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Amazon's Echo Buds are the company's first attempt at a truly wireless earbud and they come in punching hard. However, the Samsung Galaxy Buds still hold their ground.Amazon Echo BudsExcellent battery life$130 at AmazonProsSolid active noise reduction (ANR)Up to 20 hours of total listening timeGreat support on both iOS and AndroidCompact charging/carrying caseConsMicro-USB for chargingNo wireless chargingAmazon's Echo Buds have managed to nail the fundamentals such as battery life, convenience, and portability. However, Micro-USB in 2019 is downright embarrassing.Samsung Galaxy BudsSuper convenient$120 at AmazonProsLong, 15-hour battery lifeCustomizable on AndroidUSB-C wired and Qi wireless charging caseGood sound with decently neutral frequency responseConsCase battery life is mediocre at bestThe Galaxy Buds from Samsung are a solid pick if you have an Android phone, even a non-Samsung one. They're solid overall, but suffer when it comes to bat...

PlayStation faces challenges but has a plan to keep its success going.What you need to knowSony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan held an interview with GamesIndustry.biz.In the interview, Ryan highlighted parts of the PlayStation business that were being focused on.Ryan also talked about the global presence of PlayStation and how it feeds into the PlayStation 5. Over the past couple of years, while PlayStation has found major success, there have also been concerns raised, including regarding how the company handles independent developers, as well as layoffs across divisions as the company reorganizes. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Sony CEO Jim Ryan addresses some of these issues, talking about the PlayStation brand's global presence, what things look like heading into the PlayStation 5 and how Sony intends to transfer the audience over.Ryan addresses how PlayStation plans to carry its success forward, saying "As we move towards the next-generation in 2020, on...

Sale runs through December 2.What you need to knowAn ad was spotted recently showing the Pixel 4 and 4 XL will be discounted by $200 through December 2 on the Google Store.The sale is not currently live, but we can expect it to start sometime near Black Friday on November 22.It could also be live across all retailers that carry the Pixel 4 phone.It looks like Google is proving yet again that it pays to wait to pick up the latest Pixel phone. Recently, a Redditor spotted an ad for the Google Store online that revealed the Pixel 4 and 4 XL will be $200 off until December 2.It doesn't mention when the sale will start, but seeing how it runs through Cyber Monday, we can assume it will start on November 22 for Black Friday. However, with stores starting Black Friday sales earlier and earlier each year, it's still quite possible we could see this promotion start even sooner.At the moment, the Pixel 4 base model will run you $799, but with a $200 discount, you're looking at a m...

Best answer: Yes, you can. The new NVIDIA Shield TV Pro (2019) may have less on-board storage than the older Pro models, but it still comes with Plex Media Server pre-installed, which is ready to organize and stream all your favorite media.Go Pro: NVIDIA Shield TV Pro (2019) ($200 at Amazon)More than enough extra storage: Seagate Portable External Hard Drive 5TB ($110 at Amazon)Simply the best TV streaming device you can buyNVIDIA has continued its tradition of absolutely owning the Android TV segment compared to the competing cheap devices running outdated versions of Android and limited specs and functionality. Rising above the mess of generic media players is the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro — a supercharged Ferarri in a world filled with clunky beaters. The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro offers the best Android TV experience for both gaming and streaming media.The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro (2019) is the latest full-featured streaming box that's powered by NVIDIA brand new Tegra X1+ ...

Most people have wanted to learn a new language at some point during their lives. Still, far too many give up on their goals because even the most popular language-learning platforms rely on boring and monotonous memorization tactics.Mondly offers a revolutionary way to learn a new language on the go, and lifetime subscriptions are available for hundreds off their normal prices right now.This platform makes it easy to learn up to 33 languages in your native tongue, and you’ll be able to work on your skills on all of your devices.Also available as 1-language, 3-language, and 5-language subscriptions, Mondly utilizes the latest and most powerful speech-recognition technology to fine-tune your education, and you’ll be able to take advantage of a roster of professional voice actors to stay on track.This subscription even comes with a dictionary and verb conjugator to enhance your education.Stop dragging your feet and learn the languages you&...

A microSD card lets you easily move your files, photos, and music from device to device without having to rely on steady Wi-Fi or costly data. It also helps if you like to load your phone up with apps, music, and movies if it didn't come with much internal storage to begin with.While microSD cards get sales quite frequently throughout the year, around Black Friday, they tend to get even steeper discounts. When dozens of microSD cards are on sale for about the same price, it can make it harder to tell a good card from a dud, but don't worry! We're here to help you ensure that you score a deal on a card that's worthy to carry your digital life around on.Best blendSamsung EVO SelectStaff pickThis has long been our preferred card for three reasons: it's reliable, it's fast, and it goes on sale frequently. It's available in 32GB to 512GB capacities, with write speeds for the 128GB and up boasting 100MB/s read and 90MB/s write speeds.From $6 at AmazonUltra affordableSanDi...

T-Mobile will help folks in need, but only once the merger is approvedWhat you need to knowT-Mobile will give free internet to 10 million households.The deal aims to provide more students with necessary online access for schoolwork.Homes will get 100GB of data per year and a Wi-FI hotspot.T-Mobile will give free internet access to 10 million households in the U.S. and Puerto Rico in an effort to close the "homework gap," the disparity in achievement between students who have internet access at home and those who do not.CEO John Legere notes that about 15% of students have no home internet service, while most teachers assign homework that requires online access. As part of the program, T-Mobile will supply a Wi-Fi hotspot for the home and an internet connection, with up to 100GB of data annuially. Participants will be able to purchase more network equipment at company cost, the price T-Mobile pays.According to T-Mobile, there are 35 million households and more than five mil...

It joins the PS4 and Xbox controllers.What you need to knowAndroid 10 has native support for the Nintendo Switch Pro controller.It won't work with a wired connection, but all the keys have been properly mapped when pairing it via Bluetooth.Android 10 also has support for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One controllers.These days, smartphones have come a long way from just making calls or playing the occasional game of Angry Birds. They now feature very powerful processors and gobs of RAM, making them perfect portable gaming machines. We even have dedicated gaming phones, such as the ASUS ROG Phone II and the Razer Phone 2 which can be had for as little as $400 right now. Unfortunately, one downside has been the on-screen controls, which cannot match the tactile feel and responsiveness of a dedicated gaming controller.The good news is that when Android 10 launched, it brought with it native controller support for some of today's most popular gaming consoles — including the P...

The app is currently useless until invite codes go out.What you need to knowThe Stadia app is now officially available on the Google Play Store.The app will allow you to manage your Stadia account, games, and controllers — but at this time, there is nothing you can do until invite codes are released.The app will also be available on iOS, too, but is currently not live on Apple's App Store.On November 19, Google will launch its cloud-based gaming service Stadia, but starting today you can go ahead and grab the Stadia app from the Google Play Store. Unfortunately, there's not much you can do with the app right now, even if you've pre-ordered the Stadia Founders or Premiere Edition.The app first greets you with a screen promoting Destiny 2, which is likely to be the first game every Stadia owner will play given that it is included with the Founders and Premiere Edition bundles.Once you press the "Get started" button, you're then presented with a clever loading screen ...

Best answer: It depends on the size of your home. For smaller homes and apartments, we suggest purchasing the standalone Nest Wifi Router. For most houses, the Nest Wifi Router and Point is the best choice. Nest Wifi Points can also be purchased individually to expand your network as-needed.The basic package: Nest Wifi Router ($169 at Amazon)Extra points: Nest Wifi Point($149 via Best Buy)Good for most homes: Nest Wifi Router and Point ($269 at B&H)How many Nest Wifi Points should you purchase?For most apartments (and many smaller homes), the router alone should be more than enough, providing coverage for up to 2200 square feet. We expect most homeowners will be able to make do with the router and a single Wifi point.You can also purchase the Nest Wifi Points individually. That way, if you encounter unexpected interference or your house is a bit larger than you thought, there's no need to stress. Nest still has you covered. Really, overall, it comes down to the size of ...

You'll also get an additional 500MB of high-speed data every year for five years.What you need to knowT-Mobile Connect is the carrier's most affordable wireless plan at just $15/month.You'll get unlimited talk, text, and 2GB of high-speed data access that gets bigger each year.5G access is also included with T-Mobile Connect.On November 7, T-Mobile hosted a livestream for its Un-Carrier 1.0 event — the first Un-Carrier announcement we've seen since the FCC approved the company's merger with Sprint. A few big headlines came out of the event, including a new wireless plan called "T-Mobile Connect."T-Mobile Connect costs $15/month and is targeted at lower-income families that want wireless access for the lowest price possible. You'll get unlimited talk and text, along with 2GB of high-speed data per month. If you want to do more streaming or browsing, you can spend $25/month for 5GB of high-speed data.Furthermore, if you have a 5G-capable device and live in an area wher...

If the government approves of the New T-Mobile, that isWhat you need to knowT-Mobile Connecting Heroes Initiative will give first responder agencies unlimited free 5G.State and local police, fire, and EMS services will get talk, text, and smartphone data.T-Mobile implies that this offer will only be possible after the merger improves the network.During its "This one's for good" livestream, T-Mobile announced the Connecting Heroes Initiative, a program that will offer free 5G network access to first responder agencies. All public and non-profit state and local police, fire, and EMS agencies can apply to be part of the program. T-Mobile CEO John Legere committed to supporting this program for the next 10 years.T-Mobile hinted that this offer would only be possible once the network capacity and technology is improved following the proposed merger with Sprint, and the Un-Carrier is only taking names for the waitlist for now.T-Mobile also plans on prioritizing network traffic f...

One thing you may not think about during Black Friday is the "hassle" of switching carriers or upgrading your phone, but that could mean that you're missing out on a pretty great offer that could really benefit you. Not a week goes by that a phone carrier isn't trying to entice people to switch over, but during big shopping events you tend to see them take these offers to the next level.We've seen company's like Mint Mobile offer three months of service for just $20, and others have offered free phones to switch, large gift cards for trading in your current phone, and plenty of other options. This will require you to finance or lease a new phone, usually, and many times you have to either move to a new carrier or add another line in order to qualify.Just because there are a few hoops to get through, doesn't mean you should rule it out entirely. Let's break down some of what you may be interested in.Hey Verizon deals, can you hear me now?Verizon is one of the largest carriers ...

Whether you have a Fire tablet for yourself or your kids, you've probably noticed that the internal storage doesn't go very far. You can quickly fill it up with some games, a few apps, and media, which is a bit disappointing. Instead of trying to figure out what to delete and how to micro-manage the storage, why not make things easier and add a 64GB SanDisk microSD card so it can hold more?A microSD card is always an excellent purchase for your Amazon Fire Tablet, but without a doubt, Black Friday is the best time to shop. MicroSD cards tend to go on sale a lot throughout the year, but when Black Friday rears its head, prices drop even more. Our expert deal-hunters are on the prowl for the best discounts, and as we discover them, we'll update this guide with them to help you get the most savings during this festive shopping season.Our top brand name pickSanDisk 64GB MicroSD CardStaff pick64GB is often the sweet spot for a lot of folks when it comes to microSD cards. It's ...

Google Camera 7.2 is now available for the Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 2, and Pixel 2 XL.What you need to knowOne of Pixel 4's headline features, the new astrophotography mode, is now available on older Pixel smartphones as well.In addition to the astrophotography mode, Google Camera 7.2 has also added social sharing to the older Pixels. The Camera 7.2 update is currently rolling out to the Pixel 3 and Pixel 2 series phones. Just as it had promised, Google has started rolling out (via 9to5Google) version 7.2 of its Camera app for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 2 series smartphones on the Play Store. While the Pixel 4 and 4 XL received the Google Camera 7.2 soon after they went on sale last month, older Pixel phones had so far been stuck on version 6.3 of the app.The Google Camera 7.2 update brings nearly all the features that are available on the Pixel 4 series phones, including the astrophotography mode. However, the first thing that you will notice when you update the app will be th...

Best answer: Sony is very clear; there is no remote play compatibility on PlayStation Now. You are unable to stream any PlayStation Now content to your phone via Remote Play.Stream everything: PlayStation Now (From $10 at Amazon)What is PlayStation Now?PlayStation Now (PS Now) is Sony's game streaming service. For around $60 a year you can stream over 750 PS4, PS3, and PS2 games directly to your PlayStation 4, or download over 200 games to use offline. That's a pretty good selection for a little under $5 a month.PS Now has taken a little while to get going as Sony originally priced PS Now at twice the current cost. This left a lot of people wondering if it was worth it, especially when you need PS Plus, which is another $60 a year. Now though, you can comfortably buy PS Now as a one-off payment and feel good knowing you have 750 games to play whenever you like.What is Remote Play?Remote Play is an app for your phone that allows you to use it as a TV to play PlayStation 4 ...

Black Friday is just a couple of weeks away and we're now starting to see ads from the big retailers like Target and Kohl's. Even Amazon has given us a glimpse behind the curtain. The latest store to offer up details on its Black Friday promotion is Best Buy with a huge ad covering all manner of products from tech and smart home to TVs and home entertainment, gaming, toys, kitchen appliances, and more.Deals worth consideringBest Buy is one of the biggest names you're likely to think of when it comes to Black Friday and its ad doesn't disappoint when it comes to major savings. Some of the deals we're seeing here are better than the competition and you can expect Best Buy to be matching prices from places like Amazon and Walmart during the event. My Best Buy members will also receive some nice extra perks during the shopping event too.Insignia 58-inch 4K Fire TV EditonThe Insignia line of Fire TV sets are already super affordable and highly-rated by those who have them, but thi...

You can now exclude specific contacts with the help of the new "My Contacts Except" option under group chat privacy settings.What you need to knowWhatsApp has replaced the "Nobody" option under Privacy Settings for groups with a new "My Contacts Except" option.The new option lets users exclude specific contacts or "select all."WhatsApp says the update is now rolling out to users across the globe on the latest version of the app.In April this year, WhatsApp rolled out new privacy setting that gave users greater control over who can add them to groups. The setting allowed users to choose from three options: "Everyone", "My Contacts", or "Nobody." WhatsApp has now replaced the "Nobody" option with a new "My Contacts Except" option, based on feedback from users during the initial rollout of the privacy-centric feature.The new "My Contacts Except" option makes it possible for users to exclude specific contacts or "select all." Regardless of what setting you choose, however, peopl...

The Google Cardboard is still among the cheapest headsets that you can buy to experience virtual reality.What you need to knowGoogle is releasing the Cardboard open source project.The company says it will continue to contribute to the Cardboard open source project by releasing new features such as an SDK package for Unity. Google also revealed that it has shipped more than 15 million Cardboard units so far. After discontinuing its Daydream View VR headset last month, Google has now announced that it is open sourcing the software of its no-frills Cardboard VR headset. This, Google says, will ensure that Cardboard's "accessible-to-everyone approach to VR remains available."In its blog post, the company also revealed that it has shipped 15 million Cardboard units worldwide, helping make VR accessible to people who otherwise couldn't have afforded it. In the recent past, however, Cardboard usage has seen a decline. As a result, Google is no longer actively developing the VR SDK...

Right now, the best smartwatch for Android users is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2. It's optimized for Samsung phones but runs well on all Android devices and has all the smartwatch and fitness features you'd expect. It's compact and lightweight but still offers good battery life. But if you're not into that one, the good news is that there are so many other amazing options from Fossil to Garmin to Fitbit and more.No matter which watch you decide on, there's a good chance you can snag a great Black Friday deal on it — and the best part is, you likely don't even need to wait until Black Friday to find a good sale. We're keeping a lookout for any and all discounts that pop up throughout the month, and we'll keep this post updated with the best deals we find.Best Overall — Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2You don't have to use a Samsung phone to enjoy the benefits of owning a Samsung smartwatch, and the Galaxy Watch Active 2 provides the most well-rounded wearables ex...

November is already here, which means that Black Friday will be here before we even know it. There are already a ton of deals to be had, including a bunch of 'Happy HoliDeals' offers that are running right now, but Amazon has just taken the wraps off of some upcoming plans. Amazon sells tons of its own first-party hardware, and now we finally know when we can expect to see it going on sale, as well as how much it will selling for.The rollout is staggered, and the first set of deals begins on Friday, November 22. The full list, according to Amazon, includes:November 22nd:Fire HD 8 - $49.99 (Was $80)Fire HD 8 Kids - $79.99 (Was $130)Fire 7 - $29.99 (Was $50)Fire 7 Kids - $59.99 (Was $100)Fire HD 10 - $99.99 (Was $150)Kindle Paperwhite - $84.99 (Was $130)Ring Video Doorbell Pro + Echo Show 5 bundle - $189 (Was $335)November 24th:Fire TV Stick - $19.99 (Was $40)Fire TV Stick 4K - $24.99 (Was $60)New Fire TV Cube - $89.99 (Was $120)November 27th:Blink XT2 3-Camera Kit ...

With a brand new season of Fortnite comes brand new challenges, and Chapter 2 has once again changed up the way players will be taking them on. For the recent The Lowdown set of missions, one of the challenges for this week will have you scouring one of the games new loading screens for a hidden letter, and making your way to it in the game. This one can be tough if you don't know where to look, but thankfully we've found where to go.Knowing the challengeFirst and foremost, this challenge won't be live until Thursday, Nov. 7, at 9:30 a.m. EST. After that time, you'll be able to jump in and tackle it, but just know that it won't be live until the weekly missions go live in Fortnite.Secondly, you'll only be able to do this challenge once you've completed eight of The Lowdown missions, which is when you unlock the loading screen. This screen shows 8-ball and a handful of characters in an E.G.O. Outpost. In the back left of the picture, you can clearly see the letter 'N' floating a...

With a brand new season of Fortnite comes brand new challenges, and Chapter 2 has once again changed up the way players will be taking them on. For the recent The Lowdown set of missions, one of the challenges for this week will have you searching for chests at E.G.O. Outposts located throughout the game. New to the world of Fortnite, E.G.O. outposts essentially operate to house vehicles or items to pick up. Past challenges have involved fighting enemies here, so it's likely you'll know where to go, but if you're unsure of where to go, we've got you covered.Knowing the challengeFirst and foremost, this challenge won't be live until Thursday, Nov. 7, at 9:30 a.m. EST. After that time, you'll be able to jump in and tackle it, but just know that it won't be live until the weekly missions go live in Fortnite.You'll only be able to do this challenge once you've completed one of the The Lowdown missions, which shouldn't be too hard at all. After finding the outpost, simply start sear...

The latest challenges leaked ahead of the weekly update.Fortnite Chapter 2 is officially here, and with it comes a significant change to the way players will be leveling up their Battle Pass. While Missions will still be in the game, players will no longer be competing for Battle Stars. Instead, the goal is to get normal XP. With a larger focus on XP and less grinding, players should be able to level up their Battle Pass even faster, earning a variety of rewards on the way.Unlike Season X's mission set up, there will be no time prestige missions, and the focal point is simply completing tasks as you play the game. Instead of having to complete the same mission with added difficulty, now you'll just be unlocking new missions as you complete the ones already available to you. The fourth week of Fortnite Chapter 2 isn't live until Thursday morning, but that didn't stop the missions for the week leaking a bit early.Twitter user Lucas7yoshi — who is well-known for datamining...

When you're looking for an awesome 4K TV for your PlayStation 4 Pro you need to be looking for a few specific features: excellent screen quality, high dynamic range (HDR), and a good price. The LG ThinQ OLED ticks all of these boxes and then gives you lots more smart functionality thrown in for good measure.Buying a 4K TV is no small decision. Sure, there are more affordable options out there, but this is a hefty purchase no matter how you slice it. Thankfully, Black Friday is right around the corner, and it marks one of the best times of the year to buy a new TV. We're anticipating big discounts on 4K televisions of all sizes from just about every company out there, and as we find the best deals, we'll add them right here for you to see.Best Overall: LG OLED ThinQ 4K B8The B8 might be last year's model, but it still strikes a balance between price and power. Like almost all TVs these days, the B8 is a smart TV with apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube built-in, but with the ...

It's hard to believe that the first Amazon Echo was released five years ago, and since then, it's evolved from a standalone smart speaker into an entire ecosystem of radically different products. You'll find an Echo on just about every website and in every store these days, but with so many different models to choose from, how do you know which one is best for you? Well, we're experts on Amazon's Echo lineup, and below you'll find a detailed guide on buying an Alexa-powered speaker or screen for your smart home. We think the Echo Dot (3rd Gen) is the best choice for most folks, but if that's not your cup of tea, there are plenty of other options to choose from. Let's dive in.Best Overall — Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen)Start simple. If you're just not sure about this whole Alexa thing and really don't know how much you'll get out of an Amazon Echo, it's best to not spend a lot of money. So start with an Echo Dot!The Echo Dot is insanely affordable, and the 3rd Gen model we h...

Some people think of clear cases for phones the way they think of vodka: they're supposed to be colorless, odorless, and all look and act the same. Clear cases are supposed to show off the phone inside and stay out of its way. But just as the impurities and textures of vodka brands can lead to differences in the drink and in the mouth, the details on our favorite clear cases don't just let your Samsung Galaxy Note 9's style show through; they make it shine like the jewel it is.Shining scuff protectionSpigen Liquid Crystal Case for Galaxy Note 9Staff pickSpigen's thin, flexible clear case grips well, hugs every curve of the Note 9's glass, and isn't as quick to show smudges and smears as other clear cases. The Glitter versions hide smudges and scuffs even better for $2 more, and the Rose Quartz Glitter's soft pink shine adds depth and cheer without feeling like a cliche.$8 at AmazonSparkling clearSpigen Rose Quartz Glitter caseThis case reminds me of the jelly pens...

Fortnite is an intense game that needs a pretty capable Android phone to run it properly. A multiplayer match involving up to 100 unique players is bound to push a phone to its limit, but these phones are sure to run those matches without any hiccups. The ASUS ROG Phone 2 is our favorite pick with its huge display, and specs that are better than some computers that are used to run Fortnite.Best Overall: ASUS ROG Phone 2The ASUS ROG Phone was one of the first "gaming" focused phones to hit the market and impressed with its capabilities. The ROG Phone 2 is now here and is even more impressive with its 6.6-inch AMOLED display and 120Hz refresh rate, which will ensure Fortnite will run smoothly and look amazing. This is better than other flagship devices like that the OnePlus 7T and Pixel 4, which tout 90Hz refresh rates.As for the specs, you get Qualcomm's Snapdragon 855+ chipset paired with 12GB of RAM and a humongous 6,000mAh battery. This should last you through more than jus...

Wireless charging on Pixel phones has only been around for a year now, and after being hobbled on the Pixel 3, Google has answered our prays and made the Pixel 4 more widely compatible with fast Qi charging by supporting 10W charging on far more chargers through the Extended Power Profile. Whether you prefer vertical stands that you can use with Motion Sense's swift face unlocking and flat pads, there's ample options now for the Pixel 4.FutureproofAnker PowerWave 15Staff pickThis charger is a little more expensive than the PowerWave Stand, but it supports 15W wireless charging, which is higher than the 11W max the Pixel 4 can take but means that it should charge your Pixel 4 and whatever phone comes after it at full speed.$42 at AmazonLooking slickYootech 15W Wireless Charger with Cooling FanThis 15W stand is more condusive to sitting next to your laptop at your desk or keeping your phone propped up in the kitchen while you're working on that new recipe, and the b...

Between the settings, equipment, and upgrades, there are plenty of ways to increase the download speeds on your PlayStation 4. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use all the options we've tested and confirmed to work. Nobody likes waiting a long time to download the new content they just bought so read on below to see how you can improve the internet speeds to your console.Products used in this guidePowerful router: Linksys EA9500 Max Stream ($280 at Amazon)For wired setups: 50ft Ethernet Cable ($10 at Amazon)Easy on the wallet: TP-Link Archer A7 ($57 at Amazon)Load up your PS4: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $20 at Amazon)Everything you need to know about improving the internet speeds on your PS4Manage your PlayStation 4's time wellUsing a wired connection instead of Wi-FiUsing Rest Mode to increase download speedsUpdate to the latest firmwareChange your DNS settings Check your modem's bandwidthUpgrade your internet service Manage your PlayStation 4's time we...

Will they be enough to defend against Ransomware and the Legion of Blling Fraud?What you need to knowGoogle has formed the "App Defense Alliance."ESET, Lookout, and Zimperium are all part of the new group.The goal of the Alliance is to further combat malware on Android.Google will partner with three mobile security software makers to improve its ability to catch malware on Android. The new App Defense Alliance will bring Google together with ESET, Lookout, and Zimperium — all makers of endpoint security software for Android mobile devices. Google says these partners were chosen for their success in finding malware and for the recognition they receive from industry analysts.These new security partners will get direct access to the Google Play Protect screening system to share samples back and forth. Google may share app samples with the vendors and vice versa. When malware is found, it will be flagged and categorized for further handling. Users can also report potential...

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

Including Indonesia, the fourth most populated country in the world.What you need to knowYouTube Premium and Music are expanding to seven new regions in Asia this month.The new regions include Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand.With YouTube Premium, you get access to ad-free videos, offline playback, and background play.Google is continuing its expansion of YouTube Premium and Music this month by adding seven new regions in Asia. That's one less than its last expansion back in September when eight new countries joined the list — making the service available in over 70 countries in total.This month's expansion adds some of Asia's most prominent locations, including Indonesia which is the fourth most populated country in the world. To put that in perspective, the U.S. is currently ranked third, making Indonesia a prime new market for YouTube revenue. The full list of new locations can be found below.Hong KongIndonesiaMalaysia...

Even though the Google Play Store on the NVIDIA Shield TV offers auto-updates for your downloaded apps, it's still important to know how to manually install app updates or uninstall a recent update. If you've ever manually updated an app on an Android phone, you'll be happy to know that the process of updating an app on Android TV is virtually identical.Products used in this guideMedia tube: NVIDIA Shield TV (2019) ($150 at Amazon)Go Pro: NVIDIA Shield TV Pro (2019) ($200 at Amazon) How to update apps on the NVIDIA Shield TV (2019)From the Shield home screen, launch the Google Play Store.Scroll down to My Apps.Any installed apps with an available update will be listed. Select Update All if you want to update all apps.You may need to accept app permissions before installing.Alternatively, you can select each app individually and select Update.It's important to keep your apps updated so that you don't miss out on the latest features and bug fixes. For Android TV apps...

The only Android TV box worth buying finally got a refresh.While there are some Android TV boxes that are cheaper, or smaller, or maybe come with an extra feature or two that seem like fun, it's difficult to recommend anything other than the NVIDIA Shield TV. It's by far the most feature complete set top box running Android TV, due in no small part to the company's tireless efforts to fill in the gaps where Google has fallen short with its own operating system.That having been said, the Shield TV is starting to show its age. Much of the competition has caught up to what were once state of the art features, and a hardware profile that is frankly a little on the bulky side in 2019. Knowing that, the new Shield TV is here, complete with a new hardware design and significantly updated upscaling and HDR capabilities.Well, sort of. It's complicated.Streaming HeavyweightNVIDIA Shield TV 2019 ...

Philips wants you to stop using your tablet to watch videos in the kitchen.What you need to knowPhilips has launched a new 24-inch "smart" TV for the kitchen, featuring built-in Google Assistant.The unique Android TV has been priced at $300.It will be going on sale in the U.S. and Canada from major retailers starting today.Philips today launched (via 9to5Google) a truly unique Android TV that is unlike anything else that we have seen so far. The TV has been designed for use in the kitchen and comes with a built-in Google Assistant speaker.As can be seen quite clearly in the image below, the TV has a centered stand that houses two speakers as well as far-field microphones. Similar to smart displays such as the Nest Hub Max, the latest Android TV from Philips can be used to follow cooking recipes on YouTube or watching your favorite shows while you cook. The bundled remote even has dedicated buttons for YouTube and Netflix.Youssef Ibrahim, Senior Product Marketing Manager ...

Are you ready for Black Friday yet? We have seen some smaller Black Friday ads from the likes of Lenovo and Kohl's, but it's when the major retailers start advertising that you know the day is really coming. Target is as major as it gets, and the Black Friday ad, scanned and analyzed by BestBlackFriday, is loaded with some huge discounts on tech.Deals worth consideringUntil more of the major retailers start sharing Black Friday ads, Target is the best way to gauge the real savings you're going to find during the big event. Some of the deals we're seeing here are better than the competition and you can expect matching prices from places like Amazon and Best Buy later.Google Nest Mini smart speakerThe drop to $19 is what I've wanted to see since the 2nd-generation Nest Mini was announced. This is right in-line with the sort of deals we've seen on Amazon's Echo Dot (with $22 being the lowest Black Friday price so far). The Nest Mini currently goes for $49 everywhere, so that's a...

It’s never fun to have to dish out an exorbitant amount of cash in order to fix an appliance or electrical issue at home, but surprisingly few people take the time to learn the skills that can let them tackle these repairs on their own.The Ultimate Electrical Engineering Master Class Bundle will teach you how to perform a wide variety of electrical repairs yourself, and it’s available for over 95% off at just $25.With 5 courses and over 40 hours of training, this bundle will outfit you with a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles that will save you time and money.After an introduction to the basics of circuitry, you’ll learn how to work with and repair grounding systems, how to stay safe while working in a variety of wiring environments, how to install and maintain solar power sources in your home, and much more.If you’re looking to take your skills to a more professional level, there’s also a course that breaks down ...

As the first line of defense against nefarious hackers and cyberattacks, a VPN is a must-have app for anyone who’s interested in protecting everything from their browsing history to their banking information. But not all VPNs are created equal.Windscribe VPN is an award-winning service that safeguards your privacy without inhibiting your browsing speed, and a 3-year Pro subscription is available for over 75% off at just $69.Unlike most VPNs that offer limited security and limited bandwidth, Windscribe VPN keeps all of your devices safe without slowing you down.Also available as 1-year, 2-year, and 4-year subscriptions, this service allows you to easily access a growing number of super-secure servers across the globe, remove ads and trackers from your everyday browsing experience, and mask your physical location from 3rd parties via an encrypted tunnel.You’ll even be able to torrent securely and share files without having to worry about you...

Other Chromebooks didn't fare nearly as well.What you need to knowLaptop Mag performed drop tests on 11 different Chromebooks.The Google Pixelbook and Samsung Chromebook 3 landed on top.The publication's top pick Chromebook scored lowest.Laptop Mag created a torture chamber for Chromebooks to replicate the spills they're likely to take in schools, as classrooms are a key selling space for the secure and easily-managed machines. 11 laptops from seven manufacturers were dropped from shoulder height, pushed off a table by a robot arm (seriously, go check out the video), and otherwise punished by gravity as they met the harsh reality of carpeting and concrete.Google's almost-$1000 Pixelbook came out on top, but frankly, you could break six of the second-place Samsung Chromebook 3 and replace them all with brand new devices before you'd spend as much.Unfortunately, Samsung can't take the durability crown because its convertible Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 was the eighth-place laptop...

Glass break detection rolls out in early November.What you need to knowNest Secure will begin rolling out Glass break detection in early November.Glass break will work best when it is within 15 feet of the door or window you want monitored in a quiet home.Sound processing will take place on the device itself and audio will not be sent to Google's servers.If you've got a Nest Secure, your home is about to get a little safer because it will soon be able to detect the sound of glass breaking. The new feature is set to roll out in early November and will be able to detect sounds of breaking glass from a window or door with its built-in microphone and then sound the alarm.Previously, the microphone was reserved exclusively for Google Assistant commands, but soon that won't be the case. And while Glass break may make your home safer, it can also raise some new privacy concerns. Not to worry though, Google ensures that even though it is possible for it to misclassify some loud soun...

Google's bestPixel 4 XLFrom $899 at AmazonProsOLED display with 90Hz refresh rateIndustry-leading camerasMotion Sense gesturesAndroid's best face unlockThree years of software updatesConsMediocre battery lifeDisappointing 4K video recordingGoogle didn't play it safe with the Pixel 4 XL. It used the phone to introduce a 90Hz display, a new face unlock system, dual rear cameras for the first time, and more. Save for lackluster battery life and storage options, this is one of Android's best phones.Apple's bestiPhone 11 ProFrom $999 at AmazonProsStunning matte glass designOLED display looks fantasticThree rear camerasLegendary battery lifeiMessage and AirDropConsiOS isn't very customizableLightning portThe iPhone 11 Pro looks a lot like Apple's past two generations of handsets, but it makes upgrades in all the right places. It has excellent battery life, blazing-fast performance, and one of the best camera packages available on any smartphone...

Your MCU movie marathon just got 20% more badass on Disney+.Oh snap! #AvengersEndgame is coming to @DisneyPlus. Start streaming the epic finale to Marvel Studios' Infinity Saga on November 12 in the US, Canada and Netherlands and on November 19 in Australia and New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/8hk40y5OFy— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) November 6, 2019What you need to knowIn yet another last minute announcement, Marvel says Avengers Endgame will be on Disney+ at launch.The conclusion of the Infinity Saga will be available on November 12 in the US, Canada, and Netherlands.Avengers: Endgame will be available November 19 when the service launches in Australia and New Zealand.Because announcing that Avatar was a Day One title apparently wasn't enough hype for Disney+, Marvel announced this morning, six days to launch, that Avengers: Endgame will be joining the party, too, so order some more popcorn and a fresh box of tissues because this will be epic and I'm ready to bawl my eyes...

Ubiquiti says the UniFi Dream Machine is the easiest way to introduce UniFi to homes as well as businesses.What you need to knowUbiquiti's all-in-one UniFi Dream Machine Wi-Fi router is now available for purchase.Priced at $299, the UniFi Dream Machine comes with a cylindrical design and is loaded with features like an integrated 4x4 Enterprise AP, integrated cloud key, security gateway, as well as a managed 4-port Gigabit switch.It is powered by a 1.7 GHz quad-core processor and supports network speeds of up to 1Gbps.Ubiquiti claims the UniFi Dream Machine has "everything you need for a small-scale wired or Wi-Fi network." The all-in-one home router is powered by a quad-core processor clocked at 1.7 GHz, based on the ARM Cortex-A57 architecture. It integrates a 4x4 enterprise access point, cloud key, Gigabit switch, and a security gateway.You will be able to manage your UniFi network with the help of Ubiquiti's UniFi network app, which lets you manage all your network devic...

It really ties the room together.Amazon unveiled a lot of products during its recent media event, but of all of them — including a new pair of true wireless earbuds — I was most excited about the Echo Studio. That's because Amazon's increasingly taking sound quality, not just audio production, seriously, and the Studio is the most mainstream example of this burgeoning strategy.And it turns out my fervor was justified: the Echo Studio is a smart speaker that outperforms nearly every other in its class, and does so at a much lower cost.Virtual insanityAmazon Echo Studio Bottom line: Amazon's new $200 Echo Studio is not a typical smart speaker, but after disabling the sound-distorting 3D upmixing, it's one of the best products in its category, especially if you're a fan of Alexa.ProsPrice is rightBright, punchy, mi...

Time to chat with the AC forums.With each Pixel release, it seems like Google is met with some sort of criticism. The Pixel 2 XL had a trash display, the Pixel 3 series had bad RAM management, and the Pixel 4 has become notorious for poor battery life.A lot of Pixel 4 reviews have shed the phone in a negative light, but taking a gander through our AC forums, many of our members are quite happy with the phone.Here's what some of them have to say. mck2018 11-05-2019 01:58 PM “ With all the negative reviews/threads surrounding this phone I felt i should do my part and stop by to mention how much i am enjoying this phone. I have always used Android phones, I owned the first Pixel XL on Verizon when it came out. I never planned on buying the Pixel, I was kind of forced into it with the exploding Note 7 event. I wasn't too thrilled at first, I had been using the... Reply ...

One of the best parts about Black Friday is that the sales literally take place all over, from online retail giants to little mom and pop shops in your local town. Years ago, everyone went to retail stores and spent the day bouncing from one place to the next to try and finish their holiday lists, but now you can do all the same shopping online.With one-day shipping on millions of items, huge discounts, Lightning deals, and more, Amazon should definitely be on your list of places to look for some of the best Black Friday deals.When is Black Friday at Amazon?Black Friday technically is Friday, November 29, 2019 but in all reality, odds are that Amazon sales will kick off as early as November 1. The company is likely to launch some pre Black Friday deals in the run-up to the big shopping weekend. Amazon tends to run some sales that last longer periods of time, which we would expect the biggest set of deals to kick off on Sunday, November 24, with limited-time deals running much m...

Disney+Coming for the crown$70/year at Disney+ProsExclusive streaming of most Disney contentAffordable pricing and bundlesMore family-friendly account structuringConsLess adult content (for now)Available on fewer platformsDisney+ is taking hold of its own streaming destiny and offering an unparalleled selection of content from Disney, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and beyond. It's still working through its learning curve, but even at launch it's quite the tantalizing temptation.NetflixThe original streamerFrom $9/mo at NetflixProsWider, more varied content libraryAvailable on far more platformsLarger selection of adult and international contentConsMore expensive for multiple streams and 4KLosing most Disney and NBC content in 2020Lots of duds and dreck in the catalogOne of the first streaming services, Netflix has redefined how we view TV and movies. While the loss of Disney owned properties has taken a bite out of Netflix's library, it still dwarfs Disney+,...

The new setting will make sure you get the best possible gaming experience on Stadia.What you need to knowGoogle's new Nest Wifi now offers a new "Gaming preferred" setting that optimizes your Stadia traffic for the best gaming experience.You access the "Gaming preferred" setting from the Google Home app.While the feature stays on by default, it becomes active only when you play games on Stadia.The folks over at 9to5Google had discovered a new "Gaming preferred" setting for Nest Wifi last week, intended for Google's upcoming Stadia game streaming service. Google has now updated its Nest support page with details on exactly how this new setting can help improve your Stadia experience.The setting ensures that your Stadia traffic is automatically optimized, so that other activities or devices on your Wi-Fi network do not slow down your gaming experience. In its Nest Help page, Google notes that users need "a fast pathway to and from cloud servers without being overly delayed by...