James Baldwin Media Library and Refugee House / associerSave this picture!© Pierre-Yves Brunaud•Paris, France Architects: associer Area Area of this architecture project Area:  4406 m² Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2025 Photographs Photographs:Pierre-Yves Brunaud Lead Architect: Philippe Madec More SpecsLess Specs Save this picture! Text description provided by the architects. In the heart of the 19th arrondissement of Paris, an isolated site surrounded by blocks of flats and towers has been refurbished. The atelier associer transformed the 1970s Jean Quarré upper secondary hospitality school into a media library and a Refugee House. The high cultural and social value of the chosen brief is unique in the world. It encompasses a neighborhood cultural facility and a place dedicated to the integration of exiled people on the territory of Paris. The media library joins the four media libraries of the city of Paris that possess a "center for the Deaf" to welcome the public communicating with sign language. The Refugee House brings together under one roof all the aspects of refugees' path to integration, in a convivial place of encounter and sharing.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Rediscovery of the Existing Structure - The former secondary school structures have been preserved, cleaned, and had asbestos removed. Prefabricated elements like reinforced concrete posts, beams, floors, and façade panels were refurbished. A selective deconstruction of concrete floors, walls, and façade panels was conducted, with cut-off pieces kept on-site for reuse. This process restored the structure's regularity and improved the quality of the exposed reinforced concrete. As a result, ideal spaces for a media library and welcome center have been created. Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Space Open to the Air and Natural Light - The project is a bioclimatic design, drawing on the resources useful for its proper functioning in its environment. The now refined existing structure enjoys enhanced penetration of natural light. The exposed structure offers soft surfaces and rich textures, and provides inertia favourable to the improved regulation of the interior temperature. The entire project also provides enhanced natural and hygienic ventilation, namely through the creation of interior, double-height hoppers and of an air well with the garden in the patio.Save this picture! A Link made of Wood and Poured Earth - Taking an ecologically responsible approach, the architects have achieved a thorough renovation of the existing situation with a new construction made of biosourced and "geoscourced" material. The buildings, the square media library, and the elongated refugee house are joined by a vertical volume, called "the link", which serves the different levels and spaces of these two establishments. The walls of this unheated wooden construction are made of prefabricated poured earth, guaranteeing thermal inertia and regulated humidity. A wooden mantilla envelops the link whilst also serving as a high-protection sun filter. Hospitality - The tall post and beam structure provides a welcoming space for refugees and residents to enjoy beverages, learn French, and cook. It features spacious areas and diverse places with specially designed acoustics for everyone's comfort. A long terrace facing south offers relaxation moments and access to a shared garden.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Landscape and Biodiversity - The project reversed the waterproofing on 70% of the surface of the lot. Open ground reappears everywhere, in the patio at the centre of the media library, on the forecourt, the shaded garden, the shared garden and on the terrace of the Refugee House. The effort to counter the urban heat island effect is organized through increased green surfaces, the implementation of light-coloured ground cover (recycled concrete slabs and stabilised sand), and a shallow pool between the shared garden and the shade garden.Save this picture! Project gallerySee allShow less Project locationAddress:Paris, FranceLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeassocierOffice••• MaterialsWoodConcreteMaterials and TagsPublished on May 22, 2025Cite: "James Baldwin Media Library and Refugee House / associer" 22 May 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1030349/james-baldwin-media-library-and-refugee-house-associer&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save世界上最受欢迎的建筑网站现已推出你的母语版本!想浏览ArchDaily中国吗?是否 You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Sonos is one of the better audio brands out there, but we rarely see significant deals on their products. That’s why today is a special day. Right now, the Sonos Roam 2 portable Bluetooth speaker just got its largest discount to date, bringing it down to $134 (25% off). This kind of discount is notable for just about any Bluetooth speaker, but particularly noteworthy for Sonos speakers. The Roam 2 is gorgeous with its sleek design and elegant build, while being compact and lightweight so it can join you outdoors with ease. It’s perfect whether you’re spending a day by the pool, at the beach, or in your backyard. It’s not just durable, but also comes with an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating so it can survive your adventures in inclement weather. When we reviewed the original Sonos Roam, we gave it a 4.5-star rating and loved how small and lightweight it was along with the awesome features it brought to the table. The fact that it worked with Alexa was the cherry on top, allowing it to be used as a smart speaker. The newer Roam 2 has the same audio quality but better design and battery life, with a single charge able to keep the party going for up to 10 hours—a decent amount of time considering the speaker’s tiny size. With this being the best price we’ve ever seen for the Sonos Roam 2, there’s never been a better time to get one. Snag it now on Amazon for just $134 to level up your parties and adventures! Or check out some of our other favorite smart speakers for smart homes. Buy now at Amazon

When you select “hear the highlights,” a playback bar will appear at the bottom of the screen. | Image: Amazon Amazon is testing new AI-generated audio summaries that will let you listen to two AI “hosts” chat about a product’s features. Along with product details, the AI audio clips also draw information from user reviews and information from the web. The feature is currently available for select products on Amazon’s mobile app, including the Ninja Blender, OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil, SHOKZ OpenRun Pro, and the SafeRest Waterproof Mattress Protector. You can try it out by hitting the “Hear the highlights” button beneath the product. The audio summaries open with a “friendly reminder” that you’re listening to an AI-generated clip, followed by an introduction to an “expert” AI host who’s supposed to give you a rundown of a product’s features. It’s similar to Google’s AI-generated audio overviews, which have two AI hosts discuss your research, documents, or slides in a podcast-like format. In the clip for the SHOKZ OpenRun Pro, the AI host introduces us to “Max,” who says the key difference about these headphones is that they “conduct sound through your cheekbones instead of going into your ears.” The AI host then follows up with questions about the headphones, like who would benefit from the design and whether the sound quality is up to par. “While the microphone gets praise for noise cancellation, some users find they’re not loud enough for an immersive music experience,” the AI “expert” Max says. “But customers do mention they’re better than earpods in certain situations.” Amazon’s AI-generated audio summaries are currently only available to some customers in the US, but the company plans on bringing them to more products and customers in the “coming months.”

The best Memorial Day deals for under $100: The best Memorial Day speaker and headphone deal under $100 IPX7 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker $59.49 (Save 41%) The best Memorial Day tech deal under $100 Kingslim D4 Dual Dash Cam $84.98 (Save 39%) The best Memorial Day toy deal under $100 KidKraft Laundry Playset $60.70 (Save 51%) Memorial Day might be the holiday for swimming pools reopening, long days in the late spring sun, and kids getting out of school, but these days, it's also a time to secure excellent savings on products from online commerce platforms.Below, we're keeping a running list of the best deals for under $100 that are available this Memorial Day. We'll keep this list updated with new deals that we find.The best Memorial Day speaker and headphone deal under $100 Opens in a new window Credit: IPX7 IPX7 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker $59.49 at Amazon $99.99 Save $40.50 Whether you're sitting poolside, relaxing by a campfire, or spreading a picnic blanket, a good outdoor speaker is a crucial part of the experience. The IPX7 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker is a resilient waterproof outdoor speaker that pumps out 40w sound. You May Also Like This Memorial Day, the IPX7 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker is on sale for $59.49, down from a price of $99.99, saving you $40.50. More Memorial Day speaker and headphone dealsFosi Audio BT20A Bluetooth Stereo Amplifier — $79.99 $89.99 (save $10)JBL Quantum 400 — $59.95 $99.95 (save $40)Treblab Z2 Active Noise Cancelling Workout Headphones — $89.95 $129.97 (save $40.02)Calmbee Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones — $69.99 $109.99 (save $40)The best Memorial Day tech deal under $100 Opens in a new window Credit: Kingslim Kingslim D4 Dual Dash Cam $84.98 at Amazon $139.99 Save $55.01 There's lots that can happen to a car. Supplement your insurance with a dash cam and ensure that bumps, brake light checks, and attempted break ins are all subject to the camera. The Redtiger Dash Cam Front Rear includes night vision, video up to 4K, and app controls. This Memorial Day, the Kingslim D4 Dual Dash Cam with Built-in WiFi GPS is on sale for $84.98, down from a price of $139.99, saving you $55.01, or 39%.More Memorial Day tech dealsLuckymore Wireless Carplay Adapter — $60.33 $99.99 (save $39.66)ErGear Dual Monitor Desk Mount — $99.99 $159.99 (save $60)SinKeu 88.8Wh|65Watts Portable Laptop Charger — $61.99 $99.98 (save $37.99)The best Memorial Day toy deal under $100 Opens in a new window Credit: KidKraft KidKraft Laundry Playset Children's Pretend Wooden Stacking Washer and Dryer Toy $60.70 at Amazon $124.99 Save $64.29 For families everywhere, school letting out means kids home from school for the summer. What better time to fill the house with distractions than now? And what if playtime could also teach your children to launder like a pro... that would be something. The KidKraft Laundry Playset does just that, with a kid-size washer and dryer set, plus a clothes iron. Related Stories Mashable Deals Want more hand-picked deals from our shopping experts? Sign up for the Mashable Deals newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up! Right now, the KidKraft Laundry Playset is on sale for $60.70, down from $124.99, for a savings of 51%.More Memorial Day toy deals under $100Teamson Kids Princess Gisele Polka Dot Print 2-Piece — $89.95 $152.99 (save $63.04)Plugo STEM Pack by PlayShifu — $48.16 $119.99 (save $71.83) The best Memorial Day deals you can get right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device With Remote (2023 Model) — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Blink Mini 2 Indoor Wireless 1080p Camera (2-Pack) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99) Kodak Mini 2 Retro Instant Photo Printer With 68 Sheets Bundle — $89.99 (List Price $139.99) Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm, Sports Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00) Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Phone With $50 Amazon Gift Card (Pre-Order) — $1,099.99 Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus (2021 Release) — $119.99 (List Price $179.99) Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro 8-in-1 Wi-Fi Smart Lock With Fingerprint ID — $139.99 (List Price $179.99) Aiper Scuba S1 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner (2024 Model) — $499.99 (List Price $699.95) Shark AV2511AE AI Robot Vacuum With XL Self-Empty Base — $349.99 (List Price $599.00) Topics Amazon

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 has long stood out as a premium portable speaker, beloved for its compact size, sleek aesthetics, and rich audio performance. Now in its third generation, the latest iteration of the Beosound A1 introduces not only refined sound and design upgrades but also a significant leap forward in sustainability and longevity. Bang & Olufsen has officially announced the Beosound A1 3rd Gen, a thoughtfully reengineered version of its award-winning portable Bluetooth speaker. Designed in collaboration with acclaimed Danish designer Cecilie Manz, the new A1 merges minimalism with cutting-edge acoustics and an ambitious commitment to circular design. In a landmark achievement, the Beosound A1 becomes the world’s first portable Bluetooth-only speaker to receive Cradle to Cradle Certified® Bronze status. This certification reenforces Bang & Olufsen’s pledge to sustainability through responsible material sourcing, modular construction, and product longevity. “Beosound A1 3rd Gen represents everything we stand for – beautiful sound, enduring design, and a commitment to doing things better,” says Bang & Olufsen CEO Kristian Teär. “It’s a speaker that not only elevates everyday listening but also reflects our vision for more thoughtful, lasting products.” The Beosound A1 continues to embody Bang & Olufsen’s signature style. The speaker retains its pearl-blasted aluminum body, now enhanced with 2,173 precision-milled holes, giving it both a refined aesthetic and excellent acoustic dispersion. Complementing the metallic shell is a soft, waterproof leather strap, making the speaker ready for everyday travel and adventure. A new aluminum strap lock, designed by Manz, boosts both style and structural integrity. The speaker boasts an IP67 rating, meaning it’s fully dustproof and water-resistant. Whether poolside, at the beach, or caught in the rain, the A1 is built to withstand the elements – though full submersion is still best avoided. The third-generation model comes in three finishes: the iconic Natural Aluminum, a warm Honey Tone, and the nature-inspired Eucalyptus Green. Despite its compact size, the Beosound A1 3rd Gen delivers room-filling sound, thanks to the largest woofer in its class. Bang & Olufsen has tuned the speaker for richer, more dynamic bass performance, with a Bass SPL of 64dB – an improvement of 2dB over the previous generation. That small bump translates to noticeably deeper and punchier low-end output, particularly impressive for a speaker of this size. The A1 is also equipped with a three-microphone array, enabling excellent voice clarity for calls and virtual meetings. With stereo pairing support across both second- and third-gen models, users can effortlessly create immersive soundscapes for larger spaces. The speaker supports Bluetooth 5.1, ensuring fast and stable connections, and is compatible with Microsoft Swift Pair and Google Fast Pair, making device pairing intuitive and efficient. Whether you’re switching between a phone, tablet, or laptop, the Beosound A1 keeps your music streaming smoothly. What truly sets the third-generation Beosound A1 apart is its focus on repairability and longevity. Constructed using a modular architecture, the A1 is designed with a 10-year useful life in mind, aligning with circular design principles aimed at reducing electronic waste. The battery is professionally replaceable at Bang & Olufsen stores, ensuring that users can continue to enjoy their speaker for years without contributing to a landfill. The speaker also comes with up to 5 years of coverage through the Beocare service plan. Priced at $349, it sits well above the typical cost of other ultra-portable Bluetooth speakers, many of which fall below the $100 mark. However, for those who value design, longevity, and standout acoustics, it represents a compelling investment. To learn more about the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen speaker, visit bang-olufsen.com. Photography courtesy of Bang & Olufsen.

How to Design Residential Urban Terraces: Strategies for Living Well in High PlacesSave this picture!Phoenix Rooftop / BENT Architecture. © Dianna SnapeIn today’s dense, vertical cities, terraces—often overlooked as mere technical rooftops—are emerging as key spaces for reconnecting with nature, expanding residential functions, and offering moments of collective relief. Particularly in single-family homes located in compact urban areas, these elevated surfaces represent valuable opportunities to increase usable living space without occupying more land. By lifting daily life above street level, terraces open new ways of inhabiting the city, enabling a range of uses from leisure and contemplation to food production and social gathering. In contexts marked by limited green space and strained infrastructure, they hold the potential to generate what landscape architect Catherine Mosbach calls "additional layers of urbanity." Whether imagined as hanging gardens, gathering spots, edible landscapes, or wellness zones, terraces challenge the idea that the city ends at the top floor—inviting us to see the roof as a new kind of ground.As early as the 1920s, Le Corbusier recognized both the symbolic and functional power of rooftops through his concept of the “fifth façade”—a dynamic, accessible upper surface capable of hosting gardens, leisure spaces, and new forms of urban life. This forward-thinking vision resonates strongly today in the face of environmental and social challenges. Landmark projects such as MVRDV’s monumental temporary staircase in Rotterdam, giving public access to a rooftop, or large-scale initiatives like Toronto’s Green Roof program, Paris’s green roof mandate, and New York’s rooftop community gardens show how these spaces are being reimagined as infrastructure—by both public authorities and private actors alike. Save this picture!Although many rooftop activation projects focus on multifamily buildings or public facilities, growing attention is now being directed at terraces in single-family homes—especially on tight urban lots where the traditional backyard is being replaced by an active roof. In the context of increasing climate extremes and urban heat islands, these surfaces also gain ecological significance: they help regulate temperature, retain rainwater, and foster biodiversity. Still, their use remains limited by technical, legal, and cultural barriers, requiring targeted architectural solutions to truly integrate them into urban life—particularly at the domestic scale. Related Article The History of Useful Flat Roofs Varied Uses: How Climate and Context Shape TerracesBecause terraces are inherently outdoor spaces, their use and design are shaped by regional climates and cultural habits. In dry, sunny areas like the Mediterranean or the Middle East, terraces naturally extend the home and are often used for outdoor dining, sleeping under the stars, growing herbs and vegetables, or fostering intergenerational social interaction.Save this picture!In humid tropical regions such as Southeast Asia or Brazil, terraces require specific adaptations—like pergolas or awnings for shade, efficient drainage, and dense vegetation for thermal control. Even with these adjustments, they remain versatile and are commonly adapted as gourmet areas or compact urban gardens.Beyond these familiar uses, other forms of appropriation highlight the symbolic and practical flexibility of terraces. In dense cities where land is scarce, they can serve entirely new functions: as elevated playgrounds with safe, lightweight structures for children, or as pet-friendly zones with artificial turf, agility circuits, and shaded resting spots.Save this picture!More unexpected uses also emerge—retractable screens for family movie nights, quiet spaces for reading or meditation, sensory gardens filled with aromatic and medicinal plants, or small home observatories for stargazing that blend leisure with education. Some people even transform terraces into creative studios—spaces for painting, sculpture, or interactive installations. These varied possibilities reveal the terrace as an intimate, adaptable setting that reflects the evolving stages, routines, and identities of its inhabitants.Save this picture!Access and Integration: Connecting Indoors and OutdoorsA key factor in how terraces are used is their connection to the rest of the house. In single-family homes, the ease and quality of access largely determine how integrated and frequently used a terrace becomes. When access is limited to technical stairs or routed through service areas, the terrace tends to be seen as secondary and remains underused. By contrast, when access is direct, comfortable, and embedded in the domestic routine—through well-placed internal staircases, terraced gardens, or generous openings that link social spaces to the roof—the terrace becomes a natural extension of the home and is activated in everyday life.Save this picture!Contemporary architecture increasingly explores this sense of spatial continuity. Sculptural staircases, operable skylights, interior walkways, and large sliding glass doors enable smooth transitions between inside and out, blurring the boundaries between living space and rooftop. In narrow urban plots, well-designed compact solutions can link the upper floor to the terrace while enhancing light and ventilation—turning the journey upward into a deliberate part of the architectural experience.Save this picture!Form and Volume: The Terrace as an Architectural GestureFar from being flat, utilitarian surfaces, terraces can play a defining role in the architectural expression of single-family homes. Their volumetric configuration—whether as a full rooftop, half-terrace, stepped platform, or garden balcony—directly shapes the building’s silhouette and its dialogue with the urban context. Instead of defaulting to untreated concrete slabs, the terrace can continue the language of interior spaces through multilevel platforms, built-in planters and benches, reflecting pools, or pergolas that bring depth and texture to the composition. On sloped lots, they may cantilever outward or serve as scenic urban lookouts, expanding both visual and functional space. From a design standpoint, terraces allow for experimentation that breaks away from conventional single-story or stacked house typologies—creating compositions that play with mass and void, opacity and light, surface and shadow—making the terrace a true architectural gesture.Save this picture!Materials: Safety, Comfort, and Aesthetics at the TopMaterial choices are critical to the function, durability, and comfort of terraces. Exposed to sun, rain, and temperature shifts, these areas demand robust and safe materials. Common flooring options include non-slip porcelain tiles, treated wood decking, permeable concrete pavers, and other high-performance surfaces that balance durability with effective drainage. Structures like pergolas, brise-soleils, or tensioned fabric canopies help create shade and thermal comfort, using materials such as wood and steel.Save this picture!Waterproofing is equally essential—typically achieved through asphalt sheets, liquid membranes, or thermoplastic coatings—always combined with efficient drainage systems and, ideally, rainwater harvesting for reuse. Planters and gardens also require specific setups: at least 30 cm of depth for herbs and grasses, more than 60 cm for larger plants, with reinforced waterproofing. Pools, if planned, must be structurally accounted for from the start, given the weight and load implications. Safety is non-negotiable: guardrails over 1.10 meters high and edge barriers are vital to ensuring the secure use of rooftop spaces.Save this picture!Expanding Limits: The Micropolitics of Urban AirspaceAltogether, these examples point to the rise of a new urban paradigm: recognizing terraces and rooftops as open-air spaces with vast, yet often untapped, potential. It is important, however, to acknowledge that not all homes have access to such spaces—which makes it even more urgent to explore inclusive, collective, and accessible ways of activating rooftops. Expanding domestic life upward—whether individually or communally—opens the door to new spatial narratives within the city.Save this picture! Image gallerySee allShow less About this authorCamilla GhisleniAuthor••• Cite: Ghisleni, Camilla. "How to Design Residential Urban Terraces: Strategies for Living Well in High Places" [Como Projetar Terraços Urbanos Residenciais: Estratégias para Viver nas Alturas] 21 May 2025. ArchDaily. (Trans. Simões, Diogo) Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1030258/how-to-design-residential-urban-terraces-strategies-for-living-well-in-high-places&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save世界上最受欢迎的建筑网站现已推出你的母语版本!想浏览ArchDaily中国吗?是否 You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.If you’re looking for a compact speaker that won’t flake out on sound or durability, this refurbished Sony SRS-XB100 wireless Bluetooth speaker is worth a closer look. It's on sale right now for $34.99 at StackSocial (down from its original $59.99 price), and this Grade “A” refurbished unit arrives in like-new condition and ships free across the contiguous U.S. It’s not brand-new—those are going for around $48 on Amazon—but this version comes with barely noticeable wear, if any, and still delivers the same sound and features you'd expect.Physically, the XB100 is built for portability. It’s just 3 inches wide and stands 3.8 inches tall, weighing under 10 ounces, which is light enough to toss in a backpack, clip onto a bag, or dangle from your wrist using the included lanyard. It's available in black for this deal (with other colors like blue, orange, and gray also out there) and feels intentionally designed to tag along anywhere. On the audio front, you’re working with a modest two-watt driver and a passive bass radiator that somehow squeezes out clean mono sound with a little low-end punch. Don’t expect deep bass drops, obviously, but it holds its own for podcasts, acoustic tracks, or background music during a hike.Controls are intuitive and built right into the base—everything from power and volume to Bluetooth pairing and playback. It connects using Bluetooth 5.3 and supports AAC and SBC audio codecs, which is pretty decent at this price point. Android users get a little bonus with Google Fast Pair, which cuts down the setup time to basically nothing. It’s also IP67 rated, so it’s waterproof and dustproof—you can rinse it off after a beach day or bring it poolside without worry. And with an estimated battery life of up to 16 hours, it’s designed to go the distance on one charge, notes this PCMag review.

Published May 20, 2025 3:23pm EDT close 'CyberGuy': Wireless, waterproof bionic arm with 360-degree wrist rotation, lightning-fast control Kurt Knutsson discusses how the Hero PRO, a wireless, waterproof bionic arm with fast control and full 360-degree wrist rotation, transforms prosthetics. Most of us do not think twice about picking up a cup of coffee, sending a quick text or carrying groceries in from the car. For people who use prosthetic hands, though, these everyday tasks can be a real challenge. That is why the arrival of the Hero PRO by Open Bionics is such big news.This new bionic hand is waterproof, wireless and faster and stronger than anything that came before it. It is designed to help people who rely on prosthetics move through life with more ease and confidence.Even if you do not need a device like this yourself, the technology behind Hero PRO is changing what is possible for thousands of people, and it is worth knowing how far things have come. Let’s dive into what makes the Hero PRO so remarkable and why it captures so much attention. Hero PRO (Open Bionics) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Built for everyday lifeHero PRO is crafted from robust Nylon PA12 using advanced 3D printing, making it both tough and incredibly lightweight. In fact, it is the lightest bionic hand system available today. The design is sleek and customizable with more than 50 cover options in different colors and patterns, allowing users to swap looks to match their style and personality. Hero PRO (Open Bionics) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Waterproof and wireless freedomThe Hero PRO is the only bionic hand that is both fully wireless and waterproof. Rated IPX7, which means it can be submerged in water up to about 3 feet deep for 30 minutes without damage, it can handle splashes and even submersion, so users do not have to worry about getting it wet during daily activities. Wireless MyoPods, placed on the skin, pick up muscle signals to control the hand, eliminating the need for invasive implants or bulky wires. A woman using Hero PRO under running water (Open Bionics) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Speed, strength and precisionThis bionic hand is twice as fast as leading competitors, with fingers that open and close rapidly to keep up with busy lives. It can carry up to 57 pounds, doubling the load capacity of previous models, making tasks like carrying groceries or lifting heavy objects much easier. The patented thumb design uses a single motor for powerful and precise grips, while the index finger features a touchscreen-compatible tip for seamless device use on the go. A woman carrying a basket using Hero PRO (Open Bionics) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Unmatched flexibility and grip modesHero PRO offers more wrist flexion and rotation than any other bionic hand, with up to 45 degrees of manual flexion in both directions and a full 360-degree rotation. Users can quickly switch between work and sports modes, thanks to a USMC-standard wrist connector and more than 50 compatible activity attachments. With seven grip modes, including a precision key grip, users can handle everything from typing and cooking to pushing a stroller or tying shoelaces. These grips can be customized and updated wirelessly through the Sidekick App. A woman picking up produce using Hero PRO (Open Bionics) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Battery life and chargingA single four-hour charge powers the Hero PRO for a full day. The battery is cleverly miniaturized and integrated directly into the hand, helping to keep the weight down. USB-C charging makes powering up quick and easy, whether at home or on the go. Hero PRO being charged (Open Bionics) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How user feedback and a young influencer helped shape the bionic hand technologyThe development of Hero PRO was shaped by feedback from around 1,000 users, including influencer Tilly Lockey, who lost both hands to meningitis as a child. Tilly played a key role in testing and refining the technology, and her experience highlights just how transformative the Hero PRO can be. She describes being able to multitask effortlessly, like pulling a suitcase and drinking hot chocolate at the same time, and even detaching the hand to control it remotely using muscle signals. Influencer Tilly Lockey wearing Hero Pro (Open Bionics) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How much does the Hero Pro cost?Pricing for advanced bionic hands like the Hero PRO is not always straightforward. Open Bionics, the company behind this technology, does not list a fixed price on its website. Instead, they encourage interested users to contact them directly for a personalized quote, since each device is custom-made to fit the individual's needs.For context, most high-end bionic arms on the market can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $80,000, depending on the features and customization required. Open Bionics aims to make their devices more affordable than traditional options, with some of their earlier models reportedly costing about five times less than conventional robotic prosthetics. However, the exact price for the latest models, including the Hero PRO, will depend on factors like insurance coverage, customization and specific user requirements.If you are interested in learning more about pricing or the process, it is best to reach out directly to Open Bionics for a detailed quote tailored to your needs.Kurt's key takeawaysTechnology like the Hero PRO is not just about gadgets and gears. It is about helping people do more of the things they love with less hassle. For those who rely on prosthetic hands, every improvement can mean a world of difference, whether that is carrying a heavy bag, using a smartphone or simply feeling more confident in daily life. Even if you do not need a prosthetic yourself, it is inspiring to see how far this technology has come and how it continues to open new possibilities for so many people.What everyday challenges do you think advanced bionic technology could help overcome, and what would you most want to see in the next generation of prosthetic devices? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Memorial Day presents another outstanding opportunity to find outstanding sales on some of PCMag's top-rated tech and favorite picks. But neither we nor the major retailers out there could wait until the holiday weekend to unleash those amazing deals. We're going to be updating this story throughout the week/end with the best discounts we can find on headphones, tablets, smartphones, TVs, and every important piece of tech we can find at low, low prices. Laptop DealsA sharp 14-inch AMOLED touch screen, Intel Ultra 5 CPU, and 16GB of RAM make this Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro a tool of choice for students and working professionals. If you already have Galaxy devices, you can use them in conjunction with the Galaxy Book4 Pro to extend the display and start a project on one device, then seamlessly continue working on another one. This $470 price drop brings the cost down below a grand for a premium computing experience that will be a thrill to Galaxy owners.Click over to our review of the Best Laptops of 2025 for comparison. Robot Vacuum DealsThe 360-degree lidar vision creates a precision map of your home. It detects and avoids objects, so you don’t have to spend time picking up before this Shark IQ robot vacuum gets to work. The bagless self-empty base can hold up to 60 days of dirt and debris, and HEPA filtration traps 99.97% of allergens. Thanks to a multisurface brush roll that captures fur, dust, and dander, it's perfect for pet owners. You can get a whopping 50% off this robot vacuum and then kick your feet up while it makes your cleaning routing that much easier.See how we got down and dirty with our reviews of the Best Robot Vacuums of 2025 for more options. Headphone and Earbud DealsThese are some "Good" headphones! At least that's what out audio expert, Tim Gideon, said in his 2023 review of the Beats Studio Pro when he lauded it for delivering punchy bass with bright highs, its comfortable fit, as well as its premium accessories. These are built for bass lovers, that's for sure. At their retail price, they're not quite as good as the Bose QuietComfort 45, but we're talking sales here and with a $150 discount that brings the cost just under $200, these become quite the steal. Your ears win, your wallet wins, everybody wins here. Recommended by Our EditorsListen up, because we've got even more Early Memorial Day Headphone and Earbud Deals for you. Speakers DealsIn our review of the JBL Clip 4, our expert enjoyed the crisp, rich audio and fully waterproof design. Those characteristics remain the same in the JBL Clip 5, which holds an impressive 4.8 rating on Amazon. Portable and powerful, this speaker brings the jams wherever you roam, and you can enjoy your music, podcasts, and whatever else via Bluetooth connection for up to 10 hours, depending on volume level. Pick one up with a significant 38% price reduction, and don't forget it comes in several colors, so when you use the built-in carabiner to attach it to your bag or belt loop, it will look stylish, to boot.Pump up the bass with more Early Memorial Day Speaker Deals.Phone Deals"The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is an outstanding phone from top to bottom. Google has done an excellent job redesigning the hardware, which is improved in every way," says our expert, Eric Zeman. In our review, we shouted out everything from the size, shape, and weight to the larger and brighter screens to the faster Tensor G4 processor. These reasons all added up to rate this new model as "Excellent." AI features include some interesting "camera tricks" for taking, editing, and sharing your photos. The retail price for an unlocked model is steep, but a $300 discount makes that much more manageable. Home Security DealsThis indoor-outdoor home security camera earned our rare "Outstanding" rating and an Editors' Choice award for affordable cams. And right now it's on sale for only $25. What? You need to know more than that? But of course! This affordable bundle includes sharp 2K video and a weatherproof design with built-in spotlights. Plus you're getting features such as intelligent motion detection, color night vision, and local and cloud storage options that are usually found on more expensive models. If this is your first foray into the home security camera market, you can't go wrong with this deal on Tapo TP-Link 2K. Keep a few extra bucks in your wallet while keeping things safe with these Early Memorial Day Home Security Deals.