Monday, 28 February 2022

Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Pro and Pro 360 hands-on: Slim machines that impress https://ift.tt/8JufoTs

Two Samsung Galaxy Book 2 360 One Folded
Credit: Harley Maranan / Android Authority

Samsung updated its line of Windows laptops at Mobile World Congress and the new series jumps into the market feet first with top specs and appealing designs.

Though the company announced four new models — including the Galaxy Book 2 Pro, the Galaxy Book 2 Pro 360, the Book 2 360, and the Book 2 Business — only two were on hand in Barcelona. We were able to spend a little time with the two stylish Pro computers — which have the exact same design save for the rotating screen — and have some initial impressions on the latest from Samsung.



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Oppo announces 240W charging: Get a 100% charge in under 10 minutes https://ift.tt/DPdGSiH

A screenshot of a video showing 240W charging tech.
Credit: Oppo
  • Oppo has announced 240W charging technology at MWC 2022.
  • This delivers a 100% charge in under ten minutes.

The smartphone industry has been pushing ever faster charging speeds in the last few years, going from 30W, 50W, and 65W to 80W, 100W, and even 120W in commercial devices. We’ve also seen companies demonstrate 200W charging tech.

Now, Oppo has used MWC 2022 to announce 240W charging technology, dubbed 240W SuperVOOC Flash Charge. The smartphone maker claims that the tech can charge a 4,500mAh battery in just nine minutes, adding that the battery will reach 50% capacity in three and a half minutes. Check out the video posted by Oppo below.



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Blink Video Doorbell review: A great budget smart doorbell for Alexa users https://ift.tt/iT8r6WR

The Blink Video Doorbell mounted on a doorframe
Credit: Roger Fingas / Android Authority

Even if a homeowner never invests in a dedicated security camera, one thing they’re liable to buy is a video doorbell, if just so they can pre-screen visitors and scare off porch pirates. The Blink Video Doorbell is an entry from Amazon’s budget security line, competing against similarly-priced products from Eufy and Wyze. The price is right — but is Blink’s product something you should actually install at your front door? Find out in Android Authority‘s Blink Video Doorbell review.

$0 .00
Blink Video Doorbell with Sync Module 2
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Blink Video Doorbell with Sync Module 2 Buy it Now
Save $84 .98 $0 .00

What you need to know about the Blink Video Doorbell

A head-on view of the Blink Video Doorbell



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We asked, you told us: You seem to like the leaked Pixel 7 series designs https://ift.tt/lhuw5an

Google Pixel 7 Onleaks Car HP 2

We’re only expecting the Pixel 7 series to launch in October (if Google sticks to its traditional schedule), but we got our first apparent look at the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro last week courtesy of some leaked renders.

The images show two phones that generally look similar to their predecessors. We wanted to know what readers thought of the apparent designs though, and here’s how you answered our polls.



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Realme GT 2 Pro launches globally: Wider than wide and closer than close https://ift.tt/y5LQnwh

Realme GT 2 Pro official image

Credit: Realme
  • Realme has launched the GT 2 Pro flagship in global markets.
  • The phone is equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC and a 150-degree ultrawide camera.
  • You’ll pay a starting price of €649 for the device.

The Realme GT 2 Pro launched in China back in early January, being part of the first wave of Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 flagship phones. The company thinks the rest of the world has waited long enough, as it’s finally launched the phone in global markets.



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Sony’s next flagship phone just leaked big time! https://ift.tt/9u5Y3i2

Sony Xperia 1 IV

  • Renders of the Sony Xperia 1 IV just dropped.
  • The phone is expected to be Sony’s flagship for the year.
  • It retains a physical fingerprint sensor and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The Sony Xperia 1 III was one of the best phones we tested last year. Now, the company seems to be readying a sequel called the Xperia 1 IV. Rumors about the device have been floating around for quite a while, but a reliable source has just leaked a bunch of high-quality renders of the phone.

Tipster OnLeaks, in collaboration with GizNext, has revealed that the next Sony flagship will look a lot like its predecessor. It’s got the same boxy shape and 6.5-inch flat-edged panel as the Xperia phone before it.

The Xperia 1 IV also gets a physical fingerprint sensor and a 3.5mm headphone jack — typical Sony features rarely found on flagship phones these days.

The back panel of the device shows a triple camera setup. The leak suggests that one of the sensors is a telescope shooter.

The overall dimensions of the Sony Xperia 1 IV are also similar to the previous model. All of this begs the question — just what has Sony been up to in the last year?

Of course, the specifications are where the real upgrades are expected. The phone is said to feature the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, up to 16GB RAM, 256/512GB storage, a 5,000mAh battery, and 45W charging. Three 12MP shooters are expected to take care of photography tasks.

Rumor has it that the Sony Xperia 1 IV will launch sometime in May this year.



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Lenovo upgrades Duet 3 Chromebook with 2K display, but lowers price from Duet 5 https://ift.tt/40wLbrD

  • The Lenovo Duet 3 is an upgraded Chromebook slate with a larger screen and newer processor.
  • The Duet 3 comes in either Storm Gray or Mist Blue.
  • Lenovo also announced two IdeaPad Flex Chromebooks and a new Android tablet.

Lenovo announced a whole range of products at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, including three new Chromebooks, a refreshed Android tablet, and a slew of Windows machines. One of the biggest announcements of the show is the newly upgraded Duet 3 Chromebook, the successor to one of the most popular Chromebooks available.

The original Duet Chromebook featured a small, 10-inch screen, a compact form factor, and a really low price point. The Duet 5 raised the price but offered a bit more. This redesigned machine carries over many of the basics from both but greatly improves the internal components. Interestingly, the price went down as compared to the Duet 5.



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Lenovo unveils a super slim 5G ThinkPad with 28 hours of battery life https://ift.tt/40wLbrD


The Lenovo ThinkPad X13s is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 mobile processor.

This Windows 11 laptop supports sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G for the ultimate in connectivity.



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Sunday, 27 February 2022

Specs leak for OnePlus phone with 150W charging https://ift.tt/qcAWzd0

OnePlus logo

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
  • OnePlus might be readying its fastest charging phone to date.
  • Specs of the phone have leaked.
  • It’s tipped to feature an unannounced MediaTek SoC and a high refresh rate display.

Specs of an unnamed OnePlus phone have leaked and it looks like the company is ready to take fast-charging to the next level.



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Samsung’s new convertible laptop can last 21 hours on a charge https://ift.tt/632BvWi

Folded Samsung Galaxy Book 2 360 Black Front View
Credit: Harley Maranan / Android Authority

Samsung already held an Unpacked event earlier this year for its Galaxy S22 series, and it’s now held an Unpacked event in Barcelona, Spain. This time, the company has peeled the curtain back on a slew of laptops in its Galaxy Book range.

The new Galaxy Book 2 series consists of the Galaxy Book 2 Business, Galaxy Book 2 Pro, Galaxy Book 2 360, and Galaxy Book 2 Pro 360. All four laptops offer Intel’s 12th generation processors, Windows 11, and Samsung’s additions.



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TCL launches two new 30-series phones for the US (Updated: Pricing) https://ift.tt/dTC41GO

TCL Logo CES 2020
  • The TCL 30V is a brand new smartphone exclusive to the Verizon network in the United States.
  • Meanwhile, the 30XE is exclusive to T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile.
  • Both phones launch soon but pricing is a mystery.

Update: February 27, 2022 (11 AM ET): TCL has announced the prices for the Verizon-exclusive 30V 5G and T-Mobile-exclusive 30XE 5G. The phones will cost $299 and $199, respectively. Both phones are now available for purchase from their respective carriers.


Original article: January 4, 2022: TCL is relatively new to making smartphones under its own branding, with only two years under its belt. It’s now in the swing of things, though, and at CES 2022 it launched two new phones for the US market.



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Fresh out of the box: 10 ways to make your new Samsung Galaxy S22 better https://ift.tt/kAGLQts

Samsung’s latest flagships have arrived. On the surface, the Galaxy S22 series might not look too different from its predecessor, but there are plenty of changes. From updated software to an improved camera, there’s a lot to sink your teeth into. The only question is where to start. We’ve had some time to test the devices, so here are 10 Samsung Galaxy S22 tips and tricks to boost your smartphone experience.

See also: Samsung Galaxy S22 review



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The MateBook X Pro (2022) fixes the silliest problem with Huawei laptops https://ift.tt/WHhLXeS

Huawei MateBook Pro X 2022
Credit: Huawei
  • Huawei has announced several new devices at MWC 2022.
  • Headlining the new cast is the MateBook X Pro 2022, with more powerful hardware, a faster screen, and a repositioned video calling camera.
  • The company also announced the MateBook E convertible, MatePad Paper e-reader, and iMac-rival MateStation X.

Huawei is entering its sixth year as a laptop manufacturer. It launched the first MateBook back in 2016 and the series’ design has come a long way from its Surface-aping roots. At MWC 2022, the company has announced the latest iteration of its flagship Windows laptop, the MateBook X Pro (2022), as it looks to become the best Apple MacBook alternative you can buy.

Huawei MateBook X Pro (2022): Specs and features

Huawei MateBook X 2022 Press



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MWC 2022 Day 0: Live updates from Barcelona https://ift.tt/kAGLQts

MWC 2022 is here! The Android Authority team is live on the ground in Barcelona and delighted to be covering the latest devices, gadgets, technology, events, and industry trends as they happen. Follow Android Authority live for updates over the next four days.

MWC 2022 runs Monday, February 28, through Thursday, March 3, located at the Fira Gran Via, though events can be found across the city, as well as some virtual events too.



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Saturday, 26 February 2022

7 improvements smart home tech really needs to thrive https://ift.tt/VLuQGDM

Nanoleaf Shapes panels in a bedroom
Credit: Nanoleaf

Recently, I addressed industry changes promising to “fix” the smart home by the end of 2022, alleviating issues like overloaded Wi-Fi and fractured platform support. Those changes should make the technology more appealing to both veterans and newcomers, but for sales to go through the roof and adoption to be less stressful, there are arguably a number of other long-term improvements companies need to make.

Read more: The best smart home devices you can buy



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What is flash memory and how does it work? Everything you need to know https://ift.tt/O01TwSq

Virtually all modern devices rely on flash memory — an electronic data storage technology that can preserve information for long periods of time. Your smartphone, for instance, uses some form of flash memory for storage, and it’s likely that most laptops and computers around you utilize it as well. However, not all flash memory is created equal — some implementations are far superior to others. So in this article, let’s break down the technology, how it works, and the various terms you may have heard associated with the technology.

See also: The best Android phones with expandable memory



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5 Android apps you shouldn’t miss this week – Android Apps Weekly https://ift.tt/O01TwSq

Welcome to the 421st edition of Android Apps Weekly. Here are the big headlines from the last week:

  • There are some decent new shows coming out on streaming services. Some of the shows include Vikings: Valhalla, Cat Burglar, Race: Bubba Wallace, and a few others. They are coming out on varying streaming services and you can hit the link to learn more about them and where they stream.
  • Google is killing off Lite Mode in Android’s version of Chrome. The feature originally helped people save data while browsing the web and it was inspired by a similar feature from Opera Browser. Google says that mobile data is cheaper now and Chrome already has plenty of data-saving benefits on its own.
  • The Wordle hype is starting to die down and that means people are already looking for alternatives. We have a list of pretty good alternatives that you can try. The focus for the list was finding Wordle alternatives in different languages along with more challenging versions with longer words. Hit the link to learn more.
  • In our latest reader poll, you told us that most of you don’t actually use Android’s Live Caption, but it was pretty close. About 56% of readers say they don’t use it while the other 44% say they either use it or want to but don’t have phones that have the feature. Considering it’s mostly for accessibility, that’s actually better than we thought.
  • Samsung Good Lock released its 2022 lineup of modules. There aren’t any dramatic changes this year. However, there is better support for foldable and some extra effects and feature improvements across the board. We’ll follow up with a proper review soon.

My Darkest Moment

Price: $0.99



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The Weekly Authority: Prelude to MWC 2022 https://ift.tt/Pt6iOB7

⚡ Welcome to The Weekly Authority, the Android Authority newsletter that breaks down the top Android and tech news from the week. The 183rd edition here, with more Pixel 7 leaks, a Galaxy S22 Plus review, and a preview of what’s to come at MWC 2022.

👋 Nick here covering for Paula while she enjoys some well-deserved time off. Tristan will be with you in the next edition after spending the week at MWC in Barcelona, with Paula making her triumphant return the following week.



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Friday, 25 February 2022

43% off the HP Pavilion 15t, and more of the best HP laptop deals https://ift.tt/hbMf5yK

HP Elite Dragonfly G3 Laptop Promo Image
Credit: HP

HP, or Hewlett-Packard, has been a top name in the computer game since laptops became popular. The company helped lead the charge in bringing affordable computers to the masses. Of course, there are so many HP laptops now that it can be tough to find the right one.

HP is currently holding its President’s Day sale which won’t last long, so we’ve come up with a list of the best HP laptop deals to help you make your pick.



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The best new movies to stream this week on Hulu, Netflix, Disney Plus, and more https://ift.tt/IA3oUue

Maggie Q holds a rifle in The Protege - best new streaming movies
Credit: Lionsgate

With so many streaming services and titles constantly coming and going, it can be hard to decide what to watch. There are tons of great options though, including throughout February and into March. To make things easier, we offer you a rundown of the best new streaming movies to watch every week.

Related: The best new TV shows to stream this week



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AT&T is trying to take over Google’s RCS and users aren’t having it https://ift.tt/TN3bF7p

rcs messages
  • An AT&T RCS system has appeared in Google Messages on select AT&T devices.
  • The apparently new system is wreaking havoc and forcing users to contact non-AT&T devices with SMS/MMS.
  • So far, AT&T’s responses in support threads haven’t been very reassuring.

For years, United States carriers squabbled amongst themselves about the rollout of rich content services messaging, also known as RCS. Eventually, Google needed to step in and take care of the whole situation by incorporating RCS support within its own Messages app. This allows any Android phone using the Messages app to use RCS features with any other Android user also on the same app.

See also: The best texting apps and SMS apps for Android



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30% off the Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus, and more cheap Roku deals https://ift.tt/FhWyG0V

roku streaming stick 4k next to box
Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

If you’re in the market for a new streaming device, then you probably already know most of the big names in the game. There’s Amazon Fire TV, Nvidia Shield, and more, but there are also plenty of options from Roku. If you’re a Roku fan, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of Roku offers around. We’ve summed up the best cheap Roku deals in this post.

See also: Roku buyer’s guide: Which Roku streaming device is right for you?



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6 best permission manager apps for Android https://ift.tt/X8kIDYH

Permissions are a big deal on Android. They give apps access to potentially personal information. In addition, permission abuse is something that worries a lot of users. The best defense is by managing your permissions wisely. There are some apps that help you manage permissions, although the best method is still using the settings menu in your Android phone. We’ll go over some good permission manager apps for Android. However, Android 12’s privacy dashboard and other OS improvements will render all of these moot in the next few years.

The best permission manager apps for Android

  1. Bouncer
  2. GlassWire
  3. Privacy Dashboard (not by Google)
  4. Shizuku
  5. Antivirus apps
  6. Android’s native permission management

Bouncer

Price: $1.99
Bouncer is one of the best security apps for android



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Deal: Get an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus from just $99.99 https://ift.tt/mg0QY8W

Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus Trade in Deal
Credit:
Samsung

If you’re not keen to tie yourself to a carrier, you can still enjoy some nice deals on the unlocked versions of the new Samsung Galaxy S22 flagships. Both Samsung and Amazon are offering sweeteners when you buy, with Samsung’s enhanced trade-in credit being the best way to save.

The enhanced trade-in values are as much as $700 on the Samsung Galaxy S22 or up to $900 on the S22 Plus and S22 Ultra. That means you can get either of the smaller two siblings in the range for as little as $99.99 with the right trade-in. In fact, you can even trade-in two devices and stack the savings up to the maximum credit available.



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Thursday, 24 February 2022

Samsung Chromebook 4 Plus review: Bare minimum at a light price https://ift.tt/KXT9L4v

Samsung has some of the best Chromebook options on the market today. Among its ranks is the Samsung Chromebook 4 Plus. It’s a budget Chromebook option that promises a solid set of specifications and a clean design. The Samsung Chromebook 4 Plus is a solid alternative to cheap Windows laptops and makes for a great Chromebook for students. Find out more in Android Authority‘s Samsung Chromebook 4 Plus review.

$299 .00
Samsung Chromebook 4 Plus
Buy it Now
Samsung Chromebook 4 Plus Buy it Now
$299 .00

What you need to know about the Samsung Chromebook 4 Plus

Samsung Chromebook 4 Plus front view



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New low price on the Galaxy Buds Pro, and more great headphone deals https://ift.tt/rG4dMlv

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, black, withstand a water spill.
Credit: Samsung

If you’ve been searching for a new pair of headphones, let us help. Plenty of retailers are offering big discounts on a variety of styles, meaning you can take advantage of some of the best headphone deals across the board right now.

See also: Headphone buying guide: A beginner’s guide to all things headphones



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OnePlus 7 and 7 Pro update improves ‘system stability’ with no explanation https://ift.tt/fCO4Fn8

Welcome to the OnePlus 7 series update hub. Here you’ll find the latest information on updates to the OnePlus 7 Pro and OnePlus 7. We’ll detail the current software versions for each device and alert you if there’s a new update rolling out. OnePlus usually pushes out updates to Oxygen OS the OnePlus 7 Pro and 7 together, but availability may differ across regions.

  • Current stable version: Android 11
  • When will the OnePlus 7 get Android 12? 2022 (Estimated)

Latest OnePlus 7 Pro and OnePlus 7 updates

February 24, 2022: Oxygen OS 11.0.6.1 is now rolling out to the OnePlus 7 Pro and OnePlus 7 (via XDA-Developers). The update doesn’t have much to it. The February 2022 Android security patch is there, but the only other thing is a mysterious “improved system stability” note.



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OnePlus 8T gets its first Oxygen OS update of the year https://ift.tt/fCO4Fn8

Welcome to the OnePlus 8T updates hub. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about the latest Android updates for the device, including past and future software versions.

Like its siblings, the OnePlus 8T runs on Oxygen OS, OnePlus’ homebaked Android skin. Oxygen OS is known for fast updates that come for a very long time, so be sure to bookmark this page and revisit often.



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OnePlus 7T series updates: February patch arriving now https://ift.tt/fCO4Fn8

Welcome to the OnePlus 7T series update hub. Here you’ll find the latest information on updates to the OnePlus 7T Pro and OnePlus 7T. We’ll detail the current software versions for each device and alert you if there’s a new update rolling out. OnePlus usually pushes out Oxygen OS updates to the OnePlus 7T Pro and 7T together, but availability may be affected by variant, carrier, and region.

  • Current stable version: Android 11
  • When will the OnePlus 7T series get Android 12? 2022 (Estimated)

Latest OnePlus 7T Pro and OnePlus 7T updates

February 24, 2022: Oxygen OS 11.0.6.1 is rolling out now to the two phones in the OnePlus 7T series (via XDA-Developers). Unfortunately, there’s not much to the update other than a security patch. Check out the complete changelog below.



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The best new TV shows to stream this week on Netflix, Disney Plus, and more https://ift.tt/FMZ6jkG

vikings valhalla
Credit: Netflix

The last weekend of February has arrived, and, of course, there are many new TV shows to stream to wrap up the month. We have a spin-off/continuation of an acclaimed historical drama and a reboot of a popular family-themed animated series. We have an interactive adult animated show from the creator of Black Mirror. We also have two docuseries to check out; one about a NASCAR race driver and the other about how we handle all of our waste. Finally, there’s a docudrama about the formation of one of the biggest and most controversial companies of all time.

Let’s look at the best new TV shows to binge-watch this week.



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Huawei Watch GT Runner review: A premium watch in athletic clothes https://ift.tt/Uwbdyng

Solid features, refined design, and excellent battery life have helped set Huawei’s Watch GT series apart from the smartwatch crowd. However, the steel and leather designs don’t always feel like they’re ready for your next workout. Now, Huawei has its sights set on the fitness junkies with a reimagined version of its Watch GT 3. This is Android Authority’s Huawei Watch GT Runner review.

£209 .00
Huawei Watch GT Runner
Buy it Now
Huawei Watch GT Runner Buy it Now
£209 .00

What you need to know about the Huawei Watch GT Runner

Huawei Watch GT Runner training plans



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$120 off the 2021 HP Chromebook 14b, and more great Chromebook deals https://ift.tt/vDE8djq

HP Chromebook 14b 2021 Promo Image
Credit: Amazon

It’s easy to find a good Chromebook on a budget. After all, the whole idea behind Chrome OS devices is that they serve as a cheaper alternative to Windows laptops. We’ve rounded up some of the best Chromebook deals on the internet so you won’t have to search too hard for a good price.

See also: The best Chromebooks you can get



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Wednesday, 23 February 2022

Millions of Samsung phones reportedly shipped with a major security flaw https://ift.tt/Zmy0bjf

samsung logo

Credit: Oliver Cragg / Android Authority
  • Security researchers at Tel Aviv University in Israel found a significant security flaw in several Samsung phones.
  • The company reportedly shipped over 100 million devices with this flaw.

Samsung is usually pretty prompt with security updates for its phones, but according to a new report, the company shipped over 100 million devices with a major security flaw.



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24% off the Alienware Aurora R10, and more desktop computer deals https://ift.tt/9YbQ2CR

Dell Alienware Aurora R10 Gaming Desktop Product Image
Credit: Dell

Many people have turned to laptops for their work-from-home setups, but desktop computers are a sensible option. They aren’t as easily portable, but they’re often superior for heavy-duty tasks like gaming and video editing. We’ve put together some of the best desktop computer deals currently available for your home office.

See also: The best laptop deals



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The best Alexa games in 2022 https://ift.tt/tWdaQMF

A 4th gen Amazon Echo Dot in 2020
Credit: Amazon

Amazon Alexa is mostly about controlling speakers and your smart home, but being a modern digital assistant, it can handle a lot more than that. In fact there’s a surprisingly large number of voice-based games for Alexa, so we’ve compiled a list of the best Alexa games to try if you’ve got a compatible speaker or smart display.

Related: The best skills and apps for Alexa



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