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Updated 2025-10-30 17:03
App Lab is Facebook's answer to Sidequest, coming in February to Quest
Facebook Messenger and App Lab are just two of the dozen new features for QuestWhat you need to knowApp Lab is Facebook's new Oculus Store feature to help indie developers with distribution.Facebook Messenger makes communication significantly easier while using the Oculus Quest.Oculus firmware update v25 begins rolling out this week and includes nearly a dozen new features.If you're looking to buy an Oculus Quest 2 or already got one this past Holiday season, Facebook has a ton of new features for you to get excited about. First off, you'll no longer need to just know how to Sideload game on the Oculus Quest, as Facebook is launching its own indie developer section called App Lab. Found right in the official Oculus Store, indie developers who register to be a part of the App Lab process can get their games published to the Oculus Store and earn revenue and a bigger player base through first-party channels. App Lab is shipping with Oculus firmware v25, which is scheduled to ...
Huawei's Harmony OS is just Android in a hat and sunglasses
Huawei is pulling an Amazon without acknowledging it.What you need to knowHuawei's HarmonyOS is a lot less novel than Huawei presents.A deep dive into the operating system revealed a largely unchanged version of Android 10. Huawei says phones running HarmonyOS will ship this year.As has been assumed, Huawei is moving away from Android this year, in a manner of speaking. The company has been rendered unable to use Google's operating system in any meaningful manner ever since a 2019 U.S. ban prevented it from working with Google and loading the Google Play Store on its devices. Instead, the company throwing all its eggs into its HarmonyOS basket, a new operating system that Huawei has been playing up over the past year as its big Android replacement.How did Huawei manage to do this? Well, according to ArsTechnica's Ron Amadeo who went poking around in the HarmonyOS emulator, they didn't. Huawei's HarmonyOS is just Huawei's version of Android with any mention of "Android" in...
These are the Amazon Echo Show devices that you should buy
You may know that there are three smart screen devices currently being sold by Amazon, but do you know which is the best Amazon Echo Show? With so many showy Echo devices, which one should you get? We'll talk you through each option to help you decide which is right for your home, although right now we recommend the Echo Show 8 above the others because of its perfectly accommodating size.Best Amazon Echo Show Overall: Echo Show 8The Echo Show 8 is currently the newest product in the Echo Show line, and as such, it takes some of the best features from the high and low ends. For example, it is in-between the smaller size of the Show 5 and the arguably unwieldy size of the Show (2nd Gen). It improves upon the sound quality of the smaller Show 5 with double the number of speakers (two 2-inch speakers at 10W per channel vs. one 1.7-inch speaker at 4W per channel). Plus, it has the same 1280x800 display as the larger Show (2nd Gen) for a higher ratio of pixels per inch.The Echo Sho...
Turns out that Huawei's HarmonyOS is really just Android
This is why open-source software is great. It's also why you should never trust what your eyes haven't actually seen.Huawei used to make some of the best Android phones you could buy. You probably never used one if you live in the U.S., but in many other parts of the world, Huawei phones were popular enough to keep the company in a head-to-head race with Samsung as the world's largest smartphone maker. Huawei makes great phones but they all need great software for anyone to care about them.Ars Technica has a wonderfully complete breakdown of Huawei's HarmonyOS 2 beta program written up that you totally need to take a look at. It covers the world's previously largest phone manufacturer's woes when it comes to software after the Chinese giant was placed on the U.S. Entity list and can no longer do business with Google, and on its own, that's an incredibly complex subject to tackle. Or it should have been.It turns out that after all the smoke and mirrors, HarmonyOS, as it sta...
Google to pay $3.8M fine for discrimination against woman and Asian workers
Google's discrimination charges come at a pretty awkward time.What you need to knowA compliance audit performed at Google several years ago discovered discriminatory behavior towards certain workers.Google reportedly underpaid nearly 3,000 of its female software engineers.Discriminatory hiring practices were also observed at Google, with women and Asian candidates offered fewer opportunities.,Google's troubles are seemingly unending, and the latest allegations against Google aren't really a good look for the company during a month focused on acceptance of others. Reuters reports that Google has been fined nearly $4 million for "allegations of systemic compensation and hiring discrimination" towards its workers based on audits that were conducted several years ago.According to the Department of Labor, the compliance audit, which was conducted between the years of 2014 and 2017, determined that nearly 3,000 of Google's female software engineers in the Mountain View, CA, and...
PlayStation Now is adding six new games to its lineup today
PlayStation Now continues to add new games from month-to-month.What you need to knowPlayStation Now is Sony's gaming subscription service that offers access to a revolving selection of games.Starting today, six new games are available as part of PlayStation Now's February lineup.Call of Duty: Black Ops III, arguably the headlining game, is available until April 29, 2021.Five other games are included like Detroit: Become Human, Little Nightmares, WWE 2K Battlegrounds, and more.PlayStation Now, Sony's game subscription service, has revealed the PlayStation Now lineup for February 2021. February sees the addition of six new games to the service, which is a decent number of new arrivals for Sony's service. While none of these games may dominate our Best Games on PlayStation Now list, there are some pretty great options like Call of Duty: Black Ops III and Detroit: Become Human.In case you missed it, PlayStation Now also added some new games in January that may be worth your ...
MVNO's Visible and Mint Mobile battle it out, but who wins? You do!
Buy in bulkMint MobileFrom $15/month at MintProsCheaper monthly ratesLots of plan optionsUnlimited talk and textFree hotspot accessWorks with most unlocked phonesConsCoverage isn't quite as dense as Visible'sMint Mobile uses T-Mobile to power its network, and while that means coverage isn't quite as expansive, you get a lot of bang for your buck. Plans are sold in bulk, meaning you have a bigger upfront cost but save a lot of money month-to-month. And, unlike Visible, you can use Mint Mobile with just about any Android phone.Verizon's networkVisible$40/month at VisibleProsUnlimited talk, text, and dataVerizon's LTE networkFree hotspot access (5Mbps)Taxes and fees includedSave more with Party PayConsOnly works with select Android phonesNo international supportWant access to Verizon's incredible LTE network for a fraction of the cost? That's what Visible brings to the table. For just $40 per month all-in, you get unlimited talk, ...
How to spend less on a pair of wireless earbuds
The best cheap wireless earbuds have become great over the past several years. The ones you typically hear about are super expensive. Still, there are some great budget options out there, such as the Creative Outlier Air V2, which offer fantastic battery life, exceptional comfort, and superb sound quality.Best Overall: Creative Outlier Air V2It's hard to beat the Outlier Air V2 on battery life. Even compared to the best wireless earbuds, they outperform most of them with up to 12 hours of audio playback per charge at default volume. Add another (almost) two charges in the charging case and you've got over 30 hours of total listening time. The only real downside is that the case doesn't feature wireless charging.Creative based the design on the Outlier Gold, which used different ear tips than the original Outlier Air did, and that move pays dividends in both fit and comfort. It also gives you a better seal to trap in more of the bass and preserve as much of the soundstage as p...
Stadia gets FIFA 21 finally this March, new Feb. Pro games now available
It's a relief to finally have a date for FIFA 21, but Stadia will need more big AAA third-party titles like this to remain relevant.What you need to knowFIFA 21 is releasing on Stadia March 17.Madden NFL 21 is still on sale for half-off until Feb. 9.New Stadia Pro games are available for February.Epistory - Typing Chronicles is a new typing-themed RPG, out today.Today, EA announced that FIFA 21 is finally coming to Stadia on March 17. The game was originally announced several months ago for Google's cloud-based gaming platform, so it's good to see it coming to fruition.A couple of other EA titles recently released on Stadia as well, such as Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order late last year and Madden NFL 21 just last week. You can still grab the entire Madden NFL 21 Superstar Edition for just $30 until Feb. 9.Like Madden, FIFA is highly anticipated as a core game to drive interest in the platform. The flexibility of being able to play anywhere at any time is a huge bonus for...
Bigscreen brings Black Cinema to the Oculus Quest 2 with 14 free films
Bigscreen is introducing Black Cinema as a new movie category to celebrate Black History Month.What you need to knowBigscreen's newest movie category celebrates Black films.Users can watch 14 ad-supported films for free with friends, along with live broadcasts of Selma.Available films include Night Catches Us, The Long Walk Home, Southside With You, and more.Bigscreen is celebrating Black History Month by introducing a new Black Cinema category, which is a collection of films now available to users "to commemorate the accomplishments of African Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history." The films are now available on-demand through PlutoTV and include the following:Night Catches UsThe Long Walk HomeThe Pruitt-Igoe MythSt. Louis SupermanSilverainSincerely, BrendaFor AhkeemMuhammad Ali Life of a LegendCoverI Am Not Your NegroSouthside With YouJackie BrownBroken CeilingMandelaAdditionally, Bigscreen is hosting live screenings of Selma throu...
Convert your reading list into an audio playlist with Elocance: now 91% off lifetime subscriptions
Source: StackCommerceFrom checking emails to reading the latest news on Windows Central, we spend hours a day reading from screens. If you prefer to listen, Eloquence can turn any text into a personal podcast. You can currently get a lifetime subscription for just $34.99.One reason why podcasts are so popular is that audio is often more convenient than video or text. You can be engrossed in a story while walking around and doing chores.With Elocance, you can enjoy the same experience with online articles, documents, emails, newsletters, and more. You simply save content to your reading list, and the app automatically converts the text into audio.The magic comes from a powerful text-to-speech engine, which offers HD sound and multiple accents. Elocance also lets you create custom playlists. This means you virtually never need to look at your phone.Rated at 4.4 stars on the App Store, the app is available on Android and iOS.Order today for $34.99 to get lifetime access, val...
Should you buy the Fossil Gen 5 LTE or the TicWatch Pro 4G LTE?
New kid on the blockFossil Gen 5 LTE$349 at FossilProsGPS, HRM, NFC, LTEActivity/health trackingGoogle AssistantBuilt-in mic/speakerSnapdragon Wear 3100ConsShort battery lifeMore expensiveIf you've been waiting for a new Wear OS smartwatch with LTE connectivity to arrive, you'll be thrilled with the Fossil Gen 5 LTE. It's essentially the same wearable as the original Gen 5 with LTE added to the mix. You get GPS, heart-rate monitoring, activity/health tracking, Google Assistant, and NFC payments.Budget-friendly classicTicWatch Pro 4G LTE$292 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFC, LTEActivity/health trackingGoogle AssistantBuilt-in mic/speakerDual-layer display + longer battery lifeConsNot a very attractive watchOld Snapdragon Wear 2100 processorWhile the TicWatch Pro 4G LTE offers some nice features, it's not the newest or best model from Mobvoi. The most notable disadvantage is that it's running on the outdated Snapdragon Wear 2100 proce...
Android phone deals February 2021: Galaxy S21 from $75 and more
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 ...
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 ...
EA Sports announces it is rebooting its College Football game series
The fan-favorite series is finally coming back.What you need to knowEA Sports announced today that it would be bringing back its College Football game series.Currently, EA Sports plans to move forward without using the names, images, or likenesses of any real college athlete.The last college football game was in 2014, and has quickly become a cult favorite amongst fans.In a surprise move earlier today, EA Sports announced that it would be rebooting its fan-favorite College Football game series. This marks the first college football video game since 2013, when EA Sports last released NCAA Football 14, a game that has since become a cult classic amongst sports games fans.For those who never stopped believing...#EASPORTSCollegeFootball pic.twitter.com/2vDUYnbXEJ— EA SPORTS (@EASPORTS) February 2, 2021In an announcement made by ESPN shortly after the reveal, EA Sports Vice President and general manager Daryl Holt confirmed that "EA Sports College Football" would be the ...
Customize your Telegram messaging experience with themes
One of the great things about the best messaging apps is that you can customize and craft them to look just the way you want them. It's true of Signal, it's true of WhatsApp, and of course, it's true of Telegram. We'll show you just how easy it is to change your theme, backgrounds, and chat settings on Telegram so that your messaging experience is as colorful as you are.How to change your theme and chat settings on TelegramOpen the Telegram app on your phone.Tap on the menu icon in the top left corner.Tap on Settings.Tap on Chat Settings. From here, you can customize nearly every design feature of your chats, including text size and bubble shape, and color.Tap on Change Chat Background.Scroll through the available Chat Background options. You can upload your own Chat Background by tapping on Select from Gallery, or just choose to Set a color.Select your favorite background. Tap on Blurred or Motion to change the effect of your Chat Background.Tap Set Background to co...
Your secure Signal messages don't have to look boring thanks to stickers
If you are one of the millions of new converts to the private messaging app Signal, then welcome! We are thrilled that such a privacy-centric app exists on both iOS and Android users (as well as Mac, Windows, and Linux). While Signal has always been secure and end-to-end encrypted, it hasn't always been the most fun-looking or customizable app, nor has it had as many personalization features. Thankfully, these features are finally starting to roll out to users, including one of our favorites — stickers! We'll show you how to add and use stickers in your Signal chats. Let's get started.How to add and use stickers in the Signal messaging appOpen the Signal app.Tap on a message thread or start a new message.Tap on the sticker icon in the Signal message composer.Choose from your installed sticker packs, or tap the + icon to add more stickers.Pick which sticker you like and tap on it.Tap the blue send arrow to send the sticker to your contact.Signal has built its privac...
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.Best 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 on February 7.It was recently announced that Super Bowl 2021 won't stream in 4K or HDR this year due to production limitations stemming from COVID-19. However, last year was the very first time the game was streamed in 4K and technically, it was only filmed in 1080p and later upscaled to 4K for the broadcast. Many of the TVs below also ...
Preorder Mass Effect Legendary Edition today, releases May 14
The trilogy has been enhanced for PS5 and Xbox Series X to support 4K resolution, HDR, and 60FPS.What you need to knowMass Effect Legendary Edition is set to release on May 14, 2021. BioWare has released a new trailer to mark the occasion.The game is releasing for last-gen consoles like Xbox One and PS4 but will be enhanced on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S through backward compatibility.It's $150 Legendary Collector's Edition does not come with the game, because of course it doesn't.BioWare has announced that the Mass Effect Legendary Edition trilogy remaster will be launching on May 14, 2021 for PS4, Xbox One, and PC. But not to worry, it can still be played on PS5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S through backward compatibility. In fact it's enhanced for these consoles to support 4K resolution, HDR, and 60FPS.Mass Effect Legendary Edition features improved textures, redone character models, updated UI, and much more. FemShep's iconic look from Mass Effect 3 has also been car...
Stable Android 11 update is finally here for the Nokia 8.3 5G
HMD Global will roll out the update in two phases.What you need to knowHMD Global has released the stable Android 11 update for the Nokia 8.3 5G.The update was supposed to arrive in Q4 2020.HMD Global says the update will hit Nokia 8.3 users in 27 countries by February 7.The Nokia 8.3, which is currently the only 5G-enabled phone in HMD Global's lineup, has finally started receiving the Android 11 update. HMD Global has announced that the update will be rolled out in two phases, with the first phase expected to be completed by February 7.We are excited to announce the roll out of our Android 11 update plan with Nokia 8.3 5G as part of our commitment to be trusted, secure and built to last. Update available now https://t.co/Ti1TtSrUFx pic.twitter.com/HBqhHqiAEi— Nokia Mobile (@NokiaMobile) February 2, 2021As per a post on the Nokia Community forums, the update will be rolled out in the following countries by February 7:BahrainBelgiumDenmarkEgyptFinlandFra...
Now that the Galaxy S21 is here, should you still buy the Galaxy S10?
Best answer: The Galaxy S10 is a fine smartphone in 2021, especially now that its price has come down considerably. However, with the launch of the Galaxy S20 FE and S21, the S10 no longer feels like a smart purchase.Value flagship: Samsung Galaxy S20 FE ($700 at Amazon)New in town: Samsung Galaxy S21 (From $800 at Samsung) How much does the Galaxy S10 cost these days?It's been about two years since the Galaxy S10 series first came to market. Samsung was still actively selling the S10 following the release of the S20, but now that the Galaxy S21 is out, the S10 is all but discontinued.You can find the baseline S10 being sold on Amazon, often for a little over $700. That's a decent price considering that the S10 is still a very capable Android phone, but thanks to Samsung's more recent releases, it doesn't make the most sense.Is the Galaxy S10 still powerful enough in 2021?The Galaxy S10 has since been updated to the most recent One UI 3 software, so you aren't being lef...
How to mute voice chat in Destruction AllStars on PS5
Sometimes you really don't want to listen to other players yell.Destruction AllStars has launched into PlayStation Plus on PS5 and players have already discovered an unfortunate feature... it has voice chat turned on by default, and it blares loudly through the speaker on a DualSense controller. It appears that you can't turn this off in-game, rather you'll need to go to the Activities cards and turn it off on a system level. Weird, but doable.How to mute voice chat in Destruction AllStars on PS5After you select your character for a multiplayer match, you'll notice in the top right that it says game voice chat has started.Press the PS button on your DualSense controller.Navigate to the voice chat Activity card.Press Square on your controller to mute the voice chat.To mute yourself for other players, press the button below the PS button on your DualSense controller, denoted by the muted microphone. It will turn orange when muted.Enjoy your match in peace and quiet. ...
Lennar and Ring partner up to bring one-app control to the smart home
It's a smart home without all the setup.What you need to knowLennar Communities Connected by Ring offers new homeowners the chance to have a smart home from day one.The Ring app can now control products from vendors like Level, eero, Moen, Honeywell, MyQ, and plenty more.You won't need a new Lennar home to take advantage of the new interconnection in the Ring app; just a compatible product.Ring and Lennar are teaming up to bring Lennar Communities Connected by Ring, a new program that lets you build a smart home from the very beginning of the process. During the building process, new homeowners can choose the Lennar Everything's Included program which includes some of the best Ring products as well as products from Level, eero, Moen, Honeywell, and MyQ. Walking in the door with everything connected on day one certainly gets us a few steps closer to a smart home that actually feels like a smart home.Part of that magic resides on that little black rectangle in your hands: t...
Here's where you can score the best deals on a PS4 console or bundle
You don't have to look far to find some of the best PS4 prices and discounts from a variety of retailers. Sony's PlayStation continues to dominate the console scene, and even after Sony and its competitors have unveiled a new generation of console, the PlayStation 4 shows no signs of slowing down. It still has some of the best games of the generation, including some exclusives you can't find anywhere else.Best PlayStation Deals Available NowPlayStation 4: as low as $280PlayStation 4 Pro: from $370PlayStation VR: save over $15More Info: Pricing history, which to buy & moreNew and better deals get released much more often than you'd expect. If you've already bought one of the consoles in the past, maybe today is the day you upgrade to a higher storage capacity or even jump up to the PlayStation 4 Pro.Our team has had an eye on the PlayStation 4 for years, and we've been tracking the best prices, the best deals, and all the best bundles and combo deals around. Now we'...
Make sure to get your tasks done with these to-do apps
Finish that day feeling greatWe all have busy lives. When you're trying to remember to hit the gym, grab that present for your coworker, and still make it to the doctor, keeping track of everything is sometimes easier said than done. But the best part about having the best Android phones is that you are able to take advantage of various to-do apps. From tons of features to a pared-down UI, there is something here for everyone. These are our picks for the best to-do apps available on Android!The top 3 apps1. Todoist2. Google Keep3. TickTickMore optionsMicrosoft To DoTrelloAny.doRemember the MilkAsanaGoogle TasksWhat are the best to-do apps for Android?Without a doubt, and even with its subscription model, Todoist is the best of the best when it comes to finding the best to-do apps for Android. It's available on every platform you can think of and easily can integrate into Google Chrome or Gmail with its Chrome extensions. Plus, you can make the app as robu...
These Galaxy Watch Active bands will give your wearable new life
Being active doesn't mean you should skimp out on looking fashionable! The Galaxy Watch Active is one of the best wearables for fitness enthusiasts out there. It's stylish on its own, but if you're searching for the best Galaxy Watch Active replacement band, you'll want it to do two things: make you look super trendy while not leaving your wrist drenched in sweat. Fortunately, this smartwatch is compatible with 20mm quick release bands, so it's easy to find a match for your fashion and comfort needs.Soft and comfortableWNIPH Soft Nylon BandStaff PickThe best Galaxy Watch Active replacement band out there is from WNIPH. It comes in an array of colorful patterns, so you'll have plenty of options. It's made from tight double-layer woven nylon that makes it soft and breathable, yet sturdy. The unique hook-and-loop design ensures it will stay secure on your wrist.$7 at AmazonFashionable patterns for allHonecumi Rubber Sport BandThe Honecumi sports band not only c...
Wink's week-long outage continues — and there's no fix in sight
Despite having identified the issue five days back, Wink is yet to implement a fix.What you need to knowWink's smart home platform has been suffering from a widespread outage since 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" since 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 integrations – including Ring, August, Alexa, Nest, Google ...
Best free VPN services 2021: Six free VPN options worth trying
Using one of the best free VPN services could end up bringing a lot of advantages to your daily work flow. Not everyone who uses a Virtual Private Network needs everything that a paid service offers, and often the free ones are enough to get by. We've compared the advantages between free VPNs vs. paid VPNs. If you're looking for the best VPN to use, we have you covered.As of right now, we have ProtonVPN as the best free VPN option in 2020, followed closely by Hotspot Shield Free. With ProtonVPN, you get unlimited bandwidth on a single device when using the free plan, and Hotspot Shield also offers a generous data allotment and rich feature set.Free VPNs aren't for everyoneA note about free VPN optionsThere are a bunch of great free VPN options (which we've highlighted lower on this page), but it's worth noting that these aren't the best picks for everyone. With free VPNs you will make some sacrifices in the overall user experience, but if you want to avoid that we've also highl...
Here's how to check your PlayStation stats from 2020
Take a look at how much you did and what you accomplished.Just like for 2019, Sony is making it quite easy for players to check their gaming stats from 2020. Using the PlayStation Wrap-Up 2020 tool, you can easily see what games and genres you spent the most time in across PS4 and PS5. There's also a neat reward for going through the process, so whether you were enjoying the PS4's swan song in the sun or racking up time at next-gen launch with the best PS5 games, you should have some impressive stats worth checking out.How to check out your 2020 PlayStation statsGo to the PlayStation Wrap-Up 2020 website.Sign in with your PlayStation Network account.Start scrolling through your stats.Note that PS4 and PS5 stats are counted completely separately.Once you've finished scrolling, redeem your Theme. It's important to note that this theme is only available on PS4, since the PS5 doesn't currently support themes. This tool will be available for you to use until March 2, 2021, s...
How to watch Inter Milan vs Juventus: Live stream Coppa Italia semi-final
It's a Derby d'Italia clash in this Coppa Italia semi-final as Internazionale welcome rivals Juventus to the San Siro for this first-leg game. Read on to find out how to get an Inter Milan vs Juventus live stream and watch the Coppa Italia semi-final online from anywhere.Hosts Inter Milan saw off city rivals AC Milan at the quarter-final stage in order to progress to today's game. AC star Zlatan Ibrahimović opened the scoring in the 31st minute before being sent off around the hour mark. Late goals from Romelu Lukaku and Christian Eriksen stole the win, however, taking the Nerazzurri through to the semis.Juventus despatched of SPAL with a convincing 4-0 victory to earn their semi-final spot with Álvaro Morata, Gianluca Frabotta, Dejan Kulusevski, and Federico Chiesa all staining the scoresheet.Inter come into today's game off the back of a 4-0 win against Benevento in Serie A leaving Antonio Conte's men just two points behind league leaders AC. Lukaku will be hoping to contin...
How to watch the new miniseries The Drowning online from anywhere
Channel 5 has a new four-part miniseries called The Drowning and we have all the details on how you can watch it on TV or online.The Drowning tells the story of a woman named Jodie Walsh (played Jill Halfpenny) who lost her young son Tom nine years ago while at a lakeside family outing. After first going missing, Tom was later presumed to have drowned in the lake.The new miniseries picks up in the present day where Jodie finds herself broke and single after her ex-husband left her for her best friend. In an effort to save her struggling business, Jodie goes to deliver an important pitch. However, she becomes distracted when she sees a teenage boy that bears a close resemblance to her dead son Tom.Jodie then follows the boy to school where she discovers that his name is Daniel and he has no recollection of her whatsoever. With her interest piqued, Jodie decides to masquerade as a music teacher at Daniel's school in order to get close with him. How far will Jodie go to find out i...
POCO M3 with 6000mAh battery, 48MP camera debuts in India at ₹10,999 ($150)
Except for a slightly different design, the POCO M3 isn't very different from the Redmi 9 Power.What you need to knowPOCO M3 is now official in India.The phone comes with a Snapdragon 662 chipset, triple rear cameras, and a massive 6000mAh battery.It will be going on sale in the country starting February 9 for ₹10,999 ($150).POCO today launched the budget-friendly M3 smartphone in India, four months after its debut in Europe. The phone is a follow-up to the POCO M2, which was launched in September last year. While it isn't a massive upgrade over the POCO M2, it does have the specs to give some of the best cheap Android phones a run for their money.POCO's latest budget phone sports a 6.53-inch waterdrop notch display with FHD+ resolution. Powering the POCO M3 is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 662 processor, clubbed with 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to 128GB UFS 2.2 storage. In the camera department, the phone comes with a triple-lens system at the rear and an 8MP selfie camera on th...
Tile Bluetooth tracker sale helps you find some savings
Losing things can be an expensive habit but there's a sale going on at Amazon that offers a solution to that problem that doesn't break the bank. Tile's Bluetooth Item Trackers are the perfect way to make sure you can always find your keys, wallet, or any other important items you can't afford to misplace. Today only, they are discounted by as much as 21%.All of the Tile trackers on sale today are the updated 2020 models. You can get a couple of Tile Mate trackers for just $37.99 or grab a mixed bundle that includes more than one different type of Tile for varying use cases.There are a few different models of Tile trackers, though the Tile Mate is the most versatile. It has a built-in keyring hole that lets you easily attach it to your keys. It's also small and thin enough to be hidden in your wallet, backpack, or purse.The Tile Pro tracker is similar in size and also has the keyring hole, though it has twice the wireless range to make it even easier to locate. It also has the ...
Google makes Search even more useful with new ‘about this result’ feature
The feature is rolling out today as a beta for users in the U.S.What you need to knowThe latest Google Search feature will help you learn more about the websites that appear in your search results.You will have to tap on the menu icon next to search results to find out more about the website and where the information is coming from.The feature is rolling out today on desktop, mobile web, and the Google app on Android for users in the U.S.Google has announced a new feature that will let you learn more about your search results. The search giant says the feature is aimed at helping users easily find more information about sites in search results that they may not be familiar with. Instead of performing another search to find out about those sites, you can now tap on the menu icon next to search results to find out more about the website.Explaining how the feature will help users, JK Kearns, Product Manager, Search, wrote in a blog post: These descriptions will provide t...
Charging is better than ever on the Pixel 5 with these wireless chargers
Google's history of wireless charging on its Pixels is somewhat rocky, but the Google Pixel 5 should work with a wider variety of wireless chargers. Yes, the Pixel 5 might actually end the insanity of wonky compatibility and bizarre charging speeds we saw with the Pixel 3 and Pixel 4, thanks to the 15W Extended Power Profile used in the Pixel 5. There are many, many great chargers out there that support this wireless spec, but your Pixel deserves only the best. These are the best Pixel 5 wireless chargers, including pads and stands.For you and your budsiOttie iON Wireless DuoStaff pickThis two-pad charger has a 15W EPP wireless charging stand for topping off your Pixel 5 at top speed, and you also get a 5W flat charging pad for your Pixel Buds, smartwatch, or another phone. As a note, only the Dark Grey model is 15W!$49 at AmazonGrippy, low profileBelkin Boost Charge 15W Wireless Charging PadBelkin has long been a wireless charging partner for Google's Pixel line....
Android Auto gets a huge push thanks to Google's contract with Ford
Ford gets access to Android Auto and Google's cloud services.What you need to knowGoogle just signed a six-year deal with Ford for an undisclosed amount.The deal gives Ford access to Google's Android Auto system as well as its cloud and AI services.The first models with the integration are expected to arrive in 2023.Google and Ford have formed a multi-year partnership that will see the two companies working together to drive the auto industry forward. As part of this six-year deal, the companies are collaborating on a new initiative called Team Upshift, which will bring their teams together to help modernize Ford's business and product offerings, while expanding the reach of Google's automotive and cloud services.The deal will see Android Auto integrated into Ford and Lincoln vehicles, with the first models arriving in 2023. According to Ford, this will help the company to deliver unique experiences driven by Google's cloud and AI services that can not only personalize ve...
MediaTek M80 5G modem challenges Qualcomm with mmWave and faster speeds
MediaTek's second-gen 5G modem pushes download speeds to new heights.What you need to knowMediaTek is launching its latest 5G modem for smartphones, which is its first modem to support mmWave connectivity.The new M80 5G modem supports download and upload speeds of up to 7.67Gbps and 3.76Gbps, respectively.Devices equipped with the new 5G modem are expected to launch later this year.Qualcomm continues to lead the global 5G push, but MediaTek remains committed to offering cheaper, yet powerful alternatives for its mobile partners. Following the recent announcement of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 and Snapdragon 870 chipsets, MediaTek followed up with the its own Dimensity 1100 and 1200. Now the company is flexing its 5G chops with the release of its latest M80 5G modem.As a follow-up to the company's first mobile 5G modem, the M70, this newer chip supports impressively fast download and upload speeds of 7.67Gbps and 3.76Gbps, respectively. That's just slightly faster than wha...
Hitman and Madden on Stadia highlight an otherwise slow start to 2021
After ending 2020 on such a strong note, Stadia is off to a relatively slow start in 2021.I don't think Google could have ended 2020 in a stronger position than it did with Stadia. After several months of uncertainty and launch woes following its debut in November 2019, Stadia has now come into its own as of late. After the surprising success of Cyberpunk 2077, which now tops our list of the best Stadia games, Google's cloud gaming service is in a better position than ever going forward, even if the start to 2021 has been a bit slower.However, now that Stadia has shut down its first-party studio to focus on platform development and third-party support, the future is looking even more open.Stadia Status is our monthly recap of what's new and what's next for the Stadia platform. Let's dive in!Stadia Status: January 2021 RecapThe first few weeks of the month began with almost complete silence. Other than shuffling around a few Stadia Pro games like Hotline Miami and F1 2020,...
God of War is getting a free PS5 update bringing it to 4K 60 FPS
Taking full advantage of the new system.What you need to knowGod of War first released in 2018 for the PS4.Sony Santa Monica is providing a free update for PS5 players tomorrow.This update allows the game to run with 4K checkerboard visuals at 60 FPS.Sony Santa Monica's 2018 title God of War reached critical acclaim and commercial success on the PS4. Now the studio is providing a patch so it's an even better experience on the PS5. This update is completely free and is arriving for PS5 owners on February 2. With this update, God of War runs at 4K 60 FPS on PS5, using checkerboard rendering.If for some reason you want to play it with the older settings, you'll still have that ability by going to the options and selecting Original Performance Experience. God of War is part of the PlayStation Plus Collection of games, so if you haven't played it yet, this is the perfect time to do so.A new God of War is one of the games currently slated to arrive on the PS5 later in 2021. I...
Is Google shutting down Stadia?
Today Google announced that it's closing all internal Stadia studios and Jade Raymond is leaving the company. Does this mean Stadia is dead?Best answer: No. At the time of this writing Google is not shutting down the Stadia platform. It is, however, closing its internal development and publishing studios that were working on exclusive first-party Stadia games to instead focus efforts on third-party deals and supporting the platform as a whole.Play on your TV: Stadia Premiere Edition ($100 at Best Buy)So, Google isn't shutting down Stadia?No, on Feb. 1, 2021 Google announced that it's closing its internal Stadia development studios that were working on exclusive Stadia projects, not that it was shutting down Stadia as a whole. This means the platform will continue to exist as it does today, but in the future, Google is focusing on third-party projects and supporting the Stadia platform rather than investing resources into developing exclusive first-party games.Will new gam...
The LG Velvet finally starts receiving stable Android 11 update
The LG Velvet also gets a bump to UX 10 with the Android 11 update.What you need to knowLG has begun to push the stable Android 11 update to the Velvet smartphone in Korea.There is no available changelog for the Velvet, but the UX has been bumped up to version 10.The LG Velvet is the only phone scheduled to receive Android 11 this quarter.Owners of the LG Velvet can rejoice as the stable build for Android 11 has finally begun to roll out to devices in Korea, which means a U.S. rollout shouldn't be too far behind. The update began appearing over the weekend, and there's no apparent changelog included with the update, but it's expected to carry all of the goodies that come with Android 11 such as Chat Bubbles, improved security, and more.The update is based on LG UX 10, up from UX 9 on previous devices like the LG Wing. That means there's likely to be some visual changes to the UI, although those haven't been identified. The size of the update comes it at around 2.2GB.In ...
Sling TV free trial: Here's how to try it before signing up
Sling TV has a free trial available right now that gives you three full days of access to the plan and add-ons of your choice! Choose between the Sling Blue, Sling Orange, or Sling Orange + Blue plans and then add-on additional packages for more channels to watch for free during your three-day trial period.Sign up at Sling TV nowSling TV is easily one of the best live TV streaming services out there right now. Not only is it affordable with plans starting at just $35 per month, but it includes many of the most popular cable channels and local broadcast channels as well. Whether you're a sports fan who can't live without ESPN or someone who's obsessed with HGTV and discovering new ways to reinvent spaces and furniture in your home, Sling TV has you covered.With the free trial at Sling, you'll not only score three days of access to the base plan of your choice for free but also any add-ons you select. There are a few add-ons which are not eligible for the free trial period, inclu...
These are the best smart LED light bulbs that work with Google Home
Not only are LED smart bulbs more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, but you'll feel like Tony Stark walking through your home, controlling the lighting with just your voice. Google Home is one of the tentpole home assistant platforms and all of the bulbs listed here pair perfectly with all of the best Google Home compatible devices available. The question you need to ask yourself as a consumer is how many bulbs you need for your home and how much are you willing to spend?Full-feature smart lightsTo experience the best that smart LED lights can offer, you'll want to start with ones that are entirely customizable with the full spectrum of colors available. Because these bulbs are way more expensive than any light bulb you've probably bought in your life you're going to want to choose a brand that can satisfy all your smart lighting needs or piece together your house plan with bulbs that don't need a hub.Light your home with colorPhilips Hue Color Smart Bulb ...
Google is shuttering Stadia internal development studios
No longer building any teams from the ground up.What you need to knowStadia Games and Entertainment is Google's first-party wing of development teams for Stadia.Stadia Games and Entertainment is being shut down, with head Jade Raymond leaving the company.The focus is now on Google partnering with third-party developers for Stadia content.Stadia Games and Entertainment is Google's first-party development studios for Stadia. Led by Ubisoft veteran Jade Raymond, the organization consisted of two internally built studios, one of which is led by Shannon Studstill, formerly head of Sony Santa Monica studio. Google also acquired Typhoon Games, creators of Journey to the Savage Planet, for further first-party growth. Now it's all shutting down.Google announced today that Stadia Games and Entertainment is being shuttered, with head Jade Raymond exiting the company. According to a report from Kotaku, around 150 developers will be losing their jobs as a result of this closure.Goog...
Google reiterates its commitment towards supporting Black-owned businesses
Google also shared some progress reports on pledges it had made last year.What you need to knowGoogle has doubled down on its pledge to support Black-owned businesses in Black History Month.The company has promised to make it easier to find Black-owned businesses when using Google Shopping in the coming months.Google will also continue issuing grants and loans to select small businesses.As Black History Month rolls around again, companies with a social justice focus such as Microsoft, Facebook, and Google are sharing details about initiatives they're adopting to support the Black community during this month.Google for its part ramped up investments in causes furthering support of Black-business in 2020 at the height of the Black Lives Matter demonstrations. In 2021, it's pushing those investments further.Writing on the Google blog, Google's Attica Jaques, Director of Brand Marketing, Consumer Apps, said: Historically, Black-owned businesses have served as gathering ...
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G now costs the same as the Galaxy S21 Ultra
Samsung just dropped the pricing of one of its most futuristic phones.What you need to knowSamsung today dropped the pricing of the Galaxy Flip 5G down to $1200 from $1450.That's the same price as the S21 Ultra, the company's current top-end phone.Reducing the barrier to entry for consumers means Samsung can get more users onboard its foldable future.The Galaxy Flip 5G, despite being a phone that represents the future of Samsung phones, was also one that was priced out of reach for most. Starting at $1450, it was more of an aspirational device than something most people would realistically consider.Samsung has now dropped the pricing to $1200 (via 9to5Google), cutting it by $250. It's still expensive, but it is priced more like something the company expects users to purchase in appreciable numbers. It also helps that the Galaxy Flip has already been superseded by the Galaxy Z Flip 2, so Samsung doesn't mind taking a little hit on the pricing. For those who simply want the...
Grab one of these sweet cases to protect your Galaxy Tab S6
With its sizeable 10.5-inch AMOLED display, included S Pen, and touch sensitivity, the Galaxy Tab S6 is an impressive tablet. As with any of the best Android tablets, it definitely isn't cheap, though. So, you're going to want to pick up a case to keep it from getting scratched or damaged. There are plenty of different styles and looks to choose from, so we rounded up the very best of the best to make the decision a little easier.Get a gripDadanism Case FitStaff pickThis PU leather covering features a pocket for the S Pen to prevent it from slipping off and getting lost. Additionally, you'll find a helpful strap on the backside, making it easier to hold the Tab S6 with one hand while you use it. Use the built-in stand to prop it up when watching shows or using your favorite apps.$14 at AmazonClickity clackFintie Keyboard CaseIf you think you'll frequently be typing on your Tab S6, you should pick up this awesome keyboard case. The case itself is made of PU leather...
February 2021 security patch details now available
Fixing the latest bugs and exploits in Android every month.Google has detailed the latest Android Security Bulletin and released the fixes for Pixel devices.These are exploits and other security concerns that affect Android as a whole. Issues with the operating system, kernel patches, and driver updates may not affect any particular device, but these need to be fixed in the Android base by the folks maintaining the operating system code. That means Google, and they've detailed the things they have improved for this month.Updated factory images for Pixel devices that are supported are available, and over-the-air updates are rolling out to users. If you don't want to wait, you can download and flash the factory image or OTA update file manually, and here are some handy instructions to get you started.How to manually update your Pixel The company that made your phone uses these patches to send an update out to you.These changes have been released to the people making Andr...
Chrome gets a new iCloud Password extension to sync logins between devices
If you live a multi-OS lifestyle, this new iCloud Chrome extension will make your life easier.What you need to knowApple has just released an iCloud extension for the Chrome web browser.iCloud Passwords will sync passwords made with iCloud Keychain for use in Chrome.The extension will also allow new passwords created in Chrome to sync back to iCloud.When Apple and Google play nice, it benefits everyone. The latest example of this is the new extension that Apple just released for the Chrome web browser. With iCloud Password, Apple makes it easy for users who switch between desktop operating systems to keep their passwords synced, regardless of whether they're using a Mac, Chromebook, or PC.The extension will suggest passwords within the Chrome web browser that are synced from the iCloud Keychain. This way, you won't have to go digging in your Mac or iPhone in order to log onto a website on your PC or Chromebook; it'll automatically be suggested as an option when you're p...
Compose emails up to 4 times faster with Lightkey Pro text prediction: now 52% off
Source: StackCommerceSmart text prediction saves a lot of time on mobile devices. So, why not take advantage of the same technology on a desktop? With Lightkey Pro, you can supercharge your writing in 85 languages — and lifetime access is now 52% off at $79.99.If you were to analyze your own writing, you would probably find certain patterns repeating. Lightkey Pro picks up on these habits and gives you a shortcut.It's basically the same idea as the typing suggestions that appear on your phone. Instead of tapping the word you want, you simply press Tab.Lightkey Pro gives you up to 12 predictions to work with, including punctuation. The app also picks up on spelling mistakes, and you can tailor the predictions to specific topics.On average, users are able to write emails four times quicker using this method.Lightkey Pro works with Office and other apps, and your data is never submitted to the cloud. The Windows Club called it "one of the most futuristic and innovative too...
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