Soundcore, Anker’s audio brand, has mostly lived in the budget-to-midrange world, but with its new Liberty 5 Pro earbuds, it’s aiming at the big guys. The two new earbuds — the Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max — use Anker’s new Thus chip, which has more processing power than previous Soundcore earbuds to try and compete with the chips found in Apple, Sony, and Bose products. And that extra processing power gives the Liberty 5 Pro the best in-call noise canceling I’ve heard in any earbuds.
Technology
Twelve South’s AirFly Pro 2 has hit one of its best prices ahead of summer travel
With Memorial day weekend kicking off the travel season, we’re seeing a lot of deals pop up on travel gadgets, from portable power banks to noise-canceling headphones. One of the best right now is Twelve South’s AirFly Pro 2 Bluetooth adapter, which lets you use your wireless headphones with in-flight entertainment systems so you can enjoy your flight a little more. It’s currently down to $49.99 ($10 off) at Amazon and directly from Twelve South, which is one of its best prices to date.
The Bluetooth transmitter lets you ditch the airline’s wired earbuds in favor of your own Bluetooth headphones or earbuds, which makes for a much better in-flight listening experience. All you need to do is plug the AirFly Pro 2 into the headphone jack on a seatback entertainment system, pair your headphones, and you’re set. It also supports two pairs of headphones at once, so you can watch movies or listen to podcasts with a travel companion.
As Twelve South’s premium AirFly model, the Pro 2 also adds a few welcome improvements that make it even easier to use. That includes the cheaper AirFly SE’s dedicated onboard volume controls as well as an upgraded processor, which enables faster pairing and improved sound quality with less background noise. Its battery should also last up to 25 hours on a single charge, which should comfortably last you through even the longest flights.
The AirFly Pro 2 remains useful long after you land, too. As it works with any standard audio jack, you can also use it to connect your wireless headphones to devices like a Nintendo Switch , older car stereos, and even compatible gym equipment like treadmills.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
It starts with something that feels exciting. An email lands in your inbox claiming you may be entitled to an inheritance. No warning. No backstory. Just a formal message and a ticking clock.
That is exactly what happened to Tim C., who wrote us:
I received an email this afternoon that I have never received before. Just wondering if you have seen anything like this before. I think it is a scam, but it sure looks real.
Tim trusted his instincts. This is a scam. And it is one of the more convincing ones making the rounds right now.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU
This inheritance email looks official, but the vague details, fake registry and 48-hour deadline are major red flags. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What the ‘Heir Research Registry’ email looks like
This email looks official at first glance. Every part of it is designed to build trust fast and push you to click before you question it.
The message claims you are a “Primary Potential Beneficiary” tied to an unclaimed estate. It warns that the funds could be reassigned to the state if you do not act within 48 hours.
There is also a button that says “Check My Unclaimed Inheritance.” That button is the trap.
What makes this scam more believable than most
This version is more polished than the typical scam email. That is what makes it dangerous.
It uses your real name
“Tim C” makes it feel targeted and legitimate. Scammers often pull names from leaked data or public records.
It mimics legal and financial language
Phrases like “probate holding period” and “estate allocation” sound official but are intentionally vague.
It includes a reference ID
The ID makes it feel trackable and real, but it cannot be verified.
It looks structured and professional
The layout, table format and compliance tone resemble real financial notices.
It removes obvious scam signals
There are no spelling errors or strange formatting. That lowers your guard.
SCAMMERS NOW IMPERSONATE COWORKERS, STEAL EMAIL THREADS IN CONVINCING PHISHING ATTACKS
Scammers rely on quick reactions, so taking a moment to question unexpected messages can help you avoid costly mistakes. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The red flags hiding in plain sight
This message appears legitimate. But several details give it away.
‘2026 National Heir Research Registry’ does not exist
There is no official registry by that name at the federal or state level.
The 48-hour deadline is a pressure tactic
Real estate and probate processes do not operate on urgent email deadlines.
No law firm, executor or court is named
Legitimate inheritance notices always include verifiable legal contacts.
The explanation is intentionally vague
You are told there is an estate, but not who it belongs to or how you are connected.
The ‘Check My Unclaimed Inheritance’ button is the trap
This is likely a phishing link designed to collect personal data.
The fine print tries to sound legal
References to the “Unclaimed Property Act” are generic and not tied to a real case.
Why this email is so effective
This scam hits three emotional triggers at once.
- Curiosity. Who left me money?
- Urgency. I only have 48 hours
- Opportunity. I might lose something valuable
That combination pushes you to act quickly rather than slowing down to verify.
What this scam is trying to do
This isn’t about giving you money. It is about getting your information. If you click the link, a few things can happen:
- You land on a fake form that asks for personal details
- You are prompted to verify your identity with sensitive data
- You may be asked for banking information
- In some cases, malware can install in the background
Once scammers have your data, they can use it for identity theft, financial fraud or future scams.
SCAMMERS ARE ABUSING ICLOUD CALENDAR TO SEND PHISHING EMAILS
Clicking a single link in a scam email can expose your personal data and open the door to identity theft or financial fraud. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How real inheritance notifications actually work
A quick reality check makes this easier to spot. Legitimate inheritance notices follow a very different process:
- They come from a named attorney, executor or law firm with verifiable contact details you can confirm independently
- They include clear information about the estate and your relationship to it
- They do not pressure you with short deadlines
- They do not ask you to click random links to claim funds
If someone truly left you money, the legal system does not rely on mystery emails.
How to stay safe from inheritance scam emails
If you receive an email like this, take a step back and follow these steps. Scammers rely on speed. Your best defense is slowing down.
1) Do not click anything and use strong antivirus software
Avoid links, buttons or attachments in unexpected messages and make sure you are protected with strong antivirus software that can block malicious sites and downloads. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.
2) Do not reply
Engaging can confirm your email is active and lead to more scams.
3) Delete the email or mark the email as spam
This helps your email provider block similar messages.
4) Hover over links before clicking
On a computer, place your cursor over links to preview the real URL.
5) Check the sender’s email address carefully
Scammers often use addresses that look official but include small misspellings or unfamiliar domains.
6) Verify through official channels only
Search your state’s unclaimed property website directly. Never use links from the email.
7) Search the organization name yourself
Typing the name into Google can quickly reveal if others have flagged it as a scam.
8) Use a data removal service
Limiting how much of your personal information is available online makes it harder for scammers to target you with personalized messages like this. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com.
9) Report the scam email
Forward it to reportphishing@apwg.org or report it through your email provider.
10) Protect your personal information
Never share your Social Security number, date of birth or banking details through unsolicited messages.
Kurt’s key takeaways
That unexpected inheritance email can feel exciting for a moment. Then reality should take over. If you do not recognize the name, if there is no clear paper trail and if there is a countdown clock, it is almost certainly a scam. Tim paused before clicking. That pause is what protects you. Real money finds you through legal channels, not through a random email with a deadline.
If an email promised you money but gave you only 48 hours to act, would you click first or verify first? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Previously, the highest-priced Soundcore earbuds (not counting the sleep buds) were the Liberty 4 Pro at $150, but the Liberty 5 Pro are $170 and the Liberty 5 Pro Max are $230. That’s reaching into AirPods Pro 3 territory. Price differences within a product line usually mean different earbud designs, like the open-ear AirPods 4 with ANC versus the sealed AirPods Pro 3. But the Liberty 5 Pro and 5 Pro Max earbuds are exactly the same. They have the same chip, 9.2mm drivers, microphone array, ANC performance, sound profile, battery life, IP55 rating, and overall features. The only difference is the case.
$170
The Good
- Incredible call quality
- Great ANC
- Useful case screen
The Bad
- Default sound profile needs tweaking
The 5 Pro case has an angled 0.96-inch TFT screen on the front that can be used to change settings like ANC, sound profiles, speak-to-chat, and Dolby head tracking. Everything that can be done on the screen can be done in the Soundcore app too, so it’s just preference if you want to take out the case or your phone.
The 1.78-inch AMOLED screen for the 5 Pro Max case is on its sliding top. In addition to the capabilities of the 5 Pro case, you can adjust the screen brightness or change the wallpaper, as well as access a feature that sets the 5 Pro Max apart from its less-expensive sibling: a microphone and an AI note-taking app. You can record audio directly to the case, which has 357MB of storage, then transfer it to your phone where you can generate a transcription and summary in the Soundcore app. (It does require a Soundcore account.)
The file can be edited in the Soundcore app or exported (audio as an MP3, and the transcript and summary as .txt, Markdown, .docx, or PDF file). The transcription can differentiate between different speakers and in my testing I found it to be very accurate, both with who was speaking and with what they were saying. If you’re someone who needs to record classes or meetings regularly it’s a useful feature, especially since it doesn’t require your headphones to be in. But beyond the larger screen, it’s the only major thing that sets the 5 Pro Max apart from the 5 Pro.
The earbuds look similar to the Bose Ultra Earbuds with a wide, chunky outer body, but they don’t feel that way in the ear. As opposed to the bulbous housing of the Bose, the Liberty 5’s housing slims down, allowing for a better fit while also making them easier to hold onto. They’re comfortable and feel very secure, and I was never concerned they would fall out, even when jumping around.
Out of the box, the Liberty 5 sound profile is on the bassy side, causing vocals — especially male vocals — to sound muddy. Snare hits sound dull and there’s sparkle missing from high-end sounds. By choosing your favorite sound clip tuning from a series of seven examples, you can adjust the earbuds to your preferences (there’s also an 8-band EQ if you’d rather use that). It fixed the issues I had with Soundcore’s default profile. There was still good bass response, but the lower mids were cleaned up and the high mids were boosted a bit, causing the whole sound to open up. Nick Drake’s acoustic guitar in “Pink Moon” shimmers more, as do the piano octaves, and his voice doesn’t get swallowed up by the lower guitar register as his voice descends at the end of the chorus vocal line. Compared to the AirPods Pro 3 my Soundcore profile was still heavier on the bass and didn’t have the same high-end response, but I enjoyed my music listening just as much. The Liberty 5 Pro support LDAC for high-res audio from devices that use the codec.
Adaptive noise-canceling performance is comparable to the AirPods Pro 3, and for $80 less, which is great. The Liberty 5 Pro let in a little bit more midrange than the AirPods, but it’s a very small difference. They ably handle low-end drones and will work well for long flights.
The most remarkable feature of the Liberty 5 Pro series, though, is its voice call capability. I have never heard a pair of earbuds or headphones handle ambient noise on a call this well. One time, my very enthusiastic son sang and yelled while jumping up and down in front of me and the person on the other end of the call heard none of it. During another call, arborists fed tree branches into a wood chipper right outside our open apartment window. The person on the other end had no idea.
I have a friend who’s also an audio reviewer, and I call him regularly to test call clarity on headphones and earbuds. He can’t remember the last time I sounded as natural on a call. And this was while a bunch of traffic, with some emergency vehicles, drove past as I walked the neighborhood. To see how they compare to the AirPods Pro 3, I would switch the earbuds without telling him which I was wearing, and he consistently said the Apple buds sounded muddy and more compressed.
The Liberty 5 Pro buds have a voice-control mode that responds quickly, although it’s not consistent when there’s conversation around you. I tried toggling between noise cancellation modes while my wife was on a Zoom call in the same room, and if she was talking I’d need to speak uncomfortably loudly for modes to change. What’s interesting — and a bit disconcerting — is that there’s no wake word needed. So instead of listening for just an activation phrase, it’s listening for 11 different possible phrases, including “Play Music,” “Volume Up,” “Reject Call,” and “Transparency Mode.”
For the call clarity alone, the Liberty 5 Pro series is an impressive step forward. If you mainly use your earbuds for calls, they are the best earbuds to get. While the AI recording and transcription on the Liberty 5 Pro Max case is interesting, unless you need it regularly, there’s no reason to spend the extra $60 over the Liberty 5 Pro. They have the same ANC performance, same sound profile — which is really good after using the customization questionnaire — and same incredible call quality. $170 might be more than Soundcore earbuds have been in the past, but the improvement is worth it, and if you’re not concerned with staying in Apple’s, Google’s, or Samsung’s ecosystems, the Liberty 5 Pro are an excellent option.
Photography by John Higgins / The Verge
Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Chatting with AI can feel casual until the question gets personal. Maybe you want to ask about a health concern. Maybe you need help understanding a loan. Or maybe you want career advice without feeling like your question is sitting in a data file somewhere.
That is the idea behind Incognito Chat with Meta AI, a new private chat mode Meta says is coming to WhatsApp and the Meta AI app.
According to Meta, the feature creates a temporary AI conversation that is processed in a secure environment and not saved by default. Meta also says no one, including Meta, can read those conversations.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
META MEDICARE SCAM ADS TARGETING SENIORS FACE SCRUTINY
WhatsApp users may soon get a private AI mode as Meta introduces Incognito Chat, designed for temporary conversations that disappear by default. (Anna Barclay/Getty Images)
How Meta AI Incognito Chat works
Meta says Incognito Chat gives you a private space to talk with Meta AI. When you start one, the conversation becomes temporary. Your messages disappear by default, and Meta says the chat is processed in a way that keeps it invisible to anyone else. The big promise is simple: you can ask sensitive questions without leaving behind a saved AI chat history. Meta says the feature uses Private Processing, a system built on WhatsApp’s privacy technology. In plain terms, Meta says your request goes into a protected server environment where the AI can respond without exposing your messages to Meta, WhatsApp or outside parties.
Why this matters for personal AI questions
People already ask AI tools things they may never type into a public search bar. That could include a medical symptom, a financial worry, a relationship issue or a job decision. Those are exactly the kinds of questions where privacy matters most. Incognito Chat is Meta’s answer to a growing concern: AI can be useful, but people may hesitate when the topic feels too sensitive. If Meta’s system works as described, it could make AI feel less risky for those who want help but do not want a permanent record attached to every question.
What makes this different from other incognito modes
Meta is drawing a clear line between its new feature and other “incognito-style” AI modes. The company says some private modes may avoid saving a chat, while the service can still see the question and answer as they move through the system. Meta says Incognito Chat is built differently because conversations are processed in a secure environment that even Meta cannot access. That is a strong claim. It also means users should watch how clearly Meta explains the feature inside WhatsApp and the Meta AI app once it appears. Privacy promises only help when people understand what is happening before they type.
AI DATA CENTERS MAY SOON RIDE OCEAN WAVES
Meta plans to roll out Incognito Chat for WhatsApp and the Meta AI app, promising private AI conversations processed in a secure environment. (Marcin Golba/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Sidechat with Meta AI is also coming
Meta also says another WhatsApp feature called Sidechat is planned for the coming months. Sidechat will let Meta AI help inside a WhatsApp chat while using the context of that conversation. Meta says it will be protected by Private Processing and will avoid disrupting the main chat. That could be useful if you want help writing a reply, summarizing a conversation or understanding what people are discussing. However, it also raises a practical question users will want answered clearly: when is AI looking at chat context, and how obvious will that be?
What this means to you
If you use WhatsApp and already ask AI for help, this could make those conversations feel more comfortable. The feature may be especially useful for sensitive questions you do not want stored in a normal AI chat history. It could also help people who avoid AI because they worry their questions are too personal. However, the feature is still rolling out over the coming months. So you may not see it right away. Also, you should wait to see exactly how Meta labels the feature inside the app and what controls users get at launch.
How to use Meta AI Incognito Chat safely
Once Incognito Chat becomes available, treat it as a privacy upgrade, not a magic shield.
1) Check that you are actually in Incognito Chat
Do not assume every Meta AI conversation is private. Look for the Incognito Chat label before asking anything sensitive.
2) Read the “How it works” screen
Meta says Incognito Chat will explain what happens to your messages. Take a moment to read that screen so you know what is private, what disappears and what is not saved.
3) Avoid sharing unnecessary personal details
Even in a private mode, you can often ask a useful question without giving your full name, address, account number or other identifying details.
4) Be careful with medical and financial advice
AI can explain options, but it should not replace a doctor, lawyer or financial professional when the stakes are high.
5) Review disappearing message behavior
Meta says messages are not stored or saved in chat history. Still, check how the feature explains disappearing messages once it appears on your device.
6) Keep WhatsApp updated
New privacy features often depend on the latest app version.
On iPhone: App Store > tap your profile picture > App Updates > look for WhatsApp. If it appears, tap Update. If it does not appear, no WhatsApp update is currently available.
On Android, go to Google Play Store > profile picture > Manage apps & device > Updates available > Update next to WhatsApp. Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.
Join CyberGuy Live: Lock Down Your Phone in 30 Minutes (Saturday, June 13, 10 am ET)
Your phone holds your email, passwords, photos, banking apps and personal data. In this free, live online class, Kurt the CyberGuy will walk you step by step through simple phone security fixes you can do in real time. You’ll learn how to improve your privacy settings, spot the latest phone scams, use trusted security tools and walk away with a simple checklist to stay protected. Register here: CyberGuyLive.com
CHINA BLOCKS META AI DEAL OVER SECURITY CONCERNS
Meta says its new Incognito Chat for Meta AI will let WhatsApp users ask sensitive questions in temporary conversations that are not saved by default. (Marcin Golba/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Kurt’s key takeaways
AI is becoming the place people go for answers they once saved for a close friend, a search box or a late-night spiral through online forums. That makes privacy a big deal. Meta’s Incognito Chat could be a meaningful step if it gives you a clear, temporary and truly private way to ask sensitive questions. The real test will be how easy it is to find, understand and use.
Would you ask an AI a deeply personal question if the app promised that even the company behind it could not read it? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS AP
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
-
Wyoming3 minutes agoWyoming gaming revenue surges past billions as Casper considers freeze
-
Crypto9 minutes agoBlockchain.com files confidentially for US IPO amid growing crypto listings – SiliconANGLE
-
Finance15 minutes agoScaling Blended Climate Finance: What Works in Practice – CPI
-
Fitness21 minutes agoSusanna Reid, 55, swapped runs and the gym for walks and 10-minute workouts – here’s her low-effort routine
-
Movie Reviews33 minutes agoThe 20 Best Films of Cannes 2026
-
World45 minutes agoInside ‘Sh(AI)ved,’ the AI-Created Vintage Adult Film Collection Unveiled at Cannes: ‘Splendid, Volcanic Orgasms’
-
News51 minutes agoRead Tulsi Gabbard’s Resignation Letter
-
Politics57 minutes agoPoll Suggests a Possible Path Forward for Democrats
