ByRomane Armangau Published on 19/12/2024 - 19:09 GMT+1 The EC preliminary findings under the DMA indicate that Apple must take steps to enable the operability of devices from other brands with its iPhones. The EC has launched public consultations with interested companies to gather feedback on compliance. ADVERTISEMENTApple must offer developers and businesses free interoperability with hardware and software features controlled by its operating systems, the European Commission said today, presenting preliminary conclusions from a probe into Apples iOS system under the new Digital Markets Act (DMA), the new regulatory code for the tech sector.The Commission launched a probe last September, quizzing Apple on how it planned to ensure its devices work with third-party smartwatches, headphones, and virtual reality headsets. The inquiry covers features such as notifications, device pairing, and connectivity, amid concerns Apple may restrict competition to favour its own products, such as AirPods and Apple Watch.The Commission has also proposed measures to enhance transparency regarding internal iOS features.Under the DMA, Apple must provide developers and businesses with free and effective interoperability with hardware and software features controlled by its operating systems iOS and iPadOS, which are core platform services for which Apple was designated as gatekeeper, a Commission press release stated.The EC believes that opening iOS features to third-party devices will drive innovation and benefit users. CODE, a coalition of companies advocating for Open Digital Ecosystems, including Google, Meta, and Lenovo, supports this view. "We believe that hardware interoperability will drive innovation and increase competition," CODE told Euronews. "It will give everyday users meaningful choice across devices, applications, and services, regardless of brand."The Commission is now gathering feedback from third partiescitizens, companies, and organisationson how best to ensure effective implementation, focusing on technicalities, timelines, and feasibility. Interested parties have until 9 January to respond to the public consultations.After analysing the feedback, the European Commission is expected to issue its final decision around March 2025.In response, Apple has released a report titled: "It's Getting Personal: How Abuse of the DMA's Interoperability Mandate Could Expose Your Private Information." The company argues that sharing the inner workings of its systems with competitors could stifle innovation. Apple is the only company being forced to share its innovations in this way with everyone else, including those who do not share its commitment to user privacy," the company said to Euronews.In June the Commission issued preliminary findings indicating that Apple may have breached EU competition law, this time over excessive fees linked to its App Store.Go to accessibility shortcuts You might also like

Mewing at 2AMHow Pokmon TCG Pocket reignited my love for competitive card games (and yelling at my phone at 2AM)Now even moreso, thanks to the Mythical Island pack launch.Image credit: Pokemon Article by Connor Makar Staff Writer Published on Dec. 22, 2024 I have a vicious love-hate relationship with Pokemon TCG Pocket. It is, without a doubt, my favourite mobile game released this year. It is a wonderful game, taking a snapshot out of the physical TCG and morphing it into this easy to endearing virtual collectathon. It has, also, manifested a side of me I thought died once I turned 21 years old. An angrier me, with a visceral hatred for strangers around the world.Pokemon TCG Pocket has me up at 2AM on the regular, at an age where doing so has become far less appealing. I go to bed annoyed, and wake up with the ghost of that still haunting me. Drinking coffee on a beautiful morning thinking about Mewtwo EX decks, and how carried those who play them obviously are. This isnt the sign of a bad game. Quite the opposite. Only a truly great game demands such emotional investment.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. A while ago we wrote about how the game needed some form of competitive ranked match, some way to try your might against other pokemon trainers across the world. Since then, the game has featured something that isnt quite what we wanted, but got competitive juices flowing nonetheless. First, a basic PvP mode that rewarded players for earning wins. Only a few weeks ago, a similar mode that required consecutive wins. This last one sank its hooks into me.Its the perfect mode to highlight the highs and lows of a meta, but it also encourages a community-wide push towards building the best deck possible before new cards come around and mix it all up again. A celebration of the games 1.0 winners, if you would. The greedy Charizard EX deck, the evil Mewtwo EX deck, the diabolical Starmie / Articuno EX plus Misty deck. As of writing we recently got a new basic PvP event alongside the Mythical Island pack, which means all these doozys plus the current Deck of the Month: Celebi EX are back and giving migraines.The developers really do deserve the success theyre getting. Sure, the Pokemon IP and card game is doing a lot of work popularity-wise, but theyve managed to make a game thats intensely appealing for players at all skill levels, while popping in little events here and there to keep those with more specialized priorities interested. That I think is the key to why so many people are still busting open packs. Its moorish.With new cards on the way, I can safely say this game has me down bad. I popped the premium pass free trial back when it first came out (another smart move by the way), and I dont see myself turning off that sub any time soon. In my mind, its money well earned. How else am I gonna have the cards to beat top tier decks in a pitch black room in the early hours of the morning?

Set your Alarmos.We've been waiting for that sweet Nintendo Switch 2 announcement for what feels like years now hold on, it has been years but, as of today, we are finally on the home straight. That is if your 'home straight' consists of 100 days to go.We know that an announcement is coming "this fiscal year", and if you take today (22nd December) as Day 1, then there are only 100 possible days left for Nintendo to announce "the successor to Nintendo Switch" before we hit 1st April and enter the next fiscal year. Things get slippery when you start to take pesky hours into account, but if today = Day 1, 31st March = Day 100. Got it? Good.Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Cristian Ponce was wearing an Indiana Jones costume when he met his co-founder Tho Schfer. It was at a Halloween party in 2023 thrown by Entrepreneur First, a startup program that introduces founders to one another before they launch an idea.The two hit it off, Ponce remembers. Schfer had studied at MIT with a masters in underwater autonomous robots and worked at NASAs Jet Propulsion Lab exploring Jupiters moons for alien life. Crazy stuff, Ponce grins. I was coming from Cal Tech, doing bioengineering where he worked on E. coli.The two bonded over stories about the drudgery of being a lab technician. Ponce (pictured above left) especially complained about all the manual labor involved in genetic engineering. The lowly lab tech can spend hours with a scientific syringe pipette, manually moving liquids from tube to tube.Attempts to automate the process have not taken off because the robots capable of doing it are specialized, expensive, and require special programming skills. Every time the scientists need to change an experiments parameters which is all the time theyd have to wait for the programmer to program the bot, debug it, and so on. In most cases, its easier, cheaper, and more precise to use a human.The company they founded, Tetsuwan Scientific, set out to address this problem by modifying lower-cost white label lab robots.But then in May 2024, the cofounders were watching OpenAIs multi-model product launch (the one that ticked off Scarlett Johansson with a sound-alike voice). OpenAI showed people talking to the model.It was the missing link Tetsuwan Scientific needed. Were looking at like this crazy breakneck progress of large language models right before our eyes, their scientific reasoning capabilities, Ponce said.After the demo, Ponce fired up GPT 4 and showed it an image of a DNA gel. Not only did the model successfully interpret what the image was, it actually identified a problem an unintended DNA fragment known as a primer dimer. It then offered a very detailed scientific suggestion on what caused it and how to alter the conditions to prevent it.It was a light bulb moment, Ponce described, where LLM models were already capable of diagnosing scientific outputs, but had no physical agency to actually perform the suggestions that theyre making.Tetsuwan Scientific robotic AI scientist looks more like a glass cube.Image Credits:Tetsuwan ScientificThe co-founders were not alone in exploring AIs use in scientific discovery. Robotic AI scientists can be traced back to 1999 with Ross Kings robot Adam & Eve, but really kicked off with a series of academic papers starting in 2023.But the problem, Tetsuwans research showed, was that no software existed that translated scientific intent what the experiment is looking for into robotic execution. For instance, the robot has no way to understand the physical qualities of the liquids it is pipetting.That robot doesnt have the context to know. Maybe its a viscous liquid. Maybe itis going to crystallize. So we have to tell it, he said. Audio LLMs, with hallucinations tamped down by RAG, can work with things that are hard to hard code.Tetsuwan Scientifics robots are not humanoid. As the photo shows, they are a square glass structure. But they being built to evaluate results and make modifications on their own, just like a human would do. This involves building software and sensors so the robots can understand things like calibration, liquid class characterization, and other properties.Tetsuwan Scientific currently has an alpha customer, La Jolla labs, a biotech working on RNA therapeutic drugs. The robots are helping measure and determine the effectiveness of dosage. It also raised $2.7 million in an oversubscribed pre-seed round led by 2048 Ventures, with Carbon Silicon, Everywhere Ventures, and some influential biotech angel investors participating.Ponces eyes light up when he talks about the ultimate destination of this work: independent AI scientists that can be used to automate the whole scientific method, from hypothesis through repeatable results.It is the craziest thing that we could possibly work on. Any technology that automates the scientific method, it is the catalyst to hyperbolic growth, he says.Hes not the only one to think this way. Others working on AI scientists include on-profit org FutureHouse and Seattle-based Potato.

Hi, I want to participate. I dont have enough time this month but I will try. 1 post - 1 participant Read full topic

Talk about a statement! This pink, Shingle style house is located at 140 Brown Street in the fashionable College Hill section of Providence, Rhode Island. Built in 1890 for William and Katherine Crandall, the Shingle style residence stands out for its cantilevered two-story tower and corner rounded porch at the corner, and of course the continuous shingled facades. William T. Crandall was the president of the Union for Christian Work, a religious charitable institution which provided aid to needy children in Providence. Augustus R. and Ida W. Peirce would board in the home for decades, and were likely family, inheriting the property upon Katherines death in 1932. The architect could not be located.

Tech Top 5 mistakes that could expose your financial data to cybercriminals How budgeting apps can leave your sensitive financial data at risk Published December 22, 2024 10:00am EST close How VPNs shield your identity and secure your financial transactions from theft A VPN could be your secret weapon to protect your identity and finances. How secure is your financial information? Lets do a little test: Do you currently have a budgeting app installed on your phone? Statistically speaking, theres a good chance you do.Seventy-five percent of smartphone owners have tried at least one. It seems like a smart move to take control of your finances, right? Unfortunately, what many people dont realize is that apps like these could be exposing your sensitive financial data.Thats just one example. There are other common habits and oversights that could leave your financial data wide open to cybercriminals.Mistakes like these dont just jeopardize your bank account, they can lead to devastating consequences like identity theft, mounting debt and even shattered retirement plans. I'll walk you through the five biggest mistakes that could be putting your financial future at risk, and, more importantly, how to avoid them. A couple working on their budget (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)The 5 biggest mistakes you should avoidNavigating the digital world can be tricky, especially when avoiding common pitfalls that compromise your privacy and security. Here are the five biggest mistakes you should avoid:1. Neglecting security measuresThis is one of the biggest pitfalls many of us fall into. There are so many things we have to do these days to keep our online security up to par. Its easy to grow complacent, essentially leaving the door wide open for cybercriminals to walk through. Here are the basics you should never forget to follow:Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) everywhere you can, especially online accounts that hold your financial information.Keep your software updated. Hackers exploit known weaknesses in old versions of apps, operating systems and even browsers. So, be sure toregularly update your software on all your devices.Avoid usingpublic, unsecured networks, especially when accessing sensitive accounts like online banking or even e-commerce. If you have no other choice, use atrusted VPN to encrypt your online activity, including financial information.For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on yourWindows, Mac, Android and iOS devices A woman scrolling on her phone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)2. Reusing passwordsThough technically a security measure, this ones so bad, it deserves its own spot on the list. Arecent survey revealed thatmore than half of Americans reuse passwords on at least some of their accounts. Make sure youre not one of them.When hackers compromise one account, they dont stop there. They use a technique called credential stuffing, by which stolen login details are tested on other platforms. So, if youve reused the same password for your bank account, email and favorite shopping site, one data breach can take them all down in one fell swoop.If you dont have a perfect memory, capable of memorizing every password youll ever need, I recommend using a trustedpassword manager. They can generate and store complex, unique passwords for all your accounts so you dont have to remember them yourself. A woman working on her budget (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)3. Using budgeting appsBudgeting apps can be a convenient tool for managing your finances, but they also come with potential risks that many users overlook. These apps often share user data with third parties and may request extensive permissions, including access to sensitive personal information. This can raise concerns about privacy and data security, especially if the app lacks robust safeguards. Before using a budgeting app, its crucial to carefully review its permissions and data-sharing policies to protect your financial and personal information.Instead of relying on a budgeting app, consider utilizing your bank's online tools. Many banks offer built-in budgeting and expense-tracking features within their secure online banking platforms. These are typically more privacy-focused than third-party apps. Here are some examples:Bank of America: Offersinteractive charts that break down spending trends, highlight budget categories and show total monthly spending with customizable categories.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?Wells Fargo: Features a package calledMy Money Map, which includes spending reports, personalized budget creation, goal setting and visual analysis of spending compared to budget limits.Capital One: Provides automated budgeting tools through its 360 Checking account, allowing customers to track and categorize expenses automatically. It also features Eno, a virtual assistant for transaction inquiries.Chase:Offers built-inbudgeting tools that seamlessly integrate with your accounts. This includes features like automatic expense categorization, spending insights and personalized budget tracking. With Chase, you can also set savings goals and monitor your progress directly through their mobile app or online banking platform.Huntington National Bank: Offers several in-app budgeting tools, including Spend Analysis for expense tracking,Spend Setter for setting category limits and Look Ahead Calendar for visualizing upcoming payments.Regions Bank: Provides a suite of budgeting tools calledMy GreenInsights, accessible via mobile app and desktop, allowing customers to track expenses, set spending targets and receive suggestions for reducing expenses.These bank-provided tools offer the advantage of being integrated directly with your accounts, potentially providing more accurate and up-to-date information while maintaining a higher level of privacy compared to third-party apps.If you decide to stick to a budgeting app, though, make sure to check its privacy section on the App Store or Google Play, where you can see what data it collects and shares. Then, read the app's privacy policy carefully, as tedious and often deliberately overcomplicated as that can be. A man using his phone and laptop to work on his budget (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)4. Shopping anywhere onlineOnline shopping is convenient and tempting, especially during major sales events likeBlack Friday. But diving headfirst into deals without knowing the retailer could cost you more than you bargained for.When you shop on unfamiliar websites, youre sharing sensitive information like your financial data, address and contact details. If the retailer doesnt have strong privacy or security measures in place, this data could end up in the hands of cybercriminals or be sold to data brokers.Even popular retailers arent always safe. For instance, platformslike Temu, which attract millions of shoppers, have faced scrutiny for questionable data practices. Popularity doesnt guarantee good privacy or security standards. To protect yourself, shop only on websites with a solid reputation for security and privacy. Heres how you can verify a site before making a purchase:Check theirprivacy policy to understand how they collect, use and share your data.Readconsumer reviews to spot red flags, like poor customer service or complaints of data misuse.Whenever possible, use avirtual credit card or payment service like PayPal to add an extra layer of protection for your financial information.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE A man using his phone for budgeting purposes (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)5. Allowing data brokers to keep and sell your informationUnless you go completely off the grid digitally no internet, online accounts or smartphones its nearly impossible to avoid leaving a digital footprint. Most companies collect and share your personal information, which ends up in the hands of data brokers and people-search websites that aggregate and sell it to even more third parties.Data brokerage is a$245.8 billion industry that profits off your personal information at the expense of your privacy and security. Some data brokers have even been caughtintentionally selling information to scammers. People-search sites also provide an accessible way for anyone, including fraudsters, to get their hands on your personal information.To mitigate these risks, its crucial to periodically remove your information from these databases. While its not a perfect solution, consistent removal can significantly reduce your exposure and safeguard both your financial data and personal safety.Check out my top picks for data removal services here.Kurts key takeawaysFrom my experience, it's easy to overlook these risks in our fast-paced, convenience-driven world. But taking just a few minutes to review your security practices can save you from a world of trouble. Don't wait until its too late to protect yourself and your loved ones. Neglecting basic security like two-factor authentication, reusing passwords or shopping on untrustworthy websites can leave you exposed. Using finance apps that share your data, like allowing data brokers to profit off your personal information, also increases your risks of experiencing fraud and identity theft. By staying vigilant, you can protect both your finances and your loved ones.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPHave you made any of the mistakes on this list, or do you have others youd add? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/ContactFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/NewsletterAsk Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to coverFollow Kurt on his social channelsAnswers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Who is liable: the product maker, the library coder, or the company that chose the product? Our Part 2 analysis examines this sticky issue if a catastrophic outcome occurs.

Now that daylight saving has come to an end, nights will be cooler and longer for the rest of the yearmeaning it's time to cozy up inside and listen to your favorite music. Vinyl has made a comeback in a big way (though to be honest, it never really left). As tech experts and music lovers know, nothing compares to listening to vinyl; the rich, clear, and decompressed sounds seem to make the music resonate more deeply than it would played from another medium.Also: Everything you need for a vinyl setupBut not all speakers were created equal, and not all speakers were created for vinyl. Experts and enthusiasts agree that the best speakers for listening to vinyl have specialized features, including multiple inputs, built-in phono preamps, and silk dome tweeters to ensure your records sound as crisp as possible. Impress your loved ones or enjoy your music solo with the best speakers for listening to vinyl.What are the best speakers for vinyl right now?As a vinyl enthusiast with a vintage setup, I combined my own hands-on experience, expert recommendations from music industry professionals, and extensive research to choose the best speakers for vinyl. My pick for the best vinyl speakers overall is the PSB Alpha iQ speakers due to their built-in phono preamp, crisp and loud sound, and EQ customizations. We also included speakers from brands like Paradigm, Edifier, Sonos, and more, so your vinyl collection sounds the way it should. Sort by All The best speakers for vinyl in 2024 Show less The standout feature of the PSB Alpha iQ speakers is their built-in phono preamp. Since vintage record players don't have a built-in phono preamp, you typically need a receiver to act as the preamp. If you have an older record player, these speakers eliminate the need for a receiver.While the Alpha iQ speakers are lauded for being ideal for a vintage setup, verified customers said also they loved the modern features like Bluetooth connectivity and Apple AirPlay technology to listen digitally. A handy companion app called BluOS lets you select the audio output, customize EQ settings, and connect to streaming services like Spotify. BluOS is a multi-room streaming platform that allows you to listen to vinyl through other BluOS-powered devices (like speakers from Bluesound and other makers).These bookshelf speakers can reach 180W of peak power (the most power on this list) and have a frequency response of 60 Hz20 kHz. The drivers are 4-inch mid-bass drivers paired with .75-inch aluminum dome tweeters, meaning great sound quality for such a compact speaker.I tested these speakers with my vintage setup and loved their full bass response and transparent sound. While not as room-filling as my floor-standing vintage Technics speakers, vinyl records sound crisp with the Aplha IQs. It was easy to set these speakers up and connect them, and I could switch quickly between listening to vinyl and one of my Spotify playlists.PSB Alpha iQ specs: Type:Bookshelf |Power:180W |Inputs:AUX, HDMI ARC port, Phono, Bluetooth|Frequency:60 Hz-20 kHz Pros Built-in phono preamp Useful BluOS app for EQ customizations Crisp and loud sound Cons Expensive The standout feature of the PSB Alpha iQ speakers is their built-in phono preamp. Since vintage record players don't have a built-in phono preamp, you typically need a receiver to act as the preamp. If you have an older record player, these speakers eliminate the need for a receiver.While the Alpha iQ speakers are lauded for being ideal for a vintage setup, verified customers said also they loved the modern features like Bluetooth connectivity and Apple AirPlay technology to listen digitally. A handy companion app called BluOS lets you select the audio output, customize EQ settings, and connect to streaming services like Spotify. BluOS is a multi-room streaming platform that allows you to listen to vinyl through other BluOS-powered devices (like speakers from Bluesound and other makers).These bookshelf speakers can reach 180W of peak power (the most power on this list) and have a frequency response of 60 Hz20 kHz. The drivers are 4-inch mid-bass drivers paired with .75-inch aluminum dome tweeters, meaning great sound quality for such a compact speaker.I tested these speakers with my vintage setup and loved their full bass response and transparent sound. While not as room-filling as my floor-standing vintage Technics speakers, vinyl records sound crisp with the Aplha IQs. It was easy to set these speakers up and connect them, and I could switch quickly between listening to vinyl and one of my Spotify playlists.PSB Alpha iQ specs: Type:Bookshelf |Power:180W |Inputs:AUX, HDMI ARC port, Phono, Bluetooth|Frequency:60 Hz-20 kHz Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less These bookshelf speakers provide a clear and balanced sound thanks to the tweeters' pure aluminum dome design, which blocks out unwanted frequencies. They can also be raised with a speaker stand (sold separately) to enhance their sound.Andy Fraser, a musician for over 15 years and the owner ofGuitar Inside Outpraises the Paradigm Monitor SE series for their well-built design, primarily because Paradigm builds all its speakers in-house."The attention to detail and quality can be clearly seen in the construction and assembly," Fraser said. "But more importantly, they sound great and so realistic. For someone like me who really focuses on the instruments, you can hear the musicianship and skill of every instrument being played."You can pair these speakers with other models in the Paradigm Monitor SE lineup, such as the Monitor SE 2000C Center Channel speaker. Reddit users say that these speakers shine when paired with other Paradigm devices.Paradigm Monitor SE tech specs:Type:Bookshelf/tweeter |Power:Up to 100W|Inputs: Binding post |Frequency:61-21k Hz 3dB Pros Relatively affordable Quality build Compact size Cons Lacking a bit in mid-range sound No subwoofer These bookshelf speakers provide a clear and balanced sound thanks to the tweeters' pure aluminum dome design, which blocks out unwanted frequencies. They can also be raised with a speaker stand (sold separately) to enhance their sound.Andy Fraser, a musician for over 15 years and the owner ofGuitar Inside Outpraises the Paradigm Monitor SE series for their well-built design, primarily because Paradigm builds all its speakers in-house."The attention to detail and quality can be clearly seen in the construction and assembly," Fraser said. "But more importantly, they sound great and so realistic. For someone like me who really focuses on the instruments, you can hear the musicianship and skill of every instrument being played."You can pair these speakers with other models in the Paradigm Monitor SE lineup, such as the Monitor SE 2000C Center Channel speaker. Reddit users say that these speakers shine when paired with other Paradigm devices.Paradigm Monitor SE tech specs:Type:Bookshelf/tweeter |Power:Up to 100W|Inputs: Binding post |Frequency:61-21k Hz 3dB Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less If you want speakers that can play podcasts in addition to your favorite records, the Kanto YU6 bookshelf speakers could be your best bet. Their versatility lies in their input options: AUX, RCA with Phono, optical, and Bluetooth, meaning you can use them for pretty much any setup.An included remote control also allows for adjustments to the volume, input, tone, and balance to better fine-tune your listening experience. Plus, they come in various colors including red, white, bamboo, and black for every aesthetic.Review:Kanto YU6ZDNET contributor Jack Wallen tested these speakers and said they exceeded his expectations. "The clarity (even at louder levels) was incredible," he wrote in his review. And, with the help of the remote, I could add a bit more bass or treble as needed."Reddit users recommend these speakers for audiophiles on a budget since they "sound fantastic for the price and have a ton of connections if you're not going through a receiver."Kanto YU6tech specs:Type:Bookshelf/tweeter |Power:Up to 100W|Inputs: 3.5mm mini-jack AUX, RCA with Phono Switch, 1x Optical (TOSLINK), Bluetooth 4.0 with Qualcomm aptX|Frequency:50Hz - 20kHz Pros Multiple connection and color options Included remote control Impressive sound Cons For the best bass sound, you'll need to add a subwoofer If you want speakers that can play podcasts in addition to your favorite records, the Kanto YU6 bookshelf speakers could be your best bet. Their versatility lies in their input options: AUX, RCA with Phono, optical, and Bluetooth, meaning you can use them for pretty much any setup.An included remote control also allows for adjustments to the volume, input, tone, and balance to better fine-tune your listening experience. Plus, they come in various colors including red, white, bamboo, and black for every aesthetic.Review:Kanto YU6ZDNET contributor Jack Wallen tested these speakers and said they exceeded his expectations. "The clarity (even at louder levels) was incredible," he wrote in his review. And, with the help of the remote, I could add a bit more bass or treble as needed."Reddit users recommend these speakers for audiophiles on a budget since they "sound fantastic for the price and have a ton of connections if you're not going through a receiver."Kanto YU6tech specs:Type:Bookshelf/tweeter |Power:Up to 100W|Inputs: 3.5mm mini-jack AUX, RCA with Phono Switch, 1x Optical (TOSLINK), Bluetooth 4.0 with Qualcomm aptX|Frequency:50Hz - 20kHz Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less For a more budget-friendly option, the Edifier R1280DB speakers are a great set at just $150. One Reddit user said these speakers "are nearly unmatched in quality for their price," and make a solid option for a minimalist setup.These bookshelf speakers have numerous connections: RCA, Bluetooth, auxiliary, optical, and coaxial. There is also an included remote control, but you can also adjust the equalization of treble and bass on the side panel knobs.The Edifier R1280DB speakers have 4-inch bass drivers and a 13mm silk dome tweeter. And, while the overall power is lower than other options (42 watts for both speakers), the sound quality is still good for the price.Edifier R1280DB tech specs: Type:Bookshelf |Power:42W |Input:RCA and Bluetooth |Frequency:55Hz-20KHz Pros Great price Easily control volume and EQ with knobs on speakers Plenty of connectivity options Cons Lower power packs less of a punch For a more budget-friendly option, the Edifier R1280DB speakers are a great set at just $150. One Reddit user said these speakers "are nearly unmatched in quality for their price," and make a solid option for a minimalist setup.These bookshelf speakers have numerous connections: RCA, Bluetooth, auxiliary, optical, and coaxial. There is also an included remote control, but you can also adjust the equalization of treble and bass on the side panel knobs.The Edifier R1280DB speakers have 4-inch bass drivers and a 13mm silk dome tweeter. And, while the overall power is lower than other options (42 watts for both speakers), the sound quality is still good for the price.Edifier R1280DB tech specs: Type:Bookshelf |Power:42W |Input:RCA and Bluetooth |Frequency:55Hz-20KHz Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at B&H Photo-Video If you want something smart home-friendly with superb sound quality, the Sonos Five is an excellent speaker compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control.You can also easily control the bass, treble, and loudness through the Sonos App or Apple AirPlay 2. Sonos' Trueplay technology puts the speaker-tuning capability in your hands to adapt and optimize the speaker to a room's unique acoustics.The Sonos Five speaker packs quite the punch into just one speaker. It has six Class-D digital amplifiers tuned to match the six dedicated speaker drivers, which include three 23mm tweeters and three 4-inch mid-woofers. One Reddit user said that the Sonos Five speaker is "definitely a versatile and easy way to get into vinyl" for those looking to build a vinyl setup.In addition, you can pair two Sonos Five speakers together for even more immersive soundkeep in mind one speaker alone will cost you $549.Sonos Five tech specs: Type:All-in-one |Power:120W |Inputs:Bluetooth, 3.5mm audio|Frequency:50-60Hz Pros Smart home compatible Trueplay technology Six custom-designed drivers Cons Expensive for just one speaker (it will cost you even more if you want a pair) Truplay only works with iOS If you want something smart home-friendly with superb sound quality, the Sonos Five is an excellent speaker compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control.You can also easily control the bass, treble, and loudness through the Sonos App or Apple AirPlay 2. Sonos' Trueplay technology puts the speaker-tuning capability in your hands to adapt and optimize the speaker to a room's unique acoustics.The Sonos Five speaker packs quite the punch into just one speaker. It has six Class-D digital amplifiers tuned to match the six dedicated speaker drivers, which include three 23mm tweeters and three 4-inch mid-woofers. One Reddit user said that the Sonos Five speaker is "definitely a versatile and easy way to get into vinyl" for those looking to build a vinyl setup.In addition, you can pair two Sonos Five speakers together for even more immersive soundkeep in mind one speaker alone will cost you $549.Sonos Five tech specs: Type:All-in-one |Power:120W |Inputs:Bluetooth, 3.5mm audio|Frequency:50-60Hz Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon While all the other vinyl speakers listed above are bookshelf speakers, these floor-standing speakers might be the perfect statement piece. The Triangle Borea BR08 floor-standing speakers tower is just over three feet high and can fill a room with sound ranging from 65 to 131 square feet, making it the perfect option for larger rooms or homes.These speakers have four drivers, a 25mm EFS silk dome tweets, and a 16cm midrange. Their three-way configuration diffuses all frequencies without interference between the transducers, producing clear voices and instruments.You'll have to shell out well over $1,000 to get this pair of turntable speakers, but when you have both for your vinyl setup, verified Amazon customers say that the layered and cohesive sound blew them away.Triangle Borea BR08 tech specs:Type:Floor-standing |Power:150W |Inputs:N/A |Frequency:40Hz-22kHz Pros Great sound quality in highs, mids, and lows Solid build Cons Best for larger rooms Expensive for just one speaker, and you'll need two for full sound While all the other vinyl speakers listed above are bookshelf speakers, these floor-standing speakers might be the perfect statement piece. The Triangle Borea BR08 floor-standing speakers tower is just over three feet high and can fill a room with sound ranging from 65 to 131 square feet, making it the perfect option for larger rooms or homes.These speakers have four drivers, a 25mm EFS silk dome tweets, and a 16cm midrange. Their three-way configuration diffuses all frequencies without interference between the transducers, producing clear voices and instruments.You'll have to shell out well over $1,000 to get this pair of turntable speakers, but when you have both for your vinyl setup, verified Amazon customers say that the layered and cohesive sound blew them away.Triangle Borea BR08 tech specs:Type:Floor-standing |Power:150W |Inputs:N/A |Frequency:40Hz-22kHz Read More Show Expert Take Show less What are the best speakers for vinyl? The best speakers for vinyl are the PSB Alpha iQ speakers based on sound quality, price, and power. However, these speakers would also be a great addition to any vinyl setup. SpeakerPriceFrequency responsePowerPSB Alpha iQ $1,299 60Hz-20kHz 180W Paradigm Monitor SE Atom $300 61-21k Hz 3dB 100W Kanto YU6$48050Hz - 20kHz100W Edifier R1280DB $150 55Hz-20kHz 42W Sonos Five $550 50Hz-60Hz 120W Triangle Borea BR08 $549 40Hz 22kHz 150W Show more Which speakers for vinyl are right for you? It really depends on what your current vinyl setup looks like. If you have a vintage record player, the PSB Alpha iQ or the Triangle Borea BR08 would make for great speakers. Newer turntables would pair well with the Sonos Five, Paradigm Monitor SE Atom, or the Edifier R1280DB. Choose these speakers...If you want...PSB Alpha iQ The best overall option. They have built-in phono preamp for a vintage vinyl setup, and an app for EQ customizations. Paradigm Monitor SE Atom A well-designed pair of speakers for vinyl. These bookshelf speakers provide a clear and balanced sound. Kanto YU6A pair of versatile speakers that can connect to almost any setup. They come with an included remote to fine-tune the sound.Edifier R1280DB Budget-friendly speakers for vinyl. These bookshelf speakers have numerous connections: RCA, Bluetooth, auxiliary, optical, and coaxial. Sonos Five Speakers for vinyl that are compatible with your smart home devices. You can also easily control the bass, treble, and loudness through the Sonos App or Apple AirPlay 2. Triangle Borea BR08 Floor-standing speakers for vinyl. These speakers tower at just over three feet and can fill a room with sound ranging from 65-131 square feet. Show more Factors to consider when choosing the best speakers for vinyl: Choosing the best speakers for vinyl is essential since they will ultimately determine how your music sounds. Ultimately, it comes down to the following factors:Power:This refers to the maximum power a speaker can handle without causing damage. The higher the wattage, the better and louder the speakers usually sound.Frequency:A speaker's frequency response is measured in hertz and represents how well it can reproduce the audible range of sound. Most speakers are capable of responding from around 45-20,000 Hz.Inputs:Consider speakers that offer different kinds of inputs so you can have options for how you want to listen to your music and vinyl collection. Speakers for vinyl usually have RCA inputs.Pricing:Speakers for vinyl greatly range in price depending on the brand, quality, and overall sound. They typically range from $150 a pair up to splurge-worthy setups costing $700 per pair. Show more How did we choose these speakers for vinyl? When choosing the best speakers for vinyl, I considered my own experience with some of the products and my knowledge of vinyl and building out a vinyl listening setup, as well as spoke to music industry experts on their take of what the best speakers are.For products we have not gone hands-on with, we put extensive research into different products and brands, taking into consideration user reviews (both good and bad), competitor analysis, and more. Show more FAQs on speakers for vinyl How do you get the best sound for your vinyl? Getting the best sound quality out of your vinyl collection is more than just having the best speakers for vinyl. Here are some tips to truly level up your listening experience:Make sure your turntable is level. Make sure your turntable's cartridge and stylus are working correctly, and if necessary, replace or upgrade them.Store your records correctlyvertically, not horizontally! Clean your records every so often. Show more What is a frequency response? Frequency response determines how well and clearly a sound can be reproduced by the speakers. It is measured in hertz (Hz). Look for a wider frequency response, especially close to 20Hz - 20,000kHz.Also: The best sound systems Show more Why does my vinyl sound fuzzy? A fuzzy or muffled noise when playing a vinyl record isn't the speakers' fault, but a problem with a turntable's stylus. The stylus is most likely damaged or worn down. To fix this issue, first try cleaning the stylus from dust with a small brush to see if that solves it. If it still sounds fuzzy, you should replace the stylus with a new one. Show more Can you use Bluetooth speakers for vinyl? Bluetooth speakers will only work if you have a Bluetooth turntable. If you opt for this route, you'll be able to use more speaker options, but keep in mind you might not get as good of sound as wired speakers. Show more What is the best record player? The best record player for listening to vinyl is the Audio-Technica LP120, but we also recommend the Fluance RT81 Elite or the Pro-Ject Phono SB.Try to avoid Crosley Cruiser Turntable models since they are known to ruin your records. However, higher-end Crosley turntables are still a decent option you can look into. Show more Other speakers for vinyl worth consideringThere are plenty of other quality speakers on the market that would make great speakers for vinyl. Here are a few other options to look into:Meet the experts ZDNET sourced an external industry expert for this article. Here is more information about him:Andy Fraser: A musician for over 20 years who also teaches music, and the owner ofGuitar Inside Out, an advice blog about guitars. Show more Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends

The Sennheiser Accentum earbuds are a best in class for their price. Jack Wallen/ZDNETWhat's the deal?The Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless Earbuds have received a 35% discount on Amazon. At the time of this writing, you can purchase the pair for $130 in either black or white.ZDNET's key takeawaysThe Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless earbuds are available on Amazon for $199.These earbuds offer brilliant, rich sound with all-day comfort and excellent active noise canceling.However, they only get around eight hours of playtime (with ANC off).I've been a fan of Sennheiser for a long time, starting decades ago when I bought one of my first audiophile-grade headphones. I loved their high-quality sound and appreciated the engineering that went into a well-made pair of headphones. Since then, however, that relationship has seen its share of ups and downs.Also:The best noise-canceling earbuds: Expert tested and reviewedOne instance involved a less-than-stellar pair of earbuds that offered tinny, hollow sound, too-delicate wires, and lack of substance. But that didn't sour my opinion of the company because every time they hit a home run, it is so far out of the park that the ball is forever lost. details View at Amazon Such is the case with the Accentum True Wireless earbuds. When I opened the package and flipped the lid on the clamshell case, my first impression was that they looked sleek, but there wasn't really anything that stood out design-wise.Then, I connected them to my Pixel 8 Pro and launched "Analog Kid" by Rush, my go-to tune when I test earbuds, earphones, and speakers. It took me eight measures to realize Sennheiser had done it again. These earbuds are just fantastic.More on that in a bit. First, the specs:Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless earbuds tech specsDriver type: 7mm dynamicFrequency response: 5 Hz - 21 KHzSensitivity: 107 dBSpeaker THD: <0,08% (1 kHz / 94 dB)Hybrid noise-canceling circuitry with dual micsTransparency mode to hear external soundsBluetooth 5.3 (with LE audio and Auracast support)aptX, LC3, ACC, SBC decodingIP54 water resistant (earbuds only)Six hours of continuous playback with noise canceling on (eight hours with noise canceling off) and an additional 20 hours from the charging caseWireless charging supportWeight: 0.5 ozI compare every pair of earbuds I test to the Denon PerL Pro, which is still the best-sounding pair I've heard to date, and sells for around $350. Given that the Accentum buds cost roughly $150 less, it was a safe bet they wouldn't stand up to the PerL Pro.They did.I'm not going to say they beat the PerL Pro on every level, but this was as close as any I've tested. The Accentum earbuds offer deep, rich sound with a soundstage to best any earbud at this price point.Also: These $80 earbuds changed my mind about low-cost headphonesUsually, with similarly priced earbuds, I have to install the companion app on my phone to adjust the EQ to get them to achieve a sound profile that accommodates my taste. With the Accentum buds, the default sound was fantastic. They reproduced just the right mixture of lows, mids, and highs to create a state of aural bliss. And no matter what piece of music I threw at these earbuds, they didn't blink and produced smooth and beautiful noise for my ears to enjoy."Analog Kid" by Rush sounded agile, with beautiful separation and tone."Halcyon and On" by Orbital was heavenly."Kingdom" by Devin Townsend was as brutal and dynamic as a prog metal song can be."Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber was just the right amount of heartbreak and zero distortion at the end of the first movement (which is a feat)."The Road Home" by Stephen PaulusI could close my eyes and feel as if I were right there before the choir.I can't praise the sound produced by these earbuds enough. But that wasn't the only thing to catch my attention. If there's one area where the Accentum earbuds outrank the Denon PerL Pro, it's comfort.Also: This small Bluetooth speaker is secretly a powerhouse with room-shaking audioThe Accentum earbuds fit perfectly, and can be worn for extended periods of time without issue. Because of how the Denon earbuds fit, they can put slight pressure on the back of the ear after an hour or two, so I only wear them when I know I'm having a short listening session. On the other hand, the Accentum buds have a natural and relaxed fit, and they feel as comfortable when you take them out as they did when you first put them in.As far as the noise canceling is concerned, I didn't bother testing the transparency mode because the ANC on these earbuds is fantastic. As soon as the music started playing, all sounds were drowned out and it was just me and the tunes. This ANC beats every pair of earbuds I've tested to date (even the Pixel Buds Pro).ZDNET's buying adviceIf you're choosy about how your earbuds' sound and are looking for an unrivaled fit, the Sennheiser Accentum earbuds are the way to go. At a price considerably lower than other earbuds with this high-quality sound, you cannot beat these.Yes, you can certainly find earbuds that sound a bit better than the Accentum buds, but you'll likely be paying at least $100 more for them. If that's not in your budget, you won't be sacrificing much with the Accentum earbuds, and there's no denying these are the most comfortable earbuds out there.Also:I tested Sennheiser's new mid-range headphones and they're so close to perfectThe Accentum buds' only drawback is their battery life. Eight hours is on par with other premium earbuds, but I'd like to squeeze out a little more juice. Still, I'll take an entire day's worth of battery life in exchange for great sound, high-performing noise-canceling tech, and all-day comfort.Featured reviews