Review Vrtmr: December 2020

Thursday, 31 December 2020

Develop emotional intelligence with this heavily discounted bundle

TL;DR: The Emotional Intelligence and Decision-Making Bundle is on sale for £25.85 as of Jan. 1, saving you 96% on list price.

Humans kind of suck these days. Seriously. A quick scroll through Twitter will validate that. With emotions running high, empathy, social skills, and self-awareness (some of the main areas of emotional intelligence) have seemingly gone out the window. But there are ways to get back in touch with your feelings and become a better human, like with this Emotional Intelligence and Decision-Making Bundle.

Coined as a concept in 1995 by psychologist and science journalist Daniel Goleman, emotional intelligence centres around the ability to manage and monitor one's own as well as other's emotions and use them to guide one's thinking and actions. An emotionally intelligent person will have a higher chance of success and a stronger ability to effectively lead. Read more...

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A year of tech events without tech events

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Romantic, practical, or creepy: Should you share your location with your partner?

Some couples share everything from toothbrushes to their best friend’s secrets. But sharing your location? That’s a whole new level of intimacy.

These days, smartphones track your every move, including your location, making it easier than ever for third parties to know where we are (and, possibly, what we’re doing). And sometimes those third parties might be our partners, spouses, and significant others. But is giving them access to your whereabouts at all times actually healthy?

“The ability of smartphones to allow instant and constant precise sharing of our whereabouts has changed the rules of engagement in personal relationships,” says Karolina Bartnik, a dating and relationship expert. “So the question becomes: How do we best use these tools with someone we’re dating or our partner and where do we draw the line?” Read more...

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Volvo's first electric SUV runs on Google

I spent two hours driving Volvo’s first electric SUV around San Francisco last week. The thing I loved most about it: Google Maps.

The XC40 Recharge hits the U.S. market in January for just under $55,000. Volvo doesn't try to push its own software. Instead, it's one of the first cars with an infotainment system entirely run on native Google software. (We're not talking about Android Auto, which requires an Android phone is compatible with vehicles from multiple automakers.)

The XC40 Recharge has a range of 208 miles, and features a panoramic sunroof, spacious seating, 2,000-pound towing capacity, and plenty of trunk and front trunk, or "frunk," space. If it looks a lot like the "regular" gas-powered XC40 SUV, it's because it's the same design, just electrified. Read more...

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Save 20% on this galaxy projector and lie beneath a sea of stars every night

TL;DR: Light up your room with this Sky Lite Galaxy Projector, on sale for $47.99 with code HOLIDAY20 as of Dec. 31.

Everyone loves the idea of lying underneath the stars. But between the frigid temperatures and the discomfiting thought of bugs and wild animals running amuck, it’s not always as enjoyable as it seems. We can't all be outdoorsy people. That’s why galaxy projectors that fully immerse you beneath a sea of stars from the comfort of your home are so popular lately.

Topping many Christmas lists this year and even gracing TikTok feeds, galaxy projectors are a simple way to spice up your boring nights stuck indoors. And for a limited time, you can snag the TikTok-famous BlissLights Sky Lite Galaxy Projector on sale for 20% off to ring in the new year. Read more...

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Snag this convenient $89 PS5 charging dock for only $33 to ring in the new year

TL;DR: Apply "HOLIDAY20" at checkout for an extra 20% off a PS5 charging dock making it $32.76 as of Dec. 31.

If you’re one of the lucky ones that found the highly sought after Playstation 5 under the tree this holiday, we’re super happy for you. If not, you could try your luck at the Ultimate Gaming Giveaway and potentially win one. Otherwise, shift your focus to the restocks near you, and your day will come. And when it does, you’re going to need a convenient way to keep your controllers powered up and your PS5 system cool. And we’ve found just the device to get the job done.

This PS5 charging dock is a two-in-one vertical stand that serves as both a charging system and a cooling station. There are two built-in fans to keep your PS5 cool in the hub and dual charging slots to store and juice up your controllers simultaneously without connecting the PS5 system. There’s also two USB ports for charging other devices and one USB port for powerful data transferring because everyone loves a multifunctional gadget, right? Read more...

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This adorable Motorola Bluetooth speaker doubles as a wireless charger

TL;DR: Get pumped for a better listening experience, courtesy of the Motorola Sonic Sub 500 Wireless Fast Charging Speaker for $42.36 — which is a total of 28% off with the promo code HOLIDAY20 as of Dec. 31.

There are a lot of fish in the sea when it comes to Bluetooth speakers. But if you're in the market, few check as many boxes as this Motorola Sonic Sub 500 Wireless Fast Charging Speaker.

Unlike your typical pocket speaker, this one is designed with a built-in subwoofer that delivers spectacular sound quality. It packs a rich bass and includes Bluetooth 5.0 technology boasting less energy consumption alongside a more secure connection. And in case you want to use it to make a call, it features a built-in microphone, too. All of that in a slim, compact package. And did we mention it's waterproof and lasts up to 15 hours without needing a charge? Read more...

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LG wants to put transparent OLEDs in restaurants and subways

LG's got a transparent OLED display, and if you're wondering how such a device could be useful, the company has a few ideas to share.

Ahead of the upcoming CES 2021 show, LG shared a few ideas on how its transparent OLED products could fit into real-world situations.

One idea is having a transparent OLED at a restaurant, where the display would pop up from the bar, between the customer and the waiter, allowing the customer to see the menu and order while still being able to see the waiter.

LG also designed a Smart Bed with a frame from which a transparent OLED TV can rise up, and retract to when not needed. The frame, which also features a set of speakers, can freely be moved around the house. Read more...

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Wednesday, 30 December 2020

Gain access to hundreds of micro books for under £50

TL;DR: A lifetime premium subscription to the 12min Micro Book Library is on sale for £43.59 as of Dec. 31, saving you 85% on list price.

What if instead of doom scrolling before bed, you were diving into topics and stories that enriched your mind? By doing so, not only would you have conversation starters for awkward moments, but you may find yourself advancing in your career or picking up new fulfilling hobbies.

Alas, time is finite, and we can't always squeeze in a few moments to flip pages. But don't let that stop you12min is an app for busy book lovers, giving you access to hundreds of micro books in text and audio form. The best part? They can all be consumed in 12 minutes or less (duh). Read more...

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How to get your Instagram Top 9

Ah yes, it is once again time to bask in the vanity of your Instagram’s top nine most-liked posts of the year.

It’s an honored tradition, even if so many of our pics this year were taken inside our homes during quarantine. In the olden days, people used to screenshot this report and post it to their actual grids. These days, that’s unheard of, but you'll definitely see them on everyone’s Instagram Stories. Here’s how you can get in on the action.

1. Pick a website

There are two main services that’ll pull your nine most-liked posts together for you: Top Nine and Best Nine. They’re very similar to each other, but there are a couple of key differences. Read more...

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Trying 'Dry January'? What to know about apps that claim to help.

On New Year’s Day, many people will kick off Dry January, when they’ll try to go a month without consuming alcohol, or at least drinking less.

As we've done with many things this pandemic year, including talking to friends and working, many are turning to apps and online tools for help.

Search “Dry January” in the Apple App Store, and you’ll get half a dozen apps that say they can help. Related searches for “reduce drinking” or “drink less” will bring up several more. But not every app is created equal.

Some apps have been developed by health organizations that rely on science-backed practices. Others come from unknown developers with language or techniques that can discourage someone who is trying to change their relationship with alcohol. Read more...

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NSO used real people's location data to pitch its contact-tracing tech, researchers say

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Get 2 Fire HD 8 kids tablets for just over $200

Save $70: A two-pack of the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition tablet is on sale on Amazon for $209.98 as of Dec. 30.

Surprise your little ones with a little something extra after the holidays. Actually, this gift isn't little at all. Its size may be easy for their small hands to bring wherever they please but it's chock-full of endless entertainment and learning options.

The Fire HD 8 Kids Edition tablet can be their form of entertainment when parents are a bit too busy to spend hours playing.

With the included free year of Amazon Kids+, kids can access over 20,000 apps, games, books, videos, audiobooks, and more from some of their favorites like Nickelodeon and Disney. Parents can also give kids access to more apps like Netflix, Minecraft, and Zoom by using the Amazon Parent Dashboard. Parental controls can also be used to set educational goals, create time limits, and filter content. Read more...

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Apple bans app that promoted secret parties during pandemic

Apple has pulled the plug on Vybe Together, an iPhone app that allowed users to organize secret parties that would breach social-distancing rules in many cities.

At writing time, the app isn't available on Apple's App Store, and its website was taken down. The app's Instagram profile says "App Store took us down!!! We will be back!!"

"Miss playing beer pong, flirting with strangers, and generally just having a blast with the crew? Vybe is here for you," said the text on the app's now defunct website. The app's tagline read "Get your rebel on, Get your party on."

Vybe Together says it was promoting "small gatherings," but the imagery on its website doesn't exactly look like it promotes safe behavior during a pandemic.

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If you make videos and have a Mac, you need this software

Apple computers — MacBook and iMac — are arguably some of the best available on the market. They’re often the top choice for artistic types, designers, illustrators, and other creatives. Macs have also become a preference for professional video editors because of their price-performance ratio, retina display, and powerful RAM that’s up to the task of video editing. In fact, there’s very little room for debate that Mac computers are the number one computer choice for video editing.

What should I look for in video editing software for my Mac?

When choosing video editing software for your Mac, there are a few things to look out for, the first being price. If you’re just starting out, it’s wise to choose a more affordable option while you learn the ropes. Plus, those options are typically easy to use and just include the basics. You’re really just looking for some stepping stones, here. As you advance your skills and start to need more sophisticated video editing options, you can begin to invest more in your software and include more editing tool options in your interface. Read more...

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IMAGE: Apple

BEST NATIVE APP

Final Cut Pro X

This Apple-developed software is one of the good ones, just ask the pros. But it will cost you.

Price : $299.99

IMAGE: Adobe

BEST OVERALL

Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is quite possibly the best video editing software on the market right now, but its yearly price is steep.

Price: $239.88 per year

IMAGE: Apple

BEST FREE OPTION

iMovie

iMovie may be basic, but hey, it's free.

Price: Free

$0 from Apple

IMAGE: Filmora

MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

Wondershare Filmora 9

Filmora is easy to use, trendy, well-reviewed, and will help you with powerful storytelling.

Price: $79.99 for lifetime access to Filmora X or $54.99 per year for upgrades as they are released

IMAGE: DaVinci Resolve

BEST FOR EDITING-SAVVY USERS

DaVinci Resolve 17

DaVinci Resolve has tons of features, but will probably take a while to learn how to use the software efficiently. This program is best for people who already know how to edit videos.

Price: $295

$0 from DaVinci Resolve

IMAGE: Lightworks

BEST FOR A STRAIGHTFORWARD EDITING WORKSPACE

Lightworks

If you want to make professional-quality video with a simple, straightforward interface, Lightworks does the job. The free version lacks export options, but the paid versions solves that problem.

Price: 24.99 per month, $174.99 per year, $437.99 lifetime, or get the lower export quality version for free

IMAGE: Camtasia

BEST FOR SCREEN RECORDING AND VIDEO EDITING

Camtasia

With the screen recording function, Camtasia makes creating and editing explainers, how-to videos, and demos a breeze.

Price: $249.99

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Save over $30 on this quirky Scandivanian heater and hand warming gadget

TL;DR: Stay warm with a Värme Portable Air Heater for $67.99 with the code HOLIDAY20, as of Dec. 30.

Even with fluffy socks, a sweater, and a weighted blanket, it can be tough to stay cozy in the winter. But you can quickly transform those frigid rooms in your home into toasty dens of zen — and warm up your icicle fingers in the process — with one of these Värme Portable Heaters.

The Nordic Hygge Värme offers a genius cold weather solution for small spaces. With rapid heating technology, the five-inch by five-inch gadget can supply enough warmth to heat up your bedroom, living room, office, or any other small room in about three seconds. You can adjust its output to reach your ideal temperature and comfort level without worrying about annoying humming or distracting sounds. Plus, it'll turn itself off automatically after four hours of use or if it happens to tip over. Whether you’re looking to keep your bed toasty while you sleep or warm up your drafty makeshift home office Read more...

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This $39 data science bootcamp will give you invaluable skills for 2021

TL;DR: Further your career with the 2021 Business Intelligence and Data Science Super Bundle for $39.99, a 96% savings as of Dec. 30.

If you're looking for a sign that studying up on data science is worth your time, you don't have to look far. Data science is booming — that's a factLinkedIn's 2020 Emerging Jobs Report listed the Data Scientist as the third-highest emerging job with 37% annual growth. And we're willing to bet it's going to show up again in 2021.

Data Scientists don't just work in Big Tech either. LinkedIn's list of top industries includes unexpected fields like higher education and financial services on top of the usual suspects like IT and software. Long story short: there's no downside to beefing up your data science skills with job opportunities far and wide. Read more...

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Skip the Powerbeats Pro and snag these $50 earbuds for all your 2021 workouts

TL;DR: Power through your next workout with a pair of TREBLAB X3 Pro earbuds for $51.19 with the code HOLIDAY20 at checkout, as of Dec. 30.

The science is clear: working out while listening to music improves both your performance and your recovery. Whether your favorite music to run or lift weights to is Metallica, the Weeknd, or Taylor Swift (no judgment here), you’re going to push yourself harder, and recover faster if you get yourself in the right mindset. The problem, of course, is getting those headphones to stay on your head.

Voilá: we give you the TREBLAB X3 Pro Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Earhooks, for just $51.19 – that’s 35% off the normal $99 price tag, plus an additional 20% off when you use the coupon code HOLIDAY20. Read more...

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Future MacBooks might have little displays on each key

Keyboards have come a long way in the past couple of years; Apple's best laptops now have a built-in fingerprint scanner and the programmable Touch Bar. But what if every single key on the MacBook keyboard was also a little display?

This might actually happen in the futurePatently Apple has unearthed an Apple patent which describes a "reconfigurable keyboard," where every key has an "associated key display."

The patent application describes a system which could be used in conjunction with a mechanical keyboard design.

"Control circuitry in the keyboard may direct the key displays to display dynamically adjustable key labels for the keys," the patent application says. Read more...

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Tuesday, 29 December 2020

This useful app helps you make better real-time trading decisions

TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to the Currency HeatwaveX Financial Tool is on sale for £36.81 as of Dec. 30, saving you 95% on list price.

If you're a currency trader (or want to be), then you know reaction time is everything. You need to be ready to act on a moment's notice. That means you need to keep a close eye on constantly changing exchange rates in order to be successful. And Currency HeatwaveX — a financial analytics tool and data services platform — was designed to help.

As currencies rise or fall in value in relation to each other, Currency HeatwaveX gives you up-to-the-second analytics on 15 different metrics, so you can make informed trading decisions on the spot. Read more...

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How to screenshot on Mac

Whether you want to save your receipts or share a bizarre targeted ad with the group text, there are a handful of reasons you might need to take a screenshot of your Mac desktop. And the good news is, Apple makes it relatively easy to get that screengrab, with plenty of straightforward options.

Here’s a simple guide for getting the job done.

Screenshot using keyboard shortcuts

If you need to take a screenshot of your entire screen, simply hit the command, shift, and number 3 keys simultaneously. Your Mac will capture a shot of your entire screen and save it to your desktop.
Want to take a screenshot of a specific area of your screen instead? Hit the command, shift, and number 4 keys simultaneously. A crosshair cursor will appear, allowing you to drag and select the portion of your Mac screen you want to grab. You can reposition the selection window by holding down the spacebar key. Alternatively, hold down the shift key to lock in the sides of the selection area while being able to position the selection window from one side only. Read more...

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Am I the asshole for ignoring group texts?

We’ve all been there. You’re in the middle of a work meeting and — ding! — a text from Jen about the stimulus bill that just passed. Or maybe you finally get around to watching The Queen’s Gambit and — ding! — Kyle weighs in on what he thinks about it. And then so does Sheena and Rita and Layla.

Yep, it looks like you’re trapped in yet another group text. Your friends are blasting your phone every 30 seconds. Or at least it seems that way.

It’s great to stay in touch with everyone, but trying to stay in touch with all of them at once can be stressful. “Keeping in touch during this pandemic is very important, but it can get quite exhausting,” says Alicia Hough, a corporate wellness expert. Hough offers the permission we’re all seeking when it comes to group texts: “It is totally OK to put your phone down and ignore messages.” Read more...

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Boston Dynamics robots (and a robot dog) break it down on the dance floor

Creepy or cool? We'll let you decide after watching Boston Dynamics' latest video featuring several of its robots, and their dance moves.

Set to the Contours' Do You Love Me, the choreographed moves are impressive (if a little bit alarming, and definitely mesmerizing). The dance starts with one of the robotics company's bipedal robots. Pretty soon another shows up, and then robo-dog Spot steps in. Now everyone's bopping to the catchy tune.

But wait: There's more! Warehouse robot "Handle" makes an appearance, and soon all the robots are hopping, shaking, and backing it up, along with other classic dance moves. (Surprisingly, none of the bots break out the apropos ultra-classic "The Robot.") Read more...

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From the U.S. to China, Korea, India and Europe, antitrust action against tech is gaining serious momentum

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This budget Acer gaming laptop is even cheaper after a bonus $150 discount

Save $150: This Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop with 10th Generation Intel Core i5-10300H processor, GTX 1650 Ti, and 256GB SSD is now $669.99 at Amazon as of Dec. 29.

Gaming isn't exactly the cheapest hobby. Your brand new PlayStation 5 still needs plenty of games and accessories to make it more than just a modern art installation that sits under your TV. Sometimes you just need a no-frills gaming system that helps you play your favorite cheap PC games, like this discounted Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop at Amazon.

Now's your chance to get an affordable Acer Nitro 5 15.6-inch gaming laptop for just $669.99 from Amazon. An already budget-friendly gaming laptop at $819.99, you save an extra 18% on one of the most popular names in PC gaming with free shipping thrown in. Read more...

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Apple's latest Macs are on sale on Amazon — yes, even the new Mac mini with M1

Several new Apple Macs are on sale on Amazon as of Dec. 29:

OUR TOP PICK: Apple iMac with Retina 4K Display — save up to $199.01
BEST BUDGET PICK: Apple Mac mini with M1 chip — save $30
BEST FOR VIDEO EDITING: Apple iMac with Retina 5K Display — save $119.08

If you're fortunate enough to still be working from home as we round the corner into 2021, it's probably time to start thinking about upgrading your laptop-on-the-couch situation to a more permanent desktop setup. (Bonus points if you can expense it to your employer.)

Conveniently, Amazon just put a couple of Apple's latest Macs on sale for all you remote workers out there — that includes both sizes of the new iMac from August as well as November's new Mac mini, which comes equipped with the company's snazzy, custom-made M1 chip. Here's the scoop on each model: Read more...

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The Fitbit Ionic is back down to its Black Friday price

Save $60: The Fitbit Ionic watch is on sale for $189.99 as of Dec. 29.

The holidays may be coming to an end, but that doesn't mean that it's too late to get yourself an extra little something. Gift yourself a Fitbit and enter the new year ready to take on that resolution to work out more.

The Fitbit Ionic watch is back down to its Black Friday discount of $60 off — making it just $189.99.

For less than $200, you'll be getting a built-in GPS to track pace, distance, and routes. It'll also present pulse continuous heart rate tracking and real-time zones. Plus, get some workout inspiration from a personalized video provided by Fitbit Coach or connect with your friends by using its Challenges & Adventures feature. Read more...

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Grab an Amazon Echo and two free Philips bulbs in this bundle deal

SAVE $59.99: Get your smart home going with an Amazon Echo and two free Philips Hue smart bulbs, on sale for $69.99 as of Dec. 29.

If you've been dreaming of saying "Alexa, turn the lights off," for ages now, it's time to make that dream a reality. This bundle brings the latest generation Echo smart speaker plus two Philips Hue lightbulbs for only $69.99, a 46% savings.

The latest Echo has been marked down to $69.99 for this whole holiday season, giving you $30 off the regular price. With this bundle, you get that same great price and two Philips bulbs, an extra $30 value.

The all-new Echo is a high-quality speaker and a helpful home assistant in one. While you'll get heavy bass, crystal-clear highs, and dynamic mids when you're listening to your favorite tunes, you'll also be able to use the Alexa-enable speaker to help you with tasks. From managing other smart devices to checking the weather for you, Echo can do it all. Read more...

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Exercise more in 2021 with a Mirror at-home gym system on sale

Save $350: Get $100 off Mirror, plus free shipping and installation — a $350 value — when you use the code NEWYEARS21.

New Year's resolutions seem irrelevant after a year that was so unpredictable, but if being more active is a 2021 goal for you, we have some good news: The Mirror is on sale again.

Mirror's at-home gym system is $100 off and includes free shipping and installation, saving you $350 in all. With the discount, the Mirror itself will cost $1,395. (There's a payment plan option.)

Gyms feel a bit iffy with COVID cases still on the rise, but Mirror brings the gym to your home. The system features more than 50 genres of workouts with classes ranging from five to 60 minutes, so you can get some exercise in no matter your mood or schedule. Read more...

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Tesla drivers can now set their horn to fart sounds — or record their own

The long-awaited software update that lets Tesla owners change their horn sound to anything they want is here.

The sounds on offer include farts, goat, snake, applause, and more.

Change your horn sound to 🐐, 🐍🎷, 💨 or holiday jingles with latest Tesla software update!

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 25, 2020

You can actually record a custom sound that can be anything you like, which is equal parts awesome and really, really scary.

Check out some of the sounds that are available in the video, below.

There's a caveat though; as explained by Elon Musk, only Tesla cars with the optional pedestrian speaker feature can do this. Read more...

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LG's new QNED TVs are the first to feature Mini LED technology

LG will announce its first-ever Mini LED TV at CES in January.

The company is well-known for quality OLED TVs, but Mini LED technology is said to be even better than OLED in some regards (and definitely superior to plain old LCD), so LG is dipping its toes into those waters as well.

The new TVs will officially be called LG QNED Mini LED TVs, and I bet it will leave many customers scratching their heads. The name is reminiscent of Samsung's QLED TVs, which is a name that's similar to OLED, even though QLEDs are essentially LCDs enhanced with Samsung's quantum dot tech. So now, LG appears to be positioning QNED as its competitor to Samsung's QLED, with the "N" apparently standing for LG's NanoCell tech, but...isn't Mini LED the most important new technology here? Read more...

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This portable projector fits in your palm and delivers a 120-inch screen anywhere

TL;DR: Swap your TV for a take-anywhere, portable AAXA P7 Pico Projector, on sale for $377.99 as of Dec. 29.

So, you finally took a leap of faith and cut the cord on your exorbitant cable bill this year. Amazing. Next up: liberating yourself from the power of a TV screen.

Don’t worry, getting rid of your TV doesn’t mean you can’t watch stuff. On the contrary, you can watch stuff on a more massive scale — all you need is a projector. And with a portable one, you can turn any place in or out of your home into a full-blown movie theater whenever you want.

While many projectors claim to be portable, they actually end up being more of a nuisance than anything elseThe AAXA P7 Pico Projector, on the other hand, is actually incredibly portable. Measuring just 2.7 by 4.7 by 4.4 inches and weighing 1.4 pounds, this tiny wonder fits in the palm of your hand, allowing you to set up a screen up to 120 inches literally anywhere — your living room, on the side of the shed, in a tent while camping, or on the ceiling in your bedroom. Read more...

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Save 60% on this super sleek wireless charger that juices 2 devices at once

TL;DR: Say goodbye to wires with the Wireless Qi Canvas Duo Device Charger for $47.99 with the code HOLIDAY20 as of Dec. 29.

If you want to join the 21st century, you need to add "Qi" to your vocabulary. Long story short, it's pronounced "chee" and refers to the wireless charging standard for most devices. The nice thing is that because there is, in fact, a "standard," you can use the same charger for any of your compatible devices — yes, even both Android and Apple.

If you think that's pretty neat and are ready to hop on the Qi train, check out this super sleep option on sale. For a limited time, you can save an extra 20% on this wireless Qi canvas device charger in honor of 2020 being over. All you need to do is enter the code HOLIDAY20 at checkout to snag it for sub 50 bucks. Read more...

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Xiaomi Mi 11 has a Snapdragon 888 chip, 108-megapixel camera

As promised a week ago, Xiaomi on Monday launched the world's first smartphone with the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chip — the Xiaomi Mi 11.

The phone was announced at an event in China — sorry folks, global launch is yet to come — and will become available in China on Jan. 1.

Besides sporting Qualcomm's latest and greatest mobile processor, the Mi 11 is a typical Xiaomi flagship, with some very strong features that will make you question why you ever considered buying a pricier flagship phone, but also with a few compromises to keep the price down.

Xiaomi Mi 11 has an absolutely massive main camera lens on the back.

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Monday, 28 December 2020

Master all things Google with this online training bundle

TL;DR: The Complete Google Master Class Bundle is on sale for £29.44 as of Dec. 29, saving you 97% on list price.

If you've been meaning to brush up on your Google skills for your business, website, or career, you're in luck: This Google course bundle will get you up to speed.

With 35 hours of content on Google Workspace, Google Ads, Analytics, and more, you'll learn to use Google to grow your business in just 10 courses.

The courses walk you through Google Data Studio, Google Ads, Google Docs, and other applications that you can use to save time and stay hyper-organised. Plus, you'll learn how to measure, monitor and analyse web traffic, so you can finally make those data-driven decisions everyone keeps talking about. Read more...

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The best war movies on Netflix

In tough times, it may help to look to heroes, those who faced incredible odds, tremendous tragedy, and abject horror only to rally and fight back. What better place to find such stories than in war movies? This category of cinema takes audiences behind battle lines to offer up stories powerful and profound. Whether you're looking for something exciting, heart-wrenching, or inspirational, we've got you covered.

Here are the top 10 war movies on Netflix streaming now.

1. Da 5 Bloods

Spike Lee directs this riveting Vietnam War drama, which swings between past and present. Delroy Lindo, Norm Lewis, Clarke Peters, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and the late Chadwick Boseman star as the titular quintet, who buries gold bars while serving overseas in the Army. Decades later, they return to Vietnam, not only for the treasure, but also to bring back the remains of one they lost. Along the way, they'll run into shady characters, familial conflict, and explosive twists. Jonathan Majors, Mélanie Thierry, Paul Walter Hauser, and Jean Reno co-star in this critically heralded 2020 release. Read more...

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How to force quit on Mac

We’ve all dealt with it: the colorful spinning wheel of doom. An app on your computer is slowing down your MacOS, and it’s time to take action so you can get back to work.

When the wheel of doom — more formally known as Mac’s wait cursor — pops up, it signals that one of your apps has crashed, likely taking with it any work you haven’t saved. It’s time to force quit the unresponsive app causing the problem so you can get back to what you’re doing.

In most cases, you’ll know which app isn’t working properly because it will be frozen and you won’t be able to use it. But you can also figure it out by switching between your apps. When an app is working fine, you’ll see your normal arrow cursor. When a frozen app isn’t responding, you’ll see the colorful wait cursor. Read more...

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Turn your doodles into real furniture with this AI tool — Future Blink

Naya Studio is a platform that lets you turn your doodles and mood boards into real, custom-made furniture thanks to AI and some help from designers and architects. Read more...

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How to calculate your stimulus check amount before the IRS relaunches its website

Overcoming the briefest of Trump temper tantrums, Congress has finally passed a new coronavirus relief bill that includes a second round of "economic impact payments." That's the name for checks or direct deposits sent out to every qualifying American to help provide some extra cash when many people are out of work and facing economic hardships thanks to coronavirus.

Cue the better-late-than-never celebration!

How do you know if you qualify? In April, the IRS launched a surprisingly simple and useful website called the "Get My Payment" portal that let you find out the status of your check or deposit. However, that portal is "temporarily offline," according to the IRS website. With payments set to go out in early 2021, Mashable has reached out to the Treasury Department to ask when they plan to relaunch. The IRS website currently says: "The IRS continues to monitor and prepare for new legislation related to Economic Impact Payments. The IRS will make updates to the Get My Payment portal to provide updated information for taxpayers in the near future. Read more...

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Global investors flee from Chinese tech stocks after the government crackdown on Ant and Alibaba

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How to host a virtual New Year's Eve party

Yeah, we know, we know. This year is unlike any other; unprecedented; blah blah blah. By now, we’ve more than resigned ourselves to the fact that New Year’s Eve won’t be rung in with a night in Times Square and a giant ball drop. (Did anyone ever really enjoy that anyway?)

Like everything else, we’re moving our New Year’s Eve celebrations online. If that sounds impossible to you, we’ve got all the tips on how to pull it off below.

The best platforms for virtual New Year’s Eve

1. Zoom

Zoom was the number one downloaded iOS app of 2020, and for good reason. The video chat platform has taken work and social calls by storm, and with its newfound prevalence, it's a good bet that most people you’re inviting to New Year’s Eve will know their way around the interface. Read more...

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Get a magnetic Apple Watch charger for over half off to ring in the new year

TL;DR: Keep your watch juiced up with an Apple Watch magnetic charging cable for $26.99, a 55% savings as of Dec. 28.

Apple is known for being exclusive. It’s like a club everyone wants to be a part of. People line up for the newest releases, regardless of whether or not they’re actually in need of a new phone, watch, or set of earbuds. And one of the unspoken rules in the club is that third party products are not acceptable. If it’s MFi-certified, it’s safe to use, as it has Apple’s official stamp of approval, but if you opt for a third-party charger that’s uncertified, you could be in trouble. In other words, even though they cost more, you should charge your Apple products with Apple-approved cables only. Read more...

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Get yourself this 4K drone as a gift for making it through 2020

TL;DR: Get a bird's eye view with a Global Drone 4K Platinum Version for $87.96 with the code HOLIDAY20 as of Dec. 28.

Congratulations on making it through 2020. Whether it was the worst or best year of your life, one thing is certain: it was a doozy. You deserve a present for getting to this point. How about a deal on a sweet 4K drone that basically works like a flying personal photographer robot?

When you were a kid, you got toys as a reward for good behavior. As an adult, you also get toys. But rather than good behavior, you get them for persevering. And you have to buy them yourself. But at least you get a 20% discount in honor of the new year. Small victories! Read more...

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22 facts you never knew about Wikipedia

We're huge fans of Wikipedia. The nonprofit organization represents the largest collection of knowledge collaboratively accumulated in one place — ever.

While the concept of a free, community-managed, online encyclopedia had been around for some time, Wikipedia, as we know it now, officially began with its first edit on Jan. 15, 2001, two days after the domain was registered by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger.

Whether over the last 20 years you've used Wikipedia for study or for work, to satisfy random bursts of curiosity, to settle arguments, or to cheat at Zoom quiz nights, we're all indebted to the amazing free service. Read more...

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