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vendredi 5 juin 2026

You Can Now Use iMessage on Windows (With Some Serious Limitations)

by juin 05, 2026

If you're entirely within either the Apple or Windows/Android ecosystem, it's pretty easy to sync your mobile and desktop experiences so you can get notifications, send messages, and access other content across devices. iOS and MacOS work seamlessly together, and Microsoft's Phone Link pairs Android with Windows.

Phone Link also works across platforms, so you can receive and send Apple Messages on your PC. There are some significant limitations—for example, you'll still need your iPhone handy to send group texts and share images. But Phone Link allows you to keep track of messages on your desktop while you're working without needing to constantly check your phone.

Setting up Messages on your PC requires a few steps. First, you'll need three things to connect your Apple device to your Windows computer: a Microsoft account, the Phone Link app on your PC, and the Link to Windows app on your iPhone running iOS 16 or higher. (Phone Link comes preinstalled on Windows 11, or you can download it from the Microsoft Store.)

To get started, type Phone Link into the taskbar search and select the app to open it. Choose iPhone as your device. Scan the QR code on the next screen with your iPhone camera and tap Pair your devices. On the pop-up, tap Open > Continue > Allow followed by Pair to grant Windows necessary permissions and complete Bluetooth pairing. You may be asked to allow additional permissions, including notification and file sharing. Then, follow the prompts to link your iPhone to your Microsoft account.

You should also confirm a few things in your iPhone Settings > Bluetooth. Select your computer's name from the list of connected devices and toggle on Show Message Notifications. You can also enable Sync Contacts and Share System Notifications. When you open Phone Link on your PC, you can opt to have the app open when you sign into Windows. Then hit Get Started.

The limitations of using Apple Messages on your PC

The Messages window within Phone Link will show you a handful of recent conversations—which you can reply to—and suggested contacts, but you will not see your full inbox. You also can't start or reply to group chats or send attachments, photos, or GIFs (only emojis are supported). To start a new conversation, tap the New Message icon, enter your contact's name or phone number, compose the text, and hit Send.

Anything sent or received will also appear on your iPhone, so you can switch between devices at any point during the conversation. Note that because Phone Link uses Bluetooth, it does not break Apple Messages' end-to-end encryption.



This Microphone-Free Sonos Speaker Is at Its Lowest Price Ever Right Now

by juin 05, 2026

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

As early Prime Day deals start appearing (you can find more in our guide to Prime Day 2026), the Sonos Era 100 SL has dropped to $169 on Amazon from its usual $189 price, marking its lowest price yet, according to price trackers. The speaker is essentially a microphone-free version of the standard Era 100. You lose support for Alexa and other voice assistant features, but everything else remains the same, including the stereo sound, Bluetooth connectivity, room-correction technology, and access to the broader Sonos ecosystem.

Sonos Era 100 SL
Microphone-free speaker
Sonos Era 100 SL - Compact, Microphone-Free Speaker with WiFi, Bluetooth - White
$169.00 at Amazon
$189.00 Save $20.00

Unlike the Sonos One SL, which is a mono speaker, the Era 100 (and its SL sibling) uses a stereo driver configuration that produces a noticeably wider soundstage and better instrument separation. In practice, that means instruments and vocals feel more separated rather than blending together in the center of the room, which makes a real difference in well-produced recordings. It also has room-correction tools that adjust the sound output based on your listening environment, plus manual bass and treble controls if you want to dial things in further. Bluetooth support is also included, which wasn't always a given with Sonos products, and makes it easier for guests to connect without joining your home network. 

Another solid reason to consider this is the ecosystem—the Era 100 SL works with the Sonos app and can be grouped with other compatible Sonos speakers for whole-home audio. You can start with a single speaker and expand over time without replacing anything. It doesn't support Dolby Atmos music like the more expensive Era 300, and it isn't powerful enough to effortlessly fill very large spaces. Audio can also lose some composure when pushed to maximum volume. Still, if you're looking for a compact wireless speaker that prioritizes sound quality over smart-assistant features, the Era 100 SL offers much of what makes Sonos popular at its lowest price yet.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now
Sonos Move 2 — $399.00 (List Price $499.00)
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jeudi 4 juin 2026

This Samsung Gaming Monitor Is Over $100 Off in This Early Prime Day Deal

by juin 04, 2026

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

The 2025 flat-panel 32” Samsung Odyssey G5 G50F gaming monitor is an affordable and versatile choice for gamers who also want some multi-purpose use for everyday usage and work. At 32 inches, it’s not as immersive as larger models, but for those looking for gamer-friendly features in a non-curved screen with an adjustable stand, it’s a speedy and visually vibrant choice. And right now it's down to a record-low $219.99, from $349.99. 

Samsung 32” Odyssey G5 G50F Gaming Monitor
Samsung Odyssey G5 G50F gaming monitor
$219.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $130.00

With an 180Hz refresh rate that delivers smoother gameplay than 144Hz displays, it’s a value-oriented monitor for competitive and FPS gaming, bolstered by the Virtual Aim Point to improve accuracy. It also has a 1ms GTG response time to reduce motion blur during fast-paced gameplay, and FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility help eliminate stuttering and tearing. QHD (2560×1440) resolution gives users sharper visuals than 1080p, while HDR10 delivers better shadow detail and contrast, further supported by a Black Equalizer.

It has a fast IPS panel with better color accuracy and a 178-degree viewing angle compared to older G5 models, making it suitable not just for gaming but also for media consumption, general office work, multitasking, or use as a multiplayer monitor. Additional gamer-friendly extras include Eye Saver Mode and Refresh Rate Optimizer.  

While usually hovering at the $350 price point, at $219.99, this gaming monitor is a strong deal for competitive gamers, general PC gamers, and anyone looking for a larger, mixed-use monitor without stepping up to the much higher price point of an OLED display.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Prime Day Deals Right Now
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — (List Price $179.99)
Deals are selected by our commerce team


This 250W Anker Charging Station Is 33% Off Right Now

by juin 04, 2026

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

The Anker Prime 250W Desktop Charging Station is one of those products that makes more sense the more devices you own. If your desk usually has a laptop charger, a phone charger, a tablet charger, and a few USB cables scattered around, consolidating everything into a single charging hub can be genuinely useful. With Prime Day 2026 approaching and many people looking to upgrade their desk setups, chargers are one category worth paying attention to. Right now, the Anker Prime Desktop Charging Station is on sale for $99.99, down from its regular $149.99 price.

Anker Prime 250W Desktop Charging Station
Anker Prime Charger 250W GaN Prime 6-Port USB Charging Station with Display
$99.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.00

This charging station has six ports in total, including four USB-C and two USB-A ports, with up to 250W of combined output. That's enough power to charge a laptop, phone, tablet, earbuds, and a few other accessories at the same time without much compromise. Anker has also added a small display that shows how much power each connected device is drawing. It's a feature you probably don't think you need until you can actually see whether your laptop is charging at full speed or your phone is getting priority. Speaking of which, the charger lets you control how power is distributed. If your phone is nearly dead and you're heading out soon, you can prioritize that device while still charging everything else.

There are additional modes for charging two laptops at once, handling low-power accessories, or automatically managing power allocation without any manual adjustments. Through the Anker app, you can monitor charging activity, schedule when the station turns on or off, adjust display settings, and even add a clock screensaver to the built-in screen. None of that is essential, but it does make the charger feel more integrated into a workspace rather than just sitting there as another accessory.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now
Sonos Move 2 — $399.00 (List Price $499.00)
Deals are selected by our commerce team


Here's How Small the Oura Ring 5 Really Is

by juin 04, 2026

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

I’ve been wearing the Oura Ring 5 for a few days now. My full review is coming soon, but so I have one major takeaway so far: The Oura Ring 5 is impressively thin, as was promised. It’s also the most comfortable smart ring I’ve ever worn. 

Oura Ring 5 - Gold - Size 8
Oura Ring 5 - Gold - Size 8 - World’s Smallest Smart Ring - Sleep, Activity, Women’s Health, AI Advisor, 1 Week of Battery Life, Size Before You Buy, Android & iOS Compatible
$499.00 at Amazon

The Oura Ring 5 is getting closer to the size of a non-smart ring

Rings on my hand. Left to right: regular rings, Oura Ring 5 in gold, Oura Ring 4 in black
Left to right: regular rings, Oura Ring 5 in gold, Oura Ring 4 in black Credit: Beth Skwarecki

The photo above shows the size of the Oura Ring 5 (center, in gold) next to the previous generation, the Oura Ring 4 (right, in black). To the left are two regular jewelry rings for comparison. The latter rings are chunkier than a lot of people’s delicate little wedding rings (what can I say, I’ve always appreciated a sturdy titanium ring), but they've always look tiny when placed next to a smart ring. Compared to the Oura Ring 5, though, the difference is a lot less dramatic than with any other smart ring I've worn.

The Oura Ring 5 is definitely the smallest smart ring I’ve ever seen

six smart rings arranged in two stacks
Left stack, top to bottom: Samsung Galaxy Ring, Ultrahuman Ring Air, RingConn Gen 3. Right stack, top to bottom: Oura Ring 5, Oura Ring 4, Oura Ring 3. Credit: Beth Skwarecki

Based on specs, I knew this ring would be the smallest one I’ve tried, and here’s the proof: In the photo above, the three rings on the right-hand stack are various generations of Oura rings, with the Oura Ring 5 on top. On the left stack, the rings are (top to bottom) the Samsung Galaxy Ring, the Ultrahuman Ring Air, and the RingConn Gen 3. 

RingConn Gen 3, left; Oura Ring 5, right.
RingConn Gen 3, left; Oura Ring 5, right. Credit: Beth Skwarecki

And this photo offers a direct comparison between the Oura Ring 5 and the RingConn Gen 3, its closest competitor with regard to size. The Oura Ring 5 is in gold, the RingConn 3  in silver. 

Here’s how the Oura Ring 5 compares to previous generations of Oura Rings

Oura Rings 3, 4, and 5
Left to right: Oura rings 3, 4, and 5. Note that the gen 3 ring is a larger finger size (size 9) than the other two (both size 8). Credit: Beth Skwarecki

In the photo above, you can see last three generations of the Oura ring: the 3, 4, and 5, from left to right. You can see that the gen 3 had round sensor bumps on the inside, while the Oura Ring 4 flattened those out for a flush interior. The Oura Ring 5 brings back some low-profile bumps to improve skin contact. 

Is the Oura Ring 5 worth the upgrade? 

The Oura Ring 5 is definitely nicer-looking and more comfortable than the previous generations, and Oura says the finish is more scratch-resistant. Those are good reasons to go for the 5 over an earlier generation, all else being equal. That said, if you already have an Oura Ring 4, I'm less sure whether it's worth upgrading. From generation to generation, Oura’s rings have only offered minor hardware improvements over the years. They get a little more comfortable and a little more accurate with each iteration, but I’d have a hard time telling someone they should ditch their current ring, whatever generation they have. You just don’t gain much from keeping up with the times. 

There’s a big caveat on my conclusion, though: battery longevity. My Oura rings keep dying right around the two-year mark, and from what I’ve seen from other Oura users, this seems to be a common issue. This happened with my gen 2 ring, then the gen 3 that replaced it, and the battery on my second gen 3 ring wasn’t doing well before I swapped it out for the Oura Ring 4 that I got as a review unit last year. In recent weeks, I’ve noticed my Oura Ring 4 now only holds a charge for about three days at a time, down from about a week when it was new. 

I asked Oura if its doing any research on battery longevity or making their rings last longer, but the company didn’t have share any specifics. I understand that it’s hard to build a long-lasting battery in such a small device, so I’m not faulting Oura for the limits of technology. But battery longevity being what it is, Oura customers need to know that these rings won't last forever. Interestingly, the batteres' lifespan seems to roughly coincide with the release cycle of new generations of the device. That's perfect timing if you're ready to upgrade, and more than disappointing if you're not.



mercredi 3 juin 2026

All the Ways You Can Rent a Luxury Summer Experience for Cheap

by juin 03, 2026

Here's a dream summer day in Los Angeles:

9 a.m.: Pick up your Jeep Wrangler with the top off, throw your bags and the dog in the back, and hit the road.

10:30 a.m.: You arrive at Malibu Beach, hop on your electric hydrofoil and spend the morning literally flying over the ocean waves.

3 p.m.: After a couple of hours chilling on the beach, you head inland to a private oasis where your dog can run around in complete privacy.

4:30 p.m.: While the doggy naps, you cool off swimming laps in a pristine, private pool complete with a manmade lagoon and waterfall.

8:30 p.m.: You drive up into the starlit canyons to pitch your tent on a stunning private coastal ranch or secluded farm plot, far from the crowds at the public parks.

If you bought all this stuff yourself, it would cost more than a million bucks—houses with nice pools aren't cheap around here—but you can experience that exact million-dollar summer itinerary for around $470. Welcome to your "asset-light luxury" summer: Thanks to the peer-to-peer rental economy, you can have a rich person's summer for very little money.

Where to rent a peer-to-peer boat

They say the two best days of a boater's life are the day they buy their boat and the day they sell it, but you can bypass the endless hassle and expense of boat ownership with boat rentership through Boatsetter. This P2P boat rental app lets you rent everything from a jet boat to a 106-foot yacht. Pro tip: Boatsetter allows renters to hire a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain as part of the rental, too; but if you're a DIY person, you can get a boating license here.

Where to rent a peer-to-peer dream car

If you're taking a road trip this summer, Turo is the spot for renting your summertime dream car. Whether you want to drive to the mountain in a new Jeep or cruise the beach in an old Mercury Meteor, you can probably find it on Turo. It's so much cooler than that beige, baseline minivan from Alamo. Pro tip: Scroll down to the "extras" section; some Turo hosts offer add-on packages with things like beach chairs and coolers.

Where to rent a peer-to-peer pool

I love the idea of Swimply. Swimming in someone else's pool is just better than the hassle of having your own. It's really easy to do: Just enter your address and check out what pools you can swim in for a fee. They have everything from above-ground pools in someone's backyard to exotic manmade lagoons with waterfalls. Pro Tip: Look for the "Instant Book" lightning bolt icon. Many hosts require up to 24 hours of notice to review your request, but "Instant Book" listings let you lock down a spot immediately. Perfect for "I gotta get in some water, now!" moments.

Where to rent a peer-to-peer recreational vehicle

Maybe you like camping but hate being uncomfortable. If so, you can have a recreational vehicle without dropping $60,000. RVShare connects you directly with local owners who are willing to hand over the keys to their luxury Class A motorhomes, nimble Class B campervans, or classic towable Airstreams. Pro-tip: If you want to skip the driving anxiety of piloting one of these barges, many hosts offer a delivery service so you can have your Winnebago dropped off at the campground.

Where to rent a peer-to-peer private campsite

If you've ever tried to rent a campsite from a state or national park, you've no doubt said, "There must be a better way;" enter, Hipcamp, the Airbnb of camping. Hipcamp connects you with people who own land and will rent it to you for camping, so you can pitch your tent on a coastal estate or just some dude's backyard. Pro-tip: Many Hipcamp hosts offer hyper-local add-ons like fresh eggs from their chicken coops.

Where to rent peer-to-peer adventure gear

If you're going on vacation and you need a bike, board, or scooter, don't bring it from home, and definitely don't ride those clunky cruisers that came with the Airbnb. Check out FriendWithA first. Along with power tools and cameras, you can "borrow" all kinds of fun things, like e-bikes, golf clubs, stand-up paddleboards, or a "high-performance" pogo stick. Pro-tip: Every rental on FriendWithA includes up to $10,000 in property protection (and up to $125,000 for higher-value gear) so you don't need to worry about wrecking that expensive gravel bike.

Where to rent a peer-to-peer dog park

"Airbnb for dogs" sounds like a joke about the glory days of Silicon Valley, but it's a real app where you can rent backyards, pools, and dog amusement parks, so your furry pal can enjoy some off-the-leash entertainment. Pro-tip: The more I think about Sniffspot, the less ridiculous it seems, especially if your doggy doesn't play well with other dogs.

Where to rent peer-to-peer fashion

The last time I rented clothing was my senior prom, but if you need the perfect outfit for a summer wedding or rooftop cocktail party, don't drop $400 on a new dress. Instead, check out Pickle, the breakout app for peer-to-peer clothing rentals. Pro-tip: If you're traveling to New York, Los Angeles, or Miami for a formal occasion, Pickle offers a courier service to have that designer dress dropped right at your hotel room.



These Bowers & Wilkins ANC Earbuds Are 60% Off Right Now

by juin 03, 2026

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Bowers & Wilkins isn't a brand you typically associate with budget audio gear. The company is better known for premium speakers and high-end headphones, which makes Woot's current sub-$100 deal on the Pi6 stand out. These wireless earbuds are down to $99.99 from their usual $249 price (the lowest price on record, according to price trackers). This deal is expected to remain available for the next three weeks or until inventory runs out, with Prime members getting free shipping while everyone else pays a $6 shipping fee.

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 Wireless Earbuds
Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 Wireless Earbuds
$99.99 at Woot
$249.00 Save $149.01

These IP54-rated earbuds support SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, and aptX Classic codecs, giving compatible devices access to higher-quality wireless audio than many mainstream earbuds offer. The result is a sound signature that feels detailed and balanced—vocals come through clearly, instruments have room to breathe, and the overall presentation feels more spacious than what you'd typically get from similarly priced wireless earbuds. Its 12mm drivers help deliver that experience, and they're backed by active noise cancellation that does a respectable job of reducing background distractions in offices, on public transit, or in busy cafes.

The earbuds are also surprisingly comfortable—despite lacking stabilizing hooks or fins, they stay secure enough for workouts and runs, while remaining light enough for longer listening sessions. Battery life is another plus, with up to eight hours of playback from the earbuds and roughly 24 additional hours from the charging case. That said, the Pi6 has no Spatial Audio support, no built-in feature for locating misplaced earbuds, and the companion app can occasionally feel rough around the edges. Those omissions are easier to accept at $99 than they are at $249, but they're worth knowing about before you buy.

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