Tech Geeks

Category: Technologies

  • Amazon Black Friday Deals: Shop Now to Save on TVs, Fitness Equipment, Home Tech & More

    Amazon Black Friday Deals: Shop Now to Save on TVs, Fitness Equipment, Home Tech & More

    Though Black Friday is officially the day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 24) Amazon has its own Black Friday sale kicking off even earlier than last year. This year, holiday deals will launch on Nov. 17, though you don’t even have to wait that long. We’re seeing hundreds of deals already live on Amazon across a wide range of product categories.

    You can always check out Amazon’s own dedicated deals page, but rather than sift through everything, save yourself some time and have a look at our top picks across popular categories below. And for even more savings, be sure to check out our roundup of the top Best Buy Black Friday deals as well.

    We’re updating this article regularly to make sure the best deals come right to you, but please note that while prices were accurate as of this article’s most recent publish time, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.

    Black Friday Amazon device deals

    Amazon Black Friday tech and smart home deals

    Amazon Black Friday TV deals

    Amazon Black Friday home deals

    Amazon Black Friday health and fitness deals

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    When is Amazon’s Black Friday 2023 sale?

    While Amazon has already dropped the prices on many items as early Black Friday deals, Amazon’s official dates for the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals will take place Nov. 17-27. Prices have been slashed on all kinds of goods, such as the 9th Gen iPad, currently at an all-time low of $249, and the Echo Buds are just $35.

    What kind of Black Friday deals will be on Amazon for 2023?

    Steep discounts are expected on pretty much every category on Amazon, including deals on toys, home goods, fashion, electronics, tech, fitness equipment and, of course, Amazon’s devices like the Echo, Kindle and more. We’ll update this post regularly with the best deals available.

  • Signal’s New Texting Features Give You Better Message Controls, Privacy

    Signal’s New Texting Features Give You Better Message Controls, Privacy

    Signal said Wednesday that several new features have been trickling into the texting app over the last several weeks, including enhancements to text messages along with a way to limit message threads with people you aren’t in regular contact with.

    The end-to-end encrypted messaging app Signal has gotten more popular in recent years as users look for ways to communicate while retaining the privacy of their chats. The Signal team has slowly added features found in other apps. In its New Features Roll Call blog post, Signal said message editing and formatting have arrived in the app — allowing users to fix typos and add formatting.

    Edited messages include the ability to check the full edit history of a message, so the original version of a text won’t be lost forever when edited. Signal is also limiting edits to 10 times within 24 hours of sending. An exception are for texts sent to oneself, which can be edited an unlimited number of times since that’s not actually a conversation.

    Edit message panel in Signal

    Signal is also adding formatting, which includes traditional bold, italic, strikethrough and monospace options. The app is also including “spoiler” formatting, which acts similar to the Invisible Ink feature in Apple’s iMessage. Text that’s in “spoiler” formatting will remain obscured until it’s tapped on, allowing it to remain hidden until it’s the right time to view it.

    Signal has also added the ability to remove a contact that’s reached out to you from texting you, without necessarily blocking them. This could be particularly useful for a person you’ve texted only within Signal in the past, but they aren’t otherwise in your phone’s contact list (in fact if they are, the first step is to remove them).

    Steps to remove a contact from Signal

    As long as the person you want to remove from your Signal contact list is also not in your phone’s contacts, you can long press their name in Signal’s contact list and then select “Remove.” Should that person reach out to you again, you’ll receive a message request that will either let you accept to start the chat, delete to delete the chat or block if you’d rather not see future requests from this person.

    Signal’s feature announcements come as rival WhatsApp makes a number of its own announcements in recent weeks, which have included launching support for multiple accounts and a new Mac app.

    Read more: Signal, WhatsApp and Telegram: Here’s which secure messaging app you should use

  • Apple M3 Macs: Save on the 24-inch iMac and MacBook Pros

    Apple M3 Macs: Save on the 24-inch iMac and MacBook Pros

    Apple makes some of the absolute finest computers on the market — earning several spots on our list of the best laptops and best desktops of 2023. Now three of those Macs are better than ever thanks to updates that make use of the very latest in Apple silicon — the M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max.

    Two years after Apple last updated its sleek 24-inch all-in-one iMac desktop, the new model comes equipped with the basic M3 chip inside. There’s also an updated 14- and 16-inch inch MacBook Pro for those who like to take their Mac with them. The smaller 14-inch model can be equipped with the standard M3, the step-up M3 Pro or the high-end M3 Max processor, while there are only M3 Pro or Max configurations for the larger 16-inch Pro.

    Apple's M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max processors against a black background.

    M3 MacBook Pro

    There are two MacBooks included in Apple’s M3 lineup. The smaller 14-inch model starts at $1,599, while the larger 16-inch model jumps up to $2,499. Both models feature a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, as well as a built-in HDMI port and SD card reader, making them seriously versatile machines for both creatives and professionals. They’re both available direct from Apple, as well as Amazon, Best Buy and B&H Photo right now. Deals are likely to be hard to come by initially, however.

    It’s also worth noting that Apple has a trade-in program where you knock hundreds off the starting price in exchange for your old computer, and you’ll get 3% cash back when you make the purchase using your Apple card. For purchases this big, that ends up being a decent chunk of change.

    M3 24-inch iMac

    Apple hasn’t updated its all-in-one iMac desktop since 2021, so the new M3 model is a pretty serious upgrade. It’s only available with the basic M3 chip, but features a stunning 24-inch 4.5K Retina display. And all configurations come with the wireless Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse, so you’ve got everything you need to get it set up right away.

    Like the new M3 MacBook Pro laptops, this new desktop is available for order at Apple, Amazon, Best Buy and B&H Photo right now. Apple is also offering discounts with an eligible trade-in, and you’ll get 3% cash back when you make the purchase using your Apple Card.

    These are the latest and greatest Macs that Apple has to offer, but we’re sure to see some big discounts on previous-gen models. You can check out our roundup of the best MacBook deals for serious savings on Apple laptops.

  • 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.