by Shruti Shekar on (#5P45S)
It's been a long time coming, but Bryan Paijit finally wants to develop for Wear OS again. Previous versions were too "hacky," and he got tired of fighting against the very platform he was trying so hard to build for.Paijit, a software developer based in San Diego, developed a golf app called Golf Scorekeeper for Wear OS 1.0. The app helped golfers track their game and score, but bugs in the code kept the app from broad adoption. "It was frustrating," he says. "What would happen is my watch would go into ambient mode and when it came back on my app was no longer on top. When I'm walking to my ball ready to hit, I'd have to go to my watch and relaunch the app and basically start from scratch."[Communication] between the watch and the phone was hacky and it just didn't seem mature. I don't feel [Google] put a lot of thought into treating the watch as a first-class citizen."Paijit explains that when Google released Wear OS 2, he hoped the company would fix some of those issues, bu...
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by Jay Bonggolto on (#5P3ZW)
Qualcomm's upcoming smartwatch processor might keep its Cortex-A53 cores after all.What you need to knowQualcomm's next-gen Snapdragon Wear 5100 has been spotted with four ARM Cortex-A53 cores, not Cortex-A73 cores as previous reports suggested.These CPU cores are similar to the ones used for the company's previous-generation wearable chipsets.Samsung and SMIC are reportedly supplying the chipset to Qualcomm.Qualcomm's next-generation wearable chipset, dubbed the Snapdragon Wear 5100, was recently spotted with a quad-core CPU featuring ARM Cortex-A73 cores. While the leak promised a significant performance boost over the chipset's predecessor, a new report suggests that this may not be the case.The processor will supposedly have four ARM Cortex-A53 cores instead of the more powerful Cortex-A73 cores as previous rumors claimed, according to WinFuture. This information is based on initial samples that were tested by Qualcomm, although it didn't include details about the clo...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5P3ZX)
Except for a larger 6,000mAh battery, the Redmi 10 Prime is identical to the global Redmi 10.What you need to knowRedmi 10 Prime is the latest addition to Xiaomi's lineup of entry-level Android phones.It comes with a MediaTek Helio G88 chipset, a 90Hz display, and a 50MP main camera. The phone will go on sale in India from September 7. Xiaomi on September 3 announced the launch of the Redmi 10 Prime in India. The Redmi 10 Prime is based on the Redmi 10 that made its global debut last month.The budget Android phone sports a 6.5-inch FHD+ display featuring a 90Hz refresh rate and a centered hole-punch cutout for the 8MP front camera. Similar to the best Xiaomi phones, the Redmi 10 Prime's display supports AdaptiveSync technology, which automatically matches the refresh rate to the frame rate of the content that you're viewing. Powering the entry-level phone is MediaTek's Helio G88 chipset, coupled with up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.In the camera department, the ne...
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by Kevin Lynch on (#5P3ZY)
While her recent world tour may have been disrupted by the pandemic, the great news for Billie Eilish fans who missed out on seeing her are in for a live treat with a lavish concert special set to be streamed on Disney+.Follow our guide below on how to get a Billie Eilish 'Happier than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles' stream and watch the new concert special online on Disney+, no matter where you are in the world.Directed by Robert Rodriguez and Patrick Osborne, the film sees Billie perform all sixteen songs from her brand new album Happier Than Ever in sequential order for the first time.The performance, which also features her brother FINNEAS, was filmed at one of Los Angeles' most iconic venues: the Hollywood Bowl.As well as featuring the Los Angeles Children's Chorus, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the performances are complemented by animated segments that promise to take fans on a journey through Billie's hometown of Los Angeles.Speaking of the film, Eilish says: "T...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5P3SN)
Amazon wants to step up its TV game in the U.S.What you need to knowAn Amazon-branded TV is reportedly close to launching in the U.S.The TV would feature the Alexa voice assistant and come in 55 to 75-inch sizes.The launch will reportedly happen in October, nearly a year after Amazon launched its first TV in India.Amazon is no stranger to TVs, thanks to its Fire TV software found on devices like the Fire TV Stick and TV Stick Lite. So it may not come as much of a surprise that the company is reportedly planning to launch its own Amazon-branded television in the U.S.Sources tell Insider that Amazon has been working on the TV for two years and it could launch as soon as October. It would feature sizes from 55 to 75-inch models.The TV will be Alexa-powered, and development involves teams from Amazon Devices and Lab126, the company's research and hardware division. TCL, which already makes some of the best Android TVs, is mentioned as a product manufacturer, although Amazon...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5P3NT)
Google is buckling down on expectations for Wear OS 3 apps.What you need to knowGoogle has released updated guidelines for Wear OS 3 apps.The new guidelines are to ensure quality apps for the platform and better representation on the Play Store.Developers have until October 13 to comply with the quality updates.Wear OS 3 has arrived thanks to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, and Google wants to make sure the app experience lives up to the hype. Thus, the company has released new app guidelines for Wear OS developers to ensure just that.The updated guidelines introduce different levels of support for Wear OS, from basic compatibility to "better" and "best."Basic compatibility focuses on notification support, particularly with MessagingStyle conversations and direct reply action. This is mainly for apps that can talk to the best Wear OS watches without an actual wearable app.Full Wear OS compatibility refers to native wearable apps that meet certain criteria. This includes s...
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by Thomas J Meyer on (#5P3NV)
A cosmic twist on high school.What you need to knowJob Simulator and Vacation Simulator developer Owlchemy Labs announced new VR title called Cosmonious High.Cosmonious High features a cosmic high school with a cast of characters and unlockable alien powers.It is coming to Oculus Quest and SteamVR headsets sometime in Spring 2022.Owlchemy Labs, the developer behind Job Simulator and Vacation Simulator, has announced a new virtual reality title called Cosmonious High. It's coming to Oculus Quest 2 and other VR headsets next year.Cosmonious High follows players as they crash into an alien high school that is plagued by "mysterious malfunctions," and it's up to the player to learn new powers while finding the cause to the school's problems. The game features a cast of dynamic characters that respond to natural gestures, such as high fives and fist bumps, and unlockable alien powers that can be used around the environment.According to the press release, Cosmonious High ...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5P3M4)
There haven't been any significant updates on the problem affecting Pixel 3 smartphones.What you need to knowOwners of the Google Pixel 3 are experiencing a major bug that's leaving phones bricked.Affected devices are unable to leave Emergency Download (EDL) mode and end up unusable.The bug has been reported on multiple channels, but Google has yet to provide any useful guidance.Many owners of the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL have been dealing with a rather bothersome bug that leaves their phones virtually unusable.The problem seems to happen the same way for many affected users; they'll plug the phone in to charge, go to bed, and wake up to a bricked device. Phones will be put in Emergency Download (EDL) mode, which is a special boot mode for Android devices with Qualcomm chips and can be used to flash, unbrick, or recover data from a device.Pixel 3 phones being put in EDL Mode are essentially rendered useless with blank displays that don't seem to function at all. Su...
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by Jeramy Johnson on (#5P3M5)
You snooze, you lose?What you need to knowMany angry Android users are reporting issues with Google's Clock app and alarms.The bug is apparently affecting several different devices, including Pixel phones.Customers are also reporting issues with Spotify's integration with their alarms.Android Central recently received a tip from a reader that many Android users have been experiencing issues with Google's stock Clock app over the past week. The tipster pointed us to a r/GooglePixel thread on Reddit where the issue was being discussed, and also mentioned the spate of 1-star reviews that the app has been receiving lately on the Google Play store.Angry app users have been complaining that their alarms in the Clock app are not going off as expected and that they are not receiving alarm notifications either. There have also been complaints that alarms are no longer working with Spotify playlists, and some users have even speculated that the Spotify integration might be the ca...
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by Nicholas Sutrich on (#5P3HJ)
It might be much more difficult, but it's still possible.What you need to knowSamsung's new PET screen protector is rated to be 80% stronger than the previous-generation foldable screen protector.Too much pressure from a rigid object can still damage the screen, including the Fold-compatible S Pen or even a fingernail.The screen protector seems to iron out these indentations over time, but there's no guarantee it will go back to the way it was.With the announcement of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the Z Flip 3, Samsung unveiled a new pre-installed polyethylene terephthalate (PET) screen protector that's rated to be 80% stronger than the one included on its previous-generation foldable phones. Furthermore, Samsung even included the ability to use two special S Pen models on the Fold 3's larger screen. That larger screen has proven to be significantly more durable than the one on the Fold 2 but, as you can see above, it's not impervious to damage from the S Pen or a fingernail.Th...
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by Ted Kritsonis on (#5P3HK)
Not all audio sounds exactly the same, and it's not just because of the disparities between headphones. The Bluetooth codec also matters, and when you're talking high-res codecs, like aptX HD and LDAC, you start to see that earbuds are already on board in supporting them. Even some of the best wireless earbuds don't go this far, but the group down here certainly does.Overall bestSony WF-1000XM4Staff PickGiven LDAC is a Sony-made codec, it's hardly surprising the WF-1000XM4 would support them. These earbuds are already among the best available for audio quality and active noise cancelation (ANC). Still, with LDAC, you can also get better fidelity when playing audio content from a device that supports it.$278 at Amazon $280 at Best Buy $278 at B&HDependable budsBowers & Wilkins PI7Bowers and Wilkins know how to make good audio products, and wisely, the company made the PI7 compatible with aptX Adaptive, a newer codec that includes both aptX HD and aptX Low L...
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by Jordan Palmer on (#5P3FA)
Best answer: The public preview for Project xCloud ended on Sept. 11, 2020. Now, cloud gaming has moved to beta status for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers while Microsoft spins up its resources to meet the incoming demand. However, if you're a Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, you can download the new Game Pass app from the Play Store, pair up a compatible controller, and get gaming!Full cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate listA Plague Tale: InnocenceArk: Survival EvolvedAstroneerBanjo-KazooieBanjo-TooieBanjo-Kazooie: Nuts and BoltsBatman: Arkham KnightBattlefield VBattletoadsBeholder Complete EditionBlack DesertBlair WitchBleeding EdgeBlinx: The Time SweeperBloodrootsBoyfriend DungeonBridge Constructor PortalBug Fables: The Everlasting SaplingCall of the SeaCarrionCartoCelesteChildren of MortaCities: Skylines - Xbox One EditionClusterTruckCode VeinConan ExilesControlCrackdown 3 (campaign)Cricket 19Crimson Skies: High Road to RevengeCris Tal...
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by Joe Maring on (#5P3FB)
Get what you're looking for without any hassle by starting right here.We hear a lot of talk about the benefits of buying an unlocked phone. You can use it on any network, you don't have a carrier deciding which apps are pre-installed or when you get updates, and you typically don't have to pay more for the privilege. As unlocked phones get dramatically more popular in the U.S., the number of choices for where you buy one has exploded — and as always, some are better than others.If you're in the market to buy one of the best Android phones and want to make sure you buy unlocked, here are the best places you should buy from in 2021!AmazonAmazon has revolutionized the way we shop for just about anything, and that includes smartphones. You'll find phones direct from the companies that make them as well as phones from specialized importers and bulk buyers, which can offer additional savings if you do your research.From Amazon's cell phones page, you can quickly narrow down y...
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by Anthony Spadafora on (#5P3D9)
The vampire roommates of Staten Island are back with a new season and we have all the details on how you can watch new episodes of FX's mockumentary comedy series What We Do in the Shadows on TV or online.Based on the 2014 film of the same name written by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, What We Do in the Shadows tells the story of traditional vampires Nandor (Kayvan Novak), Laszlo (Matt Berry) and Nadja (Natasia Demetriou), energy vampire Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch) and Nandor's familiar Guillermo (Harvey Guillén).Nandor, Laszlo, Nadja and Colin all live together in their Staten Island home and while some of them are centuries-old, interacting with the modern world often proves difficult but thankfully Guillermo is always there to help. While not a vampire himself, Guillermo has served Nandor as his familiar for more than a decade and hopes that one day his master will turn him. In addition to dealing with the ups and downs of day-to-day life, the vampires also interact wit...
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by Christine Persaud on (#5P3DA)
Once upon a time, the idea of a foldable phone elicited "oohs" and "ahhs" at a futuristic concept people never thought they would actually see come to market. Now, several foldable phones have launched, but Samsung is already in its third iteration of its popular model. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 boasts plenty of upgrades compared to the previous generation model, including bigger screens, a better camera, more RAM and storage, and support for the S Pen. It's a versatile device that you'll want to do lots with, which requires some of the best accessories. First and foremost, you'll need a case, and we rounded up some of the best cases for your Galaxy Z Fold 3. But what other accessories can you buy for this smartphone? Here's what we found.Protect your investmentSpigen Neo Hybrid S CaseStaff PickI'm a sucker for a good deal, and while the ideal option is to go with the Samsung-branded S Pen Folio Cover, you can save a bit of money (and bulk) by opting for this case that is...
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by Jay Bonggolto on (#5P3DB)
You can now more easily hide violent or sexually explicit content with a few taps.What you need to knowThe Google app has received a new update that moves the SafeSearch option to its main settings menu.SafeSearch now has a dedicated space to let you easily hide explicit content.The latest change is rolling out via a server-side update on Android.Google has quietly rolled out a new update to the Google app that makes its SafeSearch feature easier to access than before. The latest change now lets you open that option directly in the app's settings menu on your Android phone.SafeSearch is a longstanding feature in Google that blocks explicit content like pornography or violence from your search results. The Google app's updated version has added a new option in the settings called "Hide explicit results," which brings SafeSearch front and center (via 9to5Google).With the new update, SafeSearch now takes a dedicated space alongside the other setting options such as Notific...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5P3B0)
Twitter's "social privacy" features could save you from the wrath of the internet... maybe.What you need to knowTwitter is reportedly working on a set of new privacy features.Users may be able to edit their follower list, hide liked tweets, and remove themselves from conversations.Twitter may allow users to hide old tweets after a set amount of time.Twitter is reportedly working on a set of new privacy features that will allow users to better manage their online presence on the social media site. The new "social privacy" features are meant to make people more comfortable engaging on Twitter.According to Bloomberg, Twitter is currently considering several features that users may find very helpful when navigating the site. One big one includes hiding old tweets from other users after a set amount of time. This could be anywhere from 30, 60, or 90 days, and tweets would be archived away from users but still visible to the account holder.There are some unofficial ways to qu...
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by Andrew Myrick on (#5P3B1)
Another necessary, but welcome, updateWhat you need to knowA new update is rolling out to the OnePlus Watch today.The update adds a special 'Spotify music mode' along with four new watch faces.OnePlus is also providing a few optimizations to improve sleep detection and vibration intensity.If you were hoping that the OnePlus Watch was going to end up as one of the best Android smartwatches, you're in luck. Another update is rolling out to the Watch, bringing with it a dedicated Spotify 'music mode' to let you sync Spotify playlists, along with four new watch faces. But perhaps even more importantly, the update includes improved optimizations for sleep tracking.Along with the new watch faces and sleep optimization, OnePlus also makes it possible to view navigation directions right from your wrist. This is one of those quality-of-life features that makes it easier to know where you need to go instead of just grabbing your OnePlus 9 Pro or other Android phones.The entire ch...
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by Anthony J Nash on (#5P3B2)
The world of Black Desert brought directly to your mobile devices.Black Desert Online is one of the biggest MMORPG's (massively-multiplayer online role-playing game) in the world, and during 2019's The Game Awards, the mobile version of the game, Black Desert Mobile, finally made its way stateside for fans to check out. Black Desert Mobile aims to give players the true MMORPG experience on their phone, with many of the same characters, look, and general setting sticking true to the Black Desert Online franchise.Since its launch, Black Desert Mobile has quickly become one of the most popular Android games, and looks to only keep getting better as more fans jump into the game. In case you're new to the series or looking to jump back in after some time away, here's everything you need to know about Black Desert Mobile.Jump to:What is Black Desert?What's the gameplay like?What is different between it and Black Desert Online?Is there a PvP mode?Is it available now? Wha...
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by Samuel Contreras on (#5P3B3)
The fastest EeroEero Pro 6$229 at AmazonProsFast tri-band AX4200 Wi-Fi is fast enough for gigabit connectionsCompact size compared to other Wi-Fi 6 routersEero software is easy to use and stableMesh expansion with all other EerosConsOnly two Ethernet ports per nodeEero Secure and Secure+ require a subscriptionEero Pro 6 is not only the fastest Eero ever, but its speed is on par with other routers at its price. AX4200 tri-band Wi-Fi makes this router a great fit for those trying to make the most of their gigabit internet connection. It's also one of the most compact Wi-Fi 6 routers at this speed.Still enough for mostEero Pro$199 at AmazonProsSolid tri-band AC2200 Wi-Fi for consistent mesh performanceCompact sizeEero software is easy to use and stableMesh expansion with all other EerosConsOnly two Ethernet ports per nodeEero Secure and Secure+ require a subscriptionSlow performance for the priceThe Eero Pro is a solid router, eve...
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by Charlie Wacholz on (#5P37V)
Disney's new megaton trailer for the latest Star Wars VR game has us hyped.What you need to knowStar Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge Part II is officially subtitled "Last Call".It launches exclusively on the Oculus Quest and Quest 2 September 15.It features the return of fan-favorite characters, like Hondo Ohnaka, IG-88, and R2-D2.Last Call will cost $10 as a standalone experience or $35 for the full game.Lucasfilm game studio ILMxLAB has released a new trailer for the latest expansion for Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge. The trailer shows off new and returning characters, teases new storylines, and reveals its September 15 release date and new title: Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge — Last Call. Fittingly, Disney has confirmed this new game will be the last in the Tales from the Galaxy's Edge series.An Oculus Quest 2 exclusive, Last Call has a similar anthology-style story to the original game. Some storylines will take players to new locales, su...
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by Marc Lagace on (#5P37W)
The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is the best Android TV box that money can buy right now, but you'll still want to snag one of the best external drives for the Shield TV Pro. It comes with a beefy Tegra X1+ chipset and 3GB of RAM, but the internal storage is limited to 16GB. If that doesn't sound like enough storage space for your media needs, you can make use of the NVIDIA Shield TV's USB ports and mount an external storage device to easily expand your available storage. Here are our top choices for external drives for your NVIDIA Shield TV Pro.Best valueSeagate Portable External Hard Drive 4TBStaff PickLooking to get the best value for your money? Then the Seagate Portable drive should be your go-to choice. The drive works over USB 3.0, easily pairs to your Shield TV, and gives you better gigabyte-to-dollar value than the other options listed here.From $93 at Amazon$112 at WalmartNVIDIA approvedSanDisk - Extreme Pro 128GB USB 3.2 Flash DriveThe SanDisk Extreme Pro is o...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5P34K)
Availability may vary as the new look rolls out to more devices.What you need to knowGoogle Messages is being updated on Wear OS for some users.The update gives the app a Material You-inspired design.Play Store and Google Pay were among the apps that have been updated as well.Just as promised, Google appears to be rolling out the Material You-inspired update to Wear OS smartwatches, according to some users on Reddit who noticed the updated look.The update gives the app a more visual, rounded look that better separates individual threads and messages. The style isn't unlike the Play Store update update that rolled out on the best Wear OS watches recently and brings watches just a step closer to a Wear OS 3.Functionally, the app is just about the same, and the changes appear to be largely visual. However, there also doesn't appear to be an option to delete individual messages, as you're only presented with the option to delete the entire conversation.At the launch of ...
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by Joe Maring on (#5P34M)
The best wireless earbuds have come a long way in the few short years they've existed, and now with so many options with ANC, it can be tough to decipher which are the best noise-canceling true wireless earbuds. Early offerings like the first-gen AirPods were expensive and lacked many features, but as time went on, prices went down, and additional features have been implemented — one of which is noise cancelation. True wireless earbuds that can block out ambient sound are more common than ever before, and today, we're highlighting six of our favorite ones — including the Sony WF-1000XM4 as our top overall pick. Here's a power-packed list of the best noise-canceling true wireless earbuds you can buy right now.Best overall: Sony WF-1000XM4Sony has been on a run with its wireless earbuds with ANC lately. The WF-1000XM3 were fantastic but had their flaws. Many of those issues were resolved with the release of the new Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds. In fact, Sony did such a fantastic j...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5P34N)
YouTube Music is growing faster than all its main rivals.What you need to knowYouTube Music now has over 50 million paid subscribers.The figure also includes YouTube Premium users, who get access to YouTube Music as part of their subscription. YouTube Music has added 20 million new subscribers since October last year.YouTube Music, which was launched in 2018 to replace Google Play Music, now has more than 50 million paid subscribers. The 50 million figure also includes YouTube Premium subscribers and "customers still on a trial basis." Unfortunately, YouTube hasn't revealed how much money it is making from paid subscriptions.Data from Midia Research suggests YouTube Music was the fastest-growing music service globally in the first quarter of 2021. However, Google's paid music streaming service still has a long way to go before it can catch up to Spotify and Apple Music, which are two of the best music streaming services. Spotify held a 32% share of the 487 million music s...
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by Andrew Myrick on (#5P34P)
Dominate your season to bring home that trophy and bragging rightsThe kickoff to the 2021 NFL season is rapidly approaching, and from office leagues to public leagues, we're sure there's a lot of you looking to get in on the fantasy action. We've gathered up our favorite Android apps to help you dominate this year's fantasy football draft (and hopefully, the season that follows it)! You'll find plenty of options here, each letting you drill down into player statistics, the latest news, and updates to your draft.Note: These apps are for season-long fantasy football, not daily fantasy sites like FanDuel and Draft Kings.The top 3 apps1. Sleeper2. ESPN Fantasy Sports 3. Fantasy Football League Dominator 2021More optionsFantasy Football Draft Kit 2021 - UDK Yahoo FantasyNFL Fantasy Football Fantasy Football CalculatorTwittertheScoreThese three apps should help take you to the championshipIt's no secret that there's a lot of luck and a little bit of skill inv...
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by Jennifer Locke on (#5P31J)
Open up your wallet because Horizon Forbidden West looks amazing.Aloy's next adventure is fast approaching and Horizon Forbidden West is now available to preorder on PS4 and PS5. In what will surely be one of the best PS5 games when it releases on February 18, 2022, Horizon Forbidden West follows the events of the first game and sees Aloy journeying to the titular Forbidden West where a mysterious plague has taken over the land. Guerilla Games has added underwater exploration along with a host of new machines this time around, and early gameplay footage looks gorgeous.Because Horizon Zero Dawn was such a popular game and became a flagship exclusive for PlayStation, it's no surprise that multiple editions are up for preorder. We'll break down everything you can find in each of these, where to preorder Horizon Forbidden West, and how much they cost. For diehard fans out there with some extra cash to spare, the Collector's Edition and Regalla Edition look really appealing.Jump t...
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by Kevin Lynch on (#5P31K)
Having bounced back from defeat with an impressive win in the third Test at Headingley, Joe Root's men will be hoping they can now forge an advantage as the series moves to London - watch every ball of this fourth Test with our England vs India live stream guide below.England managed to dismiss India for just 78 on Day 1 in a scintillating bowling display, but there was even better to come from the hosts' top-order batting, with all of the top three managing to notch up half-centuries in their first innings.Skipper Root meanwhile continued his extraordinary 2021 form, clocking up yet another three-figure score.With a buoyant home side now hoping to carry on where they left off, India captain Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri must unravel how their attack was so routinely undone with the new ball last time out.Kohli himself will also need to do more leading from the front, with the normally reliably prolific batsman having scored no more than 55 during any innings of the...
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by Samuel Tolbert on (#5P31M)
Get your hands on Aloy's next journey.Horizon Forbidden West is the next big title from Guerrilla Games. Preorders are now open for the regular and special editions of Horizon Forbidden West across PS4 and PS5, so if you're curious about what's in every edition of Horizon Forbidden West, we've got you covered.This is going to be a huge game from one of the premiere developers at Sony Worldwide Studios so we're keeping track of things players should know about, such as a list of all machines in Horizon Forbidden West ahead of launch.How to preorder Horizon Forbidden West for PS4 and PS5There's several different versions of Horizon Forbidden West available for preorder right now, including: the standard edition, the Special Edition, the Collector's Edition and the Regalla Edition.Before you buy the game however, there's something very important to note. Despite Sony previously promising certain games like Horizon Forbidden West would include a free upgrade from the PS4 to the...
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by Chris Wedel on (#5P31N)
As one of the most popular audio streaming apps in the world, Spotify had been a bit behind on gaining a much-needed feature for its smartwatch companion app — until now. With the release of Wear OS 3 on the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series of smartwatches, many of the apps on the wearable platform are getting some nice updates. Offline playback on Spotify's Wear OS app has finally begun rolling out to users, and here's how you can take advantage of this new feature to use Spotify offline on Wear OS 3 watches.How to Spotify offline on Wear OS 3 watchesBefore we get into getting your music downloaded to your Wear OS 3 smartwatch, to do this, you have to be a premium subscriber to Spotify. You will see the download option on your watch even if you have a free membership, but sadly the button won't do anything. Now, with that out of the way, let's get started.With your watch paired to your phone, open the Spotify app on your watch.Swipe left on your watch screen.Tap on a pla...
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by John Levite on (#5P2YE)
Do you ever think about your HDMI cables? You probably have quite a few connecting your different devices to your TV or your monitors. How many of those were just the basic cable that came with the device? And how many could stand to be upgraded at this point? A better HDMI cable can improve your picture quality and even your audio, and you don't have to spend a fortune to get a good one.Upgrade to iVANKY's 8K HDMI 2.1 cable and get it for just $7.49 when you use the code KOZRG5KM during checkout. That code takes 50% off the current price at Amazon, which is already a $5 discount off what it normally goes for. The code won't work on the other sizes, and it's only valid through the end of the day Sept. 5.iVANKY 10-foot 8K HDMI cable | 50% offUse the code KOZRG5KM to take 50% off the price during checkout. Replace an old HDMI cable and improve how you play. The 10-foot cable can reach from your favorite gaming console to the back of your TV. It supports resolutions up to 8K at ...
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by Jeramy Johnson on (#5P2YF)
We all love using our voice assistants at home and on our phones, but if you drive a lot, you might be wondering about the best car accessories for Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant while on the road. We've compiled a list of some of our favorite gadgets, apps, and accessories for using these powerful services in a safe and pleasing manner while driving. We've broken down our recommendations into sections for Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and universally compatible accessories for your convenience.Jump to:Amazon AlexaGoogle AssistantUniversal AccessoriesBest car accessories: Amazon AlexaAmazon's Alexa voice assistant is arguably behind Google and Apple in the car, but that doesn't mean there aren't some cool gadgets that can bring the Echo experience into your automobile. Here are some of our favorite Alexa devices for the car.Firmly in chargeiOttie Easy One Touch Connect ProStaff PickThis two-in-one device from iOttie will securely hold your smartphone i...
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by Samuel Tolbert on (#5P2YG)
Sony's veritable army of developers are working on a new slate of games for the PS5.The newest generation of PlayStation gaming is in full swing, with the arrival of the PS5. Sony acquired and closed multiple studios over the last few years, leading to an interesting reshuffle for the next lineup. From bringing in the longtime partners at Insomniac Games to closing down teams like Manchester Studio, PlayStation is a different entity now than it was when starting off the PS4 generation in 2013.With a new generation comes new games, including some of the best PS5 games available. This is a list of everything we know the main 13 development studios at Sony Worldwide Studios are currently working on, or are at least fairly certain to be developing for PS5, and possibly PC down the road.Current Sony studios, primary and supportSIE Bend StudioGuerrilla GamesHousemarqueInsomniac GamesSIE London StudioMalaysia StudioMedia MoleculeNaughty DogNixxes SoftwarePixelOpusPolyph...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5P2V4)
WhatsApp says it disagrees with the ruling and will appeal against it.What you need to knowWhatsApp has been ordered to pay a €225 million (about $266 million) fine by Ireland's Data Privacy Commissioner (DPC).The Irish regulator found violations in the way the app processed users' and non-users' data.It has also raised concerns over the way data is shared between WhatsApp and other Facebook companies. Facebook-owned messaging app WhatsApp has been fined €225 million (about $266 million) fine for violating the European Union data protection laws. As reported by Bloomberg, the Irish Data Protection Commission has found violations in the way WhatsApp explained how it processes users' data.Regulators are also unhappy with the way WhatsApp shares data with other Facebook companies. WhatsApp now has three months to update its privacy policy and bring it into compliance with the provisions of the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).WhatsApp says it disagrees wi...
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by Rebecca Spear on (#5P2V5)
Turning your abode into a smart home isn't an easy process, especially when it comes to your wallet. Fortunately, now that automating your home is no longer a novel concept, there are many reasonably priced smart devices out there for you to upgrade your home with, including smart locks for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to help keep your home as safe as it is convenient. We've gathered together a list of the best cheap smart locks, including some of the top August Smart Locks as well as other affordable choices.Best overall: August Smart LockAugust is one of the best-known smart lock companies in the industry. What makes this one so much less expensive than the other August smart locks is that it doesn't come with internal Wi-Fi like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock or even a Wi-Fi bridge. As long as you're near enough for your phone's Bluetooth to interact with the lock, you'll be able to open and close this device using the August app. If you really want to, you can purchase t...
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by Chris Wedel on (#5P2V6)
A kickstand, Alcantara fabric, and a Snapdragon 870 processor make this a tablet worth your money.When it comes to the number of choices available in the premium Android tablet space, it's a very limited selection. Samsung has been dominating the market of best Android tablets for a few years now with devices like the Galaxy Tab S7. But Lenovo is looking to change that and make a run for Samsung's title with the new Lenovo Yoga Tab 13.It's not as if Lenovo hasn't been making tablets; it's just that many of its devices, like the Lenovo Smart Tab M10 HD, aren't shooting for the premium category — the Yoga Tab 13 is doing just that. Thanks to the super-soft Alcantara fabric on the back, this is a large form tablet with a premium feel. Not to just be a device that only looks good, Lenovo went with high-end internal components and some nifty software. But how does it translate in daily use? Let's see.Lenovo Yoga Tab 13 review:Price and availabilityWhat's good What's not goo...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5P2RM)
Things should be back to normal soon.What you need to knowInstagram appears to be down for several users around the world.As per DownDetector, the issues start at around 1:10 AM ET. Instagram says it is working on getting things back to normal. A large number of Instagram are reporting issues accessing Instagram. According to DownDetector, the issues started at around 1:10 AM ET. The issues aren't limited to just one country. It appears users are having issues while using Instagram in several countries across the world — including the U.S., the U.K., and India.At the time of writing this article, there are over 17,000 user reports indicating problems at Instagram on DownDetector. Over 50% of users say they are unable to access the Instagram app, while 21% are having trouble opening Instagram on the web.A large number of users are also experiencing server connection issues. In the U.S., the highest number of reports are coming from users in New York, Washington, Boston...
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by Rachel Kaser on (#5P2RN)
Some of Marvel's finest heroes are great for your squad... but not all of them, sadly.Marvel Future Revolution features a cast of characters drawn from the heavy hitters of the Marvel universe. Most of them come equipped with plenty of firepower to take on the threats that have taken over the world in the aftermath of the cosmic Convergence. Players have the option of selecting from a cadre of Earth's Mightiest Heroes to combat the threat.Developer Netmarble is likely to add more characters to the game in future, but at present there are eight possible characters to choose for your squad. Some of them are powerhouses, while others have more situational uses. And there are a couple who just aren't that useful, though they're all fairly easy to learn and control.Most of the characters are balanced pretty well, so that each of them play a role in the game and players can put a very powerful squad together. A starting squad will be four players, though you can purchase more slots i...
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by Christine Persaud on (#5P2RP)
The best tablets and large-screened smartphones are designed for you to use your fingers to navigate menus and screens, type, select, and more. But you can also use the best stylus for Android phones and tablets to do all of the above. A stylus offers better precision, particularly with specific tasks like coloring, jotting down digital notes, or selecting items in a detailed document or spreadsheet. They're especially useful for those with large hands, fingers, and/or thumbs who find it difficult to manipulate small text on the screen. The absolute best option for a Samsung Galaxy device is an S Pen), but if you're looking for an alternative or have another brand of tablet or smartphone, there are alternatives worth considering, too.Fine-point stylusAdonit Dash 3 (Black)Staff PickThis universal stylus for Android phones and tablets features a fine-tip point that mimics a paper-like drag.$30 at AmazonGoes with a Galaxy phoneSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultra S PenThe Samsun...
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by Ted Kritsonis on (#5P2PH)
Jabra is looking to clarify every phone call with its latest wireless earbuds.Jabra launched three new pairs of wireless earbuds, and among them, the Elite 7 Pro sport new features aiming to make it easier to talk on the phone. Audio quality isn't just about music for these earbuds, as Jabra wants to stand out as one of the best in the business for every phone conversation you have while wearing these buds.That's what the company's MultiSensor Voice technology promises in delivering "ultimate call clarity, even in the noisiest places." To do it, Jabra had to combine various tech elements that work in unison to amplify voices within the call, while drowning out everything else.How MultiSensor Voice worksLike most wireless earbuds these days, the Elite 7 Pro use microphones to do two things at once: pick up voices and block out unwanted sounds. Jabra equipped them with four mics to share the task equally, so that two work for voices, while two take care of what's happening in t...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5P2H6)
Samsung has also launched a new 50MP ISOCELL sensor with Dual Pixel Pro technology.What you need to knowSamsung has announced two new ISOCELL sensors.The ISOCELL HP1 is the industry's first 200MP mobile image sensor. Samsung's ISOCELL GN5 is a "super-slim" 50MP sensor with 1.0μm pixel size and all-directional autofocusing technology.After bringing 108MP camera sensors to smartphones, Samsung has now introduced the world's first 200MP mobile image sensor alongside a new "super-slim" 50MP sensor.The new ISOCELL HP1 is the first mobile image sensor with an ultrahigh 200MP resolution. As you would expect, however, its pixel size of 0.64μm isn't very impressive. Despite the relatively small pixel size, Samsung claims the sensor can capture "an astonishing amount of detail" with images staying sharp even when cropped.ISOCELL HP1 is also Samsung's first mobile image sensor to feature ChameleonCell technology, which is basically a pixel-binning technology using a two-by-two...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5P2EG)
There's currently no word on when the features will begin rolling out to users.Update, Sep 2 (2:10 a.m. ET): More details leakedWhat you need to knowThe Google Assistant may soon gain two useful new features.With "Quick Phrases," users will be able to skip the "Hey, Google" hotword for the most common interactions. The Assistant will also begin recommending shortcuts based on your app usage pattern. Google announced a bunch of new features coming to the Google Assistant with Android 12 at I/O 2021 — including shortcut expansions. A teardown of the latest Google App v12.22.5 by XDA Developers has now revealed another new feature that will soon be added to the Assistant.The upcoming "quick phrases" feature will allow users to interact with the Google Assistant without saying the "Hey Google" hotword. As per the report, the feature will only work for the most common voice interactions, such as dismissing a ringing alarm or an ongoing timer. The feature is code-named "gua...
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by Harish Jonnalagadda on (#5P2BA)
Samsung is readying its Android 12 update — here's what you need to know about One UI 4.0.Samsung did a fantastic job rolling out the One UI 3.1 update based on Android 11 to most phones in its portfolio, and with Android 12 around the corner, it's time to look at what Samsung has in store for us in 2021.Samsung already confirmed that its next major software version will be called One UI 4.0, and we don't have to wait too long to get a look at the new interface. The South Korean manufacturer is set to kick off the One UI 4.0 beta sometime in September, so let's find out what Samsung has to offer with Android 12, what phones will get the update, and a look at the new features.Jump to:Beta rolloutEligible phonesNew featuresLaunch dateThis is the oneSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultra$1,200 at Amazon$1,200 at Best Buy$1,200 at SamsungStill the flagship to beatThe Galaxy S21 Ultra combines the latest display and hardware innovations to deliver a flagship that truly ...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5P283)
RCS is a great feature... when it works.What you need to knowUsers are complaining about RCS randomly losing connection in Google Messages.Google Messages will reportedly fail to reestablish connection for many users.The problem has been reported since at least June, with assurances that Google is reportedly working on it.Google Messages is one of the best text messaging apps for Android thanks to its ability to use Rich Communication Services (RCS) for a better out-of-the-box texting experience across many Android devices. However, it's less than ideal when RCS features break and users are left unable to connect, which is apparently what's been happening lately.Multiple users across Reddit and the Google Messages support forum have complained that the app will randomly stop connecting to RCS and won't reestablish a connection. Users find that their connection status is left on "Connecting..." or "Waiting to verify..." without the app actually completing either step.Som...
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by Matt Shore on (#5P235)
Hearthstone Mercenaries promises a new way to play and many characters to collect.What you need to knowBlizzard has announced Mercenaries, a new free-to-play game mode within Hearthstone, releasing on October 12.The mode features RPG and Roguelike elements, and replaces decks with mercenary cards.Players can build their roster of mercenaries and upgrade them while taking on bounties.Blizzard has announced a new free-to-play game mode for their popular mobile title, Hearthstone. Entitled Mercenaries, the mode will do away with traditional decks and instead focus on the collection of over 50 characters from the Warcraft universe. It also combines features found in RPGs and Roguelikes, and incorporates turn-based combat against procedurally-generated bounties.Players will start with eight mercenary cards, and are encouraged to experiment with their roster. Each character possesses three upgradeable abilities and earns experience points from battle, with a level cap of 30. Me...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5P236)
Launch dates are all over the place for the Galaxy S21 FE.What you need to knowA new rumor points to the Galaxy S21 FE launching towards the end of October.The new dates reportedly indicate when the device will be available to purchase and when it'll ship.It's been previously indicated that the Galaxy S21 FE would launch in early September.Hot on the heels of Samsung's latest foldables, many still await the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE as the successor to last year's well-received Galaxy S20 FE. Rumors have been here and there on when the device would launch, but the latest may provide a clearer timeframe for when we can expect the device in consumers' hands.Leaker Jon Prosser has indicated that the Galaxy S21 FE may not launch until late October. According to Prosser, preorders will open on October 20, and the device will ship on October 29.Prosser says that these launch dates refer to the market launch of the device, however, he was not able to confirm the actu...
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by James Bricknell on (#5P214)
A big boyJackery Explorer 1000 solar generator$1,499 at AmazonProsEight outputsSolar panels have USB-C outputsLighter and smaller than the 1500ConsCannot use the 200W solar panelsThe Explorer 1000 bundle from Jackery, has everything you need to keep your essential tech powered wherever you choose to hang out. On the beach, at the campsite, or anywhere you can think to use it, the solar panels will keep your generator topped up all day, and the battery will keep it powered all night.The biggest boyJackery Explorer 1500 solar generator$2,699 at JackeryProsMassive battery lifeHigh speed charging through four solar panelsCan power household appliancesConsOnly seven portsReally heavyThe Explorer 1500 is not to be taken lightly, nor is it light. This behemoth can power household appliances like refrigerators if you have a power cut, and the four giant solar panels allow you to charge it to full in just five hours. It's always ready to se...
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by Thomas J Meyer on (#5P215)
No crowds to check out new games.What you need to knowThe Tokyo Game Show 2021 will be online-only again this year and will offer a virtual reality version.The VR experience will be available for Oculus Quest, Oculus Quest 2, Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive.The annual games showcase runs from September 30 until October 3. The organizers behind the Tokyo Game Show 2021 announced its schedule of panels and livestreams today, and revealed a virtual reality version of the gaming event for the Oculus Quest 2 and other VR headsets.According to a page from the event's official website, this year's Tokyo Game Show can be experienced in VR and will be available for Oculus Quest, Oculus Quest 2, Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive headsets. There were no concrete details on how the app would translate the annual showcase into VR, but gave only a brief message."See your favorite characters right in front of you," the website's message reads. "Visit booths as if you were wandering around inside th...
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by Nicholas Sutrich on (#5P216)
The end of an era could be the beginning of a new frontier.What you need to knowTelegram v8.0 adds a slew of features to the smartphone app, including trending stickers, enhanced live streaming capabilities, Flexible Forwarding, and more.This update removes the Wear OS app from the Play Store.The Telegram Wear OS app will stop working, even if you leave it installed, and you will not be able to reinstall it.Telegram is saying goodbye to Wear OS owners as the latest Telegram update removes the app from the Google Play Store on Wear OS watches. Telegram is one of the best messaging apps on Android, with the latest update adding a ton of great new features for users to enjoy, but it's removing the ability to do just about everything from the comfort of your wrist.Whether this is a signal of something greater to come or the end of an era is not yet clear, but 9to5Google confirmed the move with Telegram support, who issued a statement about the move: Starting with Telegram...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5P1YY)
Samsung Health gets a useful feature that could help save battery.What you need to knowThe Galaxy Watch 4 is receiving its first post-launch update.The new update lets users better control automatic workout detection.Volume controls are now available in the quick settings panel.The update includes improvements to health tracking and system stability.The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 hasn't been in consumers' hands very long, but it's already receiving its first post-launch update. While Samsung doesn't appear to highlight any new features in the changelog, TizenHelp has noticed some noteworthy changes arriving with the update, which clocks in at a hardy 305MB.One highlight feature is the ability to halt the automatic workout detection in Samsung Health. It's a feature that many of the best Android smartwatches have, but it can use up some valuable battery, especially when a watch is measuring leisurely walks that users may not care to track. The update adds an option to cance...
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