Whether you own a Nintendo Switch, a Switch Lite, or a Switch OLED, you know how versatile and fun this console can be. To make the most of your gaming experience, investing in a few accessories can take things to the next level. From Switch controllers allowing better control (and less cramping) during intense gameplay, to screen protectors keeping your Switch safe from any scratches, the right accessories enhance performance and protection.TL;DR These are the Best Nintendo Switch Accessories:Nintendo Switch Pro ControlleramFilm Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorRDS Carry CaseSanDisk 128GB UltraSee it at AmazonCRKD Nitro DeckSatisfye ZenGrip Pro Gen 3See it at AmazonHori Split Pad ProSee it at AmazonGENKI Covert Dock MiniSee it at AmazonNintendo Joy-Con WheelSee it at Amazon8BitDo Arcade StickSee it at AmazonHyperX ChargePlay Quad 2Marseille mClassicSee it at AmazonEmperor of Gadgets Portable Power BankSee it at AmazonAs you grow your Switch game library, a Switch SD card can expand your storage so youll never have to worry about running out of room. Whether youre aiming for convenience, comfort, or a better overall gaming experience, these compatible accessories for the Nintendo Switch can make all the difference.1. Nintendo Switch Pro ControllerBest Switch ControllerNintendo Switch Pro ControllerThis official Nintendo controller has HD rumble, large face buttons, tactile triggers, and the signature D-Pad while toting a generous 40-hour battery life.PROSFamiliar, ergonomic design40-hour battery lifeCONSHigher price tagThe small thumbsticks and triggers available on Nintendo Switch's Joy-Con controllers can be a pain, so unless you're gaming exclusively on the go, you owe it to yourself to play with something bigger and better. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a welcome solution. This gamepad offers all the controls you need for a Nintendo Switch with a familiar and far more ergonomic design.The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller works wireless and charges using a USB-C cable. Boasting a 40-hour battery life, youre all set for an all-day gaming marathon. The larger, easier-to-use controls and real D-pad provide undeniable improvement to your gameplay, while HD Rumble should immerse you further into the action. It even supports Amiibo with its NFC chip. Best of all, this controller should last the duration of your Switch's life cycle, making it a very sound investment.See more of our picks for the best Switch controllers.2. amFilm Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorBest Nintendo Switch Screen ProtectoramFilm Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorKeep your Switchs screen safe with an affordable screen protector built to take the brunt of an impact while touchscreen capabilities and screen clarity remain the same.PROSBudget priceInstallation kit includedCONSWont last foreverIf you spend far too much time in a state of panic when you accidentally drop your Nintendo Switch, maybe it's time to make a tiny investment in a screen protector. The amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector goes right over your Nintendo Switch's display, keeping it safe and giving you a little peace of mind when the device starts to slip from your grasp. The screen protector is built to take the brunt of an impact, so you don't have to live with your Switch permanently in docked mode. At under ten bucks for a two-pack and an installation kit, its hard to come up with an excuse not to buy this. A cracked display on a Nintendo Switch will set you back a lot more than this economical solution, and the device's touchscreen capabilities and screen clarity remain the same. 3. RDS Carry CaseBest Nintendo Switch CaseRDS Carry CaseA hard-shelled exterior with a rubber handle and fitted linen interior with a padded screen protector and extra storage space make this an excellent Switch case.PROSHard-shelled exterior with fitted linen interior and padded screen protectorExtra storage spaceCONSA bit clunkyWhen taking your Switch on the go, you want a hardy case to protect it from the elements, possible scratches, and the inevitable drop. The RDS Carry Case does just that, thanks to its hard-shelled exterior and fitted linen interior with a padded screen protector. Theres even a handy rubber handle to make toting it around easy. Beyond that, inside the case is a pair of hard clamshell cases for games that slot into a recessed panel, while a small attached zipper pocket provides a place to store cables or even more games. There's a built-in adjustable stand, too, which makes for easy playing or viewing on the go. If youve got the Switch Lite or OLED, those devices can also fit comfortably in this case. See more of our picks for the best Switch cases including Nintendo Switch battery cases.4. SanDisk 128GB UltraBest Nintendo Switch Memory CardSanDisk 128GB UltraEnjoy 128GB of microSD storage space with 120MB/s read speeds ideal for the Nintendo Switch, cameras, or Android phones.See it at AmazonPROSDramatically increases storage capacityAffordableCONSNot the fastest driveUnless you're comfortable carrying around a bunch of game cartridges, youll want your favorite games installed directly on your Nintendo Switch. However, there's a little hitch in that plan, given how little storage the Switch actually has for games. So, it's worth it to pony up for a Switch microSD card, especially if you're going to shop several game deals. It can dramatically increase the storage capacity for your Nintendo Switch and do it for an affordable price.The SanDisk 128GB Ultra drive hits a sweet spot. You can pick it up for under $20, which means it's cheaper than even a so-so controller but provides serious utility. That 128GB offers plenty of room for games, and you can always grab another later if you end up needing more room for your game library. With 120MB/s read speeds, the card ensures you don't run into painfully slow loading times for games stored on it. SanDisk also backs it up with a 10-year warranty, which should be more than enough time for Nintendo to launch its next console.Crkd Nitro Deck Photos5. CRKD Nitro DeckBest Switch Deck CRKD Nitro DeckSlide your switch into this sturdy, ergonomic deck offering Hall effect thumbsticks and four programmable back buttons.PROSHall effect thumbsticks and reliable buttonsFour programmable back buttonsCONSAdds weight to the Switch Dont love the Switchs traditional Joy-Cons? Well, the CRKD Nitro Deck upgrades the controllers and offers a slew of other features to make your gaming experience on the device even better. Rather than attaching Joy-Cons to either side of the Switch, the Nitro Deck lets you slide the screen into it, connecting via USB-C, providing a sturdy, secure, and more comfortable-to-hold option. It is noticeably heftier than the Joy-Cons, but the weight is distributed evenly. However, the quality controls will be the main reason you grab the Nitro Deck. There are Hall effect thumbsticks, so you can say goodbye to that pesky drift that plagues the Joy-Cons. All the rest of Switch's traditional controls are accounted for with clicky buttons and a good amount of tension in the D-pad, while the four shoulder buttons are longer with more travel. You also get four programmable back buttons, which, beyond shooters, we found handy in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. 6. Satisfye ZenGrip Pro Gen 3Best Nintendo Switch GripSatisfye ZenGrip Pro Gen 3Make your Switch more comfortable to hold with this grip that features diagonally arranged handles and a plastic frame that can also act as a stand.See it at AmazonPROSProvides a more ergonomic hold on the consoleCan act as a standCONSMakes the Switch less portableThe Nintendo Switch's almost entirely flat form-factor can be a pain to hold, literally, and the small size of the Joy-Cons also isn't fun for users with large hands. The Satisfye ZenGrip Pro helps prevent your hands from cramping up and provides a more ergonomic hold on the console, making you a lot more comfortable during your gaming marathons.The Satisfye ZenGrip Pro is all about giving your hands a pair of simple, grips to hold onto. With them, your fingers and thumb can properly wrap around rather than dig in at the bottom of the Joy-Cons. The handles are diagonally arranged, so your wrists sit at a more natural angle, while the plastic frame can also act as a stand. It even features silicone tabs to prevent the Switch from getting scratched. The only real fault with this grip is it makes your device a bit less portable when attached. Though, if you're looking to add a little extra comfort to your Switch gameplay, the Satisfye ZenGrip Pro is a good place to start.7. Hori Split Pad ProBetter Joy-Cons Hori Split Pad ProReplace your joy-cons with these for a more ergonomic grip and larger controls, and this Split Pad Pro Attachment Set even lets you dock them together for a quality standard controller.See it at AmazonPROSLarger analog sticks, triggers, and D-pad than Joy-ConsCan be used like Joy-Cons or dock like a traditional controllerCONSNo motion control, rumble, or NFC readerThe joy-cons your Switch comes with are great, but sometimes you want a better grip and larger controls. With the Hori Split Pad Pro, you get just that, plus some convenient extras. Everything on this controller is scaled up. You get a bigger, textured grip to help distribute weight better, and in turn, makes your Switch more comfortable to hold even during your longest gaming sessions. Youll find the larger analog sticks, triggers, and D-pad provides more accuracy in your games and decreases cramping when pulling off combos. Unfortunately, there is no motion control, rumble, or NFC reader on this joy-con alternative. On top of experiencing a full-size controller in handheld mode on the Hori Split Pad Pro, you also get the option to use the joy-cons as a separate wired controller. With this Split Pad Pro Attachment Set, you dock each one in and get a quality standard controller. You even get a mic input for gaming audio and voice chat. Two additional rear paddles are also included, which can be remapped, but only the right-side buttons can be mapped to the right rear paddle, and vice versa. 8. GENKI Covert Dock MiniBest Nintendo Switch Portable DockGENKI Covert Dock MiniTake this compact dock on the go to enjoy 20W charging speeds and a 4K/30Hz HDMI output.See it at AmazonPROSUltra-compact and portableOutputs video signals up to 4K/30HzCONS No extra portsGiven the Nintendo Switch is ultra-portable, one wouldve thought its dock would be too, but thats not the case. Its clunky and prone to damage, so youll want to find something else to take on the go. Luckily, the GENKI Covert Dock Mini measures just 1.35 x 1.66 x 1.3 inches and has foldable prongs, making for a super compact, pocketable device that has the ability to increase your screen size. This mini dock isnt equipped with a bunch of extras or the fastest charging speeds. However, it has exactly what you need; a USB-C port and an HDMI output. The USB-C offers 20W charging speeds to keep your Switch topped up as you play; a USB-C cable is even included with the dock. After the Switch is plugged into the USB-C, an HDMI port transfers video signals at up to 4K/30Hz, exceeding the Switchs 1080p max output. You arent limited to only using the Switch with the GENKI Covert Dock Mini either, it works seamlessly with the best laptops, iPads, and the Steam Deck. 9. Nintendo Joy-Con WheelBest Nintendo Switch Steering WheelNintendo Joy-Con WheelGet a set of two affordable plastic wheels to slot your Joy-Cons into when playing racing games.See it at AmazonPROSUltra-affordableAllows more ergonomic hold of Joy-ConsCONSSimple, so better for kidsThe Nintendo Joy-Con Wheel is a simple yet effective Switch accessory that brings a more hands-on feel to your racing games, particularly when playing titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. While its not as advanced as a fully-fledged racing wheel, its a great option for casual gamers and younger players who want to get more involved in the action.With its easy setup (just insert a Joy-Con into the wheel) youll feel like youre right behind the wheel, making it a fun and engaging way to race. The Joy-Con Wheel is especially useful for kids, offering them better control and an intuitive way to steer through races. Plus, the package comes with two wheels, making it great for multiplayer sessions.Though basic in design, its excellent value for money, providing a simple way to enhance your gaming experience without breaking the bank. Its a practical and enjoyable accessory that turns every race into a more interactive and enjoyable experience!8BitDo Arcade Stick Review10. 8BitDo Arcade StickBest Nintendo Switch Fight Stick8BitDo Arcade StickThis budget-friendly arcade stick delivers additional macro buttons and a turbo function, while wireless connectivity via a USB dongle or Bluetooth is handy for use with the Switch, PC, or mobile.See it at AmazonPROSReliable joystick and eight buttons with two additional macro buttonsMultiple connectivity options CONSNot the most premium componentsWant more precise control for fighting games? Using a fight stick helps you dominate your competition. The 8BitDo Arcade Stick has you covered when it comes to the Switch, featuring the typical joystick and eight buttons found on most fight sticks and two additional macro buttons. A simple switch lets you change the function of the joystick to serve as the left thumbstick, right thumbstick, or D-Pad. And, if you want to mod it, it's compatible with other arcade parts, including Sanwa's. Pulling off combos and different attacks will be a breeze with this controller. The 8BitDo Arcade Stick connects to your Switch over Bluetooth, USB-C, or a 2.5GHz wireless receiver. As a bonus, it connects to a PC, too. The fight sticks look and feel should take you back in time to a less complicated life but with all the modern features you need.See more of the best fight sticks for fighting games.11. HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2Best Joy-Con ChargerHyperX ChargePlay Quad 2Charge two sets of Joy-Cons simultaneously on a device with indicator lights to tell you when they're all juiced up.PROSCharge four Joy-Cons simultaneouslyIndicator lightsCONSLook might not be for everyoneThe way Nintendo designed the Joy-Cons to charge when connected to the Switch was ingenious. But, if you're hosting a big Mario Party or Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament, this becomes a huge headache. These are the exact scenarios that call for a dedicated Joy-Con charger, like the HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2. Rather than just being able to juice up only two Joy-Cons with your Nintendo Switch, you can charge up to four simultaneously. HyperX ChargePlay Quad allows each Joy-Con to slide easily into the sturdy base, and indicator lights let you know when they're all charged up. The long USB-C cord for power means you can keep the charging station close. It also makes it easy to hot-swap controllers, so you barely miss a moment of a games action. The Pokeball look also adds to the charger's aesthetic. 12. Marseille mClassicBest Nintendo Switch UpscalerMarseille mClassicUpscales gameplay to a higher resolution and has extra anti-aliasing for a smoother, better picture.See it at AmazonPROSUpscale gameplay to a higher resolutionNegligible lagCONSExpensiveNintendo isnt known for chasing the most stunning graphics despite how beautiful its games end up being. Sharp-eyed gamers are likely to spot some jagged edges here and there, and the Switch could benefit from some extra anti-aliasing. Its resolution limit can also result in a blurrier experience when you pair it with a higher-res display. Enter the mClassic adapter. This unit sits between your Nintendo Switch and display, connecting via HDMI, and adds a bit of post-processing magic to your video feed. The mClassic upscales gameplay to a higher resolution, applies extra anti-aliasing to smooth out pixelation and jaggies, and can add depth of field effects and image sharpening. It performs this processing with negligible lag, too, so you can continue to tackle even the hardest games. The mClassic is particularly handy for retro games on consoles like Nintendo 64, where you want to see smoother visuals, but you can apply it to anything coming out of the Switch. Theres even a special 4K upscaler mode to enhance 1080p video content.13. Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power BankBest Nintendo Switch Power BankEmperor of Gadgets Portable Power BankTop off your Switch with a 10,000mAh portable battery that straps onto it while offering a built-in USB-C and additional ports to charge other devices.See it at AmazonPROS15-watt power delivery on built-in USB-CAdditional USB-A and USB-C ports to charge other accessoriesCONSAdds bulk to SwitchGrabbing one of the top portable chargers is the most simple and effective way to extend the battery life of your Switch. Its stock battery will only last about nine hours, and youll be lucky to get that much playtime. So during long travel days or time away from an outlet, a portable charger, like our favorite, Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank, can be a lifesaver. Unlike your typical power bank, this one straps onto the console, adding a little extra bulk to the device but still providing an enjoyable playing experience. With the Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank comes 10,000mAh of extra juice, which should effectively double the battery life of your Switch. A 15-watt power delivery ensures a quick fill-up, while a built-in USB-C cable means you dont need to worry about bringing your own along. You arent limited to just charging your Switch either, as it comes with an additional USB-A and USB-C port ready to charge up your gaming phone, wireless earbuds, and more. Where to Get the Best Nintendo Switch Accessories in the UKBest Switch Controller Nintendo Switch Pro Controller49.99 at CurrysBest Nintendo Switch Screen Protector amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector6.99 at AmazonBest Nintendo Switch Case RDS Carry Case19.65 at AmazonBest Nintendo Switch Memory Card SanDisk 128GB Ultra13.99 at AmazonBest Nintendo Switch Grips Satisfye ZenGrip Pro49.89 at AmazonBest Nintendo Switch Battery Case Portable Backup Charger Station34.99 at AmazonBest Nintendo Switch Steering Wheel Nintendo Joy-Con Wheel Accessory11.99 at Currys PC WorldBest Nintendo Switch Fight Stick 8BitDo Arcade Stick79.68 at AmazonBest Nintendo Switch Printer Instax Mini Link106.32 at AmazonBest Joy-Con Charger HyperX ChargePlay Quad14.89 at AmazonBest Battery Grip HyperX ChargePlay Clutch35.99 at AmazonHow to Choose Switch AccessoriesAs accessories are add-ons for your Switch, you probably don't want to spend too much money on them. Luckily, the basics we'd recommend are normally under $50 for all three products; a case, a screen protector, and an SD card. These items immediately ensure protection and allow you to store more games, making it a great place to start. Three must-haves:From there, youll want to focus on quality-of-life products based on your lifestyle and needs:For comfort: If the Joy-Cons are uncomfortable for you, we'd recommend investing in another controller for a more ergonomic hold. Tip: Take it to the next level with a mount for your Switch OLED and a Pro controller so you can game on-the-go when you're not connected to your TV. The Fixture S2 monitor and Pro controller mount is a must-have for playing in handheld mode.For on-the-go charging: Get a power bank to extend playtime in general or while on-the-go.For more immersive gaming: Consider getting one of the best Nintendo Switch headsets we've researched and/or tested. When it comes to performance with the Switch, nothing beats the Razer Barracuda X right now.As for other accessories like upscalers, docks, or printers, you can grab these down the road depending on your needs. No matter which accessories you decide to purchase, do the research to ensure the accessory is compatible for your Switch model.Nintendo Switch Accessories FAQWhich Nintendo Switch accessories should you buy first?There are several Switch accessories you can buy, but if you've just purchased the console, there are a few things you should get first. The most essential accessories are a carrying case, an SD card, and a screen protector. These items will allow you to protect your Switch and also download more games to the console. You may also want to look into getting a more comfortable Pro controller or a nicer set of Joy-Cons since the base set is not ergonomic for long-term gameplay.What accessories normally come with a Nintendo Switch? When you purchase the Switch, it offers all the basic accessories you need to get gaming. The original 6.2-inch LCD touchscreen console comes with an AC adapter for power, while a Nintendo Switch dock and HDMI are included for displaying your games on your gaming TV. Beyond that, there are left and right Joy-Cons, along with straps for individual Joy-Con use and a grip for using the two controllers together detached from the gaming device. With the seven-inch OLED model, you get all the same accessories as the original, but theres a LAN port on the Switch dock for a wired internet connection. As for the Switch Lite, its also light on accessories. Theres no dock or HDMI, as you cant connect it to your TV. The Joy-Cons are also not detachable, so youll only find the console and USB-C charger in the box.When do Nintendo Switch accessories go on sale?Although the Switch itself doesn't go on sale very often, Nintendo Switch accessories will often see discounts throughout the year. The general rule of thumb is that the best times to buy a Nintendo Switch are also the best times to buy Switch accessories. Some of the more popular events where you're guaranteed to find discounts on gaming accessories are Amazon Prime Day in July and Black Friday in November.Danielle Abraham is a tech freelance writer and unpaid music historian.Georgie Peru is a freelance writer and also contributed to this article.

Its been a while since Apple launched the new M4 Macs, and as more people get their hands on these computers, reports of unexpected issues surface on the web. Now theres a group of users complaining about compatibility issues between M4 Macs and ultrawide monitors.M4 Macs seem to have an issue with ultrawide 5K2K monitorsAs noted by many users on the Apple Community forums, Reddit and even corroborated by a 9to5Mac reader, the M4 Macs seem to break support for some ultrawide monitors. More specifically, those with 5K2K (5120 x 2160) resolution.According to these reports, M4 Macs dont display the proper resolution options for these monitors, which makes the interface and text look blurry. The same monitors work just fine with older Macs, whether Intel or Apple Silicon. But when connected to an M4 Mac, they no longer work in HiDPI mode which upscales the interface to make it sharper.Although most of the reports on the web seem to come from Mac mini owners, M4 MacBook Pro users also report similar issues.While I can select the same resolution on my Mac Mini M4, it doesnt show HiDPI, and it (indeed) looks worse, said a user who claims that the HiDPI option works when the monitor is connected to their M1 MacBook Pro. Same problem here MacBook Pro M1 Max: no problem. MacBook Pro M4 Max: 3840 x 1620 resolution is missing, another user said.Some users have managed to enable HiDPI using third-party tools such as BetterDisplay, but this causes other drawbacks such as the refresh rate dropping from 75Hz to 60Hz. Apple is yet to acknowledge the bug. For now, the best workaround for owners of ultrawide 5K2K monitors is to avoid buying M4 Macs until the problem is fixed.Have you experienced similar issues with your Mac? Let us know in the comments section below.H/T: Cibelly Aguiar!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

Here we go again for another season of rumors. This time, multiple reports suggest that all iPhone 17 models will have ProMotion as Apple calls the technology for displays with a higher refresh rate. While this seems highly likely, you probably shouldnt get too excited about it and heres why.Well-known display analyst Ross Young said back in September that every iPhone 17 model would have ProMotion, a technology that is currently exclusive to Pro models. Earlier today, a leaker known as Digital Chat Station (who has been right about Apple rumors in the past) corroborated reports that the entire iPhone 17 series will have LTPO displays with variable refresh rate.Since the iPhone 13 Pro, every Pro model comes with an LTPO display that adjusts the refresh rate automatically and can go up to 120Hz to show super-smooth animations. Meanwhile, non-Pro models are locked at 60Hz all the time.With the recent rumors, people have started to believe that the non-Pro iPhone 17 models will also have 120Hz displays with ProMotion. Personally, I dont think this is entirely true. As the name suggests, ProMotion is something that Apple considers a Pro feature. The only devices with ProMotion so far are the iPad Pro, iPhone Pro, and MacBook Pro.Sure, Apple sometimes ends up bringing Pro device features to the less expensive variants, but thats not always the case especially when the feature has Pro in its name.If I had to guess, Id say that Apple will indeed put higher refresh rate displays in the iPhone 17 and 17 Air, but they wont be 120Hz. Instead, it seems more likely that Apple will use 90Hz panels, which would be smoother than the 60Hz panels but still not on the same level as the ProMotion displays. I can even see them coming up with a new marketing name like Liquid Motion.Last month, an anonymous source told the Upgrade podcast that Apple has been exploring 90Hz displays for products such as the iPad Air, Studio Display, and even the iMac. To me, it seems plausible to think that the same technology will come to non-Pro iPhones.What about you? Do you think non-Pro iPhones will get 120Hz or 90Hz displays? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.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

We recently reported on Flexbar, a project developed by ENIAC Technology that brings back the Touch Bar the controversial (and now discontinued) small touch screen implemented by Apple on the MacBook Pro keyboard. Although Apple certainly had its reasons for discontinuing the Touch Bar, some users do miss it. I got my hands on a Flexbar unit to see what its like to use something like the Touch Bar again.Revisiting the Touch BarIf you dont remember the Touch Bar, it was introduced in 2016 when Apple redesigned the MacBook Pro. The Touch Bar replaced the traditional function key row with a touch strip that showed specific buttons for each app. The idea sounded great, but in reality, many people didnt like the experience of interacting with virtual buttons on the keyboard.I owned a MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, and I have mixed feelings about it. Apple was really bold to try something different although I dont think users really wanted or needed it. Touch Bar felt modern, and doing things like choosing emojis or swiping through a project timeline in Final Cut Pro was really cool.But most of the time, Touch Bar was quite annoying. It had a lot of bugs, often became unresponsive, and very few apps supported it. Apple ended up discontinuing the Touch Bar in 2021 arguing that Pro users love the tactile feel of mechanical keys. I cant argue with that, but I also think there was room for improvement.What its like to use FlexbarYears later, a group of engineers created Flexbar. It looks extremely similar to the Touch Bar, but in the words of its creators, it addressed users frustrations and unlocked a new level of productivity.Flexbar is built in metal for a more premium look, which matches the design of the Magic Keyboard and other Apple products. The device features an AMOLED touchscreen panel to display content. The resolution is sharp enough for you to see all the icons and text.While the Touch Bar had a pre-set of controls, Flexbar can be fully customized through a companion app. Users can add shortcuts to open apps, folders, websites, run scripts, adjust the volume, play a combination of keys or even a sequence of commands. You can also import and export layouts, which is great for exploring different ideas from other users.Ive only been using Flexbar for a few days, so I havent had time to dig into all the settings yet. Ive added shortcuts for the apps I use most, a volume slider, a button for Type to Siri, and another button to lock the screen. Flexbar can be configured with a fixed set of buttons or you can scroll to show even more buttons. You can also add more controls to folders so that they only become visible when you need them.Think of it like a Stream Deck, but with a touch version. Here, for example, Ive also created shortcuts to run scripts I use every day and to open the folder containing the assets I use to edit images and videos. And of course, I created shortcuts with my favorite emojis thats one thing I really missed about the Touch Bar.More advanced features and third-party plug-insUsers can go further with Flexbar and create more advanced controls. For instance, it lets you save the arrangement of apps on the screen, so that you can open them all in their respective positions with a single tap. Theres also a control for scrolling the screen.What about third-party apps? The engineers have created an SDK for Flexbar so that apps can provide specific interactions. Unfortunately, the plug-in store wont be available until the second half of 2025, so early adopters will be limited to the built-in controls. This can be a bit of a pain since you wont have things like a tab switcher in Safari for now.Integration with third-party apps teased in a videoBy the way, Flexbar has haptic feedback for when you interact with the controls. The device comes with a magnetic stand to improve ergonomics when you use it on a desk, and it is connected to your Mac via a USB-C cable. Ive noticed only a few issues, such as the Flexbar not turning off when my Mac goes into sleep mode, but this could just be a bug since Im using a prototype with beta software.Is Flexbar worth it?Well, the Flexbar idea is certainly interesting, especially for those who miss the Touch Bar. Since it doesnt interfere with your physical keyboard, theres no trade-off for using it. I really appreciate the Apple-like design, the magnetic stand, the customization options, and the haptic feedback. Also, its nice to use it in a desktop environment (remember that the Touch Bar used to be a MacBook thing)A feature request for the engineers: it would be interesting to see an option to replicate the native macOS Touch Bar (which is still there even if you dont have a Mac with a Touch Bar) on the Flexbar. Im sure doing this wouldnt be easy, but Ive seen a few people in the community interested in exploring this idea. Why not, right?The Flexbar was announced with a Kickstarter campaign and is expected to be launched in February 2025. The accessory will cost $179 at launch, but you can support the project and pre-order yours for $149. It works with Mac and Windows PCs.Is it a must-have product? Probably not. But for those who like accessories like the Stream Deck or Logitechs MX Creative Console, the Flexbar provides kind of the same functionality but in a much more elegant and modern design. The SDK for third-party plug-ins also makes me super excited about the future of the product.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

Of course it does.Fund and GamesThe former entirely-nonprofit-company known as OpenAI says it needs a boatload of more cash as it plans to transform its corporate structure to prioritize making money.In an announcement Friday, the ChatGPT maker argued that by creating a for-profit corporation to control its commercial enterprises, it can make the dough it needs to keep up with other leading AI developers."The hundreds of billions of dollars that major companies are now investing into AI development show what it will really take for OpenAI to continue pursuing the mission," OpenAI's board of directors wrote in a blog post."We once again need to raise more capital than we'd imagined,"they continued. "Investors want to back us but, at this scale of capital, need conventional equity and less structural bespokeness."Altruism TruantThe announcement confirms reports in September from the Financial Times and others that OpenAI was finally moving to drop its original nonprofit status that it was founded with. At the time, OpenAI denied the reports and upheld the nonprofit arm as "core" to its mission.Now, with its newly proposed corporate structure, the Microsoft-backed startup won't be ditching its nonprofit aims entirely, but it's fair to say that altruism will no longer be the sole priority.The restructuring calls for its existing "capped-profit" arm to be transformed into a Delaware-based public benefit corporation, a type of corporate entity whose goals are ostensibly to serve the benefit of society while generating profits.The newly-christened corporation, which will have "ordinary shares of stock," will control all of OpenAI's operations and business, while the non-profit side will be in charge of hiring a leadership team and staff to pursue its charitable initiatives. In effect, the for-profit arm will be gaining far more power than it once had, if not all practical means of control.Shareholder ValueOpenAI frames this as a "stronger non-profit supported by the for-profit's success," but it's clear which side the division of power favors."The key to the announcement is that the for-profit side of OpenAI 'will run and control OpenAI's operations and business,'" Gil Luria, analyst at investment DA Davidson & Co, told Reuters. "This is the critical step the company needs to make in order to continue fund raising."The startup's gripe with its current structure is that it doesn't "allow the Board to directly consider the interests of those who would finance the mission and does not enable the nonprofit to easily do more than control the for-profit."The upshot is that OpenAI wants to court more backing by showing investors that they can now make more returns on the money they put in. As profits on expensive large language models remain elusive, OpenAI has depended on these investments, and especially the munificent backing of Microsoft, to fund its AI development. Its latest funding round secured over $6.6 billion in investment.The restructuring could run into legal hurdles, however. Earlier this year, Elon Musk sued OpenAI, which he helped cofound in 2015, for pursuing profits over benefiting humanity and has attempted to block its formal transition into a money-making corporation in court.Share This Article

Brainpower, at an extreme premium.Money to BurnOpenAI's recently unveiled o3 model is purportedly its most powerful AI yet, but with one big drawback: it costs ungodly sums of money to run, TechCrunch reports.Announced just over a week ago, o3 "reasons" through problems using a technique known as test-time compute as in, it takes more time to "think" and explore multiple possibilities before spitting out an answer. As such, OpenAI engineers hope that the AI model will produce better responses to complex prompts instead of jumping to a faulty conclusion.It appears to have worked, at least to some degree. In its most powerful "high-compute mode," o3 scored 87.5 percent on the ARC-AGI benchmark designed to test language models, according tothe test's creator Franois Chollet. That's nearly three times as high as the previous o1 model's best score, at just 32 percent.All that fastidious thinking, however, comes with exorbitant expenses. To achieve that high-water mark, o3 used well over $1,000 of computing power per task over 170 times more compute than a low-power version of o3, and leagues beyond its predecessor, which cost less than $4 per task.Wall to WallThese costs complicate the industry's claims that o3's performance soundly debunks fears that improving AI models through "scaling," or by furnishing them with more processing power and training data, has hit a wall.On the one hand, that o3 scored nearly three times higher than o1, which was released just three months ago, seems ample evidence that AI gains aren't slowing down.But the criticism with scaling is that it yields diminishing returns. While the gains here were in large part achieved through changing how the AI model "reasons" instead of scaling alone, the added costs are difficult to ignore.Even the low-compute version of o3, which scored a still breakthrough-worthy 76 percent on the benchmark, cost around $20 per task. That's a relative bargain, but still many times more expensive than its predecessors and with ChatGPT Plus costing just $25 per month, it's not clear how much smarter that user-facing product will be able to get without putting OpenAI deeply in the red.High SalaryIn a blog post explaining the benchmark results, Chollet asserts that though o3 is approaching human levels of performance, it "comes at a steep cost, and wouldn't quite be economical yet.""You could pay a human to solve ARC-AGI tasks for roughly $5 per task (we know, we did that)," he wrote, "while consuming mere cents in energy."He is adamant, however, that "cost-performance will likely improve quite dramatically over the next few months and years."And to that, we'll just have to wait and see. Right now, o3 isn't available to public yet, with a "mini" version of it slated to launch in January.Share This Article

LifeAnalytics Co,,, Ltd.Recruiting full stack and image processing researchers (life science/digital pathology field)[Job details] Analysis and processing of microscopic images in life science and digital pathology Development and optimization of web-based image analysis applications Research and development of new algorithms using data-driven research methods. Collaboration with researchers inside and outside the team.Qualification requirements 3+ years of experience in computer science, image processing, or related field. Experience in developing image analysis software Knowledge of programming languages (react, Python, C++, etc.) Experience with machine learning and deep learning is a plus. Communication and teamwork skills. Highly Knowledge of open stack[Work location] Fully remote work[What we offer] Career advancement opportunitiesApplication method Please send your resume and cover letter to [Recruiter's email address].LifeAnalytics,,,Co.LTD is looking for passionate researchers who will use cutting-edge technology to pioneer the future of rice science and digital pathology. Related Jobs See more Full-Stack Programming jobs

Whether it's to accompany a new device you got for the holidays or you're just overdue for an upgrade, the new year is an excellent time to invest in some top-tier headphones. And though many of the postholiday sales have begun to fade, we just spotted an excellent deal on the best sounding wireless earbuds of 2024. Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 buds are down to just $319 on Amazon right now, a dramatic 20% price cut that saves you $80. See at AmazonIn his initial review of the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 buds, Executive Editor David Carnoy noted that they were "easily among the best-sounding earbuds out there." And in his roundup of the best wireless earbuds of 2024, Carnoy said, "The Pi8s are fantastic-sounding earbuds that also benefit from having a clearly improved design from the Pi7 S2 and Pi5 S2." Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.Carnoy was also impressed by the improved ergonomics and active noise cancellation. Another feature he noted is the Bowers & Wilkins music app, available for iOS and Android, which lets you customize how you control your earbuds.Note that as of this writing, all four color variants -- midnight blue, jade green, dove white and anthracite black -- are available at this discount. But Amazon stock can fluctuate quickly, so if your heart is set on a particular color, grab it while you can. Read more: The Best Wireless Earbuds of 2024Why this deal matters These are regularly priced at close to $400, so scoring them for $319 takes a little sting out of the splurge. And because of the favorable reviews, if you're all about sound, these are the earbuds for you. We don't see a ton of deals on these particular buds, so now's the best time to buy. More shopping deals from CNET CNET is always covering a wide array of deals on tech products and much more. Start with the hottest sales and discounts on theCNET Deals page, and sign up for theCNET Deals Textto get daily deals sent straight to your phone. Add the freeCNET Shopping extensionto your browser for real-time price comparisons and cash-back offers. And peruse ourgift guide, which includes a full range of ideas for birthdays, anniversaries and more. See at CNET

If an Xbox gaming console was on your wish list this year but Santa had other plans, you're in luck. We rarely see significant discounts on any of Microsoft's Xbox gaming consoles, but right now Best Buy is enticing members with an offer on the Xbox Series X 1TB gaming console for $399 for Best Buy Total members. That's a $51 discount for Best Buy Total members. Plus, Best Buy has a trade-in program that has the potential to save you even more. See at Best Buy For $399, you'll get Microsoft's Xbox Series X 1TB All-Digital Console. This means all games are streamed or downloaded to the hard drive from the Microsoft Game Pass store, so you don't need to purchase any discs. With 1TB of storage, plus games that can be streamed in the cloud, you'll be able to play hours upon hours of games with this fast, powerful gaming console.Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.Note that this offer only extends to the Robot White model. It does include the wireless controller, but you may want to add another one to play two-person games. This offer is only extended to those who have a Best Buy Total membership. Best Buy's trade-in program does offer some credits if you have a similar device to trade in, which includes handheld and gaming consoles from Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo, Asus and Lenovo. How much you get will depend on what you are trading in Why this deal mattersThis fast, all-digital gaming console doesn't go on sale often so any discount is considered a good deal. Saving $51 knocks this down to just shy of $400, making it a little easier on the wallet. This isn't the best price we've ever seen, but deals for the Xbox usually only come around big shopping events like Black Friday or Best Buy's anti-Prime Day sales in the summer. A post-holiday discount of any kind on this gaming console is unusual. CNET is always covering a wide array of deals on tech products and much more. Start with the hottest sales and discounts on theCNET Deals page, and sign up for theCNET Deals Textto get daily deals sent straight to your phone. Add the freeCNET Shopping extensionto your browser for real-time price comparisons and cash-back offers. And peruse ourgift guide, which includes a full range of ideas for birthdays, anniversaries and more. See at CNET

Freezing food is the best way to keep good food and drinks from going bad including uncooked beef, excess herbs or wine that you couldn't finish.Unfortunately, not all your groceries are fit for the freezer. Some foods just don't handle those subzero temperatures and should be preserved another way, such as pickling, vacuum-sealing or simply consuming them before they start to turn. 20 Best Kitchen Gifts Under $30 See all photos To prevent a mass clean-out of expensive groceriesyou'd be wise to learn which foods don't belong there in the first place. Below, we've rounded up eight common foods you should never freeze.9 foods you should never freeze1. Milk and cream Keep your dairy out of the freezer or it will separate and curdle. DonNichols/Getty Images CNETMost dairy products can't be frozen and will become inedible if they are. Milk, cream, yogurt and sour cream tend to separate when frozen. Once they do, there's no returning them to their former state and the thawed result will be grainy, watery or even curdled. Nut milk, on the other hand, can be frozen more successfully.Ice cream is a known exception to the dairy rule because its high sugar content lowers the freezing point and keeps the product soft and palatable.2. Potatoes Potatoes shouldn't even be refrigerated, never mind frozen. Tyler Lizenby/CNETAmerica's favorite carb turns mushy and grainy when thawed, a physical state that is no bueno for use in anything from mashed potatoes to french fries. This is because the water separates from the tuber's starch, resulting in a gag-inducing texture that not even trash-foraging critters like raccoons can stomach. Freezing cooked or partially cooked potatoes (typically parboiled) is a-OK, as much of the water content is extracted during the cooking process. Bagged potato products from the freezer section of your local grocery store are treated with chemicals, preservatives or other specialized preparation methods to ensure flavor and texture are preserved when frozen.3. Cheese There are ways to store all types of cheese that will keep them fresh for longer but the freezer isn't one of them. Pamela Vachon/CNETPesky ice crystals form in frozen cheese, which completely changes its flavor and texture profile. This primarily applies to soft and moldy cheeses, though some hard varieties such as cheddar and jack can withstand the consistent blast of cold air if grated first and laid flat in a plastic storage bag.4. Fried food Unfortunetly, that leftover friend chicken can't be frozen for later. David Watsky/CNETThe best part of fried food is, of course, its crunchy breading. When placed in a freezer, this batter or crumb absorbs the appliance's moisture and makes the food become soggy. Additionally, fried food is chock-full of -- you guessed it -- oil, which doesn't freeze completely and can spoil before the meat or vegetable it has been cooked into. This can lead to foul-tasting meals but also an unfortunate and potentially dangerous bout of food poisoning.5. Eggs Eggs have a fairly long shelf life in the fridge so you shouldn't need to freeze them. Tanja Ivanova/Getty ImagesIf you enjoy your scrambled eggs rubbery, stick them in the freezer before preparation. This is due to a process called "gelation" where the yolk's protein molecules clump and make the liquid harder. Egg content also expands when frozen, which causes whole eggs to crack and leak. Avoiding eggs in the freezer means you must also avoid egg-based condiments as well, such as mayonnaise, which get lumpy and unspreadable.6. Salad-friendly fruits and vegetables Leftover salad ingredients such as avocado, lettuce and cucumbers should never be frozen. Carlo A/Getty ImagesIf it's a fruit or vegetable and can go into a typical salad, it won't hold up in the freezer. This includes any produce with high water content such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and celery. The beloved avocado will also not fare well in extremely low temperatures. As it thaws, it will immediately begin to brown. Nobody wants to dip their way through brown guacamole.7. Whole citrus Your best with an excess of citrus is to juice the fruit and freeze the juice for recipes and cocktails later on. David Watsky/CNETSome dense fruits such as berries and mango do well in the freezer, but citrus won't hold form so well. Whole citrus fruit will become mealy after thawing it out. If you have an abundance of lemons, limes or oranges, your best bet is to juice them and freeze the juice for later.8. Cooked pasta and rice Leftover cooked rice and pasta can be frozen safely but they'll lose much of their structure and toothsomeness upon reheating. David Watsky/CNETYou certainly canfreeze cooked pasta and rice, but it doesn't mean that you should. The water content causes the cells in noodles and grains to burst, resulting in pasty, gloopy leftovers that can't be salvaged with even the most delicious of sauces. Pasta is almost certainly going to emerge from the freezer in rough shape. Rice is a little more durable but consider vacuum-sealing it to keep moisture out before popping it in the freezer for preservation.9. Bottled or canned beverages We've all tried to quick-chill a beer or soda in the freezer before. Getty ImagesWho among us hasn't tried to cheat time by chilling a lukewarm beer can or bottle in the freezer, only to forget about it and return to find a frozen, bubbling disaster? If you're going to use the freezer to chill canned or bottled beverages, you'd be wise to set a timer for 10 minutes so they don't freeze solid and explode.