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The Android Partner Vulnerability Initiative has been launched to manage security issues that are unique to specific device manufacturers.What you need to knowGoogle has introduced the Android Partner Vulnerability Initiative.The new program has been designed to provide transparency to users regarding security issues affecting devices from Android partners. A few major security vulnerabilities affecting devices from some OEMs have already been discovered thanks to the new program. Google today rolled out a new program that has been designed specifically to manage security issues specific to Android OEMs. The new Android Partner Vulnerability Initiative aims will make the best Android phones even more secure by remedying issues that affect device models made by OEMs.Google has various programs that allow security researchers to report any security vulnerabilities. While vulnerabilities in Android code can be reported via the Android Security Rewards Program (ASR), issues i...

Owners of the Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2 know just how good the truly wireless experience is. What they may not know, however, is how their gaming PC could transform these devices into an Oculus Rift and enable even grander-scale VR experiences. Our step-by-step guide will show you the easiest path to using your Oculus Quest as a PC VR headset, as well as introducing a few ways to keep the experience truly wireless. The best part is that your PC will be storing all the games needed, so you can opt for the less-expensive Oculus Quest 2 64GB.Products used in this guideThe easiest way to connect: Oculus Link cable ($79 at Amazon)When a USB-C port isn't available: Modal 10-foot cable ($27 at Best Buy)See your computer's desktop through your Quest: Virtual Desktop ($20 at Oculus)Unlock your Quest's full potential: SideQuest (Free at SideQuest VR)With an Oculus Link (wired)Wired is the best way to go right now for two main reasons. First, the wired experience is easy ...

With all the devices we have these days, it becomes difficult to keep everything charged when you have just one cable or USB wall charger available. That's why tech like the Mophie Dual Wireless Charger is so handy. It has two spots to wirelessly charge any Qi-enabled devices you may own, along with a built-in USB-A port to power up a third device simultaneously.Apple normally sells this charger in its store for $70, though right now you can pick one up on sale at Daily Steals in refurbished condition for only $15.99 when you use promo code FUTRMOPH during checkout. That saves you nearly $55 off its cost, and even without the coupon it's on sale for $25 which is a much more enticing price than it regularly costs.These chargers are all manufacturer refurbished, meaning Mophie has tested and inspected each one to enure it's in proper working condition and that it's like new. You'll even receive a one-year warranty with the purchase as well as free U.S. shipping.Mophie's compact D...

Add six more games to your collection, and control the action with Crowd Choice.What you need to knowStadia is Google's cloud gaming platform, with a steadily expanding library that adds new games all the time.Stadia Pro subscribers get to claim free games every month to add to their library, and stream when on the go.Six new games have just been added for Stadia Pro subscribers to claim, with one including an interesting feature.Dead by Daylight launches with Crowd Choice, a new feature that lets you, and your fellow viewers, vote on what happens next in-game when watching your favorite creators.Google Stadia still has a tough fight ahead of it with Xbox Cloud Gaming and now Amazon Luna, but the service continues to expand its library both with new indie games and, as with the announcement today, six new games coming for free to Stadia Pro subscribers. One of the games is a new launch for Stadia, Dead by Daylight, that also launches alongside a new feature that aims to co...

After months of being pushed back and delayed, Prime Day is finally less than two weeks away. This major two-day shopping event is held by Amazon annually, generally in July, as a chance for Prime members to score low prices worthy of Black Friday before November even hits. With this year's Prime Day happening so close to Black Friday, we're expecting even better deals than we've seen in the past. To kick off the big event, Amazon has a number of great deals that are already live — including several offers which can earn you up to $160 to use during Prime Day 2020!As with all Prime Day deals, you'll need to be an Amazon Prime member if you're hoping to take advantage of any of these offers. If you've never started a free 30-day trial before, now's really the perfect opportunity. Your trial membership grants you access to all of Prime's perks, including free two-day shipping, the Prime Video streaming service, and all of Prime's exclusive members-only discounts. That includes all th...

The best drawing tablets combine the fluidity and versatility of freehand drawing with the precision of digital graphics. You need a tablet with the right stylus, pressure sensitivity, multi-touch display, screen size, low latency and other specs to make your drawing experience as effortless as possible. We've chosen the most popular and well-reviewed models, both for specialized drawing tablets and all-around excellent tablets that support drawing apps.Best overallWacom One Digital Drawing Tablet with ScreenStaff PickHere's the perfect solution for budding artists. Although it's not quite as large and impressive as some professional options, the Wacom One model is a simplified version of an advanced drawing monitor that lets you draw directly on the screen. This is a great starter tablet for beginners.$400 at Amazon$400 at Walmart$400 at B&HUpgrade PickWacom Cintiq 22 Drawing TabletNot for the faint of pen, this is the best drawing tablet if your budget...

A new Google Meet feature will let teachers engage with their students.What you need to knowGoogle has introduced two new features in Meet to drive engagement on calls.These were already announced back in June, but now they're finally coming.These feature rollouts will begin on October 8th for eligible accounts.Your Google Meet calls are about to get a lot more engaging with two new features Google is adding - Q&As and Polling support. The company already announced these were coming way back in June, giving an October timeline in August. Now, they're finally here — well at least they will be from next week.Google explained potential use cases in a blog post: Businesses can use Q&A to help make meetings more inclusive, giving everyone the opportunity to ask questions— including those who may be soft-spoken, joining from a noisy environment, or need more time to process their thoughts,Polls on the other and are posited as a quick and easy way to get feedb...

Best answer: You can make mobile payments using Fitbit Pay on the Sense, Versa 3, Versa 2, Versa Special Edition, Ionic, Charge 3 Special Edition, and the Charge 4.Still ticking: Fitbit Sense ($330 at Amazon)What Fitbit trackers support Fitbit Pay?Mobile payments are so convenient, whether that's on a phone or smartwatch, but did you know that Fitbit trackers with Fitbit Pay can pay on the go too? While not all Fitbit devices can use Fitbit Pay, some of the newest trackers do.While the new Fitbit Sense can utilize Fitbit Pay, it's also available on a surprising number of the company's other trackers to let you pay from your wrist. Here are the models it's available for:SenseVersa 3Versa 2Versa Special EditionIonicCharge 3 Special EditionCharge 4What is Fitbit Pay?Fitbit Pay is the mobile payment solution for Fitbit's fitness trackers. Just like there's Google Pay on phones and Wear OS watches, Fitbit Pay uses near field communication, NFC, to work with enab...

We're keeping track as things are patched and new issues are discovered.Marvel's Avengers is available to play and as players are making their way through the story and side missions, a fair few bugs and glitches are being noticed. We noted in our Marvel's Avengers review that the game was buggy at launch, and we're hoping that Crystal Dynamics will be on top of those fixes, but there are a lot of issues, which makes sense with a game that wants to do as much as this one does.Current issuesThese are some of the issues that the team is currently working on via the subreddit. Others are reported by players."House Call" mission can't be completed.Infrequent infinite loading screens.Community challenges not updating in real-time.Credits sometimes don't appear.Previewing skins can freeze the game.Characters freeze and can't move until being hit.Loading screen image gets "stuck" on screen.Frequent crashes - (PC only)Issues we've hadInfinite loading screens along with ...

Now that Prime Day 2020 has been officially announced, Amazon is rolling out early Prime Day deals to help ensure everybody's aware that the big event is coming soon. Saving money is always fantastic, but earning money is even better which is why this is one of the most important deals you'll want to consider this week. Right now, Amazon will give you a free $10 promo credit to use during Prime Day on nearly anything when you spend $10 or more at Whole Foods Market by October 14. This deal is valid on orders made online or in-store.You'll want to make sure you use the credit during Prime Day on October 13 and 14 as it won't be usable afterwards. Amazon has another similar offer which can earn you $10 when you spend $10 at local and small businesses on Amazon. That could add up to $20 to use during Prime Day just for making a couple of purchases now. Of course, as with all Prime Day offers, both of these deals are only available for Prime members.If you're not a Prime member alrea...

The best cases for the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra needs to balance protection and profile, style and substance, and do it all without breaking the bank. The Note 20 Ultra is one of the most cutting-edge phones on the market, but it's also one of the largest and heaviest phones in 2020 as well. Combine that with the luxury price tag that Samsung demands, and you have a recipe for disaster if you dare to take your new phone out into the world naked. Skip the public smartphone indecency and get yourself a great case.Slim and sublimeRingke Air-SStaff pickIf you don't want to bulk up your Note 20 Ultra but need to add some grip, the Air-S is a minimalist case that will give your fingers more purchase than expected while also guarding against scratches.$9 at Amazon$9 at WalmartSturdy gripSpeck Presidio2 GripThe best way to protect your Note 20 Ultra is to never let it slip out of your hands in the first place. Speck upgraded the Presidio case line for the Note 20 Ultra, so i...

These plans start from today.What you need to knowAT&T's new Unlimited Your Way plans offer flexibility for family plan subscribers.These now allow you to mix and match various unlimited plans for individual members in a family plan.You'll get the lowest prices at 5 lines or more with plans starting at $150 combined on the lowest tier.AT&T will now let subscribers to its family plan combine any of its Unlimited Wireless plans for individual members. It's a program called AT&T Unlimited Your Way. Previously, the carrier would have you keep the same plan for all members, but now you can pay a little or a little less depending on what each individual member of your family wants.There are three plans on offer, the Unlimited Elite with up to 100GB of 'premium' data for $45 (if you have five lines), the $35 Unlimited Extra plan with up to 50GB of 'premium' data, and the $30 Unlimted Starter with up to 30GB of 'premium' data. The pricing varies if you have more or fe...

A couple more months before the next update could be here.What you need to knowResident Evil Village was revealed earlier this year.While Capcom has shown a couple of trailers, there's still a fair bit we don't know.The next update appears to be set for sometime this winter.Resident Evil Village is scheduled to release at some point in 2021.The next big horror game from Capcom, Resident Evil Village, is still somewhat shrouded in mystery since its reveal earlier this year. After a planned August update was delayed, Capcom shared a new trailer in September. According to an update on the official website for the game, the next Resident Evil Village update is coming sometime this winter.Bear in mind that "winter" is a broad and vague term, which means the update could be anywhere from December through the end of February.During Tokyo Game Show 2020, the developers revealed they are trying to see if Xbox One and PS4 versions will be possible but they don't want to make a...

Sony is gearing up to release the PS5, its most ambitious console to date.While development on the PS5 has likely been going on for years, Sony has officially confirmed that it's in the works and is on its way this year. The PS5 is set to release on November 12 at $499. The PS5 Digital Edition will cost $399 and hit store shelves on the same day.Waiting for November 12PlayStation 5See PS5 at AmazonSee PS5 at Amazon CanadaSee PS5 at Amazon UKSee PS5 at TargetSee PS5 at GameStopGet your hands on it before it sells outPS5 is the place to be for exclusives like Spider-Man and Horizon Forbidden West. Get yours before they sell out. The standard PS5 boasts a disc drive so that you can play 4K Blue-ray DVDs and use your physical PS4 games through backward combability. This comes at a higher price tag than the Digital Edition.All-digitalPS5 Digital EditionSee PS5 Digital Edition at AmazonSee PS5 Digital Edition at Amazon CanadaSee PS5 Digital Edition at Targ...

Choosing between the best web hosting providers for your blog, startup business, or new company site? You'll need to gauge what features are most important for your site to achieve its goal, without breaking your budget. Some users will do just fine sharing a server and throwing together a site from a WordPress template for cheap; others will need e-commerce options, added computing power, or detailed analytics. For the best of all these options, GreenGeeks is our top choice, but we've highlighted the other web providers that bring reliable hosting to the table.Best Overall and Best Green Hosting: GreenGeeksInitially brought in as our eco-friendly pick for environmentally conscious web designers and non-profits, GreenGeeks has impressed us with its wide range of features and hosting options for an affordable price, as well as near-universally praise from customer reviews. Still, we'll start with the Californian company's cool eco-gimmick: it purchases renewable energy certifica...

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, but if you aren't looking for them you may not notice them.Best Google Nest Deals Available NowNest Thermostats: from $169Nest Secure: as low as $200Nest Cameras: from $120Smart Speakers & Displays: starting at $450Whether 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 available right now and rounded them up. We will keep this page updated with the best deals we can find, so if you frequently find yourself looking for more of it, you'll want to bookmark ...

Sony is seeing widespread issues with the PlayStation Network, affecting games and other online services.What you need to knowThe PlayStation Network is down right now, with users experiencing issues with game downloads, launching games, and accessing online services.The issue is affecting PS4, PS4, PS Now, PS Vita, and web users. Sony has confirmed that it is aware of the issue, and is currently working on a fix. Unable to play online games on your PlayStation 4? You're not alone, as the PlayStation Network is seeing a widespread outage that is affecting online games, game downloads, account management, and other services. Users are unable to launch online games, download new games, or buy games from the PlayStation Store.The issue affects users on the PS4, PS3, PS Now, PS Vita, and the web. It's not just game launches and account management either, with PlayStation Video, Music, Direct, and Store also facing outages.Sony shared an update on September 24 at 11:15pm ET ...

Best answer: Other than waiting for Sony engineers to fix any lingering PSN problems, you can always try going offline to play your games or resetting your router to see if that fixes the issue.Online gaming: PlayStation Plus 12-monthHow do I know when the PlayStation Network is down?Sony has a website dedicated to the service status of PSN. If all services are up and running, you should be good to go. Sometimes only a specific service — like accessing your games and social — will be down. This may not be updated right away, so it's also smart to check the PlayStation subreddit to see if anyone else is reporting issues. If the service is down for everyone, you'll hear about it on social media.Alternatively, you'll know when you try to log in to your account and suddenly can't connect to anything or play any games.How long will it be down for?Each outage is different, and there is no way to predict how long the network will be down for. Usually an outage will only last...

Sony hasn't shared PlayStation 5 availability or pricing info for India, while Xbox Series X pre-orders have sold out in the country.Sony kicked off pre-orders of the PS5 last week, with the console set to hit retail availability starting November 12. There are two editions: the regular PlayStation 5 costs $499, and the PS5 Digital Edition is up for pre-order for $399.Sony is barely able to sustain demand for pre-orders in most markets, with both the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition sold out everywhere. But there's a bigger problem in India, where Sony hasn't even bothered to share PS5 pricing or availability details. Aside from a listing on Amazon India that says the PS5 will be available "late 2020" and lets interested customers register interest in the console, there has been little in the way of information regarding Sony's next-gen console. It's clear that the PS5 will be delayed in India, but for Sony to not reveal any details is inexcusable.This isn't the first time Sony...

Xfinity and Pandora are teaming up to provide fans with a free Charlie Puth virtual concert this week. This Xfinity Awesome Gig powered by Pandora includes a free live performance by Charlie Puth as well as an exclusive Q&A, though you will need to RSVP first if you want to gain access to the event. A link will be sent to the email you sign up with that lets you access the stream once the show begins.Xfinity Awesome Gig presents Charlie Puth live: When and whereThe Charlie Puth Xfinity Awesome Gig is a one-night-only event that airs live on Thursday, September 24 at 8PM ET. Make sure you RSVP at Xfinity's website beforehand so you're prepared to watch once the show begins. While the concert is free, it's only available to stream in the US so you'll likely have some trouble accessing the stream anywhere else. If you find that the stream is blocked, one of these great VPN services could help you bypass the restriction.How to watch Charlie Puth Xfinity Awesome Gig live stream...

Online shopping is going to be a big deal during this year's Black Friday sales, and you'll want to use a retailer like Home Depot that already has a lot of experience in online sales. In the past, I have generally considered Home Depot to be one of the better kept secrets on Black Friday. It's not nearly as gigantic a retailer as some of the others that participate in the sales holiday, but it usually has a very similar selection especially when it comes to the big ticket items.Home Depot's online store is as robust as anyone's, and it is of course one of the best places to shop for tools, gardening supplies, and other essentials you need to improve your home.Where is the Black Friday Home Depot ad?The Home Depot ad will drop sometime in late October or early November. Along with the ad will come the exact hours for Home Depot's Black Friday shopping.Earlier in September, Home Depot published a blog post detailing how this year's Black Friday would go. For one thing, the sav...

It's not just you, account issues are being reported by many users right now.What you need to knowTwitter is reporting issues with tweets and user accounts this afternoon.Earlier this afternoon tweets were slow to appear for many users.Other issues are reporting that their accounts are locked, limited, or they've been logged out and unable to log back in. It has not been a good day for the the little blue bird on our home screens as Twitter deals with a variety of issues plaguing users today. First, Twitter acknowledged issues with delays in tweets appearing, where tweets weren't showing up quickly on timelines. A short time later, more issues were confirmed to be plauging many users and impacting their ability to tweet.We're seeing a number of accounts that have been locked or limited by mistake and not because they Tweeted about any particular topic. We're working to undo this and get those accounts back to normal.— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) September 23, 2020...

When it comes to looking for an alternative laptop to Windows or macOS, then you're going to want one of the best Linux laptops. There may not be as many options running the Linux operating system as the competition as most of the big name computer manufacturers aren't making Linux laptops, so it's helpful to know exactly what smaller companies have available. Thankfully, there are some great options from smaller players who have great reputations when it comes to standing behind their products. But there are also a few that come from those bigger companies, who also make some of the best laptops and best Chromebooks.Pure PowerLenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 8Staff PickLenovo is targeting the enterprise power user who wants Linux with this powerhouse. The Windows version is already one of the best laptops overall, so why not get the best but with Linux? With a 10th-gen Intel Core i5, up to 16GB of RAM, up to a 1TB SSD, and Fedora 32 , this is a developer's dream machine. Th...

COVID-19 rates are spiking again, a new Google maps feature will help you know where to avoid.What you need to knowGoogle Maps will now show a layer dedicated to visualising COVID-19 area penetration.You'll be able to see a 7 day average of COVID-19 cases per 100, 000 people in an area. You'll also see whether the cases are trending upwards or downwards.It's rolling out this week to countries supported by Google Maps. As COVID-19 cases spike globally, Google is taking steps to help users travel safely. It's had a few tweaks to the Maps and Travel apps to that end in the recent past, and now it's building in a new COVID-19 layer into Maps on mobile.With the same ease that you're able to switch to a 3D view, you'll now be able to toggle on a COVID-19 layer in the Maps app. This new layer will show you a seven day average of the number of cases per 100, 000 people in the selected location as well as a label indicating whether the caseload is trending up or down.The areas ...

Best answer: Yes, pretty much every unlimited plan will have some sort of cap that affects download speed. Your data isn't totally cut off unless it's in violation of the terms and conditions of your carrier.Lots of data with throttling: Mint Mobile Unlimited (From $30/mo. at Mint Mobile)Deprioritized at 35GB: Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited (From $50/mo. at Metro by T-Mobile)Better performance with postpaidThere are a ton of carriers that claim to have unlimited data plans with an allotment of high-speed data that can be used before customers have their speeds severely limited. While some carriers like Verizon and AT&T have put this fact front and center offering plans with different amounts of premium data, most MVNOs leave that information for the fine print. Premium data is data that is prioritized when the tower is congested.Congestion is going vary greatly depending on where you are and the time of day, so if you spend most of your time in rural or suburban areas, ...

One down, one to go.To put things nicely, the road to the Pixel 4a has been a long one. The phone was originally slated to launch back in May during the Google I/O developer conference, but thanks to everything going on in the world, Google had to hit the 4a with delay after delay.It's now late into 2020, and at long last, the Pixel 4a has arrived. It's a lot like the Pixel 3a before it, but it upgrades a few key specs, gets a more modern design, and costs even less. That's a recipe for success if we've ever heard one, and it means there's a lot to talk about.From full device specs, our review, and to learn more about the upcoming Pixel 4a 5G, here's everything you need to know!Latest PixelGoogle Pixel 4a$350 at Amazon$350 at Best BuyAn outstanding camera, and then someThe Pixel 3a was hailed as one of the best affordable phones of 2019, and for 2020, we have its successor in the form of the Pixel 4a. The camera is better than ever, performance is plenty fast, th...

If you're traveling, you typically want a high-quality suitcase that won't explode once it's tossed into the cargo hold of the airplane. So, why not have a case that'll keep your Jabra Elite 65t headphones safe and secure, too? Here are some of the best Jabra Elite 65t travel cases for your in-ear headphones to check out before your next adventure!Straight from the sourceJabra Elite Charging CaseStaff PickSometimes buying from the company that makes the product you're looking to protect is a terrific option, even if the price tag is a wee bit higher than most. The Jabra Elite Charging Case allows you to protect and charge your EarPod's batteries while on-the-go. The matte black color of the case is timeless and visually pleasing.$39 at AmazonDurable and reliableHermitshell Travel CaseProtection? Check. Minimalist design? Check. Extra storage space? Check, check, and double-check! The Hermitshell Travel Case is a durable little case that promises to protect your ea...

Get a sense of your healthFitbit Sense$330 at AmazonProsBuilt-in GPSImproved heart-rate monitoringGoogle Assistant & Alexa Built-inECG & EDA sensors6+ day battery lifeMic & speakerConsPretty expensiveIf you want to get your health on track with in-depth data, you may find that the Fitbit Sense has everything you need. It has an improved heart rate sensor as well as new ECG and EDA sensors that provide key details about your health and wellness. You'll be able to track your progress and make improvements.The upgrades we neededFitbit Versa 3$230 at AmazonProsBuilt-in GPSImproved heart-rate monitoringGoogle Assistant & Alexa Built-in6+ day battery lifeMic & speaker ConsLacks ECG & EDA sensorsWhile the Fitbit Versa 3 doesn't have the new ECG and EDA sensors, it has filled in a lot of blanks that users have been waiting for. You now have built-in GPS, Active Zone Minutes, improved heart-rate monitoring, more ...

The all-rounderGoogle FiFrom $20/mo. at Google FiProsFree international roamingLower starting priceShared networkSupports most GSM devicesMulti-line savingsCons2G speeds after 15GB on Flexible planExpensive dataGoogle Fi offers two plans on a combined Sprint, T-Mobile, and US Cellular network in the United States. With a choice between a flexible plan and an unlimited plan, there's a solution for any user. You can also save on your monthly bill if you bring multiple lines.Cheap and unlimitedVisible$40/mo. At VisibleProsSimple plans and pricingHuge Verizon Wireless LTE networkUnlimited hotspot (5Mbps)Save with Party PayConsNo international optionsVideos stream at 480pA flat fee and lots of coverage make Visible an excellent option for a user that never wants to think about minutes or gigabytes. With a growing list of compatible Android phones and the huge Verizon network behind it, there has never been a better time to try Visib...

If you bought the PS4 game, you're not getting a free upgrade.What you need to knowMarvel's Spider-Man is getting a PS5 remaster.This remaster is only included with Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Launch Edition.Sony has confirmed that anyone who owns the game on PS4 won't get a free upgrade.If you own the PS4 version of Marvel's Spider-Man and you've been hoping for free upgrade for the PS5 remaster, we've got some disappointing news. After previously confirming that the save files would not transfer over, Sony told Kotaku in a statement today that there will not be a free upgrade for the Marvel's Spider-Man PS5 remaster.You can read the full statement below: Marvel's Spider-Man: Remastered is an enhanced version of Marvel's Spider-Man, and is included as part of Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition for the PlayStation 5. In addition, players who purchase Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales on PlayStation 4 can upgrade at no additional cost ...

Grab three Google Nest Cam indoor security cameras from Amazon for $299.99. That's $100 per camera where one camera normally goes for $130. This deal is a price match of the same thing going on over at Best Buy. Best Buy's deal is part of the deals of the day, so expect the price at both retailers to disappear by tomorrow. You can find the same 3-pack going for $390 at Home Depot, and it often goes for around $400 or more.These cameras are capable of live streaming 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can be viewed in full 1080p resolution over Wi-Fi, too. Use your mobile device to check in from anywhere at any time. You can even send clips to your family or friends. You can also get mobile alerts and notifications whenever the camera spots activity. The camera will save three hours of snapshot history so you can review and make sure you don't miss anything.Each camera has eight high-power infared LEDs that help provide night vision, so the cameras can see even in the darkest cond...

The Power Delivery standard has paved the way for a new wave of the best USB-C battery packs that are both powerful and portable. While there are some massive power banks aimed more at charging laptops or powering devices through long camping trips, I much prefer the lighter chargers that can quickly charge a phone while sitting down for lunch or in my pocket during long days out and about. Whether you prefer your power banks big or small, these are the best ones around!Charge your wayAukey Wireless Power Bank with 18W PD (10,000mAh)Staff pickNot only does this power bank have 18W Power Delivery charging through its USB-C port, it still has a USB-A port and a Qi wireless charging coil so that you can charge however you like.$34 at AmazonSmall and swiftRAVPower 10,000mAh Power BankThis candy bar-sized power bank is powerful enough to charge most phones from dead to full twice or more. Available in black or white, this charger comes with a USB-C cable and a travel p...

Are you ready for Black Friday? This year is going to be huge for online deals because this has been the year of online shopping. Get ready for Walmart to go all out, too, because this has been a big year for one of the largest retailers. Walmart Plus (Walmart+) launched this year, and it may be something you want to look into if you plan to do a lot of Black Friday shopping through Walmart. That Unlimited Free Delivery benefit is definitely worth considering.In recent years, Black Friday has started earlier and earlier each year. Really, it should be called Black November since the deals are usually known about and start several weeks before the big day. And usually even the big day started sneaking into Thanksgiving Day with store doors opening at midnight or earlier. That changes this year as Walmart has said it will close its doors on Thanksgiving Day to give essential workers the day off. That means Black Friday really will start on Black Friday.Where is the Black Friday Wal...

This 9-piece version of the Ring Alarm 1st-generation home security starter kit is down to $209.99 at Best Buy. Despite being the 1st generation of the Ring Alarm, this is still a great deal. The 5-piece kit goes for $200, so you're paying just $10 more for a bunch of extra stuff. This is also part of Best Buy's deals of the day, which means the price is very temporary and you should grab it while you can.This isn't the only way to save on Ring today. The Ring Alarm is designed to work with other Ring gear like cameras and floodlights. One of the other Best Buy daily deals is a collection of refurbished Ring devices including video doorbells, floodlights, and more. Really build a full home security kit with all of these sales.This is the 1st generation of the Ring Alarm system. You can see how this version compares to the 2nd-generation system right here. The problem with the 2nd generation is that it's more expensive, especially compared to a price drop like today's deal. The 8-...

What's next in connected devices from Amazon?Every fall for the past several years, Amazon has treated us to a media event where it lays out its lineup of new products and services revolving around Alexa and the connected home. These products are usually quickly made available, and then often discounted for fall sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and this year (presumably), Prime Day 2020. Last year we got updates to the Amazon Echo and Echo Show smart speakers, as well as new devices like the Echo Buds and future-forward Day 1 edition products like the Echo Frames.We aren't yet sure of what devices Amazon will drop on us this year, though we have speculated on what they might be, and recent rumors over the past week have us more excited than ever! So without further adieu, here is a quick roundup on what we're likely to see at tomorrow's fall hardware event.Amazon September 2020 Alexa event: Echo, Fire, and Alexa devicesEvery fall event, the showcase items have ...

Make sense of your healthFitbit Sense$330 at AmazonProsOnboard GPSECG, EDA, skin temperature sensorsActive Zone Minutes featureAdvanced heart rate technology6-day battery lifeConsLTE connectivity is not an optionPrevious Fitbit bands aren't usableWhen you're looking for a smartwatch that will help you stay on top of your health, you can't do much better than the Fitbit Sense. You'll have advanced heart rate technology, a handful of important sensors, stellar battery life, and a free Fitbit Premium trial.Stay connected at all timesSamsung Galaxy Watch 3From $400 at AmazonProsOnboard GPSOptional LTE connectivityMilitary-grade durabilityTwo size optionsNew health/fitness featuresConsMore expensiveBattery life could be betterThe Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is a nice improvement from its predecessor. Users will have onboard GPS, optional LTE connectivity, seamless smartphone notifications, mobile payments, and some new health/fitness fe...

If your primary desktop computer is actually a laptop, then you owe it to yourself to pick up one of the best laptop stands available. Why? Elevating your laptop off of the desk creates better angles for viewing, working, and video conferencing. Laptop stands can also improve the ergonomics of your work environment, helping you maintain better posture, reducing repetitive stress injuries, and making you feel more comfortable and productive. With all that said, let's take a look at some of the best laptop stands that you can buy right now.Best Overall Laptop Stand: Lamicall Laptop RiserI think it's important for your laptop stand to not only be functional but to be nice to look at as well. The Lamicall Laptop Riser nails both of these criteria nicely. It is available in a stately silver or graceful gray color, and not only lifts your laptop to a better height, but it allows you to pivot your computer right or left, depending on where you have it set up. This kind of flexibility ...

Striking a work/life balance is hard when work is from home.What you need to knowA new Assistant routine — workday routine — is coming to strengthen your work/life balance in the work from home age.It'll be made available today in English.Google is also rolling out Gentle Sleep and Wake to all smart lights in the next few days.As we all work from home, it's easy to lose track of a home life balance when all we're doing is transitioning from one-screen to the other. To somewhat strengthen that balance, Google is adding a new workday routine to Assistant, built to provide small nudges that'll remind us to get up and go. It's built off of Google's Assistant routines feature-set, and Google will even set you up with a standard template that you can customize.Writing in a blog today, Google's Alice Liang said: After you enable the routine in settings on your Android or iOS device, you can start with a pre-set routine. For example, every Monday through Friday at 10:00 a...

It's no secret that STEM learning has become a big deal in modern education. That's why learning to code with a robot makes so much sense. It helps kids learn the basics of how computers work by providing a fun way to interface with what they see as a toy but what you, as a parent, see as a learning tool. Some robots use phones to code, while others stick to good old remotes for a screen-free experience. There are coding robots for all ages and interests, and we'll help you decide which one is best for your little ones here, no matter their experience level.Best Overall: iRobot RootiRobot recently acquired the company that originally made the Root robot and has turned it into a learning machine. Root is a cute little hexagonal robot that is sold in two different models: Root rt0 retails for $129, while Root rt1 retails for $199. Both of these robots serve the same base functions and work with the iRobot Root app for smartphones, tablets, and Chromebooks. This app connects to Ro...

Plug it in, see any timeYi Outdoor Cam$40 at AmazonProsSuper affordable24/7 recording with local storageWeather-resistantBuilt-in alarmAlexa supportConsNeeds hardwire powerIncluded cable is very shortOnly supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networksThe Yi Outdoor Cam carries the company's pedigree of quality, inexpensive cameras that offer amazing features. 24/7 recording, easy local storage, night vision, two-way audio, and weather resistance are all wrapped into this $40 package.Far-reaching wireless viewsBlink Outdoor$99 at AmazonProsTwo-year battery lifeOptional four-year battery packLocal storage via Blink hubWeather-resistantAlexa supportConsRequires hub to workBuggy softwareOnly records when motion is detectedOnly supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networksBlink has specialized in long-lasting cameras since the first, and the third-generation Blink Outdoor camera is better than ever. Two-year battery life on two AA batteries, or four-year batt...

If this report is accurate, the Pixel 4a 5G will have the same cameras as the Pixel 5.What you need to knowA new report details the specs of the Pixel 4a 5G just a week before launch.The new specs reveal a phone that's more similar to the Pixel 5 than the name suggests.The 4a 5G will cost $499 and hit stores around October 13.Google will launch the Pixel 4a 5G and the Pixel 5 next week alongside the Nest Audio and Google Chromecast with Google TV. The latter three have all received detailed leaks over the past couple of weeks, so naturally, the Pixel 4a 5G is next on the list.A report by WinFuture today shared the complete specs of the 4a 5G, and it's an impressive successor to the very good Pixel 3a XL from last year.The Pixel 4a 5G will be a polycarbonate smartphone sporting a 6.2-inch FHD+ OLED display with a punchhole selfie camera. It'll have the same 60Hz and Gorilla Glass 3 as the smaller 4a, and you'll be able to watch HDR videos on this thing. You'll also not f...

Amazon says products with the Climate Pledge Friendly label can help reduce the carbon footprint of shipments to customers.What you need to knowAmazon is making it easier for consumers to find and shop for sustainable products with its new Climate Pledge Friendly program.Products with sustainability certifications will now have the Climate Pledge Friendly label. The Climate-Friendly selection currently includes grocery, fashion, beauty, household, and personal electronics products.Amazon has launched a new program called Climate Pledge Friendly to help consumers discover and shop for sustainable products. When you look for products on Amazon.com, you will now see a Climate Pledge Friendly label on products that have received one or more of 19 different sustainability certifications.Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and CEO, said in a statement: Climate Pledge Friendly is a simple way for customers to discover more sustainable products that help preserve the natural world. ...

Best answer: Sony has stated that 99% of PS4 games will be backward compatible on PS5. While a handful of titles may not be supported, the overwhelming majority will.The best of the best: God of War ($20 at Amazon)Nearly limitless choices: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $10 at Amazon)Preorders open: PlayStation 5 (From $500 at Amazon)PS5 backward compatibility What is backward compatibility?Backward compatibility is a process that allows older legacy content to be supported on newer systems. On Xbox and PlayStation, this means that you can pop in a disc originally intended and developed for an older generation console and play it on a newer model, like using an Xbox 360 game in an Xbox One — thanks to an emulation process in Xbox's case.Will every PS4 game be backward compatible on PS5?Jim Ryan, President, and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, told the Washington Post the PS5 will be backward compatible with 99% of PS4 titles.This is a big change from the PS...

A new publisher on the scene.What you need to knowDreamhaven is a new publisher in Irvine, California founded by former Blizzard Entertainment staff.The publisher has two studios to start: Moonshot Games and Secret Door.Both studios are staffed by developers who previously worked on Hearthstone, StarCraft, Warcraft and more.Today, former Blizzard Entertainment staff revealed a new publisher called Dreamhaven. Founded in Irvine, California, the publisher currently acts as parent company to two studios: Moonshot Games and Secret Door. Developers at the studios have previously worked on franchises like Warcraft, StarCraft and Hearthstone. Former Blizzard Entertainment President Mike Morhaime is serving as CEO for Dreamhaven."I'm excited to team up with such talented people who care deeply about games and their communities," says Morhaime. "I've always believed in the power of games to bring people together regardless of backgrounds or boundaries. With Dreamhaven, we look for...

Amazon has the OnePlus 8 Pro 5G Unlocked Android smartphone in Onyx Black for $899.99. This is a special, limited time, deal coming from the manufacturer. So you can also find this price through the OnePlus website. The phone normally sells for closer to $1,000, so this is a great opportunity to save $100 on a solid mobile device.We considered the OnePlus 8 Pro to be one of the best smartphones available on its release three months ago and gave it 4.5 stars out of 5. The review said, "It may not be perfect in every category, but it's close in many, and the additions of fast wireless charging and IP68 certification, an upgraded camera, significantly better battery, a stunning 120Hz AMOLED panel, and a considerable number of other quality-of-life improvements, do more than enough to justify the price bump."This is a very fast and powerful phone that does a lot of things right. For one thing it has an amazing Quad High-Definition AMOLED display. It is 6.78 inches and has a 120Hz ref...

"This has been one of our most requested features, offering users and teams a more flexible way to organize and visualize their tasks and projects."What you need to knowProductivity app Todoist has a big new feature.Todoist Boards will give users more flexibility within project management. It's available on mobile, desktop, and the web!Todoist has announced that its popular productivity software is getting a new 'Boards' feature for streamlined project management.Doist says that the Todoist Boards update is rolling out today to everyone and that it's one of the app's most requested features. They say it will offer users and teams "a more flexible way to organize and visualize their tasks and projects".Todoist is also launching into the B2B space, and the group says it offers a more versatile task and project management system experience about around one third the monthly price of Trello.Todoist Boards is designed to make collaboration easy by letting teams and individ...

New worlds, new life, new discoveries.What you need to knowNo Man's Sky is an open world survival game that spans an entire galaxy of various planets and worlds.Since its rough launch in 2016, the game has received numerous free updates that make massive improvements.The latest update coming to all platforms is Origins, which adds lots of new explorable worlds, and focuses on diversity.With Origins, you'll see new life, weather, buildings, terrain, and a lot more to make the No Man's Sky universe feel more alive.No Man's Sky is not the same game it was when it debuted to customer and critic whiplash back in 2016, with a flurry of free updates ranging from tiny patches to major overhauls changing pretty much every aspect of the game. The latest update to hit No Man's Sky on every platform it's available for is the Origins Update, which promises to make the universe No Man's Sky inhabits more diverse and interesting to explore, and makes some significant changes. Alongside t...

Is your Sprint service more like a crawl? Here's what to do when there's an outage!Whether it's a natural disaster, power failure, or network issues, Sprint outages happen. Sometimes an outage might just be a configuration issue with a phone as well. Still, outages are inevitable and totally suck, but there are things you can do to alleviate some of the frustration.Sprint is now part of T-Mobile and while sales and new accounts are being set up on T-Mobile, support and account management are being handled individually. If you're experiencing a T-Mobile outage on your T-Mobile account, you will need to contact T-Mobile's support.If you're experiencing frequent outages or inconsistent service, you should check out whether one of the best carriers you can get offers better coverage.Check your deviceFirst thing's first: Is the issue on just one of your devices, like your phone or tablet? If that's the case, then it could be the device acting up, so power it off, wait a few seco...

A closer look at your healthFitbit Sense$330 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCOver 6 days of battery lifeECG, EDA, skin temperature sensorsAdvanced heart rate technologyActive Zone MinutesConsPerformance is still sluggishOld Fitbit bands aren't compatibleIf you're all about having all the details, you'll want to check out the Fitbit Sense. It costs a bit more than the Garmin Venu, but it allows you to learn important details about your overall well-being. You'll have new ECG and EDA sensors, onboard GPS, Active Zone Minutes, advanced heart rate technology, and more features.A perfect lifestyle watchGarmin Venu$300 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCActivity/seep trackingOver 20 preloaded sports appsPulse Ox sensorBody Battery energy monitoringConsLacks ECG, EDA, skin temperature sensorsNo voice assistant or mic/speakerWhen you're buying a smartwatch to accompany your daily routine, you might prefer the Garmin Venu. It's not quite as advanced ...

Six vibrant colors, a flat display, 5G support, and an enticingly low price.What you need to knowThe Galaxy S20 FE launches October 2nd in six colors for just $699.It will be available both unlocked and through carriers, with support for both sub-6 and millimeter wave 5G networks (depending on the variant).The S20 Fan Edition offers many of the Galaxy S20 line's features at a more affordable price, with a polycarbonate design reminiscent of the Galaxy Note 20.Samsung is once again expanding its vast 2020 lineup, this time with a colorful new addition to the Galaxy S20 lineup that aims to bring the same flagship experience to a more accessible price point. Much like the Galaxy Note 20, the S20 Fan Edition (abbreviated to FE) trades its pricier counterparts' glass backings for a polycarbonate one, retaining the aluminum frame for its added durability.It also features a flat display, which many users (including myself) actually prefer over the curved screens on Samsung's oth...