Samsung teases next Galaxy A Series phones - and your wallet is already smiling

The time has come for the often-talked about if not eagerly-anticipated update to Samsung's mid-range phones: the Galaxy A Series.

On Sunday, the South Korean tech giant sent out invitations to an online-only product event and launch, set for Thursday, March 17, at 10 AM ET. If there was any lingering doubt that Samsung's next event would address its more affordable handset line, the invite, which features a grid of multi-colored and cheerful "A"s, removes that.

Not much is known about Samsung''s next A Series, a collection of phones that sell for hundreds of dollars less than the flagship Galaxy S series by removing key and often desirable features.

Slower CPUs, fewer cameras, and slightly lesser screen technology, though, has, in the past, translated into big sales for Samsung.

Recent rumors suggest, however, that after pairing the mid-range devices with 5G services in the last lineup, Samsung might go a step further with the next set of Galaxy A Series phones. A flagship-level feature like optical image stabilization (OIS) could appear in the A Series lineup.

A Series phones are attractive because they offer big screens (6.1-inch and above), surprisingly powerful cameras (64MP is not unusual) and good battery life (up to 5,000 mAh). Current A series devices like the Galaxy A42 5G sell for $299. They tend to skimp on CPUs (usually a generation or two back), screens, and the aforementioned high-end camera features like powerful optical and digital Space zoom.

Will Samsung push the Galaxy A Series line further this time, possibly going the Apple route and using the same flagship-class Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 8 CPU in all of them? Also expect Samsung to deliver details on timing, prices, models, and more. Of course, we won't know anything until Thursday.

You can follow along by keeping an eye on TechRadar and by watching the live stream at samsungom

Cyberpunk 2077 took over a Paris nightclub for a day

In a delayed celebration of Cyberpunk 2077 ’s first anniversary, and to coincide with its recent port to PS5 and Xbox Series X , CD Projekt Red held an exclusive-access promo event in a Paris nightclub, redecorating the venue to imitate the smoky, neon-lit decor of Night City – and it looked strikingly similar to the game.

The Moulin Rouge Machine cabaret club in Paris was kitted out with lots of neon tube lights, a few smoke machines, Cyberpunk-appropriate decorations, and a host of cosplayers dressed up as the main characters of the game, including protagonist V, Johnny Silverhand, Judy, Rogue, and a scavenger.

Guests could participate in an in-person interactive quest, which involved scanning QR codes dotted around the venue and talking to the cosplayers, for free drinks and goodies, although two stages were also open across the club’s main floor and basement, reportedly playing a mix of EDM and electro-pop – which sounds fitting for the game’s futuristic cyberpunk setting.

A mock-up of Johny Silverhand’s car – plastered with Samurai across its rear bumper – was also parked outside the club, complete with a VIP rope separating it from the queue. There was no braindancing, as far as we know.

In images shared to Reddit, you can see the cyberpunk-retheme in full effect, including the impressive costumes of the cosplayers, the graffiti and decorations that look like they’ve been pulled straight from the game, and the harsh lighting that makes the Moulin Rouge look more like Cyberpunk 2077’s Totentatz or Lizzie’s Bar.

The event, which was billed as an immersive Cyberpunk 2077 experience and co-hosted by Red Bull France, was free to attend for those who expressed their interest in an online portal . That involved completing an online quiz about Night City and a few puzzles.

The event was originally scheduled to take place on December 14 but was postponed until March 8.

Analysis: Cyberpunk 2077 is on the up

It’s difficult to imagine that this promo event would have gone down well with fans a year ago. After Cyberpunk 2077’s controversial launch , many players were champing at the bit to point out the game’s broken features. Even an impressive immersive experience probably wouldn’t have done much to alleviate their disappointment.

Over a year later, though, and general perception of the game has changed. Consistent updates have ironed out its egregious bugs, and the new gameplay improvements introduced with its PS5 and Xbox Series X versions have further strengthened it. To many, Cyberpunk 2077 is finally the game they thought it would be, rebuilding much of the goodwill CD Projekt Red lost with its audience following the game’s launch.

As for whether Cyberpunk 2077 will be coming to a nightclub near you, don’t get your hopes up. This was a one-time event held as a celebration of the game’s anniversary in collaboration with Red Bull – and it would take for CD Projekt Red to pivot from video game development to nightlife for Cyberpunk bars to start popping up across the globe.

You can find the best Cyberpunk 2077 deals below.

Magimix vs KitchenAid: which food processor should you buy?

Cooking can be one of the most creative and rewarding household tasks, but sometimes the amount of labor-intensive food prep required is exhausting. So if you want a kitchen helper but nobody in your house will volunteer, a food processor might be just the thing you need.

The best food processors can power through tasks, such as slicing to shredding, chopping, and mixing, not only so you can avoid arm ache, but to save plenty of time too. However, they often get overlooked in favor of stand mixers and the best blenders , but there’s a lot a food processor can offer.

French brand Magimix has been making food processors for 50 years, while US favorite KitchenAid started making food processors 30 years ago. So although KitchenAid is newer to the game, both brands have plenty of expertise in perfecting this appliance.

The pair offer a range of sizes, with various bundled accessories that’ll have you shredding and slicing your way through mountains of food in no time. So how do you choose between the two? Well, it comes down to range, price, and features. Here we explore all three, pitting the brands against each other so you can compare them and ultimately make the best choice for you.

Best Magimix and KitchenAid food processor deals

Read on to discover how these two food processor brands compare – or, if you’ve already decided which of the two you wish to buy, check out the best prices right now for Magimix and KitchenAid food processors.

Range

Three Magimix food processors are available worldwide, these are the 12 cup/ 2.6 liter 3200XL, 14 cup/ 3 liter 4200XL and the 16 cup/ 3.6 liter 5200XL. In the UK and Australia, there’s a small 1.7-liter version called the Mini Plus as well as the 5200XL Premium, which is the same as the 5200XL but comes with an additional juice extractor kit and three-disc creative kit. There are two additional models available in Australia only, these are the 5200 and 3200.

All the full-size Magimix food processors come with a Sabatier blade, dough blade, BlenderMix, whisk, two slicing and grating discs, and an accessory box. In the UK and Australia, the 5200XL, 5200XL Premium, and the Mini Plus all come with a citrus press as well.

At the smaller end of the scale, KitchenAid’s range starts with mini choppers, a 3.5 cup/ 0.83 liter, and a 5 cup/1.19-liter version, known as the KitchenAid Food Chopper KFC0516 . In the UK and Australia, there’s also a cordless 5 cup/1.19-liter model.

The larger food processors start at 7 cup/ 1.7 liter but the choice includes a 9 cup/ 2.1 liter as well as a 13 cup/ 3.1 liter processor, although UK customers get treated to the even bigger 4-liter option.

Unlike Magimix food processors, the included accessories can vary by country with some KitchenAid models. For example, the 9 cup/ 2.1 liter 5KFP0919 is available worldwide and comes with three shredding and slicing discs, as well as a dough blade and a multi-purpose blade. But in the US and Australia, there’s a second 9 cup/2.1-liter model, the 5KFP0921 which comes with just one shredding and slicing disc but includes a whisk accessory in addition to the dough blade and multi-purpose blade.

Price

No doubt price is an important factor when making a decision to buy any home appliance. So how do these two brands compare?

The full size Magimix food processors start at $349.95/ £280/ AU$699 for the 12 cup/ 2.6 liter 3200XL and this increases to $499.95/ £370/ AU$999 for the largest 16 cup/ 3.6 liter 5200XL. The UK is the only country where KitchenAid offers its 4-liter food processor, which is the closest match to the Magimix 5200XL in terms of size. It’ll set you back £429 (around $575 / AU$800) making the KitchenAid the pricier of the two brands.

KitchenAid’s smallest food processor, the 7 cup/ 1.7 liter KFP0719 is £149/ AU$299 , the equivalent KFP0718 model in the US costs $99.99 . It’s the same size as the Mini Plus from Magimix, which is the more expensive choice at £170/ AU$399 (around $230) although it’s not available in the US.

The largest KitchenAid food processor is the 13 cup/ 3.1 liter KFP1319 and it’ll cost you $249.99/ £299/ AU$499 . It’s the size equivalent of the Magimix 14 cup/ 3 liter 4200XL which costs $399.95/ £300/ AU$899 . So while both models are similarly priced for UK customers, if you’re in the US or Australia, KitchenAid represents much better value for money.

KitchenAid’s range of mini choppers offer a great entry-level option, though you’ll have to forego some capacity and attachments. But they start at $54.99/ £99/ AU$169 for the 3.5 cup/ 0.83 liter chopper.

Features

Both brands offer food processors that include a range of standard accessories for chopping, shredding and slicing. And while the Magimix range is smaller than the KitchenAid range, it offers a variety of optional extras that you can purchase separately to make your food processor even more versatile.  Whether you want to be able to spiralize, mash and puree, or create perfect julienne vegetables, the optional attachments mean you can get more out of the appliance but you‘ll have to fork out extra money for them.

Magimix does also include its innovative BlenderMix with all its full size food processors. This accessory allows you to blend liquids like soups and shakes which isn’t usually possible in a food processor. And it means the food processor can double as a blender, making it even more versatile.

KitchenAid offers very few optional extras, but unlike Magimix, each food processor in the range comes with different attachment bundles so you can choose the one that’ll meet your needs. Having said that, KitchenAid’s range of attachments doesn’t come close to Magimix in terms of variety and versatility. It certainly doesn’t offer a juice extractor, spiralizer or citrus press, a dicing kit is probably the most interesting and innovative accessory it offers.

As you would expect, KitchenAid excels when it comes to style and color. No matter what country you’re in or the model you choose, KitchenAid offers a variety of color options. From its iconic Empire red to tamer options like cream, white, black, and silver there’s a color to suit every kitchen, though not quite the range of choice you get with KitchenAid food mixers. Plus all its models have a neat streamlined appearance that you’ll want to show off on your counter.

Magimix food processors are built for practicality and have a more boxy shape than the KitchenAid ones. They’re not ugly, but neither do they have the covetable style of a KitchenAid appliance. Most models are available in silver, black and white worldwide, and red is available in Australia and the UK.  Plus all the full size Magimix food processors come with an accessory box for neat and safe storage of all the sharp accessories.

Verdict

Both brands offer excellent models and a good range, but there are some key factors that will influence your choice. If price is your priority then on the whole KitchenAid wins out. Plus with its range of entry level choppers there’s an option for every budget.

If you’re looking for the most versatile food processor with lots of options for different accessories then Magimix is definitely the brand for you. With a great range of accessories as standard, plus more available to purchase separately, it offers true versatility.

In terms of appearances, the smooth rounded lines of the KitchenAid food processors mean they look great on your counter, which will be an important consideration for some, although as ever appearances are arguably very subjective, so don’t let us tell you which looks best.

You can’t go too far wrong with either brand, they both make sturdy and well-designed appliances. But we’d advise thinking about the accessories you need so you don’t fork out for a model with lots of tools you’ll never use.

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