10th-gen iPad's USB-C transfer speeds are limited to Lightning speeds

While this won't affect many users, you might want to know that the USB-C port in the new base model iPad doesn't get the speedy transfer speeds of this port. Apple is limiting the transfer speeds at "USB 2.0 data speeds." That is at 480Mbps, which is the same speed offered by Lightning connector on the ninth-gen iPad.

But this connection still allows external monitor support up to 30 frames per second for a 4K resolution or up to 60fps for 1080p. It is still far off from the Thunderbolt USB-C connections of the iPad Pro, which goes up to 40Gbps. Those on the iPad Air and iPad mini go up to 10Gbps and 5Gbps, respectively. If transfering large files is a big part of your workflow, you might have to reconsider which iPad to get.

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Amazon debuts 3rd-gen Fire TV Cube

Amazon outed its most capable Fire TV recently. The third-generation Fire TV Cube brings hands-free use thanks to its built-in mics. It has an octa-core 2.0GHz processor promising a 20% improved performance paired with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. The storage is double what's included on the cheaper Fire TV Stick 4K Max.

You get technologies like Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos audio. And then it adds on a new Super Resolution Upscaling feature that makes HD content appear sharper on 4K TVs. It's also future-proof with technologies like Wi-Fi 6E support and an HDMI port. It supports the new Alexa Voice Remote Pro, which is sold separately. The Amazon Fire TV Cube retails for $190.

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Samsung teases Galaxy Z Flip4 Maison Margiela Edition

Source: Samsung

Samsung recently announced its new partnership with Paris-based luxury fashion house Maison Margiela. And unsurprisingly, we're seeing the two brands collab on what's considered its more stylish device, the Galaxy Z Flip 4.

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Sony made a Teams-certified LinkBuds

Source: Sony

Aside from introducing multipoint support for some of its wireless earbuds, Sony also has a couple of new LinkBuds. One is the LinkBuds UC for Teams, a US$250 (around CA$338) pair of earbuds certified for Microsoft Teams. They come with a USB dongle to let you map Teams actions (like muting or raising a hand) to the earbud controls. It will be available this winter. 

Now, if you want something similar to the LinkBuds S, there's this new option Sony says is made from "recycled water bottles materials." These LinkBuds S earbuds retail for US$200 (~CA$271) and will be available at the end of this month. According to the company's press release, "Parts of the body and case of LinkBuds S in Earth Blue are made from recycled water bottle materials which creates a unique, one-of-a-kind marble pattern." Each set will sport a slightly different pattern and outer finish. We don't know how much of these earbuds are made with this environmentally-friendly material, and Sony won't disclose the information. But if you like the design, it might be worth considering.

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