Toward the end of the first episode of Pluribus, Carol (Rhea Seehorn), a woman put in a bizarre and impossible scenario, asks a very straightforward question: "What the fuck is happening?" It's something you'll likely be asking yourself a lot while watching. I certainly did. But that ongoing sense of mystery, and the measured pace with which Pluribus reveals itself, is one of the best parts of the new series from Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan. I can't tell you a lot about Pluribus just yet - but I can tell you that being bewildered is part of the appeal.Okay, so what can I tell you? Carol is a successful writer of fantasy novels - ex …Read the full story at The Verge.

I've said this before, and I'll say it again: there's no company doing AI better than Google. Sure, the company might make questionable decisions here and there. But when it comes to building tools that actually make your life easier and aren't simply a slightly tweaked version of what others are doing, they're in a league of their own.

What's better than a deal on a game? A deal on a $60 game, that's what. While we rarely see games at or above that level go on a steep discount, they do happen every so often. And when they do, they're usually ideal moments to save some serious money on the games you love.

Ask any tech enthusiast why they stick with the Apple ecosystem, and the answer is usually the same: iMessage, AirDrop, FaceTime, and the seamless continuity between devices. While those features are certainly strong, they weren’t enough to stop me from constantly eyeing a jump to Android or Windows.

It's not often that we see a game go on a "free to keep" campaign on Steam, but they do happen once in a blue moon. Such is the case of OneShift, an interesting puzzle game that hit Steam back in 2018 and accrued 81% positive lifetime reviews over the years. While there's a good chance you haven't heard of this game before, the good news is that you can add it to your account for the low, low price of nothing. And you can't get much better than that.

Since the launch of its Polestar 2 sedan in 2021, Swedish EV company Polestar has launched two additional models: the spacious 3 compact crossover SUV, and now the 4, a sporty, even more compact crossover SUV. The 4 slotting in between the 2 and 3 in size may confound some consumers, but one of its features - or lack thereof - may confound them even more. It has no rear windshield. Starting at $57,800, the 2026 Polestar 4 may have some mildly brain-twisting attributes, but I found it to be one of the most compelling and fun-to-drive EVs this year. It just took a little getting used to.It just took a little getting used to.Its core trai …Read the full story at The Verge.

In recent years, many different gaming franchises are finding their way to becoming animated series and live-action films. One of the biggest platforms that has been releasing animated series based on different video game franchises is Netflix, which has done so for things like Castlevania, Tomb Raider, Skylanders, and Splinter Cell. The next game series that fans could expect to show up on Netflix soon is Crash Bandicoot, which will be developed by WildBrain Studios, the same animation company that made Sonic Prime for Netflix. This comes in the aftermath of Crash Bandicoot being reinvigorated with new game releases like the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time on multiple platforms.

Whether you’re buying your first pair of AirPods or replacing a well-used older pair, it’s easy to understand why so many iPhone owners prefer Apple’s earbuds and headphones over other options. Apple has spent years gradually adding new features that work best — and sometimes only work at all — with the company’s own devices. These convenient tricks include audio sharing, automatic switching between Apple’s various devices, live translation, Apple TV integration, and more.There are currently four AirPods models to choose from, each with its own distinct appeal and upside. You likely already know whether you’re more interested in earbuds or over-ear headphones, so that’s the first divide. In the case of over-ear headphones, your only choice is the AirPods Max. But in the earbuds category, Apple offers three options: the AirPods Pro 3, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, and the plain old AirPods 4.How we test AirPodsWe spend dozens of hours using AirPods products for our initial reviews, and that testing extends for weeks and months afterward. That’s where we assess sound quality, mic performance, and overall reliability. Where applicable, we test the active noise cancellation across a wide range of environments and have put the hearing protection of the AirPods Pro through the paces at concerts. We also closely examine ecosystem benefits and how the AirPods and Apple’s other products work together.The best AirPods overallAirPods Pro 3Score: 9ProsConsImproved ANC and soundLonger batteryStandalone workout trackingLive translationSame priceIP57Better fitCamera remote control is handy!If you’re hoping for traditional foam ear tips, this isn’t thatWhere to Buy: $249 at Amazon $249 at Walmart $249.99 at Best BuyNoise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 8 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IP57 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Foam and silicone (XXS, XS, S, M, L)The third-gen AirPods Pro are better than their predecessor in numerous ways, starting with the fit. Apple’s latest flagship earbuds feature a more angular design and a wider range of ear tip sizes — including an XXS option. Their “foam-infused” tips combine foam and silicone, so they expand slightly for better comfort and a tighter seal. If you’ve ever cursed at AirPods for falling out of your ears, the Pro 3’s improved fit alone might sell you.They also deliver upgrades to noise cancellation, which allow them to rival even the AirPods Max. They’re noticeably better at dampening high-frequency sounds, like voices, than prior generations of AirPods Pro, and they can eliminate the low hum of an airplane engine. Sound quality has also been improved in ways that were surprisingly easy to pick out: bass is punchier, vocals are clearer, and you’ll notice new layers in your favorite tracks. Meanwhile, battery life will last you a full work day with ANC enabled before the buds need to go back into the charging case for a refill.In addition to giving users the flexibility to use these earbuds as clinical-grade hearing aids — a feature introduced last year — Apple has added a heart rate sensor to this model, allowing you to track workouts right from your ears. Add in IP57 water and dust resistance, stronger Find My capabilities, and a live translation feature, and it’s clear the AirPods Pro are Apple’s best wireless earbuds by a wide margin.Read our full AirPods Pro 3 review.The best AirPods for those who find ear tips uncomfortableApple AirPods 4Score: 7ProsConsUpgraded sound qualityVoice isolation can noticeably improve call clarityDeep Apple ecosystem integrationNo wireless chargingNo built-in speaker on the caseNo proper multipointWhere to Buy: $129 $119 at Amazon $129 $119 at Walmart $129.99 at Best BuyNoise cancellation: No / Battery life: 5 hours / Water resistance: IP54 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: iOS, Windows, macOSNot everyone likes the way ear tips feel. Even with venting and the other measures Apple has taken to improve comfort and reduce that clogged-up sensation in the AirPods Pro 3, some people just prefer the regular, one-size-fits-most AirPods. Their open design means you’re never totally cut off from the outside world. The AirPods Pro have an impressive transparency mode, but the AirPods 4 don’t need it.Apple sells two versions of the AirPods 4. No matter which you choose, you’ll get the same good sound quality, microphone performance on voice calls, and IP54 water resistance. The more expensive pair has features that you might want, including active noise cancellation and a more advanced charging case (it supports Find My and wireless charging). You might be surprised by how well the noise cancellation works even with an unsealed design; it reduces office ambience and annoying hums, but louder sounds and voices still cut through the ANC, since these don’t use a sealed ear tip.If you’re truly interested in noise-canceling earbuds, consider upgrading to the AirPods Pro 3. They offer much better audio quality, stronger ANC, and a better experience overall. I’d only steer you to the noise-canceling AirPods 4 if you’re really opposed to ear tips.Read our full AirPods 4 review.The best for those who prefer headphonesAirPods Max (USB-C)Score: 8.5ProsConsHigh-luxury designTerrific, balanced sound qualityVery effective noise cancellationDependable and foolproof controlsSpatial audio for immersive entertainmentHeavier than many competitorsNo 3.5mm jackWired listening requires $35 cableCase is an abominationLacks latest AirPods Pro featuresWhere to Buy: $549 $495.81 at Amazon $549.99 $499.99 at Best Buy $549 $529 at B&H PhotoNoise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 20 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: No / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: iOS, Windows, macOSWe’ve gone back and forth recommending Apple’s $549 AirPods Max over the last few years. They have a standout design, but the good looks and premium feel come at a high cost. Not just that, these headphones are considerably heavier than most competitors and can get fatiguing over extended use. But the fabric ear cups on the AirPods Max are much more pleasant in warm weather than the pleather you’ll find on Bose and Sony products, and probably won’t leave you with sweaty ears. The AirPods Max provide impressive noise cancellation, and the transparency mode is clearer and more natural-sounding than any other set of headphones on the market. As for sound, Apple’s headphones have a pleasant sound signature that works well across a wide range of genres. They’re easy to listen to with an impressive soundstage for closed-back headphones.You lose some features found in the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 with ANC — including conversation awareness and adaptive audio — because the AirPods Max use Apple’s older H1 chip. However, the company added lossless audio over USB-C in April, meaning these headphones offer the richest audio fidelity in Apple’s entire lineup. Read my full AirPods Max (Lightning) review.What’s coming nextWith Apple’s fall hardware event in the rearview mirror, we’re at a point where the company’s lineup seems settled (for now). Apple doesn’t upgrade its entry-level AirPods line on an annual basis like some of its other products, and the Pro 3 just hit the market. Meanwhile, the AirPods Max have gone relatively unchanged since their release in 2020, with Apple adding a USB-C model and new color options last year. It’s possible that we’ll see a camera-equipped pair of AirPods with support for Apple Intelligence in the future — a report from last year indicated as much — but it’s not likely to be anytime soon.Update, November 6th: Adjusted to reflect current pricing / availability and new related links.

Setting up a smart home is a rabbit hole, and I happily tumbled down that one. Over the past years, I have experimented with Home Assistant, ESPHome, and various other IoT projects on my Raspberry Pi. Along the way, I realized that a lot of my gear was collecting dust, like my old Samsung K5100 Series 5 TV. After reviving some smart home devices, I decided to give my old TV a new purpose.

When people ask me what the best Linux distro is for Windows escapees, I always point them towards Linux Mint. Sure, there are plenty of distros out there, and the only "wrong choice" is sticking with one you dislike; however, given how Linux Mint was my first introduction to the world of open-source software, I feel it's worth recommending to other people, too.

There comes a point in every maker’s journey when you realize your 3D printer can do far more than basic brackets and mounts. Once you’ve nailed the fundamentals of calibration and adhesion, it’s time to test its limits. The best way to do that is to print designs that challenge accuracy, speed, and creativity simultaneously. These projects not only look impressive but also reveal what your machine is truly capable of.

Have you tried the Pomodoro technique at work? It's when you work for a 25-minute block, then take a 5-minute break before doing it all again. The idea is that the solid block of work helps keep you focused and productive, while the little breaks help stave off burnout.