Tech
More Rode mics can now connect directly to iPhones and iPads
Rode is rolling out a firmware update for its Wireless Pro and Wireless Go (third-gen) microphones to add a feature called Direct Connect, which was already available for the Wireless Micro. This allows the mics to pair with iPhones and iPads via Bluetooth without the need for a receiver. All you’ll need is the Rode Capture app.
Rode said it’s able to offer Direct Connect for Wireless Pro and Wireless Go without compromising “the broadcast-quality audio both wireless systems are known for.” The feature still supports the option to record from two transmitters in either merged (whereby the audio blends into a single stereo track) or split (which keeps the recordings on separate channels to allow for more options in post-production) modes.
Not having to worry about setting up a physical receiver to link these mics to iOS devices could help streamline things quite a bit for creators. And I can always get behind companies adding handy features to existing products without pushing customers to buy new models. That’s good for the environment, your wallet — assuming you already have one of these mics — and probably the company’s reputation. An all-around positive update.
New York Attorney General Letitia James sued Valve in February, arguing that mystery boxes in Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Team Fortress 2 constitute “quintessential gambling” because players pay for a chance to obtain rare cosmetic items that can carry significant monetary value and be traded for real money.
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Anthropic updated Claude so it can automatically generate charts, diagrams, and other interactive visualizations directly inside conversations, rather than only in a side panel. The new visualizations are rolling out now to all users. The Verge reports: As an example, Anthropic says a conversation about the periodic table could lead Claude to generate a visualization of it, featuring interactive elements that let you click inside the table for more information. Another example shows how Claude can generate a visual related to a question about how weight travels through a building. Though Claude will automatically determine whether it should generate a visualization in your chat, Anthropic notes that you can also ask the chatbot to generate a diagram, table, or chart directly. […]
Anthropic already allows you to create charts, documents, tools, and apps through Claude’s “artifacts” feature, which opens in a side panel where you can interact, share, and download the AI-generated creation. But, as noted by Anthropic, artifacts are persistent, while the visualizations created within Claude’s conversations will change or disappear as the conversation progresses. You can also ask Claude to make changes to the visualizations it creates.
Looking for a great set of computer speakers that still sound awesome? You can grab a pair of the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor desktop speakers in either black or white from Amazon for just $250, a $100 discount from their usual price. They’re a perfect pick for aspiring music producers, audiophiles, or anyone who just wants a premium audio experience while scrolling YouTube videos.
IK Multimedia
iLoud Micro Monitor
One thing that both our computer speaker reviewer and audio expert agree on is that these speakers sound awesome, particularly for their size and power. Because they’re intended to work as studio monitors, they have a nice flat midrange that makes it easier to mix or balance, bold bass response, and detailed high-end for getting those little details dialed in. They sound great for just sitting back and listening to music or watching a movie, too, but anyone working on production audio or video might appreciate them more than your average PC gamer.
While they sport both RCA and 3.5-mm TRS inputs for your desktop connections, they also have Bluetooth in case you’d like to hook up your phone for some jams, or even a turntable that has its own phono preamp. The included stands point them up right at your face, and they’re tuned for near field listening, so they’re perfectly setup for sitting at your computer and getting audio work done. If you’ve got a more dedicated setup, there are 3/8-inch 16-threaded inserts on the bottom of each, so you can mount them to dedicated mic stands for even better positioning.
While the audio capabilities impressed us universally, there are some usability concerns for everyday users that might give you some pause. The onboard controls are all stashed around the back of the left speaker, so you may need to reach a bit depending on where you mount them. These do include a set of three equalizer switches, in case you need to really dial in the audio levels, which is a nice touch for desktop speakers that don’t usually include any kind of EQ.
If you can manage those concerns, we think you’ll be really impressed by the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitors, and the $100 discount makes the deal even sweeter. Amazon has both colors, black and white, on sale for just $250, or you can check out our guides to computer speakers and standalone bookshelf speakers for other options.
The iPhone 17e is one of the best values in a smartphone, and T-Mobile will make it easy to upgrade, no trade-in required. Get the iPhone 17e on T-Mobile, plus Magenta Status and more.
Get an iPhone 17e on T-Mobile – Image credit: Apple
Whether your device is ready for an upgrade or you’re just looking for something new, the iPhone 17e is a great choice. New and existing T-Mobile customers can get an iPhone 17e on them, plus access to perks, benefits, and special features.
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Google Maps is rolling out its biggest update in more than a decade, introducing a Gemini-powered chatbot and a new “Immersive Navigation” interface. “Ask Maps” lets users plan trips, ask questions, and refine travel suggestions conversationally within the app. “The new chatbot will be accessible via a button up near the search bar,” notes Ars Technica. “You can ask it anything you’re likely to find in Google Maps without jumping into another app. You can ask for directions, of course, but it can also plan out road trips and vacations from a single prompt. Ask Maps works like a chatbot, so it accepts follow-up prompts to refine and expand on its suggestions.”
Meanwhile, Google is promising a “complete transformation” of the navigation experience in Maps with what they’re calling “Immersive Navigation.” It brings detailed 3D visuals, smarter route previews, and improved guidance powered by data from Street View and aerial imagery. “You’ll see accurate overpasses, crosswalks, landmarks, and signage in the new navigation experience,” reports Ars. “Google also aims to solve some of the biggest usability issues with turn-by-turn navigation in this update. […] Immersive Navigation tries to show you more of the route as you drive, using smart zoom and transparent buildings to help you plan ahead. Voice guidance will also reference turns after the next one where appropriate.”
Immersive Navigation will also highlights the tradeoffs between different route options, such as longer routes that avoid traffic or tolls. And, as you approach your destination, it will uses Street View imagery, building entrances, and parking information to help you orient yourself. The features are launching on Android and iOS first, with broader platform support coming later.
After a slight blunder with an American retailer, Sonos has officially made its two new speakers official.
Alongside the Sonos Play, which is positioned as one of the brand’s most flexible speakers, is the Sonos Era 100 SL. But how does the Era 100 SL compare to the similarly titled Era 100?
Considering we awarded the Sonos Era 100 a 4.5-star rating, why should you buy the Era 100 SL?
To help you decide, we’ve compared the specs of the Sonos Era 100 SL to the Era 100 and pointed out the key differences and noteworthy similarities between the two below. Keep reading to see which speaker is likely to suit you best.
Not sold on either? Visit our list of the best Bluetooth speakers and best outdoor speakers to find your new favourite model.
Price and Availability
At the time of writing, the Sonos Era 100 SL is available for pre-order and will officially launch in stores on March 31st. With an RRP of $189/£169, it’s hailed as being Sonos’ “most cost-effective way to build” a home setup.
Instead, the Sonos Era 100 has an RRP of £199/$219. However, as it’s an older speaker, it is possible to find the device with a price cut, so make sure you keep an eye out during sales events.
Sonos Era 100 supports voice control
One of the biggest differences between the Sonos Era 100 SL and Era 100 is that the latter has a microphone and, therefore, supports voice control. You can either use Sonos Voice Control to manage music, or you can also rely on Amazon Alexa for answering questions, setting timers and the like.
On the other hand, the Sonos Era 100 SL isn’t equipped with any voice control or assistants, as it lacks a microphone. Sonos explains that the decision to not equip the Era 100 SL with built-in voice control was to ensure the speaker is more affordable than the 100. However, if you pair the Era 100 SL with a voice-enabled soundbar then you’ll still benefit from voice control, even though the Era 100 SL doesn’t actually support it.
Android users won’t be able to use Trueplay tuning technology on the Sonos Era 100 SL
Following on from the above, the Era 100 features Sonos’ clever Trueplay technology which measures how sound reflects off walls and furnishings in a room and tunes the speaker accordingly. While the Sonos Era 100 SL does also support Trueplay, it will only work with an iOS device. This is because the Era 100 SL doesn’t have a microphone, which Android devices need to activate Trueplay.
With this in mind, if you’re sporting one of the best Android phones and want optimised sound for your room, then the Sonos Era 100 SL might not be the top choice for you.
Both have the same sonic architecture
Under their respective hoods, the Sonos Era 100 SL and Era 100 sport the same sonic architecture. In fact, Sonos promises that the more affordable Era 100 SL will have “no compromises on sound quality”.
Considering we concluded that the Era 100’s provides a weightier performance across the frequency range, this certainly bodes well for the Era 100 SL. We also found the Era 100 sported an increase in bass over its predecessor that gave music genres such as R&B, Hip Hop and Pop more impact and excitement too.
Having said that, we’d encourage users to play around with the EQ to perfect the bass and treble levels to best suit your personal listening preferences. Although we haven’t reviewed the Era 100 SL yet, we expect this will be the case for the new speaker too.
Sonos Era 100 SL is designed to fit into your existing speaker set-up
Although you can listen to the Era 100 SL on its own, Sonos explains it’s designed to slot into your existing home entertainment set-up. For example, you can pair two Era 100 SLs to a Sonos soundbar, such as the Sonos Beam or Sonos Arc Ultra, to create a surround sound system.
Alternatively, Sonos does state that you can use the Era 100 SL as a stand-alone speaker too.
It’s a similar situation with the Era 100, which can be paired with another Era 100 SL and a soundbar too.
Both share similar designs, although the Era 100 SL is slightly lighter
At first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking the Era 100 and Era 100 SL were the same speakers, as both measure in at 7.19 x 4.72 x 5.14 inches and come in a choice of Black or White. However, unsurprisingly as it lacks a microphone, the Era 100 SL weighs slightly less at 1.95kg compared to 2.02kg.
Early Verdict
As we haven’t reviewed the Sonos Era 100 SL yet, we’ll hold off from giving a conclusive verdict. However, as it’s slightly more affordable than the Era 100 and promises the same brilliant sound quality and sleek design, the Era 100 SL is certainly an appealing option for many – as long as you’re an iOS user and won’t miss voice control.
Tech
The team behind continuous batching says your idle GPUs should be running inference, not sitting dark
Every GPU cluster has dead time. Training jobs finish, workloads shift and hardware sits dark while power and cooling costs keep running. For neocloud operators, those empty cycles are lost margin.
The obvious workaround is spot GPU markets — renting spare capacity to whoever needs it. But spot instances mean the cloud vendor is still the one doing the renting, and engineers buying that capacity are still paying for raw compute with no inference stack attached.
FriendliAI’s answer is different: run inference directly on the unused hardware, optimize for token throughput, and split the revenue with the operator. FriendliAI was founded by Byung-Gon Chun, the researcher whose paper on continuous batching became foundational to vLLM, the open source inference engine used across most production deployments today.
Chun spent over a decade as a professor at Seoul National University studying efficient execution of machine learning models at scale. That research produced a paper called Orca, which introduced continuous batching. The technique processes inference requests dynamically rather than waiting to fill a fixed batch before executing. It is now industry standard and is the core mechanism inside vLLM.
This week, FriendliAI is launching a new platform called InferenceSense. Just as publishers use Google AdSense to monetize unsold ad inventory, neocloud operators can use InferenceSense to fill unused GPU cycles with paid AI inference workloads and collect a share of the token revenue. The operator’s own jobs always take priority — the moment a scheduler reclaims a GPU, InferenceSense yields.
“What we are providing is that instead of letting GPUs be idle, by running inferences they can monetize those idle GPUs,” Chun told VentureBeat.
How a Seoul National University lab built the engine inside vLLM
Chun founded FriendliAI in 2021, before most of the industry had shifted attention from training to inference. The company’s primary product is a dedicated inference endpoint service for AI startups and enterprises running open-weight models. FriendliAI also appears as a deployment option on Hugging Face alongside Azure, AWS and GCP, and currently supports more than 500,000 open-weight models from the platform.
InferenceSense now extends that inference engine to the capacity problem GPU operators face between workloads.
How it works
InferenceSense runs on top of Kubernetes, which most neocloud operators are already using for resource orchestration. An operator allocates a pool of GPUs to a Kubernetes cluster managed by FriendliAI — declaring which nodes are available and under what conditions they can be reclaimed. Idle detection runs through Kubernetes itself.
“We have our own orchestrator that runs on the GPUs of these neocloud — or just cloud — vendors,” Chun said. “We definitely take advantage of Kubernetes, but the software running on top is a really highly optimized inference stack.”
When GPUs are unused, InferenceSense spins up isolated containers serving paid inference workloads on open-weight models including DeepSeek, Qwen, Kimi, GLM and MiniMax. When the operator’s scheduler needs hardware back, the inference workloads are preempted and GPUs are returned. FriendliAI says the handoff happens within seconds.
Demand is aggregated through FriendliAI’s direct clients and through inference aggregators like OpenRouter. The operator supplies the capacity; FriendliAI handles the demand pipeline, model optimization and serving stack. There are no upfront fees and no minimum commitments. A real-time dashboard shows operators which models are running, tokens being processed and revenue accrued.
Why token throughput beats raw capacity rental
Spot GPU markets from providers like CoreWeave, Lambda Labs and RunPod involve the cloud vendor renting out its own hardware to a third party. InferenceSense runs on hardware the neocloud operator already owns, with the operator defining which nodes participate and setting scheduling agreements with FriendliAI in advance. The distinction matters: spot markets monetize capacity, InferenceSense monetizes tokens.
Token throughput per GPU-hour determines how much InferenceSense can actually earn during unused windows. FriendliAI claims its engine delivers two to three times the throughput of a standard vLLM deployment, though Chun notes the figure varies by workload type.
Most competing inference stacks are built on Python-based open source frameworks. FriendliAI’s engine is written in C++ and uses custom GPU kernels rather than Nvidia’s cuDNN library. The company has built its own model representation layer for partitioning and executing models across hardware, with its own implementations of speculative decoding, quantization and KV-cache management.
Since FriendliAI’s engine processes more tokens per GPU-hour than a standard vLLM stack, operators should generate more revenue per unused cycle than they could by standing up their own inference service.
What AI engineers evaluating inference costs should watch
For AI engineers evaluating where to run inference workloads, the neocloud versus hyperscaler decision has typically come down to price and availability.
InferenceSense adds a new consideration: if neoclouds can monetize idle capacity through inference, they have more economic incentive to keep token prices competitive.
That is not a reason to change infrastructure decisions today — it is still early. But engineers tracking total inference cost should watch whether neocloud adoption of platforms like InferenceSense puts downward pressure on API pricing for models like DeepSeek and Qwen over the next 12 months.
“When we have more efficient suppliers, the overall cost will go down,” Chun said. “With InferenceSense we can contribute to making those models cheaper.”
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The full weight of the Ryobi product catalog can be a game changer for home improvers, repairers, and even professionals in the trades. While Ryobi has frequently been considered a tool brand geared toward recreational users, some new developments in its pipeline are certainly bound to turn heads at the pro level. Among Ryobi’s most eye-catching features is the frequency with which its tools come in at cost-effective pricing models while retaining high quality functionality. Ryobi tools are powerful, often feature premium ergonomics and integrated enhancements, and yet they’re routinely priced at affordable levels.
Many of Ryobi’s highly rated tools can be found for under $100, but an even slimmer threshold still yields excellent gear that can help get the job done efficiently. Searching through Ryobi’s catalog, buyers will find a slate of equipment across its various battery-powered platforms for $75 and under. This might seem like a tough act, but Ryobi delivers in a meaningful way. These tools aren’t gimmicky or niche, and they offer a genuine expansion to a DIYer’s toolkit or an upgrade to existing gear that may be supporting your efforts. They’ve all been reviewed by scores of buyers with great feedback along the way, blending quality and price in a potent mix.
USB Lithium 3-Port Charger and Power Source
Tools come in many forms. Some deliver unexpected functionality that can modernize the way you move about tasks around the house and more. The USB Lithium 3-Port Charger and Power Source is a high-output power supply tool listed for $60 that provides on-the-go recharging capabilities for large and small devices alike. The tool is particularly useful as a support system for other cord-cutting Ryobi USB Lithium tools, and it can recharge three batteries simultaneously to support the range with up to 80% faster charging speeds than a standard USB cable and wall wart. The tool features a USB-C input/output interface for quick charging in both directions. It utilizes a carabiner clip to allow for heightened mobility and can also operate with a belt clip.
The power source features a perfect 5 star rating at Ryobi’s website, although at time of writing only 15 reviewers have given their feedback on the product. It’s also available from Home Depot for the same price; there, 53 buyers have given it a 4.5 star average rating. The tool’s versatility in supporting batteries for your frontline tools, as well as acting as a remote charging solution for phones, tablets, and more, makes it a great potential find for any sort of user.
USB Lithium 3/8-Inch Ratchet Kit
The USB Lithium range frequently rivals Ryobi’s mainline 18V One+ catalog. The tools in this line offer surprising power even when compared to standard 18V models, and their low price tags make them ideal for buyers looking to create a mobile toolkit or even renters seeking a few crucial home maintenance tools that won’t break the bank or take up too much space. The USB Lithium 3/8-Inch Ratchet Kit seems to meet these criteria. It’s a $69 purchase and features 251 reviews with a 4.7 star average rating on Ryobi’s website, making it an example of a small-scale tool that provides big time job support. As is the case with other USB Lithium products, it comes packaged with a battery and USB-C cable in tow, allowing you to get working with the unit right away, even if it’s your first tool from Ryobi’s USB Lithium line.
The ratchet features a 3/8-inch drive, sitting in the middle position among the three most common drive sizes. It offers an ergonomic body with an easy-to-use trigger action that delivers up to 10 ft.-lbs. of torque. The tool is shaped just like a typical ratchet handle, however, allowing users to manually tighten fasteners when the job calls for it with the unit. Putting some elbow grease into the tool, you’ll gain the ability to drive 50 ft.-lbs. of torque with the equipment. However, be aware that you’ll have to bring your own ratchet sockets, as none are included.
18V ONE+ Jig Saw
The 18V ONE+ Jig Saw is among some of the most cost-effective tools Ryobi offers. It’s listed at a new lower price of $50, down from $79 previously. That makes it an extremely valuable addition to the tool collection of any woodworker or home improver, and buyers note that even with this low price tag the tool doesn’t miss a step. It has been reviewed by 457 customers, and they give it a 4.9-star average rating.
The tool offers a variable speed trigger to control its cutting velocity with a range from zero to 3,000 strokes per minute. Ryobi says the tool’s body also dampens vibration by 30%. The jig saw features a ergonomic, D-shaped handle to reduce user fatigue across lengthy cuts and includes a tool-free blade release that makes swapping cutting accessories painless and fast. Other features, like four orbital settings and an LED work light, combine to make this tool a potent cutting option.
USB Lithium Soldering Pen Kit
Ryobi makes few different soldering tools, and it’s most ambitious hybrid power station is among the best soldering irons you’ll find on the market (more on that later). For a similarly low price that doesn’t disappoint, the USB Lithium Soldering Pen Kit is a tool with plenty of premium features and a mobile footprint that cuts the cord entirely. It’s available for $70 at Ryobi’s website and at Home Depot; at Ryobi the tool has received a 4.2 star average rating from 34 buyers, while Home Depot’s listing features a 4.5 star average from 97 customer reviews.
The tool delivers up to 900 degree Fahrenheit temperatures in under two minutes, and when placing the tip cover back on the tool it automatically shuts off and begins the cooldown process for safety and convenient storage. It also features an auto shutoff function after 10 minutes of use, allowing for the complete elimination of worry over whether you turned the tool off when you finished or not. It’s ready to solder in just 40 seconds from startup and features a 10 watt power output for a small but powerful approach to delicate electronic repair and jewelry making tasks. The unit naturally comes with a USB Lithium battery and USB-C cable, and it features introduces a battery level status bar and an LED work light.
USB Lithium Power Cutter Kit
Home improvement enthusiasts may not immediately see a use for a tool like the USB Lithium Power Cutter Kit. It’s ideal for cutting through cardboard, plastic, and other materials, but this might seem like overkill for a box opener and other similar functions. However, this power cutter features the ability to shear through carpet and other tricky material like and leather. This makes it an ideal crafting solution as well as a home improvement tool, as it can provide vast coverage across a wide range of cutting requirements. It can provide precise, powerful shearing action that’s simply not replicable with a hand tool or other more intense powered solutions that might also serve this purpose in a pinch.
The power cutter is available for $60 and it features 541 reviews with a 4.7-star average rating. It utilizes an integrated guideline that enhances the precision of the tool’s cutting capability. The tool features an onboard LED fuel gauge and also comes equipped with a self-sharpening blade that naturally maintains itself without any additional work on your part. It delivers up to 270 RPM cutting speeds, potentially making it a critical efficiency booster in tackling not just home improvement tasks but also a range of crafting needs like wrapping presents or cutting hobby material.
18V ONE+ One-Handed Reciprocating Saw
The reciprocating saw is a tool that finds itself at home in a variety of settings. There’s a variety of formats these come in, and the Ryobi 18V ONE+ One-Handed Reciprocating Saw is an interesting addition to this well-established catalog of cutting and demolition tools. This unit is lightweight, featuring a scaled-down body that allows it to be used with a single hand while maintaining the same level of accuracy and control of a two-handed model. It delivers a maximum speed of 3,000 strokes per minute with a ⅝-inch stroke length, placing it largely in line with the standard reciprocating saw you’ll find elsewhere, including within Ryobi’s own ecosystem. The tool retails for $60, making it a cost-effective option as well as a functionally rich solution to support cutting needs across the board. Moreover, it features a quick release blade change function to make swapping out cutting implements easier.
The tool has been reviewed by 23 buyers at Ryobi’s website with a 5-star average rating coming in the process. It’s available at Home Depot for the same price and features 255 reviews with a 4.5-star rating. The tool features a variable speed trigger and an overmold grip that aims to make it more comfortable to use across numerous demanding tasks. It also features a non-marring shoe in the event that you need to maintain the structural integrity of elements around the component you’re cutting.
18V ONE+ 3/8-Inch Crown Stapler
Ryobi’s 18V ONE+ 3/8-Inch Crown Stapler is among its highest rated products, as 899 reviewers on Ryobi’s website have given it a 4.9-star average rating. It’s also offered for $70, down from its previous list price of $99. The tool can deliver more than 5,500 staples per charge when paired with a ONE+ high capacity Lithium+ battery. It accepts crown staples ranging from ¼-inch to 9/16 of an inch and is also compatible with Arrow T50 staples. The tool comes with a belt clip and a dual screen/wire attachment that make it easier to use across numerous job requirements.
The stapler also utilizes an adjustment knob to control the depth of drive, giving users the ability to dial in precise power output for both heavy duty applications and light fastening tasks. The tool weighs just 3 pounds and operates with a magazine capacity of 85 staples. It aims to deliver quick and efficient fastening coverage for plenty of use cases, including upholstery repair and lawn and garden modernizations like installing chicken wire or weed suppressant layers in planter boxes. The tool eliminates the need to manually grip a stapler, speeding up the process significantly and removing the fatigue that is often associated with this kind of tool.
18V ONE+ 45W Hybrid Soldering Station
The 18V ONE+ 45W Hybrid Soldering Station we briefly mentioned above worth a closer look. It’s an interesting solution, listed for $63, which makes it cost-effective for handling electronics repair tasks and more. The tool provides functionality that can be taken on the go; it operates in either a corded power mode or with support from an 18V One+ battery. When powered by a 6Ah battery, it can operate for over 4 hours. The tool features a temperature control knob that provides temperatures between 300 degrees and 900 degrees Fahrenheit. The soldering iron itself is attached via a 3-foot cord and the iron holder and other storage elements are all housed within the same station body.
The tool has received 166 reviews from buyers with a 4.8 star average rating. The station’s unique hybrid power setup marks it as a dynamic soldering solution that many other tools in the arena can’t match. It comes with support accessories like solder coil and a tip cleaning sponge, as well as two different soldering tips to get you started right away.
18V ONE+ Cordless Compact Workshop Blower
Ryobi’s 18V ONE+ Cordless Compact Workshop Blower is a support tool that can be of significant use across numerous workspaces. This can stand in as an outdoor power tool when necessary, handling leaves and other debris in a pinch; however, its primary use case is in on worksites. The tool features three speed settings with a maximum air speed of up to 160 MPH. It’s a lightweight and compact tool that allows you to easily blow debris off of workbenches, across the shop floor, and into a corner to form a pile. Rather than painstakingly sweeping the entire area, using a workshop blower allows you to contain your mess in seconds.
This tool is listed for $65 and features a 4.8-star rating from 772 buyers. It utilizes a variable speed trigger alongside its integrated settings, providing significant flexibility and control across your working requirements. The tool measures just under 20 inches in length and is ideally suited to one-handed use, and its 2.5-pound weight allows for a cleanup solution with plenty of power and lots of versatility.
4V Screwdriver
Like many other brands, Ryobi makes a number light duty screwdriving tools. There are plenty of excellent multibit screwdrivers that operate under hand fastening power to consider. Ryobi went a different route with its 4V Screwdriver, though; this solution that can make a genuine and lasting difference in your assembly tasks and repair needs. The tool is listed at Ryobi’s website for just $25, and it features a 4.8 star average rating from 852 buyers.
The screwdriver can deliver up to 350 RPM and features ¼-inch hex collet connection to support all standard screwdriving bits. It utilizes an internal 4V battery with compatibility for USB charging built directly into the butt of the tool. A simple forward and reverse button setup stands on the top of the tool to make use easy, and it features two LED lights to cast illumination on your workpiece for use inside dark or recessed areas.
18V ONE+ 10 Oz. Caulk Gun
Professionals often rely on powered caulking guns because of the time saving capabilities of the tool. DIY users frequently don’t, however; a standard skeleton caulking gun will run you just a few bucks at your local hardware store, making it feel the upgrade simply isn’t worth it. Yet the 18V ONE+ 10 Oz. Caulk Gun is available for $50, realistically a marginal price hike over the typical handheld tool in this arena. It’s also notably cheaper than many other powered implements a buyer might consider when adding to their collection. The tool delivers up to 500 pounds of push force, powered by a simple trigger and controlled by a variable speed dial. It includes an onboard puncture tool to eliminate the need for additional gear to open a tube of caulk, adhesive, or sealant before placing it in the tool’s holding compartment. It also offers a switch lock and anti-drip technology to keep the tool from dispensing your chosen product unless you’re actively using the gun.
Buyers give this tool a 4.8 star average rating across 233 reviews. The control offered by the unit allows for strain-free application of tubed construction and renovation products, significantly improving upon the experience you’ll have with a standard caulk gun. Rounding things out, the tool has the ability to dispense over 200 10-oz. tubes on a single battery charge, making it ideal for bulk use and simple home improvement projects like sealing up window edges ahead of the winter months.
18V ONE+ 10-Inch Orbital Buffer
Automotive enthusiasts can gain significant value from the 18V ONE+ 10-Inch Orbital Buffer. It’s a tool listed for $45 and features a 4.8-star average rating from 330 buyers. The tool features a pair of handles, located on either end of the buffer, allowing for complete control over the unit as rotates the buffing pad beneath the main body. The unit can rotate at speeds up to 2,500 RPM; Ryobi claims it delivers a swirl-free finish for a pristine shine.
As is the case with many tools featuring a constant-on state of use, buffers often give users concern about the longevity of their tool on a single battery charge. However, this Ryobi model delivers up to 90 consecutive minutes of use when paired with an 18V One+ Lithium+ high capacity battery. That’s more than enough operational time to get through shining up multiple cars without worrying about running out of power. The tool weighs 4.3 pounds, comes with Ryobi’s standard three year warranty covering its power tools, and includes elastic applicator and buffing bonnets in the packaging.
18V ONE+ 1/4 Sheet Sander
Sanding tools are often a high priority for carpenters and woodworkers, DIY renovators, and builders. Sanding equipment can be useful in metalworking shops as well as serving as a support tool for mechanics and project car enthusiasts. Sanders come in many different layouts, and the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 1/4 Sheet Sander is a versatile solution that pairs bulk sanding capabilities with a tool geometry that allows for easy access to corners and tight spaces. A sheet sander is the ideal tool for rapid material removal, and this unit delivers sanding speeds of up to 14,000 oscillations per minute. It features a quick paper change capability and operates with quarter sheets for an easy fractional divide of a whole piece of sandpaper.
The sander is available as a bare tool for $59. It can also be found with a 4Ah battery and charger for $117 for those needing additional power support for their collection. The individual tool’s price tag is notably reasonable, and buyers give it high praise. 183 reviewers have given it a 4.7 star average rating, indicating its value as a high volume support solution when tackling numerous jobs. It offers onboard dust collection with additional vacuum compatibility and comes with a dust bag and an assortment of sandpaper, regardless if you buy the standalone tool or as part of the kit.
Methodology
All of these cordless, battery-powered Ryobi tools come recccommeded by users, as they have at least 50 reviews and sport a 4.0 star average or better. Each one is an interesting find that may not already be in your toolkit, therefore offering the ability to expand your horizons as a DIYer or repairer tackling jobs around the house or in the workshop.
Amazon’s AI assistant Alexa+ is getting another new personality. On Thursday, the company announced it’s expanding its lineup of personality styles for users to choose from to include a “Sassy” option, which is for adults only. Notes Amazon, before opting to use the Sassy personality, users will be required to go through additional security checks in the Alexa app.
The personality style will also not be available when Amazon Kids is enabled, Amazon says.
The new option joins others like Brief, Chill, and Sweet, launched last month.
When you toggle on the option for Sassy in the Alexa mobile app, you’re warned that the Sassy style uses explicit language, which is why it requires a security check. On iOS, this involved a Face ID scan.
The AI assistant explained its style to us like this: “The Sassy style is built on one premise: help first, judge always. Every answer comes wrapped in wit and a well-placed roast — it’ll answer your question; it’ll just make you feel something about it first. Expect reality checks delivered with charm, compliments that somehow sting, and warmth you didn’t see coming. Equal-opportunity irreverence, zero apologies. Honest, sharp, and funny — and somehow that’s more helpful than helpful.”
Alexa’s app also had warned that the style could contain “mature subject matter.”
However, further investigation discovered this is not Amazon’s version of something like Grok’s adult AI companions. The AI assistant said the new option won’t get into areas like explicit sexual content, hate speech, illegal activities, personal attacks, or anything that could cause harm to oneself or others.
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The move is the latest example of how Amazon is trying to make Alexa+ more customizable, as it revamps the assistant for the generative AI era. By offering the assistant different personalities — including one positioned as more adult — Amazon is borrowing from a broader trend in AI, where companies have been experimenting with tone, style, and personas to make their assistants more engaging and personalized to the individual users’ choices.
from the the-truth-business dept
We’ve already all seen what the Ellison family’s version of “editorial independence” looks like over at CBS, where contrarian troll Bari Weiss has turned the already very Republican friendly news giant into a safe space for right wing zealots and autocrats. All overseen by a Brendan Carr chosen censor tasked with ensuring the channel always makes Donald Trump happy.
As always with authoritarian regimes (and corporate ownership), this is all presented to the public as an effort to restore balance, eliminate (nonexistent) “liberal bias,” and reach out to real Americans. As if billionaires and their useful idiots could care less about everyday Americana.
After being gifted two Hollywood studios and two major news empires by daddy and Donald Trump, fail-upward nepobaby David Ellison made the rounds last week to insist that CNN’s “editorial independence” would be retained under Paramount/CBS ownership. His evidence? CBS:
“So, look, I’ve said this since the beginning, which is, you know, for — when it really comes to — editorial independence will absolutely be maintained. It’s maintained at CBS. It’ll be maintained at CNN. And, really, who we want to talk to is the 70% of Americans and really around the world that identify as center-left, as center-right. And we want to be in the truth business. We want to be in the trust business. And that’s not going to change.”
Of course, if anybody had actually been paying attention to CBS, they’d see how the network under Weiss has already tried to repeatedly kill stories that aren’t favorable to Donald Trump, gone out of its way to normalize right wing opportunists like Erika Kirk, and has driven away a lot of remaining CBS journalists with Weiss’ obvious efforts to pander to Trump and Netanyahu.
Like CBS, CNN already goes well out of its way to be extra friendly to authoritarians. The network has routinely faced criticism for consistently airing sneering MAGA devotee Scott Jennings. Under Ellison ownership there’s zero serious doubt, by anyone, that CNN will become even more friendly to autocrats. After they get done firing untold thousands of people to try and pay down the deal’s immense debt.
Traditionally there’s only one editorial direction U.S. journalism usually goes under consolidated corporate ownership. U.S. media owners like tax cuts, deregulation, subsidies, access, and merger approvals, so corporate media’s editorial slant generally follows the financial interests of ownership. The pretense that U.S. media suffers from widespread “liberal bias,” or the belief that there are still functional firewalls between ownership and editorial, are long-deceased relics.
Larry Ellison clearly wants to hoover up what’s left of corporate media (including CBS, CNN, HBO) — and fuse it with his co-ownership of TikTok to create a sort of Hungary-esque autocratic state media, where administration allies praise dear leader while the government strangles independent and public media just out of frame.
The only thing saving us from the full and terrible vision of this outcome to date is the fact that very few of the weird nepobabies and brunchlords being tasked with its creation have anything you’d mistake for competence.
Filed Under: authoritarian, bari weiss, consolidation, david ellison, journalism, layoffs, media, propaganda, state media
Companies: cbs, cnn, paramount, warner bros. discovery
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