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Prime Day 2024 is just weeks away, kicking off July 16 and 17. However, you don't need to wait two weeks to start shopping. Summer sales are here with 4th of July deals rolling in and Target Circle Week around the corner. But we know you probably don't want to wait for the markdowns, especially on major brands. We're on the hunt, or should we say...watch?
Apple Watch models are on sale at Amazon ahead of Prime Day. Both the SE and Series 9 watches are marked down with up to 24% savings. With this deal you can start tracking your workouts and health metrics for under $200. And we know it's summer, so you have to be ready to jump-in a body of water at any given moment. These Apple Watches aren't just on sale — they're waterproof.
Best Apple Watch SE deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, GPS, 40mm) $189.00 at AmazonAlready a budget-friendly option, the Apple Watch SE is down to $189 ahead of Prime Day. That's just $10 more than its lowest price ever during Black Friday 2023. While it is affordable, it still has the advanced tech you want in a smart watch. The bright retina display tracks your heart rate and watches for irregular rhythm. You can track your workouts — even in the water — as it's water resistant up to 50m. Right now you'll save $60 for 24% savings. We're not sure what Prime Day will bring, but we can confidently say, this is a good deal.
Best Apple Watch Series 9 deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 45 mm) $329.99 at AmazonFor the latest technology, look to the Apple Watch Series 9. It's loaded with bigger displays, offering either a 41 or 45 mm display over the SE's 40 and 44mm options. It has an always-on retina display, so you don't have to wake it up every time you need to check the time. The health metric offerings are even more extensive on the Series 9 with the ECG app and temperature sensing. Like the SE, it's water resistant, so you can jump in the water care free. It's down to its lowest price ever of $329, saving you $99.01 for 23% off.
More Apple Watch dealsApple Watch SE (2nd generation, GPS + Cellular, 40mm) — $239 $299 (save $60)
Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS + Cellular, 41mm) — $399 $499 (save $100)
Apple Intelligence — Apple's name for a set of artificial intelligence features on its devices — might not always be completely free.
In the latest installment of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says Apple is looking into making money from Apple Intelligence down the road.
SEE ALSO: Apple's upcoming AirPods might have built-in camerasApple Intelligence, or AI for short, was announced in June 2024, during the company's annual WWDC event. It will launch as a free set of features on Apple products including iPhones, iPads, and Macs, with some of the announced features becoming available as beta when iOS 18 launches in September. The new options include AI-generated images called Genmoji, a smarter Siri, and a feature called Rewrite that suggests edits for your writing, among others.
According to Gurman, however, Apple needs new revenue streams, especially as it's getting increasingly hard to innovate on hardware devices such as the iPhone. One of these could be a paid tier for AI called, perhaps, "Apple Intelligence+" which would enable additional features to subscribers. Apple could also get a cut of the subscription revenue generated from AI partners.
This probably won't happen overnight; Gurman doesn't have a precise timeline, but he does say the implementation will "take time," and that Apple could be making money from AI "in a few years."
As well as giving Elon Musk a hard time, Stephen King likes to spend his time on X (formerly Twitter) recommending movies, TV shows and books.
His latest positive review? A Quiet Place: Day One, the prequel to John Krasinski's apocalyptic blockbuster, this time written and directed by Michael Sarnoski. Starring Lupita Nyong'o, Stranger Things' Joseph Quinn, Djimon Hounsou, and a cat named Frodo, the film takes place in New York City during the initial invasion of the franchise's sound-hunting monsters.
SEE ALSO: Stephen King loves 'Baby Reindeer' so much he's written an essay about it"A QUIET PLACE DAY 1: The rare "big Hollywood film" that is both intimate and textured," wrote King in his post. "(And the cat steals the show.)"
Tweet may have been deletedIt's worth noting that while reviews of A Quiet Place: Day One have been generally positive, not everyone is a fan. Mashable's Kristy Puchko wrote in her review that the movie doesn't equal the sum of its parts.
"The love story at its core can't shine amid the required carnage and urban devastation demanded by the prequel's promise," Puchko wrote. "The performances — while earnest — can't find footing in the crude plotting. The scares, which once were grounded in character and uncertainty, lose their luster without either. With all this movie tries to wedge in, it's just not enough."
Oh, and if you've seen the movie and still have questions (including about the cat!), look no further.
Given how bleak House of the Dragon Season 2 has been so far, it almost feels like we're owed a few light-hearted moments — and episode 3 certainly delivered on that front.
Enter Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) on dragonback to a very gloomy, possibly haunted Harrenhal, fully suited up in his armour and ready to conquer.
SEE ALSO: How 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 is different from George R.R. Martin's 'Fire and Blood'Only instead of being greeted by a battalion of men, the roguish prince was instead met by this legend.
Oh, you want Harrenhal? Here you go. Credit: Ollie Upton / HBOThat's Sir Simon Strong (played by Sir Simon Russell Beale), the Castellan of Harrenhal and unfortunately, great-uncle to the murderous Lord Larys Strong (Matthew Needham). When Daemon bursts into the room where he's enjoying his supper, they have the following (brilliant) exchange.
Daemon: "I'm claiming Harrenhal!"
Sir Simon: "Apparently so."
*Sir Simon gets up, walks slowly around the table, and kneels down in front of Daemon.*
Sir Simon: "I, Sir Simon Strong, Castellan of Harrenhal, pledge fealty to Rhaenyra of House Targaryen, first of her name. I swear this by the old gods and the new. Supper is venison with black cabbage and peas. No red currents...sorry about that."
Needless to say, Sir Simon already has a fanbase.
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted CommentIn a Westeros where people are constantly getting angry and wanting to kill each other, we could all use a few more Simon Strongs. A few minutes later the guy also pretty much summed up the entire show in a few key words, too. What a man.
House of the Dragon Season 2 airs Sundays on HBO and Max at 9 p.m. ET.
UPDATE: Jul. 1, 2024, 1:10 p.m. UTC This story originally ran with Season 2, episode 4 in the headline, when it's about episode 3. We've corrected it, and don't worry, it's not a spoiler for episode 4. We'd rather take Caraxes' dragon fire than do that to you.
With the grave-rattling events of Interview With a Vampire: Part II's big finale, fans are lusting for more sex, more blood, and more unreliable narrators. Luckily for us, Season 3 has already been promised, with showrunner Rolin Jones assuring the series would switch focus to Anne Rice's sequel novel The Vampire Lestat. And that means Lestat de Lioncourt becomes a rock star.
While the original novel was set in 1985, the year of its release, the show has already pushed the Vampire Chronicles headline up considerably, from the 1700s to the early 1900s. So swapping from '80s hair bands to the modern music scene seems exactly the kind of challenge Jones and his writers would relish. And if they're going to do it right, they need to include one thing: Chappell Roan.
SEE ALSO: How 'The Vampire Lestat' comes to play into 'Interview with the Vampire: Part II' Chappell Roan would be our favorite Brat Prince's favorite artist. Chappell Roan performs during Boston Calling 2024. Credit: Astrida Valigorsky / Getty ImagesThe sapphic singer-songwriter has been blowing up this year, following her 2023 debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. After opening for Olivia Rodriguez on her Guts tour, Roan went from Tiny Desk Concerts to the already iconic Coachella performance, where she declared herself "your favorite artist's favorite artist" to a Bonnaroo appearance so hotly anticipated that they moved her to a bigger stage. Roan's breakout hit "Good Luck, Babe!" is climbing the Billboard charts, and has been widely embraced on Tiktok — where other jams like "Pink Pony Club" and "Red Wine Supernova" also have fans posting vids enthusiastically.
While Roan's rise seems meteoric, it wasn't an overnight success. The 26-year-old artist has been hustling since 17 to make her music breakthrough. She got dumped by one label, moved back in with her parents, and was on the brink of quitting altogether when things finally started clicking. You know who could relate to that? Lestat.
An aspiring actor whose hunger for the spotlight earned him plenty of pain, Lestat (Sam Reid) threw his heart into one intense but failed romance into another (Nicky. Armand. Louis…). Then, when he shook off the hurt and self-loathing, he rose to channel all his feelings and experiences into a blistering album.
Sam Reid as Lestat De Lioncourt on "Interview with the Vampire." Credit: Larry Horricks / AMCRoan's own The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess tells a story of rocky self-discovery, sexual exaltation, bitter break-ups, and the pleasure of watching your ex suffer. It's easy to imagine Reid's 2024 version of Lestat connecting to her brand of Dark Pop, bringing his snarling French accent to "Good Luck, Babe!"s damning chorus, targeting it at Louis (Jacob Anderson) and his devious boyfriend Armand (Assad Zaman):
"When you wake up next to him in the middle of the night
With your head in your hands, you're nothing more than his wife
And when you think about me, all of those years ago
You're standing face to face with "I told you so"
You know I hate to say, "I told you so"
You know I hate to say, but, I told you so"
And yet, that trial ep of Interview with the Vampire Season 2 (episode 7) has me thinking Lestat also has his "My Kink Is Karma" moments.
Queer rock stars should stick together.Roan's songs are unabashedly about lesbian sex. Her fashion influences, pancake make-up, and stage persona are influenced by drag queens she admires. Roan has local queens open for her on tour and she told a terrified Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show that her headline-grabbing Coachella line was inspired by Sasha Colby's "I'm your favorite drag queen's favorite drag queen." She's also being embraced by queer rock legends, like Elton John, who recently shared an Instagram snap of the two after a night of pizza and tea spilling.
So, if we're to believe that Lestat is becoming a rock god in this moment, in this queer pop explosion of Renee Rapp, Billie Eilish, and (sure) Jojo Siwa, he'd not only know Roan, he'd make damn sure they shared air with the most theatrical bad bitch on the scene.
So far the series hasn't delved into cameos. So how might this work without feeling like stunt casting? Perhaps instead of Lestat being inspired to turn to music by a grubby New Orleans punk band practicing near his crypt, it'd be hearing Roan playing at a nearby show. Maybe Lestat — with a variation of his Theatre des Vampires stage make-up — could open for her, connecting him with a crowd that might relish his signature outrageousness and allure. It's easy to imagine the pair having a moment backstage together, both glamorous and chaotic visions of queer desire and messy romance. Maybe they could be on a talk show couch together, parodying the Fallon appearance, where Roan was every inch the queer rock star making the stodgy straight host feel uncomfortably out-of-touch.
Look, we'll leave it to Rolin Jones to roll out the details. But one thing is clear, to have Interview with the Vampire: Part III really rock, it needs some Roan.
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for July 1 SEE ALSO: 'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for July 1Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, July 1, 2024:
Across[How disappointing]The answer is sigh.
The answer is canoe.
The answer is arson.
The answer is mites.
The answer is isay.
The answer is saris.
The answer is Insta.
The answer is gooey.
The answer is hens.
The answer is cami.
Disney and Pixar's Inside Out 2 has joined the billion-dollar club.
The sequel to the 2015 film surpassed $1 billion at the global box office on Sunday, becoming the first film of 2024 to do so – and the first film since Barbie to garner this kind of ticketing success. It is currently the highest grossing film of the year.
SEE ALSO: Summer Movie Preview: Every film you oughta knowAccording to Disney, Inside Out 2 hit the billion-dollar mark just 19 days since its release, setting the fastest box office record for an animated film — Frozen 2 reached it 25 days. The movie also scored the biggest box-office opening day of the year, picking up $62 million the day of its release. Just this weekend, Inside Out 2 made $57.4 million, just ahead of A Quiet Place: Day One at $53 million.
Only 11 animated films have made this kind of money at the box office including Zootopia, Finding Dory, Despicable Me 3, Toy Story 3 and 4, Minions, Incredibles 2, Frozen and its sequel, and the highest grossing animated film of all time, 2019's The Lion King. The movie's predecessor, Inside Out, was just shy of the accolade back in 2015, when the film collected $858 million.
Inside Out 2 sees the return of titular character Riley (voiced by Kensington Tallman), as she grapples with her emotions, including some new additions: Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Disgust (Liza Lapira), Fear (Tony Hale), Anger (Lewis Black), Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos), and Embarrassment (Walter Hauser).
Mashable's Belen Edwards described the film as "the rare Pixar sequel that truly earns its existence and deepens the message of its first film. And even though it may make you deeply, deeply, deeply anxious, it's also, quite simply, a joy to watch."
Read Mashable's review of Inside Out 2 here.
Apple's AirPods will one day come with built-in cameras.
While that may sound preposterous for a gadget whose primary purpose is to deliver sound into your ears, there is a good reason for it: spatial experiences.
According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is planning to mass produce AirPods with infrared (IR) camera modules by 2026. These cameras would be similar to the Face ID received on the iPhone, and would like be produced by major Apple supplier Foxconn.
SEE ALSO: How to turn on noise cancellation on your AirPodsThese cameras, which could detect environmental image changes, would enable new spatial audio experiences, Kuo claims. In an example provided by Kuo, a user could watch a video with Vision Pro and AirPods on, and when they turn their head towards a specific direction, the sound source coming from that direction could be emphasized to enhance the experience.
Featured Video For You Unboxing the 2024 iPad Pro and iPad AirApple puts a big emphasis on spatial audio in most of its audio-related products, and it's a big selling point of Apple's audio streaming service, Apple Music. With the addition of infrared cameras to AirPods, Apple could probably get a lot more precise head movement tracking, allowing for richer experiences. It's unclear whether the new features would be exclusive to using AirPods together with Vision Pro, or if they would extend to pure audio listening as well.
Even without the IR cameras, Apple plans to enable some new features to AirPods with iOS 18, including new head gestures, such as nodding or shaking your head to answer or decline a call. Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking will also become available for gaming for users using the newest AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max. These features will become widely available this fall, when iOS 18 comes out of beta.
It's time for a Apple AirPods Max vs. Sony WH-1000XM5 face-off: airport edition. We're testing these bad boys in the wild — at JFK and Heathrow, to be specific. They're one of the best headphones on the market, boasting high-resolution sound quality, crisp transparency mode, and top-of-the-line active noise cancellation (ANC).
But the question is, which one is actually better?
Packed with important announcements over a PA system, the airport was the perfect place to test transparency mode, allowing me to temporarily disengage from music immersion to hear pertinent information. Sitting in a plane, however, you’re bound to deal with a wailing baby, prompting me to swiftly turn on ANC.
I flew 3,451 miles from New York to London with both the Apple AirPods Max and Sony XM5s – and I tested them on the iPhone 14 Plus. Allow me to break down which is best for noise cancellation (in addition to other in-depth insights, including comfort, sound quality, and transparency mode.)
SEE ALSO: The best headphones for 2024 (and why they made our list) Apple AirPods Max vs. Sony XM5: price and specsBefore we dive in, let’s take a look at the price tags of both the AirPods Max and Sony XM5s.
Apple AirPods Max Credit: MashableThe AirPods Max have an MSRP of $549 on Apple’s official website. (I purchased my headphones directly from Apple, but you can get a better deal from Amazon, which sells a pair for $449.99.)
The AirPods Max come with the following specs:
Apple H1 headphone chip
9 microphones
Active noise cancellation support
Transparency mode support
Personalized spatial audio
Adaptive EQ
The WH-1000XM5 headphones (colloquially called the Sony XM5s because its official name is horrendous) have an MSRP of $399.99, but Sony is selling 'em for $349.99. If you snag ‘em from Amazon, you can get 'em for $314.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones come with the following specs:
Sony QN1 and V1 dual-processor chips
8 microphones
Active noise cancellation support
Transparency mode support (called “Ambient Mode”)
360-degree spatial sound personalizer
Adaptive EQ
Of course, from the more affordable pricing, you’d likely gravitate towards the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, but this comparative analysis may make you change your mind.
Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Apple AirPods Max $479.95 at AmazonThe AirPods Max’s design triggers my anxiety. When I spotted the mesh headband, I fearfully thought, “What if I accidentally graze it against a sharp object and rip a hole through it?” You’ll also learn very quickly that the AirPods Max, no matter how many influencers you see sporting these headphones in their Instagram posts, are not ideal for working out.
Apple AirPods Max mesh headband Credit: MashableThe breathable knit-mesh ear cups have a tendency to collect sweat and grime, making it difficult to keep clean. I had makeup on while waiting for my flight at JFK airport, so after taking off the AirPods Max, it’d aggravate my OCD knowing that there’s Estée Lauder foundation all over the ear cups – and it won’t be easy to restore them back to a squeaky-clean state.
Apple AirPods Max ear cups Credit: MashableThe Sony XM5s, on the other hand, have synthetic leather. Compared to the AirPods Max’s ear cups, the Sony XM5s don't absorb as much crud.
Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones Credit: MashableI knew that I could unconcernedly wear makeup at JFK, and by the time I landed at Heathrow Airport, I could wipe down the Sony XM5s' ear cups with a warm, wet towel – and they'll be as good as new.
The Sony XM5s are more comfortableI’d also argue that the Sony XM5s are far more comfortable.
Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones feel super lightweight. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableThey’re so lightweight, I could sleep peacefully with them on the British Airways plane.
Sony WH-1000XM5 - 0.56 pounds
Apple AirPods Max - 0.85 pounds
Weighing just 0.56 pounds, I began to forget the Sony headphones were on my head after just a few minutes of wearing them. The AirPods Max use more premium materials with its anodized aluminum ear cups and stainless-steel headband. While the AirPods Max look and feel more high-end, they come at the price of comfort.
I never felt quite comfortable wearing the AirPods Max on the plane.
Apple AirPods Max definitely felt less comfy compared to the Sony XM5s. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableThere’s some unsettling pressure between the ear cups – somewhere in the upper region – and my head, likely due to the metal headband. No, it’s not a dealbreaker, but it's an important difference between the Sony XM5s and AirPods Max, making the former more comfortable.
AirPods Max are arguably more attractive
Fashionability is a deciding factor for me when it comes to headphones. In fact, the reason why my daily driver is the Sony WH-1000XM4, and not the current-generation XM5s, is because it looks sexier.
Apple AirPods Max in green Credit: MashableThe Sony XM5s, on the other hand, are an eyesore. It’s the ear cups that make them hideous. They’re so bulky, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone mistook me as one of the air traffic controllers at JFK airport.
The AirPods Max, though heavier on the head, have sleeker ear cups, making them far more sophisticated and fashion-forward than the clunky Sony XM5s.
The AirPods Max come in five colorways: Space Gray, Pink, Green, Silver and Sky Blue. I opted for Space Gray. I have black hair – and I prefer headphones that don’t stick out like a sore thumb. I love how the AirPods Max blend in with my dark, curly tresses, camouflaging it with my locks.
Sony WH-1000XM5 in black Credit: MashableThe Sony XM5s come in three colorways: Silver, Black, and Midnight Blue. I chose the latter because the navy-blue hue contrasted beautifully with the bold-and-gold “Sony” logo on the hinges.
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
Apple AirPods Max vs. Sony XM5: Noise cancellation and transparency modeIf you’re looking for the best noise cancellation, get the AirPods Max. I’ll tell you why. As luck would have it, a crying baby made its way onto my British Airways flight. Typically, I’d be fuming in annoyance at such a misfortune, but it’s the most ideal environment to compare the AirPods Max and Sony XM5s.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableFor what it’s worth, using my Apple Watch Series 9, the decibels on the London-bound plane climbed to nearly 80 before I tested both headphones.
Noise detector on the Apple Watch Series 9 Credit: MashableI could still hear the wailing baby on both headphones with ANC on, however, the AirPods Max did a much better job at suppressing the noise than the Sony XM5s. Furthermore, when the baby stopped crying, the AirPods Max impressed me with how well they muffled the monotone drone of the humming plane engines.
Could you still hear them? Yes. But the constant hum sounded slightly louder on the Sony XM5s compared to the AirPods Max.
When I landed in London, I had my fiancé test the AirPods Max’s noise cancellation feature. He said he couldn’t hear a word I was saying – even though I was sitting right next to him on the couch. However, with the Sony XM5s, he could hear everything I was saying – a disappointment for him, I'm sure, since he loves to feign selective hearing with me.
Even Transparency Mode on the AirPods Max (called “Ambient Mode” on the Sony XM5s), which lets you hear more of the environment around you so that you’re not totally disconnected from your surroundings, is better on the Apple headphones.
At one point, I listened to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” while keeping my ears pricked for announcements. I turned on Transparency Mode by either switching it on via the iOS Control Center (you can also activate it by pressing the button next to the digital crown). I could hear a woman speaking into the PA system about boarding calls, allowing me to turn down “Espresso” to determine whether my flight had begun to invite passengers onto the plane.
The Sony XM5s’ Ambient Mode allow surrounding sounds to seep into your headphones, too, but the outside world sounds more prominent on the Apple AirPods Max.
Winner: Apple AirPods Max
Apple AirPods Max vs. Sony XM5: touch controls and ports
I know I’m the minority here, but I’m actually not a big fan of touch controls on headphones.
As someone who frequently touches the ear cups to readjust my headphones, I often found myself accidentally activating an unwanted feature on the Sony XM5s, which supports the folllowing touch controls:
Double tap - Play/pause
Swipe forward - Skip to next track
Swipe backward - Revisit previous track
Swipe forward and hold - Fast-forward
Swipe backward and hold - Fast-reverse
Swipe up - Increase volume
Swipe down - Decrease volume
The AirPods Max lack touch controls, but surprisingly, I do not miss them. I don’t mind that I can use the digital crown to trigger a variety of features, from volume control and play/pause to invoking Siri and answering phone calls.
One thing that does bug me about the AirPods Max, however, is that it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack. With the Sony XM5s, I can plug in the cable (which ships with the headphones) into the seat-back display port on the plane, allowing me to enjoy a variety of films and TV shows.
Apple AirPods Max ear cups Credit: MashableThe AirPods Max does not ship with a headphone cable, but you can purchase a Lightning-to-3.5mm audio cable from Apple (or Amazon). And don’t get me started on the Lightning port. The fact that I need to bring an extra cable to charge the AirPods Max during my travels makes me an unhappy camper.
However, it’s only a matter of time before Apple unleashes a USB-C variant of the AirPods Max. (After all, they have no choice because of the EU mandate.)
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
Apple AirPods Max vs. Sony XM5: call and voice quality
I enlisted the help of my fiancé for this one. While at the airport, I asked him which headphones sounded better – without telling him which one I’m using. (He’s an Apple stan – and I didn’t want his biases to influence the testing.)
With “Headphones A,” I called my fiancé and he was disappointed. “It sounds like a white-noise machine is in the background while you speak,” he said. “It also sounds like you’re talking into a phone microphone on the other side of the room.”
He didn’t sound any better. His voice sounded thin and slightly tinny. He also sounded like he was speaking from the back of his throat, which was unusual.
Next, I called my fiancé with “Headphones B.” He preferred this one. There was still some hissing, but he said there was “fuller definition” to my voice. Plus, I sounded clearer. On my end, he sounded incredible. He sounded crisp, sharp, and robust – similar to how he sounds in real life.
Headphones A was the Sony XM5s and Headphones B was the Apple AirPods Max.
Winner: Apple AirPods Max
Apple AirPods Max vs. Sony XM5: music qualityI tested the Apple AirPods Max and Sony XM5’s sound based on their out-of-the-box acoustics – I didn’t turn on any spatial audio effects nor make any tuning adjustments.
I fired up Lana Del Rey’s “Young and Beautiful” on the Apple Music app via iPhone 14.
Let me preface this by saying the AirPods Max and the Sony XM5s are arguably the best on the market for sound quality. As such, both headphones will give you divine acoustics, according to my personal experience with them.
The AirPods Max provided a more balanced, natural sound, offering warmth to Lana Del Rey’s clear and emotive vocals, preserving the song’s cinematic, dramatic, and delicate quality. The Sony XM5’s may not have the same well-rounded warmth as the AirPods Max, but it delivers more prominent highs, making the heartfelt tune sound more powerful during climactic crescendos.
I preferred the AirPods Max for this song, providing a more accurate and emotionally resonant listening experience. However, it’s worth noting that the Sony XM5s, thanks to the companion app, offers more customizable sound profiles.
Winner: Apple AirPods Max
Apple AirPods Max vs. Sony XM5: caseUnlike my Sony XM4s, its successor, the Sony XM5s, are not collapsible, which is disappointing. In other words, you cannot fold the Sony XM5s into a smaller form factor for the accompanying case.
Sony WH-1000XM5 case Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableHowever, I’m grateful for the Sony XM5s' full-coverage storage case. The AirPods Max’s unattractive and illogical case, which has been a social media meme for looking like a sports bra, leaves the headphones exposed. Perhaps this is a testament to the faith that Apple has in the durability of the mesh headband? I’m not sure.
On the plus side, the Apple AirPods Max takes up less space in my travel bag. The Sony XM5s' case, although more protective, is a bit bulky – and not remotely travel-friendly. It took up significant space in my travel bag.
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
Apple AirPods Max vs. Sony XM5: battery lifeApple says the AirPods Max can last 20 hours on a single charge while Sony claims it can survive 30 hours.
By the time my round trip was completed — JFK to Heathrow and vice versa — the AirPods Max had 60% of juice left. The Sony XM5 was at 69% battery. I did not use them outside the aforementioned airports (except while on the plane). I spent about 3 to 4 hours using each headphones, whether I was in NYC or London.
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
Apple AirPods Max vs. Sony XM5: Which has the best noise cancellation?Not only does the Apple AirPods Max have better noise cancellation, but it also beats the Sony XM5 when it comes to call and voice quality. Plus, it delivers a warmer, fuller sound that may satisfy most people (though the Sony headphones support more customizable presets, giving you a more spacious audio playground.
However, the Sony XM5s are far more lightweight, comfortable, and conducive to a USB-C-filled world. The AirPods Max, on the other hand, is heavier and unwieldy – and anchored by its Lightning port.
It's also worth noting that the XM5s have a better travel case. As for the bra-like case that ships with the AirPods Max – I don’t know what Apple was thinking. Fortunately, I can drown out the noise of irrationality with its excellent active noise cancellation feature.
Finally, if you have an Android, you'd be better off the Sony XM5s. If you have an iPhone, grab the AirPods Max. I've found that pairing the AirPods Max on an Android is a little bit more challenging. However, if you use the Sony XM5s, there is a quick-pair option. Using the AirPods Max on the Sony XM5s is even more seamless — it's as if my iPhone 14 detects the AirPods Max in a nanosecond. Plus, spatial audio access will be out of reach if you pair your AirPods Max with an Android.
Winner: Apple AirPods Max
Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Apple AirPods Max $479.95TL;DR: Manage your data with a 15-month subscription to Microsoft 365 Personal — price-dropped through July 21 to $54.97 (reg. $69).
Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft 365 Personal: 15-Month Subscription [1TB OneDrive Cloud Storage for 1 User, PC/Mac] $54.97 at The Mashable ShopNowadays most of us have an overwhelming amount of data, content, and media that needs storing. But there's a handy and affordable solution for PC and Mac users on sale now.
With a discounted 15-month subscription to Microsoft 365 Personal, you’ll get 1TB (1,000 GB) of OneDrive cloud storage and access to nine premium office apps for only $54.97 for a limited time.
Microsoft 365 Personal promises advanced protection to let you monitor your digital security with Microsoft Defender. You should get some peace of mind from the two-step identity verification feature designed to keep your information private, allowing you to conduct business through Outlook and enjoy ad-free, secure email.
For at-home users or professionals, Microsoft 365 Personal offers something for practically everyone. Whether you want to design a new resume with Word, organize finances with Excel, create memorable vacation reels in Microsoft Editor, or make use of Clipchamp for editing those reels, this deal gets you the latest versions. It also offers sharing across your devices, so you should be able to pick up where you leave off your projects.
Upon purchasing, you’ll get access to the most recent software updates for all of the Microsoft 365 Personal apps. Enjoy the latest features, newest tools, security updates, and bug fixes as soon as they’re released. Six users can access the subscription on up to five devices: PC, Mac, iOS or Android, phones, tablets, etc. Should you ever need assistance, Microsoft promises to have a rep available by chat or phone 24/7.
Get a 15-month subscription to Microsoft 365 Personal with 1TB OneDrive of cloud storage for just $54.97 (reg. $69) until July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No coupon is needed to snag this deal.
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TL;DR: Lifetime access to InfoSec4TC cybersecurity training courses is on sale for just $55.97 (reg. $280) through July 21.
Opens in a new window Credit: InfoSec4TC InfoSec4TC Platinum Membership: Cyber Security Training Lifetime Access $55.97 at The Mashable ShopCybersecurity skills are more important than ever. Whether you're starting a new career, looking to advance in your current role, or simply want to stay informed about the latest security threats and technologies, the InfoSec4TC Platinum Membership offers incredible value.
Through July 21, lifetime access to InfoSec4TC cybersecurity training courses is on sale for just $55.97 (reg. $280).
The InfoSec4TC Platinum Membership provides access to a wide array of cybersecurity courses and programs. From foundational to advanced courses, this membership covers many aspects of cybersecurity, ensuring you have the skills and knowledge needed to drive your career forward. With such comprehensive coverage, you can feel secure in your ability to handle any cybersecurity challenge.
This membership includes more than 90 self-paced courses, giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. Some of the most popular ones include Hacking using Python From A to Z, GSEC Certification - Security Essentials, CISSP® Exam Preparation Training Course, and CISA - Certified Information Systems Auditor. In addition, you get access to the most recent exam questions and supplemental course materials to further learn and practice.
One of the most thoughtful aspects of this membership is that you will receive future updates for a lifetime at no extra cost. You can also join private social media groups, access the student portal, and receive an included career consultation and planning session.
Empower yourself with the knowledge and skills to protect and secure digital information for a lifetime. Through July 21 only, lifetime access to InfoSec4TC cybersecurity training (Platinum Membership) is on sale for just $55.97 (reg. $280).
Looking for ways to protect your online privacy at home? Check out these options.
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TL;DR: Get an indoor air monitor and its compatible app on sale for $99.99 (reg. $149).
Opens in a new window Credit: BREATHE BREATHE Airmonitor Plus Smart Air Quality Monitor $99.99 at The Mashable ShopEnsuring a healthy indoor living space can be crucial to well-being. Whether you have pet dander, dust, or common allergens floating around the air, you could be breathing in a lot of particles that can affect your physical health.
The BREATHE Airmonitor Plus Smart Air Quality Monitor is here to help, offering intuitive insights into your indoor environment, and it’s on sale for $99.99 (reg. $149).
This smart air monitor is designed to measure eight key environmental factors: PM1, PM2.5, PM10, TVOC, CO2, HCHO, temperature, and humidity. Each of these metrics plays a part in your home’s air quality. Particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10) is known for its adverse effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health, while levels of total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) can lead to various respiratory issues. Additionally, elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) can cause discomfort and impair cognitive functions, whereas formaldehyde (HCHO) is notorious for respiratory irritation and eye discomfort.
The Airmonitor includes the free Breathe Tech app for iOS or Android, and is built to provide real-time data and alerts. It promises to connect up to 200 devices, so you can view the different air quality ranges around your home.
Beyond monitoring pollutants, the BREATHE Airmonitor Plus also tracks temperature and humidity, to help you make decisions about your indoor environment. You’ll get a helpful analysis of these indicators so you can make needed adjustments.
If you want to take control of your indoor air quality but aren't sure where to start, a good air monitor may be what you're looking for.
Get the BREATHE Airmonitor with Smart Air Quality Monitor while it’s discounted to $99.99.
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TL;DR: Through July 21, you can score a 5-year subscription to the highly-rated AdGuard VPN for only $34.97 (reg. $359.42).
Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard VPN: 5-Year Subscription $34.97 at The Mashable ShopIt's not just you; it really does seem like ads are getting creepier by the day. Mention — or even just think — about something in passing, and suddenly, you're bombarded with targeted ads the moment you open a social media app. Thankfully, there is a way to get rid of (most ads) the annoying ads online.
AdGuard VPN can help you with that — and then some. This data privacy tool can render you anonymous when you hop online, and with its DNS feature, you can block ads and trackers, as well as protect yourself from malware.
Through July 21, you can grab a 5-year subscription to AdGuard VPN on sale for only $34.97 (reg. $359.42).
This highly-rated VPN is your virtual shield on the internet. It hides your real IP address and encrypts your traffic, thereby protecting your privacy online. It uses its own security protocol to deliver a faster and safer VPN connection, allowing you to browse, stream, and download, knowing that your data is secure. It also employs a strict zero-logging policy, meaning your internet trail stays private at all times.
With servers in over 60 locations worldwide, you can connect from virtually anywhere in the world you want. You can install the VPN and connect to up to 10 devices simultaneously, and you can also use it on virtually any device, including iOS, Android, and Google Chrome.
Take back your privacy. Through July 21, you can score a 5-year AdGuard VPN subscription for only $34.97 — no coupon necessary.
Want to shop even more deals? Check out more online security solutions.
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TL;DR: Get ready to take the CompTIA certification exams with this CompTIA course bundle, on sale for £39.51 (reg. £462.49) for a limited time.
Certification is a powerful tool that can set those in IT apart from the competition. CompTIA certifications are recognised globally as a benchmark for IT skills and proficiency.
You can take advantage of this summer sale to advance your career with the help of this CompTIA online learning package. Priced at just £39.51, this bundle is designed to prepare you for a range of CompTIA certifications, giving you access to the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the IT industry.
This bundle consists of 15 courses totaling over 260 hours of learning. While it doesn't offer actual CompTIA certification, it can help prepare you prepare to take the certification exams. These IDUNOVA courses utilise independent industry experts and specific CompTIA exam objectives to create their materials. IDUNOVA is also a Platinum Partner in the CompTIA Authorised Partner Program.
Start with the CompTIA IT Fundamentals course to prepare for the fundamentals exam, which is an essential certification for anyone in IT. The course can also be helpful for marketers and salespeople, as it covers terminology, databases, structure, hardware, software, and other concepts.
Other prep courses cover the cloud, Cloud Essentials+, Linux+, Cloud+, Project+, PenTest+, and security.
Take advantage of this sale by moving forward with the next step in your IT career. It can help you gain the knowledge needed to stand out in the IT industry, take your certification exams, and possibly unlock new career opportunities.
This 2024 CompTIA exam prep bundle is on sale for £39.51, a 91% discount.
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Opens in a new window Credit: Idunova The Complete 2024 CompTIA Course Super Bundle by IDUNOVA £39.51 at the Mashable ShopTL;DR: Through July 21, get lifetime access to 20TB of Prism Drive Secure Cloud Storage for £63.22 (reg. £1,181.12).
Opens in a new window Credit: Prism Drive Prism Drive Secure Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (20TB) $63.22 at the Mashable ShopWhether you're looking for a space to keep all of your work files and documents backed up or you need a place for family photos and videos, this cloud storage deal gets you 20TB of cloud storage with Prism Drive.
Through July 21, get lifetime access to 20TB of Prism Drive Secure Cloud Storage for £63.22 (reg. £1,181.12). You can also choose from 2TB, 5TB, and 10TB storage plans, all of which are over 80% off.
Professionals and personal users alike can benefit from storing any type of file safely on the cloud and freeing up space on their devices and computers. For reference, 20TB can hold about 5 million photos.
One of the most useful features of Prism Drive is that you can access your files on any device from anywhere you happen to go. This means that if you're on a business trip and need a last-minute document, you can access it instantly. You can even use sendable links to share files with colleagues, family, and friends.
Prism Drive offers a variety of user-friendly features, including large file support, easy mobile uploads, and the ability to see your upload progress. It also allows 30-day trash recovery in case you accidentally delete something and a quick file preview to see what it contains before fully opening it up.
One of the more compelling parts of this offer is the lifetime access. For a one-time payment, you can secure 20TB of cloud storage indefinitely. This eliminates the worry of monthly or annual subscription fees, making it a cost-effective solution for long-term data storage.
Please note that Prism Drive doesn't have a downloadable app, but mobile users can utilise the web-based browser.
Through July 21, new users can get lifetime access to 20TB of Prism Drive Secure Cloud Storage for £63.22 (reg. £1,181.12).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
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