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Presenting the MacBook Enhancement Initiative: Acquire a MacBook for $33.28 each month.

**Transforming MacBook Ownership: The Emergence of Subscription Services**

With Apple’s newest MacBook models enhancing performance to unprecedented levels, consumers are moving away from the conventional pay-upfront approach. A fresh contender is altering the way Mac users obtain their upcoming device: Upgraded, a subscription service for MacBooks that aims to simplify and make acquiring a new MacBook more affordable.

### The Change in Purchasing Options

For many years, Apple enthusiasts had two main choices: pay a hefty sum upfront or finance through a 12-month plan, often with restricted availability. Yet, a third choice is gaining popularity: Upgraded, which allows users to finance a brand-new MacBook over 36 months with 0% APR, starting at just $33.28/month for the MacBook Air and $52.17/month for the MacBook Pro.

### The Functionality of Upgraded

Upgraded permits users to select any specifications, including custom builds with additional RAM or storage, with monthly payments adjusting accordingly. After making 24 payments, users can either upgrade to the latest model by sending back their old device in a prepaid box or complete the remaining payments to keep it for good. This approach eliminates the inconvenience of selling devices via platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, as Upgraded handles returns and ensures secure data removal before refurbishing and reselling devices.

### Financial Adaptability

The initial expense of a MacBook Pro with enhanced specifications can surpass $2,000. Upgraded allows users to avoid locking up substantial cash upfront. Instead, they can invest that money into index funds or high-yield savings accounts, buy accessories to improve their setup, or save for travel and emergencies. This model is especially advantageous for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and students, where cash flow is vital.

John Erik Metcalf, founder and CEO of Upgraded, mentioned, “We want to provide people a way to have the device that empowers them, without the financial strain.”

### Customized for Every User

Upgraded serves both power users and casual fans. Unlike traditional retail options, which frequently restrict buyers to basic models, Upgraded enables users to choose configurations that fit their particular needs, such as increased RAM for multitasking, expanded SSD storage for large files, or faster CPUs for intensive applications. This adaptability guarantees that students and professionals can obtain a machine that will endure throughout their academic or professional journeys without needing frequent replacements.

### Eco-Friendly Practices

Reselling older devices can be a tedious and risky endeavor, often consuming valuable hours. Upgraded simplifies this process by allowing users to select a new MacBook, transfer their data, and return their old device in a prepaid box—making the upgrade seamless and efficient. Furthermore, each returned MacBook is securely wiped, refurbished, and reintroduced into circulation, significantly lowering carbon emissions as reported by Apple’s environmental assessments.

### Supported by Industry Leaders

Upgraded enjoys the backing of prominent figures in the tech world, including Greg Brockman, co-founder and President of OpenAI, and Paul Bucheit, creator of Gmail, along with Y Combinator. With a 4.9-star rating on Trustpilot, Upgraded has already aided thousands of customers in upgrading their Macs affordably.

### Summary

For developers, students, designers, or any Apple aficionado, Upgraded offers a more intelligent method to obtain a MacBook without the upfront financial stress and with a hassle-free upgrade experience. Explore options starting at $33.28/month and see why more individuals are choosing this revolutionary MacBook upgrade plan in 2025. Visit

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“Future Apple WatchOS 26: 8 Fresh Intelligent Features”

Before the commencement of the WWDC 2025 keynote, there were speculations circulating that Apple would unveil various new Apple Intelligence capabilities for watchOS 26 that would subsequently benefit Apple Watch users. While it was already established that these features would rely on an iPhone 15 Pro or more recent models, the company exclusively discussed Workout Buddy.

Nonetheless, there are numerous additional Apple Intelligence functionalities that Apple Watch users will be able to utilize once watchOS 26 is launched. Below, we’ll provide you with all the essential information regarding the most thrilling forthcoming AI feature for the Apple Watch.

watchOS 26 features powered by Apple Intelligence

**Workout Buddy:** The standout Apple Intelligence-enabled feature of watchOS 26 is Workout Buddy. This innovative fitness experience “produces customized motivational talks using voice data from an Apple Fitness+ instructor.” It sets the atmosphere for your workout, motivating you based on the data present in the Health app.

**Live Translation:** Introduced on Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple integrates Live Translation functionalities into its wearable with watchOS 26 in the Messages app. This AI feature interprets conversations into your chosen language.

**Genmoji enhancements:** With watchOS 26, you can transmit the Genmoji crafted with your iPhone. Through iOS 26, it’s feasible to combine emojis, Genmojis, and descriptions to formulate a new image. It’s also possible to merge two emojis to create an entirely different one.

Apple Watch users gain additional smart capabilities

Although Apple doesn’t explicitly state that these features are powered by Apple Intelligence, there is still considerable intelligence integrated within them. Here are other enhancements arriving with watchOS 26:

**Wrist Flick:** The Double Tap isn’t the sole gesture you can perform on your Apple Watch. If you possess one of the latest models, watchOS 26 introduces the Wrist Flick. By rotating your wrist over and then back, you can clear a notification or a call. Engaging in this gesture may appear somewhat unusual, but Apple Watch users will likely acclimate to it over time.

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Comparison of Two Smartwatches in a Spartan Race: Assessing Performance Without a Definitive Champion

This year, my goal is to compete in three Spartan races to elevate my fitness journey. It’s a process that has taken me five years to reach, and while I’ve gradually progressed among my fellow Spartans over that time, I still have a significant distance to cover before I entertain any thoughts of reaching the podium.

However, regardless of whether I ever secure a podium finish, the secret to advancement lies in training. Monitoring my performance with a smartwatch has been incredibly beneficial, but given the diverse obstacles and fitness types encountered in a Spartan race, which watch is optimal for tracking my progress?

I revisited two of my favorites from last year, the OnePlus Watch 3 and Google Pixel Watch 3, both of which I frequently rely on due to their precise fitness-tracking capabilities and comprehensive statistics. While I favor the compact size of the 41mm Pixel Watch 3, the battery longevity of the OnePlus Watch 3 stands out even more.

After completing the race, I analyzed my stats using various tools. Strava extracted the information from my OnePlus Watch 3, whereas Google’s Fitbit managed the data for the Pixel. All of this data was compiled into a web-based tool known as Quantified Self, which simplifies the process of directly comparing statistics and GPS-tracked maps at a glance. Now, let’s review the results.

Let’s get Spartan

If you have never participated in a Spartan Race, here’s a brief overview. Spartan Races are offered in three distances: Sprint (5K, 20+ obstacles), Super (10K, 25+ obstacles), Beast (21K, 30+ obstacles), and Ultra (50K, 60+ obstacles). The obstacles consist of a variety of challenges including rope ascents, crawling under barbed wire, navigating angled walls, and even carrying heavy objects for a specified distance.

Up to now, I’ve only completed Sprints and have no plans to go longer. I’m not Michael Hicks, and I can’t handle 20-mile races, but I have taken part in Ninja Warrior competitions previously, so obstacles play to my strengths. The varied demands of a Spartan Race make it challenging to gauge with a watch designed strictly for running, but they still offer a good amount of data for comparison.

Typically, I participate in Spartan Races in my home state of North Carolina, known for its hilly terrain, but I opted to try one while vacationing in the much flatter (and hotter) state of Florida.

Post-run 20-mile stats from four fitness watches

| Category | OnePlus Watch 3 | Google Pixel Watch 3 |
|——————————|—————–|———————-|
| Distance | 5.26 Km | 5.33 Km |
| Pace | 11:37 min/km | 11:05 min/km |
| Ascent / Decent | 0 m / 0 m | 35 m / 50 m |
| Avg. / max heart rate | 177 bpm / 195 bpm| 177 bpm / 200 bpm |
| Running power average / max | 93 W / 532 W | N/A |
| Calories | 852 kcal | 864 kcal |
| Steps | 7,049 | 7,042 |
| Cadence | 117 spm | 112 spm |
| Stride length | 0.74m | 0.74m |
| Vertical oscillation | 7.7cm | 8.1cm |

While both watches are quite even in their overall performance, a few statistics caught my attention. The elevation change, for example, indicated that the OnePlus Watch 3 perceived Florida as much flatter than it truly is.

Although much of the course at Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park in Boca Raton is indeed very flat by my North Carolina expectations, several obstacles were positioned above or below the general elevation of the majority of the route.

The bucket carry, for example, required me to trek up a constructed hill that was several dozen feet tall, while another obstacle had us traversing through a pond that we needed to navigate down a slope to access.

Examining the graph reveals a malfunction with the OnePlus Watch 3. Whether this was a glitch or something else entirely, I’m not sure, but it’s clear that I didn’t receive accurate altitude readings from the OnePlus Watch 3. This anomaly is unusual, as I’ve never experienced this outside of this specific race (naturally), and I’ve taken it hiking multiple times.

I recognize this was an anomaly since when I analyze the remaining data, both watches show remarkably comparable results. This impresses me as it affirms my initial impressions regarding the OnePlus Watch 3.

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Scientists Caution About Possible Adverse Effects of Extracting CO2 from the Ocean

We’re losing the battle to manage climate change, prompting many scientists to seek alternative strategies to address the continually increasing global temperatures. Although we’ve proposed several different approaches, many come with extra complications. Recently, researchers have found that one of the most talked-about methods, marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR), may actually exacerbate the situation by reducing the oxygen levels in the ocean.

The concept behind mCDR aims to enhance the ability of our oceans to sequester carbon dioxide. At present, our oceans serve as the planet’s largest carbon sink, estimated to absorb about a quarter of anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Consequently, numerous experts believe the ocean could play a pivotal role in reversing the effects of human-induced climate change. However, significant challenges remain.

Our oceans are already under strain due to the persistent alterations in our planet’s environment. For instance, the oxygen levels in the ocean are significantly declining. Moreover, a substantial portion of the ocean is becoming deprived of sunlight, further driving down oxygen levels. With rising ocean temperatures, scientists caution that the deeper layers of our oceans will become considerably less effective at circulating oxygen.

This situation will impact marine ecosystems worldwide, resulting in reduced oxygen levels and diminished marine biodiversity. While we have proposed strategies to curb this warming, what if those initiatives could inadvertently worsen the situation? This is the inquiry that new research published in Environmental Research Letters seeks to address. The research team examined various mCDR techniques and discovered that many of them could indeed have detrimental effects.

We’ve devised multiple strategies to mitigate ocean warming. Though these might prevent sea levels from rising, most would necessitate some level of biomass production, leading to sinking organic matter in the ocean. The researchers caution that this would yield unintended consequences for the ocean’s oxygen levels.

One strategy involves essentially fertilizing the ocean by introducing nutrients like iron to encourage phytoplankton growth, like those depicted in the image above. These blooms can absorb more carbon dioxide. Though these organisms would eventually sink and transport the carbon to the ocean floor, they would also consume oxygen as they decompose. Through simulations, the researchers analyzed the effects of 100 years of ongoing fertilization on ocean oxygen levels.

They discovered that over a century, the ocean could experience a reduction of approximately three percent in its oxygen capacity globally. This figure is more than twice the loss attributed solely to global warming. Furthermore, they found that certain regions beneath the fertilized areas could potentially decline by over 50 micromoles, changes that would surpass the deoxygenation observed under high-emission climate scenarios.

This new research illustrates that while we may propose beneficial ideas for the climate, not all of these will be advantageous for the ocean. Our aim, as humans striving to assist our planet, should be to identify the most effective methods to do so without causing further harm. So far, it appears that the majority of mCDR techniques might do more damage than good in the long term. It seems we need to reevaluate our approach.

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Researchers Uncover Possible Indicators of a Fifth Fundamental Force of Nature

Every activity in our universe is driven by a “natural force.” At present, four primary forces are recognized by scientists: gravity, electromagnetism, weak nuclear force, and strong nuclear force. The last two are often categorized as nuclear forces. However, some researchers theorize that a fifth natural force could be present, with a recent study asserting the discovery of supporting evidence.

A team of scientists hailing from Switzerland, Australia, and Germany posits that this fifth force might be concealed deep within atomic cores. Although the Standard Model of physics has progressed over time to aid in elucidating quantum and cosmic phenomena, significant gaps remain that perplex scientists and physicists alike.

Dark matter is a major enigma, naturally, and even gravity has not been completely unraveled, despite being a fundamental force of nature. The introduction of a fifth natural force, along with additional fields and particles, could significantly enhance our comprehension of the universe. However, gathering the proof that verifies these forces’ existence poses a challenge.

This motivated the researchers involved in the new investigation to begin with a smaller scale. Rather than exploring at a cosmic level, they directed their studies towards atomic phenomena. Their investigation concentrated on the nuclei of four diverse forms of calcium. Typically, electrons are bound by the attraction between their charge and the positively charged particles located at the atom’s center.

However, with a slight push, they can effectively move to a higher orbital state. This occurrence is referred to as atomic transition. The specific timing of this leap is greatly influenced by the nucleus’s configuration, which implies that an element can undergo several atomic transitions depending on the number of neutrons it contains.

The researchers theorize that a fifth natural force could be the underlying factor driving these subtle interactions. Their experiments revealed a minute gap between the atomic transitions — precisely enough space for a particle with a mass estimated between 10 and 10 million electronvolts.

To ascertain if this ambiguity truly represents another force of nature, further experimentation and refined calculations will be necessary.

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Indie App Highlight: ‘ClosetLog’ Elevates Garment Organization with Intelligent Functions

# ClosetLog: Your Ultimate Wardrobe Assistant

Welcome to the **Indie App Spotlight**, a weekly installment by 9to5Mac that showcases the latest advancements in the indie app landscape. This week, we spotlight **ClosetLog**, an application crafted to transform how you organize your wardrobe and select outfits each day.

## Overview of ClosetLog

[ClosetLog](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/closetlog/id6746719497) is a groundbreaking application that offers users detailed insights into their fashion selections. The app aims to enrich your wardrobe experience by assisting you in making enlightened choices about what to wear, ensuring you maximize your clothing inventory.

## Top Features

ClosetLog is loaded with features that encourage thoughtful dressing:

– **Wardrobe Insights**: The app monitors your garment usage, allowing you to discern which pieces you wear often and which are seldom chosen. This feature fosters a more deliberate approach to your closet.

– **Weather Integration**: ClosetLog offers weather forecasts, helping you pick outfits suitable for the day’s weather conditions.

– **Value Tracking**: Users can evaluate the cost-per-wear of their garments, simplifying the process of identifying which items provide the greatest value.

– **Background Removal**: Leveraging Apple’s Vision framework, ClosetLog enables you to swiftly eliminate backgrounds from your clothing photos, facilitating the creation and visualization of new ensembles.

– **Decluttering Assistance**: The insights section provides suggestions on which pieces you could consider parting with, advocating for a simplified wardrobe.

– **iCloud Sync**: The app effortlessly syncs your information through iCloud, removing the necessity for an account and guaranteeing your data is always within reach.

## Download the App

You can grab [ClosetLog](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/closetlog/id6746719497) on the App Store for free. The application is free of advertisements, does not monitor user data, and does not currently demand a subscription. It is compatible with iPhones operating on iOS 17.5 and above.

Future updates may introduce a subscription model that incorporates AI to improve outfit logging and additional functionalities, although these enhancements are still under consideration.

## Conclusion

ClosetLog serves as a vital resource for anyone aiming to enhance their wardrobe and make more conscious fashion decisions. With its intuitive interface and robust features, it distinguishes itself as an indispensable app for style-savvy individuals.

For further details and updates, follow Michael on [X/Twitter](https://x.com/mbrkhrdt), [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/michaelb.nyc), and

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A Handbook for Selecting the Ideal MacBook in 2025

# Selecting the Ideal MacBook: An In-Depth Guide

MacBooks are recognized for their efficiency, aesthetics, and seamless ecosystem integration. Nevertheless, with numerous models and configurations to choose from, picking the appropriate MacBook can feel daunting. This article seeks to clarify your selection process by outlining the choices according to your financial considerations and requirements.

## Overview of MacBook Models

Currently, Apple provides two main MacBook models: the **MacBook Air** and the **MacBook Pro**. Each model comes in various sizes—13-inch and 15-inch for the MacBook Air, and 14-inch and 16-inch for the MacBook Pro.

### Variations of Apple Silicon

The MacBook Air is powered by the entry-level Apple Silicon chip, currently the **M4**. If you’re looking at older versions, you might find the **M2** or **M3** chips. On the other hand, the MacBook Pro presents three variations of the M4 chip: **M4**, **M4 Pro**, and **M4 Max**. It’s important to note that the 16-inch MacBook Pro does not utilize the baseline M4 chip.

## Breakdown of Apple Silicon

Grasping the distinctions among the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips is essential:

– **M4 Chip**: This is the basic model, delivering exceptional battery longevity and adequate performance for the majority of users, featuring a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU.

– **M4 Pro Chip**: This version offers improved performance, with choices for a 14-core CPU and a 20-core GPU, or a 12-core CPU and a 16-core GPU, suitable for more resource-intensive tasks.

– **M4 Max Chip**: The most robust option, equipped with a 16-core CPU and a 40-core GPU, perfect for high-performance workflows needing substantial processing capabilities.

For the average user, the basic M4 chip should be adequate unless you’re undertaking demanding activities such as video editing or 3D rendering.

### Performance Evaluation: M3 vs. M4 MacBook Air

The M4 MacBook Air presents multiple enhancements compared to the M3 version, including:

– **Webcam**: The M4 is fitted with a new 12MP center-stage webcam that has ultra-wide functionality and zoom features.

– **Color Choices**: The M4 MacBook Air is offered in a new Sky Blue shade, along with Silver, Starlight, and Midnight.

Despite these upgrades, M3 models are frequently available at lower prices, making them an attractive option for budget-minded consumers. For example, a 512GB/16GB 13-inch M3 MacBook Air can be priced at around $899, while the M4 counterpart retails for roughly $1,068.

### MacBook Pro Advantages

Opting for the MacBook Pro instead of the MacBook Air provides several benefits:

– **Display**: The MacBook Pro boasts a brighter HDR display with a typical brightness of 1000 nits, in contrast to the MacBook Air’s 500 nits.

– **Cooling Mechanism**: Active cooling in the MacBook Pro supports consistent performance during intensive tasks.

– **Additional Connections**: The MacBook Pro is equipped with HDMI, an SD card slot, and an extra Thunderbolt port, improving connectivity options.

– **Battery Performance**: The MacBook Pro models feature larger batteries, enabling up to 24 hours of video playback on a single charge.

Although the MacBook Pro is bulkier and heavier than the Air, its enhanced performance and features make it a valuable investment for users needing additional capabilities from their device.

## Pricing Snapshot

### MacBook Air Pricing

– **M3 Chip**: Prices fluctuate according to configuration, but you can find deals around $899 for a 512GB/16GB version.

– **M4 Chip**: The same setup generally sells for about $1,068.

### MacBook Pro Pricing

– **14-inch MacBook Pro**: Pricing changes based on specifications.

– **16-inch MacBook Pro**: Typically more expensive due to upgraded features and performance.

## Final Thoughts

Apple’s MacBook series serves a diverse array of users, from casual individuals to professionals requiring high performance. With continuous deals and promotions, this is an ideal moment to purchase a MacBook, whether it’s your first one or you’re looking to upgrade. By comprehending the variations among models and configurations, you can make a well-informed choice that aligns best with your requirements and financial plan.

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Humans Observe Live Squid Species for the First Time in More Than a Century

The rare Antarctic gonate squid has been acknowledged since 1898. Yet, it took more than a century for researchers to finally observe this squid alive. This creature resides deep beneath the Antarctic glaciers and has been an elusive target for discovery for over a hundred years. It was sheer luck that allowed scientists to view this rare organism for the first time.

As reported by National Geographic, the Antarctic gonate squid washed ashore in the late 1800s. However, expeditions to the remote southern regions had never yielded a live observation of this unusual squid—until last year. During a voyage aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Falkor (too), scientists had to alter their planned research area due to hazardous weather conditions.

This unexpected stop resulted in our inaugural glimpse of this rare squid, which floats through the frigid waters of the dark Antarctic regions of the Weddell Sea. The squid was observed approximately 7,000 feet beneath the surface, near the boundary of an area called the Powell Basin. The researchers watched as the squid swam through the water, ultimately releasing a plume of greenish ink.

Even though it has been known for over a century, many scientists contend that this marks the first observation of this rare squid in its natural habitat and still alive. Measuring around three feet in length, the Antarctic gonate squid isn’t as large as some of the enormous squids seen in the ocean. Nonetheless, its elusive nature has rendered it an even more fascinating target for researchers.

There is little information regarding the exact locations of these rare squids, or how many may still exist today. This discovery serves as yet another reminder of the boundless and enigmatic nature of our oceans. The ongoing discovery of peculiar creatures residing on the ocean floor is both thrilling and somewhat unnerving.

To provide context, it is frequently said that we have a better understanding of Mars’ surface than we do of our own oceans. This statement carries weight, as we still comprehend so little about our neighboring planet, despite years of exploration conducted by NASA’s rovers.

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Top 10 Essential Streaming Television Shows of the Week

A grumpy detective, a sports comedy revolving around a past-his-prime golf player, a witty robot, and tales of crime, familial conflicts, treachery, and more — this week’s Reelgood Top 10 TV series list showcases a diverse array of genres that ensures every type of binge-watcher has something to become enamored with right now.

If you’re seeking reality TV drama, a show that makes you reevaluate those nearest to you, or a brutal underworld narrative based on constantly changing loyalties, the Top 10 list below serves as the ideal reason to ditch your weekend plans and immerse yourself in your upcoming TV desire. Curious about what everyone is watching this week? Let’s dive in.

The latest Reelgood chart covers the week-long span that concluded on June 18, drawing from the streaming guide that tracks millions of viewing choices monthly across the major TV services in the US, including Apple TV+, HBO Max, Peacock, Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, Prime Video, and Paramount+. Below, discover what Reelgood identifies as the streaming TV series currently creating the biggest impact.

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" height="512" width="1024" src="https://allyoucantech.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/top-10-essential-streaming-television-shows-of-the-week-1.jpg" alt="Peter Dager in Stick on Apple TV+" class="is-wp-image-block wp-image-6321407" srcset="https://allyoucantech.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/top-10-essential-streaming-television-shows-of-the-week-2.jpg 1920w, https://allyoucantech.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/top-10-essential-streaming-television-shows-of-the-week-9.jpg 150w, https://allyoucantech.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/top-10-essential-streaming-television-shows-of-the-week-10.jpg 300w, https://allyoucantech.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/top-10-essential-streaming-television-shows-of-the-week-11.jpg 768w, https://allyoucantech.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/top-10-essential-streaming-television-shows-of-the-week-12.jpg 1024w, https://bgr.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/rsz_stick

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Enhance Your Android Flip Phone Camera: Best Tips and Techniques

Flip phones might appear to be a fad, but the camera functions are genuinely entertaining and practical.

There’s much to appreciate about contemporary flip phones, yet one of the most compelling aspects, at least in my opinion, is the diverse ways to utilize their cameras. Traditional candybar smartphones offer a fairly conventional experience for taking photos and selfies. However, the flip phone design and their ever-expanding cover screens provide a distinct enhancement to that experience.

After reviewing an array of Android flip phones over the last couple of years, I’ve observed that people are consistently thrilled to see the innovative ways I leverage the cameras and cover screens. It’s one of the prime avenues to demonstrate what flip phones are capable of, so here are how I maximize the flip phone’s design to secure superior photos and videos.

Securing the perfect selfies

In standard smartphones, capturing selfies typically requires using the front-facing camera. While this method is generally adequate, front-facing cameras often deliver lower quality than the main rear cameras. Smaller sensors and reduced resolutions can sometimes lead to noisier images that simply don’t look as appealing.

Flip phones do feature front-facing cameras, but honestly, I hardly ever employ them, and when I do, it’s mainly for video calls. If I’m aiming to take a selfie, I close the phone and activate the camera. This approach allows me not only to see myself on the cover screen, but it also lets me capture selfies using the superior quality of the main camera.

What’s fantastic is that you don’t need a high-end flip phone for this to work; even the less expensive models with smaller cover screens typically offer a selfie preview. Naturally, having a larger cover screen improves the overall experience.

The Razr also includes an entertaining Photobooth feature that automatically takes four pictures after a brief countdown. Once completed, it compiles them into an amusing 4×4 collage.

Capturing your finest angles

One of the most frustrating experiences is having someone else take your picture, only for it to turn out poorly or capture you at an awkward angle. You often find yourself reliant on the person taking the photo, hoping at least one of the shots is decent enough to share on Instagram.

With most flip phones, this concern is eliminated. Thanks to their large cover screens, devices like the Motorola Razr and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip allow you to activate a viewfinder preview. This way, when you’re photographing someone, they can see themselves and position themselves accordingly, ensuring you capture their best angle.

I make use of this feature every time I photograph friends, and they consistently mention how impressive and handy it is that they can see themselves.

For the TikTok enthusiasts

If you’re a TikTok user or a content creator, this is tailored for you. Rather than purchasing a tripod or another device to prop your phone up while filming a video, you can simply take a flip phone, set it down in a suitable spot, and fold it at an angle. With the cover screen viewfinder, you can see yourself as you film your videos. Plus, since you’re not utilizing the front camera, the video quality will be notably superior compared to a standard smartphone.

This is one of my preferred methods for capturing hands-free “selfies” that appear to be taken by someone else. This technique pairs well with Air Gestures, which trigger a short countdown when you raise your hand toward the camera. Additionally, for video recording, the Razr Ultra enables similar controls, letting you start, pause, or conclude video capture by displaying your palm or fist.

However, it’s also an excellent way to record footage of not only yourself but also other subjects. Android Central’s Nicholas Sutrich recently took a Motorola Razr Plus 2025 while paddleboarding on a lake. He placed the phone in front of him on the board and simply began filming. It was beneficial because he could document his experience on the lake with the Razr while concentrating on steering the paddleboard (with the Razr secured to the board, of course).

If you own a Galaxy Z Flip 6, you can benefit from a fascinating auto zoom feature. While utilizing the cover screen viewfinder, the camera will automatically zoom in or out based on your proximity to the camera, a task that typically requires manual adjustment.

Unleash your inner filmmaker

Recent Razr and Galaxy Z Flip models have introduced an exciting feature that simplifies video recording, especially when holding the phone. Camcorder Mode effectively transforms your device into a camcorder when you fold the phone at a 90-degree angle while the camera is active.

With Camcorder Mode, the user interface changes so the viewfinder is

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