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How to use an SD card for app storage on Chromebooks for apps like Netflix and Prime Video

Jason England
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Chromebooks are fantastic little devices, and their popularity has skyrocketed during the pandemic. However, they are notorious for being light on storage space. Fortunately, many Chromebooks have the option to add additional storage through a USB drive or SD card slot.

This comes in handy when you have files you’ve downloaded or created and you need a place to keep them. But what about when an app needs more storage space? A prime example of this would be the Netflix app which can download videos for viewing when you’re offline.

In that case you’re going to need to enable saving files to the SD card. That’s not much of a hassle, really, but we’ll walk you through the process and show you how to do it.

How to use an SD card for app storage on Chromebooks for apps

First, you’re going to need to make sure external storage is enabled and you have a card inserted in your Chromebook.

  1. Open the settings menu. You can do this by pressing the search button (magnifying glass key on the keyboard) and typing in “settings” and “enter.”
  2. Type “storage management” into the search bar at the top.
  3. Choose “External storage preferences” at the bottom of the screen.
  4. Toggle on the SD card.
  5. Restart your Chromebook.

Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve given the app storage permissions before you can save files internally or to the SD card.

To check this, open the settings menu and location the Apps section. Click on “Manage your apps,” navigate to the app you want to give storage permissions to, and toggle it on.

If you don’t see a toggle for storage, then click on “More settings and permissions” to access the permissions menu and enable storage.

Now that you have it all set up, you’ll be able to change the download location if the app supports that feature. Since Netflix is so popular and supports changing location, we’ll use it as our example.

  1. Open the Netflix app.
  2. Tap on More.
  3. Select App Settings.
  4. Choose Download Location and select SD Card.

And now you can fill up your SD card with lots of Netflix series and movies to watch anytime, anywhere, because you won’t need an internet connection to watch.

Where each app hides the setting to change the download location will differ, if it supports it at all. For example, Amazon’s Prime Video is another app that supports this feature, however, Disney+ does not.

So, be aware, you’ll have to do a little digging in the settings and there’s no guarantee your chosen app will have this option.

Related content:

Good2Go Mobile Buyer’s Guide

Jason England
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When it comes to your mobile service, I’m sure you’ve heard all of the big names out there such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. However, I’m sure you’ve also noticed the premium prices each one of these mobile providers charges. Cell service through one of these carriers can oftentimes run you upwards of $60 or more a month for a single line.

What if I told you there was a cheaper way to get service using the same towers the mobile giants use? Welcome to the world of Mobile Virtual Network Operators, companies that lease the same towers as the big boys but charge a fraction of the cost.

One of those companies happens to be Good2Go Mobile, keep reading to find out more about this MVNO and the plans it offers.

About

Good2Go Mobile is a subsidiary of Ztar Mobile that has been in operation for the past 15 years. It offers contract-free mobile plans running on two of the country’s GSM networks which cannot be named due to contracts. Although, it’s most likely AT&T and T-Mobile.

Plans

Good2Go Mobile’s plans start as low as $15 per month for unlimited minutes and texting, but be aware that all of the plans get an additional $5 off if you turn on autopay.

  • $15 per month – unlimited minutes and texting
  • $20 per month – unlimited minutes, texting, and 1 GB of data
  • $25 per month – unlimited minutes, texting, and 2GB of data
  • $35 per month – unlimited minutes, texting, and 6GB of data
  • $40 per month – unlimited minutes, texting, and 10GB of data
  • $50 per month – unlimited minutes, texting, and 20GB of data

Can you bring your own device?

Good2Go Mobile is BYOD-friendly. You can check on the website if your phone is eligible and have a SIM card delivered to your home to get started. There is also an option to order a phone through Good2Go Mobile’s website in case you need a new one or want to upgrade.

Where to learn more

More information can be found on Good2Go Mobile or on the company’s FAQ page.

Podcast: History of Android (v1.5 Cupcake)

Scott Webster
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Podcast: History of Android (v1.5 Cupcake)

What are your earliest memories of Android? Were you paying attention to the platform all the way back in 2007 and 2008? We certainly were.

For this season of the AndroidGuys podcast we’re taking a trip through time, looking at each version of the Android platform.

If you subscribe to the podcast through your favorite outlet, you’ve already heard a few of these. Each episode is dedicated to a specific release as well as key devices of the time.

We often take for granted all of the great things that our devices do for us. There was a time when our smartphones could not do “basic” things by today’s definition. The series of podcasts aims to educate listeners about the features added into Android along the way.

About This Episode

History of Android Releases – Android 1.5 Cupcake

Where were you in early 2009? We were face down in Android news and rumors, piecing together details for the next release in the platform.

Scott Webster and Luke Gaul head down memory lane to the beginning days of Android and its first big software update. The two discuss not only where mobile software was at the time, but also where hardware was, too. Remember the Samsung Galaxy and HTC Hero? We certainly do.

Topics Discussed

  • Android 1.5 Cupcake
  • HTC Hero
  • Samsung Galaxy
  • Historical context for phones of the time
  • Notable apps and features of the day

Disc Golf Rival review: Fun stuff but ridiculous with notifications

Scott Webster
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Fans of disc golf have no shortage of options when it comes to mobile apps and games. With a seemingly endless number of titles to choose from, it can often be tough to find the right one.

Up for review today we take a look at Disc Golf Rival, a free-to-play game with in-app purchases.

Description

With more than 100 courses to play, you won’t set out on your own to see how well you do on a 9-hole or 18-hole game. Instead, you’ll play in head-to-head matches over one randomly determined hole. You’ll be paired up against another real-world player and attempt to beat them to earn rewards like better discs or upgrades to your existing gear.

A fun time-waster that you can pick up and put down at your own pace, the game does its best to bring you back again and again. Thanks to coins and gems and treasure chests you’ll surely be revisiting on a regular basis. Oh, and then there are plenty of notifications to make sure you don’t forget about the game.

Features

  • Play against Facebook friends
  • Head-to-head matches against real-world players
  • Free to play with in-app purchases available
  • Gifts and incentives to hook players

Check out the podcast below to hear our review of the game!

Get your mind right with Gauthmath app (Review)

Andrew Allen
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Math can be a daunting subject of study. I mean, c’mon! It pairs letters and numbers for elaborate equations. One can easily get overwhelmed with all the complex principles found in mathematics.

What is Gauthmath?

A new app hopes to alleviate this anxiety. Gauthmath is an interactive mobile app that mixes artificial intelligence with human tutors to help students get to the correct answers. Its founder wants to bring educational services to a global audience with the Gauthmath mobile app.

How’s it work?

The interface is fairly straightforward. You are immediately dropped into a UI that resembles that of Snapchat. You then take a picture of the math problem tripping you up and Gauthmath jumps to action.

The app first tries to use its database and AI to find the solution automatically. I found that it was successful on all the equations I threw at Gauthmath. I snapped a photo and was asked to confirm the details from the image.

Next, it works some magic behind the scenes giving you a prompt to be patient. You then get a nice response that the app has your answer. Gauthmath does a great job of offering a step-by-step solution page for your equation.

Not only does it show the steps, but also offers some insight into the principles behind each line. You can see a drop-down arrow on each line that elaborates on the reasoning of the steps.

Now, what happens when you get a complex equation Gauthmath can’t solve on demand? Good question. The app then goes to a board of curated tutors. These mathematics wizards then send you the same step-by-step responses as the automated app intelligence.

There are groups, too

Gauthmath also has a dedicated Discord server to help students with like-minded studies join forces. The team promotes this as a great tool to get students to create private study groups or help one another fight through harder concepts together.

And it’s free

If you were wondering about the cost of the Gauthmath service then don’t let that make you look twice. The app and all included services are free. You simply create an account by linking either your Facebook or Google account and off you go to solving the world’s math problems.

Conclusion

The Gauthmath app is a nice niche product for modern students. From remote pandemic-friendly protocols to just children that live online, the app has a familiar interface that works for this generation.

Students will immediately recognize the UI and be on their way to solving complicated problems in a seamless app. It just works and takes almost no learning curve.

Get the Gauthmath Android app

iPhone 13 Highlights the Best and Worst of Apple

AndroidGuys
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Apple’s iPhone is the biggest selling smartphone in the world. Hold on Samsung and Huawei fans. Before you show me statistics that show those two companies outsell Apple, let’s clarify this. Samsung and Huawei have dozens of phone models and do vastly outsell Apple. However, when it comes to a sole product range, the iPhone remains top of the pile. 

As customers prepare to sell their iPhone 12 models to upgrade to iPhone 13, why does Apple’s success continue? Why does this continue to happen year-after-year? 

Let’s be clear, even with my Android hat on I can see Apple makes an excellent product. The iPhone is an excellently made phone that feels like something expensive and premium. Then there is iOS, that works seamlessly with the hardware. It is, admittedly, a good all-round package. 

Still, it is hard to escape the fact that there may also be a little truth in the iSheep meme. If you’re unfamiliar with said meme, an iSheep is an Apple fan that will purchase any product from Cupertino simply because it has an Apple logo on it. 

Despite the iPhone remaining a stellar device, it also plays the game from a losing position but still somehow wins. Each year another iPhone is launched with a selection of “new” features that grab headlines and consumers. The problem is the features are not really all that new. It is a well-storied fact by now that many of the iPhones “innovations” have been available on Android for some time. 

People, both the press and customers, went wild for the 5G iPhone and Apple was talking like it was blazing a trail with 5G connectivity. Except for the small detail that 5G had been available on Android phones already. Sure, Apple can be innovative, as we have seen with Touch ID and then Face ID. 

However, the company’s great strength comes from being able to stand on the shoulders of giants. That may be quite flippant considering Apple is the biggest of all giants, but it holds true. Apple’s genius is taking a technology that already exists and nearly perfecting it in a consumer-fronted way. In other words, bringing mass appeal to a tech that is nascent. 

Apple did not invent touch screens or the smartphone, but the original iPhone paved the way for the market by showing the template for an effective smartphone (we still have that template today). Apple did not create the digital music player but brought it to mass appeal with the iPod. It is just what Apple does, coupled with using clever marketing to convince consumers its products are somehow superior and innovative. 

All that may seem like a criticism of Apple, but it is really a compliment. It is hard not to admire the way Apple has refined technologies and products for mass appeal with consumers. Although, that does not change the fact that the iSheep are real and they remain a force. And so it will prove during 2021 when Apple launches the iPhone 13. 

Over 40% of current iPhone users have said they will buy one of the new iPhone 13 devices (normal iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, or iPhone 13 Pro Max). It seems the biggest reason those customers cite for upgrading is the 120Hz refresh rate on the new models. Yes, they will spend around $1000 to get Apple’s shiny new 120Hz technology, which has been available on Android for years. 

So, please… don’t tell me iSheep do not exist. They do and they are what keep Apple at the top of the market. Again, you will throw Samsung and Huawei at me as the smartphone market share leaders, but it is a hollow victory. Despite selling fewer overall devices, Apple has comfortably higher profit margins. As the iPhone 13 range will show, the company’s strategy of repackaging tech and selling it as something fresh, coupled with excellent hardware and software, continues to attract consumers. 

For just $85 you can have the world’s most advanced laser projection keyboard

AG Deals Team
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Bluetooth keyboards have come a long way over the last few years. Not only are they more reliable but the advances in Bluetooth technology have made them more accurate. Lag is pretty much a thing of the past and we’re always glad to deal with one less cable.

For all the awesome stuff that comes with a Bluetooth keyboard there are still some limitations. Size, for instance, is one of those trade-offs that takes some time to learn as smaller doesn’t always mean more efficient. The same with portability. The more you lean in one direction, the less productive you might be for it.

This is where projection keyboards like the Serafim Keybo come in handy. Indeed, this pint-sized accessory works with both Android and iOS platforms, turning pretty much any flat surface into a keyboard. It’s as simple as plugging in your phone, tablet, or laptop and start typing on your desk or table.

The Serafim Keybo is a compact unit that measures just over three inches at its widest spot. But don’t be fooled by its size; it’s also a portable power bank with 2,000mAh worth of juice. That means you can charge your phone up while using the keyboard.

While you won’t feel the physical feedback you get from a mechanical keyboard, the Serafim Keybo has a click sound to simulate the experience.

The Serafim Keybo can also work as a musical instrument, utilizing its built-in music app to create drums, bass, guitar, and piano sounds.

Order Yours!

A big hit on Kickstarter, and bolstered by solid reviews on Amazon, the Serafim Keybo is a great value on any day of the week. For a limited time AndroidGuys readers can save 22% on one, getting it at just $84.99.

KYY Portable Monitor review

Luke Gaul
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Thanks to the pandemic, a lot of us have had to adapt how we work and manage school work. Some of have transitioned to a home office while others are spending time on the go.

For those of us who were accustomed to a desktop office, one of the hardest things to deal with is going back to a single screen. Laptops or home PCs with one monitor can be a nuisance. It’s hard to replicate multi-monitor setups, especially if space is a concern.

The KYY Portable Monitor is here to ensure that you can add on a second screen without much hassle. Moreover, it won’t take a big bite out of your wallet, either. It’s a quick plug and play option that can handle almost any input you can throw at it.

The KYY Monitor is a sturdy 15.6 inch HD display with a host of inputs for all of you mobile computing needs. It includes a magnetic dust cover and screen protector along with an AC power cord and multiple connection cables for all of its different input types.

Features

  • Full 1080P FHD HDR IPS Diplay
  • USB-C powered with optional AC power plug
  • Multi input usage with 2 USB-C ports and 1 Mini-HDMI port
  • Ultra thin 0.3 inch profile that ways just 1.7lbs for easy storage and carrying

Impressions

It’s very easy to get this monitor connected and going. I was able to use as it as a second monitor on my laptop as well as a display for my Nintendo Switch connected to the dock. Thanks to its versatility and portability, it’s equal parts work and play.

The USB-C power works great when connected to the laptop. The build quality is good and for the size and thickness of the display it doesn’t feel fragile. I don’t have any worry throwing it in my bag, especially with the smart cover protecting the screen. Indeed, it goes everywhere my laptop goes, even if I don’t need it in the moment.

In use the color and brightness is good but the depth of the colors isn’t quite as rich as other portable monitors we’ve reviewed. While the KYY offers a wide 178 degree viewing window I did notice it can sometimes feel washed out at steeper angles.

We appreciate its flexibility and multiple inputs and for the fact that it also has its own speakers. They’re not the loudest or clearest you’ll come across but they’re not bad in a pinch.

The KYY monitor has a pair of USB Type-C ports and a Mini-HDMI port which makes it compatible with a whole range of devices. The top USB C port is for power which can come from any USB 3.1 port such as one on your laptop or wall charger.

The second USB port is is compatible with any device that uses USB Type-C video, including your recent smartphones. For older handsets, you’ll just need to locate a microUSB-to-Type-C cable.

The KYY Portable Monitor can be used to extend your laptop or Chromebook screen, giving you more windows and tabs to open or communication tools to run at one time. It can also be used to duplicate the screen which could be handy for people who may spend a lot of time turning a laptop back and forth to show off spreadsheets or reports.

Where to Buy

The KYY Portable Monitor can be purchased from Amazon for $179.99.

This refurbished Dell PC can be yours for $340

AG Deals Team
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School is back in session for much of the world and that means things may have potentially changed for a vast number of families.

Have you found that you now need a computer in the home for school work? Or, has your employer advised that you’ll be working from home for the foreseeable future?

If it’s time for you to upgrade your home computer, but you don’t have the budget for something brand new, consider a refurbished model. Doing so gives you much more bang for your buck.

The AG Deals Store has a wonderful offer on a refurbished Dell OptiPlex 5040 which runs Windows 10 and boasts 8GB RAM.

The Dell computer is a perfect option for high school students, college students, and families who may need to split time with another computer. There’s enough power to last casual users a few years of usage and buy time before needing to go all-in with a new model.

Key features

  • Model number: 5040
  • Operating system: Windows 10 Professional
  • Processor: Intel Core i5-6500 (dual-core, 2.7 GHz)
  • Storage: 240GB
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Optical drive: DVD
  • Graphics: Integrated Intel HD Graphics 530
  • Audio: Integrated HD Audio
  • Networking: Integrated Gigabit Ethernet
  • Bays: internal 3.5″”, external slim ODD
  • Slots: half-height PCIe x16, half-height PCIe x4, M.2 22x80mm
  • Ports:6x USB 3.0 (2 front/4 rear)
    • 4x USB 2.0 (2 front/2 rear)
    • 1x HDMI
    • 1x RJ-45
    • 2x Display port
    • 2x PS/2 ports
    • 1x Audio port
    • 1x Serial port

Refurbished Rating: This product is listed with a grade of “A.” However, it arrives in a near-mint condition and may have minimal to zero scuffing amounts on the case.

Order Yours!

Purchase your Dell OptiPlex 5040 for just $339.99 while supplies last!

Smartphone buying guide: Important factors to consider

AndroidGuys
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Your smartphone is perhaps your most valuable possession. It is your link to every facet of your life, from social to work, from entertainment to creating memories. If you are looking to replace your smartphone, choosing the right one is essential. This is a device you want to keep for at least a couple of years, so you need to select wisely. 

Smartphones can also be expensive, so picking a handset that meets your expectations is a good investment. Below you can read our complete smartphone buying guide, which walks you through the most important factors to consider when buying a new phone. 

Before getting into the details, there are three important notes to make. Firstly, using smartphone comparison sites can help you find the device for you by organizing mobile phones based on your needs. Secondly, many smartphone buying guides focus on factors like performance, and while that is important, there are other more vital factors to consider. 

Thirdly, if you are shopping in the flagship market, your considerations may change. In truth, most flagships are much of the same. Whether it is the top end Samsung, Apple, Huawei, or any other smartphone, you are guaranteed an excellent camera, amazing battery, stunning screen, and beefy battery. 

Flagship shopping comes down to preference in areas such as design, or incremental benefits of one smartphone over another. When you drop below the flagships, to the mid-range and budget phones, that’s where it gets really interesting. 

Below we will touch all the bases, starting with the most important factors:

How to Buy the Best Smartphone

Battery Life All the Way

We get it, battery life is hardly the most exciting metric when considering which smartphone to buy, but it may be the most important. The reality is the smartphone market is currently full of amazing devices. Even budget devices costing under $200 can provide solid performance and a decent screen appearance these days. What those low-end handsets do not always offer is a good battery or camera. 

That is why we rank those factors highly. In terms of battery life, you should look for a device that delivers at least one full day of juice consistently. Remember, the size of the battery (mAh) does not always mean more battery life. That is because factors like screen power, performance, and operating system affect how the battery drains. 

Camera Matters

Or if you are not a photographer, maybe it doesn’t. However, even if you are not that much into cameras, this is a smartphone component that can highlight which devices are better. Even for casual users, you will take a lot of photos with your smartphone camera… some of them will be important snaps of family members and other memories. 

As you probably know, we are in the era of the multi-lens camera module on smartphones. Now even budget devices have more than one lens. You can find the primary lens that delivers the most megapixels, while also zoom lenses, wide-angle lenses, and portraits lenses. If you are especially interested in photography, the phones with the biggest selection of lenses and camera software features will be more appealing. 

For those who just want a solid smartphone camera, you should look for features like optical image stabilization (OIS), HDR mode, 4K video shooting. Lower budget devices may lack some or all of these tools, but you can still find good cameras from companies like Samsung, Nokia, and Huawei. 

Display Excellence

Screen technology is one area where smartphone manufacturers try to wow customers. Each year we are given increasing numbers such as megapixel count (PPI), brightness gains (LIT), and screen resolution increases (Ultra HD, 4K, etc.). When buying a new smartphone, you want a good combination of all those things. 

After-all, you will spend 90% of your time on the device looking at the screen. If you can combine a solid PPI with good brightness and a high resolution, then you are likely to have a good screen experience. You do not have to pay flagship money either. Even a low-end device can have a good display, provided you buy a handset with at least 1080p (Full HD) resolution. 

Other Less Important Factors

  • Design
  • Processor
  • RAM
  • Operating System
  • Storage
  • Connectivity (LTE, 5G)
  • Wireless charging
  • IP rating
  • Dual sim support
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