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One of the best parts about Black Friday is that the sales literally take place all over, from online retail giants to little mom and pop shops in your local town. Years ago, everyone went to retail stores and spent the day bouncing from one place to the next to try and finish their holiday lists, but now you can do all the same shopping online.With one-day shipping on millions of items, huge discounts, Lightning deals, and more, Amazon should definitely be on your list of places to look for some of the best Black Friday deals. Black Friday is just under two weeks away at this point, which means that before you know it all the sales will be live.When is Black Friday at Amazon?Black Friday technically is Friday, November 29, 2019 but some deals have already started surfacing in the recentt days. Pretty much the whole month of November has turned into one big discount, and even if Amazon wasn't the first to offer the deal, we've seen the company matching various other retailers a...

"We're always experimenting with new ways to improve the app experience for our users."What you need to knowTikTok is experimenting with ways to commercialize its platform in the U.S.Users can now add links to e-commerce sites to their profile bio.URLs can also send viewers quickly to shopping websites straight from videos.A report suggests that TikTok is beginning to experiment with ways to monetize its platform, which has over a billion users.As reported by TechCrunch, some users are now being given the option to add a URL to their bio. Whilst this could be to any website, it can, of course, include e-commerce sites, which would allow users to direct people who view their profiles to those sites, opening up the possibility of using affiliate links in-app.BREAKING: TikTok launches 'link in bio' & 'social commerce URLS' in videos @MattNavarra @TaylorLorenz @sarahintampa @TechCrunch @thenextweb @techinasia #tiktok pic.twitter.com/HczzHOHCNf— Fabian Bern 法...

It used to be that Black Friday deals were only available on Friday, but now it's turned into a month-long event that seems to get bigger and bigger each year. While some of the best deals may only be available on Black Friday, and door buster offerings may start as early as the evening of Thanksgiving Day, that doesn't mean that you can't already score some pretty wild deals right this very minute.Retailers are trying to maximize exposure during this time of the year, which means that select items are going on sale ahead of the big day. You may be wondering if the prices will drop lower on Black Friday, or if it's worth shopping early, so let's answer some of your questions, and show you some of the best deals. We are currently just 14 days away from Black Friday, so it's time to get serious here.Best Black Friday deals available right now! Product or Service Deal Price Meross Smart Garage Opener $29 at Amazon Gravity Blanket: The Weighted Blanket for Sleep ...

Instagram inside Facebook?What you need to knowA report shows Facebook is testing a photos-only mode within its app.'Popular photos' uses an algorithm to generate a photos-only feed for users.It could offer users an Instagram-esque escape from Facebook's regular content.A report this week suggests that Facebook is quietly testing a photos-only mode for its mobile app, that would allow users to see algorithmically suggested photos in a feed similar to Instagram.According to a TechCrunch report, the 'Popular Photos' feature generates an endless feed of photos from your friends in a full-screen view, generating a user experience that feels a lot like Instagram. Very simply, the feature allows users who tap on a photo in their News Feed or on a profile to begin scrolling through more images as a feed, much like 'Related Videos.'The report suggests: Popular Photos could offer users a more relaxing, lean-back browsing experience that omits links you have to click through,...

You're missing a lot of jokes!What you need to knowThe Simpsons is streaming on Disney+, but people were noting weird cropping thanks to the aspect ratio.Disney released a statement saying that it'll add more options for viewing in the future.You can subscribe to Disney+ starting at $7 per month. When people booted up Disney Plus (Disney+) earlier this week to, maybe, watch The Simpsons, many noticed something odd.While older seasons of The Simpsons aired in a 4:3 aspect ratio, they were now streaming on Disney+ in an updated 16:9 aspect ratio. This sounds good in theory since many TVs are designed with that ratio in mind, but some noted how it seemed to ruin a lot of visual gags.In one example noted by Tristan Cooper on Twitter, the 16:9 aspect ratio cropped out a key joke in an older episode.All the classic Simpsons episodes on Disney+ are in cropped widescreen format -- this means you miss out on tons of great visual jokes, like how Duff, Duff Lite and Duff Dry all...

Much like Walmart, Best Buy offers a slight advantage for some Black Friday shoppers because it has tons of physical retail stores throughout the U.S. Previously, the large majority of people would actually get up early on Black Friday and go wait in line to be the first ones there, and some even camped out from the night before to ensure they never missed out on the biggest door buster deals.Recently, things have changed and a ton of Black Friday shopping is actually done online, but that doesn't mean people aren't still going out to shop. Black Friday is such a huge shopping event for the company that Best Buy recaps it each year and publishes that online to show how it's evolved over the years.When is Black Friday at Best Buy?Like everywhere else, Black Friday is officially November 29, 2019, but that won't stop the big-box retailer from offering up sales before that. Through the whole month, Best Buy will be offering daily doorbuster deals on a ton of different products, so...

These days, Alexa seems to be everywhere you look. Amazon's voice assistant is in speakers, displays, and even microwaves! To no one's surprise, you can also find Alexa built into certain Android phones. Amazon has a collection of what it calls "Alexa Built-in Phones" to highlight these devices, and these are our favorites — including the Motorola One Action as our top overall pick.Best Overall: Motorola One ActionLeading the charge for phones with Alexa built-in is the Motorola One Action. This is one of the newer additions to Amazon's Alexa phone lineup, and when you factor in its features, specs, and price, it stands out as the best overall option.From a hardware standpoint, the Motorola One Action has a lot to offer. Its 6.3-inch Full HD+ display has a unique form factor of 21:9, giving you an extra tall and narrow canvas. It can be a little unwieldy, but it's great for content consumption and looks quite good. There's also a snappy Exynos octa-core processor, 4GB o...

The Pixel 3a brings the Pixel experience to a far, far wider audience with the same Google style and a much more firendly price point, and I've loved rocking mine these last few months. While it looks very similar to the Pixel 3, it's a bit taller and thicker so you'll need a case specially made for it. The good news is that there are plenty available, and here's the best of the best you ca find today!Like nothing's thereSpigen Thin FitStaff pickSpigen is one of the most trusted names in case makers, and its Thin Fit case is one of the best it has to offer. It's incredibly slim and lightweight, has a scratch-resistant design to keep your 3a safe from daily use, and works great with magnetic car mounts.From $10 at AmazonFirst party feelGoogle Fabric CaseGoogle's fabric cases feel wonderful in the hand and come in a small assortment of colors, and since they are made by Google, they feel every bit as premium as their price tags. Available in Carbon, Fog, and Seascap...

Just in time for long Thanksgiving road trips.What you need to knowSpotify's Soundtrack your Ride creates playlists for road trips.You feed Spotify your start and end points and answer a few questions.You can toggle explicit lyrics and select genres, but the list can be quite eclectic.Spotify has launched a new custom playlist creation tool called "Soundtrack your Ride," aimed at creating playlists for long road trips. Spotify users start by entering their start and endpoints on a map, then answer a few questions. Spotify wants to know with whom you'll be traveling and whether you intend to sing along, mellow out, or drive like a maniac with your pedal to the floor.The streaming service asks what sort of car you drive then your favorite genre for driving. For some reason, after indicating I prefer hip-hop music, it asked me to choose my ultimate driving song from a list that included zero hip-hop choices. I chose "Bohemian Rhapsody."Check out this road trip playlist I...

Still rocking your Galaxy S7? It's still holding up pretty well after all these years, and you'll need a great case to help it last a few more. There's dozens of great options for the device, from clear cases that show off your phone's beauty to rugged ones, and even wallet cases for when you want to cut down on your pocket carry.Thin and clearSpigen Liquid CrystalStaff pickYou don't have to hide the beauty of your phone to keep it protected, and the Liquid Crystal case from Spigen proves that. This case offers protection without sacrificing the ability to see the color choice that you made on your initial purchase. You'll get a nice form fit from this case, and the embossed buttons are easy to press while the case is on the phone.$10 at AmazonFrom SamsungSamsung S-View flip coverSo long as you have NFC enabled on your phone, you essentially get a small window to your Galaxy S7 that lets you answer and decline calls, view message previews, activate the camera, and...

Best answer: There are two ways to watch Disney+ on a Chromebook: watching via a web player in the browser and via the Android app. When streaming on a Chromebook, you'll see an error the first time, but playack should work after that.Go Chrome: Disney+ ($70/yr at Disney)Two ways to watch, one service full of favoritesThere are two ways to watch Disney+ on a Chromebook: you can stream without an app via the Chrome browser or you can install the Android app and download videos to watch offline. The ability to watch it without needing an app can be very, very helpful — especially on school-issued Chromebooks that might have Google Play app installs locked down. On the other hand, the Disney+ Android app being availble on Chromebooks makes it an easy way to stock up on videos for offline playback on a larger-screen device for something like a cross-country flight.While the Android app works normally on Chromebooks the same way as it does on Android tablets, with the only d...

Google's Pixel 3a XL is here — a more affordable version of the excellent Pixel 3 XL that launched in October 2018. The Pixel 3a XL's plastic design isn't nearly as fragile as the regular Pixel 3 XL's glass one, but picking up a case for it is still a swell idea. If you need some helping finding one you like, here's a roundup of our favorites.Old reliableSpigen Rugged ArmorStaff pickIf you regularly read our case roundups, you'll know that we're big fans of the Spigen Rugged Armor. This case doesn't look very flashy, but it nails the basics at a price you'll love. It offers ample drop protection, is built well, and adds very little thickness to the 3a XL's body. All-in-all, there's not much to complain about.$11 at AmazonThin, colorful, cheapAnccer Colorful SeriesGive your Pixel 3a XL some essential protection without compromising its design with the Anccer Colorful Series. This case features an ultra-thin 0.3mm design, comes in six gorgeous colors, an...

It's still in testing for now.What you need to knowGoogle has been experimenting with auto-playing videos in the Play Store since August.The company recently added a toggle turn the feature off by default.The change was supposed to officially roll out in September, but the company still hasn't made it widely available.Google's making a change to the Play Store that most of us will probably not like. It's been testing autoplay videos for its app store since August, though it's thankfully now added a toggle to turn the feature off in its latest builds. The news comes courtesy of a tip to Android Police, though as the publication notes, the change is not live for everyone, meaning it's still in the A/B testing phase.It's definitely an interesting move for the company, which has previously made a big deal of its support for the Better Ads Standards on Chrome. The Google-made browser even started blocking auto-playing video ads with sounds. Hopefully, that means the auto-playi...

In total, eight of Sony's phones are getting Android 10.What you need to knowSony Mobile announced plans to upgrade the Xperia 1 and Xperia 5 to Android 10 by end of 2019.Other Xperia phones, including the XZ3 and Xperia 10, will be upgraded in 2020.Notable exceptions include the XA2 lineup and the Xperia XZ flagship from 2017.In the annual struggle for third-party manufacturers to upgrade legacy devices to Google's latest Android 10 operating system, Sony Mobile has posted a blog detailing its upgrade intentions.After exclaiming that owners looking for upgrades will find "all the news you're waiting for," Sony Mobile offers immediate upgrade intentions for the Xperia X1 and recently announced Xperia X5 — both of which will get Android 10 in December 2019.In "early 2020 onwards", Sony will then issue Android 10 to the following handsets:Xperia 10Xperia 10 PlusXpiera XZ2Xperia XZ2 CompactXperia XZ2 PremiumXperia XZ3That's a fine lineup, but it's too bad ...

If you're looking for an inexpensive Alexa display, the cheapest options are the Echo Show 5 and the Echo Spot. We've compared the two to see which one is best.Echo Show 5The Best Choice$80 at AmazonProsInexpensiveCamera cover for privacyCan turn off microphoneConsScreen has low resolutionCamera isn't very powerfulIt doesn't take up a lot of space as the 5.5-inch screen is roughly the size of an average smartphone. You can feel better about placing it on your nightstand since it has a built-in camera cover that slides over the lens. Use this device to surf the internet, make video calls, check the news, listen to music, control your smart home, and interact with hundreds of Alexa-enabled skills.Echo SpotLesser Option$130 at Best BuyProsWorks with AlexaCompact shapeGood video qualityConsNo longer available directly from AmazonExpensiveWeird screen shapeNo built-in camera coverLess powerful speakerThe Echo Spot was once a great devic...

Unlock the door to all your favorite Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars series!Disney Plus (aka Disney+) is finally available after years of waiting and dreaming. If you're in the United States, Canada or the Netherlands (and soon Australia and New Zealand), you can finally purchase a subscription to Disney+, and watch everything in the Disney vault. That includes franchises like Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It also includes the Pixar family of movies and, of course, everything from Disney proper, all for only $7 a month, which is truly a magical bargain.Only one thing remains, then: it's time to subscribe!How to Sign Up for Disney PlusDisney has tried to keep everything about Disney+ as easy as possible for potential users, and that includes getting signed up for your free trial. Whether you're trying to sign up on your laptop, phone, or even on your smart TV, the signup process takes less than a minute.Keep in mind that while the Disney offers a free 7-day tria...

Since there are so many options, it can be difficult choosing the right Alexa display in 2019. We've broken down the pros and cons of both the Echo Show (2nd Gen) and the Echo Show 5 to determine which is a better fit for most people.Echo Show 5The right price$90 at AmazonProsInexpensiveCamera shutter for privacyCan turn off the microphoneCompactConsSmall screen Low camera resolutionLower sound qualityThis is the least expensive Alexa display currently offered by Amazon. The 5.5-inch screen is the size of an average smartphone. It features a front-facing camera, speakers, and a microphone. You can turn the microphone off and use the built-in camera cover for more privacy. Use this device to surf the internet, make video calls, check the news, listen to music, control your smart home, and much more.Echo Show (2nd Gen)The splurge$230 at AmazonProsLarger screenGood audio qualityBetter cameraConsExpensiveNo camera coverWith a 10-inch sc...

Student discounts are now available in 65 out of the 78 total markets.What you need to knowStudent discounts for YouTube Premium and Music have expanded to 14 new markets.Most of the new regions include areas in the Middle East and Asia which were recently added to YouTube Premium and Music.With the discount, students can save nearly half-off on a subscription.Discounted student pricing is a fantastic way to help out hard-working students who are often cash strapped to begin with. It's also a great way to get students hooked on your service early and keep them in your ecosystem long after they graduate.Many streaming services offer such discounted student plans, including YouTube Premium and Music which is now expanding it to 14 new regions.BahrainHong KongIndonesiaKuwaitLebanonMalaysiaOmanPhilippinesQatarSaudi ArabiaSingaporeTaiwanThailandUnited Arab EmiratesIncluded in the list are most of the Middle Eastern and Asian markets where YouTube Premium and...

An extension will make it possible for U.S. companies to do "some transactions" with Huawei.What you need to knowAs per a new report, the Commerce Department may soon grant a six-month reprieve that will allow U.S. firms to do business with Huawei.The current temporary general license, which was granted in August, is set to expire on November 18. U.S. firms are expected to receive licenses to trade with Huawei "very shortly."Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross had recently confirmed that U.S. firms will soon be granted licenses that will allow them to sell non-sensitive components to Huawei. Now, a new report from Politico claims the Commerce Department is likely to soon grant a six-month reprieve that will permit U.S. companies to do business with Huawei until May next year.The Commerce Department had given Huawei a second 90-day reprieve in August this year, which is set to expire on Monday. If the report is accurate and Huawei does get another reprieve, it will be able to p...

Finally. The most anticipated streaming service is here. Home to not just Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the Pixar franchise, but TV networks like FX and storied series like The Simpsons. Oh, and all the Disney movies and TV shows you could ever want to watch.Welcome to Disney Plus (Disney+).This is the future of video for Disney. Anything and everything that falls under the Disney umbrella — and make no mistake, it is a huge umbrella — will go through the Disney+ app, on whatever platform you wish to watch it on. If that sounds impossibly big, well, you're right. But Disney has done well to pave this road with the also extremely successful ESPN+, which also is owned by Disney and runs on the same technology. (In fact, Disney bought the company that built the streaming side of things.)So with all that in mind, here's everything you need to know about Disney+.A magical streaming serviceDisney+$7 a month at Disney+This is the streaming...

Now you can command Google Assistant to turn on your Xbox, launch games, and more.What you need to knowThe Xbox One November 2019 update is now rolling out to consoles.This update allows your Xbox to connect to Google Assistant, brings updates for Gamertags, and more.You can download the November Xbox update on your console now.Microsoft's November 2019 update for Xbox One consoles is now headed out to everyone. After a period of testing with Xbox Insiders, several new features are now rolling out to the public, including Google Assistant support, the option to use any Gamertag, text filters, and more.Perhaps the biggest update here is support for Google Assistant. While it doesn't run on your Xbox, Google Assistant support allows you to issue commands to control your Xbox from your phone or smart speaker. It works much like the Amazon Echo integration that hit Xbox consoles several months ago, letting you turn your Xbox on, launch games, and more with your voice.The Ga...

One major concern while setting up a smart home is hackers using your network to meddle with your devices. Sure, they might alter your smart coffee maker’s predetermined brewing time or make your thermostat a few degrees colder, but the real threat comes when they attack your home security cameras. Luckily, you can get this hacker-resistant security camera for just $40 with this pre-Black Friday deal.The iPM World Security Camera is the perfect solution for homeowners wary of hackers. It uses multiple encryption protocols to prevent hackers from tapping into your security feed to spy on you. Additionally, it contains a powerful 1080p camera and infrared vision to provide a crystal clear view of your home, even in dimly-lit conditions. With the iPM World app, you can live stream your feed and swivel the camera by 360 degrees through your phone, which will give you peace of mind whenever you’re away from home.Security cameras are meant to keep you safe at home, but...

I don't know why Disney doesn't have these in order, but we can fix that!Disney Plus (Disney+) has the greatest collection of Marvel movies and shows ever available for legal streaming. Unless you've been buying up every Marvel Cinematic Universe movie over the past decade, this is likely the first time you've had a chance to have a proper marathon of Marvel's Infinity Saga, which has served as the canonical MCU up to this point. From the original Iron Man to the conclusive "I am … Iron Man" in Avengers: Endgame you can relive most of the story so far.Disney hasn't made a proper MCU playlist in the Disney+ app — a major oversight in this humble hero-lover's opinion — but it's OK! We've put the movies in order in a handy list that will let you watch the story of the Infinity Stones according to the in-universe chronological order:Captain America: The First AvengerCaptain MarvelIron ManIron Man 2The Incredible Hulk — Not on Disney+ because it's a Uni...

A white noise machine can be used when studying and relaxing, but most use it for sleeping. The perfect white noise machine is going to be different for each individual, but the best models will have more than one sound, optional timers, are mostly portable, and are easy to use. Here are the best for your wallet and your sleep cycle today.Headphones compatiblePure Enrichment Wave Sleep Sound MachineStaff pickPure Enrichment's Wave Sleep Therapy Sound Machine comes with six different "soothing nature sounds" to pick from. Also included are three different timers for either 15, 30, or 60-minute intervals before the Wave Sleep Machine turns itself off. The ultra-sleek design makes it easy to pack this sleep machine up for a trip away from home so you can still get the rest you need.$30 at AmazonVoice controlledAmazon Echo Dot 3rd GenerationThe Echo Dot may be better known for streaming music and Alexa games, but it also has Sleep Sounds, which allows you to pick betw...

A winning combo of durability, customization, and attention-to-detail.In the grand scheme of things, a phone case is not a complicated product. All it needs to do is protect your handset from drops and spills — and, well, that's about it. However, as you start to look into the finer details, such as design, in-hand-feel, button clickiness, etc., you'll find a bunch of factors that come into play that can significantly affect your day-to-day experience.A lot of companies have come really close to perfecting all of those things, and this has resulted in some fantastic cases for the Pixel 4. I've had the privilege to use many of them, and one that's stood out as one of my favorites is the Dbrand Grip.The Dbrand Grip has evolved and changed a lot since it was first introduced in 2017, and the current iteration for the Pixel 4 is a joy to use. So long as you can get over the steep price tag and slightly chunky design, it's well worth your time and attention.As good as it g...

So, you own an Oculus Quest VR headset, and you're really enjoying all of the great VR games on the Oculus Store. However, SteamVR offers a lot of other amazing VR experiences that you can't find in the Oculus Store. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of setting up your Oculus Quest to play SteamVR games.Products needed for this guide:Get connected: VRidge Software (Free or $17 at Riftcat)Access to 1,000's of VR titles: Steam Account (Free at Steam)Tetherless VR: Oculus Quest ($399 at Amazon)If your PC doesn't have a USB-C input: Onvian USB-C to USB 3.0 Adapter ($7 at Amazon)Determine that your computer can support VRidgeBefore you can move toward playing SteamVR games on your Quest, you will need to make sure you can run Riftcat's VRidge software on your PC. VRidge is the softwar you'll need to do it. Riftcat's website references cardboard viewers. You can disregard that since streaming to mobile VR and streaming to the Oculus Quest VR headset are...

Time to chat with the AC forums.Yesterday, November 14, was an exciting day for the state of messaging on Android. At long last, Google flipped the switch and began rolling out its RCS chat functionality for everyone in the U.S. — regardless of what phone or carrier you have.RCS brings a heap of features to the Google Messages app, including typing indicators, better group chats, high-quality photo sharing, and more.Looking through the AC forums, its rollout has a lot of people talking. msm0511 11-14-2019 12:31 PM “ I've been using the hack that enabled it, but this is great news! Reply gernerttl 11-14-2019 06:02 PM “ Holy RCS Batman! I'm RCS enabled! I opted into the Google Messages Beta program and installed the beta version. When I opened it, it enabled RCS. P.S. I'm ...

While Disney may have underestimated how ravenous its fanbase is, you shouldn't underestimate its new streaming service.To call Disney a media titan is more of an understatement with each passing day, and the amount of content under its umbrella is mind-boggling, but it's easy to forget just how much Disney has when it's split up under so many apps and services. Disney+ aims to bring all of that content to one easy portal, a streaming service with a catalog that is quite simply unmatched. But as good as it is today, Disney+ isn't there quite yet.Don't get me wrong: 400 films and 7,500 TV episodes is still a huge amount of content to browse, especially when it's all from Disney, Pixar, Fox, National Geographic, Marvel, and Lucasfilm, but it's only the beginning of Disney+'s winning streaming catalog.And let me tell you, this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.At a glanceDisney+ ...

TP-Link has been making networking equipment for ages and it's quite good at it. Not only that, TP-Link routers more often than not offer competitive specifications at great prices. If you're looking for a great balance of features including fast AC Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO and tri-band, the Archer A20 is a great fit.Best Overall: Archer A20Wi-Fi 6, or 802.11AX, is the next big thing in Wi-Fi routers. The only problem is that very few devices support it and the prices for those devices are quite high. The TP-Link A20, however, comes close with fast AC Wi-Fi providing up to 1,625Mbps on either 5Ghz band and 750Mbps on the 2.4Ghz bands.There are four gigabit Ethernet connections for wired devices around back and one more for your internet connection. With the speed of the Wi-FI, it would have been nice to see a multi-gig option such as a faster Ethernet port or link aggregation. Still, 1Gbps should be plenty for most applications.The styling is simple and utilitarian, allowing the ...

Leave monthly access fees behind.After building our home that we live in now I started looking into security cameras, and one thing that most options had in common was the need to pay a monthly fee to access the footage at a later time. I'm a huge fan of Ring cameras, and have arguably too many of them outside of my house, but I needed something different for inside. I wanted something that was always recording, that I could access from anywhere, and didn't come with any additional monthly cost.Ubiquiti, the company that's better known for its wireless access points and internet hardware caught my eye with some of its options, so I decided to give them a look.More secureUniFi Video G-3 Micro Camera Bottom line: Security is in the DNA of this camera and everything around it. There's an additional layer of protection betwee...

The foldable phone is shipping with Chinese alternatives to popular Google apps.What you need to knowHuawei's first foldable phone, the Mate X finally went on sale in China earlier today, without Google apps.The smartphone was sold out within minutes during the first sale. It is priced at 16,999 yuan ($2,400) in China. Huawei's foldable Mate X finally went on sale (via The New York Times) in China today, nearly nine months after its introduction at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The phone was originally expected to go on sale in June but Huawei decided to delay the release in order to conduct some "extra tests."Due to the U.S. blacklist, however, the Mate X is shipping without any Google apps or services. Huawei's Mate 30 series, which was launched in August, is also currently being shipping without Google apps. While the second 90-day reprieve granted to Huawei by the Commerce Department is set to expire on November 18, the U.S. government is expected to soon is...

Oculus Quest is Facebook's last piece of hardware in its first generation of VR devices. It has six degrees of freedom, movement tracking so you can game throughout an area and two Touch Controllers, which facilitate a wide range of gameplay. The Oculus Quest now has over 100 games available, ranging from first-person shooters to musical saber swinging. The most recent titles are marked with "new" so you can keep track of all the latest games.Available nowNonstop funBeat SaberStaff pickBeat Saber is one of the most popular VR games across many platforms. In it, you use both controllers and motion tracking to swipe at blocks that are synced to music. None of those words do the game justice, and having it available at launch is a massive deal for the Quest.$30 at Oculus StoreUse the forceVader Immortal: Episode IIEditor's ChoiceThis sequel takes you even further into the world of Darth Vader. In it, you learn to master the Force from the Sith Lord himself,...

Here at Android Central, we love the idea of mesh networks and eliminating all dead spots. TP-Link's Deco series provides advanced hardware and software in all of its products and we've compared the details to make sure you're purchasing the correct one.Small with PowerTP-Link Deco M5$160 at AmazonProsFast AC1300 speedsTwo Ethernet portsSmall sizeWorks with other Deco productsConsBoring designSetup requires an appTP-Link crams some impressive features in the Deco M5's small form factor. This router kicks out AC1300 Wi-Fi speeds with four internal antennas as well as two gigabit Ethernet. Getting a mesh network online with the M5 should be a snap. It can be easily concealed in any room.Tall and HandsomeTP-Link Deco M4$161 at AmazonProsAdequate AC1200 speedTwo Ethernet portsEye-catching designWorks with other Deco productsConsDifficult to concealLow speeds on 2.4GhzSetup requires an appDoing its best to live up to its art deco ...

It used to be that Black Friday deals were only available on Friday, but now it's turned into a month-long event that seems to get bigger and bigger each year. While some of the best deals may only be available on Black Friday, and door buster offerings may start as early as the evening of Thanksgiving Day, that doesn't mean that you can't already score some pretty wild deals right this very minute.Retailers are trying to maximize exposure during this time of the year, which means that select items are going on sale ahead of the big day. You may be wondering if the prices will drop lower on Black Friday, or if it's worth shopping early, so let's answer some of your questions, and show you some of the best deals. We are currently just 14 days away from Black Friday, so it's time to get serious here.Best Black Friday deals available right now! Product or Service Deal Price Instant Pot LUX80 $55 at Amazon Tineco Stick Vacuums Save up to 30% Amazon Music Unl...

The phone's "Retro RAZR" mode will make you feel even more nostalgic.What you need to knowThe new Motorola RAZR comes with a "Retro RAZR" mode that basically transforms it into a RAZR V3 from 2004.You can find the Retro RAZR mode by editing the quick settings menu.Once enabled, you will see similar UI as the original RAZR, complete with a T9 dialer in the bottom half of the screen. Motorola unveiled the foldable RAZR phone earlier this week, featuring nearly the same iconic design as the original RAZR. As discovered by the folks at The Verge, Motorola's new foldable phone also comes with a "Retro RAZR" mode, which re-creates the user-interface of the original RAZR.You can find the hidden Retro RAZR mode in the Quick Settings Menu. When you tap on edit, you will see the "Retro RAZR" option. Simply drag it into the Quick Settings menu and then tap on the Retro RAZR button to activate the throwback mode.Once activated, you will find a very similar T9 keypad as the Mo...

Is a Star Wars crossover on the horizon?What you need to knowShortly after the launch of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, a Star Destroyer appeared in the skies of Fortnite.Alongside the ship, a brand new outfit - the Stormtrooper - was put into Fortnite's item shop.As of now, no other crossover events have been announced. The world of Fortnite may soon be getting another movie crossover, as shortly after the launch of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, a Star Destroyer from the iconic film series appeared in the skies over Fortnite.Players began to notice the ship sitting just on the horizon of the map around the same time that the Star Wars game launched worldwide. While this usually might signify a crossover event of some sorts, the explanation for the Star Destroyer showing up was revealed pretty quickly, thanks to Epic. Taking to social media, Epic announced that Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is also available on the Epic Games Store, and that anyone who picks up the game the...

October sees a couple of strong debut titles.What you need to knowThe October 2019 NPD data has been releasedFor this month, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare took the top spot on PlayStation and overall. The Nintendo Switch was the bestselling console overall. You can grab Call of Duty: Modern Warfare for $60 on Amazon. Every month, the NPD Group releases information on the top-selling games across all video game platforms in the United States. While it doesn't account for worldwide sales, it does provide a good snapshot of one the largest video game markets. Mat Piscatella, an analyst for NPD, has shared the results for October 2019. For this month, data was tracked from October 6 through November 2, 2019.Call of Duty: Modern Warfare had a massive launch, taking the #1 spot for the month overall. Obsidian Entertainment's RPG The Outer Worlds also did well, grabbing the #2 spot for the month, while Nintendo exclusive Luigi's Mansion 3 grabbed the #3 spot. Grand Theft Auto V,...

Disney+ is finally out in the wild so we can catch-up on so many favorite Disney classics, Marvel hits, the Star Wars saga, and much more. Disney is also offering the chance to get its new streaming service bundled with Hulu and ESPN+ — which is a great deal at $13 per month. However, if you sign-up for this bundle, the Hulu you get will be the ad-supported version. So, if you prefer your Hulu minus the ads, then follow along to find out how to bundle up and hold the ads.Products used in this guideGet it together: Disney+ bundle ($13/month at Disney+)TV Sans ads: Hulu (ad-free) ($12/month at Hulu) How to the Disney+ bundle with ad-free HuluGo to Hulu and sign-up for the ad-free plan.Enter your personal info and continue.Select your payment method to finish your subscription to Hulu ad-free.Now that your Hulu account is set up let's set up the Disney+ bundleAfter clicking Sign Up Now you can enter the same email you used for setting up your Hulu account....

The attorneys general are said to be drawing up subpoenas to support their investigations.What you need to knowU.S. states' combined antitrust investigation into Google may be set to increase in its scope dramatically.A new report claims the 50 attorneys general conducting the probe may also scrutinize the tech giant's Android and search businesses.The proceedings have, so far, been restricted to the company's advertising business.Just two months after 50 state attorneys general announced their intent to launch a joint antitrust investigation into the company's ad business, Google is in line for even more governmental scrutiny, as CNBC reports the investigations may soon expand to cover its search and Android businesses as well.The publication also cited unnamed sources as suggesting that the law enforcement officers may already be in the process of drafting a type of subpoena known as a civil investigative demand (CID) to facilitate this widened scope of inquiry. Given t...

Play as your favorite Marvel heroes and save the world from horrific evil.The Marvel Cinematic Universe brought to life our favorite comic book heroes like never before. Due to its success, we've seen the team grace nearly every form of media recently. Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics, along with several other studios lending a hand, were tasked with creating a new video game to do the Earth's Mightiest Heroes justice.Avengers, reassemble!What is Marvel's AvengersWhich characters are in itWhat's the storyWhat's the gameplay likeIs it connected to Spider-Man on PS4?Platform exclusive contentNo loot boxesYou can play it next MaySave the planetMarvel's Avengers$50 at AmazonAn ever-expanding online gameAfter a horrific event leaves San Francisco in ruins, the Avengers have been disbanded. However, an even bigger evil threatens the planet five years later, and it's up to you to assemble the crew and save the world once again.What is Marvel's Avengers?It'...

The wait is finally over, and the long-anticipated Disney Plus (or Disney+) streaming service is finally available. It enters a space that's already pretty crowded, but stands out thanks to its unique family-friendly offerings that include titles not only from Disney itself, but also Start Wars, Marvel, National Geographic, and more. It may not directly compete with services like Netflix and Prime Video, but the number of Disney Plus shows that are available makes it worth checking out.Now, on to the key bit of information here: how much does Disney Plus cost? Well, there are a few different plans for Disney Plus that you can sign up for, making the price for Disney Plus range from $6.99 to $12.99 per month. The lower cost is the best Disney Plus price you'll get right now, while the higher cost is a pretty sweet Disney Plus bundle that you'll need to check out. You can sign up for an annual plan to save a little extra, and there's even a free trial available. Let's take a second t...

Amazon's Echo range of Alexa-powered smart speakers is great for controlling smart home devices. With smart bulbs installed throughout your house, you can use Alexa to turn individual lights and even entire rooms off and on, change the colors of your bulbs, and more. The only trouble is deciding on the right bulbs to buy — luckily, we're here to help.Best overallLIFX ColorStaff pickLIFX bulbs can be controlled remotely by Alexa without the need for a hub — the bulbs connect directly to Wi-Fi. The LIFX Color supports 16 million colors and is available with threading for either A19 or BR30 lighting fixtures. It's also the brightest and most vibrant bulb of the bunch. Put that all together, and the LIFX Color is our top recommendation.$44 at AmazonMost popularPhilips Hue White and Color AmbiancePhilips Hue's new range of smart bulbs has built-in Bluetooth so you can control your lights without a hub. But to use them with an Amazon Echo, you'll still...

How do you pronounce quokka?What you need to knowGoogle Search has a new feature that'll help you not only find the definitions of 'big' words but also learn how to pronounce them.It'll let you try to pronounce the word in question and then give feedback on what mistakes you might be making, a bit like a virtual speech coach.The company also wants to help you retain the meanings of words better by including images alongside their definitions.If you're not satisfied with having Google just pronounce a difficult foreign word for you, the company now has a feature that'll teach you to say it yourself. The company's new pronunciation feature acts as your speech coach and helps you along as you practice with it, in real-time.If you were previously confused about how to pronounce something like onomatopoeia, Google would phonetically spell it out for you and provide a rather helpful audio recording of the correct pronunciation. But that's not enough, according to the company's ...

Microsoft is expanding Project xCloud.What you need to knowProject xCloud is Microsoft's game streaming service.The platform launched in October on Android phones. Project xCloud is coming to Windows 10 in 2020. It's also getting more controller support. Project xCloud is Microsoft's upcoming game streaming service along the lines of Google Stadia. The preview launched in October, and since then many gamers are testing it out on Android phones. However, it looks like that's about to change soon.In a press release Windows Central received, the company said, "Next year, we'll bring Project xCloud to Windows 10... and are collaborating with a broad set of partners to make game streaming available on other devices as well." It's unclear what these other devices are at the moment, but iOS is probably on the list. We'll keep you posted as soon as Microsoft reveals what it's working on.There are hundreds of millions of Windows 10 users out there, and not everyone wants to o...

The downside of not having proper protection for your TicWatch S2? Scratching up the flawless screen, of course. With a screen protector, your TicWatch S2 will be resistant to impact damage as well as scratches. You'll prolong its lifespan, too. If you're looking for a winner, we've got some worthy competitors.Keep it clearDiruite TicWatch S2 Screen Protector (3-Pack)Staff pickYou no longer have to fear sharp objects around your TicWatch S2 with this screen protector from Diruite. The high-quality glass material can withstand accidental scratches and scuffs from keys, knives, and other objects. It's bubble-free and anti-fingerprint, so your watch screen will always be crystal clear.$7 at AmazonSolid protectionOrzero TicWatch S2 Screen Protector (3-Pack)The Orzero screen protector is resistant to scratches from various sharp objects such as keys. The screen protector also comes with an anti-fingerprint coating that's smooth to touch, which gives you the feel...

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 having actually 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 (2nd Gen) ($230 at Amazon)Hear and See Who's There: Ring Doorbell ($100 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 upper left-hand corner of the app to open the side menu.Tap Skills & Games.On this screen, tap the search button...

Best answer: Because the Eero Beacon is a Wi-Fi amplifier, it is generally best to have more than one of the product. As long as you can pair the Eero Beacon with a router, purchasing a single Eero Beacon is just fine. You are able to buy both the Eero router and the Eero Beacon together as a pack, but you can also buy an Eero Beacon by itself and connect it with your router later on.Expand your Wi-Fi: Eero Single Beacon ($150 at Amazon)Get started with Mesh: Eero Pro Mesh System ($300 at Amazon)Do I need an Eero Beacon?To sum it up, the Eero Beacon is a Wi-Fi amplifier that when paired with your Eero router can help you access Wi-Fi in areas of your home that might be out of range. The Eero broadcasts on three different wireless bands at the same time, all without losing power or speed.As for the Eero Beacon, it stays true to its name and is best used as a beacon that can be placed in wall outlets in your home to enhance your Wi-Fi connection to maximum efficiency. The mo...

Finally, Disney+ is here and we can now watch all of our favorite classic Disney films, as well as other content from Pixar, Lucasfilm, Marvel, National Geographic, and Fox, all in one place. Disney+ is still in its infancy though, so it's not uncommon to see playback issues, such as buffering, while watching your shows and movies. Luckily there's something you can do about it.Make sure your Internet speeds meet the minimum requirementsQuality of video played through Disney+ will depend entirely on your Internet connection speed. The quality automatically adjusts itself based on the speed available at the moment, so if it's fluctuating a lot, then it'll be very noticeable as you watch.For best video quality, Disney+ recommends the following:5.0 Mbps for High Definition content25.0 Mbps for 4K UHD contentMaintaining a consistent connection with those speeds will guarantee good playback quality. You should also check on how many simultaneous video streams or other high-ban...

Best answer: The Moto X4 has proven to be a great phone over the last couple of years, but in 2019, it's no longer our go-to recommendation. Instead, we think you're better off with something like the Moto G7 or Nokia 7.2.Everything you need: Moto G7 ($300 at Amazon)HDR display: Nokia 7.2 ($349 at Amazon)The Moto X4 is quickly reaching its end of lifeAlthough it's hard to believe, the Moto X4 is well beyond its second birthday. The phone was announced in August 2017, and in the smartphone market, that's a lifetime.To be fair, the X4 has lived a pretty great life. Even though Motorola's not the best when it comes to software updates, the phone's now running Android 9 Pie in all of its glory, and that's awesome.Looking ahead, however, the Moto X4's future doesn't look bright. The phone's already received two major software updates, having launched with Android Nougat, and Motorola hasn't announced any plans to update the X4 to Android 10.Furthermore, the phone's design, ...

Chinese brands Alibaba and Baidu also saw huge gains in Q3 2019.What you need to knowAmazon dominated smart speaker sales in the third quarter of 2019, shipping 10.4 million units for 36.6% of the market.Google fell 40% in smart speaker sales, shipping only 3.5 million units for a market share of 12.3%.Google's market share was further hurt by the rise of Chinese smart speaker makers Alibaba and Baidu, which saw massive growth in Q3 2019.The latest Canalys report is out for the third quarter of 2019, and it shows sales of smart speakers and displays are still on the rise. In the third quarter, the sales of smart speakers alone grew 44.9% for a total of 28.6 million units sold.However, as always, there are winners and there are losers. This quarter Amazon is the clear winner for smart speakers, sitting at the top with 36.6% market share overall and shipping 10.4 million units in Q3 of 2019.Overall, Amazon saw a growth of 65.9% annually boosted by its strong sales from ...