For as long as I can remember audiophiles have struggled to find the best sounding digital connections. The CD debuted back in 1982 and computer audio is now fully entrenched, but even so, we still haven’t reached a consensus. Which connection/interface sounds best: USB, Toslink (aka optical), coaxial or AES/EBU (Audio Engineering Society/European Broadcasting Union)? …
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January, 2016
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14 January
Forget about streaming US Netflix content abroad
Netflix is tightening its grip on some of your favorite TV shows and movies. The video-streaming service said Thursday it plans to take new steps to prevent customers from streaming content that isn’t officially available in their country. “In coming weeks, those using proxies and unblockers will only be able to access the service in the country where they currently …
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14 January
Sony Xperia Z5, Z5 Compact touch down in US
It’s better late than never for the Sony Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact, which are finally making their way to the US after debuting in September. Sony will sell them online and through retailers unlocked at $600 and $500, respectively, starting February 7. That Sony is selling its latest flagship phones directly to consumers speaks to its struggles nabbing …
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14 January
How to enable native Chromecast support in Chrome
Google’s own product, the Chromecast, has required an extension to stream content from your Web browser to your TV since its release. However, as AndroidPolice points out, a recent update to the Chrome browser will let you enable a flag to get the same functionality. Here’s how: Step 1: Head to chrome://flags/#media-router from your Chrome address bar. Note: If you …
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14 January
How to watch the Fox Republican debate online
Republican presidential candidates will kick off the first debate of 2016 on Thursday night. The debate is scheduled to take place in North Charleston, South Carolina, and will be hosted by Fox Business Network. As was the case for prior debates, there will be two separate events. The secondary debate will begin at 6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT) and …
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14 January
Force Cortana to use Google instead of Bing
Windows 10’s new search assistant, Cortana, is pretty useful, but she has one big flaw — all her search results go through Microsoft’s search engine Bing. For those of us who live and die by Google, this is pretty unforgivable. For obvious reasons, Microsoft doesn’t make it easy to switch out Cortana’s default search engine — if you want the …
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14 January
Get a portable car jump
CNET’s Cheapskate scours the Web for great deals on PCs, phones, gadgets and much more. Questions about the Cheapskate blog? Find the answers on our FAQ page. And find more great buys on the CNET Deals page. A dead battery can ruin your whole day. I’m referring, of course, to your car battery, without which you’re not going anywhere. And, …
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14 January
Your Android phone is too damn nosy
Where are you right now? Can I see a list of everyone you know? Can I look through your photos? Those are impertinent questions from any source, including your smartphone. So it’s no surprise that people who use Google’s Android smartphone software wish they could say “no” more often. That’s according to a study presented Thursday at a Federal Trade …
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14 January
Skype smashes language barrier with rollout of translation services
Are you looking for the 21st century equivalent of a foreign pen pal, but don’t want to learn a new language? Skype has you covered. French to English is the most popular pair of languages on Skype’s translation service. Skype The video-calling service owned by Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft yesterday completed the roll out of an update allowing all Windows users …
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14 January
Foursquare checks in a new CEO
When’s the last time you used Foursquare? Can’t remember? That’s part of the problem for the company behind the pioneering social app. Also called Foursquare, the firm announced a major shakeup Thursday. Co-founder Dennis Crowley is stepping down as CEO to become its executive chairman. Replacing him in the top job is Chief Operating Officer Jeff Glueck. Steven Rosenblatt, a …
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