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Reactions only work in Messages conversations with RCS chat features enabled.What you need to knowGoogle Messages' Reactions feature is now available on the web client too.You can find the emoji button when you hover next to any message on Messages for Web.The feature rolled out to the Messages Android app in July this year.The Google Messages app finally gained support for iMessage-like emoji reactions earlier this year. While emoji reactions have been limited to the Google Messages Android app so far, the feature is now making its way to the Messages web client. As reported by the folks at Android Police, the Messages for Web client now shows new buttons for emoji reactions and overflow options when you hover next to any message.When you tap on the emoji button, you will be able to choose from seven different reactions: thumbs-up, thumbs-down, heart eyes, sad, angry, surprise, and tears of joy. You can send emoji reactions not just to messages from others, but also yo...

This year Disney Channel is helping kids around the world get into the holiday spirit with a new special and we have all the details on how you can watch the Disney Channel Holiday House Party on TV or online.The Disney Channel Holiday House Party is a new holiday-themed sketch comedy show that will feature all of your favorite Disney Channel stars participating remotely from their homes. The special will be hosted by Miranda May from the Disney Channel original series Bunk'd and will star Raphael Alejandro, Suzi Barrett, Issac Ryan Brown, Kylie Cantrall, Scarlett Estevez, Kaylin Hayman, Ramon Reed, Trevor Tordjman, Ruby Rose Turner and Tobie Windham.The 25-minute special will see the ensemble of comedic actors deck the halls with a variety of wacky characters and hilarious sketches including a Gen Z influencer take on a Charles Dickens classic. There will also be a Disney wand ID fail sketch and even a "High School Musical" throwback.Whether you have kids of your own who are e...

A perfect lifestyle watchFossil Gen 5From $245 at AmazonProsOnboard GPSHeart-rate monitoringActivity/sleep trackingGoogle AssistantGoogle PayConsOnly one size optionMore expensiveIf you want to go big or go home with your smartwatch experience, the Fossil Gen 5 is where it's at. It's nearly identical to the Fossil Gen 5E with a few exceptions. On this model, you get built-in GPS, additional storage, and a rotating crown. It only comes in one size, though.Lite yet efficient wearableFossil Gen 5E$249 at AmazonProsHeart-rate monitoringActivity/sleep trackingGoogle AssistantGoogle PayTwo sizesConsLacks onboard GPSNo rotating crownLess storageIf looks are more important to you than internal features, you might find yourself favoring the Fossil Gen 5E. You'll have two size options to choose from, which is ideal for users with smaller wrists. It's slightly more affordable, but you'll sacrifice GPS and a few other perks.Fossil ...

Chromeboxes aren't laptops. Chances are, you're not tossing one into a backpack and setting it up at Starbucks. Instead, it sits quietly behind a screen of some sort and is always ready. That means there's no reason to try and get by with 16 or 32GB of storage. Most models are easy to take apart and upgrade if you're the DIY type, but adding more storage is as easy as plugging in a cable. These are the best external hard drives and SSDs for your Chromebox.The affordable choiceWestern Digital My PassportStaff PickWD My Passport is the best bargain external hard drive you can buy. It's a spinning disk drive so you won't be breaking any read speed records, but it's perfect for storing photos or music or video. It's available in 1TB–4TB options.From $58 at Amazon From $55 at Best BuyWhen you wanna go fast!Samsung T5 SSDIf you need a big boost in storage for your Chromebox but need to have SSD speeds, the Samsung T5 drive is one of the best ways to make it happ...

I can vacuum. I can hold a trigger and push a device around the floor to suck up dirt. It's not that hard. Takes about 20 minutes. Vacuuming is not a skill that must be taught in schools. So the simple act of vacuuming is not enough to justify spending hundreds on a robot. The reason we love robot vacuums isn't just that they vacuum but that they do so with little intervention from us. We go from forcing ourselves to think about vacuuming to having clean floors for weeks at a time without even noticing. Few robot vacuums remove thoughts about vacuuming more than the iRobot Roomba i6+, and this autonomous robot vacuum is on sale for $549.99 today. This price is $50 lower than a deal we shared a couple weeks ago and $250 off what it normally goes for.What makes the i6+ so special? It does something only a couple of other iRobot vacuums do, and it's something you won't see in the competition. It empties its own dustbin. I'll pause for a moment to let that sink in. With any other robot...

Rumors suggest the first Galaxy Tab M tablet could come with up to 256GB of storage.What you need to knowA new report claims Samsung could launch its first Galaxy M series tablet early next year.Samsung introduced the Galaxy M series in 2019 to take on Chinese rivals in the budget smartphone segment.The first Galaxy M series tablet is rumored to be called the Galaxy Tab M62.Last month, a report had claimed that Samsung was working on a new Galaxy M series phone called the Galaxy M62 with "high-end" specs. If a new report from 91Mobiles is to be believed, the Galaxy M62 is not a phone but a "compact" tablet.Samsung's Galaxy M series, which was introduced last year, currently includes just smartphones. However, that could change early next year. As per 91Mobiles, the Galaxy M62 is likely to be positioned below Samsung's Galaxy Tab A series line, which means it might be a lot more affordable than the best Samsung tablets. While the specs of the device haven't been revealed y...

The best soundbars have come a long way in the last few years. While full-sized speakers will still sound better — sound needs space, after all — soundbars are great for their size. That size also requires a smaller footprint in your living room, so it's great for people who want to save space. With something like the Sonos Beam, you'll get great sound without a head-scratching installation process, and more. Plus, if it's paired up with one of the best Android TVs, then this creates the ultimate home theater setup so you can grab some popcorn and enjoy your favorite movies. There are other great soundbars available, and we have detailed some of the best soundbar options for your home.Best Soundbar Overall: Sonos Beam Smart TV Sound BarWith the Sonos Beam, you get the best soundbar with some basic smarts. The Sonos Beam connects to your TV with HDMI-ARC or with the included HDMI-to-Optical adapter. A recent update has brought the ability for integration between Sonos produc...

Chatting it up with the AC forums.Oh, BlackBerry — sweet, sweet BlackBerry. The iconic phone brand has gone through a lot over the years, whether it be bleeding-edge handsets in the early 2000s or Android-powered offerings under TCL's ownership.BlackBerry phones may be no more, but the want for a phone with similar ideals still exists.Some of our AC forum members recently started talking about which Android phones they've drifted towards in lieu of BlackBerry, with the conversation going as follows: speeddad 12-09-2020 01:26 PM “ Hey everyone! Yes, laugh as you might, I've been a BlackBerry user and fan for the last 15 years (started with a Curve, another Curve, Bold 9900, Q10, Z10, PRIV, and keyOne). While the PRIV and keyOne are Android, they are no longer supported as you probably know, and searched for what would be (to me) the next best, secure, reliable, productivity phone I could fi...

Faster screens defined the Android flagships of 2020, bringing buttery scrolling and smoother responsiveness — but at a cost.High refresh rate displays wowed usPlastic phones are the bestCloud gaming went mainstreamStar Wars games saved usCheap phones got good againIf there's a single feature that set the high-end phones of 2020 apart from those of the previous year, it's the arrival of fast 120Hz displays. Some of the best Android phones like Samsung's Galaxy S20 Ultra and OnePlus 8 Pro showed how pumping out an extra 60 frames every second could result in a smoother, more responsive experience.Use a 120Hz phone for long, and it's hard to go back to 60. Devices that just a few months ago felt fast enough now make for a jarring visual experience. It's not just about a few extra frames of animation or a smoother-scrolling Twitter feed. Most fast displays also amp up the touch sampling rate to 240Hz, meaning the phone literally becomes more responsive. Marketing...

Cases are practically a necessity nowadays, and that remains true for those looking for the best Galaxy S20 FE cases. This could be the way that Samsung owns 2020, 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 another 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 along with maintaining support for wireless charging.$16 at Amazon$16 at WalmartThe classicSpigen Rugged ArmorFor years, Spigen has reigned supreme as one of the best case makers, thanks in large part to the ...

We saw a bunch of great offers during Black Friday and Cyber Monday including some stellar VPN deals, though FastestVPN is giving you one more chance to save right now. For a little while now it has been offering lifetime VPN access for just $20, though you can currently drop that price down to only $16.60 when you use code SPECIAL2020 during checkout. That code is only valid for a short amount of time, so go ahead and use it if you haven't signed up already.In terms of regular pricing, FastestVPN goes for $10 per month, though its prices fall considerably if you commit to a 3-year or 5-year plan. That being said, none of FastestVPN's other offers come anywhere close to this holiday special. The company offers a 15-day money-back guarantee in case you don't like it but at this price, there is very little risk with trying it out.As you likely know, VPNs are pretty useful tools, especially these days. Not only do they afford you some extra privacy but they also allow you to access ...

The holiday season is now upon us, and while things may look a bit different this year, that's not to say we can't have any fun at all. Whether you have family that you live with or loved ones that are far away, you can still use this time of year to spoil them with gifts and either give them in person or have them shipped out. Buying gifts in general can be a challenge depending on who you're buying for, but what if that person is an Android user/fan? Here are some tips on a few presents they're sure to love!Portable powerAnker PowerCore Slim 10000If you're buying a gift for an Android nerd this holiday season, you can't go wrong with a trusty portable charger. Whether it be more convenient charging at home or having a way to refuel devices while on-the-go, these little gadgets are immensely useful. This particular one from Anker has a large 10,000 mAh capacity, fast charge speeds, and comes with an 18-month warranty.$20 at AmazonSafe and convenientiOttie Easy On...

Metal and glass are great, but there's room for other, less "premium" materials.Cloud gaming went mainstreamStar Wars games saved usCheap phones got good againWe've all heard the age-old expression, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." Smartphone design is about as subjective as it gets, and there's plenty of discourse surrounding the pros and cons of different build materials on phones; the aesthetic trade-offs, the different in-hand feel, and of course, the added fragility of decidedly more premium materials like metal and glass.Throughout the last decade or so as smartphone manufacturers have gotten progressively better at making top-notch hardware, we've more or less narrowed our options down to those two materials, at least in the high-end space. Glass tends to be the more popular option of the two, partially because it's compatible with wireless charging, but aluminum has made a comeback in phones like the Pixel 5 as companies find clever ways around metal's ...

What a hilarious and fantastic time.I have the privilege of checking out a ton of Android games and writing about them. Sometimes, however, special ones come across my desk that deserve reviews, and such is the case today. I proudly present a wonderful indie title called Donut County, a game that I just couldn't put down.When you combine excellent physics-based puzzle gameplay, a beautiful and minimalist art style, and good writing, you get gems like Donut County. It ticks all of those boxes and more, with it's only real downfall being how short it is. Alas, I guess I'll have to settle for replaying it because I love it so much.Swallow everythingDonut County Bottom line: Donut County lands on Android and it's a great success. It combines a simple yet beautiful art design, an addictive gameplay loop, and quirky writing...

One of Amazon's new deals of the day has a selection of Philips headphones on sale for as much as 20% off. There are three headphones available in this sale that vary in price between $32 and $120, but all of them are discounted from much higher prices. The only thing you have to decide is what features you want and how much you want to spend on them. The Fidelio X2HR headphones, for example, are down to $119.99 today. These headphones have sold for around $145 for the last year with spikes up to $150. The last time they went as low as $120 was toward the end of 2019. They still go for that $145 price at other retailers like B&H.You can save $8 on a pair of Philips SHP6000 wired headphones today. These headphones offer deep bass, high-resolution audio, and superior comfort. The Hi-Res audio is expertly tuned and certfieid with extended response frequencies. The headphones use an over-ear design with 40mm drivers and soft foam cushions that can be adjusted for the perfect fit....

The phone could possibly be a successor to the RedMagic 5S.What you need to knowChinese smartphone brand Nubia has teased a phone with a color-changing rear glass panel.The device will utilize electrochromic glass to achieve the color-changing effect.Vivo and OnePlus are also expected to launch phones with electrochromic glass next year.ZTE's Nubia sub-brand could soon launch its first phone with a color-changing rear glass panel. The company today posted a video on Weibo, teasing the upcoming phone.Similar to the OnePlus Concept One showcased at CES earlier this year, the upcoming Nubia phone will use electrochromic glass, which can quickly switch from opaque to transparent to achieve the color-changing effect. As can be seen in the video below, the phone has two transparent strips on the back, which show off its internals. However, users can choose to hide the internals of the device with the touch of a button.While Nubia hasn't shared any details yet, the design ...

TCL took the wraps off its first self-made and own-branded Android phones in the 10-series earlier this year, and the inexpensive devices are even more affordable at Amazon right now. These unlocked phones are discounted by 25% there for a limited time thanks to on-page coupons, though the promotion won't be around for long.The higher-end of the two on offer, the TCL 10 Pro, is on sale for just $337.49 unlocked. All you have to do to score the saving is clip the coupon on its product page for 25% off before you add it to your cart. Today's discount is matched at Best Buy with further savings if you activate today.The 10 Pro features a Snapdragon 675 octa-core processor and 6GB RAM. There's 128GB of internal storage with microSD card support. It sports a 6.47-inch FHD+ waterfall AMOLED display with an in-screen fingerprint processor and HDR 10 support. It's equipped with a quad-camera set-up, with a main 64MP shooter supplemented with a low-light video camera, a wide-angle lens, a...

Musicians have had to make a major heel turn in 2020 with live venues closed and concerts cancelled indefinitely. Rather than letting the music fade out, some artists have switched to virtual concerts to keep their fans entertained while staying at home and promoting social distancing. Now, LiveXLive is celebrating the artists that got us through the year with a special event dubbed 'The Lockdown Awards'.Hosted by Trey Songz, the event will feature performances by Ally Brooke, Avenue Beat, Icona Pop & Sofi Tukker, Johnny Orlando, Joss Stone, Lauv & Conan Gray, Monsta X, and Wiz Khalifa. Meanwhile, there will be special appearances by guests like Tori Kelly, Alex Rose, and Busta Rhymes.LiveXLive 'The Lockdown Awards': When and whereLiveXLive's Lockdown Awards air live this Friday, December 11 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, though you can join in on the party early with the pre-show beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT. The show will be streamed for free on the LiveXLive...

Cyndi Lauper is bringing a festive livestream benefit concert directly to fans this holiday season. In support of her nonprofit organization, True Colors United, the 10th annual Cyndi Lauper & Friends "Home for the Holidays" concert is going virtual for the year 2020 and is set to feature performances and guest appearances by some of the biggest names in music.Not only will we see exclusive performances from guests like Cher, Dolly Parton, Phoebe Bridgers, and the cast of Broadway's Kinky Boots, but there will also be special cameos by celebrities including Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, and Whoopi Goldberg.Home for the Holidays live: When and whereThere will be a few opportunities to catch this year's "Home for the Holidays" concert, though if you want to watch live, you'll need to download the TikTok app. The virtual benefit will only air live on TikTok Live this Friday, December 11 at 8 p.m. ET. If you don't mind waiting another two days, you can catch a replay of the ev...

You will be able to issue voice commands by pressing and holding the "action button" on your headphones.What you need to knowGoogle Assistant's 'spoken notifications' feature is finally available on all wired headphones.You can press the "action button" on your headphones to talk to the Assistant when it is connected to your Android device.Until now, the feature was limited to Google's USB-C Pixel Buds. You no longer need a pair of headphones "optimized for Google Assistant" to be able to use the spoken notifications feature. Google has confirmed to the folks at 9to5Google that Assistant support, including spoken notifications, is now available on all wired headphones.Until now, this Assistant feature was only available on select wireless Bluetooth headphones. On the wired side, it was only available on Google's USB-C Pixel Buds.When you connect your wired headphones to your Android device, it will now launch a set-up process that will require you to enable the Notifica...

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: Save up to $50Fitbit Fitness Tracker Deals: Up to $31 offFitbit Smart Scale Deals: From $49More Info: Pricing history, which to buy & moreFitbit Sense | $278.95 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 to expec...

Worried about misplacing your Android phone or (worse yet) having it stolen? Ease your fears and set up a tracking system before your worst case scenario strikes. You'll get the best results if your phone is connected to a Wi-Fi signal but GPS and mobile networks will still manage to pinpoint a fairly accurate location. You must also have a Google account for virtually all of the tracking services available, whether they are built-in or downloaded.How to locate your phone using GoogleMost Android phones now come with Find My Device built right in. This service automatically tracks your phone's location, so if it ever goes missing you can hop on your laptop or a friend's phone and find its last known location, ring your phone if it's nearby, or lock and/or erase your phone if you fear it has been stolen.The most important thing you can do is make sure your phone is set up to be found before it goes missing. Otherwise, you're basically on your own. An important point to note here...

There are several options available for remotely tracking your phone, but Google's own Find My Device service is one of the most convenient around. In addition to locating your phone, Find My Device lets you ring, remotely lock, or even erase the data if your phone goes missing or stolen. Here's what you need to know about Find My Device, and how to use the service.Install and enable Find My DeviceFind My Device is enabled out of the box on most devices, but it doesn't hurt to see if it's running on your phone. Doing so is a straightforward process that doesn't take more than a few minutes, so let's get started.If your phone doesn't already come with Find My Device pre-installed, you can download the app from the Play Store. The service is available for download even on older devices — all phones running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and above are eligible.Once the app is installed, you'll have to sign into it with your Google account. Doing so allows the service to esse...

The event was definitely full of surprises.The Game Awards 2020 took place today, and as always, tons of announcements were made regarding the future of games. There were many surprises at the event, including looks at the next Dragon Age, Mass Effect, and Perfect Dark.You can take a look at all the major announcements from The Game Awards below.Perfect DarkThe Initiative's latest game has finally been unveiled, and it is a brand new entry in the Perfect Dark series. In a brief trailer for the game, it looks as if the game will take place in the far future, in a world devastated by various disasters. It's unknown exactly what caused these disasters or how helpful the corporations in charge are now, but players will have to get to the bottom of it when the game launches.Back 4 BloodStick together. We’ve got a job to do. #Back4Blood - 6.22.2021 pic.twitter.com/4Sj0TaW6wG— Back4Blood (@back4blood) December 11, 2020Turtle Rock is no stranger to the world of zom...

The Last of Us Part 2, unsurprisingly, walked away the big winner of the night.What you need to knowThe Last of Us Part 2 took home the big prize at the end of the night, along with other awards included Best Direction and Narrative.Among Us was another big winner, taking home two prizes and beating out big names like Call of Duty.The Game Awards 2020 couldn't have come at a weirder time, thanks to it also being Cyberpunk 2077 release day, but it somehow was able to make us forget about the CD Projekt Red juggernaut for just a moment and help us remember what even came out in 2020.Some of the nominees were divisive and despite some snubs — Windows Central Best Xbox Game winner Ori and the Will of the Wisps missing in key categories, for example — the winners were overall standard. The Last of Us Part 2 took home seven wins, including Game of the Year. Another big winner, although not in the way you expect, was Among Us. The tiny 2018 mobile game became a surprise hit t...

Master Chief has arrived in Fortnite.What you need to knowAfter leaking earlier this week, Epic confirmed tonight that Master Chief would be joining the world of Fortnite.Alongside the Master Chief news, Epic also revealed that Blood Gulch will be available in Fortnite's Creative Mode. Additionally, characters from The Walking Dead will be joining the game later this season. After leaks popped up earlier this week, Epic confirmed that Fortnite and Halo would be crossing over with each other after all, with Master Chief joining the world of Fortnite.Alongside the news that Master Chief would be joining Fortnite, Epic also revealed that Blood Gulch, the iconic multiplayer map from the Halo franchise, would be making its way to the world of Fortnite. The map will be available in Fortnite's Creative Mode starting tomorrow, and will be fully editable, with players able to put their own Fortnite-esque spins on the legendary area.The world of Fortnite has undergone quite t...

A new map called The Airship is coming to Among Us in 2021.What you need to knowAmong Us is a social deduction game that first released in 2018 but gained popularity this year.During The Game Awards 2020, a new map called The Airship was revealed.There are only a handful of maps in the game right now, and The Airship is coming in early 2021.All Among Us GuidesHow to play Among UsAmong Us: Best tips & tricksHow to kick and ban playersAll levels in Among UsThe Skeld tasks guideMIRA HQ tasks guidePolus tasks guideDoes Among Us support cross-play?How to create the best Among Us gameHow to set up voice chatHow to be the best ImposterTips for finding the ImposterEvery way you can kill a CrewmateCustom Games in Among UsThe difference between the PC and mobile versions of Among UsThe difference between the paid and free versions of Among UsHow to unlock holiday-specific hatsTranslation of common termsHow Among Us got so popularHow to customize your chara...

Marvel rounded out Investor Day with our first look at so many Marvel shows and films.What you need to knowMarvel gave updates on its robust roster of films and shows at the end of Disney Investor Day.We got trailers for four Marvel shows headed for Disney+ including the What If...? animated anthology.Kevin Feige confirmed that Black Panther will not be recast but Black Panther II will continue Chadwick Boseman's legacy and tell new stories in Wakanda.Wow. Disney Investor Day was like Comi-Con but without having to stand in lines for twelve hours to get into Hall H. Not only is Disney+ getting a lot of new content — and its first price increase — and if the slate of new Star Wars shows felt like it was too much awesome at one time, take a look at all the Marvel goodies we got today.Marvel Original ShowsWandaVision is just around the corner and got a brand new trailer that gets a little more in-depth into just what the frak is going on in this TV pocket dimensio...

Google continues to make its Workspace experience an integrated one.What you need to knowGoogle will now let users edit Microsoft Office documents directly from Gmail.The company earlier enabled Office file editing within its Google Docs suite, this feature builds on that earlier improvement.It's rolling out to all Google Workspace users within the next two weeks.Google now allows users to edit Office files directly from Gmail using Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. It's a feature that works due to the company's enhanced integration with Office files. As we reported, Google earlier rolled out full Office file support in its own online office suite, and now you're able to reap the fruits with Gmail.This change shows up as two new features. First, you can now directly open an Office file sent to you as an attachment in its associated Google Workspace app. A Word doc will open in Docs, a PowerPoint in Slides, and so on. It's not like the in-line editing that Microsoft has on ...

Oh look another beautiful indie game to fall in love with.What you need to knowScavengers Studio, the developer behind the Darwin Project, announced Season at The Game Awards 2020.It will release as a PS5 exclusive.A release date was not announced.Darwin Project devs Scavengers Studio are working on a new game titled Season, and it was showcased at The Game Awards 2020. They did not announce a release date for Season, but we do know that it will be a PS5 console exclusive, at least initially. Season, a third-person atmospheric adventure bicycle road trip game. Through the eyes of a young woman from a secluded community, explore the world for the first time. Collect artifacts and memories before a mysterious cataclysm washes away the world...It looks like a charming indie game and a big departure from the Darwin Project. Other than what's showcased in the trailer, there isn't much known about Season. Scavengers calls it a passion project for the studio."We have ...

Tech's biggest players just don't learn.What you need to knowGoogle has been fined over $120 million for violating French privacy laws.Amazon was also fined, but to a lesser extent of about $42 million.The violations surround the way companies obtain user information before consent is given.On Thursday, both Google and Amazon were slapped with fines for violating French privacy laws. The Commission nationale de l'informatique et des libertés, or CNIL, is a French administration tasked with enforcing privacy laws around user data in its country. According to the CNIL, both Amazon and Google were not entirely forthcoming to consumers about the information they were collecting and what it was being used for. The fines equate to over $42 million for Amazon, while Google takes a larger hit with a $120 million fine, the largest to date by the CNIL.Investigations into both companies commenced earlier in the year, and it was concluded that both companies began storing identifyin...

Now existing users have a shot at getting a free ChromecastWhat you need to knowGoogle is offering a free Chromecast with Google TV to existing YouTube TV subscribers.Eligible subscribers much claim the offer by December 31st.Google recently offered a similar promotion for new YouTube TV subscribers.YouTube TV isn't cheap by any means. What used to cost $35 a month, shot up to $50, and now sits at $65 a month. It's not terrible, and is in line with other live streaming options, with the added benefit of being a Google brand. Every now and then, Google will offer discounts or extended free trials, but the latest promotion is for those of you who have stuck around.If you're a @YouTubeTV subscriber, check your email - you may have an offer for a free Chromecast waiting for you! pic.twitter.com/noRLOek3a5— Andru Edwards (@AndruEdwards) December 10, 2020According to an email going out to some YouTube TV subscribers, Google is offering a free Chromecast with Google TV don...

Runs pretty well on the PS5 though.At the start of Cyberpunk 2077, your character wants nothing more than to get to Night City. Through marketing materials, we've been taught that it's a bright behemoth, sprawling and unobtainable thanks to controlling corporations and general dystopian rot. However, when my V, a nomad, entered Night City chased by border patrol, it was tough to take in. You're stuck in a car, shooting at officers, and all the while driving through industrial parks and barren wasteland underneath billboards. When you finally get to experience Night City — like, really experience it — it's through montage. You finally cut to six months later, and that's where the game really begins.This introduction changes depending on which backstory you choose for V, but it still represents the core issue with Cyberpunk 2077: it doesn't know what it wants to be. There's a gigantic open-world to explore in Night City, with a variety of NPCs, storefronts, and culture clashing...

Decoupling GPU and system updates will allow Samsung a lot more flexibility in the future.What you need to knowSamsung this week launched a new app aimed at improving gaming performance on its phones.The GameDriver app allows the company to update GPU drivers for games separately from larger system updates.Currently, only a handful of games are supported, though the company is promising to expand that number soon.Mobile gaming has become an incredibly lucrative market over the last decade and has, in recent years, taken center stage in the smartphone world, with every new flagship offering at least some gaming-oriented features — not to mention the gaming smartphones with desktop-inspired liquid-cooling heatsinks and more.In yet another sign of mobile gaming picking up some of the best parts of desktop gaming, Samsung this week announced the launch of a new GameDriver app. While Samsung's phones are already among the best Android phones out there, this change will make ...

The galaxy far, far away is about to get much bigger.What you need to knowDisney Investor Day brought us the biggest expansion of the Star Wars universe since Disney first acquired Lucasfilm.There will be ten new series in the Star Wars universe coming in the next few years on Disney+.Rangers of the New Republic and Ahsoka are new series in the same universe as The Mandalorian, and they will combine in a storytelling event.We also got confirmation that Hayden Christensen is returning to the role of Anakin Skywalker in the Kenobi mini-series!Disney Investor Day may not sound fun — and, yeah, it's not as awesome as a day at Galaxy's Edge — but this day is important in that it's a multi-hour sizzle reel of upcoming content that Disney has planned in the near future. While today mostly focused on Disney+ and the future of ESPN+, Hulu and the coming global expansion of Star (formerly HotStar), there was great news for Star Wars fans: we're getting a lot more new content in ...

What you need to knowDisney has struck a deal with Comcast to bring Disney+ to Xfinity consoles.There will be a ton of upcoming Disney+ Originals for Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney/Pixar in the next year.Disney's Disney+ expansion in international countries are bringing small price bumps in certain regions.Pixar's Soul and Raya and The Last Dragon will be available on Disney+.The price for Disney+ is increasing to $7.99 a month.Disney just announced some exciting new Disney+ expansions for subscribers outside of the US during the Disney Investor Day 2020 presentation. As of December 2, 2020, Disney+ has 86.8 million subscribers, which means a lot of those who had the free year through Verizon have continued to subscribe.In the coming year, Disney+ will be getting a lot of brand new content, including Disney+ Originals. This will include 10 new Marvel series, 10 Star Wars series, 15 Disney and Pixar live action and animation series, as well as another 15 more shorter featur...

What you need to knowThe next Disney+ Premier Access film will be Raya and the Last Dragon on March 5.Raya and the Last Dragon will launch on Disney+ at the same time it launches in theaters.A price change was not mentioned, so it seems it will be a flat $30 fee to unlock just as Mulan was.The pandemic and the continued closure of theaters in many markets have pushed back movie releases long enough, and Disney will be launching Raya and the Last Dragon on March 5 as a Disney+ Premier Access title, the same day it releases in theaters. Like the previous Premier Access movie, Mulan, Raya will be a one-time $30 upcharge fee that unlocks the movie for as long as you subscribe to the service.Raya's first theatrical trailer launched back in October and gave us an adorably badass look at one of our two title characters as well as her rotund sidekick, Tuk Tuk, which goes from tiny trap-springer to massive mount over the course of Raya's training to become a proud warrior. We go...

One of the best phones of 2020 for performance, cameras, and price, the Google Pixel 4a also has a minimalist design that will still comfortably fit in one hand with a thick case. So we've made sure to find the most hardcore protective cases available that will keep it dent- and scratch-free without blocking the rear fingerprint sensor. You'll find screen protectors, corner cushions, kickstand, and other defensive perks with the best heavy-duty Pixel 4a cases available today.Slender defenseSpigen Rugged ArmorStaff PickDespite its "rugged" moniker, this case is more compact than most heavy-duty cases while still reliably cushioning your Pixel 4a from falls. It protects your phone without detracting from its light, easy-to-hold design, and has some stylish texture on the back as well.$12 at AmazonTotal protectionPoetic RevolutionThis case bundles two front frames for people who either prefer a screen protector or keeping your display au naturel. The rubber cas...

Start streaming online around the world from your favorite social media platforms.What you need to knowThe Game Awards airs tonight at 7pm ET with a pre-show beginning at 6:30pm.You can watch it on Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook Live, and more.There will be 12-15 new game reveals.Nominees for Game of the Year include The Last of Us Part 2, Ghost of Tsushima, Hades, Doom Eternal, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.The Game Awards are happening tonight and it's sure to be a big show. Geoff Keighley has already stated that fans can expect anywhere from around 12-15 new game announcements, and some of the biggest stars in Hollywood and games will be presenting awards. Keanu Reeves, Christopher Nolan, Gal Gadot, Brie Larson, and Tom Holland are just a few of the celebrities set to make an appearance. The fun starts at 7pm ET, but the pre-show will begin half an hour earlier.How to watch The Game Awards 2020You can tune in to The Game Awards be...

Android and iOS apps will not be able to use X-Mode location data much longer.What you need to knowGoogle and Apple now prohibiting developers from using X-Mode's tracking software.X-Mode is under scrutiny for its work with government and law enforcement agencies.Developers on Android have one week to remove the code from their apps; iOS developers have up to two weeks.According to the Wall Street Journal, both Alphabet/Google and Apple have announced that they will no longer allow developers to use the location tracking information provided by X-Mode Social Inc. in apps running on their Android or iOS platforms.X-Mode creates location tracking software widely used by app developers and various government agencies, corporations, and law enforcement. The company has come under intense scrutiny recently, specifically for its security and defense contracts. It is currently under investigation by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden's office as well as from media outlets such as The Wall S...

OPPO's new smartphone can glow in the dark!What you need to knowOPPO has just released its Reno 5 series smartphones in China.Both the Reno 5 and Reno 5 Pro offer minimal upgrades to the cameras and connectivity options.The OPPO Reno 5 Pro features a MediaTek chipset and fluorescent coating on the camera bump.The OPPO Reno 4 smartphones were initially released only in June of this year, but the successors have already made their way just in time for the year's end. OPPO has launched the Reno 5 series smartphones in China, featuring updated designs and few spec bumps.While the Reno5 will stick with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G found in its predecessor, the Reno 5 Pro switches to MediaTek Dimensity 1000+, perhaps as a cost-saving measure. On the display side, the FullHD+ OLED panels are largely unchanged from the Reno 4 counterparts, save for the bump to a 90Hz refresh rate on the entry-level model to match the Pro. The fingerprint sensor is be embedded into the display, wh...

It's coming to the Oculus Quest family first.What you need to knowA new horde mode map is available on December 15, 2020 for free for all Arizona Sunshine players on Oculus Quest 1 and 2.This map takes place in the iconic trailer park location from the single-player portion of the game.This update will be coming to PC VR platforms and PSVR sometime in early 2021.Fans of Arizona Sunshine's horde mode are about to be even happier thanks to the release of a brand new free horde mode map that takes place in the game's iconic trailer park location. Gamers who have fought through the single-player campaign will likely be familiar with the setting, which will now see up to four players trying to survive wave after wave of zombies while racking up the loot for as long as they can.This free new horde mode map is launching exclusively on the Oculus Quest family of devices on December 15, 2020 with specific enhancements for the Oculus Quest 2. PC VR and PSVR Arizona Sunshine players...

Wireless chargers are all the rage right now, and for good reason. They're super convenient to use, offer solid charging speeds, and work with a range of phones. But what if they could go a step further? Well, now they can.A multi-functional wireless chargerSanDIsk Ixpand Wireless Charger Sync$99.99 at Western DigitalWirelessly charge and backup your photosThe SanDisk Ixpand Wireless Charger Sync not only keeps your phone topped up, but also makes sure your photos are backed up.The SanDisk Ixpand Wireless Charger Sync not only keeps your phone nice and charged up, but it backs up your Qi™-compatible phone in the process. That's right, when you put your Qi-compatible smartphone on this Ixpand charger, it'll create a local backup of your photos and videos in full resolution.1 You don't have to do anything more after setup.The SanDisk Ixpand Wireless Charger Sync isn't the only way to back up your phone, but it's by far one of the most convenient. Sure, you could u...

The perfect cure for a rainy day or your morning transit commute.Not everyone wants to commit hours of their day to playing games on their phones. That's why casual games exist! These games have proven wildly successful, championed by iconic mobile games such as Angry Birds and Candy Crush Saga. They're designed to be played on the go and at your own pace — as laid back or competitive as you want.Most casual games are free, offering in-app purchases and some ads. Some may cost you a dollar or two, but they're worth it. We've collected some of our favorites from the past, along with some newer games that are great to keep on your phone for a little gaming break during your day.The gamesSuper Mario RunAlto's Odyssey The Battle for PolytopiaReignsTwo DotsSmash HitBlekPiano Tiles 2Candy Crush SagaFruit Ninja FreeAngry Birds 2New Words With FriendsBattlelands RoyaleMini MetroCall of Duty: MobileTransmissionData WingChessplodeAI Factory LimitedAmong UsBrawl...

This game presents a real opportunity for Stadia to appeal to a lot more players.Despite a lot of reported problems with certain versions of Cyberpunk 2077, Stadia's version is looking pretty good. CD Projekt RED's latest RPG epic released to mostly positive reviews this week and seems to be a success, already capping off a big week of new releases for Stadia.Even though Cyberpunk 2077 isn't officially out on PS5 and Xbox Series X just yet, when gamers play the PS4 or Xbox One version on the respective next-generation console, they're able to enjoy a high-quality experience for the most part that is comparable to the PC version. However, if you're playing on an actual original PS4 or Xbox One, of which there are millions of consumers out there that still use those consoles, the results are downright messy.When you combine this with the high recommended specs for Cyberpunk 2077 on PC, as well as the impossibility of getting a new PS5 or Xbox Series X right now, options are limit...

The best Android tablet available right now is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7. It has a big screen, high-end specs, tons of features, a stylus, and support for a full keyboard. It's pricy, and not the right pick for anyone who wants a smaller and more portable tablet, but as an all-around device, it can't be beat. For those who have different needs (or budgets), there are a few other picks that work just well for media consumption and won't break the bank.The best Android tablets at a glanceSamsung Galaxy Tab S7 — Best Overall: An incredible display and equally impressive specs.Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ — Best Upgrade Pick: An even larger AMOLED display and all-day battery.Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite — Productivity for Less: Buy it when it's on sale.Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e — Midrange Option: An even more accessible tablet for tighter budgets.Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 — Low-Budget: A great option for first-time buyers with basic needs.Amazon Fire HD 10 — Big on a Small Budget:...

How many times have you jumped onto a Google Meet call, terribly embarrassed by the state of your "home office" or whatever room you were able to commandeer for a work call? It's happened to me more times than I can count. Thankfully, you can now change and customize your background in Google Meet — even before the call begins — so you can hide those piles of laundry and takeout containers and make people think you're in a chic coffee shop or secluded beach setting. I'll show you how in the steps below.Products used in this guideWelcoming webcam: Logitech Brio 4K Webcam ($200 at Best Buy)Meet me anywhere: Google Meet (Free at Google Play)How to change your background in Google MeetFrom your browser, open or create a Google Meet link.Before joining the call, click on the avatar icon at the bottom right of your video feed.This opens a background picker with over a dozen pre-populated background options. Click through them to see which you like best.Click on the f...

Spill some blood with the best Android shooters currently on the market.Professional and/or competitive shooter games are fast becoming a sustainable industry trend for mobile gaming. Both game development and smartphone hardware reaching the point where phones can absolutely deliver top-notch gaming experiences — even for first-person shooters.This still probably sounds like crazy talk to traditional PC gamers but the fact is mobile shooters have cut out a nice niche within the pro-gaming community — franchises such as PUBG Mobile and Guns of Boom have competitive esports leagues that can be advantageous to people who love to stream or try playing for cash in a tournament. Just like other online games for console or PC, mobile games reward teams who can practice and train together — or you can just jump into the game and have some fun on your phone.And if you're looking for something a bit less violent, check out our favorite Android games of 2020!The gamesCall of...

The Google Pixel 4a is the runaway leader if you're looking for a great budget phone right now. The phone delivers decent hardware backed by a flagship-tier camera, clean software, and fast updates. You'll therefore need to pair it with similarly-great accessories. So if you are looking for a case, screen protector, power bank, or other accessories for your Pixel 4a, you've come to the right place.The right choiceGoogle Fabric CaseStaff PickGoogle's fabric cases are the ideal way to protect your Pixel 4a. The fabric finish feels much better than a regular case, and this year it's made out of recycled bottles and is machine washable. The best part? The attractive color options add much-needed flair to the Pixel 4a.$40 at Amazon$40 at Best Buy$40 at B&H PhotoTiny powerhouseAukey Minima 18W USB PD Fast ChargerThis minuscule charger delivers a consistent 18W charge over USB PD, making it the ideal choice for your Pixel 4a. The charger has a dozen built-in safegu...