ZDNET's key takeaways The Bose SoundLink Home speaker is a Bose exclusive, meaning you can only purchase it on Bose's website; it's on sale ahead of Black Friday for $199. The SoundLink Home offers a sleek design reminiscent of the 70s and bass that doesn't disappear at low volumes. This speaker isn't compatible with Bose's companion apps, lacks waterproofing, and has a shorter-than-average battery life. View now at Bose What's the deal?The Bose SoundLink Home portable Bluetooth speaker is Bose's latest speaker release and a Bose exclusive. it's stylish and sounds great, and it's on sale at Bose's website for $199 ahead of Black Friday.Bluetooth speakers are an easy way to bring your favorite tunes into any room in your home. They can also be companions while you spend a day on the beach, hike, or host a few friends.But I've been turned off by the popularity of rugged Bluetooth speakers; it's great that many speakers can withstand days at the beach, drops in the pool, and tumbles down the side of a mountain on a hike. My issue is that speakers don't have to look like they can survive the end times.Also:The 50+ best Black Friday deals live nowAs a result, I've explored speakers meant for home use, with my favorite being the Sonos Era 300. However, it's not easy to move from room to room. One speaker has answered my sound, style, and portability wishes, and it's the Bose SoundLink Home, the latest speaker in Bose's SoundLink lineup.The SoundLink Home is a simple Bluetooth speaker, so it lacks the features of a smart speaker, like compatibility with WiFi or voice assistants. As a result, its main selling points are sound and design.In the audio community, a running joke about Bose speakers is, "No highs, no lows, must be Bose." Sure, the highs are a bit sharp, and the mids are slightly hollow, but the bass on this relatively small speaker is insane.Also:Sonos' latest audio products transformed the way I watch movies at home - here's howThe SoundLink Home's penchant for low-tone sound compelled me to listen to lots of R&B and hip-hop, like Frank Ocean's Novacane, Omar Apollo's Kamikaze, and Kendrick Lamar's Money Trees. This speaker reproduces skipping and groovy basslines beautifully, and lower-pitched singing voices are received well.The bass is full and punchy, and the mid-low sounds are vivid and electric, even at low volumes. Most people prefer these tones to be at the forefront of their speakers' and headphones' sound profiles, so I can see a broad audience enjoying this speaker.Overall, the SoundLink Home's warm and mellow sound profile, clear-enough vocals and midrange instruments, and prominent bass response at low volumes make it more than suitable for at-home listening.In Bose's advertising campaign for the SoundLink Home, the models are donned in neutral, warm-toned, and loose-fitting clothing. Their model homes feature wood floors and panels, tile backsplashes, sheer curtains, and earth-toned, minimalistic furniture.Also:One of the most immersive speakers I've listened to is not made by Sony or JBL (and it's on sale)I'm an informed consumer, Bose. I know an ode to the 70s when I see one. Bose is targeting a specific audience: younger people with a 70s-influenced aesthetic who want a speaker that fits their style more than it offers future-forward software features. Jada Jones/ZDNETThe SoundLink Home sports a retro-inspired design with a metal frame and stand, while the rest of the speaker is mesh. If designs like the Beats Pill (2024), Apple HomePod, and Sonos Era 100 are just a tad too modern for your taste, the SoundLink Home offers the old-school style you may want.Although its metallic accents can complement more modern home designs, its rectangular form factor, and speaker impression placement make the SoundLink Home resemble an old 70s AM/FM radio.Also:Bose QuietComfort Ultra review: A rightful heir to the ANC throneThe SoundLink Home's most significant technological feature is its connectivity. It is equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, which offers stable and efficient connections. However, this speaker only provides nine hours of playtime before recharging, so it's not the most battery-friendly speaker.A USB-C port on the speaker's side allows for connection to other audio sources, like a laptop, and this speaker has microphones for taking and making phone calls. Jada Jones/ZDNETOn the flip side, the SoundLink Home isn't compatible with the Bose or Bose Connect apps, meaning you cannot access speaker controls through a companion app. Still, if you purchase two SoundLink Home speakers, you can manually pair them into Stereo Mode.Stereo Mode turns one speaker into a left audio channel and one into a right audio channel, creating a more spacious and more immersive soundstage. Playing some jazz or mellow tunes through two of these speakers while you have guests over during the holiday season will turn you into the host of the year.ZDNET's buying adviceThe Bose SoundLink Home is a wonderful home speaker that strays from the industry standard of angular, rugged, and bright-colored design elements. If you want a Bluetooth speaker that harkens back to the 1970s, the SoundLink Home is the one for you.However, most Bluetooth speakers on the market can offer at least 12 hours of battery life, and the SoundLink Home falls short with nine hours of playtime. It lacks any official water protection, and Bose suggests keeping this speaker away from water and moist environments. Still, its great sound and interesting design set it apart from mainstream options.If the SoundLink Home's retro design doesn't move you and you want a waterproof Bluetooth speaker with a longer battery life, consider the Beats Pill (2024). If you want a smart home speaker and portability isn't at the top of your priority list, consider the Sonos Era 300.When will this deal expire?While many sales events feature deals for a specific length of time, deals are on a limited-time basis, making them subject to expire anytime. ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best offers to help you maximize your savings so you can feel as confident in your purchases as we feel in our recommendations. Our ZDNET team of experts constantly monitors the deals we feature to keep our stories up-to-date. If you missed out on this deal, don't worry -- we're always sourcing new savings opportunities atZDNET.com.Featured reviews

With Black Friday just over a week away, you can already get this fancy espresso machine on Amazon at a hefty discount.

B2B leaders have spent much of the past year scrambling to take advantage of genAI technology and find new ways to differentiate themselves.

QUICK HITSBlackRocks Bitcoin ETF options launched with $2B in trading volume on day one, signaling strong institutional interest.Grayscale, a key competitor, announced its entry into the Bitcoin ETF options market following BlackRocks success.Bullish investor sentiment and increased liquidity are driving $BTC to new highs, with options trading reshaping market dynamics.Political and institutional support, including pro-crypto policies and corporate adoption, further boosts Bitcoins appeal.If youre looking for an explanation for cryptos astounding growth, look at these two factors:Political shift to a pro-crypto stanceEver-growing crypto adoption by leading financial institutionsThat second point was on full display over the past day, as a leading Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) provider Blackrock saw a record-breaking $2B trading volume with the launch of options trading on its ETFs.Now, other providers are hurrying to get in on the action.All that institutional support helped push $BTC to a new all-time high of $93.8K.Lets see exactly what happened and why its such a big deal.Bitcoin ETF Options: A New Era in Crypto TradingThe cryptocurrency market witnessed a transformative shift with the introduction of options trading for Bitcoin ETFs.The SEC approved options back in September for several providers. Blackrocks iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) was the first to launch options trading on Tuesday.It didnt take long for the money to start flowing in big time.On the very first day, the market saw an impressive $2B in trading volume, reflecting strong investor enthusiasm. The dominance of call options highlighted bullish sentiment, with many traders speculating on Bitcoins potential for significant price appreciation.Options on ETFs open new avenues for investors, heralding a significant moment in the evolution of Bitcoins market structure.BlackRocks Record-Breaking Debut Spurs CompetitorsHot on the heels of BlackRocks success, Grayscale announced plans to launch options for its Bitcoin ETF.Grayscales options were approved back in September, but BlackRock launched first.If Grayscale had any qualms about offering options, $1.9B and 289K call options probably went a long way toward settling them.By joining the options race, Grayscale aims to maintain competitiveness and capitalize on the burgeoning interest in Bitcoin ETF options.And as one of the largest players in the crypto investment space, Grayscales entry is set to further energize the ETF market.Market Dynamics Reinforce Investor SentimentGoing back to the top Trumps support for crypto, including a proposed new SEC chair, has set the stage for renewed investor confidence.Support for Trumps $BTC reserve appears to be growing, and major companies like Microsoft seem open to the idea of their own $BTC holdings.And all along, professional traders and financial institutions continue to embrace the new trading instruments, using IBIT options to bet on dramatic price increases and leverage new ways of earning income from $BTC.Some are even targeting valuations as high as $100 for the ETF.Beyond speculation, the introduction of Bitcoin ETF options is expected to bring more liquidity to the market, offering new tools for hedging and investment strategies.The arrival of options trading for Bitcoin ETFs signifies a pivotal development for the cryptocurrency market. It reflects growing institutional adoption and provides a platform for sophisticated investment strategies.With major players like BlackRock and Grayscale driving innovation, the market dynamics of Bitcoin are poised for profound transformation.All eyes remain on how these financial products shape the future of Bitcoin and the broader crypto ecosystem.ReferencesAdd Techreport to Your Google News Feed Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now! Subscribe now Aaron covers crypto topics with an emphasis on providing accessible, informative perspectives. His background includes over a decade in higher education and 5+ years as a freelance writer in crypto & SEO.When he's not writing professionally, Aaron enjoys writing for fun, volunteering for a local charity, and boxing. View all articles by Aaron Walker Our editorial processThe Tech Reporteditorial policyis centered on providing helpful, accurate content that offers real value to our readers. We only work with experienced writers who have specific knowledge in the topics they cover, including latest developments in technology, online privacy, cryptocurrencies, software, and more. Our editorial policy ensures that each topic is researched and curated by our in-house editors. We maintain rigorous journalistic standards, and every article is 100% written byreal authors.

KEY TAKEAWAYSAdam Back predicts that Bitcoins price could increase 11 times, surpassing $1M per coin, if the US creates a national $BTC reserve.During his campaign, Trump promised to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve, potentially setting off a global race for Bitcoin adoption.Countries like El Salvador and Bhutan already hold Bitcoin reserves, and leaders in Argentina and Poland have hinted at similar moves.Despite enthusiasm from Bitcoin advocates, uncertainties around legality and logistics leave markets skeptical about the US adopting Bitcoin as a reserve asset.Adam Back (founder of Blockstream and one of Bitcoins early adopters) believes that if the US establishes a national strategic Bitcoin reserve, FOMO will grip the world.Back argues that the initiative would accelerate governmental Bitcoin adoption as a reserve asset. The trend is already gaining traction in US states like Florida and Pennsylvania.Moreover, the governments move could trigger a race among other nations to adopt Bitcoin and even push China to reconsider its anti-cryptocurrency stance.Strategic Bitcoin ReserveDuring his campaign, Donald Trump promised to create a national strategic Bitcoin reserve. Adam Back predicts that Bitcoins price could rise at least 11 times if this promise materializes.He wrote on his X account that if the US strategic Bitcoin reserve becomes a reality, prepare for a seven-digit Bitcoin this cycle.Even before the US made its move, nations like El Salvador and Bhutan had already established strategic Bitcoin reserves. In Poland, presidential candidates have also signaled interest in adopting Bitcoin as a reserve asset.In Latin America, Trumps potential move might be mirrored by Argentinas president, Javier Milei. Hes strongly aligned with US policies and has advocated for national Bitcoin adoption multiple times.Back also explained that the market remains skeptical about the US seriously considering a strategic Bitcoin reserve.iI the US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve happens prepare for 7 figure bitcoin. this cycle. the market is skeptical on meaningful follow through for now, so that is not at all priced in. Adam BackThe Blockstream CEO also referenced Trumps promise that the US could use confiscated Bitcoins or acquire new ones specifically for the reserve.However, Bitcoins confiscated in cases like FTX or the Bitfinex hack legally belong to victims, making it unlikely for the government to secure judicial approval to retain those $BTC.Senator Cynthia Lummis aligned with this proposal and suggested that the US could sell gold to purchase 1M Bitcoins.Nonetheless, there are still many speculations and few concrete details about how this reserve would operate. Additionally, Trump would need to assume the presidency before fulfilling his promise.Enthusiastic Bitcoiners Foresee Bitcoin FOMODespite the uncertainties, Bitcoin enthusiasts like Adam Back remain optimistic. In his response to another X user, he explained that if the US implements such a reserve, FOMO would take over the global market.According to him, acquiring 1M Bitcoins efficiently would require extreme discretion, likely through OTC (over-the-counter) desks.If Backs prediction comes true, Bitcoin could increase in value by at least 11 times its current price, surpassing $1M.Could Bitcoin Reach $1M?Adam Back believes the US could ignite a global Bitcoin frenzy by establishing a strategic reserve.Such a move would accelerate Bitcoin adoption worldwide, potentially pushing its price to $1M this cycle. Back suggests this could create a domino effect, prompting countries like China to reevaluate their stance on cryptocurrencies.Despite a generalized skepticism surrounding the US $BTC reserve (due to legal challenges and the absence of concrete plans), industry leaders remain confident. Will the US become a Bitcoin leader, and will Trump bring the much-promised crypto revolution?The following weeks and months should offer an answer to that.ReferencesClick to expand and view referencesAdd Techreport to Your Google News Feed Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now! Subscribe now Cassio Gusson is a journalist passionate about technology, cryptocurrencies, and the nuances of human nature. With a career spanning roles as Senior Crypto Journalist at CriptoFacil and Head of News at CoinTelegraph, he offers exclusive insights on South Americas crypto landscape. A graduate in Communication from Faccamp and a post-graduate in Globalization and Culture from FESPSP, Cassio explores the intersection of governance, decentralization, and the evolution of global systems. View all articles by Cassio Gusson Our editorial processThe Tech Reporteditorial policyis centered on providing helpful, accurate content that offers real value to our readers. We only work with experienced writers who have specific knowledge in the topics they cover, including latest developments in technology, online privacy, cryptocurrencies, software, and more. Our editorial policy ensures that each topic is researched and curated by our in-house editors. We maintain rigorous journalistic standards, and every article is 100% written byreal authors.

Retro Potato: Longtime Microsoft software engineer Raymond Chen recently responded to an intriguing retro-tech question posed by a game developer on X. The developer inquired about the three distinct user interfaces used during the Windows 95 setup process, which transitioned from DOS to Windows 3.x, and finally to the classic Win9x GUI. Chen explaining that it was a deliberate design choice to minimize the amount of code required for the Windows 95 configuration experience. Experienced PC users may be well aware of the peculiar relationship between MS-DOS code and the GUI environment within the Win9x ecosystem. However, according to Chen, the multi-OS support built into the Windows 95 setup program was far more sophisticated than it might initially seem.With over 30 years of experience shaping the evolution of Windows, Chen holds deep insights into the hidden intricacies of one of the world's most widely used software platforms. Writing The Old New Thing blog, he said Windows 95 setup was designed to upgrade systems from three possible starting points MS-DOS, Windows 3.1, and Windows 95 itself. This necessity dictated the need for compatibility with three distinct computing environments.The setup program was primarily written as an MS-DOS application but was designed to run on three different operating systems to perform distinct tasks. The DOS portion was necessary when setup was launched from the MS-DOS prompt, as accessing the Win9x environment would have been impossible without first installing it on the hard drive.Also see: Who wrote the BSOD screen? Former Windows developer finally has an answerThe MS-DOS setup component installed a minimal version of Windows 3.1 just enough to support the 16-bit portion of the setup tool. After booting into this miniature Windows 3.1 environment, the 16-bit GUI setup program would launch. This application could also run in a full Windows 3.x environment or even within an already installed Windows 95 OS, enabling users to repair a corrupted system if necessary. // Related StoriesThe 16-bit Windows application was the centerpiece of the process, Chen explained, as it handled the majority of tasks required for the "real" Windows 95 installation. This graphical interface managed user interaction, collected configuration data, determined which OS components to install, and performed hardware detection to select the appropriate drivers.After copying the Windows 95 files and drivers to the system, the 16-bit setup booted into the Win9x environment. The third and final setup stage involved a genuine Win32 application, which finalized the installation by handling tasks such as installing printers and configuring other peripherals.By chaining together these three setup programs, Microsoft was able to streamline development by reusing a single codebase across all three main installation scenarios. "Each program takes you one step closer to the goal. And everything got implemented only once," the developer said.

In brief: DDR5 memory chips generally have higher latency than DDR4, but this usually doesn't pose a problem under normal usage. However, MSI has released a firmware update to address a mild latency increase introduced last month. Chinese website Uniko's Hardware recently spotted a new feature in MSI firmware for AM5 motherboards called "Latency Killer," which is designed to improve RAM latency. According to its description, Latency Killer can boost latency performance but may have a negative impact on CPU performance. However, most users are unlikely to notice any significant difference in everyday use.The Latency Killer feature offers three settings: Enabled, Disabled, or Auto. This new option is intended to restore latency levels to those seen on AM5 motherboards before the recent AGESA 1202a update, which increased latency by around 10 nanoseconds. Some users had been flashing their motherboards with older AGESA versions to regain lost performance.Corsair explains that a DRAM module's latency refers to how many clock cycles it takes to access a specific set of data stored in RAM. CAS (Column Address Strobe) latency is a key specification that indicates how many clock cycles are needed for the DRAM to provide the requested data to the CPU. For example, a CAS latency of 34 means the module needs 34 RAM clock cycles to fulfill a data request from the processor.DDR5 RAM generally has higher CAS latency than DDR4 memory, but it still offers significant performance benefits due to higher power efficiency, greater storage density, and much faster clock speeds. In practical terms, a 10-nanosecond reduction in latency is unlikely to have a noticeable impact on everyday tasks or gaming performance. // Related StoriesThe new Latency Killer option appears to be aimed at restoring the memory latency levels seen on AM5 motherboards before the AGESA 1202a update. However, AMD is working on a new firmware revision that will address the latency increase without requiring users to enable or disable any BIOS options.The AGESA 1.2.0.2a microcode update, released a few weeks ago, added support for Ryzen 9000X3D "Granite Ridge" CPUs on AM5 motherboards. The Granite Ridge architecture, based on Zen 5, is a powerful CPU design with a generous amount of integrated L3 cache, which should help offset the additional latency introduced by AMD's microcode.

Digital TrendsEditor's note: The biggest shopping day of the year Black Friday is almost here, and there are already TV deals you can grab. You can get Samsung's 65-inch S90C for only $1,000. It's a deal that we think makes it the best OLED to buy right now. You can save on more than just TVs on Black Friday. Check out our other Black Friday deals for more sales on headphones, streaming devices, phones, and more.If you're on the hunt for the best TV for whatever you're into movies and TV, sports, or gaming (check out our list of the best gaming TVs) sitting at the top of the TV pyramid are OLED TVs. In lieu of traditional LED backlighting, OLED TVs use millions of self-emissive pixels (that create their own light and are not backlit) to create rich colors, inky blacks, and zero light blooming in short, arguably the best picture in the business. Over the last several years, LG has been the predominant manufacturer of OLED TVss, but now the company competes with Samsung and Sony in the OLED marketplace.With numerous models and sizes to choose from, three of the best TV brands make OLEDs, and theyre all worth considering. To help you hone in on the best TVs, weve created this list of the best OLED TVs for 2024.LG OLED Evo G4Best overall OLED TVJump to detailsLG OLED Evo C4Runner-upJump to detailsLG M3 Wireless OLEDA wire-free flagshipJump to detailsSony XR A95LThe best OLED for videophilesJump to detailsSony Bravia 8 SeriesA runner-up Sony OLEDJump to detailsSamsung S95D QD-OLEDBest Samsung OLEDJump to detailsRecommended VideosZeke Jones / Digital TrendsBest overall OLED TVLG OLED Evo G4LG G4 OLED ReviewProsOutstanding brightnessAstounding accuracyUnprecedented flexibilityAwesome gaming performanceFive-year warrantyConsHit-or-miss soundFrustrating remoteLG has done it again folks. One of our favorite TVs of 2023 was the amazing LG G3 Series, and now that set has been ousted from its throne only to be replaced by the LG G4.Much like its older brother, the G4 leverages Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology to achieve the kind of brightness levels wed expect from an LED-LCD. We've put the G4 through several picture tests and were absolutely blown away by its peak luminance, breathtaking colors, and next-level HDR performance. LG has long been a TV brand one gravitates toward for picture accuracy, and thanks to features like Filmmaker Mode on the G4, that reputation continues.As part of LGs Gallery (what the G in G4 stands for) lineup, this OLED is designed to look like a piece of artwork when mounted to a wall. And if you purchase the 77-, 83-, or 97-inch version of the G4, the low-profile wall mount comes in the box (the 55- and 65-inch versions come with a tabletop stand). Each of the TVs four HDMI ports are 2.1 certified, with resolution and refresh rate capped at 4K/120Hz. Action movies, sports, and gaming will look particularly great on the G4, and lower-res sources get the 4K upscaling treatment.While webOS 24 and the included LG Magic Remote may not be for everyone, we have no doubt that if youre looking for the best OLED picture that money can buy in 2024, youll be hard-pressed to do better than the LG G4 Series.LG OLED Evo G4Best overall OLED TVLG C4 OLEDDouglas Murray / Digital TrendsRunner-upLG OLED Evo C4ProsGreat black levels and color accuracyStellar HDR highlights and vibrant colorsSolid gaming optimizationsConsLackluster off-angle viewingOne of our favorite things about LG is that even though brands like Sony and Samsung have started getting very competitive with models like the A95L and S95D (these are QD-OLED TVs), LG hasnt gone back to the drawing board to attempt to come up with picture tech thats bolder and better. Instead, the company is sticking to its OLED roots, which leads us to the LG C4 OLED Evo.Available in sizes ranging from 42 to 83 inches, the LG C4 is a great TV for everything from movies and shows to video games. And thanks to features like Brightness Booster Max, spectacular highlights and HDR colors really stand out on this set; even in a brightly lit room. We do recommend watching from as centered of a seating position as possible though, as theres a bit of a green overcast to the image when viewing off-angle.Calling all gamers: Not only does the LG C4 have four HDMI 2.1 ports and 144Hz refresh rate capabilities, but features like VRR support lead to some of the best response times and lag-free performance weve ever seen on an OLED. The LG C4 is also equipped with LGs webOS 24 for accessing streaming service apps like Netflix and Disney+, or streaming tunes via AirPlay 2.Historically, OLED TVs have always looked the best in dark rooms, so if your living room is often bathed in sunlight, the C4 Series may not be the best fit for your home. For that, have a look at our list of the best QLED TVs instead.LG OLED Evo C4Runner-upRelatedZeke Jones / Digital TrendsA wire-free flagshipLG M3 Wireless OLEDLG M3 Wireless OLED ReviewProsGorgeous OLED picture qualityLow-latency wireless for gamingSolid wireless signal connectionEasy setupGood soundConsWireless box needs true line of sightIt was only a matter of time before a TV company decided to go wireless, at least in terms of AV connectivity. Sure, Samsungs One Connect tech is great for consolidating wire clutter, but the LG M3 Series goes a step further by eliminating cable leads altogether. Thats right: The M3 Series wirelessly beams picture and sound to the TV via its Zero Connect Box.A line-of-sight peripheral that should be placed no further than 30 feet away from the M3 Series, youll be able to connect everything from streaming devices to gaming consoles to the Zero Connect. Caleb Denison, our editor-at-large, has had the privilege of seeing this bad boy in action, and reported that there is no discernible picture difference between a tried and true HDMI cable and the M3s wireless tech.As for overall picture quality, the LG M3 is simply a beast. As weve come to expect from the kinds of OLED, LG's M3 Series delivers excellent color and contrast, on top of class-leading brightness for an OLED display. LGs phenomenal a9 AI Processor Gen 6 is responsible for the TVs image upscaling, and it does a terrific job at further enhancing visuals for each and every frame.The M3 is also optimized for next-gen gaming, with resolution and motion clarity topping out at 4K/120Hz. Youll be able to grab this model in 77-, 83-, and 98-inch sizes, and even though this is LGs first foray into wireless TV tech, the execution is already excellent and we cant wait to see what future iterations of the M3 Series will look and sound like.LG M3 Wireless OLEDA wire-free flagshipZeke Jones / Digital TrendsThe best OLED for videophilesSony XR A95LSony Bravia A95L ReviewProsOutstanding color accuracy and brightnessExcellent contrast and luminanceGreat soundGorgeous game mode picture qualityIncredibly good upscalingConsSome deep features not available at launchWe finished our review of the Sony XR A95L as very happy campers. In fact, we awarded the latest Sony QD-OLED flagship a perfect five out of five stars. This TV is seriously good, and because were dealing with a QD-OLED display, theres plenty of brightness, colors, and contrast perks thanks to those onboard quantum dots. But were really just scratching the surface with those highlights; so lets take a look under the hood.As weve come to expect from most Sony sets, the formidable A95L is equipped with the companys Cognitive Processor XR (CPXR) as the main brains behind the picture. As it handles everything from frame-to-frame improvements and 4K upscaling, weve always been major fans of Sonys picture engine, but when you combine the CPXR with the A95Ls native panel tech and XR Triluminos Max, you get movies, shows, and video games that look like they could leap right off the screen.This is also the first of Sonys QD-OLEDs to be equipped with the Pentonic 1000 HDMI chipset, which allows for Dolby Vision gameplay at up to 120Hz. Thats on top of other gaming features like VRR support and HDMI 2.1 connectivity.As for the latter, only two of the TVs four ports support the latest HDMI standard, and as our own Caleb Denison points out in his review, one of these ports is also the TVs HDMI ARC/eARC port. This may pose a little trouble for those who may want to use the eARC connection for Dolby Atmos or HDMI CEC purposes, but one can always invest in an HDMI switcher if push comes to shove.Beyond that one minor hitch, the Sony A95L lives right on the cutting edge of TV tech, and other manufacturers should definitely be taking notes.If you're in the market for a 55-inch model, you can take advantage of Best Buy's $200 price cut on the Sony A95L.Sony XR A95LThe best OLED for videophilesDigital TrendsA runner-up Sony OLEDSony Bravia 8 SeriesProsUnbeatable black levels and rich colorsFantastic HDR performanceLow input lag and fast response timeSolid picture upscalingConsHDMI 2.1 is limited to two portsNot as bright as other OLEDsFor 2024, Sony decided to part ways with the medley of random letters and numbers that generally make up its TV models. Instead, were getting simplified Bravia 3, 7, 8, and 9 Series labeling, and only one of these models is a 2024 Sony OLED: the Bravia 8 Series. And unlike the flagship Sony A95L QD-OLED, the Bravia 8 uses a WOLED panel. While this doesnt really affect the TVs contrast performance, the loss of quantum dots does make for a less vibrant image overall.But OLED TVs arent renowned for brightness to begin with (thats where the best QLED TVs come into play); although the Bravia 8 does bring exceptional SDR and HDR brightness to the table. The Bravia 8 does an excellent job at standing up to ambient lighting and has a wide viewing angle, so every seat in the living room is the right seat. Were also glad to see that Sony included a few gaming optimizations on the Bravia 8 too, including VRR support and an automatic Game Mode. In fact, the only drawback for gamers is that HDMI 2.1 is confined to two of the TVs four HDMI ports.Available in 55-, 65-, and 77-inch sizes, the Bravia 8 has a 50-watt, 2.1 speaker system, which produces a surprising amount of audio for a TV. As for all things apps, games, and smart home, Google TV is the OS and streaming hub for the job. Indulge in Netflix, cast media using AirPlay 2, or call upon Google Assistant to dim your smart lights.The Sony Bravia 8 Series may not be the best TV for every Sony fan, but its still one of our favorite OLED sets of the year. And if you go with one of the smaller sizes, there's a good chance you'll find this TV on our list of the best TVs under $1,000 eventually.Sony Bravia 8 SeriesA runner-up Sony OLEDZeke Jones / Digital TrendsBest Samsung OLEDSamsung S95D QD-OLEDSamsung S95D QD-OLED TV ReviewProsExellent brightnessEye-popping colorSnappy operationGreat gaming featuresAwesome for bright roomsConsAnti-glare treatment is polarizingBlacks may appear lifted in bright roomsWhile we couldnt help but leave the Samsung S95C in our roundup for the time being, 2024 has given us the incredible Samsung S95D. This is the third generation of Samsungs QD-OLED technology, combining quantum dots and self-emissive pixels to deliver a TV with plenty of picture detail especially when it comes time to dig into its color palette.At one time, brightness was a major concern when buying an OLED TV, but sets like the S95D lay those worries to rest. In our own picture tests, editor-at-large Caleb Denison clocked 1,450 nits for peak brightness performance. While this isnt exactly on par with QLEDs like the Hisense U8N, this type of brightness is a huge step forward for all OLEDs, not to mention the TVs anti-glare matte screen, which helps to cut down on how much ambient lighting interferes with your picture.The S95D is equipped with four HDMI 2.1 inputs, and supports 4K/144Hz with Variable Refresh Rate. Whether you plan on hooking up your console or gaming PC, youll get near-instant response time and super-low input lag with this Samsung QD-OLED. We were also quite impressed by the S95Ds built-in speakers, which brought far bigger sound to the table than were used to from any modern TV.Available in 55-, 65-, and 75-inch sizes, the Samsung S95D QD-OLED is further proof that Samsung knows exactly what its doing with OLED technology.Samsung S95D QD-OLEDBest Samsung OLEDWhat is an OLED TV?OLED stands for organic light-emitting diode, and its signature characteristic is that each pixel on the screen of an OLED TV emits its own light and color and can be turned completely off to deliver true black color. OLED versus QLED: which is better?Be sure to check out our QLED versus OLED explainer. In general, OLED TVs produce a higher-quality image than QLED TVs, but there are caveats. QLED TVs get brighter, and so theyre the better choice for brightly-lit rooms. Is OLED better than 4K?Trick question! OLED is a description of a kind of TV display, whereas 4K refers to a TVs native resolution. Like LED and QLED TVs, you can buy 4K and even 8K OLED TVs the choice is yours. What should I look for in an OLED TV?If youre a gamer, make sure your OLED TV supports HDMI 2.1 at the least, and in an ideal world, it should have Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, too. If youre a cinephile or video maven, find a model with the best picture processing. Is OLED the best TV technology?We think OLED TVs still currently produce the best overall image quality, but upcoming new formats such as QD-OLED, microLED and mini-LED-based QLED TVs are starting to threaten OLED TVs crown. Do OLED TVs have HDR?Yes, all OLED TVs are compatible with at least HDR10 the most common HDR format while most offer support for HLG and Dolby Vision, too. Do OLED TVs have problems with burn-in?For the vast majority of buyers, burn-in will not be a problem, but it can happen. When it occurs, its usually because someone has set their OLED TV to show a TV channel or a video game that has on-screen graphics that dont move much or at all and left it there for many hours each day, for many days in a row. Who makes the best OLED TV?We believe that LG Electronics makes the best overall OLED TV: the G4 Gallery Series. That said, Sonys image processing is slightly better, so if image perfection is your main yardstick, a Sony OLED TV is a great way to go.While you'll be hard pressed to find an OLED on our list of the best TVs under $500, this is a perfect example of getting what you pay for (at least when it comes to TV technology). Is an OLED TV worth it?Yes. OLED TVs are definitely expensive when compared to some other options, but their black levels, contrast, and color make for an awesome viewing experience. How do we test TVs?We've tested a lot of TVs. A lot. Our editor-at-large and resident TV expert, Caleb Denison, has been covering the TV and home theater space for decades. He's one of the best int he business. But rather than trying to detail his reviewing process here, he's laid it all out in this excellent explainer on how he tests TVs. Heres a rundown of some of the most common terms associated with todays TV technology.4K Ultra HDThis refers to a display resolution that is four times that of 1080p HD. A 4K Ultra HD TVs pixel resolution is a 3,840 x 2,160 grid in a 16:9 aspect ratio, resulting in nearly 8.3 million pixels. This increase in density adds striking detail and realism to an image and allows larger screens to be viewed from closer distances without individual pixels becoming visible.High dynamic range (HDR)High dynamic range is probably most familiar to people through the HDR mode on their digital cameras. Its designed to deliver a picture that has greater details in the shadows and highlights, plus a wider range of colors. HDR in televisions pursues the same goal. The color palette is wider, blacks are deeper, and whites are brighter.Presently, there are two major HDR formats: HDR10 and Dolby Vision, with a third HDR10+ beginning to show up on new models, particularly those from Samsung. The first is the HDR standard, but Dolby Vision offers a premium experience. Consider a TV that supports both. HLG (hybrid log gamma)is another recent addition to the HDR collection, which supports over-the-air (OTA) broadcast content with HDR.Full-array local dimming (FALD)This refers to an LED TVs backlighting system. A FALD display contains an array of LEDs spread out in a grid behind an LCD panel, rather than just at the edges of the TV. This LED array is broken up into zones that can be dimmed when necessary to achieve better black levels. Another benefit is more uniform brightness across the screen.Wide color gamut (WCG)These are the expanded color reproduction abilities of a 4K Ultra HD TV, which are closer than ever to what we see in a digital cinema. By approaching (or sometimes exceeding) the Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) P3 color specification, a 4K UHD TV can produce billions of more colors than a 1080p HD TV.Quantum dotsA layer of film loaded with tiny nanocrystal semiconductors is placed in a TVs display panel to help produce a more accurate array of colors. Quantum dots work by producing a purer form of white light from a TVs backlighting system, which helps the TVs color filter perform more accurately.Phosphor-coated LEDAn alternative to Quantum Dots, phosphor-coated LEDs have a chemical coating to alter the lights output. When used in a TV, this results in a purer backlight thats more easily manipulated by a TVs color filter, resulting in a wide color gamut and increased color accuracy.HDMI 2.1The latest version of the HDMI spec. It offers new enhancements for video games like variable refresh rate (VRR) and automatic low-latency mode (ALLM) and the ability to pass 4K signals to the TV at up to 120Hz, for ultra-smooth motion. HDMI 2.1 is a requirement for 8K video sources like the PlayStation 5and Xbox Series X. For most non-gamers, HDMI 2.1 is a nice way to future-proof yourself but it's nowhere near a necessity yet.HDCP 2.3The latest version of the High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection technology, which provides copy prevention specifically of 4K Ultra HD and 8K content. Any source device that requires HDCP 2.3 will require a TV with an HDCP 2.3-compliant HDMI port for a compatible connection.HEVC (H.265)Stands for High-Efficiency Video Coding. A compression technology developed to make large 4K UHD video files smaller and, therefore, easier to stream over broadband Internet connections. HEVC is said to double the data compression ratio over H.264, the predominant encoding technology used today for 1080p videos while retaining the same video quality. A smart TV or streaming set-top box must be able to decode HEVC to playback 4K Ultra HD video from sites like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.VP9An alternative to HEVC developed by Google and used predominantly for encoding 4K Ultra HD YouTube videos. For a smart TV or streaming set-top box to play 4K Ultra HD YouTube videos, it must be able to decode VP9 videos.Editors Recommendations

Every fall, video game publishers kick into high gear to get their biggest releases out in time for holiday shopping. Were here to make sure you dont get overwhelmed. Our Holiday Gaming hub will give you all the news on the seasons hottest games and catalog our reviews to help make your holiday shopping (or listmaking) easier.

The AI chip giant gave a strong outlook, pointing to healthy demand for next-generation chips.