Grado has been on a quiet tear over the past year. The Grado Signature Series signaled a more ambitious direction for the Brooklyn brand; new materials, updated ergonomics, and a clear effort to modernize without losing its identity. The obvious question was when that thinking would make its way down to the models most people actually buy. The answer arrives now with the new Grado Classic Series; seven revamped headphones starting at $125 that pull select ideas from the top of the range and apply them where they matter most.
This isn’t a wholesale reinvention. Not all of the Signature Series tech has trickled down, and that’s probably the point. What Grado has done instead is tighten the screws where it counts, refining its X2 driver platform, improving cables and headbands, and addressing long-standing comfort and durability quirks without messing with the core formula that made these headphones staples in the first place.The result is a lineup that feels more considered than flashy, with meaningful updates instead of unnecessary bling or design detours that would feel out of place for a brand with such a traditional outlook and long history.
And if you’ve been around Grado long enough, this lands differently. These are the headphones that built the brand’s reputation with people who didn’t have four-figure budgets or the patience for audiophile theater. People like me, who once dragged a pair of SR80s halfway across the Middle East during the Intifada, only to lose them in a chaotic sprint away from a bus bombing in the Negev. I was furious. Not because they were expensive—but because they were mine. I replaced them years later with the SR80x after reviewing them, and the appeal hadn’t changed.
That’s the through-line here. The Grado Classic Series doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It’s Grado remembering exactly who its audience has always been and giving them a better version of what they already loved.
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What’s New in the Grado Classic Series?
Grado GS3000
At the center of the Classic Series is Grado’s updated X2 driver platform. This isn’t a ground-up redesign, but a refinement of the company’s long-running approach which is focused on better consistency, improved control, and a bit more balance across the frequency range. There’s more clarity and extension here, but the core traits haven’t been scrubbed out. It still sounds like Grado: fast, open, and direct, with that forward sense of immediacy intact. Each model is tuned to its specific housing, which continues to play a major role in how these headphones present space and dynamics.
Beyond the driver, the changes are more practical than dramatic. The Grado Classic Series picks up revised cable designs derived from the Signature Line that are lighter, more flexible, and easier to live with over long sessions. Durability and handling should be better, but Grado is sticking to its guns with a fixed cable across the lineup. If you were hoping detachable cables would trickle down, they didn’t. That line is still clearly drawn.
Before you get twisted up over that, remember who Grado is building these for. These seven models aren’t aimed at the Head-Fi purist crowd ready to argue over pad materials or single ended versus balanced termination.
Headbands and hardware get some overdue attention as well. Updated assemblies improve adjustment, comfort, and long-term reliability without altering the look that’s been part of the brand for decades. It’s evolution, not reinvention. And like always, everything is still assembled in Brooklyn, which matters to Grado and to a lot of its customers.
The Classic Series Lineup
The new lineup brings together seven of Grado’s most recognizable models: GS3000, GS1000, RS1, SR325, Hemp, SR80, and SR60.
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There’s no attempt here to reinvent the hierarchy. This is a range that spans from true entry-level to long-standing reference designs, covering the same ground it always has. For a lot of listeners, these were the gateway into better audio—and in many cases, the pair they stuck with. The update doesn’t change that.
GS3000
Price: $1,995 Driver: 52mm X2 dynamic Design: Open-back Frequency response: 4Hz to 51kHz Sensitivity: 99.8 dB Impedance: 38 ohms Driver matching: 0.05 dB Cushions: G cushions Key build notes: Signature Gold headband assembly, larger diaphragm, optional XLR termination.
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This is the top Classic Series model and the one aimed at listeners who want the biggest enclosure, the largest driver in the lineup, and the most expansive presentation. Grado says the 52mm X2 driver is meant to improve bass extension, dynamic headroom, and scale, and that tracks with where this model sits in the hierarchy. It also gets the most advanced mechanical package in the Classic range with the Signature Gold headband system.
GS1000
Price: $1,195 Driver: 50mm X2 dynamic Design: Open-back Frequency response: 8Hz to 35kHz Sensitivity: 99.8 dB Impedance: 38 ohms Driver matching: 0.05 dB Cushions: G cushions Key build notes: Signature Gold headband assembly, optional XLR termination.
The GS1000 sits below the GS3000 but follows the same basic idea: larger driver, larger cushions, and a more spacious presentation than the smaller-bodied models. Grado positions it as open and effortless rather than aggressive, which makes sense given the G-cushions and the 50mm driver platform. It keeps the premium headband hardware, so it is not being treated like a cut-rate version of the flagship.
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RS1
Price: $750 Driver: 50mm X2 dynamic Design: Open-back Frequency response: 12Hz to 30kHz Sensitivity: 99.8 dB Impedance: 38 ohms Driver matching: 0.05 dB Cushions: L cushions Key build notes: Signature Gold headband assembly, Signature Silver cable, optional XLR termination.
The RS1 remains the more compact wooden step-up model in the lineup and looks like the point where Grado wants tradition and refinement to meet without going full GS. Grado’s own language here focuses on midrange expression and immediacy, and the L-cushions suggest a more focused presentation than the GS models. It also gets better hardware than the entry models, but still stops short of detachable-cable modernity. Brooklyn giveth, Brooklyn withholdeth.
Hemp
Price: $495 Driver: 44mm X2 dynamic Design: Open-back Frequency response: 13Hz to 28kHz Impedance: 38 ohms Driver matching: 0.05 dB Termination: 3.5mm plug with 1/4-inch adapter Cushions: F cushions Key build notes: Hemp and maple housing, padded leather headband with white stitching, 8-conductor cable, Signature Silver headband assembly, optional XLR termination.
The Hemp remains the material outlier in the lineup, using a hemp and maple housing rather than the more conventional wood, metal, or polymer approach. Grado says the tuning is fuller and more grounded, which separates it a bit from the leaner, faster reputation some buyers associate with the brand. It also gets nicer trim than the SR60 and SR80, which keeps it from feeling like a novelty side quest.
SR325
Price: $350 Driver: 44mm X2 dynamic Design: Open-back Frequency response: 18Hz to 24kHz Sensitivity: 98 dB Impedance: 38 ohms Driver matching: 0.05 dB Cushions: F cushions Key build notes: Aluminum housing, Signature Silver headband assembly, Signature Silver cable.
The SR325 is still the metal-bodied model in the lower half of the lineup and the one that looks most likely to appeal to listeners who want a more controlled and articulate take on the Grado formula. Grado specifically points to tighter bass, forward mids, and crisp top-end extension, and the machined aluminum housing is there to reduce resonance and keep things fast. This is where the Classic Series starts to feel a little more dressed up without losing the family resemblance.
SR80
Price: $175 Driver: 44mm X2 dynamic Design: Open-back Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz Sensitivity: 98 dB Impedance: 38 ohms Driver matching: 0.1 dB Cushions: S cushions Key build notes: Standard headband assembly with padded synthetic strap, Bronze cable.
The SR80 is still the heart-of-the-line Grado for a lot of people. Compared with the SR60, Grado says it brings tighter bass, more midrange presence, and more top-end detail, which is basically the company telling you this is the livelier, more direct option without making you take out a second mortgage. It keeps the simpler headband and fixed Bronze cable, so the upgrades are real but still clearly budget-conscious.
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SR60
Price: $125 Driver: 44mm X2 dynamic Design: Open-back Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz Sensitivity: 98 dB Impedance: 38 ohms Driver matching: 0.1 dB Cushions: S cushions Key build notes: Standard headband assembly with padded synthetic strap, Bronze cable.
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The SR60 remains the entry point and, honestly, that matters more than any spec-sheet chest beating. Grado describes it as balanced and musical, aimed at long listening sessions rather than maximum bite. It shares the same 44mm X2 architecture as the SR80, but the SR80 is positioned as the more immediate and more energetic step up. For $125, this is Grado keeping one foot planted where the brand actually built its audience in the first place.
The Bottom Line
The Classic Series which includes the GS3000 ($1,995), GS1000 ($1,195), RS1 ($750), Hemp ($495), SR325 ($350), SR80 ($175), and SR60 ($125) is a focused update built around the X2 driver platform, improved cables, and better headband design. Same lineup, just refined where it needed it.
Grado updated its core products and made them more comfortable and durable without losing the house sound that made them extremely popular and also somewhat divisive within the Head-Fi community.
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Who are they for? The same audience that built the brand. Listeners who want a straightforward, open-back, wired experience without getting pulled into feature wars and don’t care about third-party detachable cables.
Based on our experience with the Signature models over the past year, these should be very competitive.
Goddess of Victory: Nikke is getting a Razer collaboration
It includes the ability to unlock a new character skin featuring the brand’s Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT headset
There will also be pop-up events at some Razer stores
Goddess of Victory: Nikke publisher Level Infinite has revealed a new collaboration with gaming hardware giant Razer that brings one of the brand’s cutest headsets to the mobile game.
Starting on March 26, 2026, players will be able to unlock the new Punky Street skin for the character Viper by working their way through the limited-time Punky Street Pass. The skin decks out Viper in trendy streetwear and a white Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT wireless gaming headset, complete with cat ears and some custom pink decals.
In addition to the unique look, the skin includes some exclusive voice lines.
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NIKKE X RAZER Collaboration PV Full Ver. Released | GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE – YouTube
The Punky Street Pass will also contain a few limited title and avatar frame cosmetic items that players can obtain for free.
For those living in China, Japan, and South Korea, a cool Nikke x Razer collab will be put up for sale. It includes a white Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT headset (plus a set of stickers you can use to make it match the in-game skin), as well as a custom Razer Orochi V2 Wireless Mouse with an exclusive Viper design on its shell.
(Image credit: Razer / Level Infinite)
This is on top of an enduring anime merch staple: the acrylic standee. This depicts Viper in her new outfit. There are also two brightly-colored badges, both with Viper on them. What’s more, you can even get a code for immediate access to the in-game skin.
Although that box won’t be available outside of Asia, players in the West can look forward to some real-world events. This includes pop-ups at Razer’s flagship stores in Los Angeles and London, England with Nikke themed decor, prizes, and professional cosplay experiences.
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If you’re not already familiar, Goddess of Victory: Nikke is a mobile shooter game by Lies of P developer Shift Up. Set in a post-apocalyptic future dominated by android characters called Nikkes, it’s one of the most popular gacha role-playing games to date, and is known for its bombastic character designs.
It’s available as a free-to-play title for mobile and PC.
Digital Convergence Corporation is hardly a household name, and there’s a good reason for that. However, it raised about $185 million in investments around the year 2000 from companies such as Coca-Cola, Radio Shack, GE, E. W. Scripps, and the media giant Belo Corporation. So what did all these companies want, and why didn’t it catch on? If you are old enough, you might remember the :CueCat, but you probably thought it was Radio Shack’s disaster. They were simply investors.
The Big Idea
The :CueCat was a barcode scanner that, usually, plugged into a PC’s keyboard port (in those days, that was normally a PS/2 port). A special cable, often called a wedge, was like a Y-cable, allowing you to use your keyboard and the scanner on the same port. The scanner looked like a cat, of course.
However, the :CueCat was not just a generic barcode scanner. It was made to only scan “cues” which were to appear in catalogs, newspapers, and other publications. The idea was that you’d see something in an ad or a catalog, rush to your computer to scan the barcode, and be transported to the retailer’s website to learn more and complete the purchase.
The software could also listen using your sound card for special audio codes that would play on radio or TV commercials and then automatically pop up the associated webpage. So, a piece of software that was reading your keyboard, listening to your room audio at all times, and could inject keystrokes into your computer. What could go wrong?
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Of Interest
You might think this was some tiny startup that died with a whimper, but Radio Shack, Forbes, Wired, and several major newspapers were onboard. The :CueCat cost about $6.50 to produce, but most people never bought one. Radio Shack, Forbes, and Wired were giving them away.
The problem is, even free was too high a price for most people. To use the device, you had to register and complete a long survey full of invasive questions. Then the software showed you an ad bar. Digital Convergence had your demographic info, your surfing habits, and knew what you were scanning.
Even then, the scanner solved a non-problem. If you saw something in a Radio Shack catalog, for example, it was probably not so hard to go to their website and search for it by title or stock number. Especially if you were sitting in front of your computer. If you weren’t… well, then, the :CueCat didn’t help you in that case, anyway.
The Next Big Thing?
It is easy to look back on this and think, “What a bad idea?” But Digital Convergence and its investors were in a full-blown media blitz. The video below shows a contemporary demo of the technology.
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If you still aren’t sold, look at how happy the woman in the Radio Shack commercial is that she didn’t have to manually search the web for her next phone purchase.
A clip from the Radio Shack 2002 catalog (from RadioShackCatalogs.com)
Problem solved, right? Want to buy that new ham radio? Scan the code, and you don’t have to type “Alinco” into a search box! Even the table of contents in the 2002 RadioShack catalog was festooned with barcodes.
The RadioShack catalog might have been an exception, though. A 2001 issue of Forbes magazine showed sparing use of the barcodes and no obvious ones linking to big advertisers. You would think the advertisers would have been a prime target, even if you had to make deals to get them onboard.
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Hackers
Naturally, hacks immediately appeared. Drives from [Pierre-Philippe Coupard] and [Michael Rothwell] allowed you to use the :CueCat without the invasive software or registration. You could even scan normal barcodes like UPC codes. Radio Shack and others wound up simply giving away $6.50 barcode scanners.
While people were already prickly about the amount of information gathered and the tracking, hackers found a report file on a public server that revealed personal info about 140,000 users — a huge number for the year 2000.
With hackers attacking both the hardware and the company’s website, Digital Convergence had to act. They changed their license, claiming that you didn’t own the scanner and forbidding reverse engineering. There were no real lawsuits, but there were threats and, as you might imagine, that just made things worse.
The Decline
By 2001, there were a very few USB-native :CueCats distributed. But the bad publicity and the lack of usefulness took its toll. By mid-year, most of the 225 employees at Digital Convergence had been let go. Later in the year, the investors decided to stop using the tech entirely.
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By 2005, you could buy the now-surplus devices for $0.30 each, as long as you agreed to take 500,000 or more of them. You can still find them on the used market if you look. Open source software is still around that can make them do useful things, but honestly, unless you’re hacking it into a custom hardware setup, your phone is a better barcode scanner.
Hardware
You can still find some of the contemporary teardowns of the :CueCat online. There were, apparently, several revisions of the hardware, but at least one version had a cheap CPU, a serial EEPROM, an 8 KB static RAM, and a handful of small parts. For a free device, the insides looked pretty good.
Removing the ID from the device was as easy as removing the EEPROM, although people were less equipped to remove SMD chips in those days. You could also just lift a single pin, which was slightly easier. At least one enterprising hacker added a DIP switch to experiment with the pin settings.
Aftermath
Of course, now we have QR codes. But these are somewhat more private, work with the ubiquitous cell phone, and even then haven’t caught on in the way Digital Convergence had planned.
Was it a good idea? That’s debatable. But giant privacy grabs usually go poorly. Granted, in 2000, that might not have been as obvious as it is today. But it still doesn’t keep companies from finding it out all over again.
Dell has overhauled its commercial PC lineup with four new Pro notebooks: Pro Premium, Pro 7, Pro 5, and Pro 3. The devices are thinner and lighter than their predecessors, pack Intel and AMI processors, and finally ditch the old Latitude branding for a cleaner, number-based naming scheme.
Dell
Which laptop is actually built for you?
The Dell Pro Premium is the executive pic. It is up to 7% thinner, the lightest of them all, and wears a classy magnesium alloy chassis in a dark gray finish. The notebook offers an optional tandem OLED display and comes with an 8MP HDR camera for video calls that don’t make you look like you’re broadcasting from a basement.
The Dell Pro 7 is for those who want it all in a small package. Up to 18% thinner than the previous generation, the Pro 7 is the thinnest 13- and 14-inch commercial laptop and 2-in-1 in its class. The edge-to-edge Gorilla Glass touchscreen can achieve up to 500 nits, and the higher trims can add OLED displays, 8MP cameras, and a mini-LED backlit keyboard.
Dell
The Dell Pro 5 could be a popular choice
The Dell Pro 5 delivers the most scalable performance of the laptops. It is available in 14- and 16-inch sizes, it’s up to 12% thinner than last year, and up to 21% thinner than competing designs. It also houses a 70Wh battery and optional OLED display, making it the practical workhorse of the range.
There’s another Pro 3, which starts at just 2.89 pounds with a scratch-resistant metallic finish, Wi-Fi 7, and solid battery life. Dell’s latest laptops run on Intel Core Ultra Series 3 or AMD Ryzen AI 400 processors with Copilot+ PC support.
Product
Sizes
Availability
Dell Pro 14 Premium
14-inch
March 31, 2026
Dell Pro 7
13-inch, 14-inch
May 2026
Dell Pro 5
14-inch, 16-inch
May 2026
Dell Pro 3
14-inch, 16-inch
May 2026
Beyond laptops, the company has also announced the compact Pro 5 Micro desktop, new Pro Precision workstations, and a range of Pro P monitors with built-in conferencing features.
Yang’s meticulous, analog approach has captivated gaming communities in China and abroad, where clips of him leafing through notebooks filled with hand-sketched maps and puzzle notes have drawn admiration and nostalgia in equal measure. His accomplishment – finishing Resident Evil Requiem entirely unaided – has been hailed by fans as… Read Entire Article Source link
Citrix has patched two vulnerabilities affecting NetScaler ADC networking appliances and NetScaler Gateway secure remote access solutions, one of which is very similar to the CitrixBleed and CitrixBleed2 flaws exploited in zero-day attacks in recent years.
The critical security bug (tracked as CVE-2026-3055) stems from insufficient input validation, which can lead to a memory overread on Citrix ADC or Citrix Gateway appliances configured as a SAML identity provider (IDP), potentially enabling remote attackers without privileges to steal sensitive information such as session tokens.
“Cloud Software Group strongly urges affected customers of NetScaler ADC and NetScaler Gateway to install the relevant updated versions as soon as possible,” the company warned in a Monday advisory.
Citrix has also shared detailed guidance on how to identify and patch NetScaler instances vulnerable to CVE-2026-3055.
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The company also patched the CVE-2026-4368 vulnerability affecting appliances configured as Gateways (SSL VPN, ICA Proxy, CVPN, RDP proxy) or AAA virtual servers, which can enable threat actors with low privileges on the targeted system to exploit a race condition in low-complexity attacks, potentially leading to user session mix-ups.
The two flaws affect NetScaler ADC and NetScaler Gateway versions 13.1 and 14.1 (fixed in 13.1-62.23 and 14.1-66.59) and NetScaler ADC 13.1-FIPS and 13.1-NDcPP (addressed in 13.1-37.262).
Internet security watchdog group Shadowserver is currently tracking over 30,000 NetScaler ADC instances and more than 2,300 Gateway instances exposed online. However, there is currently no information regarding how many of them are using vulnerable configurations or have already been patched against attacks.
Since Citrix released security updates to address the vulnerability, multiple cybersecurity companies have warned that it’s critical to secure NetScaler against attacks targeting CVE-2026-3055.
“Unfortunately, many will recognise this as sounding similar to the widely exploited ‘CitrixBleed’ vulnerability from 2023 and the subsequent ‘CitrixBleed2’ variant disclosed in 2025, both of which were and continue to be actively leveraged in real-world attacks,” cybersecurity company watchTowr said.
“Although Citrix states that the vulnerability was identified internally, it is reasonable to expect that threat actors will attempt to reverse engineer the patch to develop exploit capabilities.”
“Exploitation of CVE-2026-3055 is likely to occur once exploit code becomes public. Therefore, it is crucial that customers running affected Citrix systems remediate this vulnerability as soon as possible; Citrix software has previously seen memory leak vulnerabilities broadly exploited in the wild, including the infamous ‘CitrixBleed’ vulnerability, CVE-2023-4966, in 2023,” Rapid7 added.
In August 2025, CISA flagged CitrixBleed2 as actively exploited and gave federal agencies a single day to secure their systems. In total, the U.S. cybersecurity agency has tagged 21 Citrix vulnerabilities as exploited in the wild, seven of which were used in ransomware attacks.
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An anonymous reader quotes a report from Vanity Fair: Focus Features is releasing The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist in theaters on March 27. If you’re even slightly interested in what’s going on with AI, it’s required viewing: The film touches on all aspects of the technology, from how it’s currently being used to how it will be used in the near future, when we potentially reach the age of artificial general intelligence, or AGI. AGI is a theoretical form of AI that supposedly would be able to perform complex tasks without each step being prompted by a human user — the point at which machines become autonomous, like Skynet in the Terminator franchise. […]
[Director Daniel Roher] interviews nearly all the major players in the AI space: Sam Altman of OpenAI; the Amodei siblings of Anthropic; Demis Hassabis of DeepMind (Google’s AI arm); theorists and reporters covering the subject. Notably absent are Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. “Have you seen that guy speak? He’s like a lizard man,” Roher says regarding Zuckerberg. “Musk said yes initially, but it was right when he was doing all the stuff with Trump, and we just got ghosted after a while,” adds [codirector Charlie Tyrell]. Altman, arguably AI’s greatest mascot, is prominently featured in the documentary. But Roher wasn’t buying it. “That guy doesn’t know what genuine means,” he says. “Every single thing he says and does is calculated. He is a machine. He’s like AI, and it’s in the service of growth, growth, growth. You can be disingenuous and media savvy.” […]
How, exactly, is Roher an apocaloptimist? “We are preaching a worldview,” he says, “in a world that’s asking you to either see this as the apocalypse or embrace it with this unbridled optimism.” He and his film are taking a stance that rests between those two poles. “It’s both at the same time. We have to try and embrace a middle ground so this technology doesn’t consume us, so we can stay in the driver’s seat,” says Roher — meaning, it’s up to all of us to chart the course. “You have to speak up,” says Tyrell. “Things like AI should disclose themselves. If your doctor’s office is using an AI bot, you have to say, I don’t like that.” The driving message behind the film is that resistance starts with the people. That position is shared by The AI Doc producer Daniel Kwan, who won an Oscar for directing Everything Everywhere All at Once and has been at the forefront of discussions about AI in the entertainment industry. […]
Roher and Tyrell both use AI in their everyday lives and openly admit to it being a helpful tool. They also agree that this technology can make daily tasks easier for the average consumer. But at the end of our conversation, we get into the economics of AI and how Wall Street is propping up the industry through huge evaluations of these companies — and Roher gets going yet again. “This is all smoke and mirrors. The entire economy of AI is being propped up by a Ponzi scheme. The hype of this technology is unlike any hype we’ve seen,” he says. “I feel like I could announce in a press release that Academy Award winner Daniel Roher is starting an AI film company, and I could sell it the next day for $20 million. It’s fucking crazy.” […] “These people are prospectors, and they are going up to the Yukon because it’s the gold rush.”
An Amazon Prime delivery van and a FedEx Ground van on a Seattle street. The two companies are expanding their rekindled partnership into returns. (GeekWire File Photo / Todd Bishop)
Amazon and FedEx are expanding their partnership after starting to patch things up last year.
The companies announced Wednesday that more than 1,500 FedEx Office locations nationwide are now accepting Amazon returns as part of a network of more than 10,000 drop-off points across the U.S. where customers can return items without a shipping box, tape, or label.
It’s notable in part because of the history between the two companies.
FedEx severed its logistics relationship with Amazon in 2019 as the e-commerce giant built out its own logistics network. But the two have started working together again over the past year, with FedEx reportedly helping to fill delivery gaps for Amazon left by UPS, which said last year that it would cut its Amazon package volume by more than half.
Amazon says four out of five U.S. customers now have a drop-off point within five miles of their home. Other locations in the network include Whole Foods Market, The UPS Store, Kohl’s, Staples, and regional partners such as Winn-Dixie, Save Mart, and Goodwill.
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Returns have become a competitive battleground in e-commerce logistics because they boost shipping volume, lock in merchant relationships, and generate foot traffic for retail partners.
Amazon benefits from the competition, gaining more drop-off density and better economics while also continuing to grow its own in-house network.
To make a return, customers start the process in their Amazon account, choose a nearby location, and receive a QR code. They bring the unpackaged item and QR code to the drop-off point, where it’s scanned and prepared for shipping.
It’s no secret that vivo has recently been on a roll by launching plenty of budget offerings. Keeping up with that momentum, the Chinese smartphone maker has expanded its Y-series lineup in India with the launch of the vivo Y21 5G and vivo Y11 5G. Both smartphones focus on endurance and everyday usability, and here’s everything you need to know about them.
The vivo Y21 5G starts at ₹18,999 for the 4GB + 128GB variant, going up to ₹22,999 for the 8GB + 128GB model. Meanwhile, the vivo Y11 5G is priced at ₹14,999 for the 4GB + 64GB variant and ₹16,999 for the 4GB + 128 GB variant.
Big Battery, Built for Endurance
The biggest highlight here is the 6,500mAh battery on both phones, which vivo claims can easily last through a full day—and then some. The company says users can expect up to 48 hours of video playback, extended music streaming, and long social media sessions without constantly reaching for a charger.
Charging speeds differ, though. The Y21 5G gets 44W fast charging, while the Y11 5G sticks to 15W charging. Both devices also feature battery health optimizations designed to maintain performance for up to five years.
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Design & Performance
vivo is also pushing durability this time. Both phones come with IP65 ratings and military-grade shock resistance, which should help them survive daily wear and tear. The design itself stays minimal, with a matte finish, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a lightweight build that should feel comfortable for everyday use.
On the front, both phones pack a 6.74-inch HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is still a rare feature at this price point. Brightness reaches 1200 nits, improving outdoor visibility, while TÜV Rheinland certification aims to reduce eye strain during extended use. Under the hood, both devices are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, with 5G connectivity and dual-SIM support. The setup should be enough for regular tasks like browsing, streaming, and light gaming.
Cameras & Software
The vivo Y21 5G features a 50MP main camera, while the Y11 5G has a 13MP main camera. Both devices include multiple camera modes, such as Night, Portrait, and Time-lapse, for basic versatility.
On the software side, the phones run OriginOS 6, based on Android 16, with features such as Circle to Search, AI photo enhancements, and Google Gemini integration for smarter interactions.
Building a quality selection of hand tools to help support your repair, DIY renovation, or emergency preparedness needs isn’t always easy. Finding great gear is rarely the problem, though. Starter kits demand an odd blend of cost-effectiveness and value that can be difficult to identify. As a beginner creating your first collection of versatile hand tools, you’ll often want to target sets of equipment (like a bundle deal of screwdrivers or a socket set with a wide range of turning tools) while purchasing the best brand options you can afford at a reasonable price point. There’s no need to focus on premium quality everywhere, and even those with experience seeking to reimagine their existing mechanic’s tool kit will want to save in some areas and splurge in others. In fact, many pros suggest a different route, opting for inexpensive gear that’s unlikely to last a long time. The things you break first are naturally going to be the equipment you use the most, giving you a personalized blueprint for where to upgrade over time.
Harbor Freight tools offer a solid blend of both worlds. Harbor Freight’s catalog of in-house brands features plenty of quality implements at surprisingly bargain-friendly prices. The outlet certainly carries its fair share of expensive equipment, but many of the hand tools offered by the tool and home improvement store are inexpensive without sacrificing quality or key build features that users crave. These 13 tools are cost-friendly options with great reviews in their respective categories, providing reliable coverage for numerous jobs you may be gearing up to tackle.
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Pittsburgh Comfort Grip Screwdriver Set (70-Piece)
There’s always room in a garage or workshop for a set of screwdrivers. This is one of the baseline tools that every fixer, builder, or renovator needs to have in their collection. No matter the task you’re squaring up against, three functions remain at the top of any job’s requirements: measuring, cutting, and fastening. You won’t get very far without screwdriving tools, and a set of handheld fastening tools can be a true game changer. The Pittsburgh Comfort Grip Screwdriver Set includes Allen keys, nut drivers, precision screwdrivers, and standard screwdriving tools. It’s all contained within a storage rack that makes organization simple.
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Each screwdriver features an oil-resistant TPR cushion grip that makes the set useful in demanding environments while also remaining comfortable for use over long periods of time. The screwdrivers feature chrome vanadium steel construction with magnetized tips and flat-sided handles that offer additional gripping power while reducing the risk of rolling. About 98% of buyers recommend the set, and its price is among the primary reasons. It’s offered at Harbor Freight for $30, but Inside Track Club members can save $10 on their purchase before April 2. The tool has been reviewed by over 1,230 buyers and holds a 4.8-star average rating.
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Central Machinery 5-Inch Swivel Vise with Anvil
The Central Machinery 5-Inch Swivel Vise with Anvil is an in-store-only tool offered by Harbor Freight. The vise is available for $50 for Inside Track Club members until April 2, and $60 for other buyers. Both prices are favorable for a quality swiveling vise designed for heavy-duty use in your garage or workshop. The tool features 5-inch, heat-treated replaceable jaws and can produce 6,600 pounds of clamping force. The tool’s body is made of cast iron, resulting in a 21-pound tool that can offer portability when necessary but is dense enough for solid workholding when you need to lock down a component.
The vise features a 2-1/8-inch throat depth, and the swiveling base offers a full 360-degree rotational arc. The tool has received over 270 buyer reviews with a 4.7-star average rating. It has a 96% recommendation rate, and the replaceable jaws and multifunctional capability, underpinned by the addition of a 3-1/2-inch by 3-5/8-inch anvil, have a lot to do with this high praise.
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Quinn 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2-Inch Drive SAE and Metric Hi-Vis Socket Set (66-Piece)
There are plenty of great mechanic’s tool sets for every budget, including some that feature no additions beyond the ratchet and sockets. The Quinn 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2-Inch Drive SAE and Metric Hi-Vis Socket Set is a quality choice in this regard. It’s listed at Harbor Freight for $60, offering 66 total pieces for a good price per element and a relatively low cost overall. The set comes with a carrying case featuring individual storage slots, allowing you to find exactly what you’re looking for without hassle. The set is built with chrome vanadium steel, offering scratch and rust resistance for long-term durability. Each ratchet features a 72-tooth quick-release head, and the sockets offer high-visibility markings with color coding to indicate drive size.
Customers overwhelmingly give this high praise, with a 4.8-star average rating from over 1,460 reviewers. 98% of buyers recommend the item to others. In addition to standard fastener-turning tools contained within the set, it includes three extensions and two spark plug sockets, allowing buyers to change their own spark plugs without having to go out and buy a new, specialized tool.
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Pittsburgh 3/4-Inch Pipe Clamp with Base
Clamps come in a dizzying array of styles, but they all feature a basic commonality. Clamping tools are used to hold workpieces in place, allowing glue to set or keeping a component held firm while you fasten or cut away excess material. While numerous clamps can be of great value to someone building a starter toolkit, perhaps the most versatile solution you’ll find is the pipe clamp. Unlike other options, this tool comes as a pair of cast ends that fit onto a pipe you’ll add to the mix yourself. This allows you to customize the length to your own needs and provides extreme adaptability.
The Pittsburgh 3/4-Inch Pipe Clamp with Base is a great option, listed at Harbor Freight for $12. It’s an in-store-only tool. The clamp features a four-plate clutch to deliver intense clamping pressure, along with a quick-release lever to back it off when the job is finished. It’s built with cast steel and a heavy-duty ACME lead screw. It doesn’t come with a pipe but fits 3/4-inch-diameter pipes and includes pre-drilled holes to attach additional jaws if necessary. 98% of buyers recommend it, and more than 420 reviewers give it a 4.7-star average rating.
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Doyle 12-Inch Professional Rafter Square
The Doyle 12-Inch Professional Rafter Square is a layout tool with huge functionality built into its subtle frame. Also known as a speed square, this tool makes measuring and marking boards significantly faster. The tool is built with an anodized aluminum body with high-visibility, laser-etched markings across its face. One end of the triangular tool features a lip that allows you to quickly square it up against the edge of a board, with the 90-degree angle delivering a perfect marking edge to scribe measurements or cut lines onto a workpiece with ease. It also features notches along its edge that allow users to drag a line horizontally across a board for rip cuts.
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The tool is essential for getting the angles and markings correct when building roof trusses and other angular constructions on a job site or in your own backyard, but it also serves as a key asset for many other projects. It’s available from Harbor Freight for $17 and has received over 500 reviews with a 4.9-star average rating. Among buyers, about 98% recommend it to others.
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Central Forge 15-Pound Rugged Cast Iron Anvil
The anvil is often thought of as a tool that’s only required in metalworking shops. Forging hand tools, bladed instruments, and other cast decorative elements is specialized work, so it’s easy to overlook the tool. However, this addition, which acts in opposition to your hammer or other workpiece manipulation assets, can add significant value to many aspiring home improvers’ collections and workshops of all sorts.
The Central Forge 15-Pound Rugged Cast Iron Anvil is a relatively lightweight solution. It also won’t break the bank. The tool’s $20 price tag and 15-pound weight make it a small-scale investment that can pay huge dividends for users long into the future. In the same way that a vise can provide massively versatile workholding capabilities, the anvil offers a smooth striking surface to work with across many different job requirements.
This tool features a cast iron construction with a milled face. It offers an 8-1/4-inch by 3-inch work surface with a hardy hole that supports punching through material, bending components, or accessory installations. It also offers a rounded horn for shaping and smooth bending. The tool also includes extra-large feet that help keep it firmly planted while in use. The anvil has a 4.6-star average rating from more than 470 buyers, with a 93% recommendation rate.
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Pittsburgh 16 oz. Fiberglass Rip Claw Hammer
Another critically important tool: Virtually everyone who uses hand implements, even sparingly, will need a hammer to support striking functions and basic fastener removal tasks. The Pittsburgh 16 oz. Fiberglass Rip Claw Hammer is a $7 purchase at Harbor Freight, offering a fiberglass handle for effective shock absorption. It features a non-slip rubber grip as well, pairing with a drop-forged steel head. The tool features a rip claw construction rather than the more commonly observed curved claw, delivering a straighter swing path and improved striking control. The hammer features a smooth face for a classic finish.
Nearly all customers (99%) recommend the hammer to others, and across 2,460 reviews it has received a 4.8-star average rating. The 16 oz. head weight is an ideal middle-ground solution that delivers more than enough force to drive heavy nails while remaining light enough for lengthy use. The handle is 11 inches long and features a tapered shaft layout to allow users to grip up on the tool when setting a nail and move their hand to the rubberized bottom for more striking force.
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Doyle 13-Inch Heavy Duty Professional Hand Riveter
The Doyle 13-Inch Heavy Duty Professional Hand Riveter features a double compound hinge that offers added leverage over the standard riveting tool. This makes it an upgraded option for driving fasteners in even the most demanding applications. It includes five interchangeable nose pieces that are color-coded for easy identification and don’t require additional tools to install or remove. It also utilizes a collection bottle that’s built into the back end of the tool, collecting used mandrels rather than dropping them all over your workshop.
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The riveter also features an ergonomic PVC grip construction that helps to reduce fatigue as you work on fastening tasks. The tool is available for $25 at Harbor Freight, making it a cost-effective option for securing all manner of material as you work to complete renovation or construction jobs. Buyers give it high praise as well, delivering a 4.8-star average rating across more than 530 reviews. It also has a 97% recommendation rate from those who have purchased the tool.
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Icon 1/2-Inch Drive 18-Inch Professional Breaker Bar
The breaker bar is a tool mechanics and many others lean on in a pinch, both literally and figuratively. The breaker bar is an elongated ratchet-type tool that offers more leverage to create additional torque on a stubborn fastener. It’s a tool that’s all about muscling through a tough turning task, and so a heavy-duty option is always going to be a priority. The Icon 1/2-Inch Drive 18-Inch Professional Breaker Bar delivers a critically important crossover between strength and durability, and an approachable price point. It features more than enough length and strength to tackle seized fasteners, while being listed at Harbor Freight for $30.
The tool runs with a 1/2-inch drive size and features a 180-degree pivot in the head to deliver access to your workpiece from a range of angles. The tool is made from chrome vanadium steel and weighs a little over 2 pounds. It’s also chrome-plated to resist corrosion and rust. Nearly 170 reviewers have given it a 4.9-star average rating, with 99% of them recommending it to others.
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Pittsburgh Metric or SAE Ball End Hex Key Set (13-Piece)
Allen wrenches come in many formats, but anyone who has used the standard straight-end devices for long enough will know that the typical unit comes with a notable disadvantage. One of the most useful changes that has taken place in these fastener-driving tools is the ball end. The short side of the L-shaped Pittsburgh Metric or SAE Ball End Hex Key Set features the standard square end for a firm connection with your fastener and plenty of driving force as you turn the tool. The longer side of the hex key features a ball-shaped tip that allows users to turn fasteners while the tool is positioned at an angle.
This enhances the reach you experience while trying to tighten a screw, with the ability to engage a screw head from a 25-degree offset. This set comes with all of the standard sizes you’d expect in either SAE or metric measurements. Both options are listed as in-store-only tools, and both are available for $6. The tool set has been reviewed by nearly 1,800 Harbor Freight buyers and holds a 4.7-star average rating with a 96% recommendation rate. There are other Allen wrench sets out there for cheaper, but there’s really no reason to settle for a standard model when the enhanced variant can be found for such a low price.
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Fasten-Pro Hammer Tacker
The Fasten-Pro Hammer Tacker is an update to the classic staple gun. Hammer tackers are designed for faster installation with less physical effort than their alternatives. They fire the same staples that a staple gun can accommodate but achieve that result with significantly less hullabaloo, allowing you to work quicker without nearly as much fatigue. This Fasten-Pro model is available from Harbor Freight for $15 and features a 4.4-star average rating across over 510 reviews. Similarly, 90% of customers recommend it to others, with its price coming in as a key strength.
The tool features a spring-loaded strip magazine that continuously pushes the next staple down into the ready position. The tool is 13-1/2 inches long and weighs a hair over two pounds, making it a mobile solution that’s easy to carry and even easier to deploy. It utilizes a non-slip comfort grip with additional oil-resistant features that make it usable in a wide range of situations.
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Pittsburgh Precision Electrical Screwdriver Set (6-Piece)
The precision screwdriver is essential for tackling electrical repair and handling access to small parts within all manner of objects you might be working to service or repair. Everything from battery changes in smoke detectors or children’s toys to delicate work under the hood of your project vehicle can benefit from the addition of a precision screwdriver set. The Pittsburgh Precision Electrical Screwdriver Set is a 6-piece solution that’s available from Harbor Freight for $8. This option features electrical insulation with a protection rating up to 1000V. Failing to use insulated tools while working on the wiring in your home or other electrical projects is an easy mistake to make since the consequences aren’t immediately apparent.
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The insulated, soft-grip handles make it more comfortable to use the screwdrivers, and they feature GS and VDE-certified protection that can minimize or even negate the risk of electrical shock. The kit also comes with a storage case, and each screwdriver features a color-coded element to help make identification easier. The set features three flathead screwdrivers and three Phillips models, all in small sizes that are essential for tackling delicate tasks like jewelry or watch repair and much more. The low price tag combines perfectly with a 4.8-star average rating and a 99% recommendation rate across more than 520 reviews.
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Pittsburgh Ratcheting Screwdriver Set (26-Piece)
There are a wide range of great multibit screwdrivers that can make a difference in your workflow, and the multibit screwdriver is among the most valuable and useful hand tools you’ll encounter. Therefore, it can feel like a big decision when selecting one. Fortunately, Harbor Freight offers a solid choice in the Pittsburgh Ratcheting Screwdriver Set. It features a $14 price tag and a 4.5-star average rating across over 1,560 reviews. It also has a 93% recommendation rate, underpinning a cost-effective and highly rated solution that can help users tackle a wide range of jobs. The tool comes with 24 driver bits as well as a nylon carrying case to keep everything contained and organized as an on-the-go solution or for effective storage in your workshop between jobs. It includes six nut-driving bits as well as a range of Phillips, Pozidrive, TORX, and slotted bits.
Each bit is constructed from chrome vanadium steel to deliver long-lasting performance across numerous jobs, regardless of how demanding each use might become. The screwdriving head also features a ratcheting function with left and right directional shifts as well as a stationary center position that locks the mechanism for standard use.
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Methodology
All of these tools have been reviewed by at least 150 buyers. Most have near-perfect average ratings, with the lowest of the bunch scoring a 4.4-star average. They represent a quality cross-section of hand tool options that can provide plenty of versatility throughout the typical installation, repair, or fabrication tasks you might face. They’re also all inexpensive options that won’t break the bank as you search for good value at fair prices.
The way we interact with technology is no longer confined to the browser. Cars, smart homes, wearable devices, and industrial systems are now deeply connected, driving unprecedented convenience and innovation, but also creating vast new attack surfaces.
And regulators are taking notice: In the automotive sector, global cybersecurity regulations are setting baseline requirements for vehicle software updates and data protection through UNECE WP.29; the U.S. federal government’s IoT labeling program, meanwhile, is pushing manufacturers to build more secure products from the start.
Andrew Shikiar
Executive Director and CMO at FIDO Alliance.
Security cannot be an afterthought
The message is clear: security can no longer be an afterthought. All connected devices must be built with strong authentication at their core.
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Article continues below
How enterprises approach security can vary, particularly for those who are newer to the world of authentication than their legacy counterparts in tech and banking. Yet they can all benefit from one unified source.
FIDO’s user and device authentication standards, already proven at internet scale in consumer platforms and financial services, can be embedded directly into connected devices.
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Dissolving boundaries
The boundaries between consumer devices, vehicles, and enterprise systems are quickly dissolving. A modern car is no longer just a machine; it is effectively a mobile computer that seamlessly links to smartphones, cloud applications, and payment platforms.
A driver unlocking their car, an engineer accessing industrial machinery, or a consumer pairing a smart appliance should all benefit from the same phishing-resistant, cryptography-based security that has already replaced billions of passwords online.
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Instead of bolting on security measures after the fact, manufacturers can design devices with secure sign-in and trust models from day one.
This convergence creates enormous opportunity but also exposes shared vulnerabilities. A phishing-resistant login for a cloud service is only as effective as the weakest connected link in the chain.
If a malicious actor can compromise a connected thermostat in a factory or exploit a weak credential in a vehicle’s infotainment system, they can often gain a pathway into far more critical systems.
Enterprises are already experiencing this in real time. Bring-your-own-device policies blurred personal and professional boundaries years ago; now, bring-your-own-IoT is creating similar challenges, with employees using connected wearables, smart assistants, or even vehicles that link into corporate accounts.
The result is a patchwork of authentication models with passwords in one place, biometrics in another, device tokens somewhere else that only work to create confusion for users and costly complexity for IT teams.
Unified approach
A unified approach, by contrast, can extend beyond the web browser to cover every connected endpoint. FIDO authentication provides that framework.
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Whether someone is signing into a collaboration tool, authenticating to their car, or controlling smart infrastructure, the same secure, interoperable standard provides ease of use and peace of mind.
The result? Simplified security, consistency for users, and lower integration costs for manufacturers and enterprises alike.
We are at an inflection point. The industries that embrace this unified model will be best positioned to build trusted ecosystems where consumers, employees, and businesses interact seamlessly and securely, regardless of the device or environment.
The connected world, whether in the car, the factory, or the living room, needs a consistent, scalable approach to authentication. As regulators raise the bar and consumers demand simpler, more secure solutions, enterprises can no longer afford the risks of fragmented systems.
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Embedding FIDO standards into connected devices ensures that security becomes an enabler of innovation that helps lay the foundation for connected ecosystems to truly thrive.
This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro’s Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro
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