Christina Darby-Associate Editor

Christina Darby

Associate Editor

August, 2023
Bachelor of Arts from Wake Forest University
headphones, Speakers, apps
  • 73
    articles
  • 4
    News
  • 8
    Features
  • 7
    Lists
  • 13
    Guides
  • 12
    Reviews
  • 25
    Deals
  • 3
    Other

About Christina Darby

Christina Darby Pocket-lint's A/V segment's lead editor. She is based in New York City and holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications, writing, and journalism from Wake Forest University (Go Deacs!). Previously, Christina served as Pocket-lint's commerce editor and worked as an associate editor at ZDNET where she focused on audio and lifestyle wearable product reviews, helped lead commerce holidays, and wrote guides. 

What was your first phone?

In true Gen Z fashion, my first phone was the LG C320 in what's still my favorite color: purple. I received my vertical slide keyboard phone as a Christmas gift in the fifth grade, and it was my prized possession until it broke two years later from me aggressively sliding it too much. 

When did your interest in technology begin?

While I am a relatively recent full-blown "techie," I've always been interested in how things worked, which was exacerbated with Apple's 2007 iPhone launch. I begged my parents to become "early adopters" because I wanted to see how such a small screen could do so much. That fascination followed with the iPad and Apple Watch, both of which I've owned multiple generations of since their debut. As technology has developed, I've seen how it's intersected with my life in virtually (pun intended) every aspect, and my interest just keeps growing. 

What tech products or categories are you most passionate about?

Growing up a dancer and musical theatre performer, I've always had a special draw towards music. And from my first blue iPod Nano and iHome clock radio, to now becoming a full-blown audiophile, I'm fascinated by how we store, absorb, listen, and interact with music and sound. I even took a "physics of sound and music" class in college. As A/V lead editor, I'm interested in exploring how devices from phones, speakers, and headphones deliver content and interact with modern entertainment standards. 

Latest

The AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation superimposed on a purple gradient background
Best AirPods tips and tricks: Get more out of Apple's headphones

Our top tested hacks on how to get the most out of your AirPods from extending the battery, having messages announced, and more.

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Kindle Vella-1
What is Kindle Vella?

Featuring short, episodic content Kindle's direct-publishing project is the Wattpad of the TikTok era.

Sonos Ace
After testing, I'd actually buy the Sonos Ace over my beloved AirPods Max for these 7 reasons

The AirPods Max are iconic, but Sonos absolutely aces it in aspects Apple doesn't.

Beats Pill 2024
5 reasons I'd buy the new Beats Pill over JBL's iconic Flip 6

I recently replaced my favorite JBL speaker with the new Beats Pill, and its leveled-up my listening.

Beats Pill 2024
Beats' new Pill effortlessly converted my picnic blanket setup into the ultimate private party

The Beats Pill makes its 2024 comeback loud and clear.

iPhone 15 Pro Max case
Best iPhone 15 Pro Max cases -- max out potential with a protective shell

Giving the newest Apple Pro handset five stars, we think the beautiful 6.7-inch device is worth the investment. So give it the protection it deserves.

Schedule send
Apple takes Messages to the next level with scheduled send and more fun features

It's not AI-centric, but these new iOS 18 iMessage features boast more efficient, personality-filled communication.

Controlling Roku TV with iPhone
I use my iPhone as a remote for my Roku TV -- here's how

Whether you lost your remote or want a more streamlined navigation experience, using your phone to control your Roku TV is easy.

LG C3
Snag one of LG's most popular OLED TVs at a major Memorial Day discount
TVs

LG's C3 is a fan favorite with striking color and great gaming capabilities -- and it's 25% off ahead of Memorial Day.

Google Keynote (Google I_O ‘24) 1-48-52 screenshot
How I joined the waitlist for Google's Veo AI video tool

Google's Veo takes text prompts and turns it into video, and you can sign up for its experimental tool waitlist today.

soundcore Boom Plus lifestyle 4
Soundcore's new speaker boasts booming bass and a light show

If the Boom 2 Plus sounds as good as it looks, it'll be my summer staple.

Nothing Ear (a) feature image lighting
6 reasons to buy the Nothing Ear (a) over OnePlus Buds 3

OnePlus Buds 3 are some of my favorite budget buds, but there are some things that the Nothing Ear (a) do better.

OnePlus Buds 3 in hand
5 reasons to buy OnePlus Buds 3 over the Nothing Ear (a)

Both of Carl Pei's companies have made stellar budget buds, but the OnePlus Buds 3 still have my ear.

beni extension feature photo (1)
How this browser extension is friendlier on my budget and the environment

Beni makes Window(s) shopping better, easier, more affordable, and more sustainable. Here's how to use it this Earth Day.

Nothing Ear (a) yellow earbuds in hand
Nothing is in its yellow Ear(a)

And with pro features, great ANC, only $99, the new Ear (a) buds are just so good I have almost nothing more to say.

Nothing Ear
Why the Nothing Ear are my designated Tortured Poet's Department earbuds

Nothing dropped numerical nomenclature with its Nothing Ear earbuds, which in name and performance is simple, yet makes a statement.

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Soundcore C30i buds feature thumbnail video
Soundcore's clip-on earbuds are a cheaper Bose Ultra Open dupe

Bose's Ultra Open earbuds are some of my favorite open-ears, and the Soundcore C30i delivers the same awareness for only $70.

AirPods Pro 2 pop art
5 reasons to buy AirPods Pro 2 over OnePlus Buds 3

OnePlus' newest buds are undoubtedly impressive, but I still turn back to my AirPods Pro 2 for certain features.

Christina wearing 3rd-Gen Amazon Echo Frames around NYC
Amazon's simple vision for the Echo Frames in an Apple Vision Pro era

I met with Jean Wang, Amazon's Director of Smart Eyewear, to learn how the latest Echo Frames keep things simple in a AR/VR headset world.

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