by Andrew Myrick on (#5MDCV)
Chrome 92 is all about securityWhat you need to knowGoogle has released Chrome 92 to the stable channel for desktop and Android.The update primarily focuses on privacy and keeping your information secure.Chrome Actions are now available so you can run commands from the address bar.Google is releasing Chrome 92 today for Android, Windows, Mac, and Chrome OS. In Chrome 92, there are a lot of new features surrounding your security and privacy.The first new feature is the ability to easily check the granted permissions for each website you visit. Occasionally, you might see a pop-up notification requesting access to things like your location, microphone, and camera. With Chrome 92, you'll be able to quickly check to see what a website has permissions for, allowing you to toggle access with ease. Google will also be adding a new option to delete a specific site's browsing history from this drop-down menu.Late last year, Google introduced Chrome Actions, which is a way to t...
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by Jeramy Johnson on (#5MDCW)
Best answer: We spoke with various education experts, and we believe that yes, Chromebooks are appropriate for kindergarteners — with a few caveats.Is a Chromebook appropriate for a kindergartener?If you're wondering whether or not Chromebooks are good for kindergarteners, we've got you covered. You've already read our answer to this question, but we wanted to qualify it based on feedback that we received from educators, administrators, policymakers, and product manufacturers. The general consensus was that, yes, Chromebooks could be good computing devices for students as young as kindergarteners. With long-lasting batteries, durable construction, and age-appropriate software, these devices are purpose-built to withstand the demands of a younger student. Still, it's important to consider what you want your youngsters to accomplish on a Chromebook. Will it be their primary conduit to their school, supplemental learning while at home, a safer child-friendly entertainment device, ...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5MD9N)
The Ear 1's transparent charging case will come equipped with a large 570mAh battery.What you need to knowNothing CEO Carl Pei has revealed new info about the company's upcoming Ear 1 true wireless earbuds in a new interview.The earbuds will offer up to 24 hours of continuous playback with active noise cancellation enabled. Like the earbuds themselves, the Ear 1 charging case will also be almost completely transparent. Carl Pei's Nothing will finally announce its first product next week. Ahead of the big launch, Carl Pei has shared some new details about the upcoming Ear 1 wireless earbuds in an interview with CNET.Pei told the publication that the Ear 1 will deliver up to 24 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation enabled and 36 hours with ANC turned off. The charging case will pack a 570mAh battery with support for wireless charging and fast charging. Users will be able to get up to six hours of usage (with ANC on) with just ten minutes of in-case charging....
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by Samuel Tolbert on (#5MD9P)
With Sony having gone well past 30 choices for controller color options, both in standard releases and limited editions, it can be hard to keep track of what is still available out there. Even finding a basic white second-generation controller can be difficult as colors are starting to be discontinued now that the PS5 is available. Prices are also rapidly increasing and aren't likely to come back down since the DualShock 4 has been replaced by the DualSense. Some of the limited edition controllers solely came in console bundles, making pre-owned your only option, that is, short of buying a new console. But we have you covered; these are all the DualShock 4 controllers you can still get your hands on.★ Lovely limited500 Million Limited EditionThe 500 Million Limited Edition PS4 controller was made to commemorate the sale of 500 million PlayStation consoles. This controller is quite possibly the most beautiful DualShock controller we will ever see. It features a deep transl...
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by Keegan Prosser on (#5MD3F)
The best shows streaming on HBO Max todayHBO Max launched in 2020 as the digital hub for all your favorite HBO series and WarnerMedia content, from classics like Six Feet Under and The Wire to the latest films being released by Warner Bros. Pictures. With so much media already available on the platform, and plans for more shows to premiere in the future, it can be tough to decide what you should watch next. As such, we've rounded up a list of the best shows on HBO Max right now.Best shows on HBO MaxHBO Max originalsPopular on HBO MaxDrama on HBO MaxComedy on HBO MaxDocuseries on HBO MaxHBO to the MaxHBO shows and moreHBO MaxFrom $10 at HBO MaxFind both new series and a catalog of classics on HBO MaxHBO Max provides streamers with access to film and television content from HBO, WarnerMedia, and DC. Subscribe now to catch up on your favorite HBO and Max originalsHBO Max original seriesHBO Max launched in 2020 with a handful of original series exclus...
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by Richard Devine on (#5MD3E)
One of Sony's biggest franchises will indeed be making a full return on PS5. Here's what we know so far.Gran Turismo has been one of Sony's biggest franchises since the days of the very first PlayStation. The tagline, "the real driving simulator," has always cut straight to the core of what Gran Turismo is all about, and generally speaking, has received much praise over the years.Jump to:When does it release?Resolution and frame rateWill it support PSVR?Fan favorite circuit returnsWhat cars will it include?What are its features?Will it be on PS4?Gran Turismo esports and Getty Images Gran Turismo 7 betaBut it's also hard to believe that the PS4 has gone by entirely without a new, full Gran Turismo game. Gran Turismo 6 launched on the PS3, and while PS4 owners have at least had GT Sport, it's fair to say the reaction has been mixed at times, and it's not quite the same as a full sequel.Which is what we seem to be getting on the PS5. There's still a lot of questi...
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by Andrew Myrick on (#5MD3G)
With so many options, you may get overwhelmed when trying to find the best Arlo cameras. While many of Arlo's best cameras have traditionally been pretty expensive, the company now offers plenty of options for every budget. With consistent updates and some of the best features, you would be hard-pressed to find a better option. With that being said, the Arlo Pro 4 is our favorite camera thanks to having almost all of the bells and whistles one could want, to the point that it's one of the best smart home security systems overall.Best overall Arlo camera — Arlo Pro 4The Arlo Pro 4 has become our pick for the best Arlo Camera thanks to its improvements over its predecessor, the Pro 3. The Pro 4 sports 2K video recording with HDR, allowing users to zoom in on objects and take clearer pictures whenever needed. Plus, there is Color Night Vision, so you can view night recordings in color without relying on the traditional black and white video.With the Pro 4, you can set the came...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5MD3H)
Android users can finally enjoy cross-carrier RCS starting next year.What you need to knowVerizon is collaborating with Google to expand RCS messaging to more Android users in the U.S.Google's Android Messages will be preloaded on all Verizon Android phones starting next year. T-Mobile and AT&T have already switched to Android Messages for RCS.Verizon has joined hands with Google to give Rich Communications Service (RCS) a big push in the U.S. Starting next year, all Android phones on Verizon's network — including the best cheap Android phones, will use Google's Android Messages app for RCS. The other two major U.S. carriers, AT&T and T-Mobile, have already committed to switching to Android Messages. T-Mobile became the first U.S. carrier to make Messages its default texting app in March this year. AT&T, on the other hand, confirmed plans of making the switch last month.Announcing the collaboration with Google, Verizon Consumer Group CEO Ronan Dunne said:...
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by Samuel Contreras on (#5MD3J)
Google Wifi is a great mesh system that gets a lot right, but if it's not the perfect fit for you, there are some great alternatives to Google Wifi. If you're looking for a mesh Wi-Fi option, there are many available, whether you just need a little more coverage or want to overhaul your network with fast Wi-Fi 6 technology completely. Eero is the best overall alternative to Google Wifi if you like the features but want something with more expansion and a sleek modern design. We've gathered some of the best Google wifi alternatives for this list, so you can find the right system that works for your home.Best overall: eeroEero aims to keep things simple and easy with the third-generation Eero mesh, which offers 802.11ac speeds that aim to be enough for standard usage though top speed will be lower than many other mesh systems. This Eero version is recommended for connections under 350Mbps and should be more than enough for even 4K video streams. However, if you want to stick with...
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by Chris Wedel on (#5MD3K)
Don't sleep on itNest Hub (2nd Gen)$100 at Best Buy$100 at B&H$100 at WalmartProsExcellent smart home controlsOffers sleep monitoringCan be a Cast target for audio and videoGreat display for viewing photosConsMay be too large for some nightstandsNo USB charging portsSleep Sensing will cost after the preview periodThe Nest Hub (2nd Gen) has a good enough speaker that you'll be happy watching a YouTube Video or listening to a podcast, but it won't start a party. The display is vibrant and makes a beautiful digital photo frame. Because it can act as a Cast target, you'll be able to send videos or music to it from your phone. The Sleep Sensing is a nice bonus to monitor your sleep quality; however, the 7-inch display may be too large for a bedside table.Bedside upgradeLenovo Smart Clock 2See at LenovoProsPerfect size for a nightstandGoogle Assistant is built-inPlenty of clock face designsThe dock adds a wireless charging stationCons...
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by John Levite on (#5MD3M)
Network-attached storage is a concept that at one point seemed pretty daunting to the layman. These days it's easier than ever to set up. All you really need is an NAS device, a couple of hard drives to fill the bays, and a strong network connection. With that small investment, you an ensure all of your media and data is stored in a secure way that's accessible to your entire home or small business.Some of the more popular brands for NAS devices include Synology, QNAP, and Buffalo. Even Western Digital has gotten in on the NAS side of things. If you want to set up your own home media server or something like a Plex server, then look for one of these popular brands for a system that's easy to use and designed for convenience.Best NAS DealsBuffalo LinkStation 210 2TB private data storage | $15 offThis is a great way to create your own private storage if you're on a budget, and it even comes with the hard drives you need. Access the content anywhere youhave internet. Use it ...
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by Harish Jonnalagadda on (#5MD3N)
Best answer: Most Synology NAS models released within the last seven years are eligible for the DSM 7.0 update. The stable build is already rolling out to dozens of NAS enclosures, and is in the works for a few business-focused RackStation models.Which Synology NAS models are getting DSM 7.0 right now?Synology's huge DSM 7.0 update is now live, and there is a lot to like. The update comes with a fresh new interface and offers a ton of performance upgrades. I've been using it on everything from the budget DiskStation DS220j to the enthusiast DiskStation DS1520+, and it has been a delight.Synology makes the best home NAS enclosures, and its software is easily one of the differentiators. The manufacturer is generous with updates, and as such most of its products launched within the last seven years are getting the DSM 7.0 update. Synology has published the full list of NAS models that are getting the stable version of DSM 7.0 right now:21-series:DS1621+RS1221+DS1821+RS2421...
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by John Levite on (#5MBXX)
If you're reading this, you're here because you just want to save the absolute most you can on your new TV. And who can blame you? TVs are expensive, and the price can grow exponentially the more you want out of it. Well, you've come to the right place. Find the best possible TV to fit your budget, but more than that this roundup will feature TVs that still manage to pack in loads of features. A cheap TV doesn't have to mean bad TV either. You'd be surprised what all you can get even when you don't want to splurge on the more advanced sets. Did you know there are even a bunch of great Android TVs to check out?In general, the larger the TV the more expensive it gets so we've separated this roundup into different sizes to help you navigate the best cheap options around.Best Budget TV Deals Available NowBest Cheap TV Deals under 50": Prices as low as $119Best Cheap TV Deals over 50": Prices down to $450More Info: What to look forBest Buy smart TVs as low as $120Best ...
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by Namerah Saud Fatmi on (#5MBXY)
Upgrade pickNokia G20$199 at AmazonProsLarge 6.52-inch HD+ LCD displayDecent 48MP main cameraThree years of updatesExpandable storage up to 512GBHuge 5,050mAh battery3.5mm headphone jackConsOld Wi-Fi doesn't support 5Ghz bandwidthNo fast chargingSlightly more expensiveThe Nokia G20 comes with some budget phone staples like a large 5,050mAh battery, a huge 6.52-inch LCD display, a 3.5mm audio port, and expandable storage. Then there are a few extra features like promised platform updates for three years and a pretty good quad-camera setup starring a 48MP main camera. Nokia checks all the right boxes with the G20.Budget pickNokia G10$150 at AmazonProsLarge 6.52-inch HD+ LCD displayThree years of updatesExpandable storage up to 512GBHuge 5,050mAh battery3.5mm headphone jackVery cheapConsDoesn't support 5Ghz bandwidthOnly 3GB of RAMOnly 32GB of internal storageNo fast chargingThe Nokia G10 is an entry-level phone that tries h...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5MBXZ)
Chromebooks with gaming capabilities will soon be a thing.What you need to knowNVIDIA and MediaTek have joined hands to bring Ray Tracing and DLSS to ARM-based systems.The RTXDI, NRD, and RTXMU SDKs for Arm with Linux and Chromium are now available, while RTXGI and DLSS will be coming soon.Wolfenstein: Youngblood is the first RTX PC game to be shown on an Arm-based device.Back in April, NVIDIA and MediaTek collaborated to bring RTX graphics to Arm-based systems, including Chromebooks. NVIDIA today showed off two technical demos that paired its GeForce RTX technologies with an Arm-based MediaTek processor at the Game Developers Conference (GDC). The move will not only provide additional platforms to game developers, but also make NVIDIA RTX technologies a lot more affordable for consumers.One of the demos includes Bethesda Softworks' Wolfenstein: Youngblood with real-time ray traced reflections and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) on a MediaTek Kompanio 1200 Arm-based p...
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by Jeramy Johnson on (#5MBY0)
Till the bitter end.What you need to knowOver the weekend, we asked AC readers how long they kept a smartphone before upgrading.The majority of respondents said they held onto a device for 1-3 years.Nearly as many kept their phones until they no longer worked.It seems like there's a shiny new device coming out every few weeks, and while it's very tempting to immediately upgrade to the latest and best Android phones, that's not necessarily the most practical or financially sound decision.Here at AC, we've read the industry trends and surveys about upgrade cycles and phone sales, but we wanted to know what real Android users like yourselves were doing. So this past Saturday, we asked you how long you typically keep a phone before upgrading, and the answers were a little surprising if we're honest. As Android enthusiasts, we expected more than 2.28% to say that they upgraded their devices every 12 months or less, but that simply wasn't the case. In fact, over 50% said they w...
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by Mark Knapp on (#5MBY1)
Even the best Chromebooks can use the helping hand, especially from great Chromebook accessories that enhance their capabilities. Google has branded 'Works with Chromebook' accessories to eliminate the guesswork, giving you the peace of mind that these accessories will work with your Lenovo Flex 5 or whichever Chromebook you've settled on. Our favorite is the Cable Matters 201248 USB-C hub, which makes it that much easier to use an assortment of other Chromebook accessories, opt for a wired network connection, or dock your Chromebook with an external monitor. Since a hub only does its job when paired with other handy accessories, we've rounded up a few others to help you make the most of your Chromebook.Best overall: Cable Matters 201248 USB-C HubThe Cable Matters 201248 USB-C Hub is a sure-fire way to make setting your Chromebook up at a desk that much easier. This handy hub can turn a single USB-C port on your Chromebook into an HDMI port, an Ethernet Port, and a pair of USB ...
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by Sean Endicott on (#5MB5X)
Beat Saber is one of the best Oculus Quest games on the Oculus Quest 2 and the Oculus Quest. It has you slash blocks and dodge bombs to the rhythm of pop, drum, bass, and more. While Beat Saber has a nice selection of original songs and DLC packs, more songs simply make the game better. Thankfully, the community has made thousands of Beat Saber custom songs, and it only takes a few minutes to get it set up.Keep in mind that updates to Beat Saber have, historically, always broken the ability to load custom songs. Once you've gone through this tutorial, be sure you delay any Beat Saber updates until the custom song utility has been updated for the new version of the game. Otherwise, you'll lose access to your custom songs until the tool gets updated.How to unlock developer modeHow to set up SideQuest on your PCHow to connect your Oculus Quest and SideQuestHow to create a backup of Beat SaberHow to install Installing BMBFHow to sideload songsHow to unlock developer modeTo...
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by Keegan Prosser on (#5MB2Y)
The Amazon Fire TV Stick and other Amazon Fire TV devices are a simple, affordable way to stream content from platforms including Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and — now — HBO Max. With a few button clicks, you'll have access to all of the HBO exclusives, as well as new releases from WarnerMedia. Here's what you need to do to watch HBO Max on Fire TV.How to download HBO Max on Fire TVIf you haven't already downloaded HBO Max on your Fire TV Stick or Fire TV device, you'll need to do that before you can start streaming more than 10,000 hours of classic and original content on HBO Max. Here are the steps you need to take to download the service so you can watch HBO Max on Fire TV.Navigate to the Fire TV Home page.Open the Menu and select the Search function. Search HBO Max. Click the Download icon. Open the HBO Max app.Select Sign In.A prompt will appear on the screen with a code to input. Login to HBO Max on your smartphone or computer using the code.If you currentl...
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by Anthony Spadafora on (#5MB1E)
The ThunderDome has been dismantled and a live audience will once again be in attendance at Money in the Bank 2021 and we have all the details on how you can watch the WWE's latest big event online.Money in the Bank is an annual event put on by the WWE each July where the main attraction is the ladder matches. During these matches, ladders are placed all around the ring that wrestlers can use to fight one another though the end goal is to use one of the ladders to grab a briefcase hung from the ceiling.Inside the briefcase is a contract for a world championship match that the winner can cash in at a time and place of their choosing anytime within the next year. However, if the contract isn't used within this time period, it becomes void but thankfully this has never happened since the Money in the Bank ladder match was first introduced in 2005.Besides the ladders, Money in the Bank is also the only pay-per-view event in the WWE with a regular theme song. In every event except f...
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by Alex Dobie on (#5MAYH)
Android 12 is all well and good, but the phones it's launching this fall might eventually see updates all the way to Android 17.The launch of the third Android 12 beta this week gives us a look at an increasingly polished and largely feature-complete version of Google's next OS. On phones like the Pixel 5, it's a marked improvement upon earlier betas and represents the biggest visual overhaul for stock Android in more than five years.Back in 2016, the current Google flagship was the Huawei-built Nexus 6P, and the original Google Pixel — still then referred to as a hypothetical "HTC Nexus" — was just a rumor. In the dying days of the Nexus program, Android looked a lot different. Next to the new-fangled Material You design language, early Material Design in Android Lollipop and Marshmallow look quaint. Five years is a long time in tech, especially mobile tech.Five years is a long time in tech, and particularly mobile tech. This is why the prospect of Google supporting...
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by Alex Smith on (#5MARZ)
Though live music is slowly returning in areas across the world, livestreamed virtual concerts aren't going anywhere now that labels and artists alike have seen what a huge success they can be. New artists are jumping onto various virtual platforms and performing every week, but it's not every day that a legendary artist like Bob Dylan plays to a virtual audience. This weekend, fans of the iconic performer will get to watch from around the world as he takes the stage for his first-ever virtual concert, Shadow Kingdom.Shadow Kingdom will see Dylan performing in an intimate setting and is set to feature songs spanning his extensive body of work. The event also marks his first concert performance since December 2019.While there are some free livestream concerts that happen on sites like YouTube, many of the best virtual shows are ticketed events. You won't have to pay anywhere near as much as you would to go see the performer in person though. Shadow Kingdom tickets cost $25 at Ve...
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by Kevin Lynch on (#5MAHJ)
Spanish star Jon Rahm will be looking to follow up his recent US Open triumph as the golfing world descends upon Kent for the British Open.Read on for full details on how to get a live stream of The Open 2021 with our guide below.The 149th edition of the tournament takes place at Royal St. George's in Kent for the first time in ten years.Rahm has been consistent throughout the season, and will be desperate to become the first player to win back-to-back Major titles since Jordan Spieth in 2015.The Open's 2019 winner Shane Lowry remains the defending champion due to last year's event having been cancelled thanks to the pandemic, however the Irish star comes into this weekend's event as something of an underdog with his form having not quite hit the same heights since that famous win.Veteran star Phil Mickelson has his sights set on a second major title of the year, while the familiar names of Speith, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Rory McIlry are all being well backed to ...
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by Rachel Kaser on (#5MAHK)
Play on a single account once the new update rolls out.Cross-saving, or cross-progression, will be added to Genshin Impact with the 2.0 update, along with the new city of Inazuma and several new characters. This means that, before you had to maintain different characters on different platforms, you can now play as your Traveler on multiple devices.Developers MiHoYo recently detailed how this works, and while the linking process is a bit tricky, it's not as complicated as it sounds. Here are the steps, and as a reminder, these options won't go live until July 21, so do not try and link the accounts until after then.A note on terms: We'll refer to a general "iOS/Android/PC" account as a "MiHoYo account." This is because you must create your own account to play on those devices. The PlayStation, on the other hand, creates its own MiHoYo account when you open Genshin on it for the first time that is separate from that on the aforementioned devices. So for the sake of differenti...
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by Jim Metzendorf on (#5MAF9)
The team are joined by Nick Sutrich and check out Android 12 Beta 3, fresh rumors about Pixel 6, Z Fold 3, OnePlus Nord 3, Google fines in France, and more.Listen nowSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: AudioSubscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:Android 12 Beta 3 hands on: Game and swatch | Android CentralLatest Google Pixel 6 XL leak hints at a 5X 'ultra tele' camera | Android CentralPremature Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Amazon listing reveals key specs and pricing | Android CentralExclusive: Galaxy Watch 4's new Exynos W920 chip boasts major gains - SamMobileFCC filing reveals the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will support the upcoming S Pen Pro | Android CentralThe OnePlus Nord 2 could come with a pretty impressive camera upgrade | Android CentralOPPO Reno 6 Pro review: A great mid-ranger with a big problem | Android CentralIf you're looking for the cheaper OnePlus 9 Pro in the US, you may be out of luck | Android CentralGoogle has been secretly t...
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by Michael L Hicks on (#5MAE5)
The Android 12 beta 3 arrived with some long-requested features and quality-of-life improvements, with scrolling screenshots at the top of the list. You could crop and edit screenshots in the past, but you were restricted to whatever your phone screen could fit. Now, you can choose to "Capture more" and grab more than double the screen space that you could in the past. Here's how to take scrollable screenshots in the Android 12 beta.How to take scrollable screenshots in Android 12Before you can expand your screenshots, you must install the Android 12 beta on your Pixel or compatible third-party Android phone. If you previously installed the beta, you can likely update to beta 3 using an OTA update. Go to Settings > System > System Update and check if it's available, then download it. Now you're ready to begin.Take a screenshot in any app using your Android phone's screenshot shortcut. To take a screenshot on Pixel phones (and most other Android phones), press and hold t...
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by Jeramy Johnson on (#5MAB9)
Over the past year, many disgruntled Google Photos fans have faced a dilemma: Should they stick with their beloved service and pony up extra cash for high-quality backups, or should they test other waters? I'm not here to definitively recommend or push one photo backup service over another, but I do think it's worth your time to consider all options and even have "backup" backup services lined up. After all, what if something horrible happened to your online photo collection? What would you do then? One of our favorite Google Photos alternatives is Amazon Photos. Here's how to transfer your Google Photos albums to Amazon Photos in just a few easy steps.How to transfer your Google Photos albums to Amazon PhotosWe've covered the basic process of how to export your photos from Google Photos before. Still, just in case you haven't read through that article, we're including those steps below, starting with familiarizing yourself with Google Takeout.Open Google Takeout in your deskt...
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by Anthony Spadafora on (#5MA9N)
The 2021 Formula 1 season continues and this weekend teams and drivers will be in Northamptonshire, England for the British Grand Prix and we have all the details on how you can watch the race on TV or online.The British Grand Prix will be held at Silverstone Circuit which held its first Grand Prix all the way back in 1950. Before becoming a racetrack though, the circuit was originally a perimeter road that led to the RAF Silverstone airfield. The track itself has a total of 18 turns, a circuit length of 3.66 miles (5.8km) and drivers will complete 52 laps before finishing the 190 mile (306km) race. Red Bull's Max Verstappen holds the current lap record of one minute and twenty seven seconds which he set at last year's British Grand Prix though he came in second while Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton took first place.Speaking of Verstappen, he's currently in the lead in Formula 1's 2021 standings with 182 points, 5 wins and 8 podiums with Hamilton right behind him in second place and Red...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5MA88)
Android smartphones are lasting longer these days.Smartphones are beneficial devices but can often be fickle little things. Like any piece of tech, there's always the possibility that something will glitch out, or perhaps you end up dropping it and shattering your screen. However, there are many reasons that someone may want to swap out their smartphone for a new one, and fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from among the best Android phones.OEMs aren't helping much either, since they've gotten into the habit of launching more flagships per year, such as Samsung, for example, with the Galaxy S21 series earlier this year and the Galaxy Z Fold 3 that's expected to arrive in August. So with that in mind, we want to know how long you usually keep your smartphone before upgrading to a new one.How long do you hold onto your smartphone before upgrading?Android phones were known for not having very long lifespans due to the way Android updates were handled. This would...
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by Ted Kritsonis on (#5MA75)
If your budget for a pair of headphones allows, then something under $100 is within reach. They range from over-ear headphones to true wireless earbuds, giving you some variety to select from. For the best of the bunch, you'd have to start with the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 because of their excellent sound quality, comfort, and consistency.Best overall: Anker Soundcore Life Q30Need long battery life? With the Anker Soundcore Life Q30, you get up to 40 hours of playback while ANC is enabled, with that number going up to a ridiculous 60 hours when ANC is off. That's an impressive figure for a pair of budget headphones, and adding USB-C now makes fast charging possible. Plug in for five minutes and get four hours of play time.That kind of long battery life makes comfort a bigger factor, and thankfully, Anker delivers there. It improved the design and materials from the previous iteration, with a nice headband with deep and wide ear cups to accommodate even the biggest ears. That ...
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by Shruti Shekar on (#5MA5F)
Normally, I don't write reviews. But I got an opportunity to try out Twitter Blue, the social media's subscription service, and I have a lot of thoughts about it. I'm also on Twitter, A LOT, so I was very excited to test this new service.The service is currently only being tested by users in Canada and Australia. I'm based in Toronto, so lucky me. I tried the service on my iPhone, but it's also available on the best Android phones out there.According to a blog post from Twitter when the service launched, it noted that free Twitter was not going away, and never will, so anyone who wants to keep using the platform as is can still do so.Twitter also said that the "initial set of features was developed based on feedback we received from our very own power Twitter community."The service is CAD $3.49 per month, and just to get it out of the way, I want to note that Twitter offered me a CAD $10 credit so I could try the service.Right off the bat, this feature isn't worth the money...
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by Harish Jonnalagadda on (#5M9TW)
WhatsApp is one of the best messaging apps around, and it is finally getting multi-device login. The feature is now live for beta users on Android and iOS, and it lets you log in to four devices at the same time — and you don't have to stay connected to your phone to send messages. This is a big deal for the platform, and the feature is now being rolled out to beta users worldwide.What's particularly great is that the feature is end-to-end encrypted, ensuring you have the same level of security as the default app. Here's how to get started with WhatsApp multi-device, and what you can do with the feature.How to sign up for WhatsApp multi-deviceOpen WhatsApp.Hit the Overview menu (three vertical dots). Tap Linked Devices.Tap Multi-device beta.Tap Join beta. Joining the beta will unlink connected devices. Tap Continue to join the multi-device beta.Once you've joined the beta, you can connect a new device to your account by hitting the Link a device button. Before you ...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5M9TX)
Amazon makes Android App Bundles optional for developers.What you need to knowAmazon announced support for Android App Bundles in its Appstore.Amazon will make it optional for developers to use App Bundles.The Amazon Appstore will be the default source for Android apps on Windows 11.In a surprising move on Friday, Amazon announced that it is supporting Android App Bundles for the Amazon Appstore.App Bundles were recently announced by Google as its replacement for APKs. The new format touts smaller file sizes for faster downloads, dynamic asset compression, and more, making it an ideal solution for many of the best cheap Android phones. And while there are some benefits to the move, it has caused some worry over support for third-party app stores that rely on APKs since Google is making the move to App Bundles mandatory for new apps later this year.Meanwhile, Amazon's move to App Bundles for the Appstore seems to allay some concerns, as the company says AABs will be opti...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5M9TY)
A recent lawsuit over the Play Store billing system may have something to do with it.Updated working to reflect that Google isn't "delaying" enforcement of its policy, simply that the company is providing an extension for developers that cannot meet the September 30 deadline.What you need to knowGoogle has announced that it will give developers an extension to comply with its Play Payments billing policy.The billing policy would require developers to use the Play Payments system for all in-app transactions.Google is now giving developers of existing apps until March 2022 to comply with the new system.The company is currently facing a lawsuit over its Play Store practices.Google has announced in a blog post on Friday that it is providing some leniency with its Play Store billing policy, which will be required for existing apps on September 30.Google cites difficulties expressed by developers in implementing the new system, "especially for those with engineering teams in...
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by Samuel Tolbert on (#5M9TZ)
It's still the lone exception.The announcement of the Steam Deck marked a new entry into the handheld gaming space from Valve. While the fast internal storage can't be upgraded, users can add SD cards to make room for extra games, in a very similar vein to upgrading storage on the Nintendo Switch.With this in mind, the PS5's lack of internal storage options continues to stick out as a sore spot, as every other major console or gaming device has options expanding your overall capacity for games.Sony has the games lineup figured out, delivering quality experienes in the first half of 2021 such as Returnal and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. The company has made strong moves for Sony Worldwide Studios recently, acquiring teams that continue to position PlayStation for success.However, one of the PS5's big sticking points has been its limited storage. It has an 825GB SSD, which translates into fast loading times and smooth performance, but fills up quickly. Unlike with the PS4, ...
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by Jared DiPane on (#5M9V1)
Trying to find the best VPN can be a struggle on its own, but when you then mix in trying to find the best VPN deal you find yourself down a whole new rabbit hole. You've probably heard a lot about VPNs recently and are already aware of the reasons that you need one, but now you need to find the best price, right? We've looked through hundreds of VPN deals that are out there to bring you only the top options that are actually worth considering.Best VPN Deals Right NowFastestVPN: $17 lifetime membershipSurfshark: $2.49 per month (81% off)IPVanish: $3.20 per month (70% off)ExpressVPN: $6.67 per month (49% off) PIA VPN: $2.08 per month (83% off)CyberGhost: $2.25 per month (83% off)NordVPN: $3.67 per month (69% off)PureVPN: $2.91 per month (73% off)More Deals: Tunnelbear, Cyberghost & moreOdds are that you know what a VPN is but may not have signed up for one already. There are some common misconceptions about VPNs, especially that they are quite expensive, but that...
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by Joe Maring on (#5M9V0)
More often, phones are designed with shiny glass backs, smooth metal frames, and other sleek elements to make them as attractive as possible. That's great if you prefer form over function, but what about if you're in the market for a smartphone that you don't need to baby nonstop? These aren't phones we'd usually recommend if you're shopping for the best Android phone overall, but if you're especially accident-prone, these devices are kind of perfect. Here are the best rugged Android phones we could find!Ready for 5GUlefone Armor 10 5G 128GBStaff Pick5G is one of the hottest talking points for smartphones right now, and lucky for you, the tech has already made its way to the rugged niche. The Ulefone Armor 10 5G is one of the first rugged phones to offer 5G, ensuring you get the fastest data speeds possible. On top of that, the Armor 10 5G also delivers 128GB of storage, a large 6.67-inch display, and a generous 5,800mAh battery.$590 at AmazonMassive batteryBlackview ...
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by Andrew Myrick on (#5M9V2)
It has been almost a year since the Google Pixel 5 launched to market. If you picked one up recently, or you're still using the one you bought way back when chances are you could do with some accessories for it. In addition to a protective case for the Pixel 5, which should be the essential first accessory buy with any new phone (it's never a bad idea to have a few so you can swap as well), did you also invest in one of the best Google Pixel 5 screen protectors? If not, it's time if you want to avoid the frustration of an accidental drop that cracks your display. These screen protectors will help keep that gorgeous 90Hz screen looking pristine for as long as you have it.Almost everything you needOMOTON Tempered Glass (4-pack)Staff PickThe OMOTON Tempered Glass kit includes almost everything you need, with four total screen protectors and an alignment kit for easy installation. These screen protectors only measure 0.3mm, so you won't feel like there's a whole other screen ...
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by Andrew Myrick on (#5M9V3)
With a phone as surprisingly great as the Moto G Power, you likely already have one of the best cases. Still, you'll also want the best Moto G Power screen protector. This device helped to prove that you don't need to spend $1,000 on a smartphone just to get a great experience. With up to two days of battery life and the benefit of Motorola's near-stock Android experience, it's tough to find a cheap Android phone that is this great. Nonetheless, you'll still want to make sure you keep it protected from whatever your days throw at you.From the sourceMotorola Essentials Tempered GlassStaff PickOver the past year or so, Motorola has started offering its own accessories for various devices, including last year's Moto G Power. You only get one in the pack, but this Motorola Essentials screen protector is made from tempered glass and offers the perfect fit for your G Power.$13 at Amazon $13 at MotorolaWorld class glassZagg InvisibleShield Glass+ZAGG makes some of ...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5M9C4)
Emoji are getting a cleaner look for Android 12.What you need to knowGoogle is updating nearly 1,000 emoji for Android 12.Many emoji are getting updated designs, some of which will change based on the time of day.Google apps like Gmail will also be compatible with the updated emoji.World Emoji Day is July 17, and since new emoji won't arrive until this Fall, Google is celebrating by updating nearly 1,000 emoji with new looks for Android 12.Overall, the updated designs give the emoji collection a cleaner look, but many changes are also intended to make emoji more universal and accessible. Google highlights the pie emoji as an example of this, saying that "it previously looked like a very specific American pumpkin pie (a family favorite!). Now it's something everyone recognizes."Google also highlights how some of the changes are making emoji a bit more intentional. The bikini emoji will no longer look like an invisible body is wearing it, and the face mask emoji now has...
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by Andrew Myrick on (#5M9C5)
When you're looking for the best TV for PS5, you need to be looking for a few specific features: excellent screen quality, high dynamic range (HDR), and the ability to game in 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second (FPS). The LG OLED CX Series ticks all of these boxes and then gives you lots more smart functionality thrown in for good measure.Best TV for PS5 overall: LG OLED CX SeriesThe name of the game for the PS4 Pro was HDR gaming, and our old favorite pick was the LG OLED ThinQ B8. However, fast forward many months into the lifecycle of the PS5, and LG still takes the top spot, albeit with the newer LG OLED CX Series. From 4K upscaling to an incredibly thin design, the CX Series is a fantastic option for everyone with a PS5.As one would expect, the CX supports 4K gaming at a 120Hz refresh rate, thanks to the four HDMI 2.1 ports on the back. This television also supports Variable Refresh Rate out of the box, with it smoothly moving from 40Hz all the way up to 120Hz....
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by Samuel Contreras on (#5M9C6)
A cheap router with enough capacity for the whole family.The Speedefy K7W router is an Amazon's Choice pick with the stated goal of delivering fast Wi-Fi speeds for a low price. In most ways, it achieves this with a solid AC2100 dual-band Wi-Fi 5 connection and support for tech like MU-MIMO and beamforming. Wi-Fi 6 is all the rage when it comes to home networking, but when it comes down to it, most of us are fine with the speeds we get from Wi-Fi 5.The tested Speedefy K7W is the white version of the K7, which is available from Amazon. It's advertised as a gigabit router with a strong signal thanks to its seven large antennas, though at just 2,500 square feet of coverage, it's more in line with other routers in this price range. While it's possible for supported devices, like laptops, to connect to the router at speeds over 1Gbps, most of your devices will connect at 867Mbps max. It's a good fit for a gigabit internet connection, but don't expect to get it all on one device.Sp...
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by Jennifer Locke on (#5M9C7)
This could either be really successful or we'll have another Steam controller flop on our hands.Services like Stadia and Xbox Game Pass for Android have made games more accessible than ever, seemingly making dedicated gaming handhelds obsolete — the Nintendo Switch notwithstanding. That hasn't stopped Valve from making waves today as it announced the Steam Deck, a mobile gaming handheld meant to deliver a PC-quality experience. There's a lot to love about this handheld, especially considering it's much more than what it appears to be, but it faces an uphill battle against cloud streaming nonetheless. It faces an uphill battle against cloud streaming.PC-quality games can already be played on mobile devices, so Valve isn't doing anything new here on that front. The most compelling reason to purchase it would be to play your existing Steam library, and that begs the question as to why Valve didn't just make an app similar to Xbox Game Pass. Valve clearly thinks there's value ...
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by Nicholas Sutrich on (#5M9C8)
Making fridges with touchscreens finally makes sense with SmartThings.What you need to knowSmartThings Energy aims to deliver real-time monitoring of smart home appliance energy usage.This data can be used to set alerts and find out exactly how much energy each appliance setting uses.Only certain Samsung Home Appliances and HVAC systems are supported now, but support will be expanded to other SmartThings-compatible appliances in the future.Samsung SmartThings is proving once again that it's the most underrated way to control your smart home. After a big UI update last month, the SmartThings app is getting a new feature that'll help you save energy and identify which of your appliances is a power vampire. SmartThings Energy, as it's called, is designed to deliver actionable information that's taken from any monitored Samsung appliances in your home.While it's currently limited to supported Samsung Home Appliances and Samsung HVAC products, SmartThings Energy will be expand...
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by Alex Smith on (#5M9C9)
Honor is unveiling its new Magic 3 Series soon, featuring the latest flagship chipset from Qualcomm.What you need to knowHonor is inviting everyone to the global launch event of the flagship Magic 3 Series on August 12.The new devices will be equipped with the latest Snapdragon 888 Plus chipset.Rumors suggest three new models are coming, including one with a 6.76-inch OLED display.After the unveiling and release of the mid-range Honor 50 series just last month, there's already word on the net of new Honor smartphones coming soon. Rumors suggest the upcoming "Magic 3" will be a proper flagship series, and thanks to a press invite sent out by Honor on Thursday, it looks like we won't have to wait much longer to learn more about the new devices.The notice sent out by Honor invites those interested in the new Honor Magic 3 Series to a live global launch event happening in just a few weeks on August 12, 2021. Along with telling us a bit about the new phones, the event also pro...
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by Olivia Lipski on (#5M9CA)
Best answer: Two Chromebooks, the new Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (model CP713-3W) and Acer Chromebook 514 (model CB514-1W), support Thunderbolt 4 with two ports on the left side.Two refreshed Chromebooks support Thunderbolt 4The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is one of the best Chromebooks you can get, and this year it got a refresh. Though the model remains largely the same as its predecessor, there are two notable differences. First, its processor has been upgraded to the 11th Gen Intel Core series, and, second, its USB-C ports have been replaced by Thunderbolt 4. These two ports are located on the same side, meaning that some of the best Thunderbolt 4 hubs and Mac-designed docking stations are now compatible. Likewise, the updated Acer Chromebook 514, which will be released later this summer, also comes with two convenient Thunderbolt 4 ports.What's special about Thunderbolt 4?Thunderbolt ports have been showing up on select Windows laptops and Macs for a while now, and having o...
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by Casian Holly on (#5M99K)
Characters in higher tiers tend to be more powerful.Genshin Impact, the latest action RPG from miHoYo, has two dozen characters along with many more coming soon. As with any gacha game, the best Genshin Impact characters require a fair bit of luck and/or money to add to your team. Characters each have different rarity levels and belong to different tiers. Typically, the higher up the tier they are, the more powerful they are. So, which characters should you be hoping for and investing your resources in leveling up? We're here to help and when you finish, be sure to check out our best Android games for even more mobile fun.Genshin Impact Tier ListHow many playable characters are there?S Rank CharactersA Rank CharactersB Rank CharactersC Rank CharactersD Rank CharactersComing soonHow many playable characters are there?There are over 30 different playable characters in Genshin Impact. A handful are rewards for completing certain portions of the story, including ...
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by Andrew Myrick on (#5M99M)
Enjoy the only major Android updateWhat you need to knowAndroid 11 is beginning to roll out to the OnePlus Nord N10 5G.This marks the only major Android update that the Nord N10 will receive.OnePlus will only provide security updates for the Nord N10 moving forward.Owners of the OnePlus Nord N10 5G can rejoice now that it appears as though the Android 11 update is beginning to roll out. One Reddit user posted screenshots of their Nord N10, confirming the build number and security patch.The Nord N10 5G was met with a bit of fanfare when it launched late last year, as this provided OnePlus fans a way to get 5G connectivity on a budget. Since then, we've learned that the Nord N10 (and Nord N100) was only slated to receive one major software update, along with two years of security updates. However, after becoming a sub-brand of OPPO, the update schedule was adjusted as the Nord N10 and N100 are set to receive up to three years of security updates.As you would expect, this ...
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by Courtney Lynch on (#5M99N)
When you begin your search for the very best Google Fit accessories, you'll be met with tons of choices. After all, Google Fit is one of the best apps for tracking all kinds of fitness data. Whether you're keeping track of the food you eat, the calories you burn, or your fitness progress over time, there's no shortage of accessories to choose from. Your search might entail finding the best Android smartwatch for health/fitness tracking. Perhaps you'd prefer a more basic accessory. Whatever the case, we've got options for you.Best fitness smartwatchMobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 SmartwatchStaff PickThe TicWatch Pro 3 is the newest release from Mobvoi. It's a genuinely good watch, even if you don't care about fitness tracking. If you do, it's even better. There's a GPS sensor, a heart-rate monitor, and mobile payments. Plus, the new Snapdragon Wear 4100 processor guarantees ultra-smooth performance.$300 at Amazon $280 at WalmartTipping the scaleseufy by Anker Smart Scale P...
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by Ara Wagoner on (#5M97K)
From Google Drive to Chrome to Files, these are keyboard shortcuts that you'll find useful when doing just about anything on a Chromebook.Some keyboard shortcuts are universal — Crtl + C for copy, Ctrl + V for paste — but just as often, shortcuts change between systems, websites, and programs. The best Chromebooks have some fairly standard shortcuts — and a handy shortcut Ctrl + Alt + / to show you the more basic ones — but looking at the full list of shortcuts will make your eyes glaze over faster than the old 400-page novel you had to read over summer vacation.Well, after years of Chromebook use and abuse, I've hit on some shortcuts that every student should know to get what they need to be done quicker and better. Start with the 10 essential Chromebook keyboard shortcuts you need to know, then scope out the masterclass below. After all, if there's anything I learned from school, it's that you've got to work smarter, not harder.Shortcuts:General Chromebook short...
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