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- New 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' trailer shows a certain Sith Lord being assembled
- The best self-care gifts for graduates
- Wordle brought tens of millions of users to The New York Times
- Uber is bouncing back from the pandemic faster than Lyft
- Sonos' rumored $250 soundbar is reportedly called the Ray
- The best May the 4th deals we could find
- Samsung's new dashcam memory card records non-stop for up to 16 years
- The best gifts to upgrade your grad’s tech setup
- Meta offers new professional certificates through Coursera
- Polestar raises the price of its single-motor Polestar 2 by $2,500
- Star Wars Instant Pots are up to 25 percent off for May the 4th
- The UK is inviting Elon Musk to discuss his plans for Twitter
| New 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' trailer shows a certain Sith Lord being assembled Posted: 04 May 2022 08:51 AM PDT Happy Star Wars Day! Lucasfilm and Disney+ are celebrating May the 4th by offering another look at the upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi series. There's not a ton of new footage in this trailer compared with the first teaser. There is, however, a snippet of a conversation between Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor) and Owen Lars (Joel Edgerton) about training young Luke Skywalker to become a Jedi. There's also a look at Darth Vader (Hayden Christensen) being pieced together, which is much more than the breathing cameo from the previous trailer. This clip reinforces one of the show's main story threads as well. The Empire is desperately trying to hunt down an on-the-run Obi-Wan in an attempt to wipe out the Jedi once and for all. I wonder how that'll pan out. There's also a very brief peek of Kumail Nanjiani, whose character is intriguingly wearing Jedi-style robes, along with several shots of the villains. Obi-Wan Kenobi is set 10 years after Revenge of the Sith and it will fill in some of the narrative gaps between the prequels and the original trilogy. While The Mandalorian, which was the first live-action Star Wars series, has been a hit, Obi-Wan Kenobi should be an easier sell for Disney+ thanks to the familiar characters that are front and center. Because of that, it doesn't need to give away too much before the series debuts with two episodes on May 27th. |
| The best self-care gifts for graduates Posted: 04 May 2022 08:15 AM PDT Graduates have spent the past couple of years hustling. Between coursework, jobs, family responsibilities and, of course, the pandemic, they likely haven't had a ton of time to devote to themselves. Now that they've donned their cap and gown, it's time for them to enjoy some well deserved rest and relaxation. If you want to get the grad in your life a treat that can help them do that, we at Engadget have some ideas based on how we like to treat ourselves when we need a break. Theragun MiniTheragun With many gyms and exercise facilities still closed, you might be dabbling in some workouts from home alongside working from home. You might also have overextended yourself, leading to tender shoulders, thighs and calves. I may have done just that (several times over) but have been able to ease some of the soreness — or at least make myself feel better — with my trusty Theragun Mini. We've already covered Theragun's flagship percussive therapy "gun," the Elite, but you might find the Theragun Mini does almost as much for far less. It's also less bulky. The $200 gun is a solid triangle but is small enough to grasp with a single hand, directing the vibrations to that one part of your hammies that needs some TLC. There are three speed settings, and the Mini benefits from Theragun's quieter motors so it doesn't sound like you're drilling a shelf to anyone nearby. It's definitely not quiet, but you can still hear the TV or hold a conversation over the massaging. If you're looking to upgrade, Theragun also offers a peripheral that doubles the number of heads on any of its massage guns. The Duo Adapter offers a wider spread, meaning it feels like it takes me less time to hammer out the aches. It does reduce the sheer force of a single massage head, but if you have any particularly knotty areas, you can easily take the adapter off to really hammer it out. This all being said, these devices aren't a panacea to everything that aches after physical exertion. Don't forget hydration, sleep and nutrition, which are all, sadly, sold separately. — Mat Smith, U.K. Bureau Chief Buy Theragun Mini at Amazon - $159Bearaby weighted blanketBearaby Weighted blankets have been proven to reduce anxiety-causing cortisol while increasing sleep-friendly serotonin, but most of them are filled with tiny glass beads. Not only did that scare me off, but I've also heard that the beads might shift over time, which could lead to uneven weight distribution down the road. Plus, most weighted blankets have a bland design. The Bearaby weighted blankets are different. Instead of filling a duvet with micropellets or beads, Bearaby blankets are handmade from a gorgeous chunky-knit material that's more reminiscent of a cozy sweater than a comforter. It also comes in beautifully luscious colors like Cloud White to Evening Rose. After weeks of using one, I've found that I'm nodding off faster and staying asleep longer, which is a big deal for someone plagued by chronic insomnia. — Nicole Lee, Commerce Writer Buy Bearaby weighted blankets starting at $139Cosori Electric KettleCosori I believe one of the best things anyone can do for themselves on a regular basis is pause. We're all busier than ever with kids, partners, jobs and more and it's worth taking a break during the day to do something for yourself — in my case, that's often making a cup of tea after lunch. Now, I'm no tea connoisseur but I've definitely upped my brewing game as I've tried more loose leaf teas (my current favorites are from Harney & Sons and Adagio). I bought a Cosori electric kettle last year to help with my tea- and coffee-making routines and it's become one of the most used items in my kitchen. It heats water to the precise temperature I need for a strong black tea or a subtle green, and it does so in a relatively speedy fashion. The "keep warm" function also helps keep water at the right temperature when I, inevitably, get distracted by Slack messages. — Valentina Palladino, Commerce Editor Buy Cosori electric kettle at Amazon - $70Headspace subscriptionHeadspace You might think that things are going to get easier and less stressful now that you've graduated. But, oh boy, are you wrong. Now that you're out in the so-called "real world," taking care of your mental health is going to be more important than ever. Headspace can be a great resource for a little self care. It has a ton of guided meditations and mindful exercises that claim to help you relax, build self control and boost your creativity. But there's also playlists of ambient music and soundscapes to help you focus, including some curated by big name artists like Arcade Fire, St. Vincent and Sudan Archives. You'll also quickly learn that there's plenty of other things to lose sleep over, beyond cramming for a final. And for that, Headspace has Sleepcasts. These combine guided relaxation exercises with soundscapes and soothing narration to help lull you to sleep. Honestly, the Sleepcasts alone are worth the price of an annual subscription. — Terrence O'Brien, Managing Editor Subscribe to Headspace - $70/yearDyson Hot & Cool Bladeless Fan and HeaterDyson Sometimes upgrading your living environment can be the best form of self care. I've learned how true that is since I began working from home most of the time (pre-pandemic). One of the best home improvements I've made as of late was investing in a Dyson Hot & Cool fan. The decision ultimately came down to necessity — the heating in our apartment isn't the greatest, and New York winters can be tough. I picked up the AM09 Hot & Cool Bladeless Fan and Heater when I found it on sale last fall and it made all the difference. It not only cut the chill in our bedroom, a space that often feels 10 degrees colder than other areas of the apartment, but it made the room enjoyable to be in even on the coldest days. And on the weekends when my partner and I parked ourselves in our living room, it was easy to pick up the Dyson and tote it to where we were. The remote control is super handy, too, letting us adjust the temperature, oscillation and timer functions without getting up from the couch. While you can't find the AM09 now, Dyson has upgraded most of its Hot & Cool fans to also be air purifiers, so you'll essentially get a 3-in-1 device. — V.P. Shop Dyson Air PurifiersMoonPodMoonPod As a self-care gift for your grad, consider getting them a MoonPod. It's especially useful for those who might find themselves working from home, as it provides a break from sitting on a stiff office chair and is a more comfortable alternative to a couch. According to the company, sitting on the MoonPod can help reduce stress and anxiety as it mimics the sensations of flotation therapy. I'm no flotation expert, but I can definitely attest to the fact that it is extremely comfortable. I also love that the MoonPod is so malleable; you can stand it upright to use as a slouchy armchair or lay it flat so you can lie down on it. Your grad will appreciate that they can use it while working and for when they need a quick nap in between meetings. — N.L. Buy MoonPod starting at $399
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| Wordle brought tens of millions of users to The New York Times Posted: 04 May 2022 08:13 AM PDT The New York Times' purchase of Wordle appears to have paid off, at least in the near term. The newspaper has revealed that it added "tens of millions" of new users in the first quarter of 2022 thanks to Josh Wardle's hit word game. That led to the company's best quarter yet for subscriber additions to games, and "many" of those incoming players have remained to try other games. The surge came alongside an otherwise strong quarter that included 387,000 new digital subscribers (including those from The Athletic). The Times reported a jump to 9.1 million subscribers, with digital revenue climbing by 26 percent. The buyouts helped slash the company's net profit to $4.7 million versus $41.1 million a year earlier. The surge in users isn't exactly shocking. The paper bought a hugely popular game at the height of its success, and that demand continued throughout the quarter. The question, of course, is whether or not the deal will be worthwhile in the long run. It's not certain if Wordle will remain the sensation it has been, and it's no secret that the Times is still better-known for its crossword puzzle than the other games in its repertoire. With that said, the original Wordle has survived an onslaught of clones — it stands a better chance at enduring success than some viral games.
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| Uber is bouncing back from the pandemic faster than Lyft Posted: 04 May 2022 07:48 AM PDT Uber had a successful first quarter of 2022 by some measures, as it more than doubled its revenue year-over-year to $6.85 billion. Increased demand for rides following the Omicron surge played a role, as did higher ride prices due to a shortage of drivers. The company reported that riders took 1.71 billion trips last quarter, an increase of 18 percent from the first three months of 2021. Gross bookings (the total amount Uber receives from customers) for rides increased by 58 percent year over year to $10.7 billion. Delivery gross bookings rose by 12 percent to $13.9 billion. Uber's revenue from rides was $2.52 billion. From deliveries, it earned $2.51 billion in revenue. However, Uber's net loss increased from $108 million in Q1 2021 to $5.93 billion last quarter. That's largely due to its equity investments in Didi, Grab Holdings and Aurora Innovation. Still, Uber believes it will be cash-flow positive on a full-year basis for 2022. Growth is expected to continue this quarter. Uber claims the value of rides booked in April surpassed 2019 levels, for one thing. The company also noted that rider wait times and surge trips were at their best levels for a year. Uber says that many drivers have opted to move over to Eats deliveries. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said the company won't have to make "significant incremental incentive investments" to keep drivers on the platform and persuade new and lapsed drivers to get behind the wheel. The same can't be said for rival Lyft. That company expects it will need to spend more to entice drivers to return or join its platform. It's taking longer than expected for its driver base to return to pre-pandemic levels, Lyft president John Zimmer told Reuters. Uber has a leg up on Lyft in this regard, since its drivers can choose to deliver food and other items instead of ferrying passengers around. However, Lyft didn't provide more details of how much it will spend on driver incentives. Lyft earned revenue of $875.6 million for the first quarter, a year-over-year increase of 44 percent. It had a net loss of $196.9 million, down significantly from the $427.3 million net loss it posted a year earlier. Its active number of riders rose to 17.8 million from 13.5 million in Q1 2021. |
| Sonos' rumored $250 soundbar is reportedly called the Ray Posted: 04 May 2022 07:23 AM PDT More details appear to have emerged for Sonos' rumored budget soundbar. A briefly posted listing at Colombian store KTronix suggests it will be called the Sonos Ray, and will be smaller than the already compact Beam Gen 2 at just 22 inches long (versus 25.6in), if slightly taller and thinner. Provided the accompanying images are accurate, it's also clearer as to how Sonos will keep costs down. Pictures of the rear indicate it will only accept optical audio input, drop the built-in voice control microphones and rely on one pair each of tweeters and woofers — there's no HDMI or Dolby Atmos support here. The product page still promises a few mainstay Sonos features, such as Trueplay calibration that uses your phone or tablet to adjust the sound tuning to fit your room. You could also expect "crystal-clear dialogue" in your movies and TV shows. You can still connect to your home network through Ethernet if WiFi isn't an option, and Sonos' built-in voice assistant support should still let you use another smart speaker to control the Ray. Sources speaking to The Verge initially obtained the Ray name and provided 3D renders based on photos. The soundbar can reportedly be used for surround sound when linked to other Sonos speakers, and you can use two Rays as rear speakers for an Atmos-capable Arc or Beam setup if you mount them vertically. There are no new clues as to the release date, but the RAYG1US1BLK model name mentioned at KTronix has been circulating in import data for months. A previous leak hinted Sonos might release it as soon as early June. And while the Colombian price (about $323) likely won't reflect the exact pricing for the US, it does imply that the rumored $250 sticker is at least close to the mark. |
| The best May the 4th deals we could find Posted: 04 May 2022 06:55 AM PDT May the 4th is here once again and that means a bunch of retailers have deals on Star Wars gadgets, toys and collectibles. If you're a Star Wars fan, or know someone who is, now's the time to stock up on everything from video games to themed Instant Pots while they are deeply discounted. Here are the best May the 4th Star Wars Day deals we could find this year. Star Wars Instant PotsInstant Pot Amazon has a limited-time sale on Star Wars-themed Instant Pots and you can pick up the adorable BB-8 Duo Mini machine for only $60. A number of other schemes, including Darth Vader and Little Bounty, have been discounted as well, and those are full Duo models, so they come with a few more cooking modes and a larger, six-quart capacity. Buy BB-8 Instant Pot at Amazon - $60Buy Stormtrooper Instant Pot at Amazon - $80Buy R2-D2 Instant Pot at Amazon - $80Buy Little Bounty Instant Pot at Amazon - $80Buy Darth Vader Instant Pot at Amazon - $80Yubico May the 4th saleYubico Yubico has knocked 54 percent off two-packs of its YubiKey 5 NFC series, That brings the pack of two USB-A security keys down to just over $41, the duo of USB-C keys down to just over $50 and the pack with one of each down to $46. This is a solid sale on some of the latest models from Yubico, and these keys give you a physical way to use two-factor authentication to unlock your devices and accounts. Shop Yubico May the 4th saleAmazon May the 4th saleTamagotchi Unsurprisingly, you can find a bunch of discounted Star Wars merch, accessories and more at Amazon today only. You can get knickknacks for your desk, T-shirts with your favorite characters on them, LEGO sets and toy lightsabers for less than usual. Some of our favorite deals include the R2-D2 Tamagotchi for just over $11, the LEGO Star Wars AT-ST Raider set for under $29 and this 2,000-piece The Chosen One puzzle for $15. Shop May the 4th sale at AmazonMicrosoft May the 4th saleMicrosoft Microsoft has knocked up to 75 percent off certain Star Wars games, including Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order ($15) and Star Wars Battlefront Ultimate Edition ($5). If you're interested in Xbox 360 games, a bunch of LEGO Star Wars games are down to only $5 each. Shop May the 4th sale at MicrosoftBest Buy May the 4th saleBest Buy Best Buy's sale today knocks up to 30 percent off Star Wars LEGO sets, up to 20 percent off Star Wars 3D puzzles and up to 40 percent off plush figures. You can also save up to 25 percent on certain Star Wars video games, and $57 off this adorable "galactic snackin'" Grogu doll. Shop Best Buy May the 4th saleWalmart May the 4th saleLEGO Walmart's Star Wars Day sale is much like Best Buy's in that it includes discounts on a hodgepodge of toys, games, collectibles and more. Quite a few Funko Pops are on sale, including this The Child with Canister figurine, plus numerous LEGO sets are cheaper than usual. Shop Walmart May the 4th saleOtterbox Symmetry casesOtterbox While not on sale, Otterbox just launched a new collection of Star Wars-inspired Symmetry cases for iPhone and Galaxy devices. They're branded with fun illustrations of characters including Darth Vader, Boba Fett and even an Ewok. Since these are Symmetry cases, they have the features that you'd expect from this lineup, including a slim profile, drop protection a raised bumper. Shop Star Wars cases at OtterboxFollow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice. |
| Samsung's new dashcam memory card records non-stop for up to 16 years Posted: 04 May 2022 06:22 AM PDT Longevity reigns supreme when you're shopping for a dashcam memory card, and Samsung thinks it might have some of the longest-lasting cards yet. The brand has introduced next-generation Pro Endurance microSD cards with up to 16 years of continuous recording for the 256GB version — there's a good chance you'll get a new car before the flash memory dies. Lower-capacity cards won't last as long (the 128GB model lasts 'just' eight years), but this should still help you avoid frequent replacements. For context, Samsung's previous lineup typically peaked at five years. That's considered better than average in a field where two to four years of non-stop recording is commonplace. All cards can read at speeds up to 100MB/s and write at 30MB/s or better, so you shouldn't have trouble capturing 1080p or 4K footage. Samsung also bills the cards as resistant to drops, magnets, water, extreme temperatures and X-rays. The Pro Endurance line is available now, starting at $11 for a 32GB memory card and climbing to $55 for the range-topping 256GB model. The relatively low maximum storage might be disappointing if you want to preserve a large amount of video. However, it should be plenty for dashcams, bodycams and other cameras where reliability is absolutely vital. |
| The best gifts to upgrade your grad’s tech setup Posted: 04 May 2022 06:15 AM PDT Every spring, a new class of graduates is unleashed on the world, many of them carrying gadgets that have been put through the ringer over the years. Graduation is traditionally a big time for gift-giving — so if you know someone who is heading out into the real world who could use an upgrade after four (or more!) long years of higher education, here's a host of options that'll be a serious improvement over their trusted but beat-up tech. LaptopsApple As useful as tablets and smartphones are, nothing beats a traditional laptop when you really want to get things done. It's also a very personal purchase, so you'll want to know if the recipient prefers Windows, Mac or Chrome OS before you pull the trigger. But once you have that settled, these laptops are some of the best and most well-rounded options on the market. Unless the person you're shopping for has some very specific needs, one of these machines will probably fit the bill. For years, we've considered Dell's XPS 13 to be the best overall Windows laptop, and that hasn't changed. At this point, Dell has almost perfected its industrial design: it's thin and light, but not at the expense of power or battery life. The keyboard and display are excellent, and you can get impressive specs without breaking the bank. If you want to gift your grad something that'll last for years, we recommend the configuration with Intel's 11th-generation Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. That also includes a UHD+ resolution touchscreen, which works out to 3,840 x 2,400. Right now, that version sells for $1,469.99 direct from Dell. For someone who's a gamer, though, we recommend going in a different direction. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is an excellent laptop that combines relative portability (3.75 pounds and a 14-inch screen) with serious power. In our review we said that the laptop was incredibly compelling, even if it's more expensive than it used to be. It has a powerful AMD processor and graphics card coupled with a great display, comfortable keyboard, spacious trackpad and solid design. It's not a champ on battery life, but we got seven hours of non-gaming use out of it – pretty decent considering the specs. As is usually the case with ASUS products, you can get the Zephyrus G14 in a wide variety of configurations, but one we'd recommend comes from Best Buy. The $1,649.99 model includes an AMD Ryzen 9 6000 Series processor, 16GB of RAM, an AMD Radeon RX 6700S graphics card, 1TB of storage, and a 14-inch 2,560 x 1,400 display with a 120Hz refresh rate. That'll be plenty to handle modern gaming as well as all the "real life" tasks that come with being out of school. Buy XPS 13 at Dell starting at $1,195Buy ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 at Best Buy - $1,649For people who prefer a Mac, the MacBook Air is usually our go-to recommendation, but not this year. While there's nothing wrong with the current Air, Apple hasn't updated it in more than 18 months – if you buy one now, it'll likely be replaced with something better soon. With that in mind, a great upgrade pick for a Mac user is the 14-inch MacBook Pro. Apple completely redesigned the MacBook Pro last fall, adding back crucial ports like the HDMI slot and SD card reader. The company also removed the Touch Bar and put in a full-size function key row with Touch ID. There's a lot more worth talking about than just what Apple fixed compared to the previous MacBook Pro, though. The new model has an outstanding 14-inch mini-LED display (as long as you can get past the camera notch), a 1080p webcam, a great keyboard and trackpad and powerful internals that should make the MacBook Pro capable for years to come. Most people will probably be set with the $1999 configuration, which includes Apple's M1 Pro chip, 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage space. Apple's custom silicon has been extremely impressive, boasting both extreme speed and efficiency that lets you use this laptop away from a charger longer than almost any other computer on the market. Given how dominant a force Chromebooks are in education, it's entirely possible that someone just finishing school might want to continue using Chrome OS. Fortunately, there are lots of premium Chromebooks that are well-designed and capable enough to last for years. One of our favorites is Acer's Chromebook Spin 713. It has a screen with a taller 3:2 aspect ratio, which means you'll see more of a webpage or document you're working on without having to scroll. Add in a solid keyboard and trackpad, as well as powerful hardware (Intel's 11-generation Core i5 processor) and you have a Chromebook that doesn't offer many compromises. The battery life could be longer, but that's the only major knock against it. Buy MacBook Air at Amazon starting at $999Buy 14-inch MacBook Pro at Amazon starting at $2,449Buy Acer Chromebook Spin 713 at Amazon - $369TabletsSamsung When thinking about tablets, put aside the question of whether or not they can replace laptops, and focus on what they do best. They can be a great option for getting work done, engaging your creative side with art and music-making apps or just enjoying movies and games. For the vast majority of people, Apple's iPad is the only tablet worth considering, even if they don't otherwise use Apple products. That's thanks to time-tested, reliable hardware and a massive software library with hundreds of thousands of apps optimized for the iPad's larger screen. As for which iPad is the best, the iPad Air is probably the right choice for most – especially if you're looking for a good graduation gift. While the basic iPad is a great value, you get a lot when you step up to the Air. Perhaps most importantly, the Air has Apple's M1 chip, the same one that's in the iPad Pro and numerous Macs. This means the Air is extremely fast and one of the more future-proof products Apple makes. The rest of the iPad Air's hardware is also impressive for the price. It has a large 10.9-inch screen with thin bezels and an anti-reflective coating; the display is also laminated directly to the glass, so there's no distracting gap beneath the surface. The Air also includes 64GB or 256GB of storage, 10 hours of battery life, support for the second-generation Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard and an improved 12-megapixel front-facing camera. For $599, you're getting almost everything that the iPad Pro offers without spending over $800. However, if you're shopping for an Android diehard, Samsung's $700 Galaxy Tab S8 is an excellent choice. It features a high-resolution 11-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, and has an S-Pen stylus included in the box. And while Android historically hasn't been the best option for large-screen devices, Samsung's Dex feature switches things up into a more desktop-like multi-window mode, which can be great for productivity. Samsung's built-in apps that take advantage of the S-Pen are solid as well. You might have a hard time finding apps that are designed for the Tab S8's larger screen, but if you're buying this for someone familiar with Android, they'll likely be aware of the trade-offs. Buy iPad Air at Amazon - $599Buy Galaxy Tab S8 at Samsung - $700SmartphonesGoogle As useful as a laptop or tablet can be, chances are good that the most important computer most people own is their smartphone. And if you know someone who is still rocking the same device they brought to campus with them four years ago, they'll definitely appreciate an upgrade. The good news is that it's pretty easy to pick out a phone that'll satisfy just about anyone, regardless of whether they prefer Android or iPhone. This year, we're recommending the iPhone 13 Pro. While the standard iPhone 13 is an excellent device, the Pro model includes more meaningful upgrades than in years past. Perhaps most importantly, the battery life is noticeably better. The Pro's display has a 120Hz refresh rate, the first iPhone with this feature. Its three-lens camera system offers more flexibility than the two-lens setup on the iPhone 13 – plus it has the new macro-mode shooting, which lets you get as close as 2cm to your subject. All the other iPhone niceties are here, including Apple's newest and fastest mobile processor (the A15 Bionic), an excellent OLED display, 5G, 128GB of storage (at least) and all the features of iOS 15. It's not a cheap phone at $999, but its extremely fast processor and Apple's track record of delivering software support for years means this investment should last a long time. If you know much about Android phones, you won't be surprised that we're recommending the Samsung Galaxy S22+. Samsung has been the most popular Android phone manufacturer for years, and phones like the $1,000 S22+ show why. Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip provides more power than you'll need, battery life is excellent (and fast charging means you can quickly top off if needed), the 6.6-inch display is a standout and the cameras are among the best you can find on a smartphone (low-light performance got a nice upgrade this year). Given how thoroughly Samsung dominates the Android space, this isn't a surprising recommendation, but it will make most Android fans happy. However, Google's Pixel 6 Pro is also worth considering. The $899 phone is easily the most interesting Pixel device Google has made in years, with the company's own custom Tensor processor powering the whole affair. Performance and battery life are both outstanding; it's impressive how Google nailed these aspects on the first try with its own custom chip. As with several past Pixel phones, the Pixel 6 Pro has about the best camera you can get in the Android world, and the fact that this phone is built by Google means it'll get software updates before any other Android phone on the market. Both of these phones are big (the Pixel 6 Pro's screen is 6.7 inches while the S22+ has a 6.6-inch display), but the good news is that both Google and Samsung offer smaller-screened devices that keep most of the same features and specs as their larger siblings. You'll save some cash with a smaller-screened device, too. Buy iPhone 13 Pro at Best Buy - $999Buy Galaxy S22+ at Samsung - $850Buy Google Pixel 6 Pro at Best Buy - $899HeadphonesSony Almost anyone would benefit from a good pair of noise-canceling headphones, and once again we're recommending Sony's WH-1000XM4 as the best over-ear option on the market. At $350, they're not cheap, but they offer a combination of incredible sound, refined design and excellent noise-canceling that is hard to beat. This latest model also has a number of smart software features like wear detection, which pauses playback when you take the headphones off. They can also connect to two devices simultaneously, a big missing feature from earlier models. They even fit better and more comfortably than ever. Of course, not everyone wants to wear large, over-ear headphones when they're out and about. That's where Jabra's Elite 7 Pro comes in. These noise-canceling earbuds are the successor to the flagship Jabra Elite 85t we recommended last year. And while we haven't reviewed the Elite 7 Pro, Jabra's track record makes us comfortable recommending these. They have a number of improvements over the Elite 85t, including nine hours of battery life with ANC activated, a major improvement over the 5.5 hours the Elite 85t were rated for. The Elite 7 Pro buds are also smaller than Jabra's Elite 75t, which were previously the smallest buds the company made. Smaller earbuds are typically more comfortable to wear, and it's impressive that Jabra managed to shrink the size and promise improved battery life. If you're buying earbuds for an Apple user, though, consider the Beats Fit Pro. They offer many of the same benefits as the AirPods Pro for $50 less. These features include one-touch pairing and easy switching between Apple devices, Spatial Audio, hands-free Siri and ANC. They also have a fit wing to help them stay put when you're exercising, and have an IPX4 rating for water resistance, so sweat from a workout shouldn't be a problem. In our testing, they provided well-balanced audio quality with punchy bass and impressive noise cancelation. Battery life isn't quite as good as what Jabra promises with the Elite 7 Pro, but we got almost seven hours of usage in our review before we had to pop them back in the case. Buy Sony WH-1000XM4 at Amazon - $348Buy Jabra Elite 7 Pro at Amazon - $200Buy Beats Fit Pro at Amazon -$200MonitorsDell There are a dizzying number of monitors on the market, at basically any price point you can think of, which makes recommending a single monitor a very difficult task. But Dell reliably offers some of the best screens you can get at a reasonable price. With that in mind, we're recommending Dell's 32-inch 4K USB-C Hub Monitor (model number P3222QE). For $799, this monitor has basically everything you could want out of a display. A 32-inch screen has become the sweet spot for a lot of people, offering a vast workspace without being overwhelmingly large, and a 4K resolution will make sure everything looks sharp. This screen only has a 60Hz refresh rate, so we wouldn't recommend it if you're keen on gaming, but it's sufficient for everyday tasks. The monitor also has a ton of ports, including HDMI, Displayport, USB-C, and multiple USB-A connections. And the stand lets you adjust it to the right height and angle, something that's a lot better than stacking books under a monitor. If the Dell is a bit too expensive, ASUS has a couple solid options worth considering as well. The ASUS ProArt Display is a 27-inch screen that you can get in either 4K or quad-HD (2,560 x 1,400) resolution. The 4K screen currently costs $499 on Amazon, while the QHD model sells for $370. Obviously, it isn't quite as large as the Dell, but it has most of the same amenities, including an adjustable stand and a host of ports. Buy 32-inch P3222QE monitor at Dell - $799Buy 27-inch ASUS ProArt Display at B&H - $319BagsWaterfield As important as the right gear is, your grad also deserves something classy and stylish to carry all that stuff around. The Executive Leather Messenger from Waterfield Designs is an expensive choice, but it's worth the cost. Waterfield makes everything by hand in its San Francisco shop, and the materials it uses are top notch. I've owned a lot of their products over the years, and I can safely say this bag will last a decade or more, and the leather will only look more attractive as time goes on. On the inside are two padded slots, one for a tablet and one for a laptop. There are also two pockets, one zippered, as well as a pen slot and a metal key fob. Finally, there are two easily-accessible hand pockets under the flap, both with an extremely soft plush lining. The Executive Leather Messenger comes in three different leather colors and costs either $380 or $400, depending on which size you choose. It's an investment, for sure, but it will last a long time. If you'd prefer a non-leather choice, Peak Design's Everyday Messenger is a great and more affordable option. The $220 bag was originally designed for photographers, but (as the name implies) it works as a tough, well-designed option for whatever you need to carry. It has a dedicated 13-inch laptop sleeve and "stretchy" pockets that make it easier to keep track of smaller items. The bag also comes with a few flexible interior dividers so you can customize it in any way you want. The recently-released V2 update boasts 100 percent recycled outer fabric, a redesigned shoulder strap that should be less prone to slippage, a "MagLatch" magnetic buckle and a more efficient design that makes it 24 percent lighter than the original. Buy Executive Leather Messenger at Waterfield - $399Buy Everyday Messenger at Peak Design - $220
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| Meta offers new professional certificates through Coursera Posted: 04 May 2022 06:00 AM PDT Last year, in an effort to fill outstanding positions, Meta stopped requiring job seekers to hold a four-year university or college degree to apply for some roles. At the time, the company said it hoped the move would encourage employers to see that a post-secondary education isn't the only way someone can learn the skills needed to make them a valuable addition to their workforce. Building on that announcement, the company has partnered with Coursera, an online learning platform, to launch five new software engineering professional certificates. Meta says the programs are ideal for those looking to build the necessary skills to land an entry-level position in tech. Enrolling in the courses does not require past industry experience or a previous college degree. The new programs cover everything from front-end development to Android and iOS app creation, with the latter offering a crash course in JavaScript, React, Swift and UIKit. Two of the programs begin on June 30th, with the latter three slated to launch on July 31st – though you can pre-enroll for all of them starting today. The courses come at a time when tech companies like Meta are struggling to staff up domestically. Even before the pandemic, there were nearly one million unfilled IT positions across the US. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the shortage will only get worse in the coming years. Just how much additional professional certificates will help address the problem is hard to say, but clearly Meta is trying to do what it can to solve its own talent shortage. |
| Polestar raises the price of its single-motor Polestar 2 by $2,500 Posted: 04 May 2022 06:00 AM PDT In late March, Polestar announced that the single-motor Long Range variant of its Polestar 2 EV coupe would be arriving imminently upon US shores and be available starting at $45,900 — $33,400 after federal and state incentives — while its dual-motor sibling would start at $51,200. On Wednesday, the EV automaker announced that those prices would be going up. The single-motor variant will now start at $48,400 — $40,900 after the $7,500 federal tax credit — while the dual-motor AWD version will set buyers back $51,900 ($44,400 after the credit). The price hike is due in part to the new standard features, updates and upgrades applied to the platform over the past 6 weeks, according to a Polestar spokesperson. For those extra few hundreds to thousands of dollars, PS2 buyers will have access not only to the hundred-plus OTA software updates that have already been released — including the one that boosts the dual-motor's driving range to a respectable 260 miles — but the new high-efficiency heat pump announced in April and a more sensitive air quality sensor as well. That air quality sensor is part of the $4,200 Plus Pack and can show the driver "a breakdown of the air circulating outside of the vehicle, including pollen types," according to the release. Similarly, ordering the Performance Pack (a mere $5,500) will include the recent software upgrade that squeezes an extra 68 HP and 15 lb-ft of torque out of the dual motors. PS2 shoppers will also have their pick of two new exterior color options — a metallic shade called "Jupiter" and the same metallic black "Space" found on the PS1 — and a light grey "Zinc" option for the interior Nappa leather. Both the 19- and 20-inch rims designs have been updated too. |
| Star Wars Instant Pots are up to 25 percent off for May the 4th Posted: 04 May 2022 05:45 AM PDT Today's the day — May the 4th, or Star Wars Day, always brings good discounts on Star Wars merch and accessories each year. Amazon has a bunch of one-day-only deals celebrating the franchise, key among them being discounts on Star Wars-themed Instant Pots. Most models, including Stormtrooper, R2-D2 and Little Bounty, are 20 percent off and down to $80, but you can snag the adorable BB-8 model for only $60, which is 25 percent off its regular price. Buy BB-8 Instant Pot at Amazon - $60Buy Stormtrooper Instant Pot at Amazon - $80Buy R2-D2 Instant Pot at Amazon - $80Buy Little Bounty Instant Pot at Amazon - $80Buy Darth Vader Instant Pot at Amazon - $80If you or someone you know loves both Star Wars and cooking, this is the small appliance to get. All of the models on sale are six-quart Duo machines except for the BB-8 version, which is a three-quart Duo Mini Instant Pot. The larger ones support 14 cooking programs like pressure cook, slow cook, poultry, porridge, rice and more, while the Mini model has seven cooking modes. Instant Pots have become almost ubiquitous for many reasons — not only can they replace a few other small appliances you may have in your kitchen, but they're also fairly easy to clean and they don't require a lot of oversight. Just dump your ingredients into the pot, choose your preferred cooking mode and let the machine do the rest of the work. While we recommend a six-quart model for most people, don't let the small capacity of the BB-8 model fool you. Individuals and couples can make full meals in that one and those with larger families can also use it to make side dishes, meal prep and more. Plus, it won't take up too much space on your countertop — and we expect you'll want it to live there so you can show off its Star Wars-themed design. If you want to pick one of these up, we recommend doing so soon. Some of Amazon's discounts are only available today, and Star Wars Instant Pots have been known to sell out quickly. Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice. |
| The UK is inviting Elon Musk to discuss his plans for Twitter Posted: 04 May 2022 05:10 AM PDT Elon Musk's $44 billion Twitter acquisition hasn't even been finalized yet, but UK's MPs are already inviting him to discuss the changes he wants to implement for the website. The UK House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Select Committee MPs told Musk in a letter (PDF) that they're particularly interested in hearing about his intention to roll out verification for all users. They said it echoes their calls on the government as part of a proposed legislation. Committee Chairperson Julian Knight also wrote:
That suggests that the MPs are looking to discuss the balance between freedom of speech and censorship on the platform and how Musk plans to tackle it. The multi-company exec previously described himself as a "free-speech absolutist," and it remains to be see if and how that will change Twitter's moderation practices. Twitter under Musk might start charging users to embed tweets from verified accounts, according to a report from Reuters. He also reportedly suggested changes to Twitter Blue, the website's subscription service, to make it more appealing to paying users. In addition, he reportedly floated the idea of job cuts in talks with banks to secure financing for his buyout. More recently, he tweeted that the website will remain free for casual users, but that it might start charging commercial entities and government agencies.
The MPs letter is only an invitation, however, and Musk isn't legally required to attend. Their committee has a history of summoning CEOs that don't show up, but that hasn't stopped them from trying to get execs to talk. Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg, for instance, previously refused their requests and only sent a representative to appear before the committee. |
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