It took me years to perfect my work-from-home setup. The latest addition for my comfort is the Oakywood monitor stand, which the company provided me for tests. Previously, I thought rocking the M2 Max Mac Studio with Apple Studio Display would be enough for my writing routine.

While both devices already make my workflow so much easier, I was having a hard time aligning my posture with the Studio Display height. If I had my desk taller, my arms would be uncomfortable, and if I’d lower my desk, I wouldn’t be in a good posture.

With the Oakywood monitor stand, I found a good balance between my desk height and a perfect posture. Immediately, this has helped me stretch less due to pain in my neck. This stand is 45x23x9cm, which perfectly fits the Studio Display, a 24-inch iMac, and many other monitors.

Image source: José Adorno for BGR

Oakywood says this monitor stand can take up to 100kg (220lbs), and it’s made of solid wood that comes from “responsible sources.” In general, I think it matches the color of my desk, and as I mentioned, it also improves my posture.

The company gives a few tips for the best usage of this stand, such as putting notebooks or keeping your keyboard there after you finish working. I’d love it if the Mac Studio would fit below it, but they have the same height – if you’re a Mac mini user, on the other hand, this particular stand will be perfect for your needs.

Oakywood monitor stand costs $120 and comes in oak, walnut, and black. Even if you’re not into this particular stand, I’d recommend getting one for working.

Oakywood 2-in-1 headphones stand adds a little charm to my desk

Image source: José Adorno for BGR

Another product that gave my desk a little treat is the Oakywood 2-in-1 headphones stand. It’s also made of solid wood with black painted steel that lets you safely hang any headphones. Over the years, I’ve seen many similar products and always wanted to display my AirPods Max on it.

With this accessory, it’s more convenient to grab my AirPods while editing a video or when I want to immerse myself in an album. What I like the most about this stand is that it offers 7.5W wireless charging if you plug a USB-C cable into it.

Image source: José Adorno for BGR

I usually leave my AirPods Pro 2 on the charger – or my backup iPhone for taking photos or discovering what’s new on betas. It also blends well with my desk, and it’s a well-crafted product that costs $100.

How do you improve your work-from-home experience? Send me a message at jose@bgr.com.

The post How the Oakywood monitor stand improved my posture and productivity appeared first on BGR.

Bluetooth item trackers have never been as popular as they are right now, as we learned in a report earlier this year. Needless to say, the recent sales boom is thanks largely to the popularity of Apple AirTag Bluetooth item trackers.

Apple AirTag 4 Pack

AirTags integrate seamlessly with your iPhone or iPad, allowing you to quickly locate lost items using the Find My app that comes preinstalled on any of Apple’s mobile devices. And despite the fact that they rarely get discounts, Apple AirTag tracker 4-packs are currently on sale for just $86.99.

That’s even less than they cost during Amazon’s big Prime Day blowout when AirTag 4-packs were down to $88.49. The current sale drops your price to just $21.75 per AirTag, which is the best price that I’ve seen since back in June of this year.

Of note, this deal on Apple AirTag trackers is available at both Amazon and Walmart.

For those unfamiliar with how AirTags work, it’s actually pretty brilliant.

AirTag Bluetooth trackers basically use all of the iPhones around them as antennas. Even if you don’t have an AirTag yourself, your iPhone is still part of a global AirTag tracking network.

Apple’s AirTags constantly ping any iPhones within Bluetooth range and use them to transmit the location. It’s completely anonymous and encrypted, so you don’t have to worry about security. Then, whenever the AirTag owner wants, he or she can check the AirTag’s location using the Find My app.

Apple’s wildly popular Bluetooth item trackers never go on sale directly from Apple Stores. That should go without saying, of course, since Apple never discounts anything. At Apple’s partner retailers, however, you can occasionally find a sale that slashes the price of Apple AirTag Bluetooth trackers.

Right now, one of these rare opportunities just presented itself. Amazon is offering AirTag Bluetooth item tracker 4-packs for $86.99 instead of $99. That’s a 12% discount that cuts your cost to $21.75 per AirTag.

Individual AirTags retail for $29 each. 1-packs also have been on sale lately, though there isn’t currently a discount. Even when they do go on sale, however, the price typically only gets a discount of between $1 and $3.

With that in mind, I always recommend passing on those deals and taking advantage of Apple AirTag deals that offer much bigger discounts on a 4-pack.

Apple AirTag 4 Pack

If you’re an Android user, or if you just don’t want to be locked into Apple’s ecosystem, there are a few good alternatives. The obvious leader among them is Tile, and a few different Tile tracker models were on sale recently.

The Tile Pro still has a 10% discount right now, and the Tile Mate is discounted if you buy one in a bundle.

The post Apple AirTags are under $22 each at Amazon and Walmart appeared first on BGR.

After announcing a new USB-C Apple Pencil last October, Apple said it would start selling this iPad accessory in November. As of November 1st, Cupertino is now making available this pencil.

On Apple’s website, the new USB-C Apple Pencil shipment is available in 1-3 business days. Although it lacks a few key features of the other models, it fixes the iPad charging issue people complain about.

Apple says the new USB-C Apple Pencil has pixel-perfect accuracy, low latency, and tilt sensitivity, as it’s “ideal for note-taking, sketching, annotating, journaling, and more.” Designed with a matte finish and a flat side that magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad for storage, the new Apple Pencil pairs and charges with a USB-C cable.

What’s new with this version is that it features a sliding cap with a USB-C port, enabling customers to use a USB-C cable to connect to the new Apple Pencil for pairing and charging. When magnetically attached to the iPad for storage, the new Apple Pencil enters into a sleep state to preserve battery life.

Apple says the new Apple Pencil is the most affordable model it offers, making it ideal for everyday productivity and creativity. With USB-C charging and pairing, the new Apple Pencil is great for iPad (10th generation) users and works with all iPad models with a USB-C port, including iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini.

Although it also has hover support for the M2 iPad Pro, it doesn’t offer pressure sensitivity, wireless pairing and charging, or double-tap to change tools. Apple also doesn’t provide engraving with it.

This accessory costs $79 – or $69 with an educational discount. BGR has a full guide comparing the different Apple Pencil models available and which one could be perfect for your usage.

The post USB-C Apple Pencil now available to purchase, here’s everything you need to know appeared first on BGR.

After Apple’s Scary Fast event, Apple is now releasing a new AirTag firmware for its item tracker device. According to developer and X user Aaron, Cupertino has released version 2A61. This is the first firmware update for the AirTag in almost a year, as the last time an update was made available was in December 2022.

According to the developer, 1% of users will get this firmware today, while 10% will get it on 11/07, 25% on 11/14, and the full rollout is expected by 11/28. At this moment, it’s unclear what changes this firmware update brings to the AirTag. This version comes after Apple released iOS 17.1 to all users and during the beta testing of iOS 17.2.

With iOS 17, Apple finally let users share their AirTag location with family and friends through Find My, although this was an iOS-only update and didn’t require Apple to update the item tracker firmware.

To discover the current AirTag firmware version, you need to open the Find My app. From there, choose the Items tab, the accessory you want to check, and then click below the AirTag’s name. You’ll be able to see its serial number and the firmware version.

Although there’s no way to force an AirTag to update, you can leave it close to your iPhone while it’s on Wi-Fi and charging. A similar method is used to update the AirPods firmware.

Since Apple released its item tracker two years and a half ago, several reports showed people’s concern about privacy as the AirTag has been used to stalk people. The Cupertino firm has been updating the accessory to make it easier for people to discover an unwanted item tracker.

That said, it’s straightforward to turn off an AirTag, as you need to open its back and remove the battery.

If there are new features with the latest firmware version, BGR will report back.

The post Apple releases new AirTag firmware, but you might have to wait a month to get it appeared first on BGR.

It’s that time of the year! Whether you prefer tricks or treats, you can celebrate Halloween with some spooky iPhone and AirPods cases. One of the best accessories being made available for this season comes from CASETiFY.

The company just released its latest collection celebrating Disney Villains, from Sleeping Beauty’s Maleficent to 101 Dalmatians’ Cruella de Vil. CASETiFY offers these cases in various materials, such as Impact, Ultra Impact, Mirror, Bounce, and Clear Cases.

One of the best accessories is an exclusive glow-in-the-dark 3D AirPods case that resembles the Evil Queen’s poison apple in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. So, whether you have the old AirPods Pro 2 or the just-released USB-C option, you can have a spooky Halloween with these cases.

Image source: CASETiFY

All products in the collection retail between $38 and $98, and users can find them in the CASETiFY Co-lab app, on its website, or at CASETiFY Studio Locations.

In addition, VelvetCaviar also has a Halloween collection with iPhone cases and MagSafe Wallet accessories. Its cases range from spider’s web to cute animals dressed up for Halloween, ghosts, black cats, and more. They are all limited editions, MagSafe-compatible, and cost between $35 and $65.

Image source: Velvet Caviar

You can also find a limited series of the Spooky Threads case from smartish. For $29.99, it offers protective air-pocket corners, super grippy texture, light and durable construction, alongside screen and camera protection. This accessory is also a great bet for Halloween fans.

Image source: smartish

In addition to Halloween cases for your iPhone and AirPods, BGR recently compiled the best accessories for your new iPhone 15. With several new changes in the product, Pro users must update their cases to get a better grip when holding their new titanium phones.

In addition, since these phones got lighter and a bit smaller, a case could help users protect their iPhones better, especially now that Apple replaced its leather cases for FineWoven – and some people didn’t like it.

BGR will keep updating this article as we learn about more iPhone and AirPods accessory-makers launching their Halloween cases for this spooky season.

MASEBOR Skull Skeleton for iPhone 13 case for Women Men Cool Funny Gothic Hollow Halloween Phon…

Velvet Caviar Compatible with iPhone 7 Plus & iPhone 8 Plus Cat Case for Women & Girls - Cute C…

BEIMEITU for iPhone 12/12 Pro Halloween Case Kids Pumpkin Skull, Cute Design Women Girls Shockp…

YEPO Halloween Case for iPhone 14 Plus Clear, Fashion Designs Phone Cover Women Girls, Stylish…

Cavka Matte Black Case Compatible with - iPhone 12 Pro - iPhone 12-6.1 inch Protective TPU Rubb…

Ricin Relun Autumn Fall Leaves Moon Pumpkin Pattern Case for iPhone 13 Pro Max, Retro Halloween…

Phone Case Compatible with iPhone 14 Pro Max A Ghost in The Cornfield Theres Again Horror Hallo…

Compatible with iPhone 11 Halloween Phone Case with Skull Bat Pumpkin Candy Pattern Designed An…

Xovive Classical The Nightmare Jack Design Halloween Phone Case Compatible with iPhone 12 Pro M…

COBATREE for iPhone 13 Pro Phone Case, Clear Case with Halloween Ghost Pattern for iPhone 13 Pr…

The post Celebrate Halloween with these spooky iPhone and AirPods cases appeared first on BGR.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously said Apple would release AirTag 2 by the end of 2024. Now, in a prediction update on X, the insider said the mass production for the second generation of this item tracker has been postponed to 2025.

When Kuo first predicted Apple would be working on a new AirTag, he said, “spatial computing is a new ecosystem that Apple wants to build, using Vision Pro as the core to integrate other devices, including AirTag 2.”

Although he didn’t share much more about this item tracker, since Apple unveiled the iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Series 9 with the second-generation ultrawideband, this accessory will likely use the same chip.

This ultrawide-band processor has a three times further range and offers more accurate results when looking for a device. For the iPhone 15, for example, you can find a friend in a crowd using this ultrawide-band chip as long as they also have an iPhone 15.

For the Apple Watch, you can use the smartwatch to find your iPhone – which you couldn’t do with previous versions.

Over the past few years, Apple has improved tracking detection, as some people were using this device to stalk others. For example, Google announced that Android phones can now alert you if an AirTag is stalking you.

Another great change with iOS 17 is the ability to share your AirTag with family members, so some items won’t trigger a stalking alert, such as a keychain, while also allowing other users to see where this item is through the Find My app.

In addition, I hope that AirTag 2 also doesn’t require a keychain or that it’s available in other form factors so users can have more options when buying and using this item tracker. Chipolo and other brands currently offer item trackers that fit perfectly in a wallet or your keys without requiring an accessory to attach to the keychain.

BGR will keep following the latest rumors and reports about this device.

The post Top insider says AirTag 2 won’t launch until 2025, and I hope it has these changes appeared first on BGR.

Today, Apple unveiled a new USB-C Apple Pencil. More affordable than the other models, it has some exclusive features of the 2nd-generation accessory while also lacking other functions that might be useful for your daily usage.

In this article, we’ll let you know with which iPad each Apple Pencil is compatible, the main or lacking features, and what’s new with this accessory.

Which Apple Pencil is compatible with which iPad? And how much does it cost?

Image source: Apple Inc.

First generation: This Apple Pencil is compatible with all iPads that feature a Lightning port or the iPad 10 with USB-C, as long as you buy a dongle to charge and pair the accessory. It costs $99.

Second generation: Compatible with iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini models with USB-C, but not the iPad 10. It costs $129.

USB-C: This Apple Pencil is compatible with every iPad featuring a USB-C port. It costs $79.

Main and lacking features

Image source: Apple Inc.

These are all the features available in all Apple Pencil models:

• Pixel-perfect precision: Write, sketch, and draw with precision;
• Low latency: Feels as natural and responsive as using a pencil on paper;
• Tilt sensitivity: Tilt Apple Pencil for shading and other effects.

These are the features available for USB-C Apple Pencil and 2nd gen versions:

• Attaches magnetically: Store Apple Pencil on the side of your iPad so you’re ready when inspiration strikes;
• Supports Apple Pencil hover on iPad Pro: Preview your marker before you make it.

Pressure sensitivity, which responds naturally to pressure, from light touch to a deeper press, isn’t available with the newer accessory, only with 1st and 2nd gens models.

These are the features exclusively available for the 2nd generation Apple Pencil:

• Wireless pairing and charging: Automatically pairs and charges when attached;
• Double-tap to change tools: Quickly switch between tools;
• Free engraving: Make it unmistakably yours.

Should you buy the USB-C Apple Pencil?

USB-C Apple Pencil launched in October 2023. Image source: Apple Inc.

If you don’t own an Apple Pencil, surely. Although this accessory solves a long issue iPad users suffer, which is the Apple Pencil draining all the iPad battery whenever it’s attached to the tablet, I don’t think anyone with a 2nd-generation Pencil should buy it.

On the other hand, if you own the first-generation and you’re willing to update to a USB-C iPad in the near future, I think this is the best accessory to buy right now (I mean, in November, when it ships). It will magnetically attach to your iPad, won’t drain all of its battery, can charge this accessory using your existing USB-C cable, and has most of the features that all Pencils have.

Ideally, Apple would have removed iPad 9 from the lineup and stopped advertising 1st gen Apple Pencil (I really don’t think it can stop selling it since there are a lot of Lightning iPads out there), but the company opted for the chaos sell three different pencils at the same time.

Lastly, if you are a designer or artist, you should probably buy the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil. Despite that charging issue I mentioned, it has all the features you might need. If you own an iPad Pro but if you don’t draw for a living, you’ll be more than okay with the USB-C Apple Pencil.

At least now you know everything about these accessories and which one to buy.

The post Apple Pencil comparison: 1st-gen, 2nd-gen, or USB-C – which is best for your iPad? appeared first on BGR.

A year after unveiling the iPad 10 with USB-C – and making users buy a dongle to connect the first-gen Apple Pencil with it – Apple is now releasing a USB-C Apple Pencil that works with every iPad model. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

With pixel-perfect accuracy, low latency, and tilt sensitivity, the new Apple Pencil is “ideal for note-taking, sketching, annotating, journaling, and more.” Designed with a matte finish and a flat side that magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad for storage, the new Apple Pencil pairs and charges with a USB-C cable.

“Apple Pencil has revolutionized note-taking, sketching, and illustrating, unleashing endless possibilities for productivity and creativity,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “Combined with the versatility of iPad, the new Apple Pencil unlocks another great option to experience the magic of digital handwriting, annotation, marking up documents, and more.”

Image source: Apple Inc.

What’s new with this version is that it features a sliding cap with a USB-C port, enabling customers to use a USB-C cable to connect to the new Apple Pencil for pairing and charging. When magnetically attached to the iPad for storage, the new Apple Pencil enters into a sleep state to preserve battery life.

Apple says the new Apple Pencil is the most affordable model it offers, making it ideal for everyday productivity and creativity. With USB-C charging and pairing, the new Apple Pencil is great for iPad (10th generation) users and works with all iPad models with a USB-C port, including iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini.

Image source: Apple Inc.

Although it also has hover support for the M2 iPad Pro, it doesn’t offer pressure sensitivity, wireless pairing and charging, or double-tap to change tools. Apple also doesn’t provide engraving with it.

This accessory costs $79 – or $69 with an educational discount. It will be available in early November.

The post Apple unveils universal USB-C Apple Pencil that works with every iPad appeared first on BGR.

Made by Twelve South, TimePorter is an Apple Watch band organizer, so you can always have all your bands in one place. This accessory is perfect for those who like to combine their Apple Watch band with their clothes.

With a glossy white finish and chrome endcaps, Twelve South says you can add up to six Watch bands to TimePorter (although I added seven without a problem). If you have a larger collection, you can remove one of the chrome endcaps and attach another band’s organizer.

What makes this accessory so handy is the fact that you can install it anywhere you want, like in your closet, bathroom, or even inside a wardrobe room. It uses 3M Command strips, so it’s very easy to install this product – and there is even an extra pair in case you need it.

Image source: José Adorno for BGR

While I previously kept my Apple Watch bands inside a tiny box, now I can have my favorite ones always displayed to me. With that, it’s easy to switch bands when I want to go for an outdoor run, a fancy dinner, or just a casual walk at the mall.

I have several bands from Apple and third-party makers. Luckily, TimePorter can hold any of them, as I just need to press them into the soft silicone rail, and that’s it.

With this product, I’ve been using more Apple Watch bands, as it’s easier to switch and keep them organized at all times. Previously, I would stick with the same band for weeks until I decided I should switch nylon for a silicon one, for example.

Image source: José Adorno for BGR

Those with several bands will just need to decide whether they will make a wall of TimePorters or if they prefer easy access to the most used bands, as each TimePorter Wall Mount costs $29.99 (GBP 29.99 / EUR 34.99).

This device is now available at Twelve South’s official store.

The post Twelve South TimePorter hands-on: My favorite Apple Watch band organizer appeared first on BGR.

Apple’s AirTag (currently discounted for Prime Day) clearly took some of the wind out of Tile’s sails. But there’s no question that Tile has a much more extensive lineup of Bluetooth trackers. Tile devices come in all shapes and sizes, and they’re still wildly popular. And for Prime Big Deal Days 2023, there are several Tile deals on best-selling trackers.

First, you can score a Tile Sticker 2-Pack at the lowest price ever. This model was new for 2022, and it’s basically Tile’s answer to the AirTag. Or, if you want to go with a tried and true tracker, the Tile Mate is also on sale in 2-packs or 3-packs. And finally, the Tile Pro is on sale at an all-time low price when you buy a 2-pack.

Tile Mate 2-Pack. Bluetooth Tracker, Keys Finder and Item Locator for Keys, Bags and More; Up t…

Tile Sticker 2-Pack. Small Bluetooth Tracker, Remote Finder and Item Locator, Pets and More; Up…

Tile Pro 2-Pack (Black/White). Powerful Bluetooth Tracker, Keys Finder and Item Locator for Key…

Tile Mate 3-Pack, Black. Bluetooth Tracker, Keys Finder and Item Locator for Keys, Bags and Mor…

You should definitely check out Amazon’s deals hub for all the latest Prime Big Deal Days sales.

Better yet, BGR rounded up all the best bargains right here in this mega-list of Prime Big Deal Days deals.

Our favorite deals on Tile Bluetooth trackers

Tile is still a leader when it comes to Bluetooth trackers. The company has a huge global network of devices that track anything and everything you can imagine. From suitcases and keys to cars and bicycles, you can track anything you want.

Apple’s AirTag tracker is another top seller now, and it’s on sale as well during Amazon’s Fall Prime Day blowout. But many people still prefer Tile, and there are several impressive Prime Big Deal Days 2023 deals available this year.

Tile trackers are already cheaper than AirTags, but why not save even more money while you can?

Tile Sticker 2-Pack. Small Bluetooth Tracker, Remote Finder and Item Locator, Pets and More; Up…

First up, we have Tile’s response to the Apple AirTag. It’s called the Tile Sticker, and it was first released last year.

The Tile Sticker has all the standard features that make Tiles great. Plus, it has a compact, round design and battery life of up to 3 years.

Pick up a Tile Sticker 2-Pack on October 10 or October 11, and you’ll pay just $37.99 instead of $55. Not only is that a great deal, but it’s also slightly cheaper than the discounted price during Amazon’s Fall Prime Day sale last year.

Tile Mate 2-Pack. Bluetooth Tracker, Keys Finder and Item Locator for Keys, Bags and More; Up t…

Tile Mate 3-Pack, Black. Bluetooth Tracker, Keys Finder and Item Locator for Keys, Bags and Mor…

Next, we have the latest version of a Tile tracker that everyone is familiar with.

The Tile Mate 3-Pack typically sells for $70, which works out to $23.33 per tracker. That’s less than Apple’s AirTags, so it’s not a bad deal at all. But during the Prime Big Deal Days sale, Tile has slashed the price of this 3-pack to just $47.99. That’s $16 per tracker, and it’s a terrific value.

Or, you can pick up a Tile Mate 2-pack on sale for $32.99 instead of $48. Both of those deals are better than what we saw during this sale last year.

Tile Pro 2-Pack (Black/White). Powerful Bluetooth Tracker, Keys Finder and Item Locator for Key…

Last but not least, we have the Tile Sticker 2-pack on sale for $41.99. In addition to typical Tile features like water resistance and 1-year battery life, Tile Stickers also give you 400-foot range.

All of these Tile deals are available through the end of Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days event.

More Prime Big Deal Days 2023 coverage

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale in 2023 takes place on October 10 and October 11. It’s packed full of deep discounts and great deals for Prime members only.

BGR is the best place to follow all of Amazon’s most popular deals from the Prime Big Deal Days 2023 event. Here are some of our best guides that show you all the hottest deals this year:

• 🚨 All the best Prime Big Deal Days deals of 2023 🚨
• Prime Big Deal Days Apple deals
• Amazon Prime Big Deal Days gaming deals
• Prime Big Deal Days Amazon device deals
• Prime Big Deal Days TV deals
• Amazon Prime Big Deal Days phone deals
• Best Prime Big Deal Days smart home deals
• Best Prime Big Deal Days headphones deals

The post Best Tile tracker deals for Prime Big Deal Days 2023 appeared first on BGR.