Meta has discontinued its metaverse for work, too
Two months before it changed its name to "Meta," Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg personally introduced us to his metaverse for work: Horizon Workrooms, envisioned as a virtual space for workers to collaborate. Today, the company announced it's shutting that space down: "Meta has made the decision to discontinue Workrooms as a standalone app, effective February 16, 2026," reads the note tucked away on a help page.
Meta will also no longer sell its headsets and software as a service for businesses, another help page reads: "We are stopping sales of Meta Horizon managed services and commercial SKUs of Meta Quest, effective February 20, 2026."
The best Sonos speakers to buy in 2026
After the self-induced tumult Sonos went through last year, I can understand why some people are reluctant to spend money on the company’s products. But newly appointed CEO Tom Conrad has shown that he’s determined to get back on track and revitalize Sonos as the leading whole-home audio brand. The contentious mobile app is in a much better place now than it was a couple of years ago, though some customers still encounter bugs and the frustration of speakers randomly vanishing from their system. It’s not all roses, but the situation is moving in the right direction — and I took Sonos’ decision to cancel its video player as a promising sign of renewed focus.
I’m not about to sell any of my Sonos gear. For one, the company’s whole-home platform offers conveniences that competitors don’t match — at least not without hassle. Most of the time, I’m streaming from Apple Music, Spotify, or YouTube Music. But if I’m watching a sports game on my TV, I can pipe the audio from my Sonos soundbar to a speaker in a different room to follow the action. Playing something over Bluetooth? With most of the company’s latest speakers, you can do the same thing and spread that music across your entire Sonos system.
Why you should trust my Sonos recommendations
I’ve covered Sonos extensively for several years at The Verge. This has included reporting on the company’s latest news, reviewing a lengthy list of Sonos products, and bringing attention to the app fiasco, which eventually led to the ouster of former CEO Patrick Spence. Audio and home theater are two of my primary focus areas in product reviews, so I’m well-versed when it comes to determining whether a speaker or soundbar is great — or just another also-ran product.
I wouldn’t fault anyone for waiting to see where Sonos and its app go from here, especially given that Sonos raised prices on a number of products last year — including soundbars and smart speakers — due to the ongoing tariff situation in the US. The company still makes some genuinely terrific hardware, however, so if you’re wondering which are the true standouts, I’ve got you covered.
The best Sonos speaker to start with
Sonos Era 100
Score: 8
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Where to Buy:
If you’re looking for a decent-sounding, compact speaker to put in the kitchen, office, or really anywhere in your home, the Era 100 is your best option. Sonos improved upon this speaker’s predecessors, the Play:1 and Sonos One, by upgrading to stereo drivers for richer, wider audio. Bluetooth playback is now supported, along with line-in audio (via an optional dongle). And the Era 100 also has reworked physical controls, including a volume bar you can slide your finger across and, finally, dedicated track controls.
The speaker has an elegant design, and you can use hands-free voice controls to summon Amazon Alexa or Sonos Voice Control to skip tracks or switch to a different playlist. Sonos dropped the Era 100’s price to $199 in April and then raised it again in September, though we’d argue that $219 is still fair for what you’re getting.
Read our full Sonos Era 100 review.
The best overall Sonos speaker
Sonos Five
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Where to Buy:
The Sonos Five isn’t just Sonos’ best-sounding speaker; it’s at the top of the pack compared to all competitors. From an audio quality perspective, it beats the HomePod, the latest Echo Studio, and other mass market speakers — both those that are smart and not. Can you find better hi-fi bookshelf speakers? Absolutely, but those aren’t natively tied into music services like Sonos gear is. The Five is a hefty unit and takes up a decent amount of desk space. But once you throw some music on, its powerful stereo output is enough to handle any dinner party or weekend get-together.
There’s nothing “smart” about the Five. It lacks microphones and voice assistant functionality. But that simplicity is appealing in its own right: you’re getting a damn good speaker that ties into the Sonos platform. The Five also features a 3.5mm aux input, making it a good turntable companion — especially if you spring for a stereo pair.
The best portable Sonos speaker
Sonos Move 2
Score: 9
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Where to Buy:
When it comes to portable speakers, the Move 2 is in a whole different league than Sonos’ smaller Roam 2. It’s bigger and heavier, but a built-in handle makes it easier to lug the Move 2 around your home or out to the backyard. There’s no comparison between the two when it comes to audio: the Move 2 smokes the far more compact Roam 2. And like the Era 100, it uses a stereo driver arrangement, whereas the Roam mixes everything down to mono and sounds more muffled.
The Move’s larger size gives it a clear advantage in terms of bass punch, and aside from playing music wirelessly, you’ve got the option of plugging in other devices over USB-C for line-in audio. I also continue to appreciate that the battery in the Move 2 is user-replaceable, which can’t be said of many Bluetooth speakers. You’ll be able to keep enjoying your investment for long, long into the future. And with a dust / water resistance rating of IP56, it can handle rain and splashes of water without problems; just don’t drop it into a pool.
I prefer the Move 2 over traditional portable speakers since, at least whenever I’m home, the Sonos lets me play music over Wi-Fi at a higher fidelity than Bluetooth can offer. Plus, the Move 2 also supports Apple AirPlay and Spotify Connect, so it’s easy to just skip the Sonos app altogether if you wish.
Read our full Sonos Move 2 review.
The best Sonos soundbar for home theater enthusiasts
Sonos Arc Ultra
The Arc Ultra surpasses the original Arc soundbar with more immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound, much better bass, and the ability to play music over Bluetooth.
Score: 8
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Where to Buy:
Introduced in late 2024, the Arc Ultra improves on the original Arc with significantly more powerful bass response. That’s largely thanks to the inclusion of Sonos’ newer SoundMotion technology, which manages to get a better low-end wallop from a soundbar that’s not much larger than the model it replaces. This means some buyers can get away with buying the Arc Ultra on its own without adding a subwoofer.
The Arc Ultra delivers Dolby Atmos surround sound that’s more convincing and immersive than any other Sonos soundbar to date, and it’s up there with the very best you can find from a single-enclosure speaker. Vocal clarity has also improved substantially thanks to better center channel performance. Another upgrade over the first Arc is the addition of Bluetooth audio support.
Read our full review of the Sonos Arc Ultra.
The best Sonos soundbar for smaller rooms
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
The Beam isn’t as powerful as the Sonos Arc, nor can it match the flagship soundbar’s Dolby Atmos immersion bubble. But you still get room-filling surround sound for less money — and the Beam ties into the Sonos ecosystem for added convenience.
Score: 8
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Where to Buy:
There are plenty of scenarios and TV rooms where the Arc Ultra might be too powerful. If you’re in a smaller space or don’t need the absolute best surround sound, the Beam (Gen 2) starts to make more sense. It still has Atmos, but the effect is virtualized since the Beam lacks the Arc Ultra’s upward-firing speakers. Even so, the home theater experience you’ll get from the Beam will blow away any speakers built into a TV.
Read our full Sonos Beam (Gen 2) review.
The best Sonos subwoofer for most people
Sonos Sub Mini
Score: 7
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Where to Buy:
In the same vein, unless you’re hell-bent on rumbling your walls, the $499 Sub Mini subwoofer is more than enough for layering some extra oomph and growl onto Hollywood blockbusters and your favorite TV shows. The $899 Sub 4 is Sonos’ flagship subwoofer, but plenty of people have saved hundreds of dollars by pairing the Sub Mini with any of the company’s soundbars — and they’ve been ecstatic with the results.
As its name suggests, the Sub Mini is more compact than the Sub 4, which makes it easier to find an inconspicuous spot to place it. Even if you’re the type to do a sub crawl and put it somewhere in plain sight, I’d argue it looks more stylish than the blocky Sub 4.
Read my full Sonos Sub Mini review.
The best budget Sonos speaker
Ikea Symfonisk Bookshelf Speaker (Gen 2)
Score: 7
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Where to Buy:
Sonos and Ikea might have ended their partnership in 2025, but that doesn’t mean you should sleep on the existing Symfonisk products before they’re completely phased out. The second-gen Symfonisk bookshelf speaker, in particular, remains one of the most affordable ways into the Sonos ecosystem, even if Ikea raised the price before discontinuing the speaker. Sound-wise, it’s not far off from the old Sonos One / Play:1 and is a very enjoyable speaker. Plus, the lower price tag makes it easier to convince yourself to scoop up two for a stereo pair. These — or the Symfonisk Picture Frame Speaker — make great rear surround speakers if you’re on a budget.
Read our full Ikea Symfonisk bookshelf speaker review.
The Sonos product worthy of a second chance
Sonos Ace
Score: 7
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Where to Buy:
Boy oh boy, did Sonos’ wireless headphones come right at the worst possible moment. The company’s app crisis completely sidelined the Ace headphones upon their debut in 2024. Some customers were also disappointed that the Ace can’t play music over Wi-Fi or be grouped with the company’s in-home speakers.
But here’s the thing: the Ace headphones are still fantastic. They’re comfortable, have a gorgeous design (with easily swappable ear pads), and sound detailed, powerful, and expressive. They support wired audio over USB-C in addition to Bluetooth. And the TV Audio Swap feature is a useful perk that I still often use late at night when my Arc Ultra would disturb others. You can route any audio that would normally come through the soundbar — from your TV, gaming console, or streaming device — through two pairs of headphones and listen privately (with spatial audio surround sound). The newer TrueCinema mode even lets you fine-tune the latter to better reflect the acoustics of your space.
No, the Ace headphones aren’t what I’d consider the ideal of a wearable product from Sonos. But they remain a wholly impressive debut that fell victim to the company’s poor software decisions.
Read our full Sonos Ace review.
Photography by Chris Welch / The Verge
Update, January 15th: Adjusted pricing and availability. Brandon Widder also contributed to this post.
Here are the best Apple Watch deals available right now
In September, Apple launched its latest fleet of smartwatches, including the Apple Watch Series 11, the SE 3, and the Ultra 3. Each wearable offers something a little different (their prices indicate their breadth of features), and we’re already starting to see big price drops. Additionally, we’re still recommending some recent predecessors in Apple’s portfolio, including the Series 10 and Ultra 2, for which discounts are fairly common.
But with all of those options, which one should you pick? Generally speaking, you want to buy the newest watch you can afford so that it continues to receive software updates from Apple. The latest update, watchOS 26, launched in September on the Series 6 and newer models. That means those still using a Series 5 or older — including the original Apple Watch SE — are getting left behind in terms of features.
Apple Watch Series 11 deals
Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm, GPS)
Where to Buy:
Apple Watch Series 11 (46mm, GPS)
Where to Buy:
The new Apple Watch Series 11 is a fairly iterative update of the Series 10, meaning those who already own Apple’s last-gen flagship may not necessarily feel compelled to upgrade. That being said, the newest model does tout a more power-efficient 5G modem and a more scratch-resistant display, as well as an additional 6 hours of battery life over the Series 10. It’s also the slimmest Apple Watch to date and the first to offer FDA-cleared hypertension notifications out of the gate, which you can also now leverage on both the Series 9 and Ultra 2.
If you’re looking to be an early adopter, however, you can pick up the Apple Watch Series 11 in the 42mm / GPS configuration at Amazon and Walmart starting at $379 ($20 off), which is significantly more expensive than its recent low of $299. If you prefer the larger 46mm / GPS model, it’s on sale at Walmart starting at $407.47 — a mere $22 off the MSRP and almost $80 more than its lowest price to date.
Read our full Apple Watch Series 11 review.
Apple Watch Series 10 deals
Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm, GPS)
Where to Buy:
If you’re looking for a real deal — and you’re not particularly tempted by what the Series 11 offers — the Series 10 still holds its own. The last-gen smartwatch packs the same S10 SiP chip that’s in the Series 11, as well as support for fast-charging, a gorgeous wide-angle OLED display, and a design that’s still significantly slimmer and lighter than previous models. It also features both depth and water temperature sensors, along with an FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection feature and the aforementioned hypertension notifications, courtesy of watchOS 26.
Thankfully, the Series 10 remains on sale at Walmart in the 42mm sizing with GPS starting at $249 ($150 off), while the larger 46mm GPS variant is available for an all-time low of $279 ($80 off) at Walmart.
Read our Apple Watch Series 10 review.
Apple Watch SE 3 deals
Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm, GPS)
Where to Buy:
Apple Watch SE 3 (44mm, GPS)
Where to Buy:
While the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 introduce a handful of iterative updates, the new Apple Watch SE 3 represents a significant upgrade over its 2022 predecessor. The entry-level watch features the same speedy S10 chip found in Apple’s flagship models, for one, letting you take advantage of Apple’s double tap feature, wrist flick gestures, and on-device Siri. The SE 3 also (finally) adds an always-on display, 5G connectivity, support for fast-charging, and audio playback so you can listen to music or podcasts directly from your wrist.
On the health front, the SE 3 introduces a wrist-temperature sensor for retrospective ovulation tracking, along with breathing disturbance alerts, sleep apnea notifications, and a new Sleep Score that breaks down time spent in each stage. What you won’t find are the Series 11’s EKG functionality, blood oxygen monitoring, or hypertension notifications — those are exclusive to the Series and Ultra models.
In terms of deals, the Apple Watch SE 3 is currently available at Amazon and Walmart in its 40mm base configuration with GPS for around $239 ($10 off), which is about $40 shy of its lowest price to date. You can also pick up the larger 44mm model at Amazon and Walmart starting at $269, a slight $10 discount.
Read our full Apple Watch SE 3 review.
Apple Watch SE (second-gen) deals
If you don’t need the latest upgrades, the last-gen SE remains a solid buy if you can pick it up at a significant discount. It has the same chipset as the Series 8, which still holds up well, but has fewer sensors (meaning fewer features), no always-on display, and a slightly outdated design compared to Apple’s newer watches. Those omissions might take it out of the running for some people, but it still may be exactly what you’re after.
Right now, the best deal on the last-gen SE can be found at Walmart, where you can pick up the 40mm model with GPS starting at $129 ($120 off), its best price to date. The 44mm / GPS configuration, meanwhile, is available at Walmart starting at $159 ($120 off), which remains an all-time low.
Read our Apple Watch SE (second-gen) review.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 deals
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Where to Buy:
Unsurprisingly, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers the most features, sensors, and ruggedness of any Apple Watch available thus far. It features a larger, wide-angle OLED display with a 1Hz refresh rate and thinner bezels, as well as both satellite and 5G connectivity. Better yet, battery life has been extended from 36 hours to 42 hours — a marginal improvement, but one that allows you to squeeze out a bit more life when necessary.
As far as deals are concerned, the Ultra 3 recently dropped to an all-time low of $699.99 ($100 off). That said, it’s currently only available at Amazon with either an Ocean Band, a Trail Loop, or an Alpine Loop starting at $779.99 (a mere $19 off).
Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 3 review.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 deals
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Where to Buy:
If the latest Ultra isn’t what you’re after, you can save some money by opting for an Apple Watch Ultra 2, which isn’t vastly different than Apple’s latest top-of-the-line model. The wearable runs on the older S9 SiP and features Apple’s second-gen ultra wideband chip, but that may not matter to you since it still offers precise GPS tracking, a range of diving-friendly sensors, and long-lasting battery life.
Right now, you can pick up the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at Amazon with an Alpine Loop or a Trail Loop starting at $549 ($250 off), which is its best price to date. Alternatively, you can grab it with an Ocean Band at Best Buy for $599 ($200 off), which remains a sizable discount.
Read our Apple Watch Ultra 2 review.
Grok undressed the mother of one of Elon Musk’s kids — and now she’s suing
Ashley St. Clair, the mother of one of X owner Elon Musk's children, is suing his company for enabling its AI to virtually strip her down into a bikini without her consent.
St. Clair is one of the many people over the past couple weeks who have found themselves undressed without permission by X's AI chatbot, Grok. The chatbot has been gingerly complying with users' requests to remove clothing from many women and some apparent minors, or put them in sexualized poses or scenarios. The feature has caused an uproar from policymakers around the world who have launched investigations and vowed that new and existing laws should prevent this kind …
Dave Filoni takes charge of Star Wars as new president of Lucasfilm
There's a new name in charge of stewarding Star Wars at Lucasfilm. The studio just announced that Dave Filoni - best-known for his work on The Mandalorian and The Clone Wars - will be taking over as president. Former president Kathleen Kennedy, whose departure had been rumored for some time, will be stepping down and returning to producing films full-time.
Under the new structure, Filoni will continue to serve as chief creative officer at Lucasfilm, alongside becoming the studio's president. Lynwen Brennan, who has been at the studio since 1999 and most recently served as president and GM of Lucasfilm business, will be co-president.
"My lo …
Natural Cycles launches wristband to replace thermometers for its FDA-cleared birth control app
Natural Cycles, the company behind a controversial FDA-cleared birth control app, is replacing its thermometer with a wristband that measures skin temperature, heart rate, and movement during sleep. The newly-launched wristband costs $129.99 and syncs with the Natural Cycles app, which uses an algorithm to determine a person's "daily fertility status."
Users can already track their fertility by pairing an Apple Watch or Oura Ring with Natural Cycles, but the wristband could be an option for users who don't have either of these devices handy. While Natural Cycles also works with newer Samsung Galaxy smartwatches and the Galaxy Ring, it's mea …
You can save over $1,500 on LG’s 65-inch C5 OLED TV
LG might have just revealed its new C6 OLED TVs at CES 2026, but we still don’t know when they’ll actually hit stores. If you don’t want to wait — or spend a couple thousand dollars on a brand new model — the current-gen LG C5 OLED is a fantastic option now the 65-inch model is $1,197.59 ($1,502 off) when you use code FAVEFINDS20 at eBay. That’s just $2 shy of the TV’s all-time low price, though you’ll have to use that code by the end of January 20th to get the discount.
The C5 delivers the deep, inky blacks and rich colors you’d expect from an OLED TV, with Dolby Vision support helping movies and shows look brighter and more lifelike. Its AI Picture Pro feature further enhances image quality by adjusting brightness, resolution, clarity, and other settings based on what you’re watching. Plus, LG offers Dolby Atmos support for sound that feels more immersive, while offering easy access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Max, Disney Plus, Hulu, and Apple TV Plus right out of the box.
On the gaming side, the TV includes four HDMI 2.1 ports and support for AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync. You also get a maximum 144Hz refresh rate, which helps motion look smoother not just when gaming, but also while watching fast-paced sports or action scenes.
Rounding things out, the TV adds conveniences like a wand-style Magic Remote and built-in Amazon Alexa for hands-free control. You also get Matter support, so you can connect it with other smart home devices beyond Alexa.
The best alternatives to Spotify for listening to music
Spotify is probably one of the most well-known music services available (if not the most popular) around - and it seems that the company it taking advantage of that. As of this month, Spotify announced that it was raising its prices, the third time since 2023.
If that concerns you (especially if you're a current Spotify subscriber), you'll be glad to know that there are quite a few alternatives available for good music listening, some with free versions (and some not), and some that can help you find new and lesser-known artists. Several, like Spotify, also offer podcasts. If you're someone who has decided to explore what music services ar …
Asus says it’s dropping the RTX 5070 Ti as the memory shortage squeezes supply
On Thursday, Hardware Unboxed reported that Asus is winding down production of its RTX 5070 Ti, saying, Asus "explicitly told us this model is currently facing a supply shortage and, as such, they have placed the model into end-of-life status." They added that the same applies to Asus's 16GB RTX 5060 Ti, and mentioned how retailers in Australia have had trouble sourcing the product.
Nvidia's director of global public relations for GeForce, Ben Berraondo, confirmed in a statement to The Verge that it's still producing these GPUs: "Demand for GeForce RTX GPUs is strong, and memory supply is constrained. We continue to ship all GeForce SKUs an …
The US claims it just strongarmed Taiwan into spending $250 billion on American chip manufacturing
The US just lowered Taiwan's tariffs in exchange for a massive domestic chipmaking promise, the Commerce Department announced on Thursday. Under the deal, tariffs on goods from Taiwan will decrease from 20 to 15 percent, while Taiwanese technology companies will invest $250 billion into building and expanding chipmaking facilities in the US, supported by at least $250 billion in credit offered by Taiwan's government.
Last year, President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 100 percent tariff on chips and semiconductors not made in the US, something that Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick tells CNBC is still on the table. "That's what they ge …