Inside, you’ll find a large-format heads-up display with a new augmented reality feature. That can display key info like GPS turning arrows “directly on the course of the road,” Audi said. It also offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment and vehicle functions, with a strip of buttons below the A/C for control.
Both Q4 E-Tron vehicles are smaller and considerably cheaper than the original E-Tron and E-Tron Sportback EVs. They can go farther on a charge, to boot, as the original Sportback E-Tron is only rated for 270 miles (max) by WLPT standards. The quattro all-wheel drive Q4 Sportback versions will go 280 miles, while the rear-wheel drive versions will be rated for up to 311 miles, again by WLPT standards (EPA ratings will be considerably less).
Audi hasn’t released pricing for the Q4 Sportback E-Tron yet. However, the regular Q4 E-Tron model is expected to cost in the neighborhood of $45,000, so the Sportback version should be around that price too. That’s a full $30,000 less than the regular E-Tron, and puts the Q4 Sportback E-Tron into the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y price category. While it won’t match those vehicles in terms of range, Audi buyers can probably expect a higher level of build quality.
Instagram is giving users some more control over the conversation on their photos and videos. It started testing pinned comments in May alongside its comment filtering tools, and now it’s rolling out the feature to everyone.
Today we’re rolling out pinned comments everywhere. 📌
That means you can a pin a few comments to the top of your feed post and better manage the conversation. pic.twitter.com/iPCMJVLxMh
It’s straightforward enough. When you swipe on a comment, you’ll see a pin option alongside the reply, report and delete prompts. When you stick a comment to the top of the section, you’ll bring a bit more prominence to it and nudge the discussion more towards the direction you want it to go. It’s a useful update to the algorithmically-sorted section, and it should help you prevent conversations from going off on super-wild tangents.
ASUS’s Zephyrus G14 is practically a miracle. It’s a 3.5-pound notebook with AMD’s powerful Ryzen 4000 processors (including six-core and eight-core options) and NVIDIA’s latest GPUs. It feels just a bit heavier than most ultraportables, but it has the power of gaming notebooks that weigh 4.5 pounds or more. And ASUS also managed to include a fast 120Hz screen, so your gameplay will look silky smooth if you go beyond 60FPS. That fast refresh rate also makes just about everything look better, no matter if you’re scrolling through web pages or Word documents.
Even though it looks unique, with a retro-future design that feels anime-inspired, it’s not flashy like many other gaming notebooks. (Some models have a rear panel with LEDs, but you can always turn that off.) That makes it a great low-key option for classrooms and offices. The Zephyrus G14’s $1,050 starting price is also appealing to budget buyers. And it’s still a great deal if you decide to add more RAM and a faster GPU, especially compared to premium brands like Razer.
Dell’s G-series notebooks have quickly become the standard for inexpensive gaming. The G5 15 in particular balances solid hardware, like Intel’s 10th generation H-series processors and NVIDIA’s newest GPUs, with a low $860 starting price. At 5.1 pounds, it’s a bit chunkier than the lighter laptops currently in vogue, and we wouldn’t exactly call it stylish. But if you don’t care so much about those things, then it’s hard to beat the G15’s price.
It’s also worth looking at the entire G-series lineup for other options, too. You can save even more with the G3 models, though you’ll get cheaper-looking cases. The G5 15 Special Edition, which also starts at $860, is a great choice if you’d rather get an AMD processor and GPU.
Razer makes gorgeous, expensive machines for PC users who want MacBook-level build quality. So not surprisingly, the Blade 15 has been king of the gaming-laptop hill for years thanks to its thin and sturdy metal case, excellent cooling and powerful hardware. If money is no object, you can get NVIDIA’s fastest mobile GPUs, the RTX 2080 Super Max-Q, or the pro-grade Quadro RTX 5000, alongside Intel’s 10th-generation octa-core processors. You can also choose from some of the best laptop screens on the market, including a 300Hz 1080p LCD and 4K OLED panels.
But even if your budget isn’t sky-high, there are still plenty of solid models to choose from. In particular, the RTX 2070 Max-Q model is a reasonable $2,000 with a 144Hz display. It’s worth noting that the cheaper ‘Base’ models have some compromises, with less impressive displays, no card reader, downgraded RGB and, crucially, a dramatically downsized battery. You do get an ethernet port, though. No matter how fast you configure it, the Blade 15 never betrays its premium style. It’s like buying a luxury car with the guts of a hot rod.
Alienware was a bit late to thin gaming laptops, but in just a few years it’s developed some of the most compelling options around. The M15 R3, its latest 15-inch model, looks like something that belongs in a science fiction movie. It has a two-toned color design and bold LEDs along its rear. It’s a laptop that’s making a statement, but it’s not garishly loud like gaming machines from just a few years ago. The M15 R3 is a great choice if you want the power of NVIDIA’s faster graphics, like the RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, while paying a lot less than Razer’s competing models.
The GS66 is basically the Razer Blade alternative for the more price-conscious shopper. They’ve both got premium black metal cases and some of the fastest hardware on the market. But you can typically find GS66 configurations for hundreds less than the Blade 15. For example, you can snag it with NVIDIA’s RTX 2070 Super Max-Q and a whopping 32GB of RAM for $2,249. You’d have to pay $2,600 to get the same GPU on the Blade 15 with only 16GB of memory. Surely, you can come up with plenty of things to do with that extra $351.
As a consolation for the delay, 2K Games has released a 15-second teaser, and the company plans to release an extended look at Mafia: Definitive Edition’s gameplay on July 22nd. Fans will be able to find that on the @mafiagame Twitter account.
Mafia I is being completely overhauled and rebuilt from the ground up by Hangar 13. 2K Games calls it a “faithful but expanded” 4K- and HDR-ready remake that improves both visuals and gameplay, builds on the narrative and adds new features like motorcycles and collectibles.
The “Definitive Editions” of Mafia II and Mafia III arrived in May, but those games didn’t receive nearly the same treatment as the original. The third installment came out in 2016, so it’s just a re-release with all DLC included, while the second game got some minor graphics updates. While the updated second and third games obviously arrived before the first, that shouldn’t be too much of an issue, as the three titles each have their own unique narratives.
“From the beginning, this has been a passion project for us. Many of our developers helped create the original Mafia, and all of us are committed to crafting an updated experience worthy of that timeless classic. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we make Mafia: Definitive Edition the very best it can be for all of our fans worldwide,” 2K Games and Hangar 13 wrote.
Correction, 3:15PM ET: This post originally stated that Mafia II and Mafia III were “completely overhauled” but they only received relatively minor updates. The text of this article has been updated to reflect that. We apologize for the error.
OnePlus is almost ready to stop the drip feed of info and properly reveal its latest lineup of more affordable smartphones. It will hold a virtual launch event for the OnePlus Nord line on July 21st at 10AM ET. The company is trying something a little different this time, though.
Instead of checking out a YouTube stream, you can watch the event in augmented reality via the OnePlus Nord AR iOS and Android app. OnePlus will also give some people the chance to have a virtual hands-on with the device through the app. In a somewhat convoluted setup, it’ll send out physical invitations for that hands-on, with more details to come on how that’ll all work.
It doesn’t take much to start streaming. Using open-source software like OBS, you can go live with just a laptop or a cell phone — but if you want to compete with your favorite streamers, you’ll need a few extra pieces of equipment. Here we’ve outlined the gear you’ll need to begin building your streaming empire, and in the interest of college-era budgets, we’ve kept most of the picks under $200. (Except for one. Try not to gasp when you see it.)
As a salute to the A/V clubs of yore, we’ve broken things into two categories: audio and visual. Let’s start with those sweet sounds.
Audio
Blue Yeti
Will Lipman Photography
This is the best option if you want a standalone mic. The Yeti by Blue is a longstanding favorite of streamers and podcasters, offering crisp sound with little fuss. The Blue is a USB microphone, so it plugs right into your computer and you’re good to go. One tip: Use the cardioid setting for streaming.
If you opt for a mic like the Blue, you’ll need some headphones, too. Feel free to use whatever buds or cups you have on hand, but once those become maddeningly uncomfortable (because after hours of streaming, they will), invest in something like Sony’s MDR-7506. They’re built for professional audio folks and designed to be worn for long stretches of time.
For those less interested in adding pops of color to their streams, there’s always the Steelseries Arctis 1 Wireless headset. This is the only wireless option on our list, since wired is still the best way to ensure a consistent and clear connection. However, the Arctis 1 works well with PC, Mac, Android devices, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch (sorry, Xbox streamers).
Or, get your headphones and microphone in one package with a headset like the Logitech G433. This baby is lightweight and strong, and offers clear audio output thanks to a noise-cancelling boom microphone and micro-pop filter. Plus, it comes in pretty colors.
This is one of the pricier items on our list, but capture cards are necessary for serious streamers and the Razer Ripsaw HD is at the top of its game. The Ripsaw HD is essentially a plug-and-play device that works with PCs and consoles. It records and streams your gameplay at up to 1080p and 60FPS, while allowing you to play at 4K and 60FPS — handy for PS4 Pro and Xbox One X players in particular.
How about a camera c-c-c-combo deal? Razer’s Kiyo is an HD camera and a miniature light ring in one compact package, capable of streaming at 720p and 60FPS, or 1080p and 30FPS. The Kiyo is ideal for tight spaces with a lack of natural lighting, and bonus, it costs about as much as streaming cameras that don’t have added illumination features. Lighting is a key aspect of creating professional-looking videos, so just think of the Kiyo as real-world Photoshop.
If you don’t need help in the lighting department, the Logitech C922 HD camera is a reliable, high-quality choice. This baby also streams at 720p and 60FPS, or 1080p and 30FPS, and it has a 78-degree field of view. That should fit two people in a single shot, so feel free to boot up some local co-op games. It also includes two microphones and promises to stream no-drop audio — but if you’re able to get a separate mic, that’s still your best bet.
OK, this one definitely isn’t what you’d call “budget-friendly,” but we thought it’d be good to include something in the “goals” category. The Fujifilm X-T3 is for folks looking to futureproof their streams, cost be damned — though it’s still priced well for a compact mirrorless rig. The X-T3 captures video at up to 4K and 60FPS, and it can hit Cinema 4K at 30FPS. Plus, it has fantastic autofocus and face detection features, keeping your face crisp as you play. The X-T3 is a beloved standby for photographers and videographers alike, and streamers could be its next big market.
However, if you go with a mirrorless or DSLR camera, you’ll need a few extra accessories, including a cam link and a tripod.
Once you land a mirrorless or DSLR camera, you’ll need a way to pipe that video into your stream — and that’s where the Elgato Cam Link 4K comes in. Most streamers nowadays cap their videos at 1080p or 720p, but Elgato’s Cam Link is prepared for a future where 4K is the norm. This should be the only camera-connecting device you’ll need over the coming years.
And finally, lighting. Adjustable LED panels like Neewer’s Dimmable LED Light should work well for most streaming situations, offering crisp light in a portable package. This particular model sits right on your desk or attaches to a tripod, and it comes with a white diffuser for the perfect soft glow. Go for an LED panel especially if you wear glasses on-stream.
Let’s close it out with a classic. The Neewer Dimmable Ring Light is a solid, no-frills device that’ll light up your face in even the darkest of dorm rooms. This set comes with an 18-inch, dimmable ring light, and white and orange plastic filters. Plus, it’ll give you that iconic “circle of light in your irises” look.
Google is adding dark mode, or “dark theme support,” to Google Docs, Sheets and Slides on Android, it announced today. Users will be able to select the dark theme in settings or toggle the feature on and off in each app. As in other apps, this should make Docs, Sheets and Slides more usable in low-light environments and help conserve battery life.
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Those who want to outfit a room or two with smart displays can get a couple of Amazon’s smaller Echo Shows for less at HSN. The online retailer has a bundle that includes one Echo Show 5 and one Echo Show 8 for $140, which is a great price and close to the sale prices we saw for both of those devices back in May.
Skullcandy has offered affordable true wireless alternatives for a while now, and the Indy Fuel and Sesh Evo are just the latest. The company made some improvements though, by adding Tile tracking. The buds can be easily located with the companion app whether they’re in their case or not. These may not be the best sounding option, but that crucial feature could save you some headache. Plus, there are both AirPod-like (Indy Fuel) and more traditional earbud (Sesh Evo) options available. And if battery life is a concern, the Indy Fuel offers six hours in the earbuds with another four full charges in the case. That should be plenty to last you an all-night study session, or get you around campus for a few days.
Sony revamped its Extra Bass Bluetooth speaker line this spring, and the most compact option is definitely worth considering. It’s not enough to power a raging party, but it will do well when you’re lounging on the quad. The SRS-XB23 fits in a cup holder or side pocket of a backpack, or you can use its strap to hang it up. The company redesigned the speakers with a more oval-shaped design to improve overall sound quality. The XB23 also has side-firing radiators for deeper bass — and it’s boomy enough to annoy your neighbor, should the need arise. Perhaps most importantly, this speaker is IP67 rated dustproof, water resistant and rust-proof. It’s also shockproof, so it should be able to withstand your weekend beach trip or patio party.
If you’re looking for a portable speaker you can also use in your room, Sonos Move is a solid choice. It’s pricey for a Bluetooth speaker, but you also get WiFi connectivity and all the other perks of a Sonos product as well. You can feel good about taking it outside since it’s water resistant, and TruePlay tuning is automatic. This is the speaker you consider when you want something that’s built to go outside, but offers all handy features like wireless connectivity and multi-room audio you need when you’re back indoors as well.
Echo speakers are handy for interacting with Alexa, but let’s face it: most of them don’t sound very good. At least that was the case before Amazon debuted the Echo Studio. This beefed-up smart speaker gives you all the best aspects of the Echo line plus audio quality you’ll actually be satisfied with. It’s still relatively compact, and you can leverage Dolby Atmos Music or Sony’s 360 Reality Audio for more detailed and immersive listening (that is, if your budget allows for a pricier streaming plan from Amazon, Tidal or Deezer). If you’re looking for a smart speaker to park in your room or apartment, and need it to actually sound good, this may be your best bet.
It’s no secret that, if you want headphones that can block out the world, Bose’s noise-canceling lineup is among the best. With the 700, the company ditched its somewhat boring design for something much more modern. They’re pricey at $400, but the active noise cancellation and good overall sound are worth the investment. There are cheaper options, but when it comes to being able to quiet ambient noise when you need to study, Bose is undoubtedly one of the best choices.
If you don’t need all that fancy noise cancelling tech, you can save some coin without making too many sacrifices. Based on its popular M50 headphones, Audio-Technica has a wireless version in the M50xBT. This model has the same design as its predecessor, which includes rotating and swiveling earcups. Physical on-board controls are reliable, and A-T’s signature sound profile offers warmth and clarity to your tunes. If sound quality is your primary concern look no further.
There is an option if you need solid noise cancellation and good sound, but need to save some cash. For $200, Razer has the Opus: a THX-certified set of headphones that not only have great audio quality, but offer more immersive sonic qualities. They’re lightweight, which means they won’t become a burden during those extended study sessions. The Opus may not block out the world like the Bose 700, but they do a respectable job reducing distractions. Plus, you can choose from a smattering of sound profiles if you don’t like the default tuning.
When it comes to synths, things can get complicated — and pricey — very quickly. If you want something simple that still sounds great, consider the Korg Monologue. It’s a 100-percent pure-analog monosynth, plus the knobs and switches are deeply satisfying to turn and flip. You can also see your sound since the small screen acts as an oscilloscope. The filter will help you get some aggressive sounds when paired with the drive effect. There’s a 16-step sequencer and the Monologue can be powered by AA batteries. So in addition to being relatively simple to use and affordable, it’s also portable enough to haul to band practice.
If your music aspirations have more of a DIY bent, Korg has some options for you as well. The NTS-1 is a tiny synth that you put together yourself. This isn’t a massive sonic machine by any means, but it’s still capable of some great sounds. Plus, there’s an SDK that lets you run sonic profiles from more robust instruments and you can even use it as an effect on other instruments. And if you’re not super into synths, Korg offers similar DIY models for a headphone amp and a guitar pedal, both of which pack in the company’s tiny vacuum tube technology.
If you’re more of a beatmaker than a keyboardist the Elektron Model:Samples is a solid option for beginners. The device has a unique sequencer and tons of physical controls at a great price. What’s more, it offers plenty of room for those happy accidents. Model:Samples functions best as a sample-based drum machine, but it definitely leaves plenty of room for creative sound manipulation.
Whether its Zoom-based class discussions, building your Twitch empire or creating a new podcast, a solid USB microphone is a good thing to have handy. While Blue has more affordable options, the $170 Yeti X has a robust set of features that are worth the extra investment. From LED metering to a quieter pickup pattern button, the design tweaks are a long overdue upgrade from previous models. When you add in the powerful suite of software tools to help you sound your best on streams and other recordings, you’re really getting a full package for the cost of admission.
I get it, we can’t all drop a few hundred dollars on a synth — especially when you’re on a student budget. Thankfully, there are some app-based options that sound good and help you get a handle on the basics. Moog recently made its Minimoog Model D app free to use, and the software gives iPad users a taste of one of the most iconic synths of all time — you know, without having to spend a fortune or sacrificing valuable desk space.
If your music-making aspirations are more collaborative, there’s an app for that too. Endlesss (yes, three Ss) facilitates live jam sessions with drums, synths and effects all built in. The software isn’t without its issues, but it’s free to use unless you desire instruments and tools beyond the basics. It won’t help you become the next Grammy-winning bedroom producer, but it will allow you to make some tunes with your friends — especially the ones that live far away.
And now for something even the student least interested in audio gear can use. Otter’s handy transcription service has proven indispensable for interviews here at Engadget. There’s a free option too, which means you don’t have to pay to get a transcript of your lecture. Some paid services are more accurate, but Otter plays the audio when you click on text, so you can easily get clarity if something seems off. Plus, free with minimal extra work is still better than paying a premium. Otter also offers a Voice Notes app that has real-time transcription and the ability to record from AirPods — if you’re into that sort of thing. For $10 a month, you can get 6,000 minutes of transcription help, which should be enough for lectures, interviews and anything else you need to capture.
On top of that, it’s useful to keep your study area well-organized and clear of distractions. If you live in a busy household, try to find a room or space for yourself and let your housemates know when you need some quiet time. If you prefer a bit of background noise to drown out the outside world, opt for ambient music rather than the TV so that you can focus better on your work.
Aside from those tips, we also recommend the following essentials to help you improve your study from home experience.
Rain Design iLevel 2 stand
Will Lipman Photography / Rain
If you’re like most students these days, you probably use your laptop for your schoolwork. But using your laptop as-is on your desk or on your lap is not very good for your posture, which can lead to neck and arm pain in the long run. In general, you want to position the screen so that your eye level is 1 to 2 inches below the top of the display.
The best way to do that is with a laptop stand, and the one we recommend is the Rain Design iLevel 2. Thanks to its adjustable height, you can simply move the front slider to shift your laptop screen up or down. It holds notebooks large and small and its tilt design helps to keep things cool too. If you’d rather spend a little less and you don’t need the height to be adjustable, we recommend the AmazonBasics Laptop Stand as an alternative. It raises notebooks around six inches off the desk, and there’s a cable organizer which helps keep any wires tucked out of sight.
For a more DIY solution, you could also just stack your laptop on top of a pile of books. Just be sure you don’t need to actually refer to them on a regular basis.
If you’ve heeded our advice and put your laptop on a stand, then you’ll want to get an external keyboard too (typing on your laptop keyboard while it’s elevated defeats the ergonomic benefit of a stand). While there’s nothing wrong with wired keyboards, we much prefer the wireless variety as they let you move your keyboard around more easily. A favorite of ours is the Logitech K380 multi-device Bluetooth keyboard, which has very responsive and comfortable keys. It’s portable enough so you can slip it in your backpack, and you can also use it with up to three different devices. We especially love its lengthy battery life — it can last close to two years with just a couple of AAA batteries.
To go along with your laptop stand and your external keyboard, we also recommend a compact wireless mouse. The MX Anywhere 2S is especially adept at working on nearly any surface — its 4,000-dpi Darkfield sensor can even track on glass. It can also work across three different devices, even copying and pasting between them. The MX Anywhere 2S also has a nice curved and compact shape that will fit your hands comfortably. Last but not least, it has an impressive 70-day battery life, so it shouldn’t die on you mere hours before your assignment is due.
We’ve known for a while now that sitting for long periods of time is bad for your health, but not everyone can afford a dedicated standing desk. Fortunately, there are several options that transform any table into a standing desk. We like Fully’s Cora standing desk converter because it’s affordable and portable enough to move from room to room. We don’t generally recommend using your laptop as-is for ergonomic reasons — see above — but the Cora does have enough space for a laptop stand, small keyboard and mouse. It’s also easy to adjust, plus you can fold it up and tuck it away when not in use.
If you’re okay with using just your laptop while standing — perhaps it’s only for a short while — and you don’t want to spend a lot of money, then consider the StandStand. It has a super-simple construction that can be assembled and reassembled in seconds, and works in a pinch if you live in a small space. It folds up flat as well, so you can easily stow it out of sight.
Not everyone likes to stand while they work, and even if you do, you’ll still want to sit down once in a while. Unfortunately, most chairs aren’t really built for good back support and the ones that are, are often prohibitively expensive. A cheap workaround, however, is to add a lumbar support pillow to a chair you already have. We like the Love Home Memory Foam version because it’s made out of a cushy material that gives you plenty of lower back support. Plus, you can position and adjust it to fit nearly any chair.
If you often study at night, a good desk lamp will help alleviate eye strain (if you don’t already have one). And if you’re going to get a desk lamp anyway, why not get one that has built-in wireless charging as well? The TaoTronics LED desk lamp offers exactly that, with Qi-enabled wireless fast charging integrated into its base. It also has a USB charging port just in case your device isn’t Qi-compatible. The TaoTronics is also a pretty good lamp, with five brightness levels, color-temperature modes, a night-light mode and an arm that can rotate 180 degrees. It even has a memory feature that keeps the light at your preferred brightness and color modes.
Noise-cancelling headphones aren’t just a great option not just for music, but also for blocking out unwanted noise — vital for a productive study session. For students with a limited budget, we recommend the Anker Soundcore Life Q20. At $60, it’s far cheaper than a lot of other noise-cancelling headphones (which typically run into triple digits) but still offers decent noise-canceling, solid sound quality and a comfortable fit. It might not offer features like EQ adjustment or ANC fine-tuning, but it’s a great option for the price.
One of the more popular productivity tricks of late is the Pomodoro Technique, so-named after the tomato timer that inventor Francesco Cirillo used when he developed the concept. The idea is to break down your projects into smaller, more manageable chunks, and then you can deal with each one over timed intervals (otherwise known “Pomodoros”) with breaks scheduled in between. So for example, you can set one Pomodoro for 25 minutes, followed by a 5 minute break. After four Pomodoros, you can allow yourself a longer, 15-minute break.
Obviously, much like Cirillo, you don’t need to use technology to utilize the Pomodoro Technique — a kitchen timer and a notebook will do. But digital tools are a lot easier and don’t require as much discipline to maintain. Plus, there happens to be plenty of Pomodoro apps and websites out there already.
If you use Android, there’s a free Pomodoro app called Clockwork Tomato, which features clock and alarm customizations, an activity log, and the ability to save up to five preference sets. It has a pre-alarm feature of sorts that warns you when a Pomodoro is about to end, and you can change the time while a session is in progress.
Alternatively, there are several free web options available, such as Pomofocus.io. We like its minimalist interface, customizable design and the fact that work time and rest time are color coded differently. Plus, it works on both desktop and mobile.
