Latest news with #Bluetooth
Tom's Guide
4 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
I ditched my $229 smart sleep mask for a $9.99 Amazon alternative — and I fall asleep faster
Late last year, when the days were getting shorter and mornings were getting darker, I had the opportunity to try the $229 Aura Smart Sleep Mask. The Bluetooth app-controlled light-blocking Aura Smart Sleep Mask offered 100% blackout technology and soothed me with rainforest soundscapes and guided mediation played through its ultra-thin speakers, while its built-in sunrise alarm helped me wake up on dark winter mornings. However, there were a few drawbacks. For a start, it was uncomfortable whenever I slept on my side, as the high-tech design dug into my temples when I lay my head on the pillow. It also felt a little heavy, and would often shift when I moved around at night. Now that summer has arrived, even the sunrise alarm feature holds no appeal as it seems redundant on the brighter summertime mornings. And that's why I turned to my trusty low-tech satin sleep masks. You can buy the SMUG Satin Sleep Mask from just $6.99 at Amazon, and it comes in 13 different patterns and colors. I now have no less than 10, and keep coming back to them while my Aura mask collects dust — here are the five reasons why. You can get the Aura Smart Sleep Mask for $229 at Aura Circle, which may seem expensive when compared to the SMUG's $9.99 price tag, but the price can be justified by all the tech it packs in. You can control the Bluetooth smart mask with the Aura app, which allows you to personalize a soundtrack (known as a "dreamscape") to be played through the built-in speakers. This includes building a "dreamscape" (featuring everything from waterfall sounds to guided breathwork) to help you fall asleep, and customizing a wake-up alarm (including an imitation sunrise and invigorating birdsong) to help you wake up. However, despite the brand's claim that it's side-sleeper friendly, I found the tech-heavy design to feel tight and uncomfortable, especially when I slept on my side as the eye cushion dug into my temples. In contrast, the SMUG Satin Sleep Mask is a low-tech eye mask made from a silky satin material that's comfy, light, and breathable. The stretchy strap is elastic and wrapped in the same silky material as the mask, so it has a one-size-fits-all design that doesn't feel harsh on the skin or hair. Its mask is also big enough to cover your eyes and block out any light. Aura Smart Sleep Mask: $229 at Aura CircleThe Aura Smart Sleep Mask is app controlled so you can customize your vey own sleep program to help you fall asleep and wake up. Available in black or grey, the Aura Smart Sleep Mask costs $229 and comes with extras such as a 30-night trial and a one-year warranty. SMUG Satin Sleep Mask: from $6.99 at AmazonAvailable in a wide range of patterns and colours, the SMUG Satin Sleep Mask has a design that uses a silky smooth satin fabric all over, including on the elasticated strap, for a comfy and gentle feel for the eyes, face, and hair. One design is $6.99, and another $8.99, but most are $9.99. It currently boasts a 4.4 star rating on Amazon, with over 70% of customers awarding the mask five stars. The SMUG Satin Sleep Masks are so affordable that I've acquired quite the collection, with over 10 designs stuffed in my pyjama drawer. (Don't believe me? See above picture.) I've never seen any SMUG Satin Sleep Mask for more than $9.99, and you can often find certain patterns for even cheaper. For instance, a SMUG Satin Sleep Mask in a peach design is now down to $6.99 at Amazon. The mask also comes with a 30-day return policy and free delivery. The Aura Smart Sleep Mask could be irritating when I slept on my side, with the heavy mask and straps digging in to the side of my head and never seeming to fit exactly right on my head, despite an adjustable design. When I altered it to fit my head shape it felt too snug, but I'd always wake up without the mask on whenever I loosened it It just wasn't side-sleeper friendly (and a front-sleeping tester told me it wasn't comfy when sleeping on her stomach either), a big issue for me as I prefer to sleep on my side. The SMUG Satin Sleep Mask is comfortable no matter what position you sleep in and the elasticated one-size-fits-all strap never feels too loose or too tight. Another issue I had with the Aura Smart Sleep Mask was the fabric it uses. While it was indeed as soft as the brand claimed it would be, the fabric wasn't as kind to my skin as silk fabrics such as satin are. There's also the 3D "Hug Cushion", which ensured a snug fit to effectively block out light, but left me with marks on my face when I woke up in the morning. I've also tried other satin masks besides the SMUG Satin Sleep Mask, their elasticated straps aren't covered with the satin material used for the eye area, which means it feels harsh against my hair and back of the head. I've even bought satin masks where the dye had not only run onto my bedding, but also my face. The SMUG Satin Sleep Mask, on the other hand, is made entirely of silky smooth fabric (even the elasticated straps are covered in the ruched satin materials) which feels gentle against my face and hair, and never leaves marks on my skin. Another problem with the Aura Sleep Mask is that you have to be careful when cleaning it. The mask itself is not washable as it's electronic, and while you can wash the removable hug cushion, the brand suggests replacing it every three to six months for hygiene reasons, which isn't particularly sustainable. Plus, the stiff, tech-heavy design means it isn't the most travel-friendly. I take the SMUG Satin Eye Mask everywhere, from overnight stays to long-distance flights, and the lightweight design means it's easy to roll up and stuff inside backpacks and luggage. As for cleaning, I've used these masks for over a year and they always hold up in the washing machine in a gentle cool cycle. The SMUG Satin Sleep Mask has 663 ratings on Amazon, with an overall score of 4.4 stars, and 71% of customers (that's over 470 people) awarded the mask five stars. Most praise goes to the material, with many customers commending the cool, breathable fabric that feels light on their eyes and skin; the way it blocks out light; and the comfortable fit that stays on all night.
Tom's Guide
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
My favorite Bluetooth speaker just crashed to its lowest ever price — the EarFun UBoom L is just $49 right now
When I'm using one of the best Bluetooth speakers, nothing makes me happier than feeling the bass in my jaw or in my temples. I want earth-shattering bass that makes me concerned for the walls in my rental. I want it to be so rich that I feel like it's calling me poor. I want it to feel deeper than the pseudo-feelings I had as a Tumblr emo girlie. My poetic musings aside... I love testing wireless speakers and putting them through their paces to determine whether they're good value for money. I have a couple speakers at home but the one I (and my partner) use the most is the EarFun UBoom L — and right now, it's down to its lowest ever price as it's discounted by 38% at Amazon U.S. and 13% at Amazon U.K. The EarFun UBoom L offers big sound on a budget. This portable speaker produces powerful bass, clear vocals and well-balanced sound across a range of genres. With a dedicated outdoor mode and an IP67 resistance rating, the speaker can soundtrack pool parties and hikes, it's got great battery life, and the customizable EQ via the user-friendly companion app works really well. Even at its retail price of $79 / £79, the UBoom L easily warrants a recommendation. It provides big sound on a budget, and it's highly portable so you can take it anywhere you like. Adding to that is the UBoom L's IP67 rating, which means it's waterproof down to 3 feet and fully dustproof. Trust me, I use this speaker in the shower nearly everyday, and I've even submerged it in a sink full of water just to show off to my friends — and it has always come out unscathed. Now, onto the sound quality... Utilizing the brand's "JumboBass technology," the UBoom L delivers powerful bass thanks to its passive bass radiators on each side working in conjunction with the 55mm drivers. When you play a bass-heavy track, you can see the side radiators vibrate and, like I mentioned up top, you can feel the bass in your soul (depending on how far you are from the speaker, of course). Residents of the rainy British isles will be pleased to hear that the EarFun UBoom L is discounted here too... although not by much. It's down to £69 from its retail price of £79 but even though you aren't saving as much as the Americans, it's still worth the investment. One thing I really like about this speaker as that basslines never feel overpowering. They have an oomph with a lovely warmth to them, so you can really appreciate each note that the bassist is plucking. Even at high volumes, music remains free of distortion, making the UBoom L the ideal speaker for soundtracking social gatherings. Vocals sound just as good, if not better, and there's plenty of detail in every track to be enjoyed and appreciate. I often hook it up to my laptop too when I'm watching a horror or thriller movie, and the speaker creates an eerie soundscape. For a small, portable speaker, I'm always taken aback by how powerful the UBoom L sounds. If you want a rugged speaker that doesn't cut any corners, I'd recommend saving $30 at Amazon U.S. or £10 at Amazon U.K. You can thank me later.
CNET
7 hours ago
- Business
- CNET
Bag These Sennheiser Wireless Sport Earbuds for Just $75, a Whopping 50% Off
We firmly believe that a good pair of headphones or earbuds can be essential, especially if you want to listen to audio without bothering those around you. But if you're looking for sport headphones, you need something built for the task. The Sennheiser Consumer Audio Sport true wireless earbuds are a great option thanks to their combination of great features and comfortable design. They'd normally run for around $150, but you can grab a pair with a huge 50% discount today, dropping the price to $75. While you still have almost two weeks to place your order before this deal ends, there's one caveat to consider. Woot's stocks often run dry before its deals' end dates, so ordering soon is still recommended if you want to lock this special price in. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. These Sennheiser Consumer Audio Sport true wireless earbuds are Bluetooth in-ear headphones. Your purchase comes with the earbuds, a charging case (with a lanyard), a USB-C charging wire, closed and open ear adapter sets in three sizes and even ear fins sets. This ensures the earbuds will be super comfortable since you can adjust the fins and adapter sets to what fits your ear best. As for features, these earbuds are rated IP54, which protects against dust and water. So, if you're sweating while using them, they'll still work fine. They have a battery life of up to 27 hours, giving you all-day usage. They have a frequency range from 5 Hz to 21 kHz, meaning you can hear low subs and soaring vocals. Phone calls can be heard pretty well, too. Why this deal matters These Sennheiser earbuds have dropped to a new all-time low price. Previously, the record low price was $80, but that was last seen about a year ago on Amazon. Currently on Amazon, these earbuds are full price at $150. Woot has the lowest price on the market for these Sennheiser earbuds right now. But as you know, deals on Woot don't last very long. This deal is set to expire in 12 days, but if quantities sell out, it could be even sooner.
Business Upturn
8 hours ago
- Business Upturn
Soundcore Launches Boom 3i Outdoor Speaker With Floatable Design and Enhanced Durability
Bellevue, WA, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Soundcore, Anker Innovations' premium audio brand, today introduced the Boom 3i, a rugged Bluetooth (5.3) speaker designed for the outdoors. With IP68 water and dust resistance, a floating design and up to 16 hours of playtime, the Boom 3i is ideal for pool parties, beach outings, camping or spending the day on the lake. Floatable And Durable Design Building on the floating design of previous models, the Boom 3i's design keeps the speaker facing upright while in the water, allowing users to maintain uninterrupted music no matter what the situation. Additionally, the Boom 3i, with IP68 water and dust resistance, can withstand being submerged up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. Designed with a protective coating, the Boom 3i offers five times the saltwater resistance of conventional speakers and has been tested for up to 240 hours of salt spray without corrosion. Additionally, the Boom 3i can withstand being dropped from up to 1 meter onto concrete, making it suitable for even the rowdiest parties. Dynamic Sound and Enhanced Bass The Boom3i relies on a 40W, 3.7 x 2-inch woofer combined with a 10W, 0.65-inch tweeter as well as a pair of bass radiators, to deliver crystal clear highs and thumping bass to help keep the party going all day long. Equipped with Soundcore's BassUp™ 2.0 technology, when enabled, the Boom3i increases bass output by 3dB, offering two times more bass than similarly sized competitive models. In order to create more volume, the Boom 3i also supports True Wireless Stereo (TWS) pairing, which also gives users a more accurate sonic experience with a dedicated left and right channel. Party Lighting Following the design of the larger Boom 2 and Boom 2 Plus, the Boom 3i features a user-programmable LED light show on the bass radiators on the left and right sides of the unit that dances with the music. App-Based Features and Smart Tools Through the Soundcore app, users can access EQ customization, lighting controls, and several smart functions designed for convenience and safety: Emergency Alarm – Triggers a 96 dB audible alert by holding the BassUp button for five seconds. Voice Amplifier – Records and broadcasts voice messages through the speaker. Buzz Clean – Activates internal vibrations to help dislodge dust and debris. Availability and Pricing The Boom 3i is now available for $139.99 in the U.S. through and It will be available in four colors, including Jungle Green, Desert Rose Brown, Deep Ocean Blue and Adventurer Black, though only Adventurer Black will be available starting today. The other three colors are slated to be available at the end of June / early July. Additionally, beginning later this summer, a bundled version of the Boom 3i that will come with a carry handle and a magnetic case, will be available at select retail locations in both Deep Ocean Blue and Adventurer Black for $149.99. About Soundcore Soundcore is committed to reinventing audio by bringing it to people. This includes premium wireless headphones and beautifully designed indoor and outdoor speakers that support popular music services, voice services, and an ever-growing number of compatible smart home products. For more information visit About Anker Innovations Anker Innovations is a global leader in charging and home energy storage technology and a developer of unique, consumer electronic products that support premium audio, mobile entertainment and the emerging smart home space. This innovation is being led by its key brands: Anker, Anker SOLIX, AnkerWork, eufy, Nebula, and Soundcore. More information on Anker Innovations and its various brands can be found at The Anker Logo is a registered trademark of Anker Innovations. DISCLAIMER Statements in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may include forward looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of the company. We wish to caution you that such statements are just predictions and that actual events or results may differ materially. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties surrounding competitive and industry conditions, market acceptance for the company's products, risks of litigation, technological changes, developing industry standards and other factors related to the company's businesses. The actions referred to in this press release are not an admission or acknowledgement of any claim or allegation. The Company reserves all of its rights. Download Images Here Attachments Soundcore Boom 3i – Green Boom 3i – Floating Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Engadget
8 hours ago
- Business
- Engadget
Samsung SmartTag 2 trackers are 38 percent off ahead of Prime Day
You likely have a million things to take with you when you leave the house each day — phone, wallet, keys and much more. Keeping track of it all can be tough, but a Bluetooth tracker can help by monitoring the location of at least a few of your most important items. Right now, one of our favorites is on sale for a near record-low price. The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 is down to just $19 a pop on Amazon, a 38-percent discount from its standard price. We've seen it slightly cheaper recently, but only by a couple of dollars. The main catch here is that only the white option has this steep of a discount. If you want more than one, consider the four-pack option, on sale for $88. Get it now for 38 percent off $19 at Amazon The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 is a solid purchase due to features like being IP67-rated water- and dust-resistant, a sizeable keychain hoop and over 16 months of battery life. It also emits a ring louder than competitors like the AirTag or Tile. The only snag is that you must have a Samsung device in order to use it. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice .
