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There are some easy options and hard options for modding the Classic.When all is said and done, all of these retro consoles that have appeared recently are the same. They're simply emulators wrapped in a pretty box with nostalgic controllers. Because of that, there are a lot of options when it comes to hacking or modding them.The PlayStation Classic made by Sony is both easy and difficult to mod. Sony made a few strange choices when making it, like leaving the encryption key on the device it encrypts and using what appears to be an open-source emulator to power the whole thing, which gives a lot of opportunities for clever people to do clever things.In this article, we give you an overview of what can be done in the way of modding for your PlayStation Classic.What you need to mod your ClassicHow to add new gamesHow to access the hidden menuHow to add scan linesHow to change regionsWhat you need to mod your ClassicApart from your Windows PC, there are only two things yo...

It's dangerous to shop alone, especially when every phone deal looks too good to be true.If everything is on sale when you wake up on Black Friday, does that mean nothing is? Every website and store wants you to shop with them on this frenetic capitalist high holiday, and it's frequently difficult to tell what is actually saving you cash when you buy. One of the most difficult places to make sure you're doing the right thing before putting down cash is when buying a phone on Black Friday.Difficult doesn't mean impossible, and I've assembled some quick tips on how to make sure that killer phone deal is actually a deal.Only buy refurbished if it has a good warrantyLots of retailers now accept trade-ins for discounts on new phones, and the biggest reason is they can refurbish that phone and then sell it back to someone else and make money twice. There's nothing wrong with buying a refurbished phone, especially if you're able to save a lot of cash and still score something great,...

Don't mesh up this decision.Talk to meNest WifiFrom $169 at Best BuyProsBeautiful designGoogle Assistant built-in to the mesh pointsGreat tie-ins with Google Assistant and Google Home RoutinesWPA3 supportAC2200 4x4 5GHz is wicked fastConsNo wired backhaulMesh point is slower than the routerLimited QoS optionsOne LAN portProprietary power cables on Router and mesh pointsNest Wifi is the second-generation mesh wireless system from Google. Aside from a major style change over the original Google Wifi, Nest Wifi includes a Google Assistant-powered speaker built into each mesh point. That ties in perfectly with the voice-controlled functionality and shows Google Nest's continued effort to make its devices helpful, not just smart.Free VPN and moreUbiquiti AmpliFi HDFrom $137 at AmazonProsWired backhaul optionsFarther coverage rangeFree VPN via Ubiquiti TeleportAdjustable mesh point antennasMesh points plug directly into the wallEasy, customiza...

It's one of the most requested features for Xiaomi's phones.What you need to knowXiaomi is adding an app launcher to MIUI 11.Users will still have the option of using the 'classic' iOS-style app lists.MIUI 11 will be rolling out to various Xiaomi phones by the end of the year.If you've ever read a review for a Xiaomi phone or bought one for yourself, you've undoubtedly encountered the 'software shock' that comes with buying a smartphone from a Chinese company. One of the most glaring omissions on many Chinese smartphones — including Xiaomi's — seems to be their preference for an iOS-like app list in lieu of Android's trademark app launcher.Well, the Redmi parent is finally addressing that particular pain point and recently announced on Weibo its intent to add a native app launcher to MIUI 11 (via Android Authority). Yay!The update should roll out to Chinese users within the week, after which they should see an option to set their launcher to a 'Classic' mode or...

Many of the best Black Friday deals will be able to be found just about anywhere you look on November 29, but if you are looking to go into a physical store an maximize your shopping potential, Walmart may be the place to be. The retailer offers an insane variety in its stores, and year after year continues to offer some crazy doorbuster sales, longer-lasting options, and quite honestly there will be a bunch of stuff you'll impulsively buy to give as gifts or keep for yourself.Knowing where to shop on Black Friday definitely requires some planning and understanding about the benefits of certain retailers. Over the past two or so years, Walmart has made some rather large changes to the way the company handles its online store front, and the outcome has made it far more competitive. From better shipping speeds to a wider variety of products, you'd be silly not to keep an eye on what Walmart is doing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.When does Walmart's Black Friday sale begin?Bla...

When you're playing a game you want the very best audio quality possible. Using a good headset is almost like experiencing a whole new universe once you put it on. If you want the best of the best wireless options for your PlayStation 4, you'll want the SteelSeries Arctis 7 for its form factor, affordability, and audio quality. But there are plenty of others out there to choose from depending on your tastes.Black Friday is the best time of the year to get a new headset. If you're finally looking to take the plunge into the wonderful world of wireless headsets, you'll want to do so in a few weeks. Wireless headsets tend to get expensive, so don't miss out on any Black Friday deals. We'll be sure to update you when we come across the best discounts.Best Overall: SteelSeries Arctis 7Let's be honest, gaming headsets tend to be gaudy. You've seen the unwieldy ones that light up in every color imaginable and look like they can be used as bludgeoning weapons. That's not to say they ...

Which products are the best, according to YOU? Vote now and enter to WIN!What are your favorite products of the year? Is the iPhone 11 Pro your favorite smartphone, or does Google do it better? What about your favorite laptop, tablet, game console, headphones and more? That's what we want to know for the first annual Future Tech Awards Reader's Choice awards!Throughout 2019, we've used thousands of products, and narrowing it down to the best of the best is difficult. At least 50 flagship phones, more than 100 computers, and millions of different accessories were launched this year. Across Future Tech, we've seen the good, bad, and great this year, and we've shortlisted the best products and services across a range of categories.What's the best way to celebrate the best tech of the year? How about getting it in your hands in time for the holidays? There are four prizes available and you could win BIG. Here's what's on offer:Grand Prize: Apple iPhone 11 Pro, Apple Watch Series ...

Best Answer: Yes, Disney+ will be available on the Xbox One when it launches on Nov. 12, 2019. In addition to the Xbox, it will also be available on a nice selection of other platforms and devices, including: Android mobile devices, Android TV, PlayStation 4, Chromecast, Apple TV (tvOS), iPad (iPadOS), iPhone (iOS), desktop web browsers, Roku streaming devices, and Roku TV. Notably, the Amazon Fire lineup is a glaring omission from the available devices where you can access Disney+.Your Disney fix: Disney+ (From $7/month at DisneyPlus)Which Xbox will be able to get Disney+?Disney+ will be available on the entire Xbox One family of devices. This includes the Xbox One, Xbox One S, and Xbox One X. You will also be able to get Disney+ on other Windows devices since it is accessible through a desktop web browser as well.What other devices can I watch Disney+ on?If you don't have an Xbox, don't worry, you'll be able to get Disney+ on a nice selection of platforms and devices, inc...

Now we know.What you need to knowGoogle Stadia is an upcoming cloud gaming service.It's expected to launch on November 19. Only 12 games will be available at launch, with 14 more coming by the end of 2019. You can purchase the Stadia Premiere Edition for $129 on the Google Play Store. Google Stadia is an upcoming cloud gaming service that promises to revolutionize the industry. While we still don't really know how it performs, we do know that it's launching with 12 games on November 19. Previously, Google said that there would be more, but it turns out another 14 will be added by December 2019.Only the following games will be available on Stadia on day one.Assassin's Creed OdysseyDestiny 2: The CollectionGylt Just Dance 2020KineMortal Kombat 11 Red Dead Redemption 2Rise of the Tomb RaiderSamurai Shodown Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive EditionThumperTomb Raider: Definitive EditionWhat do you think of this selection? Let us know. While many gamers will b...

Machine learning just needed to learn a better lesson.What you need to knowA camera glitch in the Pixel 4 caused white balance miscalculations.Red colors were especially off-balance, and a red-lit room would develop as yellow.Google quietly issued a fix with the last software update.The Google Pixel 4 uses computational photography to understand the scene and create a better image, but that seems to have gone awry with a glitch that caused the camera to improperly develop photos containing strong red colors. The issue was spotted over at Android Police, where reviewer Ryne Hager noticed a photo sample in which a deeply red curtain had been washed to light pink. A reader soon sent samples showing a room lit only by a red bulb, which appeared to be entirely cast in yellow when shot by the Google Pixel 4.The problem seems to have been caused by the computational algorithms Google uses to process photographs. Instead of relying on pure sensor data to determine white balance, Go...

You also get the ability to copy text.What you need to knowGoogle Camera 7.2 now makes it easier to scan documents, copy text, and translate text.After scanning a document, you'll have the option to share it as a PDF or image, and the translate feature currently supports English, Spanish, German, Hindi, and Japanese.It has been confirmed working on the Pixel 4 and Pixel 3 smartphones.With a smartphone named Pixel, it's no surprise that the camera is the standout feature, and it only continues to improve as Google adds new features to the camera app. Recently, we covered all the new features added in Google Camera 7.1, such as Astrophotography mode, Framing hints, Social Share, and more.Now, it appears Google snuck some new features that use Google Lens into the latest Google Camera 7.2 update, making it even smarter than before. Previously, the live integration of Google Lens in the camera app allowed you to detect URLs, email addresses, and business cards right from the vie...

Best Answer: Yes, you can watch Disney+ on Apple TV, as well as your iPhone, iPad, and Mac through a desktop browser. Other devices that you can watch Disney+ on include Android mobile devices, Android TV, Chromecast, PlayStation 4, Roku streaming devices, Roku TV, and Xbox One.Always Disney, anywhere: Disney+ ($7/month at Disney+)Does it matter which generation Apple TV?No, the generation of Apple TV will not matter. As long as it is running tvOS, you'll be able to get the Disney+ app and stream all of the Disney+ content, which includes original Disney classics, Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney+ exclusives.So I can also watch Disney+ on my iPhone, iPad, or Mac?That's correct. Disney+ will be available on all Apple devices, including iPhones (iOS) and iPads (iPadOS). You are also able to watch it on your Mac since it is accessible through desktop web browsers.What if I don't have an Apple device to watch on?That's not a problem at all. Disney+ is available on a variety of...

Best answer: Google Stadia is coming with 12 games at launch and will be the home of Baldur's Gate 3, as well a new Tom Clancy game, Ghost Recon: Breakpoint, eventually. Each game will be available to purchase separately, but if you choose to subscribe to Stadia Pro or pick up the Founder's Edition, you will get Destiny 2: Shadowkeep for free.Limited for early adopters: Stadia Founder's Edition ($129 at the Google Store)If you want to buy separately: Chromecast Ultra ($70 at Amazon)Control with assistant: Stadia controller ($70 at the Google Store)All the Games!So far we don't have a definitive list of games that'll be available at launch since Google has deals with other content producers and developers that are still in the works, but as of right now we have these games coming to Stadia at launch:Assassin's Creed OdysseyDestiny 2: The CollectionGylt Just Dance 2020KineMortal Kombat 11 Red Dead Redemption 2Rise of the Tomb RaiderSamurai Shodown Shadow of the Tomb R...

Best Answer: Yes, you can watch Disney+ on your Roku streaming devices as well as Roku TV. In addition to the Roku, Disney+ is available on Apple TV, Android mobile devices, Android TV, Chromecast, desktop web browsers, iPad, iPhone, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.All Disney, all the time: Disney+ ($7/month at Disney+)So Disney+ works on both Roku streaming devices and Roku TV?Yes, that is correct. Disney+ is available on both types of Roku devices. So whether you have a Roku streaming device that works with your existing TV or a Roku TV, you will be able to access Disney+ without a problem.What is Disney+?Disney+ is the streaming service where you're exclusively most Disney family-friendly content going forward, with access to hundreds of films and thousands of TV episodes from Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, Fox, and National Geographic, and of course Disney.On top of the existing Disney titles, there will be new exclusive movies and television shows, especially for the Marvel a...

Best answer: Yes. Disney+ allows you to download movies and shows for offline viewing on the Android and iOS app. You're able to download videos on up to ten devices per account, and videos will stay on your phone for as long as you're a paying subscriber and the videos are available on Disney+.Download the magic: Disney+ (From $7/month at Disney+)Disney+ lets you watch whatever, wheneverFor as much as we do online, there are plenty of things we want to be able to do offline. Because connections on your commute can be spotty. Or maybe you're traveling. Or maybe you just want to mooch someone else's internet connection and watch things on the cheap when you're at home so you don't hit your own data cap.And to that end, Disney+ says you'll be able to "download your favorites to watch where you want, when you want."Here we go… #DisneyPlus will allow downloading, so all content from the service can be accessed offline!— Disney (@Disney) April 11, 2019Disney+ allows...

We're rounding up the best Android games you can play.If you're looking for the best new games available in the Google Play Store, you've come to the right place. We update this list whenever a new game comes out that's worthy of being added to this list, so you'll always know about the latest and greatest games.Whether you're new to Android and need some fresh, new games to start building out your Google Play library or simply looking for the latest trendy games that are worthy of your time and attention, these are the best Android games you can find right now.Call of Duty MobileVectronomStardew Valley Graveyard KeeperPUBG Mobile Brawl StarsOddmarHoledownBattleChasers: NightWarChameleon RunThe Room: Old Sins Pokemon GoJYDGETesla vs LovecraftDeath Road to CanadaStranger Things: The Game Reigns: Her Majesty Call of Duty MobileThere was a ton of hype surrounding Call of Duty Mobile throughout the beta and ahead of it's global launch, and to the credit of Ac...

Both the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 3 and Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 are solid headphones with great ANC and sound.Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 3Feature packed$399 at AmazonProsExcellent sound qualitySuperb ANC performanceGreat comfortUSB-C chargingConvenience featuresConsBattery life could be betterThe Momentum Wireless 3 from Sennheiser has a lot going for it. It offers really great ANC performance, comfort, and sound quality.Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700Long battery life$399 at AmazonProsSuperb ANC performanceExcellent comfortUSB-C chargingLong battery lifeConsCan't be folded for compact travelingThe Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 are solid heapdhones that features great sound, ANC, comfort, but most importantly, battery life.The Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 are great for those who want reliable headphones that don't overload you with features. On the other hand, the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 3 packs a ton ...

The problem started early in the morning on November 11.What you need to knowGoogle Nest is down for users in some areas affecting Nest Thermostats and Nest cameras.The outage began as early as 1 AM PST on November 11 with users reporting issues on Downdetector, Google's support forums, and Twitter.Google Nest has acknowledged that it is looking into the issue via Twitter.It has been a rough Monday morning for Google. First, there were outages for Google Calendar, Hangouts Chat, and Hangouts Meet. Now, there have been reports flooding in from users unable to access their Nest thermostats or cameras.The reports first started coming in around 1 AM PST on November 11, with users posting on DownDetector, Google's support page, and Twitter. The outage doesn't appear to be widespread, with DownDetector showing the issue is concentrated in the UK and the northeastern U.S.Google Nest has acknowledged that its team is looking into things and some users have begun reporting servic...

This is the second time that Samsung is releasing a software update for the Galaxy S10 with Galaxy Note 10 features.What you need to knowSamsung has announced a new software update for the Galaxy S10 series.The update will add some more features from the Galaxy Note 10 to the Galaxy S10e, S10, S10+, and S10 5G. Some of the key highlights include an improved Gallery app, Auto Hotspot feature, and improved device search functionality.Samsung began rolling out a software update for the Galaxy S10 series with some of the Galaxy Note 10's key features in September, including AR Doodle, DeX for PC support, and Link for Windows. The company today announced another software update for the Galaxy S10 series, bringing a few more useful Galaxy Note 10 features to the Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+, and the Galaxy S10 5G.The latest software update brings a smarter Gallery app that will allow users to search for their photos quickly with the help of keywords. In addition to making ...

All affected services should be back up by now.What you need to knowGoogle Calendar, Hangouts Chat, and Hangouts Meet all experienced service disruptions on the morning of November 11.Problems began around 5:56 AM EST, starting with Hangouts Chat.As of 7:43 AM EST, all services should be functioning normally.It looks like Google is having a case of the Mondays, as several of its services have gone down early this morning — including Google Calendar, Hangouts Chat, and Hangouts Meet. That's bad news for any of you Monday morning early birds, but the good news is Google shows the services were restored within a couple of hours.According to the G Suite Dashboard, all three services were experiencing a "service disruption," but at the time of publication, all three should be back up and functioning.Google Calendar is no doubt the most important of the three, and the G Suite Dashboard shows it should be back up and running as of 7:09 AM EST. Likewise, Hangouts Chat users ...

Let's have a chat with the AC forums.2019 is quickly on its way out the door, and as we inch closer and closer towards the end of the year, it's fun to look back on all of the smartphones that have been released over the last few months.The beginning of the year got started with a bang thanks to the Galaxy S10 series, the Huawei P30 Pro asserted itself as one of the most impressive handsets thanks to its outstanding cameras and battery life, and the Pixel 3a was a big boon for the mid-range market.And, of course, that's not to forget Samsung launching the Galaxy Fold as the first mainstream foldable phone.It's safe to say that 2019 has been an exciting year for smartphones, and looking through the AC forums, a lot of people have some thoughts to share about this year's highlights. barondebxl 11-07-2019 08:14 PM “ What's up y'all, I just feel the need to praise this phone right now because of how good it ...

Weak battery life hasn't kept me away from Google's latest.When reviews for the Pixel 4 and 4 XL went live back in October, Google's latest flagships were met with an overwhelming sense of disappointment. Sure, they did a lot of things right, but the poor battery life and weak value proposition left them in a dark cloud.Those reviews made me anxious about my decision to order the Pixel 4 XL, and when it was finally delivered a few days later, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. A few weeks later, however, this is quickly becoming a device I thoroughly enjoy using.The Pixel 4 XL is expensive, and compared to some of its competitors, it doesn't seem like a very good deal. There may be smarter ways to spend your money on a new Android handset, but out of all the ones I've used this year, the Pixel 4 XL has stood out as the one I'm most eager to come back to time and time again. It's certainly not perfect for everyone, but for what I value most in a phone, it comes darn close....

Our RecommendationNest WiFi Router$169 on AmazonProsIntegrates seamlessly with Google Home and Google WifiNest Points double as smart speakersPowerful onboard hardwareEasy setupConsDual-band onlyNo support for Wi-Fi 6Router lacks smart speaker functionalityPoints are a little weak, specs-wiseThere's a lot to love about the Nest Wifi Router. It's both powerful and easy to use, offering fast and seamless connectivity throughout the home. The only drawback is that the Points don't offer quite the same connectivity as the router. Fortunately, the router itself doubles as a network extender.Still A Decent ChoiceEero Pro (2nd Generation)$199 on AmazonProsTri-band Wi-Fi for greater consistencyExcellent support for Amazon AlexaEasy setupCan set schedules that control connectivity to select devicesSecurity features are top-notchConsSlowerMore expensiveRequires a subscription fee for some featuresNo support for Wi-Fi 6There's a lot to love about...

The Galaxy S11+ could have a gargantuan 6.9-inch display.What you need to knowSamsung Galaxy S11 series will apparently come in three sizes – 6.4", 6.7", and 6.9".While the Galaxy S11 and S11e are tipped to be offered in both 5G and LTE variants, the Galaxy S11+ will only be available in a 5G version.Unlike the Galaxy S10e, the Galaxy S11e will sport a curved-edge display.A leak that surfaced online last week had suggested Samsung will equip with the Galaxy S11 series phones with larger batteries than their predecessors. Now, reliable leaker Evan Blass has shared some new information that claims all the three Galaxy S11 series phones will also sport significantly larger display panels than their predecessors.The standard Galaxy S11 will apparently feature a 6.7-inch panel, 0.6 inches larger than the Galaxy S10 and just 0.1-inch smaller than the Galaxy Note 10+. On the other hand, the Galaxy S11+ is said to feature a massive 6.9-inch display. The most affordable membe...

Gone are the days of needing to plug your phone into your computer, transferring pictures, and then printing them from the computer. Many printers offer the ability to print directly from your Android device, and with the help of services like Google Cloud Printing, more manufacturer's are jumping on board. We have found the best photo printers for you to pair with your Android phone, no matter what your budget is.Sophistication at its finestCanon PIXMA iP110 Wireless Mobile PrinterStaff PickThis Canon printer not only prints in amazing quality, thanks to its 9600x2400 dpi, but it also allows you to print them straight from your phone with no hassle. Plus, this is ultra-lightweight so that you can take it with you if you need to leave your home but want to print some pictures.$150 at AmazonBright colors for a bright printerEpson XP-8500 Wireless Color PrinterDitch the long waits for your photos! The XP-8500 allows you to print 4-by-6-inch photos in just 10 seconds...

The cult classic from Double Fine is back! Here's what you need to know about Psychonauts 2.The Game Awards may celebrate the incredible accomplishments of the industry every year, but its show in 2015 captured the attention of fans for a different reason, and it started with an unexpected trailer.Because of the enthusiasm of Psychonauts' fans, Double Fine Productions announced a sequel to the cult classic platformer. There was a slight catch though: the studio needed a little help from fans to make Psychonauts 2 a reality.Latest Psychonauts 2 newsWhile you're patiently (or not so patiently?) waiting for Psychonauts 2's eventual release, stay up to date with its latest information below.June 9, 2019Double Fine has been purchased by Microsoft and will be joining the Xbox Game Studios. In a YouTube video as well as a Twitter post, Double Fine promises that Psychonauts 2 will still release on all platforms including PS4 despite the company joining Microsoft.E3 2019 &md...

The compact Assistant doesn't offer all the features found on the Pixel 4's "new Assistant."What you need to knowGoogle has started rolling out a more compact version of the Assistant to older phones.So far, it appears only Pixel 3 and 3 XL owners have received the minor Assistant upgrade.While the "new" Assistant no longer takes up the entire screen, it doesn't offer the same look and not does it support all the new features. With its latest Pixel 4 series phones, Google introduced the new Assistant with some major design improvements as well as many new capabilities. Google is now bringing (via 9to5Google) a more compact version of the Assistant to older phones. So far, the more compact Assistant upgrade has only been rolled to the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL phones.The new Assistant version that has started rolling out to older phones doesn't take up the entire screen real estate when displaying an answer. It only occupies as much space as required to display an answer. Apart ...

What you need to knowAn update to Disney+ Founders Circle terms of service offers details about the bundle.The Disney+ bundle will link to Hulu or ESPN+ accounts by using the same email address.Once linked, monthly credits for the basic plan will be applied, but Add-ons can be managed separately.Everyone is excited about Disney+'s launch tomorrow. The new streaming service is combining the best content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and more. Fans and newcomers are excited about the new original shows and movies as well as the large catalog of existing content. Now all that's left is picking a plan.Disney is a big company with multiple streaming services, so the company is offering a bundle with three services for one price. They will offer a bundle to give users Disney+, ESPN+ and ad-supported Hulu for $12.99 per month. As launch day approaches, details about the bundle are appearing online.New Terms of Service related to the bundle have posted t...

Best Answer: Disney+ costs $6.99 a month or $69.99 a year. A bundle with Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu's basic service costs $12.99 a month.Everything Disney, all the time: Disney+ (From $7/month at Disney+)So Disney+ is actually going to be cheaper than Netflix?That's correct. Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, said in a 2017 earnings call that he wants to undercut Netflix's prices in order to attract as many subscribers as possible. "I can say that our plan on the Disney side is to price this substantially below where Netflix is. That is in part reflective of the fact that it will have substantially less volume. It'll have a lot of high quality because of the brands and the franchises that will be on it that we've talked about. But it'll simply launch with less volume, and the price will reflect that."Considering that the cheapest Netflix plan starts at $9 per month, Disney+ will have the advantage with the $7 a month or $70 annual cost. Plus, there will be a ton of content, including...

You can play these great games without spending a dime.Have some time to kill and only your trusty Android phone to keep you company? Take a gander at some of the most exciting, engaging, and free games that you can download from the Google Play Store. We have a healthy mix, including shooters, puzzle games, racing, and lots more.If you're itching for something new and you're able to stomach a few in-app purchases prompts, read on!Pre-pay for Play PassGoogle Play Gift CardFrom $25 at AmazonPay to playGetting a play gift card is the safest way to load up your Google account with credit to use towards Play Pass without forgetting about it.Blow away your competitionCall of Duty: MobileFree w/IAPs at Google Play StoreCall of Duty: Mobile is another free-to-play game that is buoyed by a premium Battle Pass system and in-app purchases. The good news is you don't need to spend any money to enjoy the best of Call of Duty action on your phone. The even better new...

Andrew Martonik is joined for a live episode by Michael Fisher and David Cogen, proprietor of the YouTube channel TheUnlockr, to chat about the news of the week, including Google's purchase of Fitbit and the overall wearable landscape. They also discuss some ongoing issues with Pixel 4, and David provides a look at Sony's Xperia 5.Listen nowSubscribe in Google Play Music: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: Audio Subscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioShow Notes and Links:MrMobile [Michael Fisher] - YouTubeTheUnlockr - YouTubeGoogle has officially purchased Fitbit for $2.1 billionWith Fitbit in tow, Google still has years of work to catch up in the fitness wearable worldThe two sides of Google's Fitbit acquisition, equally darkFossil's new Hybrid HR smartwatch brings an always-on display and 2-week battery for $195Fossil Hybrid HR review: The undercover smartwatchStress tests reveal structural weakness in Google Pixel 4Google deliberately capped the Pixel 4's screen...

A boy can dream ... but it just isn't happening.We're now a few weeks into using the Pixel 4 (XL, in my case), and among the seemingly endless complaints people have with the phones there's a constant undercurrent of chatter about battery life. Yes there's Motion Sense, face unlock and the 90Hz display ... but it all seems secondary to battery. It was the main focus of both our Pixel 4 review and to a lesser extent 4 XL review, and the debate is still going. Both a debate about whether the battery life is good enough to deal with in order to enjoy so many great parts of the phones, and also about just how bad the battery life actually is.I think it's fair to say a majority of people feel the battery life isn't good enough. Even those who are okay with the battery for their usage can recognize that it isn't as good as other competitive phones. I'm still fully in the camp that believes Google should've put more emphasis on battery life in the Pixel 4 XL, and should never have relea...

This guide will take you through the process to add new games to your PlayStation Classic. This is a pretty clever hack that does nothing to your PlayStation Classic itself and should offer almost no risk to damaging your console. That doesn't mean there isn't a risk, however, so do this modification at your own risk. That being said, let's take a look at the steps you will need to take.Update: November 7, 2019: BleemSync has upgraded to version 1.2, but the process is the same. There is a new drag and drop system, but it isn't quite reliable enough to use here.Products used in this guideFlash power!: SanDisk 16GB Flashdrive ($7 at Amazon)Step by stepInsert your flash drive into the USB slot on your PC.Open your file manager.Right-click on your flash driveSelect the Format button. Ensure the format type is set for FAT32. If it isn't FAT32 or EXT4, this will not work.Rename the Label of your Flash drive to SONY. It needs to be in capital letters, or this will not work.Cl...

It should go without saying that a VPN is your first and most important line of defense against a growing number of cyber threats that can compromise everything from your banking information to your private emails — but not all VPNs are created equal.Ivacy VPN is an award-winning service that offers complete online protection from a wide variety of cyber threats without inhibiting your browsing speed, and a 5-year subscription is available for over 95% off at just $29.99.Unlike most VPNs that offer limited security at the expense of browsing speed, Ivacy VPN safeguards your data while letting you browse at full speed on all of your devices.You’ll be able to access a growing number of over 1,000 super-secure servers across the globe, lock down your browsing with powerful 256-bit encryption technology, and protect yourself from both hackers and government surveillance.Also available as a lifetime subscription for five or ten devices, this se...

Amazon offers an affordable way to start building out a voice-activated home automation system for your house or apartment with its Echo devices and Alexa smart voice assistant. On its own, you can use Alexa to play music and find news, sports, and other information. But things get really interesting when you start to connect Alexa up to smart devices, including connected LED bulbs, smart hubs, and smart switches, around your house. We've collected some of our favorite Alexa-enabled smart lights below. If you use Alexa to control your smart home, you should consider picking some of these up.The home automator's favoritePhilips Hue White Ambience BulbStaff FavoritePhilips Hue is the OG of smart lighting, and they make a wide variety of bulbs, lamps, and lighting accessories. They require a hub or bridge to work with smart assistants like Alexa, but this is one expansive ecosystem that also works well with Apple's Siri/Homekit and Google Assistant/Nest. They may be a bit pr...

Our phones are smarter than ever, but they still can't do everything, and let's be real: who wants to write a ten-page essay on a phone? Or file taxes? Or play solitaire for hours on end? For so, so many things, a laptop is the best tool for the job, and whether you use yours for work or play, chances are you overpaid for your last one. Let's make sure that doesn't happen again by letting us help you find a high-quality laptop that actually earns its price tag, like my run-and-gun workhorse Lenovo Chromebook C340.In a world where we're constantly on the go, you need a trusty laptop by your side to stay on top of things. Lucky for you, Black Friday is right around the corner. This is the time of year when laptop prices get slashed to all-time lows, allowing you to get a sleek, powerful, and eye-catching laptop without blowing through all of the cash in your wallet. We'll be rounding up the best deals as we find them and adding them below, making your laptop shopping that much easier...

Amazon Echo and Google Home have crossed over from the early adopter phase to each finding a place within the mainstream culture. Both are functional, but if you're like me, you still might not be convinced which assistant is right for you. That's why I've got both Alexa and Google Assistant speakers set up in my home. If you find yourself in the same boat, it may be essential to buy smart home accessories that are compatible with both AI assistants, and these smart plugs are a great place to start.If you've been holding off on adding smart plugs to your home, now's the time to finally cave and do some shopping. Black Friday will be here before you know it, and that means all sorts of savings and deals on just about every gadget imaginable — smart plugs included. As we track down the best deals, we'll add them below so you can always stay on top of the latest and greatest prices.AI-powered energy monitoringCurrant Wifi Smart OutletStaff pickCurrant's WiFi Smart Outl...

Wireless Bluetooth headphones have become increasingly popular over the last several years. The best wireless headphones have support for great, high-fidelity sound. That's why the Sony WH-1000XM3 are our best overall pick. They have excellent sound quality, battery life, and are comfortable for long-term use — and their noise cancelation is second-to-none.Buying an awesome pair of wireless headphones can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be, especially during this time of year. Black Friday will be here before you know it, and with the annual shopping season comes heaps of discounts on all sorts of tech products. We're on the lookout for all of the best deals on wireless headphones, and as we find them, they'll be added below for you to see.Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM3By far, the most significant feature of the XM3s is their class-leading active noise canceling (ANC). Not only does it make traveling much easier by completely drowning out things such as planes ...

You can get a lot of phone for a modest price these days. Motorola has been a leading name in midrange options for years, and that holds true with its excellent new Moto G7. For an extremely competitive price, you get capable specs with a big display and simple software that anyone can figure out. Plus it has TurboPower fast charging, and finally uses USB-C.There are plenty of options for affordable Android phones throughout the entire year, but during the Black Friday shopping season, you'll find even greater savings and deals. This is the time of year when cheap phones become even cheaper, allowing you to get quality handsets while spending as little as possible. As we find the latest Black Friday deals for Android phones under $300, we'll update this guide accordingly so you can ensure you're getting the best price out there.Best Overall: Moto G7The Moto G7 has just about everything you could ask of a phone at this price. The software is clean yet clever with Moto Actions ...

If you own a modern gaming console, chances are you already have a usable Bluetooth controller. That's because most newer console controllers either use Bluetooth as standard or include it for use on other platforms, which means, yes, it's possible to use a PlayStation 4 controller on your Android phone, tablet, or TV device. We're here to show you how.Products used in this guideIn case you don't have one: DualShock 4 controller ($44 at Amazon)How to do the thingOn your Android device, ensure your Bluetooth radio is turned on by opening settings and heading to the Bluetooth menu. Make sure the phone is in scan mode.With the controller, simultaneously hold the PlayStation button and the Share button for a few seconds. The controller's light will begin blinking to let you know it's in pair mode.Back on the phone, look for a device named Wireless Controller in the list of nearby Bluetooth devices. Tap that device to begin the pairing process.The controller's light should sto...

Some of the reasons are misguided and some are disingenuous. But for many, the real reason is that they just don't like Google.Most of the online chatter about how Google buying Fitbit is a crisis waiting to happen has died down. That's good in some ways while being bad in other ways. It seems all good crises are that way. With the dust settled, I've spent some time looking at how it all played out and have come to what I think is a group of interesting observations: a lot of people do not like Google at the company level, and a lot of other people try to capitalize on that fact. You shouldn't blindly trust Google when it comes to your data. The minute we stop questioning is the minute it can do whatever it likes.It's perfectly OK, even healthy, to not like Google. What the company does to make money can seem sneaky or even dangerous. When a single company can build such a strong and well-fitting profile on us through data collection, being uneasy is a good thing. Even if yo...

The ecosystem of smart home devices that work with Amazon's Alexa smart voice assistant is vast, and one of the most popular categories of smart home products is smart lighting. With so many options out there, how are you supposed to know which ones work well, or which ones work well with Alexa? My top choice is the Philips Hue White Ambiance Bulb, because it is an industry-leading product, has a massive ecosystem of other Hue products it will work with, and it plays well with Alexa.Best Overall: Philips Hue White Ambiance BulbChance are that when you think about smart lights, the brand that comes to mind first is Philips Hue. The product line was introduced way back in 2012 and has arguably maintained its status as the dominant brand in the smart lighting space to this day.Even though Philips Hue makes a lot of different smart lighting devices like bulbs, light strips, and even lamps, I wanted to focus on an easy entry point into this rather expansive ecosystem. The Philips ...

You no longer need to be a fancy engineer in a white lab coat to take advantage of all that 3D printing has to offer, thanks to a growing number of powerful and affordable 3D printers that can do everything from build toys to car parts.This SparkMaker Original SLA 3D Printer Starter Bundle is an affordable and easy way to break into the world of 3D printing, and it’s currently on sale for over 20% off at just $299.Perfect for creating everything from small toys to scaled models of skyscrapers, this 3D printing kit allows you to build a virtually limitless number of objects in the comfort of your own home.It comes with an SD card that features a variety of pre-loaded designs, and you’ll be able to bring your creations to shape with the press of a button.This kit also prints at a pro-level 100µm XY resolution and up to 20µm Z layer thickness, and you’ll be able to easily monitor your print projects via an inset LED indicator light.Embra...

Your phone is only as good as the network it's on, and Verizon's network is consistently rated the best in the U.S. That means you'll rarely ever be without coverage. With Verizon's impressive lineup and unlimited plans, you get a wide variety of smartphone options to choose from.Best overallSamsung Galaxy Note 10+Staff pickThe Galaxy Note 10+ is the ultimate mobile workhorse, cramming powerful specs into a sleek design with a stunning 6.8-inch display, a powerful triple camera array, and, of course, the mighty S Pen. You can even cut videos directly on the phone with Samsung's new built-in video editor, and the Note 10+ is made to last all day with ease thanks to its internal 4300mAh battery.$1100 at VerizonFlagship for the massesSamsung Galaxy S10+If you don't need the S Pen, the S10+ matches the Note 10+ nearly spec for spec for a hundred dollars less. You get the same Snapdragon 855 chipset, a gorgeous design available in several stunning finishes, and Samsung...

The feature has previously been tested in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other nations...What you need to knowInstagram is going to test hiding likes in parts of the U.S.The tests will begin next week.It's all part of Instagram's plan to become the safest place on the internet.Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri has announced that it will start hiding like counts on its platform in parts of the U.S., beginning next week.As reported by WIRED, Instagram has previously tested hiding likes in several countries including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Ireland, Italy, and Brazil.At WIRED25 conference on November 8, Mosseri announced that the tests would roll out to the U.S. next week. He clarified that it wouldn't be the whole U.S. but didn't further specify as to which regions would be included.Rather than removing 'Likes', Instagram is testing making the like count on posts private, so users who post will be able to see their own like counts, they simply won't be visible...

When playing the latest games, it is easy to blame the developers for stuttering gameplay or choppy cinematics, but it might not actually be their fault. Like any high-powered computer, your PlayStation 4 can experience slowdowns for several reasons. One likely culprit is the database for your PS4 needs to be rebuilt. Like running disk defragmentation on your PC, this will help your PS4 be the best it can be.How to rebuild your databasePower off your PlayStation 4 and do not use rest mode.Hold the power button down until you hear two quick beeps. This will alert you that you have entered Safe Mode.Connect your DualShock 4 controller to your USB-A slot in the front of the PlayStation 4.Scroll down in the menu until you reach option 5, Rebuild Database.Press the X button to start the rebuild. Rebuilding your PS4's database may take some time, depending on how full your console is and how often you install and delete games. What "rebuilding" actually does is reorganize your...

Save yourself the hassle and get a robot vacuum that actually does an amazing job of keeping your house clean whether it's sucking up dust, debris, or pet hair.Let's get real here folks. I've been hearing people talk about Roomba robot vacuums since I was a little kid. Like how Kleenex is synonymous with tissue paper, Roomba has equally become the household name for any robot vacuum. But should it be? I'm not against Roomba, they create a host of good products. However, they also charge more than many other robot vacuum companies. If you're looking for a powerful robot maid that can help you clean your floors and has several smart convenience features while still being reasonably priced, you should really check out Roborock's line.I absolutely love Roborock and use these vacuums in my home. The company creates powerful devices that do an amazing job of sucking up everything from dust to pet fur. Not only have I tested robot vacuums on both my hardwood flooring and my medium-pile ...

PS4 Slim vs PS4 Pro? After hundreds of hours with these PlayStation 4 gaming consoles, our buyer's guide will help you make the right decision.PlayStation 4 Pro4K Ready$380 at AmazonPros4K HDR gaming looks incredible on everythingPlayStation VR performance is best on this PS4ConsNoticeably larger Can get loud during intense gameplayIf you want the best possible PlayStation experience, this is the one to buy, even if it's the largest and most expensive option.PlayStation 4 SlimBudget-friendly$282 at AmazonProsFits just about anywhereWhisper quietInexpensiveConsNo 4K supportThe slimmer PlayStation 4 plays every game with ease, but the lack of 4K output is noticeable if your TV supports it.It's hard to go wrong with either version of the PlayStation console, but these two versions serve very different purposes. While you can still play every PlayStation 4 game on each option here, you'll notice a significant difference in overall quality depending...

We highly recommend the Fitbit Versa 2 for a wide variety of styles and uses, including automatic activity tracking, on-screen workouts, Fitbit Pay, music storage, and so much more. It's no wonder that Fitbit continues to be one of the many highly regarded names in the industry with all it has to offer. However, don't worry if that's not your cup of tea. There are quite a few other options to choose from. Whether you're looking for a specific software, design, or feature set, you'll be able to find a fitness tracker that checks all the boxes on your wish list.Black Friday is probably the best time to buy one of these fitness trackers because they're all going to be discounted. Many of these go on sale just a few times a year, but products from Fitbit, Garmin, Samsung and others will be priced lower for Black Friday, and you should take advantage of these deals.Best Overall — Fitbit Versa 2Fitbit Versa FeaturesHeart rate monitorAltimeter5-day battery lifeSleep track...

Best answer: It depends on the size of your house, but three or four well-placed Echo speakers should give you decent coverage with Alexa throughout most homes. The choice then comes down to where you think you'll best use Alexa. The most popular areas would be in the bedroom, the living room, and the kitchen.Smart Hub: Amazon Echo Plus (2nd gen) + Free Smart Bulb ($150 at Amazon)Ubiquitious Utility: Amazon Echo Dot (3rd gen) ($50 at Amazon)Light it Up: Amazon Echo Dot (3rd gen) Lighting Kit ($45 at Amazon)Hang it Up: Dot Genie Echo Dot Wall Mount ($12 at Amazon)Finding the right Echo products for the rooms in your homeThis is a very tough question to answer since every house is different, and everyone has a preference for where they want to put an Alexa device. There are a lot of Alexa-compatible devices, among other things, that you can choose to make your home a true smart home. An Amazon Echo Plus is a great place to start because it's Amazon's best-sounding speaker. It i...