iFixit's AirPods 2 Teardown 'Disappointingly Disposable'

iFixit recently did an AirPods 2 teardown to see what’s different and how repairable they were. The verdict?

Let’s get the second of those points out of the way right away: they are not serviceable at all. iFixit had to go to almost comical lengths to open the AirPods up, and despite their expertise and tools, the iFixit team was unable to do so without permanently damaging the product. They described the product as “disappointingly disposable,” which is to say there is no practical way to service or repair them even at a professional shop.

Turn Your Photos into Real, Customizable 3D/2D Talking Heads: $55.25

We have a deal on CrazyTalk 8 Facial Animation Pro Plan, software that helps you turn photos into real 3D or classic 2D talking heads. This new version of the app adds 3D Head Creation tool, a revolutionary Auto Motion engine, and smooth lip-syncing results for any talking animation projects. It’s $65 through our deal, and coupon code MADNESS15 takes another 15% off for a checkout price of $55.25. We link to the Mac license, but there’s a Windows option on the deal listing, too.

Which Browser is the Most Private and Secure?

Zubair Khan put together a list of popular web browsers and tested them to figure out which was the most private and secure.

To decide which browser is the best for privacy and security, we will evaluate them using two criteria: Available security features [and ]embedded Privacy Tools. Each browser will be rated out of five and will be ranked accordingly.

The browsers he tested: Chrome, Internet Explorer (Not Edge?), Safari, Firefox, Chromium, Opera, and Tor browser.

Couples That Netflix Together Don't Necessarily Stay Together

The relationship may have ended, but you’re still tied to your ex…by a Netflix account. Splitting couples may divide books and furniture, but passwords to streaming services can continue to tie former partners together. The Wall Street Journal took a look at the phenomenon.

Streaming music and video services that permit multiple users, plus the proliferation of family cellphone plans in recent years that are cheaper than individual accounts, have created ties that bind long after a breakup or even divorce. Unlike car insurance and health insurance policies that are typically tied to a shared address or legal union, cellphone plans, Netflix, Spotify and Amazon Prime accounts aren’t, says Amanda Singer, a relationship mediator at the San Diego Family Mediation Center.

AirPods Captured 60% of Wireless In-Ear Headphone Market in Q4 2018

Apple’s AirPods captured 60% of the true wireless in-ear headphone market in the last quarter of 2018. That’s according to a new report by CounterPoint. North America was the largest market for such devices, followed by China. Apple’s strong position came despite increased competition and people awaiting a new model of the headphones. 9to5Mac noted that Apple had previously been found to be the preferred brand for wireless headphones, despite some reservations from users about sound quality.

The company says this is particularly impressive in the light of two factors…there was increased competition from other players in the same price band…[and]many were waiting for the release of the second-generation model launched earlier this month. This offers wireless charging, faster pairing and hands-free Hey Siri. The company tracked 15 true wireless in-ear headphones brands in total, with Jabra taking second place and Samsung in third.