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Come to mama! The 13-inch iPad Air, packed with the new M2 chip, is finally here — and it's about time. I've been waiting nearly two years for a refresh.

However, I wish there was more. It's like when someone tells you they've been working on a novel for two years, and you finally read it, and you're like, "That's it?" It doesn't quite meet your expectations as far as excitement and thrill goes, but I get it. The iPad Air isn't meant to cause too much pomp and circumstance: it'd steal the iPad Pro's spotlight after all.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Although Apple was light on design changes this time around, the most important updates are under the hood. As you'll read later on, the M2 chip delivers impressive performance and noteworthy battery life that will keep creatives, students, and on-the-go busy bees away from the imprisonment of charging cables and wall outlets.

iPad Air (13-inch, 2024) price and specs

The iPad Air I got for this review has a price tag of $1,049 via Apple's official website and it comes with the following specs:

• New M2 chip

• 256GB of storage

• 8GB of RAM

• Wi-Fi + Cellular

• 13-inch, 2048 x 732-pixel resolution display

• "Purple" chassis

I know, I know; $1,049 is a little much. If that's the case, you can, instead, get just the WiFi model (instead of the Wi-Fi and cellular configuration) and downgrade to the 128GB variant, saving you $250 (i.e., $799 in total).

If you don't care for a 13-inch display, you can shave the price down even further by getting the 11-inch model instead, which has a price tag of $599. This, by the way, is the cheapest configuration you can get.

Also, let's give Apple a round of applause for starting its lineup with 128GB of storage and adding two more variants: 128GB, 512GB and 1TB. (Strangely, the previous-generation iPad Air only came in 64GB and 256GB models.)

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 11-inch iPad Air $599.00 at Apple
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I used the iPad Air to type this very review, and while I still find iPadOS being quite limiting for what I do for work, I felt much more comfortable on the new 13-inch iPad Air. Anyone who needs a sleek, thin, and light tablet for school and work, and doesn't have a demanding workflow, could totally benefit from the iPad Air.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Interestingly, although the 13-inch is, of course, larger than its 11-inch sibling, both models have the same slimness (0.24 inches). The 13-inch version weighs 1.36 pounds, making it expectedly heavier than the 11-inch model (i.e.,1.02 pounds).

At this point, you may be wondering, "Other than a new display size, what else is new? Are there any big design changes?" The answer to that is "kind of."

Apple moved the webcam from the top bezel to the side (if you're holding it in portrait orientation). This means that while you're hosting video calls and FaceTime sessions in landscape mode, the webcam will be situated on the top bezel (instead of sitting awkwardly on the side).

Other than that, you'll still find the volume buttons on the upper-right side, the TouchID sensor on the top right, the Smart Connector on the back, and the magnetic connector on the right side for Apple Pencil (it's only compatible with Apple Pencil Pro and the Apple Pencil USB-C model released last year).

Featured Video For You Unboxing the 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air iPad Air (13-inch, 2024) display

With the iPad Pro graduating from miniLED to OLED, I was hoping that the iPad Air would adopt some of that miniLED goodness. Instead, however, the new iPad Air models still have a 60Hz LCD panel.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

As mentioned, the iPad Air line, adopting the Pro line's style, now has a 13-inch display. For what it's worth, Apple is calling this the "13-inch" iPad Air for simplicity. It's actually a 12.9-inch panel, to be specific, mirroring the iPad Pro 2022's 12.9-inch model. (However, it's worth noting that the 13-inch model on the iPad Pro is actually 13-inches.)

I fired up the Mufasa trailer on the iPad Air and Simba looked so crisp, he looked like he was jumping out of the screen with his vivid, orange-red, scruffy fur.

iPad Pro (left) and iPad Air (right) Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Impressed by the display, I was curious to see how it looked next to the iPad Pro playing the same trailer. In ideal lighting situations, it's actually tricky to determine which display is the iPad Pro, which says a lot about the iPad Air's picture quality.

However, in more challenging lighting situations, the iPad Pro does, indeed, shine.

The 13-inch model, packed with a 2,732 x 2,048-pixel panel, features 600 nits of brightness (the 11-inch model offers 500 nits). Seeing the iPad Air and iPad Pro side-by-side, I'd recommend the Pro model if you have plans of frequently using your tablet in brightly lit office or outdoors.

The 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air in a brightly lit area. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

However, if you're mostly an indoors user, perhaps you love to read or flip through comics, the iPad Air should be just fine.

iPad Air (13-inch, 2024) ports and connectivity

You should know that the iPad Air doesn't have a SIM tray anymore, so it's all eSIM from here on out.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The iPad Air has a UBS-C port located on the bottom that supports 10Gbps data transfer speeds. Plus, it can manage one external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz.

iPad Air (13-inch, 2024) audio

You're still getting dual landscape stereo speakers, strategically spaced to provide optimal stereo sound when held horizontally. I fired up Apple Music on the iPad Air, and whoo, it sounds spectacular.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

No, it's not as good as the booming, quad-speaker setup on the iPad Pro, but in true Apple fashion, the audio is crisp and clean.

Lana Del Rey's "Young and Beautiful" sounded hauntingly beautiful on the iPad Air, perfectly capturing the lush orchestration and melancholic melody. Plus, the iPad Air gets pretty loud, which means this tablet could be sufficient enough to manage a party of five, allowing you to jam with your loved ones in a medium-sized room.

iPad Air (13-inch, 2024) cameras

On the back chassis, you'll find a 12MP world-facing wide camera while the selfie camera that faces you is a 12MP ultra-wide camera. "Does the iPad Air have FaceID?" you ask. Nope. If this is important to you, you can grab the iPad Pro. (The iPad Air does have TouchID, though.)

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

I took the 12MP wide camera for a spin at a local park, and it was alright. It did well in capturing the various hues of green of the tree-filled park as well as the reflection-filled pond that's defined with countless ripples.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

However, naturally, it struggles to capture distant objects, like the building's orangey-red facade. Still, I'm not expecting iPhone 15 Pro Max camera performance on an iPad Air. I do wish there was a telephoto lens, allowing me to zoom in on the swan in the pond for a sweet close-up shot, but that's wishful thinking.

As for the 12MP selfie camera, it does a great job at capturing rich color, including my complexion.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

And unfortunately, it picked up on my pimple, putting it on full display, as well as other raised bumps on my face, but this is a testament to how well it picks up on small details. However, the selfie is a bit too saturated for my taste.

iPad Air (13-inch, 2024) battery life

Apple said that the iPad Air is rated for 10 hours of battery life, but the Cupertino-based tech giant definitely underpromised and overdelivered here.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

When we ran the TikTok rundown on the iPad Air, which involves running a loop of a TikTok video at 50% brightness, the iPad Air lasted a whopping three hours longer than expected (i.e., 13 hours and 10 minutes).

iPad Air (13-inch, 2024) benchmarks

The iPad Air now has the M2 chip, leaving the previous generation's obsolete M1 processor behind. We ran Geekbench 6 on the new iPad Air and it notched a multi-core score of 10,049.

This puts the M2 iPad Air on par with the following laptops and devices:

• 15-inch M2 MacBook Air - 10,146

• HP Victus 16 - 10,460

• Lenovo Legion Go - 10,412

• Asus Zenbook Duo - 10,344

In other words, the M2 iPad Air can run with the big dogs, including some of the best laptops and gaming rigs.

I tested the M2 chip's prowess by playing around with Photomator, an editing app. I used features like "ML Enhance" to improve the vibrancy of the photo as well as "Super Resolution," which has been trained on millions of images to deliver crisp, high-res results to photos. Both features put to M2 chip to work, and I was pleasantly with surprised with how fast and well they worked.

Is iPad Air (13-inch, 2024) worth it?

The new 13-inch M2 iPad Air is for the following consumers:

• You need a spacious, thin-and-light, laptop-like device within the Apple ecosystem for school

• You're fledgling digital artist, sans a clientele, and you need a capable easel to hone your craft

• You love to read comics and other digital content

• You work remotely (indoors) and your workflow isn't affected by the limits of iPadOS

If you fall into any of the aforementioned categories, the iPad Air is definitely worth it. If you want more battery life and more performance, however, the iPad Pro may be a better fit, particularly if you're a professional creator.

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Apple unfurled a proverbial middle finger at rivals after it revealed the new 2024 iPad Pro.

I got a savage whiff of the M4 chip inside this premium tablet — and all I can think is, "If this is what the M4 can do for the iPad Pro, the next M4 MacBook is going to be a problem!"

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

And by "problem," I mean it'll be a thorn in the side for laptop manufacturers competing with MacBooks. For us consumers, however, the M4 MacBooks are going to be killer laptops if the M4 iPad Pro is anything to go by.

Apple did mention that the M4 was power efficient, but I didn't realize it'd be this good. As you'll find out later in this review, the iPad Pro has mind-blowing endurance on a single charge. On top of that, the new iPad Pro is as svelte as a haute couture model. (Apple wasn't kidding when it likened it to the "iPod Nano.")

But as much as I already want to induct the new iPad Pro into our best tablets list, there are some things to consider. For example, some features that were once on the iPad Pro 2022 are no longer present on the current generation.

Note: As Mashable's Senior Editor Stan Schroeder pointed out, there are some absent features that were once present the iPad Pro 2022. We will be calling out any trimmed features in a small section called "Notable Absence."

SEE ALSO: iPad Pro 2024 hands-on: How the new 'nano-texture glass' looks next to one without it Apple iPad Pro 2024 (13-inch, M4) price and specs

The iPad Pro I tested for this review costs $2,099 via Apple's official website

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It comes with the following specs:

• New M4 chip (10-core GPU, 10-core GPU)

• 1TB of storage

• 16GB of RAM

• Standard Glass

• Wi-Fi + Cellular

• Tandem OLED display with 2,752 x 2,064-pixel resolution

• "Space Black" chassis

If this is too pricey for you, the cheapest 13-inch configuration costs $600 less (i.e., $1,299). However, that downgrades your specs to 256GB, 8GB of RAM, and no cellular support. And while you're still getting the M4 chip, this variant has a slightly less powerful 9-core CPU (the 1TB and 2TB configurations have a 10-core CPU).

However, whether you choose the 9-core CPU or 10-CPU, the M4 chip is plenty powerful — perhaps even too powerful — for the iPad Pro. (More on that later.)

There's also an 11-inch model if you want to shave the price down even further. The starting price for that one is $999 and comes with 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 11-inch iPad Pro $999.00 at Apple
Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable 13-inch iPad Pro $1,299.00 at Apple
Get Deal Recommendation for pro artists

If you're a pro digital artist, 8GB of RAM really isn't going to cut it. For the smoothest multi-tasking experience, I'd grab the 16GB of RAM model. This means you'll have to, at the very least, grab the 11-inch model with 1TB of storage, which will set you back $1,599.

Featured Video For You Unboxing the 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air Apple iPad Pro 2024 (13-inch, M4) design

"OMG heck yes!" I said when I realized Apple sent me the Space Black iPad Pro. As you'll read in my op-ed, I am a huge fan of Space Black since it debuted with the M3 Pro MacBook Pro last year. Hell, if Apple can make the blackest black to ever black in the history of black, I'd lose my mind.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

It's worth noting that the Space Black that debuted with the M3 Pro MacBook Pro featured anti-fingerprint tech, but the Space Black iPad Pro does not have the same.

The iPad Pro also comes in Silver, too, by the way, if Space Black doesn't do it for you.

And can we talk about the iPad Pro's ultra-slim design? This is Apple's thinnest iPad yet, even beating the iPad Air.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Nothing prepared me for how taken aback I was when I first picked up the iPad Pro. I know Apple referenced the iPad Nano to illustrate its ultra-thin and featherweight form factor, but holding it feels like I'm just cradling the whispers of technology — and nothing more. To put numbers to my experience, here are some figures:

• 13-inch iPad Pro: 0.20 inches thick, 1.28 pounds

• 11-inch iPad Pro: 0.21 inches thick, 0.98 pounds

And finally, the webcam, typically located on the top (when you're holding it in portrait mode), got moved to side bezel. This way, when you're hosting video calls or launching FaceTime sessions, the webcam is sitting on top while in landscape orientation.

Apple iPad Pro 2024 (13-inch, M4) display

The rumors turned out to be true. The 13-inch model (2,752 x 2,064-pixel resolution) and the 11-inch variant (2,420 x 1,668-pixel resolution) both have a new OLED display, which delivers striking true, deep blacks. (I delved into the benefits, and some possible cons, of OLED here.)

13-inch Space Black iPad Pro with the new Magic Keyboard Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

However, what the rumors left out is that the new iPad Pro has a Tandem OLED display. This means that instead of one OLED panel, the iPad Pro has two of 'em. This delivers two benefits:

• A striking contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1

• Brilliant display (up to a peak brightness of 1,600 nits)

For the uninitiated, a contrast ratio tells you the difference between the brightest white and darkest white. As such, the 2,000,000:1 figure tells us that the brightest white on the new iPad Pro Tandem OLED is two million times brighter than the darkest black.

I mean, just look at this YouTube video that showcases the iPad Pro's stunning contrast capabilities:

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

If I didn't know any better, I'd reach out and grab a cherry directly from this slate. The Tandem OLED helps the green grapes look more conspicuous against the dark-red fruit.

I also watched some episodes of Selling OC, one of my favorite reality TV shows on Netflix, and was dazzled by how well the panel captured a highlighter-green suit on one of the real estate agents as well as glitzy, sweeping, colorful drone shots of Orange County, California.

It's also worth noting that the new OLED iPad Pro 2024 has better ProMotion tech, allowing the iPad Pro to waver between 10Hz to 120Hz (the previous-gen iPad Pro jumped between 24Hz and 120hz). As such, when a speedy refresh isn't needed, the new iPad Pro can drop down even lower for better energy conservation.

Apple iPad Pro 2024 (13-inch, M4) ports and connectivity

The M4 iPad Pro has a USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt 3 and USB 4, which means you can get fast wired data transfer (up to 40Gb/s).

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

This lets you connect to a single external display (including the Pro Display XDR, for example, at its full 6K resolution).

Notable absence: In the cellular version of the new iPad Pro, you won't find a SIM card slot. You must use an eSIM if you want to be consistently connected to a wireless network. Without a SIM slot, you can't use a physical SIM card. You'll have to reach out to your carrier for a QR code and follow other prompts to get cellular service.

Apple iPad Pro 2024 (13-inch, M4) audio

Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso" already sounds addicting as is, but after firing it up via Apple Music, I am even more obsessed. The iPad Pro's quad-speaker setup outputs a sound that's rich and smooth, seemingly mimicking the texture of espresso.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

From the pulsating beat to the punchy baselines, the iPad Pro perfectly captured the song’s electronic synths and catchy guitar riffs, providing a full-bodied sonic experience.

Notable absence: The previous-generation iPad Pro had five "studio-quality" mics. The new iPad Pro drops a mic for a total of four. I don't think I'll miss that one much. I had a FaceTime chat with a friend who said I sounded perfectly crisp on the mics.

Apple iPad Pro 2024 (13-inch, M4) cameras

The iPad Pro comes with a 12MP wide camera on the back while the selfie shooter comes with a 12MP ultra-wide camera.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

It also comes with a TrueDepth camera system, which means you're getting FaceID on this bad boy (something you won't find on the iPad Air.)

Yes, like its predecessor, the iPad Pro still has a 12MP wide camera, but with the new-generation model, you're getting improved low-light performance and better detail. Take a look at this scenic shot I took at a park in Long Island.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

From the ripples capturing one's eyes with its defined prominence in the foreground to the majestic trees looming over the pond, this picture is stunning for a shot taken with a 12MP iPad Pro shooter. The gen-over-gen improvements, though iterative, are noticeable.

I also took a selfie with the M4 iPad Pro, and I'm impressed with how well it captured my complexion and my bright red lipstick, as well as the patchy, grassy area behind me.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Video calling on the iPad Pro 2024 felt a lot less awkward, too, with the webcam being on the right bezel this time.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Notable absence: The previous iPad Pro came with a dual-camera array on the back, with a 12MP wide shooter and a 10MP ultra-wide camera alongside it. The new iPad Pro 2024, on the other hand, no longer has the 10MP ultra-wide camera.

This is interesting because Apple Vision Pro (AVP) spatial video requires both the main and ultra-wide cameras, so this iPad is out for AVP spatial recording. Personally, I think a telephoto lens would be more useful than an ultra-wide lens, allowing students and professionals, for example, to take more close-up, detailed photos of whiteboards and decks in lectures and conference rooms.

Apple iPad Pro 2024 (13-inch, M4) battery life

The iPad Pro has jaw-dropping battery life. It's rated for a 10-hour runtime, however, I had a different experience — one that blew my mind.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

After running a TikTok rundown, which involves running a TikTok video on a loop at 50% of brightness, the iPad Pro lasted a whopping 16 hours and 24 minutes. In other words, the iPad Pro survived more than six hours longer than expected.

Adding a cherry on top, the average usage profile consists of some idle time, something the TikTok rundown doesn't account for, so you may likely be able to squeeze even more out of the M4 iPad Pro 2024.

Apple iPad Pro 2024 (13-inch, M4) benchmarks

I could not believe my eyes when I ran Geekbench 6 on the M4 iPad Pro — and I got a multi-core score of 14,586. I was so floored, I ran the test again, but I got similar results.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

For context, the M4 iPad Pro is more powerful than every single PC and MacBook we've tested for the past six months, save for the mighty Lenovo Legion 9i.

In other words, the M4 iPad Pro says, "Eat my dust" to all the M3 MacBooks, which have the following scores according to our in-house testing:

• 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro: 11,998

• 15-inch M3 MacBook Air: 12,057

But oh, it's not just the M3 chip it beats. According to results posted on Geekbench, the M4 iPad Pro even beats the M3 Pro inside the 14-inch MacBook Pro. In other words, the M4 iPad Pro runs with the big boys, including the hefty M3 Pro MacBooks. Wow!

I ran apps like Procreate Dreams (animation app) and Sketchup (3D modeling app) to play around with the M4's prowess, but realistically, as a digital art hobbyist, my workload doesn't even come close to taxing the M4 chip. Perhaps there's a niche of consumers who could push the M4's envelope, including on-the-go professional creators who work with complex CAD models in Shapr3D and video editors who regularly use DaVinci Resolve and Final Cut Pro for demanding workloads.

I've also had the pleasure of using the 13-inch iPad Pro with the new Magic Keyboard, which now features an aluminum palm rest, a larger haptic trackpad and a full function row, but it's the latter that pulls at my heart strings because the tablet — with the new-and-improved keyboard — now feels more "MacBook-like."

Is Apple iPad Pro 2024 (13-inch, M4) worth it?

If you find yourself saying, "LOL, the iPad Pro is super overpowered for something that's supposed to just stream Netflix and browse the internet," that's an indication the iPad Pro isn't for you.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

So the question is, who is the M4 iPad Pro 2024 for? This perfect user for the iPad Pro 2024 is a professional digital artist who often steps away from their desktop PC and needs a sleek, on-the-go device that can handle taxing workloads (on apps like ZBrush or Nomad Sculpt, for example) while they're traveling from A to B.

If you're not a pro artist, another niche that would love the iPad Pro are Apple enthusiasts who don't mind dropping at least $1,000 on a luxury slate that has a brilliant, sleek display, a striking high-contrast panel, and shockingly long battery life.

If you fall into any one of those categories, the iPad Pro is, indeed, for you. Otherwise, it'd be best for you to consider the iPad Air, a cheaper option, that starts at $599.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable 11-inch iPad Pro $999.00 at Apple
Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable 13-inch iPad Pro $1,299.00
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Apple claimed that the new 2024 iPad Air and iPad Pro models have a battery runtime of up to 10 hours, whether you're surfing the web via Wi-Fi or enjoying video playback.

The 13-inch iPad Pro's battery life on the left and the 13-inch iPad Air's battery life on the right. Credit: Mashable / Apple

So when we ran our TikTok rundown test on both 13-inch models in our possession — the iPad Pro and the iPad Air — we weren't expecting the tablets to last more than a typical work or school day.

The "Space Black" 13-inch iPad Pro on the new Magic Keyboard. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

As it turns out, both tablets last much longer than Apple's battery-life claims — especially the 13-inch iPad Pro — which had our jaws dropping to the floor.

2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air battery-life results Mashable's battery life chart for iPad Pro and iPad Air Credit: Mashable composite; Apple

Curious about how long the iPad Air lasts on a single charge, we ran a TikTok video continuously on a loop at 50-percent brightness until the tablet died.

13-inch iPad Air Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

To my surprise, the 13-inch iPad Air, now packed with the M2 chip, lasted three hours longer than expected, for an impressive battery runtime of 13 hours and 10 minutes. Now, if you think that's commendable, wait until you find out the results we got on the new 13-inch iPad Pro, which skipped a generation and features an M4 chip.

As mentioned, Apple claimed that we'd only get up to 10 hours on this bad boy. As it turns out, the 13-inch iPad Pro lasted 16 hours and 24 minutes.

Keep in mind that our battery rundown test doesn't account for any idle time, a common occurrence in the average person's usage profile, so the iPad Pro and iPad Air may last even longer on a charge for most users.

The 13-inch iPad Pro Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

As such, if you want long-lasting iPad that truly delivers all-day battery life, the iPad Pro will definitely keep a need for wall outlets at bay.

The iPad Pro starts at $999 and the iPad Air starts at $599; they'll both start shipping on May 15.

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I tested the new iPad Pro, packed with the new M4 chip, and I'm floored.

Revealed at Apple's "Let Loose" livestream event, the iPad Pro skipped a whole generation of chips (i.e., the M3 series) in favor of the brand-spankin' new M4 chip.

When Apple boasted that the M4 iPad Pro would deliver a significant gen-over-gen performance increase, I didn't really understand the gravity of the iPad Pro's uptick in processing prowess. But now that I tested it for myself, I can't believe my eyes.

SEE ALSO: iPad Pro 2024 hands-on: How the new 'nano-texture glass' looks next to one without it M4 iPad Pro beats (almost) every laptop we've tested for the past 6 months

The new iPad Pro, Apple's slimmest tablet ever, now features a new Tandem OLED display that delivers striking contrast, true blacks, and a dazzling display with 1,600 nits peak brightness.

The 13-inch iPad Pro Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

However, nothing could prepare me for the mind-blowing results of the iPad Pro's M4 chip. The iPad Pro I tested sports the M4 with the 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU chip, which can only be found in the 1TB and 2TB configurations. (I've got the 1TB variant.)

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The other versions, 256GB and 512GB, also have an M4 chip, but the processor has less cores (9-core CPU). As such, the iPad Pro with 1TB and 2TB should slightly outperform the 256GB and 512GB options because the extra core implies that it should handle more tasks at once for simultaneous processing.

M4 iPad Pro's shocking Geekbench 6 benchmark results Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

So I was minding my own business, humming a tune of absentminded contentment while running the Geekbench 6 benchmark on the iPad Pro, and then my heart fell into my butt when I saw the results:

• Single-core: 3,764

• Multi-core: 14,586

For the uninitiated, Geekbench 6 tests for productivity workloads (e.g., PDF rendering and file compression), image editing (e.g., removing objects and adding filters), machine learning, text processing, and more.

Looking back into six months worth of data collection from our PCs and MacBooks, the M4 iPad Pro blew almost every computer out of the water. Even the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the 15-inch MacBook Air, both featuring M3 chips, were left in the dust with multi-core scores of 11,998 and 12,057, respectively.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The M4 iPad Pro even surpassed a bunch of gaming and creator laptops we've tested:

• Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor) - 12,170

• Lenovo Slim 7 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU) - 12,267

• HP Spectre x360 14 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU) - 12,995

• MSI Cyborg 15 (Intel Core i7-13620H CPU) - 12,075

The only laptop that the M4 iPad Pro couldn't beat is the incredible Lenovo Legion 9i (Intel Core i9-13980HX CPU), a $4,000 gaming rig with a Geekbench 6 score of 17,711.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Plus, the new 2024 iPad Pro has incredible battery life, too, lasting over 16 hours on a charge.

If the M4 chip can cause this much destruction with its performance prowess, imagine what will happen once the M4 chip inevitably gets packed inside the next crop of MacBooks.

The iPad Pro starts at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299 for the 13-inch model. The new tablet is poised to start shipping on May 15.

Today, OpenAI announced GPT-4o, an AI assistant that can process text, audio, and vision simultaneously. GPT4o will be free for all ChatGPT users, but the company hasn't been clear when folks will be able to try it out.

All CEO Sam Altman has said is that this "new voice mode will be live in the coming weeks for plus users."

SEE ALSO: OpenAI announces GPT-4o, a multimodal voice assistant that's free for all ChatGPT users

What we do know is that GPT-4o will first be available to ChatGPT Plus and Team users, with availability for Enterprise users arriving after that. ChatGPT Free users will also have access to the tool, though they'll be beholden to unspecified usage limits. According to OpenAI, "Plus users will have a message limit that is up to 5x greater than free users, and Team and Enterprise users will have even higher limits."

Their access to GPT-4o may be limited, but OpenAI promises that ChatGPT Free users will be able to access new features in the coming weeks, including GPT-4 level intelligence that can analyze data, create charts, and chat about photos you take, as well as the option to upload files so that GPT-4o can summarize, write, or analyze a document.

SEE ALSO: ChatGPT is getting a desktop app, but only for Mac

OpenAI announced on Monday that ChatGPT, the popular AI chatbot, would get a desktop app. But if you're a Windows user, don't get too excited — it'll just be for Macs, at least for the time being.

The announcement came during a highly anticipated livestream, during which OpenAI unveiled GPT-4o, its new model that combines text, vision, and audio.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI announces GPT-4o, a multimodal voice assistant that's free for all ChatGPT users

The desktop app could prove useful for many people. It allows users to pull up ChatGPT in a small window. From there, the AI assistant should be able to "see" what is on your screen and troubleshoot any problems, such as working on code. In essence, it should make ChatGPT assistance much easier to use in daily tasks.

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The desktop app, for now, is just for Mac users, though a Windows version of the app should be available later this year.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones $149.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal

A good pair of headphones doesn't have to cost hundreds of dollars. The Beats Solo 4, released earlier this month, are living proof.

Already moderately priced at $199.95, the new addition to the Beats family just got its first discount — and it's a pretty good one. As of May 13, you can snag the Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones for just $149.95 instead of the usual $199.95. That's 25% in savings on all three shades — cloud pink, slate blue, and matte black.

While we find it a bit questionable that the Solo 4s don't include noise cancellation, they do have a lot of other features worth mentioning. Compared to the Solo 3s, they pack an extra 10 hours of battery life, clocking in at 50 hours total. Plus, with Fast Fuel, 10 minutes of charging will deliver five more hours of playback. Thankfully, unlike the Solo Pros, they do include a 3.5 mm audio cable that delivers high-resolution lossless audio with no need for a charge.

The Solo 4s also come with personalized spatial audio, upgraded drivers, rebalanced acoustics, and an improved frequency response. That means the sound is noticeably more dynamic than their predecessor. When you're not listening, you can easily fold them up and slip them in the included travel case for seamless portability.

Save 25%: IHG Hotels & Resorts' Summer Sale has started with IHG One Rewards members saving 25% and non-members scoring 20% off. Stays must be booked between May 24 through September 2. Book before May 21 to save. Rates are pre-paid and non-refundable.

Opens in a new window Credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts IHG Hotels & Resorts Summer Sale Save up to 25% at participating IHG hotels Get Deal

As the warmer weather creeps in, so does the itch to log off work and get on a plane for summer vacation. Whether you're traveling domestically in the US, throughout North America, or even internationally, IHG Hotels & Resorts is offering a tantalizing summer sale.

When you book between now and May 21st, you can save up to 25% on your stay. The deal applies to participating IHG hotels in the US, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Some international destinations are available too.

There are stipulations to the deal, which aren't bad considering you're saving a pretty penny on accommodations. IHG members save 25% while non-members get 20% off. The rate only applies to stays between May 24 and September 2. There's a 2 night minimum stay, but we don't blame you if you want to stay longer. At the time of booking, the rate must be paid in full and is non-refundable.

IHG Hotels & Resorts includes budget and luxury accommodations with well known brands including Holiday Inn, Candlewood Suites, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo. Don't miss on these summer savings and book before May 21.

OpenAI has unveiled GPT-4o, a new AI model that combines text, vision, and audio.

At its highly anticipated livestream event, OpenAI CTO Mira Murati shared that GPT-4o can process text, audio, and vision in one model. GPT-4o will be available for free to all ChatGPT users. It is also available in the API, and is half the price and twice as fast as GPT -4 Turbo. The "o" in the name stands for "omni," referencing its combined modalities in one model.

SEE ALSO: Apple and OpenAI 'finalizing terms' for bringing ChatGPT to iOS 18 GPT-4o voice capabilities

The announcement confirmed previous rumors of a voice assistant. Previously, there were separate models for voice and image modalities. But GPT-4o is "natively multimodal," said OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on X.

Tweet may have been deleted

Now, the GPT-4o brings the modalities together, decreasing lag and making it responsive in real-time. That means you can interrupt the model. It can also sense emotions and tones and express its own emotions and tones, making it sound extremely dramatic or robotic. It can even sing (if you want it to).

The soothing female voice used in the demo also sounds a lot like Scarlett Johansson's voice assistant character in the film Her.

GPT-4o vision capabilities

Another demo showcased GPT-4o's ability to help with math problems using its vision modality. It can walk the user through a basic math problem when solving for X. By highlighting code on the screen, ChaGPT with GPT-4o can process and understand what the code is and help improve it.

From user inquiries, ChatGPT with GPT-4o showed off its ability to translate in real-time and understand emotions.

Tweet may have been deleted

Murati started the event by sharing the availability of a new desktop app.

Previously, OpenAI was rumored to announce a ChatGPT search engine or a new transformer model GPT-5 ahead of Google I/O. CEO Sam Altman shot down those rumors ahead of Monday's event, but they are still believed to be in development.

GET UP TO 38% OFF: As of May 13, Amazon is offering up to 38% off portable speakers. Choose from Bose, JBL, and other top brands.

Our top picks: Best deal overall JBL FLIP 5 $79.99 at Amazon (save $49.96) Get Deal Best runner-up deal Sony SRS-XB23 $89.70 at Amazon (save $40.29 ) Get Deal Best budget deal JBL Clip 4 $49.95 at Amazon (save $30 ) Get Deal

Say goodbye to blasting your car's speakers at the beach, risking blown-out woofers and annoyed beachgoers. Portable speakers and Bluetooth technology have changed the game, letting you take the party anywhere your summer adventures lead. Whether you’re chilling by the pool, hiking a mountain trail, or hosting a backyard BBQ, there's a pocket-sized powerhouse to match your vibe and your budget.

SEE ALSO: 7 of the best speakers for those who want crisp, clear audio

As of May 13, you can get up to 38% off select portable speakers from top brands like JBL, Anker, and Sony. So pack your playlist and sunscreen — with deals this good, the soundtrack to your summer can go wherever you do.

Here are our top picks for under $100:

Best deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: JBL Our pick: JBL FLIP 5 $79.99 at Amazon
$129.95 Save $49.96 Get Deal Why we like it

The JBL FLIP 5 isn’t your average portable speaker. This baby can provide up to 12 hours of playtime on a single charge and produces seriously impressive sound quality. (You know, that signature JBL bass.) It has a rugged, waterproof design, so you can take it anywhere without worrying about a little water or sand. And with a 38% discount, it’s a steal at $79.99.

It’s available in multiple fun color finishes, including pink and black camouflage, but different colors may have slightly different pricing.

Best runner-up deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Our pick: Sony SRS-XB23 $89.70 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $40.29 Get Deal Why we like it

The Sony SRS-XB23 doesn’t come in fun colors like its JBL counterpart, but it makes up for it with top-notch audio performance, a durable build, and a powerful battery that can keep the tunes flowing for up to 12 hours. With the Extra Bass setting, it can last up to 10 hours.

It's also rated IP67 waterproof and dustproof, so it can handle a day at the beach or pool. (I have the Sony XG300 and use it exclusively at the beach, and it's been super reliable. I’ve had it for at least three years now.)

Best budget deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL Our pick: JBL Clip 4 $49.95 at Amazon
$79.95 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The JBL Clip 4 is a miniature portable speaker that packs a punch. At just $49.95, this tiny but mighty clip-on speaker delivers crisp, room-filling sound with 10 hours of battery life. Thanks to the little clip, you can attach it to your backpack, belt, or bike handlebars for hands-free sound on the go.

It’s also IP167 waterproof and dustproof, so you can use it anywhere (even in the shower!) without worrying about damage.

Even more portable speaker deals:

• Anker Soundcore Bluetooth speaker — $27.99 $29.99 (save $8 with on-screen coupon)

• JBL Clip 3 — $44.95 $49.95 (save $5)

• JBL CHARGE 5 — $139.95 $179.95 (save $40)

• Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series II) — $299 $329 (save $30)

In two days, the all-new 2024 Apple iPad Air tablet will officially hit the market. While waiting for the big drop, shoppers can make sure they're among the first to get their hands on the new iPads by pre-ordering from the Apple Store, Amazon, and others. Today, they're already getting their first discounts.

Best Apple iPad Air 2024 deals: Best budget-friendly Apple iPad Air 2024 deal Apple iPad Air 2024 (11-inch, WiFi, 128GB) $569.99 at Amazon (save $29.01) Get Deal Best splurge Apple iPad Air 2024 deal Apple iPad Air 2024 (13-inch, WiFi, 128GB) $769.99 at Amazon (save $29.01) Shop Now

As of today, May 13, Amazon has launched its very first discount on the all-new Apple iPad Air. The 11-inch and 13-inch models are both on sale for $29.01 less than their list prices, putting a little extra money back in your wallet as you upgrade.

Best budget-friendly Apple iPad Air 2024 deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air 2024 (11-inch, WiFi, 128GB) $569.99 at Amazon
$599.00 Save $29.01 Get Deal Why we like it

While a 5% discount may not sound like much at first glance, this discount makes the $599 Apple iPad Air 2024 (11-inch, WiFi, 128GB) more affordable by bringing the price down to $569.99. Significantly, this limited-time deal positions the brand-new model as cheaper than its 5th-generation, 2022-release predecessor, which is on sale today for $599. If you've been in the market for a new iPad Air, this discount makes preordering the 2024 release a no-brainer.

While the 5th generation is ultra-powerful thanks to the Apple M1 Chip (which is used to power Macbooks), the 2024 release has gotten a chip upgrade, with the even more powerful Apple M2 chip that facilitates smooth multi-tasking and supports graphics-heavy games. It also has an all-day battery life to fuel your work and play. Plus, its liquid retina display enhances visuals and creates a captivating viewing experience.

Best splurge Apple iPad Air 2024 deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air 2024 (13-inch, WiFi, 128GB) $769.99 at Amazon
$799.00 Save $29.01 Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple iPad Air 2024 (13-inch, WiFi, 128GB) touts the same impressive upgrades as its smaller counterpart: the supercharged Apple M2 Chip, beautiful liquid retina display, all-day battery life, impressive storage, and advanced ultra-wide cameras. The key difference is in screen size. With a 13-inch screen, this model makes games feel even more immersive and video chats that much more lifelike. Plus, it gives creatives ample space for working on projects, which is easier than ever with the compatible Apple Pen Pro. Today's discount brings the price down from $799 to $769.99, so we recommend preordering at this discounted price.

If you have Squarespace stock in your portfolio, it's time to cash out — whether you want to or not.

On Monday, Squarespace announced it was acquired by Permira, a private equity firm based in the UK, in an all-cash deal valued at $6.9 billion. As a result of the acquisition, Permira will take the company private.

Squarespace is a popular website builder and hosting company founded in 2003 and went public on the stock market in 2021. According to BuiltWith, which provides comprehensive technology usage data for online platforms and websites, more than 3.3 million websites powered by Squarespace live on the internet. This ranks Squarespace as the second most popular website host service in the U.S., right behind Shopify. (Note: WordPress is not ranked on this list because many of the hundreds of millions of websites using the popular CMS are self-hosted and not using WordPress' hosting service.)

According to the press release, Squarespace stockholders will receive $44 per share, which puts it at a "premium of 29% over the 90-day volume weighted average trading price of $34.09."

Tech going private

Readers are likely used to tech companies going public over the years. This has long been a goal of many software companies, social media platforms, and other tech-related services. Reddit, for example, just recently went public earlier this year.

However, a new trend seems to be emerging in tech: Some are taking these companies in the opposite direction and going private.

For example, Elon Musk infamously overpaid for Twitter, now known as X, and took the company private in late 2022.

As TechCrunch points out, Permira has also been involved in other recent "take-private" deals, such as when it acquired Zendesk for $10.2 billion in 2022 along with San Francisco-based private equity firm Hellman & Friedman. In the past two months alone, private equity firm Thoma Bravo acquired the cybersecurity company Darktrace for $5 billion and the event management software company Everbridge for $1.8 billion and took both companies private.

As for where Squarespace is headed, Permira will keep its CEO and founder, Anthony Casalena, so users who create and host their websites with the company shouldn't expect too much of a difference — at least in the near future.

Best Amazon Book Sale Deals Best kindle deal Amazon Kindle Scribe (16GB) with Basic Pen $239.99 at Amazon (Save $100) Get Deal Best subscription deal Kindle Unlimited $0 for three months at Amazon (Save $35.97) Get Deal Best book deal Up to 60% off physical books From $6 at Amazon (Save up to 60% on books) Get Deal Best e-book deal Save up to 90% on e-books From $0.99 at Amazon (Save up to 90%) Get Deal

Your flights are booked and the itinerary is planned. Summer vacation is right around the corner, and it's time to pack the summer reads accompanying you. Whether you need in-flight entertainment or a beachside book, the Amazon Book Sale has got you covered.

The Amazon Book Sale runs from May 15th through May 20th, offering deals across physical books plus Kindles, e-books, and audiobooks. No matter what format you prefer to read in, the savings are abundant. Physicals books are up to 60% off while e-books are as low as $0.99.

The Kindle Scribe lets you annotate on the e-book page. During the dale, it's down to its lowest price ever at $239.99, saving you $100. If you already have an e-reader you love, sign-up for Kindle Unlimited during the sale and enjoy 3 months free, where you'll gain access to Kindle's collection of 4 million books.

Explore all the deals here or read on for our favorites.

Best Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Scribe (16 GB) with Basic Pen $239.99 at Amazon
$339.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

If you've been known to annotate every margin of your physical books but want the convenience of an e-reader, the Kindle Scribe is the answer. And during the Amazon Book Sale, you can find it for just $239.99, its lowest price ever. You'll save $100, scoring 29% savings on the device.

The Kindle Scribe has 16GB of storage and comes with its basic pen to get you writing. In addition to writing in your e-books, the Scribe includes a notebook feature for a journal on the go. Plus, it converts handwritten notes to text and allows you to write-up PDFs too. The anti-glare screen is perfect for reading in the sun and the weeks of battery life means you can leave the charger at home while on vacation. This deal is live now and available through the end of the Amazon Book Sale.

Best subscription deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Unlimited at Amazon
Subscribe to Kindle Unlimited and get your first three months free Get Deal

Voracious readers need Kindle Unlimited. The subscription service includes millions of e-books, audiobooks, and magazines for just $11.99 per month. But thanks to the Amazon Book Sale, you can get your first three months free. That saves you $35.97 while giving you access to millions of reads.

There's no commitment with the Kindle Unlimited subscription — cancel at anytime. If you're not into it after your three-month trial, go ahead and cancel for no charge. And the good news is, you don't have to wait until May 15th to get this deal — it's live now.

Best book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Books up to 60% off during the Amazon Book Sale Get Deal

For loyal readers of physical books, the Amazon Book Sale is for you too. Limited time deals are available across all genres from cookbooks to romance. Find major savings on classic like Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye to new releases like Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle.

More book deals

• Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides — $7.50 $21 (Save $13.50)

• Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman — $7.90 $17 (Save $9.10)

• By the Book by Jasmine Guillroy — $8.33 $15.99 (Save $7.66)

• The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein — $8.41 $18.99 (Save $10.58)

• Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid — $8.50 $17 (Save $8.50)

• The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison — $8.56 $16 (Save $7.44)

• Artemis by Andy Weir — $10.27 $18 (Save $7.73)

• Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle — $11.73 $27 (Save $15.27)

• Kitchen Gear: The Ultimate Owner's Manual by Lisa McManus and Hannah Crowley — $23.70 $40 (Save $16.30)

Best e-book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon E-books up to 90% off Find e-books during the Amazon Book Sale for as low as $0.99 Get Deal

If you're picky about the books you want to read, then maybe Kindle Unlimited isn't for you. The good news is, during the Amazon Book Sale, e-books are available at jaw-dropping prices. Seriously, you can save up to 90% on buzzy books like Babel by R.F. Kuang. Plus, you don't have to wait for May 15th, as the prices have already dropped.

More e-book deals

• Babel by R.F. Kuang — $1.99 $20 (Save $18.01)

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein — $1.99 $30 (Save $28.01)

• Wool by Hugh Howey — $1.99 $19.99 (Save $18)

• Finding Me by Viola Davis — $2.99 $12.04 (Save $9.05)

• The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri —$2.99 $16.61 (Save $13.62)

• Rouge by Mona Awad — $3.99 $18.99 (Save $15)

Did your iPad Pro get a little bent in 2018? Apple claims that won't happen with its new model.

The 2018 version of the iPad Pro notoriously became a little bendy for some users due to a manufacturing error, but Apple has fixed this in the model that was unveiled last week. In an interview with tech YouTuber Arun Maini, Apple executive John Ternus explained that a new metal cowling Apple installed in the device will keep the new iPad Pro from bending like the old one did.

SEE ALSO: 'We missed the mark': Apple apologises for tone-deaf iPad ad Tweet may have been deleted

Of course, without extensive hands-on time with the new iPad Pro, it's impossible to tell just how sturdier it is than the 2018 model. Apple claims the 13-inch version of the new Pro is the thinnest product it has ever made, so durability will naturally be a concern until proven otherwise.

But at least the company did something to alleviate the issue.

Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones $149.95 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal BEST GAMING DEAL Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 gaming monitor $699.99 at Amazon (save $700) Get Deal BEST HOME DEAL Roborock Q5+ Pro robot vacuum and mop $419.99 at Amazon (save $280) Get Deal BEST OUTDOORS DEAL Soundcore Motion 300 portable speaker $63.99 at Amazon (save $16) Get Deal

Looking for some sweet tech deals to kick off your week? Whether you're in the market for a solid pair of travel headphones, a Bluetooth speaker to accompany your outdoor adventures, a robot vacuum worth its salt, or a gaming monitor to immerse yourself in play, we've got a deal for you. You can save up to 50% at Amazon today with our top deal picks — we already did the hard part for you.

Here are the best Amazon deals of the day for May 13.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Amazon deal of the day: Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones $149.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Just released earlier this month, the Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones just got their first discount — and it's a good one! As of May 13, you can snag a pair for only $149.95 instead of the usual $199.95 and enjoy the latest Beats technology for your spring and summer travels. A refreshed take on the previous generation (the Beats Solo 3), the Solo 4s include upgraded drivers, rebalanced acoustics, and an improved frequency response. Translation: more dynamic sound. They also pack an extra 10 hours of battery life compared to their predecessor, clocking in at 50 hours total. Sadly, they dropped the ball on including noise-cancelling technology, but they're still a worthwhile purchase — especially at $50 off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 gaming monitor $699.99 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $700.00 Get Deal

If you have the desk space and want to really take your gaming experience to a new level, check out this deal on the 49-inch Samsung Odyssey G9 monitor. It's basically the equivalent of having two 16:9 QHD monitors mashed together and its curved design surrounds your field of view, making for a more immersive experience. This also helps eliminate image distortion and makes long gaming sessions more comfortable for your eyes. Other features include HDR 1000 for better color and contrast, a speedy 240Hz refresh rate, and fast 1ms response times. As of May 13, it's on sale for just $699.99 — that's 50% off its usual cost and a new low.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Q5+ Pro robot vacuum and mop $419.99 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $280.00 Get Deal

Make your spring cleaning more hands off by snagging this deal on the Roborock Q5 Pro+, one of our favorite self-emptying robot vacuums (that also mops!). An ideal choice for pet owners with larger homes, the Q5 Pro+ is a great hair picker upper and packs a 240-minute battery life that doubles the runtime of many of its competitors. That extended battery life means its able to clean up to 3,700 square feet in one charge (allegedly). It also features an impressive 5,500 Pa in suction power, making it one of the most powerful vacuums in its price range. Typically $699.99, you can save 40% at Amazon as of May 13 and pay just $419.99 for this hybrid machine.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Soundcore Motion 300 portable speaker $63.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $16.00 Get Deal

Back at its all-time low from Amazon's Big Spring Sale, the Soundcore Motion 300 makes a great summertime companion for outdoorsy folks. Its IPX7 waterproof rating ensures it'll keep bumping out tunes at the beach or pool, while its 13-hour battery life will ensure the music doesn't stop during a hike or other excursion. It also packs BassUp technology, 30W sound, and customizable EQ via the Soundcore app. As of May 13, it's on sale for only $63.99 instead of $79.99. That's a 20% discount.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

Tinder has introduced a slew of safety features in recent years, working to improve the wellbeing and comfort of daters. From verification checkmarks to guardrails for preventing scams and inappropriate messages, these tools aim to protect Tinder users in all sorts of ways.

The latest: a tool to share key information with friends and family before meeting up with a date. The feature, in the form of a shareable link, holds metrics about the date, including the person's photo and link to their profile, along with details of the date itself, like the time and location.

SEE ALSO: Tinder's new Matchmaker feature lets friends and family recommend matches

"Discussing plans with friends and family is a time-honored dating ritual," Tinder CMO Melissa Hobley explains. "Share My Date streamlines this basic info-sharing so singles can jump right to the exciting part, from figuring out what to wear to prepping conversation topics."

If you want to try the tool out for your next date, here's how to do it.

How to use "Share My Date" Credit: Tinder. Total Time

• 3-5 minutes

What You Need

• Tinder app
• Smartphone

Step 1: Head to your DMs with the person you're about to meet.

Step 2: Click on the three dots on the top-right corner.

Step 3: Select "Share My Date".

Step 4: Add all the necessary details here.

Tinder will direct you to add the name of the person and the details of the date, including the day, time, and location. There's also a note section at the bottom where you can add any other information you want to share.

Step 5: Select "done" and send the created link to your friends and/or family.

You can also edit the link and all its details in the app, and the link will be updated in real time.

SAVE $150: The Apple iPad Air is available for the lowest price we've seen listed at Amazon. This limited-time deal saves shoppers 20%, taking the price down from $749 to $599.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air (5th generation) $599.00 at Amazon
$749.00 Save $150.00 Get Deal

While many are out preordering the brand-new iPad Air this week, the previous generation is on sale at Amazon for a significantly reduced price.

As of today, you can shop the Apple iPad Air (5th generation) for $599 at Amazon. Normally listed for $749, this deal saves you $150. This price marks the lowest drop we've seen for the iPad Air at Amazon. However, a few weeks ago, Best Buy beat this price, listing the model for $399.99.

While the ultra-thin and light design is certainly a plus when it comes to the iPad Air, what really makes this iPad special is that it has an Apple M1 Chip — the very same chip that's used to power Apple Macbooks. This means you're getting all of the power of a laptop packaged into a sleek iPad.

While the new iPad Air has an even more advanced chip, the Apple M2 Chip, the 5th generation model is still highly efficient and capable of keeping up with all that you need to get done.

As you weigh your options, today's sale makes the Apple iPad Air (5th generation) a worthy contender.

GET $60 OFF: As of May 13, the eero 6+ mesh router (3-pack) is just $239.99 at Amazon, down from $299.99. That's a 20% discount or $60 off.

Opens in a new window Credit: eero eero 6+ mesh Wi-Fi router $239.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal

If you’re a remote worker, student, or anyone who uses the internet at home, you know the frustration of a slow, unreliable WiFi connection. Buffering, laggy video calls, and ridiculously slow download speeds can make it difficult to stay productive and connected.

SEE ALSO: The best WiFi routers for every home

Fortunately, there's a solution that can transform your home network and eliminate those pesky WiFi woes — the eero mesh router system. Eero is a top-rated mesh WiFi system that provides seamless, whole-home coverage, and as of May 13, you can get $60 off the three-pack at Amazon.

Mesh WiFi systems are designed to provide better coverage and reliability than traditional single-router setups, especially in larger homes or those with challenging layouts that can create WiFi dead spots. With the eero 6+, you can cover up to 4,500 square feet with fast, reliable WiFi.

It’ll also connect to your existing internet service provider, so you won't have to worry about switching providers or complicated installation. Just plug them in and follow the prompts on the eero app, and you'll be up and running in no time.

Last year, I called the Google Pixel 7a a “great potential swan-song” for Google’s budget Pixel A-series line of phones. I couldn’t have been more wrong about the “swan-song” part, though, because I’ve been using a Pixel 8a for the past several days.

That’s fine, though, because Google’s track record of making really good $500 Android handsets has remained consistent over the years, and is unchanged in 2024. While I’m not totally enamored with every “new” feature packed into the Pixel 8a (enough with the AI stuff), its remarkable parity with a phone that was $200 more back in October makes Pixel 8a a compelling option for anyone who’s overdue for an affordable Android upgrade. 

SEE ALSO: Google I/O 2024: What to expect What I like about the Google Pixel 8a

It’s important to note up-front that much of what makes the Pixel 8a good also made the Pixel 8 a quality handset late last year. Its design and specs are nearly identical in all the ways that matter, but again, you’re paying $200 less for this one, so that’s cool.

Google didn’t fix what wasn't broken Looks like a Pixel, alright. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

When I say the design and specs are similar, I mean it. 

Pixel 8a looks like the spitting image of Pixel 8, with Google’s now-distinctive horizontal camera bar situated in the upper portion of the phone’s backside. Its corners are rounded and its back has a matte finish in one of the four following colorways: Aloe, Bay, Obsidian, and Porcelain. 

Our review unit came in the cool blue Bay color and I personally adore it. The other colors are fine, I guess, but Bay is definitely the way to go this year.

Here are the basic specs of the review unit Google provided us:

• 6.1-inch Actua display with 2400x1080 resolution and up to 120Hz adaptive refresh rate

• Google Tensor G3 chipset

• 128GB of storage

• 8GB of RAM

You can also upgrade to 256GB of storage this year, which bolts an extra $60 onto the Pixel 8a’s $500 starting price tag.

Those specs are all right in line with the Pixel 8, with the exception of display size, which is a tenth of an inch smaller than the 6-2-inch glass present on last year’s entry-level Pixel. Despite that, Pixel 8a is actually a tenth of an inch taller than Pixel 8 and two-tenths of an ounce heavier, to boot. 

Look, these aren’t big differences, but they are differences, and they need to be noted, folks.

Almost everything you want is here I like the new colorway a lot. Credit: Joe Malonado/Mashable

Point being, this is basically a Pixel 8 with a few small cuts around the edges that barely impact the everyday experience at all. That means all of the AI features that made their debut in Pixel 8 are here, and how you feel about that depends on how you felt about them last year.

The Pixel 8 experience has been pretty faithfully recreated in a cheaper phone. You can use Circle to Search to draw a little circle around anything on the screen and have Google’s AI bring up a relevant web search for you. You can also use the AI call screening feature to have conversations with service workers without actually talking to them.

That means AI camera features like Magic Editor and Audio Magic Eraser also make their return in Pixel 8a. Best Take allows you to composite together a “perfect” group photo based on several tries, and Magic Eraser is back to remove photobombers from your vacation pictures.

I have…feelings about some of these features that I’ll get to in a bit, but it’s at the very least commendable that Google included so much of the Pixel 8 in the comparatively more affordable Pixel 8a.

Flagship-level performance

That goes for performance, too.

There isn’t a ton to say about it, honestly. Pixel 8a uses the same Tensor G3 chip as Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, and my experience from an everyday performance standpoint has been pretty much the same as it was on those phones. It doesn’t ever hitch even when several apps are open, everything is smooth as can be, and I haven’t found heating to be a problem.

The 120Hz refresh rate doesn’t hurt, either. It just makes everything feel more responsive and quick. Points to Google for getting it into the Pixel 8a this year after the 7a could only go up to 90Hz. For reference, the base iPhone 15 is still stuck at 60Hz.

What I dislike about the Google Pixel 8a

There’s nothing functionally wrong with Pixel 8a that I can discern. My main concern is philosophical.

It’s time for some new ideas Don't change the camera bar, though. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

Basically, the Pixel 8a suffers from being an iteration of the Pixel 8, which wasn’t the most exciting Pixel in years. At least, not for me.

I just don’t think most of these AI features are all that useful or would even be desirable if they were useful. I’ve seen the TV commercial where a woman edits a photo so it looks like her husband is throwing a baby dangerously high in the air hundreds of times during basketball games and I still don’t understand who exactly Magic Editor is for. 

Well, I guess features like that and Best Take are for people who want to strip their social media presences of all imperfection and genuine humanity, but that’s not me. 

In other words, the things that separate the Pixel 8a from the Pixel 7a (aside from the boosted refresh rate and new chip) aren’t all that enticing. This is a very good phone for the price, but the need to upgrade to Pixel 8a is not especially urgent if you bought a Pixel in the last two or three years.

What’s ‘meh’ about the Google Pixel 8a

Somewhere along the line, Google has to make cuts to justify dropping the price of the 8a to $500. This year, the only difference that really bothers me is one little cut camera trick.

One missing camera feature

Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro both had a Macro Focus feature that allowed you to position the camera way up close against objects with small, fine details and get snazzy looking shots. 

[Insert macro shot here]

As you may have guessed by now, Pixel 8a can’t do that. Bummer! That said, the camera is still pretty good for what you pay for.

Google Pixel 8a camera

I’m going to keep this section relatively brief because Google didn’t do much to the Pixel 8a’s cameras compared to the Pixel 7a. In fact, specs-wise, Google didn’t do anything at all. Both Pixel 7a and Pixel 8a share the exact same physical camera specs:

• 64MP wide rear lens

• 13MP ultra-wide rear lens

• 13MP front lens

That’s not necessarily a bad thing because this isn’t a flagship phone. The Pixel 8a’s cameras combined with Google’s computational photo software can still create nice-looking shots, even when New York City conspires to be gloomy and grey outside for an entire weekend:

Sorry for the lack of blue skies. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

As someone who loves the 30x zoom in the recent Pixel Pro phones, I’m a little sad the Pixel 8a’s zoom lens only goes up to 8x, but I get it. That said, shots taken at 8x zoom do look very sharp.

No zoom. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable All the zoom. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Portrait mode is back and does portrait mode things.

Who wouldn't hang this in their estate? Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Night Sight continues to work wonders in the right circumstances, such as my nearly totally pitch-black backyard at night:

You couldn't see this with your eyes at all. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

This is a perfectly fine camera array for a $500 phone. Hopefully Google finds some more interesting improvements for Pixel 9a that don’t involve AI.

Google Pixel 8a battery life

Another very marginal cut from Pixel 8 came in the form of battery size. Last year’s baseline Pixel had a 4,575mAh battery, while the Pixel 8a has a reduced 4,492mAh engine powering itself. 

As tends to be the case with recent Pixel phones (at least in my experience) though, that doesn’t really matter. I was able to go about 24 hours between charges while using the phone regularly for video streaming, web browsing, and social media. That’s right in line with both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 7a in my testing. It’s also more than good enough for me.

Google Pixel 8a final thoughts

Whether or not you should buy the Pixel 8a really depends on where you’re at in your personal phone upgrade journey.

If you’re on an older Android device and desperately need something affordable that will get years of software upgrades and general reliability, the Pixel 8a is a great choice. Its elite performance coupled with a flagship-esque display and decent enough camera specs are more than enough to make up for some lackluster returning AI features.

But if you have a more recent Pixel (even an A-series from the last year or two), I would recommend waiting until the Pixel 9 announcement later this year. Pixel 8a is an appealing option for those in need of an urgent upgrade, but it doesn’t create any urgency by itself.

If you're the type of person who loves a late night gaming session with the sound up but also cares about your roommates and neighbours getting decent sleep, you might want to try headphones. And they don't have to be mega cans, earbuds will work just fine.

Luckily, it's really easy to pair your Xbox console with your AirPods. And let's face it, playing with the sound down is a prime strategy for scaredy-cats like me getting through horror games but music and score, sound effects and foley, and voice over work is half the art of gaming.

So, let's pair your AirPods with your Xbox Series S, Series X, or Xbox One.

SEE ALSO: How to connect Xbox controller to PC

Before you start, make sure you've downloaded the Xbox app on iOS or Android and sign in/sign up with a Microsoft account.

How to use AirPods with Xbox Total Time

• 5 min

What You Need

• Xbox Series S/X or Xbox One
• AirPods
• Xbox app and Microsoft account

Step 1: Turn on your Xbox and go to Settings.

You can find Settings by pressing the Xbox button in the middle of your Xbox controller, pushing the left stick across to your account profile, then pushing the stick down to "Settings".

Step 2: Select "Devices & connections."

Push the left stick down the menu to find this.

Step 3: Select "Remote features" and tick "Enable remote features."

Your Xbox will test your setup for remote connection. If you're good to go, a message will display on your TV screen telling you this.

Step 4: Connect your AirPods to your phone.

We've got whole guides for how to connect your AirPods to your iPhone or Android, but TL;DR open your AirPods case with the buds sitting inside it, hold down the button on the back of the case until the light on the front goes from green to white, then pick the AirPods in your Bluetooth settings.

Step 5: Open your Xbox app on iPhone or Android.

Make sure you're signed into your Microsoft account.

Step 6: Tap the "Remote play" icon in the top right corner of the Xbox app.

It's the little rectangle with radio waves coming out of it, next to the notifications bell.

Credit: Shannon Connellan / Xbox

Step 7: Tap "Remote play on this device."

You'll see the name of your Xbox, whether Xbox Series S, Series X, or Xbox One. You'll also get a reminder to make sure your Wi-Fi is on.

Step 8: Tap "Allow" to let Xbox find and connect to devices on your local network.

Once connected, you'll see your Xbox screen mirrored to your phone screen.

Step 9: Now just pop your AirPods in and the sound will mirror that of your Xbox!

If you want to talk to other players while you're using your AirPods, you can just tap the the two vertical lines of dots on the top left of your phone screen, then tap the three horizontal dots, and tap the "Mute" button. This allows Xbox to access the microphone and enable chat.

Credit: Shannon Connellan / Mashable

Your roommates are so welcome.

If you have a Nintendo Switch, right this way.