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GoPro Hero 12 Black adds supports for AirPods and TikTok

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GoPro Hero 12 Black is the latest camera from the much-loved US brand, and it brings a battery life boost, boosted performance, connection to AirPods and other Bluetooth earbuds, and support for vertical videos to share directly to TikTok and Instagram Reels.

It’s a packed upgrade, which is available to and will release worldwide on September 13, 2023.

As the name suggests, GoPro Hero 12 Black (stylised as HERO12 Black) is the successor to launched last summer.

From the outside, little seems to have changed.

You’ll find the same rugged case design, front-and-rear facing screens to line up your perfect shot, black colourway (although GoPro has added a pleasant speckling of blue to refresh things), and built-in mounting fingers to attach the camera to your helmet, selfie stick, skis, wheel arches, surfboard, and much more. As we’ve come to expect from recent GoPro cameras, the Hero 12 Black is waterproof without the need for an extra case and has multiple microphones to cancel-out wind noise.

This time around, GoPro has added support for wireless earbuds – like Apple AirPods – so you’ll be able to use voice commands to control the camera with your ‘buds when it’s out of reach. While filming, you’ll also be able to use the microphones on your ‘buds to narrate the video.

GoPro confirmed that skydivers would be able to wear AirPods inside their helmet and their narration would be recorded while the GoPro records the descent. Likewise, you can attach the GoPro to the outside of your car while off-roading and still hear what’s being said inside the cabin. It’s clever stuff and should make voice commands more useful and enable some inventive new ways for creators to capture audio with their clips.

gopro hero 12 black release date price uk

With AirPods, or other wireless earbuds, you can issue voice commands from further afield (Image: GOPRO)

Setting up your new GoPro, you’ll be given a choice between a simplified menu (dubbed Easy Mode) designed for those who want to point-and-shoot, share some clips to social media ..and that’s about it.

There’s also an advanced mode, known as Pro mode, that’ll appeal to keen photographers as well as the slew of television and film production companies that rely on GoPro cameras for their shoots. GoPro has divided up its software experience like this for a few years, but it has streamlined some of the menus on both this time around based on user feedback.

gopro hero 12 black release date price uk

GoPro Hero 12 Black has the same rugged case as its predecessors (Image: GOPRO)

First up, we’ll cover the new additions to the GoPro Hero 12 Black that everyone will benefit from, before moving onto a number of specific tweaks that will appeal to professionals.

For this new camera, GoPro says it has reworked every aspect of its power management system. It’s keeping tight-lipped on the details of its new magic sauce, but the result is 2x longer battery life in some modes.

To further help boost battery, GoPro Hero 12 Black ships with one of the brand’s Enduro battery packs in the box. While this has been available for older GoPro models for some time, it was always as an optional extra. Enduro battery packs enable longer running times in moderate temperatures and more reliable performance in extreme temperatures (down to -10°C/14°F).

At the highest performance setting – 60 frames-per-second at 5.3K resolution – GoPro says to expect 70-minutes of continuous recording, thanks to the efficiencies of the new chipset, Enduro battery, and the rest of the work that’s gone into the new power management system.

Drop down to 30 frames-per-second at the same resolution and that rises to 95-minutes of recording. If you’re content with a more modest 1080p resolution at 30 frames-per-second, GoPro says you can capture 155-minutes of footage between charges.

Of course, we’ll need to test this out for ourselves to see if those numbers are accurate, but that’s a staggering leap in battery performance compared to the previous model.

gopro hero 12 black release date price uk

Like its predecesors, GoPro Hero 12 Black is waterproof without a case (Image: GOPRO)

GoPro says all of its battery tests were conducted with its improved HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilisation switched on.

On the subject of video stabilisation, GoPro has a number of Emmy Awards on its shelves thanks to its clever stabilisation tech. GoPro Hero 12 Black arrives with the next-generation of this system, dubbed HyperSmooth 6.0. It features improved AutoBoost that automatically boosts the amount of video stabilisation needed while filming – so your footage will remain buttery-smooth, even if things get unexpectedly bumpy.

The system intelligently switches between crop levels, all while preserving the maximum amount of the original frame as possible.

Social media users will find a new Vertical Capture Mode inside the settings that captures vertical 9:16 aspect ratio video, even while the camera is mounted horizontally. This pixel-packed footage is designed to be shared straight to vertically-oriented social channels, like Instagram Reels and TikTok. GoPro subscribers will see their footage uploaded automatically to the cloud whenever their camera is charging and connected to Wi-Fi (at 100% original quality, of course).

Those clips can be edited in the Quick app on your smartphone or tablet and exported to post on social media channels.

GoPro has confirmed plans to launch a desktop version of its Quick editor, which uses AI to start putting together edits for you – isolating choice moments from clips, removing disruptive background noise, and adding titles and music. All of this can be edited to suit your own tastes, but it’s designed to inspire you to start putting together footage from your latest trip.

Already available on iOS and Android, Quik will launch on Mac on November 1 and Windows sometime in summer 2024.

gopro hero 12 black release date price uk

A second-generation Max Lens Mode launches alongside Hero 12 Black to squeeze more into the frame (Image: GOPRO)

If you’re not a subscriber, you’ll need to wirelessly beam footage from your GoPro to your smartphone or tablet using a local Wi-Fi connection, or connect to a laptop or PC with the bundled USB-C cable. Since your footage won’t be automatically stored in the cloud, you run the risk of losing everything if you misplace your camera during a trip or decide to push the rugged design of the latest GoPro a little too far.

“Hero 12 Black resets the bar for immersive life-capture,” says GoPro CEO and Founder Nicholas Woodman. “Our new flagship camera is the culmination of GoPro’s 21 years of experience and our passion for helping you capture and share your life in an immersive, dream-like way that makes you and your audience feel like you’re right there again, reliving your favourite experiences in vivid detail.”

Industry professionals who rely on GoPro cameras for footage will find a number of improvements in the GoPro Hero 12 Black to make their lives easier.

gopro hero 12 black release date price uk

GoPro Hero 12 Black is compatible with a whole host of existing accessories and mounts (Image: GOPRO)

For the first time, GoPro is making GP-Log with Look Up Tables (LUTs) available to enable professional users to have more control when colour grading their footage.

And those who use GoPro cameras for multi-camera shoots will be able to sync an unlimited number of Hero 12 Black cameras for easy edits. GoPro says its wireless synchronisation feature is designed to work with Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premier, and other industry-standard editing apps.

You can buy the Hero 12 Black as a standalone, or in a bundle, known as the Hero 12 Black Creator Edition. The latter is the same camera, but paired with a multitude of accessories to transform this action camera into an all-in-one content capturing powerhouse that makes vlogging, filmmaking, and live streaming easy. In the box, you’ll find a long-lasting battery grip with built-in buttons for one-handed camera control and over four hours of 4K recording per charge.

The Creator Edition also includes an optional directional microphone, external mic input, HDMI port for connecting to external displays, a high-output LED light and two cold shoe mounts for mounting additional accessories.



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Argos shoppers dash to get latest Galaxy Watch for a price Amazon can’t match

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Samsung’s latest Galaxy Watch 7 is an accomplished smartwatch with enough fitness tools and clever features to satisfy any Android phone owner, but with an RRP of £289, it could be a little out of reach for some.

That’s not the case this week, as Argos is not only running a discount on the newest Galaxy Watch model by selling it at £214, but also offering a further 10 percent off, seeing the once £289 smartwatch dip right down to just £192.60.

All you have to do is add the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 to your trolley on the Argos website. Then when you go to pay, either by signing in to your account or entering your delivery details as a guest, you can advance to the pay screen where there’s an option to enter a promo code.

Type RED10 into that box, and Argos will slash 10 percent off the watch to get the total down to £192.60.

When you visit the listing page, it says the watch is the number two best seller in smartwatches and that the item is “popular”, with other shoppers “looking at this right now”, presumably hovering over the buy button. £214 is already ‘Our Lowest Price’, according to Argos, so the 10 percent off takes it even lower.

A quick look on Amazon sees this watch is £214 in a “limited time deal”, so Argos has the better price. Amazon price tracker site Camelcamelcamel also confirms £214 is the cheapest Amazon has ever sold the Watch 7 for, so Argos’s price is very good indeed.

View the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 at Argos

You can pick up the Galaxy Watch 7 40mm version in cream or green colour. With in-built GPS it works well for tracking runs and swims, and also can track scores of different sport and gym sessions, with a heart rate sensor and temperature sensor providing in depth stats for you to look back on.

It also tracks your sleep, and combines all the data to give you an Energy Score every day that provides an overview of your ongoing health.

The watch also does all the smartwatch things you’d expect, like delivering notifications to your wrist, letting you reply to messages, taking calls, and running apps such as Spotify and Uber.

The Galaxy Watch 7 pairs best with a Samsung phone, but will work with any modern Android phone. If you’re thinking of buying but don’t have a Samsung phone, you might want to consider a different product such as a Google Pixel Watch, or a cheaper Fitbit band, if that better meets your needs for a lower cost. You also might not really need a smartwatch or tracking device at all!

It’s not clear how long this ‘red’ sale is on at Argos but if you are tempted to go for the Watch 7, this price should be jumped at.



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Your Spotify app just got a blockbuster free upgrade – here’s what’s n

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If you happen to subscribe to Spotify there’s good news. This popular music app is getting a boost thanks to Channel 4 adding some of its programmes to the platform. It means that you’ll now be able to watch a swathe of video content from the UK telly provider right within the Spotify app itself.

The update – which is called Channel 4.0 – will serve up content aimed at 13–24-year-olds. Shows coming to Spotify at launch include Minor Issues (Wall of Entertainment), Hear Me Out (After Party Studios) and Secret Sauce (Acme Films & Wall of Entertainment). These can all be viewed for free so there’s no need to start reaching for the credit card.

Fancy tuning in? You will find this blockbuster boost via the Spotify smartphone and desktop app with Channel 4 confirming the upgrade will become available to audiences from later this week.

Channel 4 is, of course, no stranger to releasing video updates with its content already available in apps such as Snapchat and TikTok.

Speaking about the changes, Alex Mahon, Channel 4 CEO, said: “Gen Z are watching video across lots of digital platforms as well as on Channel 4 heartland ones and Spotify is very much one of the new, so that’s where we’re going.

“This new first of its kind approach puts Channel 4 content in another place where people already are. It is another first from Channel 4 and is on course with our Fast Forward strategy to grow new audiences and fresh revenue. We’ve always led the pack on digital – and we’re doing it again.”

And Roman Wasenmüller, VP of Spotify’s Podcast Business, added: “We see Spotify as a powerful tool for broadcasters like Channel 4 to connect with new and loyal audiences. Video consumption is growing rapidly on Spotify, and our platform provides the perfect space for Channel 4 to extend its reach, build even stronger relationships with their audience, and drive incremental revenues.”



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Surprise iPad rival finally gives Android users a truly powerful alternative

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Apple’s iPad may be the commonly-used catch-all term for tablet computers these days, but there is a huge range of alternative devices to the famous iPad that all run Android instead. Available in a wider range of shapes and sizes, there is an Android tablet out there for every budget, and one has just been announced that includes a welcome addition not often seen in the market.

OnePlus surprised Android fans on Monday by announcing the imminent arrival of the OnePlus Pad 3, a tablet it says has “a focus on performance and productivity” and will come to the UK on June 5, 2025. The price is still unannounced.

“The OnePlus Pad 3 merges supercharged hardware with market leading software to create the best tablet experience of 2025”, OnePlus said in a press release.

Sometimes when companies say such things it’s hyperbole, but OnePlus may have the spec sheet to back it up with the Pad 3. It confirmed that the tablet will be one of the first ever to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, Qualcomm’s current most powerful mobile processor.

That’s the same chip inside the OnePlus 13, Samsung Galaxy S25, Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Honor Magic 7 Pro, as well as other recent flagship Android phones.

But Android manufacturers rarely use Qualcomm’s top-end processor in their tablets, so to see the latest silicone in OnePlus’s newest effort is exciting. The company used the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in its OnePlus Pad 2 from last year, so this is the second year running we’ve seen top-end chips in OnePlus tablets.

”In just two short years we have built a strong reputation for bringing the most powerful and productive tablets to the market,” said Celina Shi, Chief Marketing Officer, OnePlus Europe. “The OnePlus Pad 3 continues this legacy with a cutting-edge chipset and intelligent software features – like Open Canvas – to help elevate productivity, creativity and entertainment. We’re confident that the OnePlus Pad 3 will be the best Android tablet of 2025!”

We don’t have full specs yet for the Pad 3, but if it’s anything like its predecessor I’ll be pleased. I’ve used the OnePlus Pad 2 extensively and it’s very good indeed, with a lovely bright 12.1-inch LCD screen, superb stereo speakers, a thin 6.5mm design, smooth OxygenOS software and up to 256GB storage and 12GB RAM.

OnePlus will hopefully make some smart updates to tempt buyers into investing in the Pad 3. If it’s compatible with OnePlus’s stylus, and if there’s a keyboard accessory like with the Pad 2, the Pad 3 could prove to be a genuine laptop replacement. It’s hard to replace a Windows or Mac laptop with a tablet, but for my money, Android is much better at it than iPadOS.

As confirmed in the above quote, the Pad 3 will run Open Canvas, which is good news. This is OnePlus’s clever software that lets you recreate the feeling of working and switching between open windows without cluttering the whole screen. It hides the edges of the open apps and leaves the app you’re in on most of the screen, but keeps the apps running in the background, allowing for quick switching.

It’s much more intuitive than Android tablet rival Samsung’s method, and it wipes the floor with Apple’s clunky Stage Manager windowing system for iPads.

Few other details were revealed, other than that UK and European buyers will be able to get the OnePlus Pad 3 in Storm Blue colourway, and that you’ll be able to remotely control a Mac computer and easier share files with “new apps and functionality”.

Before the launch on June 5, OnePlus is letting customers reserve the OnePlus Pad 3 for £1. This will open up some ‘Bonus Drop’ offers such as a £50 discount coupon and a gift code to get a free OnePlus SUPERVOOC 80W Dual Ports GaN Power Adapter Kit worth £49.99 when buying the Pad 3.



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