Technologies

These Noise-Cancelling Sony Wireless Headphones Just Returned to a Record-Low $88

The popular Sony WH-CH720N ANC headphones are yours with a massive discount right now, but you’ll need to be quick.

You can’t beat a pair of noise-canceling headphones, whether you’re rocking out or just want to be able to hear your audiobook in a noisy office. You don’t always have to spend a lot to get a pair, either, and this Sony WH-CH720N headphones deal is a perfect example of that.

They’d normally sell for around $150, but an Amazon deal has slashed that to just $88 if you choose the black finish. Don’t worry if you don’t see the discount initially, the new price will be reflected when you add your new headphones to your cart. This is a limited-time deal though, so order soon before you risk missing out.

These headphones don’t have as many features as the more powerful WH-1000XM5 headphones from Sony, but they do have a lot going for them, especially at their more affordable price. In addition to good sound quality, these headphones have 30mm drivers and come equipped with Sony’s V1 chip for solid active noise cancellation. They also have an ambient sound mode and robust EQ settings, which you can customize to your taste.

Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.

Another feature these headphones offer is multipoint connectivity, which means you can connect to your computer or phone at the same time. They’re a good option for making voice calls as well. Additionally, Alexa is built-in, making it easy to ask for a specific song, control compatible smart home devices and more. As for battery life, you should get up to 35 hours per charge or as much as 50 hours if you have noise cancellation turned off.

In his review, CNET’s David Carnoy noted that Sony’s WH-CH720N offers «the appealing combination of a lightweight, comfortable design with respectable performance,» which makes this sale perfect for people who don’t want to splurge on a premium headset costing upwards of $300.

For other budget-friendly listening options, be sure to check out our roundup of the best headphone and earbud deals currently available.

HEADPHONE DEALS OF THE WEEK

Apple AirPods Max ANC Wireless Headphones (USB-C Charging, Starlight):

$480 (save $70)
Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones (Black):

$40 (save $20)
Beats Studio Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (Black):

$170 (save $181)
Sonos Ace Wireless Noise Cancellation Over-Ear Headphones (Black):

$349 (save $100)
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones:

$298 (save $50)

Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.

Why this deal matters

We’re big fans of ANC headphones because they can be so handy in a variety of ways. Whether you’re commuting and want to block out the noise or you need to focus in a noisy office, ANC headphones can drown out the din of sound wherever you’re using them. There are plenty of relatively inexpensive headphones with similar features to Sony’s WH-CH720N, but few are from a brand that’s so well-known for the quality of its personal audio gear.

Technologies

Google Has a New Device Protection Program: Here’s What to Know About Pixel Care Plus

You might worry less about cracks and spills involving your Google Pixel and Android devices — but that peace of mind will cost you.

Thinking about getting the new Google Pixel 10? Google has a new way to protect your new device at a monthly rate with a newly renovated device protection program, Pixel Care Plus, that replaces Google Preferred Care.

Pixel Care Plus covers damage from accidents, such as water spills or screen cracks. It also offers unlimited free screen repairs and battery replacements. Additionally, the program covers loss and theft protection with a separate plan. But before you gear up to register your smartphone or smartwatch, or if you’re worried about what this means for your Google Preferred Care coverage, here’s what to know.

How does Pixel Care Plus work?

According to Google, if your screen is cracked, you must file a claim online first. Once approved, you can get it fixed in person at a Google store or repair center listed on UBreakIFix. Google says Pixel phones’ front and back glass can be replaced, but the inner screens on Google’s foldable phones can’t be replaced.

Battery replacement coverage is only available for batteries holding less than 80% of the device’s charge. The program only applies to new devices purchased within 60 days.

If you have Pixel Care Plus, your device can be fixed at a repair location with Google-authorized parts. Google also promises free next-day shipping after your repair or replacement claim is approved.

How much is Pixel Care Plus?

There’s a cost. Pixel Care Plus has two plans: Pixel Care Plus, starting at $5 a month for the Google Pixel Watch 4, and Pixel Care Plus with Loss and Theft, starting at $6 a month for the same smartwatch. The monthly cost may vary depending on your device. You can pay for either plan monthly or buy two years of support. Both plans can be canceled at any time.

What’s the difference between Pixel Care Plus and Pixel Care Plus Loss and Theft?

The difference is evident from the names of the plans. Both Pixel Care Plus and Pixel Care Plus Loss and Theft cover unlimited screen and battery replacements. Pixel Care Plus Loss and Theft also covers your device if it’s lost or stolen. Pixel Care Plus Loss and Theft limits two loss or theft claims over one year. There’s no limit for claims due to mechanical issues.

What Google Preferred Care subscribers need to know

If you’re already enrolled in Google Preferred Care plan, you will automatically be moved into Google’s new device protection plan in the coming months.

Technologies

Today’s NYT Strands Hints, Answers and Help for Aug. 29 #544

Here are hints and answers for the NYT Strands puzzle for Aug. 29, No. 544.

Looking for the most recent Strands answer? Click here for our daily Strands hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

Today’s NYT Strands puzzle is a bit of a puzzler, with a lot of short answers to find. If you need hints and answers, read on.

I go into depth about the rules for Strands in this story.

If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections and Mini Crossword answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: NYT Connections Turns 1: These Are the 5 Toughest Puzzles So Far

Hint for today’s Strands puzzle

Today’s Strands theme is: A long time in the making.

If that doesn’t help you, here’s a clue: You see these in national parks.

Clue words to unlock in-game hints

Your goal is to find hidden words that fit the puzzle’s theme. If you’re stuck, find any words you can. Every time you find three words of four letters or more, Strands will reveal one of the theme words. These are the words I used to get those hints but any words of four or more letters that you find will work:

HARE, CORE, CHOP, CHAR, ROCK, BOCK, TOCK, MALL, FALL, TALL, ROLE, ROLES

Answers for today’s Strands puzzle

These are the answers that tie into the theme. The goal of the puzzle is to find them all, including the spangram, a theme word that reaches from one side of the puzzle to the other. When you have all of them (I originally thought there were always eight but learned that the number can vary), every letter on the board will be used. Here are the nonspangram answers:

SPIRE, ARCH, MESA, BUTTE, GORGE, PILLAR, NEEDLE.

Today’s Strands spangram

Today’s Strands spangram is ROCKFORMATION. To find it, look for the R that’s six letters down on the far-left row, and wind across.

Technologies

Today’s NYT Connections Hints, Answers and Help for Aug. 29, #810

Here are some hints and the answers for the NYT Connections puzzle for Aug. 29, No. 810.

Looking for the most recent Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands puzzles.

Today’s NYT Connections puzzle wasn’t terribly tough. Need help finding the answers? Read on for clues and today’s Connections answers.

The Times now has a Connections Bot, like the one for Wordle. Go there after you play to receive a numeric score and to have the program analyze your answers. Players who are registered with the Times Games section can now nerd out by following their progress, including the number of puzzles completed, win rate, number of times they nabbed a perfect score and their win streak.

Read more: Hints, Tips and Strategies to Help You Win at NYT Connections Every Time

Hints for today’s Connections groups

Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.

Yellow group hint: Celebrity.

Green group hint: Climb, or go up.

Blue group hint: Fill it, no lead.

Purple group hint: Gymnastics move.