• The Newest Kindle Paperwhite Kids Is at Its Lowest Price (and Still in Time for Christmas)
    lifehacker.com
    We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.If you've never considered the Kindle Kids e-reader because of the label, you've been missing out on some sweet perks. The 16 GB Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids is $149.99 (originally $189.99), the lowest price it has ever been, according to price-tracking tools. And if you order today, you can get it before Christmas (non-Prime members will get it on Dec. 24). Here's why this is a great deal for everyone, not just kids. Display type: 7" glare-free, Resolution: 300 ppi, Storage: 16 GB, Battery life: up to 12 weeks. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids Diary of a Wimpy Kid $149.99 at Amazon $189.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Get Deal $149.99 at Amazon $189.99 Save $40.00 Display type: 7" glare-free, Resolution: 300 ppi, Storage: 16 GB, Battery life: up to 12 weeks. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids Cyber City $144.99 at Amazon $179.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal Get Deal $144.99 at Amazon $179.99 Save $35.00 Display type: 7" glare-free, Resolution: 300 ppi, Storage: 16 GB, Battery life: up to 12 weeks. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids $144.99 at Amazon $179.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal Get Deal $144.99 at Amazon $179.99 Save $35.00 SEE 0 MORE The kids' Kindle version includes a free case (about a $30 value), an ad-free experience ($20 value), six months of Amazon Kindle Kids + subscription ($36 value), and a two-year warranty (as opposed to the one-year warranty on the standard version). All that value is just $15 more than the adult version.The cases for these models are obviously tailored for kids, but it's hard to argue with free. The Amazon Kindle Kids + subscription will charge you automatically after the six months, but you can cancel it beforehand. On these Kindle models, the kids mode feature is turned on by default. You can easily turn it off in the settings, but this will bring the ads back to the lock screenthe Kindle Kids also has some cool features even adults will appreciate (like the awards feature), as this video explains: With the six months of Amazon Kindle Kids + subscription, you can get unlimited access to thousands of kids' books, including all of the Harry Potter series. The Paperwhite Kindle is the same as the adults, in the sense that it's waterproof, has adjustable warm light, a 12-week battery, and Audible access through Bluetooth. You can read the full review of the 2024 Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids from PCMag here. If you still don't know which Kindle is best for you, check out our complete breakdown.
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  • My Favorite High-Tech Water Filtration Pitcher Is on Sale Right Now
    lifehacker.com
    We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.I don't use the kind of water filter that's heavy-duty and attached to the tap. I care about the purity and taste of my water, but not enough to do all that. Instead, I use a water-filter pitcher. The one I use is the Culligan ZeroWater pitcher, which I've had for monthslong enough to swap out the filter three timesand have found it to improve the taste and quality of my water to my liking. Right now it's on sale for 29% off, so if you've been looking for one, this is a great place to start. The Culligan ZeroWater filtration pitcherWhy is it called ZeroWater, you ask? The goal of the filter is to reduce the total dissolved solids (TDS) in your water down to zero. The coolest thing about the pitcher is it comes with a little meter to check whether that's working. My model is older, so TDS is represented as parts per million (PPM) on my quality-checking stick, but it's all the same thing. ZeroWater 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher $26.92 at Amazon $37.99 Save $11.07 Get Deal Get Deal $26.92 at Amazon $37.99 Save $11.07 TDS are organic and inorganic materials like metals, minerals, salts, and ions that are dissolved in water. I don't know exactly what the TDS in my water arethough the Culligan site says its ZeroWater filters produce "significant reductions in the forever chemicals PFOA and PFOS, lead, chromium, and mercury"but without them, my drinks taste better. Contaminant parts per million in tap water (L) vs. filtered water (R) Credit: Lindsey Ellefson It lasts a while, too. I would say I use mine every day and in about 10 months, I've changed the filter thrice. I use the little stick to check my water every week or so and only when I see the number rising up from zero do I know that the filter is losing effectiveness and it's time for a swap. I can taste it, too. It tastes just a little off as the filter runs out of power. Changing it isn't hard. You just unscrew the filter from the cap, screw a new one in, and call it a day. From there, it operates like any other water-filter pitcher. You fill the top with tap water and let it make its way through the filter and into the base. From there, you can dispense it using the spigot or the pour top, which is convenient when you're storing it in the fridge and don't want to haul it out just to pour. Do you need a water filter pitcher?There is a hierarchy of filters out there and if you're looking for something serious, check out the Lifehacker guide to the best ones. Pitchers are mostly useful for improving taste, as they can filter out minerals and other particles, but not viruses or bacteria. It really depends on where you live and how worried you are about the quality of your water. My boyfriend lives in a county that was awarded millions of federal dollars to combat lead in the water last year, so he's spent a lot on bottled water since moving there. The addition of the ZeroWater pitcher has saved him a boatload of cash and added some peace of mind, plus it's way better for the environment than constantly repurchasing those big plastic jugs.If you're someone who spends a lot on bottled or pre-filtered water, this could be helpful for you. To me, it does enhance the taste. I've always been a big fan of tap water, personally. Prior to owning this, I found the idea of not drinking the free water in your own home pretentious beyond belief. I still enjoy my late-night sips from the bathroom sink faucet, but I'm not too proud to admit that this has improved the overall taste of my water.
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  • The Morning After: US Supreme Court agrees to hear TikToks ban appeal
    www.engadget.com
    The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear TikTok owner ByteDances appeal of a law that could ban the app. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act is set to go into effect on January 19, the day before President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration. ByteDance claimed the law violates free speech rights, a position the ACLU has supported. The Justice Department defended the law in lower courts, citing concerns that the Chinese government could influence the company and collect data about American citizens.The Supreme Courts response was fast only two days after the company filed its appeal. Oral arguments are scheduled for January 10. Mat SmithThe biggest tech stories you missedTP-Link routers are being investigated by several US authoritiesThe Audi Q6 E-Tron is an OLED dream machineNifty survival horror game Pacific Drive is getting turned into a TV show Mat SmithGet this delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!YouTube is helping high-profile actors and athletes monetize their AI likenessesIts teaming with talent agency CAA to test likeness management technology.YouTube is teaming up with one of the worlds largest talent agencies, CAA, to help its high-profile actors and athletes monitor their AI likenesses. The platform will test its likeness management technology with unnamed award-winning actors and top NBA and NFL athletes. Down the road, it will announce further testing for top YouTube creators, creative professionals and other talent agencies. Its largely aimed at removing depictions of their likenesses.Continue reading.Apple might give up on turning its iPhone into a monthly subscriptionIts about avoiding regulatory pressures and regulation.Apple is shelving its plans to offer the iPhone for a monthly subscription, according to a Bloomberg report. The idea of an Apple hardware subscription was first rumored in 2022, but a hardware subscription might have required Apple to follow the same regulations as credit card companies. Its part of a retreat from the headaches of financial services. Apple Pay Later shut down in June 2024, replaced with access to Affirm loans in Apple Pay as part of iOS 18, while the Apple Card is also reportedly in limbo as it tries to find a replacement partner for Goldman Sachs.Continue reading.LGs transparent OLED T television can be yours for just $60,000It can flit between transparent and standard modes with the push of a button.LGLGs transparent wireless OLED TV is now available. The 77-inch OLED T has 4K resolution, the companys wireless transmission tech for video and audio and the ability to shift between transparent and opaque modes with the push of a button. And you pay just $60,000 for the privilege. Heres what we thought when we saw it early this year.Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-121550707.html?src=rss
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  • Honda is unveiling two Series 0 EV prototypes at CES 2025
    www.engadget.com
    Honda is officially introducing two Series 0 electric vehicle prototypes at CES next year, and the company says they'll be available for purchase around the world sometime in 2026. The vehicles will be based on the futuristic-looking concepts the company presented at CES 2024, including a flagship model called the Saloon that featured an aerodynamic design. They'll be the company's first entries in the Series 0 lineup, which are also expected to feature an advanced driver-assisted system and, over the coming years, AI-powered automated driving features.In addition to presenting the prototypes themselves, Honda will also introduce a new proprietary vehicle operating system that the Series 0 cars will use. Plus, it will give you a look at the SoC powering the vehicles during the event. Honda trailed behind competitors in terms of making the transition to electric vehicles, but its first electric SUV, the Prologue, became one of the best-selling EVs in the US after its release in the country earlier this year. The company will unveil its new EV prototypes during its press conference in Las Vegas that will be held on January 7 at 10:30AM PT/1:30 PM ET. The event will be livestreamed on YouTube, but we'll also keep you updated on the latest news from CES 2025.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/honda-is-unveiling-two-series-0-ev-prototypes-at-ces-2025-120017862.html?src=rss
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  • The best earbuds for Android devices in 2025
    www.engadget.com
    Whether its justified or not, Apples AirPods have become the default for most iPhone owners in the market for new wireless earbuds. If you use an Android phone, however, the best options arent as obvious. If youre hunting for a new pair yourself, allow us to help: Weve tested countless pairs over the years, so weve broken down our top recommendations for Android users below. Whether you want powerful noise cancellation, a pair thatll survive the gym or just something that plays nice with a Galaxy or Pixel phone, here are our favorite AirPods alternatives for Android. Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget What to look for in wireless earbuds for Android devices For the most part, the features you want from a set of Android earbuds are the same as what you want from any headphones. Pleasing sound quality, a comfortable fit and sufficient battery life are still the foundations. Adequate water resistance is good for workouts, and nobody wants a crummy mic for making calls. Once you approach the $100 range, features like active noise cancellation (ANC), wireless charging, an ambient sound mode (which lets you better hear outside noise without turning off your music) and multipoint connectivity (the ability to pair with multiple devices simultaneously) should be expected. For Android devices specifically, there are a few extras to consider. A dedicated app that makes it easy to switch sound modes, customize the audio profile, locate your earbuds if they ever get misplaced or adjust other settings is strongly preferred. Features like Google Fast Pair or NFC-based pairing, which can help you avoid having to dig through your Bluetooth menu to connect your earbuds for the first time, are also nice perks. Some Android devices can also utilize higher-quality Bluetooth codecs such as aptX Adaptive or Sonys LDAC these arent nearly as important to audio quality as the actual architecture of your earbuds, but they can help wring out a little more detail if the buds are capable enough and youre streaming lossless files. AptX Adaptive can also help reduce latency, which is good for streaming video or gaming. Diversity is Androids greatest strength, but it also means that some wireless earbuds play nicer with certain devices, typically those made by the same company. Recent Samsung earbuds, for instance, come with a few perks that are only available if you use a Galaxy phone. We have a couple of recommendations related to this idea above. Recent updates December 2024: Weve lightly edited this guide for clarity and ensured that our current picks are still accurate.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-earbuds-for-android-devices-120015765.html?src=rss
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  • ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories, from Meta smart glasses leaks to Superman's dog and ChatGPT on WhatsApp
    www.techradar.com
    Here's the biggest tech news stories, from Meta, OpenAI, Nintendo and more for December 21, 2024.
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  • Chinese researchers repurpose Meta's Llama model for military intelligence applications
    www.techradar.com
    The recent development of ChatBIT has raised significant security concerns.
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  • Senna: VFX Breakdown by Scanline VFX
    vfxexpress.com
    Netflixs Senna is a tribute to the legendary F1 driver Ayrton Senna, and Scanline VFX brings his world to life with breathtaking precision. From recreating iconic F1 cars to adrenaline-filled racetracks, their work delivers an authentic and immersive journey into motorsport history.This ability to merge photorealistic CGI seamlessly with live action is the forte of Scanline VFX. From the drenched streets of Monaco to the high-speed drama in So Paulo, every minute detailfrom the reflection on car surfaces to the intensity of race-day atmospherebrings the authenticity to the film.Fasten up your seatbelts with Senna, the stunning visual effects and the story-telling heart, celebrating one of F1s greatest legends. Dont miss out on this visually astounding tribute, available now on Netflix!The post Senna: VFX Breakdown by Scanline VFX appeared first on Vfxexpress.
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