Black Friday deals have come for Apples AirPods: the AirPods Pro 2 have dropped to $160, which is a record-low price. At the moment, you can also get the AirPods 4 starting at $119. These are some of the most sough after wireless earbuds during this time of year precisely because the sales are so good.
While we periodically see AirPods dip in price throughout the year, the best time to buy is during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday time period. However, that also means they can be some of the first tech items to sell out, so if youve had your eye on a new pair or want to gift one this holiday season, we recommend buying them now.
AirPods Pro 2 are the best wireless earbuds that Apple makes with excellent sound quality and ANC, plus good battery life. They have all of the conveniences youd expect from a pair of Apple earbuds, like quick paring and switching between Apple devices and hands-free Siri. And with a recent software update, the AirPods Pro 2 can double as hearing aids for those who take Apples hearing test and the results show mild to moderate hearing loss.
Whereas the AirPods Pro 2 have looked and felt mostly the same since their initial launch, the AirPods 4 received a big overhaul this year. They now come in ANC and non-ANC styles, and they have a slightly revised open-wear design. The H2 chipset inside gives them the same Apple conveniences as the AirPods Pro 2, but note that neither model supports MagSafe charging via wireless chargers. But these buds have improved sound quality and a better fit than the AirPods that came before them, and theyre noticeably more affordable than the Pro 2.
If you prefer over-ear headphones, your only option in the Apple ecosystem (aside from Beats) is the AirPods Max. You can grab them for $400 right now. We always recommend waiting for a sale to buy these cans since they start off much more expensive than all of our other top picks for the best wireless headphones. They also sport the H2 chipset inside, plus good sound quality and ANC, reliable touch controls and a solid battery life.
Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-apple-deals-include-the-airpods-pro-2-for-a-record-low-of-160-165732874.html?src=rss
Apple has offered $100 million to Indonesia as part of an effort to lift a recent ban of the iPhone 16 in the country, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. The company has presented an investment plan that would use that $100 million to set up a manufacturing plant in the nation.
Earlier this month, Apple offered the country $10 million to reverse the ban. This latest proposal is worth ten times that, so the company certainly sees Indonesia as an important market. After all, the country is home to 280 million potential smartphone customers. The Ministry of Industry of Indonesia is scheduled to review Apple's proposal this week.
This all started because Apple missed a local investment threshold by around $15 million. Indonesia mandates that certain devices sold in the country must have at least 40 percent domestic content. This percentage can be met by using domestically-sourced materials, building manufacturing plants or by employing local workers.
Apple previously invested around $94 million in the country through a variety of means, but it wasnt enough to stave off the ban. The sale stoppage also applies to other recently-released Apple products, like the Apple Watch Series 10. The ban doesnt impact older Apple devices, which are still available for purchase throughout the country.
Apple has opened up several developer academies throughout the country, but an actual manufacturing plant would be a major boon for Indonesia. Both Samsung and Xiaomi have already set up factories in the nation.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-pledges-100-million-indonesia-investment-to-lift-iphone-16-ban-162217627.html?src=rss
A Colombian eyewear brand has transformed what many would consider a limitation into a competitive advantage. Soul Optic employs blind artisans who handcraft sophisticated, screw-free frames in darkness, leveraging their heightened tactile sensitivity. Each pair of sunglasses and prescription glasses is meticulously assembled using a system inspired by Braille writing slates. The frames distinctive bridge design draws inspiration from bats creatures who, like the artisans, navigate their world through heightened non-visual senses.Rather than treating inclusivity as an afterthought or marketing angle, Soul Optic has embedded it into its core production process and brand identity. By developing a product and production process adapted to its workers, the company can provide economic opportunities for visually impaired individuals from disadvantaged communities. Besides forming a connection thats clear as day for consumers to grasp eyewear made by people who cant rely on vision Soul Optic is tangible proof of how assumed limitations can spark innovation when brands leverage purpose as their driver of creativity.
Caring for yourself can be as simple as sitting down to do a breathing exercise or curling up under a weighted blanket. Or it can be getting a massage, going for a workout or dressing up for a fancy dinner. There are plenty of things you could get for someone that not only shows how much you care about them, but also remind them that its worthwhile to take time for themselves. And while theres nothing wrong with an aromatherapy candle, its more fun to go beyond the obvious choices and look at what tech products could help your loved ones feel their best. Our picks include things like styling gadgets and grooming devices, but also less techy options like a hair turban and face masks.Its worth calling out that these beauty tech and personal care suggestions are highly personal, so its important that you take time to learn about your giftees preferences. What type of hair do they have? What are their skincare concerns? What aches and pains have they been feeling lately? Getting just a few more details from them can better inform your holiday shopping and improve your relationships, too.
The best self-care gifts for 2024
Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-self-care-gifts-160025041.html?src=rss
You don't necessarily need to break the bank for a very good set of wireless earbuds, and that's even more true around this time of year when there are Black Friday deals aplenty to be had. Our pick for the best budget wireless earbuds is on sale for the occasion. Anker's Soundcore Space A40 earphones are 44 percent (or $35) off, which brings the price down to $45.
That matches a record-low price for these earphones. We first saw them dip to $45 during the October Prime Day event.
While the audio quality isn't on the level of high-end earbuds from the likes of Sony and Bose (a feat that would be extremely difficult to pull off at this price range), we feel that the Space A40s have a pleasant, warm sound. They also have features that you'd often have to spend much more to get from earbuds, such as an adaptive active noise cancellation system that adjusts settings automatically depending on the audio in your surroundings.
Other features multipoint connectivity to link the earbuds to two devices simultaneously. They're IPX4-rated for water resistance too. The Soundcore Space A40 earbuds are slated to run for 10 hours on a single charge, with the case adding an extra 50 hours of listening time. A 10-minute charge can add four hours of listening time. The case supports wireless charging too.
Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/our-favorite-pair-of-budget-wireless-earbuds-is-on-sale-for-only-45-for-black-friday-154250578.html?src=rss
Weve probably got enough foodies on the Engadget staff to start our own restaurant. While were not all home chefs (some of us just microwave), we all love food. So weve used, tested and reviewed plenty of kitchen gadgets for the site. Right now for Black Friday, some of the gear weve tried is already on sale. And since there's still a week left until the official day, we'll update this guide with new Black Friday deals as they go live.
For now, we found deals on air fryers, sous vide machines, pizza ovens and more, with some discounts hitting the lowest prices of the year. Whether you already cook up a storm, or youre ready to build on your reheating skills, now is a great time to finally pick up that new bit of kitchen electronics youve been thinking about. Here are the best Black Friday deals on appliances, gadgets and the kitchen tech we recommend.
The best Black Friday kitchen deals for 2024
Photo by Billy Steele / Engadget
Whether for buying guides, reviews or our own use, weve tried plenty of gadgets that make home cooking simpler and more enjoyable. We also recently put together a cooking gift guide full of our favorite stuff. Our picks include low and high tech devices for kitchens both indoor and outdoor and right now, lots of those recommendations are currently on sale for Black Friday.
Meater Pro for $100 ($30 off): In our official review, Engadgets Billy Steele praises the longer battery life and extended range of this updated smart thermometer from the Trager-owned company. It also packs increased heat resistance and is more durable overall. Also direct from Meater.
Ooni Karu 16 outdoor pizza oven for $520 ($130 off): The Karu 16 is our favorite multi-fuel outdoor pizza oven but its not cheap, so its best to get it when its on sale. It has a large capacity that can handle full size pizzas and even cast iron cookware using wood, charcoal or propane fuel. Plus the bottom-mounted digital thermometer helps you keep tabs on your cooking.
Thermapen One for $76 ($32 off): We recommend this blazingly fast thermometer in our grilling guide because itll give you a readout in one second on its auto-rotating screen.
Stanley IceFlow tumbler with straw for $25 ($15 off): Our resident grill master, Billy Steele recommends having a reliable source of frosty beverage at the ready when you grill. This is the one he picked for our grilling gear buyers guide.
Anyday Microwave Cookware Starter Set for $70 ($30 off): Our resident microwave aficionado Cherlynn Low speaks highly of these plastic-free dishes, which shes been using for two years now. The design allows you to steam and even bake foods in the zapper box while also acting as excellent food storage containers.
The best Black Friday deals on coffee and tea gear
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
Like most workplaces, Engadget runs on coffee or at least the people responsible for it do. Many of us put our collective caffeinated experiences together to come up with a gift guide for coffee lovers. Of course, some of us are partial to tea, so we put a guide to tea gifts together as well. Right now for Black Friday, many of the picks from both lists are on sale.
Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle for $60 ($10 off): This is a return to a discount we've seen multiple times this year, and it's about $14 more than the all-time low. But this kettle has earned its spot on one of our editors tiny countertops. It has different built-in temperature settings for different types of drinks and an elegant gooseneck pour.
Firebelly Tea Travel Mug for $32 ($8 off): This travel mug not only keeps your iced tea cold and your hot tea steamy, its insert also stops infusion when you press it down so you can steep on the go.
The best Black Friday deals on sous vide machines
Photo by Avery Ellis / Engadget
If you know someone without a sous vide machine, now might be a good time to ameliorate that situation as many of our favorite models are on sale. And if you happen to be without one, heres your chance to get in on the low-effort, high-result water-bath cooking method. This is the best whats on sale for Black Friday, as pulled from our picks.
Anova Culinary Sous Vide 3.0 for $112 ($87 off): This is the best overall sous vide machine, according to testing for our buyers guide and this price beats the one from July. We like the easy digital controls and the high flow rate that maintains water temperature better. Also the companion app is stuffed with recipes. It's $120 at Best Buy and directly from Anova.
Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Nano for $97 ($52 off): We've seen this price for much of the past month, so it's not exactly a new deal, but still a good discount on the machine that led Engadget's Avery Ellis to dub the sous vide stick the Millennial crockpot. She uses this one a few times a week to make unfussy meals that keep her alive. The Nano model is a slightly smaller and less expensive version of the top pick in our buyers guide. Also direct from Anova for $99.
Breville Joule Turbo Sous Vide Machine for $200 ($50 off with coupon): If maximum power and fancy phone controls is what you want, go for the premium pick in our guide. It has a powerful 1,100-watt heater that cuts down on cooking times and uses your phone as the controller (just note that it doesnt have on-device buttons). Also at Williams Sonoma and direct from Breville.
The best Black Friday deals on air fryers and Instant Pots
Instant Brands
Air fryers make microwaves jealous. Food that would otherwise come out hot yet soggy comes out hot and crisp and dosnt take that much more time. Another kitchen MVP is the ever popular Instant Pot, which can cook everything from soups to rice, beans and more. Here are the best Black Friday deals on the air fryers and Instant Pots we recommend.
Instant Vortex Plus 6QT Air Fryer for $99 ($70 off): This is the top recommendation in our guide to air fryers and happens to be the model I bought for myself after reading our guide. It preheats quickly and keeps cooking odors to a minimum with replaceable filters (it even tells you when its time to replace). Plus clean-up is easy and the window is handy for making sure the nachos don't burn. Also at Walmart.
Cosori 9-in-1 air frier for $88 ($32 off): This is the newest addition in our list, earning a runner up nod for best overall. It has nine preset cooking modes and a six-quart capacity that makes it just the right size to cook a good amount of food without taking up too much space on most countertops.
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro for $300 ($100 off): If you want a more traditional toaster oven design with a huge capacity, go for our premium air fryer pick. The fryer-and-oven combo can accommodate a five-quart dutch oven, so its almost an auxiliary oven, which could come in handy for holiday cooking. Also at Target and Best Buy.
Breville the Smart Oven Air Fryer for $280 ($70 off): This is the non-Pro version of the Breville air fryer we recommend. It has a slightly smaller capacity (0.8 cubic feet instead of one cubic foot). But still has most of the same features including 11 of the 13 cooking functions.
Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 pressure cooker (6QT) for $100 ($70 off): These ubiquitous and highly versatile cookers can make just about anything you can dream up Instant Pot recipes make up a considerable portion of online recipes. This is the pro version of the model we recommend in our buyer's guide to kitchen tech and it has five favorite buttons and extra wattage for a faster preheat. Best Buy has the eight-quart model on sale for $120.
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker for $80 ($50 off): We like this Instant Pot model because it's simple to use and has several quick-cooking modes including beans, cake, sous vide and more.
Instant Pot Pro Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker for $99 ($100, 50 percent off): We also suggest this fancier Pro Plus model in our guide to kitchen tech and it's half price right now. It has a canning function, is Wi-Fi connected, lets you release the steam remotely and the companion app has over 800 recipes.
Ninja AF150AMZ Air Fryer for $90 ($70 off): This gets an honorable mention in our air fryer guide. Though the round cooking basket doesnt feel as roomy as square ones, the taller and thinner design might make the most of limited countertop space. Plus it has a dehydrate option for making your own dried fruit.
The best Black Friday deals on blenders and mixers
KitchenAid
Black Friday is a good time to upgrade an aging hand blender or finally get that Vitamix youve been thinking about. Whether for yourself or as a gift for the home cook on our list, these blender and juicer deals come straight out of our kitchen tech guides and will bring plenty of extra muscle for a low price.
KitchenAid Artisan 5-quart stand mixer for $330 ($130 off): Small wonder that the home cooks gold standard of mixers made its way onto our kitchen tech guide. Its ton of available attachments can be used to make pasta, grind food, strain or spiralize fruits and veggies and more. This is no unitasker. Also at Target and direct from KitchenAid.
KitchenAid Go Cordless Hand Blender for $90 ($40 off): The big selling point here is the removable battery that you can use for other KitchenAid Go appliances. In our testing, it had enough power to turn a roasted butternut squash into a smooth, creamy soup.
Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-black-friday-kitchen-deals-on-gadgets-appliances-cookware-and-more-get-up-to-50-percent-off-153533997.html?src=rss
Thanksgiving is just a week away and Black Friday deals are already coming in hot. Take Beats, which is leaning into the sale season with discounts on a range of its products across Amazon. There are a few great deals, including a 50 percent drop on the Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones bringing them to $100 from $200.
The Beats Solo 4 headphones came out in April and received a 79 in our review. They're a solid item, especially for 50 percent off, and offer features like over 50 hours of battery life. They also have solid sound quality and clarity, especially with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos. However, they aren't the most comfortable of headphones on the market (especially for big heads) and don't have automatic pausing.
The overall sale includes the Beats Pill, a portable bluetooth speaker, that's also down to $100, from $150 a 33 percent discount. The Pill can wirelessly connect to your Android or Apple device or to a laptop through a USB-C cable. It also holds 24 hours of battery and can charge your phone and other devices through that USB-C cable. Plus, it has an IP67 dust and water resistance rating so it's shouldn't have issues if you use it outside.
Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-beats-solo-4-headphones-drop-to-100-for-black-friday-150722417.html?src=rss
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The first Neuralink clinical trials outside the US will take place in Canada. Neuralink has secured Health Canada's approval to launch human trials in the country, with the Toronto Western Hospital being the "first and exclusive surgical site" for the procedure. The company first opened its Canadian patient registry in March this year, but now it's actively looking for potential participants. "Recruitment is now open," it has announced on X.
Under the CAN-PRIME study, Neuralink will embed its implant in the brain of the participant so that it can interpret their neural activity. The implant will allow them to control a computer or a smartphone with their brain without the need for wires or any kind of physical movement. Neuralink says the study aims to "evaluate the safety of [its] implant and surgical robot and assess the initial functionality of [its Brain Computer Interface] for enabling people with quadriplegia to control external devices with their thoughts." What it learns from the trials could help the company find safer ways to place the implant inside the brain, as well as to enhance the technology's capabilities.
Neuralink's first human patient (pictured above) received his implant earlier this year. He experienced some issues, wherein the implant's threads retracted from his brain, though he seems to be doing well these days. On X, he said that he will soon challenge himself to use Neuralink for 72 hours to demonstrate what the technology can do. For its second patient, Neuralink employed mitigation measures to prevent thread retraction. That patient was already using computer-aided design (CAD) software mere weeks after his surgery in July. At the moment, Neuralink is specifically looking for patients who "have limited or no ability to use both hands due to cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)" for its trials in Canada.
Were happy to announce that Health Canada has approved the launch of our first clinical trial in Canada! Recruitment is now open.If you have quadriplegia due to ALS or SCI, you may qualify. Visit our Patient Registry to learn more and apply.https://t.co/5BySJABkkO Neuralink (@neuralink) November 20, 2024
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/neuralink-gets-approval-to-start-human-trials-in-canada-143021769.html?src=rss
