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    The 5 best early Prime Day 2024 security camera deals

    Amazon Prime Day is almost here, and if early sales are any indication, July 16 and July 17 should be a great chance to score some deals on your favorite tech. Since this is Amazon’s 10th Prime Day, there will likely be some fantastic savings. If you’re specifically looking for a smart home security camera, you’re in luck, because there are plenty of deals to be had on brands like Ring, Blink, Arlo, Wyze, and even Roku. Some cameras on this list are indoor or outdoor, some are wireless versions powered by battery, some are plug-in, and some make great options for a pet camera.Amazon isn’t waiting until July 16 to kick things off. Thanks to some early Prime Day deals, you can save hundreds of dollars right now on popular security cameras. We’ll continue to update this list with new Prime Day security camera deals throughout the sale.Also: The best Prime Day deals right nowBest security camera deals for Amazon Prime Day 2024 More

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    The best smart rings of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

    I’ve been wearing an Oura Ring on my finger for a few months now, and have used the ring in nearly every environment: while running in the city, working at the office, stretching on a yoga mat, and sleeping in my bed. Oura presents my sleep, activity, and recovery data to me right as I check the home page on the app, and I’m pleased with how it’s helped me further understand myself through health data. It even captured my higher stress levels on one tear-filled night. Additionally, the simplified overall score appears with a detailed chart monitoring heart rate, body temperature, and blood oxygen levels through the night. The ring also automatically senses when you’re stressed and adjusts your activity goals accordingly. One recent night, it detected my significantly raised body temperature and suggested I use the rest mode function, which deprioritizes activity and prioritizes rest and recovery. There are many reasons to opt for Oura, but one that comes up in conversations a lot is how many apps partner with Oura. Natural Cycles, Strava, and more health apps offer data syncing into the app. I love that when I use Strava for runs it automatically shows up in my Oura timeline. ZDNET contributor Sherin Shibu purchased a Heritage Oura Ring and tested it with weekly activities like strength training, cycling, yoga, and more. She reported that not only was it a capable and accurate tracker, but it didn’t overwhelm her with data. Instead, the Oura Ring prioritized actionable insights and solutions. For example, the over 50 guided meditation options have helped Shibu to alleviate stress and sleep more soundly, she wrote in her review. This comprehensive but simple approach is evident in the ring’s form factor and integrations — Shibu said she was amazed at how such a sleek device could hold a catalog of information. The ring syncs with Apple Health, Google Fit, and iOS and Android apps, allowing you to see your daily and even monthly metrics from your mobile device. The downside, which Redditors and reviewers often point out, is that there’s a $6 per month membership cost to unlock personal insights, like in-depth morning sleep analysis and temperature trend monitoring (which can even predict early stages of illness). Non-paying members, however, only have access to sleep, readiness, and activity insights. Plus, Oura’s customer service is great, according to ZDNET staff writer Allison Murray, who called them after her ring’s battery began to falter, and the company sent her another ring free of charge. Also: The Oura smart ring’s brilliant new features outshine even its titanium finishOura Ring Gen3 tech specs: Material: Lightweight titanium with non-allergenic, non-metallic inner molding | Battery life: 4-7 days | Charging: Full charge in 20 to 80 minutes | Compatibility: iOS and Android | Durability: Water-resistant up to 328 feet | Sizing: Free sizing kit with purchase on their site More

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    How to add more eye candy to the GNOME desktop

    Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNETThe Linux desktop was an exciting place in the early 2000s. Various window managers and desktop environments were inundated with special effects. These effects made Windows and Mac desktops look old and tired next to LinuxI had Linux desktops that amazed my family and friends, so much that some of them decided to switch to the open-source operating system.Also: How to install Linux on an old laptop to give it new life and purposeHowever, most Linux desktops have migrated from a fun to a serious approach during the past decade. But that switch doesn’t mean you can’t reclaim the past glories of Linux. And I’ll show you how to add a bit of panache to your desktop.Here are my top ways to add eye candy to the GNOME desktop. More

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    How to watch Samsung Unpacked Paris 2024 and what we’re expecting to be unveiled

    Jason Hiner/ZDNETWe’re just a day away from learning all about Samsung’s next lineup of hardware products (and likely new Galaxy AI features), including the expected Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Flip 6, Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Watch 7, Galaxy Buds, and the company’s first-ever smart ring.Also: Samsung Galaxy Ring’s best feature would be to not lock my data behind a paywallSamsung recently confirmed that its next Unpacked event is set for July 10, this Wednesday, in Paris. In conjunction with the Summer Olympics, the event will be livestreamed on Samsung.com, Samsung Newsroom, and Samsung’s YouTube channel at 6 a.m. PDT, 9 a.m. EDT, and 3 p.m. CEST.ZDNET will be on the floor, going hands-on with every new product that Samsung debuts. What can we expect to see at Samsung Unpacked July 2024? Here’s what the leaks have shown us to date.1. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 More