If you want to reliably capture shots and compilations on your smartphone, there's no substitute for a portable gaming console that adds convenient physical controls. Our favorite for this task is still One spinenow through March 10, you can save 30 percent on the original Lightning Edition in black, which is down to $69.99 ($30 off) at Amazon, GoalAnd directly from behindbone. YoYou can also get the PlayStation version, which comes in white and has button labels compatible with Sony controllers, for $69.99 ($30 off) at Amazon, GoalAnd vertebral column.
The original Backbone One supports iPhone 14 and older Lightning-based models. (If you have the iPhone 15, you'll need to… One workhorse with USB-C, which is not for sale.) It gives your smartphone a stable cradle and surrounds it with standard game controls that make playing mobile games much easier, and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack so you can use wired headphones to enjoy game audio as well as a microphone for conversation. The Backbone One's buttons don't have the same satisfying action and feel as more substantial controllers, but they beat losing focus and having your fingers take up half the screen as you tap around looking for software controls. It's also compatible with Backbone, which can help you organize your mobile games and streaming services.
Since Apple just announced a new MacBook Air based on the M3, it looks like it might not be using its usual pomp for the upcoming iPad Air refresh after all. If you're not interested in the rumored iPad Air promotion before hearing the official details, you can save some by snapping up the iPad Air iPad Air 5th generation, which gets a $150 discount on various storage configurations. The 64GB/Wi-Fi model is available for approximately $449 Amazon, Best buyAnd Walmartwhile the 256GB/Wi-Fi model starts at $599.99 Amazon, Best buyAnd Goal. Each matched an all-time low.
Released in 2022, the fifth-generation Air was the first in the line to use Apple's M1 chipset, giving it similar power to the 2021 iPad Pro. It even resembles the more substantial Pro models in terms of hardware design and borrows some of its features, including 12-megapixel camera with Center Stage and USB-C port. In fact, the Air's 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display fits into a chassis with roughly the same dimensions as the 11-inch iPad Pro (both are compatible with the same Magic Keyboard).
Compared to the Pro models, the iPad Air lacks a Lidar camera and Face ID (Touch ID is used for biometric unlocking). It's also missing the 120Hz variable refresh rate ProMotion display, as well as the Mini LED panel found on the 12.9-inch model. There are also fewer speakers, with only two compared to the Pro's four. Other than that, it has all the basics needed to enjoy iPadOS in a comfortably usable form, including Apple Pencil 2nd generation.