Switzerlands national postal service is targeting one million Swiss residents to join its ePost encrypted communications service by the end of 2025.Swiss Post, faced with the prospect of annual falls in demand for traditional postal services, is betting that its ePost mobile app will fill the gap left by the declining use of traditional mail.ePost aims to become the go-to app in Switzerland for people to communicate with banks, insurance companies, government, hospitals and other organisations such as clubs and societies.It offers Swiss citizens a single inbox for email, instant messaging and electronic post, the ability to receive and pay bills, and the facility to store and access documents, ranging from insurance quotes to medical records.The app, which claims to be the first of its kind, has attracted interest from governments and postal services in Germany, France and the Nordics, which are investigating the potential to build equivalent apps.Renato Stalder, CEO of ePost, told Computer Weekly that demand for the app has grown throughout 2024, with 15,000 to 25,000 people signing up each month, often through word-of-mouth recommendations.The need for a digital alternative became clear to Swiss Post in 2000 when the volume of letters posted in Switzerland began a rapid downward trajectory as people replaced letters with emails and text messages.With Swiss Posts revenues in decline, the government decided the country should build a nationwide communications platform that would be available to everyone living in Switzerland or overseas with a Swiss passport.Swiss Post created a subsidiary, ePost Service AG, to develop the technology. It was intended to act more like a startup company than a traditional postal service, with the ability to move quickly and attract talented technology experts.Stalder told Computer Weekly that, to secure financial backing, the new company had to find a niche that had yet to be exploited by other communications services.The market for business-to-business communications had already been cornered by Microsoft technology, particularly Microsoft Teams, while WhatsApp was the app of choice for people to send personal instant messages.But ePost identified a gap in the market for technology that would help businesses and government agencies communicate with consumers and citizens.ePosts breakthrough idea was to build an app through which Swiss citizens could communicate with multiple business and government departments, pay bills, sign contracts, and collate important documents and communications.We said lets bring together people, organisations, Cantons [administrative districts], banks and insurance companies on one distributed platform to allow secure communications, and lets create that as a piece of national infrastructure, said Stalder.The company turned to the open source protocol, Matrix, which offers decentralised secure communications.The technology has the advantage of not tying its users to proprietary messaging services, such as WhatsApp, or requiring companies that deploy Matrix messaging services to be locked into the technology of a single provider.Its interoperable design means it is possible to send messages on the Matrix protocol and have them delivered through bridges to other messaging services.Swiss Post began developing its country-wide communications platform in October 2020 and the app was ready to roll out in July 2021. The main selling point was to offer a digital alternative to paper post.The business model was influenced by the postal service the sender pays, but the app is free to use for the public.It was not successful, said Stalder. We made a big mistake. We were so focused on the history of post that we were thinking about letters and decided to digitise the letter, he said.Stalder acknowledged that ePost had failed to recognise the publics changing preferences. The growth of email and instant messaging meant that letters, even in digital form, were in decline.It took six months to convince the first 50,000 people to download the app. The app simply did not offer enough benefits to persuade people to use it, said Stalder, and businesses were not keen to add digital post as yet another communications channel.ePost went back to the drawing board to develop an updated version of the app featuring secure messaging and email, document storage, digital document signing and a simple way to pay bills.The service offered small and medium-sized companies cloud-based software that they could use to manage their relationship with customers. For larger companies, there is an on-site server.When the updated app became available in 2024, persuading companies and Swiss citizens to sign up to the app nevertheless proved to be a chicken and egg problem.Companies did not want to sign up unless they could use the app to reach a significant number of people, and citizens were not interested unless they could use the app to reach a significant number of companies and government organisations.The upside was that the first company to solve the problem would have a monopoly. As Stalder said: Its a winner-takes-all approach.Stalders initial goal was to sign up two banks, two insurance companies and two regional government Cantons.The app aimed to attract businesses by offering them branding that mimics the branding they would have had on physical letters, including a company colour scheme and logos.It also offered a safe alternative for staff who might use non-work apps such as WhatsApp for official communications.Stalder, who has also worked on the governance committee of a bank, found there were concerns in financial organisations about employees using WhatsApp and similar messaging services.Although WhatsApp is end-to-end encrypted, and therefore secure, the difficulty is that WhatsApp messages are not recorded in company records. That means, for example, if a customer accused a bank of providing bad financial advice over WhatsApp, the bank would have no record of the communication.These features have proved attractive to businesses. We say we want to give the same comfort and convenience [as WhatsApp] but without the problems. And thats where the corporates react very positively, said Stalder.Users benefit by being able to use a single app to communicate with a wide range of businesses, clubs and government services. They can receive invoices, contracts and other digital documents, emails, SMS messages and secure emails, which appear in one inbox.People can also pay their bills from the app, which can connect to their bank through an open banking standard used by 70% of Swiss banks. The app will also recognise contracts and allows people to sign them digitally.You get sent a bill and you have one click to send it to your e-banking. This is the most used function. The second most used function is signing papers directly in the app instead of printing them out, said Stalder.As all messages appear in one inbox, people do not have to spend time searching their emails, text messages and paper files to find information.The app also allows users to tag documents for example, to identify documents and receipts, which saves time when filing an annual tax return. At the end of the tax year, people can ask the app for all the receipts needed to complete their tax declaration.Every document that comes in gets a digital signature at the moment it comes into the system. And we can guarantee, since its in the system, it was never changed, said Stalder.For now, ePost which employs 140 people, most of whom work on development is focused on growth. It has set the ambitious target of reaching one million users by 2025 and is set to break even by 2026.The next step is to add secure encrypted email, which will appear in the same inbox as regular email, chat messages and digital letters.We want to have a unified communications approach. As a user, I dont care if it was an email going ping-pong or a text message. That is the thing we are working on now, said Stalder.Over the next two years, ePost also plans to develop ways to make it easier to integrate other software applications into the platform by developing application programming interfaces (APIs). One plan is to link ePost to Microsoft Teams so that people working for corporations or the government can speak to customers through their ePost app on their mobile phone.There are still technical challenges ahead. One issue is that people can miss messages if they log out of the app, such as when they change their mobile phone. At a Matrix conference in Berlin this year, other organisations revealed they had experienced the same problem.I have learned that everyone has this problem, so its a real issue, but the good thing is that the pressure is so high, I am sure it will be solved, said Stalder.If there is one thing Stalder would do differently, it is to start with email and messaging services rather than trying to replicate letters electronically.Sometimes I go with our commercial people and to see the reaction of the client when we present them with new functionalities, he said. When we start our story with the digital letter, you can see they are sitting there and saying, Okay, thats nice. But when we talk about new channels, they open their eyes and say, Well, that would allow us to have a totally different conversation with the customer, why didnt you tell us before?.Read more about the evolution of postal servicesHow SingPost is delivering on digital transformation: SingPost group CIO outlines the companys efforts to leverage AI and automation to improve operations, emphasising the importance of building the right culture as it expands its regional footprint.Finlands postal service targets new revenue streams through digitisation: Posti plans to use the new SisuID digital authentication method to accelerate business growth and opportunities.Postal delivery robots piloted in Norway: The Norwegian postal service is testing out the value and viability of robots delivering mail to homes and businesses.

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StrandsNYTLooking for Fridays Strands hints, spangram and answers? You can find them here:Time to start your weekend with a new Strands puzzle that may prove to be on the tougher side.How To Play StrandsThe New York Times Strands puzzle is a play on the classic word search. Its in beta for now, which means itll only stick around if enough people play it every day.Theres a new game of Strands to play every day. The game will present you with a six by eight grid of letters. The aim is to find a group of words that have something in common, and youll get a clue as to what that theme is. When you find a theme word, it will remain highlighted in blue.Youll also need to find a special word called a spangram. This tells you what the words have in common. The spangram links two opposite sides of the board. While the theme words will not be a proper name, the spangram can be a proper name. When you find the spangram, it will remain highlighted in yellow.Every letter is used once in one of the theme words and spangram. You can connect letters vertically, horizontally and diagonally, and its possible to switch directions in the middle of a word. If youre playing on a touchscreen, double tap the last letter to submit your guess.MORE FROMFORBES VETTEDIf you find three valid words of at least four letters that are not part of the theme, youll unlock the Hint button. Clicking this will highlight the letters that make up one of the theme words.Be warned: Youll need to be on your toes. Sometimes youll need to fill the missing word(s) in a phrase. On other days, the game may revolve around synonyms or homophones. The difficulty will vary from day to day, and the puzzle creators will try to surprise you sometimes.What Is Todays Strands Hint?We will start with the official hint and then move on to one that I craft myself to make things a bit more clear. The official hint isDid you hear that?And my hint is:Audible wordsWhat Are Todays Strands Answers?Time to start with the spangram, then the full list of answers after that. The spangram is:SOUND EFFECTSAnd is found on the board here:StrandsNYTThe full answer list is:CRUNCHSIZZLECRASHJINGLEKAPOWHONKBANGStrandsNYTIm not going to lie, this may have actually helped set my all-time speed record for Strands. I dont know why but this puzzle just really clicked for me the moment I got the first word, CRUNCH, which I was initially going to use as a hint. But once that hit, I got what they were going for and I tried to think of every sound it makes when Batman punches people in his 60s TV show.Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky and Instagram.Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.

Taking a look back at this weeks news and headlines from Apple, including iPhone 17 design leaks, iPhone 16 Pro camera issues, Apples Black Friday offers, new MacBook Pro display, iOS update warning, Apple News adds ads, and BlueSkys app store victory.Apple Loop is here to remind you of a few of the many discussions around Apple in the last seven days. You can also read my weekly digest of Android news here on Forbes.Customers shop at the largest Apple flagship store in Asia in Shanghai, China, on September 22, ... [+] 2024. (Photo by Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images)NurPhoto via Getty ImagesiPhone 17 Dynamic DesignIntroduced by the iPhone 14, Apples dynamic island surrounds the forward-facing camera and sensors with a black area of pixels and offers information and widgets in the space, expanding as needed, while doing its best to obscure the punched-out spaces. With smaller sensors coming in the iPhone 17 design, the base dynamic island can be reduced:"In terms of design, Pu once again says that all iPhone 17 models will feature an aluminum design that is more complex than the iPhone 16 models. The iPhone 17 Pro Max will introduce a much narrowed Dynamic Island, while the other models will retain the current design."The smaller Dynamic Island on the iPhone 17 Pro Max is made possible by a metalens technology for the proximity sensor. This metalens change has the potential to significantly reduce the size of the Face ID sensor."MORE FOR YOU(9to5Mac).When Cameras Need More WorkIs the iPhone family losing out in the camera space to Android? Thats the suggestion from Roger Fingas, as he looks over the iPhone 16 Pro compared to the Android powered competition. The need for better zoom and more pixels (as opposed to better interpolation software) stand out, as does Apples default styles applied to image processing:"I sense Apple doesn't know how to preserve colors and shadows without losing detail, and its camera tech is hampered by a familiar management concern: profit margins. Apple executives are notorious for preserving margins, which is why some iPhone components remain unchanged for years. Apple hasn't changed the lens elements on the iPhone 16 lineup to fix flares in nighttime photos and videos, even though that problem surfaced with the iPhone 13 in 2021."(Android Police).Apples Black Friday Offers ConfirmedAs expected, Apples Black Friday deal did not offer any discounts, instead following tradition and bundling gift cards in with any purchase made between Black Friday (Nov 29) and Cyber Monday (Dec 2). Its worth noting that the offers are not available with the latest iPhones, iPads or Macs, but are offered at older models in the portfolio:"If you buy an iPhone 15, iPhone 14 or iPhone SE, youll find a gift card comes with the purchase. Apple says that you can snag a gift card of up to $75 with an iPhone. Up to indicates that the lower-priced models will get a lower-value card but exactly what isnt revealed yet. Obviously, it will be announced before the event starts."(Forbes).A New MacBook Display Is Coming SoonWHile the new M4-powered MacBook Pro models gather critical acclaim (and more than a few Black Friday offers from third-party retailers), Apple is already preparing suppliers for the next big innovation. The arrival (finally) of OLED displays to the MacBook range:"In line with previous reports, TrendForce said Apple plans to begin using OLED displays for MacBooks between 2026 and 2027. LG and Samsung will likely be Apple's two major suppliers of OLED displays for the MacBook Pro."Compared to current MacBook Pro models with mini-LED screens, benefits of OLED technology would include increased brightness, higher contrast ratio with deeper blacks, improved power efficiency for longer battery life, and more. The switch to OLED displays could also contribute to future MacBook Pro models having a thinner design."(MacRumors).Update Your Apple Hardware Now WarningBoth Apple and the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency have recommended iPhone owners update to iOS 18.1.1 at the earliest opportunity. An update for older phones which cannot run iOS 18 is also available, soiOS 17.7.2 will cover the same issues:"Tracked as CVE-2024-44308, the first issue patched in iOS 18.1.1 is a flaw in the JavaScriptCore framework that could result in code execution if the user interacts with maliciously crafted web content. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited on Intel-based Mac systems, the iPhone maker said on its support page."The second issue patched in iOS 18.1.1, tracked as CVE-2024-44309, is a flaw in WebKit, the engine that underpins Apples Safari browser. If exploited, a user could fall victim to a cross-site scripting attack, which sees an attacker inject malicious code into a trusted website or application."(Apple via Forbes).Hold The Front Page For AdsAxios is reporting that Apple News is now carrying advertising sold by Apple. Previously, ad spots were exclusively handled by a third-party service. From next year, certain areas will now be controlled by Cupertino, which will naturally be taking its 30% rake on the revenue generated, with the rest going to the publisher:"Beginning next year, Apple will sell premium sponsorships of editorially curated content for relevant events, such as the Met Gala, the U.S. Open, and more. In addition to premium sponsorships, the Apple News team is also pitching banner placements and video ads across 17 different formats, including carousel ads that feature different products."(Axios).And Finally...The exodus from X (ne Twitter) and the subsequent rise of Bluesky has seen it take the top spot in the App Store as consumers look to bring the Bluesky experience to their mobile:"On the U.S. App Store, Bluesky became the No. 1 app on November 13 and has not lost its position since, according to app intelligence provider Appfigures. That puts it ahead of Threads (No. 4) and X (No. 41). The App Stores charts reward a combination of the number of installs and the pace of those installs, alongside other metrics, so this bump also has to do with Blueskys rate of growth, not just the sheer number of app downloads alone."(Techcrunch).Apple Loop brings you seven days worth of highlights every weekend here on Forbes. Dont forget to follow me so you dont miss any coverage in the future. Last weeks Apple Loop can be read here, or this weeks edition of Loops sister column, Android Circuit, is also available on Forbes.

QUICK TAKESGary Gensler is resigning from being the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) chairman on January 20 (when Trump assumes office).Katrina Paglia, chief legal officer at Pantera (a crypto asset manager), foresees the SECs current lawsuits on blockchain companies ending quietly.Owing to Trumps pro-crypto stance and election victory, Bitcoin has been hitting ATH after ATH. Its getting closer and closer to $100K.Gary Gensler is to leave the SECTrump has threatened to fire the SEC chairman upon assuming the US presidency. Like many other crypto titans, he deems his stringent crypto rules unreasonable and innovation obstructive.Coinciding with the crypto-happy news, the worlds largest digital asset, $BTC, draws ever nearer to $100K.Genslers Taken Ripple, Coinbase & OpenSea to CourtAppointed on April 17, 2021, Gensler was employed to enhance the integrity and safety of capital markets (treasury, equity, corporate governance, and crypto).In the crypto market, hes been actively pursuing case after case against blockchain companies for various misconducts (including wash trading, fraud, and security token violations).Some recent lawsuits include those against the crypto exchanges Ripple ($XRP) and Coinbase, the NFT marketplace OpenSea, and Web3 gaming firm Immutable.However, his actions have more often than not sparked controversy.Crypto Lovers Celebrate Genslers Retirement Flicking through the comments on Genslers retirement notice on X highlights the publics true sentiment about the SEC chairman.Source: Gary Gensler (X)The vast majority of the current 17K replies on the thread celebrate Genslers retirement and give him backlash.Good riddance. You went after innocent token founders that did no harm, but you completely ignored the real crooks like FTX and Celcius who stole everyones money. You are corrupt and rotten to the core, Gary. Hex MonkeyThere are rumors that Trump will replace Gensler with pro-crypto Attorney Teresa Goody Guillen. Her SEC experience and blockchain expertise work in the industrys favor.Between 2009 and 2011, Guillen served as an attorney for the SECs Office of the General Counsel. Shes also the co-lead of the blockchain team of Baker & Hostetler (a prominent law firm).According to a Reuters report, Dan Gallagher, the present chief legal and compliance officer at Robinhood, is another consideration for SEC chairman.SEC Lawsuits Might Go Poof, Suggests PanteraPaglia (Panteras CLO) believes the SEC lawsuits will quietly go away after Gensler steps down.During a recent panel discussion, she voiced that theyll likely make some level of statement to avoid the government wasting time and energy, which could be very beneficial.According to her, the SEC might issue no-action letters that imply it wont be taking legal action against those under scrutiny a significant step toward a more favorable US crypto regulatory environment.She also believes the new US regulator might adopt a neither admit nor deny language, which would welcome more negotiable resolutions.$BTC Hit ATH After ATH Following Trump PresidencyBitcoin has been hitting ATH after ATH since Donald Trump won the 2024 US presidential election on November 6.Before his presidential win was announced on November 5, $BTC was valued at around $68K.Despite being commendable at the time, it has since jumped by 44.12% to $98K. Bitwise predicts the coin will hit $100K soon.Beyond Trumps promise to boot Gary Gensler, additional factors pumping up the crypto market include his advocacy for a strategic Bitcoin reserve (to loosen the US $34T debt) and his promise never to sell Bitcoin (starkly contrasting to the Biden administration).Genslers Likely Fearful of Getting the BootThe USs strict crypto regulations will likely loosen once Trump reclaims the presidential seat on January 20, 2025, upon Genslers SEC exit.Gensler stepping down as SEC chairman on the same day Trump moves back into the White House suggests hes fearful of being fired.Judging by his past actions and the communitys response, it was likely a wise yet tough decision for him to make.The SEC, regretting confusion over classifying crypto as securities, appears to have come too late.Itll be interesting to watch $BTCs future trajectory as the industry continues to amass significant backing.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 Leah is a seasoned British journalist with nine years of expertise who specializes in Web3 reporting. Her insightful contributions have graced the pages of respected publications, including Coinbound, Cointelegraph, Bitcolumnist, NFT Lately, and NFT Plazas. With a keen eye for detail, she offers distinct perspectives on the ever-evolving blockchain industry. View all articles by Leah Waters (Alger) 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 TAKEAWAYSGauss 2 processes images, text, and code simultaneously, operating 1.5 to three times faster than its predecessor.Samsung is trialing its new AI in three versions Compact, Balanced, and Supreme for diverse processing needs.Gauss 2 is already used by 60% of the Device eXperience division for tasks like coding and translation.The new AI model aligns with Samsungs goal of ubiquitous AI, emphasizing personalization and seamless daily integration.Samsung unveiled the Gauss 2 AI model, marking a significant advancement in its artificial intelligence initiatives.Building upon its predecessor, Gauss 2 offers enhanced performance and efficiency and is capable of processing images, text, and code simultaneously.Gauss 2 Already Deployed InternallyCurrently, Samsung is trialing the Gauss 2 model in three versions Compact, Balanced, and Supreme each tailored to different processing needs.That includes everything from on-device operations without the internet to leveraging extensive resources for optimal performance.Gauss 2 supports up to 14 languages and operates 1.5 to 3 times faster than the original model.This AI model is already being integrated across Samsungs product lineup, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and home appliances.Internally, over 60% of Samsungs Device eXperience division utilizes Gauss 2 already.That includes tasks such as the following:Coding assistanceTranslationEmail compositionDocument summarizationBeyond Samsungs borders, Gauss 2 aids in categorizing and summarizing customer interactions in call centers.Samsungs Vision for Integrated AIYoungJip Kim, Samsungs head of AI, envisions artificial intelligence becoming an integral part of daily life. He anticipates that AI technology will bring new ways to interact with assistants and transform user experiences with smart devices.Specifically, Samsung hopes that Gauss 2, and AI in general, will:Facilitate seamless AI integration across devicesEnhance user experiences through improved performance and efficiencySupport personalization and adaptation to user behaviorsContribute to Samsungs goal of ubiquitous AI presence in daily lifeKim emphasizes the importance of personalization, with AI adapting to individual user needs and behaviors.Gauss 2 is multi-modal, meaning it can simultaneously process natural-language requests, images, and computer code.Its similar to asking the AI now for a text summary of an article plus an illustration, except that Gauss 2 will be able to process the entire request in a single pass.Samsungs Gauss 2 models pioneer AI integration and align with the companys overall vision. Samsung is less concerned with a natural-language AI or even with a fancy AI assistant for their Galaxy phones.That sets Samsung apart from other AI proponents like Xs Grok AI.Instead, Samsung wants an AI people use all the time, everywhere.Will Gauss 2 be the breakthrough?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.

What just happened? GlobalFoundries, the third-largest semiconductor foundry in the world, is finally receiving the funding promised by the US government through the Chips Act. The official announcement outlines the three main projects that will be supported by the grant, along with a massive, multi-year investment effort. The previously leaked decision to award GlobalFoundries $1.5 billion in subsidies to manufacture chips in the US is now official. The company has announced an agreement with the US Department of Commerce to receive direct funding through the Chips and Science Act, securing what will likely be the last subsidies granted under this ambitious plan before a new federal administration takes office in Washington.The $1.5 billion award follows a preliminary memorandum of terms signed in February 2024, according to GlobalFoundries. The funding will be used to expand the company's "essential" chip manufacturing capabilities in the United States, which will, in turn, provide a more resilient and reliable supply chain for the country's high-tech industry.The Chips and Science Act's plan to strengthen US semiconductor manufacturing has been five years in the making, said GlobalFoundries' president and CEO, Thomas Caulfield. The company is a crucial element of the US economy, supply chain, and national security, with two plants accredited as "Trusted Foundry" sites to manufacture secure chips for the US government.GlobalFoundries will use the $1.5 billion award to support three specific projects. First, the company will expand its existing chip fab in Malta, New York, by implementing "critical technologies" already used in other locations outside the US. This new technology is expected to provide a reliable supply of essential chips for the US automotive industry.GlobalFoundries' second project is the modernization of its existing plant in Essex Junction, Vermont, where production capabilities will be significantly expanded. The plant will also host a new facility designed for high-volume manufacturing of gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors, which, according to GF, are essential for the next generation of electric vehicles, data centers, IoT devices, smartphones, and more. // Related StoriesLastly, GlobalFoundries will build a completely new manufacturing plant within its Malta, New York campus. The new fab is expected to meet domestic demand for essential chips in the aerospace, defense, computing, and automotive industries, though GF will proceed "in alignment" with market conditions and customer demand.GlobalFoundries will add the $1.5 billion award from the Chips Act to a much larger investment plan across its two US sites. The company plans to invest $13 billion over the next 10 years, with additional funding from the New York State Green Chips Program ($550 million), the state of Vermont, and other unnamed incentives.All things considered, the plan is expected to create around 1,000 direct manufacturing jobs and more than 9,000 construction jobs. GF will also work with New York and Vermont authorities to develop a qualified workforce for its semiconductor business.

In a nutshell: Western Digital has introduced a sleigh full of new storage devices just in times for the holidays, including a new high-performance NVMe solid-state drive starting under $60. The WD Black SN7100 is a PCIe Gen 4x4 DRAMless SSD targeting mainstream gamers. It features Western Digital's latest TLC 3D NAND and is offered in 500 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB capacities. The top tier drive boasts sequential read speeds of up to 7,250 MB/s and 6,900 MB/s sequential writes, with random read and write IOPS of 1000K and 1400K, respectively. According to WD, this model is 35 percent faster than the previous generation.Performance typically scales with capacity, and that is the case here as well. The 500 GB drive, for example, is a bit slower at 6,800 MB/s sequential reads and 5,800 MB/s sequential writes, and 760K random read IOPS / 1200K random write IOPS.Western Digital says the drives were engineered with laptops and gaming handhelds in mind, and are up to 100 percent more power efficient compared to last gen drives.All models adhere to the M.2 280 form factor, come backed by a five year limited warranty, and weigh in at 5.8 grams. The 2 TB model boasts a 1,200 TBW endurance rating; the rating of the other models was not mentioned.As the name suggests, DRAMless SSDs are those that don't utilize onboard memory. Such drives are typically more affordable than their DRAM-equipped counterparts because they contain fewer components, but performance can sometimes suffer. Conversely, fewer parts means less power consumption. Ultimately, it all comes down to determining what is the best fit for your budget and the type of computing you do most often. // Related StoriesWestern Digital's new solid-state drives are available to pre-order now and are expected to ship in the coming weeks. Pricing is set at $59.99 for the 500 GB model, $89.99 for the 1 TB variant, and $149.99 for the 2 TB drive. Western Digital teased a 4 TB model that is due out sometime in 2025, but did not share any specifications, potential pricing, or a more specific launch window.WD also announced a new SanDisk-branded Extreme Pro portable SSD with USB 4 connectivity, an 8 TB Extreme Portable SSD, and a 2 TB WD Black C50 expansion card for Xbox. Details on those and more can be found in Western Digital's press release.

Phil Nickinson / Digital TrendsEditor's note: There isn't a better time of year to find amazing deals on A/V products than Black Friday. If you're getting one of the best TV deals available, you deserve to pair it with a soundbar that delivers immersive sound that matches the picture. The Best Dolby Atmos bar under $1,000, the Vizio Elevate, can be had for only $550 (that's 31% off). But don't stop at TVs and soundbars, there are plenty of Black Friday deals available on laptops, headphones, mobile devices, and more.Today's best TVs, while visually stunning, often sacrifice audio quality in favor of sleek designs. Those razor-thin screens don't have the space to house powerful speakers that can deliver a truly immersive audio experience. This is where soundbars come in. These compact audio systems are designed to dramatically enhance your TVs sound, bringing movies, games, and music to life. Many soundbars even mimic the effect of a full surround-sound setup, creating a three-dimensional soundscape with technologies like Dolby Atmos.You've likely seen soundbars at electronics retailers like Best Buy and Target or while browsing Amazon online (we've even got an explainer on how to buy a soundbar, too). With a wide range of models available, there's a perfect soundbar for every budget and home theater setup. Here are our favorites for 2024.Samsung HW-Q990C wireless Dolby Atmos SoundbarThe best soundbar for most peopleJump to detailsSonos Arc UltraBest expandable Dolby Atmos soundbarJump to detailsVizio Elevate 5.1.4 Home Theater SoundbarThe best Dolby Atmos for under $1,000Jump to detailsNakamichi Dragon 11.4.6 surround sound systemBest no-holds-barred, money-is-no-object soundbarJump to detailsVizio M-Series AiOBest soundbar under $200Jump to detailsBose Smart SoundbarThe best small soundbarJump to detailsSennheiser Ambeo Soundbar PlusBest Dolby Atmos sound from a single speakerJump to detailsVizio M-Series 5.1 soundbar (M51a-H6/M51ax-J6)The best budget soundbarJump to detailsKlipsch Flexus Core 200Best single-speaker soundbar under $800Jump to detailsZvox AV157 TV SpeakerThe best for dialog enhancementJump to detailsSonos RayMost versatile budget soundbarJump to detailsApple HomePod (2nd Gen)Best soundbar alternative for Apple TV fansJump to detailsSony Bravia Theatre QuadBest soundbar alternative for everyoneJump to detailsSamsungThe best soundbar for most peopleSamsung HW-Q990C wireless Dolby Atmos SoundbarProsGreat sound for movies and musicImpressive volume capabilitiesClear dialogImmersive Dolby Atmos experienceConsNo support for HDMI 2.1A bit expensiveTalk about a soundbar kit that ticks all the boxes, the Q990C is Samsung's premium 2023 flagship, replacing the also great Samsung HW-990B, which we have reviewed and love, too. Its price tag may be north of $1,000, but we think it's worth it.The Q990C is some top-of-the-line tech right here. It's an out-of-the-box, wireless Dolby Atmos/DTS:X surround sound solution that comes with the soundbar, two wireless surround speakers, and a wireless subwoofer. The 11.1.4 channel system includes four up-firing channels for a real Atmos sound comparable to a receiver-and-speaker-based system. Not only does the Q990C pump out some serious volume for movies and TV, but it's no slouch with music either, with big, balanced and clear sound.Clear sound is also one of its calling cards for movie watching, especially if you're fed up with not being able to hear dialog clearly. The soundbar's Adaptive Voice Amplifier feature "breaks down room noise," Samsung says, to optimize dialog, while its Adaptive Sound feature scans each scene in real time to enhance dialog from movies, sports, and other programming. Its Built-in SpaceFit Sound Pro room correction feature also ensures the Q990C sound its best no matter your room's shape or size.Just as with the HW-Q990B, you get two HDMI inputs (sadly, no HDMI 2.1, though) with 4K/HDR10+ passthrough (though notably, not Dolby Vision), so even if your TV's HDMI ports are full or it doesn't support Dolby Atmos, you're covered just plug a streaming device or game console into the soundbar and you've got the best sound and video on tap.If your TV is also a recent Samsung model, you get the benefit of wireless Dolby Atmos (no need to run an HDMI cable to the TV) and Q-Symphony, which lets the TV's speakers augment the soundbar instead of sitting there unused.With Wi-Fi connectivity, Apple AirPlay 2, and Alexa built-in (plus Bluetooth, naturally), there are plenty of ways to stream music to this system.As we said, the Samsung HW-Q990C is the full package, out of the box, and is a great choice for most people. However, if the $1,400 price tag is a bit hard to swallow, take a look at its slightly less feature and driver rich sibling, the sub $1,000 Samsung HW-Q930C instead.Samsung HW-Q990C wireless Dolby Atmos SoundbarThe best soundbar for most peopleSimon Cohen / Digital TrendsBest expandable Dolby Atmos soundbarSonos Arc UltraSonos Arc Ultra ReviewProsBig, powerful bassClear and intelligible dialogueImmersive Dolby AtmosGreat for music and moviesLots of expansion optionsBluetooth, Apple AirPlayConsNo HDMI inputNo remoteHighs can be slightly harshSonos app is still buggyIt's been just over four years since the launch of the original Sonos Arc soundbar, and it's been on this list of best soundbars ever since, for its excellent sound, sleek design, and ease of use. Luckily, its successor, the Sonos Arc Ultra, has arrived to take the reins, and although it's nearly identical to the Arc, it holds its status as one of the best, and with a few welcome improvements.Looks-wise, there very little difference between the Arc and the Ultra it's 2 inches wider than the Arc, but a bit shorter a little shallower. It also has a new housing that wraps around the back of the speaker and runs along most of its length at the back. It's much more pronounced than the Arc, and it also now houses the Ultra's touch controls, including a volume slider that brings it up to speed with other new generation Sonos speakers like the Era 100, Era 300, and the Move 2.Also putting it more on the same playing field as those three siblings, is the addition of Bluetooth, which the Arc did not have. This will be handy for allowing others to connect to the Ultra, say at a dinner party, without needing the Sonos app or accessing your Wi-Fi.Even with Sonos' app rollout woes this year, setting up the Arc Ultra is still incredibly easy with the app, and the speaker still seamlessly incorporates itself into your larger network of whole-home Sonos sound.As with the Arc, the Arc Ultra uses up-firing speaker drivers to re-create Dolby Atmos sound, adding a solid sense of 3D space to action films, sports, and more. But make no mistake, there have been some improvements. The Arcs 5.1.2-channel array has been replaced with seven-tweeters, six-mid-woofers, 15 class-D amplifiers, and Sonos new Sound Motion dual-membrane, quad-motor, bi-amped woofer, making it louder, more powerful, and more articulate.On its own the Ultra is impressive, but you can easily expand its home theater capabilities by adding other Sonos speakers as surround satellites, such as a pair of Era 100s, Era 300s, or connecting to a pair of Sonos' Sonos Ace headphones that work with the Arc (and Beam (Gen 2), Beam (Gen 1), and Ray soundbars) to pipe Dolby Atmos spatial audio sound from the Arc to them.Plus, you can also grow the system later by adding a sub, like the magnificent if very expensive Sonos Sub and the new, smaller Sub Mini. HDMI eARC connectivity makes the Ultra a breeze to add to your TV and set up.The Sonos Arc is also a smart speaker, with two choices of voice assistant: the bare-bones but super useful Sonos Voice Control for Sonos-only functions, and Alexa, which can control Sonos products and much more, too. Google Assistant fans, sadly, cannot use it directly with the Ultra, but its functions can still be controlled through older Sonos speakers that still support it, should you have them.All around, the Arc Ultra will take your TV to the next level and deliver a fantastic music-listening setup as well, and it's only $100 more than the outgoing Sonos Arc which you can still find until Sonos depletes its stock.Honorable mention: If the Sonos ecosystem isn't your thing, Bose's latest flagship, the Smart Ultra Soundbar, is a great alternative from a company with more years of top-tier audio excellence than most. It's the same price as the Sonos Arc, sports Dolby Atmos, has up-firing drivers for that immersive all-arounfd effect, and features an AI-driven dialogue mode. The Bose SimpleSync feature also lets you connect to other Bose speakers and headphones you have in your house.Sonos Arc UltraBest expandable Dolby Atmos soundbarRelatedRiley Young/Digital Trends / .The best Dolby Atmos for under $1,000Vizio Elevate 5.1.4 Home Theater SoundbarVizio Elevate ReviewProsSimple setup, clear chart showing connectionsWonderfully unique designDeep control over sound output levelsExceptionally clear dialogueConsEffects dependent on roomCostlyVizio appears several times on this list, and for good reason. The company has a huge (though sometimes confusing) array of soundbars at a variety of prices for every budget and room size. The Elevate is the company's flagship and it deserves serious consideration by anyone who wants an elegantly designed and powerful sound system for their TV.The Elevate's signature feature is its rotating speaker modules. They sit at the ends of the soundbar and rotate from front-firing to up-firing whenever Dolby Atmos or DTS:X content is being played. When combined with the up-firing drivers embedded in the surround speakers, you get four height channels, for overhead sound effects that get surprisingly close to the more expensive Samsung HW-Q990B. Better yet, all of those 5.1.4 channels are individually controllable, so you can easily tune the speakers to your space.The included wireless subwoofer has a generous eight-inch driver and can reach as low as 30Hz, and has enough power to rattle your windows, even if it can't quite compare to the dedicated powered subs you'll find on more expensive component systems.With two HDMI inputs and an HDMI ARC/eARC output, there's no problem with being able to attach external media sources, and Bluetooth is on tap for streaming music from your phone. The only thing missing is Wi-Fi, so there's no support for high-quality audio streaming from music services, no compatibility with AirPlay, Chromecast, or Amazon Alexa, and no multi-room audio.Still, for the price, it's very hard to beat the Elevate for pure TV and movie immersion. The only thing that comes close is Vizio's own M-Series Elevate, which is $200 cheaper and lacks the flagship Elevate's rear up-firing drivers.Vizio Elevate 5.1.4 Home Theater SoundbarThe best Dolby Atmos for under $1,000Zeke Jones/Digital Trends / Digital TrendsBest no-holds-barred, money-is-no-object soundbarNakamichi Dragon 11.4.6 surround sound systemNakamichi Dragon 11.4.6 Surround System ReviewProsSupremely clean highsCrystal-clear dialogueMassively powerfulSeamless surround effects/object placementRidiculously funConsLack of separate LFE and bass controlOSD could use better integrationCall it the dragon's egg at the end of this best soundbars list, call it the beast that'll burn a hole right through your wallet, call it what you want but whatever you do, don't call the Nakamichi Dragon surround sound system for the faint of heart. We'll try our best to describe it here, but it's worth taking a few minutes for Caleb's Denison's video review, or watch him put it head to head with a Sonos Arc system to get the bigger picture about this $3,900 11.4.6 surround sound system.First, though, the basics: the Nakamichi Dragon consists of a massive 58-inch soundbar unit that weighs around 40 pounds and features 14 speakers and seven digital amplifiers. There are two 9-pound wireless surround sound speakers each with five drivers (side, rear, and up-firing), and two wireless subwoofers, each with two 8-inch drivers in them. Yeah, the total system output is 3,000 watts peaking at 125 decibels. Translation: loud.The Nakamichi Dragon excels in volume, clarity, precision, soundstage, and just about every other audio-related term used to say "it sounds incredible" for both music and movies. But where it shines is in its abilities as a surround system, with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Through auditioning several surround sound examples, Denison noted the Dragon's ability to immerse him in cavernous reverbs and pinpoint-accurate object placement around the room sounds even seem to originate from places in the room where there are no speakers. Dialogue is clear and easy to understand (depending on the sound mix, of course), and explosive rumble comes with ease form the Dragon's woofers.Setup and calibration, while not for newbies, is pretty straightforward and id guided by a well-designed on-screen display that lets you select room size, EQing for games, movies, and more, as well as advanced calibration tools to get the system perfectly tuned for your uses.Could you assemble a comparable system for less money? Of course you could. The $2,600 Sonos system (Arc soundbar, two Era 300s, one Sonos Sub), Denison compares the Dragon to in his video is roughly the same price (if you add a second Sub like the Dragon has, it's $3,400), and there are obviously full Atmos receiver/speaker setups you could get into for less. But if you've got the money and are a little more serious about your home theater audio, few can compete with the impact and clarity of the Dragon at this price.Nakamichi Dragon 11.4.6 surround sound systemBest no-holds-barred, money-is-no-object soundbarRiley Young / Digital TrendsBest soundbar under $200Vizio M-Series AiOVizio M-Series AiO ReviewProsGreat fidelity for the priceExcellent dialogue clarityWide soundstageAmple bassGood dynamicsConsNo perceived Dolby Atmos effectsWhen you get right down to it, people buy soundbars because they want better sound from their TV, but they're not interested in all of the convoluted wiring, settings, or the expense involved in going with a full home theater system. And when it comes to delivering on that goal for the least amount of money, Vizio's 2023 M-Series AiO is a slam-dunk.It starts with a single speaker, which is compact and understated no flashy metal finishes or exposed drivers just an elegant trapezoid wrapped in dark gray fabric. Getting it connected is a cinch just plug it into your TV using the included HDMI cable, or you can use your own optical cable. That's it.The included remote makes it easy to control (or thanks to HDMI eARC, you can control it with your TV remote), and if you own a Vizio TV, all of the key settings will be merged into your TV's on-screen menus, which is a great addition, and something you rarely see on any soundbar regardless of price.The M-Series' audio chops are impressive, especially the bass response, which surprised our reviewer Caleb Denison with its power. In his estimation, it's better than what many cheaply-built wireless subwoofers offer, so you won't miss that extra black box at all. Dialog in movies is crisp and clear, so you won't be leaning across to your friends and family to whisper, "What did she just say?"You get an HDMI input, and the M-Series has a special trick up its sleeve for folks who want to wall-mount it. Sensors inside automatically reconfigure the tuning of the drivers to ensure you get the best sound, even when the speaker is oriented with its top facing you.There's only one real caveat with the M-Series AiO: Despite being labeled as Dolby Atmos-capable, our reviewer wasn't able to discern much in the way of a 3D sound experience when listening to Atmos content. Is it a deal-breaker? No at this price, we don't expect any Dolby Atmos soundbar will perform significantly better. If Dolby Atmos on a budget is your goal, check out the Vizio M-Series 5.1 soundbar (M51a-H6/M51ax-J6) farther down on this list.Vizio M-Series AiOBest soundbar under $200Simon Cohen / Digital TrendsThe best small soundbarBose Smart SoundbarBose Smart Soundbar 600 ReviewProsEasy setupExcellent Atmos for its sizeClear and engaging dialogAirPlay and ChromecastGood music qualityConsNo HDMI inputsSmart speaker is Alexa-onlyLimited in-app music servicesWhen compared to Sonos, Bose still has a ways to go when it comes to multiroom sound and streaming music service integration, but thanks to theBose Smart Soundbar's built-in up-firing height drivers, it's the best small speaker for movies and TV especially if Dolby Atmos is involved.Recently updated to drop the "600" from its name (a review of the new unit is forthcoming), we're still including the review of the model until then, because they're effectively the same speaker, save for a couple of new features.Bass and dialog clarity are two especially bright spots for the Smart Soundbar, but it's the sheer size of the speaker's soundstage that you notice the most. It projects sound upward, outward, and to the sides so effectively, you'll swear there are additional speakers in your room. If the effect isn't powerful enough, you can add the real deal the Smart Soundbar is compatible with two models of wireless Bose subwoofers and two models of wireless Bose surround speakers.Like its predecessor, the Smart Soundbar 300, and the Sonos Beam Gen 2, the 600 can act as a smart speaker, but only using Amazon's Alexa AI. Google Assistant is still compatible, but it's no longer built-in. However, you do get Chromecast in addition to AirPlay and Bluetooth, making the Smart Soundbar a better streaming choice for Android users than Sonos (AirPlay only).The Smart Soundbar also has a feature that's custom-tailored to bedrooms: You can connect any compatible Bose headphones over Bluetooth for private listening. On that note, here's one of the new standoout features that set it apart form the 600 Bose's new Personal Surround Sound tech that lets you use a pair of the company's Ultra Open Earbuds to augment the sound. "When the devices are paired together, the earbuds act as a substitute for discrete surround speakers. Thanks to the earbuds fully open design, you can hear all kinds of surrounding sounds, including the soundbars audio," our reviewer Simon Cohen says about the feature.Honorable mentions: If keeping things tight and tidy under your TV is a priority, we can suggest a few more soundbars on the smaller side, including the Sonos Beam Gen 2, a Dolby Atmos-capable soundbar thats's great if you're looking to build or expand a multiroom wireless audio system; the Sony HT-S2000, which excels at Dolby Atmos sound for around the same price; and the Polk MagniFi Mini AX, a tiny Dolby Atmos/DTS:X soundbar the deliver clear dialogue and comes with a powerful subwoofer for under $500.Bose Smart SoundbarThe best small soundbarSimon Cohen / Digital TrendsBest Dolby Atmos sound from a single speakerSennheiser Ambeo Soundbar PlusSennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus ReviewProsFantastic 3D soundLots of connectionsBuilt-in room tuningUp to 4 wireless subs/1 wired subAirPlay/Chromecast/Tidal ConnectAlexa built-inDolby Atmos/DTS:XSony 360/MPEG-HConsStill expensiveOnly HDMI 2.0aRelies heavily on mobile appWeird Alexa integrationIf you want to get the most immersive and powerful sound possible from a soundbar with no subwoofers or extra surround speakers the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus is without equal. Its secret sauce is the Ambeo digital signal processing that Sennheiser pioneered with its first soundbar, the recently renamed Ambeo Soundbar Max.You can think of Ambeo as a turbo-charger for immersive, 3D audio. Using the Soundbar Plus' nine drivers and amps, it projects sound around even large rooms in such a way that you become convinced there must be speakers hiding behind your furniture or in your ceiling. It truly brings Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and even two-channel stereo to life in a way that is nothing short of mesmerizing. To get even close to this effect, most soundbars need to add additional surround speakers, and even then, they don't always succeed.With two HDMI 2.0a inputs (plus optical and analog ports) and an HDMI 2.1 ARC/eARC input/output, there's no need to give up ports on your TV. And with the option to use Sennheiser's wireless Ambeo subs (up to four) or your own wired subwoofer, you're not locked in to a specific accessory for low-end power. Its support for AirPlay, Chromecast, and Bluetooth means you're free to stream music to the bar from any device you own. And if you want to use it as a smart speaker, Amazon Alexa is built-in and can be turned on at any time.At $1,500, it's one of the more expensive soundbars. And despite being able to add it to Google Home or Amazon Alexa, it's not a great choice for multiroom sound. But when you take into account its remarkable performance as an Atmos speaker, it's worth every penny.Honorable mentions: If you're looking specifically for a Sennheiser, a more powerful (but considerably larger and more expensive) option is the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max. Alternately, we can recommend the Sony HT-A7000, another one of Sony's capable soundbars that, for the same price range as the Ambeo, features Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, sounds great for music as well as movies and TV (with clear dialogue), and support for Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Alexa.Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar PlusBest Dolby Atmos sound from a single speakerDan Baker/Digital TrendsThe best budget soundbarVizio M-Series 5.1 soundbar (M51a-H6/M51ax-J6)Vizio M-Series 5.1 soundbar (M51a-H6) ReviewProseARC, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X supportImpressive subwooferSeamless surround effectsComprehensive controlExcellent fidelityConsOne HDMI inputLess suitable for larger roomsThe Vizio M-Series looks like a typical soundbar at 36 inches in length, and its 6-inch wireless subwoofer looks like many others. But what helps this model stand apart is its more reasonable price and its versatility.If you have a medium-to-large room, you can place the subwoofer toward the rear of the space which lets you position the wired surround modules behind the viewing area. But if you've got a smaller space, you can put the sub near the front the M-Series will automatically calibrate the system to give you the best sound possible.But that's putting the cart before the horse. The M-Series sounds amazing, with clear highs and mids for dialog, and precise bass response. With support for both virtualized Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X, you may not get quite the jaw-dropping overhead sounds that you'll find with up-firing soundbars like the Arc or the Ambeo, but it's a much more immersive experience than a traditional 5.1 setup.Because of its HDMI eARC port, the M-Series can support much higher bandwidth, lossless hi-res audio when connected to a compatible TV. An extra HDMI input means that you're not forced to give up an input on your TV.There's also the usual complement of connections, including Bluetooth, optical in, and a USB port for removable drive-based audio files.The only real caveat with the M-Series is the lack of Wi-Fi. This means you can't stream music to it via AirPlay or Chromecast, and it can't be controlled via voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. But that one aspect notwithstanding, theVizio M-Series is an outstanding choice for anyone who wants fun, room-filling surround sound without breaking the bank.Vizio M-Series 5.1 soundbar (M51a-H6/M51ax-J6)The best budget soundbarSimon Cohen / Digital TrendsBest single-speaker soundbar under $800Klipsch Flexus Core 200Klipsch Flexus Core 200 ReviewProsFabulous soundStriking levels of bassEasy setupWired subwoofer outputBacklit remoteConsNo Wi-FiSlightly tame height channelsCan't save settings per inputIf youre looking for a great Dolby Atmos soundbar that wont cost you more than $1,000, your sights should be set on the Klipsch Flexus Core 200. Not only is this a phenomenal soundbar on its own but when you add a Flexus Sub 100 and Flexus Surr 100 rear speakers to your setup, youll have a complete Flexus surround system. Of course, these are optional add-ons.What wed really like to rave about is how much power the Flexus Core 200 packs. Rated at 185 watts, we were blown away by how large of the soundbar is for the price. Even without a subwoofer, the Flexus Core 200 delivers a ridiculous amount of bass, on top of excellent dialogue clarity and decent height-channel virtualization. No, it doesnt touch the output of a true Atmos system, but its far more than just a traditional stereo sound enhancer.The Klipsch Connect app is another great addition to the Flexus Core 200 package. Intuitive from one screen to the next, youll be able to do everything from EQ customization to volume controls and surround speaker configuration. And while the Flexus Core 200 is equipped with an HDMI eARC port and digital optical, theres no way to connect the Flexus to the internet. This just means that youll need to do all your wireless music streaming via Bluetooth.Klipsch Flexus Core 200Best single-speaker soundbar under $800ZvoxThe best for dialog enhancementZvox AV157 TV SpeakerZvox Accuvoice AV157 ReviewProsSmall footprintEasy connections and setupSuper-clear and adjustable dialogConsExpensive for a small speakerNo wireless connections for musicThe AV157 packs six levels of Zvox's AccuVoice technology for speech enhancement and an additional six levels of its SuperVoice tech for a huge range of assistance for those who are hearing-impaired or who just struggle to separate speech from other sounds.The 12 levels of AccuVoice and SuperVoice determine how pronounced this effect is. At its most powerful, the AV157 can deliver speech so clear and precise, it's almost painful. But for those who suffer from hearing loss, it will be a pleasure.But better dialog is only the beginning. The AV157 is also a surprisingly capable movie and music speaker too. Turn on the surround sound mode and it does a decent job with all kinds of immersive soundtracks.Bass performance doesn't quite measure up to full-size soundbars, but it's solid and well-balanced. Should you want to get a bit more rumble, you can add an external wired subwoofer using the analog sub-woofer output.Connections are modest: You can use an optical cable or an analog cable to connect the AV157 to your TV, and there's no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. But this keeps things simple and you won't have to give up an HDMI port just to get better sound from your TV.The included remote is also a simple but effective device, with large, easy-to-press, and clearly labeled buttons.If you're tired of relying on subtitles to understand what your favorite actors are saying, the Zvox AV157 is a perfect TV companion.Zvox AV157 TV SpeakerThe best for dialog enhancementSimon Cohen / Digital TrendsMost versatile budget soundbarSonos RaySonos Ray soundbar ReviewProsCompact for versatile placementImpressive sound for its sizeExpandable to a full 5.1 systemEasy setup and controlConsPricey for a small soundbarLacks a bit of midrange detailSo you've wanted to get into Sonos for your TV room, but your room's a bit too small for the big sound and bigger price of its flagship Sonos Arc (on our list above) or even the middle-tier Beam (2nd gen). In 2022 Sonos finally addressed this need and launched the Sonos Ray, and while it's still more pricey than some of the choices on our list, this is Sonos we're talking about, and should you choose, the Ray can either add to your existing multi-room Sonos system or be the beginning of one.Similar in size and look to the Beam, the Ray comes in black and white finishes and looks sharp anywhere, and it can also be wall-mounted with a bracket you can get from Sonos.Setup is signature Sonos simple, and once it is it's easy to control with the excellent Sonos app, which you can use to control volume, EQing, and grouping with other Sonos speakers. There are also touch controls on the top of the soundbar, too.While the Sonos Ray isn't a Dolby Atmos soundbar like its Beam (2nd gen) and Arc siblings, optical connectivity to your TV allows for Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Digital Surround, if and when you want to expand your system with, for example, a Sonos Sub Mini and a pair of Sonos Era 100s or Sonos Ones as rear surrounds.And it kind of goes without saying that it sounds good, too, with our reviewer Simon Cohen praising its ability to deliver big low-end and mids, as well as clear highs, perfect for sound effects in movies such as whizzing bullets, screeching tires, and barking dogs. Music, Cohen says, sounds equally good, and, as per all Sonos speakers, you get access to all your streaming services like Tidal, Spotify, Apple Music, and more.Sonos RayMost versatile budget soundbarZeke Jones / Digital TrendsBest soundbar alternative for Apple TV fansApple HomePod (2nd Gen)Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) ReviewProsGreat sound qualityIncredible bass performanceDazzling Spatial Audio surroundPlug and Play wirelessSlick designConsLimited connection optionsNo direct Spotify playbackHomePod, the little Apple smart-speaker-that-could, made its triumphant return to store shelves early this year after the Cupertino company discontinued the original in 2021. It's an excellent-sounding speaker that has improved upon the original in a number of ways, it's packed with room-sensing tech that adapt the sound to basically anywhere you put it, and it's a top-notch smart speaker with Matter supportso it can work with and control all your home's connected smart devices, such as lights, thermostats, and more.So why, you might ask, is a smart speaker included on our list of the best soundbars? Because, as our intrepid Editor-at-Large, Caleb Denison, discovered in his review, when you pair two 2nd-gen HomePods together and add a new Apple TV 4K, the combination easily competes with soundbars, including the Sonos Beam. So much so that Denison called the experience "downright magical."And while there are definitely some differences between the more expensive HomePods + Apple TV 4K setup (roughly $750) and a $500 Sonos Beam (HDMI eARC is the big one missing from the HomePod), pairing a set of HomePods together offer not only excellent stereo sound separation when listening to movies (something that is harder to achieve with a soundbar), but Spatial Audio for movies and TV is amazing. "Dialogue is crystal clear and perfectly centered, sound effects are spacious and enveloping I definitely got the impression there were more speakers in the room," Denison gushed. Even the bass surprised him for a two-channel system, and if you want for a system that also does music just as well (or maybe you want to explore Dolby Atmos Music tracks, too), a set of HomePods might be worth a look.Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)Best soundbar alternative for Apple TV fansDigital TrendsBest soundbar alternative for everyoneSony Bravia Theatre QuadSony Bravia Theater Quad ReviewProsIncredibly flexibleExcellent sound qualityConvincing Atmos surroundEasy placement and setupGreat for movies and musicConsVery expensiveBuggy appImagine a home theater system that transcends the limitations of your living space, transforming any room into an immersive cinematic sanctuary. Sony's Bravia Theatre Quad system promises to do just that. This innovative solution challenges the conventional notion of surround sound, delivering a genuinely captivating audio experience that adapts seamlessly to your environment.At the heart of the Bravia Theatre Quad lies a quartet of compact wireless speakers, each engineered with four internal drivers to generate a vibrant and nuanced soundscape. However, the true genius of this system lies in its advanced spatial mapping technology. Utilizing intricate algorithms, this intelligent system analyzes your room's unique dimensions, pinpointing the precise location of walls, furniture, and even ceiling height. This detailed acoustic mapping allows the Bravia Theatre Quad to calibrate each speaker individually, optimizing sound dispersion for a genuinely immersive, three-dimensional audio experience.This adaptability allows for freedom in speaker placement. Whether you prefer a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with wall-mounted speakers, a genuinely immersive overhead soundscape with ceiling-mounted units, or the flexibility of freestanding speakers positioned for optimal sound dispersion, the Theatre Quad adapts to your preferences and room layout.Beyond its versatility, the Theatre Quad boasts exceptional audio fidelity. Reviewers, like our own Caleb Denison, and audiophiles praise its crystal-clear dialogue reproduction, which ensures that you never miss a word, even during explosive action sequences. The system's dynamic range captures the full spectrum of sonic detail, from subtle whispers to room-shaking explosions, allowing you to experience the true emotional impact of your favorite films. The Bravia Theatre Quad's impressive Atmos virtualization technology creates a convincing illusion of overhead sound, adding breathtaking realism and immersion.Sony Bravia Theatre QuadBest soundbar alternative for everyoneWhy are soundbars so popular?They offer a small footprint, theyre affordable and easy to set up, and they sound much better than the speakers built into most TVs. How do soundbars work? Virtually all modern soundbars connect to your TV via digital connection either with an optical or HDMI cable. The latter is generally preferred for TVs with HDMI ARC or eARC, as it allows for better sound and control of basic functionality with your TV remote. For Dolby Atmos, an HDMI connection is a prerequisite. Can soundbars be controlled by a TV remote?Some of them can be, yes. See the above for information about HDMI ARC. Can soundbars be mounted on a wall?Yes, many come with mounting brackets in the box, but almost all have optional wall-mount solutions you can buy later. Can soundbars be mounted above a TV?Technically yes, but we usually recommend mounting them below the TV. In general, we recommend you get them as close to ear level as possible for the best sound. What about Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?Most new soundbars do have this sort of wireless functionality. This typically allows you to stream music from your smartphone or home network directly to the soundbar. If a soundbar is also a smart speaker (e.g. Sonos Arc, Bose Soundbar 700) it will be Wi-Fi equipped.Wi-Fi is generally preferable to Bluetooth for music streaming as its higher bandwidth supports higher quality formats like lossless FLAC, ALAC, WAV, and others. See the above question for wireless functionality with your TV or receiver. Do soundbars always have a separate subwoofer?No, not always. Some are built without them purposefully to save space. If they contain built-in subwoofers they can still deliver surprisingly strong bass, but most rely on a wired (or wireless) subwoofer for low-frequency sound. Do soundbars support Alexa? Google Assistant? Siri?Yes, but in slightly different ways. Some soundbars can double as smart speakers. The Sonos and Bose family of soundbars give you a choice of Google Assistant or Alexa, with the former also allowing you to use Sonos' Voice Control.Soundbars can also be voice assistant-compatible, which means that you'll be able to use one or more voice assistants to control the soundbar if you already own a smart speaker or some other way to issue voice commands. Several soundbars can be added to Apple HomeKit, which lets you control them via Siri.Still other soundbars, like Vizio's family of products, have dedicated smart speaker inputs so you can wire a Google Nest Mini or Amazon Echo into the soundbar. This lets the soundbar understand when you are trying to talk to your assistant, and it can lower the speaker volume automatically while letting you hear the assistant via the higher-quality soundbar. Does Apple make a soundbar?No, but Apple'sHomePod Mini its resurrected 2nd Gen HomePod can act as soundbar replacements if you also own an Apple TV 4K. You can set up a set of HomePods as a stereo pair, which sounds amazing and might just be a good soundbar alternative. Editors Recommendations