Walmart’s Black Friday Discounts: Best Offers for Android Users
Why hold off for Black Friday? These offers are accessible RIGHT NOW.
Examining the Obstacles and Setbacks in the Android Gaming Handheld Sector: Perspectives on a Leading Industry Contender
Know what you’re entering before you invest your funds.
Outside the Alphabet is a weekly column that delves into the technology landscape both within and outside of Mountain View.
It’s an exhilarating period to be a gaming enthusiast, as we have witnessed a plethora of devices launched in the past year, with even more on the way. I mean, <a data-analytics
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Amazon’s Best-Selling Roku Accessory Priced at $10
a pack of two Roku TV remotes, suitable for various Roku devices, available for just $10 at the moment.
This two-pack of replacements from Acoyer is designed for Roku TV devices. These are smart TV sets with Roku integrated, from brands such as Hisense, TCL, Element, Philips, and others. You will see that the TV remotes are distinct from those meant only for media players, like the Roku Express remote, as they include a power button — that on/off button is intended for the TV itself. Overall, having replacements is always a good idea even if you haven’t misplaced the original remote yet. You never can tell when it might happen, and in a busy home, it’s often a question of if, not when. A remote is essential to navigate the interface, as well as to adjust settings and manage the system, such as clearing the data cache.
Typically, the two-pack costs $15, but it is currently on sale for $10. When compared to the official Roku TV remote, you would only obtain one remote for the same price. Nevertheless, keep in mind that the deal model does not seem to be Roku’s voice remote. This can be identified by the absence of a mic hole beneath the power button and it’s not indicated as voice-enabled.
Two Roku remotes for the cost of one
Researchers Uncover Most Ancient Documented Air Sample Encased in Antarctica
have discovered life flourishing beneath Antarctica in the past, but their most recent discovery is not quite as intricate. A group of researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute has collected samples from the Antarctic ice in a location known as Allan Hills. The samples consist of ice and air — in fact, exceptionally ancient air — trapped in minuscule air bubbles within the ice. This represents the most ancient air ever recorded and offers scientists a peek into the conditions of the planet in earlier times.
While it might appear straightforward to locate ancient ice and air, the Earth is so geologically dynamic that obtaining such samples can prove challenging, much less acquiring ones that offer significant information about historical climate conditions. Additionally, this is made possible solely due to Antarctica’s distinct characteristics. The accumulation of ice and snow ensnares substances and freezes them, forming a kind of time capsule that ultimately becomes sealed and buried beneath the surface. To access these frozen time capsules, researchers employ what are known as vertical cores, lengthy sections of ice removed from below the surface. They can utilize the samples and the data collected to reconstruct the planet’s environmental state at the moment the original materials were ensnared. Naturally, the information is confined to the Antarctic area.
What insights do we have regarding the air samples and the Earth’s history?
Grasping Macro Lenses on Smartphones: Dispelling Misconceptions and Investigating the Advantages of Macro Photography
Welcome to Tech Talk, a weekly column focused on the gadgets we use and their functionalities. We aim to keep things straightforward so that everyone can grasp how and why the device in your hand operates the way it does.
At times, things might get a bit technical, as technology tends to be complex and intricate. However, we can work through it together to make it comprehensible!
Understanding how it works, presented in a manner that everyone can grasp. Your weekly insight into the mechanics behind your gadgets.
You may not be concerned with how any of this operates, and that’s perfectly fine as well. Your tech devices are personal and should bring enjoyment. However, you might just discover something new…
One to one
You might have a specific macro setting available on your phone; many phones come equipped with this feature now. This doesn’t necessarily mean you possess a macro lens, but smartphones often defy the typical “rules” of photography, making it effective. If you spot the term “macro” or a small flower icon in your camera software, you essentially have a macro lens.
But what does it genuinely entail? Probably not what you assume.
A macro lens configuration is a technique for taking a 1:1 photograph. This implies that the size displayed on your screen corresponds to the actual size in real life. It doesn’t signify that the subject appears enlarged or that you can zoom in excessively; it simply means that the display size is “accurate.” While it may not be exact, it’s not advisable to use a macro photograph as an engineering drawing; it is, however, close enough for our eyes to perceive it accurately.
Imagine photographing an ant. When you direct your phone at an ant, you’ll end up with an image featuring a tiny black dot where the ant is located. Now envision getting a closer look, perhaps seeing its head. A standard camera configuration won’t achieve that, but a macro lens can.
Keep in mind that “the same size” is relative. We are discussing the viewfinder of your camera in this context. If I take a macro photograph of my angelfish as previously mentioned, the size you perceive while reading this may not correspond to what I saw in the viewfinder. What’s crucial is that the details are maintained, even at very close ranges.
A macro lens is essential for capturing all the minute details and preserving them when the photo is enlarged.
How does it function? Can’t I just use a “regular” setup?
At times, you might acquire comparable detail quality using a conventional camera lens, but generally, you won’t. This is due to the fact that a macro configuration isn’t merely a standard lens with close-focusing abilities. It’s a tool specifically designed for extreme close-ups and to operate seamlessly at the limits of visibility.
You’ll require a few fundamental hardware elements to begin. On your phone, some of these are managed through software, yet as stated, smartphones can bend the rules. What matters is that the setup can focus at very short distances, has a flat field to ensure the entire photo is sharp, and the capacity to adjust the focal length while altering anything else. Certain cameras can even extend to high magnifications, such as 2:1 or even 3:1, functioning almost as a microscope.
Most importantly, all of this must be optimized. Whether you possess a large full-frame camera paired with a $2,000 prime macro lens or a Motorola Razr (which features an excellent macro setting in its camera), none of it is effective unless it creates an image with the appropriate color, sharpness, and contrast.
Macro myths
As we all began to recognize the presence of a good camera in our phones, most lacked a macro setting. This led us to learn to adapt in incredible ways.
Now that macro capabilities have become standard, there are some persistent myths we should clarify.
Myth 1: Macro lenses are exclusively for small objects. False! Their remarkable clarity and flexible focal lengths make them ideal for portraits and general photography. An appropriate macro setup can indeed focus out to infinity while retaining a 1:1 view.
Myth 2: You MUST have a macro lens for ALL close-ups. Not necessarily. Consider food photography as an instance. You do not want or need to scrutinize every crumbly edge of Parmesan on your spaghetti. You can create an appealing and artistic photo with a standard lens, even at close proximity, if you’re willing to forfeit some of those minuscule details.
Myth 3: More light is advantageous. Not always. The quality and direction of light are essential. A macro photograph is one of the few instances where you might consider using flash to freeze motion and manage shadows. It’s important for the details to be clear and unobstructed while also being sufficiently bright to be visible.
Myth 4: Small apertures (f/22+) always result in sharper macros. Incorrect!
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Release Date for Spotify Wrapped 2025
# Spotify Wrapped: A Musical Year in Retrospective
The most thrilling season for Spotify enthusiasts is drawing near. Spotify Wrapped is expected to be released in the coming weeks, providing fans with a summary of their favorite songs, artists, albums, and more.
## What is Spotify Wrapped?
Spotify Wrapped is Spotify’s highly celebrated year-end review feature for its subscribers. It presents a detailed analysis of various listening patterns, including overall listening duration, favorite artists, and songs. Users can check if they ranked as a top listener for a particular artist, monitor their listening streaks, and appreciate personalized messages from beloved musicians. Furthermore, Spotify Wrapped formulates musical chapters that characterize each listener’s year.
## Spotify Wrapped 2025 Launch Date
Traditionally, Spotify has unveiled Wrapped during the last week of November or the initial week of December. The launch dates from previous years are listed below:
– **2024:** December 4
– **2023:** November 29
– **2022:** November 30
– **2021:** December 1
– **2020:** December 1
– **2019:** December 5
This regular release pattern indicates that Spotify Wrapped 2025 will probably debut in the first few days of December.
Recently, Spotify updated its approach to tracking listening data for Wrapped. Formerly, data collection concluded on October 31, but last year, Spotify revealed that Wrapped would keep recording into November. This modification allows users additional weeks to affect their Wrapped statistics.
## Apple Music Replay
In comparison, Apple Music subscribers can access Apple Music Replay throughout the entire year. For Spotify users contemplating a transition, Apple Music is priced at $10.99 per month, which is $1 less than Spotify.
As the launch of Spotify Wrapped nears, numerous users are curious about what will dominate their lists this year and what surprises Spotify might unveil. Comprehensive coverage of Spotify Wrapped’s launch will be provided in the weeks ahead.
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Google Presents Special Upgrade Offer for Pixel Users
Google has included the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, which debuted in 2023, in its refurbished offerings. As a result, if you own a Pixel 6 or 7 series device, you might want to explore the newly available Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro in Google’s refurbished store at a discounted price.
Google’s Pixel 8 and 8 Pro can be purchased refurbished for 30% less
Amazon Presents Smart TV Priced at $120, Perfect for Holiday Presents
The Hisense 40-inch 1080p Smart TV is now listed on Amazon with a 20% reduction, available for $119.99. This television boasts an LCD display with a Full Array backlight, which enhances contrast and local dimming in comparison to edge-lit alternatives. The integrated Natural Color Enhancer modifies color tones for more realistic visuals. Operating as an Amazon Fire TV on Fire OS, it grants access to popular streaming platforms like Apple TV, pending active subscriptions. Viewers can develop custom profiles for a personalized watching experience and connect the TV to smart home systems, enabling functionalities like Picture-in-Picture.
The television offers multiple modes to elevate viewing, including an AI Sports Mode that minimizes blur and improves commentary for sports fans. Video game players enjoy a designated mode that cuts down input lag to 16ms for more fluid gameplay.
Customer feedback on Amazon averages a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars for this television. Numerous users commend its picture quality, labeling it as “crystal-clear,” and deem the brightness adequate. Its dimensions are favored for fitting in bedrooms while still delivering sharp images. Reportedly, the setup process is straightforward, supported by on-screen instructions and pre-installed applications. Hisense holds a reputation as one of the top-rated smart TV brands regarding customer satisfaction.
Responses about sound quality vary, with some individuals experiencing a humming noise when unplugged and sporadic sound loss after restarting. A few buyers mentioned unexpected shutdowns or lagging problems. Nonetheless, the TV is regarded as a solid choice for those seeking an economical option.
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Apple Store App Revamped with Liquid Glass Aesthetic for Festive Shopping Period
Apple has made iOS 26 available to all users, while the company continues to enhance its stock applications with the Liquid Glass design aesthetic. The most recent first-party application to receive this revamped UI experience is the Apple Store app, which has also been given a new icon. The standout feature is the updated Liquid Glass menu bar, allowing users to navigate through sections in a more captivating manner. The Apple Store app includes the For You tab, Products, Go Further, Bag, and Search.
The For You tab showcases trade-in recommendations, AppleCare options, Today at Apple events, and various product information. The Products tab prominently displays the latest Apple devices, along with a special section for holiday selections. The new Go Further tab emphasizes Today at Apple events, tips and tricks for Apple products, and recommended services. Lastly, you can visit the Bag tab to review the items you’re intending to purchase.
Apple Stores are also prepared for the festive season
Amazon Affirms Ongoing Backing for Android-Powered Fire TV OS
VegaOS Isn’t Taking Over Fire OS, For Now
Amazon has clarified that its newly introduced VegaOS will not take the place of the current Android-based Fire OS on its streaming devices. Although VegaOS has been launched on the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, Amazon assures customers that Fire OS will still operate its mainstream Fire TV models.
The company has been tackling piracy issues associated with sideloading on Fire TV devices. Recent findings indicated that Fire TV devices were a major source of illegal sports streams in the UK, leading Amazon to limit piracy-related applications, including those installed outside the Appstore. This enforcement has already commenced in Germany and France, with plans for further expansion.
VegaOS is tailored for lower-end hardware, guaranteeing seamless app functionality and user experience. While speculations indicated that Amazon might discontinue Fire OS, the company claims it is a “multi-OS company” and has no intentions of replacing Fire OS. Instead, VegaOS is meant to support Fire OS, not supplant it.
Amazon has not revealed if VegaOS will extend to additional Fire TV models or higher-end hardware, which could affect sideloading features on future devices. For the moment, Fire OS continues to be the primary operating system for Amazon’s streaming devices, although this may change down the line.
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