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
Donny Osmond uses AI to sing with his 14-year-old self
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Some stars spend their careers protecting the version of themselves that first made them famous. Donny Osmond took the opposite path. He built a career by evolving with the times and then kept going. Today, in his Las Vegas residency at Harrah’s, the legendary entertainer performs a duet with a digital version of his 14-year-old self, the same teenage Donny who captured hearts decades ago with hits like “Puppy Love.”
The moment feels almost surreal on stage. Yet it also reflects something deeper about Osmond’s career. Instead of resisting technology or relying only on nostalgia, he has embraced new tools that allow him to reinterpret his own history in front of a live audience. That willingness to experiment with technology has helped him remain relevant for more than six decades in entertainment.
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STOP THE INSANITY 2.0: ’90S ICON SUSAN POWTER’S TECH COMEBACK
Why Donny Osmond still connects with audiences
There is a reason Donny Osmond still matters to multiple generations. Older fans know the teen idol who broke out with songs like “Puppy Love.” Others know him from Donny & Marie. Theater fans remember “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Younger audiences may know him as the singing voice of Captain Shang in Disney’s “Mulan.” Then there are reality TV fans who saw him win Dancing With the Stars or meet him again on The Masked Singer.
That range gives him something rare in entertainment. He does not belong to just one era. He belongs to several. And instead of resisting that, he leans into it. Technology now plays a role in that connection as well.
How Donny Osmond brought his younger self back to the stage
Osmond explained the idea when he sat down with me for my “Beyond Connected” podcast. The concept actually began decades ago when he started imagining what future technology might make possible. “Even when I was a teenager, I thought someday there’s going to be technology where John Wayne could be Obi-Wan Kenobi. And I was right!” Osmond said.
That long-held fascination eventually led him to a simple question. “Why can’t I sing ‘Puppy Love’ with my 14-year-old self on stage?” Osmond said. The answer involved combining several forms of digital production, AI modeling and stage design.
“The face is actually my 14-year-old face taken from pictures, the voice is my voice from interviews when I was 14, and the body is my 14-year-old grandson,” Osmond said. The result is a performance where two versions of Donny Osmond appear to share the stage at the same time.
It is not a hologram, it is something called a hollow box
Many people assume the younger Donny is a hologram. Osmond said that is not the case. “It’s not a projection, like a laser projection. It’s not like a hologram. It’s a totally different technology,” Osmond explained.
Instead, the illusion relies on a piece of stage technology known as a hollow box. The structure is built into the set and designed to look like a vintage recording booth on stage. Inside that space, advanced visual systems combine CGI, AI modeling and stage lighting to create the digital image of the younger Donny so it appears full-size and three-dimensional.
The effect blends archived photos, computer-generated animation and voice samples from Osmond’s early interviews to recreate his teenage likeness. His grandson provides the physical body movement used to animate the performance. Standing just inches away from the illusion, Osmond can look directly at his younger self while singing. From the audience’s perspective, it appears as if the two performers are sharing the stage face-to-face in real time.
Even after performing the sequence night after night, Osmond said the experience still surprises him. “I do it every night, and it never gets old. It’s like looking in the mirror 54 years ago,” Osmond said. For longtime fans, the moment connects the teenage star they remember with the seasoned performer he is today. The visual contrast tells the story of a career that has spanned generations.
INSIDE MICROSOFT’S AI CONTENT VERIFICATION PLAN
Behind the scenes, Osmond’s grandson performs the body movements used to animate the digital version of the teenage Donny seen in the Las Vegas show. (Donny Osmond)
Donny Osmond has always been fascinated with technology
One of the most surprising parts of my conversation with Donny is that he does not sound like a celebrity who was dragged into modern tech. He sounds like the kid who would have loved being dropped into a maker lab. “Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve always been kind of a geek or nerd about technical things,” Osmond said.
That curiosity still drives him today. He studies the tools behind his stage production and experiments with new ways to keep the show fresh. In many ways, technology has become another creative instrument.
Donny Osmond’s favorite app might surprise you
When I asked Donny which apps he uses the most, the answer revealed a different side of the performer. “I’d have to say, uh, Google Sheets because, uh, I’ve created algorithms,” Osmond said.
He enjoys building detailed spreadsheets and analyzing data. His phone of choice is a foldable device that allows him to view larger spreadsheets easily. Osmond also embraces connected security technology. He said he uses cameras and smart alarm systems to monitor his homes, dressing room and other properties so he always knows what is happening around him.
For someone known around the world as a singer and performer, it is an unexpectedly technical hobby.
Donny Osmond sees both the promise and risks of AI
Artificial intelligence has sparked debate across music, film and media. Some artists worry about misuse or losing control of their voice and likeness. Osmond takes a balanced view. “Any technology put in the wrong hands can turn into nefarious things, but look at the good it can do,” Osmond said.
From medicine to entertainment, he believes AI has the potential to drive major advances. “What a great time to be alive with today’s technology. It’s amazing to watch it all happen in real time,” Osmond said. At the same time, he believes society must stay engaged with technological progress rather than fear it. “If we run away from technology, other countries and other people are going to be way ahead of us,” Osmond said.
Speaking of technology, Osmond says his music may already have made it into space. During our conversation, he said one of his songs was reportedly used to test the sound system on a spacecraft capsule. “They actually used my song ‘Start Again’ from my latest album to test the sound system on one of the capsules,” Osmond said.
He then mentioned another story he has heard many times over the years. “When they went to the moon in the Apollo missions, and we did go to the moon, by the way, they took a tape of music with them. And on that music is Andy Williams singing ‘Aquarius.’ I’m singing background vocals on that song. They left the tape on the moon. My voice is sitting on the moon.”
APPLE TAPS GOOGLE GEMINI TO POWER APPLE INTELLIGENCE
Donny Osmond headlines his long-running residency at Harrah’s Las Vegas, where the show now features an AI-powered duet with his teenage self. (Donny Osmond)
Social media would have changed the early Donny Osmond years
Osmond also reflected on how today’s digital platforms might have changed his early career. “Can you imagine what I could have done during the ‘Puppy Love’ years with social media?” Osmond said.
At the height of his teen idol fame, fans lined up outside television studios and concerts hoping to catch a glimpse of him. Today, that kind of connection often happens through social platforms and digital communities. It is one more example of how technology has reshaped the entertainment industry.
A career that continues to evolve
Donny Osmond first rose to fame performing with his brothers as part of the Osmonds. The family group became a television sensation in the late 1960s and early 1970s with appearances on shows like “The Andy Williams Show.” Soon after, his sister Marie stepped into the spotlight, and the two became household names with their hit variety series “Donny & Marie.” Decades later, the siblings reunited for a highly successful Las Vegas residency that ran for more than a decade.
Over the years, Osmond has released dozens of albums, starred in television shows, performed on Broadway and built a long-running Las Vegas career. Today, he headlines his own residency at Harrah’s Las Vegas, where he performs several nights a week. The show has been extended through May 2026, a testament to its continued popularity with audiences. Many younger fans now discover Osmond through social media clips, streaming platforms and live performances in Las Vegas.
Technology now plays a role in how he connects with fans as well. Osmond keeps fans connected through the Donny app (donnyosmondapp.com), which brings together news, videos, tour updates and a timeline of his career in one place. Fans can also find tickets, show information and updates at Donny.com, the official website he referenced during our interview. By blending nostalgia with modern technology, Osmond continues to reach fans across generations while pushing his show into new territory.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Donny Osmond’s career is proof that curiosity can keep an artist moving forward. Instead of resisting change, he continues exploring the technology that’s shaping our world today. From AI stage performances to data-driven apps and smart home systems, Osmond approaches technology with the same enthusiasm he brings to performing. Be sure to listen to or watch the “Beyond Connected” conversation with Donny Osmond to hear more about how he blends entertainment and technology.
If you could use AI to meet a younger version of yourself, what would you ask them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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