IT General

How to Clean Up Your Broken Symlinks: The Good Way and the Better Way

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/23/2025 - 20:00

Symbolic links are a great way to organize your files, but they’re not perfect. Symlinks are pretty fragile, and it’s easy to end up with links that point to non-existent files. The find program can help you tackle this problem, but there’s a third-party tool that does the job even better.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Tesla profits plunge nearly 40 percent in third quarter, and it gets worse

Mashable - Thu, 10/23/2025 - 19:32

When compared to the overall terrible year Tesla has experienced, the company actually had a decent third quarter.

However, a decent quarter in 2025 for Tesla still means that the company's profits fell by 37 percent, despite the company's revenue growing by 12 percent in that time.

Elon Musk's EV company reported $28.1 billion in revenue for the third quarter that ended in September. However, the company's operating costs skyrocketed by 50 percent. So, even with a rise in revenue thanks to a spike in sales, Tesla reported just $1.4 billion in profit in Q3 2025. 

That's out of $25.2 billion in revenue and down from last year's $2.2 billion in income.

Tesla's woes don't stop there. Even the major positive for the company — a sales boost in the third quarter, when the company sold a record number of EVs — has a major asterisk.

Tesla's problems are just beginning

For years, Tesla has been buoyed by tax credits and regulatory carbon credits, but it can't rely on either going forward.

In fact, the Q3 sales bump Tesla reported appears to be the result of consumers rushing to purchase an EV before the $7,500 federal EV tax credit program expired on September 30. Instead of a turnaround, this was a one-time event driven by last-minute buyers who were already planning to purchase a vehicle and wanted to take the last opportunity to save money with the EV tax credit.

Tesla delivered 497,099 vehicles in Q3. However, it looks unlikely that the company will be able to replicate those sales numbers without the tax credit that gave buyers a push to make their purchase.

But there's more to Tesla's problems, too. Of the company's third-quarter profits, $417 million came from Tesla selling regulatory carbon credits to other automakers. These regulatory credits have long been a significant chunk of the EV company's revenue. However, as part of President Donald Trump's budget bill, the U.S. government is set to end the carbon credit program, thus cutting Tesla off from a major source of revenue.

Musk himself is a major contributor to Tesla's problems. The company's revenue troubles began shortly after Musk made himself and the Tesla brand a pariah to liberal-leaning customers as a result of his connections to President Trump and Musk's involvement in DOGE.

Despite all of this though, Musk still made the case for a $1 trillion compensation package during the quarterly earnings call so that he could control Tesla's "robot army."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Subaru BRZ vs. Toyota GR86: Which Sports Coupe Delivers the Most Thrills?

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/23/2025 - 19:30

The Toyobaru Twins—Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86—have been shaking up the sports car scene since 2022. Affordable, fun, and built for driving enthusiasts, they’ve quickly earned a loyal following.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google Just Made It Easier to Replace a Lost Pixel Bud

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/23/2025 - 19:16

You can now buy Pixel Bud replacement parts, specifically charging cases, eartips, and individual earbuds, through the Google Store. These replacement parts are slightly overpriced—maybe $5 or $10 more than what you'd hope to pay—but hey, it's better than buying a brand new set of earbuds.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I’m an Android user testing the AirPods Pro 3 — and I’ve got opinions

Mashable - Thu, 10/23/2025 - 19:07

I’m an Android guy, and have been since the mobile operating system came into existence. That doesn’t mean I’m fully committed to Google’s ecosystem. Like most consumers, I appreciate a good tech product, no matter the manufacturer or platform. Enter Apple.

The MacBook Pro serves as my work machine. An Apple TV media player is set up in my living room. I’m also an AirPods Pro owner. However, pairing the AirPods Pro buds with my Android phone has always been impractical. They work for listening to music and noise cancellation, but that’s all.

When the AirPods Pro 3 were announced, I figured Apple might just be ready to develop flagship buds that played nicely with Google hardware. The company has Beats’ platform-neutral technology at its disposal. Furthermore, the AirPods Pro 3 are designed to share biometric data with third-party workout apps. 

So, are these buds a solid match for Android users?

Let’s just say that while some things changed, others certainly didn’t. Here are my thoughts on the AirPods Pro 3 after testing them for three weeks on an Android device.

I can’t deny their sonic greatness Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

These are easily the best-sounding AirPods to date. They have a more refined soundstage with deeper bass response. 

The drums and synths of contemporary bangers like Kaytranada’s "Drip Sweat" sound prominent. I always felt these elements were tame on the AirPods Pro 2. You can hear how well-balanced the low end is once the bouncy bassline and monstrous drums come on. R&B bops like Shalamar’s "A Night to Remember" showcase the AirPods Pro 3’s frequency range. The track’s crystal-clear mids and sharp highs blend beautifully with punchy bass. 

Despite the AirPods Pro 3’s lack of hi-res audio codecs, they produce satisfying sound quality when streaming music over Bluetooth via an Android device. I could hear the details and subtle nuances on most recordings.

Personalized Spatial Audio hasn’t changed much. It remains a terrific feature for lively listens. The results show when watching live-action movies and performances. Sound effects are more immersive and properly placed in the soundscape when moving your head. 

Apple’s active noise cancellation has improved. It is supposed to be twice as strong as the previous version on the AirPods Pro 2. I don’t believe that. Nonetheless, these buds neutralize ambient noise at a surprisingly high level. Nearly all low- and mid-frequency sounds are muted. Many high-frequency sounds are either silenced or greatly minimized. Occasional disruptors such as crying babies and emergency vehicle sirens are audible, but they won’t break your concentration. The updated Transparency mode is just as effective for increasing ambient awareness without compromising sound quality.

Why can’t Apple just embrace Android optimization? Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Every new AirPods launch infuriates me more. How is Apple seven models in and can’t make its wireless earbuds easily pairable with Android devices? Seriously. The company has Beats’ proprietary chipset, which integrates native Android features like Google Fast Pair and Find My Device, while also granting access to 80 percent of the features tied to Apple’s H2 processor. The Powerbeats Pro 2, Fit Pro, and all other current Beats releases employ this technology. It is the simplest fix for what has felt like an infinite inconvenience. 

Some Apple fans will argue that the company has made attempts to simplify Android pairing, such as replacing the setup button from the charging case with a touch pad on the front that enables pairing mode when tapped twice. Here’s the problem: the touch pad is finicky. It takes multiple attempts to activate the feature. Once you get it working, you still have to enter the Bluetooth settings to manually pair the buds.

Fast Pair would get the AirPods Pro 3 running on an Android phone in less than 3 seconds. 

Are Android users really losing out on Apple’s true wireless audio experience?

Simply put, yes. That’s because many of the AirPods Pro 3’s best features are kept exclusive to iOS. These include all-new additions like heart rate monitoring and real-time Live Translation, along with standard H2 perks (like auto switch, Conversation Boost, and “Hey Siri” voice activation). Some of these may not seem like deal-breakers. At the same time, you’re not splurging to settle on hallmarks such as adaptive noise cancellation and high-quality sound, which you can get from other similarly priced rivals, even the less expensive AirPods Pro 2.

Are the AirPods Pro 3 worth it?

As an Apple user — iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, MacBook, iMac, whatever — the AirPods Pro 3 are absolutely worth the investment. Android users must look elsewhere for a premium true wireless experience. 

Apple’s restricted feature set makes these buds less appealing to Android device owners. It’s a shame, too, considering how great they sound, both from an audio and noise-canceling perspective.

The better value lies in Beats wireless earbuds, which are ideal options for those who constantly swap between iOS/macOS and Android devices, such as yours truly. Consider looking over the best Beats headphones if you need recommendations. If not Beats, then Sony’s most popular earbuds are the way to go, specifically the class-leading WF-1000xM5, which deliver excellent sound, powerful ANC, and versatile multiplatform support.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Everything You Need to Know About Checkboxes in Excel

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/23/2025 - 19:00

Checkboxes in Microsoft Excel are a great way to simplify data entry and track task psrogress, and they can be used alongside formulas and conditional formatting to automate spreadsheet processes. Here's everything you need to know about this versatile Excel tool.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Show Off Your Linux Skills With an Official Ubuntu Exam

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/23/2025 - 18:50

Canonical, the developer of Ubuntu, just launched Canonical Academy, a new platform that lets both individuals and companies officially validate their open-source and Linux skills qualifications. These tests were designed by the same engineers who created Ubuntu.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hey guys, is Kevin James Matt Taylor on TikTok?

Mashable - Thu, 10/23/2025 - 18:32

If you've heard the five words, "Hey guys, Mr. Taylor here," and thought, "No, no, that's everyman comedic actor Kevin James, star of the classic '90s sitcom The King of Queens," then welcome.

You may also have a question: What's going on?

A week ago, Matt Taylor, aka @thisismatttaylor, posted a TikTok video about how much he loves being an art teacher. That's a normal thing an art teacher might post, sure, but Matt Taylor looks very much like James. That might lead you to ask another important question, "Why is Kevin James pretending to be an art teacher named Matt Taylor on TikTok?"

"Could we all just imagine Kevin James has a 'day job' teaching young kids under an alias and they have no idea who he is because they’re too young. Parents show up for conferences looking hella confused because their kids never told them Kevin James was their teacher," one commenter wrote on the first video.

"We are witnessing a good prank," another commenter wrote on a later video.

In total, Taylor has uploaded five videos, which have garnered between 700,000 and 2.4 million views.

Taylor didn't respond to a request for comment from Mashable, and neither did James's representatives, but there are three main theories floating around the internet:

  1. Matt Taylor happens to be Kevin James' doppelgänger. They are two different people.

  2. Kevin James is pulling a KJ Apa.

  3. This is promotion for Kevin James' new movie.

The first option strikes me as wrong because I spent many hours watching The King of Queens after school and I still have 20/20 eyesight.

The second option has some legs to it. KJ Apa has a viral TikTok persona called Mr. Fantasy in which he wears a wig and fake teeth and makes me uncomfortable, and this James role isn't that far off.

The third option feels most realistic to me. It looks like a significant amount of effort is going into these videos — he has an entire classroom in one, he's in an art supply closet in another video, and a third video features a timelapse of him painting. He's following one person — Ed Sheeran — but he has nearly 115,000 followers. And he has a new movie coming out, Playdate.

In the end, I agree with this creator, who wrote: "I don’t care if he’s Kevin James, I like Matt Taylor’s vibe!"

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Power a Mini PC Anywhere With a USB-C Bank

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/23/2025 - 18:30

I’ve been a fan of mini PCs for some time, and I love how much performance they can pack into an enclosure small enough to fit into the palm of your hand. They’re quiet, efficient, and work as a home server, a travel PC or even a full-on desktop replacement, if you don’t need a dedicated GPU.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Anthropic expands Claude memory to all paid users

Mashable - Thu, 10/23/2025 - 18:25

Anthropic announces today that all paid Claude users will now have memory.

In September, the AI company announced that Claude memory was available to some paid users — those on Team and Enterprise plans. Now, Claude will be able to "remember" for individual Max and Pro users.

SEE ALSO: ChatGPT vs Claude vs Grok: Best vibe-coding platform for beginners

Max subscribers can enable Memory in Settings today, while Pro users will see it roll out in the coming days. When turning on the feature, you give Claude a starting point and it starts building context from there. You can also import memory from ChatGPT or Gemini by copy and pasting — and you can export memory out of Claude, as well.

Memory is optional and can be toggled on or off. Users can also delete specific memories or use Claude incognito (which the company also introduced recently).

In a press release shared with Mashable, Anthropic claims that it conducted safety tests with memory, such as whether Claude would recall conversations with harmful language or become overly accommodating with potentially harmful user requests (an issue that has been observed in other LLMs like ChatGPT, which has been criticized for feeding into some users' delusional thinking). Anthropic states that it made adjustments to how memory functions, based on these tests.

When Anthropic released its latest lightweight model, Claude Haiku 4.5, it claimed it was its safest yet, and the company reiterated that its latest LLMs are safer than their predecessors.

In terms of memory specifically, the release states that Claude provides "complete transparency," in that users can see the "actual synthesis, not vague summaries" of what the model stores.

Anthropic has released several updates to Claude in the past few months, including a new code model, the compact Haiku 4.5 model, a Chrome extension, and the ability to make spreadsheets and decks. Memory is powered by the Claude 4 model family, the company stated.

"We're building toward Claude understanding your complete work context and adapting automatically," Anthropic chief product officer Mike Krieger said in the press release. "Memory starts with project continuity, but it's really about creating sustained thinking partnerships that evolve over weeks and months."

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable's parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Categories: IT General, Technology

YouTube Gets a New Timer to Help Stop Doomscrolling

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/23/2025 - 18:20

It's no secret that TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram Reels want you to watch endless videos on each respective platform. Social media can be quite addictive, but now YouTube has a new feature to help prevent doomscrolling and endless YouTube Shorts playback.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Is Spotify Lossless Audio Actually Lossless? We Break It Down

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/23/2025 - 18:00

For years, Spotify teased listeners with promises of higher-quality audio to its users. Back in 2021, the world’s most popular music streaming service first announced its “HiFi” tier, and then went radio silent, while competitors like Apple Music and Tidal rolled out lossless, CD-quality, and even hi-res streams—Tidal built its whole brand around it. Still, Spotify users waited.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Watch your favorite shows and movies in style with $150 off this Hisense 4K TV

Mashable - Thu, 10/23/2025 - 17:37

SAVE $150: As of Oct. 23, get the Hisense 55-inch E6 Series QLED 4K Fire TV for $279.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $429.99. That's a discount of 35%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Hisense 55-inch E6 Series QLED 4K Fire TV $279.99 at Amazon
$429.99 Save $150   Get Deal

Want a new and improved way to enjoy all your favorite shows and movies at home? Now's the time to start looiking into a new TV. If you're ready to take the plunge, you can scoop up a great Hisense model now that can get you and your family and loved ones together when it comes to visual quality. All you have to do is head to Amazon.

As of Oct. 23, get the Hisense 55-inch E6 Series QLED 4K Fire TV for $279.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $429.99. That's $150 off and a discount of 35%.

SEE ALSO: Best TVs under $500: Low-budget, high-quality TVs in every size

This QLED TV punches far above its weight class for the price. It offers bright lighting and reduces glare better than traditional LED TVs, and this one has a special AI Light Sensor as part of the line that can automatically adjust the TV's brightness based on the lighting in your room, much like a phone does.

Other than that, it offers Fire TV integration, which means you can watch shows and movies from a variety of streamers without having to install their respective apps on a streaming stick or device. It has a Game Mode Plus feature to help reduce input lag for gaming as well, if you're interested in using it for that purpose.

Overall, it's a great budget TV if you want a QLED model that acts as an all-rounder for whatever purposes you're looking to use it for. Grabbing it for under $300 is a great idea, so don't miss it while it's up at this price.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Korean Mid-Size Luxury SUV That’s Taking on BMW and Mercedes

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/23/2025 - 17:30

The mid-size luxury SUV segment has long been dominated by European heavyweights, but a bold contender from Korea is challenging the status quo. This refined SUV blends premium design, cutting-edge technology, and commanding performance, all at a price that undercuts its German rivals.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones are the cheapest theyve been since last Black Friday

Mashable - Thu, 10/23/2025 - 17:17

SAVE $250: As of Oct. 23, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 wireless headphones are on sale for just $199.95 at Amazon. That's a savings of 56% and their lowest price since Black Friday 2024.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sennheiser Sennheiser Momentum 4 $199.95 at Amazon
$449.95 Save $250   Get Deal

Black Friday pricing in October? Yes, please.

As of Oct. 23, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 are just $199.95 at Amazon in black, which is 56% off their usual list price of $449.95. That's the lowest price we've seen on these noise-cancelling headphones all year — and we're still a month away from Black Friday.

The Momentum 4s earned a spot on our list of the best noise-cancelling headphones for flying and the best headphones for 2025, mostly thanks to their outstanding battery life. On a full charge, these babies will last you 60 hours with ANC turned on. That's significantly longer than all of our other top picks and is more than enough to last you through several long-haul flights.

They also sound excellent right out of the box, no EQ adjustments necessary. Our reviewer said they made the bass on specific tracks stand out in ways they'd never heard before without losing the other complexities of the sound. In other words, audiophiles will definitely appreciate the Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones. The two drawbacks we found were that the ANC is just slightly worse than our other top picks from Sony and Bose (but not enough that you'll notice a huge difference) and the touch controls are a little inconvenient. Otherwise, we'd go to war for these noise cancellers — especially at the impressively low price of $199.95.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get cozy with the Vornado Velocity Cube 5S space heater while its at a record-low price at Amazon

Mashable - Thu, 10/23/2025 - 17:10

SAVE 46%: The Vornado Velocity Cube 5S space heater is on sale at Amazon for $54.43, down from the list price of $99.99. That's a savings of $45.56 and a record-low at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Vornado Vornado Velocity Cube 5S space heater $54.43 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $45.56   Get Deal

Across the country, summer is over. It's time to dig into the bin of winter clothing to find coats, gloves, and hats, because the chill is coming. If it's cold in your house, your office, or your workshop, you could benefit from a powerful space heater to keep your tootsies toasty. If you need the warmth of portable heat, check out this sale at Amazon.

As of Oct. 23, the Vornado Velocity Cube 5S space heater is on sale for $54.43 at Amazon with the on-page coupon, down from the list price of $99.99. That's a savings of $45.56 thanks to the 46% discount. This sale price marks a record-low at Amazon.

Vornado makes some of the best portable space heaters. In part, that's thanks to their circulation of vortex heat which can actually heat an entire room. The Vornado Velocity 5S has convenient LED touch controls, a timer that can be set anywhere between one and 12 hours, and great safety features.

SEE ALSO: Some of the best Anker Solix portable power stations have never been this cheap

You get ultimate control on the Vornado Velocity 5S with three heat settings and a fan-only setting. The unit weighs just under 6.5 pounds, so it's easy to carry from room to room. The swivel base and never-hot exterior also add to the functionality and user-friendliness of this space heater. Of course, there's tip-over safety protection, too. If there's a power outage, you could even use the Vornado in a small room with the help of a portable power station.

While it's sitting at a record-low price thanks to sale and a coupon, warm up with the Vornado Velocity 5S space heater. Chilly offices will get a serious upgrade this winter.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Common TV Setting That’s Quietly Burning Out Your Screen

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/23/2025 - 17:01

TVs are getting brighter and brighter, and in general that's a good thing. A brighter image is usually more pleasing to the eye, and in bright rooms it makes TVs easier to watch.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon Has a New Way to Sort Through All Those Listings

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/23/2025 - 17:00

Amazon's new way to cut through the clutter is a new AI-powered feature called 'Help Me Decide'. This tool recommends a product for you with just one tap, and it bases this on your shopping and browsing history as well as other factors.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Woot has the 45-quart Ninja FrostVault cooler on sale for $100 off, beating any sale price Amazon has ever offered

Mashable - Thu, 10/23/2025 - 16:42

SAVE $100: The 45-quart Ninja FrostVault cooler is on sale at Woot for $199.99, down from the list price at Ninja of $299.99. That's a 33% discount and lower than we've ever seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja FrostVault cooler (45 quart) $199.99 at Woot
$299.99 Save $100   Get Deal

The camping trips are winding down for the year, but there's likely still a need for a great cooler. Maybe you're heading out for one more weekend at the campground for leaf peeping or you'll be heading on a road trip over the holidays. Both of those will require a solid cooler to food transport and we're all in luck today thanks to a Woot sale.

As of Oct. 23, the 45-quart Ninja FrostVault cooler is on sale at Woot for $199.99, down from the list price at Ninja of $299.99. That's a 33% discount that shaves a nice $100 off the price. It's also lower than any sale price we've ever seen at Amazon.

Ninja makes some of Mashable's favorite kitchen appliances. Maybe no one needs a countertop slushy machine or an at-home soft-serve maker, but they sure up the quality of life. Ninja also excels at making thoughtful air fryers, countertop ovens, blenders, and plenty more. But their lineup of coolers is not to be overlooked.

The 45-quart Ninja FrostVault comes with tons of great features you never knew were possible on a cooler. For starters, there's a convenient storage drawer that's accessible from the outside. That means you can pack sandwiches for the car ride while ensuring they won't get smooshed or wind up sitting in wet ice.

SEE ALSO: Gardyn just launched the Studio 2, and I got a first look

Ninja also put durable, all-terrain wheels on the FrostVault, so you can roll through gravel, sand, or the through the creek. The pull handle is also a great design. Ninja mentions this model can keep ice for days and the 45-quart capacity works out to about 68 cans without ice. With ice, you're looking at a capacity of about 40 cans.

Before you try transporting holiday treats to grandmas set on the backseat in the car, upgrade to the Ninja FrostVault. The 45-quart model is on sale at Woot for $100 off the normal price. Since this is a Woot deal and those tend to sell out in a flash, it's best to hop on this one quickly. Use the cooler for the holidays and be prepared for next summer's adventures.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kobo Clara Colour: Which e-reader should you buy?

Mashable - Thu, 10/23/2025 - 16:30
Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kobo Clara Colour: Price and specs The Kobo Clara Colour has the added bonus of color, letting you see book covers in all their glory. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

If you're deciding between the Kindle Paperwhite or Kobo Clara Colour, one thing that won't factor into your decision is price, as both devices cost $159.99. The Kobo Clara Colour does come ad-free though, and if you want an ad-free Paperwhite, you'll need to pay an extra $20.

So if price isn't a factor, let's get into the overall design of each device. Here are their dimensions:

  • Kobo Clara Colour: 6.3-inch x 4.4-inch x 0.36-inch with 6-inch display

  • Kindle Paperwhite: 7-inch x 5-inch x 0.3-inch with 7-inch display

Overall, the Kindle Paperwhite's display is one inch bigger than the Kobo Clara Colours'. Plus, the Paperwhite's screen is flush to the frame, while the Kobo Clara has a raised bezel around the screen.

Each has adjustable warmth and brightness displays, so you can turn up the brightness when you're in the sunny outdoors or turn it down and warm it up in the evenings. Plus, both devices have a resolution of 300 ppi in black and white; the Kobo Clara Colour's resolution in color is 150 ppi.

Each device is also waterproof, both earning an IPX8 rating, meaning they can be submerged in up to 2 meters of water for up to 60 minutes. AKA, they're safe to take in the bathtub or to the beach.

The Kobo Clara Colour, as implied by its name, has color displays, while the Kindle Paperwhite does not. If you want a color Kindle, you'll need to look at the Colorsoft. This makes the Clara ideal for readers of graphic novels or comics.

You could get rid of the Kindle Paperwhite's ads for just $20 more. Credit: Samantha Mangino

The lock screens on each device are slightly different, too. When not in use, the Kindle Paperwhite shows random ads — unless you pay the $20 extra to get the device ad-free. Meanwhile, the Kobo Clara Colour shows the last book you read, along with your progress in the book.

Each has a power button, too. The Paperwhite's is on the bottom, which is slightly annoying as it can be easy to press accidentally, while the Clara's power button rests on the back corner of the device.

Considering all of these factors, the Kobo Clara is our winner here, since it has the bonus of color displays. Plus, its smaller design makes it more comfortable to hold for longer periods of time.

Winner: Kobo Clara Colour

Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kobo Clara Colour: User experience

The user interface and experience on the Clara and Paperwhite are fairly similar.

A priority for many e-reader users is having access to Libby/OverDrive. Kobo has the ultimate integration, as OverDrive is built into all of its devices, including the Clara Colour. That means any e-book you borrow from your library will auto-populate on your Kobo.

To get library e-books on your Kindle requires a few extra steps, as you'll need to access the Libby app to browse books and then send them to your Kindle library.

You can access the Kindle and Kobo stores on the respective e-readers. With the Kobo, you can select which book you want to purchase, but to complete the purchase, you need to scan a QR code on your phone. It's a simpler process on the Kindle, as you're able to check out on your Kindle e-reader.

A feature that makes the Kindle stand apart is its Goodreads integration, which allows you to link your account to your Kindle.

Each device is equally intuitive and user-friendly, so for us, it's a draw.

Winner: Tie

Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kobo Clara Colour: Reading experience The prologue of M.L. Rio's 'If We Were Villains' starts on page 12 of the Kobo Clara Colour but on page 3 of the Kindle Paperwhite. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

But how is it to actually read on each device? Each e-reader has an intuitive user interface and a responsive display as you swipe through pages. Plus, both the Paperwhite and Clara allow you to customize their swipe responses to your preferences.

Where the two devices differ in the reading experience is in page numbers and progress markers. Kindle numbers its pages like the physical book, while Kobo numbers the digital pages.

My editor, Miller Kern, and I each tested the Paperwhite and Clara and had two different opinions on how the devices numbered their pages. Miller was frustrated by how Kobo numbered its pages, so if you're reading along with someone who's reading a physical copy, it's hard to know if you're on the same page. On the other hand, I liked knowing exactly how many digital pages I had to tap through to finish the chapter or a whole book.

Where Miller and I do agree is that Kindle has better progress location options. On the bottom corner of each page, you can flip through what page you're on, how much time you have in the chapter, and how much time is left in the book. For that, I agree with Miller that the Kindle Paperwhite has a better reading experience.

Winner: Kindle Paperwhite

Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kobo Clara Colour: Battery life

In terms of battery life, the winner is obvious. The Kindle Paperwhite blows the Kobo Clara Colour out of the water. The Kindle Paperwhite has a battery life lasting up to 12 weeks. I use my Kindle Paperwhite regularly and only need to charge it every couple of months.

The Kobo Clara Colour says it lasts 42 days based on 30 minutes of reading per day. So at best you're getting 6 weeks. But if you're reading for multiple hours a day, this is going to be much less.

Winner: Kindle Paperwhite

Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kobo Clara Colour: Is Kindle Unlimited or Kobo Plus better?

Another thing to consider between the Kindle Paperwhite and Kobo Clara Colour isn't actually about the e-readers, but the special memberships offered by each brand.

Kindle has Kindle Unlimited, a membership that costs $11.99 per month and has four million digital titles that include books and magazines, as well as thousands of audiobooks. Kobo also has its own membership called Kobo Plus. It's slightly cheaper at $9.99 but has a smaller library. It has over two million ebooks and 150,000 audiobooks. However, you can just pay $7.99 a month if you only want access to either the ebooks or audiobooks.

Kindle Unlimited is the better service, with more books available. But beyond Kindle Unlimited, there are even more great programs for Kindle readers. Amazon First Reads provides Prime members with one free book a month. Not to mention that anyone shopping in the Kindle Store can enjoy Kindle Rewards points. For every $1 spent in the Kindle Store, earn three points. When you hit 300 points, you'll earn a $3 reward.

Winner: Kindle Paperwhite

Categories: IT General, Technology
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