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Bose is updating its popular QuietComfort Ultra earbuds with improved ANC, true wireless charging, and better call quality.
The second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds will launch at the $299 price point.
The company is also adding a Bose SoundLink Plus Portable speaker and updating the Bose SoundLink Micro.
Bose is refreshing its consumer audio lineup with a second-generation model of the popular QuietComfort Ultra earbuds and two new portable speakers. The original Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds were a hit, and the company is improving on that initial success by adding wireless charging, improved ANC, and more at a $299 price point. An all-new portable speaker, the SoundLink Plus Portable, is coming alongside a second-generation SoundLink Micro speaker as well.
Of course, AI is at the heart of the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds upgrades. There are new AI algorithms being used to identify and cancel out bursts of noise when active noise-canceling is enabled. This builds upon Bose’s existing ActiveSense ANC mode, and coincides with better call quality and voice recognition, according to the company.
The earbuds include a tweaked design and a bright colorway, Deep Plum, that joins Black and White Smoke. A clever trick Bose is introducing with the second-gen QuietComfort Ultra earbuds is the earwax guard, which is built into the earbuds to prevent earwax buildup.
The second-generation QuietComfort Ultra earbuds now feature wireless charging and will last for a total of six hours with ANC enabled. This solves a strange quirk with the first-generation model, which needed a separate sleeve to charge wirelessly. Now, it’s all built into the charging case.
Alongside the upcoming second-gen QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are two new wireless speakers. TheSoundLink Plus Portableis a midsize portable speaker with IP67 waterproofing and 20-hour battery life, priced at $269. It’s sure to be a hip option with bright and vibrant colorways including Citrus Yellow. Pre-orders are available starting now.
There’s also a new model of the Bose SoundLink Micro speaker, which is a more compact offering. It has USB-C charging, a 12-hour battery life, and will launch in the coming months for $129 in blue or black colorways.
These are the best Kindles and e-readers you can buy, based on our testing and hands-on use.
Love reading but hate lugging books around? Look, I love the smell and feel of real paper as much as the next guy, but when I’m getting ready for a long trip I reach for the best e-reader I can get my hands on to keep me entertained.
There are more e-readers than ever on the market, and my team and I regularly review the top new models fromAmazon, Kobo, ReMarkable and more. But while they all have their strengths and weaknesses, I regularly recommend theAmazon Kindle Paperwhitebecause it doesn’t cost much more than the basic Kindle, yet you get premium features like (limited) waterproofing and adjustable screen warmth for a more comfortable reading experience.
Of course, the basicAmazon Kindleremains one of the best values in e-readers, especially if you don’t mind putting up with lock screen ads to save a little money up front. But if you’re willing to pay a little more for a truly luxurious e-reader, I recommend theKindle Colorsoftbecause it offers all the benefits of the Paperwhite Signature Edition with the added bonus of a color display.
+Balanced and bright backlight +Large screen +Waterproof +Absurd battery life
Reasons to avoid
-Costs $10 more -Bad power button location
The latestKindlePaperwhite is a study in understated competence. The latest model sports the same basic look as previous Kindles and Kindle Paperwhite models, including the matte black shell and an e-ink screen, but the latest Paperwhite has a bigger-than-ever 7-inch screen that makes it easier to focus on what you’re reading. I also love that the bezels are small and thin, so you tend to forget they’re there when engrossed in a good book.
The Kindle Paperwhite’s sharp 300-ppi display is supported by an array of 17 LED backlights, which affords you the small luxury of incredibly even lighting. Plus, it offers a robust level of waterproofing (IPX8-rated) protection. So while you probably don’t want to take it in the pool, a quick drop in a puddle or bathtub might not spell the end.
The latest model is worth buying because it offers faster performance and smoother page-flipping than earlier Kindles. Flipping through pages is 25% faster than before, and black text on white backgrounds appears clearer and more defined. Though we wish the power button had been moved to the top, we like this e-reader’s premium design and appearance.
The only shortcoming? The latest Paperwhite costs $10 more than the previous model. While that’s a bummer, there are regular sales on Amazon that should help lower the cost if you wait for a good opportunity. But even if you pay full price, I think the Kindle Paperwhite is the best e-reader for most people thanks to its elegant design, premium features and robust library.
+Lightweight, comfortable design +Bright, crisp display +Killer battery life
Reasons to avoid
-Not waterproof -Lacks warm display light options
The Amazon Kindle is a great e-reader that meets every need by being bright, long-lasting and comfortable to carry on long trips. The fact that you’re locked into Amazon’s ecosystem is a drag, but you can’t knock the Kindle itself for Amazon’s customer-unfriendly business practices.
That’s not to say it’s perfect, of course. There’s room for improvement, like the fact that it’s still not waterproof. So while I recommend it as a great Kindle at a killer price, it’s key you don’t take it in the bath with you. This remains the biggest differentiator between it and the more expensive Paperwhite, and it feels like a slightly arbitrary difference intended to justify charging more for the Paperwhite.
Also, I missed having the option adjust the warmth of the display light, another minor but meaningful Paperwhite feature — though if you’re fine with using dark mode it’s easy to move past that shortcoming. Admittedly, if Amazon fixed those things there would be no reason to get the Paperwhite, so while we’re disappointed, we aren’t shocked that the base Kindle doesn’t get these useful features.
Ultimately though, the Kindle 2022 is probably the best Kindle for most people. It’s lightweight and comfortable to hold, the display is bright and crisp — a massive improvement over earlier models — and the battery lasts for ages. Unless you really need a waterproof Kindle, it’s tough to advocate spending more than the $100 you’ll pay for a new Amazon Kindle (2022).
-Distracting interface (in adult mode) -So-so text resolution
The Kids Edition is a version of the basic Kindle that’s optimized for children by chipping away some of the non-essential cruft that fills up a regular Kindle and including features that make it well-suited for parents and families.
Kids will appreciate the brightly-colored protective cases, for example, while parents will love Amazon’s 2-year no-questions-asked warranty. Even better, there are no lock screen ads on these Kindles, a nicety I wish Amazon would extend to the whole lineup.
In fact, the Kids Edition is so close to my ideal Kindle interface that I wish Amazon would offer it as a mode for adults who just want to read books without having to look at ads or be hassled by Goodreads prompts.
But there isn’t much else that sets the Kids Editions of Amazon’s Kindle e-readers apart from their mainline counterparts. These e-readers sport the same 6-inch, 167 ppi display and front lighting as the base Kindle, with the same thick chunk of plastic beneath the e-paper display for easy gripping.
One last extra benefit these kid-friendly slates offer for children: helpful vocabulary building tools and a free year of Amazon’s Amazon Kids+ (a $60 value), which has thousands of kid-friendly books to read.
Best color Kindle
4. Amazon Kindle Colorsoft
Best color Kindle
Specifications
Resolution (Pixels Per Inch):300
Dimensions (Inches):7 x 5 x 0.3 inches
Weight (Ounces):7.7 ounces
Claimed Battery Life:8 weeks
Physical Page Turn Buttons:No
Built-In Light:Yes
Water Resistance:Yes, IPX8
Screen Size (Inches):7
Storage:32GB
Reasons to buy
+Sharp color display +Comfortable design +Robust Kindle library +Long battery life
Reasons to avoid
-Pricier than other Kindles
The new Kindle Colorsoft features all the benefits of a Kindle, only in glorious color. If you want to see your books’ covers or read comics in color, this is the Kindle you’ve been waiting for.
Design-wise, the Colorsoft is identical to the new Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition. It has a 7-inch 300ppi screen that can display both black-and-white and color images, though the latter drops to 150ppi. Don’t worry, as everything still appears nice and sharp even at that lower resolution. Black-and-white content looks better than ever thanks to the display’s higher contrast that makes black lines and text pop on what backgrounds.
We don’t mind that Amazon didn’t radically redesign the Colorsoft since we’re fans of that classic form factor. As before, the matte-black chassis feels good to hold and prevents the device from slipping from your hand. Even though it’s too big to fit inside of a normal-sized pocket, the Colorsoft is slim and light enough to slip into and carry around in your backpack. Unfortunately, the power button still resides on the bottom of the Kindle.
The Kindle Colorsoft finally delivers the promise of a color Kindle. While it’s expensive at $280, we think it’s well worth the price.
The best for writers
5. ReMarkable Paper Pro
The best e-reader for writers
Specifications
Resolution (Pixels Per Inch):229
Dimensions (Inches):10.8 x 7.7 x 0.2 inches
Weight (Ounces):18.56
Claimed Battery Life:Up to 2 weeks
Physical Page Turn Buttons:USB-C, accessory port
Built-In Light:Yes
Water Resistance:No
Screen Size (Inches):11.8 inches
Storage:64GB
Reasons to buy
+Color helps documents pop +Colors and art tools are fun to use +Backlight is nice to have +Slim, elegant design
Reasons to avoid
-Display often feels slow -Lag on some art tools means there’s a learning curve
While the new Kindle Scribe (2024) is available and offers the option of writing on its e-reader display, the high price of the Scribe makes it hard to recommend. Because of that, we think the ReMarkable Paper Pro is a better choice for those who want an e-reader they can write on.
I say that because it’s an e-reader designed for writers and note-takers. The ReMarkable Paper Pro is built for writing, to the extent that you can’t buy one without a ReMarkable Marker or Marker Plus (which has an eraser tool on the back) bundled in.
And while you can read your favorite ebooks just fine on this slate, you should only buy them if you also want to write on them or jot down your own notes as you go. This tablet is designed to mimic the feeling of putting pen to paper, and I genuinely enjoy the feeling of jotting down notes or editing manuscripts on the 11.8-inch e-paper display in action.
This is the first ReMarkable tablet to support color, too, which is fun if not vital to the tablet’s mission. It supports less than ten colors, but you can still get a pretty good range of colors popping up both in books and under your stylus as you play with the suite of art tools included.
But you should know that this tablet is as slow to update as any other e-reader on this list, due to its e-paper nature. In my testing, I found that I would often notice a delay between when I drew a line or flipped a page and when the action actually happened on-screen.
So while this is a unique device that offers standout value for writers who want a tablet that mimics the feel of pen on paper while you’re reading or marking up PDFs, everyone else should go with a more affordable, more durable Kindle for their e-reading habits.
Battery life claims compared
E-readers are built to go weeks between charges, a clear advantage these pint-sized slates offer over bigger, brighter, more capable tablets like the iPad. Sure, you can read ebooks on any tablet with the right apps, but an e-reader will last a week-long vacation in your bag without needing to be plugged in—can your iPad do that?
In fact, the lengthy battery life of these slates makes them challenging for us to test, because we have to use them for months at a time to see if the battery claims are accurate. We have done that on occasion, and we’ve found that in general manufacturer claims are pretty close to what we actually see in real-world use.
Since battery life is a key data point that can help some people choose between e-readers, we’ve compared the advertised battery life of all the tablets on this page below so you can quickly see which last the longest.
Battery life claims
E-reader
Battery life (tested)
Amazon Kindle
Up to 6 weeks
Amazon Kindle Kids Edition
Up to 5 weeks
Amazon Kindle Scribe
Up to 12 weeks
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Up to 10 weeks
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition
Up to 10 weeks
Amazon Kindle Oasis
Up to 6 weeks
ReMarkable Paper Pro
Up to 2 weeks
As you can see, the Kindle Paperwhite is the clear leader of the pack with an advertised battery life of up to ten weeks.
Note that Amazon typically couches these recommendations with the caveat that it’s based on you using the tablet to read for about 30 minutes per day, with the brightness set a few pegs lower than max. If you tend to read more often, you’ll likely need to charge more often too.
How to choose the best e-reader for you
Let’s start with your budget, as that’s the easiest way to make this call. If you’re running tight right now, the entry-level Kindle is a solid recommendation. Its lighting is good enough for a handful of situations and its battery life is nothing to sneeze at. Frankly, as long as you’re careful about keeping it out of the water I think the basic Kindle is just as good an e-reader as anything on this list.
But hey, if money is no option then you should probably be choosing between the Kindle Paperwhite and the Kindle Oasis, and this is sort of tough. If you prefer your devices to be built with a harder plastic, that still feels reliable, then I recommend the Paperwhite. It offers the same water resistance as the Oasis, and is similar in many regards.
But if you’re tired of futzing with menus and changing brightness, you probably want the Kindle Oasis. Its display automatically adjusts to ambient lighting situations, maybe its best unique feature overall — as its metallic, not-symmetrical design is a bit divisive in our office.
And of course, if you want to be able to jot notes on what you’re reading you’ll probably want to choose between the Kindle Scribe or the ReMarkable Paper Pro. The Kindle Scribe is cheaper, but if you really love the look and feel of handwriting I recommend you at least try to check out ReMarkable’s Paper Pro because, while it’s more expensive, it also has a far more advanced stylus and screen that make it almost feel like you’re writing on paper. It’s a niche experience, but I’ve never felt anything like it on any other tablet.
How to download ebooks
Once you have a good ereader, you need a good library to fill it.
First and foremost, you should check out our guide on how toget free ebooksfrom sources like Amazon, public libraries, the public domain and more. If you have a Kindle you can send files in a range of formats (including .doc, .epub and .pdf) to your e-reader via Amazon’sSend to Emailfeature, though that may not always be the case.
I say that because Amazon has a history of subtly changing its services over time to make them less useful. In early 2025, for example, Amazon stopped allowing you to download your Kindle eBooks as backups. You can still redownload books you’ve purchased on Amazon as many times as you want, but you can no longer back up your library and retain access in the event Amazon decides to stop letting you download a specific book.
If you don’t own a Kindle, you have to deal with the hassle of not having easy access to Amazon’s DRM-ridden Kindle ebook store. I’ve found a few great places on the web to buy books even if you don’t use the Kindle store, so check out our list of the5 best places to buy DRM-free ebooksand keep an eye out for deals!
To keep reading even when your e-reader is charging, I recommend you also download thebest e-book reader appsfor your smartphone or tablet.
How to get free ebooks from your library
As I mentioned above, your local public library is a great place to get free ebooks. You can check out our in-depth guide tohow to read library books for free on your Kindle or other e-reader(including Kobos), but here’s a quick rundown of how to get free ebooks from your library to your Kindle.
Visit your local library and get a library card for free
Download the Libby app on Android/iOS and plug in your library card info
Borrow whatever book(s) you like via Libby
Select your book from the Libby list and tap “Manage Loan,” then tap the “Read With…” option. Choose “Kindle” to connect to your Amazon account and send the library book to your Kindle!
How we tested these e-readers
To start, we reada loton these Kindles. We don’t just do that to see how much battery life is drained in a set of time (and to then compare against the estimations these manufacturers provide), but to discover what we like and don’t like about a given Kindle. We then keep reading. At home, on the bus, in the park and anywhere else where the lighting changes.
In addition to evaluating e-readers’ size, weight, claimed battery life and design choices, we test their brightness using our light meter. The experience of reading on the device also plays a huge role in these reviews. For instance, we look at the intuitiveness of the interface, the size of the available library and how well the special features (such as web browsers or dictionaries) work.
We’ve also tried alternatives to the Kindle, such as theKobo Nia. While it’s not one of our best picks, its interface is great for those who want to stay focused on books, and isn’t as focused on supplementary content as Amazon’s Kindles are.
We even drop water-proof Kindles into our makeshift dunk tank, and watch as they survive — the first time it was surprising, and now it’s become something we expect. Lastly, we try and see if Amazon’s changed anything about how Kindles work with public libraries. It’s the one thing we prefer about competitors.
The use of helium in mechanical hard drives has revolutionized storage technology. But is it really the better choice for all applications?
Image: Toshiba
Air is traditionally used as a filling medium in hard drives. However, because of its higher density, it creates resistance, which increases energy consumption and puts more strain on the mechanical components. This is an issue in hard drives that pack in a lot of data since it can slow things down.
Helium, though, is way less dense than air (about seven times less), so there’s a lot less resistance. That means the parts inside don’t have to work as hard, it uses less power, and the drive lasts longer.
HDDs with helium filling offer higher capacities and faster data transfers than classic magnetic drives but are still too expensive for private PC use.
IDG
A key advantage of helium is that it allows more discs to be fitted into a compact housing, significantly increasing storage capacity. This is an important benefit for data centers where space and energy efficiency are critical.
Lower friction in helium HDDs also enables more precise movement of the read and write heads, improving both speed and reliability. However, helium in HDDs isn’t without drawbacks: it tends to escape through even the smallest leaks. To counter this, manufacturers use complex sealing techniques, which raise production costs.
Additionally, helium is a limited resource in high demand across other industries, such as medicine. Even with recycling efforts, long-term availability remains a concern.
For private users, the advantages of helium HDDs are usually not decisive. The higher price is only worthwhile for extreme storage needs in very limited space. In most cases, conventional HDDs orconsumer SSDsare the cheaper and often more powerful alternative.
By now, it’s well-established that Apple doesn’t just make iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks.The Cupertino-based giant has built an entire lineup of accessories to complement its main products, including a steadily growing audio range. Since Apple announced the first-generation AirPods nearly a decade ago, it has added eight more models to its portfolio. Apple’s AirPods primarily fall into three categories: the standard AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.
The standard and pro models are both in-ear, but they differ in fit, features, and price. AirPods Max, on the other hand, are a pair of premium over-ear headphones. After Apple launched the first-generation AirPods Pro, it kept the gap between the standard and Pro models fairly distinct until recently. The Pro line always came at a higher price, which translated to extra features. The key feature that made the Pro lineup stand out was Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). This made it easier for buyers to decide: if you wanted ANC, getting the Pros was the best option. If you simply wanted good-quality earbuds you could jam out with on your hour-long commute, the standard AirPods would get the job done without breaking your wallet.
Last year, Apple introduced two new models to its portfolio: standard AirPods 4 and a higher-tier AirPods model with ANC. Given that Apple added one of the Pro lineup’s most defining features to a non-Pro model, the tech giant has essentially blurred the lines between its standard and Pro offerings.
So, it raises the question: what exactly sets the AirPods 4 with ANC apart from the most recent Pro model, the second-generation AirPods Pro? And more importantly, is the Pro model still worth the extra cash?
AirPods 4 with ANC are cheaper, have good-enough battery life, and the same H2 chip
Let’s begin with what really matters most to the average buyer: the price. The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation retail for $179. On the other hand, the AirPods Pro 2 come in at $249, making them $70 more expensive than the AirPods 4. Since the second-gen AirPods are now nearly three years old, you can find them for much cheaper on third-party websites like Amazon, Best Buy, and eBay.
Interestingly, though the models have a significant price difference, both pack the same powerful H2 chip. Unlike all the previous iterations of the standard AirPods, the new model is equipped with all the advanced audio features of the AirPods Pro 2. This includes features such as Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode, Conversation Awareness, and, of course, ANC.
The AirPods 4 don’t differ much from the Pro 2 in terms of battery life either. The AirPods Pro 2 boast six hours of listening time on a single charge (and 5.5 hours with Spatial Audio and Head Tracking enabled), while the AirPods 4 with ANC offer one hour less, coming down to five hours of listening time (with noise control off).
The battery life of the AirPods 4 with ANC is approximately four hours of listening time on a single charge, with ANC enabled. When it comes to the charging case, both can be charged via a USB-C cable, and popping your buds in for 5 minutes gives you around an hour of listening time. With a fully charged case, you get up to 30 hours of listening time on the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4 with ANC, albeit with the noise control turned off. When ANC is enabled, that number drops to 20 hours.
The AirPods Pro 2’s Active Noise Cancellation is still superior
Apple states that the second-generation AirPods Pro offer twice the Active Noise Cancellation compared to the first-generation AirPods Pro and the AirPods 4 with ANC. A major factor that likely comes into play here is the fact that the AirPods 4 with ANC don’t have silicone ear tips. Both the first-gen and second-gen AirPods Pro have silicone ear tips to “deliver the highest-fidelity audio experience.” Apple claims you’ll experience better noise cancellation and the best sound quality once the fit is right.
The standard AirPods, on the other hand, have always had a hard, one-size-fits-all in-ear design. Although silicone ear tips are preferred by many, a significant number of people find them uncomfortable and mention that they fall out of their ears, as a Redditor has experienced. Despite that, many would still settle for AirPods Pro even when they weren’t fans of the silicone ear tips, since only the Pro models offered Active Noise Cancellation. The AirPods 4 with ANC solve this issue and offer Pro-level features in the standard AirPods form factor. The AirPods 4 also feature a force sensor, similar to the one found in the first-gen AirPods Pro, which allows you to control playback by pressing the stem of an AirPod.
The second-gen AirPods Pro feature Touch Control instead, which lets you adjust the volume with a light swipe up or down. The AirPods Pro 2 also feature a clinical-grade Hearing Aid mode to help those with hearing loss, which the AirPods 4 with ANC lack. In the broader context, the two models don’t differ significantly, and it ultimately comes down to your budget, the type of fit you prefer, and the level of noise cancellation you’re seeking.
ReadyPrint MAX provides an EcoTank printer and ink supply tailored to your needs
(Image credit: Epson)
Epson introduces ReadyPrint MAX, bundling printers and ink via subscription
Plans can be customized based on your printing needs, including number of pages
Ink ships automatically and the printer must stay online to track usage
Epsonhas introduced a new way for users to accessprinting, through a subscription model that closely resembles how many people already pay for phones or streaming services.
The newReadyPrint MAXplan offers customers an EcoTank printer along with regular ink deliveries, starting from as low as the equivalent of $7.99 per month for a 50-page plan.
The model eliminates the need for upfront costs, making it easier to start printing without a large initial purchase.
After selecting a printer that suits their needs, users choose a page plan based on how much they expect to print. The company sends the printer and keeps track of ink levels remotely, delivering new ink before it runs out.
ReadyPrint MAX is compatible with a range of Epson’s EcoTank printers. Models differ in features and price points, covering basic home printing up to higher-volume office use.
Options like the EcoTank ET-2870U and ET-M1170 focus on low-cost printing, while others like the ET-5850U and ET-16650U are aimed at users who need faster speeds, higher capacity, or A3 printouts.
Plans scale with use, offering monthly allowances from 50 to 3,000 pages. Users can change their plan each month if their needs shift, and once the 18-month commitment ends, subscriptions can continue on a monthly basis.
As you might expect, early cancellation fees apply if a user leaves before the minimum period is up, although Epson does offer a 14-day cancellation window at the start.
To keep everything running smoothly, the printer needs to stay connected to the internet, allowing firmware updates and ink tracking.
Ink is delivered proactively, so users don’t need to worry about ordering refills. If a customer chooses to end the plan, the printer must be returned in good condition to avoid a penalty.
ReadyPrint MAX reflects a shift toward service-based models, giving users flexibility in how they access and manage printing at home or in the office. It’s currently offered in select European countries, including the UK and Germany, and is expected to be launched in the USA, which already has ReadyPrint.
Photographing with a pro camera has never been this easy
I’ve loved animals for as long as I can remember, and I always want to capture them in all their glory. But to do that, I need a fast camera that I can use as an extension of myself.
Enter the Canon EOS R5 Mark II: perhaps the easiest pro-level camera to use money can buy right now. Canon has made professional photography more accessible with its flagship.As I noted in my Canon EOS R5 Mark II review, it took me less than a minute to start shooting. Straight out of the box, the EOS R5 Mark II is a beast.
But it’s the camera’s 45MP Stacked CMOS sensor, 1,054 autofocus points and 30fps burst shooting that make it outstanding. Not only is the camera easy to use but it also takes gorgeous photos that appear true to life with faithful color reproduction.
Having tested the EOS R5 Mark II for two weeks, it came very close to dethroning theSony A1 IIas my favorite wildlife camera — and there’s a very big feature behind that reasoning. Let me show you.
Let’s talk about the Canon EOS R5 Mark II’s 45MP Stacked CMOS sensor: what does that mean? The first-gen EOS R5 did not have a stacked sensor, so the EOS R5 Mark II’s stacked nature enables speedier readouts to minimize rolling shutter distortions by improving light collection efficiency.
And boy is it good. The EOS R5 Mark II takes incredible sharp photos, and it retains lots and lots of detail, enabling you to create extreme crops for large format printing or putting the focus on a specific part. Combine that with the EOS R5 Mark II’s 30fps burst capabilities and you’ve got yourself a winner.
Utilizing two imaging processors (DIGIC Accelerator and DIGIC X), the camera captures up to 191 raw images (and 15 frames in pre-capture) at shutter speeds of 1/32,000s — that’sveryfast. This means that you can rely on its autofocus system and follow a subject while keeping the shutter button pressed, and you’ll get plenty of impressive shots, as you can see in the gallery above.
But the reason you’re reading this article is because of my headline where I talk about one feature that has changed how I take photos. And it’s one I haven’t seen on any other camera (yet). It’s called 180MP in-camera upscaling.
Here’s the technical bit: it enhances resolution by 4x by extrapolating the image’s EXIF data, creating stills up to 180MP from the original 45MP image. The 45MP image already gives you lots of resolution for extreme cropping but having a whoppingone hundred and eighty megapixelsat your disposal changes the game.To demonstrate this, I took a photo of a swan and then upscaled it (which ate into my CFExpress card’s memory), which you can see in the gallery above.
While the original files have retained a lot of detail, the upscaled version shows more in the tiny water droplets on the swan’s head.
The first photo is the original 45MP file, the second is a crop of the 45MP file, the third is an upscaled crop, and the fourth is an extreme upscaled crop. While the original files have retained a lot of detail, the upscaled version shows more in the tiny water droplets on the swan’s head.
This is an invaluable features for all types of photography: landscape, portraits, weddings, what-have-you. For wildlife too — if you’re shooting in burst, you can select a range of images to upscale at once. This also means that if you take a photo you don’t think is sharp or high-res enough, in-camera upscaling will save you some grief.
The EOS R5 Mark II is unique, and it has made me wish every camera had this feature — but that would make Canon’s offering ‘just another camera’ and I wouldn’t want that either.
Be my eyes
Here are a couple more photos for you to feast your eyes on. Remember the 1,054 focus points I mentioned earlier? The EOS R5 Mark II uses that many to accurately track birds, animals, humans and vehicles. I was highly impressed by how quickly the camera locked onto both subjects in the gallery above.
I especially love the first shot of the pigeon. While I’m proud of the artistic composition, it wouldn’t have been possible without the EOS R5 Mark II tracking the pigeon in flight. I’m almost tempted to print it out and put it up on my wall.
And that second photo of the squirrel? Funny story: I couldn’t actuallyseethe squirrel with my eyes (yes, even with my prescription glasses on). I could hear it squeaking so I pointed the camera in the direction of the sound and voila: within milliseconds, the EOS R5 Mark II had found the little rodent. It worked better than my own eyes did — nowthatblows my mind.
The EOS R5 Mark II is a ridiculously good camera. Its 180MP in-camera upscaling feature could come in clutch for a lot of pro shooters. It’s one of the best full frame cams worth the premium, and it thoroughly impressed me regardless of what or who I photographed.
Apple revealedmacOS Tahoe 26during its big keynote atWWDC 2025, and it will now be the final major update for Intel-based Macs.
DuringApple’s Platforms State of the Unionevent, it announced that macOS Tahoe will be the final release for Intel Macs. When macOS 27 arrives next year, only Macs with Apple Silicon, its M-series chips, will get the update.
This was inevitable, as every annual macOS update has older Macs drop off, and they’re all packed with Intel chips. This is across all of Apple’s PCs, including MacBook, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Pro and Mac Studio.
“If you’ve not done so already, now is a great time to help your users migrate to the Apple Silicon versions of your apps,” Apple’s Senior Director of Developer Relations, Matthew Firlik, told developers.
Many Intel Macs are already getting left behind with macOS Tahoe, such as the2020 MacBook Airand2020 MacBook Prowith two Thunderbolt 3 ports. But there are still a few that are getting support (more on this later).
However, these Macs don’t get the full breadth of features as those with Apple Silicon. As the Cupertino tech giant states in the small print, only Macs with M1 or later get access to all the latestApple Intelligence features.
It’s important to note that just because Intel Macs will stop getting support for macOS updates doesn’t mean they’ll be useless, as they will still get security updates.
Macs ending support in 2027
(Image credit: Apple)
Apple is dropping 7 Macs in the move to macOS Tahoe, meaning they’ll be stuck inmacOS Sequoialimbo. If you’ve got these PCs and want to get further updates, you’ll want to think about grabbing one of thebest MacBooksor others as an upgrade.
And, well, judging from the power that these chips deliver, and how MacBooks are some of thebest laptopsaround, it isn’t surprising for Apple to leave Intel behind.
It will also show you their location, weather and more.
Google
Google is officially letting you prioritize certain people in your life. The company has launched Pixel VIPs, an update that allowsGoogle Pixelowners to “stay connected to the people who matter most and never miss a moment from them.” It expands on Google’s existing favorite contacts option,9To5Google reports.
GDHB7 Battery for Google GDHB7
Tapping from the homescreen widget or inside Contacts takes you to a fullscreen feed. You get their profile image and contact options (calling, messaging, and WhatsApp). A card notes any upcoming birthdays, while there’s also:
Last connectionthat lets you “see your last call and message with them”
TheLocation updatessection offers a map with “their real-time location, as well as weather and time
You can make one-offNoteswith a card-based UI like Google Keep
Finally, there’sThings to do togetherwith “activity suggestions”
“Tell us what you like to do together: Get better activity suggestions by adding your preferences”
Pixel VIPs includes features such as placing your “VIPs” at the top of your contact list and letting them bypass your device’s do not disturb. If you click on a specific person then you can see their real-time location, weather and time. It also shows the last time you two connected. Plus, Google will suggest things for the two of you to do together based on your preferences.
You also have the option of adding notes to their contact page. These tidbits might include their new dog’s name, when they’re traveling or a reminder of your plans together.
The possibility that Google was working on this update first arose last summer under the name “besties,” rather than “VIP.”Reports from9To5Googleshowed it replacing thefavorite contactsoption but didn’t reveal much else.
A big perk of having a laptop is being able to take it anywhere, whether that’s your favorite cafe, a quiet spot in the park, or wherever you feel most comfortable. But if you want to keep working for hours without interruptions, you’ll need to keep it charged. That can be tricky when there aren’t any power outlets around. Luckily, there’s a simple fix: use a compatible power bank. The only problem? Not all power banks are capable of charging a laptop.
Unlike smartphones, earphones, and other small devices, laptops need much more power to charge. Most laptops require between 16 to 20 volts, while many power banks designed for phones only provide 5 volts. That’s why the first thing to do is check your laptop’s voltage requirement, which is usually listed on the adapter. Then, choose a power bank that meets that requirement.
Laptops consume varying amounts of power depending on the model and how they’re being used. On average, most laptops draw between 30 and 70 watts per hour. Gaming laptops, though, typically require more. So, to charge a laptop, you need a power bank that can deliver an output of at least 50W. If you want to charge it quickly, you should look for a power bank with even higher output.
Most modern-day laptops can charge via USB-C, and if yours does too, you can likely use a high-output power bank to keep it charged. But if you have an older model or one that uses a different charging connector, you’ll need a power bank that’s compatible with your laptop. You could also get a power bank with an AC outlet, which lets you use your laptop’s original charger.
Another key thing to consider is your power bank’s capacity. It should be at least double your laptop’s battery size. So, if your laptop has a 5,000 mAh battery, for instance, you’ll need a 10,000 mAh power bank to charge it more than once. And if you plan to charge your other devices, like your phone, it’s best to go with a higher-capacity power bank.
Once you have a power bank that works with your laptop, using it is simple. Just plug it into your laptop and press its power button to start charging. To get the most out of it, it’s best to charge the power bank fully before you head out.
While using your laptop on battery or a power bank, adjusting a few settings can help it last longer. Lower the brightness, turn off the features you don’t need, and fine-tune the power settings. These tweaks can extend battery life and keep you working longer without needing to plug in.
A whole new look for macOS and a big change for Spotlight
(Image credit: Apple)
Appleofficially revealed macOS Tahoe 26 atWWDC25 and as expected, we were treated to an all-new look for this latest version of the desktopoperating system– and a lot more besides.
But what are the new features coming with macOS Tahoe? And when will the OS be out? Indeed, you may be wondering whether your model of Mac will be compatible with the next incarnation of Apple’s OS. Read on to find out everything you need to know about macOS Tahoe 26.
macOS 26: release date
(Image credit: Apple)
Apple typically deploys its new version of macOS in September or October, so we can likely expect macOS Tahoe 26 to roll out to Macs around that time.
Before that, we will see the release of a developer beta (which should be imminent), and later, a public beta, for testing macOS Tahoe as the year rolls onwards.
Remember, though, that pre-release software is often a rollercoaster ride of glitches and potentially show-stopping bugs, so it’s not for the faint-hearted. Most folks will want to wait for the full release of macOS Tahoe.
One of the most insistent rumors was that Apple’s desktop OS is getting a visual overhaul, and that is indeed the case: macOS Tahoe uses the ‘Liquid Glass’ design language. Get ready for translucency aplenty across the interface, a refined dock and toolbars, and a transparent menu bar which allows for the desktop to feel a bit larger.
Apple is offering more ways to customize the interface in macOS 26, too. You can tailor what controls are present in the menu bar and Control Center, tinker with the layout, and add controls for your favorite apps. A greater level of personalization is also being ushered in with moves such as allowing the user to change the color of folders, and add a symbol (or emoji) to those folders to make them more readily identifiable.
It looks to be a substantial makeover, and the emphasis on clean lines, greater levels of customization, and adding more personality with the likes of jazzing up folders all seems very promising.
(Image credit: Apple)
2. Under the Spotlight
Spotlight is the system-wide search feature which hasn’t got much love in recent times, but Apple is changing that with macOS 26. It’s being powered up with AI so that it surfaces results that are ranked more intelligently, we’re told, based on relevance to the user. Spotlight also pops up filtering options to allow you to swiftly whittle down search results, too.
With macOS Tahoe, it can be used to search within apps for features, and the more you use it, the more Spotlight acclimatizes to your workflow and typical usage patterns to make more relevant suggestions. Overall, this looks like a big step forwards for Spotlight.(Image credit: Apple)
3. Continuity continued
Apple is bringing new Continuity features to macOS Tahoe, with the big move here being the introduction of the Phone app to the Mac. You’ll be able to make or take calls, access voicemail, and benefit from the new features on iPhone as well, such as Call Screening or Hold Assist.
Tighter integration is also present with Live Activities from the Mac owner’s iPhone popping up in the menu bar on macOS. Clicking a Live Activity will open the relevant app via iPhone Mirroring, and it all looks very neat and convenient.(Image credit: Apple)
4. More AI (of course)
It’s no surprise that Apple is adding more AI to macOS 26, as well as juicing up Spotlight which we’ve already discussed.
The Shortcuts app is getting fresh AI abilities, and that incudes summarizing text using Writing Tools, and image generation via Image Playground. Furthermore, Mac users will be able to access Apple Intelligence models (on-device, or in the cloud) to use as part of their shortcuts. Shortcuts can also be cued up to run at a certain time of day, or when completing a specific action like connecting an external monitor.
AI is also set to drive Live Translation in the Messages app, translating text into another language as you type it (and vice versa for replies). FaceTime will benefit from translated live captions, and calls in the Phone app can be translated, too.
There are some further minor trimmings here, including macOS 26 providing new ways to create Genmoji.(Image credit: Apple)
5. Apple Games
There’s a new dedicated app for gamers with macOS Tahoe, imaginatively named Apple Games. It acts as a hub for your Mac gaming activities, allowing you to jump back into titles you’ve been recently playing.
There’s a Game Overlay that allows you to quickly adjust settings (volume, brightness), chat with friends, send invites to them and so forth. A new Low Power Mode is present for MacBooks to give them better battery life when gaming, too.
On the developer side, Metal 4 arrives with macOS 26, ushering in new tech including MetalFX Frame Interpolation (for faster frame rates) and Denoising.(Image credit: Apple)
6. Additional accessibility features
Apple has brought in new accessibility functionality with macOS Tahoe, including Magnifier for Mac. This leverages your iPhone (or a USB camera) to be able to zoom in to, say, a distant whiteboard, and present the writing on the board to the user on their Mac’s screen – seriously nifty stuff for those who are vision-impaired.
In a similar vein, Accessibility Reader can take images of book pages and show them on the Mac display, allowing for zooming, or changing fonts or colors to make things clearer. There’s also a new Braille Access experience providing an interface for those using a connected braille display, and Vehicle Motion Cues, a feature to help combat motion sickness when on, say, a long car journey.
HDDs with helium filling offer higher capacities and faster data transfers than classic magnetic drives but are still too expensive for private PC use.
To demonstrate this, I took a photo of a swan and then upscaled it (which ate into my CFExpress card’s memory), which you can see in the gallery above.
Here are a couple more photos for you to feast your eyes on. Remember the 1,054 focus points I mentioned earlier? The EOS R5 Mark II uses that many to accurately track birds, animals, humans and vehicles. I was highly impressed by how quickly the camera locked onto both subjects in the gallery above.
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)