Tag Archives: bluetooth

Best Buy’s portable Google Assistant speaker is just $25

Regular readers are now intimately familiar with the Insignia Voice alarm clock that regular pops up here for $25. Guess what? Its portable cousin is on sale for the same price: Best Buy has the Insignia Voice Portable Speaker with Google Assistant for $25 shipped. Regular price: $150!  See it at Best Buy At first blush, …

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Apple buys chunk of chipmaker that’s key to iPhone’s innards

Apple made a deal to buy part of Dialog Semiconductor for $600 million, allowing it to license power management technology and acquire more than 300 workers. Cupertino, California-based Apple will pay the UK chip designer $300 million in cash initially for certain assets, and an additional $300 million for product delivery over the next three years. The deal is expected …

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AT&T sets up 5G test zone for Magic Leap’s HQ

AT&T will supply Magic Leap with 5G connectivity for testing its mixed-reality tech. AT&T will build a 5G test zone at the Magic Leap campus in Plantation, Florida, next year, the companies revealed Wednesday during the LEAP (Learn, Engage, Accelerate, Program) developers conference in Los Angeles. Developers at the Magic Leap headquarters will be able to test applications and devices …

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Google hopes Pixel 3 and new hardware distract you from its privacy issues

When Google pushes a device like its new Pixel 3 phone, it’s not really about the phone. It’s about all the ways the hunk of metal and glass can get you to use Google’s software — and, as a result, help the company find out more information about you. But what if your faith in Google’s ability to protect your …

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Marshall upgrades its home Bluetooth speaker line

Not too long ago Marshall announced a new set of Alexa-enabled Wi-Fi speakers. Now it’s upgraded its line of home Bluetooth speakers with new models that range in size from small (Acton II) to medium (Stanmore II) to large (Woborn II). They start at $249 or £219 with no word yet on Australian pricing. All the speakers feature Bluetooth 5.0, …

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Asus unveils midrange Chromebook C423 with a 14

Without much fanfare, Asus has unveiled the new Chromebook C423, a lightweight, midrange Chrome OS laptop. The C423 appeared on Asus’ website over the weekend, where it was spotted by Reddit users. The Asus Chromebook C423 has a 14-inch screen and weighs under 3 pounds (1.34kg) with battery, making it easy to lug around. It’s powered by an Intel quad-core or dual-core …

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Add Bluetooth to some wired headphones for $7.49

Want to cut the cord? No, not that cord — I mean the one running from your favorite on-ear or over-the-ear headphones to your phone or tablet. Assuming that cord is removable, there’s an adapter that can plug in and bestow Bluetooth goodness. And it’s on sale right now: For a limited time, and while supplies last, the Insignia Headphone …

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Save $50 on an Alexa

Hey, metro-Detroit folks… if you were planning to attend tonight’s Cheapskate program at the Livonia Public Library, I’m sorry to say it’s canceled. My next program is in November and I’ll share more details as the date gets closer. In related news, I awoke today to stabbing pains in my neck and shoulder — thanks, stupid body! — so this …

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Nokia True Wireless Earbuds are HMD’s answer to Apple AirPods

Right off the heels of announcing its Nokia 7.1 midrange Android phone, HMD Global unveiled its own pair of Nokia wireless earbuds. The sweat- and splash-resistant black earbuds pack into a 4-inch (100mm) charging tube. They have an estimated playback time of 3.5 to 4 hours, and last up to 70 hours on standby. Additional features include Bluetooth 5.0 capabilities and …

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Tile Pro, Tile Mate smart trackers get replaceable batteries, improved range

With the upgrade to the Tile Mate and Tile Pro, the company is addressing a big complaint about its older smart trackers. Tile has improved its smart tracking tags by making the batteries replaceable, increasing the Bluetooth range, bumping up the volume and adding a new Tile Premium subscription that provides extra services. Earlier versions of the trackers didn’t have replaceable …

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