As a general rule, Apple products and “Cheapskate” don’t belong in the same sentence. But obviously zillions of people love Apple gear, price be damned. I like Apple gear, too, but damned if I’m going to pay full retail for it. That’s why I always advise people to choose refurbished hardware whenever possible. It’s usually …
Read More »
Pretty much everybody else is now happy with a single Bluetooth or sound bar speaker, but stereo speakers are still the choice for audiophiles. I get it: One speaker takes up half the space of two and costs roughly half as much, but I’d be derelict in my duties if I failed to mention what’s lost with a single speaker. …
Read More »
Different occasions require different speakers. Sometimes you want something compact and portable for travel. Sometimes you want water resistance for poolside listening. And sometimes you want something shaped like a fan because, um, fans are neat. Today I bring you three speakers notable for their unusual designs — and lower-than-usual prices. Each one comes to you with a Cheapskate-exclusive discount! …
Read More »
This story is part of Father’s Day Gift Guide, featuring our top picks for dads who love tech. Fathers Day in the US is Sunday, June 17. And May and June is the height of graduation season. What I’m saying is: You have gift needs. And CNET, thankfully, has answers. We already have extensive buying guides for dads and for …
Read More »
Cheeps! Some crazy person decided to put me on TV again! Tune in today at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT for a CNET live event: The Best Gifts for Dads and Grads 2018. Sponsored by Daily Steals! Why spend an hour with me and CNET royalty Brian Cooley and Lexy Savvides? Because deals! And prizes! And surprises! CNET …
Read More »
I think it’s one of life’s greatest pleasures to sit and listen to music with a set of premium headphones. There’s nothing quite like it. I mean, sure, live music is great, and great speakers are great — but headphones put the music inside your head. And what’s the only thing better than owning premium headphones? Winning premium headphones. Which …
Read More »
For the entire month of June, Verizon has dropped its prices on Fitbit’s latest fitness smartwatch, LifeProof cases and UE Boom 2 Bluetooth speaker. Disclaimer: CNET may get a share of revenue from the sale of products featured on this page. The Fitbit Versa, which CNET Senior Editor Scott Stein said, “is the best fusion of smartwatch and general …
Read More »
One of the first speaker makers to support Apple’s new AirPlay 2 system for whole-home audio was Sonos, and now we know when it’s coming: July. AirPlay 2 allows you to control multiple compatible speakers like the HomePod or Sonos, or Apple TV devices, around the home, and stream music to them using an iPhone, iPad or Mac computer. Supported …
Read More »
Earlier this month I posted a review of the Go 2, JBL’s update to its pocket-sized Bluetooth speaker. Now that it’s available, the company is discounting the original Go to $20, which isn’t a bad deal for a tiny speaker that doesn’t sound terrible. The Go 2 does sound a little bit better, has a slightly improved design and is …
Read More »
This story is part of WWDC 2022, CNET’s complete coverage from and about Apple’s annual developers conference. Apple’s AirPods are about to get a feature that helps you hear better. The next version of Apple’s mobile operating system, iOS 12, will include the capability to turn your iPhone into a directional microphone. The feature, called Live Listen, has been offered …
Read More »
