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Using your favorite pair of Bluetooth headphones with your iPhone is super convenient. However, since they’re battery-powered, you must keep an eye on their charge so that they’re always sufficiently charged when needed. Most Bluetooth headphones, including AirPods, don’t have built-in screens to show battery levels, so you’ll have to rely on the connected device to check the battery status. If it’s an iPhone, there are a few easy ways to see how much battery your Bluetooth headphones have left.
If you have Apple’s AirPods, your iPhone automatically shows the battery level of each earbud and the case as soon as you open the lid to connect them. However, if you want to check the battery while using them, you can do so by opening the Settings app and tapping on your AirPods’ name at the top. Alternatively, you can go to Settings > Bluetooth and then tap the info icon next to your AirPods to see the battery level.
If music is playing on your iPhone, you can also check the battery level of your headphones from the mini music player that appears on the Lock Screen. Just tap the tiny headphones icon next to the playback controls, and the battery level will appear. All of these tricks are not exclusive to AirPods. You can also use them to check the battery level of your Beats headphones on your iPhone.
How to check the battery level of any Bluetooth headphones on iPhone
If you’re using non-Apple headphones, you can still check their battery level on your iPhone. While your headphones are connected, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen (on iPhone X or later) or swipe up from the bottom of the screen (on older iPhone models), and you should see a tiny battery icon next to the headphones symbol in the top-right corner. It won’t show you the exact percentage, but it’s good enough for a rough idea of how much charge is left.
To check your headphones’ battery in percentage, you’ll have to add the Batteries widget to your iPhone’s Home Screen. Here’s how to do it:
Go to the Home Screen page where you want to add the widget and long-press anywhere on an empty spot.
Tap the Edit option in the top-left corner and select Add Widget.
Scroll through the list to locate the Batteries widget and tap on it.
Swipe through different widget styles.
Tap and hold the battery widget you like and place it on the home screen. You can use the same widget on both your Lock Screen and the Today View. To add it to your Lock Screen, tap and hold an empty spot, then tap Customize > Add Widgets > Batteries. On the Today View, long-press any widget, then tap the Edit option in the top-left corner. Finally, choose Add Widget > Batteries > Add Widget.
Using a third-party app to check your headphones’ battery
Many popular headphone brands offer their own app, so you can easily switch between various listening modes, personalize sound, and install software updates. These apps also make it easy to check the battery level of your headphones on iPhone. All you have to do is download the app created by your headphone’s manufacturer. For instance, Bose users can use the Bose Connect app, while Sony users will need the Sony Sound Connect app. If you have Galaxy Buds, you’ll need to get the Samsung Galaxy Buds app from the App Store.
If your headphones don’t have a companion app, you can use third-party apps like Battery Life to monitor the battery status. This is especially useful if you regularly switch between multiple Bluetooth headphones and want to view their battery levels in one place. First, download the Battery Life app on your iPhone from the App Store. Once installed, open the app, go to the Connected devices section. In this section, you’ll see a list of Bluetooth devices currently connected to your iPhone, including headphones, along with their battery levels. Just a heads-up, since it’s a free app, you’ll see a lot of ads.
Apple iPad users will soon be able to purchase original spare parts and tools for repairing their tablet directly from Apple, as the tech giant has now just added the first iPad models to its self-service repair program.
Apple will soon sell iPad replacement parts directly to consumers. (Image source: iFixit)
Apple has been offering spare parts for the iPhone and Mac since 2022, which end users can order directly from theApple Self Service Repair Store. The online shop also provides access to the tools required to carry out repairs, which can be purchased or rented depending on the tool. Repair manuals and diagnostic tools are designed to further simplify repairs.
The repair program is finally being expanded to include the Apple iPad, starting with the iPad Air with Apple M2 and newer, the current iPad Pro with Apple M4, the iPad mini with A17 Pro, and the iPad with Apple A16. Some of the most important components, such as the battery, display, cameras, and USB-C ports, are expected to be available at launch. These iPad replacement parts are not currently available in the Self Service Repair Store, but it shouldn’t be long before the range is expanded as announced.
As the iFixit teardown video (embedded below) reveals, Apple has made improvements to newer models such as the iPad Pro with Apple M4 that make repairs a little easier. However, it is still necessary to separate the display, which is glued to the housing, from the frame, which can easily damage the panel. Aside from the effort and the risk of damaging components, Apple’s Self Service Repair Store has one major drawback: high costs. While the prices for the new iPad replacement parts are not yet known, Apple sometimes charges more for a spare part for the iPhone than the repair would cost in the Apple Store.
The benefits of using cloud storage over local storage are significant. For starters, you can get to your files from just about anywhere. And as long as you’ve set up account recovery, there’s little chance of losing them. But which cloud service should you use? While there are plenty of reliable options out there, Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive are two of the most popular. That’s mostly because of their reliability and wide range of features.
Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive have a lot in common when it comes to features, ease of use, and security. You can access both services on most operating systems, including Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. Both of them also offer comparable file-sharing and collaboration options. If you use a premium plan, you get access to AI-powered features through Copilot or Gemini, built into their respective productivity suites.
The biggest difference between the two is how much free storage they offer. Google Drive gives you 15GB of storage, while OneDrive only includes 5GB on its free plan. This, of course, makes Google Drive look like the better choice at first glance. But if you’re thinking about upgrading to a paid plan, OneDrive has its advantages, too.
For extra storage on OneDrive, you have to sign up for a Microsoft 365 plan. With Google Drive, additional storage comes through a Google One subscription. Both services offer a basic 100GB plan for $2 per month, so there’s no price difference at that tier.
If you’re looking for more space, though, Google One has a 2TB plan for $10 a month. For the same amount, Microsoft offers only 1TB of storage. That said, the Microsoft 365 Family plan is a better deal if you plan to share the subscription. For $12.99 a month, you can share the subscription with up to six users, and each person gets their own 1TB of storage. Google One also supports sharing with up to five others, but the 2TB is shared across users.
OneDrive also makes sense if you already use Microsoft Office apps for work or school. That’s because a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription includes access to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Plus, all your documents are automatically saved to OneDrive. You also get Clipchamp, which is a great video editing tool if you’re into that kind of thing.
Choosing OneDrive is also a smart move for Windows users. Once you sign in with your Microsoft account, you can easily back up all your files and manage them through File Explorer. While it’s possible to add Google Drive to Windows for a similar setup, OneDrive offers better integration since it’s built by Microsoft.
Google Drive isn’t a bad option either. In fact, for some, it might make more sense than OneDrive. For instance, if you’re sticking with the free plan, Google Drive’s 15GB of storage is far more generous. And if you’re already into Google’s ecosystem and prefer using Gmail over Outlook or Google Docs over Word, using Google Drive makes it easy to manage and share your files.
When you’ve thousands of files stored in the cloud, a good search function can make all the difference. That’s where Google Drive shines with its advanced search filters. For instance, if you search for a document, it also shows files containing the word you searched for, which can be useful when you don’t remember the exact file name. In comparison, OneDrive’s search feature feels more limited.
Finally, if you mainly want cloud storage for photos and videos, Google Photos is a big plus. It works on Android, iOS and the web, and having a dedicated app just for managing your media makes everything a lot simpler. You also get to use all of Google Photos’ best AI features. Microsoft, on the other hand, doesn’t offer a separate app for photos and videos, so you have to manage everything through the main OneDrive app.
Ultimately, you really can’t go wrong with either service. It mostly comes down to the devices you use, your storage needs, and whether you prefer Microsoft or Google’s ecosystem.
USB, or — Universal Serial Bus to give it its full title — has been around since 1996. The now ubiquitous technology is built into innumerable electronic devices, including smartphones, computers, game consoles, and eBook readers, to name just a few. It wasn’t always like this; those of us long enough in the tooth can remember a pre-USB world when connecting a peripheral to a computer was often an object lesson in frustration. Largely, connection problems were down to a lack of industry standards and the limited number of ports available on the machinery of the era. These problems were exactly what the introduction of USB 1.0 was intended to solve.
Jump forward a few decades, and the standard has evolved massively. There are now several generations to consider in the history of USB, and while most people now know what USB is, there is often confusion surrounding the versions. One such point is the difference between USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2. While both are labelled as USB 3.2, there is one distinct difference between the standards — the speed at which they can transfer data, with Gen 2 effectively doubling the speed of its Gen 1 forerunner.
The story of USB should be simple: USB 2 followed USB 1, and then in 2008, along came USB 3.0. All fairly straightforward so far, but then came USB 3.2 to mess things up a bit. USB 3.2 Gen 1 was originally released as both USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 Gen 1, and has a maximum transfer rate of 5 Gbps. It has three interface options: USB-A, microUSB, and USB-C. For comparison, the Gen 2 version has a maximum transfer speed of 10 Gbps and comes with the same trio of interface options. It’s this double transfer speed of Gen 2 that is the primary difference between the standards.
And if you’re still following, then brace yourself, there’s more to come. In total, there are four variants of the USB 3.2 standard. The others are USB 3.2 Gen 1×2 and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2. Both these variations use the USB-C interface only and offer transfer speeds of 10 Gbps and 20 Gbps, respectively. The organization we can thank for keeping this all so clear is the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), which is the body responsible for maintaining the USB specification and compliance.
When the USB-IF originally envisaged the USB 3.2 standard, it wanted to use a naming convention that strayed from numbers and generations. The original plan was to call the standards with more meaningful names. In this scenario, they wanted to name the USB 3.1 Gen 1 (aka USB 3.2 Gen 1) as SuperSpeed USB, with USB 3.1 Gen 2 (USB 3.2 Gen 2) called SuperSpeed USB+. Whether this would have made things any clearer is a matter of conjecture, as the naming convention never gained any traction with manufacturers. Other suggested names included SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps for USB 3.2 Gen 2 and SuperSpeed USB 20 Gbps for USB 3.2 Gen 2×2.
The good news is that the era of USB 3.2 is over as we move into the heady realms of USB 4. Introduced in 2019, the standard is restricted to the smaller, more capable USB-C interface and is based on Intel’s Thunderbolt technology. With speeds of up to 40 Gbps, this standard again managed the impressive feat of doubling data transfer rates. So far, the USB-IF seems to be keeping on top of the naming conventions for USB 4, with the latest generation simply called USB 4 Version 2. This iteration of the standard brought another doubling of transfer rates to 80 Gbps — another impressive achievement, but let’s just hope the naming committee doesn’t get nostalgic and try to call it “SuperSpeed USB++ Ultra Max Pro USB4.”
Brazil, Chile, and Peru see iCloud+ price rises from Apple
(Image credit: Shutterstock / nikkimeel)
Apple raises iCloud+ costs in Brazil, Chile, and Peru
Some Apple One subscriptions also see rise
iCloud price rises have been common across the world recently
SomeiCloudcustomers are facing higher prices afterAppleupped the cost of plans in several nations.
A recently updated support document showed thecloud storageplatform will soon cost more for users in Brazil, Chile, and Peru, with some tiers becoming up to 34% more expensive.
The move will affect iCloud+ customers in the nations, who will now all face higher costs across all available tiers, according to reports from9to5MacandMacRumors.
In Brazil, the move will see prices rise to the following; 50GB – R$ 5.90 (was 4.90), 200GB – R$ 19.90 (was 14.90), 2TB – R$ 66.90 (was 49.90), 6TB R$ 199.90 (was 149.90), and 12TB – R$ 399.90 (was 299.90).
In Chile, it will be as follows; 50GB – $990 (was $790), 200GB – $3,290 (was $2,490), 2TB – $10,990 (was $8,490), 6TB – $32,990 (was $29.990), and 12TB – $64,990 (was $59,990).
And in Peru, the prices will change as follows; 50GB – S/. 3.90 (was 2.90), 200GB – S/. 12.90 (was 9.90), 2TB – S/. 42.90 (34.90), 6TB – S/. 129.90 (was 99.90), and 12TB – S/. 259.90 (was 199.90).
9to5Macalso noted some Apple One plans are also seeing a price rise, as the Family plan increases to R$59,90, and the Premium plan goes up to R$99,90 per month – although the basic plan cost remains the same.
Apple has raised prices for some or all iCloud+ storage plans in at least 10 other countries in recent months, with Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Türkiye, Pakistan, Nigeria, Egypt, Tanzania, and the Philippines all affected.
The likes of the US, Canada, and the UK have avoided iCloud+ price increases so far, but the increasing number of price hikes could mean they may be next.
The recent global economic turmoil has led some countries to be hit harder than others, with9to5Macnoting the Brazilian Real has seen a 15-20% devaluation against the US dollar over the last few years.
OnePlus has revealed the Plus Key, a new button positioned as a way to access the new OnePlus AI suite
The Plus Key replaces the Alert Slider found on OnePlus phones since the OnePlus 2
The Plus Key will come to all OnePlus phones launching this year
OnePlus has announced OnePlus AI, and while the Chinese company’s vision for mobile artificial intelligence comes mainly via new software, the list of changes includes an update to one of the brand’s most iconic hardware features.
The new Plus Key is a physical button that replaces the three-stage Alert Slider. The button can be customized in settings to activate one of several features, like opening the camera or starting a live translation.
The new hardware feature will make its debut with the OnePlus 13s, a China-only model previously known as theOnePlus 13 Miniin online rumor circles.
OnePlus has confirmed the Plus Key will come to all OnePlus smartphones rolling out this year – at a minimum we’d expect this to include the rumored OnePlus 14 and OnePlus 14R, which based on prior releases we’d expect to launch in China at the end of 2025 for global launch in 2026. Though note that OnePlus might skip the number 14 and call this the OnePlus 15 series instead.
By default, the Plus Key activates the newAI Plus Mind capture system, which saves a screenshot, plus an AI summary of the on-screen information, in the new AI Plus Mind app.
It’s this, alongside the timing of this hardware announcement, that illustrates OnePlus’ vision of the Plus Key as a part of the company’s AI strategy.
“It’s time for us to evolve”
OnePlus revealed its new AI suite on May 27(Image credit: OnePlus)
At the official OnePlus AI reveal event, I spoke with Arthur Lam, director of OxygenOS and AI strategy at OnePlus, about how the Plus Key and AI Plus Mind work together.
“The thought process behind it was we wanted to bring AI that can empower you to do different things. And I think one of the biggest things was we live in this digital age where we have a lot of fragmented memories across multiple places” said Lam.
“We believe that this is not a software-only solution,” Lam continued, “it’s a hardware-software solution; that makes it uniquely OnePlus.”
When OnePlus announced the end of the Alert Slider,I wrote that I’d always found it to be a useful and charismatic addition to the brand’s handsets. However, even with the Alert Slider’s fan-favorite status, Lam tells me the company is confident that it’s time for an update.
“People ask us, ‘after using the Alert Slider for a decade, why are you changing it?’ Because now is the time, because it’s connected with your AI Plus Mind.”
“It makes sense for us to make changes. Even though we’ve been there for the last decade, and many of the users love it, we think it’s time for us to evolve it to the next generation.”
OnePlus is keen to market the Plus Key as a versatile, AI-forward feature(Image credit: OnePlus)
There’s more to OnePlus AI than just the Plus Key and AI Plus Mind – upcoming features include AI Translation, an AI Reframe tool for cropping photos, and AI VoiceScribe, which automatically transcribes phone calls.
With that said, the Plus Key is the most fully-fledged AI hardware feature we’ve seen on a smartphone so far – this AI-first approach could help OnePlus to differentiate the Plus Key from the iPhone’s Action Button, which clearly served as inspiration.
It’s also telling that OnePlus is willing to cut a well-loved feature like the Alert Slider for the AI-focused Plus Key. This suggests that OnePlus AI could be a major priority for the brand going forwards.
Personally, I’m a fan of the Alert Slider, but I think AI Plus Mind is a great idea, and a good enough feature to make the Plus Key seem novel and genuinely useful.
Be sure to keep up with our phones coverage for the latest updates as the Plus Key comes to more of thebest OnePlus phones.
What do you think of the Plus Key? Will you miss the Alert Slider? Let us know in the comments below.
ChromeOS and Android are often mentioned in the same breath, which has a lot to do with them both being part of Google’s vast mobile and digital ecosystem. But while they share common DNA, including access to the Google Play Store and integration with services like Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Assistant, when you go beyond those basics, the two start to go their separate ways. While it’s true that the two can both run Android apps and have some things in common behind the scenes technology-wise, they’re built for different tasks, look different, and work in very different ways.
If you own or have ever used a budget-friendly laptop like the Acer Chromebook Plus 515, you’re familiar with Google’s lightweight ChromeOS operating system. Unlike Windows and macOS, ChromeOS is a cloud-based operating system that emphasizes the use of web applications and services, with Google’s unique Chrome browser acting as its primary interface. In contrast, Android is an operating system designed for mobile devices. All of that tapping, swiping, and pinching you do on your non-Apple smartphone or tablet, Android makes it possible.
What’s important to keep in mind is that these differences aren’t just technical; they affect how each system fits into your daily life. ChromeOS is built for getting things done on a laptop, while Android is made for using your phone or tablet with taps and swipes. While it might seem like these systems could be interchangeable, they’re built for different types of devices, and for most people, there’s really no good reason to use ChromeOS on a phone or Android on a laptop.
ChromeOS is built for productivity and cloud-first computing
Using ChromeOS for the first time takes a little bit of getting used to because it doesn’t work like traditional operating systems, which rely on programs the user has to install and traditional file systems. Instead, ChromeOS is built around the Chrome browser, which means that as the user, you can get everything done using web apps and store most of your work in the cloud. With ChromeOS, you can download Android apps from the Google Play Store, and on many Chromebooks, you can even run Linux apps, something that gives users a lot of choice when it comes time to get things done.
The design of ChromeOS makes it an especially good match for those whose primary work involves document editing, web browsing, and other productivity activities. ChromeOS’ simplicity is what sets it apart from other operating systems and makes it a favorite in schools and among those looking for an inexpensive laptop that’s easy to use and doesn’t come with a bunch of unnecessary extras.
Google’s cloud is an integral part of the ChromeOS setup and makes it easy for users to access their files and applications from any device with an internet connection. ChromeOS includes built-in access to Google Workspace tools like Docs, Sheets, and Slides. While these apps are also available in any browser, ChromeOS offers tighter integration and native offline support that can make them easier to use on a Chromebook. All of these things are what make ChromeOS a better fit for users who need a simple, secure laptop for everyday tasks.
Android is tailored for touch-centric mobile devices
Even if your primary smartphone is a non-Android model, like the Apple iPhone 16e, chances are you’re at least somewhat familiar with Android and have used an Android-based device a few times. Unlike ChromeOS, which was developed for use with computers, Android is an operating system designed for smartphones and tablets. So it’s not too surprising that its interface is optimized for touch-based interaction, and it comes with many customization options. Android supports a wide range of apps available through the Google Play Store, covering everything from communication to entertainment.
While there’s no arguing that Android devices do excel when it comes to portability and app diversity, you may find them lacking when compared with the productivity features that ChromeOS offers. For example, Android’s file management and multitasking capabilities don’t come close to the desktop-like environment on ChromeOS devices. That doesn’t make Android worse; it’s just that Android prioritizes different things.
Since it was designed with mobile devices in mind, it focuses on the intuitive touch interactions that make smartphones and tablets so easy to use. This is what makes Android ideal for on-the-go use, casual entertainment, and communication on smaller touch-based devices. On the other hand, ChromeOS looks and feels more like a traditional computer, with a taskbar and the ability to open apps in separate windows, which can make it easier to get work done.
Sony has made improvements across the board, from the design and call quality to noise cancellation and the all-important sound quality. The XM6 are superb. But they are pricey, and unlikely to see a big discount anytime soon.
The XM4 are still competitive, considering they’re five years old, mainly due to their significantly cheaper price. They sound good and block noise well for their cost, but the XM6 are the superior pair and boast better ANC and call quality too.
Pros
Dynamic sound
Great sense of timing
Lightweight, comfy design
Cons
No IP rating
No aptX support
XM6 are superior
The newSony WH-1000XM6have arrived, and they are excellent. With a tweaked design and small but meaningful upgrades to active noise cancellation (ANC) and sound quality, they are definite improvements on the previous-genWH-1000XM5.
But how do they fare against the model fromtwogenerations ago, theWH-1000XM4? Remarkably, those 2020-launched headphones are still on sale, and naturally are going for a knockdown price. Could they be the better buy? Let’s find out…
This is one area that the XM4 have a clear advantage. They’ve been on sale for five years now, which is an age in headphone terms. As such, their price has come down significantly since their release.
They originally launched at £350 / $350 / AU$550, but now sell for closer to £200 / $220 / AU$380. That’s significantly cheaper than the brand-new XM6, which cost £399 / $449 / AU$699.
The XM6 might come down in theBlack Friday salecome November –Sonyheadphones often do – but given that they have only just launched, we wouldn’t expect anysizeablediscounts until next year.
It’s worth noting that Sony rarely has three pairs of wireless headphones on sale at once, so we’re not exactly sure how much longer XM4 will be on sale. While the XM5 will most likely be around for some time, the remaining XM4 stock might not.
Again, five years is a long time in terms of headphone lifespan, so it isn’t surprising there are differences between the XM4 and XM6 in terms of design.
Both pairs have a fold mechanism, allowing them to fold up so you can carry them easily in a bag or coat pocket, but the XM6’s hinge mechanism looks different to the XM4’s. The sliders are noiseless and stepless on the WH-1000XM6, whereas they click on the older model.
The XM6 have a slightly tighter grip on your head than the XM4, too, but both pairs are very comfortable to wear and weigh exactly the same (254g).
Both pairs have touch controls. The headband on the XM6 is asymmetrical to help you see which way to put it on, while the band on XM4 is more uniform.
The XM6 bring some other tweaks too, such as its power button being circular and slightly recessed. The driver inside each earcup has also shrunk – the XM6 have a 30mm drive unit, whereas the XM4’s is 40mm. That may seem like a downgrade, but as we’ll see in later sections of this comprison, the smaller driver is more advanced.
The XM6 add a midnight blue finish to the standard silver and black of the XM4, and they have a new fingerprint-resistant material to keep them looking new. We’ll see how that plays out once we’ve subjected them to a few months’ use.
** Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6 **
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs XM4: features
This is where we start to see some ground open up between the two pairs. While the XM4 were groundbreaking in their day, five years on Sony has added plenty of features to the XM6 that are understandably lacking from the 2020 model.
A lot of this is courtesy of Sony’s new QN3 HD Noise Cancelling Processor. It’s seven times faster than the QN1 Noise Cancelling Processor found inside the last-gen XM5, which in turn was faster than the standard QN1 inside the XM4.
The XM6 have a new ‘look-ahead noise shaper’ that improves the digital-to-analogue conversion process by reducing distortion and improving dynamics.
They borrow tech from Sony’s Walkman range of high-end portable music players, too, such as a low-phase noise crystal oscillator to improve timing and gold-infused solder in parts of the circuit.
Sony’s 360 Reality Audio now has a spinoff for visual content, called 360 Reality Audio Upmix for Cinema. This converts a stereo audio mix to spatial audio to make it more immersive. And the XM6 have a 10-band equaliser and Gaming EQ for customising the sound further.
The battery life remains the same for both pairs – 30 hours with Bluetooth and noise-cancelling activated. But you can listen to the XM6 while you charge them, which you can’t with the XM4.
Both pairs lackaptX Bluetoothsupport, which will be a little frustrating if you own anaptX-supporting Android phone – but they do play nicely with Sony’s high-qualityLDACformat. And both can upscale compressed music files to near hi-res quality using their DSEE Extreme engine.
The XM6 also add next-genBluetooth LE AudioandAuracastsupport to their spec list. Both pairs supportBluetooth Multipointfor seamlessly switching between two wirelessly paired devices.
Quick Attention mode makes a welcome return to both pairs of headphones, allowing allowing you to lower the volume and have a conversation by covering the right earcup with your hand.
Also present and correct in both pairs are Speak to Chat (this pauses playback and engages the ambient sound mode when you’re talking) and Wearer Detection (this pauses playback when you take them off). The latter debuted on the XM4.
The XM4 introduced GPS data from your phone to adjust the ANC and ambient sound based on your location. XM6 also have this, plus an adaptive NC optimiser which automatically tweaks the noise cancellation levels based on the noise around you.
The XM4 also saw the introduction of Sony’s Precise Voice Pickup tech to prioritise voices over background sounds during calls. This continues with the XM6, but that pair’s greater number of microphones gives it clearer calls.
** Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6 **
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs XM4: noise cancellation
(Image credit: Sony)
In our original review, we described the XM4’s noise cancellation as “hugely impressive”.
“The Sonys have no trouble cutting out unwanted extraneous noise, from the rumble of a train as you pass under a railway bridge, to the hustle and bustle of a busy high street,” our expert reviews team wrote, adding that, in some environments, we actually prefer the XM4’s ANC to the XM5’s.
But the XM6 trump them both. While you can’t manually adjust the level of noise cancellation on the new model, the adaptive feature makes this pretty much redundant, as it optimises itself automatically.
They contain low-end and midrange noises extremely well, which is a godsend for anyone travelling by plane or public transport. Their ANC feels very natural too, and has less of a vacuum effect than theBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.
“We found the Sonys to be wonderfully consistent in dealing with bass and midrange rumblings and just giving you a nice clear background on which you can place your music,” readsour review.
** Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6 **
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs XM4: sound
And so to sound quality, the true test of any headphones.
Sony’s pairs have excelled in this department in recent years, and so it’s a familiar story – the XM6 sound better, with significant sonic advances made in the intervening years. But the XM4 hold up surprisingly well considering their discounted price. For the money, they’re arguably the best option around.
Dynamic shifts are handled with ease, and their sense of pace and agility means they’re right at home with music of all genres. They’re musical, well-balanced and very easy to listen to. If you can’t spend big on the XM6, XM5 or current models fromSennheiserorBose, we reckon you’ll be pleased with the sound the XM4 deliver.
But of course they’re outdone by the XM6, which offer, to quote our review, “the most detailed, dynamic, precise and open sound we’ve heard from a wireless Sony flagship”.
Detail levels are off the chart, playing host to the full dynamic contrast and plenty of texture. Musical elements sound fantastic in their own right, and come together into a cohesive whole.
Rhythmic drive, openness, dynamics… they’re all a step up from the XM5, which in turn offer decent sonic improvements on the XM4.
But if money is a bit tight and you want a taste of Sony’s multi-award-winning sound signature at half the price, the XM4 fit the bill perfectly.
** Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6 **
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs XM4: verdict
So there you have it. It’s not a great surprise that the XM6 are the more capable and attractive headphones. But what is a surprise – and a pleasant one at that – is that the XM4 still make a decent case for themselves at their discounted price.
They’re comfortable, offer some of the same features as the XM6, and still sound competitive at their price.
If you have the budget, the XM6 are the wireless headphones to beat right now. But if you don’t have the money for them or the XM5, the XM4 aren’t a bad shout at all in what must be their final months of shelf life.
Dell’s Pro Max Plus is built to run massive AI models locally. No GPU, no cloud, no compromises.
(Image credit: Dell)
At Dell Technologies World 2025 this month, one laptop quietly stole the show, and it didn’t even have a GPU.
The new Dell Precision Pro Max Plus is a mobile workstation with a bold twist: It ditches the graphics card for an enterprise-grade discrete NPU.
That might sound niche, but it’s a big deal. This is the first notebook we’ve seen that treats AI as the primary workload, not graphics, gaming, or CAD. It’s powered by a dual-chip Qualcomm AI 100 card with 64GB of dedicated memory. Dell ran a 109-billion-parameter Llama 4 model in a live demo on the laptop without an Internet connection or cloud server.
Dell Pro Max Plus Laptop with Qualcomm AI 100 dedicated NPU Internals Render
The star of the show is the Qualcomm AI 100 PC Inference Card. It’s a dual-SoC module based on Qualcomm’s Cloud AI 100 chip, silicon that was originally designed for data centers.
In this configuration, you get 32 AI cores, 64GB of LPDDR4x memory, and around 450 TOPS (trillions of operations per second) of 8-bit AI compute. That’s an order of magnitude more AI power than even the latest Copilot+ PCs.
To make room for this monster, Dell removed the GPU entirely. Unlike other Pro Max Plus configs that offer Nvidia RTX graphics, this model swaps the discrete GPU slot for the Qualcomm card. That’s a trade-off for sure, but if you’re not rendering video or playing games, it’s a smart one.
Let’s talk raw AI power. Apple’s M4 MacBook Pro has a 16-core Neural Engine that maxes out around 38 TOPS. Intel’s upcoming Lunar Lake CPUs hit around 48 TOPS. Snapdragon X Elite sits at 45 TOPS, and AMD’s best integrated NPUs are around 55 TOPS. Dell’s Pro Max Plus? 450. That’s ten times more TOPS than the Snapdragon X Elite.
Platform
AI Accelerator
Peak TOPS
Dell Pro Max Plus
Qualcomm AI 100 (discrete)
~450
Apple MacBook Pro (M4)
Apple Neural Engine (integrated)
~38
Snapdragon X Elite
Hexagon NPU (integrated)
~45
Intel Lunar Lake
NPU 4 (integrated)
~48
AMD Ryzen AI
AMD NPU (integrated)
~55
This isn’t just about numbers, though. Dell’s card has a 64GB memory pool, meaning it can keep huge models entirely in local RAM without pulling from system memory.
That’s essential for developers working with large LLMs, vision models, or local inference.
It’s important to be mindful of who this machine is actually for. It’s not for gamers, students, or your average office user. Rather, the Pro Max Plus, with its discrete NPU, is aimed at data scientists, AI engineers, and developers who need to run massive models offline, securely, and on the go.
At Dell Technologies World, the company demonstrated its new Pro AI Studio toolkit running on the device. It includes use cases like modifying code in a game engine with natural language and deploying fine-tuned models without touching the cloud.
There are apparent advantages here for high-security industries. Running sensitive data through a local model means no cloud leaks or latency risk.
This workstation is effectively an AI edge server you can throw in a backpack. That opens the door for field applications in defense, healthcare, manufacturing, or disaster response: Anywhere fast, private AI inference is needed on the edge.
Looking under the hood
The Qualcomm AI 100 card is built on a 7nm process and uses two chips connected over PCIe. Each one offers 16 AI cores and 32GB of memory. Together, they act as a unified engine with enough bandwidth to handle some of the largest models available today.
In terms of thermal management, the card is designed to operate under a 75W thermal design power, which is considerably more than typical NPUs found in consumer laptops (usually under 10W). That means Dell had to account for additional cooling and power delivery, but in return, you get server-class performance without a server.
Apple’s M3 and Intel Lunar Lake are both fabbed on advanced 3nm TSMC nodes, while Snapdragon X Elite and AMD Ryzen AI are built on 4nm. Qualcomm’s 7nm tech may be older, but it’s optimized for efficiency under sustained AI load.
Sure, it won’t render a Pixar movie, but it will run Llama 4 Scout locally… and that’s arguably a more impressive flex nowadays.
The Qualcomm Cloud AI 100 card powering Dell’s Pro Max Plus delivers 450 TOPS of AI compute—ten times more than most integrated NPUs. (Image credit: Dell)
What does this all mean for workstation laptops?
The arrival of discrete NPUs in laptops like the Pro Max Plus marks a major inflection point in mobile computing. Michael Dell summed it up during the opening keynote of Dell Technologies World 2025: “Personal productivity is being reinvented by AI. We’re ready.”
Historically, workstation-class machines have revolved around GPUs, but PUs are general-purpose compute units that weren’t purpose-built for deep learning inference. With the Pro Max Plus, it’s clear Dell isn’t just ready: It’s pushing the workstation category into uncharted territory.
Dedicated NPUs, especially ones with large memory pools and optimized interconnects, change the game. They’re smaller, more power-efficient, and deliver far more performance per watt for AI-specific tasks.
This unlocks use cases previously restricted to datacenter servers or cloud instances for professionals building and deploying AI models.
Expect more vendors to follow suit. We’re already seeing Copilot+ PCs push integrated NPU performance, but Dell’s move hints at a future where premium workstations could offer GPU, NPU, or hybrid configurations.
If you’re building the future of AI, your next workstation might not have a GPU. And with laptops like this, it might not need one.
On average, a laptop can easily last four to five years, sometimes even longer if you take good care of it. Over time, though, you might start to notice it slowing down. In such cases, a common tip for improving performance is to upgrade the RAM (Random Access Memory), since it plays a big role in how fast your system runs. That, however, may not be an option if your laptop uses soldered RAM. So, what exactly is soldered RAM?
Soldered RAM, as you can probably guess from the name, is memory that’s permanently attached to the motherboard, meaning it’s not possible to remove or upgrade it. In contrast, laptops without soldered RAM usually use removable memory sticks, which makes it easy for users to swap or upgrade RAM when needed.
Soldered RAM offers several advantages. For one, since it is attached directly to the motherboard, there’s no need for separate RAM slots and connectors. This saves space and allows laptops to be slimmer and lighter. A prime example of this is Apple’s MacBooks, which have used soldered RAM for years. Soldered RAM can also deliver faster data transfer speeds and improved bandwidth, which is necessary for laptops built to handle AI processors. Finally, soldered RAM tends to be more durable than traditional memory sticks, since there are fewer physical components that can loosen or fail over time.
While there are valid reasons for manufacturers to use soldered RAM in laptops, it does come with some clear downsides. The most obvious is the lack of upgradability. If your laptop has soldered memory and you ever want to upgrade or replace it, you’re out of options. This is something that might not matter to the average user, but for tech-savvy users, it’s a real pain point.
To make up for the lack of upgradability, you’ll need to choose a model with more RAM right from the start. Another good option is a laptop that has both soldered RAM and an extra RAM slot. This will give you the flexibility to add more RAM later if needed. Essentially, soldered RAM in laptops makes it important to think ahead and future-proof your purchase.
Another downside of soldered RAM in laptops is that it makes repairing difficult and more costly. Since the RAM is permanently attached to the motherboard, a failure means replacing the entire motherboard instead of just swapping out the faulty memory. This, of course, can drive up the cost significantly. The best way to find out if a laptop uses soldered RAM is to check the manufacturer’s official documentation.
The short answer to this is no, at least not for most people. There are other important laptop components, like the CPU and GPU, that are already non-upgradeable, and soldered RAM is just another one on that list. Also, soldered RAM isn’t necessarily bad as it offers benefits such as better speeds, increased reliability, and efficient use of internal space.
If you’re concerned about your laptop becoming slow over time, upgrading the RAM isn’t the only solution. There are ways to make Windows 11 run faster and even speed up your slow Mac by minimizing startup apps, cutting down on background processes, clearing up disk space, or switching to a high-performance power plan.
Finally, while upgrading the RAM can help, it can’t magically solve everything and make your laptop last longer. If your laptop is already showing signs of wear, it might actually be smarter to replace it instead of throwing money at upgrades. Plus, you can still repurpose your old laptop for something useful like a home security hub or a game server.
Sony WH-1000XM6
