Author: alex

Sony WH-1000XM5 — Big Savings on a Top ANC Headphone Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones remain among the best noise-canceling and wireless headphones available. A recent price check found the black model available at around $274 at some retailers (rough/in-store and third-party listings), while other colors are discounted to roughly $328. Prices vary by retailer and seller — check current listings before buying. Why they're worth it Top-tier ANC: Eight mics and class-leading active noise cancellation. Comfort: Slim cushioned headband and soft earcups — comfortable for long listening sessions. Sound: 30mm carbon-fiber drivers deliver a wide, immersive soundstage. Battery life: Around 30 hours per charge. Controls: Touch controls on the right earcup for play/pause/skip/volume. Review score: Widely praised (review scores around the mid-90s in major reviews). Notes & buying tips The XM5…

Google Pixel: Impressive AI camera featuresWith the launch of its latest Pixel models, Google has significantly upgraded smartphone software across the board. Two new camera and photo-editing features stand out as particularly impressive — innovations Apple could take note of.Key featuresAI shooting assistance: Google introduces smart on-device guidance to help compose and capture better photos, including subject suggestions and automated capture aids.Advanced photo editing: New editing tools powered by on-device AI enable complex adjustments (lighting, background, subject separation) directly on the phone.These improvements build on Google’s strong computational photography and make the Pixel a leading choice for smartphone photography.More details: Official Pixel pageBuy on Amazon: Search for Google Pixel 8 on AmazonSource: summarized from coverage of the Pixel launch (original report on iphone-ticker.de)

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max gains Ambeo OS2 — Customizable Immersion, Voice Enhancement & Lossless Audio Sennheiser has released a firmware update (Ambeo OS2) for its flagship AMBEO Soundbar Max. The free update, available via the Sennheiser Smart Control app for iOS and Android, adds two new listening features and lossless audio support on top of Dolby Atmos Music. What's new Customizable Immersion — Adjust virtualized volume levels for side, top and center channels so you can tailor spatial immersion to your preferences or to the type of content you're watching. Voice Enhancement Mode — Boosts dialogue clarity for movies, TV and sports so vocals remain distinct even when effects or music are loud. Lossless audio support — Play lossless tracks via streaming: up to 24-bit/96kHz over Google Cast and up…

HORI Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 — $40 deal The HORI Piranha Plant camera for Nintendo Switch 2 is currently available for $40 (down from $60). Designed for the Switch 2, this plug-and-play camera doubles as a decorative Amiibo-like accessory while offering practical features for camera-enabled games like Mario Kart World and recent campfire sims. Why this is a good buy Record-low price: $40 (save $20). Officially licensed, designed for Switch 2 — plug into the console or use with the included pot stand. Detachable plant unit: use the camera in portable mode by plugging it into the console’s top USB-C port. Built-in privacy shutter: close the Piranha Plant’s mouth to cover the lens. Stylish design — doubles as a collectible/display piece. Specs Resolution: 640 × 480 Frame…

Insta360 GO Ultra — Compact 4K60 action camera Insta360 has unveiled the GO Ultra, a premium addition to the GO series (not a direct replacement for the GO 3S). Key upgrades include a new 5nm AI chip, a larger 1/1.28" sensor, HDR support, 4K/60fps capture, and PureVideo AI for improved low-light performance. Highlights Chip: New 5nm AI chip (vs 14nm on GO 3S) Sensor: 1/1.28" (about twice the size of the 3S sensor) Video: 4K at 60 fps; HDR support; double the frame rates vs GO 3S Low light: PureVideo AI for noise reduction and brightness boost Battery: 70 minutes standalone (≈+80% vs GO 3S); Action Pod extends to 200 minutes Storage: Removable, expandable up to 2TB Design: Compact square body, 53 g; Action Pod adds a 2.5" flip touchscreen…

Masimo Sues U.S. Customs Over Apple's Redesigned Blood Oxygen Feature Masimo has filed a lawsuit against U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) after Apple announced a redesigned Blood Oxygen feature for the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10 and Watch Ultra 2. The update measures and calculates SpO2 data on users' paired iPhones instead of on the watch itself — a move Apple said was "enabled by a recent US Customs ruling." Background The legal dispute between Masimo and Apple dates back to 2021, when Masimo sued Apple alleging infringement of light‑based blood oxygen monitoring patents. In 2023, an administrative ruling (the ITC) sided with Masimo, leading to a temporary U.S. import ban on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 and the removal of Apple’s Blood Oxygen app…

Insta360 GO Ultra: Pocket-sized 4K Action Camera Insta360 has launched the GO Ultra, a tiny but powerful action camera built around a new 1/1.28" sensor. Despite its pocketable 30×30 mm, ~53 g body, the GO Ultra records up to 4K at 60 fps with FlowState stabilization and a horizontal lock for ultra‑smooth footage. Key specs Sensor: 1/1.28" Video: 4K60, 2.7K up to 100fps, 1080p up to 200fps Lens FOV: 156° ultra‑wide Stabilization: FlowState with horizontal lock Waterproof: IPX8 (up to 10 m) Weight & Size: ~53 g, 30×30 mm Battery: up to ~150–200 minutes depending on settings; fast charging Storage: onboard options (64/128GB…) Other: Dual mics, Dynamic HDR, redesigned Action Pod The GO Ultra is aimed at creators who want professional-looking action and POV footage without bulk. It supports slow‑motion…

Anker 621 MagGo 5K Magnetic Power Bank — Slim MagSafe Portable Charger Keep a compact power bank on hand to avoid ending the day with a nearly dead phone. The Anker 621 MagGo is a sleek, 5,000mAh magnetic battery that attaches to the back of MagSafe-compatible iPhones and powers them while you use them. Key features Capacity: 5,000mAh Magnetic wireless charging (MagSafe-compatible) USB-C charging (included cable) Lightweight and pocket-friendly Available in multiple colorways Important notes Requires a magnetic connection via the smartphone itself or a MagSafe/magnetic case — it won’t work with non-magnetic cases. Can run warm during use (reported internal temps up to ~118°F). Monitor during prolonged charging. Where to buy / more info Best Buy product page: Best Buy — Anker MagGo 5K Tech coverage and review: TechRadar…

NordVPN Deal — Save Up to 77% on 2‑Year Plans NordVPN is running sizable discounts on multi‑year subscriptions. Highlights: NordVPN Plus: 2 years + 3 extra months (27 months) for $108 — roughly 73% off. Includes Threat Protection Pro (malware protection, ad & tracker blocking), a password manager and other privacy tools. NordVPN Prime: ~$189 for a 2‑year plan — roughly 77% off. Adds encrypted cloud storage / NordProtect and enhanced identity protections. What’s included Threat Protection Pro — anti‑malware, ad & tracker blocking Password manager Encrypted cloud storage / NordProtect (Prime) Large server network and strong speeds (per third‑party reviews) Review notes Third‑party reviews praise NordVPN’s fast download speeds and extensive server network. Some reviewers note the app UI can feel inconsistent across platforms. Overall, the Plus plan’s Threat…

NordVPN Deal — Save Up to 77% on 2‑Year Plans NordVPN is offering significant discounts on multi‑year plans. Key deals: NordVPN Plus: 2 years + 3 extra months (27 months) for $108 (about 73% off). Includes Threat Protection Pro (malware protection, ad & tracker blocking), a password manager and other privacy tools. NordVPN Prime: ~$189 for a 2‑year plan (about 77% off). Adds encrypted cloud storage / NordProtect and enhanced identity protections. Why it matters These multi‑year deals are a strong value if you want a long‑term VPN subscription bundled with extra security features. Third‑party reviews praise NordVPN’s fast speeds and extensive server network; some users note the app UI can feel inconsistent across platforms. What’s included Threat Protection Pro — anti‑malware, ad & tracker blocking Password manager Encrypted cloud…