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Synaptics makes semiconductor components, embedded processors, connectivity chips and software platforms that other companies build into finished products. Its portfolio covers touch and display control, fingerprint sensing, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, audio and video processing, graphics interfaces, multimedia and edge-AI computing. You are more likely to encounter Synaptics technology inside a laptop, dock, car display, headset, smart speaker, television or industrial device than to buy a finished Synaptics-branded product.
The company serves original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and developers in consumer electronics, personal computing, automotive, enterprise and Internet of Things (IoT) markets. The sections below explain what it makes, where those components appear, how the product families differ and what the company’s latest reported financial figures do—and do not—tell you.
What does Synaptics make?
Synaptics is best understood as a semiconductor and embedded-platform supplier. It designs integrated circuits (ICs), system-on-chip (SoC) devices, microcontrollers, software and development resources. Manufacturers incorporate those parts into their own hardware and software products.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIts products can sense a finger, drive a display, connect a device to a wireless network, clean up microphone audio, process video, accelerate artificial-intelligence workloads or bridge a computer to several external monitors. A single finished product may use several suppliers’ components, so the presence of Synaptics technology does not mean Synaptics made the entire product.
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| Portfolio area | What Synaptics supplies | Typical finished products |
|---|---|---|
| Touch, display and biometrics | Touchpad modules, touch-controller ICs, display-driver ICs, combined touch-and-display ICs and fingerprint sensors | Laptops, phones, automotive displays, monitors and other interactive devices |
| Wireless connectivity | Wireless SoCs and connectivity solutions for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and DECT/ULE applications | IoT devices, wearables, smart-home products, computers and connected appliances |
| Video and display connectivity | ConnectSmart video-interface ICs and DisplayLink graphics technology | Docks, adapters, meeting-room systems and some virtual-reality headsets |
| Audio and voice | Audio DSPs, audio SoCs and headset SoCs with voice, audio and noise-cancellation functions | Headsets, hearables, smart speakers and voice-enabled devices |
| Embedded compute and edge AI | Astra SL-series processors, Astra SR-series microcontrollers, AI acceleration, multimedia and sensing functions, plus development software and kits | Smart appliances, robots, industrial-vision equipment, wearables and medical devices |
| Multimedia and imaging | VideoSmart multimedia processors and ImagingSmart image-processing technology | Set-top boxes, streaming hardware, televisions, printers and pocket printers |
Product names, interfaces and availability can change by region and product generation. For a design that must meet a particular wireless standard, display resolution, operating system or security requirement, use the documentation for the exact component rather than relying on the broad category name.
Is Synaptics a chip maker?
Yes. Synaptics designs and supplies semiconductor chips, including controllers, interface ICs, DSPs, SoCs and microcontrollers. It also supplies firmware, drivers, software frameworks and developer hardware that help manufacturers integrate those chips.
“Chip maker” does not necessarily mean that Synaptics fabricates every wafer in its own factories. Semiconductor companies commonly design devices and use manufacturing partners for wafer fabrication, packaging or testing. The practical distinction for a buyer is that Synaptics’ commercial offering is the silicon and software platform, while a laptop, dock, phone or television brand is responsible for the finished product around it.
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Touch, display and biometric components
Touchpads and touch controllers
Synaptics develops the sensing and control electronics behind touchpads and touchscreens. A touch controller converts changes in capacitance or another sensing method into coordinates and gestures that an operating system can use. In a laptop, the controller can support actions such as pointer movement, scrolling, tapping and multi-finger gestures; in a phone or vehicle display, it reports touch input to the device’s main processor.
Synaptics also lists complete touchpad modules. A module can combine the sensing surface, controller electronics and supporting firmware in a form that a laptop manufacturer can integrate more quickly than designing each element independently.
Display-driver and touch-and-display ICs
Display-driver ICs control the electrical signals sent to pixels. They help a host processor deliver images to a panel while managing timing, power and panel-specific requirements. Combined touch-and-display devices put display driving and touch sensing into a coordinated component, which can reduce board space and simplify system design.
These parts are relevant to phones, notebooks, automotive dashboards and other products where a display is also an input surface. The exact panel technology, resolution, refresh rate, interface and power behavior depend on the individual IC and the target display.
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Fingerprint sensors
Fingerprint products provide biometric input for authentication. A finished device still needs secure enrollment, matching software, key storage and an operating-system integration path; the sensor alone is not a complete security system. Synaptics’ fingerprint technology can therefore appear in a broader platform supplied by a PC, phone or embedded-device manufacturer.
Wireless connectivity products
Synaptics’ connectivity portfolio includes wireless SoCs and products associated with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and DECT/ULE connectivity. A wireless SoC can combine a radio, processing cores, memory interfaces and security functions, allowing an OEM to build a connected product with fewer separate chips.
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- Enterprise-Grade 12-in-1 Expansion for Hybrid Teams: Designed for compatibility with USB-C, USB4, or Thunderbolt laptops on Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS environments. Enables up to 3 HDMI monitors, wired Gigabit Ethernet network access, 6x USB 3.0 peripherals, audio, and device charging. Perfect for organizations looking to streamline IT deployments in hot-desking and managed office workspaces that demand reliable networking and easy device connectivity.
- Triple Display USB-C Docking Station: Maximize productivity with support for up to three extended HDMI displays (1× 4K @ 30Hz via Alt Mode, 2× 1080p @ 60Hz via DisplayLink). Bypasses native single-display limitations on platforms like Apple M1/M2/M3/Neo MacBooks. Compatible with all newer Apple Silicon systems, including M4 and M5. Optimized for enterprise use cases such as data analysis, presentations, and conferencing, it transforms any notebook into a multi-monitor workstation for your hybrid workforce.
- Advanced USB-C Functionality: Integrated DisplayLink graphics technology and native USB-C video output (Alt Mode) are essential for maximizing workstation productivity, delivering full, native, high-performance multi-display support, while 100W USB-C Power Delivery ensures continuous host system charging in enterprise environments.
- Universal Compatibility: Engineered for seamless integration with USB Type-C, USB4, and Thunderbolt-enabled systems across macOS (11+ with driver installation), Windows, and ChromeOS (v100+). that support USB-C Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Ideal for mixed-fleet IT environments, fully compatible with Dell XPS and Latitude, HP EliteBook and ProBook, Lenovo ThinkPad, and MacBook M series laptops, and more. Not compatible with Linux; HDCP not supported.
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What the connectivity chips do
- Wi-Fi: connects computers, appliances, cameras, displays and other products to local networks.
- Bluetooth: supports short-range links for accessories, audio devices, sensors and controls.
- GPS and positioning: provides location information for products that need tracking or navigation functions.
- DECT/ULE: supports low-energy connected-device scenarios where the product and regional requirements match the relevant implementation.
The names above describe technology categories, not a guarantee that every Synaptics device supports every current revision or certification. A product team must check the exact part number, regional radio approvals, antenna design guidance, security features, operating-system support and software maintenance terms.
Where wireless products are used
Wireless components can be embedded in smart-home controls, appliances, wearables, cameras, voice devices, industrial sensors and computer accessories. In many cases the end user sees only the finished device’s network settings; the Synaptics component operates beneath that interface.
Video, graphics and display connectivity
ConnectSmart video interfaces
ConnectSmart is Synaptics’ family of video-interface ICs. These chips handle portions of the path between a host processor and one or more displays. Depending on the device design, that can involve signal conversion, timing management, compression or other interface functions required by the target display connection.
DisplayLink graphics technology
DisplayLink technology enables compatible computers and accessories to add displays over interfaces such as USB. It is used in some docks, adapters, meeting-room systems and virtual-reality equipment. A DisplayLink-capable dock typically includes a DisplayLink component and relies on host software or drivers to render and transport additional display output.
“DisplayLink dock” is a technology description, not a guarantee that every dock with a similar connector layout uses Synaptics technology. Before buying or deploying one, verify the exact model’s chipset or technology statement, supported operating systems, required driver, number of displays, maximum resolution and refresh rate, USB bandwidth, power delivery and behavior after sleep or a corporate security update.
How to evaluate a dock that uses DisplayLink
- Identify the host computer’s operating system and USB-C or USB-A capabilities.
- Confirm that the dock’s listing or technical manual explicitly states DisplayLink support and names the required driver.
- Check the supported display count, resolution, refresh rate, HDR or color requirements and whether all outputs can operate simultaneously.
- Verify power-delivery wattage against the laptop’s charger requirement; dock power output is not always equal to the dock’s input rating.
- Check the ports you actually need, such as Ethernet, audio, card readers and additional USB ports.
- Test corporate deployment requirements, including driver installation rights, endpoint-security policies, sleep and wake behavior and firmware-update procedures.
DisplayLink can be useful when a host does not natively provide enough display outputs, but it is not identical to a direct GPU-driven connection. Latency, compression, protected-content support and workload suitability vary by system and software. A dock’s manufacturer must document those limits for its specific implementation.
Audio, voice and headset chips
Audio DSPs and SoCs
Digital signal processors (DSPs) perform real-time operations on sound. Synaptics lists audio DSPs and SoCs for voice processing, smart speakers and connected devices. Typical functions may include microphone-array processing, echo cancellation, noise reduction, beamforming, wake-word handling and audio playback control, depending on the device design and software stack.
The chip is one part of a voice product. Microphone placement, acoustic enclosure design, speaker characteristics, firmware tuning and cloud or on-device speech services all affect the final experience. A component description should not be read as a claim that every finished speaker or headset has the same voice performance.
Headset and hearable SoCs
Headset SoCs combine wireless connectivity, audio processing and power-management functions in a compact platform. Manufacturers can use them in earbuds, headphones, conference headsets and other hearables. Features such as active noise cancellation, transparency mode, voice pickup and battery life depend on the specific SoC, firmware and acoustic design.
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- Dual 4K Extended Displays: This DisplayLink dock uses DisplayLink technology to output two extended 4K 60Hz HDMI displays, even on systems without native dual video support. Ideal for productivity, presentations, and multitasking across two screens. A DisplayLink driver is required for dual display functionality (automatically installed on Windows; manual software installation required on macOS).
- USB-C Power Delivery: For systems that charge via USB-C, plug your laptop’s power adapter directly into the dock to keep your system powered while connected. The dock accepts up to 100W from a power adapter, providing up to 82W pass-through to the host. Compatible with USB-C power adapters from 45W to 100W. Charging performance depends on both your laptop and charger capabilities.
- Compatibility: Works with MagSafe Charger and any USB-C device; As a portable charger, it is compatible with various devices like Laptops, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPad Pro, Surface, Galaxy, XPS; Ensures safe charging for all devices. Charging cable sold separately.
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Embedded compute and edge AI: the Astra family
Astra is Synaptics’ embedded-compute and edge-AI family. It includes Astra SL-series processors and Astra SR-series microcontrollers, along with software, developer kits and partner resources. The family targets connected products that need local compute, sensing, multimedia or AI rather than sending every task to a remote server.
Astra SL-series processors
The SL series is positioned for higher-compute embedded systems. A processor in this class can coordinate an operating system, graphics or multimedia pipelines, connectivity and AI workloads in products such as smart appliances, robots, industrial-vision systems, medical equipment and advanced displays. The right SL device depends on memory, camera and display interfaces, operating-system support, power budget and the required AI models.
Astra SR-series microcontrollers
The SR series is aimed at microcontroller-style designs where deterministic control, sensing, low power and real-time behavior matter. A microcontroller can supervise motors, sensors, buttons, displays or communications without the overhead of a full application processor. Some products may pair an SR controller with a larger processor or wireless chip.
What edge AI means in an Astra design
Edge AI runs inference near the sensor or user instead of transmitting all raw data to a data center. Local processing can reduce network dependence, improve response time and limit the amount of sensitive data leaving the device. It also creates engineering obligations: the model must fit the available memory and accelerator, thermal limits must be respected and the software must support updates and security maintenance.
What comes with an Astra development kit
An Astra development kit is intended for prototyping and evaluation rather than as a finished consumer product. Developers use the processor board, supported software and interfaces to test cameras, displays, sensors, networking, AI models and power behavior. Before choosing a kit, confirm:
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- supported operating systems, SDK versions, drivers and programming languages;
- camera, display, audio, storage, networking and industrial-interface connections;
- available memory, thermal solution and expected power range;
- the route from the evaluation board to a production module or custom board;
- long-term availability, security-update policy and support arrangements.
A developer kit demonstrates that a platform can be evaluated; it does not by itself establish production pricing, supply guarantees or performance for a particular commercial product.
Multimedia and imaging products
VideoSmart processors
VideoSmart processors target media devices such as set-top boxes and over-the-top (OTT) streaming hardware. They can combine application processing, graphics, video decode and encode, display output, audio and connectivity functions in a platform designed for consumer media equipment.
Actual support for codecs, resolutions, frame rates, digital-rights-management systems and operating-system versions varies by processor and product design. A streaming box using a Synaptics multimedia processor is made and supported by the device brand; Synaptics supplies the underlying technology.
ImagingSmart technology
ImagingSmart products process images for printers and related equipment, including pocket printers. Image-processing functions can include rasterization, color handling, scaling and data movement between the host and the print engine. The printer manufacturer determines the paper path, ink or thermal system, user interface, connectivity and consumables.
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- Triple Monitor Support with DisplayLink: Connect up to three extended HDMI displays for a more productive workspace. Delivers up to 4K 30Hz on HDMI 1 and up to 1920x1200 60Hz on HDMI 2 and 3. Supports M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, and MacBook Neo, enabling multi-monitor expansion even on Macs normally limited to a single external display. Driver install required for HDMI 2 and 3 ports on Mac - see gallery video for setup guidance.
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- Universal Compatibility: This USB-C docking station is compatible with Windows 10+, macOS 11+, and ChromeOS systems with USB-C, USB4, or Thunderbolt ports. macOS requires DisplayLink Manager installation to enable multiple displays. Note: Does not support protected content (HDCP) playback, such as Netflix, Hulu, etc.
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What products use Synaptics chips?
Synaptics identifies applications across a wide range of finished products. The following examples describe where its technology may be integrated, not a claim that every product in a category uses Synaptics components.
| Finished-product category | Potential Synaptics contribution | What the product maker still controls |
|---|---|---|
| PCs and laptops | Touchpads, touch controllers, fingerprint sensors, wireless chips, audio and display interfaces | Chassis, screen, keyboard, battery, CPU, operating system, firmware and final drivers |
| Docks and PC accessories | DisplayLink graphics or video-interface technology, USB and display conversion functions | Port selection, enclosure, power supply, firmware, compatibility testing and support policy |
| Automotive dashboards | Touch and display control, graphics or interface components, audio and connectivity | Vehicle network integration, safety process, display panel, software and validation |
| Headsets and hearables | Bluetooth, audio DSP, headset SoCs and noise-processing functions | Acoustic design, microphones, speakers, battery, companion app and tuning |
| Smart displays and appliances | Wireless connectivity, audio, touch, multimedia and Astra compute | Industrial design, appliance controls, cloud services and certification |
| Security cameras and voice devices | Wireless, audio, imaging, multimedia and edge-AI processing | Optics, enclosure, storage, user accounts, alerts and privacy controls |
| Televisions, set-top boxes and media streamers | VideoSmart multimedia processing, display and connectivity functions | Panel, tuner, remote control, content services and product software |
| Industrial, medical and robotic equipment | Astra processors or microcontrollers, sensing, AI and connectivity | Actuators, safety controls, specialized software, regulatory compliance and field support |
| Printers and pocket printers | ImagingSmart image-processing technology and connectivity options | Print engine, media handling, consumables, enclosure and user software |
How Synaptics’ business fits into the device supply chain
Synaptics usually sells to a design team, module maker or equipment manufacturer rather than directly to the person who buys the finished device. Its role can include silicon selection, reference designs, firmware, drivers, software libraries, development kits and technical support.
- Define the product requirements. The OEM specifies display interfaces, cameras, wireless radios, audio channels, AI workloads, power limits, operating systems and target markets.
- Select a platform. Engineers compare the relevant Synaptics family and exact part numbers with competing components, considering performance, integration, cost, availability and software maturity.
- Prototype. A reference board or developer kit is used to bring up operating-system images, peripherals, drivers, AI models and industrial design concepts.
- Customize the design. The manufacturer creates its own circuit board, enclosure, antenna, thermal solution, firmware and user experience around the selected component.
- Validate and certify. The complete product is tested for electromagnetic compatibility, radio approvals, security, reliability, thermal behavior, display compatibility and any industry-specific requirements.
- Ship and maintain. The OEM owns the retail product, customer support and most end-user updates, while Synaptics may provide silicon errata, driver releases, SDK updates and engineering support under the commercial agreement.
This model explains why a device’s specifications may mention a Synaptics controller or DisplayLink technology while the warranty, firmware downloads and compatibility promises come from another company.
Choosing between a Synaptics-based dock and an Astra development platform
These are not competing products. A dock is a finished accessory chosen for a particular computer-and-monitor setup; an Astra kit is an engineering tool used to create or evaluate an embedded product.
| Decision factor | DisplayLink-capable dock | Astra development kit |
|---|---|---|
| Primary user | People or IT teams expanding a computer’s ports and displays | Engineers prototyping an embedded product |
| Key compatibility question | Does the exact dock work with the host operating system, USB implementation and monitors? | Does the exact processor, SDK and board support the required sensors, AI models, interfaces and operating system? |
| Important specifications | Display count and resolution, refresh rate, USB bandwidth, power delivery, ports and driver requirements | CPU and AI capability, memory, camera and display interfaces, software support, thermal design and power budget |
| Expected outcome | A supported accessory for a known computer setup | A prototype that may lead to a custom production design |
| Who provides final product support? | The dock manufacturer and, where applicable, the computer maker | The developer, module or product manufacturer, with platform support from Synaptics under the relevant arrangement |
Synaptics’ markets
Personal computing and enterprise accessories
PC touchpads, fingerprint sensors, wireless components, audio and display connectivity serve laptops, desktops, docking stations and meeting-room equipment. Enterprise buyers should pay particular attention to driver deployment, operating-system lifecycle, security updates, fleet manageability and support periods.
Consumer electronics
Phones, televisions, set-top boxes, streaming devices, smart displays, speakers, headsets and printers use the company’s touch, biometric, wireless, audio, video and imaging technologies. The finished brand determines the product’s industrial design and user-facing feature set.
Automotive
Vehicle dashboards and other in-car displays need touch sensing, display driving, graphics and connectivity that can operate across wide temperature ranges and long product lifecycles. Automotive integration also involves vehicle-specific safety, validation and cybersecurity processes beyond the chip selection itself.
IoT, industrial and medical equipment
IoT products can combine wireless connectivity, low-power control, audio, imaging and edge AI. Astra’s listed application areas include smart appliances, wearables, robotics, industrial vision and medical devices. These sectors place different demands on determinism, power, privacy, reliability, certification and update management.
What Synaptics’ FY2026 results show
Synaptics reported $1.2 billion in full-year fiscal 2026 revenue and 11% year-over-year revenue growth. It also reported 43% growth in its Core IoT portfolio. These are company-reported fiscal-year results, not independent market estimates. The fiscal year ended June 27, 2026; the company’s Form 10-K record is dated June 27 and shows an August 10, 2026 filing date.
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- Flexible Expandability: Featuring a hybrid 2-in-1 USB 3.0 and USB-C cable, a single connection from a host PC to this USB dock provides: 2x HDMI video outputs, wired Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5 mm Headphone and Microphone jacks, 2x USB 3.0 ports, 4x USB 2.0 ports. TAA-compliant.
- Dual HD Monitors (Driver Required): Supports dual HDMI displays up to 1920x1200 @ 60Hz. A single HDMI display can reach 2560x1440 @ 50Hz. 4K not supported.
- Universal Compatibility: Windows 11, 10 with plug-and-play driver installation via Windows Update. For macOS 14 or later, a manual DisplayLink driver installation is required (instructions included), while ChromeOS 100 or later works without additional setup. Not compatible with Linux/Unix systems.
- For Best Results: Ideal for web and productivity software usage. Does not support gaming, DisplayPort connections, or HDCP protected content and streaming services (e.g., Netflix, etc.). This USB docking station does not charge the host laptop.
- 2-Year Coverage, Lifetime Support: Every Plugable product, including this docking station, is covered against defects for 2 years and comes with lifetime support. If you ever have questions, contact our North American-based team - even before purchase
| Figure | How to read it |
|---|---|
| $1.2 billion revenue | Total revenue Synaptics reported for fiscal 2026 |
| 11% year-over-year growth | Company-reported change in overall revenue compared with the prior fiscal year |
| 43% Core IoT growth | Company-reported growth for its Core IoT portfolio, not the growth rate of every Synaptics product category |
Those figures indicate the scale and direction of the business for that fiscal year, but they do not tell you which chip is best for a design, how much a specific component costs or how a particular retail dock will perform.
Common misunderstandings about Synaptics
“Synaptics made my laptop.”
Usually, Synaptics supplied one or more components or software layers, such as the touchpad controller, fingerprint sensor, wireless chip or display interface. The laptop’s manufacturer assembled and supports the finished computer.
“Every dock with multiple monitors uses Synaptics.”
No. Multi-monitor docks use different architectures and component suppliers. Look for an explicit DisplayLink or Synaptics reference in the exact model’s documentation.
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“A Synaptics chip guarantees a feature.”
A chip may enable a function, but the finished product also needs compatible firmware, drivers, sensors, panel, antenna, power design and certification. A manufacturer may disable or omit capabilities for cost, regional or product-positioning reasons.
“A development kit is the final product.”
A kit is a way to evaluate a platform. Production hardware normally requires a custom board, enclosure, thermal design, regulatory work, manufacturing plan and long-term software support.
How to identify Synaptics technology in a product
- Read the product’s technical specifications, service manual or regulatory filing for an explicit component reference.
- Check the operating system’s hardware information or Device Manager, bearing in mind that generic driver names may hide the exact silicon.
- For a dock, look for the manufacturer’s DisplayLink driver and model-specific compatibility table.
- For an embedded product, inspect the board support package, boot log, SDK documentation or bill of materials supplied under the development agreement.
- Use the exact model and revision when contacting support; a product family can change components without changing its retail name.
Teardown reports and user forums can be useful clues, but they should not replace the manufacturer’s current documentation when compatibility, safety or security matters.
Bottom line: what Synaptics does
Synaptics makes the electronic building blocks behind interaction and intelligence in many connected devices. Its portfolio spans touchpads, touchscreens, display drivers, fingerprint sensors, wireless connectivity, DisplayLink and video interfaces, audio and voice processing, multimedia and imaging, plus Astra embedded processors and microcontrollers for edge AI.
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The company’s customers turn those building blocks into laptops, docks, dashboards, headsets, smart appliances, cameras, televisions, printers, robots and other products. When evaluating a device that mentions Synaptics, focus on the complete product’s model-specific specifications and support policy—not just the supplier’s component name.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
