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It is a rebranded version of the Redmi Note 9 4G launched in China last month.What you need to knowXiaomi has launched the Redmi Note 9 4G in India as the Redmi 9 Power.The phone features a 6.53-inch FHD+ display, Snapdragon 662 chipset, and a 6000mAh battery.Priced at ₹10,499 ($143), the phone will be available to purchase in the country from December 22.Xiaomi's Redmi sub-brand introduced a new budget phone called the Redmi Note 9 4G in China last month, alongside its first 5G-enabled Redmi Note 9 series phones. The same device has now made its way to India with a different name and a dedicated macro camera to take on the best cheap Android phones on sale in the country.The new Redmi 9 Power has a 6.53-inch IPS display with FHD+ resolution and a waterdrop notch at the top for the 8MP selfie camera. It is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 662 chipset, coupled with 4GB of RAM and up to 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage. On the back of the phone is a quad-camera setup featuring a ...

The phone's key tech specs haven't been revealed yet.What you need to knowThe first CAD-based renders of the Samsung Galaxy A71 successor have surfaced.Unsurprisingly, the Galaxy A72 5G looks nearly identical to the Galaxy A52 5G.It is tipped to feature a 6.7-inch Infinity-O display and quad rear cameras.Earlier this month, reliable leaker @OnLeaks gave us our first look at Samsung's upcoming Galaxy A52 5G. The leaker has now posted the first detailed renders of the Galaxy A71 successor on Voice. Unsurprisingly, the renders reveal the successor to one of Samsung's best Android phones of 2020 will have a near-identical design to the Galaxy A52 5G.As can be seen in the renders below, the Galaxy A72 5G will feature a flat display with a centered hole-punch cutout and slim bezels. Around the back of the phone will be a rectangular camera bump housing four sensors and an LED flash. Like its predecessor, the phone will have an aluminum frame and a "Glasstic" rear panel. Additio...

Google Photos knows what you did last summer... and where you went to do it.What you need to knowGoogle Photos map view now includes pathways to show where you went.The map view was launched back in June as part of the new app redesign.Users are able to disable location tracking within the app.A redesign of the Google Photos app was launched over the summer, which brought with it a new simplified three-tab view for Photos, Search, and Library. In addition to a simpler view with larger icons and easier navigation, a new feature was introduced in the Search tab called Your Map. While Google Photos already included a way to search for photos by location this takes things a little further by showing you your photos on an interactive map with visible hotspots to show where photos were taken. It was already a cool feature that definitely set the app apart from some of the best Google Photos alternatives, but Google apparently felt the need to expand on a bit.Now when you zoom f...

Qualcomm is bringing its best audio features to cheaper wireless earbuds.What you need to knowQualcomm just announced the new QCC305x Bluetooth SoC series that will bring more powerful features to mid-range wireless earbuds.The first chip, the QCC3056, will feature Qualcomm's new Bluetooth LE Audio that will allow music sharing across devices.Other features include wake word activated voice assistants and Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation.There was a time when having a great pair of wireless earbuds meant spending a fortune. While pricey options still exist, particularly when it comes to noise-canceling features, Qualcomm is hoping to expand open the floodgates by putting some of its best audio features in a new series of Bluetooth chips aimed at the next generation of lower-cost wireless earbuds.The QCC3056 is the first of Qualcomm's new QCC305x series, coming with a number of features borrowed from the higher-tier 51xx series chips, as well as some new capabilities. Wi...

This is where the fun begins. Once you've set up PS5, there's a lot to enjoy.So, you've got your PS5, you've finished setting it up and now you're wondering what to do first. Worry not, as there's plenty to check out, depending on the exact avenue of entertainment that interests you. We're going to go over some of the top things to do once you set up your new PS5.Jump to:Try some blockbuster gamesGrab PlayStation PlusCheck out PlayStation NowExplore the PlayStation appShare your gameplay with a friendTry some blockbuster gamesThere's some stellar games on the PS5, including major exclusives such as Demon's Souls and Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales. Even though it's early days, there's tons of launch titles making up the best PS5 games available, so you can find plenty to play no matter the genres that interest you. If you have PS4 games, some of them are eligible for an upgrade to the PS5 versions.Grab PlayStation PlusPlayStation Plus is required to pla...

Android is hopefully going to see faster updates and for much longer.What you need to knowQualcomm has announced it's working with Google to expand Project Treble.The partnership aims to bring up to 4 years of updates to Android devices powered by Qualcomm chips, starting with the Snapdragon 888.It's still up to smartphone OEMs on whether or not they want to continue providing updates.The Android update process has always been a mess and was once the main pain point for users. They have admittedly gotten better over the past several years, thanks to Google's push for Project Treble, which it introduced in 2017 as part of Android 8.0 Oreo. In a nutshell, Project Treble separates Android into different parts, which is supposed to make it easier for Android OEMs to update what they need and push them out quicker. It was a bit of a slow uptake, but OEMs have managed to speed up the pace at which major updates are pushed out to devices, especially with Android 10. And while the ...

A solid Google Pixel 4a 5G case is a necessity for protecting its excellent OLED panel and high-spec dual cameras. The phone itself has a relatively plain design and no color options besides black, so you have no excuse not to cover it up with a thick, protective case. That being said, while all of our heavy duty cases will help your Pixel 4a 5G survive falls, we found many sleek and beautiful cases that will only add to your phone's charm. Here are the best Google Pixel 4a 5G cases you can trust to protect your phone — and look good doing it.Multi-layered protectionSpigen Tough ArmorStaff PickAside from dual TPU and polycarbonate (PC) layers, Spigen threw in a foam layer and air cushioning to blunt the most shocking of corner drops. Add in a kickstand, clicky buttons and reasonable price, and the Tough Armor model has few downsides besides a rather plain appearance.$17 at AmazonProtects more than credit cardsVena vCommute Wallet CaseWallet cases usually p...

The PS4 has an immense catalog of great games that let you relax, visit a new world, or hang out with friends online. That includes a vast number of sports games catering to fans and competitors of every type. Whether you want to put together a dream team featuring your favorite professional athletes or play a wild, futuristic sport that will test your reflexes and situational awareness, there's a game for that. We've put together a guide to some of the best PS4 sports games available now so you can enjoy all the thrills.Featured favoriteRocket League for PS4Why play soccer with people when you can do it with customized Battle-Cars? Face your friends in the arena through local multiplayer and online play that lets you share games with people playing on PC. The impressive physics engine is easy to pick up while adding realism to the fantasy sport.Free at PlayStationPop a wheelieFutureGrindStaff PickA sci-fi version of freestyle BMX, FutureGrind challe...

Whether you're competing or looking for an excuse to cut back, your YouTube hours are always an eye-opener.The end of the year is the time to look back and reflect, and while Spotify Wrapped and its ilk tend to grab the spotlight, YouTube Premium is letting its users take a look at just how many hours they've been watching and listening to videos with their subscription with the new "Your Premium benefits" stats page. It's easy to access and the numbers are fun to compare with friends and family — I am the queen of downloaded video, but my coworkers have me beat on sheer number of ad-free hours watched — so find your numbers and start coming to grips with your video addiction!How to find how many hours you've watched YouTube PremiumOpen the YouTube app on your phone.Tap your profile picture in the top right corner.Tap Your Premium benefits.If you don't see this option, the feature might not have rolled out to your device yet. So far the only device we haven't seen it ...

The app was already available at launch for the Xbox Series X.What you need to knowThe HBO Max app is finally available on the PS5.The AT&T and WarnerMedia-owned streaming services boasts over 10,000 hours of curated content, including HBO, the CW, Cartoon Network, CNN, and a lot more!It costs $14.99 per month.When the PS5 launched last month, it boasted a strong slate of launch games that left Microsoft's Xbox brand embarrassed, a marked advantage that has allowed Sony's to dominate the first innings of this console generation, much like it did for the previous one.Yet, despite an overabundance of gaming content, a rather notable omission from the PS5's slate of supported apps on launch was AT&T's HBO Max streaming service. That omission was even more surprising given that the Xbox Series X|S supported the app at launch and that it's been available on the PS4 for quite some time already.Well, for those of you waiting to watch Wonder Woman 1984 on your new conso...

There are a lot of battery packs out there, but not all are created equal, so you want to be sure you get the best battery pack for the Pixel 5. While you could use most any power pack to charge your phone, to get the fastest charging, you'll want to use one that supports at least 18W Power Delivery, "PD," to get the 4,080mAh battery topped off and ready to go. These are the best options for juicing up your Pixel 5 while on the go.Charge how you wantAUKEY Wireless Power Bank with 18W PDStaff PickOffering 10,000mAh of charging capability with 18W Power Delivery speeds with the USB-C port, you'll be able to charge your Pixel 5 almost two and half times — fast. When you don't want to bother with a cable, you can also charge wirelessly at up to 10W.$34 at AmazonSnack-sized powerAnker PowerCore 10000 PD ReduxWhile this battery pack's overall size is small. About the size of a granola bar, it offers some big-time power. Anker has managed to put 10,000mAh of 18W ...

Educational Insights' Artie 3000 The Coding Robot has dropped in price to $41.19. This is even better than a deal we shared a couple months ago, and it's way better than the robot's regular $55 price. It has been fluctuating a lot in price since the holidays hit, which is natural for popular toys, but it has never gone this low before. This is a great STEM toy designed for kids at least seven years old and would make a great gift for the Christmas season.Coding and learning to use computers is about as core a learning experience for kids these days as anything else. Get your kid started off right with a STEM toy like Artie 3000 that teaches coding in a fun way. With Artie 3000, you'll design the code and the robot will draw the lines. There are pre-programmed designs so beginners can start learning right away.Artie 3000 does require a tablet, phone, or computer that it obviously doesn't come with. (If you're looking for a laptop to go with this toy, we've seen some great ones on ...

More details to hopefully come in the near future.What you need to knowCD Projekt Red previously told players to contact Sony and Microsoft for Cyberpunk 2077 refunds.CD Projekt Red then clarified that there was no special agreement with Sony or Microsoft for refunds.Players on PlayStation are now getting emails telling them to wait for additional information.Cyberpunk 2077 is here with a somewhat mixed reception so far, depending on where you're playing. CD Projekt Red issued an apology for the performance of the console versions, especially the PS4 and Xbox One versions, and told players to ask Sony or Microsoft for a refund, depending the console version owned.As seen by reporters at Kotaku and Waypoint, players on PlayStation are now starting to see an email from CD Projekt Red telling players not to contact Sony but instead to wait for additional information. "If you own a digital copy on PlayStation, please wait for us to get back to you."At a recent emergenc...

Got a great voice? Got a terrible one? Have a pretty normal one but just have a few opinions you'd like the world to hear? Time to become a content creator and put your audio out there on the internet! The Razer Seiren X professional grade USB streaming microphone is down to $69.99 at Amazon. That's $30 off its regular price and a match for what it was going for on Black Friday. The mic normally sells for around $100, and it has struggled to drop from that price for most of the year. This is the best deal we've seen since last January, and we're almost to the next January!The mic uses a super cardioid pickup pattern. It records sound at a tighter angle, which helps reduce unwanted background noise (like mechanical keyboards) and provides clear, crisp audio. Dampen vibrations from your keyboard and other sounds, too, thanks to the built-in shock mount. A mount like that helps keep those abnormal sound fragments off your video. At the same time, the mic will pick up all the nuances o...

Now you can watch all your Apple TV+ exclusives on your Google TV.What you need to knowGoogle is bringing Apple TV to Android TV devices, starting with Chromecast with Google TV.Android TV users will have access to the suite of channels available through Apple TV.More Android TV devices will be available "in the future".Apple TV is already available on some of the best streaming devices, but now Google is bringing the Apple TV app to its Android TV OS, in a move that would expand both platforms. This comes shortly after Google brought Apple Music service to its Nest Audio speakers.With the addition of the Apple TV app, users will gain access to the various channels available on the Apple TV platform which of course includes Apple TV+. The app is already supported on Sony devices that run Android TV, but the announcement means it will expand beyond those users, such who use Chromecast devices to access Android TV. This way Apple can gain more subscribers, and Android TV us...

We've researched, tested, and reviewed dozens, if not hundreds of devices, and have come up with the following list of what we consider the best Alexa devices. If you don't already have an Echo smart speaker, we recommend you pick up the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) to get started. It sounds great and comes in at a reasonable starting price. Of course, if you already have an Echo and want to see what else is available, well, we've got you covered there too.Best Amazon Alexa Smart Speaker: Amazon Echo (4th Gen)The original Amazon Echo that debuted in late 2014 gave us our first introduction to Alexa, and we've been hooked ever since. What started as a stark, black tube has evolved over three generations to a softer, gentler-looking Alexa vessel, and has spawned an entire line of other Echo devices.This "regular" Echo (4th Gen) is the best of the series yet. It boasts an improved sound architecture over the first three generations, one that it borrowed from the more expensive Echo Stu...

It's that time of year again! The time of the year where you've caught yourself not buying all the Christmas presents you were supposed to buy a month ago. Time for some last-minute shopping! But don't wait too long because if you're ordering online, you're going to run into shipping delays. It's more inevitable than ever before thanks to the global pandemic that has been ruining shipping times all year long. No one wants to get Christmas presents after Christmas, so don't be the one to give them. If you're ordering online from Walmart, the company has outlined exactly when you need to order your goods to get them before Dec. 25.Order onlineWalmart Shipping DeadlinesWhen's the worst time to get gifts you ordered online for Christmas? After Christmas! Don't be that person. Order online from Walmart before these shipping deadlines and make sure you get your stuff on time.Christmas Time is here!Shop at WalmartWalmart has several ways you can get your orders when buying onlin...

NPR shows are now available to Spotify users worldwide.What you need to knowYou'll now be able to access NPR content worldwide as Spotify expands its partnership.The two had teamed up initially in 2018.Content that'll now be made globally available includes the NPR Politics Podcast, Planet Money, and TED Radio Hour.While still in the music business primarily, it's not a secret that Spotify has been heavily investing in podcasts over the past couple of years. Today, it's landed a huge content coup with its NPR podcasts finally being made available to listeners worldwide.Announcing the move today, Spotify said: For almost 50 years, NPR has served as a daily source of wisdom and entertainment for its American listeners. Every day, millions connect with NPR and NPR Member stations across the country for everything from pop culture podcasts to the nightly news. In 2018 we announced that U.S. fans of NPR would also be able to stream select NPR shows on Spotify, making NPR'...

The company hopes to migrate all users in non-EU countries in the future.What you need to knowFacebook this week signaled its intent to move its British users to a user agreement based on US law after Brexit's completion.The move is a clear attempt to avoid the EU's stringent privacy rules, which have already earned the company significant fines.The company eventually plans to move all non-EU countries to the same user agreement and may even consider doing the same for EU users.Facebook's struggles with privacy laws are well-documented, and the company is looking to circumvent the most stringent of these, namely EU's GDPR regulations, by moving its UK users to agreements with its US-based headquarters once Brexit is complete at the end of the year. UK users are currently covered by agreements with Facebook's international HQ, located in Ireland, and are thus protected by GDPR.The company confirmed its intentions in a statement to Reuters earlier this week: Like other ...

Source: StackCommerceUsing a VPN is essential to stay secure online, but many services place a cap on usage. In contrast, IPVanish VPN offers rock-solid protection and fast connections on unlimited devices. Right now, you can get a one-year subscription for just $29.Whether you want to avoid trackers or simply bypass local restrictions, IPVanish has you covered. This VPN has "a long list of features, including several that you won't often see elsewhere," according to TechRadar.The service spans over 40,000 IP addresses, with 1,600 masking servers in 75 locations. This ensures you remain truly anonymous online, while 256-bit AES encryption keeps your data under wraps.IPVanish offers unthrottled speed, meaning you can enjoy content in HD. You have a choice of VPN protocols, and your subscription includes 250GB of secure cloud storage from SugarSync.You can use IPVanish on all major desktop and mobile platforms, and the company behind the VPN operates a strict "no-logging polic...

Believe it or not, there are plenty of great, inexpensive smartphones out there that you may wish to consider, so we've decided to round up the best Android phones under $200. Smartphones that cost $1,000 and more have quickly become commonplace in the market, and for anyone on a budget, those steep prices can quickly induce a headache. If you need a new handset but only have $200 to spend, our favorite one is the Moto G Fast. Today, we're talking about it and seven other phones that bring tremendous value to the low-end space.Best Overall Android Phone Under $200: Moto G FastThe Moto G Fast hits the very top of our $200 budget, and all things considered, it's the best phone you can buy when looking at Android devices this cheap.Regarding the G Fast's hardware, it's built far better than you'd expect for a phone in this price tier. It feels substantial when held, it doesn't rattle or creak, and all of the physical buttons feel very clicky. The 6.4-inch LCD is also good, givin...

Best Buy has the Tile Performance Pack 2020 on sale for $39.99. This is $20 off its regular price, and a similar package on Amazon is on sale but only down to $50. Best Buy has the best price around, and the deal comes with two very useful Tile item trackers.Over Black Friday we spotted a couple of Tile deals, and some of them have stuck around. For example, this 4-pack of Tile Stickers is still down to a low price of $40, too. Check out other ways to save on Tile trackers at Best Buy.The packaged bundle includes one Tile Pro and one Tile Slim. The Tile Pro is the smaller, square-shaped Bluetooth tracker. It can be added to your keychain or kept with your electronics or even your luggage. The Tile Slim is the larger rectangle. It's about the size of a credit card and about twice the thickness. Stick that one in your wallet, notebook, or something like that.The Pro is water resistant, can be detected up to 400 feet away, and has a one-year battery that's user replaceable. The Sl...

Cyberpunk 2077 on your iPhone? Yes please.What you need to knowA new beta for Google Stadia on iOS is launching today.Customers will be able to play the latest titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Google Stadia is today launching a new beta for iPhone and iPad, that will allow users to enjoy the service over Safari.From The Verge: Google Stadia has finally made its way to iOS over a year after launch. The company's mobile web beta for the iPhone and iPad, first announced last month, is launching today. That means any Stadia user on either its free tier or its paid Stadia Pro subscription will be able to access their library of Stadia games on Apple devices. Google, like other competing cloud services, is using mobile Safari due to Apple's restrictions on cloud gaming apps that mean platforms like Stadia can't exist in their current form on the App Store. Unlike Nvidia's GeForce Now or the planned mobile web version of Microsoft's xCloud, howev...

Considering that it's been more than four years since its release, you're probably looking for the best portable chargers for Google Pixel. The battery is not where it used to be as it once ranked as one of the best Android phones back in the day, so you'll want to keep your phone going through the day with a portable charger. With the right power pack, you'll be able to keep all your devices charged, too!It's all built inZendure A3PDStaff PickWith Power Delivery, Quick Charge 3.0, and a 10,000mAh capacity, the Zendure A3PD packs an impressive punch. This kit also includes a USB-A to microUSB/USB-C cable, perfect for any situation. Plus, when the juice runs out, you can plug it into a wall charger and get back to 100% in about three hours.$30 at Amazon$80 at Best Buy$46 at WalmartPopular choiceAnker PowerCore Slim PDAnker is a big name in the charging space and when you see options like the PowerCore Slim PD, you'll understand why. There are three different char...

It's designed for developing markets and has a download size of only 2 MB.What you need to knowInstagram today launched a clutter-free version of its app for the Indian market.Dubbed Instagram Lite, the app is designed for developing markets and low-end smartphones.It removes Reels, Shopping, and IGTV from the app for a pure Instagram experience from yesteryear.Having killed the Lite version of its app earlier this year, Instagram is reviving the barebones Instagram experience for developing markets, starting with India (via XDA Developers). Officially announced at a "Facebook Fuel For India" event this week, the app has actually been available on the Play Store since December 9 and has already garnered over 5 million downloads!The app's description reads as follows: The Instagram Lite app is small, fast and works on all networks. Enjoy the best features of INSTA like connecting with friends, sharing what you're up to, or seeing what's new from others all over the wor...

Keeping your house clean isn't the easiest thing in the world. You have to find the time between running to work, taking care of family, and scheduling in that much-needed downtime. Something that can help keep your home clean is a reliable robot vacuum. I personally go with Roborock since the company creates quality products, like the Roborock S5 Max, which comes with several convenience features while still being incredibly good at cleaning my home. Roborock also offers several other amazing options. Here are the best Roborock vacuums on the market today.Best Overall: Roborock S5 MaxI've had the chance to test the Roborock S5 Max for over 40 hours. Not only is it a powerful unit that can suck up anything from dirt to pet hair, but it also offers plenty of convenience features. From the Roborock app, I can schedule cleaning times, tell the unit which specific room to clean, or put up a no-go barrier telling it to leave a room alone. I have a Corgi and a gray tabby who are cons...

RCS adoption could get a massive boost in the coming months.What you need to knowSamsung's Messages app is starting to receive support for Google's RCS Chat features.You no longer have to install the Google Messages app on your Galaxy phone to use Google's RCS Chat features.Support for Google's RCS Chat features in the stock Samsung messaging app is expected to become widely available within the next few weeks.In April this year, Samsung announced that it was working with Google to bring support for the search giant's RCS Chat implementation to Galaxy phones. Nearly eight months later, Samsung has finally started pushing a new update for its Messages app, adding support for Google's RCS Chat features (via XDA Developers). Until now, Samsung Galaxy users had to install the Google Messages app on their phones to be able to access all of Google's RCS Chat features.As can be seen in the screenshot below by Reddit user ChunkyLoverMark, users will see a new dialog when they i...

Be honest — you don't need 10 different streaming services.Chances are you spend a lot more on online subscriptions than you realize. It might sound like only $5 here and $10 there, but it really does add up when you sit down and actually take stock of everything together.I recently went through to review my online subscriptions, and while I wasn't completely thrown for a loop at the final total, it was certainly more than even I had thought.There are ways, however, you can save money by doing things like bundling subscriptions, getting rid of ones you don't use, and consolidating services where possible.Go through your subscriptions, one-by-oneYour online subscriptions used to be reserved to just a cell phone, home Internet, and maybe cable or satellite TV. Now, it includes all of the above (or at least the first two) along with a streaming TV service subscription (probably more than one), streaming music, online storage, apps (games, news, and more), and video game onli...

If you're in the market for a new computer display, you might be hard-pressed to find something better than the best Samsung monitors. The company has long been a leader in the display space, as is evidenced by the screens found on the best Samsung phones. Whether you want something high-end, something with a curve, or just a standard monitor that doesn't cost a lot, we've rounded up the best of the best right here.Gorgeous 4K LEDSamsung UH850Staff PickThis 31.5-inch QLED monitor has a TN panel and 4K resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate, ultimately delivering a stunning, smooth picture. Its sleek design should fit in well on any desk, and if you're a gamer, AMD FreeSync compatibility and a 1ms response time will make your games buttery smooth. Connect with either HDMI or DisplayPort.$529 at Amazon $598 at B&H PhotoBudget with a curveSamsung CR50Considering the budget price, you're getting a lot of curved monitor here. The 27-inch screen has a resolution of 192...

Nest makes some of the best smart thermostats, security cameras, and self-installed home security systems out there, but it comes at a price. Some of the equipment can be on the expensive side, which means that you may not be able to have as much of it in your home as you'd like, but we are here to help make it easier to afford more. At times, you can find some pretty sweet deals on a variety of Nest's most popular items.Best Google Nest Deals Available NowNest Thermostats: from $123Nest Wi-Fi: as low as $149Nest Cameras: from $234Smart Speakers & Displays: starting at $25Google Nest Mini | $24.99 at Best BuySave $25 on the Google Nest Mini today at Best Buy. This deal is valid on all colorways of the speaker, though you'll want to shop soon as the 50% discount won't be available forever!$24.99 at Best BuyWhether it's a direct price drop, coupon code, or bundle deal, we've scoured the internet to find all of the best deals around Nest's hardware that are ...

Smartwatches can be neat, but they also require a lot of maintenance. We're talking batteries that last hours or maybe days at the most. They often need to be connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth or an app to get updated and stay in sync. Let's go back to when watches did watch things oh so well. Grab Casio's G-Shock 5610 Quartz men's watch on sale for $77.40. This is a watch that has sold for as much as $140 this year and regularly goes for around $100. While the Casio has been around for a long time, it has rarely ever sold this low with today's price being the best we've seen in more than a year.The Casio watch has a battery that lasts for up to 10 months. You heard that right. Makes you think twice about that fancy smartwatch lasting for 8 hours, doesn't it? Not only will it last 10 months, but it is also solar powered. That means if you spend a little bit of time outside, you can keep wearing it basically indefinitely without even worrying about the battery.It also has multi-band...

The Oculus Quest 2 is an excellent virtual reality headset that makes it easy to jump into VR. If one of your loved ones loves VR, there are several gifts you can get for them to enhance the VR experience. From giving the headset itself, to gifting games, to sharing some of the best Oculus Quest 2 accessories, there are plenty of ways to spice up someone's holiday in VR. These are also some great gifts for yourself. After a long year, you deserve a treat too, right?Give a gameGifting games through the Oculus StoreStaff pickAs great as accessories and add-ons can be, the core of the Oculus Quest 2 experience is gaming. There are some solid free Oculus Quest games, but most of the best titles cost a few bucks. Thankfully, you can easily gift games through the Oculus Store now. This is a recent addition to the Oculus Store that makes it easy to purchase a game for someone else. If you need help picking a game to give, you can check out our list of every Oculus Quest game, whic...

Chatting with the AC forums.If there's an Android phone from 2020 that sticks out as one of the best values, it has to be the Google Pixel 4a. Coming in at just $349, the Pixel 4a delivers an incredible camera, a great OLED display, reliable battery life, and more.Here's a question, though: given how affordable the Pixel 4a is and all the good it brings to the table, how does its performance hold up? The Snapdragon 730 chipset and 6GB of RAM aren't the most technically impressive specs out there, so is it enough power for day-to-day use?We thought so in Pixel 4a review, and taking a look through the AC forums, our community members seem to think the same. Smokeaire01 12-12-2020 05:37 PM “ I've not observed any performance issues on my Pixel 4a. I also don't game at all. I and my wife love these phones and all the features. Reply rpdc ...

No matter if it's a smartphone, laptop, TV, or anything else in between, all of your tech gadgets deserve to be regularly cleaned. Getting rid of gunk and grime not only keeps them looking great, but it also helps to ensure that they perform to the best of their abilities for years to come. If you're ready to take your cleaning game to the next level, here are a few of the best microfiber cloths and sprays we recommend picking up.Keep the cloth cleanMightyMicroCloth Microfiber Cleaning Cloths (6 Pack)Staff pickKnow what happens if you keep a microfiber cloth loose in your pants pocket? It gets dirty and sweaty, and then it doesn't really clean your screen; it just rearranges the smudges. A clean cloth is a happy cloth, and these cloths with included sleeves keep things happy.$16 at AmazonClip it onSPUDZ Classic Microfiber Cloth Screen CleanerHate the way plastic pouches slip out of pockets? This cloth stows in a stretchy machine-washable pouch, which you can clip ...

The feature is expected to roll out to users globally in the coming weeks.What you need to knowThe Netflix Android app is gaining an audio-only mode.The new feature is rolling out to users as a server-side update.It can be enabled by tapping on the new "Video off" button at the top of the full-screen player.Back in October, an APK teardown performed by the folks at XDA Developers had revealed that Netflix was planning to add an audio-only mode to its mobile app. According to a new report from Android Police, the feature has now started rolling out to Android users as part of a server-side update.As clearly suggested by the new feature's name, it allows you to listen to your favorite Netflix shows, similar to a podcast. It can also be useful when you want to limit your data usage, as the video feed will be turned off when you enable the feature. If you're among the few users to have received the feature, you should see a new Video Off button at the top of the full-s...

The Rocinante and its intrepid crew are returning for ten all-new episodes and we have all the details on how you can watch season 5 of The Expanse online.The space drama is set in the 24th century in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system. While the first three seasons of The Expanse premiered on Syfy, the network ultimately decided to cancel the show and it was then that Amazon picked up the series for additional seasons. Part of the reason it did so is due to the fact that Jeff Bezos is a huge fan of the books of the same name by James S. A. Corey.In the world of The Expanse, the three largest powers fighting for control of the galaxy are the United Nations of Earth and Luna, the Martian Congressional Republic and the Outer Planets Alliance (OPA) which is a loose confederation of people from the asteroid belt and moons of Jupiter and Saturn. The series follows a group of antiheroes including Martian pilot Cas Anvar, Belter engineer Dominique Tipper, Earther mec...

Let Google Assistant make your life a little easier.One of the best things about having a virtual assistant like the Google Assistant, Siri, or Alexa is that they can be programmed to help you out and make your day-to-day life a little easier. We've written on how to set up and manage Google Assistant Routines before, but here are some of the best Google Assistant Routines that our editorial team uses every day. Hopefully, you'll find some inspiration based on what works for us!Start your dayThankfully, Google has created some default Routines that you can adopt and activate as is, or you can customize them to suit your tastes and needs. When you open up the Google Home app, one such preset Routine is called Good Morning. Here is how AC staff writer Ara Wagoner has her morning Routine set up.Open the Google Home app.Tap on Routines.Tap on the Plus icon at the bottom right of the screen.Tap on Add commands.Type in the commands you want to give Google Assistant.Here A...

If you're wanting to use your wired headphones on your smartphone or tablet, you might need a USB Type-C adapter to do so. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy S20 doesn't have a headphone jack, but you can use an adapter in the USB-C port if you still want to use wired headphones. We've researched and gathered together the best headphone adapters on the market for you to choose from. See which one works for your specific needs.Quick ChargeJSAUX USB-C Headphone ChargerStaff PickIf you want something that will allow you to use a max of 30w PD fast charging then this is the adapter for you. There's both a USB-C charging port and a 3.5 mm headphone jack on this adapter so you'll be able to listen to music while quickly charging your phone.$25 at AmazonKeep it simpleNIMASO USB-C Headphone AdapterYou'll be able to listen to music or take phone calls via headphones when using it. It's super compact so you can easily slip it into your pocket or take it with you just about an...

If you didn't score one of the many great VPN deals in 2020, TunnelBear is giving you one more chance to save. For the holidays, it is offering up to 72% off its VPN subscriptions, dropping monthly costs as low as $2.75.The deal applies to the 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year subscription options with the higher savings on the longer-term plans. The 1-year option is billed upfront at $39.99 which works out at $3.33 per month, a 67% savings. The 2-year and 3-year plans are billed at $65.99 and $99.99, respectively, which is 72% off versus paying month-to-month. The deals are only available through Jan 4 when prices will rise.If you've heard a bunch about VPN services recently, it's because they are going mainstream — and for good reason. In our increasingly connected world, they are super useful for keeping your private information private. If you regularly bank or shop online, use public Wi-Fi hotspots, or if you want to access content that's region-locked, a VPN is for you. A VPN wo...

Amazon says the update also brings performance improvements and a few bug fixes.What you need to knowYou will soon start seeing a lot more ads on your Kindle homescreen.The new 5.13.4 update for Kindle devices extends the home screen to create more room for ads. It also includes "performance improvements" and a few general enhancements.If you own a Kindle that comes "With Special Offers," you are soon going to start seeing more ads and recommendations on your homescreen. As reported by the folks at GoodEReader, Amazon has started rolling out a new software update that enables it to push more ads than ever before.Amazon is pushing the new software update to all Kindle devices released in the last five years. The update, which arrives as version 5.13.4, brings an extended home screen, which means you can now scroll down further than before to view more recommendations (and ads). Aside from forcing you to view more ads, the update doesn't actually add much else. As with any ...

Samsung started the curved trend, but it may have brought back flat displays for goodSmall phones are fun again5G tried and failed to impressSnapdragon 765 proved we don't need pricey phonesHigh refresh rate displays wowed us Plastic phones are the bestCloud gaming went mainstreamStar Wars games saved usCheap phones got good againFor years, the curved displays on phones have been a gift and a curse. Seeing the glass flow over the edges and meet the aluminum frames invokes a sense of beauty and wonder. Samsung was the first on the scene with the Galaxy Note Edge, and that trend just continued to grow in the years leading up to now.It only makes sense for Samsung to be the company that is trying to squash the curved display, with the introduction of the Galaxy S20 FE. But that's only on the "mainstream" level, as Samsung's mid-range and budget phones have largely not seen the curved displays that have been a sense of frustration for some.Accidental touches be gon...

The Sony WF-SP800N sporty true wireless earbuds have dropped to $128 as part of one of Amazon's daily deals. These earbuds went down to around $148 for the Black Friday shopping season, but before that they were regularly selling as high as $200. And before today, the drop to $148 was the lowest they had gone. So we're getting a new low for earbuds that have only been out since May, but this price is very temporary and won't survive the night. You can get the $128 deal on all three available colors: black, blue, and orange.Sony's earbuds are designed to be used in a variety of situations. They have an IP55 rating, which means they're resistant to both water and dirt. Don't be afraid to take these outside with you. Use them at the gym, by the pool, or even while going to and from work. If you get caught in the rain, it won't be a big deal.They will also last a long time. The battery life per earbud is nine hours. Thanks to the charging case, you'll get a total of 18 hours before y...

It's time to practice safe texting.If you use Google's stock Messages app to send your text and SMS messages, we have good news — your chats can now be completely secured from prying eyes! We'll show you how to enable end-to-end encryption in the Google Messages app so that you don't have to worry about your private messages potentially falling into the wrong hands.How to enable and use end-to-end encryption in the Google Messages appEnd-to-end encryption is currently in Beta for Google Messages users and only works in individual chats at the moment. Until this feature is more widely available, you'll want to become a Google Messages Beta tester.Search Google Messages in the Play Store app.Tap on Beta signup.It may take some time for your Beta signup to go through, so keep refreshing your Google Messages app.Open the Google Messages app.Tap on the three-dot menu in the top right corner.Tap on SettingsTap on Chat features.Tap to toggle on Enable chat features....

With all the packages we receive these days, it makes total sense to equip your front door with a smart doorbell. They used to be an expensive luxury but video doorbells are actually pretty cheap these days, especially with sales like this one at Woot offering a Ring Video Doorbell 2 for just $69.99.Woot is offering the smart home device in used condition at half the usual cost of a refurb model and $120 off the device's full cost for a brand new model. Each unit has been tested to ensure they are in full working order, though the used devices may exhibit some cosmetic blemishes. There's also a 90-day Woot warranty included with your purchase in case of any issues.With the Ring Video Doorbell 2, you can see, hear, and speak to visitors at your door by using an app on your phone, tablet, or computer. It's equipped with a camera that records in 1080p HD with infrared night vision so you can see what's going on outside your home no matter what time of day it is, and it's all accessi...

You probably made your big tech purchases during Black Friday and Cyber Monday when the biggest savings were available but did you stock up on essential accessories? If that slipped your mind while you were perusing sales on flagship products then Anker is giving you a chance to fix that.It is hosting a one-day sale at Amazon featuring a bunch of popular Anker charging accessories discounted by up to 40% there while supplies last. The sale offers a varied mix of products including wall chargers, power banks, car chargers, cables, wireless chargers, and more.If you've got a Qi-enabled phone (which is likely if you bought your phone in the last five years), you ought to upgrade to a wireless charger. Thankfully Anker's sale makes it super affordable to do with the PowerWave Stand down to just $19.79 today. The 10W charging stand can power up phones from Apple, Samsung, LG, Google, and more with fast wireless charging available for compatible devices. Today's price is a 40% discount...

The Premier League action continues today as the top two sides in the division face off against each other at Anfield. Don't miss a moment with our Liverpool vs Tottenham live stream guide.The two teams come into today's game with an equal record in the league having both won seven, drawn four, and lost one. Tottenham currently hold the top spot on goal difference alone.In their last outings, both sides only managed a 1-1 draw with Liverpool failing to beat newly-promoted Fulham and Tottenham struggling away at London rivals Crystal Palace.Outside of the Premier League, Liverpool have also successfully progressed from their Champions League group after finishing top of Group D. That has earned them a round of 16 clash with RB Leipzig.Similarly, Spurs won their Europa League group to make it through to the knockout rounds. Jose Mourinho's men will face Austrian side Wolfsberg in the round of 32 in February.Today's game could prove crucial in this year's Premier League title ...

A small remote, an easy-to-use interface, and wonderfully low pricing made the Chromecast with Google TV the easiest part of my holiday shopping.Christmas shopping in the Wagoner household is a lot of guesswork and questioning. After all, we're all adults who are self-sufficient: if we need something, we just buy it ourselves. Finding something someone wants for Christmas is a rare feat, and instead, I'm focusing this year on getting smaller gifts that are useful — or will be used up, like the shower bombs my little sister likes.My parents are notoriously difficult to shop for, as their house is full of stuff and they have little need for any more. However, my parents have been transitioning from watching old-fashioned over-the-air television to watching more streaming services over the last several years. This year, it's time to upgrade their streaming TV experience with a Chromecast with Google TV.I've been a Chromecast user since day one: I literally drove across town an...

The feature is currently available only in the U.S.What you need to knowAmazon's Alexa voice assistant has gained a useful new feature.Amazon Echo owners can share their shopping needs with contacts using Alexa.Once you share a shopping list, the voice assistant will send it as a message to the receiver's Alexa account.Amazon has quietly rolled out a new feature to its Alexa voice assistant, allowing users to easily share their shopping needs with their contacts. The new feature will only be available in the U.S., at least initially.To share your shopping list with someone in your contacts, all you have to do is say, "Alexa, send my shopping list to ." Alexa will then identify the contact and send the list as a message directly to the receiver's Alexa account. In addition to the Alexa app on your phone, you can share your shopping list with friends and family through compatible Amazon Echo devices as well.Once a shopping list is shared, the recipient will get a notifica...

Troubleshooting your new console? You're not alone.The PS5 is finally here, marking the start of the next-generation of consoles, along with the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. The PS5 brings a host of new features and improvements to its system performance, thanks to its new custom CPU and GPU, and its new ultra-high speed SSD that makes load times shorter than ever before. With games like Demon's Souls and Spider-Man: Miles Morales ready at launch, the PlayStation 5 is already a force to be reckoned with.But with the arrival of every new console generation comes a new generation of issues and bugs. Software and hardware bugs are not uncommon, but will definitely hinder the enjoyment of your new console. We've rounded up all of the known bugs and issues you may encounter, as well as any know workarounds that might help.PS5 GuidesHow to transfer games and save dataHow to attach the PS5 baseHow to set up parental controlsHow to connect to Wi-FiHow to increase download ...