This new emoji has been years in the making

When Jennifer Daniel, Google’s creative director for emoji, first joined the Unicode Technical Committee, she wondered, what’s the deal with the handshake emoji? Why isn’t there skin tone support? “There was a desire to make it happen, and it was possible to make it happen, but the group appeared to be stuck on how to make it happen,” Jennifer says. So in 2019, she submitted the paperwork for Unicode to consider the addition of the multi-skin toned handshake.The proposal detailed how to create 25 possible combinations of different skin tones shaking hands. But encoding it all would be time-consuming; creating a new emoji can take up to two years, Jennifer explains. And while a regular, one-tone handshake emoji already existed, this particular addition would require making two new emoji hands (a right hand in all the various skin tone shades and a left in the various skin tone shades) in order to, as Jennifer explains, “make the ‘old’ handshake new again.”  Every Unicode character has to be encoded; it’s like a language, with a set of rules that are communicated from a keyboard to a computer so that what you see on your screen looks the way it’s supposed to. This is called binary — or all the ones and zeros behind the scenes that make up everything you see on the internet.  Every letter you are reading on this screen is assigned a code point. The Letter A? It’s Unicode code point U+0041, Jennifer says. When you send a word with the letter “A” to someone else, this code is what ensures they will see it. “So when we want to send a 🤦,  which maps to U+1f926, that code point must be understood on the other end regardless of what device the recipient is using,” she says. This means when one emoji can come in different forms — like with gender or skin tone options — the coding gets more complex. “If emoji are letters, think of it this way: How many accent marks can you add to a letter? Adding more detail, like skin tone, gender or other customization options like color, to emoji gets more complicated.” Adding skin tone to the handshake emoji meant someone had to propose a solution that operated within the strict limitations of how characters are encoded. That someone was Jennifer. “I build on the shoulders of giants,” she quickly explains. “The subcommittee is made up of volunteers, all of whom are generous with their expertise and time.” First, Jennifer looked at existing emoji to see if there were any that could be combined to generate all 25 skin tone combinations. “When it appeared that none would be suitable — for instance, 🤜 🤛 are great but also a very different greeting — we had to identify new additions That’s when we landed on adding a leftwards hand and a rightwards hand.” Once these two designs and proposals were approved and code points assigned, the team could then propose a multi-skin toned handshake that built on the newly created code for each hand. Aside from the actual coding, COVID-19 added new hurdles. Jennifer had proposed the emoji in November 2019 with the expectation it would land on devices in 2021, but because of COVID-19, all Unicode deployments were delayed six months.  Fortunately, the multi-skin toned handshake emoji should appear in the next release, Emoji 14.0, meaning you should see it appear in 2022. For Jennifer, it’s exciting to see it finally come to fruition. “These kinds of explorations are really important because the Unicode Consortium and Google really care about bringing inclusion into the Unicode Standard,” she says. “It’s easy to identify ‘quick solutions’ but I try to stop and ask what does equitable representation really look like, and when is it just performative?”   “Every time we add a new emoji, there’s a risk it could exclude people without our consciously knowing it,” Jennifer explains. “The best we can do is ensure emoji continue to be as broad, flexible and fluid as possible. Just like language. Just like you. 🦋”
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Wreckfest, Battlefield V, and more free this month on PS Plus

One of the biggest perks of having a PlayStation Plus membership is the free games you get every month. The free PlayStation Plus games offered this month include three major titles, all available on either the PS4 or PS5. Check out the list of games below, with downloads available starting May 4. Enjoy the price of free until June 1, 2021. ★Crash hard Wreckfest: Drive Hard, Die Last (PS5 Only) Burn rubber, break the rules, and take down your opponents in this full-contact racer. Wreckfest: Drive Hard, Die Last's title explains a lot of the game, as you'll be racing wrecking cars as you look to come out on top in a variety of circuit races. Upgrade your car, improve its looks, and then dive into some Challenge modes the game has as well for even more fun. See at PlayStation ★ Relive the fight Battlefield V Battlefield V drops players into some of the most iconic and well-known battles throughout World War II, in a way only a Battlefield game could. Players ...
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New Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart gameplay showcases the power of the PS5

It looks like we'll have a lot of fun hopping between dimensions very soon, and the power of the PS5's SSD is on full display. What you need to know Today's State of Play showcased 15 minutes of new gameplay from Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. We recently learned that the female Lombax is named Rivet. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart will launch on June 11, 2021 as a PS5 exclusive. Insomniac unveiled over 15 minutes of new Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart PS5 gameplay during today's State of Play. The game's looking gorgeous and seems to be a potential hit for PlayStation this summer, when so many games have already experienced delays. The demo showcased gameplay between Ratchet and Rivet as Insomniac explained the benefits you'll receive from the DualSense and PS5's SSD. Though we only got a taste of the early game, there's plenty to look forward to with puzzles to solve, open areas and pocket dimensions to explore, and armor to collect. There's also a ton of accessibility optio...
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Google Pay is gaining support for UPI payments over NFC in India

The feature will only work on phones with Play Protect certification. What you need to know Google Pay users in India will soon be able to make UPI payments over NFC. The functionality will be limited to Pine Lab payment terminals, at least initially. It could take a few days for the feature to go live for all users. Google has quietly introduced a new feature that will make it a lot easier for users in India to make UPI payments at a merchant store. As reported by Android Police, Google Pay is gaining the ability to let users make contactless payments via NFC. Needless to say, you won't be able to make contactless payments if your phone doesn't have NFC or if it lacks Play Protect certification. If you are unsure if your phone has NFC, open the Settings app and type "NFC" in the "Search settings" bar. You should see an option to turn on NFC if your phone can make contactless payments. While NFC support was limited to mid-range and flagship phones a few years back, it is now av...
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Returnal for PS5 review: A mesmerizing blend of action and horror

Don't fear the reaper. When the PS5 released late last year, it arrived with a couple of cross-gen releases, a very pretty remake of a 10-year-old game, and an adorable platformer tucked away in the system's memory. But once the dust settled and the newness of the console started to fade, many wondered when the first real next-gen game would arrive for the system — the flagship title that would showcase what the PS5 is capable of. Not just from a technical standpoint, but in its gameplay, sound, story — the whole package. Almost five months into the new year, it's looking like we have to turn to Returnal for answers. This roguelike is the first major PS5 release of the year so there is a lot riding on its shoulders. Not only was it bound to set the standard for next-gen releases, but it had a lot to prove as a new IP amidst news of Sony's focus on blockbusters and reluctance to greenlight new projects. When I first started up Returnal, I thought I knew what to expect. Develop...
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Grab the Amazon Echo Show with a 10.1-inch HD screen on sale for $150 today

If you're getting your smart home set up, the Amazon Echo Show is one of the most versatile devices you can add to the mix. Rather than just being a speaker like other Echo devices, the Echo Show also has a built-in screen that enables all kinds of other use cases. Today only, you can pick up Amazon's 10.1-inch Echo Show 2nd gen for only $149.99 at Woot. That's a discount of $80 versus its regular retail price and a match for the lowest we've ever seen it go. Of course, the 2nd gen Echo Show has now been discontinued in favor of the updated Echo Show 10. The 2nd gen model is now only available refurbished at Amazon but the models on sale at Woot not only cost less, but they are brand new and come with a 1-year Amazon warranty making them a much better deal. Amazon's Echo Show is equipped with a 10.1-inch HD display that can show you the weather, news reports, movie trailers, and more. It's particularly helpful in the kitchen if you want to follow along with a recipe, catch up on Y...
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Introducing Android Earthquake Alerts outside the U.S.

In a natural disaster or emergency, every second counts. For example, when it comes to earthquakes, studies show that more than 50% of injuries can be prevented if users receive an early warning, and have the critical seconds needed to get to safety. That's why last year, we launched the Android Earthquake Alerts System, which uses sensors in Android smartphones to detect earthquakes around the world. The free system provides near-instant information to Google Search about local seismic events when you search “Earthquake near me.” Today we’re announcing an expansion of the Android Earthquake Alerts System that uses both the detection and alerts capabilities, bringing these alerts to Android users in countries that don’t have early warning alert systems. We’re introducing the Android Earthquake Alerts System in Greece and New Zealand, where Android users will receive automatic early warning alerts when there is an earthquake in their area. Users who do not wish to receive these alerts can turn this off in device settings. We launched alerting in August 2020, in partnership with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and powered by ShakeAlert®, which made alerts available for Android users in California. This feature recently expanded to users in Oregon and will be rolling out in Washington this May.  Early warning alerts in New Zealand and Greece work by using the accelerometers built into most Android smartphones to detect seismic waves that indicate an earthquake might be happening. If the phone detects shaking that it thinks may be an earthquake, it sends a signal to our earthquake detection server, along with a coarse location of where the shaking occurred. The server then takes this information from many phones to figure out if an earthquake is happening, where it is and what its magnitude is. New Zealand and Greece will be the first countries to take advantage of both the detection and alert capabilities of the Android Earthquake Alerts System. Through this system, we hope to provide people with the advance notice they need to stay safe.
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Android 12 features we love: Your phone's cameras get better inside apps

Android 12's camera 2 API changes mean app developers can harness the power of your phone's camera. But there is a catch. Most of the best Android phones come with a pretty spectacular camera onboard. Granted, it's not as flexible as an expensive stand-alone camera but taken for what it is — a tiny camera embedded inside a smartphone — some amazing photos can be taken with the camera that's always in your pocket. The problem is most of the features of these great cameras have been locked inside the camera application that comes with the phone itself. It's not a huge problem because almost every phone maker includes a really good camera app on the phones it sells, but there are some applications in the Google Play Store that can take your photography to the next level. But only if you can work with the basic, main camera and not rely on any of the extras. That can change with Android 12 and the changes to the Camera2 API. The Camera2 API is part of Android that allows an applic...
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Resident Evil Re:Verse is releasing later this summer

Resident Evil Re:Verse is no longer arriving with Resident Evil Village. Update, April 27, 2021 at 6:25 p.m. CT: Resident Evil Re:Verse has been confirmed to be launching later this summer, but it hasn't been delayed. What you need to know Resident Evil Village is posed to breathe fresh life into the horror genre when it releases on May 7, 2021. The multiplayer component of Village, Resident Evil Re:Verse, was supposed to launch alongside the game. However, Resident Evil Re:Verse has been officially delayed until sometime this summer. Resident Evil Re:Verse is a standalone multiplayer title that pits small groups of players against each other in a deathmatch. Resident Evil Village is so close that players can now hear the sounds of Lady Dimitrescu stalking them. Resident Evil Re:Verse, on the other hand, has is now officially confirmed to be releasing Summer 2021 and is not launching alongside the single-player Resident Evil Village like originally assumed. The news comes in t...
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Best Amazon Fire TV deals April 2021: smart TVs as low as $110 and more

The Amazon Fire TV Stick is a godsend for those of us who want to stick with our trusted non-smart television and also want to access Netflix on it, while the Fire TVs have all the capabilities of Amazon's Fire TV Stick built into the TV itself. They're generally affordably priced, but the best time to purchase one is during a sale. Below are the best Fire TV deals we could find to help you locate the right device or TV set for your home. Best Amazon Fire TV Deals Available Now Fire TV devices: from $30 Fire TVs: as low as $110 Device bundles: starting at $59 Sometimes, Amazon offers deals which are only available to Prime members, so it helps to keep your membership active while you're on the hunt. Best Cheap Fire TV Device Deals If you have yet to cut the cable company out of your life, the devices listed below are easily worth their full price so you can finally make it happen. You might not save huge on the Fire Stick, but not paying for cable each month will save you ...
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The discerning mobile gamer deserves only the best Android has to offer

We're rounding up the best Android games you can play. The best Android games RPGs Shooters Puzzle Games Platformers Action Games Strategy Games Sims Racing Games Sports Games Augmented Reality There are hundreds of thousands of apps on the Google Play Store, and many are games. In fact, games are so popular that it's the first tab you see when you open the app. If you're looking for the best games available on the Google Play Store, you've come to the right place. To make it easy to find, we've divided this list into eight categories, which you can find in a handy jumplist that will take you directly to the page of your choice. Whether you're new to Android and need some fresh, new games to start building out your Google Play library or simply looking for the latest trendy games that are worthy of your time and attention, these are the best Android games you can find right now. We update this list whenever a new game comes out worthy of being added to this list, so you'l...
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Moto G10 Power review: Awesome battery life, underwhelming hardware

The G10 Power has a massive 6000mAh battery, but the underlying hardware is far from ideal. Motorola has seen its fortunes fade under Lenovo's tutelage, but the brand continues to roll out a cavalcade of budget phones that seemingly don't differ all that much from their predecessors. While it doesn't have the same level of cachet as five years ago, Motorola makes some of the best cheap Android phones and continues to do well in markets like the U.S. But the brand's sales have taken a nosedive in countries like India, where the Chinese contingent of Xiaomi and Realme effectively rule the budget category. Motorola's answer to this is to decrease the price of its budget devices with each generation. The Moto G9 Power launched back in December for ₹11,999 ($160), and Motorola launched its successor — the Moto G10 Power — just three months later. The Moto G10 Power is available in India for just ₹9,999 ($133), and the fact that it has the same 6000mAh battery as its predecessor...
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These are the best unlocked Android phones you can buy

In a world where most people in the United States buy smartphones through carriers like Verizon and AT&T, it's important to highlight the market of unlocked phones. When you buy a phone unlocked, you have the freedom to use it on any carrier you want (so long as it's supported) and often save money in the long haul compared to purchasing it on a contract or installment plan. The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is the best unlocked Android phone you can buy in 2021, but it's not the only one we recommend checking out. Here's a list of our favorites! Best Overall Unlocked Phone: Samsung Galaxy S20 FE By now, you've probably seen quite a bit of positive praise for the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE — in fact, we've even gone so far as to name it as the best Android phone of 2020! But why all the accolades? Put simply, there isn't a phone out there right now that offers the balance of high-end specs and affordable pricing. Released approximately six months after 2020's flagship S20 lineup, the S...
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A good smartwatch experience is about more than just good looking hardware

A good smartwatch needs to balance both excellent hardware and a consistently satisfying user experience to be a winner. Wearables is an extensive term when it comes to tech, with options from excellent fitness trackers to things like the Razer Anzu Smart Glasses and so many in between. Along with fitness trackers, smartwatches are the most commonly thought of devices when it comes to wearables, but — what makes a good smartwatch? Well, for one, it should be well-built so that it can endure what life may throw at it, but that's less of an issue these days. Like the best cheap Android phones, finding a smartwatch with good build quality is becoming much more common. So that leads to the other characteristic that imbues a good smartwatch, and that's experience. Two of the quintessential traits for a good smartwatch experience are the excellent handling of notifications and app support. Unfortunately, OnePlus, the company that has been making some of the best Android phones for y...
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These are the best Raspberry Pi emulators that you'll find today

Turn your Raspberri Pi into a retro gaming powerhouse with these emulators It's no secret that the Raspberry Pi is one of the most versatile series of computers available today. They don't cost hundreds of dollars, but can provide hours of fun and entertainment while helping to teach you about coding and the world of Unix. It's incredible to realize how much power is on a board the size of a credit card (or even smaller). Truth be told, while some may tinker with the Raspberry Pi in an effort to block all the ads on their home Wi-Fi, many folks will want to get started because of retro game emulation. Regardless of whether you're using the Raspberry Pi 400 or even something a bit smaller like the Raspberry Pi Zero, retro game emulation is extremely fun once it's been set up. Think about all of the hours playing those classic games from your childhood and now you can relive the excitement with the best Raspberry Pi emulators. The top 3 apps 1. RetroPie 2. Lakka 3. RetroArch S...
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Will my Roku device be compatible with the Roku Voice Remote Pro?

Best answer: The Roku Voice Remote Pro will probably work with your Roku device. The remote is designed to work with any Roku TV and Roku audio product, but may not work with some Roku players, according to Roku. Good news for most Roku consumers Roku has manufactured several types of remotes for its line of streaming products since its inception in 2002. The newest remote, the Roku Voice Remote Pro, functions like a normal TV remote but can also control a Roku audio device and streaming player. If you already own a previous-generation Roku remote — even one with voice control — this might be a worthy upgrade with hands-free voice commands and a rechargeable battery that the others don't possess. If you're wondering whether the Roku Voice Remote Pro will be compatible with your Roku device, the answer is most likely. "Voice search and voice control is supported on all Roku devices shipped since 2017, along with several older devices," according to the Roku website. Roku TVs, R...
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Turn your phone into a baby monitor with the Owlet smart cam down to $119

Ever wished you could turn your smartphone into a baby monitor so you didn't have to carry a second monitor around all the time? Well, now you can. The Owlet Cam smart baby monitor does exactly that, and today it is down to just $119.20 as part of Amazon's Gold Box deals of the day. The smart camera normally sells for around $149, and it was going for as high as $200 at the beginning of the year. It has never dropped this low directly, so now is your chance to save in a big way. This isn't the only Owlet device on sale today, either. You could also grab the Owlet Sock 3, which is down to $239.20 from a street price of $300. The Sock 3 can fit on the feet of babies up to 18 months old and is used for tracking their oxygen and heart rate. You can use it to see real-time stats through the Owlet app. The smart baby camera streams secure, HD video to your phone wherever you happen to be. If you're already carrying your phone around with you, this means you don't have to carry a second m...
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Make your Chromebook more powerful with these docking stations

The best Chromebook docking stations can turn your laptop from on-the-go ready to comfortably cozy by plugging in a single USB-C cable. When you're home and want to use a clicky mechanical keyboard, an ergonomic mouse, or add a secondary display, docking stations are here to keep things tidy and organized. While you could maybe get by with some tiny USB-C hub, the cables are usually too short and leave your desk cluttered, while docking stations help keep things connected while staying out of your way. If you need to get your Chromebook connected, these are the best docking stations. Keep it tidy Plugable USB-C Mini Docking Station with 85W Charging Staff Pick This compact docking station won't take up much desk space, but it still has enough space for four USB-A peripherals, an HDMI monitor, Ethernet, and an audio jack for some speakers. It can also charge your Chromebook at full speed. $134 at Amazon $139 at Walmart Tall or flat, your choice Baseus 16-in-1 USB-C Dock ...
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Directly link to highlighted text from Google Chrome with these quick tips!

Bit by bit, Google continues to add useful features to the Chrome browser and Chrome OS. Recently, live captioning came to Chrome desktop, and we also saw the read later feature come to Android. One of the latest features might not seem so exciting, but I've found it to be such a productivity hack, especially when sharing relevant information with friends and family. What is this new feature? It's the ability to share links to highlighted text in Google Chrome, and I'll show you how simple and intuitive it is to use. How to link highlighted text from Google Chrome From your Chrome browser, select a bit of text that you want to share a direct link to. Right-click on the text. Select the Copy Link to Highlight option. Share that link with somone, and/or paste it into another browser tab or window. You or the person you share the link with should be taken directly to the highlighted text on the page in question. This feature is supported in Chrome version 90 and later and shou...
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Ditch that cloth strap and check out the best Quest 2 straps instead

Do you find the elastic band that ships with the Quest 2 uncomfortable? Have you had your Quest 2 Elite Strap break? Surprisingly, the best Quest 2 strap isn't actually any of the official solutions, although you won't necessarily have to ditch what you've got to make it better. Whether you're looking for a head strap that'll let you use a mouse and keyboard with your Quest 2 for longer, or you need better weight distribution for when you're playing the best Quest 2 games, we've got several options for you to choose from. Cradle your cranium Eyglo Elite Strap Staff Pick The Eyglo Elite Strap is probably the single-most comfortable strap on this list, and that's why it earns the Staff Pick award. Unlike the original strap or even the official Oculus Elite Strap, Eyglo's model completely hugs the back of your cranium with soft PU-leather foam that's removable and easy to clean. Like the Elite Strap, the size can be easily adjusted with the simple turn-knob on the back. On top o...
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ASUS ZenFone 8 teased with 'compact' size and mid-May launch

The ZenFone 8 would mark the return of "mini" Android phones. What you need to know ASUS is teasing the launch of its next flagship smartphone. The ZenFone 8 is teased to get the "compact" treatment with a smaller 5.9-inch display. ASUS is rumored to launch three ZenFone 8 models next month. After the respectable camera performance of the ASUS ZenFone 7 Pro's versatile camera system, the company is finally gearing up to launch the successor. ASUS now has a splash page on its website for an upcoming launch event for the ZenFone 8, which will happen on May 12 (or May 13, depending on where in the world you are). The countdown teases a device that's "Big on performance. Compact in size." That would fall in line with the rumors that ASUS plans to bring back the "compact" Android phone that was once popular with devices like the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact. This would come alongside two other ZenFone 8 models, a rumored Flip model and what might be a Pro model. While no features or sp...
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Connect a Chromebook to a TV

Best answer: Yes, you can mirror Chrome Browser tabs or your entire Chromebook screen to a TV via a Chromecast, Android TV, or a TV with Chromecast built-in. If you're willing to snake an HDMI cable from your TV to your Chromebook, you can also make it an extended display. Chromebooks and Chromecast, a match made in Google heaven In 2013, Google unveiled the first Google Chromecast, a device that could be used to push content from your phone or computer to a nearby TV that was on the same Wi-Fi network, using the Google Cast protocol. This proprietary protocol allows you to wirelessly connect things like your Android phone or your Chromebook to mirror content from their screens to the big screen or to direct content from cloud streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, and Disney+, allowing these devices to serve as the remote for a Chromecast that sold without any direct interface. Chromecasts have evolved since then, and the Chromecast with Google TV now comes with a remote and...
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Android 12 will make notifications on Wear OS smartwatches less annoying

Google will give you greater control over an app's access to the notification listener service. What you need to know Android 12 will give users granular control over apps that can get notification access. The revamped Device & app notifications page on Android 12 Developer Preview 3 separates them into four groups: real-time, conversations, default, and silent. There is still no guarantee that the feature will be present in the final Android 12 release. When Google released the first Android 12 developer preview in February, it revealed that it is working on refreshing notification designs to make them more functional and even easier to use. As reported by the folks at Android Police, however, Google is also making some big changes to Android's notification listener service. Currently, users can only toggle notification access on or off for helper apps such as Android Wear, Fitbit, or Android Auto. This means they can either access all your notification data, or none a...
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Samsung's upcoming Galaxy A22 5G gets shown off in renders

Samsung lowers the bar, in a good way. What you need to know A new leak has revealed the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G, an upcoming phone from the South Korean company said to launch in June. New renders show off a very familiar design. While no pricing was shared, it is said to be positioned as Samsung's cheapest 5G phone. Samsung is preparing to launch yet another cheap phone, the Galaxy A22 5G. Set between the A21s and the A32, it's rumored to be Samsung's cheapest phone with 5G, so far. New renders from OnLeaks today give us a very good view of what could be one of the best cheap Android phones this year. When it comes to looks, the design language will seem very familiar. It'll have the same bezel-less Infinity V display that we've seen on the front of so many Samsung phones. On the rear, there's a square camera bump housing what looks like three cameras. Samsung will slap a 3.5mm jack on the bottom and throw in a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for authentication, but that's a...
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Don't throw your old Android phone in the trash, repurpose it!

There are several things that you can do with a device that you're no longer using. Whether you donate, sell, or recycle your phone, just about anything is better than throwing a smartphone and its hazardous materials in the trash. In this article, you'll find some of our top suggestions for repurposing your old Android phone, such as how to recycle or donate it, followed by steps and guidelines on how to carry out those suggestions. Why can't I just throw my phone away? We create tens of millions of tons of e-waste — waste from electronic devices — every year, and just dumping it in the trash is the worst possible thing you could do with it. There are two types of materials in smartphones and other e-waste that require special disposal processes: Precious materials like rare metals are hard to mine, refine, and use in electronics. We must reclaim as many of these materials from a device at the end of its lifetime as possible so that manufacturers can minimize the new mining ...
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How to create Telegram widgets that you can share anywhere

If you have explored the Telegram messaging app much, you may be aware that you can join public groups and channels that operate in much the same way as a more traditional social network like Twitter or Reddit. And like Twitter, Reddit, and YouTube, you can share posts from these public groups and channels on other platforms like your own blog or website in the form of embedded widgets. We'll show you how to create and share Telegram widgets with others so that they can experience the great content available on this communications platform. How to create and share Telegram widgets from the mobile app Open the Telegram app on your mobile device. Tap on a chat thread for one of the public groups or channels you follow. Find the message you wish to share, and tap on the forward/share icon (looks like an arrow). At the bottom of your list of frequent contacts, tap Copy Link. Open Chrome or your web browser of choice, and paste the link from your clipboard. Tap on the < > icon ...
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How does the Huawei Mate X2 stack up against the Galaxy Z Fold 2?

The Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Huawei Mate X2 bring similar designs for different audiences. What you need to know MrMobile spent some time with the Huawei Mate X2 and gave his impressions on the foldable phone. Fueling his impressions of the Mate X2 is how it compares to the Galaxy Z Fold 2. You can watch Mr. Mobile's video below on his thoughts on both Samsung and Huawei's second-gen foldables. One of the fears of buying an expensive, foldable smartphone is not only the practicality of certain form factors (which may still be for debate) but also the fragility of the devices. That's something MrMobile had to learn the hard way once before with the Moto Razr 5G, and something he's once again experiencing with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2. This is what made him really consider what the Huawei Mate X2 is trying to accomplish and why it just might work. Despite possibly being the best foldable phone in a market with so few, Galaxy Z Fold 2 owners have apparently reported cracking along t...
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Dish is teaming up with Amazon to build its cloud-native 5G network

The cloud-native network will help Dish achieve cost-effective operations. What you need to know Dish Network has struck a deal with Amazon Web Services to build its cloud-based 5G Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) in the U.S. The company plans to roll out 5G services in Las Vegas later this year. Dish's 5G network is expected to reach around 20% of the U.S. population by June next year. Dish Network has joined hands with Amazon to build its cloud-based 5G Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) on Amazon Web Services' platform to rival the best 5G networks. The Open RAN architecture significantly reduces the need for physical equipment, as pretty much all the key network functions can run from the cloud. Charlie Ergen, Dish co-founder and chairman, said in a statement: Through this collaboration with AWS, we will operate not just as a communications services provider, but as a digital services provider harnessing the combined power of 5G connectivity and the cloud. Together, we...
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Add an Echo Dot to your home for $5 with a month of Amazon Music Unlimited

If you're yet to add any Alexa devices to your home, Amazon is giving you the perfect opportunity with one of the very best Amazon Echo deals returning for a limited time. Right now, you can snag a 3rd gen Echo Dot for just $4.99 when you buy a month of Amazon Music Unlimited. That means for a total cost of $12.98 for Prime members, or $14.98 without Prime, you'll get the smart speaker worth $40 and a month of tunes to music streaming. The Echo Dot and Amazon Music Unlimited service are the perfect pairing. The voice-activated smart speaker allows you to simply ask Alexa to play the music you want to hear and it will be playing within seconds. There are no ads on the music service and there are over 70 million songs that you can play on-demand. If you like the service, you can keep paying for it at $7.99 per month for Prime members (or $9.99 without Prime), or cancel it towards the end of the month to avoid being charged. Since Amazon Music Unlimited works great on your Alexa spea...
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T-Mobile Home Internet review: Putting 5G to good use

For those with limited broadband options, this is an excellent internet source with a lot of 'ifs'. After spending over a decade living in rural Kansas with little to no decent internet, I was ecstatic to try and, after four months, give a T-Mobile Home Internet review. As I discussed in my look towards 5G in 2021 to help rural internet, one of the most considerable sacrifices that people who want to live the country life face is a complete lack of legitimate broadband access. It's been a couple of years since T-Mobile announced its Home Internet service, and when the slow rollout made it to me, I jumped on it. The mobile carrier has been my cell provider for about seven years and has been pretty good. Admittedly, where my home is, no carrier is great — no matter what the coverage maps say. Did I believe that T-Mobile's Home Internet offering could be the fast and reliable internet savior I was looking for — no. However, the carrier's been making speedy upgrades to the towers ...
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Track your workouts anywhere with the best fitness smartwatches

Are you an active individual looking for the best Android smartwatch? Whether you're focused on powerful fitness and health-tracking tools or an eye-catching design, there are plenty of options. The Garmin Vivoactive 4 is one of the best fitness smartwatches with built-in GPS, music storage, full waterproofing, and even NFC for Garmin Pay. It's as fully featured of a smartwatch and fitness tracker that you'll find, so it might be just what you're looking for. Best Overall: Garmin Vivoactive 4 Announced late last year, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is one of the company's newest smartwatches to hit the market. It's got some significant improvements when compared to its predecessor, like new on-screen workouts, two size options, and music storage is now standard. Admittedly, these are some significant upgrades, but they come at a cost. If you can get past the hefty price tag, it's a phenomenal fitness smartwatch that will track your every move. Previously, the Vivoactive was only availa...
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If you want a OnePlus Nord case, the pickings are slim right now

The best OnePlus Nord cases are durable, affordable, and dependable, just like the Nord. The phone, which was introduced in the summer of 2020, is a wonderful return to form, a mid-range phone that offers a premium experience at a reasonable price tag. The back of this phone may be covered in impact-resistant Gorilla Glass 5, but that doesn't mean that you can let your Nord go around naked. Scratches, slips, and sweat are still a smartphone's enemy. So, while you might be considering grabbing the rumored OnePlus Nord 2 once it comes out if you still own a Nord, it's worth adding some grip and glamour so the phone can stay safe and solid for years to come. Clear protection Spigen Ultra Hybrid Staff Pick Spigen is one of the most trusted case brands on the market, and I'm happy to see this robust, clear case available for Nord. The clear back lets that lovely Blue shine through while the black bumper adds grip and contrast. $14 at Amazon Classic protection Tudia DualShield ...
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Best cheap monthly VPN plan 2021

On your search for the best VPN service, you might have been confused by the different plans and offerings of each provider when trying to figure out the best value option. For the most part, going for a longer-term plan will save you more money (sometimes as much as 70% or more), though not everyone wants to commit for a year or longer. Fear not, though, as cheap monthly VPN plans do exist so you can get set up with a VPN without spending a ton of cash upfront. Best Cheap Monthly VPN Plans IPVanish: $3.49/1-month PureVPN: $0.99/7-day trial ProtonVPN: $5/1-month Windscribe: $9/1-month ExpressVPN: $12.95/1-month You don't have to go broke each month or pay a huge upfront cost to get a great VPN. These cheap monthly VPN plans make it affordable to try out a VPN for yourself before committing for a longer period of time or just pay for VPN service as and when you need it without a commitment. IPVanish VPN: 65% off one-month plan $3.49 at IPVanish With its current deal,...
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Latest OnePlus 9/9 Pro update improves camera performance

The update includes a number of big fixes as well. What you need to know OnePlus has rolled out a new stable OxygenOS 11 update for its latest OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro phones. The update brings the latest April 2021 security patch and a few camera performance improvements. Currently, the update is only rolling out to OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro users in India. The OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro are among the best Android phones that have been launched so far this year, offering solid hardware and a great software experience. Even though the phones went on sale just a few weeks back, OnePlus has already rolled out three software updates to make them even better. The company has now started rolling out another OxygenOS update for its latest flagship phones, bringing a bunch of camera improvements and the latest April 2021 Android security patch. As reported by the folks at XDA Developers, the OxygenOS 11.2.4.4 update is currently limited to users in India. However, it is likely to become available in ...
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Which brand is the video doorbell king: Nest or Ring?

3D Vision and more Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 $250 at Amazon Pros 3D motion detection Birds-eye view Head-to-toe video Alexa Greetings and quick replies Great integration with Alexa Cons Poor Google services integration Requires a subscription for most features No battery backup Pricey Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 brings a new kind of 3D motion detection to the table, with pinpoint accuracy complete with an overhead map of your property. If you can't (or don't want to) come to the door, Alexa can even answer a doorbell press for you, giving instructions or taking a message. Sheer brilliance Nest Hello Video Doorbell $180 at Best Buy Pros Facial recognition Head-to-toe video Great integration with Google and Nest products Cons Poor Alexa integration Requires a subscription for most features Subscription is twice the price No battery backup If you're already invested in the Google Home platform, Nest Hello is one of the very best video doorbells you can buy...
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FA Cup live stream: How to watch the football tournament from anywhere

Steeped in tradition and sporting romance, the FA Cup remains the footballing world's most famous domestic knockout tournament. Read on to find out how to get an FA Cup live stream and watch matches from this season's tournament online from anywhere. While it may have lost its top-tier tournament status and priority with managers in England in recent years to the Premier League, the "magic of the cup" remains for fans and players alike. Much of what makes it special comes from the fact that any team from the top 10 tiers of English soccer are eligible to take part, offering the dream of a trip to Wembley for the showpiece final for lower league opposition. While the chances of FA Cup glory are now somewhat remote for smaller clubs (you'd have to go all the way back to 1980 and West Ham's shock win over Arsenal for the last time a team outside of the top division lifted the tournament's famous jug-like trophy), the tournament does nevertheless continue to throw up giant-killing r...
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Tech enthusiasts shouldn't forget about Earth Day

Let's come together to help heal the planet as we heal ourselves. Now that we're firmly into year two of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's easy to forget that another Earth Day is almost upon us; but sure enough, it'll be here in just a few days. Many traditional environmental pressures and stressors have eased a bit over the past year due to fewer people driving, flying, and moving about. More and more companies have also started to make sustainability a more important, and even a core, principle in their missions and business activities. Still, those improvements are not nearly enough to deal with the constant and growing threat of environmental pollution, economic disparity, and climate change. We all have a role to play in making this world a better place for ourselves and future generations — not just this Earth Day 2021, but for all days moving forward. With that in mind, here are some ways that we as enthusiasts can do our part to practice more mindful and sustainable technology...
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How to watch the 2021 Academy of Country Music Awards online from anywhere

Grab your cowboy hat and boots because the Academy of Country Music is heading back to Nashville, Tennessee for this year's awards show and we have all the details on how you can watch the 56th annual ACM Awards on TV or online. This year's awards show will once again be hosted by 15-time ACM Award winner Keith Urban but this time around he'll have a co-host as he'll be joined on stage by New Female Artist of the Year nominee Mickey Guyton. Just like last year, the show will be broadcast not from one but from three famous Nashville stages and there will be performances at the Grand Ole Opry House, the historic Ryman Auditorium, and The Bluebird Cafe. When it comes to the nominees, Chris Stapleton and Maren Morris lead the pack with six nominations each. Coming in second is the most-nominated female artist in ACM history Miranda Lambert with five nominations. Additionally, Gwen Stefani and John Legend were both nominated for an Academy of Country Music Award for the first time. At ...
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Best Secure VPN 2021

When looking for the best secure VPN, you want to find a service that can hide your location, protect your sensitive data, and overall help you stay more anonymous online. The whole idea of a VPN, as you may already know, is to increase your anonymity by sending your signal via a go-between server. The result is that you have a buffer layer between your device and where you're connecting to. As a result, it's extremely difficult, if not impossible, to find you based on where you've been online. Best Secure VPNs 2021 1. ExpressVPN: Best overall VPN for security 2. NordVPN: One of the best secure VPNs 3. CyberGhost: Great value for money security 4. VyprVPN: Super-fast performance 5. IPVanish: Power and performance 1. ExpressVPN: Best overall VPN for security and more This is our top pick for anyone looking to get started with a VPN. It offers a great mix of seucirty, speed, reliability, outstanding customer service, and affordability. There is a 30-day money-back guaran...
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These are the best USB-C headphones around

While manufacturers are making sure to cut off all cords as part of their increased focus on wireless headphones, it doesn't mean wired connections aren't an option. Bluetooth headphones are great, but if you'd rather do without the latency and charging process, USB-C headphones are a great alternative to both. Just plug and play, and that's it. Go bold RAZER Hammerhead USB-C ANC Staff Pick These earbuds already stand out with the neon green finish, but they also have booming sound and active noise cancelation (ANC). They also come with plenty of tips to get the comfy fit you'd want while wearing them for longer periods. $100 at Walmart $99 at Newegg Wireless first with USB-C audio Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones While the Momentum 3 Wireless are Bluetooth first, they work just like a pair of USB-C wired headphones. Even better, you can charge them at the same time you're listening to music. A premium design and solid sound with ANC means you get...
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How to watch Paul vs Askren online anywhere

After successfully knocking out the former NBA star Nate Robinson at his last boxing match, YouTuber Jake Paul is back and ready to take on former MMA WelterWeight champion Ben Askren and we have all the details on how you can watch Jake Paul vs Ben Askren on TV or online. So far, the 24-year-old younger brother of Logan Paul, has managed to win both of his matches as a professional boxer. In his first match against fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib, Paul ended things quickly with a first-round TKO after scoring three knockdowns. His match with Robinson ended in a similar way after the second round but now he'll be going up against a more seasoned fighter. During his time in the UFC, Askren won one match against Robbie Lawler before being defeated by both Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia during the one year he was with the promotion. Before that, he had a two-year/six-fight contract with the Singapore-based MMA sports association One Championship where he performed even better than he did in...
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Google Pixel Buds A will reportedly lose some features to keep costs down

The Pixel Buds A volume controls are apparently on the chopping block. What you need to know The upcoming Pixel Buds A may lose the volume swiping gestures. Losing swiping controls may be a result of cost-saving measures for cheaper earbuds. The Pixel Buds A are expected to launch relatively soon. There's been some talk of Google's rumored Pixel Buds A potentially losing a feature. The wireless earbuds were first hinted at last month, and since then, more information has been slowly pouring out about what we might expect. The latest tidbit suggests that Google might be ditching a few features on the new model. While looking into the latest version of the Pixel Buds app, 9to5Google found references to a "type_two" model, which is likely the Pixel Buds A. Given that references to "type_one" are likely referring to the Google Pixel Buds (2020), it can be inferred that the upcoming model is just an offshoot of last year's buds. That would make sense since these buds are expected to...
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AC Podcast 521: OnePlus Watch; Pixel 5a not completely canceled

Jerry, Ara, and Daniel are here with a mixture of news, rumors, opinions, and apologies as they Pixel Watch leaks, the OnePlus Watch, an upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event, Amazon Echo Buds, and more. Listen now Subscribe in Spotify: Audio Subscribe in iTunes: Audio Subscribe in RSS: Audio Download directly: Audio Links: Alleged Pixel Watch leak shows us the Wear OS watch we've been waiting for | Android Central The Google Pixel Watch is not the magic bullet Wear OS has been waiting for | Android Central OnePlus Watch review: This isn't the smartwatch you've been waiting for | Android Central Samsung's 'most powerful Galaxy' teased for April 28 Galaxy Unpacked event | Android Central Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 2 will reportedly arrive sooner than expected | Android Central Amazon's new Echo Buds are the affordable AirPods Pro alternatives you've been waiting for | Android Central Google just accidentally leaked the upcoming Pixel Buds A | Android Central Goog...
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How to watch Big Shot online from anywhere

March Madness may be over but Disney is taking us back to the court with its new original series Big Shot and we have all the details on how you can stream it online. The Disney Plus original series tells the story of disgraced NCAA basketball coach Marvyn Korn (John Stamos) who loses his job after throwing a chair at a referee. In order to make ends meet and hopefully restore what's left of his career and reputation, Korn takes a job at the private all-girls high school, Westbrook School for Girls. From the get-go, Dean Sherilyn Thomas (Yvette Nicole Brown) tells Korn that coaches at the elite school are expected to be role models and to "not screw this up". In order to do so, Coach Korn will have to keep his quick temper in check and work alongside assistant coach Holly Barrett (Jessalyn Gilsig). However, he soon learns that his "my way or the highway" approach won't work with the Westbrook Sirens. At first Coach Korn sees the girls on the Sirens as just X's and O's and merely a...
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Oculus is launching subscriptions for apps like Rec Room and FitXR

Subscriptions will make it easier for developers to launch premium and free-to-play experiences. What you need to know Facebook has upgraded the Oculus Store with Oculus subscriptions, a new way to subscribe to participating apps each month. Individual apps have their own subscription costs and are designed to deliver fresh content every month, as well as additional perks. Oculus subscriptions should open the way for more free-to-play content and help developers earn new revenue streams, as well as provide access to players who might not otherwise pay for a title upfront. When you look at the mobile game landscape, many of the best Android games are of the free-to-play variety. That means you can download the game and play for free but, often, developers will give you ways of purchasing content at your leisure. Up to this point, the same type of experience wasn't readily available on platforms like the Oculus Quest 2, but Facebook is changing that today with Oculus subscriptions...
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Google Earth's new Timelapse feature shows four decades of planetary change

Google compiled more than 24 million satellite images from 1984 to 2020 to create the Timelapse experience. What you need to know Google Earth has gained a new feature called Timelapse. The feature allows users to "watch time unfold" and see how our planet has changed over the last four decades. Timelapse in Google Earth shows the rapid change on our planet through five themes: forest change, urban growth, warming temperatures, sources of energy, and fragile beauty. Google Earth is undoubtedly the best Android app for exploring our planet. It lets you virtually fly through cities, peek at natural wonders like Mount Everest, and even enjoy guided tours with Voyager. Google has now announced the biggest Google Earth update in years, enabling users to see how our planet has changed over the last few decades. Rebecca Moore, Director, Google Earth, Earth Engine & Outreach, wrote in a blog post: With Timelapse in Google Earth, we have a clearer picture of our changing p...
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Samsung Galaxy S21: Your complete buyer's guide to the new S21 series

Samsung's kicking off 2021 with a bang. There are some things in the mobile tech space that are constant every single year, one of which is that we get a new Samsung Galaxy S release pretty early on. That was no different for 2021, but Samsung gave us the Samsung Galaxy S21 back in last January rather than making us wait until March or April. This year's flagship series brings a mix of expected and drastic changes compared to last year's S20 family, including things like spec upgrades, a refreshed design, and all-new camera tech. Whether you're in the market for a price-conscious flagship or something that goes all-out, the S21 series has something for you, and we're here to help you find out everything you need to know before you buy one for yourself — or buy them for the whole family. Killer flagship Samsung Galaxy S21 From $800 at Samsung From $800 at Amazon From $800 at Best Buy More phone, less money For a lot of shoppers, the baseline Galaxy S21 will be the go-to c...
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Power up anywhere with Jackery's portable power station on sale for $80 off

Going camping? Taking a hike? Heading outdoors somewhere for some reason and not sure if your smartphone will survive the trip? Then you need a device like the Jackery Explorer 500 portable power station. Right now the Explorer 500 is down to $419.99 when you clip the $80 off on-page coupon at Amazon. That's a huge drop in price considering it rarely ever drops from its $500 street price directly. In fact, it has been almost a year since we last saw it get discounted. The same power station is still going for $500 at other retailers like B&H. The Explorer 500 is a power station with a massive 518 watt hours capacity. It uses a lithium-ion battery you can recharge in a number of different ways, including a solar panel. Get free power from the sun and keep your devices running even when you're outside for an extended period of time. Of course you can always plug it into a wall or use your car to charge it as well. The solar panel, the Jackery SolarSaga 100W, is sold separately and...
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TCL expands its 20 Series and teases a phone that folds *and* rolls

Beautiful hardware and camera improvements based on user feedback. What you need to know TCL is releasing three new devices today, including the TCL 20L, 20L+, and 20 Pro 5G. The 20 Pro 5G is the company's most premium device yet, featuring curved glass, improved cameras and display tech, and wireless charging. In addition to the three main phones, TCL has teased a new 3-in-1 expandable device that uses both folding and rolling display tech. TCL has made a name for itself in the mobile space over the last year with a broad selection of some of the best cheap Android phones around with premium designs, snappy software, and a penchant for display tech. Today, the company is expanding its 20 Series, originally launched at CES 2021, with three new models: the TCL 20L, 20L+, and TCL's most powerful phone yet, the 20 Pro 5G. Each of these devices feature TCL's mainstay NXTVISION display tech, which boasts true-to-life colors and blue light filtering, along with AI-driven visual enhan...
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Review: The ASUS Chromebox 4 is the best Chromebox to buy right now

Extra ports and included mounts help the Chromebox 4 give you that all-in-one feeling — with a better monitor. While Chromebooks tend to grab the limelight and Chrome OS tablets like the Lenovo Chromebook Duet are seen as the future, there are still Chrome OS devices for the desktop crowd, and 2021 is the best year to buy one for the next couple of years. See, the last time we had a generational change in Chromeboxes was 2018, and since then, users have had to pay 2020 prices for 2017 hardware in order to get the best Chromeboxes. Last fall, ASUS announced the Chromebox 4 and it's finally on sale. I've been wanting to review this Chromebox for months because not only did this model have the most ports, but ASUS has absolutely nailed the Chromebook experience with hits like the Chromebook Flip C434, and I wanted to see if they've reached that same level with the Chromebox, too. The good news is they have, and if you're in the market for a new family desktop that your kids won't br...
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