Coros Watches Just Got a Bunch of New Features I've Wanted for a While

Coros Watches Just Got a Bunch of New Features I've Wanted for a While

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Coros, maker of some excellent running watches that rival Garmins in features and accuracy, announced a set of updates that include voice alerts, in-app training plans, and the ability to (finally!) change the number of reps in a strength workout directly from your watch. Here are the highlights: 

Libraries of training plans and workouts in the app

Coros offers pre-built training plans for a variety of goals, like running your first marathon or beating 25 minutes in a 5K race. But until recently, you couldn’t browse and select these from the app. 

Now, you can go into Profile on the Coros app, and select Training Plan Library or Workout Library to see all your options. There are separate tabs for the official offerings from Coros, and for “My Workouts” to show just the ones you’ve created or saved for yourself.

Correcting reps directly from the watch

When you’re doing a strength workout, a Coros watch can attempt to count reps, but it doesn’t always get things right. With the new update, you can now edit the rep count on your watch immediately after the set.

The strength training feature also adds animations for each exercise, but I found that to enable this, I had to go to the Profile tab in the app and tap “Download now” to get the animation files onto my device. The watch helpfully told me how to do this, but it couldn’t download the files during a workout, so I had to end the workout, download the files, and restart.

Voice alerts while you’re running

Previously, a Coros watch could beep to let you know when a turn was coming up on a route you’re following, but unlike a Garmin, it wouldn’t actually speak to you to say “turn left.” Now, voice alerts are available for pace, distance, and upcoming turns, as well as nutrition alerts (reminding you to eat during a run), if you’ve enabled those.

Voice alerts, like exercise animations, also require a file download. Go to Profile, your device, and File Downloads to make sure they’ve been added before your run.

The update also adds more workout modes, including yoga and pilates; an AI chatbot for help; alerts when you’re running a route backwards (and the ability to run it backwards on purpose); and more, including redesigned controls that are intended to be more touchscreen-friendly on touchscreen watches like the Pace Pro



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My Favorite Ways to Clean My Air Fryer

My Favorite Ways to Clean My Air Fryer

While the air fryer doesn’t get soiled in the same way a blender or a crock pot does, it does deal with grease, powerful heat, and moisture. Combine those things with hidden nooks and you’ve got a situation where food and oily residue can build up pretty quickly. Cleaning it regularly is a crucial part of keeping the appliance safe and the food coming out of it tasting great. Here’s how I take care of my air fryers. (Yes, I have more than one. Here are my favorite air fryers for 2025.)

The inside of an air fryer, half cleaned.
Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

Basic cleaning

There’s basic maintenance and then there’s serious cleaning, but we’ll jump into that in a second. Basic cleaning is the low-effort cleaning routine you should get comfortable with—this will end up making the deep cleaning sessions easier and less frequent. 

Clean the removable parts

Whether you have a basket-style or oven-style air fryer, consider the parts of the machine that have come into direct contact with food. That might be the grate and basket, or the grate and tray in an oven air fryer. As long as they’re removable, take them out when they’re cool and give them a wash with a sponge and soapy warm water. 

If your grates are grooved or wavy in some way, it’s common for food bits to get caught or for oil to seep down into the pits. A sponge might not do the trick here, so break out the bristle brush. Soap the brush and give the weird parts of the grate some extra scrubbing before rinsing with warm water.

This will be sufficient for most of the removable parts in an air fryer, but in some cases those parts are dishwasher-safe. Check with the manufacturer’s website first, but if you have a dishwasher then your life just got easier. Let those parts air dry afterward or you can towel dry them. Do this after each use, unless you’re using a disposable liner, which will catch a lot of food residue and maybe give you some leeway.

Wipe down the interior

You’ll probably notice that the interior walls of your air fryer are picking up some color. This comes with multiple uses; heat, oils, and moisture can leave some splotchiness over time. While you don’t have to do this after every single use, you should wipe down the interior walls now and then to keep oils from building up.

Make sure the appliance is unplugged. Take out the racks or the air fryer basket (ideally, they’re in the dishwasher or in the sink) to give your arms some room. Using the soft side of a damp soapy sponge, wipe down the walls and gently clean off the heating element. Don’t scrape or scratch the heating element, not even if there’s something crusted onto it. There are ways to deal with that …

Tough stains and crud

Even with frequent maintenance you’ll have to fight with some crud now and then. Here are the simplest and cheapest tools you should keep in your arsenal.

A baking soda scrub. This is one of my favorite methods—the baking soda loosens the grease and it's slightly abrasive, which is good for scrubbing and lifting food particles.

A pastry brush in a small bowl of baking soda paste.
Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a teaspoon or two of water to make a paste. Use a toothbrush, pastry brush, or even your fingertip to apply the paste to stains. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes and use a brush or the scrubby side of a sponge to loosen the grime. Wipe off the paste with a damp sponge or paper towel, and let it dry.

A vinegar soak. Depending on what part you’re soaking, make a solution with one cup of water and two tablespoons of vinegar. (You can double or triple this for bigger soaks.) I’ll put the solution in a baking sheet pan and then submerge flat grates for soaking oven-style air fryer grates. For basket-style air fryers, I leave the grate inside the basket and add the vinegar soak to it. Soak for 20 minutes or up to an hour and scrub down the grates. Rinse the parts clean and let them air dry. 

Paper towel soak for the heating element. If you got a weird chunk of food stuck directly to the heating element, you have two options: Let it slowly burn off when you use the air fryer again (it will smell briefly, and also could be potentially hazardous) or apply a paper towel soak to remove the gunk. 

For the paper towel soak, make sure the machine is unplugged. If the heating element is on the top of the unit or on the side, turn the machine so it’s on the bottom—you’ll need gravity to help, here. Soak and wring out a piece of paper towel. You can add a drop of dish soap if you’d like, but very little. Stick it onto the crud that's stuck to the heating element (that’s why we turned the machine). The paper towel should be wet but not dripping. Let this soak for 20 minutes or so. Wipe the spot using the paper towel. The crud should come off at least a bit, if not completely. Repeat this again if needed.

If you see built-up grease in the corners of the grate inserts I suggest a two-pronged approach of soaking and then using a baking soda paste scrub. After the cleaned parts are dry, your air fryer should be squeaky clean and ready for another meal. 



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These Refurbished JBL Earbuds Are on Sale for $45 Right Now

These Refurbished JBL Earbuds Are on Sale for $45 Right Now

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If you’ve been eyeing a pair of noise-cancelling earbuds without blowing your budget, these Grade A refurbished JBL Tune Buds might be worth a second look. Available for $44.99 at Woot right now (for the next week or until it sells out), it's about $65 less than what a new pair would run you on Amazon. They ship free if you have Prime (otherwise it's $6 for shipping), and come with a 1-year eReplacements Limited Warranty. And since they’re Grade A refurbs, you’re getting full diagnostic-tested functionality and no obvious visible damage.

The Tune Buds come tuned for heavy bass by default, but the companion app lets you adjust the EQ for a more balanced sound. They also support Bluetooth 5.3, AAC, SBC codecs, and multipoint pairing, allowing you to seamlessly switch between your laptop and phone without any hassle. As for the active noise cancellation, it is decent for the price, helping muffle most everyday background noise, and the IP54 rating makes them sweat- and splash-resistant enough for light workouts or rainy walks, according to this PCMag review. You also get customizable touch controls and built-in Alexa support, though you’ll need to set that up in the app.

The battery life holds up surprisingly well: JBL says you’ll get up to 10 hours on a single charge with ANC on (12 hours without), and the charging case stores an additional 30 to 36 hours, depending on your usage. That’s a full weekend of listening without scrambling for a charger. The 10mm drivers deliver a standard 20Hz to 20kHz range, and the earphones ship with three sizes of silicone tips to help you find the right seal. While the default sound may not please purists, the mix of features, comfort, and price makes these Tune Buds a solid buy, especially if you want a budget-friendly set of ANC earbuds that leans bass-heavy.



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This Skullcandy Earbud Two-Pack Is 74% Off Right Now

This Skullcandy Earbud Two-Pack Is 74% Off Right Now

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If you (and someone else you know) are in the market for a new pair of earbuds, this two-pack of Skullcandy Indy Evo True Wireless Earbuds is currently on sale for 74% off its list price at $36.99. Great for workouts, everyday use, and bass-forward sound, these Skullcandy earbuds deliver a solid range of features for the price point.

These earbuds have an IP55 rating, making them sweat and dust-resistant—but they’re not ideal for heavy rain or submersion. Battery life lasts around six hours on a single charge (which takes approximately an hour), and users get an additional 24-hour boost with the charging case for a total of 30 hours of playtime. Compatible with iPhone, Android, and most Bluetooth devices, the Indy Evo also includes Tile tech, allowing you to track either earbud via the Tile app if you misplace them. Touch controls let you adjust volume, playback, calls, noise controls, EQ, and your phone’s assistant.

Despite the low cost, the sound quality is surprisingly strong and well-suited to a variety of music genres. That said, while some users find them comfortable, others say they’re bulky and tend to slip. Additionally, some users mention inconsistent performance or Bluetooth pairing issues. Mic quality is decent, but it doesn’t offer much noise suppression in loud environments. And while they don’t offer noise cancellation (you’ll want the Indy ANC earphones for that), this two-pack of Skullcandy Indy Evo True Wireless Earbuds has plenty of beginner-level features, bass-heavy sound, and quick charging. With each pair breaking down to around $20 per pair, they’re a budget-friendly buy. 



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A Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Running Earbuds or Headphones

A Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Running Earbuds or Headphones

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After six years of training for marathons, I've experimented with my fair share earbuds. Sometimes I'm listening to a hype playlist, sometimes a podcast, and oftentimes a musical (sorry!). Whatever I'm listening to, I count on my earbuds to get me through scorching summers, bitter winters, city streets, country trails, and soul-crushing treadmill sessions. It's safe to say that the right audio gear can make or break your running experience.

Of course, your ideal running earbuds depend on your specific needs: where you run, how far you go, what climate you face, and how your ears are shaped. Everyone's preferences differ, but most runners can agree on certain guidelines when it comes to finding the perfect pair of headphones or earbuds for you. So, here's what really matters in a pair of earbuds when you're logging serious miles.

The non-negotiables for running earbuds

Whatever your personal preferences, all runners can agree on these must-haves in a pair of earbuds.

  • Sweat and weather resistance: Your earbuds will face a baptism by sweat, rain, snow, and humidity. Look for an IPX4 rating minimum, though IPX7 is better if you're a heavy sweater or run in all conditions. I've killed too many pairs of "water-resistant" buds during long, humid summer runs. Don't trust marketing speak—check the actual IP rating.

  • Secure fit that actually lasts: A good fit in the store means nothing at mile 18 when you're sweating buckets and your ears are slick. The best running earbuds either hook over your ear, have fins or wings for stability, or create such a perfect seal that they stay put through everything. I've spent too many miles readjusting loose buds or stopping to pick them up off the pavement.

    This is why my go-to style aren't wireless buds or over-the-head earphones, but something that wraps around the back of your head, like the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, which my colleague Daniel Oropeza reviews in-depth here. Similarly, Lifehacker's senior health editor Beth Skwarecki prefers ear hooks (even if she knows an earbud is secure, she will worry), and Shokz is her go-to choice as well. She recommends using their measuring guide to find the perfect fit for you.

  • Battery life for the long haul: If you're training for marathons, you need earbuds that can handle 3-4 hour runs without dying. Factor in cold weather too—batteries drain faster when it's freezing. Aim for at least 6-8 hours of playback, or ensure the charging case gives you multiple full charges for ultra-long training days.

Sound quality considerations

With the basics of durability out of the way, now we can dive into your listening experience.

  • Situational awareness vs. immersion: This is deeply personal and depends on where you run. For city running, you need to hear traffic, cyclists, and other runners. Headphones or earbuds with transparency modes are lifesavers here. For treadmill torture sessions or safe trail runs, noise isolation can be your mental escape hatch. Beth recommends the RIPT Ultra Headphones for this exact purpose.

  • Strong bass: You want enough low-end to feel the rhythm of your running playlist, but not so much that it becomes fatiguing over hours or drowns out important audio cues. The best running earbuds have a slight bass emphasis without sacrificing clarity in the mids (where most vocals sit).

    I'm a huge fan of the Pump X Fitness headphones—specifically their "X-mode," a step above noise-cancelling that really blasts the bass. It feels like it was designed specifically for the moment when you're struggling through that final mile.

    If you do speed-work indoors, opt for over-the-head earphones. Your earbuds need to handle the monotonous pounding and potentially poor gym ventilation. Trust me, the constant up-and-down motion of intervals will test even the most secure fit.

  • Volume consistency: Look for earbuds that maintain consistent volume across different types of music and don't require constant adjustment. Nothing's worse than having to fumble with controls during a tempo run because your classical cooldown track is suddenly inaudible.

Practical features that matter

I find these features get overlooked when shopping for headphones, but these ones end up determining which pair I buy again and again.

  • Controls you can actually use: Touch controls are finicky with sweaty, gloved, or numb fingers. Physical buttons are more reliable, but make sure they're positioned where you won't accidentally hit them. The best systems let you control everything without pulling out your phone—especially crucial for winter runs when your phone is buried under layers. My favorite brands on this front are Shokz, Soundcore, and Beats.

  • Quick connection and stability: Bluetooth dropouts during a race or key workout are infuriating. Look for earbuds with stable connections and quick pairing. Some of the latest models connect instantly when you put them in your ears—a small luxury that feels huge when you're rushing out the door.

  • Easy charging: Your post-run routine should be simple: rinse off sweat, drop earbuds in case, done. Wireless charging cases or magnetic charging contacts work better than finicky micro-USB ports that get clogged with sweat and debris.

  • Multiple ear tip options: Everyone's ears are different, and what feels fine for a 3-mile shake-out run might be painful by mile 20. The best brands include multiple sizes and sometimes different materials (silicone vs. foam). Don't assume the medium tips that come pre-installed will automatically work for you!

  • Temperature considerations: Earbuds can feel different in extreme temperatures. Some materials get uncomfortably hard in cold weather, while others become too soft and lose their grip when it's hot. If you run year-round in varied climates, test your earbuds in different conditions before committing.

    Summer humidity and winter cold both test your gear differently. Condensation can kill electronics, while extreme cold can make batteries die rapidly and materials become brittle. For instance, I'm loyal to a pair of Plantronics Backbeat FITs that are tragically no longer in production. My one complaint with them is how quickly they die in cold weather. They've yet to fail me during my fall/winter races, but getting a "low battery warning" within one hour of fully-charged use sure does strike fear in my heart.

  • Weight distribution: Heavy earbuds or soundproof headphones can create some pretty gnarly pressure points during long runs. The best running earbuds distribute weight evenly and feel like they disappear once you're in your rhythm.

The bottom line

Don't get caught up in fancy features you'll never use. Things like "active noise cancellation" might sound appealing, but it's often unnecessary for running and it drains battery.

The earbuds that get you through your training are the ones that will be there for you on race day. After thousands of miles with different models, I've learned that reliability and comfort trump fancy features every time. For me, the true test is whether your earbuds can handle back-to-back weekend long runs without failing, becoming uncomfortable, or needing constant adjustment.

Invest in a pair that checks all your personal boxes, not just the ones with the flashiest marketing. Your future marathoning self will thank you around mile 23 when your music is still pumping and your earbuds are still exactly where they should be.



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Why You Shouldn’t Trust Product Pictures When You’re Shopping for Walking Pads

Why You Shouldn’t Trust Product Pictures When You’re Shopping for Walking Pads

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If there's one thing I love about my walking pad, it's the fact that it's bigger than most walking pads. Where most walking pads are significantly smaller than your average treadmill, the running belt on my Merach W50 is 16.5" x 41.3". For context, standard treadmill belt widths range from 18” x 48” (walking) to 22" x 60” (running).

Of course, walking pads are supposed to be small. You're not in the market for a bulky treadmill; you're looking for something that can fit under your desk and then slide out of sight. However, scroll through listings for walking pads, and you'll notice something peculiar: The models using these devices appear to glide effortlessly across spacious walking surfaces, their proportions suggesting these are substantial pieces of equipment. But look closer at the actual product dimensions, and you'll realize that the model in the photo must be the size of an American Girl Doll. If you found this article because you're shopping around for walking pads right now, heed my warning: What you see is rarely what you get.

Why walking pad marketing is so misleading

Many walking pads measure just 16-20 inches wide and 40-50 inches long. For context, that's barely wider than a standard laptop and shorter than most coffee tables. Yet the marketing photos consistently feature people who appear perfectly proportioned to the device, creating an optical illusion that these compact machines offer the same experience as full-sized treadmills.

The problem isn't just perspective tricks or clever photography angles—I know that's the name of the game in all of advertising. What I'm seeing across listings is way more egregious and, well, laughable. The models featured look unnaturally petite compared to the actual product that will arrive at your door. Obviously, this a deliberate marketing strategy designed to make potential buyers believe they're purchasing something more substantial than they actually are. Then you're left with a walking surface that's narrower than expected and can feel unstable or cramped, particularly for taller individuals or those with wider gaits.

Again: A small walking pad isn't the end of the world. It could be exactly what you want. I'm simply urging you to be aware of what you're actually buying. Here's a prime example, pulled from this review for this walking pad from "BestGod" (one of those Amazon-adjacent, TikTokShop-type brands). This is the product photo on Amazon:

BestGod walking pad product image.
So spacious! Credit: Image courtesy of Amazon

And this is a photo of the actual product in use:

Amazon review for BestGod treadmill.
That is a doll walking pad for dolls, if you ask me. Credit: Image courtesy of Amazon.

Hey, it's still a positive review. But if you thought you'd have the space advertised in the picture online, you'd have made a $100 mistake.

How to read between the lines

Savvy consumers need to become detective-like in their approach to walking pad shopping. Here's what to look for:

  • Prioritize measurements over photos: Always check the exact dimensions listed in the product specifications. Measure out these dimensions in your space using tape or chalk to get a real sense of the footprint.

  • Look for scale references: If product photos include objects like water bottles, phones, or furniture, use these to gauge the actual size. A walking pad that makes a standard water bottle look oversized is probably quite compact.

  • Check multiple angles: Manufacturers often avoid showing full-body shots from the side, which would reveal the true proportions. Look for reviews or videos that show the product from various perspectives.

  • Read user reviews carefully: Past buyers often mention if the product was smaller than expected. Pay particular attention to reviews from taller individuals, as they're more likely to notice size limitations.

The bottom line

Walking pads are genuinely convenient for small spaces, quiet enough for apartment living, and perfect for light walking workouts. The key is knowing exactly what you're buying.

And look—I know this sort of consumer warning is a losing battle. In the age of online shopping, we've become accustomed to products looking different in person than in photos. But featuring impossibly petite models and carefully crafted angles, manufacturers create expectations that reality simply cannot meet.

Trust the numbers, not the photos. Measure twice, buy once. And remember: If the person in the product photo looks like they could comfortably fit in your carry-on luggage, the walking pad is probably smaller than you think.



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The Best (and Easiest) Way to Clean a Vitamix Explorian E310

The Best (and Easiest) Way to Clean a Vitamix Explorian E310

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When you spend top dollar on a high-quality blender, it's important to ensure it lasts a while. That includes following the rules while blending—don’t overheat the engine, avoid throwing rocks in there, and so on—but taking care of the machine after the blend is equally as important. 

The Vitamix Explorian E310 is the cheapest of Vitamix’s offerings, but it is by no means cheap monetarily nor in quality. While it doesn’t have the fancy presets of the Vitamix Ascent line, it still has nearly the same blending power and because of that, I think this Explorian might be the best deal of all its blenders.

Here’s how I keep my Vitamix Explorian clean so it can keep making my favorite chia pudding forever.

How to Clean your Vitamix Explorian E310

Cleaning your Vitamix Explorian (or any Vitamix blender, for that matter) should not be over-thought. It’s easy. Keep it that way.

1. Add soap and fill it halfway with warm water

Once you’ve finished blending, detach the container from the motor and rinse it out. I like to get most of the loose food remnants off of the lid and the walls of the container first. Add one or two drops of dish detergent to the container and fill the vessel up halfway-ish with warm water. Secure the lid back onto the container.

2. Dial up the speed

Close-up of the Vitamix Explorian E310's control panel.
Credit: Carmine Mattia

The Explorian E310 does not have a cleaning preset, but that’s OK; we can operate the cleaning cycle manually. Start with the speed dial turned all the way to the left to setting 1. Flip the switch on and, while it’s running, use the dial to turn the blender all the way up to setting 10. Let it run at this speed for about 30 seconds straight. Rotate the dial back to setting 1, or just flip the switch off. 

3. Spot clean any stubborn areas

This is usually enough to clean the container and blades. If the soapy water didn’t splash up to the lid (it often won’t) then just take a soapy sponge and wipe it down. If you made something oily then there may be a stubborn smudge or two. I hit those with a soapy sponge and rinse it out. I’ve never seen anything get stuck under or directly around the blades after a single cleaning cycle. However, if you have this problem then just carefully use a sponge or a bottle brush to clean up around the blades. Let the container and lid air dry upside down.

Try a vinegar soak

If you’ve noticed your container has developed a cloudy film, or if you made a big batch of aioli and it still smells like garlic after the usual cleaning, add a cup of white vinegar to the container and fill it up with warm water until you reach the halfway point for the container’s capacity. Run the machine like you did before, then let it sit for several hours or overnight. Use the scrubby side of a sponge and carefully clean the sides. Rinse out this solution and you should be in good shape.

Things to avoid when cleaning your Vitamix Explorian E310

The inside of the Vitamix Explorian E310's container.
Credit: Carmine Mattia

Don’t put parts in the dish washer. The manufacturer does not recommend tossing the container or lid into the dishwasher. (If it's not obvious, don't put the motor in there either.)

Don’t attempt to take the blades off. The blade at the bottom of the container is not meant to be removed. It’s very securely and permanently attached. And considering the speed at which this blender runs, I wouldn’t trust myself re-attaching it properly anyway.



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Your PS5 Doesn’t Support Bluetooth Headphones, but Here's How to Connect Them Anyway

Your PS5 Doesn’t Support Bluetooth Headphones, but Here's How to Connect Them Anyway

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These days, most tech that produces any kind of audio will work seamlessly with Bluetooth headphones, like AirPods. My computer, my phone, and even my Nintendo Switch all support relatively seamless Bluetooth pairing, so I pop them out of the case and get to watching or playing. The one device I can think of that does not play nice with AirPods, or any wireless headphones for that matter, is my PS5.

Here's how I discovered this: It was late, and I wanted to play some Astro Bot. I adore the game, but, I can admit, it's noisy. To be courteous to the rest of my house, I decided to play with my AirPods in, so I went through the usual steps: I put my AirPods in pairing mode, turned on my PS5, and navigated to Settings > Accessories > General > Bluetooth Accessories. My AirPods showed up on the list, but when I tried to connect them, I was greeted by the following message: "The PS5 doesn't support Bluetooth audio accessories."

I'm sorry, what? My $500 PlayStation 5 that launched in 2020, years after Bluetooth headphones were standard tech, doesn't support Bluetooth audio accessories? That would only make sense if Sony, like, sold their own line of wired and wireless headphones, in the hopes you buy a pair of those instead of using the products you already own. Oh, right: they do. OK, other companies sell headphones designed specifically for use with the PS5 too, but come on. Even the original Switch now supports Bluetooth audio, a feature Nintendo added four years after the console launched. Sony could easily do the same.

My annoyance aside, don't worry: The answer isn't to buy one of Sony's proprietary "audio accessories." Instead, there's an easy, free solution to the problem—assuming your TV is cooperative.

Connect your Bluetooth headphones directly to your TV

In my frustration, I did some googling and stumbled upon this Reddit thread. The OP was wondering, as I was, why they couldn't use Bluetooth audio devices with their PS5. While there's no official explanation (but see above for a likely one), another Redittor provided this simple yet salient suggestion: just pair your headphones with your TV.

You can do that? Why didn't I think of that? Why didn't I consider the fact that my TV is also a "modern" device with Bluetooth capabilities? I don't have answers, only solutions: Just connect your AirPods to your TV when you want to use them with your PS5.

To do this, you, of course, need a TV that supports Bluetooth audio accessories. If you don't have one, this trick won't work. My TV is from 2017, however, and it does, so I imagine many if not most TVs purchased in the bast half-decade or so will support this option.

Check your settings

Getting this to work may require you to tinker with your audio outputs. Your PS5's audio source will need to be set to your TV, and your TV's audio output will also need to be its internal speakers. If you already use your TV's speakers, this is probably already set up on both devices. But if you use an external audio setup, like a soundbar, double-check these settings. On the PS5, you'll find this on Settings > Sound > Audio Output. On your TV, navigate to your audio settings, and ensure that the output is set to its own internal speakers, rather than another device.

Connect your headphones or earbuds

With that done, you'll need to connect your Bluetooth headphones to your TV. Place them in pairing mode (this varies by device, so look up your brand of headphones to learn how if you don't know), then locate your TV's audio settings and look for anything concerning Bluetooth accessories or devices. If your TV has this menu, you should be able to search for nearby devices, and your headphones should appear in the list. Select them, wait for them to pair, and presto: Your AirPods, or other wireless headphones, will now stream the audio coming from your TV, which means they'll also stream the audio from your PS5.

Or use a Bluetooth audio adapter

If your TV doesn't support Bluetooth, you still don't need to buy a pair of Sony's headphones. Instead, you can buy something much cheaper: a Bluetooth audio adapter. These attachments outfit a non-Bluetooth device with Bluetooth capabilities. You can plug one into your PS5 or your TV, connect your headphones to it, and stream away. There are plenty of options out there, but something like UGREEN's USB-C Bluetooth adapter seems to work well enough per the reviews. Hell, even the HomeSpot, which was specifically designed for the Switch before Nintendo added support for Bluetooth devices, works on the PS5.

You can pick up one of these adapters for around $25, and while it's frustrating to have to spend money at all to get a feature you should have built-it, that's better than buying a whole new headset just for playing games on your PS5 without bothering everyone around you.



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How I Meal Prepped an Entire Week of Steak Lunches in My Air Fryer

How I Meal Prepped an Entire Week of Steak Lunches in My Air Fryer

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Meal prepping for the week is a great way to make lunch or dinner a simple matter of reheating. It’s extra helpful for folks cooking for one because all those recipes for casseroles, stews, and roasts become supremely economical. For example, take a nice cut of steak. Maybe it’s organic. Perhaps grass-fed. Perchance your grocery store charges you $25+ dollars for this nice, organic, grass-fed steak. For some, this pricey steak may only last a single meal. But when you’re meal prepping smart, you can get more bang for your buck and eat it every lunchtime for five days. 

When I meal prep steak lunches, I’m not only concerned with keeping it cost efficient, but also time efficient. As someone who has meal prepped seven-component lunches for several months in an effort to save time, I’ve found that the preparation part is actually the biggest time suck. This is why I’ve called upon the services of my dear sweet Ninja Crispi air fryer. It’s hands-off, easy to set up, and it’s powerful, which makes meal prepping steak a snap. (Check out my tests and review for this portable air fryer.) Here’s how I meal prep steak so it’s quick, affordable, and not overcooked.

The Ninja Crispi on a counter top.
Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

How to make the best air fried steak

The trick to meal prepping steak is to undercook it first. Unless you’re a weirdo, like my partner who enjoys eating cold food, you’re probably planning on reheating your steak before you eat it. (He just ate yesterday’s air fried chicken cutlets—cold. The severity of my side-eye is giving me a headache.) Likely, that reheat will be done in the microwave, and that appliance has no forgiveness for your perfectly cooked steak. Knowing this, you should plan on air frying your steak to get some color but under cook it by 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. I know, it seems like a lot but when you reheat it later, your steak will maintain its juiciness and come up to roughly the right temperature.

A thermometer taking the temperature of a steak.
Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

1. Season your steak, simply

I season my fridge-cold steak with salt and a sprinkle of MSG on all sides. Then I let it hang out in the fridge uncovered for a couple hours or overnight as a dry brine. If I’m in a rush, I just skip that step and get on with the air frying. 

2. Air fry it on high

The display on the Ninja Crispi.
Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

The goal is to get a bit of color on the outside but keep the inside from coming up to temperature all the way. The best way to do that is to blast the steak on high for a short period of time. I sent my Ninja Crispi to “max crisp,” which is the highest temperature and fan speed. If you’re using a different air fryer, you’ll choose something like the “air fry” setting, and a temperature around 400°F. Press start and let this go for five to 10 minutes. The Ninja Crispi has a glass container so I can observe my steak as it cooks and flip it halfway through, or when I’m happy with the color. 

3. Cool and slice 

A strip steak cut into five big slices.
Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

Test the center of the steak for the temperature. Depending on how you like your steak cooked, you’ll have a different goal temperature. I like my steak cooked to a solid medium, so about 135°F. After eight minutes, I checked my steak’s temperature and it came to 107°F, about 30°F shy of my goal temperature. This is perfect for my meal prepping intentions. I took the steak out and let it cool completely without slicing it. Once it’s completely cool, prep it how you like. If you want it to be sliced or cubed for your meal, go ahead. Just keep in mind: The smaller the pieces, the faster it will reheat. Arrange the rest of your meal prep how you prefer and put it all in the fridge or in the freezer.

I’m not sure how I want my steak to be cut this week, so I divided it into five big pieces instead. Then I can reheat it easily without overcooking it and decide in the moment how I want it to be sliced. My single $25 steak is now a $5 contribution to my lunch for the week, paired with rice or pasta and veggies.

While you can totally reheat your meal prepped steak in the microwave, consider putting it back in the air fryer for about five to seven minutes during that future lunch time to crisp up the outside and keep the inside juicy and tender. 



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Apple's Newest Warranty Plan Might Finally Convince Me to Get AppleCare

Apple's Newest Warranty Plan Might Finally Convince Me to Get AppleCare

Each time I buy a new Apple product, I'm faced with a moral and ethical dilemma: Do I, or do I not, buy AppleCare? Indeed, AppleCare adds an extra cost on top of an already expensive laptop or smartphone. However, it might save me money down the road should something happen to my device—whether I drop my iPhone and break the screen, or someone snatches it while I'm out and about.

The problem with warranties like AppleCare, other than the price itself, is that they only apply to the single product you're buying it for. That makes sense—one product, one warranty. But with Apple, you're rarely buying one product. The ecosystem is designed to work best when you have more than one Apple device. Suddenly, you're not faced with the question of buying AppleCare for only your iPhone, but also your MacBook, your iPad, your Apple Watch. Maybe you bite the bullet, and empty your wallet to protect everything. Or, you pick and choose, prioritizing the priciest devices, while leaving the less expensive ones vulnerable.

I often find myself in the latter category: I can't buy a Mac without AppleCare, but I do go without it for my iPhone, and pray I don't drop it. Apple's latest warranty plan, AppleCare One, however, might convince some like me to start covering more of their devices than usual.

AppleCare One

Apple announced the new warranty plan on Wednesday morning. Here's the gist: For $19.99 per month, you can choose to cover up to three Apple devices at once. If you have more than three devices, you can add additional coverage for $5.99 a pop.

If you're familiar with AppleCare+, you won't be surprised by AppleCare One's coverage. With it, you get unlimited repairs for damage from drops and spills, 24/7 "priority" support from Apple, as well as coverage on battery issues. Like AppleCare+, iPhones are covered for theft and loss, but one big difference with AppleCare One is that this coverage also extends to iPad and Apple Watch. (Apple says these devices' AppleCare+ plans will increase in price as a result.) If you lose your Apple Watch on vacation, or your iPad is stolen out of your bag, this plan covers you.

You can also add products you've owned for some time. Before, you needed to enroll your devices in AppleCare within 60 days of purchasing them. But now, you can add devices up to four years old to your AppleCare One plan. That makes it possible to add older products you've purchased secondhand, assuming they're in good enough condition to be enrolled.

That's the thing: Apple doesn't have a specific rubric for you to follow in order to know whether your device is eligible for AppleCare One. If it powers on and is free of visible cracks or scratches, it seems there's a good chance it'll be approved, but it does need to be approved. You can do that from an Apple Store in-person, of course, but Apple has also built tools in both the Apple Store app, as well as your device's Settings app, to evaluate the condition of your device. That includes a diagnostic test, to make sure it's working properly, but you'll also need a separate device, like an iPhone, to take photos of your device to make sure it qualifies. If it doesn't, you can repair it first, then enroll it in AppleCare One.

AppleCare One also doesn't have an expiration date. You can keep your devices enrolled as long as you want, and since it's a monthly plan, you can mix and match which devices are covered as you wish.

Pricing

$20 per month is not cheap, of course. That's the price of at least one, if not two subscriptions to streaming services. However, it's complicated situation. If you tend to cover all of your Apple devices, this is likely a win. If you have a 13-inch MacBook Air (typically $6.99 per month to cover), an iPhone 16e (typically $9.99 per month) and an Apple Watch Series 10 (typically $3.99 per month), you're saving a dollar with this new plan. If you have a more expensive MacBook, like a 16-inch Pro (typically $14.99) and an expensive iPhone, like a 16 Pro (typically $13.99 per month), you're saving quite a bit.

Of course, if you only have two relatively inexpensive Apple devices—an iPhone 16e at $9.99, and a Mac mini at $3.49, this plan isn't enticing at all. You'll want to price out the difference in cost between covering your chosen devices individually with AppleCare+, or folding them in under AppleCare One. You can check out AppleCare plan pricing per device on Apple's site here.

AppleCare One could be the move

There are things I do genuinely like about this plan. One, it does make it simple to cover multiple Apple devices at once—$20 is not a terrible price to ensure that a Mac, iPhone, and iPad are all covered. But more than that, it might encourage us to use our devices longer. We're conditioned to upgrade our devices as soon as they break, and limited, exclusive warranties don't help that. By allowing you to add older devices without an expiration on the coverage, you can be rest assured that your existing iPhone, iPad, MacBook, or Apple Watch is going to be supported into the future. It's no longer a question of "use it 'til it breaks," but rather, "use it 'til it can't be fixed." That's pretty cool.

AppleCare One will be available starting Thursday, July 24.



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Google Has Given Us Our First Official Look at the Pixel 10

Google Has Given Us Our First Official Look at the Pixel 10

New devices are getting harder and harder for tech companies to keep under wraps, and after the base Pixel 10 saw new render leaks drop yesterday, followed by Pixel 10 Pro leaks this morning (both via Android Headlines), Google seems to have given up and decided to published a video of the Pixel 10 itself.

On a Google Store page for the Pixel 10, the company now shows a short sequence with the number 10 transforming into a Pixel camera bar, before zooming out to reveal the phone in its full glory. While the company didn’t say whether this is the base model or the pro model, the store page and URL only mentions “Pixel 10.” Still, the phone in the video does look a lot more like how the Pixel 10 Pro is rumored to look.

That’s a bit disappointing, since the base Pixel 10 is the one that’s set to be startly different from the last model. While the regular Pixel 10 is rumored to be getting a new telephoto lens (at the cost of some ultrawide fidelity), the (seeming) Pixel 10 Pro in Google’s video looks almost exactly like the Pixel 9 Pro. 

That means no lost features, but also probably merely incremental improvements. Still, there is one key takeaway here: That the leaks seem to have been right on the money for the Pixel 10 Pro means that leaks for the base Pixel 10, which have been corroborated by the same source as the 10 Pro’s leaks, might be correct as well. That’s big news, since it would seem to confirm that the regular Pixel 10 will indeed have an arguably worse camera system than its predecessor, depending on how important zoom is to you.

Regardless, it won’t take long to get rid of all the “maybes” here: The entire Pixel 10 portfolio is set to go on sale on August 20, after a stream showing the new devices off at 1 p.m. EST that day. Alongside the base Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro, Google is also expected to reveal a Pixel 10 Pro Fold and the Pixel Watch 4.



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This Ring Wireless Outdoor Camera Is at Its Lowest Price Ever Right Now

This Ring Wireless Outdoor Camera Is at Its Lowest Price Ever Right Now

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If you’re looking for a security camera that can be mounted almost anywhere without running wires through your walls, the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro (Battery) is one of the more flexible options available. And right now, this certified refurbished model is down to $118.99 on Amazon—its lowest recorded price, according to price trackers.

This is a battery-powered, wire-free outdoor camera that brings a mix of strong image quality, useful features, and an easy setup that doesn’t require any drilling unless you want to. The camera delivers crisp, full-color video even at night, thanks to dual motion-activated spotlights that help light the scene. As for the sound quality, it's surprisingly clear, and includes two-way talk if you want to speak to visitors. Plus, features like the 140° field of view, 3D Motion Detection, and Bird’s Eye View help you understand exactly where someone’s moving across your property. There’s also a siren built in, which you can trigger manually through the app if something feels off. All of this works over dual-band wifi, though weaker outdoor signals may cause a delay in notifications or footage.

That said, the camera uses a rechargeable battery, and while the Quick Release pack makes swaps easy, frequent activity can wear it down faster than you might expect. Also, some features like distinguishing between a person and a passing car require a Ring Home subscription. It costs extra, but it does give you cloud video storage for up to 180 days, smart alerts, and other perks. Without the plan, you’ll still get basic motion notifications and live view access. For under $120, this like-new model could be a smart pick if you want better outdoor monitoring without dealing with wires or complicated installs.



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