Boomboxes, instant cameras, and even landlines are making a comeback. Here are the coolest retro-inspired devices available.
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What Will Power the Grid in 2035? The Race Is Wide Open
Fusion, fission, and even natural gas are appeared tied in the race to deliver new power to the grid in the early 2030s.
Do Vehicles with Apple CarPlay Also Include Android Auto?
Igor Alecsander/Getty Images
CarPlay and Android Auto represent the leading platforms for drivers wishing to merge their mobile devices with their cars. Unlike smartphones operating on either Android or iOS, vehicle owners typically receive infotainment systems compatible with both CarPlay and Android Auto. Indeed, it has nearly become the norm that if a car accommodates one of these systems, it will likely also accommodate the other. This feature is appreciated by both drivers and passengers, as there may be a necessity to connect different phone types to the car audio system throughout the vehicle’s lifespan. Nonetheless, while majority of automobile manufacturers provide both options, there are exceptions. It’s advisable to inquire at the time of purchasing a new vehicle instead of assuming it will come equipped with both functionalities.
CarPlay has existed since 2014, when Apple collaborated with Kia and Ferrari to integrate this technology into select Soul and FF models. Google launched Android Auto in 2015, although widespread acceptance of both services did not occur until several years later. The influx of vehicles featuring CarPlay notably surged around 2016, with Android Auto following closely behind. Now, almost a decade after these infotainment systems gained traction among consumers and manufacturers, it seems unusual for a company to decline offering these features. After all, even brands that previously indicated they would never integrate CarPlay, like Tesla, are now reportedly considering to deliver this functionality to users in future software updates…but not Android Auto.
Not all car manufacturers provide support for both CarPlay and Android Auto
The Fall of Microsoft Office: Investigating Options and Evolving Requirements
Microsoft 365, which encompasses additional applications such as OneNote, OneDrive, and Teams, has also become a pricier software package due to the inclusion of unwelcome and irritating features. This includes the integration of the Copilot AI chatbot into the suite, intended to facilitate what it refers to as “vibe working.”
These modifications, in conjunction with the existence of free alternatives that provide a superior overall user experience, indicate that Microsoft Office is no longer essential for individuals who do not have a job or educational institution that explicitly mandates its use.
AI is negatively impacting Microsoft 365 and driving up costs
At present, Microsoft 365 subscriptions begin at $9.99 per month, or $99.99 annually for Personal, including Family and Premium tiers that support up to six accounts. This follows a price increase in January 2025, aligned with Microsoft incorporating Copilot into all subscription plans. This move clearly signals that consumers are being asked to bear higher costs for AI features, regardless of whether they plan to utilize them.
Additionally, users have expressed growing dissatisfaction with Microsoft 365, particularly as the company persists in promoting Copilot. A Reddit user garnered over 2,000 upvotes for labeling it an “active impediment to workflow.” Others provided more detailed critiques of the service, noting issues like Outlook’s search functionality becoming ineffective and Copilot occasionally complicating basic tasks such as accessing emails. When adding the broader concerns related to AI (including security, privacy, and environmental effects), it appears many Office 365 users are paying a premium for software that performs worse than older versions that are no longer available.
For those seeking just the traditional applications without cloud storage or AI features, there is Office Home 2024, which requires a one-time payment of $179.99. This version does not include features like Teams, Outlook, and Microsoft Defender, and will not receive updates with new features. Office Home 2024 is suitable for individuals
Here’s what Verge readers are buying during Amazon’s Big Spring Sale
We have a pretty good understanding of which deals Verge readers will gravitate toward. After all, what products and services resonate with our audience â and the quality of the deal itself â are what help us determine what to cover on any given day. And yet, we never know for sure how people will […]
A Cozy Twist on a Classic Zelda-Style Adventure
The Legend of Zelda games are grand adventures, but they can also be very comforting, with quaint villages to explore and warm landscapes to take in. Under The Island takes that idea a step further. It still offers the sense of exploration and puzzle-solving that makes Zelda games so satisfying, but it also takes place […]
Budget-Friendly Tablet for Work Now 28% Discounted in Amazon’s Major Spring Sale
That’s a $70 price cut on a rather robust, yet budget-friendly, tablet.
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Apple’s Spring Weekend Promotions: Savings on AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Max 2, MacBook Air, iPad, and Beyond
# Spring Apple Promotions: Must-Grab Discounts on Favored Products
As we move forward in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, fans of Apple are in for a delightful surprise with multiple discounts on some of the most desired items. Currently on Day 4, this sale includes substantial price cuts on AirPods, MacBooks, iPads, and additional products, providing a fantastic opportunity for buyers to elevate their technology.
## AirPods
Current offers on AirPods feature:
– **AirPods Max 2**: For the first time, these high-end headphones are available with a cash discount, plus trade-in options for those wanting to upgrade.
– **AirPods Pro 3**: These are also available at holiday prices, making them a tempting choice for anyone seeking premium audio in a compact form.
## M5 MacBook Air
The M5 MacBook Air collection is seeing significant reductions:
– **13-inch M5 MacBook Air 16GB/512GB**: Now **$1,049** (Was $1,099)
– **13-inch M5 MacBook Air 16GB/1TB**: Now **$1,249** (Was $1,299)
– **13-inch M5 MacBook Air 24GB/1TB**: Now **$1,415** (Was $1,499)
– **15-inch M5 MacBook Air 16GB/512GB**: Now **$1,249** (Was $1,299)
– **15-inch M5 MacBook Air 16GB/1TB**: Now **$1,449** (Was $1,499)
– **15-inch M5 MacBook Air 24GB/1TB**: Now **$1,650** (Was $1,699)
## M5 MacBook Pro
For those desiring more power, the M5 MacBook Pro range is also discounted:
– **14-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro 24GB/1TB**: Now **$2,149** (Was $2,199)
– **14-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro 24GB/2TB**: Now **$2,549** (Was $2,599)
– **14-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro 24GB/2TB | 20-Core**: Now **$2,749** (Was $2,799)
– **16-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro 24GB/2TB**: Now **$2,649** (Was $2,699)
– **16-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro 48GB/2TB**: Now **$3,049** (Was $3,099)
## iPads
The iPad selection is also experiencing price reductions:
– **M4 iPad Air**: Discounts available for both the 11-inch and 13-inch variants.
– **M3 iPad Air**: Competitive pricing for those seeking a dependable tablet experience.
– **iPad 11**: Deals available for this adaptable device.
– **iPad mini**: Now with lowered prices, making it an ideal option for portability.
## Conclusion
The Amazon Big Spring Sale presents an outstanding chance for Apple enthusiasts to grab the latest technology at discounted prices. With reductions on AirPods, MacBooks, and iPads, buyers can enrich their tech inventory without overspending. Make sure to check the promotions before they end, as these prices are subject to modification.
Eero Unveils LTE Failover for Remote Workers; Starlink Rises as a Viable Option for Businesses
### The Progression of Internet Connectivity Solutions for Businesses
In the current digital environment, dependable internet connectivity is crucial for various industries, including businesses, K-12 education, and healthcare. As organizations progressively rely on internet access for everyday functions, the demand for solid backup solutions has become clear. Recent advancements, such as Eero’s 4G LTE backup device and the new capabilities of Starlink, are transforming how businesses handle internet redundancy and disaster recovery.
#### Eero’s 4G LTE Backup Device
Eero has launched the Eero Signal, a 4G LTE backup device crafted to work harmoniously with current Eero routers. This device guarantees that homes and small enterprises stay connected during outages from internet service providers (ISPs). The Eero Signal is particularly advantageous for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that need reliable internet access without the complications typically tied to larger enterprise systems. With an Eero Plus subscription, users are granted 10GB of bandwidth annually, with options to upgrade to 100GB, making it a versatile solution for diverse requirements.
#### The Drawbacks of Conventional Failover Solutions
Traditionally, businesses have depended on a dual-ISP setup for disaster recovery, employing a primary fiber connection and a secondary backup from another provider. While this approach seems logical in principle, it frequently falls short in practice. Both ISPs might utilize the same infrastructure, resulting in vulnerabilities. For example, if a construction incident cuts a fiber line, both the primary and backup connections could be lost at the same time, leaving organizations without internet access when it is most crucial.
#### Starlink: A Revolutionary Option for Disaster Recovery
Starlink, a satellite internet service, offers a groundbreaking alternative for disaster recovery. With its capability to deliver internet access straight from satellites, Starlink does not rely on local ground infrastructure, which can be prone to outages. This attribute is especially beneficial for essential sectors like healthcare and education, where uninterrupted access to cloud-based services is vital. Starlink’s increasing affordability and enhanced speeds (currently exceeding 400 Mbps, with plans for gigabit service by 2026) establish it as a dependable backup solution that can uphold critical operations during ISP outages.
#### Prospects for Firewall Manufacturers
The incorporation of Starlink into business networks creates substantial opportunities for firewall manufacturers. By establishing native support for Starlink within their devices, these manufacturers can simplify the failover procedure. Envision a firewall that automatically detects a connected Starlink dish and configures itself to channel critical traffic through the satellite link when the primary connection goes down. This effortless integration would remove manual configuration challenges and position Starlink failover as a standard feature in business implementations.
#### Conclusion
As organizations persist in navigating the challenges of ensuring robust internet connectivity, innovative solutions like Eero and Starlink are shaping more resilient infrastructures. The potential for improved disaster recovery strategies, especially through the integration of satellite technology, signifies a notable change in how businesses regard internet redundancy. With appropriate tools and technologies, enterprises can guarantee that they remain connected, even amidst unexpected obstacles.
Moon Hotels to Cattle Herding: 8 Startups Investors Pursued at YC Demo Day
We polled nearly a dozen VCs to find out which W26 startups are the sought after in the batch.
