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Updated 2024-11-28 11:15
Reduce Chrome tab clutter by collapsing your Tab Groups
Google Chrome is one of Android user's favorite web browsers for various reasons. From cross-platform syncing to Chrome extensions, over the years, it has grown into a full-fledged operating system for the ever-so excellent Chromebooks. This is because Chrome is always adding new features, and one of those is Tab Groups. But knowing how to collapse Tab Groups in Google Chrome makes it even more useful.How to collapse Tab Groups in Google ChromeOnce you have set up Tab Groups and created your groups, you may want to collapse them to reduce the clutter at the top of your browser. Doing this also helps better utilize the Tab Group feature.The process of collapsing your grouped tabs is an easy one. To do so, simply click on the name Tab Group that you want to collapse. Just know that it won't collapse if you only have a single group and don't have any active tabs other than a group. To expand the group, click on the group name again.Freeze your Tab Groups in ChromeIn the Chr...
Stream video to your device from anywhere in the world with these VPNs
The best streaming VPN will let you access video and other online content, no matter where you are. That means the likes of Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu, YouTube, and more can all have their geo-restrictions dodged so you can get your streaming video fill.Best streaming VPN 20211. ExpressVPN (From $6.67/mo)2. CyberGhost VPN (From $1.99/mo)3. NordVPN (From $3.30/mo)4. Surfshark VPN (From $2.49/mo)5. IPVanish (From $3.75/mo)That kind of sounds illegal, right? Well, in some cases it can be and, in others, it may well be against the terms of use of the service you are accessing. That being said, it is a super common use case for VPNs — whether you're abroad and want to stream Hulu from back home or you're in a region that is locked out of certain types of content. Ultimately, you'll want to exercise caution and think about what you are doing to ensure you stay safe during the process and don't break any rules.A VPN will allow you to appear somewhere you are ...
Commit the crime and DON'T do the time in Overboard! for Android
Men. Who needs 'em, am I right, ladies?Originally announced during a Nintendo Direct back in June, Overboard! called to me the minute I laid eyes on it. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I love a good mystery. But what sets Overboard! apart from its neighbors in the mystery/investigation genre of games is that you're not trying to catch a killer—you are the killer, and if you play your cards right, you'll get away with it.Overboard! opens with a splash, literally and figuratively. It's the dead of night as the scene closes in on Veronica and Malcom Villensey, a married couple standing at the railing of their boat, trying to get a good look at the "dolphins" in the water. But the dolphins are just a ruse to get Malcom close to the edge; with a decisive push from Veronica, overboard he goes!This top-tier adventure game recently landed on mobile devices, and it definitely belongs among the ranks of our best Android games.Cue a decisively excellent jazz number as t...
Rec Room begins its early roll out on select Android devices
Android gamers can finally find out why everyone loves Rec Room.What you need to knowRec Room is a free-to-play social game that lets players hang out or play games together.It started out as a VR-only game but has expanded to major non-VR platforms, including Steam, iOS, and Xbox.Players can also create their own worlds and make real money off in-game purchases, which has created a vibrant creative community.It's been a long time coming, but Rec Room is finally available on Android, free on the Google Play Store. While it started out and remains one of the best VR games you can play, Rec Room quickly expanded when a "pancake" version launched for systems that run on traditional flat screens. Since then, the game has absolutely exploded, boasting well over 1 million active VR gamers and many more that play the game in non-VR fashion.At its core, Rec Room is a social hub and creator haven all in one neat little package, letting players spend their time as they see fit. You...
Here are the best Android phones for students in 2021
Summer's almost over, school will be back, and — what's that, your kid needs a new smartphone? Whether you're a high schooler's parent or a student getting ready to head back to college, having a trusty Android phone by your side can make life a lot easier. Here are some of our top recommendations, including the Google Pixel 4a as our best overall pick.Best overall: Google Pixel 4aFor a student, one of the most important aspects of buying a new phone is buying reliable something without being too expensive. Out of all the phones on the market right now, the one that strikes that balance the best is the Google Pixel 4a.The Pixel 4a is Google's mid-range successor to the popular Pixel 3a series. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, it is one of the best mid-range smartphones that money can buy, and one of the biggest reasons for that is the Pixel 4a's camera. Most mid-range phones have fine cameras, but the Pixel 4a captures photos that are just as good, if not bett...
Right-to-repair is coming, despite critics' claim of "consumer harm"
No country has been able to figure out and successfully implement a right-to-repair legislation, says the CEO and co-founder of iFixit. However, he says after a Presidential executive order and intense pressure from consumer advocates, the U.S. is in a strong position to cement right-to-repair legislation in the near future.Last week, the Federal Trade Commission issued a policy statement committing to prioritizing aggressive action against manufacturers who impose unfair repair restrictions. The announcement came days after U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order that directed the FTC to do so.In an interview, Kyle Wiens explained that the U.S. has passed right-to-repair legislation, but it only pertains to the automotive industry."The only reason your local mechanic exists and can get information from Ford on how to fix cars is because of existing right to repair rules," he said. "(Other) legislation would make a huge difference (in a variety of industries) and tha...
Here's how you can back up iPhone contacts to a Google account
We know this is Android Central, but it's hard to ignore such a large segment of users (even if they do end up changing sides more often than not). So if you're an iPhone user looking to save your contacts on your Google account, we've got you covered. This tutorial will show you how to back up your iPhone contacts to your Google account in a jiffy.Products used in this guideThe go-to cloud storage for most people: Google Drive (Free at App Store)How to back up iPhone contacts to a Google account through account settingsUsually, your iPhone will automatically save your contacts to the default account on your Apple phone. If this has been set as your Google account, all your contacts should already be saved to it. Here's how to turn this option on in case your default account isn't your Google account. Make sure you've signed in to your Gmail before proceeding with the following steps.Open Settings.Tap Contacts.Look for your Gmail account and tap it.Toggle Contacts to ...
Samsung's Galaxy S21 series starts receiving the August security patch
Several other Galaxy phones are likely to start receiving the update soon.What you need to knowThe August 2021 Android security patch has started rolling out to Samsung's Galaxy S21 series phones.While the rollout is currently limited to China, it is likely to expand to more regions soon.Samsung's mid-range Galaxy A52 began receiving the August security update earlier this week. Samsung has already started rolling out the August Android security patch to its Galaxy S21 series phones, according to tipster Ice Universe. The rollout doesn't come as a surprise, however, since Samsung has been rolling out new monthly security updates before everyone else for quite some time now.CHINA VERSION S21 updated August patch pic.twitter.com/KUSyOasV1G— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) July 30, 2021The company actually began pushing the August 2021 security patch to its mid-range Galaxy A52 earlier this week. Samsung's Galaxy A72 and the three-year-old Galaxy A8 (2018) phones have also...
I installed Android 11 on a Samsung Galaxy S2 because I could
Running a ten-year-old phone with a modern version of Android may be a lousy idea for day-to-day operations, but it's an impressive technical showcase.It's been a good few years since I last dabbled with custom ROMs on my Android phones. Back in the glory days of the Nexus One and early Samsung Galaxy phones, Android was simple enough and open enough that many enthusiasts would think nothing of picking up new nightly builds from their favorite developers and flashing them on the main devices.These days, though, the best Android phones are vastly more complex and locked-down than in the early 2010s. NFC payments, secure banking apps, and emerging tech like mobile driving licenses and even passports mean running a rooted device is out of the question for many. Even running unrooted firmware without Google's "SafetyNet" seal of approval can cause headaches for everyday activities like paying for groceries or taking public transport.Regardless, the Android hacking community remains...
Google Pay is becoming ubiquitous — unless you live in a small town
Mobile payment solutions like Google Pay have multiple benefits to consumers and businesses, but small towns are behind in adding it to their businesses.Google has been providing a digital wallet option since 2011 with Google Wallet, and since that time the service has gone through multiple phases of evolution to what we now know as Google Pay. Google Pay has become a much more well-known product, usable in millions of stores, thanks to the proliferation of NFC adoption and, in no small part, to Apple Pay. But even with all of that growth, access to contactless payments in smaller communities is still scarce.Living in rural Kansas, my experience when going to local retailers, restaurants, and gas stations is to expect no access to Google Pay. That's not to say that I don't come across it from time to time; instead, it's rare enough of an encounter that I have been trained to not even look for it as an option. The "big town" near my home is about 15,000 people at best, but ma...
OnePlus' smartphone shipments grew by a whopping 257% globally in H1 2021
The Nord N series phones have been successful in giving OnePlus a popularity boost in North America.What you need to knowOnePlus registered a 257% YoY shipment growth globally in the first half of the year.The impressive growth was driven by the company's flagship OnePlus 9 series and the mid-range Nord and Nord N series. OnePlus emerged as the fastest-growing smartphone brand in the U.S. in H1 2021 with a 428% increase in shipment growth.OnePlus has announced that its global smartphone shipments registered a massive 257% YoY growth in the first half of 2021. It achieved "significant sales growth" across nearly every major smartphone market — including the U.S., Europe, India, and China.The growth was apparently driven by the company's OnePlus 9 series and mid-range Nord series phones. OnePlus' Nord N series, which is exclusive to the U.S., also played an important role. The company claims it has sold over 1 million Nord N series phones since January. OnePlus emerged as...
How to watch 'The Grand Tour: Lochdown': Stream the new special online
Could this be Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond's most picturesque adventure yet? The former Top Gear stars are off for a road trip like no other across the Highlands of Scotland.Read on to find out how to watch The Grand Tour: Lochdown and stream the new special online from anywhere in the world.The trio were supposedly planning to go to Russia for this latest adventure for Amazon, but as the title suggests, the pandemic scuppered those plans.Instead, the threesome are heading to the wet and blustery Scottish Lochs driving classic American automobiles from Edinburgh to the Hebrides.The premise of the trip? To find out why the classic 70s US cars that dominated TV screens in their childhood fail to take off in Britain.To do this, they'll be putting a Cadillac Coupe De Ville, a Lincoln Continental and a Buick Riviera through their paces on some of the UK's most demanding roads.Read on to find out how to watch The Grand Tour: Lochdown online, no matter where ...
Amazon brings in more than $113B thanks to its most successful Prime Day
Amazon posted strong sales but missed expectations.What you need to knowAmazon announced its Q2 2021 earnings on Thursday.The company's revenue grew to more than $113 billion, just missing sales estimates.Prime Day and AWS were big drivers during the second quarter.Amazon's second-quarter earnings report showed big gains for the company thanks in part to Prime Day, but analysts weren't too impressed by the company missing sales estimates.The company managed over $113 billion in revenue, driven by its highest Prime Day sales, seeing more than 250 million items purchased during the two-day event. What was the most popular item? The Fire TV Stick 4K with Alexa Voice Remote, which is admittedly one of the best streaming devices you can get.AWS also continued to grow, amassing nearly $15 billion in revenue and shows increased growth compared to last quarter.However, while Amazon managed impressive numbers, the company also missed sales estimates by roughly two billion, and...
How to watch Disney’s Jungle Cruise online with Disney+ Premiere Access
Usually Disney creates new attractions based on scenes from its films but this time around the company is doing things a bit differently by creating a film around one of its most famous attractions and we have all the details on how you can watch Disney's Jungle Cruise online.Based on the theme park attraction of the same name located in Adventureland at four of its parks around the world, Jungle Cruise stars fan favorites Dwayne Johnson as skipper Frank Wolff and Emily Blunt as Dr. Lily Houghton. However, Edgar Ramírez, Jack Whitehall, Jesse Plemons and Paul Giamatti are also featured in the film.Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, Jungle Cruise tells the story of researcher Dr. Lily Houghton who travels from London to the Amazon Jungle in search of an ancient tree with unparalleled healing abilities. In order to travel down the Amazon River and find the tree with the power to change the future of medicine, Lily hires wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff.Together the two embark on ...
Sony's PS5 SSD storage expansions suck... for now
It's a mess right now, but it should get better.After months of waiting for information, we finally have some news on PS5 storage capacity upgrades with an internal SSD. While Sony added the ability to use external hard drives for cold storage a few months ago, players were still limited to roughly 667GB of SSD space to run PS5 games. With many larger titles now averaging 50GB or above before patches, that space fills up quickly.Now, while it's not widely available yet, Sony has published the steps necessary for PS5 beta testers to upgrade their storage with a compatible M.2 drive. Well, kind of.There's a whole host of disclaimers, including the eyebrow-raising statement that just because an SSD meets the recommended speed and size requirements, there's no guarantee it'll work. Even if a drive works, if you install some of the best PS5 games to it, they might see degraded performance compared to being stored on the PS5's internal ultra-fast SSD. At the end of the day, Sony's PS...
Facebook wants to reel you into the 'metaverse' with Ray-Ban smart glasses
Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg is hyping up the company's upcoming Ray-Ban smart glasses.What you need to knowFacebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg says the company will launch smart glasses soon.The glasses will be the result of a partnership with Ray-Ban and Essilor Luxottica.Facebook has long talked about launching smart wearables, including smartwatch-like devices.Facebook has been talking about developing wearables for some time, and it sounds like its first product is well on the way, according to CEO Mark Zuckerberg.During Wednesday's earnings call, Zuckerberg briefly discussed the company's plans to launch a pair of smart glasses. While he did not go into much detail, he talked about the partnership Facebook has with Ray-Ban and Essilor Luxottica, a leading manufacturer of optical lenses.The glasses will retain Ray-Ban's iconic design and will "let you do some pretty neat things," according to Zuckerberg.This isn't the first time the company has mentioned this collaboratio...
These business backpacks are both fashionable and functional
Even if you work remotely, there are times where you'll be traveling and will need the best business backpack. We look for a balance of style and business savvy, which is why Nomatic is our favorite choice for a business backpack. This pack's big focus is design and functionality, and that is why it's also one of the best backpacks out there, even for just general purpose usage. But, of course, there are plenty of bags to suit your business needs, and we have them right here.Best business backpack overall: Nomatic Travel PackNomatic's backpack was a huge hit on Kickstarter, and for a good reason. Thanks to the water-resistant material and waterproof zippers, tons of great features are built into this backpack for easy access, and you won't have to worry about Mother Nature getting in. Security isn't an issue because Nomatic's Travel Pack has lockable perimeter zippers to help keep your things safe from thieves. There is also a hidden RFID blocking pocket built into the back of ...
Google Play Store to put an end to 'sugar dating' and spam apps
Google is cracking down on "sugar dating" apps in its updated policy.What you need to knowGoogle is issuing updates to its Play Store policy on apps.The updated policy prohibits apps that promote "compensated sexual relationships."Other changes include updates to policies against misleading titles and dormant developer accounts.Google is providing Android app developers with more clarification about upcoming policies and updates that go into effect starting September 1. The new and updated policies are meant to make the Play Store safer for the best Android phones and include restrictions against app spam and "sugar dating" apps.While Google already prohibits apps that encourage payment for sexual acts, the company is further clarifying this with additional text. The policy now reads that the Play Store prohibits apps promoting "compensated dating or sexual arrangements where one participant is expected or implied to provide money, gifts or financial support to another pa...
Here are 9 cheap office desks to complete your home office
Working from home can be great, assuming you approach it the right way. Whether your job is 100% remote or your company is shifting to remote work temporarily, having a good office desk and other office equipment is essential to staying productive and having an enjoyable workday. If you're shopping for the best cheap home office desk, there are lots of excellent choices that are not only affordable, but kind to your back and posture. Here are our top picks when it comes to office comfort!Our favoriteFURINNO Econ Multipurpose Home Office Computer Writing DeskStaff PickWe're happy to recommend any of the desks on this list, but if we were to pick one as the best overall, it'd have to be the FURINNO Econ Multipurpose Desk. The Econ desk stands out for a few reasons. It's offered in a ton of different finishes, there's a slide-out drawer for your keyboard, and the various platforms/surfaces give you ample ways to organize your gear. We also love the included cubby on the bott...
How to watch Behind the Music: Stream the music docuseries online
Promising once more to reveal incredible tales of rock and pop star excess and fascinating rises to fame, classic VH1 documentary series has been revived for the 21st century on streaming service Paramount+.Read on for full details on how to stream Behind the Music with our guide below.From an era when music television actually meant shows about music, the original show was a massive 1990's hit on VH1, with classic episodes chronically the highs and lows of acts such as Motley Crue, Milli Vanilli and Ozzy Osbourne.This reboot is exclusive to streaming service Paramount+, and promises the same recipe of revealing anecdotes from the key players in each story, interspersed with archive footage and performances.Acts promised to get the 21st century Behind the Music treatment in this new series include Ricky Martin, LL Cool J, Huey Lewis, Duran Duran, New Kids On The Block and Fat Joe.The second half of the season will feature Jenny On The Block herself, Jennifer Lopez, with f...
How to sign up to be a PS5 beta tester
Register for a chance to give feedback and test things out early.New features and software updates can make your experience with consoles like the PS5 even smoother. If you want to check out some upcoming features ahead of time, such as PS5 SSD storage expansion or the ability to sort your Trophy list vertically, you can. By signing up to be a PS5 beta tester, if you're selected, you'll have the opportunity to try this stuff out weeks or even months before most users. Here's how.How to sign up to be a PS5 beta testerBefore you try to sign up, it's important to note that your PSN account must meet the following requirements:You must be at least 18 years oldYou must be located in one of these countries: United States, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, France or Germany You must have a valid PSN account "in good standing" with a current email address You must submit complete and accurate feedback to Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) about your use of the beta software in the...
Jabra Elite 75t vs. Elite Active 75t: Is there a best option?
Stay dryJabra Elite 75t$150 at Amazon $113 at Best BuyProsGreat sound qualityComfortable fitImproved battery lifeSmaller charging caseBetter than the AirPodsConsFewer charges from the case compared to Elite 65tNo wireless chargingCall quality still not as good as AirPodsJabra makes a strong case that these are among the best true wireless earbuds products currently available. With far better battery life over the Elite 65t and a slimmer frame that nestles into ears with greater comfort, there's a lot to like about the package the Elite 75t delivers. Solid app support, voice assistant integration, and some of the best cable-free audio quality round out an impressive piece of kit.Get wetJabra Elite Active 75t$150 at Amazon $150 at Best BuyProsWaterproof buildGreat sound qualityComfortable fitSmaller charging caseJust as portable as Elite 75tConsNo noticeable audio upgrade from Elite 75tNo wireless chargingNo improved call quality...
Free VPN vs. Paid VPN: Which is best for you?
A free VPN, or virtual private network, is a wonderful thing — as many things that are free tend to be. But, as is also often the case, you get what you pay for and a paid VPN is often better. That said, it all depends on what you need. So which is the best VPN for you, free or paid?The price difference between these two options is clearly big, going from totally free to the average monthly price of a VPN which is about $10. But subscribe for longer and you save money that way.The downside of going for a free option — and one of the main differences between the two — is the amount of data you can use. A free service will have a limit on your data usage in most cases, be it daily or monthly. Once you've gone over that data limit you will no longer be able to use the VPN. There is one unlimited service, but there are other limits, more on that below.So a free VPN is a great option for those that want it for limited use — perhaps to check a map or certain website while abroa...
Pokémon Unite may be free, but that doesn't mean there's no cost involved
First adults ruin Pokémon cards by buying them up like stocks and now this? Where will the monetized madness stop?!Pokémon Unite is a new take on the long-established franchise. Gone is the single-player, turn-based Pokémon game of yore and here now is a shiny new multiplayer online battle arena (or MOBA for short) game. Launched as a free-to-play title on the Nintendo Switch earlier this summer, Unite is rapidly picking up steam and mobile gamers wait with bated breath for its upcoming September release on Android.All good things come with a cost though, and Unite monetizes through the inclusion of in-app purchases. In relatively standard format, players will be able to purchase both Pokémon to use in battle and items through in-game currencies. There are actually quite a few options here, but in general you'll have your free currency, which can be earned just by playing the game, vs the paid currency, which you'll have to drop real cash to acquire for in-game purchases.Le...
Which Garmin fēnix model should you buy?
The first step to finding a fitness smartwatch is knowing what specs and features you need. The Garmin lineup is as robust as ever, especially for the fēnix watches. Keep in mind that these models aren't geared toward beginners due to all the advanced features and premium perks, but you'll find a wide array of options for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. We've rounded up some of the best Garmin fēnix models below.An all-around great watchGarmin fēnix 5 Plus SapphireStaff PickThe Garmin fēnix 5 Plus Series brought some nifty upgrades to the table, including built-in routable topographical maps, music storage, and mobile payments. The advanced mapping delivers at-a-glance navigation and location tracking. You can choose between multiple sizes (including the regular 47mm case) and materials. The battery lasts for 12 days in smartwatch mode, 18 hours in GPS mode, and 8 hours in GPS/music mode, and it's waterproof up to 100 meters.$470 at Amazon From $429 at Walmart...
You should buy an M.2 SSD for your PS5, but be cautious
Best answer: Yes, but be very careful and do your research. Sony can't guarantee that all SSDs meeting its listed requirements will be fully compatible with PS5. You'll want to make sure that the SSDs in question have been tested and the manufacturer states they're compatible.What's the difference between an SSD and HDD?To make it as simple as possible: SSDs are much faster, usually smaller, and cost more than HDDs. SSDs use flash storage to read and write information, while HDDs have mechanical parts that physically read and write information.If you look at the PS5 vs. PS4 Pro, which uses an HDD, the PS5 is lightning fast in comparison.Should I buy an internal or external SSD?Now that Sony has enabled expanded storage for PS5, you should definitely buy an internal SSD. There's a dedicated slot for one next to its fan and across from the disc drive after you take off the white plate. The problem is that it can be tricky figuring out which models are compatible. You can read...
Samsung’s Q2 profit jumps 34% thanks to surprisingly strong chip sales
Despite decreased demand, Samsung's mobile profitability remained solid in Q2.What you need to knowSamsung has announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2021.The company's operating profit increased 54% YoY, thanks to solid chip sales.Samsung's mobile communications division, however, saw a decrease in revenue over the previous quarter.Samsung Electronics' operating profit jumped 54% YoY and 34% QoQ in the second quarter of 2021, led by strong semiconductor sales. The company posted KRW 63.67 trillion (about $55.5 billion) in revenue and KRW 12.57 trillion (about $10.9 billion) in operating profit.Samsung's semiconductor division contributed more than a third of the total revenue during the second quarter. The memory business registered a significant increase in sales over the previous quarter due to a stronger-than-expected rise in prices of both DRAM and NAND chips. While demand for server and PC memory was strong, sales of mobile memory were affected by...
Need to refund a PS4 game or PS5 new release? We've got you covered.
When it comes to getting a refund for a digital game on PS4 or PS5, your mileage may vary. Technically, you won't be given a refund on a digital game that you've already downloaded or played unless the content is faulty. This is usually up to PlayStation Support's discretion — and whether or not the game is riddled with bugs. Still, if you've purchased a game and find that you don't want it, you have up to 14 days to request a refund. Here's a quick way to learn how to refund a PS4 game and even a new PS5 release.How to request a refund on a PS4 or PS5 gameGo to playstation.com/en-us/support/store/ps-store-refund-request/.Select Request Refund.If you were the owner of the account that was charged, select Yes in the chat window that opens up.Select why you'd like a refund.Select why you're returning the game. If a support agent is available, you'll be redirected to a live agent. If you're requesting a refund outside of operating hours, you'll need to take note of the...
Should you buy the Garmin Forerunner 55 or Fitbit Versa 3?
Endless possibilitiesFitbit Versa 3From $225 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCActivity/sleep trackingActive Zone MinutesGoogle Assistant & AlexaAttractive designConsShorter battery lifePrevious Versa bands aren't compatibleThose who want a well-rounded smartwatch the addresses numerous needs will love the Fitbit Versa 3. You won't be confined to one specific focus. This watch offers GPS, activity/sleep tracking, blood oxygen monitoring, Active Zone Minutes, Fitbit Pay, voice assistants, and much more.Focus on runningGarmin Forerunner 55$200 at AmazonProsGPS, HRMActivity/sleep trackingNewly added sports appsAdvanced running perksTwo weeks of battery lifeConsNo NFC for Garmin PayBland designIn some cases, you might be better off with a watch that focuses on a specific need. This is especially true for runners who want to track their runs and improve their performance over time. Some perks include GPS, activity/sleep tracking, advan...
How to complete The Farmer's Treasure in Genshin Impact
Complete The Farmer's Treasure quest.Genshin Impact just got its biggest update yet, allowing players to travel to Inazuma, the nation of the Electro Archon. As you travel through Inazuma for the first time, you will quickly be overwhelmed with new quests and missions, as well as a huge addition to the map to explore. The Farmer's Treasure quest will have you treking across that map in search of old stone tablets on the promise of impressive treasure from a shady character. Fortunately, we've made that trek and can walk you through each step of this quest. If you're playing on Android, it doesn't support controllers at this time, but we're hoping you can use some of the best Android gaming controllers sooner rather than later to take your game to the next level.The Farmer's TreasureThe Farmer's Treasure is a world quest in the latest nation of Genshin Impact, Inazuma. Completing the quest will earn you 60 Primogen, 500 Adventure EXP, a Northlander sword billet, and the Saimon...
Stop malware threats with one of these best antivirus software options
Cyber attacks are on the rise, including data breaches that leave personal information compromised. One of the best ways to protect yourself is with an antivirus program designed to keep your locally stored information and your internet data secure. I spent several months testing and reevaluating the top antivirus programs currently available in 2021. While there haven't been many changes since last year, these recommendations will keep your computers, mobile devices and networks as secure as possible. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is still the best antivirus program with real-time protection that stops and scrubs threats from your system before they have a chance to start downloading. Still, there are several other excellent programs on this list to choose from, including a handful of these solutions that work with mobile devices. Check out my picks for the best antivirus apps for Android to see a more comprehensive list.Best Antivirus Overall: Bitdefender Antivirus PlusBitdefend...
Here's where you can score the best deals on a PS4 console or bundle
You don't have to look far to find some of the best PS4 prices and discounts from a variety of retailers. Sony's PlayStation continues to dominate the console scene, and even after Sony and its competitors have unveiled a new generation of console, the PlayStation 4 shows no signs of slowing down. It still has some of the best games of the generation, including some exclusives you can't find anywhere else.Best PlayStation Deals Available NowPlayStation 4: starting at $280PlayStation 4 Pro: refurb from $390PlayStation VR: starting at $150More Info: Pricing history, which to buy & moreNew and better deals get released much more often than you'd expect. If you've already bought one of the consoles in the past, maybe today is the day you upgrade to a higher storage capacity or even jump up to the PlayStation 4 Pro.Our team has had an eye on the PlayStation 4 for years, and we've been tracking the best prices, the best deals, and all the best bundles and combo deals aro...
Can you even expand PS5 SSD storage? What you need to know
SSD compatibility is complicated on PS5 right nowOne of the most exciting features about the PS5 is its lightning-fast SSD. With only 825GB of storage — and only around 667GB of it actually usable — it fills up quickly. An SSD means that developers can theoretically cut down on the size of games, but this only goes so far. In anticipation of Sony approving support for expanded SSD storage, we've created a handy guide to explain the differences between an SSD and HDD, how PS5 storage currently works, and more.Jump to:SSD vs HDD explainedPS5 SSD compatibilityWhich SSDs are not compatibleExpanding your PS5 storageSSD vs HDD explainedSSDs (solid-state drive) tend to be faster and smaller than HDDs (hard disc drive) because the former uses flash-memory chips and does not having moving parts. HDDs, on the other hand, take longer to read/write information because they use magnetic tape and have internal moving parts. This is also why SSDs are usually more expensive ...
Motorola Edge 20 Pro is official with a 144Hz OLED display, 108MP camera
The Edge 20 Pro is Motorola's first phone to support 8K UHD video recording.What you need to knowMotorola has rolled out three new Edge series phones.All three phones feature a 108MP main camera. They will go on sale in select markets across Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East starting next month.Motorola today unveiled a trio of Edge series phones with 5G connectivity, high-refresh-rate screens, and a 108MP main camera. The Motorola Edge 20 Pro, which is the most impressive of the three new phones, is the company's answer to the best Android phones in the premium mid-range segment.The Edge 20 Pro comes with a 6.7-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, up to 576Hz touch latency, and HDR10+ certification. It runs on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 870 platform with up to 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.The phone has a triple-camera setup with a 108MP primary sensor featuring 9-in-1 pixel binning, an 8MP periscope lens with 5X zoom, and a 16MP ul...
These lamps make it easier to see at your desk and charge your phone
Whether you work from home or are drowning in homework, a good desk lamp is a great way to tie your entire workspace together. Better yet, a desk lamp that can charge your phone adds a beautiful level of functionality that any workflow can benefit from. So without further ado, these are our favorite desk lamps that also serve as some of the best phone chargers.Fast wireless chargingAFROG Multifunctional LED Desk LampStaff PickThis desk lamp from AFROG has a very modern design that's super sleek and highly customizable. The LED light has five lighting modes and five different brightness levels that can be changed at any time using the touch controls at the base. You'll also enjoy a wireless charging pad at the base of the lamp, along with a USB-A charging port for when you want to plug something in.$30 at Amazon $39 at WalmartThe simple choiceLimelights Brushed Steel LampLimelights' lamp has a much more traditional design that's simply timeless. The fabric lampshad...
Huawei P50 series announced with Snapdragon 888 SoC, big camera upgrades
The new phones boast class-leading camera hardware, but lack 5G connectivity.What you need to knowHuawei's flagship P50 and P50 Pro phones are now official.The P50 is the first phone to feature a 4G-only Snapdragon 888 chipset. Both phones have a 50MP main camera and run Huawei's HarmonyOS 2.0. Huawei has finally taken the wraps off the latest additions to its P series line of phones. Like their predecessors, the new P50 and P50 Pro tout impressive camera capabilities and a premium design.The vanilla Huawei P50 has a 6.5-inch OLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate and a 300Hz touch sampling rate. Just as rumors had suggested, the phone is powered by a 4G-only version of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 chipset. The 5nm chip has been paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage, which can be further expanded using Huawei's proprietary NM cards.The Leica-branded triple-lens camera setup at the rear features a 50MP primary sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP periscope ...
Stop distractions by enabling Do Not Disturb on your Chromebook
Chromebooks have come a long way since these computers debuted in 2011. While initially thought of as a low-cost laptop that was only good for browsing the web, now, they are powerful enough that many people use them as a full-time work laptop. Whether you are using your Chromebook for school, your job, or entertainment, getting a bunch of notifications can easily distract you from the task at hand. This is why knowing how to enable Do Not Disturb on your Chromebook can really be beneficial — and good news, it's easy to do.How to enable Do Not Disturb on your ChromebookThere are a lot of great Chromebook tips and tricks, and being able to turn on the Do Not Disturb setting can be just the ticket to maintain sanity when trying to get something done on your computer.Power on your Chromebook.Click on the clock in the lower-right of the screen.Select the icon that looks like a no entry (⛔) symbol. By following these steps, you'll be able to keep all notifications fro...
Review: Nothing ear (1) deliver phenomenal sound for $100
Nothing's first wireless earbuds have a few drawbacks, but they excel in one area: sound quality.There's no dearth of choice if you're in the market for wireless audio. The best wireless earbuds from Samsung, Sony, Jabra, and Sennheiser deliver incredible sound and come with useful features like the ability to tune out background noise and water resistance. But what's particularly interesting is how far budget wireless earbuds have come in the last three years; these days, you can get great-sounding earbuds that offer the same set of features as their high-end counterparts for $100 or less.So when Carl Pei announced that his startup Nothing was launching wireless earbuds that would disrupt the audio segment, I was skeptical. But history is on Pei's side; he already managed to shake things up in the smartphone industry with OnePlus, and it's clear that he set to do something similar with Nothing.In fact, Nothing evokes memories of OnePlus during its infancy, with Pei employing s...
Is your PS4 overheating? Here are some simple ways to combat the heat.
Overheating isn't just a hassle — it damages your PS4. Prolonged heat at high temperatures can ruin your circuit boards. But don't beat yourself up too bad, console overheating is often an external cause. From a system overload to a routine cleaning job, we're here to help show you how to fix PS4 overheating issues and get you back to playing some of your favorite PS4 games in no time. Let's get started.Products used in this guidePS4 Stand Cooling Fan Station for Playstation 4Dust-Off Falcon Compressed Air 3-PackMR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth 6-PackRoom temperature and random flukesSometimes, a console overheating is just a one-time fluke. Before you think your console is broken forever, make sure you try these steps first.Turn off your PS4.Let the console cool down to a normal temperature.Turn your console back on.While the PS4 is designed to run for awhile, it's best to give it some time to breathe, in a sense, especially in between long sessions of use. If...
Is Mint Mobile a better value than Google Fi?
Data savingsMint MobileFrom $15/mo. at Mint MobileProsBulk savingsCheaper dataNo overagesCompatible with most phones5GB mobile hotspotConsInternational roaming is extraMinimum of three monthsUnlimited is slowed at 35GBMint Mobile can save you money on data with three months of service and save even more with six and 12-month plans. With plenty of data options for most people and no risk of overage fees, you'll get T-Mobile's huge LTE and 5G network behind you for an affordable price.Worldwide coverageGoogle FiFrom $20/mo. at Google FiProsFree-roaming data in 200+ countriesData is free over 6GBMultiple networks5G coverageMulti-line savingsConsExpensive dataFew phones support full networkData slowed on all plansSimply Unlimited plan has fewer perksGoogle Fi is a great premium option with no contracts. You get the benefit of more than one network with a supported phone that keeps speeds and coverage higher than many other carr...
Google hit with UK class action lawsuit over 'unlawful' Play Store charges
A similar lawsuit was filed against Apple in May over "unlawful" App Store charges.What you need to knowA legal action brought in a UK court against Google seeks damages of up to £920 million ($1.3 billion) for Play Store users in the UK.It alleges that Google's Play Store practices are in violation of UK and EU competition laws.The lawsuit argues that the Play Store's 30% surcharge is "unearned tax" and is imposed on Android users without justification.A new legal action brought by consumer campaigner Liz Coll against Google in London seeks damages of up to £920 million ($1.3 billion) on behalf of around 19.5 million Android users in the country.It alleges that the Google Play Store's 30% surcharge for digital purchases is unlawful and "bears no relationship to the costs of providing the services." The case comes less than a month after a coalition of 37 state attorney generals filed a lawsuit against Google over high Play Store app fees.Liz Coll, who is the proposed...
Want to use Live Transcribe to write everything you hear? We can help.
Google's Live Transcribe is an app that listens to what's going on around it and translates in real-time any text it hears onto your phone screen. The app can also identify some common sounds such as animals, engines, and more. It's handy as an accessibility feature if you have trouble hearing, but can also be used as a transcription tool. You probably already have it on your Android phone, but it's not always visible in your app list. We'll show you how to find it, use it, and what the settings can do. Note: Live transcribe requires an internet connection to function.How to use Google's Live Transcribe appLive Transcribe is a part of Google's suite of services, but the Live transcribe app may be hidden from your app list by default. Therefore, the easiest way to open the app the first time is to open the Play Store and search for it.Open the Play Store.Search for Live Transcribe.If the app is not already on your phone, tap Install. Otherwise, tap Open.The first time yo...
I couldn't stop this Android bug from eating up all of my phone's storage
And there's still no fix in sight.When you've been using the same phone for a long time, it's just expected that you'll eventually run out of space and have to clean things up from time to time. Google has made it easy to clean your phone up for a few years now with the Files Go app, and big OS updates like Android 12 have built-in smart storage that's designed to automatically free up space when it makes sense. So imagine my surprise when I found out a hidden system app that can't be cleaned up was taking up nearly 20GB of my phone's precious storage space.That system app in question is "Phone and Messaging Storage"; an innocuously named app that, based on my experience with trying to trim up its size, doesn't do exactly what you think it does. I've been using this Pixel 4 XL for the past year-and-a-half — a phone that does not support storage expansion with the best microSD cards, mind you — and no amount of operating system updates seem to have solved this problem for me....
How to watch the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup semifinals online from anywhere
The winner of this year's Concacaf Gold Cup will be decided this Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada but before then the four remaining teams will face off in the semifinals to decide which two teams will move on to the finals and we have all the details on how you can watch both Qatar vs USA and Mexico vs Canada online or on TV.The Concacaf Gold Cup is held every two years and this year's tournament kicked off earlier this month on July 10. So far 24 matches have been played across 11 different stadiums throughout the U.S.The 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup semifinals will see Qatar go up against USA in Austin, Texas while Mexico takes on Canada in Houston, Texas on Thursday, July 29. The winners of each match will then meet on Sunday, August 1 for the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup final to see which team will take home the trophy. During the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup final, Mexico defeated the U.S. 1-0 while Haiti and Jamaica were the runners-up.To earn their spots in Thursday's sem...
How to watch Lollapalooza 2021 live stream from anywhere this weekend
One of the longest-running and most iconic music festivals in the United States is coming to a screen near you! Lollapalooza first began 30 years ago in Chicago, Illinois and has consistently sold out shows annually since its inception. With performances across genres such as alternative rock, hip hop, heavy metal, electronic, and pop music, Lollapalooza does an excellent job of offering a diverse lineup that all music fans can enjoy.Following last year's cancelled event due to the pandemic, Lollapalooza organizers instead held a livestream event for free on YouTube in July 2020 which included previously recorded performances as well as a few new sets. Unlike last year, the in-person Lollapalooza 2021 festival is still happening despite rising COVID-19 cases. However, thanks to the 2020 livestream's success, those who aren't attending in person will be able to watch the festival at home once again.Lollapalooza 2021 is sure to be one for the books as this year's event marks the ...
Google Voice finally gets some love with better call and SMS management
Google Voice gets several much-needed enhancements.What you need to knowSeveral features and enhancements are arriving for Google Voice users.Google is adding a redial button available when calls drop, along with providing the reason behind the dropped call.iOS users will now be able to set their Google Voice caller ID as the display number when receiving forwarded calls.Google is improving SMS management with multiple-thread deletion.Fans of Google Voice may be happy to know that the company is finally giving the app some attention with a few helpful new features already rolling out on the best Android phones and iOS devices.Google announced on Wednesday that dropped calls and missed calls will now be more informative, letting the user know why the device couldn't complete or receive a call. In the former matter, if a call doesn't complete using Google Voice, not only will the user be able to quickly redial, but the app will provide a reason that the call couldn't compl...
Qualcomm's impressive Q3 revenue shows that its strategy is working
The chip shortage is still affecting many industries, but Qualcomm proves it can overcome.What you need to knowQualcomm announced its fiscal year Q3 earnings on Wednesday.The company reported higher-than-expected growth, with revenue up by 63% from the previous year.Qualcomm attributes its strong chip sales to its multi-sourcing strategy.Qualcomm announced its fiscal year Q3 earnings on Wednesday, showing impressive growth despite the ongoing chip shortage that continues to affect many industries.The company managed to beat analyst expectations with quarterly revenue of $8 billion, compared to the expected $7.58 billion. That's also up from $4.8 billion in the same period last year.The biggest driver for that is the company's QCT semiconductor business which reported $6.47 billion in revenue. That's up 70% YoY, and saw the most growth from Qualcomm's RF front-end sales which the company says is "crucial to design high-performance 5G devices."At a glance: @Qualcomm Q3 ...
Switch to Metro by T-Mobile with unlimited 5G data for $25 per month
What you need to knowCustomers that switch to Metro by T-Mobile and trade in any working phone get unlimited service for $25 per month for two years.Switching customers can also get a free 5G phone.Metro by T-Mobile targets Cricket and Boost Mobile customers, pointing out that they can get half-off an unlimited plan with 5G.T-Mobile is on the offensive, and its most recent target is prepaid customers, specifically those on Cricket Wireless and Boost Mobile. T-Mobile announced starting July 29, customers that switched to Metro by T-Mobile can get an unlimited plan for $25 per month with 5G support. Customers can also get a free 5G phone when they switch. This offer is only open to customers that bring their number to Metro and trade in any working phone.This is down from the $40 per month plan currently offered to switching customers. The $25 per month price will be available for two years before reverting to full price. Once your term is up, you own the phone, so you can ta...
Instead of buying an Eero mesh router, check out these alternatives
Eero is one of the biggest names for consumer mesh routers, but some of the best eero mesh alternatives offer many great features. The company's routers are easy to set up, connect, and maintain, but Eero is far from the only brand in this space. So if you know you need a mesh system and you're looking for an alternative to the Eero craze, these are your best bets.So easy to useGoogle Nest Wifi - Mesh WiFi SystemStaff PickAs far as we're concerned, the best Eero alternative comes from Google. With its Nest Wifi system, Google's made setting up a mesh network incredibly easy without sacrificing speed or features. Setup is handled through the fantastic Google Home app, and this bundle gives you a primary router and mesh point for up to 3,800 square feet of coverage. You'll get speeds up to 2.2Gbps, both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies are supported, and the mesh point even doubles as a Google Assistant speaker.$269 at Dell$269 at Best Buy$269 at WalmartBudget pickTP-Link De...
Jetpack Compose 1.0 arrives, making Android development easier than ever
The future of Android development with Kotlin has arrivedWhat you need to knowGoogle announced that Jetpack Compose 1.0 is exiting its beta status and is available today.Jetpack Compose was originally introduced at Android Dev Summit 2019.The main purpose behind this new tool makes it easier for developers to create good-looking apps.After being announced in 2019 and introduced in a Canary build earlier this year, Google has formally announced that Jetpack Compose 1.0 is finally available. This tool aims to help developers build apps faster, taking advantage of "Android's modern native UI."As detailed by Android Central's Jerry Hildebrand, Jetpack Compose is a tool that not only will "breathe new life into your favorite apps," but also other products using Google's different pieces of software. This includes Chrome OS for the best Chromebooks, Android TV, tablets, and even the best foldable phones.The problem with many of the best Android apps is that while these can be...
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