Netflix CEO: China may eventually let us in

Netflix earlier this month expanded its video-streaming service to nearly every country in the world except China. China may not be the notable exception forever, though. CEO Reed Hastings said Tuesday that Netflix has been meeting with China’s regulators in hopes of bringing the service there. “It may be soon that we have a license in China, or it may …

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YouTube’s years

After three years in exile, YouTube has returned to Pakistan, with a big caveat. The Google-owned video-sharing site returned to the country on Monday after a Pakistan-specific version was created that allows the government to filter content it considers offensive, Pakistan said Monday. The site was blocked in 2012 after refusing to pull a clip that mocks the prophet Muhammad, …

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Best smartphones under AU$500

If you want a so-called flagship phone these days, you’re going to be paying serious money. If you were after the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+, for example, you’d pay AU$65 for every character in its overly long name. (that’s AU$1,299 for the 64GB model, in case you’re still doing the maths). This is why people tend to find themselves in …

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In Apple patent spat, Samsung rides a new wave of support

Samsung’s got some new friends in its legal battle against Apple — including farmers, African American small businesses and an electronics retailer. Legal experts, nonprofit organizations and technology companies have filed amicus, or “friend of the court,” briefs in support of Samsung, urging the US Supreme Court to consider the patent-infringement case. They want the nation’s highest court to better …

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How to watch tonight’s Democratic debate

Democratic presidential candidates are in Charleston South Carolina right now for the latest debate. The fourth debate between candidates is co-hosted by NBC and YouTube, with coverage starting at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). The debate is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT). Unlike previous debates which featured multiple rounds full of candidates, Sunday’s gathering …

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How to watch the Steelers

The division round of the NFL playoffs will kick off this weekend. On Saturday, we will see the Kansas City Chiefs take on the New England Patriots, and later that night the Green Bay Packers and Arizona Cardinals will go head-to-head. The next day the Seattle Seahawks will look to take down the red-hot Carolina Panthers, while the Pittsburgh Steelers …

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What’s the best phone to have when dumping your carrier?

Carrier contracts are dead, and you have more flexibility in choosing a provider than ever before. But is it really that easy? Not quite. You may still be stuck with a provider you aren’t happy with, because your phone isn’t compatible with another carrier’s network. Luckily, the device landscape is changing. In this edition of Ask Maggie, I explain. Dear …

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Beware of the ‘good for what it is’ speaker syndrome

I keep hearing the phrase, “it’s good for what it is,” used when salespeople and knowledgeable audiophiles are queried about wireless speaker systems. So what they’re really saying is, it’s not all that good, it’s just acceptable for what it is. That qualifier is a significant loophole, it’s like saying this frozen pizza is good for what it is, but …

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Internet christens Trump the GOP debate winner (again)

Donald Trump isn’t letting up. He and his supporters continue to steamroll the GOP presidential competition on the debate stage and on social media. The Republican front-runner in the race to lead the nation was the most talked about candidate on Twitter during the sixth GOP debate, held Thursday in North Charleston, South Carolina. Trump accounted for 38 percent of …

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Samsung’s new Galaxy J3 debuts at Boost, Virgin Mobile for $180

New year, new phone line. At least that’s what it feels like as Samsung brings its latest smartphones, the Galaxy J series, to the US, starting with Sprint’s two prepaid carriers, Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile. The entry-level J3 phone sells for $180 all in. You can buy it today from Virgin Mobile or starting January 18 from Boost. Samsung …

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Guide to the Windows Store: Managing and protecting your account

If you want to buy anything from the Windows Store, you’ll need a Microsoft account with a linked credit card (or debit card, or PayPal). Here are some tips for keeping your account save and tracking the purchases you make. Require a password for purchases The Windows Store is set up by default to require a password any time you …

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Guide to the Windows Store: Finding and installing apps

If you’re looking for new Windows 10-optimized apps that are designed for both desktops and mobile devices, you’ll need to go through the Windows Store. The Store has been completely revamped from its Windows 8 iteration, but it’s not too difficult to navigate (it’s an app store, after all). In the Windows Store you’ll find 10-friendly apps, games, movies, music, …

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Play music from Dropbox on your iPhone when you are offline

I forgot I had music stashed on Dropbox. With free iOS app Jukebox by thedrop.club, I was able to quickly find and import the songs from my Dropbox account to my iPhone for listening when I’m not able to stream music from Apple Music, Spotify or Pandora. Jukebox is easy to operate. After installing it, it will ask for access …

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