Category: Technology

If you can’t open a window for whatever reason, an air purifier can help make the air in your home a bit more comfortable. One of our favorites, the Levoit Core 400S air purifier, is on sale for $187 thanks to the Amazon Spring Sale. While that’s not a record low — we’ve seen it as low as $177 last year — it’s still a good discount on one of the most convenient air purifiers for large spaces.

We’ve featured Levoit in our list of the best air purifiers for its strong performance and smart features. The Core 400S can cover rooms up to 1,980 square feet using a three-stage filtration system to capture allergens, dust, pet dander and smoke. It also includes a smart sensor that adjusts fan speed based on air quality, so you’re not running it at full blast when you don’t need to.

One of the Levoit Core 400S’ biggest selling points is its low noise output, which makes it a good fit for bedrooms or home offices. If you need to knuckle down and get some work done without distraction whilst keeping your room’s air clean and fresh, even at higher speeds, it stays relatively quiet compared to bulkier purifiers. It also supports smart controls via the VeSync app, allowing you to tweak settings, set schedules or monitor air quality from your phone. If you have a smart home ecosystem in place, you can connect the purifier to third-party voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant — an added layer of convenience that allows you to control the Core 400S with simple voice commands.

Its 360-degree filtration system uses activated carbon to remove gases and odors, while an efficient middle filter captures 99.97 percent of pollutants as small as 0.3 microns. The built-in air quality sensor continuously monitors pollution levels, automatically adjusting performance as needed. You can track real-time air quality data on the LCD screen or through the VeSync app, which is handy (and interesting) to have access to at all times. At night, sleep mode keeps things extra quiet and subtle, dimming the display and operating at the lowest settings — or you can turn off the display completely for total darkness.

If you’ve been looking for an air purifier that can handle larger spaces without taking up too much room, this deal is worth considering, saving you over $30 on its usual price thanks to the Amazon Spring Sale.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/levoits-core-400s-air-purifier-is-33-off-for-the-amazon-spring-sale-133052543.html?src=rss 

After a mountain of leaks, Google has finally announced the Pixel 9a. There’s a good chance you clicked on this article to find out how the 9a compares to its predecessor. The good news is you came to the right place. Even better, it’s a favorable comparison. 

Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a 

For starters, the Pixel 9a features a new design. Instead of borrowing the design language of Google’s more expensive devices, the new phone has its own identity. Gone is the divisive camera bar that has defined recent Pixel phones. Instead, the main camera module is nearly flush with the rear of the phone. Additionally, the new handset offers slightly better ingress protection. It’s IP68-certified against water and dust, up from IP67 on the 8a. The Pixel 9a will also be available two lovely new colors: Iris and Peony. Sadly, Google won’t offer an Aloe colorway this time around, at least not at release. 

Outside of those changes, the 9a sports a larger 6.3 display. Like with the 8a, Google has gone with a FHD panel, meaning the 9a’s screen is slightly less dense due to it being a bit larger overall. However, it’s the better display. The 9a’s pOLED panel is capable of reaching a peak brightness of 2,700 nits, up from 2,000 nits on the 8a. It’s also HDR10+ certified, with a 120Hz refresh rate. That additional brightness will make it easier to see the 9a’s screen in bright sunlight.   

Internally, the 9a features Google’s latest Tensor G4 SoC, paired once again with 8GB of RAM. Google has also outfitted the 9a with a larger 5,100mAh battery, up from 4,492mAh on the 8a. Just as importantly, the 9a is capable of charging at a faster 23W. That’s still slow compared to a device like the Nothing 3a Pro, which is compatible with 50W power adapters, but an improvement over the 8a’s glacial 18W. Oh, and if you were hoping for Qi2 support, I’m sorry to say the 9a is limited to charging at 7.5W wirelessly. 

As for cameras, Google hasn’t changed its winning formula. The 9a features a 48MP main camera with f/1.7 lens and optical image stabilization (OIS). On paper, that might seem like a downgrade from the 8a’s 64MP main sensor, but they both feature a 0.8µm pixel pitch, meaning they’re capable of capturing the same amount of light, and it appears Google sourced a newer sensor for the 9a. Otherwise, the Pixel 9a appears to feature the same ultrawide and selfie cameras as its predecessor. As always, when you buy a Pixel phone, you’re buying it for Google’s computational photography features, and you get all the usual standouts like Night Sight, Best Take and more. 

Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16e and Nothing 3a Pro

The iPhone 16e continues to confound since its announcement in February. At $599, it’s a full $100 more expensive than the Pixel 9a, and comparing the two based on hardware alone, Google’s new midrange phone is the better deal. You get a significantly bigger battery, a 120Hz display and an entire extra camera. Of course, whether you should buy the 9a over the 16e will entirely depend on your preference for Android over iOS. If you like prefer Apple’s software, the Pixel 9a won’t do it for you. 

The more interesting comparison is between the 9a and Nothing’s new Phone 3a Pro. For $40 less, you get an even bigger screen, a more original design and, most notably, a periscope camera that offers 3x optical zoom. A great telephoto is really hard to find at this price range, so the 3a Pro might be worth considering for that reason alone. The tradeoff is Google’s software support is unmatched, and 3a Pro comes with a limited warranty in the US.      

Pixel 9a

Pixel 8a

iPhone 16e

Nothing 3a Pro

Price

$499/$559

$499/$559

$599 / $699 / $899

$459

Dimensions

154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm (6.09 x 2.89 x 0.35 inches)

152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm (6 x 2.9 x 0.4 inches)

146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm (5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches)

163.52 x 77.5 x 8.9 mm (6.44 x 3.05 x 0.33 inches)

Weight

186g (6.56 ounces)

188g (6.7 ounces)

167g (5.88 ounces)

211g (7.44 ounces)

Screen size

6.3 inches

6.1 inches

6.1 inches

6.77 inches

Screen resolution

1080 x 2,424 pixels (421ppi)

1,080 x 2,400 pixels (430ppi)

1,170 x 2,532 pixels (460 ppi)

1,080 x 2,392 pixels (387ppi)

Screen type

pOLED

pOLED

OLED

AMOLED

SoC

Tensor G4

Tensor G3

Apple A18

Snapdragon 7s Gen 3

RAM

8GB

8GB

8GB

12GB

Battery

5,100mAh

4,492mAh

4,005mAh

5,000mAh

Storage

128 / 256 GB

128 / 256 GB

128 / 256 / 512 GB

256 GB

Rear cameras

Wide: 48MP, f/1.7

Ultrawide: 13MP, f/2.2

Wide: 64MP, f/1.89

Ultrawide: 13MP, f/2.2

Wide: 48MP, f/1.6

Wide: 50MP, f1/1.9

Ultrawide: 8MP, f/2.2

Periscope telephoto: 50MP, f/2.6

Front camera

13MP, f/2.2

13MP, f/2.2

12MP, f/1.9

50MP, f/2.2

Water / dust rating

IP68

IP67

IP68

IP64

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 6E

Wi-Fi 6E

Wi-Fi 6

Wi-Fi 6

Bluetooth

v6.0

v5.3

v5.3

v5.4

OS

Android 15

Android 15

iOS 18

Android 15 / Nothing OS 3.1

Colors

Obsidian / Porcelain / Iris / Peony

Obsidian / Porcelain / Aloe / Bay

Black / White

Black / Gray

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/heres-how-the-pixel-9a-compares-to-the-competition-141043690.html?src=rss 

Despite streaming services continuing to dominate the business of recorded music, there’s still very much a place for physical media in that sector. The Recording Industry of America said in an annual report [PDF] that sales of vinyl records rose for the 18th straight year in the US to $1.4 billion — the highest revenue for that format since 1984, when CDs started to emerge.

Vinyl accounted for nearly three-quarters of physical format revenue in 2024. It was the third consecutive year that there were more shipments of vinyl records than CDs — 44 million vs. 33 million. It perhaps helps vinyl’s case that the RIAA has factored in sales figures directly from indie labels for the first time this year. And that Taylor Swift released thirty-six variants of her most recent album, The Tortured Poets Department, including eight vinyl editions. 

Many fans prefer to own physical copies of music for many reasons, such as their belief that vinyl offers better audio quality and an all-round superior listening experience to streaming services, as well as a way to perhaps better support artists. Scouring the racks at a record store is a fun pastime as well. Vinyl records and CDs are also a hedge against the possibility of music vanishing from streaming services if rights agreements expire or an artist decides to yank their music from a platform.

Still, streaming services hit a new milestone last year. The RIAA reports that the average number of paid subscriptions for the year hit 100 million in the US for the first time. That’s a three percent increase from 2023.

Revenue from paid subscriptions rose by five percent to $11.7 billion, with the total revenue from streaming (factoring everything from ad-supported services to fitness apps) growing four percent to $14.9 billion. Streaming accounted for 84 percent of recorded music revenue for the third year running.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/vinyl-record-sales-continue-to-rise-amid-music-streamings-dominance-142131328.html?src=rss 

The sun is out, the birds are chirping and the Amazon Spring Sale is just around the corner. Though it officially starts March 25, we’re already seeing a bunch of early Amazon Spring Sale deals for brands like Dyson, Samsung and Apple. The latter includes a six percent discount on Apple’s new 11-inch iPad. 

The 128GB 2025 model is down to $329 from $349 in every color. It comes with an A16 chip that gives it a performance boost, though not enough power for Apple Intelligence like the iPad Air with an M3 chip. It also offers features such as a 12MP wide camera, 4K video and a liquid retina display. 

If you’re not fussed about getting the newest model then check out Amazon’s sale on Apple’s 10th generation iPad. Right now, it’s down to $269 from $349 — a 23 percent discount. It’s screen is one-tenth of an inch smaller and it offers many of the same features, like 4K video recording and a 12MP wide camera. Plus, it still has a USB-C port rather than the old lightning port. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-new-base-ipad-is-20-off-in-the-amazon-spring-sale-143705838.html?src=rss 

While Tesla is a popular car for ride-hailing drivers employed by the likes of Uber and more, the company could soon cut out the middleman. The California Public Utilities Commission has approved the company’s bid for a transportation charter-party carrier permit, Bloomberg reports.

The permit opens the way for Tesla to operate a ride-hailing service to compete with Uber, Lyft and other established companies. Tesla employees would drive the cars, initially transporting fellow employees, before becoming available to the public. Last year, Elon Musk told investors that the company was already testing app-based transportation for Bay Area employees using safety drivers.

Notably, Tesla is still not approved to use autonomous vehicles for ride-hailing, though Musk has claimed they will be available in Austin, Texas by June and in California by the end of the year. Meanwhile, Uber and Waymo launched their robotaxi service in Austin earlier this month. Waymo’s autonomous ride-hailing service is also available in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix.  

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/tesla-gets-approval-for-ride-hailing-business-in-california-125100455.html?src=rss 

If you’ve been eyeing a pair of Beats Fit Pro earbuds, now’s a great time to snag them at a discount. The fitness-focused wireless earbuds have dropped to $169 ahead of the Amazon Spring Sale, down from their usual $200 price tag, which is the lowest price we’ve seen them since January. This $30 discount makes them an even better buy for those looking for good sound quality with a snug and secure fit.

The Beats Fit Pro earned the top spot as the best wireless earbuds for working out in our best wireless earbuds roundup thanks to their IPX4 water resistance rating, comfortable design and balanced audio. They feature active noise cancellation (ANC), spatial audio with dynamic head tracking and Apple’s H1 chip for seamless pairing with iOS devices. While they’re most convenient for Apple users, they also work well with Android devices thanks to Google Fast Pair support. They’re available at the discounted price in black, white, sage gray and stone purple, so this Big Spring Sale deal isn’t limited to just one color.

Designed with fitness enthusiasts in mind, the Fit Pro earbuds include flexible wingtips that help keep them securely in place, whether you’re out for a run or powering through an intense gym session. Battery life is also solid, offering six hours of listening time per charge with an additional 18 hours from the charging case. If you need a quick boost, a Fast Fuel charge delivers up to one hour of playback in just five minutes.

If you’re looking for something more affordable, the Beats Studio Buds+ have also received a major price drop. They’re currently on sale for $130 on Amazon, a decent markdown from their usual $170 price. These earbuds offer solid ANC, an improved transparency mode and a comfortable, lightweight design.

We were impressed with them and gave them a respectable 84 out of 100 in our Beats Studio Buds+ review. Whether you’re after a workout companion like the Fit Pro or an everyday pair like the Studio Buds+, both deals make for great savings on quality wireless earbuds.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-spring-sale-deals-include-the-beats-fit-pro-earbuds-for-169-130015298.html?src=rss 

If you’re looking for a great deal on a premium pair of wireless headphones, you can take advantage of a massive $100 saving on the Bose QuietComfort headphones in the Amazon Spring Sale. For a limited time, these can be yours for $249, reduced from their usual price of $349, and this deal applies to all seven colorways. Although we have seen the price drop to $199 previously, this is still an excellent deal.

This feature-rich headset combines active noise cancellation (ANC) with high-fidelity audio, and multipoint connectivity for seamlessly switching between connected devices. A fully customizable EQ puts you in control of your music, with layers of additional customization available via the Bose app. Enjoy up to 24 hours of battery life when fully charged, or grab up to 2.5 hours from just a 15 minute charge if you’re in a hurry. 

Designed to provide all-day comfort, the Bose QuietComfort headphones feature plush, padded earcups and an adjustable padded band for long-play sessions. Experience immersive audio wherever you are — whether that’s at the gym, on your daily commute, or simply unwinding at home at the end of a long day.  

If your pockets run a little deeper, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra has also received a sizable price drop. Currently down from $429 to $349 in the Amazon Spring Sale, this premium headset won the best noise-canceling category in our recent best wireless headphones guide. Boasting three different ANC modes, spatial audio and intuitive touch controls, we scored the QuietComfort Ultra a whopping 86 out of 100 in our review.

The Amazon Big Spring Sale ends on March 31; so if you want to grab the Bose QuietComfort or QuietComfort Ultra at this discounted rate, now’s the time to do it.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-100-off-the-bose-quietcomfort-headphones-in-the-amazon-spring-sale-140002812.html?src=rss 

Say goodbye to ground-in dirt and stains and save money while you do it with the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine cordless vacuum cleaner. This cordless cleaner is currently on sale for $798 for the Amazon Spring Sale, which is $152 off its usual price tag of $950. This is one of the best deals we’ve seen on this machine in the last year.

Combining powerful suction with advanced wet-cleaning capabilities, the V15s Detect Submarine is a versatile cleaning machine for both carpets and hard floors. Armed with eight Dyson accessories, including the Submarine wet roller head, fluffy optic cleaner and Digital Motorbar head, it provides edge-to-edge cleaning and is ideal for those seeking vacuuming and mopping functionality in a single device.

Boasting whole-machine HEPA filtration, intelligent adaptive suction based on floor type, LCD screen and a 60 minute run-time, the V15s Detect Submarine is capable of comprehensive cleaning throughout the home. With the Submarine cleaner head attached, it can cover an area of 1,000 square feet using the built-in 300ml water tank, picking up liquids and debris while washing surfaces with clean water.

The Dyson V15s Detect Submarine is a top pick in our best cordless vacuums guide, where we praised its versatility and convenience. While the popularity of robot vacuums continues to grow, busy households with kids and pets in the mix can benefit from a versatile yet manual solution. Thanks to its lightweight and cordless design, the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine makes it easy to clean up messes and spillages on the spot, and is great for tackling tight corners, staircases and underneath furniture.

Amazon’s Big Spring Sale ends on March 31; there’s no telling if this deal will stick around after that, so now’s the time to grab it if you’ve had your eye on it.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/this-dyson-cordless-vacuum-and-mop-is-more-than-150-off-for-the-amazon-spring-sale-140036864.html?src=rss