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The Morning After: We reviewed Google's new $99 earbuds

The Pixel Buds A-Series has arrived, and we're preparing for Apple's WWDC 2021 event.

Billy Steele / Engadget

While we’re closing out this week, we’re also casting an eye on early next week. Because WWDC approaches. Apple’s big developer conference is back, but still online only. Expect Tim Cook and a cast of other execs to tour us through the major changes coming to your iPhones, Macs, iPads and the rest.

WWDC 2021
WWDC 2021 (Apple)

While iOS got a pretty substantial revamp at last year’s WWDC, reports suggest we could see bigger changes in the way notifications work in iOS 15. Maybe even a new lock screen? If you’re waiting to see what’s next for Apple Silicon after a pretty successful launch, this could be the time. Apple is in the midst of transitioning from Intel to its own processors, so we could get a more fleshed-out selection of Apple Silicon Macs. It may be a little early for an M2 chip, however.

That’s just to start. Apple’s developer showcase usually lasts a couple of hours, and we’ll be reporting on everything that happens. WWDC kicks off on Monday, June 7th with the keynote starting at 10 AM PT/1 PM ET. Have a great weekend and come join us then.

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— Mat Smith

Pixel Buds A-Series review

Impressive features for $99.

Pixel Buds A
Pixel Buds A (Billy Steele / Engadget)

Google’s Pixel Buds A-Series are here, and true to the rumors, they’re mostly the same in both design and features as last year’s true wireless Pixel Buds. However, they're only $99. For that price, I’d argue there are some features you can probably live without. According to Billy Steele, Google cut the right corners to reach that price.
Continue reading.

Apple updates AirTags to address stalking concerns

Apple will also release an Android app that can detect AirTags.

Airtags
Airtags (Chris Velazco / Engadget)

Apple has updated AirTags to address privacy concerns associated with the Bluetooth trackers. It’s shortening the period when an AirTag can be separated from its owner without making noise, and making it more irregular. Instead of three days, the separation period will be between 8 and 24 hours. It addresses concerns that stalkers would be able to track someone’s movement without their consent by hiding an AirTag on their victim.

Apple is also planning an Android app that will help users detect “an AirTag or Find My network-enabled accessory separated from its owner that may be traveling with a user.” While it won’t give Android users full functionality of AirTags, it would give non-iPhone owners a way to look for unwanted trackers.
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Apple is reportedly developing an iPad Pro with wireless charging

Mark Gurman says Apple is also working on a new iPad mini.

iPad Pro (2020)
iPad Pro (2020)

Or maybe we’ll see new iPads? Sadly, these will probably appear later. Apple may be planning an iPad Pro with wireless charging capabilities, as well as a new iPad mini. Bloomberg reports that Apple will replace the Pro tablet's aluminum casing with a glass back similar to the latest iPhones', partly to enable wireless charging. With regards to the iPad mini, the home button may finally disappear, and the bezels may shrink.
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Introducing Engadget's 2021 Father's Day gift guide

Dozens of gift ideas to treat the father figure in your life.

Engadget Father's Day 2021
Engadget Father's Day 2021 (Engadget)

Celebrations are still a little tough to pull off this year, but thankfully things are getting better. Whether you’re having a face-to-face get-together or not, you can still celebrate Dad and thank him for all the life advice and corny jokes he’s blessed you with over the years. To help you do so, we’ve pulled together our best gift ideas in our annual Father’s Day gift guide.

The best Father's Day tech gift ideas

The best gifts for dad under $50

The best backyard outdoor gifts for dad

The best Father's Day gifts for new dads

The best home entertainment gift ideas for dad
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BlackBerry is Reddit's latest meme stock

The share price has shot up in recent days, while AMC is on another big run.

It’s the new Gamestop stock. Reddit speculators have turned to BlackBerry for their latest run on the stock market. The share price was up around seven percent on Thursday afternoon, following gains of 32 percent and 15 percent over the last two sessions.

The price hasn't quite hit the heights of a short squeeze back in January, when it reached $28.77, but it has still more than doubled since the start of the year. The r/wallstreetbets subreddit, where the AMC and GameStop pumps largely originated, is full of threads about BlackBerry. One redditor cited their rewarding experience of working on the BlackBerry factory line as their reason for investing.
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But wait, there’s more...

EU opens antitrust probe into Facebook

DOJ memo puts ransomware investigations on a level similar to terrorism

Norton 360 antivirus will soon mine cryptocurrency

The UK is sabotaging its own plan to decarbonize heating

New Philips Hue app makes it easier to automate your lights

Apple employees will return to the office in September

Ford brings back the Maverick name for a new compact truck