Labor Day sales include Apple's MacBook Air M4 for an all-time-low price

Labor Day sales include Apple's MacBook Air M4 for an all-time-low price

If you've put off getting a new MacBook then Labor Day sales might be just what you needed to take the plunge. Right now, the 2025 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air M4 are available on Amazon for record-low prices. The 13-inch model is our pick for best MacBook to buy this year, and it's one of the best laptops for college students going back to school soon as well. You can pick up the 13-inch MacBook Air M4 for $799, down from $999 — a 20 percent discount. This model comes with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. You can upgrade to 512GB SSD for $999 , down from $1,199, another all-time low price, or 24GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for $1,199, down from $1,399. Then there's the 15-inch MacBook Air M4 , whose cheapest model is on sale for $999, dropping from $1,199. The 17 percent discount is the best deal we've seen since the pair debuted in March. As with the 13-inch model, the 16GB and 512GB SSD option is also a record-low price, dropping to $1,199 from $1,399. Then there's the 24GB upgrade , which is $1,399, down from $1,599. We're big fans of the MacBook Air M4, giving it a 92 in our review . Part of that comes from an already lower starting price for the MacBooks than their predecessors. The 2025 models also get a speed boost thanks to the M4 chip and are very thin with a 0.44-inch thickness. Neither the 13- or 15-inch will drag you down, weighing 2.7 pounds and 3.2 pounds, respectively. Plus, they both have excellent battery life, lasting over 18 hours while playing an HD video. The big differences in the 15-inch model mostly come down to size. The screen is obviously bigger, as is its trackpad. Other than that, it offers better speakers than its 13-inch sibling. Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/labor-day-sales-include-apples-macbook-air-m4-for-an-all-time-low-price-123031287.html?src=rss

A study focused on OpenAI's GPT-4o mini found that LLMs can be persuaded to comply with objectionable requests using the same tactics that persuade humans (Dina Bass/Bloomberg)

A study focused on OpenAI's GPT-4o mini found that LLMs can be persuaded to comply with objectionable requests using the same tactics that persuade humans (Dina Bass/Bloomberg)

Dina Bass / Bloomberg : A study focused on OpenAI's GPT-4o mini found that LLMs can be persuaded to comply with objectionable requests using the same tactics that persuade humans —  AI chatbots can be manipulated much in the same way that people can, according to researchers.  But first...  Three things to know:

Tilta Khronos iPhone camera system review: future-proofed pro modular rig

Tilta Khronos iPhone camera system review: future-proofed pro modular rig

The iPhone is an excellent camera system on its own, but pros know that it works better with some accessories. The Tilta Khronos camera system is next-level and still evolving. Tilta Khronos iPhone camera system review If you're serious about iPhone photography or videography, you've likely researched various cases and mods to enhance your setup. Enter the Tilta Khronos system for iPhone, which is fully modular and works across generations. It starts with a heavy-duty iPhone case that has an open back for MagSafe and other accessories. It fully encases the iPhone in a rugged, protective exterior that doubles as a mounting system for Khronos accessories. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The US government drops its CHIPS Act requirements for Intel

The US government drops its CHIPS Act requirements for Intel

Intel no longer has to fulfill certain requirements or meet milestones that it was originally supposed to under the CHIPS Act, now that the government is taking a stake in the company. According to the Wall Street Journal , Intel said in a filing that it can now receive funding from the government, as long as it can show that it has already spent $7.9 billion on projects that it agreed to take on under a deal with the Commerce Department last year. Reuters notes that Intel has already spent $7.87 billion on eligible CHIPS Act-funded projects. In addition, the company doesn't have to share a percentage of the total cumulative cash flow it gets from each project with the Commerce Department anymore. It doesn't have to adhere to some of the CHIPS Act's workflow policy requirements and most other restrictions, as well. However, it still can't use the funds it gets from the government for dividends and to repurchase shares. If you'll recall, the government recently decided to take a 10 percent stake in Intel instead of proceeding with their original CHIPS Act deal. President Donald Trump previously called for Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan to resign, prompting a meeting between them that led to the new agreement. "He walked in wanting to keep his job and he ended up giving us 10 billion dollars for the United States," Trump said. "So we picked up 10 billion." Intel eventually announced that the US government will "make an $8.9 billion investment in Intel common stock." The purchase will be made up of the $5.7 billion previously earmarked for Intel as part of the CHIPS act, while the rest ($3.2 billion) will be awarded as part of the Secure Enclave program. Intel CEO David Zinser recently revealed that the company already received $5.7 billion from the government on Wednesday night. The government also previously awarded Intel $2.2 billion in grants under the CHIPS Act, bringing the government's total involvement with the company to $11.1 billion. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/the-us-government-drops-its-chips-act-requirements-for-intel-133049932.html?src=rss

Engadget review recap: Pixel 10 phones, Bose earbuds and a Sony camera

Engadget review recap: Pixel 10 phones, Bose earbuds and a Sony camera

Fall is just around the corner, which means we're in the midst of flagship phone season. Most recently, Google debuted its new Pixel lineup, offering multiple models where AI features take center stage. We've already put those devices through their paces, in addition to the best noise-canceling earbuds you can buy and a Sony camera. Read on to catch up on the reviews you might've missed over the last few weeks. Google Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL If you've never really felt like your "smartphone" was all that "smart," senior reviews writer Sam Rutherford argued that Google has finally achieved the feat. Arguably, the best aspects of the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL come down to their AI features, especially Google's Magic Cue. "Now that we can look back at 10 generations of devices, Google’s overarching strategy is more convincing than ever," he said. "For the Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL, the company has combined iterative hardware upgrades with a solid (and attractive) design while its software and AI continues to outpace its rivals." Google Pixel 10 If the Pixel 10 Pro duo is finally putting the "smart" in "smartphone," UK bureau chief Mat Smith concluded that the Pixel 10 has redefined base-level flagship phones. A more capable camera, more power and Qi2 support mean you might not be as tempted by those pricer models. "The Pixel 10 is a substantial upgrade from the Pixel 9, although given it has the Tensor G5 chip, it’s a shame that software features like Zoom Enhance from last year’s Pixels didn’t make the cut," he said. "Unless you’re a die-hard smartphone gamer, there isn’t a more capable smartphone at this price." Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd gen) The second-generation of Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds aren't a complete overhaul, but they didn't necessarily need to be. The company strengthened its already outstanding active noise cancellation while enhancing call clarity and making several other adjustments. "Simply put, the QC Ultra Earbuds remain the best option for wireless noise-cancelling earbuds, and that’s not likely to change anytime soon," I said. Sony RX1R III Sometimes the wait for a new model can be excruciating. That anticipation turns to disappointment when the long-awaited update doesn't impress. That's how senior reporter Igor Bonifacic felt when he finally got his hands on the RX1R III. "It’s missing a handful of features the company really should have included for it to hold its own against other high-end compact cameras," he said. "I love the RX1R III, but I wish it was easier to recommend." This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/engadget-review-recap-pixel-10-phones-bose-earbuds-and-a-sony-camera-130051534.html?src=rss