ReportWire

Tag: Buying Guides

  • PS5 vs. PS5 Slim vs. PS5 Pro: What’s the Difference, and Which Console Should You Get?

    PS5 vs. PS5 Slim vs. PS5 Pro: What’s the Difference, and Which Console Should You Get?

    [ad_1]

    The PlayStation 5 was arguably one of Sony’s most controversial designs. After a few years, I have to admit it’s growing on me. The only downside is its gargantuan size, which made the PS5 Slim a welcome redesign. The upcoming PS5 Pro further iterates on the design, adding some welcome hardware upgrades. If you’re unsure which model is for you, we have some insight.

    Unlike past midcycle refreshes like the PS4 Pro, the PS5 Slim is more of a replacement than an addition to the lineup. When inventory of the original sells out, you’ll only be able to find the Slim. The Slim model doesn’t upgrade any of the core specs like processor or RAM, though it does come with a bit of extra storage; the original PS5 came with 825 GB of internal storage, while the PS5 Slim bumps that to a full 1 TB.

    Meanwhile, the PS5 Pro is more in line with what we expect from a midcycle refresh. It features significant processing upgrades, a relatively large 2 TB of internal storage right out of the gate, and a price to match. At $700, the sticker shock is real. Let’s dive into the details.

    Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting that’s too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today.

    PS5 Slim: A Space Saving Successor

    The biggest difference between the PS5 and the PS5 Slim is the size. The original PS5 was an absolute unit, easily one of the biggest consoles ever. The PS5 Slim is about 30 percent smaller by volume than its big brother, and like the original, the discless versions take up even less space. Here are the dimensions of all four models:

    You can see a comparison of all four sizes here and rotate the models around in 3D space to get a sense of the difference. The drop in size is significant, and your entertainment unit will appreciate the extra space, though it’s worth pointing out that even the Slim models are still substantially bigger than, say, the Xbox Series X/S consoles.

    Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft

    [ad_2]

    Eric Ravenscraft

    Source link

  • The Best Radios to Catch Your Favorite Airwaves

    The Best Radios to Catch Your Favorite Airwaves

    [ad_1]

    Buy a radio and only picking up static? There’s a few things that could be at play.

    Radio signals travel miles and miles to reach your home and radio of choice, but depending on the distance or the placement of your radio, you could be picking up a worse angle on the frequency. Radio signals bounce around and are reflected back and forth by obstacles, including objects in your home and even your own body. There’s no way to guarantee which spot in your house will get the best signal for the station you love best, but even moving a radio over a couple of inches can suddenly improve your signal.

    I test areas on the same tabletop in my home, but sometimes find a different antenna picks up signal a little better an inch to the left versus another radio. Each radio has a different antenna design, and each radio shape will come into play too: how tall is the radio itself? and how much higher does the antenna go past it?

    Some antennas seem to just be better than others: Sangean and Studebaker radios, for example, have consistently performed well in my reception tests. Telescoping antennas, which all the radios we recommend have, are often best for picking up a signal, but soft wire ones can work great if you get them in the right position. I usually get the best results by running a wire antenna up a wall to replicate my telescoping antenna testing, and they’re easy to run up the back of some shelves if you want something discreet.

    You also have to ask yourself about the station you’re trying to pick up. How far away is it, and what kind of setup do they have? You can check Radio Locator to see what stations your area should pick up and how far away those stations are broadcasting from. From my testing in San Diego County, I found major stations in Los Angeles and Tijuana could be easier to pick up—likely from a better antenna system, since the height and design of an antenna relates to how well it projects a signal—than some local stations that were much closer to me. With every radio I tested, I found my local Christian Contemporary station that’s merely ten miles away was harder to pick up than major radio stations based twice as far.

    My testing is based on consistency, so I didn’t hunt around to get a better signal for that local station beyond adjusting each radio a few inches on my testing tabletop. But you can, and you might have to try a few different parts on a bookshelf or a room to find where you can best get the radio signal for your station of choice. Portable radios make this a little easier since you don’t need to worry about a cord while finding that perfect spot, but I often found that even a couple of inches can make a world of difference in a radio signal.

    [ad_2]

    Nena Farrell

    Source link

  • Our 5 Favorite Automatic Cat Litter Boxes

    Our 5 Favorite Automatic Cat Litter Boxes

    [ad_1]

    Automatic litter boxes vary depending on the brand and litter box type. Generally, they have sensors, either by motion or weight, to tell when a cat has entered or exited the litter box. Usually customizable and controlled via app on your phone, or on a more rudimentary timer system, the cleaning cycle will begin a short time after the cat has used the box. With the dome-shaped litter boxes, the cleaning will happen via a cycle where the litter spins and rotates around the spherical interior; the bigger soiled clumps will be deposited into the waste basket while the clean litter passes through the grates and gets recycled back into the litter box.

    The Neakasa M1, for example, rotates backward and then forward (rather than a spin cycle) to sift the clumps from the clean litter, depositing the larger clumps into the waste basket. The Pet Zone Smart Scoop is the most rudimentary on our list, simply using a rake attachment to scoop the bigger clumps into a waste receptacle in the back.

    [ad_2]

    Molly Higgins

    Source link

  • The Best Meal Kit Delivery Services for Every Kind of Cook

    The Best Meal Kit Delivery Services for Every Kind of Cook

    [ad_1]

    PRICE: Despite any marketing claims to the contrary meal kits cost more than buying groceries. However, they usually cost less than take-out and are healthier. If you want to gauge whether the trade-off is worth it the good news is that much like mattress-in-a-box companies, meal kit companies usually have some running promotions. Most meal kit pricing models offer bulk discounts: The more meals you purchase per week, the lower each serving’s price will be. We go into detail on dietary restrictions and subscription costs below. If you ever want to skip a week or cancel, you can find that information in the account section on your chosen service’s website.

    WIRED: Meal kits are convenient; I didn’t have to worry about planning dinner or panic-eating junk food after forgetting to eat a proper meal during the day. Learning to cook with one of these services can instill confidence and impart basic knowledge. If you’re busy, or can’t be bothered, meal kits may be just what you need to get cookin’, and cooking at home is never a bad thing. Meal kits may be right for you if you’re cooking for a small household, if you work nontraditional hours, if you hate figuring out what to make for dinner, if you want to stop ordering out all the time, or if you are trying to develop your cooking skills.

    TIRED: Nothing beats learning how to cook the old-fashioned way, so be sure to try that, too. It’s cheaper and you learn more if you pick out fruit yourself or break down a whole chicken for $5. You simply don’t get that experience if everything arrives at your door and the chicken parts come prepackaged. Planning and shopping is an integral part of the art of cooking. Meal kits are also generally more wasteful than traditional home cooking, and often more expensive. Meal kits may be the wrong choice for you if you are on a tight budget, if you’re cooking for a large household, or if you want tighter control over the specific ingredients you’ll be using.

    [ad_2]

    Louryn Strampe

    Source link

  • The Best iPhone 16 Cases and Accessories

    The Best iPhone 16 Cases and Accessories

    [ad_1]

    There are so many cases. Here are other ones I’ve tried that I don’t like as much as the picks above but might be suitable for you.

    Casely Bold ($35) and Classic Cases for $25: I like the Casely Classic more than the bold—the buttons don’t feel as mushy, and the hardshell plastic feels nice. Both have a nice cutout for Camera Control, with raised edges around the screen, and good MagSafe support. They also look fun! There’s even a collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum of Art so you can get your favorite painting on the back of your iPhone. Forget the trek to New York.

    Apple Silicone MagSafe Case and Clear MagSafe Case for $49: If you want to stick with official Apple cases, these are fine. They’re just a bit expensive for what you get. The silicone cases tend to pick up pet hair and dust very easily, so they feel icky. The Clear case works well, but the buttons require more force to press than our picks above.

    OtterBox Symmetry Soft Touch MagSafe ($60), Symmetry Ultra Slim MagSafe ($50), and Symmetry Cactus Leather MagSafe ($60): All of these cases have a big gap for Camera Control, which I don’t love. It just looks awkward and is not symmetrical (ironic). The Soft Touch feels very nice but has mushy buttons. The Ultra Slim doesn’t have that problem, but it’s slippery, and the Cactus Leather model is solid overall. Just know that cactus leather isn’t necessarily as environmentally friendly as marketed.

    Wave MagSafe Case for $48: You can choose from a lot of colors, but this is an otherwise dull-looking case. The Action Button is a little harder to press, and the whole thing is a bit slippery, but everything else works fine. The edges around the screen are raised, and the MagSafe connection is good. The main reason to buy the Wave is because it’s made from biodegradable materials (wheat straw), and the company is a member of Surfers Against Sewage 250 Club, a charity that works to keep the UK coastline clean. Wave Case is based in the UK, so do note the international shipping fee.

    Speck Presidio 2 Pro MagSafe Case for $50: I tried an array of Speck cases, and they’re all solid, but my favorite is the Presidio 2 Pro. I funnily found it grippier than the Presidio 2 Grip. It checks off all the other boxes, with a roomy, sloped cutout for Camera Control, though the power button is slightly harder to press. Speck has a proprietary locking system called ClickLock that makes the MagSafe system more secure, but you need to pair it with Speck’s accessories to get it to work. I think if you tend to use MagSafe wallets, then this might be useful, as it does hold the wallet more securely than standard MagSafe. But for people mounting the iPhone, go with Peak Design’s SlimLink.

    Spigen Tough Armor MagSafe Case for $26: It’s been years and Spigen has not figured out a way to make this kickstand work in portrait and landscape orientation. (It only works in the latter.) Other than that, this is a fine case, if a bit bulky, with clicky buttons and a spacious and sloped cutout for Camera Control. The design’s a bit dull.

    Burga Tough Case ($24) and Burga Elite Case ($85): Burga’s Elite case is very slippery; there are some grips on the edges, but they don’t help much. There’s a spot to attach a lanyard though. The buttons are clicky on both these cases, with raised edges around the screen, and a cutout for Camera Control. The Tough and Elite cases do not have MagSafe support, so if you want a case without it, here you go. (Why?) That said, the company does sell an Elite MagSafe case ($90) but the price is a little ridiculous. At least there are lots of designs to choose from.

    Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 for $30: This case has an integrated wallet that lets you store two to three cards, and you can easily push them out from the gap on the left. I just don’t like integrated wallet cases in this style that add bulk and disable features like MagSafe and wireless charging, so it’s not for me, but maybe you don’t mind.

    BodyGuardz Ace Pro MagSafe Case for $50: Do you want a lanyard? This case comes with one preinstalled (you can remove it). I found the case too slippery, and the buttons are flush with the case, which might contribute to that. At least they’re clicky. Camera Control also works well here, but the clear back attracts a lot of smudges. There’s also a completely clear version called the Accent Clear ($55), but I didn’t like it as much as the Totallee Clear case.

    MagEasy Odyssey Strap M MagSafe Case for $45: This is pretty good value considering you get a protective case and a crossbody lanyard. You can even swap out the bumpers at the bottom for when you don’t want the lanyard, though how many times are you going to do this? You’ll more likely lose the spare bumpers. The Action Button is a bit mushy, but the rest work well. I’d have liked more room in the Camera Control cutout though.

    Incase Icon MagSafe Case for $60: I tried a bunch of Incase cases, from the Slim to the Halo, and the Woolenex material in the Icon is my favorite, because it’s super nice to hold. It’s fairly grippy and checks off all the other boxes.

    Mous Limitless 6.0 ($65) and Clarity 3.0 ($70): I have no major qualms with these Mous cases, and you also have a few designs to choose from, like the walnut or the speckled fabric. There’s a big gap for Camera Control, and I think it makes the case look awkward, but otherwise, there are clicky buttons, fun textures, strong MagSafe connectivity, and a spot to attach a lanyard.

    Casetify Ripple ($62), Bounce ($82), and Ultra Bounce Case ($102): Casetify cases are very customizable, but the company has been leaning hard into its Bounce case design, where it accentuates the corners of the case for improved shock absorption. It just kind of makes the whole thing bulky too. The Ripple case is a bit more reserved, with the Ultra Bounce going balls-to-the-wall crazy with multiple attachment points if you want to affix a keychain carabiner or a crossbody strap. It’s expensive and a lot. But at least the cases are solid, with reliable buttons, good MagSafe support, and raised edges around the display.

    Moft Snap Case MOVAS With MagSafe for $50: This is a very simple case. The buttons aren’t the clickiest, and you get a big cutout for the Camera Control button. It’s fairly slim, with raised edges around the display. I prefer the company’s accessories to its case, and you don’t need a Moft case to use them. That said, you do need it if you want to pair it with the brand’s excellent phone lanyard.

    Belkin ScreenForce InvisiGlass Privacy Treated Screen Protector for $35: You only get one screen protector, and Belkin doesn’t include an alcohol wipe to help clean your phone. (You do get a microfiber cloth and dust removal stickers.) The application process is OK; it leaves some wiggle room for error. That said, the privacy effect is great. No one can see your screen if they’re looking at it from an angle.

    OtterBox Premium Pro Glass Blue Light Guard for $50: This one is easy to apply, but there’s little room for error, so you have to be careful. I accidentally put mine askew. It’s made of 60 percent recycled materials, and OtterBox has infused it with blue-light-filtering tech. To my eyes, I did not notice a difference when comparing it with another iPhone model that did not have a protector installed.

    [ad_2]

    Julian Chokkattu

    Source link

  • Which Apple Watch Is Best Right Now?

    Which Apple Watch Is Best Right Now?

    [ad_1]

    If you have an iPhone, the Apple Watch is the best wearable to go with it. But which version should you buy? This question has recently gotten more complicated. Last year, a court ruling dictated that Apple could no longer sell the latest watches—the Series 9, the Watch Ultra 2, and the new Series 10—with a blood oxygen sensor. The medical technology company Masimo alleged that Apple had infringed on its patent. (Apple later defeated a lawsuit alleging that it had a monopoly on heart rate apps, but a larger antitrust suit is ongoing.)

    We recently reviewed the Apple Watch Series 10, but are last year’s Series 9 and Ultra Watch 2 still worth it? Yes, especially if you’re upgrading from an older model now being sunsetted. I love the Apple Watch. It is the watch I would wear if I weren’t constantly testing other fitness trackers. I test each new one for two weeks and often for many months after that. (Now my children test them as well.)

    How can you tell them apart, when all of these watches look pretty similar and share a rotating stable of features? We break down which one is best for you and whether older models are worth the price. Wondering what the operating system for these watches will look like? Check out our guides to the top new features in WatchOS and learn about the new Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18. As always, don’t forget to check out our other buying guides, like the Best iPads, Best Smartwatches, and Best iPhones.

    Updated September 2024: We added the new Watch Series 10 and the update to the Watch Ultra 2.

    Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting that’s too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today.

    [ad_2]

    Adrienne So

    Source link

  • The Best Weighted Blankets and Eye Masks for Calm and Comfort

    The Best Weighted Blankets and Eye Masks for Calm and Comfort

    [ad_1]

    Most of the weighted blankets we’ve tested are worth recommending—and there are a lot of them. However, these didn’t stand out as much as the picks above.

    Quince’s Knit Weighted Blanket for $150: This open-knit blanket costs less than Bearaby’s but is as high-quality and uses a recycled polyester fill. There’s just one 15-pound weight option, and it’s a bit more rigid than what Bearaby offers. I like both models, but if you want a drapey blanket, go with Bearaby. (Quince makes some of our favorite sheets.) Available in 15 pounds

    Luxome Weighted Blanket for $125+: Luxome makes a pair of my favorite sheets, and now I also love its blanket. I tried the one-piece blanket with one side made of bamboo lyocell and the other a plush minky fabric, but there are a few options including those with a separate cover. Lying under the bamboo was extra cooling in the best way. It comes in an impressive amount of weight options. Available in 8, 15, 18, or 25 pounds

    Sleep Number True Temp Weighted Blanket for $200: This blanket comes with a cover that’s meant to stay cool throughout the night, and this was pretty accurate in my experience. I found the polyester material to be just slightly scratchy, so I wouldn’t want to sleep directly under it, but I typically layer a weighted blanket over a sheet and comforter anyway. Available in 12 or 20 pounds

    Luna Sherpa Throw for $70: We love Luna’s many options linked above, and this sherpa throw is incredibly soft and just heavy enough for its size. It’s machine washable too. Available in 10 pounds

    Basics by Gravity Blanket for $80: This affordable blanket is one of our all-time favorites, but it hasn’t been available for months. If you can find it, it’s a great option that’s cheaper than the competition but feels the same. Available in 15 pounds

    Gravity Weighted Blanket for $250 to $300: The Basics by Gravity is our first pick, because it’s a great blanket for a great price. This original blanket from the brand is also stellar and is available in more weights, sizes, and pretty colors, but you’ll have to shell out for it. Available in 15, 20, or 35 pounds

    Thera Weighted Blanket for $28 to $129: This blanket might be the softest thing I’ve ever touched, like petting a furry animal. After my first few weeks with it, however, it ripped and let glass beads take over my bed like sand. I think kitty claws got the best of it, so keep that in mind and treat it carefully. Available in 10, 12, or 15 pounds

    Aricove Weighted Blanket for $170 to $290: This is a fantastic cooling blanket to sleep with solo. It’s nice and thin, so you won’t feel trapped or too hot underneath. Available in 10, 12, 15, 17 20, or 22 pounds

    Casper Weighted Blanket for $169 to $189: Casper is another popular bedding brand whose blanket is classic cool cotton rather than knit or plush, which can get hot. About the size of a throw blanket, it’s dense enough that even the lightest model gives you that comfortably squished feeling, while the heaviest is like a Thundershirt for humans. Casper has frequent sales too. Available in 10, 15, or 20 pounds

    Layla Weighted Blanket for $199 to $239: Our tester loved snuggling with a partner under Layla’s massive king-size blanket. It’s double-sided with one cotton and one plush side. Available in 15, 20, or 25 pounds

    Yogibo Calm Antimicrobial Weighted Blanket for $159: The actual blanket is cool cotton, but the real draw here is Yogibo’s famous cotton-and-spandex blend it uses for its covers. The company says it’s insanely soft, and it isn’t lying. It’s stretchy, smooth, and machine washable (the actual blanket is not). I found that pet hair clings to it though, which is common with softer fabrics. Available in 15 pounds

    Gravid Weighted Blanket for $176 to $240: This blanket comes with a plush or cooling cover (or both), and this is where it shines. There’s nothing worse than a blanket cover with only a few attachment points so that after a few minutes underneath it, everything is twisted and off to one side. Gravid’s cover attaches with a zipper that goes the entire length of the blanket. Why other brands don’t do this is beyond me. Available in 15 or 20 pounds

    [ad_2]

    Nena Farrell , Medea Giordano

    Source link

  • The 5 Best Sunrise Alarms to Help You Rise and Shine

    The 5 Best Sunrise Alarms to Help You Rise and Shine

    [ad_1]

    If you aren’t feeling rested when your alarm goes off, the problem could be the alarm clock itself. Waking up to a sudden loud alarm isn’t exactly a fun way to start your day, and the disruptive jolt might not work to tell your body it’s time to rise. I’m a chronic snooze button kind of gal, and I find a sunrise alarm clock is helpful, since the growing light helps tell my body it’s time to wake up—and that bright light is much, much harder to ignore.

    After weeks of sleeping with a sunrise alarm clock at my bedside, I’ve seen a nice improvement in how alert I feel in the mornings. I’m still not a hop-out-of-bed morning person, but I find myself actually staying awake after my alarm in the gentle glow of these sunrise lamps rather than just going back to bed for another hour. Plus, as someone who has trouble falling asleep at night, alarms with a sunset routine option have become a boon to help me both go to sleep and wake up.

    While you’re here, don’t miss our other sleep guides, including the Best Sheets, Best Pillows, Best Weighted Blankets, Best Sound Machines, and Best Mattresses.

    Updated September 2024: We’ve updated this guide with all new picks and testing.

    Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting that’s too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today.

    How Sunrise Alarms Work

    Your body is built to wake naturally with the sunrise and feel sleepy as it sets. The light at both the beginning and end of the day is a warm, golden tone, unlike the midday bright, slightly blue sunlight that keeps you wide awake. A sunrise alarm clock mimics this transition from morning to bright daytime light, helping to signal your body to wake up (or fall asleep, if the clock also has a sunset option).

    Each alarm below offers a sunrise routine, meaning you choose a time to wake up and then the alarm clock will start displaying a deep, orange glow and transition to a bright light by the time your alarm is set for. Some offer customization, allowing you to choose how long you want that artificial sunrise to be, while others have set timers. Some also allow the reverse option with a sunset routine and can double as sound machines. Most of these plug into the wall like a classic alarm clock and stay put, though sometimes there’s a companion app or recharging capabilities (if it’s not mentioned, though, assume it doesn’t).

    [ad_2]

    Nena Farrell

    Source link

  • Our 7 Favorite Bassinets For Cantankerous Tots

    Our 7 Favorite Bassinets For Cantankerous Tots

    [ad_1]

    We’ve recommended the Snoo for several years. It’s the only true “smart” bassinet, designed by Dr. Harvey Karp, who is best known for his books on the “5 S’s” for getting kids to sleep. He described the Snoo to me as an extra pair of hands to rock a baby back to sleep and believes it can add an hour or two of slumber to an average baby’s night. In my experience, his claims check out.

    The Snoo listens to your baby and reacts. Motion starts off as a slow side-to-side sway with a subtle waterlike sound that’s meant to mimic the womb, then gets more vigorous if they start crying. The most intense phase is a Jello jiggle, accompanied by more white noise. It has a straightforward app for iPhone and Android phones that records sleep patterns and lets you tinker with how the bassinet responds to your baby. If your baby’s distress reaches Level 5, it automatically stops after a minute or so and sends you a notification. I liked to lock it to a low level and tinker with its sensitivity a bit.

    Unlike every other bassinet, it requires a special sleep sack that connects to its sides and keeps babies on their backs. If the sack isn’t hooked up right, it won’t operate, which the company claims makes it “the safest baby bed ever made.” Stomach sleeping, overheating, and co-sleeping are all possible causes of SIDS.

    At $1,695, it’s pricey, though you can also rent it for $159 a month from Happiest Baby. It looks the price, with a clean, modern metal-and-mesh aesthetic. But it’s not perfect. Sometimes it doesn’t react fast enough, and other times it seems too aggressive, particularly as your baby gets smarter. I also wish it had a cover to block some light. And since my child spit up a lot, I was sometimes short on sacks. (Be sure to get a couple extra.) The Velcro on the sacks could also stand to be a bit stronger. Finally, the Snoo is not completely invulnerable to hacking—no internet-enabled product can be. You can turn the Wi-Fi features off, though if you do, you won’t be able to tinker with the settings. As of September 2024, there are also certain features hidden behind the app’s new Premium subscription ($20 a month). If you buy the bassinet directly from Snoo or an authorized partner, you’ll get the Premium features for nine months—plenty of time for your kiddo to grow out of it, but it hurts the resale value, and means you’ll have to pay for it for your second kiddo. If you buy the bassinet secondhand, though, you’ll have to pay for the subscription the entire time.

    This bassinet should work “from birth to 6 months (or when baby can get on hands and knees).” Read its User Guide here.

    [ad_2]

    Nena Farrell

    Source link

  • Our Favorite Audiophile-Grade Gear for Serious Listening

    Our Favorite Audiophile-Grade Gear for Serious Listening

    [ad_1]

    I’m a pretty lazy listener, which is why I love modern streaming amps. These amps have controls for Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and other streaming services built directly into easy-to-use interfaces. Streaming amps have gotten really great over the last few years. It used to be that anything with an internet connection sounded terrible, but that’s not the case with the latest models. My high-end favorites right now are the Cambridge Audio Evo 150 ($2,999) and the Naim Uniti Atom ($3,799), which both feature gorgeous color displays and some of the best fidelity (and most glorious knobs) I’ve ever experienced. Both work with every major streaming service imaginable, and you can connect to them over Bluetooth too.

    A good step-down option is Yamaha’s R-N1000A ($1,800) stereo network receiver. It’s loaded with high-end components like a SABRE ES9090Q DAC for high-resolution digital audio and enough A/B amplification for nearly any pair of speakers in your arsenal. Just as important, it provides rock-steady performance and loads of connection options, from tons of streaming services and internet radio stations to a turntable input and HDMI ARC for connecting to your TV. Its retro design, which skips a color screen for a slim digital display set below tactile knobs, stokes nostalgia while delivering excellent sound quality.

    If you don’t have that kind of money, I highly recommend checking out the Canadian brand NAD. Its amps, like the NAD C 316 V2 ($399) aren’t the flashiest, but they sound amazing for the money. Like the Yamaha above, the C 316 even comes with a phono channel on board so you can hook up a record player—a nice touch, seeing how NAD’s model doesn’t have built-in streaming. If you want to stream, you can find the proper dongle to connect your phone to it.

    Pro-Ject’s turntables are handsome, and they offer top-tier sound.

    Photograph: Pro-Ject Audio

    Vinyl is back! And turntables are more fun—and better-sounding—than ever. If you’re looking for a starter deck with audiophile-grade sound quality, I would check out options like the Pro-Ject T1 ($499) or Debut Carbon Evo ($599). On the higher end, we like the Rega Planar 2 ($775), which has a bit more open and dynamic sound, and U-Turn’s Orbit Theory ($999), which sounds fantastic thanks to extras like a custom-made magnesium tonearm, the part that sets the needle to the groove.

    project phono box s2

    Get a phono amp to hook up that turntable.

    Photograph: Pro-Ject Audio

    If you have a vintage stereo, it likely has a phono preamp built-in, meaning you can plug a turntable directly and get straight to listening. But if you have a modern stereo, you may need to buy a dedicated phono preamp to play your records through your headphones or speakers. Check both your turntable and your stereo, because setups differ, and some turntables come with phono amps inside them that you can activate by flipping a switch. Still, while some built-in options like the one inside the Orbit Theory above perform well, others may not sound as good as you’d like.

    [ad_2]

    Parker Hall

    Source link

  • The Best Natural Sleep Aids

    The Best Natural Sleep Aids

    [ad_1]

    Lush’s Bath/Shower Set for $8-$40: I tested many products from Lush aimed at sleep—they have an extensive line of Sleepy products intended for shower, bath, and getting ready before bed. Like the spray and dust, the shower gel, bath bombs (muslin-wrapped and in cube forms), massage bar, and body lotion all have top notes of rich, calming lavender. (I particularly like Lush’s Sleepy scents because they don’t have that artificial, overly sweet lavender scent and are balanced with other subtle, essential oil-esque scents like tonka and chamomile). I really liked the massage bar, which was cut in a grooved pattern that made the bar feel like a tiny massage when rubbed on the skin. The bar itself smells like essential oil lavender and also contains chamomile and magnesium to promote healthy sleep. It left my skin covered in a waxy, oily hydrating sheen. The lavender-scented lotion is made of oat milk and cocoa butter, and infused with essential oils like almond, jojoba, and lavender. Because of the oils, the lotion on skin has a bit of an oily sheen to it, but it feels like a creamy body butter.

    Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Extra for $4: Sleepytime Extra tea is a variation of the classic Sleepytime tea, which has been a major household name in commercial teas for more than 50 years. Sleepytime Extra tea is Celestial Seasonings’ classic blend of chamomile and spearmint, with soothing herbs like lemongrass, hawthorn berry, and tilia flower. There’s also added valerian root, which has historically been used as an all-natural supplement to help with insomnia and anxiety (although the claim hasn’t been tested by the FDA). The tea has a pleasant, mild spearmint flavor with a hint of citrus. However, I’m not sure if it really helped me knock out—I think just brewing a nice warm cup of tea automatically makes you feel cozier and sleepier. This didn’t make me immediately drowsy, but it was helpful for relaxation before bed, and just looking at that snoozing bear on the box makes me sleepy.

    Emergen-Zzzz Nighttime Sleep Aid for $14: Emergen-Zzzz Nighttime Sleep Aid is the snoozy version of the popular Emergen-C Vitamin C supplement drink. Emergen-Zzzz has melatonin to help promote sleepiness, along with vitamin C and antioxidants like zinc and vitamin D for immune system help. (Melatonin is generally considered safe for pregnant people, but a doctor should be consulted.) You stir the powder into a glass of water and it fizzes until dissolved. The Berry flavor tastes very artificial and wasn’t my favorite. The product says it takes around 30 minutes to become effective and contains 3 milligrams of melatonin. I felt more relaxed and slightly sleepier after taking this, but it wasn’t as powerful as some others on this list. My issue with it is that it didn’t seem to make me stay asleep, as I woke up a few times during the night. However, I think this would help an average person without major sleep issues get to sleep faster.

    Olly Sleep Gummy for $20: Olly is a super trendy brand whose gummy supplements consistently go viral on social media like TikTok and sell out fast. These are tasty: blackberry flavored with a hint of mint, and they contain 3 milligrams of melatonin; L-theanine, which eases anxiety and promotes a healthy sleep cycle; and botanicals like chamomile, passionflower, and lemon balm extract. (Melatonin is generally considered safe for pregnant people, but a doctor should be consulted.) The first time I took these gummies, I felt the effects and fell asleep easily. I woke up around 2 am and took two more and eventually got back to bed. The next night, after taking two I didn’t feel the sleepy effects as strongly and doubled the dose to four gummies (6 milligrams) and fell asleep after an hour or so but again woke up in the middle of the night and took more. Every time I took more, I did feel sleepier, so it was effective that way, but with so many people (both on the internet and in my real life) swearing by these Olly sleep gummies, I expected more. For someone who struggles with falling asleep as much as I do, they didn’t keep me asleep as effectively as some of the other products on this list.

    [ad_2]

    Molly Higgins

    Source link

  • The Best Sex Toys for Every Body

    The Best Sex Toys for Every Body

    [ad_1]

    Photograph: MyroslavaPavlyk/Getty Images

    The sex tech industry has conditioned us to think of toys in terms of male and female, penis and vagina, but that’s reductive and inaccurate, and it contributes to a larger narrative about the relationship between genitals and gender. It’s unhelpful, and I have a lot of feelings about it. We opt to be as specific as possible and use anatomical terms to describe individual erogenous zones—and there are way more than just P and V.

    The vulva is the exterior part of the vagina. It includes the labia majora, labia minora, the urethra, and the clitoris. As the center of the erogenous nerves of the vulva, it’s often been said that the clitoris has roughly 8,000 nerve endings, but because the external part of the clitoris is literally just the tip of the iceberg in regards to its size, new research puts that number between 9,852 to 11,086 never endings, depending on the person. The internal structures of the clitoris extend down to either side of the vagina, which is where you’ll find the G-spot—the area stimulated by toys that curve toward the front of your body.

    The phallus is what’s commonly referred to as the shaft of the penis, and it includes a couple of erogenous zones. The glans is the top of the phallus, usually referred to as the “head,” and the frenulum is a thin strip of connective tissue on the underside of the glans that can be particularly sensitive to targeted stimulation. Last but not least, the anus is, well … it’s the butthole. The rectum is the interior portion that attaches to the anus. Both of these areas can be sensitive to internal and external stimulation.

    For people born with phalluses, there’s an additional erogenous zone here: the prostate or P-spot. This is a walnut-sized gland that lives between the internal structures of the penis and the rectum, and it can be reached by toys that curve toward the front of your body. But even those without a prostate can thoroughly enjoy anal sex, anal vibrators, or anal play of any kind, so don’t limit your sexual pleasure possibilities just because you don’t have a P-spot.

    [ad_2]

    Amanda Chatel, Jaina Grey

    Source link

  • The Best iPhone 15 Cases and Accessories

    The Best iPhone 15 Cases and Accessories

    [ad_1]

    I am often surrounded by dozens of phone cases, and many of them are perfectly fine! They just don’t stand out, or they have one quirk I don’t like. That’s what you’ll find below. You might enjoy them more than I do.

    OtterBox Figura MagSafe Case for $50: These tie-dye phone cases are super rad. The buttons click well, and the MagSafe connection is strong. They’re a little slippery, but the edges around the screen are raised well enough to protect it.

    OtterBox Symmetry Series Cactus Leather MagSafe Case for $47: Cactus leather isn’t as sustainable as companies want you to think as there are still fossil-fuel-based plastics in their construction. Still, this OtterBox case is at least somewhat more eco-friendly than polycarbonate cases, and it’s a pretty luxe case. I love the texture, which adds some grip, and it’s very slim. I just wish the buttons were a smidge easier to press.

    Thinborne Super Thin iPhone 15 MagSafe Case for $60: Like the Totallee, if you hate cases but still want something to protect your device from scratches, this super-slim case from Thinborne will do the trick. It’s made from aramid fiber and is a hard shell case. It’s very hard to take it off (unless you have long nails). There’s MagSafe embedded and it’s strong, though again, remember that this isn’t a case meant for drop protection. Thinborne includes two screen protectors in the box, which is nice.

    Waterfield Designs iPhone EDC Pocket Organizer for $59: If you prefer to store your iPhone in a bag all the time but don’t want to get it scuffed up with other items, this is a nice option from Waterfield Designs. It fits the iPhone 15 Pro Max just fine, and there are pouches for pens, cards, and cash. The main zippered compartment can also hold a passport, and there’s even a tiny pouch in there for AirTags to track the bag if you lose it. It’s made from X-Pac, which is waterproof, though only the items in the zippered pouch will benefit.

    Mous Limitless 5.0 MagSafe Case for $60: Mous has a few different textures you can choose from. The aramid is boring, but I’d recommend snagging the walnut or bamboo if you want a wood case. The case is well constructed with a polycarbonate, thermoplastic urethane, and thermoplastic elastomer. The edges around the screen are raised, the MagSafe connection is strong, and the buttons work well. I did find the edges a bit slippery.

    Mous IntraLock MagSafe Phone Case for $60: This is a pretty nice slim case with clicky buttons and good raised edges for the screen and camera module. It comes with Mous’ proprietary IntraLock system, allowing you to more securely connect it with other Mous accessories like a bike mount. I prefer Peak Design’s SlimLink lineup of accessories, but this is a nice alternative.

    Spigen Tough Armor MagFit ($25): The chunky Tough Armor has some of the best buttons I’ve pressed on a case, including for the Action button. There’s a hole in the center to show off that classic Apple logo, and over on the front, the edges are raised above the screen for extra protection. The kickstand is just OK. It’s a little hard for me to pull out, and it only works in landscape orientation. But hey, it’s cheap. I have also tested Spigen’s Mag Armor and Rugged Armor, but I don’t like them as much as the Tough Armor or the picks above.

    OtterBox Commuter MagSafe Case for $35: This case is like the inverse of the Defender XT we recommend up above. You have to slip a rubber case over the iPhone, and the polycarbonate shell with the MagSafe component goes on the back. It’s pretty solid all around, except the MagSafe just isn’t as strong as on the other OtterBox cases. I don’t know if it’s because of the weight of the Pro Max that I tested it with, but it came off my MagSafe wireless charging stands more easily.

    Rokform Crystal Series and Rugged Series for $70: It’s a thick and sturdy case, but the selling point is the strong MagSafe connection, which the company says is four to five times stronger on magnetic surfaces than typical MagSafe cases. This is true, it stuck to my metal desk very well. If you want a strong magnetic connection, it’s perfect. However, it’s also a problem when you want to find perfect alignment on the first try with your MagSafe wireless chargers. Since almost the entire back of the case is magnetic, you’ll find yourself hunting to place it in the right spot to charge. Kinda defeats the purpose of MagSafe, doesn’t it?

    Casetify Ultra Bounce MagSafe Case for $88: Pushing $100 for a case is, frankly, crazy to me. I’m not a huge fan of the camera covers on this case—I feel like I smudge the cameras more than ever because it sits flush with the rest of the case. The volume rocker is a bit mushy too. That said, the huge bumps on the corners have a good chance of absorbing impact and protecting your phone. You’ll have a hard time fitting it in a pocket, but there’s a spot to attach a lanyard (not included) if you want to dangle this bulky thing on your wrist. Casetify also has tons of different designs to choose from. I have previously tested and like its Impact cases ($68), which are still expensive, but cheaper than this.

    Catalyst Influence MagSafe Case for $60: This case has speaker ports that direct the iPhone’s bottom-firing speakers at your face, and it’s pretty effective! The Action button is sadly a cutout instead of a button, but it’s not too hard to access. The non-Pro models have the classic Catalyst rotating button you can twist to toggle the mute switch.

    Burga Elite MagSafe Case for $85: These cases have several designs you can choose from, and they certainly look like something straight out of New York Fashion Week. The buttons are solid, the screen is protected a bit via raised edges, and while the Action button on the Pro models is a cutout instead of a button, it’s not hard to access. The MagSafe connection is reliable, and it’s decently grippy. Burga also has a non-MagSafe case ($35) if you don’t care for magnets, but it feels decidedly cheaper.

    Wave Case MagSafe Case for $47: These cases have a cutout for the Action button on the Pro models, but it’s relatively easy to access. The MagSafe support is solid, and they’re otherwise perfectly functional. They’re just a little dull. What’s not dull is that they’re made from biodegradable wheat straw and come in 100 percent recyclable packaging.

    UAG Pathfinder MagSafe Case for $50: I have tested a bunch of UAG cases, and the Pathfinder is my favorite. The design, specifically in a solid color like Cloud Blue, has this spacey industrial look to it. Neat! The sides are grippy, there’s a spot to attach a lanyard, and it hooks up to MagSafe accessories well. Sadly, the Action button is a cutout—but that’s not a problem for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus and their mute switch!

    Speck Presidio Perfect-Clear MagSafe Case for $50: This is a decent clear case, but the Action button is a little hard to press. It shows smudges pretty easily too. It comes with Speck’s ClickLock proprietary magnetic mounting solution for added security with Speck’s MagSafe accessories, but you can use any MagSafe gear with this case. It’s made with 50 percent recycled plastics.

    Spigen Optik Armor Magfit Case for $27: This case is only available for the Pro models. It covers the rear cameras, whether you want to keep them protected or you want added privacy and peace of mind. I like the matte texture on the back. I noticed that a few reviews say they’ve had issues using it with wireless chargers and MagSafe accessories, but I’ve had no problems. The camera cover does hang off the edge when you leave it open, but you can remove it completely if you are going to shoot a lot of photos. Just don’t misplace it! The Action button is a bit stiff too.

    Incipio AeroGrip MagSafe Case for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max for $30: It doesn’t rock much on a table, and true to its name, it offers a pretty good grip. However, the Action button is a cutout, and I found it a bit hard to access.

    Incipio Forme Clear MagSafe Case for $40: This is a fun clear case with a snazzy design that lights up the colors of the rainbow when light scatters on it. Like on the AeroGrip, the Action button is a cutout and hard to press, but I didn’t have issues with it otherwise. It’s a solid option for the non-Pro iPhones.

    Mous Clarity 2.0 MagSafe Case for $75: This clear case has a black bumper and solid MagSafe support. The buttons are clicky, and the edges around the screen are slightly raised. However, it smudges easily, and the price is far too high compared to the clear cases above.

    Case-Mate D30 Ultra-Tough MagSafe Case for $19: The access to the Action button is a cutout in this case, which is annoying, but it’s otherwise quite nice. The edges are raised all around, and the buttons are clicky. The only problem? Why is there a big Case-Mate D30 logo across the back of the case? People want a clear case to see their phone, not your trademark.

    Caseology Athlex Case for $10: This case is super cheap but doesn’t feel like it at all. It has a nice grippy texture that makes it feel luxe, with grooved edges that make it comfier to hold. It’s only available for the Pro models, and the only flaw is the lack of MagSafe. If you don’t care for Apple’s magnetic accessory system, this case will satisfy.

    Cyrill Kajuk Mag MagSafe Case for $27: I tried a few Cyrill cases, including the Cecile Clear Glitter and UltraSheer Mag, and this is my favorite of the lot. It’s only available for the Pro models, but it checks off all the boxes, has good MagSafe support, and even comes with a lanyard.

    15:21 Cork Case for $45: I have a hard time recommending a case that costs this much yet doesn’t include MagSafe. Still, the cork has an unusual but pleasant aesthetic, and it’s sustainably produced. None of the buttons are covered and it’s very slim, so it’s not meant to protect the phone from drops, but rather from everyday scratches. The iPhone 15 will still stick to MagSafe accessories through this case, but the magnetic attachment is noticeably weaker, which makes things precarious.

    UAG Civilian MagSafe Case for $60: In my limited time with it, this case checked off a lot of boxes, though it’s a little plain. The MagSafe is strong, the buttons are clicky. What worries me is the Amazon reviews claiming this case wears down after a few months. I have not been able to test it for that long to verify those claims.

    [ad_2]

    Julian Chokkattu

    Source link

  • The Best 2-in-1 Laptops to Flip Between Work and Play

    The Best 2-in-1 Laptops to Flip Between Work and Play

    [ad_1]

    The big draw of 2-in-1 laptops is that they can be used as both a laptop and a tablet. While in laptop mode, they’re generally comparable to any other clamshell laptop you’ll find. However, Windows and ChromeOS aren’t exactly the best touch-oriented operating systems out there, so you may find the touchscreen experience lacking.

    If you already use a recent iPad or Android tablet regularly, you may not get as much out of a 2-in-1. However, the different “modes” you can use with a convertible 2-in-1 can make one well worth considering. Being able to quickly rotate the display to show something to a colleague on the other side of a table or comfortably sign a PDF can come in clutch.

    Ultimately, both of our top picks on this list, the Lenovo Yoga 9i and HP Spectre x360 14, are already some of the best laptops you can buy. Consider their 2-in-1 capabilities to be a nice bonus on top of their stellar performance and features. If you’re aiming for the more budget range and already have a tablet, it’s worth considering whether you can save some cash by sticking with a traditional clamshell.

    [ad_2]

    Daniel Thorp-Lancaster

    Source link

  • The Best Google Pixel 9 Cases and Accessories

    The Best Google Pixel 9 Cases and Accessories

    [ad_1]

    The world of Pixel accessories grows every year. Here are a few other cases I’ve tried and liked, just not as much as the ones above.

    OtterBox Defender Series for $65: This is arguably the most protective case for the Pixel 9 series. It has a hard shell that splits into two pieces, wrapping around the front and back of the phone, and you click them in place. Then add the rubber slipcover over the top and the holster, which lets you affix the phone to the belt. The holster’s clip can also double as a kickstand in a horizontal orientation. Even the USB-C charging port is covered up. I think the OtterBox Commuter I recommend above gets you nearly there in terms of durability, but if you want to maximize protection and like holsters, go for the Defender.

    UAG Tempered Glass Screen Protector for $35: This tempered glass screen protector (also available for the Pixel 9 Pro XL) was very easy to install. It comes with an applicator tool as well as a wet wipe, dust removal sticker, and a microfiber cloth. I think the Dbrand I recommend above is a better value because you get two in the box and it’s cheaper, but UAG’s option is a solid alternative.

    Pela Liquid Screen Protector for $60: I’m cautiously optimistic about this one because I haven’t had much experience with liquid screen protectors. Pela sends a little vial with this liquid magic inside. First, clean your phone with a microfiber cloth. Then, pour a third of the contents in the vial onto the cloth, and wipe the phone down. Wait two minutes, and then wipe away any excess. This liquid supposedly protects from scratches, drops, and even impact, and is oleophobic to reduce smudges. You’ll need to reapply it every 12 months, so save the rest that’s in the vial. I’ll report back if I have any issues. The good thing is Pela will pay for any screen repairs provided you were using a Pela case and this liquid screen protector simultaneously.

    OtterBox Symmetry Series for $50: This is a perfectly fine case that’s just a bit unremarkable. The buttons are easy to press, the cutouts are accurate, and there’s good protection from the raised edges. It’s just not unique in how it looks and doesn’t offer any other interesting features.

    UAG Pathfinder MagSafe Case for $55: This was a weird one. I like this case, even with its somewhat rugged look. But the MagSafe did not work at all on the Pro XL case. I suspect I got a dud, because I tested the same case for the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, and magnetic wireless charging worked perfectly. Outside of this blip, this case offers clicky buttons and lots of indents for a satisfying grip. The cutouts are accurate, and the lips are raised decently on the display, though they could stand to be more protective of the camera module.

    Spigen Rugged Armor and Tough Armor for $16+: These cases are also available for the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Rugged Armor has a nice textured back and edges, though these areas do tend to attract smudges and marks. The edges are nicely raised to protect the screen and cameras, and the buttons are clicky. The Tough Armor, on the other hand, is smoother and has a kickstand on the back. Annoyingly, this kickstand only works for landscape orientation, so it’s not the case to buy if you watch a lot of TikTok.

    Thinborne Aramid Fiber Super Thin Case for $70: This case isn’t for drop protection because it’s incredibly thin. It’s a nice option if you hate cases but want to protect your device from scratches. That said, it’s really difficult to take it off (unless you have long nails). It also smudges way too easily, so I constantly found myself wiping it down. There’s a MagSafe magnetic ring baked in, but it struggled to reliably adhere to other MagSafe accessories—the magnets just aren’t strong enough. At least you do get a screen protector in the box, though you need to freehand the installation.

    Casetify Impact Case With MagSafe for $58: Casetify has an endless number of designs you can choose from, and while it has come under fire for how it acquires some of those designs, there are not many places you can go to get a Pixel 9 case with Spider-Man on the back or one that makes your phone look like a film camera. These cases have MagSafe rings inside, so they should work with most MagSafe accessories. I just don’t love how prominent the Casetify logo is on the back.

    [ad_2]

    Julian Chokkattu

    Source link

  • The Best Folding Phones

    The Best Folding Phones

    [ad_1]

    Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 for $600: Last year’s fifth-generation Galaxy Z Flip5 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is a polished flip-style handset with an IPX8 water-resistance rating and a silent hinge. It closes completely flat without leaving a gap in the middle, and this iteration has a larger cover screen on the front, which lets you look at large widgets like the calendar, weather, step count, and timer—plus notifications with the ability to respond to them via a full-size keyboard—without opening the device up. The newer Flip6 doesn’t add a ton of new features—many of the upgrades are in the software, and the Flip5 will likely receive many of them. Just make sure you don’t spend more than $600 on the Flip5.

    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 for $1,399: The Galaxy Z Fold5 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) from 2023 still shares a lot of similarities with the newer Galaxy Z Fold6, though the front screen is not as wide and can be a little annoying to use (apps can feel a bit squished). It’s still an excellent, well-built phone, but you should avoid paying anything near MSRP. Wait for a sale.

    Google Pixel Fold for $1,779: We’ve seen the Pixel Fold drop for as little as $1,200 at retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, and that’s a good price for it, especially since it has now been succeeded by the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Read our Pixel Fold review (8/10, WIRED Recommends) for more details on this wide and chunky device.

    Motorola Razr+ (2023) for $600: The Razr+ (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is one of the nicer-looking flip phones thanks to the leatherlike material on the back. Plus it comes in ruby! The external screen isn’t as large as the latest Razr+ (2024), but you can still open any app on it with no restrictions. The cameras aren’t as nice, and the battery life is mediocre. Still, it’s a smart buy at this price.

    Motorola Razr (2023) for $398: This is a remarkable price for a folding phone, even if it’s just a year old. It sacrifices a large cover screen, meaning the little display on the front is only useful for checking the time, weather, and some notifications. The hinge mechanism doesn’t feel anywhere near as nice as the newer models (it’s a little noisy), but you get a 6.9-inch OLED screen on the inside, a 144-Hz screen refresh rate, and perfectly good performance thanks to the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset.

    Oppo Find N3 Flip for $899: I used the Find N3 Flip for several weeks—including when I was moving—and it was an excellent companion. I don’t find its elongated front screen all that useful (I prefer something like the Razr+ or Z Flip6), and it doesn’t help that flipping it open makes a not-so-pleasant sound. It loses points on the IPX4 rating too. But it’s plenty powerful, the screen gets decently bright, and the battery reliably lasts a full day with heavy use. The triple camera system is the highlight—it’s a rarity on a flip phone and includes a 2X optical zoom. The results aren’t going to blow you away but are more than satisfactory.

    Nubia Flip 5G for $499 (£500): This supercute flip foldable has a stylish circular screen on the front. The Nubia Flip 5G (6/10 WIRED Review) is the most affordable foldable we have seen, outside of discounts for other models. Sadly, the front screen is not very practical, and this is a distinctly average performer with limited processing power and battery life. The software is also dated, and we have concerns about Nubia’s update policy. But for folks keen to try a foldable on a limited budget, the Flip 5G is a way to do it.

    Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 for $1,199: It’s only available in China, but this Xiaomi phone (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is like the OnePlus in that you get a very normal front screen and a large inner screen, all in a svelte package. The cameras are great, battery life is long-lasting, and there’s wireless charging support. Too bad the software is clunky, and there’s no IP rating at all for water or dust resistance.

    [ad_2]

    Julian Chokkattu

    Source link

  • Our Favorite Overlanding Gear for Off-Road Adventure

    Our Favorite Overlanding Gear for Off-Road Adventure

    [ad_1]

    Overlanding, off-road touring, four-wheeling—whatever you call it, traveling America’s back roads, the real back roads, the ones that aren’t paved and are rarely maintained, is an almost guaranteed adventure. Overlanding will take you out there, whether it’s Arizona’s famed Senator Highway, remote beaches in Mexico’s Baja peninsula, or rolling across the Australian outback.

    However you define it, you’re going to need more than an awesome rig. That’s why we put together this guide to all the overlanding gear you need to make sure you and your vehicle make it back safely. Get what you need and load up your old Jeep, Land Cruiser, tricked-out Tacoma, or full on Unimog and get out there.

    We bring you this expertise as two enthusiasts of backroad travel. Scott lives in an RV full-time and is a former Jeep owner, while Martin is a weekend warrior who’s on his second 80 series Land Cruiser. Don’t see anything you like? Be sure to check out our other buying guides, including our Best Sleeping Bags, Best Camp Stoves, and Best Tents roundups.

    Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting that’s too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today.

    [ad_2]

    Martin Cizmar, Scott Gilbertson

    Source link

  • We Journaled for Years to Find the Best Paper Notebooks and Journals

    We Journaled for Years to Find the Best Paper Notebooks and Journals

    [ad_1]

    Is there such a thing as the best notebook? Probably not. Notebooks are not a one-size-fits all commodity. If none of these quite tilt your pen, here are some general things to look for in a paper notebook.

    Paper quality: High-quality paper will improve your writing experience. That said, what constitutes high-quality paper depends a lot on your writing device. For example, heavy ink pens, like fountain pens, will require thicker paper to avoid ghosting (when the ink soaks through), while coarser paper might be better for sketching with a soft pencil. (Much of this depends on personal preference, too.) If you’re mainly jotting notes with a ballpoint pen, pretty much any paper will work.

    Size and shape: For writing, I like vertically-oriented notebooks, roughly A5 shape, but for sketching and watercolors I prefer landscape-oriented notebooks. I know people who like the exact opposite. You’ll have to find out what shape you like, but once you do you can narrow the field considerably. Also keep in mind that if you’re carrying a notebook around all day, weight matters. Everyone has their own sweet spot between page count, weight, and size. You’ll have to experiment to find what works for you.

    Binding style: This might seem obscure, but how a notebook lies when it is open is very important, and how a notebook lies is largely determined by the binding. For example, some people (especially left-handed writers) love lay-flat notebooks because they lie totally flat, making them easier to write in. Other people like spiral binding because you can fold the entire notebook in half, and it’s easy to tear out pages. Perfect-bound notebooks (the most common binding, think Moleskine) are much more sturdy than spiral bound but don’t lie flat, and it’s hard to tear out pages.

    Page ruling: There are four common types of ruling: lined, dotted, grid, and none. The ruling is mostly a matter of taste, though I find dot grid essential for some project planning, especially anything involving measurements (like woodworking projects, for instance), so I always have a dot grid notebook around. Dot grid is also a popular choice for keeping a bullet journal.

    Reusability: I’ve come to think of notebooks as two parts: the cover, and the pages. Notebooks with hard covers, like our top pick Leuchtturm1917, combine both in a single package, where softcover notebooks, like Field Notes or Moleskine Cahier notebooks, lend themselves to being slipped into an additional cover. What I like about keeping the two things separate is that my notebook always looks the same. The leather cover never changes, I just keep inserting new notebooks inside. There are covers for Leuchtturm notebooks, so you can do both if you want, but I find this makes the notebooks rather heavy.

    [ad_2]

    Scott Gilbertson

    Source link

  • The Best Messenger and Crossbody Bags

    The Best Messenger and Crossbody Bags

    [ad_1]

    If I’m out and about and I don’t have a bag slung across my body, I feel naked and unprepared. It’s like venturing into a dungeon without any health potions. What if I need ChapStick? Did I bring ChapStick? How can I fit my phone, keys, and face mask all in the truncated pockets of my jeans? Where do I put the cool rock I just found? Extra storage capacity is essential to my everyday carry, and being able to swing the bag around to the front and grab anything I need is crucial. Backpacks are better for heavy loads or all-day trekking, but for lightweight everyday needs, the best messenger bags are hard to beat.

    Be sure to check out all our buying guides, including the Best Backpacks for Work, Best Totes and Purses, and Best Camera Bags.

    Updated September 2024: We have added a new favorite overall, the Topo Designs Global Briefcase, plus a pick from Filson. We also removed a few older bags and updated prices throughout.

    Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting that’s too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today.

    What Is a Messenger Bag?

    A messenger bag … well, it carries messages. It’s the modern descendant of the rectangular satchels with crossbody straps used by early letter carriers and the back-slung bags used by modern bike messengers. That doesn’t mean manufacturers are all going to agree on what constitutes a messenger-style bag. I’ve seen the terms “satchel,” “briefcase bag,” and “laptop bag” all refer to the same style of bag. For our purposes, we’re using “messenger bag” and “crossbody bag” to mean a bag that has at least one strap long enough to carry it over one shoulder or across your body. Generally, these bags rest on your hip.

    If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more. Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

    [ad_2]

    Jaina Grey

    Source link

  • The Best Noise-Canceling Headphones to Escape Reality

    The Best Noise-Canceling Headphones to Escape Reality

    [ad_1]

    Now that the majority of new headphones and earbuds offer at least a modicum of noise canceling, it’d be impossible (and unproductive) to list everything we like above. But if you haven’t yet found your fit, here are some more favorites worth considering.

    Apple Beats Fit Pro for $199: The Beats Fit Pro are an aging but still knock-out pair of wireless buds, with great sound, easy-access physical buttons, and solid noise canceling to boot. Add to that six hours of battery life, spatial audio compatibility with Apple Music and other services, and you’ve got one of the best pairs of earbuds ever “designed in California.”

    Sony WF-1000XM4 for $290: Sony’s WF-1000XM4 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) still have some of the best noise reduction we’ve heard from a pair of earbuds and offer the same super-customizable sound we love from Sony’s over-ear headphones. These are becoming harder to find, and they’re a bit too large for smaller ears but the extra size allows for fantastic battery life.

    Amazon Echo Buds for $45: Amazon’s second-gen Echo Buds (8/10, WIRED Recommends) don’t provide quite the same silence as the top buds on our list, but they’re still a good low-cost option. Amazon’s built-in Alexa voice assistant lets you set timers, check the weather, and control your buds hands-free. The buds sound pretty good too, making them worthy of consideration several years on.

    Epos/Sennheiser Adapt 660 for $152: Want excellent sound, a comfortable fit, and high-quality noise-canceling tech for less than what you’d pay for Sony or Bose headphones? Check out this collaboration between Epos and Sennheiser. The Epos/Sennheiser Adapt 660 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) sound fantastic, and are some of the lightest noise-canceling headphones I’ve ever worn. They also feature excellent microphones for great silence on calls and Zooms.

    [ad_2]

    Parker Hall, Simon Lucas

    Source link