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Saturday, September 30, 2017

SEC accuses two digital coin creators of ripping off investors

While initial coin offerings aren't prohibited in the US like they are in China and South Korea, authorities are still keeping a close eye on them. Case in point: the US Securities and Exchange Commission's first ICO-related charges brought against a...

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Pocket Mortys to donate all proceeds earned on Sunday to help hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico

This Sunday would be a good time to spend that Google Play credit!

Now there's another reason to play Pocket Mortys. Besides being incredibly fun, Adult Swim Games has pledged to donate any cash it makes via the game on Sunday, October 1 to help Hurricane Maria relief in Puerto Rico.

The game itself is free to play, but ads and in-app purchases can make for a sizable amount of money, especially now that we have an extra incentive to hand it over to the company. It's fun to play and chances are you would probably spend a little coin because of it, but this news removes any excuse to not part with a buck or two.

Remember, Google Play credit can be used to buy in-app purchases, and plenty of us have upwards of $100 or more by using the Opinion Rewards app. There's no better time to spend it!



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Samsung is the latest tech titan to open an AI lab in Canada

If it wasn't already clear that Canada is becoming a hotbed for AI research, it is now: Samsung has opened an AI lab (shown below) at the Université de Montréal. The school's faculty and students (including long-time Samsung partner Pro...

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Amazon's new Fire TV supports picture-in-picture and recording

Amazon is mainly selling the new Fire TV's hardware-dependent features, such as 4K HDR video and Dolby Atmos sound, but there are some key software improvements, too. The online shopping giant has revealed that the device's Fire OS 6 underpinnings r...

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South Korea cracks down on use of digital cash for crowdfunding

South Koreans who were planning to raise funds using cryptocurrency will have to find an alternative method. The country has decided to follow in China's footsteps and has banned raising money through all forms of virtual currency, according to Reute...

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Equifax breach shows signs of a possible state-sponsored hack

Ever since word of the Equifax hack got out, there's been one lingering question: was it a state-sponsored attack, or just criminals who took advantage of a security hole? At the moment, it looks like it might be the former. Bloomberg sources have sh...

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Amazon Echo devices can now make free calls in North America

All Amazon Echo devices can now make free calls to the US, Canada, and Mexico without any additional hardware.

Amazon has been adding a steady stream of features to its Echo device family dating back to the release of the first Echo back in 2014. In May, the company announced the ability for Echo owners to make free calls to any Alexa-enabled device, including smartphones with the Alexa app. Now, Amazon is expanding that even further.

AFTVnews reports that that Echo owners and those with the Alexa smartphone application can now make free calls to any phone number in the US, Canada or Mexico completely free with no additional hardware required. The other end of the phone call won't have any idea you're using an Echo device since the recipient will see it is coming from your phone number. If you'd like, you can opt out of sharing your number, in which case the recipient will see the call is from an "unknown caller."

This feature will let users dial contacts by either stating the person's name (if the app has permissions to view contacts) or by simply speaking the phone number. For the Modern Dads out there with multiple users in the same home, you'll need to switch to a different user profile on the Echo in order to load the correct user's contact list. Also, note the calling through Alexa cannot be used for emergency numbers. Users will be able to control volume or hang up a call via voice commands as well, which would be a fantastic way to end a dramatic phone call.

One final note is that users will not be able to receive calls from landline phones through Alexa without the Echo Connect plugged into a landline phone at their end.

Are you interested in free calls through your Amazon Echo? Let us know down below!



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YouTube Live playthroughs are now a no-no for Nintendo Creators

Nintendo has updated its Creators Program's rules to add a new entry: members can no longer broadcast on YouTube Live. The gaming titan has long been extra protective of its properties and regularly issues takedown notices for videos that use its gam...

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Google Assistant is coming to Chromebooks

The latest Google Home app has confirmed that Google Assistant will be launching soon for Chromebooks.

Since launching alongside last year's Pixel phones, Google Assistant has since expanded to all Android devices running Android 6.0 Marshmallow and later, Google Home, Android Wear devices, headphones, and most recently, Android TV. With almost all bases covered, it looks like Google Assistant will be launching on one more platform.

9to5Google reports that the Chat with your Assistant game lists supports for Google Home, Allo, Android phones, Chromebooks, and iOS devices. Just to drive the point home (pun intended) even further, there's an icon of a laptop, right next to an icon of a Google Home and a smartphone. Elsewhere, ChromeUnboxed has found solid evidence that the new Pixelbook will feature a hardware button specifically for triggering Google Assistant. Even without the physical key, Assistant support is important going forward as Chrome looks like it will replace Android (the operating system, not the APIs) on tablets.

Google is expected to announce the Pixelbook, as well as the next Pixel phones and the Google Home Mini at a press event on October 4th. It's highly likely that support for Assistant on Chrome would also be part of this event, and we don't have too long to wait.

Would you use Google Assistant on a Chromebook? Let us know down below!

Learn more about Google Assistant!



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Ask Engadget returns (and you should send us your questions)!

A long time ago in a far-away land called 2013, we used to run a feature called "Ask Engadget" where you -- our readers, fans, followers and critics -- could ask us for our advice, opinions and recommendations on everything from cheap laptops and sta...

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Best HOTAS Controller for PlayStation VR

Is there a HOTAS controller I can use with PlayStation VR?

Hands On Throttle And Stick (HOTAS) controllers are extremely popular in the flight simulator community and are now gaining a lot of traction in the VR world. These controllers essentially give you a ton of control over your airplane or spaceship, and you can also look and feel like a boss while playing. HOTAS controllers will usually have a familiar joystick for one hand and a throttle for the other.

With rumors of War Thunder and Elite: Dangerous coming to PlayStation VR, and with a few VR games already supported, including EVE: Valkyrie and Starblood Arena, you might be tempted to set up a cockpit in your VR space. Here's the best — and so far really the only — one you'll want to get for PlayStation VR.

Read more at VRHeads!



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Apple Watch Series 3 review: A good watch, a so-so phone replacement

With each generation, the Apple Watch's purpose has seemed to shift. The first one demonstrated what Apple thought a wearable should be, and the second tried to be the perfect workout companion. When it came time to build the Series 3, though, Apple...

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Recommended Reading: Streaming is changing the sound of music

Uncovering How Streaming Is Changing the Sound of Pop Marc Hogan, Pitchfork You don't have to look far to find evidence of how streaming services have dramatically changed the way we listen to music. But it's not just the consumption that's been a...

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Your weekend comments thread is open for business

Reset and recuperate with friends both online and off.

Weekends are all about taking time to shake away the work-week brain dust. No matter your job, work can get stressful and everyone needs to find time to step away and remember how to enjoy themselves. That could mean something quiet and relaxing or extreme and adrenaline pumping, or anything in-between. And while you're winding down from it all here's the place where you can get together with friends and chat about anything.

I like to spend my downtime with either a fishing pole or a guitar in my hands, and it seems like everything is awesome while I'm doing either. My job is filled with cool stuff that I enjoy, but it still can be stressful so I value doing the other things I love whenever I get a chance. I imagine most of us feel the same way, even if you've not yet found the job you love.

More of that fun and possibly stressful work will be heading our way very soon, as we get our keyboards and minds lubricated to prepare for Google's October 4 hardware show. Andrew and Russell are headed to San Francisco, Daniel is going to get together with Google Canada and the rest of us will be typing furiously and watching the live stream. Nobody is sure exactly what Google's one big thing will be this go 'round, but we're sure they will drop a bomb about something while they show off the new Pixel 2 phones and other products. They always do.

It will be fun, and we'll be ready!

So what are you up to this weekend? Jump into the comments below and let's talk about it.



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Elgato's Cam Link turns your DSLR into a souped-up webcam

Most of the time, I buy cameras for specific purposes. My DSLR exists to capture vacation photos and product shots for Engadget reviews. When I go on hikes or long bike rides, I pull out a GoPro Hero4. For some reason, however, I just can't bring mys...

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Best Cases for Moto G5 Plus

What are the best cases available for the Moto G5 Plus?

Motorola's latest budget phone, the Moto G5 Plus, is quite the follow up to the Moto G4 Plus.

If you recently picked one up on sale, you should reinvest some of the money you save on a case to keep it in tip-top condition. We've rounded up a wide variety of cases here —from heavy duty rugged to slim and sleek — so you can find the one that fits your lifestyle best!

Ringke FUSION case

Ringke has a good reputation as a solid case manufacturer, and for good reason: its Fusion series always fits and protects well without adding too much bulk.

The Moto G5 Plus version, available in Clear, Rose Gold Crystal, or Smoke Black colors, is no exception. All versions leave a clear back while the two colored options merely accentuate the sides of the phone. The case covers the ports with little flaps, preventing water from getting inside, and the TPU covering is reinforced at the corners to ensure MIL-STD 810G drop protection.

See at Amazon

Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro with Built-in Screen Protector

Do you regularly head out into the great outdoors with your phone and need a case that's rugged enough to take on the elements? Supcase offers its Unicorn Beetle Pro case, which features rugged, dual-layer protection and a built-in screen protector.

It combines a rugged polycarbonate shell with soft TPU to create a durable case with a sporty design. Supcase brags that this case exceeded military shock standards by surviving a 4-foot drop test 26 times so if you're prone to dropping your phone this is the case for you. All the ports are covered to keep out dirt and lint with access to the phone's ports and buttons, and also comes with an optional swiveling belt clip holster. It's come in sleek all black, or premium color cases.

See at Amazon

Spigen Rugged Armor case

Spigen makes some of the best cases you can buy, with their Rugged Armor lineup offering a great balance between style and functionality without adding a ton of bulk to your phone.

This one-piece case is made from flexible TPU with an internal spider-web pattern to help disperse the shock from drops along with Spigen's Air Cushion technology in the corners. The screen is protected with a raised lip around the front, and on the back, you'll find a precise cutout around the camera along with glossy, carbon fiber textures at the top and bottom of the case which increases your ability to maintain a solid grip on your phone.

Precise cutouts around the ports and raised tactile buttons ensure the functionality of your phone is never impeded. For a great, lightweight case that offers rugged protection, you really can't go wrong with Spigen.

See at Amazon

Incipio NGP case

If you're looking for a lightweight rugged case, Incipio's NGP case is the right voice for you.

Featuring a textured back and bumper to ensure you maintain a solid grip, this one-piece polymer case is designed with enhanced drop protection — you'll notice the honeycombed interior which helps to disperse the shock when your phone inevitably hits a table or floor.

Precise cutouts mean you'll have full access to the charging port and headphone jack as well as the volume and power button on the side.

Choose between black and berry pink and keep your Moto G5 Plus protected!

See at Incipio

Tudia Ultra Slim case

Tudio's Ultra Slim case for the Moto G5 Plus is a very stylish option for protecting your phone. it features stylish carbon fiber designs at the top and the bottom of the backplate, which both looks great and helps with grip.

Made with high quality TPU, this sleek case won't add much bulk to your phone, while the raised edge around the screen help keep your phone protected when it's face down on a surface. It's available in three color options: black, grey and navy blue.

For a really stylish and slim option for protecting your Moto G5 Plus, the Tudia Ultra Slim case can't be beat!

See at Amazon

Cimo clear case

Cimo's cases always fit really well and their clarity is excellent. Made from flexible TPU, these cases have a great in-hand feel that's not slippery, so you won't be fumbling your Moto G5 Plus all the time.

There's a raised bezel around the front of the case to protect your phone's screen when you lay it face-down, and the ports and buttons are cut out precisely.

It's important to note that clear TPU will almost always yellow after some time due to the way it absorbs sunlight. But for around $8, you might as well grab a few.

Interested in checking out other clear case options? Check out the best clear cases for the Moto G5 Plus!

See at Amazon

Poetic Revolution

If rugged protection is the name of the game for you, you'll want to consider this Poetic Revolution case for the Moto G5 Plus. It offers full protection for your phone, including a front plate with a built-in screen protector that also adds water resistance to the mix.

This two-piece case combines polycarbonate and TPU on the back to provide a balance of shock absorption and scratch protection, while the front plate is made of solid PC and includes a screen protector to keep your screen protected better than any other case on this list.

There's a lot of smart design elements in play here, including grippy textures along the side edges of the phone, lint/dust flaps over the ports at the bottom, and 'edgy' corners that give the phone a fresh and unique look. Despite all the features and protection built into this case, the profile remains relatively slim so you're not carrying around a plastic brick in your pocket.

See at Amazon

LK Leather Wallet Flip case

If you're looking to keep your phone, ID, credit cards and cash all in one place when you're heading out for a night on the town, the LK wallet case is your best bet.

Available in both black and brown color options, this case features three card slots on the inside cover, including a windowed slot that's perfect for your ID, and also includes a pocket for carrying cash as well. Your phone is held in place via a soft TPU shell that offers quality protection in the spots you need it most: the corners. Fold over the front cover to use it as a kickstand for viewing, then use the magnetic clasp to keep your screen protected in your pocket.

Do note that some of the Moto G5 Plus' functionality may be impeded when the front cover is closes, including the twist and chop gestures for launching the camera and flashlight respectively. Those require the infrared sensor to work properly which is covered by the case when closed. It certainly shouldn't be a dealbreaker for most, but it's worth mentioning before you make the purchase.

See at Amazon

Which case will you pick?

We want to know which cases work best for you, so let us know in the comments below!

Update September 30, 2017: We've added the Ringke FUSION case because it's great and you should buy it.



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This $7 accessory will revolutionize the way you use your phone

Ease is a ring away.

We have all done it. You are laying in bed or on the couch scrolling through the latest news, social media or cat memes on your phone and then splat. You just dropped your phone on your face, and it hurt. Even worse, it fell from your face onto the floor and now your precious phone has a cracked screen. Now that your face and ego are bruised, you realize that something needs to be done to ensure this travesty never happens again.

Allow me to introduce you to the phone holder that will not only revolutionize the way you use your phone, but make you feel safe all the while! Amazon has the 2-pack Aukey Phone Ring Holder for $6.99 when you apply coupon code AUKEYHP3 during checkout. This is the lowest price ever by $3.

Simply attach the 3M adhesive firmly onto the back of your phone or phone case, and you are all set. Now you can take that selfie with confidence. Better yet, watch your favorite movie by using the 180-degree flip-over ring design, and 360-degree rotating base as a phone stand.

See at Amazon

More from Thrifter

For more great deals be sure to check out our friends at Thrifter now!



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Huawei Mediapad M3 vs. Mediapad M3 Lite: Which should you buy?

A battle between two fantastic Android tablets at different price points.

Huawei's Mediapad M3 and Mediapad M3 Lite are both extremely capable tablets that won't break your budget. How do you pick between two devices that look so similar, though? You let us break it down feature by feature to see M3 is more worth your hard earned money!

Specs comparison

Category Mediapad M3 Lite Mediapad M3
CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 435, octa-core Kirin 950, octa-core
Screen resolution 8-inch 1920x1200 pixels 8.4-inch 2560×1600 pixels
RAM 3GB 4GB
Memory 16GB 32 GB / 64 GB
Battery 4800 mAh 5100 mAh
Price $169 $299 / $330
Dimensions 4.8 x 8.4 x 0.30 in 4.8 x 8.5 x .28 in

Same name, different device

The Huawei Mediapad M3 and Mediapad M3 Lite are two vastly different tablets that share a name. They're both 8-inch portrait-oriented tablets (though the Mediapad M3 has a slightly bigger 8.4-inch screen).

It's the actual hardware that makes a serious difference between the Mediapad M3 and the Mediapad M3 Lite. The M3 is in possession of the much more powerful Kirin 950 octa-core processor compared to the M3 Lite's Snapdragon 435 processor. Likewise, the Mediapad M3 has a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, which surpasses the 1920 x 1200 resolution of the Mediapad M3 Lite by quite a margin.

The Mediapad M3 also has more storage and RAM than the equivalent models of the Mediapad M3 Lite. And the Mediapad M3 has a slightly larger 5100mAh battery compared to the 4800mAh cell in the M3 Lite.

Now while the Mediapad M3 does have far more power under the hood, it's also the much more expensive tablet at $299 versus the Mediapad M3 Lite's $169 asking price.

Intent matters

Due to the major differences in hardware between these two devices, it's a bit difficult to compare one directly against the other. Instead, what you need to consider it what you plan on using your Huawei Mediapad for.

If you need a device for distracting the kids during car rides, watching your favorite shows, and surfing Facebook, then the Mediapad M3 Lite is definitely the one to pick. It doesn't have the better specs overall, but it is more than capable of getting the job done.

In comparison, the Mediapad M3 is capable of doing far more than letting you catch up on binge watching. It's got a huge battery, a solid processor, making it great for everything from checking documents in Google Drive to conducting live chats with friends on Hangouts. With its fantastic screen and great speakers, the Mediapad M3 can really act as a replacement for your Laptop in most cases.

The Mediapad M3 is the better tablet!

By every possible marker, the Mediapad M3 comes out ahead of the Mediapad M3 Lite. This isn't surprising, as it is the higher end Mediapad from Huawei, but Huawei has gone above and beyond to pack it to the brim with fantastic features for you to take advantage of. While it is a bit pricey compared to the Mediapad M3 Lite, it's well worth it for the increase in screen quality, battery, processor, and speakers.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the Mediapad M3 shipped with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, and still hasn't been updated to Android 7.0 Nougat in most regions of the world. The Mediapad M3 Lite, though, shipped with Nougat since it is a newer product.

Essentially in every other metric that counts, the Mediapad M3 excels, delivering a device that really does go above and beyond.

See Mediapad M3 at Amazon See Mediapad M3 Lite at Amazon

Which is your favorite?

Both the Mediapad M3 and the Mediapad M3 Lite are very capable, but the Mediapad M3 pulls ahead by virtue of all of its features. Do you agree that the Mediapad M3 is the better device? Do you prefer the Mediapad M3 Lite? Let us know about it in the comments below!

Huawei Mediapad M3 review



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Get two powerful military-grade flashlights for $18

What do you do when the lights go out? Sure, you could use the light on your phone, but if you can't charge your phone, then you'll want to conserve power. Maybe you're out camping or hiking, night falls, and you don't even have your phone on you. Then what?

If you're going to do things, do them up right. Don't bother with some dollar store flashlight that you'll have to toss because the plastic's dried out. Get yourself a flashlight with a metal casing that can stand up to the rough life so that you can take it with you wherever you go: camping, hunting, in the car, whatever.

The UltraBright 500-lumen Tactical Military Flashlight is made of an aircraft aluminum alloy and has a range of about a mile in ideal conditions with adjustable zoom. Right now, a two-pack of these flashlights is only $17.99 at Android Central Digital Offers. They regularly retail for $100 together, so you save 82%.

The UltraBright flashlights feature three modes to fit every situation: bright, lower bright, and SOS mode. They come with a convenient storage case, so you can toss them in the trunk of your card and never lose them. The handy and sturdy clip lets you slap one on your belt and have it stay put until you need it. UltraBrights are light and only take one AA battery.

If you're looking for a handy little flashlight that's perfect in any situation, check out the UltraBright 500-lumen Tactical Military Flashlight two-pack at Android Central Digital Offers and pay only $17.99.

See at Android Central Digital Offers



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How Puerto Rico's power crisis ends

When Hurricane Maria crashed into Puerto Rico on September 20th, it found a vulnerable target. The island is facing an extreme financial crisis that's been building steam for decades; roughly 43 percent of its residents live in poverty. Its sole elec...

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The Morning After: Weekend Edition

Hey, good morning! You look fabulous. Welcome to the weekend. After Apple and Amazon, it's Google's turn to reveal some new hardware next week. We have all the information you'll need to prepare, plus some of the big stories from this past week like...

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Apple acquires AI tech that seeks to understand your photos

At WWDC this year, Apple announced that iOS11 would have a new and improved Photos app, thanks in part to machine learning and AI. Apparently some of the advancements in this technology could be due to the acquisition of Regaind, a French startup tha...

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Friday, September 29, 2017

Uber's ex-CEO surprisingly appoints two new board members

When Uber founder and CEO Travis Kalanick stepped down in June, he retained his ownership stake in the company and seat on its board of directors. That made things awkward throughout the company's search for a new CEO, and has initiated a lawsuit fro...

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ZTE may unveil a dual-screen folding phone in October

Weeks ago, sources told Venturebeat's Evan Blass that ZTE and AT&T had teamed up to release a dual-screen, unfoldable smartphone codenamed the Axon Multy. Today, Android Authority followed up with leaked screenshots of a similarly-designed phone,...

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Google rumored to replace 2-factor with 'Advanced Protection' keys

According to Bloomberg, Google is close to rolling out a hardware replacement for current 2-factor authentication setups. Right now, adding the need for a constantly changing code is one of the best ways to protect your account beyond just a password...

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Super-thin edible sensors can monitor food temperature

Biomaterials that are rigid in form but able to degrade safely are everywhere. You can find tech like this in medical implants, environmental sensors and wearable, disposable devices. What's harder to do, though, is to make sensors that you can diges...

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Disney merges its kid-friendly streaming options into a single app

Disney has combined four of its kid-friendly streaming apps into one all-encompassing one called DisneyNOW. It has everything that the separate Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior and Radio Disney apps had, but all of the content is now consolid...

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Walmart's Jet.com has its own grocery brand just for millennials

Walmart has been battling it out with Amazon for some time now and last year it purchased Jet.com to give it an online edge. At the time, Walmart said that the acquisition would bring "fresh ideas and expertise, as well as an attractive brand with pr...

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