Table of ContentsTable of ContentsApple AirPods Pro 2 vs. Sony WF-1000XM5: specsApple AirPods Pro 2 vs. Sony WF-1000XM5: design and comfortApple AirPods Pro 2 vs. Sony WF-1000XM5: features and controlsApple AirPods Pro 2 vs. Sony WF-1000XM5: battery lifeApple AirPods Pro 2 vs. Sony WF-1000XM5: sound qualityApple AirPods Pro 2 vs. Sony WF-1000XM5: call qualityApple AirPods Pro 2 vs. Sony WF-1000XM5: priceApple AirPods Pro 2 vs. Sony WF-1000XM5: The verdictWireless earbuds continue to improve each year. Two of the top optionsavailable right now are the AirPods Pro 2 and the Sony WF-1000XM5. In our reviews of both models, we gave them each a 4.5-star rating. They both offer great sound and ANC features, comfortable fit, and an excellent user experience, so you really cant go wrong with either choice. However, is there a better option between them? Lets explore and find out.Apple AirPods Pro 2Sony WF-1000XM5Weight4 grams per earbud; 38.2 grams carrying case5,9 grams per earbud; 39 grams carry caseEartipsX-small, small, medium, and largeX-small, small, medium, and largeTypeIn-ear, closedIn-ear, closedAmbient sound modesANC, transparency, Adaptive Noise Control, Conversation Awareness, Loud sound reduction, spatial audioANC, Ambient Sound mode, Voice FocusIP ratingIP54IPX4BluetoothBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.3Battery lifeUp to 6 hours between charges; 30 hours total with charging caseUp to 8 hours between charges; 24 hours total with charging caseColor optionsWhiteBlack, Smoky Pink, and SilverPrice$249$299BuyRecommended VideosZeke Jones / Digital TrendsThe first-generation AirPods Pro 2 was introduced in September 2022 and has since been discontinued. This initial iteration featured a Lightning connector on the charging case, which was typical for many Apple devices at the time. However, in September 2023, Apple introduced the current version of the AirPods Pro 2, now equipped with a USB-C connector, aligning more closely with the broader tech industry trend toward universal charging solutions.RelatedFrom a design perspective, both versions remain consistent, showcasing Apples commitment to a sleek and minimalistic aesthetic. The earbuds sport a glossy white finish, complemented by short stems that house the microphones and touch controls. To ensure a comfortable and secure fit during use, each pair comes with silicone ear tips in different sizes (extra-small, small, medium, and large) to cater to various ear shapes and preferences. When you find the right size for you, the fit is perfect and the AirPods Pro 2 can be worn for extended periods of time.The included charging case is also white and features a compact design thats easy to carry. A standout feature of the case is its built-in speaker, which supports Find My alerts, making it easier for users to locate their case if its misplaced. The case also supports MagSafe and wireless charging capabilities, offering versatility in how users can recharge their devices.We found the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds remarkably comfortable as well, thanks to their smooth plastic construction and newly designed foam ear tips. The earbuds have been expertly crafted to be smaller, lighter, and more streamlined than their predecessor, the WF-1000XM4, making them ideal for long listening sessions without discomfort.The accompanying charging case has also been redesigned, making it more pocket-friendly thanks to its compact size. This makes it convenient to carry around, whether commuting, traveling, or just heading out for a quick errand.However, its worth noting a few things. The glossy finish of the WF01000XM5s can make them slippery, which may take some getting used to, especially when handling them. Additionally, while the fit is generally good, we found it less secure than the XM4. This could pose a challenge during more vigorous activities, such as running or intense workouts, where a snug fit is preferable for optimal performance overall. While the WF-1000XM5 earbuds deliver a comfortable experience during casual use, those with active lifestyles should be mindful of the potential for a less secure fit.Because of the fit issue with Sonys when compared to the AirPods Pro 2, were giving this point to Apples earbuds.Winner: AirPods Pro 2Simon Cohen / Digital TrendsThe AirPods Pro 2 and the Sony WF-1000XM5 are premium earbuds equipped with various advanced audio features and control options. The AirPods Pro 2 include Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), an Adaptive Transparency mode, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, and Adaptive EQ. While stationary, you can make adjustments using the Settings app on your connected iPhone or iPad. The force sensors on the stems allow for easy playback management for on-the-go control.Additionally, you can use Siri for hands-free operation and an update with the iOS 18 update came easy-to-use head movement features that allow you to accept Siri prompts like incoming phone calls, by nodding yes or shaking your head n0. Automatic ear detection also pauses the music whenever you remove one earbud and resumes playback once it is placed back in your ear.A standout feature of the AirPods Pro 2 is conversation awareness, which automatically lowers the volume and enhances voices when you start talking. The earbuds seamlessly switch between Apple devices, allowing you to control music while quickly transitioning between your Mac and iPhone if you, for example, use both throughout your work day for calls and Teams meetings.Features like Find My support enable precise location tracking and personalized alerts through the charging case speaker. Lastly, the Hearing Aid compatibility feature allows you to use the earbuds to help you hear better. These features make the AirPods Pro 2 a delightful choice for Apple users.Sonys earbuds offer impressive features that enhance the user experience. The touch controls are precise and intuitive, providing a satisfying audible tone as confirmation with each interaction. This makes it easier to navigate through functions and minimizes the chances of accidental taps.One notable improvement (versus the previous model) is the enhanced functionality that allows users to adjust the volume on the earbuds without losing access to voice assistant features. This seamless integration means you can enjoy your music and manage your calls without interruption.The XM5s also come equipped with innovative head movement control gestures similar to the AirPods Pro 2 a simple nod can accept incoming calls, while shaking your head will decline them. This hands-free feature is handy when your hands are occupied.The Bluetooth connection stands out for its reliability, maintaining a stable link even at a distance. Whether out for a walk or moving around the house, the connection remains strong and uninterrupted, allowing for a smooth listening experience. Overall, Sony has combined user-friendliness with advanced technology, making their earbuds a standout choice for audio enthusiasts.Its hard to pick a winner on this point, so we wont.Winner: TieSimon Cohen / Digital TrendsThe second-generation AirPods Pro battery life can last up to six hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) when used at about 50% volume, making them ideal for daily commutes or lengthy meetings. However, using ANC heavily may reduce the battery life to around five hours. A quick 5-minute charge provides an additional usage hour, while the wireless charging case supports four full charges, totaling 30 hours of listening time.The Sony WF-1000XM5 stands out for its battery life, offering up to eight hours with ANC activated and 12 hours with it deactivated. The charging case provides around 36 hours of total playtime, making it suitable for daily use. Additionally, their quick-charge feature allows for an extra hour of playtime in just three minutes, appealing to casual listeners and audiophiles.Well give the edge to Sony here.Winner: WF-1000XM5Simon Cohen / Digital TrendsThe AirPods Pro 2 delivers exceptional sound quality that stands out in the competitive market of true wireless earbuds. Our review of them determined that they produce punchy bass that feels deep and resonant, providing a rich audio foundation without overpowering the mids and highs. The treble is meticulously crafted, showcasing clarity and crispness that allows the subtle intricacies of vocals and instruments to shine through. Every nuance in your favorite tracks is articulated beautifully, making even the most complex arrangements easy to appreciate.One of the standout features is the expansive soundstage, which creates a sense of spatial awareness that envelops the listener from all directions. The head-tracking spatial audio feature significantly enhances this immersive quality, which simulates a live concert or cinematic environment. Sounds flow around you seamlessly as you move your head, making every listening session feel engaging and fresh. This invites you to explore your music library in a new light.According to our reviewer, though, the sound quality of the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds is top-notch as well, stating that you wont find better, even if you spend more.Sony consistently excels in sound quality, and the XM5 earbuds are no exception. They offer an audio experience that enhances the already impressive performance of the XM4s, delivering balanced bass that is both resonant and musically rich.Across a spectrum of genres, from hard rock to jazz, the XM5 earbuds manage to keep various musical elements distinct and clear. For example, during Bill Laurances complex track Zeal, which overwhelmed the $400 Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2, the XM5s effectively organized the multiple layers of synths, strings, and percussion, making them easily decipherable. Utilizing Sonys LDAC Bluetooth codec on Android enhances detail and dynamic range, especially with lossless high-resolution audio files, which the AirPods Pro 2 does not support.The soundstage is impressively detailed and precise, although it tends to remain pretty confined to the listeners head, concentrating most of the audio within a compact area during typical stereo playback. In contrast, immersive 3D audio formats such as Sony 360 Reality Audio (360RA) and Dolby Atmos significantly expand the listening experience, with 360RA demonstrating the most benefit.Additionally, Sony has introduced a beta feature called Find Your Equalizer, which personalizes your sound experience. You select a song and the system guides you through three EQ adjustments. After each step, you choose your preferred modification from a list, unlocking further refinements. Ultimately, these settings are saved as a custom preset in the Headphones app, allowing for future adjustments. Although the resulting sound profile was not to my liking favoring lower frequencies while diminishing the highs its an interesting tool for those who prefer not to adjust individual EQ sliders manually.Winner: WF-1000XM5Simon Cohen / Digital TrendsThe latest AirPods Pro 2 have elevated the call experience, boasting remarkable sound quality surpassing earlier models. This is primarily attributed to their state-of-the-art noise cancellation technology, which effectively filters background noise, allowing the users voice to stand out clearly. During our evaluations, even disruptive sounds like traffic from nearby trucks were entirely blocked out for the wearer, making conversations straightforward and free from disturbances.However, in extremely loud outdoor settings, the clarity of the voice might become slightly dampened. This can result in a perception that the voice sounds somewhat distant to the listener. Nevertheless, feedback from callers indicates that they can hear the speaker without difficulty, akin to speaking directly into a phones microphone.On the other hand, Sonys latest WF-1000XM5 earbuds boast impressive call quality, thanks to their innovative dual processor and advanced microphone setup. Each earbud includes six microphones and a bone conduction sensor that captures the vibrations of your voice. The sensor is then processed by an AI trained on hundreds of millions of voice samples. This sophisticated technology effectively distinguishes your voice from any background noise.In our testing, we were genuinely impressed with the WF-1000XM5s ability to suppress external sounds that often interfere with calls. Noises from traffic, construction, and even strong winds were thoroughly managed, leaving the other party with an evident audio experience.Its worth noting that in situations where background noise is deafening, your voice may be somewhat diminished in volume. Some compression can also occur, affecting finer nuances in speech. However, the overall performance of the XM5s delivers a richer dynamic range compared to the AirPods Pro, making them ideal for outdoor and indoor conversations, where their microphone quality truly excels.Winner: TieZeke Jones / Digital TrendsThe AirPods Pro 2 are priced at $249 before any discounts and are only available in white. In contrast, the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds retail for $299 and come in three colors: Black, Silver, and Smokey Pink.While the AirPods Pro 2 are more affordable than the Sony earbuds at their regular prices, both products frequently go on sale. Be sure to shop around before making a purchase.Simon Cohen / Digital TrendsChoosing between the AirPods Pro 2 and the Sony WF-1000XM5 largely depends on your preferences. The Sony WF-1000XM5 is known for its superior audio quality and exceptional noise cancellation (ANC). It provides a rich, detailed sound profile and allows for customizable EQ settings through the Sony Headphones app, making it ideal for audiophiles.On the other hand, the AirPods Pro 2 excel in their seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. They offer effortless connectivity, spatial audio, and excellent overall performance. While both models feature impressive noise cancellation, many users, particularly those who primarily use Apple devices, prefer the AirPods Pro 2 for their comfort and user-friendly experience.In summary, if audio quality and noise cancellation are your top priorities, the Sony WF-1000XM5 is likely the better choice. However, if you are heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, value ease of use, and excellent sound quality, the AirPods Pro 2 may be the more suitable option.Overall, we rate the Sony WF-1000XM5 slightly better than the AirPods Pro 2. Honestly, however, its only by a nose.Winner: WF-1000XM5Editors Recommendations

The author met her friends through her kids. Courtesy of the author 2025-03-29T20:24:01Z SaveSaved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? I almost didn't go back to work and send my kids to day care, but now I'm glad I did.I've met most of my friends through my kids, and our tight-knit group feels more like family.Eight years later, we still show up for each other.Making friends in a new town isn't easy, especially when working from home and being a married mom of two under 2. But when I sent my kids to day care, I found a few friends along the way who have become like family.Finding common bonds with strangersI crossed paths with many of the same faces during day care drop-off and pick-up each day. I learned to treasure those micro conversations when checking our children in and out, grabbing car seats, and watching the teachers bring out their cute little fingerpaintings and art projects to take home. These moments created a bond between us despite us essentially being strangers.The day care had an indoor play space called The Treehouse, with after-hours events for parents and their kids. It created the perfect opportunity to meet other moms while helping my children (then ages 1 and 3) grow their social skills.Tuesday nights were our favorite. The theme was "Work It Out," and $5 per kid covered two supervised hours of kid-play in The Treehouse while the moms got a full-body workout.It became a weekly tradition for my crew and two other moms, Meredith and Christin, whose kids were the same ages as mine.This was the start of new friendships for me and what has now become lifelong friendships for my children. My kids don't remember a time when they weren't friends with the other Treehouse kids.Sharing the good, bad, and insanity of motherhood, and moreWhen The Treehouse ended its after-hours events, our trio continued the Tuesday tradition, hosting Work It Out at each other's houses.Those Tuesdays evolved into lunch dates, park trips, weekend play dates, birthday celebrations, and a three-way text thread. We socialized often, with and without our kids.Meredith and I surprised our kids by meeting up at Dollywood one summer day and again at Six Flags several years later. We have a long-standing tradition of going river tubing each summer right before the new school year starts. We gave Christin a baby shower and a meal train to welcome her second daughter. She's my go-to when I need help with school transportation. And since our older boys' birthdays are just three days apart, we plan their parties around each other.Christin keeps an eye on my house when I'm out of town, feeds my pets, and gives me a voice of reason. She's lived in our town much longer than I have and knows everyone and everything that happens, which is why she's the first person I go to when I have questions. She's been a voice of reason for me more times than I can count.The more time we spent together, the easier it was for me to befriend other moms. Lauren, Aundrea, and Quintina became familiar faces at birthday parties, park dates, and play dates.Our children have formed inseparable bonds because they see each other often in and out of daycare. Even though they've made new friends over the years, they're still closest to the ones from their pre-school days.Family is also the people you chooseThe text thread is now an eight-person collaboration, and it grows ever longer. And to think I almost didn't choose day care.We're long removed from Tuesdays, The Treehouse, and day care, and life has gotten busy for all of us. Most of our kids play sports or take lessons of some sort. One of our friends moved a couple of hours away. Another is going through cancer.But distance, schedules, and life's unexpected surprises can't divide us. We still trick-or-treat together, do craft nights, celebrate birthdays (and know when each kid's birthday is coming up), discuss school and sports, and plan outings.Our kids brought us together, but we chose to become friends. Now, more than eight years later, we continue to choose friendship despite the different roads we've traveled. We might go longer between visits or texts, but we always know where to turn when one of us needs help, advice, an answer, or just a friend.Recommended video

Future Publishing/Future Publishing via Getty Images 2025-03-29T20:16:58Z SaveSaved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? Amazon Photos has a new feature that turns your photo library into an online marketplace.Users can now search for products on Amazon using photos stored in their Amazon Photos app.The new feature uses image recognition technology to find similar products sold on Amazon.Amazon is now setting up shop in users' photo libraries.Panos Panay, senior vice president of Amazon's Devices and Services division, announced an update to Amazon Photos allowing users to "search your photo library to find similar products on Amazon.""Spot something you loved at a friend's house or a toy your kid was obsessed with?" he wrote in an X post on Friday. "Just search your photos and we'll surface relevant items for you."Panay posted a 30-second video promoting the update, which uses image recognition technology to analyze users' photos, identify potential products, and provide links to purchase similar items on Amazon."You can use the Amazon Photos app to shop for products recognized in your photos," according to Amazon's customer service webpage. "When viewing individual photos, select the Lens icon to explore products in the Amazon retail app or website."Representatives for Amazon did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.The photo app update is yet another way Amazon founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos is trying to entice shoppers.In February, BI reported that Amazon is testing a program that pays media companies to drive traffic to the retail e-commerce platform through product recommendations. Publishers would get paid even if readers don't purchase the product.The feature comes just in time for Amazon's 2025 Big Spring Sale, which runs from March 25 to March 31. Shoppers can snag deals across several Amazon categories, from electronics to household products.Recommended video

Derrickson and his recurring creative partner C. Robert Cargill are tackling Christopher Golden's 2022 horror novel for the big screen.

Syndal South Primary School / WHDASave this picture! Anthony RichardsonArchitects: WHDAAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:1070 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Anthony RichardsonManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: Forbo, Laminex, Lysaght, Ontera (Carpet)More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Syndal South Primary School is an educational hub in the leafy urban area of Mount Waverley on the lands of the Woi Wurrung Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, the new Block A building of Syndal Primary School replaces an aging asbestos laden LTC building with new Administrative offices, Junior Classrooms, and a publicly accessible Library. The design proposal aims to contextualise the proposed Block A in its suburban setting by incorporating familiar domestic archetypes of the front porch and the verandah into circulation spaces and thresholds. The majority of the spaces are consolidated under a single roof which pitches north and south in deference to the neighbourhood street and to avoid overshadowing existing hardcourt play areas.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The building straddles domestic and civic scales and re-interprets cornerstones from the home and the neighbourhood into an education typology, such that public facing areas are scaled generously for social gathering, while learning and working areas are porous and scaled intimately for focus. Bookending the entry forecourt, the school-funded Library pavilion greets visitors as a local 'Living Room' and is flexible for both its roles as a quiet reading space during school hours and an open community hub after, with dual frontage providing views towards the school entry and internally across the sports courtyard.Save this picture!Save this picture!Entry to the school is organised in a pinwheel configuration, with wayfinding as a priority. New families and visitors needed to be able to navigate intuitively at the entry point - to reception, to the library, to the central sports courtyard, to the meeting rooms. Views are choreographed; the Library is connected to the administrative areas and reception through the thoroughfare, and the clerestory window to the commons draws the eye up to the mature ring of trees bordering Montgomery Avenue.Save this picture!The junior classrooms are conceived as a mixed model between open-plan and traditional directional classroom teaching, with dedicated teaching spaces connected to the commons and direct access to outdoor learning and play. These outdoor learning areas featuring play equipment and mud kitchens serve as an extension of the classroom and informal 'territory' between younger and older students, mediated by a new yarning circle installed by the school. The classrooms are adaptive to allow for a multitude of configurations to support a range of teaching modes, independent study, or group discussion, with interactive TVs supplementing physical media for art, math games, and literacy skills.Save this picture!Save this picture!The Commons is the heart of the new building and is treated as the collective 'street' of the junior learning base, large enough for assemblies to take place in bad weather and shaped to allow small group collaboration. The entry doors to each classroom are treated as a front 'porch' with cupboards for bags, nook seating for focused reading, and pinboards to showcase student work.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeWHDAOfficePublished on March 29, 2025Cite: "Syndal South Primary School / WHDA" 29 Mar 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1028536/syndal-south-primary-school-whda&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Green Screen Effects | 4K 60fps | Chroma Screen Sci-Fi Character VFX Footage for DownloadDiscover an impressive collection of Green Screen VFX and Chroma Key Footage in 4K 60fps! This playlist features high-quality VFX assets that are perfect for compositing in your films, videos, and creative projects. With effects from various genres like Fire FX, Smoke FX, and other dynamic elements from Unreal Engine VFX, you can add stunning visual effects to your content effortlessly.Each video includes multiple angles of Chroma Screen footage, allowing you to seamlessly integrate the effects into your scene from different perspectives. These professional-grade assets are optimized for Chroma Key compositing and will save you time on your VFX projects. Key Features:4K 60fps resolution for cinematic-quality visualsMultiple Angles for flexible compositingReady-to-use Fire FX, Smoke FX, and more from Unreal Engine VFXChroma Key (Green Screen) compatible for easy integrationIdeal for filmmakers, video editors, and VFX artistsEnhance your projects with these free downloadable effects and elevate your content. Subscribe for more VFX assets and tutorials!FAB - https://www.fab.com/sellers/CGHOW Whatsapp - https://bit.ly/3LYvxjK Patreon- https://www.patreon.com/Ashif NFT - https://opensea.io/CGHOW Twitter - https://twitter.com/cghow_ If you Liked it - http://bit.ly/2UZmiZ4 Channel Ashif - http://bit.ly/3aYaniw Support me on - paypal.me/9953280644 #cghow #UE5 #UE4Niagara #gamefx #ue5niagara #ue4vfx #niagara #unrealengineniagara #realtimevfxVisit - https://cghow.com/ Unreal Engine Marketplace - https://bit.ly/3aojvAa Artstation Store - https://www.artstation.com/ashif/store Gumroad - https://cghow.gumroad.com/

On March 11, NASA's Perseverance Mars rover spotted a mysterious rock made of hundreds of tiny spheres that resemble spider eggs. Studying its formation could help us look for fossilized remains of microbial life on Mars.

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The NYT's Strands puzzle is back with another letter grid that hides secret themed words. Unlike regular word searches, you're not given the words to search for ahead of time; you're uncovering terms connected by a clever theme while ensuring that no letter goes unused.