Latest news with #Tidal
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
My Kitchen HomePod is about to die — what will I replace it with?
"Hey Siri, set a ten-minute timer," I bark, as my pot of pasta reaches the boil."Hey Siri, set a timer for half an hour," I shout over the extraction fan as I slide a tray of cookies into the oven. I don't think anyone in our family could live without a smart speaker of some kind in the kitchen anymore, even if it doesn't act as a music player anymore now that we've shifted away from Apple Music. But, unfortunately, the HomePod mini that's served me faithfully is in trouble. It's been in a wet, hot, noisy environment for too long, and it's on the way out. My poor kitchen HomePod is becoming hard of hearing, and disobedient as it gets commands wrong or even downright ignores them. So what am I going to put in its place? We're not really a solely Apple home anymore, as I've ditched my iPhone for the superior audio chops of an Android handset. Siri no longer dominates our lives — so where should I go next for our kitchen audio fix? I've got a couple of the best smart speaker options in mind. My new kitchen smart speaker needs to fulfill a couple of important criteria. There needs to be at least decent sound, so that I don't have to cart a Bluetooth speaker into the kitchen when I want to cook a roast dinner. It also needs to support some form of smart assistant, but it doesn't need to be particularly smart. I'm not going to ask it for life advice, but I will ask it to manage a couple of timers and requests like "please play Between The Flesh And The Void by Deicide." It should be relatively compact, because the kitchen isn't massive. A battery would be a nice extra this time around, but I also understand that's going to be trickier. So — who's made it to the shortlist? Google's smart speaker lineup has been on my radar for some time. They're all very reasonably priced, and, by virtue of the company that makes them, they keep getting updated to support the latest Google Home features. The smallest of the bunch, the Google Home mini has been at the top of the list for HomePod mini replacements — and I'll tell you for why. It's around the same size as the smart speaker it will be replacing, and features much the same in regards to voice control. I would be able to ask the speaker for timers while I cook something, and even ask it to play music from Tidal if I link my accounts. There are some unknown quantities that put me off, however. I'm actually yet to listen to a Google Home mini (I know, I know — not great for an audio editor), so I'm not sure if I'm going to like the sound when I get it. I'm also not entirely sure about the way that it looks. At the moment, however, it's very much still in the running for kitchen addition. Google's smallest smart speaker is a great way to get Google Assistant into a living space. Ask it all the questions you normally would your phone, and it will answer without you needing to pull your screen out of your pocket. It's cheap too — a great addition to any Google smart home. The next logical step, given my family and their waning-but-still-present loyalty to the Apple brand, would be to pick up another HomePod — that could be the HomePod 2, or a new HomePod mini. There's part of me that wants to, given that my mom is finally used to using "Hey, Siri" commands and that they're easily some of the best-looking smart speakers around, but I do have my reservations. Nobody in the house uses Apple Music anymore — we've all switched to Tidal or Qobuz — so we wouldn't be able to use Siri to choose music. I've also learned after the current HomePod that their fabric surfaces don't do well when surrounded by a kitchen environment. Our white HomePod looks horrible. Yet I cannot deny the convenience of Apple's HomePod — so it stays on the list for now. Apple's 2nd-generation HomePod brings Spatial Audio with Apple Music to the table, along with a host of other smarts. Ask Siri just about anything, and she'll do it. It does only really work with Apple devices though, so that's worth bearing in mind. I like Sonos' smart speakers. They are incredibly easy to use, they generally sound pretty good, and they often feature solid battery life if they're portable. I use a Sonos Move 2 every day in my bedroom, so what would be the harm in packing one into the kitchen for timer and tunage duties? The sound would be far superior to the other options, be that the smaller Sonos Roam, a less expensive and non-portable Sonos Era 100, or the larger and portable Move 2. The integration into my Roon whole-home audio system would be a game changer, and it would look good sitting on my countertops. But, there would be some downsides. Nothing that Sonos makes is cheap, often being more expensive than even the Apple alternative, let alone the Google Home Mini. They tend not to be quite as durable either, and I'd be concerned that a rogue wooden spoon could cause issues. Yet I do find their sound to be tantalizing enough that they might be worth putting in my kitchen, so on the list they stay. The Sonos Roam 2 is the brand's smallest WiFi-connected speaker, making it perfect for smaller rooms or taking on the go. It sounds great for something so small, and features all the same great smart features as its larger cousins. Voice control, internet connection, and more. If I were going for convenience and portability above all else, then a Bose SoundLink Max or similar Bluetooth speaker might be just the ticket. Thanks to built-in batteries, I'd be able to move them around the kitchen should I need to, and they often have more rugged builds so that they can last a bit longer. Some would even support voice control when connected to a compatible device — it might mean calling out to Gemini, but there's a good chance I'd still be able to make new timers so that I don't burn my fresh batch of bakewell tarts. But there would be some issues. The Bluetooth speakers that would fit the bill are all a bit more expensive, and they'd lack the WiFi connection that would make them smart. They'd have to be turned on and off, whereas the other options on the list live in permanent standby, awaiting my command. A Bluetooth speaker might not be the perfect alternative, but there are some good reasons that one might replace my stricken HomePod. The Bose SoundLink Max is loud and proud — and it sounds good too. Bluetooth connection makes it a solid way to listen to music, and rugged build makes sure it'll survive anything life might throw at it. It's not cheap, but it's very good. At the moment, I'm veering towards another HomePod alike — most likely the Google Home mini. Sound quality is not the utmost importance in the kitchen, and its smart features seem like the most useful thing to me and my family. But I can't help but be tempted by the alternatives. Maybe I'll end up putting speakers in the ceiling, and relying on a more integrated setup. Although that would likely cost the earth. Still, one can dream...
North Wales Live
7 days ago
- North Wales Live
Review: iFi Go Link Max brings you hi-res audio on the move
You've picked up some high-end headphones but you're going to need some extra power to get the best out of them, often more power than your phone or laptop can deliver. This is where the iFi GO Link Max comes in. This mini DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter) unlocks the true potential of your playlist, boasting a 4.4mm headphone output and 10x the power of your typical iPhone. Your phone or laptop will have its own DAC, but usually they aren't up to much. The iFi will supercharge the sound they produce and you hear. The GO Link is a little dongle that can attach via USB-C to your device (you also get Lightning and USB-C adapters included), and then you can plug in your headphones via the 3.5mm or 4.4mm inputs. Now this is where we go into audiophile territory. The DAC allows you to enjoy hi-res audio offered by the likes of the Tidal music streaming service. The quality of audio that you're not going to get via your Bluetooth bins. It supports up to PCM 384 kHz and DSD256 natively, letting you enjoy high-fidelity playback directly from your phone or laptop. I must say it works well, being plug-and-play, and you can really tell the difference once you access some hi-res audio. A little LED light on the GO Link lets you know the bit rate of the songs you are listening to. With up to 241 mW balanced output, it can drive most in-ear monitors and some full-sized headphones - but you'll need to do some research first. However, it will improve the sound coming from your any wired headphones. It can't compete against the desktop amps but nor should it at its size and price. For the first step into the world of high-end audio, it's a manageable one. The iFi GO Link is available via Amazon for £59. What users say "Enhances sound quality nicely with corded cans. I've tried this on my Galaxy S20 and S21FE phones, using Tidal. Fine detail is easier to hear whether using my earbuds (RHA) or Grado over ear headphones. Surprisingly, it was on a 1962 live recording of a Herbie Mann concert that the detail was most easily perceived. Does consume battery of course, albeit not excessively. I've had to cover the LED indicator up as it's surprisingly bright for nocturnal listening." "Not sure how they manage to make headphone amplifier so small easy to use, plug into my laptop the sound is clear loud and detailed impressive through my AKG headphones."
Wales Online
7 days ago
- Wales Online
Review: iFi Go Link Max brings you hi-res audio on the move
Review: iFi Go Link Max brings you hi-res audio on the move Mini DAC unlocks the true potential of your playlist iFi Go Link Max You've picked up some high-end headphones but you're going to need some extra power to get the best out of them, often more power than your phone or laptop can deliver. This is where the iFi GO Link Max comes in. This mini DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter) unlocks the true potential of your playlist, boasting a 4.4mm headphone output and 10x the power of your typical iPhone. Your phone or laptop will have its own DAC, but usually they aren't up to much. The iFi will supercharge the sound they produce and you hear. The GO Link is a little dongle that can attach via USB-C to your device (you also get Lightning and USB-C adapters included), and then you can plug in your headphones via the 3.5mm or 4.4mm inputs. Now this is where we go into audiophile territory. The DAC allows you to enjoy hi-res audio offered by the likes of the Tidal music streaming service. The quality of audio that you're not going to get via your Bluetooth bins. It supports up to PCM 384 kHz and DSD256 natively, letting you enjoy high-fidelity playback directly from your phone or laptop. I must say it works well, being plug-and-play, and you can really tell the difference once you access some hi-res audio. A little LED light on the GO Link lets you know the bit rate of the songs you are listening to. Article continues below With up to 241 mW balanced output, it can drive most in-ear monitors and some full-sized headphones - but you'll need to do some research first. However, it will improve the sound coming from your any wired headphones. It can't compete against the desktop amps but nor should it at its size and price. For the first step into the world of high-end audio, it's a manageable one. The iFi GO Link is available via Amazon for £59. What users say "Enhances sound quality nicely with corded cans. I've tried this on my Galaxy S20 and S21FE phones, using Tidal. Fine detail is easier to hear whether using my earbuds (RHA) or Grado over ear headphones. Surprisingly, it was on a 1962 live recording of a Herbie Mann concert that the detail was most easily perceived. Does consume battery of course, albeit not excessively. I've had to cover the LED indicator up as it's surprisingly bright for nocturnal listening." "Not sure how they manage to make headphone amplifier so small easy to use, plug into my laptop the sound is clear loud and detailed impressive through my AKG headphones." Article continues below Alternatives HiBy FC4 Headphone Amplifier Portable DAC MOONDROP DAWN Pro Protable USB DAC
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Block, Inc. (XYZ): A Bull Case Theory
We came across a bullish thesis on Block, Inc. (XYZ) on Daniel Romero's Substack. In this article, we will summarize the bulls' thesis on XYZ. Block, Inc. (XYZ)'s share was trading at $58.74 as of 23rd May. XYZ's trailing and forward P/E were 14.26 and 16 respectively according to Yahoo Finance. Block Inc. is undergoing a pivotal transformation, evolving from a high-growth fintech into a vertically integrated ecosystem that bridges commerce, banking, consumer finance, and emerging technologies. At the heart of this shift are Cash App and Square—dominant platforms in their respective markets—now reinforced by a regulated bank, Square Financial Services, enabling more profitable in-house lending. Cash App serves over 57 million monthly users and has become a central financial tool for younger demographics, particularly with the integration of Afterpay. Meanwhile, Square is pushing deeper into business services, recently launching over 100 new features, including the Square Handheld POS, demonstrating a renewed focus on quality and innovation. Financially, Block is stabilizing, showing 9% YoY revenue growth (ex-Bitcoin), 28% adjusted operating income growth, and improving margins, signaling it is moving from a startup mindset to operating as a scaled platform. The most underappreciated asset may be Tidal, which under Jack Dorsey's vision could evolve into a 'Square for musicians,' integrating payments, royalties, and AI-powered tools for creators. Block's AI push is accelerating, with deployment of NVIDIA's new GB200 systems powering tools across its ecosystem—ranging from AI-assisted website builders and communications to the potential for AI-driven music innovation. Despite recent earnings-driven stock volatility, Block's ambitions to merge its products into a seamless, high-performance ecosystem—spanning business, consumer, Bitcoin, and AI—make its $36B valuation appear reasonable. If executed well, Block could emerge as a misunderstood giant, delivering durable long-term value by unifying commerce and finance with proprietary infrastructure and cutting-edge technology. Previously, we have covered Block, Inc. (XYZ) in March 2025, wherein we summarized a bullish thesis by Long-Term Pick on Substack. The author highlighted Block's strong 2024 growth in profit and cash flow, driven by Square and Cash App, with expectations for continued expansion and margin improvement in 2025. Since our last coverage, the stock is down 6% as of 27th May. Block, Inc. (XYZ) is not on our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 76 hedge fund portfolios held XYZ at the end of the first quarter which was 81 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the risk and potential of XYZ as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than XYZ but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: 8 Best Wide Moat Stocks to Buy Now and 30 Most Important AI Stocks According to BlackRock. Disclosure: None. This article was originally published at Insider Monkey. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Unity Wealth Partners and Tidal Financial Group Announce the Closure of the Unity Wealth Partners Dynamic Capital Appreciation & Options ETF (Nasdaq: DCAP)
MILWAUKEE, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tidal Financial Group and Unity Wealth Partners today announced the upcoming closure and liquidation of the Unity Wealth Partners Dynamic Capital Appreciation & Options ETF (Nasdaq: DCAP). The Board of Trustees of Tidal Trust III has determined that closing and liquidating the fund is in the best interest of the fund and its shareholders. The Unity Wealth Partners Dynamic Capital Appreciation & Options ETF (the fund) will cease trading on the Nasdaq at the close of regular trading on June 13, 2025 (the 'Closing Date'), and will no longer accept creation orders as of that date. Shareholders may sell their holdings in the fund prior to the Closing Date through standard brokerage transactions, which may be subject to customary brokerage fees. After June 13, 2025, shareholders will be unable to buy or sell shares on an exchange and may only redeem shares through select broker-dealers. There is no assurance that there will be an active market for the fund during the period between the Closing Date and Liquidation. Between June 13, 2025 and June 20, 2025 (the 'Liquidation Date'), DCAP will begin liquidating its holdings and increasing its cash position in preparation for final distribution. During this period, the fund's portfolio will depart from its stated investment strategy and objective. On or around June 20, 2025, DCAP will distribute its remaining net assets to shareholders of record who have not sold their shares prior to liquidation. This final distribution will be made in cash on a pro rata basis and will generally be treated as a taxable event. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to understand the potential implications related to capital gains, losses, or dividends arising from the liquidation. After the distribution of net assets is complete, the fund will be officially terminated. About Tidal Financial Group Formed by ETF industry pioneers and thought leaders, Tidal Investments LLC sets out to revolutionize the way ETFs have historically been developed, launched, marketed, and sold. With a focus on growing AUM, Tidal offers a comprehensive suite of services, proprietary tools, and methodologies designed to bring lasting ideas to market. Tidal is an advocate for ETF innovation. The firm is on a mission to provide issuers with the intelligence and tools needed to efficiently and to effectively launch ETFs and to optimize growth potential in a highly competitive space. For more information, visit CONTACT: Contact Gavin Filmore at gfilmore@ for more information.
