BREAKING NEWS: Mobile Technology

iOS 18.2 could arrive in early December, says trusted tipster

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 13:06:33 +0000

Apple first rolled out iOS 18 back in September. Last week, the company introduced the first set of Apple Intelligence features to eligible devices with the release of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 update. Now, it seems Apple is planning for an early December release of iOS 18.2. The next iOS update will reportedly bring a bunch of additional Apple Intelligence features to the eligible devices.

Apple might release iOS 18.2 early in December with a bunch of AI features for eligible devices

The news comes from the popular Apple insider, Mark Gurman, who mentions that Apple is considering the release of iOS 18.2 in early December. Not to forget, Apple had already confirmed that the next iOS update will be released at some point in December.

However, there was no mention of when exactly the update would arrive. Now, we may have a precise time frame on when to expect the iOS 18.2. Mark Gurman hints that the iOS 18.2 update could arrive during the week of December 2, 2024, assuming no further delays.

You can expect to see additional Apple Intelligence features

As mentioned earlier, iOS 18.2 will bring a handful of additional Apple Intelligence features. You can expect to see features like Genmoji, Image Playground, and Image Wand. Gemoji will enable you to generate customized emojis, while the Image PlayGround feature will let you generate custom images.

Talking of Image Wand, you’ll be able to transform doodles into an image in the Notes app. Gurman says that one of the major improvements coming with iOS 18.2 is ChatGPT’s integration with Siri. Apple Intelligence will also start supporting localized English from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK with the release of iOS 18.2.

Besides, the update will also bring a new Default Apps section in the Settings app. On top of that, Apple News+ subscribers in the US will get daily Sudoku puzzles. Moreover, iMessage will get a new nudity reporting option in Australia as part of the iOS 18.2 update.

The post iOS 18.2 could arrive in early December, says trusted tipster appeared first on Android Headlines.

After a massive $130 discount, the sleek Galaxy Watch 6 Classic becomes a real gem on Amazon

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 11:18:35 +0000

The smartwatch is among the best on the market, and it's just unmissable at its current price. Don't hesitate and save while you can!

Xiaomi 14T Pro PhoneArena Camera score: Mr. Average

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 10:17:11 +0000

Does the Xiaomi 14T Pro's camera excite… or not? Here's the verdict.

Smell the Future: AI’s Revolutionary Leap in Creating Scents & Smells

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 12:39:10 +0000

Can’t think of the possibilities of giving Computers a sense of smell. Osmo AI has introduced technology that digitizes and recreates scents, allowing smells to be effectively “teleported.” This development, combining artificial intelligence with olfactory science, analyzes and reproduces the molecular structure of scents. It opens new possibilities across diverse industries, from entertainment to healthcare. […]

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Sam Atlman Reveals Remarkable Changes Coming To O1

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 12:12:13 +0000

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has announced significant advancements in the company’s O1 series reasoning models, marking a substantial leap forward in artificial intelligence capabilities. These models are poised to redefine AI applications by offering enhanced reasoning and planning capabilities, potentially surpassing the performance of previous models like GPT-4. Altman emphasizes the strategic importance of […]

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The Roborock Qrevo Slim Can Go Everywhere (Even Under Your Sofa!)

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 15:46:27 +0000

Roborock’s game-changing Qrevo Slim is the thinnest robot vacuum on the market. Standing at a mere 8.2 centimeters (3.2 inches) tall, the Roborock Qrevo Slim revolutionizes cleaning by accessing previously unreachable areas, such as beneath sofas, beds, and furniture. Prepare for a comprehensive cleaning experience empowered by the innovative StarSight Autonomous System.

Despite its slim profile compared to other robot vacuums, the Roborock’s Qrevo Slim boasts an impressive power suction of 11,000Pa. This enables it to effortlessly collect dirt, hair, and other debris across different floor types. Additionally, it features two durable all-rubber brushes that prevent tangling, ensuring consistent cleaning performance.

The Roborock Qrevo Slim incorporates the company’s innovative FlexiArm technology. This unique system extends from the vacuum, allowing it to reach deep into corners and along edges. Unlike traditional round robot vacuums that often struggle to reach these areas, the FlexiArm ensures comprehensive cleaning coverage throughout your entire home, eliminating blind spots. By addressing the limitations of round robot vacuums, the FlexiArm technology revolutionizes cleaning efficiency.

Roborock Qrevo Slim navigates your home like no other

The Roborock Qrevo Slim incorporates a cutting-edge navigation and obstacle avoidance technology known as the StarSight Autonomous System. This system is the culmination of five years of research and development in collaboration with Infineon, pmd, and OFilm, utilizing 3D Time of Flight (3D ToF) technology.

The StarSight Autonomous System employs a sophisticated 3D sensing technique. It emits laser pulses toward objects and measures the round-trip time of the reflected light using an infrared camera sensor. This enables the system to create a detailed and accurate 3D map of its surroundings, which is then used for navigation and obstacle avoidance.

With a sampling rate of 38,400Hz, the Roborock Qrevo Slim’s laser distance sensor technology is 21 times more precise than traditional models. This advancement enables it to navigate complex environments and detect obstacles with unprecedented accuracy, a feature that the company has incorporated into the Roborock Qrevo Slim.

Thanks to StarSight Autonomous technology, maintaining a clean and comfortable home requires minimal effort. Combined with FlexiArm technology, the ability to empty its dustbin, clean the mop, and refill its water reservoir autonomously. Roborock Qrevo Slim can run daily without any issues, ensuring a consistently clean living space.

Amongst robot vacuum manufacturers, Roborock stands out as the sole brand with certified security and privacy protocols specifically designed for its vacuum cameras. This certification provides peace of mind, eliminating any concerns about the Roborock Qrevo Slim potentially recording sensitive information within your home.

Roborock is offering a huge discount on Qrevo Slim for a limited time

The Roborock Qrevo Slim retails for $1,399, but till December 2nd, you can grab it at a discounted price of $999. That’s a significant 30% off the original price, making it an excellent opportunity to own the Roborock Qrevo Slim if you’ve been eyeing it.

Shop Roborock Qrevo Slim

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Alleged Google Tensor G5 SoC shows off its performance on Geekbench

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 11:00:27 +0000

Google is currently developing its next-gen Tensor G5 and Tensor G6 mobile processors. The former is expected to be in charge of handling operations on the upcoming Pixel 10 series devices. The company is developing the new chipset using TSMC’s 3nm fabrication process. Some details about the new SoC were leaked earlier. Now, the Google Tensor G5 processor has appeared on Geekbench, which shows its performance potential.

Google Tensor G5 chipset’s performance details have leaked via Geekbench

The upcoming Google Tensor G5 processor has been benchmarked by Geekbench, which has revealed its performance potential. The SoC has been benchmarked with the codename “Google Frankel”. It was previously rumored to be called “Laguna”. The chip has managed to achieve a single-core score of 1,323 points, while the multi-core score is mentioned as 4,004 points.

It looks like the Tensor G5 has lower benchmark results than the Tensor G4. Even, it has a lower multi-core score than the Apple M4 Max chipset’s single-core scores. However, the SoC could have better results in its final commercial version.

Tensor G5 SoC will have a new “1+5+2” CPU cluster

It appears that Google will utilize a new “1+5+2” CPU cluster in the Tensor G5 chipset. The processor is benchmarked with a main core with a clock speed of 3.40GHz. There also are five cores featuring 2.86GHz and two 2.44 cores. The listing also mentions the presence of an Imagination Technologies PowerVR D-Series DXT-48-1536 GPU. The SoC was tested with 12GB of RAM.

Furthermore, the Geekbench results suggest that the early version of the Google Tensor G5 SoC needs significant improvements. That said, the Tensor G5 will be Google’s first SoC to utilize TSMC’s 3nm “N3E” architecture. It will certainly improve the performance of the Pixel phones significantly. It will support the AI capabilities on-device itself. We can expect the rumor mill to reveal more details of the processor in the coming weeks or months, so stay tuned for regular updates.

The post Alleged Google Tensor G5 SoC shows off its performance on Geekbench appeared first on Android Headlines.

Don’t let Apple, Samsung tell you numbers don’t matter: Realme's insane new flagship is the proof

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 13:21:08 +0000

Realme's monstrous new GT 7 Pro with 40% larger battery than iPhone 16 Pro Max proves numbers matter more than ever.

Brabus Redefines Luxury Travel with the Big Boy 1200 Motor Home

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 12:59:33 +0000

The world of luxury motor homes has been transformed with the unveiling of the BRABUS BIG BOY 1200. This extraordinary vehicle, born from a partnership between BRABUS and STX Motorhomes, offers a travel experience like no other, seamlessly blending sophistication, performance, and comfort. Engineered to transform any location into a five-star retreat, the BRABUS BIG […]

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IBM Unveils Granite 3.0 Open Source AI Models

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 11:36:40 +0000

IBM has launched Granite 3.0, a family of open-source AI models tailored for enterprise use. Licensed under Apache 2.0, these models offer exceptional flexibility for both business and personal applications. Granite 3.0 is designed to operate efficiently on devices with limited resources, aiming to transform how businesses use artificial intelligence (AI). This family of models, […]

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The just-released Galaxy S24 FE is on sale at a neat $75 discount

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 12:42:25 +0000

The Galaxy S24 FE is enjoying its first-ever, no-trade-in discount! You can buy all color and storage versions for $75 off at Amazon.

AH Real Deal: Samsung's 98" TV is $500 off, Down to a new All-Time Lowest Price

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 12:44:39 +0000

Amazon has dropped the price of the Samsung 98-inch Q80C 4K TV, bringing it down to its all-time lowest price of $3,997. However, while it’s listed price is $7,997, it actually hasn’t been that price in well over a year. Instead, it’s normally priced at $4,497. Still a great deal, as that is $500 off, but it’s not 50% off like Amazon wants you to think.

This Samsung TV is an absolutely stunning TV. It’s the Q80C which is a 2023 model, but when it comes to TVs, you don’t generally see a huge change year-over-year. The Q80C does include Dolby Atmos Object Tracking Sound Lite, Direct Full Array, and Q-Symphony 3.0. So you’re getting a pretty amazing-sounding TV here, too. This is somewhat surprising since most TVs think about sound absolutely last.

Samsung has also included its Gaming Hub, which brings the best of console games, streaming games, and more all into a single place. Making it easier to play games on this massive 98-inch TV, whether it’s on console or streaming. Unfortunately, it does not support HDMI 2.1 or VRR, so it’s a good TV for playing games, but it’s not the best.

This is also a QLED TV, so you’re getting some pretty incredible color reproduction here, as well as blacks that are actually black. That’s thanks to QLED using individual pixel backlighting. The Samsung Q80C has an incredible picture, especially at nearly 100 inches diagonally. Now you can pick it up from Amazon at a pretty good price.

Buy at Amazon

The post AH Real Deal: Samsung's 98" TV is $500 off, Down to a new All-Time Lowest Price appeared first on Android Headlines.

Samsung could launch a cheaper Galaxy Z Flip model next year

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 10:31:05 +0000

Multiple reports in the past few weeks suggested that Samsung is planning to launch an affordable book-style Galaxy Z Fold model. However, last month, the company confirmed that no such smartphone is in the works. But, the brand could be planning to launch a cheaper Galaxy Z Flip model, suggests a report from Korea.

A cheaper Galaxy Z Flip variant could launch in 2025

According to the Korean blogger Yeux1122, Samsung is planning to launch a cheaper Galaxy Z Flip model next year. The phone will be launched as the Galaxy Z Flip FE. The tipster also suggests that it will be launched alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Unfortunately, the source hasn’t revealed anything about the specifications of the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip models.

Furthermore, according to a Samsung executive, the brand is “considering ways to lower entry barriers” for its foldable models. This will allow more Samsung fans to enjoy the foldable smartphone experience. Notably, the executive also hinted that the brand is “preparing new form factors”. This could be indicating the rumored Samsung tri-fold handset.

An affordable Z Flip model could help Samsung better compete with its rival brands

Notably, an affordable Galaxy Z Flip phone could help Samsung to better compete with the competitors in the foldable segment. The company’s market share in the foldable segment has significantly dropped this year. In 2023, the brand led the foldable market share with 60 percent share. However, its market share has dropped by half to just 30 percent this year, according to various media reports. Huawei has already taken the top spot from Samsung in the foldable smartphone segment.

So, a budget Galaxy Z Flip model makes sense as it would help the brand to regain the market share of the foldable segment. The other brands like Motorola and Nubia are offering their foldable offerings at more affordable price points than Samsung. The brand’s newest Z Flip model, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 starts at $1,099. There aren’t many details available, but the Galaxy Z Flip FE could have modest specs compared to the brand’s flagship Flip models.

As of now, there’s no word regarding the exact launch time frame for the upcoming Flip models. But we can expect them to see the light of the day in the July-August period.

The post Samsung could launch a cheaper Galaxy Z Flip model next year appeared first on Android Headlines.

X's update that lets blocked users see your posts now rolling out

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 17:38:18 +0000

X, formerly known as Twitter, is making a big change to its “blocking” feature. The Elon Musk-owned company announced the change weeks ago, leading thousands of users to consider switching to alternative platforms. Starting today, your blocked users on X will be able to see posts in your feed (and vice versa), both on the website and in the app.

Blocked users will now be able to see your posts on X, but not interact

Previously, a blocked user couldn’t snoop on your profile posts. Your account would only display a message notifying the other party about the block. However, now your posts will be visible to people you’ve blocked at some point. They won’t be able to interact with your posts in any way, whether by responding, sharing, or liking, though they can report them. The blocked user won’t be able to send you DMs either.

X has used its arguments to make the decision. According to the company, malicious accounts could take advantage of the platform’s blocking feature to harass or persecute other people. They have detected cases of accounts that blocked a particular individual for sharing private data or potentially damaging information about them. Now, people affected by this modus operandi could detect these posts and report them if necessary.

Another reason that may have inspired the new behavior of the “blocking” feature is public officials or organizations that, for one reason or another, block people. There are accounts like this that share important information that everyone should be aware of, and the new behavior of the feature allows it.

It’s notable that accounts set to “Private” will continue to have the same behavior. That is, the posts will not be accessible to others without prior approval from the account owner. This allows X users who want to keep their posts visible only in a closed circle to still do so.

It wasn’t too difficult to bypass the block before

There are some voices against the update that allows blocked users to see your posts on X. “Enabling blocked users to see posts is catering to abusers and stalkers, indulging and facilitating their behaviors,” said London Victims’ Commissioner Claire Waxman. However, it wasn’t that difficult to bypass a block to see someone else’s posts. You just had to open their account in an Incognito browser tab or in a normal tab without logging in, for instance. So, it’s not like potential stalkers faced an “impenetrable shield” before.

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Realme GT 7 Pro debuts packed with power and ready for action with underwater photography

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 10:55:11 +0000

Realme was all set to launch its latest flagship phone, the Realme GT 7 Pro, this month, and now, it has officially made its debut. This phone comes loaded with some impressive specs, so let's take a closer look at what the Realme GT 7 Pro has to offer.

Worlds First Fully AI Generated Game : Oasis

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 12:22:54 +0000

Oasis marks a significant achievement in the gaming industry, offering the first fully AI-generated game experience that adapts in real-time. Unlike traditional game engines, Oasis creates a fluid, interactive world that evolves with each player action. As you explore this innovative game, you experience the capabilities of real-time AI generation, where every frame and interaction […]

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Endless 3D Printing with the Bambu A1 Mini SwapMod!

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 10:23:42 +0000

If you want to automate your 3D printing with the Bambu A1 Mini 3D printer, consider the SwapMod—a unique 3D printing automation project designed to automatically change the printer’s build plate, allowing for continuous printing without downtime. The SwapMod integrates seamlessly into your setup, enhancing efficiency without requiring permanent modifications. Imagine printing continuously, even overnight, […]

The post Endless 3D Printing with the Bambu A1 Mini SwapMod! appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

The Secret to Predicting Sales with Excel’s Regression Analysis

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 11:25:50 +0000

Have you ever found yourself staring at a spreadsheet, trying to make sense of all those numbers? Many face the challenge of transforming raw data into actionable insights, especially when it comes to predicting sales figures. Excel’s regression analysis is a powerful statistical tool that can enhance your ability to forecast sales and make informed […]

The post The Secret to Predicting Sales with Excel’s Regression Analysis appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

RedMagic 10 series launch date confirmed, design partially shown

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 13:31:26 +0000

The RedMagic 10 gaming smartphone series launch date has been confirmed. The devices will become official on November 13, so in less than 10 days from this point. The event will start at 3 PM China time / 9 AM CET / 8 AM BST / 3 AM EST / midnight PST.

The RedMagic 10 series launch date has been confirmed by the company

The company not only confirmed the launch date, but the partial design too. If you check out the launch announcement image below, you’ll see the phone’s front side, and its left side too.

As expected, the device does not have a display camera hole or a notch. It will include an under-display camera, and very thin bezels too. That’s something we’ve been seeing from the company for a couple of generations now.

It’s an ideal setup for gaming, as you don’t have a hole punch standing in the way. Also, the phone’s sides will be flat, so the phone should be less slippery while you’re gaming.

We can also see a cutout for the fan on the left side of the device. That’s something we’ve seen on previous models too. The power/lock and volume rocker buttons will sit on the right-hand side of the device.

We don’t get to see the shoulder triggers here, but that’s something the phone will incorporate as well. Various other gaming features will be included, along with advanced cooling, and a high touch sampling rate of the phone’s display.

A 7,050mAh battery is expected, along with a huge display

We do expect to see three cameras on the back of the device too. The RedMagic 10 Pro+ model is tipped to have a 7,050mAh battery and a display that will be larger than 7 inches. A 144Hz display was also mentioned, as was 120W charging.

What’s interesting is that RedMagic specifically mentioned the RedMagic 10 Pro series in its launch announcement. Is it possible we’ll be getting the RedMagic 10 Pro and RedMagic 10 Pro+, without the vanilla model? Will the company ditch the vanilla name? It remains to be seen. The ‘Ultra’ model was also rumored, so… who knows.

The RedMagic 10 series will launch in China first, but it’ll make its way to global markets too. That includes both Europe and the US. Also, the Snapdragon 8 Elite will fuel these phones.

The post RedMagic 10 series launch date confirmed, design partially shown appeared first on Android Headlines.

Boost Team Collaboration with SharePoint’s Advanced Features

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 13:15:13 +0000

SharePoint Online is a robust platform for enhancing site management and content organization. By using its advanced features, you can transform how you approach document management, data tracking, and content display. This guide explores SharePoint’s capabilities, focusing on key areas that can improve workflow and team collaboration significantly. Navigating the complexities of SharePoint Online can […]

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TikTok gets sued by seven families after several teen suicides

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 14:23:36 +0000

TikTok is in troubled waters once again as seven families in France have sued it after a fatal accident. After experiencing the unthinkable, these families are suing the popular social media platform. These grieving families have accused the platform of contributing to the suicides of their teenage children through harmful content. The platform is being accused of exposing adolescent children to harmful content, which led to two of them taking their own lives at the age of 15.

Seven families in France have sued TikTok for exposing their children to harmful content

According to the French media, the lawsuit alleges TikTok’s algorithm exposed the seven teenagers to harmful content. The harmful content is said to include videos promoting suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders. The lawyer in the lawsuit, Laure Boutron Marmion, has revealed this information to broadcaster Franceinfo. All seven families have jointly sued TikTok in the Créteil judicial court in France.

“The parents want TikTok’s legal liability to be recognized in court”, the lawyer said, adding: “This is a commercial company offering a product to consumers who are, in addition, minors. They must, therefore, answer for the product’s shortcomings”.

It is the first collective lawsuit of this nature against TikTok in Europe

Notably, this is the first collective lawsuit of this nature against the social media platform in Europe. The seven families have united through the Algos Victima collective. It is a center for legal and judicial support for victims and their families. It especially focuses on holding social networking platforms accountable. The case includes substantial documentation and concrete evidence, which supports each family’s story. The new case builds on an earlier complaint filed in 2023. This one was filed by the parents of Marie, one of the teenagers who took her own life.

It’s worth mentioning that TikTok is already facing lawsuits by 14 states in the US, which are accusing it of harming children. This case was filed by attorneys generals of these states in early October. Furthermore, TikTok was recently sued in Brazil for failing to adequately protect Children. Notably, Apple has also urged the platform to revise its age recommendations earlier this year.

The post TikTok gets sued by seven families after several teen suicides appeared first on Android Headlines.

Cambridge DacMagic 200M Review: Simply amazing!

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 12:14:25 +0000

Imagine this comedic scene: You ask a person what sort of equipment you need to be an audiophile. They then take out a physics-defying list that unrolls and extends for a mile. That’s how it felt when I first started my journey to being an audiophile. But, remember the saying, “It’s not about the destination, but the journey.”

What do I mean by that? Well, being an audiophile isn’t about getting all of the equipment you need and making a complete setup at once. Rather, it’s about progressively gathering equipment and gradually improving your sound as time goes on. Oftentimes, the first step to crafting your dream audio setup starts with getting a quality DAC. Well, I was given the opportunity to review the Cambridge DacMagic 200M, and it’s a device that can greatly improve your audio on its own before you buy all of the other equipment that you need.

The question is whether this device is what you need to start your journey or if you’d be better served with a different product. Let’s find out in this review.

Cambridge DacMagic 200M Review: Design

Admittedly, when it comes to all of the potential qualities that a DAC can have, the looks aren’t quite a priority. It’s more important for a pair of headphones or a smartphone to be a fashion piece, as you’re likely to take them out with you. But, you’re not exactly inviting your friends over just to stare at your DAC like it’s a piece of art.

Be that as it may, I can still appreciate a good-looking piece of tech. The DacMagic 200M has a similar design aesthetic to the DacMagic 100 from a while back. However, the company went in a different direction with the 200M. It ditched the brushed texture on the front panel and went for more of a matte metal appearance. We see this texture all throughout the device, and I actually prefer this to the brushed metal look. It makes the overall aesthetic look more consistent and refined. This makes it blend more seamlessly with your setup.

I also like how the front panel is arranged. All of the information is compartmentalized with a combination of vertically oriented and horizontally oriented elements. We see the inputs and the filters flanking the knob with the MQA light, sample rate, DSD numbers, and headphone port on the right of the panel. Moving back to the knob, it has that matte texture, but there’s a glossy ring around it that contrasts the rest of the panel and acts as an accent.

As for the shape of the DAC, Cambridge decided to squish the DacMagic 100. The 200M is shorter and longer, which almost makes it look more like other DACs you’d see today. Again, I prefer the look of the DacMagic 200M over the 100. Not only does it look better, but the shape makes it easier to fit in my setup. It’s rather compact and easy to manage.

Overall

There’s not much else to say about the design. Cambridge did a great job of creating a professional-looking device. The sleek two-tone gray color gives the device an overall understated beauty. Sure, the looks of the device don’t have an effect on the overall performance, but it’s still nice to have a sleek and good-looking device on my desk or table when I’m composing or listening to music.

Cambridge DacMagic 200M Review: Build quality

When it comes to the world of DACs, the DacMagic 200M is affordable at only $499. However, that doesn’t mean that the company skimped on the build quality. Regardless of the target market, this device feels as premium as one twice its price.

Firstly, the entire device is encased in metal, which is always good to see. The front panel is also made from metal. What this boils down to is a device with a nice bit of weight to it. It’s not a bulky device, however. There’s just a satisfying bit of heft to it that lets me know that I’m grabbing a quality piece of technology.

Having used this device for a while, I’ve placed it in several locations like next to my piano, on my computer desk, and even on a few shelves while I was cleaning. No matter where I placed it, I didn’t see any wear or tear on the device. It looks as good as the day I unboxed it.

Cambridge added the obligatory rubber feet on the bottom of the device to help dampen the shock from being placed on hard surfaces. That’s a small thing, but I still appreciate it.

The only complaint that I have about the device’s build is the knob. Firstly, while the device as a whole feels high-quality, the knob feels cheap and plasticy. I’m not sure if the company used a thinner metal for the knob or if it’s legitimately made from plastic. It doesn’t kill the experience, but it’s just a bit of a shift in the overall feeling.

Not only that, but it’s rather stiff. It takes a little bit of force to rotate it, which can make it a little difficult to tune the volume to my liking. It’s so stiff that (and it embarrasses me to say) I didn’t even know that it rotated for quite some time. The first time I tried to rotate it, there wasn’t any give. I figured that if I put too much force into rotating it, I’d break it. I eventually got it loose.

That’s the only complaint that I have about the construction of the device.

Overall

The DacMagic 200M is a mid-range device, but you wouldn’t really know it from the feeling in the hand. Cambridge crafted this device with a high caliber of care and attention. It’s a nice-feeling and well-put-together DAC, and I can trust it to last me years and years. It just goes to show that affordable and cheap can mean two different things.

Cambridge DacMagic 200M Review: Connections and ports

As you can guess, one of the most important parts of a DAC’s experience is the selection of ports and connection options that it supports. When it comes to the DacMagic 200M, I was pretty surprised with how many connection options there are. There are enough to fit with pretty much any audio setup. Starting off with the outputs, there’s the 3/4-inch headphone jack, which I use the most often. There’s also RCA for unbalanced output and XLR for balanced.

Moving onto the inputs, you have two S/P DIF Co-axial ports, two Toslink Optical ports, and a USB port (It’s a USB-B port). Rounding out the list, you can also connect your device via Bluetooth. All in all, you have the four output options, which are USB, D1, D2, and Bluetooth (this is what the antenna on the back is for). D1 uses one of the Co-axial and one of the Optical ports, and D2 uses the other of each.

Switching between the connection options is as easy as pressing the button on the front panel to the left of the knob. If you haven’t paired a Bluetooth device to it yet, it will automatically go into pairing mode. The indicator light will blink until you pair your phone or other device.

Obviously, when you switch to Bluetooth, you’ll be hearing lower-quality audio. However, I like that the DacMagic 200M is compatible with Qualcomm’s aptX HD. So, you’re good to hear CD-quality music.

Switching between the inputs is lightning quick. If there’s music playing, I instantly hear the music when I switch to it. When you switch to a mode, it lights up on the actual device, so there’s no guessing game.

I don’t really have any complaints other than the fact that there’s no obvious way to unpair the DAC from your streaming device. It’d be neat if there was a button or gesture to unpair from one device and enter pairing mode on the DAC. Other than that, everything’s great.

Cambridge DacMagic 200M Review: Usage

Now, let’s talk about actually using this device. What I love about this DAC is just how easy it is to get set up. When I plugged it into my computer, it instantly registered without any issues. I saw it show up in my list of audio devices right away, so that got rid of the anxiety of going through an unnecessary setup process.

Everything is indicated by the lights on the front panel, which I appreciate. There’s a column of lights that indicate the input you have selected to the left of the knob and a column that shows the filter to the right.

Towards the far right of the device, there are more pretty lights. There’s a row that shows the sample rate of the music I’m listening to, and I love just how quickly it switches when I change settings and input methods. It’s instant! On that same row, there’s also a light that indicates when you’re listening to an MQA file. That light will actually change color based on the sample rate of the music you’re listening to.

I like the lights and all, but one thing you need to keep in mind is that you won’t be able to see the settings in a dark environment. I’ve always been a person who prefers mini displays that show the stats. However, for $500, there had to be some compromises somewhere. It’s not the biggest deal, though. After a bit, I was able to memorize where all of the settings are, so I don’t often have to look at the text.

My one complaint

As far as complaints go, there’s been one thing that bothered me while using the DacMagic 200M. It has an auto-shut-off feature that turns it off after a little while of not being used. The thing is that it turns off after what seems to be less than 20 minutes. I often find myself returning to my computer after a little break and wondering why I don’t hear anything when I press the Play button.

I know that this is dependent on my personal usage, but it happens so often during my usage that I can’t help but wonder if this happens to other people as often. I understand why the feature is there, but I could personally do without it.

Overall

When it comes to the overall usability, I don’t have any glaring complaints. It’s easy to switch the input sources and the filters. The buttons to switch those settings are on the front of the device, so they’re easy to access. The same thing goes for the power button. This is a very straightforward and easy-to-use device.

Cambridge DacMagic 200M Review: Filters

The DacMagic 200M comes with three easily accessible filters that you can rotate through. This is another area where you know that the company had to cut a few corners to keep the price down. Pricier DACs would have more, but three filters are a nice little selection, especially if this is your first DAC.

You have your choice between a Fast, Slow, and Short Delay filter. The DAC is super fast when switching between the filter modes. I hear the music go silent for just a fraction of a second before coming back on.

As for the sound, I have to say that I had some trouble really telling the difference between the modes. I switched between all of the modes dozens of times, and I just couldn’t hear a palpable change in audio quality. One thing I found was that switching to the Fast filter game me just a bit more punch in the higher tones. I felt that the audio was a bit clearer with that setting on and fuller with the Short Delay on.

I just don’t feel the filters on this DAC add to or subtract from the overall experience. I’m sure that most people using it won’t really have much of a preference as to the filter they use.

Cambridge DacMagic 200M Review: Volume

The thing about this DAC is that it’s not only one device. The DacMagic 200M is both a DAC and a headphone amp. This is extremely useful for people who don’t want to worry about buying two devices separately.

The headphones that I use as my daily drivers are the HiFiMan HE560. I also used the Meze Audio ALBA, which are significantly less power-hungry. Using the latter, the DAC had no trouble giving me some powerful volume. I typically need to turn the volume down on my computer to avoid blowing out my eardrums.

As for the HE560, I’m still able to get some ample punch from the sound. These headphones have an impedance of 45Ω. If I crank the volume up on my computer and turn the knob up all the way, the music is well above my comfortable listening volume, and that’s realistically high enough.

I feel like the amp was enough to properly drive these headphones, but I wonder how it will do with more power-hungry headphones. I feel like if I was using headphones that required more power, I’d be able to hear the amp struggling a bit. So, that’s something to keep in mind.

Cambridge DacMagic 200M Review: Details

DACs do and don’t offer a large difference in sound quality. To break things down, they don’t magically add more details to your audio. So, if you’re listening to compressed MP3 files, the DAC won’t give them a higher sample rate. However, if you have higher-quality music files on your computer like FLAC or MQA files, and you were previously listening to them through your computer’s 3.5mm headphone jack, then hooking up a DAC will better reproduce the finer details of those audio files.

The DacMagic 200M goes from 44.1kHz up to a whopping 176.4kHz. That top setting is a bit unnecessary, as it’s pretty far above what the human ear can hear. It’s like having an 8K display on your smartphone. However, if you’re into up-sampling, then you may have a need for it.

The DacMagic 200M does a fantastic job of reproducing finer details in the sound. I listen to Tidal, and the amount of detail I can hear is amazing. Listening to all of the music that I typically listen to (anything from classical to early 2000s music + film scores) sounds great. The sound is crisp and tactile. I can hear the fine texture of all of the instruments, both natural and synthetic. I’m talking about the sound of people’s lips parting, the grit of fingers plucking strings, and other details.

Not only is the sound crisp, but it’s incredibly open. I truly feel like the audio just exists around me rather than being shot into my ears. More than likely, a more expensive DAC will be able to produce a more detailed sound, but the DacMagic 200M is no slouch at all.

Cambridge DacMagic 200M Review: Higher tones

The higher tones sound great with this DAC. Just like I said, the audio overall sounds nice and crisp. One thing I will say is that the highs can be a little much at times. It all depends on the music I’m listening to, of course. When I’m listening to 80s music, those higher tones really stand out. They can get a little shrill at times.

This is something to keep in mind if you’re doing any sort of audio engineering. Personally, I’m a composer and I mix and master my own music. I can hear a bit of an emphasis on the higher tones compared to listening without.

When I listen back to my compositions, I find that there was an effect on my mixing. It wasn’t a significant effect, but I found myself tuning the higher tones down a bit to compensate for what I was hearing through the DAC. So, if you pick up the DacMagic, and you create music or other types of audio content, then you’ll want to do a comparison between music you make with and without it.

I wouldn’t say that a wide range of the higher tones sounds shrill. For instance, the boosted treble performance makes voices sound divine. The vocals get a nice little lift in the mix, but I don’t hear any shrillness in them. When listening to voices, a good sign that the high tones are too high is when the T’s and S’s start to pierce your ears, but I don’t hear that. The T’s and S’s start to really peak at around 5.3kHz.

Higher instruments like Celeste or Glockenspiel, on the other hand, can take a toll on the ears, so if you’re listening to or making music with instruments like those, then you’ll need to keep this in mind.

Overall

The DacMagic 200M has a

The powerful OnePlus 12R is an early holiday bargain you can't miss at a total $170 discount

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 13:17:49 +0000

Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and equipped with a large and beautiful screen, huge battery, and blazing fast charging technology, the OnePlus 12R is an absolute must-buy at just $430 and up right now with free OnePlus Buds 3 included.

Galaxy S24 series starts getting November 2024 security update

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 13:26:02 +0000

Samsung has started rolling out the November 2024 security update for its Galaxy smartphones and tablets. Last week, the South Korean tech giant pushed this month’s security update to the Galaxy Tab S7 FE. After receiving the October 2024 security patch early last month, the Galaxy S24 series has reportedly started getting the November 2024 security update in the United States.

Carrier-locked Galaxy S24 series gets November 2024 security update in the US

The latest security patch is rolling out to carrier-locked variants of the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus, and Galaxy S24 Ultra on the Verizon network in the US. The November 2024 security update for the Galaxy S24 carries a firmware version S921USQS4AXJA.

Whereas, this security update comes with a firmware version S926USQS4AXJA and S928USQS4AXJ for the Galaxy S24 Plus and Galaxy S24 Ultra, respectively. If you have the eligible devices and reside in the US, a software update should pop up on your device soon. The Galaxy S24 users living outside of the US might receive this security update in the coming days or weeks.

Expect some security improvements with this update

The latest update offers the recent Android security patch for your Galaxy S24 series phones. If you have been waiting for new features, sadly, this update doesn’t bring any of those. As usual, you can expect a bunch of security improvements and bug fixes with the November 2024 security update.

It’s worth noting that the details of the latest security update aren’t available as we write. However, we expect Samsung to detail the security vulnerabilities patched in November’s SMR (Security Maintenance Release) soon. Once it is available, you can check it here.

If you live in the US and have a carrier-locked Galaxy S24 series phone, check for the update now. You can go to Settings > Software update. On the Software update page, wait for the device to scan for a new software update. Once a software update pops up, make sure to tap Download and install.

The post Galaxy S24 series starts getting November 2024 security update appeared first on Android Headlines.

Get the Most Out of iOS 18.1: 5 Awesome Home Screen Setups

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 11:30:05 +0000

Transforming your iOS 18.1 home screen can significantly enhance both its visual appeal and functionality. By focusing on key elements such as wallpapers, icon customization, and widgets, you can create a highly personalized experience that truly reflects your unique style and preferences. With the latest features and customization options available in iOS 18.1, the possibilities for crafting […]

The post Get the Most Out of iOS 18.1: 5 Awesome Home Screen Setups appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

Samsung must get it together… or else

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 15:32:10 +0000

The difficulties are largely due to issues in Samsung’s semiconductor (SoC) and memory chip production. Samsung Foundry, responsible for making SoCs, has been struggling with low efficiency in producing high-performance chips.

A closer look at the upcoming changes in Genshin Impact 5.2 and the damage buff

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 13:11:03 +0000

A new leak regarding a damage buff in the insanely popular game Genshin Impact (version 5.2) has surfaced, suggesting that while it might seem beneficial for players, it could also indicate a rise in the difficulty of battles.

Being an offers writer, I highly recommend the Pixel 8 at $200 off

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 12:36:14 +0000

The phone is still worth every penny, and I think it's an even greater value for money at its current price

Best Apple iPad to Buy in November 2024

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 16:15:30 +0000

Apple has really bloated its iPad lineup in recent years. Essentially, there are four different lines of iPads that you can choose from. There’s the iPad, iPad Air, iPad Mini, and iPad Pro. All of these are here for different use cases and different people. The regular iPad is almost solely for those in education (schools, school districts, etc). At the same time, most will buy the iPad Air or Mini, with the iPad Pro being more so for those “pro” users who might be using it to replace their laptop.

This is why we have come up with this buyer’s guide for the iPad. Helping you get the best iPad for your use-case. So you can pick out the best iPad and not waste any money. So here are the best iPads you can buy in 2023.

Best iPad for most people

iPad Air (6th Gen)

The iPad Air has finally been updated after two long years. Now, the iPad Air comes in two sizes – 11-inch and 12.9-inch. It also comes with the M2 chipset. So it’s a pretty powerful iPad, making it perfect for most people. The 11-inch iPad Air starts at $599 for 128GB of storage, with the 12.9-inch model starting at $799. Previously, the iPad Air was available in either 64GB or 256GB at these same prices. So definitely a nice upgrade. You can opt for 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB as well.

If you’re thinking about getting the iPad Air versus the iPad Pro, there are a few differences. For instance, the iPad Air does have a fingerprint sensor for Touch ID, instead of using Face ID. It also has a single camera on the rear, with no LiDAR sensor. The only other major difference is going to be the display. The new iPad Pro models have OLED displays, while the iPad Air sticks with LCD. There is a pretty big difference, and if you are planning to use this for a lot of streaming, you might want to splurge on the iPad Pro. Additionally, it sports the M4 processor over the iPad Air’s M2. That won’t translate to much of a difference in terms of performance because iPad OS can’t really take full advantage of the chipset’s power – yet.

Interestingly, now that the iPad Pros are so thin and light, the iPad “Air” is not the thinnest nor lightest iPad that Apple sells. The iPad Pro is both thinner and lighter. So that is something else to consider if you really want to get an iPad that is lightweight.

However, the iPad Air is a really great option for those who want a family iPad. That’s because it’s great for streaming media and also great for getting some work done with the Magic Keyboard, as well as a few other great third-party keyboards from Logitech, among other companies. It won’t replace a laptop, but it can work in a pinch.

Buy at Best Buy

Best Cheap iPad

iPad (10th Gen)

Price: $449
Released: October 2022
Where to buy: Target

The iPad tenth generation is the best cheap iPad that you can buy today. It is the cheapest new iPad available. It’s not the best iPad, as it does have some interesting quirks, like the fact that it has a USB-C port and still supports the original Apple Pencil, which charges via Lightning. So, you need a couple of dongles to use the Apple Pencil with this iPad. But thankfully, Apple has made it a bit easier now, since you can get the Apple Pencil (USB-C), and only need a single cable to sync and charge your Apple Pencil, but you would lose pressure sensitivity.

This iPad is actually pretty good, all things considered. It’s the same size as the iPad Air, coming in at 10.9 inches, though the display isn’t quite as good, which is how Apple was able to keep the price down here. It also has the A14 Bionic chipset, which was in the iPhone 12 series, so it’s a few years older at this point.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this iPad is the fact that Apple gave us a horizontal front-facing camera. So it’s not in the right place for Zoom, Google Meet and Facetime. Whereas it is in the wrong place on virtually every other iPad. It does have a 12-megapixel camera on the front and back, so you can use it to take photos, but we would not recommend that.

Interestingly, the iPad 10th-generation does have it’s own magic keyboard folio, which many say is better than the actual Magic Keyboard available for the iPad Pro and Air models. It’s pretty interesting, but it is a good way to get a keyboard for your new iPad. The iPad 10th-generation, much like the iPad Air, only comes in 64GB and 256GB, with a $150 price difference between the two. So while it starts at $449, the one you would probably want, starts at $599.

iPad (10th Generation) - Target

Best iPad for a laptop replacement

iPad Pro 13

Apple has finally gone OLED with iPads. With the new iPad Pro in 2024, Apple has added OLED to the “Pro” iPads, it’s unclear when or if Apple will OLED to its other iPads, but this addition does make the iPad Pro a bit pricier this time around. So there are two models available now, an 11-inch that starts at $999 and a 13-inch that is $1299. These come with 256GB of storage by default, so much like the iPad Air, the Pro’s also got a bump in its starting storage.

For both of the iPad Pro models, you can get 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage options as well. The 1TB and 2TB options include a bump in RAM up to 16GB and an extra processing core on the M4 chipset. Those two higher-end models also include an option for a nanotexture display. This gets rid of reflections quite a bit, but it does degrade the quality of the display a bit. So that’s something to keep in mind.

I personally bought the iPad Pro 13 for myself, and I absolutely love this size for an iPad. It’s great for travel, and in fact, I’ve traveled with it only instead of bringing my MacBook Pro, and it’s been a great experience. That OLED display is insanely bright, especially for OLED. Of course, a bit part of that is because Apple is using Tandem OLED here, essentially, what Apple is doing is using two OLED displays here. This allows the display to get much brighter without destroying the color profile of the OLED. Which is one of the main selling points of OLED. The iPad Pro 13 (and 11-inch) get up to 1,000 nits of peak brightness. That makes it really great to use outdoors.

Buy at Best Buy

iPad Pro 11

The new iPad Pro 11 is basically identical to the 13-inch, with the only real change being the fact that it is smaller. Previously, the larger iPad Pro had a different display entirely, but that is no longer true. Both the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pros are using Tandem OLED displays. So you can get the same great display on both tablets. And that’s truly incredible.

With Tandem OLED, that is making the OLED display on the iPad Pro brighter, without sacrificing the color. This is because you’re basically getting two OLED panels here. The color reproduction on this panel is really incredible, and if you’re like me and use your iPad for a lot of streaming, then you’ll really notice the difference here.

But, this is going to be hamstrung by iPadOS, which is still pretty lacking. It’s almost like Apple is intentionally not unleashing iPadOS to keep the Macs selling like hot cakes. But if you want something that is close to a computer replacement, the iPad Pro 11 is another great option.

iPad Pro 11 - Amazon

Best iPad for reading and travel

iPad Mini (6th Generation)

Price: $499
Released: September 2021
Where to buy: Amazon

The iPad Mini is surprisingly one of Apple’s most popular iPads. It’s surprising given the size, since it does have a 8.3-inch display. Making it only about an inch and a half larger than Apple’s most popular iPhone model – the Pro Max. But many love this iPad Mini since it is great for travel and reading eBooks, as well as watching content while on the go. Pilots absolutely love this iPad, since it is small enough to fit in the cockpit without any issues.

iPad Mini is a bit older at this point, but surprisingly, it has a more recent chipset than the regular iPad that’s only $50 cheaper. The iPad Mini sports the A15 Bionic chipset. This first debuted in the iPhone 13 series back in 2021. It does also have 12-megapixel cameras on the front and back, for taking photos and also using it for video calls on Facetime, Zoom and Google Meet (among others). It does also have Touch ID, much like every other iPad that is not the iPad Pro. Honestly, this is probably the best way for authentication. Since it is in the power button. Something you’re pressing anyways.

This iPad does also support the Apple Pencil 2nd-generation and Apple Pencil (USB-C), it does not support the first-generation Apple Pencil, because it’s Lightning. We’d recommend pairing this with the Apple Pencil second-generation. Apple does not sell any keyboard for the iPad Mini, but it does support Bluetooth keyboards. We wouldn’t recommend buying one, since the iPad Mini is so small, any keyboard case is going to be very cramped. If you do get one, don’t get a keyboard case, but an external keyboard.

Finally, let’s talk pricing. The iPad Mini comes in two storage capacities. That’s 64GB for $499 or 256GB for $649. Apple does also offer 5G connectivity for another $150 (plus what your carrier is going to charge you). Finally, the iPad Mini comes in four colors: Space Gray, Pink, Purple, and Starlight.

iPad Mini (6th Generation) - Amazon

The post Best Apple iPad to Buy in November 2024 appeared first on Android Headlines.

Cheapest Ways to Backup Your NAS

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 13:38:22 +0000

Protecting your Network Attached Storage (NAS) without overspending is essential for effective data management. Imagine waking up one morning to find that all your cherished photos, important documents, and critical work files stored on your NAS have disappeared. It’s a nightmare scenario that many dread, yet few are fully prepared for. In a digital age […]

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