theverge--2020-10-13--How the iPhone 12 compares to the top Android devices

Apple ’ s new iPhones have arrived ( even if they ’ re a bit later than usual ) .
And this year , Apple has launched four new phones : the iPhone 12 , 12 mini , 12 Pro , and 12 Pro Max , its first iPhones with 5G and what Apple claims are the fastest smartphones ever made .
The new iPhone 12 and 12 mini effectively replace last year ’ s iPhone 11 , but this year Apple is offering its cheaper iPhone in two sizes ( something that the company has done with its higher-end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s also made some big upgrades on the hardware front : the display is now an OLED panel instead of LCD , there ’ s support for 5G , and an updated design .
The iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max are more incremental updates , however , offering new designs with slightly larger displays ( 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches , respectively , compared to 5.8 inches and 6.5 inches on the 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max ) and a similar redesign , although all four phones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ design from 2017 .
The 12 Pro models will also feature 5G support , along with an additional LIDAR sensor ( similar to the iPad Pro from earlier this year ) for enhanced AR uses .
Apple ’ s also made camera improvements , particularly on the larger iPhone 12 Pro Max .
All four iPhones will also feature Apple ’ s new A14 Bionic processor , which the company says is the “ most powerful chip ever made ” by Apple .
Apple claims that both the new six-core CPU and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 50 percent faster than “ the fastest competing smartphone chips.
” As always , hard specifications don ’ t always tell the full story — especially with iPhones , where Apple ’ s control over the entire hardware and software experience generally tends to mean that it ’ s able to do more with less RAM and raw battery size compared to Android alternatives .
We ’ ll have a lot more to come on the new iPhone 12 lineup and how the phones compare both to each other and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But if you want to start getting an idea of how things stack up , read on .
These tables are best viewed in landscape mode on mobile devices Correction : Apple originally announced the iPhone 12 and 12 Mini would cost $ 799 and $ 699 respectively .
The MSRP is actually $ 829 and $ 729 respectively .
The lower prices only apply after a $ 30 discount from specific carriers .

Apple’s new iPhones have arrived (even if they’re a bit later than usual). And this year, Apple has launched four new phones: the iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max, its first iPhones with 5G and what Apple claims are the fastest smartphones ever made.
The new iPhone 12 and 12 mini effectively replace last year’s iPhone 11, but this year Apple is offering its cheaper iPhone in two sizes (something that the company has done with its higher-end models for the last two years). It’s also made some big upgrades on the hardware front: the display is now an OLED panel instead of LCD, there’s support for 5G, and an updated design.
The iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max are more incremental updates, however, offering new designs with slightly larger displays (6.1 inches and 6.7 inches, respectively, compared to 5.8 inches and 6.5 inches on the 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max) and a similar redesign, although all four phones still largely resemble the overall iPhone X design from 2017. The 12 Pro models will also feature 5G support, along with an additional LIDAR sensor (similar to the iPad Pro from earlier this year) for enhanced AR uses. Apple’s also made camera improvements, particularly on the larger iPhone 12 Pro Max.
All four iPhones will also feature Apple’s new A14 Bionic processor, which the company says is the “most powerful chip ever made” by Apple. Apple claims that both the new six-core CPU and the four-core GPU offer performance that’s up to 50 percent faster than “the fastest competing smartphone chips.”
As always, hard specifications don’t always tell the full story — especially with iPhones, where Apple’s control over the entire hardware and software experience generally tends to mean that it’s able to do more with less RAM and raw battery size compared to Android alternatives.
We’ll have a lot more to come on the new iPhone 12 lineup and how the phones compare both to each other and the top Android phones in the coming weeks. But if you want to start getting an idea of how things stack up, read on.
These tables are best viewed in landscape mode on mobile devices
iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max vs. their top competitors Specification iPhone 12 Pro iPhone 12 Pro Max Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus Samsung Galaxy S20 Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Samsung Galaxy Note 20 OnePlus 8 Pro Display 6.1 inches, OLED 6.7 inches, OLED 6.9 inches, OLED 6.7 inches, OLED 6.2 inches, OLED 6.9 inches, OLED 6.7 inches, OLED 6.78 inches, OLED Resolution 2532 x 1170 2778 x 1284 3200 x 1440 3040 x 1440 3040 x 1440 3088 x 1440 2400 x 1080 3168 x 1440 Max. refresh rate 60Hz 60Hz 120Hz 120Hz 120Hz 120Hz 60Hz 120Hz Processor A14 Bionic A14 Bionic Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G support mmWave and sub-6GHz mmWave and sub-6GHz mmWave and sub-6GHz mmWave and sub-6GHz sub-6GHz mmWave and sub-6GHz mmWave and sub-6GHz sub-6GHz RAM TBA TBA 12GB, 16GB 12GB 12GB 12GB 8GB 8GB, 12GB Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 512GB 128GB, 512GB 128GB 128GB, 512GB 128GB 128GB, 256GB Rear camera 12MP (ultrawide), 12MP (wide), 12MP (telephoto) 12MP (ultrawide), 12MP (wide), 12MP (telephoto) 108MP (F/1.8, 1/1.33") wide angle, 48MP (F/3.5, 1/2.0") telephoto lens, 12MP (F/2.2, 1/2.55") ultrawide, time-of-flight depth camera 12MP (F/1.8, 1/1.76") wide angle, 64MP (F/2.0, 1/1.72") telephoto lens, 12MP (F/2.2, 1/2.55") ultra wide, time-of-flight depth camera 12MP (F/1.8, 1/1.76") wide angle, 64MP (F/2.0, 1/1.72") telephoto lens, 12MP (F/2.2, 1/2.55") ultra wide 108MP (F/1.8, OIS, 79 degree, 1/1.33") wide, 12MP (F/2.2, 120 degree) ultrawide, 12MP (F/3.0, 20 degree) telephoto, Laser AF 12MP (F/1.8, 79 degree, OIS, 1/1.76") wide, 12MP (F/2.2, 120 degree) ultrawide, 64MP (F/2.0, 76 degree) 48MP (F/1.8, OIS, 1/1.43") wide, 8MP (F/2.4, OIS) telephoto, 48MP (F/2.2, 116 degree, 1/2.0") ultrawide, 5MP (F/2.4) color filter Front camera 12MP 12MP 40MP (F/2.2) 10MP (F/2.2) 10MP (F/2.2) 10MP (F/2.2) 10MP (F/2.2) 16MP (F/2.5) Battery TBA TBA 5,000mAh 4,500mAh 4,000mAh 4,500mAh 4,300mAh 4,510mAh Water protection IP68 IP68 IP68 IP68 IP68 IP68 IP68 IP68 Wireless charging? Yes Yes Yes, also has reverse wireless charging Yes, also has reverse wireless charging Yes, also has reverse wireless charging Yes Yes Yes Ports Lightning port Lightning port USB-C USB-C USB-C USB-C USB-C USB-C Weight 189g 228g 222g 188g 163g 208g 192g 199g Dimensions (in.) 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.29 6.33 x 3.07 x 0.29 6.57 x 2.99 x 0.35 6.37 x 2.90 x 0.31 5.97 x 2.72 x 0.31 6.49 x 3.04 x 0.32 6.36 x 2.96 x 0.33 6.51 x 2.93 x 0.33 Starting price $999 $1,099 $1,399 $1,199 $999 $1,299 $999 $799.00
iPhone 12 and 12 mini vs. their top competitors Specification iPhone 12 iPhone 12 mini Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Pixel 5 Pixel 4a 5G OnePlus 8 Display 6.1 inches, OLED 5.4 inches, OLED 6.5 inches, OLED 6 inches, OLED 6.2 inches, OLED 6.55 inches, OLED Resolution 2532 x 1170 2340 x 1080 2400 x 1080 2340 x 1080 2340 x 1080 2400 x 1080 Max. refresh rate 60Hz 60Hz 120Hz 90Hz 60Hz 90Hz Processor A14 Bionic A14 Bionic Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G support mmWave and sub-6GHz mmWave and sub-6GHz sub-6GHz mmWave and sub-6GHz sub-6GHz sub-6GHz RAM TBA TBA 6GB 8GB 6GB 8GB, 12GB Storage 64GB, 128GB, 256GB 64GB, 128GB, 256GB 128GB 128GB 128GB 128GB, 256GB Rear camera 12MP (ultrawide), 12MP (wide) 12MP (ultrawide), 12MP (wide) 12MP (F/1.8, 1/1.76") wide, 8MP, (F/2.4, 1/4.5") telephoto, 12 MP (F/2.2 1/3.0") ultrawide 12.2MP (F/1.7, 1/2.55") wide, 16MP (F/2.2)ultrawide 12.2MP (F/1.7, 1/2.55") wide, 16MP (F/2.2)ultrawide 48MP (F/1.8, OIS, 1/2.0") wide, 16MP (F/2.2, 116 degree) ultrawide, 2MP (F/2.4) macro Front camera 12MP 12MP 32MP (F/2.2) 8MP (F/2.0) 8MP (F/2.0) 16MP (F/2.0) Battery TBA TBA 4,500mAh 4,080mAh 3,885mAh 4,300mAh Water protection IP68 IP68 IP68 IP68 No No Wireless charging? Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Ports Lightning port Lightning port USB-C USB-C USB-C, headphone jack USB-C Weight 164g 135g 168g 151g 168g 180g Dimensions (in.) 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.29 5.18 x 2.53 x 0.29 5.97 x 2.72 x 0.31 5.70 x 2.77 x 0.31 6.1 x 2.9 x 0.32 6.31 x 2.87 x 0.31 Starting price $829 $729 $699 $699 $499 $699.00


theverge--2020-10-14--How to choose between all the new iPhone 12 models

There are a lot more iPhones than there used to be these days .
Picking a phone used to be simple : Apple would offer just a single new iPhone model , where all you had to do was choose a color and storage size .
This year , Apple has launched four new phones : the iPhone 12 , 12 mini , 12 Pro , and 12 Pro Max , which join the already available iPhone SE that was released earlier this year for a total of five new phones in 2020 .
It ’ s the most iPhone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a single year , bringing new additions like the A14 Bionic processor ( Apple ’ s fastest yet ) , a more durable “ Ceramic Shield ” glass coating , improved cameras , a new design , and the resurrected MagSafe branding for a new wireless charger and accessory system .
That ’ s all in addition to the iPhone 11 and iPhone XR , which Apple will be keeping around as well at new $ 499 and $ 599 prices , which means that it ’ s even harder to choose between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a store .
Leading the charge is the iPhone 12 — the “ standard ” iPhone for 2020 , if you will , which starts at $ 799 for a 64GB model .
It has the same 6.1-inch display and overall size as the iPhone 11 from last year , but it ’ s upgraded to an OLED panel and adds Apple ’ s new A14 processor ( which all four of the new iPhone 12 devices have ) as well as support for 5G .
Apple seems to have locked in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ default size for its iPhones for now , offering four phones this year in that size .
The cameras are also slightly updated from last year ’ s iPhone 11 , with a faster f/1.6 wide camera that Apple says lets in 27 percent more light .
There ’ s also the $ 699 iPhone 12 mini , which is actually the smallest iPhone Apple has released in almost half a decade .
That ’ s thanks to the bezel-less design , which allows for the whole 5.4-inch 12 mini to be physically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( because both of those sizes refer to the screen , not the frame ) .
Despite the smaller size , it offers the same high-end specs as the larger iPhone 12 , other than the display and , presumably , a slightly smaller battery to accommodate the physically smaller phone , although Apple has yet to confirm .
That makes it a good option for anyone looking for a smaller ( or cheaper ) iPhone .
Things start to get more confusing with the iPhone 12 Pro , which starts at $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it looks similar to the iPhone 12 , there are several key differences between the 12 Pro and the regular model .
The 12 Pro has a stainless steel body , compared to aluminum on the regular 12 .
While both phones have a 6.1-inch display , the iPhone 12 Pro is a brighter panel , with a typical brightness of 800 nits versus 625 nits on the iPhone 12 .
Both phones offer a maximum of 1200 nits for HDR , however .
The iPhone 12 Pro also has several photography enhancements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telephoto lens — that offers 2x optical zoom , although the wide and ultrawide cameras , as well as the front-facing camera , are otherwise identical to the iPhone 12 .
The iPhone 12 Pro also adds a new LIDAR sensor , which allows for better augmented reality and faster autofocus in low-light situations ( as well as Night Mode portrait shots ) .
The 12 Pro can also shoot Dolby Vision HDR videos at up to 60fps , instead of 30fps on the iPhone 12 .
Lastly , while that $ 200 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to consider that the iPhone 12 Pro offers more storage on the entry-level model , with 128GB compared to 64GB on the iPhone 12 ( the Pro also offers a larger 512GB option ) .
Compare the 128GB and 256GB models directly , and there ’ s only a $ 50 price difference between the two .
Whether that ’ s worth the aforementioned features is up to you .
There ’ s also the iPhone 12 Pro Max , Apple ’ s biggest ( and most expensive ) iPhone on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has a massive 6.7-inch panel that also makes it the largest iPhone the company has ever made .
And while the triple-camera system looks similar to the iPhone 12 Pro , Apple has taken advantage of the bigger size of the 12 Pro Max to offer far bigger camera improvements over the smaller 12 Pro .
Specifically , Apple is using a new sensor for the primary wide camera on the 12 Pro Max , which is physically larger than the one on the 12 Pro , while also giving it the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The wide camera is also getting better optical image stabilization , with a new sensor‑shift system that Apple says works similar to DSLR cameras .
It moves the sensor itself instead of the entire camera unit , which allows for faster and therefore better stabilization .
Apple has also increased the focal length on the 12 Pro Max ’ s telephoto lens , jumping from 50mm to 65mm , for an increased optical zoom of 2.5x instead of 2x .
Apple is still offering the year-old iPhone 11 for a discounted $ 599 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ original price .
With a 6.1-inch panel , it ’ s the same size as the iPhone 12 for $ 200 less , with similar cameras , but the newer model ’ s display is a higher-resolution OLED panel that will look far better than the less detailed LCD display on the iPhone 11 .
The iPhone 12 also features Apple ’ s faster A14 Bionic processor , if longevity is a concern .
But at $ 599 , the iPhone 11 is still a great phone , even if it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Maybe you ’ d like to save even more , though .
In that case , you ’ ll want the 2020 iPhone SE , which is the least expensive iPhone available at $ 399 .
That price tag comes with a few caveats : it ’ s the only iPhone with the older , chunky bezel iPhone 6-style design — which also makes it the only iPhone with Touch ID .
It has just a single rear camera that doesn ’ t offer the same low-level light performance as the iPhone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or a U1 chip for Apple ’ s location features .
But with the same A13 processor as the iPhone 11 , it ’ ll still likely last years before you ’ ll need a replacement .
Lastly , there ’ s the two-year old iPhone XR , which is Apple ’ s oldest phone in the lineup .
At $ 499 , it actually costs more than the faster iPhone SE , which offers an A13 chip that outclasses the XR ’ s A12 Bionic .
Its cameras don ’ t offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making the bezel-less design its sole claim to fame .
But at the awkward $ 499 price , it ’ s hard to recommend .
Your $ 100 will get you a far better camera on the iPhone 11 or save the cash and get the faster iPhone SE .
The table is best viewed in landscape mode on mobile devices .

There are a lot more iPhones than there used to be these days. Picking a phone used to be simple: Apple would offer just a single new iPhone model, where all you had to do was choose a color and storage size. This year, Apple has launched four new phones: the iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max, which join the already available iPhone SE that was released earlier this year for a total of five new phones in 2020.
It’s the most iPhone models that Apple has ever released in a single year, bringing new additions like the A14 Bionic processor (Apple’s fastest yet), a more durable “Ceramic Shield” glass coating, improved cameras, a new design, and the resurrected MagSafe branding for a new wireless charger and accessory system. That’s all in addition to the iPhone 11 and iPhone XR, which Apple will be keeping around as well at new $499 and $599 prices, which means that it’s even harder to choose between the various iPhones you can buy brand-new at a store.
Leading the charge is the iPhone 12 — the “standard” iPhone for 2020, if you will, which starts at $829 for a 64GB model. It has the same 6.1-inch display and overall size as the iPhone 11 from last year, but it’s upgraded to an OLED panel and adds Apple’s new A14 processor (which all four of the new iPhone 12 devices have) as well as support for 5G. Apple seems to have locked in on the 6.1-inch form factor as the default size for its iPhones for now, offering four phones this year in that size. The cameras are also slightly updated from last year’s iPhone 11, with a faster f/1.6 wide camera that Apple says lets in 27 percent more light.
There’s also the $729 iPhone 12 mini, which is actually the smallest iPhone Apple has released in almost half a decade. That’s thanks to the bezel-less design, which allows for the whole 5.4-inch 12 mini to be physically smaller than the 4.7-inch iPhone SE 2020 (because both of those sizes refer to the screen, not the frame). Despite the smaller size, it offers the same high-end specs as the larger iPhone 12, other than the display and, presumably, a slightly smaller battery to accommodate the physically smaller phone, although Apple has yet to confirm. That makes it a good option for anyone looking for a smaller (or cheaper) iPhone.
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini. Image: Apple
Things start to get more confusing with the iPhone 12 Pro, which starts at $999 for a 128GB model. While it looks similar to the iPhone 12, there are several key differences between the 12 Pro and the regular model. The 12 Pro has a stainless steel body, compared to aluminum on the regular 12. While both phones have a 6.1-inch display, the iPhone 12 Pro is a brighter panel, with a typical brightness of 800 nits versus 625 nits on the iPhone 12. Both phones offer a maximum of 1200 nits for HDR, however.
The iPhone 12 Pro also has several photography enhancements, including a third camera — a telephoto lens — that offers 2x optical zoom, although the wide and ultrawide cameras, as well as the front-facing camera, are otherwise identical to the iPhone 12. The iPhone 12 Pro also adds a new LIDAR sensor, which allows for better augmented reality and faster autofocus in low-light situations (as well as Night Mode portrait shots). The 12 Pro can also shoot Dolby Vision HDR videos at up to 60fps, instead of 30fps on the iPhone 12.
Lastly, while that $120 price difference may feel significant, you have to consider that the iPhone 12 Pro offers more storage on the entry-level model, with 128GB compared to 64GB on the iPhone 12 (the Pro also offers a larger 512GB option). Compare the 128GB and 256GB models directly, and there’s only a $50 price difference between the two. Whether that’s worth the aforementioned features is up to you.
Image: Apple
There’s also the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple’s biggest (and most expensive) iPhone on the list. Starting at $1,099, it has a massive 6.7-inch panel that also makes it the largest iPhone the company has ever made. And while the triple-camera system looks similar to the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple has taken advantage of the bigger size of the 12 Pro Max to offer far bigger camera improvements over the smaller 12 Pro.
Specifically, Apple is using a new sensor for the primary wide camera on the 12 Pro Max, which is physically larger than the one on the 12 Pro, while also giving it the same new, faster f/1.6 lens. The wide camera is also getting better optical image stabilization, with a new sensor‑shift system that Apple says works similar to DSLR cameras. It moves the sensor itself instead of the entire camera unit, which allows for faster and therefore better stabilization. Apple has also increased the focal length on the 12 Pro Max’s telephoto lens, jumping from 50mm to 65mm, for an increased optical zoom of 2.5x instead of 2x.
The camera improvements on the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Image: Apple
Apple is still offering the year-old iPhone 11 for a discounted $599, which is $100 off its original price. With a 6.1-inch panel, it’s the same size as the iPhone 12 for $200 less, with similar cameras, but the newer model’s display is a higher-resolution OLED panel that will look far better than the less detailed LCD display on the iPhone 11. The iPhone 12 also features Apple’s faster A14 Bionic processor, if longevity is a concern. But at $599, the iPhone 11 is still a great phone, even if it’s eclipsed by the flashier, newer models.
Maybe you’d like to save even more, though. In that case, you’ll want the 2020 iPhone SE, which is the least expensive iPhone available at $399. That price tag comes with a few caveats: it’s the only iPhone with the older, chunky bezel iPhone 6-style design — which also makes it the only iPhone with Touch ID. It has just a single rear camera that doesn’t offer the same low-level light performance as the iPhone 11 (or the newer models) or a U1 chip for Apple’s location features. But with the same A13 processor as the iPhone 11, it’ll still likely last years before you’ll need a replacement.
Lastly, there’s the two-year old iPhone XR, which is Apple’s oldest phone in the lineup. At $499, it actually costs more than the faster iPhone SE, which offers an A13 chip that outclasses the XR’s A12 Bionic. Its cameras don’t offer much over the SE, either, making the bezel-less design its sole claim to fame. But at the awkward $499 price, it’s hard to recommend. Your $100 will get you a far better camera on the iPhone 11 or save the cash and get the faster iPhone SE.
The table is best viewed in landscape mode on mobile devices.
2020 iPhone spec comparison Specification iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 12 Pro iPhone 12 iPhone 12 mini iPhone 11 iPhone XR iPhone SE (2020) Display 6.7 inches, OLED 6.1 inches, OLED 6.1 inches, OLED 5.4 inches, OLED 6.1 inches, LCD 6.1 inches, LCD 4.7 inches, LCD Resolution 2778 x 1284 2532 x 1170 2532 x 1170 2340 x 1080 1792 x 828 1792 x 828 1334 x 750 5G mmWave and sub-6GHz mmWave and sub-6GHz mmWave and sub-6GHz mmWave and sub-6GHz N/A N/A N/A Processor A14 Bionic A14 Bionic A14 Bionic A14 Bionic A13 Bionic A12 Bionic A13 Bionic RAM TBA TBA TBA TBA 4GB 3GB 3GB Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 64GB, 128GB, 256GB 64GB, 128GB, 256GB 64GB, 128GB, 256GB 64GB, 128GB 64GB, 128GB, 256GB Rear camera 12MP (ƒ/2.4) ultrawide, 12MP (ƒ/1.6) wide, 12MP (ƒ/2.2) telephoto 12MP (ƒ/2.4) ultrawide, 12MP (ƒ/1.6) wide, 12MP (ƒ/2.0) telephoto 12MP (ƒ/2.4) ultrawide, 12MP (ƒ/1.6) wide 12MP (ƒ/2.4) ultrawide, 12MP (ƒ/1.6) wide 12MP (ƒ/2.4) ultrawide, 12MP (ƒ/1.8) wide 12MP (ƒ/1.8) wide 12MP (ƒ/1.8) wide Front camera 12MP (ƒ/2.2) 12MP (ƒ/2.2) 12MP (ƒ/2.2) 12MP (ƒ/2.2) 12MP (ƒ/2.2) 7MP (ƒ/2.2) 7MP (ƒ/2.2) Battery TBA TBA TBA TBA 3,110mAh 2,942mAh 1,821mAh Water protection IP68 IP68 IP68 IP68 IP68 IP67 IP67 Wireless charging? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Ports Lightning port Lightning port Lightning port Lightning port Lightning port Lightning port Lightning port Weight (g) 228g 189g 164g 135g 194g 194g 148g Dimensions (in.) 6.33 x 3.07 x 0.29 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.29 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.29 5.18 x 2.53 x 0.29 5.94 x 2.98 x 0.33 5.94 x 2.98 x 0.33 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 Starting price $1,099 $999 $799 $699 $599 $499 $399
Correction: Apple originally announced the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini would cost $799 and $699. The MSRP for those devices is actually $829 and $729. That lower price only applies after a $30 discount from specific carriers.


theverge--2020-10-14--Here are the best iPad deals right now

Here are the best iPad deals right now

Deals on Apple ’ s iPad are more common than you might think .
Whether you ’ re after the most affordable iPad , the high-end iPad Pro , or something in between like the iPad Air or iPad Mini , there ’ s usually some sort of price cut happening somewhere .
Of course , it ’ s difficult to know exactly where you can find those deals unless you ’ re looking around at all of the major retailers .
But that ’ s what we ’ re doing each day when we hunt for deals , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we ’ ve listed each of the current iPads available for purchase .
Sometimes , there just isn ’ t a deal happening .
In that case , we ’ ve mentioned how much the most recent sale price was for , so you know when to take the plunge .
But most of the time , there ’ s some sort of deal going on , be it on a new or refurbished model .
When there is a deal we think is worth telling you about , you ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ context you need to hear .
If you need a little help figuring out exactly which iPad is best for you , we ’ ve got you covered with a comparison post featuring all of the latest models here .
This is Apple ’ s most affordable iPad , usually costing $ 329 for the tablet with 32GB of storage or $ 429 for the 128GB model .
Each has a 10.2-inch display and features the A12 Bionic processor , a Touch ID fingerprint sensor , and a Smart Connector for connecting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revision was just released , it hasn ’ t many price drops .
It ’ s possible that someday we ’ ll see it selling for up to $ 80 or $ 100 off its usual price , like the previous generation .
However , the latest deal on the entry level model isn ’ t too shabby .
You can save $ 30 off the 32GB Gold and Silver models at Walmart , dropping the price to $ 299 .
Apple released a new iPad mini in early 2019 , carrying forth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous iterations with refreshed internal specs within .
It has the A12 Bionic processor found in the iPhone XS .
Apple makes a 64GB and 256GB model of the iPad mini with Wi-Fi support , set at $ 400 and $ 500 , respectively .
If you want LTE connectivity , the starting price is $ 530 .
Sales on this model are a little rarer , but we ’ re seeing a deal at Amazon right now that knocks about $ 50 off the final cost of the 64GB version .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ model is available in all colors for $ 490 on Amazon .
In September , Apple announced a new iPad Air that deviates greatly from its predecessors in terms of design , looking very similar to the iPad Pro .
The latest model has a slightly larger 10.9-inch display than the 10.5-inch screen found on last year ’ s model .
The 2020 iPad Air features thinner bezels around the display and has relocated the Touch ID fingerprint sensor to the power button , which is located on the top of the device @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s iPad Air model comes in 64GB or 256GB storage configurations .
The Wi-Fi models start at $ 600 and $ 750 , making the starting price slightly more than last year ’ s models .
However , the model that also supports LTE starts at $ 730 .
The 2020 iPad Air is slated to begin shipping sometime this month , so as of now no deals are available at this time .
Currently , there ’ s no good deals on the 2019 version of the iPad Air , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decent price drops soon once the 2020 model launches .
Previously , we ’ ve seen the price for the 64GB / Wi-Fi model of the 2019 iPad Air drop by $ 100 in the past , bringing its price down to $ 400 .
Apple ’ s 2020 iteration of the iPad Pro looks a lot like the one that came in 2018 , aside from its dual-lens rear camera array .
Unlike the less-expensive models , this one ditches the headphone jack and uses a USB-C port instead of Lightning .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead of relying on the Touch ID fingerprint sensor .
The iPad Pro has the most powerful internals of Apple ’ s entire iPad lineup , and that comes through in the price .
The 11-inch model with 128GB of storage starts at $ 800 , and bumping up the screen size to 12.9 inches raises the price to $ 1,000 .
Each size supports up to 1TB of storage , and going up that high costs $ 1,299 for the 11-inch model and $ 1,499 for the 12.9-inch model .
If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a discounted price , the 128GB model with Wi-Fi is on sale at Walmart for $ 749 .
If you need more storage , you can grab the 256B model knocked $ 50 off its original retail price , bringing that product down to $ 850 at Walmart .
Currently , the 12.9-inch model with 128GB of storage , is $ 50 off right now at Amazon and Walmart .
If you are ok with spending over $ 1,000 , the 12.9-inch Wi-Fi 256GB in silver is $ 1,050 , about $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amazon .
But , if 256GB is still not enough for you , the 512GB model is also on sale for $ 1,249 at Amazon or $ 1,250 at Walmart , normally this configuration will set you back $ 1,299 .

While the best iPad deals usually come around during major sale events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and even last month’s Amazon Prime Day, you can still find plenty of great discounts at all times of the year if you know where to look. Whether you’re after the high-end iPad Pro or the most affordable entry-level iPad, there’s likely a sale going on somewhere that you may be interested in.
Of course, it’s difficult to know exactly where you can find the most notable deals unless you’re scouring the major retailers on a daily basis. But that’s often what our deal hunters at The Verge are doing each and every day, so let us help you out. Below, we’ve listed the best deals you can get on each iPad model that is currently available, including the latest ones equipped with Apple’s powerful M1 and M2 chips.
Announced alongside the iPhone 13, the 2021 iPad is Apple’s aging entry-level tablet that still makes a fine device for doing the basics today. The ninth-gen model starts at $329 with 64GB of storage. The base configuration with Wi-Fi is available at Amazon and Best Buy for $269.99 ($60 off) at checkout, its second-best price.
As for the 256GB model that normally costs $479, Walmart and Amazon are both selling it for $389.99 ($89 off). This is an especially good deal, as it’s a new low on a tablet that would only drop to $429 not too long ago. If you prefer your iPad to include cellular connectivity, the 64GB model is currently on sale at Amazon and Best Buy for $399.99 ($60 off) instead of $459. Lastly, the 256GB variant is also available at Amazon and Walmart for $519.99 ($89 off). It’s pretty much all-time lows across the board here in ninth-gen iPad land.
A last-gen model is still worth considering
The last-gen iPad uses an A13 Bionic processor and a 12MP wide-angle camera with Center Stage, a feature designed to keep you framed up and centered while on video calls. The tablet also carries over a number of features from its predecessor, such as the 10.2-inch display, a Touch ID fingerprint sensor built into the home button, and a Smart Connector for connecting a Smart Keyboard.
Although the newer 10th-gen iPad came out in October, the last-gen model is still an excellent tablet with a better value. The latest iPad modernizes the design with a switch to USB-C, uniform bezels with no home button, a side power button with a fingerprint sensor, and a larger display, but it excises the headphone jack and costs a much steeper $449. That’s not much of an entry-level price, so hopefully the ninth-gen model sticks around and continues to see moderate discounts.
The base configuration of the 10th-gen iPad is on sale right now for $399.99 ($50 off) in various colors at Amazon and Target. As for the 256GB version that normally costs $599, Amazon and B&H Photo are currently offering it for $549 ($50 off) at checkout. These are decent deals for the 10th-gen model, but they’re not quite the value offered by previously steeper discounts, the heavily discounted ninth-gen model, or the better features you get by stepping up to the iPad Air.
The best iPad Mini (2021) deals
The sixth-generation iPad Mini has a larger screen than its predecessor, along with a top-of-the-line processor, support for USB-C, and options for 5G. It has forfeited its 3.5mm headphone jack and dedicated home button in the process, but overall, it’s a solid device that brings a fully refreshed design to Apple’s small tablet form factor.
The changes and refinements to the new iPad Mini come at a heftier price, however, and the new 64GB Wi-Fi model now starts at $499. Electing for 256GB of storage brings the price up to $649, while the 5G cellular models are $649 for 64GB and $799 for 256GB. These are some big numbers for a small iPad, and the larger iPad Air might be worth considering if you prefer your dollar to go further with more screen real estate. But if you want the latest and greatest from Apple in a smaller format, this is where the action is.
Amazon is selling the 64GB base model of the iPad Mini for just $399.99 ($100 off), which is around $20 off the mark from the lowest price on Apple’s smaller iPad. If you’re in need of additional storage, Amazon also has the 256GB Wi-Fi model for $539.99 (about $110 off) after an additional discount at checkout, which is as good as you’re going to find. As for the cellular model, the 64GB model with 5G in its starlight and pink colors is on sale for $549.99 ($100 off) at Amazon when you check out.
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The best iPad Air (2022) deals
The 2022 iteration of Apple’s lightweight tablet is similar in terms of its capabilities when measured against the previous-gen model but still offers a handful of iterative upgrades. The most pronounced improvement is the M1 processor, which offers better performance, and the front-facing 12MP camera comes equipped with Apple’s Center Stage feature that helps to keep a moving subject centered when recording video or during video calls.
The best iPad Pro (2022) deals
The latest generation of iPad Pros looks a whole lot like the prior model from 2021, as the changes are primarily on the inside. The new Pros still come in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, with the better-looking Mini LED panel once again reserved for the larger model, though both now pack Apple’s newer M2 CPU for even better processing power.
The striking resemblance to the prior generation aside, there are a few reasons to opt for a Pro over something like an Air, such as Face ID unlocking and additional base storage. If display quality is the most important factor in your purchasing decision, the 12.9-inch version is the way to go, as its Mini LED display achieves deeper blacks and better contrast, much like an OLED panel.
Aside from that, as well as a nifty new hover feature that shows where your second-gen Apple Pencil’s tip will land before you touch the screen, they’re very similar to the older models from 2021. The 128GB base models even start at the same price — the 11-inch and 12.9-inch models retail for $799 and $1,099, respectively, and go up from there. As for 5G cellular versions, the 11-inch model starts at $999, and the 12.9-inch model starts at $1,299.
Sadly, the current deals on iPad Pros are pretty paltry. The 11-inch M2 iPad Pro with Wi-Fi and 128GB of storage is only $40 off at Best Buy and B&H Photo. Stepping up to the 256GB model — which, if you’re getting a Pro, you may want to do anyway — nets you the same $40 discount at Best Buy, dropping the price to $869. It’s not until you step up to the 512GB configuration that you start seeing a nicer discount of $100 off at Amazon, which makes it $999.99 at checkout instead of $1,099. If you are opting for a cellular 5G model, the best deal is $70 off a 128GB model at B&H Photo, dropping its price to $929.
If you prefer the larger 12.9-inch model with its lovely Mini LED display, Amazon is selling the M2 tablet for $1,049 ($50 off), while the 256GB model is $1,149 (also $50 off) at Amazon. Stepping up to the 512GB model still only nets you a $50 discount at Amazon and Best Buy — making the fairly beefy iPad $1,349 instead of $1,399. It’s just not a great time to buy an M2 iPad Pro right now, unless you really need one right away and can’t go for a secondhand last-gen or refurbished model.


theverge--2020-10-14--Lucid Motors unveils a $69,900 version of its long-range, luxury electric sedan

Lucid Motors is releasing a “ more attainable ” version of its recently revealed luxury electric sedan , the Lucid Air .
At an unveiling event in September , Lucid said the base model would start at “ around $ 80,000 ” — without revealing the actual price .
Now the company says it has settled on a base model price of $ 77,400 — or $ 69,900 after applying the US federal tax credit of $ 7,500 .
This version of the Lucid Air will have less horsepower than higher trim levels : 480 hp versus over 1,000 hp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It will also have less range : 406 miles ( EPA projected ) as compared to 517 miles for the Dream Edition .
And it is available for reservation with a refundable fee of $ 300 .
( In September , Lucid said reservations for the base model were initially $ 1,000 . )
But it also won ’ t be available until 2022 at the earliest .
The two most expensive versions of the Air — the $ 139,000 Air Grand Touring and $ 169,000 Air Dream Edition — are expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2021 .
Like many EV makers , Lucid is hoping to replicate Tesla ’ s strategy of selling a lot of really expensive cars in the hopes of generating enough cash flow to eventually produce something more affordable .
The Lucid Air will obviously compete with the Tesla Model S for potential buyers .
But the company insists Tesla is not the company ’ s primary target .
Lucid ’ s top executives have said the real prize is to poach customers from Mercedes-Benz and its flagship S-Class .
Mercedes just released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with updated technology , including a more advanced version of its voice assistant and partially automated driving systems .
But the S-Class still runs on good , old-fashioned dinosaur sludge , and Mercedes notes that S-Class customers aren ’ t exactly clamoring for an electric drivetrain .
So it remains to be seen whether Lucid CEO Peter Rawlinson ’ s bid for Mercedes ’ crown will succeed .
Lucid is already working on its next vehicle : an SUV .
( The Verge was first to report this possibility last year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are through the roof , and major automakers like Audi and Mercedes-Benz have followed Tesla ’ s lead in developing all-electric SUVs .

Lucid Motors is releasing a “more attainable” version of its recently revealed luxury electric sedan, the Lucid Air.
At an unveiling event in September, Lucid said the base model would start at “around $80,000” — without revealing the actual price. Now the company says it has settled on a base model price of $77,400 — or $69,900 after applying the US federal tax credit of $7,500.
This version of the Lucid Air will have less horsepower than higher trim levels: 480 hp versus over 1,000 hp for the top-spec Dream Edition version. It will also have less range: 406 miles (EPA projected) as compared to 517 miles for the Dream Edition. And it is available for reservation with a refundable fee of $300. (In September, Lucid said reservations for the base model were initially $1,000.)
But it also won’t be available until 2022 at the earliest. The two most expensive versions of the Air — the $139,000 Air Grand Touring and $169,000 Air Dream Edition — are expected to go on sale in the second quarter of 2021. Like many EV makers, Lucid is hoping to replicate Tesla’s strategy of selling a lot of really expensive cars in the hopes of generating enough cash flow to eventually produce something more affordable.
Related The Lucid Air is a luxury electric sedan with the speed and power to rival Tesla
The Lucid Air will obviously compete with the Tesla Model S for potential buyers. But the company insists Tesla is not the company’s primary target. Lucid’s top executives have said the real prize is to poach customers from Mercedes-Benz and its flagship S-Class.
Mercedes just released an updated version of its flagship S-Class, with updated technology, including a more advanced version of its voice assistant and partially automated driving systems. But the S-Class still runs on good, old-fashioned dinosaur sludge, and Mercedes notes that S-Class customers aren’t exactly clamoring for an electric drivetrain. So it remains to be seen whether Lucid CEO Peter Rawlinson’s bid for Mercedes’ crown will succeed.


theverge--2020-10-14--Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is a simple racer that can feel like magic

The new Mario Kart is the most fun I ’ ve ever had torturing my cats .
The game , Mario Kart Live : Home Circuit , is an attempt to mash together the classic racer with remote controlled cars for a Pokémon Go-esque experience that blends the real and the virtual on the Nintendo Switch .
For the most part , it works : when everything clicks , your living room becomes a playground , with tiny karts zipping around avoiding cardboard obstacles and , yes , terrified cats .
It ’ s missing some of the things that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit — namely , accessible multiplayer — but the trade-off is something very different .
At its best , Home Circuit feels like magic .
First , the basics .
Home Circuit is a few things .
It ’ s a game you download from the Nintendo Switch eShop , but it ’ s also a big cardboard box full of objects .
For $ 99.99 you get one RC kart — either Mario or Luigi — along with a charging cable and a stack of cardboard .
You use the included cardboard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laying around , to build a physical course in your house , and then you control the kart using your Switch with the action playing out on-screen .
Essentially , the race happens in two places : on your screen and in your living room .
This can make it an especially fun spectator experience .
In true Nintendo fashion , setting up is exceedingly easy .
The RC kart comes equipped with a small camera , and to sync with your Switch , you simply use that camera to scan a QR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to do this once .
Creating a race track is similarly straightforward since there are few requirements .
You have four cardboard gates , each numbered one through four , and a course requires players to drive through each in order , ending back at the first gate .
Once you ’ ve placed the gates , you create the course by driving through it .
( It ’ s a bit like how you can ’ t upload a Super Mario Maker level until you ’ ve beaten it yourself .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ re given a lot of freedom .
Aside from the fact that tracks can ’ t be straight lines , there are very few rules .
And given the mixed-reality nature of the game , you have two different ways of building a track .
The first is IRL .
While the cardboard gates provide the general outline of your track , I found myself using , well , everything I could think of to add obstacles and other elements .
I had tracks that twisted under my coffee table and ones where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the road .
Carpets became slow zones .
My kids took their stuffed animals and created a crowd , while my pets provided the odd unexpected barrier .
Note : cats do not like being bumped by a small car while grooming themselves .
This is all rendered on the Switch screen , though the low-res camera means things can be a bit fuzzy and dark .
This is especially true of moving objects like , say , an angry dog .
It doesn ’ t present much of an issue if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ portable mode , but the IRL elements of the game don ’ t look very good blown up on a big television .
It ’ s like you ’ re peering at your house through an ancient webcam .
Once you ’ ve set up the real-world portion of the track , you can then augment it in a few virtual ways .
Each of the gates can be customized .
You can add item-spewing warp pipes or those rotating fire bars from Bowser ’ s castle .
There are also plenty of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the desert theme has wind that tosses you around the track , while the haunted house is full of Boos that obscure your vision if you drive through them .
You can even customize your racer ; right now I ’ m driving around an SMB3 airship-style kart piloted by a Mario wearing an artist ’ s smock .
Most of these options aren ’ t there when you first start .
Instead , you need to unlock them by playing through the classic grand prix mode .
As you earn trophies and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new customization options .
It requires a bit of grinding , but after a few hours of play , you ’ ll have a lot to work with .
You can also cheat : the grand prix courses are based on tracks you make , and I admit that I designed a few easy ones to speed up the process .
When this all works as it should , Home Circuit is incredible .
Yes , the racing is simpler than past Mario Karts , and it ’ s missing things like the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ track Mount Wario .
But what you get in their place is amazing in a different way .
The most notable thing is how fast and easy it is to make levels .
The game instantly recognizes when you do something like move a gate , so tweaking your track is as intuitive as getting up and moving things around .
Need some more obstacles ?
Grab a few pillows to toss in the way .
Is a hairpin turn frustrating you ?
Shift the road a little bit .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of level design makes the process so much easier — and more importantly , it ’ s fun .
I think I might prefer building to racing .
Plus , it ’ s just cool to see the colorful Mushroom Kingdom clash with your kitchen , and the hardware itself is great .
The kart is solid and can drive over most typical household surfaces — I had no issues on either hardwood floors or several low-pile rugs — while the cardboard accessories seem pretty sturdy , and thankfully you can fold them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not playing .
( Nintendo has clearly learned a thing about cardboard from Labo . )
That said , it doesn ’ t always work as intended .
During my testing , I found frustratingly common moments when the game would jitter and skip a few frames , causing me to miss a turn or smash into an IRL obstacle .
It was often when there was lots happening on-screen or when there was some kind of in-game element designed to wreak havoc with my kart , like the winds in the desert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chain Chomp pulls you along .
Mario Kart has always been a game about chaos , so it ’ s frustrating when that chaos damages the game experience .
It ’ s all the more annoying because , since the kart is a real object , there ’ s no automatic reset if you get in a big crash .
But the biggest issue with Home Circuit is how prohibitive it is to play multiplayer .
In fact , the requirements are so much that I wasn ’ t even able to test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the game with another person , you both need a Switch and an RC kart .
I understand some of the logistical reasons for this , but given how multiplayer-focused Mario Kart has always been , it ’ s still disappointing .
I ’ m not sure why there isn ’ t at least a split-screen option for those who want to pick up multiple karts .
One of the great things about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Switch was how easy it was to set up an impromptu match with friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direction .
Really , Home Circuit is a game about trade-offs .
No , you ’ re not getting a full-fledged Mario Kart experience with all kinds of inventive new power-ups and tracks .
You ’ re also not getting a game you can easily play with friends .
But in their stead , you get a racing game that ’ s really unlike anything else out there .
At its best , Home Circuit seamlessly blends the idea of racing an RC car with a video game and does it while making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may not be able to play Home Circuit with my friends — but at least my cat can join in when she feels like making trouble .

The new Mario Kart is the most fun I’ve ever had torturing my cats. The game, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, is an attempt to mash together the classic racer with remote controlled cars for a Pokémon Go-esque experience that blends the real and the virtual on the Nintendo Switch. For the most part, it works: when everything clicks, your living room becomes a playground, with tiny karts zipping around avoiding cardboard obstacles and, yes, terrified cats. It’s missing some of the things that have made Mario Kart such a pervasive hit — namely, accessible multiplayer — but the trade-off is something very different. At its best, Home Circuit feels like magic.
First, the basics. Home Circuit is a few things. It’s a game you download from the Nintendo Switch eShop, but it’s also a big cardboard box full of objects. For $99.99 you get one RC kart — either Mario or Luigi — along with a charging cable and a stack of cardboard. You use the included cardboard, along with whatever else you have laying around, to build a physical course in your house, and then you control the kart using your Switch with the action playing out on-screen. Essentially, the race happens in two places: on your screen and in your living room. This can make it an especially fun spectator experience.
In true Nintendo fashion, setting up is exceedingly easy. The RC kart comes equipped with a small camera, and to sync with your Switch, you simply use that camera to scan a QR code on the screen. You only have to do this once. Creating a race track is similarly straightforward since there are few requirements. You have four cardboard gates, each numbered one through four, and a course requires players to drive through each in order, ending back at the first gate. Once you’ve placed the gates, you create the course by driving through it. (It’s a bit like how you can’t upload a Super Mario Maker level until you’ve beaten it yourself.)
Within this simple framework you’re given a lot of freedom. Aside from the fact that tracks can’t be straight lines, there are very few rules. And given the mixed-reality nature of the game, you have two different ways of building a track. The first is IRL. While the cardboard gates provide the general outline of your track, I found myself using, well, everything I could think of to add obstacles and other elements. I had tracks that twisted under my coffee table and ones where disposable plastic cups lined the edge of the road. Carpets became slow zones. My kids took their stuffed animals and created a crowd, while my pets provided the odd unexpected barrier. Note: cats do not like being bumped by a small car while grooming themselves.
This is all rendered on the Switch screen, though the low-res camera means things can be a bit fuzzy and dark. This is especially true of moving objects like, say, an angry dog. It doesn’t present much of an issue if you’re playing on the Switch in portable mode, but the IRL elements of the game don’t look very good blown up on a big television. It’s like you’re peering at your house through an ancient webcam.
Once you’ve set up the real-world portion of the track, you can then augment it in a few virtual ways. Each of the gates can be customized. You can add item-spewing warp pipes or those rotating fire bars from Bowser’s castle. There are also plenty of visual themes that can impact gameplay: the desert theme has wind that tosses you around the track, while the haunted house is full of Boos that obscure your vision if you drive through them. You can even customize your racer; right now I’m driving around an SMB3 airship-style kart piloted by a Mario wearing an artist’s smock.
Most of these options aren’t there when you first start. Instead, you need to unlock them by playing through the classic grand prix mode. As you earn trophies and collect coins, you’ll get new customization options. It requires a bit of grinding, but after a few hours of play, you’ll have a lot to work with. You can also cheat: the grand prix courses are based on tracks you make, and I admit that I designed a few easy ones to speed up the process.
When this all works as it should, Home Circuit is incredible. Yes, the racing is simpler than past Mario Karts, and it’s missing things like the gravity-defying Rainbow Road or the wonderful downhill track Mount Wario. But what you get in their place is amazing in a different way. The most notable thing is how fast and easy it is to make levels. The game instantly recognizes when you do something like move a gate, so tweaking your track is as intuitive as getting up and moving things around. Need some more obstacles? Grab a few pillows to toss in the way. Is a hairpin turn frustrating you? Shift the road a little bit. It’s hard to overstate how the tactile nature of level design makes the process so much easier — and more importantly, it’s fun. I think I might prefer building to racing.
Plus, it’s just cool to see the colorful Mushroom Kingdom clash with your kitchen, and the hardware itself is great. The kart is solid and can drive over most typical household surfaces — I had no issues on either hardwood floors or several low-pile rugs — while the cardboard accessories seem pretty sturdy, and thankfully you can fold them up to store when you’re not playing. (Nintendo has clearly learned a thing about cardboard from Labo.)
That said, it doesn’t always work as intended. During my testing, I found frustratingly common moments when the game would jitter and skip a few frames, causing me to miss a turn or smash into an IRL obstacle. It was often when there was lots happening on-screen or when there was some kind of in-game element designed to wreak havoc with my kart, like the winds in the desert course or a new power-up where a Chain Chomp pulls you along. Mario Kart has always been a game about chaos, so it’s frustrating when that chaos damages the game experience. It’s all the more annoying because, since the kart is a real object, there’s no automatic reset if you get in a big crash.
But the biggest issue with Home Circuit is how prohibitive it is to play multiplayer. In fact, the requirements are so much that I wasn’t even able to test it out. In order to play the game with another person, you both need a Switch and an RC kart. I understand some of the logistical reasons for this, but given how multiplayer-focused Mario Kart has always been, it’s still disappointing. I’m not sure why there isn’t at least a split-screen option for those who want to pick up multiple karts. One of the great things about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Switch was how easy it was to set up an impromptu match with friends. Home Circuit goes in the opposite direction.
Really, Home Circuit is a game about trade-offs. No, you’re not getting a full-fledged Mario Kart experience with all kinds of inventive new power-ups and tracks. You’re also not getting a game you can easily play with friends. But in their stead, you get a racing game that’s really unlike anything else out there. At its best, Home Circuit seamlessly blends the idea of racing an RC car with a video game and does it while making the act of creation playful. I may not be able to play Home Circuit with my friends — but at least my cat can join in when she feels like making trouble.


theverge--2020-10-14--The best Prime Day 2020 deals

The best Prime Day 2020 deals

Amazon Prime Day 2020 is back for another day full of tech deals , and it will conclude later tonight at 12:00AM PT / 3:00AM ET .
So , if you have a Prime membership , your time to take advantage of some of the biggest price drops is running out .
The sale kicked off yesterday , and we saw hefty price cuts on must-have products , like Sony ’ s WH-1000XM4 wireless noise-canceling headphones , AirPods wireless earbuds , tablets , and more .
You can look forward to some of these deals to return , plus some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new deals so you can tell them apart from older ones .
Looking for non-Amazon retailers ?
Check out our anti-Prime Day deals .
Most of what you ’ ll find below will be on sale throughout the final leg of Prime Day 2020 .
However , we ’ ll be putting limited time Lightning Deals up near the top so you can easily find ( and , if you want , buy ) those products .
For all of our coverage , including what kinds of deals are happening outside of Amazon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For more deals on fashion , home goods , and other items , check out The Strategist ’ s roundup here .
• Satechi ’ s USB-C hub clamp for iMac and iMac Pro desktops is $ 35 ( usually $ 50 ) until 9:30AM ET , or until stock sells out .
• Microsoft ’ s Surface Headphones 2 are $ 200 ( usually $ 300 ) at Amazon • The new Sony WH1000X-M4 wireless noise-canceling headphones are $ 298 at Amazon ( usually $ 350 ) and include a free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s QuietComfort 35 Series II wireless noise-canceling headphones are $ 200 at Amazon ( usually $ 300 ) , which is $ 79 less than their previous best price • Beats Powerbeats Pro wireless earphones are $ 175 at Amazon ( usually $ 250 ) , falling $ 25 below their lowest price yet • Apple AirPods with a wired charging case are $ 115 at Amazon ( usually $ 125 ) , beating the lowest price by $ 10 • Amazon ’ s Echo Buds are $ 80 at Amazon ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lowest price yet by $ 10 • Razer Opus wireless noise-canceling headphones are $ 180 at Amazon ( usually $ 200 ) , matching their best-ever price • Sony ’ s WHXB900N wireless headphones are $ 123 at Amazon ( usually $ 248 ) , matching the lowest price we ’ ve seen yet • Sony ’ s WHCH710N wireless headphones are $ 88 at Amazon ( usually $ 200 ) , beating the previous lowest price by $ 10 • Fire Emblem : Three Houses ( physical or digital ) for Nintendo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usually $ 60 ) , beating the previous best price by $ 5 • You can get a one-year family subscription to Nintendo Switch Online and a 128GB microSD card for $ 40 .
Considering the Switch Online service costs $ 35 per year , paying $ 5 more for extra Switch storage is an excellent value .
• The Last of Us Part II is $ 40 at Amazon ( usually $ 60 ) • Yoshi ’ s Crafted World ( physical or digital ) for Nintendo Switch is $ 40 at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The lowest was $ 30 , so this is not the best but still a good deal .
• The Legend of Zelda : Breath of the Wild ( physical or digital ) for Nintendo Switch is $ 40 at Amazon ( usually $ 60 ) .
The lowest was $ 30 , so not the best but still a good deal .
• Splatoon 2 ( physical or digital ) for Nintendo Switch is $ 40 at Amazon ( usually $ 60 ) , matching the lowest price yet • You can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game streaming service for $ 42 at Amazon ( usually $ 60 ) • Genki ’ s Covert Dock for Nintendo Switch ( with support for other USB-C devices ) is $ 60 at Amazon ( usually $ 75 , clip the on-page coupon to save ) • Genki ’ s Bluetooth audio USB-C adapter for the Nintendo Switch is $ 40 at Amazon when you clip the on-page discount ( usually $ 50 ) • PowerA MOGA phone and Xbox One controller clip is $ 10 ( usually $ 15 ) • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is $ 39 at Amazon until 12PM ET , 10/14 • Avatar & Legend of Korra : Complete Series Collection on Blu-ray is $ 45 at Amazon until 11AM ET , 10/14 • Cowboy Bebop : The Complete Series on Blu-ray is $ 18 at Amazon until 11AM ET , 10/14 • Samurai Champloo : The Complete Series on Blu-ray is $ 20 at Amazon until 11AM ET , 10/14 • The Dark Knight Trilogy on 4K UHD Blu-ray is $ 39 at Amazon until 12PM ET , 10/14 • The Mummy Ultimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 35 at Amazon • Friends : The Complete Series on Blu-ray is $ 55 at Amazon until 11AM ET , 10/14 • Indiana Jones : The Complete Adventures on Blu-ray is $ 30 at Amazon until 12PM ET , 10/14 • Amazon ’ s Kindle Paperwhite ( with ads , 8GB ) is $ 80 at Amazon ( usually $ 130 ) , beating the previous lowest price of $ 85 • The Amazon Echo Dot ( third generation ) smart speaker is $ 19 ( usually $ 40 ) at Amazon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) • Amazon ’ s Fire TV Cube streaming device is down to $ 80 ( usually $ 120 ) , which beats its previous best price by $ 10 • Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is $ 80 ( usually $ 150 ) at Amazon , which is $ 20 less than the previous lowest price • Eero ’ s three-pack of mesh Wi-Fi routers is $ 174 at Amazon ( usually $ 249 ) .
It ’ s not as low as the best-ever $ 160 price , but it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A single Eero mesh Wi-Fi router is $ 69 at Amazon ( usually $ 99 ) .
This matches the lowest price yet .
• Ring ’ s Stick Up Cam smart camera with a free Echo Dot is $ 80 at Amazon ( usually $ 100 ) , beating the previous lowest price of $ 85 • You can get a Ring Video Doorbell 3 and an Amazon Echo Show 5 together for $ 150 at Amazon ( usually $ 290 together ) • Amazon ’ s Echo Studio smart speaker is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Amazon , beating the lowest price yet • Razer ’ s Mamba wireless gaming mouse is $ 60 at Amazon ( usually around $ 90 ) , not quite beating its $ 55 best price , but coming close enough to warrant telling you about it • Razer ’ s DeathAdder V2 wired gaming mouse is $ 56 at Amazon ( usually $ 70 ) , beating the best price by $ 10 • Razer ’ s Naga Trinity wired gaming mouse is $ 60 at Amazon ( usually $ 74 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price yet , but it ’ s still a good deal • Razer ’ s Huntsman TE tenkeyless wired gaming keyboard is $ 90 at Amazon ( usually $ 130 ) , beating the previous best deal by $ 10 • Razer ’ s Viper Ultimate wireless gaming mouse is $ 100 at Amazon ( usually $ 130 ) , matching the lowest price • Razer ’ s Basilisk Ultimate wireless gaming mouse is $ 100 ( usually $ 150 ) , falling below the lowest price by $ 20 • Dell ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( G-Sync , VA panel , 144Hz refresh rate ) is $ 210 at Amazon .
This model fluctuates in price between $ 220 and $ 300 .
• ViewSonic ’ s 27-inch XG2760 1440p gaming monitor ( G-Sync , 165Hz refresh rate , 1ms response time ) is $ 385 at Amazon ( usually $ 600 ) , down from its previous best of $ 418 • SanDisk ’ s 1TB Plus SATA SSD is $ 88 at Amazon ( usually $ 110 ) , down from its previous best price of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SSD is $ 120 at Amazon ( usually $ 150 ) • Toshiba ’ s 4TB Canvio portable hard drive is $ 80 at Amazon ( usually $ 98 ) , down from its previous best price of $ 85 • Samsung ’ s 1TB 860 Pro SATA SSD is $ 200 at Amazon ( usually $ 280 ) , down from its previous best price of $ 233 • LaCie ’ s 5TB Rugged Mini portable hard drive is $ 115 at Amazon ( usually $ 165 ) , down from its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LaCie ’ s 2TB Rugged Mini portable hard drive is $ 62 at Amazon ( usually $ 95 ) , $ 15 cheaper than the best deal we ’ ve seen yet • SanDisk ’ s 400GB microSD card that works with Nintendo Switch and other supported products is $ 45 at Amazon ( usually $ 60 ) , matching the lowest price yet • PNY ’ s 512GB microSD card is $ 70 ( usually $ 100 ) at Amazon • Seagate ’ s 4TB Game Drive for Xbox is $ 88 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , beating the previous lowest price by $ 12 • Motorola ’ s Edge ( unlocked with 256GB of storage and support for CDMA/GSM carriers ) is $ 495 at Amazon .
It fluctuates in price between $ 500 and $ 700 , but it ’ s locked to $ 495 through Prime Day .
• The Moto G Stylus ( 128GB storage , unlocked with full carrier support ) is $ 240 at Amazon .
It usually costs $ 300 .
• Samsung ’ s Galaxy A71 with 5G support ( unlocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amazon ( usually $ 500 ) , beating its lowest price • Samsung ’ s Galaxy S20 ( unlocked , 128GB ) is $ 750 at Amazon ( usually $ 1,000 ) , beating the previous best price • Samsung ’ s Galaxy S20 Plus ( unlocked , 128GB ) is $ 900 at Amazon ( usually $ 1,200 ) , beating the previous lowest price • The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra ( unlocked , 128GB ) is $ 1,050 at Amazon ( usually $ 1,200 ) , beating the lowest price • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 64GB ) costs $ 449 at Amazon ( usually $ 600 ) , beating its previous best price by $ 50 • The Google Pixel 4 ( unlocked , 128GB ) costs $ 549 at Amazon ( usually $ 899 ) , also beating the lowest price on record by $ 50 • The Google Pixel 4 XL ( unlocked , 128GB ) costs $ 649 at Amazon ( usually $ 999 ) , beating the lowest price yet by $ 50 • The Moto G Power ( 32GB storage , unlocked with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Amazon , beating its usual price of around $ 200 .
• Razer ’ s Blade 15 Advanced ( i7-10875H , RTX 2070 Super Max-Q , 300Hz refresh rate , 16GB RAM , 512GB SSD ) is $ 2,100 at Amazon ( usually $ 2,600 ) , beating the previous best price by about $ 100 • Razer ’ s Blade 15 Base edition ( i7-10750H , GTX 1660 Ti , 144Hz refresh rate , 16GB RAM , 256GB SSD ) is $ 1,300 at Amazon ( usually $ 1,600 ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,466 • Asus ZenBook Duo UX481 is $ 1,000 at Amazon , below its usual price at $ 1,150 • Brydge ’ s Pro 12.9 Bluetooth keyboard for the iPad Pro ( 2018 , 2020 ) is $ 100 at Amazon ( usually $ 169 ) , beating the lowest price by $ 30 • Brydge ’ s Pro Plus 12.9 Bluetooth keyboard with a trackpad for iPad Pro ( 2018 , 2020 ) is $ 160 at Amazon , which is well below its usual price of $ 230 • Brydge ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the smaller iPad Pro ( 2018 , 2020 ) is $ 140 at Amazon , which is $ 60 less than its usual price • If you have the latest 10.2-inch iPad , Brydge ’ s 10.2 Bluetooth keyboard for that size of tablet is $ 80 at Amazon ( usually $ 130 ) , which is $ 20 cheaper than the previous best price • The 2017 iPad Pro and the iPad Air ( 2019 ) are 10.5-inch tablets .
If you have either of those , Brydge ’ s 10.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s just $ 60 at Amazon , which is just a little less than its usual $ 65 price .
• Garmin ’ s Fenix 5S Plus GPS smartwatch is $ 350 at Amazon ( usually $ 671 ) , which is almost $ 200 off its previous lowest price • The Garmin VivoActive 4S GPS smartwatch is $ 200 at Amazon ( usually $ 280 ) , falling $ 70 below its previous best price • Garmin ’ s eTrex 22x handheld GPS navigator is $ 140 at Amazon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 200 • Amazon is offering Prime members an extra 20 percent discount on pre-owned , used , and open box products in the Amazon Warehouse .
You should check out the selection of tech you might be interested before spending more on a new product .
• Zendure ’ s SuperTank 100W portable battery bank is $ 83 at Amazon ( usually $ 130 ) if you use the on-page coupon , beating the previous best price by almost $ 20 .
And if you purchase two Zendure products , you ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• The Doxie Go SE portable paper scanner is $ 139 at Amazon ( usually $ 179 ) , which is the best price this product has sold for since last October .
• DJI ’ s Mavic Mini combo that includes several accessories is $ 400 at Amazon , which is $ 100 less than the usual price • The DJI Osmo Pocket with a charging case is $ 300 at Amazon , which is $ 98 less than its usual price • DJI ’ s Osmo Action camera is $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ below its usual cost • DJI ’ s Osmo Mobile 3 gimbal with accessories is $ 105 at Amazon , which is $ 13 less than the usual price • Samsung ’ s Galaxy Tab A ( 10.1-inch , 2019 , 64GB ) is $ 180 at Amazon ( usually $ 280 ) , matching the best deal we ’ ve seen yet • The 8-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab A with 32GB of storage is $ 100 ( usually $ 118 ) at Amazon • Satechi ’ s USB-C hub that supports two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amazon ( usually $ 50 ) , beating the previous lowest price of $ 49

The dust has settled following two days of Amazon Prime Day 2020 sales. Most of the deals are finished, and prices are for the most part back to their normal rates. The next big opportunity to save big will come during Black Friday after Thanksgiving, in just over a month.
But, if you didn’t get everything you wanted out of Prime Day 2020, there are still a handful of good deals happening. Some are at Amazon, and some are happening elsewhere at retailers like Walmart and Best Buy. You won’t need a Prime membership to reap the savings of the deals still happening. Consider this the last hurrah of Prime Day 2020.
Before we get into yesterday’s deals that are still available, Daily Steals is offering a great deal on the Apple AirPods Pro, matching the best price we saw right before Prime Day started. Normally $250, they’re $190 for a limited time. Enter the code VERGEAPRO at checkout to get this discount.
While these AirPods Pro are considered new, they’re open-box models and come with a year-long warranty through Daily Steals. They ship in their original retail packaging and include all accessories. If you’d rather buy new-in-box from Walmart with the standard one-year Apple warranty, the Apple AirPods Pro are $200 (usually $250).
The rest of the best deals
The Zendure SuperTank has plenty of ports. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge


theverge--2020-10-14--Here are the best AirPods deals

Here are the best AirPods deals

Apple AirPods are among the most popular headphones on the market .
They ’ re compact , easy to pair with your devices , and they offer reliable connectivity , which can sometimes be a problem with truly wireless earphones .
So there ’ s a chance that you might be looking for a deal on them .
Surprisingly , they ’ re no stranger to the occasional price cut .
There are commonly discounts on even the more expensive AirPods Pro , which offer noise cancellation and better sound than the standard second-generation model .
We ’ ll run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ below , including the second-generation AirPods , the more expensive second-generation AirPods that include a wireless charging case , and finally , the AirPods Pro .
You can currently find the best price on Apple ’ s most affordable AirPods at Amazon and Best Buy .
Normally $ 159 , but you can get them for $ 115 right now at both retailers .
This is nearly the lowest price we ’ ve seen yet , though they may get cheaper as we approach the holidays .
You ’ ll need to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advantage of this model ’ s key feature ( if you have no use for it , just get the more affordable option above ) , but even the best ones are fairly inexpensive .
Most retailers commonly offer a $ 30 discount on Apple ’ s AirPods that include a Qi-ready wireless charging case , and that ’ s currently the sale price .
But keep a lookout for deals that double this price cut down to $ 140 , which is the lowest price that we ’ ve seen yet .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the AirPods Pro , are frequently available for less than their $ 249 retail price .
At most retailers , that price drop is only $ 15 .
Though , if you aren ’ t getting at least $ 30 off the regular price , I ’ d personally hold off on buying them .
We have seen the price fall to as low as $ 190 , but that offer quickly sold out .
Currently , you can get them for as low as $ 199 at Amazon , Target , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good deal .
Compared to the options above , the AirPods Pro have better sound quality , noise cancellation , and now support Apple ’ s new spatial audio feature .
We think they ’ re the best wireless earbuds that iPhone owners should buy .

If you know where to look, there are often some great discounts available on Apple’s ever-popular AirPods. Since Apple launched the third-gen AirPods toward the end of 2021, we’ve seen the starting price of the second-gen, entry-level model slowly dip to around $100. And now that the second-gen AirPods Pro have been on the market for nearly a year, we’re seeing their price fall more often, too.
Here, we’ve curated the best deals currently available on each model, including the entry-level AirPods, the AirPods Pro, the third-gen AirPods, and the AirPods Max.
The best AirPods (second-gen) deals
In 2021, Apple lowered the list price of the second-gen AirPods — now the entry-level model — from $159 to $129. It now only sells the model with a wired charging case, however, which charges via a standard Lightning cable. Despite their age, we found that the easy-to-use, second-gen AirPods still offer great wireless performance and reliable battery life, making them a great pick if you can live without a wireless charging case.
Apple’s most affordable pair of earbuds have dropped to as low as $79.99 before, but right now they’re only on sale for around $99 ($30 off) at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. Alternatively, if you prefer the model with the wireless charging case, it’s available at Adorama for $129.99 ($20 off).
The best AirPods (third-gen) deals
With support for the company’s MagSafe technology and an asking price of $179, Apple’s third-gen AirPods are often considered the middle child in Apple’s current AirPods lineup. The shorter stems make for a more subtle design, too, while improved sound and features like sweat and water resistance, support for spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, and improved battery life render them a nice improvement over the last-gen model.
In September, Apple quietly introduced a new, slightly cheaper option for the third-gen AirPods that comes with a Lightning-only charging case. They are currently on sale at Amazon and Target for $149.99 ($20 off). You can also buy the option with a MagSafe charging case at B&H Photo and Costco (members only) for around $169.95 ($9 off).
The best AirPods Pro deals
In case you missed it, Apple announced the second-gen AirPods Pro during its “Far Out” event in September, a pair of earbuds that feature a similar build to the first-gen model but offer better noise cancellation. They also sport swipe-based controls, come with Apple’s new H2 chip, and feature an extra-small pair of swappable silicone ear tips for smaller ears.
They typically retail for $249, but right now they’re on sale at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy for around $199 ($50 off), which nearly matches their all-time low. If you live close to a Micro Center, you can also pick them up in-store for $194.99 ($5 off).
The first-gen AirPods Pro are also still available for purchase, and sometimes much cheaper than the second-gen model. They have better sound quality than the non-premium models listed above, as well as active noise cancellation. They also come with swappable silicone tips — albeit three, not four — and support Apple’s spatial audio feature, which adds an immersive surround sound effect to select content.
At the end of 2021, Apple launched a new configuration of the first-gen AirPods Pro with a wireless charging case that supports Apple’s MagSafe technology, just like the third-gen AirPods. While they used to retail for $249, we’ve seen them drop to around $159, and sometimes they even sell for as low as $129. Right now, however, they’re not on sale, which is why we suggest buying the second-gen AirPods Pro while they’re still discounted.
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The best AirPods Max deals
The AirPods Max aren’t the iconic in-ears that have become synonymous with the AirPods name. They’re large and luxurious, comprised of aluminum, steel, and mesh fabric that remains comfortable during extended listening sessions. They also sport excellent noise cancellation, Apple’s spatial audio feature, and expansive, balanced sound, even if they lag behind some of their peers when it comes to bass response. They’re not the best noise-canceling headphones for most people — blame the $550 sticker price — but it’s hard to find a pair of Bluetooth headphones that sound better and feature more intuitive controls.
Although Woot and other retailers have discounted the AirPods Max to as low as $409 in the past, prices have since increased across the board. That said, the Max are receiving a sizable discount at Amazon, Walmart, and B&H Photo, where you can pick them up in select colors for around $477 ($72 off) at checkout. If you live near a Micro Center, you can also buy them for $469.99 ($80 off).


theverge--2020-10-14--The best Kindle and Echo deals you can get during Prime Day 2020

Amazon Prime Day 2020 is here , and the retailer has slashed the prices across a slew of items and categories , including Amazon ’ s own devices .
Whether you are looking for a Fire tablet to read ebooks , a Ring device to protect your home , or you simply want to add an Alexa device to a part of your house , here are the best deals on Amazon ’ s own tech .
A standout deal includes the third-gen Echo Device , which is the lowest it has ever been previously .
In addition , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deals allow you to add an Amazon smart plug or other accessories for just $ 5 more .
Of course , if you are not a fan of the older Echo Dot design , you can also preorder this year ’ s Echo Dot model , which features a spherical design with a two-pack costing $ 80 on Amazon right now .
• Third-gen Echo Dot is $ 19 at Amazon ( usually $ 40 ) , beating the previous best price • You can also get a for $ 49 on Amazon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its previous lowest price • Echo Show 8 is $ 65 at Amazon ( usually $ 130 ) , beating the lowest previous price • Echo Show 5 is $ 45 at Amazon ( usually $ 90 ) , beating its previous price by $ 5 • A ten-inch second-gen Echo Show is $ 150 on Amazon ( usually $ 230 ) , matching its previous lowest price • Echo Buds are $ 80 at Amazon ( usually $ 103 ) , beating its previous best price • Echo Flex is $ 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , beating its lowest price by $ 8 • You can get an Echo Studio and two Philips Hue Bulbs for $ 150 at Amazon ( usually $ 230 ) , beating the previous best price • Kindle Oasis with 8GB storage for $ 175 at Amazon ( usually $ 250 ) , matching its previous best-ever price • You can also get the 32GB Kindle Oasis model for $ 200 at Amazon ( usually $ 280 ) , matching its previous best-ever price • Kindle Paperwhite is $ 80 on Amazon ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous best price by $ 5 • Fire HD 8 is $ 85 at Amazon ( usually $ 120 ) • Fire HD 10 is $ 80 at Amazon ( usually $ 150 ) , beating its previous lowest price • Fire HD 8 Plus is $ 104 at Amazon ( usually $ 140 ) • You can buy a single Eero unit ( last year ’ s model ) for just $ 69 at Amazon ( usually $ 99 ) , matching its previous lowest price ever • A two-pack of last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 118 at Amazon ( usually $ 169 ) , beating its previous lowest price by $ 51 • Or if you want to buy a three-pack of last year ’ s Eero model , you can do so for just $ 174 ( usually $ 249 ) , which is not the lowest price we have seen the device but is still a good deal if you are looking to cover a larger home • You can buy a Ring Alarm kit , which is bundled with a third-gen Echo Dot , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 200 ) , beating its previous best price by $ 40

Amazon Prime Day 2020 is here, and the retailer has slashed the prices across a slew of items and categories , including Amazon’s own devices. Whether you are looking for a Fire tablet to read ebooks, a Ring device to protect your home, or you simply want to add an Alexa device to a part of your house, here are the best deals on Amazon’s own tech.
A standout deal includes the third-gen Echo Device, which is the lowest it has ever been previously. In addition, a lot of the Echo and smart home deals allow you to add an Amazon smart plug or other accessories for just $5 more. Of course, if you are not a fan of the older Echo Dot design, you can also preorder this year’s Echo Dot model, which features a spherical design with a two-pack costing $80 on Amazon right now.


theverge--2020-10-14--Best Prime Day 2020 deals on Chromebooks and Windows laptops

If you are looking for a new Windows laptop or Chromebook , whether it ’ s for school , video meetings with friends , or even for your new work from home setup , you might want to consider taking a peek at Amazon ’ s Prime Day sales .
The online retail giant ( along with a few of its competitors ) has a bunch of laptops on sale that should fit most budgets .
Amazon has slashed the prices on laptops from several manufacturers , including Acer , Asus , Razer , and Samsung .
Prices on these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , such as specs , configuration , and screen size .
But fortunately , most of the better laptop deals we ’ ve found won ’ t burn a major hole in your wallet .
• is $ 1,000 at Amazon ( usually $ 1,300 ) , lower than the best-ever price • Samsung ’ s Galaxy Book Flex ( 12GB , i7 , 512GB ) is $ 1,200 at Best Buy ( usually $ 1,400 ) , lower than the best-ever price • Samsung ’ s Galaxy Book Ion 13 is $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1,200 ) , lower than the best-ever price • is $ 1,150 at Amazon ( usually $ 1,900 ) , lower than the best-ever price • Lenovo ’ s Yoga C940 laptop ( 4K , i7 , 16GB RAM , 512GB ) is $ 1,200 at Best Buy ( usually $ 1,600 ) , lower than the best-ever price • Razer ’ s Blade 15 Advanced ( i7-10875H , RTX 2070 Super Max-Q , 300Hz refresh rate , 16GB RAM , 512GB SSD ) is $ 2,000 at Amazon ( usually $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price • Razer ’ s Blade 15 Base edition ( i7-10750H , GTX 1660 Ti , 144Hz refresh rate , 16GB RAM , 256GB SSD ) is $ 1,300 at Amazon ( usually $ 1,600 ) , lower than the best-ever price • You can save up to $ 300 off the Surface Pro X in Matte Black color variant at the Microsoft Store • The new Surface Pro 7 is discounted at the Microsoft Store , with savings ranging anywhere from $ 100 to $ 300 depending on your configurations • is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 500 ) , lower than the best-ever price • Samsung ’ s 11-inch Chromebook 4 is $ 199 at Walmart ( usually $ 250 )

If you are looking for a new Windows laptop or Chromebook, whether it’s for school, video meetings with friends, or even for your new work from home setup, you might want to consider taking a peek at the post-Prime Day sales. The online retail giant (along with a few of its competitors) has a bunch of laptops on sale that should fit most budgets.


theverge--2020-10-14--Best Prime Day 2020 deals on gaming

Best Prime Day 2020 deals on gaming

If you are looking to buy some games that are on your backlist or a new gaming peripheral for your setup , Prime Day 2020 might have some deals worth checking out .
Whether you are ready for some new entertainment , are in the market for a gaming mouse , or are looking for some extra storage for your console , here are some of the best gaming deals Amazon is offering during its two-day event .
You probably won ’ t find any deals on next-gen gaming consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X / S. But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discounts on their predecessors , the PS4 and Xbox One .
And if you are looking to upgrade your TV for your next-gen console , Amazon also has a few TVs worth checking out .
• is $ 90 at Amazon ( usually $ 170 ) , lower than the best-ever price • is $ 160 at Amazon ( usually $ 230 ) , lower than the best-ever price • Fire Emblem : Three Houses is $ 40 at Amazon ( usually $ 60 ) , which is lower than the best-ever price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 40 at Amazon ( usually $ 60 ) • The Legend of Zelda : Breath of the Wild is $ 40 at Amazon ( usually $ 60 ) .
The game is also available at Best Buy for $ 40 .
• Splatoon 2 is $ 40 at Amazon ( usually $ 60 ) , matching the best-ever price • Super Mario Party is $ 40 at Amazon ( usually $ 60 ) , matching the best-ever price .
The game is also available at Walmart for the same price • 128GB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nintendo Switch Online is $ 40 at Amazon ( usually $ 70 ) .
Considering the Switch Online service costs $ 35 per year , paying $ 10 more for extra Switch storage is an excellent value .
• SanDisk ’ s 400GB microSD card for Nintendo Switch and other supported devices is $ 43 ( usually $ 57 ) , lower than the best-ever price • The Last of Us Part II ( standard edition ) is $ 40 at Best Buy ( usually $ 60 ) , matching Amazon ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A one-year PlayStation Plus subscription costs just $ 30 at CDKeys.com ( usually $ 60 ) • You can get one-year of PlayStation Now for $ 42 at Amazon • You can get a used at GameStop for $ 120 ( usually $ 160 ) • is $ 40 at Amazon ( usually $ 60 ) , lower than the best-ever price • Razer ’ s DeathAdder V2 wired gaming mouse is $ 56 at Amazon ( usually $ 70 ) , lower than the best-ever price • Razer ’ s Basilisk V2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amazon ( usually $ 80 ) , matching the best-ever price • Razer ’ s Naga Trinity wired gaming mouse is $ 60 at Amazon ( usually $ 100 ) • is $ 90 at Amazon ( usually $ 130 ) , lower than the best-ever price • Razer ’ s Mamba wireless gaming mouse is $ 60 at Amazon ( usually $ 130 ) • Razer ’ s Viper Ultimate wireless gaming mouse is $ 100 at Amazon ( usually $ 130 ) , lower than the best-ever price • Razer ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 100 at Amazon ( usually $ 150 ) , lower than the best-ever price • is $ 140 at Amazon ( usually $ 250 ) , lower than the best-ever price • is $ 35 at Amazon ( usually $ 80 ) , lower than the best-ever price • is $ 55 at Amazon ( usually $ 80 ) , lower than the best-ever price • Das Keyboards is knocking 15 percent off all of their mechanical keyboards • Seagate ’ s 4TB Game Drive for Xbox is $ 88 ( usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best-ever price

Prime Day 2020 may have ended but there’s still a few deals you can take advantage of in the gaming category. Whether you are ready for some new entertainment, are in the market for a gaming mouse, or are looking for some extra storage for your console, here are some of the best gaming deals Amazon is offering during its two-day event.


theverge--2020-10-14--Best Prime Day deals for upgrading your PC setup

Have you recently purchased a gaming PC ?
Are you looking to buy some new equipment for working from home ?
Amazon ’ s Prime Day event has a ton of great accessories that will spice up your PC setup .
Whether you ’ re looking to find a new gaming mouse or keyboard for your rig , a hard drive to bulk up your computer ’ s storage , or an extra-wide monitor for getting work done , the online retailer has you covered .
There are even some motherboards on sale for bringing new life to old systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that features several more product categories .
• is $ 90 at Amazon ( usually $ 170 ) , lower than the best-ever price • is $ 140 at Amazon ( usually $ 250 ) , lower than the best-ever price • is $ 28 at Amazon ( usually $ 50 ) , lower than the best-ever price • is $ 55 at Amazon ( usually $ 80 ) , lower than the best-ever price • is $ 40 at Amazon ( usually $ 56 ) , matching the best-ever price • Razer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is $ 56 at Amazon ( usually $ 70 ) , lower than the best-ever price • Razer ’ s Basilisk V2 wired gaming mouse is $ 64 at Amazon ( usually $ 80 ) , matching the best-ever price • Razer ’ s Naga Trinity wired gaming mouse is $ 60 at Amazon ( usually $ 74 ) • is $ 90 at Amazon ( usually $ 130 ) , lower than the best-ever price • Razer ’ s Mamba wireless gaming mouse is $ 60 at Amazon ( usually $ 89 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wireless gaming mouse is $ 100 at Amazon ( usually $ 130 ) , lower than the best-ever price • Razer ’ s Basilisk Ultimate wireless gaming mouse is $ 100 at Amazon ( usually $ 150 ) , lower than the best-ever price • Das Keyboards is knocking 15 percent off all of their mechanical keyboards • is $ 385 at Amazon ( usually $ 550 ) , lower than the best-ever price • The Synology 4-bay NAS DiskStation DS920 Plus is down to $ 440 at Newegg ( usually $ 550 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used at checkout • is $ 249 at Amazon ( usually $ 310 ) , lower than the best-ever price • SanDisk ’ s 1TB Plus SATA SSD is $ 88 at Amazon ( usually $ 110 ) , lower than the best-ever price • Toshiba ’ s 4TB Canvio portable hard drive is $ 80 at Amazon ( usually $ 99 ) , lower than the best-ever price • Samsung ’ s 1TB 860 Pro SATA SSD is $ 200 at Amazon ( usually $ 280 ) , lower than the best-ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( usually $ 165 ) , lower than the best-ever price • is $ 62 at Amazon ( usually $ 96 ) , lower than the best-ever price • The Asus TUF B550M-Plus PCIe 4.0 Micro ATX gaming motherboard that supports AMD ’ s AM4 CPU sockets is $ 128 at Newegg ( usually $ 155 ) , Amazon also has the motherboardon sale , but for $ 162 • is $ 160 at Amazon ( usually $ 195 ) , lower than the best-ever price Zotac ’ s compact GeForce RTX 2060 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newegg ( usually $ 340 ) when you enter code 2FTSTECH293 at checkout EVGA ’ s 750W 80 Plus Gold modular desktop power supply is $ 100 at Newegg , which is $ 30 off of its usual price Corsair Vengeance 32GB ( 2 x 16GB ) 288-pin DDR4 3600 RAM is $ 120 at Newegg ( usually $ 140 )

Have you recently purchased a gaming PC? Are you looking to buy some new equipment for working from home? Amazon’s Prime Day event has a ton of great accessories that will spice up your PC setup.
Whether you’re looking to find a new gaming mouse or keyboard for your rig, a hard drive to bulk up your computer’s storage, or an extra-wide monitor for getting work done, the online retailer has you covered. There are even some motherboards on sale for bringing new life to old systems. Check out our main deal post that features several more product categories.


theverge--2020-10-14--Sony will let PS5 owners record their voice chats and snitch on fellow players

Some PlayStation 4 users who downloaded the latest 8.0 update got an unwelcome surprise this morning : their console informed them that Sony had the right to record their voice for moderation purposes .
Initially , the update ’ s release notes contained no mention of voice recordings .
But at some point today , Sony clarified what the messages meant in an update to its official blog post .
Following this update , users are seeing a notification about Party Safety and that voice chats in parties may be recorded .
Voice chat recording for moderation is a feature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it launches , and will enable users to record their voice chats on PS5 and submit them for moderation review .
The pop up you ’ re seeing on PS4 right now is to let you know that when you participate in a chat with a PS5 user ( post-launch ) , they may submit those recordings from their PS5 console to SIE .
To translate that statement , it seems that by joining a voice chat , even with the older PlayStation 4 , your voice can be recorded and submitted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This could certainly be invasive — in theory , anything you say in a voice chat could be sent to Sony without your explicit consent .
But the feature could also be a useful tool to help people report bad party members that may be harassing them .
Based on Sony ’ s language , it doesn ’ t seem as if Sony is actively listening to all of your conversations you ’ re having with your pals during your latest rounds of Fall Guys .
The 8.0 software also changes the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avatars , parental communication controls , and support for authenticator apps for two-factor authentication .
And in another move to prepare for the PS5 ’ s launch , Sony has rebranded the PS4 Remote Play mobile , Mac , and PC apps to PS Remote Play , and you ’ ll be able to use the app to connect to a PlayStation 5 when the new console launches next month .

Some PlayStation 4 users who downloaded the latest 8.0 update got an unwelcome surprise this morning: their console informed them that Sony had the right to record their voice for moderation purposes.
Here’s a couple examples:
Initially, the update’s release notes contained no mention of voice recordings. But at some point today, Sony clarified what the messages meant in an update to its official blog post.
Here is Sony’s exact language:
Following this update, users are seeing a notification about Party Safety and that voice chats in parties may be recorded. Voice chat recording for moderation is a feature that will be available on PS5 when it launches, and will enable users to record their voice chats on PS5 and submit them for moderation review. The pop up you’re seeing on PS4 right now is to let you know that when you participate in a chat with a PS5 user (post-launch), they may submit those recordings from their PS5 console to SIE.
To translate that statement, it seems that by joining a voice chat, even with the older PlayStation 4, your voice can be recorded and submitted to Sony for moderation by another user. This could certainly be invasive — in theory, anything you say in a voice chat could be sent to Sony without your explicit consent. But the feature could also be a useful tool to help people report bad party members that may be harassing them.
Based on Sony’s language, it doesn’t seem as if Sony is actively listening to all of your conversations you’re having with your pals during your latest rounds of Fall Guys.
The 8.0 software also changes the way parties and messages work and adds new avatars, parental communication controls, and support for authenticator apps for two-factor authentication.


theverge--2020-10-14--Go read how Clear plans to infiltrate every part of daily life

With the pandemic essentially halting travel , Clear — once in the business of streamlining security checks at airports — is now in search of other opportunities .
For a company whose bread and butter is biometric identify verification , the solutions lie , well , everywhere , reports Dave Gershgorn for OneZero .
Clear sees its future as an identity platform .
The company ’ s recently launched Health Pass service is just the start , an easy way to capitalize on the need for touchless health screenings , Gershgorn writes .
The company plans for a wider implementation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of quick identity verification could serve an integral part of all transactions from sports arenas to retail stores , verifying age , payment information and much more .
Clear ’ s ambitions present a ... clear danger .
How can the company guarantee the safety of its customers ’ data ?
Clear has had such a breach before .
Further : should any one company have such a complete picture of a person ?
It doesn ’ t take much to imagine what a company flush with customer information could market and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Plus , Clear ’ s not the only one in the space : Amazon announced its own take on biometric identity verification last month .
Read the full piece at OneZero for terrifying slides from Clear ’ s pitch deck .
The privacy trade-offs Clear offers in exchange for speed might already be too attractive for vendors to ignore .

With the pandemic essentially halting travel, Clear — once in the business of streamlining security checks at airports — is now in search of other opportunities. For a company whose bread and butter is biometric identify verification, the solutions lie, well, everywhere, reports Dave Gershgorn for OneZero.
Clear sees its future as an identity platform. The company’s recently launched Health Pass service is just the start, an easy way to capitalize on the need for touchless health screenings, Gershgorn writes. The company plans for a wider implementation of Health Pass post-pandemic. Future uses of quick identity verification could serve an integral part of all transactions from sports arenas to retail stores, verifying age, payment information and much more.
Clear’s ambitions present a... clear danger. How can the company guarantee the safety of its customers’ data? Clear has had such a breach before. Further: should any one company have such a complete picture of a person? It doesn’t take much to imagine what a company flush with customer information could market and it won’t take long either. Plus, Clear’s not the only one in the space: Amazon announced its own take on biometric identity verification last month.