We’re nearing the end of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, and we’ve just spotted what might possibly be the best deal from the six-day event. The retailer is giving away a free Samsung 65-inch 4K TV when you pre-order a 2024 Samsung TV, and if you’re a Prime member, you can save an additional $100 – an incredible deal.
Samsung’s newest flagship TVs include the Neo 4K and 8K models, the S95D OLED, and the 2024 The Frame TV. The free TV is Samsung’s TU690T Crystal 4K display, which currently retails for $447.99. While it’s an older model TV, you’re still getting Samsung’s solid ‘Crystal’ UHD 4K processor, an easy-to-use Tizen operating system, and full HDR support.
So why is this the best deal from Amazon’s Big Spring Sale? We’ve never seen a retailer give away a big-screen 4K TV when you pre-order another TV. Plus, Amazon’s offer includes an additional $100 discount if you’re a Prime member. Amazon’s Big Spring Sale ends tomorrow at midnight, and the additional discount on the Samsung TV expires on April 11.
It’s that time of year again, when Amazon puts on its Big Spring Sale. And this year’s edition gets you between 20% and 51% off a great selection of 22 Soundcore headphones and earbuds. That’s up to about half off Soundcore headphones and earbuds.
It’ll be tough to find better deals on the Anker subsidiary’s excellent audio products, which are packed with value even at regular prices.
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Amazon Big Spring Sale: Get half of Soundcore headphones and earbuds
Soundcore is well-represented in Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, with 22 items deeply discounted. The brand regularly comes across with highly competitive audio products.
Soundcore’s noise cancelling headphones and earbuds compete with the big-time audio brands while offering affordable prices. A good example would be the relatively new Space One ANC headphones at $99.00 $79.00 (20% off). But the deals below are even better.
Top 5 Soundcore deals in Amazon’s Big Spring Sale
While the sale offers 22 discounted items, the deals vary. Here are the top 5 biggest discounts:
I gave these stellar earbuds 4.5 out of 5 stars in my Cult of Mac review. They offer powerful noise cancellation and great sound. They’re small, lightweight and comfortable to wear. They were among the first ANC earbuds to hit the 50-hour mark on battery life. The app offers plenty of customization options. So getting half off Soundcore earbuds like these is a steal.
Be careful crossing streets with ANC on. It really works in these Space A40 earbuds. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
Can you go wrong paying just $24 for Soundcore earbuds? No. Life P2 Mini true wireless earbuds’ triple-layer 10mm drivers deliver sound with boosted bass. You also get three equalizer modes (Soundcore Signature for well-balanced sound, Bass Booster and Podcast for voice clarity). The buds weigh just 0.16oz (4.4g), which Soundcore said is 10% lighter than standard earbuds.
You can maintain your focus with Life Q30’s hybrid active noise cancellation. Dual noise-detecting microphones pick up and filter out up to 95% of low-frequency ambient sound, Soundcore said. And you can hear music’s details through Life Q30’s 40mm drivers. The highly-flexible silk diaphragms reproduce thumping bass and crisp treble that extends up to 40kHz. The battery buys you 40 hours of playtime.
As I did with the Space A40 earbuds, I gave the Q45 over-ear headphones 4.5 stars out of 5 in my review. They’re simply excellent headphones that I still wear frequently. Even at $150, they offer good value, so $100 is an outstanding price. For that money, you get comfortable, lightweight cans with stellar noise cancellation and epic battery life. And when it comes to the main thing — good sound quality — Q45 cans don’t disappoint. They’re certified hi-res and they sound like it.
So this isn’t half off Soundcore earbuds, but a quarter off isn’t bad. Liberty 4 NC noise cancelling earbuds have a high sensitivity in-ear sound sensor, an oversized driver and a noise-isolation chamber that cancels up to 98.5% of noise. The buds’ adaptive ANC 2.0 makes real-time calculations and adjusts to your ear canals and external environment for maximum quiet. And 11mm custom-tuned drivers deliver consistently crisp and detailed sound. Customize your sound with the adjustable EQ and its 22 presets.
I’ve been reviewing laptops for years, and if someone asks me what laptop they should buy for under £300, I always say the same thing: get a Chromebook. If you’re looking for a super-cheap laptop, then Amazon’s Spring Sale event has a great offer for the Asus Chromebook Plus, which is now just £249.99 (down from £399).
Why do I recommend Chromebooks to people looking for cheap laptops? While there are laptops running Windows 11 out there for under £300, they often aren’t worth paying for; even at those low prices. This is because they usually come with underpowered or outdated hardware, which makes using Windows 11 a chore.
However, Chromebooks use the much more lightweight Chrome OS software, which runs really well on less powerful hardware, so you end up getting a much better experience on a Chromebook of the same price or less.
That’s especially true of the Asus Chromebook Plus CX3402CBA Amazon has on sale here. With an Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB storage, it comes with specs that are actually pretty powerful for a Chromebook, and they wouldn’t look out of place powering a Windows 11 laptop.
With Chrome OS, you’ll get a fantastically smooth and snappy experience, and while the Chromebook Plus CX3402CBA can’t run Windows 11 apps, there are a huge library of Chrome OS apps available. And you can run Android apps as well. For most day-to-day tasks, this Chromebook will be ideal – plus you get a huge 10 hour battery life as well, and with this £150 price cut, this is an absolutely brilliant cheap laptop deal.
If this isn’t quite right for you, you can find more deals in our full Amazon Spring Sale hub.
(Not in the UK? Scroll down for the best deals in your region).
Today’s best Asus Chromebook Plus deal
Chromebook Plus laptops are a new category of Chromebook that offer more powerful components, while keeping a lot of the things we love about traditional Chromebooks, such as their low prices and long battery lives.
Because of the more powerful hardware, Chromebook Plus devices can often be more expensive than regular Chromebooks, which is one of the reasons why I love this deal so much. Even at its original price of £399, this is a great value, but at £249.99, it’s easily one of the best laptop deals we’ll see until Black Friday at least.
While it won’t be a laptop for everyone, the Asus Chromebook Plus CX3402CBA is ideal for day-to-day use. It’ll be especially good for students looking for an affordable laptop they can use throughout the day without needing a charge.
More Asus Chromebook Plus deals
Looking for more Asus Chromebook Plus deals? You’ll find all the lowest prices from around the web right here, with offers available in your region.
Scroll down for more Amazon Spring sale deals in the UK.
With Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile now on the radar of many mobile gaming fans, it’s a good time to note that the game is fully playable with a controller, taking away the need to rely on iffy touch controls. That’s why this current deal on the Amazon Luna controller as part of Amazon’s Spring Sale is particularly eye-catching.
At $49.99 ($10 out from its record-low price), players can save 20 bucks on a quality gamepad that’s usually much pricier at $69.99. What’s more, players who would like a phone clip to go along with the controller are in luck; a bundle containing the Amazon Luna controller and a phone clip is available for $64.98 (was $82.98).
Thankfully, UK folks aren’t being left out here. The controller by itself is down to £49.99 (was £59.99). And it’s just £62.98 (was £72.98) if you opt to purchase it with the phone clip included.
Not in the US or the UK? Scroll down for the best deals in your region. And if you’re after more deals this month, check out our full Amazon Spring Sale hub.
Today’s best Amazon Luna controller deals
We are now firmly in the territory of mobile games providing near-console quality experiences, and in many cases, awkward touch controls just don’t pass muster anymore. That’s why having a controller for games like Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile can be so valuable, as you’re able to play much more precisely without the risk of fumbling your fingers on an input you didn’t mean to touch.
The Amazon Luna controller is one such device that can be used on both iOS and Android devices. However, it also works on PC, Mac, and Fire TV devices, making it an exceptionally versatile gamepad that can be used for much more than just the Amazon Luna game streaming service. And at this discounted price, we say it’s well worth a look.
More Amazon Luna controller deals
Looking for more Amazon Luna controller deals? You’ll find all the lowest prices from around the web right here, with offers available in your region.
Scroll down for more Amazon Spring sale deals in the US and UK.
Looking for the best Amazon Big Spring Sale office chair deals? Throughout the five-day shopping event, we’ll be here monitoring the best value, the biggest price-drops, and unmissable bargains.
The Amazon Big Spring Sale, also known as Spring Deal Days outside the US, runs between March 20 – 25 across a massive range of categories. But here, we’re focused on top deals on office chairs.
Our team of reviewers have assembled and tested the best office chairs from top brands like Steelcase, Flexispot, and Sihoo. So, iyou’re looking for outstanding build quality, neck and lumbar support, extreme comfort and customization in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, we’ll show you what to look for, and which seats you’ll want to avoid.
Why wait for Prime Day? These are the best Amazon Big Spring Sale office chair deals you can get right now – and we’ll continue to update the best discounts as they drop.
Outside the US? We’ve got deal-hunters all over the world to find the best deals on office chairs in your region.
Amazon Big Spring Sale office chair deals: FAQs
What is the Amazon Big Spring Sale?
The Amazon Big Spring Sale, also known as Amazon Spring Deal Days outside the US, is a lot like Prime Day, except it lasts longer and it covers a smaller range of products. The shopping event runs between March 20 – 25 2024, and covers a range of categories on the site, including office chairs and office furniture.
When is the Amazon Big Spring Sale?
The Amazon Big Spring Sale will run from March 20 to 25, ending atmidnight. So, you’ve got plenty of time to bag a bargain office chair deal in the Big Spring Sale.
The next expected sale will be Prime Day 2024. Although dates haven’t yet been confirmed, we’re already preparing to find the best Amazon Prime Day office chair deals.
Will other retailers be doing Spring sales?
There’s a very good chance you’ll see similar Spring deals and sales from other retailers keen to draw attention (and sales) away from Amazon.
We usually see other online shops run discount seasons alongside prime Day, and we expect to see it for Spring deal days too. If we spot any great deals, we’ll be adding them here.
My Dad has a Galaxy S22, and he’s perfectly content, but it’s time for him to upgrade. He’s paid off the phone with Verizon and they owe him a new one. I suggested an iPhone 15, for my own sanity as his tech support, but he’s staying loyal to Samsung, so I offered to help him set up a Galaxy S24. He refused. That phone has AI, he says, and he doesn’t want an AI phone. I get it, but I’m here with news that AI has been greatly exaggerated. There is nothing to worry about when it comes to AI on your phone.
Actually, there is no artificial intelligence (AI) on your phone. I’ll tip my hat to Samsung on this one, they have been calling their new features “advanced intelligence,” and that’s an apt distinction. If you have concern over general AI and what it means to the future of humanity, I can assure you that your concept of AI does not come close to what you’ll find on a smartphone today.
Do you see artificial intelligence in this phone? Nope (Image credit: Google)
Before I get into what AI on a smartphone really is, let’s put away concerns. AI is not going to make decisions for you, not in any way. It won’t make phone calls, or send text messages. It won’t change anything, you still make all the changes.
The new AI features on the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 8 make suggestions – for photos or text messages – but they don’t take any action until you press the buttons first, then hit “Done” when you’re done. You can’t make the AI work by accident. It won’t work without you.
This ‘AI’ isn’t thinking. It doesn’t have ideas. It isn’t dreaming. It isn’t a brain or a mind in any way. It’s a computer, which means it’s just a bunch of very tiny switches, and little more.
The AI doesn’t judge you. Don’t do anything weird, though, because all of your input is going through Google or Samsung, and they will totally judge you, especially if you use AI for anything untoward. Actually, I’m much more worried about the way bad people will use AI than I am worried about bad AI itself.
AI is happening behind the scenes
So, what is AI on a smartphone today? What are the new AI features that Samsung and Google brag about? There are two ways to think about AI on smartphones today. There’s AI that happens in front of you, and AI that is happening in the background.
Do you wish that your phone would learn some of your habits, so you didn’t have to repeat yourself? Like, you open the same apps every morning, but you forget to add those apps to your homescreen. You end up searching for Calendar every time you need a calendar. Nowadays, your phone will have some box where it recommends apps. Instead of searching, Calendar will just be there. That’s AI.
Apple’s iPhone uses AI behind the scenes for recommendations (Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
Doesn’t it seem like your phone often recommends just the right app at the right time? Have you ever gone to check your balance right outside your bank ATM and your phone is offering you the banking app? Has it offered Yelp or Uber Eats around dinner time? That’s AI, and it’s nothing to worry about.
There are tons of optimizations, recommendations, and behind-the-scenes features that are learning your patterns and making the phone better as a result. That’s AI. When these companies use the term AI, what they really mean is ‘very advanced pattern recognition.’
At best, it happens where you can’t see, and your phone just works better, offering you the features you need at the right moment, or saving power so the battery lasts longer. Then there is the AI that you can see, that gets in your face.
AI that makes suggestions and changes things
So far, these are mostly editing and suggestion features. They work pretty well. Your phone can help you with your writing, your photos, and even your ideas. It can edit and make suggestions on how to make that writing, those photos, and even those ideas better.
The way this happens is through ‘very advanced pattern recognition.’ There’s no actual intelligence, and certainly no ‘artificial intelligence,’ in the way we might imagine an intelligent computer with its own thoughts and ideas. The Terminator isn’t living inside your Galaxy S24 Ultra.
When Samsung’s new Galaxy AI suggests edits to a text message, it is using its training experience reading millions of text messages. Samsung fed those messages into a very smart computer, a computer great at ‘very advanced pattern recognition,’ and now that computer can make text messages that match a situation.
Galaxy AI makes wallpaper, it doesn’t want to end humanity (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
Google fed millions of photos into a very smart computer. Now Google Photos can look at your image and determine how it is like all of the other photos it has seen. It can suggest edits to make your picture more like the millions of photos it knows. It can change your background or add and remove people, because it knows what photos are supposed to look like, and it can make yours match what it knows.
That’s all it knows. It doesn’t think, or create anything truly new. It just has millions upon millions of examples that it learned, and it is very good at creating an average idea from those examples. Even better, every time the AI makes a bad suggestion, it gets a little better next time. Just a little. Like I said, it’s pattern recognition, so every opportunity helps it recognize a more complicated pattern.
It’s very cool technology, and getting more useful all the time, but it’s nothing to worry about, not yet. The worst case scenario for AI right now is for humans to use it for nefarious purposes. The AI can make writing suggestions, so if you are writing a scam email, it may help with that. If you are creating a fake photograph, AI can help with that. It isn’t the AI technology that is frightening. Sadly, it’s those people who use technology that we should worry about.
Sonos has been excluding its first music speaker designed for spatial audio from previous sales events since it was released last year, so listen up: The company is selling refurbished units of the Era 300 for $359, or $91 less than retail. Yes, it’s not brand new, but Sonos’ refurb program has a good track record. At the moment, only the white Era 300s are available at a discount — the black version is sold out — but if you don’t care about color, then you will get three free months of Apple Music with your purchase.
Sonos
Sonos is selling refurbished Era 300 speakers for $91 less than retail.
$359 at Sonos
We found the Era 300 to be one of the best-sounding speakers Sonos has made when we reviewed it. The model’s spatial audio experience can be a hit or miss in that sometimes, the Atmos versions of songs could sound like they have too much reverb that the vocals get lost in the mix. But overall, it exhibited excellent sound quality and can make songs shine by reproducing bass, vocal and instrumentation in great detail. It makes songs sound rich, crisp and vibrant. We advised not buying the Era 300 only for the sake of spatial audio in our review, since the library of tracks that support the feature remains quite small. That could change in the future, though, especially if Apple truly does start rewarding artists for offering their music in spatial audio.
It’s worth noting that Sonos recommends pairing two Era 300 speakers for “mind-bendlingly realistic surround sound,” and getting the cheaper versions would make that a more affordable prospect. The model is pretty easy to set up anyway — just add the speaker to your Sonos app and then pair it with your music services of choice — so having two or more won’t be an issue. In case you’re looking for something else, though, Sonos is selling more refurbished devices on its website.
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IBM has teamed up with Korea Quantum Computing (KQC) in a strategic partnership that’s set to advance on some computing. This alliance is not just a handshake between two companies; it’s a fusion of IBM’s trailblazing AI software and quantum computing services with KQC’s ambition to push the boundaries of technology.
“We are excited to work with KQC to deploy AI and quantum systems to drive innovation across Korean industries. With this engagement, KQC clients will have the ability to train, fine-tune, and deploy advanced AI models, using IBM watsonx and advanced AI infrastructure. Additionally, by having the opportunity to access IBM quantum systems over the cloud, today—and a next-generation quantum system in the coming years—KQC members will be able to combine the power of AI and quantum to develop new applications to address their industries’ toughest problems,” said Darío Gil, IBM Senior Vice President and Director of Research.
This collaboration includes an investment in infrastructure to support the development and deployment of generative AI. Plans for the AI-optimized infrastructure includes advanced GPUs and IBM’s Artificial Intelligence Unit (AIU), managed with Red Hat OpenShift to provide a cloud-native environment. Together, the GPU system and AIU combination is being engineered to offer members state-of-the-art hardware to power AI research and business opportunities.
Quantum Computing
That’s the vision KQC is chasing, and by 2028, they plan to bring this vision to life by installing an IBM Quantum System Two right in their Busan site. This isn’t just about getting their hands on new gadgets; it’s about weaving quantum computing into the very fabric of mainstream applications. To make this a reality, KQC is already on the move, beefing up their infrastructure with the latest GPUs and IBM’s AI Unit, all fine-tuned for AI applications that will redefine what’s possible.
But what’s advanced technology without a solid foundation? That’s where Red Hat OpenShift comes into play. It’s the backbone that will ensure this complex infrastructure stands strong, offering the scalable cloud services that KQC needs to manage their high-tech setup. And it doesn’t stop there. KQC is also diving into the world of Red Hat OpenShift AI for management and runtime, and they’re exploring the frontiers of generative AI technologies with the WatsonX platform. These are the tools that will fuel the next wave of innovation and efficiency in AI.
Now, let’s talk about the ripple effect. This partnership isn’t just about KQC and IBM; it’s about sparking a fire of innovation across entire industries. Korean companies in finance, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals are joining the fray, eager to collaborate on research that leverages AI and quantum computing. The goal? To craft new applications that will catapult these industries into a new era of technological prowess.
The KQC-IBM partnership is more than a milestone for Korea’s tech landscape; it’s a beacon that signals a new dawn in the application of AI and quantum computing. With the integration of Red Hat OpenShift and the WatsonX platform, KQC is not just boosting its capabilities; it’s setting the stage for groundbreaking research and innovation. This collaboration is a testament to the power of partnership and the shared commitment to sculpting the future of industries with the finest technology at our fingertips.
Filed Under: Technology News, Top News
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In today’s fast-paced and uncertain world, financial anxiety has become a common issue for many individuals. The constant worry about money can have a significant impact on our mental and emotional well-being. However, there are effective ways to manage and alleviate financial anxiety.
In this article, we will explore 9 best practices that can help you deal with financial anxiety and regain control over your financial situation.
Create a Budget
One of the most important steps in managing financial anxiety is creating a budget. A budget allows you to track your income and expenses, giving you a clear picture of your financial situation. Start by listing all your sources of income and categorizing your expenses.
Identify areas where you can cut back and set realistic financial goals. By having a budget in place, you can make informed decisions about your spending and reduce anxiety about money.
Pay Off Debt Early
Debt can be a significant source of financial anxiety. If you have outstanding debts like credit card bills, emergency loans from a direct lender, lines of credit, etc., then trying to pay them off early can provide a sense of relief and reduce financial stress.
Start by evaluating your debt and understanding the interest rates, repayment terms, and minimum monthly payments for each loan or credit card. This will give you a clear picture of your debt obligations and help you prioritise which debts to pay off first.
Once you have a clear understanding of your debt, create a debt repayment plan. Allocate a portion of your monthly budget towards paying off your debts. Consider using the snowball or avalanche method to tackle your debt.
The snowball method involves paying off the smallest debt first, while the avalanche method focuses on paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first. Choose the method that aligns with your financial goals and motivates you to stay on track.
Build an Emergency Fund
Having an emergency fund is crucial for dealing with unexpected financial challenges. Set aside a portion of your income each month to build a safety net for emergencies. Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses.
Knowing that you have a financial cushion can provide peace of mind and reduce anxiety during uncertain times.
Seek Professional Advice
If you find yourself overwhelmed by financial anxiety, consider seeking professional advice. Financial advisors can provide guidance and help you develop a personalised plan to manage your finances. They can assist with debt management, investment strategies, and long-term financial planning.
Working with a professional can alleviate anxiety by providing expert insights and solutions tailored to your specific situation.
Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management
Financial anxiety often leads to stress and negative emotions. Practicing mindfulness techniques can help you manage stress and improve your overall well-being. Engage in activities such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to calm your mind and reduce anxiety.
Additionally, find healthy outlets for stress, such as exercise or hobbies, to distract yourself from financial worries and maintain a positive mindset.
Educate Yourself about Personal Finance
Knowledge is power when it comes to managing your finances. Take the time to educate yourself about personal finance topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management.
Understanding the basics of personal finance can empower you to make informed decisions and feel more confident about your financial situation. There are numerous online resources, books, and courses available to help you enhance your financial literacy.
Focus on What You Can Control
Financial anxiety often stems from feeling overwhelmed by factors beyond our control. Instead of fixating on external circumstances, focus on what you can control. Identify areas where you can make positive changes, such as reducing unnecessary expenses or increasing your income through side hustles.
By taking proactive steps towards improving your financial situation, you can regain a sense of control and reduce anxiety.
Practice Self-Care
Taking care of your overall well-being is essential for managing financial anxiety. Engage in activities that bring you joy and help you relax. Prioritise self-care practices such as getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and maintaining social connections.
By nurturing your physical and emotional health, you can better cope with financial stress and maintain a positive outlook.
Seek Support from Loved Ones
Financial anxiety can be isolating, but you don’t have to face it alone. Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or support groups to share your concerns and seek emotional support. Talking about your financial worries can provide a fresh perspective and alleviate some of the anxiety.
Surrounding yourself with a supportive network can also offer practical advice and resources to help you navigate through challenging times.
Conclusion
Financial anxiety is a common issue that affects many individuals. By implementing these 9 best practices, you can effectively manage and reduce financial anxiety.
Remember to create a budget, build an emergency fund, seek professional advice, practice mindfulness, educate yourself about personal finance, focus on what you can control, practice self-care, and seek support from loved ones.
By taking proactive steps and adopting healthy financial habits, you can regain control over your finances and alleviate anxiety, leading to a more secure and peaceful financial future.
The Microsoft & Activision deal has now received full approval from UK regulators, the news was announced today after an initial confirmation last month that the changes Microsoft had made were enough for the regulators.
Microsoft announced last month that it would sell Activision’s Cloud Streaming rights to Ubisoft and this allowed for the deal to be approved with the UK regulators.
As a result of this concession, the CMA agreed to look afresh at the deal and launched a new investigation in August. That investigation has completed today with the CMA clearing this narrower transaction.
The new deal will stop Microsoft from locking up competition in cloud gaming as this market takes off, preserving competitive prices and services for UK cloud gaming customers. It will allow Ubisoft to offer Activision’s content under any business model, including through multigame subscription services. It will also help to ensure that cloud gaming providers will be able to use non-Windows operating systems for Activision content, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
The Microsoft & Activision deal is expected to be finally concluded before the end of 2023, ads soon as we get some details on exactly when it will be finalized, we will let you know.
Source Gov UK
Image Credit: Dimitris Chapsoulas
Filed Under: Gaming News, Technology News
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