Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Best Buy maintains $100 off on premier wireless earbuds following Black Friday

In addition to providing an exceptional audio experience, the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are equipped with numerous premium audio functionalities. These wireless earbuds deliver top-notch sound quality, complemented by practical features like active noise cancellation, ambient sound mode, 360 reality audio, and compatibility with various high-resolution formats. We appreciate their outstanding battery performance and user-friendly interface through the Sony Headphones Connect app, which offers equalization and other adjustments. Furthermore, the earbuds come with an IPX4 water resistance rating and support fast charging via USB-C cable as well as Qi wireless charging. They certainly occupy the higher price range of earbuds, making promotions like this especially valuable.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are exceptional, primarily because of their remarkable sound performance, extensive feature set, and enduring battery life. Although the market is definitely competitive today, these remain a standout option for us, particularly for those prioritizing overall sound excellence.

The WF-1000XM5s boast robust AI-driven ANC, ambient sound settings, 360 reality audio, and customizable options with the Sony Headphones Connect app.

Sony claims that these earbuds provide up to 8 hours of battery life per charge, totaling 24 hours with intermittent recharges using the case. With the USB-C charging cable, users can gain an hour of playback with just a 3-minute charge. Additionally, they are compatible with Qi wireless charging. The earbuds feature six built-in microphones for superior call quality and convenient voice commands, along with functionalities such as Speak-to-Chat and Precise Voice Pickup Technology.

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“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.

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$119 Cyber Monday Chromebook Offer Shines Amidst Lackluster Deals

I’m honestly surprised this hasn’t sold out yet. When I search for various deals to share, you won’t often find me recommending a Chromebook priced below $150. This is mainly because sub-$150 Chromebook offers typically aren’t worth it. However, I’m making an exception after noticing that Lenovo’s Slim 3 Chromebook is available for just $119, a substantial $200 discount.

In fact, I’d even go as far as to say that this is the only instance when you should genuinely consider purchasing the Slim 3 Chromebook. Its price tends to vary outside of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Prime Day, but I’ve never encountered this Chromebook at such a low price.

As long as you moderate your expectations and comprehend what this Chromebook can accomplish, this might be the best Cyber Monday deal available. It’s not common to see a decent Chromebook on sale for under $150, but that’s precisely what we have with the Slim 3 Chromebook.

✅Recommended if: You’re looking for an affordable laptop or tablet for light tasks and don’t prioritize a touchscreen or convertible design.

❌Skip this deal if: You’re searching for a budget Chromebook but require something with greater power or one that at least has a touchscreen.

What makes this such an attractive deal? The explanation is straightforward: it’s simply a well-balanced machine. This holds true for many of Lenovo’s other Chromebooks, regardless of their price point.

With the Slim 3 specifically, you’re getting a 14-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, which provides a clear and sharp screen. While this particular model lacks a touchscreen, that’s not really a concern since you can’t pivot the screen back and use it as a tablet anyway.

Regarding performance, we have the MediaTek Kompanio 520 in charge, accompanied by 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. This is usually where I would advise you to steer clear, but Lenovo struck gold here. No, you won’t be able to manage numerous app windows and Chrome tabs simultaneously, but it works well for lighter browsing.

What convinces me is the battery life. Lenovo claims the Slim 3 Chromebook can last over 13 hours, even with a 1080p display. Often, I encounter low-priced Chromebooks advertised to have such longevity, only to discover they’re equipped with a 720p screen, which isn’t ideal.

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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

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Garmin Watch Featuring Extended Battery Duration Now Reduced by $150 for a Short Period

The Garmin Enduro 3 stands out prominently in the world of adventure smartwatches, delivering remarkable battery life and a variety of features that make it an attractive option for outdoor lovers. With a design prioritizing durability and endurance, the Enduro 3 boasts an MIP display, solar charging options, and an exceptional battery life that can last up to 36 days on a single charge. This makes it the perfect companion for extended hikes and excursions where charging options may be limited.

A central feature of the Enduro 3 is its sophisticated fitness tracking abilities. It is outfitted with the cutting-edge Garmin Elevate v5 heart rate sensor, which ensures precise tracking for a range of activities like walking, running, and hiking. The watch supports all-systems GPS, providing accurate location tracking even in tough conditions. Furthermore, the Enduro 3 allows for substantial storage for offline maps, serving as a dependable resource for navigation in isolated areas.

The smartwatch is crafted to integrate flawlessly with the Garmin Connect app, allowing users to have an all-encompassing view of their health and fitness statistics. It also accommodates third-party app integrations, enabling users to synchronize their workout data with popular platforms such as Nike Run Club and Meta AI. This compatibility across platforms means that the Enduro 3 is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, giving users the flexibility to switch between different systems.

Despite its sturdy construction and extensive range of features, the Garmin Enduro 3 is surprisingly lightweight and features a touchscreen for effortless navigation. The solar charging capability adds to its charm, offering an environmentally friendly method to prolong battery life during outdoor pursuits.

Currently, the Garmin Enduro 3 can be purchased at a reduced price of $750, down from its standard retail price of $900. This $150 reduction is available through major retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Target, presenting an excellent opportunity for prospective buyers to invest in this adaptable smartwatch.

In conclusion, the Garmin Enduro 3 is an outstanding option for anyone in search of a smartwatch with unmatched battery life, robust fitness tracking features, and the capability to endure the challenges of outdoor adventures. Its current discounted price enhances its appeal, making it a valuable investment for both experienced adventurers and fitness fans alike.

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Cost-Effective Power Banks: Two Choices Below $80

Anker is famous for creating some of the finest power banks available, and with Black Friday on the horizon, it’s an ideal moment to grab excellent bargains on these must-have devices. Anker’s power banks are celebrated for their dependability, swift charging features, and stylish appearances, making them a preferred option for anyone requiring portable energy.

This Black Friday, two notable bargains are the Anker Nano Portable Charger and the Anker MagGo Power Bank (5K), both priced under $40 each. These power banks are marked down from their original prices of $60 and $55, respectively, presenting savings of up to 33%.

The Anker Nano Portable Charger is a flexible choice with rapid charging capabilities and an integrated USB-C cable, making it an efficient option for those who are frequently on the move. It offers 45W charging, adequate for the majority of smartphones, and comes with additional USB-C and USB-A ports for charging multiple devices at once. With a 10,000mAh capacity, it can completely recharge your smartphone and more, supplying ample energy for your requirements.

Conversely, the Anker MagGo Power Bank (5K) is a sleek, Qi2 wireless charger ideal for gadgets such as the iPhone Air or Galaxy S25 Edge. It provides 15W wireless charging speeds and 20W through the USB-C port. The integrated magnets enable it to attach securely to your mobile device, making it a practical choice for wireless charging.

These offers are part of Amazon’s Black Friday week, which showcases a variety of discounts on multiple tech items. Whether you’re aiming to enhance your existing power bank or require a dependable backup for travel, these Anker promotions are definitely worth looking into.

Be sure to take advantage of these incredible deals to guarantee you stay powered wherever your adventures take you.

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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

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Google Messages Update Improves Previews for Links and YouTube Videos

Google is improving its Messages app by launching a revamped design for link previews, focusing on content while hiding lengthy URLs. The new previews now include larger site titles and thumbnails, leaving out complete URLs and descriptions. This adjustment leads to a tidier, more streamlined look, similar to Google Discover cards, but sacrifices some details about the link prior to clicking. Users can access the full URL by copying it or by turning off link previews in the app settings. This update is presently accessible in the beta version and is anticipated to be released more widely soon.

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T-Mobile Expands Tablet and Watch Payment Plans to Two-Year Duration

Will smartphone payment plans be the next to exceed 36 months?

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Essential Information

  • T-Mobile is lengthening its installment plans to 36 months for selected devices.
  • Smartwatches and tablets must be purchased outright or via three-year installment options.
  • Currently, smartphones are still available through 24-month installment opportunities.

Notice

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Google Limits Usage of Gemini 3 Pro and Nano Banana Pro Because of Strong Demand

Struggling to keep pace with the skyrocketing demand.

(Image credit: Google / YouTube)

Essential information

  • Access limits for Gemini 3 Pro and Nano Banana Pro have been diminished without any formal communication from Google.
  • The rising interest in Gemini 3 Pro leads Google to limit free access and encourage paid upgrades.
  • Users on the free tier are now experiencing inconsistent access, affecting those who depend on these tools for their daily tasks.

Notice

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