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Apple has removed "Available Now" from its Apple Intelligence webpageThe change comes after the BBB's National Advertising Division recommended it clarify or remove availability detailsThe issue is around the language of when Apple Intelligence features launched and the wait for forthcoming ones

Apple has long said that there is a long road ahead for Apple Intelligence, but it’s been more of a long-winded road since Apple's AI was first announced at WWDC 2024. Earlier in 2025, the promised AI-powered Siri features were pushed back to the ‘coming year,’ which is pretty vague.Now, Apple has made a change to its Apple Intelligence landing page, dropping the ‘Available Now’ tagline from under “AI for the rest of us.” Surprisingly, the Cupertino-based tech giant doesn't seem to have made the decision to remove the message itself, but instead was asked by the Better Business Bureau's National Programs’ National Advertising Division (NAD).In a shared release, the NAD recommends “that Apple Inc. modify or discontinue advertising claims regarding the availability of certain features associated with the launch of its AI-powered Apple Intelligence tool in the U.S.” It seems that launch features including the new Siri, still not being available, weren’t clear enough on the page.

The NAD states that the Apple Intelligence landing pages made it seem like Apple Intelligence features, including Priority Notifications, Image Playground, Image Wand, and ChatGPT integration as well as Genmoji, “were available at the launch of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro.”However, Apple Intelligence didn’t begin its launch until iOS 18.2, which was released after the new iPhones. NAD’s argument states that the disclosures, presented as “footnotes” or “small print disclosures,” were not clear enough.The BBB’s NAD also had similar thoughts about Apple displaying the forthcoming Siri features, such as on-screen awareness and personal content, on the same page as the “Available Now” heading.The NAD even connected with Apple, who informed them that “Siri features would not be available on the original timeline” and that the corresponding language was updated. This evidently happened around the same time as Apple pulled one of its advertisements featuring the all-new Siri.

(Image credit: Future)

Apple, in the release, says “While we disagree with the NAD’s findings related to features that are available to users now, we appreciate the opportunity to work with them and will follow their recommendations.” And it’s clear the recommendations were taken to heart, as “Available Now,” according to snapshots viewed on the Wayback Machine by TechRadar, was removed on March 29, 2025.That’s well before this release from the National Advertising Dvision making the ask that Apple stops or modifies it’s language, but also after the tech giant confirmed the delay with the AI infused Siri as of February 7, 2025.Either way, it’s clear Apple is getting its ducks in a row, and it’s good to be clearer with consumers. TechRadar has reached out to Apple asking for further comment, and we'll update this when and if we hear back.

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When you consider the impact of technology and research at Disney Parks, discarded glass bottles are probably not the first thing that comes to mind. Perhaps you’re not seeing all that glass the way Disney does.Disney is now busy pulverizing a portion of those glass bottles; nearly 2,000 pounds can be crushed in an hour and repurposed for use in other areas, potentially on horse trails, as a replacement for the floor in a greenhouse, or even where mulch once was.The industrial machine – a glass pulverizer – is located in a backstage area at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort in Orlando, Florida, out of sight from guests. It's pretty low-tech, with no high-tech components in use.

(Image credit: Disney Parks)

All that crushed glass eventually becomes a somewhat shiny, clean, sand-like material. "We've got one greenhouse almost complete with pulverized glass," said Debbie Mola Mickler, area manager at Disney's Horticulture. "Cast members ask me questions about it because they walk by and their natural reaction is, 'Wow, your greenhouse floor is glistening.'"

'Wow, your greenhouse floor is glistening.'Debbie Mola Mickler, area manager at Disney's Horticulture

And that's the product produced by the glass pulverizer.This project started when other environmental teams at Disney asked what to do with the glass, explained Jarrod Stewart, Disney's Environmental Integration Project Manager."Could we pulverize it? Use it potentially for road repair, other things?" were the questions proposed to Stewart.

Sustainability Week 2024This article is part of a series of sustainability-themed articles we're running to observe Earth Day 2025 and promote more sustainable practices. Check out all of our Sustainability Week 2025 content.

Thus began a search for a machine that could take a bottle of wine with a wax seal still around the top and a label on the front, separate it, and then safely crush the glass to disperse a sand-like material."I stumbled across the type of machine that we're running here that separates all those non-glass items," he said. "It actually discharges the labels and all that, all that separately."

(Image credit: Disney Parks)

The result is a sand-like material that can blend with coquina or replace mulch – no high-tech sensors required. "There is no smart equipment on this machine whatsoever – not even in the control panel," Stewart said.At the core is a patented hammer mill. "The glass bottle is gone, but the wax is still intact, even with the drips and everything coming off of it," Stewart said. "It's a very interesting percussive action… that is the patented part of the machine."

(Image credit: Disney Parks)

As more teams across the Disney World property heard about the pilot, interest grew. Debbie Mola Mickler saw it on the news and immediately called Stewart to request a test batch for the greenhouses and the horticulture team. The catering team wanted to be included, too, offering a transportation solution: "They said, 'You know what, our trucks are running around the property all day… We'll just drop off the full bins and pick up the empties as we're driving by," Stewart said.The pulverizer's output is now used in select areas that guests can see. "We've used it in a couple of on-stage locations," Stewart explained. "One in Fort Wilderness, where it's actually replacing mulch around the food truck pad." In this case, it's a more permanent solution, as mulch would eventually need to be replaced due to wear and tear.Behind the scenes, Imagineering and Disney's facility teams are exploring even more uses, including non-structural concrete or footpaths. It could even end up at other Disney locations worldwide and even on the sea, courtesy of Disney Cruise Line – either with the produced sand-like material being used or with the glass being sent to be pulverized."The sustainability design team is determining how it can be used to work toward sustainable design goals that they have by using recycled material in construction," Stewart said.

While the pulverizer remains in a backstage area, the initiative's impact is increasingly visible.

Hey, can we participate in this? How do we help this grow?Jarrod Stewart, Disney's Environmental Integration Project Manager

"You know, sometimes when you ask people to sort their waste into yet another, you know, separate category, they're a little hesitant, or you might get a little pushback," Stewart said."In this case, because people see it, they're identifying with the story. They want to be part of it. So we're getting calls every week of, ‘Hey, can we participate in this? How do we help this grow? ‘”

(Image credit: Disney Parks)

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Cluely, an AI app that promises to help you "cheat at everything," perhaps deserves some credit for honesty.If you believe that artificial intelligence is a platform that, in some ways, can help you game the system by delivering melifilous prose written by a large language model (LLM), stunning art generated by ChatGPT, or convincing video percolated by Sora, then maybe Cluely and its founders are just being honest.It's more likely, though, that they are blustering their way to the launch of a product that makes a mockery of integrity.Cluely is a crafty app that installs in your browser and then can sneakily watch and listen to everything on screen. The primary use case is a Zoom video call where you're being interviewed for a high-paying development job. During such a call, you might be asked to Leetcode, which is essentially solving coding or algorithmic problems in full view of your interviewer. With Cluely running, it could quickly tell you how to respond to questions and even solve the coding problems.Lee claimed to have used Cluely to breeze through interviews with multiple major tech companies. Word apparently got around to Columbia University, where Lee and his Cluely co-founder were students. Lee was, according to letters he posted on X (formerly Twitter), kicked out. Lee detailed the entire experience in an X thread.

I just got kicked out of Columbia for taking a stand against Leetcode interviews.Here's the whole story (long thread): pic.twitter.com/Q7LPWjwyA7March 27, 2025

Instead of remorse, Lee seems to express a level of satisfaction, like this is a plan gone well. And, in a way, it is. Cluely has, according to Techcrunch, raised $3.5 million in funding and is prepared to help us "cheat at everything."If that statement makes you feel a bit nauseated, you may not be alone. Lee has spent a fair amount of time defending the app on X, and Cluely may not have helped its case with a tongue-in-cheek launch video that depicts the 21-year-old Lee using Cluely in a smartglasses-like app to convince his date that he is 31 and interested in her and her art. She catches on to the subterfuge and ultimately walks out, but the point is made. Cluely could help you cheat at dating.

Cluely is out. cheat on everything. pic.twitter.com/EsRXQaCfUIApril 20, 2025

While Cluely has yet to reveal which LLMs it uses to power its answers, this is a funhouse mirror view of AI's potential.In his manifesto (which, it appears, has since disappeared from the site), Lee argues that we need to redefine cheating and that what Cluely's doing is no different than Google or a calculator, which put answers at our fingertips and perhaps have been helping us "cheat" for decades.On X, I asked Lee about this perspective, writing:"Do you worry that your experience teaches the wrong lesson about AI? People are already skeptical, and if they see it as a tool for cheating, maybe some will be less likely to use and engage. At the very least, more people will trust less (on things like job interviews) because they might believe the applicant is using AI to cheat."Moments later, Lee responded (For readability, I've fixed the punctuation):"What exactly does "cheat on everything" mean?How do you 'cheat' on a conversation?Cluely (and AI) enables such an insane amount of leverage that it feels unfair, and "like" cheating.The world will be uncomfortable with this reality (as you yourself show), but it will soon become normal, and the day that AI maximalism is truly normalized, humanity's potential will 1,000,000x.Initial hesitation -> massive adoption has been how every single technology in the history of the world has spread."

Cheating is...cheating

While I can't disagree with the notion about hesitation and then mass adoption, and am seeing that in real-time with consumer-grade AI, Lee seems to imply that you can't "cheat" at a conversation. I guess he has never read Cyrano de Bergerac.None of this explains away the fundamental deception coded into Cluely.I followed up on X with:" 'Cheat' is a loaded word, but I also think it's one we do understand. Google search is super-powered research, a digitization of encyclopedic knowledge at your fingertips. A calculator is a math wiz in your pocket, but one that was banned from class unless educators allowed it. They understood the potential for cheating. A browser tool that watches and listens and then produces an answer without the knowledge of the convo's other participant is, many will agree, something different. BTW: Which LLM are you using?"Lee has yet to respond, but perhaps that's because he knows the answer. Google and Calculators are tools. Cluely is a tool hidden behind a lie: "This is me answering."It would be the same as secretly using Google or a calculator to answer an interviewer's questions. There's a fair chance they would notice your fingers frantically typing just off camera. Cluely just supercharges the subterfuge, but it doesn't make it any less like cheating.

A brief hands on

I did, by the way, install Cluely on my MacBook Air to see how it works. It's a powerful tool that overrides, with your permission, normal safeguards that stop third-party tools from watching the video and listening to the audio on your screen. It offers no alert to the person on the other side that they're being watched by a massive AI brain.It's early days, and Cluely does not appear to be fully real-time. You have to click the AI button for it to work and provide answers. Even so, the potential is there, and it's not necessarily a good one.Lee's efforts to normalize and redefine cheating won't make it any less of a deception or any more acceptable. He got kicked out of school for it, and now he wants you to put your own reputation on the line. Some might do it, I know I won't.

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New code reveals ChatGPT may soon support in-chat purchases via ShopifyThe chat would offer prices, reviews, and embedded checkout through the AIThe feature could give Shopify merchants access to ChatGPT’s users while making OpenAI an e-commerce platform

When you ask ChatGPT what sneakers are best for trail running, you get an overview of top examples and links to review sites and product catalogs, Soon, though, ChatGPT might just offer to let you buy your choice from among a range of Shopify merchants directly in the chat, according to unreleased code discovered by Testing Catalog.Rather than clicking through to different websites, Shopify would populate ChatGPT with the suggested products, complete with price, reviews, shipping details, and, most importantly, a “Buy Now” button.Clicking it won't send you away from ChatGPT either. You'll just purchase those shoes through ChatGPT, which will be the storefront itself.At least, that's what the uncovered bits of code describe. The direct integration of Shopify into ChatGPT's interface would make the AI assistant a retail clerk as well as a review compiler. The fact that some of the code is actually live, if hidden, suggests the rollout is coming sooner than you might expect.For Shopify’s millions of merchants, this could be a huge boon. Right now, most small sellers have to hustle for traffic, investing in SEO, ads, or pleading with mysterious social media algorithms to go viral. However, ChatGPT could make its products appear directly in front of the AI chatbot's more than 800 million users.And it might lead to more actual sales. After all, it's one thing to stumble upon a jacket on Instagram and follow a link to a site requiring you to find the jacket again and fill in payment details. It's a lot easier to purchase something when you see it appear amid recommendations from ChatGPT, with a buy button there for you to click on without any intermediate steps.

Shop ChatGPT

Of course, OpenAI isn’t doing this in a vacuum. The idea that AI can guide you not just to information, but through decision-making and transactions, is referred to as 'agentic commerce' and is quickly becoming a major competition space for AI developers.Microsoft has its new Copilot Merchant Program, and Perplexity has its “Buy with Pro” feature for shopping within its AI search engine, to name two others.Regardless of any competition, this is a move that could set up OpenAI for a new role in 'doing' and not just 'knowing. Until now, ChatGPT’s value was mostly cerebral—it helped you think, organize, and research. But letting you buy things directly with Shopify's help might give a lot of people a new perspective on what ChatGPT is for.OpenAI has already experimented with the Operator agent to browse the web on your behalf. This just extends its power into transactions as well. ChatGPT won't just suggest things for you to do; it will carry out those tasks for you.It's not that AI-assisted shopping will end all websites for buying things, but the promise of AI-assisted shopping is that it can cut through the noise, learn your preferences, and serve up products tailored to you. That won't save you from buyer's regret, though; it just gets you there faster.

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Dyson Airwraps don't come cheap. If you're looking to protect your investment by making yours last as long as possible, this article is here to help.It's also Sustainability Week here at TechRadar, and we're looking at ways you can make your gadget habit more eco-friendly. Finding ways to fix, upgrade or otherwise avoid having to purchase a whole new Airwrap isn't just a win for your bank balance, it's better for the planet, too.We spoke to a Dyson spokesperson about the brand's approach to sustainability, and they told us its first priority is to make sure everything is built to last in the first place."During development, Dyson relies on extensive testing – products are dropped over 5,000 times, digital motors run for up to 20,000 hours, and machines undergo durability tests to ensure the machine remains uncompromised and is tough enough, testing to the point of failure," the spokesperson told us. "By focusing on longevity and supporting repairability through modular designs, Dyson helps customers keep their devices in use for longer."Hopefully, then, your Airwrap should be built to stick around – we were certainly impressed with the build quality when we tested it for our Dyson Airwrap i.d. review. However, if you do want to upgrade, repair, replace or recycle it, read on for how to do so...

#1. Upgrade your accessories

If you had an older Airwrap and are dismayed to see better accessories appearing with newer models (for example, comparing Dyson Airwrap vs. Airwrap i.d., the latter has a new tapering curl barrel), you can pimp your original Airwrap by buying new add-ons separately. This is also a good shout if one of your attachments breaks.For genuine Dyson parts you need to head direct to the accessories store within the Dyson site. Here, you can buy different shaped and sized curl barrels, or upgrade to a bi-directional one if you made your initial purchase when it was still separate clockwise and anticlockwise barrels. There are also different brush attachments, and even accessory bundles.

(Image credit: Future)

As you might expect, the official Dyson accessories are rather pricey – although much cheaper (and more sustainable) than buying a whole new Airwrap. Note, too, that what's available will vary by country – the US and Australian stores are much better stocked than the UK store at time of writing.

Dyson accessories store: US / UK / AU

We have spotted some dupe accessories via sites like Amazon, but unless you're really desperate we'd recommend avoiding these and opting for the real thing. You're never quite sure what you're getting, and if it turns out to be rubbish quality or incompatible, then you'll be entering the Wild West of Amazon returns.

#2. Replace broken parts

As well as an accessory store, Dyson also sells spare parts for many of its products. There actually aren't many moving parts to the Airwrap – aside from the accessories we've covered above – but you should be able to pick up a replacement filter cage if yours breaks.

(Image credit: Future)

This is also the place to head if you want to pick up a case or travel wrap for your Airwrap. The former might be a good idea for protective purposes, if you don't have somewhere safe to store your styler, together with its accessories.

Dyson spare parts store: US / UK / AU

#3. Clean the filter monthly

According to Dyson, the cause of the vast majority of Airwrap issues is that you've neglected to keep the filter clean. You should be cleaning your filter, following the process detailed below, monthly – or failing that, when the LED filter warning light starts continuously flashing at you.

Unplug the machine and leave it to cool down completelySlide the filter cage over the cord and open itPass the C-brush through the power cord to begin cleaningRotate the C-brush up and down the filter mesh or use a soft, dry toothbrush to remove dust and debris (don't use water or chemicals to clean the filter mesh itself)Wipe the C-brush gently to clean itLoosen debris from the filter cage using the dry C-brushBring the filter cage to a sink (don't bring the rest of the machine with it – leave that well away from water)Rinse the filter cage and C-brush under warm running waterApply a pea-sized amount of clarifying shampoo to the C-brushLightly scrub the filter cage using the C-brush in circular and up-and-down motions to remove stubborn buildupRinse for 20 secs to ensure all shampoo is gone from the filter cageShake the filter cage gently to remove excess water, then squeeze-dry with a paper towelHold the filter cage up to the light to check it's completely cleanAllow all parts, including the filter cage, to air-dry thoroughly before reassembling (don't reassemble the machine while any parts are still wet)Clip the filter cage back onto the machine.

#4. Troubleshoot any other issues

There's a Support section on the Dyson website designed to help if something goes awry. Here, you can download the user manual for various versions of the Airwrap.There's also a click-through troubleshooting section, covering issues such as poor product performance, electrical faults, and unusual smells or noises. Some of the solutions offered are common sense, but it can still be useful to help make sure there's nothing obvious you might be missing.If you need further assistance, there is a customer support line or you can access support via live chat or WhatsApp (UK only).

Dyson customer support: US / UK / AU

#5. Repair it

Yes... sort of. It seems to vary by product and by country.In the UK, Dyson offers a repair service, where it'll pick up your machine, take it away and fix it for you. This is free if the machine is under guarantee (two years from purchase), or £99 otherwise.On the Dyson UK website it's not clear if Airwraps are included – the page reads, "For more information on repairs and servicing for the Dyson hair care range (including hair dryers, straighteners, stylers) please contact us."However, our Dyson spokesperson told us that repair was an option for Airwraps: "Repairs, replacements, and parts are covered free of charge for issues caused by normal use or manufacturing defects via the two-year guarantee. For out-of-warranty products, paid repair services with genuine Dyson parts are available. Registering your device with a MyDyson account lets you track your guarantee and access personalized support."

(Image credit: Future)

In the US, Dyson will cover repairs for products under guarantee, but it doesn't seen to be an option if it's after that period. Again, it's unclear if hair tools like the Airwrap are included, as all the language on the site focuses on vacuums.In Australia, you also have the option to try the product for 45 days, and if you don't get on it with it, you can return it (with original packaging, in original condition) for free. We couldn't find any mention of repair options in Australia.

Dyson guarantee and repairs: US / UK

#6. Buy refurbished

If your current Airwrap is not salvageable, or you're seeking a more sustainability-conscious (and affordable) option for your first purchase, then consider buying a refurbished model."Dyson gives their machines a second life by extending their sustainability efforts through refurbished machines," the spokesperson told us. "They are thoroughly quality tested and use genuine Dyson replacement parts."

(Image credit: eBay)

Occasionally you'll find refurbished Dyson products sold directly via Dyson, but a better place to look is the brand's official eBay refurb store. This generally has a wide range of certified refurbished appliances available, and there's also a relatively fast turnover of products – it's worth checking back if the Airwrap you want isn't available the first time you look.eBay has a well established refurbishment system. Based on this writer's experience and other customer reviews, it's a reliable and straightforward place to pick up pre-loved electronics.

View eBay Dyson store: US / UK / Australia

Can you recycle a Dyson Airwrap?If you're buying a new Dyson Airwrap, and you have an old one you no longer want or need, you might be able to give your old one back to Dyson to recycle – in the UK at least. "To recycle your old machine, you can bring it into a Dyson demo store within 28 days of purchase of your new Dyson machine, show us the receipt or order confirmation email, and it can be recycled free of charge," our UK spokesperson told us. "The machine being returned must be of similar type or have performed the same function as the new item being purchased."You can also recycle old Airwraps in the same way you would other small electrical appliances. This will vary by country and area. If you're in the UK, this is a very useful tool to find your local recycle, donate or repair options for electricals (Airwraps aren't listed, but we suspect it'll be treated the same way a a blow dryer, which is). Read more about Dyson UK's WEEE recycling policies here.

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Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally. Each year, millions of devices are discarded, many with plenty of life left in them or their components. Alongside the environmental cost, the finite resources used in electronics, including critical minerals and plastics, are often lost to landfill. For tech manufacturers and retailers, this is not only a sustainability concern but a missed commercial opportunity.The mission of tackling the world’s growing e-waste catastrophe whilst maintaining profitability is possible for businesses willing to adopt circular initiatives. By repairing and refurbishing returned or surplus products, brands can recover value from items previously considered unsellable while delivering a measurable impact on both the environment and the community.

Rethinking returns: a strategic opportunity

Customer returns have historically been viewed as a drain on profitability across the retail sector. Logistics, processing costs and stock write-offs are often seen as unavoidable burdens. However, returns are an increasing part of the online retail landscape, with customers expecting more flexibility than ever. The question is no longer whether returns can be avoided but whether they are being managed effectively.Customers are also increasingly expecting to see the manufacturers’ eco credentials in action; they want to see manufacturers selling refurbished products alongside new products, supported by a manufacturer warranty. Some global brands have begun to reframe returns as a revenue opportunity with the help of third-party firms.Through expert repair and refurbishment, products can be returned to the market via ecommerce platforms or direct sales channels. This approach recovers maximum value, reduces waste, and supports regulatory and consumer demands for sustainable practices. For example, by refurbing and reselling a smartphone, its average lifecycle can be extended from two years to six. By refurbing electronics, brands can double product lifecycles, reducing the amount of e-waste sent to landfill by half.By extending the lifecycle of returned products, businesses not only improve margins but also strengthen customer loyalty. Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their purchases and are more likely to engage with brands that offer credible, circular solutions. In fact, a recent survey by Trojan Electronics highlighted that over two-thirds (67%) of consumers say that the environmental credentials of a brand or retailer matter to them when buying a new product.

The circular model in action

The circular model approach means brands can implement initiatives at every stage of the product lifecycle, whether it involves restoring items to full working order, harvesting components from products beyond economical repair, or recycling materials responsibly.Refurbished goods are then able to be resold via established online marketplaces, allowing brands to realize higher recovery rates than through traditional clearance or auction routes, and with lower overheads than operating direct-to-consumer channels independently.Another significant benefit of refurbishing electrical items is that it enables customers, who might not otherwise afford new premium products, to access high-quality items at a price similar to that of low-quality imports. Many consumers desire durable, long-lasting products but are often priced out of the new premium market. Professionally refurbished items with a warranty included, can be up to 40% cheaper than new ones. They are priced similarly to unbranded imports, yet offer superior reliability and longevity.

Quality, trust, and consumer demand

Refurbished technology is no longer seen as second-hand or inferior. With rigorous quality control, including PAT testing, soak tests, and professional repackaging, brands can ensure that each item is fit for resale and meets high consumer expectations.Industry bodies like CLEAR (Circular Leadership for Electronics and Recycling), a newly formed coalition of UK electronics industry stakeholders are committed to fostering greater collaboration and advancing sustainable practices across the sector. Recent research from CLEAR shows that consumer confidence in refurbished products is growing, especially when brands offer transparency and maintain high standards.For example, CLEAR’s recent report reveals that 82% of consumers think that they have a role to play in electronic circularity and 62% would change their electrical item purchasing behaviors based on the environmental impact of electronics manufacturers.There is, therefore, clear evidence that consumers are not only willing but eager to choose sustainable options, provided they can trust the quality and reliability. Brands that invest in refurbishment and resale are meeting this demand head-on, while also differentiating themselves in a competitive market.

Sustainability as a business imperative

Sustainability is no longer an optional extra. It is central to long-term business success and the future of our planet. Through a circular approach which includes repairing, refurbishing, and reselling rather than discarding, businesses across the tech sector can significantly reduce waste, recover substantial value, and build resilience in a fast-changing market.By unlocking the hidden value in e-waste, brands can reduce their environmental impact, future-proof their operations, attract new customers who previously found the products unaffordable, and strengthen customer relationships.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

A few years ago, it may have been fashionable to spend $1,000 on the latest flagship smartphone, but for most people, that’s neither practical nor necessary. You don't even have to spend $500 today to get a decent handset, whether it’s a refurbished iPhone or an affordable Android phone, as there are plenty of decent options as low as $160.However, navigating the budget phone market can be tricky; options that look good on paper may not be in practice, and some devices will end up costing you more when you consider many come with restrictive storage. While we spend most of our time reviewing mid- to high-end handsets at Engadget, we've tested a number of the latest budget-friendly phones on the market to see cut it as the best cheap phones you can get right now.

Best cheap phones

What to look for in a cheap phone

For this guide, our top picks cost between $100 and $300. Anything less and you might as well go buy a dumb phone instead. Since they’re meant to be more affordable than flagship phones and even midrange handsets, budget smartphones involve compromises; the cheaper a device, the lower your expectations around specs, performance and experience should be. For that reason, the best advice I can give is to spend as much as you can afford. In this price range, even $50 or $100 more can get you a dramatically better product.

Second, you should know what you want most from a phone. When buying a budget smartphone, you may need to sacrifice a decent main camera for long battery life, or trade a high-resolution display for a faster CPU. That’s just what comes with the territory, but knowing your priorities will make it easier to find the right phone.

It’s also worth noting some features can be hard to find on cheaper handsets. For instance, you won’t need to search far for a device with all-day battery life — but if you want a phone with excellent camera quality, you’re better off shelling out for one of the recommendations in our midrange smartphone guide, which all come in at $600 or less.

Wireless charging and waterproofing also aren’t easy to find in this price range and forget about the fastest chipset. On the bright side, most of our recommendations come with headphone jacks, so you won’t need to buy wireless headphones.

iOS is also off the table, since, following the discontinuation of the iPhone SE, the $599 iPhone 16e is now the most affordable offering from Apple. That leaves Android as the only option in the under-$300 price range. Thankfully today, there’s little to complain about Google’s operating system – and you may even prefer it to iOS.

Lastly, keep in mind most Android manufacturers typically offer far less robust software features and support for their budget devices. In some cases, your new phone may only receive one major software update and a year or two of security patches beyond that. That applies to the OnePlus and Motorola recommendations on our list.

If you’d like to keep your phone for as long as possible, Samsung has the best software policy of any Android manufacturer in the budget space, offering at least four years of security updates on all of its devices. Recently, it even began offering six years of support on the $200 A16 5G, which we recommend below. That said, if software support (or device longevity overall) is your main focus, consider spending a bit more on the $500 Google Pixel 9a, or even the previous-gen Pixel 8a, which has planned software updates through mid-2031.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/best-cheap-phones-130017793.html?src=rss

May the 4th be with you is almost upon us, so get ready for an influx of Stars Wars paraphernalia. That includes new merch, such as Casetify's collaboration with Star Wars. Yes, starting today, Star Wars fans can get a series of branded accessories for devices ranging from iPhones to wireless chargers.

One of the most over-the-top items available is a Darth Vader AirPods holder. As you can see above, it's an entire stand for your AirPods that almost looks like a little bobblehead doll. But, it fits your AirPod case (which can also be Star Wars themed) and leaves space for the keychain to poke out. Plus, Casetify claims it's "complete with authentic breathing sound effects" — a purchase that truly falls under the category of something you never knew you needed.

The Darth Vader head follows similar Casetify products, including a stand that looks like RX-78-2 from Gundam. It also held both AirPods and another case from the anime collaboration. A separate roll out with Neon Genesis Evangelion included an AirPods case based on the head of Evangelion Unit-01.

As for the Star Wars collection, you can check out all the products below and purchase items starting at $32. Some of the themed accessories will be available to buy in bundles.

Casetify

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/casetifys-latest-airpods-case-is-a-darth-vader-head-080012607.html?src=rss