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Google Play Books Enhances Free Reading Options and Introduces Audiobook Previews on YouTube

Scott Webster
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Google Play Books Enhances Free Reading Options and Introduces Audiobook Previews on YouTube

Google Play Books is rolling out several new features aimed at making reading more accessible and enjoyable for both children and adults. With an expanded collection of free ebooks, the introduction of audiobook previews on YouTube, and new organizational tools, Google is ensuring that users have more ways to engage with literature.

Free Read & Listen Ebooks for Kids

Over 300 nonfiction ebooks are now available for free in the Google Play Books store. These books come with a “Read & Listen” feature, allowing children to listen to the entire book aloud as the pages turn automatically. This feature is designed to help young readers and families enjoy an interactive reading experience together.

Discover Audiobooks on YouTube

Google Play Books now offers thousands of free audiobook previews on its YouTube channel. These previews are available across various genres, from science fiction sagas to celebrity memoirs and romance. Users can also wishlist audiobooks on Google Play Books to keep track of their favorites and build their “To Listen” list.

Track and Find Upcoming Books

The “Upcoming” section in the Google Play Books Android app helps users keep track of new releases and pre-orders. Located under the “Library” tab, this section displays all upcoming books on a calendar that can be filtered by series or authors. It aims to keep readers informed about new books from their preferred genres or authors.

Engaging Reading Rewards for Kids

To further engage young readers, Google has introduced Reading Rewards digital stickers in the Play Books Android app and on Google Kids Space. Kids earn these stickers by reaching reading goals or milestones. After finishing a book, children can choose from digital sticker rewards like a pair of sunglasses, a happy witch, or a campfire, making reading a fun and rewarding activity.

Additional Features for an Enhanced Reading Experience

Google Play Books continues to offer tools to enhance the reading experience. These include annotating, bookmarking, and highlighting directly on ebook pages, customized ebook formatting options, and a “Read Aloud” feature that uses a human-like voice. Users can also organize their virtual bookshelves to manage their library more effectively.

These updates from Google Play Books provide users with more resources to enjoy reading and discover new books conveniently. Whether you’re a parent looking for engaging books for your child or an avid reader exploring new genres, Google Play Books’ new features cater to all your literary needs.

myQ unveils first smart indoor camera with 130-degree wide angle vision

Abhinav Fating
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myQ unveils first smart indoor camera with 130-degree wide angle vision

myQ has expanded its smart access ecosystem with the launch of the new myQ Smart Indoor Camera. It’s the company’s first indoor camera loaded with advanced security features to keep your home secure from the inside. The brand offers solid smart home products from outdoor cams to video keypads, smart locks, and indoor cams in the US and North America. The myQ’s new Indoor camera offers a comprehensive view of your indoor area; interestingly, you can also view live activities anytime and anywhere. 

The myQ’s smart indoor camera offers a 1080p FHD resolution, allowing you to record FHD videos with incredible details day and night. A 130-degree field of view captures a comprehensive view of your room. However, the main problem with indoor cameras is that most don’t feature a motorized base, allowing them to provide a 360-degree view of the room. Unfortunately, myQ Smart Indoor camera doesn’t feature a motorized base but it is the best option for small houses, thanks to its 130-degree field of view. 

The myQ Smart Indoor Camera offers a 130° wide-angle camera that captures every corner of your space, providing comprehensive monitoring at a glance through the myQ app.

Additionally, myQ also incorporated smart detection sensors in the Smart Indoor camera that capture the real-time movement of people, pets, and more within custom detection zones. The myQ companion app allows you to keep an eye on the inside of your home from anywhere, anytime. You can also communicate with anyone in your home through a 2-way audio feature. 

Furthermore, the myQ Smart Indoor camera now comes with a bundled subscription, allowing users to save their recorded files on cloud storage. 

The myQ Smart Indoor camera starts at $39.99 and comes in sole white color options. The camera is now available for purchase via myQ’s official website.

One of our favorite password managers launches Bitwarden Authenticator

Andrew Allen
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One of our favorite password managers launches Bitwarden Authenticator

Password management is getting better and better with options like passkeys, but a traditional manager is still a great tool. One of our most recommended choices, Bitwarden, has been around for several years. Now, the open-sourced app’s development team has announced a new two-factor authentication app.

Bitwarden Authenticator brings temporary code-based multifactor authentication under a new wrapper that’s free to use for anyone. This option has been available for some time now for paid users of Bitwarden Password Manager, but the team thought it was time to spin up a separate app.

Bitwarden Authenticator will be free via Apple Store or Play Store, and the two-factor option will also remain for paid Password Manager users. But with Authenticator as a separate app you have another line of defense and even added benefit that users have been mentioning, you can not use the Bitwarden Authenticator to set up Password Manager 2FA (two-factor authentication). See, if you had Bitwarden Password Manager also managing your 2FA accounts, you couldn’t have Bitwarden Password Manager using 2FA unless you kept that initial login code in another application.

Now, Bitwarden can close that loop and open its great development team to new users searching for a solid authentication app. A couple of things are worth a note with bullet points below.

  • Bitwarden Authenticator is open-sourced to be independently audited just like Password Manager.
  • It’s early build that require manually importing each code account individually, but importing is coming in the first month or so.
  • Exporting to .json is supported.
  • Backups are end-to-end encrypted and currently stored in iCloud or with Google One Backup.
  • Integration with existing Bitwarden Password Manager accounts is in the works.

While it’s early, I have entrusted Bitwarden Password Manager with all my online secrets for years and will be moving my authentication needs over as well. Once you have import and exporting options, this should be a complete option for almost any user. Check out the full roadmap from Bitwarden below to see more details.

Huawei Pura 70 Series Touches Down in International Markets

Scott Webster
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Huawei Pura 70 Series Touches Down in International Markets

Huawei has expanded its lineup of smartphones with the launch of the Pura 70 series, now available internationally. This series introduces three models: the Pura 70, Pura 70 Pro, and Pura 70 Ultra. Each model showcases advancements in camera technology, design, and processing power. The Pura 70 Pro+, however, will remain exclusive to the Chinese market.

The devices are equipped with the Kirin 9010 chipset, developed with SMIC’s 7nm manufacturing process. Although specifics about the chipset’s performance are not disclosed, it is anticipated to improve CPU efficiency and enhance AI functionalities.

Huawei Pura 70

A significant highlight of the new series is its camera systems. The Pura 70 boasts a 50 MP main camera with a variable aperture ranging from f/1.4 to f/4.0, accompanied by a 12 MP periscope telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom, and a 13 MP ultra-wide camera. The Pura 70 Pro enhances the telephoto capabilities with a 48 MP sensor and 3.5x optical zoom, while also featuring a slightly improved 12.5 MP ultra-wide sensor.

Huawei Pura 70 Ultra

The Pura 70 Ultra, the flagship model, introduces a novel 1” sensor with a retractable lens, enhancing its ability to capture light while maintaining a sleek profile. The aperture on this model varies from f/1.6 to f/4.0. It also includes a 50 MP telephoto camera with 3.5x optical zoom and a 40 MP ultra-wide camera. All three models sport a 13 MP front-facing camera, simplifying the design by eliminating additional sensors.

The global release of these smartphones sees them equipped with EMUI 14.2, in contrast to the Harmony OS 4.2 version in China. Features such as AI Gesture Control underscore Huawei’s push into integrating generative AI technologies into user interfaces. However, international versions lack the Beidou Satellite Calling and Messaging feature, which remains exclusive to the Chinese market.

Huawei Pura 70 Pro

The Huawei Pura 70 is priced at €999 (~$1,068 USD) and offers 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, available in White and Black. The Pura 70 Pro, at €1,199 (~$1,282 USD), doubles the storage capacity and is available in the same colors. The premium Pura 70 Ultra is priced at €1,499 (~$1,600 USD), featuring 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, and is offered in Green, Black, and Brown with a faux leather finish.

Pre-orders for the Pura 70 series are open in select European countries, with general sales commencing on May 22.

Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile Officially Join T-Mobile Family

Scott Webster
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Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile Officially Join T-Mobile Family

T-Mobile US Inc. has officially announced the successful acquisition of Ka’ena Corporation. This acquisition includes the direct-to-consumer prepaid wireless brands Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile, along with the wholesale wireless solutions provider Plum. This move aims to integrate these brands into T-Mobile’s expansive operations, offering their customers additional benefits and enhanced services.

Benefits for Mint and Ultra Customers

With the completion of this deal, Mint and Ultra customers are immediately welcomed into the T-Mobile family with a handful of perks and promises. These include continued access to affordable plans and the introduction of new customer benefits.

  • $15 Commitmint: Acknowledging customer loyalty and the value of economical pricing, Mint Mobile commits to maintaining a $15/month plan for both new and existing customers. Additionally, they extend their promotional offer for Unlimited Premium Wireless at the same rate through the end of the year.
  • Scam Screener: An upcoming feature where Mint and Ultra clients will receive notifications for potential scam calls, enhancing their security and peace of mind.
  • Free Canada Roaming: Mint Mobile extends its services for its customers traveling to Canada by offering unlimited talk and text plus 3Gb of high-speed data at no additional cost.
  • Mexico Roaming: Ultra Mobile is set to improve its data roaming options in Mexico, complementing the existing talk and text provisions on most plans.

Strategic Goals Post-Acquisition

The acquisition not only secures Mint and Ultra’s access to T-Mobile’s leading 5G network but also allows them to benefit from T-Mobile’s vast resources and relationships to scale their operations significantly. Mike Katz, T-Mobile’s President of Marketing, Strategy and Products, emphasized the synergy between the brands, aiming to foster Mint and Ultra’s unique styles and entrepreneurial spirit while propelling their growth.

Leadership and Operational Insights

Post-acquisition, Ka’ena’s leadership, including Mint’s founders David Glickman and Rizwan Kassim, will continue to spearhead their respective brands under the T-Mobile umbrella. These brands will operate autonomously yet in alignment with T-Mobile’s broader business strategies. This structured integration echoes T-Mobile’s earlier successful acquisition of MetroPCS.

Looking Forward

The leadership at Mint and T-Mobile jointly express enthusiasm about this collaboration. David Glickman, in particular, highlighted a shared commitment to prioritizing customer needs and leveraging T-Mobile’s robust 5G network for improved service delivery.

Ryan Reynolds, a creative force at Mint, added a personal touch by praising the Mint team’s efforts to innovate and grow quickly, attributing part of their success to their daring and customer-focused approach.

Conclusion

As T-Mobile welcomes Mint and Ultra into its fold, both existing and new customers of the acquired brands can anticipate a bolstered array of services and perks. This venture promises enhanced connectivity and an ongoing commitment to value and innovation across the board.

Dr. Well Offers Up AF7001 Air Compression Leg Massager for In-Home Therapy

Scott Webster
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Dr. Well Offers Up AF7001 Air Compression Leg Massager for In-Home Therapy

Dr. Well, a renowned leader in healthcare products, today launched the AF7001 Air Compression Leg Massager. This innovative device, available for $299.00 in the US and £299.99 in the UK, can be purchased through the Dr. Well website and Amazon UK.

The AF7001 leverages advanced air compression technology to simulate a professional massage, featuring six air chambers that contract and expand rhythmically. This action helps to relieve muscle fatigue and enhance blood circulation, making it an ideal choice for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone who experiences daily leg discomfort.

Key Features of the AF7001

  • Dynamic Air Compression: Imitates professional massage techniques, focusing on relieving stiffness and improving circulation.
  • Customizable Settings: Users can choose from ten intensity levels and three auto modes to tailor their massage to their personal needs.
  • Sleek Design: With a modern look, the massager fits easily into any home décor and includes a special cuff container for neat storage. Smart pressure sensors adjust the intensity based on user preference.
  • Portability: Comes with a premium case for easy transportation, allowing for use at different locations.

Product Specifications

  • Dimensions: About 210 x 210 x 520 mm (8.3 x 8.3 x 20.5 in)
  • Weight: Roughly 2 kg (4.4 lbs)
  • Functionality: Offers manual control of air cells and an auto-timer for sessions lasting 10, 20, or 30 minutes.

Founded in 2016, Dr. Well combines medical expertise with comfort, developing a broad range of massage devices that promote health and well-being. The company’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in its popular products, such as the Stretching Mat and the Air Compression Leg Massager.

With the introduction of the AF7001, Dr. Well aims to provide a convenient and effective solution for enhancing daily relaxation and muscle recovery. Whether used at home or on the go, the AF7001 is a versatile addition to any family’s health regimen.

Hisense Adds Flagship U9N Mini-LED QLED TV to its 2024 ULED Lineup

Scott Webster
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Hisense Adds Flagship U9N Mini-LED QLED TV to its 2024 ULED Lineup

It’s a busy time in Hisense’s part of the world as the brand has multiple new products to unveil this week, including a new CanvasTV that blends artwork with smart TV tech.

Here, though, it announces the introduction of the U9N Mini-LED QLED TV, a leading model in its 2024 ULED series. The U9N merges elements from the high-end ULED X technology with competitive pricing.

Technical Features of the U9N

  • Hi-View Engine X Processor: This technology improves the accuracy of motion and overall picture quality, ideal for capturing the fast action of sports or the subtle details in scenic views.
  • Brightness and Contrast Capabilities: The TV achieves up to 5,000 nits of peak brightness and includes over 5,300 dimming zones, delivering detailed visuals with rich blacks and vivid colors.
  • Quantum Dot Color Technology: Working in tandem with Mini-LED, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Vision IQ, the U9N offers a superior 4K viewing experience.
  • Entertainment Hub: Powered by Google TV, the U9N provides quick access to a wide range of content across more than 10,000 apps and 800 free channels, with voice control features.

Audio and Visual Experience

  • CineStage X Surround: Boasts a 4.1.2 multi-channel audio system with up to 82W of power, creating a surround sound environment that is perfect for movie nights and big game days.
  • Dynamic X Display: Features an anti-glare, ultra-low reflection panel with a wide viewing angle, ensuring clear visibility for everyone in the room.

Gaming and Connectivity

  • Gaming Features: The TV supports a 144Hz native refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, along with Auto Game Mode, Dolby Vision Gaming, Game Mode Pro, and Hisense’s new Game Bar, which allows for customization of gaming displays.
  • Future-Proof Technology: Equipped with WiFi 6E and NEXTGEN TV (ATSC 3.0), the U9N is built to stay current with technological advancements.

The U9N will be available in 75-inch and 85-inch models, priced at $2,999 and $3,999 respectively. It will hit the shelves on BestBuy.com in Summer 2024. With its advanced features and innovative technology, the U9N is poised to offer an exceptional home entertainment experience for both movie enthusiasts and gamers.

Hisense Launches CanvasTV, Blending Art and Advanced Technology

Scott Webster
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Hisense Launches CanvasTV, Blending Art and Advanced Technology

Hisense has introduced CanvasTV, a new television that integrates art, personalization, and premium picture technology. Designed for the modern home, CanvasTV features interchangeable frames and an Art Mode that allows the display to double as a digital canvas, showcasing everything from classic artworks to personal photographs.

David Gold, President of Hisense Americas and Hisense USA, explains that CanvasTV is designed to transform living spaces into dynamic art galleries, combining Hisense’s renowned picture quality with a sleek, modern aesthetic.

Key Features of CanvasTV:

  • Art Mode: This feature offers a collection of artistic works and personal photo display options, with customizable rotation and mat styles. It aims to turn any room into a gallery at the touch of a button.
  • Energy Efficiency: CanvasTV includes an automatic brightness adjustment and a motion sensor that turns the screen off in empty rooms, enhancing its energy efficiency.
  • Visual and Audio Quality: Equipped with a 4K QLED display and Quantum Dot Color technology, CanvasTV promises over a billion shades of color. The Hi-Matte anti-glare display and adaptive ambient light features ensure optimal viewing. Its 144 Hz refresh rate and 2.0.2 surround sound system offer a premium audio-visual experience.
  • Customization: The “Choose Your Frame” feature allows users to personalize the look of their CanvasTV with multiple frame options.
  • Installation and Design: The design includes an UltraSlim Wall Mount for a flush, streamlined installation, mimicking a framed piece of art on the wall.
  • Smart Features: CanvasTV runs on Google TV, consolidating various streaming services and live TV into one interface. It includes voice search, personalized recommendations, and Chromecast built-in™ for easy content sharing.

CanvasTV by Hisense will be available in 55 and 65-inch models starting late summer 2024, with prices beginning at $999 MSRP. This new offering from Hisense aims to provide a versatile, aesthetically pleasing, and technologically advanced addition to any home entertainment setup.

PITAKA Introduces the New MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2

Scott Webster
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PITAKA Introduces the New MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2

PITAKA, recognized for its innovation in Aramid phone cases, has launched the MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2, aiming to improve your driving experience. This device incorporates MagSafe technology, which provides a robust, stable link between the smartphone and the mount, ensuring the device remains secure, even on uneven terrain.

Priced at $53.99 after a 10% discount, the MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2 is currently available for purchase on Amazon and the PITAKA website, and it will be offered to customers in the USA and UK from mid-May.

The mount supports 15W fast wireless charging for devices using a 20W charger, keeping your phone charged during drives. It is compatible with iPhones and Android phones equipped with MagSafe cases, serving a broad user base.

The device includes three customizable NFC shortcuts for added driving convenience and safety. These shortcuts let drivers quickly activate their preferred apps by connecting their NFC-enabled phones to the mount.

Designed with performance in mind, the MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2 features several air vents to prevent overheating, helping to maintain your phone’s battery health. The mount’s universal swivel ball design is compatible with a variety of car models, and its durable build with vacuum-plated PC and Aramid fiber ensures long-lasting use.

Experience the future of car mounts with the PITAKA MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2, offering simplicity, fast charging, and reliable functionality. Discover this innovative mounting solution today.

Nothing unveils Ear and Ear (a) true wireless earbuds

Abhinav Fating
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Nothing unveils Ear and Ear (a) true wireless earbuds

Emerging smartphone brand Nothing has introduced two new true wireless earbuds in its audio lineup – Nothing ear and Nothing ear (a). The former falls under the premium category while the latter is a completely new entry, targeting the budget range users. Both new earbuds come with the latest-gen specs and different color options. Let’s delve into the details.

The Nothing Ear true wireless earbuds

Nothing incorporated its signature transparent design with an addition of two more vents to improve airflow behind the ceramic diaphragm. The Nothing Ear boasts 11mm custom dynamic sound drivers for an immersive listening experience. The earbuds come with an IP54 water and dust-resistant rating, while the case is rated at IP55, protecting it from wet weather conditions. 

The Adaptive ANC tech on the Nothing Ear filters out up to 45dB of unwanted noise and lets you enjoy your music without any distractions. Furthermore, the earbuds use a library of 28 million sound scenarios that automatically selects the correct setting among the four levels of ANC depending on the surrounding noise. 

The Nothing companion app lets you customize your own sound profile and offers an 8-band EQ that allows you to adjust the frequency for a better music experience. The earbuds also have ear detection sensors, Google Fast pair, Microsoft Swift pair, multipoint, fast charging support, and 2.5W wireless charging support. The Nothing Ear lasts about 5.2 hours on a single charge and the case extends the battery life up to 10 hours. 

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Nothing Ear (a)

Nothing introduced a new affordable true wireless earbuds in its audio lineup – the Nothing ear (a). The earbuds look quite similar to the pricier Nothing Ear and also feature the same transparent design. Feature-wise, both earbuds have almost similar specs – the only difference is wireless charging which is absent in the Nothing Ear (a) earbuds. That’s it. 

Like Ear, the Nothing Ear (a) has a custom-designed 11m dynamic sound driver, Adaptive ANC LDAC support, Google Fast Pair, multipoint, and Microsoft Swift pair support. Additionally, the ear has a low lag mode that promises under 120ms latency for Nothing Pho0ne owners. 

The ingress protection is different, the Nothing ear (a) is rated IP54, and the case boasts an IPX2 ingress protection. The earbuds also support the Nothing X companion app which allows you to customize sound profiles and tweak the sound as per your taste. 

Nothing Ear starts at $149 and the Nothing Ear (a) costs $99. Both are available via Nothing’s online website and other authorized retailers. The  Ear comes in a sole White and Black color option while the Ear (a) offers White, Yellow, and Black color options. 

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