Author: sparta

ESR 3-in-1 Charging Stand Provides 25W MagSafe Charging at a Budget-Friendly Price

### The Ascendancy of Qi2.2 and the ESR 3-in-1 Charger: A Transformative Solution for Apple Owners

In the previous year, Apple took a bold step by opening its MagSafe standard to the Wireless Power Consortium, permitting third-party firms to officially leverage MagSafe technology, which facilitates charging rates of up to 15W. This year, the standard has seen further enhancement with the launch of Qi2.2, allowing third-party creators to provide 25W MagSafe charging options. This progression has resulted in a proliferation of innovative chargers on the market, including the ESR 3-in-1 charger, which distinguishes itself with its cost-effectiveness and functionality.

#### The ESR 3-in-1 Charger

The ESR 3-in-1 charger is crafted to power an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously, making it a perfect choice for users owning multiple Apple gadgets. Unlike several other 3-in-1 chargers that adopt a side-by-side configuration, the ESR variant integrates a low-profile design where the Apple Watch charger is situated behind the MagSafe ring. This layout not only conserves space but also improves the visual charm of your desk or nightstand.

A highlight of the ESR 3-in-1 charger is its adaptability. The Apple Watch charger is removable, enabling users to connect it to a MacBook or other devices for quick charging, enhancing its practicality.

#### Included Accessories

The ESR 3-in-1 charger includes a 50W charging brick and a USB-C cable within the package, which is a considerable benefit since many chargers omit these vital accessories. This comprehensive approach guarantees that users possess everything necessary to commence charging their devices immediately.

#### Advanced Cooling Technology

A particularly striking aspect of the ESR 3-in-1 charger is its integrated cooling mechanism, known as CryoBoost. Wireless charging can frequently result in overheating, especially when functioning at maximum rates of 25W. The CryoBoost technology features a fan that aids in sustaining ideal temperatures, ensuring effective charging without overheating concerns.

#### Conclusion

For individuals seeking a dependable and proficient MagSafe charger, the ESR 3-in-1 charger represents a superb choice. It provides swift 25W charging capabilities, a space-efficient design, and essential accessories, all at a compelling price of $89.99, particularly during Black Friday promotions. However, it’s crucial to understand that to fully exploit Qi2.2, users will need an iPhone 16 or iPhone 17 model.

In conclusion, the ESR 3-in-1 charger not only fulfills the charging demands of Apple users but does so with elegance and efficiency, making it a valuable addition to any tech arrangement.

Read More
Top 5 Essential iPhone Applications for Audiophiles

if they still sound lacking on your iPhone, the problem may lie with the apps you’re using to stream music. For numerous iPhone users, subscriptions to Apple Music or Spotify do not ensure high detail or expansive dynamic range. The reason for inadequate output often stems from the app, codec, or settings on your device. Mediocre quality output results from how audio is compressed and transmitted within an app. Spotify’s default configurations favor storage efficiency and buffer speed over sound fidelity, streaming tracks utilizing “lossy” codecs like AAC or Ogg Vorbis.

Apple Music provides lossless ALAC streaming, but it is not activated by default. Bluetooth on the iPhone employs AAC, another “lossy” codec. This is why your headphones fail to produce the sound you anticipate from them. The “lossy” formats function adequately for casual listening; however, for those attuned to every chord, bass line, guitar riff, or instrument separation, lossless formats like ALAC and FLAC deliver true-to-life output.

The appropriate app and settings can significantly impact the experience. For iPhone users who prioritize unyielding audio quality, control, and availability of high-res or lossless libraries, these five crucial apps on the App Store provide the optimum experience. From support for various formats to curated playlists and music discovery features, these apps address what audiophiles genuinely value.

Apple Music

“Sturdy Headphones Offered for $13 on Black Friday Following Three Years of Everyday Use”

Get 48% off these wired Sony headphones, or 43% off my top choice with a microphone for calls or gaming.

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

Audio enthusiasts have a wealth of Black Friday headphone offers calling to them, featuring significant discounts on high-end Sony or Bose ANC headphones — yet they will still set you back at least $200. For regular folks like you and me, a straightforward pair of budget-friendly, dependable headphones is far more suitable.

My sincere advice? The Sony ZX Wired On-Ear Headphones, available for only $12.99 (48% off) at Best Buy, or the enhanced <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=169923&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB00OUX6U6G%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dac-gb-3576887498776961502-20" data-url="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OUX6U6G" target="_blank" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" rel="sponsored noopener" data-hl-processed="hawklinks" data-google-interstitial

Read More
“Best Alternatives to the Quest 3 Elite Strap with Battery: Superior Offers Accessible”

We’ve evaluated third-party solutions from Kiwi Design and BoboVR that enhance your Quest 3 or 3S comfort and durability at a significantly lower cost.

The standard Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S straps press into your ears, soak up sweat, and do not adequately counterbalance the front-heavy build or keep them secure during workout games. An upgrade is essential, one that also extends the two-hour battery life, to ensure the top VR experience.

However, Meta’s official Elite Strap with Battery comes with a hefty price tag! Even with its 20%-off Black Friday promotion ending Saturday night, it still costs $103 on Amazon, which is excessive given that a complete Quest 3S is just $249! Fortunately, among the finest Meta Quest 3 & 3S accessories, there are numerous excellent third-party alternatives on sale for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Our initial suggestion is KIWI Design, known for outstanding Elite-style straps. The H4 Boost Halo Strap is available for $63.99 (20% off), providing an additional three hours of gameplay while also featuring an adjustable, padded forehead cushion that allows you to discover the ideal viewing angle with reduced pressure on your face. Alternatively, for those who prefer a more classic “Elite” design similar to Meta’s strap, the KIWI Design K4 Boost is priced at $55.98 (20% off) with the same battery enhancement.

Our typical top recommendation, the BoboVR M3 Pro Halo Strap, remains at full price this year, regrettably. However, if you’re open to considering an Elite-style strap instead, the BoboVR E3 Pro presents an interesting option! It’s available for $59.99 on Amazon (25% off), boosts the Quest 3S battery life by 150%, and includes a 3.5mm audio jack port (which the Quest 3S does not have), allowing the USB-C port to be used for the battery pack.

My colleague Nick, a dedicated Meta Quest enthusiast, also suggested the Yoges battery pack as an alternative Black Friday deal, should these options not meet your needs.

This Black Friday-to-Cyber Monday period has been fantastic for those interested in VR gaming, with Quest 3 buyers receiving a $75 gift card at Best Buy, while the PSVR 2 Call of the Mountain Bundle is reduced to $299 ($100 off) on Amazon. For the seasoned VR users who already possess their headsets, it’s an excellent opportunity to seek out accessories that enhance your experience for less.

Read More
Significant Problem Detected with the iPhone Fold: A Widespread Issue

The iPhone Air represented perhaps the most significant advancement in iPhone design since the iPhone X. The iPhone Fold, set to launch next year, promises to be an even more substantial transformation.

Indications suggest that the iPhone Fold will be the best foldable smartphone ever released, but there is a significant issue – and it’s nearly the most apparent one.

### Apple has been waiting eight years, but that’s acceptable

Apple is known for not striving to be the first entrant into the market with new technology, preferring instead to be the best. The company observes and waits as competitors release their products, learns from their errors, and then aims to introduce the best possible version of the technology.

Nonetheless, the time Apple has spent observing the world of foldable smartphones has been remarkably lengthy. Samsung introduced its first folding phone seven years ago, meaning Apple will be joining the fray around eight years later.

The prudence of waiting became quickly evident when the initial Galaxy Fold was a total failure. The company began by sending out review units, which tech reviewers immediately identified significant flaws in. Samsung reacted by postponing the launch and retrieving review devices. It eventually canceled customer orders for the phone and issued refunds.

Two design flaws lingered even in later generations. First, a prominently visible and unattractive crease in the center of the opened screen. Second, the display was notably susceptible to damage from dust and debris getting stuck during folding.

It was only this year that Apple reportedly felt satisfied with the display quality of iPhone fold prototypes after assigning its engineers the task of eliminating the crease.

### The price is the clear issue

The clear concern regarding the iPhone Fold is its expected price. It appears to be around double the cost of an iPhone Pro model, with projections going as high as $2,500. The latest estimates are well towards the upper limit.

This is costly even by the standards of Android foldable phones, which are also rated at high prices. Considering that customers seemed hesitant to pay a premium for the sleek design of the iPhone Air, it raises valid questions about how many would be inclined to spend over $2,000 for the iPhone Fold.

Indeed, this seems to place it in the same realm as the Vision Pro; likely appealing only to the most passionate early adopters. However, that’s not what I perceive as the main concern here.

### The larger challenge

While the price itself is a significant issue, the company usually excels at attracting affluent consumers. For me, the primary challenge lies in the interplay between price and durability.

I’m willing to invest a lot in a well-equipped MacBook Pro because I anticipate using it for about five years. However, while some individuals keep their iPhones for five years or longer, it’s less common. Certainly, among 9to5Mac readers, it’s typically more usual to upgrade our iPhones every one to two years.

That fact alone isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker. Premium Apple products generally retain their value well, so if you were to sell a MacBook after two years, the resale value would cover a significant portion of a new purchase. However, I seriously doubt that will be true for the iPhone Fold.

In fact, the manufacturing costs of folding phones are expected to decline swiftly over the next few years, leading to a drop in retail prices, while the resale value of a 2026 model will likely diminish rapidly. Anyone purchasing a first-generation model will face the dilemma of keeping it for several years to get their value or taking a substantial financial loss to upgrade to a newer model a couple of years later.

It’s this dilemma that I believe presents the greatest difficulty in encouraging consumers to invest in the first-generation iPhone Fold.

Read More
Apple’s Black Friday Offers, AirDrop Functionality for Android, and Perspectives on macOS Tahoe

### Apple Holiday Advertisement and Tech Offers: Insights from Benjamin and Chance

In the recent episode of the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, hosts Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller explore the 2025 Apple holiday commercial titled “A Critter Carol.” They express their opinions on the ad’s creative vision and its possible influence on Apple’s brand reputation during the holiday season.

### Black Friday Apple Tech Offers

With Black Friday nearing, Benjamin and Chance review various Apple tech offers that have surfaced, equipping listeners with information on where to discover the top discounts. This section is especially beneficial for shoppers aiming to optimize their holiday spending.

### Apple Watch WiFi Sync Updates

Alongside holiday deals, the podcast also covers imminent adjustments to the Apple Watch’s WiFi sync capabilities, which are scheduled to be introduced in the EU next month. This update seeks to improve user experience and connectivity, and the hosts clarify what users should anticipate from these modifications.

### Google’s AirDrop Experiment

In an unexpected turn, Google has effectively introduced a feature enabling AirDrop functionality on Android devices. This advancement highlights Google’s creative strategy to connect disparate operating systems, and Benjamin and Chance review its repercussions for users and the tech landscape.

### macOS Tahoe Experience

Benjamin conveys his initial thoughts after installing macOS Tahoe. He discusses the new functionalities and improvements that accompany this release, offering useful insights for those contemplating the upgrade.

### Happy Hour Plus

Listeners are invited to subscribe to 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus, granting them access to ad-free episodes, pre- and post-show material, and bonus episodes. This subscription service directly supports the hosts and enhances the overall listening experience.

### Feedback and Interaction

The podcast welcomes input from its audience, prompting listeners to submit inquiries via Twitter, Mastodon, or email. This interactive method encourages community involvement and enables a more dynamic discussion of topics pertinent to Apple enthusiasts.

### Conclusion

The episode summarizes a mix of holiday spirit, tech insights, and community engagement, making it essential listening for Apple supporters and tech lovers alike. For further details and subscription options, visit

Read More
Apple Watch Black Friday Deals: Enjoy Savings on the Entire Selection Beginning at $129

### Apple Watch: The Essential Gadget for the Holidays

With the holiday season on the horizon, the Apple Watch emerges as a vital gadget for fitness lovers and tech enthusiasts alike. Its capability to monitor fitness metrics while keeping users connected on the move makes it clear why shoppers are hunting for the best price on this sought-after wearable. This Black Friday, substantial discounts are available on the entire Apple Watch range, presenting an excellent opportunity to make a purchase.

#### Current Offers on Apple Watch Models

1. **Apple Watch SE 3**: Currently the most budget-friendly choice, the SE 3 provides a wonderful entryway into the Apple Watch ecosystem. With a price drop, it is now accessible at a competitive price, making it a desirable option for newcomers.

2. **Apple Watch Series 11**: Released in September, the Series 11 is expected to become a top seller. It boasts enhanced features and is now available at some of the most affordable prices seen thus far, apart from a few premium models.

3. **Apple Watch Series 10**: Still available, the Series 10 is priced in a way that makes it an appealing alternative to the SE 3. With comparable functionality and a fancier design, it offers significant value at a lower price.

4. **Apple Watch Ultra 3**: Famous for its tough design and longer battery life, the Ultra 3 is currently enjoying a $100 discount. This model is ideal for outdoor lovers and those in need of a reliable smartwatch.

5. **Apple Watch SE 2**: Available for $129 this Black Friday, the SE 2 is an economical option that still provides essential features for casual users or children.

#### Features to Take into Account

– **Fitness Monitoring**: All models are equipped with fitness tracking features, enabling users to keep a close eye on their health and activity levels.

– **Always-On Screen**: The SE 3 introduces an always-on display feature, improving usability without the need to raise the wrist.

– **Gesture Functionality**: New gesture controls simplify navigation of the watch without the need to touch the display.

– **S10 Processor**: The SE 3 is driven by the S10 processor, ensuring smooth operation and quick app access.

#### In Summary

Whether you are just starting with the Apple Watch or seeking an upgrade, there is a model that matches your needs and financial plan. With Black Friday savings, this is the ideal moment to invest in this versatile smartwatch. From the affordable SE 3 to the premium Ultra 3, shoppers can discover a deal that aligns with their lifestyle and preferences.

Read More
Top 4 Laptop Manufacturers Renowned for Outstanding Dependability

new laptop, you can anticipate that the device will endure for some time. Nonetheless, not every brand meets that expectation. While performance specifications and eye-catching designs often take center stage in laptop advertisements, long-term dependability frequently distinguishes a superior laptop from a regrettable investment. After all, even the most powerful device available is of little value if its hinges break or its battery starts to deplete after a year of usage.

To determine which brands genuinely withstand the test of time, we delved deeper than the specifications and marketing buzzwords. Consumer Reports data showcases significant variations in aspects like durability and customer satisfaction among prominent manufacturers. At the same time, subreddits like the r/Laptop subreddit featured numerous actual users who shared their multi-year ownership experiences and highlighted which laptops reliably endured and which tended to deteriorate once the initial excitement wore off.

By analyzing both expert opinions and user feedback, several brands stood out as evident leaders in reliability. Whether you’re a student requiring a consistent daily performer, a creative professional pushing the boundaries of performance, or simply someone weary of early hardware malfunctions, the following four laptop brands have developed strong reputations for producing machines that truly endure.

Apple

Previously Highly-Rated Android Tablets Now Offered at Major Discounts Thanks to Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Who can say how much longer these offers will remain valid?

If you share my perspective, you recognize the advantages a tablet can bring. Yet, even with a plethora of tablets available for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, discovering a quality option is becoming progressively tougher.

That being said, after using numerous tablets, certain models remain memorable, and these are the three deals I would recommend to anyone.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra (256GB): $1,199.99 $799.99 at Samsung

The arrival of the Tab S11 Ultra doesn’t mean the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra should be ignored. Both Samsung and Best Buy have slashed the price by $400, making it an obvious choice for anyone seeking a premium Android tablet at a bargain to replace their laptop. Just remember to get a Keyboard Cover to complement it (which is also discounted).

Price comparison: $799.99 at Best Buy

Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024): $449.99 $309.99 at Amazon

Among this trio, this is actually the only one I don’t possess, but it’s such an enticing deal that it may not last long. I’ve received nothing but positive feedback on the Kindle Scribe, and while its successor is on the horizon, I’d prefer to save the $140 and explore all the features the Scribe provides.

Price comparison: $309.99 at Best Buy

OnePlus Pad 2 (12GB/256GB): $549.99 $349.99 at Amazon

Following a somewhat disappointing launch with the original, the OnePlus Pad 2 made a significant turnaround. It truly exemplified a “flagship killer,” coming in hundreds of dollars lower than the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra while offering many similar features. To be honest, purchasing the Pad 2 with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for $350 feels like an incredible bargain.

As I sought deals to highlight, it quickly became apparent that all three tablets were previously recognized as among the finest of 2024. And there’s a strong possibility that had successors not launched, each of these would still be regarded highly.

Conversely, had they not been replaced, it’s likely you wouldn’t be able to save $400 on the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, $200 on the OnePlus Pad 2, or $150 on last year’s Kindle Scribe.

There are even more tablets I wish to mention, but honestly, the list turned out to be longer than I initially thought.

– Google Pixel Tablet: $399 $249 at Best Buy
– Lenovo Tab One (4GB/64GB): $149.99 $79.99 at Best Buy
– TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus: $369.99 $239.99 at Amazon
– OnePlus Pad 3 256GB: $699.99 $579.99 at Amazon
– Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus 128GB: $269.99 $199 at Amazon
– Amazon Fire HD 10 32GB: $139.99 $69.99 at Amazon
– Samsung Galaxy Tab S11: $799.99 $149.99 at Samsung w/ trade-in
– Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite: $349.99 $249.99 at Best Buy
– HUION Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) Drawing Tablet: $269 $199 at Amazon
– Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 (12GB/256GB): $549.99 $389.99 at Lenovo

Now is a prime time to explore the realm of tablets, especially if you desire a flagship experience. The savings from these deals allow for some flexibility in pairing each with accessories.

While it’s not as crucial for the Kindle Scribe, it’s a bit more significant with the other two. Naturally, it all hinges on how you intend to utilize each tablet, so at the very least, I’d suggest getting a case to safeguard the screen.

Nonetheless, both Samsung and OnePlus provide keyboard covers that also serve as regular cases when not in use.

Today’s top deals on Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024), OnePlus Pad 2, and Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra

We analyze over 250 million products every day to find the best prices

Black Friday 2025 – quick links

– Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
– Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
– Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
– Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
– Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
– T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home

Read More
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra to Showcase Striking Blacked-Out Aesthetic and Noticeable Camera Protrusion

Fresh appearance, who dis?

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

What to know

  • Samsung might unveil a blackout aesthetic for the Galaxy S26 Ultra featuring a dark frame.
  • The Galaxy S26 Ultra could showcase a camera protrusion inspired by the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
  • Speculations suggest a possible increase in the size of the selfie camera lens cutout for an expanded field of view.

Notice

Read More