Tech
Sony’s Previous Flagship Headphones Are $100 Off (and Still Better Than Most Other Headphones)
Some people always want the newest version, but if you’re willing to compromise a little, you can have Sony’s noise-canceling WH-1000XM5 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) for just $300 from Amazon, a steep discount on their usual price. Even though their successor is available, they still offer an extremely good value, and number among our favorite active noise-canceling headphones, particularly when you can save $100.
For years now, Sony has been pumping out generation after generation of the WH-1000XM Series headphones with active noise-canceling. Depending on the year, and the most recently released Bose headset, they typically land at or near the top of our roundup of the best noise-canceling headphones.
Not only do they have excellent noise-canceling performance, they also sound amazing. Our reviewer described them as “spacious and well defined, and consequently each and every individual strand of a recording is simple to identify and isolate.” They work well with a variety of different musical styles, thanks to a high level of detail, particularly in the midrange where other headphones sometimes struggle. The highs and lows are clear and deep too, allowing for top-tier sharpness and responsiveness.
They’re consistently light at just 250 grams, and extremely comfortable, making them a great option for frequent flyers and noisy commutes, although they might be a little sweaty for working out. They have both Bluetooth and 3.5-mm connection options, and pair up capacitive touch controls with a great app. While not mandatory, the free app for both iOS and Android has settings for tweaking both the equalizer and the active noise-canceling settings.
The biggest difference that most folks will notice between the older XM5 and the newer XM6 is the foldable design, which helps the newer model squeeze into more compact carry-on bags. The XM5 include a compact carrying case though, which should be fine for medium-sized backpacks and briefcases.
When we reviewed the Sony WH-1000XM5, we noted that the price relative to other models was the biggest downside, a complaint we’ve made about several iterations of the WH-1000XM headsets. Thankfully, the healthy discount here makes them a much more appealing option, particularly with the newer WH-1000XM6 (9/10, WIRED Review) still priced around $448.
At WIRED, we recommend a bunch of Nomad accessories for a variety of gadgets, such as your smartphone, tablet, earbuds, and smartwatch. But it can get expensive—it’s the price you pay for luxury. If you’ve been holding out for a sale, you’re in luck. The company is currently offering discounts on a variety of items, including iPhone cases, iPad cases, wireless chargers, and more. Right now, you can get up to 80% off by using the links above. You’ll find a lot of the accessories on sale in our Best iPhone 16 Cases guide, Best Apple 3-in-1 Wireless Chargers guide, Best Apple Watch Accessories guide, and Best iPad Accessories guide.
Save up to 80% Off at the Nomad Goods Sale Section
Get up to 80% off accessories in the outlet section on numerous items, including cases (for the iPhone, iPad, and AirPods), cables, wireless chargers, and more. It’s important to note the exact discount or Nomad Goods coupon varies depending on the specific accessory.
Best Deals for Nomad Cases, Nomad Apple Watch Bands, and More
A bunch of Nomad’s accessories are on sale, but there are a few deals that stick out—specifically on WIRED-approved items. Some of these include the Traditional Leather Case and Rugged Case for the iPhone 16, Nomad Universal Cable (USB-C to USB-C), the Modern Leather Case for the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), and the Modern Leather Case for the iPad Pro. More of our recommendations that are on sale include the Passport Wallet, along with the Nomad Rugged 45-mm Case and Sport Band for the Apple Watch.
Nomad iPhone Cases: 25% Off
Nomad has tons of accessories to level up your iPhone. After all, it’s the object you use most, why not make sure it’s protected (and stylish)? Nomad has some of our favorite iPhone 17 cases in an expansive line that includes favorites like the Rugged Case, Modern Leather Case, and Magnetic Leather Back. Be sure to check out their offerings so that you don’t have to live with a cracked screen.
Nomad Goods iPhone 16 Cases: 25% Off
Nomad makes tons of really solid iPhone accessories, including their full line of iPhone 16 cases, which have a versatile range of styles and materials, all made to last for years. Some of our favorite Nomad iPhone 16 cases include the Nomad Rugged Case and the Nomad Modern Leather Case, two classic styles that you can take anywhere (and put through virtually everything).
Other Ways to Save With or Without a Nomad Coupon
If you’re looking for additional savings, Nomad also offers the option to apply for its ambassador program. As part of the program, you’ll be responsible for creating content and driving sales through your affiliate link. When you first sign up, you’ll receive a one-time Nomad discount code for 15% off products. You’ll also have the opportunity to receive additional codes and free products while participating as an ambassador. For more savings, Nomad free shipping is available for orders in the US that are $75 and over.
A coalition of countries has provided Ukraine with more than €1.3bn of telecommunications, information technology and other high-tech equipment since Russia began the deadliest conflict in Europe since the Second World War.
Although €1.3bn may be small compared with Ukraine’s military budget, the equipment – provided with the support of Western governments and companies – has been critical to allow Ukraine’s government and institutions to continue functioning under Russian attack.
Heli Tiirmaa-Klaar, chair of the IT Coalition Steering Group, told Computer Weekly that with peace talks floundering in Moscow, the group is prepared for a long game, and is ready to support Ukraine’s technology infrastructure for the next five or, if necessary, 10 years.
Russia’s attempts to use “well crafted” cyber attacks to destabilise Ukraine just before troops crossed the border were largely unsuccessful, she told Computer Weekly.
Speaking ahead of a talk at the SANS CyberThreat Summit in London, Tiirmaa-Klaar said that Russian attacks included a widely reported attempt to deploy wiper software to destroy data on Ukraine’s critical computer systems.
Ukraine had the support networks in place to patch the zero-day vulnerabilities used in the attack in a matter of hours.
An attack by Russia on Ukraine’s train network the day before Russian troops crossed the boarder also failed, said Tiirmaa-Klaar. “By the time the invasion happened, and you needed to evacuate, the trains were running again,” she said. The defence was good enough and resilient enough, and that is why we could not see major cyber disruptions during the invasion.
“The Ukrainians were quite successful, especially in the early days of the conflict, keeping the lights on, keeping the phones working, the trains running and other critical services running despite major cyber attacks,” said Tiirmaa-Klaar.
Ukraine was able to prepare in advance by moving government data to cloud systems run by the major hyperscalers. It meant that even if data was destroyed during the war, there were backups available.
Russia behind ‘hybrid attacks’
Since Russia launched its military action, cyber attacks are no longer a Russian priority in Ukraine. Tiirmaa-Klaar added: “The Russian rationale would be, ‘Why do we need to cyber bomb if we can actually bomb?’
“Their main goal is political, and the main means for them is still the military – troops on the ground and tanks rolling over the border,” she said. “They don’t see hybrid warfare and cyber as key capabilities once they have decided to invade.”
Moscow is widely believed to be behind drones and balloon incursions that have disrupted airports in Europe, and the sabotage of undersea communications cables.
“I think this is the old tactic of creating disruptions, testing the response and trying to influence public opinion … to show that [Russia] can bring the war closer to you if you continue to support Ukraine,” said Tiirmaa-Klaar.
Information wars
Tiirmaa-Klaar said the media has also played a part in amplifying Russia’s disruption tactics, by over-publicising the disruption caused by suspected Russian drones in some Western countries.
“The way the journalists responded was a dream for Russian operatives because they just spread chaos,” she said.
The tactic is called “reflexive control” – setting up the conditions so that an enemy responds the way Russia intended. “You create the decision-making ground,” explained Tiirmaa-Klaar. “You can anticipate their next steps because you know how your actions are going to influence them.”
Fighting hybrid warfare poses a tougher challenge than fighting cyber attacks, she added. It will need government agencies, the military and civilians to collaborate in new ways.
Tiirmaa-Klaar pointed to Finland’s response to a Russian ship suspected of cutting critical cable links between Estonia and Finland last year as an example of the type of response needed.
Finland boarded the ship and arrested the crew, and it sent an important political message, she said: “You mess with us, and we mess with you. If we respond properly, if we get our act together, then we diminish the probability that we will be influenced by these hybrid operations.”
The IT Coalition Steering Group Tiirmaa-Klaar chairs was established during the first few weeks of Russia’s second invasion against Ukraine, in February 2022.
A US initiative led to the Ramstein Coalition, which today brings together 56 countries – including European Union and Nato members – to provide military support to Ukraine.
Some 10 subgroups provide support in areas ranging from maritime equipment, to artillery, drones and de-mining. Tiirmaa-Klaar chairs the IT coalition, a group of 18 countries which provides Ukraine with hardware, software, tactical communications cyber defences and IT hardware.
Military procurement is notoriously slow, so the IT coalition focuses on dual-use devices, such as laptops, tactical radio communications equipment and satellite communications technology.
Ukraine has “a very long list” of equipment that it needs, which is constantly updated. Every time there is a battle, essential equipment including radios and computer equipment is lost and will need replacing.
There are also logistical challenges ensuring that equipment reaches the front line, which might be more than 2,000km away.
Old phone masts could help Ukraine
A priority is to source decommissioned mobile phone masts that could be used to provide Ukraine with military communications. The group is also supplying equipment for the Ukrainian military to build datacentres and private clouds.
Tiirmaa-Klaar is far from optimistic that the current peace talks brokered by the US will bring a quick end to the conflict. “Putin has no interest, as far as I can see, in ending the war,” she said.
The IT coalition is prepared, with a three-year plan, a five-year plan, and – if necessary – a 10-year plan.
“We will go on even after peace is signed, because if peace is signed, we do not know how long it will hold,” said Tiirmaa-Klaar. “And the Ukrainian armed forces still need to build up capabilities, even in peace time, because they need to have credible deterrence.”
BMW’s first car on its new EV platform has finally arrived. But will a big range, thumping charging tech, and a new driving brain that aims to deliver the ultimate ride be enough to beat China?
Source link
UK-based Sosandar lifts revenue 15%, FY26 profit outlook on track
College football star calls on Trump take charge of College Football Playoff decisions
Bangladesh’s economic outlook cautiously optimistic: Govt
-
Tech4 days agoGet Your Steps In From Your Home Office With This Walking Pad—On Sale This Week
-
Sports3 days agoIndia Triumphs Over South Africa in First ODI Thanks to Kohli’s Heroics – SUCH TV
-
Entertainment3 days agoSadie Sink talks about the future of Max in ‘Stranger Things’
-
Fashion3 days agoResults are in: US Black Friday store visits down, e-visits up, apparel shines
-
Politics3 days agoElon Musk reveals partner’s half-Indian roots, son’s middle name ‘Sekhar’
-
Tech3 days agoPrague’s City Center Sparkles, Buzzes, and Burns at the Signal Festival
-
Uncategorized1 week ago
[CinePlex360] Please moderate: “Americans would
-
Tech1 week agoWake Up—the Best Black Friday Mattress Sales Are Here