The JLab JBuds Lux is one of the best wireless noise cancelling headphones under $100 and now you can get a pair dressed up in a limited edition theme. As part of a Transformers collab, you can get a pair decked out in either Autobots (red) or Decepticons (purple) styling. Normally these headphones cost $89.99, but they're $20 off right now. At the current price of $69.99, they're less expensive than the retail price of a normal pair of JBuds Lux ($79.99).JLab JBuds Lux Transformers Themed for $69.99Transformers: DecepticonsJLab JBuds Luxe Wireless Noise Cancelling HeadphonesTransformers: AutobotsJLab JBuds Luxe Wireless Noise Cancelling HeadphonesUpdate: You can get both Decepticons and Autobots models cheaper through JLab's Amazon store.The JBuds Lux are heavy hitters at their price point. Not only do they feature both wireless connectivity and noise cancellation, they actually perform so well they they compete against much pricier ANC headphones. SoundGuys recently reviewed the JLab JBuds Lux and gave these headphones an absolutely glowing review, mentioning that they were one of the best headphones under $100 and a fantastic value even at their retail price.The JLab JBuds Lux boasts a lot of features you'd find in far more expensive headphones, like big 40mm drivers, Spatial Audio that's compatible with Dolby Atmos, Tempest 3D AudioTech and Windows Sonic, hybrid active noise cancellation with a "Be Aware" mode that lets you listen in on your environment, and a built-in microphone for hands-free calling. The JBuds Lux boasts up to a 70-hour battery life, or 40 hours with ANC enabled, and Bluetooth Multipoint for simultaneous pairing with up to two devices. Those are impressive specs.These headphones even look the part. The JLab JBuds Lux are thoughtfully designed for both comfort and performance, with cushy earcups that conform to your ear while also providing an effective seal for passive isolation, a padded headband for prolonged comfort, and a foldable design that makes them easy to tote around. Honestly, the only thing JLab seems to have omitted was the egregious price tag.Why Should You Trust IGN's Deals Team?IGN's deals team has a combined 30+ years of experience finding the best discounts in gaming, tech, and just about every other category. We don't try to trick our readers into buying things they don't need at prices that aren't worth buying something at. Our ultimate goal is to surface the best possible deals from brands we trust and our editorial team has personal experience with. You can check out our deals standards here for more information on our process, or keep up with the latest deals we find on IGN's Deals account on Twitter.Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.

2024 has been a year of ups and downs, and while that can be said for every year, this one exemplified the "it's over and we're so back" meme -- from the fantastic year of platformers in the form of Astro Bot, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown and Sonic X Shadow Generations, to wonderful movies like Wicked, Alien Romulus and Longlegs. But like I've said before, the year also had its lows where even established franchises like Dune, Like a Dragon, Mario and plenty of others had a hard time sticking the landing between their multiple releases this year. And like the content we consume, we as humans are also subject to ups and downs throughout the year, and we know everyone has their good and bad days. But it's time to recognize the most outstanding members of our community -- the users that more often than not exemplify the best parts of our community. We enjoy celebrating them for all they do to create a positive atmosphere here at IGN. From users who comment daily to those who visit sparingly, we are grateful for your passion for and dedication to having spirited conversations with your fellow community members. They say good things come in threes, so to celebrate our third year of fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all members we're once again paying tribute to our top users based on their accounts and how they interact with others in the community. Last year we celebrated and rewarded 11 upstanding members of our community, with of a portion of them maintaining a perfect comment record. Those members were Midori85, 1track, wuzzgoodhommy, tenken8, ForceStream, CurryLova, Doctor_MG, NDWest14, McGarnicle, TAGibby4, and Real Frowns. To up the ante thisThe winners will all be receiving a gift of IGN Plus as a way of saying thank you, so keep an eye out for our update early next week, and for our winners an e-mail detailing how to redeem your gift. IGN Community Voted AwardsNow, for those who live vicariously through their favorite games, movies, TV shows, and more, here are the current results for each category that the IGN Community voted on:Best Comic Book/Graphic Novel of 2024Transformers (32.4% of the votes)Best Horror Movie of 2024Alien: Romulus (41.9% of the votes)Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy Movie of 2024Dune: Part Two (55.8% of the votes)Best Horror Game of 2024 Silent Hill 2 (82.0% of the votes)Best Anime of 2024Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (58.9% of the votes)Best RPG of 2024Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth (45.8% of the votes) Best PC Game 2024 Balatro (44% of the votes)Best Xbox Game of 2024Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (67.3% of the votes) Biggest PlayStation Game of 2024Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth (35.9% of the votes)Best Nintendo Game of 2024The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (50.2% of the votes)Best TV Show of 2024Agatha All Along (27.5% of the votes)Best Movie of 2024Dune: Part Two (44.3% of the votes)Best Game of 2024Black Myth: Wukong (17.4% of the votes)Thank you to everyone who participated in our community-voted awards categories this year. In nine of the 13 categories, the winners garnered over 40% of the total votes, so while some of you may be prone to spirited debates, a large portion of you agreed on your 2024 favorites. We even have blowouts in a few categories: Silent Hill currently has over 80% of the votes for Best Horror Game, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has over 67% of the votes for the Best Xbox Game. The closest category you voted on was the Best Game of 2024, which was decided by less than 1500 votes, cementing Black Myth: Wukong as the IGN audience's favorite over Astro Bot and Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth, which are tied for second. And while Game of the Year was the most-voted category this year, the Best TV Show category was just behind it in total votes and, despite the resentment we often hear around recent Marvel projects, it was Agatha All Along that took the win with 27.5% of the votes, beating out popular shows like Shogun, Fallout, and The Penguin. Again, thank you to everyone who joined in on the fun; we look forward to seeing how 2025 turns out. Keepin' It CleanThroughout the year, we have also been monitoring those on the opposite end of the spectrum who do not foster a positive experience. We remove the most problematic users regularly to improve everyone's overall experience. But we also use this time before the end of the year as an opportunity to remove those who were given more time to see if their infractions throughout the year created a pattern or were potentially just someone having a bad day or week. So, in addition to recognizing the users who uplifted our community, we have also removed several users who have consistently violated our community guidelines. These banned accounts are those who have engaged in hate speech, harassment, or other toxic behaviors. We know these actions are not always popular, but they are necessary in our commitment to creating a safe and welcoming space for everyone at IGN. With that being said we will be updating the ToS in 2025, so be sure to check them out once those go live in early January. As we continue to build upon our community, we will continue to monitor and address any problematic behavior to ensure that our community remains a positive and inclusive place for everyone. We can create a respectful, supportive, and enjoyable community by working together. Keep an eye out in 2025 as we have even more plans for the community to ensure we are fostering a welcoming space for everyone and hopefully a few surprises. We appreciate our readers who regularly make us their home for gaming, entertainment, and more. We are excited to continue building and improving together in the coming months and years. Once again, thank you to all of you who regularly do your best to create a positive experience on IGN. More of IGN's 2024 Awards

Unlike their more glamorous counterparts like bedrooms and living rooms, bathrooms tend to be one of the most overlooked spaces in the house. If you are a homeowner, its easy to become inured to the dated cabinetry and dingy grout lines. And if youre a renter, you simply must make do with what youve got. But before you throw in the towel (come to think of it, that might need replacing too!), its important to consider the importance of your washroom. In addition to daily rituals like bathing and brushing, these spaces offer the opportunity for self-care, renewal, and that all-too-fleeting me time. In fact, as weve reported, bathrooms are becoming more elaborate than ever, complete with sofas, steam showers, and even champagne bars. The bathroom is no longer just a place to brush your teeth and get ready for the day, Daniele Busca, the U.S. creative director of Scavolini, told us. Its more like your sanctuary. Especially after Covid, the meaning of the bathroom has completely changed. The bathroom is also a plum design opportunity, whether you simply repaint your cabinets or go as far as a floor-to-ceiling remodel. For inspiration, weve turned to the ELLE DECOR archive. Every home we feature brings us bathrooms we never thought we would see, whether it's a graciously sized bathroom in a Renaissance castle or an exuberant powder room in a single family home. Whatever your whimsy, youre sure to find your bliss in one of these 102 beautiful bathroom design ideas. Go aheadsoak it all in! 1Unexpected Red BathroomBastian AchardA while back, we investigated the viral "unexpected red" trend that was blowing up our social feeds. The jury may still be out on whether or not a dash of red makes every space look better, but it certainly adds plenty of charm to this rustic alpine bathroom designed by Milanese architect Natalia Bianchi. The tomato-red English tub pops perfectly against the reclaimed timber walls. 2Book-Matched Marble BathroomHelenio BarbettaELLE DECOR A-List designer Hannes Peer is a master of materials and we're soaking up all the inspo in this handsome bathroom of his design. It's inspired by Jean-Michel Franks own loo, designed in 1925, and features book-matched Calacatta Paonazzo marble walls and a custom mirror. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Vintage-Look Vanity BathroomNoe DeWittNot all bathroom storage is created equaland this idea from ELLE DECOR A-Lister Alfredo Paredes proves why. Instead of humdrum under-sink cabinetry, he designed a custom vintage-looking vanity. If you don't have the budget for custom, try upcycling a narrow vintage table or console. 4Mirrored Cabinetry BathroomDouglas FriedmanMirrors aren't just for doing your makeup. Here, in a stylish Miami pad, Studio Roda also covered the cabinetry in disco-chic reflective surfaces. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Zebra-Stripe Marble BathroomSam FrostMarble in the bathroom isn't necessarily a design decision known for making waves...unless its as eye-catching as this! In a recent Montecito, California project, design power couple Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent wrapped the bathroom in a dynamic Calacatta Viola Rose marble slabs. 6Missoni-Inspired BathroomFrancesco DolfoTalk about dopamine dressing! This petite bathroom, in the Milan home of hospitality designer Eric Egan, is as stylish as our favorite Missoni scarf. Here, he wrapped the walls in a custom Fromental print. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Statement Mirror BathroomRead McKendreeSometimes, simply swapping out your plain mirror can make a world of a difference in your bathroom. Here, designer Poonam Khanna selected a towering curved mirror that softens the vanity's crisp lines and adds even more height to the room. 8Aviary BathroomStephen Kent JohnsonHow pretty is this delicate avian-themed wallpaper? In this case, the design is Eugen by Scalamandr and utterly transforms this small bathroom in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Even if you rent, you can get the look with a similar peel-and-stick design. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Sunny Soak BathroomLaure JolietSoak this idea in: A classic clawfoot tub can get an unexpected update with the right coat of paint. In the case of this Cambridge, Massachusetts house, designer Frances Merrill of Reath Design coated the bath in a sunny yellow (Babouche by Farrow & Ball). A green checkerboard floor adds even more whimsy. 10Wild Wallpaper BathroomPernille LoofIf your bathroom has quirky geometries, embrace them with an enveloping pattern! By keeping the tub, floors, and trim light and bright, designer Ramsey Lyons allowed the wild botanical print to feel whimsical, not overpowering. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Loo With a ViewGiulio GhirardiWith its Eiffel Tower view, this Paris apartment, designed by ELLE DECOR A-Lister Pierre Yovanovitch, has its residents taking photos like tourists. Neutral finishes and materials plus classic fixtures ensure that the vistas are this bathing beauty's biggest design flex. 12Copper Tub BathroomFrank Frances StudioThere's something gloriously romantic about a deep, copper tub. ELLE DECOR A-Lister Sheila Bridges upped the ante in this sophisticated mountain house with classic checkerboard floors and the prettiest Vermont view.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Myriad Materials BathroomKelly MarshallCan't decide between zellige tile and bold marble? Use both! ELLE DECOR A-Lister Rayman Boozer shows you don't have to choose between bathroom design's "it" materials in this New York bathroom. A squiggly window shade adds to the fun. 14Key Lime BathroomWilliam Jess LairdThis bathroom in a historic Connecticut colonial revival has plenty of quirks, so designer Clive Lonstein embraced them with an equally quirky color. Here, he selected Benjamin Moore's happy Potpourri Green. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Red Tile BathroomStephen Kent JohnsonThis bathroom has us seeing red in the best of ways! The homeowner of this Montana home was skeptical at first (she calls it one specific place where I had to trust) but the design firm Commune worked its magic via the cherry Heath Ceramic tiles and handsome walnut vanity. 16Pink Marble BathroomStephan JulliardYou'd never guess that this once-derelict Paris apartment used to feature squat toilets. That was until designer Sarah Dray arrived on the scene. Here in the primary bath, she contrasted the travertine walls and tubs with a delicious pink onyx floor and sink. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Mosaic Tile BathroomChris MottaliniInstead of traditional tile, think small, as ELLE DECOR A-List design duo Hendricks Churchill did in this sky-high Manhattan abode. Instead of traditional rectangles and squares, they covered the walls and floor in a neutral-hued mosaic tile, a move that's sure to feel glorious underfoot. 18Relaxed Modern BathroomOri HarpazTucked away though they often are, a bathroom still needs a vibe. In the powder room of this David Lucidodesigned Los Angeles home, brown textured plaster walls provide the perfect base for rich, seductive textures elsewhere. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Prettily Papered BathroomEthan HerringtonPowder rooms are the perfect opportunity for the kind of busy, all-over print that would overwhelm a larger room. In this bathroom, design firm Alton Bechara used wallpaper by Aux Abris with repeating lips and stars. The sink is by Devon & Devon, and the mirror is vintage.20High-Impact Wallpaper BathroomBrooke HolmTo keep things fun and still simple, Bryan Young opted for a straightforward sink and mirror, while covering the walls of this powder room in Flavor Papers Camellias wallpaper. Its a bit like Alice in Wonderland, he says.Anna FixsenDeputy Digital EditorAnna Fixsen is the deputy digital editor of ELLE DECOR, where she oversees all facets of ElleDecor.com. In addition to editing articles and developing digital strategy, she writes about the worlds most beautiful homes, reviews the chicest products (from the best cocktail tables to cute but practical gifts), and reports on the most exciting trends in design and architecture. Since graduating from Columbia Journalism School, shes spent the past decade as an editor at Architectural Digest, Metropolis, and Architectural Record and has written for outlets including the New York Times, Dwell, and more.

As we reported in August, Meta has confirmed that it will discontinue Spark, Instagrams AR filters, in January 2025. At the time, the company didnt give many details except to say that it would prioritize its efforts on other products. Now we know whats coming next: realistic AI-based filters.Instagram to let users edit their videos with AI-generated contentInstagram CEO Adam Mosseri shared a video this week teasing the new AI-based filters. Called Movie Gen, the feature will let users apply realistic filters to Instagram videos. According to the executive, Movie Gen can change nearly any aspect of your videos with a simple text prompt. In the video, Mosseri also shows him with different outfits, backgrounds and accessories all generated by AI.Im super excited about Movie Gen, our early AI research model that will let you change nearly any aspect of your videos with a simple text prompt, Mosseri said in a post on Instagram. Although he didnt give an exact date for launching Movie Gen, the executive said that Meta wants to bring the feature to Instagram sometime next year.In the comments section, many users expressed concern about the feature, as it could be used to trick people with fake content. Instagram currently shows a label for AI-generated content (such as photos edited with Apples Clean Up feature), but its super easy to bypass it. Some people argued that no one wants this and asked for an option not to see AI-generated content on their timeline.Earlier this month, OpenAI launched Sora, a tool for generating entire videos with AI. The feature is also seen by some people as controversial as it lets people easily create realistic videos of situations that never happened.As for Instagrams AR filters, they will be removed from the app on January 14, 2025. More details can be found on theMeta website.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

He's saying the quiet part out loud. Germany FirstIn an incredible mask-off moment, Elon Musk has endorsed Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD, per its German initials) even though,weirdly, the party is against his business interests."Only the AfD can save Germany," the South African-born billionaire wrote on X-formerly-Twitter, quote-tweeting a video from Naomi Seibt, a far-right German YouTuber and apparent fangirl.In the original English-language video, Seibt took on Freidrich Merz, a conservative politician who's likely poised to become the next chancellor of Germany, for criticizing Musk's austere economic vision."Basically, the mainstream media have declared Friedrich Merz the winner," the 24-year-old influencer said, "completely disregarding the existence of the AfD."Burn Baby BurnMusk's endorsement of the party which has been linked to neo-Nazi groups and recently fell into disarray after one of its officials said that the Third Reich's fearsome Schutzstaffel (SS) weren't necessarily criminals is yet another example of him shooting himself in the foot.As folks on X have pointed out, the AfD staunchly opposes the expansion of Tesla's German Gigafactory in Grunheide, a suburb outside of Berlin. At times, the party whose youth wing the German government considers "certified extremist" has even used violent imagery in its anti-Tesla campaigning, including one poster with a burning Tesla."Advent advent ein Tesla brennt," the poster reads, a reference to a German Christmas carol that replaces "a little light" ("lichtlein") with Musk's electric vehicle company.AfD About ItAs Germany'sDeutsche Welle reported earlier this year, Musk has shown sympathy for the AfD despite its opposition.Though he doesn't seem to have outright endorsed the AfD until now, the SpaceX and Tesla owner did quote-tweet a post from a xenophobic account in 2023 criticizing German groups for assisting a refugee flotilla traveling from Tunisia to Italy."Let's hope AfD wins the elections to stop this European suicide," the initial post read. Quote-tweeting it, Musk added "Is the German public aware of this?"Amid his first foray into American government, Musk is now influence-peddling in Europe too and he's willing to cut off his nose to spite his face on both sides of the pond if it achieves his regressive political endgame.More on Musk's politicking: Elon Musk Bullies Congress Into Cutting Funding for Child Cancer ResearchShare This Article

In BriefPosted:4:04 PM PST December 20, 2024Image Credits:FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP / Getty ImagesSam Altman disputes Marc Andreessens description of AI meetings with Biden administrationFamed investor Marc Andreessen recently talked about meetings with Biden administration staff who gave him the impression they wanted to control AI by working closely with two or three big AI companies shutting everyone else out through burdensome regulations.Andreessen didnt name OpenAI, but it was implied it would have been a beneficiary of this alleged effort. However, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman dismissed Andreessens comments as conspiracy theory in a podcast this week with Bari Weiss.I mean, we were in a room with them, and other companies and the administration, but never like, Heres our conspiracy theory, were going to make it so only a few companies can build AI and then you have to do what we say. Never anything like that, Altman said.Either way, Altman and other big tech leaders are moving on fast from the Biden administration, donating millions to Trumps inaugural fund. Topics

Struggling electric van startup Canoo has placed its remaining employees on what its calling a mandatory unpaid break through at least the end of the year, according to an email obtained by TechCrunch. The company told employees they are being locked out of Canoos systems at the end of the day Friday, according to the email. It said benefits would last through the end of December. The email comes just a few days after the company announced it was furloughing nearly 100 employees and idling an assembly facility in Oklahoma due to lack of funding. Its unclear how many remained following those cuts. The company and CEO Tony Aquila did not immediately respond to a request for comment. This story is developing

Taking a look back at this weeks news and headlines from Apple, including potential iPhone 17 Air pricing, the iPhone SE cancellation, iPhone 17 camera designs, Genmoji finally arriving in macOS, consumers not sold on AI, AirPods Max problems, and happy birthday AirPods.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.ustomers experience the iPhone 16 series at Apple's flagship store in Shanghai (Photo credit should ... [+] read CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images)CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty ImagesThe Price Of AirWhen it was launched, the MacBook Air was a premium-priced laptop benefiting the new techniques and design decisions. Will the same thing happen with the presumptively named iPhone Air that will go in next years iPhone 17 family? Or will Apple slot it in as a replacement to the iPhone Plus and straddle the vanilla and Pro model:"In details that fit with previous reports, Aaron Tilley and Yang Jie say, Starting next year, Apple plans to introduce an iPhone that will be thinner than the approximately 8-millimeter profile of current models, said people familiar with the companys plans. But then, it goes on: The model is intended to be cheaper than Pro models, with a simplified camera system to reduce costs.(Forbes).MORE FOR YOUiPhone SE 2022 CancelledApples iPhone SE is a mainstay of the portfolio, capturing the mid-range market. That wont be the case for the first quarter of 2025, as new European regulations for USB-C charging hardware mean the current SE will be removed from sale. Its going to be months before Apple can replace it with a new Apple Intelligence supporting iPhone SE:"Apple was always going to replace the current iPhone SE when the newer model arrived. No doubt Tim Cook and his team would have preferred to keep the iPhone SE launched in 2022 on sale for another four or five months until the 2025 version arrived. Alas, the European Unions mandate for USB-C to be the universal charging port on consumer electronics has put paid to that."(Forbes).iPhone 17 Camera Redesign IssuesLots of chatter this week over the positioning of the camera lenses in the iPhone 17 main cameras. While new centerline options or changed triangular arrangements are out there, the feeling is that these are mockups just to ensure they are not the best way forward. After all, the current lenses are set up to be side-by-side in landscape mode for a reason:"Second, one of the main reasons for the iPhone 16 design change was to allow the regular iPhone to shoot spatial videos for the first time when the phone was held in landscape orientation. It seems strange that Apple would ditch this so quicklythough it could be overcome by software and lens changes, its true, if the image was cropped in a different way."(Forbes).Mac's Genmoji BreakthroughWhile iOS and iPadOS picked up the emotionally powerful genmoji in the 18.2 updates, macOS users were denied the avatar technology. They can rest easy, though, the software has shown up in the beta of macOS 18.2 and should be available to the public early in 2025:"With Genmoji, Mac users can input a text prompt to create a custom character that behaves just like an emoji on devices running iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1 and later. On earlier versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, and on Android devices, Genmoji show up as an image."(MacRumors).Thanks AI, But No ThanksA timely reminder this week that, for all the promotion and activity around generative AI on smartphones, consumers are still not sold on the benefits of the technology, accorin to a new survey from SellCell:"Smartphone users in general are unsatisfied with the existing AI features as the survey recorded 73% of Apple Intelligence users and 87% of Galaxy AI users stating the new features to be either not very valuable or they add little to no value to their smartphone experience."(9to5Mac).An Old Fashioned AirPods Max ProblemThe latest AirPods Max may come with a (mandated by the EU) USB-C charging port. Yet the USB-C port is lacking a significant feature that the lightning port offered. The option to use a wired connection."If you bought Apples Lightning to 3.5 mm Audio Cable, you could connect your Lightning AirPods Max to any headphone jack and listen over a wired connection. This feature was great for airplanes, podcast recording, and a variety of other use cases. It didnt technically provide lossless audio playback, but having a wired option was nice nonetheless. ...Apple made a change with the newest AirPods Max. Theres now no way to do wired playback with the AirPods Max with USB-C."(9to5Mac).And Finally...Eight years ago this week, Apple introduced the AirPods. Following on from the wired EarPods that became a staple of iPhone and iPod adverts, what promises did Apple make in the 2016 presentation, and do you think it has delivered on them?"Priced at $159, the first-generation AirPods introduced key features such as one-tap pairing with Apple devices and in-ear detection for automatic play-pause functionality. Powered by Apple's custom W1 chip, they delivered enhanced audio quality compared to wired EarPods and set a new standard for battery life in a compact, completely wireless design."(MacRumors).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.

Taking a look back at this weeks news and headlines across the Android world, including Galaxy S25 Ultra specs, Pixel 9a leaks, OnePlus 13R details, Xiaomi 14T Pro highlights, HMD Fusion review, Android 16 developer release, and the app economy grows.Android Circuit is here to remind you of a few of the many discussions around Android in the last seven days. You can also read my weekly digest of Apple news here on Forbes.A Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphone displayed during a media preview event (Photo by JUNG ... [+] YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesGalaxy S25 Ultra Might Miss MagafeWith Samsungs next Galaxy Unpacked event expected in late January, the Galaxy S25 family should be announced at the same event. The community is anticipating several upgrades, but the move to Qi2 may be limited to those who purchase a specific case for their smartphone:"If Samsung offers a case that specifically calls out the magnetic attachment, then the base S25 design is unlikely to have the required magnets to conform to the Qi2 standard. The magnetic case will allow those smartphones to connect with the widest range of Qi2 accessories possible"(Forbes).MORE FOR YOUPixel 9a Specs LeakGoogle is expected to launch a mid-range Pixel 9a over the summer. While unconfirmed, the latest specs highlight the all-round nature of the handset while keeping the build cost low. Thankfully the seven-year software support promsie looks to be in place as well:The Pixel 9a could feature Google's Tensor G4 chipset, a Titan M2 security processor, 8GB of RAM, and two storage options: 128GB or 256GB. The Tensor G4 and Titan M2 security processors are no surprise, as the Pixel 9 series has the same chipset. The Pixel 9a is expected to launch with Android 15, not Android 16. The device will have seven years of OS and security updates, which Google started promising with the Pixel 8 series and newer."(Pocket Lint).OnePlus 13R Launch DetailsFollowing the confirmation that the OnePlus 13 will arrive on January 7 next year, OnePlus has confirmed that the mid-range equivalent, the OnePlus 13R, will debut alongside the flagship:"OnePlus confirmed what was expected following the brand's official OnePlus 13 launch announcement: the midrange OnePlus 13R will debut alongside its flagship counterpart on Jan. 7, 2025. The budget smartphone appears to be visually similar to the OnePlus 13, but unlike the higher-priced model, not much is known about the OnePlus 13R ahead of its upcoming launch.(Android Central).Xiaomi 14t Pro ReviewModern smartphones have a huge list of specifications and abilities. Sometimes you just need one or two to stand out to make a handset attracitve to consumers. Which are those features for the Xiaomi 14T Pro?"While the flagships can push specifications and capabilities to a greater extent, Xiaomi needs to focus tightly on where it wants to invest the bill of materials. Having spent time with a Xiaomi 14T Pro review unit, three areas that have picked up that focus are the display, the camera, and the all-important for 2024 and beyond AI features."(Forbes).HMD Fusion ReviewHMD Globals Fusion handset sits in the mid-range, and brings with it a system to attach perhierals and extend the functionality of the smartphone. HMD has also opened up the peripheral ecosystem to anyone ready to play by offering the specifications and requirements for free. But does the base handset make this worthwhile?"The display should be brighter in this price range, but at least it manages without PWM flickering. The performance of the SoC and the speed of the memory are also only average considering the price. Overall, the HMD Fusion is a decent mid-range phone that gains flexibility thanks to the Smart Outfits. It remains to be seen how many third-party providers will use the open-source toolkit."(Notebook Check).Android 16 Developers Preview ReleasedGoogle continues to offer new features in Android, optimising the advertised features announced and working out the bugs and kinks discovered by many. The latest beta show the progress:"The second developer preview of Android 16 is now available to test with your apps. This build includes changes designed to enhance the app experience, improve battery life, and boost performance while minimizing incompatibilities, and your feedback is critical in helping us understand the full impact of this work."(Android Developer Blog).And Finally...Has the market for applications been growing in 2024? It is if you look at total consumer spending across the smartphone space, although the volume of apps is decreasing.. Split it out into Apple vs Android and theres a different story:"In 2024, global consumer spending in mobile apps and games reached $127 billion across the App Store and Google Play, up 15.7% from the prior year. However, those increases were driven by Apples App Store, as Google Play spending declined."(Appfigures via TechCrunch).Android Circuit rounds up the news from the Android world every weekend here on Forbes. Dont forget to follow me so you dont miss any coverage in the future, and of course, read the sister column in Apple Loop! Last weeks Android Circuit can be found here, and if you have any news and links youd like to see featured in Android Circuit, get in touch!

In brief: Shopping for USB cables typically involves comparing compatibility, speed, power delivery, length, and price. However, Sanwa Supply's new USB-C cable features an interesting gimmick that could make using devices while connected easier. Although the cord isn't extremely fast or long, it is rugged and versatile when you need a quick charge. Sanwa Supply's 500-USB090 USB-C cable is now available on the company's Japanese storefront. The cable's rotating plug aims to make using portable devices less frustrating while charging.Each end of Sanwa's cable rotates 180 degrees vertically and 360 degrees horizontally, enabling users to tuck the cord out of the way in any orientation. Most USB cables dictate a device's position according to how they bend, but Sanwa demonstrates how the 500-USB090 eliminates this problem (below).The cable supports 240W power delivery to swiftly charge phones, tablets, a Nintendo Switch, portable monitors, and MacBooks. Its 240W power rating will likely remain uncommon until USB4 2.0 and Thunderbolt 5 become more widely available. Sanwa shows the flexible cable attached to such devices at a bedside, table, and vehicle dashboard.The 500-USB090's main drawback is that it only supports USB 2.0 data transfers at up to 480Mbps, which is likely why the company primarily advertises it as a power cable. Most standard USB cables currently support USB 3.2, which delivers much higher speeds.Once the new USB4 and Thunderbolt protocols are more widely adopted, we'll see bi-directional transfers at 80Gbps or asymmetrical connections at 120Gbps in one direction and 40Gbps in the other. Charging at 240W is also possible but not universal.Elecom became the first company to introduce a certified USB4 2.0 cable in October, but only one model supports 240W charging while the other is limited to 60W. Meanwhile, newer PCs like Apple's M4 Macs have begun adopting Thunderbolt 5, and older desktops can gain compatibility through PCIe cards.It remains unclear if or when Sanwa plans to sell the 500-USB090 globally, but the cable is already available in Japan for 2,580 (or about $16). // Related StoriesThe company also recently introduced a quick-release Ethernet cable. Taking inspiration from Apple's MagSafe technology, half of the CAT6 plug easily detaches, simplifying installation and preventing damage if someone trips over the cable. The 10Gbps accessory starts at 4,180 ($27) for the one-meter variant.