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• Aluminum frame: iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to have an aluminum frame, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models have a titanium frame, and the iPhone X through iPhone 14 Pro have a stainless steel frame. The back of the devices will supposedly have a new "part-aluminum, part-glass" design.


• Anti-reflective display: While it has been an on-again, off-again rumor, the latest word is that iPhone 17 Pro models will feature an anti-reflect display option with a matte finish. Perhaps this will be the same nano-texture glass option that is available for the iMac, MacBook Pro, and iPad Pro.


• Dynamic Island changes: It has been rumored that all iPhone 17 models will have a redesigned Dynamic Island interface — it might also be smaller.


• Rectangular camera bump: iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to have a large rectangular camera bump with rounded corners. Apple apparently plans to stick with a triangular arrangement for the rear camera lenses.


• Orange/Copper finish: A new copper-like color option is expected for the iPhone 17 Pro models, along with Dark Blue.


• Longer battery life: The iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to have a slightly thicker design that allows for a larger battery. The iPhone 17 Pro Max will apparently surpass the 5,000 mAh battery capacity mark.


• A19 Pro chip: iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to use Apple's next-generation A19 Pro chip, which will reportedly be manufactured with TSMC's newer third-generation 3nm process. Like usual, expect modest year-over-year performance gains and power efficiency improvements compared to the current iPhones.


• 12GB of RAM: iPhone 17 Pro models, and even the iPhone 17 Air, are rumored to have 12GB of RAM. This upgrade should help to improve the performance of Apple Intelligence and multitasking. All four iPhone 16 models have 8GB of RAM.


• 25W wireless charging: iPhone 17 Pro models will likely support up to 25W wireless charging speeds with a wide variety of Qi 2.2 chargers. On the iPhone 16 models, 25W can only be achieved with Apple's latest MagSafe Charger.


• Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip: All four iPhone 17 models are rumored to get a Wi-Fi 7 chip designed by Apple rather than Broadcom.


• 24-megapixel front camera: All four iPhone 17 models are said to feature an upgraded 24-megapixel front-facing camera, whereas all iPhone 16 models are equipped with a 12-megapixel front-facing camera.


• 48-megapixel rear Telephoto camera: An upgraded 48-megapixel Telephoto camera is rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models, up from the 12-megapixel Telephoto camera on iPhone 16 Pro models.


• Dual video recording: According to Jon Prosser, of the YouTube channel Front Page Tech, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will allow users to record video with the front and rear cameras simultaneously in the Camera app.


• 8K video recording: Apple allegedly tested 8K video recording on the iPhone 16 Pro models, but such functionality is still not available. With the iPhone 17 Pro models expected to have entirely 48-megapixel rear cameras, perhaps 8K video recording will debut on those devices.


• Vapor chamber cooling: All four iPhone 17 models are rumored to feature internal design changes that result in better heat dissipation. A vapor chamber cooling system has been rumored for the Pro models specifically.


• Apple logo repositioned: Apple's logo may have a lower position on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro models, compared to previous models, and the layout of the MagSafe magnets may change as a result.

A wireless soundbar can change the entire feel of your home theater. No matter what kind of content you consume, sound quality makes a world of difference, and these wireless systems allow for impeccable quality without pro installation. Most systems include a soundbar as well as satellite speakers and a subwoofer, all of which communicate wirelessly with no delay. We’ve tested some of the most popular and powerful wireless soundbars and systems on the market and came up with these recommendations for any type of viewer. Still, the Samsung HW-990F reigns as the best overall wireless soundbar, but the competition gets closer all the time.

• Best overall: Samsung HW-990F
• Best splurge: Nakamichi Dragon with Quad 12″ Subwoofers
• Also worth considering: Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad with SA-SW5 Wireless Subwoofer
• Best design: Sonos Arc Ultra with Sonos Sub and Era 100 or Era 300 surrounds  
• Easiest setup: JBL Bar 1300X
• Best sound quality for audiophiles: Bluesound PULSE system
• Best budget multiroom-compatible setup: Denon Sound Bar 550 + Components
• Best value: Klipsch Flexus CORE 200 + Flexus Sub 100 + Flexus Surround 100 speakers

I [Markkus Rovito] have previewed and reviewed products—both in the pro audio and home audio realms—on and off throughout most of the 21st century for outlets including Mix, Maximum Tech, DJ Tech Tools, Bob Vila, and some defunct publications printed on paper called magazines. Between the PopSci staff [Stan Horaczek, Tony Ware, Brandt Ranj], we’ve tested variations of these wireless surround sound systems firsthand. Beyond our own favorable experiences, these wireless surround sound systems have all proved popular with expert reviewers. Each of these systems offers something a little different from the others, but they all include rear satellite speakers because we wanted to limit this list to systems that actually surround you with speakers. Some soundbars and soundbar/subwoofer combinations do an impressive job creating virtual surround sound environments (you can read about the best Dolby Atmos soundbars and excellent budget choices that support object-based sound formats if you want some maximized minimalism). Still, this list is for those who want the full experience.

From a massively powerful four-subwoofer system to a soundbar that detaches rechargeable, battery-powered rear speakers, these wireless surround sound systems cater to different desires for how deeply immersed you want to be in the sound. If filling a single room with sound just isn’t enough, some options also let you expand into a multiroom system. The common thread is no speaker wire, but no loss of physical speakers that bring true surround sound to your home.

• Super-crisp voice reproduction makes actors easier to understand.
• Redesigned sealed sub with dual 8-inch drivers keeps bass punchy yet neighbor-friendly.
• Excellent overall sound quality augmented by wireless side speakers with up- and side-firing drivers.
• SpaceFit Sound Pro calibrates in under a minute; Game Mode Pro toggles itself when a console boots.
• Wi-Fi/Bluetooth 5.3 with AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Roon support make streaming painless.
• Q-Symphony lets compatible Samsung TVs add their own drivers as bonus channels, strengthening the center image.
• Samsung TV users can get a wireless Dolby Atmos signal that eschews a cable.

• Non-Samsung TV users miss out on some features
• Only two HDMI inputs—multi-console gamers may need a switch.
• Long bar (48.5 inches) can overhang narrower TV stands.

• Audio channels: 11.1.4 (23 speakers)
• Total power/SPL loudness: N/A
• Frequency response: 27.5Hz-20kHz
• Connectivity: 2 × HDMI 2.1, 1 × HDMI eARC, 1 × optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect
• Format compatibility: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and open-source Eclipsa Audio co-developed by Samsung and Google

Why it made the cut: Crystal-clear dialog (especially if you have a 2023-or-newer Samsung TV) cuts through the ample atmosphere to make movies and TV shows easy to hear without resorting to subtitles or cranked volume. This is our favorite one-box wonder for tight, impactful low-end within a 360-degree bubble of crisp detail.

We rated the Samsung HW-Q990D soundbar one of the best we’ve heard to date. And our opinion hasn’t changed with 2025’s updated HW-990F. We’ve actually become even more enamored with Samsung’s flagship thanks to its new subwoofer and adaptive AI-led enhancements, making it the best mixed-use setup for most people.

Samsung didn’t reinvent its flagship so much as give it a ruthless tune-up; it shaved unruly resonances, widened HDMI bandwidth, and gave its calibration new tricks. Up front, the bar’s 23-driver array still maps an 11.1.4 dome of Dolby Atmos, but revised amps and height channels give overhead effects more pinpoint spark, so rain in Blade Runner 2049 sounds like it’s hissing off your ceiling, not the wall behind you. Down on the floor, the redesigned subwoofer—now a stout, sealed cube packing dual eight-inch drivers (see the image below)—hits lower and tighter, scrubbing away any port noise we heard from the Q990D’s acoustic lens design. You reclaim carpet space and reduce cabinet buzz for deeper, tighter slam. Explosions in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga pummel without muddying midrange—ideal when over-the-top characters matter as much as the orchestrated anarchy.

Add in the satellites (see the image below), and anyone and everyone benefits from the familiar four-box array flinging emphatic sound forward, sideways, and overhead. Combine Q-Symphony and a 2023-or-newer Samsung TV, however, and you can turn the flatscreen’s built-in speakers into a center-channel booster, soldering dialogue to on-screen lips and expanding explosions, rainfall, and swooping starships into a near-separates hemisphere without hardwire or delay headaches. The TV can even be synced wirelessly.

Two HDMI 2.1 inputs join the eARC output, so a 4K/120 Hz console and a streamer can both live on the bar while the TV handles zero-lag passthrough for high-frame-rate gaming. Plus Wi-Fi streaming from AirPlay to Roon Ready stays in the mix, yet setup still takes mere minutes thanks to SpaceFit Sound Pro auto-calibration and a spruced-up SmartThings app. The Q990F remains the quickest path from Add To Cart to cinema-grade immersion. Cheaper rivals exist, but none combine this power, polish, and plug-and-play ease.

Cosmetic tweaks help it vanish into the room: stealth-fighter angles return in deeper graphite with pin-stripe etching, while the new rounded sub’s short-stack silhouette slides beside a sofa instead of dominating a corner. Under the hood, cooler-running amps and retuned height modules shave fatigue during trilogy binges, and Active Voice Amplifier Pro lifts whispers above the chaos only when needed without forcing you to manipulate the volume. Or figure out where you misplaced the remote, though the SmartThings app is there for you, as well (ain’t connected devices grand).

For anyone who values finesse without fuss and enjoys couch-shaking blockbusters, Samsung’s incremental polish again delivers the simplest, fiercest path to dome-filling Dolby Atmos without cable clutter—or the bulky demands of discrete components. Firmware updates should further refine tuning down the line.

• Loud and clear sound with full-spectrum detail and realism
• New and exclusive audio processing improves the performance of immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback
• Plentiful HDMI 2.1 connections with eARC for supporting the latest TVs and game consoles

• No room-calibration function for setting up
• Extra speakers mean plugging in extra power cords
• Four subwoofers means you better not have neighbors

• Audio channels: 11.4.6 with 31 speaker drivers
• Total power/SPL loudness: 5000W/131dB
• Frequency response: 19Hz-22kHz
• Connectivity: HDMI 2.1 input x3, HDMI 2.1 eARC output x1, optical digital audio input x3, coaxial audio input x1, RCA audio input x1, USB, Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD
• Format compatibility: Dolby Vision with 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X

Why it made the cut: This update to an already proven and powerful system piles on hardware improvements and new software processing to make your wireless home theater a literal and figurative blast. 

The Nakamichi Dragon isn’t just a home theater system—it’s an acoustic apocalypse wrapped in brushed metal and obsidian gloss. With quad 12-inch aluminum drivers snarling at 750+ watts each, these wireless subwoofer enclosures don’t whisper bass; it unleashes it wth a force like tectonic plates grinding in a steel amphitheater. The floor rumbles, the walls hum in sympathetic vibration—this isn’t watching a movie, it’s surviving it. Behind you, each Omni-Motion Reference Surrounds, each side- and upward-firing array, is tuned to conjure a dome of Dolby Atmos ecstasy with orchestral precision.

And the 58″ soundbar itself features three Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeters, known to audiophiles for hyper-accurate frequency response, as well as six angled upfiring speakers split between 10° and 20° so that overhead sound objects are rendered precisely thanks to Adaptive Height Dispersion Processing. This setup is unapologetically large, power-hungry, and theater-grade. It demands space, power, and reverence. It’s $6,499. It’s the system you buy because deep down, you don’t just want to watch a movie—you want to feel it, in your ribcage, your teeth, and maybe even your soul. 

Can’t dedicate the space or budget to the Dragon, but want a taste of its power. Customers and critics alike love the $1,899 MSRP Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 eARC SSE Max. Like the Dragon, it has HDMI 2.1 connections with eARC to the TV to enable the highest quality lossless audio, 4K HDR and Dolby Vision video, and features like variable refresh rate (VRR) for next-gen gaming consoles. It also has Bluetooth 5.0 with Qualcomm aptX HD—rare for a soundbar system—and that lets you stream Bluetooth audio at up to 24-bit digital quality.

The SSE Max designation refers to Nakamichi’s technology for creating realistic 360-degree immersive audio in a home theater. It’s the combination of Shockwafe’s three Spatial Surround Elevation audio processing engines for enhancing the sense of spaciousness to the soundstage, balancing the surround-sound mix across all the speakers, and creating audio height effects for object-oriented formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. 

Upgraded hardware includes redesigned extended-range twin-cone drivers in the soundbar, new high-output amplifiers and upgraded drivers in the subwoofers, and 2nd-generation two-way Quad Modular Surround Speakers with new silk dome tweeters and extended-range twin-cone drivers. A new matte-black finish and 2nd-gen backlit remote round out the updates, which Nakamichi based on customer surveys, beta tests, and customer review feedback. The Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 eARC SSE Max requires a lot of space, power outlets, and experimentation to find the right setup for the four surround speakers, but it rewards your effort with a powerful and life-like cocoon of sound.

• Well-balanced, clear, and detailed sound complements both movies and music
• Impressive Atmos performance and effective Immersive AE up-mixing mode
• Can be used free-standing or wall-mounted, with Sound Field Optimization compensating
• Bass power with the SW5 subwoofer

• The panel-like design is either extremely versatile or extremely challenging, based on your space

• Audio channels: 7.1.2 with 16 total speaker drivers
• Total power: N/A
• Frequency response: 32Hz-20kHz
• Connectivity: HDMI 2.1 input x2, HDMI 2.1 eARC output x1, optical digital audio input, 3.5mm analog audio input, USB, Bluetooth 5.0
• Compatibility: Dolby Vision HDR, 8K video at 60Hz, 4K at 120Hz, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, Sony 360 Reality Audio, Chromecast, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Amazon Alexa

Why it made the cut: Besides its innovative, auto-calibrating engineering, the Sony BRAVIA Quad features HDMI 2.1 inputs and an HDMI 2.1 eARC output, ensuring ready compatibility with the best 4K TVs and even 8K sets.

Sony’s BRAVIA Theater Quad system is the audio equivalent of a laser-etched katana—precise, polished, and deeply potent. Pair it with the SA-SW5 wireless subwoofer and suddenly, your living room transforms into a sonic dojo where cinematic immersion becomes ritual. Four discrete speakers, equipped with upfiring and beamforming tech, unleash Dolby Atmos with spine-tingling verticality. This isn’t sound dispersion—it’s sound architecture. That’s partially because the Quad is designed to integrate flexibly with your actual room’s construction, then tailor its tones to your space. These slim wireless panel-like arrays can be wall-mounted or freestanding, and software compensates for the placement. A control box tucks discreetly beneath your TV, handling the I/O.

And then there’s the SA-SW5: a 300-watt, 7-inch wireless subwoofer that doesn’t just punch, it preaches. Every low-frequency thump is delivered with creamy richness—tight enough for orchestral finesse, deep enough to rattle drywall during Michael Bay marathons. Wireless means it tucks neatly into your space like a ninja—out of sight, but never out of earshot.

The BRAVIA Quad system isn’t trying to muscle out competitors with brute force. Instead, it engineers an experience. With Sony’s proprietary 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, every seat is the best seat in the house. Dialogues float, rainfall surrounds, jets soar from behind and above—without a single speaker needing a wiring diagram from hell. Got a Sony Bravia XR TV? Control Quad from the TV menu and hear elevated audio with Acoustic Center Sync. Got a PlayStation 5? The Quad can passthrough Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode. No matter your TV/console, take advantage of 4K HDR, 8K HDR, Dolby Vision and HDMI 2.1 gaming features 4K120, VRR, ALLM.

At $3,199, this isn’t cheap. But this isn’t just home theater; it’s bringing cinema home—it’s Sony reminding the world that sound, when sculpted correctly, isn’t just perceived—it’s appreciated.

• Very spacious surround sound imaging and good Atmos performance
• Smart speaker features and Wi-Fi streaming
• Sleek styling with touch controls on the soundbar and surround speakers

• Limited connectivity and no Bluetooth
• Room calibration only works through the iOS app

• Audio channels: 5.1.2 with 17 total speaker drivers
• Total power/SPL loudness: N/A
• Frequency response: apprx. 32Hz-19kHz
• Connectivity: HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
• Format compatibility: Multiroom audio, Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Apple AirPlay 2, Siri, Amazon Alex, Google Assistant

Why it made the cut: Combining the Sonos Arc soundbar with the Sonos Sub (Gen. 3 and/or Gen. 4) and two Sonos surround speakers makes for a stunning ensemble both visually and audibly. 

This intelligent wireless surround sound combination can be purchased as a single bundle for just over $2,000. But if that feels like too much upfront and you want to assemble components piecemeal, it’s worth it to procure the Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar, a Sub subwoofer or two, and a pair of Era 100 surround speakers gradually to create a formidable home theater system that you can also easily connect with your TV and any number of Sonos products to make a whole-home audio setup. The Arc Ultra gives you Dolby Atmos playback through top- and side-firing speakers, as well as an HDMI eARC connection (which enables high-resolution audio), Apple AirPlay 2 streaming, and smart speaker features like built-in voice control with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. The Sonos app lets you connect most other streaming services, and the iOS version can run auto-calibration to tune the speakers’ response to your particular space.

The Arc Ultra’s minimal aesthetic has limitations, such as a single HDMI connection and an app-only remote control. However, it emits precise mid-range and high frequencies, as well as a surprising amount of smooth, rattle-free bass, thanks to the new Sound Motion transducer. And if you want more low-end reinforcement, you can pair up to two Subs, each of which features dual force-canceling drivers that add weight to the presentation while relieving pressure on the other speakers, allowing for more finesse throughout the frequency range. Touch controls for volume, play/pause, and track skipping (by swiping left or right) on both the Arc and the Era 100 surround speakers can come in handy when you’re locked to the couch, and those extra LS/RS channels take the impressive performance of the Arc Ultra into the next level of genuine surround sound. (You can find more in-depth information on the best Sonos speakers in our dedicated guide.)

If you’re looking for the absolute best design for Dolby Atmos content, however, upgrade the rear speakers to a pair of the Era 300, which are purpose-built with six multidirectional drivers to unfurl the full immersive potential of spatial audio. Whether it’s an album on Apple Music or Mad Max: Fury Road, the full $2,500 7.1.4 setup lets you experience instant gratification and ongoing exhilaration. (A single Era 300 also works as a standout standalone speaker if you’re just looking to turn any old corner into a multidimensional performance, so this is the best splurge if you desire a modular multiroom system.)

Want to experience immersive spatial audio, whether you’re on the go or the household has gone to bed? The Sonos headphones Ace support the latest surround sound tracks through Dolby Atmos movies and music and TrueCinema processing, establishing a dynamic bubble that won’t disturb others. Available in white or black, these headphones also offer flagship-level Adaptive ANC and physical comfort, 30 hours of battery life, and support for lossless listening via USB-C or wirelessly if you have an Arc Ultra soundbar. Thanks to a recent firmware update, you can even use a pair of Ace headphones with one Arc Ultra for a private viewing party for two.

• Detachable battery-powered rear speakers recharge from the base soundbar.
• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X height effects from four up-firing speakers.
• Crisp, balanced sound appropriate for all uses.

• Price

• Audio channels: 11.1.4 with 12-inch wireless powered subwoofer
• Total power/SPL loudness: 1170/97.8dB
• Frequency response: 33Hz-20kHz
• Connectivity: HDMI 2.0 input, HDMI 2.0 eARC output, optical digital audio output, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.
• Format compatibility: Dolby Vision with 4K passthrough, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Chromecast, AirPlay 2

Why it made the cut: JBL cuts all but the power cords with its Bar 1300X audio system, which uses the soundbar to charge detachable battery-powered rear surround speakers that don’t even have to plug into wall outlets. 

JBL’s Bar 1300X is the company’s latest premium modular wireless surround sound system, and its $1,700 price tag is justified by both its audio quality and user-friendliness. Setting up the system took about five minutes and three cables: two power cords for connecting the soundbar and subwoofer to outlets and an HDMI wire running from the Bar 1300X to our TV’s HDMI eARC port. The TV immediately recognized the soundbar the next time it was turned on and routed sound through the Bar 1300X. (However, depending on the age of your TV and its operating system, you may need to enter your set’s sound settings to switch from its internal speakers to the soundbar.)

The Bar 1300X features the same signature configuration as JBL’s other soundbar-based sound systems (such as the more compact JBL Bar 700 and the previous flagship, the still-available JBL Bar 9.1): the rear wireless surround speakers come physically attached to the main soundbar. This charges their batteries, in addition to giving the 11-driver soundbar a wider stereo soundstage, and is appropriate if you don’t have space behind you for satellites. The upward-firing drivers are still active when the surround speakers are attached to the main bar, which can create a more immersive environment even if all components are on your credenza. For a more authentic surround sound experience, however, you’ll need to detach the rear speakers and place them physically behind you.

Impressively, the Bar 1300X automatically detected when the surround speakers were detached and maintained a wireless connection to them. No special configuration was necessary, nor did we have to press the Bluetooth buttons on the back of our rear surround speakers; the system just adapted and worked. Similarly, the wireless subwoofer and soundbar paired together immediately. We put this soundbar system through its paces by watching an assortment of TV shows, movies, and YouTube videos, and were very pleased with the way it sounded. Among our selections were Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story and Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Royal Albert Hall on Netflix and 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything on Apple TV+. The soundtracks to these films also allowed us to assess the Bar 1300X’s ability to play music.

The sounds of exploding bombs or gunshots never overwhelmed the subwoofer and even sounded clear when coming from the surround speakers. A well-designed center channel driver ensured we could hear dialogue clearly even when a lot of action was going on without having to select a specific voice booster mode. We ultimately preferred keeping the surround speakers connected to the bar when watching videos with a stereo mix as it provided a wider soundstage. When it came to watching TV shows or movies with a Dolby 5.1 or Dolby Atmos soundtrack, we immediately removed the wireless speakers and put them behind us. The Bar 1300X was so good that we could quickly determine whether the person mixing the audio was making adequate use of the rear channels in their mixes.

We couldn’t find any significant fault in the Bar 1300X’s technical or audio quality and find the convenience of this wireless surround sound system irrefutable, but you’ll have to pay a high upfront cost to take advantage of it.

• Supports 24-bit/192 kHz high-res audio, including MQA decoding and Roon Ready
• Can expand to a multiroom audio system
• Excellent preset audio modes for different scenarios

• Not sold with bundled pricing

• Audio channels: 7.1 with 11 total speaker drivers
• Total power/SPL loudness: W/ dB 120W soundbar, 25W Flex
• Frequency response: 22Hz-20kHz
• Connectivity: HDMI 2.1 eARC, optical digital audio input, 3.5mm analog audio input1, USB Type-A, Bluetooth aptX HD, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
• Format compatibility: 24-bit/192 kHz audio, Dolby Atmos, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Pandora, Amazon Music, MQA high-res audio

Why it made the cut: Audiophile-grade sound combines with powerful internal processing in a system that can expand to multiroom audio. 

If you’re willing to piece your purchases together, the Bluesound PULSE “by audiophiles for audiophiles” wireless surround sound system is technologically very versatile and the first multiroom system to support the MQA format that “folds” and “unfolds” digital data to stream high-res audio without a ton of bandwidth. With the SOUNDBAR+ as its centerpiece (shown above), combined with a dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac-equipped PULSE SUB+ and two equally wireless PULSE FLEX 2i or PULSE M satellite speakers, the system can expand two-channel stereo content into a spacious soundstage thanks to Bluesound’s audiophile-grade drivers, high-performance digital-to-analog converter, and clean, powerful Class D amplification. The eight-speaker forward-facing configuration of a 1-inch tweeter, 2-inch mid-range driver, 4-inch woofer, and 4-inch passive radiator—one set left and one right—is optimized for music streaming thanks to a powerful quad-core ARM processor that handles high-quality audio with blazing speed. The resulting, authoritative sound handles vocals with visceral detail, while the overall tonality is balanced, never artificial. Lows and mids sound warm yet not fuzzy, and the treble is precise without sounding harsh. 

If you have a wealth of advanced-resolution downloads/personally ripped digital music, Bluesound can be used as a Roon endpoint if you’ve set up a compatible music server on your local network. Otherwise, you can stream lossless music directly from iOS devices via AirPlay 2 on Wi-Fi and/or higher-bitrate, though still lossy transmissions via any device that supports Bluetooth (compatible Android devices can even connect via aptX HD). If you subscribe to Spotify and/or TIDAL, both services have a natively supported “Connect” service, so the highest quality stream will go directly via Wi-Fi to the SOUNDBAR+, bypassing your phone. The BluOS app consolidates source control, as well as offers some EQ. Connected to the TV via a single HDMI (e)ARC connection, the dimensionally tall, but aesthetically unobtrusive Bluesound PULSE SOUNDBAR+ decodes Dolby Atmos material directly but with nuance, although with more subtlety in its height rather than in its width due to the lack of up-firing drivers. It presents music compellingly without any processing, although there are some interesting audio modes and upmixing options with which to experiment.

According to our managing editor, who has experienced a complete Bluesound PULSE set-up, adding in a pair of FLEX 2i speakers allows sonic textures to be even more open and expressive—most impactful when watching demo-worthy Atmos films like Mad Max: Fury Road and Baby Driver or while playing a selection of spatial audio from Apple Music on the Apple TV 4K. Music, especially, feels authentic, a well-rounded presentation from a flat facade—the SOUNDBAR+ with surrounds assures every track’s scope is fully conveyed without losing anything granular as it unfurls. And if you have high ceilings or a wider, open viewing space, adding in physical surround speakers makes a world of difference when compared to soundbars that use reflections to convey dimensionality.

On the other end of the spectrum, the SUB+ offers versatile, visceral LFE reinforcement, its 8-inch long-throw driver and 150-watt amplifier taking the 70Hz cap of the SOUNDBAR+ down to 22Hz. Capable of laying flat under a sofa or sitting up against a wall, the sealed enclosure is easily integrated physically into any room layout (wall outlet allowing) and digitally via home network and the BluOS app. As for what the SUB+ adds sonically … it’s tunefulness. It’s a subwoofer that’s far more about nimble pluck than unchecked pump; though it can reach dynamically deep, the SUB+ impressed far more with its dexterity. If you value realism as much as rumble, the SUB+ is another amazing addition to the Bluesound ecosystem.

Not watching anything or wanting to restrict your soundtrack to a single room? You can relocate an ultra-compact mono PULSE FLEX 2i or even more expressive omni-hybrid stereo PULSE M speaker around your home (or just get extras for other zones). As long as they are all on the same Wi-Fi network, you pass whatever music you’re streaming from speaker to speaker if you move to specific areas or have it play simultaneously throughout the house—wherever the action is.

• Modular system expandable to as many speakers in as many rooms as you want
• Rear speakers include controls, Bluetooth pairing, and audio inputs
• Good aesthetic appearance with matching cloth speaker coverings
• Clear, balanced sound

• Some HEOS app setup snafus and instability with the rear speakers
• No up-firing drivers for spatial audio formats
• No Chromecasting for sending Atmos music from mobile devices

• Audio channels: 5.1 with 11 total speaker drivers
• Total power/SPL loudness: N/A
• Frequency response: N/A
• Connectivity: HDMI 2.1 input x1, HDMI 2.1 eARC output x1, optical digital audio input x1, minijack audio input x1, USB, Bluetooth, dual-band Wi-Fi
• Format compatibility: 24-bit/192kHz audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Vision w/HDR 10, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, AirPlay 2,

Why it made the cut: Denon Home’s wireless, multiroom audio system offers a less-expensive option for starting small but eventually building a whole-home speaker empire. 

When you may not have the funds to purchase the wireless surround sound system you most want responsibly, you could compromise and buy a lower-end system … or you could play the long game, exercise a little patience, and buy components one at a time until you’ve built something great. The Denon Home family of wireless speakers lets you do the latter at lower prices than the other multiroom capable systems. You can pick up the Sound Bar 550, the Subwoofer, and 150 Wireless Speakers individually or start with a bundle of the soundbar/subwoofer or soundbar/wireless speakers.

“Budget” is in the eye of the beholder. Still, ultimately, the Denon Home components should total around $1,500 and save you several hundred over comparable purchases from the Sonos or Bluesound multiroom systems. Denon Home also has 250 wireless speakers and 350 wireless speakers, which are larger speakers with more driver units inside, better suited for being the sole audio source in their own room, like an office or bedroom.

The Denon Home system uses the HEOS app to link all the speakers together, update firmware, and control what audio or music is playing from which room, if you have speakers in multiple rooms. HEOS also consolidates all the compatible music services and sources available into one place, such as Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, SoundCloud, Amazon Music, music stored on your phone, and more. In our firsthand testing of the Denon Home Wireless 5.1 Home Theater System, the setup caused some frustration with failed firmware updates and the app not pairing at first with the wireless speakers and subwoofer to the soundbar. Unlike many other wireless systems where the soundbar recognizes and pairs with the sub and surround speakers automatically, you have to connect each Denon Home speaker individually to your home network via HEOS and then pair the speakers to the soundbar. After several attempts to do so with HEOS showing that pairing failed, the subwoofer and wireless speakers eventually just started working with the soundbar. After that, the system worked together, but the 150 Wireless Speakers did experience a connection problem where the audio crackled or flickered on and off. However, cycling the power solved that.

The compact Sound Bar 550 measures only 26 inches wide and looks living-room-ready with its attractive fabric-lined enclosure and illuminated touch controls on the top panel for volume, play/pause, and muting the built-in Alexa voice control function. Its small remote has separate level controls for overall volume and bass, audio mode and source, and a Bluetooth pairing button. When tested as a standalone speaker, the soundbar’s forward-facing six drivers and two passive radiators do a decent job of downmixing surround-sound sources into a spatially separated mix. You do get a real sense of separation between, say, the characters and their environment in a movie.

Denon Home doesn’t disclose any wattage or SPL numbers for its units, but the Sound Bar 550 isn’t extraordinarily loud for its size. It can suffice as the TV’s soundsystem in an average-sized living room, but if you like high volume, the Sound Bar 550 distorts some when you crank it up to the max, so it’s better for more modest listening. Its sound, however, is clean and well separated in the frequency ranges. Dialog in movies and TV shows pierced through the mix in most cases, and music shimmered with a stereo soundstage belying the soundbar’s size. In the right sweet spots, it does have more impressive bass power than expected but does benefit greatly from adding the Denon Home Subwoofer.

It is Atmos and DTS:X compatible; however, without up-firing speakers, the object-based immersive audio effects don’t fully translate to your 3D environment the way they were originally intended. Adding the 8-inch, downward-firing subwoofer and two 150 Wireless Speakers to the mix made big improvements both aurally and functionally. Each 150 unit has its own volume and play/pause touch controls that work for the entire system they’re paired to, so it’s quite convenient to reach over the couch to a rear speaker and flick the volume if needed. The 150s also let you initiate Bluetooth pairing and have USB storage inputs and minijack audio inputs, which will also send their audio to the entire system.

While the system as a whole still didn’t reach the decibel levels of many others in this guide, it made watching “event” movies like the Atmos-ready Thor: Love and Thunder an immersive good time, even though the spatial Atmos effects aren’t fully supported with height-based drivers. Switching to the Movie (DTS Virtual:X) preset gives Atmos material a slightly more expansive sound. During PlayStation 5 games like Horizon Forbidden West, the Denon Home system tracked the character movements well, keeping the surround mix believably positioned and clearly representing the mix of sounds from playable and non-playable characters, the natural environment, and the crucial rumblings and fumblings of enemies in the distance.

For music, the full system can become a single stereo powerhouse with all the speakers working together as a stereo system. Pairing various Bluetooth devices was easy and smooth, with no dropouts in our testing. For audio fidelity, however, streaming over AirPlay 2 sounds markedly better (Denon does not list a Bluetooth codec for the system, which could be baseline SBC). When comparing the same audio sources played over Bluetooth and then AirPlay 2, the AirPlay signal sounded much more full and vibrant overall, with deeper, rounder bass.

Overall, the Sound Bar 550 is a wonderful upgrade from internal TV speakers, even if the soundbar can’t pretend to offer anything other than virtual surround sound. The 150 speakers still don’t have any up-firing drivers for Atmos material. However, adding two wireless surrounds and the subwoofer resulted in full-spectrum audio that satisfied the need for a booming surround sound experience. And the ability to keep more rooms full of sound without fully emptying your pockets is attractive, indeed.

• Built-in subwoofers
• Upward-firing drivers for Atmos height channels
• Can be augmented with a dedicated subwoofer/surround speakers

• Less connectivity than competition (you need to route sources through the TV)

• Audio channels: 3.1.2 with four 2.25” ceramic drivers finely tuned by Klipsch acousticians and dual 4” built-in subwoofers
• Total power/SPL loudness: N/A
• Frequency response: N/A
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI eARC, Digital Optical, USB
• Format compatibility: Dolby Atmos

Why it made the cut: We’ve never heard better bass response or single-point surround sound from another compact soundbar at this price point (or a bit beyond).

The Flexus CORE 200 is the newest soundbar from Klipsch, and it’s quickly become one of the best we’ve ever tested. At 44-inches wide, you’ll need a media center to accommodate the home theater speaker, but not nearly as much space as some of our other picks. And you’ll be rewarded handsomely once you hear how music, video games, and movies sound. The Flexus CORE 200 has six 2.25 ceramic drivers (one on the left and one on the right, two in the center, and two facing upward) plus two 4-inch subwoofers. We’ve never heard better bass response or single-point surround sound from another compact soundbar at this price point (or a bit beyond).

The low end was shockingly tight when listening to explosions while playing games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the Nintendo Switch OLED or titles with bombastic bopping soundtracks like Penny’s Big Breakaway. The Flexus CORE 200 could recreate the ambiance of a theater or hall when watching comedy specials like Neal Brennan’s Crazy Good and Demetri Martin’s Demetri Deconstructed. Even casual YouTube videos sound great, with clear separation between voiceovers and sound effects.

This performance is possible because Klipsch partnered with Onkyo when developing the Flexus CORE 200. The former designed the enclosure and acoustic components, while the latter was in charge of developing the processor inside. Onkyo has a long history of making AV receivers and amps and has brought that expertise to the table in a big way. It’s no surprise that their technology was able to recreate the experience of listening to a more traditional multi-speaker multichannel setup.

On its own, we can recommend Klipsch’s Flexus CORE 200 as a premium 3.1.2-channel soundbar for anyone who’s at least a little surround sound curious. However, we were also able to test it alongside Klipsch’s new $299 10-inch Flexus Sub 100 and $249 wireless Flexus Surround 100 speakers. This trio is a grand slam, offering better-balanced sound and more immersive audio experiences when listening to Dolby Atmos mixes of albums like The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds and Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, with spatial audio ping-ponging off the ceiling and walls around you.

Whether you use it on its own or with Klipsch’s optional satellites/sub, we cannot find a major fault with the Flexus CORE 200 system. If you have enough space, it’s a home theater upgrade you’ll deserve.

Maybe you enjoy clearing space for floorstanding speakers and subwoofers, unspooling many feet of speaker wire across your media room, and crawling behind a cabinet to route all your sources through an A/V receiver. Well, we’ve got suggestions for that elsewhere. But if you’d prefer to enjoy full-room, real surround sound with speakers behind or beside you, minus any messy entanglements, we’ve got you. The best wireless sound systems deliver audio as vivid as that new OLED TV, and they do it without any noticeable latency between sound and image. Many of these systems also include mobile device sharing via Apple AirPlay 2 and/or Google Chromecast and support voice control from smart assistants. They let you stream music wirelessly over Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi. While wireless surround sound systems still cost a few bucks more than wired equivalents, this guide shows you the best options across a variety of price points and feature sets.

Remember, however, that calling a surround sound system “wireless” means that you don’t have to attach any speaker wire to the speakers. They also let you stream audio and/or video wirelessly from devices over Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or both. But that doesn’t mean zero cables. To use them with a TV, you need to connect the main soundbar or base unit via HDMI to the TV, and then the rest of the speakers receive an audio signal wirelessly. Each speaker also has to plug into a power outlet, unless they’re battery-powered (as in the case of the JBL Bar 1300X’s rear surround speakers). And you might need to crawl around a little to find the perfect place for your subwoofer.

Wireless surround sound systems tend to be more expensive than equivalent wired systems because you still pay a bit of a premium for the extra convenience and tidiness of a wireless system. The systems here range from about aounrd $1,000 (for the complete Klipsch system) to over $3,000 (for the top Nakamichi and Sony systems with all their listed components). Prices may fluctuate somewhat from month to month because of chip shortages/supply chain issues, and there are brands that make even more approachable budget options, but don’t expect wireless surround sound systems to plummet in price too much anytime soon. 

Whether a surround sound system is wireless or wired does not really determine its sound quality. Other factors matter, such as the quality of the source audio and the construction and materials of the speakers. Most people will not notice much difference between a modern-day wireless system and a wired alternative. However, connoisseurs of audio quality seeking out a wireless surround sound system may want to ensure that it supports 24-bit digital audio so that it’s compatible with high-resolution formats. The Bluesound PULSE system here supports 24-bit/192 kHz digital audio, a resolution limit so high that you’d have to search specific niches for audio material that maxes it out.

A wireless surround sound system for your TV room may be all you’re into for now. Still, if you’re thinking about expanding to a multiroom speaker system where you can share/pass source audio between different rooms in your abode, there are options here. The Bluesound PULSE system, Denon Sound Bar 550 + Components, and Sonos Arc Ultra with Sonos Sub and Era 100 or Era 300 support building multiroom systems with a variety of different add-on units. 

Soundbars simulating surround sound are just simply not as good as true surround-sound systems, meaning systems that have satellite speakers that go most often behind you, sometimes to the left and right sides of you, and occasionally even above you—in the case of high-end Dolby Atmos home theaters. Today’s advanced soundbars with high-tech immersive audio processing can offer a decent illusion of surround sound that is definitely a big step up from internal TV speakers. However, the best surround sound systems still actually have to surround you with physical speakers.

You most often connect a TV to a wireless surround sound system with an HDMI cable that passes both video and audio to and from the TV to either the main soundbar or otherwise some small base hub unit. In the rare case your TV does not have an HDMI ARC input, you can connect the TV to the sound system using both HDMI and digital optical audio cables. 

There is not a completely wireless surround sound system if you consider wires to include power cords and HDMI cables, because the term “wireless surround sound system” means that you do not have to connect any speaker wire to any of the surround speakers or the subwoofer, the way you have to connect speaker wire to the speakers of some home theater systems that are powered by amplifiers. Today’s wireless surround sound systems still need to connect to a TV with an HDMI cable, and you need to plug in a power cord to various components such as a soundbar or a subwoofer. You can find some options, such as the JBL Bar 1300X, that have rear speakers powered by rechargeable batteries, eliminating two power cords from the setup. However, there’s not a wireless surround sound system yet that doesn’t need at least an HDMI cable and a couple of power cords.

• Best overall: Samsung HW-990F
• Best splurge: Nakamichi Dragon with Quad 12″ Subwoofers
• Also worth considering: Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad with SA-SW5 Wireless Subwoofer
• Best design: Sonos Arc Ultra with Sonos Sub and Era 100 or Era 300 surrounds  
• Easiest setup: JBL Bar 1300X
• Best sound quality for audiophiles: Bluesound PULSE system
• Best budget multiroom-compatible setup: Denon Sound Bar 550 + Components
• Best value: Klipsch Flexus CORE 200 + Flexus Sub 100 + Flexus Surround 100 speakers

The 2025 HW‑Q990F is Samsung’s latest rabbit from that hat, and after dynamic movie marathons, midnight gaming sessions, and neighbor‑testing playlists, I’m convinced Samsung has again balanced raw spec‑sheet bravado with day‑to‑day living‑room sanity by making small yet meaningful tweaks to a proven plug-and-play platform. It’s sanded the edges, tightened the screws, and earned the crown as our best overall pick.

Due to its powerful and clear sound, its wealth of state-of-the-art technology—like HDMI 2.1, eArc, and Dolby Atmos—and the sheer size of its 9.2.4 speaker configuration for less than $2,000, the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 eARC SSE Max gets the nod as a close second. It may not be cheap, but it is still a great value compared to some of the competition. However, its dual subwoofers and four surround speakers are a bit overkill for some people’s needs or available space. 

By contrast, options like the JBL Bar 1300X or Sony Theater Quad accomplish full-room surround sound with smaller footprints. If perhaps you’d like to start even smaller and build from there, the Sonos, Klipsch, and Denon systems on this list all let you start with an outstanding soundbar and add to it with subwoofers and surround speakers. You really can’t go wrong with any system on this list once you conclude how much power, how many speakers, and which technological extras you want with your wireless surround sound system.

The post The best wireless surround sound systems in 2025, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

The relocation of an ice cream parlor in the Polish port town of Gdańsk marked the end of an era. Miś had operated in the same location since 1962, but a few years ago, the ice cream parlor’s owners decided to relocate across the city. The vacancy presented local archaeologists with a unique opportunity, however, as the original location in the historic central district of Śródmieście sat above a medieval cemetery attached to Gdańsk’s oldest church. Knowing this, experts saw a rare chance to investigate if any history had been hiding underneath all that ice cream.

After two years of excavations, researchers have discovered a remarkable find: the tomb of a medieval knight. And judging from the details of his burial, the man was no ordinary vassal. According to Sylwia Kurzyńska, an archaeologist and director of the archaeology firm ArcheoScan, the location is of “exceptional significance.”

“[It’s] one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Poland in recent years,” she said in a statement to CNN.

The first clue that Kurzyńska’s team had uncovered something truly notable happened when workers found a nearly five-foot-long slab of Gotland limestone, a valuable material during the Middle Ages. Further examinations revealed the stone was cracked into four pieces, but experts could still discern an engraved relief of a knight in full chainmail armor with a sword and shield.

“The knight is shown standing upright with an uplifted sword—a posture likely symbolizing authority and elevated social status,” Kurzyńska explained.

After carefully removing the limestone, archaeologists located a rectangular arrangement of 23 additional field stones, beneath which lay a complete skeleton. Initial analysis indicated the man was about 40 years old and somewhere between 5’7” and 5’11” tall at the time of his death. This would have made the individual about average height, if not slightly taller than his contemporaries.

The grave’s exact age remains in question. It’s possible that the knight lived sometime during the 13th and 14th centuries, a period in which Gdańsk was occupied by the Teutonic Knights, a German Catholic military order founded in Jerusalem in 1190 CE during the Crusades. It’s also possible that the man lived one or two centuries earlier, in which case he likely served as a knight in the Sobiesław dynasty. Either way, the elaborate limestone grave marker suggests the man had made a name for himself before his death.

“Although no grave goods were found, all available evidence suggests that the deceased was a person of high social standing—most likely a knight or commander held in particularly high esteem and respect,” explained Kurzyńska.

With the tombstone and skeleton transported to Gdańsk’s Archaeological Museum, conservationists are now working on cleaning and preserving the finds. Archaeologists will oversee a full 3D scan of the slab to create a digital rendering, while other team members will conduct anthropological and genetic analysis on the bones, including a possible facial reconstruction.

The post Medieval knight’s grave discovered under ice cream shop appeared first on Popular Science.

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) approved $94 million to build over 500 electric vehicle charging ports for trucks along the state’s busiest trade corridors, signaling an effort to continue the state’s shift to electric cars and trucks.

According to an article by Carter Rubin for the Natural Resources Defense Council, “This investment may seem modest relative to the state’s $20 billion annual transportation infrastructure budget, but it will increase the number of truck chargers by a whopping 25 percent.”

Despite the federal government’s retreat from supporting electrification, other states can also continue the push with efforts like this that support EV infrastructure in key freight corridors and for private vehicles, Rubin adds. “Advocates can tailor this strategy to fit their state’s transportation funding context by mapping where electrification needs overlap with flexible pots of money. Local mayors and businesses can also make sure that priority EV charging infrastructure projects are included in regional and state transportation project pipelines to ensure eligibility for state and federal funds.”

• Electric Trucks
• Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
• EV Charging
• EVs

In a piece for Civil Eats, Riley Ramirez lists 21 climate and resilience-related projects cancelled by the Trump EPA.

These projects include geothermal greenhouses in California’s Coachella Valley, urban gardens in Denver, composting programs in Waco, among others. “The organizations guiding these projects now face a significant loss of funding, ranging from $155,000 to $20 million each, according to federal documents obtained by Civil Eats through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.” The funding was awarded through several grant programs including the Community Change Grant Program, the Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving Cooperative Agreement Program, and the Environmental Justice Government-to-Government Program.

The EPA cited the Biden administration’s “radical agenda of wasteful DEI programs and ‘environmental justice’ preferencing” as the reason for canceling the grants.

• Food Systems
• Farms
• Environmental Justice
• Climate Change
• Climate Resilience
• Urban Gardens
• Trump 2.0
• Environmental Protection Agency

Il TECHNOLOGYforALL- Academy nasce come uno spazio di confronto e orientamento dedicato agli studenti che si

When you’re knee-deep in a DIY project or mid-repair under the hood, the last thing you want is to wrestle with unreliable tools. The ACDelco G12 Series Li-ion 12V Ratchet Wrench Kit was built with that in mind—offering the speed, torque, and reliability that serious users demand, without overcomplicating the job.

This combo includes two compact, cordless ratchet wrenches (1/4″ and 3/8″), one powerful 12V lithium-ion battery, a fast charger, and a durable canvas storage bag. Whether you’re upgrading your garage setup or looking for something more efficient than your current tools, this set covers a lot of ground. Literally. From auto repair and construction to plumbing or furniture assembly, these wrenches are made for maneuverability in tight spots and are lightweight enough for all-day use.

What sets this kit apart is the balance between power and precision. The 3/8″ wrench delivers up to 45 ft-lbs of torque, while the 1/4″ hits 30 ft-lbs—with no-load speeds of 170 and 240 RPM, respectively. Plus, features like built-in LED lighting, electric braking, and heat release vents show that ACDelco didn’t skimp on thoughtful engineering.

At a 17 percent discount and free shipping included, this kit is an easy win for anyone who wants pro-level results without a pro-level budget. It’s the kind of upgrade you’ll wonder how you ever lived without—and your future self will thank you every time you skip the hand cramps and busted knuckles.

Pick up this ACDelco G12 Series Li-ion 12V Ratchet Wrench Kit while it’s just $114.99 (reg. $139.95) with free shipping.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

_

ACDelco G12 Series Li-ion 12V 1/4″ & 3/8″ Ratchet Wrench Kit with 1 Battery & Bag

See Deal

The post Power through projects like a pro with this $115 cordless wrench kit appeared first on Popular Science.

President Trump signed an executive order that makes it easier for cities to remove unhoused people from the street and potentially institutionalize them, reports Joey Garrison for USA Today.

“The move, first reported by USA TODAY, also redirects federal funds to ensure the homeless people impacted are transferred to rehabilitation, treatment and other facilities, though it was not clear how much money would be allocated,” Garrison adds.

The order, titled “Ending Crime and Disorder on America's Streets,” directs the Attorney General to seek to reverse judicial precedents and end consent degrees that “limit local and state governments' ability to move homeless people from streets and encampments into treatment centers.”

The National Homelessness Law Center called the action “misguided at best, and counterproductive and dangerous at worst,” noting that forced treatment is “unethical, ineffective, and illegal.”

Coupled with the Supreme Court’s decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson, the order further encourages punitive measures against homeless people that advocates say don’t address the root causes of the crisis. 

• Trump 2.0
• Homelessness
• Unhoused
• Executive Actions
• Criminalization of Homelessness
• Housing Crisis

This article by Christopher Shea was originally published in Rhode Island Current. It has been shortened.

To cover a $10 million deficit, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) on Thursday laid out a wide-ranging plan for service cuts.

And just how deep are they? Well, it might be easier to say what’s not on the chopping block.

That’s because the agency is proposing to cut or reduce 58 of its 67 routes — around 86% — ranging from connections to the Block Island Ferry, weekend service to Roger Williams Park Zoo, and the trolleys connecting Newport’s North End to the city’s beaches.

Eleven routes would be totally eliminated. Thirty routes would see reductions in trip frequency or number of trips. A half dozen routes serving park and rides would be eliminated or have round trips reduced.

But just how many jobs are on the line remains unclear. [RIPTA CEO Christopher Durand] had previously told reporters that between 90 to 100 employees could be let go, but walked back his projections Thursday.

Proposed service changes arrive four days before a series of public hearings are scheduled to begin across the state. The first will be held Monday, July 28 at the Community College of Rhode Island’s Knight Campus in Warwick from noon to 1:30 p.m. 

After those hearings, Durand said the board will consider approving the final plan when it holds a special meeting Aug. 7.

Should the panel move forward with the recommendations, the cuts would take effect Sept.13.

But Durand told the board a fare increase will remain off the table — at least for now.

“That is something we’re going to take a little more time to understand to make sure whatever we do is thoughtful and effective,” Durand said. 

The agency plans to conduct a study to analyze impacts of a potential fare increase on “ridership, revenue, and equity,” according to its announcement of the proposed service cuts.

• Rhode Island Public Transit Agency
• RIPTA
• Public Transit
• Transit Funding
• Transit Service
• Service Cuts

• iPhone 16e


• iPhone 16


• iPhone 16 Plus


• iPhone 16 Pro


• iPhone 16 Pro Max


• iPhone 15


• iPhone 15 Plus


• iPhone 15 Pro


• iPhone 15 Pro Max


• iPhone 14


• iPhone 14 Plus


• iPhone 14 Pro


• iPhone 14 Pro Max


• iPhone 13


• iPhone 13 mini


• iPhone 13 Pro


• iPhone 13 Pro Max


• iPhone 12


• iPhone 12 mini


• iPhone 12 Pro


• iPhone 12 Pro Max


• iPhone 11


• iPhone 11 Pro


• iPhone 11 Pro Max


• iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

1. Plug your iPhone into your Mac using the supplied cable.


2. Allow the accessory to connect by clicking Allow in the dialog prompt.


3. Open a Finder window by clicking the Finder icon in the Dock.


4. Click your iOS device's name in the sidebar.
   
   
5. If this is the first time connecting your device to your Mac, click Trust in the Finder window.
   
   
6. Tap Trust on your device when prompted, then enter your passcode to confirm.


7. In the General tab, click the circle next to where it says Back up all of the data on your iPad to this Mac.


8. If you want to encrypt the backup, check the box next to Encrypt local backup, then enter a password to protect your data.


9. If you don't want to create an encrypted backup, or you've already set up encrypted backups, click Back Up Now.
   
   

1. Head over to Apple's Beta Software Program website and sign up using your Apple Account credentials.
   
   
2. Now go to Settings ➝ General ➝ Software Update on your iPhone.


3. Tap Beta Updates. If you don't see the option, try switching off Download iOS Updates (Automatic Updates ➝ Download iOS Updates), then tap Back and it should appear.


4. Select iOS 26 Public Beta in the list, then tap Back.


5. Wait for the Software Update screen to check Apple's servers. When the iOS 26 Public Beta appears, tap Download and Install, then follow the instructions and wait for installation to complete.