News

We've got more details on the upcoming Galaxy WatchesThree models are likely to launch on July 9Find out the specs and the sizes that have been predictedThe next big Samsung Galaxy Unpacked launch show is happening on Wednesday, July 9 – here's how to watch online – and we have a new, comprehensive leak for one of the devices we're expecting to see: the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8.This leak comes from Dealabs (via 9to5Google), and covers just about everything you could want to know about the upcoming wearable and its associates (although we're relying somewhat on Google Translate to make sense of it).Apparently, we're getting three smartwatch models from Samsung this year. They are the Galaxy Watch 8, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. There was no Classic last year, but we did get the Galaxy Watch 7 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra.The leak says the Galaxy Watch 8 sticks to 32GB of internal storage, but that the two higher-end models get bumped to 64GB. When it comes to sizes, the Galaxy Watch 8 is said to be coming in 40 mm and 44 mm sizes, with the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic at 46 mm and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 at 47 mm.Accessories and pricingWe could see another Galaxy Watch Ultra this week (Image credit: Future / Matt Evans)All these watches are going to come with 2GB of RAM, and will be running Samsung's own Exynos W1000 processor. That's the same processor used in last year's models, so these new devices aren't going to run after faster – though when it comes to wearables, that's perhaps not a priority anyway.The Galaxy Watch 8 will come with a "silicone sports bracelet", the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic has a "premium hybrid strap" in the box, and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is bundled with an "extreme sport bracelet", according to this leak.Pricing in France is said to be set at €379.99 (40 mm Watch 8), €429.99 (40 mm Watch 8 with LTE), €409.99 (44 mm Watch 8), €459.99 (44 mm Watch 8 with LTE), €529.99 (Watch 8 Classic), €579.99 (Watch 8 Classic with LTE, and €699.99 (Galaxy Watch Ultra 2).There's not much point giving you currency conversions, as they won't match, but it looks like the base model is going to cost a little more (the Galaxy Watch 7 started at $299.99 / £289 / AU$549), while the Ultra model will stick at the same price ($649 / £599 / AU$1,299).You might also likeWe just saw the Galaxy Watch 8 go up for sale on eBayThe best smartwatches you can buy right nowMajor health updates are on the way for the Galaxy Watch

Netflix's new AV1 Film Grain Synthesis tech boosts image qualityIt also reduces file size and improves streaming performanceThe tech has been rolling out to movies and TV shows since March 2025Film grain is something of a 'secret sauce' that makes movies look, well, like movies. Go to the cinema and, while you’ll hardly notice them, these dotty imperfections flickering across the image lend it a depth that’s tricky to recreate digitally.Well, now Netflix has revealed in a Techblog post that it's found a better way to do it, with a new technique that also handily improves playback stability, while reducing errors and rebuffering. It's been rolling out globally since March, with FGS-enabled streams available now on supported devices.So what exactly has Netflix done? Movies filmed on digital cameras can appear too clean and perfect, and even digitized versions of analog films can struggle to properly retain the grain. This is particularly true for movies on services like Netflix, which require compression to reduce file size for smooth streaming performance.In its efforts to keep things efficient, the compression process will remove grain from the original video file, meaning the viewer gets a nice steady stream but an image that lacks that true movie look.Not anymore. Netflix has revealed that it's rolled out a technology called “AV1 Film Grain Synthesis” (FGS), which delivers a pleasingly grainy image without increasing file size.It’s clever stuff: FGS analyses the source video to determine its specific grain pattern and shape, estimating it by comparing the original video with a de-noised version – the difference being the grain.It then scales the grain intensity for different scenes, adjusting it for lighting and color. This information is then streamed alongside the compressed, grain-free video file, and used to recreate the grain effect on your device.Better picture quality, greater efficiency(Image credit: Netflix)This means movies and TV shows on Netflix will now offer that desirable analog film look, boosting image quality and giving users a more enjoyable streaming experience.Interestingly, during A/B testing of the feature Netflix also found that FGS significantly reduced bitrate and network bandwidth requirements, decreased playback errors and rebuffering, and reduced start-up delay, all of which result in a more stable overall streaming experience. Double win.If you’re excited to see FGS in action for yourself, you’ll need a playback device that supports it. Unfortunately, it isn't yet clear exactly which shows and movies will benefit from the tech, nor what the hardware requirements are – we've contacted Netflix to find out and will update this story when we hear back.However, Netflix’s blog post detailing the roll-out suggests They Cloned Tyrone and Dept. Q are good places to start. The streaming giant says you may need to toggle off HDR from the settings menu to see those FGS streams.You might also like7 new movies and TV shows to watch on Netflix, Prime Video, Max, and more this weekend (July 4)Netflix just canceled 2 of its most-watched shows – but I’ve already found better replacements streaming elsewhereDon’t scroll Netflix endlessly to find something to watch – use these secret codes to find stuff you’ll love instead

Amazon Prime Day can be a good time to upgrade your home theater setup thanks to all the tech deals we usually see. As was to be expected, Amazon has discounted nearly all of its own streaming devices, including the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, which is on sale for only $35 right now. That's nearly a record-low price and it represents a 42-percent discount.

While we still prefer Amazon's Fire TV Stick HD as a budget streaming option, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max could be worth the upgrade for you. Amazon's device supports 4K video, Dolby Atmos, HDR10+ and if you have a newer router, Wi-Fi 6E. It's the best option if you're committed to the dongle-lifestyle — the even-more-powerful Fire TV Cube needs a TV stand to rest on — and a surprisingly great choice if you're looking for a capable retro game console.

Amazon's also added in several features to the Fire TV Stick 4K Max that take it beyond a basic streamer. The built-in Ambient Experience lets the dongle display art and widgets when you're not using your TV, not unlike Samsung's The Frame and The Frame Pro. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max can also stream games from Xbox Game Pass using the Xbox app or Amazon Luna.

The only real reasons to not consider Amazon's platform is if you don't like using Alexa, which acts as the main voice interface for all Fire TVs, don't want to be pushed towards Amazon's services or your subscriptions are tangled up in another platform. You can buy subscriptions to a variety of streaming services and live channels through Amazon Prime Video, but if you've already done that on Apple TV+ for example, you might want to wait out your subscription before jumping ship.

This is just one of a few Fire TV deals you can snag for Prime Day. Others include the Fire TV Cube for $90 and the Fire TV Stick HD for $18.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazons-fire-tv-stick-4k-max-drops-to-35-for-prime-day-122512460.html?src=rss