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Accessories of the past have become new trends: think bucket hats, friendship bracelets and even jelly shoes. Our nostalgia has reached even our tech, with instant cameras and flip phones becoming the envious accessories to own. Celebrities including Machine Gun Kelly and Taylor Swift have even been spotted using retro cameras rather than their smartphones, as it creates quick keepsakes.
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Snapping a pic on your smartphone may be the fastest way to take a photo, but instant cameras can capture spontaneous moments while creating tangible photographs you can hold in a matter of seconds.
If you’re ready to hop on the trend, Billboard spoke with Mitch Holson, a photographer at Atlantic Records who gave his tips and tricks for finding the right instant camera.
Before adding a camera to your cart, there’s another popular model (disposable cameras), which may seem similar to an instant camera, but hold a major difference.
“Film in a disposable camera is 35mm film, which needs to be developed after the fact — either in a lab or through self-processing,” Holson explained. “An instant camera uses a self-developing film, which provides you with results within a few minutes.”
If you’re not looking to get too technical, then an instant camera will be more user friendly.
“Oftentimes, the [instant] camera makes decisions for you depending on the lighting conditions, and the on-board flash makes taking photos in low light relatively simple for beginners looking for results,” he added. “So, it’s truly a snap-and-go camera if that’s how you like to take images. The other benefit is that you get to see your photos very quickly.”
Holson prefers using an instant camera with auto-focus capabilities for professional use as it provides sharper images. And, if you “aren’t looking for sharpness, [you] should embrace the overall softness of instant cameras” as “there’s something cool and nostalgic about it,” he shared. Weight will also be a big factor to consider, as the lighter the camera, the easier it will be to take out and snap a pic.
Read on to shop his picks (and a few reviewer-loved ones) below.
Amazon
Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO Hybrid Black Instant Camera
$349.95
Holson’s favorite to use is the Fujifilm Instax Mini for its modern-meets-retro design and features.
It “allows you to take photos digitally then choose which ones to print,” he said. Plus, the digital library allows you to look through photos and print them as much as you want. The kit even comes with 10 lenses and film effects for further customization.
Amazon
Polaroid Now+
$119.99 $149.99 20% OFF
For a more budget-friendly model, the Polaroid Now+ is an instant camera Holson says is ideal for the “everyday person.” Connect it to the accompanying app to personalize photos and use different filters. It also comes with five lenses for further customization.
BHP Photo Video
Mint Camera InstantKon RF70 Instant Film Camera
$899
This splurge-worthy option is another Holson pick, as the InstantKon RF70 Instant Film Camera gives you fast photos using a glass lens rather than the common plastic one. Beginners can use a the auto-focus feature while more experienced photographers can take advantage of the manual options.
Amazon
KODAK Mini Shot 2 Retro 4PASS 2-in-1 Instant Digital Camera
$99.99 $157.00 36% OFF
Kodak’s Mini Shot 2 is a compact instant camera reviewers are loving for its ability to easily slip into your purse or backpack. Whether you’re traveling or hosting a party with friends, you can snap a picture and within minutes, have it print out. You can even print photos from your phone or smart device, using its Bluetooth capabilities.
Amazon
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Camera
$82.99
If you want to mix trendiness with photography, then consider the Fujifilm Instax 9 Camera. Reviewers love the picture quality and its ease of use. Just use the viewfinder in the top corner, push the button, and within minutes, your memory will be captured and printed.
Amazon
Canon Ivy CLIQ+2 Instant Camera
$79.99 $149.99 47% OFF
The Canon Ivy CLIQ+2 Instant Camera combines modern looks with retro photos. Shoppers enjoy the pocket-size design and the peel-and-stick backing on the printed photos.
For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of cameras for music videos, celebrity headphones and best home projectors.
Two U.S. senators are asking TikTok to explain what they called “misleading or inaccurate” responses about how it stores and provides access to U.S. user data after recent news reports raised questions about how the Chinese-owned social media platform handles some sensitive information.
In a letter sent Tuesday to TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Marsha Blackburn cited a report from Forbes that said TikTok had stored financial information of U.S. content creators who get paid by the company — including their Social Security numbers and tax IDs — on China-based servers.
The senators also cited another report from The New York Times, published in late May, that said TikTok employees regularly shared user information, such as driver’s licenses information of some American users, on an internal messaging app called Lark that employees from TikTok’s Beijing-based parent company, ByteDance, could easily access.
Forbes first reported Wednesday on the letter.
TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek said, ”We are reviewing the letter. We remain confident in the accuracy of our testimony and responses to Congress.”
TikTok has said servers that contain U.S. user data have been physically stored in Virginia and Singapore, where its headquartered. But who can access that data — and from where — is an ongoing question.
Chew, the company’s CEO, said at a congressional hearing in March that access to the data was provided “as-required” to engineers globally for business purposes. He also said some ByteDance employees still maintained access to some U.S. user data, but that would end once Project Texas — the company’s plan to siphon off U.S. user data from China — was completed.
The popular social media app has been under scrutiny from Western governments, who’ve been wary of the company’s Chinese ownership and have prohibited its use on government-issued devices. Earlier this year, the Biden administration threatened to ban the platform nationwide if the company’s Chinese owners don’t sell their stakes.
To assuage concerns from U.S. lawmakers, TikTok has been touting its Project Texas plan to store U.S. user data on servers owned and maintained by the software giant Oracle. Last year, the company said it began directing all U.S. user traffic to those servers but also continued to back up data on its own servers.
Chew said the company began deleting all historic U.S. user data from non-Oracle servers in March, and the process is expected to be completed this year.
In their letter, the senators also said the recent news reports appear to contradict testimonies from another TikTok official about where U.S. user data is stored.
A former executive at ByteDance, the Chinese company which owns the popular short-video app TikTok, says in a legal filing that some members of the ruling Communist Party used data held by the company to identify and locate protesters in Hong Kong.
Yintao Yu, formerly head of engineering for ByteDance in the U.S., says those same people had access to U.S. user data, an accusation that the company denies.
Yu, who worked for the company in 2018, made the allegations in a recent filing for a wrongful dismissal case filed in May in the San Francisco Superior Court. In the documents submitted to the court he said ByteDance had a “superuser” credential — also known as a god credential — that enabled a special committee of Chinese Communist Party members stationed at the company to view all data collected by ByteDance including those of U.S. users.
The credential acted as a “backdoor to any barrier ByteDance had supposedly installed to protect data from the C.C.P’s surveillance,” the filing says.
ByteDance said in a statement that Yu’s accusations were “baseless.”
“It’s curious that Mr. Yu has never raised these allegations in the five years since his employment for Flipagram was terminated in July 2018,” the company said, referring to an app that ByteDance later shut down for business reasons. “His actions are clearly intended to garner media attention.
“We plan to vigorously oppose what we believe are baseless claims and allegations in this complaint,” ByteDance said.
Charles Jung, Yu’s lawyer and a partner at the law firm Nassiri & Jung, said Yu chose to raise the allegations because he was “disturbed to hear the recent Congressional testimony of TikTok’s CEO” when Shou Zi Chew, a Singaporean, vehemently denied Chinese authorities had access to user data.
“Telling the truth openly in court is risky, but social change requires the courage to tell the truth,” Jung said. “It’s important to him that public policy be based on accurate information, so he’s determined to tell his story.”
TikTok is under intense scrutiny in the U.S. and worldwide over how it handles data and whether it poses a national security risk. Some American lawmakers have expressed concern that TikTok’s ties to ByteDance means the data it holds is subject to Chinese law.
They also contend that the app, which has over 150 million monthly active users in the U.S. and more than a billion users worldwide, could be used to expand China’s influence.
During the combative March House hearing, lawmakers from both parties grilled Chew over his company’s alleged ties to Beijing, data security and harmful content on the app. Chew repeatedly denied TikTok shares user data or has any ties with Chinese authorities.
To allay such concerns, TikTok has said that it would work with Oracle to store all U.S. data within the country.
In an earlier court filing, Yu accused ByteDance of serving as a “propaganda tool” for the Chinese Communist Party by promoting nationalistic content and demoting content that does not serve the party’s aims. He also said that ByteDance was responsive to the Communist Party’s requests to share information.
Yu also accused ByteDance of scraping content from competitors and users to repost on its sites to exaggerate key engagement metrics. He says he was fired for sharing his concerns about “wrongful conduct” he saw with others in the company.
In mainland China, ByteDance operates Douyin, which is targeted at the domestic market. TikTok is its global app that is available in most other countries. It was also available in Hong Kong until TikTok pulled out of the market in 2020 following the imposition of a sweeping national security law.
Anyone who tries to open TikTok from within Hong Kong will see a message that reads “We regret to inform you that we have discontinued operating TikTok in Hong Kong.”
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Apple is serving us up with some new and upgraded gadgets after unveiling various upcoming releases during its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2023. Among the tech showed off was a 15-inch MacBook Air — the largest of the MacBook Air models to date. Other new releases announced included an AR headset called the Vision Pro, which won’t be available until early 2024, but will transform how you surf the web, watch TV shows and movies on streaming platforms and even communicate with friends and family.
Act Fast! The iPad Pro Is On Sale at Amazon
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The new 15-inch MacBook Air isn’t being released until June 13, but you’re currently able to order it in advance. Rather than wait in long lines in store or be met with the dreaded “sold out” message, preordering the highly anticipated model will ensure it’s delivered to you right when the laptop drops. You can find it wherever Apple products are sold including Amazon.
Amazon
Apple 2023 15.3-inch MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip
$1,299.00
The new MacBook Air comes with a 15.3-inch screen, maintains a lightweight feel (weighing a little over 3 pounds) and is made from recycled aluminum. The slim width remains the same allowing you to easily slide it into your laptop tote bag. Plus it comes in four shades including gold, silver, midnight and space gray. Features you can look forward to using are Apple’s new M2 processing chip, which contains a powerful 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU and up to 24GB of unified memory. It’s also made with a liquid retina display that’ll allow you to stream your favorite Apple TV+ shows with a crystal clear picture. It’s also available in two storage sizes: 256GB and 512GB to fit your needs.
New tech announcements weren’t the only thing that took place during the WWDC 2023: The Writers Guild of America (WGA) made their presence known. On Monday (June 5), the writers strike continued during what the group called its “Apple Day of Action,” Deadline reported. Rather than stand outside with signs, though, the group was handing out leaflets to spread the word.
This comes as Apple TV+ grows in scale and relies on writers to create the stories we all know and love for shows including Ted Lasso, Shrinking, Platonic, Loot, Ghosted, Black Bird, Severance, Dear…, Carpool Karaoke: The Series, Tetris, The Problem with John Stewart, Bad Sisters, The Reluctant Traveler, Schmigadoon! and The Morning Show.
While you wait for the new tech to be released, take advantage of the deals we’ve found on AirPod Pros and iPads on Amazon that you can add to your travel necessities.
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Source: LEON NEAL / Getty / Grand Theft Auto V
We can’t think of any other game that has been able to live such a long life than Grand Theft Auto V, and it will reportedly get more content to keep it going.
Spotted on Gaming Bible, Grand Theft Auto V is getting a San Andreas story expansion furthering Rockstar Games’ commitment to squeeze out as much green out of its cash cow, GTA Online, while they continue to work on Grand Theft Auto 6.
Per Gaming Bible:
Coming this month, on June 13, fans can expect GTA Online: San Andreas Mercenaries to launch. This free expansion will see players working together to fight Merryweather Security as part of the Los Santos Angels.
Players will take part in missions involving “stealing sensitive data from server farms, conducting raids, and dropping explosive payloads on high-value targets across the state.” Heavy stuff.
Rockstar also promises “spontaneous opportunities” to make money and earn new items in the world by taking down moving targets and completing random events.
The website also reports that GTA Online players can expect a bevy of fixes and quality-of-life improvements to the game, including:
When calling Mors Mutual Insurance, you’ll be able to claim all destroyed vehicles at once.
An alternate sprint control option (hold to sprint) will be added to the Settings Menu.
Custom description tags for garages to help quickly locate your favorite rides.
The Willard Eudora and Albany Classique Broadway will become eligible for Taxi Work when using Taxi Liveries.
Updates to the Creator to incorporate additional props and weather options, including snow.
Are We Close To Seeing Grand Theft Auto 6?
The news of this GTA Online update comes on the heels of reports Rockstar Games is very close to giving us our first look at Grand Theft Auto 6.
The highly-anticipated game was already the victim of a massive leak that confirmed earlier reports that the game would feature a female playable character, have a Bonnie and Clyde influence, and will take us back to Vice City.
We might catch our first look at Summer Game Fest or the upcoming Xbox Games Showcase, so stay tuned.
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Photo: LEON NEAL / Getty / Grand Theft Auto V
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All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Touchscreen, flat smartphones are the it cell phone to own, but newer models have continued to grow in size unlike our pocket space. Since the ’90s have made a sweeping comeback among fashion there’s a new accessory everyone (especially Gen Z) is scrambling to own: a flip phone. Celebrities like previous Billboard Hot 100 chart topper Ed Sheeran and “Alone” singer Kim Petras have hopped on the trend with Sheeran even preferring the old school model as it helps him limit social media usage, which he said in The Collector’s Edition podcast.
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Petras even remembers growing up with the phone during the early 2000s. “In the early 2000s, people I looked up to had the iconic pink Razr and it was the coolest accessory,” she said in a statement for Motorola.
Owning a flip phone doesn’t mean completely giving up all the features a smartphone carries — newer models are bringing you the best of both worlds with touchscreen capabilities, HD cameras, app usage and more. All paired with the famous screen flip feature, of course.
Whether you’re looking to cut down your screen time or want a more compact, portable phone to carry in your tote bag, flip phones make it easy to stay connected — without having to lug around a tablet-sized smartphone in your hand.
In anticipation of the Motorola Razr Plus being released on June 23, we rounded up a list of flip phones to shop in a range of versions from styles with just the basics to new flip phones featuring the latest tech. Check below to shop our picks for the best flip phones to own in 2023!
For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of portable phone chargers, best TV deals to shop right now and best graduation gifts.
Best Buy
Samsung – Galaxy Z Flip4
$999.99
Get all the characteristics of a smartphone shrunk down into a portable flip phone design with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. It comes in four colors to customize to your liking and comes with flex mode allowing you to use the top portion to video call friends while browsing the Internet on the bottom half.
Best Buy
Nokia 2780 Flip | Unlocked | Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile | Blue
$89.99
Go back to basics with the Nokia 2780 Flip Phone, which is not only an affordable option but comes with all the necessities including talk, text and a camera. Just note that a SIM card is not included.
Motorola
Motorola razr+
$999.99
The Motorola Razr+ is not only Petras-approved, but aims to be the phone for content creators and it’s already getting rave reviews. It turns your smartphone into a fashionable accessory you can carry with you and shoot video, snap pictures, text, call, use social media and more. It won’t be available for pre-order until June 16, but until then, you can register to be notified of presale and once it’s available you’ll be able to purchase it through phone carriers or grab it universally unlocked at Amazon, Best Buy and Motorola.
Walmart
Alcatel – My Flip 2 Prepaid Tracfone
$43
Flip on over to Alcatel’s prepaid flip phone featuring only the essentials. Whether you’re traveling or just want to declutter your accessories, this phone will enable you to call, text, surf YouTube and even use a maps feature.
Consumer Cellular
Consumer Cellular Verve Snap
$69
Keep things simple and under $100 with this flip phone from Consumer Cellular. It’s compact enough to throw in your purse, pocket or backpack and will allow you to call and send text messages without the distraction of social media.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
We may be able to stream our favorite shows from the palm of our hand (i.e. our smartphones and tablets), but there’s nothing quite like watching the NBA Finals on the big screen. Once baseball season ends, though, you’ll still want to catch the latest football, basketball, soccer and more games in high definition.
Right now, Best Buy is having a major discount on its TVs — meaning you can score a fresh new screen for a fraction of the price. We did the digging to discover the deepest cuts on reviewer-loved models, so you can reap the benefits, including catching the Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets play for the title.
NBA Finals 2023: Here’s How to Watch Miami Heat vs. Denver Nuggets Games for Free
05/31/2023
Right now, you can save $1,500 on Samsung’s The Terrace 75″ LED Smart Tizen TV (and no, we’re not making that up). With a 4.9-star rating you really can’t beat this outdoor television. Not only does is sport a brighter screen to help you see even the darkest shows (looking at you House of the Dragon), but it comes with a weather-resistant material for those who want to watch the playoffs outside when if it’s sprinkling.
Best Buy
Samsung – The Terrace Series 75″ LED Outdoor Partial Sun 4K UHD TV
$4,999.99 $6,499.99 23% off% OFF
Samsung’s The Terrace Series 75-inch Smart TV will take your entertainment outdoors. Whether you have a patio, terrace or outdoor area you can now enjoy a drive-in like experience from the comfort of your own home. It’s also available in a 65-inch size for $1,000 off if you’d prefer a smaller size while still saving money. Whether you prefer Hulu, Netflix, Max, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ or another streaming service, this model is capable of playing those, YouTube and cable TV to adapt to your preferences.
The deals don’t stop there either, if you’re looking to spend less than $1,000 on a new TV we’ve got the pick for you. The Hisense 65-inch Class U6GR Series Quantum Smart Roku TV is currently $100 off dropping it down to $500.
Best Buy
Hisense 65″Class U6GR Series Quantum Smart Roku TV
$499.99 $599.99 17% off% OFF
Bringing you a 4k picture with smart technology is the Hisense 65-inch Roku TV. The discounted model isn’t just packed with savings but is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant allowing you to voice control it to launch channels, search for things and more. If you’re prone to losing your remote, ditch using it at all and take advantage of its compatibility with the Apple Home app or Siri on Apple devices.
Best Buy
Samsung – 85″ Class The Frame QLED 4k Smart Tizen TV
$3,499.99 $4,299.99 19% off% OFF
If you want to turn your TV into a chic piece of home decor, the Samsung Frame Smart TV is discounted up to $800. Depending on the size you go with, that will determine the amount of savings, but a deal is a deal in our book.
Score $800 off the 85-inch Samsung Frame Smart TV and enjoy a personal art exhibit when you’re not watching TV. When it’s not in-use you can even have photos on display to reminisce some of your favorite memories. Then, when it’s time to kick back and relax, turn on your favorite streamers, cable or browse the internet. The model is ready to adapt to your ever-changing needs. It’s also available in five sizes to choose from with savings available for each version.
Best Buy
Insignia – 58″ Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV
$279.99 $429.99 35% off% OFF
Enjoy everything from the first ball game of the season to the SuperBowl in 4K ultra high definition on Insignia’s 58-inch Smart Fire TV. And if you lose your remote there’s no need to panic as it can be completely controlled using Alexa or an Amazon Fire TV. Plus, it’s currently $150 off!
Best Buy
Sony 55″ Class Bravia XR A90J Series OLED 4K UHD TV
$999 $1,399.99 29% off% OFF
At $400 off you can view the latest sporting events in crisp vibrant colors with Sony’s OLED 4K UHD Smart Google TV. The screen was designed using Cognitive Processor XR technology to deliver realistic, ultra high contrast shades in front of your eyes. It also comes with Google TV, which features over 700,000 movies and TV episodes and access to streaming platforms including Netflix, Prime Video, Max, Hulu and more.
Best Buy
Insignia – 40″ Class N10 Series LED Full HD TV
$119.99 $189.99 37% off% OFF
If you’re looking for a more compact TV, you can save $70 on this 40-inch Insignia HD TV. The small, slim design comes with VESA mounting holes to hang it on your wall or display it on a stand. When it’s time to grab the popcorn and watch a movie, the screen has LED lighting and a 1080p resolution for high definition viewing.
Best Buy
Westinghouse – 50″ 4K UHD Smart Roku TV with HDR
$219.99 $389.99 44% off% OFF
The Westinghouse 4K UHD Smart Roku TV allows you to watch cable or stream from one of the many platforms on the market. It’s up to you to customize your home screen to your liking. It’s even capable of voice search and control (ideal if you’re prone to misplacing your remote) and is compatible with Apple AirPlay, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant-enabled devices.
Best Buy
LG – 42″ Class C2 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart webOS TV
$899.99 $999.99 10% off% OFF
Grab the LG evo 4K UHD Smart webOS TV for $100 off and reap the benefits of having your streaming just a voice control away. It even comes with AI Picture Pro technology, which will automatically enhance your screen’s contrast and resolution for a lifelike picture every time you turn it on.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Getting clear audio for music recordings requires more than just your smartphone’s microphone app. If you want to get isolated sounds, you’re going to need a recording booth, but professional studios cost a hefty price many wallets can’t just shell out. Rather than sacrifice your next single’s sound quality, you can invest in a portable recording booth, which will offer compact sizing and the ability to take it with you on the go.
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Ariana Grande, Ty Dolla $ign and Chloe Bailey are just a few artists who record music from the comfort of their home, and you can too — with the right supplies. If you love a DIY project and want to keep things under $100, you can create your own portable recording booth with just solid soundproofing foam panels, a microphone, microphone stand and audio isolator (this one comes with all three microphone parts). Don’t worry, though, there are also complete sets available if you’d rather avoid a project.
To get you started, we found portable recording booths that fit into smaller spaces and are packable.
See the list below.
For more product recommendations, check out our roundup on how to take online music lessons online and best over-ear headphones.
Amazon
Snap Studio Vocal Booth
$499.99
The Snap Studio Vocal Booth has earned the label of an Amazon Choice not only for its 180-degree vocal shield, but its ability to create a pop-up recording booth wherever you are. The 360 booth comes with sound-insulating blankets, an easy to assemble pipe frame, reverberating reducing material and more.
Amazon
Pyle Wood Microphone Isolation Shield
$75.99 $99.99 24% OFF
Record your latest podcast episode or song and receive the clear audio using this portable microphone isolation shield (and don’t forget your Shure microphone). It uses the combination of wood and 2-inch high-density foam to absorb sound and an adjustable mic depth to customize to your liking.
Walmart
Griffin Studio Microphone Soundproofing Acoustic Foam Panel
$43.95 $51.95 15% off% OFF
Prevent outside noises from disrupting your recording using Griffin’s Studio Microphone Soundproofing Acoustic Foam Panel. It’s made from a 2-inch high density foam and five panels that are foldable to carry with you from place to place.
Guitar Center
SE Electronics Reflexion Filter PRO
$199
Capture audio or instrument sounds without any background noise with the help of SE Electronics’ Reflexion Filter PRO. It’s designed with six main layers to allow sound waves to pass through and absorb, while the included mic stand keeps everything still.
Amazon
Iconic Mars Comet Recording Vocal Studio Isolation Booth
$99.95
For the most compact possible design, consider the Iconic Mars Comet Recording Vocal Studio Isolation Booth. It simply slips over your microphone and the high density foam ensures your vocals or instrumentals are the only thing being recorded. It also only weighs six ounces ensuring you won’t have to lug it from place to place.
Guitar Center
SE Electronics Reflexion Filter X
$99
Whether you’re recording in your bedroom or from the road, this SE Electronics Reflexion Filter X will make sure only the best audio is captured. It just requires a mic stand and your mic to isolate and ensure your next single is captured.
Amazon
TroyStudio Portable Sound Recording Vocal Booth Box
$32.99 $42.99 23% OFF
TroyStudios portable recording booth is completely versatile as it can go on a mic stand, desk, office and more. The five walls of high density foam will completely surround your microphone blocking out any unwanted sounds allowing you to focus on recording your sound bites. It’s even foldable for easy storage and packability.
Amazon
XTUGA Recording Microphone Isolation Shield
$59.99
The last thing you want is the sound of a passing car or background chatter getting in the way of your next recording. That’s where XTUGA’s isolation shield steps in as it’s bendable and flexible to go over your microphone and customize it to your specific needs.
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Source: Gerald Matzka / Getty / League of Legends
The North American League of Legends esports league players have a huge gripe and are walking out.
Riot Games made an interesting decision by no longer requiring teams to field an amateur team. In response, players in the League of Legends league have voted overwhelmingly to walk out in protest of the decision, the LCS Players Association representing North American League of Legends esports players said in a tweet.
“The walk out vote has overwhelmingly passed,” the statement begins.
“This is not a decision LCS players have come to lightly. Countless discussions and debates were had between all LCS players in the week leading to this historic vote. One thing is clear from those conversations – our players want to play and compete above all else. Joining hands to put competition aside is a testament to the significance and urgency of the issues at hand.”
“We stand at this impasse because actions were taken by Riot without prior communication or discussion with the LCS players. The LCSPA sincerely hopes Riot will avert this walk out by joining us in the coming days to have open and transparent discussions so that we can forge collaborative solutions to ensure the best futures for the LCS and the NACL,” the statement concludes.
When Will The Walkout Happen?
The Verge reports that franchises have already dropped their amateur teams since the announcement cut off the ability for budding League of Legends players to compete in the League Championship Series (LCS).
The walkout has no date, but according to the website, it could go down at the beginning of summer (June 1). “We are not announcing the official date or duration at this time in order to make planning and pursuing scab labor a more difficult task,” LCSPA executive director Phil Aram told the website in an email.
The Fallout From The Decision
Players have been voicing their frustration with the league’s decision on Twitter since Riot announced the decision on May 12. In a statement, the LCSPA said, “Over 50 percent of current LCS pros came up through the NACL / Academy system.”
In a tweet, Palafox, a player for NRG’s LCS team, said, “I wouldn’t be in [the] LCS had it not been for Academy.” Chime, a player for TSM, added, “The Academy / NACL system gave me the opportunity to pursue a pro career.”
Five out of the tent teams, 100 Thieves, Cloud9, Dignitas, Golden Guardians, and NRG in the LCS, also said on Twitter they would not be participating in the upcoming NACL this summer. The LCSPA said two more teams, TSM and Immortals, would not have teams in the NACL either.
Riot’s decision could directly result from the struggle that esports in North America has become. Franchises have said in some statements that trying to keep an amateur team has become a challenge. 100 Thieves recently laid off 100 employees in January.
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Photo: Gerald Matzka / Gett
Instagram’s director of music partnerships, Perry Bashkoff, was one of the about 6,000 Meta employees whose roles were eliminated by Meta leadership on Wednesday (May 24). “Yes, I was one of them,” Bashkoff confirmed on Thursday in a LinkedIn post. As Bashkoff noted, he was “part of the team that brought music to the Meta […]