Heathrow is apparently a magnet for drone pilots fond of flying their devices near planes. According to the latest report from the UK Airprox Board, three planes narrowly missed drones roaming the skies near the airport last year. They're separate in...
Blizzard had a formative role shaping the strategy and MOBA titles that dominate eSports today. But the studio didn't really dive into competitive events until it started devoting floorspace to its own tournaments at BlizzCon 2009. Now the gaming tit...
Now that Congress has passed a rule rolling back FCC regulations that would explicitly prevent internet service providers from selling data like your browsing history, three of the biggest ones are trying to reassure customers. AT&T, Verizon (whi...
Yesterday, Google said that an unspecified bug was delaying the Android Wear 2.0 rollout yet again. It looks like the delay hasn't been too severe though. The company says that Wear 2.0 is now available for five more watches: the Polar M600, Nixon Mi...
The paradigm for toys-to-life games is well established: one part kid-friendly video game, one part expensive, collectible figurines -- and a tethered NFC "portal" that ties them both together. When Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure introduced this model...Nest Cams are incredibly convenient, but having a permanent connection to the Internet can also be a security risk.
Update, March 31: Nest has rolled out a silent update to fix the bug, and claims no one was ever affected. In a statement, the company says that "all Nest camera customers now have the updated software. To our knowledge, no customer's camera was ever affected by this issue and customer video remained safe. This isn't the first time we've updated our security measures, and it won't be the last, as we continue to look for ways to improve our products, such as the introduction of two-factor authentication last month."
Nest, the Alphabet company that scooped up to take over its smart home ambitions, has a problem. Its Nest Cam line, which includes the (admittedly excellent) Outdoor model, has a dangerous bug that allows a would-be thief or hacker (or hacker thief) to send a signal over Bluetooth to force the camera into a reboot, disabling the unit for up to 90 seconds.
The vulnerability was discovered last October and reported to Nest in October by Florida-based security expert, Jason Doyle, but the cries went ignored, so he felt he had no choice but to make them public in hopes of pushing Nest to do something about it.
There are three issues, all to do with problems in the camera's always-on Bluetooth connection, which end up forcing the unit to either reset or seek out a non-existent Wi-Fi network. All three issues have the same effect: they take down the Nest Cam entirely. Of course, said hacker would need to be within Bluetooth LE range for the connection to be made — some 60 feet in good conditions, but more likely 30 feet — but now that the exploits are out, such antics could become more common.
For its part, Nest has released a statement claiming that it would be sending a patch to all Nest Cam and Dropcam models "in the coming days," after discovering and patching the issue internally. Good news for active Nest Cam users, but let's hope Dropcam has a method of forcing such an update to customers that wouldn't otherwise be aware of the problem.
PC gamers and video professionals alike (among many others) live and die on fast performance. For the speed demons out there, we have some good news. JEDEC, the organization that sets standards for the microelectronics industry, says it's currently...
When it comes to piracy, institutions typically go after individual offenders and platforms, especially illicit ones. But Germany's highest court just ruled that children aren't just on the hook for illegally downloading music or movies -- their pare...
Now that your ISP will soon be able to sell your browsing history to advertisers, it's good to know which companies have your back, privacy-wise. Around the web, the recent switch to HTTPS encryption has been a step in the right direction, but adult...Seriously — it's a bummer that something like this doesn't actually exist!
Happy April Fool's day! Even if you're not into it, at least there are some entertaining videos coming out of it. This one is from Google and it introduces a product called Google Gnome.
I don't understand why this Google Gnome isn't a real thing I can pay money for. I would love to be able to automate my backyard. We have a garden. We grow our own vegetables! I'd love to be able to ask Google Gnome how my potatoes are doing.
I'm not laughing because I'm devastated that this isn't real.
Our friends at Thrifter are back again, this time with a way to grab Dash Buttons for just $1!
Amazon's Dash Buttons are an extremely easy way to reorder the supplies that you use the most in your house, and right now Amazon Prime members can grab them for $0.99 with the coupon code DASHBDAY. Normally the buttons cost $4.99 each, and then you receive a $4.99 credit after using it for the first time, but right now you can pick up a discounted one and still get the same credit. That means that you'll effectively make $4 on each button that you buy and use (limit of 3), so be sure to check them all out.
If you aren't already a member of Amazon's Prime service, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial to take advantage of this offer and others. Some of the discounted Dash Buttons include:
This sale is in celebration of the Dash Button's second birthday, so be sure to celebrate with Amazon and pick up these discounted buttons. If you want to get really crazy with it, you can even reprogram the Dash Buttons to do other tasks, so be sure to check that out as well.
For more great deals be sure to check out our friends at Thrifter now!
You'll probably have to get used to the idea of Twitch streaming a bunch of Amazon Prime Video shows. Starting at 4PM Eastern on April 5th, three of Prime Video's spring pilots will air on repeat for 24 hours on the Twitch Presents page, which just f...
Just when we learned the importance of HTTPS in address bars, spammers and malicious hackers have figured out how to game the system. Let's Encrypt is an automated service that lets people turn their old unencrypted URLs into safely encrypted HTTPS...
Snapchat is in a tough spot right now and we're not just talking about all of those insensitive filters. Users love Stories, but because of that, everybody from Medium to Bumble to Facebook is adding its own version of the feature to its platforms. A...Just go ahead and install all of them. You know, for fun.
Google's first Daydream headset is finally shipping to people who purchased the first Daydream phone, and are quickly finding it's not easy to locate the whole list of Daydream apps from the Play Store. While we've been having a lot of fun showing you the best free Daydream apps and the Daydream games everyone should have installed, the act of browsing for apps and then waiting for them to install while in VR isn't a good time.
To make it a little easier, we've tracked down the first wave of Google Daydream apps that are available to install now, so you can load up your Pixel with VR goodness and see what this new experience is all about.
The Federal Trade Commission is going back to an old well, and possibly will actually exercise some of its authority. We're talking about the FTC's stance on sponsored editorial posts that aren't clearly labeled as such. "The FTC will soon begin hold...
Netflix is making its animated feature film debut with the grandly titled America: The Motion Picture. According to Deadline, the original movie is an R-rated, comedic take on the founding of our country. The production team is stellar and will be le...Update, March 2017: Our new pick for best Chromebook for students remains the budget-friendly and portable Chromebook Flip, but Samsung's Chromebook Pro is now the pick for anyone who wants the very best.
If you are a student in the market for a Chromebook or if you're buying for someone who is, the ASUS Chromebook Flip is our top pick. While not the most powerful available, it still has plenty enough where it counts so it can do everything a student or graduate needs in the perfect form factor for someone on the go.
We've seen several new Chromebooks and expect more to arrive, but the value and small size mean the Chromebook Flip is still our top pick.
The bottom line: Small and portable, the Chromebook Flip is great for a busy student. The excellent app support means you'll be able to use it to get things done and be able to play games or watch a video during the downtime.
The 10.1-inch ASUS Chromebook Flip convertible — the screen folds back to provide a tablet experience — has a 1280x800 touch screen, great battery life, and can run apps from the Chrome Web Store and Google Play. Whether it's Google Docs, Wikipedia or Facebook, the Chromebook Flip will serve you or the student in your life well. The best part is that you'll find one under $300.
The MediaTek processor and 2GB or 4GB of onboard RAM (we recommend the 4GB version) do a fine job of surfing the web, watching full-screen videos, or playing some of your favorite Android games from Google Play. Of course, Google Docs and Microsoft's Office apps for Chrome or Android also run very well so the schoolwork can get done, too. The small size and long battery life mean you'll be able to take it with you from class to class or to a coffee shop for lunch or quiet time.
The budget-friendly and super-portable Chromebook Flip just ticks all the boxes for anyone in school.
The Chromebook R13 offers a lot for its higher-than-average price. It has a solid metal build and nice-looking screen, with a solid (but quite standard) keyboard and trackpad. It isn't particularly light, but much of that is because of its large battery. The only real concern here is performance and configuration options, as you're getting a MediaTek ARM processor and can only choose to get 16, 32 or 64GB of storage — there's no choice to get a higher-end processor or more RAM.
The addition of Android apps and a full touchscreen just add to the list of reasons why this is the right Chromebook for any student who needs something bigger.
Bottom line: If you're happy with the base configuration and don't need something that's hyper-portable, this is going to be a great choice for a student who wants something a little larger than the ASUS Chromebook Flip.
Samsung and Google have built the best Chromebook you can buy with the Samsung Chromebook Pro. It's incredibly well built, has one of the best displays of any laptop and has the horsepower to handle anything you throw at it. And handle it well. That makes it perfect for the student who needs the very best.
The bottom line: For anyone who wants to use a Chromebook on a regular basis, and values getting extra performance and hardware quality at an added price, Samsung has made the Chromebook for you.
One more thing: There's also a Samsung Chromebook Plus, built with a slightly slower ARM processor and available for a bit less money.
A Chromebook is a great — and familiar — experience for anybody in school. The ASUS Chromebook Flip seems like it was specially built for a busy student, but there are also great options with a bigger screen or the ultimate high-end experience. We think these three are your top picks for 2017.
If you are a student in the market for a Chromebook or if you're buying for someone who is, the ASUS Chromebook Flip is our top pick. While not the most powerful available, it still has plenty enough where it counts so it can do everything a student or graduate needs in the perfect form factor for someone on the go.
The bottom line: Small and portable, the Chromebook Flip is great for a busy student. The excellent app support means you'll be able to use it to get things done and be able to play games or watch a video during the downtime.
Japan's unique Final Fantasy XIV-based drama is making its way to the rest of the world thanks to Netflix. Daddy of Light isn't really an adaptation of the hit MMO -- it's a live-action show that focuses on a father and son who play the game together...One way or another, Daydream will work on the Galaxy S8.
If you try to install Google Daydream on the Galaxy S8, a phone that exceeds the requirements for Google's VR platform in every conceivable way, you'll be met with an error message stating a compatible version is missing and will not be able to install Daydream.
The bad news — a compatible version of Google Daydream doesn't exist for the Galaxy S8.
The good news — that isn't going to be true forever, no matter what Samsung and Google say.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a near-perfect game, but its performance on the Nintendo Switch is far less so. While it plays smoothly in handheld mode, it's not unusual to see lower frame rates when you dock the console. Mostly, that's b...How do I extend battery life on my Google Pixel?
Google's Pixel XL offers impressive battery life for a phone of its size, but determined users can definitely drain it over the course of a hectic day. The smaller 5-inch Pixel with its 2770 mAh battery doesn't always offer the same longevity, giving you less wiggle room if you have heavier-than-usual use or forget to charge overnight.
Though both should be able to make it through an average day for most people, if you're finding your Pixel's battery coming up short sometimes, you'll want to follow a few of these handy tips to make the most of what you have.
The Pixel really uses its systemwide battery-saving function called Doze, which puts the system and apps into a low-power state to help save battery when the phone isn't in use. A vast majority of the time the system can handle all sorts of apps and manage them so you still get notifications even while other apps are "sleeping," but in some cases a poorly coded app can keep the system awake when it's not supposed to, draining your battery in the process.
Doze does a great job, but you can always check on individual apps.
To find if there are any apps causing issues, head into your Settings, tap on Battery and look at the list of apps under "Use since last charge." You'll see most of the usual suspects like the screen, Android OS and Bluetooth or Voice calls, but if you see a seldom-used app taking up more than a couple percent of your battery drain, you should investigate to see if it's doing things it shouldn't be.
The "Battery optimization" feature in Android is a tad bit complicated, and in most cases will simply work as intended without your management, but if you're having battery life troubles it's worth checking out. Battery optimization builds on the battery-saving features of Doze to identify how and when you use apps to put forcibly them to sleep when they shouldn't be awake draining your battery. Go into Settings, tap on Battery and then tap the Menu button and tap Battery optimization to get started with this.
The system does a great job on its own, but you can still check in on it.
By default, the system has been analyzing how you use your phone since the minute you started installing apps, optimizing usage on the apps to get the most battery out of the phone while keeping your most-used apps available when you need them. In the main screen of the Battery optimization settings you'll see the "Not optimized" list, which you can see will include some apps that can't be optimized, along with some stragglers that may not be optimized yet.
If you see an app that you want to be optimized, tap it and switch to "Optimize." If you want to switch to a full apps list, tap the top bar and you'll see the option to view "All apps." Here you can tap on individual apps and switch them to "Don't optimize" if you wish to let the app have free reign to run as it pleases. You may choose to do this for critically important apps like those for travel or banking — just know that most of the time, the system will handle these functions exactly as you want, with the added benefit of optimizing them for battery savings.
Though it isn't nearly as comprehensive as similar features on other phones, the Pixel includes a Battery saver mode that can help extend your battery life with the flip of a switch. With Battery saver turned on, your phone will have reduced performance, limited vibration, limited location services and reduced background data. Together the limitations don't have a huge effect on the usability of the phone, but they do save precious battery drain.
Battery saver can add a couple hours of life in a pinch.
Pull down the notification shade, tap on your battery icon and you'll see a "Battery saver" toggle you can turn on and off as you please when you know you need a bit more longevity. If you prefer, you can also have it come on automatically at 15 or 5% battery, which is what most people will be more comfortable with. Battery saver automatically turns off when you start charging your Pixel.
Battery saver isn't something you'll want to leave on all the time, but in a pinch it can help you get through the end of the day or a tough time away from the charger — it's just another tool to make the most of the Pixel's battery.
Of course you can mitigate the issues from the prior situations by simply uninstalling apps that you're not using that often (or at all). When you have a little free time, sit down and open up your app drawer — check out your apps and see which ones you've honestly opened in the past couple weeks. Chances are you're going to find more than a few you haven't even touched since you got your Pixel.
Going forward, when you're setting up a new phone a good rule to follow is to just install the basic apps you need from the start, and only install additional apps when you find you need them. After using several different phones we often fall into the trap of installing dozens of apps we think we'll need, but in reality never touch — and in the end we have to end up uninstalling them later.
Yes, we know, a portable battery pack doesn't fix the root problem of bad battery life on a phone, but it does fix the issue of a low battery. If you can't manage making it through a heavy day without needing a charge, and can't spend time plugged in at any point, you'll want to invest in a mobile battery pack.
There are plenty out there that will charge up your Pixel super quickly, and top up your friends' phones as well, like the Anker PowerCore 10,000 mAh battery, or this 20,100 mAh battery from Jackery that has USB-C. For a relatively inexpensive purchase, these batteries can be a great backup solution when you can't spend time at a power outlet.
How have you been finding battery life on the Pixel and Pixel XL? Did any of these tips help extend its life? Let us know in the comments!
Don't panic, but the KEYone isn't shipping in April.
At the launch of the BlackBerry KEYone, we were all told to expect hardware to ship early April. During the BlackBerry Earnings call, right around 29 minutes based on the CrackBerry recap, John Chen had some other thoughts on when the KEYone would be shipping.
The second one, that TCL announced at Mobile World Congress which is the physical keyboard on an Android, that one is not going to be slated to ship until probably the May timeframe.
BlackBerry Mobile never gave a firm date for the launch of the KEYone, but it sounds like the launch timeframe is shifting by roughly a month. This puts the launch of this phone dangerously close to the April 21 launch of the Galaxy S8. On the other hand, the BlackBerry KEYone is going to continue offering something entirely unique in the smartphone world right now, so maybe launching in May won't be a big deal. What do you think?
It's Mint SIM vs. Project Fi in this head-to-head comparison.
Mint SIM and Project Fi are "alternative carriers" or mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). They're not the Big Four (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile), but they lease coverage from those networks and resell it to you for less. Plans are often prepaid and fixed contracts are few and far between.
Let's compare Mint SIM and Project Fi to see how they stack up against one another.
Who owns it? Ultra Mobile
Which network does it use? T-Mobile 4G LTE
How long has it been around? Since 2016
Tethering allowed? No.
Cheapest plan: $35 for 1 month: 2GB 4G LTE, unlimited nationwide talk, text, and 2G data
Who owns it? Google
Which network does it use? Sprint CDMA and LTE, T-Mobile 4G LTE, U.S. Cellular CDMA and LTE
How long has it been around? Since 2015
Tethering allowed? Yes
Cheapest plan: $20/month: Unlimited nationwide talk and text, unlimited international text
Mint SIM doesn't operate with traditional contracts. You pay upfront for your term, which can be 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months, with "buying in bulk" saving you more money in the long run. All plans include unlimited nationwide talk, text, and data, though you only get so much 4G LTE per month. Unlimited international texting is included in all plans.
| Duration | Small (2GB LTE) | Medium (5GB LTE) | Large (10GB LTE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 month | $35 | $50 | $60 |
| 3 months | $23/month ($69 upfront) | $33/month ($99 upfront) | $39.67/month ($119 upfront) |
| 6 months | $19.83/month ($119 upfront) | $28.17/month ($169 upfront) | $34.83/month ($209 upfront) |
| 12 months | $16.58/month ($199 upfront) | $24.92/month ($299 upfront) | $33.25/month ($399 upfront) |
As far as add-ons are concerned, Mint SIM's selection is very slim:
Extra data:
International credit:
Mint SIM's plans contain no international calling, though unlimited international texting is included. You can add international calling credit to your account in $5, $10, or $20 increments.
You can see a list of international rates here.
Project Fi offers two types of plans: family and single line. What you get with each plan is the same, but you'll save money on each additional family plan line (up to 5 lines).
| Single line | 1GB LTE |
|---|---|
| Price | $20/month | $10/month |
| Extras | Unlimited international texting | Call and text from any Android or iPhone |
| Family plan | 1GB LTE |
|---|---|
| Primary line price | $20/month | $10/month |
| Primary line with Auto Re-Boost | $30/month | No discount |
| Secondary lines (up to 5) | $15/month | $10/month |
| Extras | Unlimited international texting | Call and text from any Android or iPhone |
Note: Google calls the base Project Fi plan "The Basics." No data is included and must be purchased at the rate of $10/GB. Data is not shared between lines on a family plan. Each line pays the same $10 per GB of data (domestic and international in 135 countries) with the cost of any unused data refunded at the end of each month
Data-only SIM:
Google offers a data-only SIM card to use in any compatible LTE device, It shares data with the primary line at the same $10/GB rate.
Data pricing:
Phone Insurance:
$5 per month per device covers accidental damages and device malfunctions. You can make one in a 12-month period. Deductibles are $79 for Pixel, $99 for Pixel XL, $69 for Nexus 5X, $99 for Nexus 6P. When you make a claim Google will ship out a replacement device the next business day.
International add-ons:
International cellular calls cost $0.20 per minute.
Google Wi-Fi services:
Your Project Fi phone service includes Wi-Fi calling and texting anywhere in the world. In addition, Google VPN services are available and allow you to connect to open Wi-Fi hotspots safely and securely.
Project Fi and Google Hangouts apps:
The Project Fi app is tied to your Google account and can be installed on any Android or iPhone. You can pay your bill, check account balances and talk to customer service through the app at no cost. The Google Hangouts app allows calls and texts using your Project Fi number on any Android or iPhone.
Project Fi only supports phones from Google. That means your selection is currently limited to:
A data-only SIM is available and can be used in any compatible LTE device.
If you need more than 2GB of data per month Mint SIM is the better bargain. Google's Project Fi refunds you for any unused data every month, but the $10/GB baseline means it will be more expensive for folks who use more data. From a purely price-conscious point of view, Mint SIM's plans are excellent. And, you can bring just about any unlocked GSM phone over to the network.
That being said, if you only need 2GB of data per month Project Fi's options and services can be compelling. Google is a bit more forward thinking than most other carriers and services like the free VPN and free international texting from any Android or iPhone can't be ignored. Nor can the excellent coverage map Project Fi offers through the combined network of T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular and Wi-Fi services that can cut your data usage down considerably.
The final thing to consider is phone choice. Your new Samsung Galaxy S8 or iPhone isn't supported on Project Fi, which only supports phones from Google.
Both carriers are a great way to break free of the shackles of the Big Four carriers, but your usage will determine which is best for you.
In a bid to take advantage of India's growing developer community, Apple opened the doors to an App Accelerator in Bangalore today. True to its name, it'll serve as a place to speed up app development with weekly training, guidance and one-on-one app...
The day before April Fools isn't the best time to make big announcements, but that's not stopping Twitter from dropping some big news. The social network revealed its new default profile picture today, an icon that looks more like a real person and g...The Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ are here! These new phones are feature packed and make a perfect upgrade if you're interested in pairing a new phone with the Gear VR and Controller. In fact, they're such a great combo that Samsung has partnered with carries and retailers to give away a free Gear VR with Controller bundle when you preorder the Galaxy S8, which is pretty awesome.
But we thought we'd go one step further and give you all a chance to win not only the Gear VR and Controller, but your choice of Galaxy S8 or S8+ to go with it! Keep reading for all the details and to get entered!
By Amadou Diallo This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a buyer's guide to the best technology. When readers choose to buy The Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work...Say what you will about Samsung's software — and I can say plenty — it's a very distinctive look.
The Samsung Galaxy S8 is here, and with it comes another update of Samsung's software UI. This year, we're seeing more of an overhaul than the usual spit-and-polish Samsung gives its flagship's UI, from the nifty new animated wallpapers to the wireframe nav buttons and system icons to a new color scheme that ditches that long-stale blue from previous versions.
Even if you pre-ordered a Galaxy S8, it's not showing up for three weeks, meaning you've got a while to wait. While you're waiting, why not get some of that modern sleekness on your own phone with our very own Samsung-inspired theme?
Now, we can't get the Samsung launcher on non-Samsung phones the way that we can get the BlackBerry Launcher or the ZenUI Launcher from ASUS, but that doesn't mean we can't get what we desire from other, more customization-friendly launchers. There are a few things we're looking for here.
The other launcher requirement we have is that it supports third-party icon packs so we get some lover squircles on our home screens.
No one icon pack quite gets down the S8's blend of squircles and wireframe icons, so I am going to offer you a few options and let you decide which one is the most Samsung-like in your eyes.
The Samsung Galaxy S8 now boasts some awesome animated wallpapers that take on different angles and layers between the various stages of waking and unlocking your phones. While there are a lot of cool, fun, and even functional live wallpapers in Google Play, that kind of co-ordination and wallpaper wizardry can only be done by the manufacturer itself.
That said, this doesn't mean we can't get some of that magic on our home screen with some Samsung-esque wallpapers.
I present new wallpapers weekly to our readers so that you can replace that boring, old, basic wallpaper with something that speaks to you and shows your style.
But if you are dead set on having that Samsung sparkle on your phone, there are a few things you can do:
There's a new version of Samsung's Over the Horizon ringtone out with the Galaxy S8. As in previous years, Samsung has partnered with a top-notch artist to redo the ditty, and this year it's Jacob Collier, who has done just a bang-up job with the tone.
Stock ringtones tend to get confusing in the office if everyone's using them, so you might want to grab the new ringtone now and switch to it before any of your friends get their S8s in a few weeks. Make it yours.
