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Month: April 2019

  • Which Smartwatch Should You Buy? Samsung vs Apple

    Which Smartwatch Should You Buy? Samsung vs Apple

    The Apple Watch Series 4 finally has a true competitor in the form of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active. The two tech giants are each pitting their best wearable tech against the other. If you’re wondering which of these two excellent smart watches is right for you, read on.

    Apple Watch vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Active

    Price Point

    The first, and most notable, aspect of the two watches when paired head-to-head is the price point. Where the Galaxy Watch only costs $200, the Apple Watch Series 4 is double that price. That’s a pretty stark difference out of the gate. Does Apple do anything different enough to merit that huge uptick in price?

    Appearance

    The next most obvious difference between the two watches is the shape and appearance. The Apple Watch has the distinct square shape and rounded bezels that make it look like a baby iPhone X strapped to your wrist.

    The Galaxy watch, meanwhile, sports a round face that looks more reminiscent of a traditional watch face. Both are stylish, with large screens and bright colors.

    Fitness Features

    The main show with both of these smart watches is the fitness features. Both watches track your fitness activity an let you set daily goals. The Apple Watch can automatically detect swims, while the Galaxy can auto-detect cycling. Both are water-resistant, so they can both function as swim trackers.

    Both offer breathing exercises, GPS solutions and fun visuals to track your various fitness activities. The Apple Watch is a bit faster to note heartrate changes and keeps up quickly with what you’re doing.

    Bottom Line

    Both watches feature ample smartwatch features, such as getting texts and notifications on your wrist and even answering calls through your watch. While the Apple Watch is the significantly pricier option, it’s sufficiently different to be its own thing.

    Which one is right for you? Well, if you like Apple’s iOS and general feel, you’ll love the super-premium Apple Watch. If you like Samsung’s simple, straightforward and third-party forward design style, you’ll love the Galaxy Active.

  • Early Galaxy Fold Models Experiencing Critical Failures

    Early Galaxy Fold Models Experiencing Critical Failures

    Samsung’s taking a huge gamble with their foldable smartphone. The Galaxy Fold is the first foldable smartphone with a plastic display hitting the market. However, within a few hours of each other, several prominent reviewers had their Fold review models begin experiencing critical screen failures and issues.

    Galaxy Fold Early Woes

    The Errors

    The errors on display have varied by reviewer, but they almost all include issues with the inner screen. The fold has a normal, Gorilla Glass display on the outside. The inside of the phone sports a huge 10-inch screen that folds in the middle, and this is the one experiencing issues.

    Primarily, the issues appear to be related to parts of the screen flickering, blacking out or breaking. One reviewer has a strange bulge under their screen. Another reviewer has one half of their screen blacked out entirely. Yet another has one side of the screen flickering and washing out in strange patterns.

    Crucial Points

    This is a critical point for Samsung. As the first company to hit the market with a foldable phone, all eyes are on them to deliver a top-quality product. With so many reviewers experiencing issues with their early production models, concerns are growing that Samsung’s ambitious phone might be dead on arrival.

    Samsung has stated that they’re aware of the issues the reviewers are having and are sending technicians out in person to review the damage.

    Causes

    It’s unclear what, exactly, is causing the damage to the screens. There is a thin layer of protective film on the inner screen that has is to not be removed. Some of the reviewers removed this film, resulting in the issues. Others, however, didn’t remove it and are still experiencing strange problems with their screens.

    Hopefully Samsung will be able to address the problem with the screens before the first mass production models hit store shelves. For Samsung, if the Galaxy Fold goes down as a buggy, easily-broken mess, then foldable displays might be perceived as an unrealizable fad.

  • Sega Genesis Mini Games and Details: What and When?

    Sega Genesis Mini Games and Details: What and When?

    For a certain generation, the Sega Genesis defines what gaming looked like in the early 90’s. The slick, fast-paced action of Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage and Gunstar Heroes has always been synonymous with Sega. Now, we can look forward to the upcoming Sega Genesis Mini to recapture that classic gaming feel.

    Sega Genesis Mini Details

    The System

    The system itself is an adorable, miniature version of the Sega Genesis. Not the later redesign, mind you, but the chunkier original. The sleek black lines, glossy sheen and distinctly retro look all look great at the tiny scale.

    Much like Nintendo’s own NES and SNES Classic systems, this one will include perfect recreations of the original controller. The incredibly faithful reproduction is core the Genesis Mini’s charm. There are countless ways to play Genesis games already on the market, so the exact replica appearance is key to this product’s appeal.

    The Games

    A huge draw to this system is sure to be the high number of games on display. No less than 40 games will come included with the system, making it a huge value. Of the forty, Sega has announced twenty. They are as follows.

    Sonic the Hedgehog

    Ecco the Dolphin

    Castlevania: Bloodlines

    Space Harrier 2

    Shining Force

    Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine

    ToeJam & Earl

    Comix Zone

    Altered Beast

    Gunstar Heroes

    Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse

    World of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck

    Thunder Force III

    Super Fantasy Zone

    Shinobi III

    Streets of Rage 2

    Earthworm Jim

    Sonic the Hedgehog 2

    Contra: Hard Corps

    Landstalker

    Release Details

    The system is set to be released on September 19th in the US, UK and Australia. Interestingly, it will be released as the Sega Mega Drive in the UK and Australia, as per its original branding there. In the US, the system will retail for $80 MRSP. We’re excited to get our hands on the adorable collectible to go alongside our NES and SNES Classics!

  • Attorney General Barr Releases Full Mueller Report

    Attorney General Barr Releases Full Mueller Report

    Despite the lengthy investigation and contentious creation of the report, Mueller’s full (well, slightly redacted) report has been made public. The release followed a press release by Attorney General Barr. On March 22nd, Robert Mueller’s team turned the report over to Attorney General Barr, who, in turn, provided a 4-page summary of the 400-page report to Congress.

    Mueller Report Released

    Robert-Mueller
    USA Today

    The Press Release

    The Attorney General held a press conference prior to the release of the report, attempting to frame the Special Counsel’s findings in his own light. Famously, Barr wrote an unsolicited 19-page memo prior to being nominated to the AG job in which he alleged that the Department of Justice wouldn’t be able to find Trump guilty of obstruction of justice.

    Barr’s press release focused mainly on depicting the Special Counsel as having differing opinions of legal theory from the AG’s office. This largely tracks with what legal experts expected, following Barr’s numerous attempts to spin the report as not being as bad for the administration as people have predicted.

    The Report

    Mueller’s report focuses on ten specific episodes that could be evidence of obstruction of justice by the Donald Trump administration. The report also spends some time focusing on Russian interference in the election, which led to no less than 25 criminal charges levelled at Russian hackers.

    Obstruction

    According to the report, Mueller’s team didn’t find sufficient evidence to either exonerate nor indict Trump on charges of obstruction of justice. The obstruction case largely centered around the firing of former FBI director James Comey, as well as multiple tweets sent by Trump following that event.

    Russian Interference

    The other major part of the Special Counsel’s report involved an unprecedented Russian hacking effort that used social media to sow discord. The massive project had a budget of over $35 million and was overseen by top GRU operatives.

    The interference campaign created sock-puppet accounts to argue vehemently on wedge issues like abortion, gun control and trans rights. Then, the Russians used their considerable budget to advertise heavily on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, all in the name of exposing political fault lines in battleground states.

    Conclusions

    The 400-page report is available online from the Special Counsel’s website for free. Those curious about its contents can download it and read it today. Some small parts of the report are redacted, likely for the sake of national security.

    The report is expected to be a bombshell for the beleaguered Trump administration. As legal experts and Congressional committees absorb and dissect the document, it is expected that the full scope of the administration’s actions will come into clearer focus.

  • Best Home Security Systems

    Best Home Security Systems

    Everyone wants their own home to feel like a safe haven. The big wide world can be a scary, chaotic place. You want home to be your sanctuary, and that’s totally fine. As such, you’re looking for the best in home security systems. Today we’re helping you find just that by breaking down the best of the best.

    Best Home Security Systems

    ADT

    The most well-known home security system is the professionally-installed ADT. It’s not terribly easy to get pricing information from ADT without subjecting oneself to lots of salespeople, but here’s some rough numbers for a base system. For the upfront cost of around $129, and an ongoing cost of roughly $47, you get a 3-year contract with monitoring and two door contacts.

    ADT’s not for everyone, though, as the contract length and high price of monitoring can be a turn-off. However, the company is a trusted name, the monitoring is well-regarded and the system is high-quality.

    SimpliSafe

    If you don’t mind installing the system yourself, consider SimpliSafe. The started kit is only $230, which is a small price to pay for peace of mind. While the monitoring starts at $15 per month, you might want to spring for the $25 version of the monitoring for the upgraded features. Those features include app controls and Alexa integration.

    While it’s not the most robust system on the market, SimpliSafe is great for people who don’t want to deal with big companies like ADT but still want a full system for home security.

    Nest Hello

    A stylish, modern and slick doorbell camera, Nest Hello is from the same company that makes the Nest Thermostat. Ample Alexa integration and face recognition make this a very high-tech security solution. It’s around $230 for the up-front cost to get the system installed, and then it’s about $5 per month for the ongoing costs for recording.

    For an upcharge, you can get the more upscale features like facial recognition. The most impressive part about the Nest Hello is the integration, though, as it works together with Alexa or other smart home systems.

  • Super Smash Bros. First DLC Character Now Live

    Super Smash Bros. First DLC Character Now Live

    Super Smash Bros Ultimate was one of the biggest game launches of last year, and the game is still going strong. The ever-popular crossover fighter has seen great sales through into this year, too. The first DLC character from the Fighters Pass, Joker from Persona, is now live. The update brings many new features, too.

    Smash Bros Ultimate Update

    Joker’s Wild

    The newest character to hit the roster is Joker, a fan-favorite character from the Persona series. Persona, a series of dark fantasy JRPGs, has never had a representative in Nintendo’s Smash Bros franchise.

    The character is a slippery, tricky fighter with unusual supernatural powers. Hardcore Smash players will certainly be studying the ins and outs of the character and pushing him to his limits. Expect to see loads of this new character online in the multiplayer battle mode in the weeks to come.

    Stage Editor

    A much-requested feature returning from Super Smash Bros Brawl, the stage editor has returned with this update. This allows players to build custom stages for their own use with friends. They can also upload their stages to the internet so other players the world over can try out their stages!

    Video Editor

    Another big feature introduced in this huge update is the video editor, allowing for more in-depth recording and editing of replays. Whether you’re making your own highlight reel, learning from your past mistakes or just having some fun, the video editor is sure to be a huge hit.

    More to Come

    The Fighters Pass DLC also promises another 4 characters and stage will be coming to the already-stuffed game in the months to come. For the low price of entry, Smash Bros is completely packed to the gills with content. Between fighters, stages and game modes, there’s always more to do in Smash Bros.

    Super Smash Bros Ultimate and the Fighters Pass are both available on the Nintendo Switch now.

  • The Best Full-Sized Pickups in 2019

    The Best Full-Sized Pickups in 2019

    Who doesn’t love the feel of climbing into the cab of a full-sized pickup? The towing capacity, cab size and comfortable ride of a pickup is hard to find elsewhere on the new car market. If you’re looking for a new pickup in 2019, here are some of the best options on the market for you to consider.

    2019’s Best Full-Sized Pickups

    Chevy Silverado 1500

    The Silverado 1500 has been redesigned recently, making it a more modern and visually distinct vehicle. Visually distinct is a bit of an understatement, however, as many people have noted that the Silverado looks “weird”.

    The handling is tight, and the ride is somewhat firm. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine is zippy and responsive, while the interior is upscale and comfortable. It’s hard to go wrong with this rock-solid choice, as long as you like the unusual appearance.

    Ford F-150 Raptor

    The F-150 is a well-known pickup, and a worthy addition to any list. However, you already know the F-150 is great. Today we’re looking at the F-150 Raptor: it’s fast, it’s mean and it’s really just quite fun. The 450-horsepower twin-turbo V-6 is a beast, jumping to 60 from a standstill in five seconds.

    The braking isn’t the best part of this vehicle, thanks to the off-road tuned frame and tires, but the suspension is soft and luxurious. Hitting the off-road runs is downright thrilling, and the Raptor is the truck you want when you want overwhelming power and a fun ride.

    Ram 1500

    In the case of the Ram 1500, efficiency is the name of the game. There are several powertrain options, including a hybrid with great fuel economy. The air suspension leads to a smooth, enjoyable ride and the quad and crew cab both offer luxurious seating and surroundings.

    The three engine choices give you tons of options, whether you’re looking for power or performance. The best part? The highest-end offers you a stellar 10,620 pounds of towing, making this a beast of a full-sized truck.

  • Should You Get an Amazon Alexa?

    Should You Get an Amazon Alexa?

    Amazon’s ever-popular Alexa is something of a phenomenon. It seems like so many people have Alexa-enabled devices now, so it’s time to ask the question. Should you get an Amazon Alexa? Today we’re going to look at what Alexa does and whether it would be right for you.

    Amazon Alexa

    What is Alexa?

    Alexa is a personal assistant programmed into devices like the Amazon Echo and Echo Dot. Alexa is typically included in smart speakers, though smart devices like the Amazon Echo Show, which sports a screen, also have the personal assistant AI.

    What Does Alexa Do?

    There are a lot of features available through Alexa. For instance, the most common use for the software is to use voice commands to summon up the music you want to hear. Another common use is using Alexa as a base hub for your other smart home devices.

    Smart home integration allows you to do things like control the lights, locks and temperature in your home with just your voice. You can also use your voice to shop on Amazon, adding things to your cart and shopping hands-free.

    Should You Get an Alexa?

    For those who love music but have no desire to get into smart home integration, you should probably get a more traditional speaker. However, if you like the idea of full integration of your smart home technology, then Alexa is the right call.

    Your home guests and your family will likely enjoy the novelty of the voice commands and the convenience of asking Alexa for all your needs. If you have a question, Alexa can Google it for you and read the answer. If you have a home alarm system, you can integrate it through Alexa, making yourself feel safer.

    Bottom Line

    The bottom line is, Alexa is great for technology-minded people who want lots of convenience for a small price. You can get an Amazon Echo Dot for $35 on Amazon, making it one of the least expensive ways to get into the smart home ecosystem.

  • iPad Mini, iPad Air First Impressions: Are They Worth the Price?

    iPad Mini, iPad Air First Impressions: Are They Worth the Price?

    Apple’s newest tablets, the iPad Mini and iPad Air for 2019, have been on the market for about a moth now. What are some of the early impressions of these devices, and how do they stack up against the competition? Let’s take a look at Apple’s newest tablets.

    iPad Mini and iPad Air

    iPad Mini and iPad Air

    The iPad Mini and iPad air both fill a great niche for the Apple lineup. While the iPad Pro nearly replaces a laptop and brings tons of features, the Mini and Air are both a great compromise point. If you like your laptop and want a tablet for home use and entertainment, the iPad Mini or Air both fill a great space as upscaled iPhones.

    Specs

    Unsurprisingly, the A12 chip found in the iPhone XS is here and as great as ever. No tablet or smartphone has a chip that holds a candle to the A12, as even Qualcomm and Snapdragon struggle to keep up with Apple’s machine-learning chips. Likewise, the Retina display screens look amazing, with vibrant colors and sharp blacks.

    On the port side, there’s a headphone jack on both of these models, which is great. The iPhone line hasn’t sported a 3.5mm jack since the iPhone 7, so it’s nice to see it here. The charging ports on these iPads use the proprietary Lightning charger, which is a slight disappointment. We were hoping for USB-C compatibility, like the iPad Pro, but that’s not a deal-breaker.

    Design

    The iPad Air is light enough to merit its name, and it sports a great form factor and size. On the same note, the iPad Mini feels great in the hand, and the lack of bezels, much like the iPhone X line, makes the screen feel enormous.

    Oddly, these iPads sport home buttons with Touch ID, instead of the buttonless design of the X line. There’s no option for the depth-sensing Face ID unlock system seen on the iPhone X.

    Bottom Line

    If you’ve been looking for a step between a full-blown laptop and your smartphone, the iPad Mini and iPad Air both fill that niche. For the price of $399 for the Mini or $499 for the Air, you can rock the newest Apple tablet in style.

  • Avengers Endgame Has Leaked: Watch Out for Spoilers

    Avengers Endgame Has Leaked: Watch Out for Spoilers

    The biggest cinematic event of the year is hitting late this month. There’s less than two weeks between now and when Avengers: Endgame hits theaters. However, the film’s conclusion has been leaked online, so spoilers for the whole thing are up in the wild. Here are some ways you can protect yourself from the biggest spoilers.

    Avoiding Avengers Endgame Spoilers

    Social Media

    One of your best bets might be a full-blown social media blackout. No one wants to accidentally scroll past a major spoiler on Facebook, Twitter or Reddit. As such, simply staying off of those sites ad apps could be the right call. In the case of Reddit you can just avoid Marvel-related subreddits until you’ve seen the movie, at least.

    On Twitter, you can mute certain words or phrases manually. Consider muting the Avengers keyword in particular if you’re worried about getting spoiled. You can set it to mute indefinitely or for a set duration. Either way, you won’t see mentions of the chosen keyword for as long as its muted.

    Your Friends

    Depending on how friendly or unfriendly your buddies are, they might inadvertently expose you to spoilers. If your friends are sort-of jerks, consider just avoiding them until after you’ve seen the movie. Otherwise, just let them know you’re really trying to avoid spoilers and don’t want to discuss any leaks with them.

    At the Theater

    Some people are just trolls and will try to spoil the film for you while you’re in line at the theater. Consider pre-purchasing your tickets online so you don’t have to stand in line for a while. You could even skip the concession stand if you want to double down on not exposing yourself to potential trolls who would shout spoilers.

    For those of you considering spoiling the movie for people who are excited to see it: shame on you. Let people enjoy things without wanting to ruin it for them.

    Avengers Endgame hits theaters in the US on April 27th. Tickets are on sale now.