Category: Technology

AT&T is introducing a new, ruggedized 5G Android tablet with an affordable price and one unavoidable problem for potential buyers: They’re too old for the device.

The carrier’s new, TCL-built AmiGo Jr. Tab 2 is AT&T’s latest addition to the market for child-optimized tablets. The pricing involves some grown-up math: either $239.99 up-front or, if you activate a new line, $4.99 a month for 36 months ($179.64 total) with $1.70 in bill credits off a $20.99/month tablet plan.

The remainder of the AmiGo Jr. Tab 2’s specs are less impressive: an 8.7-inch, 1,340-by-800-pixel display, a stylus, 64GB of internal storage (which you can expand by up to 2TB with a microSD card), an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera, and the older Wi-Fi 5.

An advance copy of the company’s press release touted more than 145 hours of battery life, footnoted as “Based on audio playback time with a headset”; that implausible number doesn’t appear in the published announcement, which instead cites “all-day” usage.

The operating system onboard is also two releases behind, the 2024-vintage Android 15. That does not suggest an update for the current Android 17 is coming anytime soon, not that Google’s new release offers much so far to set itself apart from Android 16.

The more relevant software for potential buyers of the Tab 2, which AT&T recommends for children ages 3 to 10, may be the parental-control app available for Android and iOS, which offers usage monitoring and location tracking, plus the kid-friendly apps installed on the tablet itself. It joins a set of other AmiGo devices, including a smartwatch and a Samsung-made phone.

About Our Expert

---

Experience

Rob Pegoraro writes about interesting problems and possibilities in computers, gadgets, apps, services, telecom, and other things that beep or blink. He’s covered such developments as the evolution of the cell phone from 1G to 5G, the fall and rise of Apple, Google’s growth from obscure Yahoo rival to verb status, and the transformation of social media from CompuServe forums to Facebook’s billions of users. Pegoraro has met most of the founders of the internet and once received a single-word email reply from Steve Jobs.

Read Full Bio

TL;DR: Microsoft Project Professional 2024 is on sale for just $48.99 with promo code AUG25 through August 9, giving you lifetime access to Microsoft’s powerful project planning and management software for one Windows PC.

Most projects don’t go off the rails because people stop working—they go off the rails because timelines, dependencies, and priorities get messy. Microsoft Project Professional 2024 helps bring order to the chaos, giving you one place to plan, schedule, and track complex work. Right now, you can grab a lifetime license for just $48.99 with promo code AUG25 through August 9 (MSRP $1,129.99).

Designed for project managers and team leads, Project 2024 includes prebuilt templates, dependency tracking that automatically adjusts schedules, and interactive Gantt charts that make it easier to see how every task fits into the bigger picture. Built-in reports, multiple timeline views, and what-if planning tools help you make smarter decisions before small delays become major setbacks.

It also supports timesheet tracking, Project Online, Project Server sync, and Microsoft Teams integration for easier collaboration across projects.

If spreadsheets and scattered task lists aren’t cutting it anymore, Microsoft Project Professional 2024 offers a more capable way to stay organized.

Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Project Professional 2024 for $48.99 with promo code AUG25 through August 9 (MSRP $1,129.99).

Prices subject to change. PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through StackSocial affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing.

About Our Expert

StackCommerce Team (Sponsored)

---

Experience

Products featured in these stories are selected by our partners at StackCommerce. If you buy something through links on our site, PCMag may earn an affiliate commission.

Latest By StackCommerce Team (Sponsored)

Read Full Bio

TL;DR: A lifetime license for Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus is $54.99 (MSRP $249.99), a single payment instead of a monthly Microsoft 365 bill.

Microsoft 365 quietly renews itself every month, whether you’ve opened Word in weeks or not. Office 2024 Professional Plus skips that arrangement entirely: pay $54.99 once, install it on a Windows 10 or 11 PC, and the license doesn’t expire or need a renewal.

What’s in the License

• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Access

• A modernized interface with a genuinely usable dark mode

• Security and compliance tools improved over earlier Office releases

Here for Your Day-to-Day

• Works fully offline after activation, so a spotty connection doesn’t block opening a file

• Saves in standard .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx formats, so documents open cleanly for anyone else, whether they’re on Microsoft 365 or a much older Office install

• Activates against the device itself rather than a Microsoft account, so there’s no account sign-in required to keep using it

• License key and download link land in your inbox right after checkout

If you’ve been thinking about biting the 365 bullet to stay relevant, swap it in for this lifetime license you’ll only have to pay for once.

Get Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for $54.99, regularly $249.99.

Prices subject to change. PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through StackSocial affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing.

About Our Expert

StackCommerce Team (Sponsored)

---

Experience

Products featured in these stories are selected by our partners at StackCommerce. If you buy something through links on our site, PCMag may earn an affiliate commission.

Latest By StackCommerce Team (Sponsored)

Read Full Bio

Back-to-school season is here, and you can never be too prepared (to save money). From laptops to tablets to eReaders, we’ve gathered some of the best discounts over at Best Buy that’ll help you (or your student) to succeed in the classroom. There are some notable brands, including Amazon, HP, Lenovo, and more. We’ll be updating this list regularly as the weeks go on, so be sure to check back in!

Dyson Deals

Cool CF1 Desk Fan

When you move out of the dorms and into your first apartment, you’ll need to start paying your own electricity bills. Your roommates may not want the air conditioner on to save money even though it’s hot outside! That’s where this desk fan comes in. This Cool F1 desk fan blasts 370 liters of cool airflow per second, keeping you comfortable and chill for long periods of time. Plus, it won’t disturb your roommates either, as it’s super quiet at 29dB. It even has sleep mode too. It doesn’t have any spinning blades, so it’s safe to have around nearby, and as a result, it’s easy to clean with just a cloth. You can even tilt the fan and set its oscillation so you can find the perfect position for you.

If you’re looking for alternatives, check out the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07 and the Dreo CF714S Circulator Fan.

McAfee Deals

Total Protection Antivirus Software

Your laptop is practically your lifeline in college. You do homework, turn in assignments, watch videos, and take notes on it. But what if something happens to it? You might unknowingly install some sort of virus that could render it useless. You’ll have to shell out hundreds if not thousands for a new one, and might have to wait for it to come in. That’s where McAfee Antivirus comes in. It can protect you from all sorts of threats, including scams and cyber attacks. It can also help monitor your identity and provide a secure VPN to keep you safe. With this Total Protection package, you can install the software on five devices and have access to 24/7 customer support. Nothing gets left behind!

Our expert, Neil J. Rubenking, awarded it a “Good” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “McAfee Total Protection offers security, VPN, and password management on all popular platforms, but unlimited device licensing and a variety of expected features are excluded.”

Roborock Deals

Q10 Series Robot Vacuum & Mop

It’s inevitable that your room will get dirty while you’re in school. You might think to yourself that you don’t have time to clean it while you’re studying, but that’s what a robot vacuum is for! It can go around your room by itself while you tackle assignments. This Roborock Q10 robot vacuum and its dust bag can store up to seven weeks of debris before automatically emptying itself out, ensuring that you won’t have to do any of the heavy lifting. It uses its navigation system to avoid any obstacles and maps out your home to determine the most efficient cleaning route. Whether it’s pet hair, dirt, or food crumbs on the carpet, this robot vacuum uses its impressive 10,000 Pa suction power to make sure nothing is left behind.

You can check out our Roborock reviews, including the Saros 10 and the S8 MaxV Ultra, both of which we came away impressed with. So you can trust us here!

F25 ACE Combo Stick Vacuum Mop

This 5-in-1 mop vacuum combo can do everything. It can clean up carpets, upholstery, and get into tiny crevices to clean hard-to-reach spots. With 20,000PA suction, it can take care of any mess, whether it’d be spilled drinks, pet hair, or stains! It’s flat and slim design also makes it ideal for reaching under furniture. The dual-scraper system ensures that hair doesn’t get tangled up inside, and the self-cleaning system breaks down grease with high temperatures. It can last up to 60 minutes when set to eco mode, giving you plenty of time to clean up your space.

More Robot Mop Deals

*Deals are selected by our commerce team

TP Link Deals

Deco 7 Pro BE1100 Home Mesh Router System

Once you move out of the dorms and into your first apartment, you’ll need internet! This three-mesh system covers up to 7,600 square feet and supports over 200 devices with seamless connection. With speeds up to 688MB per second, you’ll be able to play games, stream, and watch movies without sacrificing performance. This setup uses AI-Roaming technology to analyze algorithms to optimize speeds as you walk around your home. Your network connection will be protected too, thanks to TP-Link’s HomeShield, which provides parental controls and real-time IoT security. This way, you won’t have to worry about any inappropriate content from nefarious parties popping up.

PCMag’s router expert John R. Delaney awarded it an “Excellent” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “TP-Link’s easy-to-use Deco 7 Pro mesh system brings the latest 6GHz Wi-Fi 7 technology to your home — every inch of your home — with superb throughput and signal strength.”

Anker Deals

Soundcore Sleep A20 Earbuds

It’s normal to have roommates in college, and they won’t always be the quietest, so that’s where these earbuds come in! Their four-point noise masking system blocks out noise so that you can have a restful night of sleep before classes or an exam. Plus, they’re great for side sleepers, as the ergonomic design makes them feel comfortable and doesn’t exert pressure, even when you’re resting on your side. The earbuds also have up to 14 hours of battery life, ensuring that they’ll last you through the entire night. They can track your sleeping positions and movement, so that you can analyze your habits and adjust them if needed.

Soundcore Liberty 5

These earbuds are great when it comes to tuning out background noise so you can study. The adaptive noise cancellation system adjusts every 0.3 seconds to provide you the most optimal experience. They also don’t compromise on sound, as there are custom mode profiles for music, podcasts, and movies. Plus, the earbuds support formats like Dolby Audio, LDAC, and Hi-Res so you can enjoy your audio however you’d like. They sound crisp too, as the six-mic array ensures that your voice remains crystal clear on calls. And with 12 hours of battery life on a single charge, they’ll last you throughout the entire school day.

Contributor Christian de Looper awarded them an “Excellent” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 true wireless earbuds offer effective noise cancellation at an affordable price, along with clear audio, a comfortable fit, and long battery life.”

HP Deals

Smart Tank 5101 Printer

This printer is perfect for anyone who works from home or is a student. It can print up to twelve black pages and five color pages per minute. With HP AI, you won’t have to worry about your documents and printouts looking funky. It keeps the layouts neat and precise, so you don’t waste any paper. Plus, the ink is easily replenished by plugging bottles into the tank and letting them drain. You also get three years of original HP ink, so you can print as soon as you set the printer up.

Our expert M. David Stone awarded it a “Good” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “With unremarkable features and output quality for the price, HP’s Smart Tank 5101 All-in-One Printer might seem an odd entry-level pick for homes and home offices. But its low running cost means you shouldn’t count it out.”

OmniBook X Flip 2-in-1 Laptop

The HP OmniBook X Flip 2-in-1 laptop sports a 16-inch 2K touchscreen, allowing you to interact with it in different ways, whether you’re taking notes in class or watching video lectures. You can also use Copilot to enhance your productivity by getting quick answers to questions. It’s also powered by Intel, where the top-tier performance and media generation tools help make your presentations stand out amongst everyone else. The laptop is lightweight and sleek, coming in at under five pounds and less than an inch thick. It fits perfectly in your bag and is easy to carry with you as you walk towards your classroom. And with up to 23 hours of battery life, it’ll last you through the entire school day.

PCMag contributor Jorge Jimenez awarded the 14-inch version a “Good” rating. In our in-depth review. “HP’s OmniBook X Flip 14 is a well-designed 2-in-1 laptop with a lovely 120Hz OLED display,” he said. “Its battery life and graphics performance don’t impress, but when discounted, this convertible is worth a look.”

More College Laptop Deals

*Deals are selected by our commerce team

Apple Deals

AirPods 4 Earbuds

Need to listen to a lecture in the library or just walk to class? The AirPods 4 earbuds are powered by Apple’s H2 chip, making sound quality and audio pristine when taking calls or listening to music. Plus, with spatial audio and dynamic head tracking, your immersion will shoot through the roof. They’ve also been redesigned with a refined contour and shorter stem so they have more stability in your ears. With five hours of battery life on a single charge and 30 hours total with the charging case, you’ll be able to get plenty of playtime before plugging them back in. These earbuds are also rated IP54, meaning that they’re dust, sweat, and water-resistant. So whether you’re in the gym or on a hike, they’ll withstand most physically intensive activities.

Audio expert Tim Gideon awarded them an “Excellent” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “The AirPods 4 are Apple’s most affordable wireless earbuds and offer exceptional audio performance for an open-ear design.”

Apple Watch Ultra 2

When you’re in the middle of class, you don’t want to be distracted by your iPhone. If you really need to check on your notifications, then having an Apple Watch is handy. It’s easier to whip out than a phone, and won’t bother your fellow classmates around you. You’ll still be able to see notifications on the 49mm screen. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is also quite rugged, as its titanium casing is corrosion-resistant. And with up to 36 hours of battery life when used normally, it’ll last you throughout class. Outside of the room, it’s great for keeping track of your exercise habits, especially if you’re a cyclist, hiker, or swimmer.

Our expert awarded it an “Excellent” rating. In our in-depth review, she said, “The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers minor refinements over the last generation, including a brighter display and a faster processor, with the same rugged design, battery life, and price, making it another excellent adventure companion.“

More Smartwatch Deals

*Deals are selected by our commerce team

Pencil Pro

The Apple Pencil Pro is a handy stylus for students to use with their iPads to take notes and watch videos. The new squeeze gesture is particularly useful for artists, and the haptic feedback feels responsive to help confirm your actions. It’s also supported by Apple’s Find My network, meaning that if you lose it, you can track it down and retrieve it. While it only works with the latest iPads, particularly the ones with M2, M3, M4, and M5 chips, along with the iPad mini (A17 Pro), it’s by far the best stylus for them.

Our expert awarded it an “Outstanding” rating. In our Apple Pencil Pro review, he said, “The Apple Pencil Pro is the stylus that serious artists and creators should get for the latest iPad Pro or iPad Air thanks to its advanced writing features and controls.”

MacBook Pro M4 Laptop

This premier laptop gives you the ultimate power and performance when it comes to MacBooks. The M4 Pro chip provides more than enough juice to power through demanding tasks, like coding and 3D rendering. So if you’re a computer science or engineering major, this laptop is perfect for you. It’s 14.2-inch display quite stunning, as it contains 1600 nits peak brightness, allowing whatever is playing on screen to look vibrant and colorful. It also works seamlessly with your other Apple devices, including your iPhone, such as letting you send texts straight from the laptop. And with 22 hours of battery life, this laptop will last through your entire day.

Our expert Brian Westover awarded it an “Excellent” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “It’s a dead ringer for 2023’s model, but Apple’s M4 MacBook Pro remains a portable content-creation powerhouse, thanks to a beefed-up processor, smart AI features, and seemingly endless battery life.”

Lenovo Deals

Yoga Slim 7x 2K Snapdragon X2 Laptop

This laptop is powered by the Snapdragon X2 Plus processor to deliver an impressive performance that’ll help you get your work done, whether it’s making a presentation or editing a video. It also includes Copilot, so you can be more efficient and productive with features like locating past content and interacting with texts and images through the touchscreen display. Speaking of which, the 14-inch display comes in at 2K resolution and 600 peak nits of brightness, ensuring that you see amazing color and detail uniformly throughout. The battery also lasts up to 16 hours so it’ll get you through the entire school day.

Our expert Brian Westover awarded a similar model an “Excellent” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x is a slick ultraportable laptop with a vibrant OLED screen and 20 hours of battery life. While Windows on Arm app compatibility makes us wary, it’s undoubtedly a well-made device.”

More Laptop Deals

*Deals are selected by our commerce team

Tab One

This Android-powered tablet has a bright 8.7-inch display with up to 480 nits for lots of brightness. It weighs only 320 grams, making it perfect for taking with you to your classes. This tablet’s compact form factor easily lets it slip into your bag, and you can even hold it in one hand, freeing up the other to do something else, like opening doors or carrying a water bottle. Plus, it’s made with 35% post-consumer recycled plastic materials. If you’re environmentally conscious, then this tablet will fit into your lifestyle.

Our mobile expert, Kim Gedeon, awarded a similar model a “Good” rating. In our in-depth review, she said, “The Lenovo Idea Tab Plus Android tablet impresses, thanks to its large, bright display, quality design, and low price, making it a good choice if you’re seeking a slate for basic browsing and media consumption.”

More Tablet Deals

*Deals are selected by our commerce team

Bose Deals

QuietComfort Headphones

If you need a pair of noise-canceling headphones to keep focused while you study, then the Bose QuietComfort headphones are the perfect fit. These headphones have two different listening modes: Quiet and Aware. The former keeps background noise out so you can concentrate, while the latter lets it come in if you need to be aware of your surroundings. The plush over-ear cushions ensure that the headphones stay comfortable during long study sessions, and the durable headband securely keeps them snug on the top of your head while you’re walking around. With up to 24-hours of battery life, they’ll definitely last throughout the day. Just 15 minutes of quick charging will also restore 2.5 hours of playback, so they’re always ready to go whenever you are.

Our audio expert Tim Gideon awarded them an “Excellent” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “The Bose QuietComfort Headphones offer excellent active noise cancellation and a refined audio signature in a comfortable fit.”

Ultra Open Ear Earbuds

These earbuds are fantastic for walking around your school or campus. Not only do you get to listen to your audio, but you’re also able to keep aware of your surroundings. If a friend says hi or a teacher asks you for something, you’ll be able to hear and address them right away. They don’t compromise on audio either, as Bose Immersive Audio uses spatialized music to give you a better listening experience. With up to seven hours of battery life, these earbuds will last the entire class day. Plus, they’re rated IPX4, meaning that they’re water-resistance. So if it’s raining outside, you won’t have to worry.

Our expert awarded them a “Good” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “The pricey Bose Ultra Open Earbuds produce expansive sound and have a unique design that lets you stay aware of your surroundings.”

Samsung Deals

Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

These Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro earbuds deliver impeccable sound thanks to Crystal Sound and Adaptive Equalizer. So whether you’re in at the campus gym or listening to a video lecture, you’ll be able to hear your music and professors clearly. Adaptive Equalizer adjusts your audio based on how the earbuds sit in your ears, optimizing the sound so you have a more personalized experience. They also use Galaxy AI, which helps with noise cancellation and blocks out outside sounds so you can stay focused on studying. And with a six-hour battery life, they’ll last you through all of your classes.

Our expert awarded them an “Excellent” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro’s comfortable fit, quality sound, and clever AI features make them compelling for Samsung phone users, though their noise cancellation isn’t quite as strong as similarly priced competitors.”

JBL Deals

Endurance Peak 3 Earbuds

Keeping your body in shape is just as important as training the mind! When you’re not studying and want to hit the gym or run around campus, the Endurance Peak 3 earbuds will get you through a tough workout. They have punchy bass and stay comfortably secure on your ears with their ear-hook design. The earbuds are also rated IP68, which means that they’re waterproof and dustproof, so you won’t have to worry about them in the rain or when you’re sweating at the gym. They boast impressive battery life too, as they last about 10 hours with an additional 40 hours in the charging case. The fast charge lets you get up to an hour of playtime with only a 10 minute charge, so they’re always ready in a pinch.

Audio expert Tim Gideon awarded it an “Excellent” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “The budget-friendly, fully waterproof JBL Endurance Peak 3 earphones are ideal for exercise thanks to their secure fit and serious bass thump.”

Flip 7 Portable Speaker

College isn’t all about studying. It’s important to have fun too! If you’re hanging out with your friends or going to a party, bringing a speaker like the JBL Flip 7 is a great way to liven up the atmosphere. With Auracast, you can pair other Flip 7 speakers for a wider soundstage, letting you set the mood even more. It’s rated IP68, meaning that it’s dust- and waterproof, meaning that you won’t have to worry about getting it wet or dirty outdoors. The new PushLock feature lets you switch accessories around, such as the included loop and carabiner, to carry it around easier. And with 16 hours of battery life, you know the speaker will last the entire night.

Contributor Mark Knapp awarded it a “Good” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “The JBL Flip 7 is a minor upgrade to its predecessor, for a compact and portable Bluetooth speaker that produces respectable sound for its size.”

More Outdoor Speaker Deals

*Deals are selected by our commerce team

Oral-B Deals

iO Series 3 Electric Toothbrush

When you’re going back to school, you’re thinking of things like books and laptops, but don’t forget the hygienic essentials! When you’re meeting with people or making new friends, you definitely don’t want your breath to stink. But with Oral-B‘s iO Series 3 electric toothbrush, you won’t have to worry about that. It has three smart modes for brushing, including Daily Clean, Whiten, and Sensitive. This way, you’ll be able to personalize your experience and goals for brushing. It also has a two-minute timer to ensure that you properly brush your teeth for a comprehensive clean. Additionally, it has a pressure sensor to notify you whether you’re pressing down too hard to protect your teeth from any potential damage. An electric toothbrush is also more efficient than a regular one, being able to remove up to 400% more plaque.

GE Deals

1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave

Admittedly, it’s been a while since I’ve been in college, but I didn’t have a microwave in my dorm room! I had to go into the communal kitchen in order to use one. Having one is super convenient, especially during late study nights when you just want to heat up some leftovers without leaving your room. This GE microwave is easy to use and can even defrost your food based on weight and time. Just enter the weight and the microwave will automatically set the optimal time and power. It’s also got one-touch instant operation for quick heating as well as a control lockout that prevents accidental use. If your little sibling comes to visit you, you can rest assured that they can’t use it thanks to the two-step child lock.

12,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner

When you move into your new space, you’d better hope you have air conditioning, or else summer days will be unbearable! You definitely don’t want any distractions while you’re doing homework or studying. But this GE smart window air conditioner can help you out. It’s got 12,000 BTU of cooling capacity for rooms up to 550 square feet, keeping you refreshed during any heat wave. With the SmartHQ app, you’re able to monitor this air conditioner and control it from anywhere. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can enjoy a hands-free experience. These options give you unbridled flexibility within your habits. This has an Eco Mode that turns it off automatically when the room is cool enough, helping you save money on utilities, too. Plus, its geofence technology can tell when you’re almost home and automatically adjust the settings for when you come back.

Our expert awarded a similar model an “Outstanding” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “The GE Smart Heat/Cool AWGP12 window air conditioner works with voice and app commands, effectively cools and heats rooms of up to 550 square feet, and tells you how much power it’s using.”

More Appliance Deals

*Deals are selected by our commerce team

Be sure to also check out our other Best Buy deals and other amazing new tech deals as they come in. We’ll also continually update this list, so come back soon!

About Our Expert

TL;DR: Get Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 for $29.97 through Aug. 9 and own a lifetime license for a professional IDE.

Built as a 64-bit environment, Visual Studio Professional 2026 supports development across .NET, C++, Blazor, and .NET MAUI for cross-platform mobile and desktop projects. It’s currently available for $29.97 (MSRP $499.99).

IntelliCode-powered AI analyzes code context to deliver ranked completion suggestions and assist with refactoring, reducing bugs and boilerplate along the way. CodeLens surfaces commit history, test status, and code references directly in the editor without requiring a context switch.

Live Share enables real-time collaborative editing and debugging without requiring teammates to clone repos or configure matching environments. The IDE also integrates natively with Azure, GitHub, and DevOps workflows, and supports hot reload across .NET and C++ projects so code changes apply instantly during runtime.

This is a single-user lifetime license redeemable on one supported device. The code must be redeemed within 30 days of purchase.

Get Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 for $29.97 (MSRP $499.99) through Aug. 9.

Prices subject to change. PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through StackSocial affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing.

About Our Expert

StackCommerce Team (Sponsored)

---

Experience

Products featured in these stories are selected by our partners at StackCommerce. If you buy something through links on our site, PCMag may earn an affiliate commission.

Latest By StackCommerce Team (Sponsored)

Read Full Bio

All players know that once you max out your skills in the game, one of the best ways to open the threshold for more record-breaking sessions is to upgrade your hardware. More refresh rates and faster response times create space to make you a better gamer and improve the picture and graphics of your game time, too. 

Although upgrading your setup is expensive, especially when it comes to hardware outside your rig. Monitors are the kind of equipment that can make or break your experience, but they often demand a premium. Take this $600 monitor from Samsung, for example: it’s a 27-inch gorgeous OLED screen that makes gaming gorgeous and feel ultra-smooth. But wait—what’s that? Amazon has it for a massive 33% off right now, slashing $200 off the $599.99 list price. 

The Odyssey G6 Gaming Monitor kicks off with 27 inches of dazzling QD-OLED screen space that delivers Pantone-validated color for the most vibrant on-screen picture. It reaches up to 400 nits of brightness with a million-to-one contrast ratio, thanks to HDR10 technology. Between color and contrast, rest assured that visuals will be lifelike yet discernible (and you won’t get picked off by a bad agent hiding in the shadows). 

Speaking of action, the Odyssey OLED G6’s lightning-fast 240Hz refresh rate will ensure you won’t miss a single frame of it. The monitor also uses variable refresh rates that adjust on the fly based on the game you’re playing and uses AMD FreeSync Premium to prevent screen tearing and lag almost entirely. Between that and the 0.03ms response time, there’s plenty of overhead to build up your own reaction time to blistering speeds. 

You aren’t limited to using this monitor for just gaming, too. If you moonlight as a player and spend the day as a remote professional, the Odyssey G6 is 54% less glossy than anti-reflective film, which makes it ideal for office spaces with ambient lighting, and it employs Samsung’s own OLED safeguard system to prevent burn-in and keep temperatures low to preserve longevity. The cherry on top is its height-adjustable stand, which lets you personalize it to your desk space. 

Gaming monitors aren’t cheap, especially this Odyssey G6 on a regular day. But for 33% off on Amazon right now, it’s a solid steal for players looking to up their game. But if you’re looking for something different, check out our experts’ picks for the best gaming monitors for 2026!

Even More Gaming Monitor Deals

*Deals are selected by our commerce team

• More Gaming Monitor Deals at Amazon

• More Gaming Monitor Deals at Best Buy

• More Gaming Monitor Deals at Walmart

About Our Expert

TL;DR: A Koofr 1TB lifetime cloud storage plan is $159.99 with code KOOFR (MSRP $810) through August 5—storage that never needs to be renewed or expires.

A phone fills up faster than most people expect, and the usual fix is deleting things you’d rather keep. Koofr’s 1TB Lifetime Plan gives that media somewhere permanent to live instead.

1TB covers roughly 250,000 photos, 500 hours of video, or millions of documents, more than enough room to digitize old media and offload what’s sitting on a device unnecessarily. Old photo libraries, home videos, scanned documents, all of it can move off a phone or laptop and into an encrypted storage space.

Connects to the Places You’re Already Storing Stuff

---

Koofr also connects directly to Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, so files can be moved and managed across platforms without having to download and re-upload everything by hand. A built-in duplicate finder automatically clears out redundant copies, which matters more once a decade of camera roll backups start piling up in one place.

Everything is encrypted and accessible from any device, so the archive remains accessible without being local. It’s a single purchase that replaces years of monthly cloud bills and gives cluttered phones and laptops somewhere to offload to.

Reviews and Accolades

It’s not just us saying Koofr is worth it. The service is sitting at 4.6/5 on G2, GetApp, and Capterra, plus 4.3/5 on Trustpilot and 4.0/5 on TechRadar, and the 608 people who’ve actually bought this lifetime plan rate it 4.8/5.

“In a world full of subscription models, I appreciate having this as an option to backup my photos,” one buyer, Brandon Nguyen, wrote, adding that the duplicate file finder is a nice touch for keeping storage in check.

Another reviewer, Wan Marco, kept it simple: “great storage, good speed and sync logic, worth the money.”

Get 1TB of Koofr cloud storage for $159.99 with code KOOFR at checkout, MSRP $810, before the offer ends August 5 at 11:59 p.m.

Prices subject to change. PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through StackSocial affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing.

About Our Expert

StackCommerce Team (Sponsored)

---

Experience

Products featured in these stories are selected by our partners at StackCommerce. If you buy something through links on our site, PCMag may earn an affiliate commission.

Latest By StackCommerce Team (Sponsored)

Read Full Bio

After 11 years of wearing an Apple Watch almost daily, I stopped cold turkey, swapping my Ultra 3 for a relatively cheap automatic-movement Timex to get a sense of the kinds of problems Apple’s smartwatch is solving and where it falls short.

As a technology journalist and creator who’s constantly evaluating gadgets, I didn’t use this time to question whether the Apple Watch is the best smartwatch. For iPhone users, it’s really the only option. Instead, I spent just over a week seeing whether wrist-based notifications, fitness stats, and other smartwatch features are critical to my daily life or just nice-to-haves.

1. Critical: Notifications

Before I started this experiment, I knew that I would miss getting notifications on my wrist. But would I miss being constantly notified? It’s a small, but important distinction.

Whenever my son and I play wiffle ball in the backyard, a nearby motion-activated camera sends a flurry of alerts to my watch, which I check and dismiss. It’s enough that my son has commented on how often I peek at my wrist, so I’ve enjoyed getting a break from those interruptions while wearing an analog watch.

However, not wearing an Apple Watch meant that I often returned to an iPhone full of notifications. The timely texts were particularly unfortunate to miss. After a couple of days, I made sure not to leave my phone in far-flung corners of the house so I wouldn’t miss anything pressing. If you want to stay on top of incoming messages, reminders, and alerts, an Apple Watch is a must-have.

2. Nice to Have: Battery Life

The number of times I picked up my phone went way up when not wearing an Apple Watch. (Credit: Tyler Hayes)

One area I wasn’t expecting to evaluate was battery life. As I started carrying my phone around the house more, I checked it more frequently—43% more than the week before, according to my Screen Time data—and my iPhone’s battery life took a hit. Using an Apple Watch would improve your iPhone’s battery life to some degree, but I wouldn’t recommend buying one just for this reason. It’s an added benefit but not a critical use.

3. Nice to Have: Live Activities

(Credit: Tyler Hayes)

Live Activities and persistent widgets are still relatively new to watchOS, but I’ve grown pretty accustomed to them, and I missed seeing quick updates on MLB games, the World Cup, and F1 Grand Prix when I glanced at the Timex. That said, muscle memory only took a day to overcome, and I hadn’t relied on Live Activities as I did with notifications. So, unless you’re a sports professional or very eager to track your DoorDash order in real time, I don’t think this should be the sole reason to buy an Apple Watch.

4. Nice to Have: Apple Pay, Homekey, and Carkey

(Credit: Tyler Hayes)

One day, I held my wrist up to my smart lock when arriving home. Nothing happened, of course, and it took a few swipes to realize I wasn’t wearing my Apple Watch and would need to use my phone or enter the code to get inside. I could imagine a similar scenario when using tap-to-pay with my Apple Watch. Both scenarios, however, are more a convenience than a critical feature.

5. Critical: Workouts

(Credit: Tyler Hayes)

This was a tough one for me. The Apple Watch has become so critical to my fitness routine that I had to break this experiment on my daily 35-minute run. All 8,000 miles I’ve run over the last six years have been captured on my Apple Watch and stored in Apple Health, and I didn’t want to break that streak. My strongest argument here is that I run without my phone, which offers a lightweight way to track my distance, heart rate, and location, make calls, and stream music.

Even if you aren’t trying to close your exercise rings every day, the Apple Watch may be worth it for the health tracking alone, from alerts about high or low heart rates and falls to ECG readings and data about VO2 max and blood oxygen levels.

The Verdict

This experiment helped solidify how much I need and like using the Apple Watch. Notifications have changed how often I mindlessly pick up my phone, while the Workouts app has become an integral part of my fitness regimen. Everything else can be classified as a nice-to-have, but all those niceties add up and could push you into the Apple Watch camp if you’re deciding among a smartwatch, smart ring, or budget fitness tracker.

So, I’m not ditching my Apple Watch. But my biggest realization is that I don’t need to wear it all day, every day. Apple needs to keep innovating (ahem, battery life for sleep tracking) if it wants its wearable to remain on top.

One way Apple could make its Apple Watch feel more necessary to more people is to deeply integrate its new Siri AI and make the watch a fully capable personal assistant. Stay tuned for the watchOS 27 launch this fall to see if Apple can deliver.

About Our Expert

---

Experience

I’ve contributed to PCMag since 2019, covering Apple, electric vehicles, and lots of other consumer electronics. If a gadget plugs into a wall or uses a battery, there’s a good chance I’ve tested it and have some thoughts about its place in our daily lives. I write featured articles, how-to guides, and daily news.

I got my first taste of writing about technology for Fast Company in 2013, mostly how it intersected with the music industry. Since then I’ve written for dozens of publications and explored all other facets of service journalism, from reviews to buying guides. At one point, I took a break from journalism for a few years to work at a technology startup and then an industry Goliath, both valuable experiences in understanding how the business of tech works from top to bottom.

Read Full Bio

Microsoft may quietly be laying the foundation for an all-digital future for Xbox games. A leaked document has revealed that the company is planning to launch a disc-to-digital program this month to help gamers digitize their physical Xbox games.

The program will reportedly let users insert a disc into an Xbox console and receive a digital license for the game via their Xbox account. Players can then launch the game on any Xbox device, but will lose the license if their physical disc is used by someone with a different Xbox account. The disc will continue to function.

A beta test was supposed to roll out last month, and general availability for Xbox One and Xbox Series X users is expected this month, The Verge reported on Monday, citing a document Microsoft sent to game developers. Since the beta was delayed, it’s unclear if the August timeline will hold for Xbox One and Series X users, the report adds.

The leaked roadmap also included several other major updates for the future of Xbox games, including a “full PC launch” of all original Xbox titles in October, following the announcement of the first four games just last month.

The leaked roadmap additionally shows that all Xbox 360 games would gradually roll out to next-gen Xbox devices, including the Project Helix console, Xbox PCs, and handheld devices, by 2027 or 2028. All of this could be part of the “reset” new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced in July.

The report arrives just weeks after Sony announced plans to completely shut down its physical disc business by 2028. The all-digital future wasn’t well-received by the gaming community, but Sony has said it will proceed cautiously with its decision.

About Our Expert

---

Experience

Jibin is a tech news writer based out of Ahmedabad, India. Previously, he served as the editor of iGeeksBlog and is a self-proclaimed tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex information for a broader audience.

Read Full Bio

Sometimes I want big sound that I can’t necessarily always get from my earbuds. However, a new pair of headphones can be quite expensive! Not the Sony WH-CH720N headphones, though. They’re relatively affordable while also having great features that enhance the experience. They’re now on sale over at Amazon, with the price knocked down to $98 from its original $178.99 price tag. That’s $82 in savings!

As of August 3, the Sony WH-CH720 headphones are 46% off. According to CamelCamelCamel, this is the lowest price they’ve been at since the start of summer.

The Sony WH-CH720 headphones are incredibly light. They weigh only 192g are incredibly comfortable. They don’t compromise on audio and noise cancellation capabilities either. The Digital Sound Enhancement Engine creates a more immersive soundscape by delivering clear and detailed sound, as well as natural vocals and balanced tuning. Thanks to their Integrated Processor V1, the headphones are also able to block out background noise while you concentrate on your current task.

They’re also fitted with Sony’s voice pickup technology, which uses beam-forming microphones to ensure that your voice sounds clean during phone calls. The headphones can last up to 35 hours on a single charge. With just three minutes of quick charging, the battery can be restored for up to one hour of playback. They’re always ready when you are.

Our audio expert Tim Gideon awarded its predecessor a “Good” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “Sony’s WH-CH710N headphones offer solid audio performance and active noise cancellation for a relatively affordable price.”

More Headphones Deals

*Deals are selected by our commerce team

Check out our other Amazon deals and headset coverage.

About Our Expert

---

Latest By George Yang

• 
  Best Buy’s Top Back-to-School Deals From Apple, HP, Lenovo, TP-Link, and More
  
• 
  We’re Tracking the Best Back-to-School Monitor Deals From Dell, HP, and More
  
• 
  Best Buy’s Top Back-to-School Deals on Tech From HP, Lenovo, and More
  
• 
  Money Savers: The Best Back-to-School SSD Deals From Samsung, SanDisk, and WD
  
• 
  A Deal to Watch Out For: Take 20% Off the Google Pixel Watch 4
  
• 
  More from George Yang
  

Read Full Bio