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Updated 2025-11-04 01:48
Don't spend a lot on these great Bluetooth speakers under $100
You don't need to spend a lot of money to get a great Bluetooth speaker, so we've rounded up what we believe are some of the best Bluetooth speakers under $100 to help save you money. So whether you're looking to pick up a speaker to listen to music, play your favorite podcasts by the pool, or stream music from your phone, there are plenty of great affordable options available. Our top pick would be the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 for versatility and excellent sound quality.Best overall: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2The WONDERBOOM 2 delivers everything you're looking for in an affordable Bluetooth speaker. It has IP67 water resistance, astonishingly great sound quality, and 13-hour battery life. The speaker also has multi-directional sound, and you can even pair two speakers together to create a stereo effect (although you can only pair it with other Wonderboom speakers).The versatility here makes the WONDERBOOM 2 stand out from the pack. You can take it to the pool without worry...
Rural communities like mine may still miss out on broadband expansion
A new round of government funding for rural broadband expansion is leaving me with old familiar feelings.Living out in the countryside of rural America may sound romantic to some. But even as appealing as that lifestyle can be, it's still 2022, and connectivity is king. The unfortunate reality that we currently have to face is that if someone wants to live outside of a populated area, there will have to be some concessions. Aside from travel time for things like getting groceries and property maintenance, the most impactful concession for most rural families is the lack of reliable broadband.I've spent the better part of my life living in rural Kansas, anywhere from eight to 30 miles from the nearest town of considerable population. For the past six years, I have battled with obtaining any real semblance of legitimate broadband to my home. While the nearest town — a mere eight miles away — offers a few ISP options with gigabit connectivity, none of that is available to me....
Stadia will now work on these Android TV devices
Google announced that its Stadia video game streaming service would be available for more Android TV devices. Before, people who wanted to stream games from the cloud to their televisions needed the aging Chromecast Ultra. While the Chromecast Ultra worked well and was bundled with the Stadia Controller, it was the only option to play Stadia games on the television. Here is a list of every Android TV device that supports Stadia.Google's ownChromecast with Google TV - SnowStaff PickThe Chromecast with Google TV replaces the Chromecast Ultra and does everything of its predecessor and more. It can cast content from an Android or iOS device, allow users to browse content among several apps without switching, and control smart home devices. It also comes with a dedicated voice remote equipped with Google Assistant.$50 at Google $50 at Best BuyNew TVHisense Android Smart TVs (U7G, U8G, U9G)Those looking to upgrade their screen can go with the 2021 suite of Hisense...
Qualcomm's global smartphone SoC shipments jumped 18% last quarter
While Qualcomm saw its shipments rise by 18%, MediaTek's shipments saw a decline in Q4 2021.What you need to knowMediaTek continued to lead the global smartphone AP market in Q4 2021.It held a 33% share of the market, while Qualcomm's share stood at 30%. Counterpoint expects MediaTek to have a strong 2022 due to 5G migration in several parts of the world, combined with continued LTE demand. The global smartphone AP/SoC market grew by 5% YoY in the fourth quarter of 2021, according to new research from Counterpoint. Unsurprisingly, demand for 5G smartphone SoCs continued to grow and accounted for almost half of the total SoC shipments during the quarter.MediaTek led the smartphone SoC market in the October to December period with a market share of 33%. When compared to the same period a year earlier, however, MediaTek's market share fell by 4%. Its shipments also declined due to "inventory corrections" by Chinese smartphone OEMs.Qualcomm's shipments grew by 18% in Q4 2...
The Galaxy S22 is still just a baby step towards sustainable products
As top dog when it comes to building phones, Samsung has the most to gain when it comes to profitable sustainability.Samsung is, by all accounts, one of the biggest companies in tech. It consistently ranks among the top three phone manufacturers every year, and more importantly builds some of the key parts inside its top two rivals' devices. Samsung makes all kinds of tech products that aren't phones or phone parts, either — even heavy artillery. Yes, even massive war machine weaponry needs technological mastery to work well.Because of this, Samsung probably saves enough money each year by using recycled products to feed a small country. While I would love to see Samsung take a year-long hiatus from making tech and feed some hungry people, what's important to the people in charge is the saving money part. Recycling is a big part of sustainability, but it's also a way to cut down on costs — especially when you're as big as Samsung and actively recycle everything yourself.Equ...
Should you upgrade to the Galaxy S22 Plus from the S20 Plus?
Latest and greatestSamsung Galaxy S22 Plus$1,000 at AmazonProsTons of color options, including exclusive onesBeautiful, bezel-less designUpgraded triple camera systemMore powerful processorConsExpensiveNo headphone jackNo optional microSD storageAs one of the latest smartphones in the Samsung Galaxy line, the S22+ has tons of features, looks gorgeous, supports fast charging, and has a wonderful camera system. There's little more you could ask for in a premium phone.Still a great choiceSamsung Galaxy S20 Plus$720 at AmazonProsHigher-resolution screenSupports optional memory cards up to 1TBQuad camera systemMuch cheaperConsNo headphone jackOlder modelOutdated Android OSIt might be a few years old now, but the Samsung Galaxy S20+ is still a solid option worth hanging onto. It even bests the S22+ in some departments, offers a snappy processor, takes great photos, and has expandable memory.Samsung's latest trio of devices inc...
Enjoy all your favorite songs with the best music streaming services
Music is the heartbeat of our lives. It amps us up before a big test or a cardio workout, and soothes us through grief and loss. Because we expect our music to follow us from device to device, from home to car to work to cafe, having a music streaming service that fits your lifestyle is essential. While there are several music streaming services out there, we're going to focus on services available to much of the world.Best Overall: Tidal HiFiTidal was one of the first music services to provide high-quality lossless audio over streaming, even though it launched with a rather bare selection of artists and songs. Since its inception, Tidal has continued to grow its catalog and added some extra goodies, including high-definition music videos. In addition to the high-quality music available, the company offers more than its fair share of artist exclusive releases and was even live-streaming concerts before it was cool.The feature-set for Tidal is also rather robust since it's ava...
Samsung is far from leading the Android fast charging race, and that's okay
I just started using the iQOO 9 Pro. The brand won't be familiar to those in the west; it is the latest entrant from BBK, the Chinese conglomerate that owns OnePlus, OPPO, Vivo, and Realme. BBK positioned iQOO as a Vivo sub-brand, similar to how Realme started off under OPPO's tutelage three years ago.Back to the device in question. The iQOO 9 Pro is aimed at the flagship segment and takes on the best Android phones, and as such it has a QHD+ AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh and dynamic scaling, Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and a 50MP gimbal camera that is fantastic for taking videos. The part that's particularly intriguing to me is the battery — the iQOO 9 Pro has a 4700mAh battery and charges at a frankly ridiculous 120W and 50W wirelessly. iQOO advertises a full charge in just 20 minutes, with zero to 50% taking just 8 minutes.Although iQOO kicked off the 120W trend last year, it isn't the only brand to do so. Xiaomi's 11T Pro and 11...
Sony LinkBuds review: Not exactly a hole in one
You might find yourself circling back to other earbuds.When it comes to wireless earbuds, most people's first priority is active noise cancellation, or ANC, to drown out the world while immersing yourself in tunes, movies, and other entertainment. However, in this work-from-anywhere world we now live in, ANC isn't well suited for those split-second interactions with people and things that need our attention in the real world. That's where the Sony LinkBuds come in.You won't find ANC here because it's not what these earbuds are for. Sony has taken an interesting design approach with the LinkBuds, outfitting them with a ring-shaped driver with a hole in the middle. That hole is there to let outside noise in, as opposed to keeping it out, so that you can remain aware of the important things around you, whether you're working, working out, or simply taking a stroll. It might sound strange, but it addresses a fairly specific pain point with the best wireless earbuds without relying on...
Ditch the cable and go wireless with these charging pads and stands
The best wireless chargers are a bit of a dream, breaking you out of the old rut of having to plug in your phone every time to sit down to work or sleep. Ditch your cables and quit wearing out your phone's charging port by getting yourself a handy wireless charger. It's easier than ever now that more wireless chargers are switching to USB-C so you can stick to one cable.Cool and compactAnker 15W Max Wireless ChargerStaff Pick$27 at Amazon $27 at WalmartThis Qi charger can output 15W for the few devices that support it right now, plus 10W/7.5W/5W for everyone else as needed, from Samsung to Apple and beyond. It's got a sleek look and takes Power Delivery or Qualcomm QuickCharge wall adapters.Best for PixeliOttie iON Wireless Duo (Made For Google Edition) - Dark Grey$43 at AmazoniOttie is better known for its car mounts, but it actually makes the best current Pixel stand on the market — yes, even better than Google's. The 15W EPP coils on the stand will charge y...
OPPO unveils its first Android tablet with high-end specs from last year
It has some decent specs, but the OPPO Find X5 series stole its thunder.What you need to knowThe OPPO Pad debuted in China alongside the Find X5 series of smartphones.OPPO's first Android tablet is powered by a Snapdragon 870 chipset paired with up to 8GB of RAM.It retails at a starting price of CNY 2,299 (roughly $364) from March 3, though a global launch remains uncertain.OPPO used to churn out both affordable and premium smartphones over the last several years, the most recent of which is the Find X5 series. But it's now making inroads into a relatively new market for the company.The firm unveiled its first Android tablet, the OPPO Pad, which will go on sale in China on March 3 at a starting price of CNY 2,299 (approximately $364) for the base model and CNY 2,999 (roughly $474) for the higher-end variant (via GSMArena).The new device is OPPO's first Android tablet with some premium specs, making it a solid contender for the best Android tablets around. For instance, ...
Nubia unveils the world's first Android phone with magnetic charging
The Nubia Z40 Pro is the third Snapdragon 8 Gen 1-powered phone that ZTE has announced this month.What you need to knowZTE has announced a new Android flagship powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip.The new Nubia Z40 Pro comes with a 64MP Sony IMX787 primary sensor featuring a 35mm equivalent lens. There's also a "Gravity Edition" of the Z40 Pro with 66W wired and 15W magnetic wireless charging. Chinese smartphone maker ZTE unveiled its first Snapdragon 8 Gen 1-powered phones last week, the Nubia RedMagic 7 and RedMagic 7 Pro. The company has now announced another flagship phone powered by the 4nm Qualcomm chip, dubbed Nubia Z40 Pro.As you can tell from the image above, the Z40 Pro isn't targeted at gamers. It is more of a Galaxy S22+ rival with an impressive camera setup and innovative charging tech. The phone sports a 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with FHD+ resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. Nubia has paired the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset on the Z40 Pro with up to 16G...
Show-off your S22 Ultra to the world safely with these clear cases
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra takes all the best features of Galaxy devices to date and elevates them to another level. If you want this glorious titan to last you a long time (while showing some skin), dress it up in the best Galaxy S22 Ultra clear cases. Our top picks up the ante, bringing you durability, added grip, and some serious eye candy.All-rounderCaseology Skyfall Clear CaseStaff PickCaseology's Skyfall Clear Case ticks all the right boxes for the ultimate Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra clear cover. It has reinforced corners, drop protection, and textured sides to add grip. The raised edges around the camera bump strengthen your S22 Ultra's military-grade defenses.$16 at AmazonA sprinkle of magicOtterbox Symmetry Clear Series - StardustTired of the vanilla transparent covers for your Galaxy S22 Ultra? Grab this pretty little case from the Otterbox Symmetry Clear Series in Stardust. It may look cute, but it's tough enough to withstand many drops. And it'll...
Encrypting group chats on Facebook Messenger is quick and easy
Keep your information safe and secure.Online privacy and security has been a hot subject for years now, even more so with recent concerns that some companies are tracking our data and spying on us. That's where encryption comes in. No matter if you're using the best Android phones or not, you want to make sure that your information is safe. Facebook has enabled end-to-end encryption for group chats on its Messenger app for Android. Here's how you can easily enable it to keep your conversations away from prying eyes.How to encrypt your chats on Facebook MessengerOpen up the Facebook Messenger app. Create a new group chat by selecting the pencil icon in the upper right.Toggle the lock symbol in the upper right on. (This will encrypt the chat).Select Create a group chat.Select who you want to be in the chat. Name the chat.Select Create. What is end-to-end encryption?Encryption can be a bit complicated, but at its core it means that third-parties cannot see encrypte...
Xiaomi's Redmi Note 11 Pro phones are coming to India next week
Xiaomi is likely to bring the global variants of the Redmi Note 11 Pro and Note 11 Pro 5G to India.What you need to knowXiaomi has announced that the Redmi Note 11 Pro phones will launch in India on March 9.Both phones are expected to come equipped with a 108MP main camera. Xiaomi has already launched the vanilla Note 11 and Note 11S models in the country. Earlier this month, Xiaomi launched its Redmi Note 11 and Note 11S phones in India. The company has now revealed that the Redmi Note 11 Pro and Note 11 Pro 5G will make their debut in the country on March 9.Xiaomi's official teaser for the upcoming Redmi Note 11 Pro launch event confirms both phones will feature a 108MP main camera and 120Hz displays. While the rest of the specs of the Indian variants are yet to be confirmed, we expect the phones to be identical to the global variants announced by Xiaomi late last month.The global Redmi Note 11 Pro has MediaTek's Helio G96 chipset under the hood, paired with up to 8GB...
Future Garmin Venu smartwatches could get solar-charging OLED displays
What you need to knowGarmin has registered a patent for solar charging display modules for smartwatches.The display could potentially be used in OLED displays while extending battery life between charges.Many Garmin smartwatches feature solar charging displays, but they are not OLED.Garmin makes some of the best Android smartwatches on the market, particularly for fitness enthusiasts. Still, it seems the company wants to improve the battery life of its premium smartwatches like the Garmin Venu series. Garmin has registered a new patent that could do just that by giving them a new type of OLED display.The patent (via TechRadar) described "energy-collecting display modules" that would be placed among the subpixels of a smartwatch's display. This would differ from the current method that Garmin uses for its Power Glass displays on watches such as the fēnix and Instinct series, with the photovoltaic layer placed between the memory-in-pixel (MIP) display and the glass cover....
PlayStation's Spartacus service reportedly has three tiers
The basic tier would essentially replace PlayStation Plus as it exists right now.What you need to knowBack in December 2021, we learned that Sony is possibly planning a new game subscription service, codenamed Spartacus.A new report indicates that Spartacus will have three tiers, with $10, $13 and $16 monthly options.The basic tier is stated to replace PlayStation Plus, while the most expensive tier adds in game trials, streaming and classic games. Sony's upcoming rumored "Spartacus" gaming service could have three subscription tiers, with the most expensive option capping out at $16 per month.According to a new report from GamesBeat's Jeff Grubb, Sony is in fact planning for Spartacus to have three tiers, in line with prior reports. The first tier would be $10 a month and essentially replace PlayStation Plus, offering free monthly games and discounts.The second tier would be $13 a month and throws in a catalogue of games. Finally, at $16 a month, the third and final ti...
Samsung celebrates 'record-breaking' Galaxy S22, Tab S8 preorders
Get 'em while they're hot!What you need to knowSamsung says preorders of the Galaxy S22 series more than doubled compared to the Galaxy S21.The Galaxy Tab S8 also saw impressive preorder numbers, led by the Tab S8 Ultra.Samsung highlights launch deals for its latest devices, which officially go on sale on February 25.Samsung's latest smartphones are a hit, and they haven't even officially launched yet. Samsung announced on Thursday that the Galaxy S22 series saw impressive preorder numbers, as did the new GalaxtyTab S8 series, just ahead of the official launch on Friday.Preorders for the Galaxy S22 series "more than doubled" compared to the Galaxy S21 series. This was led by the impressive Galaxy S22 Ultra, which acts as the spiritual successor to the Note series thanks to the inclusion of the S Pen. According to Samsung, the Ultra saw 60% of S22 sales. That said, the Galaxy S22 Plus remains our favorite.The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra also sold out worldwide and drove nearly...
Reddit's Discover tab will make you lose hours digging through communities
It's the first major revamp to its mobile app in almost two years.What you need to knowReddit announced a new overhaul to its mobile app called Discover.The new Discover tab will coexist with the r/all entry point for finding new content and communities.The service also introduced a new navigation system that lets users quickly access their communities and profile in the app.Reddit has a reputation for being the front page of the internet, but exploring content and communities on the platform hasn't always been a smooth experience. The website seems to recognize this, and today it announced a couple of new features meant to keep you longer on the platform.The headline new feature is the Discover tab, which is akin to Instagram's Explore page. It's rolling out to the Reddit app on the best Android phones and iOS devices, and it's the first redesign to the Reddit app in nearly two years.Discover is a new navigation system designed to make it easier for redditors to sear...
Google Messages brings categories, 'auto-delete OTPs' to more users
They've been available in India for some time now.What you need to knowCategories on Google Messages are reportedly arriving for users outside India.The feature first appeared in mid-2021 and uses machine learning to sort messages based on the sender and message contents.This also allows users to auto-delete OTP codes after 24 hours.The categories were recently shown off by Google following the Galaxy S22 Ultra launch.Google Messages appears to be rolling out with a couple of helpful "new" features, according to some users who have spotted message categories on their Android phones.The features aren't exactly "new" perse, but it has been exclusive to India since mid-2021. However, 9to5Google notes that it has begun to appear in more parts of the world, signaling the first expansion of the feature.Those that are receiving the feature are met with an introductory popup explaining how messages are sorted based on the sender and message content, noting that the informati...
Latest Pixel 6 update is blocking Android 12L beta installation
Last week's Pixel 6 and 6 Pro update is blocking users from downloading the Android 12L beta.What you need to knowPixel 6 and 6 Pro devices can't download the Android 12L beta after installing last week's software update.Google will release a fourth Android 12L beta in March to resolve the Pixel 6 exclusions.Android 12L is slated for an early 2022 official release.Google rolled out a new software patch to its Pixel 6 and 6 Pro last week, and owners of fully-updated devices are reporting issues enrolling in the latest Android 12L beta. However, in March, Google plans to address the affected devices in another Android 12L update.A small, unexpected software update landed last week for Pixel 6 devices gave few details aside from fixing critical bugs and improving the performance and stability of the device. It appears that part of the update disabled Pixel 6 devices from being enrolled into the Android 12L beta if they weren't already.First seen on 9to5Google, full-updated...
Keep your Oculus Quest 2 safe with these great storage and travel cases
The Oculus Quest 2 may be a mobile headset, but it's actually dangerous to take it on the go without protection. Carry it in a backpack, and stray junk like a pencil could scratch the unprotected lenses and ruin them. Even if you only keep it at home, sunlight permanently damages the lenses, so you'll need to keep it enclosed when not in use. Oculus sells a Carrying Case with plenty of capacity for your Elite Strap and accessories; or, if you want something more travel-sized or hard-shelled, we've chosen the other best Oculus Quest 2 cases to consider.Best overall: Oculus Quest 2 Official Carrying CaseIt's no coincidence that the official case leads the pack. While most cases are designed for the original Quest, this one was made with the slightly smaller Quest 2 in mind. Thanks to its compact, stylish design, the Official Quest 2 carrying case is ideal.It'll easily keep all your accessories secure in most situations, and there's room for everything here. Tuck away your heads...
What is Samsung Knox and how is Knox Vault different?
Best answer: Samsung Knox is a multi-layer security platform built into Android on Samsung devices, including software and hardware isolation for sensitive data.What is Samsung Knox?Samsung Knox is a layer, or rather several layers, of security protection included in the software of many Samsung phones. Some high-end Galaxy devices even have hardware isolation for even greater security. These layers help protect your data from exploits by isolating your data and reducing the effectiveness of exploits. This means that an exploit in one app doesn't allow access to the rest of your phone.Samsung Knox is built into the software of most Samsung devices that release using Android, so if you have a Samsung from the past couple of years, there's a good chance you benefit from these protections. Some of the best budget phones you can buy are Samsung Galaxy A series phones like the Galaxy A52, and they come with Knox.For the most part, Samsung Knox protects things like passwords, biome...
Monitor you smart home energy consumption with Amazon Alexa
There are a variety of reasons that someone might want to add smart devices to their homes. It could be a convenience factor, to automate non-smart appliances, or perhaps for safety reasons. Unfortunately, one consideration that some may not see is home much using smart devices can positively or negatively impact your home's energy usage. Thanks to Amazon, you can easily monitor your smart device's energy impact if you know how to access the Alexa energy dashboard.How to access your Alexa Energy DashboardAmazon has implemented a way for the best Alexa speakers to help you see how much energy your smart devices are using. This feature is part of the company's Climate Pledge Friendly program, which is a larger effort to help the environment. Now, let's get you set up to check out how much energy your smart home uses.Open the Alexa app on your phone.Tap on Devices at the bottom of the screen.Select Energy Dashboard towards the top of the page.You'll see usage for all the con...
Which cheap fitness tracker should you buy: Halo View or Fitbit Inspire 2?
Simple can be betterFitbit Inspire 2$80 at AmazonProsHeart-rate monitoringActivity/sleep trackingOne year of Fitbit PremiumAutomatic exercise recognitionUp to 10 days of battery lifeConsLacks color AMOLEDNo extra perksWant to keep things simple but efficient? The Fitbit Inspire 2 might be right up your alley. This fitness tracker might be small and unassuming, but it's mighty powerful with tons of activity/health tracking perks. You'll get nearly two weeks of battery life out of it, too.A closer lookAmazon Halo View$80 at AmazonProsHeart-rate monitoringActivity/sleep trackingMovement HealthAMOLED displayA week of battery lifeConsNo GPS optionsNo extra perksSubscription required for many featuresAre you seeking a fitness tracker that takes a different route? The Amazon Halo View fits that description. It offers basic activity/health tracking, but it also zooms in on details you may not have thought about such as body compositi...
Samsung Galaxy A53 shows up on Google Play Console, launch may be imminent
The Google Play Console listing only shows a 6GB variant.What you need to knowThe key specs and design of the upcoming Galaxy A53 5G have appeared on Google Play Console.Samsung's next mid-range phone could be powered by an Exynos 1200 chipset paired with 6GB of RAM.That said, previous rumors claimed an 8GB variant is also in the cards.Samsung's upcoming successor to the Galaxy A52 5G could be making its debut soon. The Galaxy A53 5G has popped up in a Google Play Console listing, revealing its key specs and design (via MySmartPrice).The phone will apparently be powered by an Exynos 1200 chipset, corroborating previous leaks and rumors. Interestingly, the listing only shows a model with 6GB of RAM. However, it's unlikely that this will be the phone's only memory configuration when it becomes available. Recent rumors previously suggested an 8GB variant was in the works as well.This isn't the first time we've heard about this device, as previous rumors have shed light on ...
These are the best screen protectors for your Samsung Galaxy S21
While there is no shortage of standout features on the Samsung Galaxy S21, perhaps the one that stands out the most in this flagship from an aesthetic perspective, which is literally in your face all the time, is its stunning 6.2-inch screen. But even though the S21's display has a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on top, you should still consider getting one of the best Samsung Galaxy S21 screen protectors for maximum protection against falls, dings, and scratches. Here are some of the best options available out there.Durable and dependableZAGG InvisibleShield GlassFusion+ D30 Screen Protector for Galaxy S21Staff PickThe GlassFusion+ is a hybrid glass solution that protects the screen of your Samsung Galaxy S21 with military strength protection that is nearly unbreakable. It looks and feels like just the glass on the display while also ensuring clear visuals and proper fingerprint sensor sensitivity.$37 at AmazonEasy applicationSupershieldz Tempered Glass ...
One of our favorite Quest games gets its first update in nearly 2 years
Set to drop on March 17, the update will introduce new weapons and quality of life upgrades.What you need to knowThis will update the game to version 1.3.The update will introduce three new weapons, new quality of life upgrades, and bug fixes.All new content will be immediately available to players who've already completed the game.Schell Games revealed a free content update for Until You Fall that's set to introduce bug fixes and quality of life upgrades alongside new weapons for the game. Currently slated to release for all platforms where you can buy Until You Fall, this will be the first new content update the game since version 1.1 launched in October 2020.The three new one-handed weapons coming to the acclaimed VR hack-and-slash include the Cold Iron Greataxe, Captain's Warhammer, and Fate's End. These three new weapons will be unlockable as players progress through the story. Players who've already beaten the game will be able to forge them right away, however....
Can I play Stadia games on Google TV devices?
Best answer: Yes, you can play Stadia games on Google TV. There's a limited list of hardware that officially supports Stadia through Google TV. Still, any device that can run Google TV will play Stadia games in some capacity.Official Google TV devicesIf you've ever asked yourself: Can I play Stadia on Google TV? It's important to note when Google Stadia first launched in November 2019, users could stream games directly to their PC, television, and some mobile devices through the cloud. However, during that time, the only way to play Stadia games through the television was through the company's own Chromecast Ultra device with a Stadia controller.But times change. Google announced in mid-2021 it was extending Stadia support to more existing hardware. The list of officially supported Android TV and Google TV devices includes the following:Chromecast with Google TVDirecTV Stream DeviceHisense Android Smart TVs (U7G, U8G, U9G)MagentaTV OneNokia Streaming Box 8000Nvidia Shie...
Will Stadia work on my Android phone? Here are the Stadia compatible phones
Phones, tablets, TVs, browsers, and other devices that support Stadia.Finding a complete list of Stadia devices can be tricky. Most of the best Android phones support it by default, or you can hook up one of several streaming devices to your TV for a more traditional gaming experience. However, it is not always clear which Stadia-enabled hardware is officially supported or not. Below are all the Stadia-compatible phones, tablets, computers, and TVs today, as well as the devices that have planned Stadia support in the future.Jump to:Officially supported Android phonesUnofficial Android phonesStadia tablet supportStadia on iOSStadia on TVBest way to playAll Stadia-compatible Android phonesSo long as your Android phone is running Android 6.0 Marshmallow or better — and if it isn't, you really should upgrade already — Stadia should technically run on it. If you want it to run Stadia well, Google has a list of officially supported devices that should play Stadia g...
Consolidate your charging gear with these slick 100W PD chargers
Once upon a time, getting one of the best 100W USB-C chargers meant it would be bulky, expensive, and proprietary. Now with Power Delivery, you can now find 100W chargers, with 160W charging on the way, that will charge even the most powerful laptops quickly and will charge even lower-powered devices like Chromebooks and phones, alongside your laptop with ease. The scene is shifting on 100W chargers pretty quickly these days as gallium nitride (GaN) starts making its way into this class of charger,.Smart powerAnker 547 Charging StationStaff pickThis desk-friendly charging station can charge at up to 100W speeds for a single device or it can intelligently break it up to charge 2-4 devices at once. The form factor and variety that four different USB-C ports provides ensures you can charge everything you need, including laptops or phones, with ease.$110 at AmazonSleek styleSatechi 100W USB-C PD Compact Wall ChargerSatechi breaks up its ports' power in a straighforwar...
Demeo update gives players a hangout space between dungeon crawling
Relax, shoot arrows, or play a retro arcade game between sessions.What you need to knowDemeo is a card-based dungeon crawling RPG completely playable in virtual reality.The latest update adds social space Heroes' Hangout where players can launch games, play mini-games, view tips, and customize avatars.The game currently offers a free PC demo as part of Steam Next Fest, and the non-VR version of Demeo with cross-platform play is scheduled to launch on April 7.Dungeon crawling RPG and virtual reality title Demeo received a free update today that adds a new social space to the game where players can hang out and do other activities before setting up for the next tabletop adventure.The social space is called Heroes' Hangout and looks like a half-bar and half-lounge type of area. Players can walk around the room, customize their avatars with new outfits, read a giant book filled with Demeo tips, meet other people, and take pictures that can be uploaded directly to Discord. The...
Samsung is finally bringing its 'Object Eraser' to older Galaxy flagships
The feature works well, but isn't quite as good as Google's Magic Eraser feature.What you need to knowSamsung's "Object Eraser" tool is now available for older Galaxy flagships.The feature was introduced with the Galaxy S21 series last year. In addition to removing objects from an image, the tool can also remove shadows and reflections. Samsung introduced a new feature called Object eraser with its Galaxy S21 series phones last year. The company recently made the feature even more useful by adding the ability to remove reflections and shadows from photos.As spotted by Android Police, Samsung has now released a new Photo Editor update that brings the feature to older Galaxy phones — including the Galaxy S10 and Note 10 series.If you have a Galaxy S10 or a newer Samsung flagship phone, you can now get the Object eraser tool by installing the latest Photo Editor update from the Galaxy Store. To perform the update, tap on any image in the Gallery app and select the penc...
Vanilla Redmi K50 appears in new renders, may support 120W fast charging
It's also said to feature a 120Hz screen refresh rate.What you need to knowSupposed renders of the regular Redmi K50 have popped up.The phone could be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and include support for 120W fast charging.Xiaomi is rumored to launch the device globally as the Poco F4.Last week, Xiaomi unveiled the Redmi K50 Gaming with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and support for 120W fast charging. A new leak now claims to reveal some high-resolution renders of its vanilla version, which will reportedly have the same processor and charging capability.Courtesy of @OnLeaks and Bestopedia, we now have our first look at the regular Redmi K50. It looks pretty similar to the Pro version that surfaced in a recent leak, with a rectangular camera bump housing three sensors. However, closer inspection of the camera island reveals that the sensors are enclosed in a circular area.Bestopedia reports that the phone's rear camera system will include a 64MP ma...
What is the Pixel 6 Magic Eraser, and is it better than the competition?
Can Google's Tensor work magic, or is it just a dog and pony show?Google's Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are stunning phones with a cutting-edge processor from Google that's designed to process AI-based features like nothing else on the market. Among the many features that Google debuted on the Pixel 6 series coinciding with the launch of its Tensor processor was Magic Eraser, a feature that was teased back in 2017 and finally delivered in at least some capacity on these phones.Magic Eraser is designed to help you erase things from photos that just shouldn't be there, whether it was a photobomber that ruined the perfect moment, distracting folks in the background, or even an object that got in the way of the perfect shot.But Google isn't the only one who has been working on this kind of tech. In many ways, Adobe Photoshop has been able to do it for years — although the new object selection tool in Photoshop 2022 is designed to make this "content-aware fill" function better — and ...
Date set for Google Chat to replace classic Hangouts for Workspace
It's happening whether you like it or not.What you need to knowGoogle will migrate Workspace accounts from Hangouts to "Chat preferred" on March 22.The move is the last step in Google's phased migration, which began as early as 2019.The hangouts web portal will continue to function after the migration.Google is preparing to go through with the last step of migrating Workspace users from its Hangouts messaging service to Chat.The company posted an update to its support page, which lays out the timeline of the phased migration. According to the timetable, Phase 5 will commence on March 22 as remaining classic Hangouts customers are moved to "Chat preferred." This means any workspace customers accessing Hangouts from Gmail or the mobile app will be directed to Chat, and Workspace admins will not be able to opt out of the migration as was previously possible.In an accompanying post, Google notes that apart from "a few special cases," your Hangouts conversation history will ...
Bizzare Galaxy S22 Ultra display glitch to be patched 'soon' with update
Apparently limited to the Exynos variant, this Galaxy S22 Ultra display glitch blemishes the display while streaming videos or playing games.What you need to knowEarly Galaxy S22 Ultra owners have reported distracting pixel patterns flashing intermittently on their phones.It appears to be specific to Exynos 2200 models thus far.You can fix it temporarily by switching off QHD+ resolution or changing your screen mode.Samsung has acknowledged the issue and promises to patch the issue "soon" with software updates.Samsung has admitted that a "limited number" of Galaxy S22 Ultra units have experienced a consistent display glitch in the lead-up to its international launch on February 25. And while the company promises to fix the issue, Reddit users have noted that the problem may be specific to the Exynos 2200 hardware.That linked Reddit thread shows several videos of Galaxy S22 Ultra phones with purple pixellated bars flashing across the display, mostly while watching videos b...
Visible suddenly terminated some customer accounts — here's why
In an effort to prevent abuse of its new-customer promotion, Visible may have terminated some legitimate accounts.What you need to knowSome Reddit and Twitter users have complained that Visible suddenly terminated their accounts and phone numbers.Affected customers took advantage of a recent promotion featuring a $200 gift card and reduced plan pricing for the first two months.Visible has responded to indicate that the cancellations were targeted at those that have the promotional terms and conditions.As reported by XDA Developers, some Visible customers have been taking to Reddit and Twitter to share that their Visible accounts had been suddenly terminated. However, it appears that some innocent customers may have gotten their accounts removed in error to prevent abuse of a recent promotion.The prepaid wireless carrier Visible recently ran a promotion offering a discount on the first two months of service alongside a $200 gift card when users stayed with the carrier for ...
Ring opens up its best features to third-party cameras for a hefty price
Ring opens its walled garden to third-party cameras — for a price.What you need to knowRing announces that its app and services will soon work with ONVIF compatible cameras.These compatible devices will have full access to Ring's features, including live view, real-time notifications, event history, and timeline data.Ring customers will need a Ring Alarm Pro Base Station and Ring Protect Pro subscription, in addition to an ONVIF compatible camera, for everything to work correctly.Ring, the smart home solutions provider owned by Amazon, recently announced that it was allowing third-party security cameras to access its app for the first time ever. However, just because the company is opening up its services doesn't mean it plans to be any laxer on security. According to an update on Ring's website, only ONVIF compatible cameras will work with the best Ring products, and only if the customer also has specific equipment installed and subscribes to Ring's premier service tier....
Diablo Immortal outlines major updates ahead of release
Big changes are on the way.What you need to knowFollowing its latest closed beta, Diablo Immortal is set to undergo some more changes ahead of its launch.These include changes to the raid system, social mechanics, set items, and more. More information on the game is set to come in the future. Ahead of its release later this year, Diablo Immortal is set to undergo a variety of big changes.Following a recent round of beta testing for the mobile game, Diablo Immortal's game director Wyatt Cheng explained some of the many changes in a recent blog post. These include things like controller support being tweaked to detect the presence of a controller immediately, all the way to large-scale changes on some of Diablo Immortal's biggest mechanics.However, perhaps most importantly, the team at Blizzard have set out to improve various social and group-play functions in Diablo Immortal, including changing how the bounty system in the game works. After some players voiced their opin...
Everything you need to know about Hogwarts Legacy
Back to the Wizarding World we go.The long-rumored Harry Potter RPG is real and it's bringing us back to the Wizarding World of centuries ago, long before Harry and his friends ever made it to the famous school. Hogwarts Legacy was officially unveiled during a PlayStation showcase, so we could expect some marketing deals with Sony's platform. However, if you're looking for information regarding its gameplay, story, release date, and even J.K. Rowling's involvement with it, you've come to the right place.Hogwarts Legacy:What is Hogwarts Legacy?What's the story?What's the gameplay like?Is J.K. Rowling involved?Release date and platformsWhat is Hogwarts Legacy?Hogwarts Legacy is an open-world RPG set around the late 1800s that allows you to customize your own character in the Harry Potter universe. Warner Bros. says that players can "craft potions, master spell casting, and upgrade talents," among other things. Judging from the trailer, it looks like one of the w...
Get your first month for $0.99 with 5GB and a free SIM at Boost Mobile
Get a SIM card, free shipping, and 5GB of data for $0.99 when you switch.Boost Mobile wants customers to try out its service and it's willing to give you a chance to try it out with almost no risk. Available to new customers only, those who want to give Boost Mobile a try can get a free SIM card with free shipping and a 5GB for s steep discount. The first month costs just $0.99 and $25 per month after that. This plan also has unlimited talk and texting so if you don't need a ton of data, this is a great place to start.If you find that 5GB of data isn't quite enough, you can pick another Boost Mobile plan to suit your needs including a 10GB and 35GB option. If you don't need that much, a 2GB plan is also available. This plan also allows you to use your data on other devices with your phone's mobile hotspot feature.While Boost Mobile is owned by Dish Wireless, it primarily used T-Mobile's network for its plans. This also includes T-Mobile's 5G network which is the largest in the co...
Pokémon TCG Live beta is now available on Android, but only in Canada
Players around the world will need to wait a little bit longer.What you need to knowPokémon TCG Live is available in beta on Android.Only those in Canada can currently access the beta.Pokémon TCG Live will release globally on the Google Play Store at a later date.Players in Canada can now download the Pokémon TCG Live beta through the Google Play Store on Android. Meant as a replacement for Pokémon TCG Online, Pokémon TCG Live will be the definitive version of the competitive card game.Nintendo states that the decision to limit the beta's launch to Canada at the moment is so that the team can "collect gameplay feedback that will help shape a positive experience at scale once the online game is globally released." As for a final release date, the company hasn't revealed when those in the United States can get their hands on it.If you're one of the those lucky enough to be in Canada during this beta, you'll be happy to hear that any in-game progress made will carry o...
Twitter may soon let you bow out from an annoying conversation
A new option to untag yourself from Twitter threads and mute notifications might be in the pipeline.What you need to knowTwitter seems to be developing a new capability to leave a conversation.Leaving a thread will untag your username and silence further notifications, but you'll still see the discussion.It will also prevent other people from mentioning you in the same thread.Twitter is apparently experimenting with a new feature that will limit how other people engage with your account. The micro-blogging site is testing a new "Leave this conversation" button, according to Jane Manchun Wong, who has a reputation for discovering unreleased features.The new option will allow you to completely unsubscribe from a conversation in which you do not want to participate, such as an unsolicited thread or total spam. This means untagging your username, which will then appear as plain text instead of a hyperlinked handle.Twitter is working on an onboarding screen for “Leave this...
Who's that Pokémon?! And where do they rank in Pokémon Unite for Android?
All Pokémon are S+ tier in my eyes. Except for Stunfisk. I do not much care for Stunfisk.A new take on a long-established formula, Pokémon Unite pits teams of five trainers against each other, each armed with just a single Pokémon. Pokémon can evolve, hold items to improve their standing, and even learn new moves during battle, but some Pokémon have natural advantages over others — which is why we're heartlessly ranking them here. But let the record show that if my editor let me, this would be a tier list based on how huggable these cuties are.Tragically for me, we're instead ranking them based on how well they perform overall, along with how they perform in their respective categories of All-Rounder, Attacker, Defender, Speedster, and Supporter.Only a fraction of all (extremely huggable) existing Pokémon are currently represented in Unite — there are just 31, including a limited-time Zeraora. As such, the list of Pokémon in Pokémon Unite is nowhere near the hundred...
The best Android phones under $300 right now!
You can get a lot of phones for a modest price these days, and to prove it, we've rounded up a list of the best Android phones under $300 for your consideration. The best phones overall mostly come down to network compatibility and confidence that your software won't be out of date as soon as you activate it. The Samsung Galaxy A13 5G hits the mark with support for low-band and mid-band 5G, enough power to run just about any app, and Android 11 installed with Android 12 coming later in the year.Best overall Android phone under $300: Samsung Galaxy A13 5GThe Mediatek Dimensity 700 CPU package in the Galaxy A13 5G isn't winning any awards in benchmarks, but when it comes to day-to-day tasks and even light 3D gaming, it can hold its own. Paired with a generous 4GB of RAM and a 5,000mAh battery, this phone can keep you connected until the end of the day with plenty of battery life to get you home. If you're someone that works away from an outlet and needs to drive or commute a long...
The Samsung Galaxy S22 and Google Pixel 6 are great, but which to choose?
Going GoogleGoogle Pixel 6From $599 at AmazonFrom $599 at Best BuyFrom $599 at GoogleProsSmooth performanceFantastic camerasAndroid 12's Material You looks greatPixel-specific Google Assistant features are wonderfulGoogle-designed processorConsDisplay is only 90Hz and 500 nitsNo telephoto lensPotentially fewer updates than S22The Pixel 6 represents Google's commitment to making smartphones with a custom processor, a bold design, and improvements to its already impressive cameras. Strangely, it could get fewer software updates than the Galaxy S22.Oh so closeSamsung Galaxy S22From $800 at AmazonFrom $800 at Best BuyFrom $800 at SamsungProsBrighter and faster displayGreat performanceFour years of OS updates3X telephoto lensClean hardware designConsSmaller batteryMissing some Google Assistant featuresMore expensiveThe Galaxy S22 is one of the best phones from Samsung in years, thanks to its excellent display, great cameras, ...
Pixel 7 renders give us our first look at Google's next flagship phones
They look a lot like their predecessors, with slightly tweaked cameras.What you need to knowA new leak shows off renders of what could be the Google Pixel 7 Pro.The renders reveal a generally similar design to last year's Pixel 6 Pro.A separate leak also uncovers the supposed renders of the vanilla Pixel 7 in line with the Pro version.Some key details about the upcoming Google Pixel 7 series emerged a few days ago thanks to a new leak claiming that Google was working on three devices, with two of them supposedly powered by the Tensor 2 chipset.We didn't have any renders or sketches to go along with the leak then, so we had no idea what the Google Pixel 6 series successor would look like. Today, thanks to a couple of leaks, we may have our first look at the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. Reliable leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer (@OnLeaks), in collaboration with SmartPrix, has tweeted a number of 5K renders of what he claims to be the Pixel 7 Pro. Interestingly, the phone resembles t...
Prolong your Galaxy S22's lifespan with the best screen protectors
Everything about the Samsung Galaxy S22 is lovable, but that stupendous Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is what'll render you speechless. You'd better defend that beautiful panel with all your might. For that, you'll need one or two of the best Samsung Galaxy S22 screen protectors. Here are our top selections to protect and serve your Galaxy S22's screen.Name brand protectionWhitestone Dome Glass Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy S22Staff PickUV-cured tempered glass screen protectors have become popular in the last few years, but Whitestone still has the best kit for easy installation. This two-pack will keep you covered even if the first protector gives its life to protect your Galaxy S22.$50 at AmazonCase friendly and kills germsZAGG InvisibleShield Flexible Hybrid Protection with D3OZAGG's InvisibleShield Flexible Hybrid Protection uses the same tech that Samsung does for its biometric scanner. This screen protector is compatible with all manner of Galaxy S22 cas...
Which Garmin Forerunner model should you buy?
No matter what type of runner you are, there's a Garmin Forerunner model with your name on it. As you may know, Garmin supplies some of the best Android smartwatches out there. Whether you're seeking a budget-friendly option or you're currently gearing up for a triathlon, the options are endless. We've rounded up the best Garmin Forerunner models to help you decide which one is the right fit for all of your running needs.Go-to GarminGarmin Forerunner 245 GPS Running WatchStaff PickThose who are seeking a mid-range GPS running watch will appreciate the Garmin Forerunner 245 and all of its features. You get a heart-rate sensor, seven days of battery life in smartwatch mode, and robust activity tracking. Most importantly, you can get in-depth details on your runs, including training load, training status, and training effect. The Pulse Ox sensor helps you better gauge how your body is absorbing oxygen.$245 at Amazon$300 at Best BuyStarting placeGarmin Forerunner 5...
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