Latest news with #Beats'
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Tom's Guide
5 things we want to see from the AirPods Max 2
Apple's annual September event is right around the corner, which means a couple of things. First, the iPhone 17 is on the way. Announcements for next-gen smartwatches — the Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Watch Ultra 3 — are en route. Then there's the possible, but highly unlikely, debut of the next-gen AirPods, which may be the AirPods Max 2. We're not convinced that Apple will share a first look at its upcoming noise-canceling headphones. Recent updates from supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claim the new model may not enter mass production until 2027. Nonetheless, the consensus is that the AirPods Max 2 are in the works and coming soon. There has been some gossip surrounding upgrades, from a brand-new hard case to enhanced active noise cancellation to touch controls. Oh yeah, longer battery life too, something the series has desperately needed. All of these suggestions are cool, but let's be honest – they should have been included on the USB-C version of the AirPods Max that launched last fall. If Apple is going to remain a heavy hitter in the headphones market, it needs to get with the times, find inspiration from its competitors, and embrace popular features that consumers are currently enjoying on some of the best noise-canceling headphones out there. Here's what we recommend for the AirPods Max 2 before they ship. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Odds are the AirPods Max 2 will receive Apple's current H2 processor. The component brought stronger noise-canceling and processing power to the AirPods Pro 2, and should have been added to the re-released AirPods Max. Having this CPU would also grant access to some of Apple's newer features, including Adaptive Audio, Head Gestures to execute call management and Siri voice commands, and several health hearing modes. None of this moves the needle. The AirPods Max 2 need their own proprietary chipset. One that is twice as powerful as the H2 and supports exclusive features (ex. Spatial Audio for games). It's the one draw that may persuade shoppers to splurge on these luxury cans versus category leaders like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM6. All AirPods models are designed to seamlessly connect with Apple devices. They're also compatible with Android devices, though the pairing process is frustrating to say the least. The fact that Beats' audio products are optimized for both iOS and Android use makes this even more aggravating. So, why hasn't Apple employed Beats' proprietary technology to make the latest AirPods releases platform-neutral? That's a solid question – one that we're not holding our breath for Apple to answer. Beats' processor supports a few Android features (e.g., Fast Pair, Find My Device) and multipoint to pair to two Bluetooth audio sources simultaneously. Adopting this CPU's wireless capabilities would boost the AirPods Max 2's connectivity and make them the most versatile AirPods ever. Audio on the first-gen AirPods Max was fine. Could it have been better? Absolutely. Expectations are that Apple will refine its soundstage for the AirPods Max 2. What we really want is a brand-new driver system with a higher frequency range. Sonic improvements would be audible across all media formats (e.g., audiobooks, games, movies, music, podcasts). The AirPods Pro 2's latest sound features are a given, like Adaptive Audio, which blends ANC and Transparency modes together to deliver optimal performance. Both noise-canceling modes can be tweaked to complement Apple's other sound technologies (i.e., adaptive EQ, Personalized Spatial Audio). Next is lossless audio. Apple added this to the refreshed AirPods Max via USB-C connector. As surprisingly good as it performs, listeners don't want to be tethered to their iPhone to hear high-quality sound. Many of the best wireless earbuds and best wireless headphones support hi-res codecs that stream music at high bitrates over Bluetooth and reveal more nuance in recordings. Can we finally get ALAC over Bluetooth, Apple? The original AirPods Max are beautiful headphones that embody Apple's design ethos of simple, sleek, and stylish. If only they weren't so flawed structurally. Not crafting the earcups to fold inward for convenient storage was a huge mistake. Owners still complain about water condensation around the inner drivers. The mesh material sags over time, which decreases tension and causes the metal bands to rest unpleasantly on the skull. And don't get us started on the purse-inspired Smart Case that provides little-to-no protection. Apple doesn't need to redesign its flagship headphones from scratch. Much of their appearance can remain intact. However, all previously mentioned issues need be addressed on the AirPods Max 2. Apple should also allow for more personalization. We're not just talking engravings. Think swappable earcup shells and headbands to form cool two-tone colorways. A new carry case that resembles the iPhone's premium aesthetic and showcases the headphones handsomely on the inside would be greatly appreciated as well. Apple's 3D audio format has been a huge advancement in the wireless audio space and it has inspired several of the industry's top legacy brands to create their own versions. Well, the competition has caught up. Hence why Apple must make its spatial audio available across all platforms. The feature is practically a standard on today's wireless headphones. A handful of rivals, particularly Bose, have superior alternatives, and some of these formats work with all stereo content. Meanwhile, Apple's version is restricted to 5.1/7.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos on Apple Music. First, get more non-Apple users familiar with Personalized Spatial Audio. Then figure out how to optimize the feature for all platforms and the best music streaming services. This will heighten the listening experience on the AirPods Max 2. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Global News
17-06-2025
- Global News
Save now with these summer travel deals
The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms. Who hasn't promised themselves a budget-friendly summer, only to find their cart overflowing after one too many 'too-good-to-miss' deals? Guilty as charged. But hey, if you're going to indulge, why not make it count? I've curated the hottest summer travel steals that'll have you jet-setting in style without the guilt—think sun-soaked escapes, must-have travel gear, and sneaky upgrades that say, 'Yes, I'm totally on top of my summer game.' Ready to pack your bags and save big? Let's dive in—your best trip yet awaits. Waterproof Weekender The airplane-friendly weekender bag is perfect for carry-on travel, keeping your valuables safe and close throughout your flight. Made from durable waterproof material and features multiple compartments and pockets. Grab it while it's 35 per cent off! $22 on Amazon (was $33.99) Story continues below advertisement Digital Hanging Luggage Scale Featuring a high-accuracy sensor and a rubber-textured handle, this travel scale helps you avoid overweight fees by providing instant luggage weight. Compact and lightweight, it fits easily in your pocket. $16.98 on Amazon (was $19.99) Travel Neck Pillow Say goodbye to travel discomfort with this memory foam neck pillow. Designed for superior support and comfort, it helps prevent neck, shoulder, and back pain whether you're in a car, on a plane, or relaxing at home. $16.99 on Amazon 26-Inch Hardside Checked Luggage The 26-inch hardside spinner luggage is perfect for 3- to 5-day trips, featuring a durable, scratch-resistant shell made from extra-thick ABS, a fully lined interior with organized pockets, expandable capacity, sturdy zippers, a telescoping handle, and smooth-rolling double spinner wheels for easy travel. $116.99 on Amazon (was $158.58) Story continues below advertisement Beats Solo 4 - Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones Elevate your sound experience with Beats' cutting-edge acoustic design and personalized Spatial Audio that moves with you. Wrapped in an ultralight, sculpted frame with plush cushions and a sleek flex-grip headband, these headphones blend luxury comfort with high-performance audio – boasting a marathon battery life and fast charging, perfect for the modern audiophile on the go. $189.93 on Amazon (was $279.95) You may also like: 10 Set Packing Cubes – $39.99 Spandex Elastic Water Resistant Protective Travel Suitcase Cover – $26.00 Travel Duffel Bag – $35.99 Passport Holder – $14.99 Travel Bottles for Toiletries – $14.99 Portable Electronics Travel Organizer – $15.98
Phone Arena
05-06-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
High-end Beats Studio Pro are selling at a sweet discount once again
The latest Bose QuietComfort headphones are selling at a serious discount on Amazon, but if you are a Beats fan, you'll likely skip these and go straight for the Beats Studio Pro instead. At this very moment, Amazon is selling these flagship headphones at a substantial $100 discount, letting you upgrade your listening experience for just under $250. While this offer doesn't quite match the massive $180 (51%) discount the headphones received in mid-May, it's still worth taking advantage of. After all, every chance to save on some of the best wireless headphones in 2025 should be welcomed with open arms and smiling bank accounts. $100 off (29%) Amazon has slashed $100 off the flagship Beats Studio Pro, bringing them under $250. With fantastic sound, solid ANC, and up to 40 hours of battery life, these headphones are a steal. Act fast and grab a pair before the deal disappears! Buy at Amazon As Beats' current top-of-the-line headphones, the Studio Pro pack all the features we've come to expect from high-end cans, including phenomenal sound with deep bass and crisp highs. For an even more immersive experience, these puppies also boast head-tracking support and Apple's Spatial Audio, which makes the audio feel three-dimensional. Additionally, they feature top-tier ANC, which may be a bit behind that of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra but still does a great job at blocking pesky noises. Moreover, they're comfortable and offer a good fit, though their smaller ear cups might cause discomfort for users with larger ears after long listening sessions. On the flip side, they have incredible battery life, delivering up to 40 hours of playback on a single charge. And thanks to their fast charging support, a 10-minute top-up provides up to 4 hours of playtime. Overall, the Beats Studio Pro bring a lot to the table and are a great pick at their current price on Amazon. Furthermore, with the retailer's 30-day return policy, you can always ask for a refund if they don't fit well. That's why we urge you not to hesitate, but just go ahead and save with this deal while it lasts!
Tom's Guide
09-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Huge Best Buy weekend sale live — 29 deals I'm shopping on Mother's Day gifts, TVs, iPads and more
Planning on indulging in a little retail therapy this weekend? You've come to the right place — especially if it's tech you're after. Best Buy is always our premier choice when it comes to shopping TVs, laptops, headphones, appliance and more. In fact, the retailer is currently hosting an epic sale this weekend. If you're in need of a last-minute Mother's Day gift, Best Buy has tons of deals that you can shop right now. Plus, with same-day shipping and in-store pick up options, you might just be able to get Mom's gift right in time for Sunday. Below, I've rounded up my 29 favorite deals from Best Buy's weekend sale! Keep scrolling to check them out. For more ways to save, take a look at our Best Buy coupon codes. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is great for documenting life and printing memories. It's also about as simple to use as it gets. There's no smartphone app — just point, shoot and print! Plus, the film is relatively affordable and gives a vivid and contrasty look. At $10 off, this is the cheapest we've seen this camera. The Ember Smart Mug is the second generation app-controlled mug that keeps your drink at your preferred temperature (between 120°F - 145°F) for up to 80 minutes on a full charge. You can also keep it on the charging coaster for all-day heat. The Ember Mug 2 is IPX7 rated and made of premium ceramic. Beats' iconic rounded oblong speaker has a new low price. This is one of the first discounts the speaker has seen this year, for a very solid Bluetooth speaker deal. The Beats Pill is a solid little Bluetooth speaker, and in our hands-on, we enjoyed the top-tier sound and excellent battery life. Theragun's travel-sized massage gun comes with three foam attachments, so you can tailor the device based on your aches and pains. Therabody makes high-tech wellness feel luxurious, so Mom will definitely be blown away. This is a great deal if you're looking for a robot mop to complement your robot vacuum. As our choice for the best robot mop, the iRobot Braava jet m6 provides detailed and comprehensive cleaning. Its mapping is accurate, and you can request that specific rooms be cleaned separately. It will even work in tandem with compatible models from the same brand. In our iRobot Braava jet m6 review, we said this is "the smartest robot mop and sweeper we've tested." This all-in-one digital wall calendar keeps the whole family organized by assigning each member their own color and chores. Its 15-inch touchscreen can be mounted on the wall or displayed on its stand. The new Apple Watch boasts a thinner/lighter design, faster charging, and a new FDA-authorized sleep apnea detection feature. Other new key features include 30% more screen area, rounded corners, and a first-ever wide angle OLED display. In our Apple Watch 10 review we said the optimized watchOS 11 experience and faster charging are worthwhile and make this the Apple Watch to get for most people. The 2025 iPad Air packs Apple's M3 processor, an 11-inch LED (2360 x 1640) display, 128GB of storage, 12MP rear camera, and 12MP front camera. The tablet packs a more powerful 8-core CPU, which makes the M3 up to 35% faster for multithreaded CPU workflows than the iPad Air M1. There's also a 9-core GPU on board with 40% faster graphics performance than the M1. In our iPad Air M3 review we said its fun Apple Intelligence features, reliable battery life (9 hours w/ 41 minutes), and overall thin design make it a winning Apple slate. Apple's AirPods Max are a stunning looking and sounding pair of headphones. They're comfortable for long periods of time, and feature some very good ANC. We particularly like their Spatial Audio performance and intuitive controls scheme in our review — although we did have to take points away for the bad carrying case that comes in the box. The Roku Express is a budget-friendly streaming device that delivers smooth HD streaming on your TV. It's compact, easy to set up, and comes with a simple remote. With access to tons of free and paid content, it's perfect for casual streamers who want an affordable, no-fuss upgrade. Just note this has sold for $17 in the past. TV sale: deals from $69 @ Best BuyBest Buy has smart TVs on sale for as low as $69. Keep in mind, the cheap TVs tend to be smaller, 1080p models (which are more suitable for a children's room or guest room). However, the sale also includes larger sets. These are among the cheapest TVs we've seen from Best Buy. By comparison, Amazon is offering a similar sale with prices from $ check: from $69 @ Amazon | from $88 @ Walmart Pioneer's budget TV offers a stunning picture for an amazing price. It comes with Dolby Vision/HDR 10/HLG support, a 60Hz refresh rate, three HDMI inputs, and Xumo TV OS. The 55-inch 4K display offers superior brightness and high color contrast that make this a perfect living room TV. This Insignia F30 TV comes with a 4K resolution at a shockingly low price. It comes with a large 55" screen that'll make your favorite sports and movies pop. Whether you're watching movies or playing games, it's a great budget-friendly big-screen television. The Roku Plus Series is an outstanding value. In our Roku Plus Series 4K QLED TV review, we said it offers a great smart interface, HDR color, and excellent sound at an affordable price. It features a QLED screen along with full array local dimming. You also get Dolby Vision/HDR 10 Plus/HLG support, Apple HomeKit/Alexa/Google Assistant support, and four HDMI ports. Gamers take note that while it's reliable for casual play, you only get a 60Hz screen and no HDMI 2.1 support. You couldn't ask for a better discount on one of the hottest displays. In our Samsung S85D OLED TV review, we said the Editor's Choice TV is a serious value offering a 120Hz refresh rate on a WOLED panel. An ATSC 3.0 tuner also means you get access to NextGenTV and 4K broadcasts, plus Tizen OS is also home to a slew of game streaming apps, making the S85D a true all-arounder when it comes to features. And if its onboard access to content isn't enough, a total of four HDMI 2.1 ports is also ideal for your range of connected devices. Samsung's The Frame offers you chance to experience TVs unlike ever before. With its anti-reflective coating that gives it this art deco look to its Pantone validation, you can expect to forget The Frame is even a TV when it's set in art mode. But don't think you won't get ample performance in cinematic experiences, as well, with its beloved Tizen OS, which has access to every streaming service and even some cloud gaming subscriptions as well. The Samsung S90D OLED TV is a true stunner and one with several features that make it ideal for sports fans, gamers, and entertainment enthusiasts alike. With Dolby Atmos support, a 144Hz refresh rate, and AI upscaling, the Samsung S90D brings out all the stops, and it's made all the better thanks to an unbeatable new price. The Samsung Odyssey 32" gaming monitor packs a pretty serious punch for the price. It has an attractive 2560 x 1440 resolution, so those games will look sharp and smooth. It also has a high 165Hz refresh rate that'll make your games look smooth during fast motion. The 32" size is ideal for gaming since it's not too big but still large enough to immerse you in the action. If you're looking for fast performance, long-lasting battery life, and excellent visuals for a fair price — the Swift 14 AI stands triumphant. In our Acer Swift AI review, we said the Editor's Choice machine packs a brilliant 17-hour battery life and sharp 120Hz display. This configuration packs a 14.5-inch 2.5K touchscreen display with 120Hz refresh, Snapdragon X Elite CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD. It's as sleek as it is powerful and you'll get all the perks of Windows Copilot+, too. It's no longer Apple's flagship, but the MacBook Air M2 remains one of our most recommended laptops because it's remarkably light and thin, yet sports a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, speedy Apple M2 CPU w/ 8-core GPU, 8GB of RAM, 512GB SSD, and a great 1080p FaceTime camera. In our MacBook Air M2 review we lauded this Editor's Choice laptop for its versatility and battery life, so don't miss your chance to get one at its lowest price ever. For $999, you can pick up this solid all-round gaming laptop from Gigabyte. Not only does Nvidia's RTX 4060 graphics card ensure this system supports ray tracing (a feature that's increasingly important with modern PC games), the presence of an Intel Core i7 13620H CPU with 32GB of DDR5 RAM should ensure the G6 will run many titles at a smooth 60 frames per second or above at the laptop's native screen resolution of 1920 x 1200. Yes, there's a new M4 MacBook Air, but its M3-based predecessor is an epic value. The laptop can support up to two external displays (when the laptop lid is closed) and Apple also claims its 60% faster than the M1-based MacBook Air. It boasts up to 18 hours of battery life. In our MacBook Air 15-inch M3 review, we said the Editor's Choice laptop delivers fantastic performance from its M3 chip along with class-leading battery life (15:03). It packs a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display (2880 x 1864), Apple's M3 CPU w/ 10-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD. The new M3 Pro MacBook Pro features a blisteringly fast M3 Pro chip, which has an 11-core CPU and 14-core GPU to help it monster even the most demanding tasks. This model also features 18GB of RAM, as well as a beautiful 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display. JBL has released numerous low-priced earbuds over the past two years and the Vibe Beam are the best of the group. You get access to a huge range of useful features, including adjustable EQ, IP54 dust/water resistance, 8-hour battery life and transparency modes to help you stay aware of your surroundings while you enjoy your music. The JBL Live 770NC are an affordable pair of wireless headphones with impressive active noise cancelling capabilities. Our JBL Live 770NC hands-on review found that they had a bunch of other great features, like 50-hour battery life and Spatial Sound. After this discount, they're a bargain not to be missed. The AirPods Pro 2 are Apple's finest AirPods, packed with top-shelf features. The ANC is excellent, blocking out loads of noise, and the Spatial Audio support is among the very best around. They got 4.5 stars in our review thanks to the ANC and the comfortable fit. I personally love the control method — the touch panels are intuitive and very easy to use. This price isn't quite the lowest we've ever seen, but it's still a fantastic deal. These noise-canceling earbuds offer full-bodied bass that blends nicely with crisp mids and highs. Their active noice cancellation is also effective and grants full control over how much noise you want to eliminate or let in. Combine that with punchy bass response and terrific frequency reproduction, and there's an enjoyable listening experience to be had. Just keep in mind that in our Marshall Motif II review we found them somewhat uncomfortable to wear at times. If you're not a fan of over-ear designs, the QuietComfort Earbuds II bring Bose's elite-level noise cancellation tech to in-ear 'buds instead. They can withstand sweaty workouts, have head-tracking tech supporting a new Immersive Audio feature, and last up to 6 hours on a single charge. Plus, a 20-minute top-up gives you an extra 2 hours of playback. Apple's AirPods Max are a stunning looking and sounding pair of headphones. They're comfortable for long periods of time, and feature some very good ANC. We particularly like their Spatial Audio performance and intuitive controls scheme in our review — although we did have to take points away for the bad carrying case that comes in the box.
Tom's Guide
07-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
These Beats earbuds just crashed to their lowest price ever at Amazon — $50 off
(Image credit: Tom's Guide) Beats' latest earbuds are on sale for the first time! These are the new winner for the best workout headphones we've tested, so if you're heading out and about for the spring, these earbuds will become your new best friend. Right now, you can get the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 for $199 at Amazon. This is $50 off and the lowest price I've seen so far for this model. And what's more, the discount currently applies across all the different colors! The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are pretty much the ultimate earbuds for fitness fans, which is why they took the top spot on our list of the best wireless earbuds for fitness First up, the design of the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 makes them awesome for working out. Their unique ear clip shape means they stay firmly in place even when you're moving around a lot, and they're super comfortable to wear, too. We also like that the Powerbeats Pro 2 have physical buttons to control the volume and skip songs — they're much easier to use compared to touch controls when you're on the go. While these aren't the best-sounding earbuds we've ever tested, they still put in a great audio performance. We especially liked how things sounded on the lower end in our tests, as plenty of strong, dynamic bass came through. And the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 also have Spatial Audio and solid active noise canceling on board to keep you truly immersed in what you're listening to. (Image credit: Future) Plus, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds have a heart rate monitor. This is handy if you don't like to exercise with a fitness tracker on, but in our tests, we got some inaccurate readings. So if you're serious about keeping an eye on your heart rate, you'll still want to get a fitness tracker or chest strap. Despite a few shortcomings, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are still a fantastic pair of headphones for working out, and they're even better now that you can get them for a discount. Make sure to snag them while you can! For more savings, check out our Amazon promo codes coverage, and see this Carhartt spring sale from $11 at Amazon. Today's best Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 deals
