Tag Archives: google

The Google Phone app on Android helps root out spam calls. Here’s what you need to know

Android users will soon have another tool to help in the fight against robocalls and spam calls. Last week, Google announced the company’s Phone app will add a new Verified Calls feature to tell you not only what business is calling you, but why they’re calling. Knowing that an unknown number is really who it claims to be …

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Android 11: You can install Google’s new OS on these phones today. Here’s how

Android 11 is ready for your phone, as long as it’s compatible. And if it isn’t yet, it could be soon — phone brands will want to fast-track Google’s new operating system for their top phones. The Android 11 update brings a slew of new features, including a screen to control your connected devices, redesigned media controls, improved notifications and a …

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3 weekend deals: 20% off speakers, 30% off Monos luggage and 44% off a 3

Welcome to the weekend. There’s a slew of ways to save some money right now, so I’ve rounded up some intriguing (but utterly unrelated) deals all in one place for your browsing pleasure. And if you have a few minutes to spare, remember to check out the Cheapskate Show podcast, in which Rick and I discuss ways to save money …

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The COVID

For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the WHO and CDC websites. Contact-tracing apps have consistently been hailed by governments as a key tool in fighting the spread of COVID-19, but we’ve yet to see many of them released to the public. On Thursday morning I awoke to discover a COVID-19 contact-tracing app was finally …

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You can now pay for parking directly in the Google Maps app. Here’s how

Drivers in Austin, Texas, can now use Google Pay directly within the Google Maps app on iOS and Android to pay for parking. The new feature, part of a partnership with transportation software company Passport, will become available in more states in the coming weeks.  “We’re excited to work with Passport to help drivers in Austin pay for parking more …

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Apple changes App Store rules to allow streaming game services, Xbox says not enough

Apple is changing its App Store rules to allow game streaming services, which let people play video games over the internet in a way that’s similar to how they stream movies on Netflix. The move marks the iPhone maker’s acknowledgement of the changing ways some people are playing video games. Apple said the new rules will allow apps that connect to …

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Huawei opens Harmony OS to other hardware

Huawei said that it would open up its operating system, Harmony OS 2.0, to third-party hardware manufacturers, including rivals, on Thursday. This is part of an effort to bolster its number of users and potentially take market share from Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android operating systems.  “The milestone we’re marking is that we’re supporting Huawei devices from Harmony OS 2.0, …

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Xiaomi’s Poco X3 NFC has a big battery and a 120Hz screen for $235

Xiaomi sub-brand Poco launched its latest phone this week, which it’s billing as a “true midrange champion.” The Poco X3 NFC, which was unveiled Monday in a virtual launch, is a 4G device with a 6.67-inch LCD screen and features designed to entice “young, gaming enthusiasts.”  Those features, which are typically found in more fancy flagships, include ultra-fast refresh rates, …

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The Cheapskate Show podcast: The truth about cheap home

In this week’s episode of The Cheapskate Show, Rick is excited about a new class of inexpensive portable projectors, such as one that costs a mere $100. Dave is less enthused and explains some of the reasons you might want to be careful before spending money on this kind of projector. Want to see what a projector suitable for your media …

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iPhone 11 Pro’s camera compared with this 7

The iPhone 11 Pro has one of the best camera setups found on any of today’s top-end phones. It can take photos that can give DSLRs a run for their money and can keep on shooting well when the light goes down. But how far has this technology really come in recent years? To find out, I put the iPhone …

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