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It's been long overdue for NVIDIA to give us a substantial update to the Shield TV line up, and they did not disappoint with the refreshed NVIDIA Shield TV for 2019. Both the standard and Pro versions include updated Tegra X1 chips and a completely redesigned remote which makes using the Shield TV easier and better than before.NVIDIA's AI-Enhanced 4K upscaling is pure magicOne of the most exciting new features on the NVIDIA Shield TV (2019) is the upgraded Tegra X1+ SoC, which boasts an extra 25% processing power over its predecessor.This extra power has allowed NVIDIA to innovate with its new AI-enabled upscaling that uses machine learning to upscale 720p or 1080p HD at 30fps video up to 4K. In layman's terms, your Shield knows what native 4K content looks like in lower resolutions and can analyze what you're watching and use that extra processing power to heighten the details in real-time. If you're watching on a 4K TV, that means you'll see lower resolution content magically...

After Chrome and YouTube, Google has now added an incognito mode to Maps.What you need to knowGoogle has started rolling out the new Incognito feature for Maps to Android devices.When the Incognito mode is enabled, your activity in Google Maps won't be saved to your Google account. The feature is being rolled out in stages, so it may take a few days for it to show up for everyone.The Incognito feature for Maps, which was announced by Google earlier this month, has finally started rolling out (via Android Police) to users. As the name of the feature clearly suggests, incognito mode ensures your Maps activity such as the places you search for, aren't saved.When you enable incognito Mode in Maps, the app will not save your browse or search history and nor will it update your location history or shared location. Google will also not use any personal data to personalize Maps for you. However, enabling the feature doesn't disable all tracking. As noted by Google in its Maps Help f...

The Oculus Quest is Facebook's best standalone headset, bringing mobility and freedom to the Oculus platform. Because it doesn't require a PC or phone, it's easy to grab the Oculus Quest and play it anywhere. I've found myself using my Oculus Quest frequently since it shipped, and I often find myself lost in games, not realizing how long I've been playing. I've never found the Oculus Quest particularly uncomfortable, but it can cause pressure on your cheeks. Its front-heavy design can gradually add discomfort to your face during longer play sessions. The Studioform Creative Quest Deluxe Strap aims to alleviate that discomfort.The Quest Deluxe Strap adds a padded horizontal strap over the top of your head. It slots under the top of the Quest's head strap and wraps around the side of the Quest's head strap. You can adjust the Studioform Quest Deluxe Strap with velcro to get the perfect fit. When set up correctly, the Quest Deluxe Strap alleviates pressure from your cheeks, redistribu...

Why don't good things last?What you need to knowA hack that allowed you to enable RCS on the latest Google Messages beta popped up last week.It seems to have stopped working for some.OnePlus, Pixel, Xiaomi, and Samsung phones seem to be affected, while others are still able to access the new chat experience.Google's slowly rolling out its attempt at mimicking the iMessage experience for Android, but with stunted success, mainly due to carriers dragging their heels. The company has tried bypassing them altogether in some places, but as we explained before, both the device and the carrier need to support RCS in order for it to work as intended.If you don't live in Europe and still wanted to try RCS' richer texting experience, a new workaround using the Message beta for Android popped up last week that allowed you to do just that. Good things don't last forever, though, and it seems to be the case here. Reddit reports from various Android users show the new 'Chat features' sect...

The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro 2019 is the best Android streaming box that money can buy right now. It comes with a beefy Tegra X1+ chipset and 3GB of RAM, but the internal storage is limited at 16GB. If that doesn't sound like enough storage space for your media needs, you can make use of the NVIDIA Shield TV's USB ports and mount an external storage device to easily expand your available storage.Best valueSeagate Portable External Hard Drive 5TBStaff pickLooking to get the best value for your money? Then the 5TB Seagate Portable drive should be your go-to choice. The drive works over USB 3.0, easily pairs to your Shield TV, and gives you better gigabyte-to-dollar value than the rest of the options listed here.$110 at AmazonStore everythingWestern Digital My Passport Ultra 4TBWestern Digital's My Passport Ultra external hard drive is one of the best you'll find in the market today, and this particular option gives you 4TB of storage. Considering how much you're paying ...

Version two of the Mini versus the O.G. Google smart speaker. We've gone through both and have our thoughts on which one you should get.Nest MiniThe mightiest mini$49 at B&HProsGreat sounding small speakerMore on-device smartsYou can mount it to your wallFabric made from recycled bottlesConsNo information displayFidgety touch controlsNest took one of our favorite little smart devices and updated it with some key tweaks like a much better speaker and a much smarter assistant. The Mini keeps its same great looks with updated colors and it is also now wall-mountable.Google HomeA breath of fresh air$99 at B&HProsUser-friendly color LED touch controlsBigger, room-filling speakerDifferent color bases are an additional chargeConsHasn't seen a visual update in 3 yearsGoogle has taken away color options since introductionDon't let its air freshener facade fool you — this is still one great smart speaker. We like the colored LEDs and b...

There are four major wireless carriers in the U.S. and they all have a different approach to the same goal. Luckily for the consumers, this competition helps drive these companies to make a better product. No matter your needs, there is a carrier for you. However, Verizon continues to have one of the strongest and fastest LTE networks around and if you can find a plan in your budget, you should have a great experience.Prices in this guide will be shown for one line on unlimited plans.Best Overall: VerizonWhile Verizon isn't always the top scorer for pure download speed, the size of its LTE network and the consistency of the connection makes it one of the best options for most people. While other carriers have been making great strides to keep up, Verizon hasn't slowed down. With a new focus on 5G deployment, Verizon is set to hold its lead in many peoples' minds. Data from sites like speedtest.net back this up, showing Verizon speed tests on LTE hit acceptable speeds more oft...

It's officially November which means it is Black Friday month. While the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend is still a few weeks away, a bunch of retailers are already kicking off their shopping spectaculars. Hot off the press this morning is eBay's announcement of its "Black Friday Drops" promotion, offering new deals every Friday through early December with popular products like the iPhone 11, Nintendo Switch Lite, coffee machines, and more being discounted in limited quantity.The deals start right now with $20 off the Apple Watch Series 5, with the below deals to follow each week up to Black Friday and beyond. Shoppers can check eBay every Friday at 12pm ET / 9am PT to grab the drop of the day. Exact prices will be unveiled on the day of each drop with many items being limited in supply. Shipping is free.November 1:Apple Watch Series 5 with GPS and Wi-Fi — $20 offNovember 8:Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine — over 50% offBose SoundTouch 10 Wireless...

The foldable phone is rumored to be priced around $1,500 in the U.S.What you need to knowEvan Blass has shared a few new images showing Motorola's upcoming foldable RAZR smartphone.The images confirm the upcoming foldable smartphone will look very similar to the original RAZR.It is set to go official at a global launch event in Los Angeles on November 13. Yesterday, we got our very first look at Motorola's upcoming foldable RAZR smartphone, courtesy of reliable leaker Evan Blass. Blass has now tweeted out some more photos of the upcoming device, giving us a detailed look at it from various angles. As shown by the image shared by Blass yesterday, Motorola's first foldable smartphone will be almost identical in terms of design to the original RAZR V3 phone that was released in 2004. We also see a 'chin' at the bottom, similar to the original RAZR phone, with a button that likely houses a fingerprint sensor. The phone will have a 6.2-inch flexible OLED display, which us...

The company is expecting 5G to be the momentum driver next year.What you need to knowSamsung posted 62 trillion won ($53 billion) in revenue and 7.78 trillion won ($6.7 billion) in operating profit during the third quarter of 2019.While the company's third quarter profit declined sharply compared to last, its mobile division registered an increase in profits thanks to the strong sales of the Galaxy Note 10 series. In Q4 2019, Samsung expects smartphone demand to decline due to seasonal effects and global economic uncertainties. Samsung continues to be hit the by the slump in the chip market. The company posted 7.78 trillion won ($6.7 billion) in operating profit for the third quarter, down from 17.57 trillion won ($15 billion) during the same period last year. Consolidated revenue during the quarter was down to 62 trillion won ($53 billion) from 65.46 trillion won ($56.1 billion) last year.Samsung's IT & Mobile Communications arm posted 29.25 trillion won ($25 billion) a...

Dell's not wasting any time this year when it comes to Black Friday shopping. Though its ad for the major shopping holiday was just released today, there are already deals live right now to browse and even more to prepare to snag in the next few weeks as the big day approaches.Deals worth consideringDesktop computers, laptops, essential office accessories, home theater equipment, and more are all going on sale during Dell's Black Friday sale, with select discounts available right now! That makes Dell one of the first to get in on the Black Friday festivities this year, though that doesn't mean it will have the best deals. Below we shout out a few of our favorite deals in its ad this year to keep in mind while you're shopping this month.Dell G5 Gaming DesktopOne of the year's best budget desktops is becoming even more affordable come Thanksgiving Day! This doorbuster goes live at 10PM ET on 11/28, bringing its regular cost of $630 down to just $499.99 while supplies last.Bo...

The Google Pixel 4 is a significant switch-up from the previous Pixels — ditching the two-tone glass and the fingerprint sensor. However, it's still a glass-backed flagship phone, and glass-backed flagships get put in cases the second they arrive for their own protection! Whether you want a clear case that can show off the Pixel 4's loveliness or prefer a more robust heavy duty case to keep things locked down, we've spent hours looking for the best Pixel 4 cases out there.Slim gripSpigen Liquid AirStaff pickThis slim case features a wonderful texture on the back and sides, allowing you to add a bit of drop protection and a lot of grip without succumbing to the same old siren song of the carbon fiber case.$12 at AmazonDependable defenderTudia Merge SeriesPrefer your cases with a bit more protection? Tudia's Merge Series features the classic hybrid format, four color options, and an excellent price for a long-lasting heavy-duty case.$10 at AmazonGet a grip...

The Redmi Note 8 Pro is an upgrade from its predecessor, but Xiaomi fails to deliver on the software front yet again.You know how this goes. Xiaomi knows how to roll out a phone that offers great value for money, but for whatever reason the brand just isn't able to deliver software that's free from clutter. Xiaomi has managed to hold onto its crown as India's largest handset manufacturer for two years in a row, but Realme has made considerable gains in the country over the last 15 months.The result is a frenetic launch cycle as both brands try to outdo one another. Xiaomi rolled out the Redmi Note 7 Pro, and Realme introduced the Realme 3 Pro. Xiaomi came out with the Redmi K20 series, and Realme launched the Realme X. To say that this year has been particularly busy in India's budget segment would be an understatement.As we get to the tail end of 2019, Xiaomi and Realme are back at it. This time, both brands are debuting phones with 64MP cameras at the back. Realme got a heads...

With that fun new Soli sensor, a 90Hz screen, and the latest and greatest goodies from Google, the Pixel 4 XL is a tall drink of awesome. It's also made entirely of glass and metal and needs to be protected at all costs. We've spent hours scouring the internet for the best cases to get for your new Pixel 4 XL.Classic heavy dutyTudia Merge SeriesStaff pickTudia's hybrid case grips your Pixel 4 XL snugly with a TPU sleeve and adds sturdiness with a colorful polycarbonate shell. There are four colors here, but the best of them are the bright blue and warm Rose Gold.$10 at AmazonFeels so goodGoogle Fabric CaseGoogle's done fabric cases for three years now, and they always feel and look amazing. This year, Google's widened the weave and the colors are absolutely on point. Just look at that Blue-ish! Look at it!!$40 at AmazonProtect and showcaseRingke Fusion-XI love the Fusion-X because it showcases the phone's natural beauty while still giving robust corner a...

It's rumored to be called the "Huawei MatePad Pro."What you need to knowA new Huawei tablet was leaked with a high-end design and camera punch-out.Twitter leaker Evan Blass claims it will be called the Huawei MatePad Pro.Huawei is currently forbidden from shipping Android devices with Google software and services.Rumor site 91Mobiles has spotted renders of a new Huawei tablet that could sit at the high-end of Huawei's mid-screen range. The tablet has a smooth look with a thin bezel and a 'hole-punch' selfie camera on the front screen.Leaks label this tablet with an internal codename "Marx," but prolific Twitter leaker Evan Blass chimed in to say this would be the Huawei "MatePad Pro."The device is pictured with Huawei's professional-looking keyboard attachment, similar to Apple's iPad Pro keyboard. 91Mobiles also claims the tablet will support Huawei's M-Pen stylus. A few other details can be inferred from the leak, including a USB-C port and bottom-firing speakers, but ...

Those looking to test their intelligence, problem solving, reflexes, and wit will find some of the best mind benders on PlayStation 4 below. Puzzles and platformers tend to go hand-in-hand in a lot of cases, so you'll see a few on this list, along with games that are primarily puzzle-based.★ Featured favoriteTetris EffectStaff pickYou can teach an old dog new tricks! Or, you can still innovate on a decades old classic like Tetris. It might be hard to imagine how to keep such a simple premise fresh for all this time, but Tetris Effect does so with a spectacular blast of colors and music. Everything on the screen — from the background and special effects to the Tetris pieces themselves — reacts with your input as you progress through its dozens of stages.$35 at AmazonMorbid obstaclesINSIDE/Limbo Double PackWhereas many of the aforementioned games are full of color (even going as far as utilizing color in their puzzles), INSIDE and Limbo are t...

The more, the merrier.What you need to knowVisible is launching a new Party Pay option that offers steep discounts for grouping up with friends.You can get a maximum of $15 off for a party of four.Each user retains their unlimited talk, text, hotspot, and data privileges on Verizon's 4G network.When we reviewed Visible's $40 per month unlimited everything offering, we came away impressed. But if that $40 fee for unlimited access to Verizon's 4G network is still a little too steep for you, you might want to look at the carrier's new Party Pay promotion.Unlike the family plans that you're familiar with from other carriers, Party Pay is, for one, not actually restricted to just your family and friends. You can join a party with any Joe, Janice, Jamie, or Jessica. That's also the maximum number of people allowed in a party: four.Once that's done, you can enjoy the same Visible plan that you were using before, except with the bonus of additional savings for teaming up with othe...

The eSwap Pro could have been great, but terrible shortcuts hamper it.When the Thrustmaster eSwap arrived for review, I was excited. As a game reviewer, I play a hellacious amount of video games, and I have been using the same DualShock controller for a long time now. My real controller love, though, is the Xbox One controller; it's more comfortable and has the correct thumbstick layout.So the Thrustmaster eSwap with its hot-swappable modules seemed like the perfect replacement. It's a PlayStation 4 controller that can be configured to play in any way you want it. Unfortunately, the versatility isn't enough to overlook some of its more glaring issues.At a glanceThrustmaster eSwap Pro Controller Bottom line: The Thrustmaster eSwap would be great if it wasn't for a few glaring omissions. The wired connection and the cheap feeling of...

It's ingenious.What you need to knowThe Pixel 4 comes with a futuristic facial recognition module, but no fingerprint scanner.Many apps on Android only support fingerprint scanning as a login option, leaving Pixel 4 owners in the lurch.FingerFace is an app that aims to address this particular pain point.With its top-of-the-line camera, Motion Sense gestures, and a facial recognition feature, the Pixel 4 is quite the futuristic device — if you can forgive its so-so battery. However, in its quest to set an example for the future of Android smartphones, Google may have moved just a little too fast, before the rest of the Android world could catch up.Case in point: the lack of a fingerprint scanner on the Pixel 4. In our review of the phone, we called Google's implementation of facial biometrics "seamless". However, many apps in the Android ecosystem do not yet support face unlock, instead opting for the far more prevalent fingerprint authentication, making for a potent pr...

There are plenty of Wear OS watches out there, but not all of them have one of the most essential features you could ask for — a heart rate sensor. Not only are heart rate sensors great for accurately tracking how hard you're going during a workout, but they're also helpful for keeping track of your ticker to make sure everything's working as it should. If you want a Wear OS watch with a heart rate sensor, these are the ones to get!Always connectedTicWatch Pro 4G/LTEStaff pickTicWatch Pro 4G/LTE has a dual-layer display technology that not only helps to preserve battery life but also makes its visibility crystal clear even in direct light. Mix that with great performance, a cellular radio, and a heart rate sensor to give you the ultimate smartwatch letting you go where your adventures take you and not worry about the need for a phone.$299 at AmazonSport techFossil SportPowered by the new Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor, the Fossil Sport delivers improve...

The Elgato HD60S+ is the first external card from the company that allows 4K HDR pass-through, and it's a dream for Xbox One X and PS4 Pro streamers. Here's what you need to know.The Elgato HD USB capture cards have long been one of the most convenient ways to stream and capture gameplay footage for console gamers. A simple in-line connection between your console and TV, the Elgato capture cards extract the data straight out of your HDMI via USB to a connected PC. Up until now, though, they've had a bit of a downside for 4K console gamers.The previous Elgato cards downgraded the HDMI signal to 1080p, which meant that you couldn't play games at 4K resolution while connected up to the card. The HD60S+ does away with this restriction, though, allowing for full 4K HDR pass-through. And it works like a dream. Here's our review.At a glanceElgato HD60S+ ...

Save $50 off the retail price by ordering from Amazon or B&H Photo.What you need to knowThe Motorola One Action is now officially available in the U.S. for purchase.It features a GoPro-like ultra-wide-angle camera on the back which can shoot horizontal videos even when held vertically.You can buy it for $300 (saving $50 on the MSRP) if you pick it up right now from Amazon or B&H Photo.Pre-orders for the Motorola One Action went live earlier this month, but now the phone is officially available in the U.S. and ready to ship. Right now, you can pick it up for $300 from Amazon or B&H Photo which is $50 off of its retail price. It's also available from Best Buy, but it doesn't include the $50 instant discount.The Motorola One Action earned its "Action" moniker thanks to its ingenious video camera on the back which shoots ultra-wide landscape videos while in portrait mode. That means that not only will you never have to worry about turning your phone in landscape when...

For just $20/month for unlimited calls/texts and $10 per GB of data you use (any data past 6GB is free), Google Fi is one of the most compelling MVNOs around. Factor in its excellent roaming support, nationwide coverage, and Bill Protection feature that credits back whatever data you don't use, and you have an even more appealing purchase. Fi works on almost any unlocked phone these days, but certain features work better on some phones than others. The Pixel 4 XL is our top recommendation for the network, but if that doesn't fit your needs, there are plenty of other handsets to choose from.Best Overall: Google Pixel 4 XLWhen it comes to phones that work with Google Fi, the one we think is the best overall option is the Google Pixel 4 XL. Not only is the 4 XL an exciting phone on its own, it was also built with Fi in mind to provide the best possible experience when used on the network.Looking at the phone itself, the Pixel 4 XL brings a lot to the table. It has a large 6.3-in...

It sucks when technology doesn't work. Smart speakers and smart assistants are supposed to make our lives easier, right? Often just turning a device off and then turning it back on again can clear up some issues. Resetting your Alexa-enabled Amazon Echo smart speaker is easy. Just follow the steps below and your Alexa speaker will be back up and ready to start taking your commands.How to factory reset your 1st Gen Echo Speaker (without screens)These steps apply to Echo speakers and Amazon Alexa devices without screens, including the first-generation Echo, Echo Plus, and Echo Dot.Pick up your device.Flip your device upside down.Locate the Reset button (it should be a small dot).Use a paper clip to press and hold the Reset button.Wait for light ring to turn off and on again.Begin setup process.How to factory reset your 2nd Gen Echo Speaker (without screens)These steps apply to Echo speakers and Amazon Alexa devices without screens, including the second-generation Echo, ...

It's a brand new universe just waiting to be exploredIt's been a very busy year for the folks at CPP Games, the team behind the epic sci-fi MMORPG EVE Online and its forthcoming mobile spin-off, EVE Echoes.Since March, the dev team has been jet setting around the globe hosting fan fests for the EVE Online faithful across North America, Europe, and Australia. Beyond the community events and celebrations, the tour stops also provided an opportunity for players and media to spend some hands-on time with an early build of EVE Echoes running on iOS.I was invited down to EVE Vegas to get the latest updates on the development EVE Echoes and get a firsthand look at the Alpha build of the game. In short, the game looks absolutely stunning and has the potential to be a truly special mobile MMORPG, but a lot of that is riding on the success of the open beta which is scheduled to start in December. Here are four reasons why I think EVE Echoes is worthy of your attention.Unique opportunit...

This flagship-eater cannibalizes some of Samsung's flagship featuresWhat you need to knowVerizon will add the Samsung Galaxy A70 to its mid-range lineup, according to SamMobile.The Galaxy A70 has high-end specs, like an in-screen fingerprint sensor and 32MP camera.No other carriers have announced plans to carry this device or the upgraded Galaxy A70S.Verizon will sell the intriguing Samsung Galaxy A70, according to a report by SamMobile. The Galaxy A70 is a mid-range phone with some surprisingly high-end specs. The phone uses a 6.7-inch notch-style display with a camera cutout, and puts a big 32MP sensor on the camera around back. Samsung sells a Galaxy A70S variant with a 64MP sensor, but no U.S. plans have been leaked for that device.Verizon currently sells the Samsung Galaxy A50 for $350 and the Galaxy A70 is an upgrade in every way. The new phone packs a larger 4,500 mAh battery that charges fast thanks to 25W charging, a feature that is a rarity on bargain phones. The d...

Motorola is expected to announce the RAZR before the end of 2019.What you need to knowEvan Blass has just shared the first real image of Motorola's new foldable RAZR phone.The image reveals an almost identical design to the original Motorola RAZR.Motorola is expected to announce the phone before the end of 2019.Previously, we reported that Motorola would be announcing its foldable RAZR phone before the end of 2019. Yet, with the end of the year rapidly approaching, there is still sparse information about Motorola's first foldable phone.However, as a Halloween treat, reliable leaker Evan Blass tweeted out a photo of the new device. In the image, the new RAZR looks nearly identical to the original, albeit a little chunkier.On the back, we can see what appears to be a single camera and a button near the bottom of the device. It's possible this button could serve as a fingerprint sensor, a way to open up the RAZR much like the button on the Mate X, or possibly both.There's n...

Best answer: No, as of now, there are no promo codes for Disney+. However, some great deals are going on right now that can get you discounts on a subscription.Welcome to the kingdom: Disney+ (From $7/mo at Disney+)Disney at a discountWith so many streaming services out there and each one having content unique to their service, it's not hard to find yourself with a few different subscriptions — and that means the dollars add up pretty quick. So finding ways to save a buck here and there is a great way to help out the budget while still getting the content you want, and Disney+ is going to have some content you will likely want. As it stands now, Disney isn't offering any promo codes or free trial periods at sign up. However, there are a few different ways to get yourself a discount on your subscription.Can you watch me now?If you are a Verizon customer, then you might have the best deal of all. On October 22 Verizon announced that they were going to be the exclusive wi...

Whether you’re just starting out as a programmer or you’re a seasoned developer with years of experience under your belt, choosing which programming language to learn next is a daunting task.But if you haven’t already learned Python, look no further. As one of the world’s most popular and powerful programming languages, Python is a must-have tool for any serious programmer or developer, and the Complete Python Certification Bootcamp Bundle will teach you everything you need to know for just $20.99 when you enter the coupon code 40LEARN40 at checkout.With 12 courses and 85 hours of instruction, this bundle walks you through both the basics and more advanced elements of this incredibly versatile language.You’ll learn how to build websites and apps, how to create 3D games, how to mine for complex data using a series of algorithms, how to implement a wide range of cyber security parameters and much more—all through instruction that reli...

Syncing photos and videos for OneDrive is about to get easier for Galaxy Note 10 users.What you need to knowOneDrive integration with the Samsung Gallery app is rolling out to Android 10 beta users.The feature is available for Android 10 beta using the Galaxy Note 10 or Galaxy Note 10+.The feature is part of a growing partnership between Microsoft and Samsung.Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10+ users running Android 10 beta can now automatically sync their images and videos to OneDrive through the Samsung Gallery (via SAMMOBILE). Samsung rolled out the feature to beta testers recently, making it easier to use OneDrive from select Galaxy devices.OneDrive's integration with the Samsung Gallery app was announced alongside more noteworthy parts of the Samsung and Microsoft partnership, including Link to Windows, Windows 10 PCs being compatible with Samsung DeX, and the Galaxy Book S. The integration allows people to sync images and videos with OneDrive inside their phone's galler...

Here's how the carriers plan to "fix" RCS for U.S. wireless customers.There's a lot to talk about when it comes to what RCS can bring to Android messaging and it can get confusing. Don't worry, though, we have you covered.In short, RCS provides the text messaging framework for the features that people have come to expect from mobile messaging apps like iMessage, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and so many others. Recently, The big four U.S. carriers announced a joint venture to bring these features to Android with CCMI or the Cross Carrier Messaging Initiative.Features like read receipts and larger attachments are some of the biggest improvements over traditional SMS and MMS messaging. There are still a ton of questions about how this will work and we've compiled a list of some of the big ones to clear up the confusion.Dive deeper: What is RCS messaging, and why is it important to Android?What is the CCMI and how does it relate to RCS?Who manages CCMI?Is RCS safe? Is it encr...

Best answer: Yes, Disney+ will support Chromecasting content from your Android phone or tablet. Whether your TV is new or old, smart or "dumb," you'll be able to watch Disney+ on it with a Chromecast.Cast away: Disney+ ($70/yr at Disney+)Google Chromecast is supported by Disney+Among the many platforms that Disney+ will be supporting at launch are the Google Chromecast and Chromecast built-in devices. This is great news because that means that it'll be easy as pie to switch between watching on a phone to watching on the big screen at home, even if you don't own a TV with Android TV or Roku built into it.Here's the full list of platforms supported at launch:Android phones and tabletsAndroid TV devicesGoogle ChromecastApple iOS phones and tabletsApple TVDesktop web browsersXbox OnePlaystation 4Android-based Sony TVsRokuWe know that you can cast Disney+ from the Android app on Android phones, tablets, and Chromebooks with Android apps through Google Play. We aren't...

Calls can still be answered without unlocking the app.What you need to knowWhatsApp now allows you to lock the app using your fingerprint.The new fingerprint lock setting was first introduced on iOS devices back in February 2019.To enable fingerprint lock, tap Settings > Account > Privacy > Fingerprint lock.Android users of WhatsApp are in for a treat this Halloween after the company announced on its blog that you'll now be able to lock the app using the fingerprint sensor. This new feature provides you with one more layer of security when using the messenger by requiring you to scan your fingerprint before opening the app, even if your phone has already been unlocked.The feature first debuted on iOS devices last February and has now finally made its way to Android. To set up the fingerprint lock feature on your device, first open the Settings menu and locate Account, then under Privacy, select Fingerprint Lock.From here, you will be able to prevent WhatsApp fro...

There's been a lot of hype surrounding the Pixel 4's new astrophotography mode, with plenty of users (including myself!) posting jaw-dropping shots of the stars in the sky all over social media. Astrophotography, the capturing of stars and other celestial objects, isn't new to smartphones; Huawei's P30 Pro featured this ability all the way back in March, but as per usual, Google's approach is a bit different. The Pixel 4 uses a combination of long exposures, HDR+, and Semantic Segmentation to pull off miraculous results.If you've ever tried to shoot the night sky with a dedicated camera like a DSLR, you're undoubtedly familiar with the process of shooting long exposures, where you allow the camera's shutter to stay open for longer than usual to capture more light. This works well with a large sensor, but the comparatively tiny sensor in a phone like the Pixel 4 naturally pulls in less light, so it needs to expose for even longer.The problem with exposing for too long, though...

Google's Pixel 4 takes incredible photos with its wide and telephoto lenses, whether you're in auto mode, portrait mode, or of course, the legendary Night Sight setting. But one of the most significant advances to the Pixel 4's camera software comes in the form of its new astrophotography mode, letting you capture the stars with the help of computational data.In short, the Pixel 4's astrophotography mode captures up to four minutes' worth of 15-second exposures, then stitches them all together to create something far beyond what a sensor of this size would typically be able to capture.That's all great, but how exactly do you capture astrophotography shots? It's actually pretty simple and intuitive. From within the camera app, all you have to do is switch to Night Sight, which you're probably used to doing anyway if you're coming from a previous Pixel, since it's able to pull in dramatically more light than auto mode. In dark enough conditions — and I mean dark, you'...

If you're looking for a good, affordable smart speaker but don't know where to start, fear not! We've lined up a list of the best smart speakers in various categories to help you decide which one to add to your home. Our best overall choice is the Sonos One due to its price, performance, and interoperability with multiple platforms.Best Overall: Sonos OneLike most Sonos products, the Sonos One offers audiophile quality sound at a compelling price. The One in particular punches above its weight class considering its relatively small size at less than four pounds. This allows the device to fit in just about any space, from a bookshelf, to a fireplace mantel, to your kitchen counter.The One packs two Class-D digital amplifiers, one tweeter, and one mid-woofer in that small-ish frame. You can combine it with other Sonos devices in multi-device groups, or you can create a stereo pair. The device has a far-field microphone array to enable it (and whatever smart assistant you use) t...

The Pixel 4's Motion Sense shows us what it does, but how exactly is it doing it?Google's Project Soli chip powers Motion Sense on the Pixel 4, and we expect to see it branch out into some other functions and features as more time goes by. With the arrival of the Pixel 4 we've seen a lot of talk about what it can do, but not as much about how it does it. It only seems like magic.Soli is actually simpler than you might think. The science behind it can look and feel a bit like magic, but Soli uses proven methods to capture fine motor movement. The biggest hurdle was getting everything packed into a small and power-friendly state. In a nutshell, Soli uses millimeter-wave radar to detect motion at the micron — one-millionth of a meter — level and pass that data off to software.You might have heard the term millimeter wave before when people are talking about 5G. Millimeter-wave is simply a term used to describe signals longer than infrared waves but shorter than ra...

There are a few features you come to expect on most smartwatches. Heart-rate sensors are pretty common, water-resistance is expected these days, NFC for mobile purchases on the go with Google Pay, and built-in GPS is always a nice touch. One feature that can often be overlooked, however, is a built-in speaker. Not only does a speaker allow you to make and receive phone calls right on your wrist, but it can also be used when talking to the Google Assistant. If you're looking for a Wear OS watch that's outfitted with a speaker, here are your best options.Be readyTicWatch Pro 4G/LTEStaff pickTicWatch Pro 4G/LTE has a signature dual-screen display that helps with outdoor visibility and extending the battery life. With 1GB of RAM Wear OS is smooth, water-resistance is improved, and the style bulky but refined to give the TicWatch Pro 4G/LTE a clean look. You also have a cellular radio that will let you leave the phone behind and stay connected. With the inclusion of the speake...

Catching up with the AC forums.Samsung's Galaxy Note phones have become iconic for offering just about every feature you could ask for in a smartphone, but this year with the Note 10 series, something different happened.In addition to Samsung removing microSD card expandable storage on the smaller Note 10, both the Note 10 and Note 10+ ship without a 3.5mm headphone jack.We've already created a list of our favorite wireless headphones for the Note 10 lineup, but now, we want to hear from our AC forum community and hear what they have to say. isired 10-25-2019 08:32 PM “ I've been using the Gear IconX that I got with my Note 8 purchase credit 2 years ago. Got the Galaxy Buds too with my pre-order credit because I liked the wireless charging and smaller case size, but they're average at best, don't sound great and missing a bunch of features that the IconX have. Reply ...

Chromebooks suffer from similar limitations as other laptops, depending on the configuration of the model you choose. Sometimes you may run out of storage space. If you're unable to replace the solid-state drive (SSD), you'll need to look at an external storage solution. We've rounded up a few for your Chromebook.Speedy & PortableEditor's pickSamsung T5 Portable SSDThis external solution from Samsung is perfect for Chromebooks (as well as other laptops). Youll get up to 2TB of storage, though the 500GB model is probably all you require. The drive itself is an SSD, making it ideal for portable use and for speedy transfers. Here you get a data transfer speed of up to 540 MB/s and it comes with cables for USB Type-A and Type-C.From $90 at AmazonGreat Value StorageWestern Digital My PassportThe WD My Passport isn't the most attractive portable storage device you can buy, nor does it have many bells and whistles, but what this external drive does offer is inc...

The rugged tablet is built for industrial use and offers a replaceable battery.What you need to knowSamsung's latest rugged Android tablet, the Galaxy Tab Active Pro, is now available in the U.S. for enterprise customersThe tablet is priced at $600 and is currently available in a single variant.An LTE-enabled variant of the tablet is slated to be released in the U.S. on November 15 for $680.Last month, Samsung introduced its very first rugged Android tablet with DeX support, dubbed Galaxy Tab Active Pro. While it was initially available only in parts of Europe, the tablet is now available for purchase in the U.S. as well.Designed for enterprise customers, the Galaxy Tab Active Pro has been priced at $600 and is currently available only from Samsung channel partners. The LTE-enabled version of the tablet, which is already available in Europe, will go on sale in the U.S. from November 15 for $680.The Galaxy Tab Active Pro sports a 10.1-inch display panel with 1920 x 1200 WUX...

We all take selfies from time to time (some far more than others, as we can all see on social media), and there's nothing wrong with wanting the very best front-facing camera to take them with. Of course, sheer image quality isn't always the only thing that matters; wide-angle lenses and software tricks can help liven up your selfie game, too. We think the Pixel 4 XL is the best overall phone for taking selfies, but there are plenty of other great options to choose from with different features and price points.Best overallGoogle Pixel 4 XLStaff pickThe Pixel 4 XL is known for its amazing rear camera quality, but those high marks extend to the front-facing camera too. Google opted for a single sensor rather than the pair on the Pixel 3 XL, but you're getting a nice in-between wide field-of-view with the same great processing. Portait mode and Night Sight shots just take it to another level.$900 at AmazonRear cameras come up frontASUS Zenfone 6Rather than use a smal...

The action genre, by definition, includes a multitude of varying styles. The most defining characteristic however, is fast-paced frenetic gameplay. PlayStation 4 has a ton of fantastic action games to offer, accrued over the years of the console's lifecycle. Here are some of the best available to PlayStation 4 owners right now.★ Featured favoriteMetro ExodusThe balanced and satisfying mix of fast-paced shooter action, sneaking, and sniping with an in-depth story is something to love about Metro Exodus. As the third installment of the Metro games, based on Dmitry Glukhovsky's novels set after the fallout of a nuclear war, Exodus doesn't let us down for pure fun, allowing you to take out disturbing mutated animals and humans alike.$40 at AmazonDestroy the RegimeWolfenstein II: The New ColossusStaff pickDo you want fast-paced action? Wolfenstein II has it, along with some of the most satisfying shooting mechanics I've experienced in a while. If the idea...

Twitter says the move isn't about free expression but paying for reach.What you need to knowTwitter has announced that it will be banning all political ads on its platform starting next month.Ads supporting voter registration, however, will still be allowed.Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey says the final policy will be made public by November 15.Starting November 22, all political advertising on Twitter will be stopped globally. Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey wrote in a tweet that the company believes "political message reach should be earned, not bought." A political message earns reach when people decide to follow an account or retweet. Paying for reach removes that decision, forcing highly optimized and targeted political messages on people. We believe this decision should not be compromised by money.We’ve made the decision to stop all political advertising on Twitter globally. We believe political message reach should be earned, not bought. Why? A few reasons…🧵...

Can T-Mobile take the lead in 5G?T-Mobile has one of the most ambitious 5G plans of any carrier out there. T-Mobile is banking on a merger with Sprint to complete its full 5G network but hasn't shied away from getting a head start. With new 5G spots in six cities across the U.S. as well as the promise of a nationwide 600Mhz network to come, it's time to start thinking about whether you should consider T-Mobile's 5G network. Here's everything you need to know about this network so you can make that decision with confidence.When will my area get 5G?Which devices should I get to be 5G ready?Which plan do I need for access?What tech is T-Mobile using?What's the deal with Sprint and does it matter?Is 5G worth it for most people?The 5G GalaxySamsung Galaxy S10 5GFrom $32/mo. at T-MobileFast, smooth, and cutting edgeOne of the most complete feeling flagship phones only gets better with 5G support and a massive battery. With a great display and cameras, this phone is the ...

Games like For Honor and Ghost Recon: Breakpoint could see cross-play added in the future.What you need to knowUbisoft held its latest financial earnings report and conference call.During the conference call, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot stated the company is working on cross-play support for all its games with PvP.Currently, only a couple of Ubisoft games support cross-play. Ubisoft is one of the largest video game publishers in the industry however, at the moment only two Ubisoft games support any form of cross-play: Brawlhalla and the World Dance Floor mode in Just Dance. That may be changing in the near future. Ubisoft held a conference call accompanying its most recent financial reports. During the conference call, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot stated that Ubisoft is looking into adding cross-play for its future games."Our goal is to put cross-play on all the PvP games we have, over time," Guillemot stated. "That's well on the way." Ubisoft has a full slew of games with onli...

Google crammed a lot of features into the Pixel 4, one of the most noteworthy being the 90Hz display. Compared to 60Hz panels on most smartphones, the faster refresh rate on the Pixel 4 means everything from scrolling through Twitter, browsing the web, and more both looks and feels noticeably faster. Whether you want to learn how to turn the feature off or force it to be on 24/7, here are a few tips for customizing it to your liking.Products used in this guide90Hz wonder: Google Pixel 4 (From $799 at Amazon)How to enable/disable Smooth DisplayGoogle markets the Pixel 4's 90Hz panel as a "Smooth Display," and as with any feature, it has a home in the settings. You can turn Smooth Display on and off at any time you'd like, and the process for doing so is as follows:Open the Settings on your phone.Tap Display.Tap Advanced to see more options.Tap Smooth Display.Tap the toggle to turn it on and off.How to force Smooth Display on 24/7As great as the Pixel 4's 90Hz displ...

All malware is bad, but this finds a way to reinstall itself — even after a factory reset.There's a scary bit of malware floating out there in the wild. Known as xHelper, it's not what the malware does once installed that's so bad, but how it keeps itself installed.First thing's first. This isn't any sort of rampant infection by any measure. Symantec and Norton both estimate that there are less than 75,000 cases if it in the wild and when you have 2 billion potential victims that's a very tiny percentage. It's not the numbers of users affected that's troubling but how it's happeneing.It's not one of those bad actors that harvests all your data, either. xHelper seems to spam your notifications and change your browser homepage.It also doesn't come from any apps in Google Play according to every company that's looked into it. Malwarebytes has this to say about it: The source of these infections is "web redirects" that send users to web pages hosting Android apps. ...

A victory for Huawei.What you need to knowHuawei has posted an impressive 66% growth in smartphone shipments for China in Q3 2019.This was despite the Chinese smartphone market contracting as a whole.It was the only major smartphone maker to post any growth whatsoever.Earlier in the month, we reported that Huawei's smartphone shipments were finally resurging after two quarters of stagnation. Shipments grew by 8 million units compared to the 59 million phones the Chinese giant sold in the first two quarters of 2019 each. Thanks to a report from Canalys, we now have a good indication of what's driving Huawei's rise again.China, it turns out. Amid a shrinking smartphone market in the world's most populous country (shipments fell by 3% overall), Huawei was the only major player to post any growth at all. Not only did the company's smartphones sales grow, but they did so in spectacular fashion. The company sold 66% more handsets in Q3 2019 compared to the same period last year. T...

A sequel that doesn't change up the formula in any meaningful way.Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville ditches the "Garden Warfare" subtitle, but very much serves as a sequel within the same vein (root?) — we'll see how many plant-based puns I can throw in before it gets old, though I'm sure it already has because I'm the thousandth person to do so. That staleness is partially representative of the game itself. It tries to be fresh but doesn't really bring anything new to the table. That's not necessarily bad since the foundation it's built on is solid, just disappointing.At a glancePlants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville Bottom line: Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville offers fleeting enjoyment, but the foundation that it's built on is solid and can be improved with the proper support.The Good$40 pri...