Soundbars are about as common and sought after as the 4K and 8K TVs they connect to. They’re also one of the best investments you can make for your home theater experience because nothing says “lackluster” like the measly audio that most TV speakers produce.
The US TikTok ban could happen sooner than we thought
The US Senate has passed legislation paving the way for a ban on TikTok
Despite taking the world by storm, social media app TikTok hasn't been fully immune from trouble in the US. Last month, the US House of Representatives passed a bill to cut ties between TikTok and its parent company ByteDance. The bill then moved into the US Senate for approval, the penultimate step before it reaches President Joe Biden's desk, who can then sign it into law. In a massive 79-18 vote on Tuesday, the Senate resoundingly passed this bill, paving the way for a potential ban on the platform in the US.
Samsung Galaxy S25 might launch with Google’s next-gen AI model
The 2025 flagship Galaxy could debut with Gemini Nano 2
Samsung's Galaxy S24 was among the first major Android phones to release this year with AI features. It was also the first non-Pixel phone to launch with Gemini Nano, Google's most efficient AI model for on-device tasks. AI will play a big role in smartphones in the coming years, and to ensure its flagship phones offer a cutting-edge experience, Samsung reportedly plans to launch the Galaxy S25 series with Google's next-gen Gemini Nano 2 model.
Best VPN for Amazon Fire TV Stick in 2024
Turn your Amazon Fire TV Stick into a global hub for streaming with the best VPNs
An Amazon Fire TV Stick can turn your regular ol' smart TV into a streaming juggernaut, filled with Netflix, Disney+, and numerous streaming platforms to pick and watch your favorite movies and TV shows. The thing is, it can't let you watch just anything out there, but a VPN that's compatible with your Fire TV Stick and is primed for streaming can help you change that.
Lock screen ads could be coming to your Android phone
Glance has started a pilot program in partnership with Motorola and Verizon in the US
Budget smartphones from Xiaomi, Realme, or even Samsung in Asia show news, live scores, and, other media content (a.k.a. ads) on the lock screen. Despite its popularity in Asia, Glance — a subsidiary of the adtech business InMobi Group — hasn't made its way to smartphones sold in the US. Reports of the lock screen platform wanting to partner with US carriers did pop up in July 2022, but nothing happened afterward. Nearly two years later, Glance could finally be ready to bring lock screen ads to Android phones in the US.
Nokia pushed to the margin as HMD reveals its first exclusive phones
HMD's first phones without the Nokia branding are finally here
Back in 2016, HMD Global made headlines by announcing its partnership with Nokia to bring back the veteran brand to the smartphone market. At the time, few people thought this honeymoon would end after almost eight years. Last year, we reported that the HMD-Nokia relationship was on the brink of collapse, with HMD's CEO announcing the company's ambitious plans to launch an independent smartphone lineup.
WhatsApp could soon let Community admins hide their groups from the public eye
A godsend for communities with several members
Communities on WhatsApp have been around for a while now, helping users or organizations with several members to manage their conversations more efficiently. The Meta-owned chat app was recently found working on allowing community members to create and schedule events. Well, WhatsApp is now working on another communities-related attribute, aimed at protecting the privacy of certain groups.
Google Home app hints at a new Nest Audio and Hub Max in the pipeline
New smart home devices could be in the works at Mountain View
Smart home devices have found their place in our busy lives, with speakers, displays, and other devices finding a way to make our lives even easier. But it's a tough category, and even the likes of Google have failed to make products that stick around, with fierce competition from rivals like Amazon.
How to listen to YouTube with the screen off
Who needs Spotify when you've got these YouTube workarounds?
YouTube offers a large collection of streaming audio and video content. It would take 82 years to watch everything that's uploaded in one day. Yet, it's disappointing when music or a video stops when you minimize YouTube or lock your phone screen. Premium users don't have such an experience, as background playback is one of the perks.
5 features the Google Pixel 9 should steal from its competitors
Gorilla Glass Armor, Qi2, faster wired and wireless charging, and more
The Google Pixel 9 series is just a few months away from launch. Thanks to leaks, we know a fair bit about Google's flagship Pixel phones for 2024. While a more power-efficient Tensor G4 chip would be nice, there are plenty of features in competing phones like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra we'd like to see in the Pixel 9. Here are five features available on competing phones we want to see in Google's next.
How to see who follows you on Facebook
Facebook followers aren't as visible as Instagram's. But finding them is easy with these steps
Gaining a large following is an achievement, especially as a business owner. People who follow your personal profile or page can see images, videos, GIF content, and other posts you make, all on their news feeds. When you befriend a person over Facebook, they get added as a follower; the same isn't true when you follow a Facebook user (you don't necessarily become their friend). That's why having followers (without being Facebook friends) creates a healthy (and usually professional) division between your actual friends and connections.
What are Fetch rewards?
Shop, snap a photo of your receipt, and get points. Meet Fetch, the app that makes shopping fun and rewarding
Expensive shopping trips can leave you feeling guilty. But it doesn't have to be this way. Rewards apps like Fetch can help you save money, even if you primarily order Amazon products. To double down on those sweet Fetch offers, you only need a quick snapshot of a US shopping receipt and download the app on any working Android phone. Below, we explain in detail what Fetch Rewards is and why you should use it.
Get 50% off this massive power bank and never run out of juice on the go again
That’s 60,000mAh of charging capacity for just $35
This is not your average
Samsung's theming Good Lock module just got some major usability upgrades
The theming process becomes more seamless with the added ability to make edits
Samsung users that love to customize the look of their phone should get a little excited by today's news, as there has been a new update issued for the brand's Theme Park app. The latest update brings some notable features, and should make customizing themes going forward a more seamless process.
The Fallout TV show has made its way to Fallout Shelter, and players are going wild
Let's talk about what's fresh in 2015's mobile game of the year
There's no question that Fallout has been a certified hit since Interplay launched the first game back in 1997. Fans have seen a steady stream of new games, updates, DLC, RPGs, wargames, board games, Magic the Gathering decks, and even a one-shot comic. To the universal joy and trepidation of every fan on the internet, a Fallout show was announced back in 2020. Now, nearly four years later, it's out, and we can report that it's awesome. Amazon even announced a second season. But what you might have missed is that Bethesda has quietly added an update to its 2015 mobile hit Fallout Shelter, and since we've explored the new update, here's what you can expect.
Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 review: Bright and lyrical performance
Cambridge Audio's new ANC buds are trendsetters in more ways than one
If you’re looking for a great set of wireless earbuds and are willing to spend just under $250, I’ve got a recommendation for you! I recently had the opportunity to test Cambridge Audio’s Melomania M100 earbuds and let’s just say I walked away a very happy camper.
Score this 100W USB-C cable 2-pack bundle for a ridiculous price of just $5
If you're on the hunt for new cables, you won't find a better deal than this
If you've been looking to upgrade your charging cables and need a reliable but cheap solution, then this 2-pack USB-C cable bundle from Jsaux is going to be right up your alley. For a limited time, you can score a great deal thanks to a fantastic discount that drops this bundle down to its lowest price yet.
The OnePlus Watch 2 is getting a handsome new color option — but not in the US
Nordic Blue is a European exclusive
The OnePlus Watch 2 will soon be available in an additional colorway — in some markets. As spotted by Notebookcheck, OnePlus's online store is offering a new "Nordic Blue" color across Europe that, as the page's copy notes, is exclusive to the region. The Nordic Blue version comes with a lighter silver case and two-tone bezel paired with a blue leather band, and costs a little more than the watch's two launch colors.
The iPhone's timed Bluetooth toggle has no place on Android
Android 15 might make connection management more annoying
The rivalry between Android and iOS has long been a topic of intense discussion, but both sides can agree that Android is the king of user control. Home screens can be arranged in any way, and apps can be downloaded from anywhere. If you want a truly customizable phone experience, Android is the obvious way to go. That's what makes a particular change in the upcoming Android 15 release so perplexing. It appears Google is taking a page out of Apple's book by removing some of the control out of users' hands when disabling Bluetooth.
Gemini's Android app could soon summarize PDFs and other documents for you
A flag shows how AI would be able to break down files on mobile
It may seem like Google’s Gemini has already worked its way into every facet of the company’s products and services. However, the rate at which Google is rolling out new Gemini features seems to suggest otherwise. As AI continues to evolve, there is undoubtedly more that the company can do to refine its own product. To that extent, Gemini may soon gain a new capability that can benefit Android users, in particular.