dimanche 31 mai 2020

Here's how WhatsApp tailored its app for KaiOS

With tens of millions of users, WhatsApp is the marquee app on KaiOS — and it is steadily getting new features.

We haven't really talked about KaiOS a lot here, but the operating system is now installed on over 100 million phones, making it the third-largest mobile operating system in the world. KaiOS is a fork of Firefox OS that's designed for feature phones, and over the last three years it has seen a meteoric rise because of devices like the $15 JioPhone in India and Nokia's 8110.

While entry-level Android phones have gotten much better over the years — particularly with the introduction of Android Go — there are still tens of millions of users who turn to feature phones for their affordability. And with KaiOS, feature phones now come with a web browser, a dedicated app store, and even Google Assistant baked in.

Then there's WhatsApp. The Facebook-owned messaging platform made its debut on KaiOS last year, and is now pre-installed on KaiOS phones globally. WhatsApp already counts tens of millions of users on KaiOS, and that's not surprising when you consider that the service has 400 million users just in India. KaiOS phones are aimed at India and other emerging markets in the Middle East and Africa, and these are countries where WhatsApp usage is ubiquitous.

WhatsApp on KaiOS is very similar to what you'll find on Android. You get all the messaging features, including group chats, and a lot of extras. The best part is that the KaiOS version also has end-to-end encryption, just like the Android client. So I talked to Joe Grinstead, software engineering lead for WhatsApp on KaiOS, on how the service was tailored for KaiOS and what we can look forward to in the future.

WhatsApp has been built from the ground up for KaiOS.

KaiOS presents a unique challenge because of the fact that it is designed to run on low-cost hardware. Most features phones based on the operating system have 256MB or 512MB of RAM and internal storage up to 4GB. And because there's no touchscreen, all the navigation on the user interface is on a directional pad and text is entered via a T9 keyboard.

Grinstead mentioned that as KaiOS is built on Firefox OS, it is essentially a web browser that has HTML5 and JavaScript. So most of the time, an app for KaiOS is nothing more than a mobile version of a website that's stored locally on the device. But as WhatsApp does not have a mobile site, the app for KaiOS had to be built from scratch. And while WhatsApp looks simple and has a barebones interface, it has an exhaustive list of features on Android:

Grinstead said his team had to focus on features they could actually deliver on the platform and make them work reliably, settling on a "minimum viable product" that they could launch with and still call it WhatsApp. As such, there are a few features missing from WhatsApp on KaiOS, including voice and video calls, WhatsApp Web, chat backups, custom notification tones, and more.

That said, all the core features are here. You get one-on-one and group chats, the ability to share photos and videos, contact and location sharing, transferring money over UPI in India, and voice messages. Grinstead mentioned that the voice messaging feature in particular gets a lot of use on KaiOS because it is easier than the T9 keyboard.

WhatsApp's Status feature is rolling out to KaiOS shortly.

Grinstead and his team are working on adding more features to WhatsApp for KaiOS. The Status feature is at "Gold Master," meaning it is ready to roll out to the platform. It is a big deal that the feature is making its way to KaiOS, and Grinstead stated that his team is working on introducing more features to the platform over the coming months. It's unlikely we'll see feature parity with Android — that's just not possible given the constraints with KaiOS — but it is good to see WhatsApp actively working on new feature additions.

The fact that KaiOS phones run low-end hardware means WhatsApp had to optimize the app to ensure it didn't run into performance issues. Grinstead said the database structure had to be rewritten because the performance was terrible once the phone filled up with data. It would take around 20 seconds to open WhatsApp on KaiOS, and because there is no multitasking on the platform, every time you open the app, you need to wait for it to launch. The hardware just isn't robust enough to run apps in the background.

Optimizing the database structure allowed Grinstead and his team to bring down the launch time to three seconds. Further optimizations include showing a low-quality version of a photo instead of the original resolution to save on bandwidth, and there are limits for video sharing on the platform — 50MB on the JioPhone, and 35MB on other devices. KaiOS normally allows 1GB for apps, but because WhatsApp stores data locally, it gets an additional 1GB allocation for storing texts and media. The app also shows a low storage warning on KaiOS that gives you the option to free up space. Interestingly, there is also the ability to write natively to an SD card.

Then there's the issue of navigation itself: because there's limited screen real estate on a feature phone and the resolution is usually 320 x 240 pixels, WhatsApp's UI had to be pared down to fit the confines of the screen. The mockups below illustrate the point well:

Now, WhatsApp is different from most messaging platforms in that all your data is stored locally. Because it has end-to-end encryption, all associated data — including chats and multimedia — is stored on-device instead of a server. Then there's the issue of push notifications: because KaiOS is effectively a browser, WhatsApp has to manage push notifications over HTML5, with Grinstead noting, "I don't know if anyone else is doing HTML5 push notifications with anything as complicated as WhatsApp."

End-to-end encryption is a big deal, particularly on a feature phone.

As Grinstead explained, that's because the text that shows up in the notification has to be decrypted locally — the server doesn't provide a preview of the incoming text because of end-to-end encryption. WhatsApp relies on the Signal protocol for end-to-end encryption, and the libsignal protocol itself is now baked into KaiOS, making it that much easier to deliver fully encrypted chats.

One of the major issues with end-to-end encryption is group chats — your phone essentially has to create one-to-one handshakes with everyone in a group before a message is sent. Grinstead stated that the first message you send to a group is the most complicated, because that's when a lot of the initial handshakes occur. Because of the limited resources on offer, Grinstead and his team had to tweak delivery notifications so they wouldn't crash a phone. Instead of sending all the information at once, the delivery server now waits for the phone to acknowledge that there's enough RAM to handle incoming requests.

As for the features that are still missing, Grinstead said that voice calling has been "particularly challenging." There's no timeline for when (or if) the feature will be available on KaiOS. The other notable omission is WhatsApp Web, and similarly there's no update as to when it will show up on KaiOS.

WhatsApp launched on KaiOS in July 2019, and it racked up one million downloads in just under 24 hours. It had 10 million users in two weeks, and the company says it has "tens of millions" of users on KaiOS now. Mozilla is once again involved with KaiOS, and that should allow the platform to switch to a new engine with more modern web features baked in.

That should give WhatsApp more wiggle room to introduce new features. We may even get to see voice calling on the platform as a result.

WhatsApp: Everything you need to know



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With Arcadia, anyone can reduce their carbon footprint in 2020

You don't need to be a professional climate scientist to know that the Earth is in trouble, and reducing your home's carbon footprint should rank high on your 2020 resolution list if you want to do your part and help save the world.

The only problem is that making even minor changes to your energy consumption usually requires changes to your utility routine that are both costly and headache-inducing—until now.

Arcadia drastically reduces the barrier to entry when it comes to using and supporting clean energy sources, and when you sign up today you'll receive either a $20 Amazon gift card or four standard LED bulbs at no cost.

Unlike other clean energy platforms that require you to either switch utility companies or invest in expensive solar panels, Arcadia allows you to keep your existing utility plan while automatically connecting you to a variety of clean energy sources.

After scanning your area for a list of available clean energy companies, Arcadia gets to work connecting you with local community solar projects and purchases renewable energy certificates from wind farms on your behalf. Arcadia will also actively track the market and negotiate lower electricity rates so you can potentially spend less on your utility bill.

Your utility company sends Arcadia your electricity bill directly (so you won't have to make any changes to your existing service plan), and it's easy to track your usage with an intuitive dashboard that can be accessed on all of your devices.

Do your part to save the planet and maybe shave some money off your power bill in 2020 with Arcadia, and receive either a $20 Amazon gift card or four LED bulbs at no cost when you sign up today.



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Stream the new LANCE documentary live tonight

After eight years, we will finally have a chance to learn the truth about Lance Armstrong's doping scandal from the former professional road racing cyclist himself in ESPN's latest 30 for 30 documentary film, LANCE.

The new four-hour documentary will air in two parts on ESPN with Part 1 having aired on Sunday, May 24 and Part 2 releasing this weekend on Sunday, May 31st. There will also be two versions of LANCE, one with strong adult language which will air on ESPN and an edited version that will air simultaneously on ESPN2.

LANCE will feature interviews from Armstrong himself along with a collection of family members, teammates, friends, rivals and journalists who will all reflect on his historic rise to fame and his subsequent downfall following 2012's doping scandal. We'll also learn new details about Armstrong's battle with testicular cancer, his recovery and the work that went into earning seven consecutive Tour de France titles.

From acclaimed director Marina Zenovich, LANCE is sure to be hit with cycling and sports fans alike and we have all the details on how you can watch the new documentary film from anywhere in the world.

LANCE - Where and when?

ESPN's latest 30 for 30 documentary film LANCE will be broken up into two parts with Part 1, which aired on Sunday, May 24 at 9pm ET/PT on ESPN and Part 2 will air this weekend on Sunday, May 31 at 9pm ET/PT on ESPN. Both parts of the new documentary will also be made immediately available on ESPN+ after they premiere on ESPN. In total, LANCE will be four hours long, so Part 1 and Part 2 will each run for two hours.

Watch LANCE from outside your country

We have all the details on how to watch LANCE in the U.S., Canada, UK and Australia further down in this guide. However, if you want to watch ESPN's latest 30 for 30 documentary when you're away from home, then you'll run into problems as your domestic coverage online from abroad will likely be geo-blocked.

That's where a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can really come in handy. They allow you to virtually change the IP address of your laptop, tablet or mobile to one that's back in your home country which will let you watch as if you were back there.

VPNs are incredibly easy to use and have the added benefit of providing you with an additional layer of security when surfing the web. There are also a lot of options but we recommend ExpressVPN as our top pick due to its speed, security and ease of use. The service can even be used on a wide array of operating systems and devices (e.g. iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Fire TV Stick, Roku, game consoles, etc). Sign up for ExpressVPN now and enjoy a 49% discount and 3 months FREE with an annual subscription. You can even test it out for yourself thanks to the service's 30-day money back guarantee. Looking for more options?

Here are some other VPNs that are on sale right now.

ExpressVPN

See latest price at ExpressVPN

No matter where in the world you may be, a VPN is one of the easiest ways to watch LANCE. Get in on this deal now!

How to watch LANCE in the U.S.

If you live in the US and have a cable subscription, you'll be able to watch LANCE on ESPN. Part 1 will air on Sunday, May 24 at 9pm ET/PT and Part 2 will air the following week on Sunday, May 31 at 9pm ET/PT.

Don't want to sign up for an expensive cable TV subscription just to watch LANCE? Don't worry as there are now a number of streaming services, all at different price points, which will give you access to ESPN so you can watch the latest 30 for 30 documentary online. We've listed a few of our favorites below to make things easier for you.

  • Sling TV - $20 for first month - In order to get access to ESPN, you'll have to sign up for Sling TV's Sling Orange package. The service also lets you watch on three screens simultaneously and record live TV with its Cloud DVR.
  • Hulu with Live TV- $54.99 per month - As well as giving you access to ESPN, the service also includes its own Hulu Originals and supports a wide variety of streaming devices.
  • YouTube TV - $49.99 per month - YouTube TV gives you access to ESPN as well as over 70 other TV channels and a free 14-day trial available.
  • AT&T TV Now - $65 per month - AT&T TV Now may be more expensive than the competition but in addition to ESPN you also get access to HBO with your plan. The service allows you to watch over 45 live TV channels and you can also record up to 20 hours of content using its cloud DVR.

Sling TV is your best choice

Sling TV offers the most affordable way to watch the new documentary series. It airs in two parts, so for just $20 you'll be able to watch them both, along with countless other shows. Sign up for a Sling TV package today and get started.

Sling TV

From $20 a month at Sling

Watch the new Lance documentary as it airs live both Sunday's with a subscription to Sling TV. The first month is just $20, though it will renew at the regular rate.

How to watch LANCE in Canada

Canadian viewers will be able to watch LANCE on TSN and the network will broadcast Part 1 on Sunday, May 24 at 9pm ET/PT and Part 2 on Sunday, May 31 at 9pm ET/PT. You can also stream the new documentary on your smartphone or table with the TSN app. If you're not a TSN subscriber yet, you can get access to the network's content for as little as $4.99 for a TSN Direct Day Pass or $19.99 for a monthly streaming subscription.

How to stream LANCE in the UK

If you live in the UK and want to watch LANCE, then you'll need a subscription to ESPN Player to do so. The streaming service will show Part 1 of the documentary on May 24 at 8pm BST and Part 2 on May 31 at 8pm BST. ESPN Player gives you access to over 2,000 live and on-demand events as well as ESPN's back catalog of original films including its 30 for 30 documentary series.

Watch LANCE in Australia

If you're already a Foxtel subscriber, you'll be able to watch LANCE on ESPN. Part 1 of the documentary film will air on Monday, May 25 at 9pm AEST and Part 2 will air on Monday, June 1 at 9pm AEST.



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AC Podcast 476: Exploring VR



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A ‘cursed’ wallpaper could crash your phone with its color profile

An improperly coded image can somehow crash the Android System UI.

What you need to know

  • There's a photo of a sunset making the rounds because when set as a wallpaper, it will brick some Android phones.
  • The image has an improperly coded Google color profile, which causes the Android System UI to crash from an out of bounds error.
  • For some phones, you can reboot into safe mode and reset the wallpaper to something else, but for others, you'll have to go into the bootloader and completely factory reset the phone.

Today in "2020 is just the weirdest timeline", there's a cursed wallpaper making the rounds and crashing the Android phones of fools idiotic enough to not heed the warnings that accompany the image, seen to the right. It's a pretty sunset on a lake surrounded by mountains and forest, right? Well, hidden in the coding for this image is apparently an improperly coded color profile — and a Google color profile, at that — and when you set it as a wallpaper on an Android phone, it will cause the Android System UI to crash.

The image has been making the rounds across social media — because we Android nerds are a curious lot and when we hear something will mess up our phones, we apparently take that as a personal challenge — and has been wrecking havoc on phones of the idiots stupid enough to set the original image as their wallpaper. If you screenshot the image or edit the image in an way, it strips out and overwrites the problematic color profile data, so once you tamper with it, it becomes harmless, but to save all the curious cats out there:

  • Yes, this image can crash your phone.
  • Yes, it goes beyond Samsung phones. Even Android emulators are not immune from the out of bounds error that improperly coded color profile causes.
  • No, don't try it unless you just like completely factory resetting phones, you idiot.

If you already set the wallpaper, your phone is probably either stuck in a bootloop or will kick back to the bootloader. In this case you have a few ways of potentially fixing your phone:

  • Solution #1: If your phone will boot into safe mode, you may have just enough time to set the wallpaper back to something normal and safe.
  • Solution #2: if your phone won't boot to safe mode but you have a phone that has a custom recovery on it — not something most folks have, but if you use a custom ROM or root your phone, you probably have one installed — go into your custom recovery app and purge the wallpaper data to reset the wallpaper back to its default.
  • Solution #3: If all else fails, go into the bootloader and factory reset your phone. Hope you had everything backed up!

As a small reminder, folks, when someone warns you not to do something to your phone, then you probably shouldn't do it, but at least unlike catastrophic bugs like Telugu text messages crashing iPhones, someone has to intentionally set this as their wallpaper. And if you were that dumb, you deserve to blow a weekend setting your phone back up.



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Get the PS4 lover in your life the best gift

If you're shopping for someone who is a huge PlayStation 4 fan and you're not entirely sure what that means, know that you are not alone. Shopping for a gamer isn't always the easiest thing in the world. It's doubly hard if they're the type to go out and buy the latest game the first day it's available. If your PlayStation 4 fan has switched to shopping digital, you may not even be able to see what games they have without tipping them off. So what do you do for gifts?

Custom comfort

Staff Pick

ASTRO Gaming C40 TR Controller

This controller is expensive, there is no denying that, but the Astro C40 TR is pretty amazing too. With the number of customizable parts on this controller, the c40 TR can be just about anything you want it to be. This flexibility is a massive boon considering how much personal preference comes into play on controller layouts. PlayStation opted for a symmetrical design on the DualShock, but most find asymmetrical to be more ergonomic. The C40 TR lets the player choose.

$213 at Amazon $200 at GameStop

A gift that keeps on giving

PlayStation Plus: 12 Month Membership - Digital Code

One of the best parts of playing PlayStation games is being able to play with friends online. For many PS4 games, that means having a PlayStation Plus subscription. This service not only gets your PS4 owner access to playing with friends online but also exclusive sales and discounts. As well as giving them two free games every month as part of the subscription, the price of which usually amounts to more than what you paid for the whole year's subscription.

$60 at Amazon

Communication is key

Astro A10's for PlayStation 4

Astro's entry-level wired headset is one of its most compelling options, especially when you weigh the quality you get for the price. Made from "damage resistant polycarbonate," the A10's can take a beating that would sideline most headsets. You may not be getting much in the way of fancy features, but you do get a reliable, well-made, and great-sounding headset with in-line volume control and omnidirectional mic featuring flip-up muting.

$60 at Amazon $60 at BestBuy

Make room for more

Seagate Game Drive for PS4 - 2TB External Hard Drive

No matter which PlayStation system the gamer in your life has, one thing can be guaranteed. Sooner or later, their hard drive will run out of space. Seagate's slim-line, compact design that can fit just about anywhere on your entertainment center. Not only that, but it's officially licensed by PlayStation and has a perfect design that will fit right in with the console. This edition comes with 2TB, but non-licensed versions are also available in 4TB.

$82 at Amazon $82 at BestBuy

The next stop in reality

PlayStation VR - Astro Bot and Moss Bundle

Lots of people who play games enjoy feeling immersed in story and graphics, and PlayStation VR is Sony's effort to take that feeling a step further. It's a VR headset that lets people enjoy looking around from inside the game and offers a whole new set of games exclusive to the experience. This headset works with Sony's PlayStation Move controllers, which allows you to reach out with your hands and interact with the VR worlds seen in the headset.

$280 at GameStop

Charged cooling

OIVO vertical cooling stand

This beast of a dock is compatible with every PS4 model, including the Pro. As a cooling stand, it'll make sure your console never overheats. It also features two docks on its side for a fast 2-hour charging time and a built-in protector chip so that you aren't ruining the batteries by overcharging. It also offers storage space for up to 12 games. Keep your favorite titles on display for all to see.

$35 at Amazon

Give their favorite color

DualShock 4 Controller

Just as some gamers might want a professional controller, many of us enjoy the ease of a standard DualShock 4. Our enjoyment of the basic controller doesn't mean we need to settle for boring black. Pick up a DualShock 4 in your gamer's favorite color. With dozens of shades and designs offered, there is bound to be one you know they will love.

From $75 at Amazon $65 from Direct Playstation

A little extra

DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment

For just a little bit of extra control without going all-in on an expensive professional controller, pick up a DualShock 4 Back Button. This attachment will add two extra customizable buttons for mapping and works with a standard DualShock 4. This is great for a gamer who wants just a little bit extra for not much extra; it is a fraction of what most pro controllers cost.

$30 at GameStop

An ace in the hole

$50 PlayStation Store Gift Card - Digital Code

When in doubt, a gift card is always something a gamer will enjoy. Especially with the option of digital games becoming so popular, it's challenging to know which titles somebody already owns. With a PlayStation Store gift card, they can buy a new game, DLC, or some in-game items they've been eyeing which you might not know about. They could even hold onto the gift in their PlayStation wallet until a sale to get several games at once!

$50 at Amazon

Give with confidence

With a few items to get you started shopping for the PlayStation gamer in your life, any of these will likely put a smile on their face. But a pro-gaming controller like the Astro c40 TR's might make it a sheer grin. It is so customizable that it can fit anybody's preference for layout and comfort, and it is something not everybody would splurge to buy themselves. However, that price tag doesn't make it a gift everybody can give, and there is no shame in that.

You will never go wrong with a PlayStation Store gift card, it can be any game your gamer wants and who can say no to that. With values ranging from $10 to $100, it can fit any budget, and they don't expire. If that title they were hoping hasn't released just yet, it can be saved in their PlayStation wallet for when they want to use it.

But, no matter what you decide to get for your gamer, the fact that you are putting to understand their hobby. Helping them find something they'll enjoy is what means the most.



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From the Editor's Desk: Protest under assault

I have this vivid memory from the early days of 2020 that won't subside.

It was January 6, before CES officially began, and I was at the Cosmopolitan hotel looking at Fossil's new smartwatch offerings. The demo was finished and I was standing on this expansive balcony overlooking the city, a fake Eiffel Tower looming to my right. I was claiming a minute just for me, while inside my coworkers were chatting away contently. It was one of those really nice moments that you have to intercede on your own behalf to remember, to crystallize it so that, whatever happens in the future, you can draw upon it for reinforcement.

I've been drawing on it a lot lately, as the world seemingly crumbles around me. I'm safe and healthy and in no immediate danger, and for that I'm incredibly thankful. And I'm also angry. The slow burn of this year, the shelter-in-place of it all, spilled out into the streets in recent days, first as a trickle and then, over the past couple nights, as a deluge.

Now there's another image I can't get out of my head. It's of an NYPD cruiser careening into a group of protestors as they attempt to set up a blockade. People fly in every direction, and most hit the ground hard. In the context of the last few days, it's a small act of aggression, but it's one in an accumulation and escalation of violence that needs to be quickly condemned and then examined for its sheer malevolence. Police have the power, and they are abusing it.

Black people in the U.S. deserve to feel safe wherever they go. They deserve to feel free in places they live and in places they don't. They deserve to be given the benefit of the doubt, just as white people often are, when it comes to public discourse and action taken. They deserve not to be killed by police.

The protests taking place around the U.S. are a response to the inaction black people feel by governments at every level. The rioting and looting a processing of those pent-up feelings. If you're not a black person in the U.S., your job is to listen and try to understand, not judge people for acting as a force for change. If you feel that George Floyd, and so many other innocent black citizens over the past few years, didn't deserve to die, your job is to be an agent for change in your own way, by donating to good causes — in the short-term, bail funds and longer-term, the campaigns of those running in elections at every level looking to subject the current policing system to severe scrutiny.

This shouldn't be a partisan issue. The abuse of power at any government level shouldn't be tolerable, and what's happened — and captured on video again and again and again — over the past few nights is sickening. It's horrifying. And it has to stop.

Black lives matter.



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This best-selling PDF tool is on sale for just $30

The world's reliance on PDF files knows no bounds. Ideal for sharing and sending everything from business reports and term papers to images and screenshots, PDFs remain one of the most widely-used and reliable ways to share valuable information regardless of your specific operating system.

The only problem is that these files are also incredibly difficult to work with and edit, and attempting to do even simple things like add text or adjust an image can be a headache-inducing nightmare.

Enter Cisdem PDF Manager Ultimate, an incredibly powerful and easy-to-use app that allows you to edit, merge, split, convert and sign PDFs without all the hassle.

With Cisdem in your digital toolbox, you'll be able to sidestep the usual madness that comes from working with PDF files, all thanks to an intuitive and streamlined interface that makes it easy to edit PDFs the way you would on a regular word processor.

You'll be able to batch-convert PDFs to Word, RTFD, Keynote and other popular formats, use OCR in order to make quick scans and find keywords, compress and encrypt your files into collections for easy transfer across all of your devices, and more.

Cisdem even makes it easy to sign your files using your unique signature or watermark, and you'll be able to password-protect them in the event you need to send or receive something confidential.

Bring an end to your PDF woes once and for all. Usually priced at over $100, a lifetime license to Cisdem PDF Manager Ultimate is currently available for over 70% off at just $29.99.

Prices are subject to change.



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Grab a refurbished Ring Video Doorbell Pro and Echo Show 5 bundled for $179

Right now Amazon has a great deal featuring a Ring Video Doorbell Pro and the Amazon Echo Show 5 on sale for $179. Both items are certified refurbished and work like new. If you were to buy these individually refurbished, the Ring video doorbell would cost you $180 by itself. The Echo Show 5 goes for around $60 as a refurb, so you're saving $60 just compared to that. Brand new versions of the Ring device and the Echo Show 5 would run you almost $320.

These two devices make a great pairing. The Echo Show 5 has a 5.5-inch compact display and Alexa built right in. You can use it to control your entire smart home, but you can also use Alexa to check in on your Ring device and see who's at the door. Thanks to the Video Doorbell Pro's built-in speakers and mic, you can talk to visitors without leaving your kitchen. You can also get alerts sent straight to your device any time the Ring Video Doorbell Pro detects motion or someone rings the doorbell.

Outside of checking on the front door, there are plenty of other things you can do with the Echo Show 5. Manage your calendar, make to-do lists, get updates on the weather, traffic, or news, and even cook along with recipes. Use the display to watch your favorite shows, listen to the radio, or keep up with the latest audiobooks and podcasts.

The Video Doorbell Pro will replace your existing hardwired doorbell, and it comes with one of four different colored faceplates so you can match the exterior of your home. Then you just leave it there! The Pro is designed to work in any temperature with an operating range between -5 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

The camera has a 160-degree field of view that covers a huge space in front of your door. It can record in 1080p resolutions for crystal clear video, and there are integrated infrared LEDs so you can still see who's at the door even at night. The video that gets transmitted is extra secure, too, thanks to bank-grade encryptions.



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Get some great sound and save $20 with the Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro earbuds

Best Buy has a whole new set of deals of the day, and the Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro true wireless earbuds are part of the savings. Get a pair for $129.99, which is down from the usual price of $150 and a match for one of the lowest we've seen this year. The last time we saw them go any lower than this was back in February when they dropped to $120. You can also find today's drop on Amazon, and that sale includes the white versions.

These earbuds have eight hours of playtime per earbud, and you can use the earbuds independently to extend that use. The charging case they come with adds another three full recharges before you ever need to plug into a wire to juice back up. With a quick charge of just 10 minutes inside the case you can get an extra two hours of playtime. Plus, the charging case can be recharged via USB-C or a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad, giving you plenty of options for keeping these batteries topped off. RAVPower has a wireless charging pad on sale for $5 off when you clip the on-page coupon.

The Astria coaxial acoustic architecture helps eliminate interference and produces harmonized treble and bass for fantastic sound. The 11mm dynamic drivers support the immersive audio and create an expansive soundstage. The HearID technology inside the earbuds helps analyze your hearing profile and creates tailor-made sound just for you so anyone using these earbuds gets the perfect listening experience.

The earbuds also have microphones built in so you can use them to answer calls. The four mics combined with cVc 8.0 noise reduction technology helps ensure your voice stays crystal clear and no background noise interupts you.

Read more about the Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro in our review that gave them 4.5 stars out of 5 and a Recommended badge. Daniel Bader said, "The Liberty 2 Pro are an incredible pair of true wireless headphones that are easily worth their steep $150 asking price." Good thing they're cheaper now!



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How to install Linux on your Chromebook

Chromebooks can do a lot right out of the box. However, if you want just a little more, you can install Linux apps to most newer models (see the full list here) and have access to a complete catalog of desktop-class applications.

Products used in this guide

How to enable Linux

Your Chromebook already runs Linux because Chrome is its own Linux distribution, but it's a very locked-down version without access to most Linux tools and programs by default. Luckily, turning everything on is easy.

  1. At the bottom right of your system tray, click on the clock.
  2. Select the gear icon to open the settings.

  3. Scroll down until you see "Linux (Beta)" and choose Turn On.
  4. Read and follow the simple on-screen prompts and wait for things to finish. This could take 10-15 minutes.

  5. Once the terminal window opens, you are ready to type Linux commands. You can always find the Linux terminal in your app drawer if you choose to close it now.
  6. At the terminal command prompt, type the following command to update your package list and packages themselves: sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade. Be sure to use the correct spacing when typing this command.
  7. Restart your Chromebook.

You are now ready to install and run most any Linux program found in the base Debian Stretch repositories. A full list of them can be found here.

Not every piece of Linux software will work on your Chromebook, and all Linux programs run inside the same sandbox. You also can't use the microphone or webcam, and hardware acceleration is not yet supported. You'll still find a lot of great software that can make your Chromebook more useful and powerful.

Our top equipment picks

Google Pixelbook Go

From $850 at Amazon

Pricey, but worth every penny

The Pixelbook Go is the best premium Chromebook you can buy right now. It doesn't support a pen or fold over onto itself, but for getting work done on a laptop that's purely a laptop, it's tough to beat it.

The Pixelbook Go is one of the more expensive Chromebooks on the market, but for all you get, it's worth it. You get a fantastic keyboard, excellent battery life, and an Assistant key that lets you connect to the company's smart assistant at any time. It is, like we said, pricey, but there are plenty of other great Chromebooks out there if you're looking for something different.



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Does Google Fi support 5G?

Best answer: Yes, if you have an unlocked phone that is compatible with T-Mobile's 5G network, you can access 5G with Google Fi where there is coverage.

Flexible data and coverage

T-Mobile's nationwide 5G network on its low-band 600MHz spectrum has helped it shoot to the top in 5G available in the U.S. It has also allowed all of its customers including most MVNO users to get access for no additional cost.

Google Fi isn't fully a T-Mobile MVNO. It makes use of Sprint, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular for its network. You can bring two types of phones to Google Fi: Designed for Fi phones and Compatible with Fi phones. Designed for Fi phones will be able to access all of the available networks but currently, only work with 4G LTE connections. If you want to use 5G you will have to use a Compatible with Fi phone such as the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G. Compatible with Fi phones only use the T-Mobile network and will work with T-Mobile's 5G network.

While both Sprint and U.S. Cellular are also working on 5G networks, there is no compatibility with 5G network switching. Limited compatibility for Sprint and T-Mobile 5G for S20 users on Sprint and T-Mobile makes it seem likely for the future but so far nothing has been announced.

You can get an idea of how Google Fi's two network options stack up against each other on Google Fi's coverage page. To get an idea about how 5G coverage looks, check out T-Mobile's 5G coverage map, though should keep in mind that T-Mobile's map will contain 5G coverage on the 2.5GHz and mmWave network that your phone may not be compatible with.

Our pick

Google Fi

From $20 per month at Google Fi

Great coverage with flexible plans

Google Fi can use three networks in the U.S. on 4G or 5G on T-Mobile. International coverage for the same price is a great bonus.

Unlocked 5G

Samsung Galaxy S20 5G

$800 at Samsung

Fast and capable Android flagship

The Galaxy S20 is one of the most capable phones around with a large battery, great cameras, and 5G support on every model.



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Everything we know about Diablo Immortal (so far)

Blizzard is bringing the Diablo series to your mobile phone, and we cannot wait.

While Blizzard announced Diablo IV at Blizzcon this year, it also dropped a lot of information about Diablo Immortal. Immortal is set to combine the feel of a Diablo game with the added benefit of an MMO experience — all on mobile. Not only will the game be a fully-fledged Diablo game, but there will also be a ton of extras. It'll be also be the first full Diablo game designed from the ground up to be played on a mobile device.

Here is everything we know about the game so far.

Hell unleashed

Diablo Immortal

See at Google Play

Diablo Immortal is a fully realized entry to the Diablo series. With the added benefit of an MMO experience, Immortal looks set to be amazing.

What is Diablo?

Diablo is a game franchise made by Blizzard and centered around the world of Sanctuary. In previous games, you had fought off hordes of demons to collect loot and defend the fragments of the destroyed Worldstone.

Diablo: Immortal takes place between the events of Diablo II and III and puts you in the role of a hero, joining forces with other factions and even other players to stem the tattered invasion force left behind from Diablo II. Skarn, one of Diablo's strongest lieutenants, is rallying the demons that invest the land, and it's your job to stop it.

What type of game is Diablo Immortal?

Like almost all Diablo games, Immortal is an isometric, top-down, hack-and-slash MMO where you battle hordes of minions and use magic and might to win the day. What's different about Immortal, though, is that it's fully designed to run on phones, and will also include a large multiplayer compotent, making Diablo Immortal more of an MMORPG than a typical mobile experience.

Blizzard assures us that the game will still have a substantial single-player story, but Diablo Immortal is also aimed to be a true MMORPG, with features like shared social spaces, four-player dungeons, legendary loot, and even guilds. Blizzard seems to be hoping that this approach will make monetizing the game easier as the content will continue to grow over time.

What classes are there?

Like all good games of its kind, there are a lot of classes to choose from. As of right now, Blizzard has revealed that there will be six classes in Diablo Immortal:

Barbarian: The likeliest first class for many players, Barbarians will likely be a strength-based class, and use brutal and powerful weapons to take down foes. Attacks like the Hammer of the Ancients and Ancient Spear will help clear enemies quickly and efficiently.

Monk: Monks will focus on precision in Diablo Immortal, and use lightning-fast attacks that focus heavily on mobility and swiftness.

Wizard: Wizards are all about magic, and will have a wide-range of arcane abilities, including a meteor attack, a lightning blast, and the power to teleport on the battlefield.

Demon Hunter: The Demon Hunter is another class that will take advantage of long-range attacks, utilizing a crossbow to take down enemies. Players can expect to learn a ton of crossbow-based attacks, including abilities that can stun and knock back enemies.

Crusader: This class seems like the closest thing to a Paladin that might exist in the game. Crusaders are clad in armor and look to take down whatever evil might exist. Blizzard hasn't revealed exactly what types of attacks to expect for this class just yet.

Necromancer: This was the final class announced for Diablo Immortal, so there's not a lot of information available yet. According to Blizzard, they will "use their powers over life and death" to take the fight to whatever enemy they may have.

Each class has four abilities, which will be different and unique across each class. Classes will also be able to use Ultimate Abilities, which will augment certain powers that the characters already have. According to the company, the current plan is for each class to get 12 unlockable skills, with players allowed to use five at the same time while they play.

Is Diablo Immortal free-to-play?

It's currently unknown if Diablo Immortal is going to be free-to-play, although it does look like it. Blizzard has yet to formally reveal how Diablo Immortal will be available to players, so it's unclear whether it'll be free-to-play, free-to-play with microtransactions, or cost a one-time fee. Given the initial response to the game and how other mobile games operate, it's highly likely that Diablo Immortal will be free to play when it launches.

However, during BlizzCon 2019, Blizzard said that it still hadn't exactly figured out how to monetize the game, so you'll have to wait just a little longer to find out how much (if anything) it'll officially cost.

Are there microtransactions?

We're focused on building a great Diablo game first. That said, we know the business model is top of mind for lots of people out there, and we're taking the time to get it right.

Judging from the above quote regarding microtransactions in Diablo Immortal, it's pretty clear that Blizzard is very aware of how having a bad IAP ecosystem can negatively impact your game performance in the long term. At the moment, Blizzard is saying all the right things to make us feel like these microtransactions won't be terrible, but it's important to wait to see just how Diablo Immortal handles microtransactions when the time comes.

Microtransactions have to walk the fine line of being attractive enough for you as a player to want to buy and not bring inbalance by adding a pay-to-win scenario. Just being able to drop a load of cash and become the most powerful hero around can ruin multiplayer games, so hopefully, Blizzard will consider that when deciding how to implement them into the game.

What is the control system like?

On screen control

Because Diablo Immortal is a mobile game, it naturally has on-screen buttons for its control scheme. You can see in the GIF above that they aren't too obtrusive, which is nice if you're using a smaller phone, although they may get in the way of the action. You can see that the right thumbstick almost disappears completely when not in use, which is a nice touch, though it's all the attack icons that take up the most space.

Hopefully, Blizzard will add controller support as well as on-screen buttons. Most phones these days are compatible with various controllers, and the game experience will be much better if you can see more of the game rather than the icons.

What is the release date for Diablo Immortal?

Blizzard has yet to release any information surrounding a release date for Diablo Immortal. However, during Activision Blizzard's 2019 Fourth Quarter earnings call, the company revealed that Diablo Immortal is set to enter regional testing in the middle of 2020. Combined with the fact that the game is already available to pre-register on Android devices, it wouldn't be too shocking to see a release date get announced sooner rather than later.

Earlier this year, during a recent investors call, Activision announced that an alpha test for Diablo Immortal is being planned for sometime this year. While no concrete information was given regarding when it might take place, but since we're just about to enter the middle of the year, they might be coming sooner rather than later. The company also stated that "good progress" is being made on the game, and even though BlizzCon 2020 is cancelled, it's likely we'll see some information on the game in the coming months.

Due to this being the first mobile title to feature the world of Diablo, and a quite ambitious venture on its own, Blizzard will likely spend some extra time making sure everything works as intended by the time the launch actually occurs. With phones becoming more and more powerful, and the money that can be made by doing mobile games right, Blizzard will want to cash in as hard as possible.

Hell unleashed

Diablo Immortal

See at Google Play

Diablo Immortal is a fully realized entry to the Diablo series. With the added benefit of an MMO experience, Immortal looks set to be amazing.



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