Google Assistant may soon be able to add your name to a restaurant’s waitlist

Google Duplex is an AI-powered natural language processing technology that aims to automate many things that generally require human interaction. For example, if you want to book an appointment at a saloon or reserve a spot at a diner, Duplex can do that for you by calling and speaking to the business on your behalf, all while sounding and conversing quite naturally. It’s integrated into Google Assistant on Android devices, and soon, it will be able to add your name to restaurant waitlists.

As spotted by VentureBeat, Google appears to be testing a new feature that allows users to add themselves to waitlists at restaurants using Google Assistant. The feature rolled out for one VentureBeat reporter who was searching for restaurants in Google Maps. In their Google Search results, they saw a “Request to Join Waitlist” button under some restaurant listings. When they tapped on the button, it opened up a window asking them to set their party size (i.e., number of people) and choose how long they were willing to wait “in case the restaurant has an open waitlist.”

Images via VentureBeat

Once they were done and hit “Continue,” Google Assistant pulled their name and phone number tied to their Google Account and called the restaurant to add them to the waitlist. Google Assistant sends text updates about whether it was able to secure a spot at the restaurant.

For now, this feature appears to be part of a limited A/B test and hasn’t rolled out widely. When VentureBeat reached out to Google for a comment, a Google spokesperson said “[W]e’re constantly experimenting with new features that use Duplex technology and do not have a timeline on when [or] if this specific capability will be available to the broader Google Assistant users.”

Since its debut in 2018, Google Duplex has made some great progress, gaining features like letting users book haircut appointments and even helping Chrome users fix compromised passwords. Google Duplex was initially limited to the US, but over time it has expanded its presence to multiple markets, including the UK, Canada, and Australia.

Screenshots courtesy: VentureBeat

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Samsung’s official Galaxy Z Flip 3 cases are designed for carrying without pockets

The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is almost upon us, as Samsung plans to show it off during the Unpacked event scheduled for August 11th. That doesn’t mean the phone is a complete mystery, though — we’ve seen leak after leak of the new Z Flip, to the point where there’s not much left to the imagination. In case you need more proof of the phone’s existence, renders have now appeared of Samsung’s official Galaxy Z Flip 3 cases.

The new renders (via 91mobiles) show off all the cases Samsung will sell for the Galaxy Z Flip 3. The leaked designs include a leather case, a silicone design with a ring at the top, and a silicone case with a smaller strap. The latter two options seem to indicate Samsung wants you to carry the Z Flip 3 on a bag or lanyard, instead of staying in your pocket.

Just like the cases for the last-gen Z Flip, the hinge section is left unprotected, so the phone can still open properly. There’s also a larger gap on the top section, since the Z Flip 3 will have a larger display on the rear cover than the previous model. Honestly, there’s not much surface area left protected at this point — these Galaxy Z Flip 3 cases will protect the phone from some bumps, but that’s about it.

The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is expected to be officially revealed on August 11th, and it’s rumored to feature a 6.7-inch 120Hz folding screen, dual rear cameras, and IPX8 water and dust resistance. Not much has been confirmed about the internal specifications yet, but it will likely have a Snapdragon 888 chipset.

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Best Chromebooks on Amazon: Samsung, ASUS, Acer, and more

Amazon has virtually everything you could want or need. If you’re looking for a new Chromebook, there’s a good chance you started shopping by opening Amazon. There are dozens of great options from Dell, Samsung, Acer, ASUS, and more. It can be difficult to pare down all those devices into a short list for serious consideration.

This buying guide lists our top choices for Chromebooks on Amazon at a variety of price points. If you already know your specific use-case, we also break down all of the top features for each device.

Navigate this article:

• Best overall: ASUS Flip C436
• Best style with durability: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go
• Best Google experience: Google Pixelbook Go
• Best for media consumption: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2
• Best for education: Lenovo Chromebook C340
• Best durability: Dell 11 3100 2-in-1
• Best with 3:2 display: Acer Spin 713
• Best 2-in-1 value: HP x360 14c

Best overall: ASUS Flip C436

As well as sleek looks, comfort and ergonomics are a priority with the ASUS Chromebook Flip C436. The precision-crafted chassis has a dual-tapered design, with the body and lid meeting to form a V-shaped edge that makes it easier to open the laptop. This model is fully configurable with up to a 10th gen Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. This Chromebook also features Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) pens, allowing you to take notes and draw with ease.

Two full-function reversible USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ports make it easy to charge your ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 or connect it to peripherals. Or if you’re looking for more on-screen space, hook it up to an external display with a compatible dock. For maximum convenience and compatibility, there’s also a microSD slot to makes it easy to add extra storage.

The four-sided NanoEdge display design gives the ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 an even smaller footprint than you’d expect, bringing you all the benefits of a 14-inch FHD display in a 13-inch chassis. Featuring a precision-engineered mechanism, the versatile 360^° ErgoLift hinge on the ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 has a silky-smooth action that holds the display securely at any angle.

This innovative hinge has a dual action that lifts and tilts the keyboard into the perfect typing position when the display is rotated into laptop mode. It also helps enhance the powerful audio, by creating extra space underneath the laptop. Despite the compact design for a 14″ laptop, the Flip C436 still features a full-sized keyboard and spacious trackpad.

ASUS Flip C436

For those that enjoy the 14 inch form-factor, this is the best Chromebook from ASUS. You get an impressively built chassis, all the specs you need and some nice extras like Harman Kardon speakers.

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Best style with durability: Samsung Chromebook Go

If you want a stylish Chromebook for under $300, Samsung has a compelling option on Amazon. The Galaxy Chromebook Go is a new entry in Samsung’s Chromebook lineup. Announced just a few weeks back, this 14″ Chromebook has a solid display and attractive white on black design. This Chromebook also passed Mil-STD-810G testing, making it a very durable choice for younger children. On the inside you get an Intel Celeron N4500 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB eMMc storage.

Samsung also included plenty of connectivity, with 1 USB3.2 port, 2USB-C ports, microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone/mic jack. If you care about portability, this Chromebook weighs just 3.2lbs making it fairly light for a 14″ device. Since this is a newer device, you’ll also get Chrome OS updates for a long time, making this a device students can use throughout their school years.

Galaxy Chromebook Go

Samsung recently announced the Galaxy Chromebook Go and it's a beautiful device. The white on black contrast makes this one of the best looking Chromebooks under $300. You also get a quality display and a newer Intel Celeron processor inside.

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Best Google experience: Pixelbook Go

When it comes to Chromebooks, Google knows them better than anyone else. After all, Google designed and maintains Chrome OS. If you’re in the market for new hardware, it makes sense to consider Google’s Pixelbook Go on the shortlist. Aside from Google’s intimate knowledge of the software, the Pixelbook Go has an impressive design and an amazing touchpad/keyboard combo. This is truly one of the best designed Chromebooks you’ll find from an ergonomic perspective.

Best Buy sells numerous models of their Pixelbook Go, with processors ranging from an Intel Core m3, up to a i7. You can also configure RAM and storage options put 16GB/512GB combos. The laptop is a few years old, so you’re getting internals that are a few generations old. In terms of real-world performance, that certainly doesn’t slow down the Pixelbook Go for productivity tasks and general computing. Combine the design and performance with impressive battery life and you have a lovely Chromebook experience designed by Google.

Pixelbook Go

Those that desire Google's vision for Chrome OS hardware should opt for the Pixelbook Go. There are numerous models to choose from with plenty of power on the more expensive SKUs. This well-designed Chromebook comes in black and pink.

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Best for media consumption: Galaxy Chromebook 2

The first Chromebook with a QLED display, this is the best option for users looking to make Chrome OS their go-to platform. The Galaxy Chromebook 2 continues the overall design of the original Galaxy Chromebook, but reduces some of the premium features to attain a more reasonable price. The most impressive feature here is definitely the display. Get awestruck by every image with the world’s first jaw-dropping QLED display on a Chromebook, which produces over 100% volume.

The processor options are not quite as high-end as the original Galaxy Chromebook, but the Intel Core i3 should do the job for most users. Storage on this device tops out at 128GB, but this is still ultra-fast SSD storage we’re talking about. You also retain 8GB of RAM, and get improved battery life. While the S-pen is still supported, it’s not bundled with the laptop so you’ll need to purchase it separately. This also means there’s no slot for storing the S-pen in the body of the Chromebook.

Overall, this is the best Samsung Chromebook for you if you can live with the removal of the 4K display and fingerprint sensor. The highly attractive price will sway most users to choose this 2nd-generation device.

Galaxy Chromebook 2

With the Galaxy Chromebook 2, Samsung removed a few premium features but also drastically reduced the price. As the first Chromebook with a QLED display, this machine still packs plenty of power and style for most users.

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Best for education: Lenovo Chromebook C340

This 11″ Chromebook is portable enough to move around the classroom, but durable enough to withstand a few bumps. The lightweight Chromebook C340 11″ boasts an ultraportable, 360° convertible design and all-day battery life. It’s just 2.65lbs / 1.2kg and takes up less space than a piece of printer paper, but Intel processing gives it power that defies its size. The laptop comes in two snazzy colors, Platinum Grey and Sand Pink.

Inside you’ll find an Intel Celeron N4000 Processor (1.10 GHz, up to 2.60 GHz with Turbo Boost, 2 Cores, 2 Threads, 4 MB Cache),4 GB LPDDR4 2400MHz (Soldered) RAM, and 64 GB eMMC storage. It’s also easy to connect to other devices, thanks to its two ultrafast USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 ports, two USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 ports, and audio jack. Built-in 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 make connecting wirelessly at school a breeze. With a great assortment of connectivity options and an attractive price, this is one Lenovo’s best Chromebook offerings.

Lenovo Chromebook C340

Unlike most compact Chromebooks, the C340 Chromebook comes in a refined silver finish that offers a premium feel. In addition to working in the classroom, it’s also a great work from home pick, with a 720p webcam and two 2W speakers.

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Best durability: Chromebook 11 3100 2-in-1

If you want a 2-in-1 Chromebook from Dell at a low price, consider the 3100 series 2-in-1 model. Inside you’ll find the Intel Celeron N4020 (Dual Core, up to 2.8GHz, 4M Cache, 6W processor To round out the specs, you get 4 GB, LPDDR4X RAM and 16 or 32 GB of flash storage, depending on the options chosen. The display features a 11.6″ HD 1366 x 768 WVA 16:9 Touch with Corning® Gorilla® Glass NBT, making this a durable and portable machine.

In terms of connectivity, you get Intel Dual Band Wireless AC 9560 (802.11ac) 2×2 + Bluetooth 5.0. Ports include 2 USB Type-C, 2 USB 3,1 Gen 1, and a Micro SD memory card along with a headphone/microphone combo jack. This 2-in-1 has plenty of options and enough battery life to get through the day.

Chromebook 11 3100 2-in-1

If you need a compact 2-in-1 Chromebook, Dell has an excellent option in the Chromebook 11 3100 2-in-1. Durability and long battery life make this a solid daily driver Chromebook.

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Best with 3:2 display: Acer Chromebook Spin 713

Every Chromebook manufacturer has a hero device — for Acer that device is the Chromebook Spin 713. Inside you’ll find the impressive Intel Core i7-10510U processor Quad-core at 1.80 GH. Along with this powerful processor, the Spin 713 also packs 16 GB, DDR4 SDRAM and a 128 GB SSD for storage. In terms of display, you get a 13.5″ 2K (2256 x 1504) 3:2 IPS Touchscreen panel with excellent maximum brightness and clean viewing angles. The display is also protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass, as is the trackpad. With its 360-degree convertible modes, you can work in space-limited environments such as in-flight or on the train, while also easily making presentations or sharing your screen in convenient and collaborative ways.

If you need to stay connected on the go, this Chromebook comes with an insane number of functional features including Wi-Fi 6, a backlit keyboard, a built-in HDMI port, as well as dual USB Type-C ports to deal with productivity needs. Battery life is excellent for a high-performance Chromebook, over 10 hours of usage on average. On top of all of this, you can also run Chrome Enterprise seamlessly out of the box, making this an appealing option for business customers. All of these features are packed in a beautifully designed metal chassis that makes this the best overall Acer Chromebook.

Acer Chromebook Spin 713

Acer's Spin 713 is an ultra-premium Chromebook from top to bottom. With good looks and verified MIL-STD-810G military-grade durability, this is an impressive machine. Top of the line specs and a convenient 2-in-1 design give you the power and portability to work anywhere.

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Best 2-in-1 value: HP x360 14c

Perhaps you’re looking for a powerful 2-in-1 Chromebook, but without the high price tag of the flagship HP Elite c1030? The x360 14c still features an excellent 14″ diagonal, FHD (1920 x 1080) display with a maximum brightness of 250 nits. Several of the bells and whistles are also present, with a seamless metal cover, keyboard deck and audio tuned by Bang & Olufsen. The fingerprint sensor is not included on the x360 14c.

Inside you’ll still find a 10th Generation Intel Core i3 processor, with 8 GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM, but with a reduced (from the c1030) 64GB eMMc storage capacity. Enjoy a smoother wireless experience with the Wi-Fi 6 (2×2) and Bluetooth 5.0 combo. The x360 features the same ports as the c1030, and also includes fast charging capability with HP advertising 90% charge in 90 minutes. At just over three and a half pounds, the x360 14c is a bit heavier but not uncomfortable to carry in a backpack. Indeed, this is one of the best HP Chromebooks you can buy overall.

The most important aspect here is price — at under $600, the x360 14c is nearly half the price of the c1030. This is the machine for you if you need top performance, but aren’t yet ready to spend $1,000 on a Chromebook.

HP x360

The HP x360 delivers a premium 2-in-1 Chromebook experience at a lower price point than the c1030. You still get a beautiful display, plenty of RAM, and fast-charging capability out of the box.

View at Amazon

That wraps up our list of the best Chromebooks available at Amazon. With so many options, you can easily find the device for you. Those that enjoy the elusive 3:2 display on a Chromebook will love the Acer Spin 713. It’s a premium Chromebook that’s great for power users and developers. If you’re looking for the best pure Google experience, check out all available models of the Pixelbook Go.

Regardless of your preference, Amazon has a selection of great deals you can take advantage of to get the best Chromebook for you.

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The first Windows 11 preview is now available to Beta channel testers

It’s been just over a month since Microsoft announced Windows 11. While Windows Insiders on the Dev channel were able to start testing it the next week, those on the Beta channel were told that they’d get Windows 11 some time in July. Now, the first build is available. It’s build 22000.100, the most recent build from the Dev channel.

Typically, the Dev channel isn’t tied to a specific release. It usually gets prerelease builds, and then when an RTM is ready, it gets split off into the Beta channel, which is tied to a specific release. It’s a bit different with Windows 11, since we’re all sort of testing out the same thing. The new channel system seems to be working more like the old Fast and Slow ring system.

There’s a lot that’s new in Windows 11, and if you’re on the Beta channel, you’re going to have a lot to play around with today. First of all, and most obviously, it has a whole new design. You’ll notice a centered taskbar with a flattened Windows logo, and it has an all-new, centered Start Menu. You’ll also notice that the Start Menu replaces Live Tiles with icons.

That’s not all though, or even close to everything. Clicking on the time and date will bring up the calendar and notification center, all of which are redesigned. Clicking on the network icon brings up Quick Settings, which are separate from the old Action Center. Also in the taskbar, you’ll find widgets – a sort of rebranded News and Interests that does more. And of course, all of this is surrounded by rounded corners, rather than the sharp corners we’ve seen in Windows for the last decade or so.

There’s also an all-new Microsoft Store. Not only is it redesigned, but it lowers the barrier for entry. Apps no longer have to be packaged for the Store, and they don’t even need to use Microsoft’s commerce system. Coming soon, and not included in today’s build, is the Amazon Appstore and Android app support.

In order to get your hands on Windows 11 in the Beta channel, you’ll need to have a supported PC. The system requirements were raised significantly for Windows 11, so you’ll need a PC that came out within the past few years. While minimum RAM and storage have doubled to 4GB and 64GB, respectively, the bigger thing holding people back is the CPU requirements. As of right now, you need AMD Zen 2, Intel eighth-gen, or Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 or newer. Microsoft is considering AMD Zen and Intel seventh-gen, but that decision won’t be made in time for you to enroll in the Beta channel.

You’ll also want to double-check your channel settings by going to Settings -> Update & security -> Windows Insider Program. If you’re new, click on ‘Get started’, and follow the instructions, choosing the Beta channel. If you were previously on the Beta channel, you might not be anymore if your PC doesn’t meet the new requirements. If that’s the case, then you can’t install Windows 11 without significant workarounds.

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These are the best Apple products for students: MacBook, iPad, AirTag and more

Apple has managed to establish a solid portfolio of devices for all sorts of users, be it working professionals, artists, and content creators. It’s back-to-school season, which means it’s a great time to invest in a new device especially if you’re a student who prefers Apple’s ecosystem. From laptops to tablets, here are some of the best Apple products for students.

Navigate this guide

• Best budget laptop: Apple MacBook Air
• Best budget tablet: Apple iPad 10.2-inch
• Best wireless earphones: Apple AirPods
• Best performance tablet: Apple iPad Pro M1
• Best laptop for power users: Apple MacBook Pro 16
• Best tracking device: Apple AirTag
• Best AiO desktop: Apple 24-inch iMac M1

Best budget laptop: Apple MacBook Air

The MacBook Air has been the choice of many, thanks to its fairly low price point compared to other products under the Mac lineup. With the latest model making use of the M1 Silicon chipset, it’s now more powerful than ever, while at the same time, very efficient. You can get it with an 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU, 8GB RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage for $999 or an 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 8GB RAM, and 512GB storage for $1,249.

Apple is also running an offer for university students where, if you purchase a Mac or iPad, you can get a free pair of AirPods.

Apple MacBook Air M1

The new MacBook Air offers the same design as the Intel model but comes with the company's own ARM-based M1 chipset based on the 5nm process.

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Best budget tablet: Apple iPad 10.2-inch

Tablets have become a great tool for the education sector as they’re more portable and lighter than laptops and offer plenty of performance for students. Apple’s entry-level iPad is recommended for all age groups. With the latest model offering support for the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, the tablet is way more productive than ever.

The 2020 iPad comes with a 10.2-inch display, A12 Bionic chipset, and the option of either 32GB or 128GB of storage with or without cellular 4G connectivity. As mentioned before, if you’re a university student and happen to buy a Mac or iPad, you can get yourself a pair of AirPods for free.

Apple iPad 10.2

The entry-level iPad comes with support for the 1st-gen Apple Pencil and keyboard support, thus making it a recommended affordable productivity tablet.

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Apple Smart Keyboard

The Smart Keyboard for the iPad enhances your productivity, allowing you to quickly type on the tablet. Best of all, it connects easily without the need for pairing or charging, so it’s always ready to go.

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Best wireless earphones: Apple AirPods

Having a pair of AirPods makes things quite convenient and should definitely be on your list of back-to-school items. Not only are they useful while attending online classes and tutorials, but they are also a great companion when you want to listen to music or catch up on the latest shows online without disturbing your peers. They are quite handy to use and can be paired easily with almost any device using Bluetooth.

Apple AirPods

The Apple AirPods are easily one of the best true wireless earphones and a great gadget for students to attend video classes.

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Best performance tablet: Apple iPad Pro M1

Apple’s latest iPad Pro is packed with the new M1 Silicon chipset, the same chipset powering the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and the new 24-inch Mac. Essentially it’s the most powerful tablet on the market today. Pair it with the new Magic Keyboard, and you have a tablet that can match the productivity and practicality of a full-fledged laptop. The tablet also supports the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil, making taking notes a lot easier and an excellent canvas for art students.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch

The new iPad Pro 11 features Apple's new M1 chipset along with support for 5G, up to 2TB of storage and a Thunderbolt 4 port.

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Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch

The new 12.9-inch iPad Pro comes with a mini-LED equipped display along with the with the ARM-based M1 chipset with up to 2TB of storage, 5G and Thunderbolt support.

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Apple Magic Keyboard

The Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro features a floating design, an extra USB-C port for charging, a touchpad and tactile keys that offer a great typing experience.

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Apple Magic Keyboard

The new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro offers full-size backlit keys with a responsive touchpad, and connects to the iPad wirelessly.

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Best laptop for power users: Apple MacBook Pro 16

The MacBook Pro 16 is a recommended laptop for students looking for a powerful machine that can handle heavy tasks without working up a sweat. It can be configured with up to a 9th-gen Intel Core i9 processor that comes with 8-cores and a boost clock speed of up to 5GHz, up to 8TB of storage, 64GB of memory, and AMD Radeon Pro 5500M graphics with 8GB of GDDR6.

Essentially, this is the most powerful MacBook you can get today and should serve well for students who are into content creation.

Apple MacBook Pro 16

The MacBook Pro 16 continues to be one of the most powerful notebooks from Apple featuring up to an Intel Core i9 processor, a large 16-inch display, TouchBar, and top of the line hardware configuration options.

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Best tracking device: Apple AirTag

A convenient way to keep track of your things, you can attach an AirTag to stuff you’re most likely to misplace, like keys, a wallet, or just throw one in your backpack. Using the Find My app, you can quickly locate them without having to turn your house upside down. The tracker can play a sound on the built-in speaker making it easier to hunt for lost items.

Additionally, the geolocation feature lets you locate your item on a map as the tracker sends out a secure Bluetooth signal that can be detected by nearby Apple devices in the Find My network. These devices send the location of your AirTag to iCloud.

Apple AirTag

The Apple AirTag is a wireless tracker that can be attached to important items allowing you to locate them in case they go missing.

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Best AiO desktop: Apple 24-inch iMac M1

The new 24-inch iMac is an excellent AiO desktop PC for students. With the ability to log into different profiles using Touch ID, the entire family can also use the iMac without worrying about privacy. It’s powered by the Apple M1 Silicon and comes in seven color options available in this sleek and refreshing design. The new iMac also comes with a 4.5K Retina display, a six-speaker system supporting Dolby Atmos, an advanced 1080p camera for doing video calls, and a starting price of $1,299.

Apple iMac M1

The new 24-inch iMac comes with a brand new sleek design powered by the ARM-based M1 Silicon chipset, a 4.5K Retina display, improved 1080p camera, upgraded audio features, and a lot more.

Buy at Amazon

These are some of the best Apple products for students. Apple also has special discounts and offers for students on its official website, so make sure you check them out as well. We expect new MacBook models and a smaller iPad to launch later this year, so we will be updating this list. We also have dedicated lists of the best Macs and a roundup of the best iPads you can buy today.

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OnePlus grew rapidly in the U.S. thanks to its budget phones for T-Mobile

OnePlus garnered a lot of attention from power users in its early years for selling flagship-tier devices at a lower price than established brands like Apple and Samsung. As years went by, the prices of OnePlus flagships crept up in price to the point where their devices were no longer “flagship-killers” but just “flagships.” The company realized it would be difficult to stay competitive with only its biannual flagship phone launches, so they expanded their product line to include budget and mid-range phones under a new “Nord” brand. Fans were skeptical of this pivot, but data shows the move was a huge success for the brand, and according to Counterpoint Research, it’s led them to impressive growth in the United States.

According to the market research firm, OnePlus experienced an over 400% growth in year-on-year sales in the U.S. during the first half of 2021. Without exact sales figures, it’s difficult to determine how impressive this growth really is, but it’s clear that OnePlus has a winning strategy right now.

The growth of OnePlus in the U.S. smartphone market follows the exodus of LG from the smartphone space. Other brands that experienced a decline in H1 2021 YoY sales include Google and ZTE, the latter of which declined the most. Samsung, Nokia/HMD Global, Apple, and Motorola all saw some growth in the U.S., though their growth was much lower relative to OnePlus. Again, without exact sales figures, it’s difficult to gauge how successful OnePlus truly is compared to these other brands, but they’re on an impressive upward trajectory nonetheless.

The report from Counterpoint Research specifically credits OnePlus’ growth in the U.S. to the introduction of multiple budget phones, including the OnePlus Nord N100 and N10 5G. “With the introduction of the N100 and N10 5G in January, OnePlus quickly gained market share in Metro by T-Mobile.”, said Senior Research Analyst Maurice Klaehne. “Besides, it continues to push its premium device presence at T-Mobile with the latest OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro. OnePlus further expanded its presence in Q2 due to LG’s exit from the smartphone market while the N100 has been one of the top selling smartphones within Metro for months.”

T-Mobile has also swapped its high volume 5G device from the Samsung Galaxy A52 to the OnePlus N200, which is one of the most affordable 5G smartphones available in the U.S. market. OnePlus is filling a void left by LG and also capitalizing on the inability of manufacturers like Samsung to meet the demand from carriers for cheap, 5G-enabled smartphones. OnePlus can meet the demand, making it an appealing option for carriers such as T-Mobile to push to consumers.

As we mentioned before, other smartphone manufacturers did not grow nearly as much as OnePlus did. Strong growth was seen from Motorola, and that can be attributed to the company focusing on affordable budget and mid-range 5G phones such as the Moto One 5G Ace. Apple’s iPhone 12 series has proven highly successful, showing that there’s still some room for growth in the premium smartphone space in the U.S. Google’s upcoming Pixel 6 series seems to be focused on that segment, but it remains to be seen if it’ll successfully compete with Samsung or Apple’s flagships.

The U.S. smartphone market is changing slowly but surely, and it’s likely that with the continued success of the Nord series, we may see OnePlus focus more and more on budget phones in the future.

Featured image: OnePlus Nord N200

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