These Beats Studio Pro Headphones Are Over 50% Off for Black Friday

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

Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. 

• Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find.

• Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more.

• Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox.

• Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change.

---

As part of Amazon’s Black Friday deals, the Beats Studio Pro headphones have dropped to $149.95—down from their usual $349.95, and the lowest price they've hit so far, according to price trackers. At that price, you're getting a premium-looking pair of noise-canceling headphones with a few standout features, especially for Apple users. The build is solid, the fit is comfortable, and the overall feel leans high-end.

Beats Studio Pro

$149.95 at Amazon

$349.95 Save $200.00

$149.95 at Amazon

$349.95 Save $200.00

Audio-wise, the Studio Pro delivers the familiar Beats punch, with boosted bass and bright highs. Purists might find it less balanced, but if you like a little extra punch in your playlists, it works. You can get better audio quality by plugging in the USB-C cable, which unlocks hi-res listening and three preset EQ modes that offer some tailoring depending on what you’re listening to. Unfortunately, you can’t access those EQ options in Bluetooth mode, and there’s no custom EQ, either. Android users also get shortchanged, with only SBC and AAC codec support, so they miss out on AptX and LDAC for high-quality wireless audio.

Noise cancellation is where the Studio Pro feels more average. It handles low-end noise fairly well but struggles with higher frequencies and busy environments. There’s also a faint hiss when ANC is on, notes this PCMag review. On the bright side, battery life holds up well—you can expect around 24 hours with noise cancellation on or up to 40 hours without it. Overall, the Studio Pro won’t outperform the best from Sony or Bose in terms of active noise canceling, and it’s not built for audio customization. But, for casual listeners who prioritize comfort, battery life, and seamless Apple integration, this Black Friday deal makes it easier to justify.

---

Does Amazon have Black Friday deals?

Yes, Amazon has Black Friday sales, but prices aren’t always what they seem. Use a price tracker to make sure you’re getting the best deal, or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you. And if you have an Amazon Prime membership, make the most of it.

What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?

Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers who can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. 

Are Black Friday deals worth it?

In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00)

Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99)

IFTTT

You Can Get These Premium Sony Headphones for Over 25% Off Right Now

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

Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. 

• Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find.

• Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more.

• Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox.

• Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. 

---

Sony’s WH-1000XM6 headphones are now available in New Open Box condition on sale for $349.99 at StackSocial, which is a tempting offer if you’ve been eyeing the best premium headphones of 2025 (according to our writer, Daniel Oropeza). “Open Box” here means these units come from excess store inventory or returns that were inspected, verified to be new, and repackaged. You might see some wear on the box, but the headphones themselves are unused and come backed by a one-year warranty. For a product that normally goes for $449, that $100 cut is worth a look, especially if you’re upgrading from an older model or switching from Bose or Apple.

The WH-1000XM6 improves on Sony’s already-dominant line in small but meaningful ways. The return of the foldable design makes them easier to stash in a bag, and the new QN3 processor, which is seven times faster than the last generation, powers 12 microphones that listen, filter, and fine-tune sound in real time. That translates to adaptive noise cancellation that silences traffic, chatter, and plane engines with near-surgical precision. You can still hear high-pitched clinks or sudden noises, but most distractions disappear once music starts. It’s also the first Sony model that lets you charge while listening, a fix users have wanted for years. Battery life stays strong at around 30 hours with ANC on, and a three-minute charge nets three hours of playback, ideal for last-minute commutes or flights.

Sound quality holds Sony’s usual polish: crisp vocals, steady bass, and a clean balance that only improves once you tweak EQ settings in the app. Spatial Audio and Adaptive Sound Control add immersion, though they still rely on compatible apps and can be finicky to set up. The AI-powered call clarity works well, and the return of a 3.5 mm jack will please audiophiles who still prefer wired listening. At its core, this is Sony refining, not reinventing, a flagship. The XM6 doesn’t drastically outpace the XM5, but it’s a clear step up from the XM4, faster, smarter, and more portable. For those new to Sony’s ANC line, this Open Box deal offers top-tier performance at a gentler price, minus the factory-sealed box.

---

How long do Black Friday deals really last?

Black Friday sales officially begin Friday, November 28, 2025, and run throughout “Cyber Week,” the five-day period that runs from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, December 1, 2025. But Black Friday and Cyber Monday dates have expanded as retailers compete for customers. You can get the same Black Friday sales early, and we expect sales to wind down by December 3, 2025. 

What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?

Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers who can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. 

Are Black Friday deals worth it?

In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. 

Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?

Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $279.00 (List Price $349.00)

Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99)

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99)

NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00)

Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00)

IFTTT

The Out-of-Touch Adults' Guide to Kid Culture: Why Are Kids Wearing Quarter Zips?

Something strange is happening this week: The hottest trend among young people is acting mature.

Maybe it's in response to our nation's financial and political leaders abdicating maturity, but Gen Z is adopting business casual attire as a cultural identifier and using a pick-up line in online dating that seems like something out of the 1950s. Even the brain-rot generation is considering moving away from meaninglessness and dropping six-seeeven in favor of memes people can understand.

What is a “quarter zip” and what does it mean to wear one?

A quarter zip is exactly what it sounds like: a pullover sweater with a zipper that goes a quarter way down the chest, and it's becoming the go-to look for young men, especially Black men. Wearing a quarter zip isn't exactly "dressed up," but it's more sophisticated than rocking athleisure wear. More importantly, the quarter zip is often a signifier of status and intention. Like flannel shirts in previous generations, the quarter zip is marks one as belonging to an in-group, being a “quarter zip man," and the even being part of the “quarter zip movement.”

The trend began earlier this month with this video from TikToker Jason Gyamfi:

"We don't do Nike tech and coffee no more," Gyamfi says, "it's straight matchas and quarter zips around here." (Matcha is a kind of Japanese green tea. It's also a marker of "performative males.") Another part of the quarter zip movement are chunky black glasses, which I personally endorse because chunky black frames are the only glasses that matter.

My white ass is not culturally qualified to talk about what the quarter zip means in terms the Black experience (dig into the hashtag if you'd like to go down that path) but I find it fascinating in terms of the younger generation taking a step into adulthood. It's not a great time for the concept of being a grown-up, with the most powerful people on earth trading schoolyard barbs and flame wars on social media regularly, so I see the quarter zip thing as a small countervailing force, as if younger people are saying, "You want to vacate maturity? We'll take it up."

How “may I meet you?” is becoming Gen Z’s go-to pick-up line

Speaking of maturity making a surprise comeback: Gen Z is adopting an unexpectedly formal greeting as a romantic opener.

We have Bill Ackman to thank for it. The unlikely dating influencer isn't a roided-out weirdo Andrew-Tate type; he's a 59-year-old married hedge fund manager known for his philanthropy and his billion dollars built on long-shot bets. Ackman has summed up his investment strategy like this: “Make a bold call that nobody believes in,” and so he did in a recent tweet aimed at our nation’s young men trapped in the male loneliness epidemic, posting:

“I hear from many young men that they find it difficult to meet young women in a public setting. In other words, the online culture has destroyed the ability to spontaneously meet strangers. As such, I thought I would share a few words that I used in my youth to meet someone that I found compelling. I would ask:  “May I meet you?” before engaging further in a conversation. 

The tweet was viewed over 38 million times. It was at first met with skepticism, tweets like:

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

and memes like this:

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

But the phrase is actually catching on. People are using it on dating apps, sometimes ironically, sometimes not, but always with the subtext: "I understand this reference, therefore I am online enough for you." The phrase functions as both a shared joke and a surprisingly straightforward expression of interest. The politeness of it suggests "I'm not going to make this all weird," too.

Whether young men are picking up the subtext of Ackman’s advice (i.e., “Just be a normal person—and it doesn’t hurt to have a couple billion dollars") is unclear, but the phrase has definitely embedded itself in online courtship.

Generation Alpha's great meme reset

Maybe this is wishful thinking, but I'm even seeing maturity creeping into the collective unconscious of Generation Alpha.

As a longtime decoder of youth culture, I've watched Gen Z and Gen A's main form of self-expression—internet memes—going from generally relatable jokes and observations to messages with so many inside jokes that they're only understandable to the terminally online, to brain-rot memes that are incomprehensible to everyone, even their own creators, because they literally don't mean anything. But TikTokers are proposing a "Great Meme Reset" to begin in 2026, and promising a return to comprehensibility.

The reset was first proposed (ironically, of course) in this video, posted during the supposed "meme drought" back in March.

The idea that memes are dead has been much discussed online, with videos like this envisioning what the great sweeping away of memes might look like and solidifying the date it's coming:

What comes next, though, is a harder thing to envision. Creators are basically proposing "going back to when memes meant something," and they generally land on 2016 as the "golden age." As TikToker NoahGlennCarter puts it in this video:

"We're going to go back to the originals, things like nyan cat, Ugandan Knuckles, and the dancing banana are all going to be coming back as memes..."

I'm in favor of the idea of bringing coherence back to meme-dom, but I'm sure you can see the problem here too: Nyan Cat, Ugandan Knuckles and company didn't mean anything in 2016 to anyone who wasn't terminally online. A reset is only possible if people share a baseline cultural reference point, and that’s hard to come by.

Another problem: Self-conscious attempts to orchestrate cultural expression basically never work. You can’t will a renaissance into being; you can’t just make fetch happen.

Viral video of the week: mishandled meat

I usually link to viral videos that are funny and/or awesome, but this week's highlights a different viral subgenre: disgusting food-handling videos.

TikToker @sergiogarcia9100 was apparently just hanging out on a roof (like you do) when he caught this scene of a restaurant employee's less-than-sanitary handling of some frozen ribs:

The video was viewed over five million times in its first three days online. The original poster didn't provide much detail about where the video beyond saying it was "near San Jose." But internet detectives are good, and despite the seeming lack of identifying information in the video, a geoguesser on Reddit identified the restaurant as PhoLove in Milpitas, California. The county health department was notified, and the restaurant shut down temporarily while they address health code violations. All of which should remind us that the internet is terrifyingly good at CSI work, and, if you must mishandle meat, watch for video snipers on the roof.

from News https://ift.tt/F8P2Z7u
via IFTTT

The New Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Is $100 Off for Black Friday

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

The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is now available at a $100 discount for Black Friday, bringing the Bluetooth model down to $399.99 from its original $499.99, and the LTE version to $449.99 from $549.99. That extra $50 for LTE only really matters if you plan to use the watch without your phone nearby. For most people who keep their phone close, the Bluetooth version is more than enough.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (46mm, Bluetooth, Black Band)

$399.99 at Amazon

$499.99 Save $100.00

$399.99 at Amazon

$499.99 Save $100.00

The physical rotating bezel makes a return with the Classic and remains one of the easiest ways to navigate the interface, particularly when your hands are sweaty or occupied. The display is brighter and more readable in direct sunlight, the case has been trimmed slightly for a sleeker fit, and the battery comfortably lasts through a full day and a night of sleep tracking. The watch also gets Google’s Gemini assistant and an updated sleep dashboard, so even if you don’t dive deep into data, the summaries are easier to understand. 

Samsung has added a few smart touches this year. The updated health sensors feel more accurate in everyday use, the dual-band GPS locks onto routes faster, and the gesture controls make one-handed navigation easier when you’re on the move. The AI running coach also feels more grounded, offering small adjustments to your stride or pace instead of vague motivational fluff. None of these are headline-grabbing changes, but they’re the kind that make a difference in daily use.

Reviews (including this “excellent” PCMag review and our own hands-on review) agree that the Classic version feels more like a traditional watch while still packing in full smartwatch features. That said, the 46mm size may not suit everyone, particularly those who prefer a smaller or lighter option. And serious workout folks may want a longer battery life than the 30-ish hours you get here. But for an everyday smartwatch with a fitness angle, it strikes a strong balance.

If you’re weighing your options, we’ve also compared the Google Pixel Watch 4 with the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic in detail so you can see how they match up.

---

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $279.00 (List Price $349.00)

Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99)

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99)

NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00)

IFTTT

The OnePlus 13 Is Already $150 Off for Black Friday

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

The OnePlus 13 isn’t just competing with flagship phones. It’s quietly undercutting them. At $699 for the unlocked 512GB Arctic Dawn model, down from $849, it’s currently at its lowest price according to price trackers, making a strong case for itself if you’ve been eyeing an Android phone with top-tier specs without crossing the $1,000 threshold.

OnePlus 13,16GB RAM + 512GB Storage

$699.99 at Amazon

$849.99 Save $150.00

$699.99 at Amazon

$849.99 Save $150.00

It runs on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chip with 16GB RAM, includes a massive 6.82-inch ProXDR OLED display that stays readable even in direct sunlight, and delivers all-day battery life. Add in 80W wired charging (with the charger actually in the box) and a surprisingly premium build with IP68/IP69 protection, and you start to wonder why this phone isn’t getting more buzz. It also supports wireless charging, but you’ll need to buy OnePlus’ AirVOOC charger separately, notes this PCMag review.

Performance-wise, it holds its own. Whether you’re juggling dozens of apps or pushing it with demanding games, the OnePlus 13 barely breaks a sweat. Plus, its 120Hz refresh rate makes everyday scrolling feel extra smooth. On the connectivity side, you get wifi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, and support for advanced audio codecs like LDAC and LHDC 5.0, which is great news for wireless headphone users. 

OnePlus’ ongoing collaboration with Hasselblad anchors the camera setup of the OnePlus 13, and this year, all three rear lenses are 50MP—main, telephoto, and ultra-wide. Color reproduction leans natural, not oversaturated, which is great if you prefer photos that don’t need major editing.

Software updates won’t go as long as Pixel or Galaxy phones, which might be a dealbreaker if you plan to keep your phone for years. And it doesn’t have a microSD card slot, so the 512GB you get is all you’ll have. But if you want top-tier performance, clean design, and unbeatable battery life for the price, the OnePlus 13 is one of the best values out there right now.

---

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $279.00 (List Price $349.00)

Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99)

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99)

NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00

from News https://ift.tt/yUIkMSb
via IFTTT

You Should Motivate Yourself With a 'Jar of Awesome'

When you’re taking stock of what you’ve accomplished, it’s easy—and understandable—to get caught up by what you haven’t done or wish you'd done better. After all, that's how you'll improve. But you have to remember to recognize wins big and small if you hope to keep yourself motivated.

The balance between positive and negative as it relates to productivity is delicate, but you do always need to take breaks, do things you enjoy, and remember that you’re getting things done, even during stressful times. That's why you should try creating a “jar of awesome." 

What is a “jar of awesome?” 

The “jar of awesome” idea comes from Tim Ferriss’ Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers and it’s been popular for some time. Essentially, Ferriss recommends writing your wins down as they occur and putting the slips of paper into a jar. When you need a motivational boost, you can read through them. Visually, the jar even shows you just how much you have accomplished lately. 

The idea is to help you focus not just on everything that needs to get done, but on what you’ve already done. It’s similar to keeping an accomplishment journal or updating your resume annually, even when you’re not job-hunting, in that it both motivates you and creates a record of your work. Crucially, it keeps that record in real time. It's much harder to remember everything you've accomplished if you try to do it retrospectively or under duress (as anyone confronted with filling out a year-end performance review knows well). With the jar of awesome, if you’re ever called into a surprise meeting about your work or have a review looming, you already have a list of your accomplishments ready to go. 

Ways to create your own “jar of awesome” 

Actually filling a jar with little scraps of paper is a touch twee and may not be that easy to keep up with when our lifestyles are so increasingly digital. There are plenty of ways to create a “jar” of awesome that don’t involve making your desk look like a Pinterest-inspired 2013 wedding. Try leaving a page or two dedicated to tracking wins in the back of your planner or creating a designated note on your phone. Create a single source of truth (SSOT) or a file on your computer or drive, dedicated to compiling your list of wins and supporting documentation. (Personally, I'm a big on using a notes app. My list of wins lives on my phone, where I can update it in a matter of seconds.)

However you decide to do it, make sure all of the successes are listed somewhere together so the list grows visually. Just glancing at it can be a motivational push, to say nothing of reading through it all. Finally, don’t second-guess yourself when you want to add something. If you picked up the dry cleaning on a stressful day, got all the kids out of the house on time in the morning, or responded to all your emails by the end of the day and it felt good, throw it in. Just because it might seem small in comparison to a big looming project deadline doesn’t mean it wasn’t a win to get it done, so into the jar it goes. The goal is to keep track of just how much you really do accomplish, so don’t leave anything out.

Finally, build your reviews into other elements of your productivity plan. When you're making SMART goals, for instance,—clearly defining what you want to do, why you want to do it, and when you need it done by—it's easy to look to past mistakes to see what you need to correct. At the same time, look back on your jar of awesome to see what's been working for you, so you can incorporate more of those elements into your future planning too.

from News https://ift.tt/G8OBX54
via IFTTT

Google’s Pick for the Best App of the Year Helps You Use Your Phone Less

As it does every year, Google has picked its favorite apps, games, and books of 2025 from the Play Store catalog—and the annual selection is always useful as a pointer towards some high-quality titles for your Android devices that you may have missed so far.

Topping the pile is Focus Friend from YouTuber Hank Green, which aims to keep you on task and undistracted via a series of cutesy animations and cartoon living spaces. The less you check your phone, the better the experience for your 'bean' inside the app.

It's an app we've written about before, and I've given it a go myself while trying to focus on writing this article with as few distractions as possible. I've also cast an eye over the other picks from Google, which you may want to add to your phone or tablet.

Focus Friend really does help you focus

I'd previously heard a bit of buzz around Focus Friend, but it being picked as Google's favorite Play Store app of the year gave me the nudge I needed to actually install it and give it a go. It's been earning some rave reviews, but it's not actually all that different to the many other focus apps available on mobile.

This one does ramp up the cartoon cuteness, giving you your own personal bean character who will get busy knitting as long as you're not checking other apps on your phone. You can trade the socks that get knitted for a variety of furnishings and decorations for the bean's living space, which starts off very bare indeed.

Focus Friend is built around a timer system. Credit: Lifehacker

It's a well-implemented app that's straightforward and fun to use, and I found it did encourage me to pick up my phone less. There's a pro version—yours for $2 a month—which unlocks access to more items for your bean to knit and more decorations for the surrounding room.

I like that you don't even have to sign up for an account to use the app (a constant bind if you write about tech and apps all day), and there's a decent amount of customization here—you've got sound effects and music you can turn on and off, the option to actually block other apps, and a lock screen mode to make use of.

The app offers a variety of customization options. Credit: Lifehacker

Your mileage may vary depending on how taken you are with the bean character and the various items you can get to kit out its room. This is essentially just a stopwatch with a lot of nice dressing around it, and you can get much the same effect by starting a timer on your phone—without worrying about hurting the feelings of an imaginary bean.

It's a good pick by Google, but it's also fair to say there are lots of similar apps out there. I actually prefer Forest (for Android or iOS), which grows a little forest for you rather than having a bean knit socks, but my favorite app of this type is Focus Traveller (only available on iOS, sadly for Android users) that turns your focus sessions into cross-country hikes.

More apps, games, and ebooks

There's plenty more in Google's list besides Focus Friend—and I'll confess I haven't used many of these apps or games. The best multi-device app award goes to Luminar, a comprehensive photo editing tool that's packed with tools (and AI, as you would expect). The interface adapts really well across devices, including foldables and Chromebooks.

The other apps that made the list are Instagram app Edits (best for fun), audiobook summarizer Wiser (best everyday essential), language tutor Pingo AI (best hidden gem), kids learning game ABCmouse 2 (best for families), sleep alarm SleepisolBio (best for watches), note taker Goodnotes (best for large screens), audio app SoundCloud (best for cars), and meditation app Calm (best for XR headsets).

Luminar is the best multi-device app of the year. Credit: Google

When it comes to games, the outright winner was Pokémon TCG Pocket, a digital take on the physical Pokémon card game that lets you collect cards on your Android device and battle with other players across the globe. It's going to have limited appeal outside Pokémon fans, but it's certainly well-designed.

Google's other game picks are combat racer Disney Speedstorm (best multi-device game), streetball game Dunk City Dynasty (best multi-player), card game Candy Crush Solitaire (best pick up and play), puzzle adventure Chants of Sennaar (best indie), interactive detective story Disco Elysium (best story), open-world RPG Wuthering Waves (best ongoing), dark fishing adventure Dredge (best on Play Pass), and Norse mythology MMORPG Odin: Valhalla Rising (best for Google Play Games on PC).

Disney Speedstorm is the best multi-device game. Credit: Google

There's a lot to choose from when it comes to ebooks and audiobooks, too, with 17 titles across fiction, non-fiction, and reads for younger people: from fantasy tale "The Raven Scholar" by Antonia Hodgson, to historical fiction title "Herod the Great" by Zora Neal Hurson. You can find the full list here.

As for iOS, at the time I'm writing this article Apple has announced a shortlist for the 2025 App Store Awards, but we don't have the final winners yet.

from News https://ift.tt/RsuKk5X
via IFTTT