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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Budget-Friendly Chromebooks Ready Ahead of Prime Day
    Budget-Friendly Chromebooks Ready Ahead of Prime Day

    Amazon isn’t the sole destination for fantastic bargains on Chromebooks

    (Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

    Prime Day 2025 is approaching quickly, making it an ideal moment to begin considering what you might want to acquire. Even though it occurs right in the midst of summer, Prime Day is also an excellent opportunity to prepare for the upcoming school year. And you know what that entails — Chromebook offers.

    Nonetheless, Amazon isn’t the only venue for finding price cuts on some of the finest Chromebooks, as Best Buy typically features promotions at the same time. In fact, if you’re in search of a new Chromebook, there are already some excellent deals available, like the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11, <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1943169/614286/10014?subId1=ac-us-7710816890626729131&sharedId=ac-us&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Flenovo-duet-11-chromebook-11-2k-lcd-touchscreen-2-in-1-tablet-mediatek-kompanio-838-4gb-ram-128gb-emmc-with-keyboard-luna-gray%2F6597397.p%3FskuId%3D6597397" data-url="https://www.bestbuy.com/site/lenovo-duet-11-chromebook-11-2k-lcd-touchscreen-2-in-1-tablet-mediatek-kompanio-838-4gb-ram-128gb-emmc-with-keyboard-luna-gray/6597397.p?skuId=6597397" target="_blank" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" rel="sponsored noopener" data-hl-processed="hawklinks" data-placeholder-url="https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1943169/614286/10014?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk-prefix&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Flenovo-duet-11-chromebook-11-2k-lcd-touchscreen-2-in-1-tablet-mediatek-kompanio

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Vivo X200 FE Debuts as a Small-Scale Rival to OnePlus 13s
    Vivo X200 FE Debuts as a Small-Scale Rival to OnePlus 13s

    Vivo has introduced its newest smartphone, the X200 FE, which is poised for a worldwide launch. This compact flagship device is essentially a rebranded iteration of the Vivo S30 Pro mini, which was first released in China. The X200 FE is tailored for markets outside of China, presenting a combination of powerful features in an elegant design.

    The highlight of the Vivo X200 FE is its formidable 6500mAh BlueVolt battery, which enables 90W fast charging, guaranteeing extended usage and rapid recharges. The smartphone is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 Plus processor, delivering a smooth and effective user experience.

    Photography lovers will enjoy the ZEISS-enhanced rear camera system, which consists of a 50MP main lens, a 50MP telephoto lens, and an 8MP ultrawide lens. For self-portraits, the device includes a 50MP ultrawide front camera, ensuring excellent image quality from both sides.

    The X200 FE features a 6.31-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1.5K resolution, providing vivid visuals and fluid scrolling. Despite its compact dimensions, the smartphone is lightweight at 186 grams and measures merely 7.99mm in thickness, making it convenient to handle and transport.

    Offered in eye-catching colors such as yellow, pink, and blue, along with timeless black and silver, the X200 FE presents a range of aesthetic options. It also features an IP68/IP69 rating for water and dust protection, along with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity.

    Operating on Android 15-based Funtouch OS 15, the smartphone comes with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, providing sufficient space for applications and media. While the Vivo X200 FE has been confirmed for the Taiwanese market, details regarding its global availability and pricing remain to be announced. In China, the Vivo S30 Pro mini is priced at RMB 3999 ($557), serving as a reference for prospective buyers.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Pixel 10 Pro Fold Achieves Elevated Durability Score for Increased Assurance
    Pixel 10 Pro Fold Achieves Elevated Durability Score for Increased Assurance

    Rumor has it that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold may be the inaugural foldable device to feature an IP68 rating.

    What you need to know:
    – The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is said to become sleeker and more robust with genuine dust and water resistance.
    – If the leaks prove accurate, this could mark the first flexible phone to achieve complete dustproofing and splash protection.
    – There are indications that Google is redesigning the hinge to reduce some bezel bulk and accommodate a slightly larger outer display.

    Recent leaks suggest a more streamlined appearance for Google’s upcoming foldable device, potentially named the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. However, it’s not just about reducing size—it’s also anticipated to receive a durability enhancement, promising improved protection against dust and water compared to the previous model or any other foldables in existence.

    Building on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the next-generation variant might reach a significant achievement—an IP68 rating, according to a new report from Android Headlines. If this is accurate, it would be the first foldable to fully exclude dust and withstand splashes, which is a noteworthy accomplishment.

    For those interested, IP ratings are explained as follows: the first digit indicates a device’s dustproof capability, while the second denotes its water resistance.

    The hidden truth about foldables:
    Most popular foldables to date—like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold—only held an IPX8 rating, meaning they excel in water resistance but lack official dustproof status.

    Currently, Samsung reigns supreme in the foldable durability arena, with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 boasting IP48 ratings. However, with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 targeting an IP68 rating set to release in July, Samsung may outpace Google, since the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is expected to debut in August.

    Durability is not the sole advancement in play. Google is also refining the hinge of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. This adjustment is expected to lessen the bezel around it and create space for a marginally larger outer display (6.4 inches as opposed to 6.3). The outcome is a sleeker design that not only feels improved in your hand but also positions it competitively alongside Samsung’s Fold 7.

    Google appears less focused on creating the thinnest foldable, yet the Pixel 10 Pro Fold should still be visibly slimmer than last year’s version, and tougher as well. Thus, even if it doesn’t set new records, it looks to be a significant advancement.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Power Bank Featuring Retractable USB-C Cable Now on Sale Ahead of Prime Day
    Power Bank Featuring Retractable USB-C Cable Now on Sale Ahead of Prime Day

    Baseus has unveiled a fresh innovation with its newest power bank, the Enercore Power Bank, featuring a built-in retractable USB-C cable. This 20,000mAh power bank charges at 67W and comes with a 2.3ft retractable cable, enhancing user convenience by eliminating the need to carry extra cables. The power bank is listed at $59, but a discount reduces the price to $44 on Amazon with a coupon and code. The Enercore Power Bank showcases a unique blue hue and includes a display panel indicating the remaining battery charge. The retractable cable can be extended to four different lengths, allowing for flexibility and a tangle-free experience. It accommodates various power profiles for efficient charging across multiple devices. Additionally, the power bank features a standard USB-C port for charging extra devices. In summary, the Enercore Power Bank delivers a dependable and efficient charging solution, particularly at the promotional price.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Court Records Uncover OpenAI’s AI Hardware Initiative in Collaboration with Jony Ive, Confirming It Is Not a Wearable Gadget
    Court Records Uncover OpenAI’s AI Hardware Initiative in Collaboration with Jony Ive, Confirming It Is Not a Wearable Gadget

    **OpenAI’s Legal Struggles and Upcoming Hardware Innovations: Perspectives from Recent Court Documents**

    As OpenAI contends with a trademark lawsuit regarding its recently discontinued “io” branding, newly disclosed court documents offer an extraordinary glimpse into the operations of Sam Altman and Jony Ive’s hardware division. The lawsuit, brought forth by iyO, a startup backed by Google, argues that OpenAI’s branding closely resembles its own, leading to a deeper investigation of the company’s hardware aspirations.

    ### ‘Neither an in-ear device nor a wearable item’

    Recent disclosures from *The Verge* and *Bloomberg* underline that the legal contention centers around OpenAI’s io Products, Inc. Internal communications reveal that OpenAI representatives, including Tang Tan, the Chief Hardware Officer and a former Apple executive, interacted with iyO’s CEO, Jason Rugolo, to discuss iyO’s in-ear product innovations. However, these discussions reportedly did not generate positive feedback, with OpenAI’s team expressing disappointment following several product showcases.

    Despite legal claims that OpenAI’s upcoming AI product is neither an in-ear nor a wearable device, the company has dedicated considerable resources to studying the headphone and audio device sectors. According to Tan’s court testimony, the design of the product, which Altman has described as portable and suitable for desk use, remains under development and is expected to be at least a year away from release.

    ### OpenAI’s Focus on In-ear Comfort

    Although OpenAI asserts that its product will not be classified as an in-ear device, internal correspondence indicates a strong interest in iyO’s cutting-edge 3D ear-scanning technology. This technique enables the customization of earpieces to match individual users, which piqued the interest of Marwan Rammah, a former Apple engineer now associated with io. Rammah suggested acquiring a database of ear scans from iyO’s supplier to improve ergonomic design elements.

    iyO has actively sought to transform OpenAI’s interest into a more significant partnership, with investment or acquisition proposals going as high as $200 million. However, Tan ultimately turned down these offers, signifying a deliberate choice to focus on independent development.

    Evans Hankey, another ex-Apple executive spearheading design efforts at io, clarified in a court statement that there are no current plans for io to create custom-molded earpiece products, further separating the company from the in-ear device arena.

    ### Conclusion

    The ongoing legal conflict and insights from court documents illuminate a complicated terrain for OpenAI’s hardware ventures. While the company contends that its future offerings will not align with conventional in-ear or wearable designs, its investigation into ergonomic technologies implies a sophisticated approach to product innovation. The industry is poised for further updates as OpenAI and Jony Ive’s team persist in honing their vision for groundbreaking AI-driven hardware solutions.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on U.S. House of Representatives Bans WhatsApp on Official Devices
    U.S. House of Representatives Bans WhatsApp on Official Devices

    Citing security issues, the chief administrative officer (CAO) of the House of Representatives today announced an order banning representatives and staff from utilizing WhatsApp on government-issued devices. This encompasses smartphones as well as laptop and desktop computers. Additionally, anyone with WhatsApp already installed on a device is required to remove it. Using web-based versions of the application is equally forbidden.

    The CAO did not specify any particular security concerns, but indicated that the prohibition was due to a deficiency in transparency from WhatsApp regarding their privacy and security measures. For affected users seeking an alternative messaging service, the CAO suggested that impacted staff consider Microsoft Teams, Wickr, Signal, iMessage, or FaceTime.

    In an internal email acquired by Axios, the CAO stated:

    “The Office of Cybersecurity has classified WhatsApp as high-risk for users because of the lack of clarity in how it safeguards user data, the lack of encrypted stored data, and potential security threats associated with its use.”

    Following the revelation by Axios, U.S. House chief administrative officer Catherine Szpindor provided the following statement to CNBC:

    “Ensuring the security of the People’s House is our utmost priority, and we consistently monitor and evaluate potential cybersecurity threats that might jeopardize the data of House Members and staff.”

    If any of this sounds familiar, that’s because it is. In 2022, the CAO issued a comparable order prohibiting all House of Representatives devices from using TikTok due to various “security concerns.”

    Predictably, Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, is not overly happy with the CAO’s latest directive. This is even more true given its notably ambiguous nature.

    In response, Meta spokesperson Andy Stone took to X earlier today to express the company’s dissatisfaction with the order.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Samsung to Conduct Galaxy Unpacked Event on July 9
    Samsung to Conduct Galaxy Unpacked Event on July 9

    The arrival of foldable smartphones is imminent, as Samsung revealed on Monday that the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event is scheduled for July 9, 2025. This marks the third Galaxy Unpacked of the year, succeeding the Galaxy S25 introduction in January and the launch of the Galaxy S25 Edge in May. We anticipate a focus on Samsung’s newest foldable devices.

    ### Anticipations for Galaxy Unpacked in July

    All indications suggest that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 will take center stage this July. Last year, Samsung unveiled both the Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 in July, aligning with this timeline. It’s also probable that the Galaxy Watch 8, Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will be introduced at the July event.

    According to leaks, we speculate that the Z Fold 7 will feature slightly larger displays (8 inches for the interior screen and 6.5 inches for the exterior screen), while the Z Flip 7 is rumored to compete with the Moto Razr thanks to a significantly larger cover display.

    In its announcement, Samsung mentioned that “the pinnacle of Galaxy AI and Samsung artistry is set to be revealed” as the company readies to present “the latest and most outstanding offerings in the Galaxy lineup” at Unpacked in Brooklyn, New York.

    ### How to view the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked

    As is customary, the South Korean firm will broadcast its event live on Samsung.com, Samsung Newsroom, and Samsung’s YouTube channel. The event will commence at 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT on Wednesday, July 9, allowing viewers to tune in for a live experience.

    We will be reporting on the announcements as they occur, so make sure to return to BGR.com for all the updates when the next Galaxy Unpacked kicks off on July 9.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Samsung Reveals Launch Date for Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7
    Samsung Reveals Launch Date for Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7

    This time it’s heading to Brooklyn, New York, after a span of three years.

    (Image credit: Samsung)

    Essential information

    • Samsung’s Summer Unpacked event is officially scheduled for July 9 in New York.
    • The event will kick off at 10:00 a.m. ET and will be streamed live on Samsung’s official website and its YouTube channel.
    • In addition to the upcoming foldable devices, Samsung will unveil “the next evolution of Galaxy AI.”

    The anticipation has reached its end. Samsung revealed today (June 23) that its Summer Galaxy Unpacked event is planned for July 9. The venue will be in Brooklyn, New York, after a three-year hiatus, describing the borough as a “place known for its bold ideas, artistry, and culture.” The event is set to start at 10 a.m. ET.

    The summer Galaxy Unpacked will be broadcast live on Samsung’s website

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Five Netflix Series That Will Renew Your Belief in Humanity
    Five Netflix Series That Will Renew Your Belief in Humanity

    In the rapid tempo of today’s society, it’s simple to become ensnared in the relentless tide of negative news and feel inundated by global events. Nevertheless, stepping away from the cycle of doomscrolling and discovering moments of happiness is crucial for sustaining a positive perspective. Netflix presents a collection of uplifting shows that can provide a necessary reprieve and remind us of the kindness in the world. Here are five inspiring Netflix series that are guaranteed to elevate your spirits:

    1. **Derry Girls**: Situated against the backdrop of Northern Ireland’s Troubles, this coming-of-age comedy chronicles a group of Catholic schoolgirls alongside their English friend as they navigate the whirlwind of adolescent life. The series skillfully intertwines humor and poignancy, demonstrating how friendship and laughter can flourish even amidst chaos.

    2. **A Man on the Inside**: Featuring Ted Danson, this show revolves around Charles, a retired professor who goes undercover in a retirement community. What starts as a whimsical mystery transitions into a heartfelt narrative about discovering purpose and companionship in later life. It emphasizes that it’s never too late to implement meaningful transformations.

    3. **The Remarkable Life of Ibelin**: This documentary shares the true story of Mats Steen, a young Norwegian who, despite facing physical challenges, crafted a fulfilling existence through the online realm of World of Warcraft. Through interviews and animations, the film underscores the significance of human connections and the capacity to unearth joy in unforeseen places.

    4. **Somebody Feed Phil**: Phil Rosenthal, the creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” journeys across the globe searching for delightful cuisine and pleasant company. This series celebrates culture, food, and the joy of sharing meals with others. It’s an uplifting show that highlights the beauty of human bonds through culinary experiences.

    5. **Schitt’s Creek**: This adored series opens with a wealthy family losing their fortune and moving to a quaint town. As the narrative unfolds, it transforms into a touching story of community, acceptance, and the wonder of chosen family. Its humor and sincere warmth make it a contemporary classic that rejuvenates hope in humanity.

    These Netflix treasures provide a breather from the tumult and serve as a reminder that joy, laughter, and connection are perpetually accessible. Whether you crave comedy, heartfelt narratives, or culinary escapades, these shows are bound to leave you feeling uplifted and optimistic.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on VSCO Unveils ‘Capture’: A Dedicated iPhone Camera Application with Film-Inspired Filters
    VSCO Unveils ‘Capture’: A Dedicated iPhone Camera Application with Film-Inspired Filters

    **Visual Supply Co. Unveils Capture: A New Standalone Camera Application for iPhone**

    Visual Supply Co., celebrated for its widely used VSCO: Photo Editor, is poised to shake up the competitive arena of third-party camera applications with the debut of its latest standalone camera application, Capture. This cutting-edge app is designed to elevate the iPhone photography experience, offering users a refreshing alternative to the default Camera app from Apple.

    **Navigating a Competitive Landscape**

    With Capture, VSCO enters a burgeoning market of third-party camera apps that are transforming the way users take photos on their iPhones. Recent innovations in this domain include Adobe’s Project Indigo and other significant applications like Halide, which appeal to users looking for more than what Apple’s integrated camera features can provide.

    **Notable Features of Capture**

    As reported exclusively by Bloomberg’s Chris Welch, Capture will enable users to select from 50 of VSCO’s beloved photo filter presets during the shooting process. This functionality is intended to simplify the photography workflow by allowing users to apply their preferred aesthetic prior to taking a picture, eliminating the need for extensive post-shoot editing.

    Eric Wittman, CEO of Visual Supply Co., highlighted the rationale behind Capture, noting, “Photographers are increasingly opting out of using complex editing software, favoring apps that simplify capturing that perfect moment with an intended look right at the time of shooting.” This aligns with the app’s vision of enhancing the photography journey while retaining artistic control.

    **Photography Modes and Adjustments**

    Capture provides two shooting modes: an automatic mode for quick photographs and a manual mode that offers advanced settings including shutter speed, exposure compensation, and distinctive lighting effects such as bloom and halation. This adaptability is designed for both casual users and dedicated photographers seeking more control over their shots.

    **Usability and Release Information**

    Crucially, Capture will not necessitate a paid subscription for usage, although a VSCO account will be required to leverage its features. After capturing their photos, users can choose to export them directly or transfer them to the main VSCO app for further editing.

    At present, Capture is scheduled to launch in select test markets, including Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, with a wider release anticipated in the United States later this summer.

    **Final Thoughts**

    As Visual Supply Co. gears up to introduce Capture, the app promises a distinctive take on iPhone photography, emphasizing immediate aesthetic integration and user-friendly adjustments. With the rising trend of third-party camera applications, Capture is set to draw in both casual photographers and enthusiasts desiring a more personalized shooting experience.

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