I've been a convert to curved monitors for the better part of a decade, and I won't go back. For me, they're easier to use as I don't have to squint to read the furthest edges on my preferred ultrawide aspect ratio, and are comforting with the implied circle from their curvature. They do have some unique characteristics due to their curve that could be the deciding factor, but they're ones that you won't find on any specifications sheet.

Amazon’s next Prime Day event hasn’t officially kicked off yet, but in classic Amazon fashion, the retailer has already dropped a selection of early deals ahead of its four-day sale. While steeper discounts are not likely to arrive until next month, many of the current offers are already worth considering, especially if you’re a Prime member looking to score a deal on one of Amazon’s own devices or services.From record lows on security gear and power stations to a solid deal on what was already an affordable streaming device, these early discounts offer a great chance to save before the real deluge arrives on July 8th. And while most of these offers are exclusive to Prime members, in some cases, other retailers are price-matching Amazon, meaning non-members can still take advantage of some of the same savings.We’ll be updating this guide over the next week or two as new deals drop, so be sure to check back often if you want to stay on top of the latest deals and discounts. We also suggest bookmarking our main Prime Day hub for additional tips, tricks, and insight into what is likely going to be one of the biggest shopping events of the year.Blink Outdoor 4 (with second-gen Blink Video Doorbell)Where to Buy: $139.98 $69.98 at Amazon $189.98 $94.98 at Amazon (two-pack) $249.98 $124.98 at Amazon (three-pack)Amazon-owned Blink is offering steep discounts on a number of security devices ahead of Prime Day. Right now, for example, you can buy the latest Blink Outdoor security camera for just $39.99 ($39.99 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, or two Blink Outdoor 4 XRs — which is the same camera but with a Sync Module XR — for $89.99 ($90 off) at Best Buy. The outdoor security camera offers person detection and a wider field of view than the third-gen Blink Outdoor, while retaining support for motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio. The Sync Module XR just extends the range by up to 400 feet.The best deals, however, are on bundles. For instance, you can grab a Blink Outdoor 4 alongside Blink’s latest Video Doorbell for just $69.98 ($70 off). Alternatively, you can pick up a Blink Video Doorbell with a Blink Outdoor 4 XR for $89.98 ($109.99 off). Blink’s updated doorbell improves on its solid predecessor with a wider 150-degree field of view, sharper 1440p resolution, and a better 1:1 aspect ratio that allows for a head-to-toe view of your porch. It also offers IP65 waterproofing and support for two-way audio / night vision, not to mention an impressive two years of battery life. It even supports person detection, though only with a $3/month Blink subscription plan.Blink Outdoor 4 with Blink Mini 2Where to Buy: $139.98 $64.98 at AmazonIf you don’t need a doorbell, Amazon is also selling a Blink Outdoor 4 with a Blink Mini 2 starting at $64.98 ($75 off), or with the Blink Outdoor 4 XR for $79.98 ($99.99 off). The Mini 2 is a relatively compact 1080p camera that offers motion alerts, two-way audio, and other core features. It’s also a meaningful upgrade over its predecessor, thanks to improved low-light performance, a wider field of view, and USB-C support. You can even use it outdoors given it carries an IP65 rating, though you will need to purchase Blink’s optional Weather-Resistant Power Adapter ($9.99) to do so.Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2023)Where to Buy: $49.99 $24.99 at Amazon $49.99 $24.99 at Best Buy $49.99 $28.99 at B&H PhotoAmazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K is on sale for $24.99 ($24.99 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, which is its lowest price of the year. The Fire TV Stick 4K is an excellent streaming device that supports Dolby Vision and HDR10 Plus, allowing you to enjoy sharp, vibrant picture quality on compatible 4K TVs. It also offers support for Dolby Atmos, DTS, and other HDR and surround sound formats, so you can experience more immersive audio whether you’re watching movies or gaming. It integrates well with Alexa and comes with an Alexa Voice Remote, too, so you can search for shows or adjust the volume using your voice.Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus Where to Buy: $249.99 $174.99 at AmazonIf you’re looking for better sound than your TV’s built-in speaker can provide, Amazon’s Fire TV Soundbar Plus is down to an all-time low of $174.99 ($75 off) at Amazon. At 37 inches wide, it’s small enough to fit under most TVs, making it a good option for apartments or smaller living rooms. Inside, it features three speakers, three tweeters, and two woofers, along with a dedicated center channel designed to enhance dialogue clarity. It also supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS True Volume, allowing a more immersive listening experience. It features four different listening modes as well — Movie, Music, Sports, and Night — which adjust the sound profile to match what you’re watching, whether you’re after loud, booming sound or a quieter, late-night vibe.Eero Max 7 with the Eero Outdoor 7Where to Buy: $999.99 $699.99 at AmazonWhether you’re juggling smart devices inside or working in the backyard, the Eero Max 7 router and new Eero Outdoor 7 deliver reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi wherever you are on your property. And right now, you can buy both at Amazon as a part of a bundle starting at $699.99 ($300 off), which is a new low price.The Eero Max 7 is designed for high-performance streaming, gaming, and future-proofing your smart home setup. It features Wi-Fi 7 support and speeds up to 10Gbps, with coverage suitable for homes up to 2,500 sq. ft. per unit. For those looking to extend their reliable Wi-Fi signal beyond indoor walls, the Eero Outdoor 7 offers the same high-speed performance but is designed specifically for outdoor environments. It carries an IP66 weatherproof rating — ensuring it can withstand rain, dust, and extreme temperatures — while delivering coverage across up to 15,000 square feet.Ring Doorbell Battery with Ring Indoor CamWhere to Buy: $139.99 $69.99 at AmazonIf you don’t want to buy a Blink security camera, Ring also sells some great security devices that play well with both Alexa and other Ring gadgets. A few of these are on sale right now — including a notable deal that pairs a Ring Doorbell Battery with a Ring Indoor Cam 2, all for $69.99 ($70 off) at Amazon.The battery-powered Ring Doorbell Battery is a basic 1080 buzzer that borrows a couple of features from the Battery Doorbell Plus, which is one of our favorite video doorbells. While it doesn’t have a removable battery, it improves on the older Ring Video Doorbell 2 with a 1:1 aspect ratio and a 150-degree field of view, giving you a full, top-to-bottom view of who or what is at the door. Like the Plus, it also supports color night vision and uses a PIR sensor for motion-activated recording.The Ring Indoor Cam 2, meanwhile, is a basic 1080p camera that supports motion-activated recording, color night vision, and a built-in siren that can be triggered manually from the Ring app. One of its most notable features is the physical privacy shutter, which allows you to block the camera’s lens and disable the microphone. If you pay for a Ring Home subscription, which starts at $4.99 a month, you’ll also gain access to a host of other features, including an in-app SOS button that allows you to request police, fire, or medical help.Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023)Where to Buy: $139.99 $69.99 at Amazon (32GB with ads, refurbished)Normally $139.99, you can currently buy a refurbished Fire HD 10 tablet at Amazon with 32GB of storage and ads for $69.99. With its 10.1-inch HD display, octa-core processor, and 3GB of RAM, the Fire HD 10 is a solid budget slate for entertainment purposes. While it’s not as powerful as an iPad, it handles casual web browsing, reading, and light gaming well enough. Its 1080p screen is one of the best in Amazon’s lineup, too, while built-in stylus support and handwriting recognition mean you can also use it to take notes (though you’ll have to buy the optional Made for Amazon stylus separately).Jackery Explorer 1000 v2Where to Buy: $799 $448.98 at Amazon $799 $449 at JackeryIf you’re looking for a portable power station for outdoor adventures or that inevitable power outage, the Jackery Explorer 1000 V2 is available for an all-time low of around $448.99 ($350 off) from Amazon and Jackery. The 23-pound power station is relatively lightweight and portable, with three AC outlets that can output up to 1,500W. It also boasts a pair of USB-C ports, a single USB-A port, and a DC car port, allowing you to charge phones, laptops, cameras, and even small appliances (including your mini fridge). It also charges significantly faster than prior models and boasts a handy LED light, making it a versatile companion for camping, road trips, and emergencies at home.More ways to saveYou can buy a Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam with a Ring Pet Tag for $44.99 ($44.99 off) at Amazon, which is a new low price. Ring’s Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam rotates 360 degrees on a motorized base, which you can control via the Ring app. The wired 1080p camera also offers a physical privacy cover — just like the second-gen Ring Indoor Cam — along with support for video and color night vision, two-way talk, motion detection, and a built-in siren. The Ring Pet Tag, on the other hand, attaches to your pet’s collar and links to a digital profile anyone can access via a QR code.The Alexa Voice Remote Pro is now available for just $24.99 ($10 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, marking its lowest price to date. The backlit remote features a built-in remote finder, allowing you to quickly locate it using either Amazon’s Fire TV app or a compatible smart speaker. It also features customizable shortcut buttons that you can program to instantly launch your favorite apps, as well as compatibility with most Fire TV streaming devices and smart TVs. Read our review.Amazon is selling the Eero 6 mesh router for $64.99 ($15 off), which is one of its best prices to date. While it lacks Wi-Fi 7 support and isn’t as fast as the newer Eero 7 models, it still delivers up to 900Mbps and covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. It’s a solid, budget-friendly choice for basic streaming, browsing, and smart home use.You can buy an Echo Glow at Amazon for $19.99 ($10 off), which is $3 shy of its lowest price to date. The 100-lumen LED lamp is designed primarily for children, and as such, it can cycle through multiple colors with just a tap, function as a visual timer, and automatically dim when it’s time for bed. It’s also compatible with Alexa, meaning you can control it with your voice when paired with a compatible Echo device.Right now, Amazon is offering a free month of Kindle Unlimited, which normally runs $11.99 a month. The subscription gives you access to more than four million e-books, along with thousands of audiobooks and digital magazines. Just remember to cancel our subscription before the trial period ends if you don’t want to be automatically charged at the end of the limited window.Amazon’s Luna Controller is on sale for $39.99 ($30 off) at Amazon, which matches its best price to date. Although it was built primarily for Amazon’s cloud-gaming service, the gamepad offers support for both Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity, rendering it compatible with Android phones, Apple products, Fire TV devices, and PCs. It also integrates with Alexa, allowing you to issue voice commands directly through the controller when paired with a Fire TV device.

When you’re building a Network-Attached Storage, choosing the right operating system is just as essential as picking out the correct hardware. Unraid and TrueNAS Scale are usually the distributions that most users flock to, and there are compelling reasons to go with either option. Unraid lies on the beginner-friendly spectrum, with enough applications and file systems to keep most NAS lovers satisfied, while TrueNAS Scale is a free OS that crams top-notch ZFS support with powerful RAID provisions and terrific virtualization performance.

PC gaming handhelds aren't as hot of a topic as they used to be, with the initial buzz dying off, leaving many brands working on successors to popular models that are set to arrive this year. Of course, they are still a popular option if you're looking to game on the go, and don't want to buy a Nintendo Switch 2.

On nearly every Nintendo console since the release of the Nintendo 64, there has been a Super Smash Bros. game to come out for it. It's almost a guarantee that the series will be part of any new console that Nintendo releases. The last Smash Bros. release on the original Nintendo Switch was a massive success, which was the result of a culmination of every game in the series leading up to that point. Now that the Nintendo Switch 2 is finally out and Nintendo fans are looking for new games to play on it, it is inevitable that a brand-new Super Smash Bros. will come to the console in the future. But what that game is and what new things it will bring to the series is anyone's guess.

The update aims to make it easier to use Gemini as a personal assistant without sacrificing your data privacy. Android users will soon be able to let Gemini control device features and apps with fewer privacy concerns. In an email seen by Android Police, Google recently notified Gemini users that it will start rolling out an update on July 7th that allows the AI bot to “use Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities on your phone, whether your Gemini Apps Activity is on or off.”Disabling the Gemini Apps activity setting stops conversations with the chatbot from being used to “provide, improve, develop, and personalize” Google products and AI models. It also currently prevents users from asking Gemini to perform tasks in connected apps, such as setting alarms, calling contacts, sending WhatsApp messages, and controlling media playback settings.The vague wording of Google’s message initially raised some confusion around whether the change would give Gemini unrestricted access to private data or system functions. Google later clarified that Gemini’s app connections can still be disabled at any time, and that the update “is good for users.” “They can now use Gemini to complete daily tasks on their mobile devices like send messages, initiate phone calls, and set timers while Gemini Apps Activity is turned off,” Google said in a statement to Android Authority. “With Gemini Apps Activity turned off, their Gemini chats are not being reviewed or used to improve our AI models.”The incoming change means that people can use Gemini like a personal assistant for their device without contributing to Google’s AI training datasets, just in time for Gemini to actually replace Google Assistant on Android devices later this year. Turning Apps Activity off will also stop Gemini interactions from appearing in the activity log, though Google notes it will still save conversations for up to 72 hours for security purposes, regardless of whether the setting is disabled or not.

When it comes to game servers, self-hosting them is always the best option by far when it comes to performance and cost. Many server providers are expensive for what you get, and the model that many of these companies use means that your server is almost certainly running in a virtual environment, sharing resources with countless other users, too. This can mean sudden lag spikes or even crashes in extreme cases, and for as long as I can remember, I've been self-hosting my own game servers and even a TeamSpeak server for nearly a decade at this point to get around those exact issues.

Home Assistant is powerful software and is the cornerstone of many of our smart homes here at XDA. I've spent hours configuring this platform to not only perform some awesome automation depending on input from various sensors and integrations, but it has improved productivity by segmenting my workflow into digestible chunks with regular breaks. Here's how I've configured Home Assistant to help me work better through the week.

Meta won a major legal ruling in an AI copyright lawsuit brought by 13 authors alleging that the company illegally trained its AI systems on their work without permission. On Wednesday, Judge Vince Chhabria ruled in Meta’s favor, saying it is “entitled to summary judgment on its fair use defense to the claim that copying these plaintiffs’ books for use as LLM training data was infringement.”However, the judge also pointed out some weak points in the ecosystem of Big Tech’s AI efforts and Meta’s arguments defending its actions as fair use. “This ruling does not stand for the proposition that Meta’s use of copyrighted materials to train its language models is lawful,” Judge Chhabria said. “It stands only for the proposition that these plaintiffs made the wrong arguments and failed to develop a record in support of the right one.” The ruling follows Anthropic’s major fair use victory it won from a separate federal judge yesterday, who ruled that training its models on legally purchased copies of books is fair use. Judge Chhabria says that two of the authors’ arguments about fair use were “clear losers:” the ability for Meta’s Llama AI to reproduce snippets of text from their books and that Meta using their works to train its AI models without permission diluted their ability to license their works for training. “Llama is not capable of generating enough text from the plaintiffs’ books to matter, and the plaintiffs are not entitled to the market for licensing their works as AI training data,” the judge wrote.The plaintiffs didn’t do enough for a “potentially winning argument” that Meta’s copying would create “a product that will likely flood the market with similar works, causing market dilution,” according to Judge Chhabria. He also discussed the Anthropic ruling, saying that Judge William Alsup brushed aside concerns about the harm generative AI could “inflict on the market for the works it gets trained on.”

GIMP has been my go-to editor for some time now. I mainly use it for image editing, but it has its place in my graphic design toolkit as well. As robust and versatile as GIMP is, it’s not the most intuitive or sleek program out there, so I set out to find something more suitable.

Delta Camera recreates the low-res aesthetic of the Game Boy Camera. | Image: Riley Testut Riley Testut, the developer behind the robust Delta emulator app for iOS, announced a new iPhone app designed to replicate the Game Boy Camera accessory but with “features you’d expect from a modern camera app.” The Delta Camera app’s full feature list hasn’t been revealed yet, but it’s currently available for beta testing to those who subscribe to Testut’s Patreon, which starts at $3/month, or $30.24/year, ahead of a full release later this year.View LinkThe app will replicate the low resolution and monochromatic aesthetic of the Game Boy Camera cartridge that debuted in 1998 with a 128 x 128-pixel CMOS sensor that could capture 0.001434MP images in just four shades of gray. The Delta Camera will allow the brightness and contrast of images to be adjusted and can capture multi-shot panoramas, but also adds manual exposure and zoom options, the option to use the iPhone’s front or back cameras, and full support for the Camera Control button introduced on the iPhone 16 lineup.It could be a fun solution for those missing the Game Boy Camera experience. The accessory is still compatible with modern handhelds featuring a cartridge slot like the Analogue Pocket, but an app version on iOS will make it much easier to share images and post them to social media.

The zombie genre started all the way back in the 1980s with Entombed (1982) and Zombie Zombie (1984). Nowadays, the genre has a few prominent titles, but not every game has hit the mark. However, these six zombie games checked all the boxes and are always worth adding to your library.