Donald Bell

How to set up a Chromecast

Now playing: Watch this: Set up the Google Chromecast 3:23 To hear Google tell it, you’d think its Chromecast practically installed itself. I can tell you from experience that this is not the case. To Google’s credit, Chromecast setup is a breeze compared with some of the hair-pulling experiences I’ve had involving the Apple TV, …

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Turn a cracked Nexus 7 into an e

Now playing: Watch this: Turn a cracked Nexus 7 into an e-book reader 3:14 The Google Nexus 7 is one of our favorite budget Android tablets for many reasons, but durability isn’t one of them. As our Always On torture test has demonstrated, the touch screen on the Nexus 7 is a rather delicate flower. If you’ve experienced the fragility …

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How to buy an MP3 player

There was a time not so long ago when MP3 players were a hot and essential technology, and Apple’s best-selling product was the iPod. Now with smartphones and tablets, though, there are many other devices that make great music players. But even if the MP3 player’s best days are waning, there are still a number of great products available. Here …

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Sync two iPhones on one computer

Now playing: Watch this: Use two iPhones on one computer 3:00 I’ve actually lost track of all the iOS devices I have. From iPhones to iPads and iPods, there are a few generations of mobile Apple gadgets populating my home that are occasionally adopted or abandoned by my wife and kid. For the most part, today’s iOS devices are self-supporting. …

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Restrict volume on iPhone, iPod, and iPad

Now playing: Watch this: Limit volume on iPhone, iPod or iPad 2:41 If your kid is using an iPhone, iPod, or iPad to blast music at unsafe levels, you should consider setting a limit on their maximum volume. I mean, they’ll hate you for it — but they’ll also hate having tinnitus in their 20s, right? In the above video, …

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iTunes Radio vs. Pandora

Is iTunes Radio a real competitor to Pandora, or just a wannabe? James Martin/CNET Apple may be the top dog when it comes to digital music sales, but does it have what it takes to get a late foothold in the world of Internet radio? To cut through the hype and get a sense of what Apple’s newly announced iTunes …

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Google Play Music All Access vs. Spotify

Does Google have what it takes to compete with Spotify? Screenshot by Donald Bell/CNET New music services are great at making me feel old. Opening Spotify is like opening the door to some hip cafe where a mustached 20-year old barista takes my order with folded arms and a stamp on his hand from last night’s secret show. I feel …

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Join CNET’s iPhone 5 Google+ Hangout, LIVE!

CNET The iPhone 5 goes on sale tomorrow, and you’re wondering if it’s worth standing in line for. Join Scott, Josh Lowensohn and me for a 30 minute Google+ Hangout discussing the iPhone 5, starting today at 2:30 pm Pacific. We had one of these a few days ago and it worked out so well, we figured we’d try another …

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Watch CNET’s Google+ Hangout featuring the iPhone 5!

CBS Interactive CNET’s Scott Stein has the iPhone 5, and you probably have a few questions. Join Scott and I for a 30 minute Google+ Hangout, starting tonight at 6:30 pm Pacific. The Hangout will be accessible though CNET’s Google+ page, where you can also submit your questions. I repeat, the Hangout is closed for comments, so submit your questions …

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Kindle Fire HD vs. Nexus 7: Which one is right for you?

There are the key differences between the Kindle Fire HD tablet (left) and Google’s Nexus 7 (right). CNET When Amazon launched the original Kindle Fire in 2011, the $199 tablet was a surprise hit that reigned as one of the top budget tablet options. But that reign came to a dramatic end with the introduction of the Nexus 7, Google’s …

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