Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Preliminary Prime Day Kindle Savings: Enjoy Discounts on Leading E-Readers

Revive your passion for reading this October.

(Image credit: Michael Hicks/ Android Central)

Attention readers! The upcoming Prime Day event is scheduled for October 7th to 8th, and there are already a remarkable array of Kindle offers available if you know where to search. Whether you are looking for an adaptable Kindle Scribe or the child-friendly Kindle Kinds (2024), continue reading for my top picks of Kindle deals from Big Deal Days (up until now).

Naturally, the offers will continue to improve as we near the official sale, so don’t hesitate to return later for updates: I will refresh this guide with new Kindle e-readers throughout the event. As is customary, most of the most significant reductions will be reserved for Prime members, so it’s a great time to enroll if you haven’t yet. There’s even a <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=169923&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Famazonprime%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dac-gb-1352686489291176833-20" data-url="https://www.amazon.com/amazonprime" target="_blank" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" rel="sponsored noopener" data-hl-processed="hawklinks" data-placeholder-url="https://target.georiot.com/

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Unsecured Vulnerability in Tile Devices Might Permit Unapproved Location Monitoring

A major security vulnerability has been uncovered in Tile trackers, prompting worries about possible stalking dangers for users. Experts at Georgia Tech have revealed that Tile trackers transmit unencrypted IDs along with a static Bluetooth MAC address, rendering them easily identifiable and traceable. In contrast to rivals like Apple’s AirTag and Samsung’s SmartTag, which utilize rotating identifiers and encrypted communications, Tile’s security measures are inconsistent and incomplete. Tile’s Anti-Theft Mode, intended to conceal trackers from scans, unintentionally eliminates safety precautions, enabling abusers to plant devices without detection.

The primary concern is that Tile tags transmit a unique ID and a static Bluetooth MAC address without encryption. While Apple and Samsung employ rotating identifiers and enhanced privacy measures, Tile only partially rotates identifiers in specific circumstances. The static MAC address serves as a beacon, easily detectable with basic scanning equipment. This absence of encryption means that individuals with only basic technical knowledge could utilize readily available antennas or Bluetooth sniffers to track someone’s movements in real time. Researchers have also cautioned that Tile’s framework could potentially be exploited to create long-term profiles of user behavior, raising alarms about the company’s oversight of location information.

Tile’s Anti-Theft Mode further complicates the situation. It necessitates users to submit government ID and selfies, along with agreeing to a clause permitting Tile to disclose information to law enforcement without a subpoena if misuse is suspected. Although the company has linked a $1 million penalty to confirmed instances of abuse, critics claim that the feature undermines essential protections. When Anti-Theft Mode is activated, Tile tags become invisible in the Scan & Secure feature, facilitating malicious actors in planting trackers undetected. Researchers have shown that attackers could capture a Tile signal and replay it elsewhere, potentially implicating individuals by faking their location.

Tile asserts that it prioritizes security, citing ongoing bug bounty programs and partnerships with ethical hackers. However, until substantial improvements are made, the onus is on users. Experts advise keeping firmware and app versions updated, avoiding Anti-Theft Mode unless absolutely necessary, and exploring alternatives like Apple or Google’s trackers, which provide superior privacy safeguards.

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Early Prime Day Garmin Offers: Best Discounts on Favored Fitness Timepieces

This autumn, you don’t have to wait for the official Prime Day to enjoy substantial discounts on Garmin products. Amazon’s Big Deal Days are scheduled for October 7th and 8th, yet there are already plenty of offers on Garmin watches. These aren’t merely reductions on older models; some of the finest Garmin watches are presently discounted. For example, the Vivoactive 6 is $50 off, and the Forerunner 955 has a 30% price drop. As Prime Day nears, anticipate even more impressive deals, so stay tuned for updates.

Highlighted Deals:
– **Garmin Vivoactive 6**: Was $299.99, now $249.99 at Amazon. It’s an outstanding option for a first fitness watch, providing durability, health tracking, and up to 11 days of battery life.
– **Garmin Instinct Crossover**: Was $399.99, now $269.99 at Amazon. This robust smartwatch offers military-grade resilience and comprehensive health tracking features.
– **Garmin Lily 2 Active**: Was $299, now $249.99 at Amazon. It’s crafted for style and practicality, featuring a 9-day battery life, integrated GPS, and more.
– **Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) 51mm**: Was $1,099.99, now $748 at Amazon. This high-end fitness watch showcases a 1.4-inch AMOLED display and military-level sturdiness.
– **Garmin Forerunner 955**: Was $499.99, now $349.99 at Amazon. Perfect for runners, it provides excellent battery life, precise tracking, and pre-loaded activity modes.
– **Garmin Instinct 2X Solar**: Was $449, now $305.99 at Amazon. It comes with enhanced solar charging, a bigger display, and a built-in flashlight.

These deals can be found on platforms such as Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Samsung, and Dell. Don’t overlook these early savings chances to snag a Garmin watch this autumn.

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Amazon Unveils New Fire TV Lineup, Substituting Android with VegaOS

The latest streaming stick and Fire TVs from the company have arrived, along with its bespoke VegaOS.

Amazon has launched its newest innovations in the streaming and television sector with the debut of its Fire TV Stick 4K Select and a variety of Fire TVs, all driven by the company’s proprietary operating system, VegaOS. This development signifies a notable change as Amazon shifts from Android to its own developed software.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Select is crafted to elevate the viewing experience on 4K televisions, featuring vibrant visuals and HDR10 Plus compatibility. The device promises quicker app startup times and enhanced streaming performance, thanks to the lightweight and efficient VegaOS. This new operating system is characterized as responsive and capable of accommodating a broad array of streaming services, such as Xbox Gaming, Luna, and Alexa Plus.

In addition to the streaming stick, Amazon has launched two fresh Omni QLED TVs and new iterations in its 2-Series and 4-Series. The Omni QLED range, available in 50″ and 75″ dimensions, offers a 60% increase in brightness compared to earlier models and incorporates Dolby Vision and HDR10 Plus Adaptive Technology. These televisions come equipped with a quicker processor and smart features like color adjustment based on ambient light and automatic activation upon someone entering the room.

The 2-Series and 4-Series models provide options for HD and 4K resolutions, respectively, and encompass similar smart features. These new televisions are competitively priced, making them accessible to a broad consumer base.

A standout aspect across all new devices is the integration of Alexa Plus, Amazon’s enhanced AI assistant. Alexa Plus enables users to engage naturally with their televisions, offering information on content, actors, and sports updates. It also provides personalized suggestions and assists users in resuming content effortlessly.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Select is available for pre-order at $39.99, while the Omni QLED series begins at $479.99. The 2-Series and 4-Series TVs are priced starting at $159.99 and $329.99, respectively. With these new products, Amazon seeks to transform the home entertainment landscape, utilizing its proprietary VegaOS and the capabilities of Alexa Plus.

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Contrasting Oakley Meta Vanguard and Meta HSTN: Athletic Functionality versus Casual Use

**Vanguard vs. HSTN: A Comparative Analysis**

In the swiftly changing realm of smart eyewear, Oakley has unveiled two remarkable models: the Meta Vanguard and the Meta HSTN. Each model showcases distinct features catered to various user needs, rendering the selection between them a matter of individual preference and lifestyle demands.

**Oakley Meta Vanguard: The Athlete’s Choice**

The Oakley Meta Vanguard is crafted with the athlete’s needs in mind. It merges Meta’s cutting-edge technology with Oakley’s signature Sphaera design, resulting in sunglasses that are ideal for rigorous workouts and outdoor pursuits. Notable features include a 12MP camera that can capture 3K videos, Garmin Connect integration for workout tracking, and an impressive battery life lasting up to nine hours. The Vanguard is also rated IP67, providing considerable protection against dust and water, making it suitable for harsh conditions.

**Pros:**
– Top-notch 12MP camera for 3K video recording.
– Outstanding dust and water resistance (IP67 rating).
– Extended battery life ideal for long workouts.
– Compatibility with Meta AI, Strava, and Garmin Connect.

**Cons:**
– Bulky design unsuitable for daily wear.
– Limited to specific workout types for Garmin Connect.
– Absence of prescription or Transitions lens options.
– Premium price point.

**Oakley Meta HSTN: Everyday Versatility**

The Oakley Meta HSTN serves users desiring a mix of sporty appearance and everyday practicality. While it maintains a sporty vibe, it is more appropriate for casual wear, offering a range of lens options, including prescription and Transitions lenses. The HSTN also boasts an enhanced 12MP camera and delivers up to eight hours of battery life, making it a flexible choice for day-to-day use.

**Pros:**
– Trendy design inspired by Oakley’s HSTN style.
– Budget-friendly price point.
– Various lens options, including prescription and Transitions.
– Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear.

**Cons:**
– Lower water resistance (IPX4 rating).
– Does not include Garmin Connect and Strava integration.
– Some restrictions on prescription lens options.

**Conclusion: Choosing the Right Model**

Ultimately, the choice between the Oakley Meta Vanguard and the Meta HSTN hinges on the user’s lifestyle and requirements. For athletes and outdoor lovers needing robust features and fitness app integration, the Vanguard is the better option. Conversely, the HSTN provides greater versatility for everyday use, with its chic design and lens choices appealing to a wider audience.

Both models embody Oakley’s dedication to innovation in smart eyewear, delivering users cutting-edge technology and style. Whether for intense training or casual wear, Oakley’s Meta series has something to offer everyone.

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Best Buy Presents $90 Reduction on Trending JBL Earbuds Amid Anti-Prime Day Event

The JBL Live Buds 3 are creating a buzz in the audio accessory industry due to their state-of-the-art features and attractive pricing. These true wireless earbuds come with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology, enabling users to experience immersive sound by reducing surrounding noise. A notable aspect of the JBL Live Buds 3 is their unique charging case, which is equipped with an integrated screen. This display offers a wide range of controls, including battery level indicators, playback settings, volume control, and equalizer options, making it a handy device for managing audio settings while on the move.

At present, the JBL Live Buds 3 can be found at a significant discount, with Best Buy providing a $90 reduction from the original price, lowering it to just $140. This price point makes them an appealing choice for anyone in search of high-quality earbuds that are budget-friendly. The earbuds feature an impressive battery life, delivering up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge, with the charging case extending that total to 40 hours. A quick 10-minute charge can yield an extra 4 hours of listening time, guaranteeing that users always have access to their music.

Beyond their remarkable battery life, the JBL Live Buds 3 come equipped with six built-in microphones, improving voice and video call quality, along with supporting voice assistant capabilities. Designed with JBL’s Signature Sound system, they utilize 10mm dynamic drivers to produce a bass-rich audio experience that can be tailored through the charging case’s interface. They also enable multi-point connections and feature Google Finder and Audio Switch capabilities, enhancing their practicality and usability.

The JBL Live Buds 3 are engineered to endure diverse environments, benefitting from an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance. This makes them ideal for use during workouts or in inclement weather. All in all, the JBL Live Buds 3 present a compelling mix of cutting-edge features, intuitive controls, and affordability, positioning them as a strong option in the mid-range earbud segment. Whether you’re a serious audiophile or a casual listener, these earbuds deliver a versatile and high-quality audio experience.

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An In-Depth Manual for Leveraging AI Editing Tools within Google Photos

Magic Editor has been removed, but numerous AI tools are available to fill that void.

Google Photos has just celebrated its 10th anniversary, and this milestone has introduced a comprehensive redesign of the app’s editing functions. The Magic Editor, a key feature of the Google Photos app that debuted with the Google Pixel 8 series, has now been restructured into several individual tools. You’ll find Magic Eraser for removing objects, along with Move and Reimagine for generative editing, in addition to a variety of other AI capabilities.

If the new layout is confusing, this thorough guide will assist you in mastering the AI functions within the Google Photos app. Many of these tools are accessible to anyone with a Google account, meaning you don’t need a Google Pixel phone or a subscription to utilize them. Let’s get started!

Google Photos: Features and accessibility

The Google Photos app on Android 16 now features the updated editing interface, which you can access by selecting a photo and tapping the Edit button on the toolbar. Instead of a dedicated Magic Editor button within the Edit interface, a new toolbar offers Auto, Actions, Markup, Filters, Lighting, and Color tabs. Next to the toolbar, there’s a Search button that enables you to find the specific tool you need, which is always useful if you’re struggling to locate something in the new design.

Magic Editor is no longer available, but its fundamental features have been retained under different names and locations. When you tap or circle a part of a photo with the editor open, you’ll encounter options for Erase, Move, and Reimagine. Essentially, the updated version of Magic Eraser serves as a replacement for the original Magic Editor object removal tool, while Move and Reimagine continue to exist. The last tool from Magic Editor, Auto frame, is now integrated into the Crop interface within the Actions toolbar.

You will see this new Google Photos editor once you update your Android phone to the most recent version of Android 16. Currently, the iOS iteration of Google Photos seems to still have the older interface with Magic Editor intact.

Google Photos: How to utilize Magic Eraser

Magic Eraser is now the primary tool for object removal in Google Photos, and there are two methods to apply it. Here’s how:

1. Launch the Google Photos app and choose a photo.
2. Tap the Edit button on the toolbar.
3. Navigate to the Actions tab and select Magic Eraser. Alternatively, tap or circle the section of the photo you wish to alter and hit Erase.
4. If you haven’t done so already, tap or circle the part of the image you want to remove.
5. Tap Erase to activate Magic Eraser, or press Deselect or Refine selection if the editor fails to identify the object correctly.
6. Click the checkmark to accept the edited version or tap the back button to try again.
7. Tap Save as copy to add the revised version to your Google Photos library.

Google Photos: How to utilize Photo Unblur

Photo Unblur is a useful feature that employs AI to enhance blurry images, functioning best with older photos affected by motion blur. It’s now located in a different area of the Google Photos app, but here’s how to access it:

1. Open the Google Photos app and choose a photo.
2. Tap the Edit button on the toolbar.
3. Go to the Actions tab and select Photo Unblur.
4. After completion, utilize the slider to adjust the intensity, and tap Save as copy to include the unblurred photo in your gallery.

Google Photos: How to utilize Reimagine

Reimagine is a generative AI feature embedded in the Google Photos editor. Instead of simply removing objects, Reimagine alters your image by modifying and adding elements to the photo using generative fill. You can experiment with it by following the steps below:

1. Open the Google Photos app and select a photo.
2. Tap the Edit button on the toolbar.
3. Tap or circle the area of the photo you want to change and select Reimagine.
4. Enter a prompt in the Reimagine text box and press the arrow to proceed.
5. Choose an option and click the checkmark when done. You can also go back and input a new prompt for improved results.
6. Tap the Save as copy button to save the new image in your Google Photos library.

Google Photos: How to utilize Auto Frame

Unsure how to crop and frame an image for the ideal appearance? Auto frame can automatically handle this for you using the standard Google Photos cropping tool. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the Google Photos app and select a photo.
2. Tap the Edit button in the toolbar.
3. Open the Actions tab and select Crop.
4. Click Auto frame.
5. Wait as Auto frame generates options, then pick your preferred choice.
6. Tap the checkmark to proceed.
7. Press the Save as copy button to add the newly framed image to your Google Photos library.

Google Photos: How to utilize Move

To adjust the positioning of an object

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Garmin’s Top Beginner Watch Reaches Record Low Price Before Prime Day

Garmin’s Birthday Promotion: Vivoactive 6 Priced at $249

Garmin is marking its birthday with a unique promotion, providing substantial discounts throughout its product lineup. One of the highlighted offers is the Garmin Vivoactive 6, available now for $249, representing its first discount ever. This price drop makes it an enticing choice for anyone in search of an economical yet feature-packed smartwatch from Garmin.

The Vivoactive 6 is crafted as an entry-level smartwatch, perfect for casual fitness enthusiasts and newcomers to the Garmin brand. It features an impressive 11-day battery lifespan and dependable GPS precision, making it well-suited for monitoring activities like running and cycling. The watch is lightweight and comfy, which is ideal for sleep monitoring, and it excels in accurately counting workout repetitions.

Garmin’s promotion enables consumers to skip the wait for other major sales occasions like October Prime Day or Black Friday. The discount on the Vivoactive 6 is especially significant, as it provides a comprehensive Garmin experience at a more budget-friendly price. The watch includes features such as Body Battery, sleep metrics, workout guidance, and recovery time suggestions, making it a versatile fitness partner.

While the Vivoactive 6 does not include some of the advanced health sensors present in pricier models, its affordability and fundamental features render it a strong option for everyday athletes. Other discounted options feature the Forerunner 55 and Lily 2, but the Vivoactive 6 is distinguished as the top pick for those desiring the latest Garmin experience without overspending.

As Garmin watches continue to rise in price, the Vivoactive 6 provides a rare chance to acquire a quality smartwatch at a lower cost. Whether you’re a newcomer to Garmin or considering an upgrade, this sale represents a superb opportunity to invest in a dependable fitness tracker.

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