Best Black Friday Sales 2022
Get Samsung's ViewFinity S9 5K Smart Monitor For $999.99 ($600 Off) During Sitewide Winter Sale
Samsung's Winter sale is still going on as we get closer and closer to Christmas, offering discounts across monitors, TVs, smartphones, tablets, computers, and home appliances. Many of the deals in this sale are the same prices we tracked during Samsung's Black Friday sale, and some are even beating their all-time low Black Friday prices.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Samsung. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
The highlight of the sale is Samsung's ViewFinity S9 5K Smart Monitor at $999.99, down from $1,599.99. This is a record low price on the monitor, and it beats the previous all-time low price seen at Amazon earlier in the month by a few dollars.
SITEWIDE SALE
Samsung's Winter SaleAdditionally, the Smart Monitor M8 is at its all-time low price on Amazon, available for $399.99 ($300 off). This has been one of the all-around best monitor deals we've tracked during this holiday season, and it's hard to say if it'll return after this sale ends, so if you've been holding off be sure to order soon. Unfortunately it may arrive after Christmas at this point, depending on your proximity to a distribution center that has stock.
Shoppers should note that the deadline for Christmas delivery has passed on Samsung, so none of the items in the sale will be able to arrive before December 25th at this point. There is an option to an in-store pickup at your local Best Buy, but not every product supports this option.
Other than monitors and TVs, we're also now tracking quite a few deals on refrigerators, tablets, and computers below. These sale prices will be live for this week only, so be sure to check out Samsung's event before the best prices of the year disappear.
Monitors
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
The Evolution Of Augmented Reality: A Deep Dive Into Its Impact On Modern Cell Phones
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The integration of augmented reality (AR) has emerged as a groundbreaking development, significantly influencing the capabilities and functionalities of modern cell phones. As we delve into the intricacies of this transformative technology, it becomes evident that AR is not merely a gimmick but a powerful tool that enhances user experiences in ways previously unimaginable.
Before we embark on dissecting its contemporary applications, it is crucial to understand the roots of augmented reality. The concept of blending the virtual and physical worlds dates back to the 1960s, but it was only in recent years that advancements in hardware and software paved the way for its widespread adoption. AR gained momentum with the advent of smartphones, which provided the ideal platform for its integration, combining powerful processors, high-resolution displays, and advanced sensors.
Applications in Everyday LifeOne of the most notable impacts of augmented reality on modern cell phones is its integration into everyday life. From navigation apps that overlay directions onto the real world to gaming experiences that seamlessly blend virtual characters with the physical environment, AR has become an integral part of our daily routines. For instance, applications like Pokemon Go revolutionized mobile gaming by introducing an immersive AR experience, encouraging users to explore their surroundings in search of virtual creatures.
Enhanced Shopping ExperiencesIn the realm of e-commerce, augmented reality has redefined the way we shop online. Many retail brands now offer AR-enabled apps that allow customers to virtually try on clothes, accessories, or even furniture before making a purchase. This not only enhances the online shopping experience but also mitigates the uncertainty associated with buying items without physically interacting with them. As a result, consumers can make more informed decisions, leading to increased satisfaction and reduced return rates.
Educational Paradigm ShiftThe impact of augmented reality extends beyond entertainment and commerce, reaching into the realm of education. AR applications have transformed traditional learning methods by providing interactive and immersive experiences. For instance, students can explore historical events by virtually stepping into different time periods or dissect complex biological structures through AR simulations. This dynamic approach to education not only captures the attention of learners but also fosters a deeper understanding of various subjects.
AR and Social Media IntegrationThe integration of augmented reality into social media platforms has redefined how we share and consume content. Filters and effects, Navigational Assistance and Tourism
Augmented reality has revolutionized the way we navigate and explore new places. Navigation apps equipped with AR capabilities overlay directional information onto the real world, making it easier for users to follow routes in unfamiliar surroundings. Additionally, AR-enhanced tourism apps provide users with historical information and points of interest as they explore new destinations. This not only enhances the travel experience but also promotes cultural awareness and appreciation.
The Evolution of AR HardwareAs augmented reality continues to gain prominence, there is a concurrent evolution in the hardware that supports its implementation. Modern cell phones are equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and processors specifically designed to deliver seamless AR experiences. The integration of depth-sensing cameras, LiDAR technology, and improved graphics processing units ensures that AR applications run smoothly, providing users with realistic and immersive interactions.
Challenges and Future DevelopmentsWhile augmented reality has undoubtedly transformed the mobile landscape, it is not without its challenges. Battery life, processing power, and user privacy are areas that require ongoing attention and innovation. As technology advances, overcoming these challenges will be crucial to unlocking the full potential of AR on cell phones. Looking ahead, the future of augmented reality in mobile devices holds exciting possibilities, with continued advancements in hardware, software, and the integration of AR in various industries.
ConclusionThe impact of augmented reality (AR) on modern cell phones is extensive and transformative. It has revolutionized gaming experiences, improved online shopping, reshaped education, and influenced social media interactions. AR has seamlessly integrated into our digital lives. Advancements in technology promise ongoing refinements in AR applications and hardware, pushing the boundaries of possibilities. The journey of augmented reality in modern cell phones is an ongoing evolution that undoubtedly shapes our interaction with technology in the years ahead.
The Best Smart TVs To Buy In 2023
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If you took the evolution drawing showing the progress from ape to man and replaced it with televisions, it would be a long line of large, heavy monkeys for about 60 years, and then a very rapid transformation to the slim, upright human that is today's Smart TV.
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Even that plasma TV you owned a mere dozen years ago would be a hairy knuckledragger. Why? Chances are it didn't have internet connectivity or apps, and it most definitely did not stream. Of course, then you were getting your movies in the mail-in red envelopes from Netflix, so it didn't matter.
What made your TV make the leap from stone tools to Smart? In short, it cross-bred with your laptop, and in the process gained internet access, powerful processors, user-friendly software, and apps. The old TVs which needed cable or another A/V source evolved into ones which bring "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" into your home mere weeks after its theatrical release.
And like smart humans, they like to hang out with smart friends. Smart TVs now have seamless integration with Alexa and/or Google Assistant, and can do your bidding via voice command. Some can even control the other smart devices in your house like your lights and your security system. Let's see your old 100-pound cathode-ray-tube monster with the rabbit-ear antenna do that!
So what makes the best Smart TV? Honestly, the streaming capabilities and options are mostly the same. It boils down to the same parameters that TVs have been judged by since they showed Milton Berle on a 6-inch screen: quality of picture, quality of sound, ease of use, and price. OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) TVs have better picture quality, but are more expensive. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), also known as LED TVs, are less expensive and the better models still provide terrific, clear pictures.
Smart TVs require smart shopping. Here's a rundown of our best recommendations.
Best of the Best LG OLED Evo G3 Series 83-Inch 4K Smart TV with webOSLG OLED Evo G3 Series 83-Inch 4K Smart TV
If you're going to go big, go BIG. This beauty with the six-foot-plus screen is from LG's Gallery Edition line, and when you mount it on your wall – a process made so much easier by its thinness and relatively low weight (77.4 pounds) for its size – you will quickly see why that name is a perfect fit. The picture is, in short, a work of art, with incredible contrast and color vibrancy across the whole giant screen. Add in Dolby Cinema mode, WiSA home theater technology which, when paired with WiSA Certified speakers gives you unbeatable sound, and LG's Game Optimizer, you have a TV that will likely be the very top of the line for years to come.
$2,993.98
Buy: LG OLED Evo G3 Series 83-Inch 4K Smart TV
QLED Picture, LED Price Vizio 55-inch QLED M55Q6-L4 Quantum 4K Ultra HD Smart TV with Vizio Smartcast and Vizio WatchFree+It's not often you find a really good QLED set for under four figures, much less one that also has Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built in, a Pro Gaming Engine mode, and a super-fast 120Hz refresh rate. This Vizio model comes with most of the top streaming apps preloaded — including Netflix, Paramount+, Peacock, Prime Video, Spotify and much more. It also includes Vizio WatchFree+ for free video streaming with more than 260 free channels available. And if you're upgrading from an LED set, you'll notice the perfect black levels and overall improvement in color intensity right away
$398
Buy: Vizio 55-inch QLED M55Q6-L4 Quantum 4K Ultra HD Smart TV
Big Picture, Small Price TCL 65-Inch QM8 QLED 4K Smart Mini LED TV with Google TVTCL 65-Inch QM8 QLED 4K Smart Mini LED TV
TLC's improvements from last year to this have been small, so you're still buying the peak TV experience. "QLED" stands for Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diode. It's still closer to LED than it is to OLED, but as we said, a good LED set is still going to give you a great picture, and this TCL set does exactly that, with Dolby Vision High Dynamic Range and a fast 240Hz refresh rate. Save more than half of the money you would have spent on the LG OLED Evo G3 and get a set that's a mere two inches smaller and delivers a competitive picture.
$898
Buy: TCL 65-Inch QM8 QLED 4K Smart Mini LED TV
Best Budget Set Vizio V505-J09 V-Series 4K Ultra HD LED Smart TV with Vizio Smartcast and Vizio WatchFree+On sale for $248 (was $319) at Walmart, the Vizio V505-J09 V-Series 4K Ultra HD LED Smart TV is our pick for the best wallet-friendly 4K TV. This is one of Vizio's simplest and cleanest smart TVs with Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast built-in and a very wide selection of apps — including Netflix, Hulu, WatchFree+, Vizio's free streaming service, and more — thanks to Vizio SmartCast. It's no slouch when it comes to offering stellar picture quality too — thanks to its thin bezels, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision 4K support, vibrant color reproduction and expanded brightness levels.
If you're on a tight budget, then the Vizio V505-J09 V-Series 4K TV is a great choice to get brilliant picture quality and built-in streaming options at an affordable price.
$248 $319 22% off
Buy: Vizio V505-J09 V-Series 4K Ultra HD LED Smart TV
Best LED Set Samsung 55-Inch Neo QLED QN90C Series Neo Quantum 4K Ultra HD TV with TizenSamsung 55-Inch Neo QLED QN90C Series Neo Quantum 4K Ultra HD TV
Samsung brought out all of its big guns to make this the best LED model we could find – Quantum Matrix Technology and Quantum Mini LED to get this picture as close to OLED as you will find without making the leap, a Neo Quantum Processor for rich 4K resolution regardless of what you're watching, and Object Tracking Sound+ that kills any lag between picture and sound. There's an 85-inch (!!!) 2023 model of this set with improved sound and contrast. Enjoy a truly great TV.
$1,397.99 $1,997.99 30% off
Buy: Samsung 55-Inch Neo QLED QN90C Series Neo Quantum 4K Ultra HD TV
The Powerball Option Sony 83-Inch Bravia XR A80L OLED 4K Ultra HD TV with Google TVSony 83-Inch Bravia XR A80L OLED 4K Ultra HD TV
Walk into a room with this monster mounted on the wall and be ready to catch your jaw as it plummets toward the floor. The features list is nearly as large as the screen, which is a mere inch short of seven feet diagonally. Sony brings its brightest-ever OLED picture and combines it with its XR tech that creates the truest blacks and billions of natural, accurate colors. XR Motion Clarity means no blurring for fast-moving pictures like sports or action movies. Apple AirPlay means seamless delivery from any of your Apple devices. And if you have a Sony PS5, there are exclusive gaming enhancements for that console, and a ridiculously low 8.5ms input lag. If you hit the Powerball, buy the Lamborghini tomorrow – order the Sony Bravia XR A80L today.
$3,998 $4,999.99 20% off
Buy: Sony 83-Inch Bravia XR A80L OLED 4K Ultra HD TV
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