Monday, July 31, 2017

Galaxy Note 8 render bridges the gap between Note 7 and S8

The Galaxy Note 8 shows up in a convincing render, and it looks like a squarer, taller Galaxy S8.

We are just over three weeks from the unveiling of the Galaxy Note 8. We know this because Samsung has itself admitted it.

And while we've already seen fairly convincing renders of the upcoming S Pen-enhanced flagship, Evan Blass of Twitter's @evleaks has most recently given us the best look at the phone yet.

Samsung Galaxy S8 next to the rumored Galaxy Note 8.

Here you can see the front of the phone in what looks like a press render, conveniently laid out next to the Galaxy S8. You can see the Note 8 is ever so much taller, and appropriately squarer for the brand. It bridges the gap between the Galaxy Note 7 and the Galaxy S8.


The Note 8 is also expected to share a similar spec sheet to the Galaxy S8, including the popular Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 8895 combination that has been so well received this year. But Samsung intends to give the Note 8 slightly more memory, with 6GB of RAM and a 128GB storage option. On the camera side, Samsung's first dual camera setup is expected to debut on the Note 8, with two 12MP sensors with lenses of different focal lengths and both optically stabilized.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8: What we know so far

What do you think of the Galaxy Note 8 so far? Let us know in the comments below!



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BLU phones no longer on sale from Amazon following renewed security worries

Another security scare has big consequences.

U.S.-based phone company BLU is back in hot water as Amazon has suspended sales of its phones citing concerns over the security of the software loaded on the phones. Amazon says the move is in response to a "potential security issue," though it's not immediately clear if it stems from the same security worry uncovered in apps pre-loaded on BLU phones late last year.

Most people probably don't have any specific brand affinity for BLU's phones, but it has made some of the cheapest Android devices available on Amazon, which has driven sales as it competes in the ultra-low-end segment. BLU has even partnered with Amazon for a "Prime Exclusive" device that was sold with lock screen ads at a steep discount — just $60. At the time of the previous security scare it was apparently determined BLU had things under control enough to keep the phones on sale — but now Amazon is pulling the plug 8 months later.

Amazon's provided the following statement to CNET:

Because security and privacy of our customers is of the utmost importance, all BLU phone models have been made unavailable for purchase on Amazon.com until the issue is resolved.

The interesting part about this whole thing is how long it took Amazon to put a halt on sales, particularly if this is indeed a continuation of the same issue from November last year. With Amazon's reputation on the line in that it's selling co-branded Prime Exclusive versions of BLU phones, it's surprising that it wouldn't have at least temporarily paused sales while this was ongoing. Now, Amazon is now directing customers to BLU for inquiries on their phones, and continuing to sell other Prime Exclusive phones from the likes of Motorola, Nokia and Alcatel.

It isn't likely that anyone will be too upset by not seeing a BLU phone available on Amazon alongside the many other Prime Exclusive devices, but for those who bought one throughout 2017 there are bigger questions as to how big this security hole is and how responsible BLU will be in addressing it.



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Dive into the world of Philips Hue with a refurb Starter Kit for $45

Our friends at Thrifter are back again, this time with the most affordable way to get into the Philips Hue ecosystem!

We've seen a lot of Philips Hue deals lately, and they've all been quite popular. The folks at Daily Steals are getting in on the fun now, and are offering a refurbished 2nd-gen Starter Kit (white) for just $44.99 when you use the coupon code THRFTRHUE5. This is a $5 discount from the everyday Daily Steals price, and makes it $10 less than buying one at eBay. Brand new versions of this Starter Kit are selling for $64.99 at Amazon currently.

This kit comes with the Philips Hue Bridge and two A19 White LED Bulbs.

  • Enhance your home with soft white lighting, controlled remotely wherever you are. Set timers and light schedules, automating your lights to make it seem like someone is home even when you are away.
  • With everything you need to get started, this easy-to-use kit comes with two A19 LED smart bulbs, able to fit standard table lamps and the Philips Hue Bridge that can control up to 50 lights.
  • Install the LED lights as you would install ordinary bulbs. They are pre-paired with the Hue Bridge, which allows you to control smart-bulb-equipped lamps and overhead lights via the Philips Hue App.
  • Easily expand your lighting system with accessories (sold separately), such as a Hue Dimmer Switch, Hue Tap, or Hue Motion Sensor. Pair it for automation with your existing Nest or SmartThings system.
  • With voice control for Alexa, Apple HomeKit, or Google Assistant, each kit includes two dimmable soft white A19 bulbs, a Hue Bridge, ethernet cable, power adapter, manual

If you're picking up the Starter Kit, you'll also want to grab yourself a discounted Hue Motion Sensor for its new low price of just $22. Daily Steals is offering a 90-day warranty on the refurbished kit, and also has a 30-day return policy.

See at Daily Steals

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Add a Philips Hue Motion Sensor to your setup for just $22 today

Our friends at Thrifter are back again, this time with a must-have Philips Hue accessory!

Update: Amazon currently has an $8.65 on-page coupon that you can clip, dropping the price of the motion sensor to just over $22.

Being able to control your Philips Hue lights from your phone, or via your voice, is awesome, but when you have stuff in your hands or want to be quiet, it's less than ideal. Luckily, there are other options available for controlling your lights, and one of the easiest is the Hue Motion Sensor. Amazon currently has it listed for just $31.98 which happens to be its lowest price yet. It normally sells for $40.

  • Light up a room simply by walking in and control the intensity by the time of day, such as a gentle, warm night light to help you navigate your home at night.
  • Battery powered, wireless, and installation free, this Hue Motion Sensor requires the Hue Bridge (sold separately) to work, connecting to your Hue system with control via the Philips Hue App.
  • Place it anywhere in your home including your hallway, bathroom, kitchen, and more. The integrated light sensor saves energy by detecting when rooms are vacant and automatically turning off lights.
  • Make it part of your Hue home lighting system with Hue accessories (sold separately) such as the Hue Tap or Hue Motion Sensor. Control by voice with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant.
  • Connect it with your Nest or Samsung SmartThings system. Each kit includes one Hue Motion Sensor with two AAA alkaline batteries, a magnet, screws, a manual, and a two-year warranty.

This is a great addition to any Philips Hue setup that you have. Be sure to grab one now, before the price jumps back up again!

See at Amazon

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A heatsink that works is a beautiful thing

Beat the heat in VR with this heatsink!

The fact that Daydream heats up your phone is no surprise, but the fact that you can mitigate this issue can be news to plenty of people. We took the time to test out a heat sink for Daydream and see whether it really did make a difference in our VR experience.

Read more at VRHeads



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Best Chromebook for Students

Best overall

ASUS Chromebook Flip (C100)

See at Amazon

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.

Why the ASUS Chromebook Flip is the best

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.

Best for younger students

Lenovo Flex 11

See at Lenovo

The Lenovo Flex 11 is the perfect Chromebook for a younger student. Far from the most attractive laptop you'll run across, the Flex 11 more than makes up for it by being built with rugged materials and designed to survive a 2.4-foot drop on a hard surface. Combined with its water-resistant keyboard, the Flex 11 can survive more of the rough-and-tumble treatment a youngster will dish out.

The Flex 11 has an industry standard MediaTek processor with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, so performance and usability are on par with most other models. Android app support is an additional plus, especially when paired with the many educational apps in Google Play.

Bottom line: If you are shopping for a younger student or anyone who is a little accident-prone, the Flex 11 will take a lot more abuse than most other models and has a modest price tag.

Best big screen

Acer Chromebook R13

See at Amazon

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.

Best high end

Samsung Chromebook Pro

See at Amazon

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.

Conclusion

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.

Best overall

ASUS Chromebook Flip (C100)

See at Amazon

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.

Update, July 2017: Our pick for best Chromebook for students remains the budget-friendly and portable Chromebook Flip, and we added the durable Lenovo Flex 11 as our pick for youngsters.



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Best Phone Accessories for Surviving a Music Festival

Let technology enhance your music festival experience with minimal distractions.

Summertime for me means hitting up as many music festivals as I can afford, soaking in the sun and enjoying live music. But the experience has evolved over time as smartphones and technology continue to change how we interact with the world around us. Smartphones have proven to be incredibly useful in a big festival setting, whether it's for tracking down your friends in a sea of people, planning out your day with the festival app or schedule, or recording and sharing your favorite moments on social media.

While a number of the major music festivals have already come and passed in 2017, there's still a festival or two running every weekend in my part of Canada until mid-September, not to mention Lollapalooza and other major fests still on the horizon. And it's never too early to start prepping for next year's fest. Let's dive in!

Battery Packs

The number one accessory you're going to want to consider is a battery pack. It's bad enough when your phone dies on an average day, but when you're in the middle of a huge crowd of people far away from a power source? Forget about it.

We'll look at different charging packs — smaller ones that are great to throw in a backpack or pocket for personal use, and bigger battery banks ideal for group camping at a weekend festival.

Personal charging solutions

The right battery pack is going to be vastly different depending on your needs. Maybe you want to maximize capacity, or you'll prioritize sleek design over anything else. If you're looking for something cheap that you won't be upset if it gets lost or damaged during the festival, check out our list of great portable battery packs under $25.

I've been personally testing the Ventev Powercell 3015c battery charger this summer, and I've really appreciated how slim and compact the design is. With a built-in USB-C charging cable I can charge it up, grab it and go. Featuring a lithium-ion battery with 3,000 mAh capacity, I've been able to regularly recharge a Samsung Galaxy S8 or Google Pixel from battery warning back up to around 75% in about an hour or so, which has been more than enough to get me through a day at a festival.

MrMobile has some thoughts on the subject, too. He's tried and tested over 30 different types of battery packs and says the best battery packs will combine safety, capacity, and charging speed. He offers a really good breakdown of what to look for when shopping for battery packs along with some great suggestions for brands and styles to consider.

You may also be interested in harnessing the power of the sun to charge your devices, an ideal solution at smaller festivals where power outlets might be in short supply. The Anker PowerPort Solar Lite topped our list of best solar chargers, but there are more compact options available as well.

Communal charging solutions

Planning to camp at a festival with a group of friends? Safe bet that you'll all be looking for a reliable charging source for your phone and other devices. That's where investing in a massive battery bank becomes a viable option because charging your tech in your tent sure beats wasting time hanging around the charging stations or outlets provided by the festival.

If you're going to go big, you might as well go BIG. Last summer, MrMobile took a look at the Anker PowerHouse

This year our crew used the Goal Zero Yeti 400, an absolute behemoth of a portable charging station that allows you to charge pretty much anything with 396 watt-hour, 33Ah capacity. You're able to charge up to seven devices at once, great if you're at a camping festival with a larger group of friends. There's an optional solar panel available, too, which we used and had no problems keeping everyone's phones topped up throughout the weekend.

Bluetooth Speaker

When the music is over and you're heading back to your hotel or campsite, it'll be up to you and your friends to keep the music going. Now, some camping festivals I've been to have banned Bluetooth speakers for obvious reasons — no one wants a campground filled with hundreds of competing amplified music sources — yet that hasn't stopped people from bringing them along anyways.

I totally get it, though. Bluetooth speakers are an incredibly convenient accessory to bring along on a camping trip, so why wouldn't you also bring one to a camping music festival? If that's your plan, check out our list for the best portable Bluetooth speaker.

I've been sweet on the Anker SoundCore 2 so far this summer, and while the beefier SoundCore Boost offers better bass and acoustics, you'll appreciate the longer battery life and more rugged design of the SoundCore 2 when you're camped out in a field.

360 camera

This is an aspirational accessory for myself, but as someone who tries not to get too annoyed by people who hold up their phones throughout a band's set to snap photos or record a favorite song (because I am occasionally that guy myself) I love the idea of holding up a Samsung Gear 360 and capturing an amazing moment with a photosphere that I can revisit later in VR. The future is here.

Samsung tops our list of best 360 cameras with its refined Gear 360 for 2017. It packs light and is slim enough to fit into a pants pocket and can snap a quick photosphere in an instant. But there are other options out there you may want to consider, including the Insta360 Air (available with USB-C or Micro-USB

If you're planning to shoot video, you're going to want to try and keep the camera as steady as possible. You can see the difference between steady shot 360 footage and handheld footage, so if it's feasible, pack a collapsable monopod or small tripod so you can record some steady footage. A monopod will be clutch to have if you're planning to get right into the thick of things in a crowd and record video.

Snapchat Spectacles

Snapchat Spectacles and music festivals go so well together they literally rhyme. But really, I can't think of a more natural fit for wearing these high-tech specs that allow you to record 10-second Snapchat videos at the press of a button. It keeps your phone safely in your pocket as you're able to record exactly what you're seeing to share with your Snapchat followers.

Check out our Snapchat Spectacles review

MrMobile is a fan of the Spectacles, and offers some great thing to consider before buying. One key point he brings up: these are going to attract a lot of attention. Expect to get a lot of people asking about your cool shades, especially in a crowded and hip music festival. Definitely a status symbol for an outgoing personality type — then again, you'd have to be pretty outgoing to wear these colorful sunglasses.

Oh, and that's the other great feature about these — they're actual sunglasses, too, which you're probably going to need at a music festival anyways!

See at Amazon

What's your must-have festival accessories?

Do you have any recommendations that didn't make our list? Let us know in the comments!



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PlayStation VR toubleshooting guide

Everything you need to know, just in case something goes wrong.

PlayStation VR is a great system that's introduced many people to VR, but even the best systems experience problems from time to time. From tracking issues to display issues to audio issues, here's how to fix pretty much any problem you experience with your PlayStation VR.

See more at VR Heads!



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Microsoft working on Windows Dev Center app for Android

Windows developers will soon be able to manage and monitor their apps on Android.

Microsoft is currently working on a dedicated Windows Dev Center app for Android. Spotted by Android Police (via MSPU), the app is currently available on the Google Play Store as an early alpha version marked with an (Unreleased) tag.

If you're a Windows developer, much of what you've come to expect from the Dev Center will be available here upon full release. Microsoft indicates you'll be able to dive into app performance data such as acquisition, revenue, and crash highlights. You can also investigate crashes and even respond to customer reviews. Here are the highlights:

  • Track app performance data: Use the dashboard to view acquisition, revenue, and crash highlights across all your apps. Then dig into specific app data to get a more detailed view, including customer demographics and OS version.
  • Investigate crashes: Use crash data to help identify and correct issues in your apps. View crashes over time by type, device, app version, and the exception type to help pinpoint issues in your code.
  • Respond to customer reviews: Check out the latest reviews and respond to your customers directly through the app.

While the app is available to download, it's designated as the first alpha version of the app, which means its in a very early state and likely quite unfinished. Still, if you want to check it out, you can find it on Google Play now.



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You can charge this 15000mAh power bank via Lightning, Micro-USB, or both

Our friends at Thrifter are back again, this time with a great deal on a discounted 15000mAh power bank!

If your family is mixed with iOS and Android users, this is the battery pack that you need. Right now you can grab iClever's 15000mAh portable battery for just $23.99 with coupon ICLEVER8 at Amazon. This is a discount of $11. So what makes this one stand out from the others?

Well, it features both a MicroUSB and Lightning input for charging the battery pack, which is super convenient, and you can even use them both at the same time to charge it up even faster. It also has 2 USB outputs, so you can charge up two devices at the same time while on the go.

  • An impressive 15000mAH of power means 6 full charges of your iPhone 6, and 3.5 full charges of your Galaxy S7. Now, that's powerful
  • Decked in a sleek matte black with a smooth touch finish, it's technology done in serious style
  • Two 5V 2A Micro USB charging ports and a dedicated lightning 5V 2A charging port means there's power to go around for the whole family. And if you need to recharge this portable charger fast, simply plug it into two power sources and it charges 50% faster. Talk about a win-win for everybody
  • Two 5V 2.4A USB AF Output supports two iPads at one go. And with Smart ID, this travel charger recognizes your devices and maximizes charging output. Apple devices also enjoy quick charge – so time to iPlug in
  • In case of emergencies, this handy dust-proof power bank doubles up as a nifty torchlight activated by a double press of the power button, and the built-in power indicator is in a soft blue that's easy on the eyes. Comes in a compact flannelette carry bag

Stop stressing over your battery life when you are out and about, and instead grab one of these to keep with you at all times. The first time you use it you'll be super thankful that you made the purchase.

See at Amazon

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Build your own remote controlled car with this $150 SunFounder Raspberry Pi robot kit!

Building your own robot is a very rewarding activity, but it's tough to just sit down and start soldering parts together. You need a kit that contains everything required!

Build a remote controlled car with a mounted webcam for just $150! Learn more

Right now, Android Central Digital Offers has a deal on a SunFounder Raspberry Pi robot kit. It contains everything you need to build a webcam-mounted, remote controlled robot car that you can drive from your phone. If you don't already have a Raspberry Pi, you can grab a cheaper kit for just $110. Need everything, including a new Raspberry Pi? You'll pay just $150. We'll also cover the shipping costs.

This kit includes three circuit boards, all cables needed, plus everything required to build the car from scratch. Don't forget about the USB webcam that transmits live pictures while you drive around. Python code is included to get the car up and running, and Dragit is also included for debugging and programming.

Practice Python and control your own car with this $150 kit! Learn more

Want to experience the pleasure of building your own remote controlled car? Ready to practice Python and Dragit? This kit has everything you need to complete this fun project, and you won't pay any shipping. Get started today!



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Deal: Get the unlocked Galaxy S8 for as low as $425 right now!

A fantastic deal on this year's best phone.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 continues to be one of the best phones you can buy this year, even at its regular retail price of $724.99.

The Galaxy S8 colors, including Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Arctic Silver, and the new Coral Blue.

Right now, though, Samsung is doing everything it can to change the minds of the unconvinced through an awesome promotion. Until August 4, users can get $150 off the regular price of the Galaxy S8 by doing absolutely nothing — just clicking on the link and buying it. That brings the price to a very-palatable $574.99, and well under most flagships today.

But if you decide to trade in a used phone on Samsung's list — an older Galaxy, iPhone, LG or Pixel (see the full list below) — you get another $150 off the Galaxy S8, bringing the total down to $424.99.

On its own, this would be a pretty killer deal, but combined with the newly-available Coral Blue Galaxy S8 — the popular color that debuted with the Note 7 and came to the Galaxy S7 and promptly sold out — it's basically unbelievable.

The deal applies to all carrier versions of the Galaxy S8, too, but the Coral Blue model is only available unlocked at the moment (though it'll soon be available through Verizon, Sprint and AT&T). The good news is that Samsung is making it easy to finance the unlocked model just like the carrier versions, so you'll only be paying $17.71 a month for it should you choose to go that route. The unlocked model also comes with a month of Samsung Premium Care, which is a great alternative to other insurance policies.

Remember, this deal is only available until August 4, so if you're looking to get the Galaxy S8 at its lowest price ever, stop staring at the screen and click below!

See at Samsung



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6 Amazon Echo accessories you never knew existed (but should definitely check out!)

Amazon's Echo line already is pretty good. But for just a few bucks more you can make your Echo even better.

So you've got an Amazon Echo ($179.99). Or maybe (or more likely) the less-expensive Echo Dot ($49.99). Or maybe even a newfangled Echo Show ($229.99). That's just the start of things. Turns out there's a burgeoning accessory ecosystem that's actually full of useful things that make your Echo just a little bit better.

And none of it breaks the bank.

Let's take a quick look at a few of the things you definitely should give a gander if you've got a new Echo.

Echo Dot Case

Let's face it — the Echo Dot ain't much of a looker. Fortunately, Amazon sells some clothes for this little guy. The fabric cases run $10, and the leather ones are about $20. While that's a good chunk of the price of the Echo Dot itself, it goes a long way to turning the plastic puck into something you don't mind folks seeing in your living room.

Do take care that you're getting the right one, though. If your Echo Dot only has two buttons, it's a first-generation Dot. The second-gen Dot sports four buttons.

See at Amazon

Portable Battery Case for original Echo

Why would you want this instead of an Amazon Tap, which is meant to be portable? Well, for one, you already own an Echo and don't want to spend another $100 and change. Another reason would be that I've just never been that crazy about the Amazon Tap, and I've owned one from the start.

So that's where this little guy comes in. This is an extra $50, but it's definitely less expensive than adding a Tap to your Echo arsenal. It's got a rubberized base that fits on the bottom of your OG Echo and promises up to 6 hours of playback time. It's done up in that same sort of plastic as the Echo itself and sort of makes the whole thing look like a rocket. It's got an on/off switch, low-battery LED and another for charging status.

This uses the Echo's power cable to charge, which is nice, so you won't have to have yet another USB cable clunking things up.

See at Amazon

Voice remote for Echo and Echo Dot

Let's say you only have a single Echo in your home, but you want to use it from anywhere. That's where this little $29 remote comes in. Stash it in your pocket and pull it out wherever you are to talk to Alexa — even if it's in another room.

It's also got dedicated buttons for music playback, which is nice.

See at Amazon

Screen protector for Echo Show

I'm not a huge fan of screen protectors, but I also won't begrudge anyone who is. If you want to protect your investment, $8 gets you this tempered screen protector for the Echo Show. I could definitely see using it in the kitchen, perhaps, because food spills and splatters do happen.

See at Amazon

Wall hanger for Echo Dot

Some folks want to stash their Echo Dot on the wall, out of the way. Some folks also like to do so with tape or Velcro. But of course, there's a better way.

This outlet hanger lets you stick the Dot (either generation) on the wall without drilling or needing extra wires. Not bad for about $14.

See at Amazon

VAUX cordless speaker for Echo Dot (Gen. 2)

The Echo Dot is great, but its speaker leaves a lot to be desired. This cordless speaker uses the Echo Dot's 3.5mm aux plug for audio, and Micro-USB for charging.

After that you've got something that looks and sounds a whole lot better than the Echo Dot on its own, is portable — and at $50 still comes in less expensive than the Amazon Tap.

See at Amazon



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YouTube launches Spotlight Canada channel to showcase up-and-coming talent

You can now subscribe to the best of Canadian YouTube.

YouTube has launched a channel to "shine a spotlight" on Canadian talent.

The channel, called Spotlight Canada, consolidates music, comedy, and esoterica, along with popular news and sports clips, in a single place, and will change monthly, according to a post on Google Canada's blog.

The list comes in the form of video playlists, celebrating Canada's 150th anniversary and some of its most popular celebrities, including The Tragically Hip's Gord Downie and former ISS astronaut, Chris Hadfield, along with up-and-coming artists like Mike Tompkins, who also happens to be Canada's first Creator on the Rise.

Finally, there's a great spotlight on indigenous Canadian musicians, including the award-winning (and, frankly, amazing) A Tribe Called Red.



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Top 5 things you need to know about switching carriers

Switching phone service doesn't have to be such a chore.

Changing your phone carrier can be stressful. Shopping around and seeing so many different choices and prices and crazy perks can leave anyone confused ready to throw in the towel.

But it doesn't have to be that way. If you remember a few tips before you get started you'll be able to weave your way through all the hyperbole and get what you need and what you want. If you're ready to move on to a new carrier, here are five things you need to know.

Coverage, coverage, coverage

Any time we talk about carriers and their service, coverage gets mentioned. That's because it is the single most important thing you need to consider before you sign or buy anything. There is no value in paying for service that doesn't work for you.

Start by looking at online coverage maps. These are never 100% accurate (the providers even acknowledge this) but can be a good starting point. If you're shown in an area of full coverage and not on the fringe of service, that's a good sign. Also, be sure to use the selection tools of the map to check both voice and data coverage, as well as high-speed LTE data coverage versus lower speed network coverage.

Don't stop there. Ask your friends what service they use and if they're happy with it. Making sure you'll have good coverage is worth all the legwork. If nothing else, check and see if the service you're considering has some sort of money-back guarentee and try it yourself.

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Will your phone work?

Unless you plan on buying a new phone, be sure to check that your phone works with the carrier you're considering. Some phones, like an iPhone or a Google Nexus or Pixel, will work on any U.S. carrier. Others, especially models that are a few years old, only work on specific networks.

If you're considering an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) you should see which of the Big Four (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon) networks they use. If your phone was built to use the same network the MVNO is using, you're probably good to go as long as it's SIM unlocked. If not, things can get a little complicated.

Here's a chart to help get you started.

Carrier Name Network type 3G/HSPA+ freqencies LTE freqencies LTE bands
AT&T UMTS/GSM/HSPA+/LTE 850, 1900 700 b/c, 1700 a/b/c/d/e, 1900 2, 4, 12, 17
Sprint CDMA/LTE 800, 1900 850, 1900 g, 2500 25, 26, 41
T-Mobile UMTS/GSM/HSPA+/LTE 1900, 1700/2100 (AWS) 700 a, 1700 d/e/f, 1900 2, 4, 12
Verizon CDMA/LTE 850, 1900 700 c, 1700 f, 1900 2, 4 13

You'll find the information about what frequencies and LTE bands your phone uses in the user manual, at the manufacturers website or other online resources. Keep in mind that some phones from different carriers may share a few frequencies or radio bands, that doesn't make them compatible. For example, a phone built for Verizon shares two LTE bands with AT&T's network. That doesn't mean it will work, even if an advanced user can fiddle with settings to get it to partially work in some places.

If you're not an enthusiast who knows or cares about frequencies and radio bands, don't worry. There's a great online resource that can give you the answers you need. Just enter the model of your phone and the carrier you are thinking of using and you'll find out if your phone works.

Will My Phone Work?

One last option is to just call the carrier and ask if your phone will work. You might be put on hold for a few minutes, but they can figure it out for you.

SIM unlocking

Your phone will probably need to be SIM unlocked to use it on a carrier it wasn't designed for. This is different from Jailbreaking or rooting, and is simply lifting the restriction some carriers put in place to keep you from using the phone on another network.

Many phones, like the Google Pixel or some iPhone models, are sold unlocked and designed to use on any GSM network (see the table above) and even Sprint or Verizon in a few cases. These phones are advertised as unlocked when you buy them.

Phones sold by Sprint and Verizon might also be SIM unlocked, especially if they're relatively new. Things can get a little complicated here, too, because even though they are unlocked they may have carrier restrictions in place so they won't work on other U.S. carriers. It's also a safe bet to say a phone designed to use on Sprint won't work on a carrier that uses Verizon's network and vice versa.

The good news is that it's simple to get a phone SIM unlocked. If your account is in good standing and the phone is paid in full, the carrier will unlock it. Give them a call and they will give you a code. Put in your new SIM card and you'll be able to enter the code when prompted.

If you bought the phone second hand or no longer have an active account with the carrier it was built for, you can turn to a third party. The process is the same, so all you need to do is find a reputable company and contact them. Most companies who provide this service are trustworthy, but take a few minutes to search their name on Google to read user reviews and make sure you're comfortable before you pay $20 or so for an unlock code.

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What plan should you buy?

There are a lot of different service plans available to fit most every user. You can buy service that is voice and text only, or go big and buy a plan with unlimited everything. The important thing is to get the plan that works best for both your usage and your wallet. That means you need to know how much data you need.

If you need unlimited data, you know it already. You want to stream video and music and browse the internet on your phone because it's a great tool to do those things, and Wi-Fi isn't the best option. All the Big Four carriers offer unlimited plans so you'll be able to find one on the network that works best for you. We've gone into each plan in-depth, and it's a great place to start.

Which unlimited plan should you buy: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile or Verizon?

Most people don't need an unlimited plan. When you're shopping for plans that offer a fixed amount of data each month, you have a lot of choices. With a little homework, you can get a service plan that works great and saves you money.

You'll need to know how much data you use each month. Android has plenty of tools to help, and you can get the information you need from your current carrier, too. We have you covered and you can see all the ways to monitor and save data in one place.

These are all the ways you can save data and monitor your data usage

When you have a good handle on how much you need, you can be a wise shopper and get exactly what you need.

Your number goes with you

Once you've settled on what type of service you're going to buy and who you're going to buy it from, there's one last thing to remember: you can take your phone number with you no matter which company you get service from.

Don't let a company tell you that you can't keep your number. By law, you can.

This is called porting your number, and in most every case (some numbers created by VOIP services can't be ported) it belongs to you. And keeping it to use with your new service is easy.

Every company does things a little differently, but you'll need to know your phone number, your account number from your current carrier, and any PIN or password you use to access it. Your new carrier will ask for this information (yes, giving anyone a PIN or password is scary, but thats how it works) and they will handle the rest.

While your number is being ported you won't be able to use it. Generally, this will be done the same day but sometimes it can take longer. Your new carrier will be able to advise you and let you know how the number port is going if it takes longer than a few hours.

When the number porting is done, your new service will use the same phone number you and everyone else is used to. This makes it easier to switch for everyone. The number is assigned to your phone or new SIM card, but it's still yours and you can move it to another carrier anytime you like. Of course, you can always just get a new number if you like.

One last thing here: your voicemail and texts won't transfer with your number. If you are using the same phone things switch with no issues, but if you're changing phones, too, you'll need to back up anything important from your messages.


Switching carriers can be painless. Armed with this information you'll be able to breeze through the process and get the service you want at the best price.



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