Just because summer is ending (yes, I will admit it) doesn't mean that the day trips or weekend getaways must stop. If you spent the whole season desperately looking for an outlet, then maybe reward yourself this fall with a power bank? Right now, a few of Anker's best portable chargers are on sale, including the 334 Magnetic Power Bank. The wireless portable charger is down to an all-time low price of $30 from $40 — a 25 percent discount.
Anker's 334 Magnetic Power Bank provides a 7.5W charge without any need for a wire. I don't have this one, but I do have another Anker power bank, and being able to connect without worrying about a cord is a game changer. Worth noting: this accessory is solely for iPhone users and is compatible with the iPhone 12 and above. Plus, you can charge the accessory and your iPhone at the same time if you're only traveling with one plug.
If you're looking for a power bank with more, well, power then check out some of the other deals on Anker accessories. Anker's Qi2 Certified 15W MagGo Power Bank is down to $70 from $90 — a 22 percent discount. The accessory is one of our top picks for 2024's best power banks and portable chargers thanks to features like its fast charging speeds, sturdy kickstand and clear battery percentage indicator. It's compatible with the iPhone 12 and higher, giving you a full charge and about two-thirds of the way to another.
The other option to consider is Anker's 200W Prime Power Bank with three ports and a 100W charging case. It's available for $150, down from $185, and has two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. A clear front display also states how much charge is left (or how long until the power bank is back to 100 percent). It works with laptops and smartphones and can charge two computers at once with 100W each.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/anker-labor-day-deals-including-this-10k-magnetic-power-bank-for-only-30-135615179.html?src=rss
There’s a good chance your iPhone (or other smartphone) is your primary access point to most of your online activities. Everything from checking email to streaming your favorite shows to shopping online happens on our mobile devices, but that flexibility can come at the expense of privacy and overall security. (Yes, your ISP and mobile carrier can see all the sites you're visiting by default.) Using a VPN on your iPhone can give some of the privacy back, while also letting you do things like stream foreign Netflix shows more easily. Here’s everything you need to know about using a VPN on your iPhone.
Choosing the right VPN
What VPN you use — or don't use — makes all the difference. For instance, while Apple offers a VPN-like service in the form of iCloud Private Relay, it's not really a full-service virtual private network. And with a small handful of notable exceptions, it’s imperative not to avoid most free VPNs, as they’re notorious for collecting your personal data and selling it to advertising networks — the very antithesis of what VPNs stand for. So while you’ll have to shell out some money for a good service, many of the top providers offer a free trial period to start.
I suggest you check out our article on the best VPNs, where we recommend a few options and explain what makes each service attractive. Each one supports iOS, and you can find them easily on the App Store. Do your own research and choose one you feel fits your needs and budget.
John P. Falcone/Engadget
Installing a VPN
Once you’ve decided which VPN to install, head to the App Store on your iPhone and search for it. Go through the download and installation process as you would with any other app.
If you haven’t already purchased a VPN subscription, you can once you install the app. Unlike purchasing on the VPN’s website, buying an in-app subscription is extremely easy and only requires verifying the purchase with your Face ID or logging into your Apple ID.
Again, many of the best VPNs also provide limited free bandwidth, so you can test its servers and functionality before investing in a subscription. Typically, they’ll give anywhere from 1GB to 10GB of monthly data, which isn’t a lot at all.
Using a VPN on your iPhone
Now that you have the VPN installed on your iPhone and purchased the subscription, you’re ready to start using it. Although each app has a different layout, the basic functionality of every iPhone VPN is the same.
There’ll be a list of all the available servers where you can choose the country (or city) you want to connect to. Then, all you need to do is press the big “Connect” button. It’s pretty simple to use an iPhone VPN.
If you’re tech-savvy, you can tweak a few other settings, such as enabling a kill switch, choosing which protocol to use and turning on auto-connect.
While installing the app of your chosen VPN provider should integrate it into your iPhone's networking options, there's an alternate configuration route — one that you may need to use if you're installing a corporate or school VPN. Enter the Settings app on your iPhone, go to VPN & Device Management section under General, and click "Add VPN Configuration." You'll need details like the server address and remote ID, as well as your username and password, of course.
Making sure your iPhone VPN works
This screenshot was not taken from London.
whatismyipaddress.com
Once you turn the VPN on, you should see a square VPN sign where all the network icons are in the top right of your iPhone screen. This means that you’re connected to your VPN. However, there are a few things you can do to double-check.
To start, you could check your IP address at a site like whatismyipaddress.com — first with the VPN off, then with it on. If the number (and the location on the map) doesn't change, that means your VPN is not properly engaged.
Another method is to set your VPN for another country and open your streaming platform of choice. If you notice that the content library differs from what you usually see, your VPN is correctly place-shifting your location. For instance, you'll no longer find Friends on US Netflix, but (as of the time of this writing) it's available for streaming when you set your location to the UK.
TL;DR
Installing a VPN on your iPhone is extremely simple. If you already have a VPN subscription, installing it on your phone gives you an additional level of privacy and geographic flexibility. For those new to VPNs, read our best VPNs article, purchase a subscription, install it and you’re ready to start using a VPN on your iPhone.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/how-to-use-a-vpn-on-your-iphone-124543616.html?src=rss
Samsung's first 5K monitor is now on sale at Amazon for almost half off its original price. The company announced the ViewFinity S9 5K monitor at CES 2023 and released it first in South Korea before bringing it to the United States with a list price of $1,599 in July last year. Now, you can get the 27-inch monitor for only $830, 48 percent less than its list price and the lowest we've seen the device go for on the e-commerce website. To note, ViewFinity S9 is comparable to the 27-inch Apple Studio Display, which is also a 5K monitor that will set you back at least $1,599.
The ViewFinity S9 has a 5,120 x 2,880 resolution, 218 pixels per inch, 99 percent DCI-P3 that delivers color saturation and a 60Hz refresh rate. It was designed with creatives in mind and has a matte display to reduce light reflections. The monitor also comes with an Intelligent Eye Care mode that automatically optimizes brightness, reduces blue light and eliminates screen flickering in order to reduce eye strain.
You can connect it to both Windows and Mac devices, thanks to its DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, so you can use it as a monitor for various PCs. If you stream or attend video calls frequently, you can use its built-in SlimFit 4K camera that's also compatible with both Macs and Windows computers.
The monitor is Apple AirPlay-compatible and will be able to mirror or extend your screen, which you help you boost your productivity. If you're looking at lengthy documents and a vertical screen would be ideal, you can pivot the monitor 90 degrees to keep reading without scrolling as much. In addition, you can just as easily use it for entertainment, because it comes embedded with several smart TV apps, as well as Samsung's Gaming Hub.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/samsungs-27-inch-5k-viewfinity-s9-monitor-is-48-percent-off-at-amazon-for-labor-day-123013009.html?src=rss
Instant cameras have become a popular category for one simple reason: they’re fun. You can whip one out at a party or event and take a snap, then a couple of minutes later you have a real, physical, instant photo that everyone can touch, feel and enjoy instead of staring at a screen. It’s also a lot cooler than a smartphone shot thanks to the retro, nostalgic vibes of analog photography.
Given the large number of camera brands on the market, choosing one can be tricky. That’s why we’ve put together this buying guide that will help you choose the best instant camera for you based on factors like price, instant film size, photo quality and more.
Best instant cameras for 2026
What to consider before buying an instant camera
The main factor for most people is the size of the film. When most people think of retro instant cameras, they think of a square image size. That’s why Instagram, which used to have a Polaroid-like app icon, only supported square images for years. If that’s what you want, then Fuji’s Square or either of Polaroid’s formats are best.
However, if you want as large an image as possible, Fujifilm’s Instax wide is the way to go. For those who prefer a smaller size to pin on their fridge or slip in an envelope (or the cheaper film), Fujifilim’s Instax Mini or Polaroid’s Go format are best.
With that in mind, here are the choices. Fujifilm’s Instax alone offers three formats: Mini, Square and Wide, with film sizes of 3.4 x 2.1 inches, 3.4 x 2.8 inches and 3.4 x 4.3 inches. The corresponding image sizes are 2.44 x 1.81 inches, 2.44 x 2.44 inches and 2.44 x 3.9 inches.
Leica’s Sofort 2 and Lomography models also uses Fujifilm’s Mini format, while Polaroid’s smaller Go format is 2.64 x 2.13 inches (1.81 x 1.83-inch image) and its i-Type size is 3.46 x 4.21 inches, with a square image size of 3.11 x 3.11 inches.
As for prices, Fujifilm’s Instax films are generally around $1 - $1.20 per shot for square or wide color film and $.60 - $.75 for mini color film. Those prices go up a bit if you choose custom models with colorful or patterned borders, and down if you buy in bulk. Polaroid’s i-Type film is a bit more at about $2.00 per shot or $1.00 - $1.35 per shot for Go color film.
Image quality isn’t really the point with instant cameras of course, as they’re always going to be fuzzy compared to digital photos. However, some models (notably Fujifilm and Polaroid models) are a bit better than others.
And in terms of pricing for the cameras themselves, models with larger film are generally more expensive. It also increases if you add hybrid features like USB-C connectivity, smartphone sharing, the ability to print out photos and more, along with niceties like a selfie mirror. The best, most feature-laden cameras can cost upwards of $200 and basic versions can be well under $100.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/best-instant-camera-120034778.html?src=rss
HMD’s Barbie Phone, the novelty device for Y2K-nostalgic hot pink aficionados, finally has pricing and release info. The Mattel-sanctioned champion of tardy movie tie-ins launches in October — only 15 months after Greta Gerwig’s movie hit theaters! — for $129.
The handset is the creation of Human Mobile Devices (HMD), which currently owns the branding rights to Nokia phones. Rather than a smartphone replacement, the Barbie Phone is a retro-styled flip phone (positively Nokida-esque) with a T9 keyboard and no third-party apps in sight. The company pitches it as “the perfect tool to live your best life and take a vacation from your smartphone.”
You won’t find any social media apps, but the phone still makes calls and sends texts. When powering the handset up, you’ll be greeted by a “Hi Barbie” voice before you fire up Malibu Snake for a tribute to OG mobile gaming. Its keypad (in “Barbie pink,” of course) has hidden designs like palm trees, hearts and flamingos that light up in the dark. Because why the hell not?!
HMD
The Barbie Phone has a 5MP camera with a flash that “delivers authentic Y2K style images.” It ships with two alternate covers in addition to the standard one. The two plates include one honoring “the brightly colored swirls of the 1992’s iconic Totally Hair Barbie doll” and another with a shooting-heart design.
Also in the box is a pastel-beaded phone strap that you can adorn with charms like a tiny roller skate or a “Barbie doll-sized ice cream.” You’ll also get sparkly stick-on gems and retro vintage Barbie stickers (including flowers, flamingos and rainbows) to decorate the phone to your heart’s content. It even has a pink USB-C charger.
Naturally, the phone has a Barbie-themed user interface (described as “achingly easy to navigate”), themed wallpapers and app icons. Since HMD is branding the handset as a vacation from smartphone hell, it even includes a digital well-being app.
The Barbie Phone will be available on October 1 for $129. It will ship unlocked and ready to activate on AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon networks. You can pre-order it from HMD’s website beginning on September 23.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/the-retro-barbie-flip-phone-arrives-in-october-only-15-months-after-the-movie-230136984.html?src=rss
Google Meet is getting a new AI tool called take notes for me, which will generate summaries of key points during a video call. Rather than offering a word-by-word transcription, this feature uses Gemini AI to record key discussion points in a Google Doc that will appear in the meeting owner's Google Drive. The document can be automatically sent to the attendees or added to the calendar event after the call. It will also include links to the meeting recording and transcript if those features have been enabled.
Google Workspace customers with the Gemini Enterprise, Gemini Education Premium, and AI Meetings & Messaging add-ons will be the first to have access to this note-taking feature. Its use is currently limited to English language and to meetings on computers or laptops.
The tech company announced plans to include generative AI in more services last year, and has been aggressive in putting AI features into its hardware and software since then. Its Gemini AI assistant is getting baked into Android and into its Workspace apps. As always, the usefulness of these features may vary depending on how well the AI works and how accurate it is. The specter of Google's AI Overviews telling people to eat glue pizza will likely continue to hang over its ongoing efforts in this space.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/googles-gemini-ai-can-now-take-notes-on-your-meet-video-calls-215741583.html?src=rss
It's only been four months since we reviewed the latest Intel version of the XPS 13, but now Dell has released a model built for Microsoft's Copilot+ AI PC initiative. It's running Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X Elite chip, making it an Arm-based laptop like the recent Surface Pro and Surface Laptop. But with that mobile-focused hardware comes new expectations: More battery efficiency than Intel's x86 chips, as well dramatically faster AI capabilities thanks to its beefier NPU (neural processing unit). As with all Arm-based Windows systems, though, there's also the potential for trouble with older x86 apps, which may run slowly through emulation or simply not launch at all.
It's undoubtedly a chaotic time for the PC industry, as chipmakers and PC companies build for an uncertain AI-powered future. For consumers, that just means confusion. That's partially why Microsoft kicked off the Copilot+ program to begin with, since it requires system makers to include at least 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage and an NPU with at least 40 TOPS (tera-ops per second) of AI performance. If it says Copilot+ on the box, it should be a decent PC.
So does this XPS 13 live up to the Copilot+ branding? Mostly, it turns out. And it's fascinating to see how it compares to the current Intel version of the very same product.
What's new about the XPS 13 Copilot+ AI PC?
The biggest addition to this XPS 13 — and the main reason we’re reviewing it — is that Snapdragon X Elite chip. Everything else about this XPS 13 is the same as the previous iteration. There's its strikingly minimalist design, with an "invisible" touchpad that blends into the wrist rest, as well as large-capped keys running edge-to-edge. And don't forget the capacitive function row, which remains a baffling feature.
If you want a deeper take on the XPS 13's design, just take a look at my previous review. In short, though, it's a machine that basically prioritizes looks over usability. It's light, sturdy and dramatically different from every other laptop out there. But to get there, Dell made the trackpad harder to use (it's not quite as accurate as Apple's MacBooks or Microsoft’s Surface PCs), and its capacitive function row is simply a pain.
As for the XPS 13's new Snapdragon X Elite chip, it features 12 cores running up to 3.4GHz, with a dual-core boot reaching 4GHz. In comparison, the Intel variant's Core Ultra 7 155H chip offers 16 cores and reaches up to 4.8GHz. Qualcomm has the advantage with a more powerful 45 TOPS NPU, compared to Intel’s 10 TOPS, but I haven’t found that to make a huge difference with the few AI features in Windows 11 today. As the benchmarks below show, bigger chip numbers don't always lead to better performance.
PCMark 10
Geekbench 6 CPU
3DMark Wildlife Extreme
Cinebench 2024
Dell XPS 13 Copilot+ (Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite)
14,024 (Applications)
2,621/14,194
6,191
122/748
Microsoft Surface Pro (2024, Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite)
12,615 (Applications)
2,769/13,842
6,430
120/770
Dell XPS 13 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, Intel Arc)
6,806
2,276/11,490
4,579
90/453
Apple MacBook Air (M3)
N/A
3,190/12,102
8,310
141/490
What's good about the XPS 13 Copilot+?
In short, this XPS 13 delivers most of what you'd want from a modern ultraportable, while also preparing you for a potential future with more AI-powered apps and features. It’s attractive, fast (for most apps, anyway) and sturdy. It’s also the perfect system if you want to stand out a bit, since it looks unlike any other laptop out there.
It runs most productivity apps well, and had no problem multitasking when I had dozens of tabs open across Chrome and Edge, while video conferencing in Zoom and chatting with colleagues on Slack.
Across most benchmarks like Geekbench 6 and Cinebench 2024, this XPS 13 easily trounced its Intel sibling by several thousand points.
Qualcomm’s 45 TOPS Snapdragon X Elite NPU makes the Copilot+ XPS 13 more future-proof than the current Intel model.
Battery life was excellent, reaching an average of 17 hours and 47 minutes after running the PCMark 10 Applications battery benchmark twice. It's worth noting it took several software updates to get to this result, but our testing consistently shows it holding around that time. In comparison, the Intel XPS 13 lasted for 13 hours and 15 minutes. Microsoft’s Surface Pro Copilot+ system, meanwhile, ran for twelve hours and 15 minutes in the Applications test.
Dell's XPS 13 keyboard is lusciously wide and delivers excellent feedback. It may take a bit of getting used to though, since the spacing differs from most other notebooks.
I tested the XPS 13's base-level 1080p+ non-touchscreen display, and while it wasn't as glorious as the OLED-equipped XPS devices I've seen, it still looked sharp and colorful.
As always, Dell's thin InfinityEdge bezels also help the screen pop even more.
Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget
What's bad about the XPS 13 Copilot+ AI PC?
Take most of the downsides from the Intel version of the XPS 13, as well as problems still plaguing Arm-based Windows devices like the Surface Pro, and you've got the big issues with the XPS 13 Copilot+ PC.
Some emulated x86 apps like Evernote run into noticeable slowdowns. I often encountered lag when switching between notes, as well as scrolling down long documents.
The built-in AI features in Paint and Photos are mostly useless, and it's still unclear when the long-awaited Recall feature will arrive for general users.
We also don't know when to expect any other AI features in the OS, or when other developers will start releasing more AI capabilities in their apps.
Games like Fortnite, Destiny 2 and League of Legends won't run on the XPS 13, because their anti-cheat software isn't compatible with Arm chips.
I'm still not a fan of the XPS 13's invisible trackpad. It's sometimes hard to locate and swiping around isn't as smooth as on Apple's MacBook Air.
The XPS 13 desperately needs more than two USB-C ports, otherwise many users will be stuck living the dongle life.
The capacitive function row still disappears in direct sunlight and it's impossible to use without directly looking at it. After all, it's hard to build up touch typing memory without physical keys.
Check out those disappearing function buttons!
Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget
Should you buy the XPS 13 Copilot+ AI PC?
The XPS 13 typically starts at $1,300 with the Snapdragon X Elite chip, 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. At the time of this review, it’s currently on sale for $999, but it’s unclear how long that discount will last. The Intel model also starts at $1,300 with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, but you’ll have to add another $100 to get 16GB of memory. (The Intel XPS 13 was recently marked down to $1,200, so don’t be surprised if you see Dell’s prices fluctuate frequently.)
If you need a powerful 13-inch laptop right now, the XPS 13 Copilot+ is a solid choice. Just be wary of the downsides and potential software issues I mentioned above. If you're on the fence, though, it may be worth waiting until Dell refreshes the XPS 13 once again with Intel's new Lunar Lake CPU. That's expected to arrive this fall, and it'll feature an NPU that's even faster than the Snapdragon X Elite's. And since it's an x86 chip, the Lunar Lake XPS 13 won't have to emulate older software, and it will also be able to run games like Fortnite.
Update 8/30 11:10AM: After installing the latest updates from Dell and Windows, the XPS 13's battery life jumped to 17:38 in PCMark 10's benchmark. We've repeated this test twice to confirm the higher figure. For this reason, we're increasing the XPS 13's score from 80 to 84.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/dell-xps-13-copilot-review-a-capable-ai-pc-but-windows-on-arm-issues-remain-200050685.html?src=rss
X, in its quest to become an “everything app,” is working a new feature that seems to be geared more for its own employees than its actual users. The company is testing its own version of Zoom, called X Conference.
X employee Chris Park said the company was testing the tool internally, in a post on X spotted byTechCrunch. Based on Park’s screenshot and description of the tool, it sounds like it’s a fairly basic version of multi-person video conferencing compared with Zoom or Google Meet. He said the ability to pin speakers and improved notifications are “likely coming” to the tool, which he claimed was “already a really strong alternative to Google Hangouts, Zoom, AWS Chime, and certainly... Microsoft Teams.” Elon Musk also briefly weighed in, posting a fire emoji in response to Park’s post.
First ever 𝕏 Conference meeting with some of my great @X and @XDevelopers teammates.
Already a really strong alternative to Google Hangouts, Zoom, AWS Chime, and certainly... Microsoft Teams 🤠
Minimal feedback that is likely coming: - better vis or notification when someone… pic.twitter.com/FJ252w6m4C
App researcher Nima Owji also spotted the feature earlier this month, posting a screenshot that indicates X Conference will support spatial audio and have built-in captions. But even with those features, it’s not at all clear that there is any demand for an X-owned video conferencing platform outside of its own employees.
The app already supports person-to-person video calls as well as public broadcasts over Spaces. X has repeatedly struggled with technical difficulties during high-profile streams, like Musk’s recent talk with Donald Trump. Musk blamed the issues on a “DDOS attack,” an explanation that has been questioned by some security experts and former employees.
While it’s unclear who X is targeting with its new video conferencing feature, it wouldn’t be the first time the company has ventured into seemingly corporate-friendly features. X also added a job search tool last year and Musk has said he wants X to make a “cool” version of LinkedIn.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/x-is-working-on-its-own-version-of-zoom-for-some-reason-194054470.html?src=rss
Samsung’s SmartTag 2 has dropped to a record-low price. Woot has a four-pack of the item trackers for only $60. That’s $40 off the bundle’s usual price and $10 under its previous low. Included in Engadget’s list of the best Bluetooth trackers, Samsung’s device supports Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) for Samsung’s network of Galaxy phones.
Samsung’s second-gen AirTag alternative has an oblong design with a metal ring inside for improved durability. The accessory has IP67 dust and water resistance, an improvement over the previous model. If you want extra protection for the accessory, Samsung makes an optional silicone case for the tag.
The battery in the SmartTag 2 (a CR2032 watch battery) can last 500 days in Normal Mode or 700 days in Power Saving Mode. It also includes a Lost Mode, which lets anyone with an NFC-compatible device tap the tag to scan it and view the owner’s contact info (if you choose to share it) and an optional personalized message. And if you misplace an item with an attached tag, you can activate a Compass View, which displays its direction and distance from your phone.
The biggest limit is that the accessory isn’t universally compatible: It requires a Samsung phone or tablet running at least Android 8.0. Although the SmartTag 2 isn’t part of Google and Apple’s anti-stalking measures, rolled out earlier this year, Samsung included an “Unknown tag alerts” feature. This feature sends an alert to anyone the tag moves with, providing instructions to remove the battery and power it down if needed.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/a-four-pack-of-samsung-smarttag-2-trackers-drops-to-60-for-labor-day-191955308.html?src=rss
Due to a “challenging external environment,” Sony will increase the PS5’s price in Japan by 19 percent. The new price of the standard PS5 model will be ¥79,980 (about $554) and will come into effect by September 2, 2024. Prices for the console in other countries are not affected.
It’s important to note that Sony raised PS5 prices around the world two years ago, with the exception of the US. Similar to the Japanese price hike, Sony also remarked that “challenging economic decisions” led to this difficult decision. Without getting into specifics, the console isn’t the only product about to cost more, as accessories like the DualSense controller and PlayStation VR2 are also experiencing price hikes.
A price hike this late into the console’s life and by this much is rather unusual, and Sony is expecting fewer PS5 sales for the fiscal 2025 year. But despite that slowdown, the PS5 reached 50 million sales last year and is outselling the Xbox Series X/S by a wide margin.
There are also rumors that a PS5 Pro will come out this fall. While it’s not likely why the PS5’s price in Japan is increasing, it’s still a potential factor in how Sony considers pricing the current model. Nevertheless, the PS5 Pro is still unconfirmed.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/sony-hikes-the-playstation-5-price-in-japan-by-19-percent-160557944.html?src=rss