Posts with «author_name|amy skorheim» label

Blink Mini security cameras are only $20 each right now

Amazon's Blink Mini security cameras are down to $20 each right now, as part of a larger sale on security devices from the brand. That's $2.50 above the lowest price we've seen and amounts to a 33 percent discount. The small, plug-in camera takes 1080p video during the day and infrared footage at night while the built-in mic and speaker let you hear and talk with whomever is in the room. You can set it to send notifications to your phone when motion is detected so you can view a live feed. If you connect it to a compatible smart display, like an Echo Show or Fire TV, you can view footage from those screens too. Keep in mind that Blink cameras only work with Alexa-enabled products. 

Elsewhere in the Blink sale, you can get a single Blink Outdoor 4 for $65, which is a record low price and $35 percent off its full $100 price tag. We named the Blink Outdoor 4 camera the best wireless security camera in our guide to smart home devices. The weather-proof camera can run for a claimed two years on a set of AA batteries (which are included). It also comes with a screw-in mounting kit so you can attach it to your house or a fence. The field of view was increased to 143 degrees for the latest generation and it has the ability to differentiate between human and non-person movement — though you'll need to pay for Blink’s add-on subscription plan to enable that feature. The plan is currently $30 a year for one device or $100 a year for multiple cameras. The subscription also enables cloud storage of clips and dual-zone motion detection. Like the Blink Mini, the Outdoor 4 offers two-way audio, 1080p daylight footage and infrared video at night. 

The Blink Video Doorbell system is down to $45, which is 36 percent off the $70 list price and also a record low. This one also runs on two AA cells so you don't have to hook into your doorbell wires, but the option is there if you want the doorbell to activate your existing chimes when someone pushes the button. The Blink Video Doorbell also offers day and night video capture, two-way audio and motion detection. This set includes a Sync Module 2 which lets you store clips locally. 

Cameras like these can be a good way to keep tabs on your home and offer peace of mind when you're not there, but it's important to keep in mind that Amazon, mostly through it's other security brand, Ring, has not always had the best privacy record. Though a recent announcement suggests they may rethink at least some of those practices. 

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/blink-mini-security-cameras-are-only-20-each-right-now-170958462.html?src=rss

Amazon Fire tablets are up to 35 percent off right now

This may be a good time to buy one of Amazon's latest tablets as many of them are on sale, with discounts of up to 35 percent. The sale brings the 2023 Fire HD 10 down to $95, which is only $15 more than its record low and 32 percent off the $140 list price. This model comes with 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage and a speedier processor than the last time around. The 1080p HD screen is touch- and stylus-compatible and there's a 5 megapixel camera up front and another in back. Note that this model displays ads on the lockscreen. If you'd rather not see those promos, the ad-free version is also on sale and currently $15 more at $110. 

All Fire tablets are budget slates that let you browse the web, watch shows and play casual games; They probably aren't the best pick if you're looking for a workhorse productivity tablet, which tend to cost significantly more. You won't be able to run Apple apps, which seems obvious, but Fire tablets also don't natively support the Google Play store — even though Fire OS is a fork of Android. Readily available apps come from the Amazon app store, which include most major streamers like Netflix, Max, Peacock, social apps like TikTok and Instagram, and plenty of casual games. If you're just looking for a way to entertain yourself after a day of being productive, Fire tablets offer one of the few ways to do so for under $100. And like all Amazon devices, Alexa is built in to answer questions and control your smart home lights, cameras and doorbells. 

Elsewhere in the sale, the Fire HD 8 is down to $65, which is 35 percent off and around $10 more than its record low. This is an 8-inch version of Amazon's tablet, with 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage and a 1280 x 800 screen at 189 ppi. There's a 2MP front camera and a claimed battery life of 13 hours. This is also a model with lockscreen promos, the ad-free version is $80. 

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-fire-tablets-are-up-to-35-percent-off-right-now-181542666.html?src=rss

How to watch Super Bowl 2024

Tickets to Super Bowl 58 are going for thousands of dollars — but there are far cheaper ways to see the action. This year, the game will take place at 3:30pm Pacific (6:30pm Eastern) on Sunday, February 11, at Allegiant Stadium, which is just a poker-chip’s throw from the Las Vegas Strip (and here we thought Vegas was just for CES). Usher will play the halftime show, Reba McEntire will sing the National Anthem and there are sure to be plenty of zany ads to see (and some football thrown in, too). If you’re not traveling to Nevada for the big game, here are all the ways to watch Super Bowl LVIII.

How to watch Super Bowl 58

This year, the rights to air the biggest annual sporting event in the US goes to CBS… and Nickelodeon. Yep, the kids channel is hosting a live, family-friendly version of the event, complete with helpful thematic graphics and the cast of SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer hosting, providing commentary and explaining the rules to the youngest NFL fans. If you don’t need sideline reports from Sandy Cheeks, regular versions of the game will appear on CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ and on the NFL+ mobile app.

How to watch the Super Bowl with cable or satellite TV

Cable and satellite subscribers can tune into their local CBS station. If your plan includes CBS Sports Network (or Nickelodeon), you can go that route, too. Here’s a list of local CBS stations and affiliates so you can find your channel.

How to stream Super Bowl 2024

Last year, the Super Bowl was a little more complicated to stream since the broadcaster (Fox) didn’t have an over-the-top streaming app. It’s easier this year: the standalone Paramount+ app lets subscribers watch the game live. Plans start at $6 per month and there’s currently a free seven-day trial, but there’s no telling if that deal will still be live right before the big event. Of course, most live TV streaming services will also have the game, either on your local CBS station or via CBSSN. Here are the providers that will show Super Bowl LVIII:

If you’re willing to pay, Paramount+ is the cheapest way to stream the Super Bowl this year, plus you’ll get other shows to watch when the game’s over.

Can I watch the 2024 Super Bowl for free?

Almost. If you buy an indoor digital antenna, which hooks up to the coaxial port on your TV set, you can grab the game broadcast from your local CBS affiliate at no extra cost. It’ll let you watch your local NBC, ABC, PBS and FOX networks, too.

Can I watch the 2024 Super Bowl on mobile?

The NFL+ mobile app is airing the Super Bowl, but only on your smartphone or tablet (PC access and casting isn’t supported for primetime games, which includes the Super Bowl). So if you’re watching solo, this could be a good option. A subscription goes for $7 per month and it also provides NFL Network content with 24/7 football news.

Who is performing at the Super Bowl 2024 halftime show?

For some, the action in between the two halves of the game is what really matters. Mega stars have headlined the halftime show for decades now, with performances by Rihanna, Shakira, Lady Gaga, Prince, The Rolling Stones and Beyonce garnering almost as many headlines as the game itself. This year, Usher, who's timing the release of his latest album to drop just two days before the game, will light up the stadium with a set. Before the game, Reba McEntire will sing the national anthem and Post Malone will follow that up with a rendition of "America the Beautiful."

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/how-to-watch-super-bowl-58-133039837.html?src=rss

How to watch Super Bowl 2024

We finally know for certain who will face off in Super Bowl 2024: The Kansas City Chiefs will play against the San Francisco 49ers in the biggest annual sporting event in the US. The game will take place in Las Vegas at the $1.9 billion Allegiant Stadium, with kick off at 3:30pm Pacific or 6:30pm Eastern on Sunday, February 11. The game will air on CBS, which means it’ll also be streaming live on Paramount+ since both are owned by Paramount Global. You can also watch it on cable, with a live TV streaming service and with the NFL's app on mobile. That’s all to say that you have plenty of options to watch, stream and otherwise enjoy the big game this year. Here are all the ways to watch Super Bowl LVIII in 2024.

How to watch Super Bowl 58

This year, the rights to air the biggest annual sporting event in the US goes to CBS… and Nickelodeon. Yep, the kids channel is hosting a live, family-friendly version of the event, complete with helpful thematic graphics and the cast of SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer hosting, providing commentary and explaining the rules to the youngest NFL fans. If you don’t need sideline reports from Sandy Cheeks, regular versions of the game will appear on CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ and on the NFL+ mobile app.

How to watch the Super Bowl with cable or satellite TV

Cable and satellite subscribers can tune into their local CBS station. If your plan includes CBS Sports Network (or Nickelodeon), you can go that route, too. Here’s a list of local CBS stations and affiliates so you can find your channel.

How to stream Super Bowl 2024

Last year, the Super Bowl was a little more complicated to stream since the broadcaster (Fox) didn’t have an over-the-top streaming app. It’s easier this year: the standalone Paramount+ app lets subscribers watch the game live. Plans start at $6 per month and there’s currently a free seven-day trial, but there’s no telling if that deal will still be live right before the big event. Of course, most live TV streaming services will also have the game, either on your local CBS station or via CBSSN. Here are the providers that will show Super Bowl LVIII:

If you’re willing to pay, Paramount+ is the cheapest way to stream the Super Bowl this year, plus you’ll get other shows to watch when the game’s over.

Can I watch the 2024 Super Bowl for free?

Almost. If you buy an indoor digital antenna, which hooks up to the coaxial port on your TV set, you can grab the game broadcast from your local CBS affiliate at no extra cost. It’ll let you watch your local NBC, ABC, PBS and FOX networks, too.

Can I watch the 2024 Super Bowl on mobile?

The NFL+ mobile app is airing the Super Bowl, but only on your smartphone or tablet (PC access and casting isn’t supported for primetime games, which includes the Super Bowl). So if you’re watching solo, this could be a good option. A subscription goes for $7 per month and it also provides NFL Network content with 24/7 football news.

Who is performing at the Super Bowl 2024 halftime show?

For some, the action in between the two halves of the game is what really matters. Mega stars have headlined the halftime show for decades now, with performances by Rihanna, Shakira, Lady Gaga, Prince, The Rolling Stones and Beyonce garnering almost as many headlines as the game itself. This year, Usher, who's timing the release of his latest album to drop just two days before the game, will light up the stadium with a set. Before the game, Reba McEntire will sing the national anthem and Post Malone will follow that up with a rendition of "America the Beautiful."

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/how-to-watch-super-bowl-2024-133039872.html?src=rss

How to watch Super Bowl 2024

Las Vegas will host Super Bowl 58 in its new billion-dollar, sustainably powered Allegiant Stadium. The venue holds 70,000 people, but if you’re not one of them and American football is your thing (or you just like the buzzy commercials and want to see Usher perform at halftime) you’ll need a way to watch at home. Luckily, there are a multitude of ways to do so — and one of them is nearly free. Kick off happens Sunday, February 11, at 3:30pm Pacific (6:30pm Eastern) so you have some more time to decide how you want to watch the big game. Here are all the ways to watch Super Bowl 2024.

How to watch Super Bowl 58

This year, the rights to air the biggest annual sporting event in the US goes to CBS… and Nickelodeon. Yep, the kids channel is hosting a live, family-friendly version of the event, complete with helpful thematic graphics and the cast of SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer hosting, providing commentary and explaining the rules to the youngest NFL fans. If you don’t need sideline reports from Sandy Cheeks, regular versions of the game will appear on CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ and on the NFL+ mobile app.

How to watch the Super Bowl with cable or satellite TV

Cable and satellite subscribers can tune into their local CBS station. If your plan includes CBS Sports Network (or Nickelodeon), you can go that route, too. Here’s a list of local CBS stations and affiliates so you can find your channel.

How to stream Super Bowl 2024

Last year, the Super Bowl was a little more complicated to stream since the broadcaster (Fox) didn’t have an over-the-top streaming app. It’s easier this year: the standalone Paramount+ app lets subscribers watch the game live. Plans start at $6 per month and there’s currently a free seven-day trial, but there’s no telling if that deal will still be live right before the big event. Of course, most live TV streaming services will also have the game, either on your local CBS station or via CBSSN. Here are the providers that will show Super Bowl LVIII:

If you’re willing to pay, Paramount+ is the cheapest way to stream the Super Bowl this year, plus you’ll get other shows to watch when the game’s over.

Can I watch the 2024 Super Bowl for free?

Almost. If you buy an indoor digital antenna, which hooks up to the coaxial port on your TV set, you can grab the game broadcast from your local CBS affiliate at no extra cost. It’ll let you watch your local NBC, ABC, PBS and FOX networks, too.

Can I watch the 2024 Super Bowl on mobile?

The NFL+ mobile app is airing the Super Bowl, but only on your smartphone or tablet (PC access and casting isn’t supported for primetime games, which includes the Super Bowl). So if you’re watching solo, this could be a good option. A subscription goes for $7 per month and it also provides NFL Network content with 24/7 football news.

Who is performing at the Super Bowl 2024 halftime show?

For some, the action in between the two halves of the game is what really matters. Mega stars have headlined the halftime show for decades now, with performances by Rihanna, Shakira, Lady Gaga, Prince, The Rolling Stones and Beyonce garnering almost as many headlines as the game itself. This year, Usher, who's timing the release of his latest album to drop just two days before the game, will light up the stadium with a set. Before the game, Reba McEntire will sing the national anthem and Post Malone will follow that up with a rendition of "America the Beautiful."

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/how-to-watch-super-bowl-2024-how-to-stream-super-bowl-133039040.html?src=rss

Amazon's 2023 Echo Show 8 is back to $90, plus the rest of this week's best tech deals

We've reached the end of another week, so it's time for a roundup of the best deals we could find on tech we like. Happily, a couple of the items we saw at CES (and named among the best) are already seeing decent discounts. So those who want to smoke meat indoors or invest in home back up batteries are in luck. As for smaller gadgets, we saw a deal on our favorite Bluetooth tracker, found a sale on Anker batteries and chargers and noted that Apple's AirPods Pro (which will work with the upcoming Vision Pro) are still hovering at their all-time low price. This also may be the last week to take advantage of pre-order promotions on the soon-to-be-released Samsung Galaxy S24 smartphones. Here are the best tech deals from this week that you can still get today.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazons-2023-echo-show-8-is-back-to-90-plus-the-rest-of-this-weeks-best-tech-deals-171619129.html?src=rss

Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. the competition: Familiar hardware, new AI chops

Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event today barely let us catch our breath after last week's CES. As we expected, the company revealed its latest flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S24, S24+ and S24 Ultra, which rely more than a little on new AI features. There's Circle to Search, Live Translate and Chat Assist to help you find the right words (and the right tone) of your messages — all of which you can read about in our hands-on report on the new handhelds.  

As for the design and hardware, not much has changed since last year's S23. The rear triple camera array remains the same with a 50MP main, a 12MP wide, and a 10MP telephoto lens. The 6.2-inch Full HD+ screen is 1/10th of an inch bigger and the battery adds 100 mAh to the size of the previous generation. The new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor has been optimized for the new Galaxies — which should help them handle all of those nifty AI-powered tricks. Here's how the Samsung Galaxy S24 stacks up against its two closest rivals, the Apple iPhone 15 and the Google Pixel 8. 

Samsung Galaxy S24

Google Pixel 8

Apple iPhone 15

Pricing (MSRP)

From $800

From $699

From $799

Dimensions

5.79 x 2.78 x 0.3 inches

5.9 x 2.8 x 0.4 inches

5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches

Weight

5.93 ounces

6.6 ounces

6.02 ounces

Screen size

6.2 inches

6.2 inches

6.1 inches

Screen resolution

Full HD+

1,080 x 2,400

428 ppi

1,179 x 2,556

460 ppi

Screen type

AMOLED 2x

Up to 120Hz (1-120Hz)

Up to 2,600 nits brightness

Gorilla Glass Victus 2

OLED

Up to 120Hz (60-120Hz)

Up to 2,000 nits brightness

Gorilla Glass Victus

OLED

60Hz

Up to 2,000 nits brightness

Ceramic Shield

SoC

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

Google Tensor G3

Apple A16 Bionic

Hexa-core CPU (up to 3.46GHz)

5-core Apple GPU

RAM

8GB

8GB

6GB

Battery

4,000mAh

4,485mAh

"Beyond 24 hours"

"Up to 20 hours video playback"

Charging

USB Type-C

"Up to 50 percent charge in around 30 minutes"

Fast Wireless Charging 2.0

Wireless PowerShare

USB Type-C 3.2

Up to 27W wired

Up to 18W wireless with Google Pixel Stand (2nd gen)

Qi wireless charging up to 12W

Reverse wireless charging

USB Type-C (USB 2.0)

"Up to 50 percent charge in around 30 minutes"

MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W

Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W

Reverse wired charging

Storage

128GB / 256GB

128GB / 256GB

128GB / 256GB / 512GB

Rear camera(s)

Main: 50 MP, f/1.8

Ultrawide: 12 MP, f/2.2

Telephoto: 10 MP, f/2.4 3x optical zoom

Main: 50 MP, f/1.68

Ultrawide: 12 MP, f/2.2, 125.8 degree FOV

Main: 48 MP, f/1.6

Ultrawide: 12 MP, f/2.4, 120 degree FOV

Front camera(s)

12 MP, f/2.2

10.5 MP, f/2.2

12 MP, f/1.9

Video capture

Rear: 8K at 24/30 fps, 4K at 30/60 fps, 1080p at 30/60/240/960 fps

Front: 4K at 30/60 fps, 1080p at 30 fps

Rear: 4K at 24/30/60 fps, 1080p at 24/30/60/120/240 fps

Front: 4K at 24/30/60 fps, 1080p at 30/60 fps

Rear: 4K at 24/25/30/60 fps, 1080p at 25/30/60/120/240 fps

Front: 4K at 24/25/30/60 fps, 1080p at 25/30/60/120 fps

Water and dust resistance

IP68

IP68

IP68

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 6E

Wi-Fi 7

Wi-Fi 6

Bluetooth

v5.3

v5.3

v5.3

NFC

Yes

Yes

Yes

OS

Android 14

Android 14

iOS 17

Finishes

Sapphire Blue, Sandstone Orange, Jade Green, Cobalt Violet, Marble Gray, Onyx Black, Amber Yellow

Armor Aluminum frame

Obsidian, Hazel, Rose

Matte aluminum frame

Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink

Aluminum frame

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsung-s24-vs-the-competition-192851794.html?src=rss

The best tech support helplines for seniors (according to my 73-year-old mom)

Engadget readers like yourself are probably more tech savvy than the average person. That means you may get roped into helping older family members with email woes, new phone setups, or deciphering if a message is legit or a phishing scam. In my family, I’ve become my mother’s unofficial IT support hotline, which makes me wonder about older adults with adult kids who are short on time. Turns out there are a number of resources staffed with actual people who will calmly walk seniors through just about any tech trouble they may face. Many local libraries and senior centers host classes and even one-on-one tech assistance to seniors for free, but if they can’t make it to a live session or there aren’t offerings in their area, phone hotlines and online services may be the answer.

For the past couple weeks, I used my mom and her frequently asked questions to try out a few of the senior tech hotlines out there and found three services that are refreshingly helpful, two of which are completely free and a third that includes a free option. If you know a senior who could use help with their tech, directing them to one of these services won’t feel like pawning them off, but rather like you’re sending them to an IT pro with endless patience.

Top three free senior tech support companies

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-tech-support-helplines-for-seniors-according-to-my-73-year-old-mom-140013739.html?src=rss

The Apple Watch Series 9 is back to $329, plus the rest of the week's best tech deals

The big news in tech right now is CES in Las Vegas and our team has been on the ground all week checking out the new products. A surprising amount of what we saw is already available for purchase, but very few of those things are discounted. As for what is on sale, this turned out to be a decent week for deals on current model devices, with some hitting all-time lows. The Google Pixel 8 smartphones are back to Black Friday lows, as is one of our favorite fitness trackers. A set of Tile trackers is cheaper than ever and the Apple Watch Series 9 has returned to $329. Here are the best tech deals from this week that you can still get today.  

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-apple-watch-series-9-is-back-to-329-plus-the-rest-of-the-weeks-best-tech-deals-164857041.html?src=rss

Sling TV subscriptions are half price for your first month

A promotion at Sling TV is taking 50 percent off your first month of service. Sling divides its offerings in two: Sling Blue and Sling Orange, with different channels in each package. Those go usually for $40 per month separately or $55 monthly combined, but are now down to $20 and $27.50 after the discount. Unlike a cable subscription, you can cancel whenever you'd like with no penalty. Sling TV is one of the many ways to watch live TV channels, including sports and news stations, without having the commitment or higher price of cable. We named it a top pick in our live TV streaming guide

Sling TV is our recommendation for the most customizable live TV streaming service, letting you get just the channels you want without paying for too many you won't watch. Sling Orange includes six exclusive channels like the ESPN stations and the Disney Channel, while Sling Blue gives you 14 exclusive channels including FS1, MSNBC and Fox News. Both options come with 24 other channels such as CNN, BET and TNT. In addition to the two packages, you can choose from a number of add-on bundles that go for between $6 and $11 per month. Those include blocks of sports, kid-friendly fare, lifestyle channels and news packs. Premium extras include Starz, Showtime and Acorn which will add $2 to $10 to your monthly bill. In larger market areas (such as Los Angeles, Seattle, Dallas, NYC and Miami), Sling TV will also grant access to local NBC, ABC and Fox affiliate channels for no extra charge. 

We liked the way the menus were organized and found them easy to navigate. The service also does a good job of recommending stuff to watch based on your history. We had a little trouble with the service freezing occasionally and felt the 50 hours of DVR allowance could be more generous, but if you're looking for a cheaper alternative to cable and don't want to pay for channels you don't need, Sling is a good way to go. 

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/sling-tv-subscriptions-are-half-price-for-your-first-month-174537428.html?src=rss