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Updated 2025-10-30 18:49
SmartThings Find finally arrives on the Galaxy Watch 3 in new watch update
The Galaxy Watch 3 will also take less time to detect workouts.What you need to knowSamsung SmartThings arrives on the Galaxy Watch 3 and can be used to locate the watch.The update improved the time it takes for the watch to auto-detect workouts, and it can also detect when you wash your hands.The Galaxy Watch 3 update is rolling out to users now.Samsung started rolling out an update (via TizenHelp) for the Galaxy Watch 3 with a number of new features that further enhance the watch's usefulness. One of the most important additions to the watch is support for Samsung SmartThings Find, which launched last year. With the service now on the watch, owners of the Galaxy Watch 3 can now locate their wearable if it ends up missing somehow. And if it's offline, Bluetooth Low-Energy will come to the rescue by pinging nearby devices to help you track it down.The new update also improves the watch's health features and should speed up its ability to auto-detect workouts, meaning you ...
Google Fit is bringing important health features to your phone's camera
Google Fit is bringing a popular smartwatch feature to your smartphone.What you need to knowGoogle is enabling heart rate and respiratory rate measuring from your smartphone camera.Respiratory rate can be measured using your front-facing camera.Pixel smartphones will get the feature first, followed by other Android smartphones later.Remember how Samsung smartphones let you measure your heart rate by placing your finger on a sensor on the back of the phone? That feature died when smartwatches became more ubiquitous, but Google plans to bring it back, and without adding any extra hardware to your smartphone. Following a recent redesign of the Google Fit app, today the company announced a new feature coming to the app that allows customers to use their smartphone camera to measure not only heart rate but also respiratory rate.Measuring heart rate, which is determined by your blood flow, will require you to place your finger on your phone's camera lens. Using "powerful sensor...
Best Nest deals for February 2021: $91 off Nest Cam Indoor 3-pack and more
Nest makes some of the best smart thermostats, security cameras, and self-installed home security systems out there, but it comes at a price. Some of the equipment can be on the expensive side, which means that you may not be able to have as much of it in your home as you'd like, but we are here to help make it easier to afford more. At times, you can find some pretty sweet deals on a variety of Nest's most popular items.Best Google Nest Deals Available NowNest Thermostats: from $123Nest Wi-Fi: as low as $149Nest Cameras: from $123Smart Speakers & Displays: starting at $50Nest Cam Indoor Security Camera (3-pack) | $298.54 at AmazonSave nearly $100 when you purchase three Nest Cam Indoor Security Cameras together at Amazon. You'll be able to view their live video feeds whenever using an app on your phone or tablet.$298.54 at AmazonWhether it's a direct price drop, coupon code, or bundle deal, we've scoured the internet to find all of the best deals around ...
Samsung's Clock app now helps you track sleep with new Bedtime mode
Samsung's Clock app gains Digital Wellbeing support.What you need to knowSamsung has updated the Clock app with Digital Wellbeing support.Now you can track your sleep patterns just as easily as you can do with the Google Clock app.It's rolling out now via the Galaxy Store.Samsung's One UI clock app is now a lot more similar to Google's own Clock app. The company rolled out an update through the Galaxy Store (via Android Police), giving it the same bedtime mode that debuted on Pixels before coming to older Android phones.Now, the Clock app will be able to help you keep a handle on your sleep with its sleep schedule, as well as likely keep track of how many hours you stay asleep by monitoring your phone usage during your assigned bedtime. Unlike the Google Clock app though, this is tied to the S Health app.Again, like with the Google Clock app and select smart home devices, Samsung also integrates this with the SmartThings platform. It can slowly brighten the compatible l...
Before you hit the road, these are the car chargers your phone deserves
Whether you're making an all-day road trip or just your normal half-hour commute, the car is the perfect place to top off your shiny, new Android phone. After all, your phone should be stationary in a car mount for Android Auto or stowed away so you're not tempted to use it while driving. Car chargers come in many styles and shapes, but with the advent of USB-C Power Delivery charging, we now have a widely used standard that can be used for charging a phone or even laptops off the same port. Here are the best car chargers to replenish your battery on the road.Futureproof chargingAnker 49.5W PowerDrive Speed+ 2 Car AdapterStaff Pick$33 at AmazonThis charger features a 30W USB-C Power Delivery port that can charge your Chromebook decently or charge most phones at top speed, and a USB-A port to charge older phones and accessories. Anker's build quality also means this charger might outlive your car.Go wirelessiOttie Easy One Touch Wireless 2$50 at Amazon$50 at Best...
If you have an S21 and you use DeX, then this should make your life easier
No need to plug-inWhat you need to knowSamsung has enabled wireless DeX connections between its Galaxy S21 smartphones and PCs.Wireless DeX had been previously available for other Galaxy devices such as the Note 20 series.The feature update won't work if you have Link to Windows connected.Less than a month after the launch of the Galaxy S21 lineup, Samsung is bringing wireless DeX capability to its new smartphone series according to Android Police. Technically, Samsung is bringing the functionality to devices running One UI 3.1, but as of now that list is limited to the S21 series.Samsung DeX is basically a service that allows you to connect your Galaxy smartphone to a PC (or monitor) and was initially released to great fanfare in August of 2019. It allowed Galaxy users to access apps and features on their phones by just installing an app on their Mac or PC and plugging the phone into the computer. The ability to connect to DeX wirelessly has been around for several month...
TicWatch Pro 3 grabs a new update that makes a great smartwatch even better
The TicWatch Pro 3 is getting several speed enhancements in this new update.What you need to knowMobvoi is pushing out a new update for the TicWatch Pro 3.The update improves both the speed and responsiveness of Wear OS on the TicWatch Pro 3, as well as some bug fixes.The TicWatch Pro 3 is also receiving a few features related to the watch's Essential Mode.Mobvoi was quick to adopt the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 chipset that was announced last year, which brought with it some very necessary speed improvements for Wear OS. This makes it easily one of the best Android smartwatches on the market. Now the company is pushing out a new update that will make the TicWatch Pro 3 even faster and more responsive.Here are the available features, improvements, and bug fixes coming to your TicWatch Pro 3 with the latest firmware update:Features:Support adjusting the essential screen's date format (DD-MM/MM-DD) through the Essential Mode app.Support turning on the backlight thr...
Quick tips on how to play online multiplayer with your PS5
Once you've set up your new PS5, enjoying online multiplayer can be a compelling way to spend dozens upon hundreds of hours. With that in mind, some games are a bit easier to access online than others and you may need to be up to date on a gaming subscription. Here's how to play online multiplayer on PS5.Products used in this guidePlay every game online: PlayStation Plus 3-month subscription ($25 at Amazon)Get an extra controller: PlayStation 5 DualSense controller ($70 at Amazon)How to play online multiplayer on PS5To play games online on your PS5, you'll need to make sure you're connected to the internet. Some of the best free PS5 games don't require a subscription, such as Call of Duty: Warzone and Apex Legends. However, paid online games require you to sign up for PlayStation Plus, Sony's online subscription service. It costs $9.99 per month or $59.99 per year. You can also play games in PlayStation Now online for free.Turn on your PS5.Make sure you're connected to...
PS5 in-stock at Walmart now, order one today
If you're reading this it may already be too late to order one, but Walmart is giving you several chances.What you need to knowThe PS5 is in-stock at Walmart right now.Only online purchases are available. They will not be available in-stores.The console is set to ship at the beginning of March if you order today.Sony's PS5 is going to be in-stock at Walmart starting at 3:30pm ET, so act fast and grab one today. If you missed that chance, you may get another one today at a later time. Walmart's been one of the most consistent retailers at letting customers now when more consoles will be in-stock, putting up the PS5 in waves at different times so that more people can get a chance to buy one.Next-genPlayStation 5$500 at Walmart$400 at WalmartYou could have your hands on a console very soonWalmart has restocked the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition. Sony's latest and greatest console packs over 10TFLOPS of power with a wicked fast SSD that can load some games near-inst...
Google launches Drive for desktop to take care of all your syncing needs
Google is unifying its desktop backup apps.What you need to knowGoogle today announced Google Drive for desktop, a unified sync client for businesses and consumers alike.It will rename Drive File Stream to Google Drive for desktop today, while Backup and Sync will remain independent.Later in the year, Google will shutter Backup and Sync and move all users over to Drive for desktop. Google is launching a unified desktop sync client for Windows and macOS later this year. Currently, there are two such sync apps. Google Drive File Stream if you're a business, or Google Backup and Sync if you're a consumer.That's set to change in the coming months. Google will be replacing both apps with Google Drive for Desktop, a single unified app that'll work for both audiences.Writing today, the Google Workspace team explained: Some of our Google Workspace customers have deployed both sync solutions, which can be confusing for end users and challenging for IT departments to manage. ...
Google took down popular extension The Great Suspender due to malware
The Great Suspender had previously been warned about malware.What you need to knowThe Chrome Webstore has taken down its listing for The Great Suspender after flagging the extension for malware.The Great Suspender was an extension that reduced memory usage when users had many tabs open on their Chrome browser, which could be resource-heavy.The extension is being disabled on users' browsers. This follows claims that the software was sold to a company that used it for malicious purposes.The Great Suspender is a popular web extension for the Chrome web browser that allows users to put tabs to sleep. It was particularly useful for those of you who tend to keep many tabs open at once, as Chrome is known to be quite resource-heavy. It seems the extension has been disabled from users' computers and pulled from the Chrome Webstore after being flagged for malware.The extension has apparently been under some heat since mid-2020 when the developer reportedly sold the software, wit...
How to watch India vs England: Live stream 1st Test cricket online
Two teams both on a high after victories away from home go head-to-head in the first of four Tests - watch every ball with our India vs England 1st Test live stream guide below.The home side comes into this first match off the back of a hugely impressive 2-1 series win against Australia.That victory was achieved without talismanic captain Virat Kohli as well as Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Ashwin.All four key players will back for the hosts for this Test, and with home advantage on their side, India come into the match as favourites.England nevertheless have reason to also be confident. Their 2-0 series win against Sri Lanka last month provided the perfect prep for this series, with skipper Joe Root in exceptional form.With star players Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes also back for the tourists for these games, England will also fancy their chances in what should be a hotly contested opening Test.Read on for full details on how to live stream India vs England 1st Tes...
Best Super Bowl TV Deals: 4K, 8K, OLED, QLED, and more
It's no secret that Super Bowl LV is just days away, but if you're hoping to watch the big game in all its glory, it might be time to finally replace your current TV for an upgraded model. All the best TV brands know that fans will be looking for a fantastic screen to watch the year's biggest sports event on, and that means it's easier than ever to find great TV deals which can be hard to pass up.Hisense 85-inch LED 4K UHD Smart Android TV (H6510G Series) | $700 off at Best BuyReady for the big game? Today's sale on the Hisense 85-inch 4K Smart Android TV can help with a major $700 discount we've only seen during Cyber Monday last year. This deal is available for just one day only, so don't wait!$999.99 at Best BuyBest Super Bowl TV Deals Available Now55" and under65" and under70" and overSuper Bowl TV deals are not to be missed, so we'll be keeping track of all the best offers just below to make sure you can find the right model for your home before kickoff o...
Keep the big, beautiful OnePlus 8 Pro big and beautiful with a case
Your OnePlus 8 Pro deserves a case as great as it is. After all, the OnePlus 8 Pro is big, beautiful, and boasts some great features, including IP water resistance and wireless charging. The back glass comes in funky colors like Glacial Green and Ultramarine Blue, but it's still a glass-backed phone, and that means you'll want to protect it so that you're not blowing hundreds of dollars repairing or replacing it. After extensive research, these are the best OnePlus 8 Pro cases you can buy.Let's kick itPoetic RevolutionStaff PickThe OnePlus 8 Pro can last a long time if you protect it, and heavy-duty cases like the Revolution offer that protection in spades. Not only does this case come with a screen protector, but it also has a kickstand on the back for propping it up on your desk or nightstand.From $17 at Amazon$37 at WalmartSo sleek and svelteX-Level GuardianThis case might not be textured like the Spigen Liquid Air, but it trades that texturing for a slimmer p...
Get even smoother video out of your Galaxy with a gimbal
Many of the best Samsung phones are equipped with incredible video-centric features like 8K video, even manual controls, and ultra-smooth OIS. But no matter how good that built-in stabilization is, it's hard to beat a real gimbal for smooth and steady video, which counters against any shaky hand movements. The DJI OM4 is cost-effective, compact, and easy to use, but it's far from your only option.Best Overall: DJI OM 4The DJI OM 4 is the easiest way to quickly jump into shooting stable video without having to worry about carefully calibrating each axis of your gimbal. While you can fine-tune the axes a bit, the motors inside are strong enough to correct for almost any imbalance, and the OM 4's adjustable clamp can expand out large enough to fit any phone — even the Galaxy S21 Ultra (though thicker cases may give you some trouble).DJI makes it easy to shoot stunning-looking video not just with great stabilization, but it includes hands-free gesture control and built-in prese...
How to watch Spurs vs Chelsea: Live stream Premier League football online
There's a mouth-watering London derby in store on Thursday night as Jose Mourinho and Thomas Tuchel look to outwit each other in a bid to keep their fading top-four hopes alive. Read on for our full guide to getting a Spurs vs Chelsea live stream and watch the Premier League action online wherever you are right now.With the title race increasingly looking like a two-horse race between both Manchester sides, these two bitter capital rivals now have a battle on the hands to catch up with Leicester, Liverpool, and West Ham to clinch a crucial Champions League spot.Seventh-placed Spurs' floundering campaign has been dealt a further blow with the loss of star striker and skipper Harry Kane.Tottenham's toothless showing in the defeat to Brighton at the weekend shows they've yet to come to terms with life without their talismanic captain following his ankle injury sustained last week in his side's damaging loss to Liverpool.With Spurs fans aggrieved at their side deteriorating form ...
The perfect cases for Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite tablets
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 helpful device to get dropped or otherwise damaged. That's why you should protect it with one of these wonderful 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.$12 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, and the cover...
Control, Destruction AllStars, and more release for PS4 and PS5 in February
New and exciting PS4 releases seem to come out each month, giving dedicated gamers plenty of worlds to choose from. With the PS5 officially here, fans now keep track of multiple new releases and updates more than ever. Fortunately, we've gathered all of the best titles and listed other worthy games for you to consider. Here are all the PS4 and PS5 releases to look out for this January.★ Featured favorite - February 2Control: Ultimate EditionStaff PickWhen Control launched in 2019, it received tons of critical praise and quickly rocketed to Game of the Year short lists. However, we still don't think enough of you have played it, and with all of its DLC and a next-gen upgrade now out, now's the perfect time to jump on this incredible game. Better yet, if you're a PlayStation Plus subscriber, you can grab this right now for free, as its part of the February lineup of free titles.See at PlayStationFebruary 2Destruction AllStarsAnother game that's releasing for f...
Do you prefer a smaller, 41mm or larger, 45mm Galaxy Watch 3?
Big and boldSamsung Galaxy Watch 3 (45mm)From $329 at AmazonProsBright, beautiful 1.4-inch SUPER AMOLED displayTwo-plus hour battery lifeSamsung PayNew running and sleep featuresBuilt-in GPS and LTE options availableConsMay be too big for smaller wristsSlightly heavier than 41mm modelThe biggest and baddest of Samsung's latest and greatest smartwatch is just the right size for larger wrists. It comes in slightly larger than the popular Galaxy Watch Active 2. It packs in a host of new fitness, health, and lifestyle features in several finishes and colors.A tinier timepieceSamsung Galaxy Watch 3 (41mm)From $299 at AmazonProsBright, beautiful 1.2-inch SUPER AMOLED displaySamsung PayNew running and sleep featuresBuilt-in GPS and LTE options availableConsSmaller battery than 45mm modelMight be too smallNo titanium optionIf you have a smaller wrist or are put off by bulky watches, then this is a perfect compromise size for you. You ...
Wink Hubs should finally be back online after a major 10-day outage
Wink has finally implemented a solution and is compensating customers.Update, Feb 4 (11:45 am ET): Service should be back up for most Wink hubsWhat you need to knowWink's smart home platform has been suffering from a widespread outage for a week.Wink says it has identified the issue and is working on implementing a fix. The smart home platform faced a similar days-long outage in September last year.Smart home platform Wink, which switched to a subscription service in July last year, has been facing "connectivity issues" for a week.As reported by the folks at Android Police, Wink acknowledged the issues on January 25 and issued an update on the same day saying it was investigating the issue. Two days later, Wink claimed it had identified the issue and was implementing a fix. Disappointingly, however, the company hasn't been able to resolve the issues yet and its smart home platform is still down.Wink's status page shows it is suffering a major outage across all its int...
Consolidate your charging gear with these slick 100W PD chargers
Once upon a time, getting one of the best 100W USB-C chargers meant it would be bulky, expensive, and proprietary. Now with Power Delivery, you can now find 100W chargers, with 125W charging on the way, that will charge even the most powerful laptops quickly and will charge even lower-powered devices like Chromebooks and phones, alongside your laptop with ease. The scene is shifting on 100W chargers pretty quickly these days as gallium nitride (GaN) starts making its way into this class of charger, but right now, we have a clear winner in the AUKEY Omnia 100W PD Charger.Deceptively powerfulAUKEY Omnia 100W PD ChargerStaff pickFor the most powerful and compact charger, you can't deny the AUKEY Omnia 100W PD Charger is the one that stands out. Though it only has a single USB-C PD port, when it can pump-out this kind of power, you'll be able to juice up your devices quickly. Due to its implementation of GaN, the size of the charger is small with big-time power.$40 at Amazon...
Winds & Leaves breaks new ground as the first PSVR-exclusive of 2021
This game is all about movement freedom and creativity.What you need to knowWinds & Leaves is a gardening sim of sorts that tasks players with regrowing a barren world.The game introduces a new kind of locomotion that uses the PS Move controllers like stilts to move about the world.Winds & Leaves launches on PlayStation VR this Spring.Spring has sprung for PlayStation VR — or, at least, it will when Winds & Leaves joins the ranks of upcoming PSVR games with an exclusive debut on the platform with the next season change. While everyone's still stressed about buying a PS5, you can relax and feel truly zen while regrowing the entire world in Winds & Leaves. That sounds like an awfully daunting task and far from relaxing, but developer Trebuchet promises that the game is all about taking things one step at a time.You'll literally be stepping in Winds & Leaves, too, thanks to a brand new locomotion mechanic that utilizes the somewhat limited PS Move motio...
Grab the fantastic LG 55-inch OLED 4K Smart TV on sale for $1,350
OLED is the best you can get in TV panels, but it's also rare and far more expensive than most other options. If you can afford it, though, you should upgrade because the image quality can't be beat. Right now, Amazon has LG's CX Series 55-inch OLED 4K Smart TV for $1,349.99 when you clip the $50 off on-page coupon. You can also get this same price at Best Buy if you're a My Best Buy member. My Best Buy is simple and free and just requires an email. Either way, this price matches one of our favorite deals of Black Friday. Since the holiday shopping season ended the TV has been going for as much as $2,000 and has regularly sold for above $1,700. It has been $1,500 for the last month, but this is the first time since the big day we've seen it go this low.The single most important part of buying a TV is the image quality. Things like smart functionality or built-in Wi-Fi are nice, but those can be supplemented if lacking. If the image is bad, the TV will never be good. OLED panels ens...
The Galaxy A51 is Samsung’s first A-series phone to get Android 11
Samsung's other popular A series phones are also expected to start receiving Android 11 soon.What you need to knowSamsung has started rolling out the Android 11-based One UI 3.0 update to the Galaxy A51.The update brings a revamped UI design, the February 2021 security patch, and all major Android 11 features.It will take a few weeks for the update to become widely available.After upgrading nearly all its recent flagship devices to Android 11, Samsung is now shifting focus to its mid-range Galaxy A-series lineup. The Galaxy A51, which is one of the company's best cheap Android phones, has now started receiving the stable Android 11 update.As per SamMobile, the stable Android 11 update for the Galaxy A51 arrives as version A515FXXU4DUB1 and is currently rolling out to users in Russia. It brings pretty much all the Android 11 features you would expect – including one-time permissions, chat bubbles, improved media controls, and Conversation notifications.Additionally, th...
Best Pixel 5 deals of February 2021: Where to buy Google's new phone
It's never too soon to start saving. Sure, the Google Pixel 5 is still brand new, but thanks to carriers and stores competing for your business, it's usually not too difficult to find an early discount on a popular product such as this. Pixel 5 deals may be limited at first, but we expect we'll be seeing plenty of offers in no time with carrier discounts arriving first and deals on unlocked devices following. Of course, if the Pixel 5 is out of your price range, there are also some stellar Pixel 4a deals available right now.Best Pixel 5 Deals Available NowWhere to buy the Pixel 5Carrier Deals: Trade-in or BOGOUnlocked deals: Up to $100 offThe Google Pixel 5 offers a number of solid improvements upon the Pixel 4. Though its predecessor received some flak for its bad battery life, the Pixel 5 includes a 4080mAh battery that's miles better than the 2800mAh battery found in the Pixel 4. The cameras are receiving an upgrade as well; the telephoto lens from the Pixel 4 has ...
Block ads, trackers and even some malware with the best Chrome ad blockers
Deeply hidden in your Chrome settings are tools for blocking pop-ups, but because of how Chrome and other web browsers are programmed to earn money, there are still many types of ads that display. Cybercriminals cleverly disguised phishing schemes, adware, or malicious downloads as legitimate ads, so the best and easiest way to protect yourself is with an ad blocker. Here are some of our favorites.Staff pickAdBlockStaff pickOn top of blocking pop-up ads, AdBlock keeps banner ads from downloading within the content you're reading and stops commercials from showing in YouTube videos. AdBlock doesn't ask for personal information before installing the browser extension, and it doesn't keep information about your browser history or other online activity.Free at Chrome StoreAdware and virus blockingAdBlocker UltimateAdBlocker Ultimate stops every kind of ad. It doesn't have a whitelist, so there is no way to make an exception for an ad or pop-up to get through. Th...
Are you still using the Pixel 3a in 2021?
Chatting with the AC forums.Taking a look back at some of the best Android phones from the last couple of years, one that stands out as something special is the Google Pixel 3a. The 3a was Google's first budget handset that launched in May 2019, and shortly after its debut, it became known as one of the best deals of the year.Google continued the 3a's legacy with the Pixel 4a and 4a 5G in 2020, and in 2021, we're expecting a Pixel 5a to keep this train rolling.Taking a look back at the Pixel 3a, though, there are still quite a few people using — and loving — Google's first budget device. Sifting through the AC forums, here's what a few of our members have to say. tfitzpat03 02-03-2021 04:33 PM “ I have been using mine since July 2019. Still works great. No real complaints outside of the camera app lag for me. Reply livetovacation60 ...
mmWave is incredible, especially when it's not used in 5G phones
There is a lot of talk about how mmWave (millimeter-wave) radio spectrum is the future of 5G cellular networks and how it's a must-have if you want the best Android phone — at least on Verizon. But mmWave signals and spectrum isn't something new and it's not something specifically designed for use in broadband carrier networks; it just happens to do a fair job there, too.Because of the way signals are carried across the mmWave bands, there are plenty of other uses in practical consumer electronics, industrial and military applications, and even some pie-in-the-sky municipal networking systems that we'll never see because of the costs associated with building them out. Remember Wi-Max?What is mmWave exactly?It's common to see articles written about mmWave that don't tell you how or why it works, or at best just give a general idea instead of explaining it. I know I'm guilty of writing some myself.mmWave is a specific area of the radio frequency spectrum that covers all fre...
PSA: Amazon Alexa is down for some users in the U.S.
The issues appear to be limited to the U.S. currently.What you need to knowSome users are reporting connectivity issues with Amazon's Alexa voice assistant.As per Down Detector, issues are being detected across several cities in the U.S.Users reports suggest the issues started around 7:50 AM ET.Multiple users are reporting that they are having problems interacting with Amazon's Alexa voice assistant this morning. As per data from Down Detector, the problems started at 7:48 AM ET. While the majority of users are experiencing issues connecting with the server, some users say they are having trouble logging in.The live outage map on the Down Detector website shows issues are currently being detected in New York, Seattle, Washington, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and a few other cities across the U.S.In 2021, I want to see a truly mobile (and useful) version of Alexa...
What else can I do with my Stadia controller?
Best answer: You can use your Stadia controller to play games on PC via Steam. Alternatively, your Stadia controller also works with Xbox Cloud Gaming for Android.Try a new gaming subscription: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($15 at Amazon)Stay charged up: USB-C charging cables ($12 at Amazon)What else can I do with my Stadia controller?On February 2, 2021, Google announced that it was shutting down Stadia Games and Entertainment, closing its internal development studios, with head Jade Raymond departing the company. Moving forward, there won't be any internally-developed exclusive games. Your Stadia controller may not be used for playing exclusive games developed by Stadia Games and Entertainment but it can be used for a few other things.To start, if you still want to play games remotely, you can try Xbox Cloud Gaming for Android. You'll need an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, at which point you just pair the Stadia controller to your phone using a USB-C cable and you're g...
Realme X7 series debuts in India, prices start at ₹19,999 ($275)
The Realme X7 is the first phone to launch in India with MediaTek's Dimensity 800U chipset.What you need to knowRealme's X7 series phones are now official in India.Both the phones offer 5G connectivity and feature 64MP main cameras.The Realme X7 will go on sale in India from February 12 for a starting price of ₹19,999 ($275).Realme today launched its X7 series phones in India, nearly five months after their debut in China. Just as expected, however, the Indian Realme X7 variant is a rebranded version of the Realme V15. The phone's main rival in the Indian market will be the Xiaomi Mi 10i, which is currently the best Android phone in the mid-range segment.The Realme X7 sports a 6.4-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen with a hole-punch cutout in the top-left corner for the 16MP selfie camera. It is powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 800U chipset, paired with up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.1 storage. Around the back of the phone is a triple-camera setup featuring a 64MP mai...
Say what you will about Amazon's devices, but they sure do last
Value is about more than price; it's about longevity and durability.I know that I'm fortunate to have a job where I get to test, play with, and write about gadgets and gizmos galore — believe me, I'm very grateful to be in this position! But most of the devices I use are only in use for a short amount of time before they have to be either returned or are replaced by the next version to review. However, if you were to take a look at the products that I've purchased for myself, you'd see many older, beat up devices that have faithfully served me for many years. But what might surprise you is the manufacturer for some of my favorite devices that have had the longest lifespans. It's not Apple, Google/Nest, or Samsung, but rather Amazon whose devices have proven the most durable and have stood up to the Johnson family household. Despite being absurdly affordable, Amazon's first-party devices manage to last longer than many more premium and expensive options.We cover a lot of Am...
Which Hulu plan is the right one for you?
All you need to know to pick the perfect Hulu plan.Hulu boasts a massive media library that gives subscribers access to thousands of hours of new and classic content at the touch of a button. But with so much to watch, it's important that every subscriber can curate their individual streaming experience. With that in mind, Hulu offers three different subscription plans, as well as a bundle option that also includes access to Disney+ and ESPN+. Here's a rundown of all the Hulu plans and prices, so that you can decide which is right for you.Streaming made easyHuluFrom $6 at HuluAll the shows and movies you'll needHulu offers three different subscription plans. Pick which plan works best for you and start exploring Hulu's massive library of classic movies, trending series, Hulu Originals and more.Hulu's most popular planHulu offers three different tiers when it comes to signing up for a monthly subscription. The most popular plan is also the cheapest at $6 a mont...
Synology DiskStation DS1520+ review: The ultimate home media server
This five-bay NAS is great as a Plex server and doubles up as a robust office-focused enclosure.Synology has plenty of options if you're looking for the best NAS for Plex. The storage manufacturer has a vast array of NAS enclosures catered to home as well as office users, with the Plus series aimed at the prosumer market.The 5-bay DiskStation DS1520+ is a particularly alluring option in Synology's portfolio: it sits above the multimedia-focused 4-bay DS920+ — which costs $549 — and is more affordable than the $800 6-bay Ryzen-powered DS1621+. While the DS1621+ is aimed more at SMBs and doesn't have Plex transcoding, the DS1520+ is ideally suited to media streaming and holds its own for productivity-related use cases.Think of the DS1520+ as a larger DS920+ with better extensibility — with two eSATA ports at the back, you can add up to ten additional drive bays to the NAS. Another upside is that it comes with 8GB of RAM out of the box, double that of the DS920+. So let's se...
Xiaomi's Mi 10T series starts receiving the stable Android 11 update
Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro owners in Europe will have to wait slightly longer to receive the update.What you need to knowXiaomi's Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro phones have started receiving the stable Android 11 update.The new build is still based on MIUI 12, and not the newer MIUI 12.5. Along with new Android 11 features, the update also brings the January 2021 security patch.Xiaomi's Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro, which are among the best Android phones in Xiaomi's current lineup, have finally started receiving the Android 11 update. As reported by the folks at XDA Developers, the Android 11 update is now rolling out to Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro users in India.The update arrives as build version 12.1.1.0.RJDINXM and weighs in at 2.8GB in size. It brings a ton of new features – including improved privacy, one-time permissions, wireless Android Auto support, smart device controls, and more. The January 2021 Android security patch is included as well.Unfortunately, however, the update doesn't...
Should you buy an extended warranty for the PS5?
Best answer: No. The PS5 includes a one-year warranty directly from Sony at no charge. You can also get an extended 90 days warranty beyond the initial year if you register your console.Grab some games: PlayStation Store Gift Card ($20 at Amazon)Get an extra controller: PS5 DualSense Controller ($70 at Amazon)Should you buy an extended warranty for PS5?Unless you are highly accident-prone, you likely don't need to take out an extended warranty on your PS5. It's understandable why you'd want to: due to high demand, it's very difficult to buy a PS5 right now and depending the type of console you get — a regular PS5 or PS5 Digital Edition — you'll be making a $400 to $500 investment.With that in mind, you are most likely fine without getting any sort of extended warranty. Your PS5 comes with a one-year warranty by default, meaning you'll have a decent window of time to check for any major hardware problems or defects. While there's a full list of PlayStation 5 errors and ...
Best Super Bowl deals on Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV & more
It's Super Bowl week and, if you've recently cut the cord, you're probably thinking about how to watch Super Bowl 2021 this year. With a variety of streaming options, there's basically a way for everyone to watch this year and maybe even catch a stream for free.While there are ample ways to stream the biggest game of the year online, you actually need some hardware to stream the game on. Fortunately, the makers of the most popular streaming hardware are wise to the fact that the biggest annual sporting event is coming right up and are offering some excellent deals on their streaming sticks and set top boxes.Check out the best streaming device deals below and place your orders in time for the main event.Best Super Bowl deals on Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV & moreAmazon Fire TV Stick Lite | $21.99 at AmazonThe Fire TV Stick Line is a fantastic entry-level streaming device, perfect for any TV and any room. It's directly discounted to just $22 which is only a few bucks more ...
FIFA Club World Cup live stream: How to watch the 2020 tournament online
The best football teams from around the world descend on Qatar this week for the delayed 2020 FIFA Club World Cup. Don't miss a moment with our Club World Cup live stream guide.Taking place this February, instead of December 2020, the week-long tournament pits the winners of each region's Champions League against one another to decide which club deserves the title of world champion.Running from February 4 and climaxing in the final on February 11, this tournament also serves as a test run of sorts for Qatar who are slated to hold the FIFA World Cup in 2022.Read on for full details on how to get a live stream of the 2020 FIFA Club World Cup matches no matter where you are in the world with our guide below.What is the FIFA Club World Cup?The Club World Cup is an international cup competition in men's soccer that is designed to bring the champions of various regions of the world together in a showpiece tournament.The tournament usually involves seven teams — winners of the...
India could ban Twitter over escalating farmers' protest
The Indian government wants Twitter to restrict accounts and tweets related to farmer protests in the country.What you need to knowThe Indian government has issued a notice to Twitter, threatening the social media giant to block accounts and content related to farmer protests in the country.Twitter had restricted several accounts in the country earlier this week in compliance with a legal demand, but the restrictions were later lifted.India's IT Ministry says it may take penal action against Twitter if it refuses to comply with the order.Earlier this week, Twitter restricted access to several popular accounts linked with the ongoing farmer protests in India, in compliance with a "legal demand." However, it restored the accounts just 12 hours after they were restricted. India's IT Ministry has now sent a notice to the social media giant, asking the company to comply with its order to block content and accounts related to the protests.A copy of the notice accessed by TechCr...
Changing your Google Account profile photo just got a little bit easier
Changing your Google Account profile photo from the Contacts app is so simple yet so necessary.What you need to knowGoogle Contacts now lets users change their Google Accounts photo from within the app.You used to only be able to do this from the Google app or Google Photos.The new functionality should be available in the latest version of the Google Contacts app.Google Contacts is a pretty straightforward Android application that doesn't really need to rock the boat in terms of new features. It's simple enough and lets you sync between devices so you don't have to worry about losing your contacts. But one feature that has surprisingly not been present is the ability to change your Google Account photo from within the app. That's a feature that's arriving now in the latest version of the app.XDA-Developers notes that the latest version of Google Contacts (version 3.38) now lets you select a contact photo and syncs it with your Google Account. Before, the Google Contacts a...
Robinhood is back to a one-star rating, but Google isn't coming to save it
Google removed over 100,000 negative reviews of the Robinhood app from the Play Store.Update, Feb 3 (9:00 pm ET): Google says it won't step in this time to save the app ratingWhat you need to knowRobinhood blocked trading to a number of stocks after trading surged thanks to a group of Redditors.GameStop, Nokia, AMC, and other companies were affected by the surge.Robinhood's rating on the Google Play Store tumbled after a swarm of negative reviews plagued the app.Anyone following the drama surrounding Robinhood knows just how much of a mess it's become. For those not aware, the mobile investment app has been under fire after it halted trading to a number of companies after they saw their shares surge. Many people weren't happy with the decision, calling it market manipulation, and even prompting a lawsuit against Robinhood. Another result of the drama is the app saw its rating drop on Google Play Store following a swarm of negative reviews.According to 9to5Google, the Ro...
Google Maps is testing a UI change that could reach your phone soon
This time Google Maps is changing up the route selection screen.What you need to knowGoogle Maps is apparently testing out a new look when selecting a route.The updated UI moves the transportation mode selection to the bottom.It appears to be testing with a small group, so a wider rollout is unknown.Google Maps is continuing to add new features and updates to its UI. Just recently, Google brought its split-screen UI from the web client to the Android app, making it easier for users to navigate the virtual streets without getting lost. You can check out our guide to show you how to enable split-screen view in Google Maps on Android. The latest UI change comes to the route selection screen and signals a more uniform look for the app.Spotted by XDA-Developers, the change appears in the route selection screen, where users are prompted to choose from a number of transportation modes. Instead of a boxed section at the top with a tabbed row of transportation modes, the destinati...
Qualcomm nearly doubled its chip sales last quarter thanks to 5G push
Qualcomm reported impressive growth for the quarter ending in December.What you need to knowQualcomm reported its fiscal Q1 2021 earnings, which show impressive growth.As the company continues to ride the 5G wave, with chip sales growing 79%.Qualcomm expects the purchase of Nuvia to affect its short-term financials, albeit with long-term gains.Qualcomm reported its quarterly earnings today, and while the company missed some forecasts, it still showed impressive growth, most likely due to the push for 5G. According to the report, Qualcomm's revenue grew 63% while income shot up 118% YoY. In addition, revenues from Qualcomm's chip sales nearly doubled YoY to $4.22 billion. That further points to the growth of 5G and is something that outgoing CEO, Steve Mollenkopf, expects to ramp up in the current quarter and beyond. We delivered an exceptional quarter, more than doubling earnings year-over-year due to strong 5G demand in handsets and growth in our RF front-end, automoti...
Phone Hub is one step closer to your Chromebook, but it's got miles to go
We've waited so long — and we'll have to stay patient a while longerWhat you need to knowPhone Hub has been slowly going live for some lucky users on Chrome OS Canary or Developer builds.It's a server-side A/B test, so very few users have been able to use it so far.The working hub still has a few bugs, but we now have a good idea how Phone Hub looks and acts.We're always excited to hear about new features for our favorite Chromebooks, and one that's been stuck in development for months and months is Phone Hub. This seeks to greatly expand the pairing and connection between your Android phone and Chromebook, just like iPhone/Mac integration by allowing you to see and respond to phone notifications, pick up recent Chrome tabs on the larger laptop screen, and ring or silence your phone without having to go dig it out of your purse across the room.This week, Android Police picked up on reddit posts that Phone Hub was finally working in some Developer and Canary builds of Ch...
No microSD on the Galaxy S21? No problem!
Samsung has ditched the microSD card slot with its 2021 flagships, so if you're looking for the best microSD alternatives for the Galaxy S21, we're here to assist. There are plenty of choices available that deliver the same performance as the S21's internal storage, with the Samsung T7 leading the pack with its rugged design and blazing-fast file transfers. So if you're missing the expansion slot, here are the best microSD alternatives for your Galaxy S21.The obvious choiceSamsung T7 500GB Portable SSDStaff PickSamsung's T7 portable SSD has 500GB of storage encased in a shock-resistant design that withstands 6-feet tumbles. You get an incredible 1,050MB/s writes, ensuring near-instantaneous transfers from your S21 to the SSD. Samsung bundles USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables in the box, and the sleek form factor and the durable design make the T7 the ideal choice.$90 at AmazonAs easy as it getsAnker SD Card ReaderJust need to connect your microSD or SD ...
Premium Incipio cases are now available for your new S21 device
Cases you can rely on.The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G are both amazing phones, but they're also quite pricey. Therefore, you're going to want to protect your investment with a quality case that can stand tall against heavy damage. Luckily, Incipio's brand new line of cases for S21 devices has arrived, and it's everything an S21 user could ever dream of. Here's a look at why.Never worry about drops againUltra-protective cases in the past have been effective, but have always been bulky and uncomfortable. When designing its cases, Incipio set out to find a way to slim down the case profile without sacrificing any protectiveness.Its solution was Impact Strut technology, a creative and innovative design in which a system of small struts is lined across the inner edge of the case. When you drop your phone, the force of the impact is absorbed completely by each of these struts. This design gives Incipio cases the ultra-protective qualities that users ne...
Battle for the end table: the Amazon Echo Show 8 vs. Echo Show 5
Echo Show 8Goldilocks zone$130 at AmazonProsGreat compromise sizePhysical cover/off switch for microphones and cameraSimilar specs to the larger and more expensive Echo Show (2nd Gen)ConsNo Dolby processingNeed a stand to adjust viewing anglesThe Echo Show 8 has taken pretty much all that was good from the Echo Show (2nd Gen) and the Echo Show 5 and fit them into a perfectly-sized smart screen speaker. On-device privacy controls, a better screen resolution than the smaller Show 5, and better speakers make this a great buy.Echo Show 5Bedside buddy$45 at AmazonProsCompact design to fit anywherePhysical cover/off switch for microphones and cameraBetter speakers than Echo Dot or Echo SpotConsAuto-brightness isn't well-tunedIf all you want is an Echo with a clock, the Dot with Clock is 2/3 the priceThe Echo Show 5 changed the game for the Echo product line. It "showed" that Amazon could put a quality smart screen experience in a smalle...
Celebrate Black History Month with 'Curated Culture' wallpapers for Pixels
Google partnered with a Black artist for this new Black History Month collection.What you need to knowGoogle has launched a new collection of wallpapers celebrating Black History Month.The wallpapers were created by Jamaican artist, Melissa Koby, as an expression of the Black experience."Curated Culture" is available now on Google Pixel smartphones.Black History Month is upon us, and many companies are taking time to support and pay tribute to Black lives, in both big and small ways. Google has recently doubled down on its pledge to support Black businesses, especially as the impact of the pandemic continues to take its toll. And while more can always be done to support the Black community, not every act has to be a grand gesture, and even small things can have just as strong an impact.Recently, Google rolled out a new collection of wallpapers available for Google Pixel smartphones that celebrate the Black experience, and they can be downloaded today. Created by Jamaican ...
Aren't phones supposed to get better? Galaxy S20 Plus vs. Galaxy S21 Plus
A step forwardSamsung Galaxy S20+$705 at AmazonProsSD and MST support120hz refresh rateGorgeous QHD DisplayConsOlder processorFewer storage optionsSmaller batteryThe Samsung Galaxy S20+ was a powerhouse upon its release and had a price tag to match. With that, you got a beautiful QHD display, SD card support, MST for mobile payments, and a huge battery. This phone is still a great buy today.A Step backSamsung Galaxy S21 Plus$1,000 at SamsungProsCheaper at introductionBigger BatteryBetter ProcessorBrighter ScreenDynamic Refresh RateConsFHD+ resolutionNo upgrade in CameraFlat screenThe Samsung Galaxy S21+ has a better processor, and there are more storage options, but the upgrades to this phone over its predecessor are minimal. One big upgrade is the price, which Samsung lowered for this generation of devices. But Samsung had to make some sacrifices to get there.Typically, year after year, we see gradual improvements in a...
Destruction AllStars is a PS Plus darling you shouldn't buy
There's potential here that with the right support could be great. Right now it's just OK.You'd think a game built for multiplayer would succeed on that front, but Destruction AllStars, a multiplayer game, leaves a lot to be desired.The vehicular combat title just released onto PlayStation Plus on PS5 as a free game for members and while it seems like the perfect fit for PS Plus, it's tough to see anyone going out and spending $70 on this game at retail. What's there is the skeleton of a great game — which can admittedly be built up into something much better — that fails to impress, and it's a far cry from some of the best PS5 games at the moment.Jumping into multiplayer, which should be the meat of the game, you'll see there are only two game modes you can play in a party: Carnado and Stockpile (despite PlayStation saying that Mayhem is playable is teams, it was definitely labelled 'Solo' and would not let us join and play it together). The other two modes (yes, there are...
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