one-time payment with lifetime access to 25 languages could be worth it for anyone with long-term travel dreams or multilingual ambitions.

Codemasters’ Formula 1 franchise is back for another lap. Publisher EA says the tracks in F1 2025 have a more realistic look and feel, thanks to LiDAR scanning. The new installment arrives on May 30.

Although EA didn’t offer much detail about LiDAR’s use, we can safely assume it involved high-resolution 3D scans of real-world tracks to make them as close to a 1:1 representation as possible. (After all, it’s the same tech autonomous vehicles use for real-time 3D mapping and object detection.) Regardless, we reached out to EA to try to get more info. We’ll update this story if we hear back.

EA / Codemasters

In other areas, F1 25 overhauls My Team, with players now able to serve as the squad’s owner and driver. And in the Braking Point story mode, Konnersport has moved up in the world and is now a highly competitive team battling for championships. But wait, “a dramatic event throws the team into chaos,” so rest assured the writing team still understands the importance of using obstacles in storytelling.

F1 25 launches on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC on May 30. If you own F1 23 or F1 24, you can save 15 percent off your pre-order of the game’s Iconic Edition, which typically costs $80 on PC and $90 on consoles. That variant will add post-launch Braking Point chapters that tie into Apple’s upcoming film F1, starring Brad Pitt. Meanwhile, the base game costs $60 on PC and $70 on PlayStation and Xbox.

You can check out the trailer below, featuring cover star Lewis Hamilton.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/ea-used-lidar-to-model-the-tracks-in-f1-25-192206031.html?src=rss

Google is planning a major change to the way it develops new versions of the Android operating system. Since the beginning, large swaths of the software have been developed in public-facing channels, but that will no longer be the case. This does not mean Android is shedding its open source roots, but the process won’t be as transparent.

Google has confirmed to Android Authority that all Android development work going forward will take place in Google’s internal branch. This is a shift from the way Google has worked on Android in the past, which featured frequent updates to the public AOSP branch. Anyone can access AOSP, but the internal branches are only available to Google and companies with a Google Mobile Services (GMS) license, like Samsung, Motorola, and others.

According to the company, it is making this change to simplify things, building on a recent change to trunk-based development. As Google works on both public and private branches of Android, the two fall out of sync with respect to features and API support. This forces Google to tediously merge the branches for every release. By focusing on the internal branch, Google claims it can streamline releases and make life easier for everyone.

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Amazon’s Big Spring Sale is in full swing, and we’ve done some work to weed out the best deals available, like our associate tech editor, Michelle Ehrhardt’s, favorite tech deals, the best tech deals at 50% off or higher, and other discounted products that resonate with us. While it’s not Prime Day, the sale still has deals worth checking out. You can learn more about the sale here. As Lifehacker’s deal writer, I used price-tracking tools to vet deals to make sure they’re legit and will keep rounding up the best tech deals at 50% off or higher throughout the sale. Here are the best ones I’ve found so far:

24W Louder Sound, Exceptional XBass, 20H Playtime, IPX7 Waterproof, USB-C, TWS for Party, Outdoor

Tribit MaxSound Plus Speaker

$48.99
at Amazon

$79.99
Save $31.00

$48.99
at Amazon

$79.99
Save $31.00

HD Roku Streaming Device with Standard Remote (no TV controls), Free & Live TV

Roku Express

$17.99
at Amazon

$29.99
Save $12.00

$17.99
at Amazon

$29.99
Save $12.00

Bluetooth Tracker, Keys Finder and Item Locator for Keys, Bags and More. Phone Finder.

Tile by Life360 Mate (2024)

$31.99
at Amazon

$44.99
Save $13.00

$31.99
at Amazon

$44.99
Save $13.00

Slimmest 10000mAh 5V/3A Power Bank, USB C in&out High-Speed Charging Battery Pack.

INIU Portable Charger

$15.99
at Amazon

$24.99
Save $9.00

$15.99
at Amazon

$24.99
Save $9.00

All-in-One Security Camera with 1080p Resolution, Spotlight, Color Night Vision, No Monthly Fees.

eufy Security Outdoor Cam E210

$39.99
at Amazon

$49.99
Save $10.00

$39.99
at Amazon

$49.99
Save $10.00

Voice Control w/Siri, Alexa & Google Assistant | UL Certified | Timer & Schedule.

Kasa Matter Smart Dimmer Switch

$21.99
at Amazon

$29.99
Save $8.00

$21.99
at Amazon

$29.99
Save $8.00

Color Changing Light Bulb, Work with Alexa and Google Assistant, 16 Million Colors RGBWW.

Govee Smart Light Bulbs

$23.99
at Amazon

$34.99
Save $11.00

$23.99
at Amazon

$34.99
Save $11.00

Ergonomic Ear Hook, Balanced Sound, IPX7 Waterproof, 42H Playtime, Bluetooth 5.3, App Control.

AeroFit Open-Ear Headphones

$49.99
at Amazon

$129.99
Save $80.00

$49.99
at Amazon

$129.99
Save $80.00

uto-Adjustable Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, Reduce Noise by Up to 98%, 50H Playtime.

Anker Space A40

$49.99
at Amazon

$99.99
Save $50.00

$49.99
at Amazon

$99.99
Save $50.00

Qi2 Certified 15W Ultra-Fast MagSafe Wireless Charger for iPhone 15/14/13, 8-in-1 Power Strip.

Anker MagGo Magnetic Charging Station

$49.99
at Amazon

$99.99
Save $50.00

$49.99
at Amazon

$99.99
Save $50.00

• Tribit MaxSound Plus Speaker $48.99 (originally $79.99). Tritbit makes quality portable budget speakers, and the MaxSound Plus sits somewhere in the middle in price and size.

• Amazon Fire 7 tablet $44.99 (originally $59.99). Amazon’s most budget tablet gets cheaper. A great option for kids or someone looking for a basic tablet.

• Roku Express $17.99 (originally $29.99). I love Roku TV, and if you’re looking for the cheapest option to get your foot in the door, this is it. It’s also 40% off.

• Tile by Life360 Mate (2024) $31.99 (originally $44.99). Android users can’t use AirTags, but Tile is compatible with Android and iOS. These Tile Bluetooth trackers work using the same concept as AirTags, depending on a network of users to tell you where the trackers are.

• INIU Portable Charger $15.99 (originally $24.99). I’ve been using the same INUI portable chargers for four years and have dropped it too many times. It’s reliable and does its job well. For $16, you could do much worse.

• Eufy Security Outdoor Cam E210 $39.99 (originally $49.99). I love Eufy cameras because they’re subscription-free. The Outdoor Cam E210 is a budget outdoor wired camera, meaning you’ll likely need an electrician to install it, but for $40, you’re saving a lot of money on materials.

• Kasa Matter Smart Dimmer Switch (3-pack) 43.99 (originally $74.99). This smart light switch turns your light into a smart light with access to integrated smart home tech. You can also dim the lights, use voice controls, or manage it remotely.

• Govee Smart Light Bulbs $23.99 (originally $34.99). I’ve been using Govee smart lights for a couple of months and have really liked their app. If you want a reliable companion app and budget smart lights you can control remotely, look no further.

• AeroFit Open-Ear Headphones $49.99 (originally $129.99). I’ve been using these open-ear headphones around the house and occasionally on runs for over a year. They’re easy to use, sound great for the price, and come with a companion app that makes the experience better with EQ and other features.

• Anker Space A40 Earbuds $49.99 (originally $99.99). The A40 have the same companion app as the AeroFit and are a great value for budget ANC earbuds that you can read more about here.

• Anker MagGo Magnetic Charging Station $49.99 (originally $99.99). I’m a fan of charging stations because they satisfy both my need for organization and practicality. This one from Anker has MagGo for wireless iPhone charging, three outlets, two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a magnetic pad.

• Eufy Digital Bathroom Scale P2 Pro $37.98 (originally $79.99) with code P2PROUSA at checkout. You can buy digital smart scales that read your body fat percentage from any no-brand company for cheap, but why not get it from a trusted brand also for cheap, after a 50% discount?

Shopping for tech? Lifehacker can help you make the right decision. Browse our tech reviews and head-to-head comparisons for everything from laptops and smartwatches to e-bikes and home gyms. Subscribe to our deals newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox, or browse our best-of lists directly on Amazon, including:

• The Best Over-Ear Headphones

• The Best Wireless Earbuds

• The Best Adjustable Dumbbell Sets

• The Best Projectors

Samsung just released a spate of new QLED TVs, after teasing the lineup at CES. The Neo QLED line is the first to feature the company’s Vision AI platform. This allows for new personalization and optimization features. You can pick one up right now, but you might want to open up a line of credit first. The most budget-friendly model is the 55-inch Class Neo QLED 4K QN80F, which comes in at $1,300.

As for 4K models, prices balloon all the way up to $15,000 for the top-of-the-line 98-inch Class Neo QLED 4K QN90F. Samsung also just released some 8K smart TVs with Vision AI. The pricing here starts at $3,300 for a 65-inch model and goes up to $5,300 for the 85-inch version. 

If you need a high-end soundbar to go with that brand new TV, Samsung has got you covered. The company just announced availability for two new soundbar systems. The flagship HW-Q990F costs $1,800 and the HW-Q800F clocks in at $1,000. Both come with the company’s redesigned subwoofer, but the Q990F also includes a pair of rear speakers.

Samsung

They support wireless Dolby Atmos technology, so the cable clutter can go the way of the dodo. All of these products are available right now from Samsung or via third-party retailers.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/samsung-neo-qled-tvs-are-now-available-with-prices-starting-at-1300-184437768.html?src=rss

Microsoft has walked away from new data center projects in the US and Europe that would have amounted to a capacity of about 2 gigawatts of electricity, according to TD Cowen analysts, who attributed the pullback to an oversupply of the clusters of computers that power artificial intelligence. From a report: The analysts, who rattled investors with a February note highlighting leases Microsoft had abandoned in the US, said the latest move also reflected the company’s choice to forgo some new business from ChatGPT maker OpenAI, which it has backed with some $13 billion. Microsoft and the startup earlier this year said they had altered their multiyear agreement, letting OpenAI use cloud-computing services from other companies, provided Microsoft didn’t want the business itself.

Microsoft’s retrenchment in the last six months included lease cancellations and deferrals, the TD Cowen analysts said in their latest research note, dated Wednesday. Alphabet’s Google had stepped in to grab some leases Microsoft abandoned in Europe, the analysts wrote, while Meta Platforms had scooped up some of the freed capacity in Europe.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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

I feel better about my life since having installed this Ring doorbell. So far, the motion-detecting feature hasn’t captured anything more interesting than the occasional neighborhood cat walking by, but I like seeing Mr. Nibbles making his rounds. Plus, I’ll know about the early morning FBI raid before they start yelling “come out with your hands up.”

Amazon Ring Doorbell

$99.99
at Amazon

$99.99
at Amazon

Seriously though, it’s excellent for checking whether packages have been delivered and being able to see who has shown up at your door before you actually open it. If you are frequently visited by salespeople who want to replace your windows or talk about energy costs, it’s much easier to say “I’m kind of busy right now, sorry” through an intercom than face-to-face.

It’s a legitimately good deal too. During the ongoing Amazon Big Spring Sale, the price on this version of Ring’s second generation doorbell is the lowest it’s ever been—$54.99, almost half off the list price of $99.99.

Along with offering head-to-toe video, this Ring Doorbell is easy to install, easy to charge through USB-C, features both live view and two-way talk, and works with Amazon Alexa devices like the Echo Dot and Echo Show, so you can monitor your front stoop hands-free. If you want to be super slick, you can even charge it with a little solar panel, also on sale.

Shopping for tech? Lifehacker can help you make the right decision. Browse our tech reviews and head-to-head comparisons for everything from laptops and smartwatches to e-bikes and home gyms. Subscribe to our deals newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox, or browse our best-of lists directly on Amazon, including:

• The Best Over-Ear Headphones

• The Best Wireless Earbuds

• The Best Adjustable Dumbbell Sets

• The Best Projectors

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 a good excuse to pick up some fitness equipment. Read on for the best deals I’ve seen so far, including on NordicTrack treadmills, folding WalkingPads, and even the infamous Assault Bike. Plus, Peloton’s original and upgraded bikes are available at a great price, and Powerblocks are on a rare sale.

The best deals on exercise bikes

• Peloton’s original Bike is on sale for $1,195, or $250 off the regular price. This is a great price, as our own Meredith Dietz points out here. (Check that link for a breakdown of what the Bike really costs to own, and what else you get with your subscription.) 

• Peloton’s Bike+, with a swiveling screen, auto-resistance, and nicer tech inside the screen, is $2,145, or $350 off. Read more about the differences between the Bike and Bike+ here. 

• For a budget option, this YOSUDA spin bike, normally $249, is now $199. 

• The Assault AirBike Elite, your old nemesis from Crossfit class, is $799, down from $1,400—a steal at nearly half off. 

ASSAULTFITNESS Assault AirBike Elite, Grey

$799.00
at Amazon

$1,499.00
Save $700.00

$799.00
at Amazon

$1,499.00
Save $700.00

The best deals on adjustable dumbbells

Adjustable dumbbells are a great way to fit a wide variety of hand weights into a small home gym. The nicer brands tend to be expensive, and it’s a rare find to encounter them on a good sale—as far as I can tell, Powerblocks haven’t been on sale at all since Black Friday. (I’ve written before about best adjustable dumbbell sets, if you’d like to check out the pros and cons of different brands.)

• Powerblock Elite EXP sets are on sale, with the 1-50 pound Stage 1 going for $299 (down from $359). The Stage 2 expansion set that brings them up to 70 pounds is on sale too, for $143 (down from $199).

• Powerblock’s Sport 24 dumbbells, a lighter set that goes from 3 to 24 pounds, are $169 today, down from $199.

• The Powerblock Pro 100, a single dumbbell that goes up to 100 pounds, is $464 today, down from a regular price of $549. 

• CAP Barbell’s 55-pound adjustable dumbbells are $239 for a pair today, down from $299 regular price.

Powerblock Elite EXP Dumbbell Pair

$299.98
at Amazon

$299.98
at Amazon

The best deals on treadmills and walking pads

• NordicTrack’s T series 6.5S treadmill is $669 today, down from $799. 

• The NordicTrack T series 10 treadmill, a beefier model that supports speeds up to 12 mph, is $999, down from $1,299.

• WalkingPad’s Z1 folding walking pad is $279 today, instead of the normal $399. It’s meant for walking (hence the name) and supports speeds up to 4 mph.

• WalkingPad’s R2 folding treadmill can handle walking and jogging, with a top speed of 7.5 mph. It still folds in half for storage, and also has a handrail. It’s $699 today, normally $899.

WALKINGPAD R2 Treadmill Running and Walking Folding Treadmill Manual Automatic Modes Foldable Walking Pad Non-Slip Smart LCD Display Fitness Equipment 0.5-7.5MPH (Black)

$699.00
at Amazon

$899.00
Save $200.00

$699.00
at Amazon

$899.00
Save $200.00

The best deals on home gym basics and weights

• CAP barbell weight plates, sized to fit a standard 2” Olympic barbell, are about $1/pound today, which is a great price for basic weights. We’re talking $45.99 for a single 45-pound plate, $26.99 for a 25-pounder, and $40.99 for a set of four 10-pound plates.

• If you like vinyl-coated kettlebells, some weights are available at a good price today—like this 35-pound bell for $35.69, normally $54.06.

• A set of four Vergali fabric booty bands (light, medium, strong, and “heroic”) is $18.99, down from a regular price of $29.99. Booty bands aren’t key to building a booty (sorry, influencers), but they can be great for warmups and accessory work. 

• This TRX suspension trainer kit is $139, down from $179. You can use a suspension trainer in the gym or in a variety of out-of-the-way places (staircases, doorframes) to do tons of great exercises. 

• This bomb-style landmine attachment offers a simple way to use a barbell in a landmine setup by just sticking the end of the bar in the corner of a wall or the corner of a squat rack. It’s not a hinged attachment, just a protector for the end of the bar that keeps it from ripping up your flooring. You could cut open a tennis ball, but this is a bit neater, and probably more durable. It’s $28.70 today, down from $35.88.