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Nvidia’s next-gen series of GPUs is an open secret, and just a month out from CES 2025, the names and specs for these potentially massive graphics cards are out in the open. In the latest leak, a graphics OEM spoiled the names of the top five Nvidia cards, including the monstrous RTX 5090. The top-end card in the codenamed Blackwell series could take up a ton of space inside your PC. At the same time, it demands enough juice to make your next itemized electrical bill as big as the card itself.
Card manufacturer Zotac leaked the SKUs for Nvidia’s next slate of cards. VideoCardz picked up on the Google Search listings CSI tools before Zotac could pull the results. The screenshotted listings mention the 5090 with 32GB of GDDR7 memory at the top end, which confirms an 8GB increase from the RTX 4090’s 24 GB.
These cards are big suckers. The RTX 5090 will supposedly take up three to four slots on your motherboard. The current RTX 4090 takes up three slots on most boards. That doesn’t account for length, however. Nvidia’s cards are also a massive power hog. The card manufacturer recommends having a PSU between 650W and 750W. Past rumors hinted the card itself could have a 600W TGP. Rumormonger Kotike7kimi, who normally has a good track record for GPU leaks, wrote on Twitter that the card may demand slightly less than the total 600W. Either way, the 5080 is somewhat more manageable, supposedly demanding 400W. The current RTX 4090 has a 450W total graphics power.
The Zotac leak showed five cards, including the GeForce RTX 5090, the RTX 5090D (a model made for Chinese markets), the RTX 5080, the RTX 5070 Ti, and the RTX 5070. If you’re wondering where the 5060 or 5050 are, it’s safe to assume they may not arrive at the same time as these higher-end cards. It’s another matter whether Nvidia announces them at CES 2025 but later releases them.
Beyond the need for a separate baby carriage inside your PC case to keep it cradled without toppling your tower, the confirmed VRAM gives more credence to past rumors that the 5090 will have 21,760 FP32 CUDA cores, more than double the number of the RTX 4090.
We’d also like to hear from Nvidia itself why it decided to release the 5070 Ti “Titanium” edition simultaneously with its other cards. Nvidia normally drops these versions later as a sidegrade to existing GPUs, as with the 4070 Ti. Nvidia seems to be focusing on the high-end GPUs, while leaving the lower-end cards for later.
For the budget builders, it doesn’t leave much room to hope the lower-end 50-series will be inexpensive. There’s been much less to go on with the 5060 or supposed 5060 Ti. There have been even fewer hints about any kind of RTX 5050. Intel just released its budget cards like the B580, with claims it can top the RTX 4060 in most games, plus it comes with 12GB of VRAM. So far, rumors hint the non-Ti 5060 may have 8GB.
Whether you’re already an avid runner or hope to be one as you start a new training regimen, you’ll get more out of your exercise routine if you have some good music to accompany you. Getting into the zone during a long run with your preferred music, be it rap, classic rock or today’s pop hits, can totally change your experience for the better. To do that, you have to start with a good pair of running headphones.
But not all wireless workout headphones are created equally, and runners need to consider specific factors before investing in a pair like how long your runs are, what type of music or other audio you prefer listening to and how much you want to block out the world during a session. I’ve tested out more than a dozen pairs of headphones for running to find which are worth your money and which are the best for runners of all stripes.
What to look for in running headphones
Design
Before diving in, it’s worth mentioning that this guide focuses on wireless earbuds. While you could wear over-ear or on-ear Bluetooth headphones during a run, most of the best headphones available now do not have the same level of durability. Water and dust resistance, particularly the former, is important for any audio gear you plan on sweating with or taking outdoors, and that’s more prevalent in the wireless earbuds world.
Most earbuds have one of three designs: in-ear, in-ear with hook or open-ear. The first two are the most popular. In-ears are arguably the most common, while those with hooks promise better security and fit since they have an appendage that curls around the top of your ear. Open-ear designs don’t stick into your ear canal, but rather sit just outside of it. This makes it easier to hear the world around you while also listening to audio, and could be more comfortable for those who don’t like the intrusiveness of in-ear buds.
Water resistance and dust protection
Water resistance and dust protection are crucial for the best running headphones to have since you’ll likely be sweating while wearing them. Also, if you have the unfortunate luck of getting caught in the rain during a run, at least your gear will survive. Here’s a quick rundown of ingress protection (IP) ratings, which you’ll see attached to many earbuds on the market today. The first digit after the abbreviation rates dust protection on a scale from one to six — the higher, the better. The second digit refers to water- resistance, or waterproofing in some cases, ranked on a scale from one to nine. A letter “X” in either position means the device isn’t rated for the corresponding material.
Check out this guide for an even more detailed breakdown. All of the earbuds we tested for this guide have at least an IPX4 rating (most have even more protection), which means they can withstand sweat and splashes but do not have dust protection.
Active noise cancellation and transparency mode
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is becoming a standard feature on wireless earbuds, at least in those above a certain price. If you’re looking for a pair of buds that can be your workout companion and continue to serve you when you’re off the trail, ANC is good to have. It adds versatility by allowing you to block out the hum of your home or office so you can focus, or give you some solitude during a busy commute on public transit.
But an earbud’s ability to block out the world goes hand in hand with its ability to open things back up should you need it. Many earbuds with ANC support some sort of “transparency mode” or various levels of noise reduction. This is important for running headphones because you don’t want to be totally oblivious to what’s going on around you when you’re exercising outside along busy streets. Lowering noise cancelation levels to increase your awareness will help with that.
Battery life
All of the earbuds we tested have a battery life of six to eight hours. In general, that’s what you can expect from this space, with a few outliers that can get up to 15 hours of life on a charge. Even the low end of the spectrum should be good enough for most runners, but it’ll be handy to keep the buds’ charging case on you if you think you’ll get close to using up all their juice during a single session.
Speaking of, you’ll get an average of 20-28 extra hours of battery out of most charging cases and all of the earbuds we tested had holders that provided at least an extra 15 hours. This will dictate how often you actually have to charge the device — as in physically connect the case with earbuds inside to a charging cable, or set it on a wireless charger to power up.
How we test headphones for running
When testing to determine the best running headphones, I wear each contender during as many runs as possible. I typically run three to five days each week, completing at least a 5K (3.01 miles) each time. I’m looking for comfort arguably most of all, because you should never be fussing with your earbuds when you’re on the tread or trail (as a note, I primarily run outside). I’m also paying attention to fit over time, particularly if the earbuds get slippery or loose while I sweat, or if they tend to pop out or feel less stable in my ears as I pick up speed or make quick movements.
I also use the earbuds when not running to take calls and listen to music, podcasts and the like throughout the day. Many people will want just one pair of earbuds that they can use while exercising and just doing everyday things, so I evaluate each pair on their ability to be comfortable and provide a good listening experience in multiple different activities.
While I am also listening for audio quality, I’m admittedly not an expert in this space. My colleague Billy Steele holds that title at Engadget, and you’ll find much more detailed information about sound quality for some of our top picks in his reviews and buying guides. Here, however, I will make note of audio-quality characteristics if they stood out to me (i.e. if a pair of earbuds had noticeably strong bass out of the box, weak highs, etc). Most of the wireless workout headphones we tested work with companion apps that have adjustable EQ settings, so you’re able to tweak sound profiles to your liking in most cases.
A note about Jabra headphones
Jabra announced earlier this year that it will exit the consumer earbuds business, which is disappointing considering the company has made excellent headphones for running (and all other types of exercise). Our top picks include two Jabra models and we feel comfortable recommending them still because Jabra plans to support its current earbuds for « several years. » However, we’re constantly testing new buds and reassessing our top picks, so we’ll update this list accordingly in the future.
Best headphones for running
Photo by Valentina Palladino / Engadget
Connectivity: Wireless | Style: In-ear with wingtip | Assistant support: Google Assistant, Siri | Water resistance: IPX4 | Active noise cancellation: Yes | Battery life: Up to six hours
The Beats Fit Pro came out at the head of the pack thanks to their comfortable, secure design, good sound quality and transparency mode and general ease of use, among other things. As Billy detailed in his review, the Fit Pro’s wingtip design sets them apart from other Beats earbuds and makes them particularly good for running and other workouts. The buds are fairly small and light, and the wingtip on each is flexible enough to hug your ear snugly without too much pressure. This helps them feel more secure when you’re moving around a lot, be it during a morning jog or while taking a HIIT class. The buds are also rated IPX4 — not the highest level of protection out of everything I tested, but enough for even my sweatiest sessions.
As it were, the Beats Fit Pro stayed put during every single run and workout. However, adjusting their position on the fly can lead to one of my few gripes: accidental presses of the onboard controls. There were a number of times when I went to move a bud and I ended up pausing my music in the process because the buttons are so easy to trigger. While I do prefer the tactile feedback of a physical button as opposed to the touch controls on other earbuds, Beats should have changed their position on the buds or made them a bit harder to fully engage.
Sound quality is solid and, thanks to its punchy bass and overall balance, is especially suitable for exercising. Spatial audio support is great to have, and while Adaptive EQ means you can’t tweak the EQ yourself like you can with other buds, it does make for consistently good audio quality. It’s also one less thing to play with out of the box, which I expect many people will appreciate; these earbuds are a true unbox-and-go option.
ANC is also great on the Beats Fit Pro, but transparency mode is what really shines. Like I said, full ANC can be dangerous when you’re running outside, whether you’re in the middle of a city or on a trail. It pays to be able to hear what’s going on around you, at least a little bit, and the Fit Pro’s transparency mode was the best out of the earbuds I tried. Similar to Apple’s AirPods Pro, it sounded more natural than on our runner-up pick, and it’s easy to turn on or off either with onboard buttons or from the control panel on your iOS or Android smartphone.
Speaking of, the Beats Fit Pro works particularly well with iPhones thanks to the built-in H1 chip, but Android users can download the companion app to access things like quick pairing, control customizations and a battery status indicator. I didn’t get into detail about the setup process because, well, there isn’t much of one. As soon as you unbox the Fit Pro and open the case, the H1 chip communicates with iPhones and other iOS devices to almost instantly pair the buds and get them ready for use.
I will say, though, that I was surprised by one thing when I unboxed the Fit Pro: how cheap their charging case feels. While it provides an extra 21 hours on top of the buds’ promised six hours of life, the build quality of the case itself feels like a real step down compared to the buds themselves. Some charging cases on much less expensive alternatives felt more substantial than the Beats Fit Pro’s, but I recognize that it won’t deter most people (including me). Aside from that and the touch controls, the Beats Fit Pro offers a complete package for runners and other athletes alike, one that can be used all day, not just during training sessions. Plus, their standard $200 price isn’t too cost-prohibitive, and they can often be found on sale for less.
Connectivity: Wireless | Style: In-ear| Assistant support: Siri, Google Assistant | Water resistance: IP68 | Active noise cancellation: Yes | Battery life: Up to eight hours
The Jabra Elite 8 Active almost bested the Beats Fit Pro, but ultimately the latter won thanks to their wingtip design and more natural-sounding transparency mode. But aside from those two things, the Elite 8 Active are just as good, if not better than, the Fit Pro.
First and foremost, the Elite 8 Active has one of the highest durability ratings of any earbuds we tested. Rated IP68, it’s protected against all kinds of dust and debris and it’ll survive being submerged in water at high pressure. Jabra also subjected the Elite 8 Active to military-grade testing, protecting them from excessive humidity, high temperature, rain and altitude. This is more protection than most people need, but it will likely give some people peace of mind to know that these buds can take a beating. For runners, you won’t have to worry if you get caught in a sudden downpour during your final mile.
That extra protection doesn’t make the Elite 8 Active bulky or unattractive as one might assume. These buds are some of the most comfortable I tried, with a lightweight design and a secure fit. The soft-touch finish on the buds themselves and their charging case adds a level of luxury that most others I tested did not have, too. There are onboard controls as well, and they’re not as prone to accidental presses as those on the Beats Fit Pro.
As one of Jabra’s more expensive devices, the Elite 8 Active have a great sound profile out of the box but if you prefer, you can use the company’s app to tweak the EQ using a line graph that spans bass, mid and treble. You can also save customized presets. The app offers six preconfigured settings, and I found myself using Bass Boost and Energize most while exercising (they’re pretty similar with strong bass, but Energize emphasizes highs a bit more). These personalization options will give the Elite 8 Active an edge over the Beats Fit Pro for some. On top of all that, Jabra’s buds support spatial sound with Dolby Audio.
The Elite 8 Active offer adaptive noise cancellation, and they do a good job of analyzing your environment and blocking out interferences. “HearThrough” is Jabra’s version of transparency mode, and it’s useful when running outside in a city or an area with lots of traffic even if it’s not as natural-sounding as the same mode on the Beats Fit Pro. Jabra’s is designed to neutralize wind noise while also letting you stay aware of your surroundings, so you can hear your podcasts no matter how gusty the environment. I ran in some particularly windy weather while testing these out, and I had consistently good listening experiences with both HearThrough and ANC activated.
As for battery life, the Elite 8 Active will get eight hours on a charge with ANC on, and an additional 24 hours in the charging case. You can get up to 56 hours of total use if you’re not using ANC, which is remarkable. The case also feels more substantial than that of the Beats Fit Pro, and you can wirelessly charge it (a feature that’s left out on Beats’ buds).
Ultimately, the Beats Fit Pro and the Jabra Elite 8 Active are neck and neck in our top picks list. But while the Jabras offer a bit more customization and more durability, not everyone will need those bonuses. However, if you’re an athlete who likes to play around with sound profiles or you want some of the most durable wireless earbuds available today, the Jabra Elite 8 Active are the ones to get.
Pros
Comfortable fit
IP68 water and dust protection
Spatial sound with Dolby Audio
Strong ANC
Multipoint connectivity
Solid battery life
Cons
HearThrough doesn’t sound as natural as other transparency modes
Connectivity: Wireless | Style: In-ear | Assistant support: Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant | Water resistance: IP57 | Active noise cancellation: Yes | Battery life: Up to seven hours
The Jabra Elite 4 Active offer the best value for the money of any pair of earbuds on our list. For $120, you get an IP57-rated design, solid sound quality with adjustable EQ, good ANC, the same HearThrough transparency mode as the Elite 8 Active, app connectivity and a total of 28 hours of battery life. These were some of the easiest buds for me to “pick up and go” with, whether it was for an impromptu walk around the block, a sweaty HIIT session in my basement or an hour of work during which I really needed to block out distractions and get things done.
Like the Elite 8 Active, the Elite 4 Active is super comfortable and Jabra has really gotten the onboard controls right on this series. The buttons are not so easy to press that you accidentally trigger them whenever you adjust the fit, and they provide satisfying feedback when you actually do press them. Sound quality and ANC are impressive, and I basically never had to worry about running out of battery before I thought to myself, hey, you might want to top these up.
The main differences between the Elite 4 Active and the more-expensive Elite 8 Active are that the latter have a higher IP rating, spatial sound support with Dolby Audio, a longer overall battery life (56 hours with the charging case), voice guidance and that satisfying soft-touch finish. The IP rating and extended battery life are the two main features that could compel some to splurge on the Elite 8 Active instead. Also, spatial audio is nice if you have the buds semi-permanently placed in your ears constantly pumping out tunes, regardless of the activity. Otherwise, though, you’re getting a ton of excellent features with these $120 earbuds.
Pros
Great value for the money
Comfortable IP57-rated design
Good sound quality and ANC
Multipoint connectivity
Good battery life
Cons
No spatial sound with Dolby Audio like the Elite 8 Active has
Connectivity: Wireless | Style: In-ear with hook | Assistant support: None | Water resistance: IP55 | Active noise cancellation: No | Battery life: Up to eight hours
If you have less than $50 to spend, you can’t go wrong with the $30 JLab Go Air Sport. I didn’t have high expectations going into testing these, but I was quickly impressed by their fit and sound quality. Lots of devices billed as workout-friendly headphones have this hook that wraps around the top of your ear, and on the Go Air Sport it does help keep things securely attached to your head. The hooks on these buds in particular are quite flexible and have a soft-touch finish, which makes them more comfy (I tried a few similarly designed buds with much stiffer hooks that were a pain in more ways than one.) Admittedly, a hook design will take some getting used to if you’re new to it, but it’s a surefire way to get a little extra stability during intense workouts.
Sound quality is pretty good on these buds as well, although not nearly as balanced as the Jabra Elite 8 Active or the Beats Fit Pro. I also appreciate that you can cycle through three different EQ modes — Signature, Balanced and Bass Boost — using the onboard controls. There’s no app to fuss with, and that was a nice change of pace for me after mostly testing buds with some kind of software controls.
You can expect eight hours of playtime on the Go Air Sport, plus another 24 hours of battery life with its charging case. While the USB-A cable built into the bottom of the case is handy, really should be a USB-C connector instead. The case is also on the bulky side; you can still throw it into a backpack or purse easily, but it’s not as svelte as cases you’ll see with more expensive buds.
Connectivity: Wireless | Style: Open-ear | Assistant support: None | Water resistance: IP54 | Active noise cancellation: No | Battery life: Up to seven hours
I was apprehensive about trying open-ear headphones, especially while running. But the Shokz OpenFit pleasantly surprised me from the first time I put them on. Earbuds with open designs like this allow for more situational awareness, with the goal being to let noise in rather than block it out. The OpenFits do a great job of this without skimping on sound quality or comfort.
The buds themselves almost float over your ear cavern and Shokz’s soft-finish “dolphin arc” hook is flexible enough to securely wrap around the top of your ear without putting too much pressure on it. There’s a bud-like portion at the other end of the hook that acts as counterbalance, resulting in a reliable fit that never faltered during all sorts of activities including running, strength training and indoor cycling. Granted, none of those exercises involve shaking your head too much; maybe don’t wear the OpenFit to listen to head-banging death metal (if you can’t control yourself).
Sound quality is solid considering the design, and the OpenFit gets pretty loud as well. These buds have Shokz’s Direct Pitch technology, which uses reverse sound waves to optimize the distance and angle to your ear canal. The company claims this helps reduce sound leakage. In my testing, I found that true to a certain extent. The OpenFit had the best sound quality and overall volume out of all of the open-ear devices I tried, but if you crank the volume up to the max (or close), the person next to you will definitely hear what you’re listening to.
As I alluded to previously, these aren’t for anyone who wants to block the world out during exercise (or otherwise). But the OpenFit might be the best option for those who live in cities or anyone who constantly runs outside amongst traffic, pedestrians and other hazards. There’s no question that you’ll hear what’s going on around you and that can be crucial to keeping yourself safe on those streets.
Pros
Comfortable open-ear design
Design allows for more situational awareness
Good sound quality and volume
Cons
No ANC
Not as secure when compared to in-ear or hook-toting buds
The Apple AirPods Pro have an IP54 rating, which protects them from brief encounters with dust and splashes. While that’s more dust protection than many other earbuds we tested, it’s the same level of water-resistance that most exercise-specific competitors have. We generally like the AirPods Pro, but the Beats Fit Pro offer many of the same features and conveniences (namely good transparency mode and the H1 chip), with a design that’s more appropriate for working out.
Beats Powerbeats Pro
The Powerbeats Pro are a good alternative to the Beats Fit Pro if you’re a stickler for a hook design. However, they cost $50 more than the Fit Pro (although they’re often hovering around $180) and don’t offer any significant upgrades or additional features aside from their design. They’re also quite old at this point (having launched in 2019) and it appears Beats is putting more effort into updating its newer models instead.
Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro
The Soundcore AeroFit Pro is Anker’s version of the Shokz OpenFit, but I found the fit to be less secure and not as comfortable. The actual earbuds on the AeroFit Pro are noticeably bulkier than those on the OpenFit and that caused them to shift and move much more during exercise. They never fell off of my ears completely, but I spent more time adjusting them than I did enjoying them.
JBL Endurance Peak 3
The most noteworthy thing about the Endurance Peak 3 is that they have the same IP68 rating as the Jabra Elite 8 Active, except they only cost $100. But, while you get the same protection here, you’ll have to sacrifice in other areas. The Endurance Peak 3 didn’t blow me away when it came to sound quality or comfort (its hook is more rigid than those on my favorite similarly designed buds) and their charging case is massive compared to most competitors.
Tax Day is four months away, falling on April 15, 2025 — at least for most. Depending on location, some tax filers have up to an extra month to get their tax returns sent to the IRS. For instance, those residing in areas affected by natural disasters, such as hurricanes Helene and Milton, may have a deadline extension. So how do you know which date you’re required to have your taxes submitted by? Below, we break it down.
Which states have a federal tax-filing extension because of declared disasters?
For most filers, tax returns are due April 15, 2025. But there are some exceptions.
Due to severe flooding, landslides and other damage caused by natural disasters, including hurricanes Helene and Milton, the IRS has extended the federal tax filing deadline in several states with declared disaster areas by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Tax filers in these states now have until May 1, 2025, to file federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments, according to the IRS website.
Alabama: Parts of the state were affected by severe weather and flooding due to Hurricane Helene that began on Sept. 24, 2024.
Alaska: Parts of the Juneau area of Alaska were affected by flooding that began on Aug. 5, 2024.
Florida: Much of the state experienced severe weather, wind and flooding due to both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton that began on Oct. 5, 2024.
Georgia: Parts of the state were affected by severe storms and flooding brought by Hurricane Helene that began on Sept. 24, 2024.
New Mexico: Parts of Chaves County were affected by severe storms and flooding that began on Oct. 19, 2024.
North Carolina: Parts of the state were affected by severe storms, wind and flooding brought by Hurricane Helene that began on Sept. 24, 2024.
South Carolina: Parts of the state were affected by severe storms, flooding and wind brought by Hurricane Helene that began on Sept. 24, 2024.
Tennessee: Parts of the state were affected by severe storms, flooding and wind brought by Hurricane Helene that began on Sept. 24, 2024.
Virginia: Parts of the state were affected by severe storms, flooding and wind brought by Hurricane Helene that began on Sept. 24, 2024.
If you live in an affected area and can’t file your taxes by the May 1 extension, you can request a tax extension. You still need to pay your estimated taxes by May 1; the extension buys you more time to file your return.
Which states have Tax Day deadlines later than the federal deadline?
Several states have state tax deadlines that fall on a different date than the federal deadline of April 15, 2025, at midnight local time. Note, if you live in Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington or Wyoming, your state doesn’t collect income taxes.
Here are the state filing deadlines that differ from the federal deadline in 2025:
Delaware: April 30, 2025
Hawaii: April 22, 2025
Iowa: April 30, 2025
Louisiana: May 15, 2025
New Mexico: April 30, 2025, if filing electronically, otherwise April 15
Oklahoma: April 21, 2025, if filing electronically, otherwise April 15. (Note: The e-file due date is usually April 20, but for the 2025 calendar year, April 20 is Easter Sunday, so your return is due the next business day.)
The Witcher 4 devs talk about Gwent in a recent interview
CDPR strongly hints that the card game will make a return
The game is expected to launch in 2026 at the very earliest
It’s not even been a week since The Witcher 4‘s debut trailer and we’re already asking the most pressing of questions: will it have Gwent?
Well, there’s potentially great (or terrible, depending on how much you value your free time) news on that front. In an interview with Easy Allies (via PC Gamer), The Witcher 4’s executive producer Gosia Mitręga and game director Sebastian Kalemba were asked about the return of the fiendishly addictive card game.
« We really love the game, » replies Mitręga, « and we also really carefully, always listen to the community – which we love, and it’s an amazing one. » Mitręga adds: « But I don’t think anyone will be disappointed. »
Kalemba also speaks on the topic, stating that the card game is « a part of the experience, absolutely. We also love Gwent. »
While not a rock-solid confirmation that Gwent is definitely coming back in The Witcher 4, it does seem more likely to make a comeback than not based on the developers’ responses.
I never quite got around to finishing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, but whenever I played I always got sucked into playing hours of Gwent. Blissfully simple to understand yet providing plenty of room for depth and mastery, it was easily the best part of the previous game for me. I think the only other in-universe card game I’ve had close to this much fun with since is probably Vantage Master from Trails of Cold Steel 3, even if that’s not quite as elegantly put together as Gwent is.
Otherwise, we still don’t know much else about The Witcher 4 at present, which is understandable for a game that’s still early on in development. We do know that Ciri has been recast for this game, with actress Ciara Berkeley voicing the protagonist in place of Jo Wyatt.
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Some two months ago, Elon Musk appeared on Tucker Carlson’s podcast and began blabbing about the Epstein client list—the notorious docket of people who have allegedly visited the dead pedophile’s island. At the time, Donald Trump had vowed to make the list public, should he be elected again, and Musk, who was campaigning for Trump at the time, claimed that certain people were “terrified” of that happening. Most notably, the Tesla CEO pointed the finger at LinkedIn co-founder and tech billionaire Reid Hoffman. “He’s terrified of a Trump victory,” Musk said of Hoffman, who had a relationship with Epstein, and who was very publicly supporting Kamala Harris at the time.
Now, in an interview with a British newspaper, Hoffman claims he’s had to hire security to deal with threats from rightwingers ever since Musk’s comments. “It’s hard when someone is generating completely slanderous lies that end up resulting in crazy MAGA people sending you threats of violence,” Hoffman said, while speaking with The Sunday Times. “Elon’s defamation makes me angry and sad. Angry because it is an ugly assault. Sad because it comes from someone whose entrepreneurial achievements I continue to admire,” Hoffman added, before admitting: “I’ve hired security staff as a result.”
The rhetorical tussle between Musk and Hoffman would appear to be an example of the political power wrangling currently taking place. As Trump heads back to the White House, to the victor goes the spoils and Musk, who notably threw his hat in with Trump, can now throw his weight around against his enemies, while Hoffman has to hire security guards. It’s also yet another example of the politicization of the Epstein saga—a scandal that, ironically, was notably bipartisan in terms of the wealthy and well-connected people associated with it.
Musk’s conversation with Carlson, in which he mentioned Hoffman in connection with Epstein, went like this:
Elon: If Trump wins, that Epstein client list is going to become public, and some of those billionaires behind Kamala are terrified of that outcome.
Tucker: Do you think Reid Hoffman is uncomfortable?
Elon: Yes, and Gates.
Tucker: I only ask that because you can sort of look at them, and you’re like, that is a nervous person, and I mean, I assume you know them.
Elon: Yeah, Reid Hoffman was my director of business development at PayPal 24 years ago.
Tucker: Does he seem nervous to you?
Elon: Yeah, he’s terrified of a Trump victory.
Tucker: Because of the disclosures that would follow?
Elon: I think he is certainly ideologically not aligned with Trump anyway, but I think he is concerned about the Epstein situation.
Hoffman’s relationship with Epstein has already been extensively reported on. The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Hoffman had visited Epstein’s island in 2014. He was also allegedly responsible for introducing Epstein to a number of influential tech industry figures, including Peter Thiel (according to Thiel himself).
If Musk is looking for Epstein-connected targets to badmouth, he need look no further than his new boss, the president-elect of the United States. Trump has a well-documented history of association with the dead pedophile. The two were neighbors in Florida, reportedly partied together, and Trump once said, of Epstein: “I’ve known Jeff for 15 years. Terrific guy…He’s a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.” Other reports about Trump’s association with Epstein came out in the days before the election. On Oct. 31st, journalist Michael Wolff released what he said was a taped interview with Epstein, in which the dead financier claimed that he had been Trump’s “best friend” for ten years. There is no public evidence that Trump ever visited Epstein’s island.
There’s a good chance you own a couple of gadgets that support wireless charging now, be it your iPhone or Android phone, wireless earbuds or smartwatch. Multi-device wireless chargers can help power them all up in one place, without the need for a bunch of cords messing up your space. There are dozens of these accessories out there today, and we’ve tested a bunch of the most popular models. You’ll find out top picks below for the best wireless charging stations, plus some advice on how to choose the right one for your needs.
Table of contents
Best wireless charging pads
Belkin
It doesn’t get much better than Belkin’s most advanced model of wireless charger if you’re an Apple devotee. The high-quality BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 pad offers 15W MagSafe charging for your iPhone, fast charging for the Apple Watch and a space for AirPods Pro or other earbuds with Qi-compatible cases. The base is weighty, covered in rubberized plastic and includes a discreet status light for your earbuds. More importantly, it supports more devices than you might think. Although the Pro pad uses MagSafe, the horizontal layout lets you charge virtually any phone at reduced speeds. We also have to give Belkin kudos for one of the most convenient Apple Watch chargers we’ve seen. It not only works horizontally and vertically, but includes a knob to adjust for different sizes and third-party cases.
This is quite large compared to some 3-in-1 chargers, so it’s not the greatest choice for a nightstand. Consider the smaller footprint of its counterpart, the BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe 15W, if you have an iPhone 12 or newer. You also won’t find USB ports, and the indented earbud pad rules out a second phone. Still, it’s easily worth the $150 asking price.
Pros
Supports three devices at once
Supports 15W MagSafe charging for iPhones
Can adjust to support different Apple Watch models
There are many quality high-end chargers to choose from, but Logitech’s Powered 3-in-1 Dock offers a few features that help it rise above. It consumes relatively little space, and the rubberized horizontal and vertical chargers deliver up to 10W while gripping your devices tightly, so both you and your partner can top off.
It has a few limitations, though. The vertical stand isn’t well-suited to the iPhone 13 mini and other small phones. And while the floating stand works with most Apple Watches, heavier ones tend to sag (such as this author’s steel Series 5 with a Leather Link strap) and might not charge properly. If those aren’t issues, though, your $130 will be well-spent.
Pros
Compact design
Supports three devices at once
Vertical spot supports up to 10W of power delivery
You can find plenty of more affordable 3-in-1 chargers. Few, however, offer quite as much for the money as the Anker 533 Wireless Charger Stand. It offers an adjustable-angle 10W vertical stand and lets you charge an Apple Watch either horizontally or vertically. There’s also a 20W USB-C power adapter in the box, so you won’t have to buy an aftermarket brick (or rely on proprietary cabling) to get started.
The limitations mostly stem from the cost-cutting measures. You probably won’t have room for a second phone. And like some chargers we’ve seen, the Apple Watch mount is a bring-your-own-cable affair that only supports older USB-A connections. The included cable with your Series 8 or SE won’t work here. At $58, though, this 3-in-1 wireless charging stand is a good bargain.
The 2-in-1 field is highly competitive and makes it difficult to choose an absolute winner. However, Mophie’s Dual Wireless Charging Pad hits many of the right marks. It can charge two Qi-certified devices at up to 10W each, making it a great pick for a two-phone household. The fabric surface with rubberized trim should keep your gadgets steady, and the status lights will confirm accurate placement. There’s even a USB-A port to plug in your watch charger or any other wired hardware.
The complaints are few. You won’t charge at 15W, and we’d rather have USB-C than USB-A. It’s nonetheless a safe choice at $80, and worth buying over less expensive options.
Pros
Can charge two devices simultaneously, both with 10W
Multi-device chargers from phone manufacturers tend to be either compromised or highly proprietary, but Samsung’s Fast Charger Duo (sometimes known as the 15W Duo Fast Wireless Charger) bucks that trend. It’s compact and delivers high-speed charging for one phone and an accessory, whether it’s a Samsung Galaxy Watch or another manufacturer’s earbuds. The status lights will even dim at night, and change color to indicate when your batteries are full.
This won’t help for two-phone households, and Samsung only guarantees 15W charging for some of its own phones (the Galaxy Note 10, Galaxy S20 and later). You’ll also want to be mindful of which version you buy, as there are variants with and without a power adapter in the box. Neither is cheap at respective prices of $90 and $70. This remains an elegant charger for nightstands and travel, though, and the pads are sufficiently device-agnostic.
Pros
Supports 15W charging
Compact design
Cons
Power adapter included only with certain variations
There are few wireless chargers built with more than one person in mind, but Mophie’s 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Mat is the most well-rounded of the bunch. The pad can handle up to four devices wirelessly at 10W, including two phones and two accessories. There’s also a spare USB-A port for charging earlier Apple Watch models (using the included mount and your own cable) or wired items. A fabric surface, subtle device trays and indicator lights will also take the mysteries out of charging.
This is a giant charger compared to most, and you might find it limiting if your home has more than one Apple Watch or accessories that won’t fit the smaller charging pads. Even so, Mophie is offering considerable value for $150. The 4-in-1 does more than some 3-in-1 chargers at that price, and it doesn’t suffer the compatibility issues of rivals like Nomad’s Base Station Pro.
Pros
Supports up to four devices at once
Attractive design with indicator lights make it easy to use
Do wireless charging pads work with any phone or device?
It won’t be shocking to hear that your smartphone choice influences your choice in a wireless charger. Only iPhone owners will need to consider Apple Watch compatibility. Likewise, you’ll need an Android phone if you expect to power a Galaxy Watch. Buy an iPhone 12 or newer and you can attach your phone magnetically using MagSafe, while the latest Android phones often have some form of fast Qi wireless charging.
However, it’s not simply a question of getting the fastest charger. You should consider what you might buy in the future. Don’t buy a two-device charger if you have an iPhone and AirPods, but have been eyeing an Apple Watch. And if you think you might switch to an Android cell phone (or vice versa), you’ll want to get something more generic that doesn’t lock you into any one ecosystem.
Some chargers include cradles, trays and other features that are heavily optimized for particular products, and might not even account for year-to-year changes. Some vertical stands are too tall for small phones like the iPhone 13 mini, for instance. While you can never completely guarantee that next year’s phone or watch will work, it’s worth buying something more likely to last.
Having said all this, don’t be afraid to get a charger with vendor-specific features if you’re fiercely loyal to one brand. Apple isn’t expected to ditch MagSafe any time soon, and Samsung will likely keep making Galaxy Watches for a while to come.
How to pick the best wireless charging pad for your needs
Even without a charging cable to worry about, you’re probably buying a multi-device wireless charger with one location in mind. It might sit on your nightstand or on your desk. Not everyone buys a charger just for themselves, though; you might want to use one as a shared station for you and a partner.
If the charger will sit on your nightstand, you’ll likely want a compact, stable unit that won’t swallow all your free space or tumble to the floor (and if it does fall, one with enough durability to survive). You may also prefer a lay-flat phone pad so your screen is less likely to keep you awake. The Apple Watch and some other smartwatches can double as tiny alarm clocks, so you might want a vertical charging option for any wristwear.
At a desk, however, you may want a vertical phone stand so you can check notifications. Will the charger sit on a low table? Horizontal charger pads may make it easier to grab your devices in a hurry. Travel chargers should fold up or otherwise protect the pads while they’re in your bag. And, yes, aesthetics count. You may want something pretty if it’s likely to sit in a posh room where guests will see it.
For vehicles, consider a wireless car charger if you frequently need to top off your device on the go. These chargers combine convenience with functionality, ensuring your phone stays powered while you’re navigating and taking calls at the same time.
If it’s a shared charging station, you’ll want something with multiple generic surfaces, and you’ll probably have to forgo charging more than one watch at a time. In those cases, consider the handful of 4-in-1 wireless chargers on the market, or models with USB ports.
Wireless charging speed and performance
It’s no secret that wireless charging is typically slower than wired, and powering multiple devices adds a new wrinkle. As these chargers often have to support a wide range of hardware, you’ll have to forget about the fastest, device-specific options from brands like Google, OnePlus and Samsung.
That’s not to say these will be slow, but there just isn’t much separating them on the charging speed front. As a general rule, the quickest multi-device chargers tend to top out at 15W for phones. And you’ll need an Apple MagSafe charger if you want to get that full 15W on an iPhone.
It’s rare that you’ll find a truly slow example, mind you. Even some of the most affordable options we’ve seen will recharge your phone at a reasonable 7.5W or 10W, and the 5W for other devices is more than enough. If you’re only docking overnight or while you work, speed won’t make a huge difference. Just be sure that whatever you buy is powerful enough for a phone in a case. Some chargers may also include an AC adapter or require one to maximize their performance.
Wireless charging pad quality, box contents and small details
The difference between a good charger and a great one often boils down to little details. You won’t always need to pay extra to get those, but a larger outlay may be worthwhile to avoid frustrations for years to come.
A textured surface like rubberized plastic or fabric will reduce the chances your expensive gadgets will slide off their charging points. The base should have enough grip and weight that the charger won’t easily shift out of place. Any floating or vertical stands should be sturdy — steer clear if there’s any wobble.
You’ll also want to make a note of what’s included in the box. Some chargers don’t ship with power adapters, and we’ve seen numerous models whose Apple Watch “stands” are merely holders for your existing charging puck. Make sure you know whether a wall charger or other components are included to avoid disappointing surprises.
Then there’s helpful touches like status lights for confirming correct placement, although you’ll want to make sure they dim or shut off after a certain amount of time. And while it’s still true that cradles and trays can limit compatibility, you do want your devices to stay where you put them. Shelves and lips can prevent your phone or watch from sliding. Oh, and be wary of floating smartwatch mounts, as heavier timepieces might sag.
No matter which ISP you choose, all prices listed on this page reflect available discounts for setting up paperless billing. Your price will be higher if you choose not to go with automatic monthly payments.
Best internet service providers in Greenville
Your choice of ISP in Greenville and anywhere else really comes down to which ISPs service your address. Thankfully, for folks in Greenville, it seems that service from major carriers AT&T and Spectrum is available throughout the city.
Note: The prices, speeds and features detailed in the article text may differ from those listed in the product detail cards, which represent providers’ national offerings. Your particular internet service options — including prices and speeds — depend on your address and may differ from those detailed here.
All available Greenville residential internet providers
Most of Greenville can connect online with either AT&T’s DSL or fiber internet or Spectrum’s cable broadband. If you’re a mobile customer of either T-Mobile or Verizon, their 5G home internet services become very compelling options at about half off. Here are some other choices for Greenville residents.
How many members of your household use the internet?
EarthLink: EarthLink uses other providers’ networks to connect its customers to the internet. The company provides a good variety of speeds, starting at 100Mbps and going up to a whopping 5,000Mbps, with prices ranging from $50 to $190. Its pricing for its 5,000Mbps plan actually beats that of AT&T.
EIN: This Kansas-based ISP services some of Greenville. Fiber internet plans start at $79 per month for 300Mbps.
Hughesnet: With solid options from AT&T and Spectrum, folks in Greenville likely won’t need satellite internet (SpaceX’s Starlink is now available as well). Hughesnet offers speeds up to 100Mbps, with prices starting at $50 with a two-year contract and equipment fees.
T-Mobile Home Internet: Speeds with the mobile carrier’s home internet range from 72 to 245Mbps for a price of $50 or $70 per month based on the plan you pick. However, if you’re already a mobile customer of T-Mobile you can get an additional discount bringing down your monthly cost to either $35 or $50 per month, respectively.
Viasat: Viasat’s monthly prices start at $130, with speeds ranging from 25 to 100Mbps based on the plan.
Greenville broadband at a glance
Median download speeds in Greenville exceed those across South Carolina, likely thanks to compelling internet options from AT&T and Spectrum. When you’re not out enjoying the city’s beautiful parks, you’ll be streaming and gaming with ease.
Pricing info on Greenville home internet service
Spectrum offers cheaper ways to get online, but most Greenvillians will spend around $50 per month for internet service.
Cheap internet options in the Greenville metro area
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to get online in Greenville, go with Spectrum. The cable internet company offers its Internet Advantage plan for $30 monthly. From there, expect to pay around $50 per month for more speed, unless you’re an existing customer of T-Mobile or Verizon and are eligible for their 5G home internet offerings.
What’s the cheapest internet plan in Greenville, SC?
Among the 50 US states and the District of Columbia, South Carolina ranks 17th for highest median download speeds, with 203Mbps. Greenville median speeds are even faster, at about 235Mbps. Greenvillians can browse the web at speeds much higher than that, thanks to gig-plus speed options from AT&T and Spectrum.
Fastest internet providers in Greenville
Most Greenville residents who can connect online through AT&T or Spectrum can access their gigabit (and faster) speeds. Multigigabit options may be available at certain addresses.
What are the fastest internet plans in Greenville, SC?
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Greenville, South Carolina
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every internet service provider in a given city. What’s our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary database of pricing, availability and speed information that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
It doesn’t end there: We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
Are customers happy with their service?
While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
Final word on internet providers in Greenville, SC
Greenville is well served by AT&T and Spectrum. People who want a lot of speed can get plans reaching 5,000Mbps from AT&T and Earthlink, which interestingly offers a better price on the high-speed option (even though it’s using AT&T’s network), as well as EIN. For more affordable options, Spectrum offers cheaper ways to get online, while existing customers of T-Mobile or Verizon get nice discounts on those companies’ 5G home internet options.
Internet providers in Greenville, SC, FAQ
Which is the best internet service provider in Greenville, SC?
Recommended by both CNET editors and posters on the Greenville subreddit, AT&T Fiber is the best ISP in Greenville. If you can get it, that’s the best way for most Greenville residents to connect online. AT&T Fiber gets high marks on customer satisfaction surveys and offers a good variety of plans.
For a full breakdown of the differences between AT&T and Spectrum, the most prevalent ISPs in Greenville, check out the CNET guide to AT&T vs. Spectrum. But the gist is that if AT&T’s fiber plans are available at your address, that’s the better choice.
Good morning! Let’s play Connections, the NYT’s clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need clues.
What should you do once you’ve finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I’ve also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc’s Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don’t read on if you don’t want to know the answers.
NYT Connections today (game #555) – today’s words
Today’s NYT Connections words are…
TISSUE
CARPET
WAX
PLUCK
DRAG
NERVE
CLAY
GRAPH
GRASS
ARTERY
HARD
HEART
DRIVE
GRIT
CONSTRUCTION
AVENUE
NYT Connections today (game #555) – hint #1 – group hints
What are some clues for today’s NYT Connections groups?
YELLOW: Spirit
GREEN: On the…
BLUE: For wrapping and writing
PURPLE: 40-15
Need more clues?
We’re firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today’s NYT Connections puzzles…
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NYT Connections today (game #555) – hint #2 – group answers
What are the answers for today’s NYT Connections groups?
YELLOW: INTREPIDITY
GREEN: ROAD
BLUE: KINDS OF PAPER
KINDS OF TENNIS COURTS
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO SEE THEM.
NYT Connections today (game #555) – the answers
The answers to today’s Connections, game #555, are…
YELLOW: INTREPIDITY GRIT, HEART, NERVE, PLUCK
GREEN: ROAD ARTERY, AVENUE, DRAG, DRIVE
BLUE: KINDS OF PAPER CONSTRUCTION, GRAPH, TISSUE, WAX
PURPLE: KINDS OF TENNIS COURTS CARPET, CLAY, GRASS, HARD
My rating: Hard
My score: 2 mistakes
Perhaps if we were in the thick of the tennis season I would have got there a bit more quickly today, but having said that CARPET does not automatically spring to mind when you think of tennis surfaces. Presumably tennis carpet is different to the shag-pile material you might find in a living room – although I like the idea of Sinner and Alcaraz duking it out in their slippers.
Meanwhile, the only reason I got the Green group is because I used to have a friend who was always going on about going to the main DRAG on Saturday night. “You going down the drag?” he’d ask relentlessly.
I have to admit I was reluctant. Hitting the crowded bars and clubs in the center of town might be some people’s idea of a great night out, but I’ve always found it a bit of a drag. I’d rather watch tennis. Or play Connections.
Yesterday’s NYT Connections answers (Monday, 16 December, game #554)
YELLOW: TYPES OF RADIO AM, HAM, SATELLITE, WALKIE-TALKIE
GREEN: KINDS OF PLAY FIGHTS FOOD, PILLOW, SNOWBALL, WATER BALLOON
PURPLE: CLASSIC JOKE STAPLES BAR, CHICKEN, KNOCK-KNOCK, LIGHT BULB
What is NYT Connections?
NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.
On the plus side, you don’t technically need to solve the final one, as you’ll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What’s more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.
It’s a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.
It’s playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.
The film, which has created buzz for awards season has turned the fandom pink and green with excitement for the sequel, which makes us wonder if Wicked: Part One will be now referred to as simply: Wicked or (No One Mourns the) Wicked. It can’t just be Wicked: Part One which was clunky which makes it being Wicked and Wicked: For Good make more sense.
Inspired by the song in Act II of the Broadway musical Wicked, which will be a huge turning point in next year’s sequel, “For Good” centers how Elphaba and Glinda’s lives have been irrevocably changed by one another. Just how, we’ll find out November 21, 2025. Wicked part one is currently in theaters.
Waymo will deploy its driverless cars in Japan and will test its technology in another country for the first time. According to CNBC, the company will begin testing its Jaguar I-PACE vehicles in Tokyo in early 2025 and expects to remain in the country for an « extended period. » During the vehicles’ experimental phase, which will last for several quarters, human drivers from the Japanese taxi company Nihon Kotsu will operate Waymo’s cars so that its technology can map the city. Particularly, they’re driving Waymo’s Jaguar I-PACEs through the streets of Shinjuku, Shibuya and Tokyo’s other key areas.
The data gathered from those tests will then be used to train the company’s self-driving system. Waymo will also be recreating Tokyo’s driving conditions in a closed course in the US, where it will put more of its robotaxis to the test, and will be using data collected from that effort for training. The company has yet to announce when it will open rides to the public, but it has already formed a partnership with Japan’s « GO » taxi app, which will presumably offer driverless rides to users in the future. As CNBC notes, Japan is keen to introduce driverless rides as a transportation option despite its efficient train system due to its aging population. Last year, it amended its laws to allow level 4 autonomous driving on its roads.
In the US, Waymo operates its driverless cars in Phoenix, San Francisco and Los Angeles. It announced several plans to introduce its vehicles to more locations over the past months, however, and raised $5.6 billion to fund its expansion to Austin and Atlanta next year. Waymo will also be deploying its Jaguar I-PACE vehicles in Miami in early 2025 and will offer rides to the public in the city sometime in 2026.
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