News July 12, 2024
Samsung Unpacked 2024 in Less Than 15 Minutes
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RIP Redbox, a Bad Idea at the Worst Time
The once-promising Redbox kiosks, emblazoned with the slogan “the smarter way to watch and play,” now stand as a relic of a bygone era. Launched in the early 2000s, Redbox attempted to bridge the gap between Blockbuster-style rentals and streaming services, but ultimately found itself stuck in a timeline where Netflix had already disrupted the market. The company’s bankruptcy proceedings have come to an end, with the judge approving a motion to liquidate and shut down over 24,000 kiosks and its streaming service. As Redbox fades away, it serves as a reminder of the decline of physical media, with DVDs and Blu-rays becoming increasingly hard to find. The death of Redbox also highlights the limitations of streaming services in providing access to obscure titles, leaving fans to rely on niche platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and the Criterion Channel.
Amazon Will Brick Its $2,350 Astro Robots Just 10 Months After Release
Amazon has decided to discontinue its Astro for Business robot, which was designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) as a security device. The company announced the decision in an email to employees working on the project and customers, stating that the devices will stop working on September 25. As a result, Amazon will no longer charge users for subscriptions associated with Astro for Business, such as Astro Secure and Ring Protect Pro. Customers who purchased the robot will receive a refund of $2,350 and a $300 Amazon credit.
Galaxy Watch Ultra hands-on review: 3 things I love — and one I dislike
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is a tantalizing timepiece that’s making waves in the smartwatch market. Its impressive array of sensors includes a blood-oxygen sensor and sleep apnea monitor, both FDA-approved. I had the chance to spend some quality time with this watch, and while it has many exciting features, there’s one thing that could use some improvement - the bands are a bit finicky to swap out. The Galaxy Watch Ultra also boasts a smooth display, thanks to its new Exynos W1 000 processor, but its 1.5-inch screen is slightly smaller than some of its rivals. On the other hand, its unique squircle design is both eye-catching and functional. With its competitive pricing and impressive health-tracking features, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is definitely worth considering - especially for those who want a rugged smartwatch that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
NYT’s The Mini crossword answers for July 12
Here’s the rewritten text:
The Mini is a condensed version of The New York Times’ iconic daily crossword puzzle, offering a unique experience that’s all about speed and agility. With only a few clues to tackle, it’s no surprise that many players treat it as a thrilling challenge to complete in record time. But when a tricky clue throws off your rhythm, frustration can set in - just like with Wordle and Connections. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with the latest solutions for Friday, July 12th. For instance, did you know that “ski” is the answer to “Bad thing to drop while riding a chairlift”? Or that “Joker” is Batman’s archenemy? And what about “uvula”, which a cartoon character might grab onto if they’re swallowed whole? With answers like these, The Mini is sure to keep you on your toes.