A new era in Windows computing is here, built around Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC initiative and a few new chipsets. While the most hype is around artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and performance thanks to faster Neural Processing Units (NPUs), the biggest changes today are in performance and battery life. And that’s a good thing for Windows, because the platform has been struggling against Apple’s Silicon MacBooks that have very good performance and much better efficiency.
The new chipsets include Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X, AMD’s Ryzen AI 300, and Intel’s Lunar Lake. Each chipset has an NPU that exceeds Microsoft’s 40 tera operations per second (TOPS) requirement, but while AMD focuses on performance, both Qualcomm and Intel are focused on efficiency. So, how does each chipset rank?
It’s still early, and so our review database isn’t fully fleshed out. That’s particularly true with Lunar Lake, as we’ve only reviewed two machines so far and Intel hasn’t rolled out the entire lineup. I’m going to focus on CPU performance here because none of the integrated GPUs in these chipsets are meaningful upgrades over their predecessors. That is, maybe they’re faster, but they’re not as fast as even entry-level discrete GPUs like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050.
None of them make for good gaming or creator laptops unless they feature discrete graphics. I’m also not going to talk about AI performance with the faster NPUs because, frankly, the benchmarks just aren’t there yet. And, discrete GPUs will be the performance champs regardless, with NPUs offering more efficient on-device AI rather than superfast AI performance.
Right now, AMD is in the lead among the chipsets we’ve reviewed. The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 chipset is very fast at CPU-intensive tasks, particularly in its multi-core performance. The Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite comes in a close second. Intel’s Core Ultra 7 285V comes in last place, but notably, it’s essentially a low-power version of the Lunar Lake lineup and, as we’ll see, it’s a lot stronger in efficiency than sheer performance.
Specifications are important here. The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 chipset has 12 cores and 24 threads, running at up to 5.1GHz. It’s a 28-watt chip that’s configurable between 15 watts and 54W, making it the most power-hungry of the new chipsets. Its 12 cores are apportioned between four full-size Zen 5 cores and eight Zen 5c cores that are more compact, but just as fast. So, it doesn’t have low-power cores. There are other versions of the chipset, but we’ve only reviewed the HX 370. The other major variant is the Ryzen AI 9 365 with 10 cores and 20 threads running at up to 5GHz.
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The Qualcomm Snapdragon X has several versions that we’ve tested, including variations of the Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus chipsets. The graphic below provides information on the full lineup. Qualcomm doesn’t publish the thermal design power (TDP), but from various sources, it varies from 23 watts for the Snapdragon X Plus to 45 watts nominal (up to 80 watts) for the Snapdragon X Elite. The efficiency with these chips is apparently highly variable based on how demanding the task is in a way that Lunar Lake and Apple’s M3 chipsets are not.
Qualcomm
Intel Lunar Lake also has several iterations, With the Core Ultra 5 and 7 Series 2 versions running at a base TDP of 17 watts and the Core Ultra 9 Series 2 at a base TDP of 30 watts. Each chipset is configurable between 17W and 37W. Lunar Lake is the most direct replacement for Intel’s U-series Meteor Lake chipsets that runs at 15 watts. As you can see below, the 8-core (four Performance and four Low Power Efficient), 8-thread chipsets aren’t as fast as Intel’s Meteor Lake H-series chips that run aground 28W. Intel’s mobile Arrow Lake chipsets will take over there with, presumably, higher performance. And as we’ll see below, Lunar Lake does succeed in being more efficient.
Intel
It’s important to mention Apple’s M3 chipset as well, given that it’s the performance-efficiency leader that these Windows chipsets — at least Intel’s and Qualcomm’s — are aimed at defeating. For our purposes, we’re mostly talking about the base M3, which comes in both 8-core CPU/8-core GPU and 8-core/10-core GPU versions. Apple doesn’t publish much detailed information on things like TDP and clock speeds, but suffice it to say that the M3 offers a very solid combination of performance and efficiency. I’m only including those chipsets aimed at thin-and-light laptops, which excludes Apple’s M3 Pro and Max and Intel’s faster Meteor Lake chipsets.
From the laptops we’ve tested so far, the clear performance leaders are the AMD and Qualcomm chipsets. Intel’s Lunar Lake is a step up from Meteor Lake U-series, but it’s not impressive among today’s leaders. Apple’s M3 chipset is quick enough and it leads in single-core performance. The M4 will be faster yet.
As mentioned above, efficiency is the name of the game, at least for Qualcomm and Intel. That’s where Apple Silicon has led the way, and where Windows laptops have lagged the most. Looking at early results, it looks like Intel’s Lunar Lake might indeed win out against Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X, but not quite against Apple’s M3. And the M4 is likely to be even more efficient.
Looking at this data, we see that the Asus Zenbook S 14 with the Intel Core Ultra 7 is the best overall performer in terms of battery life. I’ve been in touch with Asus and it’s possible that my ExpertBook P5 review unit had a problem that showed up in its web-browsing battery life. I’ll reserve judgment and update this information when I have a chance to test a new unit. I’ll also update this information as we add new machines to our database, and it’s important to note that these results don’t adjust for differences in display technology.
Web browsing
Video
Cinebench R24
Asus Zenbook S 14 (Core Ultra 7 258V)
16 hours, 47 minutes
18 hours, 35 minutes
3 hours, 33 minutes
Asus ExpertBook P5 (Core Ultra 7 258V)
8 hours, 54 minutes
16 hours, 29 minutes
2 hours, 15 minutes
HP Omnibook X (Snapdragon X Elite)
13 hours, 37 minutes
22 hours, 4 minutes
1 hour, 52 minutes
Asus Vivobook S 15 (Snapdragon X Plus)
13 hours, 10 minutes
16 hours, 19 minutes
N/A
Asus ProArt PX13 (Ryzen AI 9 HX 370)
8 hours, 7 minutes
11 hours, 12 minutes
1 hour, 12 minutes
HP Spectre x360 14 (Core Ultra 7 155H)
8 hours, 6 minutes
13 hours, 3 minutes
N/A
Asus Zenbook S 14 (Core Ultra 7 155U)
8 hours, 45 minutes
12 hours, 25 minute
N/A
Apple MacBook Air (Apple M3)
19 hours, 38 minutes
19 hours, 39 minutes
3 hours, 27 minutes
But going by the Zenbook S 14, which uses an OLED display, we see consistently excellent battery life not only in the least demanding video-looping test, as with Qualcomm, but also when running more intensive tasks like web browsing (still not very demanding) and churning through the Cinebench R24 multi-core benchmark. The AMD chipset isn’t meant to break any ground in efficiency, and so it’s in last place. And Intel’s Meteor Lake chipsets have performed similarly.
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That leaves the Apple M3 chipset in first place, although not by as significant a margin, and Qualcomm showing that it’s most efficient when its CPU isn’t being pushed very hard. Apple’s lead will likely increase when the M4 MacBook Air is introduced, but Lunar Lake is by far the strongest chipset yet for Windows laptops.
This isn’t the entire story, not by a long shot. We’ll need to continue gathering data as we review more laptops with each chipset and more chipsets, like Intel’s Arrow Lake mobile and Apple’s M4, roll out. For now, Windows laptops have never been better, and Intel is mostly leading that charge when it comes to the important element of battery life.
As with all of our products, we’re prepared to give you the good, better, and best option to fit your needs. With Telco racks, the difference really falls on the accessories that it might grow into.
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Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now nearly 1,000 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.
What letters do today’s Quordle answers start with?
• C
• H
• A
• H
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Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO SEE THEM.
Quordle today (game #987) – the answers
(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)
The answers to today’s Quordle, game #987, are…
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Hands up if you remember CAULK appearing in Wordle and causing no end of problems soon after that game went viral? I certainly do; I was writing about it for our sister site Tom’s Guide at the time and remember being swamped with emails complaining that it wasn’t a fair word. It is a fair word, of course, albeit one that you might not be familiar with if you’re not into DIY. I’m not, but fortunately I remembered it from then, so was able to find it easily enough here.
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One of the most popular streaming platforms on the market is Roku. As one of the O.G. streaming device brands, Roku has been delivering reliable plug-and-play hardware and software for well over a decade. Roku streamers are everywhere, and its Roku TV OS can also be found as the backbone of TVs from Hisense and TCL, as well as in its own TVs. So, yeah, there’s certainly no shortage of options.
But what are the best Roku devices and which is the best one for you? We thought we’d put together this roundup to help you hone in on the Roku gear that best suits your budget, wants, and needs.
Phil Nickinson/Digital Trends / Digital Trends
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
The best Roku player overall
Pros
Affordable
Easy to use
All the features you want
Cons
Roku’s advertising scheme means tracking
Across the board, Roku’s user interface is about as friendly and customizable as it gets for a smart streaming platform. And when it comes to delivering big picture tech through a bite-sized device, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is one of the best $50 hookups you’re going to find.
Delivering a 30% boost in speed when compared to traditional Roku hardware, the Streaming Stick 4K allows you to experience movies and TV shows in UHD quality from some of the top streaming services on the market, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus.
The Streaming Stick 4K also handles Dolby Vision and HDR10 picture standards, and Dolby Atmos support for the ultimate surround sound experience. While you’ll need an HDR-capable TV and compatible Atmos peripherals to experience these impressive picture and sound deliverables, we can’t think of a better Roku for the price to unleash the power of 4K than the Roku Streaming Stick 4K.
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And if you’re looking for the best remote Roku has to offer, the Streaming Stick 4K+ comes with Roku’s Voice Remote Pro, featuring an onboard rechargeable battery and a handy “find my remote” function for locating your misplaced Roku controller the next time it gets wedged between the couch cushions. Just a note, though: while the Streaming Stick 4K+ is technically discontinued form Roku, you can still find it at some online retailers like Amazon.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
The best Roku player overall
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Image used with permission by copyright holder
Roku Express
The best Roku device for those on a budget
Pros
Price
Performance
Fantastic Search
Tiny size
Cons
No voice remote
No Ethernet
It really doesn’t get any simpler, easier, or cheaper to get going with a great streaming experience than the Roku Express. As long as your TV has an available HDMI port, this $30 device gives you access to the entire Roku platform of streaming apps and services, in Full HD.
Granted, it doesn’t do 4K resolution, and it doesn’t offer support for high-dynamic range (HDR), but that’s sort of the point: By cutting some bells and whistles you can save on the cost of a capable media streamer.
What you do get is a streaming device that comes with everything you need: an infrared remote, the Roku Express, an HDMI cable, and a USB power cable and adapter. Simply plug everything in, fire up your TV, switch it to the right input, and you’re on your way. It only takes a few minutes to set up the Roku Express on your home Wi-Fi.
What’s clever about the Express is that even though it’s Roku’s least-expensive streamer, it still packs many of the same features you’ll find in the company’s top-of-the-line devices, thanks to the free Roku app.
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It lets you control the Express from a smartphone with your voice and cast your photos and videos to your TV. The app also lets you turn on private listening, so you can use your phone or tablet to hear what your Roku Express is playing without disturbing anyone else.
You also get access to the Roku Channel, which has a huge collection of free on-demand and livestreaming, ad-supported content, with more than 350 free live TV streaming channels.
Finally, the Roku Express is compatible with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, so you can control it with your voice if you have a compatible smart speaker at home.
Roku Express
The best Roku device for those on a budget
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Roku
Roku Ultra (2024)
The best Roku player for home theaters
Pros
Fastest, most powerful Roku device on the market
Has an Ethernet port
Remote is rechargeable and has backlit buttons
Cons
On the expensive side
Might be overkill for some folks
The latest and greatest version of the Roku Ultra brings a few exciting improvements to the table; mainly when it comes to processing power, load times, and Roku ecosystem capabilities. The 2024 Roku Ultra uses a quad-core CPU that Roku claims will deliver up to 30% faster performance than any other Roku player. Expect next to no buffering, quick download times, and a very responsive UI.
The new Ultra supports the Wi-Fi 6 standard and is compatible with a number of Bluetooth devices, too. If you end up placing this bad boy near your router, we highly recommend hardwiring via Ethernet for the best internet speeds. Oh, and speaking of Bluetooth support: because the Ultra itself supports Bluetooth (only the Roku Mobile app supported Bluetooth before this release), you’ll be able to connect your favorite pair of wireless headphonesor earbuds to this Roku player.
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Other great features include a lost remote button right on the player and Customizable Quick Launch commands for the included Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Gen) which also happens to be rechargeable via USB-C. HDMI 2.1 connectivity, an upstream USB port, and class-leading HDR support for formats like Dolby Vision are some other Ultra 2024 laurels to write home about.
Roku Ultra (2024)
The best Roku player for home theaters
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Zeke Jones / Digital Trends
Roku 65-inch Pro Series QLED
The best TV made by Roku
Pros
Impressive contrast
High brightness
Shockingly good sound quality
Easy to live with
Cons
Some odd picture-processing bugs
Occasionally slugglish backlight
It was only a matter of time before Roku started making its own TVs, instead of just licensing Roku TV OS to manufacturers like Hisense and TCL. Sold exclusively through Best Buy (in stores and online), the Roku Pro Series QLED is the company’s flagship model, and when it comes to picture quality, streaming capabilities, and fair pricing, it’s definitely worth considering.
This premium Roku TV comes in 55-, 65-, and 75-inch sizes, and we had the chance to review the 65-inch model. Our own editor at large Caleb Denison was impressed by the Pro Series QLED’s contrast levels and peak brightness, and even thought the TV sounded good (which isn’t something we normally get to say about TVs).
And with picture tech like mini-LED lighting, Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and 4K gaming at up to 120Hz with VRR and ALLM support, it’s clear that Roku wanted to compete with some of the best budget-friendly LEDs on the market. It’s also loaded up with the latest version of Roku TV OS, giving you access to thousands of movies and shows to stream, along with screen mirroring via AirPlay 2 or Miracast.
You’ll even be able to see live views from any Roku smart home cams you have set up. Are there better TVs out there? Absolutely. But when it comes to overall value, the Roku Pro Series QLED delivers a terrific experience, and the most you’ll spend on it is $1,500 for the 75-inch!
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Roku 65-inch Pro Series QLED
The best TV made by Roku
Roku
Roku Streambar
The best Roku player for enhanced sound
Pros
All-in-one soundbar and streaming device
Supports HDR10 and HLG HDR formats
Uses HDMI ARC
Great sound
Cons
Not the most powerful soundbar
The Roku Streambar sits comfortably on our list of the best soundbars under $500 for a reason: it incorporates a nice mix of the features found in devices like the Streaming Stick 4K and the Roku Ultra to create a one-box solution for most of our modern media needs — and it won’t bankrupt you.
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For a single-cable connection, simply connect the Streambar to an available HDMI ARC port on your TV. But if your TV doesn’t have HDMI ARC, you can use the HDMI cable to send video to your TV and use the Streambar’s optical port to receive audio from the TV.
From there, it’s the same easy-to-use Roku interface as Roku’s other devices, with access to all of the same great streaming apps, channels, and services. It can do 4K resolution (or just HD if that’s what your TV supports), and it also handles HDR10 and HLG HDR formats.
The RF remote lets you use your voice for commands and search and can control your TV’s power, too. The volume and mute buttons control the Streambar’s sound, and there are a wealth of ways to adjust the audio through the bar’s built-in EQ system.
With four full-range drivers angled to bounce sound around a room, the Streambar should sound pretty good on its own. But if you decide to move it to a bigger room (or you just want a more immersive experience), you can expand it with the $180 Roku Wireless Subwoofer and the $200 Roku TV Wireless Speakers.
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With built-in Bluetooth, the Streambar can also act as a standalone wireless speaker for your phone, tablet, or laptop’s music collection. And if you’re dealing with a lack of space or would prefer a smaller soundbar overall, Roku also makes the Roku Streambar SE. Less wide than the standard Streambar, the SE model drops Dolby Audio support and the Ethernet port, but adds HDR10+ decoding.
Despite the best smartphone deals being available during the holiday season, you can still get some great deals right now. From Samsung to Motorola to Google and everyone in between, now is a really great time to pick up a new Android smartphone.
There are a ton of new smartphones on the market this year, mostly from Samsung, but other OEMs have also released quite a few. So there are a ton of great deals, even now, that would make great gifts this holiday season. Smartphones make for a really great gift this holiday season, as they can be quite expensive to replace, and getting one as a gift is always nice. And guaranteed to put a smile on someone’s face.
Best Android Smartphone Deals
Yes, we are still quite a ways away from Christmas, and that’s typically when we see the biggest discounts for things like smartphones. But there are still quite a few great deals that you can get today. And if you need a new phone, you need it now, not when Christmas rolls around. So that’s why we have rounded up the very best smartphones here.
While you can sometimes get cheaper discounts at your carriers, it’s always a good idea to get an unlocked smartphone. This means you can take your phone to any carrier—even an MVNO—which will allow you to save money each month. You could get an unlocked smartphone, take it to Straight Talk, and save a ton of money on your bill over Verizon.
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Below, you’ll see a list of all of the Android smartphone deals available now. This list is going to be continuously updated too, so you can rest assured that you are getting the latest prices, and the best deals. These include smartphones from Google, Samsung, Motorola, OnePlus, and many other OEMs.
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