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There's a ton of excitement around the new Sony gaming console, and regardless of your level of gameplay, you'll need to know how to connect the PS5 to Wi-Fi. During our review, we found that much of that excitement is well deserved. Having a stable internet connection will be vital to have the best experience possible, and while being connected with an ethernet cable may be preferred, Wi-Fi can get the job done too. Here's how to get your Wi-Fi set up on your PS5.Products used in this guideConnected to the future: PS5 ($499 at Amazon)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 speedsHow to manage multiple accountsHow to set up 2FAHow to update your PS5 system softwareHow to use Game HelpHow to enable 4K/8K resolutionHow to factory reset your PS5How to connect to Wi-Fi on PS5With your PS5 powered on and hooked up to your TV, using the DualSense cont...

Tablets have seemingly always been on the brink of death, but I'm not counting them out yet.Everybody's always trying to predict and proclaim the death of tablets. We've seen it since the dawn of the first "phablet" devices like the original Galaxy Note; with a big enough phone, who needs to spend even more money on a bigger, less portable touchscreen device with more or less the same features?That argument actually holds some merit. I have a few tablets sitting around, including high-end options like the Galaxy Tab S7+, that I almost never so much as boot, because between my phone for casual use and my laptop for work, all of my needs are met with just two devices. There's just not much reason for me to carry around a third piece of tech that takes up more space in my backpack and, with additional accessories like a keyboard and stylus, can often reach upwards of $1,000. But tablets have their own advantages that neither phones nor laptops can fully match. They're con...

Before you start playing those PS5 games on your shiny new PS5 console, you might want to play some of your backward compatible games first. The PS5 supports thousands of PS4 games through backward compatibility, but given its limited 825GB internal SSD you can run out of storage space quickly. We'll walk you through transferring digital games and saving data through a wireless network with an external HDD so you can start gaming.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 speedsHow to manage multiple accountsHow to set up 2FAHow to update your PS5 system softwareHow to use Game HelpHow to enable 4K/8K resolutionHow to factory reset your PS5Products used in this guideTry to find the next-gen: PS5 ($499 at Amazon)Transfer: WD Elements 2TB External Hard Drive ($56 at Amazon)How to transfer PS4 games and save data to PS5Transfer games through network...

When it comes to getting a refund for a digital game on PS4 or PS5, your mileage may vary. Technically, you won't be given a refund on a digital game that you've already downloaded or played unless the content is faulty. This is usually up to PlayStation Support's discretion — and whether or not the game is riddled with bugs. Still, if you've purchased a game and find that you don't want it, you have up to 14 days to request a refund. Here's a quick way to learn how to refund a PS4 game and even a new PS5 release.How to request a refund on a PS4 or PS5 gameGo to playstation.com/en-us/support/store/ps-store-refund-request/.Click on Refund Chatbot that is highlighted on the page.In the window that opens up, select Refund Request.Select I'm Ready.If you qualify for a refund after answering seven questions regarding what you're looking to refund and the account which was charged, you'll be redirected to an actual support agent. Take note of the Support ID you are given....

Are you tired of yelling towards the living room to tell Alexa to turn on your lights, or any of the other cool things Alexa can do for you? If so, you're going to love this holiday deal on the Echo Flex, a tiny Alexa that plugs into any outlet and can put your personal assistant in any room.It's bundled with a Sengled smart bulb for just $10 right now meaning you're getting the diminutive smart speaker at a $15 discount plus a smart bulb worth $10 at no extra cost.Smart assistants are pretty awesome, especially if you've added other connected gear like smart lights or smart cameras to your house. Amazon makes some of the best of them with its Echo brand, and you'll find them in millions of homes across the globe.Another hallmark of the Echo brand is how good the speakers sound. It's pretty easy to fill a room with your favorite tunes by asking Alexa to stream some music. But sometimes, you just need the assistant part and can live without the music part (and the higher price t...

You might not be thinking about your next hike while you sit around all day eating, drinking, and generally being merry, but it turns out Christmas Day is the perfect time to save on one essential outdoor accessory. Right now, Anker is offering $100 off its PowerHouse II 400 portable power station at Amazon. All you have to do to drop it down $299.99 is enter coupon code ANKR1730 during checkout.This 388Wh power station can provide power to AC appliances like mini-fridges, fans, and TVs making it a must-have for anyone who wants to bring the comforts of home on a camping or RV trip. This model debuted earlier this year on Amazon at a regular price of $459.99 and has sold for around $400 in recent months. Today's discount matches the lowest we've seen for it to date.Featuring a 516W total output and 388Wh capacity, this powerful portable battery makes it possible to keep a number of devices powered up while you're outdoors and away from a traditional power source. It could even co...

Best answer: PlayStation Now is a subscription service that allows members to stream and download a rotating catalog of games on their PS4, PS5, and PC. There are currently over 800 games in PlayStation Now's library.Netflix for games: PlayStation Now 12-month subscription ($60 at Amazon)PlayStation Now GamesPlayStation Now has a library of over 800 games, including some that released on PS2 and PS3. While most are labeled as having ongoing access, some rotate out every few months. Highlights include games like Bloodborne, The Last of Us, Resident Evil 7, Fallout 4, Red Dead Redemption, Dishonored 2, Horizon Zero Dawn, and a lot more.If you choose not to renew your subscription and let your membership expire, you will lose access to these games until you purchase a subscription again.PlayStation Now Streaming and downloadingOut of its 800 games, only around 300 can be directly downloaded onto PS4 or PS5. Because you're not reliant on internet speeds and other factors, dow...

If you and your family made the most of Echo device deals ahead of Christmas, the next thing you need to consider picking up is some smart lighting. Thankfully, Woot has got you covered with a Christmas Day deal on a 5-piece Philips Hue starter kit that has all of the right gear to get your smart home started. It usually goes for $100 at Amazon, though it's available at Woot today for just $59.99.The kit is offered brand new at Woot, though you get a 90-day warranty rather than the full year that Philips normally offers. Considering the 40% discount, it's probably a trade-off worth making.For those new to Hue, this kit is the perfect starting point. It comes with three Philips Hue White A19 60W LED smart bulbs that will fit most lamps, overhead lights, and 4-inch recessed cans. You'll also get the necessary Hue hub in the box which is needed to make all of your bulbs work together in sync and for connecting with your smart home speaker system of choice — be it Amazon Alexa, Goo...

This watch does it all.When it comes to useful peripheral devices, there's nothing quite as valuable (or as elegant) as the smartwatch. Tiny in size but huge in versatility and capability, it's easy to see why smartwatches have become so popular in recent years.Among the various smartwatches out there, none are quite as special as the Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro. Here's a detailed look at what makes the watch so good and why it's an excellent gift to give to a loved one (or to yourself!) this holiday season.Work hard, play hardThe Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro is superb for people who like to get active during their day-to-day life. With full data tracking for heart rate, speed, slope angle, and distance for skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding, the watch is perfect for adventurous sportsmen and women. Folks who like to golf can take advantage of the watch's golf data tracking that keeps an eye on your swing speed, posture, and consistency. This allows you to hone your skills a...

Google TV is almost perfect — there's just a little work to do.2020 may have been a disaster in almost every imaginable way, but at the very least, this past year saw some pretty fantastic gadgets come to market — one of my favorites being the Chromecast with Google TV. We weren't really sure what to think of the mysterious new streaming dongle leading up to its release, but as fate would have it, the new Chromecast is one of the best streaming devices you can buy right now.Looking at the Chromecast, it's not difficult to see why. For just $50 you're getting 4K HDR streaming, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, and a great remote (not to mention some truly gorgeous colors). The power and hardware of the Chromecast are pretty impressive given the low price, but what's allowed it to truly stand out as the defacto streaming device is the software it introduced to the world: Google TV.While the Chromecast is still technically running Android TV and works with all of the same ...

When there are young members of your household, you'll likely want some form of control over the types of media they access. On PS5, Sony lets you set parental controls to restrict the age ratings of games and DVDs for your children. Because a lot of the best games on PS5 happen to be rated T or M, it's wise to familiarize yourself with these settings. Let's get started!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 speedsHow to manage multiple accountsHow to set up 2FAHow to update your PS5 system softwareHow to use Game HelpHow to enable 4K/8K resolutionHow to factory reset your PS5How to set up parental controls on PS5Go to Settings. Select Family and Parental Controls.Select PS5 Console Restrictions.Enter the restriction passcode (defaults to 0000).From here you can change the restrictions for creating new accounts, access parental controls for...

Presence is the real present this year.There's no doubt that 2020 has been full of changes, but not all of them have to be bad. For my wife and me, one of the healthiest changes has been spending more time together as a family and less time with our phones. It's a goal for so many people that I come across and talk to on an almost daily basis, yet the way to achieve it seems so elusive that many give up hope and have continued doomscrolling throughout the Holidays. From using a great smartwatch to taking advantage of digital wellbeing functions built into our smartphones, there are several great ways to help yourself fight FOMO in 2021 and beyond.But where do you even begin? All the changed my wife and I made stemmed from a realization of our behavior. Some days, I'd find myself coming home from work and spending what felt like several hours on my phone instead of spending that time playing with my son. Other days, I'd notice that I picked up the phone to look at something only t...

Best answer: Yes. Though the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition were shown to be standing vertically during the initial announcement, both can lay horizontally. However, you'll need to use the included base to do so.Try to grab one: PS5 (See at Amazon)Can the PS5 lay on its side?Just like its predecessor, the PS5 can lay flat on its side. There was some worry that it would need to stand vertically because it was shown that way during its initial announcement, but this is not the case. Both the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition can be setup horizontally.Does the PS5 need a base to lay horizontally?Yes, you'll need to use the base to lay the PS5 horizontally. This is likely due to the PS5's outer shell's natural curve. Sony shared that the base is included with the console, so you won't need to purchase it separately. When laying the PS5 horizontally or vertically, you'll use the base which can be swapped out by unscrewing it, as seen in the official PS5 breakdown.If you're not exactl...

The Ring Doorbell and Amazon's Echo Show are a match made in heaven. The Ring Doorbell offers a smart doorbell experience that'll let you know exactly who's at the door without actually having to answer it. You can then use that cross-functionality to manage visitors by viewing them through the Ring Doorbell's camera and communicating with them using the Show's microphone. Thanks to Amazon Alexa, you don't even have to use your hands.Products used in this guideAlexa, Show Me the Door!: Amazon Echo Show 8 ($80 at Amazon)Hear and See Who's There: Ring Video Doorbell 3 ($140 at Amazon)How to connect your Ring Doorbell with Amazon Echo ShowConnecting your Ring Doorbell with your Amazon Echo Show is easy. It'll just involve adding the Ring Alexa skill through the Amazon Alexa smartphone app. Here's how:Open the Amazon Alexa app.Tap the three lines in the bottom right-hand corner of the app to open the settings menu.Tap Skills & Games.On this screen, tap the search b...

If you received piles of PSN Gift Cards this holiday season, you may be wondering just how best to spend that cash.The holidays are officially upon us, and if you're someone who likes video games, you may find yourself on the receiving end of a ton of gift cards this time of year. Whether you're on a PS4 or managed to luck out and find a PS5, those PSN gift cards can be used for a variety of things, including games, movies, DLC, or something else entirely. If you're looking for what what can you buy with PSN cards, look no further.Here's a look at some of the best ways you can spend that PSN Gift Card as of right now.How do I redeem my PSN Gift Card?The first thing you might want to do after receiving a PSN gift card is redeeming it, this way all of your funds are in one place and ready to go. Thankfully, redeeming a gift card is super easy, whether you're on a computer, PS4, or PS5.By far the easiest way to redeem your gift card is by heading over to Sony's website. From t...

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 next. 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 PS5 gamesThere are 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 PS5 versions.If you don't want to spend any money, the fantastic little...

Eschewing its predecessor's design, the PS5 requires a base to stand vertically and lay horizontally. I noted in my PS5 review that people could run into issues with this. We've created a step-by-step to help walk you through setting up your PS5 base in whichever orientation you prefer. If you choose to stand it up vertically, just note that you'll need a screwdriver or similar object to help with the process.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 speedsHow to manage multiple accountsHow to set up 2FAHow to update your PS5 system softwareHow to use Game HelpHow to enable 4K/8K resolutionHow to factory reset your PS5Products used in this guideNext-gen: PS5 ($499 at Amazon)Secure the base: Craftsman flathead screwdriver ($7 at Amazon)Note: The PS5 used in this guide is a standard PS5 with a disc drive, not the PS5 Digital Edition. Setting up the PS...

Before you can start wirelessly streaming media straight from the apps on your phone to your TV, first you'll need to know how to set up Chromecast. Whether you bought the new Chromecast with Google TV, received a Chromecast Ultra with your Stadia Premiere Edition, or snagged the non-4K Chromecast 3rd Gen for cheap, the setup process should be both similar and straightforward. Here's how to set up any Chromecast on any TV in your home, and the most common problems you may encounter.Products used in this guideGoogle's best: Google Chromecast with Google TV ($50 at Best Buy)For non-4K TVs: Google Chromecast (3rd Gen) ($30 at Amazon)The app you need: Google Home app (Free at Google Play Store)How to set up your ChromecastPlug in the Chromecast to a power source and an HDMI port on your TV.Be sure that you've got the Google Home app downloaded onto your phone or tablet (iOS is also supported).Connect your phone or tablet to the Wi-Fi network you want the Chromecast to be s...

Best answer: PlayStation Plus is Sony's subscription service for all things PlayStation, and it's available to purchase on a month-by-month basis or for an entire year. With it, you get access to online multiplayer, cloud storage, exclusive deals, and much more.Multiplayer gaming: PlayStation Plus 12-month subscription ($60 at Amazon)Instant Game CollectionIf you are looking to expand your game library, a PlayStation Plus subscription is a great way to do it. As a Plus subscriber, you will have access to two free PS4games every month and a free PS5 game. Once you have a game in your library it will remain there as long as you have an active PS Plus subscription.PlayStation Plus CollectionThe PlayStation Plus Collection is a new benefit for PlayStation Plus members on PS5. This is another great way to expand your library because the Collection grants subscribers access to a library of PS4 titles for free. Only around 20 games are included in the PlayStation Plus Collecti...

So, you got a Fitbit Versa smartwatch. Awesome! Whether it's the Versa, Versa Lite, Versa 2, or Versa 3, you're now the owner of a sleek and capable fitness wearable that can track your steps, show you notifications, and even run apps from Starbucks and Walgreens. Getting set up can be a tedious process, but we're here to make it as pain-free as we can and show you how to pair your Fitbit Versa with your phone. Let's begin.Products used in this guideSmart and sleek: Fitbit Versa 3 ($199 at Amazon)How to pair a Fitbit Versa or Versa 2 with your phoneOpen the Fitbit app and tap your Account icon (it's your profile picture at the top-left of the app).Tap Set up a Device.Choose which Versa you have (we're using the Versa 2 in this example).Tap Set Up.Tap Accept to agree to Fitbit's privacy policy.Tap Next.Your phone will search for the Versa via Bluetooth.Once the Versa has been found, type in the numbers shown on its screen.Tap Next to connect your Versa to your W...

Need help redeeming codes on PS5? Look no further. As we move into an increasingly digital age, it's more and more common to give gift cards and digital games. This is especially true with the PS5 Digital Edition, which can't play physical media at all. If you're wondering where to redeem those 12-digit codes, you'll just need to visit the PlayStation Store online. It's a simple process once you know what to do.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 speedsHow to manage multiple accountsHow to set up 2FAHow to update your PS5 system softwareHow to use Game HelpHow to enable 4K/8K resolutionHow to factory reset your PS5How to redeem your gift cards and codes on PS5From the PS5 home screen, scroll to the left of the PlayStation Store.On the top row, scroll all the way to the right and select the overflow menu denoted by ellipses.Select Redeem Code....

If the season ended now, the Minnesota Vikings would be on the outside looking in for the NFL playoffs. Luckily, the Vikings still have something to play for on Christmas Day. The team is on the bubble and isn't guaranteed anything, but there's at least hope. The problem is they're facing the Saints.New Orleans has dominated this season, largely led by Drew Brees at quarterback. Brees was out for about a month with all sorts of injuries including several damaged ribs. The significant injuries may be part of the problem, but there's also the factor of age. Brees' arm and overall passing — especially in his return last week — have been on a steady decline.Minnesota has been soft of defense and so Brees and his offense won't need to be amazing, just decent. There's a good chance this game turns out to be balanced, even if the Saints are the more likely victor in the end.Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints: Where and when?The Minnesota Vikings take on New Orleans Saints ...

While some video games are fun solo on the new gaming console from Sony, others are better when you add friends on the PS5. There are a lot of amazing games to explore, and while some are single-play only, others need a team to fully enjoy. Adding friends on the PS5 is a relatively simple process. Let's get into the steps to take to get your group ready to take on the next game.Products used in this guideFriendly competition: PS5 ($499 at Amazon)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 speedsHow to manage multiple accountsHow to set up 2FAHow to update your PS5 system softwareHow to use Game HelpHow to enable 4K/8K resolutionHow to factory reset your PS5How to add friends on PS5With your PS5 powered on and hooked up to your TV, press the PS button on your DualSense controller to open the Control Panel.Make sure that Game Base is highlighted, and...

Best answer: No, the PS5 Digital Edition cannot play discs of any kind since it doesn't have a disc drive. If you want to use discs with your PS5, you'll need to get the regular console that has a disc drive and supports disc-based media.Make sure you buy the right one: PS5 (See at Amazon)What is PS5 Digital Edition?Like its name suggests, the PS5 Digital Edition is a PS5 model that cannot play disc-based media of any kind since it completely lacks a disc drive. Instead, any games you'd like to play will need to be downloaded directly to its solid-state drive (SSD) for storage. This also means it won't be able to play any 4K Blu-ray discs or DVDs.Other than the removal of its disc drive, Sony's Jim Ryan said that both consoles are identical in an interview with CNET. As you saw, there is a small difference in the form factor of the two consoles. I'm sure you also observed, the basic design aesthetic is consistent between them. So there is that and the fact that the digi...

Sony's PS5 is here and there are already a good number of games you'll want to keep an eye out for. Whether you're looking for launch window titles or awesome games on the near horizon, we've got you covered. Here are some of the best PS5 games we think you should get.★ Featured favoriteDemon's SoulsDemon's Souls defined a generation and paved the way for all the Souls-like games that came after, including FromSoftware's own Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. This remake looks absolutely stunning, a far cry from its 2009 counterpart. Whether you're new to the franchise or an old fan looking to return, you'll definitely want to pick this one up.$70 at Amazon $70 at Best Buy $70 at WalmartBecome a superheroSpider-Man: Miles Morales for PlayStation 5Staff PickMiles Morales is donning the Spider-Man suit. Following the events of the first game, this spin-off sees Miles fight for his home of Harlem after a war between a criminal army and an energy corporation b...

The PS5 is officially out for fans to pick up and play. But as fans continue to try and find a system, one of the biggest accessories to go along with the console is a headset. Not only can a great headset enhance your gaming experience, but finding one that's comfortable for long gaming sessions will be a huge benefit. Thankfully, there are tons of options available, and we've gathered some of the best PS5 headsets you can pick up ahead of the console's launch to get ready to jump into those PS5 games.The newest entryPulse 3D Wireless HeadsetStaff PickThe PULSE 3D wireless headset is the latest headset that Sony is releasing for its upcoming console. The headset is expected to offer 3D audio support, as well as have dual noise-canceling microphones. It's tough to track down right now, but it's available for pre-order if you're in the market for a new headset.From $220 at Amazon $99 at Best Buy $99 at PlayStationLossless audioSteelSeries Arctis 7PSteelSeries' Arct...

If you just invested in a brand-spanking-new Google Pixel 4a 5G, you're going to want to protect your new, premium smartphone. The slim phone has a gorgeous 6.2-inch full HD+ OLED that requires protecting, especially since the device is not water-resistant. But you also want to maintain the sleek look of the phone. This is where a protective case comes in that will protect the device from bumps and scratches, and the best thin cases for Pixel 4a 5G won't add a ton of bulk.Durable and sleekCaseology SkyfallStaff PickThis case, which comes in either black or aurora white, offers military-grade protection through its polycarbonate bumper and reinforced corner cushions, but it is also ultra-slim. The clear, dual-layer case is lightweight and still allows for wireless charging through it. It has everything you'd need in a protective case that is both durable and maintains the look of the phone.$14 at Amazon $19 at WalmartTotally transparentQITAYO Crystal Clear CaseTo t...

With one of the best 2-in-1 USB cables in hand, you can charge a wider range of phones, tablets, and other devices without having to swap out cables constantly. These can't charge multiple devices at once, like a USB-C hub, but they make it easier to keep just one cable to recharge all of your myriad devices with different power needs. If you want a USB cable that does it all, we have found the best 2-in-1 USB cables that money can buy.One to rule them allNomad Universal Cable USB-CStaff PickNomad is well-known for its myriad of quality and high-end products, and the same can be said for the Nomad Universal cable. At one end, you can switch between USB-C and USB-A, while at the other end, you have both a USB-C and MicroUSB attachment. The cable is rated for a 60W max output and is 10K Mil-Spec flex tested so that it will last for quite a while.$40 at Amazon$40 at Best BuyRegular or coiledGREATLINK 2-in-1 Type-C/Micro-USB cableBeing able to stay versatile wi...

Huawei's offerings this holiday season include laptops, tablets, wearables, and, of course, phones!Even with the holidays just around the corner, it's not too late to save a bundle on some of Huawei's best smart phones, laptops, tablets, and wearables. Whether you're looking for the sleek and powerful Matebook X Pro or the incredible optical 10x zoom cameras of the P40 Pro, Huawei has their best products on sale now to bring a little more merry and bright to your holiday season.Huawei holiday Smartphone dealsThe holiday season has arrived, but whether you need a last minute gift or are just looking to spend your holiday cash, Huawei still has some incredible deals worthy of your attention. Offers vary by country, but we here at Android Central have gathered all the best deals here for you.Huawei UKHuawei FranceHuawei GermanyHuawei ItalyHuawei SpainHuawei NetherlandsHuawei UAEHuawei MexicoP40 Pro+The best smartphone Huawei has to offer, the P40 Pro+ really turned ...

Source: StackCommerceWhether it's analyzing web traffic or handling incoming emails, many businesses rely on Google apps. The Complete Google Master Class Bundle is designed to help you learn the tools inside out with 35 hours of hands-on training — now for just $39.99.Every day, millions of people use Google to find information, read emails, and so much more. It only makes sense to build your marketing efforts on the same platform. This bundle of 10 courses shows you how, covering a range of popular tools.Through 254 concise video lessons, you'll discover how to promote your brand using Google Ads and measure your success with Google Analytics.You'll even discover how to find opportunities with Google Trends, and gather data to guide your search engine optimization efforts. The training also takes a look at how to get more productive in Gmail and Google Docs. These seemingly straightforward applications may have more to offer than meets the eye.Your instructor along the way...

There's a truly incredible number of things you can do with Amazon's connected speakers, and ideally, a lot of these things will casually become a part of your daily routine over time. Here's everything you need to know about getting started with your Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, or Echo Plus.Connecting your Echo with the Amazon Alexa appAmazon's Alexa digital assistant forms the basis for one of the best smart speaker experiences you'll find today, and the service is designed to be something you can rely on for just about every aspect of the connected home. To get the most out of this experience you want to start by setting it up correctly out of the box. While you don't need your phone to do much with your Echo once it is set up, you will need the Alexa app to get there.Every part of the setup and maintenance process goes through the app, so your first step is to install the Alexa app from the Play Store. While it is installing, connect the power supply to the port on the bottom of...

It's 50MP Sony sensor is supposed to be one of the best cameras around.What you need to knowOPPO today completed the trifecta of its Reno 5 series.The new OPPO Reno 5 Pro+ is the company's full-fledged flagship with a Snapdragon 865 and up to 12 GB of RAM.The phone will be launching in China this month, though there's no word yet on availability in other markets.Following the launch of the Reno 5 and Reno 5 Pro earlier this month, OPPO today completed the trio with the launch of the Reno 5 Pro+ 5G in China. And, yes, that name is an absolute mouthful and OPPO's marketing team really should know better — unless they wanted their phone's name to be a tongue twister.Thankfully, while OPPO may have dropped the ball in its naming scheme, they more than make up for it with the stunning design and the truly flagship-worthy specs of this phone. Unlike the Reno 5 and Reno 5 Pro, which feature a Snapdragon 765G and a Dimensity 1000+ respectively, the Pro+ is powered by Qualcomm...

Nothing makes a party better than some music, and nothing makes playing music easier than a Bluetooth speaker, especially as more phone manufacturers omit the 3.5mm headphone jack. Fortunately, you don't need to spend a fortune get the best Bluetooth speaker for your needs, especially with fantastic options like the Anker Soundcore Flare+ to get the party rolling.Best Overall: Anker Soundcore Flare+Anker sure knows its way around smartphone accessories, and the same can be said for the Soundcore Flare+. This 360-degree speaker will be the talk of the night with its unique design and a bottom-mounted halo of LEDs.These LEDs will keep up with the party as they pulse and glow with the rhythm of whatever music is playing. The included IPX7 rating will also keep your Flare+ safe from accidental splashes. Anker also made it possible to pair two Flares to create a stereo-sound situation.You won't need to watch the battery life too closely, either, as the Flare+ is rated for 20 hou...

Disney has a special Christmas present in store for Disney Plus subscribers this year as Pixar's new animated film Soul will be released exclusively on the streaming service for free and we have all the details on how you can watch it at home.The film from Inside Out and Up's Academy Award-winning director Pete Docter tells the story of middle-school band teacher named Joe Gardner (voiced by Jamie Foxx) who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. However, on the way there, Joe gets distracted, falls into a manhole and ends up going to heaven instead.As Joe still has things left to do on earth, he turns away from the light and ends up in a fantastical place called The Great Before where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before going to Earth. Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious soul known as 22 (voiced by Tina Fey) who has never understood why anyone would want to live on Earth as a human. In order to ...

The problem with a lot of the best Raspberry Pi kits is that while you'll find a lot of the essentials, you'll miss out on the best Raspberry Pi camera. Camera modules are available for the Raspberry Pi, or you could even grab a plug-and-play USB webcam to supe up your mini-PC adding even more versatility. But after you find a new camera, make sure you grab one of the best Raspberry Pi 4 SD cards, so you have enough storage for your footage.HD and simpleAUKEY PC-LM1 1080p WebcamStaff pickThis USB webcam from AUKEY is plug and play for the Raspberry Pi and can take record videos in 1080p at 30FPS. The "fold-and-go" design makes it easy to pack up and roll whenever you need to move the camera elsewhere. Plus, the PC-LM1 features fast autofocus, so the subject is never blurry, even it's close to the camera or moving around.$50 at Amazon$70 at WalmartFrom the sourceRaspberry Pi V2 Camera ModuleThe second-generation Raspberry Pi Camera Module works great with th...

It looks like the OnePlus 9 will be a significantly more impressive device than the OnePlus 8.What you need to knowA new leak has shed light on some of the key specs of the OnePlus 9.Unlike its predecessor, the OnePlus 9 will apparently support both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.It will also offer 65W wired fast charging speeds, just like the OnePlus 8T.The first live images of the upcoming OnePlus 9 5G surfaced online earlier this month, giving us our first look at the design of the OnePlus 8T successor. More live images of the successor to one of the best Android phones of 2020 have now leaked online, courtesy of the folks at 91Mobiles. The images reveal a flat display with a hole-punch cutout in the top-left corner. More importantly, however, the latest leak suggests the vanilla OnePlus 9 will have wireless charging support. Currently, the only OnePlus phone to support wireless charging is the OnePlus 8 Pro. The OnePlus 9 is tipped to support iden...

The phone is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2021.What you need to knowRealme is prepping the launch of its first flagship for next year.The phone will be powered by a Snapdragon 888 and boast up to 12GB of RAM.Codenamed Race, the phone may ultimately launch under the Koi moniker.Not to be outdone by the likes of Samsung and Xiaomi, Realme also plans on starting the new year with a bang. The company's Xi Qu this week took to Weibo to tease the launch of its Snapdragon 888-powered flagship next year. He also cleared up some confusion about the phone's name.While some reports had referred to the phone as the Realme Race and assumed it was supposed to be the continuation of Oppo's Ace series, Xi Qu clarified that 'Race' was just a codename for the device. He also noted that the phone will signify the launch of a whole new lineup of phones by the brand.The folks at GizmoChina, meanwhile, have discovered a new profile on the company's Weibo page for a Koi phone,...

The SanDisk Extreme 1TB external USB-C portable solid state drive has dropped to $124.99 at Best Buy today. You can also find this deal price at Amazon. This price is just $5 more than it was going for on Black Friday, which makes this the second best price we've ever seen. It is only good for the day as its part of Best Buy's daily deals that eventually expire. Costco has an older version of this same drive that's just $119.99, but you might need to be a Costco member to take advantage of that.The 2TB version is down to a decently low price at $229.99, too. While it has dropped as low as $200 in the past, it was also selling for more than $300 earlier this year. That's not too bad if you really need more space.The SanDisk Extreme is a very portable solid state drive. With 1TB of space you can keep all your music and other media real close by. Since it's an SSD, you don't have to worry about the same moving parts you'd find on a portable hard drive, so it's a lot more durable and...

The iRobot Root rt0 coding robot programmable STEM toy has dropped to $99.99 as part of Amazon's daily deals. That means the price expires tonight when those deals reset. This toy from iRobot is extremely new. It's part of an initiative at iRobot started just this year with the intent of creating a STEM outreach program.This is also a special version of the robot that iRobot is calling a Holiday Bundle because it includes the Brick Top. Normally the Brick Top accessory costs an extra $20, and the Root rt0 robot goes for $130 by itself. You can see it going for that price at other retailers like Best Buy as well. Today's price not only saves you $30 off that cost but gives you the Brick Top for free, so you're getting a lot of value.The Brick Top is a cool feature because it makes the robot compatible with a number of common building blocks, including Lego bricks. Transform your robot into a catapult or an even larger robot if you want. Do and build whatever your mind can think of...

The Mi 11 is shaping up to be a solid upgrade from its predecessor.What you need to knowXiaomi has posted a video on Weibo, showing off the impressive low-light video capabilities of the Mi 11.The company has also revealed that the phone will have improved LPDDR5 RAM support and Wi-Fi 6 support.Xiaomi will be taking the wraps off the Mi 11 series in China next week.Xiaomi announced earlier this week that it will be launching the world's first Snapdragon 888-powered phone in China on December 28. Ahead of big launch, the company has posted a video on Weibo, showing off the improved low-light performance of the Mi 11 series phones (via Android Authority).The teaser suggests the upcoming Mi 11 series phones will have a highly effective night mode feature for videos, allowing users to capture decent videos even in near total darkness. Another teaser posted on Weibo by the company suggests the phones will come with an improved night mode for photos as well, utilizing "computat...

If you're on the hunt for true wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation that don't cost as much as the Apple AirPods Pro, you'll want to consider the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live. These earbuds regularly sell for $169.99, though right now Woot has them on sale for $109.99 for just one day only.The deal forms a part of Woot's 'Gifts that Santa Forgot sale that features Christmas Eve savings on audio products, Amazon smart home devices, and 4K TV sets.The new Samsung Galaxy Buds Live are equipped with 12mm speakers with sound by AKG. They sit softly inside the ear and feature active noise cancellation that lets you block out disturbances around you so you can truly focus on whatever's playing. There's even a setting that will let voices and announcements through so you can hear them even with the noise cancellation on. They're available in five colors — Mystic Black, Mystic Bronze, Mystic Red, Mystic Blue, and Mystic White — all of which are on sale today.These earbuds can...

There's no good time to get caught short with a dead car battery, but winter is probably the worst time. Whatever the weather where you are, it's smart to be prepared for emergencies because being stranded is not fun. Thankfully, this one-day sale on Gooloo portable jump starters is coming in clutch with as much as 30% off this Christmas Eve so you can be ready for any eventuality.A portable jump starter is one of those things that every car should have. Today's sale features a couple of different options, though the cheaper 1200A jump starter should work for the majority of people. It's down to $45 from a regular price of nearer $70.This model is powerful enough to start cars, motorbikes, lawnmowers, and more (up to 7L gas or 5.5L diesel engines). It also features dual USB ports that can charge your phone using its 18,000mAh battery, which could be a lifesaver if your battery is dead, your tire's flat, and you're in the middle of nowhere.There are built-in safeguards to protec...

Being Christmas Eve, you might think that the deals on tech would have dried up but Woot is here to prove you wrong with its 'Gifts that Santa Forgot' sale. Sure, you've probably already bought and wrapped all of your gifts for friends and family this year but this sale offers a bunch of popular tech products as well as what is likely your last chance of the year to save on them.The sale features Echo and Fire TV devices, headphones and earbuds, phones, and even smart 4K TVs. While it's a bit late to think about gifting these items, it's well worth a look for some end of year tech upgrades for yourself.If you're new to Amazon's Alexa voice assistant or want to add smart speakers to yet more rooms in your home, this sale is for you. It features the original Echo, Echo Spot, and Echo Show, with prices from just $25. Though these devices aren't brand new, they are a super affordable way to kickstart a smart home or add Alexa's smarts to different places in the house.The sale also ...

These are going to be some impressive buds.What you need to knowLeaked slides provide just about all the information about the upcoming Galaxy Buds Pro.The upcoming earbuds will feature intelligent active noise canceling.They will reportedly be available for $199 at launch.If there's anything that's been leaked almost as much as the Samsung Galaxy S21 series smartphones, it's the upcoming Galaxy Buds Pro. So far a number of renders have surfaced showing the earbuds as well as the case in different colors and in full 360-degree animation. The latest look at the buds, courtesy of WalkingCat on Twitter, gives us pretty much all the information we need about them, including the price.The first image displays the ins and outs of the new Galaxy Buds Pro, showing off the 11mm woofer and 6.5mm tweeter. The active noise cancellation will be adjustable and will include Ambient sound and a conversation mode. As far as sound features, Spacial Audio was seen in previous screenshots ...

That's not how ethics works, Google.What you need to knowGoogle began intervening in research papers by asking researchers to "strike a positive tone" when referring to the company's work.Former Ethical AI head, Timnit Gebru, was fired for her paper criticizing Google's language models.Gebru's paper has since been accepted by an outside scientific group.Amid Google's already troubling legal battles around how it handles Search and ads, Google still faces internal struggles on its handling of former Ethical AI co-head, Timnit Gebru's departure. After presenting her research paper on the concerns of largely unchecked AI language models, such as those used in Google's search tools and the best Android phones, the company dismissed her paper saying it didn't account for new efforts Google was making to address these concerns, and therefore dismissed Gebru. That's putting it plainly, as the situation has presented itself a bit more complicated, but some information from Reuters ...

Whether you're pulling your brilliant new Chromebook out of the box, were handed down a Chromebook from a parent or sibling, or you just power-washed yours to start fresh, setting up a Chromebook is drop-dead easy. You can probably do it in the space of a commercial break while watching your favorite TV show, and so long as you're somewhere with Wi-Fi, you can do it basically anywhere. Whether you're under some blankets in bed or sitting in the office with your newly-issued work laptop, here's how to set up your Chromebook.How to set up ChromebookBefore you get started, your Chromebook probably came from the factory with a mostly full battery. Still, if you want to plug your Chromebook in to charge before beginning your setup, that's probably a good idea.Open the lid of your Chromebook to turn it on.Enter the email address of your Google account.Tap Next.Enter your Google account's password.Tap Next.If your Google account has a two-factor authentication, use your verifica...

The video-conferencing wave isn't expected to last through 2021, and Zoom is hoping to cash its chips in before it crashes.What you need to knowZoom is working on an email and calendar service to take on Gmail.The Information reports we may see an early version of this in 2021.Zoom is making this move to pre-empt a shift away from digital communications in 2021.Zoom and Google already compete in the video conferencing space. Zoom has, well, Zoom. Google has its own Meet service that it's built up over the year, but the competition may be about to get a lot more direct. No, Zoom is not building a search engine, but a web-mail and calendar service? That hits a lot closer to home for Google.According to a report from The Information(via Engadget). Zoom is preparing an email and calendar offering to complement its video-conferencing service. It'll be a full e-mail service, albeit a "next-gen" one that doesn't just attempt to duplicate Gmail or Outlook but one that brings some...

Less premium than the original Chromebook.What you need to knowAlleged specs of the upcoming Galaxy Chromebook 2 have appeared in a leaked slide.The slide mentions a switch from an OLED display to QLED.The Galaxy Chromebook 2 may also come with a cheaper price tag at $699.It seems like only yesterday that leaked renders appeared showing a familiar-looking design for the Galaxy Chromebook 2. Beyond some very slight changed to the positions of the ports, the follow-up to this year's Samsung Galaxy Chromebook is expected to look largely the same, which isn't a bad thing considering it was one of the best Chromebooks of the year. It seems we may have some leaked specs of the successor, and they paint an interesting picture for the direction Samsung is taking this line.p.s. how about 699? https://t.co/DDSdmTiDu3— WalkingCat (@_h0x0d_) December 23, 2020According to a leaked slide, Samsung seems to be taking a more cautious approach with the Galaxy Chromebook 2. For exampl...

Finding the best Galaxy Note 8 screen protectors can be tricky, thanks to its curved screen. We generally recommend a tempered glass option, but for the Note 8, many of our favorites use a flexible TPU film that's much more difficult to install but offers edge-to-edge protection and some self-repairing properties. These Note 8 screen protectors are your best options for both.All-around fitamFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Galaxy Note 8Staff PickFor those looking for edge to edge protection without a difficult installation, amFilm has a tempered glass solution that uses slightly curved slabs to achieve the perfect fit for the Note 8.$10 at AmazonFrom the forumsBodyGuardz Pure Arc Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorThis pick comes from the AC forums. It's backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee and is a great option if you're on the fence about tempered protectors.$9 at AmazonBest wet installSpigen NeoFlex Screen Protector for the Galaxy Note 8 (2-pack...

Better notification management and a nice visual overhaul.2020 has been full of surprises, and that apparently includes Android 11 making its way to some of the best Samsung phones about a month ahead of schedule. While Android 11 is mostly Google's doing, this update also features Samsung's new One UI 3.0 software overlay, which introduces new aesthetics and improved first-party apps.While we didn't expect the update to roll out to the Galaxy Note 20 line until some time in late January, my unlocked Note 20 has had it for a few days now, giving me the chance to go hands-on and explore all of the new changes. If you have a Galaxy S20, S20+, or S20 Ultra, the update should already be available to you, as well, and owners of other Samsung devices can expect to see it in the coming months.Jump to:Android 11 at its coreMajor aesthetic overhaulMinor improvements to the cameraBottom linePowerfully affordableSamung Galaxy Note 20$800 at Amazon$800 at Best Buy$80...