OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) monitors offer a superior visual experience due to their self-emissive pixels, which produce light individually. This technology allows for incredibly deep blacks and a high contrast ratio, as each pixel can be turned off completely when displaying black, unlike traditional LCDs that rely on a backlight. Additionally, OLED monitors provide vibrant and accurate colors, wider viewing angles, and faster response times, making them ideal for gaming, graphic design, and high-definition media consumption.
Despite being more expensive than their LCD counterparts, the enhanced image quality and immersive viewing experience make OLED monitors a compelling choice for users seeking the best display performance. Notably, some OLED TVs are doubling as monitor alternatives, and they come equipped with compatible software features like AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync.
Here are five compelling reasons to consider buying an OLED monitor:
Superior picture quality: OLED monitors deliver exceptional picture quality with vibrant colors and deep blacks. Each pixel emits its own light, allowing for true black levels by turning off individual pixels. This results in a higher contrast ratio and more vivid, lifelike images compared to traditional LCD monitors.
Wide viewing angles: OLED technology offers wide viewing angles without color distortion or loss of brightness. This means you can view the screen from almost any angle and still enjoy consistent color accuracy and image quality, making it ideal for collaborative work or entertainment.
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Faster Response Times: OLED monitors typically have much faster response times than LCDs, reducing motion blur and ghosting in fast-moving scenes. This is particularly beneficial for gamers and professionals who work with high-speed video content, ensuring smooth and clear visuals.
Energy efficiency: OLED monitors are more energy-efficient because they don’t require a backlight. Each pixel lights up individually, consuming power only when needed. This not only saves energy but also reduces heat output, contributing to a cooler and more comfortable workspace.
Slim and lightweight design: The absence of a backlight allows OLED monitors to be incredibly slim and lightweight. This sleek design not only looks modern and stylish but also saves desk space and is easier to mount or move around, enhancing the overall user experience.
If you are planning to buy a new monitor, now is a good time to invest in an OLED. Here’s a look at some of the best ones that you can buy today.
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Zeke Jones / Digital Trends
Alienware 32 QD-OLED
The best OLED gaming monitor
Pros
Fantastic HDR gaming
Incredible out-of-box color accuracy
Excellent console monitor
High resolution, fast refresh rate
Three-year warranty is great
Fairly affordable
Cons
Thick, plastic back
No speakers
Why you should buy this: A premium OLED gaming monitor that justifies its high price point.
Who’s it for: Gamers, developers and content creators who need a bright and color accurate monitor.
Why we chose the Alienware 32 QD-OLED:
The Dell Alienware 34-inch QD-OLED monitor was considered to be one of the best ultrawide gaming monitors on the market, but now we have a new 32-inch version, which is even better. Featuring the latest 32-inch 4K OLED display with an exceptional 240Hz refresh rate from Samsung, the monitor combines cutting-edge resolution with high-speed performance, making it a top choice for gaming enthusiasts. The QD-OLED panel brings OLED’s renowned benefits of deep black levels, high contrast, and remarkable color accuracy to a monitor size, challenging the dominance of larger OLED TVs.
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The AW3225QF boasts a similar design with the black and white Alienware aesthetics as its predecessor along with a subtle curve to the display providing an immersive viewing experience. Its variable refresh rate (VRR), auto low latency mode (ALLM), and G-Sync support ensure a seamless gaming experience with reduced input delay and screen tears.
With features like Dolby Vision support, pixel refresher, and a customizable RGB lighting system, the AW3225QF caters to the diverse needs of gamers. While lacking built-in speakers, the monitor offers an array of video and USB ports, including HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and eARC, ensuring versatile connectivity. With an MSRP of $1,200, the AW3225QF emerges as a premium investment for those seeking a cutting-edge OLED monitor.
Affordable alternative to the Alienware 32 QD-OLED
Pros
Much cheaper than the competition
Some of the best color we’ve seen
Extensive list of OLED burn-in prevention features
1,000 nits of brightness
3-year warranty that covers burn-in
Cons
A rather bland design
Limited to USB 2.0 with integrated hub
Why you should buy this: An excellent OLED monitor that is priced less than the competition.
Who’s it for: Gamers and content creators who care about the best colors and visual quality.
Why we chose the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED:
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The MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED gaming monitor, offers impressive image quality at a relatively lower cost compared to its competitors, especially the Alienware 32 QD-OLED. Its standout features include exceptional color reproduction, OLED burn-in prevention mechanisms, a brightness of 1,000 nits, and a three-year warranty that covers burn-in. However, it does have some drawbacks such as a plain design and limited USB 2.0 connectivity with an integrated hub.
One of its major advantages is its competitive pricing strategy, significantly undercutting other OLED gaming monitors by $250 to $350. Despite the lower price point, the MPG 321URX doesn’t compromise on performance or image quality, boasting a Samsung Display QD-OLED panel, 4K resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, and a host of gaming features like Adaptive Sync and DisplayHDR True Black 400. While it may lack certain advanced features like Black Frame Insertion (BFI) found in other models, its overall value proposition and comprehensive OLED burn-in prevention features make it a compelling choice for gamers looking for high-quality visuals without breaking the bank.
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED
Affordable alternative to the Alienware 32 QD-OLED
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Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP
Best 27-inch OLED monitor
Pros
Insane motion clarity at 480Hz
Useful 24.5-inch crop mode
A slew of burn-in prevention settings
Display Widget Center for monitor control
Cons
No USB-C input
Lacking a KVM
Why you should buy this: Hands down the best-performing OLED monitor at its size.
Who’s it for: Anyone who is looking for a bright OLED monitor with limited desk space.
Why we chose the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDP:
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The Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM impresses with its stunning 27-inch OLED display, delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a mind-boggling 480Hz refresh rate. The 1440p resolution strikes a balance between visual clarity and high frame rates, while the fast response times ensure smooth performance. However, the brightness struggles in well-lit environments, and there’s some risk of OLED burn-in, though ASUS’s pixel-refreshing tech helps mitigate that. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for gamers seeking top-tier visuals and fast performance.
On the downside, the monitor’s cooling system is loud under heavy loads, which may distract users during gaming sessions. The lack of HDMI 2.1 also limits its appeal for next-gen console gamers. Despite these minor flaws, the PG27AQDM excels in its core purpose: delivering a premium OLED experience with incredibly smooth motion and vivid picture quality. For serious PC gamers looking for an OLED screen, this monitor offers an immersive and responsive experience, albeit at a steep price.
Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP
Best 27-inch OLED monitor
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Jacob Roach / Digital Trends
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G85SB
Exceptional OLED with smart features
Pros
Exceptional color and HDR
Ultrathin
USB-C power delivery
Dense settings in the OS
Cons
More expensive than the competition
Limited to mini connections
Why you should buy this: As good as the Alienware 34 QD-OLED, but with additional smart features.
Who’s it for: Anyone who is looking for a premium OLED monitor that can also double as a multimedia hub.
Why we chose the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8:
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Samsung’s Odyssey G8 OLED is a solid OLED monitor featuring a 34-inch WQHD (3440 x 1440) QD-OLED panel with a 175Hz refresh rate, and an 1800R curve. Like most OLED monitors it looks stunning for any form of media, with perfect black levels. It offers 100% sRGB, 99% coverage of DCI-P3 and 94% coverage of AdobeRGB. In our testing we noticed that at full brightness, the monitor was also very accurate in SDR, offering a color error of only 0.8 (anything under 2 is considered suitable for color work).
The Odyssey G8 also comes with additional smart features. There is Samsung’s Tizen OS built into the monitor, similar to the Samsung Smart Monitor M8. This gives you access to apps like Netflix and YouTube, Samsung’s Game Hub, and more. You also get a remote control, giving you easier access to settings and functionality. While the monitor is also suitable for gaming, it is notable that the Odyssey OLED G8 does not come with native Nvidia G-Sync support.
Why you should buy this: A unique ultrawide OLED that can be converted into a curved monitor.
Who’s it for: Creative professionals, gamers, and content creators who want to experience the best of two worlds.
Why we chose the Corsair Xeneon Flex 45:
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Corsair is a well-known name in the computing industry. It expanded its product range by launching monitors in 2023, and its flagship offering is the Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240. It is a one-of-a-kind OLED gaming monitor that comes with a bendable display.
Essentially, you can use it as a regular flat panel or use the two handles on the side to covert it into a curved monitor with an 800R curve. The 45-inch display comes with a 21:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 3440 x 1440, which isn’t the highest, so you can expect slightly lower pixel density compared to other OLED 4K monitors.
It uses an LG OLED panel with a high 240Hz refresh rate with low input lag, although it tends to increase at lower refresh rates. The panel supports FreeSync VRR and G-SYNC compatibility, and it also has HDMI 2.1. You get punchy colors and a deep black with almost no blooming effect around bright objects. You also get a KVM switch and Picture-in-Picture/Picture-by-Picture modes, as well as a wide array of I/O ports.
It’s expensive, so if you don’t like the bending gimmick, LG’s UltraGear OLED 45 is a great alternative.
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Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240
Unique bendable OLED gaming monitor
Jacob Roach / Digital Trends
Samsung Odyssey OLED G9
Best ultrawide OLED monitor
Pros
One of the best OLED displays we’ve tested
Unmatched immersive gaming experience
Speedy 240Hz refresh rate
Dense settings options
Full Tizen operating system
Cons
Massive and expensive
32:9 doesn’t play nicely with everything
Why you should buy this: An impressive ultrawide OLED monitor offering excellent vibrancy, color reproduction, and response time.
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Who’s it for: Those who care for peak immersion in games without having to compromise on real estate for productivity.
Why we chose the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9:
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9, is hailed as a revolutionary gaming monitor, offering unparalleled immersion and a speedy 240Hz refresh rate. It carries a hefty price tag and its massive 32:9 aspect ratio may not be universally compatible with all content, but the monitor’s OLED display delivers exceptional image quality and a truly immersive gaming experience.
With its expansive screen real estate that’s equivalent to two 27-inch monitors, the Odyssey OLED G9 provides unmatched productivity potential alongside its gaming capabilities. The inclusion of the Tizen operating system enhances its versatility, offering access to streaming apps and gaming services, making it a multifunctional addition to any setup. However, its unique aspect ratio may present challenges with certain games and content formats, detracting from the otherwise stellar gaming experience. Despite its drawbacks, the Odyssey OLED G9’s innovative design, impressive image quality, and extensive feature set make it a compelling choice for discerning gamers, particularly when available at discounted prices.
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Samsung Odyssey OLED G9
Best ultrawide OLED monitor
Zeke Jones / Digital Trends
LG C3 OLED
Best OLED smart TV
Pros
Delightful contrast
Excellent color performance
Very good processing
Killer gaming features
Five-year warranty
Cons
Low-level color shift
Too-frequent updates
Why you should buy this: It is one of the best OLED TVs on the market.
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Who’s it for: Those who want a high-quality console gaming experience.
Why we chose the LG C3 OLED:
The new LG C3 OLED TV continues the legacy of its predecessor and is our pick for the best OLED smart TV. Available in range of sizes starting from 42-inches all the way up to 83-inches, the new C3 is an excellent choice if you are looking for a premium OLED experience, especially if you are into console gaming. Expect flawless contrast, deep and inky blacks with minimal blooming around bright objects. The impressive viewing angle eliminates any concerns about discoloration and overall the TV provides a consistent and immersive experience.
It is worth noting that the C3 deviates from a standard RGB subpixel layout, resulting in less clear text when used as a monitor, and its SDR brightness takes a hit when the PC mode enabled. On the other hand, it is a fantastic TV for playing the latest games in HDR. The TV offers low input lag, making games incredibly responsive and supports popular resolutions like 1440p at 120Hz and 4K at 120Hz. Its excellent reflection handling, combined with satisfactory HDR brightness ensures an enjoyable gaming experience.
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Other notable features include LG’s proprietary webOS smart interface, four HDMI 2.1 ports and the company’s latest processor that ensures improved image processing through LG’s Brightness Booster Max and AI Tech technologies.
Why you should buy this: A well-made compact OLED monitor that offers excellent color accuracy.
Who’s it for: Anyone who wants a thin, portable monitor they can carry around.
Why we chose the Asus ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH:
Portable monitors, although in a niche category, prove valuable as secondary displays during travel. The Asus ZenScreen OLED stands out as an excellent choice, as it features a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) panel with up to 400 nits of brightness and an impressive contrast ratio of 100,000:1 (with HDR contrast reaching 1,000,000:1). Asus claims a swift 1ms response time (GtG) from the 60Hz panel, while the monitor itself features high-quality plastic construction.
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The OLED panel on the portable monitor is capable of producing great colors with 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and Delta E < 2 color accuracy. It also features an embedded proximity sensor that helps in saving power and preventing image burn-in as it switches the monitor to a power-saving mode when it detects the user has moved away.
There is no mounting hardware or a built-in kickstand, but you do get a magnetic origami-style case that can be used to prop the display in both horizontal or vertical modes. In terms of ports, the monitor features a headphone jack, two USB-C/DisplayPort ports, an additional USB-C port for power, and one mini-HDMI port.
OLED is short for Organic Light-Emitting Diode, which is a type of display technology used in screens commonly seen on TVs, monitors, smartphones, and other devices. OLED screens are made up of individual organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied to them. Unlike traditional LCD screens that require a backlight, OLED screens emit their own light on a pixel-by-pixel basis. This allows for deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and more vibrant colors, as each pixel can be turned on or off independently. OLED technology also often results in thinner and more flexible displays compared to traditional LCDs.
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Are OLED displays expensive?
OLED displays tend to be more expensive compared to traditional LCD displays. This is primarily because the manufacturing process for OLED panels is more intricate and can be costlier. The organic materials used in OLED screens can be sensitive to moisture and oxygen, requiring specialized manufacturing facilities and techniques.
What are the downsides of OLED monitors?
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OLED monitors have a potential issue: burn-in. All OLED displays can suffer from burn-in, where static images will slowly fade into the screen over time, becoming a permanent blemish. OLED monitors are particularly prone to this problem due to desktop use, where you often have several parts of the screen occupied by static images. Thankfully, most OLED monitors come with burn-in prevention features like pixel shifting, and some displays such as the Alienware 34 QD-OLED, include multiyear warranties with burn-in protection.
What is the difference between OLED and LCD?
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) are two distinct display technologies. LCDs use a backlight to illuminate pixels, with liquid crystals acting as shutters to control light passage. OLEDs, in contrast, utilize organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied, making each pixel self-emitting.
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In terms of contrast ratio, LCDs may struggle to achieve true black levels due to the always-on backlight, resulting in a higher black level and lower contrast. OLEDs, however, can achieve perfect black levels, delivering a higher contrast ratio for more vibrant images. Viewing angles on LCDs may experience limitations, while OLED offers superior viewing angles, with consistent image quality from nearly any perspective.
There was a time when LCDs offered faster response times than OLEDs, but that is no longer the case. With improvements over time, modern OLED panels are extremely fast, offering up to a 360Hz refresh rate with up to 0.03ms response time. LCDs also consume more power due to the always-on backlight, whereas OLEDs are more energy-efficient, as each pixel is individually lit, consuming power only where needed.
Regarding life span, LCDs generally have a longer one, while OLEDs may experience degradation of organic compounds over time, potentially leading to a gradual decline in brightness and color accuracy. With that in mind, the choice between LCD and OLED depends on specific use cases, preferences, and budget considerations.
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What is the difference between OLED and mini-LED?
OLED and mini-LED are distinct display technologies with unique characteristics. OLED displays achieve deep blacks and infinite contrast by individually controlling pixel light emission, making them ideal for vibrant colors and high contrast ratios. On the other hand, mini-LED displays utilize thousands of smaller LEDs for backlighting, providing improved brightness, HDR performance, and local dimming compared to traditional LEDs. While OLED panels are thin and flexible with excellent color accuracy, they are susceptible to burn-in. In contrast, mini-LED displays offer enhanced brightness and HDR capabilities with reduced burn-in risks, but may they have uniformity issues and blooming. Overall, OLED is known for superior contrast and color accuracy, while mini-LED excels in brightness and HDR performance.
What is QD-OLED?
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QD-OLED, or Quantum Dot OLED, is a relatively new display technology that combines the benefits of OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) and Quantum Dots to enhance color accuracy, brightness, and efficiency. In QD-OLED displays, blue OLEDs act as the light source, and quantum dots convert this light into red and green colors, creating more vibrant, accurate colors compared to traditional OLEDs. This technology delivers deeper blacks, better contrast, and a wider color gamut, making it ideal for high-end TVs and monitors, particularly for gaming and media.
After a few months of use, oils, dust, drink drips, and food crumbs can build up in even the keyboards of our best laptops. No one is immune to this, not even tech experts like us. But there are ways to get your laptop clean again.
We’ve laid out the best ways to clean your laptop keyboard, whether you’re simply trying to disinfect or you need a deep clean. But there are a few critical steps to take before you start scrubbing.
Take a minute and go through the common-sense precautions:
If you have vital data on your laptop, back it up. It’s always a good idea.
Turn your laptop completely off. You may even want to remove the battery, if possible.
Make sure your laptop is unplugged and that there are no accessories attached (including USB dongles).
Make sure you have the space and time. Cleaning your keyboard isn’t something you should do on the go — remember, a desktop keyboard is easy to replace, but if your laptop keyboard gets damaged, that’s a bigger problem.
Everyone knows what this looks like. It may not be as bad as sticky stains, but over time, dust naturally builds up between and on the sides of your keys. If you want to get rid of it, grab a vacuum cleaner.
Wait! We mean grab the right kind of vacuum cleaner. The standard solution is a hand vacuum that comes with small brush attachments that you can slowly maneuver around your keyboard while sucking up the dust. A larger vacuum can work if it also has a dust attachment and isn’t too powerful. After all, you don’t want your vacuum to eat any keys.
Image used with permission by copyright holder
In a perfect world, the ideal solution is a micro vacuum attachment, which typically isn’t found outside of labs and specialized workstations. That said, you can always buy your own if you’re very serious about keyboard care.
Compressed air is another possibility, but we don’t recommend it. This double-edged sword will blast much of the dust and crumbs away, but it might also blow much of it further into your laptop, potentially causing more problems. A vacuum cleaner is usually a more efficient solution, so start there.
We’re talking about the crud that builds up as a result of oils, skin cells, grease, food dust, and everything else that might contribute to the gross stains and plaque on your keyboard. You can approach this cleaning mission by using disinfecting wipes, but we prefer using a melamine cleaning sponge, which excels at cleaning up grime such as this.
Once you have the melamine sponge, soak it in water, ring it out, and let it dry enough so that you aren’t leaving streaks of water across your keyboard. Gently rub a corner of the sponge on the soiled parts of the keys until the grime is removed. Melamine can be a very abrasive material if used carelessly, so go slow and try to avoid rubbing off any key characters. The material is also very easy to cut out into the right shape, so feel free to snip off a portion for more customized work.
You can use another type of sponge in the same way, but it may not be as effective, especially when it comes to the more stubborn stains.
It’s normal to worry about germs on your keyboard, especially if you’ve been working in an office or a classroom full of sick people. If your keys are a little too dirty and you’re wondering if they may have become a biohazard, then it’s time to get out the disinfectant.
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Image used with permission by copyright holder
Specifically, get some isopropyl alcohol and a bundle of cotton swabs. Isopropyl is essential, because stronger versions thereof may accidentally burn off some of your keyboard letters. Cotton swabs or Q-Tips, on the other hand, are crucial because you don’t want any liquids near your keyboard, even when cleaning. Dip and dab a swab so that it’s damp but in no danger of dripping, and then start wiping your keys one by one. This somewhat tedious method is very effective but easier to do if, well, you’re a little bored and have some time to waste.
Spilling something potentially sticky across the top of your laptop keyboard is often cause for alarm. To reduce the odds of permanent damage, prioritize protecting your laptop’s internal components. Shut everything down, take out your battery, and unplug the computer if necessary. Don’t turn it back on again until you are confident that any liquid inside has evaporated. Depending on the type of spill (and how severe it is), it may take a day or two to dry out. If it looks like your operating system or data sustained damage, take your laptop in for repairs ASAP.
In the meantime, it’s time to clean your keys. For the surface of your laptop’s keyboard, you’ll want a simple sponge or cloth. Odds are you have to go a bit deeper to clean up more concerning residue that might be trapped beneath, which means you’ll have to remove your keyboard.
Laptop keyboards are all different depending on the manufacturer, the machine’s design, and the age of the computer itself. You can carefully pry off some as a whole unit, others you can ease open key by key. In some cases, you won’t be able to remove the keyboard at all — because the company didn’t manufacture it that way.
You can try to detach each key from the keyboard for optimal cleaning. It’s possible to remove each key with your hands if you’re gentle enough. You can carefully use tools, but make sure they’re not sharp enough to damage the inner workings of your laptop.
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You might have trouble removing the keys yourself or be too scared of breaking them in the process or damaging the computer itself. In that case, take it to a professional. Paying a professional will ensure they will clean it without damage.
If you know how to take your keyboard apart for cleaning, you might even be able to save it from a spill if you clean it right after the accident happened. In some cases — especially with exposure to moisture — your computer may be a lost cause. When in doubt, consult a professional for help. Or at least seek confirmation that it’s time to start shopping for a new laptop.
Remember to keep your laptop clean at all times, not just when things start to become unresponsive. As well as cleaning the keyboard, you should be familiar with how to clean your laptop display.
The growing popularity of Bitcoin casinos has created a fascinating space in the online gambling world. As more players embrace digital currency as a safe and fast way to place bets, many are also learning the hard lessons that come with using these platforms. Whether it’s the fluctuating value of Bitcoin or the risks of unregulated sites, losing at Bitcoin casinos can teach players important lessons. Among these considerations is the legal status of non-Gamstop sites. This brings us to an important question: are non-Gamstop sites legal? Let’s explore both topics: the lessons learned from losing at Bitcoin casinos and the legal standing of non-Gamstop gambling sites.
Lesson 1: Understand Bitcoin Volatility
Bitcoin, the most well-known cryptocurrency, is notorious for its price volatility. For players using Bitcoin at online casinos, this can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, you might strike gold with the increasing value of Bitcoin, but on the other, you may suffer significant losses when the value drops suddenly. One lesson many players learn after losing at Bitcoin casinos is that the value of your cryptocurrency can be just as important as the outcome of the game.
Losing money in Bitcoin casinos isn’t always just about the games themselves. A player might win a game but end up losing when they withdraw their earnings, simply because Bitcoin’s value plummets before they can cash out. This volatility is something every player should be aware of before playing at Bitcoin casinos.
Lesson 2: Choose the Right Casino Carefully
Another vital lesson learned from losing at Bitcoin casinos is that not all platforms are created equal. While some Bitcoin casinos offer reliable services, others may operate without proper licensing or regulation, which can put players at risk. Here is where the question are non gamstop sites legal? becomes highly relevant.
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Non-Gamstop casinos are online platforms that do not operate under the UK Gambling Commission’s self-exclusion program, Gamstop. These sites cater to players who want to continue gambling despite being blocked on Gamstop-registered platforms. Non-Gamstop casinos, including some Bitcoin casinos, are often based offshore and can lack proper oversight.
The legality of non-Gamstop casinos depends on several factors, primarily related to jurisdiction. For UK players, non-Gamstop sites may seem like a legal gray area because they aren’t licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. However, this does not necessarily mean they are illegal. Many non-Gamstop casinos are licensed by gambling authorities in other countries, which gives them legal grounds to operate in certain regions. As long as these sites are licensed elsewhere, players are technically not breaking the law by using them, although they won’t have the same legal protections as they would with UK-regulated casinos.
Lesson 3: Set Clear Limits on Your Spending
Gambling, whether with fiat currency or Bitcoin, always carries risks. One hard lesson that many players learn after a losing streak at Bitcoin casinos is the importance of setting and sticking to clear financial limits. Due to the decentralized and anonymous nature of cryptocurrency, it can be easy to lose track of how much money you’re spending.
Non-GamstopBitcoin casinos, in particular, are appealing to those who want to bypass self-exclusion programs. However, the lack of regulatory oversight means there are fewer mechanisms in place to help players manage their gambling behavior. For this reason, it’s crucial to set personal limits. Without these safeguards, the temptation to continue betting after a loss can spiral into serious financial trouble.
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Lesson 4: Legal Risks and Lack of Protections
Returning to the question, are non-Gamstop sites legal?, it’s important to recognize the risks involved when playing at unregulated casinos. While these platforms can be convenient for players who want to gamble without restrictions, they often lack the legal protections that come with regulation. If you lose money due to an unfair practice at a non-Gamstop casino, you may not have any recourse.
In addition to the potential legal risks, losing at non-GamstopBitcoin casinos can lead to other challenges. The anonymity of cryptocurrency transactions means that if something goes wrong—whether due to a scam or a site shutting down—you could lose everything with no ability to retrieve your funds. Furthermore, many non-Gamstop sites may not offer responsible gambling tools, which could lead to unchecked spending and addiction.
Conclusion: Lessons for the Future
Losing at Bitcoin casinos can be a tough but valuable learning experience. From understanding the volatility of cryptocurrency to the importance of choosing reputable casinos, each loss presents a lesson in risk management. Players should also be aware of the potential legal risks involved, particularly when using non-Gamstop sites. Although non-Gamstop casinos may be legal in certain jurisdictions, they operate outside UK regulations, offering fewer protections.
As with any form of gambling, responsible play is essential. By understanding the lessons from losing at Bitcoin casinos and considering the legality and risks of non-Gamstop platforms, players can make more informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls in the future.
Robot vacuums are some of the pricier smart home gadgets you can get, which is why waiting until a sale like Amazon Prime Day is a smart shopping move. October Prime Day may be behind us, but you can still save on some robot vacuums, and cordless stick vacuums, today post-sale event. Some of our top picks for the best robot vacuums remain discounted, including models from iRobot and Shark. Here are the best October Prime Day vacuum deals you can still get today.
Best Prime Day deals on robot vacuums
iRobot
The best robot vacuums take a chore than many of us would rather not do and automates it to the point where the most you have to do is set a cleaning schedule and empty a bin every once in a while. Of course, that level of smart home automation comes at a cost — which is why it’s a good idea to take the leap on that robo-vac you’ve been eyeing while it’s still on sale.
Best Prime Day deals on cordless vacuums
Photo by Valentina Palladino / Engadget
There are some of us who actually enjoy vacuuming (guilty!), and for those folks, a cordless vacuum makes the most sense in 2024. They’re lighter and easier to maneuver than traditional, upright vacs, and some of them even come with self-emptying bases like their robot counterparts do. These are some of our favorites that you can still grab for less.
Expired Prime Day deals
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice, and stay tuned to Engadget.com for all of the best tech deals coming out of October Prime Day 2024.
The blazing-fast speeds, extremely low latency, and massive connectivity achieved with 5G technology are changing how mobile media is being perceived. As such, storage solutions need to keep up with the growing demands of the content supply chain. In 2009, 4G introduced the concept of mobile data as an object that is downloaded to a device and is then played back. This innovation led to an increase in the amount of data processed on mobile devices.
For example, more than 500 hours of video content are uploaded in a single minute just on YouTube alone, and 5G is only going to increase how much media can and will be consumed worldwide. In this article, we’ll provide insights on how the 5G innovation will change storage requirements and the way media is consumed on mobile devices.
Roger Beck
Senior Systems Engineer, OpenDrives.
The performance of 5G far surpasses standard wired Ethernet ports on desktop computers, with speeds up to 20 Gbps in theory. This is compared with the typical 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps of wired Ethernet. In practice, 5G is more than a match for most wired connections, capable of download speeds from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps, which is on par with your desktop computer. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile own the 5G infrastructure and are able to create private 5G cells, where a higher performance can be achieved and may even reach 20 Gbps as you don’t have to share the bandwidth with many devices.
UHD Streaming
5G’s higher speed and lower latency allow high-resolution videos such as 4K and 8K to be streamed easily with minimal buffering on mobile devices. For reference, a 4K stream requires about 25 Mbps of bandwidth, while an 8K stream calls for 100 Mbps, both of which are demanding, but easily achievable with 5G. As a consequence, consumers can seamlessly stream UHD videos from their phones in almost any setting.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): AR and VR apps, with their full immersion, rely extensively on high bandwidth and low latency. Although 5G’s 1ms latency is significantly higher than Ethernet’s 10-30 microseconds latency, it is still suitable for these applications. To meet these fast requirements, storage systems must be capable of real-time data retrieval and processing.
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Interactive Live Streaming: High-data volume and speed for 5G empower new interactive live streaming possibilities, such as multiple angles and instant replays. To achieve this, the underlying system and storage infrastructure need to be efficient and quick enough to handle countless requests while maintaining sub-second video latency.
Storage Challenges and Solutions
As more advanced and data-driven media technologies become possible through 5G, older, conventional storage infrastructures face various technical limitations:
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1) Scalability: The surge in high-resolution and interactive content calls for storage solutions that are capable of handling increased amounts of data. Conventional storage systems might be unable to keep up with the amount of information created by innovative, 5G-enabled applications due to their sheer size and rapid expansion. Distributed storage systems, such as those using software-defined storage (SDS) architectures, offer the scalability needed to handle these demands efficiently.
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2) Bandwidth Management: Compression technologies are used to effectively manage the greater data bandwidth offered by 5G networks, with many of them leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for more efficient algorithms. These algorithms help reduce the size of the data being stored or transferred, making sure that bandwidth is not wasted while preserving media quality.
3) Security: Given the massive amount of data pushed through 5G networks, security is growing even more important and challenging. With massive amounts of data being sent around at an unprecedented rate, traditional encryption methods may fall short. Improving encryption techniques and incorporating blockchain for data integrity and Self-Encrypting Drives (SEDs) into storage solutions can improve security.
Future Trends
Edge Storage: As 5G becomes more widely available, it will be critical to make better use of “edge storage,” which is a type of decentralized storage that keeps data close to where it’s needed. This approach has the potential to reduce latency while improving performance and overall user experience in real-time applications such as AR/VR and streaming for Apple Vision Pro and similar devices.
AI-Driven Storage Optimization: The use of AI in storage management is likely to become more widespread in the 5G era. AI tools can analyze usage patterns and dynamically optimize storage allocation, making sure that resources are used to their fullest potential. For example, AI can predict which content will be accessed frequently and then cache it in high-performance storage tiers, while less frequently accessed data is moved to lower-cost storage.
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5G as Backbone for Broadcasting: Mobile broadcasting and network infrastructure, including cables, are not particularly suited to sudden changes in mobility. 5G technology reduces the need for extensive infrastructure, making it an ideal solution for dynamic, live broadcasting environments such as breaking news or outdoor events. When combined with edge computing, 5G enables local processing of video feeds, reducing latency and boosting broadcast efficiency. This seamless integration improves the efficiency and speed of live content delivery, representing an important shift forward in the media industry.
5G as Backbone for Mobile Broadcasting: Leveraging 5G has the potential to transform how cameras and other devices connect with the Outside Broadcasting (OB) trucks. With technically up to 20 Gbit, private 5G cells and an acceptable latency of 1ms, the setup becomes considerably more flexible. Inside the OB truck, data storage receives the recorded data and may send it out via 5G and allows for real-time editing and graphic overlays directly from that storage. 5G technology can also greatly improve mobile broadcasting workflows by delivering rapid speeds of up to 10 Gbps. This allows for the seamless transmission of uncompressed 4K or 8K video directly from cameras to production facilities without sacrificing video quality.
5G as Backbone for Live Broadcasting: For live sports broadcasts, 5G enables near-instantaneous synchronization of multiple camera feeds with an ultra-low latency of only 1 millisecond. Thanks to these precise positioning and angles, viewers get to enjoy an immersive, “live-like” experience from any screen. Furthermore, 5G’s impressive speeds easily support real-time editing and graphics overlay right from the field, allowing editors to integrate live feeds and make quick edits with minimal delay.
Conclusion
Innovative storage solutions and 5G completely transform the way media is consumed on mobile devices, and the latter will continue to change the way digital media is consumed on every screen. Storage technologies must meet security standards and continue evolving to keep pace with 5G’s increased bandwidth management and scalability requirements to ensure viewers enjoy always-on seamless experiences. Luckily, 5G higher speeds and lower latency makes it easy to transmit live 4K content over the internet from anywhere possible. 5G and advanced storage solutions can not only facilitate great viewing experiences; they can vastly improve upon them. Who knows what’s next?
This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro’s Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro
Connections is the latest puzzle game from the New York Times. The game tasks you with categorizing a pool of 16 words into four secret (for now) groups by figuring out how the words relate to each other. The puzzle resets every night at midnight and each new puzzle has a varying degree of difficulty. Just like Wordle, you can keep track of your winning streak and compare your scores with friends.
Some days are trickier than others. If you’re having a little trouble solving today’s Connections puzzle, check out our tips and hints below. And if you still can’t get it, we’ll tell you today’s answers at the very end.
In Connections, you’ll be shown a grid containing 16 words — your objective is to organize these words into four sets of four by identifying the connections that link them. These sets could encompass concepts like titles of video game franchises, book series sequels, shades of red, names of chain restaurants, etc.
There are generally words that seem like they could fit multiple themes, but there’s only one 100% correct answer. You’re able to shuffle the grid of words and rearrange them to help better see the potential connections.
Each group is color-coded. The yellow group is the easiest to figure out, followed by the green, blue, and purple groups.
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Pick four words and hit Submit. If you’re correct, the four words will be removed from the grid and the theme connecting them will be revealed. Guess incorrectly and it’ll count as a mistake. You only have four mistakes available until the game ends.
We can help you solve today’s Connection by telling you the four themes. If you need more assistance, we’ll also give you one word from each group below.
Alongside its new family of Arrow Lake desktop hardware, Intel today also gave us a few tidbits around its upcoming Arrow Lake H mobile chips for high performance laptops. First off, they’re not expected to arrive until the first quarter of 2025 — but the slight wait might be worth it, as Intel says they will offer powerful new Xe GPUs with XMX. Thanks to that upgrade, the GPU alone will offer four times better AI workload processing than its previous chips, alongside double the ray tracing performance and twice as much cache (8MB L2).
Notably, though, these new chips will still lag behind the company’s less powerful Lunar Lake processors when it comes to NPU and overall AI TOPS (tera operations per second) figures. Arrow Lake H’s NPU will hit 13 TOPS, the new GPU will reach 77 and the CPU will offer 9 TOPS. Taken altogether, it’ll offer up to 99 TOPS of performance. Lunar Lake, meanwhile, sports a 48 TOPS NPU and up to 120 TOPS of system-wide AI performance.
Intel
The difference makes sense when you consider what these chips are meant for. Lunar Lake is mostly geared towards ultraportables and slim workstations, while Arrow Lake H chips are targeted at demanding notebooks with desktop-like performance. While they can technically be called AI PCs, Arrow Lake H’s low NPU performance doesn’t meet the bar for Microsoft’s Copilot+ badge (those require at least 40 TOPS NPUs). You’ll be able to run basic AI features, like Windows Studio Effects in video chats, but not more complicated tasks like Recall.
Intel didn’t have many other details to share about Arrow Lake H, but we’ll likely hear more at CES 2025.
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