Tech
Samsung CES 2023 TV Announcement
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Samsung CES 2023 is officially underway, and Samsung is among the first brands to shed some light on the future of its TV lineup.
As is usually the case, product names, pricing, and specs have only partially been disclosed. But here’s a quick rundown of what we know, so far.
MicroLED CX
Last year at CES, Samsung unveiled a room-dominating 89-inch version of this TV to exist alongside its 99 and 110-inch MicroLED offerings. This week, Samsung officially announced a smaller, more consumer-friendly 76-inch option: the MicroLED CX.
But the CX is only “consumer-friendly” in the sense that its size is below 89 inches. In the past, these ultra-premium TVs have cost over $100,000 and required professional installation. The 76-inch CX will likely be more affordable, but still prohibitively pricey for most shoppers.
So, why all the hubbub? Well, MicroLED has long since been seen as the next big “thing” in the LED TV space. They feature modular blocks of tiny LEDs—even smaller than those found in a mini-LED TV. With millions of LEDs in play, the black levels of these TVs rival OLEDs, all the while getting as bright as some of the best LED TVs on the market.
A mind-bogglingly expensive, 76-inch TV may not seem like much to celebrate, but the CX is a marvel of engineering; it’s incredibly difficult to scale this technology down to commercial-friendly sizes like 55 or even 65 inches. The CX is the next step toward a possible future where MicroLED technology reigns supreme.
A brand new QD-OLED TV
Last year, the Samsung S95B blew us away by blending the benefits of a traditional OLED display with quantum dot technology. Its perfect black levels, dazzling color, and class-leading brightness amounted to one of the best pictures we’ve ever seen on a TV. This year, Samsung is bringing QD-OLED technology back with the S95C, and according to Samsung, it’s even brighter than last year’s QD-OLED TV.
Additionally, while last year’s model was limited to just two size options (55 and 65 inches), the S95C will be available in an additional 77-inch model. It’ll sport a 144Hz gaming refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro certification, building on the gaming strengths of its predecessor.
Neo QLED TVs
Samsung
Samsung described the 4K Neo QLED family of TVs as being the backbone of its TV lineup this year, as their performance makes them suitable for all lighting conditions. Historically, Samsung’s Neo QLED TVs have offered a tremendously bright, color picture capable of cutting through sunlight or intense ambient light. At CES, Samsung unveiled the next generation of Neo QLED offerings, including the QN95C, the QN800C, and the QN900C (the latter two being 8K sets).
Neo QLED combines mini-LED backlighting with brightness- and color-boosting quantum dots. The result is a searingly bright picture with excellent contrast control—two things we’re hoping to see from these new TVs.
Samsung Health Monitor
Samsung
One of the more surprising announcements from Samsung this year wasn’t a TV at all. Samsung’s Health Monitor is making its way to a selection of Samsung smart TVs in 2023, including the QN95C.
Health Monitor is an easy-to-use, in-home health management app that uses a TV-connected webcam to track heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and more—all while you’re watching TV. According to Samsung, the system uses something called remote photoplethysmography (rPPG), an “intelligent camera/computer vision technology that estimates vital signs by detecting changes in facial skin color caused by heartbeats.” It’s described as an easy, fuss-free way to monitor your health from home, and it’s entirely optional.
Samsung already confirmed that its 4K, Neo QLED flagship, the QN95C, will ship with the slim fit camera required to take advantage of Health Monitor. It’s not yet clear if any additional models will ship with a camera.
Tech
Record low prices hit Apple's M3 MacBook Pro 14-inch, now on sale from $1,399 – AppleInsider
B&H has dropped MacBook Pro prices further as March comes to a close. Pick up an M3 MacBook Pro with 16GB RAM for just $1,549 — or opt for the M3 Pro MacBook Pro 14-inch for $1,699. Both are record-breaking deals.
14-inch models
- M3 14-inch, 8GB RAM, 512GB, Space Gray: $1,399 ($200 off)
- M3 14-inch, 16GB RAM, 512GB, Space Gray: $1,549 ($250 off)
- M3 Pro 14-inch 11C CPU, 14C GPU, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Space Black: $1,699 ($300 off)
- M3 Pro 14-inch 12C CPU, 18C GPU, 18GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Space Black: $2,099 ($300 off)
- M3 Max 14-inch 14C CPU, 30C GPU, 36GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Space Black: $2,899 ($300 off)
16-inch models
- M3 Pro 16-inch 12C CPU, 18C GPU, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Space Black: $2,299 ($200 off)
- M3 Max 16-inch 14C CPU, 30C GPU, 36GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Space Black: $3,199 ($300 off)
- M3 Max 16-inch 16C CPU, 40C GPU, 48GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Space Black: $3,699 ($200 off)
There are numerous MacBook Pro deals on upgraded configurations, so if you’re looking for an M3 Max configuration or extra storage, it’s worth checking out our Mac Price Guide to shop the latest sales.
Even more month-end deals on Apple
Aggressive savings are in effect now on nearly every current Mac. You can also find discounted prices on streaming services, closeout models and software. Here are a few of the top deals going on now:
Tech
Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) New iPad Pro and iPad Air to Hit Markets Soon – TipRanks.com – TipRanks
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is likely to introduce its new iPad Pro and iPad Air as soon as May. The much-anticipated product launch will come just ahead of Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.
End to a Long Wait
As the much-awaited moment draws near, Bloomberg reports that the tech giant’s suppliers have already ramped up production of the devices. For Apple’s devout customers, the introduction of the revamped iPads marks the end of a nearly 18-month drought of major new releases from the company. The iPads are expected to boast features such as new OLED displays for the Pro model and an option for a 12.9-inch screen for the Air model.
Revamped iPads Unleashed
The long wait for new iPad models has resulted in sluggish tablet sales for Apple in recent times. Consequently, the company will likely look to the revamped versions to boost demand. Additionally, Apple is introducing more processing power to the new versions. The Pro models will feature a new M3 chip. Similarly, the iPad Air is also receiving an upgrade with a new processor, moving from its last version’s M1 chip to the latest technology.
What to Expect in June
Importantly, the product launches are scheduled just before Apple’s highly anticipated annual Worldwide Developers Conference. This event is slated for June 10. The iPhone maker is widely expected to unveil its AI strategy as well as software updates for its range of products at the event.
Is Apple a Buy, Sell, or a Hold?
Apple’s share price has corrected by nearly 11% year-to-date. The Street has a cautiously optimistic stance on the stock with a Moderate Buy consensus rating. Furthermore, the average AAPL price target of $203.40 points to an 18.6% potential upside in the company’s share price.
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Tech
Take-Two Interactive to Acquire 'Borderlands' Developer Gearbox From Embracer Group for $460 Million – Yahoo Canada Sports
Take-Two Interactive has acquired video game developer Gearbox, the maker of the “Borderlands” franchise, from Embracer Group for $460 million.
Per Take Two, the company “expects the transaction to deepen its successful relationship with Gearbox Entertainment and to provide increased financial benefits through a fully integrated operational structure.”
More from Variety
As part of the deal, Take-Two will acquire Gearbox IP, including “Borderlands” and “Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands” franchises, games published by Take-Two’s 2K Games, as well as “Homeworld,” “Risk of Rain,” “Brothers in Arms” and “Duke Nukem.”
Currently, Gearbox has six “key interactive entertainment projects in various stages of development,” per Take-Two, which includes five sequels, two from “Borderlands” and “Homeworld” universes, and at least one “exciting new intellectual property,” all of which have been acquired in the sale.
Take-Two’s purchase of Gearbox is expected to close in June, pending regulatory approval. Upon completion, Gearbox will operate as a studio within 2K, continuing to be led by Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford and his management team.
Former Gearbox owner Embracer, a Swedish gaming conglomerate who snapped up the rights to “Lord of the Rings” two years ago, has undergone a severe restructuring program over the past year, which has seen the company shut down or dispose of dozens of games studios and titles and lay off hundreds of staff, resulting in aftershocks that have reverberated throughout the games industry.
The sale of Gearbox marks the latest insistence of Embracer unloading assets, following the company divesting Saber Interactive.
“Our acquisition of Gearbox is an exciting moment for Take-Two and will strengthen our industry-leading creative talent and portfolio of owned intellectual property, including the iconic Borderlands franchise,” Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick said. “This combination enhances the financial profile of our existing projects with Gearbox and unlocks the opportunity for us to drive increased long-term growth by leveraging the full resources of Take-Two across all of Gearbox’s exciting initiatives.”
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