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Why I still recommend this $180 Bluetooth speaker even a year after its release

Fender Rockster Cross ZDNET's key takeaways The Fender x Teufel Rockster Cross speaker is available now on Amazon for $250 (currently $200). With massive sound and an immersive option to punch up the highs and lows, this speaker is a brilliant option for those who love it loud. The Rockster Cross immersive option might be a bit harsh for some listeners. $179.99 at Amazon Bluetooth speakers are a dime a dozen. You can find them on the end caps at your neighborhood drug store, and if we could s

Look to the Sky: Bright Fireballs Appear During the Perseids Meteor Shower

Skygazers rejoice, the summer isn't finished with delivering meteor showers to feast your eyes on. Last week saw dueling meteor showers taking over the sky, but the most popular meteor shower of the year won't hit its peak until next week. The Perseids meteor shower is about to give you a real light show, provided you're far enough away from light pollution to see it. Perseids are known for their bright fireballs and plentiful meteors. The show started on July 17, and will run through Aug. 23.

I did not expect this portable Marshall speaker to beat out my Bose and JBL like this

Marshall Middleton II ZDNET's key takeaways Marshall's Middleton II Bluetooth speaker is available in Black And Brass or Cream for $330. The Middleton II debuts with meaningful upgrades from its predecessor, spectacular sound, a stylish design, and 30 hours of battery life. Despite its long list of pros, this speaker is considerably more expensive than its competitors with similar features. $329.99 at Amazon $329.99 at B&H Photo-Video $329.99 at Crutchfield more buying choices There's a sea o

I ditched my Bluetooth speaker for this Victrola turntable system - and didn't miss a beat

Victrola Harmony ZDNET's key takeaways The Victrola Harmony turntable system is available for $299 in the colors Natural, Walnut, and Black. This system includes a full-size turntable, two bookshelf speakers, and an A-T ATN3600L cartridge, all great components for beginners. At its $300 price point ($100 up from its debut in Jan.), people willing to spend this kind of money may be ready for a more advanced system. View now at Victrola If you've ever considered "getting into audio," prepare to

I did not expect this $400 Marshall speaker to beat out my Bose and Sony systems like this

Marshall Middleton II ZDNET's key takeaways Marshall's Middleton II Bluetooth speaker is available in Black And Brass or Cream for $330. The Middleton II debuts with meaningful upgrades from its predecessor, spectacular sound, a stylish design, and 30 hours of battery life. Despite its long list of pros, this speaker is considerably more expensive than its competitors with similar features. $329.99 at Amazon $329.99 at B&H Photo-Video $329.99 at Crutchfield more buying choices There's a sea o

This is the soundbar I recommend for deeply immersive audio - and now it's $300 off

LG S95TR Soundbar ZDNET's key takeaways The LG S95TR soundbar with wireless subwoofer is currently on sale for $1,296. The LGS95TR may be expensive, but the high-quality audio is easily worth the price. The soundbar has many features, but some of the best ones require a newer LG TV model. View now at Best Buy View now at Amazon more buying choices It's been a year since LG released the S95TR soundbar, following much hype, as a high-end complement to its newest OLED TVs. The soundbar and wirel

Should you buy an electronic turntable? I ditched my Bluetooth speaker for one and didn't regret it

Victrola Harmony ZDNET's key takeaways The Victrola Harmony turntable system is available for $299 in the colors Natural, Walnut, and Black. This system includes a full-size turntable, two bookshelf speakers, and an A-T ATN3600L cartridge, all great components for beginners. At its $300 price point ($100 up from its debut in Jan.), people willing to spend this kind of money may be ready for a more advanced system. View now at Victrola If you've ever considered "getting into audio," prepare to

iOS 26 lets you keep AirPods audio from auto-switching to speakers

iOS 26 is packed full of new features, but one that lots of users might appreciate most is flying under the radar. Thanks to a new setting added in iOS 26, you can finally stop AirPods’ audio from automatically getting hijacked by other Bluetooth speakers, including your in-car speakers. ‘Keep Audio with Headphones’ gives you control of your iPhone’s audio stream If you use AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones, you’ve likely experienced a surprise occurrence around other Bluetooth speakers.

Viral Language

Viral Language Helena Aeberli looks for rizz in Adam Aleksic’s “Algospeak: How Social Media Is Transforming the Future of Language.” By Helena Aeberli July 20, 2025 Cultural Studies Algospeak: How Social Media Is Transforming the Future of Language by Adam Aleksic . Knopf , 2025. 256 pages. LANGUAGE IS A MEANS of communication and a container of meaning. It enables us to come together to share intentions and coordinate actions, to form relationships and communities, to distinguish between in-g

Finally, a Bluetooth speaker that sounds great and is built to last

Bose SoundLink Max ZDNET's key takeaways The Bose SoundLink Max retails for $399 in the colors Black and Blue Dusk This unassuming Bluetooth speaker delivers the high-quality sound that Bose is known for, with the battery life to keep the party going all night. The regular price might be a turn-off, given you can get perfectly capable speakers for less. View now at Bose View now at Amazon more buying choices Bose's SoundLink Max portable speaker is on sale for $299 at Amazon. This deal only a

The Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitor Receiver Recall: What You Need to Do to Stay Safe

Some of Dexcom's continuous glucose monitoring receivers have been recalled due to speaker malfunctions, which can cause you to miss alerts or alarms for dangerous blood sugar levels. According to the Class I recall, there have been 112 complaints globally, with 56 reported injuries, since May 2025. Missing an alert from your continuous glucose monitor may result in health consequences like vomiting, seizures, loss of consciousness and hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic symptoms. Certain Dexcom G6,

JBL Charge 6 and Flip 7 speakers at record-low prices

JBL speakers are very popular, and the hottest portable ones are the JBL Charge 6 and JBL Flip 7. Both sound great and are very easy to carry around, but they are on the pricier side of the spectrum. Thankfully, they are at a record-low price right now, and you can get them at a $50 discount. Buy the JBL Charge 6 for just $149.95 ($50 off) Buy the JBL Flip 7 for just $99.95 ($50 off) These offers come from Woot, an Amazon-owned website that focuses on deals. They are in new condition and come w

This Ultra-Repairable Bluetooth Speaker Addresses the Ugliest Part of Consumer Tech

Right to repair is a big deal lately, and there are plenty of new products that prove it. One of the best examples in the tech world is Framework, which has grown immensely by centering modularity and repairability in the ethos of its laptops and new mini desktop PC. And like any gadget trend worth its weight in lithium-ion, other hardware companies are taking note and hopping on the repairability bandwagon. I’m elated to say that this headwind of modularity has now been extended to the world of

This Is Why Bose's SoundLink Plus Is the Goldilocks of Bose Bluetooth Speakers

8.5 / 10 SCORE Bose SoundLink Plus $269 at Bose $269 at Amazon $269 at B&H Photo-Video Pros Sleek design with integrated rope loop IP67 waterproof, dustproof and shock-resistant Impressive sound for its size with fairly robust, well-defined bass and good clarity EQ settings in Bose companion USB-C charge out allows you to power up a phone and other devices Cons While it's $130 less than the SoundLink Max, it's still pricey No built-in microphone for speakerphone capabilities No auxiliary

This soundbar delivers audio above its price point, and it's not by Sonos or JBL

Yamaha True X Bar 50A Soundbar ZDNET's key takeaways The Yamaha True X Bar 50A is available now for $499, with surround speakers sold separately (and individually). The sound produced by these speakers is rich, deep, well-blended, and spacious. I just wish the setup process were more seamless and straightforward. View now at Amazon For months, I was one hundred percent certain the JBL Bar 1000 soundbar couldn't be beat. It offers incredible clarity of sound, rich bass, and brilliant surround

I ditched Google Home years ago, so why are you still using it in 2025?

🗣️ This is an open thread. We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments and vote in the poll below — your take might be featured in a future roundup. It wasn’t that long ago that Google Home seemed like the smart home platform to be invested in. Google Assistant had numerous advantages over Amazon Alexa, Google’s smart home hardware was among the best on the market, and unique third-party options from Lenovo and JBL kept things interesting. But fast forward to 2025, and Google

This waterproof speaker floats with you in the pool, but that isn't its best feature

Soundcore Boom 3i Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker ZDNET's key takeaways The Soundcore Boom 3i is available now on Amazon for $110. With some EQ tweaking, it produces better sound than you'd think for a waterproof speaker. The Boom 3i does float, but playing music while half-submerged doesn't sound the best. $129.99 at Amazon Vacation time is in full swing, which means you're probably heading to the great outdoors. When you're on the beach, fishing, swimming in a pool, or camping, you probably wa

I replaced my Sonos Arc Ultra with this Samsung flagship soundbar - and it's a worthy alternative

Samsung HW-Q990F ZDNET's key takeaways The Samsung HW-Q990F home entertainment system is on sale on Amazon for $1,999, including a soundbar, external subwoofer, and two rear speakers. The Q990F is packed with software features, plenty of audio modes, and delivers big, room-filling sound. However, there aren't many substantial upgrades over last year's model, leaving no urgency to upgrade. $1,497.99 at Amazon $1,599.99 at Samsung $1,997.99 at Walmart more buying choices You don't need me to te

This is the soundbar I recommend for deeply immersive audio - and now it's $600 off

LG S95TR Soundbar ZDNET's key takeaways The LG S95TR soundbar with wireless subwoofer is currently on sale for $996. The LGS95TR may be expensive, but the high-quality audio is easily worth the price. The soundbar has many features, but some of the best ones require a newer LG TV model. View now at Best Buy View now at Amazon more buying choices It's been a year since LG released the S95TR soundbar, following much hype, as a high-end complement to its newest OLED TVs. The soundbar and wireles

tvOS 26 adds new feature that makes AirPlay speakers better than ever

tvOS 26 is the next major update for Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD users. Joining the Liquid Glass design, new screensavers, and FaceTime upgrades, tvOS 26 introduces a new feature that could make AirPlay speakers an asset in your home theater setup. AirPlay speakers can now be permanent audio outputs in tvOS 26 If you’re in the market for home speakers in 2025, there’s a good chance you’re looking into wireless rather than wired speakers. For years, Apple TV 4K has offered a feature that suppo

I ditched my Bluetooth speakers for this slick turntable - and it's more practical than I thought

ZDNET's key takeaways The Victrola Harmony turntable system is available for $299 in the colors Natural, Walnut, and Black. This system includes a full-size turntable, two bookshelf speakers, and an A-T ATN3600L cartridge, all great components for beginners. At its $300 price point ($100 up from its debut in Jan.), people willing to spend this kind of money may be ready for a more advanced system. View now at Victrola If you've ever considered "getting into audio," prepare to spend a couple h

These Continuous Glucose Monitors Have Been Recalled Due to Faulty Speakers. What You Need to Do to Stay Safe

Dexcom customers, listen up: Certain continuous glucose monitoring receivers have been recalled due to speaker malfunctions, which can cause you to miss alerts or alarms for dangerous blood sugar levels. Since May 2025, there have been 112 complaints globally, with 56 reported injuries. Missing an alert from your continuous glucose monitor may result in health consequences like vomiting, seizures, loss of consciousness and hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic symptoms. Certain Dexcom G6, G7, One and

Soundcore Boom 3i Review: A Seaworthy Bluetooth Speaker That Dunks on the Competition

2025 I love when gadgets have a schtick. Like Lenovo’s Tab Plus with an ungodly amount of JBL speakers, or Nothing’s Android phones with lights on the back. Schticks are great, and schticks that are practical and actually work are even better. For Soundcore’s $130 Boom 3i Bluetooth speaker, the schtick is all about throwing a speaker into water, which is unnatural for anyone familiar with how batteries work, but for the right person, might be kind of awesome. See Soundcore Boom 3i at Amazon L

The Best-Sounding Midrange Bluetooth Speaker I've Tested Is 25% Off Right Now

Deal alert: The Sony ULT Field 5 Bluetooth speaker is available for $248 at Amazon. That's equivalent to 25% off or a savings of $82. We named this newcomer the best midrange Bluetooth speaker available, and this discount puts it in a much more appealing price range. If you were to ask me what my favorite new portable Bluetooth speaker of 2025 is so far, I'd have to say Sony's ULT Field 5 speaker. When it launched back in April, I called it one of the best-sounding Bluetooth speakers I've teste

I'm bringing this portable JBL speaker to all my summer festivities - here's why

ZDNET's key takeaways The JBL Charge 6 is available for $199 in Black, Blue, White, Red, Camo, and Purple. The Charge 6 offers great sound, durability, battery life, and in-app features. Although it's waterproof, constant, untreated exposure to salt and chlorine can incur internal damage, just like any other Bluetooth speaker. View now at Best Buy View now at JBL more buying choices While there are plenty of Bluetooth speakers on the market, only a few strike the balance of durability and sou

I replaced my boring bookshelf speakers with these slick wireless ones - and I highly recommend them

ZDNET's key takeaways SVS Prime Wireless Pro powered speakers are available now from the SVS website for $675 (regularly $900). You won't find a smoother, better-blended sound from an active speaker at this price point. To get the best bass, you should pair these with the SVS SB-1000 Pro subwoofer. View now at Svsound View now at Best Buy View now at Amazon more buying choices Most consumers believe punchy bass and sizzling highs are key to a good speaker. If that sounds like your taste, then

This Yamaha soundbar delivers luxurious audio (and it's still $200 off)

ZDNET's key takeaways The Yamaha True X Bar 50A is available now at a discount, with surround speakers sold separately (and individually). The sound produced by these speakers is rich, deep, well-blended, and spacious. I just wish the setup process was more seamless and simple. $499.95 at B&H Photo-Video $499.95 at Crutchfield $499.99 at Best Buy more buying choices For a limited time, Amazon is selling the Yamaha True X Bar with subwoofer bundle for $200 off. For months, I was one hundred p

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (Gen 3) Review: Perpetually Great

Back in 2016, the original A1 Bluetooth speaker (8/10, WIRED Recommends) was one of the first from Bang & Olufsen under its more affordable Beosound sub-brand. The stylish puck of brushed aluminum was a welcome antidote to all the rubberized Bluetooth boxes, and as a testament to good design, aesthetically it has changed little through three generations. The third-generation Beosound A1 has just been launched, and while the design remains instantly recognizable and effortlessly cool, internally

I recommend this Amazon Fire TV soundbar to most people - here's why

ZDNET's key takeaways The Fire TV Soundbar Plus is perfect for those who want an affordable plug-and-play solution, available now for $250 standalone or $490 for the bundle. Bass is impressive (especially with the subwoofer), and the dialogue enhancement feature is helpful for clarity. It lacks built-in Wi-Fi streaming, smart features, or Alexa integration, connects with Bluetooth, and doesn't have a companion app. View now at Amazon Amazon showcased its Fire TV Soundbar Plus at CES 2025, and

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A1 (Gen 3) Review: Perpetually Great

Back in 2016, the original A1 Bluetooth speaker (8/10, WIRED Recommends) was one of the first from Bang & Olufsen under its more affordable Beoplay sub-brand. The stylish puck of brushed aluminum was a welcome antidote to all the rubberized Bluetooth boxes, and as a testament to good design, aesthetically it has changed little through three generations. The third-generation Beoplay A1 has just been launched, and while the design remains instantly recognizable and effortlessly cool, internally i