Category: Technologies

  • New Customers Can Save 50% on Their First Month of Sling TV

    New Customers Can Save 50% on Their First Month of Sling TV

    Thanks to the rise of streaming services, you no longer need a pricey cable subscription to get access to live sports. There are quite a few different sports streaming services out there, and right now, one of our favorites of the year, is offering a deal to new members. For a limited time, when you sign up for an Orange, Blue or combined plan, you’ll get your first month for 50% off. There’s no set expiration for this offer, so we’d recommend signing up soon if you don’t want to miss out on these savings.

    With this deal, you can get your first month of Sling TV for as little as just $20 if you sign up for an entry-level Orange or Blue plan. Both plans are typically $40 per month, and come with a different selection of channels. Sling recommends the Orange plan for sports fans and families, and it includes channels like ESPN and ESPN2. If you’re primarily interested in football, Sling recommends the Blue plan, which gives you access to channels like Fox Sports 1 and Fox (in select markets). Sling also offers a combined Orange and Blue plan so you don’t have to choose. It’s typically $55 per month, but right now you can get your first month for around $28. After the first month of service, your subscription will revert back to the usual monthly price. Sling also offers a variety of add-ons so you can customize your plan with more channels.


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  • Latest USB-C Chargers, Cables, Docks and Doodads Will Ease Your Life in 2023

    Latest USB-C Chargers, Cables, Docks and Doodads Will Ease Your Life in 2023

    You may not be in the market for Sony electric cars, pee analyzers, 3D printed Neutrogena nutrient gummies or other weird things that emerged at CES this year. But just about everybody can benefit from the USB-C accessories from the electronics show.

    We’ve rounded up some of the most promising chargers, docking stations, batteries and other USB-C accessories at CES. Take a look if you want a single multiport charger to sweep away a clutter of separate device chargers; a USB-C hub to expand the power of a single port on the side of a laptop; or if you want to prepare for the coming era of USB-C iPhones.

    The newer version of the USB-C data transfer and charging port is taking over with its reversible oval connector that works on phones and PCs. The USB-C physical connector is a foundation for high-speed data transfer, up to 120 gigabits per second in the upcoming USB 4 version 2, and for high power charging, up to 240 watts.

    VisionTek

    VisionTek offers a new range of USB-C chargers, including three two-port models at 35W, 45W and 65W. They’re very compact thanks to the newer and more compact GaN (gallium nitride) power electronics that have been sweeping the charger industry. I like the $50 65W model for its ability to capably charge both laptops and phones, and its slightly bulbous look is kind of cute. Power prongs flip into the charger for travel.

    EZQuest

    EZQuest has delivered solid value with its hubs, and I like this $60 model as a way to convert a single laptop port into something more versatile. The headline here for me is that it includes two USB-C ports for peripherals, a rarity at this price range, though they transfer data at only 5Gbps, useful but somewhat pokey by modern USB standards. It’s also got two USB-A ports, a 4K HDMI port running at 60fps, and a gigabit Ethernet jack with unusual but helpful status LEDs. It’ll pass along 100W from your external charger to your laptop. EZQuest also announced higher-end 8-in-1 and 10-in-1 models if you need other features like SD Card slots or faster USB-C ports.

    $70 at Amazon

    You’re receiving price alerts for USB-C Multimedia 7-in-1 Hub HDMI 4K, 100 Watts USB-C Power Delivery with (FRS) or 5Gbps Data, 2 x USB-C Ports, 2 x USB-A 3.0 Ports, and Gigabit Ethernet

    Plugable

    I’ve always liked Plugable’s cables: They’re pliable, durable and have a label that dispels all the confusion about what data transfer speeds and charging power levels they support. Many cheap USB-C cables intended for charging have only dog-slow 480Mbps USB 2.x data transfer speeds, so you have to read the fine print. Plugable’s new $25.95 USB4-240W-1M not only supports the new USB 4 speeds of up to 40Gbps but also is the first cable I’ve seen that can handle a whopping 240 watts of power. It’s 1 meter long and just as supple as lower-power models. You can order now for shipments starting Jan. 11. (For another $4, you can upgrade to a similar cable that’s certified for Thunderbolt 4, too.)

    You’re receiving price alerts for Plugable USB4 / Thunderbolt 4 Cable with 240W Charging, 3.3 Feet (1M), USB-IF Certified, 1x 8K Display, 40 Gbps, Compatible with USB 4, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB-C

    Satechi

    Satechi 200W 6-Port PD GaN Charger

    If you’ve got a lot of devices, perhaps because you’re sharing one power plug in the wall with multiple family members or coworkers, take a look at Satechi’s $150 200W 6-Port PD GaN Charger. I’ve seen six-port chargers that combine USB-C with old-school USB-A (I’m using one from Ugreen right now to charge my laptop, three phones, tablet and smartwatch) but Satechi’s is all USB-C all the time. It won’t ship until the second quarter of 2023, though.

    Kensington

    Kensington’s $140 SD1700P dock offers dual 4K HDMI ports, dual USB-A ports for your older devices, a charging pad on top, an Ethernet jack and a USB-C power port to transmit up to 100W from your charger to your laptop. I prefer docks with multiple USB-C ports, but those are expensive and not what everybody needs. Conveniently, you can loop its USB-C cable back into a socket so it’s more compact for transport.

    Anker

    This rounded $70 charger is a good way to make the most of scarce power outlets while you’re traveling. It’s got dual USB-C charging ports and a single USB-A port that collectively supply a healthy 65W for laptops and smaller devices. And it’s got an AC power plug for whatever else you need to plug in (including whatever you unplugged to make room for the charger). Best of all, its 3-foot power cable retracts into the power strip’s body for transit. I love compact chargers, and a longer cable means I don’t have to sit so close to the power outlet while both using and charging my devices.

    $70 at Amazon

    You’re receiving price alerts for Anker 615 GanPrime 65W USB-C Charging Station

    BioLite

    BioLite’s $400 SolarPanel 100 is actually four panels that crank out up to 100W of power and that fold down for storage or transport. The water-resistant design can charge devices directly with USB-C and USB-A ports or charge BioLite’s big BaseCharge batteries. A kickstand adjusts the tilt, and a built-in sundial helps you face it straight at the sun for best performance. Up to four can be linked together if you want to charge faster or have margin for error on days with intermittent sun.

    Hyper, Targus

    Hyper USB-C SSD enclosure

    This $120 portable SSD enclosure is a good way to dramatically beef up the storage capacity of your laptop’s pathetic built-in SSD. External drives are one of those peripherals where you notice the speed of your USB connection, and for this model, it’s a pretty fast 3,800 megabytes per second with a USB 4 connection. It’ll ship in the second quarter, Hyper said. It’ll accommodate SSDs up to 8TB in capacity, but those are sold separately.

    Anker

    This $300 hub, due to ship Feb. 1, offers a useful suite of ports, starting with dual 10Gbps USB-C ports for peripherals. It also has four old-style USB-A ports for your older gadgets, one gigabit Ethernet, one HDMI 2.0, two DisplayPorts. It’s a USB 4 device that can handle 40Gbps connection to your laptop using the included 1-meter cable. It’ll pass along up to 100 watts of power to your laptop and 30 watts to the dual USB-C ports.

    Scosche

    Scosche StrikeLine HH Lightning/USB-C hammerhead cable

    This charging cable is good for situations where you might want to charge both USB-C devices and products with Apple Lightning ports like iPhones, iPads, AirPods and Apple keyboards and mice. Sure, you can use two cables, but you might not have enough ports or have that much tolerance for cable clutter — in your car, perhaps. This cable will cost $30 and will ship later this spring with a three-year warranty.

    Anker

    This $100 device combines a 10,000mAh battery with a 65W charger — a useful combination if you’re running around school classes, business meetings or a conference when power plugs are only intermittently available. The battery capacity isn’t huge, but it’s roughly enough to usefully extend your laptop’s battery life or to fully recharge your phone twice.

    Scosche

    Scosche BaseLynx 2.0 modular charging station

    This charging spot is good for people who are coming to terms with the fact that they have a huge pile of devices to keep topped up. It’s a modular design that lets you snap together what you’ll need, including three USB-C ports, a MagSafe stand for iPhones and AirPods, an MFi stand for Apple Watches, and an AC power plug. The BaseLynx 2.0 will be available this spring at Apple Stores. Its modules cost $50 to $100 each, and the model shown here costs $250 including three power cables.

    OneAdaptr

    Technically this isn’t a CES device, but it just started shipping during the show and deserves a little attention. The $49 OneAdaptr MacMate turns plugs into your laptop charger’s cable so you can also charge an accessory and drop your phone on its wireless charging pad. It’s convenient for travel as long as it’s drawing juice from a sufficiently powerful charger.

    Anker

    This slim $75 design can deliver a total of 100W to two USB-C and two USB-A ports. It’s also got two AC plugs for other devices. Its five-foot power cord can be removed.

    $95 at Amazon

    You’re receiving price alerts for Anker 727 GaNPrime 100W USB-C Charging Station

    BioLite

    The hulking BioLite BaseCharge 1500 and costs $1,699, but its 1521 watt-hour lithium-ion battery can be appealing to campers, drone videographers working in the field and anyone worried about power outages. (I’m looking at you, northern Californians drenched by the atmospheric river.) The battery is big enough to run a power drill for 57 minutes, the company says. The battery offers three USB-C ports, one of which can also be used to charge the battery. It’s also got wireless charging on the top deck and three AC power plugs. (If you’re worried about power, though, it’s best to charge with a USB cable, since wireless charging is less efficient and converting a battery’s DC power to AC and then back again to DC with a device charger also wastes power.) There are other big batteries out there, but BioLite argues its battery is cheaper.

  • Total recall: Verum Messenger developers appreciated 2022 performance

    Total recall: Verum Messenger developers appreciated 2022 performance

    Verum Messenger developers have published a press release on the results of work for 2022. The document reflects information about application updates, innovations of the last year, as well as statistics on messenger installations by month and country.

    In the past year, the Verum Messenger team celebrated more than one victory. Verum Messenger has become the fastest growing app in terms of downloads among messengers created between 2020 and 2022. The markets where Verum is most popular are the US, UK, Ukraine, the Balkans and Turkey.

    However, the developers of Verum Messenger call their biggest achievement in 2022 the overfulfillment of the plan for app downloads – it exceeded all expectations.

    “The events of 2022 positively affected the growth of installs. The first is the WhatsApp privacy policy change that was announced early last year. Users began to massively look for alternative messengers. This and other situations of recent years make people more and more concerned about the protection of their personal data. People around the world are making their choice in favor of information security,” the Verum Messenger team said in a statement.

    Privacy is a fundamental principle of Verum Messenger. When creating the application, the developers focused on the maximum security of user data.

    Well, as expected, the basic functionality of Verum includes all the necessary elements of an advanced messenger: group and individual chats and calls, the ability to send any files, an intuitive interface.

    From the first seconds of acquaintance with Verum Messenger, the user understands that his personal data will not be available even to developers. To use the messenger, you do not need a phone number, since the application is not tied to it. Even if the phone falls into the hands of third parties, they will not be able to enter the application – on Verum you can set a passcode for each entrance, as well as protect Touch ID or Face ID data. Verum uses end-to-end encryption for all chats without exception, does not store correspondence and files in the cloud, and does not collect user data. In addition, Verum Messenger prevents screen recording and alerts you to screenshots taken in disappearing chats, message forwards, and file downloads so that the interlocutor knows that the conversation can be compromised.

    And this is an incomplete list of protection tools that Verum Messenger has. The development team will continue to work on new ways to protect users’ personal data in the new year, as well. believes that communication in the application should be as safe and private as in person.

  • Zoom Wants to Make You an Avatar (Not the James Cameron Kind)

    Zoom Wants to Make You an Avatar (Not the James Cameron Kind)

    Video-chat service Zoom is ringing in the new year with the attitude, “New year, new cartoon version of you!” The service was announced in a Jan. 5 blog post that customizable avatars are one of a handful of new features users will be able to access. The other features include new meeting templates, threading chats in meetings and a dedicated Q&A feature. Zoom One Pro, Business, or Business Plus online plan users also gained premium access to some apps.

    Here’s a breakdown of the new Zoom features and what to expect in future meetings. Most of these features are available now, unless noted otherwise.

    Customizable avatars

    In March 2022, Zoom released animal avatars that let you transform yourself into an animated bunny, dog or other critter. Zoom’s new avatar feature, on the other hand, lets you turn yourself into a cartoon, and you can customize your avatar’s appearance to match your own.

    Your cartoon avatar will mirror your movements and facial expressions, too. However, it doesn’t do everything you do. If you’re eating in your meeting — I’m guilty of this — your avatar won’t start munching on a cartoon sandwich.

    Avatars are available in beta to all Zoom users, and Zoom said it plans to continue adding customization options.

    Threaded in-meeting messages and reactions

    In-meeting chat showing threaded responses to a chat messageIn-meeting chat showing threaded responses to a chat message

    Threaded messages can help keep your chat organized.

    Zoom

    In-meeting Zoom chats can be hectic and hard to follow, especially if you’re in a company-wide meeting. To help organize in-meeting chats and to make them easier to follow, Zoom is introducing threaded in-meeting messages and reactions. Now, if someone asks in the meeting chat, “What should I get for lunch?” you can recommend your favorite burrito place without your comment getting lost.

    This feature will be available by the end of January.

    Meeting templates

    All meetings are different and require different settings. Instead of changing the settings each time you create a meeting, Zoom is letting users create their own meeting templates. Now if you have a recurring meeting, you can create a template and use it each time rather than remembering which settings to allow or disable.

    Zoom also has three premade meeting templates people can use. Here are those templates.

    • Large Meetings: Good for teamwide meetings. Captions are enabled for all participants and the meeting is automatically recorded.

    • Seminars: Think business training or university classroom. Controls are tightened so features like participant screen sharing are disabled.

    • K-12: Suited for remote learning in grade school and high school. Polls and quizzes are enabled, but other features are limited to cut down on distractions.

    Q&A in meetings

    If you’re delivering a presentation during a Zoom meeting, keeping track of your presentation and the in-meeting chat can be difficult. Some people are having side conversations and some are asking questions. Zoom’s new dedicated Q&A feature for meetings makes it easy to keep track of questions — as well as answers — people might have in meetings without clogging up the in-meeting chat.

    Access to curated Essential Apps

    If you are a Zoom One Pro, Business, or Business Plus user, Zoom is giving you access to premium versions of some apps, called Essential Apps. Some of the apps are productivity focused, like Coda and Sesh, while others are meant to be fun and build teamwork, like Kahoot and Funtivity.

    For more, check out these 25 Zoom tips and tricks and other new features Zoom announced at its Zoomtopia 2022 event.

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  • Best T-Mobile Deals Available Now

    Best T-Mobile Deals Available Now

    There are so many great deals on phones and phone plans available, but if you’re already on T-Mobile and want to take advantage of the best T-Mobile deals happening now, we’ve got your back. Since most people want to upgrade the phones they currently have on the plans they already subscribe to, we aren’t highlighting offers that require you to add a new line. Because who wants a bunch of extra lines they don’t need? Instead, we’re focusing on deals that are available for current T-Mobile customers.

    It’s also worth noting that carriers constantly update their deals. The best offers usually happen around new phone launches (typically February or March for Samsung Galaxy S phones, September for Apple iPhones, fall for Google Android phones) or holidays. But if you need a phone now, you can still find a few decent deals.


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    On the bright side, the carrier tells CNET that unless specifically calling out Magenta Max, all voice lines generally qualify for these deals.

    While some manufacturers, particularly Apple and Samsung, offer deals on their own websites and stores most people look to carriers to buy new devices. We’ll keep this page updated regularly with some of the best deals we’re seeing on T-Mobile’s website.

    Best T-Mobile phone deals

    Many of T-Mobile’s phone deals are available to both new and existing customers, though trade-ins are often required to get the advertised prices. It’s worth noting that these deals are split across 24 months of bill credits, meaning you’ll need to remain a T-Mobile customer for at least two years in order for the phone to get paid off as the terms state. And some have 36-month terms. If you cancel before that period is over you’ll be responsible for any remaining charges associated with it.

    Our researched and curated deals picks are below, but if you’d like a more customized deeper dive, check out Navi, an independent marketplace (and CNET partner) that aggregates information on service plans and phone deals.

    James Martin/CNET

    For existing T-Mobile customers who want to upgrade to one of the brand-new flagship devices in the Apple lineup, either the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max, there is a decent discount available.

    You can trade in iPhones going back as far as the iPhone 7, but newer phones like the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max, Google’s Pixel 6 Pro or Samsung’s Galaxy S22 lineup will score you a higher discount. You must have an eligible plan and trade in a device that is in good condition, which will save you up to $400. Be sure to click on the deal sticker to see full details and find out how much of a discount your trade-in model will earn you.

    Keep in mind that the trade-in credit is split over 24 bill credits and that you will be responsible for any remaining charges if you transfer or cancel your service prior to that.

    James Martin/CNET

    Like with the iPhone 14, T-Mobile is offering existing customers a decent discount on the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Mini and the iPhone 13 Pro Max right now. It’s part of the same deal as listed above, and you can get up to $400 in credits on your new device. Simply trade in a qualifying phone.

    Android devices like the Galaxy S20 (or later), OnePlus 8 5G (or later), Pixel 5 (or later) will get you $800 off, and newer or older models will increase or decrease the amount you can redeem on this trade-in deal. You can see full details by clicking on the deal sticker on T-Mobile. This will pull up all available offers on the device you’re looking at.

    Remember that the phone you’re trading in will need to be in “good condition” and the trade-in credit will be split up between 24 bill credits. Canceling or transferring your service prior to that will result in you being responsible for the remaining charges.

    Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

    T-Mobile is offering a trade-in deal on Samsung’s Galaxy S22 lineup right now, as well as on the foldable Z Flip 4, Z Fold 4, Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3. A qualifying trade-in will potentially earn you any model of Samsung’s latest flagship phones, including the S22, S22 Plus and S22 Ultra, for up to $400. You have to have a qualifying plan and provide a qualifying device in good condition, with the Fold 4, Fold 3, Flip 4, Flip 3 and S22 series via 24 monthly bill credits.

    Each device also has a broad list of eligible devices for getting the full discount, particularly Samsung devices with T-Mobile accepting the Galaxy S9 or newer. If you have a different phone you can still get $400 off if you’re trading in devices like an iPhone X (or later), OnePlus 8 5G (or later) or Pixel 5 (or later).

    Other devices like the iPhone 6/7/8/SE, Galaxy S7 or A series or Pixel 3/3A/4/4A can get $400 off a new device. Just remember that the phone you’re trading in needs to be in “good condition.”

    Andrew Hoyle/CNET

    Looking for the latest Google smartphone? If so, T-Mobile has some deals on both the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro right now.

    Existing T-Mobile subscribers can save between $300 on a Pixel 7 Pro when trading in a device.

    As with the iPhone 14 deal, the more modern device you trade in the better the deal. To snag the best deal for each of these devices, you will need to be swapping an iPhone X (or later), Pixel 4 (or later), Galaxy S10 or Note 10 (or later) or OnePlus 8 5G (or later).

    The credits come in the form of 24 monthly bill credits. If you cancel or transfer service before the 24 months, you’ll be responsible for the balance.

    Michael Sorrentino/CNET

    OnePlus’ latest flagship device, the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G, is getting a decent discount at T-Mobile. The carrier is offering up to $400 off with trade-in of a device in good condition.

    To get the full value you’ll need to trade in devices like an iPhone X (or later), OnePlus 8 5G (or later), Galaxy S20 or Note 10 (or later) or Pixel 5 (or later). Older devices can get up to $200 off.

    As with the other deals the money will be dished out as bill credits over 24 months. If you leave T-Mobile before those two years are up you risk forfeiting the remaining credits and needing to pay off whatever is still owed.

    Best T-Mobile plan deals

    If you’re looking to make the switch to T-Mobile, there are a few deals on various plans that may make you lean towards one or the other. Promotions on plans are less common these days, though oftentimes you can get some free extras, like streaming service subscriptions, music subscriptions and extra travel data, with enrollment in some of the higher-end 5G plans from each carrier, including T-Mobile.

    Customers who are looking to move to T-Mobile and have three lines of service will be happy to hear that the carrier is offering a buy two, get one free promotion, meaning your third line won’t cost you anything. This works on the Essentials, Magenta and Magenta Max plans.

    T-Mobile offers active-duty military, veterans and first responders $5 off the cost of monthly service, which brings the base price of the plans down a little per line with autopay enabled.

    T-Mobile has a version of its budget-focused Essentials plan designed for those ages 55 or older. Called Unlimited Essentials 55 Plus, the plan offers two unlimited lines for $55 per month ($27.50 per line). The carrier also offers discounts for its Magenta ($70 per month for two lines) and Magenta Max ($90 per month for two lines). All are with automatic payments enabled, though Magenta and Magenta Max also include taxes and fees.

    Compared to its regular rates, you could be saving $45 per month compared to the regular price for Essentials, or $50 compared to the regular rates of Magenta and Magenta Max.

    One person on this plan will need to be over 55 years old to be eligible, though for the cheapest Essentials 55 Plus plan you’re limited to a maximum of just two lines. If you only need one line, Essentials 55 Plus is $40 per month, Magenta is $50 per month and Magenta Max is $65 per month.

    FAQs

    Are T-Mobile deals available to existing or only new customers?

    Up until recently, T-Mobile heavily favored new customers with its best deals, leaving those who were loyal to the carrier behind. That’s since changed, and now most of the offers are available for both new and existing customers under the same terms.

    How do T-Mobile’s discounts work?

    It’s easy to see up to $400 off the price of something and get excited, but you’ll want to make sure you know what you’re signing up for. T-Mobile applies these discounts as bill credits that are usually spread out across a 24-month period. Sometimes, part of the discount amount is given in the form of a prepaid gift card (for a trade-in) and the rest is done as bill credits, but that’s specified when it’s happening.

    What happens if you leave T-Mobile before the 24 months is up?

    If you don’t stick with T-Mobile through the full 24 months of bill credits, you’ll be responsible for all the remaining charges. Before canceling or transferring your service to another carrier, be sure to reach out to T-Mobile to understand the actual cost of what you’ll owe to ensure you can cover that before making the move.


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  • Apple Reportedly Plans to Use Own Screens on Mobile Devices

    Apple Reportedly Plans to Use Own Screens on Mobile Devices

    Apple plans to begin its own custom displays on mobile devices starting in 2024, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.

    The push, intended to bring more production in-house, is expected to begin with the Apple Watch by the end of the year, according to the report, which cited people with knowledge of the matter. The displays will also appear on other devices such as the iPhone, according to the report.

    Apple’s display endeavor would dovetail with the company’s efforts to make it less reliant on components provided by third parties, in this case, Samsung, which is also a key competitor in the phone market.

    This isn’t the first time Apple has gone about developing its own components to reduce costs. The iPhone maker has spent years making its own 5G modem after it purchased the business from Intel in 2019 for $1 billion in order to not rely on chips made by Qualcomm.

    Apple didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

  • PC Shipments Decline 28% in 4th Quarter of 2022

    PC Shipments Decline 28% in 4th Quarter of 2022

    PC shipments fell below analyst expectations in the fourth quarter of 2022, with PC makers shipping 67.2 million computers, a drop of 28.1% compared with the same quarter last year, according to preliminary results IDC released Tuesday.

    The decline in the fourth quarter followed a 15% drop in the third quarter. For the full year, shipments are down 15.6%.

    IDC said it was clear that the PC market’s pandemic buying boom is over, but it noted that despite recent declines, PC shipments for the entire year were above pre-pandemic levels.

    “Consecutive quarters of declines clearly paint a gloomy picture of the PC market, but this is really all about perception,” Ryan Reith, group vice president with IDC’s Worldwide Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers, said in a statement. “2021 was near historic levels for PC shipments, so any comparison is going to be distorted.”

    But the market research firm voiced optimism about the PC market’s near future, saying “the market has the potential to recover in 2024 and we also see pockets of opportunity throughout the remainder of 2023.”

    Lenovo retained its PC market crown in the quarter by shipping 15.5 million units for a 23% market share. Still, its shipments were down more than 28% from the year-ago period. No. 2 HP saw a slightly greater decline in shipments, at 29%, while No. 3 Dell fell 37%.

    Apple was the only computer maker that appeared to come out of the quarter largely unscathed. The Mac maker captured the No. 4 position by shipping 7.5 million units, a decline of 2.1% over the same quarter in 2021.

  • ‘TMNT: Shredders Revenge’ Out on iOS, Android for Netflix Subscribers

    ‘TMNT: Shredders Revenge’ Out on iOS, Android for Netflix Subscribers

    TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge was a blast from the past that came out in 2022, and Netflix brought the retro title to mobile devices.

    Netflix subscribers can download TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge to their iOS or Android devices as of Tuesday. Once downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store, subscribers can access the game after entering their Netflix login.

    TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge is currently out on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC, but it had yet to make its way to mobile devices.

    The retro-style side-scroller beat ’em up lets players pick either Master Splinter, Casey Jones, April O’Neil, or one of the turtles — Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael or Michaelangelo — and fight against Shredder and his Foot Clan as well as other characters from the TMNT franchise. This version of TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge makes use of touch controls and can be played with others via the party option.

  • Apple Services Tallied 900 Million Paid Subscriptions in 2022

    Apple Services Tallied 900 Million Paid Subscriptions in 2022

    Last year was another big year for Apple. In addition to releasing the iPhone 14, AirPods Pro 2 and some entertaining new series on Apple TV Plus, the tech and media giant also reached 900 million subscriptions across its services in 2022.

    Subscriptions to popular services such as Apple TV Plus and Apple Music contributed to the total despite price increases on both services last year. The company’s other services include Apple Arcade, Apple News Plus, Apple Books (now available with AI narration on some books) and Apple Fitness Plus.

    It’s unclear which services contributed the most to the milestone, which Apple announced in a blog post Tuesday. The company didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. It’s also unclear if subscribers largely signed up for individual services or in bulk via an Apple One subscription, which, depending on the plan, can include Apple Music, Apple TV Plus, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness Plus, Apple News Plus and iCloud Plus.

    With an expansive services catalog and features like Apple Sing, it’s likely only a matter of time before the company reaches 1 billion paid subscriptions across its services.

  • Galaxy S23 Expected to Launch at Samsung’s Feb. 1 Event

    Galaxy S23 Expected to Launch at Samsung’s Feb. 1 Event

    The Galaxy S23 lineup will likely star in Samsung’s next Unpacked event, which the company just announced will take place Feb. 1. This year, a new lineup would compete directly with Apple’s iPhone 14 and Google’s Pixel 7.

    Samsung didn’t provide details Tuesday about what to expect from the event. But the company typically releases new Galaxy S phones during the first quarter, including the Galaxy S22 last year. The announcement also follows leaks, such as this report from Korean newspaper JoongAng Daily that suggested an early February debut for the Galaxy S23.

    If Samsung follows its previous pattern, we can expect to see three versions of its new phone: the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus and Galaxy S23 Ultra. Samsung’s invitation includes an image of three spotlights ranging in size from small to medium to large, possibly hinting as much.

    Samsung S22 and S22 Plus and S22 Ultra comparedSamsung S22 and S22 Plus and S22 Ultra compared

    The Samsung Galaxy S22, S22 Plus and S22 Ultra.

    Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

    Rumors from well-known leakers Ice Universe and Steve Hemmerstoffer suggest the new phones will have circular cutouts on the back for the camera lenses. The Galaxy S22 Ultra already has a camera like this. But the leak from Hemmerstoffer suggests it could trickle down to the Plus model, replacing the camera module currently found on the Galaxy S22 Plus. The spotlights in the event invitation could be a subtle nod to that design change, if it turns out to be accurate.

    Samsung opened up reservations on Tuesday in the US for its upcoming devices. The company will offer $50 in Samsung credit if you ask to reserve one device or $100 for two devices. The offer runs through Feb. 1, and no payment information is required.

    The company is expected to announce its new Galaxy S lineup at a time when macroeconomic headwinds have impacted phone sales overall. December reports from market researchers Counterpoint Research and IDC both point to weaker-than-previously-expected growth in global shipments for 2023.

    Other than a slightly updated camera cutout on the new phones, we expect to see Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor in the Galaxy S23 lineup and possibly Samsung’s 200-megapixel camera sensor in the S23 Ultra.

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