"Now we're introducing the option for our global community to create longer videos – paving the way for even richer storytelling and entertainment on TikTok."
What you need to know
TikTok videos are getting longer.
The company has announced it will let users upload and edit three-minute videos in the app.
The new feature will be rolling out to all users over the next few weeks.
TikTok has today announced it is rolling out the option to make longer videos in TikTok, up to three minutes in length.
There's so much that can happen in a TikTok minute, from crowdsourced musicals and sea shanty singalongs to feta pasta recipes, roller skating revivals, and more. Now we're introducing the option for our global community to create longer videos – paving the way for even richer storytelling and entertainment on TikTok.
TikTok confirms that some users have already had access to creating longer videos on Tiktok, and says that many have enjoyed making longer-form content:
Some of you might have come across a longer video on TikTok already – we've been letting creators around the world experiment with the expanded format. Creators are already well-versed in weaving multi-part stories together on TikTok (we all know the phrase, "like and follow for part 3") but we often hear from creators that they'd love just a little more time to bring their cooking demos, elaborate beauty tutorials, educational lesson plans, and comedic sketches to life with TikTok's creative tools. With longer videos, creators will have the canvas to create new or expanded types of content on TikTok, with the flexibility of a bit more space.
TikTok says that "over the coming weeks" it will roll out the option to film, upload, and edit videos of up to three minutes directly in the app. Users will be notified when they have access to the feature.
Razer's Opus X is an affordable ANC headset for your iPhone.
As more people continue to work remotely from home, having a good pair of noise-canceling headphones is more important than ever. The market for these is certainly crowded, though, so it may be hard to find the one that's right for you.
Razer is a brand that is well-known for its plethora of gaming peripherals with RGB lighting and computers, including headphones and headsets. The latest product from Razer is the Opus X Wireless Headphones, which is just a more affordable version of last year's Razer Opus headset, with a few compromises, of course.
I was a big fan of the original Opus headphones, so I wondered how the Opus X would stack up. If you want an affordable but comfortable pair of headphones for your mobile lifestyle in some bold colors, then the Razer Opus X is a good fit.
Razer Opus X
Bottom line: Razer Opus X is a more affordable version of the Opus headphones with a few compromises. Thanks to the low-latency gaming mode and Active Noise Cancelation, it's great for listening to music, podcasts, and gaming on your iPhone.
The Good
Comfortable to wear for extended periods of time
Has Active Noise Cancelation with Quick Attention Mode
The Razer Opus X is currently available on Amazon and directly from Razer's online store. While Best Buy normally carries Razer products, it doesn't appear that the Opus X (or original Opus) are available there yet. You can get a pair of Opus X headphones for $100.
Opus X comes in three colors: Mercury (white), Quartz (pink), and the signature Razer Green that the brand is known for. The Razer Green color specifically is a Razer.com exclusive until July 11, 2021, when it will also be available to purchase on Amazon.
Razer Opus X: Affordable ANC headphones with Razer style
Even though I have a pair of AirPods Max, I still like to expand my ever-growing headphone collection with more (affordable) options. Razer is one of those brands that I trust for cool gaming gear, but I enjoy the mobile lifestyle products they have released lately, like the Opus and Kraken BT Kitty Edition. When I saw that they were releasing another wireless pair of headphones, I had to check it out.
Razer Opus X is a lightweight pair of headphones comfortable enough to wear for hours on end.
The Opus X body is made of plastic, with the top of the headband being leather, so it is fairly lightweight at only 270 grams. The circumaural ear cups are made with protein leather and nylon materials, so they're comfortable, even hours at a time. If you're worried about fit, the headband is adjustable with nine different notches, so no matter how small or large your head is, the Opus X should have you covered. I've been able to wear the Opus X headphones for a full day of work without much discomfort, and this is also with glasses all day long.
While the original Opus was designed for audiophiles with the THX certification and $200 price tag, the Opus X is aimed more at mobile gamers and those who just want ANC for less. With the 40mm drivers in the Opus X, you get good sound quality, all things considered. Of course, if you have the original Opus, you definitely will notice that the Opus X does not have the same level of fidelity, dynamic range, and depth of sound, but it doesn't sound bad for a pair of $100 headphones.
It also has two microphones for the active noise cancellation technology and another two for voice chat. For what it's worth, the microphones on the Opus X are pretty good, but you should always go for one of the best USB microphones for things like video calls or streaming.
While you don't get the audiophile-level sound quality of the original Opus, the Opus X still sounds great and has ANC with Quick Attention Mode.
On the original Opus, the physical buttons were split up between the two ear cups. The Opus X puts all of the button controls on the bottom of the right ear cup, which simplifies things, but it may be an adjustment if you're coming from the original. You have the standard power button, volume up and down, and the multifunction button in-between the volume buttons.
One of the big features of the Opus X is the Active Noise Cancelation (ANC), and it works quite well, even if it is feedforward and not hybrid like the regular Opus. The moment I put the headphones on, I noticed most outside noise was blocked out immediately. It's not AirPods Max level of ANC, but it's still very good for the $100 range. The power button doubles as the switch for turning ANC on and off and accessing Quick Attention Mode. With QAM on, the Opus X filters in outside noise so you can hear what is going on around you, which is useful in several scenarios.
The low-latency Gaming Mode is a new feature with the Opus X that isn't on the original Opus. You can toggle this by holding down the multifunction button for five seconds and repeating this to return to "normal" mode. While Gaming Mode is on, you get better wireless performance because of the 60ms low latency connection. If you experience audio dropping out or skipping, Razer recommends keeping the headphones close to your audio source (two feet or 60 centimeters) while in Gaming Mode and then return to Normal Mode while not gaming.
A new feature in the Opus X is the low-latency Gaming Mode, which optimizes the headset's wireless performance.
Since the Opus X is purely wireless with a Bluetooth 5.0 connection, the headphones have no 3.5mm audio jack. It charges up via USB-C, and you get about 30 hours with ANC or 40 hours without ANC on a single charge. The Opus X automatically turns off after five minutes of idle activity to conserve battery life. You get a USB-C cable in the box that matches the color of headphones you choose, which I personally love.
If you were never a big fan of Razer products because of obnoxious RGB lighting, good news! The Opus X, just like the original Opus, does not feature any RGB lighting whatsoever. It's definitely more in line with a mobile lifestyle product and doesn't scream, "Hey, look at me; I'm a gamer!" — though this may not be the case if you opt for the Quartz Pink or Razer Green color options.
The default settings for the Opus X work quite well, but you can also download the Razer Audio app and customize the EQ, as well as toggle Gaming Mode and ANC.
Customize and control your various Razer wireless audio products in this app.
Razer Opus X: It's designed for wireless only
Since the Opus X is considered one of Razer's mobile lifestyle products, it only works wirelessly through Bluetooth, and there is no 3.5mm audio jack option. It's a little disappointing, considering that the original Opus has support for an audio jack, but the Opus X does not. This was also the case for the Kraken BT Kitty Edition, though I suppose that's Razer's push to sell more of the regular (non-wireless) Kraken headsets.
Opus X is designed for the mobile lifestyle, so there is no 3.5mm audio jack.
While the Opus X has rotating ear cups that let you wear it around your neck when not in use, the headband does not fold, making it not so portable. There is also no carrying case to store them in, so if you plan to travel with them, you'll need to have them around your neck or look for a third-party case that's compatible. Or, you know, just throw it in your bag and hope it doesn't get dinged up.
One of the nicer features of the original Opus was that it would automatically pause your audio when you remove them from your ears and play when you put them back on. Opus X lacks this feature, understandably due to the price point, but it's still a nice feature that would have made things more convenient.
Razer Opus X: Competition
While the Opus X is a good, affordable pair of headphones with ANC, there is always the original Opus if you like the style but want more. It's Razer's version of high-end ANC headphones like Sony WH-1000XM4s, but at a more reasonable price. The Opus also has THX-certified high-fidelity audio with auto-pause/play, a 3.5mm audio jack, carrying case, and improved hybrid ANC.
If you like Razer for its RGB lighting and you like cat ears, then the Kraken BT Kitty Edition may be a better option. It's also wireless but lacks ANC. However, it has light-up cat ears and also sounds good for the price.
Razer Opus X: Should you buy it?
You should buy this if ...
You want affordable headphones with ANC
You like Razer's style and color options
You prefer lightweight and comfortable headphones
You shouldn't buy this if...
You want high fidelity audio
You need a carrying case and portability
You don't like Razer
While most of Razer's products scream "I'm a gamer!" the Opus X isn't particularly one of them. It's a lightweight and comfortable pair of wireless headphones that sounds good with great ANC at an affordable price. You can easily switch between ANC and Quick Attention Mode with a few button presses, and Gaming Mode means improved wireless performance. The Razer branding on it is subtle, and there is no RGB lighting. The free app provides extra customization with the EQ modes if needed.
4out of 5
For $100, the Razer Opus X is a good pair of headphones that is half the cost of the original Opus. But do keep in mind that it makes some compromises to be half the price: no THX-certified audio, no 3.5mm audio jack, no carrying case, and no auto-pause/play. At least you get the low-latency Gaming Mode, which is not on the original Opus, so it's kind of a tradeoff.
Razer Opus X
Bottom line: Opus X is an affordable headset that sounds good with great ANC, Quick Attention Mode, and low-latency Gaming Mode. It's comfortable enough to wear all day with 30 hours of battery.
Readle has announced shared mailboxes for Spark Teams.
The feature is available in the Mac app now with iPhone and iPad updates coming.
The idea is to stop email from falling through the cracks.
Readdle has today announced that users of its Spark Teams service can now access shared mailboxes for the first time, allowing multiple people to access the same email without any clunky workarounds.
The update, which is available for Mac now with iPhone and iPad versions coming soon, works with Gmail and Google Workspace accounts.
Today we're introducing Shared Inboxes in Spark — an invaluable new feature that enables multiple team members to simultaneously access common email accounts (like sales@ or info@) & enhance collaboration by assigning emails, setting deadlines, discussing emails internally and even drafting emails together in real time.
Spark is already one of the best email apps for iPhone and this update is just going to make that more apparent. Users will be able to assign emails to each other, set deadlines, and track progress. They'll even be able to discuss emails internally without the need for other apps like Slack or Teams.
You will however need to be a Spark Teams user to take advantage of this, with a subscription costing $7.99 per user/month or $6.40 per user/month billed annually. You can learn more about Sparks Teams over on the Spark website, too.
Spark is my email app of choice and it's long been one of the best iPhone apps for those who want to be able to manage multiple mailboxes and take advantage of advanced features. Today's announcement builds on that and it's very much beyond the scope of what Apple's Mail app can offer.
China's smartphone sales rebounded during the mid-year 618 (June 18) shopping festival, rising 7% YoY according to Counterpoint data. The increase came after the world's biggest smartphone market posted two consecutive monthly YoY declines. However, the market is still left with a mixed picture for the year-end outlook.
Leaders in the event were Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi, with Apple taking fourth place and a 14% market share:
This is Apple's second year of participation in the shopping festival. The company's sales increased 16% YoY during this edition, taking it to the fourth spot driven by strong promotion activities. The iPhone12, for instance, was being offered by China's major online retailers at discounts of more than RMB1000 ($155).
Big discounts of $155 on the iPhone 12 saw Apple's sales increase by 16% year on year, in what is only the company's second year taking part in the event.
In May it was reported that Apple was enjoying brisk iPhone sales in China, selling some 2.7 million phones in April. Despite this, recent reports indicate the iPhone 12 is not reaching the levels of sales the iPhone X saw with its launch in the country. Apple is expected to unveil a new iPhone 13 (more likely a 12S) later this year, featuring a 120Hz display, under-display Touch ID, and a new A15 processor.
Even getting ahold of a set of AirPods Max has been a real struggle since their release, never mind snagging a discount on a pair, though supply seems to be catching up with demand a little more these days.
Despite regular AirPods deals being quite common, AirPods Max deals have been less forthcoming given how demand so quickly outstripped supply when they first launched with retailers scrambling to keep up. The supply and demand equation seems to have mostly settled now so we're keeping tabs on all of the best offers below.
AirPods Max | $59 off
AirPods Max have been pretty hard to find since their release, though supply seems to be catching up with demand now and the discounts have started. Order at Amazon soon and you can save as much as $59. This is just a dollar shy of their biggest discount to date.
Best Buy is matching Amazon's $59 direct discount on AirPods Max right now and it is bundling in six months of Apple Music (worth $60) with the headphones. If you're yet to try out Apple Music, this is the deal to go for.
Target RedCard holders can save 5% on basically everything at Target, including AirPods Max meaning you can take close to $30 off their usual price. It's free to sign up for a RedCard so it's kind of a no-brainer if you shop there regularly anyway.
We're starting to see the first refurb offers for AirPods Max coming through now they have been on the market for a little while. Go for a set of renewed headphones at Amazon and save close to $85 versus their price brand new.
If you've read our AirPods Max review and have been waiting patiently to find AirPods Max in stock near you, you're in luck as they are starting to become more available at both Apple and third-party retailers. As supply improves, so will the promotions so keep your eyes on the below list in the coming weeks.
Best AirPods Max Deals
AirPods Max combine high-fidelity audio with Active Noise Cancellation. Each part of their custom-built driver works to produce sound with ultra-low distortion across the audible range. From deep, rich bass to accurate mids and crisp, clean highs, you'll hear every note with a new sense of clarity.
They feature an Apple H1 headphone chip in each ear cup for instant pairing and device switching, "Hey, Siri" support, and better power management. The headphones also include a bunch of sensors to detect when you're wearing them, the positioning of your head, and any movement for spatial audio, and they also detect when they go into the included case so they can power down.
With a premium audio experience comes a steep price tag, but the below list will be updated with any discounts as they crop up.
AirPods Max Price Tracking
Since AirPods Max are so new and supply has been so scarce since their release, the deals haven't been plentiful. However, now that the premium cans have become more readily available in recent weeks, we have seen some retailers start to incentivize buyers once again.
Best Buy has a great offer whereby you get six months of Apple Music for free with the purchase — the perfect pairing with the new headphones. The best direct discount has been at Amazon at $489 which is $60 off and, as always, Target buyers can save 5% with a RedCard which works out at close to $30 off AirPods Max.
Refurbished deals are also now starting to appear which offer another way to save.
Apple has extended its partnership with (RED) through the end of this year.
100% of eligible proceeds donated to the Global Fund's COVID-19 Response.
The work continues.
Apple has today extended its partnership with (RED) to allow 100% of eligible proceeds to be donated to the Global Fund's COVID-19 Response. The program was originally supposed to come to an end on June 30, reverting to HIV/AIDS programs.
Apple has had a partnership with (RED) for 14 years now, selling special (Product)RED versions of its products and donating funds.
For 14 years, our partnership with (RED) has led to almost $250 million in donations to fund HIV/AIDS treatment programs. Now through December 30, Apple is working with (RED) to redirect 100 percent of eligible proceeds from (PRODUCT)RED purchases to the Global Fund's COVID‑19 Response. This will provide critical support to health systems most threatened by the outbreak and, in turn, help preserve lifesaving HIV/AIDS programs in sub-Saharan Africa.
Apple first announced that it was redirecting funds to help fight COVID-19 in April 2020 but the project has been extended to allow it to help as many people as possible.
Apple sells (PRODUCT) RED versions of its iPhones, Apple Watches, accessories, and more. You can find more details about the program, and buy related products, on Apple's website. The red Apple Watch Braided Sport Loop is particularly fetching. As is the iPhone 12 of the same color. In fact, I'd argue that's the best iPhone color you can buy and I wish Apple offered it in the Pro lineup!
All Macs available today have Thunderbolt ports available for use. Thunderbolt connections are one of the fastest ways to transfer data. If you are using a Thunderbolt drive, your data will transfer to and from your drive with amazingly fast speeds. Let's find out which are the best Thunderbolt drives for Mac.
Thunderbolt and shock resistant
SAMSUNG X5 Portable SSD 500GB
Staff Pick
If you are looking for Thunderbolt-powered external storage, look no further than the Samsung X5 Portable SSD. With read speeds of 2,800 MB/sec and write speeds of 2,300 MB/sec, your data transfers at lightning speed. This SSD features a full metal body and is shock-resistant. It's available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB sizes.
The Plugable Thunderbolt 3 drive has read speeds of 2,400 MB/sec and 1,800 MB/sec write speeds. It contains a full metal body and weighs only 6.2oz. It includes a carrying bag to protect the body of the drive when traveling. You can purchase it in 512MB, 1TB, or 2TB sizes.
The G-Technology G-Drive is a Thunderbolt desktop drive that you would buy if you need a large capacity drive. It's a 7200 rpm spinning drive, so it won't be nearly as fast as an SSD, but this is worth a look for professionals who need storage.
LaCie 1TB Rugged SSD Pro External Drive with Thunderbolt 3
The LaCie Thunderbolt SSD is an external drive for anyone who needs a rugged drive for working in the field. This SSD is IP67 water-resistant, has three-meter drop resistance, and two-ton pressure resistance. If you are working in tough terrain, this is the drive for you.
The Sabrent drive will automatically detect your Thunderbolt connection with read and write speeds of 2,700 MB/sec, so this drive is super fast. It's made of solid aluminum and has an integrated temperature and health monitoring system.
Glyph Technologies 8TB Atom Pro NVMe Thunderbolt 3 External Solid-State Drive
This is a drive strictly for professionals who need speed and storage with no regard to price. The drive has super fast transfer speeds and 8TB of solid-state storage, so if you need to store a lot of 4K video or RAW photos, this may be the drive to buy.
Using the Thunderbolt connection on your Mac will allow you to transfer data at lightning speeds. If you want fast read and write speeds with the drive you purchase, make sure the drive specifically has a Thunderbolt connection.
For most people looking to have fast speed and storage with a degree of protection for their data, the Samsung X5 is the best choice. This is a drive for the masses with fast read and write speeds, a reasonable starting price, and a shock-resistant body.
The LaCie 1TB Rugged SSD is a great choice for people working in the field and need a water-resistant and drop-resistant solution. For video professionals who need a combination of storage and speed to transfer large video files quickly, the Glyph Technologies 8TB drive is worth a look. Just be prepared to pay a premium for it.
