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Updated 2025-10-31 00:03
These Chromeboxes provide years of updates and small footprints
Chrome OS comes on two types of devices: laptops called Chromebooks and desktop machines called Chromeboxes. While the best Chromebooks are more widely known and more diverse in their options, Chromeboxes are a relatively small market where you have one option from each of the major manufacturers that gets updated every few years. 2021 is a good year to be a Chromebox user, as we're getting updates to the three most popular Chromeboxes on the market. They're still slowly trickling out right now, with the HP Chromebox G3 being the most available of the three next-gen Chromeboxes.Best Overall: HP Chromebox G3HP was one of the first to announce its next-gen Chromeboxes, and it was also the first to start selling it. HP's Chromebox G3 and Chromebox Enterprise G3 are powered by Intel's 10th generation processors, though there is a Celeron option for the budget-conscious. To accompany those processors, HP includes up to 16GB of DDR4 RAM and up to 128GB of storage — though, for the ...
Google's Pixel 4a 5G is now available in Clearly White
Google had sold a Verizon exclusive Pixel 4a 5G with the white colorway.Update, January 28 (12:40 pm ET): The Pixel 4a 5G is now available from Google in Clearly White.What you need to knowThe Pixel 4a 5G will now come in Clearly White from late January.Google had earlier sold a variant of the handset in that hue for Verizon customers who paid $100 extra for the privilege.Now, it's being made broadly available to all.Like the Pixel 4a, the Pixel 4a 5G launched in a singular Just Black colorway. Sure, there was a model of the Pixel 4a 5G that was in white, but it was a Verizon exclusive. Again, like the Pixel 4a, Google is now making an additional color variant of the 4a 5G available for purchase months after launch. It's still the same Clearly White variant that Verizon sells, but it's now coming to all customers.The Verge spotted a now-defunct link for the upcoming phone on B&H, and was late able to confirm with Google that the phone would be launching at the end o...
Best folding phone deals for January 2021
Technology has come a long way since flip phones. These days, devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 and the Motorola Razr truly put the years past in perspective. They can be folded to keep them pocket-sized yet when unfolded, they allow for more screen real estate than most other smartphones on the market. It's been quite a while since the last major innovation in mobile devices brought us full touchscreen devices; now, folding phones are making the next big leap with displays that seem like they belong only in the future.Best Folding Phone Deals Available NowUnlocked Deals: Save up to $1,000Carrier deals: Trade-ins, BOGO & more Which to buy?Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 | Up to $1,000 off at AT&TAT&T is offering up to $1,000 off the all-new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 when you trade-in an eligible device and add a line on an Unlimited plan for a limited time.Shop at AT&TThe folding phone is still pretty new, and because of that, options are limited ...
The Pixel 4a is the best phone for Visible in 2021
When it first launched in May 2018, Visible made a big mark on the carrier space since $40/month for unlimited everything on Verizon sounds too good to be true. One of the few drawbacks to the service is that Visible only works with a small selection of Android phones, but that doesn't mean it's impossible to be an Android user and get the most out of what the carrier has to offer. Here are the best Android phones that work with Visible, including the Google Pixel 4a!Best Overall Visible Phone: Google Pixel 4aLooking back at 2020, one phone that stands out as one of the year's top highlights is the Pixel 4a. It's the second mid-range phone that Google has released under its Pixel brand, and once again, the result is one heck of an Android phone.Without a doubt, the aspect of the Pixel 4a that shines the most is its rear camera. The 12.2-megapixel sensor, paired with Google's near-magical levels of post-processing, result in it being impossible to take a bad picture with the P...
Eero: Why you should upgrade your router before changing your ISP plan
Wish you had faster internet? Don't we all. But there are a few things that could be limiting your internet speeds. You could simply need to subscribe to a faster internet plan, which would ensure that your internet service provider heightens your speeds, resulting in a faster connection. But your slow internet could also have to do with your router -- and unless you're certain that your router isn't the issue, it's a good place to start.There are a few reasons to upgrade your router before you switch to a new plan with your ISP. Not convinced? Here are some of those reasons.Taking advantage of everything your ISP can offerEero Pro 6$229 at AmazonEverything you need to get an incredible Wi-Fi signalThe Eero Pro 6 brings excellent internet coverage to your home, thanks to its improved range and features like tri-band support. With Wi-Fi 6 the router will allow you to fully take advantage of your internet speed.The router your ISP sent is probably not greatYou might...
What's the best smart thermostat that supports Alexa?
There are several reasons why you might want to automate your home heating and air conditioning systems with one of the best smart thermostats for Alexa. Whether for convenience, energy efficiency, or that "cool" factor, connected smart thermostats are an excellent investment. If you are in the Amazon ecosystem, there are a growing number of great options. The ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control is our top choice because it has Alexa built-in, includes a room sensor, and is easy to use.Best Overall Smart Thermostat for Alexa: ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice ControlBelieve it or not, it's only been a couple of years since ecobee launched the ecobee4 with Alexa built-in. Before that, we had to talk to Alexa from another device, like cave people! But in all seriousness, the concept was a hit. And now, ecobee has followed up on the success of the ecobee4 with its newer SmartThermostat with Voice Control.So what's new or better, you may ask? It's got a more modern, cleaner...
Housemarque's PS5 game Returnal delayed to April 30
A while longer before you can escape this planet.What you need to knowReturnal is a PS5 exclusive being developed by Housemarque.The game revolves around a woman stranded on an alien world, stuck in a timeloop.Returnal has been delayed to April 30, 2021.Returnal is an upcoming third-person sci-fi shooter developed by Housemarque for the PS5. While this adventure was originally set to be available on March 19, players will need to wait a bit longer to enjoy this PS5 exclusive title. Sony confirmed today that Returnal is delayed to April 30, citing a need for additional polish.Update: Returnal has a new release date of April 30, 2021. SIE and Housemarque have made the decision to move the release date in order to give the team extra time to continue to polish the game to the level of quality players expect from Housemarque. See you in April! pic.twitter.com/xb6IBWJ5TQ— PlayStation (@PlayStation) January 28, 2021Returnal makes special use of the DualSense haptic f...
Fitbit products are already being featured on the Google Store
No, you can't actually buy Fitbit products from the Google Store just yet.What you need to knowGoogle has added a new banner on its store to welcome Fitbit to its family.Google hasn't started selling Fitbit wearables on its store yet.The banner redirects users to the Fitbit online store.Earlier this month, Google announced that its Fitbit acquisition had finally been completed. Google had bought the wearable brand for $2.1 billion in November 2019, but the acquisition was held up by an antitrust investigation by the EU. Since Fitbit is now officially part of Google, the company has added a banner on its online store to welcome the brand to its family (via Android Police).However, the Google Store hasn't started selling Fitbit products yet, as a few regulators are still looking into Google's Fitbit acquisition. Users are redirected to Fitbit's own store when tapping on the banner on the Google store. Once all the investigations are finally complete, the Fitbit store will...
Upgrade from basic audio with Vizio's Bluetooth sound bar on sale for $70
Do you have a TV that's not hooked up to any special audio? Does it ever annoy you when the sound becomes unbalanced like the dialogue is barely eligible but the music is blasting? You weren't meant to sit there with just default speakers, but you also might not be able to afford some crazy all-encompassing surround sound home theater system. That's where the Vizio SB2020n-G6M 20-inch 2.0-channel Bluetooth sound bar comes in. It's on sale for just $69.99 at Amazon. That's $20 off its regular price and a brand new low for the sound bar. You can find it going for this price at other retailers like Best Buy, too. You can even find the regular SB2020n for $10 less at Target, although this version does not have as great a frequency response.You don't need to go nuts on the world's most advanced sound system to at least advance a little bit past those default speakers on your TV. Heck, even if you don't use the Vizio sound bar with your TV it'd be a definite improvement to your audio if ...
Here's the PS5 games using DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive triggers
Next-gen immersion in a hands-on fashion.The PS5 doesn't just bring in better graphics and higher framerates — it also gives players a new controller, the DualSense. This successor to the DualShock 4 features a higher-quality built-in microphone, a refined touchpad, an improved battery, and most importantly, haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.Those latter two features can be used by game developers in unique ways. Haptic feedback can give unique sensations, like the pattering of rain or a blast of energy, in a way that is more focused and accurate than rumble motors. Meanwhile, adaptive triggers can provide a variety of functions with different weapons due to the special physical functions that have been implemented.To provide a couple of examples, adaptive triggers are being used in Arkane Studios' Deathloop so that if a gun jams, the trigger physically locks. Meanwhile in Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, you can pull a trigger partially to fire one barrel on a particular g...
Get the best cases for the OnePlus 8T and keep it looking great
The latest device from OnePlus has arrived, and that means it's time to find the best OnePlus 8T cases. There aren't that many options available just yet, but there are some pretty great ones that will pair quite nicely with the latest OnePlus flagship. Some cases accentuate the design, while others harken back to the days of yore. You can even skip trying to find one of the best OnePlus 8T screen protectors, as one case includes screen protectors in the box.From the beginningOnePlus Sandstone Bumper CaseStaff PickIf you're a fan of OnePlus, then you know about the deep-rooted history of the Sandstone material that was used on the OnePlus One. Although that is not available on the OnePlus 8T, the company does offer a classic Sandstone Black (and Cyan) cover. This gives you a fantastic feel in the hand while keeping your new phone protected.$30 at Amazon$25 at OnePlusEverything you needLuibor Silicone Case w/ Screen ProtectorsThose wanting to get a case and ...
Best Pixel 4a Deals of January 2021: Where to buy Google's new phone
Google's Pixel smartphones are some of the best Android devices ever released, but if you're hoping to get your hands on one of these stellar devices at a discount, you should first take a look at the recently released Google Pixel 4a models. This model takes the best features of the Google Pixel 4 and places them in a more affordable package. Snagging a great deal on one isn't so tough either; we've gathered the best offers available right now and put them in a list just below.Best Google Pixel 4a Deals Available NowPixel 4a 5G: up to $139 offPixel 4a: get one for free!Google Pixel 4a with $150 Mastercard | $336 at VisibleVisible's deal offers the 128GB device for $336, or as low as $14 per month, with a $150 Mastercard gift card after 2 months of service. You have to bring over your number from your current carrier to be eligible for the Mastercard as well. Visible offers unlimited talk, text, and data for only $40 per month with 4G LTE service! Use code SAVE2021 t...
These smart thermostats don't require a C wire
Many thermostats require a C wire ("common" wire) to power it due to their LED displays and Wi-Fi-powered advanced functions, leading homeowners with older heating systems to look for smart thermostats without a C wire requirement. If you don't already have a C wire in your system, these smart thermostats use separate power sources or adapters that let you monitor your home climate without having to hire a professional to rewire your home.Simple and straightforwardNest Thermostat EStaff pickThis stripped-down version of Nest's Learning Thermostat is a great option for folks who don't want to spend too much and prefer minimalist devices. The display simply shows the temperature setting, while the app lets you prioritize certain rooms' cooling, change settings when you're away, and lets you know if it senses a problem. Most importantly, the Thermostat E features a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery that bypasses the C Wire requirement.$169 at Amazon$133 at Walmart$...
Best Fitbit deals: Save on Sense smartwatch, 20% off smart scale, more
There are a bunch of Fitbit devices on the market these days and choosing between them can be difficult. One key factor for many buyers, presumably including you reading this article, is price. Fitbit's smartwatches and fitness trackers span a wide range of price points and pretty much all of them can be found at a discount if you know where to look.Best Fitbit Deals Available NowFitbit Smartwatch Deals: Sense, Versa, and moreFitbit Fitness Tracker Deals: Up to $31 offFitbit Smart Scale Deals: From $40More Info: Pricing history, which to buy & moreFitbit Sense | $319.99 at AmazonThe Sense is Fitbit's newest and most premium smart health watch, and it's also the company's most expensive wearable. It has sensors to measure your electrodermal skin activity, temperature, and stress levels, and it can also take an ECG reading to determine if you have atrial fibrillation. All of this in a stylish new package with all of the comprehensive fitness tracking you've come ...
Protect your investment with these Galaxy S10 screen protectors
The Galaxy S10 has a great, big, beautiful screen with some fancy tricks inside — like that fancy ultrasonic fingerprint sensor — but those tricks make buying a screen protector all the more important and all the more difficult. See, that in-screen fingerprint sensor can't tolerate any air bubbles or gaps between the screen and the screen protector. Your best bets are plastic film protectors or the Whitestone Dome Glass. Here are the best Galaxy S10 screen protectors. Don't forget to check out the best Galaxy S10 cases as well.Has it allZAGG InvisibleShield VisionguardStaff pickZAGG offers everything with its InvisibleShield screen protector, including impact and scratch protection, a built-in blue light filter, and a smudge-resistant coating.$30 at Amazon$45 at Best Buy$25 at WalmartThe power of UVWhitestone Dome GlassHands down, the Whitestone screen protector is one of the best around. It has an in-depth installation, but the result is nothing short of am...
Here's how to make your very own custom emoji with Google Gboard
Google's Gboard has always been one of our favorite Android keyboard options, but we're going to show you how to create emoji mashups from within Gboard to make your typing experience even more fun. This little trick takes advantage of a feature that Google calls the Emoji Kitchen, and it allows you to make some funny, cringy, and even downright scary emoji combinations. We'll show you how to get started and share some of our favorite creations with you for added inspiration.Products used in this guideThe best keyboard on Android: Google Gboard (Free at Google Play)How to create your own Gboard emoji mashupsFirst things first, if you haven't already, go to the Google Play Store to download, install, and set to default the Gboard on your phone right now. Pixel owners will have it installed as the default keyboard.Open a messaging that you frequently type in, like Google Messages.Tap on the emoji icon at the bottom of the screen, to the left of the spacebar.Select an emoj...
These are the best apps for your Wear OS smartwatch
One of the things that makes Wear OS watches some of the best Android smartwatches is the wide range of apps available, and with so many out there, we've rounded up the best Wear OS apps for you. Regardless of whether you like using your smartwatch to keep track of your fitness goals, another way of keeping up with your notifications, or just a fun way to know what time it is, there's likely more than one app to help you out. Here are some of the best Wear OS apps currently available.Make it yoursFacerStaff pickThere are a lot of watch faces for Wear OS, and Facer does a fantastic job putting many of them into a single app to browse through. You'll be able to find unique custom designs ranging from fashion to modern and traditional to funny. Not to mention you can even make your own.Free at Google Play StoreRemote DJSpotifySpotify is one of the best audio streaming services out there, and you can have access to your playlists and control the music all from...
A Democrat-controlled FCC could mean the return of net neutrality
Jessica Rosenworcel is a native of Hartford, Connecticut, and a graduate of the New York University School of Law. She also served as Senior Communications Counsel for the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and before entering public service, Jessica practiced communications law in Washington, DC.She's also been picked by President Biden to serve as the new FCC Chairperson. Her bio shows just how competent she would be if approved for the position, but as acting FCC Chair she's made it very clear what her priorities for the entire FCC would be under her guidance. We have work to do to put consumers first. We have work to do to support digital equity, especially in communities that have been overlooked and underserved for too long. We need to advance communications policies that keep the public safe and cyber secure. We have work to do to continue our history-making wireless and auction policies that serve as a global model. We have work to...
Grab the Roborock S6 robot vacuum cleaner and mop while it's down to $420
The Roborock S6 robot vacuum cleaner and mop has dropped to $419.99 on Amazon. That's a crazy low price and one of the best we've ever seen, beating out the previous low of $435 that was exclusive to the white version. This price comes as a result of a regular price drop from $650 to $600, and then you can take another $180 off by clipping the on-page coupon.The S6 has a couple of updated iterations where you can also save some money. For example, the S6 Pure droppped to around $520 from $600 near the beginning of the year, and right now you can get another $40 off with the on page coupon.The Roborock S6 works as both a vacuum and a mop based on your needs. Basically, if you want it to mop on its scheduled routine, fill the water tank. It will add mopping to its functions as it goes around your home. If you don't want it to mop, just don't give it any water to mop with. It has a 180ml water tank, which is pretty big and can be used to mop up to 1,610 square feet. You can even adj...
How to watch Walker: Stream the new CW show online from anywhere
There's a new Texas Ranger in town and we have all the details on how you can watch The CW's new series Walker online or on TV.Supernatural's Jared Padalecki is taking over the role of Cordell Walker who was first played by Chuck Norris in the original Walker, Texas Ranger which aired from 1992 to 2001. However, Walker is already making headlines as the show's first episode was The CW's most-watched series premiere in five years.The new series begins with Cordell Walker returning home to Austin after having been undercover for two years. While he was away, his brother Liam moved from New York back to Texas in order to take care of his son August and teenage daughter Stella. Walker will have to reconnect with his family while trying to become accustomed to his old life. At the same time though, the suspicious circumstances surrounding his wife Emily's death also weighs heavy on Walker's heart.Just like in the original series, Walker returns to work at the Texas Rangers to discov...
Google finally rolls out a fix for one of Pixel 5’s biggest annoyances
Google Camera will now remember if you disable Auto Night Sight even if you close the app.What you need to knowA new version of the Google Camera app is now rolling out.The update allows Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G owners to permanently disable the Auto Night Sight mode.You can enable or disable Auto Night Sight by tapping on the moon icon on the right edge of the viewfinder.Google's Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G launched with an Auto Night Sight feature, which makes it easier for users to access it without having to select it manually. While some users found the feature to be pretty useful, others found it to be frustrating. As reported by the folks at 9to5Google, a new version of the Google Camera is now rolling out, which finally lets owners of Google's best Android phones permanently disable the Auto Night Sight feature.Until now, Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 users had to disable the feature each time they launched the camera app. The latest Google Camera v8.1.200.352609439 addresse...
These are the best places to buy an unlocked phone in 2021
Get what you're looking for without any hassle by starting right here.We hear a lot of talk about the benefits of buying an unlocked phone. You can use it on any network, you don't have a carrier deciding which apps are pre-installed or when you get updates, and you typically don't have to pay more for the privilege. As unlocked phones get dramatically more popular in the U.S., the number of choices for where you buy one has exploded — and as always, some are better than others.If you're in the market to buy one of the best Android phones and want to make sure you buy unlocked, here are the best places you should buy from in 2021!AmazonAmazon has revolutionized the way we shop for just about anything, and that includes smartphones. You'll find phones direct from the companies that make them as well as phones from specialized importers and bulk buyers, which can offer additional savings if you do your research.Amazon has an unlocked smartphone buying page that lets you q...
X marks the spot for the OnePlus phone I want to see
After all, X does come after 9...With all the turmoil that 2020 wrought, one positive thing to come out of the past year was a smorgasbord of really good (and affordable) Android phones. Now that 2021 is underway, we've already been treated to early releases of the excellent Samsung Galaxy S21 lineup, and we will reportedly see the newest flagship from OnePlus — the OnePlus 9 — arriving earlier than ever this coming March. The OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro were two of the best Android phones released in 2020, and we have every reason to believe the 9 series will be just as good, if not better.As excited as I'm sure to be to get my hands on a OnePlus 9, what I really want to see from OnePlus is a return of the OnePlus X. Why? Because I'm dying for a beautiful, well-made, small smartphone. My colleague Ara Wagoner addressed a similar topic this week regarding the Galaxy S21 lineup, but I had been having almost the exact same thoughts about one of my favorite Android OEMs — OnePlus....
How to watch Spurs vs Liverpool: Live stream Premier League football online
Two of the pre-season favorites to win the Premier League face off on Sunday, knowing that a defeat could deal a killer blow to their title aspirations. Read on for our full guide to getting a Spurs vs Liverpool live stream and watching the match online wherever you are right now.Both teams currently find themselves outside of the all-important top four and some way off the pace currently being set by leaders Man City.While Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will rightly point to devastating injuries to much of his first choice defence for their recent underwhelming form, in recent weeks it's been his forward line that have been struggling.The Reds have failed to register a single Premier League goal in 2021, and haven't won a match since Christmas.While recent interviews with Klopp have seen the German manager all but conceded that they won't be retaining their crown this year, a win here against Mourinho's fellow title hopefuls will at least keep them in contention and provide a m...
Redmi Note 9T review: Making 5G accessible to everyone
The Redmi Note 9T delivers 5G connectivity for just £229, making it a standout value in the budget segment.The Redmi Note series is Xiaomi's bread and butter. Xiaomi is now the world's third-largest smartphone manufacturer, and its meteoric rise over the last five years is directly attributable to strong sales in the Redmi Note series. To date, the brand has sold over 140 million phones in the Redmi Note series, with the Redmi Note 8 Pro becoming the best-selling Android phone globally in Q1 2020 and racking up 30 million sales.With the Redmi Note series, Xiaomi has commoditized features that have traditionally been limited to the mid-range or premium categories. When 4G was gaining momentum in emerging markets back in 2014, Xiaomi was at the forefront of delivering value. It has led the way for high-res cameras, multi-day battery life, and sleek designs on budget phones.In 2021, Xiaomi is continuing that push with the Redmi Note 9T. The phone debuted in China as the Redmi Not...
Airtel says it's ready for 5G in India, but don't get excited yet
The carrier requires "adequate spectrum" in the mid-band to make 5G commercially available across the countryWhat you need to knowIndia's Bharti Airtel today announced its "5G Ready" network.The carrier claims its 5G network delivers 10x faster speeds compared to existing technologies. It is the first telco in India to successfully demonstrate live 5G service" over a commercial network in Hyderabad.Bharti Airtel, one of India's largest telecom network providers, today announced its "5G Ready network." It has also become the country's first telco to demonstrate its live 5G service. Airtel used its existing spectrum in the 1800 MHz band through the NSA (Non Stand Alone) network technology to showcase its 5G service in Hyderabad.Gopal Vittal, MD & CEO, Bharti Airtel, said in a statement: I am very proud of our engineers who have worked tirelessly to showcase this incredible capability in Tech City, Hyderabad today. Every one of our investments is future proofed as th...
Samsung’s Q4 profit jumps 26.4% YoY, despite weaker smartphone sales
Samsung is pinning its hopes on the Galaxy S21 series to boost its profits in Q1 2021.What you need to knowSamsung has reported its Q4 2020 financial results.The company's fourth-quarter profit increased 26.4% YoY, but fell 26.7% compared to the previous quarter.Samsung's mobile business also witnessed a QoQ decline in profit due to weaker than expected sales.South Korean tech giant Samsung today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2020. It posted KRW 61.55 trillion ($55.3 billion) in consolidated revenue and KRW 9.05 trillion ($8.1 billion) in operating profit during the fourth quarter of the year. While the company's profit grew 26.4% over the same period a year earlier, it fell 26.7% from the previous quarter due to slow sales of consumer products, higher marketing costs, and weaker memory prices.Due to a decline in chip prices, Samsung's memory business witnessed a decline in earnings – despite solid shipments. The company's System LSI and Foun...
Android 12 could get a lot more colorful with an upgraded theming system
Android 12 could allow users to select both primary and accent colors throughout the UI.What you need to knowAndroid 12 could get a native theming system with more robust UI coloring.The color system could even be applied to third-party applications for a more uniform look.Rough mockups of the theming system give an idea of what this could look like.Android has always been a fairly customizable operating system, allowing users to change how certain aspects of their UI look such as the shape of the apps or how certain UI elements appear. When it comes to color, Android has not really allowed users to change that, beyond accent colors on Pixel phones. But according to information obtained by 9to5Google, we could get a more robust theming system with deep color integration in Android 12.Apparently, the system is going to be more than just the standard light and dark mode than Android users have now and will go deeper than the accent colors available on Pixels. With Android 1...
Facebook's better-than-expected quarter is just the calm before the storm
Facebook beat estimates across the board in its Q4 earnings but warns for what's ahead.What you need to knowFacebook announced its Q4 earnings which ended December 2020.Daily and monthly active users hit right around analysts' expectations, with higher earnings and revenue.Privacy changes with Apple iPhones could hurt the company this quarter.Facebook released its quarterly earnings today, and while the results fall in line with what analysts estimated, they don't exactly paint a pretty picture for what's ahead. The company has taken the year to leverage the effects of the ongoing pandemic, forcing many to work from home and to shop online. With the lack of physical communication, dependence on social media has increased, particularly during the recent election season.On a positive note, daily active users were in-line with what analysts expected, coming in at 1.84 billion, while monthly active users saw a 12% year-over-year increase to 2.8 billion. Total revenue saw a 33...
PS5 Buyer’s Guide: Availability, price, games, accessories, and bugs
Sony has released the PS5, its most ambitious console to date.The last console generation has come to an end, ushering in the era of the PS5. Sony has released two models, a standard edition for $499 and a PS5 Digital Edition for $399. We have everything you need to know about the PS5, from its availability to its specs and games. If you had a PS4 previously or are an Xbox fan thinking of jumping ship, you'll want to know just how good the PS5 is.Next-gen is herePS5$499 at Amazon$499 at Target$499 at GameStopGet ready for amazing gamesPS5 is the place to be for exclusives like Spider-Man and Horizon Forbidden West. Get yours before they sell out. The standard PS5 boasts a disc drive so that you can play 4K Blue-ray DVDs and use your physical PS4 games through backward combability. This comes at a higher price tag than the Digital Edition.All-digitalPS5 Digital Edition$399 at Amazon$399 at Target$399 at GameStopGet rid of your old discsCheaper than ...
No Man's Sky is getting a new patch for its Next Generation update
Another patch to further improve this continually evolving universe.What you need to knowNo Man's Sky is an open-world game that spans the galaxy, letting players explore entire planets to scavenge for materials, knowledge, and more.The game has received nearly-endless support since its launch and recently dropped the massive Next Generation update for next-gen consoles.A new patch update rolling out today, 3.15, includes some improvements and fixes for this update.This includes improved load speeds and optimized install sizes for PS5, as well as better visuals for PSVR.No Man's Sky clearly doesn't intend to stop releasing updates and support any time soon and has just dropped the latest patch update on all platforms. Update 3.15 builds on the recently released Next Generation Update with further improvements and platform-specific fixes across the board. The update is rolling out now to the PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.While there are notable improvements ev...
These Galaxy S20 FE cases are the best options to protect the best phone
Cases are practically a necessity nowadays, and that remains true for those looking for the best Galaxy S20 FE cases. The Galaxy S20 FE might be a great way for Samsung to own the mid-range phone market, as it has all the specs you could want with a sleek design and more color options than you can shake a stick at. Once you find the right case and one of the best Galaxy S20 FE screen protectors, you'll be right as rain and ready to do everything.3D effectsCaseology ParallaxStaff PickThe Caseology Parallax is one of those cases that have become a favorite for many. The unique 3D design on the back improves grip and ergonomics, while the rest of the case gives you the protection you need. Caseology also ensures this case can be used with many of the best Galaxy S20 FE screen protectors while maintaining support for wireless charging.$16 at Amazon $19 at WalmartThe classicSpigen Rugged ArmorFor years, Spigen has reigned supreme as one of the best case makers, t...
Microsoft Surface Duo receives several improvements with January update
This is the first update for the Surface Duo since November 2020.What you need to knowThe Microsoft Surface Duo gets a few usability improvements with the January update.The update improves speaker audio quality as well as touch stability and adds a new calling feature.The new patch should be rolling out to unlocked Surface Duo owners now and comes in at 576MB.Owners of the Microsoft Surface Duo may be pleased to know that the device is receiving the latest January update. The company seemed to skip out on its monthly update in December, so hopefully this latest one marks a return to form. Not only does it come with the December and January Android security patches, but it also comes with a few improvements that should improve some aspects of the device.Notably, the update looks to improve speaker quality as well as touch stability, the last of which was one of several gripes Daniel Bader had in his Microsoft Surface Duo review. Here's the list of improvements that this u...
Instant Pot Duo Crisp vs. Ninja Foodi: The pressure is on
Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer 6-quartEasy-to-use$130 at WalmartProsUser-friendly Includes an air fryer and air fryer presets Affordable Detachable air fryer lid 1000+ official Instant Pot recipesConsHeavyRequires two lidsLacks a few classic presets Smaller capacity The 11-in-1 Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer offers what most beloved Instant Pots do with the addition of an air fryer! Though it's bulky and lacks a few traditional presets, it makes up for that with its air frying superpowers, affordable price, and user-friendly Instant Pot-ness.Ninja Foodi Pro Pressure Cooker + Air Fryer 6.5-quartInnovative$215 at AmazonProsLarger capacityModern feel and sleek designAdvanced air fryer Includes a cookbookConsBulky and heavyCostlyRequires two lidsLess intuitive Air fryer lid isn't detachableThe Ninja Foodi Pro Pressure Cooker + Air Fryer might look like it came straight out of Star Wars, but it's a fantastic pressure coo...
You can now use Google Lens for offline translation
One of Google's most useful apps just got a lot more useful.What you need to knowGoogle is rolling out offline translation for Google Lens.It's a server-side update available for beta users of the Google Lens app.Some users may find this update a bit redundant as the main Google Translate app already supports offline translation.Google Lens, the company's augmented reality app for Android, has now been updated to support offline translation. Currently, users can open up Google Lens and point the camera at written or printed text to translate it to any of several supported languages. The translation will appear in an overlay over the original text, and it's a great tool for people who travel a lot. However, unlike Google Translate which let you download languages for offline use, Google Lens needs you to be online to use this feature in the first place. That's changing soon.Starting this week, Google began rolling out an update to the Lens app for select beta users (via 9t...
New Google Maps feature aims to help EV owners with range anxiety
Google Maps is helping electric vehicles find efficient ways to top up on a trip.What you need to knowAn update to Google Maps makes it easier to find charging stations for electric vehicles while on a trip.The update lets EV owners quickly view accepted payment methods for charging stations.Volvo and Polestar vehicles will are currently the only EVs with Google Maps built-in.When going on long road trips, you should always make sure to have one of the best travel chargers on you. But owners of electric vehicles have another charging problem to worry about, and "range anxiety" can still be an issue for many people who fear a lack of access to available charging stations. Google Maps is hoping to address this in its latest update coming to select EVs.In the new update, Google Maps will make it easier for EVs that support Android Auto. to map out a route without having to worry about reaching a charging station. Using new routing algorithms developed by Google's AI team, EV...
Should you buy the Skagen Falster 3 or Fossil Gen 5?
As sleek as it getsSkagen Falster 3From $217 at AmazonProsStunning sleek designGPS, NFC, HRMGoogle AssistantMusic storageSnapdragon Wear 3100ConsShort battery lifeBattery saving modes are restrictiveWant to keep things as sleek as possible when choosing a wearable? Look no further than the Skagen Falster 3. You get a lot in this slightly smaller package, including GPS, NFC, and heart-rate monitoring. You'll enjoy upgraded RAM and storage plus the Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor.Bigger can be betterFossil Gen 5$239 at AmazonProsBigger and bolder designGPS, NFC, HRMGoogle AssistantMusic storageSnapdragon Wear 3100ConsShort battery lifeBattery saving modes are restrictiveYou can have it all with the Fossil Gen 5 smartwatch, too. If you prefer a bigger case, the 44 mm size might be more attractive to you. You'll still enjoy key features, including GPS, NFC, and heart-rate monitoring. This watch also has the upgraded RAM and storage...
Netflix and YouTube are going to make you finally care about AV1
Google is already starting to require Android TV devices to ship with support for AV1 decoding.What you need to knowA new report suggests future content from both YouTube and Netflix will require AV1 decoding support.Google is reportedly already asking Android TV device makers to start adding support for AV1 on their gadgets launching later this year.AV1 is a royalty-free video coding format that also boasts significantly better compression than its competitors.AV1 has been the subject of much interest in recent years — at least as far as interest in obscurely technical topics like video encoding goes. And it's also gaining support from many of the most prominent players in the tech space, with YouTube and Netflix both adding at least partial support on their platforms.The two biggest players in the video streaming space may soon also require devices to feature built-in hardware-accelerated decoding for AV1, at least according to a new press release by Synaptics. In an ...
Get insane speeds with the SanDisk Extreme Pro 2TB portable SSD for $310
The SanDisk Extreme Pro 2TB USB-C portable solid state drive has dropped to $309.99 at Amazon. This is a great low price for this speedy drive, which normally goes for a street price around $350 and can peak as high as $400. You can actually find this price at a couple of different retailers, too, including B&H. While it did go lower over Black Friday, that's the only time today's price has ever been beaten.The SanDisk Extreme is a very portable solid state drive, and it's important that it's an SSD for multiple reasons. The first of which is that regular hard drives are notoriously less durable especially in portable form. The second of which is that SSDs with the right tech have the potential to be much, much faster.With 2TB of space you can keep all your music and other media real close by. Since it's an SSD, you don't have to worry about the same moving parts you'd find on a portable hard drive, so it's a lot more durable and can bounce around in your pack without you wor...
Here's the best way to protect your home from water damage
When you think of protecting your home from disaster, what crosses your mind? Fire? Burglary? Natural disasters? The best smart home security systems might cover these, but what about water damage? That often gets forgotten until the day you walk home and your basement is flooded. Smart water monitors were created to prevent these very situations. leakSMART is our pick for best smart water monitoring solution, as it can detect leaks throughout your home and automatically shut off your water in the event of a leak, all for a lot less than the competition.Best Overall: leakSMART leak detection starter kitThe leakSMART leak detection starter kit includes a valve, sensor, and the hub that controls all of them. leakSMART utilizes an included Zigbee hub to communicate with all of its components, meaning it's not reliant on Wi-Fi being available to work fully. It'll also work with existing Zigbee sensors, so if you already have one, you can save money by just buying the leakSMART valv...
What is State Share for Stadia and how does it work?
Best answer: State Share allows players to share a link so that others can experience the game being played at a specific moment, exactly as the players are. It was one of the announced features for Staida, but has only recently become available in some games.Play on your TV: Stadia Premiere Edition ($100 at Best Buy)How does State Share work?In order to create a game state in a supported title, simply press the capture button to take a screenshot or video clip. In your Capture gallery, when you select a capture, it will also give you the option to copy or share the URL for State Share. It's that simple.The game's state will be encoded in a link that tells Stadia where to pick up the game at a specific moment in time. This link can then be sent to any number of players who can click on it and instantly hop into the game at the point it was shared.A State can include things like the specific level you're on, which items you've unlocked and equipped, and your difficulty set...
Amazon's Echo Show 10 will finally arrive on February 25 for $250
The Echo Show 10 is finally available for pre-order.What you need to knowAmazon just announced a launch date for the Echo Show 10.The company announced the devce last year at it's end of summer hardware launch.Now, it's set to ship from February 25 with pre-orders opening now. It'll set you back $250.Amazon is finally shipping the Alexa-powered Echo Show 10, its newest mega-sized smart display. It's the 3rd generation of this style of device, and while the company announced it last year alongside the Fire TV Stick, the Fire TV Stick Lite, and a host of other devices, it's just being made available for pre-order.The Echo Show 10 has an appropriately large 10.1-inch display with adaptive color and brightness. Paired with its large dual speakers, the company expects you'll be able to have a fun time streaming music and videos while in the kitchen or othrwise occupied. Its rotating swiveling base means you can place it anywhere and be confident your content will be able to fo...
Samsung's Good Lock has an easy fix for this common Bluetooth audio problem
Good Lock continues to make our lives better.What you need to knowSoundAssistant is a Good Lock app that now allows users to fix their Bluetooth audio.The module utilizes a metronome slider to help sync audio with video and reduce lag.The update should be rolling out to users on One UI 3.0, with extra features available for devices on One UI 3.1.Bluetooth has improved a lot over the years, but that doesn't mean the standard is perfect, and some old problems still seem to creep up every once in a while, even for some of the best wireless earbuds. One problem that Bluetooth still faces, perhaps now to a lesser degree, is the lag between audio and video that can make the viewing experience fairly bothersome. Fortunately, as Samsung continues updating its Good Lock apps for One UI 3.0, one new feature is giving Galaxy owners a way to fix this annoying lag.A user on Reddit noted one of the new features that have been added to the SoundAssistant app dubbed "Bluetooth Metronom...
Enjoyed The Queen's Gambit? This 14-course chess bundle will help you become the next Beth Harmon
Source: StackCommerceWith its twisting plots and brilliant characters, The Queen's Gambit has given many of us a new appreciation for the game of chess. If you would like to play, The Complete Chess Bundle for Beginners to Advanced Players offers 121 hours of tutorials from world-class players. Right now, you can get the bundle for just $99.99.In many respects, competitive chess is like football. Experts have a huge mental playbook, and they deploy tactics as the game develops. If you can memorize all the moves, you have a significant advantage.This bundle of 14 courses teaches you those set plays, from opening moves to endgame strategies. The tutorials start with the fundamentals and take you right through to advanced schemes.Along the way, you learn how to lay and identify traps, make use of pawn structures, and improve your defense. Your coaching team includes two grandmasters and four international masters.Order today for just $99.99 to get lifetime access to the training...
Here are the best robot vacuums on the market right now
Using one of the best robot vacuums to help you keep your house clean may be one of the smartest decisions that you can make right now. Over the past few years, robot vacuums have become much smarter, they last longer, and clean better. Options like the iRobot Roomba 960, which happens to top the list of our best robot vacuums, lets you control it with just your voice. You can also set schedules and the sensors help prevent it from just bumping into everything.Best Robot Vacuums in 2020 at a glanceiRobot Rooma 960: Best robot vacuum overalliLife V3s Pro: Perfect choice for those on a budget Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo T8 AIVI: Best object detection and learning Roborock S6: Best battery life in a robot vacuumNeato D4: Top pick for cleaning corners What are the best robot vacuums you can buy today?There are a LOT of great robot vacuum models that are available right now, and picking the right one can be a difficult task. We've done the research, though, and narrowed down all the p...
The WD Easystore 1TB drive gives you portable access to your data for $45
The WD Easystore 1TB USB 3.0 portable hard drive is down to $44.99 through Best Buy's deals of the day. Since this is a deal of the day, you know the price is going to expire soon. The last time we saw this drive drop this low was back in early November and it only lasted for a day. The drive sells around $70 and sometimes goes as high as its MSRP at $85.The Easystore is just that... easy. It's a simple portable hard drive that you can use to store and transfer data, whether that'd be music, movies, photos, or video games. The 1TB of space is all there for you to use, and it's in a convenient device that won't let you down. Since its portable, you can take it with you as well, so it can be a great storage companion for your laptop.Connect via USB 3.0 for an easy-to-use interface that is super compatible with a wide range of devices. It's also backwards compatible with USB 2.0 just in case you need to plug into an older port. You won't get quite the same transfer speeds, but it wi...
I Expect You To Die 2 brings spies and liars to this VR puzzler sequel
New locations, new enemies, and a new set of puzzles for your puzzler to puzzle over.What you need to knowVR spy puzzler I Expect You To Die 2: The Spy and The Liar is coming to VR platforms in 2021.Players can expect a host of new environments, puzzles, and enemies as they play the role of a super spy trying to prevent the evil Dr. Zor from achieving world domination.Steam is the only announced platform for now, but more platforms are expected to be announced in the future.Fans of the original I Expect You To Die are expected to leap for joy at the announcement that their feigned death in the first game was a success. That means in I Expect You To Die 2: The Spy and The Liar, you'll be playing as a secret agent thought to be dead by your evil adversaries — although it seems at least one other individual knows your big secret. If you haven't yet played the original, it's one of the best cross-buy Oculus games you can find, totally playable on the Oculus Quest 2 natively o...
Best 4K Monitor Deals for January 2021
You need a 4K monitor. Well, maybe you don't need it, but you definitely want it. There are a lot of benefits to having 4K resolution on a computer monitor, whether you are deep into photo editing, play computer games, or want the best way to watch movies and TV shows while sitting at your computer desk.Unfortunately, 4K is already a relatively expensive feature compared to 1080p or 1440p resolutions so the more extra features you add the quickly the price can rise. These monitors don't usually run cheap, and if they do it's because they sacrifice refresh rate, response times, or other tech. Whatever you're looking for in a 4K monitor, we have the best deals available right here.Best 4K Monitor DealsSamsung UE570D 28-inch 4K monitorWhile this is a good deal, this monitor is back-ordered at B&H. You can find it for around $555 at Best Buy, which is the next best price. Other retailers sell it for around $600, and it has a street price of $620. With an IPS panel, you ge...
The Darkest Days are ahead of us in the latest Population: One event
Midnight sweeps across the battle zone for this 10-day event.What you need to knowDarkest Days is the latest 10-day event, starting January 28, which will cover the battle zone in perpetual moonlight.Players can expect 9v9 battles including 4 new gun skins to unlock.BigBox VR is also teasing the upcoming Season One for Population: One.Population: One players better get their night vision goggles handy because perpetual darkness is about to envelop the entirety of the battle zone. Darkest Days, the latest 10-day special event from developer BigBox VR, will set the stage for never-ending midnight in Night Mode. That's sure to challenge players in an entirely new way and switch up strategies that have become too familiar in VR's most popular battle royale shooter. The best accessories for your Oculus Quest 2 will keep you extra comfortable for that extended Darkest Days playtime, which runs from January 28, 2021 until February 7, 2021.Population: One players can take part in...
The LG Velvet is stunningly gorgeous, so get a case to keep it that way
The LG Velvet has a unique name but is the best-designed phone we've seen from the company since the LG G6. Since the Velvet is already one of the best 5G phones that money can buy, you'll want to keep it looking as good as it did when you took it out of the box. We've rounded up the best LG Velvet cases that you can find, taking out some of the guesswork when trying to find the best accessories.Our favoriteRingke FusionStaff PickThe Ringke Fusion is our favorite case for the Velvet thanks to its see-through backplate and raised lips around the screen and camera. Ringke also knows that you don't want to deal with a slippery phone, so it added extra grip with the TPU bumper. There are even lanyard holes on each side if you like to use a wrist strap.$11 at Amazon $11 at Walmart $10 at NeweggTried and trueSpigen Rugged ArmorSpigen makes some of the most reliable cases and the Rugged Armor is the king of the company's lineup. You'll get the classic TPU/carbon fi...
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