Posts Tagged: this

I reviewed 2 of the best Android smartwatches. This is the one I’d buy

I’ve worn the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic and Ticwatch Pro 5 over the past weeks. They’re both great, but there’s only one I’d actually buy.
Digital Trends

Threads web app could arrive this week

Threads by Instagram will get a web version as soon as this week, people familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal. Earlier this month, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg promised a web version with better search functionality, and Instagram head Adam Mosseri recently said that one is in testing. Currently, a full version of Threads is only available on iOS and Android, with limited read-only functionality on browsers.

A web version is near the top of the list of most-desired features for Threads, but the company is exercising caution with the release. “It’s a little bit buggy right now, you don’t want it just yet,” Mosseri said Friday on Instagram. “As soon as it is ready we will share it with everybody else.”

Threads recently added new features to Threads like the ability to set notifications and view posts in chronological order. The company also started labeling state-controlled media outlets after some were seen posting propaganda. Another new update is the “repost” tab makes it easier to see all reposted content. (X, previously called Twitter, recently renamed “retweets” to the more generic “reposts,” ironically following Threads’ lead.) 

A web version would be coming at a good time for Threads. After a torrid launch with over 100 million users signing on in the first week, the number of daily active users (DAUs) dropped down to 80 percent by mid-August. Still, Threads is by far the most successful alternative to X, which counted around 238 million DAUs in August 2023 and 364 million monthly active users, X reported last year. 

In any case, the launch of a web version will be particularly useful for social media power users, just when Twitter has put one of its key tools for those folks, Tweetdeck, permanently behind a paywall.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/threads-web-app-could-arrive-this-week-082645402.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics

‘Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak’ will be free on the Epic Games Store this month

Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak will be free on the Epic Games Store later this month. The well-received 2016 prequel to 1999 real-time strategy classic Homeworld arrives ahead of Homeworld 3, due early next year after multiple delays. The (usually $ 50) Deserts of Kharak will be available to claim on Epic’s storefront from August 24th to 31st.

The 2016 game takes place over a century before the events of Homeworld on the desert world of Kharak. The arid planet is the once-home of the Kushan people, protagonists of the 1999 original and central figures in the series. It’s the only Homeworld installment to move the action from space to the ground as you navigate the terrain to gain the advantage over the Kiith Gaalsien. This cult-like faction believes anyone who dreams of flying to the stars deserves harsh punishment — something they’re all too happy to dole out. Its gameplay honors the series’ strategic roots while adapting to ground play’s reduced axes of movement by making elevation (navigating the desert’s plateaus and valleys) a core focus.

Snagging the game for free can give the franchise’s fans something to tide them over ahead of Homeworld 3 in February 2024 — and publisher Gearbox Software would surely love to lure some younger gamers into the nearly quarter-century-old series. 

Promotional still from ‘Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak.’ A red tank with a U-shaped turret sends fiery blasts toward enemies in the distance. Desert environment, 2016 PC game graphics.
Gearbox Software

The Homeworld series has ridden an IP roller coaster since the RTS genre’s late 90s / early 00s heyday. After the first game’s critically acclaimed reception, original developer Relic Entertainment made two more (also well-received) games: an expansion and a proper sequel. However, after 2003’s Homeworld 2, THQ bought Relic and failed to produce a single Homeworld game under its ownership.

The series only got another lease on life after THQ folded and Gearbox Software won a 2013 auction to secure its rights. The Borderlands maker revived the saga with remastered versions of the classic titles. Deserts of Kharak followed soon after, and Homeworld 3 was finally announced in 2019, using a crowdfunding campaign to raise money and gauge consumer interest. After several delays, the long-awaited third installment will (hopefully) arrive next winter.

Claiming the PC game from August 24th to 31st will require an Epic Games account. During that time, you can navigate to the Deserts of Kharak store page in a browser or use the Epic Games Launcher to redeem it.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/homeworld-deserts-of-kharak-will-be-free-on-the-epic-games-store-this-month-181511485.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics

This amazing iOS 17 feature clones your voice. Here’s how it works

With iOS 17 on your iPhone, a feature called Personal Voice allows you to clone your voice in just 15 minutes thanks to AI. Here’s how it works.
Digital Trends

This app gives any smartwatch underwater superpowers

Experts at the University of Washington have created an app that allows any smartwatch to gain GPS-like location tracking capability underwater.
Digital Trends

This accessory turned my AirPods into a giant mech head

Casetify’s Evangelion collaboration is one of the coolest we’ve seen. Here’s a hands-on with some of the best products from the collection!
Digital Trends

The real reason Samsung wants you to buy a folding phone this year

Have you looked at the new Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 and wondered if they’re worth buying? Us too, so we asked Samsung what makes them special.
Digital Trends

Save up to $80 on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 with this flash deal

Best Buy launched discounts of up to $ 80 on the various models of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, so if you want to buy the wearable device, don’t miss this sale.
Digital Trends

Microsoft will deliver improved HoloLens combat goggles to Army testers this month

Microsoft is taking another turn at testing its HoloLens-based combat goggles with the US military. The company has confirmed to Engadget that it's delivering improved IVAS (Integrated Visual Augmentation System) 1.2 devices to the Army before the end of July. These updated augmented reality models are "slimmer, lighter and more balanced" than before, Microsoft says. That, in turn, should make them more comfortable and improve soldiers' performance.

The Army tellsBloomberg two squads will test 20 prototype IVAS goggles in late August. They'll gauge low-light functionality, reliability and whether or not they make soldiers feel ill. Some testers complained last year of nausea, headaches and eye strain, while others weren't happy with the bulk, narrow field of view and a display glow that could give away a soldier's presence at night. Key features also failed relatively frequently.

The HoloLens tech is meant to improve battlefield awareness. Infantry can see each other's positions, get vital health stats and use night vision that's less conspicuous. They can better coordinate assaults and warn if there are signs of injury or fatigue. The technology might reach the field within a few years if the August test is successful. The Army would award a contract between July and September 2024 for a second field study, and could move to an operational combat test as soon as April 2025. The Army could deploy IVAS months afterward.

Much is riding on this test, however. While the Army could spend as much as $ 21.9 billion in ten years for up to 121,000 IVAS units, Congress blocked further orders of the earlier goggles in January following reports of problems. Politicians instead gave Microsoft $ 40 million to rework the hardware. If there are still issues, the Army could cancel the program. It would not only cost Microsoft a lucrative contract, but would cast further doubt on HoloLens itself. The team lost lead developer Alex Kipman last year following misconduct allegations, and layoffs early this year dealt a serious blow to the mixed reality division.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-will-deliver-improved-hololens-combat-goggles-to-army-testers-this-month-211521914.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics

This 3D printer is over 50% off in the Monoprice anniversary sale

The Monoprice Cadet 3D printer is ideal for newcomers to 3D printing, and it’s on sale now at Monoprice for a limited time only.
Digital Trends

Excited for the Google Pixel 8 Pro? This leak just spoiled everything

A new leak regarding the Google Pixel 8 Pro has dropped, and it leaves very little to the imagination.
Digital Trends

I’ll be furious if the iPhone 15 Pro doesn’t get this one feature

We’re just a few months away from Apple’s iPhone event. But this one rumor will make me furious if a certain feature doesn’t come to the iPhone 15 Pro.
Digital Trends

From $500 to $210: This Segway electric scooter is $290 off for Prime Day

Electric scooters are the newest craze in carless travel, and Segway has foot their foot in the ring. Grab one during Prime Day for a huge discount.
Digital Trends

Don’t buy the Apple Watch Series 8 on Prime Day, buy this smartwatch instead

Want a smartwatch for your iPhone this Prime Day? Don’t automatically choose the Apple Watch Series 8 — we think the Apple Watch SE 2 is the better deal.
Digital Trends

This is our best look yet at Nothing’s Phone 2

We may only have a week of so to go until next weeks launch but Nothing is still feeding the Phone 2 hype machine with little factoids that aim to whet the appetite. Much like it did with the Phone 1 last year, Nothing has allowed MKBHD to show off the exterior of the Phone […]

Come comment on this article: This is our best look yet at Nothing’s Phone 2

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This is the most jaw-dropping Android phone I’ve seen in years

It’s well-known that the OnePlus 11 is a great-looking phone. But the new Marble Odyssey color may be one of the most stunning Android phones I’ve ever seen.
Digital Trends

Use Grubhub a lot? This trick gets you free delivery for two years

Amazon has a Prime-exclusive Grubhub+ offer today. If you order a lot of delivery and are tired of big fees, here’s a way to save money.
Digital Trends

Don’t miss your chance to get this Samsung tablet for $120 this weekend

While the Tab A7 lite isn’t as powerful as an iPad, it’s much cheaper and still great for day-to-day use and getting the basics done, especially at $ 120.
Digital Trends

This phone may have already beat the Galaxy Z Flip 5 in a big way

All eyes are on the Galaxy Z Flip 5, which is set to be one of the year’s best folding phones, but a new competitor may have beaten it even before it launches.
Digital Trends

Great for browsing, this 7-inch Android tablet is discounted to $49

Looking for cheap entertainment for a trip? This Onn 7-inch tablet will do the job for just $ 49 available at Walmart now.
Digital Trends

This is what to expect from Samsung’s Unpacked event next month

As we wait for Samsung to set a specific date for its upcoming Unpacked event near the end of July, a serial leaker has revealed all that the Korean brand is planning to unveil. Thanks to the official marketing renders posted by Evan Blass, we’ve got the lineup of Galaxy devices scheduled to be announced […]

Come comment on this article: This is what to expect from Samsung’s Unpacked event next month

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Great for watching videos, this Samsung tablet is on sale for $200

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8, featuring a 10.5-inch Full HD screen that’s great for watching streaming content, is on sale from Best Buy for an affordable $ 200.
Digital Trends

‘Unpacking’ heads to phones and tablets later this year

After arriving on PC in the fall of 2021, Unpacking is finally heading to mobile devices. Developer Witch Beam Games revealed today during the Wholesome Direct showcase that it plans to release its breakout game on phones and tablets later this year. The studio didn’t say exactly when the title would arrive on mobile devices, nor if it plans to release Unpacking on both iOS and Android, but judging from the trailer it shared, Apple devices are a lock.

Notably, the announcement comes after Unpacking Master, a nearly identical copy of Unpacking that featured ads and in-app microtransactions, briefly topped the App Store charts at the start of last year before it was pulled by Apple. The incident highlighted the difficulty small studios have in preventing copycat developers from stealing their work. If you’re the impatient type, Unpacking is currently available to play on Steam, Nintendo Switch, Xbox and PlayStation.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/unpacking-heads-to-phones-and-tablets-later-this-year-192946616.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics

This bracelet helps you fall asleep faster and sleep longer

If you’re having trouble sleeping, then this wearable might be the solution you’re looking for, and you can even get it cheaper through Digital Trends
Digital Trends

Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C review: you’ve never used a tablet like this

The Boox Tab Ultra C takes a humble e-ink tablet and adds a dash of color, a Qualcomm processor, and Android. What’s not to love?
Digital Trends

This Pixel Watch 2 leak just made it the 2023 smartwatch I can’t wait for

One of the first big Pixel Watch 2 leaks just dropped. And if this one is true, I already can’t wait to get my hands on Google’s next smartwatch.
Digital Trends

Your iPhone could steal this Pixel Tablet feature when it gets iOS 17

Another leaked iOS 17 feature has been leaked — and it sounds awfully similar to something Google’s doing with the Pixel Tablet.
Digital Trends

This deal gets you a 3D printer for $140

Been wanting a 3D printer but also been worried about the price? This deal from Monoprice has you covered!
Digital Trends

This deal gets you an Apple Watch for $149, but it’s selling fast

The 40mm model of the first-generation Apple Watch SE is on sale for $ 149 from Walmart, which is nearly half its original price, but stocks are selling quickly.
Digital Trends

Save up to $740 on the Galaxy S23 Plus with this enhanced trade-in deal

Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Plus is on offer today (until midnight) with savings of up to $ 700 and $ 50 of instant Samsung Credit when you trade in a qualifying handset. The middle child of the Galaxy S23 series could be just right for your wallet without skimping on hardware thanks to the excellent Snapdragon 8 Gen […]

Come comment on this article: Save up to $ 740 on the Galaxy S23 Plus with this enhanced trade-in deal

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This tough camera comparison is bad news for the Pixel 7a

The Google Pixel 7a is out, and it’s the most advanced Pixel A-Series yet. But are the cameras that much better than the Pixel 6a?
Digital Trends

This 3D printer just had its price slashed from $399 to $140

Been wanting a 3D printer but also been worried about the price? This deal from Monoprice has you covered!
Digital Trends

This deal gets you an iPhone XR for $179

This Apple iPhone XR deal at Walmart gets you a prepaid iPhone XR, through Straight Talk wireless, for $ 120 off. Don’t miss it.
Digital Trends

This is the Pixel Fold by Google

Google I/O is being held on May 10th where it’s expected that we will see both the Pixel 7a and the search giant’s first foldable smartphone unveiled. It seems that Google simply can’t wait though because the MadeByGoogle Twitter account has posted a very nice GIF of the Pixel Fold in action. Previous leaks have […]

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This is what happens when you compare 4 phones in an 800MP camera test

We put four smartphones with 200MP cameras up against each other in a mega, 800MP total camera comparison. The winner was difficult to choose.
Digital Trends

If this Pixel Fold rumor is true, I might actually buy one

We’ll be seeing the Google Pixel Fold soon, and if this one rumor is true, it could be the first foldable I actually buy.
Digital Trends

Flash deal drops the price of this 3D printer from $500 to just $200

If you’re planning to purchase a 3D printer, you shouldn’t miss Monoprice’s $ 300 discount for the Monoprice Maker Ultimate 2, which lowers its price to $ 200.
Digital Trends

This mechanical keyboard has tiny OLED screens in the keycaps

This split keyboard looks pretty cool, but the best thing about it are the OLED screens in the keycaps.
Digital Trends

This deal gets you $30 off the Fitbit Versa 4 and free Fitbit Premium

Landing a deal on a smartwatch is a good way to keep yourself motivated with your fitness goals, and today you can grab the Fitbit Versa 4 for just $ 200.
Digital Trends

Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are heavily discounted this weekend

If you’ve had your eye on the Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro phones but haven’t taken the plunge, a couple of great deals knock $ 100 off their prices!
Digital Trends

Don’t fall for this Apple iPad Mini deal — a bigger discount is coming

The Apple iPad Mini is a great tablet that we’d normally always recommend buying. Right now, it’s a smart idea to hold off. Here’s why.
Digital Trends

This app fixes my biggest problem with the Oppo Find N2 Flip

The Oppo Find N2 Flip has a massive cover screen, but it’s surprisingly limited in what it can do. I found an app that fixes it.
Digital Trends

I’m excited (and nervous) about this iPhone 15 Pro rumor

Rumor has it that the iPhone 15 Pro is going to get a multi-use Action Button instead of a mute switch. Here’s why that would be a good (and bad) thing.
Digital Trends

This little bracelet helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer

If you’re having trouble sleeping, then this wearable might be the solution you’re looking for, and you can even get it cheaper through Digital Trends
Digital Trends

[Deal] Snag the OnePlus 10T this St. Patrick’s Day for just $499/£479

When it comes to bang for your buck the OnePlus 10T 5G with its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, up to 16GB of LPDDR5 memory, and 125/150W SuperVOOC fast charging could be the epitome of that phrase. Best of all? The OnePlus 10T 5G is now reduced to just $ 499/£479 in celebration of St. Patrick’s […]

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Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 will debut in mid-range phones this month

Qualcomm has unveiled its latest chipset that will power a wealth of mid-range phones starting later this month. Redmi and Realme are among the brands that will use the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset.

As you might expect, the chipset isn't quite as powerful as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, but it appears to offer a notable upgrade over the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1. Qualcomm says the CPU will deliver a performance improvement of over 50 percent, with speeds of up to 2.91GHz. The company claims the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 will offer improvements in GPU performance (by two times) and power efficiency (by 13 percent) as well. Moreover, Qualcomm says that "on-device AI is integrated across the entire platform."

You can expect over twice the AI performance compared with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 and 40 percent better per-watt performance, Qualcomm says. AI Super Resolution is said to be capable of upscaling game visuals and photos from 1080p to 4K resolution.

Other gaming features include volumetric rendering, which adds particle graphics such as fog and smoke. Auto variable rate shading should help to boost performance and power by rendering content that's in focus at full resolution and limiting the background of a scene to a lower resolution, according to Qualcomm. The company claims that Snapdragon Sound with Qualcomm aptX will deliver lossless music streaming and lag-free gaming audio too.

The chipset supports photo captures up to 200MP, along with HDR video capture with triple exposure from two cameras at the same time. Thanks to 18-bit Triple ISP support, it could be easier to capture better images in very low light. Qualcomm says devices using the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 can capture 30 images and blend the best parts of them into a single shot to provide you with brighter, clearer and more colorful photos.

On the connectivity front, there's support for 4G and 5G dual SIMs, along with download speeds of up to 4.4 Gbps over a data network thanks to the new X62 5G modem. As for WiFi, Qualcomm says the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 will enable download speeds of up to 3.6 Gbps.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/qualcomms-snapdragon-7-gen-2-will-debut-in-mid-range-phones-this-month-060023883.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics

Save the Date: Google I/O 2023 is on May 10 this year

Google holds a developer conference every year where it shows off its latest advancements in the Android OS, beta programs, and sometimes the unveiling of its next-generation of its Pixel A series of handsets. This year carries on the tradition but the difference is that it’s a virtual event with a ‘limited audience’ being held […]

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It may not be the latest model, but this iPad is a steal at $79 off

While the 2021 Apple iPad is a couple of generations old, the gorgeous 10.2-inch screen and A13 biochip are still great, especially at this deal’s price!
Digital Trends

It’s official – OnePlus is entering the foldable segment later this year

It’s fair to say that 2023 could finally be the year that foldable smartphones come in to their own thanks to multiple brands such as Oppo and Honor launching their foldables in western markets for the first time. And there’s more, because during MWC 2023 OnePlus threw its hat into the ring officially with news […]

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This bundle saves you $50 on a Fire HD 10 and Keyboard Case

The Amazon Fire HD 10 and Keyboard Case bundle, which is normally priced at $ 240, will be yours for a discounted price of $ 190 as part of Amazon’s tablet deals.
Digital Trends