Author: Admin

  • Oppo Find X7 Series to Debut New Hasselblad Camera System

    Oppo Find X7 Series to Debut New Hasselblad Camera System

    Oppo has revealed its upcoming flagship phones are set to receive a next-generation camera system co-developed with Hasselblad.

    The Hypertone camera system, announced on Wednesday, is set to make its way to the Find X7 Pro, which is likely to arrive early next year. It will also reportedly be used on the company’s budget-friendly offering the Reno 11 and the OnePlus 12 phone, which are each under the Oppo umbrella of brands.

    The HyperTone camera system is designed to tackle common mobile photography issues such as distortion and image noise, with the help of computational photography, according to the companies. The HyperTone camera system is comprised of three main parts: First is the main camera system, which Oppo says will produce high quality images for every focal length “whether its day or night.” Then there’s the image engine, which Oppo promises will reduce noise by 60% partially thanks to a new algorithm. The final part is the ProXDR display, which is marketed to offer eight times more dynamic range on-screen.

    Oppo’s Find X brand represent’s the company’s high-end flagship lineup, packed with solid cameras, crystalline displays and powerful chipsets. The upcoming telephoto module on the Find X7 series is expected to have a powerful periscope-style telephoto lens capable of zooming into faraway objects more closely than a regular telephoto lens.

    The Hasselblad partnership will also allow for more unique filters and photography modes, according to Bronius Rudnickas, Hasselblad’s global marketing manager.

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    “It is a more organic and in-depth integration of the aesthetics and technology between both brands that will provide photography enthusiasts with enhanced image quality and stylized experiences, beyond what’s achievable on typical mobile phones,” Rudnickas said in a statement.

    The new camera system is also expected to bring improvements to portrait mode on the Find X7 by producing photos with more accurate skin tones as well as a cinematic bokeh effect.

    In 2022, Oppo announced a three-year partnership with Hasselblad to co-develop industry-leading camera technologies for the Chinese phonemaker’s flagship Find X series. The partnership is important for both companies as it allows Oppo to leverage Hasselblad’s expertise in camera technology to improve the quality of its mobile photography. On the other hand, Hasselblad can expand its reach as well as its brand visibility thanks to Oppo’s global presence.

  • Take Hundreds Off New and Refurbished Microsoft Surface Devices With This Woot Sale

    Take Hundreds Off New and Refurbished Microsoft Surface Devices With This Woot Sale

    Microsoft’s Surface devices are some of the best two-in-one laptops you can find — and the Surface Pro 8 even earned a spot on our list of the best laptops for 2023. If you’ve been wanting to get your hands on one of these portable and versatile PCs, Woot is currently offering some great deals ahead of Black Friday. Right now you can save on both new and refurbished Surface devices and accessories, with laptop and tablet prices starting at just $180. These offers are available now through Nov. 15, while supplies last — but we do expect some items to sell out well before then, so we recommend getting your order in sooner rather than later.

    There are quite a few different Surface devices to choose from at this sale, and you can get some substantial savings by opting for refurbished products. The 2021 Surface Pro 8 may be a few years old, but is still among our favorite two-in-ones on the market. And right now, you can grab a refurbished model with cellular capabilities, an Intel Core i7 CPU, 256GB of storage and an impressive 16GB of RAM for $800. Or grab a similar LTE-friendly Surface Pro X with an SQ2 processor, 16GB of RAM and a 256GB solid-state drive for just $480.

    If you prefer a more traditional laptop, you can snag a brand new Surface Laptop 4 for just $600 right now, saving you 57% on its list price. It has a 15-inch touchscreen, and comes equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, though this laptop comes equipped with the previous-gen Windows 10 OS. For a Surface Laptop 4 with Windows 11 and 512GB of storage, you can snag this factory reconditioned model for $500.

    You can also grab this refurbished Surface Go keyboard cover for $38 right now. Just note that, while all refurbished items have been inspected and verified to be in full working condition, you should expect some signs of wear and tear. All refurbished items are backed by Woot’s 90-day limited warranty.

    For even more tech deals, check out Black Friday deals at Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy happening now.

  • Best Black Friday iPad Deals: Save Up to $99 on iPad Air, Mini and More

    Best Black Friday iPad Deals: Save Up to $99 on iPad Air, Mini and More

    When it comes to tablets, Apple consistently delivers some of the best options on the market. There are a ton of Apple tablets to choose from these days, but all of them tend to carry a hefty price tag. With Black Friday on the way, plenty of early deals have been rolling in from a wide range of retailers, which makes this a good time to snag an iPad at a discount.

    We’ve scoured the web to find Apple Black Friday deals across various retailers and have have gathered the best early Black Friday iPad deals currently available below. We expect to see even more offers on these devices in the days ahead, so be sure to check this page regularly for updates on any new deals and discounts we find.

    Black Friday iPad deals

    The Apple Mini, Pro and regular iPad are displayed against a yellow background.

    Is Black Friday a good time to buy an iPad?

    Apple products are notorious for rarely going on sale, however, with so many variants of the iPad available, pricing on different models has fluctuated throughout the year. Apple products — including iPads — are prone to some significant savings during major shopping events, which is why we expect to see plenty iPad Black Friday deals cropping up this year.

    Where is the best place to buy an iPad on Black Friday?

    Shopping online allows you a great opportunity to compare specs and prices across various iPad models. While we don’t expect to see any direct discounts on iPad from Apple, these devices are widely available to purchase through third-party retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. We have seen substantial discounts on a number of iPad variants in the past at both retailers and each will likely be among the best places to buy one as we head into the holiday shopping season. Other places to keep an eye on include Target and Walmart, as well as various carriers that may be offering discounts on cellular models, though carriers will usually require you to open a new line of service to take advantage of those deals.

  • Best Black Friday Headphone Deals: Save Up to $128 on Apple, Samsung, JLab and More

    Best Black Friday Headphone Deals: Save Up to $128 on Apple, Samsung, JLab and More

    If you’ve been waiting the whole year to grab a new pair of headphones or earbuds, then your patience is going to be rewarded during Black Friday. With the event rapidly becoming a month-long bonanza, we’ve already started seeing a lot of great deals on headphones and earbuds that you can grab right now so that you don’t have to wait for the actual Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend. You’ll also be delighted to know that deals are happening across the board, whether you want something budget-oriented or high-end audiophile equipment.

    There are also deals coming in from everywhere, including Amazon, Walmart and even Apple, so you can take advantage of any membership or cards you might have with them. Either way, be sure to check back regularly as we find more deals and retailers.

    black-friday-headphone-deals

    Should you buy headphones on Black Friday?

    Black Friday is usually one of the best times of the year for electronics deals, and that includes things like headphones and earbuds. While there are some deals that happen throughout the year, such as Prime Day, that also have some good deals, these are few and far between, and we’ve already passed both Prime Day events for this year. As such, this is probably the best time for buying headphones until next summer.

    Where is the best place for Black Friday headphone deals?

    The big retailers often have the biggest deals, so places like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and even places like Target might have some good deals. That said, a lot of the brands offer deals on their own websites as well, so you might want to take a look at the websites for Samsung, Sennheiser, JBL, and potentially Apple.

    What makes a good Black Friday headphone deal?

    One thing to keep in mind is that the list price of a product doesn’t always tell you the real value, especially as retailers have started offering day-one deals on products. Often the list price is artificially inflated to make the deal look more attractive, so you’ll want to check around and see what the true value or “street price” of a product is. There are handy historical price checking sites out there that can help you check if the deal is actually notable or if it’s been discounted to the price regularly. You might also want to install CNET’s Shopping plugin to give you a bit of help with all of that.

  • How to Change Your Apple Watch Strap: A Step-by-Step Guide

    How to Change Your Apple Watch Strap: A Step-by-Step Guide

    The Apple Watch is no longer just a fashion accessory, but a device that offers a plethora of ways to express yourself. One of these ways is to swap straps. Not only does it change your watch’s look, but it also helps you replace a worn-out strap.

    CNET Tech Tips logo

    In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of changing your Apple Watch strap. You will learn how to do it like a pro, and we will also provide some tips on how to choose the perfect strap for your watch. And in case you need some inspiration or help on which Apple Watch strap to switch to, take a look at our favorites.

    1. Turn your Apple Watch over so that the back of the watch is facing up.
    2. Locate the two buttons on the underside of the watch, one on each end of the strap.
    3. Press and hold down one of the buttons while sliding one side of the strap out of the slot.
    4. Repeat step 3 for the other side of the strap.
    5. To attach the new strap, slide one side of the new band into the slot until you hear a click.
    6. Repeat step 5 for the other side of the strap..
    7. Make sure the band is securely attached to the watch case by giving it a gentle tug.

    Remember, don’t ever force the strap into a slot. If you’re having trouble removing or inserting a band, hold down the band release button again. To make the most of your Apple Watch, it should wear snugly on the wrist, but not too tight. The band keeps you comfortable, but also lets the sensors on the back of the wearable, which require skin contact, do their job.

  • This Xbox Black Friday Deal Scores You $50 Off the Series X, Plus a $75 Gift Card

    This Xbox Black Friday Deal Scores You $50 Off the Series X, Plus a $75 Gift Card

    Black Friday is no longer a single-day or even one-week event, and there are plenty of early deals rolling in at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart. Dell is jumping in on the action, and if you’re hoping to snag a next-gen gaming console this year, it just got a lot more affordable.

    It’s rare to find discounts on the Xbox Series X, but right now Dell has slashed the price by $50, bringing the cost back down to an all-time low of $450. Plus, in addition to this full-size Microsoft gaming system, you’ll also get a $75 gift card that you can use at Dell on a future purchase. With so many computer and gaming peripherals, smart home devices and other tech available, this is an excellent deal. There’s no set expiration for this offer, so we’d recommend getting your order in sooner rather than later if you don’t want to miss out on these savings.

    The Xbox Series X is the most powerful console in Microsoft’s lineup. Though similar in both name and specs to the cheaper Xbox Series S, the flagship Series X offers 4K gaming, faster performance and more built-in storage. It’s also got a disc drive, which means it’s useful for people who want to play both physical and digital versions of games or use the device to play Blu-rays.

    And if you’re looking to snag some other accessories for your Xbox gaming setup, you can check out our full roundup of the best Xbox deals for great bargains on headsets, controllers, storage drives and more. And if you want access to the massive library of games that comes with a Game Pass Ultimate membership, you can check out our roundup of the best subscription deals available to help you get signed up for less.

  • StackSocial Holiday Frenzy Sale: Score Black Friday Pricing on Windows 11, Costco Membership and More

    StackSocial Holiday Frenzy Sale: Score Black Friday Pricing on Windows 11, Costco Membership and More

    With Black Friday officially taking place in just over two weeks, we’ve already seen Walmart’s Black Friday sale launch and other retailers like Amazon and Best Buy getting in on the action. While you might be looking there for big-ticket items like TVs and laptop deals, don’t forget to check out sales on digital goods like apps and subscriptions. StackSocial is a great place to go for those sorts of deals.

    The online retailer has already kicked off its Holiday Frenzy sale ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday so you can save on software and online services, as well as a handful of tech items and gadgets, that you might otherwise have missed out on. And to help you make the most of these bargains before they’re gone, we’ve rounded up some of the best deals you can shop right now below.

    Best StackSocial Black Friday deals

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    What Black Friday deals can I get at StackSocial?

    StackSocial speciallizes in digital products and subscriptions so you’ll find a lot of app and service deals there for Black Friday. That includes everything from Costco and Sam’s Club memberships to VPNs, cloud storage, e-learning tools and more. That being said, the retailer does offer several tech deals on laptops and tech accessories, plus everyday items like games, toys and fitness gear.

    How do I redeem StackSocial digital deals?

    Each digital deal will have redemption information on the product listing, so be sure to check this carefully before making a purchase. Generally, you’ll get a digital code or license key after you make your purchase and you’ll have 30 days to activate that at the official website or app for the company or service in question. You’ll be able to access the code or license key via your order confirmation page or through your purchase history in your StackSocial account. The retailer has a handy FAQ for digital product redemptions in case you get stuck.

  • Get Started In IT for Just $40 With This 2023 CompTIA Course Bundle Deal

    Get Started In IT for Just $40 With This 2023 CompTIA Course Bundle Deal

    StackSocial has kicked off Black Friday deals early, with discounts on tech, subscriptions and even classes. For those that have set your sights set on becoming a certified IT professional and are just getting started, the Complete 2023 CompTIA Course Super Bundle is a good way to kickstart your education. It’s built for beginners and includes a fundamentals course to set you up with all the basics you’ll need going forward. Right now you can get lifetime access to these courses for just $40. That’s a 79% discount. This offer is a part of StackSocial’s Black Friday sale and expires Nov. 27, so be sure to get your order in soon if you don’t want to miss out on these savings.

    Certification with the Computing Technology Industry Association gives you a solid foundation for getting your foot in the door, and these courses will help you learn the information you’ll need to get certified. You’ll be able to strengthen existing skills or develop new ones with 13 courses offering 239 hours of content, taking you from beginner to expert in no time. With that certification under your belt, you can start a new career in IT or help develop the theory and techniques you’ll need to secure a promotion in your current job. And because Iducate (formerly iCollege) is an official CompTIA partner, you can feel confident that these courses deliver expert content at an exceptional value.

    You’ll gain useful knowledge and valuable skills as you work through the content available in this super bundle. Once finished, you’ll be able to demonstrate your know-how in a variety of areas, including configuring device operating systems, supporting basic IT infrastructure and identifying threats to network security. You’ll also become versed in the best practices for backup and recovery, how to master hardware and peripherals, managing Linux-based systems, implementing troubleshooting strategies and much more. That means that when it’s time to tackle your certification tests, you’ll be prepared.

    Even if you lack a background in tech, this package can help those considering a career in information technology to jumpstart their journey.Use this low-cost option to broaden your horizons for pennies on the dollar with this comprehensive CompTIA course bundle. And check out other Black Friday deals happening at Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and B&H for even more savings.

    Read more: Learn How to Code With the Best Python Courses for 2023

  • Best Gifts Available From Amazon: 23 Gifts From $15 to $250

    Best Gifts Available From Amazon: 23 Gifts From $15 to $250

    Gift-giving season is officially here, which means it’s time to kick-start your holiday shopping. If you’re feeling uncertain about where to begin, we’ve scoured Amazon to bring you an abundance of creative ideas. And the best part is that if you have a Prime Membership, most of these gift options will arrive in two days or less, which means less stress once the holidays get closer.

    Though we can’t compile an exhaustive list of every possible present you can buy, we’ve carefully selected a handful of our favorite gifts, suitable for various budgets and recipients. We’ve broken down our recommendations by price so that it’s easier to find just the right present. Here you’ll find the best gifts on Amazon for everyone on your list.

    Gift ideas under $30

    Gifts in this price range are perfect stocking stuffers or a fun Secret Santa gift for your co-workers. My kids love to get these kinds of presents as they like lots of small fun things, rather than one big expensive present.

    Gift ideas under $50

    This price point is similar to the “under $25” category in that these are gifts you can buy more than one of. However, when you venture into the “under $50” realm, they’re more likely to be useful or have a better quality than the cheaper products on this list.

    Gift ideas under $100

    These gifts are a little more expensive but still affordable enough to buy one or two for someone you care about. I like getting these kinds of gifts for my best friend or as additions to my wife’s main gift.

    Gift ideas under $250

    These are more extravagant presents that you would buy someone you care about as their main gift. If you’re buying for your significant other, you could buy something from this list, along with one or two from the list above to round out their experience.

  • iOS 17: How You Can Access Daily Crossword Puzzles in the News App

    iOS 17: How You Can Access Daily Crossword Puzzles in the News App

    When Apple released iOS 17 on Sept. 18, the company gave iPhone users many new and useful features, like StandBy mode, offline maps and Check In. And crossword puzzles in the News app are among the fun new features added to the OS.

    To access these puzzles, you need an Apple News Plus subscription, which costs $13 a month. However, you can try Apple News Plus for one month for free, or you can get the service for free for three months with the purchase of an iPhone, iPad or Mac. An Apple News Plus subscription is also part of the Apple One Premier bundle, which costs $38 a month and includes other services like Apple TV Plus and Apple Arcade.

    Here’s how you can access daily crossword puzzles as an Apple News Plus subscriber.

    Play crossword puzzles in Apple News

    1. Open the Apple News app.
    2. Tap Following in the menu across the bottom of your screen.
    3. Tap Puzzles.

    Apple News Plus puzzles page

    You can also access crossword puzzles by going to Apple News > Today > Latest Puzzles — this option was pretty far down my Today page.

    From the puzzles page, you can find the latest crosswords from the week. Across the top of the page, you’ll also see options for Crossword and Crossword Mini, which are smaller crossword puzzles arranged in a 5×5 grid. Tap either of these options, and the app takes you to the latest puzzles for either choice.

    How to play the puzzles

    Once you’ve decided on which puzzle to play, there are two ways you can solve them: grid view and list view. By default you’ll enter grid view which is a traditional crossword puzzle layout. You see the whole grid, and if you tap a square you’ll see a clue below the puzzle. You can also switch between vertical and horizontal clues by tapping a square a second time or tapping the clue.

    List view, on the other hand, eschews the traditional grid of a crossword puzzle and shows you all the clues and how many letters are in each answer in a list format. To access list view, tap the bulleted list icon in the top left corner of your screen when you are in a puzzle. As you enter letters in list view, letters in other clues begin populating where the clues intersect on the grid. I still think list view sounds tough, but I’m also not very good at crossword puzzles to start with.

    How many puzzles are there?

    There are two new puzzles every day, a crossword and a crossword mini. It appears the puzzles are accessible for about a month after they are published, so you have access to a small archive of crosswords you can play. This is also a new feature, so the number of available puzzles could change.

    For more on iOS 17, check out my review of iOS 17 and our iOS 17 cheat sheet.