Tag Archives: Personal computers

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Microsoft unveils $4,299 Surface desktop computer

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CNN
 — 

Microsoft’s most expensive Surface device is about to get even pricier.

At a press event on Wednesday, Microsoft is set to unveil several Surface Pro tablets, Surface Laptop models and a Surface Studio 2+ desktop computer, the last of which has not been updated in several years.

The new 28-inch Surface Studio 2+, an all-in-one desktop, now has an Intel Core H-35 processor, 50% faster CPU performance and an updated NVIDIA chip for faster graphics. The device also includes an updated display, cameras, microphones and supports a digital pen for on-screen drawing. It also has several ports, including USB with Thunderbolt 4, and the display can split into four different apps at once for greater multitasking.

The Surface Studio 2+ starts at $4,299, and $4,499 with the digital pen. The previous Surface Studio 2, released in 2018, received some criticism for its $3,499 starting price. Microsoft told CNN Business this year’s price jump is attributed to several significant improvements, including the new processor, a 1 TB SSD hard drive for faster file transfers and an enhanced 1080p camera, among other features.

The announcements about the refreshed Surface product lineup will kick off Microsoft’s days-long Ignite developer conference on Wednesday. The event comes as Microsoft marks the tenth anniversary of the Surface line, which originally launched with a tablet to take on the iPad.

Like other tech companies that have unveiled new products this fall, Microsoft is also confronting a more difficult economic environment, including high inflation and fears of a looming recession, that could make it harder to convince customers to spend three or even four figures upgrading devices.

While the new Surface products aren’t much different in terms of design or screen size than previous iterations, the latest devices feature some upgrades, including new chipsets for better performance.

Microsoft showed off its flagship Surface Pro 9 tablet, once again aimed at replacing the laptop. The two-in-one device features an aluminum casing in new colors as well as a built-in kickstand and a PixelSense display. Underneath the display is an HD camera, updated speakers and microphones, and a custom G6 chip. Microsoft said the chip helps power apps with digital ink, such as Ink Focus in Microsoft OneNote and the GoodNotes app for Windows 11, which is designed to make it feel like the user is writing with a pen and paper.

The Surface Pro 9 also offers a choice between processors. The first option is a 12th Gen Intel Core processor built on the Intel Evo platform 4 with Thunderbolt 4 – a combination which promises 50% more performance, better multitasking and desktop productivity, faster data transfer, and the ability to dock to multiple 4K displays. The second option is a Microsoft SQ3 processor powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon with 5G connectivity, with up to 19 hours of battery and new AI features.

The Surface Pro 9 is available in four colors, including platinum, graphite, sapphire and forest. It starts at $999.

Microsoft also introduced an update to its ultra-portable laptop, Surface Laptop 5, which looks very similar to its predecessor but with a processor update that may attempt to bring it closer in competition with Apple’s ARM-based chipsets for macOS laptops.

Surface Laptop 5 runs on Intel Evo platform and comes in two display sizes: 13.5 inches and 15 inches. It comes with updated Dolby Atmos 3D spatial speakers, a front-facing HD camera that automatically adjusts camera exposure in any lighting, and several new aluminum colors, such as cool metal, sage and alcantara. The company also said it promises one day of battery life on a single charge and is 50% more powerful than its predecessor.

The Surface Laptop starts at $999 for the 13.5-inch version and $1299 for the 15 inch. Pre-orders begin for Surface products on Wednesday in select markets and start hitting shelves later this month.

Microsoft hardware devices amount to between 3% to 5% of the tablet market, according to David McQueen, an analyst at ABI Research. Instead, the bulk of its revenue comes from Microsoft OS across different device types and associated applications and cloud services.

“Microsoft is able to stay in the hardware sector because of revenue generated from these services,” McQueen said. It’s an approach similar to Google whose Pixel smartphone remains a niche product but serves as a way for the company to highlight its apps and OS.

On Wednesday, the company also announced a new Microsoft Designer app and Image Creator in Bing and the Edge browser to bring advanced graphic design to mainstream audiences. The platform relies heavily on a partnership with startup OpenAI and its AI-powered DALL-E 2 tool, which generates custom images using text prompts. DALL-E 2 is also coming to Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service.

Brands are increasingly using DALL-E 2 for both ads and product inspiration, according to Microsoft. In a blog post, the company detailed how toy company Mattel sought out DALL-E 2 to conceptualize how future cars may look, such as by changing colors and typing “make it a convertible,” among other commands.

Experts in the AI field have raised concerns that the open-ended nature of these systems — which makes them adept at generating all kinds of images from words — and their ability to automate image-making means they could automate bias on a massive scale. In previous test of OpenAI’s system, for example, typing in “CEO” showed images that all appeared to be men and nearly all of them were white.

Microsoft said it is taking the concerns seriously. Inappropriate text requests will be denied by Microsoft’s servers, according to the company, and users will ultimately be banned for repeat offenses.

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Technology

Gizmodo’s Wackiest Gadgets of 2002

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DataPlay: The futuristic optical disc format that time forgot

In the early 2000s, there were serious efforts to find the next technological breakthrough that would succeed the CD. One of those was the DataPlay, a miniaturized version of a CD with a 32mm diameter. Why use DataPlay instead of CD? For one, it could store more than just music—artist interviews, music videos, and pre-recorded songs could be accessed when connected to a PC. It was also adorable tiny, or as The New York Times put it, “about the size of the ing in the center of a CD.”

After winning the CES Best of Show award in 2001, the DataPlay was released in 2002 and was quickly backed by artists and recording studios due to its strict digital rights management system. Britney Spears’ album Britney and re-releases from ‘N Sync, Pink, Usher, OutKast, Sarah McLachlan, and Brooks & Dunn were included in the first batch of DataPlay discs.

In the end, DataPlay failed and is now an all-but-forgotten format. It was too expensive, forced owners to purchase new music players, and locked down content in a way customers weren’t used to at the time. It also arrived during the growth of digital media.

Gizmodo had a feeling DataPlay wouldn’t be successful:

Let’s see, they’ll cost more than CDs, be difficult to copy, sound about the same as CDs, and require a whole new player (of which only one is available, the iRiver IDP-100, pictured at right). Sure to be a huge hit.

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Technology

Drake Gifted $8000 Gaming PC From Twitch Streamer Xposed

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While you’d all be aware that celebrities, despite their wealth, are given expensive shit for free all the time, today we’re going to take a look at one gift in particular. Partly because it’s a gaming PC, but also because we kinda have the receipt for it as well.

Esports guy Jake Lucky tweeted this out earlier today, and it certainly provoked a reaction:

Responses in the replies generally ranged from “it looks like shit” to “that’s massively overpriced” to “lmao all that just to gamble” (more on that soon). That first sentiment might be a bit much. I think this looks great! It’s a gaming PC, what do you expect, and the white lighting in these photos is an infinitely classier look than the electronic clown car aesthetic you often see on these kind of systems. I’m particularly fond of the lighting around the fans, it’s a very “starship corridor” look.

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Apple AirPods Pro

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As for the price, well, there are some caveats here. The PC—which was put together by Paradox Customs—was actually bought for Drake as a gift by streamer Xposed (Paradox tells Kotaku they “hashed out” the component selection together), and in the time between the order first being placed and the PC actually arriving the market for a lot of expensive PC parts crashed for some reason. Throw in some Canadian taxes Xposed had to pay and Paradox say the actual cost in July 2022 is somewhere closer to $6500. Which, you know, is still ridiculously expensive for a PC, but it’s also not $8000.

How do we know that? Paradox tweeted this earlier today, which handily also gives us a chance to take a look at the kind of specs you can expect to see in a PC that cost more than my last three desktops combined.

As for who paid for the system and why, Xposed actually picked out this exact system for himself, then says he ordered a second for Drake because he had helped the rapper out with an earlier PC, but at the time had to skimp and get him a “prebuilt from Best Buy because it was short notice”:

In December 2021, Xposed signed a partnership deal with Stake, a shady and controversial online gambling site which Drake just happens to be continually streaming and promoting at the same time, and who shared this new PCs arrival on their socials.



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Technology

Samsung Announces Mid-Range Galaxy Tab A8

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Image: Samsung

Android tablets are, against all odds, still alive thanks to the success of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab products, and now the company is launching a new mid-range option. I haven’t seen then Galaxy Tab A8 in person yet, and some important details remain unanswered, but the specs and features suggest the new Tab A8 could be a low-cost option with few compromises.

Samsung hasn’t shared official pricing yet, but based on the Tab A7’s price of $229 and the Galaxy Tab S7 FE’s $530 price tag, I would venture to guess the Tab A8 will be around $250. Pricing details should be announced soon, considering the Tab A8 will be available in the US in January 2022. The Tab A8 comes in something called Pink Gold, a softer hue of Rose Gold. Blush Gold, perhaps. The other options, gray and silver, are tame.

Image: Samsung

The Tab A8 shares the same aesthetics as the Galaxy Tab S line, the more premium tablet series. Tablets aren’t exciting to describe, and the Tab A8 is no different. It’s a rectangular slab with a Samsung logo opposite a single 8-megapixel camera (up front is a 5MP camera). The Tab A8 separates itself in this category by boasting a metal chassis and relatively thin bezels. At 1.1 pounds and 0.27 inches thick, the A8 is about the size of most other 10-inch tablets.

Perhaps my favorite new feature is facial recognition, which should let you unlock the tablet quickly without the hassle of remembering your password. Samsung’s face unlock doesn’t have the cleanest security record, but the company promises your tablet will be protected by Knox, a proprietary mobile security platform.

Image: Samsung

Samsung has earned a reputation for equipping its products with some of the best displays, and while this mid-range A8 will forgo the latest panel tech, its 10.5-inch, 1920 x 1200 TNT screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio should deliver vibrant colors. If it doesn’t, the A8 will have a tough time proving its worth because, without a keyboard, stylus, or Samsung DeX, the tablet is clearly meant more for streaming videos than getting work done. And on that note, the Tab A8 has quad speakers with Dolby Atmos support, a setup that should result in powerful audio. Or you can use the included headphone jack because Samsung, rather refreshingly, won’t pressure you into buying its Galaxy Buds Pro.

What I’m eager to determine is whether the Tab A8’s appeal can extend beyond being an inexpensive tablet for consuming media. That answer will have to wait because Samsung stops short of revealing the heart behind the A8’s performance, vaguely stating it runs on an “Octa-Core, 2GHz” CPU. Rumors point to a Unisoc Tiger T618 chip; we’ve reached out to Samsung for confirmation.

Paired with this processor is either 3GB or 4GB of RAM and either 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB of storage. Those planning on using the Tab A8 to house full-res photos and videos can use the microSD card slot to expand storage to 1TB.

Image: Samsung

Samsung doesn’t give any battery life estimates for the A8, only promising it to be “hours on end” (whatever that means). We’ll need to run our own tests to see if the 7,040 mAh battery can get us through a full day of browsing the web or binge-watching The Expanse. Whether it does or not, the Tab A8 charges via a USB-C port and supports fast charging.

Runtimes will vary based on your usage, of course, and using the optional 4G LTE connectivity won’t do you any favors, though it might be worth the convenience if you need mobility. It’s worth noting that the A8 does not support 5G and broadband is limited to Wi-Fi 5, not the newer Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard.

Photo: Samsung

While the Tab A8 doesn’t come with DeX, Samsung’s pseudo-desktop interface, it does have Multi-Active Window for using two apps side-by-side. There is also a new Screen Recorder feature for recording yourself and the screen, and the ability to quickly copy and paste to and from a Galaxy smartphone. Samsung is also throwing in freebie: two months of ad-free YouTube Premium with your Tab 8 purchase.

Performance, endurance, and price are the wildcards. If the Galaxy Tab A8 can go three-for-three on those, it could earn a spot as the best tablet for watching movies, gaming, or doing basic online tasks. Everything else about the device, from the modern design to the expandable storage and quad speakers, gives us a good feeling about the Tab A8. 

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Technology

iPad 9th Gen and iPad Mini 6th Gen: How to preorder

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CNN
—  

Apple just took the wraps off of the latest standard iPad, which is getting a really nice power boost, and the new iPad Mini, which is getting a massive overhaul complete with attractive color options and some significant upgrades under the hood.

Wondering which new Apple tablet is for you? Here’s how they both stack up.

Both new iPads are available for preorder now and are set to ship on Sept. 24, with the iPad starting at $329 with 64GB of storage and the iPad Mini starting at $499 with 64GB of storage.

Both iPads can be upgraded to 256GB of storage for those who need more space ($479 for the iPad; $649 for the iPad Mini) and can both be configured with optional cellular connectivity (starting at $459 for the iPad and $649 for the iPad Mini).

Apple

On the outside, the latest version of Apple’s classic $329 looks pretty unchanged. But it’s getting a notable speed bump that could make it even better for the office or classroom — not to mention one of the iPad Pro’s best features.

The iPad will now feature Apple’s A13 Bionic processor, which the company says should deliver 20% better performance than the previous-gen model. Apple also says you’ll get three times the speed of a top-selling Chromebook, and that it’s six times faster than the most popular Android tablet out there. We found the eighth-gen iPad to be very reliable for running multiple programs at once and hopping on FaceTimes while using apps, and we found that its benchmark scores (including a strong nine-hour battery life) beat out the seventh-gen model by a decent margin. However, we did see some slowdown when doing heavier tasks such as video editing, so we’re curious to see if the new model’s processor bump will make the base iPad a more reliable machine for serious creative work.

There are a few notable camera upgrades here, most significant of which is the arrival of Center Stage. This feature, which we loved on the latest iPad Pro, allows your tablet’s camera to keep you in frame even as you move around while on FaceTime calls or Zoom and Webex meetings. When you combine that with the tablet’s new 12-megapixel ultrawide front camera, the new iPad could be one of the best tablets out there for video conferencing and remote learning. Just note that while the front camera experience will be similar to that of the iPad Pro, you won’t be getting the latter tablet’s LiDAR sensor, which is a depth-sensing camera that allows you to do things like accurately measure real-world objects or enjoy better performance for augmented reality programs.

Apple

Other upgrades include a TrueTone display, which allows the screen to automatically match its color temperature to the room you’re in for the best viewing experience. This feature is typically found on Apple’s more expensive tablets and laptops, and it’s one we’ve found handy to have over the years. The slate will continue to come in Space Gray and silver, and because the new iPad’s design is relatively unchanged, it’ll work with all existing iPad accessories, including Apple’s Smart Keyboard.

For those who own an iPad released in the last few years, this new update is largely more of the same save for a better processor, upgraded display and new camera tricks. However, if you find that your older iPad is starting to chug during everyday use — or don’t have an iPad at all — this new model looks like a good entry point that promises fast performance and especially good video conferencing capabilities.

Apple

The iPad Mini just got its biggest refresh yet, with a sleek new look that takes more than a few cues from the latest iPad Air models while packing some seriously promising tech upgrades into its tiny frame.

Apple’s smallest iPad now comes in a range of attractive and vibrant colors, including purple, pink, a gold-like Starlight and Space Gray. Like the iPad Air, it has a Touch ID sensor built right into the power button up top, which allows the screen to be almost completely borderless.

Speaking of the display, the new Mini’s 8.3-inch screen now features Liquid Retina, which is Apple’s proprietary take on a traditional LCD display that packs pixels together very tightly to create images that are dense in detail and light on jagged edges or blurriness. We found this type of display to deliver especially crisp text and images on the more premium iPad Air, and we’re eager to see how it stacks up on this smaller slate.

Apple

In terms of power, Apple says that the latest iPad Mini can deliver up to 40% faster CPU performance and up to 80% graphics performance than the previous generation, which sounds promising for things like split-screen multitasking or playing demanding console-like games on Apple Arcade.

One of the iPad Mini’s most significant upgrades is the inclusion of USB-C, the now ubiquitous charging port that allows for things like super-fast charging and quick data transfers with compatible accessories. It’s another feature that’s trickled down from the more expensive Air and Pro. The Mini also supports 5G, which means that if you live in an area with the right wireless coverage, you may be able to enjoy faster-than-usual speeds when using a cellular model on the go.

The Mini’s cameras both get a bump up to 12 megapixels, with the front camera getting the Center Stage feature that allows the camera to automatically follow you as you move around on FaceTime calls and Zoom meetings. The new tablet also has improved speakers that allow for stereo sound in landscape mode, which should provide a nice boost to binge-watching sessions.

Apple

The new iPad and iPad Mini are both looking like compelling upgrades to Apple’s most affordable tablets that may even serve as worthy iPad Pro alternatives for some folks. Both tablets will likely be some of the fastest around, and both of them have some really neat camera tricks (including Center Stage) that will make them especially great for FaceTimes and work calls.

If you’ve yet to dive into the iPad family, the new $329 iPad seems like the best entry point yet. And if you want to pay up for a more attractive and compact design, the $499 iPad Mini may be for you. We’ll be testing out both of Apple’s new tablets in the near future, but in the meantime, both models are up for preorder now and are set to arrive starting Sept. 24.

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Technology

Amazon Labor Day sale | CNN Underscored

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CNN
—  

Labor Day, which falls on Sept. 6, marks the last major sales events before the holiday shopping season. But you don’t have to wait for the long weekend to start saving: Amazon is already slashing prices on everything from laptops to lunch boxes, with more deals expected to be launched on furniture, outdoor gear and electronics over the next week.

We’ve scoured Amazon to find the best Labor Day deals you can shop right now, so read on for our picks on what to add to your cart.

Amazon

Turn your living room into a home theater with the Mooka Wi-Fi Projector ($99.99, originally $125.99; amazon.com). You can also save 10% on the Toshiba 32-Inch Smart HD TV ($179.99, originally $199.99; amazon.com), a compact and affordable TV that’s perfect for the bedroom or a kid’s room.

Select Furrion weatherproof TVs start at just $999 now through Sept. 6, with deals including $200 off the brand’s 55-Inch Full Shade 4K HDR Outdoor TV ($1,499.99, originally $1,699.99; amazon.com).

Amazon’s bestselling Fire 4K TV Stick ($37.99, originally $49.99; amazon.com) is marked down too, and is a must-have for streaming your favorite shows straight to your new device.

Amazon

Need a new laptop for work or school? The affordable Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 13-Inch Laptop ($355.98, originally $429.99; amazon.com) features both a keyboard and a touch screen and has more than 2,000 5-star ratings. Lenovo’s IdeaPad 14-Inch Laptop ($219.99, originally $255; amazon.com) is another great bet and comes with an Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Dolby Audio.

Amazon

At $50 off, now’s a great time to scoop up the Apple AirPods Pro ($197, originally $249; amazon.com), one of our picks for the best wireless earbuds of the year. The still excellent original AirPods ($159.98, originally $199; amazon.com) are on sale as well and come with a wireless charging case.

If you’re looking for something even more affordable, check out the Anker Life Soundcore A1 True Wireless Earbuds ($39.99, originally $49.99; amazon.com), which offer 35 hours of playtime and have 2,000 5-star ratings.

Amazon

Upgrade your sleep with deals on Bedsure linens now through Sept. 7. Use code 15YB2CIX for 15% off the brand’s luxurious Mulberry Silk Pillowcase & Eye Mask ($32.99; amazon.com), code OHJGBP77 for 10% off the Bedsure Linen Sheet Set (starting at $89.99; amazon.com) and code 73ROXOU4 for 15% the ultra-cozy Sherpa Fleece Throw Blanket ($21.24; amazon.com).

Through Sept. 10, you can also save 20% of select humidifiers and air purifiers from Elechomes with code ELECHOMES. That includes savings on the Elechomes SH8830 Humidifier ($109.99; amazon.com), SH8820 Humidifier ($99.99; amazon.com) and OX300 Air Purifier ($99.99; amazon.com), each of which boasts excellent reviews.

And because there’s plenty of warm weather still to come, now’s a smart time to scoop up the Grillart Grill Brush and Scraper ($14.42, originally $29.95; amazon.com).

Amazon

Keep things tidy this fall with up to $50 off Tineco vacuums through Sept. 6. Find specific savings on the top-rated A10 Hero Cordless Stick Vacuum ($149.99, originally $199.99; amazon.com) and the iFloor Complete Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner and Mop ($169.99, originally $199.99; amazon.com), which does double duty by vacuuming and washing floors at the same time.

Prefer robots do the housecleaning? Snag $270 off on the highly rated Roborock S6 ($379.99, originally $649.99; amazon.com) through Sept. 6.

Amazon

Tons of kitchen appliances are marked down in advance of the long weekend, including the ultra-powerful Vitamix One ($199.95, originally $249.95; amazon.com), perfect for everything from dips to smoothies. Seltzer lovers can also save $50 off the SodaStream Fizzi Sparkling Water Maker Bundle ($99.95, originally $149.95; amazon.com), which comes with two CO2 cylinders, three reusable bottles and two bottles of Bubly flavor drops.

Making dinner is faster and easier with the Instant Pot 6-Quart Duo Pressure Cooker ($69.96, originally $89.99; amazon.com), now 22% off. Another must-have for whipping up hearty meals this fall is the popular Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven ($69.90, originally $115; amazon.com).

Amazon

To top-rated Nathan James Theo Oak Wood Modern Bookcase ($116.19, originally $148.91; amazon.com) will add some vintage vibes to any living room or study and has nearly 5,000 5-star ratings. The brand’s Parker Modern Desk ($174.93, originally $279.99; amazon.com) is another excellent choice for the home office, thanks to its chic midcentury modern design and storage space.

For something a little more glam, check out the Sauder International Lux Bookcase ($149.07, originally $184.99; amazon.com), featuring open glass shelves with tempered gold trim.

Amazon

Save on backpacks, kids’ fashion, electronics and more.

Kids can keep their lunches cool in style with the Adidas Santiago Insulated Lunch Bag ($18.75, originally $25; amazon.com), which has an insulated liner, plus a small front pocket for snacks. The bestselling Bentgo Kids’ Lunch Box ($27.99, originally $39.99; amazon.com) makes it easy to pack fun, healthy meals.

Save 20% on the Shuttle Art Gel Pen Set ($16.99, originally $21.20; amazon.com), whose 120 colors will delight diligent notetakers and doodlers alike.

Finally, Sperry is offering up to 50% off back-to-school styles, including the colorful Crest Vibe Sneaker ($38.97, originally $59.95; amazon.com)

For more great deals, check out CNN Coupons.

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Technology

How Microsoft has kept Windows on top for two decades

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If you own a PC, chances are it’s running Windows, the operating system that Microsoft has offered since 1985.

Even with people buying modern Macs with energy-sipping Arm chips, and even with some students and corporate workers picking up Chromebooks during the pandemic, Windows still holds on 83% market share for personal computers, according to technology industry research company Gartner. It’s been in the pole position uninterrupted since Gartner kept keeping track in 2000, and probably for at least a decade before that as well.

Today Windows represents 14% of Microsoft’s total revenue, and historically Windows has been more profitable than other parts of the $2 trillion company. When Windows grows, Microsoft benefits.

So the company is once again refreshing Windows with the announcement of Windows 11 on June 24. New system requirements might cause some people to purchase new PCs capable of running Windows 11, and that would boost Microsoft’s Windows franchise.

Satya Nadella, Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Corp., listens to audience questions at the Microsoft Annual Shareholders Meeting in Bellevue, Washington on November 30, 2016.

Jason Redmond | AFP | Getty Images

The Windows track record hasn’t always been perfect. It took a few releases to gain popularity over its character-based predecessor, DOS. Some versions, including Windows Vista and Windows 8, were poorly received. And when smartphones emerged in the 2000s, and Microsoft wasn’t able to achieve the same pervasiveness as it did on PCs. “We missed the phone wave,” said Yusuf Mehdi, a corporate vice president who has been at Microsoft for almost three decades.

But over the years Microsoft made Windows easier to use, with additions such as the Start menu, and made upgrades free. And because many organizations have become used to deploying Windows alongside other Microsoft products, it’s natural for them to stick with Windows. And so Windows has managed to keep growing.

Microsoft wants to keep it that way. It’s adding one of the features of Chromebooks — Android apps — to Windows 11. Stores will stock PCs featuring the new release in time for the holiday season.

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