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Being the one of the best VPN services doesn't mean you can't also be among the cheapest VPN services. There are a lot of VPN providers out there offering plans at a variety of different price points, and a few even have free VPN plans. Normally, when it comes to services and subscriptions the best ones are on the more expensive side, but with VPNs that isn't the case.Best Cheap VPN ServicesSurfshark: $2.49 per month (81% off)IPVanish: $2.62 per month (65% off)HotSpot Shield: $2.99 per month (77% off)CyberGhost: $2.25 per month (83% off)PIA VPN: $2.69 per month (77% off)NordVPN: $4.89 per month (59% off)ExpressVPN: $6.67 per month (49% off) More Deals: Tunnelbear, Cyberghost & moreYou don't have to go broke each month or pay a huge upfront cost to get a great VPN, some of the best VPNs are actually pretty cheap, seriously.1. Surfshark VPN: The best cheap VPN out thereFrom $2.49/mo at SurfsharkWith plans starting out at about 8 cents per day, it's real...

Now all of Slack's updates are great, but this can stay.What you need to knowSlack has introduced a dedicated field for users to list their preferred pronouns.The feature is hidden by default, but admins can enable it.Slack is the latest platform to add a custom field for pronouns.Slack has introduced a small but beneficial feature to its platform. The company announced Wednesday on Twitter that the platform now has a dedicated field for users to list their preferred pronouns.The new setting will allow users to fill in their pronoun preferences, which will be featured prominently on their profile. The company says that the option is available for all plans and is hidden by default, but admins can easily make the new field visible.Slack included instructions on how admins can enable the new field. The Verge notes that companies can continue to use custom fields that admins may have created for pronouns, but they won't be featured as prominently as the new dedicated fie...

Google Photos' new privacy feature doesn't seem too useful at the moment.Update, May 20 (7:25 pm ET): Google clarifies the Locked FolderWhat you need to knowA crucial limitation to the Google Photos app has been discovered.Photos placed in the Locked Folder will no longer be available on the cloud.The new feature will be available on Pixel smartphones before rolling out on more Android devices.During the Google I/O keynote on Tuesday, the company unveiled a new privacy feature in Google Photos called Locked Folder. It allows users to place private or sensitive images in a password-protected space, separate from the rest of their camera roll. It's supposed to be a safe space for your images, although a notable limitation to the feature may have been uncovered.Android Police discovered that the images placed in the Locked Folder will be removed from the cloud and placed on your local device storage. As noted by the support page, "Cloud backups of these items will be delet...

It's a subtle but useful change to Google Messages.What you need to knowGoogle Messages has been updated with a new emoji menu.The updated menu gives users quick access to GIFs and stickers.The attachment menu is shorter and cleaner now that stickers have been moved.Google Messages is receiving a new update that makes navigating the app a little easier. In version 8.0 of the app, which is rolling out now on the best Android phones, the emoji menu has been changed to now include GIFs and stickers.The new menu can be seen by tapping on the emoji icon in the text field. Instead of showing only the exhaustive list of emojis, there's now a three-tabbed menu for emojis, GIFs, and stickers. You can see the before and after below, taken from two different devices.The new layout makes it easy to access different kinds of media to send over text. There's also a search bar to quickly find the emoji, GIF, or sticker you want to include. The new layout follows the example from Gbo...

Amazon's annual exclusive sale is coming back for an even bigger event sooner than usual in 2021. Prime Day is the sale every Amazon Prime member should be looking forward to. With hundreds of ways to save and hundreds of dollars off popular products, shopping during Prime Day is even a smart way to earn back the cost of Amazon Prime's membership fee.During past Prime Day sales, Amazon hasn't skimped on its offerings in the slightest. We've seen products in just about every category go on sale, from home and kitchen appliances to clothing, furniture, toys, electronics, computers, and of course, just about every Amazon device there is. You name it, there's probably been a Prime Day sale on it. And if the sales of previous years are to be any indication, Prime Day 2021 is already slated to be one of the best shopping events of the year.Best Prime Day deals & sales in 2021As it stands, Amazon has not announced any official early Prime Day deals, but that won't stop other compa...

To be fair, it is a good look.What you need to knowNew renders leaked today show off the upcoming Oppo Reno 6 series.Oppo's base Reno 6 will draw heavy inspiration from Apple's iPhone 12, based on the design. The other two phones in the series reflect more contemporary Android designs.The Reno 6 series will be announced on May 27th. Oppo's upcoming smartphone lineup, the Reno 6 series, has just been leaked online by veteran leaker Evan Blass. Sharing the renders on Twitter, Bass showed off the three phones included in the series — the Reno 6 5G, the Reno 6 Pro 5G, and the Reno 6 Pro Plus 5G — as well as their expected colorways. Looking at the Reno 6, it is a very familiar look. The base Reno 6 looks very much like a post-iPhone 12 product from the flat sides to the camera bump. Oppo is capable of making distinctive-looking products of its own — the Oppo Find X2 Pro was one of the best Android phones with a design all its own. That said, it does err towards th...

Getting a new phone in your hands doesn't have to be as expensive as you might think. There are always deals out there on Android phones but they tend to come and go rather quickly with other discounts appearing in their place. However, if you're hoping to buy one of the latest devices on the market, finding a proper deal is easier than ever these days.Best Android Phone DealsUnlocked dealsCarrier dealsWhen it comes to buying a new smartphone, there are two main types of deals to consider. You could buy your new phone unlocked so that you own it and can bring it to any carrier where it's compatible, or you can purchase devices through carrier deals at a retailer such as Verizon or T-Mobile.Carrier deals generally make you pay for the device in monthly installments and require that you add a line of service, which means you'll be locked into paying for the device (and your service contract) for a few years. Deals like these can be excellent if you're willing or need to ...

You could spend hundreds of hours playing through the best Oculus Quest 2 games without looking for new ones, but you shouldn't sleep on the best App Lab games, and best sideloaded titles for the Quest 2. They often provide unique experiences from indie developers, many of which are free or dirt cheap. In contrast, others are mods of classic PC games that'll likely never make the Oculus Store officially. Oculus App Lab opened up a whole new world of experiences for Quest owners, but these games often cost money to play. We gathered a ton of free titles to check out with that in mind, so you can always keep something new on deck without making a monetary commitment. Be sure also to check out how to sideload games on the Oculus Quest so you can get SideQuest set up.★ Featured favoriteGorilla TagIn Gorilla Tag, there's no crazy locomotion method for you to adjust to; just use your hands to grab the ground and fling your monkey body around an arena where the only purpose is n...

The Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2 are amazing pieces of technology, but did you know you can actually use your hands instead of controllers in some games and apps? While it's pretty amazing to see your hands in VR and use them instead of controllers, hand tracking can be a bit finicky. That's why we've curated a list of the best hand-tracking games for Quest, whose design best suits the somewhat janky nature of hand tracking. While there are a good number of games on the Oculus Store to download, SideQuest provides even more hand-tracking experiences to play with — and they're all free, too! Make sure you install SideQuest on your Oculus Quest or Quest 2 before downloading those.Note: For the best results, always play in a well-lit room for optimal hand tracking performance. The brighter, the better. We cannot stress that enough.Find these on the Oculus Store★ Featured favoriteThe Curious Tale of the Stolen PetsStaff PickThe Curious Tale of the Stolen Pe...

Our pickFitbit Versa 2$149 at AmazonProsComfy, lightweight designWaterproof up to 50 metersBuilt-in Amazon AlexaFitbit Pay is includedOver five days of battery lifeConsDoesn't have GPSReleased nearly two years ago, the Versa 2 is one of Fitbit's best smartwatches. It has a fantastic design, a sharp AMOLED display, and offers 24/7 heart-rate monitoring. Compared to the Versa Lite, the Versa 2 has considerably more smarts with the inclusion of bonus perks such as Amazon Alexa and Fitbit Pay.Best for lessFitbit Versa Lite$200 at AmazonProsSame exact design as the VersaAvailable in more vibrant colorsWaterproofHeart-rate sensorConsLacks on-screen workoutsNo local music storageDoesn't track floors climbedIf you really like the Fitbit Versa 2 but don't need all the extras, the Versa Lite is a perfect alternative. It has the exact same design, a great display, and solid battery life. It's lacking a few fitness features, such as on-screen wo...

While Amazon Fire tablets aren't the most expensive tablets around, they aren't cheap either. Keep yours protected potential damages with one of the best Fire HD 10 cases for both the latest 2021 release and previous generations. We love how easy the Fire HD 10 tablet makes it to look up recipes, watch your favorite shows, surf the internet, play games, or purchase items from Amazon. We've researched and determined which were the best Fire Tablet cases on the market. See which one fits your needs.Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021)Rainbow of choicesMoKo CaseStaff PickMoKo Cases offer great protection for your tablet while also making it easier to use. The front cover can flip back and fold up to prop up your tablet to make watching your favorite shows hands-free. Not only will the case keep your tablet safe, but it also looks great in 7 vibrant colors.From $19 at AmazonMake it officialAmazon Fire HD 10 2021 Tablet CoverAmazon's first-party cases always look great and...

New renders show off a better view of the next Google flagship.What you need to knowAnother Google Pixel 6 "Pro" leak gives us a good look at Google's 2021 flagship.These new leaks are accompanied by the first spec details.The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are expected to launch at this year's Made By Google event in the fall. The Google Pixel 6 leaked for the first time last week, showing off a very distinct design when compared to the likes of the Pixel 5 or Pixel 4a 5G. Now, new renders shared by OnLeaks (via Digit.in) give us a clearer look at the upcoming flagship.This set of renders specifically show off the Pixel 6 "Pro" — the name is currently unconfirmed — the successor to the XL variants every Pixel has had so far, with the exception of the Pixel 5. It is said to have a 6.6-7" curved AMOLED display with a centered hole-punch front-facing camera. The rear camera layout is said to consist of a primary wide-angle lens, a periscopic telephoto lens, and presumably an u...

IFA organizers were very persistent about the show happening this year.What you need to knowIFA organizers have announced that the trade show has been canceled.The organizers cite "many uncertainties" as the reason for the cancellation.IFA plans to have a full-scale return in 2022.After being strongly adamant about hosting an in-person event this year, IFA organizers have announced that the trade show has been canceled. This comes after a full-scale return was scheduled this September. There simply are now too many uncertainties. Therefore, right now it has become near impossible for anyone to responsibly plan their participation in any trade show.IFA organizers were confident that the show would go on "with the world on course to emerge from the pandemic." Now they are backpedaling on their decision to the ongoing pandemic.That said, IFA plans to finally have its full-scale return in 2022. Berlin Photo Week and SHIFT Mobility will continue this year as planned.T...

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is a fantastic tablet that allows you to watch your favorite shows, play your favorite mobile games, surf the web, draw, and more. The worst thing that could happen is for your versatile device to get dropped or otherwise damaged. That's why you should protect it with one of the best Galaxy Tab S6 Lite cases. Don't forget to grab one of the best Galaxy Tab S6 Lite screen protectors for further protection.Sleak and protectiveZtotopCase with Pencil HolderStaff PickThis no-fuss case features a slot for the S Pen and has a flap that both serves to protect your screen and folds into a kickstand to prop the Tab S6 Lite up. Just slip your tablet into place, and you're good to go. It's perfect for formal as well as casual situations.$13 at AmazonBeautiful bookBook Cover - Chiffon RoseThis gorgeous case matches the Chiffon Rose Tab S6 Lite color and brings a more elegant form of protection to the tablet. There's a specific spot for the S Pen,...

Loading a Clipper card onto Google Pay is pretty easy.What you need to knowThe Bay Area's Clipper Card arrives on Google Pay for easy transit payments.Clipper Cards can be transferred from a plastic card to the app and easily reloaded.Google Pay is also introducing new viewable transit passes.The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) announced on Wednesday that Bay Area residents with Android smartphones are now able to use Google Pay to access their Clipper card and pay for transit.Residents in the Bay Area will be able to transfer their existing Clipper cards to their smartphones using the new Clipper app that was also launched for Android. After launching the app and selecting the option to "Convert Clipper to Your Phone," users will just have to hold the card against their smartphone for it to transfer. From there, the card can be added to Google Pay for easy access.If you don't already own a Clipper card, you can bypass the app and just add a new digital car...

At CES 2021, Samsung introduced Galaxy Upcycle, which is a way to turn old Samsung smartphones that may be sitting on a shelf collecting dust into something useful that you can use with SmartThings. Currently, functionality is limited to a light sensor or a sound sensor. Some use cases include using SmartThings to turn on your smart lights when it gets dark (regardless of the time of day) or using an old smartphone as a baby monitor or broken glass alarm.To set up a Samsung phone as an upcycled sensor, you need a Galaxy-branded Samsung smartphone from 2018 or newer. Technically, you should also have a new Galaxy-branded smartphone to assist with setup, but there is a workaround for that (see step 8 below). Both phones need SmartThings and the latest software updates installed. So here's how to do it!How to turn your old Samsung smartphone into a smart sensor using SmartThingsOpen SmartThings.Tap the Hamburger menu on the left side.Tap SmartApps.Tap the three dots on the rig...

The Galaxy F52 5G is powered by the same Snapdragon 750G processor that powers the Galaxy A52 5G.What you need to knowThe Galaxy F52 5G is Samsung's latest F series phone.It comes with a 6.6-inch 120Hz display, a large 4,500mAh battery, and a 64MP camera. The Galaxy F52 5G is priced at 1,999 yuan ($310) in China and is already available to pre-order. Samsung today unveiled the Galaxy F52 5G, its first F series phone with 5G support. The phone shares a lot in common with the Galaxy A52 5G, one of Samsung's best cheap Android phones.The Galaxy F52 5G has a 6.6-inch FHD+ TFT LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a hole-punch cutout for the 16MP selfie camera. It is powered by Qualcomm's popular Snapdragon 750G chipset, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Just like the best Samsung phones, the Galaxy F52 5G includes a microSD card slot for storage expansion up to 1TB.In the camera department, the phone has a quad-camera array with a 64MP primary sensor, an 8M...

TelloThe choice is yoursFrom $5/mo. at TelloProsBuild your own plan Inexpensive T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G network Free mobile hotspot Free calls to Canada, Mexico, China, and Romania ConsSpeed throttled to 2G once the plan's data is consumed Unlimited plan data cap of 25GB No international roaming Tello lets you build your own affordable cell phone plan or pick from some ready-made options. On the unlimited plan, you'll get at least 25GB of high-speed data, but if you're looking for less data or none at all, you can pay as little as $5 per month. Unfortunately, no international roaming is supported.Ultra MobileMulti-month savingsFrom $10/mo. at Ultra MobileProsDiscounted multi-month plans T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G networkFree mobile hotspot Free unlimited text and talk to 80+ countries Supports international roaming ConsOnly 10GB of mobile hotspot on the unlimited plan Unlimited plan data cap of 40GB Ultra Mobile offers several dat...

NVIDIA's entry into the streaming wars is seeing some impressive success and substantial challenges.As companies compete and server technology improves, streaming games is becoming more and more of a viable option. Everything from using some of the best gaming phones to your laptop as a great gaming machine is now an option for players.One recent major entrant is NVIDIA GeForce Now, a streaming service for PC games that players already own. Over a million players have tried it out so far. While some publishers are choosing not to support this streaming platform, it's still a big contender and a clearly viable option for games streaming, right on par with the likes of Google Stadia and Xbox Game Pass.Jump to:What is GeForce Now?GeForce Now: List of supported devicesIs GeForce Now free?Is GeForce Now still in beta?GeForce Now: List of gamesWhat is GeForce Now?GeForce Now is NVIDIA's streaming service. Unlike platforms like Stadia, it does not require buying games ...

The Cooler Master MM711 gaming mouse has dropped in price at B&H where you can get it for just $46.99 today. That's a decent low price for a mouse that's selling as high as $59 at Walmart. It's actually "on sale" for $51 at Amazon, and that is the next best price but it definitely doesn't top what B&H is doing. This is a great price, but it might not last long since it's the first time since last year that we've even seen it go this low anywhere.This is a fantastic wired mouse, and it has a six foot cable so you can plug in comfortably anywhere. It's also made with an Ultraweave covering that helps reduce pull while you're moving the mouse around. The mouse uses a USB connection for simple connectivity. It also has a 16,000 DPI optical sensor for precise and accurate movements. The sensor is sensitive enough to work wherever you are. It also has a 1000 Hz polling rate. It also has six different buttons you can map.If you're a left handed gamer, you might want to look into...

Is Google finally getting serious about hardware?What you need to knowGoogle is opening up its first physical retail store in New York City.Located in Chelsea, it'll focus on showing off the company's #madebyGoogle line of hardware.The new store is slated to open in summer 2021.Google today announced the opening of its first retail store. Located in the Chelsea part of New York City, the store will be a retail hub for people interested in Google's hardware products. This means you can go there to try out the newest Pixels, listen to the sound of the latest Nest smart speakers, click-clack on the best Chromebooks, and so on. For Pixel owners, Google is also adopting one of the best parts of the Apple experience — on-site customer service. The company says you'll be able to go there, get your device checked out, and have it repaired with minimal fuss. They'll even offer workshops and how-tos throughout the year to help you get the best out of your device.At the moment, Go...

Installing app updates from third-party app stores will finally feel similar to the Google Play Store.What you need to knowGoogle is working on making alternative app stores easier to use on Android 12.Third-party app stores will be able to update apps without requiring any user action. Currently, third-party app stores cannot install an app update without user intervention.Earlier this week, Google announced the first beta of Android 12 at its first-ever virtual I/O. Android 12 brings a ton of new features to the table, including more personalization options, smoother animations, a new Privacy Dashboard, and more. Google also confirmed that it is delivering on its "promise to make third-party app stores easier to use on Android 12," but the search giant is yet to detail the exact changes that it is working on.According to developer documentation accessed by the folks at XDA Developers, Android 12 will finally let alternative app stores update apps without requiring users...

Best answer: No. You do not need a Facebook account to make a WhatsApp account. Though WhatsApp is a subsidiary of Facebook, the two are completely unrelated and function separately for the most part.Facebook and WhatsApp accounts are completely separateWhatsApp Messenger, more commonly referred to as WhatsApp, is one of the best messaging applications out there. It is wildly popular, mainly due to its security and usability. Users can make voice calls and send each other text messages, audio snippets, images, documents, and other files for free.Since Mark Zuckerberg-led Facebook owns the app, it's a little unclear whether the two social media platforms are integrated. It's especially confusing since Instagram, another one of the social networking company's subsidiaries, already is. However, this isn't the case with WhatsApp.Having Facebook account is not a prerequisite for using WhatsApp. Users can register for accounts on either platform or both if they want. The services a...

Resurrecting dead appsThe 2021 Google I/O developer conference has already given us plenty to talk about, try out, and dream about, from Material You to advances in quantum computing. But one surprising thing that has appeared amidst all of these new updates is the ghost of one of our favorite Google services of the past — Google Reader.Well, sort of. You see, Google's Chromium blog recently detailed a new option in the Canary channel of Chrome, where users can "follow" websites from the Chrome browser using RSS. Okay, it's not the same as Google Reader, but there are shades of that former service in this option.This got us wondering how we'd feel if some of our other favorite canceled Google services of the past were suddenly resurrected.Which cancelled Google service would you bring back?...

Wear will Fitbit's trackers be in a few years?Like many of you, I've been eagerly following every big announcement and digesting every little tidbit that has come out of the Google I/O 2021 developer conference like a kid on Christmas Eve. I love where Android's design language is headed with Material You, I can't wait to try out the new AR features in Google Maps, and my inner nerd is super excited to follow where Google's AI and ML prowess is leading and begin having my own conversations with Pluto (which, btw, is not a planet).However, the part of the opening keynote that I was most interested in was the section on Wear OS (which is now apparently just called Wear). During this portion of the presentation, we learned about Google's plans for its wearable operating system and devices, but there was one thing that wasn't mentioned in the keynote or the Wear breakout section — the future of Fitbit's trackers. I've been dreading the eventual neglect or killing off of Fitbit's tr...

International calling with plenty of ways to save.Ultra Mobile is a prepaid carrier on the T-Mobile network that aims to give customers what they want most from a phone plan: plenty of data. Ultra Mobile also focuses on customers that need international data and calling, with free calls to over 80 countries and credits towards calling and texting that aren't included in this base plan. If you need to call home in another country often and want the option to travel there without getting a new SIM, Ultra Mobile might be a great fit.In the U.S., Ultra Mobile uses T-Mobile's network for service. This means that most people should have great coverage and most phones should work on this network without issue. Ultra Mobile also fully supports 5G for free as long as you have a phone that supports it. If you're looking for great data coverage and a plan that lets you make the most of it, Ultra Mobile is a great prepaid choice.Ultra Mobile review:Price and availabilityWhat's good ...

The Nest Power Connector is made using 46% post-consumer recycled materials.What you need to knowGoogle has quietly released the Nest Power Connector as a C wire substitute for Nest Thermostats.The Nest Power Connector doesn't need new wiring or drilling, which makes it extremely easy to install. It is now available to pre-order in the U.S.If you have a Nest thermostat that has power-related issues such as high battery drain, connecting a common wire (C wire) is the typical way to fix them. Now, however, you can solve such issues much more easily with the new Nest Power Connector.The Nest Power Connector works as an alternative to a C wire and happens to be a lot more affordable than "hiring an electrician to install a new C wire through your walls." Installing the connector is also much easier than you might think. It doesn't require new wiring or drilling and easily attaches to your furnace, air handler, or zone controller.While there are other third-party C wire ...

Finn the Human and Jake the Dog will finally be reunited in HBOMax's latest Adventure Time special and we have all the details on how you can watch Adventure Time: Distant Lands - Together Again online.Pendleton Ward's animated TV series Adventure Time first premiered on Cartoon Network back in 2010. The show chronicles the adventures of a boy named Finn and his best friend Jake who is a dog with the magical power to change his size and shape at will. After 10 seasons on Cartoon Network, the series finale of Adventure Time aired on Cartoon Network in 2018.When preparing for the launch of HBO Max, HBO and Cartoon Network decided to revive some of Pendleton Ward's old ideas for the show in the form of four hour-long specials that would be exclusive to the streaming service. The first special, titled BMO, premiered in June of last year told the origin story of the sentient video game console of the same name as it battled in space while the second special, titled Obsidian, featured ...

Being able to choose how precise an app can track you is the best feature to come to Android in years.Google I/O is shaping up to be a pretty big deal, and mixed in with all the other announcements is a single feature that comes along with Android 12 that is even better than what we could have hoped for — Approximate Location Permissions.Even the best Android phone can be pretty bad when it comes to leaking out your location through the apps you install. Sometimes you want an app to know where you are, but rarely do you need an app to know exactly where you are in real-time.How this works isn't anything groundbreaking. You can already tell your phone whether to get precise measurements or coarse measurements when it comes to your location, but it's mostly an all-or-nothing affair since it's a system setting. And the ability for a developer to use your coarse location has been around for a while, too, but this is the first time we're seeing a specific application-level permiss...

Amazing coverage with unexceptional speeds.It's easy to get caught up in megabits and megahertz when talking about routers, but the Meshforce M7 stays focused on what matters most to most people. Consistent speeds and amazing coverage have helped the M7 to become one of the go-to solutions for people that need a lot of Wi-Fi coverage but don't want to waste money to get it. Sticking with a tried and true tri-band Wi-Fi 5 mesh setup, the M7 delivers the results many people are looking for.The Meshforce M7 is, unsurprisingly, a mesh system first and foremost and comes in a single or three-pack. Meshforce claims the three-pack can cover up to 6,000 square feet, and based on what I've seen, it can deliver. If you think you need a mesh system versus a router and need a ton of coverage, enough speed to keep up with an entire family, and a price that people can justify, the Meshforce M7 is a great option.Meshforce M7 review:Price and availabilityWhat you'll like What you won't ...

The browser features custom gaming themes and a built-in ad blocker.What you need to knowOpera has launched the first gamer-focused mobile browser.The first beta version of Opera GX is now live for both Android and iOS devices. The desktop version of Opera GX has more than 9 million monthly active gamers. Back in 2019, Opera introduced the world's first browser built for gamers, dubbed Opera GX. Nearly two years later, the Norwegian company has announced the launch of Opera GX Mobile. The mobile browser is now available in beta on both Android and iOS and is expected to become widely available in a few weeks.Since Opera GX Mobile has been built specifically for gamers, it offers a Fast Action Button for navigation, complete with vibration and haptic feedback. The browser also has an interesting feature called "Flow," which makes it possible for gamers to sync mobile and desktop experiences to share game walkthroughs, tutorials, and character builds between devices....

Google wants to help you with your smart home needs.What you need to knowGoogle has launched a smart home directory to help educate users about building a smart home.The new directory can help users learn about smart assistant capabilities in their homes.Filters on the site aim to make it easier to find smart home devices from speakers to displays and TVs.Google knows how difficult it can be to build or even get started with a smart home. That's why the company announced a new smart home directory on Wednesday, which will serve as a one-stop-shop for consumers to learn about and find smart home products.The new directory has useful guides that can show users the various capabilities of smart home products, like some of the best smart locks to support Google Assistant, or the best smart LED bulbs. Helpful videos can be found near the bottom of the page to walk users through setting up and using their various devices.The directory also showcases many of the Google Assis...

Faster camera streaming, automatic home and away routines, and so much more are coming.What you need to knowAndroid and Nest devices will be able to quickly pair and control Matter-enabled devices once the standard launches later this year.Thread support is coming to several Nest devices, bringing secure, low-power connectivity to supported smart home devices.WebRTC streaming will reduce the time it takes to bring up your smart home camera feeds on Nest smart displays and in the Google Home app.Nest Home and Away is being replaced by Google Home and Away statuses, which can automatically toggle lights, adjust the thermostat, and control other devices based on whether you're at home or away.Hot on the heels of the announcement that Project CHIP is becoming Matter — the smart home standard that aims to finally create a smart home that actually feels smart — Google has announced that Android and Nest products will be receiving full Matter integration, as well.While ther...

Samsung gives us a glimpse into its foldable desires.Update, May 19 (7:10 pm ET): Samsung releases a sizzle reel of its latest conceptsWhat you need to knowSamsung shows off some display concepts at this year's Display Week event.One concept includes the rumored bi-folding smartphone device that's thought to debut with an upcoming Galaxy Z Fold.Other concepts include a device with a slidable display, a PC-like device with a 17-inch folding display, and a PC with an under-display camera.Among the few tech events happening this week is the Display Week 2021 exhibition, where companies show off the latest innovations in display technology. Samsung is one of the big names at the event, and the company has just shown off several concepts at the event (via SamMobile), giving us a look into the company's plans for its mobile devices.The first concept (above) has been rumored for some time. Samsung's "S Foldable" OLED panel shows a mobile device that folds in two places. When...

Some details about the Galaxy Watch Active 4 have emerged.What you need to knowThe upcoming Galaxy Watch Active 4 is tipped to feature a new 5nm processor.There will reportedly be two versions; titanium and stainless steel.The Galaxy Watch 4 and Active 4 are expected to launch later this year, running the updated Wear OS.While it was teased at the Google I/O keynote that the next Galaxy Watch would run the joint Google and Samsung Wear OS platform, there have been no official details on the actual device. However, tipster Ice Universe took to Twitter to divulge some alleged hardware details about the Galaxy Watch Active 4.According to Ice Universe, the upcoming successor to the best Android smartwatch will reportedly feature a new 5nm processor. That is in stark contrast to the 12nm process on last year's Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100, and even the 10nm process on the Exynos 9110 found on the already impressive Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2.The new Galaxy Watch Active 4...

The new HBO Max tier would directly compete with Netflix and Disney+.What you need to knowWarnerMedia is offering a new tier of HBO Max for $10.I will have the same features and quality as HBO Max, but it will have ads.The service will start this June.WarnerMedia is offering an ad-supported version of HBO Max for $10 per month starting this June.That's $5 off the monthly price of $15 per month for HBO Max, which has some of the best shows to watch right now. The price change comes less than a week after AT&T announced it was selling its media assets for $43 billion to merge with Discovery, which will create a new media streaming giant. That transaction will not close until 2022.AT&T has seen a steady growth of HBO Max subscribers and gained almost three million subscribers in Q1 2021. The streaming service now has 9.7 million subscribers, and globally HBO Max and HBO together have about 64 million subscribers. Netflix has 208 million users globally.In late Apr...

Google also hinted at several new Chromebooks coming later in the year.What you need to knowGoogle today finally announced Linux on Chromebook's exit from beta status.This change will happen on the next release of Chrome OS.Google also confirmed that Android 11 was coming to Chromebooks with Chrome OS 90, bringing improved Android app support.Google today at I/O announced that Linux on Chromebooks would finally be coming out of beta with the release of Chrome OS 91. The company had offered Linux apps on Chrome OS alongside Android apps, hoping to reach an audience of developers with IDEs and so on. However, the Linux Development Environment, as Google had dubbed it, had been in beta ever since while first launched. The company had added new features at a steady cadence, enabling things like GPU acceleration, better support for USB drives, and so on so people could be more productive while using Linux apps.Alongside Linux, Google also announced that it would be bringing An...

Most popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram offer solutions to answer your messages from a computer, whether via a dedicated desktop app or through a web browser. Have you ever looked longingly at an Apple product-using friend or colleague who was able to answer their phone's text messages on their computer because of iMessage integration and wished for something similar as an Android devotee? Well, guess what? There is. It's called Google Messages (you've heard of it!). I'll show you how easy it is to use Google Messages from a web browser on your PC or Mac computer or even a Chromebook. Let's get started.How to use Google Messages from a web browserFrom your browser (I'm using Google Chrome), go to messages.google.com.Open Google Messages from your phone.Tap on the three dot menu in the top right corner of the app.Tap on Messages for web.Tap on the blue QR code scanner button.Aim the camera at the QR code on your computer screen.Tap Yes when it asks if y...

Google Play cross-devices installs are finally going to be a thing for Wear OS.What you need to knowGoogle announced new updates for the Play Store at Google I/O.The Play Store will soon be able to offer prepaid plans, multi-quantity purchases, and more.Users will soon be able to install Wear OS apps on their watches directly from their smartphones.Google is preparing several useful additions to the Google Play Store. In Wednesday's Google I/O session, Product Management Director Alex Musil went over some of the changes that are arriving on the Play Store, including new ways to discover and pay for apps on both smartphones and Wear OS.One new feature coming to the Play Store is multi-quantity purchases. This allows users to select more than one item in their cart by selecting how many they want. This will most likely be useful for certain types of passes.Google is also introducing multi-line subscriptions, making it easy for users to include add-on items to their monthl...

Amazon really upped its tablet game with the Fire HD 10 and HD 10 Plus models, which boast faster processing, more RAM, brighter HD displays, longer battery life, and an updated design compared to the previous generations. In fact, the HD 10 Plus is dubbed Amazon's most powerful 10-inch tablet to date. You'll want to protect either with a good Fire HD 10 case, but to further keep the 10.1-inch HD display free from scratches and fingerprints, a screen protector is a good idea too. And these are the best Fire HD & HD 10 Plus screen protectors you can buy.Has it allSupershieldz Matte Shield – 3-packStaff PickThis matte screen protector not only protects the screen from bumps and cracks, but also offers anti-glare and anti-fingerprint features. Supershieldz, a company that focuses predominantly on screen protection, uses Japanese PET film, which is easy to apply and won't leave any residue behind when you remove it. You'll get three in a pack.$11 at Amazon $11 at Walmar...

Spotify is making it a lot easier to be a hermit in 2021.What you need to knowSpotify is experimenting with virtual concerts on its platform.Five concerts will take place between May and June, featuring The Black Keys, and Rag'n'Bone man, and more.Tickets will be available for $15 from Spotify.With concerts being a more or less theoretical affair over the past year, virtual concerts have risen in popularity as a viable alternative. Spotify had offered listings to virtual concerts in its app since last year, allowing artists to link to upcoming live streams on their Spotify page. Perhaps encouraged by the data from that previous effort, the company now wants to try hosting virtual concerts on Spotify itself.Spotify announced the news today, saying: We know that fans care deeply about supporting artists and connecting with their music through live performances. And while some parts of the world are beginning to open up, we recognize not everyone is comfortable with or a...

If you're captivated by the market's newest stylish tracker, make sure you also choose a suitable band for your Fitbit Luxe. Whether you're headed outdoors, to the gym, or a formal event, there are plenty of options to pick from. We've rounded up some of the best Fitbit Luxe bands for you to explore!Classic comfortFitbit Luxe Classic BandStaff PickIf you're like most people and you plan to use your wearable for fitness tracking, you want a comfy band that will be gentle and lightweight on your skin. Fitbit's classic band is a great choice. Did we mention you can take it for a swim, too? It comes in a few different color options to match your style, including Lunar White, Black, Orchid, and Peony.$30 at FitbitPerfectly durableFitbit Luxe Woven BandSome fitness enthusiasts prefer a band with a bit more heft to it. The best Fitbit Luxe band for durability is the company's woven band. It's soft to the touch while still being tough enough to withstand high-intens...

Everything you'd expect from a modern flagship without the modern price.For years, there's been a stigma around using plastic designs in high-end, expensive phones. Consumers have come to expect more luxurious materials like metal and glass which, despite being more fragile than plastic, typically have a more "premium" feel.I'm definitely guilty of shying away from devices whose spec sheets feature the word polycarbonate. I was reluctant to try the Galaxy Note 20 for exactly that reason. But once my review unit came in, my concerns surrounding creakiness and a cheap in-hand feel disappeared. Build quality, in general, has massively improved since the days when plastic flagships were commonplace, and the Note 20 felt just as solid as any other phone I'd tested in recent memory.The story is the same with the Galaxy S20 Fan Edition — better known as the S20 FE. This phone is the latest in Samsung's crusade to dominate every pricing tier with a well-rounded device that makes ...

The frequency of security updates is getting better on Android phones.What you need to knowGoogle highlights the speed and frequency of Android security updates.The company states that 95% of Android 11 devices ran a security update that was released within 90 days.Google also highlights how Google Play Protect helps prevent malicious apps from being published.During Google I/O on Wednesday, the director of the Android Security Strategy, Eugene Liderman, took time to discuss the state of Android security. In the session, he declared that in the first quarter of 2021, 95% of Android devices were given a security update that was released within 90 days.While not all of the best Android phones received monthly security updates like the Google Pixel 5 and its predecessors, it does highlight the improvements that Android is making to ensure that devices are secure and users are protected, which can likely be attributed in some part to efforts like Project Mainline. That said...

Can't get enough battle royales in your life? Android will be welcoming another very soon.What you need to knowPUBG: New State is an upcoming battle royale coming from the PUBG company exclusively to mobile.It is set within the same universe as PUBG but takes place a few decades in the future.Android players in the United States will be able to register for its closed alpha in a few days.Not to be confused with PUBG Mobile, PUBG: New State is an entirely new PUBG experiences being built exclusively for Android devices. When it was announced in February, developer PUBG Studio revealed that it was set within the same universe as PUBG but in 2051, where "anarchy rules as numerous factions battle each other." If you're excited to get in on the action, the studio has also announced that registration for its closed alpha test is kicking off in the next few days.The closed alpha test will be available in the United States and only on Android (sorry, iPhone users). However, t...

New Galaxy phone companionGalaxy SmartTag+$40 at Amazon$40 at B&H PhotoProsSeamless integration with Galaxy phonesAdjustable ring volumeCustomized smart home device controlSuper-precise location trackingConsBattery life not as goodRequires a Samsung Galaxy smartphone or tabletPhone owners have to opt into SmartThings FindIf you own a new ultra-wideband-equipped Samsung Galaxy smartphone like the S21+ or S21 Ultra, the Galaxy SmartTag+ is a good choice, offering the features you'd expect from a Bluetooth and GPS device tracker along with some added niceties, like an augmented reality finder that helps you track items right down to their exact locations.Tried and true for any phoneTile Pro$30 at Amazon$35 at Best Buy$35 at WalmartProsCompany focuses solely on Bluetooth trackersGreat battery lifeGenerous Bluetooth tracking distanceWider phone compatibilityConsNo added featuresCan't adjust ring volumeTile has been around for...

You're already Googling this, so why not make it accurate?What you need to knowA new AI tool coming from Google wants to be your first port of call for skin conditions.The tool uses your camera to diagnose your skin against multiple known skin conditions. It also gives users a baseline for healthy skin across different tones.It's certified as a class medical device in the EU and Google hopes to launch it later in the year.Google is working on a new AI-powered web tool that'll help you figure out what that weird thing on your skin is, the company announced at I/Othis week. It will become available later in the year, Google hopes, and will help diagnose skin conditions via photos of your skin. The company has fine-tuned its AI with "65,000 images and case data of diagnosed skin conditions, millions of curated skin concern images, and thousands of examples of healthy skin — all across different demographics." In other words, Google's trying to be inclusive with this, addres...

Telegram's founder says that "Apple's totalitarian approach is so appreciated by the Communist Party of China."What you need to knowTelegram founder says Apple's software feels like the "Middle Ages."He says anyone using an iPhone is a "digital slave."His comments were made in response to a New York Times investigation.Telegram's founder Pavel Durov says developing for Apple's software feels like working in the "Middle Ages," adding that users are a "digital slave" to the company.Durov made comments in his public Telegram channel on May 19 in response to a recent New York Times investigation on Apple's relationship with China and its involvement in "large-scale surveillance and censorship at the behest of China.""Apple is very efficient at pursuing their business model, which is based on selling overpriced, obsolete hardware to customers locked in their ecosystem," he wrote. "Every time I have to use an iPhone to test our iOS app I feel like I'm thrown back into the Mid...

Amazon's line of Fire tablets are some of the best out, so we made sure to find you the best Fire HD 8 cases around. Amazon's 2020 model brought some nice upgrades to the tablet, so getting a case to make sure it stays protected makes sense. Don't worry! If you're looking for a case for an earlier model of the Fire HD 8, we have those for you here too.Amazon Fire HD 8 2020 (10th Gen)Don't worry, be happyAmazon Mickey No Bad DaysStaff PickThis case from Amazon does double-duty of keeping your table safe while spreading joy. It features Mickey and Minnie Mouse in a great beach scene and a bit of inspiration on the back. This folio-style case will also do a great job of keeping your tablet in great shape.$35 at AmazonFull sleevedMoKo Felt SleeveIf you are looking for some protection during your tablet's transit and less so while you're using it, then you may want to consider this sleeve from MoKo. It offers the main pouch for your device with a secondary spot...

Samsung could unveil the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite sometime in June.What you need to knowOfficial renders and full specs of Samsung's Galaxy Tab A7 Lite have surfaced.The affordable tablet will feature an 8.7-inch screen and MediaTek's MT8768x chipset. It is expected to be announced alongside the Galaxy Tab S7 FE. Samsung is soon expected to launch its first-ever "Fan Edition" tablet, which will be a follow-up to last year's Galaxy Tab S6 Lite. However, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE isn't the only affordable Android tablet Samsung is working on currently. It is also rumored to launch a cheap entry-level Android tablet called the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite. Official renders and specifications of the upcoming tablet have now appeared online, courtesy of German tech publication WinFuture.de.The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite will have a fairly similar design to the Galaxy Tab A 8.4 (2020), which was launched in March last year. It will feature an 8.7-inch LCD display with 1,340 x 800 resolution and much thicke...