GoPro’s new Player + ReelSteady app adds stabilization and 360 tools

GoPro has unveiled Player + ReelSteady, a replacement for the GoPro Player app with added technology from GoPro’s acquisition of ReelSteady. The new app introduces ReelSteady tools that let you stabilize most GoPro footage, including HyperSmooth shots. It works in real time, with “the ability to view the full-quality stabilized shot as soon as your video loads,” GoPro wrote in a press release. 

ReelSteady Go has been a popular app with the FPV drone crowd, which used it to smooth out flight videos and add cinematic effects. GoPro purchased the company in March 2020, promising to integrate the tech “across the GoPro App ecosystem to enhance the cinematic output of your content.” GoPro initially sold ReelSteady Go separately, but it’s now been discontinued and replaced by the Player + ReelSteady app. 

Rather than using scene analysis like other apps to stabilize shots, ReelSteady uses gyro data directly from GoPro cameras. Previously, ReelSteady did not work with HyperSmooth footage (the setting needed to be disabled) but the Player + ReelSteady app now supports it. On the Player + ReelSteady product page, GoPro shows that you can achieve even smoother stabilization by combining the two (above).

Along with the stabilization features, the app lets you remove wide-angle lens curvature using ReelSteady, GoPro said. It also comes with a batch export feature to queue “hundreds of files” for export, the ability to reframe 360 MAX content, a player for regular and 360 content, the ability to do frame grabs and a trim function for editing.

It’s now available for Mac and PC, with a $100 in-app purchase required to unlock the ReelSteady and Lens Correction features. However, existing ReelSteady Go customers “can use their existing activation key to redeem a free upgrade to the new GoPro Player + ReelSteady,” the company wrote. 

Amazon’s Kindle and Fire tablet sale offers savings of up to 45 percent

As it does from time to time, Amazon has launched a sale on both Fire HD tablets and Kindle devices, with most items at the second-best prices we’ve seen so far. One of the best deals is on the Fire HD 8 tablet, now available for $50 instead of $90, for a savings of $40 or 44 percent off. 

You’ll also find the Fire HD 8 Plus at $60 (normally $110) for the 32GB model and $90 (normally $140) for the 64GB variant. Finally, the Fire HD 10 Plus now starts at $100 for the 32GB model or $120 if you require more storage

Buy Fire HD tablets at Amazon

There’s a lot to like about the Fire HD 8 tablet, provided you’re okay without direct support for Google apps. It includes Alexa support, a USB-C port for faster charging, solid build quality, 32GB of storage that can be upgraded via a microSD card slot, a relatively sharp 1,280 x 800 display, 2GB of RAM, a 4,850 mAh battery and a quad-core chip that offers decent performance.

The Fire HD8 Plus boosts RAM to 3GB, includes wireless charging and comes with a 9W charger in the box. And the Fire HD 10 gives you a 10-inch 1080p display, 32GB of upgradeable storage, 2GB of RAM, an 8-core processor and a battery that allows for up to 12 hours of reading with fast USB-C charging. 

Amazon's Kindle and Fire tablet sale offers savings of up to 44 percent
Engadget

Several Kindle tablets are also on sale at the second best prices we’ve seen. The regular ad-supported model is on sale for $55, a discount of $35 from the regular $90 price. You can also pick up the Kindle Kids Edition with the “Rainbow Birds Cover” for $65 instead of $110, a savings of 41 percent.

Buy Kindle tablets at Amazon

The latest Kindle models offer a lot for the money, including an LED-lit screen, weeks of reading time and a touch interface. The Kids Edition adds some perks, like one of four colorful cases, a two-year worry-free guarantee and a year of complimentary access to the company’s FreeTime Unlimited service.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

Apple Watch Series 7 falls to a new all-time low of $314 at Amazon

Apple Watch Series 7 models are still on sale at Amazon starting at $330, but one model in particular just fell even further. The 41mm GPS model with a green aluminum case and green “Clover Sport” band has now dropped to $314 or $85 off, marking a new low price for Watch Series 7 models. 

Buy Watch Series 7 GPS (green only) at Amazon – $314

If you’re fond of green, you’ll get Apple’s latest Watch Series 7 model with improvements over the Series 6 like a larger screen, faster charging and IP6X dust resistance. The bigger display makes it easier to see time at a glance, and the faster charging is handy if you like to wear your Watch continuously — even while you sleep. As with past models, it also comes with features like an always-on display, a rich app ecosystem and tight integration with Fitness+ and other Apple apps. On the downside, it doesn’t have the best sleep-tracking app around and isn’t the best option for Android users. 

If you’re looking for a more neutral or other color, worry not. Other 41mm Apple Watch Series 7 GPS models are still on sale in Red, Abyss Blue, Midnight (black) and Starlight (white) at the $330 price tag we saw last week. And there are a variety of 41mm GPS+Cellular models on sale for $429 ($70 off), 45mm GPS models for $359 ($70 off) and 45mm GPS + Cellular models for $459 (also $70 off). These are essentially the same deals we saw last week, but a dollar cheaper for some reason. 

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

Apple Studio Display issue leaves some owners unable to update their firmware

Some owners of the new Apple Studio Display have reported having problems updating to the latest firmware. As MacRumors points out, after multiple failed attempts, users were being told by Apple support to bring their display in for repair to an Apple Store or authorized repair facility. 

The issue has affected a growing number of users on Apple’s support forum. When attempting the update, users get a message stating “Apple Studio Display firmware could not be updated. Try again in an hour. If the problem persists, contact an authorized Apple service provider.” Subsequent attempts then fail, even if connecting via another computer. (Engadget has reached out to Apple for comment on the issue.)

The Studio Display is off to a shaky start, with criticism of its 60Hz refresh rate, relatively high price tag and mediocre webcam. Apple promised to fix the webcam via firmware update, but has yet to provide a timeline. The Studio Display packs an A13 Bionic chip (the same as on the iPhone 11) and runs a full version of iOS 15.4. As such, fixes arrive as part of an iOS update, allowing users to update it through System Preferences on macOS. 

Update: 04/11/22 at 6am ET — Apple has reportedly begun re-signing an older iOS 15.4 firmware, allowing the Studio Display to resume updates. 

Apple’s 10.2-inch iPad is down to $309 right now

For a few days now, Amazon has offered a $50 discount on the 256GB model of Apple’s 10.2-inch iPad, allowing you to purchase the tablet for $429. But if all you wanted to do was buy the less expensive base model, you’ve been out of luck until now. As of this weekend, you can purchase the 64GB variant for $309, down from $329, from both Amazon and Walmart. That’s the best discount of the year on Apple’s entry-level tablet. Just note that Amazon is only offering the silver colorway at that price, while you can get both the silver and space gray models for $309 from Walmart.

Buy 10.2-inch iPad at Amazon – $309Buy 10.2-inch iPad at Walmart

We gave the ninth generation iPad a score of 86 in 2021. Yes, it features a tired design that Apple hasn’t updated in years, but there’s still a lot to like about the tablet. It’s a solid performer with Apple’s in-house A13 Bionic chip powering everything, including the updated 12-megapixel wide-angle camera that comes with the company’s “Center Stage” feature for improved video calling. Battery life is also solid, with the tablet capable of going 10-plus hours on a single charge.

The main drawbacks of the 10.2-inch iPad are that it doesn’t come with a USB-C port and that you’re stuck using the first-generation Apple Pencil – which you charge by connecting it to the tablet’s Lightning port. That said, if all you need is a device for browsing the web, reading and watching video content, it’s hard to go wrong with the 10.2-inch iPad.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

Apple hints at its first dual-port USB-C power adapter

Apple isn’t exactly known for its cutting edge power adapters — it took ages for the company to embrace gallium nitride (for the current MacBook Pro), and it frequently stuck to basic 5W iPhone adapters while in-box chargers were still a thing. The company may be willing to explore ‘new’ territory, however. 9to5Mac and AppleInsider report that Apple briefly posted a support document for a “35W Dual USB-C Port Power Adapter” on its website. While this glimpse didn’t include visuals or many details, the accessory would support the USB Power Delivery fast charging standard.

It’s unclear whether the brick would use GaN or offer any special features. However, the 35W suggests this would be intended for mobile devices rather than Macs. You could fast-charge an iPhone 13 Pro Max (which supports up to 27W) while still leaving enough power for an Apple Watch or AirPods. Multi-port chargers aren’t exactly rare in the third-party market, but this might be appealing if you insist on an official solution.

It’s also uncertain as to when Apple might release the dual-port power adapter. This isn’t the sort of product that would get screen time at an event like WWDC, and there’s no guarantee it would debut in tandem with a higher-profile device. While this apparent slip-up might hint at an imminent launch, that debut could just as easily be months away.

Apple Watch Series 7 models drop to $330, plus the rest of this week’s best tech deals

It was a great week for Apple lovers as many of the company’s most popular gadgets went on sale. Amazon discounted both the Apple Watch Series 7 and the Apple Watch SE to near record-low prices, plus the AirPods Pro are back on sale for $174. Also, you can save hundreds on 2021 LG OLED smart TVs and pick up one of many Eufy robot vacuums at a discount. Here are the best tech deals from this week that you can still get today.

Apple Watch Series 7

Apple Watch Series 7
Engadget

Many color options of the 41mm Apple Watch Series 7 are down to $330, or $70 off their normal price. If you want the larger model, you can pick up the 45mm version for $360. We gave the wearable a score of 90 for its bigger screen, faster charging and handy watchOS 8 features.

Buy Series 7 (41mm) at Amazon – $330Buy Series 7 (45mm) at Amazon – $360

AirPods Pro

Apple AirPods Pro
Billy Steele / Engadget

Apple’s AirPods Pro are back on sale for $174, which is 30 percent off their normal price. We gave the company’s best sounding earbuds a score of 87 for their improved fit, good sound quality and strong ANC.

Buy AirPods Pro at Amazon – $174

AirPods (2nd gen)

Apple AirPods with wireless charging case
Engadget

The original AirPods are 38 percent off and down to only $99. That’s not their all-time-low price, but it’s close to it. We gave them a score of 84 when they first came out for their improved wireless performance, wireless charging capabilities (if you have the right case) and solid battery life.

Buy AirPods at Amazon – $99

Apple Watch SE

Apple Watch SE review
Cherlynn Low / Engadget

The more affordable Apple Watch SE is cheaper than usual right now and down to $229. It’s a parred-down version of the Series 7, but it supports all of the standard features you’d expect from an Apple Watch including onboard GPS, Apple Pay, daily activity and workout tracking and more.

Buy Apple Watch SE at Amazon – $229

10.2-inch iPad

Apple iPad (2021) review photos
Nathan Ingraham / Engadget

The space gray, 256GB iPad is down to a record low of $429. We gave the updated tablet a score of 86 for its improved performance, excellent battery life and Center Stage-capable front cameras.

Buy 10.2-inch iPad (256GB) at Amazon – $429

LG 2021 C1 OLED smart TVs

LG C1 OLED 4K smart TV
LG

All of LG’s 2021 C1 OLED smart TVs are on sale right now, with most of them down to all-time-low prices. You can pick one up for less than $1,000, but the best deal of the bunch is on the 65-inch model, which is 32 percent of and down to $1,697. And if you go for that one, you can also save $150 on LG’s SP9YA soundbar if you’re looking to upgrade your sound system along with your TV.

Buy 65-inch LG C1 OLED at Amazon – $1,697

Beats Fit Pro

Beats’ latest true wireless earbuds offer all of the best features from Apple’s new AirPods in a less polarizing design.
Billy Steele/Engadget

If you buy the Beats Fit Pro earbuds from Amazon, you’ll get a free $25 gift card to use on future purchases. We gave these buds a score of 87 for their comfortable fit, punchy bass and solid ANC.

Buy Beats Fit Pro + $25 gift card at Amazon – $200

Anker Eufy RoboVac 11S

Anker Eufy Robovac 11S
Valentina Palladino / Engadget

Amazon knocked $70 off Anker’s budget-friendly Eufy RoboVac 11S, bringing it down to $160. This is a solid option if you want a robot vacuum without dropping too much money. While this model doesn’t have WiFi, you can use the included remote to set schedules and change cleaning modes.

Buy Eufy RoboVac 11S at Amazon – $160Shop Eufy robot vacuums at Amazon

Nintendo eShop gift card

Nintendo's $50 eShop gift card is 10 percent off again at Amazon
Warner Bros. Games/TT GAmes

Nintendo’s $50 eShop gift card is $5 cheaper than usual on Amazon, so you can get it for $45. It’s a good card to pick up if you have a bunch of Switch games on your wish list and plan on stocking up soon.

Buy $50 Nintendo eShop gift card at Amazon – $45

Google Nest Hub bundle

Google Nest Hub 2021 (2nd gen) photo. Picture of Google's newest smart display on a nightstand.
Cherlynn Low / Engadget

B&H Photo has a bundle that includes the second-generation Nest Hub and the wired Nest Cam for $150, which is $50 less than usual. These two devices are designed to work together, with the Nest Hub showing you the feed from the Nest Cam, which you can position anywhere around your home.

Buy Nest Hub bundle at B&H – $150

August WiFi smart lock

August Smart Lock 4th gen
Engadget

You can pick up the August WiFi smart lock for $40 less than usual when you use the code EGDTLOCK when checking out at Wellbots. The IoT device earned a score of 80 from us for its easy installation process, WiFi connectivity and extra security with required two-factor authentication.

Buy August WiFi smart lock at Wellbots – $189

Native Instruments Maschine hardware

Maschine+ review.
James Trew / Engadget

Native Instrument’s latest sale knocks up to $200 off its Maschine hardware and throws in some free expansions on top of that. The best deal is on the Maschine+, which is $200 off and down to $1,199. And if you’re an existing customer, you might qualify for a bigger discount. You’ll find that out once you log in.

Shop Native Instruments sale

New tech deals

Beats Studio Buds

Beats’ Studio Buds are back on sale for $120, which isn’t an all-time low, but is only $20 more than that. We gave the true wireless earbuds a score of 84 for their balanced sound, comfortable design and quick pairing on both Android and iOS.

Buy Beats Studio Buds at Amazon – $120

Zwift cycling gear

All of Zwift’s cycling gear is 25 percent off right now, including the Wahoo Kickr smart power trainer, which is down to $900. The Tacx Neo Bike is down to $2,400 in this sale, and you can pick up Wahoo’s heart rate arm band for only $60.

Shop Zwift cycling gear sale

PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller (Xbox)

PowerA’s Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox is 32 percent off and down to only $26. It’s a good option if you want another controller for your console but don’t want to pay the premium attached to the first-party options. This one has a familiar, ergonomic design, dual rumble motors and mappable buttons.

Buy PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller at Amazon – $26

Xbox Stereo Headset 20th Anniversary Special Edition

You can pick up this special edition Xbox headset for $50, which is 29 percent off its normal price and a record low. This is a wired headset that has green accents and support for Windows Sonic spatial sound.

Buy Xbox Stereo Headset at Amazon – $50

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.