We may earn a commission from links on this page.Though I am a dedicated daily Dunkin' Donuts consumer, that doesn't mean I don't make coffee at home. I'm a little coffee freak: I'll buy pre-made caffeine confections and brew my own on the same day. Nothing can stop my caffeine habit, not even financial barriers. When I want to caffeinate at home, I use a Nespresso machine, which is more expensive to buy upfront than some other coffeemakersbut the initial investment isn't the only chunk of change associated with using it. Here's what ongoing Nespresso ownership looks like from a financial standpoint, and how that compares to a regular ol' coffee pot. The upfront cost of a Nespresso machineFirst of all, there are a lot of different devices that fit under the category of "Nespresso machine." I personally own the Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi (with milk frother), which I like for its small footprint and sleek look. Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Machine, Dark Grey $144.99 at Amazon $219.00 Save $74.01 Shop Now Shop Now $144.99 at Amazon $219.00 Save $74.01 The brand has a variety of machines available beyond that one. All of the devices use disposable pods to brew cups of espresso or coffee, but each is a little differentand some can cost as much as $700. For the average consumer, like me, the smaller, less expensive ones are fine, but even saying "less expensive" here is purely relative, since $144 is nothing to scoff at when a standard coffee machine can be had for around $25. Machine cost: Starting at $144The best coffee options for the NespressoI prefer the taste and smoothness of my Nespresso to other brewing methods, but I know a lot of that depends on the quality of the coffee I'm putting into it, not necessarily the machine. I've found that it's more economical to source my pods directly from the brand rather than ordering them on Amazon or picking them up at Target. Depending on where you live, there may even be a Nespresso store near youin which case I recommend a visit; the employees tend to be extremely educated in all things coffee and can make recommendations to help you find your own perfect brew (that's how I wound up favoring the peanut and roasted sesame flavor). Plus you can sample everything, and even enjoy a cup at the in-store coffee counter. Signing up and getting a membership can be useful, as you'll regularly qualify for discounts and perks, and you'll earn points that can be traded for things like special mugs. Of course, you can always just order or buy pods from your usual retailers. While a sleeve of 10 pods through Nespresso typically costs between $9 and $15 before any discounts, the prices on Amazonboth for Nespresso-branded ones and other collaborations, like Starbucksare comparable. You can also get $16 refillable pods that can be used up to 100 times, though that doesn't include the cost of the beans you'll put in them.I like shopping directly through Nespresso not only for the membership rewards, but because there's such a variety of flavors and styles available, but I know the same is true across the wider world of coffee. I have a Trade Coffee subscription, for instance, that provides me with a new bag of exotic or rare coffee every few weeks, so I know how many varieties and blends are out there. You can easily make a fabulous brew in a standard coffee pot if you take the time to seek out blends and beans that are better than your average Folgers. For reference, you can buy enough Folgers coffee grounds to brew 240 cups of coffee for under $13. My favorite blend I've received from Trade, the Famlia Peixoto, is $15.75 per bag and makes 20 cups. Obviously, both of those options are more economical than the 10 cups you get for around $14 from Nespresso, so factor in that extra expense if you're considering this machine. Pods cost: Starting at 90 cents to $1.50 eachCleaning the Nespresso can also cost youFinally, while you can clean and descale your Nespresso machine using vinegar (and I have even outlined the process for you), Nespresso recommends against doing so in favor of using their own products for cleaning. If you end up going the recommend route, you'll pay $12.99 to get two descaling packs. After using my machine for a year, I've stuck with the vinegar method, but I do think I'll use the recommended cleaner soon. It's better to be safe than sorry, and I've noticed some weird tastes in my coffee lately, so it looks like I'll be adding another $13 to my list of expenses. Cost of cleaning: $13 for two descaling packsMust-have Nespresso machine accessories Just like when I got my Peloton, I didn't stop to think about which accessories I might end up needing for a Nespresso machine, but since I made such a significant initial investment in both cases, I wanted to make sure I had all the add-ons to help me get the most out of it. If you're like me, that's more money you'll have to spend.My favorite enhancement has definitely been my pod organizer. I got the rotating pod tree for $16.99, but you can also get pull-out drawers that stack underneath the machine itself for around $35. In retrospect, I wish I'd gotten the drawer instead of the rotating tree, since it would add a few inches to the height of my machine and make it easier for me to brew directly into my tall to-go mugs, but hindsight is 20/20. EVERIE glass Nespresso pod drawer $34.95 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $34.95 at Amazon I also got "The Sphere," which is just a little metal ball with prongs that you store in the freezer and set on top of your cup while you're brewing. It cost me a little over $13 and I got it thinking it would cool my drinks to iced coffee temperature without watering them down, but so far I haven't been able to make it work that way; it just lowers the temperature a little, not a lot. What it does do well is remove some bitterness from the brew, which is key for me as someone who uses each pod twice to save some moneythe second brew of a pod always gets a little nasty, and this ball helps with that, though I can't explain the science behind it. Bottom lineThough it costs more than an old school coffeemaker, both on initial investment and over time, I still recommend the Nespresso, and I'm glad I have one. It's easier to use and I like the flavor of my coffee. As long as you're comfortable paying a premium for the convenience, I think you'll be pleased too.

Robot vacuums can make cleaning up a lot more convenient but, depending on your homes layout, might not work with every floorplan. Chinese appliance maker Dreame is hoping to address that with its X50 robot vacuum thats able to climb over small stairs without assistance.Though the robot vac has yet to launch in the US, its already generated some buzz thanks to a teaser posted on YouTube last year (the X50 is already available in China). Now, the $1699 X50 is making its US debut at CES 2025, with Dreame offering an up-close look at its abilities.Dreame says the X50 can handle stairs up to 6cm high (about 2.4 inches), thanks to its ProLeap System, which relies on a motorized arm underneath the vacuum thats able to swing out and boost it over steps. So while the X50 wont be able to climb up a full-size staircase (the average stair height in a home is between 7 and 8 inches, according to Google), it should be able to maneuver over smaller steps and other obstacles that may trip up other robot vacuums.In addition to its stair-climbing abilities, the X50 can maneuver underneath furniture and identify up to 200 types of objects, which helps it detect obstacles in its path. It also has a built-in hot water mop and a specialized brush to sweep up hair without becoming a tangled mess.Dreame is opening pre-orders for the X50 on January 7, with people who pre-order also getting an extended two-year warranty and an extra cleaning kit. The vacuum officially goes on sale on Amazon and Dreames website on February 14.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/dreames-x50-robot-vacuum-can-climb-stairs-200058312.html?src=rss

This year at CES 2025, Dell is announcing a huge rebranding for all of its consumer and commercial PCs. However, while this change is generally a move in the right direction, I think getting rid of the iconic XPS name is an unforced error.As a quick recap, Dells new unified branding will see its laptops, desktops and other devices divided into three main families. Standard Dell machines are aimed at general consumers and designed for school, work and casual gaming. (Alienware gaming PCs are also getting updated names, but they will remain separate from Dells core computing products.) Then there are Dell Pro devices, which are primarily for businesses and meant to support pro-grade productivity. Finally, there is the Dell Pro Max line, which as its name suggests comprises systems built to deliver maximum performance (i.e. workstations).DellBut it doesnt stop there, because within each family will be three tiers of products. Base models across the Dell, Dell Pro and Dell Pro Max lines will be entry-level machines and wont get any special monikers. Meanwhile, systems featuring the Plus tag (e.g. the Dell Pro 14 Plus laptop) will serve as mid-range options. And then sitting on top are systems with a Premium label, which denotes Dells most powerful and luxurious machines within a given family.Now while this new scheme might seem awkward at first, the rationale behind it makes sense (mostly). Dell believes that when customers buy gadgets they see the name of the company first (in this case Dell), so thats what should be front and center on every product. So far so good. Another benefit of this change is that Dell is also ditching a ton of sub-brands like Latitude, Inspiron, Optiplex and others, which were often opaque and meaningless to most buyers. So in essence, the rebrand is providing a more streamlined naming scheme that should be easier to understand. A similar thought process was behind HPs unifying and rebranding that took place last year, too.Regular folk should shop for standard Dell models, businesses will buy Dell Pro systems and anyone who needs PCs with even more performance can opt for Dell Pro Max devices. Unfortunately, among all this, the XPS name is also getting killed off and in its place will be systems simply labeled Dell [product name] Premium. (Remember, non-Pro Dells are for normal people and premium denotes that a model sits at the top of the line.)As part of the Dell's rebrand, the XPS 14 will now be called the Dell Premium 14.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetThis is my big issue because I truly do not understand why Dell would want to get rid of the one sub-brand that people already know and have loved for more than a decade. For years, some version of the XPS has sat at the top of practically every Best Windows laptop list. The XPS name is an icon and unlike a lot of Dells other monikers like Inspiron or Latitude, it actually meant something. (Fun trivia tidbit: XPS officially stands for extreme performance system.)In a lot of ways, XPS was already the way Dell let people know that one of its consumer devices was a premium system, so to go and replace it with a generic word feels like a step in the wrong direction. I would even argue that in a lot of situations, the XPS name even transcended Dells own. Previously when people asked me to recommend an ultraportable Windows laptop, I would simply say Get an XPS. No further instruction was necessary. So instead of replacing XPS with Dell Premium, wouldnt it make more sense to just stick with Dell XPS?After talking to numerous Dell employees about the name change, the counter-argument Ive heard the counter-argument is that as someone who covers tech and nerds out about gadgets, Im more familiar with specific products than the average joe. Dell seems to believe that people who only read reviews every four or five years right before they buy a new laptop just arent familiar with the XPS name which might be true. But my retort is that the XPS line was always meant for enthusiasts the type of discerning folk who care about design and are willing to pay more for fancier materials, better performance and shaving a couple millimeters or ounces off a device when possible. And to that crowd, the XPS name was a clear indicator that you were getting something way better than just OK.A selection of Dell's new laptops including the Dell 14 Plus, Dell Pro 14 and Dell Pro Max 16.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetAnother potential problem is that even with Dells new unified branding, it still feels like something is missing. Take for example the companys new 14-inch consumer laptop the Dell 14 Plus. We know the Plus indicates that its a mid-range system and that Dell is clearly the manufacturer that made it. So that means the name of the laptop is the 14? Or is it 14 Plus? Either way, that just sounds off. Even Apple, who Dell appears to have cribbed part of its naming scheme from, still has the decency to give each device a proper name. You have MacBook Airs, MacBook Pros, Mac Minis, iMacs and so on. And then theres the issue of doing a full rebranding and ending up with a scheme that sounds a lot like what Dells competitors have already done, especially with the Pro and Pro Max lines drawing clear connections to Apples range of premium (theres that word again) iPhones.Im not the only one who feels this way, either. We got a chance to learn about Dells rebrand during a preview shortly prior to CES. And during the Q&A, at least half of the questions were about why Dell was making this change. In fact, my colleague Devindra also has some more thoughts on this.Devs thoughts:Sam, Im fully onboard with your frustration, but Id argue youre still being too kind to Dell here! The companys argument that this name change is all about simplicity falls apart once you start looking at sub-tiers for each brand. Dell Pro Max seems clear enough, but when you try comparing Pro Max Plus and Pro Max Premium systems, all logic is lost. Weve launched ourselves out of the orbits of normal consumers and towards over-priced consultants who likely suggested this name change. Doesnt Max already mean best?The situation gets even more hilarious when you look at the companys desktops: Later this year, we can expect to see the Dell Pro Max Slim and Dell Pro Max Micro towards. Max Micro! What are we even doing here?! (And yes, you can expect those machines to also have their own plus and premium sub-branding.)No one saying Dell should remove its logo from the lid. But at least for its high-end consumer systems, the XPS name still means a lot.Photo by Sam Rutherford/EngadgetIts true, most consumers wont cry over the loss of Latitude and Inspiron, and they would likely be better off with clearer model names. I just wish Dell had focused more on maintaining clarity without getting bogged down by engineer-brained sub designations. If youre going to copy Apples naming scheme (and lets face it, thats whats happening, despite CEO Michael Dell and other execs telling us otherwise), at least try to stick to Apples short and friendly style.The loss of the XPS brand hurts Dell the most, though. Every PC maker has tried and failed to develop a premium brand that could go toe-to-toe with Apple. Sonys VAIO PCs were all the rage in the 90s and 2000s, before they threw in the towel. IBM ThinkPads became far less desirable once Lenovo snapped them up. HPs Spectre machines are great, but arent exactly a household name. XPS, meanwhile, means something. Like you said, it was a brand that shone brighter than Dell itself.XPS laptops started the ultra-thin bezel trend, something even Apple hasnt fully adopted. The XPS 13 has been one of our highest-rated laptops for over a decade (save for some recent stumbles with its invisible touchpad and disappearing function row). Now instead of leaning on a brand that it built over the years with blood, sweat and cutting-edge hardware, the company is taking the most generic path possible. Dell Premium will just never hit the same as XPS.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/dell-killing-the-xps-name-is-an-unforced-error-200006195.html?src=rss

AMD is targeting both low-end and high-end AI PCs at CES 2025. The company unveiled a new family of Ryzen AI Max chips meant for "halo" Copilot+ AI PCs, which will sit above existing Ryzen AI 9 systems. In addition, it's also introducing Ryzen AI 7 and 5 chips for mid-tier and lower end AI PCs. Clearly, AMD wants AI PC options for everyone.AMDTo its credit, AMD's Ryzen AI Max chips seem like powerhouses. They feature up to 16 Zen 5 performance cores, 40 RDNA 3.5 GPU compute units and 50 TOPS of AI performance with AMD"s XDNA 2 NPU. The company claims it delivers 2.6 times faster 3D rendering than Intel's Core Ultra 9 288V, as well 1.4 times faster graphics performance in benchmarks like 3DMark's Wildlife Extreme and Solar Bay. It also delivers comparable performance to Apple's 14-core M4 Pro chip, and when it comes to the Vray benchmark, it's significantly faster.AMDRyzen AI Max systems will be available in the first and second quarter of the year, including the HP Zbook Ultra G1a, as well as the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 convertible.As for the Ryzen AI 7 and 5 chips, they'll basically deliver slightly slower performance than existing Ryzen AI 9 PCs. The Ryzen AI 7 chip features 8 cores and a 5GHz max boost speed, while the Ryzen AI 5 340 offers up six cores and a 4.8GHz max speed. And for PCs that don't need a ton of AI power, AMD is also introducing Ryzen 200 chips in the second quarter. They'll offer up to 16 TOPS of AI performance (compared to 50 TOPS on the faster AI chips), and will max out with the eight-core Ryzen 9 270.AMDThis article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/amd-takes-ai-pcs-to-the-max-with-ryzen-ai-max-chips-194600366.html?src=rss

EarFun's budget buds promise an AI upgrade.

The company is also releasing a lock with palm-recognition and video.

AMD announced new Ryzen Z2 chips at CES 2025, adding turbo fuel to an exploding PC gaming handheld market.

LG Electronics just revealed a tiny home concept that opens the van life community to a new audience: tech bros.The concept vehicle, called the Lifestyle Solution for Mobility, is essentially a futuristic van that could be customized with any combination of LGs smart home appliances. According to its press release, users could configure the vans living space however their heart desires, from a creator studio for influencers to a business lounge for Silicon Valley types. The prototype will be on display at the South Korean companys booth at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, January 7-10.Based on what LG has shared so far, the van is a summation of the companys current aspirations to achieve near-total home automationjust in a miniaturized, fully mobile form. Its rear cabin is outfitted to accommodate entertainment systems, laundry, cooking appliances, and more, all powered by ThinQ ON, LGs voice-activated AI assistant.[Photo: LG]The prototype is a vehicle (um, literally) for showcasing LGs Mobility Experience (MX) platform, which the company defines as smart life solutions to create a seamless connection between mobility and the AI Home. Per LG, the MX platform will be available as a subscription service, though its unclear exactly what that means in practice. Fast Company has reached out to LG for comment, and will update this story accordingly.Ultimately, the Lifestyle Solution for Mobility is less about driving and more about vibing. The press release points to prevailing auto industry trends as design inspiration, which are shifting away from traditional notions of transportation and toward the idea of vehicles as a personalized lifestyle space. This avant-garde notion of van-as-lifestyle extends somewhat to Jaguars recent rebrand, which stirred up a healthy dose of controversy. LGs smart concept van seems to rest at the intersection of individuals who would like to chuck all their worldly possessions and hit the road and those who want a tech lab of Tony Stark proportions on hand at all timesa puzzling target audience, to be sure.Its unclear whether this collection of tech-buzzwords-on-wheels will ever actually be available, given that the van is still in the ideas phase right now. In fact, LG has introduced several vehicle concepts in past years that have not (yet) come to fruition, including an autonomous vehicle with backward-facing seats and a camper with an outdoor beer fridge. For now, startup founders itching for the open road will have to settle for a more old-fashioned route.

The man who drove a truck into a crowd of people in New Orleans on New Years Day, killing 14, had previously scouted the French Quarter and recorded video with his Meta smart glasses, the FBI said.On Oct. 31, Shamsud-Din Jabbar recorded video with the glasses as he cycled through the French Quarter and plotted the attack, said Lyonel Myrthil, FBI special agent in charge of the New Orleans field office. Jabbar also wore the glasses, which are capable of livestreaming, during the attack, but did not activate them.A spokesperson for Meta, the parent company of Facebook, declined to comment.Heres what the glasses are capable of:What are Meta glasses?Meta glasses, made in partnership with Ray-Ban, are frames with a built-in camera, speakers, and artificial intelligence that can be controlled with your voice, buttons, and some simple gestures. Some functions, such as listening to music or interacting with Metas AI assistant, require the device to be either paired with a phone or able to access the internet.The wearable does not have a display built into the lens, unlike some past industry attempts at building augmented-reality smart glasses. However, Meta has said it is working on a pair of glasses that will give users a fully holographic experience.What the glasses can doOne of the glasses main selling points is the ability to capture images and video using the onboard camera, then upload those files to Instagram or Facebook. You can also livestream, but only to Metas compatible social platforms.You can also use the glasses to make audio and video calls, message people, or listen to music.The camera also allows Metas AI assistant to see what youre seeing, allowing it to translate text into multiple languages (spoken back to you, or shown on a paired phone app), and answer simple questions, such as searching the nearest landmark to your location. The glasses are largely a hands-free experience so you will be talking to your deviceand it will reply.What the glasses cant doThe glasses currently cannot perform complex tasks that other digital assistants might be able to, like booking you a reservation at a restaurant or giving you turn-by-turn directions while youre on the move. And theres no display in the lens, so there isnt a viewfinder for framing photos or video.There are also visual indicators built into the system that allow bystanders to know when youre shooting video or taking photos. This LED privacy indicator stays on while you use the camera functions. According to Meta, you cant disable this light to be more discreet in your actions.

Just weeks before the end of his presidency, President Joe Biden has signed a new act into law that is set to increase monthly Social Security payments for close to three million Americans.The bill, called the Social Security Fairness Act, repeals two provisions that, for more than 40 years, have lessened Social Security payments to a wide group of public sector employees. Heres what to know about how the new act will affect retired Americans:What is the Social Security Fairness Act?The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates two longstanding provisions: The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).The WEP, established in 1983, is a formula used to reduce Social Security benefits for those who also receive disability benefits or a pensionspecifically, recipients of non-covered pensions, which are defined as a pension paid by an employer that does not withhold Social Security taxes from your salary. Most often, these employers are state and local governments.The GPO, established in 1977, reduces Social Security benefits for spouses or widowers of non-covered pension recipients.Who will benefit from the new act?Those most affected by the former provisions are middle-class Americans, including government retirees and public sector employees like firefighters, public school teachers, post office workers, and police officers.All told, the WEP and GPO impacted about two million and 750,000 Americans in 2023, respectively.How much money can I expect?In public remarks on Sunday, Biden said more than 2.5 million Americans formerly under the scope of the WEP or GPO will receive an average boost of $360 per month in Social Security benefits. Additionally, they can expect a lump-sum back payment in the thousands of dollars to account for the shortfall in benefits in 2024.Where can I find more details?The Social Security Administration is expected to publish more details on the acts implementation, including timing of payouts, on its website sometime soon.