Refurbished purchase = Money saved and a happy customer

                                                                                                                                              Plus, your smartwatch is probably disgusting. Here’s how to clean it [Pocket-lint Logo](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/OV603wXWdUqXheh_oLqduH1n8qs=366) March 19, 2024 Customize your content preferences and share our newsletter with friends [here](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fpage%2Fnewsletter%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/dvdgGfmk9Ix9_Em4Fkp4b5OChXk=366)! Thrifty and bargain hunters rejoice, we explored refurbished AirPods to test the value and quality -- and came away impressed. Additionally, we review the fantastic performance and longevity of a great pair of budget headphones from AudioTechnica. Proving that quality and budget can be the best of friends. 👯 And if you haven’t started “spreading democracy” through our favorite viral game of the season: Helldivers, you’re missing out. We predict its success drives a surge of DnD game master style productions in the future, on the same levels that Fortnite pushed battle royal gaming seven years ago. Be sure to check back tomorrow for fresh, hot takes from our back pocket to yours for more device, entertainment, lifestyle, and audio tech coverage. 😉 [7 reasons why I bought refurbished AirPods instead of new ones](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Freasons-i-bought-refurbished-airpods%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/dJnhSqYdYppRsg2o8xTrz9aTkP0=366) New and shiny is alluring, but the thrill finding premium for less, is everything. [Refurbished AirPods Pro with charger case](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Freasons-i-bought-refurbished-airpods%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/2/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/-Me_wTZFgFl715uk23ACtrC0q7Y=366) I have a love-hate relationship with refurbished products. With an initial list of concerns like compromised functionality, authenticity, warranty, and being [the fashion-obsessed consumer](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Ffashion-tech-come-together%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/aypFZW5n-_8dBp7m025gwtGICec=366) I am, aesthetic flaws. Of course, there's always the worry that [AirPods](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fbest-airpods%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/mk6d4HSKvmyjCTdJZvDHlUbvd_k=366) have lived in someone else's ears. In the name of research, however, I did some exploration. [Read More »](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Freasons-i-bought-refurbished-airpods%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/3/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/RF9VmLGR4SsXnboxeUxXvRnxpAY=366) [These Audio-Technica headphones bring flat, studio quality sound for less](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Faudio-technica-ath-m30x-review%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/XMx_4fT-QactFxAdopS170gibX4=366) Audio-Technica's more affordable studio headphones still hold up years later. [The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x on a white table](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Faudio-technica-ath-m30x-review%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/2/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/C1aKdAUQcWNqKxIfp7FQYNc96ZM=366) Audio-Technica's M-series of headphones is iconic among audiophiles and musicians, and the ATH-M30x is no exception. This pair of headphones is one of the most [affordable](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fbest-mid-range-headphones%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/zgH2M9WnLwUppiJZ3-t6KdS4Ydc=366) in the M-series, and is well-loved by many. I've owned these headphones for a few years, and have used them for everything from casual music listening to recording music myself. [Read More »](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Faudio-technica-ath-m30x-review%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/3/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/92CFynMYusF_T3HfbbwkGu6uLng=366) [Helldivers 2 is paving the way for more D&D-style game masters](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fhelldivers-2-game-master%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/e2J2eHvrtLQK3-JrAaXjbRuhhW4=366) Helldivers 2's success could lead to more D&D-style game masters in games, like how Fortnite made battle royale modes a thing in games like Warzone. [Helldivers 2 game master Joel](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fhelldivers-2-game-master%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/2/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/wNoBRU6Qjh9MHafxhbZ0IZDm6YE=366) Image credit: Helldivers 2 Seven years ago, [PUBG: Battlegrounds](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fgames%2Fnews%2F144028-what-is-pubg-mobile-and-why-is-everyone-talking-about-playerunknown-s-battlegrounds%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/sYhjx5WpQiK67V4fsWYkdHrYzUI=366) and [Fortnite](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fwhat-parents-need-to-know-about-fortnite%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/3w8Y97Y_JzyU_LDrCBA3obHk7ck=366) debuted, prompting a rush among gaming studios to replicate their success. This resulted in excellent titles, like the Call of Duty spin-off [Warzone](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fcall-of-duty-warzone-2-tips-and-tricks-essential-hints%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/b-sybSiBkJryRjnpTWCJg4KYPrQ=366), as well as poor imitations. Even unexpected games like Civilization 6 introduced their own Fortnite-inspired battle royale modes, featuring shrinking safe zones for players. [Read More »](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fhelldivers-2-game-master%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/3/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/uvZF7WkaopWbSEh_Xvl5jubnJSs=366) Deal of the day [Save on this Apple Watch Ultra 2 charger today](%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FBelkin-Wireless-Charging-Nightstand-Minimalist%2Fdp%2FB09MT88Q4G%2F%3Ftag=newsletter039-20/1/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/Kd8ABEbIbc1J0jv7fi6s7BEvvic=366) In case you missed it [Apple is reportedly prepping 2 budget-friendly AirPods models for September](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fapple-airpods-new-models-september%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/gX6-69h-O01gf3NVDFFLLe-pdvE=366) [4 reasons to buy a Samsung TV over a Sony TV](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Freasons-to-try-samsung-over-sony-tvs%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/MkmOG4waqHLk9TMl-8tuUFIFVls=366) [Google Pixel Watch 3: What we know](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fgoogle-pixel-watch-3-what-we-know%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/n10VS8qX1Q77B6GMhe5gbj1WmDs=366) [Google Pixel 8a: What we're expecting from Google's next phone](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fgoogle-pixel-8a-rumours-release-date-specs-features%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/v50LKz7qLia5Uuyg45Nr-BIwqdo=366) [How to easily find elevation in Apple Maps](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fhow-to-find-elevation-in-apple-maps%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/ZiHrdWwSJFXE4O8jHCMN-qgCuZY=366) And finally... [Your smartwatch is probably harboring bacteria. Here's how to clean it](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fhow-to-clean-smartwatch-fitness-tracker%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/Dwfv54V7RdDXIlQ1xwvDde7DwcM=366) Smartwatches can quickly build up sweat and bacteria. So how do you keep it clean without ruining the electronics? [A photograph of a smartwatch with a microfiber cloth and alcohol wipe](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fhow-to-clean-smartwatch-fitness-tracker%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/2/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/hGtibB0SU9rCtpdp-0t72CpD_VY=366) As devices designed to be worn everywhere from the gym to the hiking trails, smartwatches and fitness trackers can quickly collect build-up and bacteria. In fact, [one 2023 study found](%2F%2Fwww.scirp.org%2Fjournal%2Fpaperinformation%3Fpaperid=125218/1/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/2bCr8LMwtmldrZ5vPGHIr4e_aGo=366) 95% of smartwatch bands were contaminated with bacteria. Yet, using the wrong cleaning products on your smartwatch can at best void the warranty and at worst cause permanent damage. Harsh cleaning products can leave a residue behind on the band that could even potentially cause skin irritation. [Read More »](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fhow-to-clean-smartwatch-fitness-tracker%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202403191554%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/3/0100018e584a0d1b-3e9cdf44-1fe1-42ed-9dd1-8726e3dbfb59-000000/7Wh2HvkRGWfu8hz-Lb80X2ObAS8=366) Thanks for reading - if you're enjoying the email, why not get a friend to sign up too, so they can also be in the know? 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