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How to take a screenshot on a Chromebook

There are plenty of reasons you may need to take a screenshot with your phone or device. For example, we use them here all the time for writing articles and tutorials — just like this one.

However, you might just be trying to create a meme or share your highest score in a game with a friend. Whatever the reason may be, if you need to capture a screenshot on your Chromebook, we’ve got you covered.

When capturing your screen on a Chromebook, there are two different options. One of them will capture the entire screen, while the second will allow you to capture only a portion. That’s perfect for times when you want to only snap a pic of a smaller region on your screen, such as a photo from a website or chat window. Below we’ll teach you how to accomplish both of these.

How to take a fullscreen screenshot

To take a screenshot of the entire screen, then press the Ctrl+Show Windows keys at the same time.

How to take a partial screenshot

To take a partial screenshot of a smaller section of the screen, then press the Ctrl+Shift+Show Windows keys at the same time.

Now that you know how to take a screenshot, I bet you’re wondering how you access them to share or edit the image. All of your most recent screenshots should show up in the taskbar in the bottom right-hand corner.

To open the file, just double click on it, alternatively, you can open the Files app and find them saved under the Downloads folder. From there, you can edit the image, make annotations, crop it, share it, or even delete it if you made a mistake.

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FIIL T1 XS true wireless earbuds review

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Bluetooth audio has changed the way we enjoy media. Being untethered from our phones was quite a step forward in music enjoyment and personal usage. Then truly wireless earbuds came about and have taken that another step further.

A newer company in the portable audio space, FIIL, has stepped into the increasingly crowded market and let me sample the latest earbuds it has to offer, the T1 XS.

I’ve spent the last three weeks with the FIIL T1 XS and I have some thoughts. Find out what those are in this full review.

Design

The design of the FIIL T1 XS earbuds isn’t earth-shattering. You’ll find familiar circular bud-style earphones with a silicone loop to help secure the buds inside your ear. Another silicone tip fits snug inside your ear to channel the sound while also keep the earbud comfortably seated.

On the outside of each earbud is the FIIL logo that doubles as a touch panel for some basic tap gestures. Around the other side of each are two pogo pins for charging inside the case. Otherwise, the T1 XS is void of buttons.

Sound

The FIIL T1 XS doesn’t disappoint on sound. I wouldn’t call them premium, but most truly wireless earbuds are more about convenience. These earbuds fall into this category. The audio is crisp and has a good punch of highs and mids. Bass does leave a bit to desire, but I’d personally take that instead of overbearing drum beats any day.

Calls are also solid while using the FIIL T1 XS. Both sides of the line had no issues hearing or understanding one another. I never had callers on the other end ask for me to repeat myself and vice versa.

One additional feature to mention is the music modes. FIIL has created profiles for pre-set EQ settings for different listening environments. This includes Game Mode, Music Mode, and Video Mode.

Battery life

Endurance is exceptional with the T1 XS. Each earbud is rated for around seven hours. I’ve found this to be fairly accurate. I can make it through most of an eight-hour workday minus my lunch break without reaching for a charger.

When you do need to recharge the banks, you can easily use the included charging case. Thankfully, this is capable of USB-C charging but does lack wireless charging. This allows for upwards of 25-hours of playtime.

One key omission is Qi wireless charging. In the current market most truly wireless earbuds with a charging case are starting to include this feature. The FIIL T1 XS misses this mark and I would love to see a refreshed model with this added.

Controls

The touch controls of the FIIL T1 XS are pretty straightforward. You double-tap to start or stop music on the left ear or the same combination on the right side will answer and end calls. Holding a tap on the left for two seconds will reject an incoming call. On the alternate side, you get to choose between the monitor modes for noise cancellation.

Single taps can also interact with each earbud for the FIIL T1 XS. While listening to music, the left earpiece will increase the volume. The right side would then go to the next track on a singular touch.

Lastly, a triple-tap of each earphone also allows the user to add one more control option. The left raises the volume and the right sends the audio to the previous track.

Additionally, the FIIL T1 XS has wear detection. This has a sensor that pauses and resumes playback when the earbud is removed from your ear. I found this works very well. Removing the earpiece immediately stops audio and then immediately resumes on inserting the bud back inside your ear.

Closing thoughts

FIIL has a really good offering with the T1 XS wireless earbuds. You get a lightweight design with decent sound. In addition, you get great battery life and touch controls. You also have a choice of black or white editions.

Finally, it comes down to pricing. The FIIL T1 XS will set you back a modest $50. That’s it. A fresh-faced President Grant will snag you a set of these earbuds. Even better, as of this writing, you can get another 15% off the retail price on Amazon.

Stadia support is finally coming to Chromecast with Google TV and Android TV devices

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One of Stadia’s biggest benefits, when it was first shown off, was the ability to play on any screen. Unfortunately, Stadia has yet to live up to that promise. When it first launched we were limited to a handful of devices, but over time that list of devices has grown.

Today, Google announced one more place you’ll be able to play Stadia, and this could be the biggest one yet. Literally, this could be the biggest one, because it’s finally coming to Chromecast with Google TV and other Android TV devices on June 23, 2021. Check the list below to see if your TV or set-top box is on the list of officially supported Android TV devices.

  • Chromecast with Google TV
  • Hisenseยฎ Android Smart TVs (U7G, U8G, U9G)
  • Nvidiaยฎ Shield TV
  • Nvidiaยฎ Shield TV Pro
  • Onnโ„ข FHD Streaming Stick and UHD Streaming Device
  • Philipsยฎ 8215, 8505, and OLED 935/805 Series Android TVs
  • Xiaomiยฎ MIBOX3 and MIBOX4

The most notable devices on the list, besides the $50 Chromecast with Google TV, are the Nvidia Shield TV boxes and the popular Xiaomi Mi Box 3 and Mi Box 4. Honestly, this should have been a no-brainer from the beginning, and how Stadia launched without support for Google’s TV platform is beyond me. Even worse, is the replacement for the Chromecast Ultra, the Chromecast with Google TV, didn’t even ship with Stadia support. It’s taken nearly eight months to add the feature.

If you don’t see your Android TV device listed above, there is still a chance you might be able to play Stadia on it. Much like the Stadia app on phones, there will be a way to enable experimental support on devices that are not officially certified.

To get started, just download and install the Stadia app from the Google Play Store on your Android TV or Chromecast with Google TV. Afterward, you’ll be able to launch and play games with either the Stadia controller or a supported third-party Bluetooth controller.

Finally, you’ll be able to play Stadia on your Android TV and it won’t even require Stadia’s proprietary controller to do so.

Republic Wireless Buyer’s Guide

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Many Americans are familiar with the big names in wireless: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint. Far fewer know about the smaller brands like Mint, Ting, Tello, or H20 Wireless.

Let’s take a closer look at one that you might not be all that familiar with: Republic Wireless.

How is Republic Wireless coverage?

Republic Wireless launched in 2010 as a service provider that defaults to Wi-Fi for connectivity instead of 3G or 4G LTE. Nevertheless, it does have partnerships with T-Mobile and Sprint, giving subscribers networks for supplemental coverage.

The Republic model utilizes a proprietary VoIP app so that Android phones can switch quickly between T-Mobile’s GSM and Sprint’s CDMA mobile networks. It provides free roaming and hops to and from WiFi, depending on which is available.

What are Republic Wireless rate plans like?

Republic rate plans are no-contract, meaning there’s no long-term commitment and subscribers can go month-to-month. There is a 14-day cancellation policy.

Things are really quite simple at Republic Wireless and there are only a few options to worry about. In essence you start with a $15 plan with unlimited talk and text and then decide on how much data you’ll need. Data is priced $5 per gigabyte with up to 15GB offered in a month.

  • $15/month: Unlimited Talk and Text with no data
  • $20/month: Unlimited Talk and Text with 1GB of high-speed data
  • $40/month: Unlimited Talk and Text with 5GB of high-speed data

There are no overage fees for hitting the data allotment and Republic does not throttle speeds for the rest of the month. Instead, data simply stops until you purchase more. Subscribers can purchase up to 15GB of data per month.

Customers can also opt for a yearly plan and save a couple of dollars each month. In fact, going that route can be like getting a month or two of service for free.

What’s Republic Wireless phone selection like?

Looking through the current lineup of phones offered through Republic we find familiar names like Samsung, Google, Motorola, and LG with prices that start at about $150.


As is the case with many prepaid providers and MVNOs, selection is a mixed bag. There are only nine phones to choose from, but it’s evenly mixed across the low, mid, and high end. At the top are the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy S20.

If you’d like to spread payments out, you can set up monthly payments through Affirm. Options include 6, 12, and 18 months. The terms are set based on the cost of the phone.

There are plenty of wireless service providers to choose from, at least here in the United States. In fact, it may seem as if there are too many options to consider. But when it comes down to it, many of them rely on the networks offered by Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

Republic Wireless, a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), is one such carrier. Indeed, it has its own rate plans and features, but it licenses coverage from T-Mobile.

When it comes to buying a phone for use on Republic Wireless there are a few options to consider. For starters, you can bring your current T-Mobile device to the carrier. Additionally, you can buy an unlocked phone for use on Republic Wireless.

Customers can also purchase a phone directly from Republic Wireless. While there’s a fairly robust handset selection to peruse, a few key models rise to the top.

What follows are some of the best Android phones available at Republic Wireless today. These aren’t the most powerful, but rather the best for particular needs.

Samsung Galaxy S21

“The flagship Samsung experience for 2021 is not only powerful, but it’s gorgeous, too. It looks unlike any of its predecessors on the surface and we couldn’t be happier.

Internally, the phone is as about as powerful as they come, and should be more than sufficient for the needs of pretty much anyone. Whether you’re gaming, snapping ultra-wide photos, recording 4K video, or just hitting up your social media platforms, the Galaxy S21 is here for it.

Key features for the phone include a 6.2-inch AMOLED display, at least 128GB storage, and an all-day 4,000mAh battery. You’ve also got an amazing camera setup, 8GB RAM, a monster of a processor, and an improved in-display fingerprint reader.”

Shop Samsung Galaxy S21 at Republic Wireless

Google Pixel 4a

All-around Champ

One of the newest phones at the carrier, this is an excellent option for pretty much any user. Itโ€™s powerful enough for a large majority of the population but priced about half of what other brands charge.

Powered by the latest in Android, youโ€™ll have a tough time finding a better camera experience. Small in stature, thereโ€™s a decent screen, generous battery, and solid array of hardware hiding inside.

Shop Google Pixel 4a at Republic Wireless

Samsung Galaxy Note 20

Big and Beautiful

This powerhouse sits near the top of the food chain and packs all of the cutting-edge features one could want. If you’re on the hunt for latest and greatest at this carrier, you’ve found it.

Here, you get a large 6.7-inch display, a ton of storage, and hardware that will last you multiple years. Come for the multi-function capabilities of the S Pen, stay for the incredible camera that captures 8K video.

Shop Samsung Galaxy Note 20 at Republic Wireless

Motorola Moto G Stylus

Affordable Taskmaster

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly approach to a phone with a digital stylus, this Motorola is your ticket. Priced a fraction of the Samsung counterpart, it’s an incredible mid-range phone with a quad-camera experience.

Powered by a largely untouched Android 10, it offers up a 6.4-inch screen, a bunch of storage (128GB), and a strong battery. Throw in a headphone jack, USB Type-C charging port, and dual speakers and we’ve got an affordable winner that suits many users.

Shop Motorola Moto G Stylus at Republic Wireless

Motorola Moto E

First-time Users

If youโ€™re starting out with a smartphone for the first time, you have no idea as to what you truly need. Why drop hundreds of dollars on something only to find out itโ€™s more than you want or use?

For your money you get a generous 6.2-inch screen, a 13-megapixel dual-camera setup, headphone jack, and decent battery. It runs a very current and largely stock Android software experience and looks really cool in Dark Sea blue.

Shop Motorola Moto E at Republic Wireless

Can I use my own phone with Republic Wireless?

You can often use your current GSM phone, especially if it was purchased unlocked and directly from the manufacturer. Head to Republic’s website to check whether your specific model is supported.

YouTube is testing timed comments on videos

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Back in April, Google announced it was testing a new feature called “timed comments” on some videos with a small group of people. What exactly are “timed comments?” Essentially, it’s a way to leave a comment at a certain point and time on a video to share your reaction to only that part.

Testing new timed comments: Weโ€™re currently testing a new feature that allows you to view comments timed to the exact moment you’re watching in a video. This experiment is available on some videos to a small group of people and we’ll consider rolling this out more broadly based on feedback. To see if you’re part of the experiment, go to the comments section on iOS or Android, and tap the Sort button to select “Timed Betaโ€.

If you’re familiar with Soundcloud then you’ve probably already seen this in action before. The way it works on the Android app is different though. While watching the video you can enable the timed comment view, and during playback you’ll see the stream of comments load up each time you near a new timed comment.

Whether or not this enhances the YouTube experience is left to be determined. If you’ve ever browsed the comments section, then you know it’s not always filled with useful or entertaining content. At the same time, being able to share your reaction to your favorite part of a video is a promising prospect.

Since the test is only rolling out to some videos and to select users, it can be difficult to tell if you even have access to “timed comments.” However, Android Policeย spotted a Transformers figure review video with “timed comments” enabled to test out if you’re one of the lucky few.

I gave it a shot myself and found that it was active on one of my Google accounts but not the other. If you want to find out for yourself, then click on the link to the video above in the Android app, open the comments section, and tap on the sort button to see if you have the “Timed” option.

Fossil’s current crop of smartwatches won’t receive Wear OS’s game changing update

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Recently, CNET had a discussion with Fossil’s Chief Commercial Officer Greg McKelvey and Steve Prokup, senior vice president of connected devices. The conversation mostly focused on Fossil’s upcoming Gen 6 Wear OS smartwatch set to launch later this year.
However, the execs inadvertently dropped the bombshell that the Gen 5 and previous generation of Fossil smartwatches would not receive Wear OS’s next-gen upgrade that we learned about at Google I/O 2021.

Existing Fossil Google Wear watches won’t be upgradable to the new Wear OS software platform.

That’s a major blow to all current Fossil Wear OS smartwatch owners, and that’s probably a lot of you. Fossil is by far the largest manufacturer of Google’s smartwatch platform, and one of the most popular choices when buying a Wear OS watch. Additionally, it also owns several other sub-brands such as Diesel, Skagen, and more.

The main question is, will the smartwatches not receive the update because of Fossil or is there a technical reason? Back at I/O, Google stated the Wear OS Tizen hybrid would see huge performance gains with apps launching up to 30% faster on the latest chipsets. It failed to mention whether the latest chipsets are ones already in use, or next-gen chips we’ll see in future smartwatches though.

If the update turns out to be limited to newer hardware, then we could see all Wear OS smartwatches left in the dust, including the fantastic TicWatch Pro 3 GPS. It would be a shame to see several generations of Wear OS smartwatches left in the past running outdated software. In general, smartwatches have a longer lifespan receiving updates years later, unlike smartphones.

As someone who owns several Wear OS smartwatches, I would be quite perturbed to learn that I had to buy a new one just to experience the latest and greatest wearable experience. That might just be what Google has planned though. The merger of Wear OS and Tizen will be the biggest shake-up the platform has experienced, and let’s not forget that Samsung and Fossil have new smartwatches coming. Even Google is rumored to finally have a Pixel watch ready for this year.

Limiting the next great Wear OS experience to the new watches might be the way to drive sales to the latest hardware.

BLUETTI Summer Super Sale Starts Now! Save up to $947!

There are so many things to love about summer โ€“ Visits to the beach. Having a BBQ in the backyard with the family. Camping in the woods to enjoy the birds singing while taking in the fresh air. People usually have positive associations with summer. But then you have to deal with the heat!

During your off-grid excursions and rolling power outages during those long, hot summer days, you will need endless power to keep your food fresh, your drinks cold, and most importantly, keeping yourself comfortable with tower fans or air conditioners.

For these situations, Portable Solar Generators are the perfect choice! They are quiet, green solutions with ZERO emissions to power your needs both indoors and outdoors during electrical outages or off-grid excursions. And they can be easily charged up by solar whenever there is sunlight. With the rapid development of solar energy storage and Li-ion battery power in the past decade, there are now a dizzying array of portable power station brands on the market, whose products vary in size, power, and battery storage capacity. For this upcoming summer, the pioneer of the off-grid power industry, BLUETTI, now takes the lead in offering their largest discounts ever for their product portfolio.  Let us take a closer look!

BLUETTI EB70 Portable Power Station

Consumer Score: 97% of purchasers gave it 4 stars or higher. 700 watts of power in the palm of your hand.

The EB70 was first brought out by BLUETTI in early May and was very well received out of the gate as it sold-out in less than two weeks after its introduction. A month later, BLUETTI has now brought it back with a larger inventory in their local warehouses in California. Featuring 700W of continuous power and a respectable 716Wh of capacity, the BLUETTI EB70 can still be easily lifted by just one hand. It can easily provide days of power for your portable fridge on the road or keep your tower fan running for several hours. It also features two 100W USB-C outlets that complies with PD3.0 protocol, which can recharge a plethora of phones/laptops/gaming gadgets that are powered by USB-C PD at full speed without any bulky adapters needed (Android phones, tablets, MacBookโ€™s, Ultrabookโ€™s, Nintendo Switch, etc.).

For this Summer Sale Promotion, BLUETTI continues with the $100 OFF offer with the new EB70, and a $210 discount for the EB70/SP200 solar panel combo: 

Main Features: 700W Continuous Output / 716Wh LiFePO4 Battery Capacity / Dual 100W USB-C/200W MPPT Solar Input

Starts at $499 $599($100 OFF)

BLUETTI AC200P Portable Power Station

Consumer Score: 98% of purchasers gave it 4 stars or more. The worldโ€™s most versatile portable power station stays strong all the way.

After pulling in a staggering $6.7M USD from crowdfunding in July 2020 and with tens of thousands of AC200P units sold within the past year, the BLUETTI team is now offering the lowest price ever for their sub-flagship portable solar generator: $1,599. Packed with 2000 watts of continuous AC pure-sine wave power, an enormous 2000Wh of capacity, and utilizing the most durable, safest LiFePO4 chemistry, the BLUETTI AC200P is undoubtedly the most competitive solar generator for its price. It can power all your needs from a household fridge to an 8,000 BTU portable air conditioner without breaking a sweat. It can be charged at blistering speeds by solar at up to a stunning 700W. You can charge your unit from zero to full in less than 4 hours with free solar power alone!

At $1,599 USD, this is not only the lowest price for the AC200P, but BLUETTI is now offering during the Summer Super Sale an unprecedented $947 USD OFF for the AC200P and THREE SP200 (200W) solar panel bundle giving you up to 600W of clean solar power to keep your AC200P topped off! (Previously, you could only get the bundle of three 120W panels for the same price in the past!)

Main Features: 2,000 watts (Surge 4,800 Watts) โ€” 6*20A AC Outlets โ€” 700W MPPT Solar Input/LiFePO4 Chemistry

$2699 $3646 ($947 OFF) – AC200P + 3*SP200 Portable Solar Panels.

BLUETTI EB150 & EB240 Portable Power Stations

Consumer Score: 94% of purchasers gave it 4 stars or more. Easy, portable power which prepares you for anything.

The BLUETTI EB150 and EB240 are all-in-one solar generators which originally launched in 2019. The only difference between each model is the battery capacity. They are well-loved by customers worldwide for over two years. Covered by a solid aluminum case and featured with a 1000Watt pure sine wave inverter, they are capable of powering most of your appliances outdoors and indoors. The 1,500Wh battery capacity for the EB150 and a whopping 2,400Wh battery capacity for the EB240 makes certain you do not need to worry about lack of power for long camping or hiking trips. The BLUETTI EB150 and EB240โ€™s built-in MPPT controller also supports up to 500 watts of solar input. With prime sunshine, the EB150 can be charged from zero to full in as little as 4.5 hours or 7.2 hours for the EB240. 

This time around, BLUETTI is offering a record $400 USD discount on the EB150 and a whopping $500 USD discount for the EB240. At $899 and $1,399 respectively, these units are at RECORD LOW prices. At these prices, the competition will find it hard to beat! And with the combo of two SP200 (200W) solar panels, you will be able to save even more!

Main Features: 1000W Continuous Output โ€” 1,500Wh or 2,400Wh Capacity โ€” Solid Aluminum Shell โ€” 500W MPPT Solar Input

BLUETTI Summer Sale Promotion will launch on June 5th. Please click the link to subscribe to be one of the first persons notified of the event. You will also have a chance to win one of several FREE portable power stations from BLUETTI by joining their giveaway contest:

Summer Sale Landing Page

About BLUETTI:

With over 10 years of experience in researching and developing green energy, BLUETTI is committed to delivering premium off-grid power solutions for campers, outdoor explorers, and power outages.

Best Android phones at Republic Wireless

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There are plenty of wireless service providers to choose from, at least here in the United States. In fact, it may seem as if there are too many options to consider. But when it comes down to it, many of them rely on the networks offered by Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

Republic Wireless, a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), is one such carrier. Indeed, it has its own rate plans and features, but it licenses coverage from T-Mobile.

When it comes to buying a phone for use on Republic Wireless there are a few options to consider. For starters, you can bring your current T-Mobile device to the carrier. Additionally, you can buy an unlocked phone for use on Republic Wireless.

Customers can also purchase a phone directly from Republic Wireless. While there’s a fairly robust handset selection to peruse, a few key models rise to the top.

What follows are some of the best Android phones available at Republic Wireless today. These aren’t the most powerful, but rather the best for particular needs.

Samsung Galaxy S21

“The flagship Samsung experience for 2021 is not only powerful, but it’s gorgeous, too. It looks unlike any of its predecessors on the surface and we couldn’t be happier.

Internally, the phone is as about as powerful as they come, and should be more than sufficient for the needs of pretty much anyone. Whether you’re gaming, snapping ultra-wide photos, recording 4K video, or just hitting up your social media platforms, the Galaxy S21 is here for it.

Key features for the phone include a 6.2-inch AMOLED display, at least 128GB storage, and an all-day 4,000mAh battery. You’ve also got an amazing camera setup, 8GB RAM, a monster of a processor, and an improved in-display fingerprint reader.”

Shop Samsung Galaxy S21 at Republic Wireless

Google Pixel 4a

All-around Champ

One of the newest phones at the carrier, this is an excellent option for pretty much any user. Itโ€™s powerful enough for a large majority of the population but priced about half of what other brands charge.

Powered by the latest in Android, youโ€™ll have a tough time finding a better camera experience. Small in stature, thereโ€™s a decent screen, generous battery, and solid array of hardware hiding inside.

Shop Google Pixel 4a at Republic Wireless

Samsung Galaxy Note 20

Big and Beautiful

This powerhouse sits near the top of the food chain and packs all of the cutting-edge features one could want. If you’re on the hunt for latest and greatest at this carrier, you’ve found it.

Here, you get a large 6.7-inch display, a ton of storage, and hardware that will last you multiple years. Come for the multi-function capabilities of the S Pen, stay for the incredible camera that captures 8K video.

Shop Samsung Galaxy Note 20 at Republic Wireless

Motorola Moto G Stylus

Affordable Taskmaster

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly approach to a phone with a digital stylus, this Motorola is your ticket. Priced a fraction of the Samsung counterpart, it’s an incredible mid-range phone with a quad-camera experience.

Powered by a largely untouched Android 10, it offers up a 6.4-inch screen, a bunch of storage (128GB), and a strong battery. Throw in a headphone jack, USB Type-C charging port, and dual speakers and we’ve got an affordable winner that suits many users.

Shop Motorola Moto G Stylus at Republic Wireless

Motorola Moto E

First-time Users

If youโ€™re starting out with a smartphone for the first time, you have no idea as to what you truly need. Why drop hundreds of dollars on something only to find out itโ€™s more than you want or use?

For your money you get a generous 6.2-inch screen, a 13-megapixel dual-camera setup, headphone jack, and decent battery. It runs a very current and largely stock Android software experience and looks really cool in Dark Sea blue.

Shop Motorola Moto E at Republic Wireless

Red Pocket Buyer’s Guide

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When it comes to your mobile service, I’m sure you’ve heard all of the big names out there like 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 can oftentimes run you upwards of $80 or more a month.

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 Red Pocket. Read on to find out more about this MVNO and the plans it offers.

About

Red Pocket is an American-owned company that was founded in 2006 offering no-contract mobile phone and internet service. Currently, Red Pocket offers service on four different networks using towers compatible with AT&T (GSMA), Sprint (CDMAS), T-Mobile (GSMT), and Verizon (CDMA) devices.

If you’re wondering what service to choose then check the coverage map for a better idea of which is best for you.

Rate Plans

Red Pocket offers a variety of plans to choose from with options to pay monthly or annually. Plans start as low as $10 per month for customers who sign up using the GSMT network from T-Mobile.

Also, plans starting at $19 and above offer unlimited slower 2G data speeds after reaching your limit of high-speed data. Here’s a breakdown of all the plans offered through Red Pocket. All plans are available on all supported networks unless otherwise stated.

Monthly Plans

  • $10 – Unlimited minutes and texts with 1GB of high-speed data per month. GSMT only.
  • $19 – Unlimited minutes and texts with 3GB of high-speed data per month.
  • $30 – Unlimited minutes and texts with 10GB of high-speed data per month.
  • $40 – Unlimited minutes and texts with 12GB of high-speed data per month. GSMA and GSMT customers get an upgrade to 22GB of high-speed data per month.
  • $50 – Unlimited minutes and texts with 30GB of high-speed data per month.

Next up are the annual plans, all of which offer unlimited 2G data after you hit your high-speed data cap.

Annual Plans

  • $30 – 200 minutes, 1000 texts, and 200MB of high-speed data per month. CDMA and GSMT networks only.
  • $60 – 100 minutes, 100 texts, and 500MB of high-speed data per month. GSMT network only.
  • $99 – 1000 minutes, unlimited texts, and 1GB of high-speed data per month.

Annual Plans – eBay Exclusives

  • $180 – Unlimited minutes and texts with 3GB of high-speed data per month.
  • $240 – Unlimited minutes and texts with 8GB of high-speed data per month.
  • $360 – Unlimited minutes and texts with 20GB of high-speed data per month.

Family Plans

Red Pocket also offers family plans with the first line costing $30 per month and each additional line can be added for $20 per month with a one-time $10 activation fee. For that, you get unlimited minutes and texts with 10GB of high-speed data and unlimited 2G data after that.

The best part of the Red Pocket family plan is that you can mix and match networks allowing each person to use the network that works best for them.

What devices are supported on Red Pocket?

With Red Pocket supporting every major carrier, there aren’t many phones that aren’t supported. However, certain phones such as locked Tracfone devices, Boost/Virgin Mobile branded devices, or phones that have been reported lost or stolen are not compatible.

Otherwise, you can bring your own device and pick a SIM card based on the network that provides you the best coverage and is supported by your device. Red Pocket even offers a small range of iPhones and Samsung phones to choose from in its store if you prefer to buy a phone directly from them.

More Information

If you’d like to learn more about Red Pocket then check out its website or the Red Pocket Mobile Help Center.

Apple TV Plus now available on most Android TV boxes, including the Nvidia Shield TV

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Apple’s foray into services is only going to work if it can reach as many subscribers as possible. That’s why we see Apple Music on devices outside of the Apple ecosystem, and why Apple TV Plus has been present on select devices outside of Apple’s own hardware.

So far, we’ve seen Apple TV Plus on Roku, gaming consoles, Fire TV, and select TVs and devices running Android TV. The Chromecast with Google TV is a prime example of one of those Android TV boxes which gained Apple TV Plus support back in February.

However, that left out a lot of other TVs running Android TV, including the very popular Nvidia Shield TV lineup of streaming boxes. That all changed earlier this week when Nvidia announced on its blog that Apple TV was coming to the Shield TV.

Apple TV Plus will support 4K HDR with Dolby Vision on the Nvidia Shield TV, as well as Dolby Atmos for an enhanced watching experience.

Now, you’ll be able to watch Apple TV originals like the wonderfully hilarious Ted Lasso, which returns for a second season on July 23, 2021. There’s also For All Mankind from Ronald D. Moore of Battlestar Galactica fame, and Mythic Quest, a workplace sitcom about a gaming company from the creators of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Plus, other originals such as Greyhound starring Tom Hanks, See with Jason Mamoa, The Morning Show starring Jennifer Aniston, and more.

Users will also be able to subscribe to Apple TV channels with the app, such as AMC+, Paramount+, and Starz through the app.

Besides the Nvidia Shield, Google has confirmed with 9to5Google that the Apple TV app will be available for all Android TV devices. However, while I see it on my JBL Bar Link, the app does not show up when searching on my aging LeEco TV that runs Android TV.

So, perhaps it won’t be available on all Android TV boxes, but only on some of the more modern ones. Yet again, another reason why I’m looking into buying a Chromecast with Google TV.