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Meta Quest 3 Poised for Major Price Hike — Buy the VR Headset Today

The RAM shortage persists.

The persistent RAM deficit remains a significant challenge for producers, and it’s now impacting two of our preferred VR headsets. Beginning this Sunday, April 19th, the costs of both the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S will rise by $100 and $50, respectively, so if you’re looking to purchase the headsets before the increase, now is your final opportunity to do so.

As per a blog entry from Meta, the “worldwide spike in the cost of essential components — particularly memory chips — is affecting nearly every sector of consumer electronics, including VR,” indicating that the price of the VR devices will be influenced as follows:

  • Meta Quest 3 512GB: was $499 now $599 (starting April 19)
  • Meta Quest 3S 128GB: was $299 now $349.99 (starting April 19)
  • Meta Quest 3S 256GB: was $399 now $449.99 (starting April 19)

The price increase will also impact refurbished units available through Meta’s shop. It’s certainly disappointing, but the silver lining is that you still have a few days to secure your Meta Quest headset before the price hike takes effect.

Unsure about which Meta Quest headset best suits your needs? Take a look at our Meta Quest 3 vs Quest 3S comparison, where we outline all of the advantages and disadvantages of each model.

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Samsung’s Major Price Hike for Galaxy Products in the US Sparks Worries

If this is indicative of current trends, man, someone please rescue my finances.

Essential information

  • Samsung is said to have raised prices across its tablet lineup, which appears to be among the most adversely affected in the U.S.
  • The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (1TB) experienced the most significant increase, jumping $280 to $1,899.
  • Additionally, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 price has been raised from $1,219 to $1,299, along with adjustments to the S25 FE and S25 Edge.

Recently, Samsung was observed increasing prices for various Galaxy devices in the U.S., and it did so without prior notice.

A report from PhoneArena indicates that Samsung has been raising prices across numerous products and series in the U.S. this week. The majority of the company’s price hikes range from approximately $50 to nearly $200 more for specific models. Among the most notable price increases are those for Samsung’s tablets, including the Galaxy Tab S11, which now retails at $899 (128GB), $999 (256GB), and $1,199 (512GB). These revised prices are a significant shift from their original values of $799, $859, and $979, respectively.

The most significant impact on consumers is likely to come from the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. According to the publication, its 1TB variant has seen an increase of nearly $280, rising from $1,619 to $1,899. Its 256GB and 512GB variants are slightly more subdued, now priced at $1,299 and $1,499, up from $1,199 and $1,319.

The Galaxy Tab S10 series also experienced these price adjustments, listed as follows:

  • Galaxy Tab S10 Plus, 256GB: $1,099 (previously: $999)
  • Galaxy Tab S10 Plus, 512GB: $1,299 (previously: $1,119)
  • Galaxy Tab S10 Lite, 128GB: $399 (previously: $349)
  • Galaxy Tab S10 Lite, 256GB: $489 (previously: $419)
  • Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus, 128GB: $699 (previously: $649)
  • Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus, 256GB: $819 (previously: $749)
  • Galaxy Tab S10 FE, 128GB: $549 (previously: $499)
  • Galaxy Tab S10 FE, 256GB: $669 (previously: $569)

The publication also notes the Galaxy Tab A11 Plus variants, which have undergone smaller increases. Prices for its 128GB and 256GB models have risen from $249 and $309 to $299.99 and $379.99, respectively. However, the A11 Plus 5G has increased to $329 from $279.

While Samsung has definitely put a heavy focus on its tablets this week, a few phones are experiencing similar price adjustments. The well-known foldable, Galaxy Z Flip 7, is increasing from $1,219 to $1,299 for its 512GB variant. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge model is now priced at $1,299 (512GB), marking an $80 increase. The S25 FE sees a rise of around $40, now costing $749.

Worrisome times

It’s intriguing to observe price increases for older models, raising questions about the implications.

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9to5Mac Daily: April 16, 2026 – Analysis of iOS 27 Reveals and Siri Bootcamp Progress

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To Destination for Daily Apple News and Insights**

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, keeping abreast of the most recent news and trends is crucial, particularly for Apple fans. The **9to5Mac Daily** podcast acts as a dependable source for daily summaries of significant stories concerning Apple and its ecosystem. Accessible on multiple platforms, including [iTunes](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080), [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily), [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/), and [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily), this podcast guarantees that listeners can conveniently catch the latest episodes.

### Daily Episodes and Content

New installments of 9to5Mac Daily are produced each weekday, offering listeners prompt updates on Apple news, product launches, software enhancements, and industry perspectives. The podcast format provides a swift yet informative overview, making it perfect for individuals with hectic lifestyles.

Listeners can subscribe via their preferred podcast platform to receive new episodes immediately upon release. For those seeking an upgraded experience, subscribing to **9to5Mac Daily Plus** grants access to ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus material.

### Engaging with the Community

9to5Mac Daily invites listener engagement and feedback. Enthusiasts can express their opinions by emailing the team at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). Moreover, listeners are encouraged to rate the podcast on platforms such as [Apple Podcasts](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1331816080?at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) and [Overcast](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/app/overcast/id888422857?mt=8&at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) to help broaden its audience.

### Sponsored Content and Promotions

The podcast also features advertisements, including from **CardPointers**, which provides listeners the opportunity to enhance their credit card rewards. Exclusive offers, such as a 30% discount and a $100 Savings Card, further enrich the audience’s experience.

### Conclusion

For anyone keen on Apple news, 9to5Mac Daily is an indispensable resource. With its daily updates, engaging content, and community involvement, it distinguishes itself as a must-listen for Apple enthusiasts. Whether you’re on the move, working out, or simply wanting to stay informed, 9to5Mac Daily presents the latest information in a concise and accessible way.

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Causes of Quick Battery Depletion on Your Galaxy Watch

Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, and the brand has incorporated some essential features that the Apple Watch has possessed for years. Nonetheless, Galaxy Watch users are the latest to encounter ongoing troubles related to battery depletion issues. We’ve previously witnessed similar challenges emerge with the Google Pixel, experiencing a decline in battery longevity since the March update, and it appears that Galaxy Watch users are experiencing something comparable. Reports of the issue have surfaced on the r/GalaxyWatch subreddit, with one user’s post even suggesting a potential reason when they shared a screenshot indicating that Google Play Services had consumed 16% of their battery since the last charge one day and 23 hours ago.

Up to this point, there has been no official reply from Samsung regarding the problem, which may dishearten some since users have been dealing with these issues for several weeks now. As for remedies to resolve the issue, there seems to be no conclusive fix available yet. However, some users have mentioned successfully restarting the watch and reducing consumption from 10% or more down to under 6%, although results may vary. While some have attributed the issue to a recent update to the Galaxy Watch series, others experiencing it have not updated, leaving no clear explanation for the occurrence. It’s also important to highlight that not all users are facing this problem, which further adds to the confusion.

This is a significant issue for certain Galaxy Watch users

<source media="(min-width: 429px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/heres-why-your-galaxy-watch-battery-might

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Steven Spielberg Lauds a Star Wars Movie Frequently Disparaged by Fans

with some even forecasting the future), Spielberg endorsed the sequel in a 2002 Cinescape interview. “For the record, of all the ‘Star Wars’ films they’ve produced, this is my second favorite just after ‘Empire,'” the director disclosed. “It was fantastic. The action sequences seemed like George had drawn inspiration from James Cameron because they rivaled any of the action scenes in ‘T2’, and I believe George delivered his finest directing with this one as well.” While the broader audience may have held different opinions, Lucas contended that the second installment of the prequel was a misjudged creation that accomplished exactly what it set out to do.

George Lucas rejects the critiques of dialogue in Attack of the Cl

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Apple TV’s London suspense drama is poised to make a comeback next week: Initial reviews are in

Apple TV’s crime thriller set in London, [Criminal Record](https://tv.apple.com/show/criminal-record/umc.cmc.1sbjeoma6tvxgda6l0h4bb0x3?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.1sbjeoma6tvxgda6l0h4bb0x3&at=1000l3cvR), is making its return next week for another season. Here’s what initial reviews are indicating about Criminal Record season 2.

## Criminal Record season 2 reviews emphasize a strong follow-up

In recent years, Apple has significantly broadened its array of thriller shows. So much so that thrillers have emerged as the predominant genre on Apple TV.

Next week, a renowned crime thriller set in London is back for a new season.

Criminal Record season 2 kicks off **_Wednesday, April 22_** with its opening episode, followed by weekly installments until June 10.

The show features Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo as competing detectives compelled to join forces in an unexpected partnership.

The season 2 trailer for Criminal Record [was released last week](https://9to5mac.com/2026/04/08/apple-tv-unveils-return-of-acclaimed-london-crime-thriller/), showcasing a high-stakes storyline focused on a domestic terrorist organization plotting a bombing.

The inaugural season garnered a solid [90% Rotten Tomatoes rating](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/criminal_record/s01), with critics lauding the two lead performances and the engrossing mystery.

Initial reviews for the upcoming season have been published, and it appears to be another success.

– _[FandomWire](https://fandomwire.com/criminal-record-season-2-review/)_ : “If you enjoyed _Criminal Record_ season 1, you are in for a delightful experience with an even stronger second season.”
– _[The Spool](https://thespool.net/reviews/tv-review-criminal-record-season-2-appletv-cush-jumbo-peter-capaldi/)_: “as engaging as the first season.”
– _[Leisure Byte](https://leisurebyte.com/criminal-record-season-2-review/)_: “Season 2 is more ambitious and successfully achieves its world-building goals.”

If crime thrillers rank among your favorite genres, Apple has [several more distinctive series set to premiere soon](https://9to5mac.com/2026/04/15/apple-tv-has-three-unique-crime-thrillers-premiering-soon-heres-whats-coming/) as detailed here.

Have you watched Criminal Record previously, or are you planning to tune in when the new season premieres? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Apple TV is [offered for $12.99 per month](https://tv.apple.com/channel/tvs.sbd.4000?itscg=30200&itsct=tv%5C_box%5C_link&at=1000l3cvR), or you can access it at a discount through [the Apple One bundle](http://one.apple.com/?at=1000l3cvR&itscg=30200).

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OpenAI’s Codex Mac Application Launches Three Additional Features to Boost Coding Abilities

OpenAI has revealed a new iteration of its Codex desktop application, indicating a notable transition from a developer-focused utility to a more adaptable AI tool intended for general usage on Mac. This update brings three primary features: background computer operation, an integrated browser, and capabilities for image generation.

### Codex Enhancements

The newest Codex version facilitates background computer operation, allowing the application to run desktop software on a Mac without disrupting the user’s workflow. This capability is particularly advantageous for developers, as it enables them to test and refine frontend modifications while concurrently engaging with other applications.

The integrated browser, constructed on OpenAI’s Atlas framework, empowers users to comment directly on web pages, offering specific instructions to the Codex agent. This is designed to boost frontend and game development, with intentions to extend capabilities for Codex to control the browser beyond local web applications.

Moreover, the incorporation of image generation driven by gpt-image-1.5 removes the necessity to switch to the ChatGPT application for producing AI-created images, simplifying the workflow for developers aiming to generate visual concepts from screenshots and code.

### Expanded Features and Automation

In addition to these three enhancements, OpenAI has rolled out a carefully curated set of 111 new Codex Plugins that expand the app’s functionality. These plugins offer features such as handling GitHub review comments, operating multiple terminal tabs, and linking to remote development environments via SSH. Users can also access files straight from the sidebar with rich previews for various file types.

Automation capabilities have also seen significant upgrades, permitting Codex to reuse established conversation threads while maintaining context. The application is now capable of scheduling upcoming tasks and waking up autonomously to pursue long-term projects.

### Memory Functionality

Codex now incorporates a memory feature akin to that in the ChatGPT app, enabling it to retain valuable context from past interactions. This memory can present prompt suggestions based on ongoing endeavors, assisting users in prioritizing tasks and pinpointing open comments needing attention.

### Subscription Model

In line with the Codex update, OpenAI has launched a new subscription model for its users. The $100/month Pro tier provides expanded access to advanced tools and models, greatly enhancing usage limits compared to the previous $20/month plan.

### Future Aspirations

OpenAI envisions upcoming versions of Codex as part of a wider “superapp” strategy, merging various technologies to boost productivity for users beyond engineers alone. The current release is compatible with Intel Macs, representing a move towards this ambitious vision.

For more details on the latest Codex version, users can check OpenAI’s official website.

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