BackToSchool
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Amazon Music Unlimited is now cheaper for students
Sigh, it's that time of the year again. Despacito may still be atop the charts, but summer is dwindling, meaning it's time to head back to school. But, don't cut short your soundtrack just yet, because this is the ideal time to get ad-free music on a streaming service. All the students out there already get a nice discount on Apple Music and Spotify, and now you can add Amazon Music Unlimited to that list too. The online retail giant is offering up its relatively new music streaming service to all the young folk for just $4.99/£4.99 per month. That brings it in line with its bigger rivals, price-wise at least. It also means you fork out less than Amazon Prime subscribers ($7.99/£7.99 per month) and non-Prime customers ($9.99/£9.99). And, if you're eligible to be a Prime Student member, it will go down to just $6/£6 for six months -- that's just one dollar or pound a month for the period.
The best tech for college athletes
Look, there's clearly more to college life than studying and partying. There's also sports! Before you hit the field, gym, rink or court it's probably worth taking stock of how you can improve your game with a little help from modern technology. An Apple Watch or Vivosmart can count steps and track your gym sessions, while Polo makes a smart shirt that offers seriously in depth data about your body's performance. There's also sensors that can help you do things like improve your swing in golf or baseball. And, of course, after a long day of training, there's nothing better than unwinding by watching your hometown team make a run at the World Series on MLB.tv. Oh, and don't forget to check out the rest of Engadget's back-to-school guide here.
ICYMI: Stack your dominoes and get the pizza delivered too
try{document.getElementById("aol-cms-player-1").style.display="none";}catch(e){}Today on In Case You Missed It: Global pizza company Domino's is teaming up with drone delivery company Flirtey to launch an actual pie delivery service, via UAV, in New Zealand. The company has passed checks by the country's Civil Aviation Authority and aims to begin tests later this year. Meanwhile virtual reality gamers are (understandably) losing it over the latest thing to make VR look incredible: Dexmo exoskeleton gloves that are worn, then react as though objects within games are actually being manipulated.
New Google Docs, Sheets and Slides features make schoolwork less miserable
Google is holding a "back-to-school" event today at its San Francisco office to introduce a set of new Google Docs tools specifically built with the classroom in mind -- though all Docs users will benefit from these changes. Some will only be appearing on Android, some will be in the desktop, and some will be hitting both, but regardless it should make life easier for Docs users. Google introduced six new features, including built-in Search for Docs on Android, voice typing, automatic chart creation for Sheets and more.
Back to School Guide 2015: Picks for the deep-pocketed
It's that dreaded time of year when lazy summer days with their open invitation to sandals, surf and shirtlessness begin to give way to the crispness of fall, hoodies and the back-to-school doldrums. Ah, but there's hope on the horizon: You can always buy things to forget the scheduled machinery of life. And, oh, have we got some selections for you -- no matter your budget. Okay. It's time to get really real with our final round of baller back-to-school selections. This week's picks are not for the weak of wallet, but they're well worth the expense.
Back to School Guide 2015: Picks under $500
It's that dreaded time of year when lazy summer days with their open invitation to sandals, surf and shirtlessness begin to give way to the crispness of fall, hoodies and the back-to-school doldrums. Ah, but there's hope on the horizon: You can always buy things to forget the scheduled machinery of life. And, oh, have we got some selections for you -- no matter your budget. We're not quite at the baller-level of gadget indulgence yet, but this week's back-to-school selections are certainly well-suited for the money's-no-object crowd.
Back to School Guide 2015: Picks under $300
It's that dreaded time of year when lazy summer days with their open invitation to sandals, surf and shirtlessness begin to give way to the crispness of fall, hoodies and the back-to-school doldrums. Ah, but there's hope on the horizon: You can always buy things to forget the scheduled machinery of life. And, oh, have we got some selections for you -- no matter your budget. Prepare to empty out your wallets and slap down that plastic because this week's picks are decidedly more premium for the discerning academic.
Back to School Guide 2015: Picks under $100
It's that dreaded time of year when lazy summer days with their open invitation to sandals, surf and shirtlessness begin to give way to the crispness of fall, hoodies and the back-to-school doldrums. Ah, but there's hope on the horizon: You can always buy things to forget the scheduled machinery of life. And, oh, have we got some selections for you -- no matter your budget. This week, we're upping the ante a bit with some more sophisticated (and pricier!) selections to suit your back-to-school needs.
Back to School Guide 2015: Picks under $50
It's that dreaded time of year when lazy summer days with their open invitation to sandals, surf and shirtlessness begin to give way to the crispness of fall, hoodies and the back-to-school doldrums. Ah, but there's hope on the horizon: You can always buy things to forget the scheduled machinery of life. And, oh, have we got some selections for you -- no matter your budget. First up, our picks for the most cost-conscious of the back-to-school set.
Engadget's 2013 back to school sweepstakes: only 24 hours left!
It's getting down to the wire now, guys, so if you haven't entered our back to school sweepstakes yet, now's the time. We'll stop accepting entries in 24 hours, so if you want to be in the running for one of 15 tech-filled Timbuk2 bags, you better hustle. Make sure you've left a comment on our sweepstakes post and each of the 14 guides. Because we're just that nice, the relevant links are below. Good luck, and have a great semester! Engadget's back to school 2013 sweepstakes: Win one of 15 gadget-filled bags! Engadget's back to school guide 2013: smartphones Engadget's back to school guide 2013: ultraportables Engadget's back to school guide 2013: tablets Engadget's back to school guide 2013: e-readers Engadget's back to school guide 2013: laptops Engadget's back to school guide 2013: HDTV Engadget's back to school guide 2013: gaming Engadget's back to school guide 2013: cameras Engadget's back to school guide 2013: accessories Engadget's back to school guide 2013: portable audio Engadget's back to school guide 2013: docks Engadget's back to school guide 2013: bags and cases Engadget's back to school guide 2013: printers Engadget's back to school guide 2013: fun stuff
There are just 6 days left to enter our back to school sweepstakes!
All throughout August, we brought you our top picks for smartphones, tablets, ultraportables and more. We end on a sweet note with our final back to school guide today, but our giveaway is still running strong. If you haven't done so already, now's the time to leave a comment on each of our 14 gadget guides -- as well as our sweepstakes homepage -- for a chance to win one of of 15 tech-filled goodie bags. The contest runs through noon (ET) on Thursday, September 12th, so get your name in before the new semester gets too crazy. Good luck! Engadget's back to school 2013 sweepstakes Engadget's back to school guide 2013: smartphones Engadget's back to school guide 2013: ultraportables Engadget's back to school guide 2013: tablets Engadget's back to school guide 2013: e-readers Engadget's back to school guide 2013: laptops Engadget's back to school guide 2013: HDTV Engadget's back to school guide 2013: gaming Engadget's back to school guide 2013: cameras Engadget's back to school guide 2013: accessories Engadget's back to school guide 2013: portable audio Engadget's back to school guide 2013: docks Engadget's back to school guide 2013: bags and cases Engadget's back to school guide 2013: printers Engadget's back to school guide 2013: fun stuff
Engadget's back to school guide 2013: fun stuff!
Welcome to Engadget's back to school guide! Today, we're talking fun stuff. Head to the back to school hub to see the rest of the product guides as we add them throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back; in early September, we'll be giving away a ton of gear, including some of the picks in our guides. If we may paraphrase a tried-and-true saying, all work and no play makes one a very dull boy or girl. While laptops, tablets and smartphones are all essential pieces of study-time equipment, it's important to remember to cut loose and have a little fun every once in a while. To beat the midterm blues, check out top gadget picks below the break.
Parenting Tip: Recommended iPad and Mac accessories for your back-to-schoolers
Those school days, dear old golden rule days are upon us. As you head back to the classroom this week, check out these accessory recommendations that'll help you start off on the right foot. Similar to the earlier posts in our Back to School parenting tips, these recommendations are grouped by academic level. If you want even more accessories, Engadget has a comprehensive back to school guide that you can peruse for additional ideas. If you have any must-have accessories that you want to contribute, please add them in the comments. Pre-schoolers -- Pre-schoolers are tough on devices. They'll drop your iPad, throw your iPod and pick the keys off your Mac's keyboard. For these tots, you'll want to find accessories that protect your devices from mishaps and mayhem. For iOS devices, I recommend a rugged case like the Otterbox Defender series (US$99) or the Griffin Survivor series ($79). I've used both and they have protected my iPad and iPhone from many falls. If you want something more colorful, then check out the iGuy iPad Cover from Speck ($39). This foam case will hold your iPad securely and let you stand it up for hands-free use. If you use a MacBook Pro or an Apple wireless keyboard with kids, I highly recommend a Moshi ClearGuard keyboard cover ($25). The clear cover protects the keys from spills and makes it a little bit harder for your kids to pick off the keys. It's not foolproof as your kids can lift off the cover and get access to the keys. In my experience though, having the cover there is enough of a deterrent. I also recommend a trackpad over a mouse. I find the young ones intuitively pick up the gestures, especially if they are familiar with the iPad. Elementary Children -- Elementary school kids are in-betweeners. They are easier on devices than the Pre-K group, but they are not as mature as the middle and high-schoolers. Consequently, they don't need as many accessories to complete the experience. As a result, my picks for these 6- to 11-year-olds will be on the conservative side. iPad Case: For starters, I would grab a decent case for your iPad, maybe opting for the lighter Speck HandyShell case ($55) instead of the beefier Defender. There's also the colorful Seesaw from Griffin ($35) which is part case, part stand. Headphones: I would also grab a decent pair of headphones, focusing on quality construction. Don't go cheap as I find that most the cheap headphones that I buy will break where the wire goes into the headphone ear piece. I recommend the Sennheiser HD 202 II Professional ($24) headphones. At $24, they are not too pricey and their big ear cups fit comfortably on kids in the 6- to 12-year-old range. I cringe sometimes at giving my kids a pair of Sennheiser cans, but the headphones handle the abuse quite well and last a long time. Charging Station: Another must have for kids is a good charging station. If your kids use the iPad for educational games, reading and research, they will need to charge the device on a daily basis. Rather than have them plug the iOS device into a random outlet in their and balance it on the edge of their bed to charge, spend some money and get a charging station like the Griffin PowerDock ($99), which we recently reviewed. Their iPads will sit safely next to yours, and you always will be able to find the charging cables. Other iOS Accessories: There are also some fun accessories for kids in this age range. My favorite is the Crayola ColorStudio HD ($30), a combo app and digital marker that allows your kids to color on their iPad. We reviewed a version this product when it first became available in 2011. There's also the Lego Life of George ($20) Lego set that lets your child play with Legos on their iPad. For the older elementary group, you should consider the Lego Mindstorms EV3 ($349) kit. This latest Mindstorm introduces your child to robotics and includes three different iOS Apps to help your control your creation. Mac Accessories: If your kids use a Mac, you need little more than a decent keyboard and mouse or trackpad. I use the Apple wireless keyboard ($69) and the Magic Trackpad ($69) with great success. As noted above with the pre-schoolers, I do slap on a Moshi ClearGuard keyboard cover to protect the keyboard from spills, food and what not. Junior and High School Students -- Junior and high school students kick it up a notch when it comes to technology. No longer content playing educational games, this group is ready to use the iPad and Mac to create content, not just consume it. iPad Case: For the iPad, these older students would do well with a basic folio case like the FitFolio from Speck ($40), the Incase Maki Jacket ($40) or the more expensive Joy Factory SmartSuit3 ($59). If you are looking for a keyboard case, you can't go wrong with the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad ($99) or the Solar Keyboard Folio for iPad, which includes a built-in solar charger for the keyboard. Headphones: Whether they are listening to music or editing the audio track of their latest video, every kid needs a good set of headphones. My favorite for this group is the Sennheiser PX 100-II ($50), which is a decent set of cans that won't break the bank. This model doesn't include in-line controls for your iOS device, but you can pay $12 more for the Sennheiser PX 100-IIi ($70), which does have a control module built into the headphone's cable. Stylus: This group would also benefit from a good stylus for writing or drawing purposes. I recommend the Wacom Bamboo Stylus Feel ($39) for your basic needs. It looks and feels like a pen and features interchangeable pen tips. If you have any artistic inclinations, then you should consider paying a bit more for a stylus and grab the Adonit Jot Touch 4 ($89), which we reviewed. It is pressure sensitive and includes replaceable tips, not rubber nibs. These tips improve the accuracy of your strokes. If you are worried about losing your stylus and want a budget model, then check out the JukeStyle, which costs $10 and held up well in our review. Other Accessories: Other cool accessories for this group include the robot-building Lego Mindstorms EV3 ($349) or this RedPark TTL iOS Cable Breakout Pack ($75). This Maker Shed kit allows you to connect your iOS device to to microcontrollers such as the Arduino and other external sensors. Musicians, podcasters or budding karaokers would do well with the iRig Mic ($60) for recording audio on your iPad or the Spark Digital ($199) from Blue Microphone, which we recently reviewed. Mac Accessories: If your high schooler is using a desktop Mac, then a good set of speakers is a must have add-on. I recommend Logitech's UE Mobile Boombox ($99) for smaller spaces or the Creative Inspire S2 ($129) if you want some bass. You can also add on a nice drawing tablet like the Wacom Intuos Pen & Touch ($99) for your budding artist. This model supports both pen input and touch gestures, so you can use it to draw and adjust your canvas. If your young adult is using a MacBook Pro, then slap on a Speck SmartShell ($50) to protect the lovely aluminum chassis. If they are toting their laptop to school, consider grabbing a protective case like the Poseidon Messenger Bag from ECBC ($99) or this laptop backpack from Timbuk2 ($99). College Students -- College students are the top dog when it comes to back-to-school gear. This group needs the most gear and has the potential to fully use it in their school work and personal life. Space and available cash may be limited for most college students, so they need to get the best bang for their buck. They are also the group most likely to use their devices while mobile, and their chosen accessories should be designed for on-the-go use. Headphones: Sennheiser HD-280 PRO ($99) if you are looking for comfortable cans to block out noise at home. Sennheiser PX 200-IIi ($99) if you are looking for something portable. If you want a wireless headphone, then look at the Plantronics BackBeat Go 2 ($80) or the GOGroove Airband ($45). iPad case: Careful college students could get away with a lightweight iPad Smart Cover ($39) or the more protective Smart Case ($50). There's also the BookBook leather case ($79) from TwelveSouth or the DODOcase ($59) if you are looking for something different. Oh, and I can't forget the Pad & Quill Graduate Artist Series for iPad ($69), which fantastically made and super stylish. iPad Keyboard case:If you are looking for a keyboard case, you can't go wrong with the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad ($99) or the Solar Keyboard Folio for iPad , which includes a built-in solar charger for the keyboard. Powered iPad case:There are also a few cases that include a power source, ensuring that your iPad never runs out of juice. We recently reviewed and were pleased with the Props Power Case ($90) and the Justin Case Ultra-Slim Power Case for iPad.) ($69). iPad stand: The market is flooded with stands to hold your iPad in every configuration. Figure out how you are going to use your iPad, pick your price point and then go shopping. Check your case first, too, as many include an integrated stand. If you decide you want a stand, I've used the Griffin A-Frame stand, which is inexpensive ($10), but has limited tilt angles. Steve Sande recently looked at the Xvidia Boomerang ($80) and was impressed with its design and support for add-on mounting accessories Stylus: I recommend the Wacom Bamboo Stylus Feel ($39) for your basic needs. It looks and feels like a pen and features interchangeable pen tips. If you have any artistic inclinations, then you should consider paying a bit more for a stylus and grab the Adonit Jot Touch 4 ($89), which we reviewed. It is pressure sensitive and includes replaceable tips, not rubber nibs. These tips improve the accuracy of your strokes. If you are worried about losing your stylus and want a budget model, then check out the JukeStyle, which costs $10 and held up well in our review. Portable charger: Mophie, known for its iPhone battery cases, also sells a line of Powerstation chargers that'll charge your iPad and iPhone on the go. The Satechi Portable Energy Station ($60) is another good choice. I have the 10,000 mAh model and it's still going strong after a year of regular use. HyperJuice ($199) is still your best portable charging option for the Mac. Mac Stand: Sometimes you just need a stand for your Mac to get it at the correct angle for easy viewing. If you need a stand, we recently tested the Jas Pro from Cooler Master ($60). This adjustable aluminum stand works with your MacBook as well as your iPad. Though, we haven't tested it yet, the GhostStand from TwelveSouth ($35) is affordable and attractive. MacBook Pro/Air Case: The Speck SmartShell ($50) is my first choice to protect the lovely aluminum chassis of any MacBook Pro/Air. If you want something more refined, then check out the offerings from Waterfield Designs. We reviewed and enjoyed the company's the Smart Case ($79) and City Slicker ($129). If you own a MacBook Air, you can't go wrong with the Pad & Quill Cartella Linen case ($80). Laptop Messenger bag: The Poseidon Messenger Bag from ECBC ($99) is a solid offering as is the Booq Viper Courier ($99). If you have a 13-inch MacBook Pro/Air, you may want to look at the OGIO Covert Shoulder bag ($69), which we found to be reasonably priced and durable in our review. Speakers: I recommend Logitech's UE Mobile Boombox ($99) for smaller spaces or the Creative Inspire S2 ($129) if you want some bass. If you always your music with you, there's the Minx Go ($149) from Cambridge Audio, a portable Bluetooth speaker that we reviewed a few months ago. And if you are the outdoorsy type, the waterproof ECOXGEAR ECOROX ($129) is another portable option that you can take anywhere. Other: Some other useful accessories include the Cocoon GRID-IT! ($15) for organizing your stuff, the Wacom Intuos Pen & Touch ($99) for the budding Mac artist, the iOS-compatible Vaavud Wind Meter ($49) for the scientist in all of us, and the Spark Digital ($199) from Blue Microphone, which we recently reviewed. You may also want to grab the Satechi 12-port USB Hub ($28), which is perfect for the person with way too many peripherals.
Engadget's back to school guide 2013: printers
Welcome to Engadget's back to school guide! Today, we're taking a look at printers. Head to the back to school hub to see the rest of the product guides as we add them throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back; in early September, we'll be giving away a ton of gear, including some of the picks in our guides. While you'll spend most of your time staring at a screen as you hastily pull together assignments at the last minute, you'll still need something to put your work to paper when the time comes to turn it in. Luckily, we're on hand to show there's much more to the wonderful world of inkjet printers than just pumping out projects, whether that be producing high-quality photos straight from your camera's SD card, or making memories tangible by printing straight from Facebook -- no computer required. There are scores of printers available at virtually every price point, so if you'd rather spend your last days of freedom not researching printers, then head past the break for our back to school suggestions.
Engadget's back to school guide 2013: bags and cases
Welcome to Engadget's back to school guide! Today, we've got a killer selection of bag and case recommendations. Head to the back to school hub to see the rest of the product guides as we add them throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back; in early September, we'll be giving away a ton of gear, including one of the picks in this very guide. What's a stellar arsenal of tech if you've got nary a thing to store it in? Lucky for you, we're serving up a collection of bags and cases to protect and sort your gadget stash -- and to keep that stylish look on the up and up as well. From a case that adds some extra juice to your iPhone 5's battery to a solid rucksack that adapts to a trip as easily as you must, this collection has something for everyone -- head below to dive in.
Engadget's back to school guide 2013: docks
Welcome to Engadget's back to school guide! Today we're talking docks. Head to the back to school hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back; in early September, we'll be giving away a ton of gear, including some of the picks in our guides. Plug and play... and then party in your dorm. That's how the kids do it nowadays, with their iPods, iPhones and Android devices connected to virtual libraries of stored and streaming music. But unless you're rocking an HTC One with BoomSound, the dinky speakers on your daily driver just aren't going to adequately pump out the late-summer jams. For those at-home boogie breakdowns, you're going to need some serious hardware. And lucky you, we're here to sort through the clutter and highlight the best back to school picks for any budget.
Engadget's back to school guide 2013: portable audio
Welcome to Engadget's back to school guide! Today, we're talking portable audio. Head to the back to school hub to see the rest of the product guides as we add them throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back; in early September, we'll be giving away a ton of gear. College isn't cheap -- especially with loan rates on the rise -- but arming yourself with beats to take all over campus doesn't have to cost a fortune. If you're set on having great audio along for your cross-classroom travels, we'd like to help. As such, we've compiled a list containing nine of our favorite portable audio products that blend fun, portability, good looks and great sound across a variety of price points. Audiophile or not, don't sacrifice your sound too much this semester!
Engadget's back to school guide 2013: accessories
Welcome to Engadget's back to school guide! Today, we're serving up a selection of accessories -- head to the back to school hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back; in early September, we'll be giving away a ton of gear, including some of the picks in our guides. While you've been fretting over the more essential items for your return to school, we've been out on a bit of a field trip of our own. The mission? To dig out the most essential (and, we'll admit it, fun) accessories to see you through your next academic year. Of course, we've got all the big hitters covered in other sections of our annual back to school guide, so we've hit the books -- er, websites -- to find those items that could help tip your work into the next grade. So, whether you're a biologist, a computer scientist, a music major or just love gadgets, dive past the break for our accessory essentials.
Editor's Letter: Back to school
In each issue of Distro, Executive Editor Marc Perton publishes a wrap-up of the week in news. There was a time when gearing up to go back to school meant little more than picking up a new backpack, some clothes and the latest HP calculator. Those days, of course, are long gone, and even fifth-graders can expect to start the school year with a new smartphone and laptop. In this issue of Distro, Engadget's annual back to school guide presents our latest recommendations for everything from tablets to TVs to gaming gear. And if you're a US resident over 18 (sorry fifth-graders), there's still time to enter our Back to School sweepstakes, where we're giving away tons of great gadgets, including laptops, e-readers and smartphones.
Engadget's back to school guide 2013: digital cameras
Welcome to Engadget's back to school guide! We predict plenty of campus parties in your near future, which is why we're tackling digital cameras today. Head to the back to school hub to see the rest of the product guides as we add them throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back; in early September, we'll be giving away a ton of gear. You don't need to pick up a dedicated shooter before you head off to college -- your smartphone can likely fill in until you're able to drop some serious cash on a model that'll last all four years. Still, you'd certainly be better off with a device that can capture memories at concerts, football games, in the dorm and at parties without hesitation. For that, you're going to want a camera with serious capabilities, and many don't come cheap. We've sorted our favorites based on model type -- there's something for everyone, and in every price range, too. A point-and-shoot will suit most students just fine, but photography and journalism majors will definitely want to step up to an interchangeable-lens camera, such as a compact mirrorless ILC or a full-size DSLR. Click through for our picks.
