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06.01.2025 19:40 Swimming is one of my favorite things in the whole world. Cleaning a pool, however, is an absolute drag. For my money, pool-cleaning robots are much handier than even standard robovacs. If you have access to a pool, the forthcoming Wybot S3 could ensure you never have to walk around like a doofus with an oversized net ever again. Announced at CES, the Wybot S3 is an improvement over the S2 in nearly every way. The company says it’s the “first self-docking, self-emptying automatic charging pool cleaning robot.” It includes an automated self-emptying system, which is standard with land-based robovacs but new to water-adjacent models. The unit transfers debris from its body to a 10-liter above ground base station. This bin is big enough to go 30 days without having to be manually emptied. Wybot Another first? The robot charges itself automatically via integrated solar panels. Under optimal sunlight, it’ll suck up around 1.5 hours of runtime per day. If the weather is less than ideal, the unit can also be charged by plugging into a traditional power outlet. As for the actual cleaning, the unit includes a whole bunch of sensors that help it create a 3D map of the entire “underwater environment.” This lets it plan the most efficient cleaning route and minimizes the chances of blind spots. The company says this is particularly important for irregularly shaped pools. It also comes with a camera that susses out the largest amounts of debris, for improved efficiency and accuracy. Wybot The Wybot S3 can be monitored and controlled in real-time via a proprietary app, with a connection that combines Wi-Fi and sonar. The aquatic robovac is available for preorder right now, with shipments going out in the second quarter of the year. However, all of that waterproof tech is gonna cost you. The robot will be priced between $2,500 and $3,000, depending on which options are selected. Pool cleaning robots have been popping up all over the place lately. A company called Aiper brought an impressive model to CES back in 2023 and the Beatbot Aquasense Pro has been receiving rave reviews. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/the-wybot-s3-just-might-be-the-pool-cleaning-robot-of-your-dreams-140100715.html?src=rss

06.01.2025 19:40 Ring makes doorbells, cameras, floodlights, alarms and intercoms, a list best summed up as “stuff to keep your home safe.” The obvious omission in the lineup is smoke detectors, which is why the company has rocked up to CES 2025 arm-in-arm with experts Kidde. The pair has put together a range of detectors for the home which are connected by WiFi to the Ring ecosystem. That way, should the whiff of smoke wafts through your home, you’ll get a ping on the Ring app. You’ll also, and this is perhaps the most desirable feature of the package, get a warning seven days before your battery runs out, letting you avoid the dreaded alarm chirps. Given Ring’s penchant for subscription platforms, it’s no surprise that there’s a 24/7 smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring service available. For $5 per month, a remote monitoring service can keep an eye on your home and raise the alarm if the undesirable gases are spotted. The smoke alarm will set you back $54.97 while the combination model is priced at $74.97, and both will be available exclusively at the Home Depot at some point in April 2025. At the same time, Ring has announced it is upgrading the video quality for its existing Floodlight Cam Pro and Spotlight Cam Pro. If you already own these models, you’ll soon be able to view their outputs not in HD, but 2K thanks to improvements in Ring Vision. This software update will start rolling out on January 8.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/ring-and-kidde-launch-connected-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarms-140052259.html?src=rss

06.01.2025 19:40 Brisk It debuted its first AI-enabled smart grill concept at CES last year, and now the company is back with a new, low-cost model for 2025. Dubbed the Zelos 450, this compact unit joins the Origin series machines in the company's lineup. Despite the dramatically lower price of $399, Brisk It still managed to pack in its AI cooking tech to assist in all areas of backyard grilling. The company says its Zelos line of pellet grills were designed to offer its advanced features at a more affordable price. Although the company has only announced the 450-square-inch version at CES 2025, it sounds like a larger option could be on the way. Like Brisk It's other models, the main selling point is the company's Vera generative AI platform. Now in version 2.0, Vera offers image recognition on your phone to construct personalized recipes, replicate completed dishes, make a meal based on photographed ingredients or provide inspiration based on what's in your shopping cart at the store. Every recipe is automated with the grill, which the company says will reduce stress and ensure consistent results. Brisk It says the tech makes BBQ and grilling as easy as asking a question and pressing a button. In fact, the company claims the combination of Vera and the Zelos 450 can even compensate for mistakes like forgetting to baste a prime rib roast. Like most smart pellet grills, the Zelos 450 has Wi-Fi connectivity that allows you to control the grill and monitor progress from anywhere via your phone. The grill also can smoke as low at 180 degrees Fahrenheit and sear at 500 degrees, or anything in between like baking and roasting. The Zelos 450 has a simpler design than Brisk It's Origin series, with a more basic onboard controller and display than those first two models. This makes sense given the much lower price tag. The Zelos 450 will be available in Q1 2025 at Amazon, Home Depot, Walmart, Lowes and directly from the company for $399. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/kitchen-tech/brisk-its-latest-ai-infused-smart-grill-only-costs-399-140035250.html?src=rss

06.01.2025 19:40 If you've been toting around a separate mixer to record two audio sources, Shure's latest USB-C microphone will lighten your load. Following the MV7+, the company has introduced the MV7i, which it says is the first microphone with a built-in, two-channel audio interface. To achieve this, Shure swapped the XLR output for a combination XLR and 1/4-inch input. All of the mixing can be done inside the company's MOTIV apps, or with your go-to recording software, thus eliminating the need for a mixer to connect two mics, or a mic and an instrument. Like the MV7+, the MV7i is inspired by the popular SM7B microphone. If you've watched a video podcast recently, you've likely seen the SM7B, or a variant of it, in action. The overall shape of that more robust model is carried over to the MV7 line once again, complete with a durable metal frame. This new version also keeps the customizable LED touch panel that shows levels and acts as a mute button. The combo XLR and 1/4-inch input around back offers 60dB of gain and 48 volts of phantom power, so you can employ dynamic and condenser microphones with the MV7i. If you connect an instrument, the microphone automatically detects the input type and applies the correct DSP for recording. The USB-C output is compatible with Mac, Windows and select mobiles devices. It's MFi certified for use with iPhone and iPad as well. Billy Steele for Engadget With Shure's tech, the MV7i and the MOTIV app automate a lot of the production steps for you. There's an Auto Level mode with SmartGate that calibrates gain based on several factors and reduces the volume of a channel when no one is talking. That latter item should minimize crosstalk during recording, Shure explains. There's also a real-time denoiser for ambient sounds, a digital pop filter and three different types of reverb. Inside the MOTIV Mix desktop app, you can capture multi-track recordings and tweak settings like sound signature and gain. There are also three output options — Mixdown, Multi-track and Stereo — that give you the ability to combine everything into one mono output for quick uploads, keep the two inputs separate for edits or combine the two inputs into a stereo track. The MV7i also works with MOTIV Audio and MOTIV Video mobile apps, complete with direct recording to supported devices. I've been testing the MV7i over the last few weeks as part of a full review coming later this month. So far, the microphone has offered the same great sound quality at its predecessor. I continue to be amazed at how well the MV7 series mics block out background noise and the options inside the MOTIV desktop app provide some room for customization. I'm also very glad you can alter the level meter LED on the MV7i like you could on the MV7+. I find the active lighting to be a distraction during recording, especially when you're on video for a podcast. The MV7i was made for me. I'm getting ready to launch a podcast in a few weeks and I've been dreading having to buy a mixer for a two-mic setup. With this device, I can plug in the MV7+ to the MV7i via XLR and do all of the levels and settings in an app. And when I need to record remotely, all I need to pack up is two microphones and two cables. The MV7i is available now for $349 with a 3-meter USB-C to USB-C cable in the box. You'll want to make plans to buy a stand though, since the microphone doesn't come with one. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/shure-put-a-two-channel-audio-interface-inside-its-latest-mv7-microphone-140016646.html?src=rss

06.01.2025 19:40 Intel is revving up its AI chip lineup at CES 2025. Today, the company unveiled the Core Ultra 200H chips for "performance thin and light" notebooks, alongside the Core Ultra 200HX chips for mobile gamers who demand powerful discrete GPUs. There aren't any big surprises with these chips, but if you were eyeing the Core Ultra 200V AI chips, but wanted something with a bit more horsepower, the 200H and 200HX are exactly what you're looking for. Intel The Core Ultra 200H family tops out with the Core Ultra 9 285H processor, which offers 16 cores and a top speed of 5.4GHz. It also sports 8 Intel Arc GPU cores, which is enough to play some smaller titles. The Core Ultra 200HX family adds more cores to make them better suited to games and high-intensity workloads. The high-end Core Ultra 9 285HX has 24 cores and a maximum speed of 5.5GHz. While it offers only 4 Intel GPU cores, it's not meant much to game much on its own. Instead, it'll be paired up with discrete GPUs from NVIDIA or AMD in gaming laptops. Intel Intel didn't have many other details to share on these chips, other than the fact that we can expect to see systems featuring them sometime in the first quarter. That's also when desktops powered by the Core Ultra 200S chips start shipping. But hey, it's CES, and AMD almost certainly has its own chip refresh in tow. Intel had to announce something, otherwise all we'd be talking about is how much trouble the company is in following the ouster of former CEO Pat Gelsinger.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/intel-unveils-arrow-lake-ai-chips-for-gaming-laptops-at-ces-2025-140010111.html?src=rss

06.01.2025 14:30 Every year at CES, Stern Pinball has a new game to show off. They're one of the oldest and most well-known pinball manufacturers so it's always fun for me, a pinball nerd, to check out what they have to show off. This year, it's a new machine meant to celebrate 50 years of Dungeons Dragons called Dungeons Dragons: The Tyrant's Eye. And like many pinball games, you can just walk up and play without knowing the intricacies of the game, but there's a lot here to uncover over time. The thing that caught my eye was the fact that you can pick a character and level them up over time, provided you use Stern's Insider Connected app. That app already lets you create a profile and keep track of achievements, games in your area, your top scores and other features . But with Dungeons Dragons, you can actually improve your character over time and save your progress through the game's many modes. When you first start, you choose a character and location, and those choices will affect the goals you need to achieve. Stern specifically say that its new "PinSave" system will let you save character experience points, inventory items and game campaign progress across multiple games. That's a subtly wild move for a pinball game — usually you get three balls and that's it. It's a nod to how complex newer games can get these days, and Stern already experimented with something similar on its Venom game from 2023. The same lead designer built both Venom and Dungeons Dragons, and a representative from Stern said he looked at the saved progress in Venom as a way to experiment and trial for the bigger system in place for the latest game. I got to take Dungeons Dragons for a spin , and while there's only so much you can glean from a couple plays, it feels much like other modern Stern machines. That's not a bad thing — the playfield is lovely, and the large dragon on the left side presents some interesting challenges. Stern told me that it can try and block shots and also it enables a wild eight-ball multiball mode, with the dragon actively trying to bounce your balls into the drain. I didn't get to try this, but I'm looking forward to seeing it sooner or later. There's also a gelatinous cube that can freeze your ball in place via magnets. Photo by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget Finally, there's an impressive voice cast on this game, including Michael Dorn and Kevin Smith, as well as Matthew Mercer, Marisha Ray and Laura Bailey from Critical Role. That's just a handful of those participating in the game; you can check out the full list here. Photo by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget I've never bothered using Stern's Insider Connected app before, mostly because I'm lazy — but if there's a Dungeons Dragons machine near me I'll probably give it a shot. While you can easily enjoy the game and play your three balls without making an account, more hardcore players will probably enjoy the process of leveling up over time, and it's a feature that makes perfect sense given D&D's focus on progression over time. As usual, this machine is not cheap — Stern is only making 740 total, with prices ranging from $6,999 for the Pro edition up to $12,999 for the limited edition. Start saving those quarters, D&D / pinball fans. Or, on a more reasonable note, start keeping an eye out at your local arcades. Stern's app will help you find games near you, too, if you want to go the more modern route. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/sterns-latest-pinball-machine-is-a-loving-tribute-to-dungeons--dragons-131053243.html?src=rss

06.01.2025 14:30 This is not a phone. The Comet by Mecha Systems is a modular, Linux-based handheld computer built for hobbyists, engineers, students, artists and roboticists of all kinds. The Comet is a chunky palm-sized device, and it has a 1.8 GHz ARM64 Quad-core processor, 4 GB of memory and 32 GB of on-board storage, though this space is expandable. Most of the Comet's features are customizable, in fact. The Comet's magnetic snap interface allows users to clip on a variety of control panels, called extensions, transforming the handheld into whatever device you need. For now, Mecha offers three standard extensions: a gamepad with a soft-press D-pad and four input buttons, a GPIO panel with access to 40 pins, and a keyboard with ABS keys. The whole thing runs on Mechanix OS, a custom Debian-based Linux distro, and its graphical user interface is powered by Mecha's open-source Mechanix Shell, "making it among the few small-screen touch interfaces available today for Linux," according to developers. The Comet's screen is an IPS LED display with capacitive touch and it's 3.4 inches on the diagonal. The handheld has a 5MP camera with auto focus, a mic, speaker, two USB-A ports and an ethernet port, plus Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4 GHz wireless slash 5 GHz 802.11ac capabilities. The Comet can take any Raspberry Pi-based HAT and any mikroBUS Click board. It's designed for people to play with every part, especially its internals. The back of the Comet pops off for easy tinkering and there's even an Allen wrench embedded in the device to encourage exploration. The screen also comes off with a few quick screw turns — basically, if you see something on or inside the Comet, it's customizable. All of its housing parts and extensions are available as 3D-printable files. "Comet was built over the past 3 years with a vision to create a versatile computing platform for building in the real-world," Mecha Systems said on its website. "Our target audience includes students, hobbyists, creatives and engineers." At CES 2025, Mecha Systems developers demonstrated a handful of apps running on the Comet, including a Chrome browser, notes page and camera reel, and they also showed off a video of the handheld being used to power a little wheeled robot, which was very cute. Other potential uses include a drone launcher or remote, car communicator, nano satellite, AI assistant or long-range radio transceiver, but those are just the ideas that Mecha has offered up. The truly unexpected innovations should come from users themselves. The Comet is coming to Kickstarter any moment now.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/mecha-comet-is-a-modular-handheld-linux-computer-with-snap-on-extensions-131057589.html?src=rss

06.01.2025 14:30 Keeping its annual tradition of announcing a literal ton of audio products at CES, JBL has loads of new devices for 2025. Amongst the earbuds and speakers, the company is debuting a set of premium over-ear headphones with an interesting feature. The Tour One M3 headphones will ship with what JBL calls the Smart Tx audio transmitter. This wireless device allows the Bluetooth headphones to play audio from sources like inflight entertainment systems and analog wired connections. Plus, the Smart Tx has touchscreen controls, offering access to playback and volume adjustments as well as EQ settings and Auracast. That last item allows you to broadcast audio to an unlimited amount of Auracast-enabled devices, like headphones, earbuds and speakers. This isn't the first time JBL has offered a wireless transmitter as the Tour Pro 3 earbuds case doubles as one. However, it is a company first for headphones. The Tour One M3 is powered by 40mm Mica Dome drivers that JBL says are "precisely tuned to deliver deep bass, balanced mids and crystal-clear highs." High-resolution Bluetooth and lossless over USB-C are available onboard, as is JBL's Spatial 360 tech with head tracking. The company's take on spatial audio is similar to Bose, taking any audio source and turning it into "a truly immersive sound experience." JBL If you don't like the stock tuning on the Tour One M3, JBL's Personi-Fi 3.0 tool can help you adjust the sound based on a quick hearing test in the JBL Headphones app. The company says a new algorithm makes this feature "more accurate than ever" when it comes to matching your listening preferences. For further audio tweaks, there's a 12-band EQ and separate left/right balance controls. The Tour One M3 comes with JBL's True Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0 tech as well. This feature monitors external sound and adjusts the audio in real time. An eight-microphone setup enables the noise blocking, and there are Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes when you want to be in tune with your surroundings. JBL promises that adaptive beamforming tech in four mics will also provide "crystal-clear voice clarity" for calls, as all headphone companies do. Lastly, when it comes to battery life, you can expect up to 70 hours of use on a charge. But, the company doesn't specify if that's with active noise cancellation enabled. A quick-charge feature offers up to five hours of playback in five minutes. You can also enable a SmartTalk tool that automatically pauses music and activates ambient sound when the Tour One M3 detects your voice. The JBL Tour One M3 will be available on April 13 in Black, Blue and Mocha for a pricey $399.95. That's $100 more than the M2 model was at launch. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/jbls-tour-one-m3-headphones-come-with-a-touchscreen-transmitter-130029294.html?src=rss

06.01.2025 14:30 JBL has never met a CES it couldn't dump a bunch of new audio products on, and CES 2025 is no different. The company's new Tour One M3 headphones might be the star of its lineup, but JBL is announcing a total of seven new pairs of wireless earbuds across the Endurance Race 2, Vibe 2, and Tune 2 lines, on top of new wired headphones, kid-friendly options, and an alarm clock. The JBL Endurance Race 2 are wireless earbuds for working out with an ergonomic fit thanks to some raised ridges and a built-in wing tip. The headlining feature for the Endurance Race 2 is the addition of Active Noise Cancellation and a Sports Mode that lets you set separate ambient sound settings depending on what workout you're doing. Beyond, that the Endurance Race 2 support Bluetooth 5.3, are IP68 rated and will be available for purchase for $80 in black, white, blue or purple. JBL JBL's more affordable line, the JBL Vibe 2, is also getting ANC and Smart Ambient Aware settings that let you hear more of the world around you while you're headphones are in. In terms of physical hardware, the big change for the Vibe 2 is the addition of two additional mics to improve call quality and an extended battery life of 40 hours. All Vibe 2 models will support Bluetooth 5.3, and you can get a pair in three different styles: Buds, which are basic wireless earbuds, Beam, which are stick-shaped buds with ear tips, and Flex, which are stick-shaped buds with no ear tips. All JBL Vibe 2 models will cost $60 and will come in either black, white, pink, or blue. If you're looking for a step up, or care about the addition of spatial audio, the JBL Tune 2 line could be for you. JBL says the new models will offer ANC, "Spatial Sound," 10mm drivers, and support for Bluetooth 5.3. Like the Vibe 2, the Tune 2 will be available in Buds, Beam and Flex versions, though you'll only be able to pick between black, white and turquoise finishes. Regardless of which you pick, the JBL Tune 2 costs $100. Alongside those wireless headphones, JBL also has a pair of wired USB-C headphones called the JBL 520C, the JBL Junior 470NC and 320BT for kids and the new JBL Horizon 3, an alarm clock with built-in ambient lighting and preloaded with soothing nature sounds. All of JBL's new earbuds and headphones will ship in March 2025. The Horizon 3 alarm clock will be available in May.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/jbl-is-adding-anc-to-seven-new-pairs-of-wireless-earbuds-at-ces-2025-130025314.html?src=rss

06.01.2025 14:30 HMD took to CES this year to reveal a satellite-based rescue device called the OffGrid. This is a small emergency gadget to keep outdoor enthusiasts safe while exploring remote parts of the world. The OffGrid uses the L Band satellite radio spectrum to allow users “to connect directly to satellites, even in the world’s most challenging environments.” The device can send texts, which is done via an affiliated app, and shoot out safety pings to friends and loved ones. It can also contact emergency services and share a location. The portable device can connect to keychains and offers MIL-STD 810H durability. The battery life is stellar, at three days, and it weighs just 60 grams. HMD While the OffGrid is budget-friendly, costing $200, there is one major caveat. A subscription is required to use many of this product’s premium features. The Unlimited Plan costs $15 each month and includes unlimited text messages and check-ins, in addition to SOS services. There’s an option for live tracking, but that costs an additional $5 per month. The Freedom Plan requires a yearly payment of $80 and allows for 350 text messages and unlimited check-ins. This plan also offers live tracking, but at a cost of $0.10 per ping. HMD’s OffGrid will be available sometime this month in the US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, with more territories coming later in the year. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/hmds-offgrid-is-a-satellite-based-rescue-device-that-fits-on-a-keychain-130009057.html?src=rss

06.01.2025 14:30 At CES 2025 in Las Vegas, which kicks off this week, Roborock, a Chinese manufacturer of robot vacuums and other household cleaning appliances, has unveiled a new robotic vacuum model with a foldable robotic arm. It had already piqued my curiosity, but now I really want one. The OmniGrip arm has five-axis movement and can lift objects under 300 grams, like socks and dog toys. It marks objects it can lift while cleaning the floor and then circles back to pick them up when it’s done. It even cleans the areas under the objects on its second pass — that’s attention to detail! The Saros 270 will go on sale later this year, but the price is TBA. — Mat Smith Get this delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! The biggest CES stories you missed CES 2025: Spit on this stick to see how burned out you are CES 2025: Watch the Samsung press conference here today at 5PM ET CES 2025: Belkin’s new Creator Bundle is a DIY kit for fledgling TikTokers We’re live from CES 2025! TVs, cars, headphones, weirdness. The previews are done and CES 2025 is full steam ahead. The Engadget team is in Las Vegas, reporting on all the biggest tech launches. And all the ridiculousness. We’re running a dedicated live blog with all the news from Vegas — follow along here. CES 2025: All the keynotes of note And what we already know is coming. In addition to the usual tradeshow floor chaos, there will be keynotes by NVIDIA’s founder and CEO Jensen Huang, Delta CEO Ed Bastian and more. We’ve also seen Linda Yaccarino, the CEO of X , will be interviewed by journalist Catherine Herridge at a keynote on January 7. Snap CEO Evan Spiegel will speak about the “future goals of the platform” on January 8. Those last two might be the most interesting. Continue reading. Meta sends its creepy AI-generated profiles to hell Where they belong. Meta Meta has killed most of its AI-generated profiles from Facebook and Instagram, the company confirmed, after the AI characters prompted widespread outrage and ridicule from users on social media. AI managed by Meta launched in September 2023, rolling out alongside the company’s celebrity-branded AI chatbots . Meta has updated none of these profiles for several months, and the pages seem to have been largely unnoticed until this week. On Instagram, their profiles also featured AI-generated posts that, as 404 Media noted, looked a lot like the AI slop that’s filling the corners of the internet. Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-122437246.html?src=rss

06.01.2025 14:30 Elvie, the company known for its popular wearable breast pump, is showing off a new piece of baby gear at CES. Called Rise, it’s an app-controlled baby bouncer that can transform into a bassinet with a baby inside. The $799 device is made for infants in the first few months of their lives. Elvie says the bouncer works for babies up to 20 lbs or 6 months old, while the bassinet is meant for babies up to 5 months or 22 lbs. While in “bouncer mode,” parents can customize the specific bounce pattern from the accompanying Elvie Rise Sleep Soothe app. The company says its “SootheLoop” technology is meant to be a gentle motion that’s more like the movement of a caregiver rather than a repetitive robotic movement. There’s also a manual mode for babies to bounce themselves as they grow a bit bigger and stronger. In its press release, Elvie says its own study found that two-thirds of babies between 0 and 3 months often sleep in “non-safe” products like bouncers or swings. The Rise is meant to address this as parents can switch from bouncer mode to bassinet mode without — hopefully — waking their child. Elvie The Rise is equipped with a "transition handle” that allows parents to transition the device between modes. While in bouncer mode, this involves pushing on the bottom end, near the feet, and squeezing the handle to pull up the sides to form the walls of the bassinet. The straps from bouncer mode automatically retract to make it a surface suitable for sleeping. The company says its bassinet complies with the American Academy of Pediatrics ’s sleep safe guidelines, though babies should not be left in the bouncer unattended. The device is also meant to be more portable than the typical bassinet. It collapses for easier transport and has a magnetic charger so it can be used even when it’s not plugged in. The Elvie Rise is available now for pre-order. The company expects to begin shipping orders March 14, 2025. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/elvies-newest-product-is-a-smart-baby-bouncer-that-transforms-into-a-bassinet-111550670.html?src=rss

06.01.2025 14:30 The Espresso 17 Pro is our favorite portable monitor. It delivers great image quality, has a rugged build, boasts built-in speakers and includes a touchscreen function. The only real trouble is that, with a 17-inch screen, it's perhaps not as truly portable as it could be. Enter the Espresso 15 Pro. As you might have guessed, the latest model has a 15-inch display. This is the second Pro-level portable monitor from Espresso Displays. The company already has a 15-inch non-touch version, but as the name implies, this one's geared toward professionals and business travelers who could do with more on-the-go screen real estate. The Espresso 15 Pro, which was unveiled at CES 2025, has a resolution of 4K and 1,500:1 contrast. It's said to display 1.07 billion colors with full coverage of the AdobeRGB color spectrum. The LCD panel is actually brighter than the 17-inch model at 550 nits versus the larger monitor's 450 nits of peak brightness. It also has two USB-C inputs. On the downside, the refresh rate is limited to 60Hz. Espresso Displays Along with MacOS and Windows devices, the Espresso 15 Pro works with iPhones, iPads and DeX-enabled Samsung Galaxy devices. It's possible to use the Espresso Pen for notetaking on the touchscreen as well. Elsewhere, the Espresso 15 Pro will come with the brand's new Stand+. The monitor magnetically attaches to the Stand+, which supports landscape and portrait orientations. Pricing and availability for the Espresso 15 Pro has yet to be revealed, though it's slated to arrive in the coming months. Logic dictates that the price will fall somewhere in between the $299 Display 15 and $799 Espresso 17 Pro.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/the-espresso-15-pro-is-a-compact-version-of-our-favorite-portable-monitor-105237176.html?src=rss

06.01.2025 14:30 Regardless of what kind of exercise you’re into, if you’re working out, you’ll want a pair of wireless workout headphones. They allow you to be free and untethered during a serious weight-lifting session, a 5K run, an hour at the skate park and everywhere in between where you’re moving and sweating a ton. There are dozens of great wireless headphones and wireless earbud options out there, but for exercise in particular, there are additional factors to consider before picking one up like water resistance, battery life and overall comfort.At Engadget, we’ve tested a bunch of fitness-ready headphones and earbuds to come up with our top picks, plus some advice to consider before you pick up a pair. All of our top picks below will work in and out of the gym, so you can invest in just one pair and make those your daily driver. If you’re primarily a runner, check out our list of best headphones for running. What to look for in workout headphones Design Before diving in, it’s worth mentioning that this guide focuses on wireless earbuds. While you could wear over-ear or on-ear headphones during a workout, most of the best headphones available now do not have the same level of durability. Water and dust resistance, particularly the former, is important for any audio gear you plan on sweating with or taking outdoors, and that’s more prevalent in the wireless earbuds world. Most earbuds have one of three designs: in-ear, in-ear with hook or open-ear. The first two are the most popular. In-ears are arguably the most common, while those with hooks promise better security and fit since they have an appendage that curls around the top of your ear. Open-ear designs don’t stick into your ear canal, but rather sit just outside of it. This makes it easier to hear the world around you while also listening to audio, and could be more comfortable for those who don’t like the intrusiveness of in-ear buds. Water resistance and dust protection Even if a pair of headphones for working out aren’t marketed specifically as exercise headphones, a sturdy, water-resistant design will, by default, make them suitable for exercise. To avoid repetition, here’s a quick primer on durability, or ingression protection ratings. The first digit you’ll see after the “IP” refers to protection from dust and other potential intrusions, measured on a scale from 1 to 6. The second refers to water resistance or even waterproofing, in the best cases. The ratings for water resistance are ranked on a scale of 1 to 9; higher numbers mean more protection, while the letter “X” means the device is not rated for protection in that regard. All of the earbuds we tested for this guide have at least an IPX4 rating, which means there’s no dust protection, but the buds can withstand splashes from any direction and are sweat resistant, but probably shouldn't be submerged. For a detailed breakdown of all the possible permutations, check out this guide published by a supplier called The Enclosure Company. Active noise cancellation and transparency mode Active noise cancellation is becoming standard on wireless earbuds, at least those above a certain price point. If you’re looking for a pair of buds that can be your workout companion and serve you outside of the gym, too, noise cancelation is a good feature to have. It makes the buds more versatile, allowing you to block out the dull roar of your home or office so you can focus, or give you some solitude during a busy commute. But an earbud’s ability to block out the world goes hand-in-hand with its ability to open things back up should you need it. Many ANC earbuds also support some sort of “transparency mode,” or various levels of noise reduction. This is important for running headphones because exercising outdoors, alongside busy streets, can be dangerous. You probably don’t want to be totally oblivious to what’s going on around you when you’re running outside; adjusting noise cancelation levels to increase your awareness will help with that. Stronger noise cancelation might be more appealing to those doing more indoor training if they want to block out the dull roar of a gym or the guy exaggeratingly lifting weights next to you. Battery life All of the Bluetooth earbuds we tested have a battery life of six to eight hours. In general, that’s what you can expect from this space, with a few outliers that can get up to 15 hours of life on a charge. Even the low end of the spectrum should be good enough for most athletes and gym junkies, but it’ll be handy to keep the buds’ charging case on you if you think you’ll get close to using up all their juice during a single session. You’ll get an average of 20 to 28 extra hours of battery out of most charging cases and all of the earbuds we tested had holders that provided at least an extra 15 hours. This will dictate how often you actually have to charge the device — as in physically connect the case with earbuds inside to a charging cable, or set it on a wireless charger to power up. How we test workout headphones In testing wireless workout headphones, I wear them during every bit of exercise I do — be it a casual walk around the block, a brisk morning run or a challenging weight-lifting session. I’m looking for comfort arguably most of all, because you should never be fussing with your earbuds when you should be focusing on working out. In the same vein, I’m cognizant of if they get loose during fast movements or slippery when I’m sweating. I also use the earbuds when not exercising to take calls and listen to music throughout the day. Many people will want just one pair of earbuds that they can use while exercising and just doing everyday things, so I evaluate each pair on their ability to be comfortable and provide a good listening experience in multiple different activities. While I am also evaluating sound quality, I’m admittedly not an audio expert. My colleague Billy Steele holds that title at Engadget, and you’ll find much more detailed information about audio quality for some of our top picks in his reviews and buying guides. With these headphones for working out, however, I will make note of related issues if they stood out . Most of the wireless workout headphones we tested work with companion apps that have adjustable EQ settings, so you’ll be able to tweak sound profiles to your liking in most cases. A note about Jabra headphones Jabra announced it will exit the consumer earbuds business, which is disappointing considering the company has made excellent headphones for working out. Our top picks include two Jabra models and we feel comfortable recommending them still because Jabra plans to support its current earbuds for "several years." However, we're constantly testing new buds and reassessing our top picks, so we'll update this list accordingly in the future. Best workout headphones for 2025 Others wireless workout headphones we tested Apple AirPods Pro The Apple AirPods Pro have an IP54 rating, which protects them from brief encounters with dust and splashes. While that’s more dust protection than many other earbuds we tested, it’s the same level of water resistance that most exercise-specific competitors have. We generally like the AirPods Pro, but the Beats Fit Pro offer many of the same features and conveniences , with a design that’s more appropriate for working out. Beats Powerbeats Pro The Powerbeats Pro are a good alternative to the Beats Fit Pro if you’re a stickler for a hook design. However, they cost $50 more than the Fit Pro and don’t offer any significant upgrades or additional features aside from their design. They’re also quite old at this point and it appears Beats is putting more effort into upgrading and updating its newer models rather than this model. Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro The Soundcore AeroFit Pro is Anker’s version of the Shokz OpenFit, but I found it to be less secure and not as comfortable as the latter. The actual earbuds on the AeroFit Pro are noticeably bulkier than those on the OpenFit, which caused them to shift and move much more when I was wearing them during exercise. They never fell off my ears completely, but I spent more time adjusting them than I did enjoying them. JBL Endurance Peak 3 The most noteworthy thing about the Endurance Peak 3 is that they have the same IP68-rating that the Jabra Elite 8 Active do, but they only cost $100. But, while you get the same protection here, you’ll have to sacrifice in other areas. The Endurance Peak 3 didn’t blow me away when it came to sound quality or comfort and their charging case is massive compared to most competitors.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-wireless-workout-headphones-191517835.html?src=rss

06.01.2025 14:30 If you've ever been confused about the vast array of skincare products on the market and exactly which ones are right for you, L’Oréal claims to have the answer. For CES 2025, the company introduced a gadget called the Cell BioPrint that can biochemically analyze your skin and provide advice on how to make it look younger. The company partnered with a startup called NanoEntek, a Korean manufacturer that develops microfluidic lab-on-a-chip technology. To use the system, you place a facial strip on your cheek, then transfer it over to a buffer solution. That is then loaded into a Cell BioPrint cartridge, which is in turn inserted into the machine for analysis. While that's being processed, the device also takes images of your face and has you fill out a short questionnaire around skin concerns and aging. All of that takes just five minutes, the company says. In an interview with Engadget, Loreal's Guive Balooch said that the skin strip can be applied near the jawline, and that even if someone has sunscreen on, it won't affect the results. Once the data is crunched using something L’Oréal calls proteomics, Cell BioPrint can provide advice on how to improve your skin's appearance. It can suggest how well you may respond to certain ingredients like retinol, and predict potential cosmetic issues like dark spots or enlarged pores before they become visible. It all sounds good and reasonably science-based, but L’Oréal didn't cite any peer-reviewed studies that may prove the machine's efficacy. Still, it seems like a good time for such a product as skincare awareness has blown up of late thanks in part to Covid, influencers and Sephora. That has generated in a lot of new information , allowing L’Oréal to come in and save the day using science to hypothetically fix your issues. In any case, the BioPrint machine won't be available for consumers just yet, and to be clear, the first iteration of the device isn't meant for at-home use. It's slated to start pilot tests in stores in Asia sometime in 2025, but so far, there's no firm launch date or price. Balooch indicated it would follow a similar rollout pattern to the company's other tech launches in the past, by appearing first at the counters in flagship stores for one of L’Oréal's luxury brands. Over time, it may make its way to more mainstream segments.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/loreals-latest-device-promises-to-help-find-out-how-well-your-skin-responds-to-ingredients-like-retinol-090300942.html?src=rss