Nothing Headphone A drop to $169, lowest price yet for noise-canceling over-ears
Nothing's Headphone A, featuring active noise cancellation and a comfortable design, are now available for $169 at Amazon and Nothing's website, a $30 discount marking a new low price. The headphones retain key features of the Headphone 1 at a lower cost, with opaque colors, physical controls, and an IP52 rating.
Nothing has reduced the price of its Headphone A to $169, a $30 discount that brings the noise-canceling over-ear headphones to their lowest price yet. The deal is available at Amazon and Nothing's online storefront, where the headphones normally retail for $199. The Headphone A represent a more conventional design direction for Nothing, which has previously favored retro-transparent aesthetics and bold colors in its budget-friendly CMF line. Despite the subdued look, the Headphone A are strikingly similar to last year's Headphone 1, offering many of the same features at a significantly lower price point.
The earpieces feature a rectangular shape with oval enclosures, but use opaque colors instead of transparent housing. The headband and memory foam cups provide comfortable wear, according to testing, and physical controls manage playback, volume, noise cancellation, and other functions without capacitive buttons. The headphones carry an IP52 rating, meaning they can handle sweat and light rain, and support wired listening via USB-C and 3.5mm ports.
Sound quality out of the box can be somewhat middling, but the Nothing X app for Android and iOS offers an EQ with presets and customization options that can address this. The active noise cancellation, while not on par with more expensive sets from Sony and Bose, is effective for the price, allowing users to tune out lower frequencies using three levels or an adaptive option. However, microphone noise cancellation for calls is less effective.
The Headphone A are available now at Amazon and Nothing's website for $169, down from $199. This is a new low price for the model, which launched earlier this year. The deal is part of broader Memorial Day promotions, though no end date has been specified for this particular discount.
Nothing's Headphone A offer a solid combination of comfort, features, and noise cancellation at a competitive price point. With the current $30 discount, they present a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers seeking over-ear headphones with active noise cancellation and a distinctive design. The headphones are available in multiple opaque color options, and the deal applies to all variants at participating retailers.
Ugreen FineTrack 2 soccer ball-shaped tracker offers up to 7 years battery life
Ugreen launched the FineTrack 2, an Apple Find My-compatible tracker shaped like a soccer ball. It costs $19.99 and features a 600mAh CR2450 battery lasting five to seven years.
Ugreen has introduced a new tracker compatible with Apple's Find My network, featuring a design that prioritizes battery life over discretion. The FineTrack 2 takes the shape of a soccer ball, a nod to major football tournaments the company refrains from naming explicitly. This form factor makes it suitable for hanging off keychains or bags, though its size limits concealment options compared to an Apple AirTag or credit card-style trackers.
The device measures larger than typical coin-shaped trackers but remains compact enough to stow inside a suitcase or a car's glove compartment. Ugreen designed the FineTrack 2 with water resistance, allowing it to withstand exposure to rain or splashes during everyday use. The tracker relies on a 600mAh CR2450 battery, which the company estimates can power the device for five to seven years under normal usage with Apple's Find My network.
Apple's Find My integration enables the FineTrack 2 to leverage the vast network of Apple devices for location tracking. Users can locate the tracker through the Find My app on iPhones, iPads, or Macs, receiving proximity alerts and directional guidance. The soccer ball shape also serves a functional purpose, providing a larger surface area for the battery and potentially improving signal transmission.
Ugreen positions the FineTrack 2 as a practical accessory for travelers and those who frequently misplace items. The device's extended battery life reduces the need for frequent replacements, a common pain point with smaller trackers that use standard coin cells lasting about a year. The trade-off is a bulkier form that may not suit every use case, such as slipping into a wallet or attaching to a pet collar.
The FineTrack 2 is available for purchase immediately through Ugreen's official channels and select retailers. Priced at $19.99, it undercuts Apple's AirTag, which retails for $29, while offering a similar feature set with a distinct design. Ugreen did not announce plans for Android compatibility, limiting the tracker's appeal to users within Apple's ecosystem.
Ugreen's announcement did not specify regional availability, but the product is expected to ship globally through online stores. The company's decision to adopt a themed design aligns with the upcoming football tournaments, though the tracker remains functional year-round. Customers can choose from multiple color options, though Ugreen has not detailed the full range.
"The FineTrack 2 combines long-lasting battery life with a fun, sporty design," a Ugreen spokesperson said in a statement. The company emphasized the tracker's durability and ease of use, targeting consumers seeking a reliable Find My accessory without frequent battery changes. The product is backed by Ugreen's standard warranty, though specific terms were not disclosed.
Kickstarter reverses new mature content guidelines after backlash
Kickstarter has removed its recently updated mature content rules, which included a ban on certain sexual wellness products. The company cited requirements from payment processor Stripe as the reason for the changes.
Kickstarter has walked back its newly implemented content guidelines for mature projects, just days after introducing them. The rules, which took effect last week, included a prohibition on "sexual wellness products that are not designed for insertion or penetration and are not marketed primarily for sexual gratification." The company has now restored an earlier version of its guidelines.
In an apology letter issued today, Chief Operating Officer Sean Leow confirmed that the updated rules were driven by requirements from the platform's payment processor, Stripe. "The updates to the rules were primarily driven by requirements from our payments processor, Stripe," Leow wrote. "Stripe operates under its own legal and regulatory obligations, and we must comply with those to continue processing payments."
The original guidelines had drawn criticism from creators and backers who argued they were overly broad and could stifle legitimate projects. The ban on certain sexual wellness products, in particular, was seen as confusing and inconsistent with Kickstarter's history of supporting adult content.
Kickstarter's decision to revert to the previous rules means that projects involving sexual wellness products will again be evaluated under the older, more permissive standards. The company emphasized that it remains committed to supporting a wide range of creative projects while complying with legal requirements.
Leow's letter also acknowledged the communication misstep. "We recognize that we did not do a good job of explaining the rationale behind these changes or giving the community a chance to provide input," he wrote. "We apologize for the confusion and frustration this caused."
The reversal applies immediately, and projects that were affected by the now-repealed rules will be reassessed. Kickstarter has not indicated whether it plans to revisit the guidelines in the future with more community input.
Stripe, which processes payments for Kickstarter, has its own policies regarding adult content and sexual wellness products. The company's acceptable use policy prohibits certain types of sexual content, but the specifics of its requirements for platforms like Kickstarter are not publicly detailed.
Kickstarter's original content guidelines had been in place since 2012, with periodic updates. The brief experiment with stricter rules highlights the tension between platform governance and the demands of payment processors, which often have their own compliance obligations.
"We are committed to being transparent with our community about the constraints we operate under," Leow stated. "We will continue to work with Stripe to find ways to support as many projects as possible while meeting their requirements." The company has not announced any further changes to its content policy at this time.
Google and Volvo integrate Gemini AI with external cameras for parking sign interpretation
Google and Volvo announced at the I/O conference that Gemini will access external cameras in the upcoming Volvo EX60 SUV to interpret parking signs. The feature leverages Volvo's Android Automotive OS.
Google and Volvo announced a new integration at the I/O conference on Wednesday. The Gemini AI assistant will gain access to external cameras in the upcoming Volvo EX60 SUV. This capability will allow Gemini to interpret and explain the vehicle's surroundings to drivers.
The feature is made possible by Volvo's use of Google's embedded Android Automotive operating system. Google identified the first use case as translating difficult-to-understand parking signs. The company sees potential for additional applications in the future.
Gemini will be able to recall road signs and provide explanations to the driver. The AI assistant processes camera input to deliver real-time information. This marks a step toward more context-aware in-car assistance.
Volvo's EX60 SUV is the first vehicle to support this functionality. The integration demonstrates how Android Automotive can enable advanced AI features. Google and Volvo have collaborated on in-car technology for several years.
The announcement was made during Google's annual developer conference. No specific release date for the feature was provided. Pricing for the EX60 has not been announced.
Google envisions the camera-enabled Gemini assisting with various driving scenarios. The company emphasized the parking sign translation as an initial use case. Further details on future applications were not disclosed.
The Verge reported the news from the I/O conference. Google and Volvo did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.
Sony launches 1000X The Collexion to mark 10 years of flagship headphones
Sony is releasing the 1000X The Collexion, a special edition celebrating the 10th anniversary of its MDR-1000X headphones. The collection features premium materials and a higher price point.
Sony introduced the MDR-1000X headphones a decade ago. That model combined noise canceling, sound quality, design, and comfort in a way that set a new standard for wireless headphones. At the time, the Bose QC35 was the closest competitor, but many found Sony's sound tuning superior. The 1000X line went on to become a benchmark in the wireless noise-canceling headphone market. Sony is now celebrating the original's launch with the 1000X The Collexion. The name's "X" references the headphones' 10-year milestone. The collection includes special editions of the WH-1000XM5 and WF-1000XM5, as well as a new carrying case and other accessories. The WH-1000XM5 in the collection features a luxurious leather finish and a unique color scheme. The WF-1000XM5 earbuds also receive a premium treatment with a metallic coating and a matching charging case. Sony says the collection uses higher-quality materials than the standard models. The 1000X The Collexion is priced at $499.99 for the over-ear headphones and $299.99 for the earbuds. That represents a significant premium over the standard versions, which retail for $349.99 and $249.99 respectively. The collection is available starting today on Sony's website and at select retailers. Sony is positioning the 1000X The Collexion as a luxury item for audiophiles and collectors. The company says it honors the legacy of the original MDR-1000X while offering an elevated experience. The standard WH-1000XM5 and WF-1000XM5 remain available at their regular prices.